We are so excited to share that Burnside Boutique is reopening on Wednesday, May 28! Our volunteers worked hard during the closure and got our store ready for the reopening. Come check out our store on May 28 and meet our new store manager Jasper! Burnside Boutique is open Wednesday – Sunday between 12 – 5 pm.
News
Selkirk Waterfront Festival
The much-loved Selkirk Waterfront Festival is back on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Selkirk Green Park (350 Waterfront Crescent)!
Bring the whole family for a full day of fun — from the Kids Fun Zone with bouncy castles and crafts, to delicious eats from food trucks, and the Selkirk Market featuring local vendors and artisans. Enjoy live music on the main stage with performances by both local legends and rising stars!
Burnside Gorge Community Garage Sale
Clear out your clutter, discover hidden gems and connect with your neighbours at Burnside Gorge Community Garage Sale on Saturday, June 14 from 10 am – 2 pm!
Want to host a sale? Click here to register your address and for more information!
Camp Survivor – Registration is open!
Registration is now open for our Summer Camp Survivor series (ages 10-15)—an action-packed adventure camp for youth and teens who love the outdoors and keep you moving!
Each week is loaded with epic activities like kayaking, swimming, tennis, beach adventures, and tons more. If you’re looking for a full week of non-stop fun, exploration, and new friendships—Camp Survivor is where you want to be.
Burnside Boutique is closed until May 14
Due to road work and staffing challenges, our store will be closed until May 14th. We apologize for any inconvenience and thanks for your understanding!
Get Growing, Victoria! Soil Building Materials Distribution
The award-winning Get Growing, Victoria! program helps distribute seedlings and soil-building materials to residents who face barriers to growing their own food. Building healthy soil is a critical activity to support healthy ecosystems, and growing healthy, abundant gardens. Materials will be available while supplies last. Please bring your own shovel and containers.
Free leaf mulch, compost and woodchips will be available at our location on Wednesday, March 19 between noon-4:30 pm, and at other locations throughout Victoria between March 12-22. For more info click here.
Learn more and find a distribution day near you at victoria.ca/getgrowing.
Annual General Meeting
BGCA’s Annual General Meeting is on Monday, February 24 at Burnside Gorge Community Centre (471 Cecelia Rd.). Doors open at 5:45 pm and the meeting is between 6 – 7: 30 pm.
Come hear about what we have been up to over the past year and connect with our community. We are also excited to welcome MLA Nina Krieger and Councillor Chris Coleman for a special Meet & Greet!
We are hiring!
We have a couple of exciting positions available – check out our current openings and apply today!
Happy Holidays!
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!
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.
