I’m going to have to eat my words from last column when I said there is often little news to report from Elphinstone. With thanks to someone who pointed out my misspokenness (is that a word?), here’s just a small slice of what’s been going on:
You don’t have to drive (or bike or walk) very far in Elphinstone to see stands selling eggs or produce – or both. Then there’s the thriving Shortcut food truck at the Henry/Russell road corner. Speaking of food trucks, Sunday Cider’s large outdoor picnic area is open every day; with food trucks Thursday through Sunday. This past Sunday, a small group of us gathered at one of their (distanced) picnic tables to enjoy some delightful ice-cold craft cider. Bruno’s Burgers food truck was there and I had a terrific black bean burger. The place was alive with people, including families, enjoying the fine weather and pleasant atmosphere; a reminder that masks must be worn unless sitting at the table with your group. Check out their schedule at: sundaycider.com/visit.
People are also out enjoying the various trails connecting our neighbourhoods, and the playground between Cedar Grove School and Frank West Hall is used every day – please slow down! The PAC at Cedar Grove has asked for more policing of the school/playground zone on Chaster for the safety of the approximately 260 children that attend.
Further along Chaster, just before it turns into 7th Street, I poked my nose into the lovely Forage & Grow stand. So cleverly does it fit in with its surroundings, this little shop looks like it evolved there organically. Owner Dustyn Koch says that her husband built it from pallets as their approach is to “reuse, recycle and recreate.” I asked about the charming moss-ball planters and she says she uses a Japanese technique called Kokedama. The small space is packed with delightful gifts – it’s a treat just to look inside. Dustyn also provides cut flowers and takes custom orders – reach her at 604-356-4242 or on Instagram @forageandgrowdesigns.
Our community has several active neighbourhood associations and there’s a volunteer firefighter group that practices every Wednesday evening at the fire hall on Chaster. The Elphinstone Community Association (ECA), a registered provincial society representing Area E for over 60 years, has a diverse board of nine directors and a substantial membership – a good segue to the May ECA meeting, which was well attended with very lively discussion concerning the enormous amount of development occurring in Elphinstone and what say residents should have. The curtailment of APCs (area planning commissions) has been a sore point for the ECA, as even small developments can affect our neighbourhoods. It’s understood that SCRD staff are faced with increasing numbers of applications, but due diligence is critical.
Director Donna McMahon mentioned attending the May 8 meeting of the SC Climate Action Network and announced the next Let’s Talk Water public forum on May 26, with a focus on water metering; join members of the SCRD Board of Directors and staff by going to scrd.ca/water. Angela Kroning was on hand to talk about eagles, orcas and salmon, and sought ECA support for assessing the Chaster Creek watershed to enthusiastic approval. The topic of renaming some key Elphinstone landmarks in the language of the Indigenous inhabitants was discussed with agreement that this should be investigated.
If you’d like to let me know about Elphinstone news, or set me straight about anything, please do so at: [email protected]
