Special Features - Tweed, Oak Bay Living, Dec 2012 - Feb 2013

O A K B AY L I V I N G

TWEED DECEMBER 2012/FEBRUARY 2013

All in the Family GENERATIONS OF WALKERS AT THE HELM OF THE OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL

Rooftop Oasis JIM KIRK'S HOME ON THE AVENUE

ROMANCING THE STOVE with Pam Grant ARTIST PAT MARTIN BATES Playing with the light POSTCARDS HOME Family relives war history in Belgium and France

I N S I D E › P E O P L E › T R AV E L › F O O D › R E C R E AT I O N › A R T S

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December 2012/ February 2013 Volume 1 Issue 1

inside PREMIERE

EDITION

40

10 Cover Story

Meet the third, fourth and even fifth generation of the Walker family to walk the lavish halls of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

DEPARTMENTS Romancing the Stove

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Pam Grant feasts with Morning Bay Wine Company owners Keith Watt and Barbara Reid.

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Postcards Home Travel

to Belgium and France with the Sela family, who spent a recent school break walking in the footsteps of First and Second World War soldiers.

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Dogs on the Avenue

FEATURES A work of art

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Tour an exquisite rooftop abode. Jim Kirk’s Oak Bay Avenue home is a splendid vision of colour, light and fine details.

TELL

TWEED!

Tweed Magazine welcomes your Oak Bay suggestions for the next edition.

So, do tell!

Email editor Susan Lundy at: lundys@shaw.ca

Photographer Don Denton captures the cute, the cuddly and the gangly in Oak Bay canines.

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Historic Oak Bay

Turn back the clock and raise the Stanley Cup at Patrick Arena.

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Over a dozen local artists are highlighted until Jan. 5 at Eclectic Gallery’s Small Works Exhibition. The event features over 75 works, all priced under $500, by artists such as Pat Martin Bates, Desiree Bond, Allison Brodie, Taryn Coulson, Krys Jervis, John McConnell, Jennifer McIntyre, Marie Nagel, Wendy Oppelt, Irma Soltonovich, Sharon Stone, Sandy Terry, Susan Underwood, Patricia J. Vickers and Jennifer Waelti-Walters. The exhibit also features several pieces from the Limners collection, which is new to the gallery.

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West Highland Terrier, enjoys the sun and the view from his front window perch along Newport Avenue inside the office of his owner, lawyer Brad Friesen. Friesen says that passersby often come in to the office just to pet the dog.

» The 32nd annual New Years Classic Tennis Tournament, organized

by Oak Bay Recreation, runs January 1-13. Don’t miss out on this popular event!

Deadline to enter is 5 p.m.

Saturday, December 22.

Artwork by Allison Brodie

» Dinner theatre and movies

Friday and Saturday nights until Dec. 15 enjoy Christmas dinner theatre at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel (also a matinee on Dec. 16). The event features Stan Davis and Friends’ “Harmony for Christmas,” described as a “mirthful musical comedy abounding with hilarious Yuletide yarns, warm sentiments and a delightful array of original and familiar holiday songs.” Dinner theatre continues after Christmas in The David Foster Foundation Theatre.

Patrons can also attend movie nights in the theatre, when the dining tables are exchanged for fold-down chairs from Las Vegas.

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Back to the future in Oak Bay

R

ediscovering Oak Bay via Tweed has somersaulted me back to my childhood because — even though I grew up in the Cadboro Bay area — Oak Bay sets the backdrop for so much of my past. It’s been like digging into a treasure box of memories.

First, I see a very small me, scampering along the docks at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, where my dad moored our sailboat. I remember setting shrimp traps off the dock and taking home our bounty to cook and eat with thick slices of homemade bread.

Sunday afternoons were often spent checking out the sailboats moored at Oak Bay Marina, and this opens another cache of memories. I see my nose pressed against the glass at Sealand, mesmerized by a big, pink octopus; then, outside, exhilarated by the seal lion show; and giddy about the whales spraying spectators with water.

Sifting through the memory box, I see myself dressed in Sunday best — frills and black patent shoes — attending lunchtime “smorgasbords” with my grandparents at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel; and later, drinking cosy cocktails at The Snug.

My connection to the old hotel goes even further back because my paternal grandfather was construction foreman during its post-fire reconstruction in the 1930s. For years, my family kept architectural drawings of the hotel rolled up in long tubes in the basement.

There are other homes in Oak Bay, still standing, that my grandfather built.

Opening this memory box prompted me to pull out some old photo albums. Both sets of grandparents settled in Oak Bay in the early 1900s, and both my parents grew up here. Dad went to Willows school in

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Above: Susan Lundy with her father, Douglas Dicker, on their sailboat, Nimbus, at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in the late 1960s; and her maternal grandparents' house on Musgrave Street in the 1940s.

Next page: Top, Susan Lundy's grandmother (far left) at Willows Beach in 1924; and below, her grandfather (lower left) on Willows Beach in 1925.

the 1920s; my mom a couple of decades later. But in those albums are pictures of my ancestors dressed in long bathing suits, posing at Willows Beach in 1920s, then the 30s, 40s and 50s. There’s the house my dad’s family lived in on Estevan Avenue, and the home my mom’s family built on Musgrave Street.

I have other memories of Oak Bay, like the many afternoons spent walking through Uplands Park, climbing the oak trees. Oh, and parking at Cattle Point — but that’s another story! My boyfriend’s house on

OAK BAY DIARY St. Patrick’s Street became a second home, and we spent hours wandering around Oak Bay, taking in movies at the lavish Oak Bay Theatre, spending evenings drinking tea at the Blethering Place.

Later yet, Oak Bay became my home turf, as I commuted to UVic from a rental on Bank Street. This wasn’t exactly quintessential Oak Bay — my basement bedroom had no windows, and the rooms were cold and drafty. But it was my own!

Now as I walk along the avenue or drive through different neighbourhoods, the treasure box is open, collecting new memories. Oak Bay sets a sweeping backdrop to my past, and now my present and future.

Bring it on!

Dec. 1-31

December to March

MIXED-MEDIA ARTIST LORRAINE THORARINSON BETTS displays work

in the dining room at Oak Bay Marina.

Artist Wendy Peckin is featured in January, followed by Ingrid Fawett in February.

Dec. 6-19

THE ADVENTURES OF JACK PINE is an exhibit by artist Jeff Molloy at Winchester Gallery.

Susan Lundy

Christmas season

ROTARY CLUB sale of poinsettias

EDITOR

benefits projects in Guatemala, Rwanda, India and Malawi, and locally at George Jay and Quadra schools.

Born and raised in Victoria, Susan Lundy has worked as a journalist, editor and freelance writer for over 25 years. She has a BA in creative writing and journalism from UVic, and has won more than 25 newspaper awards. After working for many years at the Gulf Islands Driftwood, she now focuses on freelance writing, specializing in travel and personal narrative. She is also editor of Soar Magazine and her columns on family life run in several Black Press newspapers. Her first book — Heritage Apples: A New Sensation — will be published this spring by Touchwood Editions.

Dec. 19-20

CHRISTMAS CONCERT at L’Ecole Willows Elementary, 6:00 or 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 19

JUNIOR AND SENIOR DRAMA performance at Oak Bay High School, west auditorium, 7 p.m.

Dec. 22-24

CHRISTMAS CAROLING by the

CONTRIBUTORS KEN SAKAMOTO is an award-winning photojournalist, whose assignments include Queen Elizabeth II, the collapse of the Berlin Wall, first mission of the space shuttle, major league sports and famous people.

JENNIFER BLYTH is an award-winning writer, photographer and editor, whose stories have appeared in BC Business, BC Home, WestWorld and Yes Magazine.

ARNOLD LIM is a longtime photojournalist and videographer whose credits include the Globe and Mail, Sports Illustrated, the Toronto Star and Black Press.

DON DENTON has photographed numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships, European Figure Skating Championships and a Royal wedding.

PAM GRANT is a former chef, awardwinning writer and Victoria native, who feels fortunate to have spent a portion of her peripatetic formative years in Oak Bay.

ELIZABETH NOLAN is an arts and features writer whose stories have appeared in newspapers, Aqua, Country Life and British Columbia Magazine.

Editor Susan Lundy lundys@shaw.ca

Creative Design Lily Chan

Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto psakamoto@blackpress.ca

Circulation Director Bruce Hogarth

Director, Sales and Advertising Cover Photo: Oliver Sommer Arnold Lim osommer@blackpress.ca

www.blackpress.ca

818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 Phone 250-381-3484 Fax 250-386-2624

TWEED magazine is published quarterly by Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Tweed. The contents of Tweed magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising.

Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

Victoria Operatic Society in the lobby of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 7:009:20 p.m. (Dec. 22 and 23), 6:30-8:30 p.m. (24).

Dec. 23

SKATE WITH SANTA at Oak Bay Rec during Family and Everyone Welcome skates, noon to 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 27-28/Jan. 2-4

SKIDADDLE Winter Break Camp at Oak Bay Rec. Register by the day at http://recreation.oakbaybc.org.

Feb. 11

IT’S B.C.’S FIRST Family Day holiday; take the day off!

Feb. 22 to March 2 OAK BAY HIGH SCHOOL

presents a musical performance with details TBA. WINTER 2012/13

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All in the

family zå

GENERATIONS OF WALKERS AT THE OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL

I

zå

Story by SUSAN LUNDY Photos by ARNOLD LIM

I’m sitting with the Walker family in the gleaming library of the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and sisters Kate and Brooklyn are laughing because most of their memories of growing up here involve food.

Brooklyn Greig, 27, the elder daughter of owners Kevin and Shawna Walker, recalls a six-month period when the family actually lived at the hotel: “I was sick in bed and got to order room service,” she laughs.

Kate, 23, remembers sitting outside the stained glass window of the Snug — too young to enter — waiting for chicken strips and fries. The sisters also describe boxed lunches from the kitchen for school, Christmas dinners and parties.

Today, the historic hotel of their memories has been replaced by a sweeping new structure. After three years of planning and six years of construction, it has finally re-opened — four times larger and many times grander than the earlier version.

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Kate now runs a café at the hotel, while Brooklyn works at the family farm in Saanichton.

As we sit chatting in the library/conference room, the Walkers exhibit the cheerful camaraderie of close-knit family, happy to steal some time together.

Brooklyn’s 19-month-old daughter, Avalon, clambers onto to Shawna’s lap.

Avalon and Kate’s son, Thomas (just seven weeks apart), represent the fifth generation of Walkers to occupy the hotel’s halls.

When I ask Shawna and Kevin how

it feels to have their dream finally reach fruition, Kevin laughs and says he’s too busy to really appreciate it. But Shawna is more philosophical, pointing out the importance of stopping and appreciating it.

“We’ll never have this moment in time again,” she says. “We worked so hard to achieve it.”

The decision to rebuild the hotel from the ground up wasn’t without complications or controversy. The former hotel was a beloved piece of Oak Bay history and the proposal to take it down and reWINTER 2012/13

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Above: Exterior, oceanside view of the hotel; at right, collection of wine bottles.

Previous pages: Clockwise from left, exterior, street-side view of the hotel; the Walker family (Kate, Kevin, Shawna, Avalon and Brooklyn); stained glass from the original The Snug; interior detailing; the library.

Following page: The interior of Kate’s Cafe.

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build it garnered some fierce opposition.

But debate aside, the plan to construct an entirely new hotel afforded the Walkers an open slate on which to build their dream.

“We’ve been on the site for 30 years,” says Shawna. “We know what works and what doesn’t, and we had a wish list of everything that would make it perfect.”

And they certainly had the credentials to take it forward.

Kevin is a third generation hotelier — his dad and grandfather ran hotels in Manitoba and Miami. Like his daughters, some of Kevin’s first memories involve hotels. He was 12 when his family moved to Victoria and bought the then-swanky Jolly Knight Hotel in the Gorge.

Kevin’s father, Bruce, and a partner bought the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in 1972, and by 1976, Kevin had his first hotel job, managing line-ups for the everpopular The Snug. When his grandfather later retired to Victoria, three generations of Walkers were working at the hotel.

Shawna, who grew up in Victoria, was in her teens the summer she met Kevin.

She laughs, remembering that as a tea waitress at the hotel in those days, her “uniform” consisted of a long dress, apron and corset. Kevin, who was dating a friend of Shawna’s, was working in the dining room.

“The general manger kept trying to put us together,” recalls Shawna, smiling: “When that friend broke up with him, there was suddenly . . . an opportunity.”

Married in 1982, they’ve spent the last 30 years raising a family and working side-by-side — first at the hotel, then operating their own adventure tourism business, and finally purchasing the hotel in 1995.

Working at the hotel was difficult at first, Shawna recalls. Using her marketing and communications skills, she took on a position in sales; however, like many others of the era, her father-in-law was not convinced advertising was necessary.

“Not only was I coming here as Kevin’s wife, I was in a job that had never been done before. I had to prove I could do it and that we needed it.”

The late 1980s and 90s were busy as they parented their young daughters, worked their adventure-tour business, and then took over the hotel. They were active in the community too — at one point, Kevin sat on a total of 14 different boards.

Once the time arrived to create a new vision for the hotel, they fully understood that “what we have here is special,” says Shawna.

It also became apparent that the voice of the community — which held the hotel in such high regard — would be an important aspect of creating this vision.

“It’s like we don’t really own it — we’re stewards of it,” says Shawna.

Kevin recalls an early discussion about the project, when someone pointed out that it There is a magic was the memories and physical to this place . . . elements of the hotel — like the fireplace visible in wedding we love the history, photos — which the community the beauty, the held so dear. This helped inspire real people and the the idea of “adaptive re-use,” taking old elements and adaptauthenticity ing them to the new vision. in hospitality — it “That concept became very brings us joy. powerful,” he says. It led to the idea of repeating original KEVIN WALKER themes, interiors and actual physical items — like The Snug’s original stained glass window — in the new hotel.

A community advisory council was established and many of its ideas used, such as showcasing local art in the hallways in conjunction with Winchester Gallery, and acknowledging the importance of the site’s First Nation history by naming the waterfront gazebo the Salish Pavilion.

“There is a magic to this place,” says Kevin. “We could have gone on to other things, but we love the history, the beauty, the real people and the authenticity in hospitality — it brings us joy.”

“Joy” is an apt description, I think, surveying the Walker family.

My glance settles on Avalon and I realize that some day she too may be sitting at this very table, laughing about her childhood memories at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

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Everyone welcome

KATE COLES CARRIES ON THE FAMILY TRADITION

Story by SUSAN LUNDY Photos by ARNOLD LIM

O

utside, Beach Drive may be a temporary mess of paving trucks and broken sidewalk, but inside Kate’s Café, business is booming.

Above: At top is Kate Coles,(daughter of Oak Bay Beach Hotel owners Kevin and Shawna Walker), who now runs Kate's Café at the hotel; coffee served up at Kate's Café.

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It’s early November and the official opening of the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel is still two weeks away. But the café, open a month now, seems to have struck a chord. Light pours through large windows onto the long “community” table, where a number of women gather around mugs of steaming coffee. Over at the fireplace on the other side of the room, two young moms and their toddlers enjoy a snack; and elsewhere, people of varying demographics lounge, eat, sip and chat.

On this day, Kate Coles, daughter of owners Kevin and Shawna Walker, is taking orders behind the counter and running the till. She represents the fourth generation of the Walker family to work at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

“I decided to apply to work in the cafe because I noticed my parents had an amazing way of building relationships with their em-

ployees and creating an exceptionally positive work environment,” Coles says. “More than anything I wanted to be a part of a work place like that and to learn how to create that kind of environment for others.”

Kevin Walker, whose father purchased the hotel in1972, says the goal with the street-level café was to create a “community living room.”

“It’s the entryway to a magnificent hotel experience but it’s still ‘come as you are.’ We wanted to offer a feel-at-home atmosphere where someone in work clothes can be sitting next to someone in a tuxedo.”

The cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s fully licensed (Baileys with your coffee?), opens onto a patio and has overflow space in the hotel’s brightly elegant conservancy area. Its Tudor-theme interior (based on the former hotel’s library) has vaulted ceilings and a warm, pub-like atmosphere. It incorporates beams and bricks from the original hotel — in fact, each brick was hand-chiselled to remove the original mortar.

The café offers salads, sandwiches and some baked goods, plus an array of beverages. Patrons can also order from The Snug menu — the hotel kitchen is conveniently located in the midWe wanted to offer dle of the hotel’s three dining areas (café, dining room and pub). a feel-at-home There’s easy access from the atmosphere where cafe to the rest of the hotel’s someone in work entry-level floor, which includes a wine-tasting room and library/ clothes can be sitting boardroom (with patio-access next to someone and full meeting capabilities). in a tuxedo.

The conservatory, which overlooks the courtyard, will evenKEVIN WALKER tually serve afternoon tea and function as “crush space” for dinner theatre across the hall in The David Foster Foundation Theatre. The theatre seats 150 people at tables, and transforms into a movie theatre, using fold-down chairs from Las Vegas.

A little further down the hallway is the lobby with its huge fireplace, the 32-place dining room and The Snug. Both spots overlook the ocean and waterfront gardens, spa, mineral pools, fire pit and fitness centre. Of the hotel’s 100 guest rooms, there are 12 garden suites on two levels below the main lobby, with the remaining 88 above. There are also 20 private residences and three levels of underground parking. Including the parking, the new hotel is 239,000 square feet.

Like the rest of the hotel, says Kevin, the goal of Kate’s Café is to create a place that is more than a tourist destination. Judging by the buzz inside the café today, it seems this has been achieved.

And as for Coles, running the cafe puts her firmly on a path set out by generations of Walkers before her.

“I've always loved all aspects of cafes and hospitality,” she says.

“And it’s a huge bonus to work alongside talented team leaders like my parents.

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OAK BAY HOMES

A work of art JIM KIRK LIVES HIS DREAM IN A STUNNING ROOFTOP HOME

E Story by SUSAN LUNDY Photos by KEN SAKAMOTO 16

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ntering Jim Kirk’s second story flat is a bit like stepping into a work of art.

There’s the colour, the play of light and a sleekness that draws in the eye. Every detail has been considered.

On this rainy November day, Kirk is seated in a comfy chair amid the swirl of colour that makes up his home. Music plays in the background as we talk, but careful soundproofing blocks any noise from Oak Bay Avenue, which runs directly below us.

Recovering from recent surgery, Kirk may lack his usual energy; but nevertheless, is enthusiastic about his New York-style loft, where he has lived for the past 10 years. Since he is a former music teacher and art student (as well as a realtor and marina operator), it’s not surprising his home feels like a work of art.

The apartment sits atop a 1950s building, which houses the

Penny Farthing Pub on one side, and several ground-level businesses below. Kirk, who owns the building, lived above the pub until plans for a vaulted ceiling there forced him to move. His decision to build the apartment on top of the attached, flat roof next door resulted in complete reconstruction of the building. This ultimately “set the tone for redevelopment in Oak Bay village,” he says, adding, “They did a bang-up job and a fine renovation.”

Access to his rooftop oasis is via stairs or elevator on the backside of the building.

West and south-side rooftop terraces provide a lush buffer, as well as a place for outdoor entertaining. It includes lots of leafy greenery, a fountain and dozens of bonsai trees, which he has collected and miniaturized over the past 60 years.

At 1,800 square feet, the space is big enough to accommodate a three-bedroom home. But Kirk went for an open design, so that any enclosed areas — bathroom, storage room, pantry, loft bedroom — line its perimeter. The sleeping area, living room and kitchen open into one massive, glorious room. He had extensive discussions with architect Dean Pattison and interior designer Diane Kettner about incorporating the open design.

“I wanted to lie in my bed and look through the whole house. It works very well for a couple in love or a single. It wouldn’t work where privacy is needed.”

Colour and light play a huge role in the artistry of Kirk’s place, some of it deliberate and some intuitive. Most striking is the colour of the walls — the high-gloss grey

(which is actually charcoal with green undertones) adds a brilliant sheen to the interior and reflects the orange used on the bed and leather sofa and chair, and the purple of two Platner chairs.

“It’s no accident I re-covered the Platner chairs in purple silk: it’s the perfect complimentary colour,” he says.

There are also primary colour highlights: a spray of red foliage in a vase, a stop sign on the mantel of the galvanized tin fireplace, and an intricate sculpture on the wall above a beautifully-rendered, custom dining room table. The 3D wall piece, called “Little Red Riding Hood” and made from auto body door skin, is one of several of Kirk’s own creations. The room gleams with splashes of other colours as well: green from plants, and blue from a collection of glass bottles on the windowsills.

“It’s just cheap blue glass — garbage, really — but it provides that light. It’s almost like looking into a pond. [The bottles] are just startling in the sun.”

He adds: “What you’re seeing here is a complete palette. Red, yellow and blue highlights are the primary colours alongside the secondary colours of green, orange and purple.”

The house is also infused with natural light that spills in from the many window and skylights.

In discussing every aspect of his home, Kirk praises Pattison and especially Kettner, who he says, is “certainly the best interior WINTER 2012/13

Above: Clockwise, Jim Kirk's bonsai collection on the terrace; outside view of rooftop home as seen from Oak Bay Avenue; lightinfused bottles on a windowsill.

Previous page: View of dining, living and kitchen areas (top); colourful view of dresser, slippers and a painting.

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designer in Victoria. She is really good and stays on budget.”

Both were extremely helpful in creating some of the fine details that make this a loft a pleasure to live in, says Kirk, who needed it to be functional as well as beautiful. Few people like clutter, so to this end, the office space is contained behind glass doors; bookshelves find a space, facing inwards on either side of the loft ladder; and walk-in storage areas are arranged into a clutter-buster’s daydream. Everywhere the eye goes, it sees lines that are sleek, clean and simple.

The kitchen is also the stuff of dreams, incorporating two work islands, a standard fridge, two dishwashers and features like beer on tap and a coffee bar. Everything is within reaching distance, says Kirk: “I can stand at the dishwasher and put everything away in one step.”

The bathroom is another design that emerged

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Above: Jim Kirk on the outside terrace; the bathroom with its openconcept shower.

Previous page: At top, the colourful and bright sleeping area; purple Platner chairs and orange armchair.

after considerable work with Kettner. It includes a porcelain soaker tub with a waterfall, at the far end, and long basin, a urinal and a wall-mounted toilet at the other. The open shower area — with three showerheads and no glass to clean — sits in the centre of the room.

The rooftop abode features other details that add to its artistry, including a collection of mid-century modern furniture such as Eames chairs, Hans Wagner chairs and a “very good” hall telephone table in true art deco. Standing birdcages rise like sculptures, and the retracting staircase, which leads to the loft, is a work of art in itself. It, plus the beautiful screens and dining room table were all designed and fabricated by Crest Sheet Metal.

“This house is not for everyone,” Kirk says. “I had it built particularly for myself and it has taken three renovations to get it right. It really is a joy to live here.”

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OAK BAY REAL ESTATE REVEALED

HERE&THERE: What your dollar will buy around the world NORWICH, ENGLAND PRICE: $550,000 GBP FEATURES: This mid-19th century semi-detached three or fourbedroom family home offers off-road parking, front and rear gardens, original period features and stands on a quiet road within walking distance of the city centre. Access to other parts of Great Britain is as close as the local train station, about one mile away.

Source: www.rightmove.co.uk

1939 HOME IN SOUTH OAK BAY LISTED FOR $934,900 CDN FEATURES: This 3,391 sq. ft. character home in Oak Bay offers five bedrooms and four bathrooms on a 6,250 sq. ft. lot. Located within walking distance of the Village, the home features a modern kitchen and roomy master bedroom with ensuite, plus a sunny deck and private rear yard.

Source: MLS listings/www.realtor.ca

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO PRICE: $895,000 USD FEATURES: This 4,176 sq. ft. contemporary Mexican-style home sits in a gated golf resort community near Puerto Vallarta. Built in 2006, the threebedroom, 3 1/2-bath home overlooks the golf course and lake and features outdoor covered terrace areas with a granite bar, grill area, infinity edge pool and jacuzzi.

Source: mlsvallarta.com

STATS

IN OAK BAY The average residential taxes for 2012, including both municipal taxes and the regional taxes, school taxes, etc., was $4,978.

This represents the taxes for a home with an assessed value of $829,232.

Source: Municipality of Oak Bay Occupied Private Dwellings (households) in Oak Bay 2001 – 7,740 2006 – 7,895 (+2 per cent from 2001) 2011 – 7,764 (-1.7 per cent from 2006) Source: CRD, from the 2011 Census

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One:06 THE DOORS OF OAK BAY

OAK BAY LANDMARKS One:06 features unique Oak Bay landmarks as seen through a roving camera eye. “One” honours the uniqueness of Oak Bay and 06 gives a nod to its history — 1906, the year it incorporated into a municipality.

In this edition, the camera’s eye explored neighbourhoods and side streets, capturing the art of Oak Bay doors.

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HISTORIC OAK BAY

CLAIM TO HOCKEY FAME Stanley Cup hoisted in Oak Bay Story by SUSAN LUNDY

Above: The Victoria Arena, also known as Patrick Arena, built in 1911; inset, the site of the arena after fire destroyed it in 1929.

Following page: The Victoria Cougars — winners of the 1925 Stanley Cup — with coach Lester Patrick; inset, the official program of the 1926 Stanley Cup series.

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s NHL hockey-lovers cry into their beer mugs over a lockout-hampered season, it seems a good time to relish Oak Bay’s claim to hockey fame — the day the Stanley Cup was raised at Patrick Arena.

In 1925, the Victoria Cougars, coached by Lester “the Silver Fox” Patrick, beat the Montreal Canadiens, winning the coveted cup on B.C. ice for the first and only time in history.

The Cougars, part of the Western Canadian Hockey League, took on the NHL’s eastern rep, the Montreal Canadiens, for the Stanley Cup, winning the best-of-five series in four games.

(In an odd twist of hockey trivia, the Canadiens hadn’t actually won the NHL’s regular season title in the east. That honour went to the Hamilton Tigers. However, the Tigers were suspended due to a revolt over salaries, so the Canadiens were

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launched into the Stanley Cup final.)

Victoria skated away with 5-2 and 3-1 victories in the first two games, lost the third 4-2, and then wrapped up the series with a convincing 6-1 win in game four.

Most of the matches, including the blistering final, took place in Oak Bay’s Victoria Arena, also known as Patrick Arena.

Built in 1911, the arena was constructed to help house the Pacific Coast Hockey Association, created by brothers Frank and Lester Patrick and their father, Joe. Lester Patrick planned to manage the Victoria team (then the Senators) out of the Oak Bay arena.

According to the History of Oak Bay website, “Six lots were purchased along Empress Street (now Epworth) at Cadboro Bay Road in 1911 and building commenced in late April of that year.

The arena cost $110,000 to build and could accommodate 4,000 spectators. The arena officially opened with public skating on Christmas Day in 1911 and the first hockey game was played on Jan. 2, 1912.”

More than 600 skaters attended Patrick Arena’s opening day event, and the game on Jan. 2, between hometown Victoria Senators and the New Westminster Royals, was likely the first in Canada played on artificial ice. According to documents at the Oak Bay Archives, Archie Willis — a sports reporter of the time — said the only other arena in North America with artificial ice was in New York. In those days, he explained, natural ice was used in rinks and all the windows in the building were kept open. Fans sat wrapped in buffalo jackets and the season only lasted three months. The refrigeration system employed at Patrick Arena was state-ofthe-art, he said.

In 1916, the Canadian military commandeered the arena, and the team (then the Victoria Aristocrats) was forced to move to Spokane, playing as the Spokane Canaries. A new team — again called the Aristocrats — was formed at the arena once the military left in 1918. The name changed to the Victoria Cougars when the team joined the WCHL in 1923.

After their 1925 Stanley Cup victory, the Cougars won the league championship the following year, and attempted to defend their title in Patrick Arena’s second Stanley Cup final — this time against the Montreal Maroons. Montreal easily won three games to one.

The WCHL folded the next season and a new NHL franchise in Detroit purchased the Victoria team, which eventually became the Detroit Red Wings in 1932. The next professional hockey team at Patrick Arena was the Victoria Cubs, formed in 1928. The Cubs were scheduled to play the 1929-1930 season, but a massive fire destroyed the arena in the early hours of Remembrance Day, 1929.

“The conflagration illuminated the sky for miles around,” noted the Daily Colonist on Nov. 12, 1929. The fire started in the engine room and quickly spread, burning several nearby houses, gutting a small store, and sending residents fleeing from their burning homes.

Willis, a rink rat who played on a team at the arena, lost all his equipment in the blaze. He said the heat from the fire blew out two windows in his parents’ house, 100 yards away. And although he speculated that the fire might have started from a cigarette, other reports claimed the blaze was set intentionally.

SHARE YOUR HISTORIC STORIES, CONTACT OUR EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.

lundys@shaw.ca

Either way, it’s certain the fire consumed a piece of Canadian and hockey history.

Patrick Arena was home to many “hockey firsts,” including introduction of the forward pass, penalty shots and “changes on the fly.” It also saw elimination of a rule that required goalies to stand upright.

“The first blue line was drawn on Victoria ice and the players were the first to wear numbers on their jerseys,” said Willis. “People today hesitate to believe that our city contributed so much to hockey. Two of these “firsts,” wrote freelance hockey journalist Joe Pelletier, helped the Cougars win the Stanley Cup. “The Cougars were able to use their perfected forward pass to kill the Montreal team. The forward pass was still not in practice in the NHL. When Stanley Cup games called for Western rules, the Cougars exploited the easterners with flip passes over the defense to streaking wingers entering the attacking zone to great perfection. The Cougars were also said to have exploited changes on the fly in the series, a practice not really used anywhere in hockey at that time, as it was still common for top players to play most of the game even without breaks. By doing so the Cougars had fresher legs much of the games.”

Cougars coach Lester Patrick went on to become a legend in the NHL, heading up the New York Rangers. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947, he is credited with immensely changing the face of hockey.

The Cougars remain the only B.C. hockey team to ever win the Stanley Cup — and aside from trips home with individual hockey players (like the LA Kings’ Willie Mitchell this past summer) the cup has never made it back to this province.

So even without a full NHL season this year — hockey lovers can raise their beer mugs to Oak Bay. WINTER 2012/13

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ROMANCING THE STOVE

Dining and Wining Romancing the Stove columnist Pam Grant feasts with Morning Bay Wine Company owners Keith Watt and Barbara Reid, who recently moved to Oak Bay Photos by KEN SAKAMOTO

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t 50, Keith Watt had spent half his life as a freelance journalist and media instructor in Vancouver. But gradually, he became aware of that feeling you get when you know your life is about to change.

As he stood on the land he had purchased on North Pender Island one day, he glanced across the water at the rows of grapes on Saturna Island, and saw his future in the form of a vineyard.

In 2001, Watt, along with a couple of hundred of his neighbours, got together one day and planted grapevines on the slope of Pender’s Mount Menzies to create what would become Morning Bay Wine Vineyard.

Five years later the first estate wines were released, including the 2006 Gewürztraminer-Riesling, which won silver at the All-Canadian Wine Championships — heady praise indeed for an initial offering.

An even more important event, however, was marked in 2006 when Watt married Barbara Reid. A fash24

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ion buyer, who had landed on the Penders a few years prior, amidst a fast-paced career with stints in her native Montreal and Manhattan, Reid had gradually acclimatized to island life. Together, they built Morning Bay into a winery that produced a respectable 1,500 cases per year, and hosting music festivals, art shows, dinners, wakes and other people’s weddings along the way.

Then, last summer, they walked away from it all.

It wasn’t an easy decision. But after years fighting the collapse of tourism on the Penders, archaic laws hindering distribution, not to mention uncooperative and unpredictable weather (it’s hard to sleep when you’re worried the rain is going to wash your livelihood down the hill, noted Reid), they made the tough decision to sell up. Just shy of the tenth anniversary of the first planting in the vineyard, they moved to Oak Bay. I was privileged in early November to be one of six guests invited to dinner at their new home, a rambling example of arts and craft splendor,

Above: Barbara Reid, Kevin Watt and Pam Grant enjoy food and drink at the couple's Oak Bay home.

Previous page: Grilled prawns paired with hand-cut salsa and bottles of Morning Bay Wine Company wine.

just steps from Oak Bay village. The home oozes every bit as much atmosphere and comfort as their Pender Island house did, and they welcomed my friend Don Main and me, even though we accidentally arrived early.

Next to arrive were Dan and Micayla Hayes, owner-operators of London Chef — an interactive cooking school — who befriended Watt and Reid after co-hosting a couple of winemakers dinners at Morning Bay. Reid laughingly wondered aloud, as she prepared the appetizer, why she decided to invite a couple of chefs to the first dinner party in their new home. Watt poured sparkling wine and offered Reid’s savory shortbread flecked with olives and topped with a dollop of goat cheese, just as former Penderites Michael and Virginia Powell, now owners of Victoria’s Classic Guitars on Fort Street, crossed the threshold.

The evening continued with remarkable food — grilled prawns dusted with ground ancho chili and paired with a hand cut salsa of tomato, sweet corn, avocado and herbs — followed by Watt’s grilled arrachera (marinated with tequila, lime and cumin) dished up with chimichurri sauce, a Caesar salad, corn with lime and chili butter and a salad of grilled potatoes and peppers.

It was all served family-style, which Reid advocates as the best way to ensure people can have as much or as little as they like.

“Sorry about all the garlic,” she said at one point.

“Who cares?” said everybody else as with we ate with abandon.

We worked our way through a fair bit of Morning Bay wine too — my personal favourite was the refreshing Chiaretto, a west coast WINTER 2012/13

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At left: Above, candles and flowers add a homey feel to the dinner's atmosphere; below, a salad of grilled potatoes and peppers served in a colourful dish.

Following page: The hosts present their delectable food and wine.

cousin of a Rose d›Anjou — and from their private cellar, 2002 and 2003 Merlot, 2006 Syrah and 2007 Pinot Noir.

When Reid mentioned that she wanted to drop by the London Chef and take a class or two with Dan Hayes, he said he didn’t think there was much he could show her that she didn’t already know. Everyone agreed, especially as we devoured the final course, a flourless chocolate hazelnut torte.

Dinner conversation offered glimpses into the past and the future. For one thing, Watt and Reid left the Gulf Islands with a great respect for farmers.

“We only had seven acres; we were gardeners” said Watt as Reid slowly nodded her agreement.

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Available at: What’s For Dinner? #100-3491 Saanich Road, Victoria www.dinnerforone.ca • 250.298.4346

They recalled the high and lows of the last decade, but battles with the economy and viticulture aside, it was clear their love of wine is every bit as strong today as their own relationship.

Accordingly, they have repurposed Morning Bay into a virtual winery, creating a partnership with Bounty Cellars in Kelowna to continue It’s nice not production. As the owners of the Morning Bay Wine Company, they to have to grow are creating a new business as wine or make agents.

They’re also adjusting to life in everything you the city again and enjoying the need. simple conveniences we tend to take for granted here, such as walking KEITH WATT to the store (“it’s nice not to have to grow or make everything you need,” commented Watt) and the increased serendipities, which life in a bigger community offers.

Happily, this has already led to a couple of winemaker dinners with neighbouring businesses as they step forward into a world of friendship and opportunity, while rebuilding their business together.

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A truly festive occasion! $52 for 2 people Valentines Day Tea A very special treat for yourself and someone special.

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BOOK LOOK

What is Oak Bay reading WITH THE ONSET OF WINTER, THERE'S NO BETTER TIME TO CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK. HERE'S SOME POPULAR TITLES PROVIDED BY FAMILIAR FACES AND PLACES IN OAK BAY. ■ MARK FISHER, Chief constable of the Oak Bay Police Department I am currently working my way through The Bishop's Man by Linden MacIntyre. The novel explores the life of a priest who is tasked with mitigating and resolving potential scandals within the church.

The story is set in Cape Breton, which is one of my favorite areas of Canada. I spent part of my summer holiday there this year. A friend recommended the book to me.

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■ KEVIN MURDOCH, Oak Bay councillor As usual, I have several books on the go at once.

Thinking Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman is a thorough look at the way people interpret the world and make decisions, analyzing 50 years of psychological research. Paris, Paris by David Downie is a collection of written “sketches” about that great city — a city I love. The Trouble with Poetry by Billy Collins is a very entertaining collection of ”observational” poetry. I also have a "parenting" book or two going most of the time as well. Historical writing is probably my favourite subject of literature overall, not really reflected in the ”current” list shown.

■ MICHELLE KIRBY, Oak Bay councillor I'm reading 1982,

by Jian Gomeshi. A friend and I just went to Jian Gomeshi’s book tour show last week and laughed all the way through.

He's very funny, and so is his book. It's about his life in 1982 as a 14 year old, obsessed like most with fitting in, which he decides he can do best if he tries to look like (David) Bowie. I've laughed my way through the book, enjoying the nostalgia of the 1980s — am I really old enough to experience nostalgia?!

■ Here are a few of TALL TALES BOOKS’ favourite picture books, popular in their store right now.

■ Here are a few of the popular reads at IVY BOOKS

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS

by Mo Willems Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur… and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. Full of extreme silliness and witty criticisms of the original tale, this picture book is sure to amuse children four years old and up.

DEAR LIFE: STORIES

by Alice Munro With her peerless ability to give us the essence of a life in often brief but spacious and timeless stories, Alice Munro illumines the moment a life is shaped — the moment a dream, or sex, or perhaps a simple twist of fate turns a person out of his or her accustomed path and into another way of being.

RANDY RILEY'S REALLY BIG HIT

by Chris Van Dusen When science genius Randy Riley spots a meteor heading towards Earth, he tries to warn people, but no one will believe him. Wonderful text and gorgeous bright illustrations as always with books by Chris Van Dusen, this is a great addition for all home libraries.

STANDING IN ANOTHER MAN'S GRAVE

by Ian Rankin It's 25 years since John Rebus appeared on the scene, and five years since he retired. But he’s back. Not only is Rebus as stubborn and anarchic as ever, but finds himself in trouble with Rankin's latest creation, Malcolm Fox of Edinburgh's internal affairs unit.

DARTH VADER AND SON

by Jeffrey Brown What would have happened if Darth Vader had been a good dad and raised Luke Skywalker as a child? What if “Luke, I am your father,” was just a stern admonishment from an annoyed dad? A must-have for all parents who are Star Wars fan.

THE UNIVERSE WITHIN

by Neil Turok The most anticipated nonfiction book of the season, this year's Massey Lectures is a visionary look at the way the human mind can shape the future, written by world-renowned physicist Neil Turok.

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Powered by Imagination In the heart of Oak Bay Village 2213 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria B.C. 250.598.TOYS (8697) Timelesstoys.ca

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OAK BAY BY THE NUMBERS Oak Bay [ohk] [bey] 1. a vibrant community, a world away from the rush of everyday life. Num·ber [nuhm-ber] 1. a mathematical object used to count, label, and measure.

50

PLAYTIME The number of parks in Oak Bay, ranging from full facility to playing fields to natural areas.

0

AT THE PUMPS? The number of gas stations in Oak Bay.

15

TONGUE TWISTER The number of people who speak Russian as their first language in Oak Bay, according to Statistics Canada.

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239,000

PARTY ON The number of years the Oak Bay Tea Party has been held.

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-15.6

CHILL IN THE AIR! Lowest temperature ever recorded in Oak Bay.

7,765

ON THE HOMEFRONT The number of private households in Oak Bay IN 2011.

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MANY FEET Square footage of the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel, including the three levels of parking.

PEOPLE IN THE HOOD The population of Oak Bay, according to 2011 census figures.

18,015 CO-HABITATION Percentage of Oak Bay’s total population aged 15 and over who are either married (53.5%) or living with a commonlaw partner (5.9%).

TAX ROLL The amount the District of Oak Bay collects each year from roughly 6,700 taxpayers.

59.4% 28 MILLION

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FALL IN LOVE WITH FASHION

Invitation to support

Little Spirits Garden

ROYAL OAK BURIAL PARK

Little Spirits Garden is a community memorial dedicated to the acknowledgment and remembrance of pregnancy and infant loss.

“It does not matter if parents lost their baby 50 years or 5 hours ago, the grief of the loss of a baby before birth is often lifelong, raw, and ever present, laying just below the surface of the parents’ heartbeat.”

Jill Davoren, M.S.W., R.S.W.

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To make a tax deductible donation or for more information: www.facebook.com/LittleSpiritsGarden or www.saanichlegacy.ca or email info@robp.ca

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POSTCARDS HOME

Following soldiers' footsteps FAMILY VISITS WAR SITES IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM Story by JENNIFER BLYTH Photos by SHARI MACDONALD and the SELA FAMILY

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emembrance Day has new relevance for an Oak Bay family who turned a passion for history into a family holiday that will resonate for years to come.

The Selas — Shane, Elaine and teenage sons Eric and Graham — spent a recent March break walking in the footsteps of the many thousands of First and Second World War soldiers who fought and died in Belgium and France.

Beyond their shared interest in history, Elaine’s father served in the Canadian military. While the family was stationed in Germany, Elaine recalls visiting Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam, which “made quite an impression on me.”

The Selas’ two-week trip began, as most do these days, on the internet, researching First and Second World War sites and memorials. Before leaving, the family also read the young people’s historical fiction series “My Story,” which offered youth-friendly background for the sites they were about to experience.

In Europe, their tour started in Belgium, home to many First World War sites important to Canadians, such as Passchendaele and Ypres, where the family visited the Menin Gate, one of four memorials to the missing from Britain and the Commonwealth. To tour the Belgian sites, the family used a Quasimodo Tours van excursion.

“It was a local guy in a van with 10 or 12 people. He was very knowledgeable and you got a side of the battlefields — because of his personal knowledge — that we wouldn’t have gotten from a larger tour,” Shane reflects.

They heard, for example, how local farmers are still digging up bullets and shell casings, but also live munitions and mortars. Illustrating the point, the tour guide pulled over at one farm and quickly located shell casings, which Eric and Graham brought home.

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Eric, then 15, was struck by the Menin Gate. “As my eyes crawled up the seemingly endless wall, I tried to imagine the extreme heartache that each and every one of those families must have felt. But as the list went on, I found myself dumbstruck by the amount of victims the war took. The monument was huge, and of course, didn’t include all the fatalities of the war. The time I spent looking at the names on that gate, I felt most proud and grateful for my country and where I get to live.”

For Graham, 13 at the time, Hill 60 near Ypres, resonated.

Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Hill 60 Memorial Site is a preserved battlefield, the scene of desperate fighting in April and May, 1915. Hundreds of soldiers died on this small area of ground and in the tunnels beneath, and because of subsequent fighting, recovery or identification of many was impossible.

From Belgium, the Selas became their own guides, renting a car and travelling the French countryside to such storied locations as Vimy Ridge, and from the Second World War, Normandy and Juno Beach.

“We tried to stick with the Canadian sites, but there was a mix of Allied countries, too,” Elaine notes. “The boys were fascinated by the details and the stories, and at the cemeteries seeing the graves — endless headstones” — not to mention giant craters, still scarring the land where mortars landed.

They were surprised by how close enemy trenches were, especially at Vimy.

“You could throw a rock between the two,” Graham says.

Shane agrees. “In my head I saw the trenches hundreds of feet

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Above: The cemetery of the dead of World War I, at Tyne Cot in Passchendaele, Belgium (photo courtesy of Eric Sela); at left, Vimy Ridge memorial (photo

by Graham Sela).

Previous page: The Sela family, Elaine, Graham, Eric and Shane (photo by Shari Macdonald).

Next page: War mementos brought home by Graham and Eric (photo by Shari Macdonald).

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away, but it was really close. I was trying to envision these kids going over the top . . . It was so horrific, especially when you think the average age was 17 or 18 and the average life expectancy of a messenger in the trenches was three days.”

For Eric, who returned home to study the war in school, the significance of Vimy was immense. The site is run by Canadian university students, so as Canadians, they were greeted with open arms and a full tour.

“Once we started the tour I was awestruck by the living conditions the Canadians had dealt with — tiny trenches and ankle-deep (at least) mud would have made simple things like walking uncomfortable, let alone dodging mortars and following instructions in this crucial battle,” Eric reflects.

“I also clearly remember the image of a maple leaf carved underground where hundreds of Canadian soldiers huddled around each other and waited for the order to begin the assault on the German lines. The maple leaf to me symbolized that the hearts of the Canadian soldiers struggling in the front lines lay at home, true to their roots as Canadians.”

In the Normandy region of France, the Selas ventured to Juno Beach, site of the 1944 Canadian landing that with the rest of the Allied invasion along the beaches — known now as D-Day —

TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO REMEMBER WHAT’S IMPORTANT

marked a turning point of the Second World War. The efforts and sacrifices of the Canadians are well-documented at the Juno Beach Centre.

Connecting with local communities during the trip was important to the family, so rather than staying at impersonal hotels, the Selas opted for small B&Bs. “The one in Normandy was a working farm — just a beautiful spot. It was a little building that had survived the war, close to Juno Beach,” Elaine recalls. “The owner didn’t speak any English, but we managed to communicate somehow and she gave the boys little jam jars to collect sand from Juno Beach.”

While the Selas didn’t have a lot of French language skills, they found the people receptive if they tried.

Staying at the B&Bs “was a real treat, both the accommodations and the local knowledge. They were welcoming to the kids and very family-oriented,” Shane says.

The climate in the region is similar to Victoria, and March, though not sunny and warm, was a nice time for this trip. The sites were less crowded and the weather added to the solemnity of the experience.

While two weeks was a good amount of time, and allowed for several days in Paris, a few extra days would permit more relaxed explorations, Elaine suggests. They didn’t see Dieppe, but would have it on their list next time, along with a visit to Amsterdam and Anne Frank’s house.

“Remembrance Day is a little different now that I know what they went through,” Graham reflects. “You realize how much Canadians sacrificed, to see so many graves.”

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THE ARTIST'S WAY

Letting in the

light

A VISIT WITH ARTIST PAT MARTIN BATES Story by ELIZABETH NOLAN Photos by ARNOLD LIM

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T

o visit renowned Canadian artist Pat Martin Bates at her home in Oak Bay is to walk into the past. This is not a stagnant past constructed of events long since finished and forgotten, but a living past that exists alongside the present and is accessed through artwork and other touchstones as some connect to the world through technology.

Martin Bates’ hundred-year-old heritage manor is filled with artifacts of significance to various periods of her richly textured life. Each item tells a story: there’s the tiny, old-fashioned pram on the mantelpiece filled with baby dolls wearing different expressions — the only toy she recovered after being sent to live with a “rather formal and rather formidable” great aunt as a child. There’s the steering knob of her very first car, a ’54 Riley she paid for with $500 cash and four pieces of art. Above all, there are the pieces of art themselves, the products of a solid educational foundation and a lifelong affinity for the sublime.

“Her policy is, if there’s a spare inch of space, to put some art on it,” says Clyde Bates, her husband of 64 years.

And during a career that spans a lifetime, Martin Bates has

Above: Pat Martin Bates shows off "Snowbound on Kisoji Mountain," a double-sided lightbox she handmade in 2005; above, right, detail of newest piece.

Following page: Bates hard at work, hand-perforating her newest piece from her home studio in Oak Bay.

created an impressive body of work. Her art hangs in the National Gallery of Canada; Library of Congress, Washington; the Museums of Modern Art in New York, Osaka and Tokyo; Oslo Municipal Gallery; Montreal Museum of Art; Vancouver Art Gallery; Museum voor ExLibris en Kleingrafiek, Holland, and others. It can be seen locally the Small Works 2012 exhibition at Oak Bay’s Eclectic Gallery to Jan. 5.

According to biographical information, Martin Bates’ unique contribution as an artist has been to introduce metal collage prints and perforated paper works. The latter genre, sometimes presented in light boxes, includes white on white prints; black on black prints; drawings; collages and paintings.

One of the pieces in her home — Sky in Skye, Ninth Island — comes with an “adventure” story. It was inspired by a 40-day sail around the British Isles, which Martin Bates took with a crew of fellow artists, who were producing work for the Edinburgh Festival.

“It’s a water piece, even though it’s an island,” Martin Bates says.

The multimedia painting is an evocative example of the light boxbacked works she pioneered. Perforated with tiny holes that form loose constellations and galaxies on black rag paper, it contains the mystical symbolism that can be found in much of her work, formed in gold threads, gold leaf, oil stick and fragments of print.

“I sent Clyde a telegram saying, ‘I’ve run away to sea,’” she recalls of the adventure. Initially planning to go for a few days at the urging of Richard Demarco (owner of Demarco Gallery in Edinburgh — just one of the galleries that carried her art on “the continent”), Martin Bates ended up joining the crew for the entire trip. She participated fully in the life of the working ship, including many sessions on dogwatch.

With so much of her work predicated on the properties of light, it’s not surprising to learn Pat has never left the sea far behind. She and her husband have lived in Victoria since the ‘60s (they’ve owned their home in Oak Bay for 35 years, purchasing it as a duplex and restoring it to its original form after Pat retired from the University of Victoria 20 years ago).

Her childhood was spent near another, colder ocean, in New Brunswick, divided between Moncton, St. John, and an idyllic farmland owned by her father’s family.

“It was a crazy childhood, in a way,” Martin Bates says. “My father was only 28 when he died, and he was a god. He was tall, dark and handsome and he could charm the pearl out of an oyster.”

Though trained as an accountant, her father enjoyed discussing religion and eastern philosophy with his friends. His books, which Martin Bates inherited, formed a lasting influence and encouraged an open mind toward mysticism in many traditions.

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As her friend Joan Coldwell writes at the end of Martin Bates’ childhood memoir It is I, Patricia, “The fearless girl who wanted to explore everything, in life and in books, grew into the artist The fearless impelled to fill her work to overflowing with images, symbols and printed words, often seemingly nonsensical but joyfully letting girl who wanted one rhyme, one image, lead to another.” to explore For a girl from New Brunswick, Martin Bates has definitely made her mark on the world. Her studies in Antwerp, Paris and everything in life New York were followed by exhibitions in Europe’s major galleran din books, ies, festivals and biennales. Her shelves are filled with catalogues grew into the containing her work, and she has received countless awards both at home and abroad. Though her travels have been widespread, artists impelled she says, her main purpose was to always be moving, rather than to fill her work to to see new places. overflowing “There always had to be a reason,” she explains, whether that was to attend a biennale in Norway or Ljublljana (she still counts with images, a café near the old part of that city as her favourite corner of the symbols and world), to teach at girls and women at a Jaipur school, or to follow the path of Alexander the Great with a Canada Council grant. printed She recounts struggles to have her work lit properly and to fit words... her expressions into curators’ obscure agendas, and says: “No JOAN COLDWELL matter what you do, you have to pursue it to make sure they do it properly, and nine times out of 10 you don’t have time, especially if you’re a working woman.”

At 85, she no longer finds it easy to move around, but to this day Martin Bates continues to show her work and to attend Victoria art shows in support of other artists. Indeed, along with her innovations to printmaking, her ongoing mentorship of young women will doubtless stand out as a lasting legacy.

❝

❞

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Lighting up the season CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS OAK BAY STYLE

Photo by SHARI MACDONALD

CHRIS CAUSTON

A decorated Oak Bay helps brighten up the Christmas season.

Christopher Causton was mayor of Oak Bay for 15 years, and now works as a harbour ferries captain. He is the founder and owner of Jason’s (Camilles) and Rattenbury’s (Spaghetti Factory), and is a classically trained hotelier.

He is a keen tennis player, and his current “big” project involves working with the VI Spine Trail Association to link trails from Victoria to Cape Scott.

W

hat would Christmas in Oak Bay be withbeen installed and the public works department does out the light up, gallery walk, truck paan amazing job overseeing it all. (No more jokes about rade and lighted boat flotilla? Who knew how many councillors it takes to install a light bulb.) what would flow from a spark of an idea Since 2001, some great events have been added to forged in the Penny Farthing on a cold Friday evening the Christmas season calendar. In 2004, the Galleries in October, 2001. on the Avenue put on its first Christmas walk — an It was a bleak time in the world. No one knew after annual event that continues to draw a crowd. In 2005, the devastation of September 11, if something terrible Doug Bury, the head of public works, arranged for a was still to occur. We all had a deep-seated unease in truck parade to come through Oak Bay (it must be our stomachs. But on that Friday night in October, every kid’s favourite). Also in 2005, the Royal Victoria 2001, the idea was hatched to “Light up the Village” Yacht Club put on its first Christmas sailpast. for Christmas and make everyone feel better.

Oak Bay’s neon sign was restored, thanks to HousThirty volunteers sprang into action. Ann Herbert ton Signs and the owners of the building, plus the (who took charge), Caroline Macey-Brown, Russ municipality. The sign, which had been dark for many Irvine and John Herbert all stepped up on behalf of years, was a beacon for the old cinema in the village.

Council. Matt MacNeil rounded up business owners and enough “Oh, how things have gotten better. . . Now the LED money was raised to buy practically all the lights are hung professionally, proper power has Christmas lights in been installed and the public works department stock at Canadian Tire. does an amazing job overseeing it all.”

Then the process of climbing ladders and hanging lights began. (Yours truly Now, all these years after the last film was shown was reassigned after his first shift!) It there, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is opening a new thewas so unsophisticated that atre where films will be shown five nights a week. (The on the night of the light hotel is also staging dinner theatre on the weekends.) up, councillor Allan CasMaybe carol singing around the fireplace in the hotel sidy flipped the switchlobby will become another happy Christmas tradition es manually in City for families.

Hall and blew most of And this Christmas season the Snug will once again the power. Only half be open. Everyone can return to that great Boxthe lights came on! ing Day tradition of a drink in the Snug to catch up Oh, how things with friends from all around the world, and visit with have gotten betpeople who grew up in Oak Bay and are now home for ter. . . . Now the the holidays.

LED lights are Back on the Avenue, I think we need one more hung professionally, event on the weekend before Christmas. A hot chili proper power has cook-off with mulled wine anyone?

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GROWING IN OAK BAY

Cultivating a passion GEORGE HEFFELFINGER AND THE ART OF BONSAI Story by JENNIFER BLYTH Photos by DON DENTON

EVEN BEFORE entering

George Heffelfinger’s lovely waterfront garden, on a quiet culde-sac off Beach Drive, visitors can glimpse his passion for his artfully created potted trees.

His car’s personalized license plate — “Bonsai” —was a gift from this late wife, Jane; in return, hers read “Opera,” he says with a smile.

Bonsai (pronounced “bone-sigh”) describes the cultivation of miniaturized plants, usually trees, in pots, explains the Vancouver Island Bonsai Society (VIBS) website. “Bonsai are not special hybrids or genetic ‘dwarf’ trees but are full-sized trees miniaturized by using techniques that involve the pruning of branches, leaves, trunks and roots along with wiring for shape and the use of specialized soil mixtures in pots whose design suits the art form.”

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At right: One of George Heffelfinger's prize bonsai trees, a Japanese larch, at his Oak Bay home; Previous page: George Heffelfinger shows off one of his prize bonsai trees — a juniper.

❝ It’s a peaceful experience to put a bonsai on the bench, turn it around, study it, then go to work on it to bring out its own character.

GEORGE HEFFELFINGER

❞

Winter is not to best time to view bonsai on the West Coast, where deciduous plants lose their leaves and other potted species are stored away for winter. But here in Heffelfinger’s protected front courtyard, several evergreen bonsai demonstrate his talents.

“I don’t really know what got me started,” says Heffelfinger, who moved to Victoria from Winnipeg in 1975. “This is a wonderful spot to be because we have so many natural trees here that, with attention, will become fine bonsai.”

Victoria’s generally mild winters don’t pose much risk to most bonsai, but Heffelfinger tucks many of his close to 150 pots under cover for the cold weather.

If well cared for “bonsai will outlive us, sometimes by hundreds of years,” Heffelfinger says, describing some Japanese bonsai that are 200 and 300 years old.

From its start in Japan, the art of bonsai spread further afield after the Second World War, and today is especially popular in California, says Heffelfinger, who has pursued his passion for more than 20 years.

“It’s an art form. I think any bonsai person thinks of themselves as trying to make ‘this’ look

like ‘that,’” he says, pointing first to a tree as yet untouched, and next to a decade-old plant that has been wired and pruned into an interesting, pleasing shape.

“It’s a peaceful experience to put a bonsai on the bench, turn it around, study it, then go to work on it to bring out its own character or patina.”

Now in his 80s, Heffelfinger is keen to ensure his remarkable collection is preserved for future generations. He and the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, with other members of the local bonsai society, are working towards cretaing a bonsai garden adjacent to the centre’s existing Takata Japanese Garden. The horticulture centre is already home to a number of Heffelfinger’s remarkable bonsai, dotted throughout its large Quayle Road demonstration garden.

“I don’t want them to disappear,” he explains, adding with a smile, “My trees will be happy to know they’ll have someone to look after them later on.”

This would become Canada’s second bonsai garden — the other is in Montreal — and there are about 20 in the United States.

While trees appropriate for bonsai can be found in local nurseries, Heffelfinger’s favourite creations

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are “collected,” often from high-altitude logging road-accessed sites that serve to keep the trees growing slowly and developing character from their exposure to the elements.

“I’m very conscious of the age — the ‘oldness’ — of a tree,” he says. Creating a heaviness at the base of the trunk, adds visual weight to something that when finished appears at once delicate yet substantial.

Bonsai expert Dan Robinson, a personal friend of Heffelfinger’s, has also been influential. “He isn’t interested in anything that isn’t wild-growing and that, I think, influenced me.”

And the thrill of the hunt is definitely part of the bonsai experience.

“I used to like it because it would drive me up to the mountains to collect,” Heffelfinger recalls, pointing to a mountain hemlock he’s nurtured for decades. “It’s a tree that is characteristic of our mountains here and it’s special because it’s a tree that usually shows up as a result of climbing a mountain.”

What makes a good tree for bonsai? “Good small ones,” he says with a laugh, adding, “they each have their character.”

His native mountain hemlock will be a starring attraction at an upcoming bonsai convention, which VIBS is hosting in two years.

It will also feature “Shohin,” an emerging trend among some bonsai artists, where the bonsai is kept below 10 inches tall. These petite plants are well-suited to those with limited space and/or an inability to lug about larger pots.

Sometimes Heffelfinger creates a small vignette with his bonsai, adding a complementary plant, soft green moss or interesting rock

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formation, similarly “collected.”

Greater Victoria is home to about 75 active members of the VIBS, which offers monthly meetings, a show and sale, and—perfect for newcomers — resources such as mentoring groups and basic care and troubleshooting information.

Heffelfinger says the VIBS would love to have more members. Still learning himself, he recalls a workshop this past summer where he and a U.S. bonsai artist worked together to prune and wire an Engelmann spruce to coax it into the perfect shape.

“He was a professional; I’m an amateur,” Heffelfinger reflects.

But amateur or not, Heffelfinger’s passion has found a bountiful home.

To learn more visit the VIBS online at www.victoriabonsai.bc.ca.

The local group meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Garth Homer Centre. Visitors are always welcome.

Above: Close-up views of roots and foliage on various bonsai.

Previous page: Two bonsai trees on a bench in the backyard of Heffelfinger's home.

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Oak Bay

ONLINE NEW WEBSITES LAUNCHED

BY MUNICIPALITY AND TOURISM GROUP Story by JENNIFER BLYTH Photos CONTRIBUTED

O

ak Bay is presenting itself in a fresh new light to both locals and visitors thanks to a revamped online presence.

The District of Oak Bay launched its new website in late November. It’s an interactive, responsive site designed to improve communication with residents, says councillor Kevin Murdoch.

A second group, Oak Bay Tourism, was expected to launch its dynamic new site in early December.

Reflecting Oak Bay’s evolving makeup of residents and businesses, the websites are visually modern, giving a nod to the municipality’s rich heritage, but also its vibrant present, exhibited by its many young families, outdoor activities, active arts community, and thriving shops, restaurants, galleries and professional services.

Above: At top and at “We wanted to bottom left are pages in go beyond what the new District of Oak people already Bay website. At left, is the thought and new Oak Bay Tourism site. perceived about Oak Bay,” explains Rena Kendall-Craden, who sits on the municipal website working group and the Oak Bay Tourism board. “It offers a new freshness and contemporary feel to Oak Bay as a destination — Victoria’s hidden gem.”

Both sites have been designed by the local Upanup Studios and enjoy a complementary style. Both also adapt for tablet and smartphone use, 44

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responding to the way people seek information today, Murdoch explains.

The district site brings together previously independent municipal sites — such as the city hall, police, heritage and parks and recreation sites — for easier navigation. Staff in individual departments are able to update the site directly, resulting in more current information with minimal staff resources.

“We really were looking for a way to bring all these things into a single platform. Now all you’re looking for is in one place,” Murdoch says.

Recognizing that people search for information differently, the site offers typical pull-down tabs and search capabilities, as well as an “I want to . . .” section, which allows site visitors to view often-requested information.

Social media has also been built into the site, as well as a subscription service allowing people to receive news updates, such as council agendas or public notices.

In addition to good, solid information to help visitors build their Oak Bay travel plans, the tourism site also offers plenty of fun elements, including “10 things insiders know about Oak Bay,” Kendall-Craden says. It’s a way of offering an authentic experience expected by today’s travellers.

“They are coming to a place that is a community and we see that as a strength.”

Learn more at www.oakbay.ca and www.oakbaytourism.com

Enter to A NIGHT AT

WIN

THE OPERA WITH TWEED

Readers are invited to enter to win a night at the opera with Tweed, with two tickets available to Pacific Opera Victoria’s spring production of Albert Herring.

With performances scheduled for Feb. 7, 9, 15 and 17 at the Royal Theatre, the production, adapted from a short story by Guy de Maupassant, features music by Benjamin Britten and libretto by Eric Crozier.

“Albert Herring is a delightful comedy of charm and wit,” says Timothy Vernon, Pacific Opera Victoria Artistic Director. “It offers a gently satiric look at English village life, with a large array of characteristic personages, and a distinct period flavour. The story is engaging, the music inspired.”

Directed by Glynis Leyshon with conductor Leslie Dala and the Victoria Symphony, Albert Herring stars Lawrence Wiliford in the title role of this “exuberant satire, a scrumptious, slightly skewed slice of life.”

Founded in 1979, Pacific Opera Victoria has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s leading opera companies, thanks to its dynamic repertoire choices, its original productions, and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for artists and audiences.

Albert Herring is performed in English with English surtitles.

For ticket information, call 250-385-0222 or visit www.pov.bc.ca <http://www.pov.bc.ca> for additional details.

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One-to-One volunteer help to individuals of all ages.

Call for help, to volunteer or donate.

250.595.1034 ✧ www.oakbayvolunteers.bc.ca

“Welcome Tweed” A MESSAGE FROM NILS JENSEN, MAYOR OF OAK BAY

O

n behalf of Oak Bay Council and our community, I extend a warm welcome to Tweed. May it live long and prosper just like Oak Bay has for 106 years.

Tweed will celebrate and highlight the real Oak Bay — its fascinating history, rich First Nations roots and its spectacular urban landscape and natural beauty.

Tweed will be filled with the wonderful personalities and characters that contribute so much to Oak Bay’s uniqueness. There have been so many interesting people who have trod our hallowed soil, Francis Rattenbury, Pierre Burton, Francis Elford and the Courtnalls to name but a few.

Oak Bay residents cherish their community. We live it everyday in keeping with the Oak Bay motto, Sub quercu felicitas: “Under the Oak, Good Fortune.”

Our community has a strong sense of identity that not only respects and honours the past, but also embraces the new, promoting a green and sustainable future.

From our little coffee shops to our fine dining, from family recreation opportunities to beach-front walks and bike paths, to our fantastic annual events such as the Oak Bay Tea Party and Christmas Light Up, our community is a dynamic, active and engaging place to live and do business.

Welcome to our community. - NILS JENSEN

Creating A Future Without Breast Cancer

Imagine a future when hearing the words “you have breast cancer” no longer brings fear and devastation to you and your family. A future when the disease is manageable and treatable.

Investing in research will get us to that future without breast cancer. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC/Yukon Region has made a significant commitment to research in BC and we will distribute $1.2 million in research funding this year.

Two of the inspiring projects that have been selected for this

year are happening right here in Victoria. With your help, we will make a direct impact on the women in this province and around the world.

To ensure this cutting-edge work continues, please consider making an investment in research by supporting the Foundation with a gift.

Your support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation ensures a future without breast cancer that is not only possible, it is within reach.

Please donate today at www.cbcf.org/bcgiving.

Dr. Brad Nelson BC Cancer Agency – Victoria, BC

Dr. Sally Smith BC Cancer Agency – Victoria, BC

Required Funding: $300,000

Required Funding: $185,230

“Great advances have been made in breast cancer in the last several decades. An ongoing commitment to research to continue to improve the care we provide for patients with breast cancer is essential.” – Dr. Sally Smith

To learn more about these projects and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, visit www.cbcf.org or call 250.384.3328.

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TEA WITH PRUDENCE EMERY

Tweed editor Susan Lundy interviews Prudence Emery, left, at Ottavio cafe. (photo by Don Denton).

Prudence Emery HOMETOWN: Born in Nanaimo, came to Victoria in high school.

HOW LONG IN OAK BAY? Bought her mother’s former condo in Hampshire House in 2007.

CLAIM TO FAME? Worked as a unit publicist for over 100 movies.

CURRENT PASSION? The creation of Hattie’s Heist, a short comedy caper film about a bank-robbing senior set in Oak Bay. BUCKET LIST? Istanbul, Easter Island, Petra, sailing through the Suez Canal, London and Paris any time. And to visit the area in Mexico where the Monarch butterflies gather.

You’ve done a lot of fascinating things in your life. What are the various jobs you've held?

Tulip picking in Gordon Head; a very bad secretary at the dockyards; a barmaid and temporary (bad) typist in London, UK. Taught handicrafts to veterans at a hospital in Vancouver, took a year of teachers’ training, worked at the Globe and Mail as a proofreader, worked at Expo 67, returned to London and landed a job as "Press and Public Relations Officer" for the Savoy Group. Returned to Canada to launch Global Television Network, subsequently launched Metro Toronto Zoo and entered the film business as a unit publicist. Since then, I've worked on more than 100 productions over 30 years as well as doing fashion publicity for Hazelton Lanes in Toronto and launching The Griffin Poetry Prize.

locations such as China, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, New York, London, Paris, Toronto and Montreal.

Tell us more about being a unit publicist for movies.

It basically involves organizing marketing materials for the picture's release and getting media coverage during the shoot. This entails organizing media visits on set, special photo setups for posters, producing behind-the-scenes shooting and conducting interviews for DVDs, writing the final press kit with synopsis, production notes, bios of cast and crew, and organizing the occasional press conference.

What prompted your latest passion — creating the film Hattie’s Heist?

I used to be based in Toronto where the film business was burgeoning. I cannot say the same for Victoria, so I decided to write my own film set in Oak Bay. (See website hattiesheist.com and facebook.com/hattiesheist)

What was the best thing about your career?

Working on film surrounded by hugely creative teams — my favorite environment. Shooting on

What was the most challenging?

Dealing with bad tempered producers and recalcitrant actors.

Who were some of the most interesting people you met?

Everyone from Sir Noel Coward, Sophia Loren, Viggo Mortensen, Angie Dickinson, Gordon Pinsent, Malcolm McDowell, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Pare, Paul Giametti, Monica Belluci, Vincent Cassel, Naomi Watts, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robert Redford, Michael Douglas, Jeremy Irons, Jodie Foster . . . shall I go on? Director David Cronenberg, Oleg Prokofiev, artist Tony Scherman, many writers and poets.

What brings you joy?

Laughter, good friends, a full moon shining on the water, a prairie vista, a fantastic meal.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

I attended Chelsea School of Art in London and have appeared in two films, Hotel New Hampshire and The Luck of Ginger Coffey.

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TD Canada Trust

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Dunahees onstory stuggles

Book touche hope and continued Page A25

WS OAK BAYNE

Call me,

Stay in touch with your community

to councils /A4 report goes back NEWS: Deer /A15 use their words Bay /A19 ARTS: Women head to James ay Wanderers SPORTS: Castaw

breaking Watch for

kbaynew news at www.oa

s.com

r 30, 2012 Friday, Novembe

Learning to cope and finding hope

Bruce Read Mobile Mortgage Specialist

Meet the an Morricals, Oak Bay family learning to type cope with 1 diabetes

Tim Collins Reporting

Tel: 250 514 1026

that he discovered his seventh uncan Morrical diabetes on returning had type 1 family was Spring Island birthday. His to Salt every from an excursion bathroom to go to the thirsty. extremely when he needed the He was also five minutes. trip home going between Duncan “I spent the and the bathroom,” the did water fountain thirsty all day and lot of Coke.” a said. “I’d been thing by drinking in the soft absolute worstto Duncan, the sugar his body nst Unbeknow his blood sugar, causing , which I drink raised it out through urination “The more to try to flush ed him even more. dehydrat recalled. he in turn thirstier I got,” of a blur to drank, the is still a bit Dave What followedparents, Susan and The his Duncan and took him to their doctor. hospital.

Morrical, who quickly sent to the room, his y was youngster at the emergenc blood sugar Normal When he arrived in the level was 35. blood sugar or blood glucose level concentration range of four to eight.for a twothe hospital staff blood is in managed admitted to Sharon Tiffin/News staff was dad medical Duncan with his during which and determine the 11, right, helps week stay his condition need to function. It pump that ering Duncan Morrical, to stabilize the insulin he would administ boy.

David, holds levels of insulinprocess for the young alive by regularly finger pokes keep him was a difficult 48 hours he had 37 recalled Susan. insulin.

“In the first kids and I.V. draws,” were great, a point with (blood tests) brave, and the staff “There’s never consistently in his disease.

“He was veryhard time.” where you’re took him off, a a (with diabetes)Anything can throw and Dave each but it was decides to diabetic time, Susan a good place. a cold, or even if he During that to be trained by the facts day, hard work the stressful a week off separate who gave them grow.” how, on three blood sugar teaching team Susan disease.

David recounted Duncan’s Absolutely,” about the he checked fallen asleep to find a fear factor? as it got later.” occasions, “Was there scary his son had it wasn’t as even with levels after had “crashed.” said. “Still, learned that an insulin that Duncan Later the familyent and the use of of really in control careful managem was never pump, Duncan

Published every Wednesday and Friday and online.

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Inside:

type 1 diabetes.

Living with

and symptoms Learn the signs of type 1 diabetes. ahead?

Is there a cure PLEASE SEE: g results, find encouragin Researchers Page A10

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FROM BARCLAY’S IZED GIFTS from PERSONAL with something spoil yourself favourite you love or one of Santa’s gift for someone charms are Find the perfect is always free! jewellery. Pandora lines of fine and gift wrapping are available one of our many Gift certificates stocking stuffers.

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OAK BAYNEWS

www.oakbaynews.com

Happy Holidays Join us in the New Year Specialty Auctions January 31 February 28 March 28 April 25

Modern Design & Collectibles Antiques & Fine Art Modern Design & First Nations Asian Arts & Antiques

Mom was always the life of the party.

Celebrate her life.

Auctions Every Thursday 6 pm

Celebrating 100 Years rs

SANDS

“You never know what you might find”

FUNERAL CHAPEL

1803 Quadra Street ǀ 250-388-5155 www.sandsvictoria.ca

Your West Shore Cemetery & Crematorium

1115 Fort Street

48

TWEED

250-384-6441

WINTER 2012/13

www.kilshaws.com

Nathan, Funeral Director & Manager

Bruce, Hatley Cemetery Manager

HATLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS

2050 Sooke Road ǀ 250-478-1754

DOGS ON THE AVENUE

LOVE MY DOG! Photos BY DON DENTON

Dogs [dawgs, dogs] 1. The best friend of men, women and children, bred in many sizes and shapes.

The Avenue [thuh av-uh-nyoo, -noo] 1. A popular destination for those seeking funky eateries, awesome art galleries and trendy stores in Oak Bay.

WINTER 2012/13

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49

DOGS ON THE AVENUE

Above: Clockwise from left, Charlie, Cloe, Ming and Somers.

Previous page. Canine friends spotted on "the avenue" in Oak Bay recently include (clockwise from left) Lola, Jaeger and Ginger.

TELL

TWEED!

Some say that Oak Bay loves dogs so much, that canines are actually considered honorary citizens.

If you agree, tell Tweed!

Send photographs of your “Dogs on the Avenue” to: lundys@shaw.ca 50

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WINTER 2012/13

bringing you a cleaner, greener home 778.440.6327 info@neatandtidy.ca neatandtidy.ca

10% Off For All Tweed Readers

Dangerous Liaisons 1930s Shanghai is the stage for this delicious adaptation of the classic erotic novel.

Join us February 1-10, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ victoriafilmfestival.com

Come take a peek and stay for a treat.

FFull Grooming Services All Natural Foods & Treats A Collars & Leashes C SSpecialty Beds & Carriers

2041 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria B.C. 250-590-2822 www.barkpetboutique.com

WINTER 2012/13

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51

MEET OUR ADVERTISERS ATHLONE TRAVEL is a full

BARK, BATH & BEYOND PET BOUTIQUE A family operated

THE L&P GROUP An award

PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA

BROWN HENDERSON MELBYE Devlin Farmer,

LITTLE SPIRITS GARDEN

PEPPER’S FOODS,

Mandu Goebl has worked in the Victoria auto industry for over 10 years and is proud to raise his family here. He is delighted to offer quality vehicles to CAMPUS ACURA customers.

See ad on page 13

LÛXE HOME INTERIORS

red art gallery is a small,

Gurmit Sandhu has owned and operated WEST COAST BREW SHOP for four years. He is happiest when he is helping his customers make award winning wines and beer and playing cricket with the Oak Bay Cricket Club.

See ad on page 35

4 yrs. in business - MAXIMUM FURNITURE specializes in Quality Solid Wood Furniture for home or office. Maximum shares a showroom with Ruffell & Brown at 2745 Bridge St. You pick your style, size & stain - it’s ALL about you. See ad on page 31

An exclusive dealer of Rolex and Tudor watches, and jewellery designers Simon G, MaeVona and Sholdt in Victoria.

See ad on page 13

CANADIAN BREAST CANCER

NANCY, MARESA BOUTIQUE

a collaborative lawyer with experience in custody access, pre-nuptials and separation agreements.

See ad on page 35

winning full service group with over 40+ years of experience that specializes in all aspects of real estate sales and marketing in Greater Victoria and the surrounding areas. See ad on page 35

is dedicated to the acknowledgment and remembrance of pregnancy and infant loss. For more information: www.facebook.com/Little SpiritsGarden or www.saanichlegacy. ca. See ad on page 31

is a locally owned, award winning, custom showroom providing quality home furnishings to fit your style, your way.

See ad on page 2

one direct volunteer support to individuals of all ages in Oak Bay. Drives, visits, repairs, etc.

See ad on page 46

presents a distinctive blend of repertoire, creating original productions of an international calibre featuring Canada’s finest directors, designers, and singers.

See ad on page 55

Celebrating 50 years in the community!

See ad on page 56

unpretentious gallery featuring contemporary, affordable and original art. Owners Marion and Bobb make it easy to help you find a winning work!

See ad on page 38

PAUL MARA JEWELLERS

DEBRA RUFFELL and NIGEL BROWN are

Foundation-BC/Yukon Region Your support of the CBCF ensures a future without breast cancer is within reach. Vancouver Island Office - 250 384-03328 tryan@cbcf. org. See ad on page 46

Like you, I live, work, and play in dynamic Oak Bay. Allow me to help you express your personal style.

See ad on page 42

IDA CHONG has represented

NEAT & TIDY Brandy Nielson has

SEARS TRAVEL

owned and operated Neat & Tidy for five years. She is committed to providing the highest quality, green cleaning service to Victoria. Brandy and her family love the year round, outdoor lifestyle of Vancouver Island. See ad on page 51

A full service travel agency offering exclusive payment options and travel rewards.

Travel experts have over 40 years combined industry experience!

See ad on page 34

CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION of Vancouver

OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL

OAK BAY SENIORCARE

Island raises funds to support the health and well-being of children and youth on the Islands.

See ad on page 46

Whether in Kate’s Café, The Snug, Dinner Theatre or Boathouse Spa, find community amongst friends, and a rich tradition of hospitality.

See ad on page 45

“Our award-winning home support services are customized to fit your needs at any time.”

See ad on page 3

GREGG’S FURNITURE has

OAK BAY OPTOMETRY

WILD SAFFRON BISTRO - SWANS Come in and enjoy

Oak Bay-Gordon Head as MLA since 1996, and is Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

See ad on page 45

been providing Victorians with top quality craftsmanship for over 55 years. Contact David Screech @ Gregg’s for all your re-upholstery and upholstered furniture needs.

See ad on page 20

TWEED

OAK BAY VOLUNTEER SERVICES. We provide one-to-

Owner/Auctioneer/Appraiser.

Downsizing, estate, art & antique specialist. As seen on History Television’s “Pawnathon Canada.”

Kilshaws Auctioneering Ltd. has been serving Vancouver Island since 1949. See ad on page 48

business specializing in taking care of your furry ones. We provide everything you need from grooming to foods and everything in between.

See ad on page 51

52

ALISON ROSS B.A., M.A., CPPA,

service locally owned travel agency – serving the community since 1986.

Our experienced team would be delighted to assist with all of your travel needs.

See ad on page 33

WINTER 2012/13

has been providing eye exams, glasses and contact lenses to the whole family for over 20 years.

See ad on page 31

proudly celebrating 25 years in Victoria providing custom blinds, shades, draperies, and upholstery.

See ad on page 6

our Pacific Northwest cuisine in the comfort of our dining room.

Dishes are thoughtfully desgined to feature fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. See ad on page 6

MEET OUR ADVERTISERS KRISTI BUCHANAN FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS INC.

Maria’s vision of an inviting, wholesome community place that welcomes everyone has come to life at CRUMSBY’S, in Estevan Village since 2009.

See ad on page 29

MCLAREN LIGHTING

The staff at OAK BAY

OAK BAY PHARMASAVE

CHERYL’S GOURMET PANTRY

Expert financial advice for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Juggling the demands of family?

Swamped by your successful business? Trying to find a way to retire worry-free? See ad on page 34

FASHION EXCHANGE love to play “dress up”- come play with us. You will be amazed with the selection and the low prices.

See ad on page 48

Jason has worked at Oak Bay Pharmasave since 1996. As the Front Store Manager he enjoys working with staff and keeping the store full of great merchandise.

See ad on page 19

We’re a family owned and operated showroom celebrating over 50 years as Leaders in Lighting. Come in to our Victoria or Nanaimo showroom today for the most extensive lighting selection on the Island.

See ad on page 43 Cheryl has been providing gourmet take out, catering services, and picnic baskets for over 25 years in Oak Bay. Personal favourite: Roast Chicken dinner.

See ad on page 27

BRUCE READ – TD Let me

Ryan & Stephanie are owners of the award winning family business KNOTTY BY NATURE. Teaching the community to knit, crochet, felt, spin and weave they’re more than just a store.

See ad on page 35

DR STEPHEN BAKER

TIMELESS TOYS, Powered

Ron & Greg DIAMOND EYECARE after serving Victorians for 20 years from the Douglas St. store, locally owned Diamond Optical has brought their commitment to quality and customer service to Oak Bay. See ad on page 35

Sean Warren is a proud 3rd generation Victoria resident. Sean has been with the CAMPUS AUTO GROUP since 1999 and has earned a reputation for top quality service selling top quality products! He is an avid car enthusiast with a love of the outdoors and skiing. See ad on page 5

Locally owned and operated by Michael Hansen, WINDSOR PLYWOOD Westshore strives to bring the most unique products to the market place. From Live Edge Mantels to hardwood floors we invite you to walk through our doors and walk on our floors. See ad on page 20

CAPITAL IRON Victoria’s original

AT SUNDAY’S SNOWFLAKES

SANDS FUNERAL CHAPELS & HATLEY MEMORIAL CEMETERY understand the

DODD’S FURNITURE

is 100% locally owned and operated. We have been serving Victoria and the Island since 1977.

Come down to our store at 715 Finlayson to view our huge 35,000 sq. ft. showroom.

See ad on page 43

It’s the VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL - 150 great films, spectacular Opening Gala, guest stars, parties and... POPCORN! See ad on pages 26, 34 & 51

DINNER FOR ONE

BRENDA RICHARDSON, JAZZERCISE. I was lucky to find

WHITE HEATHER TEA ROOM

help you finance the home of your dreams. My experience includes 34 years of providing financial solutions. I can provide you with expert advice to navigate the new mortgage rules. Call me at 250-514-1026. See ad on page 48

by Imagination. Your local family run toy store in the heart of Oak Bay Village. Neil, Cindy, Nathan and Millie.

See ad on page 29

significance of the celebration of one’s life and the establishment of a lasting memorial.

See ad on page 48 Nutritional and delicious ready-made meals. Affordable gourmet cuisine which is simple and delicious.

See ad on page 26

DR CHERYL HANDLEY

Family dentistry is about welcoming patients and taking care of them. Our team is here to help you: Diana, Dr. Cheryl Handley, Vicki, Darlene and Lisa.

See ad on page 42

JASON EASTON of RBC

Dominion Securities has lived and worked in the Victoria area for the past 17 years. Jason enjoys the outdoors and spends most of his spare time with his wife Nancy and their 9 year old son.

See ad on page 15

general store for over 75 years!

With 15 different departments and over 60,000 items in stock we have everything you need - from fishing rods to espresso machines.

See ad on page 42

my true passion, Jazzercise, after taking my first class. I have been teaching in Oak Bay since 1989 and an Instructor Trainer since 1999.

See ad on page 45

An Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic surgeon, specializes in eyelid & cataract surgery. Dionne, a Medical Scientist, assists him in the facial rejuvenation.

See ad on page 7

You will find a fabulous collection of Canadian Designer Fashion for women. We offer the best styles, selection and service guaranteed.

Gift Certificates available.

See ad on page 31

We live in Oak Bay – continuing White Heather’s long tradition of serving delicious lunches and Afternoon Teas to Oak Bay and surrounds.

See ad on page 27

HORNE COUPAR

Horne Coupar has been practicing in Victoria for over 60 years. Our lawyers specialise in Wills, Estates and Trusts.

See our ad on page 18

CASSIE KANGAS

As a lifetime resident of Oak Bay, I am your neighbour and an

OAK BAY REAL ESTATE EXPERT who you can trust to sell your home.

See ad on page 18

To feature your business in the next edition of TWEED contact: Oliver Sommer Director, Advertising Sales

250-480-3274 osommer@blackpress.ca WINTER 2012/13

TWEED

53

Photo BY SHARON TIFFIN

Parting Shot

T

DRESSING FOR THE SEASON

he Christmas season in Oak Bay is an explosion of colour and celebration, thanks to the many groups, businesses and individuals, who set out to dress it up and plan festive activities. This edition of Tweed gives a nod to all these holiday-spirited people with the above “Parting Shot” photograph, taken by Oak Bay resident and Black Press photographer, Sharon Tiffin.

Here, firefighter Doug Trumble pops in Rudolph's red nose while putting up the Christmas display outside the Oak Bay firehall, during a recent holiday season.

“Parting Shot” is a special photographic feature that will run regularly in Tweed, and we want you — our readers — to contribute. This spot is reserved for the best images we can find of places, people and things in Oak Bay. We’re inviting you to: 54

TWEED

WINTER 2012/13

“Give us your best shot!”

We’ll consider all submissions for publication. Contributors should keep in mind the seasonal aspect of this feature, and be prepared to tell us a little bit about the photograph — where, when, what and/or who? Please ensure the resolution is high enough for publication.

And don’t forget — this is all about Oak Bay. Submissions should express something about this vibrant and beautiful community.

Do you have an Oak Bay image that may qualify as a “Parting Shot” photo?

Tell Tweed! Send your image to Tweed editor Susan Lundy for consideration in an upcoming edition. lundys@shaw.ca

Hilarious, witty depiction of English Village Life

Albert

Herring BRITTEN

In English with English surtitles

PLAYING FEBRUARY 7, 9, & 15 AT 8 PM SUNDAY MATINÉE FEBRUARY 17 AT 2:30 PM AT THE ROYAL THEATRE

BRITTEN FESTIVAL

Opera for the whole family

A satirical comedy by England’s greatest composer, about a boy caught up in the daffy expectations of a “Downton Abbey-esque society”

Celebrating Britten’s 100th Anniversary www.pov.bc.ca for information

PURCHASE EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION!

250.385.0222 / 250.386.6121 WWW.POV.BC.CA

YUMMM ood F od Go of ears usY lo u b Fa Thank you, our loyal customers, for all your support.

You have ensured the success of Pepper’s for 50 years and by staying true to our community and ourselves, we hope to serve you for 50 more.

od o F d oo G of Years 50 ating C e leb r

Quality & Service Guaranteed – 100% Victoria Owned

250-477-6513 • 3829 Cadboro Bay Rd. www.peppers-foods.com

Hours Mon-Fri: 8 am–9 pm, Sat: 8 am–7:30 pm, Sun: 8 am–7:30 pm