Pages: 1

Date: Dec 29, 2009

Entry: Hello Everyone.................

I was able to experience a once in a lifetime event by carrying the 2010 Olympic Torch through downtown Esquimalt on the first day of the torch relay in Victoria on Friday October 30th/2009.
What an amazeing trip.............................
I experienced a event that will live in my heart "FOREVER"!!
As I walked through Esquimalt with the torch I personally saw what the torch relay was all about.It was bringing Canadians together from the West Coast to the East Coast and every-where in between.
I felt very humbled and priveledged to be chosen out of 1 million Canadians to carry the torch (and right in my back yard as well).
Especially I enjoyed seeing our future Canadians turn out to observe the torch.
What I am referring to is the many many young children that reperesented the many schools throughout Esquimalt.It's been (2) months now since I carried the torch on that "SPECIAL" day and it still feels like it was yesterday.
I look forward to visiting the schools in the Esquimalt area in the new Year to give each student a chance to hold the torch and hear the story behind me being chosen as a torch bearer as well as having them get a picture with the torch as well.
I really feel like a proud Canadian.
35 years as a radio announcer doesn't even come close to that special moment in time I was able to experience.

Date: Dec 22, 2009

Entry: I was born in Esquimalt and left as a child with my family. Like so many in our community, I returned as an adult to raise my own family. We have it all, for the most part withing walking distance. Parks, library, sports fields, recreation centre, schools and shopping with a wonderful community feeling.

Date: Dec 22, 2009

Entry: I was born in Esquimalt and left as a child with my family. Like so many in our community, I returned as an adult to raise my own family. We have it all, for the most part withing walking distance. Parks,...more

Date: Nov 16, 2009

Entry: Esquimalt is one of the only communities I know of that has adopted a Pedestrian Charter to ensure that our community is safe and accessible for walkers and bikers. In the last two years numerous new crosswalks and sidewalks have made our community safer to walk and bike in. Because so many people are out walking and biking to do their errands, get to school or work, or just to enjoy our beautiful parks, there are more opportunities for people in our community to connect. The sense of community and pride present in Esquimalt is second to none.

Date: Nov 16, 2009

Entry: Esquimalt is one of the only communities I know of that has adopted a Pedestrian Charter to ensure that our community is safe and accessible for walkers and bikers. In the last two years numerous new...more

Date: Nov 1, 2009

Entry: Our countdown to the games has begun and what a way to get it started. We were able to be part of the thousands of people in Esquimalt who welcomed the Torch to our community. Getting the entire school popluation to the Torch Realy was no small task and add in some rain showers and a bit of a delay and our kids and staff were amazing. To look down Esquimalt Rd and see all of our students and families lining the road in their red and white clothes and waving their Canadian flags was inspiring. What an incredible way to start our journey to the games.

Date: Nov 1, 2009

Entry: Our countdown to the games has begun and what a way to get it started. We were able to be part of the thousands of people in Esquimalt who welcomed the Torch to our community. Getting the entire school...more

Date: Oct 31, 2009

Entry: Something for everyone is showcased in the annual Buccaneer Days Parade! See the spirit, community and pride of Esquimalt in this video!

Date: Oct 31, 2009

Entry: Active kids show their skills in the annual Buccaneer Days parade!

Date: Oct 31, 2009

Entry: Right in the centre of town, Esquimalt is pleased to have multiple recreation facilities for the community to enjoy:

The Sports Centre provides a variety of opportunities for ice recreation. Choose between learn-to-skate programs, hockey school, family skate events or curling. Or attend Junior B Hockey games or curling bonspiels. When the ice is out, you'll see Junior B Lacrosse in the arena and special events and shows in the curling rink.

At two hectares, Bullen Field is large enough for a number of organized field sports such as softball, soccer and rugby. The entire field is also used for single special events that draw the community and neighbours from other parts of the Capital Region.

The Esquimalt Teen Centre is located in a small house next to the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and is the centre of youth drop-in and scheduled programs. The Teen Centre can also be rented for birthday parties or special events.

The Lacrosse Box is used year round from team practices, lacrosse camps and competitions hosted by the Victoria Esquimalt Lacrosse Association's Minor division. It may also be reserved for outdoor hockey.

The Recreation Centre boasts state of the art wellness and aquatic centres, a gymnasium and numerous spaces for programs, activities and meetings. In addition to recreation activities and programs, you can choose from hundreds of year round community programs.

Date: Oct 31, 2009

Entry: Right in the centre of town, Esquimalt is pleased to have multiple recreation facilities for the community to enjoy:

The Sports Centre provides a variety of opportunities for ice recreation. Choose...more

Date: Oct 31, 2009

Entry: A small community, with HUGE spirit! This video speaks for itself. The energy and sense of community in our small town is remarkable.

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Esquimalt Eats for Health is a municipal nutrition strategy and food security project aimed at changing the current food environment in our community. Each year, the Esquimalt Eats for Health Team hosts a "Food for Thought Day" to enage the community in healthy eating and sustainable food practices. Highlights of this year's event will include free nutrition workshops, screening of the movie "Island on the Edge", information booths, a chidlren's activity corner featuring "Daisy the Cow", "Vicki the Farmer" and "Crunchy the Carrot" and draw prizes. Persons are also encouraged to bring a healthy food item for the fodo bank in exchange for an Esquimalt Eats for Health t-shirt, a reusable grocery bag or a reusable lunch bag.

Giving Food for Thought

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: To encourage healthy eating, during NAOSH Week, Esquimalt's Occupational Health and Safety Committee hosted nutrition workshops for staff. Pictured: Public Works staff learning about serving sizes and Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.

Nutrition Sessions Support a Healthy Lifestyle

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: As a part of NAOSH Week, the Healthy and Safety Committee encouraged all staff to take a fitness test to evaluate their fitness level. Additional testing will be done throughout the year for staff to measure how their fitness level improves and encourage them to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle. Pictured here are some Public Works staff participating in the challenge.

Public Works Staff Get Moving

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: We may be a small community, but we are an active community. Our beautiful parks are full of walking or running trails with opportunities to just enjoy nature from the view at Cairn Park or gaze out to the ocean from Saxe Point and Buxton Green Parks, our dog owners love to run with their dogs off leash at Macaulay Point.
Drive by our sports fields like Bullen Park and see both children and adult playing or practicing their sport of the season. The Archie Browning Sports Centre and Recreation Centre are humming with all of the activities each has to offer our residents and neighbours.
Drive through our community and see people of all ages out and about walking, biking, skateboarding, scootering and running on any given day.

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: We may be a small community, but we are an active community. Our beautiful parks are full of walking or running trails with opportunities to just enjoy nature from the view at Cairn Park or gaze out to...more

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Esquimalt Rec ran a campaign entilted "Share Your Story" to encourage persons to celebrate their achievements in leading a healthy active lifestyle and to encourage others to do the same. Pictured here is the winner, Judy and her Personal trainer, Mindy. And, here is Judy's inspiring story:
In January 2007, after many months of going it alone, I decided to get a personal trainer to make my workouts more interesting, varied, and focused. I was fortunate to be trained by Mindy, who did a very detailed, easy to follow plan that was both interesting and invigorating. I had a variety of new exercises, a new goal, and a new lease on my fitness. In February, we changed things up a bit and turned it up a notch. Then I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. By that time, I had routine, usual times that I came to the gym, and a regular crowd that I said hello to. I continued to come to the gym, and over time, and the changes in my appearance, (no hair) made some of the regulars and staff aware of my struggle. Everyone, including Mindy was always encouraging, giving me pep talks, and making sure I wasn’t overdoing it. I learned to pace myself and allow myself to rest during the many days off in-between chemo treatments. My recovery has been enhanced by the workouts that Mindy gave me. I have been able to stay working out at the gym, doing things that keep up my strength and made the chemos less overwhelming. Now, I have finished with the harsh chemo treatments, but have gained weight due to steroids and overeating on the days when I was resting. I look forward to meeting with Mindy again, to regain my focus; doing new exercises and working my way back to a totally healthy me.

Inspiring Stories Encourage Activity

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Every Friday morning rain or shine the Esquiamlt Community Walking group meets at Esquimalt Receation centre to share a walk throught the Esquimalt community. All levels, ages, and abilities are welcome to join the walk and it is comptletely free. A great place to contect with other residents, make friends and see your community

Esquimalt Community Walking Group

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: March 7th 2009, the Esquimalt community came together to Run & Walk the LifeMark Health Esquimalt 5K event. 477 people registered for the event including the Esquimalt Mayor and a few councillors, countless Municipal employees, Esquimalt residents and recreation center patrons.

LifeMark Health Esquiamlt 5K Fun Run & Walk 2009

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: A local Firefighter brought forward an idea to have his Rugby Association partner with the Municipality and run a Mini Rugby Program for all children in the community ages 5-13 for an extremely low fee. Basically the program would run for 6 weeks in the spring, The Rugby Association brought out their players to volunteer as coaches, as well as pay for each child to receive a free T-Shirt, Mini Rugby Ball, freezies and a small snack each night and a mouth guard. The cost was just $25 per child and if a family was unable to afford that fee, it was also waved. We started with just 4 children registered but it grew in popularity to nearly 100 children. Why did this grow? It was an extremely affordable out door physical program that was open to any child regardless of physical ability or experience. We had both genders and all types of children come out and really enjoy learning about a sport that perhaps they never would have tried before. The children always left with a smile, they made new friendships and there were never any accidents or injuries. Of course this always pleased parents as well, as most kids were tired out and ready to head home for a warm bath and a good nights sleep! These programs are very few and far between, winning GamesTown, will help us to continue to offer low cost quality programs. It would help to keep our community active and healthy. Something that benefits everyone. Healthy Happy children = Happy Healthy Families = Happy Healthy Lives!!

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: A local Firefighter brought forward an idea to have his Rugby Association partner with the Municipality and run a Mini Rugby Program for all children in the community ages 5-13 for an extremely low fee....more

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Every Friday Night from 8-11pm the Recreation Centre is closed exclusively for Youth to engage in healthy, safe fun! Weekly 100 youth enjoy the gymnasium, weight room, swimming pool, dance studio and more!

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Every Friday Night from 8-11pm the Recreation Centre is closed exclusively for Youth to engage in healthy, safe fun! Weekly 100 youth enjoy the gymnasium, weight room, swimming pool, dance studio and...more

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: The Fitness program area with Esquimalt Recreation recently added spin classes to their programming. Particpants journey up, over and down hills in this indoor cycling class!

Spinning into Shape

Date: Sep 26, 2009

Entry: Esquimalt Recreation has been doing it all to encourage and support the development of programs and incentives to increase healthy living! They host Nutritional Information sessions, lead Community Walking Groups, participate in the Highway to Health through Active Living BC and so much more. The registered and drop in schedule of activities cover everything from Aquatic programs, Group Fitness classes including Spinning, Yoga, Cardio and Strength (so much more)as well as Skating, Curling and Lacrosse. They offer 5 different Dance classes, Golfing, Kayaking, Badminton, Fencing, Martial Arts, Capoeira, 10 different Cooking classes, Computer classes and Gardening.
This dynamic centre has it all and appeals to everyone's interests. There isn't an aspect of health and fitness that is left out, they hit it all!
Recently the Archie Browning Sports Centre, which hosts a full skating and curling rink, was awarded funding to assist in upgrading and repairs. Almost 2 years ago our community went to bat for the Sports Centre to save it from potential demolition. Now, the sense of pride that the community has in saving the centre has been boosted with the knowledge that it will be refreshed to continue to serve the generations to come.
I'm so proud to live and work in this community and to be part of all the wonderful and exciting activities, events and future projects.
Keep up the great work Esquimalt!

Date: Sep 26, 2009

Entry: Esquimalt Recreation has been doing it all to encourage and support the development of programs and incentives to increase healthy living! They host Nutritional Information sessions, lead Community Walking...more

Date: Sep 3, 2009

Entry: Rain or shine, Esquimalt hosts a free drop in community walk in group every Friday. This diverse group meets at the Recreation Centre and explore different trails and parks throughout the community every week. This program was started thanks to funding from BCRPA Active Communities and Walk BC and is now a self sustaining volunteer lead program.

Walking Group Gets People Moving

Date: Sep 1, 2009

Entry: We recently added pickbleball to our sport programming and the community has shown us that this is a great way for all ages and abilities to get active! Often 15-20 people in our community drop in and participate several times a week!

Pickleball Get All Ages Active

Date: Aug 21, 2009

Entry: Overlooking the Strait of Jan de Fuca, Felming Beach is a popular destination for rock climbers. The rock wall and overhang are ideal for bouldering, and short climbs, and offer plenty of options for climbers of all levels. Year round you'll find climbers challenging themeselves both physically and mentally, as they test their strength, endurance, and balance on the cliffs at Fleming Beach.

Yearly passes are available at the Archie Browning Recreation Center, for $10, and are a requirement by the municipality of Esquimalt.

Rock Climbing at Beautiful Fleming Beach

Pages: 1

It Starts with Your Story

Community Tags

Take the Pledge