October 23, 2013

Peninsula

BUSINESS Profiles

2013

Retailers, Services and People who make the Peninsula Strong

Sidney, North Saanich & Central Saanich

any Traditional Vintage and Ultimate Estate Reserve wine kit (in-stock only). See in store for details.

In addition, put yourwallace name 6967 drive Bay into the dailyBrentwood draw for valuable prizes and the Ph: 250.652.6515 GRAND PRIZEwww.BrentwoodPhySio.com AN APPLE IPAD!

SIDNEY

250.654.0300

www.winekitzsidney.ca

Please visit us in our new location:

Follow us on:

#5A - 2042 Mills Road West (at the intersection of Mills Road & McDonald Park Road in the Martman Industrial Centre)

Derek & Donna Finlayson are the owners/operators of Wine Kitz in Sidney. Their onpremises winery offers the best and most up-to-date equipment available to help you enjoy the experience of wine-making. Wine Kitz has been the leader in the consumer wine-making industry and are considered one of the largest and most respected winemaking retailers in Canada.

Wine Kitz Sidney offers single-batch oak barrels for red wines and acacia barrels for white wines. They have wine and beer products, equipment and supplies available for the home vintner.

They invite you to enjoy Award Winning wines imported from top quality vineyards from around the world. This year’s Limited Release wine kits are from Chile, Australia and Italy. Go to their website for more information and reserve yours today

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

#5A-2042 Mills Road West., Sidney 250-654-0300 www.winekitzsidney.ca

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9733 4th Street, Sidney Ph: 250.656.4717 www.PeninSulaPhySio.ca

Celebrating 100 Years!

Gordon Hulme Realty Ltd. and Gordon Hulme Ltd. Insurance are staffed with professional, personable and experienced sales associates and insurance brokers who all call the Peninsula home.

Each has a sincere personal interest in the future of our community … a concern that is reflected in the careful, conscientious undertaking of their business.

This isn’t just a workplace, it’s a place we all call “home.”

• REAL ESTATE • HOME INSURANCE • REAL ESTATE • AUTOPLAN • REAL ESTATE

Not looking too shabby for 100 years!

250-656-1154 INSURANCE

250-656-4626 REAL ESTATE

We are here to serve

At C•A•R•E Funeral Services your memories matter.

Sidney 250.655.9669 www.carefuneral.com

From Past to Present

William Buckley Director

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm 7925 East Saanich Rd., Victoria • 778.426.1660

Unique finds at fantastic prices

www.theoldattic.ca

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm 7925 East Saanich Rd., Victoria • 778.426.1660

Cottage Paint products and classes are now available at The Old Attic.

www.theoldattic.ca

Cottage Paint products and classes are now available at The Old Attic. Call for more information.

Call for more information.

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

Since 1990 Greater Victoria’s very best value.

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Taking care of business

T

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

here's plenty of anticipation in the air of the Saanich Peninsula.

Communities and businesses are looking to the future, envisioning a time in a very near future when people from all around the region and beyond arrive to experience what the Peninsula has to offer.

Much of the legwork is happening in the Town of Sidney where business owners and tourist attraction operators have partnered to form a Business Improvement Area (BIA) that promises to better market the main downtown core, local events and the people and products that Sidney has that no one else does.

The BIA may focus strictly on downtown Sidney, but the surrounding Peninsula cannot help but be drawn into those plans, as the communities here are linked and rely on each other for support. There may be separate centres, but they are much stronger together.

Business owners, large and small, play a large role in shaping the Saanich Peninsula. The community is known as a literary hub, thanks to the work of people like Clive Tanner, who played a large role in establishing Sidney as Booktown.

Out in Central Saanich, new businesses like the Old Attic are popping up and reflecting the local atmosphere.

Pulling all of this together are the fledgling BIA in Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

These individuals and organizations are working to better the fortunes of the community and are profiled in the Peninsula News Review's 2013 Peninsula Busi— Steven Heywood, editor ness Profiles.

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The Denture Clinic

THE SMILE YOU DESERVE Ron Postings and Robin Postings know how important a comfortable, healthy mouth is to your total well being. Let us help you feel good about your SMILE! Working together, we offer full denturist services: full and partial dentures, precision dentures, denture over-implants, relines and repairs. With our in-house lab, we can complete most repairs in two hours and relines in one day.

We are pleased to offer professional, knowledgeable service, no referral is necessary, so call today and we can set up a FREE consultation, to discuss all of your concerns.

We are open MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00-5:00

The DenTure CliniC

Ron Postings R.D. / Robin Postings R.D. 250-655-7009 #3 - 2227 James White Blvd Behind Thrifty’s on the ground floor of Lord James condominiums.

www.postingsdentures.com

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BIA heralds the offerings of Sidney

Owners of the Old Attic among treasure

Chris Fudge on the Chamber of Commerce

Clive Tanner knows all about Booktown

&Lace

Sweet Talk

Lingerie, Lounge Wear & Intimate Apparel The days are getting shorter... the nights are getting colder. Time to visit Sweet Talk & Lace for some fall and winter cozy pj’s, robes, slippers and view our delightfully pretty chemise and nighties that will make you feel just so very special. Let manager Hazel Mowat and her experienced staff Bea, Lorraine and Liz help you select lingerie and loungewear that not only fits well but lends a feeling of glamour and well being.

Why not! You deserve the best and the best is what we carry. Diamond Tea, April Cornell, Najerika, Bedhead, Mystique Intimates, Simon Chang just to name a few. Our new fall stock is arriving daily.... lots to see... lots to choose from... just in time for the upcoming festive season. And don’t forget that our staff are professional bra fitters that will transform your silhouette, enhance your well being and allow you to feel your best.

We offer Chantelle, Felina, Wacoal, Calvin Klein, Warner’s, Triumph, Olga, Wonderbra and Coobie, the popular comfort bra. We guarantee a good fit!

We offer free gift wrapping with purchase and a layaway program that lets you place a deposit and make payments until Christmas… Visit us soon!

2424 Beacon Ave., Sidney, B.C. 250-656-1002 www.sweettalkandlacelingerie.ca

YOUR COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

We invite you to experience our serene spa featuring deep relaxation massages and the Ultimate 2 hour facial that will melt your stress away.

For assistance with provincial programs and agencies

Enjoy our newly renovated Hair Salon overlooking the ocean, or try our fun Polish Lounge, which is ideal for private pedicure/manicure parties for up to 8 people!

For any reason or occasion, Haven has a special place just for you!

Our team of experts love what they do, and do what they love.

Gary Holman, MLA Saanich North and the Islands

Open 7 days a week.

Located in The Sidney Pier Hotel 9805 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC www.havenspasalon.ca 250.655.9797 havenspa@sidneypier.com

gary.holman.mla@leg.bc.ca www.garyholman.ca

GH-PenNewsRev-1309.indd 1

Sidney’s Pet Centre & Aquatics

“Proudly serving Sidney and the Peninsula for 25 Years.”

The team at Sidney’s Pet Centre has always had a soft spot for the community.

Being 100% locally owned and operated, they have supported many local events, organizations, and even local sports teams such as the Peninsula Panthers and the Central Saanich little league. Additionally, they recently partnered with Dog Bless Rescue Partners in their quest to help homeless dogs in need.

Sidney’s Pet Centre is proud to offer Sidney it’s only selection of live animals, including freshwater tropical fish, goldfish, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

In addition to providing pets with the supplies they need, the people attached to them are offered many great benefits, including a free VIP system which rewards customers with points towards discounts, and frequent buyer programs which give the customer the opportunity to earn free bags of food. They also have a website (www.sidneypetcentre.com) with information about the products they carry and instore deals and coupons, as well as a free E-Newsletter (sign up in-store or at their website: www.sidneypetcentre.com/VIP.html). The friendly staff are always happy to make themselves available for any help their customers (pets included) may need.

9769 Fifth St., Sidney BC www.sidneypetcentre.com 250-656-3314

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

New Constituency Office numbers: 250-655-5711 Toll-free: 1-855-955-5711

2013-09-24 5:39 PM

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CLASSIFICATION: INSIDE FRONT COVER

VERSION: 04

ARTIST: MICHAEL CHOW

Let our Success and Experience work for you!

Clair Downey

Let our Success and Experience work for you!

Clair Downey Service Service

"Old Fashioned Service for Today's Automobile" "Old Fashioned Service for Today's Automobile"

Back Row, L to R: Trevor, Tina, Amanda, Liz, Karen, Ashley Front Row, L to R: Dr. Loren Braun, Dr. Jacalyn Sollid

Sidney Centre Family Dentistry Family is key at Sidney Centre Family Dentistry: Husband and wife team Dr. Loren Braun and Dr. Jacalyn Sollid opened their Sidney family practice in 2000. 13 years and 2 children later, family is still their focus. “We enjoy treating entire families, from young kids’ first visits to grandparents maintaining their oral health. It is fun to get to know the whole family, and watch them grow year after year,” says Dr. Braun.

In their modern dental office, Dr. Braun has all the latest technology at his fingertips to provide patients with the best dental care possible. Along with digital radiographs, which produce significantly less radiation than conventional x-rays, the office has intraoral cameras. These take photographs that are then displayed on screens attached to the patient chairs. “A picture is worth a thousand words, so we use photos to help patients understand why a treatment is recommended,” says Dr. Braun.

A full range of dental services is offered here: exams and cleanings, fillings, crowns and bridges, implants, root canals, full and partial dentures, in-office tooth whitening, and extractions, including wisdom teeth. Sedation is available for anxious patients, as well as same day emergency care. “We never want to turn away a patient who is in pain, so we do our best to fit them into our day.” Another patient-first philosophy: this office will bill your insurance company directly.

At this time, Dr. Sollid is not practicing dentistry due to health problems. She keeps busy homeschooling their boys while Dr. Braun continues to care for patients at their office, located above Capital Iron. See them there, for your good health!

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

215 - 9764 Fifth Street (above Capital Iron) 250-655-7188 • www.sidneycentredental.com

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ClairClair Downey Service has been a known name in the community since the 1950’s.

Service is a locally owned business. Our company takes Since thatDowney time, the business has changed withtothe times but has never forgotten the greatDowney pride in giving “oldisfashioned our clientsOur andcompany look Clair Service a locallyservice” owned business. old forward fashioned service. all Clair Downey’s no longer carriesneeds. gas or propanetakes but is still to fulfilling of your repair and maintenance great pride in giving “old fashioned service” to our clients and look providing the best possible automotive and maintenance service that clients • Complete Automotiverepair Repair Facility forward fulfilling all of repair and maintenance needs. have come totoexpect.

As•well as your being a Provincial Warranty Approved Maintenance Designated Inspection Facility, Clair • Designated Complete Automotive Repairmaintenance Facility BC Inspection Facility Downey’s specializes in •warranty approved vehicle and comprehensive Walker Exhaust • Warranty Approved Maintenance repairs at competitive •prices.

Licensed Technicians use the latest equipment and • Performance Exhaust • BC Designated Inspection continually upgrade their• Latest skills to stay current withFacility changing technology.

Diagnostic Equipment • Walker Exhaust From courtesy cars to customer pick up and drop off, the staff • Air Conditioning Service • Performance Exhaust • Competitively Priced schedule.

Tires will tailor your next appointment to your Drop in or call • Repairs Latest Diagnostic Equipment • All Guaranteed so the Clair Downey Team can prove that customer service is still • Air Conditioning • Courtesy Cars their #1 goal and not a thing of the past. Service • Customer Drop Off &Priced Pick UpTires • Competitively

9429 Canora Road

9429 Canora Road,•Sidney (Located at the end of East Saanich Road) All Repairs Guaranteed

•250-656-2921 Courtesy Cars (250) 656-2921 • Customer Drop Off & Pick Up

www.clairdowney.com www.clairdowney.com

9429 Canora Road, Sidney (Located at the end of East Saanich Road)

(250) 656-2921

www.clairdowney.com

Come visit your neighbourhood Pharmasave - right in the heart of Brentwood Bay. They are celebrating 11 years in business at this location and look forward to serving their customers well into the future.

Proudly locally owned and operated, owner and Pharmacist Colin Chan has been a Pharmacist for 28 years, 23 of which have been spent in Brentwood Bay. Owner and Pharmacist Joe Duquesnay has been a Pharmacist for 24 years, and 19 of those have been spent in Brentwood Bay. They are happy to assist you with some of their services including easy prescription transferring, prescription delivery, and Live Well medication reviews.

Store Manager Gary Mason is among the staff who are happy to help with any questions you may have about the large variety of products they offer.

Smart Clothes.

Everyday Living.

9746 5th St., Sidney 250-656-1970

With our 25th Anniversary just around the corner, most of you know who we are despite a few name changes. If you have not found us yet please hunt us down, just a half a block off Beacon Avenue south of Fifth Street. Our ladies wear has grown to where it could fill it’s own store. Our industrial is still leading the market for value and durability, and our men’s casual and business casual has everything you need for work or after work. Our Holiday collection is arriving daily and looks great this year. Please keep us in mind when shopping for your loved ones or when you just want to look and feel good.

See us for all your everyday needs!

Orange should be used as: C-0, M-60, Y-100, K-0 Grey Should be used as: C-0, M-0, Y-0, K-50

For Pantone PMS Colours please contact Watermark 403-228-7949

Thank you allowing us to serve the best little town in the world for 25 years!

Doug Bateman

7181 West Saanich Rd., Brentwood Bay

250-652-1235

Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Closed Sundays & Holidays

Rediscovering Sidney

“Sidney is a place where people come to live — forever.”

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newcomer to the business community in Sidney is redeveloping the overall picture of the town and hopes to change the perspective of a lot of people — and so far it's getting a lot of positive support.

"Sidney doesn't need to be perceived as an old place," says Angus Matthews. "Sidney is a place where people come to live — forever."

Matthews is one of the driving forces behind the creation this year of the Sidney Business Improvement Area, or BIA for short. He's part of a team of business owners and partners within the tourism industry that saw Sidney's potential and sought a better way to market some of the great things local entrepreneurs can offer. Two-and-a-half years in the making, the BIA is offering new hope for a commercial core in need of revitalization — and rediscovery.

Matthews, who is also the executive director of the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, is putting a lot of energy into the BIA initiative. He, alongside BIA president Cliff McNeilSmith of Tanner's Books, new BIA director and communications coordinator Oleene Herman and many other business owners, are stepping up their game.

The lifestyle of Sidney is something the BIA hopes will play well outside of the community. It's safe and offers locals and visitors alike great experiences, friendly people and offerings you might not find anywhere else. The key to letting people from outside of Sidney know about all of that, is in the telling of local stories.

"Tourism alone isn't going to cut it," Matthews said. "We saw the strengths and weaknesses we had in the regional economy and found that we needed to be Sidney-centric."

In the 175 days since the BIA was approved by the mu-

nicipality, Matthews said the volunteer board of directors have been bringing people together to talk about priorities and to consult with the rest of the community. While the focus is on Beacon Avenue and businesses in the immediate commercial core, he said they could not leave out the generators of local business, such as the aquarium, Mary Winspear Centre, the many local events and even Butchart Gardens.

What the BIA has come up with in its marking plans — including the overall theme Distinctly Sidney and the tagline Come Get Your Share — sets the stage for showing off everything the business community has to offer. Start with one word about something local — wonder, discovery, authenticity — and add "come get your share", and you have a concept the BIA hopes will find traction in the region and beyond.

"We need every member of the BIA to watch how the BIA impacts their business,"Matthews continued. "Everybody is going to assess the success of the BIA through their own eyes."

Gathering evidence of this success is also part of the BIA's job. As a new organization, Matthews agreed people need to see the benefits. And the best way of doing that, he said, is through communicating with business owners and tourist attraction operators who know their own shops and see the traffic through their doors every day.

To get the word out, the BIA has a new website, www.distinctlysidney.ca, and have been advertising on billboards and in newspapers and magazines. Matthews said there's even an app in the works to reach people on the go.

It's all an effort to establish Sidney as a brand and with that create new appeal for authentic experiences, people and products that the community has been offering for years.

"It's in this way that Sidney is able to punch above its weight."

By Steven Heywood/News staff

Peninsula News News Review Review // PENINSULA PENINSULA BUSINESS BUSINESS PROFILES PROFILES 2013 2013 // www.vicnews.com www.vicnews.com Peninsula

– Angus Matthews

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Christine Laurent Jewellers Shopping for that special person on your list can often be a challenge. Not so when you visit Christine Laurent Jewellers and behold their incredible selection of gorgeous Diamonds, Gold and Birthstone jewellery, Sterling Silver and specially selected giftware to please the most discriminating person on your list.

Birthdays • Anniversaries • Christmas • Special Occasions Our selection is eye catching and we are always pleased to gift wrap at no extra charge. Shop early as new stock is arriving daily and you will want to have the very first choice.

Owner Marie Rosko and sales associates Nancy, Phyllis, Lisette, Lorraine, and Suniti are excited about the new fall and Christmas arrivals. They will help with choosing “just the right” gift” while the selection is at its best. We suggest you take advantage of our layaway policy to hold those items you would like to present to that someone special. We will change watch batteries while you wait and have an excellent selection of watch straps. We are proud of our experienced and professional jewellery and watch repair service.

Come in at your leisure and browse... we look forward to your visit.

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

2432 Beacon Ave., Sidney BC 250-656-7141 www.christinelaurentjewellers.ca

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McNeill Audiology Comprehensive Hearing Care

Our hearing is a wondrous, complex mechanism and a crucial part of our lives. A hearing loss can happen at any age, from a myriad of causes and usually develops subtly, creating insidious but considerable inconvenience and lifestyle changes.

Our experienced audiologists, trained at a Masters Degree level specializing in diagnosing and assisting with hearing loss, can provide solutions to help you communicate with your loved ones.

At McNeill Audiology we focus on comprehensive hearing tests and provide all styles of hearing aids, hearing aid accessories, amplified telephones and assistive listening devices for TV or stereos.

Have your hearing tested by our experienced professionals and check out the amazing digital hearing aid options at McNeill Audiology.

5 – 9843 Second St., Sidney BC V8L 3C7 Tel: 656-2218 Webpage: www.mcneillaudiology.ca • E-mail: admin@mcneillaudiology.ca

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lmost eight months after taking on the position of Executive Director at the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Chris Fudge says it's time for the Chamber to bring more to the table for its members.

"I always say that membership with the Chamber is a twoway street — you get out of it what you put in. That's true, but the board came away from a recent strategic planning session agreeing that there is a need to enhance and expand the benefits that we offer to our members," Fudge explained.

"We have great benefits in place now, but we need more.

This will be a key piece of the Chamber's plan going into 2014."

Fudge came to the Chamber last January after serving as the Senior Manager of Member and Visitor Services for Tourism Whistler, a member-based marketing and sales organization, where he was responsible for all member communications and engagement. Prior to Tourism Whistler, he spent three years as Regional Manager of Accommodation with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and was directly involved in the strategic planning, detailed operational planning and Games readiness phases of the Games.

From 1998 to 2004, Fudge was the International Sales Manager representing Whistler Blackcomb and was instrumental in cultivating relationships with key travel partners around the world and in developing new international markets for the resort. In 2004, he was selected to join the parent company, Intrawest, to support an integrated sales and marketing

effort for the company’s network of resorts throughout North America and Europe.

With all the experience of promoting a world-class tourist destination like Whistler and events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games under his belt, the Saanich Peninsula may seem like an easy transition, but Fudge said the area has its own set of challenges and unique attributes.

"It's an area that is mainly driven by small business and also some industry which is a bit different than somewhere like Whistler," said Fudge, "but many of the issues and challenges our Chamber faces are similar."

Fudge said some of the current challenges for the Chamber lay in defining the Chamber's role to perspective members as well as retaining membership numbers through tougher economic times.

"It's important for people and members to know that the Chamber does take on promotion of the area as a whole, but that is only one small aspect of what we do," he explained.

The Chamber also addresses issues and challenges members face and advocates for members on issues like workforce housing, tax rates and signage bylaws, he said.

"We ultimately serve to lend a voice to our members and offer tangible benefits like health benefits, discounts and networking opportunities."

The Chamber hosts events on a regular basis including educational seminars (their annual Tour of Industry happens Oct. 31) and mixers, forums and workshops.

For more information on the Chamber and it's latest events, visit www.peninsulachamber.ca. By Devon MacKenzie/News staff

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

Bringing more to the table

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Healthy Living... Naturally.

Peninsula Family Chiropractic is committed to providing you and your family with the finest quality care through the most modern chiropractic techniques and technology. Our clinic provides chiropractic care, laser therapy and the only spinal decompression table on the Peninsula (specific for disc bulges/herniation and nerve compression- as seen in sciatica/leg pain).

Deep Tissue Laser Therapy (DTLT) is an exciting new, non-invasive therapy which provides a safe and effective alternative to drugs and surgery. DTLT promotes healing by increasing cellular function, circulation and nutrients exchange which causes a decrease in swelling/inflammation, muscle spasms/ stiffness and pain.

During treatment patients feel a soothing warmth which signals the beginning of an 18 - 24 hour process of modulated cellular activity leading to decreased pain and inflammation. Most patients see results within 3 to 5 treatments which last 5 – 10 minutes.

DTLT can be used to treat both acute and chronic injuries including arthritis, neck pain, low back pain, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome as well as post-surgical pain.

In fact, DTLT has been adopted as an essential pain management tool by athletic trainers with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, FIFA and Olympic teams.

If you are looking for answers about chiropractic care for wellness and vitality for your family, just call us at 250652-4347 or visit our website at www. peninsulachiro.ca.

2379 Bevan Ave. Sidney

250-656-7266 At the Peninsula Lifetime Eyecare Centre we truly believe that “life is worth seeing!”

Our team of optometrists and certified optometric assistants is dedicated to providing our community with the highest standard of professional, comprehensive eye and vision care.

Other professional services include contact lens therapy, pre and post-operative management for laser vision correction and diagnostic retinal imaging with our retinal camera and our new OCT machine.

Our full-service practice includes an optical dispensary with an incredible selection of fashionable frames and the latest in spectacle lens technology. With our new on-site lab service, glasses can now be made in one hour!

The Peninsula Lifetime Eyecare Centre is conveniently located at the corner of Bevan Avenue and Fifth Street in Sidney.

Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call today for an appointment! New patients welcome.

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

Dr. Laurie Brennan Dr. Aisha Cheng Dr. Mark Bourdeau Email: info@lifetimeeyecarecentre.com Website: www.lifetimeeyecarecentre.com

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The Cultural Heart of the Saanich Peninsula.

SeaFirst Insurance Brokers has been providing our clients with the finest in general insurance services for over 40 years, and is proud to be a part of the Saanich Peninsula and Victoria communities. SeaFirst is pleased to support local charities, and regularly participates in community events such as Brentwood Bay Days, Central Saanich Family Festival, Saanichton Community Christmas, and many more!

Why insure with SeaFirst Insurance Brokers? Our highly-trained insurance brokers have extensive knowledge of property and liability insurance, to ensure that you receive the best coverage at the most competitive price. We value continuing education programs to equip our brokers with the leading-edge information they need to provide the best possible service. In the unfortunate event of a claim, our 24/7 claims service will ensure that your claim will be handled in a timely and professional manner.

Whether you are looking to insure your car, home, business, boat, or more, SeaFirst Insurance is happy to handle all of your insurance needs. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote at any of our 7 locations in the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria area.

The 310-seat Charlie White Theatre is known as one of the best community performance theatres in the province.

Weekly we host some of the best live cultural theatre, dance and musical performances on Vancouver Island.

For Tickets and Event Info Call: 250-656-0275 TICKETS ONLINE ANY TIME!

www.marywinspear.ca

Brentwood Bay: (250)652-1141

Saanichton: (250)652-5157

Sidney: (250)656-9886

Salt Spring Island: (250)537-5527

Oak Bay: (250)592-5544

Westshore: (250)478-9110

Pender Island: (250)629-3789

Treasure trove of history “We live in a perpetual state of anticipation and wonder.”

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ven though Vic Clive and his partner Lynne Parker have only been in operation for a short time at their new location on East Saanich Road, the owners and operators of the Old Attic antique and collectible shop feel as though they’ve come home — and they couldn’t be more pleased with the homecoming.

Clive and Parker were both raised in Central Saanich and have a love of the community and its history.

That’s part of the reason that the couple moved their operation to a Central Saanich location that is both more spacious and more in-keeping with their own sensibilities and appreciation of history.

“This building was built in 1898,” said Clive, beaming as he pointed out elements of the building’s construction. “It was an Orange Hall and then became a Moose Hall for a considerable time. The owners just before us were a newly founded religion that didn’t quite work out.”

Clive and Parker knew of the building and, although it wasn’t zoned for their purposes, they purchased the structure and worked with the municipality.

“The municipality and the neighbours were all very supportive,” said Clive. “It’s like we’ve returned to our roots.”

The Old Attic is a treasure trove of antiques (by definition, items over 100 years old), vintage items and collectables.

A 120-year-old whale bone sculpture shares the room with hand-made pine furniture, antique tools and rare artwork. It’s an eclectic collection that has made the Old Attic a destination for antique lovers and others who may just be curious about the wide array of items within the store.

“For us, it’s just like Christmas morning every day. We never know what’s going to walk through the door,” said Clive.

“We live in a perpetual state of anticipation and wonder.”

Many of the items in the shop are brought in by people who want to sell the items on consignment. They may be things that have been inherited or old collections that they’ve had for years.

“A lot of older folks come in with things they’ve had for years,” said Clive. “They’re downsizing and they trust us to relocate their treasures.”

When that happens Clive said that he is particularly sensitive to the feelings that owners have for the items.

“They’ll come in and visit their things, and I always try to not just sell their items but to make sure that I find them a good home.”

When an item comes in Clive and Parker get to work researching the providence of the piece and learning lots.

“It’s fantastic,” said Parker. It’s fun – not like work at all. We learn so much about our history. It’s amazing.”

It’s apparent, though, both Clive and Parker are working very hard to make the Old Attic a positive addition to the community — a community they love. They offer visitors coffee and treats and welcome questions about the building, the antiques and collectibles and even about Harley, their gigantic Great Dane, a gentle behemoth who makes himself comfortable in the shop and on the specially constructed balcony outside the front door.

“It takes people about an hour to just walk through and look at all the items,” said Clive. “The funny thing is, I find myself doing the same thing — picking up a piece here and there just to feel the connection to the past that it offers. It’s a wonderful way to remember and appreciate our history ” More information on the Old Attic can be found at www. theoldattic.ca.

By Tim Collins/Contributor

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

– Vic Clive

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SHOAL Centre

for Private “Independent Retirement Living”

Suites Available ~ Pets Welcome

Proud to be your 1st choice for Best Senior Living Facility!

OPTICAL & OPTOMETRISTS

Locally owned and operated, Ray Dahl Optical & Optometrists now offer eye exams. Joining the business earlier this year are Dr. Scott Williams and Dr. Samantha Bourdeau.

Both Dr. Williams and Dr. Bourdeau have over 10 years experience doing eye exams and look forward to seeing new patients.

Our staff take pride in providing friendly service and high quality products, and with over 600 frames and 150 sunglasses to choose from, we can accommodate all your style needs.

#104-2376 Bevan Ave., Sidney Centre

250-655-1122

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

Open Monday - Friday • 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Saturday • 10:00 am to 4 pm

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* Unfurnished suites, 5 appliances (including in-suite laundry) * Support services (personal care) available on as needed basis * Social interaction and recreational activities * 24-hour response available

250.654.0536 - Lorraine Gates, Manager SHOAL Centre, Independent Living (office located next to the pharmacy)

Pre-arranged tours recommended. No drop-ins please.

(Note: The SHOAL Centre is not a nursing home. It is the only seniors centre in town with an on-site public acitivity centre and a public dining room.)

· Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping · Canadian personal and corporate tax returns · US personal tax returns · Financial and estate planning · Software training · Business acquisition, development and sale Chris Cowland, CA

www.cowlandpaterson.com 200-2377 Bevan Avenue, Sidney • 250-656-5547

Caroline Paterson, CGA

C

live Tanner loves books. He loves their weight, their texture and their smell.

“There’s something about holding a book that can’t be duplicated with the modern readers,” said Tanner, waving his hand around his shop and smiling. “These are more than books, they’re like friends. They are friends.”

Tanner’s love for books and the book business has made him the patriarch of Sidney’s Booktown. That’s a title that Sidney by the Sea has rightly claimed, according to Tanner.

“Look at the number of bookstores here. It’s like nowhere else I’ve seen,” said Tanner.

He should know. At one time or another Tanner has had a stake in establishing most of those shops. And the bookshops are all a bit different, running the gamut of interests and specialties. For example, there’s the Haunted Bookstore that deals with rare volumes and collectables; the Children’s book shop, that has everything a budding reader could want; and of course the Military and History Bookshop, catering to the folks with a passion for military history.

“If you love books and have come to Sidney,” said Tanner, “you’ve come to the right place.”

But Tanner’s bibliophilic tendencies didn’t begin in Sidney.

A transplanted Brit, he bought his first bookshop in the Yukon in the early 1970s.

“I was selling greeting cards at the time and this fellow asked me if I might be interested in buying his store. I jumped at the chance, and ended up owning six shops in the Yukon,” said Tanner.

But the job wasn’t always easy.

“I remember the year we had a flood in Dawson City. My bookstore went floating down the main street. When the waters receded, I thought it would be a good idea to leave the buildings wherever they’d run aground,” said Tanner with a smile. “No one else agreed.”

“These are more than books, they're like friends.”

– Clive Tanner

He moved to Oak Bay in 1980 and ended up owning three shops in Victoria and three in Sidney by the Sea. But his final move to Sidney came after one of his Victoria stores burned to the ground.

“It was quite a fire,” said Tanner. “I got a call in the middle of the night telling me that it was all gone. For me, it just meant a chance to start anew in Sidney. It was a good fire, in a way.

Sidney is a real book town and I love it here.”

After their move to Sidney in 1993 Tanner and his wife, Christine, became the driving force in establishing the Booktown reputation for the town.

“I only actually own two of the shops now, the Military and History Bookshop and Beacon Books,” said Tanner. “But at one time I had six or maybe seven. I had a lot more, at any rate. I sold Tanner’s Books a few years back but they wanted to keep my name on the door. I like that. It reminds me that I started a lot of this.”

Tanner said Sidney is the perfect venue for bookstores of all types. It’s his contention that the combination of a high number of transplanted Brits in Sidney, coupled with the tourist traffic off the boats make for a great recipe for the success of bookstores.

“Brits love to read,” he said with a smile. “And anyone who’s ever travelled by boat knows that an hour in, you’re looking for something to read.”

For Tanner, it’s not just about the business any longer.

“Christine manages Beacon books, where it’s a lot busier. I have a very peaceful life here. Friends come in and we play crib or backgammon in the back. It’s not really like work for me.”

That much is obvious. Tanner said that he sometimes just stands in the shop and inhales the smell of the books. They are his life and his love — and Sidney is all the richer for Tanner’s passion.

More information on Sidney’s Booktown can be found at sidneybooktown.ca.

By Tim Collins/Contributor

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

Not really like work

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SIDNEY

EYELAND OPTICAL

Henley & Walden LLP has been serving the legal needs of the Saanich Peninsula for over 35 years. The lawyers of Henley & Walden LLP provide wise counsel and practical guidance across a wide range of legal areas including Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements, Executorships, Estate Administration and Litigation, Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial, Family Law and Civil Litigation.

Dale Henley established the practice in Sidney in 1976 and Michael Walden joined him in 1980. Dominique Alford, with her extensive background in Corporate, Commercial and Real Estate Law, joined the firm in 2009 and became a partner in 2012. Jim Fowler, with his experience in Family Law and Estate Litigation, joined in 1993. Kristen Collishaw became part of the firm legal team in 2010 while Shannon Mather joined in 2013. The lawyers are supported by a friendly, helpful and professional staff with years of experience and dedication.

Located at the corner of Fifth St. and Bevan Ave., Henley & Walden LLP is open Mon-Fri from 8:30-5:00 for all of your legal needs.

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

www.henleywalden.com 250.656.7231

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Sidney’s Christmas party headquarters, book now.

Walk into Sidney Eyeland and get a warm welcome. Local owner Fima, and optician Brian, are always pleased to see returning customers and to meet new ones - and show their huge selection of eyewear.

“We’re an independent optical dispensary,” Fima explains, “so we can provide an unlimited number of frame styles and digitally manufactured lenses by Germanmade Carl Zeiss and Japanese Nikon and Seiko, as well as French Essilor products to fit all our customer’s needs.”

Because Fima and Brian are licensed opticians they also offer knowledgeable service and their in-store labs can do most work right on the premises. They can fill most prescriptions in one day, and adjustments, repairs, and cleaning are fast and often free.

Sidney Eyeland Optical is conveniently located, in the heart of Sidney at 2451 Beacon Avenue or, come visit us at our second location, at 316 Cook St. Village, in Victoria. Whichever store you choose, Brian and Fima are looking forward to seeing you!

We appreciate your support over the years.

2451 Beacon Ave.

(250) 656-3626

316 Cook St. Village

(250) 380-2735

www.eyelandoptical.ca

“Fantastic” StonehousePub.ca “It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.”

Urbanspoon, 2013

Call to book your next function

778.351.1133

Peninsula Landscape Supplies Ltd. is celebrating over 20 years serving the Peninsula and surrounding communities. They would like to take this opportunity to thank all those customers who have shown them their support over the years.

Peninsula Landscape Supplies caters to homeowners, do it yourself gardeners, and professionals. They offer a convenient delivery service. However, you may choose to pick up your own load of any size. Over 20 years, Peninsula Landscape Supplies has evolved into a complete garden store, supplying a variety of products such as fertilizers, seeds, garden giftware, pond supplies, and tools. There is also a large selection of quality bulk landscape materials. Such items include Earthbank Fish Compost, bark mulches, soil amendments, aggregates (construction and decorative), and sands. They also carry dry, premium growing mediums year round. Peninsula Landscape Supplies has been blending their own growing mediums for two generations.

Stop by to chat with their horticultural expert Stephan when you are ready to start your next gardening project. They look forward to helping you create the perfect backyard retreat.

Peninsula

The Military & History Bookshop Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 12pm - 4pm

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

9812 Fourth St. Sidney 250.655.3969

Advanced Dentistry Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Acupuncture Official Veterinarian for the 2013 Canadian Police Canine Championships Serving Vancouver Island for over 30 years.

250-656-9911 • www.deanparkpet.com • www.facebook.com/DeanParkPetHospital

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

2078 Henry Ave., Sidney BC 250-656-6719 www.peninsulalandscapesupplies.com

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In Your Time of Need...

We Keep It Simple

Peninsula News Review / PENINSULA BUSINESS PROFILES 2013 / www.vicnews.com

Entrust your loved one to our professionals where your needs and wishes are fulfilled, without guilt, pressure, or the burden of high costs.

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Basic cremation $1100 + HST services include: • Transfer & sheltering • Cremation container & urn • Cremation process • Registration & documentation Memorial Society Members welcome We honour all pre-arranged cremation & funeral contracts

Simply Cremations & Funeral Services Unit 2, 2075 Henry Avenue West , Sidney, British Columbia

I Phone: 250-656-5555

Simply Cremations & Funeral Services

Anyone wishing to prearrange and prepay their services with our firm will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to the Catalina Grill House in Sidney. Offer valid from Oct. 1st, 2013 - Nov. 30th, 2013.