From your BGCA family to you, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Burnside Gorge Community Centre will be closed from December 25-27 & January 1. Enjoy your holidays!
News
BGCN December 2024
The newest issue of the BGCN is online now! Packed with exciting updates, insightful articles and upcoming events, this addition is a must-read. Stay informed about everything going on in our community.
Don’t miss out – click here to read the full newsletter now!
Holidays at BGCA
This festive season, there’s something for everyone at the centre! Families, children, and seniors can enjoy a variety of holiday events designed to bring joy, connection, and community spirit.
We’re also in full swing with our Christmas Hamper Fundraiser, helping families in need create special holiday memories. Every contribution supports food, gifts, and holiday cheer for those who could use a little extra help. For more information click here.
Join us in making this holiday season magical for everyone in our community!
Christmas Dinner
Thursday, December 5 | 5- 7 pm, by donation
Santa’s Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, December 7 | 9 – 11 am $7/family (up to 4 members), $3/person
Christmas Lunch for Seniors
Thursday, December 19 | 12 – 2 pm $7/person
Monster Mash – Thursday, October 24
Join us for a spook-tacular kid-friendly Monster Mash event! Enjoy a yummy hot dog dinner, fun games, and arts & crafts that will get everyone into the Halloween spirit! Costumes are welcome but not required—just bring your energy for a night of fun! 🎨🎃
Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 5-7 pm
Location: 471 Cecelia Rd.
Cost: $5/Family or $2/person
To register contact us at 250-388-5251 or frontdesk@burnsidegorge.ca
Celebrating 30 Years of Dedication: Honoring the Leadership of Suzanne Cole
As we approach a milestone that marks three decades of tireless service and unwavering commitment, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of Suzanne Cole the driving force behind the Burnside Gorge Community Association (BGCA).
After 15 years in various roles with the BGCA, Suzanne stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2009. With a passion for fostering positive change and a heart dedicated to service, Suzanne took on the challenge of addressing the needs and aspirations of our diverse community.
Under her guidance, BGCA has grown from a small, grassroots organization working from a portable on the grounds of the Burnside Elementary School into a thriving pillar of support and development. From early initiatives that focused on community-building and local support services to the expansive programs and outreach efforts we see today, Suzanne has been the leader guiding us through every phase of growth and transformation.
Reflecting on the past 30 years, it’s clear that Suzanne’s impact is woven into the very fabric of our community. She championed programs that have provided essential services, created safe spaces for our youth, families, and seniors and promoted inclusivity and engagement in our community. Her leadership has not only addressed immediate needs but has also inspired long-term vision, ensuring that BGCA continues to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Colleagues and community members alike have witnessed firsthand Suzanne’s unwavering dedication. She approached every challenge with a combination of strategic insight and heartfelt empathy, always prioritizing the well-being and progress of the community and the Burnside Gorge Centre. The success of the BGCA is a testament to her ability to rally support, build strong partnerships, and drive impactful change. Suzanne is recognized as an exemplary mentor and leader by all the social service agencies throughout the Victoria region.
As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we also extend our deepest gratitude to Suzanne for her remarkable leadership. The countless hours of work, the endless energy, and the genuine care that she brings to the role have made an indelible mark on our organization and our community.
Here’s to 30 years of outstanding leadership and many more years of growth and success under Suzanne’s continued guidance. Together, let’s honour this incredible milestone by reflecting on the achievements of the past and looking forward to a future filled with hope, innovation, and community spirit.
Congratulations, Suzanne, and thank you for everything you’ve done to make Burnside Gorge, the Community Association, and Victoria a better place for all.
BGCA Board of Directors
Thanksgiving Dinner
The annual BGCA Thanksgiving Dinner is on Thursday, October 10 between 5-7 pm. Join us for a heartwarming Thanksgiving Community Dinner! Open to all, the dinner is by donation, and it’s the perfect opportunity to come together, and share a meal. Don’t miss this chance to connect with neighbours and friends!
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: 471 Cecelia Rd.
Burnside Boutique Hours
Burnside Boutique has updated its hours! We are now open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. For more information about the store click here.
Free Soil-Building Materials
Fall Soil-Building Materials Distribution is on Friday, September 20
We will have soil-building materials down at the Cecelia Ravine Park , don’t forget your shovel and containers to collect some compost, wood chips and leaf mulch too! Please pay attention to the signage for pick-up instructions so we have enough soil-building materials for all the neighbours!
Please note there is no registration required. There won’t be a seedling distribution.
Date: Friday, September 20
Time: 2pm until gone
Location: Burnside Gorge Community Centre
Gorge Waterway Cleanup
Our annual cleanup event, Gorge Waterway Cleanup is back! Join us to help improve the natural wildlife habitat and beautify our shoreline! No registration required. Rain or shine – dress for the weather and bring your own boots/gloves if you can.
Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 9 am – 11 am
Location: Selkirk Green Park (350 Waterfront Crescent)
BGCN September 2024
The newest issue of the BGCN is online now! Packed with exciting updates, insightful articles and upcoming events, this addition is a must-read. Stay informed about everything going on in our community.
Don’t miss out – click here to read the full newsletter now!
Get Growing, Victoria!
Get Growing, Victoria! summer distribution is on Saturday, July 27 between 11 am – 1 pm!
Please note there is no registration required. We will distribute seedlings on a first come first serve basis.
Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 11 am – 1 pm
Location: Burnside Gorge Community Centre
Are you interested in volunteering for this event? If yes, click here and fill out the application form.
KATS Tennis – Summer Dates
The Society for Kids at Tennis (KATS, www.kidsattennis.ca) is once again providing their free tennis lessons and equipment to families experiencing financial barriers. This program uses the “progressive tennis” approach recommended by Tennis Canada, it uses smaller racquets, smaller courts, lower nets and low-compression balls. For more information and registration click here.
BGCN June 2024
The newest issue of the BGCN is online now! Packed with exciting updates, insightful articles and upcoming events, this addition is a must-read. Stay informed about everything going on in our community.
Don’t miss out – click here to read the full newsletter now!
Camp Survivor registration is now open!
Join us for Camp Survivor this Summer! Registration is now open for the Summer series of youth and teen Camp Survivor! These action-packed adventure camps for youth take you outdoors for paddle boarding, paintballing, Wildplay, swimming at local beaches, and more! If you are looking for a full week of adventure and fun, this is the camp for YOU! Click here for more information and registration package.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for volunteer opportunities? BGCA has different positions available. Either a day event or something continuous we have something for you! Please click here to see the volunteer opportunities page for further information.
Gorge Road Safety Improvements
To improve road safety for everyone, the City is making transportation improvements
on Gorge Road from Blanshard Street to Harriet Road. The project will include
one-way protected bike lanes on each side of the road, paving, transit stop and
accessibility upgrades, new and upgraded traffic signals and crossings, landscaping,
right turn slip lane removal and underground water main replacement.
Construction is beginning April 2024 and will continue into 2025.
To see the City’s Current Constructions & Major Projects page click here.
Get Growing, Victoria!
Much-loved Get Growing, Victoria! is around the corner! BGCA hosting the plant distribution event on Thursday, May 16 between 4 – 6 pm. We will have soil-building materials at the Cecelia Ravine Garden as well. Please don’t forget your shovel and containers to collect some compost, wood chips and leaf mulch too! For more information visit City of Victoria’s website here.
KATS Tennis
The Society for Kids at Tennis (KATS, www.kidsattennis.ca) is once again providing their free tennis lessons and equipment to families experiencing financial barriers. This program uses the “progressive tennis” approach recommended by Tennis Canada, it uses smaller racquets, smaller courts, lower nets and low compression balls. For more information and registration click here.
Selkirk Waterfront Festival
The much-loved community event is back on Saturday, May 25! Vendor applications are open, for more information and the application form click here.
Stay tuned for the upcoming details!
Fiber Maker Space
Fiber maker space is offering a welcoming space to everyone who enjoys or wants to learn more about arts and crafts! Every Thursday between 10 am to noon come join to this free drop-in group.