April 22nd marks Earth Day – an annual reminder for everyday citizens to be cognizant of how their actions impact the environment.
Though this holiday is recognized across the world, the celebration of Earth Day is especially important for us in Greater Victoria. According to a climate change risk assessment focusing on the City of Victoria, we are on track to continue to experience extreme weather events. For example, heat waves have become an all to often recurrence that pose a threat to vulnerable members of our community. With rising sea levels, flooding is another danger for our region that could have a catastrophic impact on our infrastructure, local businesses, and the lives of so many. As the weather continues to be unpredictable and intense, we will all feel the adverse affects brought on by climate change. That's why celebrating Earth Day is not just about being a good global citizen – it is about showing solidarity with fellow community members, acknowledging climate change, and commiting to the fight to stop it.
With this in mind, we'd like to highlight a few local Earth Day events that you could take part it in. Here are 5 activities that you can do to celebrate Earth Day this Saturday, April 22nd, in the Greater Victoria.
1. Earth Day Clothing Donation Drive – Max Furniture, 9am-TBD
Address: 3460 Quadra St., Victoria, BC
Cost: Free
Max Furniture, a family-owned business in Victoria, is running a clothing donation drive at their storefront on Quadra Street with the goal of filling the Max Furniture truck full of clothes! Donations of clothing, textiles, and shoes will all be accepted, and the clothing drive will begin at 9am. This is a great event for those who have recently done some spring cleaning and are looking to give back to members of the community!
2. Earth Day Festival – Saanich City Hall, 11am-3pm
Address: Saanich City Hall (770 Vernon Ave., Victoria, BC)
Cost: Free
The municipality of Saanich will be hosting an Earth Day festival at Saanich City Hall with live music, food trucks, and fun, eco-conscious activities for the kids! The Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association’s Climate Action group will also be in attendance to discuss local solutions to climate change. Arrival via transit, cycling, or on-foot is strongly advised, as there is limited parking and it is Earth Day, after all!
3. Meet the Bees – Earth Day Workshop – Uptown, 2pm-3pm
Address: Uptown Mall (3440 Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC)
Cost: Free
Uptown Mall is hosting an up-close-and-personal workshop on bees and urban beekeeping, specifically learning about the important part bees play in environmental preservation whilst interacting with a real beehive and engaging in team-building activities! Free General Admission tickets are available through Eventbrite, and you may even get a sweet surprise to take home with you after the workshop is over!
4. Earth Day Celebration Event – Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, 11am-2pm
Address: Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (5267 Patricia Bay Hwy, Victoria, BC)
Cost: Free
Want to spend some time in the great outdoors this Earth Day? The CRD Regional Parks naturalists will be conducting guided nature walks beginning at the Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Nature Centre (at Beaver Beach) starting in the early afternoon! These nature walks are suitable for all ages, and they will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna which grace our local parks. Take in some fresh, island air!
5. Earth Day Silent Disco Beach Dance – Silent DJ Victoria, 11am-12:30pm
Address: South end of Willows Beach, off Bowker Place (Esplanade, Oak Bay, BC)
Cost: $20-30 sliding scale donation, but no one will be turned away due to financial barriers
Do you want to spend Earth Day in a unique way? Look no further than Silent DJ Victoria’s Earth Day Beach Dance happening at Willows Beach in the early afternoon! Come prepared with a piece of ID as a security deposit in exchange for a headset, as this is an outdoor silent disco, and feel free to dress up in an earthly outfit! More information can be found on Eventbrite, and have fun moving and grooving by the ocean!
We at the Community Social Planning Council hope that you have an informative, joyful, and unplugged Earth Day, as a climate-conscious community can lead to climate-oriented change. Have a happy Earth Day!
Published: April 21, 2023
Author(s):
Jenna Inch, Researcher
