New hire for Sooke
Chris Marshall has been hired as Sooke’s new director of planning and development. Marshall, who starts June 3, has 30-plus years of experience in municipal administration in B.C. and Ontario, working in planning, economic development, sustainability, and operational leadership, along with greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation planning and sustainability initiatives.
Marshall said he’s looking forward to working on innovative ways to promote economic prosperity, environmental protection and social well-being in Sooke.
Tree donation program in Nanaimo
The City of Nanaimo has started a tree-donation pilot program for individuals, organizations and service clubs to mark a special occasion or honour loved ones while adding to the urban forest.
In the first year, the focus will be on planting up to 30 trees in Beaufort Park.
The donation amount is $1,500 per tree and the application period runs until July 26. The city provides a 10-year maintenance commitment, including watering, pruning, and weeding. A certified horticulturalist will select the trees to ensure they are suitable.
B.C. hotel awards
Bill Lewis, general manager of Victoria’s Magnolia Hotel & Spa, was recognized as Hotelier of the Year at the B.C. Hotel Association Awards of Excellence on May 2 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
