Happy Lunar New Year!
 
February 1^st 2022 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Say goodbye to the Year of the Ox, we enter the Year of the Tiger this Tuesday!
 
The year of the Tiger will be about making big changes. We're finding enthusiasm again, both for ourselves and others. Generosity is at an all-time high and social progress feels possible. Have a hopeful and healthy year!

Sincerely,

Hey Saanich! Have these blue skies got you longing for warmer weather and outdoor actives? Then you might be happy to know that baseball registration is now open!

 
Checkout these links to register your child:

• Lakehill Baseball & Softball
• Layritz Little League
• Layritz Intermediate
• Cordova Bay Fastball 

Play ball!

Sincerely,

 
Many folks across the province are working hard to make their communities a better place. Whether it's through not-for-profit work, leading local initiatives to shift to cleaner energy sources, or making personal lifestyle changes to help preserve our planet – people are making a difference. 

This week, we announced funding for not-for-profit organizations to upgrade their facilities, update technology, or buy needed equipment. People rely on local not-for-profit organizations for important services, including ones that support their physical and mental health. This critical funding for capital projects will help organizations make upgrades that benefit people, such as replacing old playgrounds at schools, building wheel-chair accessible spaces, and building a recovery home for people experiencing addiction.
 
We also made record investments in communities to reduce pollution and increase health in response to a changing climate. As we deal with the impacts of climate change on our province, we know how important it is to support cleaner infrastructure projects. The third intake of the CleanBC Communities Fund will support projects that increase clean energy and energy efficiency in buildings, transportation and other community-owned infrastructure to reduce community reliance on fossil fuels. Applications open on Jan. 26 for local governments, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit and for-profit organizations.
 
We’re also making it easier for students to walk or wheel to school. 12 schools across the province will be participating in a pilot project to encourage active transportation. Schools will have access to funding to plan walking and cycling improvements that meet specific needs in their neighbourhood, including offering shared bikes, scooters, and skateboards, or determining the best-routes to school and educating students on safety.
 
We know we have a diverse province, full of hard-working people with great ideas. That’s why we are investing in community efforts across the province. When we all work together, we can build a stronger, cleaner B.C. for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has announced that gyms will be allowed to re-open as of January 20th, provided they follow health protocols to ensure they are operating safely.
 
Here are some of the new regulations: 

• There must be at least 7 square metres of space between workout machines or between people in a group class.
• Masks must be always worn, except when actively exercising. 
• Pre-bookings for drop-in individual fitness should be implemented where operationally possible 

 
Throughout this pandemic, closing businesses has been a temporary measure to help protect our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, keep people safe, and to slow the sudden and rapid spread of the virus. Businesses which have been affected by the December 22nd PHO order can still apply for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many gyms and fitness centres in our community which have had to innovate and adapt to restrictions by offering virtual or outdoor classes, and by temporarily closing at times. Thank you for doing your part to keep Saanich safe and healthy. 

There are many great gyms and fitness centres in Saanich South. With the gradual reopening starting tomorrow I encourage you to check them out! Here are just some of them:

• 30 Minute Hit – 102-4475 Viewmont Ave
• Canada’s Best Karate – 201-4442 West Saanich Rd
• CMATS Martial Arts – 4512 West Saanich Rd
• Crossfit Lifetree – 6021 West Saanich Rd
• Falcon Gymnastics – 208-721 Vanalman Ave
• Fit in Motion – 956 Burnside Rd West
• Karen Clark Dance Studio – 4499 Viewmont Ave
• Kenzen Karate – 4349 West Saanich Rd
• Oxygen Yoga and Fitness – 4454B West Saanich Rd
• Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence – 4371 Interurban Rd
• Real Fit – 4396 West Saanich Rd
• Resurgence Training – 1130 Burnside Rd West
• Saanich Commonwealth Place – 4636 Elk Lake Dr
• Skillz Canada – 3-4011 Quadra St
• Victoria Sport and Social Club – 5166 Cordova Bay Rd

Did we miss your gym? Let us know by emailing my office at Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca! 

Sincerely,

Last night, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix answered questions from British Columbians at a townhall-style meeting about covid-19 and how we're working to keep people safe. 

They answered questions about booster doses, keeping our children in schools safe, omicron, concerns surrounding the vaccines, and more. It was a very interesting meeting and I encourage everyone to give it a listen!

If you missed the original broadcast, you can watch it here.

Sincerely,

The new year brings hope and optimism with it despite the challenges ahead of us. While COVID-19 continues to disrupt our lives and our communities, we are implementing science-based measures to get through the Omicron variant and put the pandemic behind us. 
 
We’ve accelerated our booster campaign and now over 960,000 people have received their booster shot. The most important thing we can all do is make sure to get your vaccines as soon as you are eligible. Like getting your second dose, everyone 18 and older will receive an email or text to book their booster at a location that works for them through our online system. Invitations for booster shots are being sent out approximately 6 months after someone received their second dose. If you’re not vaccinated yet you can register to get your vaccine through BC’s Get Vaccinated system.
 
Applications for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant will open soon. Businesses that have had to temporarily close due to the latest Provincial Health Officer orders can apply to receive up to $10,000 to help cover costs like rent, utilities, and wages.
 
As more and more British Columbians are receiving their booster shots, it is still important that we continue to use other layers of protection to keep each other safe, including wearing masks, decreasing social contacts, and staying home when we feel sick.
 
In 2022, let’s continue to support and care for one another as we look ahead to brighter days.

Sincerely,