JULIE LAWLOR
Julie LawlorFollowing on from the successful VISION WestShore 2016, the WestShore Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that VISION WestShore 2018 will take place on February 1st.
The main event features a dynamic panel discussion with our five WestShore Mayors as they discuss and debate the future of the WestShore. The panellists are Mayor Carol Hamilton of the City of Colwood, Mayor Ken Williams of the District of the Highlands, Mayor Stewart Young of the City of Langford, Mayor John Ranns of the District of Metchosin and Mayor David Screech of the Town of View Royal.
There’s no shortage of things to talk about in the WestShore. Side by side we have beautiful parks and beaches, so many housing and commercial developments going up that builders and contractors are in short supply, not enough family doctors, too many cars on the road, and a hugely supportive and interconnected community.
This is all set against a backdrop of an increasing population – 69,542 WestShore residents according to the 2016 census compared to 61,625 in 2011.
We know that population numbers are only going to go up and we see this reflected in the expansion of the Westmont Montessori School, the building of the Brookes Westshore School, and the plans for growth being put in place by the Sooke School District.
The strength of VISION 2016 was the frank, open and interactive discussion with our panellists, including questions submitted both in advance and from the floor.
Some familiar topics came up such as transportation, sewage treatment and amalgamation, as well as some topics typically discussed less in the WestShore in 2016 such as “What is your position on medical marijuana dispensaries?” and “How are the 13 municipalities working together across the region?”
For 2018, we look forward to recreating that atmosphere of genuine and engaged conversation.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets for this event, please give us a call at 250-478-1130. Tickets are $85 for WestShore Chamber members, $100 for non-members, and include a cocktail reception, dinner and dessert and an evening of networking as well as the stimulating panel discussion.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Collins Barrow Victoria Ltd for supporting VISION WestShore 2018!
For more information on the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, please go to the website.
Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at jlawlor@westshore.bc.ca.