Tourism Guide - Best of the City 2012

RESTAURANTS SHOPPING RECREATION ENTERTAINMENT KIDS’ STUFF SERVICE AND MORE

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WESTWOOD LAKE? Park is a signature attraction for locals and tourists.

GREAT GAMES Recapping the best games of the past decade.

SALACIOUS HISTORY City has its share of skeletons in the coal dust.

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AS THE ASK EXPERTS We go to the pros for answers to some of the most pertinent questions about the Harbour City.

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Best Tile Store

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Saturday, June 23, 2012

CONTENTS

SPECIAL EDITION

Phone: 250-753-3707 / editor@nanaimobulletin.com A division of Black Press Ltd. 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7

Publisher: Maurice Donn Editor: Mitch Wright Special Edition Production: Nanaimo News Bulletin Production Department Sales Manager: Sean McCue Contributors: Chris Bush, Melissa Fryer, Toby Gorman, Chris Hamlyn, Jenn McGarrigle, Roy Ostling, Greg Sakaki, Rachel Stern, Mitch Wright

Winners in the 11th annual Nanaimo News Bulletin Best of the City supplement were chosen by Nanaimo readers. These votes were then tabulated and ranked in order to determine the top three finalists. Black Press, parent company of the Nanaimo News Bulletin, has sole copyright over any written material or image in this publication.

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WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WESTWOOD LAKE?

ASK TTHE ASK HE EX EXPPERT ERTS

Park is a signature attraction for both locals and tourists

10 SALACIOUS HISTORY

The city isn’t without a few secrets that are kept under wraps.

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Nanaimo numerology

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Volunteer recognition

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Great games

A look at a few interesting and relevant numbers.

Nanaimo youth earns award as Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Citizen of the Year.

The News Bulletin compiled a list of the best sporting contests played in the city during the last 10 years.

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Flip through the magazine to check the lists of winners in all the categories and read profiles of select victors.

• Why is Newcastle Island recognized as ‘the’ place to padddle in Nanaimo? P. 5 • Where should you go forr the bbest views off Nanaimo?? P. 8 • What does the nightlife have that won’t break the bank? P. 13 • Where would I go to learn about the city’s coal-mining history? P. 16 • What’s with Nanaimo’s obsession with bathtubs? P. 13 • Where is an accessible place for a family picnic that offers an ocean view? P. 25 • What are some First Nations traditions that are still observed? P. 28 • What famous athletes hail from Nanaimo? P. 30 • Was the Nanaimo bar really named after the city? P. 32 • What’s the pirate statue on the waterfront all about? P. 34 • What’s in the plans for the city’s trail system? P. 36 • What grows in Nanaimo? P. 42

Thank you Nanaimo for voting us #1 FIVE YEARS IN ROW!

“Leaders “L d in Lighting” L h ” VICTORIA Saturday, June 23, 2012

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Mclaren lighting has been family owned and operated since 1960. We offer the most extensive lighting selection on the island with over 5500 square feet of showroom and helpful, knowledgeable staff.

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We did things a little differently this year.

Our annual Best of the City publication, now in its 11th printing, is always a popular summertime read. But we’re always striving to do better, to find new stories and new insights about Nanaimo.

For this year’s publication, which is built around the results from our Best of the City reader survey, we decided to give those results the attention they deserve.

We’ve placed the lists of winners strategically throughout the magazine and included feature stories on select category winners. We figured since readers voted for them, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give the results renewed emphasis.

And we went even further.

We brainstormed some questions about the city we thought visitors or newcomers might ask, and then went to the experts to get their answers. Those responses are published throughout the magazine, appropriately identified by the ‘Ask an expert’ tag.

The result is arguably the best Best of the City yet.

Mitch Wright News Bulletin managing editor

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L E A D E R S I N L I G H T I N G

NANAIMO Best of the City 3

WINNER’S PROFILE Best restaurant & best sushi

Firehouse Grill takes top prize

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BEST FAMILY M RESTAURaNT

Best Breakfasts Best Family Restaurant 11 years in a row 7 years

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All your Favourite Food at Family Affordable Prices!

In our newly renovated restaurant!

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Best Breakfasts

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But the restaurant’s unique main menu – Atherton describes it as West Coast fusion and features pastas, steaks, seafood and jambalaya – helped win the 2012 Best of the City overall best restaurant category.

For nine years, Andrichuk was the head chef of a successful Louisiana, Cajun, crab shack-style restaurant in Calgary.

“They went down to New Orleans and got a lot of their menu items from down there,” Atherton said. “So now we’ve got a smoker here and a lot of the food out of the kitchen comes out smoked and we’ve even included that into the sushi, so the sushi is very fusion style. It’s North Americanized sushi. It’s not traditional.”

The red brick walls, wooden floors of the fire hall, built in 1893, augmented with fixtures and photographs from the period contrast with modern black and white furnishings.

You can hold a private meeting in the restaurant’s loft and a party downstairs, but a couple can find a quiet corner for dinner and drinks.

Weeknights are busy. On weekends you’d best make a reservation.

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Andrew Gregory, sushi chef, builds one of Firehouse Grill’s Fighting Buddha Roll sushi platters.

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t’s hard to quantify what makes a great restaurant.

The food had better be good for sure, but it also has to be a place that let’s people feel at home while they’re enjoying the experience of being out on the town with friends, a date, or a ball team. A place where staff and atmosphere invite you in and make you welcome and comfortable while you’re there.

Mike Atherton wanted to do something new after working in AND THE WINNERS ARE ... a casino for nine years. He’d never owned a restaurant, but he teamed BEST RESTAURANT (OVERALL) up with Dean Andrichuk, a chef Firehouse Grill from Calgary, and they opened the Asteras Greek Taverna Firehouse Grill in 2007, in historic Nanaimo Fire Hall No. 2.

Simon Holt (tied) “I liked a lot of the other restaurants, Mrs. Riches Club Café (tied) but I also wanted to try something a little bit different and that’s what BEST SUSHI we’ve done here,” Atherton said.

Firehouse Grill The Firehouse Grill has built some Blue Ginger local fame for its sushi that won the 2012 Best of the City best sushi Nori Sushi category. There are 91 seats in the restaurant, but regulars fill up the 10 bar seats first because that’s where the sushi chef hands out samples of new ideas he’s experimenting with.

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ask an expert But the adventure often takes longer than a couple hours, Kimantas says, because there are so many elements and side trips that can be added.

Those elements include the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island, if in need of some refreshment, and Jesse Island, which is a privately owned island (currently for sale) that includes the only paddle-through cave in the Gulf Islands.

It’s located just off the north end of Newcastle in Departure Bay. If you’re going to check it out (and you should), be sure to pay attention, as you’ll be crossing an active B.C. Ferries route in and out of the Departure Bay terminal.

Despite its many attractions, including on-island camping, Newcastle Island isn’t the paddler’s mecca it probably should be, Kimantas says.

“It’s probably not as well-known as it should be. It’s just an amazing place,” he said.

For more information about Newcastle Island, please go to www.newcastleisland.ca. Or check out Nanaimo author and naturalist Bill Merilees’s book Newcastle Island: A Place of Discovery (Heritage House, 1997).

– Mitch Wright editor@nanaimobulletin.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST PLACE FOR KAYAKING Newcastle Island Long Lake Departure Bay BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC Newcastle Island Pipers Lagoon Neck Point

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ogy Society of B.C. Those are just a few of the many historical tidbits associated with Newcastle Island, which went through several owners, including the city, before the province took ownership in 1960 and it became one of the first designated marine parks. Today it is managed for the province by the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

And it’s a paddler’s dream.

“We are blessed to have a provincial park within two minutes of a launch site,” said The paddle-through cave at Jesse Island is a must-see side trip from Newcastle Island.

John Kimantas, editor (Photo courtesy John Kimantas, Coast&Kayak Magazine.) and publisher of Coast & Kayak magazine, Newcastle Island is consistently recognized as and the author of the popular Wild Coast series of guide THE place to paddle in the Nanaimo area. Why? books.

“It’s perfect for recreational paddlers, with beautiful The island isn’t known as the jewel of Nanaimo’s harbeaches and the cliffs on the outside – that’s probably the bour without good reason. prettiest spot and is best viewed from a kayak.”

The 336-hectare island was first used by the Coast SalEven better, pull ashore and experience the coastal ish First Nations people as a home base for fishing the bluff ecology from both perspectives. One of the most spring herring run. interesting formations is known as Old Man and Old The first Europeans arrived in the early 1800s and sunk Woman rocks, appropriately named for their appeara coal mine – the first of two – in 1852. Remnants of the ances, located near Nares Point. heady mining days are easily visible on the island.

The island can be fully circumnavigated in about two As are the marks left from several years during which hours, with calm, easy water for beginner paddlers in the thousands of tonnes of sandstone were removed, includprotected water of the harbour and Newcastle Chaning one massive pillar originally lost when the Zephyr nel, and a bit more challenging conditions on the more sank en route to the U.S. Mint in San Francisco in 1873, exposed outer shore. The whole trip is about eight kilolater located and recovered by the Underwater Archeolmetres.

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WINNER’S PROFILE Best martini

ACME mixes x a mean martini

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t all started with the Black Widow.

That blackberry-flavoured martini was a hit from the day Acme Food Co. opened in downtown Nanaimo and it’s still one of the restaurants most popular concoctions.

Acme Food Co., now owned by Thomas and Jodie Robertshaw and Calvin and Sarah Wallin, boasts the best martinis in Nanaimo, as decided by readers in the News Bulletin’s annual Best of the City survey.

“Everybody’s favourite is, of course, the AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Black Widow,” Thomas Robertshaw said.

Almost two dozen martini varieties are offered at Acme on any given night, Acme Food Co. Ltd particularly Mondays, when the drinks are Modern Café on special with a selection of appetizers.

Cactus Club They also came up with a variety that’s not as sweet as others, using Crown Royal, Red Bull and a splash of raspberry Sourpuss which they dubbed Pimp Juice. It comes out bright pink.

“That’s the man-tini,” Calvin Wallin said.

Acme’s bar also boasts a slate of craft breweries, including Vancouver Island and Granville Island beers, as well as the locals’ favourite Lucky brew.

Situated on the corner of Commercial Street and Terminal Avenue, the restaurant is a hub for people to gather to listen to the music on the weekend, fill up on all-youcan-eat sushi on Tuesdays or sample vintages on Wino Wednesday.

Thomas Robertshaw, left, and Calvin Wallin mix up a winning martini at Acme Food Co.

The regular lunch crowd comes from nearby downtown businesses.

“They’re so regular, you can just order for them,” Wallin said.

Since buying the restaurant in 2009, the owners saw a number of young entrepreneurs like themselves set up in Nanaimo’s downtown with a commitment to a lively and vibrant area.

“We’re really happy with what’s up and coming,” Robertshaw said.

Calvin and Thomas are graduates of John Barsby Secondary School who moved back to Nanaimo after working in other communities, where they met their wives, who are sisters.

Renovations at the restaurant are ongoing as is additions to the menu. To keep up to date, visit the Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @acmefoodco.

Or simply stop in for eats at 14 Commercial St. Please call 250-753-0042 for reservations.

– Melissa Fryer arts@nanaimobulletin.com

THANK YOU NANAIMO For Voting Us - Best Mediterranean - Best Romantic

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Bringing the flavour of Greece to Nanaimo 6 Best of the City

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OLD CITY QUARTER 34 47 WE ESLEY STREET, NANAIMO

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Thank you for all your support since we opened. We couldn’t do it without you! We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces this year and doing our best to ensure a great dining experience.

BEST ROMANTIC BEST MEDITERRANEAN Saturday, June 23, 2012

WINNER’S PROFILE Best nachos

Ask an expert

Nanaimo has numerous options for mountain biking.

Nanaimo has great mountain biking trails all over. If I only had one day to spend riding, where should I go?

Depending on your level of experience, Nanaimo Mountain Bike club director Bill McMillan points to three trail systems to try.

The first, and suitable for beginner levels, is Hemer Park in Cedar, off Hemer Road. The park offers 12 kilometres of wide, even trails.

“It’s a good intro to off-road riding,” McMillan said.

For more of a challenge for the intermediate rider, McMillan said you can’t go wrong with the Abyss. To get to the trail head, drive up Nanaimo Lakes Road and park under the powerlines.

“The general grade is moderate, but there’s lots of up and down,” McMillan said.

If you’re an experienced rider, you’ll want to try Rollercoaster, a trail accessed off a logging road near Mount Benson Road.

“It’s been used as a downhill race course in the past,” McMillan said.

The Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club, which offers directions to trails and maps on its website, is working with landowners in the Nanaimo area on formal agreements to provide access. Some trails are located in active logging areas.

Riders not familiar with Nanaimo trails should be aware of tree roots which litter the trails and can foul up a rider hitting them at less than a 90-degree angle.

“It’s a quick trip to the ground,” McMillan said.

“They can be tricky.”

Riders should always inspect man-made obstacles before riding.

The club is building a trail that has the blessings of government and land managers – the first trail of its kind – in the Doumont Road area.

For more information, please visit www.nanaimomountainbikeclub.com.

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ore of a challenge for the intermediate rider, you can’t go wrong with the Abyss.

– Melissa Fryer arts@nanaimobulletin.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST PLACE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING Mount Benson Doumont Road Westwood Lake

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Gina’s nachos, shown by Angela Oltmann, were again voted best in the city.

Gina’s a favourite for mexican cuisine

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t’s barely noon on a cloudy, breezy Friday, but years,” he said. “We keep it on the fire extinguisher in already Gina’s Mexican Café is starting to fill up the kitchen so the kitchen staff know what’s in it if with hungry patrons like Crystal Zappa and Rob someone orders it.”

Stephens, who are giddy about a plate of fish But be warned if you arrive hungry, there may be tacos. a bit of a wait for a table, especially on one of those “We’re all about the fish tacos right now,” said summer days that just begs for Mexican cuisine.

Zappa, who, with Stephens, was visiting Nanaimo As quipster and baseballer Yogi Berra once for the day from Courtenay. stated, “Nobody goes there Fish tacos are definitely anymore, it’s too crowded.”

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... high on the list of customer Gina’s has changed a little favourites, as is the Coyote, for 2012 – it recently built Navajo and ... well, let’s face a 12-seat wood deck on Gina’s Mexican Café it, pretty much everything its Skinner Street frontage Longwood Brew Pub on the menu is a crowd for those who prefer their Delicado’s pleaser, including the burritos and tacos al fresco. margaritas.

With a preference for local But after a day of kayaking, food – seafood, chicken and beachcombing, travelling or even working, most produce are all fresh and local, only the beef is from people who enter the pink house on the hill start off-Island – Gina’s is authentic Tex-mex dining and their Gina’s experience by diving into a plate of atmosphere. nachos, voted again this year as Best of the City.

When the 100-Mile Diet ramped up a few years “People like them, we get top honours for nachos ago, Corfield jumped on the bandwagon. almost every year,” said owner Don Corfield. “But “People don’t necessarily ask for it, but I think they I want to expand our horizons a little and get top appreciate it,” he said. restaurant next year.”

So the ingredients are all there for Gina’s Gina’s is a local icon. Few changes to staffing and continued success: happy staff, great atmosphere, even fewer to the menu over the past 26 years fresh food, and the city’s best nachos. (though one recent addition is wild sockeye salmon – Toby Gorman tacos) has resulted in a loyal following both by reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com locals and summer tourists.

“People know what they’re getting when they come here,” said Corfield. “It’s like coming home.

They know the names of the wait staff, they know what they want before they even get here.”

Corfield smiles at one recent customer who ordered an Aztec combo plate.

“We haven’t had the Aztec on the menu for 16

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e like them, we get top honours for nachos almost every year.

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Ask an expert

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

“You can get up a hill quickly and easily on foot or bike, or a short drive for those people who are not very ambulatory,” she said.

The hill list includes: the Westwood Ridges – not nearly as high as Mount Benson, yet a tremendous view just the same; Vancouver Island University or a little higher up the hill into College Heights; Cottle Hill or the north ridges of Linley Valley; and Sugarloaf Mountain Park in Departure Bay. Of course, some of Nanaimo’s oldest streets – Fitzwilliam, Kennedy, Milton or Albert – provide some good views as well.

Getting on the water offers some interesting perspectives on Nanaimo.

Visitors to Nanaimo get one of the best views when Where can people go for the best views arriving from the Lower Mainland on B.C. Ferries or float of Nanaimo? planes, and ferries from Gabriola, Newcastle and Protection islands give tourists and residents an up-close look at When it comes to catching a glimpse of the Harbour Nanaimo from the sea.

City, its best attribute could just be its geography.

“Whether it’s a ferry, power boat or kayak, you can get “Nanaimo is a vertical city,” said Gail Adrienne, out and see Nanaimo from our protected waters,” said Nanaimo and Area Land Trust executive director. “You Adrienne. “Just look at the view from the Dinghy Dock can start climbing at the water and it’s a rare place that Pub.” doesn’t have some kind of a view.”

Those who enjoy a little exercise can also see all that The cream of the crop is, of course, Mount Benson Nanaimo has to offer with a visit to Jack Point and Biggs with its panoramic views extending well beyond the city’s parks near the Duke Point ferry terminal. boundaries.

“We are really blessed with views that horizontal cities But if a three-hour hike up the mountain is not for you, like Victoria would love to have,” said Adrienne. “Yet, our fear not – there are plenty of spots easily accessible to cap- views are often taken for granted. People should get out ture the beauty of Nanaimo. and enjoy how beautiful Nanaimo truly is.”

Adrienne’s list of best views is broken into two catego– Chris Hamlyn ries: from the hills and from the water. news@nanaimobulletin.com

BEST PLACE TO WATCH BIRDS Buttertubs Marsh Morrell Nature Sanctuary Pipers Lagoon BEST ROMANTIC PARKING SPOT Departure Bay Beach Pipers Lagoon Neck Point

BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING SPOT Waterfront promenade Swy-a-lana Lagoon Maffeo Sutton Park BEST LOCAL CAMPGROUND Living Forest Oceanside Campground Brannen Lake Campsites Nanaimo Lakes Campground

Thank You Again Nanaimo

WE’VE GOT IT ALL.

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Island living. Island style.

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... because of your loyalty and support, the Breze Team has once again been voted #1. It is ALWAYS a pleasure to have you as our guest and we all look forward to seeing you soon.

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From A-line skirts to zip-ups.

Country Club Centre

250-758-6822

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Best ESTHETICIANS 5 YEARS RUNNING

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WINNER’S PROFILE Best place to meet for coffee

Tims pours a great cup

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Gloria Sackey’s friendly smile welcomes customers to the Southgate Tim Hortons.

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Nanaimo, we are humbled to be once again selected as finalists for Best of the City in both Men’s and Women’s apparel.

We have implemented many changes in our store and worked very hard to improve your experience when you visit us.

If you have not been to our store recently, we want to invite you to visit Sears Nanaimo again.

We’ll do our best to do what’s best for you!

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bright, friendly smile is the first thing “We have very loyal customers,” Jones said. “We customers see when they walk into know a lot of them by name.” the Tim Hortons at Southgate mall.

It’s also a meeting place for groups, such as a It’s no wonder then that the custom car club, ladies in the red hat society and Nanaimo locations which make up out-of-town guests enjoying nearby Living Forest part of the national chain of restaurants were campground. chosen as the Best Place to Meet for Coffee in the The family atmosphere extends to the staff as News Bulletin’s annual Best well, who get together for of the City reader survey. summer kayaking, bowling AND THE WINNERS ARE ... and an annual Christmas Operations manager Ken Jones said the goal is to party. make customers’ experience The restaurant offers Tim Hortons personal and enjoyable sandwiches, soups and even The Buzz every time they walk lasagne, but it still comes Starbucks through the door. down to the coffee, which Employees learn regular is guaranteed 20 minutes customers’ names and vice fresh. versa.

“Coffee is what we do – everyone pours coffee,” “It’s kind of like a ‘welcome home’ kind of Jones said. message,” he said.

Nanaimo features seven Tim Hortons locations.

Customers appreciate it, and reward the For more information, please visit www. restaurant with up to four visits a day, from timhortons.ca. morning coffee at the drive-thru, to lunch, – Melissa Fryer afternoon coffee and dessert. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

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Nanaimo North Town Centre 250-756-4111 Best of the City 9

Harbour City is not without a few secrets kept under wraps

SALACIOUS HISTORY mericans have their Lizzie Bordens and their Bonnie and Clydes – the type of salacious history that attracts a morbid sort of tourist.

Although Canadians are less likely to publicize crime stories, it doesn’t mean the stories don’t exist.

As one of B.C.’s oldest cities in the wild west, Nanaimo has its share of skeletons in the closet.

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Kakua was charged with murder and found guilty in court in Victoria. He returned to the gaol under the Bastion in Nanaimo and was executed in March 1869.

Being of neither caucasian nor First Nations descent, Kakua could not be buried in any of the city’s cemeteries and was instead interred on his last place of freedom – the east side of Newcastle Island.

Unfortunately, Kakua was still not allowed to rest. Thirty years later, the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company unearthed Kakua’s coffin as they dug for a new coal mine. Kakua was reburied, in another unmarked grave, for good.

Francis Rattenbury

Kanaka Pete

On Dec. 4, 1868, four bodies were found in Peter Kakua’s home and the coal miner of Hawaiian descent was missing.

They didn’t have to look far, however, to find Kakua, referred to as Kanaka Pete, sitting beside a fire on Newcastle Island. Police took him into custody and soon the details of the multiple murder came to light.

Kakua’s aboriginal wife, Mary, told him, via her brother, that she was leaving her husband. Kakua returned home to find Mary, their young child, plus Mary’s parents, packing up her things.

Kakua left and returned intoxicated, when a fight ensued and Kakua said he grabbed an axe and swung indiscriminately until he collapsed in exhaustion.

The legendary architect designed two buildings in Nanaimo – the courthouse on Front Street and the coffeehouse at the corner of Wallace and Albert Streets – as well as the legislature buildings in Victoria.

The young architect caused a scandal in Victoria society when he took up with Alma Pakenham, a concert pianist, despite his marriage. The couple were ostracized even after Rattenbury’s wife’s death, and the couple moved to England.

The age difference took its toll and Alma began an affair with their 17-yearold chauffeur, George Stoner.

The night before the Rattenburys were to leave on vacation, Francis was found downstairs with a bleeding wound, having been struck deliberately with some instrument.

“Where the sun always shines”

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Firs Place Hamburgers First Third Place Family Restaurant Third Place Restaurant (overall) Second Place Catering

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– On ANY Tanning Package – On ANY Beauty Angel Red Light Collagen Therapy Package – On ANY Infrared Sauna Package

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Thank you Nanaimo for voting us Best Tanning Salon 10 Years Running!

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AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

The police were called and Alma confessed to assault, as did her teenage lover, but recanted once Rattenbury died and she was charged with murder.

Alma and Stoner stood trial, with only Stoner committed to hang for the crime. Alma was found not guilty, although guilt likely accounted for her suicide a few days later.

After an uprising of public support, Stoner’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, which ended after seven years when he joined the British Army.

The play Cause Celebre, by Terrence Rattigan, is based on the story.

Gallows Point

Across the channel, on the southern tip of Protection Island, saw the execution of two aboriginal men tried in the first judge and jury trial under English law on the west coast.

Gallows Point, where the lighthouse keeper’s residence still stands, was originally called Execution Point.

In 1852, a shepherd with the Hudson’s Bay Company was murdered near Saanich. Governor James Douglas wanted to establish law and order in the new colony of Vancouver Island and sent a ship from Victoria to apprehend the two native suspects.

One of the suspects was from the Cowichan tribe while the other was the son of a Nanaimo chief. When they refused to surrender, Douglas sent two more ships in pursuit.

The two men were apprehended and tried on the deck of SS Beaver on Jan. 17, 1853. They were hung the same afternoon on the tiny island.

Brother XII

RBC Financial Planning

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BEST FITNESS CENTRE VI Fitness Centre Nanaimo Athletic Club Nanaimo Aquatic Centre BEST ROOFING COMPANY Erickson Roofing Ltd. Vanderleek Roofing Services Milne Roofing

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Johanne Stovell Financial Planner

Jayme Palynchuk Investment and Retirement Planner

David Lindblad Financial Planner

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BEST APPLIANCE REPAIR SHOP Barron’s Home Appliance Centre Aztec Appliances Classic Appliances

– Melissa Fryer arts@nanaimobulletin.com

The West Coast of B.C. is often described as the ‘left’ coast for its acceptance of the more liberal

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BEST CARPET CLEANERS Citrus O Carpet Care Inc Classic Care Carpet Cleaning Premier Carpet Cleaning

ideas from Canada’s population.

That included a New Age prophet who founded a colony of spiritualists, converted their assets into gold and fled to Switzerland once they wised up and took him to court.

Edward Arthur Wilson was born in Birmingham, England, to religiously fanatical parents. He claimed to commune with the spirit world from childhood until one of the 12 masters of the Great White Lodge – a group of spirits who controlled the world – revealed itself. Wilson fashioned himself a disciple and called himself Brother XII. He wrote two books based on information he received from the Lodge in trances. He established a colony at Cedar-by-the-Sea, with the goal of creating a self-sustaining community.

One of the requirements of entry into the spiritualist estate was surrender of all personal possessions, which Brother XII and his mistress, Madam Z, had converted into gold.

At night, the pair would fill mason jars with gold coin, sealing them with wax, and burying them on property at the Cedar compound and on DeCourcy and Valdez islands.

After his disciples revolted – apparently backbreaking labour, abuse from Madam Z and loss of worldly income were not part of the agreement – they took Brother XII to court to recover their money.

Their spiritual leader and his mistress had fled, however. Later reports surfaced of Brother XII’s death in Switzerland.

Dozens of treasure seekers scoured the former compound for the buried treasure to no avail. One caretaker did find a secret compartment in one of the derelict buildings but it only contained a piece of tarpaper with the words: For fools and traitors, nothing!

Serving Nanaimo Aimi G Godbout Financial Planner

Rose Mathiesen Michael Kossey Investment Retirement Investment Retirement Planner Planner

Bonnie Read Financial Planner

for over 112 Years

Downtown 205 Commercial Street

Brooks Landing 2000 Island Hwy, North

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250.741.3500

250.758.7381

250.390.4311

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CLOTHING TACKLE INFLATABLES ELECTRONICS

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52 Es Esplanade • Nanaimo mo Fax 250-753-6355 • Tel. 250-753-2425 www.bastiontrophies.com info@bastiontrophies.com

www.harbourchandler.com

our loaf

ask an expert

O OATH

“I’ll get up at 2 a.m. so you can enjoy fresh bread everyday�

Each morning, long before the break of dawn (even before some people have even gone to bed) our bakers are awake and starting their day. These are their loaf oaths which demonstrate their dedication and determination to baking.

“I’ll bake fresh from scratch every morning.

I’ll never sell yesterday’s bread!�

This is one of our most cherished promises. At the end of the day we give our bread to charity so we can start again fresh tomorrow; one of the many ways we stay connected with our community.

This year alone, the COBS Vancouver Island locations will donate more than $2,400,000 worth of bread back to the community through our End of Day Giving Program.

Kyle and Marty Shepard are the father-son duo known as The Big Mess.

They performed at the China Steps in downtown Nanaimo as part of a free concert series hosted by CHLY radio station and the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association.

I’m a student at Vancouver Island University and don’t have much money.

What does Nanaimo’s night life have to offer that won’t break the bank?

Take a walk through downtown Nanaimo and you’ll probably hear music floating out of one door or another.

Most restaurants, pubs and bars offer live music on the weekends to attract customers. Acme Food Co. offers jazz most weekends, as does Front Street Grill.

Diners Rendezvous and the Queen’s events run from ticketed events, like blues and rock bands, to open mike jam nights with little or no cover charges.

Nanaimo is such a mecca for artists, you never really know who will pick up the guitar each night.

You can often get cheap cover – or even free cover – to the nightclubs downtown if you go on a weeknight (perhaps one that isn’t followed by an early morning class).

While the entertainment is free, the place is still a business – spring for a drink or share an appetizer with a friend.

Harbourfront library offers free readings from B.C. authors almost every week.

Terminal Park Starbucks plays host to writers in residence who share their original stories monthly, and during the winter, Wordstorm gathers poets, authors and spoken word performers. Participation is encouraged, but completely optional.

Another option is to volunteer with venues or community arts groups.

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Most organizations operate on a shoestring budget and rely heavily on volunteers to help with set building, lighting and costumes, plus front of house duties like ticket sales and ushering.

Volunteers are usually treated very well – you might find yourself with some complimentary tickets if you don’t get to watch the show on your shift.

And if you’re new to Nanaimo, volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. – Melissa Fryer arts @nanaimobulletin.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST SPORTS BAR Old City Station Boston Pizza Nanaimo Piper’s Pub

“I’ll only bake you bread from the finest ingredients. I create masterpieces everyday�

COBS Bread follows time-honoured recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Using scratch baking methods, we carefully add quality ingredients one by one. Using bulk fermentation, resting dough for longer and baking on stone decks, our products develop a rich flavour and texture creating the tastiest breads.

“I am proud that our traditional breads contain no added sugar, colours or preservatives.�

All of our artisan and traditional breads contain no added preservatives colouring preservatives, colouring, sugar or dairy making them healthier for you and your family.

“I’ll treat you more like a friend than a customer.�

We believe each experience at COBS Bread should be a delightful one. It is about real conversations and connections.

We’re an inclusive group and want to make fresh, healthy artisan and everyday breads accessible to everyone.

BEST PLACE TO DANCE Queen’s Hotel Level Two Club 241 BEST PLACE FOR LIVE BANDS Queen’s Hotel The Cambie Diners Rendezvous

FOR VOTING FOR

COBS BREAD TERMINAL PARK

BEST PUB Longwood Brew Pub Old City Station Piper’s Pub

RECEIVE 6 COMPLIMENTARY TRADITIONAL BUNS WITH PURCHASE OF ANY SIGNATURE BREAD

BEST LIVE THEATRE Port Theatre The Bailey Theatre Nanaimo Centre Stage

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Nanaimo numerology

409

Stairs from Vancouver Island University’s lower campus (building 185) to the upper campus (building 380).

ONE Paddle-through cave in the Gulf Islands, at Jesse Island in Departure Bay (the private island was listed for sale in 2009 – current asking price? $4 million).

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Number of shacks (roughly) built during the Great Depression on what was then a Crown island, near Piper’s Lagoon, which became known as Shack Island. They are still used thanks to squatter’s rights.

38 88.19

Years the Pacific Biological Station has operated a fish farm in Departure Bay, making it B.C.’s oldest fish farm. Built in 1974, it is used as a research pen.

Square kilometres within city limits.

1,800

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Floating restaurants in Nanaimo – the Dinghy Dock Pub at Protection Island, as well as Troller’s (Best Fish and Chips winner) and Penny’s Palapa at the downtown Boat Basin.

Average hours of bright sunshine each year in the Harbour City.

Number of Chinatowns in Nanaimo’s history.

The first was in the Esplanade/Victoria Crescent area (1860s-1884) until it was moved south outside city limits (1884-1908). In 1908, Mah Bing Kee and Ching Chung Yung bought land from the coal mining company that employed them and raised rents to offset the purchase cost. Residents responded by working together to purchase their own several hectares and move the entire community near the intersection of Pine and Hecate streets (1908-1960).

The third Chinatown was destroyed by a massive fire on Sept. 30, 1960. A fourth “new town” or “lower” Chinatown was an offshoot of the third, on Machleary Street. It was significant in that ownership was not tied to a lease with the coal company or land bought collectively.

1 million Number of total passengers Nanaimo Airport (YCD) expects to reach this summer. The airport began in 1942, when the Department of National Defence bought 209 hectares from Thomas Cassidy and built an airstrip, making it ‘warready’. Various jurisdictional and oversight changes have occurred over the ensuing 70 years, as well as numerous infrastructure upgrades, including a $23.7-million multi-phase project that included a runway extension, terminal building and parking lot upgrades, and instrument landing system.

100

Years since a whaling station was dismantled from Pipers Lagoon, which is now a park. Pacific Whaling built the station in 1907, one of the last built on the B.C. coast.

– Mitch Wright, editor@nanaimobulletin.com

Saturday, June 23, 2012

WINNER’S PROFILE Best romantic & best mediterranean

Asteras wins with atmosphere

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nce you step into Asteras Greek Taverna, you Regular customer Colleen Johnston said she thinks she know you’re in a special place. knows why, and it has more to do with the way she is From the home-like atmosphere and the treated.

Mediterranean decor, to the rich smells of “I’ve been coming here since it opened. I like the food, roast lamb, moussaka, spanakopita, grilled it’s fresh, it’s always fresh, and the portions are excellent,” calamari and other Greek specialsaid Johnston. “I always order ties, an evening at Wesley Street’s the lunch special, every time. It’s AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Asteras is a dining experience like wonderful.” no other in Nanaimo. The rich Shirley Forwell, a self-appointselection of wine doesn’t hurt, ed foodologist, said her first visit BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT either. to Asteras demands a return.

Asteras Greek Taverna Having the feeling of going “I love to eat,” she said. “I know Zougla Restaurant out to dinner only to feel right a good spot when I see it. Now Firehouse Grill (tied) at home once you get there that I know it’s the most romanMahle House (tied) is exactly how owners Peter tic spot, I’ll have to find a date Paraskevopoulos and Nicole and we’ll come back.”

Sullivan hoped it would be when The recipes for each dish BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD originate from Paraskevopoulos’s they started Asteras in 2008.

Asteras Greek Taverna “It’s all about the people,” said family on the island of Crete, Zougla Restaurant Paraskevopoulos. “It’s not us, it’s and Sullivan, with her chef’s Alexandra’s Bistro the people who come here. We background, arranged the menu. want them to feel at home and The core of the menu has stayed we want them to feel like queens constant, complemented every and kings.” day with fresh specials.

Evidently they do. Asteras earned the city’s top spot for “I’m the people person,” said Paraskevopoulos, “and best romantic dining place and best Mediterranean dining. Nicole is the food person.”

It finished second overall for best restaurant in Nanaimo.

When the place starts to fill up – and it does most nights

THANK YOU NANAIMO !

For Voting The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Weight Room

Chef Seann Gordon, left, and server Steve Olafsen, are part of the team that make diners feel welcome at Asteras.

– both owners work the floor, chatting with customers and recommending wine matches. The conversations fill the room, and, as with any good Greek restaurant, the energy is notable.

And so is the baklava. Don’t forget to leave some room.

Since Asteras is situated in the Old City Quarter, a postmeal walk through Nanaimo’s heritage community is the perfect way to cap off a romantic evening.

– Toby Gorman reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

Thank You Y Nanaimo!

432 FITZWILLIAM ST. • Pub 250.753.3771 • Liquor Store 250.753.7118

BEST PLACE TO HAVE WINGS

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34 VICTORIA CRES. • Downtown Nanaimo • 250-754-6751 • www.thequeens.ca Saturday, June 23, 2012

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ty’s coal mining history has been allowed to be forgotten. Pardon the pun, but it’s a black hole.

begun to cave in.

Friends of Morden Mine (www.mordenmine.com), a community group organized to preserve the aging head frame, have been working actively in the community to raise money for the project.

On Oct. 4, 2009, the Extension Heritage Committee opened the Extension Miners Community Park, a tribute not only to the miners but also to the contribution the mines made in founding the community.

Perhaps a visitor’s best visual resource is the award-winning mine display at Nanaimo Museum. The mine replica, built by movie industry professionals, has the look and feel of an underground shaft, complete with coal carts, tools and an interactive coal mine and map. Guests can ask for a brass tag before they enter, and at then end of the exhibit they punch in a code to hear the story of an actual coal miner, the role he played, and his fate.

More recently, a kiosk and memorial garden was established at the bottom of Milton Street, near the site of the fateful No. 1 Esplanade Mine, to commemorate those lost in 1887, and a kiosk has also been established at the trailhead at Diver Lake to remember the village of Wellington and its role in the mining industry.

Mining has also crept into Nanaimo’s social fabric in other ways. Juno-nominated singer-songwriter and Nanaimo resident David Gogo captured the feel of mining, and its tragic past, in his song She’s Breakin’ Through.

That title is apt, as Nanaimo’s coal mining industry and the stories it allows, despite its history, is indeed beginning to break through.

The Friends of Morden Mine are working to preserve the head frame and create an interpretive centre at the historical site.

Ask an expert If I wanted to learn more about Nanaimo’s coal-mining history, where should I go?

Like the coal mines it is built upon, Nanaimo has, until now, remained in the dark when it comes to sharing our history with visitors, says Tom Paterson, a local historian.

While coal mining set the foundation for the city from the mid-1800s to the 1950s, there has been precious little information visitors can quickly glean to learn more about the Harbour City’s historic roots.

“This has been Nanaimo’s glaring omission, in my mind,” said Paterson. “The city’s coal mining history has been allowed to be forgotten. Pardon the pun, but it’s a black hole.”

For years, the city’s only nod to its coal mining past was

a small plaque mounted on a chunk of coal at Front and Church streets, and a bowl full of coal on the desk in the mayor’s office.

Many believe Nanaimo’s history was suppressed because of the tragic toll coal mining took on its early residents – at least 600 men were killed over the years at 50 mining sites throughout the area, including one explosion that claimed the lives of 150 men in 1887 at the No. 1 Esplanade Mine – and many of Nanaimo’s first families chose to forget.

But as time heals all wounds, coal mining is slowly creeping back into the city’s consciousness.

Over time memorials, kiosks, parks and displays are appearing, as the community slowly begins to tell its story.

Twice a year, Paterson takes guests on his Black Track Tour in South Wellington.

Beginning at the historic Morden Colliery’s head frame, the tour visits several mine sites, and points out slack piles and depressions in the land where, over time, shafts have

– Toby Gorman reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

NESVOG MEATS in Terminal Park Mall

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MEDITERRANEAN

Open Monday - Frid day 11am - 3pm Saturday 12 noon - 4pm www.thirstyca amelcafe.ca

#14 Victoria Crescent

| 250.753.9313 Saturday, June 23, 2012

ask an expert

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST DAY-CARE CENTRE Jolly Giant Childcare Ltd Katie’s Korner Childcare Centre Boys and Girls Club

What’s with Nanaimo’s obsession with bathtubs?

The Harbour City is home to the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race, the signature event of the Nanaimo Marine Festival.

The great race started as a fun way to celebrate Canada’s centennial year in 1967 and it has been a popular event ever since, said Bill McGuire, commodore of the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.

Glen Galloway, a salesman at Nanaimo Realty and member of the city’s centennial committee, which was charged with coming up with ways to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday, suggested The bathtub race started as a fun way to celebrate Canada’s centennial in 1967. holding a bathtub race.

Frank Ney, chairman of the committee and future mayor of other communities, including Campbell River, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, gave his blessing and the sport of bathtub racing Victoria and other parts of the world. was born.

People see the festival as a chance to really let their hair That year, around 200 “tubbers” entered the race, which down, McGuire added, and what makes it a large community began in Nanaimo harbour and ended in Vancouver, and 47 of affair is all of the other activities that go on during bathtub them completed the 58-kilometre course. weekend, including the fireworks, beer gardens, entertainment “It certainly captured all the news media around the world – stage and parade. it was zany, it was different,” said McGuire.

“It’s not just the bathtubs anymore,” he said.

And while the course has changed – the race starts at – Jenn McGarrigle Nanaimo harbour and ends in Departure Bay – the bathtubreporter@nanaimobulletin.com like boats have gotten more sophisticated and the race is now part of a three-day festival.

“We never had any idea this thing would go on for 46 years, but it has become part of Nanaimo’s culture,” said McGuire, who has been involved with the races since Day 1.

“It brings a lot of people into town. The whole town embellishes it.”

He said people come from all around the world to race on the big day, and the Nanaimo event has also inspired races in

BEST KIDS RESTAURANT White Spot McDonald’s Ricky’s All Day Grill BEST TOY STORE Toys R Us Kool and Child Store Wal-Mart BEST KID’S CLOTHING STORE Children’s Place Gap Kids Old Navy BEST PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES Jumping Jiminys Oliver Woods Centre McDonald’s

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ever had any idea this thing would go on for 46 years, but it has become part of Nanaimo’s culture.

BEST PLAYGROUND Beban Park Oliver Woods Community Centre Maffeo Sutton Park

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Open 7 days a week from 9:30 am – April 1 thru October 15 104 Front Street, Dock “F” www.trollersfishandchips.com

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250-741-1609 (Pickup and take-out available) Saturday, June 23, 2012

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Join us on the water of Nanaimo Harbour at Dock “F” and try our traditional Fish & Chips, made with halibut, salmon or cod “FRESH” off the fish boats.

Our team at Maffeo Salon and Day Spa would like to extend a very sincere thank you to Nanaimo for voting us...

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*Be Relaxed *Be Pampered *Be Beautiful t

250-740-0092

538 Wentworth Street, Nanaimo www.maffeosalon.ca Best of the City 17

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Receive the equivalent amount of underpad when you purchase our select Carpet only

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Was $10.95

We are sincerelyy humbled and would like to thank all off our customers for f votingg Diana’s Garden Centre Nanaimo’s #2 Garden Shop. p Over the last 7 yyears, you y have helped p us support our local growers.

And thank yyou ffor votingg Diana’s Florist Nanaimo’s #3 Flower Shop. p Your support pp over the last 3 yyears means so much to all off us. We couldn’t have done it without you!

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.99 $ .99 $ .49 sq ft & up

FREE *

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

T an You Nanaimo!

Thank 2012

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BEST FLORIST

CHECK OUT OUR HUGE IN-STOCK SELECTION!

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2012

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

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Special Financing available oac. *See store for details.

2517 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo

Thank you Nanaimo for voting us Best Flooring Store!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9:00 am - 5:30 pm p

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Flooring Canadians for over 25 years.

HARDWOOD

LAMINATE

VINYL

AREA RUGS

250-760-0065

CARPET

www.dianasgardencentre.com

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Nanaimo North Town Center Mall

250 729-0200

(new location, next to Fairway Market) Saturday, June 23, 2012

Country Club Mall

250 729-4941 Best of the City 19

WINNER’S PROFILE Best vegetarian

Rawmbas offers fresh choices

V

– Rachel Stern reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com

Rawmbas owner Biff Bartlett and Diana Marchand, chef, say the rawmba-za pizza is a popular item with customers. It features a sprouted buckwheat crust and is stacked with nut cheese, roasted veggies, basil and olives and topped off with the restaurant’s creamy ranch sauce.

“

amazing honour and I’m flattered because we are so new to the community.

THANK YOU NANAIMO FOR VOTING US

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eggie cuisine choices are delighting the palates of Rawmbas customers.

The restaurant won this year’s Best in the City top vegetarian food category.

“It’s an amazing honour and I’m flattered because we are so new to the community,” said Biff Bartlett, an owner, adding Rawmbas has been open eight months.

Nestled on Stewart Avenue, the restaurant is making a name for itself among those craving gluten free, vegetarian and vegan fare.

The feng shui inspired green and white colour scheme of the interior is accentuated with bamboo plants.

The numerous windows offer AND THE WINNERS ARE ... customers ample natural light even on cloudy days or they can dine Rawmbas outside on the patio.

Thirsty Camel Café It’s the food that makes it a top Delicado’s destination for people craving healthy food that tastes great. The top three favourite veggie meals are the falafel wrap, Thai grain bowl and the rawmba-za pizza.

The food is a collaborative creation by the owners and staff.

Diana Marchand, the restaurant’s raw food chef, said they perfected the recipes over a few months to get the right combination of ingredients.

“I’m into healthy eating and I always loved to create recipes,” said Marchand.

Rawmbas is also opening a north-end location at 508 - 6581 Aulds Rd.

1810 FREMONT ROAD, NANAIMO | PHONE: 250-758-8464 | WWW.DENMARELECTRIC.COM LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED, SERVING VANCOUVER ISLAND SINCE 1994 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 20 Best of the City

Saturday, June 23, 2012

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2012 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302

Stk# 77190

2008 LINCOLN MKZ AWD

Stk# 76810

48,888

$ *The

2011 FORD F150

*

Stk# 77010

29,889

$

2008 HYUNDAI SANTE FE LTD

Stk# 77620

22,888

$

*

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The Best Place to Buy a Used Vehicle!

2

Best Place To Buy A Used Vehicle

2012

www.stevemarshallnanaimo.com

Best Customer Service

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Best Auto Servicing

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18,988

$

*

*

total price of vehicles sold is the purchase price plus $499 documentation fee plus taxes.

2012 Ford Explorer FWD Was $31,899

$

NOW

29,499

$

85

weekly

*All rebates and incentives to dealer. Dealer fees and taxes are extra. On Approved Credit.

All make parts available at competitive prices, no need to shop anywhere else. Good, better, best! We sell tires and will match anyone’s written price.

Come on in and visit our newly revamped parts display area and meet our accessory expert who can help with all make accessories.

Our facility is equipped to service any size, make or model of motorhome. We service boat trailers, travel trailers, bearing repacks, lights & wiring - complete brake jobs and more!

www.SteveMarshallNanaimo.com

250-758-7388

38551 Shenton Rd., Nanaimo

STEVE MARSHALL FORD LINCOLN 250.758.7311 Monday - Thursday Friday & Saturday

8:30 am - 7:00 pm 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

3851 Shenton Rd., Nanaimo, B.C. DL #10401

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Best of the City 21

Thank You Nanaimo!

visit www.thriftyfoods.com 22 Best of the City

NANAIMO Saturday, June 23, 2012

(ends (en ds Jul uly y8 8/12 /12 /12) 1 ) 12

NEW EW SUMME SUMMER STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:30-6:00 pm Saturday 9:30-5:30 pm Sunday Noon-5:00 p pm

Nanaimo • Victoria • Coquitlam • Richmond • Langley • Kelowna

1711 BOWEN RD. N A N A I M O Saturday, June 23, 2012

BOWEN RD.

COUCH POTATO & SCANDESIGNS

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Y HW

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Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-6:00 pm Saturday 9:30-5:30 pm Sunday Noon-5 pm

NORTH FIELD

reg. $5128 Tim Horton’s

NEW PARKWAY

•

250-753-6361 Best of the City 23

The only thing we overlook is the waterfront...

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Thank You!

If you like our front yard, wait till you see your campsite!

end of Maki Road- turn at Rona 53 acres, 300 incredible sites

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CHEERS NANAIMO!

ST OF T E CI BE E

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Thank you Nanaimo!

FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Terminal Park 9 - 1150 Terminal Ave. N. 250.753.5118

Across from BCAA 501 - 6581 Aulds Road 250.390.1362

LivingForest.com 250-755-1755 Facebook.com/LivingForestRV

www.winekitz.com

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Proud to suppporrt our community!

LOCAL

DALLAS ORR

AARON ANDERSON

RICHARD CHARLEY

DOUG McINULTY

JEFF GOERZ

JAMIE REYNOLDS

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

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Dealership

2011

Vancouver Island’s only

The Island’s Largest Used Vehicle Inventory

RICK ROACH

3

years running

2010

www.nanaimotoyota.com www.nanaimotoyota.com www.nanaimotoyota.com

family.

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KIRSTEN MICHIELI

ASHLEY YURISICH

1-888-691-3849

www.nanaimotoyota.com

2555 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

RICK FAGANELLO

MIKE LALANDE

KEN TAYLOR

REID HUGH

BRETT CRAIGEN

JUSTIN EMPSON

DON YANISIEW

JIM SIMMERING

www.nanaimotoyota.com www.nanaimotoyota.com www.nanaimotoyota.com

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Saturday, June 23, 2012

ask an expert

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST BREAKFASTS Ricky’s All Day Grill Tina’s Diner Tania’s Restaurant

I want to take my family on a picnic, but the place must be easily accessible and have a view of the ocean. Where should I go?

A stack of sandwiches and a container of potato salad are neatly tucked into a basket for a family picnic.

But where’s the best and most accessible spot in Nanaimo to enjoy a meal and get a fabulous view of the ocean?

Maffeo Sutton Park rises to the top among city parks that offer people accessibility, ocean views and numerous activities to while away the hours.

Kristy Tymos, a member of Access Nanaimo, said Maffeo Sutton is a great location for families to go.

The relatively flat landscape makes it an ideal location for people with walkers, scooters or wheelchairs to navigate the paths.

It also has central parking, public washrooms, wheelchairaccessible picnic tables, a playground and plenty of benches for people who want to take a rest.

Kirsty MacDonald, parks and open spaces planner for the City of Nanaimo, said Maffeo Sutton is a destination that offers families plenty of activities to fill a day.

After enjoying a picnic in the park kids can make sand castles on the beach or comb for shells in Swy-a-Lana Lagoon.

Or the family can enjoy a nice dip in the waters.

“You could spend a whole afternoon there quite easily,” said MacDonald.

The park’s paths are connected to the Harbourfront walkway, which offers pedestrians five kilometres of paved trail for walks.

It also features the Lions Pavilion, access to Newcastle Island by ferry and the Playdock playground.

BEST FAST FOOD Wendy’s Subway A&W BEST PASTA Milano’s Ristoranté New York Style Pizza Boston Pizza BEST PIZZA Mambo Gourmet Pizza New York Style Pizza Panago BEST PIES Nanaimo Bakery Columbia Bakery Costco BEST SEAFOOD Nauticals The Keg Zougla Restaurant

Maffeo Sutton Park is one of the best places for a picnic, with easy access, ocean views and numerous activities going on through out the year.

“

– Rachel Stern reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com

ould spend a whole afternoon there quite easily.

Congratulations to all of the “Best of the City” winners!

Fairwinds Golf Club welcomes you to join us for

6551 Aulds Rd., North Nanaimo

250-390-5060

Stay in touch with FREE Wi-Fi and enjoy our New Big Screen TV!

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Gluten-Free Pizzas, Pastas, Stirfrys and Desserts – even a Gluten-Free Beer!

#

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Serving Nanaimo since 1998, we prepare everything from scratch in our kitchen and use only the finest ingredients. You will love our delicious food, generous portions, and reasonable prices.

The Mavrikos family thanks you for your support over the past 14 years, and hope to continue serving you for generations to come!

BEST PASTA

For The 8th Year In A Row! ★ Mondays & Tuesdays enjoy Pizza or Pasta all day for just $ 9.88! ★ Milano’s & Avalon Cinema proudly present ‘Dinner & A Movie’. Ask us for details! ★ Daily Specials ★ Great Patio

2(onfforpickup 1 Pizza & Pasta or delivery orders)

Hot & Fast Delivery within 7 kms 10% Off On Pick Up Orders!

‘Italian Soul In The Heart Of Nanaimo’ Saturday, June 23, 2012

• Family Golf Nights (kids golf free!)

• Ladies’ Nights (Mondays) • Men’s Nights (Thursdays) • Ladies’ Nine & Wine (monthly) Game Packs (Non-transferable and incluudes special privledges) 3 Game Pack $179 5 Game Pack $279 9 10 Game Pack $519 HST no HS nott inc in ncl clud de ed d. S So o ome me re esstr tricctition on o ns ap appl ply. y.

Only 15 minutes north of Nanaimo

Call us toll free: 1.888.781.2777 Email: teetimes@fairwinds.ca 3730 Fairwinds Drive, Nanoose Bay

www.fairwinds.ca/promotions Best of the City 25

FRESH DELI FRE from o our own chefs

OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK YS/WEEK 9:30 am - 6 pm

“The Nanaimo Athletic Club would like to say a big thank you for recognizing our continued efforts, in making our club the one you enjoy the most!”

Some of the Great Fresh Products we carry:

Garlic Stuffed Potatoes Seafood Crepes Seafood Lasagna Smokey Salmon Pasta Halibut Phillo with Spinach & Feta Clam Chowder, Salmon Aspargus Curry Shrimp, Seafood Garlic Lovers

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“The only fish that is fresher is still swimming!”

250 716 1111 250.716.1111

www.seadriftfishmarke shmarket.ca #1-1559 Estevan Road Nanaimo 250-754-4913

tions 2 Great Loca ou Y e rv Se to

www.nanaimoathleticclub.com

NORTHRIDGE VILLAGE

#401-5800 Turner Road Nanaimo 250-758-7151

THANK YOU!

info@nanaimoathleticclub.com

@ilovenac

TO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS

%F

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INES NOME MACH ON SELECT JA ✦ NTITIES LAST ✦ WHILE QUA E– ELS AVAILABL – OTHER MOD

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FREE

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GREATER TERMINAL PARK

• Private P i t or group P Personal Training Studio • Non-Intimidating - understand first time gym visitors •N No Pressure P SSales! l !

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• Massive facility with Ladies ONLY floor fl • Lots of equipment - no waiting • Free ee orientation

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We have fresh in-store homemade Soups and ready to eat Seafood entrees.

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Thank you to all who voted us #1 AGAIN! The Best Place To Buy Seafood!

GREAT ATMOSPHERE!

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Fresh “Wild” Salmon Fresh “Wild” Halibut Fresh “Wild” Cod, Sole, Snapper Fillets Fresh “Wild” Hand Peeled Shrimp Meat Nova Scotia Digby Scallops Live Crab, Alaskan King Crab Legs

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email: info@snipandstitch.com 26 Best of the City

www.snipandstitch.com Saturday, June 23, 2012

WINNER’S PROFILE Best lunches

Fiesta of flavour at Delicado’s

P

Popular lunch items include the half wrap of eople looking for a fiesta of flavours to appease their lunchtime cravings salad and the salad plate. The salads are made can get a mouthful of satisfaction fresh from scratch and everything is made at Delicado’s. daily including the dressings.

Dan Porteous, who has “The southwest specialty wrap is by far our frequented the restaurant for more than 20 number one seller,” said Maria Gusola, who years, knows that when he wants something co-owns the restaurant with her sister Gina good to eat, Delicado’s fare will hit the spot.

Couchman.

The veggie rollup with curry is his favourite Gusola said Delicado’s also has a standing lunchtime treat. tradition of filling the “It’s nice that people orders of people in AND THE WINNERS ARE ... can switch it up uniform who are on because you can ask for duty right away, such different flavours and as police, firemen Delicado’s customize it,” he said. and ambulance Thirsty Camel The restaurant was paramedics.

Gabriel’s Café voted the spot to nab Delicado’s has two the best lunches in the locations in Nanaimo News Bulletin’s annual – at 404-6581 Aulds Best of the City survey.

Rd. and at 358 Wesley Street. The south end “It is very exciting and we are very happy location’s top favourite lunch items are the with that. We certainly do strive to please southwest chicken rollups, California rollup everybody with a wide variety in our and tortilla pie. menu,” said Shavon Ganderton, manager of All Delicado’s restaurants are independently Delicado’s north end location, adding there owned and operated. are gluten and dairy free options available.

– Rachel Stern “It’s great that people continue to love us.” reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com

Shavon Ganderton, manager of Delicado’s north end location, and Dan Porteous, a longtime customer, enjoy the restaurant’s favourite lunch items; nacho chips and salsa, the three salad plate and the southwest specialty wrap.

Good Clean Family Fun Since 1956!

Here’s what our

Birthday Party customers t are saying: i ~ “Our hostess was fantastic!! Made it so wonderful and easy! Thank You.” - E.W. ~ “The service was excellent. Thank You, thank you, thank you.”

- J.W. ~ “It was awesome - host was great with kids.

We had to do nothing!”

- M.B.

Want a great social activity for your organization or staff? Give bowling a try! We can offer “Bingo Bowling,” and “Fun Games.”

5 Pin Bowling is a great family recreation.

Our regular (weekly) bowlers range from 6 years to 95 years.

~ “The party was excellent! We appreciated how organized it was - the attention to the small details were so thoughtful!”

- S.A. ~ “Our host was amazing! Great party! Fun was had by all.”

- S.M. ~ “This was a great experience, very relaxing. I’m surprised to not have to do anything. We will be back in the future!”

- K.G.

Kids Bowl Free!

We have be en help have FUN s ing Nanaimo ince 1956!

Brechin Lane s would like to than Nanaimo by offering kids k 2 GAMES F everyday of th REE e Summer!

Parents go to www.kidsb owlfree.co m /brechinlan to sign up es their kids, then from June 1 - Se pt 4, kids u age 15 can p to bowl 2 gam es PER DA for free - ju Y st pay for s hoe rental.

BRECHIN LANES

1870 E. Wellington Rd. Saturday, June 23, 2012

250-753-2341 www.brechinlanes.ca

Best of the City 27

ask an expert What Snuneymuxw First Nation traditions and culture remain evident in Nanaimo?

In our modern, fast-moving world, it isn’t always easy to stop and consider traditions and culture, or understand how we came to be who we are as a society.

For a culture that still clings to a deep connection with land, air, water and all living things, it’s even more difficult, but that’s the challenge that Snuneymuxw First Nation faces every day.

As Snuneymuxw elders die, says Geraldine Manson, cultural advisor for the band, they take with them vast knowledge of language, heritage, history and culture, largely because much of First Nation culture is passed along through stories and oral teachings.

But a new program devised by the First Nation will use modern technology to record that knowledge for current and future Snuneymuwx generations to learn from.

“Traditional Knowledge Keepers is a program where we interview 11 of our elders on customs and protocols,” said Manson.

“Under different categories each elder will be asked to recall their knowledge. We have someone to document their information to video so by the end of the project we’ll have a DVD titled Traditional Knowledge and each one will be on subjects like hunting, fishing, gathering, harvesting, travel and sports.”

The DVDs created as a result of Traditional Keepers will be available for all 1,700 Snuneymuxw members to watch and learn from.

Maintaining Snuneymuxw’s Hul’q’umin’um language is also a priority.

Currently, the band’s cultural leaders are working on another project that will add storybooks in their traditional language for young ones from daycare and kindergarten to Grade 4 to read as part of the school curriculum.

Teachers and others who are connected to the community are also being taught Hul’q’umin’um in an effort to preserve the language before it’s too late.

Raising newborns with traditional values is also part of the project. Building Better Babies will share traditional Snuneymuxw wisdom with young families on raising a child in the traditional Snuneymuxw way.

All of these projects designed to preserve culture fall under the umbrella of Snawayalth, or sacred teachings, to help Snuneymuxw members understand how to make the best decisions on how to interact with traditional territory and each other.

“There is a fear that some knowledge is being lost,” said Manson. “It’s always a fear. No matter if we continue recording and collecting information, whether it’s through language or storytelling, or a school curriculum, when we look into our community today we see how many of our cultural elders are gone, our traditional ones that practiced and lived that life. So now we who walk that life are seeing the urgency of documenting.”

– Toby Gorman reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

Thank You To All Our Customers...

You are #1!

310-0001 ST OF THE CI BE E

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First Nations drummers perform during the official opening of the second phase of the Nanaimo Airport expansion.

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Saturday, June 23, 2012

WINNER’S PROFILE Best DELI

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BEST PLACE TO GET A TATTOO Black and Blue Tranceformations Electric Umbrella

Nesvog’s wins with service

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY Flight Centre Around the World Travel Service Ltd. Marlin Travel

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BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER RBC Sun Life Financial TD Canada Trust

Thank You Nanaimo Bigger Better Inventory New L Location !

FOR AGAIN VOTING US

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Thank h k You Nanaimo ffor voting us BEST CATERING BUSINESS

BEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Den-Mar Electric Mazzei Electric Wenner Electric

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BEST CATERING BUSINESS Master’s Touch Mrs. Riches Club Café 2 Chef’s Affair

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drive through Terminal Park shopping centre and a glance at an empty store up for lease was the humble beginning of one of the most popular meat shops in Nanaimo.

‘We had talked about opening our own Chloe Swabey fills a customer’s order at Nesvog’s Meats. shop, looked at the store and said ‘let’s try it’,” said Ingrid Nesvog, who along with her husband, Arnold, owns Nes“It’s a great staff and customer service,” she said. “I tell vog’s Meats and Sausage Company. everyone we hire to treat the people coming in the door That was seven years ago, and the couple, who once as if they were company,” she said. had the contract for meat service at the Mid Island Co-op Lance Van has shopped at Nesvog’s Meats since it on Bowen Road, hasn’t looked back. opened, dropping by nearly every day.

Starting with one employee and themselves, the Nes“The personal customer service in this place is vogs have built the shop into a unmatched,” he said. “The place booming business with 28 workis kept clean, the quality of the AND THE WINNERS ARE ... ers, offering cuts of steak, pork deli is excellent and the staff is and chicken, meat pies, numerthe best.”

Nesvog’s Meats ous flavours of sausage, turkey Ingrid said it’s key to make and beef burger patties, and the customers feel they are the Thrifty Foods sauces and seasonings to accent most important people the staff Nellies Dutch Deli (tied) any choice of meat. will see that day.

McLean’s Specialty Foods (tied) And don’t forget the deli.

“If someone has a special In fact, Nesvog’s Meats topped order and asks, we will try our the list for best deli this year in hardest to make it happen,” the News Bulletin’s Best of the City. she said. “I know we work hard, but holy cow, we never As to why the store, which went through a major expected this when we opened. We are truly blessed.”

– Chris Hamlyn expansion in September, won the hearts of Best of the news@nanaimobulletin.com City voters, Ingrid has two explanations.

Best Bike Shop

Eat In • Take Out • Catering 123B Commercial St., Nanaimo, B.C.

250-591-4656 Saturday, June 23, 2012

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What famous athletes hail from Nanaimo?

Nanaimo has more than its share of high-calibre athletes, ones who have excelled in the big games, scored the big goal, won the big race.

Many of them are enshrined in the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame at the Nanaimo Museum.

“Some of the people who have been inducted that people would recognize immediately are probably Lloyd Gilmour, several Olympic athletes like Gerald Kazanowski, Phil Olsen, Angie Dobie,” said Debbie Trueman, general manager at the museum. “And of course this year’s inductees, which I can’t tell you yet, because that’ll be announced in September.”

Gilmour was an NHL referee, Kazanowski and Dobie played basketball with Canada’s national team and Olsen threw the javelin.

Also enshrined in the hall are former NHLers Barry Pederson and Alan Hill and multiple-time Paralympic gold medallist Michelle Stilwell, among others.

This summer Canada’s Olympic team will boast a few locals, including swimmer Tommy Gossland and Paralympic rower Tony Theriault and Stilwell and high jumper Mike Mason, both of Nanoose Bay. – Greg Sakaki sports@nanaimobulletin.com

BEST OPTICAL STORE Iris Maycock Eyecare Visionarts Eyecare Centre BEST MARINE SUPPLIER The Harbour Chandler Ltd. West Marine Westwood Power and Marine BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE STORE Wal-Mart Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln Costco

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BEST STORE FOR MEN’S WEAR Moore’s Sears Tip Top Tailors Multiple Paralympic gold medallist Michelle Stilwell hails from Nanoose Bay.

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BEST HAMBURGERS Mrs. Riches Club CafÊ White Spot Armani’s Grill

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BEST CHICKEN WINGS Miller’s Pub The Oxy (Occidental Hotel) Old City Station Green Olive

BEST PATIO RESTAURANT Cactus Club Cafe Earls Lighthouse Bistro

BEST BAKERY Nanaimo Bakery Columbia Bakery Cobs Bread

BEST DESSERTS Dairy Queen Modern CafĂŠ Mon Petit Choux

BEST STEAK The Keg The Bold Knight Beefeaters Chop House & Grill

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BEST SUNDAY BUFFET/BRUNCH Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant ABC Restaurants Ricky’s All Day Grill

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BEST ASIAN FOOD Blue Ginger Huong Lan Restaurant Hong Kong House

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Was the Nanaimo bar really named after Nanaimo?

The Nanaimo bar is a sweet treat enjoyed around the world, but the origins of its name are lost in a murky past.

It might seem obvious, at first glance, that the bar was named after Nanaimo. Then again, that might be mere coincidence.

It’s about as tough to get a firm answer on the subject as it is to determine where the original recipe came from.

Even staff at Tourism Nanaimo, the city’s prime promoter of the Nanaimo Bar Trail, defer to Nanaimo Museum, with its display dedicated to the bar.

According to the museum, the origin of the bar’s name is a mystery.

In a 1952 Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary cookbook, the bar is simply referred to as a chocolate square.

David Hill-Turner, museum curator, said the earliest printed reference to the Nanaimo bar is for a chocolate square recipe in a 1953 edition of an Edith Adams cooking column in the Vancouver Sun newspaper. By the way, Edith Adams, like Betty Crocker, was just a brand name. Adams never existed. “Maybe it was because somebody submitted the recipe from Nanaimo,� said Hill-Turner. “Instead of calling it a chocolate square, we’ll call it a Nanaimo bar, but that’s just

speculation on my part.�

The City of Nanaimo’s website links those seeking Nanaimo bar history to an article posted on Wikipedia, which says the bar originated in Ladysmith and that Mabel Jenkins, a housewife from Cowichan Bay, submitted the recipe for the annual Ladysmith and Cowichan Women’s Institute Cookbook in the early 1950s.

The article also claims the bars were called Mabel Bars in areas south of Duncan, which were nicknamed Nanaimo bars by American tourists cruising local waters in pleasure boats. “They probably called it the Nanaimo bar because it sounded better than the ‘Edith’ or ‘Mabel’ bar,� said Christine Meutzner, Nanaimo Community Archives manager.

Strangely, attempts to cross reference the Ladysmith and Cowichan Women’s Institute lead back to the Wikipedia article and the city website does refer to the article’s content as conjecture. “There was no Ladysmith Women’s Institute, because I run those archives too and I checked it out,�

Meutzner said. “It never existed.�

Perhaps Nanaimo Museum is right.

The bar and the origin of its name will remain the stuff of legend. – Chris Bush photos@nanaimobulletin.com

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BEST PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG Westwood Lake Neck Point Pipers Lagoon BEST PLACE TO SWIM OUTDOORS Westwood Lake Nanaimo River Long Lake BEST PLACE TO WALK, JOG OR HIKE Westwood Lake Harbourfront Walkway Neck Point The trail at Westwood Lake Park is the only one on which the city puts a running base.

What’s so great about Westwood Lake?

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nly thing I’ve ever seen on the water was what, to me, looked like the arch of a roof.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

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ull into the main parking lot at Westwood Lake Park and you’ll find it nearly full most days.

Beaches, groomed trails to walk, jog, bike or maybe take a four-footed best buddy out for some exercise, plus a boat ramp to launch a day of fishing, kayaking or canoeing, make Westwood Lake Park one of Nanaimo’s best loved outdoor recreation areas.

The park’s central location puts those beaches and trails within a few minutes’ drive from most of Nanaimo. ◆ Westwood Lake is a legacy of Nanaimo’s industrial past.

William J. Westwood settled and farmed the area in the 1860s when the lake was little more than a shallow marsh that fed Darough Creek.

As Nanaimo progressed into the 20th century and demand for electricity grew to power local industry the head of Darough Creek was dammed in 1908, creating Westwood Lake as a reservoir for a hydroelectric plant.

The hydroelectric plant was ultimately abandoned, but the dam and the lake remained and in 1957 Westwood Lake was dedicated as a city park.

Today ghostly snags of trees that stood green before the valley was flooded, reach up from below the lake’s surface and steal the hooks and lures from anglers fishing for trout the lake is stocked with annually. Some say remnants of Westwood’s farm can still be seen on the bottom of the lake.

“The only thing I’ve ever seen on the water was what, to me, looked like the arch of a roof,” said Ed Singer, owner of Sundown Diving. “I haven’t ever seen anything else in there.”

Singer said some divers have reported spotting what appears to have once been a fence line, but stories of others seeing old tractors in barns in the lake’s depths are just tall tales. ◆ Two big sandy beaches are crowded with families on hot summer days when children build sandcastles or wade and swim in the park’s shallow, bordered swimming areas.

Westwood Lake was voted as best place to walk your dog, Lifeguards are on duty through but note, most of the park is designated as ‘on-leash’. July and August.

The beach area features change rooms and washrooms, a playground, wheelchair access to the water, a wheelchair accessible floating fishing dock, a drinking water fountain and there is usually a vendor parked in the shade of big fir trees nearby who sells hot dogs, popsicles and other goodies throughout the summer.

Picnic tables are scattered among the fir trees between the west beach and the park’s gravel overflow parking lot. ◆ Paths and trails criss-cross the park’s 120 hectares, branching off of Westwood Lake’s six-kilometre main trail that meanders around the shore. It’s well maintained – with wooden bridges and boardwalks and groomed with wood chips – and a favourite route of walkers and runners who don’t mind their pace being broken up with a climb and descent over a rocky knoll on the lake’s north east shore.

About 750 people a day run the trail, which has become a main venue for local charity runs and other special events.

“It’s the only park that we put a running base on,” said Kirsty MacDonald, city parks and open spaces planner.

The trail’s busiest months are April and October. ◆ Westwood Lake Trail links up to more pathways through Morrell Nature Sanctuary. The 111-hectare nature preserve borders the east side of Westwood Lake Park, and offers 11 kilometres of nature walks through second growth forest.

Dog lovers can let their pets run free on the south side of Westwook Lake, in the park’s off-leash area on the powerline service easement lands and roads.

The park is also the gateway to Westwood Ridge, where hikers and mountain bikers test their mettle on a network of trails that traverse streams and small ravines that form part of the Westwood watershed.

Beyond the ridge, Mount Benson’s north face awaits hikers searching for more challenging ascents and grander vistas at the end of the journey.

Te’tuxw’tun trail offers a challenging 11-kilometre round-trip hike to the top of Mount Benson. The trail starts from the west end of Westwood and climbs through steep terrain, logging roads and even some old growth forest.

At 1,000 metres, the top of Mount Benson is the highest point in Nanaimo and from where hikers take in sweeping views of Westwood Lake Park, the city and the Strait of Georgia and coastal mountains beyond.

– Chris Bush photos@nanaimobulletin.com

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ask an expert

s passion for Nanaimo was best remembered by his pirate suit. He was Nanaimo’s pirate and people just accepted that.

Why is there a statue of a pirate on Nanaimo’s waterfront?

“The real answer is we’re not so much celebrating the pirate, but the man,” said Mayor John Ruttan.

The bronze statue at Swy-a-lana Lagoon is of former mayor and beloved Nanaimoite Frank Ney wearing his favourite pirate suit.

Ruttan said friends of Ney fundraised privately to build the statue, which was installed in 1994, about two years after his death.

“Frank’s passion for Nanaimo was best remembered by his pirate suit,” he said. “He was Nanaimo’s pirate and people just accepted that.”

The outfit started off as a fun way to sell Protection Island – his company, Nanaimo Realty, purchased the island and sold off lots

in the early 1960s.

“The wilder you could come up with, the better the public liked it,” said Ruttan. “There was a lot of promotions of that calibre at that time. Maybe they lacked sophistication, but they were a fun time.”

The pirate theme was then adopted at the bathtub races, which started in 1967 as a zany way for the town to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday and in which Ney also played a central role.

Ruttan said Ney was often seen in his full pirate regalia, walking to city hall or his Nanaimo Realty offices or at community events.

Ney was a “good guy” with a genuine desire to help people, he added, and he often took young people under his wing and helped them out.

– Jenn McGarrigle reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

The statue of Frank Ney in Maffeo Sutton Park draws many curious looks from visitors to Nanaimo.

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BEST PLACE TO SHOP Woodgrove Centre Downtown Wal-Mart BEST JEWELRY STORE Peoples Jewellers Ben Moss Bastion Jewellers BEST LINGERIE SHOP La Senza My Undies La Vie En Rose BEST BIKE SHOP Oak Bay Bikes Arrowsmith Bikes Pacific Rim Bicycle

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my Hsueh likes to work quietly behind the scenes, helping with a variety of different initiatives in her school and community.

When the soft-spoken Grade 12 Dover Bay Secondary School student talks about being named Junior Citizen of the Year in the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sterling Awards, she admits she’s a little embarrassed to be recognized in this way.

“It’s a great honour,” said Hsueh. “I think there’s a lot of deserving candidates out there. I just like working with people.”

While she doesn’t keep track of her volunteer hours, in a typical week Hsueh can be found at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, talking with patients and helping out where needed, shelving books in the school’s library, tutoring math students, at student council meetings and helping out with recycling and other environmental activities through the Dover Bay Eco Club.

Hsueh also has an impressive community volunteer

RUNNERS-UP ...

Tali Campbell, a Grade 11 student at John Barsby Secondary School, became interested in leadership in Grade 9 when he started a school newspaper. Since then, he’s been involved in numerous school and community projects, including volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island and taking a leadership role in organizing the World’s Longest Street Hockey Game from June 29 to July 3.

His goal is to demonstrate that youth can contribute to society in positive ways and be the leaders of today as well as tomorrow.

Paul Kim, a Grade 11 student at Wellington Secondary School, volunteers his time at various organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

He maintains top academic marks while undertaking projects on behalf of student council and helping Grade 8 students adjust to life in high school. He cares deeply about giving back to the community and strives to instil lifelong qualities in youth through teaching taekwondo.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

BEST SHOE STORE Aldo Shoes A Step Ahead Payless Shoes Amy Hsueh won recognition as Junior Citizen of the Year award at the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Sterling Awards for her volunteer and community efforts.

record, from salmon habitat restoration work and helping out at flu shot clinics during the H1N1 outbreak two years ago to the Maple Sugar Festival and the city’s Leaders in Training program, through which she logged more than 150 hours leading various kids camps and helping out at special celebrations.

On top of this, she competes with her school’s track and field team, is a member of the math contest club, plays the violin in a school band and still finds time to earn good grades.

But Hsueh feels like she has it all under control.

“I think I’m just used to it,” she said. “Most of it is fun for me, so it’s not stressful. When you volunteer, you tend to be happier because you’re doing what you like.”

Hsueh and her two older sisters, younger brother and parents moved to Canada from Taiwan in 2003 and her exposure to the environment increased – in Taiwan, her family lived in the city, whereas in Nanaimo she lives in Lantzville, surrounded by green space and enough of a yard to get chickens.

This motivated her to become involved with the eco club along with her sisters and she helped the club win a $50,000 technology upgrade from Staples Business Depot.

Hsueh plans to pursue a career in the medical field as a doctor or researcher and follow her sisters to the University of Toronto next fall – all three are studying life sciences with the intention of doing something in the medical field.

“We do a lot of things together, so we’ve developed the same hobbies and likes and dislikes,” she said.

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– Jenn McGarrigle reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

you volunteer, you tend to be happier because you’re doing what you love.

BEST STORE FOR LADIES WEAR Quintessentials Catwalk Fashions Sears BEST FLOWER SHOP Turley’s Florist Thrifty Foods Diana’s Garden Centre (tied) Westcoast Classic Floral Design (tied) BEST FURNITURE STORE The Brick La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Flying Fish BEST HOUSEWARES/LINEN STORE Homesense Flying Fish Home Outfitters BEST PLACE TO BUY MEAT Nesvog’s Piper’s Meats Costco BEST VITAMIN/HEALTH FOOD STORE Charlie Brown’s Island Natural Markets Fuel Supplements BEST PAINT STORE Home Depot Cloverdale Paint Benjamin Moore BEST OUTDOOR GARDEN CENTRE Art Knapp Plantland Diana’s Garden Centre Long Lake Nursery (tied) Green Thumb Nursery (tied) Best of the City 35

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

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BEST WINE-MAKING STORE Nanaimo Wine Shop Wine Kitz Wine Works

BEST PLACE TO BUY SEAFOOD Sea Drift Fish Market Thrifty Foods Costco

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The City of Nanaimo parks department is not about to rest on its laurels when it comes to trails.

With more than 130 kilometres of trails within its boundaries, the city has a system that is key to both recreation and transportation.

Whether it’s hiking the routes around Jack Point or Westwood Lake parks, or biking to work along the Parkway or E&N trails, residents and visitors have a host of options available to them.

And if Jeff Ritchie, senior manager of parks, gets his wish, there will be more kilometres added.

“We’re pretty proud of what we’ve got, but there’s always something on the horizon,” he said. “We want to have as many multi-use trails and as many people on them as possible.”

The latest plan is for a second section of the E&N Trail in the city’s south end.

“We have council approval to go for a grant looking at the E&N from Albert to Seventh Street,” said Ritchie. “You see a lot of people walking along the railway tracks and we’d like to duplicate what we’ve done in the north.”

That concept starts with completion of a trail between Franklyn to Fitzwilliam streets behind the E&N Train Station this summer.

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“It’s not very long, but it’s a start to connecting to the south,” said Ritchie. “We’ve got some concepts and we’ll see how the grant application goes. If we’re successful, that would be great.”

With work on Bowen Road getting closer to completion, the perimeter trail at Bowen West Field is scheduled for paving, relinking the trail system from Maffeo Sutton Park, through Barsby and Bowen parks, to Buttertubs Marsh, the university district and onto the Nanaimo Parkway.

Other concepts on the wish list include work at Harewood Centennial Park at Howard Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets.

“It’s a fairly large park with soccer fields, ball fields, a playground, and we’re looking to put a trail system through it,” said Ritchie.

The idea of a trail network through downtown, along the waterfront, skirting Departure Bay, around to Neck Point Park, Walley Creek and out to the north end is still in the city’s strategic plan, but remains well into the future.

“We’re always looking at opportunities to link trails, and from a parks person’s perspective that would be awesome. But there are a lot of issues with that,” said Ritchie. “For now, priority is the south. That’s the best bang for the buck.”

Nanaimo’s trail system is great, but what does the city have planned for expansion?

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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Great games S

ometimes at the rink, or on the field, or at the ballpark, the game ends in a tie. Sometimes it ends as a forgettable blowout. And sometimes it ends up being the greatest game of all time.

There’s a good game going on almost every night, somewhere in Nanaimo. The News Bulletin compiled a list of the best sporting contests played in the city during the last 10 years.

On the list are some of the best games ever, and here’s something else to keep in mind: these are some of the best games ever – so far.

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ame that much greater of a story, and a time, and a piece in Clippers history and in hockey history too.

To read about six more great games from Nanaimo’s recent sporting past, please go online to www.nanaimobulletin.com/ lifestyles/tourism/ for an expanded version of this story.

Nanaimo Clippers 4 Powell River Kings 3 Frank Crane Arena, March 13 and 16, 2004 It was the Game 7 that was so good, it couldn’t be contained to just one day.

The Nanaimo Clippers thought they had won their first-round playoff series against the Powell River Kings on a dramatic penaltyshot goal by Tyson Mulock with 80 seconds left in the third period.

As it turned out, the drama had barely begun.

The Kings protested the referee’s decision to award Mulock’s penalty shot, and the B.C. Hockey League made a bizarre decision that the final 80 seconds of the game be replayed.

So the Clips and Kings took the ice again three nights after Game 7 to play Game 7, again, or at least the last 80 seconds. Some 3,000 people filled Frank Crane, even though they knew there was a chance they would see less than a minute and a half of hockey.

There was no ice clean after the pre-game skate, in an effort to recreate late-third-period ice conditions, and the replay started with a faceoff in the attacking zone, with the Clippers on a power play, the score tied 3-3.

The Shipmen had practised offensive-zone faceoffs and power play a lot the day before, said Michael Olson, team captain at the time, but they didn’t capitalize. A few seconds after the power play expired, however, in overtime, the Clips caught a break. Olson was going off for a line change when he found himself open for a pass.

He went in on a breakaway and scored, 54 seconds into OT. If the Clippers and their fans were happy about winning Game 7 the first time, well, that was nothing compared to winning it a second time.

“It was absolutely chaotic,” Olson said. “Emotions were obviously very, very high.”

It ended up being the catalyst for further playoff success that year, he said. Being forced to win Game 7 twice gave the Clips an usagainst-the-world mentality.

And they kept winning, capturing their first BCHL championship in 26 years, a championship that wouldn’t have been possible if they hadn’t won one of the Nanaimo’s best games of all time.

“It became that much greater of a story, and a time, and a piece in Clippers history and in hockey history, too…” Olson said. “Hockey presents cool things and neat scenarios all the time.”

V.I. Raiders 27 Edmonton Wildcats 26 Caledonia Park, Nov. 11, 2006

Considering how many wins the V.I. Raiders have racked up at Caledonia Park, one might think choosing the best one would be difficult. It isn’t.

The junior football team’s first-ever championship came in what must have been the Michael Olson, Clippers captain, scores the game-winning goal 54 seconds into OT greatest game in in a bizarre replaying of 80 seconds of 2004 first-round playoff Game 7. Canadian Bowl history.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Andrew Smith makes a key 33-yard catch in a 2006 V.I. Raiders win.

What made the outcome so special was that it seemed so unlikely.

Trailing 26-24 with two and a half minutes left, backup quarterback Cody Heintz entered the game and immediately threw an interception. Big, tough offensive lineman Bronson Nichol sat on a bench, head in his hands, crying over a loss.

That’s when the sun came out, finally, and a VIA rail car whistled its support as it rattled past the park.

The Raiders’ defence forced a two-and-out and gave its offence one last chance. The team gained some ground, but not enough, and faced a third-and-15, well out of field-goal range. With one last chance, Heintz hit receiver Andrew Smith for a 33-yard gain.

From tears to cheers, in one play. What had been so improbable had become possible. With two seconds left, kicker Scott Dixon ran onto the field for a 14-yard field goal.

“It was a mess, it was a happy mess. Helmets were flying everywhere,” said Juan Vandermerwe, Raiders defensive back, after the game. “I don’t think we could have imagined the amount of emotion that was going to come through when that ball went through the uprights.”

Malaspina Mariners 81 Langara Falcons 80 Malaspina University-College gym, Feb. 25, 2005 Todd Warnick, former coach of the Malaspina Mariners men’s basketball team, keeps the video clip on his Facebook page and he still watches it from time to time, seven years later.

Because MalU’s 81-80 win over the Langara Falcons that night was one of those you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it games.

The M’s went into the last weekend of the regular season needing to win both their games to make the B.C. Colleges’ Athletic Association playoffs. Up against Langara the first night, it wasn’t looking good – the Mariners trailed all game and were down 79-75 with 10 seconds left.

That’s when star player Jason Hubbs refused to lose. First he made a three-pointer from just a couple steps past half-court. The M’s quickly fouled the Falcons, who made one of two free throws.

An ensuing inbounds pass went to Hubbs. He blazed down the court, pulled up, again, from way back of the three-point line, and let fly.

“The ball’s still in the air when the buzzer goes, and the place exploded,” said Warnick.

That win, he said, was the “tipping point” for the Mariners that year. They won the next day to clinch a playoff berth and overachieved in the post-season, winning a national bronze medal.

What Hubbs and his M’s managed to do that night was textbook basketball, in a way – make a shot, foul, make a shot – but to see it executed like that, with those stakes, and that style, is something that happens only in the greatest games of all time.

“I’ve had other players since hit big shots and hit game-winning shots,” Warnick said. “But nothing comes close to that.”

– Greg Sakaki sports@nanaimobulletin.com

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Some familiar faces of

Best of the

City

Dominic & Rose Staniscia City Tile Best Tile Store

George Mavrikos Milano’s Ristoranté Best Pasta

Graham Higgins The Brick Best Furniture Store

Erin Robinson Bosley’s Pet Food Plus Best Pet Supply Store

Keith Barron - Owner Barrons Home Appliance Centre Best Appliance Repair

Scott Littlejohn Living Forest Campground Best Local Campground

Anne Kuzminski Branch Manager RBC Royal Bank Best Financial Planner

Angela Negrin - Owner Pirate Chips Best French Fries

Bob Wilson Branch Manager TD Canada Trust Best Banking Institution

Marianne Turley Turley’s Florist Best Flower Shop

Ilan Goldenblatt - Owner Thirsty Camel Best Vegetarian Food

Julie Bevan Nanaimo Art Gallerly Best Art Gallery

Craig Finnigan Owner, Manager McLaren Lighting Best Lighting Store

Sharon Bennett - Manager Home Sense Best Housewares & Linen

Mary Anne Molcan Manager, Optician Iris Best Optical Store

Sharon Vanderputten Manager Peoples Jewellers Best Jewellery Store

Bruce Halliday General Manager The Port Theatre Best Live Theatre

Ken Baird - Manager Walmart Best in Customer Service

Russell Crowe Manager HMV Best Music Store

Janet Edwards General Manager Chapters Best Book Store

Lisa Salewski & A’liza Spencer Sport Check Best Sporting Goods Store

Jamie Leckenby - Manager Toys R Us Best Toy Store

Zeni Maartman Sales Centre Asst. Mgr. BCAA Best Insurance Agency

Jennifer Anderson Manager White Spot Restaurant Best Kids &Family Restaurant

Christine Holt Assistant Manager La Senza Best Lingerie Store

Sadie Burns Manager Aldo Shoes Best Shoe Store

Lawna Herring Manager Children’s Place Best Kid’s Clothing Store

Steve Dempster Manager-Lumber/Building The Home Depot Best in Home Building, Tools, Paint

Mke Campbell & John McPhail Longwood Brew Pub Best Pub & Best Sunday Brunch

Mark Fenwick Woodgrove Centre Best Place to Shop

Chrissy Forsythe and Natalie Germann Delicados Best Lunches

Biff Bartlett Owner Rawmbas Best Vegetarian Food

Sarah Root Miller’s Pub Best Chicken Wings

April Legris Tim Hortons Best Place to Meet for Coffee

Adam Dore, Manager Moores Best Store for Men’s Wear

Bonnie Campbell Owner Nanaimo Wine Shoppe Best Wine Making Store

Corey Piket Oak Bay Bikes Best Bike Shop

Heather Fisk VI Fitness Best Fitness Centre

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Larry Lim Blue Ginger Best Asian Food

And so much more!

Thank you, Nanaimo for again choosing us as one of your favourite Patio Restaurants!

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on Nanaimo’s waterfront

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Delaine Rangno - Owner Spanish Sol Best Tanning Salon

Paige Foster - Owner Jumping Jiminy’s Best Place for Birthday Parties

Hollis Connelly Manager Wendy’s Best Fast Food

Susan Urban Mid Island Co-op Best Gas Bar

Julie Shannon - Owner Breze Best Estheticians & Best Massages

Tim & Pat Van Hest Art Knapp Plantland Best Outdoor Garden Centre

Joe Trivett - Manager Dairy Queen Best Desserts

Brian Adam - Owner Ricky’s All Day Grill Best Breakfasts

Your opinion is what counts.

Blake Erickson - Owner Erickson Roofing Best Roofing Company

The Best of the City y is the result of what our readers enjoy the most about our community.

Ron Wong Mrs. Riches Best Hamburger

Thank you for your feedback in making this publication such a success year after year, and congratulations to all the winners who worked so hard to be all you could be! Well done!

Rob Noseworthy Black and Blue Best Place to Have A Tattoo

Mike Atherton& Dean Andrichuk Firehouse Grill Best Place for Sushi, Best Restaurant Overall

Thomas Robertshaw & Calvin Wallin ACME Food Co. Best Martini

Penny Palen, Bruce Laird & Amber Troller’s Fish & Chips Best Fish & Chips

Sharon Logan Manager Iris Optical Best Optical

Sarah Taylor End of the Roll Best Floor Covering

Kelly Luba Castcus Club Cafe Best Patio Restaurant

Donna Brown - Manager Fabricland Best Sewing/Notions Store

Jerry Jaggers Thrifty Foods Best Place to Buy Produce

Logan White Manager Charlie Brown’s Best Health Food Store

Rick Bayko & Chris Trunbull DenMar Electric Best Electrical Contractor

Lisa Garvie Masters Touch Catering Best Catering Business

Thomas Jaeger - Owner Nanaimo Bakery & Confectionary Ltd. Best Pies, Best Bakery

Ravi Dhaliwal - Manager Kal Tire Best Place to Get Tires

Ann Marie Ebdrup Steve Marshall Ford Best Place to Buy a Used Car

Proud to present the Best of the City for 11 years

Thank You Nanaimo

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In 1993, Joyce and Patrick Fam founded A Step Ahead Footwear in Woodgrove Centre. To mark our 19th anniversary, the store has relocated to a larger location just steps away from the original location by the mall’s water clock since March 1, 2012.

The customer-oriented company continues to pride itself on offering (right front) and Joyce Fam (centre front), independent owners of A the region’s widest Patrick Step Ahead and staff - Kerri, Linda, Carla, Paulette, Jennifer and Robyn (not selection of top-quality, in photo) wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all their customers comfortable footwear for their continued patronage. who have been with the store since the for ladies and men from brands such as SAS, Ecco, Clarks, beginning.

A Step Ahead emphasizes comfort Josef Siebel, Rieker, Naot, Romika, Blundstone, New Balance, El Naturalista, and proper fit for their customers and Merrell, Keen, Birkenstock, Mephisto, recommend the most suitable footwear for Dansko, Rockport, Untour Unville, Fidji, their customers’ needs. The store carries Everybody, Wolky, Miz Mooz, Uggs, footwear available in multiple widths or Hunter, Alegria, Fitflops, Nursemates, that can accommodate orthotics. They also MBT and Robeez for infants. Many of work closely with doctors and podiatrists.

A Step Ahead welcomes their loyal the products found in the store are unique and exclusive to the market. Customers customers across Vancouver Island to stop are assisted by well- by to visit their new, more spacious space ST OF THE CI BE experienced loyal staff for your footwear needs.

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Centre Court by the Clock (beside Body Shop)

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8th Year in a row!

Thanks to all the locals for keeping us afloat!

Pirate Chips

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iris.ca

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Troller’s serves fresh fish by the sea

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Troller’s Fish and Chips employee Kate Poirier serves up a onepiece halibut and chips on a sunny day in the Nanaimo Boat Basin.

very spring when the sun finally breaks nuggets and chips, then the one-piece cod and through the clouds, there is a rush of chips. customers to Troller’s, who are reminded, There are other choices, too – customers Peter again, just how much they enjoy fish and McDonald, Theresa McDonald and Val Ivanova gave chips by the sea. glowing reviews to the clam chowder, oysters and Troller’s Fish and Chips, located in the Nanaimo grilled halibut burger as well as the fish and chips.

Boat Basin, was voted best Not far from their table was fish and chips in the city this a stack of cardboard crates AND THE WINNERS ARE ... year. full of potatoes waiting to “It’s really exciting because be turned into chips.

I don’t think Troller’s has “That’s so cool to see Troller’s ever been awarded that homemade fries and we Pirate Chips distinction before so that’s really enjoyed them,” Peter Fox and Hounds Pub pretty special,” said Penny McDonald said.

Palen, who owns the restau“I like how it’s fresh here, rant with her husband Bruce I really appreciate it,” said Laird.

Ivanova. “You can see them actually doing it in front She said prices of halibut have gone up lately, so of you and they make everything from scratch.” some fish and chip shops have moved to frozen fish.

Laird said the Best of the City honour means a lot Not Troller’s. because it means customers took the time to vote.

“We’ve kept serving fresh halibut, cod and salmon “It’s really nice for the people to speak their minds and people are obviously really appreciating that and have the voice, to recognize the freshest and the choice,” she said. best fish and chip shop in town,” he said.

Laird said the two-piece halibut and chips is the – Greg Sakaki most popular dish, followed by the 10-piece cod sports@nanaimobulletin.com

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AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

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BEST PET SUPPLY STORE Bosley’s Pet Food Plus Petsmart Olivers Pet Supplies

What grows in Nanaimo?

Don’t be surprised to find an olive tree flourishing in your neighbour’s garden or maybe your own.

When it comes to growing garden variety, Nanaimo is pretty much a gardener’s paradise.

Why? Location is everything and Nanaimo’s, on the southeast side of Vancouver Island, makes for a relatively warm year-round climate.

Gail Hudson, vice-president of the Nanaimo Horticultural Society, said rhododendrons, Japanese maples, hydrangeas and all sorts of roses are eager growers around these parts and about what you’d expect to find in mild climate zones.

But surprises are lurking past the garden gate.

In spite of Nanaimo’s relatively northern latitude, figs, olives, grapes, even the odd banana will flourish given the right care and attention.

“Actually, a lot of people are growing figs and now more and more people are growing olives,” Hudson said. “Just in the last few years, particularly. You have to put some landscape fabric around them in the winter or bring them in, but they survive.”

These days warm climate ornamentals share garden plots with edibles. Clematis share climbing posts with scarlet runner beans and lettuce has become the new perennial bed edger.

Hudson said Nanaimo’s climate is getting warmer, new varieties are benefitting and local gardeners are continuing to push the boundaries of what they can grow here.

Succulents and even some forms of cacti are becoming more common.

More people are taking up gardening too. Community gardens are sprouting crops around town and apartment and condo dwellers are finding space for patio vegetable plots.

“Because people are becoming more conscious about what they’re eating, they want to start having vegetables

BEST PLACE TO GET TIRES Kal-Tire Cedar Tire Big O Tire Janet Delgatty and Jeff Hawker admire the Rhododendron Grove at Bowen Park, which features 50 varieties.

and even if you don’t have space, you can grow them in with your flowers or in pots,” Hudson said. “Lots of people are growing them in pots now.”

“

– Chris Bush photos@nanaimobulletin.com

se more people are becoming more conscious about what they’re eating, they want to start having vegetables and even if you don’t have space, you can grow them in with your flowers or in pots.

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We’re open 8 ‘til late, 6 days straight & Sunday 11 ‘til 4 Sunday only at our Terminal Park and Longwood locations.

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Nanaimo’s Retail Garden Centre p Superstore

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VANCOUVER ISLAND’S LARGEST & MOST COMPLETE RETAIL GARDEN CENTRE

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