July municipal news - Victoria-by-the-Sea
This month newsletter is a shorter edition, after a number of mid-month updates during July. Enjoy!
In this edition:
1 - Pride Weekend is upon us - Circus in the park this afternoon!
2 - From the Mayor’s desk
3 - Swim for the South Shore!
4 - Upcoming Council Meetings
5 - Coastal Communities Face the Future - new film
Next week, Anna (Chief Administrative Officer) is taking a week vacation. Marsha Empson (Finance & Administrative Office) will be in the office during regular municipal office hours. (Monday to Thursday, 9:30-12, and 1-3:30pm)
1 - Pride Weekend is upon us - Circus in the park this afternoon!
This weekend, two very special ‘pay what you feel’ shows are taking place - including an outdoor acrobatic circus in Dunrovin Park at 5pm TODAY!
“Six daring acrobats from the Magdalen Islands roll in to Victoria by the Sea and set up their playground in the summer sun. Defying the laws of gravity, they revel in the joys of exploring the limits of possibility. With a zest for life that’s contagious, a vulnerability that’s disarming, and acrobatics that become increasingly surprising, you won’t want to miss this exciting outdoor circus! Fun for the whole family! (Rain Day Monday JUly 31 @ 7PM)”
Tickets from victoriaplayhouse.com or the box office). In addition, join the traditional PRIDE PARADE on SUNDAY at 12noon, starting from the top of Main Street. A performance of the Drag show ‘Are You there Margaret? It’s Me, Gahd’ follows the Pride Parade, starting at 2pm at the Playhouse.
“Uma Gahd, everybody’s favourite unofficial auntie, brings you her one-woman drag comedy exploring small talk and big issues; fame, family, feminism, and failed marriages! Stuffed with stand-up, lip-sync, and plenty of hysterical pathos, Uma tells the story of her life - from sneaking into bars with her childhood best friend, Margaret, to breaking into showbusiness with her growing family. Part environmental theatre, part cabaret, and part drag show. Come hear the word of Gahd! ‘A wildly entertaining way to spend 45 minutes’ (montrealtheatrehub.com).”
You can check it all out ALL the season’s programming from the Playhouse at VictoriaPlayhouse.com or call their box office at 1-800-925-2025.
2- From the Mayor’s desk
Dear fellow residents of Victoria by the Sea,
It’s so nice to be home! I arrived back on the Island on July 12th and, as you can imagine after being away for 6 ½ months, there was lots of catching up with what has been happening in our community. And, there has been A LOT happening. Thanks to many of you for touching base throughout my time away. It meant so much for Leslie-Ann and me to hear your encouraging words and to stay connected with our community.
I wish to thank Councilor Shelley Trainor for stepping in as Acting Mayor while I was away. She provided the community with sound leadership at a time our recently elected council needed it most. I couldn’t think of better words to describe her impact on the work of our council than what was said by Councilor Eric Gilbert when he wrote to fellow council members: “Your ability to create a sense of teamwork, your positive attitude, your calm demeanor and the depth of care that you have for this community are exactly the type of traits that make you a great leader.”. Unfortunately, Councilor Trainor had to step down from the role of Deputy Mayor and I will be appointing one of the other council members to the role in the coming days.
I would also like to thank the other members of council for their hard work and dedication to our community during my absence. There have been some changes in the makeup of our council and, at this time, there is a vacancy. I would like to thank Brian Clapson and Marly Anderson for their service and welcome Councilor Jean McCardle back on council.
Residents who serve one’s community in a leadership role are vital to its growth and prosperity. I ask all residents to consider putting their names forth for the vacant council position. I have found, in the short time I have been a council member, the opportunity has enriched my perspective of our community, taught me some lessons about life that cannot be learned in the classroom, lowered my stress levels (yes…it’s true), provided a chance to meet others, and to improve my skills that could be very useful in other parts of my life. The byelection will be held on October 30th.
I truly believe the assertion that good government contributes to a healthy community. The council’s priorities for keeping our community safe and healthy have been described in this and previous newsletters. One of those priorities is the development of an emergency measures plan. In the coming weeks, Councilors Gilbert and Wright will be leading the work to amend the bylaw and start working on a plan. Last year, we became all too aware of the importance of having a good plan in place that can be operationalized when it is needed. We will probably need to solicit feedback from the community to understand the expectations when developing a plan that is fit for purpose.
Congratulations to all the businesses in our community for continuing to build our reputation as a premier tourist destination. The Victoria Business Association did a wonderful job once again of organizing the celebrations on Canada Day. And speaking of Canada Day, thanks very much to the Victoria Volunteer Fire Department Association for their contribution to the day’s success plus getting a chance to show off their new fire truck. It looks great! I wish I could have been here for the celebrations.
Finally, I would like to remind folks that you can contact me or any of the other council members if you have any concerns or suggestions. Our contact information is on the Municipal website which also has information about the work our council and administrative staff have been doing and other important information you might need.
Enjoy the nice weather!
Martin Ruben, Mayor
3 - Swim for the South Shore!
SWIM FOR THE SOUTH SHORE IS BACK!
On Saturday, August 19th at 11 am, we will be sending swimmers out into the bay at Victoria-by-the-Sea with a kayaker for a 1 km swim. We welcome all levels of swimmers! Registration includes a free membership to SSWA for one full year.
This 1-kilometer bay swim begins at the boat launch and ends at the beach in front of By the Sea Kayaking, in beautiful Victoria-by-the-Sea. Local Musician, Megan Ellands will be performing on the wharf in Victoria-by-the-Sea from 11 to 2 pm.
This is our 3rd annual swim that has seen hundreds of people come out over the past two years. We have welcomed all ages of swimmers and abilities and continue to encourage EVERYONE to swim for the SOUTH SHORE! The registration fee is $20 for an individual and $40 for a family up to 6 people. We ask that each person or team raise a minimum of $50.
You must register a kayaker or paddleboarder to accompany you on your swim. We are asking for a $5 registration fee, but they do not have to fundraise. Please contact us if you do not have a support kayaker, as we will be able to provide a limited number.
Keep swimming!
For more information, please email sswa@sswa.ca
Cheers, Juliana Granzoti, South Shore Watershed Association
4- Upcoming Council Meetings
Meetings currently scheduled in July include:
- Council, 14 August at 6:30pm (Open to the public)
- Planning board, 17 August at 6:15pm. (Closed to the public for consideration of legal advice received, as per the Municipal Government Act. We hope this will be the last closed meeting to review the legal advice, so that a new draft can be completed, and open meetings recommence.)
Meeting packages, containing the agenda and any reports or background information for issues to be discussed at the meeting, are posted on the Agendas & Minutes webpage 2 days in advance. Zoom links are also posted on that page shortly before the meeting begins.
5 - Coastal Communities Face the Future - new film
The Community Conservation Research Network (CCRN), an international initiative based at Saint Mary’s University, has released an inspiring new film “Coastal Communities Face the Future” – exploring how Canada’s coastal communities face the future, create solutions, and take action for a better future.
Coastal Communities Face the Future highlights the resiliency of coastal communities in tackling a range of challenges, notably climate change. The film draws on experiences of Canada’s coastal communities, highlighting the need for governments, policymakers, and others to recognize community values and support community initiatives.
The 11-minute film is freely available online: https://www.communityconservation.net/coastal-communities-face-the-future
It will be of interest not only to those living on the coast, but as well to all those who care about the coast, including communities and community associations, citizen organizations, governments and policymakers, as well as students, schools and other educational institutions. We are all invited to circulate it to those who you feel would benefit from seeing it.
Questions? Feedback? Info for a future newsletter? Photos you’re willing to share? Contact Anna & Marsha at victoriamunicipalitypei@gmail.com
Regular office hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:30am-12noon & 1-3:30pm.
Rural Municipality of Victoria, 730 Victoria Road, Victoria, PE, C0A 2G0, Canada