President’s New Year Message

First we must acknowledge that Rockland is situated on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

On behalf of the Rockland Neighborhood Association (RNA) Board of Directors, we wish all “Rocklandians” health, good wishes and success for the upcoming New Year. Let’s hope that Rockland continues to be the beacon for heritage, culture and the arts. We are the crown jewel of a community in the rapidly changing landscape of Victoria.

The RNA extends our congratulations to Mayor Lisa Helps for successfully securing a second term and to all the new and returning faces on City Council. We look forward to working with the Mayor and Council and hope that a Councillor is named soon to act as Rockland’s liaison. We have noted that at the moment Rockland is the sole Association not to have an appointed Councillor. We are particularly grateful to Mr. Gary Pemberton, Neighborhood Advisor with the City of Victoria, for all his hard work and the passion he brings to our monthly board meetings.

Rockland continues to face challenges and our Land Use committee valiantly works to ensure that the City sticks to the rules. This has proved challenging as many interest groups vie for the ear of the Mayor and Council. For the most part these groups have been successful in changing the look and feel of Victoria. Let’s hope that we don’t become just another city on the West Coast and that we maintain the uniqueness that is Victoria and what tourists from all over the world come to see.

We were also sorry to see former City Councillor Pam Madoff not be successful in returning to office. But we take great delight in sharing that Pam has agreed to work with our Land Use Committee as an advisor. That is great news and we look forward to tapping into Pam’s wisdom, experience and passion for heritage values, our urban forest and for a beautiful and prosperous Victoria that does not come at the expense of our heritage and history.

2018 saw the departure of Stephen Roughly as one of our directors. Steve was instrumental in the developing of our new website and other communication related activities. Steve’s business savvy as the General Manager for several Marriot hotels in Victoria and Whistler enrichened the RNA. His departure due to a heavy workload is missed but we hope to see him return in the future.

2018 also saw a new Director join the team. Danielle Leduc McQueen joins us with experience working on other community associations in Ontario, a BA (Hons) in Political Science from UVic and an MA in Political Science from Carleton University. Danielle has worked in marketing, operations, and administration for non-profits and start-ups, and currently freelance writer for a company in Seattle. Danielle represents the future of Victoria as a resident in Rockland and has taken on the role of Social Director and will communicating exciting Social news for Rockland. Already she has proved herself invaluable on a number of fronts. Please stay tuned for more news on social activities!!

I would like to thank all those who have approached me and offered me help and guidance in my new role as President. 2018 was certainly eventful with the RNA responding to false claims from special interest groups in an attempt to discredit our Association and our wish for responsible development and the maintenance of heritage values in the City. Please be assured the RNA board members will continue to advocate for and follow the Official Community Plan, our Constitution and Bylaws. We are committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with relevant parties on associated Land Use and development related activities.

Finally, I must thank and acknowledge the Board members and associated volunteers of the RNA. These are all volunteer roles that take time away from your family and friends and your dedication to building and fostering a strong collaborative community are to be commended.

We always welcome your ideas and fresh energy – all volunteers are welcome! I wish you all a very festive, safe and joyous holiday season!

Sincerely,