June 29, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

RESTAURANTS SHOPPING RECREATION ENTERTAINMENT KIDS’ STUFF SERVICE AND MORE ON THE NANAIMO BAR TRAIL: What’s the best way to eat the city’s official dessert?

Best 2013

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City

VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY: Harbour City hosts its own professional symphony AERIAL TOURS: A new way to tour the layout of the land NEWCASTLE ISLAND: Jewel in Nanaimo’s harbour has rich and varied history SURVEY SAYS: Results from our annual readers’poll

WINNER PROFILES:What it takes to be picked Best of the City

See the difference!

Over 12,000 square feet of tile from around the world! Vancouver Islandâ€™s largest tile selection 250.729.9766 | 4337 Boban Drive Nanaimo | citytile.ca

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Thank you Nanaimo for again voting us Best Tile Store and for all your support over the past 10 years! 2 Best of the City

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013

– Melissa Fryer, managing editor

36 Photogenic city

The results are in

SPECIAL EDITION

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

From Best Customer Service to the Best Fitness Centre (VI Fitness, pictured), News Bulletin readers picked their favourite places, businesses and activities in the Nanaimo area.

Publisher: MAURICE DONN Editor: MELISSA FRYER Special Edition Production: Nanaimo News Bulletin Production Department Sales Manager: Sean McCue Contributors: Chris Bush, Toby Gorman, Chris Hamlyn, Jenn McGarrigle, Marisol O’Brien, Greg Sakaki, Rachel Stern Winners in the 12th annual Nanaimo News Bulletin Best of the City supplement were chosen by Nanaimo readers. These votes were then tabulated and ranked in order to determine the top three finalists. Black Press, parent company of the Nanaimo News Bulletin, has sole copyright over any written material or image in this publication.

On the cover:

James Mark, violinist with the Vancouver Island Symphony, often takes his shoes off during informal concerts to let his creativity flow. Arts editor Rachel Stern captured Mark on a sunny day in Neck Point Park, overlooking the Georgia Strait. Story on page 16.

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Thank you Nanaimo for voting us #1 SIX YearS IN row!

“Leaders “L d in Lighting” L h ” VICTORIA Saturday, June 29, 2013

www.mclarenlighting.com

Firehouse Grill in downtown Nanaimo succeeded against the odds with a combination of good eats and good attitude.

Mountain biking

Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club built its first fully sanctioned and insured trail, open to riders of all experience levels.

Aboriginal culture

Nanaimo sits on the traditional territory of the Snununeymuxw First Nation.

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

All about the food

THANK YOU!

Nanaimo bar

It’s the Harbour City’s signature dessert, and chefs, bartenders and estheticians offer new takes on an old tradition.

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This is my favourite time of year. Not only are the days long and sun (when it’s out) warm, but it’s also Best of the City time, when we get to finally see which businesses, parks and other activities are chosen as the best by our readers. There’s always surprises, particularly with new businesses opening in the Harbour City all the time. In addition to the results, reporters and photographers at the News Bulletin head into the community to look deeper into what makes certain businesses tops – a smile here, a kind word there are usually the difference makers. We get to check out some of the best tourist amenities – like the new mountain bike trail – and what makes Nanaimo unique, from its historical buildings, aboriginal culture and innovative cuisine. Be sure to drop by your favourite spot this summer, or check out a new one – there are plenty of activities and events to keep you entertained, from Marine Festival and the Bathtub races, to VIEX and Summertime Blues Festival. I’ll see you there!

Best time of year

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Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Customer Service

all about attitude With a smile and kind greeting, employees at Thrifty Foods ensure customers feel welcome in all store locations in Nanaimo

having a birthday. There’s always lots of hugs around here.” Mary Vassiopoulos shops at Brooks Landing and said what brings her back is the attention everyone in the store gives their customers. And it doesn’t hurt that the store sells great products. “They have fresh produce, a good selection of groceries and the staff is always ready to help,” she said. “They take suggestions and support the community.” Riederer said a lot of staff were customers at Thrifty Foods first and witnessed the customer service first hand. “As a customer they see that service culture, what’s expected of our employees,” he said. “That way when they’re hired, there’s no surprises. We want our staff to be happy and that in turn makes our customers happy.” news@nanaimobulletin.com

Thank you Nanaimo!

2013

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Best Breakfasts

BEST FAMILY RESTAURaNT

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Cindy Breakell welcomes every Thrifty Foods customer with a smile and great service as they pass through her till.

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oug Riederer, manager at the Brooks Landing Thrifty Foods store, might be new to the job, but he knows the attitude each and every one of his employees brings to the table in terms of customer service. It’s exactly the same his staff had at his Parksville store. It’s the same at the stores at Port Place shopping centre and Longwood Station. It’s an attitude of top-notch customer service and it’s the reason Thrifty Foods took top spot for best customer service in the News Bulletin’s annual Best of the City reader survey. “It’s actually not an attitude but a culture at Thrifty Foods,” said Riederer. “It’s instilled in the moment a person is hired and an example the staff sets every day.

“It’s who we are. It’s what we do.” Dan Zapotichny, manager at Longwood Station, said a smile and a ‘good morning’ or ‘how can I help you?’ when a customer walks in the door goes a long way in making that customer feel welcome and want to shop in that environment. “We ask staff how they like to be treated when they shop, and just treat our customers the same way,” he said. “When we’re hiring, I look for personality, the right attitude. I can always teach them the skills.” Sarah Thompson, a frontend supervisor at Brooks Landing, said customer service in the No. 1 thing. “Being polite, being friendly and providing efficient service leads to a lot of repeat customers,” she said. “But they’re more than just customers. We get to know what’s going on in their lives, who is doing what, who is

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The News BulleTiN

By Chris hamlyn

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Best KIDS RESTAURANT 4 Best of the City

Best Breakfasts 12 years in a row

Best Family Restaurant 7 years All your Favourite Food at Family Affordable Prices! In our newly renovated restaurant! saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 – Results: Shopping and Service

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Best Bestfloor floorcovering coveringstore store 1.1. Home HomeDepot Depot 2.2. End Endofofthe theRoll Roll 3.3. United UnitedCarpet Carpet

Best Bestwine winemaking makingstore store 1.1. Wine WineKitz Kitz 2.2. Urban UrbanWine WineCentre Centre 3.3. Nanaimo NanaimoWine Wine Shoppe Shoppe Best Bestfurniture furniturestore store 1.1. The TheBrick Brick 2.2. Dodd’s Dodd’sFurniture Furniture 3.3. Scan ScanDesigns Designs Best Besthousewares/linen housewares/linen store store 1.1. Homesense Homesense 2.2. Home HomeOutfitters Outfitters 3.3. Sears Sears

Best Beststore storefor formen’s men’swear wear 1.1. Tip TipTop TopTailors Tailors 2.2. Moores Moores 3.3. Hudson’s Hudson’sBay Bay

Best Bestplace placetotobuy buymeat meat 1.1. Nesvog NesvogMeat Meat 2.2. Piper’s Piper’sMeats Meats 3.3. Costco Costco

Best Bestcustomer customerservice service 1.1. Thrifty ThriftyFoods Foods 2.2. Costco Costco 2.2. Wal-Mart Wal-Mart 3.3. Home HomeHardware Hardware

Best Bestplace placetotobuy buyproduce produce 1.1. Thrifty ThriftyFoods Foods 2.2. Save-On-Foods Save-On-Foods 3.3. Country CountryGrocer Grocer

Best Bestvitamin/health vitamin/healthfood food store store 1.1. Charlie CharlieBrown’s Brown’s 2.2. Island IslandNatural Natural 3.3. Fuel Fuel Best Bestpaint paintstore store 1.1. Home HomeDepot Depot 2.2. Cloverdale CloverdalePaint Paint 3.3. Benjamin BenjaminMoore Moore Best Bestlighting lightingstore store 1.1. MacLaren’s MacLaren’sLighting Lighting 2.2. Home HomeDepot Depot 3.3. Rona Rona 3.3. Illuminations Illuminations Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best Bestjewelry jewelrystore store 1.1. People’s People’sJewellers Jewellers 2.2. Bastion BastionJewellers Jewellers 3.3. Mappins Mappins 3.3. Keller’s Keller’sJewellers Jewellers Best Bestflower flowershop shop 1.1. Turley’s Turley’s 2.2. Thrifty ThriftyFoods Foodsfloral floral 3.3. Westcoast WestcoastClassic Classic Floral Floral Best Bestlingerie lingerieshop shop 1.1. LaLaSenza Senza 2.2. My MyUndies Undies 3.3. LaLaVie VieenenRose Rose Best Bestbike bikeshop shop 1.1. Oak OakBay BayBikes Bikes 2.2. Arrowsmith ArrowsmithBikes Bikes 3.3. Hub HubCity CityCycles Cycles

Best place to buy a used vehicle 1. Galaxy Motors 2. Nanaimo Toyota 3. Bowman Motors 3. Steve Marshall Ford

Best wine making store 1. Wine Kitz 2. Urban Wine Centre 3. Nanaimo Wine Shoppe

Canadian Tire

Best jewelry store 1. People’s Jewellers 2. Bastion Jewellers 3. Mappins 3. Keller’s Jewellers

Every Year, Every Make, Every Model

Best floor covering store 1. Home Depot 2. End of the Roll 3. United Carpet

Best furniture store 1. The Brick 2. Dodd’s Furniture 3. Scan Designs

Best store for ladies wear 1. Quintessential 2. Catwalk Fashions 3. Winners

Best housewares/linen store 1. Homesense 2. Home Outfitters 3. Sears

Best store for men’s wear 1. Tip Top Tailors 2. Moores 3. Hudson’s Bay

Best place to buy meat 1. Nesvog Meat 2. Piper’s Meats 3. Costco

at the price you want to pay.

Best flower shop 1. Turley’s 2. Thrifty Foods floral 3. Westcoast Classic Floral Best lingerie shop 1. La Senza 2. My Undies 3. La Vie en Rose

OF TH ESTbike B Best shop E C E 1. 2. 3.

Oak Bay Bikes Arrowsmith Bikes Hub City Cycles

Best customer service Best place to buy produce 1. Thrifty Foods 1. Thrifty Foods Costco 2. Save-On-Foods Best Bestplace placetotobuy buyseafood seafood 2. Best place to buy seafood Wal-Mart 3. Country Grocer 1.1. Seadrift SeadriftFish FishMarket Market 2. 1. Seadrift Fish Market 3. Home Hardware 2.2. Thrifty ThriftyFoods Foods 2. Thrifty Foods 3.3. Costco Costco 3. Costco Best Bestshoe shoestore store Best shoe store 1.1. A AStep StepAhead Ahead Best outdoor garden 1. A Step Ahead 2.2. Aldo AldoShoes Shoes 2. Aldo Shoes Best Bestsewing/notions sewing/notionsstore store centre Best sewing/notions store 3.3. Buckle BuckleMy MyShoe Shoe 3. Buckle My Shoe 1.1. Fabricland Fabricland 1. Art Knapp 1. Fabricland 2.2. Snip Snipand andStitch Stitch 2. Diana’s Garden 2. Snip and Stitch Sewing SewingCentre Centre Centre Sewing Centre Best Besthome homebuilding buildingsupply supply Best home building supply 3.3. Michaels Michaels 3. Long Lake Nursery 3. Michaels store store store 1.1. Home HomeDepot Depot 1. Home Depot 2.2. Rona Rona 2. Ronalike Best Bestplace placetotoshop shop Best vitamin/health food Best place to shop Find out what feels 3.3. Slegg SleggLumber Lumber 3. Slegg Lumber 1.1. Woodgrove WoodgroveCentre Centre store 1. Woodgrove Centre 2.2. Downtown DowntownNanaimo Nanaimo 1. 2. Downtown Nanaimo Charlie Brown’s Your auto loan goods store 3. Costco Costco Costco 2. Island Natural Best Bestsporting sportinggoods goodsstore store 3.3. Best sporting 3. Fuel 1.1. Sport SportChek Chek 1. Sport Chek is APPROVED! 2.2. Wholesale WholesaleSports Sports 2. Wholesale Sports Best Bestplace placetotoget geta atattoo tattoo Best place to get a tattoo BE 3.3. Canadian CanadianTire Tire 3. Canadian Tire ST PR 1.1. Black Blackand andBlue Blue Best paint store 1. E-OBlack and Blue WN ED 2.2. Tranceformations Tranceformations 2. I Tranceformations 1. Home Depot VEH C L E S 3.3. Electric ElectricUmbrella Umbrella 3. Electric Umbrella 2. Cloverdale Paint Best Beststore storetotobuy buybooks books Best store to buy books 3. Benjamin Moore 1.1. Chapters Chapters 1. Chapters 2.2. Literacy LiteracyNanaimo Nanaimo 2. Literacy Nanaimo Best Besttravel travelagency agency Best travel agency 3.3. Coles ColesBooks Books 3. Coles Books 1.1. Flight FlightCentre Centre Best lighting store 1. Flight Centre 4777 Island Hwy. N. Nanaimo (across from Long Lake) 2.2. Around Aroundthe theWorld World 2. Around the World 1. MacLaren’s Lighting Travel Travel Travel 2. Home Depot Best Beststore storetotobuy buytools tools Best store to buy tools 3.3. Marlin MarlinTravel Travel 3. Marlin Travel 3. Rona 1.1. Home HomeDepot Depot 1. Home Depot DL #30917 3. Illuminations 2.2. Midland MidlandTools Tools 2. Midland Tools

Thank you Nanaimo for voting us #1 Place to Buy Pre-owned Vehicles. YES

2013

Best Bestoutdoor outdoorgarden garden centre centre 1.1. Art ArtKnapp Knapp 2.2. Diana’s Diana’sGarden Garden Centre Centre 3.3. Long LongLake LakeNursery Nursery

Canadian CanadianTire Tire

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Best Beststore storefor forladies ladieswear wear 1.1. Quintessential Quintessential 2.2. Catwalk CatwalkFashions Fashions 3.3. Winners Winners

3.3.

Come and see the complete car at Galaxy Motors

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Best Bestplace placetotobuy buya aused used vehicle vehicle 1.1. Galaxy GalaxyMotors Motors 2.2. Nanaimo NanaimoToyota Toyota 3.3. Bowman BowmanMotors Motors 3.3. Steve SteveMarshall MarshallFord Ford

Steven Shannon, dealership manager, goes after business with gusto from Galaxy Motors Nanaimo dealership location across from Long Lake. Galaxy Motors was picked by News Bulletin readers as the Best Place to Buy a Used Vehicle.

Steven StevenShannon, Shannon,dealerdealership shipmanager, manager,goes goesafter after business businesswith withgusto gustofrom from Galaxy GalaxyMotors MotorsNanaimo Nanaimo dealership dealershiplocation locationacross across from fromLong LongLake. Lake.Galaxy Galaxy Motors Motorswas waspicked pickedbyby News NewsBulletin Bulletinreaders readersasas the theBest BestPlace PlacetotoBuy Buya a Used UsedVehicle. Vehicle.

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Best Bestofofthe theCity City5 5

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Best of the City 2013 – Results: Services Best insurance agency 1. BCAA 2. Coastal Community Credit Union 3. Hub Barton Best catering business 1. Two Chef’s Affair 2. Spice of Life 3. Mrs. Riches 3. Master’s Touch Best electrical contractor 1. Den Mar Electric 2. Mazzei Electric 3. Houle Electric Best financial planner 1. RBC Dominion Securities 2. TD Canada Trust 3. Investor’s Group Best auto servicing 1. Bavarian Imports 2. Canadian Tire 3. Kal-Tire

Best marine supplier 1. Harbour Chandler 2. West Marine 3. Skippers

It’s no wonder that Erickson Roofing won Best Roofing Company in the News Bulletin’s annual reader survey – the company was entrusted with roofing St. Andrew’s United Church in the Old City Quarter last year. The heritage building required extensive renovations.

For a feature story on the Best Marine Supplier – Harbour Chandler – please see page 8.

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Parksville

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• Refrigeration • Heating & Air Conditioning • Heat Pumps • Plumbing • Sheet Metal

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Best banking institution 1. TD Canada Trust 2. RBC 3. Coastal Community Credit Union

Best gas bar 1. Mid-Island Co-op 2. Chevron 3. Superstore

2007

Best appliance repair shop 1. Barrons 2. Classic Appliances 3. Rainbow Appliance

2006

Best carpet cleaners 1. Citrus O 2. Classic Care 3. Sears

Best plumbing and heating business 1. Archie Johnstone Plumbing and Heating 2. Marshall Plumbing

Mount Benson Norm’s Mobile Service Torry and Sons

Best roofing company 1. Erickson Roofing 2. Milne Roofing 3. Usher Roofing

Best optical store 1. Iris 2. Visions 3. Maycock

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Best of the City 2013

On the trail ... Chefs, bartenders and even estheticians put their creativity to use to reinvent Nanaimo’s premier dessert BY CHRIS BUSH THE NEWS BULLETIN

trange variances of the original recipe are cropping up across the city. Even the city website cautions pilgrims on the Nanaimo Bar Trail to avoid trying to eat all trail offerings in one go. Dedicated eaters are encouraged to take a day or two to cover the trail to balance calorie input versus output, especially if you’re already concerned about your cholesterol and insulin levels. With a cup of coconut, a dollop beyond a cup of butter, two cups of icing sugar and four ounces of semisweet chocolate, plus other goodies that will smack you right in the pleasure centre of your brain – but are equally dangerous when taken in therapeutic doses – gulping down large quantities of the basic recipe is about as good for your longterm health as getting into a staring contest with a grizzly. The main difference being the prognosis from one encounter covers a shorter time frame than the other. Those making the Nanaimo Bar Trail pilgrimage will find a host of culinary mutations all claiming lineage to the original ‘missing link’ Nanaimo Bar, the true origins of which remain unknown. One of those distant relatives is the Nanaimo bar martini, concocted at the Modern Cafe on Commercial Street. The recipe includes a good dose of chocolate and caffeine and is a favourite of Chelsea Barr, creator of the Nanaimo Bar Trail and brochure guide. There are preferred methods for consuming every edible Nanaimo bar variant. “What I do is I swirl the chocolate around with my finger and then drink it from the rim because they usually have chocolate sauce in the middle and then chocolate sauce lines the cup,” Barr said. “It’s got a really good Saturday, June 29, 2013

hit of caffeine in that one, which is one of the reasons I like it – it has that coffee flavour with it.” The trail stretches a little more each year as businesses’ tinkerings come to market. This year, 28 eateries and merchandizers are blazing a path from Riso Foods in Lantzville to Yellow Point Cranberries in Ladysmith, which has whipped up a bar with cranberries. Trail encores from prior seasons include the Nanaimo bar cocktail at the Grand Hotel, the deepfried Nanaimo bar at Pirate Chips and the Nanaimo bar milkshake at Living Forest Oceanside RV and Campground. This year’s trail waypoints also include inedible spinoffs of the bar, such as tea towels imprinted with Joyce Hardcastle’s award-winning ‘official’

late-infused mask and a delicious sugar scrub instead of a salt scrub,” Lutz said. “It’s going to smell like a delicious chocolate Nanaimo bar, essentially.” Cost is $65. The new Nanaimo Bar Trail brochure, featuring updated locations, should be available by early July. “It’s going to be updated with 28 locations,” Barr said. “We’re moving from a standard, two-sided brochure to a fold out map and it’s going to be awesome.” The best way to get started on a Nanaimo Bar Trail pilgrimage is to make a quick visit to the City of Nanaimo website at www.nanaimo. ca, click on the ‘Visitors’ drop tab and click on the Nanaimo Bar link to start planning where to take your sweet tooth for a walk. photos@nanaimobulletin.com

... of the Nanaimo bar

Nanaimo bar recipe. Those can be picked up at Nanaimo Museum and Tourism Nanaimo’s Visitor Centre on the Nanaimo Parkway at Northfield Road. “We started to see some products out there that were not just the edible kind,” Barr said. Nanaimo bar soap can be purchased at the Artisans’ Studio on Bastion Street. Such inedible souvenirs are favourites with cruise ship passengers looking for non-perishable reminders of their voyages, but there is at least one new notion to take particular note of – the Nanaimo Bar Trail pedicure at Kiyo Salon and Day Spa on Stewart Avenue. Tina Lutz, Kiyo Salon and Day Spa spokeswoman, said the pedicure takes 60 minutes. “Rather than just our normal mint mask, it’s a choco-

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN & CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

TOP: Kara Walsh, left, Tourism Nanaimo visitor centre coordinator, and Bailee Macnab, summer student, serve up a selection of Nanaimo Bars created by bakeries and eateries around the city during an open house of the Tourism Nanaimo’s Visitor Centre. ABOVE: Just two of the many examples found on the Nanaimo bar trail, an assortment of fresh creations from local chefs on the classic Nanaimo bar recipe.

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Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Marine Supplier

Much to discover at Harbour Chandler and Matt Price, has had carry a lot of stock to be enough time to develop a sure people can walk in and strong following from the find what they need when local boating community. they need it during the That’s partly because cusboating season. tomers can find the items Fair pricing has also conthey need. tributed to the company’s But it’s also due to the longevity. You can get most staff’s dedication to cusanything you want from tomer service, Harbour Price said, and Chandler it’s important ranging that repeat from audio customers see equipment, familiar faces to folding whenever they bikes, fishstop by, so ing tackle, Everybody who it helps that foul weather works here is there is very clothing, little turnover basically part of a navigation among the equipment company’s and manual family. 18 staff memflush toilets. bers. “We even “Everybody who works have boats,” Price said. here is basically part of a “They’re small boats, but family,” Price said. “Most they’re still boats.” people have been here fiveIn fact there’s very little plus years, for our regular you can’t find at Harbour core staff, and then we have Chandler, although Price some summer staff who we admitted he has been hire on, but they’re like a stumped by one customer regular rotation of summer request. “We were asked staff. So we have sort of a for a replica of Davy Jones’ family-oriented business locker, which I was never here.” able to find,” Price said. Price said it’s important Pirate memorabilia, for this kind of business to including T-shirts and

By Chris Bush

The News BulleTiN

ou can always tell a store has been around a while by the depth and breadth of oddball items it has in stock. Say, for instance, you’re looking for that hard-to-find set screw. You know, that tiny one that rattled out of your mountain bike’s brake lever that you can’t seem to obtain anywhere, even from the manufacturer? There’s a good bet you’ll find it – and in stainless steel to boot – in the back aisles where Harbour Chandler keeps its treasure trove of nuts, bolts, screws and other fasteners. Let’s face it, if you own a boat or anything else that gets beaten through the elements as part of its regular duties, it’s going to need parts and repairs and you can probably find what you need at the marine supplier that was voted Nanaimo’s best in this year’s Best of the City survey. Habour Chandler, founded in 1985 and co-owned by Leigh Bonar, Denise Perkins

CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Matt Price, co-owner of the Harbour Chandler, shows off one area marine technology is advancing. A Lehr 2.5-horsepower outboard motor can run up to two hours on one disposable can of propane, which simply screws into the motor’s fuel intake. Larger propane tanks can be hooked up using a standard pressure hose similar to those found on gas barbecues.

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outdoor fixtures such as a pirate lend to the store’s overall theme. It’s something that just goes along with the local boating community, especially in Nanaimo which likes to lay claim to a certain pirate lineage that goes back to at least 1967 when former Nanaimo mayor Frank Ney officiated the first Bathtub race dressed as a pirate and continued the tradition. Nanaimo’s best stocked marine supplier is charting a course into the future by casting for customers on the Internet. The company is now online with a website and catalogue it is managing inhouse. With so many products and descriptions to get online, developing and managing the website has been a long and laborious task, Price said, but Internet sales will be part of the company’s future growth. “We’d like to have the newest, latest and greatest products because there are so many of them coming out,” Price said.

photos@nanaimobulletin.com

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www.mrsriches.ca

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BEST WINE-MAKING STORE

The Nanaimo Wine Shoppe

Country Club Centre

Norwell Dr.

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3398 Norwell Drive Nanaimo

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Thank you for all your continued support. We appreciate your business and look forward to making wine with you in the year ahead.

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Thank You Again, Nanaimo!

First Place Hamburgers Third Place Family Restaurant Third Place Catering

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TuesdaySaturday 9-5 saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 – Results: Food and Dining Best romantic restaurant 1. Asteras Greek Taverna 2. Zouglas Restaurant 3. Mahle House

Best sushi 1. Firehouse Grill 2. Nori Japanese Restaurant 3. Blue Ginger

Best breakfasts 1. Ricky’s All-Day Grill 2. Tina’s Diner 3. Tania’s Restaurant

Best pizza 1. Mambo’s Gourmet Pizza 2. New York Style Pizza 3. Panago

Best lunches 1. Delicado’s 2. The Thirsty Camel 3. Gabriel’s Cafe

Best pies 1. Nanaimo Bakery 2. Thrifty Foods 3. White Spot

Best fish and chips 1. Trollers 2. Pirate Chips 3. Old City Takeout

Best martini 1. Acme Food Co. 2. Modern Cafe 3. Cactus Club

Best hamburgers 1. Mrs. Riches 2. White Spot 3. Teresa’s House of Burgers

Best seafood 1. The Keg Steakhouse 2. The Bold Knight 3. Trollers

Best fast food 1. Wendy’s 2. Subway 3. A&W 3. Delicado’s

Best chicken wings 1. The Oxy 2. Miller’s Pub 3. Harewood Arms Best bakery 1. Nanaimo Bakery 2. Cobs Bakery 3. Columbia Bakery

Best nachos 1. Gina’s Mexican Cafe 2. Baby Salsa 3. Longwood Brew Pub 3. Delicado’s

Best deli 1. Nesvog’s 2. Thrifty Foods 3. McLean’s Specialty Food

Best pasta 1. Milano’s 2. New York Style Pizza 3. Boston Pizza

Best steak 1. The Keg Steakhouse

Best vegetarian food 1. The Thirsty Camel 1. Rawmbas 2. Delicado’s 3. Powerhouse Living Foods Best Asian food 1. Huong Lan 2. Blue Ginger 3. Hong Kong House Best Mediterranean food 1. Asteras 2. Zougla’s 3. Alexandria’s Best family restaurant 1. White Spot 2. Ricky’s All-Day Grill 3. Mrs. Riches Best patio restaurant 1. Cactus Club 2. Penny’s Palapas 2. Earl’s 3. Lighthouse Bistro Best desserts 1. Mon Petit Choux 2. Moxie’s 3. Modern Cafe CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Co-owner Lynelle Goldenblatt is one of the smiles on the daily menu patrons turn out for at the Thirsty Camel in downtown Nanaimo. The restaurant shared top spot with Rawmbas for Best Vegetarian Food. 2. 3.

The Bold Knight Beefeaters Chop House and Grill

Best Sunday buffet/brunch 1. Longwood Brew Pub 2. ABC Restaurant 3. Risos

Open 7:30 am - 11 pm

with 35 Point Inspection & Free Tire Rotations *Some restrictions apply.

Best restaurant (overall) 1. Firehouse Grill 2. Asteras Greek Taverna 3. Simon Holt

Full Line of GM Vehicles

Full Service Shop Oil Changes After 5pm

Best french fries 1. Pirate Chips 2. McDonald’s 3. New York Fries

LARGEST New and Used Inventory on the Island Business managers, Kristine Ross & Jenny Simpson

More more women buying More and & more women areare buying carscars for for themselves or their families. Kristine themselves or their families. Kristine & Jen & Jen canyou help feel confi dentpurchase in your can help feelyou confi dent in your purchase at Laird Wheaton GM. People at Laird Wheaton GM. People say the man say the man makes the decisions, but we makes the decisions, but we both know both know that’s not true. that’s not true.

“Behindevery everygreat greatman man is “Behind isa agreat greatwoman.” woman.”

On the spot approvals!

COME SEE WHY EVERYONE IS SHOPPING AT LAIRD WHEATON!! 250-758-2438 2590 Bowen Rd Nanaimo W W W. L A I R DW H E ATO N . C O M

250-758-2438

2590for Bowen Rd. Nanaimo More & more women are buying cars www.LAIRDWHEATON.COM themselves or their families. Kristine & Jen Best of the City 9 Saturday, June 29, 2013 can helpcars youfor feel confident in your purchase More & more women are buying Laird Wheaton themselves or their families.atKristine & Jen GM. People say the man the decisions, but we both know can help you feel confident inmakes your purchase that’s at Laird Wheaton GM. People saynot thetrue. man

Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Place to Meet for Coffee

The coffee’s hot

At Starbucks, you’ll find not only a great cup of coffee, but also a friendly environment and plenty of opportunity for people watching to believe they are encased in the Cone of Silence. I can hear you. Yep, I totally admit it, I eavesdrop. I know that makes me a total creeper but it’s not like I can help it – they are right there gabbing away, loud as can be. I’ve witnessed numerous first dates that have gone horribly wrong, so often that I’ve considered making up cue cards to assist them in their awkward conversations. I’ve overheard breakups, make-ups and the juiciest gossip. I don’t watch soap operas – I don’t need to as I have my own little version of As The Coffee Bean Turns going on right here, and I love it. So next time you’re in the area, stop in to the Terminal Park Starbucks. Meet the awesome staff. See if you can pick out some of the regulars by the names I’ve given them, get to know them – they’re good people. Perhaps if you come in often enough, I’ll assign you your own special nickname, too. u Marisol O’Brien is a Starbucks regular.

10 Best of the City

BEST PLACE TO HAVE WINGS

BEST PLACE TO DANCE & BEST PLACE FOR LIVE BANDS 2007 — 2013

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250-751-0555 3018 Ross Road, Nanaimo

2013

Home Style Soups, Meat Pies, Pierogies, Frozen Meals, Party Platters and More!

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Custom Orders Welcome

432 FITZWILLIAM ST. • Pub 250.753.3771 • Liquor Store 250.753.7118

Dairy, Gluten and Filler Free.

Thank You Nanaimo!

Handmade, Traditional European Sausages, Hams & Bacon

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The smiling faces of the fabulous staff. Monica, the manager, or Friendly Francine, to name a few, greet me by name each morning, and make me feel as special as Norm from Cheers. I don’t even have to order anymore, by the time I get up to the counter they have my Tall Blonde poured and ready to go. Then there’s the regulars, who, like me, have made stopping in a part of their daily routine. I assigned them all names – the Wise Men, Happy Married Couple, Elvis, the Writer, Bubba Mohawk and Terry the Keeper of the Parking Lot. I spent the better part of a year creating stories about their lives in my head. A few months ago I decided to stop speculating and to make an effort to get to know a few of these strangers with whom I spend a half hour each day. I’ve met some truly interesting people as a result. Last, we have the non-regulars and these people are perhaps my favourites and who give me my funniest material for Facebook status updates. They sit down within two inches of me, yet seem

fter the chaos of getting three children off to school and before facing the hustle and bustle of the office, I take a much needed half hour of “me” time each morning at the Terminal Park Starbucks enjoying a great cup of coffee. A plain and simple Tall Blonde to be exact. I’m not one for ordering anything that has more instructions than the assembly of an IKEA bunk bed. To be completely honest, I’ve always been slightly intimidated by people who order those types of drinks: grande half-skinny halfsoya extra hot split quad shot latte with whip. I don’t even know what that means. Makes me feel somewhat inadequate, like I missed out on some extensive tutoring from Juan Valdez that everyone else received. Although I frequent many of the Starbucks in town, Terminal Park is by far my favourite. What makes it so unique? The people, of course.

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By Marisol o’Brien

34 VICTORIA CRES. • Downtown Nanaimo • 250-754-6751 • www.thequeens.ca BEST OF THE CITY 2013

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Desserts Tasha MacMaster, a server at Mon Petit Choux Café and Bakery, serves up dessert and coffee. The Commercial Street eatery is this year’s winner in the Best Desserts category. GREG SAKAKI ThE NEwS BullETIN

More than just desserts Commercial Street café and bakery among this year’s winners By GreG Sakaki The NewS BulleTiN

Mon Petit Choux Café and Bakery is named for a French term of endearment, and this year it’s Nanaimo’s most endearing dessert spot. The Commercial Street eatery won the Best Desserts category in the Nanaimo News Bulletin’s 2013 Best of the City survey. At Mon Petit Choux, dessert isn’t just an afterthought, something that comes after a meal. Owner Linda Allen doesn’t simply want to fill bellies – she wants to wow her customers, so that they’ll exclaim, “God, that was good,” she said. “I believe food is an expe-

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i believe food is an experience; it’s a celebration. rience; it’s a celebration,” said Allen. “I want it to satisfy you. That’s my motive; that’s my passion.” She’s a proponent of whole food and organic ingredients and she has alternatives to suit any palate. “My desserts that are gluten-free, everybody would love them,” she said. Appropriately, the most popular dessert item at her café might be the

Nanaimo bar, which isn’t as overwhelmingly sweet at Mon Petit Choux as it is at some other places. The caramelized apple tart and the lemon curd tart are two other favourites. Aside from the desserts, the café bakes breads and serves breakfasts and lunches such as sandwiches. Staff believes, too, that Mon Petit Choux should also be considered in the Best Place to Meet for Coffee category next year. All the baking is fresh every day, and the dessert case and the bread baskets are filled with endearing flavours and colours and aromas first thing in the morning. After all, any time of day is a good time for dessert. sports@nanaimobulletin.com

RBC Financial Planning

We are honoured to have been voted one of the Best Banking and Financial Planning Institutions in Nanaimo for the fifth year in a row.

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Downtown 205 Commercial Street

250.741.3500 Saturday, June 29, 2013

Dean Simpson Troy Lacharite Investment Retirement Investment Retirement Planner Planner

Johanne Stovell Financial Planner

Jayme Palynchuk Investment and Retirement Planner

David Lindblad Financial Planner

Bonnie Read Financial Planner

Graeme Hughes Investment Retirement Planner

2011

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We applaud our employees and thank you for recognizing their commitment to providing ST OF THE “Advice you can Bank on.” CI BE E TY

2012

2013

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Serving Nanaimo for over 112 Years

Thank you Nanaimo for voting us one of the Best again!

Aimi Godbout Financial Planner

Michael Kossey Rose Mathiesen Investment Retirement Investment Retirement Planner Planner

Brooks Landing 2000 Island Hwy, North

250.758.7381

Woodgrove Centre 6631 Island Hwy, North

250.390.4311

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Best selection of fresh flowers, plants and all Over 50 floral services. Years in Nanaimo Accredited Flowers Canada Floral Designers

Specialty Garden Centre.

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2013

60 Terminal Ave., Nanaimo, B.C. 250-754-6344 Fax 250-754-2191

Toll Free: 1-800-699-6344 email: marianne@turleysflorist.com turleysflorist.com

NESVOG MEAT & SAUSAGE COMPANY in Terminal Park Mall

Selling BC Beef - Free Range - Grass Fed. No hormones added.

FARM FED CHICKEN!

Special thank you to all our customers and to our staff who make our business a success. #2-1533 Estevan Road (250) 753-4248 12 Best of the City

Thank you to our patrons and sponsors for your generous support

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PRO

2013

ALL FRESH MEAT

We’re Proud to be Your Regional Theatre TY

K CO R J E R DO S

• FRESH SA

S K IE

M A F SS LOA AT E

LB • E T D A M N I E Y R A T• A K • MA M

UD BS• PA IC COIL ON • H O L • KO A -B GAR

AKE & SELL O M UR TO S • E I B T AC T

EVENTS & TICKETS 250-754-8550 • www.porttheatre.com @PortTheatre

facebook.com/porttheatre Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 – Results: Entertainment Best sports bar 1. Old City Station 2. Boston Pizza 3. Piper’s Pub Best place to dance 1. Queen’s 2. Level 2 3. Spice Lounge Best place for live bands 1. Queen’s 2. Cambie 3. Port Theatre Best pub 1. Longwood Brew Pub 2. Black Bear Pub 3. Fibber Magees Best live theatre 1. Port Theatre 2. Nanaimo Theatre Group 3. Nanaimo Centre Stage Best art gallery 1. Nanaimo Art Gallery 2. Barton and Leier Gallery 3. Yellow Bird Arts Gallery

With acts like the Beach Boys, above, and Natalie McMaster, right, taking centre stage, it’s no wonder that the Port Theatre was selected by News Bulletin readers as the Best Live Theatre. The 800-seat venue in downtown Nanaimo plays host to an array of performing artists, including the National Ballet of Canada, Bryan Adams and Bill Cosby, as well as home grown musicians like Diana Krall and David Gogo. For more information, please visit www.porttheatre.com.

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THANK YOU NANAIMO FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST AUTO SERVICE CENTRES FOR 12 YEARS IN A ROW!

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

Photos contributed

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SERVICE BEGINS WITH A SMILE AT CANADIAN TIRE!

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teetimes@fairwinds.ca 1.888.781.2777 www.fairwinds.ca/promotions www.facebook.com/fairwindsgolf

Left to right are Service Manager Michael Langermantel and Automotive Service Manager, Craig Connors. TY

Join us for weekly Ladies’ and Men’s Nights, Family Golf Specials, and Ladies’ Nine & Wine events..

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Fairwinds Golf Club has one of the best maintained courses on the Island. Fairwinds is Audubon certiﬁed (since 2009) and recently upgraded the irrigation system to decrease water useage and wet spots on the course. Did you know that Fairwinds uses only rain water and water from Enos Lake to water the entire course?

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6900 North Island Highway, Nanaimo (Dickinson Crossing)

250-390-1400

Toll Free 1-800-255-6250 Best of the City 13

Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Restaurant Overall & Best Sushi

recipe for success served up at Firehouse Good atmosphere and even better sushi combine to make Firehouse Grill a favourite in Nanaimo and readers’ pick for Best Restaurant in the News Bulletin’s annual survey By ToBy Gorman The News BulleTiN

ooking back, starting a restaurant just before the worldwide economic meltdown would not have been the preferred sce-

nario. Add a pinch of the newly introduced HST and a sprinkle of heavily enforced and stringent liquor laws a little later and you might have a recipe for disaster. Unless you have good sushi. Really, really good sushi. Good enough to build a regular clientele and generate an atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more. Firehouse Grill not only survived the recession, it prospered against all odds. For the 2013 Best of the City, voters declared Firehouse Grill the best in Nanaimo, as well as the best sushi in town. Owners Dean Andrichuk and Mike Atherton cringe slightly when the word ‘recession’ is brought up. Atherton, Firehouse’s operations manager, even shudders slightly at the thought. Firehouse Grill officially opened Oct. 10, 2007, less than a year before the economy went off the rails “Mike, how did we get through that?” asked Andrichuk, head chef, laughing. “I don’t know,” was the reply. “I think we just focused on the task at hand, the things we could control,” said Andrichuk. A good vibe, strong location to cater to the show crowds and a contemporary but classy layout certainly help, but it’s the menu, probably the most diverse in the city, that brings people back. “And the staff,” said Andrichuk. “A lot of them have been here since Day 1. Without them we’re nothing. We’re just two guys by ourselves wishing and dreaming.” Appetizers include everything from crab cakes to stuffed avacados, there is a variety of sandwiches and salads, and entrees cover the spectrum from jambalaya to halibut to seafood fettucini. Throw in in-house hand-cut steaks and the famous sushi menu – Godzilla roll anyone? – and nobody leaves the Firehouse hungry. Consistency, said Adrichuk, also plays a key role. “Word of mouth is key, if you don’t 14 Best of the City

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The staff ... without them we’re nothing. We’re just two guys by ourselves wishing and dreaming.

have to advertise and you have support, and people keep coming back because you’re consistent and you’re putting out a good product, and feeling like you’re part of something when you come into the restaurant, all of that is very important,” he said. By keeping a consistent menu as the core and revolving sushi creations around it keeps things interesting. Atherton said they rarely post specials because, knowing their clients,

Firehouse Grill owners Dean Andrichuk, left, and Mike Atherton celebrate being voted Best Restaurant in Nanaimo and Best Sushi by Nanaimo News Bulletin readers in the annual Best of the City voting. The pair say good food and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere are what keeps customers coming back. Toby Gorman/The News BulleTiN

minds are already made up on what to eat before looking at the menu. “But the sushi is very original,” he said. “Most popular is the chef’s choice where our chefs get to create. “We’ve come up with phenomenal sauces and we’re always experimenting with sushi. “It’s a lot of fun and we like trying things out on our regulars to see what works.” A new sushi and kitchen menu are scheduled to be released in July. Not having to report to corporate chefs allows the creative process to shine, said Andrichuk, who met Atherton through his wife while working as a chef in Calgary. “She knew Mike and his wife and was back in Nanaimo on vacation, she’s from here, and heard that Mike was thinking of starting up a restaurant,” said Andrichuk. “She came home and said ‘Dean, we’re moving.’ For me, it’s every chef’s dream to own a restaurant and working with Mike is easy. We’re like brothers.”

A resident of Nanaimo for 35 years, Atherton spent years in the city’s service industry, and a key goal of his was to provide a place people could eat and enjoy themselves while being part of Nanaimo’s downtown revitalization. “The more places that are successful down here the better,” he said. “The more vibrant it is down here the better. “If there is only one or two great places to go people won’t come down, but if there are a lot of great places it becomes a destination, people know they’ll find what they’re looking for.” For the past six years, Firehouse Grill has been one of those great places where people know they’ll get what they’re looking for in an evening of dining, and chances are Atherton or Andrichuk will visit your table to see how things are. Talk about the food, the wine or the show you’re headed out to. Just don’t mention the recession. reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013

Golf season goes year round By GreG Sakaki The News BulleTiN

On balmy Vancouver Island, golf season goes almost year-round. The mid-Island region has excellent golfing, including some destination courses, and Nanaimo has its fair share of fine fairways. “We are fortunate that we can golf year-round here and it does attract people from other areas, like Alberta and Ontario,” said Trent Kaese, general manager of Cottonwood Golf Course. Cottonwood, in Nanaimo’s Cassidy area, is one of the city’s three fulllength 18-hole courses and golfers have

been enjoying a lot of rounds there so far this spring. “We don’t have a very big maintenance staff and they’ve done a marvelous job,” Kaese said. “The course is looking better than it ever has right now.” The city’s premier course is the Nanaimo Golf Club in the Departure Bay area. The club has been buzzing with activity this spring as its new clubhouse is in the final stages of construction. The new building will be about 23,000 square feet, around 25-30 per cent larger than the old clubhouse. “The building and its design is not by any means what we would call over the

Thank You Nanaimo # 1 for voting us your favourite vegetarian food!

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Fine fairways attract visitors from across the country, with plenty of room for locals to hit the links

top or grand, but it’s a beautiful building keeping in mind its use and who the ultimate users are,” said Ash Chadha, the club’s general manager. He said some of the members got a chance to look at the building’s progress in April and liked what they saw. “There was a lot of positive feedback. They seemed absolutely ecstatic,” he said. The area’s other full-length course is Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay. Another 18-hole course is Winchelsea View Golf Course in Lantzville, an executive-length course. Two nine-hole courses are the Gabriola Golf and Country Club on Gabriola

Island and Pryde Vista Golf Course in Nanaimo’s Quarterway neighbourhood. For pitch-and-putt golf, there is Beban Park Golf Course in central Nanaimo and Eaglequest Golf Centre in South Wellington. Harvey Hurd, general manager of the Beban course, said this spring’s weather was a little better than recent years, which has helped both business and the course conditions. “The course is in great shape right now,” he said. “With the rain and the sun, it’s really getting a lot better than it has been for awhile. The greens are really good.” – with files from Chris Hamlyn sports@nanaimobulletin.com

Thank You Again Nanaimo

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250-933-1729

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250-758-6822

www.brezesalonandspa.com

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Best Massages 8 YEARS RUNNING

Country Club Centre

250-591-2114

#508-6581 AULDS RD, NANAIMO

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#101-572 STEWART AVE, NANAIMO

www.rawmbas.ca

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

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awmbas

Best BEAUTY SALON 4 Years running

Check out our menu on Facebook.

2013

2 Locations to Serve You...

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Winner of Best Vegetarian Dish “Bite of Nanaimo” 2011 & 2012

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD 2 Years Running

Best ESTHETICIANS 6 YEARS RUNNING

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Best of the City 2013

Symphony is simply sublime Vancouver Island Symphony, based in Nanaimo, was built by entire community working together BY RACHEL STERN THE NEWS BULLETIN

usic transcends cultures. It has a way to speak to a person’s heart without the need to understand words. “It creates an emotional conversation that is difficult to match even from other art forms because it speaks directly to you,” said Pierre Simard, artistic director of the Vancouver Island Symphony. “It’s a celebration of beauty

that opens the eyes. We bring beauty to our community, that’s our job.” For 19 seasons, orchestra members have entertained people on the Island with concerts that celebrate timeless treasures or contemporary shows with music by the Beatles or Elton John. The symphony’s place in the community started with a vision by a dedicated group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring a professional orchestra to the city. ◆ See ‘FREEDOM’ /17

VOTED #1

Best Esthetician VOTED #2

Best Massages Thank you Nanaimo for putting us up there!

250.751.2511

• small classroom sizes • payment plan option

16 Best of the City

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013

Freedom of expression hallmark of Nanaimo’s symphony u From /1 Margot Holmes, executive director of the symphony, said it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the community and the patrons who attend concerts. “Nanaimo has a richer culture because it has a symphony orchestra,” she said. “The people built this orchestra.” Nanaimo is one of only about five communities in the province that has a professional orchestra, although there are numerous community orchestras in B.C., said Calvin Dyck, symphony concertmaster. Dyck joined the symphony more than 14 years ago. He thought it would just be for a year but there was something about the V.I. Symphony that made him continue. “The atmosphere in Nanaimo is unusually positive and creative,” he said. “I credit especially Margot for creating such a positive environment.” What makes the Vancouver Island Symphony so special is the collaboration between musicians and the directors. Dyck said musicians can brainstorm their own ideas. Many of the concerts produced were a dream of members. He said that kind of atmosphere is great to work in. That positivity is one of the reasons Nanaimo’s James Mark, a section violinist for the symphony, loves being part of the organization.

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The atmosphere in Nanaimo is unusually positive and creative.

Photo contributed

Members of the Vancouver Island Symphony travel from across the Island and the Lower Mainland to perform with the group. Members say that artistic expression from the musicians is encouraged, which makes for a particularly creative environment.

“I just feel lucky from a musician’s standpoint to have it in the city and having the opportunity to play,” he said. James performs during various events in the community beyond the symphony. During informal concerts he likes to go barefoot because it makes him feel more comfortable and he said it allows him more freedom of expression. That freedom is transmitted to the audience through his music. He loves that he can live and perform

as a musician in his community. He also teaches music at Vancouver Island University. Many of the musicians involved in the symphony are also involved in many aspects of musical life on the Island. The symphony is made up of musicians from around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The musicians and patrons visiting Nanaimo inject more than $1 million a year into the local economy, said Sasha Angus, Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation’s chief executive

officer. “We’re fortunate to have the symphony not only from an economic perspective but because of the cultural vibrancy impact,” he said. Angus said the symphony is a fantastic organization and its presence in the city is a sign of the community depth of commitment to the arts. This year symphony musicians and the Vancouver Youth Orchestra have partnered to perform at Maffeo Sutton Park Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. Special guests include Ken Lavigne and Sarah Wood. Dyck said it’s reminiscent of the Symphony in the Harbour event that attracted about 5,000 people. The Symphony in the Harbour was cancelled because of funding issues. For more information about the Vancouver Island Symphony and its upcoming season please call 250-7540177 or go to http://vancouverIslandsymphony.com. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

NANAIMO’S BEST BAKERY Thank You, Nanaimo! T hankYou, You, Nanaimo! Thank Nanaimo!

CLOTHING TACKLE INFLATABLES ELECTRONICS

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selection of Breads, With a large selectionand of Sweet Desserts Breads, Sweet Desserts also Sausage Rolls, Meat and and also Pies Sausage Rolls, Quiche. We also Meat andlunches Quiche. We offerPies light also offer light lunches (soups, sandwiches and salads) inand our (soups, sandwiches cafe. salads) in our cafe.

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with a large Style Bakery

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BOOKS HARDWARE PAINT CHARTS

European Style Bakery European

2013

and going strong!

2013

12 Years in a row!

BEST PIES 2013

2013

“BEST MARINE STORE”

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BEST BAKERY 2013

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For choosing us once again as your

2013

Thanks Nanaimo!

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#1 TWELVE YEARS IN A ROW! CELEBRATING OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY

LOWRANCE

52 Esplanade • Nanaimo Fax 250-753-6355 • Tel. 250-753-2425 Shop online www.harbourchandler.ca Saturday, June 29, 2013

#1-2025 • 250-758-4260 #1 - 2025BOWEN BowenROAD Road • 758-4260 Best of the City 17

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Family Owned & Operated Your fresh & wild seafood store Home made delicious soups, chowder, and dinners for pick up. Platters prepared for your celebrations Warm and friendly staff to help you.

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The best of Nanaimo is you! OUR CUSTOMERS!

Nanaimo’s Best Detail Shop! The Ultimate Detail

LOOK!

WE WILL PICKUP & DROP OFF YOUR VEHICLE AT YOUR HOME OR AT WORK

with any ULTIMATE DETAIL you will receive a FREE brake inspection & tire rotation... and upon request a complimentary market evaluation of your vehicle. Expires August 31, 2013

CAR

TRUCK $

279 95

229

+tax

Auto and Marine Detailing and Micro Autobody - Complete Customization Centre TINT • WHEELS & RIMS • RUNNING BOARDS • SPRAY ON BED LINERS • ROOF RACKS

250-758-9103

2555 BOWEN RD., NANAIMO #1-1559 Estevan Road Nanaimo

www.seadrift.market.ca

250-754-4913

Oceanside Campground & RV Park end of Maki Road- turn at Rona 53 acres, 300 incredible sites

A Division of Nanaimo Toyota Scion

WWW.TOUCHABOVE.CA

LONGWOOD BREWPUB THE SPIRIT OF THE ISLAND

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link to LivingForest.com

1 PUB IN TH E CIT Y!

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Thank you Nanaimo!

Thank y o voting u u Nanaimo for s 8 years running ... #

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Cafe opens July long weekend with Nanaimo Bar Milkshakes!

The only thing we overlook is the waterfront...

#1 SU NDA IN TH Y BRUNC H E CITY !

5775 Turner Road, Nanaimo LivingForest.com 250-755-1755 Facebook.com/LivingForestRV 18 Best of the City

250.729.8225

www.longwoodbrewpub.com Email: reservations@longwoodbrewpub.com Saturday, June 29, 2013

THANK YOU

NANAIMO FOR VOTING US

AGAIN!

VOTED BEST OF THE CITY 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

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“Give Us A Call to find out why”

HOME • BUSINESS • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

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

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We appreciate your continued support... Thank You once again

(7 days a week)

Tel. 250.716.0451 Bringing the flavour of Greece to Nanaimo

Saturday, June 29, 2013

2013

OLD CITY QUARTER 347 WESLEY STREET, NANAIMO

Lunch: Mon. - Sat. 11:30 am to 4:00 pm Dinner: 4:30 pm until late into the night

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

BEST ROMANTIC BEST MEDITERRANEAN Best of the City 19

Best of the City 2013 – Results: Health and Beauty

Hit the trails at local parks

Best beauty salon 1. Rich 1 Beauty Salon 2. Breze Salon and Day Spa 3. Kiyo Salon and Day Spa Best estheticians 1. Rich 1 Beauty 2. Breze Salon and Day Spa 3. Kiyo Salon Best massages 1. Breze Salon and Day Spa 2. Rich 1 Beauty Salon 3. Kneed Massage Therapy Best tanning salon 1. Divine Glow 2. Coco Cabana 3. Spanish Sol Best fitness centre 1. VI Fitness 2. Nanaimo Athletic Club 3. Northridge Fitness and Spa 3. Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

Selena Riley, left, and Celise Squire chase down their training goals on the treadmills at VI Fitness. The men’s and women’s fitness centre on Wellington Road was chosen by News Bulletin readers as the Best Fitness Centre.

For a feature story on the Best Beauty Salon – Rich 1 Beauty Salon – please see page 25.

CHRIS BUSH THe NewS BUlleTIN

If you want to take your fitness routine outside, try one of Nanaimo’s favourite trail at Westwood Lake. Nestled at the foot of Mount Benson, the park offers a 5.51-kilometre trail around the lake, popular with walkers and runners. The path is well groomed and apart from a steep knoll toward the west end of the lake, it is considered an easy walking trail. Shorter loops are available toward the south end of the trail. To get your pooch some much-needed exercise, head to the far side of the lake for the off-leash area, which runs along the hydro lines easement lands. Dogs must be leashed along the main chip trail within the park. For more information, please visit www.nanaimo.ca.

THANK YOU NANAIMO FOR VOTING DODD’S

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David

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Amanda

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20 Best of the City

Saturday, June 29, 2013

NANAIMO’S #1 COUNTERTOP SOURCE Quality, affordability, experience and service make Valley Countertops the first choice for discerning consumers. With over 30 years in the countertop manufacturing industry, Valley Countertops has been influencial in shaping the way we use our kitchens and baths. Innovations in technology and materials have made Valley Countertops the premier supplier of Quartz, Granite and Solid Surface countertops throughout Vancouver Island. Their focus on food safe materials and products, attest to their commitment to their customers’ long term satisfaction and health. With well over 30,000 successful installations you don’t have to look far to find a satisfied Valley Countertops customer.

Valley Countertops colour coordination centre

Visiting a Valley Countertops showroom is a great experience. As soon as you walk through the door, it is immediately obvious that you are in the largest indoor countertop showroom on Vancouver Island. If you had an opportunity to visit their previous location near Costco, you would have seen the huge selection of products that they offer in large, real size pieces. The newest showroom located on Mostar road at Dunster road, boasts over 100 slabs of Granite, Quartz and solid surface from around the world that will suit every decor. There is a unique colour coordination center where you can bring cabinet doors, paint and tile to match under normal household lighting, while viewing your slab of material on a high definition screen. In one stop, you can get the perfect colour and product for every room in your home. In terms of technology Valley Countertops is unmatched in the industry. They were the first in Canada to implement Saturday, June 29, 2013

computer operated water-jet cutting into a stone facility, the same technology used to build Boeing jets. With virtual digital imagining and computer guided cutting equipment, Valley can ensure a superior job compared to those that rely on the human eye. Couple this with precision laser templating, and ii becomes obvious why Valley Countertops installations are the best in the business.

If you are currently in the midst of a renovation, planning a new build or just want to freshen up the look of your kitchen or bath, we highly recommend a visit to the showroom. Don’t miss out on Valley Countertops grand opening specials on until

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the end of July! With Valley Countertops’ over 30 years experience comes over 1000 years of combined industry expertise and a reputation to match. Whether you are a Builder, Designer, Architect or in charge of your own renovation, don’t trust your money to a fly by night cash deal. Choose Valley Countertops for quality, affordability, experience and service you can trust. Best of the City 21

Thank You Nanaimo!

visit www.thriftyfoods.com 22 Best of the City

NANAIMO Saturday, June 29, 2013

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Best of the City 23

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To celebrate

June 29th & 30th only

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

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2013

we are having a storewide sale of...

We at Diana’s Garden Centre and Florist would like to say Thank You to all of our loyal customers for voting us 2nd Best In The City. Of course, without you, we wouldn’t be going in to our 9th year in business! (We take much pride in our work). ST OF THE CI BE E We’re proud that we are supporters of local farmers and greenhouse growers.

Best Garden Shop

TREES, PLANTS, FRUIT TREES & MORE!

We Have Lots of P Thank you for voting us ‘Best Kid-Friendly’ IN-STORE SPECIALS! Thank you for voting us Serving upRestaurant! smiles for over 80 years. & ‘Best Family Family’ “Best Restaurant”! Serving uphappy over years. White Spot hasfamilies been asmiles favourite kidfor spotour for as long80 as burgers most people can remember. We’ve been making since 1928. From award-winning and We’ve been making families happy since 1928. From our award-winning burgers & signature fries White Spot has a favourite kid forserved aspastas, long as most people canPirate From our award-winning in our famous signature fries, to been our fresh salads,burgers, BC spot Chicken, Spot classics, and ofremember. coursePaks, our to our amazing handServing up smiles for over 80 to our Spot Classics and famous Pirate Paks.inAtour White Spot,Pirate there’s something foryears. everyone. From our award-winning burgers, served famous Paks, to our amazing handfamous Pirate Paks. At White Spot, there’s something for everyone. scooped milkshakes and more, we love to make kids happy. Which, of course, makes scooped milkshakes andamore, we love to make happy. Which, of course, makes White Spot has been favourite kid spot for askids long as most people can remember. moms and dads pretty happy too. Thank you for making our restaurant family favourite. moms and pretty happy too. your From ourdads award-winning burgers, served in our famous Pirate Paks, to our amazing handscooped milkshakes and more, we love to make kids happy. Which, of course, makes andHwy dads pretty happy too. 6561 moms IslAnd whitespot.ca 250.390.2941 whitespot.ca

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iana’s Garden Centre & Florist

INSERT OFFER

STORE NAME STORE NAME STORE NAME STORE NAME Insert offer details. Address, City, Address, City, Address, City, Address, City, Phone number Phone number Phone number Phone number STORE NAME STORE NAME STORE NAME STORE NAME Present this coupon at the Nanaimo White Spot Restaurants & Insert offer details. Store Address Address Store Address Store Address InsertStore offer details. receive a free Pirate Pak with thenumber purchase of anPhone entrée. Phone number Phone number Phone number STORE NAME STORE NAME STORE NAME STORE NAME ValidStore from now until INSERT DATE. Valid for dine-in only. Minimum purchase ofStore $XX. Maximum discount XX. Address Address Address Store Address Offer available for dine-in only, after 11 amStore at theSTORE Nanaimo White Spot Restaurants. Pirate Paks valid for children 10 and under. Limit one Pirate STORE NAME NAME STORE Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per visit. Valid only atNAME XXX. Phone Phone extra. number Phone number Phone number Pak per entréenumber purchase. Toppings and milkshakes Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon

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per table Address per visit. Offer expires September 30,Store 2013. Store Address Store Address AD–ADDRESS ONLY Valid from now until INSERT DATE. ValidLSM for dine-in only. Minimum purchase of $XX. Maximum discount XX. Phone number Phone number Phone number Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per visit. Valid only at XXX.

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT WSPT

250-760-0065

STORE NAME Store Address Phone number

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

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CMYK OF THE Project: Kid Friendly EST

CI template BE Visual V -EExample ad with offer Client:2 White Spot TH

01.18.2013 Job info: LSM xad7.142” - address only CYAN Trim size: 5.6875” BLACK KS CMYK Project: Kid Friendly Colours: MAGENTA Client: Proof #: 1 White Spot YELLOW Trim size: !"#$%&"'&()%*$ 5.6875”9,x2011 7.142” Date: November BLACK Colours: CMYK Sign-off: JobYesinfo: LSM ad - address only CYAN Proof #: 1 Allison Prinsen: allison@meehanlewis.com | Kid 604-733-1514 Project: WHITE SPOT GRAPHIC STANDARD GUIDE !"#$%&"'&()%*$ Date: November 9,Friendly 2011 MAGENTA Sign-off: Client: Yes White Spot YELLOW Trim size:WHITE 5.6875” x 7.142”GRAPHIC STANDARD GUIDE Allison Prinsen: allison@meehanlewis.com | 604-733-1514 SPOT BLACK YELLOW

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BEST BANKING INSTITUTION

STANDARD GUIDE

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

Visit us at any of our 4 locations in Nanaimo

Terminal Park, Longwood Station, Bowen Road, and Port Place.

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

ST OF THE CI BE E

2010

2012

BEST BANKING INSTITUTION

BEST BANKING INSTITUTION TY

ST OF THE CI BE E

Allison Prinsen: allison@meehanlewis.com | 604-733-1514 WHITE SPOT GRAPHIC

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

CMYK 1 November 9, 2011 Yes

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

!"#$%&"'&()%*$

Colours: Proof #: Date: Sign-off:

2011

2013

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ST OF THE CI BE E

Thank You

Valid from now until INSERT DATE. Valid for dine-in only. Minimum purchase of $XX. Maximum discount XX. 5.6875W X 7.142H IN cash value. Limit one coupon per visit. Valid only at XXX. Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No Job info: LSM ad - address only CYAN

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

Our Terminal Park & Longwood Station locations

OPEN SUNDAYS 11-4 24 Best of the City

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Beauty Salon

Beauty spot Easy, relaxed atmosphere contributes to Rich 1 Beauty Salon being named tops in the city

hat makes Rich 1 Beauty Salon and School the best overall salon in

Nanaimo? Owner Richard Tchamourian credits the clients, his staff and the atmosphere in his business. “I take great pride in the relationships that we built and I have bent over backwards for a lot of my clients and they have seen me through so much,” he said. “We’re all one big family. Everybody says they feel comfortable coming in and that it’s not pretentious.” Jacqui Graham, who has been getting Tchamourian to do her hair for about 20 years, describes the salon as

a relaxed, easy-going place where she feels more like she’s stopping in for a visit with a friend than paying someone to make her hair look fabulous, although she gets that part, too. “He’s a friend now, I can’t imagine going anywhere else,” she said. “Some customers stop by just to give him things. There’s always a lot of funny things going on here.” “All the taboo subjects are discussed here,” added Tchamourian. “Non-judgmental, of course.” And the bonus is that services are not expensive compared with some other places around town, said Graham. The salon offers full hair services, hair extensions, spray tanning, esthetics, eyelash extensions and permanent makeup – as well as counsel-

JENN McGARRIGLE/ThE NEws BuLLETIN

Stylist Kalliandra Fawdry, left, and Richard Tchamourian, owner of Rich 1 Beauty Salon and School, are grateful for clients such as Jacqui Graham, centre, for frequenting the business. The business won Best Beauty Salon in the News Bulletin’s annual Best of the City reader survey.

ling and advice, joked Graham. The school part of the business focuses on permanent makeup, as well as workshops on spray tanning and eyelash

and hair extensions. Tchamourian said the most popular services are hair and waxing. “We have the best waxer in town,” he said.

The salon, located on Bowen Road, is open Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, please go to www.rich1beauty.com. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

Nanaimo Athletic Club has been wonderful when it comes to me trying to lose my post-baby weight. They have been very supportive, and made me feel 100% comfortable about leaving my three children in their childminding area. Great place to go for guilt free “mummy” time.

DAVE

GRAHAM

The Nanaimo Athletic Club has many excellent classes available all week. I enjoy the Spin classes at N.A.C. I had never tried Spinning before but I gave a class a try and now I am hooked on it. Kate’s weekly Spin class is one of the best and hardest workouts I have ever done.

I had never been a member of a gym before, but joining Nanaimo Athletic Club has been one of my best decisions. The facilities helped me reach and surpass my goals. The best part of the NAC is that it is always striving to make one’s experience better each time.

GARRETT

LINA

SAVANNAH

Nanaimo Athletic Club has been my second home for 5 and a half years. Great staff, awesome people. You owe it to yourself to come check it out.

I love coming here, it feels like home, everyone is so friendly. It’s a great finish to my day!

I love NAC because it’s a great atmosphere and we have really friendly staff!

@ilovenac

www.nanaimoathleticclub.com saturday, June 29, 2013

NANAIMO’S FRIENDLIEST GYM! We are proud to be locally owned and operated and our members are AWESOME!

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2013

LAUREN

Thanks Nanaimo for voting us one of the BEST fitness centres in Nanaimo!

ST OF THE CI BE E

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

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ST OF THE CI BE E

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NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2013 ST OF THE CI BE E

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CHEERS NANAIMO!

The ability to enjoy life independently or with the level of assistance and care that you require. Call Kat today to schedule a personal visit 250.760.2325 6089 Uplands Drive

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ST OF THE CI BE E

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2013

BEST GAS BAR

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Best of the City 2013

happy trails Backwoods are busier than ever, particularly with mountain bike riders as they break in a new, fully insured trail in Nanaimo By Chris Bush The News BulleTiN

he backwoods around Nanaimo are busier than ever these days with hikers, runners, horseback and ATV riders seeking out serenity and maybe even a few thrills in the great outdoors. For the better part of 30 years, mountain bikers have literally carved out their niche and blazed their share of trails through Crown and private lands with a wink and a nod from landowners. Trail names like Face

of Death, Geronimo, the Abyss, Monkeys in the Mist, Space Balls and Cheap Sunglasses suggest a range of difficulties from gentle, rolling terrain for novice riders to topography that can evoke raw terror from even the most experienced riders willing to mash gears and mix it up with mud, rock, trees and the occasional bear along the way. The bottom line is Nanaimo offers some of the best and most challenging mountain biking territory to be found anywhere. Until recently riders rode where the trails they carved were tolerated, or

at least until the land the trail passed through was logged or developed. In 2013 mountain biking in Nanaimo went legit with the first trail in the region on Crown land in the Doumont trail network area, built by the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club with the blessing of the woodlot manager and the provincial government. Fine China, as the trail is called, opened in April as 900 metres of groomed, engineered downhill with berms, jumps and other features designed to appeal to every calibre of rider from novice to expert.

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Best of the City 27

Best of the City 2013 “At this stage it doesn’t really have protection, but now we’re going to the second stage of its application in which it will become an established feature, which means it is entered into the provincial map and it will actually have protection,” said Mark Perdue, the club’s landowner liaison director. “So any other resource management plans that go on will have to consider how to manage around the trail.” The trail is managed by the club which carries liability insurance from the International Mountain Biking Association of Canada. Mason McGarrigle, one of Fine China’s primary designers, was a professional downhill racer for 10 years and has designed and built trails since 1996. “It was designed so expert riders who’ve been riding for years can push their limits and then people who are new to the sport can enjoy it as well because it’s so wide and so smooth they’ll find it easier than technical trails,” McGarrigle said. He credits the local mountain biking community’s dedication for making the trail possible and, in doing so, significantly advancing the sport. To build a proper mountain bike trail you need to move a lot of dirt and hundreds of people worked on the trail for more than a year with help from construction equipment to clear the way and do the heavy lifting donated by local companies. “On one main trail build at the start of the season, I think there were 90

“

We could have some pretty amazing trails that would draw people from throughout the whole region.

the whole region to try that trail and there could be some pretty spectacular events that could be held with it.” McGarrigle hopes to keep the momentum going. “Right now we’re just starting something completely different and, hopefully, we can keep that rolling and building on that,” McGarrigle said. Why name the trail Fine China? Mountain bike trails often derive their names from something found or some event that occurred while the trail was under construction. “There was a lot of debate over the name, but we went with the original, Fine China, just because the very first time when we walked through to do the layout there was a bunch of garbage with plates and dishes and stuff like that,” McGarrigle said. “One of the designers said, ‘Oh, we could call it Fine China,’ so that’s where it came from.”

Dave NuNez-DelgaDo Photos

ABOVE: Miranda Devisser arrives at the bottom of Fine China, the Nanaimo region’s first sanctioned mountain bike trail. OPPOSITE: Colleen Wtorek navigates an easy section of Fine China. The trail is designed to appeal to riders of all skill levels.

people on that one trail build day,” McGarrigle said. “I would say hundreds worked on it.” The second stage of construction, already underway, will see an additional 300 metres added to Fine China. Ultimate plans call for a third stage of construction that will build the trail out to about 3.5 kilometres. Perdue said building Fine China will help to continue galvanizing the

Nanaimo mountain biking community and secure the sport on Nanaimo’s tourism footprint. “In our mind, it would bring the mountain biking community together on a particular project that they would all enjoy down the road,” Perdue said. “If we could get it extended all the way down, we could have some pretty amazing trails that would draw people from throughout

photos@nanaimobulletin.com

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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 – Results: Outdoor recreation and children’s activities Best people-watching spot 1. Waterfront promenade 2. Swy-a-lana Lagoon 3. Woodgrove Centre

2. 3.

Best kids restaurant 1. White Spot 2. McDonald’s 3. Ricky’s All-Day Grill

Best place to watch birds 1. Buttertubs Marsh 2. Morrell Sanctuary 3. Pipers Lagoon

Best toy store 1. Toys R Us 2. Kool and Child 3. Wal-Mart

Best place to walk your dog 1. Westwood Lake 2. Colliery Dam Park 3. Neck Point Park

Best kid’s clothing store 1. Old Navy 2. The Children’s Place 3. Pumpkin Pie

Best romantic parking spot 1. Departure Bay Beach 2. Pipers Lagoon 3. Neck Point Park

Best place for birthday parties 1. Jumpin’ Jiminy’s 2. Oliver Woods community centre 3. McDonald’s

Best place to meet for coffee 1. Starbucks 2. Tim Hortons 3. Serious Coffee

Best place for kayaking 1. Newcastle Island 2. Departure Bay 3. Long Lake

CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

There’s no end to the flora and fauna in the outdoor spaces in Nanaimo. Fish and amphibians are easy to spot in places like Westwood Lake and Pipers Lagoon. 2. 3.

Nanaimo River Pipers Lagoon

2. 3.

Doumont Road Westwood Lake

Best place for a picnic 1. Pipers Lagoon 2. Newcastle Island 3. Neck Point Park

Best place to walk, jog or hike 1. Westwood Lake 2. Waterfront promenade 3. Colliery Dam Park

Best playground 1. Beban Park 2. Oliver Woods 3. Maffeo Sutton Park

Best place to swim outdoors 1. Westwood Lake

Best place to mountain bike 1. Mount Benson

Best day-care centre 1. Jolly Giant Childcare

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2013

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

ST OF THE CI BE E

2012

Thank you from: Lee, Jan, Logan, Glenda and Tanneya.

Any questions please email us at...

charliebrowns@shaw.ca Let us help you feel better Terminal Park, Island Highway • Ph: 250-753-5211 Saturday, June 29, 2013

Proud electrical contractor Thank you Nanaimo we appreciate your business! to C&M Developments!

2013

We appreciate our customers’ support for 11 Years in a row.

BEST VITAMIN / HEALTH FOOD STORE

ST OF THE E CI B E

For a feature story on the Best Place for Kayaking – Newcastle Island – please see page 35.

Best local campground 1. Living Forest Campground 2. Brannen Lake 3. Westwood Lake Campground

Boys and Girls Club Katie’s Korner

No job too big or too small

Ph: 250-751-1727 www.mazzeielectric.com A Family Run Business with you in Mind! RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL Best of the City 29

Best of the City 2013

A walk through time

Nanaimo Museum guides residents and visitors to the city’s unique and impressive heritage homes and buildings

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

Pirate Chips

2009

30 Best of the City

250-729-8993

Thanks to all the locals for keeping us afloat!

ST OF THE CI BE E

BEST FRENCH FRIES

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

2011

ST OF THE CI BE E

2010

BEST FISH & CHIPS

ST OF THE CI BE E

BEST FRENCH FRIES TY

(off of McCullough)

BEST FISH & CHIPS

1712 KIDSON RD. RD NANAIMO

2010

BAVARIAN IMPORTS 9th Yearinarow! AUTO REPAIRS

ST OF THE CI BE E

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2011

Over 70 years of combined experience in servicing all Import and Domestic cars! New and used parts available.

2012

We don’t advertise specials. Our every day price is our special. Before you spend on costly repairs, it pays to phone and check us out!

reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

ST OF THE CI BE E

2013

We specialize in Volkswagens but WE DO service ALL imports and domestic vehicles!

For more information visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca, phone 250-753-1821 or e-mail program@nanaimomuseum.ca. Private tours can also be booked for a fee as well.

See us for a tune-up. We’ll make your vehicle safe and reliable!

SUMMER IS HERE!

ST OF THE CI BE E

this year. Registration for the Old City Heritage Homes Then and Now walking tour is required and the only available tour left this year is July 17 from 1-2:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person.

20132

Thank You Nanaimo... for voting us #1 for Best Auto Service

NaNaimo museum archives

For decades, Haslam Hall stood at the corner of Wallace Street and Comox Avenue as one of Nanaimo’s most elaborate Victorian houses. It mysteriously burned to the ground on Christmas Eve in 1977. Tim Hortons now stands on that corner of downtown Nanaimo.

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

here is a lot of history in Nanaimo’s Old City neighbourhood homes, and if they could talk they’d have plenty of interesting stories. But they can’t, so the Nanaimo Museum is hosting a new walking tour called Old City Heritage Homes Then and Now to bring back to life many of downtown Nanaimo’s impressive heritage homes. Though some of the homes have been demolished over the years, many remain as landmarks today. “Heritage homes that we see every day have great stories to tell,” said Aimee Greenaway, program and volunteer coordinator at the Nanaimo Museum. “We will also stop where grand homes from the past owned by Andrew Haslam, Cappy Yates

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

The News BulleTiN

and Robert Dunsmuir were located.” Photos from the museum’s collection will give walkers an idea of how many of the prominent homes looked in the past. Tour participants will stop outside several houses, some of which are still homes, on the heritage register to learn more about their place in Nanaimo’s history. The tour is recommended for both longtime and new residents to Nanaimo, as well as visitors, said Greenaway. “Many locals ask questions about heritage houses when they visit the museum,” she said. “Guided tours of the Old City neighbourhood are rare but its homes have a timeless appeal.” To complement the tours, the Nanaimo Museum will be highlighting well-known heritage homes in a new permanent exhibit scheduled to open later

By ToBy Gorman

To tell people more about Nanaimo’s key historical or interesting figures, Nanaimo Museum offers Cemetery Tours in addition to heritage tours. The tour highlights the stories of people who have helped shape Nanaimo over the past 150 years, including successful gold prospectors, victims of a tragic plane crash and scores of immigrants who left the security of their own countries to seek a better life in Nanaimo. The tour has been offered for several years, but in 2013 it will also feature people connected to the 100th anniversary of The Great strike, a coal miner’s strike that divided communities from ladysmith to Cumberland and resulted in burnt homes and violence. The cost is $15 per person and registration is required at www. nanaimomuseum.ca or 250-753-1821. Tour dates are July 9 and Aug. 20, from 1-2:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. both days. Private tours can be booked for a fee.

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

Cemetery tours focus on people

#1 Commercial Nanaimo 250-753-2447 saturday, June 29, 2013

Thank You Nanaimo ‘YOUR FAVOURITE SHOE STORE!’

ST OF THE CI BE E

Call us for Delivery!

THANKS FOR VOTING US #1

For Voting Us

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

2013

BEST PIZZA

OPEN LATE

ST OF THE CI BE E

250-753-6667

Patrick (right front) and Joyce Fam (centre front), independent owners of A Step Ahead and staff - Kerri, Linda, Carla, Paulette, Jennifer and Bonnie, Emma and Samantha (not in photo) wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all their customers for their continued patronage.

www.mambogourmetpizza.com

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2013

Centre Court by the Clock (beside Body Shop)

WOODGROVE CENTRE

DOWNTOWN NANAIMO

250-390-2821

ST OF THE CI BE E

SERVING VANCOUVER ISLAND SINCE 1991

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2013

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Best of the City 31

Best of the City 2013 – Winner: Best Playground

Play away Parents love the enclosed Altrusa Park for its clear sightlines – kids love it because it’s a fun place to be

Abby Wood, 4, glides down the slide at Altrusa Park.

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n sunny summer days the Altrusa Playground is bustling with activity. The playground is nestled between between the Kinsmen Participark and the Beban Park Social Centre. It features a variety of playground equipment. The paved bike track is one of the park’s popular attractions. Other favourites among children include the digger machine, swings, the slides and the climbing apparatus. Kesler Bilton brings her kids to the park for safety reasons. She said the park has good sightlines to help her keep an eye on her children. “I can see everyone,” said Bilton. “It’s easy to keep track of the kids here and it’s suitable for young children and small children.” Three-year-old Kendall Doherr said his favourite part of going to Altrusa Playground is going

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32 Best of the City

for a bike ride. Kaila Kornberger said the park is easy to get to because it is in a central location and there is a great selection of playground equipment for her four-year-old twins Ava and Abby Wood to play on. “It keeps them occupied,” she said. “You can stay here for a couple of hours.” The park is divided into two sections, one for smaller children and another for bigger kids. Kornberger said it allows parents to bring their kids to the same park as they grow older because of the diversity of activities. Some of her twins’ favourite parts include the swings and the toy helicopter. “I like the swings,” said Ava. “You get to ride on it by yourself,” added Abby. The City of Nanaimo is currently updating the Beban Park Master Plan, which includes updates to Altrusa Playground. For more information about the process, please go to www.nanaimo.ca and click on current projects under the parks, recreation and culture tab.

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Best of the City 2013

“

We call it a blue-collar town and I think that correlates well with the game of football.

V.I. Raiders give it all on the gridiron Success of Canadian Junior Football League team equal only to its popularity among fans in the Harbour City BY GREG SAKAKI THE NEWS BULLETIN

rom the peewees to the pros, Nanaimo loves its football. When considering the Best of the City for this year, there’s no doubt that a lot of Nanaimo’s best-loved teams are the ones that give it their all on the gridiron. “I guess in ways we call it a blue-collar town and I think that correlates well with the game of football,” said Matthew (Snoop) Blokker, coach of the V.I. Raiders. “People are paying their money to get in the door and they just want their football team to be a hard-working team and give everything it can on the field and don’t quit.” When it comes to football, the Raiders are the biggest game in town, drawing 1,000 fans for some games at Caledonia Park. It helps that the team has been hugely successful on the field, winning three Canadian Junior Football League championships and six provincial titles since coming to Nanaimo in 2005. “There’s young kids that come to our games and as they’re going through their minor football, they want to be Raiders and that’s the coolest thing in the world,” Blokker said. He and team owner Hadi Abassi couldn’t really have known how CJFL football would be received in Nanaimo when they secured the expansion franchise. “There was a hope,” Blokker said. “When we came into town there was already some football teams established here and it’s taken time to grow and build a relationship with those programs.” Saturday, June 29, 2013

It’s been a mutually beneficial arrangement, as the Raiders have provided another source of inspiration for John Barsby Bulldogs, Nanaimo District Islanders and Nanaimo Redmen players and those programs have graduated tremendous talent to the junior level. It might not be a coincidence that Barsby, NDSS and Football Nanaimo have all won provincial or league championships in recent years. One of the greatest ambassadors for local football has been B.C. Lions star tailback Andrew Harris, who played all his junior here, and there are others who could follow a similar career path. Jordan Yantz, the former record-setting Raiders quarterback, has been at Lions camp the last two years and receiver Whitman Tomusiak played a pre-season game with the Lions earlier this month. Those guys could be pros, and so could some of the peewees roaming Nanaimo’s football fields right now, for that matter. GAME ON … The Raiders play home games Saturday afternoons at Caledonia Park starting in August. The Redmen play Sunday afternoons starting in September. The Bulldogs and Islanders usually play Friday afternoons at their school fields or at Merle Logan Field starting in September. sports@nanaimobulletin.com

Best of the City 33

Best of the City 2013

Farm fresh

Jellies, jams, arts and crafts complement high-quality produce found at markets By ToBy Gorman The News BulleTiN

CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

amy Falkenberg uses her hand as a palette for the black acrylic paint she applies to canvas at the downtown nanaimo Farmers’ market at Pioneer waterfront Plaza. arts, crafts, baking, preserves and produce are just some of the items up for offer every Friday through the summer months.

armers’ markets? We got ’em, from the south to the north and several points in between, allowing farmers and artisans to sell their produce and products at several locations and times during the week. Throw in that perfect Island summer sunshine and cool ocean breezes, and a morning or afternoon spent at any of the area’s farmers markets is a treat in itself. For many, shopping at farmers’ markets is a way to purchase products unique to the mid-Island region, learn more about the food they eat from the people who produce it, and support local agriculture. Having a direct link to food, rather than relying on the modern food supply, has fostered a growing desire for increased participation when it comes to farming. “In short, things are on the up, local food is increasing,” said Dirk Becker, a Lantzville-based farmer and organizer of local farmers’ markets. “And absolutely, a lot more young people are interested in this and we know this because a lot more people are showing up at the door saying ‘will

Cedar Farmers’ market (at the Crow and Gate Pub) – sunday, beginning at 10 a.m. LantzviLLe market (7113 lantzville Rd.) – sunday, beginning at 1:30 p.m. nanaimo Bowen road market (at Beban Park) – wednesday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. downtown nanaimo Farmers’ market (Pioneer waterfront Plaza) – Friday, beginning at 10 a.m.

you show us how to do this’... and if you go to the Bowen Road, Lantzville or Cedar markets you’ll see a lot more people who are brand new at this, in their 20s or 30s, and wanting to do this for a living.” Products that can be found at local farmers’ markets include baked goods, fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, fish and seafood, soaps, honey, pet items, flowers, cheese and crafts and other artwork. Many provide live local entertainment. While most markets run between Mother’s Day and early October, there is a plan in place to establish the city’s first permanent indoor

market co-op. Still in the preliminary stage, Island Roots Market, a formally registered co-op, could provide local growers with a year-round facility to sell their food, helping to re-establish a mid-Island farming industry while providing local food that more people are demanding. The current plan is to have the market open Thursday to Sunday at a location yet to be determined, but likely somewhere in central Nanaimo. It could open as soon as this summer. “We’re just at the cusp, we’re teetering at a point where we hope such a market can succeed where people want such a market, and be assured that they will come year round, including when there is less produce available in the winter months,” said Becker. In the meantime, seasonal markets like the Cedar Farmers’ Market (at the Crow and Gate Pub), Lantzville market (7113 Lantzville Rd.), Nanaimo Bowen Road Market (at Beban Park), and the Downtown Nanaimo Farmers’ Market (Pioneer Waterfront Plaza) will have all of the local goods people are looking for to promote health, culture, the economy and environmental sustainability. reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

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34 Best of the City

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NEWCASTLE iSLANd:

Get away from the hustle and bustle with a day trip to the jewel of the harbour

By Jenn M c GarriGle The News BulleTiN

ften referred to as the jewel of Nanaimo’s harbour, Newcastle Island offers wooded hiking trails, beaches swept by tides, spectacular views of the harbour and ocean, and a rich history. Tara Atleo, economic development strategic planning assistant with the Snuneymuxw First Nation, describes the island, a marine provincial park managed by the Snuneymuxw, as a nice escape from the city – even though it is only a short ride to the island by boat, urban sounds fade quickly. “When you get into the middle, you forget that you’re in Nanaimo Harbour,” she said, adding that with a 22-kilometre trail system, a lake in the middle and lots of wildlife, including raccoons, deer, birds and seals, there is lots to see. Newcastle is accessible by ferry from April to early October or private boat. From the May long weekend to Labour Day weekend, people can catch a ferry every half hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $9 return for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children. Atleo said people also like to travel to the island in their own boats and mooring buoys and dock space are available. A third popular method to get to the island is by kayak. “There’s lots of places to land kayaks,” she said. The island is a popular place to hike or ride a bike, beachcomb in one of many little bays and camp – Atleo recommends reserving online because spots in the campground fill up quickly in the summer. There is also plenty to see related to the history of the island. Near the ferry dock is a dance pavilion built in the 1930s by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Atleo said the company used the island as a summer resort – an old ship was tied to the dock and used as a floating hotel – and the pavilion has a sprung dance floor that is used nowadays by ballroom dance clubs and for weddings. The island was used by the Snuneymuxw First Nation for thousands of years for fishing, hunting, gathering

saturday, June 29, 2013

ABOVE: Newcastle Island lies to the left, nestled between Nanaimo and Protection Island, to the right. LEFT: The island’s history included a sandstone quarry, coal mine and Snuneymuxw village site – remnants of which can still be found in the provincial park. News BulletiN file

and spiritual training. Young athletes were brought to the island to train for foot racing and canoe pulling. In Hul’q’umi’num, the traditional language of the Snuneymuxw people, the island is called Saysutshun, meaning ‘training for running.’ Atleo said visitors can also see evidence of a pulp stone mill and sandstone quarry. She said the Snuneymuxw

plan to do more to showcase the history of the island and are considering establishing a cultural centre and a couple of traditional longhouses on the island. “We want to mainly focus on the histories and education for the community and then tourism as a secondary aspect,” said Atleo. She said other options being explored

include making bike rentals available on the island and improving accessibility, given that the ferry is seasonal. “Access is definitely an issue,” said Atleo. “It’s something we have to look at so that more people can enjoy the island.” For more information, please go to www.newcastleisland.ca. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

Best of the City 35

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Best of the City 2013

No photoshop required Harbour City is photogenic as local shooters can attest By Chris Bush The News BulleTiN

good photographer will have a knack for ferreting out the right light and location for a photo shoot. Nanaimo has its share of land and cityscapes primed for the taking, so to speak, by this city’s pool of talented photographers. Mike Thompson, president of Impact Visual Communications, rediscovered his love for photography in recent years. Thompson, a technical disciple of Ansel Adams, has been photographing for about 40 years, but running his company consumed most of his time until recently. His return to his roots has resulted in nothing short of a vibrant splash of saturated colour. “I love downtown Nanaimo, for one, as you’ve probably noticed from my [Facebook] page,” Thompson said. “Queen Elizabeth Park, the whole plaza, the whole seawall walk, it’s as nice as any seawall walk anywhere. I don’t care where you’re talking. It’s beautiful. It’s full of friendly people. The light is good morning, noon and night. I love it there.” One of Thompson’s favourite qualities about Nanaimo’s waterfront is the

abundance of wildlife. Birds, marine life and sea mammals, such as otters that live in and around the downtown boat basin he sees on his almost daily visits to the area, unlike many urban waterfronts which he describes as sterile because their lack of wildlife. Dave Nuñez-Delgado, who opened his photography business in Nanaimo this year, is a relative newcomer to the local photography scene. Nuñez-Delgado is a member of a group of Vancouver Island models and photographers who meet weekly in different locations for photo shoots through the summer months. Neck Point, Pipers and Colliery Dam parks are favourite shooting locations, but the group is continually on the hunt for new spots. “Jack Point was awesome,” NuñezDelgado said. “It’s great for sunsets there because it’s kind of west-facing and there’s these cool sandstone caves at low tide. Nanaimo River Estuary was really nice and Sebastian Beach in Lantzville. It’s a little crowded, but it’s good.” The best times for shooting landscapes are during the “golden hour” – the hour just before sunrise and just after sunset. But when the light’s right you have to work fast. “Light changes constantly during those times,” he said. “You have to fight

MIKE THOMPSON/IMPacT VISual PHOTO

Photographer Mike Thompson, from Impact Visual, catches the beauty of Nanaimo’s downtown and waterfront areas.

with the camera to keep up, but it’s worth it.” Dirk Heydemann, owner of Heydemann Art of Photography, opened his business in 1998 and in that time he has employed most of Nanaimo’s favourite photography locations, such as Pipers Lagoon that offers a wide array of landscape backgrounds such as seascapes, rock cliffs, driftwood and pebble beaches, Garry oak forests and Shack Island to choose from. “Nanaimo has so many incredible gems for landscape and scenic photography, but one of my favourite places recently has been Benson Creek Falls,

or the Benson Creek Trail,” Heydemann said. But photographing subjects in the contrast dappled light of a coniferous forest on a sunny day can be a photographer’s nightmare where exposure is concerned. Heydemann’s solution? Wait for cloudy or misty days when diffused light evens out contrast between highlights and shadows – and on the West Coast there are plenty of opportunities for shooting on cloudy days. “We get a little cloud cover and it makes our job as photographers so much easier,” Heydemann said. photos@nanaimobulletin.com

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Best of the City 2013 – Event calendar ENTERTAINMENT CANADA DAY CELEBRATION at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 10, July 1. Features Lazy Mike and the Rockin’ Recliners from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Babecue starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance from the legion or $15 at the door. For more information please call 250-740-1690. CANADA DAY AT MAFFEO SUTTON PARK July 1, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dress up in red and white. A day of free fun for the whole family. THE LAUGH LOUNGE featuring Richard Harlow and Peter Hudson, plus special Guests July 6 at Acme Food Co. Event features two shows: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per show and are avalable at the restaurant or from the comedians.

NANAIMO MUSEUM hosts Cemetery Tours July 9 and Aug. 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. and again from 6-7:30 p.m. Discover the stories of people who helped shape Nanaimo over the past 20 years. $15 per person. For details visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca or

phone 250-753-1821.

NANAIMO MUSEUM hosts its Old City Walkling Tour July 9 and 17 from 1-2:30 p.m. Learn more about the Old City neighbourhoods heritage homes and who lived in them. $15 per person. Visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca or phone 250-753-1821. SUNSET CINEMA SERIES in Nanaimo July 12 features The Croods. Movie starts at dusk. Free admission – donations toward Success by Six gratefully accepted. STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT with Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme of Super Troopers and Beerfest, July 22 at the Queen’s, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance from the bar, Lucid, Harbour City Music, The Dog’s Ear, www.ticketzone.com or $25 at the door.

on the ferry, available from the artists and www.ticketzone.com. THE TREBLE performs with special guests Ah, Venice and Alexandria Maillot July 9 at the Queen’s, 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 and availalbe at the bar, door or www.ticket zone.com. NAZARETH with The Headpins at the Port Theatre, 125 Front St., July 5. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $54.50. Call 250-7548550. ON THE DOCK with Manglewood, Teri Puckett and David Bitonti at Dinghy Dock Pub July 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets $20, includes ferry ride. E-mail gotpop@live.com.

OPEN MIKE COMEDY at the Courts Pub first Friday of the month 9-11 p.m.

ALOHA UKULELE FESTIVAL July 26-27. Friday event is 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday there are workshops at Beban Park 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., ranging in price from $25$30. Saturday evening concert at Departure Bay Centre 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets $15. For info please go to www.ukecircle.com.

WORDSTORM OPEN MIKE night at Demeter’s Coffee Vault the last Tuesday of the month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission $5.

THE BEACH BOYS at the Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $106 to $126.50. Call 250-754-8550.

MUSIC ON THE DOCK with The Lion The Bear The Fox at the Dinghy Dock Pub July 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets $20, which includes return trip

ELLIOTT BROOD, plays at the Queen’s September 28, 8 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance from the bar, Lucid, Harbour City Music, The Dog’s Ear, www.ticket zone.com or $17 at the door. OPEN JAM at the Queen’s Mondays. FEMME FATALES play Tuesday nights at the Queen’s. OPEN MIKE at Fibber Magees Tuesdays 7:30-10 p.m.

OPEN MIKE every Wednesday at the Cambie with Anatol Sessions. Free cover. 9 p.m. Bring your instruments. ACOUSTIC OPEN MIKE blues friendly at Tabu Lounge Thursday 7-10 p.m. All-ages. FOLK CONNECTION Coffee House every third Friday of the month, 7-10:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church Hall. Admission $5. ERIC HARPER performs at Fibber Magees Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY JAM at Patricia Hotel with Nightwatch from 3:30-7:30 p.m. All styles welcome. SUNDAY JAM with Blue Gambit at the Harewood Arms pub 5-9 p.m. Brushes only jam and participants must bring their own. INDUSTRY NIGHT Mondays at the Cambie with Deep Space Burnout. Free cover. 10 p.m. VANISLE FIDDLERS is a weekly gathering that welcomes fiddlers and all acoustic musicians. Learn traditional music in a fun multi-age group. Every Thursday at Scout Hut. Groups run at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 250-5913913 for more information.

ART ART DECO FASHIONS exhibit at the Nanaimo Museum runs until Aug. 6. IAN GARRIOCH: Universe in a Jar exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery campus runs until Aug. 31.

DANCE INFRINGING DANCE FESTIVAL Dancing in the Belly of the Dragon, July 4-7. Four days of outdoor cultural dance performances, workshops, and dialogue held in conjunction with the 2013 Dragon Boat Festival. www.crimsoncoastdance.org THURSDAY NIGHT dance club hosts dances for people 60 and over at Bowen Park Complex Thursdays from 7:30-10 p.m. Professional musicians. Singles and couples welcome.

SPORTS & RECREATION BATTLE OF THE KNUCKLE DUSTERS roller derby meet July 13, 8 p.m., at Nanaimo Ice Centre. Suggested donation of $10 to watch. Call 250-751-0096. TIMBERMEN SENIOR A LACROSSE at Frank Crane Arena (Beban Park) or Junior A Lacross at Frank Crane or Nanaimo Ice Centre. Call 250-740-1377. www.tmen.ca NANAIMO PIRATES baseball at Serauxmen Stadium at 355 Wakesiah Ave. (near Nanaimo Aquatic Centre). www.ballcharts. com/pirates. HARBOUR CITY SENIORS Writers

meet the first and third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bowen Park Complex, games room 2. A forum for all aspiring or published writers. To register phone 250-755-7501. PARADISE ISLE Seniors’ Drop-in Centre hosts pool and cribbage tournaments with soup and sandwich, noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 201 Albert St. For details call 250-754-9566 or e-mail paradiseisle_nanaimo@shaw.ca. ADULT MIXED recreational, non-competitive volleyball at John Barsby Community School. Sunday nights 6:30-9 p.m. All are welcome. Call 250-754-8325 for more info. THURSDAY HIKERS depart Bowen Park upper parking lot, 8 a.m. All day hike. Bring hiking boots, raingear and lunch. 250-7553066. KARMA YOGA at Maffeo Sutton Park Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., rain or shine. By donation. Hosted by Moksha Yoga. Call 250741-1905.

FESTIVALS & MARKETS NANAIMO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL July 5-7 at Swy-a-lana Lagoon. www.nanaimodragonboat.com SILLY BOAT REGATTA July 21, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Annual fundraiser for Nanaimo Child Development Centre, teams build boats from reycled materials and then race at Swy-a-lana Lagoon. Free for spectators. Call 250-753-0251, ext. 227. NANAIMO MARINE FESTIVAL and Great International World Championship Bathtub Race July 26-July 28 at downtown Nanaimo, Maffeo Sutton Park and Departure Bay beach. Sail past parade July 27 at 10 a.m.; QF Festival of Lights fireworks July 27 at 10 p.m.; Bathtub Race July 28. www.bathtubbing.com. VIEX 2013 Proud of the Past, Poised for the Future Aug. 16-18 at Beban Park fair grounds. Agricultural displays, Midway and entertainment. SUMMERTIME BLUES music festival Aug. 23-25 at Maffeo Sutton Park and indoor venues in Nanaimo. www.nanaimobluesfestival.com/ festival.htm CEDAR FARMERS’ MARKET (at the Crow and Gate Pub), Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m. LANTZVILLE MARKET (7113 Lantzville Rd.), Sunday, beginning at 1:30 p.m. NANAIMO BOWEN ROAD MARKET (at Beban Park), Wednesday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. DOWNTOWN NANAIMO FARMERS’ MARKET (Pioneer Waterfront Plaza), Friday, beginning at 10 a.m.

CHRIS RANDLE PHOTO

Anusha Fernando performs a South Asian cultural dance with Shakti Dance Company, which will be part of Infringing Dance Festival in July.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 37

Some familiar faces of

Best

Klynnt Rogers Bavarian Imports Auto Repairs Best Auto Servicing

Blake EricksonOwner Erickson Roofing Best Roofing Company

George Mavrikos Milano’s Ristoranté Best Pasta

Doug Riederer Thrifty Foods Best Customer Service

Angela Negrin Pirate Chips Best Chips Best French Fries

Mary Ann Molcan Iris Optical Best Optical Store

Chef Tammy Deline Chef Daniel Caron Two Chefs Best Catering

Dominic & Rose Staniscia City Tile Best Tile Store

Graham Higgins The Brick Best Furniture Store

Joyce & Patrick Fam A Step Ahead Best Shoe Store

Lisa Salewski Sportchek Best Sporting Goods Store

Carla Samson - Owner Quintessential Best Store for Ladies Wear

Chrissy Forsythe & Natalie Germann Delicados Best Lunches

Sharon Vanderputten Manager Peoples Jewellers Best Jewellery Store

Bruce Halliday General Manager The Port Theatre Best Live Theatre

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

Russell Crowe Manager HMV Best Music Store

Janet Edwards General Manager Chapters Best Book Store

of the

ST OF THE CI BE E

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2013

City

Robbie Jadresko Owner Oxy Pub Best Chicken Wings

Jamie Leckenby Manager Toys R Us Best Toy Store

Heather Cossar White Spot - Terminal Best Family Restaurant Best Kids Restaurant

Jerry Hong - Owner The Queens Hotel Best Place for Live Bands & Best Place to Dance

Marianne Turley Owner Turley’s Florist Best Flower Shop

Steve Demptster Manager-Lumber/Building The Home Depot Best in Floor Covering, Tools & Paint

Lynn & Kevin Barclay Wine Kitz-Terminal Best Wine Making Store

Patty McCallum Wine Kitz-Metral Best Wine Making Store

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

Mark Fenwick Woodgrove Centre Best Place to Shop

Rob Noseworthy Black and Blue Best Place to Have A Tattoo

Biff Bartlett Owner Rawmbas Best Vegetarian Food

Steven Shannon Galaxy Motors Best Place To Buy A Used Vehicle

Ryan Callighan Flight Centre Best Travel Agency

Leah Babb Asst. Manager LaSenza Best Lingerie Shop

Spencer Deering Old Navy Best Kids Clothing Store

Corey Piket Oak Bay Bikes Best Bike Shop

Heather Fisk VI Fitness Best Fitness Centre

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www.harbourcitymusic.com

The only drum camps of it’s kind on Vancouver Island

BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE CLASSES JULY 8 - 12, JULY 29 - AUGUST 2

ADVANCED DRUM CAMP JULY 15 - 19 2 to 4 hours over 5 days! KEEP POSTED FOR WINTER DRUM CAMPS

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

DRUM CAMP

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“Best Fish and Chips”

We are the only lesson facility in the mid island offering lessons on “real” pro acoustic drums! Harbour City Music also offers lessons in other instruments but drums are our passion. Drum lessons take place 5 days a week in our spacious studios. We also offer group lessons, host world class drum clinics and most recently offering skype lessons with some world class professionals. Check out our annual Day Of Drum festival and stay up to date with what’s happening on our Facebook and twitter pages. Harbour City Music also offers live sound rentals, sales and consultation for any situation.

250-741-1609 (Pickup and take-out available)

WE DO IT ALL! HOURS: Mon. to Thurs. 11 to 7 Fri. 11 to 6 Sat. 11 to 5

Open 7 days a week from 9:30 am – April 1 thru October 15 104 Front Street, Dock “F” www.trollersfishandchips.com 38 Best of the City

615 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo

250-591-1177 100% Locally Owned and Operated

Vancouver Island’s Drum & Live Sound Specialists Saturday, June 29, 2013

Susan Urban Mid Island Co-op Best Gas Bar

Kiran Parhar Branch Manager TD Canada Trust Best Banking Inistitution

Mike Atherton & Dean Andrichuk Firehouse Grill Best Restaurant Overall

Al Dreger RBC Dominion Securities Best Financial Planner

Brooke Turner White Spot - Woodgrove Best Family Restaurant Best Kids Restaurant

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

Richard Tchamourian Rich 1 Beauty Salon Best Estheticins Best Beauty Salon

Calvin Wallin ACME Food Co. Best Martini

Rob Shevchenko Cactus Club Cafe Best Patio Restaurant

Michelle Guillemaud Manager IRIS The Visual Group Best Optical Store

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

Craig Finnigan Owner, Manager McLaren Lighting Best Lighting Store

Ilan Goldenblatt Owner Thirsty Camel Best Vegetarian Food

Thank you Nanaimo for voting us

Chris Turnbull & Rick Bayko DenMar Electric Best Electrical Contractor

“Best Place to get a Tattoo”

Logan White Manager Charlie Brown’s Best Health Food Store

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Patriarch Bob Littlejohn Living Forest Best Local Campsite

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

Chris Mossauer - Manager Kal Tire Best Place to Get Tires

2013

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

Julie Shannon - Owner Breze Best Massages

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

Hollis Connelly Manager Wendy’s Best Fast Food

LInda Walter - Owner Divine Glow Best Place to Tan

Ralph Quetschke Seadrift Seafood Best Place To Buy Sea Food

Bring in your ideas and our artists will make it happen! In House Artists: • Rob Noseworthy - Owner • Joel Martin • Candice Churchill • Jesse Heglin - Piercing • Shannon Price - Permanent Makeup

250.753.1646 | 575 Terminal Avenue

John Ferguson Manager Home Sense Best Housewares & Linen

www.BlackandBlueTattoo.ca

THE BEST VALUE FOR

Thank you

Nanaimo!

EYEWEAR!

The Latest Fashions in Eyewear at a price you can afford!

50% OFF

We appreciate your support!

ALL FRAMES WITH THIS COUPON (OFFER EXPIRES SEP. 1/13)

ST OF THE CI BE E

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR BEST DEAL OF THE YEAR!!

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best toy store Saturday, June 29, 2013

Locally owned, proudly serving Nanaimo for 19 years. #102-2517 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo

250.585.1778 www.koolandchild.com Best of the City 2013

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6551 Aulds Rd., North Nanaimo

250-390-5060

★ Mondays & Tuesdays enjoy Pizza or Pasta all day for just $ 10.48! ★ Milano’s & Avalon Cinema proudly present ‘Dinner & A Movie’. Ask us for details! ★ Daily Specials ★ Great Patio

ST OF THE CI BE E

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2(onfor 1 Pizza & Pasta take out or delivery orders)

Thank you for voting us the Best Insurance Agency for the 12th Annual Best of the City Awards. It’s because of your support that we’re able to serve this community, and it’s an honour to be recognized for doing exactly that. We look forward to being part of this thriving neighbourhood for years to come.

Call 250-390-7700 Visit BCAA Nanaimo, #400-6581 Aulds Road Click bcaa.com

Hot & Fast Delivery within 7 kms 10% Off On Take Out Orders!

‘Italian Soul In The Heart Of Nanaimo’

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

250.756.7943

Huong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant 19-1925 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo

Dine in - Take Out Large Group Delivery

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11am to 9 pm

40 Best of the City

2013

“Voted #1 Asian Restaurant in Nanaimo for 2013” - Nanaimo News Bulletin

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“Best Beef Noodle Soup on Vancouver Island”

Insurance is sold through BCAA Insurance Agency and underwritten by various underwriters. Visit bcaa.com/underwriters for more information.

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

BEST PASTA

For The 9 Year In A Row!

“By the way, we think we also have the best pizza in the city!”

Thank you.

2013

View our entire menu at www.milanos.ca

2013

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

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

NOW FEATURING

ST OF THE CI BE E

Thank you for voting us...

Serving Nanaimo since 1998, we prepare everything from scratch in our kitchen and use only the finest ingredients. You will love our delicious food, generous portions, and reasonable prices. The Mavrikos family thanks you for your support over the past 15 years, and hope to continue serving you for generations to come!

HLrestaurant.com

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Best of the City 2013 Aboriginal culture can be found all over the area, including Departure Bay.

Traditional territory Snuneymuxw people leave lasting impact on city’s cultural fabric By Jenn M c GarriGle The News BulleTiN

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tion on various objects, elders’ knowledge, community stories, the environment and language – the traditional language of the Snuneymuxw is Island Hul’q’umin’um. The language section includes a visual dictionary, where people can drag the mouse over a picture and hear and see spelled out the Hul’q’umin’um words for different things in the picture. A third place to find information is at Departure Bay Beach near the Kin Hut, where people can see a portal, carved out of a 40-foot section of a western red cedar, representing the significance of this traditional site to the Snuneymuxw people, and plaques with historical information. The pavilion on Newcastle Island also has some pamphlets with information, including Snuneymuxw stories regarding the island. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

Thank you Nanaimo!

Thank you for choosing IRIS as your favourite for eye health and vision care! Call2us today to schedule GOTHAM an eye examination VERSION HORIZONTAL LIGHT Horizontal with an IRIS Doctor of Optometry.

2013

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N NEW ANAIM S BU O LLET IN

The City of Nanaimo is on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The First Nation has occupied this territory for thousands of years and the city’s name is an anglicized form of Snuneymuxw, a collective name for the five villages that were located in the area. From the teachings and stories passed down through the generations to the sacred ceremonies, dances and celebrations that honour the Snuneymuxw way of life and connection to the land, to the art, designs and symbols that reflect a higher meaning and purpose for its people, the Snuneymuxw has a rich history and heritage that continues to unfold. And there are several ways people can learn more about it.

The Nanaimo Museum in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre downtown has a permanent exhibit that includes artifacts from various archaeological sites such as Departure Bay, the principal village site, and the old foundry site, now Maffeo Sutton Park. Artifacts include hunting and fishing tools, a Coast Salish dugout canoe, a spindle whorl used to make wool, and cedar and cherry bark baskets. David Hill-Turner, museum curator, said the exhibit, created in partnership with the Snuneymuxw, is about four years old and staff plan to update it in the near future. A virtual museum, a partnership between Virtual Museum Canada, the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Nanaimo Museum, can be accessed by going to www. snuneymuxwvoices.ca. The site includes informa-

ST OF THE CI BE E

Thank you Nanaimo

2011

3 Best of the City!

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BEST fast food

for voting us

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BEST FAST FOOD

IRIS, Conference Centre

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®TM

saturday, June 29, 2013

IRIS, Woodgrove Centre

ST OF THE CI BE E

BEST HAMBURGER

Woodgrove Centre

#312 - 60 Commercial Street

6631 Island Hwy

250.754.2212

250.390.2160

Dr. Winnie Ng, Optometrist

Dr. James Holmes, Optometrist

Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and IRIS The Visual Group.

Best of the City 41

Best of the City 2013

“

you can see everything and how vast and beautiful our Island actually is.

Aerial view

Soar above the mountains and see the city from a new angle

By Rachel SteRn The News BulleTiN

f you thought Nanaimo was beautiful by foot you should see it by air. Flight lifts people into a whole new world of wonders and beauty on Vancouver Island and offers magnifi-

cent views of Nanaimo’s harbour and natural attractions. “It’s a completely different world up there. You can see everything and how vast and beautiful our Island actually is – and how rugged it is, because you can’t get a sense of that on the ground,” said Kristie Eccleston, dispatch and

safety operator for West Coast Helicopters. “It’s just an outstanding way to see the Island.” Popular sights to see include Mount Benson, the Island’s shoreline and the harbour. Eccleston said another request the company receives a lot is to fly over the passenger’s house. One of the most unusual helicopter flights the company gave was a marriage over Departure Bay. Eccleston said many people charter a helicopter to fly to a location to propose, but during this flight the couple had the minister and two witnesses on the flight and took their vows over the radio headsets. A 30-minute flight is about $900, including taxes, which includes seats for five people; a 15-minute flight is about $550. Eccleston said people can

choose what locations they wish to visit as long as it will fit in the time frame. For more information please go to www.westcoasthelicopters.com or call the Nanaimo office at 250-754-5448. B.C. Mountain Helicopters also offers tours in Nanaimo. The company flies out of the Nanaimo Airport area. The company charges per seat cost. A tour from the airport to Nanaimo is $70 per seat, with a minimum of three people. The trip is about 20 minutes. A flight to view the Nanaimo Lakes is $200 per seat, with a two-seat minimum, and takes about 30 minutes. For more tour packages and prices please go to www.bcmh.ca or call 250924-4354. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

Cheers Nanaimo Couple $9000 Entrance Fee, $50 Per Month/Person Single $6000 Entrance Fee, $50 Per Month/Person Annual Playing Dues $183.77 Per Month/Person (Plus Tax) Unlimited Year Round Play, Advance Tee Time Booking Online $200 House Minimum Requirements Per year/Person Reduced Green Fee Rate For Member Guests Member Discounts at Halfway and Pro Shop Member Discounts on Driving Range & Golf Cart Packages

• • • • • • •

SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP • • • • • •

19yrs - 25 yrs Old - No Entrance Fee Commitment Annual Playing Dues - $70.96 Month/Person (Plus Tax) Don’t need a sponsor! Join on your own No Restaurant house Minimum Requirement Full tee Access, No Restrictions on Playing Times Member Discounts at halfway and Pro Shop Member Discount on Driving Range & Golf Cart Packages

INTERMEDIATE - II MEMBERSHIP

Annual Paying Due Fee - $52.33 Month/Person (Plus Tax) $600 Entrance Fee, Opportunity to Upgrade to Full Play Membership Full Restaurant House Minimum Applied ($300 for 2013) Unlimited Golf, Non Prime Time at Guest of Member Rate Member Discounts on Driving Range & Golf Cart Packages Full Charging Privileges (Pro Shop, Food & Beverages)

• • • • • • •

BEST SPORTS BAR

26 yrs - 32 yrs Old - No Entrance Fee Commitment Annual Playing Dues - $120.58 per Month/Person (Plus Tax) Don’t need a sponsor ! Join on your own Full Restaurant House Minimum Applied ($200 for 2013) Member Discounts at Halfway and Pro Shop Member Discounts on Driving Range & Golf Cart Packages Full Charging Privileges (Pro Shop, Food & Beverages)

2800 Highland Boulevard, Nanaimo, BC Office 250-758-2451 Pro Shop 250-758-6332 Fax 250-758-9612 info@nanaimogolfclub.ca www.nanaimogolfclub.ca make new friends

play golf have fun

42 Best of the City

2013

• • • • • • • •

INTERMEDIATE - I MEMBERSHIP

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2013 FULL PLAY MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

ST OF THE CI BE E

for voting us your

250.716.0030

150 Skinner Street(behind the Royal Bank) www.oldcitystationpub.com saturday, June 29, 2013

PLANTLAND

•Better than box stores, grocery stores, big chain stores •Better service, selection, quality, quantity & most of all the horticulture knowledge these stores cannot provide!

Across from Home Depot, next to United Furniture, by the Best Western Hotel.

2013

Over 2 Acres - 100,000 sq. ft. of all your needs for gardening, landscaping and lawns!

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

Nanaimo’s Retail Garden Centre Superstore

100% Canadian Owned!

ST OF THE CI BE E

BEST OUTDOOR GARDEN CENTRE 11 YEARS IN A ROW

SUMMER SPECIALS!

Last few years our Springs have been unseasonably cool and wet. This year is no different. Trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables are best planted in warmer soil conditions thus making June through October the best time to plant your gardens and landscapes as long as you are home to water! So here are some great deals to get you going.

ALL 1 GALLON POT SIZE

ALL 2, 3, 5, 7 GALLON POT SIZE AND LARGER

TREE AND SHRUBS

! PLUS TREE AND SHRUBS

HUGE SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM! Regular price $13.99 each

NOW

EACH

% OFF REGULAR PRICES ONLY!

ALL REGULAR PRICES END WITH A .99 PRICE POINT. DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY SPECIALS PRICED BETTER THAN 30% OFF.

WEEKS BRAND/PAN AM BRAND

STILL A LARGE SELECTION OF:

POTTED ROSES

BEDDING PLANTS STILL IN STOCK:

Regular price $29.99 each

NOW

YET ‘GROWERS’ INVENTORIES ARE GETTING LOW SO IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A COLOURFUL GARDEN THIS SUMMER. BUY NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!

EACH

ALL CERAMIC POTS LARGE SELECTION TO CHOOSE FR0M! NOW

“ALL” GARDEN ORNAMENTS AND CEMENT STATUARY

% OFF

NOW

REGULAR PRICES

% OFF REGULAR PRICES

BULK FISH COMPOST, BARK MULCH, PREMIUM GARDEN MIX SOIL 6469 Metral Drive Nanaimo, BC

Across from Home Depot, Real Canadian Superstore, next Leon’s Furniture

CALL FOR FREE GARDENING ADVICE

TOLL FREE: 1-866-845-3919

PLANTLAND Saturday, June 29, 2013

250-390-1151

55+ SENIORS DAY IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

15% OFF Regular Priced Items

(Except Bulk Soil, Bark, Fish Compost)

HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK

9:00 am to 8:00 pm Best of the City 43

Thank you NANAIMO for choosing Canada’s #1 Weight Loss Company! Best Staff in Nanaimo! Best Clients! Best VIBE! Best Success! Tabi, Aileen, Shelley, Katie and Laura.

Janet of Nanaimo

Erin of Nanaimo

pounds

lost 40

lost 38

and 40 inches!

“Stick with it, Herbal Magic has done the formula. Be patient, and soon you’ll realize you just lost your first 5 pounds!!” ~ Janet

Andrew of Parksville

lost 34

pounds and 35 inches

“I have more energy and know how to eat properly. No fancy gimics. Just a simple sustainable healthy lifestyle that you are able to maintain. Herbal Magic gets you out of old habits and you clearly see what drives your cravings.” ~ Andrew

“The ladies at HM made the experience extra special for me. Their encouragement really helped me succeed where I failed in the past. I love how I feel and look!” ~Erin

A common sense system for weight loss that lasts: REAL FOOD | PERSONAL COACHING | NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

1 - 6332 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, B.C.

250-390-0677 44 Best of the City

herbalmagic.ca

Saturday, June 29, 2013