June 30, 2015

Restaurants

Shopping

Recreation

Entertainment

Kids’ Stuff

Service

Health

Best beaches: It’s going to be a long, hot summer, so find the best places to cool off

Summer sports: Teams continue to compete at fields throughout the Harbour City

Best of the City 2015

Silly sailors: Boat builders try not to sink as they pilot homemade vessels for charity

Survey says: Best salon, chicken wings and more Winner profiles: Your top picks in the city

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2013 Steven Shannon Sales Manager

Galaxy Motors would like to thank our entire family of customers for voting us

“BEST IN THE CITY” THREE YEARS IN A ROW!

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Best of the City 2015

Get ready to catch a case of summer fever in Nanaimo I

t already feels like it’s been summer for a long time, but really, the season is just getting started.

We’ve got a hot, dry one ahead of us – at least that’s what the people over at Environment Canada keep telling us – so we kept summer firmly in mind when heading out to find our Best of the City features.

The annual publication takes results from our reader survey and awards what residents think are the best things in Nanaimo. But we’ve got our favourites, too, and Best of the City gives us an opportunity to showcase them.

For instance, how can you prepare for summer without knowing where the best beaches are?

Greg Sakaki writes about the favourites, like Westwood Lake and Departure Bay, but how about Sebastion Beach just north of here in Lantzville?

You can also cool off in the revamped Harewood Park, which comes equipped with not only a brand-new playground but also a waterpark. You can also beat the heat with a cold, craft brew from a variety of eateries in the city supporting local breweries, or pick up a bottle of fermented grapes from not one but two wineries in Nanaimo.

Citizens are expected to be out in full force again when two of the zaniest events on Vancouver Island – Silly Boat Regatta and the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race – set sail from shore in July.

Need to get out of the sun? Then check out any of our winners in categories for style, service and food. There’s no shortage of things to do in Nanaimo’s entertainment district – just check out Nicholas Pescod’s story on the city’s nightlife.

Putting together 2015’s Best of the City is some of the most fun we’ve had on this publication.

We’ve caught a bit of summer fever and we hope you will too.

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fun in the sun

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wild women SPECIAL EDITION

Phone: 250-753-3707 / editor@nanaimobulletin.com

On the

A division of Black Press Ltd. 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7 Publisher: Maurice donn Editor: Melissa Fryer Sales Manager: Sean Mccue Special Edition Production: nanaimo news Bulletin Production department Contributors: chris Bush, Greg Sakaki, nicholas Pescod, Tamara cunningham and Karl Yu

cOver

Four-year-old Harley Gibson is decked out to go for a dip in Westwood Lake.

Aside from winning best place to walk, jog or hike and best place to walk your dog, and second place for best place to mountain bike and best place to swim outdoors, Westwood Lake is a popular beach in summer. For more beach options please see page 7.

Winners in the 14th 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.

– Melissa Fryer, managing editor

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NANAIMO Best of the City 3

Best of the City 2015 – WINNER: Spice of Life Catering

Catering company takes the cake Couple credits success to word of mouth from happy customers

By Karl yu The News BulleTiN

C

heryl and Kelly Nixon and Spice of Life Catering have successfully defended their 2014 title as the best catering company in Nanaimo.

The Nixons have owned and operated Spice of Life for 10 years after purchasing it in 2005.

Among the fare on their menus are sliced breads and warm egg patties for breakfast, baked salmon with white wine and dill butter for lunch and teriyaki chicken or wild sockeye salmon for dinner.

According to the two, the steak barbecue menu or fresh marinated and cooked shrimp, with chili lime aioli appetizers, aren’t the only reasons the company garnered votes – it’s also customer service.

“We don’t really do any advertising.

It’s just people that are happy with what we’ve done and they spread the word, so I think that’s a big part of it,” said Kelly. “We do more than what people have actually ordered or are paying for.”

“We’re actually at the events we do,” said Cheryl, a Red Seal-certified chef.

“We’re not just sending out staff and

KARL YU/The News BULLeTiN

Cheryl Nixon, who owns Spice of Life Catering with husband Kelly, ices cupcakes. The Nixons and Spice of Life Catering have been voted the best catering company in Nanaimo as part of the Nanaimo News Bulletin’s Best of the City survey.

saying, ‘Do it,’ We hear a lot of times that they actually see the face to the business.”

Weddings, banquets, proms and conferences are events that Spice of Life caters to, but it also serves food to the Nanaimo school district as well.

“We do a lot of lunches for the school district, when they have [professional development] days, drop off lunches for the teachers, that type of thing,” Cheryl said.

With Spice of Life Catering being a family business, the Nixons are able to take advantage of a garden at their home to add to the presentation of dishes.

“That’s why we have that garden there. It’s just strictly herbs and edible flowers. We don’t grow any vegetables, it’s just for actual garnishing and decorating of the food,” said Kelly.

“That was created just for our business. It’s a really big part of it,” said Cheryl.

The desserts are always a crowd pleaser, but with dietary habits changing, it can present a bit of a challenge.

“People are changing the way they eat, so we’ve tried to adjust to that as well,” said Cheryl. “People still want dessert, but they want it healthier, so we’ve tried to adapt to that ... the gluten-free thing is big.”

And adapting desserts to meet the needs of customers is one of the reasons Spice of Life Catering takes the cake in Best of the City again. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015 – RESULTS: Food Best Asian Food 1.

Huong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant 2.

Kasira Thai Fine Cuisine 3.

Hong Kong House

Best place to buy meat 1.

Nesvog Meats and Sausage Co. 2.

Costco 3.

Thrifty Foods

Best bakery 1.

Columbia Bakery 2.

Nanaimo Bakery and Confectionery 3.

Cobs Bread

Best Mediterranean food 1.

Asteras Greek Taverna 2.

Alexandra’s Bistro 3.

Zougla Mediterranean Grill

Best breakfasts 1.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 2.

Tania’s Restaurant 3.

Ricky’s All Day Grill 3.

2 Chefs Affair

Best place to meet for coffee 1.

The Buzz 2.

Starbucks 3.

Serious Coffee Best nachos 1.

Gina’s Mexican Café 2.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 3.

Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant

Best place to buy seafood 1.

Seadrift Fishmarket 2.

Thrifty Foods 3.

Costco Best deli 1.

Nesvog Meats and Sausage Co. 2.

Thrifty Foods 3.

Nellie’s Dutch Deli

KARL YU/The News BULLeTiN

Patio service

Best desserts 1.

A Wee Cupcakery 1.

Dairy Queen 2.

Columbia Bakery 2.

Mon Petit Choux 2.

Nanaimo Bakery and Confectionery 3.

Frankie’s Modern Diner Best family restaurant 1.

White Spot Restaurants 2.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 3.

Ricky’s All Day Grill Best fast food 1.

Wendy’s Restaurants 2.

A&W Restaurants 3.

Subway

Best pasta 1.

Milano’s Ristorante 2.

New York Style Pizza and Pasta 3.

Boston Pizza 3.

Frankie’s Modern Diner

Ceilidh Glennie, left, Ashley Rouleau and Sarah Yaredic, employees at The Cactus Club in Nanaimo, serve drinks on the restaurant’s patio, which was voted the best patio restaurant in Best of the City.

Best patio restaurant 1.

Cactus Club Café 2.

Carlos O’Bryan’s Pub 3.

Lighthouse Bistro

Best fish and chips 1.

Trollers Fish and Chips 2.

Pirate Chips 3.

Cod Squad Fish and Chips

Best kids’ restaurant 1.

White Spot Restaurants 2.

Pirate Chips 3.

McDonald’s

Best pizza 1.

Mambo Gourmet Pizza 2.

New York Style Pizza 3.

Ali Baba Pizza

Best french fries 1.

Pirate Chips 2.

McDonald’s 3.

New York Fries

Best lunches 1.

Delicado’s 2.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 3.

Gabriel’s Gourmet Café’

Best place to buy produce 1.

Thrifty Foods 2.

Country Grocer 3.

Quality Foods

Best hamburgers 1.

White Spot Restaurants 2.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 3.

A&W

Best martini 1.

Acme Food Co. 2.

Cactus Club Café 3.

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Best of the City 5

Best of the City 2015 – RESULTS: Food and Recreation Best restaurant (overall) 1.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 2.

Asteras Greek Taverna 3.

Firehouse Grill

Best place for kayaking 1.

Newcastle Island 2.

Departure Bay 3.

Long Lake

Best romantic restaurant 1.

Asteras Greek Taverna 2.

Hilltop Bistro 3.

Firehouse Grill

Best place for mountain biking 1.

Doumont Road 2.

Mount Benson 2.

Westwood Lake 3.

Colliery Dam Park

Best seafood restaurant 1.

The Bold Knight 2.

Keg Steakhouse 3.

Trollers Fish and Chips

Best people-watching spot 1.

Harbourfront Walkway 2.

Swy-a-lana Lagoon 3.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Best steak 1.

Keg Steakhouse 2.

The Bold Knight 3.

Beefeaters

Best place for a picnic 1.

Neck Point Park 2.

Piper’s Lagoon Park 3.

Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park

Best sushi 1.

Nori Japanese Restaurant 2.

Firehouse Grill 3.

Tomo Sushi 3.

Blue Ginger Best vegetarian food 1.

Thirsty Camel Café 2.

Power House Living Foods 3.

Rawmbas

CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Three-hour tour

Aaron Patience, left, and Mylah Vanden Elsen, check out the sights while paddling across Mark Bay on Newcastle Island in a kayak they rented for an afternoon. Newcastle Island was voted Best Place to Kayak in this year’s Best of the City survey.

Recreation Best yoga studio 1.

Moksha Yoga 2.

OmTown Yoga 3.

Red Door Yoga Best bike shop 1.

Oak Bay Bicycles 2.

Arrowsmith Bikes 3.

Pacific Rim Bicycle

Best chicken wings 1.

The Oxy (Occidental Hotel) 2.

Frankie’s Modern Diner 3.

Quarterway Pub 3.

Pipers Pub

Best local campground 1.

Living Forest Oceanside 2.

Brannen Lake RV Park 3.

Nanaimo Lakes Campsite Best fitness centre 1.

VI Fitness Co-Ed and For Women 2.

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre 3.

Northridge Fitness Centre

Best place to watch birds 1.

Buttertubs Marsh 2.

Neck Point Park 3.

Morrell Nature Sanctuary

Best place to swim outdoors 1.

Nanaimo River 2.

Westwood Lake Park 3.

Colliery Dam Park Best place to walk your dog 1.

Westwood Lake Park 2.

Neck Point Park 3.

Colliery Dam Park Best place to walk, jog or hike 1.

Westwood Lake Park 2.

Neck Point Park 3.

Harbourfront Walkway

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Altrusa Playground at Beban Park 2.

Oliver Woods Community Centre 3.

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Best of the City 2015

Sunset Beach in Neck Point Park, which frames the northward view of the Winchelsea Islands, is the reward for visitors who follow the park’s woodland paths.

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Life’s a beach Nanaimo has a beach to fit families, photographers and people who want to relax

BY GREG SAKAKI THE NEWS BULLETIN

T

he Harbour City is most beautiful and powerful where the land meets the sea. So a day at the beach in Nanaimo is sure to be something special.

Nanaimo is bordered by countless beaches – sandy, rocky and wild, some of them popular, some of them secret, and some of them the best of the city.

So where should a beach-goer begin?

“It depends on who we’re talking to,” said Chelsea Barr, destination marketing officer with Tourism Nanaimo. “For families we recommend a few different things than, say, Instagrammers or such that come in.”

One of the best beaches for families

A hammock strung up at Neck Point Park.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

is actually lakeside, not seaside, at Westwood Lake Park – it’s sandy, the lake is manned by lifeguards and its loop trail was voted the best place to walk, jog or hike.

A lesser-known family beach in the area is Sebastion Beach in Lantzville, a long stretch of rock, pebbles and sand.

“It’s usually a little bit less busy than other locations and families tend to like to go somewhere where they can let their kids run around a bit,” said Barr.

Departure Bay is another popular family beach, with some sand and a seawall, and it’s right across the street from restaurants and other amenities.

Other demographics might seek a different kind of day at the beach. Barr said Instagrammers – amateur photographers – make up a growing segment of tourists.

“They’re looking for some of the unique, picturesque places,” said Barr, and she recommends Neck Point Park. Voted the best place to picnic in Nanaimo, the park is among the city’s most scenic, with rocky outcrops and

great views of sunsets.

“People just feel like in only a short drive, they have escaped,” Barr said.

“They like the neat views over to Piper’s Lagoon and to Shack Island.”

For those willing to take a boat ride across Nanaimo Harbour, other options become available, for example Twin Beaches at Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, and Kanaka Bay on Newcastle Island.

“Kanaka Bay is gorgeous,” said Barr.

“When the tide is out, the sandstone warms up all day and when the tide comes in, it’s just like a swimming pool over there.”

There are countless other beaches to explore. Tourism Nanaimo also directs people to Cable Bay, Jack Point, the Living Forest Oceanside Campground and many other locations for seaside fun.

“Depending on whether you’re looking for photography or you’re looking for swimming or fresh water, we’re pretty lucky living here,” Barr said.

“There’s a plethora of options.” sports@nanaimobulletin.com

Sunset Beach at Neck Point Park.

Departure Bay beach is popular with families.

Best of the City 7

Best of the City 2015 – RESULTS: Service Best auto servicing 1.

Kal Tire 2.

Bavarian Imports 2.

Auto Check Automotive Ltd. 3.

Midas

Best estheticians 1.

Maffeo Salon and Day Spa 2.

Bella Donna Esthetics 3.

Breze Salon and Day Spa Best financial planner 1.

RBC Dominion Securities 2.

Sun Life Financial 3.

Investor’s Group Services

Best banking institution 1.

TD Canada Trust 2.

RBC Royal Bank 3.

Coastal Community Credit Union

Best floor covering store 1.

End of the Roll 2.

United Floors 3.

ABBA Floor Coverings

Best customer service store 1.

Thrifty Foods 2.

Home Hardware 3.

KC’s Boutique

Best flower shop 1.

Turley’s Florist 2.

Thrifty Foods 3.

West Coast Classic Floral Design

Best daycare centre 1.

Jolly Giant Childcare Ltd 2.

Nanaimo Boys and Girls Club 3.

Katie’s Korner Childcare

Best furniture store 1.

The Brick 2.

Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress 3.

La-Z-Boy Furniture CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Winning with style

For a feature story on best daycare centre, please see page 36.

Best store to buy books 1.

Chapters 2.

Literacy Central Vancouver Island 3.

Coles Books

Brian Rice, colourist, master stylist and owner of Maffeo Salon and Day Spa, centre, has surrounded himself with outstanding talent who produce outstanding results and his patrons agree. Maffeo Salon was voted best beauty salon for Best of the City 2015.

Best tanning salon 1.

Divine Glow Tanning Studio 2.

Coco Cabana 3.

Spanish Sol Tanning Salon

Best massages 1.

Knead Registered Massage Therapy 2.

Breze Salon and Day Spa 3.

Maffeo Salon and Day Spa

Best place for birthday parties 1.

Jumping Jiminy’s 2.

Brechin Lanes 2.

Oliver Woods Community Centre 3.

4 Cats Arts Studio

Best beauty salon 1.

Maffeo Salon and Day Spa 2.

Breze Salon and Day Spa 3.

Kiyo Salon and Day Spa 3.

Violet Hair Lounge

Best outdoor garden centre 1.

Art Knapp Plantland 2.

Green Thumb Garden Centre 3.

Long Lake Nurseries and Florists Best gas bar 1.

Mid Island Co-op 2.

Chevron 3.

Real Canadian Superstore Best home building supply store 1.

Home Depot 2.

Slegg Lumber 3.

Home Hardware Best housewares/linen store 1.

Homesense 2.

Flying Fish 3.

Home Outfitters

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015 – RESULTS: Service Best insurance agency 1.

BCAA 2.

Hub Barton 3.

Nanaimo Insurance Brokers

Best roofing company 1.

Erickson Roofing Ltd 2.

Milne Roofing Ltd. 3.

G & G Roofing Ltd.

Best carpet cleaners 1.

Classic Care Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning 2.

Citrus O Carpet Care 3.

Terry’s Carpet Cleaning

Best second-hand store 1.

Value Village 2.

Salvation Army Thrift Store 3.

Friends of Haven Thrift Store Best sporting goods store 1.

Cabela’s Canada 2.

Sport Chek 2.

Kirby’s Source for Sports 3.

Canadian Tire

Best lighting store 1.

McLaren Lighting 2.

Illuminations 3.

The Home Depot Best plumbing & heating business 1.

Archie Johnstone Plumbing and Heating Ltd. 2.

Norm’s Mobile Service Ltd. 3.

Marshall Plumbing Ltd.

Best sewing/notions store 1.

Fabricland 2.

Snip & Stitch Sewing Centre 3.

Serge & Sew Best place to shop 1.

Woodgrove Centre 2.

Downtown Nanaimo 3.

Old City Quarter

Best catering business 1.

Spice of Life Catering 2.

2 Chefs Affair 3.

Livewire Catering CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Nap and weave to win

Lorne Roelofsen, owner of Classic Care Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, has spent more than 20 years ensuring his customers and their carpets stay healthy and happy. Readers agree, voting Classic Care this year’s Best of the City in carpet care.

For a feature story on best catering business, please see page 4.

Best marine supplier 1.

The Harbour Chandler Ltd. 2.

West Coast Marine 3.

The Anchorage Marina

Best paint store 1.

The Home Depot 2.

Cloverdale Paint 3.

Benjamin Moore

Best music store 1.

Fascinating Rhythm 2.

HMV Canada 3.

Long & McQuade

Best pet supply store 1.

Bosley’s Pet Food Plus 2.

PetSmart 3.

Olivers Pet Supplies

Best place to get a tattoo 1.

Black and Blue Tattoo 2.

Relegation Tattoo 3.

Electric Umbrella Tattoo Best tile store 1.

City Tile 2.

Cornerstone Tile 3.

Home Depot Best place to get tires 1.

Kal Tire 2.

Cedar Tireland 3.

Big O Tires Best store to buy tools 1.

Midland Tools 2.

The Home Depot 3.

Canadian Tire

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 9

Best of the City 2015 – WINNER: Nesvog Meats and Sausage Company

Deli owners continue to push boundaries with expansion

“

Nesvog Meats and Sausage Company opens second location on Bowen Road

Once you think you’re the top dog, then you’re losing, because someone wants to be better than you.

By GreG Sakaki The News BulleTiN

W

ith summer starting to sizzle, Nanaimo knows where to pick up some steaks for the barbe-

cue.

Nesvog Meats and Sausage Company is a double Best of the City winner for 2015 as the best place to buy meat and also best deli.

That sort of recognition from the community is meaningful during an “interesting year” for the family business, said Josh Nesvog, manager of the Terminal Park store. Nesvog’s took over the former Piper’s Meats location on Bowen Road in December.

Not only do the two stores add convenience for customers, but they also create efficiencies, for example, when it comes to making a big batch of sausages to share.

“Here we have the Mercedes-Benz of sausage stuffing… It’s legend,” Nesvog said. “It’ll do 400 sausages a minute if you wanted to.”

Even with an expanding business, Best of the City accolades and all those sausages, the stores will keep striving to be better, said Nesvog.

“Once you think you’re the top dog,

GREG SAKAKI/ThE NEwS BullETIN

Nesvog Meats employee Lesley Martin reaches for a Maui beef kebab at the Terminal Park store. Nesvog’s was voted the best place to buy meat and best deli in this year’s Best of the City survey.

then you’re losing, because someone wants to be better than you. So you’ve got to push the boundary.”

His goal is to make sure customers are “interested in the case,” he said, referring to the selection of products in store.

Grass-fed beef steaks will always be a top seller, or people might come in and pick up a couple of chicken drumsticks, for example, but while they’re there, they might also spy something new and

different that they simply have to try.

“We want people to have fun stuff to put on the barbecue,” Nesvog said. “So I go home and think about what kind of crazy awesome kebab I can make.”

Kebabs are “blowing up” these days, he said, and he’s looking to fill the deli case with more homemade salad offerings and, especially, smokies.

“People are going to be over the campfire and some people are going to be opening up their regular smokies

and then these other people are going to have, like, this elk cranberry smokie, and it’s something unique,” he said.

Every shopping trip to the Terminal Park location is supposed to be a little different. Customers take a number and might be served by a different staff member each visit. The Bowen Road store, on the other hand, is a little quieter, and shoppers can stop by, pick up a pack of pre-wrapped chicken thighs, and be on their way.

In an era when people can buy their meat at a big box store, there still seems to be a place for a neighbourhood butcher shop and delicatessen.

Nesvog said it comes down to having a good product, an interesting product and customer service.

“We’ve got a great staff backing us at both spots, lots of family around,” Nesvog said. “Right now it’s more just trying to figure out how we can keep getting better and keep offering new stuff and focusing on innovating.” sports@nanaimobulletin.com

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Best of the City 2015 – WINNER: Best seafood restaurant

Restaurant’s recipe for longevity boils down to simplicity

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The Bold Knight selected by readers as best seafood restaurant

We’re not trying to fancy it up. We’re just letting the food speak for itself.

By Nicholas Pescod The News BulleTiN

F

or three decades, one restaurant has called Nanaimo’s south end home.

Located just off the Island Highway, the Bold Knight Restaurant recipe for longevity has been simplicity.

“We’ve been around for 38 years,” said John Vassilopoulos, Bold Knight executive chef and co-owner. “It has just been simple, good-quality food at a reasonable price.”

The Bold Knight was selected by readers as best seafood restaurant in the annual Best of the City survey.

The Bold Knight was created as a steak and seafood restaurant in 1977

by Vassilopoulos’s father. The restaurant offers a number of popular seafood items including Alaskan king crab legs, tiger prawns and lobster.

“We’ve been doing seafood for a long time,” Vassilopoulos said. “We do lobsters, scampies, tiger prawns and salmon, which we try to do local as much as we can.”

Vassilopoulos has been involved in the restaurant since he was a boy.

“When I was younger, I would help out and when I got into 16, 17 and 18 years old, I started working in the

NICHOLAS PESCOD/THE NEwS BuLLETIN

Bold Knight executive chef and co-owner John Vassilopoulos stands at the bar. The Bold Knight has been a mainstay in Nanaimo’s south end. It has been voted by readers as best seafood restaurant in Nanaimo.

kitchen more,” Vassilopoulos said.

He has been a mainstay at the restaurant since graduating from high school. “I’ve been cooking since ’87,” he said.

Throughout the years, the Bold

Knight has become known for its lobster.

“It is a huge draw for our customers,” Vassilopoulos said. “I get a lot of phone calls. I try to do fresh in the summer time when it is a good price,

but sometimes it is not as easy as that.”

Vassilopoulos is proud that the Bold Knight has become a fine dining destination for people in the south end.

“Being south end and not downtown or north end, it is nice to have this end of town to give people a choice for fine dining,” he said.

In recent years, the south end has experienced growth of its own. It’s something that Vassilopoulos has no problem with.

“It is nice to see the city grow,” Vassilopoulos said. “But now it is kind of coming back to the south end of town.

The south end is just getting bigger between the airport.”

Even with all the changes, the Bold Knight’s philosophy has always been keeping it simple with good quality food.

“We’re about the basics,” he said. “It is about good quality food done right at a good price,” he said. “We’re not trying to fancy it up. We’re just letting the food speak for itself.” arts@nanaimobulletin.com

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Best of the City 2015

Music and food make up Nanaimo’s nightlife Flavours and sounds spanning the globe found across the city

By Nicholas Pescod The News BulleTiN

A

s the sun goes down and darkness descends the skies above Nanaimo, the atmosphere changes.

The sounds of the day’s hustle and bustle are replaced with noises more commonly associated with relaxation, joy and excitement.

From Cedar to the Old City Quarter to downtown and even in the north end, there is no shortage of things to do when the stars come out.

Jane Vinet, Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association marketing and event coordinator, says visitors to the Harbour City can expect to “dine the world” when it comes to eating out.

“Literally you can dine Italian, Greek, French, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese English, Scottish, Indian, Thai, Mediterranean – I mean the list just goes on,” Vinet said.

Among the roughly 65 restaurants in the city’s downtown core, the Modern Café has been one of the top choices for years. The restaurant opened in 1946 and offers a mix of dishes including bone-in Caribbean jerk chicken, saffron salmon, Bengal prawn linguine and its classic pork ribs.

NICHOLAS PESCOD/THE NEwS BuLLETIN

The Modern Café has been a landmark in Nanaimo’s downtown for decades. It’s one of dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that give residents and visitors entertainment once the sun goes down.

Live music is the backbone for every city’s nightlife vibe and the Harbour City is no exception.

Over the years, Harbour City has attracted top musicians including Louis Armstrong, Gordon Lightfoot and Alice Cooper. Yet in addition to the big names, Nanaimo also boasts a thriving local music scene that includes

frequent performances by Mark Crissinger, Tora Leigh, Alexandria Maillot, Dave Hart and Glen Foster.

“We really benefit from having a huge cluster of artists,” Vinet said. “Because we live in paradise everybody wants to live here we get an amazing level of talent,” she said.

Visitors can take in live music at a

variety of venues such as the Queens, Port Theatre, the Cambie, the Vault Café, Dinghy Dock Pub, Longwood Brew Pub, and Simon Holt.

Vinet says the she is consistently impressed with the quality of live music that can be heard downtown for almost nothing.

“The vast quantity of the really, really talented people that we have playing around downtown for little to no cost … is amazing,” Vinet said. “I am forever blown away by the calibre and who they have played with and their level of talent.”

Those looking to show off their dance moves can do so at either Level Two or Koncept Nightclub.

Level Two general manager Brennan Hinchsliff says the club will be undergoing major changes for the upcoming summer season and that patrons can expect a far more superior clubbing experience.

“We’re going to be featuring a lot of hot new sounds around town with a lot of local DJs and even some bigger names,” Hinschsliff said.

It could be argued that Nanaimo should change its motto from the Harbour City to the Pub City, given the amount of bars in the city.

The Corner Lounge, Old City Station Pub, Cactus Club, Browns Social House and Carlos O’Bryan’s are just a few of the watering holes that can be found within the city’s borders. So whether it is drinking, dancing or dining, once the sun goes down, the Harbour City offers something for everyone. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

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Best of the City 2015

Nothing compares to Westwood Lake Park once passed over by provincial government is now one of the top recreation sites in Nanaimo

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BY TAMARA CUNNINGHAM THE NEWS BULLETIN

T

he calm waters of Westwood Lake, at the foot of Mount Benson, lap against sand as Canada geese and their ducklings teeter along the shoreline. A man, hair tied back in a pony tail, practices a yoga on the beach, while Savannah Burgess, 10 months and Naomi Norgan, 9 months, settle onto wet sand, floppy sunhats protecting them from the early-afternoon sun.

Naomi’s little fingers dip into sand and smear the grains across her lips and into her mouth before her mother has a chance to brush it from her hands.

“No, Naomi,” Trina, her mother, says with a sigh and a smile, as she leans down to wipe it all away.

Trina, and friend Tiffany Burgess, take their daughters to the lake once a week. It’ll be more often in the summertime. They find that Westwood is clean, people are friendly and the lake and area around it are treated with respect.

“The water is a good temperature for the babies and there’s lots of stuff to do,” Trina said.

Come July, first and second beach at Westwood Lake will be a crush of inflatable-toting families, splashing children, sun worshippers and joggers.

The park spread across more than 200 hectares, is home to the first mountain-bike-specific trail authorized on city property and the main beach is overseen by lifeguards.

For years it’s popped up on News Bulletins’ Best of the City contest rankings, which sees residents vote for favorite recreation destinations, restaurants and shops. This year it got top marks for the best place to walk, jog or hike, and take the dog, and was second for 14 Best of the City

The water is a good temperature for the babies and there’s lots of stuff to do.

TAMARA CUNNINGHAM/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Tiffany Burgess and daughter Savannah, 10 months, wade in at Westwood Lake’s first beach.

The duo head to the lake once a week.

outdoor swimming.

But while this recreation hotspot wins with residents, it wasn’t always seen as desirable parkland.

The city wanted the man-made lake

to become a provincial park more than 60 years ago. The area had once been the site of a farm owned by William Westwood, who purchased 265 hectares at the foot of Mount Benson in the

1860s. A portion of the land was bought by an electrical company in the 20th century and dammed to provide water supply for the Millstream River electric power station, according to the City of Nanaimo.

But although the B.C. Forest Service recognized the lake’s recreational value for Nanaimo, its reconnaissance report from Nanaimo Community Archives shows it didn’t measure up in sylvan beauty or unspoiled natural surroundings. Class A provincial parks are the “choicest” lands in the province, and it considered it more desirable for the city to handle park administration.

It became a city park in 1957 and named after the Westwood family that homesteaded the area. Kirsty MacDonald, the city’s parks and open spaces planner, calls it a “unique gem,” that provides access to great hiking, swimming, biking, fishing and paddle sports within a short drive, as well as front country and back country experiences.

Ian and Ronda Johnson own Westwood Lake Campgrounds, a stones throw from the park, and say it’s a popular place even on a sunny day in the middle of winter.

“There’s not really anything that compares to Westwood,” Ronda said. news@nanaimobulletin.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015 – Calendar of events EvEnts

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre). www.ballcharts. com/pirates.

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.

ParadiSe iSLe Seniors’ Drop-in Centre hosts pool and cribbage tournaments with soup and sandwich, noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 201 Albert St. Call 250-754-9566.

nanaiMo MuSeuM hosts tours of historic Bastion Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August, beginning at noon after the cannon firing. Find out why the Bastion was built, the story behind the nearly 200-yearold cannons and even ghostly experiences.

By donation.

FEstivAls SaVe-on-foodS nanaiMo Dragon Boat Festival July 10-12 at Swy-a-lana Lagoon. www.nanaimodragonboat.com.

nanaiMo MuSeuM hosts Wellington Cemetery Tours July 16 and Aug. 20, 10 a.m.

Cost is $10 and pre-registration is required.

Call 250-753-1821 or e-mail program@ nanaimomuseum.ca.

SiLLy Boat reGatta July 19, 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.

rationinG to raViSHinG Women’s Fashions of the ’40s and ’50s exhibit at Nanaimo Museum until Aug. 23. Developed by the Museum of Vancouver. Call 250-753-1821.

nanaiMo Marine feStiVaL and Great International World Championship Bathtub Race July 23-26 at Maffeo Sutton Park and downtown Nanaimo. Sailpast on Wheels fun parade July 25 at 10:30 a.m.; QF Festival of Lights fireworks July 25 at 10 p.m.; Bathtub race July 26 departs and finishes at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Mid iSLand Hot Rod Association show and shine July 5 at Arbutus Meadows in Nanoose Bay. Montana’S CookHouSe third annual charity car show July 12 at Nanaimo North Town Centre.

News BulletiN File

Driving the dragon boat

dozens of dragon boat teams compete in the annual Save-on-foods nanaimo dragon Boat festival at Maffeo Sutton Park July 10-12. teams from all over the world race the waters of nanaimo’s harbour while raising money for equipment at nanaimo regional General Hospital to support patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Art

Music SuMMer ConCert series at Maffeo Sutton Park on Wednesdays in August, 6 p.m., and Mondays in July and August, from 12:301:30 p.m. On Wednesdays in July, at 6 p.m., concerts are held at Bowen Park amphitheatre. Call 250-756-5200.

SuMMertiMe BLueS Festival at Maffeo Sutton Park Aug. 28-30. Local and international blues artists. Tickets available through Port Theatre box office at 250-754-8550. www. nanaimobluesfestival.com.

SPirit GuM at Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial St., until Aug. 8. Interpretive tour July 3, 2 p.m. Cabaret with music and magic July 4, 8:30 p.m., at MGM Restaurant, 240 Nicol St. Tickets $10/ advance from the gallery; $12/door.

DAncE infrinGinG danCe Festival July 9-12 at Maffeo Sutton Park and Vancouver Island Con-

ference Centre. Four-day festival of cultural and contemporary dance. Most events free to attend. Visit www.crimsoncoastdance.org.

sports tiMBerMen Senior a LaCroSSe at Frank Crane Arena (Beban Park) or junior A lacrosse at Frank Crane. Call 250-7401377. www.tmen.ca. nanaiMo PirateS baseball at Serauxmen Stadium at 355 Wakesiah Ave. (near

VieX 2015 Aug. 21-23 at Beban Park fair grounds. Agricultural displays, midway and entertainment.

MArkEts Cedar farMerS’ Market (at the Crow and Gate Pub), Sundays, beginning at 10 a.m.

LantzViLLe Market (7113 Lantzville Rd.), Sundays, beginning at 1:30 p.m. nanaiMo Bowen road Market (at Beban Park), Wednesdays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. downtown nanaiMo farMerS’ Market (Pioneer Waterfront Plaza), Fridays, beginning at 2 p.m.

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Best of the City 15

Best of the City 2015

International musicians join homegrown talent at blues fest

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Laid-back vibe hallmark of annual music event at Maffeo Sutton Park

It’s a tremendous experience and Nanaimo should be awfully proud to have something like that of its calibre occurring at Maffeo Sutton Park.

By Karl yu The News BulleTiN

KARL YU/The News BULLeTiN

Gerold Haukenfrers, Nanaimo Blues Society president, is looking forward to this year’s Summertime Blues Festival, which takes place in picturesque Maffeo Sutton Park.

to come out and those guys are going to back him up and that’s right before Elvin Bishop comes out Saturday night,” Hogan said.

And while the musicians perform, artist Gerda Hofman will be on site, capturing the moment with her paintings.

“At the end of the festival we’ll be raf-

fling off one of her paintings as a prize, so we’ll be selling tickets for that,” said Haukenfrers. “That [winner] will get to choose the painting out of the 17 or 18 different artists that we have.”

For Haukenfrers, the atmosphere of the festival is what he likes the most, particularly the camaraderie, fellow-

ship and its relaxed nature.

“It’s a tremendous experience and Nanaimo should be awfully proud to have something like that of its calibre occurring at Maffeo Sutton Park,” said Haukenfrers. “It’s a unique facility, we’re on the waterfront and if the weather co-operates, we’re going to have a great time.”

For Hogan, you can’t beat the setting of Maffeo Sutton.

“The setting is killer,” said Hogan.

“Maffeo Sutton Park is just awesome and of course I love the music as much as anything. To me it’s the vibe ... everybody’s a little more laid back and as far as the guys are concerned, there’s way less testosterone flying around.”

Hogan said there is still great energy and people do get up and dance.

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

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With a solid lineup of international and homegrown talent – and picturesque Maffeo Sutton as a locale – the 2015 Summertime Blues Festival is a popular musical offering in Nanaimo.

This year’s music festival takes place Aug. 28-30 and features international headliners Marcia Ball, Elvin Bishop and C.J. Chenier.

Gerold Haukenfrers, Nanaimo Blues Society president, said the three-day festival also affords local blues artists the chance to perform.

Mark Crissinger, Alexander’s Bluestime Band, Luv Train and Lazy Mike and the Rockin’ Recliners will be among the Nanaimo-based performers hitting the stage. Also notable are Murray Porter, an aboriginal blues artist, and Little Victor from England, according to Mike Hogan, board director and organizer. “[Porter] sings with kind of the context of the history of a mix of the aboriginal side ... he does country/ blues and he’s pretty funny, too,” said Hogan. “[Little Victor is] a harmonica and guitar player and a really good frontman and he’s going to be backed up by Harp Dog Brown. Harp Dog’s going to play a set and then Little Victor’s going

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Best of the City 2015 – Winner: nanaimo Art Gallery

art gallery transformed into modern space

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Changes allow organization to build stronger identity as regional centre

The gallery is part of this ecosystem of arts and culture organizations in nanaimo.

By Tamara Cunningham The news BulleTin

W

TAMARA CUNNINGHAM/THe News BUlleTIN

Julie Bevan, centre, executive director of the Nanaimo Art Gallery, museum curator Jesse Birch and curatorial intern Kara Hansen stand in the midst of the new exhibit Spirit Gum. The gallery was voted the best in Nanaimo in this year’s Best of the City survey.

utive director Julie Bevan.

People didn’t want to enrol in classes at the campus gallery because parking was an issue, she said, but there was interest in going downtown where people could go for lunch and a show, shopping and a visit to the gallery.

“The gallery is part of this ecosystem of arts and culture organizations in Nanaimo,” she said, “It makes sense to be here.”

And people seem to be responding to

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There’s also not a lot of public spaces where people can interact with ideas in the same way, she said, adding that the gallery is accessible, open to the public and serves an important role for critical thinking, dialogue and experimentation.

“The art gallery provides a really unique opportunity,” she said. “I can bring my little family down here. We are open six days a week. Admission is by donation and you can encounter art works made by artists from all over the place.”

Being voted No. 1 is exciting for the executive director and she said all of the staff are energized by positive feedback they’ve received.

The next step is expansion. The gallery, in the midst of a multi-year development plan, is looking to construct an expansion that could include space for an artist-in-residence program to a rooftop patio and cafe and a small lecture theatre, a facility proposal shows. It’s currently in the research phase.

•

Thank You Nanaimo

the change.

The gallery is connecting with new people online and showing things residents haven’t had the opportunity to see in the Harbour City, from internationally known, established artists to performance, video work and photography that’s “exciting and provocative.”

People want to be challenged and have the chance to encounter different kinds of art forms. That’s what’s drawing them in, said Bevan.

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ith high-vaulted ceilings and smooth, stark-white walls, the Nanaimo Art Gallery is a canvas of ever-changing exhibits.

From paintings and photographs that tunnel into Nanaimo’s coal mining past to videos of human performance, it’s all hung on the walls of the only public art gallery.

The gallery, voted Best of the City seven years in a row in the News Bulletin’s annual contest, has been brushing up on its look as it inches closer to a dream of becoming a top-tier facility.

Last year, the faux brass, tile and carpet left over from 150 Commercial St.’s days as a bank was transformed into a contemporary and modern space to showcase artwork. The gallery also opened Art Lab, a place for people to flex their creativity in workshops and summer camps, hired a full-time curator and merged its original location at Vancouver Island University campus with its downtown facility. Considered a “huge milestone,” the move is going to allow the people behind the gallery to focus their energy and programs in the one location and build a stronger identity as a regional gallery, said exec-

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BEST ASIAN BEST ASIAN BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT RESTAURANT RESTAURANT

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

Dine in - Take Out

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Like us

11am to 9 pm

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“Voted #1 Asian Restaurant in Nanaimo for 2015” - Nanaimo News Bulletin

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HLrestaurant.com

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HOME • BUSINESS COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

VOTED BEST OF THE CITY 7 YEARS IN A ROW! “Give Us A Call to find out why”

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PHONE: 250-758-8464 | WWW.DENMARELECTRIC.COM

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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED, SERVING VANCOUVER ISLAND SINCE 1994 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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Birthday Party 1 We have NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

~ “This was a great experience, very relaxing.

I’m surprised to not have to do anything. We will be back in the future!”

- K.G.

NANAIMO, BC • SINCE 1956

1870 E. Wellington Rd. Tuesday, June 30, 2015

www.brechinlanes.ca

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nization tivity for your orga ac al ci so t “Bingo ea r gr fe a Want a try! We can of owling is ng li w bo e iv G f?

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~ “Our hostess was fantastic!! Made it so wonderful and easy! Thank You.” - E.W. ~ “The service was excellent. Thank You, thank you, thank you.”

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

We had to do nothing!”

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

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

- S.M.

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Birthdays at Brechin Lanes are the Best!

2 GAMES FREE eve ryday of the Summer!

Parents go to www.kidsb owlfree.com /brechinlan to sign up th es eir kids, the n from June 1 - Sep t 4, kids up age 15 can to bowl 2 gam es PER DAY free - just p for ay for shoe rental.

250-753-2341 Best of the City 19

Best of the City 2015 – RESULTS: Service Best kids clothing store 1.

Pumpkin Pie Kids 2.

The Children’s Place 3.

Old Navy Best lingerie shop 1.

My Undies 2.

La Senza 3.

La Vie En Rose Best store for menswear 1.

NYLA Fresh Thread 2.

Moore’s Clothing For Men 3.

Mark’s Best optical store 1.

Iris 2.

Costco 3.

Highview Optical Best jewelry store 1.

Peoples Jewellers 2.

Bastion Jewellers 3.

Kellers Jewellers

The reel deal

Cabela’s tailors its stores to local markets and proof of that is in Nanaimo Cabela’s fly fishing shop with its huge range of flies, reels, rods and tackle.

Cabela’s carries the day with a nod from readers and customers who say it’s their top pick as Nanaimo’s 2015 Best of the City sporting goods store.

Best shoe store 1.

A Step Ahead 2.

Aldo Shoes 2.

Payless Shoes 3.

The Shoe Warehouse Best place to buy a used vehicle 1.

Galaxy Motors Ltd. 2.

Nanaimo Toyota 3.

Laird Wheaton

For a story on best store for ladies’ wear, please see page 27.

CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Best store for ladies’ wear 1.

KC’s Boutique 2.

Quintessential 3.

Cat Walk Fashions

Best wine-making store 1.

Rainy Crick U-Brew 2.

Wine Kitz 3.

Wine Works

Best travel agency 1.

Flight Centre 2.

Around the World Travel Service Ltd 3.

Marlin Travel

Best vitamin/health food store 1.

Island Natural Markets 2.

Charlie Brown’s Health Foods Ltd. 3.

Popeye’s Supplements Nanaimo

Best toy store 1.

Kool & Child Store 2.

Toys “R” Us 3.

TreeHouse Kids

Best electrical contractor 1.

DenMar Electric Ltd. 2.

Mazzei Electric 3.

Houle Electric Ltd.

4" SUB with 2 SIDES includes coffee, tea or pop

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DAIRY FREE

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Becoming a true Classic!

BEST PASTA

We are committed to being allergy aware and friendly.

Fresh, local, scratch cooking

Our goal is to provide local, sustainable products and prepare field to fork meals for your pleasure.

102-6750 Island Hwy N. Nanaimo, BC, 250-933-3281

www.frankiesmoderndiner.com 20 Best of the City

102 - 6750 Island Hwy N. Nanaimo, BC. 250-933-3281 www.frankiesmoderndiner.com

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to all of our supporters who voted for us in the Best Outdoor Garden Centre category in Nanaimo's Best of the City competition!

We look forward to seeing you again and to welcoming more new customers throughout the summer and the rest of the year!

This summer Green Thumb Garden Centre will be fully stocked with a large selection of plants to meet all your gardening needs. You will be able to choose from our many mature shade trees, conifers and shrubs. Also keep an eye out for the massive hanging baskets currently on display in and around the main greenhouse. If you’re looking for a splash of colour to add interest around the patio for your summer barbeques and parties, our team is able to help you find the best planters, annuals and perennials for an instant and easy makeover.

With everything settling in after our very busy opening spring we are now looking ahead to planning seminars for the summer. These will include talks on perennials, beneficial insects for the garden, watering, and planning ahead for fall planting. These seminars will be held in our shade house to provide a cooler environment then the traditional setting in our main greenhouse.

Our field tours received such a great response during our spring grand opening that we are continuing them in the coming months. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, keep an eye on our website or just check the sign as you drive by for the dates and other Green Thumb Garden Centre updates!

Making baskets for Mother’s Day

Seasonal Interest Achillea Paprika Paprika Yarrow

Stewartia Pseudocamellia

Picea orientalis Aurea Golden oriental Spruce

An easy-to-grow sun-loving perennial, Yarrows (Achillea) are also available in pink, orange and yellow.

Being drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, this plant is a great option for gardens on Vancouver Island in the summer.

A tight-growing tree with white blooms in early summer and amazing fall colour. Similar to the maples in eastern Canada, these trees are a great option for all gardens.

This narrow-growing upright conifer provides deep green foliage throughout the year with great contrasting gold growth in the spring. A great option for all gardens, especially small lots in areas with deer.

Like us on Facebook: Green Thumb Garden Centre or follow us on Twitter: @greenthumbnanaimo 6261 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC

22 Best of the City

(250) 758-0944

www.greenthumbgardencentre.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Thank You Nanaimo

Cu

for your patronage

Celebrating

32 Years on the Island

Canada’s largest Stressless Dealer

Nanaimo, 1711 Bowen Road

250-753-6361

Victoria, 661 McCallum Rd.

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VISIT OUR OTHER SHOWROOM

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www.scandesigns.com Tuesday, June 30, 2015

V 6 2

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ince 1977

Nanaimo, BC

Best Customer Service

Mike Knutsson, Store Manager Port Place

Dan Zapotichny, Store Manager Longwood Station

thriftyfoods.com PORT PLACE 650 South Terminal Avenue 250.729.2937 24 Best of the City

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Thank you Nanaimo for all your support

2015

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE – HELPFUL ADVICE

Nanaimo Home Hardware

BEST HOME BUILDING SUPPLY

“Everything you need to create the home of your dreams.” www.homehardware.ca Proudly Canadian Owned and Operated.

2000 N. Island Hwy.

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250-758-8220

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015 – WINNER: NYLA Thank you for voting for us in “Best of the City”

SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS®

ALI BABA NANAIMO:

250-760-6666

Vancouver Island’s Premier Pizza Company Online Ordering

AliBabaPizza.com GREG SAKAKI/ThE NEwS BullETIN

Leon Drzewiecki, owner of NYLA Fresh Thread men’s clothing store, adjusts a display of shirts at the downtown shop. NYLA was voted as the best store for menswear in this year’s Best of the City survey.

Menswear finds its place NYLA occupies historical spot downtown

By GreG Sakaki The News BulleTiN

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YLA Fresh Thread is the Best of the City, having found its place amidst the past, present and future of Nanaimo menswear.

The downtown clothing store was voted the best place for menswear in the News Bulletin’s annual survey. NYLA is situated at a Commercial Street location that has always housed men’s clothing stores, so there is builtin emotion in the space, said Leon Drzewiecki, the owner of the business.

“You’re a brand-new store and it’s hard to build awareness, so it’s nice to have a connection to the older stores,” he said.

That sense of history is apparent throughout the shop. NYLA has retro elements, like a vinTuesday, June 30, 2015

tage clothing store sign from the location and reclaimed wood counters.

Drzewiecki, a carpenter, built the interior himself, including a mosaic wall made from wood from the old Armishaw barn in Harewood.

The most popular T-shirts at NYLA these days have a vintage twist, too – the store’s own line of historical photo tees.

The first T-shirt in the series depicts circus elephants parading down Commercial Street in 1902 and the latest shows a dozen members of Nanaimo’s first bicycle club circa 1895, one rider on a penny-farthing bike.

“I love our history of Nanaimo, I think it’s a really colourful history,” said Drzewiecki.

While the store has an eye to the past, it is really about modern fashion.

It positions itself as a dress-casual menswear store and the name NYLA hints at that balance – New York is a bit dressier, Los Angeles is a little more casual, yet both are fashion hubs.

“A lot of people aren’t wearing a lot of formal [clothes] to work anymore, so formal’s not necessarily an everyday thing for a lot of people,” Drzewiecki said. “So we have more everyday clothes.”

As much as possible, he tries to fill his shelves and racks with clothing from Canadian-based companies, and, where possible, Canadian-made.

He likes coming across small, independent brands, he said, as long as it’s good quality and reasonably priced.

NYLA is finding its niche. It’s been open only a matter of months, and already it’s been voted Nanaimo’s best place for menswear, and is exceeding many of the owner’s expectations.

“Our first-year goal was to build awareness in Nanaimo and surrounding areas…” Drzewiecki said.

“My [next] goal is to build awareness on Vancouver Island and build my brand into a destination for menswear.” sports@nanaimobulletin.com

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AUTO DETAILING

ULTIMAT OR VAN ED TRUCK ETAIL

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Auto and Marine Detailing and Micro Autobody - Complete Customization Centre TINT • WHEELS & RIMS • RUNNING BOARDS • SPRAY ON BED LINERS • ROOF RACKS 26 Best of the City

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Best of the City 2015 – Winner: KC’s Boutique

nanaimo women really like KC’s Boutique

“

Best friends left corporate world to help dress it in the latest fashions

Everyone says they give great customer service, but we really think we do.

By Tamara Cunningham The News BulleTiN

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ing store for women in 2007. Everything fell into place, including the perfect location in north Nanaimo.

Now, when people step foot into the store, it’s like coming to see friends, said Cyr, who along with her business partner notes the relationships they build with customers.

They piece together outfits for personality and lifestyle, help pack suit-

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BEST BAKERY

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cases for cruise holidays and invite feedback on what shoppers are looking for.

Limited amounts of the same product is purchased in regular and petite sizes so women don’t see a mirror image of themselves around town, and if they don’t carry what shoppers are searching for women can always wait for a trunk show or add the clothing they

had hoped to find on Cyr and Griffin’s shopping list. Customers will come in and tell the duo at the end of the season that they really wanted to find a pair of wool pants or a turquoise sweater and it’s noted for when they look for new stock.

“Everyone says they give great customer service, but we really think we do,” said Cyr, who believes service and their collection and knowledge of petite sizes makes them stand out.

Griffin said this past spring was the strongest season ever, success she attributes to loyalty, the age demographics of the ladies who travel and referrals.

As for their friendship? The women are now both grandmothers. They have the same taste in clothes and when they go to market, they split up because 90 per cent of the time, they buy the same thing anyway. They have coffee together in the morning, sell clothes by day and have a glass of wine at night.

“I think its pretty wonderful to work with your best friend,” Griffin said.

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Best friends Connie Cyr and Karen Griffin combined their skills to open KC’s Boutique and Petites at Longwood Station. The store, now in its eighth year, has just undergone a renovation.

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est friends Connie Cyr and Karen Griffin left the corporate world to help dress it.

The duo gave up their jobs in human resources and advertising to open KC’s Boutique and Petites, a women’s clothing store that caters to professional and petite women over 40.

As professionals, they had both struggled to find work-appropriate clothes.

Zippers were either an inch too high and showing their tummies or it was “old ladies stuff,” so they knew there was a need. Eight years later, their Longwood Station boutique is voted Best of the City for ladies wear and third for customer service.

Griffin said it was a surprise, exciting and she’s grateful people took the time to vote, while Cyr said it’s like Sally Field’s speech when she won the Oscar and said ‘you like me.’ They always knew people liked the store because eight years later they’re still there, but this confirms it.

“It’s like OK, we’ve made it,” Cyr said.

Cyr and Griffin, best friends for three decades, decided to combine their skills in customer service, marketing and human resources to open a cloth-

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Family owned and operated since 1972, specializing in high quality European Breads & Pastries.

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THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT NANAIMO! #2 BEST PUB

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1724 Stewart Ave Nanaimo, BC V95 4E1

Pub: 250.591.3088 Liquor Store: 250.591.3090 Best of the City 27

Best of the City 2015

Reading offers best of the future The News BulleTiN

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TAMARA CUNNINGHAM/THe News BUlleTIN

Liberty Harakas, owner of Lobelia’s Lair in Nanaimo, fans out tarot cards she uses to give people readings on their life happenings and future directions. Tarot is just one of the ways people can experience the metaphysical.

f insight is in the cards, let one of Nanaimo’s psychics give you a read.

Whether it’s tarot or tea leaf, crystals or books, visitors have their pick of how to experience Nanaimo’s metaphysical side.

Step into Lobelia’s Lair in the Old City Quarter for a departure into the eclectic.

The store, a 14-year tenant of the downtown shopping district, is a browser’s dream with every nook flush with unique finds to appeal to the senses. Table tops, walls and cabinets display everything from books on spirituality to oracle cards, Tibetan singing bowls, crystals and locally made soaps, chocolate and jewelry.

And for the sixth sense, step into a private room to hear a reading on things that are happening in your life or potential directions for the future.

The store is connected to

in a row!

• Expert trouble shooting • CommercialResidential • Professional service • All types of flat & sloped roofing • Asphalt & rubber membrane systems

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news@nanaimobulletin.com

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Thank you Nanaimo for voting us your favorite Roofing Company

operating for more than two decades and offers a mix of homemade food, tea leaf and tarot readings.

Order from a menu that includes gluten-free options and boasts homemade fare like mushroom soup and savory crepes, or have afternoon tea – a three-tiered selection of sandwiches, fruit, sweets and scones with lemon curd, jam and whipped cream.

Readings are done by appointment only and with one of the tea house’s three experienced readers.

It can be eerily accurate, said Teri Stevenson, teahouse manager and the daughter of proprietor and tea-leaf reader Heather Frank, who says they have Kleenex boxes all over the place because readings can be overwhelmingly bang on.

All of the readers are popular with their own following and “it’s such a popular part of Nanaimo,” she said. “If you mention the Calico Cat Tea House people go, ‘Oh my God I love that place’. It’s a wonderful experience. We have really great staff, our food is amazing, it’s really a cute atmosphere and the readings ... I mean it’s not something you can do just anywhere.”

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By Tamara Cunningham

a network of psychics from intuitive tarot readers to a third-generation clairvoyant medium whom people can request by appointment.

There’s also access to a shamanic practitioner.

“The whole experience, I think, at Lobelia’s is about appealing to all of the senses: the spiritual, the physical, the mental, the emotional,” said owner and tarot reader Liberty Harakas, who is the first to call it an eclectic and a unique experience.

“It provides locally made products, whether it’s soaps, or jewelry or clothing, artwork ... it’s not something you’d see in the mainstream.”

Harakas, who is available most days for tarot readings, said a reading is an overview of pertinent things happening in a person’s life, and can be focused on relationships, career and employment. It can be a fun and entertaining experience or an intense one, she said.

“It’s almost like cracking an egg, you never know what you’re going to get.”

For a different experience, travel down the Old Island Highway to the Calico Cat Tea House at 1081 Haliburton St. The old tea house, located just off the highway, has been

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

City’s metaphysical side a departure into eclectic

• Cedar shakes • Complete sheet metal service • Fibreglass shingles • Metal roof systems • Licensed & insured • FREE estimates for re-roofing

Recipient of the BBB Torch Award for marketplace ethics and integrity.

The Chamber of Commerce Sterling Award for Excellence in customer service.

250-758-5440 www.ericksonroofing.com

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HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5pm Sat 9am to noon 28 Best of the City

7-4151 MOSTAR ROAD, NANAIMO, BC V9T 6A6

www.bastiontrophies.com info@bastiontrophies.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015

Sports events are hits for the home teams

“

Fans can find stadium fun with baseball, lacrosse and football in Nanaimo

From here on in, every game’s a big game because we’re trying to chase down the teams ahead of us.

By GREG SAKAKI The News BulleTiN

S

ome of the best days this summer are bound to take place at the city’s sports fields, ballparks and arenas.

A full schedule of promising games will take place around Nanaimo over the coming months, with football, baseball and lacrosse as some of the most popular spectator sports in the Harbour City.

Raiders look to rise again

File photo

Nanaimo Pirates baserunner Shane Rogers slides back to the bag safely during a baseball game against the Abbotsford Cardinals earlier this season at Serauxmen Stadium.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com

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u o Y k n a h O! T IM A N NA

2002

13 YEARS IN A ROW 2002-2014

BEST BAKERY

Lacrosse’s best take the floor

Another team in town with playoff hopes is the Nanaimo Timbermen of the Western Lacrosse Association.

The team is trying to string some wins together and earn a top-four finish to get into the post-season.

There is high-calibre talent on the Timbermen and on opposing rosters.

Many National Lacrosse League players and future lacrosse hall of famers play summer ball in the WLA. “There’s top athletes in the world playing this game right here in B.C. and right here in Nanaimo,” said Kaleb Toth, coach of the Timbermen.

Toth, one of the sport’s greats, said lacrosse is most exciting when seen live.

“It’s so dynamic that when you watch it live, it doesn’t matter if you really understand what’s going on, you’re just really entertained with the athleticism,

time, the Pirates were fourth in the 12-team loop – a top-four placing would mean home-field advantage to start the playoffs.

“That’s what we’re shooting for now.

Who knows where we can end up, but that is our goal…” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager. “From here on in, every game’s a big game because we’re trying to chase down the teams ahead

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the skill, the intensity and the roughness of the game,” he said. “Once a fan walks in the door and sees lacrosse for the first time, they’re usually a fan for life.”

GAME ON … The Timbermen play the Langley Thunder on Saturday (July 4) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena and their next home game after that is July 14 against the Victoria Shamrocks at 7

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V.I. Raiders home games tend to draw some of the biggest crowds of the summer in the Harbour City.

One of the reasons is because the Raiders tend to be winners at their home field, Caledonia Park. Nanaimo’s Canadian Junior Football League team was dynastic during its first decade of existence, winning three national championships and seven provincial titles over 10 seasons.

Now, following a so-so year, the Raiders have hired a new coach and brought in a lot of new talent.

“We really hope that we are getting back to our winning ways,” said Kabel Atwall, team president. “We’ve got a fairly young team … but everybody’s fitting in, the excitement and everything is building.”

The calibre of the league has improved over the years as more players are taking the path through junior football to try to achieve their goals in the sport.

As teams in the B.C. Football Conference have improved, the Raiders have built rivalries with virtually every opponent, like, for example, the defending-champion Langley Rams, who visit Nanaimo for the season opener July 25.

“We’ve got the big test right off the bat and that’ll tell us where we are and let us know what we have to work on,” Atwall said.

GAME ON … The season opener July 25 kicks off at 4 p.m. and the team’s next home game is Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. against the Okanagan Sun, another rival squad. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.

of us.”

The Pirates have a special event this summer, too, as they host the Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League for an exhibition July 19. The HarbourCats roster is full of Div. 1-calibre players and the Pirates will add some alumni to create an all-star team to try to compete.

“It’s a great atmosphere down [in Victoria], so we’re bringing that atmosphere to Serauxmen Stadium and hopefully we’re going to fill that place,” Rogers said.

GAME ON … The Pirates host doubleheaders against the Victoria Mariners on Wednesday (July 1) at noon and 2:30 p.m., against the league-leading North Shore Twins on July 4 at noon and 2:30 p.m. and against the North Delta Blue Jays on July 5 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Admission at Serauxmen Stadium is $5 per game or $8 for a doubleheader. The July 19 game against the HarbourCats is a 1 p.m. start. Admission is $10.

European Style Bakery File photo

Nanaimo Timbermen lacrosse player Mitch Parker looks for a shot on goal during a game against the Victoria Shamrocks earlier this season at Frank Crane Arena.

p.m. at Frank Crane. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and free for kids 12 and under.

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

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Best of the City 2015

Trail running a popular pastime Variety of clubs available for levels of experience

By Chris Bush The News BulleTiN

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“It’s a beginner trail run. I keep doing the same trails just to have them learn the route. I want to have them learn the route so they will take another friend out and the ripple affect will happen.”

Club ages and skills range from teens to 65. Intermediate level runners in the group do Sunday morning runs over the tougher trails on the Westwood ridges above.

“So many people don’t know that there’s beautiful trails that exist above Westwood Lake,” Marshall said.

There’s also a new Facebook group for vegetarian runners. Plant Runners Nanaimo was created a few weeks ago.

Neil Gaudet, group cofounder, has lost 55 pounds since he started running and altered his diet in 2012 and recently qualified for the Boston Marathon.

“It’s a friendly local running group led by passionate runners focused on getting running started and on plantbased nutrition,” Gaudet said.

Plant Runners Nanaimo is free and open to everyone.

Its code of ethics does not require members to become vegetarian and forbids the shaming of any member for his or her love of bacon.

CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Laurel Wright, left, of the Wild Women of Westwood running club, and friend Rhona White navigate the pathways around the lake on an early morning run.

Woodland trails have become the routes of choice for runners in Nanaimo in recent years.

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rail running has become a huge pastime in Nanaimo in recent years.

The most heavily beaten path is the 4.6-kilometre Westwood Lake Loop. In fact, most running clubs in Nanaimo meet and start out from West Lake Park, Nanaimo’s most heavily used park.

Dan Brady is considered Nanaimo’s trail running go-to guy. Since 2003, he’s coordinated weekly runs through Runners of Compassion, which stages trail running events to raise cash for underprivileged youth, local food banks and women and children in need.

“The social side of our club is that we trail run,” Brady said.

All that’s needed to get started is a pair of running shoes, shorts, a positive attitude and the ability to keep your feet moving for about 40 minutes, said Brady.

“Our group is all broken up

based on pace,” Brady said.

“We run from the Dumont area, we run Westwood, the Humility-Abyss area, there’s Cinnabar and there’s the new Mecca, which is the Ridge Runner area off the Nanaimo Lakes Road.”

Those trail names are wellknown to Nanaimo’s mountain biking community. Mountain bikers and trail runners cover much the same turf, both groups build trails and many enjoy both sports.

Everybody has to start somewhere. Brady was a two-pack-a-day smoker who turned to a running clinic for help.

“I started with one of those learn-to-run programs, where you run for 30 seconds and run for four and a half minutes,” Brady said.

Beginner running clinics are available at retailers such as Frontrunners and Running Room. Most running clubs, including Bastion Running Club, accommodate newbies and experienced runners alike.

Wild Women of Westwood is a gender-specific club that started in early 2015 for women who are just getting into running.

“Our group is about 20 or 25 every Wednesday night,” said Lisa Marshall, club organizer.

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Nanaimo bursting with boutique brew flavour Restaurants stocking craft beer to satisfy a host of unique tastes

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CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

Matt Carter, a Nanaimo beer aficionado, prepares to put a Fat Tug IPA from Driftwood Brewery to the taste bud test at the Vault Cafe. Craft brews have made serious inroads in the city’s restaurants, pubs and cafes.

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lips Beer] in Victoria or a Longwood Independent Pilsner that’s really nice,” Carter said.

Fibber McGee’s in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter offers a cross-section of beers on tap from Canada, the United Kingdom and Belgium, plus local brews.

Acme Food Co., offers craft beers from Hoyne and Phillips.

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Imperial stout is his favourite of the brewery’s regular lineup. Incidentally, Nanaimo design studio, Hired Guns Creative, won international acclaim for the Stoutnik label design.

“The Crow and Gate will have a small list of craft beer, but what a great place to drink it,” Carter said. “They’ve got Longboat Chocolate Porter from [Phil-

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ou can’t experience the craft brew scene without having butted heads with Phillips Beers Blue Buck Ale. Matt Carter, local beer aficionado, describes Blue Buck Ale as “the gateway craft beer.” Since 2013, he’s sampled 600 beers and even has a smartphone app alerting him whenever someone in his social network of suds samples a new brew.

Carter’s virgin fling with alternative ales was at La Cantina, Vancouver Island University’s Students’ Union Pub predecessor, back in 2000 and he sipped suds across Canada as a member of Nanaimo band, The Kiltlifters.

He’s now a member of the band Dope Soda – slang for good craft brews.

Local licensed establishments now pour a flood of boutique brews that have cropped up like mushrooms in recent years.

There’s even a chanterelle mushroomflavoured beer.

Nanaimo’s Longwood Brewpub pumps interesting brews straight from the tap, says Carter, who gives two thumbs up to Longwood’s seasonal Full Patch Pumpkin Ale. Stoutnik Russian

The Modern Café offers big brewery alternatives with all strictly B.C. craft beers.

“At the Modern, we’re trying to keep ahead of the curve and offer our customers stuff that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Oliver Bailey, restaurant manager.

Pairing craft beer with food is pretty easy. Think of dark beers like red wine.

Lagers and pale ales are the white equivalents.

“You want to either have the flavours collaborating with each other or contrasting,” Carter said.

For contrast? India pale ales, heavy on hops, “really cut through the sharp spice or cut through the heavy flavours from the fat and the oil” of foods like pizza, chicken wings or fish and chips.

Pirate Chips, on Front Street carries Golden Honey Ale and India Pale Ale from Nanaimo’s Wolf Brewing Company and Phillips Double Chocolate Stout, which Angela Negrin, restaurant owner, pairs with Pirate Chips’ deep fried Nanaimo Bar. “As far as pairings go, the IPAs go with what we call hipsters,” Negrin said. “I’m selling a lot of them to the hipsters.”

Wolf Brewing Company is building a long list of local customers, including The Vault Café, Corner Lounge, Old City Station, The Nest, Pipers Pub, Gateway to India, Shanghai City and others.

“I could really use my rep here,” said Kevin Ward, head brewer, reciting the list from memory. “I just make the beer, I have no idea where it all actually goes.”

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Best of the City 2015

Weather is fine for wine making Two vineyards producing vintages in Nanaimo

By Karl yu The News BulleTiN

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he Harbour City’s temperate climate helps residents feel comfortable year-round, but winemakers laud it for its effect on grape growing.

A pair of wineries – Millstone Estate Winery and Chateau Wolff Estate Winery and Vineyard – are located in the East Wellington area and according to both proprietors, the weather is fine for wine.

“Vancouver Island is more like northern France and northern Italy,” said Dale Shortt, Millstone’s owner and winemaker. “It’s cooler climates, so we produce different types of wines here as opposed to say, Oliver, B.C., which have intense heat down there. They’re going to do more [cabernet sauvignon] and stuff like that.”

In fact, Shortt said he finds the pinot gris and pinot noirs on the Island are actually better than the B.C. Interior.

“It’s almost the same as if

you look at California,” said Shortt. “California is not known for a really good pinot noir – it’s too hot there – but Oregon and Washington, which have similar climates to Vancouver Island, are producing those same grapes.”

Natalie Riga and husband Matt took over Chateau Wolff Estate, located on Maxey Road, nearly two years ago.

She echoed Shortt’s sentiments and said predecessor Harry Von Wolff purchased the estate because it was ideal for winemaking.

“Right on Maxey Road is a completely different climate than the rest of Nanaimo, believe it or not,” said Riga.

“It’s usually about, I would say, at least five degrees warmer than anywhere else in town, so that is very, very good for the grapes. They like a lot of sun and a lot of heat.”

Millstone offers a variety of red and white wines for sale at private liquor stores and at its tasting room, including cabernet Franc, merlot, pinot noir, ortega and pinot gris.

“The only other wine that we have is the blackberry port, which is a port-style wine, sweet wine, dessert wine, and it’s made from the local blackberries here and it’s very popular,” said Shortt.

People can purchase Cha-

“

Vancouver Island is more like northern France and northern Italy.

teau Wolff’s white blend, chardonnay and sparkling cider – made from estategrown apples – at the Downtown Nanaimo Farmers’ Market.

Red wines (shiraz and pinot noir) will be released in the fall, according to Riga.

Millstone has a tasting room, complete with an outdoor wood-fire pizza oven, and Chateau Wolff anticipates opening its tasting room in July as the Rigas are in the process of renovating the winery.

Shortt suggests 2015 could be a banner year for one of Millstone’s reds.

“Our best year for the pinot noir was 2009. It was an extremely good year, but I’m thinking this year’s going to be another 2009 by the looks of the weather,” said Shortt. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

KARL YU/The News BULLeTiN

Dale Shortt, owner of Millstone Estate Winery, says Vancouver Island has good wine-making weather, comparable to northern France and northern Italy.

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Best of the City 33

Best of the City 2015

a friendly place to play Upgrades make Harewood park the spot to gather

By Nicholas Pescod The News BulleTiN

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NICHOLAS PESCOD/THE NEwS BuLLETIN

Ella Salvesen, 1, dances at the new playground at Harewood Centennial Park.

The structure was recently installed by the City of Nanaimo and is part of a series of upgrades to the park.

hose living in Harewood have a new playground to congregate.

The City of Nanaimo recently completed construction of a brand-new play structure at Harewood Centennial Park.

The bright green structure features two large slides, multiple ladders and a climbing wall. Children need not worry about hurting themselves on asphalt or stones – the new playground is covered in wood chips.

The structure is part of a series of phased upgrades that are scheduled to take place at the park, which is located adjacent to John Barsby Secondary School.

Kirsty MacDonald, parks and open space planner for the City of Nanaimo, said the new structure is the largest of its kind in Nanaimo and has been designed for children aged two to 12.

“Phase 1 will create the

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improvements,” MacDonald said.

Long-term additions to the park include a skate park, a bike route, a covered multi-sport court, upgraded lacrosse box, an artificial turf field and modifications to existing fields.

There are also plans for improved signage and parking as well as public art installations.

“There will be several more phases that will hopefully be realized over the next few years,” MacDonald said. “These are all improvements that have been requested by the community and fill voids in the south end in terms of recreational amenities.”

The upgrades come at a time when the Harewood neighbourhood is undergoing plenty of changes, such as new residential and commercial development.

The City of Nanaimo hopes that the park becomes an important part of the neighbourhood.

“Overall when all the phases are finished, we are hoping that it creates a community gathering hub in south Nanaimo for residents,” MacDonald said.

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largest destination playground and water park in town for families to come and spend a day,” MacDonald said.

Short-term upgrades to the 6.4-hectare park include the creation of a perimeter trail system, a mountain bike park and improved washrooms, which are set to be completed next year.

A few years ago, the City of Nanaimo recognized the need for upgrades and decided to adopt an improvement plan for the park.

“This process is trying to upgrade the amenities that people are expecting today,” MacDonald said.

Harewood Centennial Park has been in the city’s possession since the 1970s. MacDonald says the park has been in need of upgrades for years.

“The amenities that were there were outdated,” she said.

The city worked closely with community organizations, such as the Harewood Neighbourhood Association, to develop the multi-phase plan.

“The goals were to work with user groups and residents to determine park

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Best of the City 2015

The most fun you can have in a tub Great International World Championship Bathtub Race is wholly Nanaimo

BY NICHOLAS PESCOD THE NEWS BULLETIN

W

hen a bathtub racer encouraged Protection Island resident Marian Stewart to participate in the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race 10 years ago, she jumped at the opportunity.

A self-described adrenalin junkie, Stewart is no stranger to trying new things.

“I am a high-adrenalin junkie,” Stewart said. “I used to skydive and I ride motorcycles.”

Since her first race, Stewart has become a regular participant in the annual event and a member of the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.

“You become like a family,” she said.

“There are the same people that are doing it and there are newcomers as well. Over the past 10 years some of these people that I have met have become friends.”

Stewart is gearing up for this year’s Great International World Championship Bathtub Race. The race takes place on July 26 and is part of the

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

NEWS BULLETIN FILE

Marian Stewart approaches Departure Bay beach for the final run to ring the bell on shore.

The annual Great International World Championship Bathtub Race will break with tradition by starting and ending in downtown Nanaimo this year.

annual Nanaimo Marine Festival.

Those who have never witnessed a Bathtub race can expect to see motorized boats outfitted with bathtubs in an event that is truly Nanaimo.

“They get to see tubs that are one of a kind,” Stewart said.

This year’s race will be the first to

start and finish in the same spot.

In years past, the race began at Maffeo Sutton Park and ended in Departure Bay, but as of this year, it will conclude at the downtown park.

Stewart, who is on the board of directors for the Bathtub society, says having the finish line in the same spot

as the starting line will benefit spectators.

“People can stay there,” she said.

“They don’t have to shuffle.”

The first-ever bathtub race was held in 1967 and has since become an annual tradition in the Harbour City.

The new finish line also means that the race route will have altered slightly.

“We’ve kept the same amount of mileage, I think within 2.2 kilometres difference, which was really good,” she said.

The new course will be 59.5 kilometers and see participants race from Maffeo Sutton Park to Entrance Island.

The course will then head north to Maude Island, where contestants will loop around a marker in Nanoose Harbour.

They will then head south past Lantzville.

The final leg of the course will see racers pass Five Fingers Island, head toward Protection Island and finish back at Maffeo Sutton.

“It is more of a spectators route this time,” Stewart said. “We are going closer to Lantzville, as opposed to going up around the Winchelsea. We are going around Maude Island this time. It quite a good spectator area to watch all the way down.”

For more information on the event, please visit www.bathtubbing.com. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

Best of the City 35

Best of the City 2015 – WINNER: Jolly Giant Childcare

Child-care centre has reason to be jolly

“

Jolly Giant cares for families as well as children at its Nanaimo locations

We just do what we do every day and do it to the best of our ability.

By Tamara Cunningham The News BulleTiN

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Nanaimo childcare centre has good reason to be ‘jolly.’

Jolly Giant Childcare has been named best child-care centre in the Harbour City for the fourth consecutive year in the News Bulletin’s annual Best of the City contest.

The accolade comes on the heels of the business opening its sixth childcare centre in Nanaimo.

John Wilson, the 6-foot-10 Jolly Giant himself, grinned ear-to-ear from a recliner at the new Portsmouth Road location, toys scattered at his feet.

“We just do what we do every day and do it to the best of our ability,” he said, adding the award is for the managers and educators at his childcare centres.

“The fact that the city recognized them as their choice, I think that’s fantastic.”

The child-care business has come a long way in a decade.

Wilson opened his first centre on a shoestring budget in 1999, the year he graduated from an early childhood educator program at Vancouver

TAMARA CUNNINGHAM/THe News BUlleTIN

Chelsea Cummins, manager at Jolly Giant Childcare’s Nadely Crescent location, shares a smile with three-year-old Capri Hunter. The daycare is No. 1 for child care in the Harbour City.

Island University, then Malaspina University-College.

He was the only guy in the class, he said.

Today he has one centre in Victoria and six in Nanaimo. Two opened this year.

Consistent employees and hours,

transparency and quality separates their centres from the rest, say Wilson and his Portsmouth childcare centre manager Wendy Hall.

“It’s not just looking after children, it’s looking after the whole family,” said Hall, who provides parents with support, including helping connect

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those who have children with “diversabilities” or special needs. Parents are also given scrapbooks and photo albums at the end of the year showcasing children’s time in childcare.

“Parents are very busy,” Wilson said.

“There’s not a lot of time with their children. We get a lot of that time, so we don’t want them to miss out on that.”

Jolly Giant now has centres across the city with venues that take in as few as eight children under the age of six to another that cares for 57 young ones. The latest location in Maranatha Foursquare Gospel Church on Portsmouth Road has been 10 years in the making.

Nanoose parents who have driven to Jolly Giant Childcare downtown have asked for centres in the city’s north since the beginning. Wilson has been looking for the right space since that first request a decade ago, but it’s been difficult.

“This is a bit of a celebration to get this one open.”

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Bringing the flavour of Greece to Nanaimo 36 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015

Only the silliest of silly sailors need apply Annual Silly Boat Regatta raises money for Nanaimo Child Development Centre

motivated them to participate.

“During the races it’s actually going to be a little more informative,” Horsfield said. “We’re going to get to hear a little bit from the team, why they’re doing it, why they wanted to support the CDC, how they made their boat and what their thoughts were behind it.”

The regatta was started by CHUB Radio to raise money for the Vancouver-based Show You Care Society that helped children needing kidney transplants travel with their families to the U.S. for treatment. After transplants became available in B.C. and the society dissolved, the Child Development Centre became the regatta’s beneficiary. The centre is now the regatta’s primary organizer and Coast Capital Savings is the event’s presenting sponsor.

Be sure to mark July 19 on the calendar and get down to Maffeo Sutton Park early to witness the morning boat building and secure a good vantage point for the afternoon races.

For more information, please visit http://sillyboat.com.

By Chris Bush The News BulleTiN

T

he Silly Boat Regatta draws more spectators to Nanaimo’s waterfront than any other annual event.

Since the first regatta in 1984, tens of thousands of people have crowded the shoreline at Maffeo Sutton Park to witness what this city’s creative minds concoct to carry a crew of silly sailors around a buoy and back to shore.

The rules are simple. Silly boats must be assembled out of anything that is recyclable and will float the morning before the first race heats start.

The craft can’t be motorized, but can be paddled, pedalled, sailed or bailed, as required to get the job done.

Some teams build to win. There are awards for the fastest boats. Other teams build for artistic expression. The silliest boats, most creative costumes and wildest team themes get awards, too.

The gods of the sea claim their share of sunken silly craft, but the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy and spectators on the Swy-a-lana fishing pier stand ready to pluck stricken crews from the drink. There’s a First to Sink award, won by team Save Colliery Dam in 2014.

There’s also a prize for most money raised. The Silly Boat Regatta is the

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

photos@nanaimobulletin.com

News BulletiN file

All sorts of contraptions come together from recyclable materials during boat building at the annual Silly Boat Regatta. Teams race around a buoy in Nanaimo Harbour to raise money for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

biggest annual fundraiser for Nanaimo Child Development Centre, which provides programs and services for children with special needs. The 2014 regatta raised $117,000.

Erica Horsfield, child development centre spokeswoman, said 50 teams are competing this year, but for the first time, select teams will spend a few minutes explaining to spectators what

For more information on Silly boat regatta, please visit http://sillyboat.com Best of the City 37

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Blake Erickson Owner Blake Erickson Roofing Best Roofing Company

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

Mike Knutsson Manager, Port Place Thrifty Foods Best Customer Service

Dan Zapotichny Manager, Longwood Stn. Thrifty Foods Best Customer Service

Angela Negrin Pirate Chips Best Chips Best French Fries

Marianne Turley Owner Turley’s Florist Best Flower Shop

Ilan Goldenblatt, Owner Thirsty Camel Cafe Best Vegetarian Food

Joyce Fam, Owner A Step Ahead Best Place to Buy Shoes

Gordana Boskovic, Owner My Undies Best Place to Buy Lingerie

Leanne Case The Oxy Best Wings

Beverley Spidle, Owner Knead Therapy Clinic Best Place to Have a Massage

Julie Bevan, Executive Director Nanaimo Art Gallery Best Art Gallery

Dominic & Rose Staniscia City Tile Best Tile Store

Michelle Guillemaud, Manager Iris Best Optical Store

Crystal Boychuck, Manager Iris Best Optical Store

Linda Waller, Owner Divine Glow Tanning Best Place to Tan

Leon Drzewiecki, Owner NYLA Best Place to buy Mens Clothing

Rob Littlejohn, General Manager Living Forest Best Campground

Kelly Loftus, Manager Woodgrove Flight Centre Best Travel Agency

John Lim Nori Sushi Best Sushi Restaurant

Cheryl Nixon Owner/Manager Spice of Life Best Catering Business

Zeni Maartman Manager BCAA Best Insurance Agency

Donya Sutherland Baker BCAA Best Insurance Agency

Drs. Abe Avender and Kristen Butler, Owners Moksha Yoga Nanaimo Best Yoga Studio

Julia Dow, Manager Woodgrove Centre Best Place to Shop

John McPhail & Mike Campbell Longwood Brew Pub Best Pub

Rolf Hesser, Owner Columbia Bakery Best Bakery

Mike Beaudry End of the Roll Best Floorcovering Store

Susan Urban Mid Island Co-op Best Gas Bar

Frank Naccarato Frankie’s Modern Diner Best Restaurant Best Breakfast

Teri Taylor Kool & Child Best Toy Store

Tom Vuu Huong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant Best Asian Restaurant

Scott and Kara Henderson - Owners The Buzz Coffee Shop Best Coffee Shop

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

Justin Mah, Asst. Mgr, Kal Tire Best Place for Tires, Best Auto Service

Nicole Nixon, General Manager VI Fitness Best Gym

Matt Laing, Manager Midland Tools Best Place to Buy Tools

Bold Knight Bold Knight Restaurant Best Seafood Restaurant

1533 Estevan, Terminal Park Mall

www.seadrift.market.ca

250-754-4913

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#14 Victoria Crescent 38 Best of the City

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Thursday & Friday, 11am - 7pm

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• Funky Middle Eastern Kitchen in the Heart of Downtown • Fresh falafel and hummus made daily • Free-range chicken • Plenty of Vegetarian, Vegan and gluten free options

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WINNER: Nanaimo River

Community Newspaper

Celebrating Over 27 Years of Serving Nanaimo and the Surrounding Area sse team rolled

Senior B lacro galleryover Shootingaroun North Shore. d in win

PAGE 27

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tin.com

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tients’ strength Nurse remembers pa

23, 2015 TUESDAY, JUNE

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re Crews contain wildfi n west of Mount Benso

BY MELIS SA FRYER nce that IN stori es of viole to sexual THE NEWS BULLET span elder abuse ate partimo was 70 assault and intim ng west of Nanaay morning, Falkenberg, A wildfire burni S ner violence. sic nurses ined as of Mond TOOLKIT HELP per cent conta Coastal Fire Centre. one of nine foren to d of ers the traine to sign is according identify nded to the Boom in Nanaimo, enter and a g. hting crews respoit broke out Saturday. ickin docum Firefig traff their an be ly after hum pmedical care and two helico ang Lake fire short link between ial syste m, crew members On Monday, 41 ed to the blaze, burning abouta and the judic ulous notes , INGHA M were assign Mount Benson, said Donn metic ters g CUNN RA takin of

BY TAMA swabs and IN officer. two ridges west THE NEWS BULLET measurements, es, abraby fire information MacPherson, structures are threatened catalogue of bruis rit s or s. It’s a long home Sansk lesion No and black sions Intric ate g up to six e Falkenis estimated to the fire. process, takin honoured the fire, which is still under runs down Aimerm, a tatThe cause of in size, hours, but she’slisten to her berg’s left forea found to t 6.5 hectares be and sexually to abou 210 ted be there for sit e to ded but is expec too tribut s, she said – d or trafinvestigation, sed as no lightning was recor patients’ storie tells them assaulted, abuse wom en and be human-cau MacPherson. and always she is they are e ficke d men, those who in the area, said dry,” MacPherson said. “We’r how proud she ination. children and all we normally are “It’s incredibly doing the exam ahead of where time of year.” will come after. nurs e in her start several weeks for this Falkenberg got at SurA foren sic r ratey, nurse dange Surr sic fire foren and The a as Nana imo is high Hospital in examined ing for the area rey Memorial ing Falkenberg has le experiwork to extreme.

2008, but began dozens of peop t days of seems Nanaimo two “Cedar south spot, ” as a casual in encing the worsas 15-yearher famwildfire, to be a dry years ago when TO REPORT a their lives, such wake at a the Islan d.

MacPherson said. the ily move d toin this city is please call 1-800old girls who with no Peop le using ld The program 663-5555 or *5555 party, pants gone,last five e old and shou back coun try me caumost cellular more than a decad ts on mem ory of the workers patien 100 exercise extre activity sees just over alone saw networks. hours. Sex trade listen ed to tion and limit smokannually. NRGH year, an who were n’t no and men re, such as 60 in the last fiscal in spark a wildfi when they said lted but the year prewhich might ATVs, vehicles or equipment increase from who were assau to Carrie a of no one ing and using areas. Cigarettes should be extinvious, according HE NEWS BULLETIN faced the stigm.

CHRIS BUSH/T nal manager grassy or dry , such as a water bottle. the Gen- Homuth, regio es. nal believing themof her mediRegio water mo guished in ban is being considered ford be ic nurse at Nanai “strength” and of trauma servicis considerWith a read t, she can fire woul berg, a forens h read ion camp that Healt Falken A rit decis a repor Island Aimee and s in Sansk cal legal toolkit, the al, has tattoo implement one, single one. will.” coastal fire area ing using a new in Canada an indomitable ay whether to remember every colour of eral Hospit gth comes from made late Mond of its kind by Maybe not the ngs or “Stren Falkents will first earri MacPherson said. be kept to a half-metre co-created by where some patien their hair or ing they were a forensic and to help health prohave the is Campfires must and must be fully extine “The y just them that arrive to have size their berg, recognize trafficked even the cloth she rememn half-metre in means cold to the touch, befor s assure them wearing, but . Their sto- strength withi they nurse is OK. That they vider nts. She developed it which idea ed, no guish body site. during bers their souls wrenching they have have a patie a bonfire,” leaving the camp t pregnant, or d infec- with two colleagues a party fire or aren’ mean Memo ’t ries are heartpeople would had.” y after Surre tes mitte “That doesn It’s just minuay. Falken- sexually trans they’ll have her time atgnizi ng many and yet those of her, give ble campreco MacPherson said. the fire and possidfire.ca. To noon on Monded her shift tion and where stand in front walk out. en having rial, nts were showing red bcwil For updates on the choice betwe king. ted patie e check www. her a hug and I’d drive berg has finish Regional Gen- forensic evidence collec i- flags of human traffic flags fire bans, pleasre, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 “Som etim es and try to at Nanaimo emergency those same d at the hosp report a wildfiar networks. home cryin g where does eral Hospital’sand takes a and store can file police She seesimo, most ly with ulletin.co m editor@n anaimob on most cellul Nana so they in tal one old. figure out, likecome from?” depa rtme nt ete or give d concr to 19 years E’ /6 repor t later, of all teens 14 this strength ng down at seat on a shade See ‘NURS by, her crispa immediately. They are have she said, looki er on her step near rs and resting on ages and gende white lab coat the inked answ comes from purse beside her. Nanaimo arm: strength will. an indomitable

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Quickfacts

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CHRIS BUSH/THe NewS BUlleTIN

JEWE LLERY

Chilling out

SERV ICE

P. 250.585.1648 dson.com www.marshan - Sat 10am - 5pm

CLING GOLD RECY

3392 Norwell

Drive, Nanaimo

| Tues

DIAMOND

RECYCLING

Kelana Cottrell, 4, takes a break from a dip in the Nanaimo River near Cassidy. The river has been voted best place to swim outdoors in the 2015 Best of the City survey.

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www.BlackandBlueTattoo.ca

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In House Artists: • Rob Noseworthy • Joel Martin • Candice Churchill • Dave Nicholson • Bobby Tripp

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BRING IN YOUR IDEAS AND OUR ARTISTS WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!

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Thank you Nanaimo for voting us

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

*Be Relaxed *Be Pampered *Be Beautiful

250-740-0092 www.maffeosalon.ca

Best of the City 39

Eclectic Island Entertainment Thank You For Voting Us As One Of Nanaimo’s

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Local Talent. Local Tech. Local Live Theatre.

Best Theatre Companies

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BEST PLACE TO HAVE WINGS

For Information On Upcoming Shows & Courses

432 Fitzwilliam Street

Pub: 250.753.3771 • Liquor Store: 250.753.7118

www.schmoozeproductions.com 250-739-0721

BEST OF THE CITY 2015

VERSION 2 HORIZONTAL

GOTHAM LIGHT Horizontal

IRIS, Conference Centre

IRIS, Woodgrove Centre

Thank you Nanaimo!

Thank you for choosing IRIS as your favourite for eye health and vision care for the past 7 years in a row!

Call us today to schedule an eye examination with an IRIS Doctor of Optometry.

Conference Centre

Woodgrove Centre

#312 - 60 Commercial Street

6631 Island Hwy

250.754.2212

250.390.2160

Dr. Winnie Ng, Optometrist

Dr. Winnie Ng & Dr. Adam Reid, Optometrists ®TM

40 Best of the City

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City 2015

City perfect for walking tours

jailhouses and areas where ghosts have been sighted.

Pioneer Cemetery Tours take place in July and August and offer participants the opportunity to visit the original graveyard in Nanaimo, which dates back to the 1850s.

There are also self-guided tours as well, including one which offers interpretations of the Harbour City’s premier dessert – the Nanaimo bar. People can download a Nanaimo bar trail brochure available at www.tourismnanaimo.com and head to various businesses around town, where they can sample various incarnations of the custard, chocolate treat.

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BEST BURGERS

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whitespot.ca

2015

“For All Your Petroleum & Convenience Store Needs”

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At White Spot, there’s something for everyone.

White Pirate Spotmilkshakes has been a favourite kid spotwe for love as longto asmake most people can remember. scooped and more, kids happy.

Which, of From our award-winning burgers, served in our famous Pirate Paks, to our amazing handmoms dads our pretty happy Thank youand for making restaurant yourtoo. family favourite.

6561 ISLAND HWY 250.390.2941 THE HE milkshakes and more, love to make kids happy.

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2015

Locations to Serve You!

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KARL YU/The News BULLeTiN

Kevin Storey, one of the proprietors of Nanaimo Walking Tours, addresses the crowd at Nanaimo’s Bastion during a Thursday evening tour. Storey guides participants through historic parts of the city, educating on how things once were.

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

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W

ith more than 140 years of history, historical structures and picturesque scenery, Nanaimo’s downtown is the perfect city to take a walking tour.

Mark Corbett, who runs Nanaimo Walking Tours with business partner Kevin Storey, said walking tours show nuances and hidden gems of a community.

There are numerous tours for people to embark on in Nanaimo that can satisfy interests for history, nature or even appetites for food.

“It has a very rich history,” said Storey of Nanaimo. “It’s very compact, so it’s easy to walk in and you can cover from 1853 to 1920 in a couple of blocks.

“What I really like is how much the topography of Nanaimo has changed because a lot of what was water is now land and has

“

It’s very compact, so it’s easy to walk in and you can cover from 1853 to 1920 in a couple of blocks.

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

By Karl yu The News BulleTiN

buildings on it and so you see an old historical picture and to put it into context to a modern time can really be quite amazing.”

The area from Nanaimo’s Bastion to the Bastion Street bridge is Storey’s favourite part of Nanaimo.

“You can get a lot of stories,” Storey said. “You can see an old foundation from the opera house, you can see the third-oldest wooden building in Nanaimo, you can see down the alleyway to where a parking lot is that used to be the waterfront.

The Bastion of course, our major feature.”

Protection and Newcastle Islands, in the waters of Nanaimo’s harbour, are largely inhabited by trees, offering people the opportunity to experience nature, particularly bird watching.

“Birding is huge these days ... people have created whole tourism industries just for birding,” said Corbett.

The Nanaimo Museum offers a number of guided tours – even for those interested in the macabre.

Lantern Tours take place in October, which tread over ground where public hangings took place, old

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

Guides offer stories about birds, history and ghosts

STORE NAME Address, City, Phone number

Present this coupon at the Nanaimo White Spot Restaurants & InsertSTORE offer details.

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

only

CYAN MAGENTA

RESULTS: Entertainment

The Votes Are IN & YOu

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NAN NEWS BUAIMO LLETIN

Fiddelium, formerly the Nanaimo Youth Fiddlers, prepares for a concert at its rehearsal space on Selby Street. Dozens of musical groups call Nanaimo home and can be found performing at theatres, restaurants, bars and pubs throughout the city.

thank you Nanaimo!

longwoodbrewpub.com 250.729.8225 | 5775 Turner Rd, Nanaimo

For a feature story on best art gallery, please see page 17.

Best theatre company 1.

The Port Theatre 2.

Nanaimo Theatre Group 3.

Schmooze Productions

Best art gallery 1.

Nanaimo Art Gallery 2.

Barton & Leier MixTA 3.

Yellow Bird Arts Gallery 3.

Art 10 Best pub 1.

Longwood Brew Pub 2.

Carlos O’Bryan’s 3.

The Crow & Gate Pub Best sports bar 1.

Old City Station Pub 2.

Pipers Pub 3.

Quarterway Pub

THE KITCHEN TECHNICIAN Kitchen Refacing Specialists ...and so much more!!

BEFORE

Nanaimo 3423 Shenton Rd.

250-756-1313 1-877-517-8324

Free In-Home Estimates Victoria 356 Bay St. 1-250-658-1313

AFTER 42 Best of the City

GO WITH THE PRO’S” Serving Vancouver Island Since 2001 Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of the City

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We greatly appreciate your loyalty and patronage. Art Knapp Plantland strives to provide the best selection, quality and knowledgeable service for all your gardening needs. So again, thank you very much. - The Van Hest Family, Owners.

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PLANTLAND Across from Home Depot, next to the Best Western Hotel.

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BEST OUTDOOR GARDEN CENTRE 13 YEARS IN A ROW

HANGING BASKETS

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% OFF REGULAR PRICES ONLY!

FABULAWN 24-4-16 LAWN FERTILIZER

Best lawn food for Vancouver Island covers 4,800 sq. ft. of lawn.

Reg. 32.99

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Yet ‘Growers’ inventories are getting low, so if you want to have a colorful garden this Summer, buy now before it’s too late!

BULK FISH COMPOST, BARK MULCH, PREMIUM GARDEN MIX SOIL 6469 Metral Drive Nanaimo, BC Across from Home Depot, Real Canadian Superstore.

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PLANTLAND Tuesday, June 30, 2015

250-390-1151

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15% OFF Regular Priced Items

(Except Bulk Soil, Bark, Fish Compost)

HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK

9:00 am to 5:30 pm Best of the City 43

44 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 30, 2015