Special Features - Best of the West Shore 2019

GAZETTE 2018

2019 Best GOLDSTREAM NEWS

of the

Best City WestShore of the

24th Year

Discover the best as voted by our readers • Dining • Attractions • Fun! • 100 plus

categories

Chamber of Commerce

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Congratulations to all nominees

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very year, I find myself saying that “this year’s Best of the WestShore Awards is the biggest yet.” 2019 is no exception.

This year’s public voting system registered over 40,000 votes cast across 44 categories, by comparison with 30,000 plus in 2018. Thank you to everyone who voted for their favourite businesses, organizations and community places across Colwood, the Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal!

The Best of the WestShore Awards is brought to you through a partnership between the Goldstream News Gazette and the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. You know the Gazette as your community newspaper, and the WestShore Chamber is your local Chamber.

We are a non-profit organization advancing growth, prosperity and sustainability of business and community on the WestShore. The WestShore Chamber has 380 members across the South Island who pay an annual membership fee, and it is thanks to our members and the support of the City of Colwood, the City of Langford and the Town of View Royal that we can provide support and services to our local community, advocate on behalf of business, and bring you initiatives such as the Best of the WestShore Awards.

While those voted into the top three are both members and non-members, there is no question that being connected to the WestShore Chamber can make a difference. As in previous years, this year we provided a month-long registration process, so those businesses that registered on the platform were primed and ready to launch their individual campaigns when voting opened in July. If you would like to know how you can best position your organization for the

Best of the WestShore 2020, please get in touch with me, or check out our website at westshore.bc.ca.

On behalf of our President Mike Reilly, the Board of Directors of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce and our volunteers and staff, congratulations to all the finalists and to everyone who has been nominated!

Julie Lawlor, Executive Director, WestShore Chamber of Commerce

And last but not least, thank you to our partner the Goldstream News Gazette, our Title Sponsor Coastal Community Credit Union and our Gold Sponsors Camosun College Co-operative Education & Career Services, Coast Capital Savings, Elements Casino Victoria, Royal Roads University, Signs of the Times, The University of Victoria Co-operative Education Program & Career Services and Westshore Dental Centre. Thank you too to our additional six InKind and Presenting Sponsors whose logos you will also see within these pages. We are grateful for all of your support!

Julie Lawlor, Executive Director, WestShore Chamber of Commerce

Goldstream Gazette and the WestShore Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize the following sponsors:

Title Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

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Being a part of the West Shore is a great honour

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Michelle Cabana Publisher, Black Press

elcome to the fourth edition of the Best of the West Shore, where you will discover whom our readers voted for in various business and community categories. It has been another busy year on the West Shore where all five municipalities continue to see some exciting changes.

In Victoria’s West Shore we enjoy all it has to offer from local business to sports and entertainment. Living in Metchosin, I typically spend a lot of time with my family barbecuing on the back deck and enjoying the peace and tranquility of “Rural Life.” When I come into town, I enjoy the drive through the Esquimalt Lagoon, stopping every so often just to enjoy the view before I make my way to work in Langford. Everything we need is just a hop, skip and jump away. With a young daughter I could not ask to live in an area any better than the West Shore. With all the sports, recreational activities, a great school system and local business, my family and I feel lucky to be a part of such a growing community.

With more than 40,500 votes this year from the West Shore community, it proves our readers and businesses are engaged in their community.

This year marks another record year for Best of the West Shore Awards and we are proud to partner with the WestShore Chamber of Commerce on this. We hope you enjoy reading about some of our best historical spots, non profits, activities and businesses. Hopefully we have covered all the popular choices and we welcome any suggestions for next year.

Thanks to everyone who voted and thanks to every one of the staff members at the Goldstream News Gazette who contributed to this great feature. We all hope you enjoy it!

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A destination to watch some of the best sports teams Shalu Mehta News Staff

Home to some of Canada’s biggest sports names and a number of national teams, the West Shore is a destination to watch some of the best teams duke it out against their rivals.

The two premium grade artificial turf fields at City Centre Park are built to IRD and FIFA two-star rated specifications. Westhills Stadium — home to Rugby Canada, the Westshore Rebels football team and the new Canadian Premier League’s Pacific FC — has full stadium seating that will accommodate 6,000 spectators, nine suites and concession with liquor service. Meanwhile, Bear Mountain Resort is home to great tennis, mountain biking and a golf resort unlike any other in Canada. The Q Centre plays host to both the Victoria Grizzlies and Victoria Shamrocks, giving fans two good reasons to make their way over to the arena for some quality action.

Photo by Shalu Mehta Tennis Canada/Tennis BC

Rugby Canada Canada’s top rugby athletes have settled into their routine of training on the turf fields at City Centre Park. They start their mornings with a scrum and hit the Eagle Ridge gym for an afternoon workout. Rugby Canada also officially opened the brand new Al Charron Training Centre in 2018, the single-largest investment ever made by Rugby Canada in its pursuit of growing the sport in Canada.

Canada’s international rugby teams have achieved unprecedented success. The senior women’s team claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the men’s team claimed its first ever HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series cup title at the 2017 Singapore Sevens.

Near the North Langford Recreation Centre and a top Skirt Mountain is a new tennis facility supported by Tennis Canada and Tennis BC. Located within the District of Highlands, the facility is easily accessible via Bear Mountain parkway and is expected to be one of the largest in Canada. It offers up eight red clay courts and a recently opened four-court indoor facility. Tennis Canada and Tennis BC are working Continued on page 7

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Pacific FC The Pacific Football Club is a division of the brand new Canadian Premier League and has brought professional men’s soccer to Langford. Based out of Westhills Stadium, the team played its inaugural season in 2019 and lit up the field in purple and blue, taking on its opponents. The home opener in April, saw a sold out crowd and the team’s first win as it made Canadian soccer history. The games are for all ages with a family zone, food-trucks and a beer garden.

We are honoured to be a part of a growing West Shore community.

Photo by Shalu Mehta

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The Best of the West Shore 2019 Team Katherine Engqvist Editor

Jenna Kite Hall Multi-Media Consultant

“I love living on the West Shore. There are so many great businesses and amenities within walking distance of my home and the Goldstream News Gazette office. But my favourite thing about the West Shore is how much pride and ownership residents take. Our communities are filled with volunteers working tirelessly, whether it’s our local firefighters, volunteers at the food bank, residents serving on municipal committees or so many more, residents are proud to call the West Shore home.”

“As a busy parent with a daughter in SD62, I enjoy having everything I need so close by the West Shore. I’m proud to be a part of a community that is growing and enjoy exploring with my family.

The lakes, Hatley Castle, and Fisgard Lighthouse are a few of my favourite places. I have enjoyed watching the growth over the past few years in the communities and look forward to seeing what comes next.”

Shalu Mehta News Staff

Joan Stiebel Multi-Media Consultant

“I moved to the West Shore one year ago from Ontario and am so glad I did. The community has welcomed me with open arms. It really feels like home. I love going to the Esquimalt Lagoon on a sunny afternoon to read or to Goldstream Park to enjoy a day in nature.”

“I really enjoy the peacefulness at Langford Lake. Each season offers great photo opportunities. In the summer there is swimming then a picnic or go to farmers’ markets and live music. There are so many new restaurants to try!

Everything is so close by so it is only a few minutes from park or beach to lunch or shopping.”

Rebecca Wilde Layout/Design

Randi Fillatre Multi-Media Consultant

“I have lived my whole life on the West Shore and have been able to see so much of it. I love going to Fort Rodd Hill and Hatley Castle, but my go-to place is Tower Point in Metchosin. I adore the forest that goes right to the water’s edge and I even try and time my walk for when the tide is low and I can explore even more of the beach.”

“There are so many things I love about the West Shore. The many eateries, unique stores and boutiques. Everyone is warm and friendly. I love going to the Lagoon with my family and going for a nice drive around Metchosin and exploring the farm lands with my husband on a Sunday afternoon.“

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Westshore Rebels The Westshore Rebels football team officially made its move to Langford’s Westhills Stadium in 2011. The club has been around since the late 1960s under various names but became the Westshore Rebels to commemorate its new home. The team, which is part of the Canadian Junior Football League and plays in the B.C. Football Conference, has award-winning coaches and players. The Westshore Rebels have also been recognized for their sportsmanship and involvement in the community and are committed to the development of amateur football and community development across Vancouver Island.

Cycling Canada Langford is home to the Canadian National Mountain Bike team and includes a training centre, dirt jump park and bike trails. With its intermediate to advanced west coast single track, sweeping flow lines and scenic climbs, Bear Mountain serves as year-round training grounds for Cycling Canada and has been host to the Canada Cup Series for mountain biking. The weather, technical terrain and training environment on Bear Mountain is perfect for Canada’s riders to prepare themselves to compete on the international stage.

Victoria Grizzlies Playing out of The Q Centre in Colwood, the Victoria Grizzlies are a junior “A” ice hockey team and are part of the British Columbia Hockey League. While the players are young, the league has established itself as a national leader in developing young athletes, with many of them moving on to university hockey. Grizzlies’ games are always full of excitement with fans cheering for the team as they take on their rivals right on the West Shore.

Victoria Shamrocks Having been around since the 1950s, the Victoria Shamrocks have garnered quite a following on the West Shore. Players in the professional National Lacrosse League even voted Shamrocks fans to be the best spectators in North America. The team has made 21 Mann Cup appearances since the Canadian Lacrosse Association was formed in 1925 and continues to draw dedicated fans to The Q Centre each season.

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Spawning salmon make their way to Goldstream Park Shalu Mehta News Staff

It’s a natural phenomenon that takes place every year.

Thousands of salmon travel through open waters to come back to the river in Goldstream Park where they were born. The spawning frenzy brings many visitors – human and animal – to the park for the event.

The annual salmon run occurs towards the end of October and draws mainly chum salmon to the area, although coho and chinook make appearances as well.

In 2018, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 chum salmon made their way home to spawn thanks to magnetite in their structure that allows them to feel magnetic north.

Water in the Goldstream River splashes about as females dig to lay eggs and male salmon fight each other all while making their way upstream.

The park itself offers riverside trails and viewing platforms for visitors to observe the salmon run all while learning about the salmon life cycle. Many school groups take advantage of the phenomenon to learn about science and the environment as well. Some residents in the area can remember visiting the salmon run year after year when they were younger and still make their way over as adults. Meanwhile, tourists take in the unique natural experience to see something they may have never seen before.

Meghan Mccann, a Saanich resident, came to the salmon run when she was five-years-old. She is an environmental educator and said what the salmon do every year is “remarkable.”

“I think it’s especially important for young people to come out and experience it first hand,” Mccann said. “But I think it’s also important for all people to be able to come and witness that’s happening here,

Photo by Shalu Mehta learn about how it’s changed, learn about what they can do to try to protect the rivers and protect the salmon.

Eagles and the occasional bear are attracted to the river as well to take advantage of the abundance of salmon in the river.

Tips for viewing the salmon run are: • Walk to the river, don’t run • Keep dogs on a leash and out of the river at all times • Stay on designated trails and do not enter the river or throw rocks into it • Wear polarized sunglasses to see below the surface • Walk down to the Goldstream Nature House for displays and activities

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Best historic places to visit on the West Shore

Photo by Rebecca Wilde

Shalu Mehta News Staff

The West Shore sits on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people, who inhabited the area for several hundred years before European settlers began to arrive in the 18th century. While many of the historic landmarks in the western communities were built by settlers, it is important to remember we walk on the ancestral lands of the Kwsepsum, Lekwungen, Scia’new and T’Sou-ke families of the Coast Salish area.

attraction that many still enjoy to this day. Western Speedway, western Canada’s oldest speedway, was founded in 1954 and is one of the biggest entertainment attractions on Vancouver Island. It has grandstand seating of 3,000 and provides visitors with loud, fast fun from April to October.

Western Speedway is also home to the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame which features auto racing history from the area going back about 75 years. Every February, new members are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Colwood: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse

View Royal: Craigflower Manor

While the City of Colwood was incorporated in 1985, it is home to various historic landmarks dating several years before the city was officially formed. One of the most notable is the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site located on a beautiful oceanfront property.

The Town of View Royal is home to some of the oldest buildings in the Capital Region as well as one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, the Craigflower Manor. Completed in 1856, the Manor was one of four original farms set up by the Hudson’s Bay Company on Vancouver Island. The McKenzie family was housed in the Manor and the grounds

Built by the British in the 1890s, Fort Rodd Hill’s main purpose was to defend Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can tour through secret bunkers, batteries and military command posts, among other things. It’s also a short walk to Fisgard Lighthouse, the first lighthouse on Canada’s West Coast built in 1860. The lighthouse features exhibits about the structure as well as other exciting stories about shipwrecks and storms.

Those that want an overnight experience at Fort Rodd Hill can camp in style in oTENTik tents while slipping back in time to feel what it would have been like sleeping on the grounds in the past.

Langford: Western Speedway Incorporated in 1992, the City of Langford has a long history of European settlement. However, in its more recent history came an 26 B est of the West Shore 2019

A red Nissan S14 driven by Sheldon Rozon and a grey Nissan S14 driven by Danny Cox. Photo by Nathan Peltier.

Capital Drift has been Vancouver Islands’ premier drifting series since 2008. Capital Drift is a friendly, welcoming community of enthusiasts who are always open to helping and encouraging new and old drivers to improve their skills and have fun drifting. Many attendees have been involved in the drifting community for over 10 years. Pictured is a black Mazda RX7 driven by Andrew Petersen. Photo by Nathan Peltier.

included 20 other dwellings, a saw mill, a flour mill, a blacksmith’s shop, a brick kiln, a slaughterhouse and a general store.

The Craigflower Schoolhouse, adjacent to the manor, was built around 1855. Both properties can be found at the intersection of Admirals road, Craigflower road and Island Highway.

Elizabeth Fisher began classes teaching seven girls and three boys who arrived on foot and horseback. The one-room schoolhouse was open continuously for 42 years and today, has become a museum with artifacts, photographs and stories about Metchosin’s pioneer families.

Highlands: Caleb Pike Heritage Park Highlands is mostly a residential municipality, tucked away in a rural, nature setting with more than one-third of the Highlands protected as municipal, regional and provincial parkland.

The Caleb Pike Heritage Park land was donated to the Capital Regional District in 1983 and was transferred to the District of Highlands in 1993 when the it was incorporated.

The park takes up about three acres and at the centre of it is a heritage orchard framed by buildings that are connected by pathways.

Three of the buildings are designated as heritage buildings. They include the Caleb Pike House dating from 1883, the newly restored Schoolhouse and Teacherage. The caretaker’s house is a replica of Gregory House, another local pioneer home, and sits alongside a woodshed and a museum.

Metchosin: Metchosin School Museum From pioneers and farmers to the federal government, several people have left their mark on Metchosin, a district with a rich history dating back to the First Nations people’s who originally lived there.

In 1871, a gathering of residents met near what is now the intersection of Happy Valley and Metchosin roads to plan to build a school for their children. The school was opened in 1872 after John Witty donated a parcel of land, the community raised $150 for building costs and the government matched the $150.

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Get the best out of the West Shore Shalu Mehta News Staff

Selfie: Goldstream Fountain, Hatley Castle, Thetis Lake Regional Park, Devonian Regional Park, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park Looking for that perfect photo of you and your bestie or your family?

The West Shore has some great places where you can embrace your angles and get that Instagram-worthy shot.

Head to the Goldstream Fountain in Langford for a photo during the day or night. Be sure to capture the lighted trees on Goldstream Avenue in the background.

Tower Point at Witty’s Lagoon. Photo by Rebecca Wilde

Hatley Castle in Colwood has served as a backdrop to famous films such as Deadpool and some of the X-Men movies, so why not make it the backdrop of your photos too? If Deadpool – played by Ryan Reynolds – can pose in front of it, so can you.

Known for its annual fall salmon run, Goldstream Provincial Park boasts massive trees, waterfalls, a river and fascinating wildlife. While it’s not far from the hustle and bustle of the West Shore, it’s easy to feel lost in nature while visiting the park. Head over for a hike or learn about the salmon life cycle while watching them swim against the current to spawn.

If you’re looking for that perfect summertime nature selfie, check out Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal, Devonian Regional Park in Metchosin and Gowlland Tod Provincial Park in the Highlands. These gorgeous spots will let you show off your outdoorsy side and let you get those lovely views on the water as well.

Metchosin Day, which takes place the Sunday after Labour Day, is a free and fun day for the whole family. A five kilometre run/walk leaves the Metchosin Community Hall and ends at the Metchosin Community House where there are prizes, a pancake breakfast, vendors and live entertainment.

The sound of live music in Veterans Memorial Park is sure to draw families out in the warm weather as local bands participate in the Music in the Park event. The annual showcase runs in the afternoon on Saturdays in the summer.

Beaches: Esquimalt Lagoon, Witty’s Lagoon, Thetis Lake and Taylor Beach Nothing says summer better than a trip to the beach and the West Shore has plenty of beaches for residents to wander.

The Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood is host to several events throughout the year and is a great spot to hang out, watch birds, go for a walk and even take a quick dip or paddle.

Photo by Rebecca Wilde

Free Family Fun: Eats and Beats, Goldstream Park, Metchosin Day, Music in the Park Nothing beats a fun day with the family, especially when it’s free.

Whether you’re into music, food or nature, the West Shore has something fun for every family.

Eats and Beats at the Beach in Colwood is an annual beach festival that takes place on the city’s beautiful waterfront. It features live bands, a street food festival, craft beverages and activities such paddle boarding and a climbing wall.

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Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin features a large salt marsh perfect for bird watching, trails through woodland and marsh, a waterfall and a sandy beach overlooking the ocean. It’s home many sensitive, sand-dwelling plants and animals that have adapted to the shifting sands and changing tides of the beach.

Thetis Lake Regional Park boasts freshwater lakes for swimming, canoeing and fishing as well as beaches, trails and picnic areas for people to explore. What more could you ask for when looking for a fun-filled day with friends or family?

Just past Witty’s Lagoon lies Taylor Beach, part of Devonian Regional Park. Walk through some lovely, short hiking trails to get to this oceanfront beach and enjoy a day in nature.

The best of our West Shore heroes Shalu Mehta News Staff

A man was in the right place at the right time when his life was saved by two off-duty Colwood firefighters and the Langford fire chief at a Shamrocks game this year.

Colwood Fire Rescue’s Pat Seward and Lt. Craig Twidale were off-duty and working security at The Q Centre during a Victoria Shamrocks Man Cup series game when a man went into cardiac arrest. Colwood Fire Chief John Cassidy noted due to their CPR training, firefighters from the department tend to help out when they can.

Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey was also off-duty at the game when he spotted what was happening and offered to help.

Together, the team of firefighters performed critical, lifesaving CPR and were able to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock the man twice and get his pulse and breathing back in time for the ambulance to take over.

“We just kept doing what we would normally do if on duty until the ambulance got there,” Aubrey said. “My hat’s off to the two Colwood firefighters … it was really a team effort and just so awesome we had off-duty firefighters from multiple departments working together seamlessly.”

Seward is a long-time Colwood volunteer and Twidale is a career member with a long service history. Cassidy noted the man who had the heart attack was in the right place at the right time and that the save ended up being successful in the end.

“Between the three of them, I can’t tell you how many cardiac arrests they’ve been to collectively,” Cassidy said.

Both Aubrey and Cassidy noted that having access to the AED made a big difference. The early use of an AED in a situation such as this can be lifesaving.

Both fire chiefs also Photo by Spencer Pickles stressed members of the public should learn basic CPR and first aid. Cassidy added the use of a fire extinguisher is also a key skill everyone should learn.

“You never know what could happen anywhere at any time,” Aubrey added.

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Putting our best foot forward for first responders Shalu Mehta News Staff

Langford Fire Rescue is taking steps to address the mental health of its members by partnering with Wounded Warriors Canada.

The department is the first in B.C. to formalize a partnership with the charity group that focuses on the mental health of veterans, first responders and their families.

“I believe the two greatest challenges that are going to affect firefighters over the next decade is cancer-related illness and mental health trauma,” said Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey. “By establishing this partnership we are committed to providing Langford Fire Rescue members with as much access to support and resources so they can maintain their physical and mental well-being.”

Wounded Warriors Canada began work to expand to first responders in 2016. Partnership agreements like the one between Langford Fire Rescue and the organization started to form in March of last year, and since then, more than 30 partnerships have been formed nationally.

Scott Maxwell, executive director of Wounded Warriors Canada, said traditionally, organizations had their own templates to help their members. But he said no one service or organization can be the total solution for its member’s mental health challenges.

“When people fall through the cracks and gaps exist, we know it can get very bad very quickly,” Maxwell said. “When you get the chiefs

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Langford Mayor Stew Young (left), Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey and Wounded Warriors Canada executive director Scott Maxwell. (Shalu Mehta/News Staff)

and association leaders to step forward and say that it’s OK to put your hand up, it’s OK to access partnerships like what they have with Wounded Warriors Canada, we’re seeing the results of that.”

One of the programs offered by the organization is called BOS — Before Operational Stress — which helps people identify symptoms of PTSD and learn how to address them. There is also a program called COPE — couples overcoming PTSD every day — that has treated at least 300 couples already. Both programs started in Victoria.

Jacqueline Zweng, the Victoria ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada said she has seen the programs prove to be very successful and because they are research-based, she’s confident they’re only going to get better.

“People are functioning at a much better level after the programming, couples have stronger relationships that are thriving,” Zweng said.

“Personally, I can just see the hope when you talk to somebody about what is available and they realize they’re not alone.”

Aubrey said he wants to do whatever he can to make sure his members have the resources they need so they don’t become injured in the course of helping out their neighbours. He said he is encouraging other first responders to look at the resources available and ensure their members can access them.

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Discover the best of Westhills In just a few short years, Westhills has become the most desirable master plan community on Vancouver Island for families to call home.

From an outstanding selection of new homes and condominiums to amenities and services that are just a stone’s throw away, Westhills is a lifestyle and the living is great.

Go for a morning swim or evening yoga class at the Westhills YMCA/ YWCA. Check out that book you’ve been dying to read at the Greater Victoria Public Library or learn a new instrument at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Moving is easy with Westhills homes that are move-in ready. This includes ranchers, family townhomes and lofts with master bedrooms on the main level.

The Rize view homes are contemporary homes that offer a coveted view and an interior to match. High-level interior finishings including quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, tile backsplash in the kitchen and a tile shower in an en-suite are some of the features that take these homes to another level. Three and four bedroom options are available with additional family room or den spaces.

Spacious townhomes are also an option for residents in Westhills.

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The Callisto Collection of modern homes are single-family homes, duplexes (which are sold out) and homes with legal income suites.

They boast high-level interior finishings like quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, tile backsplash in the kitchen and a tile shower in the en-suite with a built-in niche. The homes offer energy efficient living too with the gas powered ENERGY STAR rated range, fireplace, and barbecue hookup.

The small FOOTPRINT homes offer the finest in low-maintenance living without sacrificing the high life with a rooftop deck entertaining area. This detached home features three bedrooms with the master on the main level and two full bathrooms.

Discover why so many people are choosing to call Westhills home and tour three beautiful townhomes any day of the week from noon to 4 p.m. Single family homes with legal income suites, townhomes and duplexes are now selling. To receive exclusive access to floor plans, price lists and more exciting community updates register now at westhillsbc.com.

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The Best of the West Shore

2019 Results

As voted by the West Shore community and readers of the Goldstream News Gazette, June-September 2019.

BEST AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

★★ Belmont Collision

★★ WestShore Bicycles

22nd Finalist Fountain Tire Langford

22nd Finalist Goldstream Bicycles

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Kal Tire Millstream

P M Bikes

BEST BUSINESS ★★ Cascadia Liquor - Colwood 22nd Finalist Lighthouse Cake Company 33rd Finalist

Island Pet Source

LAKEPOINT DISTRICT THE COMMERCIAL HEART OF

CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

JOINT VENTURE | BUILD TO SUIT | LEASE | ACQUISITION D E B O R A H M O O R E | B R E A K WAT E R R E A LT Y I N C .

2 5 0 9 9 9 9 8 7 6 | D E B . M O O R E @ B R E A K W A T E R R E A L T Y. C A 32 B est of the West Shore 2019

The Best of the West Shore

2019 Results

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

BEST ETHNIC CUISINE

★★ Glenwood Meats

★★ Sizzling Tandoor

22nd Finalist Cascadia Liquor - Langford

22nd Finalist Three Gringos Mexican Grill

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Cascadia Liquor - Eagle Creek Village

BEST DENTAL SERVICES

Original Pho

BEST FAST FOOD RESTAURANT

★★ Colwood Dental Group

★★ Island Poké

22nd Finalist Parkway Dental

22nd Finalist Fatburger Langford

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Westshore Dental Centre

Freshii

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES

BEST DEVELOPMENT/ HOME BUILDER ★★ #MyBelmont Masterplan Community

★★ Coast Capital Savings - Colwood

22nd Finalist Westhills Land Corp.

22nd Finalist Freedom 55 Financial and Quadrus Investment Services

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

GableCraft Homes at Royal Bay

RBC Royal Bank SINGLE FAMILY Westshore Town Centre VIEW HOMES NOW SELLING

SINGLE FAMILY SINGLE FAMILY VIEW HOMES VIEW HOMES NOW BDSELLING | 3.5 BATH NOW4 SELLING 4 BD | 3.5 BATH

4 BDSTARTING | 3.5 BATH FROM

MID $700’s STARTING FROM (INCL. NET GST) MID FROM $700’s STARTING (INCL. NET GST)

MID $700’s (INCL. NET GST)

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West Shore 2019

33

The Best of the West Shore BEST FIRST NATIONS BUSINESS/ ENTREPRENEUR

2019 Results BEST FOR ENTERTAINMENT ★★ Western Speedway

★★ Indigenous Perspectives Society

22nd Finalist Cineplex Odeon Westshore Cinemas

22nd Finalist M’akola Housing Society

33rd Finalist

BEST FLOWER/GARDEN SHOP

Elements Casino Victoria

BEST GOLF CLUB ★★ Olympic View Golf Club

★★ Brown’s The Florist Westshore

22nd Finalist The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort

22nd Finalist GardenWorks - Colwood

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Thrifty Foods Colwood

BEST FOR BREAKFAST

Highland Pacific Golf

BEST GROCERY STORE ★★ Red Barn Market

★★ Floyd’s Diner

22nd Finalist Quality Foods View Royal

22nd Finalist My Chosen Café

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Thrifty Foods Colwood

The Fountain Diner Home | Marine | Auto | Travel

2019

Best WestShore of the

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F I N A L I S T

Thank you West Shore for Your Continued Support

Insurance Service Specialist

www.colwood.ca/EatsnBeats

Services include:

• Auto • Auto Renewal Delivery services • Personal Insurance including • Team of specialists will work o Homeowners together to provide services for o Condo all your product needs o Tenants packages • Risk Management o Travel Medical o Earthquake Deductible Buy-Down o Umbrella liability

1736a Island Hwy • (250) 474-2310 34 B est of the West Shore 2019

The Best of the West Shore BEST HAIR SALON OR BARBER SHOP

2019 Results BEST INSURANCE

★★ BelleRose Salon & Wax Bar

★★ Maxxam Insurance Services

22nd Finalist Chatters Hair|Beauty|Salon

22nd Finalist Coast Capital Insurance Services

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Kharma Salon

BEST HOME OR TRADE SERVICES

Hub International Insurance Brokers

BEST LEGAL SERVICES

★★ Down to Earth Gardens, Landscape Design and Nursery

22nd Finalist Hemminger Law Group Westshore

22nd Finalist Thermal King Glass

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

West Bay Mechanical Ltd.

BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE SHOP

★★ Dinning Hunter Jackson Law ERA Law

BEST MARTIAL ARTS ★★ Clark’s Martial Arts

★★ Serious Coffee Millstream

22nd Finalist Canada’s Best Karate

22nd Finalist Pilgrim Coffee Shop

33rd Finalist

Crusher Combat Sports

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

9Round Langford

Ponchos Café & Catering

BROWN’S The Florist Since 1912

DOWNTOWN • SIDNEY • WESTSHORE

Thank You West Shore 2 0 1 9

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01t9 2es

BWestShore of the

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757 Fort Street • 2499 Beacon Avenue 102-2972 Jacklin Rd

WWW.BROWNSFLORIST.COM B est of the West Shore 2019

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The Best of the West Shore BEST NEW BUSINESS

2019 Results BEST PLACE FOR PET SERVICES

★★ House of Boateng

★★ Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic

22nd Finalist Roller Skate Victoria

22nd Finalist Millstream Veterinary Hospital

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Beauty By Brooke

BEST PLACE FOR EYE CARE

Glenview Animal Hospital

BEST PLACE TO BUY A NEW/USED VEHICLE

★★ Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates

★★ Galaxy Motors Victoria

22nd Finalist Eye Etiquette Optical

22nd Finalist Jim Pattison Subaru Victoria

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

IRIS

BEST PLACE FOR FITNESS ★★ YMCA-YWCA Westhills

Howie’s Car Coral

BEST PLACE TO DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL

22nd Finalist West Shore Parks and Recreation

★★ School District #62

33rd Finalist

22nd Finalist Tumblebums Play Centre & Toy Shoppe

9Round Langford

33rd Finalist

BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

2019

Best WestShore of the

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The Victoria Conservatory of Music (Westhills)

W I N N E R

★★ Westshore Women’s Business Network 22nd Finalist Pemberton Holmes Westshore 33rd Finalist

Lori Frank Mediation & Consulting

BEST PUB ★★ The Rose Neighbourhood Public House 22nd Finalist Bucky’s Taphouse

Thank you Westshore

for your voting and support!

My-Chosen Cafe | 4492 Happy Valley alley Rd, Victoria .mychosencafe.com (250) 474-2333 | www.mychosencafe.com 36 B est of the West Shore 2019

33rd Finalist

Four Mile House

BEST RESTAURANT ★★ My Chosen Café 22nd Finalist Bin 4 Burger Lounge 33rd Finalist

Browns Socialhouse

The Best of the West Shore

2019 Results

BEST RETAILER

BEST TECH / IT BUSINESS

★★ Cascadia Liquor - Langford

★★ Gizmo’s Computers

22nd Finalist Lighthouse Cake Company

22nd Finalist London Drugs Tech Support & Services Colwood

33rd Finalist

Capital Iron

33rd Finalist

BEST SECOND HAND SHOPPING ★★ Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana 22nd Finalist WIN Resale Shop 33rd Finalist

Habitat for Humanity Victoria ReStore – Westshore

BEST U-BREW/U-WINE ★★ The Wine Maker 22nd Finalist Island Brew Byou 33rd Finalist

BEST SPA/AESTHETICS

Personal Protection Systems Inc. – The White Hatter

Goldstream U-Brew

★★ Sante Spa Victoria 22nd Finalist Spa A’lita 33rd Finalist

BelleRose Salon & Wax Bar

BEST STORAGE ★★ WestShore U-Lock Mini Storage 22nd Finalist Millstream Self Storage 33rd Finalist

Adams Storage

Thank you! for voTing us #1 DR JOSLIN

2019

B est W 2 0 1 9

2019

Be st Wes

of the

tShore

& DR MORIN

of th

estShoree

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W I N N E R

Curated Consignment Style as beautiful as you!

Thank you Westshore!

ASSOCIATES DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY #105-814 Goldstream Ave., Langford Phone: (250) 474-4567 www.Langfordoptometrists.com

#5-6726 West Coast Rd., Sooke Phone: (250) 642-4311 www.Sookeoptometrists.com B est of the West Shore 2019

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The Best of the West Shore

2019 Results

Photo by Spencer Pickles

BEST WELLNESS/HEALTH PRACTICE OR BUSINESS

FAVOURITE LOCAL SPORTS TEAM ★★ Victoria Shamrocks

★★ Colwood Back to Back Chiropractic Inc.

22nd Finalist Pacific FC

22nd Finalist Mandala Center for Health & Wellness

33rd Finalist

33rd Finalist

Float House Westshore

BEST YOGA STUDIO ★★ Yoga Lab Westshore 22nd Finalist YMCA-YWCA Westhills 33rd Finalist

Bella Yoga Studio

38 B est of the West Shore 2019

Victoria Grizzlies

FAVOURITE NON-PROFIT ★★ Wild ARC 22nd Finalist Royal Canadian Legion Branch #91 (Langford) 33rd Finalist

Pacific Centre Family Services Association

Best non-profit services on the West Shore Shalu Mehta News Staff

Wild ARC BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) stays open every day of the year in order to help sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Located in Metchosin, the facility is the only wildlife rehabilitation centre on southern Vancouver Island. Last year, the centre treated 2,801 animals from all over the region, giving them a chance to recover and return to their home in the wild.

Sarah Beckett Park opening day. Photo by Jessica Williamson PACE Musical Theatre The Sooke School District’s PACE Musical Theatre program has been running for more than three decades and has played a major role in encouraging local youths to get involved in a performance environment that helps boost their confidence and self-worth. PACE stands for Program for Academic and Creative Enrichment and the program has seen thousands of youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 sing, dance and perform for crowds. Youths gain new friends, new skills and lifelong memories through PACE Musical Theatre.

Royal Canadian Legion - Langford Branch A cornerstone of the community, the Langford Legion helps give back and support those who need it the most on the West Shore.

Membership includes those who have served as current and former military, RCMP, provincial and municipal police, direct relatives of members and affiliated members, but anyone can become a member.

From hosting several events such as craft fairs and music bingo to being home to organizations such as the Goldstream Food Bank Society, the Langford Legion is a go-to place for many in the community.

Pacific Centre Family Services Association For over 50 years, the Pacific Centre Family Services Association has helped families in Greater Victoria and the West Shore feel a sense of dignity and improve their quality of life. Using education, counselling and creative programs, the association helps people dealing with substance use, mental health issues and other daily challenges. An average of 2,000 youths, adults, families and seniors are helped and supported by the association each year. A new Centre for Wellbeing — recognized as the best new community-institutional building in 2018 by the Victoria Real Estate Board — was also constructed at 324 Goldstream Ave. to help meet the demands of rapid growth on the West Shore.

Rotary Club of West Shore From helping those afar to helping the community, the Rotary Club of the West Shore is involved in several notable projects. The Rotary Club of West Shore spent 2019 raising funds to meet a $250,000 goal to build the Sarah Beckett Memorial Playground — in memory of West Shore RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett — in Langford, which officially opened on Aug. 25. Through its annual Lobster Fest, donations and barbecues in the community, the Rotary Club of West Shore helped bring a beautiful playground to Langford for the community to enjoy. Other local programs involve literacy and scholarships for youths. Overseas, the club’s initiatives include a school for girls in Malawi and orphanages in Haiti.

Pacific Centre Family Services Association B est of the West Shore 2019

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The Best of the West Shore

2019 Results Photo by Shalu Mehta

2019

Best WestShore of the

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Eats and Beats at Esquimalt Lagoon

W I N N E R

BEST BEACH ★★ Esquimalt Lagoon

BEST FREE FUN

22nd Finalist Witty’s Lagoon

★★ Eats and Beats at the Beach City of Colwood

33rd Finalist

22nd Finalist Goldstream Park

Thetis Lake

33rd Finalist 40 B est of the West Shore 2019

Metchosin Day

The Best of the West Shore

2019 Results

Galloping Goose Regional Trail

2019

Best WestShore of the

Photo by Rebecca Wilde

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W I N N E R

Dee, the Aussiedoodle, and her humans went to Matheson Lake in Metchosin where they had a great hike around the lake and to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail to get back to the parking lot to have a good drink of water and a sleepy ride home.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A SELFIE ★★ Esquimalt Lagoon 22nd Finalist Hatley Castle 33rd Finalist

Mount Finlayson

BEST PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG ★★ Thetis Lake 22nd Finalist Esquimalt Lagoon 33rd Finalist

Galloping Goose Regional Trail

10 CELEBRATING

YEARS

We are a dynamic networking group for female business owners and career professionals from Nanaimo to Sidney Connect. Learn. Be Inspired. https://wwbnvictoria.com

B est of the West Shore 2019

41

Valerie and her dog Boo are sitting on a rock injoying the view from Devonian Regional Park in Metchosin. Photo by Rebecca Wilde

DAILY LUNCH BUFFET • ALL DAY MENU • INDIAN INSPIRED COCKTAILS

www.sizzlingtandoor.ca Downtown 250 388 5450 637 Johnson St 42 B est of the West Shore 2019

Uptown 778 265 7775 123–3600 Uptown Blvd

Westshore 778 265 9308 129–2955 Phipps Rd

Who is the West Shore?

“My favourite place is the Esquimalt Lagoon. It has everything. Wide open beaches, summertime activities like Eats and Beats and Food Truck Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a place to meet and greet your neighbours.”

- Mayor Rob Martin

“I like going to City Centre Park and watching all of the events going on there.

You’ve got the soccer, the rugby and all of the other fun stuff there.”

- Mayor Stew Young

Langford

Colwood

Population: 2016 - 35,342

Population: 2016 - 16,859

2011 - 29,228

2011 - 16,093

Change: 20.9%

Change: 4.8%

Attractions:

Attractions:

City Centre Park - Westhills Arena with an ice rink and bowling, and Westhills stadium, home of the Westshore Rebels football team and Rugby Canada’s high-performance training centre.

West Shore Parks and Recreation - Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, The Q Centre, tennis, sand volleyball courts, lacrosse box, the JDF 55+ Activity Centre and WildPlay Element Park, plus trails and a golf course.

Sarah Beckett Memorial Park - Built to honour West Shore RCMP Const Sarah Beckett, who was killed in the line of duty in April 2016, the new Sarah Beckett Memorial Playground has two sections — one with equipment for two to five-year-olds and an other for five to 12-year-olds. The playground officially opened on Aug. 24 with dozens of families there to honour and celebrate Const. Sarah Beckett.

Trails - more than 15 KM of walking trails connect neighbourhoods to parks and each other.

Goldstream Provincial Park - Goldstream River runs through an old-growth forest, with multiple hiking trails and a nature house, don’t miss the fall salmon run.

Bear Mountain Resort - Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa, with two 18-hole Nicklaus Design Golf courses.

More than 30 parks - including Esquimalt Lagoon, a stretch of sandy beach on one side of the boulevard and a lagoon inhabited by wild birds and animals on the other. The lagoon is a federal migratory bird sanctuary.

Coast Collective Gallery - locally run art gallery featuring shows, classes and gift shop.

A taste of history - Hatley Castle, Fort Rodd Hill, Fisgard Lighthouse, Cole Island, Colwood Community Hall, Pioneer Cemetery and St. John the Baptist Church.

Royal Roads University - Historic gardens, walking trails.

Olympic View Golf Course - Championship 18-hole course, driving range and restaurant.

Langford, Glen and Florence Lakes - fishing and swimming opportunities, plus trails, beaches and parks.

Glen Lake

Fort Rodd Hill

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Who is the West Shore?

“My favourite place to visit is Thetis Lake. I think it’s a beautiful, natural setting; a great swimming lake and it’s one of our CRD parks.”

- Mayor David Screech

View Royal

Metchosin

Population: 2016 - 10,408

Population: 2016 - 4,708

2011 - 9,381

2011 - 4,803

Change: 10.9%

Change: -2%

Attractions:

Attractions:

View Royal Archives - run by volunteers, the archives offer insight into the history of View Royal from the days of Fort Victoria to present.

Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park - has salt and fresh water marshes, sandy bluffs and beaches. Other parks include Blinkhorn, Devonian, Matheson Lake and Taylor Beach.

Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse - built in 1852, the manor offers a glimpse into life in Fort Victoria. Community garden on site.

Metchosin Community House - meeting and event space, art gallery.

Parks - View Royal boasts 29 parks, including the 6.6 hectare View Royal Park and Thetis Lake Regional Park with swimming and hiking trails. Portage Park offers walking trails and an alternative commuter route for cyclists to Admiral’s Walk shopping area.

Waterfront - The View Royal shoreline is popular with paddlers; find 12 shoreline access points in the municipality.

Centennial Park - playing fields, community event site.

Elements Casino - recently expanded to include more entertainment options.

Highland Pacific Golf Course - 18-hole championship course, covered driving range and restaurant.

44 B est of the West Shore 2019

Pedder Bay Marina - fishing, mooring, rentals including kayaks and fishing gear.

Golf - Metchosin Golf and Country Club, Green Acres Par 3 Driving Range.

Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay - annual show featuring local talent.

Stinking Fish Studio Tour - pick up a map for a self-guided tour of Metchosin and East Sooke art studios.

Metchosin Pioneer and Schoolhouse Museums - discover the history of the district’s pioneering families.

Metchosin Farmers’ Market - Sundays on the municipal grounds, starting Mother’s Day.

Who is the West Shore?

“I like going up to Lone Tree Hill, you get those fabulous 360 degree views of the whole region.”

250-478-6534 • 2354 MillstreamRoad

- Mayor Ken Williams

FoR all youR stoRage needs Highlands Population: 2016 - 2,225

2011 - 2,120

Change: 5%

Attractions: Caleb Pike House and Little Red Schoolhouse - historic buildings dating back to 1883 and 1893 respectively.

Highlands Farmers’ Market - sample flavours from the area.

The last Sunday of the month throughout the summer.

Eco-Friendly cob house and public washroom - Ann and Gord Baird offer tours of their sustainable home, while a composting cob washroom is open at a local lake.

www.millstreamselfstorage.com Convient Clean Accessible Secure 7 Days a week - Gate Access: 7am-10pm Drive up to Full height units Heated or unheated Mailboxes Boxes & packing supplies Competitive Rates

2019

Best WestShore of the

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F I N A L I S T

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park - more than 25 km of trails winding to waterfront on Finlayson Arm. Lone Tree Provincial Park - summer offers views of the souther Island.

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Goldstream Provincial Park On the edge of Langford, Goldstream Provincial Park lies amid the splendour of an old-growth temperate rain forest. There you can see a world class salmon-spawning stream with thousands of chum salmon returning between October and December but it doesn't stop there. During this amazing time of year you can visit the park and it is always-changing visitor centre. The centre is named after Freeman King, an early naturalist who probably reached more children than any other naturalist on Vancouver Island. The centre is at the mouth of the river, overlooking the Goldstream estuary, nestled among giant black cottonwoods and red alder trees.

There are 937 acres to hike and explore for all levels of experience and fitness. There are also washrooms, picnic tables and a campground, for shorter and longer visits.

Rebecca Wilde (pictured below) and friends were exploring the West Shore and took the hike up to the Goldstream Trestle. The Goldstream Trestle is a popular attraction in Greater Victoria for those looking to enjoy the captivating scenery and refreshing scents of nature. The trestle, train tracks and the train tunnel are private property and it is suggest they should not to be climbed upon by park users.

The hike up to the trestle was rainy, but the sky cleared and the wonderful rich colours come out of the old train bridge when it is wet.

Photo by Rebecca Wilde 46 B est of the West Shore 2019

Talk To a licensed opTician Book Your eYe exam TodaY opening soon in Belmont market

2019

Best WestShore of the

189-2401c millstream rd langford, Bc V9B 3r5 Tel: 250.474.1941 | Fax: 250.474.1921

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Best Best of of the the West West Shore!

Shore!

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2019 2019 Best of the West Shore!

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