Restitution payments from people going through restorative justice were used to purchase 52 cases of soup for Langford-Colwood Embrace, an initiative that provides meals and support to low-income seniors on the West Shore.
The project was a joint effort by West Shore RCMP’s Community and Indigenous Policing Unit, its Restorative Justice Program and View Royal Quality Foods.
The Restorative Justice Program diverts first-time offenders from the criminal-justice system by having them complete community-service hours and make restitution payments.
“View Royal Quality Foods stepped up and assisted with cost-sharing to ensure that the West Shore donation went even further than originally planned,” police said in a statement.
Cpl. Cole Brewer of the Community & Indigenous Policing Unit thanked store manager Richard Sproule, assistant manager Shane Tarr and other members of the store’s staff who helped organize the donation effort.
“View Royal Quality Foods is a great community partner,” he said.
>>> Walking the top reason for using CRD parks and trails
A recent survey shows the top reason for using Capital Regional District parks and trails was walking at 79 per cent, followed by hiking at 71 per cent, viewing nature at 43 per cent, cycling at 42 per cent and dog walking at 38 per cent.
Reasons for not visiting parks ranged from not having enough time to physical challenges and feeling unsafe. Those who stay away from trails mentioned concerns such as the speed of cyclists and having to deal with off-leash dogs.
The most heavily used park is Elk/Beaver Lake with 1,919,677 visits in 2023, followed by Thetis Lake at 540,857 in 2023 and Island View Beach with 451,232 visits in 2023.
The results revealed this month show 94 per cent of respondents think regional parks are an important part of the community, while 84 per cent said the same thing about regional trails like the Galloping Goose and the E&N Rail Trail.
A total of 64 per cent of survey takers said they support increased funding for future operation of regional parks and trails.
The survey went to 7,650 households in the CRD and had 1,762 responses.
The survey results will help determine planning and service delivery for parks and trails, the CRD said.
>>> Top honour goes to former Ladysmith mayor
Former Ladysmith mayor Rob Hutchins has been given the inaugural Freedom of the Town award — the community’s most prestigious civic honour.
Hutchins is Ladysmith’s longest-serving mayor, having filled the role for 21 years from 1993-2014 before returning to serve an additional term as a member of the town council.
Under his leadership, the town became the first Cowichan Valley community to bring in universal recycling in 1995. It went on to become the first community in Western Canada to implement collection of organic material in 2005.
“Rob Hutchins’ dedication to our community has left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come,”Acting Mayor Tricia McKay said. “Many of the qualities and achievements that Ladysmith takes great pride in today can be traced back to the leadership and vision of Mr. Hutchins.”
Hutchins also spearheaded an initiative to plant 1,000 boulevard trees and played a big role in developing community trails like those in the Holland Creek and Stocking Lake areas.
His efforts helped Ladysmith receive the National Community in Bloom Award in 2003, the town said, as well as recognition from Harrowsmith Magazine as one of Canada’s 10 prettiest small towns.
Hutchins also co-chaired the Cowichan Watershed Board and chaired a hospice task force, and worked as a teacher and counselor in the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District for 33 years
Council established the Freedom of the Town in 2023 for people who have made exceptional contributions to Ladysmith.
Unanimous council approval in a secret vote is required in the selection of recipients.
>>> Teacher leads final holiday event
Jennifer Reeson-Ho has marked the last holiday season of her 33-year teaching career by once again leading the Operation Snowball charity event at Cedar Hill Middle School.
Operation Snowball, which began 20 years ago, has grown to include both a school food drive and a community food drive.
Reeson-Ho will be passing along leadership of the long-standing event to other school staff, including her daughter and fellow teacher Jennifer Ho.
Activities for Operation Snowball culminated last week with a family night at the school that included live music, karaoke and a silent auction, and a school-wide assembly.
This year’s efforts raised more than $5,700 and brought in 136 food hampers, up from 120 last year.
It’s all for the Shelbourne Community Kitchen, which helps people through such services as a community food centre and a pantry program where they can select food items.
>>> Nominations open for provincial awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Order
of British Columbia and Medal of Good Citizenship.
The Order of British Columbia is B.C.’s top honour, and celebrates achievement, excellence or distinction that have benefited the province and beyond.
It is open to former or current B.C. residents, and does not include posthumous nominations.
The Medal of Good Citizenship is for those who have contributed significantly to their community as volunteers. Individuals and couples are eligible, along with children and youth, and groups of three or more.
Nominations can be made posthumously.
The deadline for nominations for both awards is April 4, 2025.
To submit a nomination for the Order of British Columbia visit and to submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship, visit .
