Capital Regional District

New housing coming to Sooke. Construction will begin this month on Charters, a partnership between the Province, M’akola Housing Society, the Federal Government and the Capital Regional District. More details here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AG0014-000281

Enter for a chance to WIN! Whether you’re a morning shower person or you take yours before bed, keep it to five minutes to reduce water waste. Small changes like this add upand making your shower a quick one could save up to 10,000 liters of water a year.... We're giving away three Bluetooth speakers and 10 high-efficiency showerheads to help residents reduce their water use. Tell us how you can trim your shower time down to five minutes in your story (be sure to tag us) or in the comments below for a chance to win. *Full contest details at www.crd.bc.ca/shower

Sometimes things just don't go as planned. If you're lost in the backcountry, and you have cell reception, your first call should always be to 911. Even if you don't know where you are, 911 operators can get the GPS coordinates of your phone and alert search and rescue that you need help. Making any other call first can waste battery power or a precious window of cell reception. Check out this guide from BC AdventureSmart for devices that don't rely on cell reception, something that can be spotty in many #crdparks: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplanni/communications.htm

The Province of BC has just made February 15 Plastic Pollution Awareness Day! Plastics have become such a big part of our everyday lives, often more than we realize. One of the simplest ways to reduce waste is to avoid single-use plastics. Consider bringing your own reusable water bottle or travel mug, pack your own lunch using beeswax wraps or reusable containers, buy in bulk, use your own grocery bags and refuse plastic straws or cutlery.... What's one thing you do to avoid single-use plastics? For more on the Province's announcement: https://bit.ly/3u1VX9B

We want your thoughts and ideas. Help the Capital Regional Hospital District envision the future use of the Oak Bay Lodge property by sharing your priorities for healthcare in the region. How to participate: sign up for an online open house on Thursday, January 21 (6:00-7:30pm) or Tuesday, January 26 (6:00-7:30pm), review the Discussion Guide and submit an online feedback form. To learn more, visit the project webpage at crd.bc.ca/oakbaylodge

Winter weather conditions are affecting curbside recycling pick-up on the Saanich Peninsula today. Efforts are being made to collect recyclable materials on the roads that drivers can access safely but there may be delays and service disruptions. If your recycling is not collected by 9PM tonight, please bring it inside until your next collection day or drop it off for free at your nearest depot: https://bit.ly/3daVHPI

The Double the Rebates offer has been extended! It’s not too late for you to get DOUBLE the rebates (up to $8000!) for making your home more climate-friendly by installing an air source heat pump. Get your promo code here: http://ow.ly/HhS050D7Et5 For support with climate-friendly retrofits, visit: www.bringithome4climate.ca

ICYMI: we've posted the solid waste management plan information session broadcast for those that weren't able to attend live: https://youtu.be/RVwP5QCe1Ww?t=102 Please visit www.crd.bc.ca/rethinkwaste to read the draft plan, review the FAQs and provide your feedback.

Winter on the island means high winds and crashing waves that bring logs up on beaches, such as at Island View Beach Regional Park. This driftwood plays an important role in beach ecosystems. It provides shade and homes for insects and nesting birds. Driftwood also helps anchor sand and provides protection for plants to grow. When visiting #crdparks, thanks for leaving the driftwood on the beach. Photo: Mary Sanseverino

The estimated funding required to maintain services and infrastructure to meet community needs, including water service and infrastructure, are determined through the financial planning and budget review process. The CRD supplies drinking water for more than 370,000 residents and commercial, institutional, light industrial, agricultural and public safety uses. The Regional Water Supply System serves Greater Victoria and distributes water directly to several municipalities and... electoral areas. Delivering safe drinking water requires a reliable network of water pipes as well as source protection, water disinfection, water quality monitoring, transmission systems operation and maintenance, and infrastructure investments. If you would like to learn more, our community need summaries and provisional budget for 2021 are available online for public review and feedback at www.crd.bc.ca/budget. See more

Our friends at the City of Victoria are now using Alertable to send Vic-Alert emergency notifications. To receive Vic-Alert notifications you need to subscribe or re-subscribe at Victoria.ca/VicAlert. As of February 1, 2021, the City of Victoria will be exclusively using Alertable to send emergency notifications.