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A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk on top of a Rockland neighbourhood redwood FOCUS is undertaking a long-term project to learn what species of native plants and animals remain in the Victoria area. Our goals are two-fold. First, we want to create a Victoria-based catalogue of species and their abundance. Over time, such a record will help this community know how well, or badly, each species is faring. Secondly, we want to encourage those Victorians who are already photographing the presence of native species. We hope that by providing a public place to exhibit their photographs, they will be encouraged to dig even deeper. Those of us already engaged in this process—observing and recording our observations—know that it’s a great way to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of all the other living things—animals, plants and fungi—with which we share Victoria. Once you have photographed a plant or animal, there’s a good chance it can be identified. Once it has a name, you can tap into the deep well of knowledge that has been accumulated about that species. Beware, though. Once you have started down this path, it’s very difficult to stop. To follow our progress at mapping native animals, click here.

Yes, we will open a forum for rotary clubs. We will be in touch.

Thanks for your update Jim. I look forward to hearing your news and perspective on this issue as developments occur.

FOCUS received the following submission from James Anderson, Chair of Amalgamation Yes, on April 18: Amalgamation Yes concerned by District of Saanich attempt to cancel or defer joint citizens' assembly amalgamation study On April 20, the District of Saanich will be discussing the cancellation or deferment of the Joint Citizens' Assembly (CA) initiative approved by both Victoria and Saanich electorate in 2018. This was a sudden and unexpected action, and a surprise to many. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps was blindsided by the news and stated that there was much preliminary work that could continue, despite the current pandemic. She stated that the City of Victoria was prepared to continue this preliminary work. Although claiming to be unbiased, the Mayor of Saanich is on the record as opposing the study, publicly calling it “the death of Saanich”. A cynic might conclude this is an opportunistic move to derail the governance review process that the electorate has endorsed over two election cycles and 6 years of multiple polls. We challenge any efforts by political opponents of studying amalgamation to use the virus to thwart any serious review of governance. To do so would be undemocratic and raise questions of authoritarianism. As you are aware, it took over a year for the two municipalities just to agree on a Terms of Reference for the CA. While we are all acutely aware of the Covid-19 health emergency, much of the work yet to be undertaken precedes the selection of interested resident volunteers for CA membership. Of course that resident selection must not occur until the pandemic abates. There is no reason why the CA process could not proceed with the following activities: Send joint report to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for joint funding, to augment the $250K authorized by the two electorates. Upon Provincial funding confirmation, draft RFPs for CA Facilitator and Technical Analyst. Create a Joint Council Committee to oversee preparation for the CA. Issue RFPs for Facilitator and Technical Analyst. Receive and evaluate RFP responses and seek Councils' approval to sign contracts. The CA Facilitator to prepare a plan and methodology for selection and evaluation of CA respondents. We urge the District of Saanich to cooperate with the City of Victoria and proceed with preliminary work as outlined above. James (Jim) Anderson, Chair AmalgamationYes

Thanks for the idea Gizmo. We will add forums for public interest groups. We've created one for the Grumpy Taxpayer$ and one for Amalgamation Yes. Any other suggestions?