Our Summer 2015 edition with our cover story, Topaz Park Response Shows Depth of Concern for Neighbourhood, Homeless and Parks and articles on QVCC youth programs on the rise, meet Catherine Chapman - Photographer and Jennifer Ferris - Storyteller, our featured creative neighbours and volunteer spotlight: Kathy & Blair.

1. Fall 2015 www.quadravillagecc.com
Plant neighbours
at Wark Street
Commons
Story on Pg. 12
Volunteer
Spotlight:
Kathy & Blair
Page 9
Inside This Edition...
QVCC Youth
Programs on
the Rise
Page 4
Meet Your
Creative
Neighbours
Pages 6 & 7
By Kelly Greenwell options for all forms of sheltering before council unpredictable and at times intimidating
considers any proposal for a tent city in any behaviour from a percentage of highly troubled
oncerned residents in the Topaz Park park." homelesspeople.
area rallied on July 25 after hearing via People at the meeting and eventually all Victoria The homeless people in this city and elsewhere
Cthe mediaon July23 thatTopazPark was residents were invited to a September 16 are often survivors of abuse and trauma and are
the preferred location for a tent city for the Sheltering Solutions Workshop, to which about frequently contending with mental health and/or
homeless. This was jarring for many, as there 400 homeless and housed residents alike turned problematic substance use issues. In a city with a
had no public consultation about the option at out to take part in round table discussions led by competitive rental housing and employment
that point. Much confusion ensued after Mayor City staff and community partners. These market, there are few options available for
Lisa Helps first said that the tent city would discussions were intended to focus on a list of 10 homeless people. It is heartening that cities such
happen in Topaz Park. This announcement and temporary solutions. Some local residentsmade as Medicine Hat have implemented an effective
the subsequent rally sparked a great deal of a point of visiting all the tables and noted that blend of shelter and support. Hopefully the City
debate over short and long term solutions to indoor solutions were the most popular ideas, of Victoria, with meaningful public input, can
homelessness. Mayor Helps later apologised for including using City-owned (or other vacant come up with positive interim solutions to this
her premature announcement of the siting of the buildings) to provide rooms or open sleeping challenge that are betterthan outdoor sheltering.
tent cityinTopazPark. quarters. Results from the workshop will be Whatever the City of Victoria and the rest of the
A July 30 walkabout in Topaz Park intended to shared by the City of Victoria some time in CRD decide on, over the longer term there is a
support discussion aboutthe potential temporary October. critical need for increased federal and provincial
tent city, and get feedback from neighbourhood Prior to the Sheltering Solutions Workshop, funding for housing and support for the mental
residents, became an event that the whole city Councillors Isitt and Loveday, as well as Mayor healthsystem.
was invited to by the time it actually happened. Helps, put forward a resolution for the CRD to The realities and needs of the homeless are
The turnout was strong from within the Hillside- invest $50 million in long-term solutions critical and real. However, when other viable
Quadra neighbourhood and the subsequent through a regional levy. This is detailed in Ben options exist, city parks are the last places we
media headline of “Mayor Faces Furious Topaz Isitt’s report in this issue. Time will tell whether should sacrifice. Parks and greenspace mitigate
Park Crowd” spoke to a high level of frustration, or not this is approved across the entire region or the urban challenges that we live with and
but exaggerated the type of response that the whether a “Plan B” will need to be developed. contribute to the health of a neighbourhood.
Mayor and Councillor Ben Isitt were faced with. Regardless, a short-term solution is desperately Currently there are no real protections for city
Certainly there were strong opinions expressed needed, as camping in parks and other spaces has parks. The Hillside-Quadra Neighbourhood
at the meeting; however, the clear majority of a profound impact on parts of Hillside-Quadra Action Group has advocated for years that there
speakers had a message that opposed a tent city and other neighbourhoods. As of September 23 should bea covenantfor localparks thatrestricts
in Topaz (or any other park) but supported the there is no definitive approach that will be any non-park developments. Places where
finding of more effective solutions for the adopted that addresses safety concerns both for children and adults can roam, run and play such
homeless. The meeting resulted in a motion that the homeless and for folks that are concerned
would, “Direct staff to consult the public on with exposure to needles, public toileting, and
Topaz Park Response Shows Depth of Concern
for Neighbourhood, Homeless and Parks
(Continued on page 2)
Residents gather at Topaz Park to discuss homelessness (photo by Colin McCann)

2. as Topaz Park should be off the table.
* C h e c k o u t t h e C o a l i t i o n t o E n d H o m e l e s s n e s s a t
http://victoriahomelessness.ca/ , Victoria Citizens opposed to a Tent City
(facebook), @TopazTentCity, www.medicinehat.ca and www.victoria.ca for
information and updates about these issues. Sign up for neighbourhood
updatesbycontactingnag@quadravillagecc.com
Topaz Park Response Shows Depth
of Concern for Neighbourhood,
Homeless and Parks
(Continued from cover)
Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 2
Meet the news team
Co-Editors: Tracy Byrne, Rowena Locklin
Helen Cowley
T
Committee Members: Kelly Greenwell,
Assistant Editor:
Advertising: Shannon Shylene Schlackl
Design & Layout: eresa Cowley
Shannon Shylene Schlackl
The Hillside-Quadra Community News is a forum and information
source about projects, issues, meetings, events, history and people in
Hillside-Quadra and surrounding neighbourhoods.
WHY ADVERTISE?
Advertising in the Hillside-Quadra Community News is a great way to
target thousands of potential clients within walking distance, people who
value all things local and want you to succeed. Remind your neighbours
what you have to offer them. Let them know your latest promotion, why you
are unique, why they should visit you again. You can place a small reminder
ad for the whole year for just $105; or for the same price as a small ad in
other publications, you can get a prominent full page ad outlining your
services in detail. Don't miss this opportunity to shine for your most
important patrons -- your neighbours.
Email to discuss: Kelly Greenwell at
kelly@quadravillagecc.com or call 250 388 7696 ext.221
HQ News online: http://issuu.com/hillsidequadranews
Website:
Twitter:
www.quadravillagecc.com
www.facebook.com/QuadraVillage
@QuadraVillage
I
The deadline for articles and ads in the Winter
2015 edition of the Hillside - Quadra Community
News is Monday, November .9th
INTERESTED IN GETTING PUBLISHED IN H - Q NEWS?
We are looking for story ideas, articles, photos, poems, etc. If you
have something you would like to see in an upcoming issue, please e-
mail Kelly at kelly@quadravillagecc.com.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Do you have any comments on articles or H - Q community news? Are
you concerned about something in our area? We’d love to hear from you!
Send a letter to the Editor: 901 Kings Rd. Victoria B.C. V8T 1W5 or e-mail
Kelly at kelly@quadravillagecc.com.
We work together to nurture community well-being by providing
services and programs to meet social, educational, health,
employment, environmental and recreational needs of the people in
our neighbourhood in a safe and welcoming environment.
3000 copies of the Hillside-Quadra Community News are
published quarterly through Quadra Village Community Centre
Full colour $150 per issue
Publication dates: Spring/Summer//fall/winter
Will Neighbourhood Residents
Get Meaningful Input into
Summit at Quadra Village?
n September 9, the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD)
approved the award of consulting contracts establishing the project
Odesign and construction management team for The Summit at
Quadra Village residential and dementia care project (955 HillsideAvenue).
As you may know the new facility will replace Oak Bay Lodge and Mt.
Tolmie Hospital. Residents ofThe Summit will be frail elderly and persons
who are unable to live in their own home without 24/7 care. Many will have
dementia.
The architect’s award went to the same firm that designed the Quadra
Village Community Centre in 1996 (deHoog & Kierulf Architects).
According to The Summit Project lead Maurice Rachwalski, the firm will
facilitate opportunities for the neighbourhood “to provide their comments
and feedback to the CRHD at a series of open houses throughout the
schematic and design development phases of the project.” CRHD Chair
David Howe has reinforced this message saying, “The CRHD is committed
to ensuring the design and construction of the Summit project considers
concerns of local neighbours and is tastefully integrated into the
community.” He goes on to say that The Summit “will meet the needs of
residents and caregivers […] while enriching the local neighbourhood
experience.”
Consultation with the neighbourhood is set to start before the end of
November. According to CRD Director and Neighbourhood Liaison, Ben
Isitt, it is crucial that the consultants engage in “early, meaningful and
ongoing consultation.” With any luck, the CRHD’s current reputation for
poor consultation with stakeholders will be transcended in this project.
Significant work has gone into developing a positive neighbourhood in and
around Quadra Village and it would be a great shame if a project with a large
budget (over $1.9 million for the architecture award alone) did nothing to
contribute to the broader vibrancy, health and wellness of the neighbourhood.
Hopefully, the site will include features that take into account neighbourhood
needs and legacy components will be designed to ensure that all generations
will be able to share and enjoy the former Blanshard Elementary site.
Features such as park-like and recreational green space would benefit
residents of The Summit and Hillside-Quadra neighbours alike.
Aerial View of 955 Hillside Ave. (Image via CDR)

3. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 3
New Neighbourhood Small Grants Available Now in Hillside-Quadra
By Sasha Gronsdahl
magine walking down your stre
I
696.
funded: bike maintenance workshops, parks in
traffic circles, movie nights, free yoga classes
et and and canning sessions. It’s not just residents of
greeting your neighbours, who are working single-family homes that can participate in
in theyard,by name after meeting them at a community-building activities, either – a
block party the previous weekend. Imagine Neighbourhood Small Grant in Vancouver
passing the park on the corner and seeing a free funded a rooftop garden in an apartment
painting class being held under the trees for building, demonstrating that much can be done
those who live nearby. Imagine entering the to create “vertical community” as well. Projects
local community centre and learning new must be free, accessible and welcoming to all,
cooking skills from a newcomer sharing a recipe and only individuals – not businesses or
from her home country, laughing and covered in registered organizations – may apply.
flourasyouconnectacrosscultures. Applications may be submitted online (paper
Imagining these kinds of community- copies are also available upon request) and are
theQuadraVillageCommunityCentre.
building projects is the first step, but a new intended tobesimple and accessible.
Projects must meet one of the goals of the
grassroots granting program now offers funding “Hillside Quadra is a vibrant and diverse
Neighbourhood Small Grants program, which
to neighbours to make these projects a reality. area, and Neighbourhood Small Grants provide
are to connect and engage neighbourhood
Residents of Hillside-Quadra can now apply for an opportunity for neighbours to participate in
residents, share residents’ skills and knowledge
grant of up to $500 to fund projects that bring the community,” says Kelly Greenwell,
within the community, build a sense of
people together and build community through Executive Director of the Quadra Village
ownership and pride, and respect and celebrate
theNeighbourhoodSmallGrantsprogram. Community Centre. “Anyone living in the
diversity. The grassroots granting program is
Created in 1999 by the Vancouver neighbourhood is encouraged to apply for a
based on a simple but powerful idea: when
Foundation, Neighbourhood Small Grants help grant.”
people feel a sense of connection and belonging
connect and engage residents in their Individuals who wish to apply for a
to their neighbourhood, they are more likely to
community by encouraging them to come up Neighbourhood Small Grant must reside in the
be engaged in activities that make it a better
with their own ideas about how to strengthen Hillside-Quadra neighbourhood. Applications
place to live. And when people are active in the
their community. Local residents can apply with are open now until the deadline, Thursday,
life of their neighbourhood, our communities are
project ideas, and a resident advisory committee October 15, 2015. Visit this website:
strengthened from the ground up.
made up of volunteers from the neighbourhood www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca for more
Examples of typical projects include block
reviewsproposalsandmakesfundingdecisions. details, or contact Rowena Locklin,
parties, cooking or skills-sharing workshops,
After much success in Vancouver, the Neighbourhood Small Grants Coordinator, at
book exchange libraries, and community
program is being piloted in Hillside-Quadra this nsgproject@quadravillagecc.com or 250-388-
gardens. Since the program’s inception in
fall. It’s co-funded by the Vancouver Foundation 7
Vancouver, a huge variety of projects have been
and the Victoria Foundation, and facilitated by
Keep Up with All the
Happenings in the ‘Hood!
Check out the I Love Quadra Village page on
Facebook for all things Quadra Village including
posts from the Hillside-Quadra Community
News team.
https://www.facebook.com/ILoveQV?ref=a
ymt_homepage_panel

4. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 4
By Tara Skobel with notes from Deirdre Ryan- horseback riding and swimming, as well as a skills. The CREW runs every Monday in our
Morrissete and Corie Potter-Lowden number of personal and emotional activities Youth Centre from 4-6pm. We are currently
such as learning about values and triggers, looking for more youth participants, so please
started my journey with Quadra Village personalwellnessandartjournaling. feelfreetopopbyandcheckusout!
Community Centre (QVCC) in May 2015. I The younger girls group has maintained a An upcoming program that we are looking
Ihave been thrilled to be working with such regular attendance of 8-12 girls this year, with forward to running is the Food Skills for Youth
an amazing team and have felt welcomed and girls highly regarding the recreational activities and Boys Group. With partial funding from the
acknowledged working here. I thought I knew that we have done, including swimming, United Wayof Victoria and the City of Victoria,
about the barriers and challenges of the youth horseback riding, and rock climbing. Each we are able to buy a food cart that we will use to
and families living in our community but really I session, girls have had the opportunity to share sell the food we make at local events and
only had a surface understanding. Since working personal experiences and stories from their lives. festivals. The food cart enterprise will be a skill-
with the youth and families in the Wehave also explored topics such as friendship building opportunity for youth in our
neighbourhood I have come to a better and relationship building, healthy eating, nature community who are connected to the Food Skills
understanding of what is happening in the and meditation, anti-bullying, confidence and for Youth Program and the CREW. We are
neighbourhood. So far it has been an amazing self-esteem. During our learning and exploration looking forward to this new adventure and will
experience connecting with the youth and sessions, girls have had the opportunity to reflect keep you posted as thing progress. As well we
learning about the neighbourhood and I am on new information and relate it to their own are hoping to receive funding for a boys group
looking forward to continuing my work here at lives, through journaling. All girls who come program that will allow male youth in our
QVCC! regularly and consistently feel comfortable community to build social connections, engage
I wanted to share with you some key aspects sharing with one another and I have witnessed in recreational activities and learn about self-
of what we offer through our youth programs, the relationships between the girls flourish over worth.Fingers-crossed thatwereceivefunding!
and some of our ways of working with youth. I time. Through the Teen Centre Enhancement
hope the following paragraphs will give you a Family Night has a consistent group of Project (partially funded by the United Way of
better sense of what QVCC Youth Programs are families and is a program where children and Victoria) we have also been able to make some
about. parents are very comfortable with one another. improvements to the equipment in our youth
Using tools from the Virtues Project we have Parent to parent dialogue is very nurturing and I centre. We have been able to get a new 55” smart
been able to start building a sense of ownership have witnessed families supporting one another TV, a PlayStation 3, video games, movies and
and belonging with our youth. The youth are with life challenges that come up. The space 3D glasses. Best Buy at Uptown also helped to
engaging in the centre in a meaningful way. They provides opportunity for role modelling and make this possible by giving us some really good
clean up after themselves and they take part in education, as families have the chance to see deals. Thank you Best Buy for your support to
nightly Youth Team Meetings where the youth how other families work together and are able to make our youth centre rocking! We would also
and staff facilitate the activities for the night and discuss the developmental needs and stages of like to thank FGL Sports Ltd. for their donation
upcoming week. At each of these meetings we go their children (e.g. effective toilet training). Our of footballs, volleyballs, soccer balls and
over our youth centre guidelines, which include monthly community dinnersand craft nightsare basketballs, and Victoria Sport and Social Club
respect, integrity, peacefulness, responsibility, a huge success, with opportunities for all for donating a number of dodgeballs. We are still
friendliness, helpfulness, cooperation and families to contribute to the activities that we do. in the process of looking for more donations to
cleanliness. Through this process there has been Some parents really enjoy the creativity that improve the youth centre. Our wish list includes:
less bias, racism and bullying amongst the youth comes from putting together a meal with limited Aboriginal art, new couches, a new pool table
and more respectful behaviour towards staff. resources and each family contributes to the and, of course, a new kitchen for the centre.
Things aren’t perfect but they are improving all success ofthisprogram. A huge thank you goes out to our staff
thetime! The CREW is a program for youth between (Patrick Boyd, Katarina Mauro, Corie Potter-
Through the Youth Program Quality the ages of 13-19 who are looking for Lowden, Deirdre Ryan-Morrissette & Nakita
Initiative (YPQI) staff members have had a employment and/or looking to gain skills for Sekhon) and our volunteers (Harley,Anthony &
number of professional development employment (such as resume and cover letter Desiree), who help make our youth programs so
opportunities that help us build leadership skills, building, job site visits, and interview skills). awesome. And we must not forget to thank
eliminate bias and ensure a safe and supportive Our aim is to empower youth with job readiness Tracey Campbell and Shawna Olsen for their
environment for the youth that use our centre and skills and resources, supporting them with great administrative support and our Executive
attend our programs. We are happy to announce looking for, maintaining, and being excellent in Director, Kelly Greenwell, for supporting and
that we have been accepted for another year of the job of their choosing. Youth build being part of the youth centre improvements and
the YPQI and are looking forward to more leadership, employment, and fundraising skills programming. I am truly grateful to be part of
learning and higher quality programming for our through hands-on works experience, interactive such an amazing team!
youth. youth-driven workshops, and one to one For more information on our youth programs
Both of our Girls Groups have been very support. This summer we have hosted both a please contact TaraSkobel at 250 388 7696 or
successful over the past year. The older girls bottle drive and a car wash as fundraising efforts
have engaged in a number of recreational for our year-end celebration, and as part of
activities in the community such as rowing, exercising our working and event planning
by
emailattara@quadravillagecc.com
QVCC Youth Programs on the Rise
QVCC Youth Team in Picture (L to R) Randi Gammack, Katarina Mauro, Tara Skobel, Corie Potter-Lowden and Patrick Boyd
(Photo by Kelly Greenwell)

5. By Grant Bolton across the terrain like a wheel or a hula-hoop. Ranger about where we could set up camp, the
The snakes were known to travel in packs of fifty three girls came running up to us. They
t was the summer of 1984. It was the fourth or more. Sometimesthe snakes couldbe spotted immediately began pummeling the Ranger with
“Work Crew” trip to California and our first by the cloud of dust they kicked up as they rolled questions about the Travelling Hoop Snakes.
Imixed boys and girls group. We were down the trail. We warned the girls that the Where was the safest camping spot?Where were
travelling between Sacramento and San snakes’venom wasextremely deadlyand that,if good trees to climb? Did he have an antidote to
Francisco and hoping to get a campsite just south they saw the snakes coming, they would never the snake venom?
of San Francisco. I was at the wheel of our be able to outrun them because the snakes had Before the confused Ranger could begin to
fifteen-passenger van and Ed McClanagahn was been clocked at a rolling speed of more than answer all the questions, Ed and I started
up front in the co-pilot seat reading the map. forty miles per hour. Seeing that the girls were laughing and, to the chagrin of the girls,
Three of our young women were in the front getting alarmed, we assured them that they could explained to the Ranger that we were just
passenger seat chatting enthusiastically about easily protect themselves from the snakes by playing a joke on them. The Ranger had a good
our soon-to-becamping spot. climbing a tree. The girls seemed to be satisfied laugh too and assured the girls that there was no
Out of nowhere I heard Ed telling the girls that they would be safe and settled down while such thing as Travelling Hoop Snakes and that
that they would have to watch out for the Ed and I re-focused our attention on getting us to they were quitesafe at thecampsite.
Travelling Hoop Snakes. I quickly picked up on our destination. As we settled into camp, and as the girls were
Ed’s ruse and joined in. We explained By the time we reached our camp site Ed and busy setting up their tent, I was reminded several
(fabricated) that the snakes were known for their I had forgotten all about the Travelling Hoop times that it is a good thing that looks can’t kill.
ability to grab their tails in their mouths and role Snakes and while we were talking to a Camp
Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 5
The Travelling Hoop Snakes
Hanging out at the campground hoping to avoid the deadly Travelling Hoop Snakes (Photo and drawing)
Hillside Quadra Neighbourhood Action Group
By Janis La Couvée, on behalf of the Hillside- Our group has been designated by the City as How You Can Get Involved
QuadraNeighbourhoodActionGroup the contact for developers proposing changes One of the best ways to be involved is to
that require the City to change the zoning for the attend one of the monthly NAG meetings. If you
mail List: NAG maintains an e-maillist property involved. We host meetings to which are unable to attend a meeting and would like to
and sends out regular updates. If you the neighbours and any other interested persons know more or be involved in any neighbourhood
Ewould like to subscribe to this list, please are invited to hear about the proposal and land use or transportation matters, please contact
with provide their comments. After that the project NAG at the email shown below. NAG is
SUBSCRIBETOLISTin the subject heading. goes through a formal review process at City currently recruiting volunteers to help with
Hall. Ultimately, City Council holds a public community meetings held as part of the rezoning
Cascadia Liquor Store—application to
hearing before any approvals are given or process. If you’re interested in land use issues,
increase opening hours
denied. and can help out on an occasional basis, we’d
Cascadia Liquor Store signed a Good
love to hear from you.
Neighbour Agreement with the Hillside-Quadra 2560 Quadra (beside the Wooden Shoe)
Neighbourhood Action Group when they The newest proposal for this property (4- Contact:
opened the store in Quadra Village. They meet storeys with 15 units and bike parking) falls
annually with HQ-NAG to review the year and within the current Quadra Village zoning and
respond to questions. Provisions of the Good was recently referred to the Planning and Land
Neighbour Agreement include the possibility of Use Committee. The owners are seeking a
opening to match the hours at Fairway Market. development permit with variances (parking The Hillside Quadra Neighbourhood Action
Fairway is now open until 11pm, and Cascadia spots and set-backs). Staff is recommending that Group (NAG) is a sub-committee of the
recently made an application to the City of after giving notice and allowing an opportunity Downtown Blanshard Advisory Committee
Victoria to extend their hours to 11pm. Staff is for public comment, Council considers (DBAC) (the not-for-profit that is our
recommending that Council consider approving authorizing the issuance of the Development neighbourhood’s Community Association
theapplication. Permit Application. A public hearing will be and runs the Quadra Village Community
scheduledlaterinOctober. Centre) and is comprised of a group of
Summit Park Invasive Species Clean Up
volunteers that works on issues related to
The Friends of Summit Park (FOSP) and 2740 Fifth Street
land use, transportation, and parks in our
NAG volunteers have completed four clean-ups Currently the site of a single family home,
neighbourhood. Anyone with a connection to
in Summit Park since the fall of 2014. Thanks to there is apreliminary proposal fora 12-unitASH
our neighbourhood is welcome to come to
everyone who attended. (affordable sustainable housing) development.
meetings or join our email list. We meet at the
Next clean up is Saturday November 7th A well-attended community meeting under the
Quadra Village Community Centre at 7:00
10am CALUC process was held in May and the HQ-
PM the first Monday of each month from
NAG sent a letter to the City.There has been no
September to June, except we meet on the
further news of this development. A rezoning
High-Profile Development Proposals in second Monday when the first Monday is a
wouldberequired.
holiday.Hillside-Quadra Neighbourhood
email nag@quadravillagecc.com
Email: NAG@quadravillagecc.com
Web: http://www.quadravillagecc.com/hillside-
quadra-neighbourhood-action-group
-noon. If you can help, please contact us at
nag@quadravillagecc.com

6. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 6
Celebrating Words & Pictures
Catherine Chapman - Photographer
am originally from the south of England, of Scottish heritage, and have
been interested in photography from an early age. My first camera, at the
Iage of 7, was a Brownie box camera, which took only black and white
pictures. But to my delight someone gave me a photography colouring kit for
Christmas and I was able to colour-tint some of my black and white photos as
I went along. Only when I immigrated to Canada in 1970 did I get a more
sophisticated camera, a Cannon (the model I cannot remember), that I could
adjust somewhat to the light, and focus, AND start using colour films. This
openedupawholenewworldandaquitedifferentwayoflookingatsubjects.
My life proceeded to be one of sporadic but picturesque travel. I have
been told I have a very good eye for composition and subject matter. I have
never taken any formal training but have been recognized by professionals as
having a visual judgement as good as or better than a lot of career
photographers.
Up to the era of digital cameras I took all my pictures on a Canon Snappy
and then a Canon Sure Shot. The latter is the camera I still use with black and
white film. The digital world has changed photography. The ability to take
endless pictures and see the results instantly without having to develop them
in order to find out if they are what you wanted makes one a bit less careful
about setting up each frame.
Over the years I have developed a keen eye for architectural subjects.
This has been helped by the travels my partner (who has a deep interest and
knowledge of architecture and its history) and I have taken to many cities in
Europe and North America. I particularly enjoy the times I can take a shot
with at least three, and maybe four, different eras of architecture in it.
Sometimes one will be reflected in the glass of another. San Francisco, New
York and Venice have to be my favourite subjects when it comes to buildings.
In Venice I also love what the water reflections do to the light and the colours
of the buildings. In black and white Venice is a subject of shapes and, yes
again, water reflections.
I was particularly proud when I had a small show at a café in Cook St
village in the 90s and I sold a whole collection of photos of Venice and its
surrounding islands. For one reason or another I have never tried to show my
photography again, probably due to the pressures of work. Maybe now I am
retired I will think about putting on another show in one of our many local
cafés.
I am currently working on a collection of architectural photographs of
Victoria, both colour and black and white. Also the flora and fauna of
Victoria, especially in my own neighbourhood, are a constant inspiration and
would be my second choice of subject for a collection.
My partner and I decided to live in this neighbourhood seven years ago
but only were able to buy a house six years ago. We love its proximity to
downtown Victoria on foot and all the amenities that are within walking
distance such as, cafés and restaurants, the grocery shop and the pharmacy,
the liquor store and the theatre. The Crystal Pool being within walking
distance was another asset that drew us to this neighbourhood. BUT the real
pullwasthenumberofrestoredVictorianandArtsandCraftshouses.
Next year an extensive trip to Australasia will open up a whole new set of
vistas to feast the eyes. This is very exciting to look forward to.
Collage of South Island buildings, Manhattan, New York Interior of Bank of Montreal, Vancouver, BC
Fisgard and Douglas Street corner, Victoria, BC

7. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 7
with Our Creative Neighbours
Jennifer Ferris - Storyteller
move to a neighbourhood where the school
honoured storytelling. Now that my children
have grown up and gone, I appreciate the
Hillside-Quadra neighbourhood because of its
history, diversity and its future as a place that is
welcomingtofamilies.
While I was working at Ecole Quadra
Elementary, I organized a Storytelling Group for
students. The young tellers learned traditional
stories and told them in Grade 1 and 2
classrooms, at a community event and at Victoria
Storytellers’Guild. I am presently working with
one of those students, Kathryn McAllister, who
still lives in our neighbourhood and is now a
student at UVic. She is also a volunteer at Ross
Bay Villa and we are cooperating to create an
evening of the stories and poetry that would have
been enjoyed by the Roscoe Family in 1865. I
also published a children’s book based on a
family story and illustrated by a former student,
Gen Chandler, and we are working on another
booksetinMalta.
I love everything about storytelling or
spoken word. I love listening to stories, reading
stories, researching, and the wakeful dreaming
about a story that I am learning to tell. I have
even learned to love the terrible butterflies in my
stomach before I stand up to perform in front ofeveral years ago I was invited to visit my context for truth. It helps with memory,
an audience. I love to carry the audience with ason, Stephen's, Grade 3 class at Ecole prediction, implication and comprehension, and
story and to be carried alone by the audience’sSQuadra Elementary. They were doing a develops listening skills and oral skills. It is a
reaction to what they are hearing andunit on Pioneers of Victoria and wanted to hear great equalizer in the classroom because
participating in, and afterwards to hear what theystories of my family’s experiences when they everyone can enjoy a story at her/his own level. I
got out of the tale. I enjoy coaching new tellersarrived in Victoria in 1858. My Grandmother could go on and on but, perhaps most
and working with experienced tellers to reachpassed on these reminiscences to me, and now, importantly, storytelling creates community by
deeper into a story.enhanced by research I had done in the BC revealing shared experience, feelings and even
www.jenniferferris.caArchives, they became fully-fledged stories. fears, and shows that,
I was invited back to the school several times whoever we are, we have
and, after five weeks, one of the students put up muchincommon.
his hand and said, “You have been telling us But stories are not just
stories about your family all these weeks, now I for children. Adults need
want you to tell me the stories about my family!” stories as well. We are never
That led to a discussion about where stories too old to be held in the
come from, whom to ask, and where to look. rocking chair of story.
That interaction confirmed my belief that we Remembering and telling
need to hear stories and we need to tell our own stories helps adults deal
stories. How can we create the story of our future with life’s challenges. Isak
if we do not know who we are and where we Dinesen wrote, “All
camefrom? sorrows can be borne if you
I have listened to stories all my life and I have put them into a story or tell a
told stories to people other than my family and storyaboutthem.”
friends for over 25 years. I had the privilege of Besides helping us deal
working as an Education Assistant in Victoria with life’s challenges,
schools and was able to share stories in all grades stories guide us through the
from Kindergarten to Grade 12, sometimes as stages and thresholds we
part of the curriculum and sometimes just for face through life. In an
fun. My professional life as a storyteller and abstract way, we can relate
workshop facilitator has taken me to community to the heroes and heroines of
events, nature sanctuaries, retirement facilities, the old stories, while
colleges and universities, and festivals across personal stories also help us
Canada. I have told stories in tents, on tree with those same changes
branches, on big stages and in tight corners, and and passages.Storytellingto
on radio and television. I am active in the adults encourages them to
Victoria Storytellers’Guild and was president of loosen up, remember, and
Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada. then tell their stories. And,
The sharing of stories is an ancient art that is inevitably,one story leadsto
important for children because it stimulates another as we are reminded
reading (it is the first step into literacy), inspires of ourown experiences.
imagination, and introduces metaphor and a My family was lucky to
Jennifer Ferris and her telling stylings
(Photo provided)
dramatic story
Do you have any comments on articles or H - Q Community News? Concerned
about something in our neighbourhood? Share your thoughts with us in a letter
to the Editor: 901 Kings Rd. Victoria B.C. V8T 1W5 or email: therah@telus.net
We’d love to hear from you!

8. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 8
By Cheryl Rolston, Vice-Principal École
Quadra School
s school gets started we welcome many
new faces of students, their parents and
Afamily members, as well as some staff,
of which I am one. I would like to introduce
myself. I am Mme Cheryl Rolston, the new vice-
principal here at École Quadra School. I am
moving to Quadra from École Marigold School
where I was acting vice-principal. I will be
teaching at the primary level in our French
Immersion program. I am passionate about
teaching students to read, learning in nature,
French Immersion, and promoting mental health
awareness. I hope you will stop in and introduce
yourself to me!
The students of École Quadra School have
many opportunities to participate in some school. What was once bare ground, then
unique programs. We are a dual track K-5 seedlings lovingly planted by little hands, has
elementary school with about 400 students. We bloomed into a gorgeous garden for all to enjoy.
offer K-5 classes in French Immersion and This is largely thanks to our fabulous PAC
English. Our educators are committed to volunteers, who have stopped by with their
providing the highest level of education to our children to water and tend to the garden over the
students, and are continuously developing summer.At the north end of the gardens resides
themselves professionally to be current with the the completed totem pole by artist Tony Hunt Jr.,
thmost proven learning methods. which was unveiled at our 100 Anniversary
This fall, we are proud to host our annual all who pass through its doors, our loving careCelebration in June.th
Terry Fox Run on September 25 , honouring all for another century.Can you believe Quadra is 100 years old? At
whose lives and families have been touched by We can’t wait to be back together with all ourour celebration in June, we were privileged to
cancer. We are also joining together as a staff to students and staff members! We look forward tosee the return of many former students and staff
participate in the Kick ALS walk on Sunday, interacting with our Hillside-Quadramembers, and to hear their memories of their
S e p t e m b e r 1 3 . Community throughout the year ahead!time here. We continue to offer this building, and
So much growth has occurred in front of our
Update from Ecole Quadra Elementary
Quadra School and Artist Tony Hunt Jr.
with totem (photo provided)
By Terri Smith Another exciting project completed
during the summer was the creation of our
And now we welcome the new year. Full of natural playscape. Chris Stansfield, of Garden
things that have never been. City Tree and Landscape, in collaboration
- Rainer Maria Rilke with Mrs. Leslie Lee, envisioned, designed
and constructed an outdoor play space where
he beginning of our school year is
children can reconnect with nature and
upon us, and on September 8th,
interact with their environment by climbing
TGeorge Jay students and staff were
rocks and logs and exploring local plant
treated to a building full of new things! Our
growth. Initially imagined by George Jay
seismic upgrade is complete and thanks to a
Kindergarten teachers as an outdoor
collaborative of talented and hardworking
classroom where young children could
people, our school is safer and more beautiful.
continue their physical, cognitive, and
Staff, including head custodian, Amory
emotional development in a stress free,
Hagblom, along with many School District
natural environment, our playscape was
facilities personnel, worked tirelessly through
financed by Coast Capital Savings (through
all of August to move thousands of boxes,
their Adopt-a-School Initiative) and by
furniture and supplies from our temporary
Harbourside Rotary. We are deeply thankful
Richmond home back to Princess Street. Once
for the contributions of these organizations,
there, painting, assembling, mounting
and trust that our students, and all the children
cleaning, unpacking, organizing and making
in our community, will find joy in George
sure that George Jay was ready to welcome
Jay’s natural playscape.
the children occupied District staff for the
Finally, while George Jay was bared to the
remainder of the summer. We are both grateful
studs for seismic remediation, we upgraded
for and excited about our remediated and
technology in six classrooms - we are, as they
refreshed building.
say, wired for sound! Installed in each
Thanks to financial support from
classroom, is a short throw projector
Breakfast to Beethoven (in affiliation with the
(mounted high so sightlines for instruction are
Victoria Conservatory of Music) and Coast
unimpeded), stereo speakers, a screen and a
Capital, and donations from Matt and Wendy
wireless mouse. Already a technology-rich
MacNeil, we had the opportunity to build a
elementary school, these ‘tech’ packages are
community kitchen during the construction
designed to help students connect and engage
period. In addition, we purchased portable
with other learners and experts outside our
tables and chairs, which along with the
classroom walls. We are thrilled to broaden
improved kitchen facility will enhance our
our learning boundaries and grateful for the
breakfast program. We appreciate the
support of Coast Capital Savings who helped
generosity of our benefactors and look
fundthisproject.
forward to sharing good food, good music,
and good company with our George Jay The results of philanthropy are always
community. beyond calculation. - Mary Ritter Beard
George Jay Returns Home
Do you have any comments on articles or H - Q Community News? Concerned about something in our
neighbourhood? Share your thoughts with us in a letter to the Editor: 901 Kings Rd. Victoria B.C. V8T
1W5 or email: therah@telus.net We’d love to hear from you!

9. By Corie Potter-Lowden and gardening. (Not that I'm any
good at gardening.)
or the past three years,
QVCC: What chore do youQuadra Village Community
absolutelydislikedoing?FCentre has been extremely
privileged to have the culinary Kathy: I definitely dislike cleaning
expertise of Kathy and Blair as part out the drain in the bathroom sink
of our repertoire. Kathy and Blair’s whenitiscloggedwithhair.Yuck!
meals have brought many smiles to Blair:Thedishes.
people of all ages through our Best
QVCC: When you have 30Babies and Hot Lunch programs. As
minutes of free time, how do youwell, Kathy and Blair have pitched
choose to spend it?in multiple ways and at multiple
events to help us bring food to the Kathy: Make a cup of tea and read or
people. Every week they come with knit. That 30 minutes often stretches
an arsenal of healthy recipes, their into a longer session, though. “Just
brilliant personalities, and Blair's one more chapter” or “One more
wonderful singing voice. These two row.”
make cooking for 40 people look Blair: Doing puzzles, Sudoku
easy! mainly. I also do the daily
We want to thank Kathy and crossword. Kathy does the cryptic
Blair for their loyalty to our Centre crossword, which is beyond me, but
and for the amazing service they I can solve the 5-star Sudoku, which
give to our community. We also want is beyond her, or so she claims
to thank them for giving us a glimpse
QVCC: When was the last timeinto their world through the
you had an amazing meal? WhatfollowingQ&Aresponses:
wasitandwhopreparedit?
QVCC: Given the choice of Blair: Pretty much every time
anyone in the world, whom would Kathy gets creative it’s amazing.
you want as a dinner guest?
QVCC: What story does yourBlair: Stephen Fry. Because I like
family always tell about you?his sense of humour.
Blair: I don't know about me, but I
QVCC: What would constitute a have two stories about Kathy. First,
perfect day for you? her family often said the cat sat
Blair: Any day this side of the grass underneath her chair at the table
with Kathy. because they could count on gettingKathy: I like a lot of different styles of music, but
some spillage. She always told me that she andI don't listen to much recorded music these days.QVCC: What do you consider to be your her sister practised their sneering across theOur younger son is in a Nanaimo-based bandgreatest accomplishment? dining room table while they were doing theircalled No Operator, and we go to live shows
Kathy: We raised two nice young men. They are homework and so their sneers are mirror imageswhen they are playing in Victoria, and
both in their 30s now. Our older son and his wife of each other’s. When Kathy and I were firstsometimes Nanaimo. They're a great band -
live in Waterloo, Ontario. Our younger son lives dating some 45 years ago, I had her over forcheckthemoutonYouTube.
in Vancouver. I am very proud of the men they dinner and made what my Mom said was good
Blair: I was raised on old-time country musichavebecome. meatloaf. Acouple of days afterwards, she gave
(which I grew to detest) and Broadway, which I
Blair: Ditto me a card that said, “I don't know why I love you,
love. I now listen to nearly everything except
butitsureain'tyourmeatloaf!”
country of any kind and rap/hip-hop. MyQVCC: Who is your favorite writer or
favourite bands right now are the female-frontedproducer? QVCC:WhydoyouvolunteeratQVCC?
metal groups Nightwish, Within Temptation,
Kathy: I don't have one favourite writer. Right Kathy: I love cooking, and have several years'
Antonamasia and Amaranthe. I also like
now, I'm enjoying Alexander McCall Smith's experience cooking for 40 people. When I was
Swedish and Finnish metal of all sorts, which my
books set in Botswana. The first book in the about to retire (from a non-cooking job), I looked
son refers to as goblin metal. On the lighter side,
series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" got at the Volunteer Victoria website and saw that
I like Simon and Garfunkel, early Bob Dylan,
me hooked. The language and pace of the stories Blanshard Community Centre was looking for
Joni Mitchel and Joan Armatrading. While
arebeautiful. kitchen help. I knew about the Centre because
working, I often sing old show tunes from My
one of my clients used to get food and clothingBlair: I read a lot, especially evolutionary Fair Lady, South Pacific and Camelot. I've been
there, and I would drive him. It was a friendlyscience, philosophy, computer science, science driving Kathy nuts the past month by morphing
place. I started volunteering with the Best Babiesfiction, fantasy, mystery and, lately, vampire all sorts of songs into the theme song of Hawaii
program just after I retired, almost three yearsromances. My favourite authors right now are Five-0.
ago. The following year I started cooking for theMargaret Atwood, Neal Shubin, Garth Nix and
Community Hot Lunch program too. I love theSara Paretsky. QVCC: Do you have a favorite quote you are
people I meet doing this job, especially thewilling to share?
QVCC: If you were to create a piece of art, mums and babies.
Kathy: "Each of us has to believe that we can
what would the subject be? Blair: Helping out Kathy do what she likes to do.make a difference."
Kathy: It would be something to do with nature, And also I love doing something helpful for the
Blair: “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a
with lots of colours and textures. I don't have a momsandbabies.
banana.”
specific image in mind, though.
Blair: I've always admired Ansel Adams' QVCC: What’s your favorite indoor or Interested in Volunteering in the
photographs of the mountains and trees of outdoor activity? Neighbourhood? The possibilities are
Yellowstone Park. endless. Please contact Corie Potter-Kathy: Indoors, I love to read, knit and crochet.
Lowden, Volunteer COutdoors, I like walking. We have two dogs, so
QVCC: What’s the #1 most played song on
it'sagoodthingIliketowalk!
your stereo/iPod/phone? Or Blair, what’s
Blair: Indoors: reading, listening to music andyourfavouritesongtosing?
working on my photography. Outdoors: walking
oordinator for QVCC at
volunteer@quadravillagecc.com or 250 388
7696
Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 9
Volunteer Spotlight on Kathy and Blair Holtby
Blair (left) and Kathy in the kitchen at QVCC
The Hillside-Quadra Community Newsletter needs distribution volunteers. Participation involves 30-45 minutes once every three
months delivering newsletters door to door in your local neighbourhood. Please email Kelly at kelly@quadravillagecc.com

10. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 10
Quadra Village Community Centre would like to thank our
many supporters. The help of generous funders, sponsors,
donorsandvolunteersmeanswecanaccomplishsomuchmore!
Major Program Funders
City of Victoria, Government of Canada, Greater Victoria
SchoolDistrict,ProvinceofBritishColumbia,UnitedWay
Program Funders
BC Housing, Coast Capital Savings, Farmer Construction, Get
Youth Working, Kidsport, Gordon Head Lions, Participaction,
The Most Worshipful Free Lodge of Free andAccepted Masons
of BC & Yukon, Telus, Victoria Foundation, Victoria
Harbourside Rotary
Sponsors
Anawim House, Blanshard Square Liquor Store, Caffe
Fantastico, Cascadia Liqour Store, CDI, Cold Star Freight,
Esquimalt Kiwanis, Fairfield Gonzales Community
Association, Farmer Construction, Horner Foundation, Il
Terrazzo, Island Savings, Media Net, Thrifty Foods, T.L.C.
FundforKids,7-Eleven,Stampers
Donors
ACD Systems, Akai Hair Design, Art Box, Bootlegger,
Carribean Village, Cleo’s, Clothesline Clothing Company,
COBS Bread, Collins and Company, Esquimalt Kiwanis,
Fairway Market, Jennifer Roberts Florist, Kaboodles, Living
Edge, Market on Yates, Mustard Seed, Ricki’s, Sysco, Wal-Mart
andourgenerousindividualcommunitydonors
Plan to Increase Safety of Summit Park-Smith’s Hill Reservoir Access
By Nancy Gnaedinger, Spencer Castle Friends of Summit Park and the Hillside- representatives of Spencer Castle, Friends of
Quadra Neighbourhood Action Group joined Summit Park, Hillside-Quadra Neighbourhood
he Spencer Castle condo complex is and endorsed the initiative. The request was Action Group and Oaklands Community
adjacent to the reservoir, at the top of simple and consistent: (1) Build at least one Association. A notice of the location, date and
TSmith’s Hill. In the summer of 2014, a stairway,with handrails, from the reservoir level time of the information session will be delivered
Spencer Castle homeowner approached City to the park level. (2) Improve the safety and in advance. Assuming there are no obstacles
Council about the appalling condition of the attractiveness of the uneven and eroding encountered at the information session, a
pathways around the reservoir and lack of safe pathways around thereservoir. detailed structural design of stairs, signage, and
access from the reservoir level to Summit Park. As of early September 2015, a basic design decommissioning of informal trails is planned
The park is basically inaccessible to any of the for the first request is complete and has been for completion by October 15/2015.
Spencer Castle community of ~150 -- mostly approved by the CRD’s Regional Water Service Construction is to begin November 1, 2015. The
seniors -- unless they want to risk serious injury Commission. CRD has met with the City of plan is to have stairways, fencing and
using one of the existing, and deteriorating, Victoria to confirm that its plan agrees with the decommissioning of informal pathways
“goat trails”. City’s master plan, and to gather information on complete this year. Next year, the pathways
Both Ben Isitt and Dean Fortin were very stakeholder expectations. The City supports around thereservoir will be upgraded.
responsive and supportive of the improvements CRD’s proposed approach and will assist with The main contact person for this project is
proposed. What followed was a great deal of communication efforts. Ian Sander,Manager,Capital Projects, CRD.
lobbying and communication with both the City A local CRD/City information session is
and the CRD. While part of Summit Park is City planned for sometime in September or early
of Victoria land, the CRD is responsible for the October. It is intended for residents of adjacent
reservoir land. areas, as well as specific stakeholder groups:
City Council Report: For a Regional Housing First Strategy
By Ben Isitt of government from necessary supports for Helps, Capital Regional Hospital District Chair
people in need (including health, housing and Dave Howe and other colleagues for a Regional
ontroversy over the possibility of a income supports); deinstitutionalization in Housing First Strategy.
designated temporary tenting area in mental health; and substance use issues in the “Housing First” is the idea that housing is the
CTopaz Park or elsewhere in the City of absence of harm reduction and treatment first essential form of support for people to
Victoria has prompted a healthy dialogue in our services. achieve stability in their lives and address other
neighbourhood and community over how best to The City of Victoria faces the impact of these challenges. Organizations such as the Victoria
respond tothe homelessnessemergency. forces and since 2009 has been mandated by the Cool Aid Society and Pacifica Housing operate
Issues relating to people seeking shelter in BC Court of Appeal to permit overnight hundreds of supportive housing units in our
parks are not new, and reflect changes on the sheltering in city parks for people who lack community, providing safe, affordable
provincial, national and international scale, adequate alternative shelter. This has resulted in apartments with support staff for people who in a
including: changes within the Canadian growing numbers of people seeking shelter in previous era may have been relegated to top-
economy and labour force; a retreat by all levels parks, including small neighbourhoodparks that down institutionalizedcare.
lack sanitation, security, Studies show that investing in “housing
and support services, and first” is the most cost-effective response to
require people who are homelessness, with considerable cost savings in
homeless to break camp the areas of policing, hospitalization, criminal
each morning and relocate justice, prisons, and municipal parks and street
with their belongings. maintenance. This model has been successfully
Victoria City Council implemented by local government jurisdictions
h a s r e s p o n d e d b y suchastheCityofMedicineHat,Alberta.
r e c o m m i t t i n g t o a Mayor Helps, Councillor Loveday, Chair
“Housing First” strategy Howe and I are proposing that the Capital
and quadrupling the Regional Hospital District serve as the lead
annual contribution to agency to develop and implement a plan for the
affordable housing, while construction of 360 units of supportive housing
also directing staff to to eliminate visible homelessness by 2018. If
explore options for interim addressed regionally, the construction cost
sheltering to improve the would total $11 per household per year, with the
situation for people province requested to provide operating funds
sleeping in parks as well as for this necessary health service, estimated at
to reduce impacts on the $5.7-million per year.
broader community. Two This seems to be a reasonable and modest
pilot projects are being expenditure to improve the health outcomes and
explored: (1) a designated wellbeing of our most marginalized citizens,
temporary tenting area or while reducing the impacts of homelessness on
areas; (2) a micro-housing the wider community. I invite you to help
village modelled on advance these objectives by advocating for a
examples in the Pacific Regional Housing First Strategy.
Northwest.
City Council has heard Ben Isitt is a Victoria City Councillor and
loud and clear that many Council Liaison to the Hillside-Quadra
members of the public neighbourhood. He also serves on the Capital
believe that investment in Regional District Board and the Capital
long-term supportive Regional Hospital District Board. Ben can be
housing is preferable to reached at < >
interim measures such as or 250-882-9302.
temporary tenting areas.
As a result, I have
developed a proposal with
C o u n c i l l o r J e r e m y
Loveday, Mayor Lisa
ben@isitt.ca mailto:ben@isitt.ca

11. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 11
Parent & Tot Drop-In
Creative play for children 0-6 yrs. and their parents/caregivers. Mon,
Wed andThurs 9-11:30 a.m. Tues 9:30-11 a.m. for children 0-3 yrs. Call
formoreinformation.
Best Babies
A pre-and post-natal health program. One-to-one support, dietician,
public health nurse and dental hygienist services. Tues 11 a.m. - 1:30
p.m.CallHeleneforinfo(registrationrequired).
All Quadra Village Community Centre Programs listed are free of
charge except for the Hot Lunch Program (exceptional value) and Out of
School Care (free to families eligible for full subsidy). Unless otherwise
noted call 250.388.7696 or check out www.quadravillagecc.com for
details.
Youth Drop-In (Ages 10-18)
A safe, fun place for boys and girls to hang out. Activities include: pool,
Ping-Pong, board games, air hockey, hoops and Internet. Call and ask for
theYouthProgramsCoordinator.
The CREW
The CREW aims to empower youth with job readiness skills and
resources, supporting them with the search, maintenance, and
excellence for the job of their choosing. Our staff support youth through
group facilitation, and one to one support. Mondays from 4-6pm in the
Youth Centre. If you are interested or have any questions please contact
us at 250 388 7696 ext. 224.
Music with Joie
Creative drop-in music program for children 0-5 yrs. with
parents/caregivers. Fri 10:30-11:30am. Call for more information.
Child, Youth and Family Worker
Assists children and families in areas such as support, mediation,
advocacy, mentoring, goal setting, life skills, coping, safety planning,
parenting strategies, healthy relationships and referrals. Call Helene.
Quadra Village Community Centre
Youth and Family Counsellors
School-based Youth and Family Counsellors provide support,
counselling and advocacy for youth and their families at S.J. Willis, Vic
High,Quadra,Cloverdale,Oaklands,ReynoldsandCedarHillSchools.
Family Night
Fun activities and snacks at the Centre, Tues 6:00 - 7:30pm. For children
ofallagesandtheirparents/caregivers.AskforDeirdre.
The Hot Lunch Program
A tasty hot lunch (entrée, salad, dessert and coffee/tea) in a welcoming
environment. Thurs 12:00 -12:30 pm. Stay and socialize until 1:00 pm.
Adults$3.00,VolunteersandChildren$1.00.RunsOctobertoJune.
Licenced Out-of-School Care (Ages 6-12)
A fun, safe environment for your children. After-school and full-time
during Pro D days and school breaks. Activities include: in/outdoor
games, music, arts, crafts, baking, and day trips. Pick up available for
children from Quadra and George Jay Elementary Schools. Contact
Deirdreforavailabilityandinformation.
Youth and Family Worker
Offers support, mediation, advocacy, mentoring, goal setting, life skills,
safety planning and referrals for youth 13-19 and their families.
Parenting consultations also available. Residents of Hillside-Quadra and
nearbyneighbourhoods,callandasktoleaveamessageforLaurie
Step by Step Parenting
Supportive discussion group for parents/caregivers based on effective
parenting strategies. Childcare provided. 6 Monday night sessions
starting September 28th, from 6-7:30p.m. Contact Helene for more
information.
Hillside Quadra Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG)
The Hillside Quadra Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is a group of
volunteers that works on issues related to land use, transportation and
parks in our neighbourhood. We meet at Quadra Village Community
Centre at 7 pm the first Monday each month from September to June,
except when the first Monday is a holiday. For more information,
contactusatnag@quadravillagecc.com.
Internet Access
Computer and Internet access. Printing, copying and faxing service also
available. Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed
Tuesdayfrom1:30-3p.m.)
Seniors Entitlement Services (SES)
Serving seniors who believe that some essential services are denied
them. Open for consultations Monday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00
p.m.
Find out what’s happening in Hillside-Quadra! If you have any upcoming community events, shows, courses or meetings you can promote them
FREE of charge on the Community Program and Event Listings! Email Kelly at kelly@quadravillagecc.com
Community Programs and Events
VicPD Block Watch Program
A good neighbour is one of the most effective crime prevention tools
ever invented. Want to learn more about how you, or your street, can join
the VicPD Block Watch program? Contact VicPD Block Watch
Coordinatorat250-995-7409orvisithttps://vicpd.ca/block-watch
AffordableRoomRentals@QuadraVillageCommunityCentre
Planning a special event? Require a meeting space? Just want a
comfortable place to gather with a group? We’ve got the room for you,
with 6 different rental spaces to suit almost any need. Bright, spacious
rooms for private meetings or public presentations. Comfortable
couches and chairs for more informal gatherings. Even an awesome
Teen Centre to host that perfect birthday party. Call Shawna at 250-388-
7696, or email: frontdesk@quadravillagecc.com for room sizes, on-
handequipmentandavailability.
NeighbourhoodSmallGrants
A unique program through the Victoria Foundation that helps build
community and strengthen connections right where we live. Have a
great idea for our neighbourhood? Apply for a grant of up to $500 to
bring people together and make Hillside-Quadra an even better place to
l i v e . O n l i n e a p p l i c a t i o n s a c c e p t e d a t
www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca until October 15th. Contact us at
nsgproject@quadravillagecc.com, visit our website, or give us a call for
moreinformation.
Reach for the Stars
Free theatre, dance and visual art classes, for youth in grades 3-5 and 6-8.
Hosted by artsREACH and held at QVCC. Fall sessions start Sept 22nd
for Theatre, Nov 3rd for Dance and Jan 16th for Visual Arts. Call 250
388 7696 to register, or visit www.quadravillagecc.com for more
information

12. Fall 2015 Hillside - Quadra Community NewsPage 12
Reach for the Stars!
By Kelly Greenwell and Erica Ulrich
f you are, or if you know, a young person in grades 3 to 7 who is
curious about theatre, dance or visual arts, then you need to know
Ithat artsREACH and Quadra Village Community Centre have
teameduptoprovideanamazingopportunity!
Explore the world of art and storytelling in FREE Theatre, Dance,
and Art programs facilitated by artsREACH after-school. Working
alongside professional artists/teachers, students will be introduced to a
variety of arts basics in a fun 6-week intensive. Pulling inspiration from
stories new and old, the groups will create their own new work in each
artistic discipline. Whether you want to tell a story through a new play, a
hip-hop dance, or maybe clay sculpture or painting, come explore your
artistic potential and reach for the stars - all close to home and for FREE
at the Quadra Village Community Centre. Registration is limited, so
contact the Community Centre today at 250 388 7696 or
info@quadravillagecc.com to sign up or find out more. Classes started
in September and will be offered throughout the 2015-16 school year,
including Dance (starting November 3) and Visual Arts (beginning in
January 2016).
Neighbourhood Association
General Meeting to Highlight
Eventful Year
he Downtown Blanshard Advisory Committee is your local
neighbourhood association, community centre and community
Tsocial service provider. We are hosting our Annual General
Meeting in the Teen Centre at 901 Kings Rd on Wednesday October 21
at 5:30 pm. Our annual report and budget will be available at the
meetingandourkeyactivitiesthroughouttheyearwillbehighlighted.
It has been a very eventful year with lots of hard work and many
causes to celebrate. Increases in youth programming, additional
program funding (thanks to City of Victoria, United Way, Telus, Coast
Capital, Victoria Foundation and others), the establishment of a
Volunteer Coordinator, and the award of funds for a Teen Centre
Engagement and Enhancement Project (thanks to United Way) have
been timely supports to enhance our work in the Neighbourhood. The
engagement of local residents in issues such as the Topaz Park Tent City
proposal and The Summit at Quadra Village development, plus events
such as Quadra Village Day, have all demonstrated that there are active
champions for our neighbourhood amongst us. As always, the work of
so many Community Centre and neighbourhood volunteers has been
criticaltoallthatwehavedone.
As well as reviewing and celebrating the year, the AGM is a great
chance to learn more about how to be involved in your neighbourhood,
the Centre and local events. It is also a good time to get your free
membership, consider running for the Board of Directors (or vote for
your preferred candidates), and even make motions or suggestions to
helpshape
organizationwecanbe!
theNeighbourAssociation/CommunityCentre.
We will be proudly recognizing our volunteers and sharing simple
food with all who attend. Childminding will be available on request
(email or call info@quadravillagecc.com or 250 388 7696). The
Directors of the Downtown Blanshard Advisory, the staff of the Quadra
Village Community Centre and I look forward to seeing you there. Since
their inception, the organization and Community Centre have been built
out of the ideas of neighbourhood residents and today’s neighbourhood
ideas are as important to our work as ever. Come help us be the best