The week begins with many interesting meetings- with business reps on the Bellville Terminal, with BC Housing and the Coalition to End Homelessness to explore supportive Housing opportunities, to the CRD Liquid Waste Committee, talking Sewage of course, and the Planning and Transportation Committee; We are looking at demographics of the region, and wwhoa - we are getting older faster that we age getting bigger. we are going to have to take a serious look at immigration to keep our region strong.

Thursday sees the opening of the Spirit Square, including the Spirit Beach (bring the children!) and the Spirit Garden.This will feature the unveiling of the Spirit Poles, carved by Butch and Clarance Dick, and will see the ceremonies include Chief Sam and Chief Thomas.Thursday afternoon sees me back onto the mound, throwing the first pitch for the opening of the Provincial Midget AAA baseball Tourney at Royal Atheltic park.

The week ends with Annie Pelletier's first art show at the Fairmont Empress on Saturday.

photos by John Luton

For more photos please click here                 

This is a full week - late night task force meets with lounge and liquor store owners, a last visit with the Emperor of Japan, the opening of UBCM's "Government House, chairing the Victoria Police Board, a meeting with Minister Bond on the Blue Bridge infrastructure application,three meetings on housing projects, City Council meeting Thursday night and then off to the interior on Friday!

1 July 2009

It was an exciting day greeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan on behalf of the citizens of Victoria. Hopefully will have some photos to share and post soon!

In Japanese : Ryo heika ni, o me ni kakarete, koei ni omoimasu!

 Photo by Jeff Vinnick

1 July 2009

Speakers and dignitaries gather in the waiting room before the ceremonies for Canada Day at the LG Residence.  The ceremony is moving - the pride the new citizens take raises ones own pride, and taking the oath with them reaffirms what we have all taken for granted - freedom to practice our trade, our customs, to participate in a democratic society.

More photos of the day are on www.flickr.com/photos/deanfortin08

17 May 2009

I have a fantastic opportunity to meet His Royal Highness and represent Victoria on the way to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference in Whistler.

27 June 2009

Saturday night was presentation night at the Paparazzi's Club.  Club owner Attila presents Pride Parade Coordinator David Tilson with a cheque to help with the week's events.

The City of Victoria issued a proclamation, noting the importance of having a city that is welcoming and inclusive of everyone.

It was great fun to go and watch the games at Bear Mountain Arena and cheer on the local teams, and the "challenge with the Mayor of Kingston added to the entertainment.  I had the opportunity to chat with the Mayor of Colwood about the challenge and Dave was a great sport and understood me stepping up for the region.  read more »