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A look back at 2015 With the mayors of Victoria and Esquimalt Kendra Wong and Pamela Roth Victoria News
Highly productive and action-oriented is how Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps would describe 2015 and she plans to continue that into the new year. At the top of Helps’ proudest accomplishments was the creation and action of the mayor’s task force on economic development and prosperity, including the opening of the new business hub at city hall earlier this month; and a housing affordability task force, aimed at promoting the construction of affordable housing in the city. But the year hasn’t been without challenges. In the summer, city council’s proposed plan to create a temporary tent city in Topaz Park sparked outrage from the public and forced Helps to backpedal. She later apologized for the way the plan was rolled out and hosted a public forum on the issue of
homelessness in the park, which gave birth to a plan to borrow $30 million from the Capital Regional District Hospital Board to build housing. “Some people might say Topaz Park was a low point, but that was one of the highest points of the year because of what came out of it, which was the idea to borrow $30 million for housing and that also has moved into reality,” she said. Most recently, Helps, who is also the co-chair of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board, came under fire for the handling of the investigation into Victoria police chief Frank Elsner after he sent inappropriate Twitter messages to a fellow officer’s wife. “It’s been very challenging. There’s been public perceptions on one side and then there’s the truth and reality on the other side and there’s only so much we can say,” Helps said, adding she prides herself on being upfront, open and transparent. Heading into the
Don Denton/Victoria News
That’s a wrap The Fairmont Empress Hotel, currently undergoing extensive restoration work to the outside of the building, spor a partial false front wrapping to cover up the scaffolding on the building’s exterior. The wrapping is decorated to look just like the front of the hotel it is covering. new year, Helps hopes to focus on bringing the city’s strategic plan to fruition. Council’s 13 objectives, as laid out in the plan, include innovate and lead, engage and empower the community, make Victoria more affordable, enhance and steward public spaces, green spaces and food systems, and
steward water systems and waste streams responsibly. Specifically, Helps hopes to create a task force on social enterprise on how the city can create conditions for businesses, and nonprofits to make money and “do good at the same time,” and bolster partnerships with the University
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of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College. Council will also be working on an arts and culture and parks master plan, along with beginning construction on sections of the David Foster Harbour Pathway. “It’s all laid out for us, all we need to do is follow the road map,” Helps said. “We
set a really strong framework, we set the ground work, we spent a year doing some things, but really laying a strong foundation for the next three years.” ***** For Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, 2015 has been a productive and busy year full of events that challenged
people to view the Township in a different light. Most of the year has been filled with good news stories for Desjardins, noting council was given a clear mandate to move forward on a handful of important items. PlEASE SEE: Economic development, Page A2
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Friday, Friday,January January1, 1,2016 2016--VICTORIA VICTORIA NEWS NEWS
Economic development strategy a focus in new year vision calls for a lively and sustainable town centre that includes Those items include retail, residential and the transportation office space, along with network, sewage a new education facility treatment process, and library. Shovels could be in the ground by the end of 2016. 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Murray Rankin describes 2015 as “tumultuous” year in politics
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and a comfortable lead over Green Party candidate Jo-Ann Roberts, Rankin was re-elected with more votes than any other NDP candidate in Canada. He won the battle, but lost the war. Despite being re-elected among six NDP candidates on Vancouver Island, the party lost their position as the official opposition. “I must confess, I was
disappointed at the national results. I hoped we would have formed government, but I’m happy to say that this is a new parliament and we’re working very constructively with the new government and I’m very confident we’ll do our best to hold them to account to keep the promises that they made,” Rankin told the Victoria News, adding he’s still thrilled the Harper government was defeated. Locally, Rankin highlighted how proud he was of Victorians for stepping up in the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis to help sponsor families. Heading into the new year, Rankin has a number of issues he hopes to focus on both in his riding and in Ottawa. In Victoria, he said he will prioritize homelessness and affordable housing assistance, the completion of the Belleville
Terminal and ensuring federal funding is available for the completion of the Capital Regional District’s sewage treatment plant. “I live in hope that the new government will help us achieve what everyone in Victoria knows needs to be done and that is a federal government rolling up their sleeves, coming to the table as a true partner and getting on with the need that is so obvious in our community,” Rankin said. Federally, as the justice critic, he will make sure at least part of Bill C51 is repealed. He is also on a committee meant to find out what the federal government should do regarding physician assisted deaths, possibility of reform to safe injection sites, along with a number of other amendments to criminal laws. kendra.wong@vicnews.com
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VICTORIA NEWS - Friday, January 1, 2016 VICTORIA NEWS - Friday, January 1, 2016
‘Too Crazy Birdy Hotel takes flight
COMMUNITY NEWS IN BRIEF
Kevin Underhill Victoria News
Megan Lewis already has four birds in her care at the ‘Too Crazy Birdy Hotel and she expects more will move in over the holiday season. The hotel is a bird-only boarding facility designed to give bird owners a place to leave their feathered friends so they can go on holiday or tend to other matters. The Greater Victoria branch is the fourth location to open on the Island and has bird lovers enthused. Victoria bird owner Willow Anderson shares her home with three Congo African Grey parrots and is thrilled with the opening of the new facility. Before the Victoria location opened this month, Anderson would drive to Nanaimo to board her parrots, which was a major deterrent. “I had foregone weekend trips altogether,” she said. “But now I can get away for a weekend knowing my birds are in good hands.” Anderson’s parrots, Murphy, Gaby and Joey, all have disabilities of different varieties that require special attention. She said the ‘Too Crazy Birdy Hotel offers the proper care and she can now go away worry free. Lewis, the owner and operator of the Victoria location, moved into her Langford home (which doubles as the bird hotel) at the beginning of the month, and after opening her doors on Dec. 15 she’s
Parking infractions can be taken to adjudicator
Arnold Lim/Black Press
Megan Lewis of ‘Too Crazy Birdy Hotel shows off some of the accommodations to her welcomed guests. already bustling with birds. According to Lewis, people don’t always realize how much of an undertaking owning a bird, especially the bigger ones, can be. “Literally, you can think about them as a small child,” Lewis said. “You can’t leave a two or three year old alone all day and it’s the same for birds.” When Lewis moved to the Island, she was
looking for a vet to treat her cockatoo and was quickly connected with an organization called F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. The society helps birds and bird owners across Vancouver Island — a community connection she said is vital. “Parrot people need other parrot people and that’s not the same with other pets,” she said.
“You really belong to a community and it’s more significant than people might think.” Anderson, now a member of F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S., said the birds also rely on the community since a flock is their safety net and they will go through significant emotional damage if things are always changing. Lewis hopes that because of ‘Too Crazy Bird
Hotel’s “birdy-boarding” service, fewer birds will be displaced. “It’s really easy to feel guilty and hard to take a vacation so people would just put their birds up for adoption,” she said. “We want to make sure birds stay in their homes and that’s one of the major reasons the hotel was made.” intern@vicnews.com
Search continues for knife connected with stabbing The search continues for a knife believed to be used in a stabbing that sent one person to hospital with non life-threatening injuries on Christmas Eve day. Around 3:40 a.m., officers were called to Victoria’s “tent city” outside the law courts and found a male running away from the
area. Police gave chase, following the suspect through alleys and parking lots in the area before he was arrested in the 900 block of Blanshard Street. The man remains in custody and is known to police. The victim was taken to hospital with non lifethreatening injuries that required
surgery. Police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident and the search continues for the weapon. Anyone that locates the knife in the area is asked not to touch it and call 911. The stabbing marks the second within two days. Around 11:30
p.m. on Christmas Day, police responded to a stabbing in the Rock Bay Landing area. The victim was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries and later released. The search continues for the suspect. editor@vicnews.com
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Free rec programs offered to kick off new year The start of the new year is the perfect time to make health and wellness a focus. From Jan. 4 to 17, the City of Victoria is offering two weeks of free wellness and recreation programs offered at the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre, Save-OnFoods Memorial Centre and participating community centres. Try it Free invites the public to sample a range of recreation programs at no charge. Some popular activities include Karate for Adult Beginners, Pilates, and Belly Dancing, as well as Tiny Toes Ballet, Synchro Kids, and Girls’ Group for children and youth. Register online at victoria.ca/recreation or call 250-361-0732.
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Friday, January January 1, 1, 2016 2016 -- VICTORIA VICTORIA Friday,
EDITORIAL
NEWS NEWS
The Victoria News is published by Black Press Ltd. | 818 Broughton St., Victoria, B.C. V8W 1E4 | Phone: 250-381-3484 • Fax: 250-386-2624 • Web: www.vicnews.com
OUR VIEW
2015 has been a year of change Just like that, we can wave goodbye to 2015 and say a big hello to 2016. It may be clichéd to say, but 2015 really has been a year of change — a change in federal government, a change in local views of global crises, a change in Victoria News staff. It would be impossible to talk about 2015 without noting some of the top stories of the year that dominated news headlines nationally, but also had impacts locally. One of the biggest headlines was the defeat of Stephen Harper’s Conservative Government to form a Liberal majority government. In the Victoria riding, incumbent NDP MP Murray Rankin was re-elected and heading into the new year, he hopes to hold the Trudeau Government to the promises made during the election. The Syrian refugee crisis also captured the hearts of people across the world and had a ripple affect in Victoria. After seeing images of three-year-old Alan Kurdi’s body washed ashore on a Turkish beach when his family tried to flee Syria, thousands of Canadians jumped into action to help bring refugees to the country — including a number of groups in Victoria. The issue of homelessness and the need for affordable housing was also a hot button issue among federal, provincial and municipal politicians. Homelessness took centre stage in the summer when Victoria city council unrolled a proposal to set up a temporary tent city in Topaz Park, which sparked immense backlash. Most recently, more than 50 campers have set up tents on the piece of land behind the courthouse. Yes, it has been a year of change — but hopefully for the good. A change in government and a change in the way people view refugees and the homeless could lead to a more productive and exciting 2016. The Victoria 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@vicnews.com or 250-480-3265. 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.
Readers respond: Couthouse campers need a better place I think schools need to be a safe haven for students so that they can learn without stress. A lot of kids come from homes where drugs, alcohol, violence and/or mental illness exist. They need to see that’s not what all families experience. Kids deserve a peaceful learning environment. They deserve a place without violence, without drugs at the very least. If school is no different than being at home, why would a kid want to attend school? I think the courthouse campers need to have a better place as well other than across from a school and on a busy street. Surely there must be an area with buildings and land that will service the ever-increasing street people (and their pets). Perhaps public transit can be available to take the campers to a place with sufficient square footage to house their tents or have rooms to accommodate them and their pets? Lynda Boyd Victoria
Tackling the problem of manmade pollution Calling all environmentalists! Let’s tackle the problem of man-made
pollution with vigor, such as the tons of plastic in the oceans, the release of harmful chemicals, and treatable disease. Let’s refocus our time, thought, and treasure that we spend on addressing man-made global warming to improving and protecting our environment. Anthropogenic (man-made) contributions to the Earth’s greenhouse gas (GHG) effect is only about 0.28 per cent of the total GHG (water vapour, CO2, methane, CFCs). Anthropogenic CO2 contributions cause only about 0.18 per cent of Earth’s GHG effect. That’s right, if every human being on this earth died tomorrow, it would have a negligible impact on the total amount of GHG that is produced. That 0.28 per cent is less than a rounding error! Let’s redirect that time, thought, and treasure to where it will do some good, and we can get on with our lives, improving the world, improving the environment, and improving the quality of life not only for ourselves here in Canada, but in the developing nations around the world. Let’s help third world countries that are polluting their environment in their drive to create wealth for their people. If we were to pour the trillions of dollars we are wasting trying to reduce man-made CO2 into reducing pollution, we could make a profound improvement in the lives of everyone here on Earth. Goodwill to
mankind could be our reward. Patrick Hunt Victoria
Many robins are still here I saw a flock of robins recently, here in the middle of winter — which Judy Whytock claims people do not see (in your Dec. 25, 2015 issue). They were on lawns, with the sun shining — ideal conditions for worms to emerge to be eaten. (Robins of course take shelter from rain and wind so are seen less in winter. Creatures go where food is at the moment — they have to look for it as they don’t have a fixed grocery store open every day.) The robins were in a neighbourhood with some grey squirrels, raccoons, and cats, as they often are. (Some people blame cats for a decline in bird population that I doubt is happening. Note that houses have shrubs for birds to shelter in, and a variety of vegetation some of which provides berries in winter.)
Write us
Keith Sketchley Saanich
Give us your comments by email: editor@ vicnews.com. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification.
What do you think? Give us your comments by e-mail: editor@ vicnews.com or fax 250-386-2624. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification. Penny Sakamoto, Group Publisher 250-480-3204 Don Denton, Photo Supervisor 250-480-3264 Janice Marshall, Production Manager 250-480-3252
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VICTORIA NEWS NEWS -Friday, -Friday, January January 1, 1, 2016 2016 VICTORIA
15 Questions:
With Esquimalt Councillor Meagan Brame
1. It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast? Honey Nut Cheerios and a nice big cup of coffee.
2. If you didn’t do what you did for a living, what would you be?
I love working in child care, and have done it for 26 years, I left thefront line for 18 months to try my hand at provincial government work and found that child care really is my passion, so I wouldn’t change it!
3. What’s playing in your music player right now?
A variety of country music — Brett Kissell being one artist.
4. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People being late drives me batty. I was born three months early and it appears that habit has continued on throughout my life. In my book, being on time is
being late.
5. What’s the best thing about living in Esquimalt? I love the ocean views, the fabulous climate and the walkability. Coming from a small town in Ontario, the huge sense of community in Esquimalt makes this the place to be for me.
6. What’s your favourite movie(s)?
So, I am a big sap, my all-time favourite movies are, Gone with the Wind, Wizard of Oz, and White Christmas. Oh, and all the Disney movies!
7. Which person, alive or dead, would you have dinner with? Walt Disney. He is a man that came from very little and created one of the most amazing companys ever. He was bankrupt twice and still fought back to capture his dreams and what he accomplished is truly inspiring.
8. What’s your favourite vacation destination?
Disneyland — been 14 times and can’t wait to go again. I love the way it makes me feel; happy and young.
9. If you could have one super power, what would it be? To make all children healthy and happy. No child would ever get seriously sick on my watch.
10. What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?
Swim in a shark cage. We were going to do it once, we were all signed up and then the weather turned too bad to go out and do it. I was very disappointed!
11. If you could see one concert, what would it be?
Mumford and Sons. I know others who saw them in concert a couple of years ago and they said it was amazing!
12. What is your favourite TV show?
I must admit, I am a bit of a TV junkie and I PVR a lot of shows. I do have one vice though — I have been watching the Young and the Restless since I was about 10, so without spelling it out, it has been a long time.
13. What’s your dream car?
I love my Mini but if I could have a totally fun beautiful car, it would be MacGyver’s 42 Chevy Pickup.
14. What is your favourite place to dine?
With my schedule, I don’t have time to eat out a lot, but when I do, I like to eat casually and the restaurant has to have good craft beer or local wine. The company I share it with is also very important, good friends, good food and good beverages are all key elements.
15. What are your words to live by?
“Mean what you say, say what you mean and always follow though” — I say that a lot in my profession to my staff and students but it rings true in life as well. Being honest and keeping your word means a lot to me.
Restaurant re-opens after devastating fire Sen Zushi rebuilds from the ground up Kendra Wong Victoria News
On April, 16, 2014, Naoko Kokubun received one of the most devastating calls of her career. At 5:30 a.m., the Victoria Fire Department called informing Kokubun, the general manager of Sen Zushi, that a massive fire had ripped through the beloved Japanese restaurant that has
been on Fort Street for almost a decade. “I couldn't believe it until I saw it,” Kokubun said. “I drove by and looked into the window and there was smoke coming out of the restaurant. I was just shocked that happened to the restaurant.” A resident on their way to work at the Market on Yates smelled smoke and heard fire alarms in the area and called the fire department. Crews were able to extinguish the fire, but not before it completely destroyed the entire kitchen and caused significant smoke damage
“I drove by and looked into the window and there was smoke coming out of the restaurant. I was just shocked that happened to the restaurant.” — Naoko Kokubun
to the rest of the restaurant, along with the cigar shop next door. There was more than $300,000 worth of damage to the restaurant, forcing it to close down. The fire department said the blaze was started by a rice cooker. After a year of dealing with multiple insurance companies, Kokubun decided there was only one thing to do — rebuild from the
ground up. They decided to completely change and expanded the layout of the roughly 4,000-square-foot restaurant, starting with the kitchen. In the previous design, the restaurant was in the front, but it has now been moved to the back. They expanded the seating area, added a sushi bar and windows as well. Restaurant owner
check your
Pulse
Tsutomu Kondo, originally from Japan, also brought wallpaper, artwork and dishes from Japan to give patrons the feeling of being in Kyoto 200 or 300 years ago. After seven months of renovations, the restaurant finally had its grand re-opening in December where hundreds of people attended. “We finally feel like it's home. We opened
a temporary location (on Store Street) and we were open there for a few months, but we never felt like it was our restaurant,” said Kokubun, adding prior to the fire they saw roughly 5,000 patrons
monthly. “But here on Fort Street we feel like this is our restaurant and we are proud of the food and proud of the building. We're happy to work here.” kendra.wong@vicnews.com
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Murder By Midnight is best described as a real-life version of the board game Clue. Making its debut in Victoria this year, the interactive murder mystery challenges participants to put on a detective badge and solve the mystery in front of them. The story begins with Justine Thyme who has been plagued with death threats. She's narrowed down the suspects to three and needs the public's help to uncover the killer, stop the crime and save her life. The murder mystery unfolds over a three-course dinner. The night begins with cocktails or drinks at the bar, where participants can start with puzzles and get a feel for the setting. Over the buffet dinner, there will be a chance for participants to speak to the suspects and Thyme, and piece together the information and solve the mystery through brain teasers, word associations, and visual and physical puzzles. During dessert, participants can vote for who they think is sending death threats and the four local actors will act out the scene based on what the audience has
Contributed photo
Murder By Midnight takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from Jan. 30 to Feb. 13 at the Ambrosia Event Centre (638 Fisgard St.) decided. “There's plenty of chances for people to play detective and talk to the actors,” said producer of the event Chris Rudram, who has been running murder mysteries for almost a decade in the U.K. and Victoria. Rudram said murder mysteries have increased in popularity in Greater Victoria recently, noting he has done roughly two dozen of them in Victoria, mostly as teambuilding exercises for office and Christmas
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VICTORIA NEWS -Friday, January 1, 2016
Picking top vehicles for 2015 not easy In 2015, more than 60 different new vehicles have parked outside Chez Morgan. Picking five top vehicles for the year is virtually impossible such is the quality control in today’s design studios and auto manufacturing plants. But here are five models that left the biggest impression on me for differing reasons. If you pushed me, I might say my first two choices – the Mazda CX-3 and the Honda Civic – were tied for those that impressed me the most, not because they are unrivalled but because the timing of their release was spot on. I’ve flipped a coin and chosen to start with the all-new Mazda CX-3, described at the launch earlier this year as an ‘urban crossover’. It truly is an easy ride in town, which, if truth be told, is where most crossovers call home. But it performs in the ice and snow of the rural areas quite well. The CX-3’s all-wheel drive system tests the ground under tire in milli-seconds before deciding how much power to dispatch to each wheel in order to gain traction, just as we do when we start walk across ice. The Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre, 146 horsepower four-cylinder, engine is a great little power plant offering great fuel economy – 7.6 L/100km (FWD) 8.1 L/100km (AWD), combined city/highway. Base price is $20,695. The all-new Honda Civic launched just a few weeks ago will undoubtedly collect the honour as Canada’s top-selling car for the 18th consecutive year. A couple of days behind the wheel suggests the tenth generation Civic will set a new benchmark in looks, performance, safety and fuel economy. The base model, which includes a list of standard features that belie its lowly position in the model pecking order, lists at just $15,750 (excluding taxes). The loaded Touring version doesn’t come close to 30 grand with its base sticker price of $26,990. It was the right time for a new Civic and finally we have one that looks as good as the versions available in Europe. Nissan led the crossover charge with the introduction of the Murano almost 12 years ago but its imitators soon outsold it. The sharp-looking third-generation Murano should be a game changer. The external good looks are matched inside but it’s the usability of the controls that
make it a real beauty. The touch screen is almost as intuitive as your smart phone of choice. Five passengers will find comfort and room aplenty and fold flat seats add to its versatility. The Murano S starts at just short of $30,000, which includes Bluetooth with streaming audio, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch wheels. That’s a lot of extras for what passes as standard fare. I confess I am an Audi fan but most are out of my price range making them an aspirational ride for yours truly. I attended the launch of the 2017 A4 (coming soon!) in the mountainous region outside of the waterlogged city of Venice. It has plenty of perk provided by the turbo charged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine aided by a responsive seven-speed transmission. No fuel economy numbers yet but, for what it’s worth at this stage, Audi is promising substantial improvements over the current combined city/ highway of 8.9 L/100kms for the gas engine. Our A4s will all have Quattro four-wheel drive and the seven-speed dual clutch S-Tronic transmission when they arrive in the spring. Inside the very quiet cabin, there are some classy touches: fine grain ash wood inlays lifts and chrome trims raise the A4 in the elegance stakes. The current model base price is $38,500 and I don’t expect the prices for the 2017 model to vary much. Finally, I had a lot of fun in the Hyundai Tucson Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV. Sounds like something from a sci-fi story that could go very wrong. However, there is no combustion of hydrogen and the fuel cell stack has no moving parts. The electrochemical process of combining oxygen and hydrogen in the stack creates electricity used by the vehicle’s electric motor and onboard battery. The only by-product of the process is pure water vapour, resulting in zero greenhouse-gas emissions. It’s the future but right now it is possible to lease one from Hyundai. Now I’m clearing the Morgan Driveway to sample another 60 cars in 2016. keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca
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Specialist: Server Administration and Programming Black Press Media Group – Surrey B.C. If you’re looking for a permanent position working for an international media company as a specialist for virtual server administration and internal programming, please consider applying for an immediate opening with Black Press Media Group. Tired of the commute into Vancouver? This is your chance to pursue your career and craft much closer to home in Surrey, BC. Job Description: Join one of Canada’s largest media groups as a full-time employee supporting business critical applications and databases as a virtual server administrator and business programmer. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate, with a unique set of technical skills, who wants to take a leadership role in a small focused team. We need someone with a can-do attitude, passion for technology, appropriate educational background, and ability to get up to speed quickly. The successful applicant will be able to work independently in a high-pressure, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Scope of Position: Initially reporting to the Chief Information Officer and Vice-President of Business Information Systems, you will be overseeing and implementing corporate strategies for virtualization, scripting, security, reliability and redundancy as well as providing support for pre-existing legacy systems. Your work will be evaluated on demonstrated abilities to meet standards and deadlines while collaborating with a team of talented individuals to achieve the desired results. We are looking for someone who wants to lead yet shows a willingness to learn. It’s perfect for anyone with multi-discipline schooling and technical skills wanting to expand his or her horizons in our industry. Hands-on virtual server experience along with practical programming proficiency will be a big plus. The successful applicant will have an excellent work ethic, resilience, sense of humour and intellectual curiosity. Required Skills and Experience: t %FHSFF JO "QQMJFE 4DJFODFT BOE PS SFMFWBOU XPSL FYQFSJFODF JO TFSWFS BENJO OFUXPSL NBOBHFNFOU TFDVSJUZ programming and related fields; t ZFBST NBOBHJOH 7.8BSF TFSWFS T XJUI -JOVY BOE 8JOEPXT PQFSBUJOH TZTUFNT t 4USPOH JO QSPHSBNNJOH BOE EFWFMPQJOH BQQMJDBUJPOT JO +BWB +BWBTDSJQU BOE 1)1 t &YQFSJFODF DSFBUJOH BOE NBJOUBJOJOH NPEFSO 42- EBUBCBTFT t ,OPXMFEHFBCMF JO TFDVSJUZ QSPUPDPMT BOE CFTU QSBDUJDFT UP QSPUFDU EJHJUBM BTTFUT t %FNPOTUSBUFE FYQFSJFODF JO QSPCMFN TPMWJOH t &YDFMMFOU DPNNVOJDBUJPO TLJMMT CPUI XSJUUFO BOE WFSCBM t 4FMG NPUJWBUFE XJUI B QBTTJPO GPS EJHHJOH EFFQFS XIJMF JNQMFNFOUJOH CFTU QSBDUJDFT t &YQFSJFODF XJUI .JDSPTPGU 3FNPUF %FTLUPQ Desired Skills and Experience: t &YQFSJFODF XJUI 3VO%FDL (JU)VC BOE PUIFS TPGUXBSF TDSJQUJOH NBOBHFNFOU UPPMT t &YQFSJFODF XJUI CVTJOFTT QSPHSBNNJOH t "CJMJUZ UP QSPCMFN TPMWF XJUI 3&45GVM "1*T t &YQFSJFODF XSJUJOH 42- RVFSJFT t "CMF UP EFNPOTUSBUF QBTU XPSL PO QSPKFDUT t ,OPXMFEHF PG FYJTUJOH +BWB4DSJQU MJCSBSJFT MJLF K2VFSZ t 1PTTFTT B IJHI EFHSFF PG JOUFSFTU BOE DBQBDJUZ UP MFBSO OFX FNFSHJOH UFDIOPMPHJFT t $PNGPSUBCMF JO .BDJOUPTI 04 9 8JOEPXT -JOVY FOWJSPONFOUT Opportunity: Black Press offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career development. We are only accepting candidates XJMMJOH UP XPSL BU UIF #$ )FBE 0Gü DF JO 4VSSFZ OE 4U 8F XJMM KVTU DPNNVOJDBUF XJUI UIPTF BQQMJDBOUT XIPTF qualifications best meet our defined needs. &NBJM DPWFS MFUUFS BOE SFTVNF UP BP_JobPosting@BlackPress.ca SFGFSFODJOH 414" Posting Closes on: Sunday, January 10, 201 at 9:00 pm. blackpress.ca
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VICTORIA NEWSFri, -Friday, January 1, 2016 Victoria News Jan 1, 2016 PERSONAL SERVICES
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MOTORCYCLES 2008 HONDA Motorcycle, 919 (red). Only 22,000 km. Just serviced. No drops. $4,900. Call (250)361-0052.
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PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO RETOUCH, RESTORE, Edit Photos. Home Movies to DVD. Also, Portraiture, Baby, Family + Maternity. 250-475-3332. www.cwpics.com
FUEL/FIREWOOD ARBUTUS, CYPRESS, fir, hardwoods. Seasoned. Call 250-661-7391.
KENWOOD EXCELON KFCX693 6X9 300 Watt 3-way car speakers. Brand new, , never opened, save $100+. $120. Call Chris 250-595-0370, chrissmyth54321@gmail.com
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250-388-3535 HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES
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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES
ACCOUNTING/TAX/ BOOKKEEPING
GARDENING
GARDENING
AFFORDABLE, EFFICIENT bookkeeping or Payroll Services avail. Call (250)858-5370.
20% OFF! Raking, mowing pruning, hedge/shrub trim, yard cleanup. (250)479-6495.
JEREMIAH’S CARPENTRY Interior finish, weather proofing, decks, fences, laminate flrs, sm jobs. Reasonable. Insured. 250-857-1269. www.jeremiahscarpentry.com
ELECTRICAL 250-361-6193 Quality Electric Reno’s, res & comm. No job too small. Lic# 22779. KENDRA’S ELECTRICAL Company. Res/Com. Lic #86952. Call 250-415-7991. NORTHERN SUN Electric Comm/Res. Work Guaranteed. Any size job. Call (250)888-6160. Lic#13981.
FENCING ALL TYPES of fencing, repairs. Reliable, on-time. Free estimates. Call 250-888-8637.
(250) 858-0588 - Lawn & garden maint. - Landscaping - Fences & Decks - Hedge & Tree Services - Pressure Washing Free estimates * WCB www.mowtime.ca DPM SERVICES- lawn & garden, seasonal pruning, clean ups, landscape, power wash, etc. 15yrs exp. (250)883-8141. GARDEN OVERGROWN? Cleanups, lawn cuts, pruning, blackberry clearing. Call John 250-478-7314, 250-812-8236. MIKE’S LAWN and Garden. Clean-ups, weeding, painting & more. Senior’s discounts. Free estimates. 250-216-7502.
#,!33)&)%$Ă–!$3Ă–'%4Ă–2%35,43
HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES
HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES
HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES
HANDYPERSONS
MASONRY & BRICKWORK
PAINTING
RUBBISH REMOVAL
HOUSE & Yard repairs. no job too small. OAP Discounts, free est. Andy, 250-886-3383.
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.
SAFEWAY PAINTING
MT Trash Services
RENO SPECIALIST- Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, tiling electric. Kitchen & bath. 20yrs exp. Fully insured. Alain 250744-8453. www.justrenoz.com
CARPENTRY BENOIT CONSTRUCTION. Reno’s & Additions. Windows, Doors, Decks. 250-479-0748.
HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES
HAULING AND SALVAGE $20 & Up Garbage & Garden waste removal. Senior Disc. Free estimates. 250-812-2279.
GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS 250-380-7778 GRAND Xterior Cleaning. Repairs, Gutters, de-moss, roofs windows, PWash, Christmas lights. 250-507-6543. AL’S V.I.P. Gutter Cleaning, guards, power washing, de-moss, Insured. (250)889-5794. DIAMOND Dave- window, gutter cleaning, roof-de-moss, gutter guards, power washing. Free estimate
HANDYPERSONS BIG BEAR Handyman. Decks, Painting, Repairs. Free estimate. Barry 250-896-6071.
AFFORDABLE JUNK MOVAL 250-589-4285 lingvictoria@gmail.com
REhau-
CLEAN-UP SPECIAL. You load bins, size 12 yard $100 plus dump fee or we do it all. Call 250-361-6164. JUNK BOX- Junk Removal Company. Local guys. Low rates. Call (250)658-3944. JUNK REMOVAL 7 days / wk. Fast Service, Best Prices!! Free quotes. (250)857-JUNK. PARRY’S HAULING We haul it all - FREE estimates. Call Wes 250-812-7774. SAVE-A-LOT HAULING Furniture, appliance, garden waste, we take it all! Always lowest rate, senior discount. Brad 250-217-9578.
RAIN HAPPENS Landscape & Stonework. Wishing all Happy Holidays! (250)-920-5108.
High quality, Organized. Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial Jeff, 250-889-7715 or 250-472-6660 Member BBB
UPHOLSTERY
(250)858-6747. WRIGHT Bros Moving & Hauling. Free Est $75=(2men&3tontruck)Sr Disc. âœąâœąHappy Holidaysâœąâœą
NEEDS mine.
WINDOW CLEANING
PAINTING
HIGH QUALITY and FAST. Professional Painting. $20./hr. Free est. Glenn 778-967-3607.
or
250-380-7778 GRAND Xterior Cleaning. Repairs, Gutters, de-moss, roofs windows, PWash, Christmas lights.
Done Right Moving $85/hr. A+ BBB. Senior Disc. No travel time before/after local moves. Penny 250-418-1747
A PROFESSIONAL Woman painter. Karen Bales Painting & Wall coverings. Over 25yrs exp. Free est. 250-514-5220.
Free estimate (250)858-8585
UPHOLSTERER work. Your fabric 250-480-7937.
MOVING & STORAGE
ALFRED, ALFRED Quality Painting. Wholesale, Discounts! 50 years experience. 250-382-3694.
Junk removal. Nothing too big/small.
PLUMBING FREE ESTIMATES. Reasonable. Reliable. No job too small. Call 250-388-5544.
COME CLEAN windows, gutters. “Shining for You�. Insured. Free est. 250-881-6385 www.ComeCleanWindows.com DAVE’S WINDOW Cleaning. Windows, Gutters, Sweeping, Roofs, Roof Demossing, Pressure Washing. 250-361-6190.
DO YOU OFFER HOME SERVICES? DON’T BE MISSED, OUR READERS ARE LOOKING FOR YOU! Call 1-855-310-3535
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Friday,January January1,1,2016 2016--VICTORIA VICTORIA NEWS NEWS Friday,
Family-run businesses important to community Kevin Underhill Victoria News
Consider being an independent news carrier for the Victoria News. You will earn extra dollars getting exercise to deliver an award winning community newspaper to the homes in your neighbourhood.
Call us for more information on how you can become a Victoria News carrier in your neighbourhood.
250-480-3285 circulation@vicnews.com
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The holiday season is an excellent time to catch up and spend quality time with family, but for Ron and Greg Boyce, spending time with family has become the norm. Ron Boyce owns Diamond Optical Eyecare, which has four locations on Vancouver Island, and is the manager of the downtown Victoria location while his son, Greg, runs the Foul
Bay branch. Ron, 72, will be entering semiretirement shortly, leaving the business to Greg, but can’t bring himself to fully leave the job. “I’ll probably stay around a couple days a week at least,” he said. “I enjoy working too much and I’d miss my customers.” Ron has been in the optician and eyecare business for more than 50 years and a large part of his recent enjoyment comes through seeing his son
take to the industry so well. Ron said family businesses aren’t as common anymore and feels grateful to be so close with his family. “We’re very close knit and we’ve worked very well as a team,” he said. “We even commute in and out from work together.” The two get plenty of quality time with each other as they also co-own property. Greg said working with family can get hectic at times but family operations are
important to the city. “People like supporting the family-run independent places rather than the bigbox stores,” Greg said, adding that despite family businesses being fewer and further between, the service is unrivaled. In a time where more department and mega stores are threatening to take all the business, Diamond Optical Eyecare is an example of a thriving family business. editor@vicnews.com
Musical theatre calling for auditions
Want to sing, act and dance where it's better, down where it's wetter, under the sea? Auditions for the Four Seasons Musical Theatre's rendition of classic Disney film The Little Mermaid, which hits the stage at Langford's Isabelle Reader Theatre next spring, might just be for you. The production is set to the music of eight-time Academy
Award winner Alan Menken and includes well-known classics such as “Under the Sea,” “Part of your World” and “Kiss the Girl.” The story follows young mermaid Ariel, who trades her tail for legs with scheming sea witch Ursula, who hopes to take over the sea ruled by Ariel's father, King Triton. Stage director Douglas Crockett takes the helm of the story,
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while Terry Rowsell is producing the show. Auditions for all major roles, including Ariel, Prince Eric, King Triton, Ursula, Flounder, Sebastian, and other smaller roles, happen Jan. 9 and 10 at the Four Seasons Musical Theatre playhouse at 1500A Admirals Rd. For more information or to book an audition, visit fsmtheatre.ca and email fsmtauditions@gmail.com.
VICTORIA NEWS -Friday, January 1, 2016 VICTORIA NEWS -Friday, January 1, 2016
REMAX ALLIANCE
WWW. SOLD VICTORIA.COM
250 813 1705 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME The Victoria News is looking to help tell your stories about buying and selling your home. Homefinder is available to househunters and real estate agents with unique stories. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a senior couple looking to downsize, contact us to share your story and it just might help someone else going through one of the biggest events of their lives. Email editor@ vicnews.com to share your ideas. Do you have a house-hunting story or building experience you’d like to share with us? Email: editor@ vicnews.com To advertise in HomeFinder, call Oliver Sommer at Email: osommer@ blackpress.ca
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Daily 12-5 Bosa Properties, 250-382-2672 www.bosaproperties.com www.bosaproperties.com
P: 250-477-1100 C: 250-588-2852 tarahearn.com tara@tarahearn.com
Out-of-towners are choosing Greater Victoria to retire Arnold Lim Black Press
Out-of-towners have always seen the Island as buyer friendly when it comes to real estate. Julie DeMelo of Sutton West Coast Realty said the buyers are out there, and for potential sellers looking to maximize their investments, it’s all about preparation and making sure you are ready for them, when they are ready for you. “There are a lot of Vancouver buyers, a lot of Asian buyers, and the reason why is they are selling their homes in Vancouver for $2 million to $3 million and getting double the home here,” she said. “They are taking the money they made in Vancouver and bringing it here and getting way more of a house.” Many of her clients, including two recent customers — one of whom bought on the West Shore, are retiring here from bigger cities. After years of working in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, many are ready for the milder climate and quieter, more easily accessible communities of Greater Victoria. “It’s still the climate, the prices are still good here and it is a nice city. So why wouldn’t they?” she asked. “It’s the beautiful little city people always come to and they fall in love with when they come here.” Because homeowners sell for such a profit, DeMelo added, many are looking for higher-end homes, in the $800,000 to $3-million range. If they are looking at smaller homes, they are sometimes looking more at the lot, to tear down an existing house and rebuild a bigger one.
This property on the waterfront was sold to an out-of-town buyer recently. Buyers may not have the opportunity to purchase waterfront homes in bigger cities, but it may be within their grasp on the Island. Approximately 65 per cent of higher-end homes in Greater Victoria aren’t purchased by current residents, she said, but by out-of-town buyers who seem to respond well to a couple of key investments. “I always truly believe in professionally staging your home and getting all the maintenance you need done,” she said, adding that keeping records of the work is a must. “People want a well-maintained home and pay extra for that.” Paying $300 for someone to walk through the home to offer advice on staging, or the $1,000 to $2,000 per month it takes to stage your home
OPEN HOUSES JAN. 1 - JAN. 7 , 2016 80 Saghalie Road, From $409,900
Exceptional service… outstanding results
Inviting out-of-town buyers into your home
with rented furniture, is an investment that can pay off, DeMelo said. “If your house is only going to be on the market for under 30 days — which is happening, with a lot of multiple offers and bidding wars because the inventory is so low — the extra $1,000 you spent on staging, you can get that back.” She added that beautiful kitchens, private lots and a good location are always favourites for those buyers. Showing those off, when many of them are doing their market research online, can be challenge. For that, she offered this advice. “One of the most important things in marketing real estate is floor plan, photography and video. You have to have bright professional photographs and a floor plan and some
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sort of video, especially if you have a big house or an expensive house,” she said. “It’s very important. A lot of shopping decisions are done online, especially with these out-oftown buyers.” While rare, she recently sold a house to an out-of-town buyer, sight unseen. That was the first time in her 26 years as an agent, she said, and it’s a reminder to consider what potential buyers are seeing online. Of course, there is always one other golden rule for selling anything, online or otherwise. “In this market, you want to price competitively, because chances are if you have a good product you are going to get multiple offers,” she said. editor@vicnews.com
Out Dining Out
more details in Real Estate Victoria, available FREE on news stands now
VICTORIA
www.vicnews.com • A11 www.vicnews.com • A11
JAMES Drop by the JBI Pub and BAY INN Restaurant and enjoy a THE
An Invitation Breakfast, Lunch, or From an Old Friend Dinner Entrée
Present this coupon when you buy dinner or lunch and get a second of equal of lesser value FOR ONLY $2.00. This coupon may only be used with a minimum of two beverages (need not be alcoholic). Present coupon at time of ordering. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Maximum 3 coupons per group or table. Not valid at JBI Pub on Sundays between 3:30-8:00pm. EXPIRES January 31, 2016
250.384.7151 270 Government Street
WING’S
RESTAURANT
Take Out or Eat In Menu Daily Lunch & Dinner Buffet
Combination Dinners for 1 to 8 Seafood and Deluxe Dishes Licenced Premises Open 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily Free Home Delivery with min. $20 order 90 Gorge Rd. West
250-385-5564
A12 • www.vicnews.com
Friday, January 1, 2016 - VICTORIA
NEWS