Oak Bay has long history of community organizations serving the residents of the Municipality. An association formed in 1974, which was instrumental in the development of Oak Bay Volunteer Services.

The summer of 2008 was when the germination of a Community Association in the Municipality of Oak Bay took place, once again.

Meeting at the OB Rec Centre to support the initiative of both City Harvest and Food Roots to hold a weekly market in Oak Bay was where the seeds were planted. Out of that brief encounter, it was decided that a gathering of like minded folk here in Oak Bay will grow into a community based organization.

On Thursday, June 19, 2008, a gathering of optimistic Oak Bay residents met with Saanich Councillor, Vicki Sanders. Vicki, a passionate advocate of Community Associations, was more than willing to share her knowledge and enthusiasm of the importance of a formation of such a group. Local suppliers provided snacks which turned this initial meeting into both an informative and social evening. This event provided an opportunity to meet neighbours, many for the first time, and discuss common issues. The evening focused on concerns for the environment, community planning, community vibrancy and safety.

A steering committee was struck and the seeds began to sprout. On a warm July evening in lovely Lokier Gardens it was agreed to draft a constitution, hold an election for five directors and incorporate as a non-profit society. Again, snacks were provided by a local cafe and kept the fun, social aspect of our group in perspective.

September 11, 2008, in The Lilac Room at the Monterey Centre the constitution and by-laws were approved by a crowd of 45 Oak Bay residents. Five directors were elected and will serve until April, 2010. Our roots are becoming firmly planted here in our Municipality of Oak Bay.

On Friday, November 7th, the Community Association hosted an All Candidates Meeting for the Oak Bay Municipal Elections in the Garry Oak Room of the Monterey Centre. This was a standing room only event, and all eleven prospective candidates attended to make this evening a great success.

Officially known as the Community Association of Oak Bay the Certificate of Incorporation was received on December 19, 2008 – what a fulfilling way to end the year. The Directors met for the first time on December 12 and have continued to do so monthly in each other’s home.

On April 22, Earth Day, the first edition of the Oak Bay Connector with a circulation of 7000 was distributed as a centrefold in the Oak Bay News, we hope to produce this newsletter on a seasonal basis. On May 3rd the first Community Fair was held at Oak Bay Rec Centre with 12 Oak Bay organizations partnering with Emergency Social Services. Oak Bay Green Map is progressing with backing of the CAOB, working with Common Ground and UVic we in the fundraising stage of production. The CAOB has partnered with the CRD Bowker Creek Initiative and looks forward to a community walk along the watershed from Oak Bay Rec Centre to the sea on June 13th.

We have many exciting events to look forward to in the development of our Community Association, including a web site, and collaborating with many Oak Bay organizations to give a cohesive feel to Oak Bay. We welcome all residents of Oak Bay to grow and have fun with the Community Association of Oak Bay everyone in our community has something to offer.

Jill Croft
June 2009