Spring on Southern Vancouver Island always brings a welcome sense of renewal. Gardens begin to bloom, community events return outdoors, and many of us feel encouraged to reconnect with neighbours, friends, and family.

At McCall Gardens, we are continually reminded that remembrance and renewal often go hand in hand. This season, we are pleased to share a collection of local stories, community highlights, and supportive resources designed to encourage reflection, connection, and well-being throughout Greater Victoria.

We hope this edition inspires you to enjoy the beauty of the season while staying engaged with the people and places that make our community special.

Warm regards,
Trevor McCall and the McCall Gardens Team

Community Features

Spring Gardens and Nature Walks Across Greater Victoria

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore the region’s gardens, waterfront paths, and community parks. Seasonal blooms begin appearing throughout Oak Bay, Saanich, and Brentwood Bay, while local organizations offer guided walks, educational programming, and wellness-focused outdoor activities.

A spring feature could highlight:

• The Butchart Gardens seasonal displays and spring programming
• Horticulture Centre of the Pacific gardening workshops and community education
• Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary nature interpretation walks and birdwatching opportunities

Whether it is a quiet garden stroll, a guided nature walk, or simply enjoying the season’s first blooms, spring offers many opportunities to slow down and reconnect with the beauty around us.

Celebrating Local History and Legacy

Victoria’s history is deeply connected to stories of families, remembrance, and community continuity. Spring is an ideal season to explore local heritage through museums, archives, and walking tours.

Potential highlights include:

• Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria heritage walking tours
• City of Victoria Archives family-history resources
• Royal BC Museum seasonal exhibitions and historical programming

Exploring local history reminds us that every community is built on generations of stories, traditions, and shared experiences that continue to shape life in Greater Victoria today.

Community Connections for Adults 55+

Spring often brings renewed opportunities for social connection and lifelong learning. Across Greater Victoria, organizations continue to provide programs that encourage wellness, creativity, and friendship for older adults.

Recommended community resources include:

• Silver Threads Service
• Beacon Community Services
• James Bay New Horizons

Programs like these help foster friendship, learning, and connection throughout the year while supporting healthy and active community living.

Funeral Education Feature

Why Funeral Preplanning Can Be a Gift to Your Family

Many families say one of the greatest comforts during a difficult time is knowing their loved one’s wishes were already clearly documented.

Preplanning allows individuals and families to:

• Reduce emotional stress during a loss
• Make thoughtful decisions without urgency
• Personalize future services
• Clarify financial considerations
• Create peace of mind for loved ones

Thoughtful planning today can provide comfort, clarity, and peace of mind for the people who matter most.

Aftercare and Family Support

Support Beyond the Service

Many people are surprised by how many practical responsibilities follow the loss of a loved one. McCall Gardens offers dedicated aftercare support to help families navigate paperwork, benefits, account changes, and community resources.

The aftercare program includes assistance with:

• Canada Pension and survivor benefits
• Insurance and pension claims
• Estate-related notifications
• Referrals to grief counsellors and support groups
• Guidance for executors and families

Families often tell us that having compassionate guidance during this time allows them to focus more fully on healing, remembrance, and supporting one another.

Staff Spotlight

Meet MarLisa Hollands – Advanced Planner

This spring we are pleased to spotlight MarLisa Hollands.

MarLisa brings experience in financial planning, life insurance, and professional coaching to her role supporting families through funeral preplanning conversations. Her calm, compassionate approach helps individuals feel informed, supported, and confident while discussing important future decisions.

Her caring and thoughtful approach reflects McCall Gardens’ ongoing commitment to supporting families with professionalism, compassion, and personal attention.

Outside of work, MarLisa enjoys supporting her soccer-playing teenager and spending time with her spirited Pomeranian.

Local Events and Seasonal Ideas

Potential spring event categories to monitor and feature:

• Community garden tours
• Spring art exhibitions
• Peninsula markets and waterfront events
• Outdoor concerts and cultural festivals
• Volunteer appreciation events
• Heritage walking tours

Recommended monitoring sources include:

• Destination Greater Victoria
• City of Victoria
• ArtsVictoria
• Capital Regional District

From gardens and galleries to markets and neighbourhood celebrations, spring is filled with opportunities to enjoy the vibrant community life that makes Greater Victoria so special.

Closing Community Message

As spring unfolds across Greater Victoria, we encourage everyone to take time for meaningful connection – whether through community events, nature, family gatherings, or quiet moments of reflection.

Thank you for allowing McCall Gardens to remain part of your community story. We are honoured to continue supporting families across Southern Vancouver Island with care, compassion, and professionalism.