Oak Bay News, December 16, 2015

Songs of solstice

Oak Bay United concert celebrates the season Page A8

NEWS: Weaver acclaimed as BC Green leader /A3 GARDEN: Good reads for your Christmas list /A11 SPORTS: Gary Taylor Classic hits the hardwood /A14

OAK BAYNEWS Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Conveniently located in Athlone Court 250-592-5544 seafirstinsurance.com oakbaynews.com

Adaptive toys on loan at Oak Bay library GVPL launches Skill Builders for all children Christine van Reeuwyk Oak Bay News

A new Skill Builders Adaptive Toy collection in the Greater Victoria Public Library will provide families with children who have cognitive, physical, sensory or communicative challenges the opportunity to borrow accessible toys at the Oak Bay branch.

Rina Hadziev, Collections and Technical Services Co-ordinator, is proud of the collection, calling it one of the “more special” in their vast offering. “I like it when we stretch ourselves,” she said. “The focus is really on play. Parents and caregivers and kids playing together has value in itself,” she said.

Each of the light plastic totes holds three to five toys, a fidget and a book or CD. Christine van Reeuwyk/Oak Bay News

Rina Hadziev, Greater Victoria Public Library Collections and Technical Services Co-ordinator, with the newest addition to the children’s collection: adaptive toys for children with cognitive, physical, sensory or communicative challenges.

PlEASE SEE: Three toy box sizes available, Page A5

Grant funding for sewage treatment at risk: Jensen Christine van Reeuwyk Oak Bay News

A pair of CRD committee decisions last week may cause a delay that puts sewage treatment grant funding at high risk, warns Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen.

“We’re not going to meet the March 31 deadline, that’s clear. Can we get an extension? That’s not so clear,” he told the Oak Bay News Thursday.

The Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee decided during its Dec. 16 meeting not to send the latest information out for

public consumption and feedback. Going to the public was defeated in a tie vote with clear opinions on both sides.

“Obviously we all want to keep the public involved, keep the public informed but I can’t see what we’re going to say to them at this time,” said director Vic Derman, the Saanich councillor who led the charge against going to the public. “Here are four representative options – maybe – that we have all sorts of problems with.”

That included four options with estimated annual costs: One plant in the Rock Bay area of Victoria at a cost from $1.031

Estevan Village 4 Bdrm Executive Home 2732 Dewdney Avenue MLS 355993 $1,500,000

RE/MAX Camosun

billion (secondary treatment) to $1.139 billion (tertiary treatment); a two-plant system with secondary and tertiary treatment in Rock Bay and Colwood, for $1.088 billion; a four-plant system in Rock Bay, Colwood, Esquimalt First Nation and East Saanich, with secondary and tertiary treatment for $1.195 billion; and a seven-plant option — including plants in Rock Bay, Colwood, Esquimalt, East Saanich, View Royal, Langford and Saanich — with secondary and tertiary treatment for $1.348 billion.

“The public will have come to some conclusions themselves,” said director and

Fantastic Jubilee Area Condo #313-2022 Foul Bay Road MLS 358310 $219,900

250.220.5061

Saanich councillor Susan Brice, adding that obviously seven plants cost more than one and tertiary is more expensive than secondary.

“When the (public) consultation occurs, the critical thing is to tone it down, not 1. Duplex on 11,800sf View Lot 73 putSylvan pressure on people. Remind the pubLane $1,099,000 MLS 351211 lic we’re in a fluid process … take more questions fromLegal themDuplex and provide 2. Renovated with Viewsanswers where weCrescent have answers.”

1828 Road $1,199,000 MLS 353190

PlEASE SEE: 3. Gordon Point Home 4516 McLoughlin siteExecutive should be reconsidered, Gordon Point Drive Page $1,175,000 COMING A2 SOON

Corner Unit Town Home

#112-1196 Clovelly Terrace MLS 357666 $399,900

www.preferredhomes.ca

Guy

Scott

Karl

A2 A2 •www.oakbaynews.com •www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS

Mayors, province discuss regional co-operation

Love that lasts.

Christine van Reeuwyk Oak Bay News

Since 1870, Blundstone boots have walked the path less travelled. Following no one, setting our own stride. The result is a boot that starts comfortable and just gets better. You’ll love the fit.

And no knots to tie!

#068 The Chisel Toe in Black. $199.95

blundstone.ca

Mayors from around the region met with Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender earlier this month to discuss working together as a region, a followup to requests for a provincial study on amalgamation during last year’s municipal election.

Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen said Oak Bay and Highlands Highlands impressed the minis-

The Cobbler 718 View St., Victoria 250-386-3741

obbler-fall-ads.indd 2

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING

Sale in Effect 10/26/15 Dec. 15th - 23th, 2015

all stock aluminum

% Off Reg Price

VACS bid higher, offers closer services

9:32 PM

Christine van Reeuwyk Oak Bay News

Includes Thread & Bobbin Cases

MOBILE SEWING MACHINE CADDYon wheels all stock regular to $159.98ea

QUILTERS FLOOR $ FRAME Regular $235.00ea

117

(exclusions apply to Promotional, Clearance, “Special Purchase”, Signature Styles & Yarn)

3170 TILLICUM ROAD, VICTORIA

LOWER LEVEL OUTSIDE OF TILLICUM CENTRE ACROSS FROM PEARKES REC. CENTRE • 250-475-7501 Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am - 9:00 pm Sat. 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Sun and Holidays 11:00 am - 5 pm

www.fabriclandwest.com | customer service # 1-855-554-4840

Oak Bay will continue using Victoria Animal Control Services for bylaw enforcement, maintenance of pound facilities, routine patrols and emergency services, despite being a little more costly than a bid by the Capital Regional District.

A key factor for the decision, said Coun. Kevin Murdoch, was the staff report outlining the differences, the “real world aspect” in the services offered.

The CRD bid was for $60,840 (2016), $62,057 (2017) and $63,298 (2018) for a total of $186,195, while the VACS bid was $70,803 each year for three years, for a total of $212,409.

Oak Bay contracted CRD for the services until 2007 when VACS was awarded the contract.

Staff found that VACS provided best value for

money, including offering excellent customer service over the last nine years.

“They’ve been doing an exemplary job from what I’ve heard in the community,” said Coun.

Tara Ney. They also scored higher in other areas: a physically closer office for call-outs and quick response; a recent five-year agreement with the City of Victoria, meaning officers will be in closer proximity if Oak Bay has an emergency; the pound is also nearby, on David Street; and VACS has been instrumental in increasing dog licensing revenue every year by following up on unlicensed dogs.

Since 2007, dog licensing revenue has increased from $45,000 in 2007 to $65,000 this year. Oak Bay’s policy is that dog licence fees should cover 75 per cent of the expenditure.

The district has not raised dog licence fees since 2006 and staff expect to review the policy of recovery of animal control costs through licensing fees and report back to a future committee of the whole meeting. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

McLoughlin site should be reconsidered Continued from Page A1

Staff are to come back with more information on lifecycle costs for various options, an accurate projection of greenhouse gas mitigation of the various options, more of the rationale behind costing allocations and better description of the allocation options. The committee also asked the West Side committee to investigate a site for Colwood/ Langford offering secondary and tertiary added to the options. That too will add time, Jensen said.

“To inject that at this late date will clearly push us past the March 31 deadline,” he said. “It was a challenge to get this extension, I certainly hope we can do it (again) but I think there’s a small chance.”

The province committed $248 million alongside a federal grant of $253.4 million – both have already extended deadlines.

“Given the extra cost, given the high risk of losing federal and provincial funding, there’s an

December 2015 - Holiday Gift Sale Insert usual basebar at bottom

Ad Size 4.33 X 7.14 Group 1 SEE INSERTION ORDER FOR PUBLICATION DATE

ways Oak Bay already works with other municipalities, both through the Capital Regional District and on a municipalityto-municipality basis, such as recent conversations on finding and developing efficiencies in police, fire and economic development.

“It was a very positive meeting,” Jensen said. “The province committed to a facilitation project … and we agreed we would all meet again.” cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

Animal control contract extended

INSPIRATION’S SEWING BASKETS - All Stock TRUEFORM DRESSFORMS - 2 Sizes Reg $429.00ea FALL & WINTER DECORATIVE THROWS excludes “Signature Styles” FASHION JEWELRY all stock bracelets, rings & more DUVET COVER SETS excludes “Signature Styles” TAILOR BEADING BASIC WHITE KIT - reg. $59.98ea BEDDING COLLECTION START TO QUILT all stock KIT - reg. $57.98ea CUSHION COVERS all stock SEWING ORGANIZERS plastic & clear styles all stock STORAGE CASES

50

ter with a surprise list of 200-plus projects they already co-operate with other municipalities on.

“Much of this efficiency and co-operation is invisible to the public,” Jensen said.

The meeting is similar to one Jensen had with Fassbender during the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention.

Jensen called that meeting “quite a bit wider than amalgamation.”

At that time Jensen outlined for Fassbender some of the

Find quality employees.

obligation to put McLoughlin back on the table. By comparison it is clearly the greenest, most costefficient plan of all that we’ve seen to date.”

Esquimalt council rejected a rezoning application for McLoughlin Point in April 2014, citing overwhelming public opposition to the regional sewage project and a lack of proper setbacks and tsunami protection for the waterfront property.

“The duty to the public is to put that on the table,” Jensen said. “It may be that people want to look at it, even in Esquimalt, now that we see that a seven-plant solution could cost each household in Esquimalt $1,427 annually. That’s an astronomical figure for any community.”

CRD staff compiled per-household figures that reflected costs with and without the federal and provincial funding. The Esquimalt number is the highest projected for a seven-plant solution without a grant. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

www.oakbaynews.com •• A3 A3 www.oakbaynews.com

OAK BAY BAY NEWS NEWS -- Wednesday, Wednesday, December 16, 2015 OAK December 16, 2015

COMMUNITY NEWS IN BRIEF

We’re not running to finish third: Weaver Local MLA new leader of BC Greens Christine van Reeuwyk Oak Bay News

Finn & Izzy’s colourful window on Oak Bay Ave.

BIA recognizes holiday windows

Recognizing innovative ideas and a creative touch, the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association has honoured the best in the Avenue’s decorated windows.

Taking first place in the Contemporary category was A La Mode, for their entertaining take on the holiday season, while Avenue Gallery placed second with its stylish display highlighting its All That Glitters exhibition.

The best window in the themed category went to Pedego Electric Bikes, for its eye-catching display with a cheerful red tandem bike as its centerpiece, with Eclectic Gallery in second place with a festive window filled with interesting artwork and folk-art holiday elves.

A number of shops opted for a traditional take on the holiday decorating and among those, Timeless Toys took first place with its display incorporating various toys gathered in seasonal vignettes, while Finn & Izzy was a close second with its two themed bear trees.

Weather doesn’t dampen generosity

Despite the blustery weather, Oak Bay residents showed their holiday spirit, generating 1,017 pounds of food in Oak Bay Village and nearly $500 in donations during the IEOA Lighted Truck Parade earlier this month. Donations from the 17th annual event support the local food bank.

Refugees to receive bus pass Thanks to a University of Victoria Students’ Society proposal, passed by the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, every refugee resettled in Greater Victoria will receive a free one-year bus pass.

Proposed by Kenya Rogers, UVSS Director of External Relations and Victoria Regional Transit Commission member, the motion passed unanimously. “This initiative will ensure that those fleeing heart-wrenching circumstances are able to get around the city they now call home,” Rogers said.

“Providing a bus pass to refugees is just one way of supporting individuals who are faced with the difficulties of resettlement and integration into a new community. It will allow for newcomers to move freely around the city and to access the many services, community groups, and public spaces in the region.” editor@oakbaynews.com

Meeting, greeting and creating policy that puts people first are all early agenda items for new BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver.

Endorsement was high so Weaver got the early nod from the BC Green Party provincial council. They met and unanimously voted to acclaim the Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA leader several months early.

“I’m excited. It’s a huge honour,” Weaver said after a recent visit to Oak Bay municipal hall for a volunteer luncheon.

“I am greatly humbled by the outpouring of support that I received over the course of this leadership process. There is a lot of work to do in order to get ready for the 2017 election, but it has never been more clear that British Columbians are looking for something new. I am excited to introduce them to the BC Green Party.”

Weaver was the sole applicant for leader and members expressed a desire to have a permanent leader in place for the upcoming Vancouver–Mount Pleasant and Coquitlam– Burke Mountain by-elections.

“The very first task for me will be to attend a council meeting and offer them the vision I did when I declared my candidacy … outline a pathway that we need to follow to 2017,” Weaver said.

Christine van Reeuwyk/Oak Bay News That vision includes formal poli- Andrew Weaver is the new leader of the provincial Green Party. cies, many already well in the works, and targets such as getting a few nominees out of the gate early, “We hunt for food in British Columbia. For tourism you “We have outstanding candidates already expressing an interest to come out,” Weaver said. “The BC Green Party will come and look at wildlife,” he said.

A final, and passionate policy proposal is a social insurance. be seriously contending the ridings, all of them, in B.C. …

Weaver notes the the percentage of the GDP spent on social We’re running to win. We’re not running to finish third.”

Policies already underway include: eliminate MSP premi- services is on a consistent downward trend, based on choices made by previous governments. ums, make venture capital work better, “In every aspect of our life we take out keep hunting local and invest in social “The BC Green Party will insurance. … What we’ve been cutting is services insurance. our social service insurance.”

The current provincial medical ser- be seriously contending the “We’re all one step away from falling over vices plan acts as “a classic head tax,” and getting a brain injury,” he says. “In a Weaver says, advocating a shift to some- ridings, all of them, in B.C.” fair and caring society, we need an insurthing similar to Ontario, such as a pro– Andrew Weaver ance policy so we can all thrive. … It’s not gressive “health care plan” cost attached a tax. It’s a society taking out an insurance to the annual income tax return.

Venture capital, already offered by the government, requires policy,” he says, noting if they know precisely where funds are some more specific conditions, he said. Language attached to allocated, most people would willingly pay.

“We have a compassionate society.” such funding should stipulate that the funds be used as leverWeaver also plans to spend the upcoming months getting age to draw, and maintain, business to B.C. There should be an ecosystem and science-based approach out, across the province, and greeting people, meeting resito wildlife an forest management, putting resident hunters dents, listening to concerns and stories. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com first.

A4 • www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

BAY NEWS

Simple steps to keep your holiday season fire safe The last thing anyone wants is to have the most festive of seasons to turn tragic, but each year, families are devastated by fires that often could have been avoided.

As a timely reminder, the Oak Bay Fire Department reminds residents to think safety when celebrating.

When setting up and decorating your Christmas tree, place the tree away from fireplaces, portable heaters, heater vents. and television sets. Place it out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways, advises Capt. Rob Kivell, Oak Bay Fire Prevention Division, adding that thin guy wires can help secure tall trees to walls or ceiling and will be almost invisible.

“Because heated rooms dry out natural trees rapidly, keep the stand filled with water and check the water level daily. A six-foot tree will absorb one gallon of water

Use only non-combustible for fire or electric shock. Be or flame-resistant materials careful when placing cords to trim a tree and never use behind or beneath furniture lighted candles on a tree – as pinched cords can fray even an artificial tree – or near and short. Keep animals other evergreens. Always use away from cords to avoid non-flammable holders and entanglement and chewing place candles where they will and keep cords and lights not be knocked down. away from the tree’s water Decorative lighted villages, supply.

Nativity scenes, electric Never use electric lights trains and other electrically on a metallic tree. The tree powered scenery and figures can become charged with should be monitored like electricity from faulty lights, other decorative lights. and a person touching a For further information, branch could be electro- Capt. Rob Kivell contact the Oak Bay Fire cuted.

Remember to turn off all lights before Department’s fire prevention division at going to bed or leaving the house as the 250-592-9121. editor@oakbaynews.com lights could short out and start a fire.

every two days,” Kivell says.

When decorating, use only lights tested for safety by a recognized testing organization, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections and throw out damaged sets. Miniature lights are preferred, for their cool-burning bulbs. Position bulbs so they aren’t in direct contact with needles or ornaments.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord (maximum of 200 miniature lights or 150 larger lights), and remember, only one extension cord should be used per outlet, Kivell says.

It’s also important to take care with electrical cords. Don’t run cords under rugs as walking traffic can weaken insulation and the wires can overheat, increasing the chances

Autism project for parents gets provincial funding The B.C. government has budgeted $3 million for a research project to explore the benefits of “parent coaching intervention” for infants and toddlers who show early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The project will follow about 70 children and their families. The screening process for subjects is expected to begin in early 2017.“Many families recognize that something may be wrong with their child’s development as young as one year of age, but they just don’t know what they can do to help,” said Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Pacific Autism Family Centre founder. “Parent coaching is one of those options that could change families’ lives.”

ere. h is t n e v E d n -E The Audi Year ld. o c e h t in t u o Don’t get left atter

AUDI

, no m all-wheel-drive ro tt a u q i d u A With urs. you can be in yo the elements,

Gutter CleaninG • repair • Gutter Guard

Sooke to Sidney

Since 1969

380-2662

Carpet CleaninG • roof de-mossinG

windows • pressure wash

paintinG • renovatinG

5x10

Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing

Tennis Tournament

2016 Audi A6 3.0T Cash purchase incentive of

$5,250

†

Lease from

OR

1.9%

*

2016 Audi A4 allroad Cash purchase incentive of

$3,500

†

Audi Autohaus

quattro bonus of

1.9% + $3,750 **

†

January 4-17, 2016 EVENTS FOR ALL LEVELS AND AGES

Held at Recreation Oak Bay’s 4 Court Bubble

®

Oak Bay Recreation Centre 250-595-7946

Lease from

OR

Finance from

Finance from

2.9%

*

Registration online at: www.tennisbc.org

quattro bonus of

Entry Deadline Friday, December 18

2.9% + $2,000

†

**

Our THANKS to the following “Classic” sponsors...

A Division of the GAIN Dealer Group

1101 Yates Street, Victoria | 250.590.5849 | audiautohaus.com

AudiAutohaus

@AudiAutohaus

Models shown for illustration purposes only.*Lease rates of 1.9%/2.9% up to 48 months based on the 2016 Audi A6 3.0T/A4 allroad® models with automatic transmission. **Finance rates of 1.9%/2.9% up to 60 months based on the 2016 Audi A6 3.0T/A4 allroad® models with automatic transmission.†Cash purchase incentive of $5,250/$3,500 based on a combination of Audi Canada $2,000/$1,250 stackable cash, $750 Audi Autohaus contribution and cash purchase savings of $1,500/$1,000 and is available on cash purchases of the 2016 Audi A6 3.0T/A4 allroad® models only. ††quattro bonus lease and finance offer of $3,750/$2,000 based on a combination of Audi Canada $2,000/$1,250 stackable cash and $750 Audi Autohaus contribution and is applicable to 2016 Audi A6 3.0T/A4 allroad® models only. Doc ($395), finance admin ($495), taxes, security deposit, licence, insurance, registration, Environmental Levies ($100), Tire Levy ($20) and similar taxes levied on the manufacturer (if charged by the Retailer), and PPSA (up to $39.26) if applicable are extra. Please visit Audi Autohaus for full details. Offers expire December 31st, 2015. Offers are subject to availability and may be cancelled or changed without notice. Certain conditions apply. See Audi Autohaus for details. “Audi”, “allroad”, “A4“, “A6, “Vorsprung durch Technik”, and the four rings emblem are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. ©2015 Audi Canada. To find out more about Audi, visit Audi Autohaus. DL49914427 #31246.

centre court racquets

1543 Pandora Ave

250-598-7175 www.centrecourtracquets.ca

Fairfield

1136 Hillside Ave

Victoria, BC Tel. 250-386-4263

www.oakbaynews.com • A5

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Deer group seeks images for inventory Focus of winter photo inventory is on bucks The Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society hopes readers will share images of deer in the community.

The group is undertaking a photo inventory of urban deer in Oak Bay. Black-tailed deer can be identified by scars, nicks, limps and other features unique to each individual.

The hope is the inventory will contribute to a better understanding of deer numbers in Oak Bay, and their movement patterns, says Bryan Gates, president of the UWSS and a former wildlife biologist with the province.

“No one knows how many deer live in Oak Bay. For some people, there are too many, for others there are not too many.

That will never change,” Gates said. “Our photo inventory should give us some reliable estimates, and over time may show trends in numbers.”

For now, the emphasis is on antlered bucks in the winter season. The size

and shape of antlers varies from buck to buck, making it relatively easy to identify individual deer.

Bucks typically lose their antlers early in the new year, so photos taken now to late January will be most useful. Headon photos with ears spread are best.

Although the immediate focus is on the bucks, photos of female and yearling deer are also welcome.

“We invite everyone with an interest in urban wildlife, and especially deer, to get involved and help us gather this muchneeded information,” Gates says.

“With a broad set of easily identifiable individuals, repeated and frequent road-side counts of deer can contribute to a reliable estimate of the total population within the community. And that’s an essential first step to responsible management.”

Gates adds that photographers should take care not to approach deer too closely or startle them near a roadway.

Send images to brgates@shaw.ca with the date and exact location included. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

Three toy box sizes available Continued from Page A1

It has an information sheet of ideas to use the toys and many resources for children with developmental issues. The totes come in three sizes, with the smallest the same as a Stories to Go box, which parents may already know.

“We wanted to have a range of materials. It was more important to us to have the correct material, than have it fit in a specific bin,” she said.

“For us, it was about the quality.”

The collection is designed to have parents and caregivers play with kids developing essential auditory, visual, tactile senses as well as fine motor, gross motor, hand-eye co-ordination and even communication skills.

“A lot of these are pre-literacy skills,” Hadziev said.

A Victoria Foundation grant funded the program to fill what Hadziev said they found was “a real gap” when looking at toy lending options in the region.

“The Victoria Foundation just got it. We’re so lucky to have a group like that in town,” she said.

The collection was created with input from the Island Health, Early Intervention Program located at the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health.

“We were fortunate enough to have

the chance to see this new collection develop and grow,” said Megan Staniforth, a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Queen Alexandra Centre. “We provided input on the kinds of materials that encourage children’s development through play.”

Alongside the child development quotient, each toy had to fit the criteria of sturdy, washable and simply fun to fit into the lending program.

“We ask that people wipe them down before they return them, but we also wipe them down,” Hadziev said.

Even before the new collection was officially launched last week, 50 of the 74 were routinely on loan.

“There’s not a long wait at this point,” Hadziev said. Like much of the traditional GVPL collection, the Skill Builders collection can be reserved online and picked up and returned at any branch in the GVPL. “There are kids that need this collection, we developed it with them in mind first,” she said. “(But) our whole intention with this collection is anyone can enjoy it. Every kid can enjoy playing with their parents or caregivers. It’s also a great idea for someone coming for a visit.”

Visit gvpl.ca and search “skill builders” to learn more about the boxes available or see images of each kit. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

Walk-In Denture Clinic WHY WAIT? WE CAN HELP NOW! Home & Hospital Visits Happiness is a beautiful smile!

Conrad De Palma Denturist

(250) 595-1665

3581 Shelbourne Street www.walk-indentureclinic.ca COME ON IN FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

Churchmouse Books

in St. Mary’s Anglican Church (Oak Bay)

Giant Christmas Book Event Sat. , December 19, 10 am - 1 pm 1701 Elgin Rd (off Oak Bay Ave)

Choose from 2500 fine pre-owned books Submitted

A good identifying image of a mature buck in Oak Bay. UWSS hopes to identify deer for research, population estimates, movement patterns and mortality information.

Donations will assist the Food Bank at St. John’s Church on Quadra Street.

oakbaynews.com oakbaynews.com

Christmas Service Directory

Faith OAK BAY

Oak Bay United CORNER OF MITCHELL & GRANITE

1701 Elgin Rd • 250-598-2212 • stmarysoakbay.ca

Advent Noon Concerts, Wed. 12:10pm Dec 16: Monica Orso, soprano Czinszka Rédai, piano Lessons & Carols for Christmas Sunday, December 20, 10:00 am Christmas Eve Family Service Thursday, December 24, 7:00 pm including Choral Mass of the Shepherds, by Karl Kempter Christmas Day Communion Friday, December 25, 10:00 am

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, LCC

Pastor Scott Lyons 1924 Carrick St. (off Foul Bay) 250 592 4124 victoria-lutheran.org Advent Wednesday Dec 16th 6pm meal, 7pm worship Dec 20 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

Children’s Christmas Pageant 10:30am Dec 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm Dec 25 Christmas Day Service 10:30am Sundays 9:15am Bible Study and Sunday School (except Dec 27) Worship Services 10:30am

Nurturing Christmas at the of Oak Bay oakbayunitedchurch.ca

Sunday, December 13th 10 am Pageant & All Ages Family Worship 7 pm Community Carol Sing Sunday, December 20th 7 pm Blue Christmas: A Service of Comfort Christmas Eve 4 pm Carols for Young Children 7 pm Family Christmas Celebration 10 pm Candlelight and Communion Questions? 250-598-5021

Christmas Eve Service Providence Community Church Christmas Carols and Scripture Readings hot drinks & refreshments

Thursday, Dec., 24 at 5:00pm

Monterey Centre in Oak Bay

A6 • www.oakbaynews.com www.oakbaynews.com

OAK BAYNEWS

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

EDITORIAL

BAY NEWS

Janet Gairdner Publisher Jennifer Blyth Editor Penny Sakamoto Group Publisher

The OAK BAY NEWS is published by Black Press Ltd. | 207A-2187 Oak Bay Ave., Oak Bay, B.C. V8R 1G1 | Phone: 250-598-4123 • Web: oakbaynews.com

OUR VIEW

Generosity shines at the holidays and through the year Generosity and compassion are by no means limited to the holiday season, yet our energies often become focused on these areas during this season of giving.

As our Seniors section columnist Brian Kieran reflects on page 13 – channelling his inner Dickens – it is at Christmas time it seems, that “want is most keenly felt.”

Oak Bay residents and businesses have shown, however, that they are up to the challenges presented to Scrooge by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future.

During a wet, windy evening earlier this month, locals enjoyed the annual IOEA Lighted Truck Convoy and donated 1,017 pounds of food and nearly $500 to the Mustard Seed.

Others braved the frigid waters of Willows Beach to raise money and show their support for local initiatives helping Syrian refugees.

Throughout the season, Oak Bay residents have shown themselves a compassionate lot.

Especially heartening is the efforts of local children to do what they can. Last Friday we brought you the story of five Willows elementary students collecting warm clothes for the folks at Our Place. The sentiment expressed by all of the children was simple and heartfelt: they wanted to help people who lacked even the basics of warm clothes and shelter.

Their donations will have an impact long after the Christmas lights are packed away.

This coming weekend, book lovers can head to St. Mary’s Church to take in their Christmas book event – proceeds to the church’s various local charities – or donate food and warm outer clothing at Oak Bay’s South Island Property Management office on Cadboro Bay Road.

Is there still more we can do?

Of course, and we look forward to sharing those stories with our readers and the community in the days before Christmas, and the weeks and months after.

What do you think? Give us your comments by e-mail: editor@oakbaynews.com. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification.

Oak Bay News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact: editor@oakbaynews.com or 250-480-3239.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Clark on carbon tax, government ads catch up. And none of them have.

There comes a point where the carbon tax can only get so high before we start chasing all those jobs out of the province.

TF: Your advisory committee says the carbon tax needs to go higher starting TF: At the UN climate in 2018 if it’s going to have an conference in Paris, did you effect. Do you have any other speak about natural gas as choice? a transition fuel, and did PCC: Let’s figure out what you find support for that the national goal is going to idea? be, which we don’t know yet.

PCC: Yes and yes. The TF: On a related topic, trannew government in Ottawa sit spending. Your new minis a big supporter of our Tom Fletcher ister Peter Fassbender has LNG plan, and part of the B.C. Views talked about a “new day” in reason for that is that they Ottawa and he’s downplayalso see it as a way forward for Canada to make a huge contribu- ing the idea of another referendum for tion to fighting global climate change. new funding sources. Is that off the There are 150 coal plants on the table now?

PCC: It may be possible that the fedbooks in China today. The only way that those plants and the ones that eral government wants to invest more come after will be stopped is if they in transit, and take up some of the slack from the local government level. have a transitional fuel to move to.

TF: On LNG, oil and natural gas TF: B.C.’s 2020 greenhouse gas target, reduction of emissions by a third, prices continue to go down, and supis another target that isn’t going to be ply continues to go up around the world. Did you see any positive signs met. Why? PCC: When the government brought this year?

PCC: What I saw this year was develin the carbon tax, it was based on the assumption that other jurisdictions oping countries, especially China, around us were going to eventually making a firm commitment to reduce Premier Christy Clark sat down with Tom Fletcher for a year-end interview at her Victoria office Dec. 9. Here are excerpts. For the full version, see the Opinion tab at oakbaynews. com.

their emissions. The only way for them to do that is to move to a greater degree to natural gas, and the bulk of their industry is still located on the east coast of their country, a long way from Russia and close to B.C. TF: Are we going to see some policy action on high housing costs in 2016, and will there be some relief from the property transfer tax?

PCC: You’ll see in the February budget, but we are looking for ways to provide some relief for home buyers.

TF: We’re starting to see government advertising ramp up. We saw a lot of Jobs Plan advertising before the 2013 election, we saw the federal government do it with their Economic Action Plan, which was very expensive, and to most people’s eye selfserving or political in nature at taxpayers’ expense. Is that what we’re going to see in the next year and a half?

PCC: It won’t be political. I think some of that was, really, political.

You will see more information-based advertising out there, talking to people about for example, the Registered Education Savings Plan.

TF: Not Jobs Plan 2.0?

PCC: I don’t think that’s in the plan.

I wish I could say to you no, never, but I, you know…. tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Janet Gairdner Publisher 250-480-3251

Jennifer Blyth Editor 250-480-3239

Christine van Reeuwyk Reporter 250-480-3260

Cindy Brown Circulation 250-480-3285

Victoria Calvo Creative 250-480-3246

jgairdner@blackpress.ca

editor@oakbaynews.com

reporter@oakbaynews.com

circulation@oakbaynews.com

vicki.calvo@oakbaynews.com

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015

www.oakbaynews.com • A7

LETTERS Thank you for refugee fundraising support St. Philip Syrian Refugee Committee would like to thank the whole community for their overwhelmingly generous support, culminating in the incredible turnout and fundraising success of the Jazz Vespers event Dec. 6.

Over $50,000 has been donated in the last week alone, putting us well past

our goal of being able to support the Syrian refugee family whose application is now underway.

Please rest assured that all the money raised beyond the needs of our first sponsorship will go toward helping additional refugees and we are now exploring the means of doing so.

It has been a gift for all of us to experience this powerful gesture of light shining in the darkness, of compassion and love and refusing to succumb to fear.

It is a gift to know that here, in this city and region, we have chosen to share the blessing of our security and safety with

others in peril.

Thank you again, to all who have and will continue to extend the hand of friendship, as these families arrive in our area in the coming year.

Zita and Dave Conway, on behalf of St. Philip Syrian Refugee Committee

Letters to the Editor The Oak Bay News welcomes your opinions and comments.

To put readers on equal footing, and to be sure that all opinions are heard, please keep letters to less than 300 words.

The News reserves the right to edit letters for style, legality, length and taste.

Send your letters to: Mail: Letters to the Editor, Oak Bay News, 207A 2187 Oak Bay Ave., Victoria, B.C., V8R 1G1 Email: editor@oakbaynews.com

Reader Photo of the Week

Portable Grab Bar & Evolution Walkers

10% OFF regular pricing

Offer EXTENDED until December 31, 2015 by popular demand!!

The blustery weekend weather caused havoc in some parts of Oak Bay, but brought beautiful images as well, as captured by Oak Bay photographer Irvin Rubincam. Rubincam shot the photo on Saturday afternoon. ‘For me it shows, during one particularly windy day, the beauty and power of the Oak Bay surf,’ he says.

To have your photo considered for publication, simply email us a high-resolution .jpg copy to editor@oakbaynews.com.

Please include your name, contact information including municipality of residence, where you took the photo and what you like about the image. Entries should be received by 5 p.m. Fridays to be included for consideration for the following week’s paper.

Season’s Greetings and Thank You!

LD

SO

I would like to thank all those who allowed me to work on their behalf this year, it has been a pleasure to work with you.

To those I have worked over the year’s thank you for making my 26 years in real estate successful ones.

If you are considering your real estate options and would Fairfield/Oak Bay – $1,795,000 like a complimentary market evaluation please call me ■ Rare opportunity to acquire home on .87 of an acre directly at 250-920-8006.

■ 1st time on the market in 75 years ■ 3 bedroom/3 bathroom ■ Over 3600 sq. ft. of living space ■ Located on quiet tree-lined street ■ MLS 357796 – Visit owen-flood.com for floor plan

Best Wishes for the Season and for 2016!

Call Marc for a complimentary market evaluation.

Henderson - $949,000 – First Ad

■ Immaculate - turn key house ■ 3/4bedroom/2 bathroom ■ 9914 sq. ft south facing private lot ■ 3036 sq. ft. of living area ■ Gourmet kitchen with family room ■ MLS 358652 - Visit owen-flood.com for floor plan

South Oak Bay - $1,359,000 ■ 4 bedroom/4 bathroom ■ 3400 sq. ft. of living area ■ Finished detached space with full bath ■ Close to Oak Bay Marina and Village ■ MLS 353825 - Visit owen-flood.com for

SOLD

floor plan

A8 A8 • • www.oakbaynews.com www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, Wednesday, December December 16, 16, 2015 2015 -- OAK OAK BAY BAY NEWS NEWS

Here comes the sun: Celebrating the season and solstice Jennifer Blyth

Get your tickets

Oak Bay News

The fifth annual Winter Solstice Cabaret brings a seasonal celebration to Oak Bay United Church Dec. 21.

Part of the cabaret’s Southern Vancouver Island tour, the concert weaves the spirit of cabaret with music from around the world, a thread of theatre and dance and a dash of improvisation.

Founded in the Cowichan Valley, this year Cari Burdett and the Lila Music Centre take the music on the road for five performances. The only Greater Victoria show brings the cabaret to Oak Bay United Church Monday, Dec. 21.

“The solstice is an ancient tradition of changing from the dark to the light and I wanted to capture that with music,” Burdett says, noting the scope of the music on the lineup.

The evening will open – appropriately – with the

Sara Marreiros and Cari Burdett perform at Oak Bay United Church as part of the fifth annual Winter Solstice Concert Dec. 21.

Submitted photo

THREE POINT

Year-End Sales Event. On Now.

Take advantage of our outstanding offers on select model year 2015 and 2016 vehicles.

Save from $2,500 up to $5,500 on all in-stock new 2015/2016 Mercedes-Benz.† Plus: • Complimentary Pre-Paid Maintenance - 3 Years/3 Services •

Model

2015 CLA-Class

You will also receive a special invitation to attend our next Mercedes-Benz Performance Driving Program 5

Mercedes-Benz Lease from*

Mercedes-Benz Finance from*

1.9% + $1,000

0.9% + $1,000

+

Three Point Motors Complimentary Pre-Paid Maintenance 4

3 Month Payment Waiver

+

Complimentary Service Value of $789 3 Years/ 3 Service

$2,000

+

Complimentary Service Value of $789 3 Years/ 3 Service

$2,000

+

Complimentary Service Value of $789 3 Years/ 3 Service

$3,000

+

Complimentary Service Value of $949 3 Years/ 3 Service Complimentary Service Value of $949 3 Years/ 3 Service

$1,000

+

+

5x10

2015 B-Class

0.9% + $1,500

0.9% + $1,500

2015 GLA-Class

2.9% + $1,000

1.9% + $1,000

2015 C-Class Sedan

3.9% + $1,000

1.9% + $1,000

2015 GLK-Class

2.9% + $1,000

2016 CLS-Class

4.9%

2016 E-Class Sedan & Wagon

1.9% + $1,500

2015 ML-Class

3.9% + $1,500

Three Point Motors

Mercedes-Benz Cash Mercedes-Benz Lease Three Point Motors Purchase Savings + or Finance Payment + Cash Bonus 3 1 2 From Waiver

$1,500

+

3 Month Payment Waiver

+

$1,000

+

3 Month Payment Waiver

+

$1,000

+

0.9% + $1,000 3.9%

$1,500

-

+

$1,000

+

-

+

$2,500

+

-

+

-

+

$3,500

+

Complimentary Service Value of $1,279 3 Years/ 3 Service

0.9% + $1,500

$1,500

+

3 Month Payment Waiver

+

$4,000

+

Complimentary Service Value of $1,279 3 Years/ 3 Service

1.9% + $1,500

$1,500

+

-

+

$3,500

+

Complimentary Service Value of $1,279 3 Years/ 3 Service

A Division of the GAIN Dealer Group

2546 Government Street | 250-385-6737 | threepointmotors.ca

Join our online community:

facebook.com/ThreePointMotors twitter.com/3_Point_Motors

© 2015 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only and may have optional equipment. All special Lease, Finance, Cash Purchase Bonuses and Year End Bonuses are applicable to in-stock new 2015/2016 Mercedes-Benz Models, excluding AMGs. † Savings of $2,500 based on the total available savings on an in-stock 2015 CLA-Class and $5,500 savings based on the total available savings of an in-stock 2015 E-Class Sedan or Wagon, both of which is a combination of incentives from Mercedes-Benz Canada and Three Point Motors.*Lease and Finance offers available only through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services on approved credit for a limited time, lease for 36 months, finance for 60 months . [1]Mercedes-Benz Cash Purchase Incentive applies to cash purchases only and can not be combined with lease or finance offers.[2] First, second, and third month payment waivers are capped at $400, $400, $400, $850 (lease)/ $600, $600, $600, $1,050 (finance) per month (including taxes) on lease or finance offers on the new 2015 CLA-Class (inc. AMG), 2015 B-Class, 2015 GLA-Class and 2016 E-Class (Sedan and Wagon inc. AMG) models. [3]Three Point Motors’ Black Friday Cash Bonus applies to in-stock new 2015/2016 Mercedes-Benz vehicles only and can be combined with lease, finance, cash purchase and loyalty bonuses. [4]Complimentary Pre-paid maintenance applies to regular scheduled maintenance appointments. [5] Registration is required, limited space at each event. Offers end December 31, 2015. Please see Three Point Motors for complete details. DL 9818 #30817.

n Tickets for the fifth annual Winter Solstice Concert are $15 in advance ($5 for children) and are available locally at Ivy’s Bookshop or online at cariburdett.com or eventbrite.ca, or $20 at the door. For more information see cariburdett.com

Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun. “I wanted to create a family-friendly concert that wasn’t all just Christmas music but that gives us a sense of time, and brings light at this dark time,” she says.

Burdett, whose first studio album, Magnolia, was nominated as Best World Music Album in the 2015 West Canadian Music Awards, brings a timeless blend of dramatic gypsy cabaret to the stage, leading listeners around the world through song and stories of the heart.

Also featured are nationally acclaimed Canadian artists Richard Moody, Miles Black and Anne Schaefer plus vocalist Sara Marreiros. Dance artist Marisa Coco Jackson will add movement to the mix.

“It brings another dimension,” Burdett says.

New songs include the Huron Carol sung in three different languages, French, English and Ojibwa, and Burdett’s version of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose from her newly released Magnolia. In addition to familiar works like Silent Night, two Celtic carols sung in four-part harmony will move the audience, while other songs are original compositions from the artists, Burdett says.

Inspired by Yo-Yo Ma’s Songs of Joy and Peace album, Burdett wanted to bring the same sentiment to the concert.

“It’s a concert to feel good,” she says. “It’s a real mix of heart-opening songs.”

After repeatedly selling out in the Cowichan Valley, Burdett wanted to share the evening with others across the Island, and hopes the tour meets the same response, she says.

The audience is also a big part of the evening, and to celebrate the solstice, and the returning light, the band will invite the audience to join them in song, creating a one-of-a-kind, improvised sound sensation.

The Oak Bay concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance ($5 for children) and available locally at Ivy’s Bookshop or online at cariburdett. com or eventbrite.ca, or $20 at the door. editor@oakbaynews.com

2016 community events info sought Jennifer Blyth Oak Bay News

Each December, the Oak Bay News produces a month-by-month Community Calendar, publishing this year on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

While not exhaustive by any means, it’s a snapshot of the year ahead, some of the big events to look forward to, and many well-loved smaller events as well.

We’d like to include as many events and community organizations as possible, so we encourage you to tell us what you have planned for the year ahead. From church garage sales to sports fundraisers, lacrosse registration to community events, we want to share your events with your friends and neighbours.

Send dates and event information to Oak Bay News editor Jennifer Blyth by email at editor@ oakbaynews.com or mail or drop off to the News’ Athlone Court office at 207A-2187 Oak Bay Ave., V8R 1G1.

The deadline for submissions is this Thursday, Dec. 17. editor@oakbaynews.com

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015

www.oakbaynews.com • A9

Thank You Victoria!

Warm wear, food collected

For your patronage and support in makin for the Mustard DODD’S FURNITURE Seed one of the Island’s

Food and clothing donations most successful companies!

We are giving can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30by p.m.inviting Monday to Friday back to the community Victoria through Dec. 31 at 2045 Cadboro Bay Rd. less privileged to join us and celebrate ou The office will be closed at noon Share the warmth of the season to someone in need this month.

South Island Property Management, formerly Boorman’s, is accepting donations of food and gently used or new outer clothing, such as hats, gloves and coats, for the Mustard Seed.

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Us! GIVING BACK TOEvent THE COMMUNITY

Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. editor@oakbaynews.com

celebrating our 38th year in business and Every yearInDodd’s Furniture host a Chrsitmas Thanksgiving, Dodd’s has its 17th annual dinner to theThanksgiving less fortunate people ofless Victoria.

Dinner for the privileged Submitted photo

Lorne Campbell, Jingle Mingle 2015 honorary chair, and Lou Del Gobbo, BC Cancer Foundation interim president and CEO, high-five after announcing the $1.34 million raised at this year’s event.

$1.3 million raised for cancer treatment A spectacular setting, generosity of the season and the prospect of a revolutionary new cancer treatment came together at the ninth annual Jingle Mingle fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation.

The result was a recordbreaking $1.34 million raised – critical funds that will launch a made-in-Victoria immunotherapy cancer treatment into clinical trials.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel ballroom was transformed into a chic winter chalet Dec. 3, when more than 350 guests gave the greatest gift of all: hope for cancer patients across B.C. Presented by Proline Property Management, Jingle Mingle is Victoria’s largest annual fundraising event and its impact will be felt by people across the province when immunotherapy-based treatments (Adoptive T cell Therapy) reach patients in a clinic trial in 2017.

“I’ve been truly blown away by the generosity of our community and their resolute commitment

A division of

to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Together, our support is giving the brilliant Dr. Brad Nelson and his team in Victoria the power to dramatically improve cancer treatment in our lifetime,” said Lorne Campbell, Jingle Mingle 2015 honourary chair.

An incredible supporter of Jingle Mingle and BC Cancer Agency researchers, Campbell made a $100,000 gift during the event’s live auction which was matched by his sister Bonnie’s $100,000. The auction generated an incredible wave of generosity, capped with a jaw-dropping $500,000 gift.

“We believe in the work happening at the Deeley Research Centre and are so proud to help a new cancer treatment be made available to patients,” Campbell added on behalf of his family.

Over Jingle Mingle’s history, supporters have provided significant strategic funding for immunotherapy research to advance from a concept into a new treatment, specifically, Adoptive T cell Therapy. This patient-by-patient

approach takes the person’s own T cells (from the immune system), multiplies the ones already attacking the cancer into billions and infuses them back into the patient’s bloodstream. This will launch a potent attack against cancer cells anywhere in the body.

“Cancer has touched us all and for some has had a devastating impact. Today, we all have reason to hope because the generosity of Victoria residents has meant a promising new cancer treatment is on the horizon.

Thanks to Jingle Mingle guests, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and the Campbell family, Victoria is poised to become a Centre of Excellence in immunotherapy treatment production,” said Lou Del Gobbo, interim president and CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.

The BC Cancer Foundation’s Jingle Mingle has raised more than $4.7 million in its nine-year history, with 100 per cent of funds going to the cause editor@oakbaynews.com

Date: Sunday, October 11th, 2015 Time: 4 pm Place: OUR PLACE on Pandora Avenue (Corner of Vancouver and Pandora Avenue)

Complimentary meal fed to 1200 people.

Come and join our family for a wonderful time and a hot meal.

Friday, Dec 18th FEEDING THE HOMELESS 4:30-6:30& PM LESS FORTUNATE At OUR PLACE ON 919 PANDORA

(Corner of Vancouver and Pandora Ave) Thank You to Our Place For opening their Dining Room to us for this Special Meal.

ENJOY A THANKSGIVING TURKEY DIN COMPLIMENTS OF GORDY DODD, HIS FAMILY AND ST All underprivileged children and adults welcome.

HOME OF • NO DOWN • NO INTEREST • INSTANT FINANCING Furnishing the Island Since 1977

www.doddsfurniture.com 715 FINLAYSON

250-388-6663

A10 • www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

BAY NEWS

Annual feathered competition depends on young new leader Competitive Christmas Bird Count slated for Dec. 19 Christine van Reeuwyk Oak Bay News

Feathers will fly as Victoria aims to reclaim its bird count glory this winter.

In his lucky 13th year of the Christmas Bird Count, Geoffrey Newell leads the search team.

The 20-year-old Oak Bay man is well known among local bird watchers and takes over this year from Mike Edgell, who held the role for more than four decades.

“It’s an honour because … he’s being doing it for 42 excellent years. For him to pass it on to me, it’s a great honour,” Newell said. “I’ve always loved birds. Birding has been a huge passion of mine.”

Newell guides walks throughout the year, through Friends of Uplands Park and the Capital Regional District, and looks forward each year to the holiday edition.

“We say you don’t have to be a bird expert. We encourage all people to come and join. You don’t have to know your birds, you just have to know how to count,” Newell says.

Oak Bay News file photo

Local birder Geoffrey Newell will lead the 13th annual Christmas Bird Count.

“We’re going to cover all the birding hotspots in Oak Bay.” Those inclined can meet at 8 a.m. on Dec. 19 at the ocean end of Rutland Road, rain or shine, and come for a while or stay all day.

“It’s to get an idea of how the birds are doing – it’s been going on for years and years and years – how species are increasing or decreasing,” he said. “It’s about understating more about the bird populations.”

During the annual Christmas Bird Count, more than 200 communities in North America are assigned standardized 15-mile diameter circles which encompasses much of Greater Victoria.

Things can get a little competitive, with Victoria holding the record of finding 154 species one year, Newell said. “Victoria and the Ladner zones are the top two in Canada. So we’re always battling for top spot. Last year Ladner beat us by one species,” Newell said.

Wear rubber boots, warm clothes and bring an umbrella, just in case. The schedule opts for a stop at the Oak Bay Marina around 11:30 a.m. for half-hour before continuing on to south Oak Bay with a finish around 3:30 p.m.

There’s also an alternative for the fair-weather watcher.

“You can do the feeder watch where you count the birds in your yard, and those final counts will also be added to the count,” Newell said.

Visit vicnhs.bc.ca to learn about feeder watch or sign up for another gathering in the region on Dec. 19. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

FIND YOUR PASSION. FIND YOUR PURPOSE. Vikes sell Christmas trees PROGRAMS START MONTHLY PR > MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR HEALTH UNIT CLERK - 50 Weeks > LEGAL ADMINISTRATOR - 34 Weeks > EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION BASIC PROGRAM - 46 Weeks

VICTORIA: 250.384.8121 OR VISIT SPROTTSHAW.COM

Head to Centennial Stadium for the 16th annual Christmas tree sale by the University of Victoria Vikes cross country team.

Both the men’s and women’s teams take to the track for the fundraiser, a chance for the public to support one of UVic’s most successful varsity programs, organizers say.

Trees are available at Centennial Stadium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 22.

After the holidays, the student athletes will be back to accept trees for chipping, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 2 and 3, also at Centennial Stadium. editor@oakbaynews.com

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015 OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015

www.oakbaynews.com • A11 www.oakbaynews.com • A11

Dig into these gardening classics ’Tis the season to stop digof the man and message that ging, fa la la la la, la la la la. is Michael Pollan these days, Really though: stepping on but his early memoir Second your soil now will compact it, Nature: A Gardener’s Education, the rain will pool up in your remains a favourite of mine. bootprints, and no matter what Pollan’s humour is at the foreyou have left to do ground of this book this year in the garas he plays the naif, den, for now it can attempting to develop wait. a garden of his own in My dahlia tubers upstate New York. The remain naked and groundhog/woodchuck shivering in the scenes are Caddyshack garage, my garden classic. renovation plans are The most poetic paused in dismal gardening memoir I’ve disarray, and I’m Christin Geall read (thanks to Heidi turning from outat Ivy’s) is The Morville Cultivated door responsibility Hours by Katherine to indoor pleasures.

Swift.

Reading is at the top of my list.

Swift worked as a rare book Here are five favourite historian at Oxford and shapes gardening books to get you her story of developing a garthrough the season (or in a gar- den in Shropshire around the dener’s heart). medieval Books of Hours which The new design book of the detailed the agrarian year. Her year is Hummelo: A Journey prose is alive with images, her Through a Plantsman’s Life, by mind wide-ranging, and her Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury. writing exquisite. This is a book Oudolf is a leader in the to be savoured slowly. InterestDutch Wave of naturalistic ingly, Swift wrote The Morville design which emphasizes diver- Hours in a room overlooking sity, sustainability, and plant her garden, and much like structures and forms. He devel- Annie Dillard writing A Pilgrim oped the High Line in NYC, gar- at Tinker Creek, she drew blackdens at Wisley, and other pubout curtains over the windows lic spaces and private estates, to better render nature on the and though he has written page. other books (Designing with Part coffee table eye-catcher, Plants is a good introduction to part colour theory, part treatise his ideas), Hummelo follows his on beauty, Colour by Design: long career as a nurseryman Planting the Contemporary Garand designer. den is perhaps the most influenWe all may be a little weary tial gardening book of my life.

Written by Canadians Nori and Sandra Pope about their time gardening at Hadspen in England, this book offers an entirely “colourist” slant on gardening.

I heard the Nori Pope speak at Kew in the ‘90s and later visited Hadspen, so I may be somewhat biased, but their writing is both elegant and informative, and the images by esteemed photographer Clive Nichols sublime. A book to make you see plants and colour in a whole new way, Colour by Design is the perfect book for gardeners wondering why their designs aren’t harmonizing and how to work with colour through the seasons.

Sarah Raven’s classic The Cutting Garden is an informative guide to both growing and designing with flowers. She covers flower conditioning (how to prevent wilting), arranging, and basics of cultivation. By shifting the focus from annuals to shrubs and perennials, The Cutting Garden opens up an incredible range of plants to the home grower and designer. Be warned: this book will lead you to her website – a great source of seeds for those whose sugarplum dreams have turned to the promise of a new year in the garden.

Christin Geall is an avid Oak Bay gardener and a creative non-fiction writing instructor at the University of Victoria.

SAANICHNEWS VICTORIANEWS OAKBAYNEWS GOLDSTREAMNEWS PENINSULA

light up

Does your home the neighborhood with a dazzling display of holiday cheer?

Upload your photos to our Deck the House contest page, and you could be eligible to win big prizes, just in the nick of time for Christmas!

Contest closes December 17

ONE OF 3

$250 CANADIAN TIRE GIFT CERTIFICATES

Winners will be contacted within two weeks after contest closing date. Winners will be chosen by random draw. No purchase necessary. Odds of winning are dependant on the number of participants. The contest is open to all residents of British Columbia of the age of majority. One entry per person. Valid ID may be required. Winners may be required to answer a skill testing question. Prizes must be accpeted as awarded. Full contest details at front desk, Black Press, 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, B.C.

UPLOAD YOUR PHOTOS TO:

saanichnews.com/contests the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates.

What’s your position on Canada’s housing market now and into 2016?

The Bank of Canada cut interest rates twice in 2015, which drove down borrowing costs and in turn helped to boost housing activity in many markets. Housing has been strongest in Vancouver and Toronto, but certainly not in the rest of the country. We’ve seen a significant slowdown in Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces as a result of the steep drop in oil prices since mid-2014. I expect housing activity will slow a bit in Vancouver and Toronto in 2016. It will still be strong, but just not as strong as it was in 2015 in B.C. and Ontario.

BC & Ontario poised for Canada’s strongest economic growth in 2016 Lower oil prices, alongside a continued slump in mining and metals, has weighted on growth. Oil-dependent provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador have seen their economies hardest hit. That includes a drop in housing activity. Meantime, the more diversified economies of Ontario and B.C. are picking up, and housing sales and prices continue to climb rapidly in Toronto and Vancouver. Will this mixed economic and housing picture continue in the months ahead? Dr. Sherry Cooper, chief economist with Dominion Lending Centres, offers her outlook on what Canadians can expect in 2016:

Dr. Sherry Cooper Chief Economist for Dominion Lending Centres

How would you characterize Canada’s economy in 2015?

It has been a very tough year, particularly given the huge decline in commodity prices. Alberta’s economy slipped into a recession, which has had a big impact on Canada’s overall economy, especially given the province had the country’s strongest economy for many years. Overall in Canada, we saw a contraction of economic growth in the first half of 2015. Since then, we’ve seen a modest rebound. I forecast growth to be about 1.2 per cent in 2015.

What is your forecast for Canada’s economy in 2016?

We are seeing a continued pickup in some provinces. The growth will likely be strongest in B.C., followed by Ontario. I think overall growth for

Canada in 2016 will be around 2.2 per cent. That’s not what one would call a rapid expansion. I don’t believe the full effect of lower oil prices has come through in our economy. Some of the economic growth will be driven by increases in government spending, assuming the new Liberal government keeps its promise to add stimulus, and lower taxes for the middle class. The one thing that concerns me is the government’s proposed tax increase for high-income earners, which I believe will be counterproductive.

Many Canadians have been watching the Canadian dollar lose strength this year. Where do you see it headed in 2016?

It’s not a great story for the Canadian currency.

I think we’ll see more downward pressure on the Canadian dollar next year, as a result of a rising American dollar as its economy gains steam and

Where do you see mortgage prices heading?

Mortgage rates in Canada are at generational lows. I believe they have now bottomed. The days of falling mortgage rates are over. Instead, I think we’ll see a gradual increase in rates, which will lead to a gradual slowdown in housing activity in the coming months, as affordability decreases. Mortgage rates could rise by about a half a percentage point over the next year, to about 3.25 per cent for the average five-year fixed rate term. It’s not a huge increase, but given how low rates are, it’s a meaningful percentage gain.

1-888-806-8080 www.dominionlending.ca Facebook “f ” Logo

@DLCCanadaInc

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

/DominionLendingCentresCanada

A12 • www.oakbaynews.com www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

BAY NEWS

Community Calendar Wednesday, Dec. 16 Volkssport walks – Monday and Wednesday morning walks. Register at 8:45 a.m., walk at 9 a.m. Call Rick at 250-478-7020 or Jan at 250-665-6062 for current schedule.

St. Mary’s Advent Concert – Enjoy music with soprano

Monica Orso and pianist Csinszka Redai, 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Rd. Admission is by donation ($8 suggested) with proceeds to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.

Bring your lunch, tea/ coffee provided. Info: 250-598-2212.

Sing-Along Messiah – The Civic Orchestra of Victoria presents the 17th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, 7 p.m. at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Tickets ($22 regular;$18 seniors; $10 students; and free age 12 and younger), from Ivy’s Bookshop, The Sheiling

Caring For Our Non-Profits

Protecting you while you protect our community.

Online at VIIC.ca Call 310-VIIC

Victoria Downtown 1262 Quadra Street (250) 590-5355

Shelbourne Village Square 201-3749 Shelbourne Street (250) 477-7234

Call us today to discuss the specialized insurance your non-profit organization needs.

and civicorchestraofvictoria.org.

a.m. Contact is Randy at 250-590-7175.

Thursday, Dec. 17

Giant Christmas Book Event – Discover fine pre-owned books in return for cash donations to St. Mary’s charities. Great selection of 2,500-plus books. Complimentary tea and coffee. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 1701 Elgin Rd.

Labyrinth by Candlelight – Take a break from the holiday season and experience the labyrinth by candlelight, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. UVic Parking Lot #6, Finnerty Gardens, Interfaith Chapel. Info: 250-472-4159 or hlock@ uvic.ca.

Sunday, Dec. 20

Friday, Dec. 18 Dinner Theatre at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel – A Crooner’s Christmas, with rising star Kristina Helene and surprise guests as they recreate the sounds of Christmas past with the holiday hits from Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and other stars.

Tickets $89, incl. a three-course meal in the David Foster Foundation Theatre.

Continues weekends to Dec. 24. For info or tickets, visit the front desk or call 250-5984556.

Submitted

A Crooner’s Christmas continues at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel through Dec. 24.

Handel’s Messiah – Guest conductor Robert Franz leads Victoria Symphony for the annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah, one of the greatest choral works ever written, at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium, 8 p.m.

Tickets: tickets.uvic.ca or 250-721-8480.

Saturday, Dec. 19 Volkssport 5/10 km Walk – Meet at Harbour Towers, 345 Quebec St. Registration at 9:30 a.m., walk at 10

Handel’s Messiah – Guest conductor Robert Franz leads Victoria Symphony for the annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah, one of the greatest choral works ever written, at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: tickets.uvic.ca or 250-721-8480.

People Meeting People Christmas dance – a fun, festive Christmas dance with your favourite holiday songs, live music with Ron King, refreshments, 7 to 10 p.m. at Monterey Centre. Tickets $10 at the door.

#1

#6

Lights out and talk about a new ending to a bedtime story.

Make a grocery list together—kids check off the items.

How do you learn as a family?

Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay

Make family time learning time.

Find more activities you can do as a family at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

Scan for 15 minutes of fun

www.oakbaynews.com www.oakbaynews.com •• A13 A13

OAK OAK BAY BAY NEWS NEWS -- Wednesday, Wednesday, December December 16, 16, 2015 2015

Community Spotlight: SENIORS

More Canadian seniors Crafty club recognized for giving turning to food banks Club’s knit-wear well known in the region Christine van Reeuwyk

While the need is year-round, the want is most keenly felt at Christmas time, it seems I know the words almost by heart. Two good citizens visit Ebenezer Scrooge’s dark, cold, bleak office on Christmas Eve. “At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute,” one says.

“A few of us are endeavoring to raise a Brian fund to buy the poor some meat and drink and means of warmth. Because it is at Christmas time, that want is most keenly felt and abundance rejoices.”

Scrooge responds: “The Treadmill and the Poor Law, they’re still in full vigor l presume? l was afraid that something had happened to stop them in their useful course.”

In the mid-1800s miserable old Scrooge – before the ghosts of Christmas would pull him back from the brink of damnation – embraced a social construct that was guided by the view that the poor were largely responsible for their own misery and could change their grim reality if they chose to do so.

I was reminded last week that we have not come a very long way in the last two hundred years. Poverty plagues us still.

For many who stand in line at one of this country’s

4,000 food banks, it is a fact of life made grimmer by the inability of the rest of us to socially engineer even one day free of humiliating hunger for so many.

A nation-wide “Hunger Count,” just made public, has found that more than 850,000 Canadians are turning to food banks each month.

Food bank use reached about 670,000 indiKieran viduals in March 2008, spiked drastically in 2009 and has hovered at record levels ever since.

A most alarming finding is that an increasing number of food bank patrons are seniors.

In Ontario, there has been a “staggering” 35 per cent spike in the number of senior citizens visiting food banks.

And, there is anecdotal evidence that seniors in this province are in the same predicament.

Laura Lansink, executive director of Food Banks BC, says: “In Surrey, our food banks are reporting that seniors are their fastest growing demographic; these are people on a fixed income for life.”

The Hunger Count reveals that seven per cent of Canadian households helped by food banks live primarily on income from a pension.

The report is based in part on food bank visits

in March of each year. In B.C., there were more than 100,000 individuals dependent on food banks this past March, a 28 per cent increase since 2008 and almost 3,000 more hungry people than in March 2014.

Children account for 31 per cent of food bank visits.

Almost 60 per cent of B.C.’s food banks reported an increase in business.

Sharon Lee, executive director of the Ontario Association of Food Banks, probably speaks to a panCanadian reality when she says “the face of hunger is changing.”

“We have seen a very concerning spike in the number of senior citizens accessing food banks, as well as single-person households. We believe that these demographic changes are reflective of a lack of affordable housing and insufficient social assistance and senior citizen support programs.

“Senior citizens are at a growing risk of food insecurity, alongside far too many adults and children,” says Lee. “Unless measures are implemented to assist those without proper access to safe and affordable housing, nutritious food and stable employment, this need will only continue to grow.”

The “Hunger Count” – it has an ominous ring doesn’t it?

Especially at Christmas time when “want is most keenly felt and abundance rejoices.”

Oak Bay News

The crafty members of one prolific group at Monterey Recreation Centre had to bask in the limelight during a recent volunteer luncheon.

Camille Wood, president of the Oak Bay Seniors’ Activity Association at Monterey, recognized the members Submitted of its Craft Carnival Club, with a cer- Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen and Camille tificate thanking them for the years of Wood, Oak Bay Seniors Activity Association creative fundraising. Wood presented president, right, honour longtime volunteer the award to longtime member, and Audrey Bruce, Craft Carnival president. longtime Oak Bay resident, Audrey In the seven years between 1983 and Bruce.

“Audrey Bruce has made exceptional 1990, Craft Carnival contributed $71,500 contributions for over 30 years as a volun- to the building fund plus $18,500 towards teer at Monterey Recreation Centre,” said kitchen renovations, garden court furnishMayor Nils Jensen, who was on hand for ings and a statue, Wood said.

From 1981 to today, 34 years, club memthe ceremony. “She exemplifies the energy and dedication of the hundreds of volun- bers raised and contributed more than $29,000 for purchases such as dishes and teers helping at the centre.”

The members of Craft Carnival were kitchen equipment for the centre. In 1992 awarded the certificate of appreciation for and 1993 they contributed $30,000 toward years of dedication and service to the asso- the automatic door and furniture. Over the years, the creative club has offered Christciation and Monterey centre.

“This certificate as presented to the Craft mas decorations, poinsettias, Wet Dry Vacs Carnival Club members is a very small for Woodcrafters Club, mirrors, tablecloths, sound system and chairs. token of our appreciation,” Wood said.

“As a member of Craft Carnival, I know The club’s knit-wear – baby clothes and well beyond – is well known, from annual that sometimes we joke about how we just bazaars and the ever-popular window dis- sit and knit, drink coffee and eat cookies,” play at the centre. The proceeds return to Wood said. “But we know better.” cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com the centre.

Affordable Living for Independent Seniors

Stress is for daytime soaps not daytime surgery.

You don’t have to pay a lot to get a lot!

Call

250 383 - 4164

Even on a GIS budget you get... ✓ great rooms ✓ great food ✓ great friends ✓ lots of activities starting at $1,135/mth.

to arrange a tour.

All that is missing is you!

Your donation will help renovate our Day Surgery Unit and make it stress-free for everybody.

Operated by the Non-Profit Glenshiel Housing Society

606 Douglas St. | www.theglenshiel.bc.ca

It’s our hospital 250-652-7531 sphf.ca

A14 • www.oakbaynews.com

Lose the booze Good for you. Good for the cause.

Register now for Dry Jan and raise money for youth anti-drug and alcohol programs on Vancouver Island, the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health. With mini challenges and fundraising goals, it’s a simple and fun way to 31 days of a better you.

electric scooter!

GettinG started is easy: 1 2 3

Gary Taylor Classic hits the Oak Bay High hardwood New school gym to honour long-time coach Gary Taylor Jennifer Blyth Oak Bay News

The top fundraiser will win a 2015 Kgeez Ace 500

register online at Godryjan.com set up and personalize your profile spread the word to your friends

Sponsors

For more information on Dry Jan visit Godryjan.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS

Oak Bay celebrates the old and the new during this weekend’s Gary Taylor Classic boys basketball tournament.

Amid the excitement of Friday night’s feature game, tipping off at 7:30 p.m., athletes, teachers, families and students past and present will honour the gym’s namesake, longtime principal and coach Gary Taylor, says Drew Henderson, tournament director.

“There’s going to be a whole bunch of guys from the Gary Taylor era all showing up,” Henderson says. “He was a very popular guy and he dedicated a lot of his life to sport.”

Taylor built the basketball tradition at Oak Bay, with his teams winning Island championships in 1961, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, placing second at the provincial championships in 1966 and 1969 and winning provincial titles in 1965 and 1968.

Taylor also coached successful swimming and track and field teams at Oak Bay. After Oak Bay, Taylor went on to coach the University of Vic-

toria Vikings men’s basketball team from 1970 to 1975, and he later became a popular principal at Lambrick Park Secondary.

A member of the Oak Bay High School Sports Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the BC Basketball Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in October of 2014.

The tournament opens Thursday, Dec. 17 and continues through Saturday, Dec. 19 in Oak Bay High’s new gym.

Both the junior and senior Oak Bay teams will play, amid teams from the Island, Mainland and Calgary. The tournament offers an opportunity for Oak Bay residents, alumni, parents and students to come see how their top-ranked teams stack up against some strong competition, Henderson says.

“The hope is that many people from the community take this chance to cheer on Oak Bay and have a look at the new school if they haven’t already.”

The junior division tips off Thursday at is at 2:15 p.m. on the small court, when Lambrick Park takes on Cowichan. Belmont and Yale square off at 4 p.m., Claremont faces Vancouver College at 5:45 p.m. and the Oak Bay junior squad plays St. Michaels University School at 7:30 p.m.

PLEASE SEE: New gym dedicated Friday, Page A15

The Gary Taylor-led Oak Bay basketball teams of the 1960s will be remembered at Friday night’s feature game.

Vision Matters Dr. Neil Paterson

Healthy Eyes.

Doctor Delivered.

Tanning beds and your eyes

getting answers.

Katya Slepian Multimedia journalist at the Alberni Valley News. Her awardwinning story on the 10th Avenue crossing helped change a community’s point of view at the election polls.

With a few keystrokes you can sample thousands of opinions, aoat in a sea of information.

But as the volume increases, the accuracy and reliability of professional journalism is essential.

Gathering and sorting the facts, weighing and interpreting events, and following the story

As a means to achieve the perfect bronzed glow, tanning beds have become the latest craze over the last few years. What people may not factor in is the tanning devices, just like the sun, emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Besides the risk of skin cancer, these rays, after prolonged exposure, can damage your cornea and may cause cataracts or macular degeneration.

For optimal tanning bed eye safety, make sure you wear protective goggles that cover and fit snugly over your eyes. If you use the salon’s goggles, be sure they have been sterilized to prevent infection. Also, be sure to remove contact lenses before tanning. Remember closing your eyes, wearing sunglasses, or using cotton pads to cover your eyelids will not prevent harmful UV rays from filtering through and causing damage to your eyes. A great tan is not worth the risk of ruining your eyesight.

In partnership with

SAVE ANYWHERE. In partnership with In partnership with

SAVE SAVE ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. In partnership with

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature.

With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature.

Introducing the New Mobile Feature.

With exclusive offers for theSave.ca brands you loveCash-Back & $5 cash-out minimums With exclusive offersnever for thegobrands youwithout love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll shopping your smart phone again!

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. through PayPal, neverBack go shopping yourSteps smart phone again!

Getyou’ll Cash in 3without Easy With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Cash Back inReceipt 3 Easy Steps 1. Browse &Get Shop 2. Upload 3. Get Cash Back!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Browse the mobile app Take a photo of your Once you reach just $5, 1. Browse & Shop 2.

Upload Receipt Get Cashyou Back! for your favourite brand’s andin submit it 3.the money save will Get Cash receipt Back 3 Easy Steps mobile app 2.Take a photo ofapp your Once youCash reach just $5,your 1.Browse Browse & Shop Upload Receipt 3.

Get Back! offers, andthe purchase through the be transferred into for your favourite receipt and submit it the money you save them at any storebrand’s PayPal wallet Browse the mobile app Take a photo of your Once you reach justwill $5, offers, and through the app 1. Browse &purchase Shop Upload Receipt for your favourite brand’s 2. receipt and submit it

from beginning to end is more important than ever.

www.oakbayoptometry.com Dr. Neil Paterson Dr. Suzanne Sutter

Optometrists

100 -2067 Cadboro Bay Rd.

250-595-8500 Dr. Rachel Rushforth*

them at any store offers, purchase Browse theand mobile app at anybrand’s store for yourthem favourite offers, and purchase them at any store

through the of app Take a photo your receipt and submit it through the app

be into your 3.transferred Get Cash the money you saveBack! will PayPal wallet beOnce transferred into your you reach just $5, the PayPal moneywallet you save will be transferred into your PayPal wallet

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

oakbaynews.com oakbaynews.com Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015

www.oakbaynews.com • A15

• A15

New gym dedicated Friday

Publishes February 24th

Continued from Page A14

On the senior side, playing on the Gary Taylor Court, Oak Bay hits the hardwood against Belmont at 1:15 p.m., Lambrick Park faces Cowichan at 3 p.m., SMUS takes on Vancouver College at 4:45 p.m. and NDS plays SWC at 7:30 p.m.

The AAAA Oak Bay senior team, which finished last season ranked No. 1 in B.C., entered pre-season ranked No. 8.

The team welcomes back two starters from last season, Jaden Touchie, a Grade 11 point guard, and Myka Tang Blumenschein, who played on Team BC U17.

Other huge contributions are expected from seniors Madhu McConnell, Aoi Yamaguchi and Matthew Griffin.

The Oak Bay senior squad is expected to hit the court again for the feature game Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The game promises to be a boisterous, fun-filled event as the home crowd cheers on their team, Henderson says.

A short ceremony will precede the event, hosted by Oak Bay principal Dave Thomson, and featuring some good old-fashioned fun, including the Oak Bay Dance Troupe perform-

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Women OAK BAY

Photos courtesy Oak Bay High

ing at half-time, along with the Oak Bay High band to pump up the home crowd.

“Oak Bay has a very strong fine arts department so we just want to showcase that,” Henderson says.

“We’re tying the old with the new... bringing the traditions of the old school to the new school.”

The final game goes at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday for the juniors and 6 p.m. for the seniors. Both finals will be played on the Gary Taylor Court.

Spectators will be asked to pay by donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the Oak Bay basketball program to help subsidize player travel costs. editor@oakbaynews.com

IN BUSINESS

Don't miss this opportunity to take part in Oak Bay News' award-winning feature, as we celebrate local women making a difference in business and throughout the community.

Booking deadline: February, 17th

Contact

Janet Gairdner

Publisher

direct 250.480.3251 email jgairdner@blackpress.ca

e k o o S Visit

It’s more than

Watch

for de t our W ails of o Busine men in ss in Feb event ruary!

r!

you remembe

If you haven’t been to Sooke lately, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Over the last several months, Sooke has undergone a metamorphosis with a multi-million-dollar town centre project now complete, centered with a state-of-the-art roundabout.

All the changes have created a new energy and vibe throughout the community.

Sooke’s popularity as a scenic tourist and arts community has existed for generations. Now the town’s other attractions are coming to the forefront from shopping, galleries to fine dining.

The Sooke Region is home to an energetic and talented pool of artists, artisans and craftspeople inspired by the wild and beautiful coastline. Well-known destinations in Sooke, such as Whiffin Spit Park, Sooke Potholes Regional Park and the adjacent Sooke Potholes Provincial Park attract visitors both locally and from around the world.

Travel anywhere throughout the region and you will come across artists’ studios and spaces where fine arts are displayed and sold. The area is well known for its woodworkers and sculptors, metal and fibre artists.

But there’s so much more to Sooke.

Sooke is the perfect spot for a family day or date night.

You can start with a walk along the Whiffin Spit, boardwalk or at one of the region’s many galleries. Follow it up with lunch (or dinner) at one of the town’s fine restaurants and finish it up with shopping at some of the town’s boutique shops.

And if you’re really adventurous take a day to explore the many trail and regional parks by hike, bike – or running in the area.

Whatever you choose, your time will be time well spent in Sooke.

Fine Dining - Sooke offers some of the finest restaurants in the Capital Region from world-renowned Sooke Harbour House to the Prestige Hotel and a few home-grown treasures.

Dining & Cafés - If you’re looking for

traditional or not-so traditional food to whet your appetite, Sooke has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Canadian classics are served up right next to Chinese,

Japanese and other ethnic foods – and all within walking distance of the town centre.

Many of Sooke’s restaurants incorporate locally caught seafood and local produce, creating a made-at-home foodie delight.

Shopping - Looking for a different shopping experience? Sooke has many unique boutique stores to satisfy shoppers.

Check out Sooke’s stores and marketplaces for the latest fashions and fabulous deals.

Arts & Culture - If you’re an arts lover, you’ll feel right at home. The community’s rich arts and culture background has helped produce a spectrum of artistic expression and a thriving creative community.

Activities - Bike on the historical Gal-

loping Goose Trail. Walk in the shade of old growth rainforest. Paddle in the sheltered waters of Sooke Harbour & Basin. Zipline.

Fish Surf. Whale Watch.

A16 • www.oakbaynews.com A16 www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

BAY NEWS Wed, Dec 16, 2015, Oak Bay News

To advertise in print:

Browse more at:

Call: 250-388-3535 Email: classifi ed@oakbaybnews.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

30/60

$

GET IT RENTED! BUY ONE WEEK, GET SECOND WEEK FREE!*

*Private party only, cannot be combined with other discounts.

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING EVENTS

LOST AND FOUND

UKRAINIAN NEW YEAR

FOUND WOMEN’S wedding rings in Sidney Save on Foods Dec 2, 5pm. Call with identifying characteristics to claim.

(250)654-0288.

DINNER & DANCE CELEBRATION Sat, January 16th, 2016 Ukrainian Cultural Centre Info and tickets at (250)475-2585

AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

LOST SILVER Figural ring in Sidney or Central Saanich, sadly missed. If found please call (250)656-3741.

TRAVEL INFORMATION GETAWAYS

LEGAL NOTICES

AGREEMENT

LONG BEACH - Ucluelet Deluxe waterfront cabin, sleeps 6, BBQ. Fall Special.

2 nights $239 or 3 nights $299 Pets Okay. Rick 604-306-0891

It is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

TIMESHARE CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

No risk program stop mortgage & maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

HELP WANTED

MIND BODY & SPIRIT

ZONE CHECKERS

GIFT CERTIFICATES for Christmas!! Kripalu Massage, Reiki, Acupressure, Chair Massage. I have relaxed clients that have been with me for 5-12 years. See testimonials on website. Women only.

Located in beautiful setting off the Gorge. 250-514-6223 or www.andreakober.com

The Oak Bay News and the Victoria News are looking to hire Zone Checkers to service our growing distribution needs in Victoria (North Park/Oaklands) and Oak Bay. The right candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook Express is recommended. Your attention to detail and ability to work with minimal supervision sets you apart from other applicants.

Duties include supervision of newspaper carriers, recruitment and hiring of new carriers, canvassing new areas of delivery, monitoring carrier performance and follow-up on reader delivery concerns. A reliable vehicle is a must. A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check is also mandatory. These part-time positions are ideal for applicants available for afternoon and weekend shifts. Please email your resume to Cindy Brown, Victoria and Oak Bay News Circulation Coordinator: circulation@vicnews.com No phone calls please.

MEDICAL/DENTAL

Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement.

Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

WATKIN MOTORS Ford, Vernon, B.C. immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician. Visit us online: watkinmotors.com About us, Employment, to apply and review required qualifications.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

ESTABLISHED FITNESS Franchise For Sale, steady monthly revenue. For more information, 250-723-7508 or email: velmeas@telus.net

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca.

Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment

LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS Re: The estate of John Walter Jackson, deceased, formerly of 1400 St. Patrick Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8S 4Y4. Creditor and other having claims against the estate of JOHN WALTER JACKSON are hereby notified under section 38 of the Trustee Act that particulars of their claims should be sent to the Executor c/o Hart Legal 300-1001 Wharf Street, Victoria British Columbia, V8W 1T6, on or before January 8, 2016, after which date the Executor will distribute the estate among the parties entitled to it, having regard to the claims of which the Executor then has notice. James Vincent Edward Jackson, Executor.

PERSONALS DISCREET CHAT for curious guys. Try FREE! Call 250-4194634 or 800-550-0618.

MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat Call FREE! 250-220-1300 or 1-800-2101010. www.livelinks.com 18+

GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year.

All cash-locations provided.

Protected Territories. Interest free financing. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com.

HIP OR knee replacement?

Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com.

1-800-466-1535. Or email to: info@canscribe.com.

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

papers for the next 3 weeks for only $30 or choose all 5 papers for $60. If your vehicle does not sell, call us and we'll run it again at no charge!

PERSONAL SERVICES

AUTOMOTIVE

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

SELL IT IN 3 OR IT RUNS FOR FREE!* Place your private party automotive ad with us in one of our Greater Victoria

VOLUNTEERS BIG BROTHERS Big Sisters seeks mentors aged 19 to 30, for their Go Girls! program from January to April. The program helps girls, aged 9 to 14, enhance their self-confidence, self-esteem & knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, and positive self-image. Mentors are women passionate about positively shaping the lives of girls and setting them on a path to reach their potential.

Training is provided and mentors work in teams of two or three. Call 250-386-2269.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HOLISTIC HEALTH

'-03"- ."/"(&3

Trager® Bodywork Hot Stone Massage Deep Relaxation Relieve Pain and Tension CHRISTMAS GIFT CERTIFICATES for yourself & others.

t t t t

%FMJ $MFSLT 1SPEVDF $MFSLT .FBU $VUUFST 4FBGPPE $MFSLT

100% COMPANY PAID BENEFITS #0/64 1-"/ t (3061 341

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Drop off your resume to Jordan Schley at the QF West Shore, 977 Langford Parkway or email your resume attention 7JFX 3PZBM 3FDSVJUJOH UP Quality@QualityFoods.com

$500 loans and more No credit checks

1-877-776-1660 Apply at moneyprovider.com

SMALL ADS GET BIG RESULTS! Call 250.388.3535

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

ͻ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂƌĞ ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶƚ ŝƉůŽŵĂ ^ƚƵĚLJ ĨƵůůͲƚŝŵĞ Žƌ ƉĂƌƚͲƚŝŵĞ

ͻ , ͗ /ŶƚƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶ ƚŽ WƌĂĐƟĐĞ ;ŽŶůŝŶĞͿ ŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ Žƌ ĂƐ Ă ĮƌƐƚ ƐƚĞƉ ƚŽ , ƐƚƵĚŝĞƐ

W>h^ E t WZK'Z D^͊ ͻ ^>Ͳ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂƌĞ ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶƚ ŝƉůŽŵĂ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ϯϬϬ ŚŽƵƌƐ ŽĨ ĨƌĞĞ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjĞĚ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ

ͻ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ĨŽƌ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂƌĞ ĞƌƟĮĐĂƚĞ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞ LJŽƵƌ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ŝŶ ũƵƐƚ ϱ ǁĞĞŬƐ

Visit us to find out why we are not like the rest!

Phone: 1.855.447.3422

CONNECTING JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS www.localworkbc.com

t #BLFSZ $MFSLT t $PòFF 4IPQ $MFSLT t $BTIJFST

We are a Vancouver Island Original and we invite you to come grow with us at our new View Royal home.

Rae Bilash Certified Practitioner www.raebilash.ca raebilash@shaw.ca 250-380-8733

CANADA’S TEMPERANCE Foundation seeks volunteers for two events. One is its Dry Jan Scavenger Hunt on January 16 that begins and ends at Beacon Hill Park. The other is the Wrap Up and Foot Golf event at Cedar Hill golf Course on January 20. Call 250-3862269.

EARLY MUSIC Society of the Islands, one of North America’s most active and successful early music specialists, seeks an assistant to work with the fundraising director to develop and implement a fundraising strategy for the Society. Please contact Judith Carder at 250-391-9480 for more information.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

•

www.saintelizabeth.com/careercollege

ŶĂƟŽŶĂů ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ŽĨ ŶŽƚͲĨŽƌͲƉƌŽĮƚ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ǀŽĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ dedicated to ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐƉƌĞĂĚŝŶŐ ĐƵƫŶŐ ĞĚŐĞ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ͘

www.oakbaynews.com • A17 www.oakbaynews.com A17

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Oak Bay News Wed, Dec 16, 2015 PERSONAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Sudoku

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED ANTIQUES, BOOKS, collectibles, furniture, china, jewelry. Estates/private libraries purchased. Galleon Books & Antiques, 250-655-0700.

fil here please

RENTALS PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO

APARTMENT/CONDO

RETOUCH, RESTORE, Edit Photos. Home Movies to DVD. Also, Portraiture, Baby, Family + Maternity.

250-475-3332. www.cwpics.com

PARKSVILLE’S EMERALD Estates offers a unique style of Supportive Living for 50+ age.

1-bdrm patio suite. Available Dec 1st. $1,200/month. Call Lynn (250)303-0098.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR RENT

FRIENDLY FRANK CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENT for table, home made, beautiful, $15. (250)477-4426.

LONESOME DOVE 6 hr VHS Western, new in package, $12. Call (250)383-5390.

FUEL/FIREWOOD ARBUTUS, CYPRESS, fir, hardwoods. Seasoned. Call 250-661-7391.

KINDLING $6/ Bundle, approx. 1 cu.ft. Free Delivery, Min 10 Bundles 250-642-4790

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE KENWOOD EXCELON KFCX693 6X9 300 Watt 3-way car speakers. Brand new, , never opened, save $100+. $120.

Call Chris 250-595-0370, chrissmyth54321@gmail.com ROMANCE Your Christmas Local BC Adult Retailer Shop Online Now & Receive 25% OFF! www.shagg.ca

HOMES FOR RENT SAANICHTON: 2 bdrm, 2 full bath, W/D, NP/NS. Retirement Village, 45+. $1600/mo. Jan. 1st. Call (250)652-2042.

TRANSPORTATION AUTO SERVICES

Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

FREE REMOVAL of all vehicles, cash paid for some. Any condition. Call (250)889-5383

CARS 2009 PONTIAC Vibe- charcoal grey, black interior, 4cylinder auto, A/C, cruise, P/W, extra options. 52,353km, exc cond. $10,200. (250)580-4104.

MOTORCYCLES 2008 HONDA Motorcycle, 919 (red). Only 22,000 km. Just serviced. No drops. $4,900.

Call (250)361-0052.

CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS www.used.ca

Carriers Wanted Today’s Solution

TRICYCLE, CHILD’S, new, $35. New 23” Bolvia wall clock, $35. (250)388-6725.

PARKING SPACE near Lansdowne Camosun College. 3 min. walk to campus. Only $75/mo. Save $55/mo (or more for long-term). Chris, 250-595-0370.

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number 1 to 9 must appear in: • Each of the nine vertical columns • Each of the nine horizontal rows • Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes

...to

WIN great CONTESTS go to our website and click on

Earn extra money for Christmas!

For a route in your neighbourhood Call

250-480-3285

prizes

Service Directory

Browse more at:

Complete guide to professional services in your community

250-388-3535 HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

GARDENING

HANDYPERSONS

HAULING AND SALVAGE

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

PAINTING

PRESSURE WASHING

EXPERIENCED CLEANER20 years in business. Very thorough, efficient. Reliable.

Call Ann (250)516-8043.

GREAT TIME for pruning.

Fruit, ornamental & native trees. Call Max for results.

Senior disc. 250-634-0347.

BIG BEAR Handyman.

Decks, Painting, Repairs. Free estimate. Barry 250-896-6071.

RENOVATIONS SPECIALIST decks, fence Doors, windows, painting, drywall.

Kitchen, bath, suites. 250-217-8131

A PROFESSIONAL Woman painter. Karen Bales Painting & Wall coverings. Over 25yrs exp. Free est. 250-514-5220.

DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS, Decks, etc. Reasonable rates.

250-744-8588, Norm.

ELECTRICAL

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

MASONRY & BRICKWORK

250-361-6193 Quality Electric Reno’s, res & comm. No job too small. Lic# 22779.

250-380-7778 GRAND Xterior Cleaning. Repairs, Gutters, de-moss, roofs windows, PWash, Christmas lights.

HIGH QUALITY and FAST. Professional Painting. $20./hr.

Free est. Glenn 778-967-3607.

KENDRA’S ELECTRICAL Company.

Res/Com. Lic #86952. Call 250-415-7991.

NORTHERN SUN Electric Comm/Res. Work Guaranteed. Any size job. Call (250)888-6160. Lic#13981.

FENCING ALL TYPES of fencing, repairs. Reliable, on-time. Free estimates. Call 250-888-8637.

GARDENING DPM SERVICES- lawn & garden, seasonal pruning, clean ups, landscape, power wash, etc. 15yrs exp. (250)883-8141.

(250)889-5794.

DIAMOND Dave- window, gutter cleaning, roof-de-moss, gutter guards, power washing. Free estimate

ABBA Exteriors Inc. ‘Winter Clean-Up Specials’ Gutter & Window Cleaning Concrete Power Washing Vinyl Siding Cleaning Roof Sweep & De-Mossing Carpentry * Yard Cleanup Handyman Repairs Free Estimates WCB Insured, BBB Certified; Now accepting Visa/ MC *Seniors Discounts* (778)433-9275 www.abbaexteriors.ca Locally owned Family business

CLEANUP SPECIALS! Full yard maintenance. Home construction/reno’s etc. Call Chad 250-507-9933 for more info.

RENO SPECIALIST- Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, tiling electric. Kitchen & bath. 20yrs exp. Fully insured. Alain 250744-8453. www.justrenoz.com

HAULING AND SALVAGE $20 & Up Garbage & Garden waste removal. Senior Disc.

Free estimates. 250-812-2279.

CLEAN-UP SPECIAL. You load bins, size 12 yard $100 plus dump fee or we do it all.

Call 250-361-6164.

HAUL A WAY Clean & green.

Junk & garbage removal. Free est. Fall disc. 778-350-5050.

JUNK BOX- Junk Removal Company. Local guys. Low rates. Call (250)658-3944.

PARRY’S HAULING We haul it all - FREE estimates. Call Wes 250-812-7774.

Refuse Sam

✓Garbage Removal ✓O.A.P Rates Attics, Basements, Compost, Construction Clean up, Demolition

Fast & Friendly Service .

Call Craig or Mike 250-216-5865 .

SAVE-A-LOT HAULING Furniture, appliance, garden waste, we take it all! Always lowest rate, senior discount.

Brad 250-217-9578.

CLASSIFIED ADS MEAN MORE BUSINESS Call 250.388.3535

CBS MASONRY BBB. WCB. Chimneys, fireplaces,flagstone rock, concrete, natural & veneered stone. Replace, rebuild, restore, renew! Free competitive est. www.cbsmasonry.com; Call (250)5899942, (250)294-9942.

OLD TIMER. Quality old fashioned service. Great rates. Excellent references. Call Al at 250-474-6924, 250-888-7187.

RAIN HAPPENS Landscape & Stonework. Call Nicolaas at (250)920-5108.

PRECISION Home Aesthetics, Interior/Exterior Painting and clean up/removal. Seasonal specials available for painting and Christmas lights. Contact Ryan or Scott at 250-213-3630

MOVING & STORAGE

PLUMBING

(250)858-6747. WRIGHT Bros Moving & Hauling. Free Est $75=(2men&3tontruck)Sr Disc. ✱✱Happy Holidays✱✱ Done Right Moving $85/hr.

A+ BBB. Senior Disc. No travel time before/after local moves. Penny 250-418-1747

FREE ESTIMATES. Reasonable. Reliable. No job too small. Call 250-388-5544.

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.

UPHOLSTERY UPHOLSTER- Furn. repairs, scratches, fix springs, marine, commercial. 250-480-9822.

WINDOW CLEANING 250-380-7778 GRAND Xterior Cleaning. Repairs, Gutters, de-moss, roofs windows, PWash, Christmas lights.

ABBA EXTERIORS

Professional gutter cleaning & repairs. Window cleaning.

Roof de-mossing, package discounts. “Locally owned Family business”.

WCB, BBB Certified; Now accepting Visa/ MasterCard. (778)433-9275.

BOB’S WINDOW Cleaning, Gutters. Over 25 yrs. Licensed & affordable. 250-884-7066.

DAVE’S WINDOW Cleaning.

Windows, Gutters, Sweeping, Roofs, Roof Demossing, Pressure Washing. 250-361-6190.

A18 • www.oakbaynews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

BAY NEWS

B.C. joins clean vehicle club in Paris to cut emissions With 2,000 electric vehicles and charging stations in place and a program to keep subsidizing their purchase and use, B.C. has joined an elite club of countries and U.S. states. Environment Minister Mary Polak announced last week that B.C. has joined the International Zero-Emission Vehicle Alliance. The alliance hopes to reduce vehicle

emissions 40 per cent by 2050, promoting use of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Its members include Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the U.K., California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Quebec.

In 2011, B.C. replaced its earlier $2,000

subsidy for hybrid cars with a clean energy vehicle program that pays between $2,500 and $5,000 in point-of-sale rebates for new battery electric, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell or natural gas vehicles. It also offered a $500 subsidy for installing a dedicated vehicle charging station at home through LiveSmart BC, a program that ended in 2014. With suf-

ficient home service, modern electric cars can be plugged into a standard outlet.

Natural gas power has mainly been limited to short-haul truck fleets based around a central fuelling station. B.C. ran pilot projects with hydrogen fuel-cell transit buses in Victoria and Whistler, but they were wound up after the 2010 Olympics.

Give the Gift of Green Travel Buy your Monthly Pass and see the sights

Monthly passes available at:

5009-7

Esquimalt Country Grocer Fraser 25 Mac’s Store Admirals Pharmasave Esquimalt Shell Tyee Shoppers Drug Mart V & J Super Low Cost Market West Bay Market

Brentwood Bay Rexall Drug Store Fairway Market Pharmasave West Saanich Colwood 88 Mini Mart Canex Express Mart Colwood Corners Drycleaners 7-Eleven Colwood Corona Foods Petro Canada Island Hwy London Drugs Thrifty Foods Cook Street Village Mac’s Store Cook Rexall Cook Street Victoria Food & Florist Craigflower & Tillicum Gorge Vale Esso Gorge Vale Petro Can Craigflower Foods

5009-7

Saanichton Pat Bay Esso Shoppers Drug Mart Thrifty Foods

Tillicum Mall 7-Eleven Burnside AM to PM Store London Drugs Save-On-Foods Shell Burnside West

BC TRANSIT Fairfield Clare Mart Foods Fairfield Plaza Heart Pharmacy IDA Thrifty Foods

Downtown 7-Eleven Douglas 7-Eleven Yates 7-Eleven Government 7-Eleven Bay 7-Eleven The Falls Alpine Florist & Food Market Blair Mart Cinema Convenience Store City of Victoria Jubilee Pharmacy London Drugs Mac’s Store Cook Mac’s Store Douglas Maggie’s Market Grocery Regal News Shoppers Drug Mart The Executive Shop The Market on Yates Tourism Victoria The Bay Centre Wellburn’s Market

Mayfair Area B & V Market Mayfair Esso Mayfair Shopping Centre

7x12 Gordon Head 7-Eleven Shelbourne

Douglas & Hillside Petro Canada Douglas Winks Convenience Store

Forbes Pharmacy Millstream Goldstream Food Market Mac’s Store Jacklin Petro Canada Millstream Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmasave Millstream Streamside Grocery The Market on Millstream Western Foods Westshore Lotto Centre

Gorge Road Shoppers Drug Mart

Hillside & Quadra Fairway Market Mac’s Store Quadra Ageless Living Market Hillside Mall Area Haultain Grocery Hillside Esso Pharmasave Hillside Shoppers Drug Mart Thrifty Foods

James Bay Little Gem Grocery Mac’s Store Menzies James Bay Pharmasave Thrifty Foods Jubilee Area Shell Fort Jubilee Pharmacy Langford 7-Eleven Jacklin CanWest Esso Forbes Pharmacy Goldstream

www.bctransit.com

McKenzie & Quadra London Drugs Petro Canada Quadra Shell Quadra Thrifty Foods Cloverdale Thrifty Foods McKenzie Quadra/McKenzie Esso Oak Bay 153 With J & Flowers Convenience Store Casey’s Market Estevan Pharmacy Municipality of Oak Bay Pharmasave Oak Bay Save On Foods Shell Oak Bay Shopper’s Drug Mart Tomley’s Market

Shelbourne & Cedar Hill X Fairway Market Mac’s Store Shelbourne

Shelbourne & McKenzie 7-Eleven Shelbourne Fairway Market University Heights Esso Petro Canada Shelbourne Petro Canada Hillside Save On Foods Thrifty Foods

Uptown Area 7-Eleven Carey Central Esso Uptown Guest Services Save On Foods Shell Parkdale Shoppers Drug Mart University of Victoria UVic Campus Pharmacy Heart Pharmacy IDA Cadboro Bay

Sidney 7-Eleven Beacon Pharmasave Seventh Street BC Ferries Gift Shop – on board Save On Foods Thrifty Foods

Vic West Oceanic Market Save On Foods

Sooke Peoples Drug Mart Shoppers Drug Mart Village Food Market

VGH Parking Office Wilkinson/Interurban Mac’s Store

View Royal Fort Victoria RV Park Thrifty Foods, Admirals

Royal Oak District Country Grocer Petro Canada Elk Lake Petro Canada Royal Oak Pharmasave Broadmead Pure Integrated Pharmacy Shoppers Drug Mart Thrifty Foods

Victoria Regional Transit Commission

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015 OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, December 16, 2015

www.oakbaynews.com • A19 www.oakbaynews.com • A19

Oak Bay university prof co-authors business booster Trio of authors craft a reference guide to help business owners gain practical management insight Business owners have a new tool in their toolbox thanks to three local professors and business management consultants.

Oak Bay’s Rich Mimick, the University of Victoria’s Director, Business, Management and Technology programs in the Division of Continuing Studies, along with Royal Roads University business professors Mike Thompson and Terry Rachwalski have created Business Diagnostics (3rd Edition).

A self-published book, previous editions have been in print since 2004 and have sold more than 3,000 copies worldwide.

The third edition is updated to include digital marketing and new business models.

Described as the ultimate desk-top business resource guide to diagnose, evaluate and

A division of

grow a business, the book is used in business classes for step-by-step case analysis, but is also valuable for the small business owner or entrepreneur facing time constraints in acquiring and updating business management skills, the authors say.

Mimick says the book covers the critical areas of business. The “Business Diagnosis” process completes a series of “diagnostic checks” and includes tools and templates to assist the business owner or student.

Business owners don’t have time to attend business school courses, Thompson notes.

“They need quick answers and easy-to-use systems. Business Diagnostics is designed as

a practical checklist that can be read over a few evenings or kept on your desk as a reference guide.”

Rachwalski says the core of the system is the “Business Diagnostics Framework.”

“As consultants, we often see business people jumping into strategic planning before they have completed an external scan of their industry and competitors looking for threats and trends,” she says.

“Inevitably, the external scan reveals ‘aha’ moments. I have used the system in my consulting practice for years. It works.”

Business Diagnostics is sold online starting at US $60 and purchase includes free shipping until Dec. 23. The team intends to launch an e-version of the book in the spring of 2016. editor@oakbaynews.com

Did you know that Elan Stairlift is North America’s BEST SELLING Stairlift?

Call us NOW for a FREE in-home Assessment

$600 OFF Bruno Elan Stairlifts only until December 31 2015

2521 Government Street, Victoria BC

#UsedHelps

A20 • www.oakbaynews.com

Some jewelry displayed patented (US Pat. No. 7,007,507) • © 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved • PANDORA.NET

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - OAK

GIVE MORE THAN A GIFT GIVE PERSONALITY ON A SILVER BANGLE. A PRESENT WAITING TO BE OPENED. SHARE THE #ARTOFYOU SHOWN: ‘ALL WRAPPED UP’ CHARM ON .925 STERLING SILVER BANGLE WITH 14K GOLD CLASP

MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE WWW.MAYFAIRJEWELLERY.CA 250.590.2065 FACEBOOK.COM/MAYFAIRPANDORA

BAY NEWS