Here are this weekB次元官网网址檚 thank-yous and gripes about happenings in and around our West Shore community:

COLUMN: Despite best efforts of firefighters, 6 businesses razed

In the Nov. 6 article, B次元官网网址淐ompany drafting new OCP in North Saanich welcomes community input after election,B次元官网网址� Mr. Oystryk states that B次元官网网址渨e are keen to B次元官网网址� ensure the draft OCP reflects the range of community values found in North Saanich.B次元官网网址�

By Murray Rankin

I would like to respond to your Oct. 27 article regarding a Sidney councillorB次元官网网址檚 views about removing the Beacon Wharf.

I want to thank you for publishing the letter on Oct. 27 from Rod Hughes of South Vancouver Island Housing Society.

As the new council takes its familiar seats and begins to address unfinished business, it will be interesting to see how SookeB次元官网网址檚 climate change responsibilities are managed. Last weekB次元官网网址檚 United Nations COP27 meeting in Egypt highlighted governmentB次元官网网址檚 failure to meet emission goals and threats to our planet.

Thirty-three years ago, I met Stew Young, John Ranns, and Denise Blackwell. At the time the western communities were governed by a single CRD director. There was no city council, minimal community-based planning and few opportunities for public engagement. The result B次元官网网址� a ramshackle set of communities that were crying out for local governance.

Many communities have a special day of celebration. Why not Sooke?

Your newly minted council has packed away the election signs, attended an orientation session on local government, and found their executive chair around the table.