April 2021
villagevibe News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Net Zero Home A Fernwood tale
›› Tessa Weimer, Devin Fikis, and Kaitlyn Nightingale
W
e are a group of University of Victoria digital communications students who have partnered with the owners of the newest net zero home in Victoria with the goal of encouraging more people to take action to lighten their carbon footprint. A net zero building is a building with net zero energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site using technology such as heat pumps, high efficiency windows and insulation, and solar panels. The goal is that these buildings contribute less overall greenhouse gas to the atmosphere during operations than similar non-net zero buildings. We believe that this kind of renovation is scalable. If you feel, as we do, that time is of the essence, we encourage you to share this story with others. For inspiration, visit netzerovictoria.com, the extensive website for the project. It chronicles the transformation of this home over the last year and a half. When they made an offer on their house four years ago, owners Wendy Littlefield and Don Feinberg were excited by the challenge of doing a deep green reno that would rejuvenate the vernacular Arts & Crafts house hidden beneath a stucco façade. They found the architects for the project in Fernwood the same week they found the house. Thanks to inspired design and oversight by architects David & Susan Scott of Scott & Scott Architects and the skill and dogged determination to bring that design to life by Taylor McCarthy and his crew at Frontera Homes, Don and Wendy got more than they first imagined with this renovation. Wendy’s dad once told her, “If you want to make a friend, ask for help.” In undertaking this renovation, they asked for lots of help and made lots of friends, including fellow Fernwood resident and our mentor at UVic, Rhianna Nagel. They found the solar company and worker-owned co-op
This home at 2654 Fernwood Road has been renovated to be a net zero building—creating all it’s own energy. Photo: Lolo & Noa Photography
Viridian through a Fernwood NRG bulk buy that John Ho, Community Energy Specialist with the City of Victoria, told them about. The solar panels on the roof will generate 110% of the demand for the house. “Every time I see the arrow on the meter pointing west, I do a little jig. Lots of Fernwood houses benefit from similarly advantageous orientations!” Wendy told us. Learn more about their solar set-up in this video at viridianenergy.ca/blog/solarstories-fernwood-reno. John Ho shared, “By switching away from an old fossil fuel heating system and by putting great effort into whole home energy efficiency upgrades, the Fernwood Net Zero retrofit project contributes to meeting our ambitious climate targets. The project has gone above and beyond and has redefined what the “home of the future” looks like. We hope it will inspire others in the community to take action and make their own homes more climate-friendly.” 2654 Fernwood Road is a demonstration that it is possible to make an old leaky place highly energy-efficient and handsome. It’s website is a community resource. You can see what was done to the house through each system as you consider what you want
to do with your place. Seventy percent of the housing stock in Victoria is more than 50 years old. If we are going to get to our climate action targets, we need to figure out a way to make buildings much more energy efficient. The more solutions the merrier. Here are some tips for anyone interested in doing a net zero house renovation. It is best to do lots of homework upfront. This includes conducting: • A NRCan blower door test—City Green Solutions can help with this • A Hazmat survey—This will identify issues and can save you money in the long run • Energy modelling to see how to get to net zero and to prioritize steps to take. It may be new windows, more insulation, new heat or electric source, or some combination that gives you the biggest bang for your buck. • Budget, revise, and budget some more. Some of Don & Wendy’s best and greenest solutions came from getting creative with cost-cutting. • Visit bringithome4climate.ca to learn more about home retrofit options and to get free support.
Indigenous Voices
Buzz
Garden Gleanings
Understanding diversity within Indigenous identities page 3
Stadacona Neighbour Support Network page 5
Amend your soil page 7
Then: • Commit to an all-electric house. Get rid of your oil tank—there are rebates for that. Get rid of natural gas appliances as natural gas is a fossil fuel. An electric heat pump, water heater, induction stove, and LED lights save lots of energy. • Minimize waste delivered to the dump. Wendy and Don left the stucco on their house and went over with Rockwool insulation. They estimate they generated just a third of the waste of a conventional reno via embedding or reusing. • Scratch toxic materials from the shopping list—International Living Future Institute is a great source for advice • Buy locally and sustainably sourced materials wherever possible • Salvage as much as you can from your own site or local demos • Put up a little library. It invites people to stop and converse from a safe distance. Wendy and Don’s little library is often stocked with info on green building. We can attest to the fact that this is an incredible sustainability project that proves retrofitting can be done effectively, affordably, and locally. We hope it will inspire you to be the change you want to see.
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editorial:
villagevibe Published by Fernwood NRG Chantille Viaud Brett Gaylor
Won’t you be my neighbour?
Contributors
›› Chantille Viaud
Editorial Committee
Mila Czemerys Shonna Bell Founding Editor Lisa Helps Tessa Weimer Kaitlyn Nightingale Brett Gaylor Shae Zamardi Kevin Yee-Chan Stacie Swain James Davis Laurel Collins, MP Kayla Siefried
Devin Fikis Chantille Viaud Lizz Brooks Shonna Bell Laura Benoit Andrew Kerr Alieda Blandford Lauren Gaultier Sarah Murray
Art
Lolo & Noa Photography Axel Shae Zamardi Kevin Yee-Chan Aly Sibley Andrew Kerr Lauren Gaultier Zoe-Blue Coates Production Mila Czemerys Contact us
1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 info@fernwoodnrg.ca | villagevibe.ca To advertise, contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG. We gratefully acknowledge that Fernwood, our community where we live, work and play resides on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and
declaration of principles & values We are committed to creating
and economically sustainable neighbourhood;
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We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;
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We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant;
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We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment;
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We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;
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We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;
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Kevin Yee-Chan
What has changed in Fernwood since you’ve been here?
Yee-Chan
I spend a lot of time at Fernwood Yoga Den, and I get to see the beautiful new mural at 1313 Gladstone everyday from the windows. It was beautiful to see that take form, and inspiring to look at everyday.
Covid times?
Live music! Music has always been a big part of my life, and the feeling of being together listening to a great band/artist is one that I look forward to again—hopefully soon!
Kevin is an acupuncturist, teacher, and social justice artist who has been fascinated by the functions of the body in health and community for as long as he can remember. His practice weaves global, modern science with lineages of Chinese medicine and yoga. He is continually in awe of these tools and their ability to expand upon our intrinsic creative nature; offering the opportunity to design embodied, healthful presence in life and in community. Kevin spends most of his time on Lekwungen Territories also known as Victoria, BC where he is Program Director at Fernwood Yoga Den and Maya Health Clinic while continuing studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific Rim College. His humble, spacious, and direct ways of being continue to invite warmth of curiosity around the globe where he shares the teachings of his teachers with joy.
What has most surprised you during the pandemic?
What will you miss most in post-Covid times?
Faces of Fernwood is a series in the Village Vibe
It’s not a surprise, really... but I’ve been fascinated by people’s creativity and resourcefulness.
What is your hope for Fernwood in 10 years?
Tell us 3 things about yourself, one that is a lie.
• My mother is Dominican • I love winter • I speak French Why do you choose to live in Fernwood?
a socially, environmentally,
We are committed to governing
our neighbours. When you are walking around Fernwood and see one of our unhoused neighbours, if you don’t know what else to do, just smile and say hi. While it might feel like it’s not solving the overwhelming problem of finding them housing, at the very least you are helping someone feel humanized. Because no neighbour should feel like they don’t deserve to be seen. What to learn more or work with your neighbours for more change? Connect with the Stadacona Neighbour Support Network on Facebook or at StadaconaNeighbour@ gmail. com , Greater Victoria Acting Together at chet@gvat.ca and The Existence Project at theexistenceproject. ca.
faces of fernwood: ›› Brett Gaylor
Esquimalt Nations.
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If you ever want to know what it’s like to be a ghost, become an unhoused person. This is a paraphrased quote from one of the speakers at a workshop called “Keeping it Human” that I, along other residents of Fernwood, participated in recently. It’s the part of the night that has really stuck with me. The speaker went on to describe how, when you are living without housing, every part of your life is scrutinized and judged. That you feel you’re not worthy to take up any space. That you don’t deserve a safe place to live. This is not how I want my neighbours to feel. And it’s not the kind of neighbour-
hood that most people say they want to live in. At the workshop I also met some people in our community who are leading an effort to make our neighbourhood more inclusive, and to improve the living conditions of our unhoused neighbours. These folks see the strength in organizing our community to address issues together. The Stadacona Neighbour Support Network talk more about their work in this issue (page 5), and I encourage everyone read it. Whether people are homeowners, renters, living in transition housing, or are seeking shelter in tents in parks—all of these people are part of the rich fabric of this community. And all of these people are
I’m a little biased... but Fernwood is my favorite neighborhood! I love seeing art on the streets, creative neighbors, and friendly faces that make up this community. There’s a sense of camaraderie here that is very special.
What have you missed most about pre-
Kevin teaching a class. Photo courtesy of Kevin
Doing everything in pajamas.
where we meet some of the neighbours that
To stay fun, stay funky, and stay local.
make our community great. Have someone in mind? Drop us a line! Email villagevibe@ fernwoodnrg.ca.
our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;
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We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;
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We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;
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We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;
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and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!
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April 2021
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
indigenous voices:
Understanding diversity within Indigenous identities ›› Lizz Brooks & Shae Zamardi
Today, we are seeing a vast number of Indigenous Peoples reclaiming their spaces, calling for action, and building each other up. Similarly, non-Indigenous people are beginning to regularly acknowledge these calls and look for ways to support Indigenous Nations. But what does support look like? To discover how to support, we need to first understand who we are supporting. Being Indigenous is more than one individual identity or monolith. Our Nations consist of hundreds to thousands of unique cultures, identities, and traditions that guide our ways of being. In British Columbia alone, there are 198 unique Indigenous Nations with their own culture
filled with distinctive beliefs, traditions, and language. Our people consist of Elders and knowledge keepers, 2-spirit and queer individuals, healers and story tellers, survivors and fighters. We may have either been raised with our Nation or disconnected from it. We are simultaneously holding onto tradition while leading change both in the world and within our communities: each Indigenous experience is unique. For someone who is not Indigenous, why does this matter? No matter which community you support, it is essential to understand that intersections exist within each demographic of people. Otherwise, it can be easy to paint only one identity and unknowingly create the “are you Indigenous enough?” ideology that can lead to invalidation or tokenization. Acknowledging that there are multiple
intersections helps to create a consciousness that each individual’s or Nation’s needs are distinct, and we can begin to look to them for what they need from us. When asking “how can I support Indigenous Peoples?” begin with learning about your local Nations and history, then build upon your knowledge. Each step builds the path to your winding journey. This piece is provided by Indigenous Perspectives Society. If you would like to expand your understanding on Indigenous history, relations and allyship, please feel free to visit our website at ipsociety.ca to view the number of different trainings we have to offer in uplifting Indigenous sovereignty and allyship. Our next Cultural Perspectives Training is scheduled for April 29th, 2021. Visit our website to register and join the discussion!
The Beacon Hill Story Pole that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca. When installed in 1956, it was the world’s tallest free-standing story pole standing at close to 39 metres. Photo: Shae Zamardi
buzz:
The heart of the Centre The kitchen is the heart of the home. . . well, in our case it’s the Community Centre
›› Shonna Bell Each week, approximately 400 meals are made out of the Fernwood Community Centre kitchen. Patrick Gleeson, our chef, picks up a minimum of 6 boxes of produce from the Mustard Seed via the Food Share Network’s Food Rescue Project. He then processes the donations (along with donations from ColdStar Solutions, supplies from the Good Food Box, and other purchases) into the amazing meals that I hope you have had the chance to enjoy. In a typical day, the kitchen provides snacks for 105 children, and lunches for 45.
Patrick Gleeson (left) and Dylan Perkons (right) perparing meals in the Fernwood Community Centre kitchen. Photo: Mila Czemerys
On Wednesdays, they pull off these snacks and lunches plus over 20 lunches for the Good Food Box volunteers, 10+ meals for Community Programs, and meals for over 80 for the Fernwood Family Dinner. Let me do the math on that. . . on Wednesdays 155 full meals are provided through the Fernwood Community Centre kitchen. One thing that not a lot of people know is that Patrick has clients who come to him directly for food. These are not people connected to the Centre through other programs. Patrick always has his door open and he has established a network of people in the community who he provides food for. To me, there is something so home kitchen about that. Food is a resource that we have been able to provide to the neighbourhood and we couldn’t do that without Patrick and Dylan in the kitchen.
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April 2021
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buzz:
buzz:
Sweet Blossoms
Welcome Cream
Patience, Diversity, Community
›› Kevin Yee-Chan Spring is here! The excitement of buds blossoming and days lengthening is often a welcome exhale after the inward cocoon of winter. Particularly after the inward nature of the last year—a year when we’ve been asked to sit collectively with stillness and ferment in various states of transformation that bubble up—it can be tempting to burst out of the gate at the first sign of “freedom.” As you may have experienced when you open the lid of a long-fermented jar too quickly, a certain kind of explosion occurs. So, we practice patience. Yes… we are still practicing patience. We can learn a lot from saplings that wait patiently under the shelter of old growths to find an optimal expenditure of energy for sustained growth. They support and are supported by peers in an ecosystem of diverse forestry over time and space. This is simply their nature. As a biological part of this ecosystem it is our nature, too. But as conscious beings, we must first choose what systems we partake in: will it be capitalism, colonialism, racism, separatism? Or will it be diversity, inclusion, support, community? For the thinking mind, the answer is
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April 2021
Photo courtesy of Kevin Yee-Chan
never cut and dry. It requires a continual re-learning: to re-educate ourselves of our collective past, remain compassionate amidst mistakes, and perhaps have a wider breadth of foundation to take sustainable steps forward. Within these cycles of living, as we naturally move outward again this spring, how are we doing so with reverence to roots, compassion of heart, and patience to reach toward the sun together over time? The sweetest blossoms are born of seasons of patience, diversity, and community. At Fernwood Yoga Den and Maya Health Clinic, we are here to support you with offerings that nourish the seasons of your body, mind, and spirit. Reach out, stop by… whatever feels natural. Know that you are supported with patience, diversity, and community to bloom when the time is right.
Stacey Novak in her new shop, Cream, at 2000 Fernwood Road—kitty-corner to Little June. Photo: Aly Sibley Photography
›› Laura Benoit When it came to setting up shop at 2000 Fernwood Road, formerly the home of Luna Collective, vintage curator Stacey Novak knew there was one thing she needed to keep in the space: local vendors. “I’ve loved that shop space since the beginning of time,” Novak laughs. “I loved what Luna was doing to support all our local artists, so I wanted to make sure that I had a portion of that as well.” The new shop, Cream, is an eclectic mix of lovingly curated vintage homewares
and outerwear, local art, and handmade goods. “We’ve got a lot of housewares, from vintage glasses, bowls, and mugs to baskets, pottery, and lamps,” says Novak. “And from our local vendors, we have candles from Jody’s Naturals, bath salts and soap from Forest Etiquette, tea from Libra Tide Herbs, and home décor from Chasin’ Rainbows. The list just continues to grow, and I am so excited to have more local items coming.” One special addition to the shop is a dreamy, pastel-filled mural painted by Vintage Opal Studio. “The artist came by to drop off some watercolours,” Novak says. “I held one up to the big white wall and said, this should be a mural! They immediately went home, changed, and came right back to paint this beautiful mural. Such a special little gift from the universe.” Though the shop is full of special, one-of-a-kind items, Novak says there is something that is even more special to her: connecting with visitors from Fernwood and beyond. “I can’t wait to have a continuous teapot going and chat with everyone who comes in the shop,” she says. “All of the local business owners have been so supportive. I’m so excited to be a part of this community.” You can visit Cream at 2000 Fernwood Road, or check out the shop on Instagram at @creamlifeandstyle and online at creamlifeandstyle.ca.
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
buzz:
Stadacona Neighbour Support Network An informal network of folks who want to support unhoused neighbours living in Stadacona Park
›› Stacie Swain, Andrew
Kerr, James Davis, and Alieda Blandford
Andrew first met Ron on January 13th, 2021. Earlier that morning, Ron came within a few feet of dying as a tree crashed through his home during a windstorm. Ron continues to live in the park, play Frisbee, and curate the community collage, which has something for everyone under a sign that reads “thank you.” After conversations with some of those living in the park, in late February we started a Facebook group called the Stadacona Neighbour Support Network (SNSN) with the aim of improving the living conditions of our unhoused neighbours. In the short time since, group members have been busy helping in different ways: setting up a warming tent when it snowed, providing laundry service, charging cell
phones, coordinating a Legal Observer training workshop, mediating interactions with bylaw officers, printing resumes, and delivering lunch through a grant to support local businesses. Ron calls us “community envoys’’ now. According to him, the most important part is how merely sitting and talking to people living in the park can positively impact their mental health. In a city where unhoused residents are often dehumanized and demonized, simply showing kindness can go a long way. The SNSN’s values are simple—respect our neighbours’ need for shelter and remember that we arrive in the park with different life experiences. We believe that all people deserve compassion and that strong communities are built on strong relationships. Through conversation and mutual aid, we are finding common ground in the park that we share. The challenges facing our city can seem insurmountable at times, but caring for our neighbours can make a tangible difference. To get involved, stop by the park and say “hi” when people are outdoors, request to join SNSN on Facebook, or email StadaconaNeighbour@gmail.com for more info. We will be hosting a Zoom Info Session on April 8 from 7-8pm.
The message of appreciation and community collage curated by Ron over the past months. Photo: Andrew Kerr
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op-ed:
The opioid crisis is a public health emergency The Government needs to treat the opioid crisis with the care it deserves
›› Laurel Collins, Member of Parliament for Victoria
There isn’t just one public health emergency in Canada. There are two—the COVID19 pandemic and the opioid crisis. We have lost more lives to overdoses and the toxic drug supply than we’ve currently lost from COVID in Canada. While we deal with the global health pandemic, we are also living through one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime. Last year, 1716 people died due to this
crisis in British Columbia which means we lost approximately 5 people every day. I recently held a virtual roundtable with non-profit community care providers to learn from their expertise and listen to their recommendations. I heard the frustrations they have about this crisis not getting the care and resources it deserves. I heard from many that this patchwork system of support through grants and short-term contracts is not getting to the root of the issues. We know these service providers are also providing efficient and holistic support by working to address underlying issues such as addressing trauma, poverty, mental health, and housing. Yet with reduced spaces due to COVID-19, waitlists are getting longer and access to mental health services are reduced. Ultimately, the Federal Government needs to step up in a
big way to support some of our most vulnerable community members. My NDP colleagues and I have long been calling on this government to declare the opioid crisis a national public health emergency under the Emergencies Act in order to mobilize the response we need. We need a government who will act with logic and courage and treat this crisis with a public health response not a criminal one. We need to end the criminalization and stigma around drug addiction; not punish individuals for personal possession. People struggling with addiction should be able to access the help they need without fear of arrest. I am heartened to see services like SAFER operating here in Victoria that provide access to provide alternative substances for people who suffer from opioid addiction.
However, I heard from these non-profit care providers that safe supply policies alone are not enough to prevent overdose deaths. People face many barriers accessing safe substances, as there continues to be a lack of medical practitioners willing to prescribe what they need. We also need to address stigma, decriminalize, expand spaces in detox centres and increase access to treatment and therapeutic services. It was frustrating to hear the number of times front line workers had to turn away people in crisis because of capacity and resource constraints. We need supports available to people when they search them out. Complex situations require complex care. It is urgent that this Liberal government take the necessary immediate steps to save lives and take those needed to address the underlying issues.
community eats:
Patio season at Mesa Familiar Spring has officially sprung and for the foodie scene, this means patio season is upon us!
›› Lauren Gaultier Some may say that living in such a temperate climate, we are almost always able to enjoy outdoor dining here in beautiful Victoria, but hey, longer sunny days can only make things better right?! If you have walked through Fernwood square over the past six months, you may have noticed the extended outdoor seating
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options to allow restaurants to offer more socially distanced dining opportunities. Mesa Familiar’s patio stands out as the only one closed off completely to car traffic, nestled directly in the square next to the gazebo. Mesa Familiar has been serving our community flavourful and fun Mexican fare since they moved into Fernwood early 2017. Over the past year through the COVID-19 pandemic, they have made a great effort to adapt and offer online menus, easy takeout options and of course, a warm and inviting patio space with heaters and ample spacing. Their staple items include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and snacks like chips & salsa. In addition to these mainstays, they always have rotating
seasonal specials to choose from like ribs, roasted cauliflower, and chicken mole to name a few. Don’t wait, head down to Mesa’s patio on the next sunny day and sip, savour, and soak up the sun! Mesa Familiar is family owned and operated by Neil and Vanessa Davis, founded in January of 2017. Mesa Familiar translates to “family table” a name which they felt expresses their vision; A comfortable space where people of all walks of life can come together to enjoy a meal. A place for family, in a broader sense. To check out their offerings, visit their website at mesafamiliar.ca and follow them on Instagram at @mesafamiliar.
Spring is here and so is patio season at Mesa Familiar. Photo: Lauren Gaultier
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
garden gleanings:
Amend your soil The Spring Equinox has passed and things are truly waking up in the garden. April showers do in fact promise May flowers!
›› Kayla Siefried What to do in the garden this month? Amend your soil, direct seed some vegetable seeds, and prepare a bed to transplant seedlings into. This year, the Compost Education Centre has ya covered for seedlings, as our 10th annual Organic Plant Sale will be happening on North Park Street on May 8 from 10am2pm. Here’s what a spring soil amendment plan could look like: 1. Add compost. If you aren’t already making your own compost, the Compost Education Centre has plenty of free resources and workshops on how to start your own compost pile. And we sell our favourite bins too! (And the City of Victoria will have some available
This is a great time of year to spead compost on your garden beds and protect your soil with leaf mulch. Photo: Zoe-Blue Coates
for free—read on for more details) 2. Minimally disturb the soil. There is an intricate web of life that exists in the soil, and by digging less, we allow soil structure to form, helping with water retention, the
growth of mycelial networks, we keep worms safe, and we even support the soils unique ability to sequester carbon. It also saves our backs from becoming sore! Rather than digging deep, turning over
soil or rototilling, consider nourishing your soil with fork pokes and organic matter. 3. Add Organic Matter. Top garden beds off with compost and also consider adding well-rotted manures, green garden waste, and keeping the soil covered at all moments possible with mulch. Your best mulch option is leaves, but straw does well too. If you didn’t manage to squirrel away leaves this past fall—fear not, and read on! As mentioned above, the City of Victoria will have compost, leaf mulch, and woodchips available to the general public right here in Fernwood! Between April 12-16, the piles will arrive, and you’ll be able to come on foot, bike or car with your wheelbarrows, buckets, and bins to the piles that will be located on North Park Street, near to the entrance of the Compost Education Centre. It’ll be available on a first-come-first served basis. Follow the Compost Education Centre and Fernwood NRG on social media to be sure you hear when it’s been delivered, then come on down to gather some organic matter for your gardens!
north park news:
Updates from NPNA ›› Sarah Murray Hello Fernwood neighbours! We are grateful for the chance to share a few neighbourhood updates with you! First off, the 18 month permit for the Transitional Tiny Home Community at 940 Caledonia (RAP parking lot) was passed by Council on March 18. Aryze is in the process of working with the City and BC Housing to construct 30 shipping container homes, and the operator—Our Place—will welcome new neighbours into these homes by the end of April. Over at Central Park, Council has asked the City Solicitor to bring forward bylaw amendments before May 1 that prohibit sheltering in Central Park. This prohibition on sheltering will be reviewed with the Tiny Home Community at 940 Caledonia. The AAA bicycle corridor improvements on Vancouver Street are almost finished! Freshly paved roads, traffic diverters, and a brand new traffic signal at Vancouver and Caledonia are going to make for smooth sailing down Vancouver Street, just in time for spring! As a part of these improvements, the NPNA is looking forward to working with the City on a permanent parklet on Vancouver between Caledonia and Green Streets. Drop by the monthly food market on April 18 at Royal Athletic Park, and let us know what you would like to see at this
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
new parklet! In February, Victoria City Council held a workshop about whether or not some neighbourhood boundaries should be changed. After discussion Council proposed that the boundary between Fernwood and North Park be amended. They proposed that the area from Cook to Chambers between Pandora and Bay be removed from Fernwood and included in North Park. This would not impact current zoning or Official Community Plan land use designations in any way. Council subsequently directed the City’s Neighbourhoods Team (Michael Hill, Kimberley Stratford, and Gary Pemberton) to consult with residents, businesses, and services, in the affected area, as well as the Fernwood and North Park neighbourhood associations, on the proposed changes and to report back to Council by the end of September 2021. As our Land Use Chair said at the Fernwood land use meeting on March 4, North Park is not trying to invade Fernwood! We want to assure you as our neighbours, that we are not leading this initiative, we were also surprised at this proposal, and that we do not have any preconceived notions about the outcome. For updates on the consultation process visit the neighbourhoods page on the City’s website at victoria.ca/EN/main/ residents/neighbourhoods.html.
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Scene in Fernwood : Heritage Walking Tour
To do your own self-guided walking tour of Fernwood, visit victoriaheritagefoundation.ca/walkingtours/fernwood_tour/fernwoodmap.html. Photos: Aly Sibley Photography