Special Features - Tweed - Winter 2017-18

O A K B AY L I V I N G

TWEED WINTER 2017/2018

SEASONAL

Sparkle DAZZLING PARTY LOOKS

Home for the Holidays COOL COTTAGE TRANSFORMATION

Yuletide Yum! MOUTHWATERING HOLIDAY TREATS

I N S I D E › P E O P L E › H O M E S › FA S H I O N › A R T S

OAK BAY VICTORIA NANAIMO VANCOUVER CALGARY TORONTO MONTREAL QUEBEC HONG KONG LONDON CALIFORNIA NEW YORK ARIZONA

Jason Binab

Sarah Binab

Nicole Caldwell

Alex Carroll

Aileen Eakins

Kyle Fuzi

D’Arcy Harris

Grady Harris

Rodney Henderson

Megan Jackson

Mike Janes

Cassie Kangas

Jim LeBlanc

Andrew Libera

Doug McDonald

Margaret Mots

Callaghan O'Connor

Jerome Peacock

Robert Peterson

Scott Piercy

Sandi Piercy

Amy Ratcliff

Lewis Ratcliff

Andy Rogers

Donna Rogers

Bowman Rutledge

Karie Swiss

Kaley Walls

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TWEED 10 Winter 2017/2018

Volume 5 | Issue 4

inside

10 Seasonal Sparkle

Flirty frocks to sparkling accessories make the holidays twinkle.

DEPARTMENTS

22 16 33

Arts & Entertainment

34

Dogs on the Avenue

Oak Bay Insider

Christopher Causton tells us the story behind Oak Bay’s First Nations monuments.

Murdoch Mysteries shoots a holiday special in Oak Bay.

TELL

TWEED!

Tweed Magazine welcomes your Oak Bay suggestions for the next edition.

So, do tell!

Email editor Tess van Straaten at: tweededitor@gmail.com

Tea with Tess

Editor Tess van Straaten talks development and family with Abstract’s Mike Miller.

Photographer Don Denton captures cute and cuddly canines.

On the Cover: Sandi Piercy models dazzling holiday fashions from W&J Wilson at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Photo by Lia Crowe. Makeup by Jen Clark.

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DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS

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T

he Christmas lights are twinkling and holiday celebrations are in full swing, which means there’s lots to do and see in Oak Bay as we celebrate the season and welcome in the New Year.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Anniversary Celebrations are taking place in December as the luxury boutique resort marks two major milestones — the 90th anniversary of the original property on Beach Drive and the 5th anniversary of the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Some seasonal events you won’t want to miss include the annual Christmas Dinner and Show in the David Foster Foundation Theatre on December 22 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The popular three-course dinner and show offers a full culinary and entertainment experience. You can warm up with a glass of hot cider in the grand lobby from December 18 to 25 daily between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also ring in 2018 in style at the hotel’s swanky New Year’s Eve Celebration. Cocktails, a three-course dinner and then entertainment by Mad

Day Out let you dance the night away as you count down to midnight for a champagne toast.

Free Christmas Day skate or swim! Lace up your skates and hit the rink for some pre-turkey dinner exercise at Oak Bay Recreation Centre. The skating is free (skate rental extra) from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. on December 25. If taking a dip is more your style, Oak Bay Rec is also offering a free Christmas day swim from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Santa hats optional!

Kick off 2018 with the annual New Year’s Day Community Walk with Mayor and Council. The fun, four-kilometre community walk leaves from Oak Bay Rec at 12:30 p.m. and a meet-and-greet with Mayor Nils Jensen and Council will be held afterwards in Cont. on page 9

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WINTER 2017/2018

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Recipes, resolutions and re-booting the holidays

F

or far too many people, the holidays can be a stressful time of year — too much to do, not enough time or help, packed parking lots, frazzled shoppers and a cranky relative or two you’d rather not spend long periods of time with. For others, it’s an incredibly lonely time of year, especially if you’ve lost or are missing a loved one. And I’ve learned — the hard way — that watching all those sappy Christmas movies about what the holidays are “supposed” to look like can just make you feel worse.

And so, a few years ago, after a pre-Christmas meltdown trying to make the “perfect” gingerbread house, I had an epiphany: Why am I doing all of these things?

Do I really need to make a gingerbread house from scratch? Or bake eight dozen shortbread cookies at midnight to hand out at work the next day? Or spend hours sending cards to people who won’t even appreciate them? No. No. No! I didn’t need — let alone want — to do any of those things. To be honest, I came very close to cancelling Christmas altogether and jetting off to a beach in the Bahamas. Then I remembered I had two children who still believed in Santa. I couldn’t be the Grinch and steal Christmas away from them so instead, I did a holiday re-boot.

Drastically downsizing my to-do list, I kept the traditions that brought us joy (decorating the tree, doing something for charity, seeing the lights at Butchart Gardens), revamped the ones that were too much work (we now adorn a ready-made gingerbread house with gallons of icing), and said no to the things no one cared about in the first place. And you know what? Christmas is now low-stress and lots of fun. We still whip up a few batches of my Nana’s secret shortbread recipe, which

is a highly prized gift for teachers and close friends, and the best part is doing it as a family.

My holiday wish for you is to find the magic in Christmas, to let go of unrealistic expectations, and to do the things you love. As for those New Year’s resolutions — let’s all resolve to do things that bring us more joy!

Tess van Straaten Tweed editor

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Cont. from page 6

Oak Bay Specialist

the Upstairs Lounge from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Coffee and tea will be provided. If you’re looking to get started on new fitness resolutions, Oak Bay Rec is also offering free sessions throughout the day including Jazzercise, tennis, fitness studio orientations, skating and an everyone welcome swim. Check their website for details: www.oakbay.ca/parksrecreation

South Oak Bay $495,000.00

■ 2 bedroom/2 bathroom ■ Top floor unit ■ South East facing ■ Well managed building ■ Close to Oak Bay Marina and Victoria Golf Course ■ MLS 384374 ■ Visit owen-flood.com for more information

SOLD

Happy Holidays!

Publisher and advertising inquiries Janet Gairdner jgairdner@blackpress.ca 250-480-3251

Editor Tess van Straaten tweededitor@gmail.com

Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto

Creative Director Lily Chan

Advertising Janet Gairdner John Stewart

Associate Editor Lia Crowe

Creative Services Lyn Quan Michelle Gjerde

Photo Supervisor Don Denton Distribution 250-480-3285

www.oakbaynews.com 207A-2187 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria, BC V8R 1G1 Phone 250-598-4123

TWEED magazine is published quarterly by Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Tweed. The contents of Tweed magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

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Season’s Greetings & Thank You I would like to thank all those who allowed me to work on their behalf this past year.

It has a pleasure to work in Oak Bay and be of service in meeting your real estate needs.

If you are considering your real estate options in 2018 and would like a complimentary market evaluation, please call me at 250-920-8006.

Best wishes for the Season and for 2018!

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OAK BAY HOME

Home for the Holidays An Oak Bay couple turn a tiny cottage into their dream home

By DEVON MACKENZIE Photos DON DENTON

Unique features like the original archway leading into the new buffet area, hand-painted glass pendent lights and the addition of an upper loft area make the cottage special.

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WINTER 2017/2018

THE

AVENUE

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W

hen Colette and Barry Robbins visited their home for the first time, it wasn’t anything like it is today.

“A rat-filled horror show is what I called it,” laughs Colette about the tiny, 1,000-square-foot cottage on Hampshire Road.

The home, built in 1937, sat empty for around a year before the couple happened upon it.

“We owned a home just around the corner on Bowker Avenue,” explains Colette. “We sold to a developer and had plans to move to James Bay until a friend of ours mentioned she had seen this house on Hampshire for sale.”

The pair went to see the house and although Barry had some serious reservations about buying a project — he’d envisioned something move-in ready — Colette knew it was

EvEry homE is a mansion

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Helping people hear better Independent

We’re not owned or affiliated with any one hearing aid manufacturer.

We offer all hearing aid models and will find the one that’s right for you.

“ I can hear my friends at the Penny again! ” Jerry, Oak Bay

Barry and Colette Robbins at the kitchen island.

going to be a perfect fit.

“I saw potential in it right away,” she says, adding that she had some very specific ideas about what she wanted.

“I was able to work with our architect Nigel Banks and Hans De Goede Developments to really make my ideas come to life.”

Dr. Erin Wright, Au.D What made the renovation really fun, especially for Barry, Audiologist & Owner was that most of the people who worked on the project were friends of his from rugby.

Dr. Erin Erin Wright, Wright, M.Sc., Au.D Dr. “That added a whole other dimension to the project beAudiologist & Owner Audiologist cause it gave us the ability to talk things through as we went not just as client/contractor but also as friends,” Barry says.

From the beginning, Colette had a clear vision and knew Independent Independent her dream home was a rancher with an open-concept living/ We’re not owned or affiliated withkitchen space.

We’re not owned or affiliated with any one hearing aid manufacturer, any one hearing aid manufacturer, “I had lived so many years with an old home that was so we offer all makes and models, we offer all makes and models, chopped up, I was ready for the open space. Plus, we love to finding the one that’s right for 250-479-2921 finding the one that’s right for entertain so the open-concept floor plan is absolutely perfect you. for us,” Colette says, motioning around the airy, bright 1932you.

Oak Bay Avenue kitchen which flows into a generous living room at the front www.oakbayhearing.com of the house and a cozy sitting room at the back, part of the new addition, which overlooks the backyard.

Oak Bay hearing clinic

“I can hear my friends at

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at the Penny again!”

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A spacious, covered patio was made with bricks salvaged from the original chimney and stretches along the back of the now 1,600-square-foot home. Beyond that is a large yard, which used to be an apple orchard, as well as the garage — Barry’s favourite part of the house.

“I got to design it exactly how I’d always wanted my garage to be — that’s every guy’s dream,” laughs Barry.

There were lots of decisions to make throughout the renovation, big and small, but for Colette, the biggest challenge was the flooring.

“I had a very hard time picking out the floors, of all things!” she laughs. “I definitely agonized over it but I’m so happy with what we chose. And my favourite part of the house, by far, is the buffet room off the kitchen. It gives us a whole space to set up for our guests to serve themselves when we entertain. Plus, the arch leading into the buffet room is one of few original features of the home that we kept so I really love that about it.”

Pendant lights in the kitchen, blown by glass artist Robert Held of Parksville, compliment some of Colette’s favourite art pieces by the same artist, which are dotted throughout the home.

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Vancouver Island’s only Massage Supply Store and Registered Therapy Clinic

Thank You Oak Bay Avenue

We have grown for you & with you this year.

Happy Holiday Season and Best of Health in 2018 Roxanne Derkson, RMT GCFP Kirsten Trant, RMT Ellen Yaulk, Reg. Physiotherapist Jane Hsu, Reg. Acupuncturist Julia Stagfiord, RMT Online bookings: www.vivitherapy.com Call us at: 250 298 4484 Clinic/Store: 1976 Oak Bay Avenue

modern R E A L E S TAT E T E A M

Visit us online: www.modernrev.com

Thank you for your support in 2017!

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WINTER 2017/2018

A bench welcomes visitors in the new entryway.

“He’s just amazing, so to be able to have functional pieces from him that I use and admire every day, that’s something very special to me,” Colette says.

Instead of increasing the footprint of the home too much, the couple decided to add a small second floor loft space — just enough room for Barry to have an office and a space, other than the garage, to call his own.

“It just gives us that little bit of extra space and it’s a great place to go if you just need some quiet time,” Colette says.

“It can be hard to get that in a small, open-concept home so that’s something I wanted for both of us.”

The massive renovation, and all of the thoughtful touches the Robbins have put into it, have transformed what was a tiny, run-down cottage into their dream home.

“Colette knew exactly what she wanted so it made it much easier for us to work out a plan with our architect and builder,” Barry says. “It’s so important to have a solid idea of what you want when you’re tackling something like this.”

But now that all the hard work is done and the couple has settled in, they can’t wait to celebrate their forever home with friends and family.

“What we wanted was a home we could entertain in, have family or friends come and stay, and also be comfortable when it’s just the two of us,” Colette says. “And that’s exactly what we got.”

Celebrate the Season

EVENTS EVENTS + + IDEAS IDEAS TO TO MAKE MAKE YOUR YOUR HOLIDAY HOLIDAY SPARKLE SPARKLE NATIONAL NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE GEOGRAPHIC LIVE

at the Royal Theatre. at the Royal Theatre.

Experience the world Experience the world through the eyes of through the eyes of Ami Vitale, an award Ami Vitale, an award winning photojournalist winning photojournalist whose work has taken her whose work has taken her to more than 90 countries. to more than 90 countries.

Rhinos, Rickshaws Rhinos, Rickshaws and Revolutions. and Revolutions.

January 24 – 7:00 pm.

January 24 – 7:00 pm.

Tickets at rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-6121 Tickets at rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-6121

GIVE THE GIFT OF GIVE THE GIFT OF GREAT THEATRE GREAT THEATRE Belfry gift certificates make terrific Belfry gift certificates make terrific Christmas presents. Please call us Christmas presents. Please call us and we will send you the certificate and we will send you the certificate and your friend can choose a and your friend can choose a production and dates production and dates at their leisure. at their leisure.

Belfry Theatre Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Avenue 1291 Gladstone Avenue 250-385-6815 250-385-6815 belfry.bc.ca belfry.bc.ca

BALLET VICTORIA BALLET VICTORIA

Christmas is a little different every Christmas is a little different every year and so is Ballet Victoria’s year and so is Ballet Victoria’s performance of the The Gift. performance of the The Gift.

This year The Gift contains many This year The Gift contains many wonderful characters including wonderful characters including some popular princesses. Performed some popular princesses. Performed live with the Victoria Symphony, live with the Victoria Symphony, this heartwarming story is this heartwarming story is beautifully danced by Victoria’s beautifully danced by Victoria’s own professional company. Anyone own professional company. Anyone would be happy to receive tickets to would be happy to receive tickets to this Gift. this Gift.

ANNUAL PASS– IT’S A BIG GIFT! ANNUAL PASS– IT’S A BIG GIFT!

IMAX Victoria in the Royal BC Museum IMAX Victoria in the Royal BC Museum is one of the first theatres in the world is one of the first theatres in the world to install the IMAX 4K Laser System. It to install the IMAX 4K Laser System. It projects the brightest, boldest picture projects the brightest, boldest picture in the world and the sound is so good, in the world and the sound is so good, it’s almost indescribable. Get your it’s almost indescribable. Get your gifts at an incredibly low price - just gifts at an incredibly low price - just $51.25. See all the traditional films you $51.25. See all the traditional films you want, as many times as you want. It want, as many times as you want. It even includes 3D! Available online at even includes 3D! Available online at imaxvictoria.com or at the National imaxvictoria.com or at the National Geographic Store at the Theatre.

Geographic Store at the Theatre.

IMAX® Victoria IMAX® Victoria Inside the Royal BC Museum Inside the Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville Street 675 Belleville Street 250-480-4887 250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com imaxvictoria.com

OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL WE HAVE CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP WE HAVE CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP Give anything from hotel stays, to the Boathouse Spa & Baths, to The Snug

Give anything from hotel stays, to the Boathouse Spa & Baths, to The Snug Pub, and more this year, with our versatile gift-giving option.

Pub, and more this year, with our versatile gift-giving option.

Purchase gift cards at Kate’s Cafe, The Boathouse Spa & Baths, front desk, Purchase gift cards at Kate’s Cafe, The Boathouse Spa & Baths, front desk, through our Online Gift Shop or by phone and take advantage of our seasonal through our Online Gift Shop or by phone and take advantage of our seasonal gift card promotions. gift card promotions.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Oak Bay Beach Hotel 1175 Beach Drive 1175 Beach Drive 250-598-4556 250-598-4556 shop.oakbaybeachhotel.com shop.oakbaybeachhotel.com

December 28-30 December 28-30 at the Royal Theatre at the Royal Theatre Balletvictoria.ca Balletvictoria.ca 250-386-6121 250-386-6121

GIVE THE GIFT OF A ROYAL BC MUSEUM GIVE THE GIFT OF A ROYAL BC MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP Give the gift of a Royal BC Museum membership. Members Give the gift of a Royal BC Museum membership. Members get express entry and unlimited access to feature get express entry and unlimited access to feature exhibitions, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year and exhibitions, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs, plus exclusive member benefits Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs, plus exclusive member benefits and discounts. and discounts.

Royal BC Museum Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville Street 675 Belleville Street 250-387-3287 250-387-3287 royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/join royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/join

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Christmas Comes Early Murdoch Mysteries shoots its holiday special in Oak Bay

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t’s early morning on a Friday in October and dozens of television crew people bustle over the beach and tall grass at Cattle Point, moving cameras, adjusting the Songhees village set pieces and ducking in and out of the director’s small tent. A few people out for a seaside stroll slow their pace, trying to get a glimpse of a famous face.

This is the first time that Canada’s beloved and number one drama, Murdoch Mysteries, has visited Vancouver Island, much to the excitement of the locals, but it’s far from the first time a major production has landed here. In recent years, it’s become a common sight to spot the brightly coloured crew arrows leading off main highways. Greater Victoria has played host to film crews for Gracepoint, the X-Men series, and even Deadpool 2, anticipated to become one of the highest grossing superhero films of all time. A wide variety of set locations, the smaller population and generous tax incentives have all contributed to the south island’s growing role in the film industry.

Today is day three of filming in Victoria for Murdoch’s third annual Christmas special and the cool fall weather seems to be lending a winter feel to the day. A strikingly frigid wind races in off the ocean’s waves. Overhead, streaks of wispy mare’s tail clouds and puffs of cumulonimbus dominate the sky, trapping the golden sunlight and radiating an even, grey glow across the horizon.

Out on the water floats a large, wide canoe, held in focus by a handful of lenses. An assistant director shouts an instruction, and the canoe manoeuvres back into position for another take.

Though technically a Christmas special, this year’s twohour episode takes a bit of a different turn: Detective William Murdoch and his wife, Dr. Julia Ogden, travel to Victoria from Toronto to visit Murdoch’s brother, RCMP officer Jasper Linney (played by Dylan Neal of Cedar Cove and Arrow). There, they stumble upon a murder connected to an archaeologist (Megan Follows of Anne of Green Gables fame) who has uncovered an ancient Indigenous settlement, leading to a trek through the rugged beauty of British Columbia and encounters with the Songhees and Haida nations.

“We wanted to try something a little different,” says Peter Mitchell, executive producer and showrunner since season five. “We’re using some elements of the Indigenous culture.

I wanted to do something that wasn’t a traditional Christmas story.”

The past two specials have seen Murdoch and his cohorts dealing with Santa impersonators and missing gifts, snow queens and sick children, but this year’s special has a different approach altogether. “I’m really liking that we’re doing this show during our country’s 150th year,” says Yannick Bisson, who has played Det. Murdoch for the last 11 years. “I was so excited when I read it. It’s touching and timely.”

Along with the focus on First Nations, there’s the opportunity for some National Lampoon-style holiday chaos between Murdoch and his brother, notes Mitchell.

Murdoch Mysteries has travelled the country before, filming in the Yukon and Newfoundland, but since this is the first time the production has come to Vancouver Island, it’s a real

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treat for some of the cast and crew. artist Kristi Lane Sinclair as a consulting producer.

“I used to live on the West Coast when I first came from “We’ve got such a burgeoning movie industry,” says Australia,” says Hélène Joy, Bisson’s much-fan-loved co-star Victoria MP Murray Rankin, who was invited to visit the who plays Dr. Julia Ogden. “I spent a lot of time set. “It’s a clean industry. It boosts tourism. on the Island, and the Gulf Islands. I just have And it’s lovely to see an episode featuring First an affinity for the islands.”

Nations.”

Mitchell himself grew up in Port Alberni and Rankin makes the rounds, talking to the cast went to the University of Victoria. and crew, visibly excited to be there. He admits It’s flat light, “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and to being a big fan of the show and asks Bisson I’ve never shot on my island,” he says with a about shooting outdoors, in the rain, in chalit’s not raining, smile. “So I decided to pull some strings.” lenging windy conditions. and you can see The production filmed in Gowlland Tod Park “This is the actual ideal,” explains Bisson, for the first two days, at a set up archaeological stretching a hand to the ocean. “It’s flat light, the horizon. site and hiking through the wilds, before finishit’s not raining, and you can see the horizon.” ing up at Cattle Point.

Having captured the canoe and transitional YANNICK BISSON “I think we got a lot out of these three days,” beach scenes, the crew readies the Songhees DET. MURDOCH Mitchell says with a laugh. “We’ve hit most of village set for the next round of shooting. the restaurants and bars.”

Smokey fires gutter in the increasing wind as Joking aside, the influx from Toronto is Bisson moves on, chatting to a few people from unquestioningly a boon for Victoria’s economy. the media and smiling for photos with excited There are easily more than 50 people bustling extras. Though the day started well before sunabout the set, from production crew to extras to set buildrise, there are hours yet to go before wrapping, but he and ers to lighting, catering and more, and Mitchell tells me at the other stars are cheerful, and determined to make each least two-thirds were hired locally from the Island and lower scene perfect. Off the rocks in the turbulent water, a family mainland. Supporting the provincial economy and talent as of otters distracts everyone for a few minutes. well, the holiday special also guest stars B.C.-based IndigThere’s a quick moment to ask Bisson what he’s thought enous actors Wayne Baker (Indian Horse, Blackstone), Trevor of Victoria so far, and he immediately breaks into a grin. “So Carroll (Strange Empire, Blackstone) and Simon R. Baker far, I’m pretty blown away.”

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Sparkle DAZZLING PARTY LOOKS Photos and text by LIA CROWE Makeup by JEN CLARK

Set against a magical backdrop of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s holiday decorations, Sandi Piercy, a real estate advisor with Engel & Völkers, shows off dazzling party season fashions with a nod to a bygone era of Hollywood glamour.

Growing up in Victoria, Sandi has lived in Oak Bay for almost 20 years and describes herself, along with husband Scott Piercy, as, “part of a team that manages the lives of three busy teenagers and four busy offices with 30 real estate advisors that market Victoria properties and projects. Thank goodness for a strong team mate!”

When it comes to style, Sandi loves colour.

“I tend to wear more colour than my peers,” she says.” I can’t wear all black and grey all the time. Boring! I’m sort of stuck with 80’s hair, so everything I wear looks retro but I love classic retro styles from every era, even parachute pants!” Sandi says her work look is “damn conservative” and her casual look, ponytails and ball caps, is probably too casual but she loves a great pair of party pants.

As for her beauty secret, she says there’s no magic cream or potion — it all comes down to friends and family. “I have no beauty regimen,” Sandi explains. “I just surround myself with lots of great people and an amazing family with so much love.”

Black off the shoulder gown ($630) by Nicole Miller, single button faux fur coat ($399)

by LINE, black suede heels ($325) by POUR la VICTOIRE, multijewelled statement necklace ($429) by Lizzie Fortunato, onyx circular stud with ear jacket ($89) by Kala, all from Bernstein & Gold.

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Cream lace dress ($250) Michael by Michael Kors, gold necklace ($74) by Stella & Dot, all from Tulipe Noire.

Captions Look 1 Fitted jacket ($425) and high-waisted pencil skirt ($185)

by Iris Setlakwe and bangles ($55 each) by Karyn Chopik, all at

Sequinned tank ($300) and faux leather legging ($280) by Marc Cain, both from W&J Wilson.

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Photographed on location at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, which is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the original Beach Drive property and the 5th anniversary of the new hotel this month. 21 2017/2018 TWEED

OAK BAY INSIDER

Monumental Achievement: A lasting legacy to First Nations in Oak Bay

I

Christopher Causton was mayor of Oak Bay for 15 years. He is now the Goodwill Ambassador and a captain with Victoria Harbour Ferries. He is the former owner of Jason’s and Rattenbury’s (Old Spaghetti Factory) and is a classically trained hotelier.

A member of Harbourside Rotary for 32 years, he flies flags in his spare time.

n January of 2009, Oak Bay’s premier First Nations monument was unveiled near Turkey Head. Over the next two years, seven more (some say eight!) found a home in the municipality. How they came into existence is a story in itself.

Back in 2000, the municipality set about celebrating the millennium. Various projects were dreamed up including a time capsule in Queens’ Park, a tastefully designed local seed package that was given to every Oak Bay student, and a heritage house tour. It was the heritage house tour that was the seed, if you will, for the First Nations monuments.

The millennium and heritage committees, ably assisted by Stuart Stark, set about finding homes and gardens that residents would proudly show.

A midsummer Sunday was picked and arrangements were made. Someone then suggested approaching the Victoria Golf Club to see if they would include a tea with the ticket and the Golf Club happily agreed. So now the tickets were a steal — and sold out rapidly. On the Sunday of the event, gridlock was even reported in Oak Bay. The local Rotary Club had stepped up with dozens of volunteers to sell tickets, house sit and direct traffic. The net proceeds were split between Oak Bay Rotary and the municipality’s heritage committee, which left the committee with $10,000 in the bank at the end of the year for a project. Enter Marion Cumming, stage right, with a wonderful idea.

Marion had long wanted to honour the history and heritage of the Lekwungen Communities, which include the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation. Adding some of her own money to what was already available, she came

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up with the idea of placing monuments around the municipality. Each one would have a plaque and a 75-word description. The plaques would be carved from red cedar and then bronzed.

Charles Elliott, who was carving at the University of Victoria, was approached. After a field trip to look at possible sites around the community, Charles, with Marion’s gentle prodding, agreed to undertake the project. All the monuments, which were constructed under the watchful eye of parks manager Lorne Middleton, were shaped in similar style to the one that had been dedicated to the McNeill Family. This one, on the bay, sits in the 200-block of Beach Drive.

After much discussion between the various committees and Council, eight sites around the municipality were chosen. Each spot is very special and has important significance. Apart from the one at Turkey Head, the others are at Loon Bay, Willows Beach, Bowker Creek, Anderson Hill Park, Kitty Islet, Trafalgar Park Lookout, and Harling Point. Around each monument are native plants, which are maintained, in spite of the deer, by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

At the entrance to Municipal Hall, all eight cedar plaques — painted in full colour — have been mounted on the wall. But what about that extra monument, you ask? Well, when I announced in 2011 that I was stepping down as mayor, the monument project was not yet complete. Council insisted that I help Marion with the last ones, which I was happy to do. At a farewell function, amongst the many parting gifts (some less serious than others), I was lucky enough to receive a replica monument. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift.

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OAK BAY EATS

Assorted Christmas cookies from Ottavio.

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Serving up some melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats

By JOSEPH BLAKE

M

Ottavio pastry chef Melanie Lonsdale with a decadent Yule log.

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any of the holiday season’s most cherished traditions come from the kitchen. The smells of seasonal baking and special holiday meals touch something deep within us all at this time of year. Local bakers and caterers are adding their holiday treats to the mix, too, and creating some mouth-watering new traditions as well.

For the staff at Ottavio Bakery, which is celebrating 20 years in Oak Bay Village, the holiday season is perhaps the most exciting time of the year.

“We have so many store-wide and Italian traditions to look forward to,” says owner and general manager Genevieve Laplante. “In the pastry case we have mincemeat tarts and checkerboard cookies which, like all my favourite baking, are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Mel, our pastry chef, makes the checkerboarding technique look easy. I’ve tried to replicate the recipe at home, but nothing comes close to her magic!”

Ottavio also has seasonal treats like ginger crinkles, ginger snowflakes, peppermint meringues, orange-anise shortbread, sugar rings, and lemon stars. They also make eggnog gelato and candy cane gelato for the holidays.

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Anna Hunt of Bread and Butter Catering enjoys a chewy ginger cookie.

“We’ve been soaking dried fruit in rum for a couple months in anticipation of our fruitcake production,” Laplante says. “We top it off with marzipan and also sell our marzipan for customers’ holiday baking and treat-making.

Our most impressive holiday offering is our Yule log. Made of chocolate and cherries, they are traditionally garnished with meringue mushrooms and marzipan leaves.”

One of Laplante’s personal favourites for the holidays is candied coal, which looks just like a lump of coal but tastes delicious. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer for that person on your ‘naughty list’. But perhaps the most anticipated item at Ottavio is their panettone — a sweet Italian bread that’s made with raisins and rum or brandy.

“It’s a labour-intensive, multi-day process of proofing and rising, and after baking it’s hung upside down to cool,” Laplante explains. “The process creates a uniquely-flavoured sweet bread with a fluffy, cloud-like texture.”

When Anna Hunt left the tiny kitchen at Chiarelli and Company on Foul Bay Road, she started Bread and Butter Catering. Hunt met her husband in Montreal and specializes in French Canadian favourites like tourtiere. She says her recipe is “super regional” and includes pork, potatoes, cloves and cinnamon with a super flaky top and bottom and homemade ketchup.

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“My husband’s father is French Canadian and I make my tourtiere the way my husband likes it,” Hunet explains.

“Tourtiere is like a Hungry Man meal found in every store’s freezer in Quebec — it’s French Canadian comfort food.”

This season she also bakes chewy ginger cookies, sugar pie, and traditional Jewish baking inspired by catering jobs at the local synagogue. Jewish treats from Bread and Butter Catering include brioche-like chocolate babka and rugelach, mini croissant-like cream cheese pastries. She also makes Jewish apple cake and mandelbrot, a Jewish biscotti.

“Jewish cooking and baking is a recent learn for me and an immediate love!” Hunt says.

In South Oak Bay, de’lish is beloved for its great coffee, baked goods and pre-cooked meals. Mark Davies and Lori Debelle opened the tiny bakery and catering company 11 years ago and as head baker, Davies goes all-out in the kitchen during the holiday season, turning out Christmas baking and a special Christmas dinner. Davies’ nine-course feast includes lobster bisque, roast breast of turkey with turkey sausage, caramelized pear and stuffing with “extra stuffing on the side”, confit of duck with cranberry Madeira and orange jus, Yukon gold mashed potatoes and roasted potatoes with rosemary, maple roasted winter vegetables, house-made cranberry compote, orange-scented fruit mince tarts, Christmas pudding truffles and steamed pudding with brandy sauce.

“Customers ask if they have to choose from that menu,”

Christmas cookies from de’lish.

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laughs Davies. “But no, it’s a true feast and it’s packaged in a way that makes even the clean-up easy — all you have to do is turn on the oven, heat it up, and then relax.”

But be sure to get your orders in quickly — the fabulous feats must be pre-paid in mid-December. Davies and his staff also bake traditional shortbread, snowflake sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and a true Christmas specialty from the 16th century — orange-scented fruit mince tarts.

Davies calls his Christmas pudding truffles “everything yummy wrapped-up in white and dark chocolate and soaked in brandy and Cointreau.” His individual steamed pudding is a yuletide staple made plump with prunes, cranberries and other fruit with French brandy sauce.

Christmas Stollen at de’lish is available only December 20th to 24th and pre-orders are advised. Davies also recommends customers pre-order his tourtiere and panforte di Sienna, a flat, heavy and rich Christmas cake made with honey, spices and dried fruit.

“The recipe originated from honey cakes in Medieval times and is traditionally served in thin slices and dusted heavily with icing sugar,” Davies explains. “Try it as a sweet bite or paired with cheese.” de’lish also bakes beautifully gift-wrapped small and large Christmas cakes that are full of fruit and soaked in French brandy and Spanish sherry. In the bakery’s fridges and freezers, customers can find tubs of brandy sauce, tourtiere, turkey jus and fresh cranberry compote.

de’lish owner and head baker Mark Davies.

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Cobs Bakery owner Dina Buccione shows off the new cranberry-orange brioche loaf.

If you’re looking for something less fancy, Cobs Bakery in the Oak Bay Village celebrates the season with gingerbread scones and cranberry-pistachio French baguettes. New this year is a gift-wrapped cranberry-orange brioche loaf.

“It’s like the Italian Christmas bread panettone, only better,” explains Dina Buccione, the shop’s owner and manager.

“It’s much more moist and rich with butter and it’s beautifully wrapped like a gift package.”

With local bakers and caterers whipping up some amazing sweet and savoury treats, perhaps the best gift of all this holiday season is sharing good food with friends and family and creating some mouth-watering memories.

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Italian Odessy

OAK BAY TRAVEL

An adventurous road trip down Italy’s Adriatic coast

The twinkling lights of Matera.

By JOSEPH BLAKE Photos by LYNNE MILNES

M

y wife, Lynne, and I love Italy. We’ve vacationed in Rome, Tuscany, and Sicily and last spring we travelled down the Adriatic coast from Ancona in the Marche region along the sea to Lecce in the heel of Italy’s boot. I love to drive and my wife loves maps — maps spread out on her lap as I sail down the Autostrada at 120 kilometres in the slow lane!

We drove along, improvising like the jazz I love, with no cell phone maps or internet, while trying to read and interpret the Italian highway signage, swinging around roundabouts and more roundabouts. We had sunny days for three

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weeks along the sea and had twice as much carry-on baggage as we needed for our road trip in 28 Celsius weather — not a drop of rain or a cloud in the sky.

A skilled internet planner, Lynne pre-booked us into elegant, moderately-priced accommodation in caves, agriturismo inns, and urban palaces. In Lecce, a southern city in Puglia built upon centuries of ruins including a stillfunctioning Roman amphitheatre in the central square, we stayed in a second floor room in Palazzo Rollo. We settled into our palatial suite after a battle with one-way, rush hour traffic, urban parking madness, and stumbling around asking for directions on downtown Lecce streets — and even more hassles at the front desk. Finally, we were inside the

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palazzo’s walled gate and welcomed up to the rooftop happy hour and some crisp, white, Italian wine. Sipping on those cold, dry grapes, we heard an orchestral reading of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue wafting over the rooftop from the plaza next door. Glorious live music, a romantic cathedralspiked skyline, chilled white wine, and swallows and swifts Glorious live sailing through the clear sky — music, a romantic what bliss!

We listened to the orchestra’s cathedral-spiked final practice session from the skyline, chilled roof before joining hundreds of locals and lucky tourists at the white wine, and free evening concert in the plaza. swallows and Under a big, full moon and swifts sailing starry sky, we listed to more Gershwin including a hip jazz piano through the clear solo encore by the great Maria sky — what bliss!

Grazia Lioy, which came after an ovation for her Rhapsody in Blue solo. What a night!

The next day we followedup on a New York Times story about a family in Lecce who had discovered Roman ruins and older Messapian treasures while digging up a plumbing problem. They’d turned their decade-plus digging obsession into a wonderful, little excavation museum called Museo

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Italian road trip eats — ­ a spritz and crodino snack.

Faggiano. We met auntie and one of the sons, now a university student, who started working with his father on the dig when he was just 12-years-old. We visited lots of museums and archaeological sites during our road trip, but this was my favourite.

In Matera, we slept in a suite carved out of the caves that riddle the town’s cliffs. Our accommodation led down three floors from the walled street entrance to a small patio overlooking the cliffs and caves across a river valley below Matera. Lights twinkled from buildings surrounding us and a string quartet practiced at the Conservatory as we sipped drinks on our patio in the moonlight.

In Termoli, after several trips around a couple of roundabouts to figure out directions and kilometres of nearlynaked working girls strutting their stuff under the sun along the dusty highway, we found Hotel Sveva atop a hulking plateau above a spectacular, sandy beach lined with umbrellas, deck chair rentals and wine bars. We checked into our two-room suite that was partially carved from another old, rock structure and then enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch at the hotel’s elegant restaurant. We feasted on a perfectly cooked, tender sea bass with a delicious tomato, olive and capers sauce followed by a chantilly cream and caramel sauce dessert. We then hiked down to the beach, rented chairs, and sunned ourselves between swims in the tepid Adriatic Sea. Our room’s view at Albergo Italia in Urbino looked out on verdant hills and farms, the Palazza Ducale Urbino, and the Galleria Nazionale della Marche, which housed my favourite painting — Raphael’s The Mute. It was difficult to leave my bed and the view of the seductive, country landscape but when we finally left the perfect room with a view, we visited Raphael’s family home and gained a deeper understanding of the great painter’s life. At the end of a narrow street nearby, we found wonderfully detailed, wall-sized, 15th century frescoes in the tiny, unassuming Oratorio de San Giovani and the equally amazing 16th century life-sized nativity scene sculpted by Federico Brandani. A college town with a youthful energy and several great restaurants, Urbino was one of my favourite stops on our three-week Italian odyssey.

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to the old section from free parking beside the train station. We stayed at a bed and breakfast in a home on a narrow alley and walked a short distance to the main square’s majestic, black and white striped stone duomo. There was an exhibition next door of noted artist Emilio Greco’s sculptures, drawings and designs for Rome’s 1960 Olympic medals. Outside in the square, Orvieto was celebrating Fest di Fiore with beautiful flower arrangements everywhere, a concert stage with musicians and folk dancers, fireworks, and a country-wide gelato competition. Yum! We took a cave tour, visiting a couple of the 1,400 cave homes below almost every house in the old section — some going back to 7 B.C. Etruscan homes, most with wells and shoebox-shaped squares punched into the room’s walls for homing pigeons that provided meat and eggs for cave dwellers under siege throughout Orvieto’s long history, including during World War II. We also visited the unique, cone-shaped trulli homes in Alberobello, which are an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and battled the tourist mobs in Assisi, visiting St. Francis’ tomb and Giotto’s magnificent frescoes in the upper church of the Basilica of St. Francis. We drove through the massive earthquake destruction of 2016 and hiked among the wildflowers in the surrounding mountains.

On the Gargano Peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic, we stayed at Torre de Tretti, an agriturismo inn that included huge buffet breakfasts and dinners and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. We lounged in the sun and swam laps and feasted — taking a well-deserved vacation within our adventurous road trip before driving back to Ancona and our flight home. I can’t wait to return!

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Where you were born and who is your family?

I was born in Edmonton and moved to Victoria in 1983. My mom was a single mother raising two boys and she brought us to the Island so we could be closer to her sister and so that my brother, Dan, and I could grow up on the west coast. Coming to Victoria was like a fresh start for us. I have four children of my own now (aged 13, 10, 2 ½ and five months) and my wife, Rebecca, and I live in Oak Bay.

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How long have you worked in Oak Bay?

CLAIM TO FAME IN OAK BAY: President & Founder of Abstract Developments

I’ve been building and developing sites in Oak Bay since 2003 when I acquired two key properties — one was a large lot on Foul Bay Road, which was developed into a four-home subdivision called Edgecliffe Estate, and the other was a waterfront lot on Crescent Road, which eventually became Radius, my own personal home which was recognized nationally and internationally in Architectural Digest. I also established Abstract’s first corporate office at the corner of Oak Bay Avenue and Foul Bay Road in 2007, operating from a well-worn character home until the building was demolished in 2013 to make way for Village Walk. From there, we moved to the other side of the Avenue before eventually relocating our office downtown last year.

What’s the biggest challenge for developers in Oak Bay?

The biggest challenge for developers in Oak Bay is the educational process required in aligning public perceptions with the Official Community Plan. A resident in any given neighbourhood (anywhere in Victoria for that matter) probably doesn’t have an ongoing need to understand the municipality’s or city’s vision for growth and development in their area. It’s often through the public rezoning process that this understanding is created. Developers spend much time and effort to help the public understand that a project being proposed is in alignment with what the municipality has defined in the community plan — and why. It’s not a challenge unique to Oak Bay but I believe it’s elevated here by the area’s more traditional tapestry and historic roots.

What do you do when you’re not working?

Working! (laughs) All kidding aside, my efforts in creating a successorship plan at Abstract with a passionate team of experts in our leadership group has allowed me to step away from the company for a few extra hours each week. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and burning off steam by staying active.

What do you love about Oak Bay?

I love Oak Bay’s distinct architecture — it’s been a great source of inspiration for me over the years. I like how highly walkable the neighbourhoods are, connecting everyday amenities to parks and waterfront all while still being minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown. I love being able to live, work and play all in one community. Call me biased, but Oak Bay living truly is the best of all worlds!

What brings you joy?

The process of creation is really satisfying to me. I thrive knowing that what I will leave behind hopefully transcends my time here and offers value to the next generation.

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DOGS ON THE AVENUE

LOVE MY DOG! Photos by Don Denton

Dogs [dawgs, dogs] 1. The best friend of men, women and children, bred in many sizes and shapes.

The Avenue [thuh av-uh-nyoo, -noo] 1. A popular destination for those seeking funky eateries, awesome art galleries and trendy stores in Oak Bay.

Some say, “This is the world’s best hummingbird feeder.”

New high perch for unobstructed bird viewing • Lifetime Guarantee • Easy to Clean • 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz Capacity • Bee and Wasp Resistant • Ant-Moat - Blocks Crawling Insects HIGH PERCH™ • Made in U.S.A.

We are a full-service, all-breeds dog and cat gooming salon. We welcome all drop in clients, from nail trims to face tidy’s and everything in between!

hummingbird

FEEDER

250-595-3595

3631 Shelbourne Plaza 34

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105 - 2250 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria, BC • 250-590-0833 Private U-Bath room available www.muckymutt.com

Far page, clockwise from top left: Katie, left, and Leo, both six-year-old American Cocker Spaniels; Bumper, a four-year-old Terrier Poodle Mix; Sophie is a three-year-old labradoodle; Kodiak Bear, a 13-year-old Golden Retriever/ Chow/ Border Collie mix; Dog Raffles, a four-year-old English Cocker Spaniel.

ONCE

FEB 9 - MAR 10

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET ONCE

MAR 23 - APR 14FEB 9 - MAR 10

MILLION DOLLAR KIM’S QUARTETCONVENIENCE

This page, top: Abby, submitted by Pauline Little; and Fergus, an eight-year-old West Highland Terrier.

MAR 23 - APR 14

APR 27 - MAY 26

GREASE

KIM’S CONVENIENCE APR 27 - MAY 26

JUN 8 - SEP 1

GREASE

JUN 8 - SEP 1

GLORIOUS!

SEP 14 - OCT 6

GLORIOUS!

OUTSIDE MULLINGAR OUTSIDE

SEP 14 - OCT 6

OCT 19 - NOV 3 MULLINGAR OCT 19 - NOV 3

It’s cold outside!

LITTLE

Keep your pup warm with a sweater or coat this winter season, great selection in store. Mention this ad for 10% off your coat or sweater purchase!

LITTLE WOMEN WOMEN

NOV1616- DEC - DEC NOV 30 30 359 Cook Street

In Cook Street Village, Victoria BC

250.888.9399 www.pawsoncook.ca Open Monday through Friday 8am - 8pm • Saturday & Sunday 8am to 6pm

2018 2018 SEASON SEASON TICKETS TICKETS ON SAlE ONNOw SAlE NOw

1.800.565.7738

1.800.565.7738 chemainustheatre.ca

chemainustheatre.ca

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Parting Shot:

MARINA MAGIC Photo by Steve Smith

A

s night fell over the Oak Bay Marina, the glassy surface of the water threw up bright reflections of the boats, the lights and the dock. I tried some long exposures of around 30 seconds, which were possible because the water was absolutely still and producing MarcOwenFlood_Newport_7.25x4.75Ad_GlobalReach.pdf 1 17-09-08 no movement. This shot was taken around 9 p.m. with a 25

36

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second shutter speed, F18, ISO 200 and 24 mm focal length using a Canon 5D Mark IV with a 24-70 mm lens.

Parting Shot welcomes high-resolution photo submissions of places, people and things in Oak Bay. Send submission to Tweed editor Tess van Straaten at 4:06 PM tweededitor@gmail.com

MILES TAKACS has called

Victoria home for more than 30 years.

He knows the city well; from sought after waterfront luxury to quaint English charm he will find the right home for you. When time & money matter call Miles! See ad on page 22.

MEET OUR ADVERTISERS MARC OWEN-FLOOD PREC –

OAK BAY VOLUNTEER SERVICES

SAVE ON FOODS is open 7am to

MARITIME TRAVEL

OAK BAY HEARING CLINIC

OAK BAY OPTOMETRY

Don Wuest, owner at WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED, wants you to have the best bird feeding experience possible. After all, it’s the most relaxing, fulfilling, educational & exciting hobby that everyone can enjoy. See our ad on page 34.

OAK BAY SEAFOOD

Gregg and Anne Best bring 40 years of experience in the fishing and seafood industry to Oak Bay Seafood.

They are very pleased with the warm welcome and support they have received at their new fish store on the Avenue. See ad on page 22.

BRENDA RUSSELL, ROYAL LE PAGE Raised in Oak

Bay. For more than 25 years she’s successfully matched people and properties. Her commitment to friendly, personalized service has earned her the Lifetime Award of Excellence.

See ad on page 8.

INCREDIBLE CLOSETS

JULIE RUST

SMILES BY DESIGN

PEPPER’S FOODS,

GRIFFIN RESTORATION

Geoffrey Beattie, has owned

Marc is a long-time Oak Bay resident and an award winning realtor.

As an Oak Bay specialist Marc enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with each new client who chooses to make Oak Bay their home.

See ad on pages 9, 36.

is a full service locally owned travel agency – serving the community since 1986. Our experienced team would be delighted to assist with all of your travel needs. See our ad on page 31.

Ted Hancock and his incredible team, design, manufacture and install quality built-in furniture, closet organizers and Euro doors in Victoria and area. See ad on page 3.

Celebrating 50 years in the community!

See ad on page 40.

JASON BINAB Understands

people and Real Estate. He enjoys working with his wife Amber at the Binab Group. Together they have two sons, Benson and Jamison and one dog Lily. Jason has lived in Oak Bay for over 25 years and specializes in Oak Bay. See ad on page 11.

ODLUM BROWN LIMITED

As an Oak Bay resident, Mark Mawhinney is pleased to serve our community on the Boards of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Victoria.

See ad on page 26.

HEATWAVE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD Providing Victoria

with the highest quality of plumbing, heating and gas installations since 1996. See ad on page 13.

We provide one-to-one direct volunteer support to individuals of all ages in Oak Bay. Drives, visits, repairs, etc. See ad on page 29.

With her doctorate in audiology & 17 years’ experience, Dr. Wright is well suited to improve your hearing, even in the most difficult listening situations. See ad on page 12.

is a realtor at Newport Realty, born and raised in Victoria, and specializes in the Oak Bay, Victoria, Saanich Real Estate Market. If you are considering buying or selling, contact her for competent and trusted real estate service. See ad on page 29.

Canadian-owned and operated company offering property restoration, 24/7 emergency service and free hazardous material inspection.

See ad on page 23.

IMAX

The largest theatre screen in BC combined with crystal clear images in IMAX Laser and wraparound digital surround sound, provide an incredibly immersive cinematic experience. See ad on page 30.

BARCLAY’S FINE CUSTOM JEWELLERS for the past 15 years.

BARCLAYS carries a range of exclusive & fine pieces of beautiful jewellery as well as specializing in both creating custom pieces & re-designs.

See ad on page 13.

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

Engel & Völkers, a global company and lifestyle brand providing high quality services for those seeking to buy and sell real estate properties.

See ad on page 2.

GEOFF FIELD & MIKE FOWLES have over 75 years

TULIPE NOIRE Kari McLay, owner

of combined experience in Real Estate Sales. Born and raised in Victoria and living in Oak Bay. See ad on page 4.

Visit Our Showroom | High Efficiency Natural Gas Fireplaces Proudly serving the Oak Bay community for 40 years.

See ad on pages 38-39.

Dr. Michael is passionate about giving people healthy, beautiful smiles with the use of innovative techniques and the latest technology and training.

See ad on page 6.

THE AVENUE GALLERY

Roxanne Derkson owner Of ViVi Therapy’s Registered Massage, Acupuncture and Feldenkrais Clinic as well as Vancouver Island’s only fully stocked massage equipment and supply store.

See ad on page 14.

1950 B Oak Bay Ave. 250-361-9243 www.heatwave.me

NEWPORT REALTY

has been providing eye exams, glasses and contact lenses to the whole family for over twenty years.

See ad on page 18.

VIVI THERAPY

1950 B Oak Bay Ave. 250-361-9243 www.heatwave.me Visit Our Showroom | High Efficiency Natural Gas Fireplaces

12 am 7 days a week and provides our neighbourhood with a full service food shopping experience.

See ad on page 9.

FOUL BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY has been serving Oak Bay for over 25 years. The team includes Ian Catchpole & Gerry Illmayer with over 35 years combined experience, joined by Lisa, Terri, Jaymie & Marita.

See ad on page 8.

A premiere boutique gallery in Victoria, The Avenue Gallery has been showcasing contemporary Canadian paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and jewellery since 2002. See ads on page 11.

of Tulipe Noire Clothing is proud to provide quality lifestyle apparel for women of all ages. Step inside and find premium denim, luscious cashmere, designer tees, classic dresses for day or evening … casual elegance for all occasions. See ad on page 17.

NAI COMMERCIAL (VICTORIA) INC.

Offering full service commercial real estate service, worldwide.

See ad on page 6.

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Proudly Serving the Oak Bay Community for 40 Years

Newport Realty has been chosen by Christie’s International Real Estate to be their Exclusive Western Canada Representative Christie’s International Real Estate has affiliate offices in 46 countries with a combined annual sales volume of over $115 billion. It is a unique international perspective on the worlds of art and luxury. They are the leading global authority in the marketing of distinctive properties.

We Sell Special Homes in Oak Bay… Yours.

Our new office is between The Oak Bay Village And Downtown, at 1144 Fort Street “We’re on your way home”

The Art of Real Estate info@newportrealty.com ~ www.newportrealty.com 250-385-2033

Thank You

from over 70 Professionals of Newport Realty

A Feast to

Remember With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to gather with family around the table. Here at Pepper’s we have personal ties to local farmers and artisans.

Fresh made trays are hand made with care in our deli, and our in house butcher is ready to prepare that special cut for your table. Make the most of your holiday, and let Pepper’s take care of all the rest.

From our table to yours, we wish you the very best this holiday season.

ting Over 50 Years of Good Food a r b e l e C

Ask about our senior and student discounts

250-477-6513 • 3829 Cadboro Bay Road www.peppers-foods.com Hours Mon-Fri: 8 am–9 pm, Sat: 8 am–7:30 pm, Sun: 8 am–7:30 pm