Lest We Forget

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. Known as Remembrance Day, this solemn occasion honours the sacrifices made by those who defended freedom and peace, often at great personal cost.

Origins of Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day has its roots in the end of the First World War. On November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the guns fell silent across Europe as the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, marking the end of four years of devastating conflict. More than 66,000 Canadians lost their lives during that war, and over 170,000 were wounded.

In 1919, the first Armistice Day was observed across the British Commonwealth to commemorate that moment of peace. In Canada, the day originally honoured those who fought in the First World War, but over time it expanded to recognize veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and Canada’s peacekeeping missions around the world.

In 1931, the Canadian Parliament officially renamed the occasion Remembrance Day and fixed the date permanently on November 11.

Symbols of Remembrance

Perhaps the most recognized symbol of Remembrance Day is the red poppy. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance after the publication of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 after he witnessed the devastation of war in Belgium.

The poem’s imagery of poppies growing among soldiers’ graves inspired the Royal Canadian Legion to adopt the flower as a symbol of remembrance. Each year, millions of Canadians wear a poppy in the days leading up to November 11 as a sign of respect and gratitude.

How Canadians Observe Remembrance Day

Across the country, Remembrance Day ceremonies are held in communities, schools, and workplaces. The most notable is the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by veterans, active service members, government officials, and the public.

At 11 a.m., Canadians observe two minutes of silence—a moment to reflect on the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. The Last Post is played, wreaths are laid, and the refrain “Lest We Forget” echoes across the nation.

Why It Matters Today

Remembrance Day is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to remember the human cost of war and the enduring value of peace. It encourages Canadians to honour not only those who served in past conflicts but also those who continue to protect and serve today.

In remembering, we commit ourselves to the lessons of the past and to building a world where such sacrifices are never again required.

Lest We Forget

As time passes and living memories of the world wars fade, the importance of remembrance only grows. November 11 is not just about history—it’s about gratitude, reflection, and responsibility. It reminds us that freedom is not free, and that the peace we enjoy today was built by the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before.

Lest we forget.

Firesmart Launches Rebate Program For Sayward Residents

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is now offering FireSmart Homeowner Rebates of up to $3,000 for properties located within the Village of Sayward.

The rebates help homeowners complete wildfire mitigation work within 30 metres of their home, based on recommendations from a FireSmart Home Assessment. Research shows that up to 90% of homes damaged or destroyed in wildfires ignite from wind-blown embers, which can travel several kilometres from the main fire.

“In 2023, embers from the West Kelowna wildfire blew 2.5 kilometres across Okanagan Lake, sparking multiple new fires on the opposite shore,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “This shows how far embers can travel and how vulnerable any community can be. The FireSmart Homeowner Rebate gives residents a real opportunity to take proactive steps to protect their homes.”

Eligible activities within the 30-metre zone may include cleaning gutters, removing flammable vegetation, and upgrading to fire-resistant siding, windows, or roofing materials.

The program is first-come, first-served and funded through the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) FireSmart Community and Funding Supports grant. Rebates cover 50% of eligible costs—for instance, a $1,000 project qualifies for a $500 rebate, while $6,000 or more in eligible work qualifies for the maximum $3,000 rebate.

More information is available here.

British Columbia Tsunami Notification Zones

Tsunamis are rare but potentially devastating events. While many areas along coastal B.C. could be at risk in the event of a tsunami, scientific and technical experts generally agree that Victoria, eastern Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland face a low level of risk.

To provide clear and consistent information for all B.C. communities, Emergency Management BC has divided the coast into five notification zones, identified by different colours on the accompanying map. All provincial tsunami alerts will refer to these five zones, each of which includes all islands and inlets within its described area.

BLUE = North Coast & Haida Gwaii

YELLOW = Central Coast and Northeast Vancouver Island Coast

RED = Outer West Coast of Vancouver Island

PURPLE = Juan de Fuca Strait

GREEN = Strait of Georgia

We’ve Added A Jobs Section

We are pleased to introduce the jobs tab on GoSayward.com.

Employers and Non-Profits: Post your position on GoSayward.com at no charge by contacting us.

Job Seekers and Volunteers: Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.

Sayward Jobs

 

BC Supreme Court Ruling Shakes Foundation of Property Rights

B.C. Supreme Court Ruling on Cowichan Title Sparks Debate Over Property Rights

The B.C. Supreme Court’s recent Cowichan decision has ignited widespread concern over private property rights, marking the first time in Canadian history that Aboriginal title has been declared over fee simple land—property previously thought to be privately owned without dispute. The ruling affects both public and private holdings in the City of Richmond.

What the Court Decided

The court recognized Aboriginal title over roughly 7.5 square kilometres of land in Richmond, an unprecedented legal development in Canada. Certain Crown and municipal land grants were deemed defective, meaning they were not legally valid and could not supersede Aboriginal title.

Impact on Homeowners and Businesses

The affected area includes multimillion-dollar homes, farms, industrial properties, and golf courses. Residents reportedly received no direct notice before the ruling, leading to confusion and frustration. A collective property tax appeal has been launched, arguing that the uncertainty surrounding title has reduced property values and resale potential.

Government and Legal Response

The provincial government intends to seek a stay of implementation while the case is reviewed by the B.C. Court of Appeal. Richmond’s legal counsel has urged residents to press the province to lift restrictions that limited its lawyers’ ability to oppose the Aboriginal title claim. The Cowichan Tribes emphasized that the ruling does not invalidate private property ownership and criticized political commentary suggesting otherwise.

Broader Context and Concerns

Critics contend that B.C.’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and its provincial counterpart, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), may have influenced the court’s reasoning. The case sets a new precedent for Aboriginal title recognition in urban areas and could have implications across the province. The decision has fueled broader public debate about the security of property rights in regions where Indigenous land claims remain unresolved.

What’s Next

The B.C. Court of Appeal is expected to hear the case within the next 18 months, during which implementation of the ruling remains suspended. The Cowichan Tribes may pursue an expansion of their recognized title area. The case could prompt the province to review its land title systems, reconciliation framework, and procedures for notifying affected landowners.

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Public Weighs In as Results of Rod Brind’Amour Arena Redevelopment Are Released

On July 25, 2025, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek voter consent for Bylaw No. 607, which proposed borrowing up to $57.1 million for the redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex.

The two-month approval window closed on September 22, with 1,813 electors—approximately 5.5% of eligible voters—submitting forms in opposition. Under AAP rules, approval is granted if fewer than 10% of the 33,012 eligible voters in Campbell River and Area D register dissent.

At its October 22 meeting, the SRD Board of Directors reviewed the results and acknowledged the high level of community engagement. Participation in this phase of the REC-REATE Project surpassed that of Phase One, with feedback reflecting a wide spectrum of public perspectives.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit response forms,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “The feedback we received shows how deeply people care about Strathcona Gardens and its future. We’ve heard a mix of opinions, and we’ll take the time needed to carefully review our options before moving forward.”

The REC-REATE Project is a long-term initiative to revitalize the aging recreation complex, building on nearly a decade of planning and public input. The goal is to create a modern, inclusive facility that promotes accessibility, health, wellness, and sport for all.

Following the adoption of the borrowing bylaw, the Board has opted to take additional time to thoughtfully assess the feedback gathered through the AAP. This deliberate approach aims to ensure the redevelopment delivers lasting value while addressing both current and future community needs.