Newcomer's Guide - Lookout Newspaper

MFRC 24-Hour

Information Line: 250.363.2640

Toll free: 1.800.353.3329

[email protected]

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

Newcomer’s Guide2013 - 2014

250-363-2640 • 1-800-353-3329 • www.esquimaltmfrc.com

•Relocation

•SpecialNeeds

•Eldercare

•HealthCare

•MentalHealth

•Childcare

•EmploymentandEducation

•Plusmore

www.family

navigator.c

a

Your one-stop community resource for military family lifestyle information.

INTRO


September 14

NADEN DRILL HALL

FREE EVENT SA

TURD

AY

9 a.m.- Noon


INTR

O


Onbehalf of theDefence Team,I would like to welcome you tothe Greater Victoria area. We livein a vibrant community that of-ferseverythingfamiliescouldwishfor in aplace to callhome. Iurge

you to get out and explore thefantastic restaurants, the peacefulparks and green spaces, as well asthewiderangeofsitesandservicesavailable for local residents. Thisregionhastrulyfoundthebalancebetween having the comfortablefeelofasmalltownwhileprovidingevery entertainment, educationalor leisureopportunityyoumaybeseekingasafamily.

Canadian Forces Base Esquimaltoffersasimilarrangeofchoicesandishometonumerousclubs,servicesandgreatfacilities.Iencourageyouand your family to get involvedanddiscovertheextensiveservicesavailableat theBase, fromPerson-nel Support Programs to the arrayof support offered by theMilitary

On behalf of everyone at theEsquimaltMilitaryFamilyResourceCentre, I would like to welcomeyouandyourfamilytoGreaterVic-toria. WestCoast lifecanbetrulyspectacular.It’sawonderfulplaceto

raisea family. Thereareplentyofreasonstolovethisarea:adynamicarts community, themild climate,and the year-round outdoor life.You’llfinditaplacerichinhistorywithmodern shops, recreation fa-cilitiesandschools.InGreaterVic-toria,youarenevertoofar fromagreatrestaurant,abeautifulparkorawalkbytheocean.Wehopethatyou and your family have a greattimehere.

Moving can definitely be achallenge. So, we hope that thisWelcomeBooklet canprovide youwith valuable information before,during and after your move. Onthe following pages, you’ll get anidea of the many resources avail-abletoyouandyourfamilyatCFB

WELCOME


INTRO

3

Disclaimer: The information compiled in this document is for resource listing purposes only. The MFRC does not advise individuals to use any particular service. The MFRC will not accept any liability in respect of any damages or other liability arising from the use of any of the services listed on our resource listings. It is the individual’s responsibility to research the referrals given to assess their suitability.

Table of Contents Introduction .................................................. 4Relocation Checklist ...............................................5

Getting to know Victoria ............................. 7Victoria, CFB Esquimalt .........................................7Greater Victoria area ............................................11 Outside Greater Victoria ................................... 26Cowichan Valley .................................................. 27

Getting settled into your community ....... 29Finding a place to live ........................................ 29Vehicle Registration in B.C. ...............................31Medical Coverage in B.C. ................................... 34Accessing Medical Service in B.C. .................. 36Child Care for Kids under 5 years ................... 38School and Out of School Programs (5 to 18 years) .................... 39 Post-Secondary Education ................................41Employment .......................................................... 42

Getting connected ..................................... 45Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre ... 45Connecting with new people .......................... 48Exploring Vancouver Island .............................. 50Contact Information.............................................51

Family Resource Centre. Thecollectionofinformationcon-tained in thispackagewillbeaninvaluabletoolforlearningabouthowyouandyourfam-ily can take advantage of themanyopportunities.

Ihopethatyourtimespentin the Greater Victoria areais rewarding and memorableandIlookforwardtoyoujoin-ingourDefenceTeamhereonCanada’sWestCoast.

Sincerely,Capt(N)BobAuchterlonieBaseCommanderCanadianForcesBaseEsquimalt

Esquimalt and in the sur-roundingcommunities.

I encourage you to con-nectwith theMilitaryFamilyResourceCentreatanytime.Ifyouhave aquestion, call ourtoll-free 24-Hour InformationLine at 1-800-353-3329. Wearehappytoassistyouinanywaythatwecan.Dropinandvisitus,thecoffeeisalwayson!

Sincerely,GaynorJacksonMFRCExecutiveDirector

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4 250-363-2640 • 1-800-353-3329 • www.esquimaltmfrc.com

INTR

O

IntroductionRelocatingtoanewareacanbebothanexcitingandstressfulexperi-

ence.ThisWelcomeBookletprovidesyouwithimportantinformationtoassistyouwiththetransitionintoanewcommunity.

There are three main sections in this booklet and a handy relocation checklist has been included for your convenience:

SECTIOn 1: GETTInG TO knOW VICTOrIa

NowthatyouknowyouhavebeenpostedtoCFBEsquimalt,youwouldprobablyliketoknowaboutyournewcommunity. ThissectioncontainsabriefintroductionalongwithfactsandfiguresofthecommunitiesthatcompriseGreaterVictoriaaswellasthecommunitiesnorthoftheMala-hat in theCowichanValley. It also includes a brief descriptionofCFBEsquimalt.

SECTIOn 2: GETTInG SETTLEd InTO YOur COMMunITY

Onceyouhavemoved,theprocessofregistering,andfillingoutpaper-workbegins.Section2discusseshowtoregisteryourvehicle,obtainaBCdriver’slicense,howtoaccesshealthcareandotherimportantinforma-tiontoeasethetransitiontoourarea.

SECTIOn 3: GETTInG COnnECTEd

Asyouaresettlingintoyournewplace,yourthoughtsmayturntocon-nectingwithnewpeopleandtodiscoveringwhatyournewcommunityhastooffer.WhatdoesmynewMilitaryFamilyResourceCentreofferintermsofservices?Thesequestionsareansweredinsection3,whichcon-tainsabriefsummaryofMFRCservices,tipsonhowtobuildyoursocialnetworksandabrieftourofsomeofVancouverIsland’sfavouritetouristdestinations.


relocation Checklist Movingtoanewareaoftenrequirescompletingnecessarypaperwork

andobtainingnewdocuments.ThischecklistisdesignedtohelpyoukeeptrackofwhattasksneedtobedonewhenmovingtoB.C.

BEfOrE YOu LEaVE YOur BaSE Or COMMunITY

1. ContactyourlocalMFRCtoobtaininformationaboutyournewlocation.Detailsonpage47.

2. RegisteryourselfforMFRCSecondLanguageTraining-Freeofcharge(ifyouareexperiencingalanguagebarrier).

3. Contactyourcarinsurancecompanyandgetadetailedlet-terinthelanguageofyournewinsurancecompany.Detailsonpage31.

4. Getthepassportsrenewedforfamilymembers.(Beingnewtoacommunitymakesitmoredifficulttofindlongtermreferences)

5. Askforacopyofyourmedicalchartand/orinformyourselfabouttheprocessifyouneedtohavemedicalchartstrans-ferred.

6. Keepallyourinsurancepaperswithyou.(Notpackedaway)

7. Gotowww.familynavigator.ca.Thiswebsiteprovidestoolsandresourcestosupportyouinyourrelocation.Thesetoolsincludea“RoadMap”ofyourrelocationwith tips, resources, and contacts that guide youthroughtherelocationprocess.

If YOu haVE ChILdrEn

1. VisittheDEMwebsite:TheDependentEducationManagementistoassist,provideinfor-mationandauthorizemilitaryeducationallowanceentitlementstoassistCFmemberswiththetransitionfromoneprovince/territorytoanother.Detailsonpage39.

2. Visittheschoolofyourchildrenandgetthecontactinformationforyournewschool(faxandphonenumber,addressandcontactnamefortransferringschools).

3. Obtainalltheimmunizationrecordsforyourchildren(inEnglish,ifpossible).

INTRO


INTR

O

* A Military Family Identification Card (MFID) is available to immediate military family members of Regular and Reserve Force members. Family members include: spouse/com-mon-law partners and children who are 13 years of age and older. To obtain this card, the CF member must be present. This card will give you access to Base facilities and will entitle you to benefits from the Military Discount Program.

Action time frAme detAils

Vehicle safety inspection

Within 30 days of your arrival date

Page 31

Get a Military Family Identification Card* at any

MFRC location

Upon arrival or during your house hunting trip

Page 47

Register for medicalcoverage in B.C.

Within 3 months of your arrival

(Should apply ASAP)Page 34

Get driver’s license for B.C. (at Motor Vehicle Branch)

Within 3 months of your arrival date

Page 32

Visit Employment Insurance Office

As soon as you get your Record of Employment

Page 44

Register yourself on the waiting list for daycare (at MFRC daycare and Child Care Resource Referral)

As soon as you receive your posting message

(limited spaces)Page 38

Enroll in free second lan-guage training at the MFRC

(if you haven’t already)


Page 46

Subscribe to the newcomer’s mailing list

with the MFRC


afTEr YOu GET YOur pOSTInG MESSaGE and upOn arrIVaL:

QuICk rEfErEnCE

B.C. driver’s license and vehicle insurance .............................Page 31-32Child care – Preschool 0-5 years old .......................................Page 38-39Children – Schools 5-18 years old ............................................Page 39-40Doctor – finding ..............................................................................Page 36-37Employment ......................................................................................Page 42-44Education – Post-secondary ........................................................Page 41Home – finding ...............................................................................Page 29-30Medical insurance ...........................................................................Page 34-35


SECTION

1

Getting to know Victoria

GEOGraphY and CLIMaTE

VictoriaislocatedonthesoutherntipofVancouverIsland.InordertogettoVictoriabycar,youwillneedtotakeaferryfromVancouver(Tsaw-wassen Ferry Terminal). The trip is approximately 1 hour and 35min-utes. TheuniquelocationofVictoriagivestheareaatemperateclimatewithwarmsummers(theaveragetemperatureis22Celsius)andwithmorehoursofsunshinethanotherregionsonthemainlandoftheprovince.

AwarmcoatandumbrellaaresufficientforwintersintheVictoriare-gionsincetheyareusuallythemildestinCanadawithanaverageJanuarytemperatureof6Celsius. Whenitdoessnow,itoftendoesnotstaylong.Theareaisahavenformotorcyclists,cyclistsandgolfers.However,ifyoudoprefertraditionalwinteractivitiessuchasskiing,youcanvisitMountWashington,whichisa3hourdrivenorthofVictoria.Thisskiresortislocatednearthe19WingComoxCanadianAirForceBase.

LanGuaGE

WhiletheprimarylanguageinVictoriaisEnglish,youwillhearavarietyoflanguagesspokenthroughthearea.FrenchcanbeheardinsomepartsofthedowntownareasclosetogovernmentofficesandaroundCFBEsqui-malt.IfyourprimarylanguageisFrench,thereisaFrenchlanguageschoolsystem,aFrancophonesocietyandfreesecondlanguagetrainingavailablethroughtheMFRC.VictoriahasoneofthehighestlevelsofregistrationsinFrenchimmersionprogramsinCanada.

CuLTuraL hErITaGE/TOurISM

Victoria is a city rich in its diverse culturalheritage: you can immerseyourselfinthe“Britishfeel”oftheareabygoingtotheEmpressHotelforafternoonteaorexplorethelegacyoftheFirstNationspeoplebyvisitingoneoftheirmanyculturalcentres. Victoriaisalsoworld-renownedforitsmajesticButchartGardens.Thecityisafavouredtouristdestination,andthestreetsduringthesummerseasonarefullofvisitorsexploringthecityandallofitsattractions.

paCE Of CITY LIfE

The rhythmof life inVictoria is slowpaced, charming andpeaceful.Naturetrailsandbicyclelanesaboundinthearea,makingthecityverypedestrianandbicyclefriendly.


SECT

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1

naTurE

WhileVictoriaisacity,itisuniqueinthefactthatnatureandwildlifesurroundyouateveryturn.Mostneighbourhoodshaveelaborategreenspace,anditisnotuncommontoseedeeralongthesidesofroadsneartheseparkareas.This is especially true formilitarymembersandDNDcivilianworkerswhoworkinoneoftheCFBEsquimaltlocations.

EMErGEnCY prEparEdnESS

TheGreaterVictoriaregionissubjecttotheriskofearthquakes,severewin-terwindandrainstorms,andsummerfirehazards.Thereisinformationavail-ablefromtheB.C.governmentatwww.pep.bc.catohelpyougainawarenessofthehazardsandhowtorespond.Preparingforemergenciesiseveryone’sresponsibility.

Greater Victoria Quick facts and Stats people

OverallpopulationofGreaterVictoria:359,991Averageage:45yearsoldLanguagespoken:EnglishAccessibilityfordisabledpeople:Crosswalksfortheblind,bustransitwheelchairaccessible,specialtransportationavailable(HandyDart).AccessVictoria:AccessibleTransitServicesatwww.busonline.ca/regions/vic/accessible/default.cfmLegalageofthemajority:19yearsold

usage Of phone

Phone:Needtodial10digits(includingthe250 or778areacode)

home prices (data from dec 2012)

Formoreinformationabouthousingmarket,visitwww.cmhc-schl.gc.caAveragepriceforHouse:$591,580AveragepriceforTownhouse:$408,559AveragepriceforCondo:$313,989AveragepriceforaManufacturedHouse:$115,749PricerangeforTownhouserentals:$708(1bdrm)to$1,504(3bdrm+)PricerangeforApartmentrentals:$647(bachelor)to$1,232(3bdrm+)Vacancyrateforapartments:1.4%Durationofalease:Monthlybasis(normally)Legal:Landlordmayrefusetenantswhosmokeorhavepets


SECTION

1utility providers

Electricity:B.C.HydroGas:FortisBCOil:ColumbiaFuelandothersCable:ShawandTELUSTelephone:TELUSandShaw(forlandlines)Internet:ShawandTELUS

health

B.C.ProvincialMedicalCoverage:monthlypremiumpaidbyeachcitizen(seepage34)Hospitals:3intheGreaterVictoriaArea(CapitalRegionalDistrict)FamilyDoctors:VisitaWalk-inClinictoinquireaboutdoctorsacceptingnewpatients(seepage36-37)

Work

Mainlanguage:EnglishproficiencyrequiredMinimumwage:generalminimumwage:$10.25perhourUnemploymentrate:7.0%(seepage42)

Child Care

Childcarefacilities(averageprices):$500to$1,105permonthVacancyrate:Varies(consultthefacilitiesinyourarea)EsquimaltMFRChastwodaycarefacilities12months-5yrs.Calltobeputonwaitlist.In-homedaycare(averageprices):From$30-$50aday/perchildBabysitters(averagepriceperhour):Rangefrom$6to$10perhour

School

K-12:AvailableinbothofficiallanguagesandFrenchimmersionUniversity/College:OnlyinEnglishSchoolAge:5yearsoldbyDec.31Alldaykindergartenavailableinallpublicschools.EducationAllowances:TheCFDependentEducationManagement(DEM)programprovidesusefulinformationoneducationallowances,considerationsandpreparationsinconjunctionwithaposting.Visitwww.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dem-epcg(seepage39)

Vehicle

GasPrices:visitwww.gasbuddy.com

faith/religion

NumerousdenominationsareavailableintheGreaterVictoriaRegionServicesinFrench(RomanCatholic:1ParoisseSt-Jean-Baptiste)CanadianForcesBase:3Churches(2RomanCatholicand1Protestant)


SECT

ION

1provincial Laws

Smokinglaws:Legalage(19)requiredtopurchasetobaccoproduct;smokingforbiddeninallindoorpublicspacesandworkplaces,aswellaswithinthreemetresofpublicandworkspacedoorways,openwindowsorairintakes.Cellularlaws:IllegaltouseacellularphonewhiledrivingLiquorproviders:PrivateandgovernmentownedstoresBicyclehelmet:MandatorySpeedlimits:30-60km/hintownand70-100km/honhighwaysRightturnonredlight:PermittedGreenflashinglightdoesnotmeanadvancedturn,itmeanstheintersec-tionispedestriancontrolled.Carseat:www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/child-seatsSeatbelt:MandatorySalesTax:EffectiveApril1,2013,HSTwillberemovedandreplacedwith7%PSTand5%GST

CfB Esquimalt HMCDockyard Esquimalt, at the end

ofEsquimaltRoad,hostsa largeshipre-pairunitformaintainingnavalvessels.

CFBEsquimaltisprimarilyanavalbasewith an English language designation.TheBaseemploysaround4,300militarymembers and 2,000 civilian personnel.Approximately 10-15% of its militarypopulationisFrancophone.

The Base has several locations spread

over 25 kilometers in different commu-nities surroundingVictoria.Most of theCFBEsquimaltfacilitiesarelocatedintheEsquimalt community approximately 4kilometersfromdowntownVictoria.

IfyouwouldliketolearnmoreaboutCFBEsquimalt,pleaserefertothe

BaseInformationGuide(youshouldhavereceivedonewiththisbooklet).Thisguide,producedinbothofficiallanguages,willgiveyouthehistoryofCFBEsquimalt,andthedifferentIntegralandLodger’sunits.ItwillalsoprovideyouwithmapsoftheBaseandimportantphonenumbers.

CFB Esquimalt offers guided tours toCFmembers and their families

duringthesummer.Toscheduleatour,contact250-363-5291.


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SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

Greater Victoria - 13 Municipalities

Municipality Kilometers to Base More information

Esquimalt 0.8 Page 14-15

View Royal 4.9 Page 25

Victoria 5.8 Page 24

Saanich 7.9 Page 21

Oak Bay 9.2 Page 20

Colwood 11.1

Langford 12.1 Page 17

Metchosin 19.1 Page 18

Central Saanich 20 Page 12

Highlands 20.9 Page 16

North Saanich 26.5 Page 19

Sidney 29.5 Page 22

Sooke 33.4 Page 23


SECT

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Central Saanich Central Saanich neighbourhoods:

BrentwoodBay,IslandView,Saanichton

Quick facts for Central Saanich

Population:15,936PricesofSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$562,645/$404,328/$269,250Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$637-$1,261Rentalvacancyrate:1.3%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesHospital:1(SaanichPeninsulaHospital)Grocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:No(closestisinNorthSaanich)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.bctransit.com/regions/vic/schedulesRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(monthlyvisitsto443SquadroninnearbySidney)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.centralsaanich.ca

Central Saanich is about20kmfromdowntownVic-toria. This community hasa rich agricultural heritagewith easy access to trans-portation facilities. One ofthemajorattributesof thiscommunity is its 20kmofshoreline. Central SaanichenjoysthebenefitsofbeinglocatedclosetoVictoriabutstillpossessesa ruralambi-ence.


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Colwood ColwoodisthefirstcommunityontheWestShore.Thismunicipality

offersawiderangeofattractionsandactivitiesforpeopleofallages.Youcanplaygolfinthemorningandgofishingintheafternoon.Thiscom-munityisfamilyorientedandisoneofthefastestgrowingcommunitiesinB.C.

Colwoodislocated12kmfromDockyardandcontainsothersectionsofCFBEsquimalt.Inthiscommunity,youwillfindthelargestproportionofResidentialHousingUnitsinanareacalledBelmontPark,adjacenttoRoyalRoadsUniversity.BelmontParkhasaCANEXconveniencestore,aschooland2churches(oneRomanCatholicandoneProtestant).

ThereisalsoafacilityprovidedbytheBasecalledtheColwoodPacificActivityCentre (CPAC),which isa10minutewalk fromBelmontPark.ThisfacilityishometoaMFRClocationandoneofthetwoMFRCday-cares.ItalsohousesaPSPoffice.TheMFRCalsooperatesanoutofschoolcareprogramattheYouthActivityCentreinBelmontPark.

Colwood neighbourhoods:

BelmontPark,HatleyPark,MillHill,RoyalRoads,TriangleMountain

Quick facts for Colwood

Population:16,093PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$476,425/$391,051/$252,942Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$589-$1,157Rentalvacancyrate:1.0%ResidentialHousingUnits(RHU):YesSingleQuarters(SQ):NoSchools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesMFRCandincommunitiesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes(1)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:Yes(CPAC)

www.colwood.ca


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Esquimalt Thiscommunityissituatedon72acresthatofferamixofcommercial,

residential and industrial development. This community contains sce-nicparkland,waterfrontwalkways,beaches,andagolfcourse.Thisareaof townhosts the largestportionofCFBEsquimaltandis thehomeofCanada’sPacificNavalFleet.Here,youwillbeabletofindtheDockyard,Naden,WorkPointandtheBaseLanguageTrainingSchoolaswellasoneofthetwoMFRCoffices.

dockyard

TheDockyardisthelargestpartoftheBaseandislocatedattheendofEsquimaltRoadabout7kmfromdowntownVictoria.InthispartoftheBase,youwillfindalltheMesses,alltheSingleQuartersforChiefsandPettyOfficers’(sergeantsandabove)andaportionofSingleQuartersforCommissionedMembersintheWardroom.

YoucanalsofindsomeResidentialHousingUnits(formerlyknownasPMQs)andoneoftheMFRClocationsneartheDockyardentrance.

naden

Thesecond largestpartof theBase is inNaden,which is locatedap-proximately2kmfromtheDockyard.Here,youwillfindtheCANEX,theSISIPoffice,abarbershop,atravelagentandtheCFHAoffice.ThisareaalsohasPSPrecreationalfacilities,whichincludesagymandanicerink.

NadenalsohasSingleQuartersformemberswitharankMasterSeamanandbelow(Master Corporalsand below).InstructionalfacilitiessuchastheCanadianForces Fleet School and theLearning andCareerCentre,alongwithPersonnelSupportProgramsarealsolocatedhere.Otherno-

Fras

er S

t.

Lookout

MFRCSignal Hill

17

BL ANSHARD ST.

ISLAND H IGHWAY

Portage Inlet

InnerHarbour

BURNSIDE RD. WEST

CAREY RD.

BURNSIDE RD. EAST

GORGE RD. EAST

HARRIE

T RD.

CRAIGFLOWER RD.

TILLIC

UM R

D.

LAM

PSO

N S

T.

FRA

SER

ST.

AD

MIR

ALS

RD

.

AD

MIR

ALS

RD

.

LYALL ST.

HEAD ST.

HELMC

KEN

RD.

VICTORIA

CFB ESQUIMALTNADEN

CFB ESQUIMALTWORK POINT

CFB ESQUIMALTHMC

DOCKYARD

Westside Village

Lookout

MFRCSignal Hill

Gorge Vale Golf Course

Veterans Cemetary

LampsonSchool

ESQUIMALT RD.

ESQUIMALT RD.

OLD ESQUIMALT RD.

E & N RAILWAY (VIA)Esquimalt Harbour

[CF H SVC(P)]Canadian Forces

Hospital

Victoria General Hospital

HSwan Lake

GORGE RD. WEST

DOUGLAS ST.

Canadian Forces Sailing Association

BAY ST.

INTERURBAN RD.

H COLVILLE RD.

Johnson StreetBridge

MCKENZIE AVE.


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www.esquimalt.ca

table facilities include: the BaseOrderly Room,Base Personnel SupportOffice, theBaseChaplain’sOffice, aChapel andMilitary Police.AcrossthestreetfromNadenaresomeResidentialHousingUnitsandtheBaseHospital.

Work point

ThethirdareaoftheBasewithintheEsquimaltcommunityisWorkPoint,approximately2kmfromNaden.

This part of the Base contains the second largest area of ResidentialHousingUnits. In addition, youwill find instructional facilities for re-cruits,specializingintrainingforFirstNationspersonnelandVenture(theNavalOfficerTrainingCentre)whereallMARSOfficersaretrained.TherearealsoSingleQuartersforCommissionedMembersandfortransientCFmembersofallrankshere.WorkPointislocatedbytheoceanandoffersabreathtakingviewoftheOlympicMountainsinWashingtonState.

Esquimalt neighbourhoods:

Craigflower,GorgeVale,Rockheights,Songhees,WorkPoint

Quick facts for Esquimalt

Population:16,209PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$469,503/$360,213/$230,137Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$607-$1,055Rentalvacancyrate:1.0%ResidentialHousingUnits:YesSingleQuarters:YesSchools:YesFrenchSchool:Yes(1)ÉcoleVictorBrodeurSchoolChildcarefacilities:MFRCandincommunitiesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes(1)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:Yes

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER


SECT

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highlands highlands neighbourhoods:

DurranceLake,EastHighlands,WestHighlands

Quick facts for The highlands

Population:2,120House/PriceforLotsandAcreage:$643,500/$242,500Pricerangeforapartmentrentals:NodataRentalvacancyrate:NodataSchools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:NoRecreationalcentres:No(closestisinLangford/Colwood)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:NoDentaloffices:NoMFRClocation:No(CPACistheclosestlocation)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.highlands.bc.ca

TheHighlandsarelocatedfurthernorthandprovideaquietruralset-ting. Small hobby farms and largeresidential acreage co-exist. Thereare beautiful scenic parkswith ex-tensive walking and hiking trails.This area is also home to uniquewildlife.


SECTION

1

Langford Langford neighbourhoods:

BearMountain,FlorenceLake,GlenLake,Goldstream,Luxton,Millstream,Ravenwood

Quick facts for Langford

Population:29,228PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$494,176/$324,038/$262,720AffordableHousingProgram:www.cityoflangford.caPricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$589-$1,157Rentalvacancyrate:1.0%SingleQuarters:NoSchools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes(1)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yes,www.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(shortdistancetoCPACinColwood)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.cityoflangford.ca

The community of Langford isadjacenttoColwood.Itisayoung,growing community that offersaffordablehousingandawiderangeof services and amenities. Resi-dentsenjoyawealthofrecreationalactivities.


SECT

ION

1

Metchosin Metchosin neighbourhoods:

HappyValley,MathesonLake,RockyPoint,WilliamHead

Quick facts for Metchosin

Population:4,803PriceofSingleFamily:$627,097Pricerangeforapartmentrentals:NodataRentalsvacancyrates:NodataResidentialHousingUnits:YesintheRockyPointpartofMetchosinSchools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesRecreationalcentres:No(closestisinColwood)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:NoDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(CPACistheclosestlocation)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.district.metchosin.bc.ca

Metchosinisapicturesque,semi-ruralcommunity. Naturetrails,sce-nicmarinas,andsandybeachesaresome of the natural beauties thatthis community offers.Metchosinhas a farmer’s market where youcanpurchaselocalfruitsandvege-tables,homemadebread,jamsandpickles,and“freerange”eggs.


SECTION

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north Saanichnorth Saanich neighbourhoods:

CloakHill,DeanPark,DeepCove,LandsEnd,PatriciaBay(‘‘PatBay’’),SwartzBay

Quick facts for north Saanich

Population:11,089PricesofSingleFamily:$690,354Pricerangeforapartmentrentals:NodataRentalvacancyrates:NodataSchools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:NoRecreationalcentres:Yes(1)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.bctransit.com/regions/vic/Ridesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:NoDentaloffices:NoMFRClocation:No(monthlyvisitsto443SquadroninnearbySidney)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.northsaanich.ca

North Saanich is locatedon theSaanich Peninsula, approximately25kmnorthofVictoria.Theareaissurroundedonthreesidesby20km of ocean shoreline. The longcoastlines here offer local homesanunparalleledviewoftheocean,distantislandsandmountains.


SECT

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1

Oak Bay Oak Bay neighborhoods:

Gonzales,SouthOakBay,Uplands,WillowsBeach,WindsorPark

Quick facts for Oak Bay

Population:18,015PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$878,905/$524,200/$371,535Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$665-$1,406Rentalvacancyrate:1.4%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caRecreationalcentres:Yes(2)www.fitinfitness.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(shortdistancesfrombothEsquimaltlocations)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.oakbaybc.org

Oak Bay offers its Englishman-ner through Tudor style homes,tearooms and picturesque gar-dens. Walks are delightful alongboththesandyWillowsBeachandalong theoceanboulevardknownastheScenicDrive.


SECTION

1

Saanich Saanich neighbourhoods:

BeaverLake,Broadmead,CadboroBay,CedarHill,Cordova Bay,ElkLake,Glanford, GordonHead,TheGorge,Interurban, LakeHill,Mari-gold,Mayfair,Mt.Douglas,Mt.Tolmie,ProspectLake,RoyalOak,Straw-berryVale,TenMilePoint,Tillicum,WestBurnside,WestSaanich

Quick facts for Saanich

Population:109,752PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$529,817/$385,989/$266,495Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$637-$1,261Rentalvacancyrate:1.3%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caRecreationalcentres:Yes(4)www.fitinfitness.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(shortdistancestoallMFRCfacilities)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.saanich.ca

Saanich is a major residentialarea in the Capital Regional Dis-trict. This part of Greater Victoriahasanimportantagriculturalbase.This community has provincialparks, public beaches and pictur-esquewaterfallsatBeaverLakeandSwan Lake. If you enjoy beautifulviews,youwillbedelightedwhenyou will reach the top of MountDouglasandcontemplatetheCityofVictoriabelow.


SECT

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1

SidneySidney neighbourhoods:

Sidneyisbrokenintofourquadrantslistedasnorth,south,east,andwest.

Quick facts for Sidney

Population:11,178PricesofSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$465,318/$383,514/$270,535Pricerangeforrentals(1bdr/2bdr):$776-$1,018Rentalvacancyrate:2.3%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes,www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yes,www.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(monthlyvisitsto443Squadron)

www.sidney.ca

Approximately 40 minutes fromdowntown Victoria along Highway17isthetownofSidney.Thiscom-munityisthehomeoftheAirForceDetachment’s443MaritimeHelicop-ter Squadron. This squadron is lo-catedadjacenttotheVictoriaairportandisonlyafewkilometersfromtheferryterminal.

Thissceniccoastalcommunityof-fers romantic seaside walks, count-less sandy beaches and picturesquemarinas. The waters off Sidney’sshoresareafavouriteforscubadiverstoexplorebothsurroundingmarinelifeandtwoartificialshipreefs.

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY

SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER


SECTION

1

Sooke Sooke neighbourhoods:

BroomHill,EastSooke,KempLake,OtterPoint,Saseenos,WhiffenSpit

Quick facts for Sooke

Population:11,435PricesofSingleFamily/Manufactured:$384,811/$137,327Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$589-$1,157Rentalvacancyrate:1.0%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:Yeswww.sfrc.caGrocerystores:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes(1)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caShoppingcentre:YesBustransit:www.transitbc.comRidesharing:www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No,however,regularvisitsandvolunteeropportunitiesFacebookGroup:MilitaryFamiliesinSooke

www.sooke.ca

SookeislocatedwestofEsquimaltand is about a 40-minute car ridefrom downtown Victoria. ScenicoceanviewsandthegrandeuroftheOlympic Mountains are commonvistas in this community. Severalmembersofthemilitarycommuni-tyhavechosenthisfamily-orientedcommunity for theirhome. Sookeishometomanyprovincialparks,scenicbeachesandrainforests.

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER


SECT

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1

Victoria Victoria neighbourhoods:

Chinatown,CookStreetVillage,Downtown,EastBurnside-Gorge,Fairfield,Fernwood,HarrisGreen,Hillside-Quadra,HumboldtValley,JamesBay,Jubilee,NorthPark,RockBay,Rockland,VicWest

Quick facts for Victoria

Population:80,017PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$621,980/$468,471/$307,067Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$650-$1,294Rentalvacancyrate:1.4%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes(3)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(shortdistancesfromEsquimaltlocations)

www.victoria.ca

Victoria is the capital city ofBritish Columbia and home tothe provincial government. Officebuildings, shopping districts andheritage buildings dominate thisarea.ThesecondoldestChinatownin North America can be foundhere,andtheInnerHarbourisalivewith street buskers, visual artists,craftsmen and singers during thesummerseason.

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER


SECTION

1

View royal View royal neighbourhood:

Shoreline

Quick facts for View royal

Population:9,381PricesforSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$544,519/$338,514/$282,079Pricerangeforapartmentrentals(bachelor/3bdr+):$589-$1,157Rentalvacancyrate:1.0%Schools:YesChildcarefacilities:YesGrocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:No(theclosestisinColwood)www.fitinfitness.caLibrary:Yeswww.gvpl.caBustransit:www.transitbc.comWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No(shortdistancesfromEsquimaltandColwoodlocations)

SOOKE

MALAHAT

SHAWNIGANLAKE

NORTHSAANICH

MILLBAY SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW

ROYAL

JORDANRIVER

www.viewroyal.ca

Adjacent to Esquimalt is thecommunity of View Royal. Youmaytravelthroughthisquaintlit-tlecommunityifyoucommutetotheDockyardfromtheWestShorecommunities. View Royal enve-lopesatranquilbayandsitsatthedoorstep of the Greater Victoria’surbancore.


SECT

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1

Outside Greater Victoria CommunitiesoutsideGreaterVictoriaarealsohometomembersofthe

DefenseCommunity.Inrecentyears,theCowichanValleyhasbecomeanattractiveplaceforCFmemberstolive.

The communities within the Cowichan Valley Regional District are

about60kmnorthofVictoriaalongHighway1.Thisareagenerallyof-fers fewer services that cater to themilitary community; however, theCowichanValleyhasitsownadvantages:housinginthisdistrictismoreaffordablethanGreaterVictoria.

EventhoughtheMFRCdoesnothaveafacilityintheCowichanValley,

theorganizationconductsregularvisitsinthesecommunities,andworkswithlocalcommunitymembersandpartnerstoenhancethequalityoflife formilitary communitymembers who reside here. To address thechallengesofservicingthemilitarycommunityinthisarea,theMFRChasmade numerous services accessible online at www.esquimaltmfrc.com.IfyouliveintheCowichanValleyandneedassistance,pleasedonothesi-tatetocontacttheMFRCtoll-freeat1-800-353-3329.

CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICTCAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT

Lake Cowichan

SOOKE

MALAHAT

NORTHSAANICH

SIDNEY

CENTRALSAANICH

HIGHLANDS

LANGFORD

METCHOSIN

COLWOOD

ESQUIMALT

VICTORIAWEST

VICTORIA

OAKBAY

SAANICHWEST

SAANICHEASTVIEW ROYAL

COWICHAN VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT

Crofton

Haro StraitMaple Bay

Shawnigan Lake

Cobble Hill Cowichan Bay


SECTION

1

Cowichan Valley The Cowichan Valley is located north of the Malahat Mountain on

Highway1.Thismountainhasanelevationof310meters.ItscaveswereusedbyFirstNationsancestorsforspiritualenhancementandareoneoftheirmostsacredsitesonsouthernVancouverIsland.TheMalahatDriveclimbs through imposingmature forestsandover ruggedmountainsidebeforedroppingdownintotheCowichanValley. Despiteitsbeauty,thedriveovertheMalahatMountaincan,attimes,bechallenginganddan-gerousduringwintermonths.ToviewtheMalahatMountaindriveyoucan consultthiswebsite:images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam.

TheCowichanValley is comprisedofmostly rural communitieswithpulpandpaper,forestry,fishing,farming,tourismandwineriesbeingthemainindustriesofthearea.Recreationalactivitiesareabundanthere:fish-ing,kayaking,hikingandgolfingarejustsomeoftheyear-roundactivitiesthatyoucando.

Surrounding areas:

Chemainus,CobbleHill,CowichanBay,CowichanStation,Crofton,Duncan,HoneymoonBay,Ladysmith,LakeCowichan,MapleBay,MesachieLake,MillBay,ShawniganLake,Westholme,Youbou

Quick facts for Cowichan Valley

Population:76,929PricesofSingleFamily/Townhouse/Condo:$441,317/$256,000/$215,800Pricesforapartmentsrentals:NodataPricesfortownhouseentals:NodataVacancyrentalrate:NodataSchools:Yes(District#79)Childcarefacilities:Yes,www.islandfamilyinfo.ca(seepage38)Grocerystores:YesShoppingcentre:YesRecreationalcentres:Yes(4)locatedinDuncan,LakeCowichan,MillBay,ShawniganLakeHospital:1(locatedinDuncan)www.viha.ca/finding_careLibrary:Yes(inDuncan)www.youseemore.com/duncan/ Bustransit:www.busonline.ca/regions/cow/?p=2.listRidesharing:Yeswww.transitbc.com/regions/vic/transitplus/vanpools.cfmWalk-inmedicalclinics:YesDentaloffices:YesMFRClocation:No,however,regularvisitsandvolunteeropportunities

www.cvrd.bc.ca


SECT

ION

2


SECTION

2

Getting Settled Into Your Community

fIndInG a pLaCE TO LIVE

housing affordability

TheDepartmentofNationalDefence(DND)addresseshousingafford-abilityissuesthroughthepayandbenefitspackage.Thisapproachiscom-plementedbythePostLivingDifferentialAllowance,whichcompensatesmemberswhoareposted to locationswithahighercostof living suchas Esquimalt. Allmembers posted to these areas receive the allowance,whethertheychoosetoliveinDNDhousingornot.

Military housing

Theregulatorybasis forsettingDNDhousingunits rentspecifiesthatrentspaidbyoccupantsofgovernmenthousingshouldbefair,equitable,andcomparabletothosepaidforadwellingofsimilarsizeandconditioninthesurroundingmarket.Thislevelplayingfieldensuresthatrentspaidbythe16%ofCFpersonnelwhochoosetoliveinDNDhousingunitsarecomparabletotherentspaidbythe84%ofCFpersonnelwholiveincivil-ianhousingunits.

residential housing units

(formerlyknownasPermanentMarriedQuartersPMQ’s)TheCanadianForcesHousingAgency(CFHA)givesyoutheoptionof

residinginMilitaryResidentialHousingUnits.Thenumberofunitsavail-ableislimitedto709withina25kmradiusofCFBEsquimalt. Eligibilityisbasedonaprioritysystemandafirst-come,first-servedbasis.IfnoResi-dentialHousingUnitsareavailable,theCFmembermayhavetheirnamesplacedonanactivewaitlist60dayspriortotheirchange-of-strengthdate.ItisrecommendedthatyouapplyassoonaspossiblethroughtheBrook-fieldRelocationServices(BGRS)formerlyknownasIntergratedRelocationProgram(IRP).Visitwww.rp-pri.comformoreinformationorbycontact-ingCFHAdirectly by either filling out an application in person at thehousingmanagement officelocatedinNaden,oronlineatwww.cfha-alfc.forces.gc.ca.TheCFHAphonenumberis250-363-4163.


SECT

ION

2Base accommodations (Single Quarters)

SingleQuartersarealsoofferedatCFBEsquimalt.Thefollowingisalistofroomsavailableaccordingtorank:• Officers:134singlerooms• ChiefandPettyOfficers(sergeantandabove):74singlerooms• MasterSeamanandbelow(MasterCorporalandbelow):282spaces(includ-

ing,singleanddoubleoccupancy)• JuniorOfficers:254spaces• Transientmembersofallranks:68singleroomsThequartersavailabletoCFmembersaredividedamongstthefollowinglocationslocatedintheEsquimaltcommunity:Dockyard,Naden,andWorkPoint.Formoreinformation,pleasecontacttheBaseaccommoda-tionsat250-363-4087.

renting

InB.C.,youhavetheopportunitytorentahouse,acondo,anapart-mentoraroomandboard.Toobtainadditionalinformationaboutrentalrulesandregulations,checktheCanadaMortgageandHousingCorpora-tionwebsite:www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.(Toobtaininformationonrentalac-commodations,pleasecontacttheMFRC)

Security deposit

Themaximumsecuritydepositforresidentialpremisesallowedishalfamonth’srent.Iftenantspaymorethanhalfamonth’srent,theycandeductthisoverpaymentfromanyrentowing;however,ifthelandlordallowspetstheycanalsoaskforanadditionalhalfamonth’srent.Thisiscalleda“petdamagedeposit.”Inthissituation,thetotalcombineddepos-itscanbeuptoonemonth’srent.

A signed moved in/moved out condition is required. Itismandatoryforlandlordsandtenantstoconductanincomingand

outgoinginspectionreport.Ifthereportsarenotcomplete,thelandlordortenantrunstheriskofjeopardizingtheirsecuritydeposit.

pets and Smoking

InB.C.,alandlordmayrefusetorenttoatenantwhoisasmokerorwhohaspets.

Buying a house in B.C.

(Ensure tocontactyourRelocationProgramoffice formerlyknownasIRP)

Forfurtherinformationonbuyingandifyouhavespecialneedsrelatedtodisabilities,pleaseconsulttheCanadaMortgageandHousingCorpora-tion.Website:www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca. Phone: 1-800-668-2642. If you areoutsideCanada,call613-748-2000orfax613-748-2098.

[email protected].


SECTION

2

Vehicle registration, Licensing and TransportationVehicle registration

Vehicleregistrationrulesdifferfromprovincetoprovince.Thefollow-ingsectionwillprovideyouwithinformationontherulesthatapplyinBritishColumbia.TheInsuranceCorporationofBritishColumbia(ICBC)isaprovincialcrowncorporationthatprovidesuniversalautoinsuranceinB.C. aswell as licensingand registration.Checkout theirwebsite atwww.ICBC.com for themost current information or phone 1-800-663-3051ifyouhaveanyquestions. Youarerequiredtoregisteryourvehiclewithin30daysofmovingto

B.C.Beforeregistration,youmusthaveyourvehicleinspectedbyades-ignatedinspectionfacility inBritishColumbia.PleaserefertotheICBCwebsitetogetthemostup-to-datelistoffacilities. Onceyouhavesuc-cessfullypassedthesafetyinspection,youcanproceedtooneofthemanyAutoplanBrokerslistedontheirwebsite.

You will need to bring:• Yourcurrentregistration• Completedsafetyinspection• Yourvehicle• ProperID(youwillneedtorefertotheICBCwebsiteforacceptedID)


SECT

ION

2Vehicle Insurance

ICBCprovidesinsurancediscountsifyoucanprovideaclaim-freeinsur-ancehistory.Youwillneedtohavea“ClaimHistory”letterfromyourpreviousinsureronofficialletterheadwiththedriver’sname,policynum-ber,andperiodofcoverageandthedatesofanyfaultclaims.IfthisletterisnotinEnglish,youwillneedtogetacertified,ICBC-approvedtranslatortotranslatetheletter.Alistoftranslatorsisavailableonline.

driver’s License

YoumustgetaB.C.DriversLicensewithin90daysofmovingtoB.C.Togetafullprivilegedriver’slicence,youmustprovideproofofhavingheldadrivingrecordfortwoyears(notalearner’slicense).Ifyoucannotpro-videproof,youwillberequiredtocompletetheB.C.graduatedlicensingsystemoutlinedindetailontheICBCwebsite.

Storage of recreational vehicles

ThereisastoragefacilityprovidedbyPSPintheFleetDiveUnitarealo-catedinColwoodandatWorkPoint.Spaceisseverelylimitedwithprece-dencebeinggiventodeployedmembers,somilitarymembersareencour-agedtocallPSPRecreationPOatCPACat250-363-2648tobeplacedonawaitlist.Therewillbeamonthlychargeof$20/monthplusapplicabletaxesforboats,RV’s,etc.

aLTErnaTE TranSpOrTaTIOn In GrEaTEr VICTOrIa

Vanpooling and park and ride

Thisisaspecializedtransportationservicethatserveslonger-distancecommutertripstoandfromareaswhicharenotservedbyconventionaltransit. Vanpoolingismoreefficientandeconomicalthancommutingalone.

Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningavanpool,youshouldcontacttheJackBellFoundationat250-380-RIDEorwww.ride-share.com.

Formoreinformationregardingtransportation,visittheB.C.TransitwebsitefortheirParkandRideprogram:www.bctransit.com/regions/vic/schedules/park_and_ride.cfm.

Baseline ferry

BASELINE passenger ferry runs between Colwood, Dockyard, Nadenand theEsquimaltGravingDock.Youcancatch the ferryatD Jetty inColwood,theSeamanshipTrainingCentreinNadenortheMLFfloatsinDockyard.YoumusthaveproperMilitaryIDtousetheferry.Ticketscanbepurchasedatthetentonthejettyoronboardtheferry.Daily,monthlyandyearlypassesavailable.

Captain Cell:250-208-4682or250-812-0870


SECTION

2

Biking, Walking, Jogging

TheGallopingGooseTrailmovesthroughurban,ruralandwildernesssettings.Thetrailis60kmlongandbeginsatthesouthendoftheSelkirkTrestle,atthefootofAlstonStreetinVicWestandgoesbothouttoSookeand Sidney. Access points and parking are found along the entire trailroute.

Visit www.gallopinggoosetrail.com for additional information or call250-478-3344.


SECT

ION

2

Medical Coverage Inmostcases,themedicalcoveragefromyourprovinceoforiginwill

continuefor3monthsafteryourelocate.

AsofJuly2008,anagreementhasbeenmadethat“BritishColumbiawillwaive theMedical ServicePlan (MSP)waitperiod forallCanadianSoldiers and their familieswhomove to B.C. from elsewhere inCana-da,” includingtheProvinceofQuébecforfamilymembersofCFmembers(spouseandcommon lawpartnersandchildren.)Familieswillneed tocontactMSPdirectlytorequestwavingthethree-monthwaitperiod. Ifyouneedfurtherassistancenavigatingthemedicalsystem,pleasecontacttheEsquimaltMFRC.

B.C. Medical Coverage For spouses/common law partners and children of CF members

The medical coverage application is made by the CF Membersthrough his or her employer, which is DND. The military membercan obtain application forms at his/her Base Orderly Room (BOR) orship’soffice.Monthlypremiumsvaryaccordingto thenumberof fam-ilymembers. Formore information, contact your BOR or ship’s officeorHealth InsuranceBCContactCentreat1-800-663-7100oronlineatwww.health.gov.bc.ca/msp.

Assoonasyouarriveintheprovince,themilitarymemberfillsouttheformsandsubmits themto theBaseOrderlyRoomorhisorher ship’soffice.Applicationformsrequire:

1.TheMember’ssignature.2.SocialInsuranceNumber.


SECTION

2

For partners that are not common law Ifyouareapplyingforaself-administeredMSPaccount,completeanap-

plicationforenrollmentformonline(seewww.health.gov.bc.ca/msp)andsendittoMSP.CopiesofdocumentstosupportthenameandCanadiancitizenshipor immigrationstatusof thepersons listedonyourapplica-tionmayberequired.Visitthiswebsiteforadditionalinformation:www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/eligible.html#enroll

B.C.CareCardswillbemailed toyour residence. Ifyouhavenot re-

ceivedyourcardswithinthreemonths,contacttheHealthInsuranceBCContactCentreat1-800-663-7100orwheretheapplicationhasbeenmadethroughDND.TheCFmembercancheckthestatusofhis/herapplicationwiththeBaseOrderlyRoomorship’soffice.

OnceyouhavereceivedyourB.C.CareCardallBritishColumbiansarerequiredtoregisterforFairPharmacare.Youmayapplyonlineorbycon-tactingHealthInsuranceBC1-800-663-7100.Youwillneedtohavethepersonalhealthcardnumberanddateofbirthforeachmemberofyourfamily,andforyourselfandyourspouse(ifapplicable)youwillneedyoursocialinsurancenumberandyourNetIncome(Line236)fromyourIn-comeTaxReturnorfromyourNoticeofAssessmentfromtwoyearsago.

public Service health Care plan (pShCp)

PSHCPisanoptionalextendedhealthcarebenefitplanadministratedbySunLife.Thiscoveragedoesnotchangeasyoumovefromprovinceto province. If your familymembers (spouse/common lawpartner andchildren)arenotcoveredbythisplan,themilitarymembercangotohisorherBaseOrderlyRoomorship’sofficetofilloutandsubmittheappli-cationform.Thiscoverageisdesignedtohelppayforsomeofthehealthservicesthatarenotcoveredbytheprovincialhealthinsuranceplan.Youcanfindmoreinformationabouteligibilityandobtainapplicationformsbyvisitingtheirwebsiteat:

www.tbs-sct.gc.caorbycallingtheSunlifePSHCPCallCentreat1-888-757-7427.

dental

InB.C.,thereisnodentalcoverage.DNDoffersadentalplanforfamilymembers(spouse/commonlawpartnerandchildren)thatisadministeredbyGreatWestLife.Thiscoveragedoesnotchangeasyoumovefromprov-ince toprovince. If your familymembers (spouse/common lawpartnerandchildren)arenotcoveredbythisplan,themilitarymembercangotohisorherBaseOrderlyRoomorships’officetofillouttheapplicationform.YoucanfindmoreinformationontheGreatWestLifewebsiteat:www.tbs-sct.gc.caorbycallingthemat1-800-957-9777.


SECT

ION

2

accessing Medical Services Asinotherprovinces,itisdifficulttosecureafamilydoctorinBritish

Columbia.However,someserviceshavebeenputinplacetohelpyoufinddoctorswhoareacceptingnewpatients.

needing Medical attention

IfyoudoordonothaveafamilydoctorinB.C.,youcanvisitawalk-inclinicforyournon-emergencymedicalneeds.Therearewalk-inclinicsinmostmunicipalareas.Forallemergencies,visitthelocalhospitalordial911.

finding a new physician

The Victoria Medical Society (VMS) website provides an up-to-datelistofphysiciansintheGreaterVictoriaandsurroundingareaswhoareacceptingnewpatients.ContacttheMFRCforacompleteupdatedlistofdoctorsacceptingnewpatients.Thislistisupdatedmonthly.

Call250-598-6021orvisitwww.victoriamedicalsociety.org.

College of physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia

TheCollege’sinterestistheprotectionandsafetyofpatients,andthequalityofcaretheyreceivefromlicensedphysiciansinB.C.Thiswebsiteprovidesalistofphysicianswhoaretakingnewpatientssortedbyareaandinthelanguageofchoice.

Telephone:604-733-7758Tollfree:1-800-461-3008Website:www.cpsbc.ca

B.C. nurse Line

Thisservicegivesyoutheopportunitytospeakwithanurseaboutyoursymptoms,consultwithapharmacistaboutyourmedicationquestions,orgetgoodnutritionaladvicefromadietitian.Youcanalsoinquireaboutpubliclyfundedhealthservicesandresourcesthatyoumightneed.

Youcanaccessthisservicebydialing811anditisavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweekfornon-urgentmedicalquestions.Youcanalsovisittheirwebsiteat:

www.healthlinkbc.caorcontactthembyphoneat1-866-215-4700.

Deaf and hearing-impaired dial 711 or toll free at 1-866-889-4700.Thisserviceisavailablein130languagesuponrequest.


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finding a new dentist

TheCollegeofDentalSurgeonsofBritishColumbiawillhelpyoufindregistered,licenseddentistsaswellascertifieddentalassistants(CDAs).

Calltoll-freeinB.C.:1-800-663-9169Faxtoll-freeinB.C.:1-866-734-9448Website:www.cdsbc.org

YouwillneedtocallindividualclinicstoseeiftheywilldodirectbillingtoGreatWestLife.

Vancouver Island health authority

TheVancouverIslandHealthAuthority(VIHA)provideshealthcareonVancouverIsland.Thisorganizationwillhelpyoufindhealthcareprovid-ers,facilities,andprogramsacrosstheregion.Youwillalsobeabletoac-cesstheB.C.HealthGuideaswellasotherservices.

Telephone:250-370-8699TollFree: 1-877-370-8699Website:www.viha.ca/finding_care

hospitals Victoria General, 1HospitalWay (locatedinViewRoyal)250-727-4212

Royal Jubilee Hospital, 1900FortStreet (locatedinVictoria)250-370-8000

Saanich Peninsula Hospital, 2166MtNewtonXRd (locatedinCentralSaanich)250-544-7676

Cowichan District Hospital, 3045GibbinsRoad (locatedinDuncan)250-737-2030

Special needs

Ifyouhaveafamilymemberwithahealthconcern,disabilityormen-talhealthconcern,pleasenotethattheservicesdifferfromprovincetoprovince.InBritishColumbia,therecanoftenbeverylongwaitlists,andtheeligibilityanddeliveryofservicesmightbedifferentthanotherprov-inces.Formoreinformationonhowtonavigatethesesystems,visitwww.familynavigator.caorcall1-800-353-3329tospeaktotheFamilyNaviga-torCoordinator.


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finding Child Care for kids under 5 Thissectiondetailsinformationaboutchildcareprogramsandresources

availableforchildrenundertheageoffive.Ifafterreviewingtheseresourcesyoustillhavequestions,pleasecontacttheMilitaryFamilyResourceCentre.

finding child care

There is a significant shortage of child care, particularly for childrenunder3yearsofage.Pleasestartyoursearchassoonaspossibleafteryoureceiveyourpostingmessage.Therearetwowaysyoucanobtaininforma-tionaboutchildcareinB.C.:

1. Parentscansearchforlicensedchildcarefacilitiesbycity,bypostalcodeandbylicensecategorybyusingthenewChildCareSearchtoolatchildcareinfo.gov.bc.ca/childcaresearch

2. ContacttheChildCareResourceandReferral(CCRR)programinyourcommunity.Thisserviceprovidesguidance,support,fundinginformation, resources and referral services for child careprovid-ersandparentsinallcommunitieswithintheprovinceofB.C.atwww.ccrr.bc.ca.

Please note: child care providers listed in the government database and the CCRR are vol-untary. You may want to connect with other parents to enhance your research.

CheckoutthetipsontheFamilyNavigatorwebsite(www.familynaviga-tor.ca)onhowtofindthebestchildcareforyouandyourfamily.

Esquimalt Military family resource Centre

TheMFRChas2licenseddaycaresforinfant-toddlers,2licensedday-cares for 3 to 5 year olds, 2 preschools, a licensed kindercare, andoutof school care. In addition to this, theMFRCoffersCasualChildCareservicesandprogramsdesignedtosupportfamiliesdealingwithuniquelifestyleissues(long-termseparationsduetomilitaryoperationalrequire-ments,etc).TheMFRCalsoprovidesassistancewithdevelopingachildcareplanformilitaryfamilies,andemergencychildcareservicesforun-foreseenevents.Please note: Contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in adding your child to the MFRC waitlist (due to limited spaces available.)

Ministry of Children and family development

You can obtain a copy of Parents’Guide to SelectingChildCare viatheir website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare. Brochures pertaining tothis topic are also available in multiple languages on their website at www.gov.bc.ca/mcf.

Funding Information TheChildCareSubsidyisamonthlypaymentthathelpsBritishColum-

biafamiliesmeetthecostsofchildcare.Eligibilityiscalculatedbasedonyourincomeandfamilysize.TheChildCareSubsidycanbeusedtohelppayfortheeligibletypesofcare.Tolearnmoreabouttheprogram,visitwww.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare.


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Special Needs Supplement Ifyouareeligibleforachildcaresubsidyandhaveachildwithspecialneeds,youmaybeeligiblefortheSpecialNeedsSupplement(SNS).Thisprogrammayentitleyouupto$150permonthtowardsthecostofthechildcarespacefee.ThetotalamountofthesubsidyandtheSNSmaynotexceedthechildcarespacefee. IfyourchildhasspecialneedsandyouwanttoapplyfortheSNS,completethespecialneedsformavailableatwww.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/application.htm. Formoreinformationregardingallthetopicsabove,pleasecontact:IfyouresideintheGreaterVictoriadistrict:250-382-7000IfyouresideintheCowichanValleydistrict:250-746-4135IfyouliveintheSookearea:250-642-5152IfyouliveintheWestShorearea:250-391-8653ElsewhereinB.C.tollfree:1-800-750-1868ChildCareResourceandReferral:www.ccrr.bc.ca

School and Out of School programs (5 to 18 years)

Did you know?TheDependentEducationManagement(DEM)managestheeducationcompensationandbenefitsprogramsforDepartmentofNationalDefencememberstoensurethattheirdependentchildrenobtainelementaryandsecondaryeducation.VisittheDEMwebsitetolearnabouttheircompensationandbenefitsprogram:www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dem-epcg

Pleasenote:thatallschooldistricts(except#93)offerFrenchimmersionandEnglishasaSecondLanguage(ESL)programs.

Victoria, Esquimalt and surrounding areas

Greater Victoria School District #61 provides education for approxi-mately 20,000 students in the municipalities of Esquimalt, Oak Bay,Victoria,ViewRoyalandaportionofSaanichandtheHighlands.Theyhave26elementaryschools,10middleschools,7secondaryschoolsand4alternativeschools.

Telephone:250-475-3212Website: www.sd61.bc.ca


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Colwood, Sooke and surrounding areas

SookeSchoolDistrict#62provideseducationtoapproximately8,200students in the West Shore municipalities of Sooke, Port Renfrew,Metchosin,Langford,ColwoodandtheHighlands.Theyhave19elemen-tary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 secondary schools and 1 alternativeschool.

Telephone:250-474-9800E-mail:[email protected]:www.sd62.bc.ca

Central Saanich, north Saanich, Sidney and surrounding areas

Saanich School District #63 provides education to 7,724studentsinthemunicipalitiesofRoyalOaktoSwartzBayincluding8elementaryschools,3middleschools,3secondaryschools,and5alternativeschools.

Telephone:250-652-7300Website: www.sd63.bc.ca

Cowichan Valley and surrounding areas

CowichanValleySchoolDistrict#79provideseducationto8,300stu-dentsinthemunicipalitiesfromthenorthinSaltair,downsouthtoSpec-tacleLakeontheMalahat,andwesttotheLakeCowichanregion,includ-ingHoneymoonBayandYoubou.Theyhave31schools:18elementaryschools,4middleschools,4secondaryschools,and5alternativeschools.

Telephone: 250-748-0321Website:www.sd79.bc.ca

Conseil Scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique

SchoolDistrict#93isresponsiblefortheFrencheducationinGreaterVictoria.VictoriahasoneschoolforchildrenwhoseprimarylanguageisFrench.Thisschooloffers instructionfromKindergartentograde12aswellasafull-daykindergarteninFrench.Thisschoolhasapproximately610students.ItislocatedinEsquimaltclosetotheBaseandservesstu-dentsallovertheGreaterVictoriaarea.Formoreinformationregardingeligibilitycriteria,pleasecontactÉcoleVictor-Brodeur.

Telephone:250-220-6010Website: brodeur.csf.bc.ca

Out of School Care programs

Out of School Care programs are offered at some schools and recre-ational centres (checkwww.ccrr.bc.ca andwww.fitinfitness.ca) and oneMFRClocationinBelmontPark,contactusat250-363-2640formorein-formation.


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post-Secondary Education University of Victoria

3800FinnertyRoad,Victoria,B.C.V8P5C2Telephone:250-721-7211Fax:250-721-7212Website:www.uvic.ca

Royal Roads University 2005SookeRoad,Victoria,B.C.V9B5Y2Telephone:250-391-2511TollFree:1-800-788-8028Fax:250-391-2500Website:www.royalroads.ca

Vancouver Island University - Cowichan Campus 222CowichanWay,Duncan,B.C.V9L6P4Telephone:250-746-3500TollFree:1-888-920-2221Fax:250-746-3529Website:www.viu.ca

Camosun College - Lansdowne Campus 3100FoulBayRoad,Victoria,B.C.V8P5J2Telephone:250-370-3000TollFree:1-877-554-7555Fax:250-370-3551Website: www.camosun.ca

Camosun College - Interurban Campus 4461InterurbanRoad,Victoria,B.C.V8X3X1Telephone:250-370-3000TollFree:1-877-554-7555Fax:250-370-3750Website: www.camosun.ca

The Base Personnel Selection Office (BPSO) FormoreinformationoneducationalopportunitiesinFrench,longdis-

tancelearning,continuingadultlearningandfundingopportunities,con-tacttheBPSO.Educationalcounsellingandsupportisavailabletomilitarymembersandtheir familymembers.TheBPSOprovidesassistancewithaccreditation,programs,courseselectionandeducationalreimbursement.Contacttheirofficeat250-363-4091.


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Employment Thissectiondescribesthemain employmentandeducationresources

availableinyourcommunitytosupportyourjobsearch.TheEsquimaltMFRChasestablishedworkingrelationshipswithvariouscommunityem-ploymentassistanceagenciestoensureyouhavethebestresourcesavail-abletofindemployment.Theseprofessionalagenciesarewellpositionedinthegreatercommunityandknowtheemploymentfieldwell.

Job Search resources

The following local organizations can assist military spouses/part-ners and youthwith the following services: one-on-one and group ca-reer counselling, job search support, resume and cover letter writingassistance,interviewtips and practices, EmploymentInsuranceinforma-tion, homebasedbusiness support, education andtraininginformation,careerresourcelibrary,assessmenttools,andlocallabourmarketinforma-tion.CheckouttheemploymentsectionoftheEsquimaltMFRCwebsiteforthefollowinglinksandmore.

To find your local agency: www.workbc.ca

Victoria and SaanichGTHiringSolutions250-388-0858www.gthiringsolutions.com

Saanich Peninsula/SidneyBeaconCommunityServices250-656-0134www.beaconcs.ca

Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, the Highlands and SookeWorklink250-478-9525(WestShore)250-642-3685(Sooke)www.worklink.bc.ca

Cowichan Valley

Lake CowichanCowichanLakeCommunityServices250-749-6822www.comserv.org

Duncan CowichanCareerCentre250-748-9880www.globalvocationalservices.com

CheckouttheFamilyNavigatorwebsite(www.familynavigator.ca)andviewtheNavigatingYourMovee-toolonhowtostartyourjobsearch.


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fOr IndIVIduaLS WhO haVE SpECIaL nEEdS Or BarrIErS TO EMpLOYMEnT

Special needs Victoria Disability Resource Centre 250-595-0044ext.101www.drcvictoria.com

Independent living (Duncan) 250-746-3930www.cvilrc.bc.ca

Other Languages (than English) Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) 250-361-9433www.vircs.bc.caInter-Cultural Association of Victoria (ICA) 250-388-4728www.icavictoria.org

francophones La Société Francophone de Victoria (SFV) 250-388-73501-888-388-7350www.francocentre.com

Military family resource Centre (MfrC)

Ifafterreviewingtheseresourcesyoustillhavesomequestions,pleasevisitwww.esquimaltmfrc.comformoreresourcesorphoneusat250-363-2640(tollfree1-800-353-3329).

Individuals who have special needs

ConnectwiththeMFRCFamilyNavigatorprogramatwww.familynavi-gator.ca.

Community members who need services in a language other than English

MFRCoffersasecondlanguagetrainingprogramtohelpyouenhanceyourlanguagecapabilitiesinEnglishorFrench.(seepage46)


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Employment resources

ThereareeducationandemploymentresourcesavailabletoyouintheCareerCentreLibrarylocatedattheColwoodPacificActivityCentre. (seepage47)

Victoria Service Canada Centre 595PandoraAvenueVictoria,BritishColumbiaV8W1N5MondaytoFridayfrom8:30amto4pm(PacificTime)GeneralInquiries:1-800-206-7218Languageofservice:EnglishandFrenchWebsite:www.servicecanada.gc.ca

Cowichan Service Canada Centre 211JubileeStreet,Duncan,BritishColumbiaV9L1W8MondaytoFridayfrom8:30amto4pm(PacificTime)GeneralInquiries:1-800-206-7218LanguageofService:EnglishWebsite:www.servicecanada.gc.ca

Employment Insurance

The number ofweeks forwhich you are entitled to receive employ-ment insurance isbasedon theunemployment rateof thecommunitytowhichyouaremovingandtheamountof insurablehoursyouhaveaccumulated in thequalifyingperiod.PleaseconsultyourEmploymentInsuranceOfficetolearnaboutthecurrentunemploymentrateofyournewcommunity.

Job Market

Ifyouarelookingforfactsandfiguresaboutthelabourmarket,salariesandwages,jobsandskillsrequirement,tocompareoccupations,potentialemployersetc.,pleasevisitwww.bcjobsplan.ca.

Employment Standard act in B.C.

InformationabouttherulesandregulationsinB.C.pertainingtoem-ploymentcanbefoundatwww.labourmarketinformation.ca.

reimbursements of some expenses related to job search

TherelocationprogramformerlyknownasIRPreimbursesthecostofsome expenses related to the job searchof themilitary spouse/partnerwhenrelocating inanewcommunity.Contact the IRPofficetoobtainfurtherdetailsabouttheexpensesthatyoucanclaim.

Phone250-363-4243orvisitwww.irp-pri.comformoreinformation.


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Getting ConnectedFindinganewhomerequiresalotofdecisionmaking.Theinformation

containedinthisWelcomeBookletisastartingpointforyou.However,ifyouhaveanyquestionsafterreadingthroughthispackage,pleasecontacttheMFRC.Weareheretomakethistransitionassmoothaspossible.FaxandInternetservicesareavailableinallMFRClocationsandarefreeofcharge.

MfrC SErVICES

ThefollowingisabriefoverviewofsomeoftheservicesandprogramsofferedattheEsquimaltMilitaryFamilyResourceCentre.

Information and referral

TheMFRCisyourone-stopsourceforinformationandreferralstoBaseandcommunityresources.OurtrainedstaffandvolunteersarereadytoansweryourquestionsabouttheBaseandthecommunity.Thisserviceisavailabletoyou24hoursaday,7daysaweek.BesuretogetyourMilitaryFamilyIDCard-seepage6fordetails.

Child and Youth

TheMFRChas2 licenseddaycares for infant-toddlers,2 licensedday-cares for 3 to 5 year olds, 2 preschools, a licensed kindercare, and outofschoolcare.TheseservicesareofferedMondaythroughFridayatvari-ous times depending on the location. There is a variety of parent andtotprogramstohelpyouandyourchildgettoknowotherfamilies.TheMFRChasconnectionswithschoolsandagenciesthatsupportchildrenandyouth.

deployment

DeploymentisanongoingrealityatCFBEsquimaltnotonlywithnavaldeploymentsbut in supportingotheroperationsaround theworld.De-ploymentisoneofthemoststressfulchallengesofmilitarylife, fortheperson going away and for those remaining behind. TheMFRC knowsfirsthandthephysicalandemotionaldemandsplacedonpartners,chil-dren and extended family as a result of deployment or extended duty.Webelievedeploymentsupportdoesn’tbeginwhenamemberleavesanddoesn’tendwhenamembercomeshome—it’sanongoingprocess.De-ploymentservicesrangefrommailingservicestoassistancearisingfromfamilyemergencieswhileamemberisaway.


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francophone

MostoftheserviceprovidersinVictoriaoffertheirservicesinEnglish,whichcanbechallengingwhenyouareintheprocessofsettlinginandneedtogatherinformationaboutyournewcommunity.AdedicatedstaffmemberattheMFRCcanprovideyouwithassistance ifyouora memberofyourfamilyisexperiencing somechallengescommunicatinginEnglishandcanalsohelpbyprovidingreferralstoagenciesofferingtheirservicesinFrench.Interpretation servicescanbemadeifyourprimarylanguageisnotFrench.TheMFRCoffersasecondlanguagetrainingprogramtohelpyouenhanceyourlanguagecapabilitiesinEnglish.

Second Language Training – English and french

Ifyouneedtolearnorimproveyoursecondlanguageskills,theMFRCoffersfreecoursestoindividualswhomeetthecriteriaestablishedbytheMilitaryFamilyServicesProgram.

families with Special needs and responsibilities

Ifyouoramemberofyourfamilyhasspecialneedsandresponsibilities,theMFRCcanhelpyounavigateyourwaytocommunityresourcesdur-ingrelocation,helpyouputasupportplaninplaceforupcomingdeploy-ments,andgivesupportanddirectionwhenyou’renotsurewhotocall.ChecktheNavigatorwebsiteatwww.familynavigator.cabeforeyoumovetofindservicesinyournewcommunity.

prevention, Support and Intervention

Youdon’thave togo throughacrisisalone.Ourprofessional, caringstaff offer support with deployment, relationship issues, and reloca-tion.Theyalsooffersupportduringemergencysituationsandavarietyofshort-termcrisissituations,suchas illnessorcopingwithpregnancywhenyourpartnerisaway.Wearealsoyoursourceforqualityreferralstooutsidecounsellingresourcesandspecializedcounsellors.AttheMFRC,werespectyourprivacyandwedonotprovideanyinformationofacon-fidentialorpersonalnaturetoanyotherpersonororganizationwithoutyourexplicitpermission.


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MfrC LOCaTIOnS and hOurS

MfrC Signal hill

(locatednearDockyard)1505EsquimaltRoad MondaytoFriday8:30amto4:30pmClosedonstatutoryholidays

Lampson School

670LampsonStreet(Daycare,CasualChildCareandPreschoolonly)

MfrC CpaC

(ColwoodPacificActivityCentre)2610RosebankRoad (offOceanBlvd)MondaytoThursday7:30amto9pmFriday7:30amto6pmSaturday8:30amto4:30pmClosedonSundaysandstatutoryholidays(Hasdaycarefacility)

MFRC 24-Hour Information Line: 250-363-2640 Toll free: 1-800-353-3329Website: www.esquimaltmfrc.com Email: [email protected]

Located in Esquimalt

Located in Colwood


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Connecting with new people Oneofthechallengeswithmovingissayinggoodbyetoimportantpeo-

pleinyourlife,whethertheybefriendsorfamily.Rebuildingyoursocialnetworkisoneofthechallengesofrelocatingtoanewarea.Herearesometipstohelpyoubuildnewrelationships:

• Lookaroundyou: thefirststeptocreatingconnections is to lookoutsideourselves.Lookforsomeonewithsimilarinterests.

• Joinin:youcanjoininbyvolunteeringorjoiningaclubbasedonyourinterests.

• Beagoodneighbour:ifyouseeanewfamilymovingin,youcouldgooverandsayhello.Youknowwhatit’sliketobethe“newkid.”Youcanbethatwelcomingfriend.

• Tryanewinterest:youcanstepoutsideyourowncomfortzoneandtrysomethingnew.Thisgivesyoutheopportunitytodosomethingnewandmeetnewpeoplealongtheway.

• Register for the MFRC newcomer’s monthly email and you willreceiveinformationaboutMFRCevents,workshops,etc.

• Shareyourtalents:ifyouhaveatalenttoshare,othersmightwanttojoinyouinlearning.

annual Events • FatherDaughterSweetheartDance(February-March)• FormationFunDay(July)• WestCoastWelcome(September)• PacificWomen’sDay(March)

Base Clubs

AmateurRadio,AquariusDiveClub,AutoHobby,Camping,CyberCafé,Dragon Boat, Golf, Karate,Medieval Club,Model Railroad,MotorcycleSafetyPrograms,RanchPointBoat,Sailing,Squash,TaiChi&KungFu,WorkPointBoat.Visitwww.pspesquimalt.caforcontactinformation.

Special and period Events

Activitiesorganizedbyeachofthemesses. Visitwww.fleetclub.net,www.cpomess.caandwww.wardroom.caformoreinformation.


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Volunteer Opportunities

Help supportyourcommunity! Ongoingvolunteeropportunities areavailable to you through the MFRC and PSP (Personnel Support Pro-grams).Volunteeringcanhelpyoudeveloparoutine,aswellasmeetingother people, share your talents, learn new skills (computer skills, lan-guageskills),buildlocalreferencesforyourresumeandenrichyourcom-munityinameaningfulway.

Volunteer Feedback

‘‘Peoplearehappytoseeyou...Itisalwaysfuntoseepeoplethatareinagoodmood.Ihelp,andatthesametimeIhavealotoffun.Wefeelsomewhatimportant;itisreallygratifying;itbringsthemoraleup...Itisnotalwayseasytostayhome,especiallywhenyoualwaysworked.WithmyvolunteerworkIhavemetpeopleandmadesomefriends.’’

‘‘First[whenyouareanewcomer]itisabitoverwhelming.Youfeelthatitisdifficultatfirst,andasIsaid,withtheMFRCitiseasier.Youhavesomewheretogoandsomethingtodo,justgettingbackkindofasenseofnormalcy.IthinkthattheMFRChasjustbeenreallygood.Iamenjoyingvolunteering,andevenifonlyfoldingflyers,itisgettingmeoutofthehouse.BecauseofmyjobthatIwasdoingbefore,Istayedathomewithmykids.Iusedtobebusy,busy,busy.SoIthinkthatturningintoastay-at-homemomcanbeveryisolatingifyoudon’tgetyourselfoutandinvolvedanddoingstuff.’’

Military discount program

BeingamemberoftheDefenseCommunityinCFBEsquimaltentitlesyoutoadiscountatselectbusinessesintheareaoraroundthecountryifyoupresentthemwithyourMilitaryFamilyIdentificationCard.Alistofthesebusinessescanbefoundatwww.cfappreciation.ca.


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Exploring Vancouver Island

Enjoying Island Life

TheuniquelocationofVancouverIslandoffersnumerousopportunitiestoitsresidentsandvisitors.Wehavehighlightedafewofthemandhopethatitwillencourageyoutoexplore.Moredetailscanbefoundatwww.vancouverisland.com/information/details.asp?id=45.

Extraordinary Trees!

CathedralGrove–WestofNanaimoonHighway4(PacificRimHigh-way) and about 2.5 hours fromVictoria, youwill find the 157-hectareMacMillanProvincialParkalsoknownasCathedralGrove.ThisparkhasoneofthemostaccessiblestandsofgiantDouglasfirtreesinBritishCo-lumbia.SomeofthesetoweringancientDouglasfirsaremorethan800years old and one treemeasures over 9metres in circumference. Visitwww.britishcolumbia.com/parks/?id=286formoreinformation.

Storm and Surf

Tofino–FurtherwestonHighway4isthetownofTofino.Thetownhasapopulationof1,655peopleandsitsonanarrowpeninsulaborderedbythePacificRimNationalParktothesouthandthePacificOceantothewest.Duringthewintermonths(NovembertoMarch)visitorscanviewwavesashighas18m(59ft).Thisareaisahavenforbothsurfersandbeach enthusiasts. Visitwww.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/index.asp?townID=3970.

Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands offer a unique relaxing experience. There aremorethan225Gulf Islandsof varying sizes. Trips to these islands canmakeforabeautifulweekendgetawayordaytrip.MostpeopleuseB.C.FerriestoreachthemainGulf Islands.Governmentdocksandprivatemarinasarereadyforboatersyear-round. Alternatewaystogetaroundvaryfromislandtoisland.SaltSpringhasbothataxiandavanshuttleservice.TheGulfIslandsarepopulardestinationforcyclists.Bicyclesofferagreatwaytoseetheislandsupclose,butcautionshouldbeobservedonthemostlynarrowandsometimeshillyroads.Tolearnmoreaboutwhateachislandcanofferyou,visitwww.gulfislands.net.

Butchart Gardens

TheButchartGardensisoneoftheworld’spremierfloralshowgardens.JennieButchartbegantoshapethismagnificentlandscapein1904.ThepublicareaofButchartGardenscovers22ha (55acres)andoffersfloralbeauty for all seasons.Visit theirwebsite atwww.butchartgardens.com.FreeadmissionformilitarymemberswithavalidID.


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BBase Gym PersonnelSupportPrograms250-363-5677www.pspesquimalt.ca

Base Operator CFBEsquimalt250-363-2000www.navy.forces.gc.ca

Bike trails GallopingGoose250-478-3344www.gallopinggoosetrail.com

Buses B.C.Transit250-382-6161www.bctransit.com

Buses (Accessibletransitforindividualswithspecialneeds)AccessibleTransitServices250-385-2551www.busonline.ca/regions/vic/accessible/default.cfm

Buying a home CanadianMortgageHousingCorporation1-800-668-26421-613-748-2000www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

CCable TV ShawCable250-475-5655www.shaw.ca

Telus250-310-2255www.telus.com

Car inspection CommercialVehicleEnforcement250-952-0577www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse

Car insurance InsuranceCorporationofB.C.250-978-83001-800-663-3051www.icbc.com

Central Saanich communityMunicipalHall250-652-4444www.centralsaanich.ca

Child Care ChildCareResourceandReferral(CCRR)250-382-7000(GreaterVictoria)250-746-4135(CowichanValley)www.islandfamilyinfo.ca

Church Chaplain’sOfficeCFBEsquimalt250-363-4030www.navy.forces.gc.ca/marpac

Church (Paroisse) ParoisseSt-Jean-Baptiste250-598-0944301RichmondAvenue,Victoria,BC

Clubs on the base PersonalSupportProgram250-363-1009www.pspesquimalt.ca

CollegeCamosunCollege 250-370-3000www.camosun.ca

Colwood community MunicipalHall250-478-5541www.colwood.ca

Cowichan Valley community MunicipalHall250-746-2500www.cvrd.bc.ca

DDental insurance GreatWestLife1-800-957-9777www.tbs-sct.gc.ca

Contact Information


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Dentists CollegeofDentalSurgeonsofB.C.1-800-663-9169www.cdsbc.org

Driver’s license ICBC250-978-83001-800-950-1498www.icbc.com

EEducation allowances DependantEducationManagement www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dem-epcg/ade-sep

Employment EmploymentInsuranceOffice1-800-206-7218www.servicecanada.gc.ca

Employment (Local agency) GreaterVictoriaLocator www.labourmarketservices.gov.bc.ca

Employment CowichanLakecommunityservices250-749-6822www.comserv.org/employment.html

Employment CowichanCareerCentre,Duncan250-748-9880www.globalvocationalservices.com

Employment (Special needs) VictoriaDisabilityResourceCentre250-595-0044ext.101www.drcvictoria.com

Employment (other languages) VictoriaImmigrant&RefugeeCentreSociety(VIRCS)250-361-9433www.vircs.bc.ca

Employment (Special needs) Independentliving(Duncan)250-746-3930www.cvilrc.bc.ca

Employment (other languages) Inter-CulturalAssociationofVictoria(ICA)250-388-4728www.icavictoria.org

Employment (francophone) LaSociétéFrancophonedeVictoria(SFV)250-388-73501-888-388-7350www.francocentre.com

Esquimalt community 250-414-7100www.esquimalt.ca

FFamily Information Line1-800-866-4546www.familyforce.ca

FerryBaselineFerryCaptain250-208-4682or250-812-0870www.baselineconnector.com

Financial services SISIP250-363-33011-800-267-6681www.sisip.com

GGarbageContactalocalcontractor

Gas FortisBC1-888-224-2710www.fortisbc.com

HHealth Insurance Sunlife1-888-757-7427www.tbs-sct.gc.ca

Highlands communityMunicipalHall250-474-1773www.highlands.bc.ca


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Hospital in Duncan (Cowichan Valley district) CowichanDistrictHospital 250-737-2030 www.viha.ca

Hospital in Saanich (Greater Victoria district) SaanichPeninsulaHospital 250-544-7676 www.viha.ca

Hospital in Victoria (Greater Victoria district) VictoriaGeneralHospital250-727-4212 www.viha.ca

Hospital in Victoria (Greater Victoria district) RoyalJubileeHospital 250-370-8000 www.viha.ca

Hydro B.C.Hydro1-800-224-9376www.bchydro.com

LLangford community MunicipalHall250-478-7882www.cityoflangford.ca

MMedical Card MSFP1-800-663-7867www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp

Medical Facilities VIHA250-370-86991-877-370-8699www.viha.ca/finding_care

Medical Information B.C.NurseHelpLine1-866-215-4700Dial8-1-1www.healthlinkbc.ca

Members Assistance Program1-800-268-7708

Metchosin community MunicipalHall250-474-3167www.district.metchosin.bc.ca

MFRC MilitaryFamilyResourceCentre250-363-26401-800-353-3329www.esquimaltmfrc.com

NNeighbourhood Research Tool Homezilla www.homezilla.ca

North Saanich community MunicipalHall250-656-0781www.northsaanich.ca

OOak Bay community MunicipalHall250-598-3311www.oakbaybc.org

PPersonnel Support Programs250-363-5677www.pspesquimalt.ca

Physicians VictoriaMedicalSociety250-598-6021www.victoriamedicalsociety.org

Physicians CollegeofPhysiciansofBC1-800-461-3008www.cpsbc.ca

Post-Secondary Education (Military)BPSO250-391-4091


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RRecreation centres www.fitinfitness.ca

Relocation services BrookfieldGlobalRelocationServices250-363-4243www.irp-pri.com

Renting a home CMHC1-800-668-26421-613-748-2003www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Residential Housing Units CFHA250-363-4163www.cfha-alfc.forces.gc.ca

SSaanich community MunicipalHall250-475-1775www.saanich.ca

Schools Francophone Schooldistrict#93250-220-6010brodeur.csf.bc.ca

Schools in Central Saanich Schooldistrict#63250-652-7300www.sd63.bc.ca

Schools in Cowichan Schooldistrict#79250-748-0321www.sd79.bc.ca

Schools in Sooke Schooldistrict#62250-474-9800www.sd62.bc.ca

Schools in Victoria Schooldistrict#61250-475-3212www.sd61.bc.ca

Sidney community MunicipalHall250-656-1184www.sidney.ca

Single Quarters BaseAccommodation250-363-4087www.navy.forces.gc.ca/marpac

Sooke community MunicipalHall250-642-1634www.sooke.ca

Storage of Vehicle Commisionnaire250-363-4933

TTelephone Service Telus1-888-811-2828250-310-2255www.telus.com

U University (Greater Victoria) UniversityofVictoria 250-721-7211www.uvic.ca

University (Greater Victoria) UniversityofRoyalRoads250-391-25111-800-788-8028www.royalroads.ca

University (Cowichan Valley) VancouverIslandUniversity-CowichanCampus250-746-35001-888-920-2221www.viu.ca


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VVan pooling JackBellFoundation1-250-380-RIDEwww.ride-share.com

Victoria community MunicipalHall250-385-5711www.victoria.ca

View Royal community MunicipalHall250-479-6800www.viewroyal.ca

WWelcome services WelcomeWagon www.welcomewagon.ca

Important phone numbers

Base Duty Officer 250-389-0603 (pager)

250-812-0603 (cell)

Base Operator 250-363-2000

Base Orderly Room 250-363-4288

BC Nurse Line 1-866-215-4700

Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (PSP) 250-363-1009

Help Line for Children 250-310-1234

Member Assistance Program (24/7) 1-800-268-7708

Military Police (Non-emergency) 250-363-4032

PSP Naden Athletic Centre Kiosk 250-363-5677

Ship Information Line 250-363-2121

Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-800-494-3888


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Newcomer's Guide - Lookout Newspaper

Documents

Transcript of Newcomer's Guide - Lookout Newspaper