PENINSULA SIDFEST’s second coming
Get on your bikes and ride
The Phyllis Killers are headlining the second annual showcase of local bands, page 7
Families are invited to a special ride on the Victoria Airport’s Flight Path, page 3 Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
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NEWS REVIEW
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Have your say on downtown Sidney’s revitalization task force conducting research surveys Steven Heywood News staff
For each of the 50 days since the announcement of the Mayor’s Task Force on downtown revitalization, the group has generated one idea or strategy that will be debated by the town council. Now they’ll face similar scrutiny from the public. Mayor Larry Cross has issued a call for input as the task force embarks on a series of research surveys of business owners, shoppers, residents and downtown business owners. The task force, he says, is looking for people’s top three ideas on what might have a positive impact on Beacon Avenue and all of downtown. “I am very pleased by the progress the Task Force has been able to achieve in a relatively short period of time,” Cross stated in a media release. “Their focus and commitment to making Sidney’s downtown the best it can be is matched equally by the enthusiasm and positive energy they bring to the table each and every week. “But we can’t do it alone, and as part of our mandate, we need to hear from all of the stakeholders on their ideas for downtown revitalization.” The survey work is expected to be done in June or July and the task force is asking for people’s input right now. People can make their comments and suggestions and email mayorstaskforce@sidney.ca, drop off hand-written submissions at the town hall or at the Sidney Business Improvement Association office (Visitor Info. Centre on Beacon Avenue). People can also use the SidneySays portal at www.sidney.ca. While some of the ideas generated by the task force are, according to the Town, in the works through the Town, the SBIA or Community Development Committee, others will require the decision of the town council. One of those has been the allocation of $3,500 to produce a community events calendar with the SBIA. Cross also received assent from council to use $10,000 out of the Town’s economic development fund to support task force recommendations.
Steven Heywood/News staff
Eric Knoester, director of racquet sports at Panorama Recreation, says the tennis facility will be a busy place June 14 to 21 when it hosts the Freedom 55 Financial Women’s ITF Tennis Tournament.
Panorama serves up the world International women’s tennis tournament set for June 14 to 21 Steven Heywood News staff
Panorama Recreation has upped its game and will be hosting an ITF women’s professional tennis tournament June 14 to 21. Having successfully hosted an international junior tournament last year, Tennis Canada in partnership with Tennis B.C. and the South Island Ten-
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nis Association named Panaorama the host of the Freedom 55 Financial Women’s ITF Tennis Tournament. Eric Knoester, Panorama’s director of racquet sports, says this will be the first time since 2001 an ITF event has come to Greater Victoria — and the first one in western Canada since 2007. “It’s a coup for Panorama,” he said. “And it’s a chance for our players to see a higher level of tennis.”
By May 29, Knoester said organizers will know which of the women’s tennis players, ranked between 1,500 and 250th in the world, will be registered for the tournament. With a $10,000 purse, Knoester said the tournament will attract up-andcomers in the women’s professional ranks, largely from North America. Please see: Watch the action for free, page 9