Special Features - CONNECTOR - Mar/Apr 2019

Connector ONBOARD MAGAZINE FOR THE WILSON’S GROUP

The Fun Is In The Getting There!

MARCH/APRIL 2019

Dining with a View Jaw-dropping sights paired with fine flavours

A WONDERFUL, WILD ADVENTURE THE “BEST OF” TOFINO & UCLUELET

A CANADIAN ICON

DISCOVER EMILY CARR IN VICTORIA

FIVE ON THE DRIVE

MUST-DO EVENTS IN FIVE WILSON’S DESTINATIONS

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Contents

march/april 2019 4 President’s Message 6 Dining With A View 8 A Canadian Icon 10 Meet the Crew 12 A Wild Adventure 14 Ask the Concierge 16 Five on the Drive 20 Hit the Road 22 Wilson’s Group Supports

Dining with a view at Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio in Vancouver.

PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke 250.480.3204 250.891.5627 mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca EDITOR Susan Lundy lundys@shaw.ca CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

20

12

PHOTO BY JEREMY KORESKI

ON OUR COVER

6

Surfer Raph Bruhwiler

PRODUCTION Janice Marshall Michelle Gjerde

ADVERTISING Ruby Della Siega 250.480.3222

PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton Brianna Green

Patty Doering 250.480.3242 Nick Warrington 250.480.3399 Annemarie Rindt 250.480.3244

WRITERS Sierra Lundy, Sean McIntyre, Lauren Kramer

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8

CONNECTOR magazine is published six times a year by Black Press and is distributed by The Wilson’s Group. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or The Wilson’s Group.

The contents of Connector magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

818 Broughton Street Victoria, BC Canada V8W 1E4 www.blackpress.ca

www.gowilsonsgroup.com

250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

MARCH/APRIL 2019 3

spring has sprung!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A

fter a winter filled with some unpredictable weather — wind, rain and snow — I think we are all glad to see warmer and brighter days ahead. With that being said, don’t forget to “spring ahead” on March 10 when Daylight Savings Time begins and our days continue to lengthen.

Along with some sunshine, this spring is sure to bring some exciting events on both sides of the pond.

Back again this year is the Capital City Comic Con, March 22 to 24.

Join your fellow comic enthusiasts for three days of fun and excitement and a chance to meet your favorite superheroes.

Not to worry if you’re not quite ready to let go of the winter weather just yet. Our Mount Washington

Ski Bus and BC Connector can get you to your favorite ski and snowboarding destinations. What better time to go than April, when Whistler is hosting the World Ski and Snowboarding Festival? You can read about these events and more in our “Five on the Drive” section, starting on page 16.

Whatever has you travelling this spring, be sure to check out our BC Ferries Connector “Ride into Spring” sale, where you can save up to 20 per cent off your bus travel between Victoria and Vancouver on until April 30.

In this issue of Connector, we are thrilled to be showcasing the 2018 Family Business Excellence winners, starting on page 20. One of the award recipients is my son, Andrew

Wilson. As my wife and I watch him rise to new levels of success, we could not be more proud of the hardworking man that he has become.

As I look to the future with excitement, I cannot also help but feel saddened as the date April 6 draws near and we commemorate those lives lost in the horrific crash of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team’s bus one year ago. This was a catastrophic event that shook our entire country to its core, but also brought us together to show our support. On April 6, I encourage you to join me and many others as we remember the lives lost and those that will never be the same. They will not be forgotten. #HumboltStrong John Wilson President

4 MARCH/APRIL 2019

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VANCOUVER

BY LAUREN KRAMER

DAY-TRIPPING

dining with a View Jaw-dropping sights paired with fine fare to Vancouver are V isitors frequently time-crunched with

just a few days or hours to pack in as many of the city’s spectacular sights as possible. So when it comes to mealtimes, it makes sense to choose restaurants that combine jaw-dropping views with superb menus. There are only a handful of eateries that combine both, and locals know them well.

In the interest of ensuring your dining in Vancouver is as inspiring as your sightseeing, here are our top picks for restaurants that showcase the city’s best scenery, while also delivering fabulous plates of food. And a quick note on dress code: in Vancouver, there truly is none, which means what you wear out is entirely up to you.

SEASONS IN THE PARK:

View of the city from Seasons in the Park.

6 MARCH/APRIL 2019

A longtime favourite for specialoccasion meals out, Seasons is located on a bluff in Queen Elizabeth Park, overlooking the park’s lush gardens and treetops. From a window seat, a cityscape view of Vancouver spreads before you, with the twinkling ocean and North Shore Mountains in the background. Day or night, it’s an uplifting view — one that’s well matched by the restaurant’s ambience, décor and fine-dining menu.

Not a place to pinch your pennies, Seasons’ menu includes decadent, highend steaks, great seafood and desserts that make all resistance crumble. But for those on a budget, the lunch menu offers burgers, pizzas and more moderately priced items. Plan for a leisurely, unhurried meal at Seasons, book a table in advance to ensure you’re sitting windowside and brace yourself for a visual and CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

culinary treat that will live long in your memory. (vancouverdine.com/seasons ; 604.874.8008)

ANCORA WATERFRONT DINING AND PATIO:

Located at the foot of Howe Street in downtown Vancouver, Ancora is a waterside restaurant directly beneath the Granville Island bridge, looking out at Granville Island. This means there is a lot to see in the daytime, with the Aquabus ferries cheerfully zipping back and forth, and the city lights shining off the water at night.

Fancy is the one word that well describes Ancora, a restaurant specializing in a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food.

With white tablecloths, super-attentive waiters and a menu full of exotic flavours and names, Ancora is a place with a sense of occasion, delivering elaborate fare that emerges from the kitchen looking like veritable artwork.

We munched on amazing sweet potato bread, cleansed our palates with creative amuse-bouche concoctions and supplemented our seafood entrees with Chef Joshi Tabo’s incredible sushi. Ancora has a new second location waterside in West Vancouver. (ancoradining.com; 604.681.1164)

BRIDGES ON THE WATERFRONT:

Many visitors to Vancouver spend time on Granville Island, a go-to destination with unique shopping, a great marketplace and fun ways to spend time. For those who need a nourishing meal in-between exploring, it’s a good idea to make a beeline for Bridges. This spot has a voluptuous view of the Burrard Street Bridge’s iconic pillars and the water traffic around False Creek. Bridges offers two “levels” of dining: pub fare in the bistro and outdoor patio, or fine dining upstairs.

We sat in the bistro on a sunny January day, admiring the sleek vessels in the harbour as we contemplated a menu that hits every high in the phrase “comfort food.” From big, juicy burgers to hearthealthy salads and pizzas to fresh ling cod, there are choices around every price point and the service is fast and friendly. Make a reservation to ensure you get a window seat. (bridgesrestaurant.com; 604.687.4400)

THE TEAHOUSE AT STANLEY PARK:

If the drive through the winding roads of Stanley Park doesn’t sweep you away, the food at the Teahouse certainly will. A fine

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

The Teahouse at Stanley Park.

IN THE INTERESTS OF ENSURING YOUR DINING IN VANCOUVER IS AS INSPIRING AS YOUR SIGHTSEEING, HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS FOR RESTAURANTS THAT SHOWCASE THE CITY’S BEST SCENERY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING FABULOUS PLATES OF FOOD. dining restaurant since 1978 (and prior to that, a teahouse), the Teahouse is the place for a stately, dignified meal that is even more impressive than the fabulous view.

We dined on beautifully seasoned salads, tender rack of lamb and buttery sablefish in the conservatory, the Teahouse’s fine dining room. The main dining room, where more casual fare is served, was originally constructed as a garrison for crews manning the artillery battery at Ferguson Point during World War II. Rumour has it that a multi-level bunker remains buried beneath a cement pad just outside the restaurant, on the grassy knoll overlooking the ocean.

It’s hard to think of war and violence when you’re at the Teahouse these days

because its location epitomizes serenity.

Guests come because special meals are the norm at this elegant restaurant, and timing is everything. If you’re lucky and your visit coincides with sunset on a clear day, you’re in for an unforgettable treat of brilliant colours. But even after dark, the view is mesmerizing, with West Vancouver a wall of light across the bay in one direction, and Point Grey illuminating the other.

A quintessential Vancouver experience, the Teahouse combines ambience with great food and a view that eases the mind. Make reservations for a good table, because a window seat optimizes the experience. vancouverdine.com/teahouse; 604.669.3281 MARCH/APRIL 2019 7

VICTORIA

BY LAUREN KRAMER

DAY-TRIPPING: DISCOVERING EMILY CARR

Carr’s Odds and Ends at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

a canadian icon O

ne of Canada’s most treasured icons was raised on Vancouver Island, where she found inspiration and has left an indelible mark on the country’s artistic consciousness that persists to this day. Artist and writer Emily Carr (1871– 1945) grew up at 207 Government Street in Victoria — just a few minutes walk from Wilson Transport’s Capital Station bus terminal on Douglas Street. Emily Carr’s home was an Italianate villa flanked by beautiful gardens and steps from Beacon Hill Park and the ocean shoreline.

Carr was an educated, well-travelled and courageous woman who was unafraid to speak her mind and was deeply connected to and inspired by her environment. Committed to visiting and documenting the First Nations villages in her art before they disappeared, she was far ahead of her time in her opinions and 8 MARCH/APRIL 2019

beliefs, and was consequently considered eccentric by those around her. She described herself as “a little old woman on the edge of nowhere” — words that hinted at her feeling of isolation in society. But it was precisely her location on the periphery that informed her exquisite and massive body of work and motivated her growth as an artist. Of her location, she wrote in 1934, at the age of 63, “It’s exactly where I want to be. This is my country. What I want to express is here, and I love it.”

Today, Carr’s home is a national and provincial historic site open to visitors from May 1 2019. Beautifully restored to its colonial glory, the two-level house is outfitted with elegant period furniture that sets the mood for the time in which she came of age. It also features rotating art exhibits by other local artists, so there’s always something new to see.

Visitors to the house can tour the

lower level rooms, where excerpts of her writings are displayed prominently on the walls. In the parlour, a collection of her autobiographical books is on display, including literature that reveals her thoughts and reflections on art, social justice, the environment and the First Nations. There’s a copy of the family bible, personal artifacts and Carr’s signature paintings of First Nation villages and their totem poles.

There are two other destinations in Victoria for visitors who want to view Carr’s work. The BC Archives at the Royal BC Museum house more than 100 paintings, 1,000 sketches and many excerpts of her writing, representing the world’s largest collection of Carr’s work.

During a recent visit, curator Don Bourdon pointed out Tanoo, Q.C.I., one of Carr’s best-known paintings, which depicts three totem poles in Haida Gwaii, CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

“IT’S EXACTLY WHERE I WANT TO BE. THIS IS MY COUNTRY. WHAT I WANT TO EXPRESS IS HERE, AND I LOVE IT.” an archipelago of islands off the Pacific Coast of Canada.

“At the time it received a cool reception, but today this painting is priceless,” he said of the work, completed in 1913. Carr’s work is not on public display at the museum, but visitors can make an appointment to tour the archives at their leisure. The good news is that fundraising is in progress, with the intention of building an Emily Carr gallery within the museum where her art can be broadly displayed in the future.

Today the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (located just outside the downtown core on Moss Street) houses the only permanent display of Carr’s paintings, archival images and book excerpts. It’s a comparatively small collection, but a good

Emily Carr House in James Bay.

place to get a sense of her style and subject matter while perusing her paintings of forests, beaches and indigenous traditions.

The exhibitions of her work change periodically but the most recent, on display until October 2019, is titled “Unformable Things: Emily Carr and Some Canadian Modernists.” It explores the emergence of an experimental approach to art-making in Canada, which Carr once described as the

search for “essence,” or the “unformable things one wants to paint.”

Carr’s compilation of work has become a symbol of the beauty of British Columbia.

As an artist she remains an influential Canadian figure, a recognized visionary and a pioneer of modernism. Given the sleepy cultural scene of the Victoria of her day, her accomplishments are all the more remarkable.

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MEET THE WILSON’S GROUP TEAM What path did you take to get to this job?

“I previously worked at a hotel for three years. I had a friend working here at Wilson’s, who mentioned there was a job opportunity for me, so I took a chance with it and I’m so glad I did!”

What do you like best about this job?

“I enjoy being able to speak to people from all around the world and hear about why they have chosen to visit our wonderful cities. This job has also given me amazing coworkers, who I now consider great friends.”

Photo by Don Denton

What are your hobbies outside of the job?

“I love to travel; my favourite place would be anywhere Disney-related. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with friends, trying new places to eat, singing in the car and visiting Vancouver.”

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

Megan Spouse

• Customer Experience Supervisor • With Wilson’s for almost two years • Born and raised in Victoria • Family: mom, Ronda, and younger sister, Addy, who is 11 years old

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“I frequently travel between Victoria and Vancouver and can honestly say both cities are wonderful in so many different ways.

Anyone would be lucky to spend time in either one.”

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d l i W

A wonderful,

adventure

tofino trip

the best of Tofino and Ucluelet

BY SUSAN LUNDY

V

ancouver Island’s wild West Coast has so much to offer — from pulse-quickening adventures to spectacular food — but what it all comes down to, really, is the beach.

I thought this as I stood on the sand at Tofino’s Long Beach, taking in the sound of the crashing surf, watching an eagle swoop down over the water and feeling the brush of wind and salt on my face. For nature-lovers, this is the some of the best the world has to offer.

On a four-day mini-vacation spent in the area last spring, we stayed at the new and very approachable Tofino Resort + Marina, located on the edge of Tofino; the exclusive Wickaninnish Inn on Chesterman Beach, and the cosy cabins at Reef Point Cottages, which sit perched on the rocks above an inlet at Ucluelet. We dined at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, right on the water’s edge in Ucluelet, and went whale watching with Ocean Outfitters in Tofino.

Each time we visit the area, we discover new and exciting things. But here’s a rundown of the “best of ” our spring minivacation: 12 MARCH/APRIL 2019

BEST FOUNT OF INFORMATION: Brodie at

Ocean Outfitters offered a treasure-trove of information as he guided us on a whalewatching tour. I was already impressed by the breadth of his knowledge about the area’s history and folklore, marine life and current events, but listening to him give a scientific explanation of how tides work (not a simple answer) definitely upped my impression.

BEST DISCOVERY: The Wild Pacific Trail

in Ucluelet! This nine-kilometre trail weaves along the shoreline, featuring truly dramatic views of the wild West Coast. It’s well-maintained, easy to navigate and has a collection of informative signs along the way. Some beautiful trees in the Ancient Cedar Grove are easily accessed from the main road, but be sure to walk out to the bluffs as well.

BEST APPETIZER: Hands down, nothing beats the trendy Wolf in the Fog’s Potato Crusted Oysters. This explosion of flavour is incomparable. Eating at the Wolf is a must-do in Tofino. It’s hip, fun and has an amazing menu from simple to obscure food, and all with an emphasis on sharing.

BEST SMALL PLATE: The fire-roasted

Storm watching on the Wild Pacific Trail.

PHOTO BY BARB SCHRAMM

cauliflower and hummus dish at Tofino Resort + Marina’s 1909 Kitchen is to die for. And the bonus? You’re sitting on the edge of a busy waterfront marina while you savour it.

BEST BATHTUB: Every bathtub at the

Wickaninnish Inn has a sea view. In our room, we could approach the two-person tub via a heated floor; use a remote control to lift or drop the window blind, light a candle — beautifully set in a granite rock — and have plenty of space to rest our port-filled glasses.

BEST PLACE TO BRING A FAMILY:

Our cabin at Reef Point Cottages had two levels, with two bedrooms (one with a balcony) and a bathroom upstairs, a full kitchen, living area (with pull-out couch) and second bathroom on the ground level.

Plus there’s a hot tub and dining table on a full-size deck at the back and a barbecue out front. Bring the kids!

BEST BEER: Tofino Brewing Company just moved from a tiny space into a brand new, swanky building with soaring ceilings, a massive, L-shaped tasting bar, seats and tables and a small snack menu (try the salmon bites). We’re not usually stout fans CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

but the super-flavourful Kelp Stout topped our “best of ” the beer list.

BEST WINDOW SEAT: This is a tough one. There was a stunning beach view from our room at The Wick and mesmerizing marine activity seen from our table at 1909 Kitchen. But the drama of waves crashing on rocks just outside the window at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort’s Float Bar and Lounge was a sight to behold.

FOR NATURE-LOVERS, THIS IS THE SOME OF THE BEST THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.

BEST DESSERT: Well, it was the only dessert we had — but that fact alone is testament to its irresistibility. The Float’s vegan chocolate cake — dairy, gluten and nut-free — with coconut mousse and caramelized ginger, was the “icing on the cake” to our final dinner of the trip.

BEST WILDLIFE SIGHTING: The humpback whale, otters

and sea lions spotted on our Ocean Outfitters trip were stunning. But on the Wild Pacific Trail we had stopped to enjoy a vista of crashing waves on rocks when we spotted an eagle sitting in a tree at eye level, just a few metres away. We watched it for awhile until it lifted off with a swish and flew to another tree, stunning us with the breadth of its wingspan. Later, on another portion of the trail we sat on a bench and watched whales swimming by just offshore. Magic!

BEST PATIO: Tofino Resort + Marina’s Hatch Pub and 1909

Kitchen has three of them, all on the water. I know where we’ll be on our return trip this summer.

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Hot Springs Cove near Tofino.

PHOTO BY JEREMY KORESKI

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P au l D e s t ro o P e r - a rt i s t i c D i r e c to r - Ba l le t Vict oria CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

MARCH/APRIL 2019 13

ASK THE with JOANNE LEWANDOWSKI CONCIERGE SENIOR CONCIERGE

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER

should I eat?’ ‘Tell me about the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.’

‘Can I have a map?’ ‘When is the shuttle going to be here?’”

Where’s your favourite breakfast spot in Whistler?

“Elements in Whistler Village never, ever disappoints!

A favourite of mine for years.”

Where would you schedule a business meeting?

“In the summer on the golf course, and in the winter on a chair-lift. Being relaxed and enjoying what you love bring great results in a one-on-one meeting.”

What restaurant(s) really shows off Whistler?

“Those that are as close to “farm to table” as possible. The Grill Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Araxi, Alta Bistro and Red Door in Creekside. Our local meat, fish and produce is incredible and these restaurants take it to a whole other level.”

Where’s a great place to take young children?

"I've been the concierge here for 24 years and have worked at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for 25 years. " How did you become a concierge?

“The position found me! I was working at the front desk and we hired a new Chef Concierge. In 1995, the position of concierge was a relative mystery and not too many people knew what this job was all about. Neither did we. The Guest Services Manager took a chance on us and our original team of three has become a team of eight today. That chance became a passion, and my experience as a concierge has included being a Clefs d’Or member for over 20 years, being the chair of our 10th National Congress Whistler in 2015 and becoming National Secretary of Canada for two years after that. What a ride my life has been!”

Chateau Whistler?

“Since we are located in the lobby of the hotel, the number one question is: ‘Where is the washroom?’ Other conciergerelated questions are: ‘What is there to do here?’ ‘Where 14 MARCH/APRIL 2019

“The children's playground at Celebration Plaza, lakes in the summer, or to the great trails Whistler has to offer all year round. Get outside! Of course, the pool at the Fairmont is always popular too.”

What’s a unique-to-Whistler activity?

“The Scandinave Spa for adults, Ziptrek Ecotours, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and the new suspension bridge on Whistler Mountain in the summer.”

Where do you take friends for a drink?

“The Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont… it’s an institution for Whistler residents who are entertaining.”

What’s the perfect date spot in Whistler?

“Sushi Village has been around many years and it is popular to all. The casual ambience and live atmosphere inside make date night relatively relaxing.”

What’s a great spring activity in Whistler?

“In May, we can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon… unreal! When I have friends asking when to visit, this is always the time I recommend.”

What’s the craziest question you’ve ever been asked as concierge? “‘Can you help set up a fireworks display on the mountain for a guest’s birthday?’ Yes I can and yes I have!”

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MARCH/APRIL 2019 15

Must-see and must-do events this spring

FIVE DRIVE ON THE

VANCOUVER>VICTORIA>WHISTLER>TOFINO>VANCOUVER ISLAND

1. Vancouver

Some of the automobiles on display are available for test drives, and visitors can also enter multiple contests for a chance to win some auto show swag and prizes. Those who have children more interested in toy cars than the real thing are welcome to drop off little ones at the Volkswagen Playcare Centre, free of charge.

vancouverinternationalautoshow.com

2. Victoria

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival All over Metro Vancouver April 4-28

The Cherry Blossom Festival blooms this year to celebrate, sustain and renew Vancouver's cherry tree heritage. There are numerous events to spring all your senses into action: enjoy the sound of the Cherry Jam concert at the Burrard SkyTrain Station; sing with abandon at the Big Sing choral event; tantalize your tastebuds at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Japanese tea ceremony, food sale and sake event; try your hand at workshops of traditional Japanese arts and crafts during the Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen; and feast your eyes upon the Spring Lights Illumination, featuring lights, media arts installations and vibrant projections.

And, of course, for your general pleasure, there are cherry blossoms everywhere. For a detailed map of where and when the blossoms bloom, visit: vcbf.ca

Vancouver International Auto Show West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre March 19-24

This year’s annual auto show is fuelling much excitement as the best-attended automotive event in Western Canada. Operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, the 2019 Vancouver International Auto Show includes a wide display of over 500 vehicles, including the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the Feline cB7R, designed by Canadian racing driver Antoine Bessette, and the first new Supra in North America in 21 years: the 2020 Supra.

16 MARCH/APRIL 2019

Pearson College UWC Presents: One World McPherson Playhouse March 15-16

It takes a community to raise a show. This spring, nearly 200 Pearson College UWC students from all over the world will showcase their talents through One World — an inspiring presentation of dance, song and spoken word performances. This global showcase brings the music, dance and stories of dozens of countries right to Victoria’s doorstep. Pearson students work together to create every aspect of the onstage production, the backstage technical tasks and the informative expo displays in the theatre lobby. Tickets are $30 for March 16 and $12 for the dress rehearsal on March 15.

pearsoncollege.ca/get-involved/oneworld

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Various venues in Victoria April 3 to May 10

Dedicated to celebrating and developing artistic skills in music, dance and dramatic arts, the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival showcases over 9,000 Victoria-area students performing daily throughout six weeks in April and May. The public is invited to support and enjoy outstanding performances from students of all ages and skill levels as they entertain and receive adjudications from renowned experts in the arts. From brass, classical guitar, strings, voice and woodwinds to school bands and orchestras, and CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

from to musical theatre to ethnic dance — the diverse talent is endless!

GVPA.ORG

entertainment, refreshing beverages in the beer garden, local food options and fun activities for all ages.

whistlersportlegacies.com

World Ski and Snowboard Festival Whistler Village April 10-14

Capital City Comic Con

Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden March 22-24

Dress in your best cosplay and immerse yourself in Victoria’s rich and thriving fan culture scene as Capital City Comic Con returns to the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden this March.

An absolute hit in its first year, this event is dedicated to comics, toys, games, family fun, science fiction, special guests, signings and pop culture of all kinds. Victoria has become a hub for fandom, with legendary shops such as Cherry Bomb Toys and the Toy Museum, plus the Interactivity Board Game Cafe, virtual reality and escape rooms, and stores that specialize in vintage comics, collectables and award-winning graphic novels. The Capital City Comic Con is the perfect opportunity to see it all for yourself, make new friends and experience the thrill!

capitalcitycomiccon.ca

3. Whistler

BMW IBSF World Championships 2019

Known to locals as WSSF, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival is a celebration of Whistler’s unique mountain culture, full of snow sports, outdoor concerts and non-stop nightlife.

WSSF combines spring energy with Whistler's lively mountain life for five days of non-stop events and action on and off the slopes. Featuring music, art, photography, filmmaking, ski and snowboard competitions, plus exciting nightlife and some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season. You’ll need more than the weekend to appreciate this vibe.

wssf.com

4. Tofino

West Coast Winter Music Series: Mathieu-Chua Duo Clayquot Sound Community Theatre March 23

Violinist Véronique Mathieu has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout all parts of the world. Her recent CD debut of solo works by Boulez, Donatoni and Lutoslawski was praised as a recording of “outstanding violin playing.” Stephanie Chua is an expressive and versatile pianist devoted to presenting and performing contemporary works through musical insight and innovative programming. Stephanie performs regularly as a duo with violinist Véronique Mathieu. The duo recently released its debut recording ‘True North’ on the Centrediscs label.

tourismtofino.com

Whistler Sliding Centre March 1-3 and 8-9

Come cheer on the world’s best bobsleigh and skeleton athletes as they compete for the world title of “King” and “Queen” at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Reaching ridiculous speeds of 140 km/ hour, 250 athletes representing 35 countries will be zipping down the world’s fastest sliding track — it will be so fast, you may want to practice not blinking beforehand. If you manage to peel your eyes away from the track, this exhilarating event also features nightly CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

MARCH/APRIL 2019 17

FIVE ON THE DRIVE National Sport Federation governing Surf and SUP and is recognized by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), International Surfing Association (ISA) and Pan American Surfing Association (PASA.) tourismtofino.com

5. Vancouver Island The Sound of Music Chemainus Theatre Until April 6

Surf Canada National Championships & Olympic Trials May 10-15 Wickaninnish Beach, Lot D

Come to the beach and witness some serious competition on the road to Tokyo 2020, where surfing will make its Olympic debut!

The 2019 Surf Canada Nationals is the National Championship and Team Canada Surf and SUPsurf selections for the 2020 Olympics. The Surf Nationals take place May 10-12 and the Olympic Trials, May 13-15. Surf Canada is a not-for-profit

18 MARCH/APRIL 2019

Presenting the largest show ever produced at this time of year, the Chemainus Theatre Festival kicks off 2019 with the beloved classic The Sound of Music. Originally written as a Broadway play in 1958, this captivating and electric family musical follows the real life story of the von Trapp family singers — one of the world's best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. During this tempestuous and frightening time, Captain von Trapp and governess Maria fall in love and courageously escape over the Austrian mountains with their seven children after Nazis demand immediate enlistment of the Captain. Audiences will be memorized by the Chemainus Theatre as it comes alive with the sound of music, featuring treasured songs such as “My Favourite Things,” “Do-re-mi,” “Climb Every Mountain” and, of course, “The Sound of Music.”

chemainustheatrefestival.ca

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ON THE

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t recent awards gala at Victoria’s Union Club, the Family Business Association of Vancouver Island honoured several outstanding family businesses, including Proline Management Ltd., the recipient of

A FOCUS ON FAMILY

the 2019 Family Business Excellence (FBE) Award, and finalists Bliss, Be Love and Two Eagles Lodge B&B. Also honoured was Andrew Wilson of The Wilson’s Group of Companies,

the recipient of the 2019 Family Business Young Entrepreneur Award. We spoke to Andy Spurling, president of Proline Management, and Andrew Wilson to get a sense of what makes them tick.

Andy Spurling (left), Marilyn Spurling and Eric Spurling of Proline Property Management, at their offices on Burnside Road.

Andy Spurling,President of award-winning Proline Management LTD. Congratulations on your FBA award. What can you tell us about your work with the family business, Proline Management? We are so

grateful for this recognition from our peers.

There are so many great family businesses on Vancouver Island and to be recognized in this way is a huge honour. The opportunity to work together as family members has also been an amazing journey and deepens family relationships in ways that you can’t imagine until you experience it. I feel so grateful to know and understand my parents as adults, as peers and as colleagues, for it has strengthened our relationships far deeper than I could have foreseen if we had been limited to interactions on the phone and at family events. It’s been very cool.

What is the best piece of business or personal advice you’ve been given? To set goals that

scare you. In reaching beyond our comfort zones, we become aware of the endless possibilities that are open to us.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Running the West Coast Trail in one day. It combined so many of my passions, childhood memories and dreams for my future in one day. And we got to eat fresh crab and have burgers at Chez Moniques in her last season on the trail. It stands as one of the best days of my life, as it was more than I could have imagined without having experienced it.

What gets you excited about your work?

The opportunity to transform ourselves, our business and our industry. We are constantly working to improve how we 20 MARCH/APRIL 2019

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

do things, what more we can do for our clients and how we can help make their lives easier. It makes our work interesting, exciting and meaningful.

What makes you happy? Learning and

What is the Proline Management mandate, and why is that important to you? Our

in nature and will always make time for a trail run on one of the many beautiful trails we are lucky to have all around us.

purpose is to help people live and grow together. We are lucky to play a central role in helping our clients manage their homes and communities. We have found that increasing understanding through education and service helps build deeper relationships and creates stronger communities.

improving make me happy. I aim to learn something new every day.

What do you like to do on a day off? I love being

What do you like to do while you’re riding the bus? One of two things. I like to read a

book or sit back and observe. It is always interesting to me to watch the world roll by and see how much beauty people are missing while they stare at their phones!

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

Andrew Wilson on the BC Connector.

PHOTO BY BRIANNA GREEN

Andrew Wilson,Winner of the 2019 Family Business Young Entrepreneur Award.

Congratulations, Andrew. What can you tell us about your work with the family business, The Wilson’s Group of Companies? Currently, I am

the Fleet and Maintenance Manager for the Wilson’s Group of Companies. I have been in this position for six years now and I love what I do because every day offers something new. My job entails staying up to date with our entire fleet, which includes fleet utilization, location and maintenance. I oversee 18 employees at our Victoria shop, where my office is located, but I also oversee the maintenance for our North Island and Vancouver locations. In total, my team and I look after close to 300 vehicles, and all of us take great pride in our spotless safety record. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our drivers, passengers and everyone else on the road, and I know we do a pretty good job of that. Making my work even more special is the fact I get to come to work and spend every day with my family — and not just my immediate family, but people I have known almost my whole life who I consider family.

What is the best piece of business or personal advice you’ve been given?

The best piece of advice I have ever received in my professional life was from my father. He told me, “Being the boss’s son you will have to work harder than everyone else to get respect, and even then they still might not respect you. But as long as you show up to work every single day and work your butt off, it won’t matter what other people think because you will know that you have earned everything you get.” It is examples like this from my parents that have given me a valuable work ethic, and I carry this advice with me every day.

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is without a doubt getting married to the woman of my dreams and being the father to a beautiful baby girl. What I do during the day means nothing without them and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do or get to where I want to go if I didn’t have those two to come home to. All I want to do in this life is be a good husband, father, son, brother, friend and employee. If I can do those things, everything else is a bonus.

What gets you excited about your work? I get excited about the new opportunities with which our management team constantly challenges us and the people with whom I work. The hunger to continue to grow at our upper management level means every day offers something new. There is always a new challenge ahead of me and I am always learning. I am surrounded by an amazing group of people who make the bad days better. I am honoured to be a part of this team.

What do you like to do on a day off? I like to spend time with my wife and daughter — even if it is just sitting around the house or going on a shopping trip, I enjoy every minute of it. I also enjoy watching football games with my father (Go Seahawks!), or if I need to unwind, I like playing golf. It helps me de-stress and I enjoy the challenge as well.

What do like to do while you’re riding the bus? Well, being the maintenance manager, I am usually looking for deficiencies that maybe the average consumer wouldn’t notice. I am always seeking ways to improve the customer experience.

Anything else we should know? I would like to thank my mom, dad and sister for giving me the life lessons and the opportunities to succeed in what I do — not only at work, but in life as well. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.

MARCH/APRIL 2019 21

WILSON’S GROUP SUPPORTS RACE ROCKS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE The Wilson’s Group is committed to actively supporting a healthy and vibrant community through sponsorships, charitable donations, and by having its leadership team volunteer on various boards and committees. The support is wide and varied, from arts programs to sports and local charities, and the company takes tremendous pride in these relationships.

Classroom by the sea

BY SEAN MCINTYRE

A

classroom unlike any other offers high school students from around the world a chance to explore an extraordinary maritime landscape within a short boat ride of downtown Victoria.

Faculty and alumni from Pearson College UWC are among those who have volunteered to manage the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca since 1997. Before then, the island was known primarily as a strategic navigation point and home to one of the oldest lighthouses on Canada’s West Coast.

“Race Rocks and the surrounding waters have some of the best biodiversity on the planet and an abundance of species,” says Greg Dickinson, Seafront Coordinator at Pearson.

High currents that converge around Race Rocks attract large numbers of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, marine invertebrates and aquatic plants like sea grass and algae. The island is a common

haul-out site for sea lions, and harbour seals use it as a birthing rookery. The island is also the Pacific coast’s northern-most birthing colony for elephant seals.

Back in November, observers counted between 1,100 and 1,300 sea lions in the reserve, which covers three square kilometres of ocean, rocks and reefs.

The site is watched over by an “ecoguardian” tasked with general maintenance and monitoring animal populations. The position is supported in part by Race Rocks donors like Wilson’s Group of Companies, who remain keen to preserve this unequaled opportunity to learn first-hand about the marine environment.

To protect the island’s sensitive environment, Race Rocks is not open to members of the general public, although tours can be provided to organizations considering making a donation to the project.

Fortunately, anyone who is curious to check in and see what’s happening on the island can watch live online video feeds comprising multiple views of the island, and a fixed underwater webcam. A video archive and additional information about the project is also available at racerocks.ca and pearsoncollege.ca.

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