Boulevard Magazine, Victoria - Oct/Nov 2017 Issue

OCTOBER I NOVEMBER 2017

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

&

Heart Home The perfect family abode

AUTUMN STYLE Luxurious fall fashion that crosses the ages

TACO PARTY!

Festive, flavourful and fun, tacos are great for sharing

ROMANCING THE OLIVE

Mediterranean inspiration thrives on the West Coast

Sidney, BC 250.656.1138 vanislemarina.com

Excellence and Value in Every Marina Experience.

CONTENTS 124

78 FEATURES 44 MODERN COUNTRY 78 TACO PARTY!

On the Cover

Luxurious, cosy fall fashion

Photo by Vince Klassen

that celebrates the bonds

Spectacular, sky-high house in Bear Mountain combines luxury, practicality and lots of places to play.

It’s the perfect family abode.

of family

By Lia Crowe

Story by Angela Cowan

Mediterranean inspiration thrives on the West Coast

By Sean McIntyre

50 ROMANCING THE OLIVE

HOT PROPERTIES

24

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Festive, flavourful and fun: the perfect food for sharing

By Chef Heidi Fink

96 GO TO SEED

The health-boosting

benefits of pumpkin seeds

By Pamela Durkin

24

50

102

44

DEPARTMENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

18

INSPIRED PEOPLE 102 TRAVEL NEAR Bold and beautiful

Pampered in the Michael Tickner penthouse

Making time to play

By Angela Cowan

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INSPIRED STYLE

Lorin Turner

By Lia Crowe

14

TALKING WITH TESS Of place and space Stephen and Charlotte Hale

113 FRONT ROW

What’s on this month

36

INSPIRED DESIGN

By Tess van Straaten

Scandinavian ski chic

By Janice Jefferson

90 TRAVEL FAR

124 SECRETS & LIVES

Chace Whitson

16

INSPIRED CHEFS Sophie Fenlon Vis a Vis / Penny Farthing

By Susan Lundy

6

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

10

High in sin city

By Hans Tammemagi

By Susan Lundy

By Robert Moyes

By Sean McIntyre

130 OUTTAKE

Photo by Vince Klassen

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS V I C T O R I A L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T

ANGELA COWAN

JEN CLARK

WRITER: ABOVE THE CLOUDS

MAKEUP ARTIST: MODERN COUNTRY

PAGE 24

PAGE 44

“Touring this edition’s Hot Property, I fell in love with the incredibly well-designed layout and attention to detail in its construction, particularly in the kitchen and pantry. All the convenient little touches made it homey and so usable.” Angela is a writer, editor and acupuncturist in Victoria who contributes regularly to Boulevard.

“There’s nothing like shooting in winter woollies and luxurious cashmere in the blazing sun!

This fashion story with real life family members had its challenges; however, it only took seven hours to shoot the seven of us! I kept the makeup application uncomplicated in order to multi-task and create a vibe of tousled, effortless glamour.”

Jen is a Victoria-based makeup artist.

OC TOB ER | NOVEM B ER 2017

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto

PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke

250.891.5627

EDITOR Susan Lundy

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Lorianne Koch, Bravo Advertising Michelle Gjerde Claudia Gross

ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Pat Brindle

ASSOCIATE GROUP Oliver Sommer PUBLISHER

DON DENTON

LIA CROWE

BOULEVARD PHOTOGRAPHER: TACO PARTY

BOULEVARD PHOTO STYLIST: MODERN COUNTRY

PAGE 78

PAGE 44 “Although the fashion story this issue is dripping with the most luxurious fall fashion, the nugget of the story is a celebration of family and relationships. Whether it’s blood-related family or just people who have formed deep bonds over the years, I wanted to delve into a beauty of relationships that crosses ages and generations…and cover them all in cashmere.” Lia is a stylist, creative director, photographer and writer.

“In photographing our taco party shoot, it was the simplest process I found the most engrossing — making and cooking the tortillas.

Simple white dough, converted to flat discs and then cooked in a pan. The result? Tasty, thin bread with a subtly coloured, topographical surface that invited photographic exploration.”

Don has photographed numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships and a Royal wedding.

CONTRIBUTING Angela Cowan, Lia Crowe

WRITERS Pamela Durkin, Heidi Fink, Janice Jefferson, Sean McIntyre, Robert Moyes, Darcy Nybo, Cherie Thiessen, Tess van Straaten, Jane Zatylny

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe, Don Denton,

PHOTOGRAPHERS Cathie Ferguson, Geoff Hobson Pamela Durkin

CIRCULATION & Lindsay Celeste DISTRIBUTION 250.480.3208 OCTOBER I NOVEMBER 2017

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

&

Heart Home The perfect family abode

AuTumn sTyle Luxurious fall fashion that crosses the ages

TACO pArTy!

Festive, flavourful and fun, tacos are great for sharing

rOmAnCing The Olive

PAMELA DURKIN

Mediterranean inspiration thrives on the West Coast

CATHIE FERGUSON

WRITER: GO TO SEED

PHOTOGRAPHER: MODERN COUNTRY

PAGE 96

PAGE 44

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is British Columbia’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 26 years of publishing. To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

“I first fell in love with pumpkin seeds while living in Austria. They grow a particular breed of pumpkin there that is harvested solely for its deep green seeds that are chock-full of beneficial phyto-nutrients. Nutrition aside, the taste was sublime, and I was delighted to share this love with Boulevard readers!”

Pamela is a freelance health writer whose work has appeared in Boulevard, Eat, Reader's Digest, Alive, Spa Business and more.

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“For 15 years I lived just half a block from Beacon Hill Park...and I definitely miss it, especially in the fall when the light is so golden and the textures take on a whole new life.

We shot our fashion story around the hills above Dallas Road on one of those magical days, and once again I was reminded why fall is my favourite time of year. “ Cathy is a photographer based in Victoria.

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Victoria Boulevard ® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication.

Printed in Canada.

Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

HEIDI FINK

JANICE JEFFERSON

WRITER: TACO PARTY

WRITER: INSPIRED DESIGN

PAGE 78

PAGE 14

“Big thanks to the ‘hand models’ (i.e. friends) on the homemade tortilla photos — they were great sports about it, while we bossed and micromanaged. And I’m glad we were all able to sit down for a true taco party at the end!” Heidi Fink is a chef, food writer, and culinary instructor, specializing in local foods and ethnic cuisines.

“For this issue’s design page, I was inspired by thoughts of The Spy Who Loved Me — a cosy mountain cabin, a bright white Lotus Esprit, warm blankets and a Bond movie on a rainy Sunday afternoon.” Janice is an interior designer who creates well-functioning spaces with an eye-catching mix of playfulness and refinement.

PHOTOGRAPHER: ABOVE THE CLOUDS PAGE 24 “This issue’s Hot Property, with all its tremendous bright light and open design, was spacious enough to chase small children — literally!” Born and raised in Victoria, Vince has collaborated with Boulevard for over 20 years and is continually inspired by this community of diverse creative artists and craftspeople.

SEAN MCINTYRE

ROBERT MOYES

HANS TAMMEMAGI

WRITER: ROMANCING THE OLIVE

WRITER: FRONT ROW

WRITER: HIGH IN SIN CITY

PAGE 50

PAGE 113

PAGE 90

“Writing this story has given me a whole new appreciation for the folks who follow their passion to bring residents of the Victoria area high quality foods. Thanks to them, I now understand that not all olive oils are created equal.” Sean is a freelance writer based on Salt Spring Island, who enjoys writing about the people, places and flavours of Canada’s West Coast.

“Front Row has music on its mind this issue, including jazz singer Maria Manna’s tribute to Natalie Cole and a modernized adaptation of a tragic Tchaikovsky opera. And don’t miss Dracula when he pulls on his tights in a special dance for ballet fans.”A born and bred Victoria native, Robert Moyes is a longtime freelancer and editor whose main focus these days is arts journalism.

TESS VAN STRAATEN WRITER: OF PLACE AND SPACE PAGE 36

8

VINCE KLASSEN

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“Las Vegas was decidedly decadent, especially riding the High Roller at dusk during Happy Hour.” Hans is a writer and photographer living the good life on Pender Island with a focus on travel, nature, First Nations culture, environment and all things quirky.

“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I headed to industrial Rock Bay to meet Stephen and Charlotte Hale. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the large Studio 455 sign, I might have driven right by their stunningly renovated live/work space. It’s no wonder one of Charlotte’s favourite things about the condo and studio space is that it’s a hidden gem!” Tess is an award-winning journalist and television personality who has had the privilege of interviewing people for close to two decades.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Making time to play

BY SUSAN LUNDY

PHOTO BY ARNOLD LIM

getting regular exercise and fresh air.

It’s opened up time for us to touch base on our day, connect and just hang out together. (It has also forced us to learn treatment options for stinging nettle — but that’s another story.)

Readers will find threads of playtime throughout this edition of Boulevard.

For example, we have all the ingredients for a party with pizzazz, as Chef Heidi Fink offers up tips for tasty tacos. Or, heat up Halloween festivities with some healthy bites: pumpkin seeds contain a bevy of nutrients and our feature story, Go to Seed, offers some delicious ways to reap their benefits.

Playtime in the Mediterranean spawned a romance with the magic of olive oil for two local couples. Join feature writer Sean McIntyre on his journey of olive oil discovery.

Meet Chace Whitson, who embraces the activity-rich lifestyle of the Saanich Peninsula; and enjoy our fun-filled, multi-age fashion story, shot on location at Beacon Hill Park, one of Victoria’s many places to play. Even Boulevard’s Hot Properties feature house in Bear Mountain speaks to playtime: it has special areas of the house set aside for fun.

Travel Far writer Hans Tammemagi has a high time in Las Vegas checking out the world’s largest Ferris wheel; and in Travel Near, I zip through the trees with AdrenaLine and play in a penthouse in Sooke.

Discover the colour-rich art of Michael Tickner; meet chef Sophie Fenlon, designer Lorin Turner, and Charlotte and Stephen Hale, who have transformed an industrial warehouse space into an eclectic home and events centre. Scandinavian Ski Lodge is the theme of our Inspired Design feature.

I hope this issue of Boulevard inspires readers to get out and play this fall. I plan to take my own advice by periodically ignoring the call of the computer and continuing with regular walks. But — to be clear — on my path from computer to hiking trail, I’ll be giving a wide berth around the household cleaning products.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

T

HE THING IS, I LOVE my work.

And since I work from a home office, and there’s always another deadline looming, it’s easy to sit at my computer and work all hours of the day, all days of the week.

Complicating the matter is a slight aversion to the alternative, which usually involves pulling out the Swifter and vacuum cleaner, or running a brush around toilet bowls. Instead, my computer beckons. And I’m all in.

But finally, after a hectic summer of work and houseguests, my husband and I took some time to play early this fall. We staycationed in Victoria, with an initial plan to work mornings and explore in the afternoons. But then a meeting or two went down, a deadline moved and the days opened up.

And so we played. We walked the trails and swam at Thetis Lake, climbed the south ridge of Mount Doug, picnicked on the beach at Dallas Road. We clambered over vessels at the Classic Boat Festival; we tried a couple of out-of-the-box restaurants, like Chinese food from Halibut House, and barhopped between old favourites and new loves, like Clark and Co. — which has great cocktails and free popcorn!

My mind opened up and all the senses started pouring in. Work became a blurry shape on the horizon (kind of like the vacuum cleaner) — just out of sight. Something to deal with later.

Amid all this play, Bruce and I walked. And walked.

(Okay, one of those days, we walked between bars ... but it counts!) We realized that in the past year, during any of our travels, we’ve put a lot of steps on our shoes.

In New York last spring, Bruce’s FitBit recorded us walking up to 20 km a day. It’s the best way to breathe in a culture and see the sights.

We love walking, we realized, so why not try to walk or hike every day? Since our staycation, this plan has taken us to the beach, where we waded, chest-deep through the water along a rocky shoreline; and to the forest, where we scrambled along a cliff-side deer trail, clinging to the undergrowth. We’ve meandered through a sculpture garden, strolled to a nearby lake and discovered new areas in our neighbourhood.

Walking has become playtime, and suddenly, we’re also

I HOPE THIS ISSUE OFBOULEVARD INSPIRES READERS TO GET OUT AND PLAY THIS FALL.

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Susan Lundy is a former journalist and two-time recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award. Her stories have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers. She is also the author of Heritage Apples: A New Sensation (Touchwood, 2013).

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STYLE INSPIRATIONS

inspiredSTYLE

BY LIA CROWE WITH LORIN TURNER

STYLE ICON: “Katherine Hepburn: she rocked the pantsuit and took no bullshit.” FAVOURITE ARTIST: Emily Carr and Edward Gorey. FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNER: Tom Ford and Edith Head, costume designer. FAVOURITE MUSICIAN: Nina Simone. ERA OF TIME THAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE: Art Deco, for fashion and design. FILM OR MOVIE THAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE: “Anything by Alfred Hitchcock and, essentially, Edith Head. I’d like to spend one day dressed like Grace Kelly from Rear Window.”

INTERIOR DESIGNER AT ZEBRA GROUP

FASHION

BEAUTY

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NECESSARY INDULGENCE: “Facials. For relaxation, I go to the spa at Silk Road.

For, er, maintenance, Dana at Le Sooke Spa is an expert aesthetician.” MOISTURIZER: Day: Yonka Crème 93, Night: Dr. Roebuck’s Boost & Tighten Serum. SCENT: “Just picked up a new scent called Saltspring from a local perfumery in Cowichan Bay, Wild Coast Perfumes.”

MUST-HAVE HAIR PRODUCT: “I have zero hair skills, so a great hairstylist and colourist is essential.

Amanda at Kharma Design Studio in Oak Bay can take all the credit for my hair!” BEAUTY SECRET: “An abundance of water and Prosecco, in no particular order.” boulevardmagazines.com | O C T/ N OV 2 0 1 7

UNIFORM: “I think fashion should be ever-evolving. I like to change up my style and to keep it personally interesting. I appreciate high fashion, but the pieces that I’m most drawn to don’t have much function in daily life. Practically, I need to be able to push up the sleeves and get to work.” ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PIECE: “I bought a ‘70s Honda Leather Motorcycle Jacket from a vintage store on Main St. in Vancouver 16 years ago and I still love it.” CURRENTLY COVETING: “I like many of this season’s pieces at Folk Apparel on Fort St.” FAVOURITE PAIR OF SHOES: “I love ankle boots — I have many, many pairs. For once, I’ve bought an extremely practical version of the Chelsea Boot to wear to job sites in the rainy season.” FAVOURITE DAYBAG: A hobo bag from Fossil that I’ve carried with me every day for the past two years; I still love it.” FAVOURITE JEWELLERY PIECE OR DESIGNER: “I’ve never been drawn to dainty jewels or anything sparkly — it’s too fussy for me. I like handcrafted pieces in simplified shapes that I find at local markets and stores when travelling.

I always wear a leather cuff that was given to me by a dear friend and an oversized matte black watch that I bought at a drugstore.”

I

MIGHT AS WELL SAY right off the bat, Lorin is in the movie Elf, staring Will Ferrell. It’s a small one-line part, her “biggest and smallest claim to fame,” she jokes, but still…it’s pretty dang cool.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Lorin lived the life of a typical “navy brat,” moving from place to place with her family. She was a self-described “shy and awkward” kid, who grew into an “awkward and gawky” teenager, which prompted her mother to enroll her into a modelling program. She quickly had success as a model in Canada, as well as in Paris and Milan.

“I loved the experience of being a model, but I always wanted to be an actor. I moved to Toronto and started booking a lot of acting parts, so I moved to Vancouver and went to theatre school.”

Right out of school Lorin booked a movie filming in China.

She was one of five Canadian actors booked from Vancouver; her now husband, Robert, being another. Eventually, she says, “I went to school for interior design at BCIT and fell in love with it.”

Thirteen years later, now living and working on the island, Lorin says, “I really enjoy the collaborative process, taking creative ideas, sharing them with colleagues and clients and building from there. When you find a really great idea and it can translate into something emotionally or personally significant to your client, that is when the magic happens.”

Her personal design aesthetic leans towards classical design.

“I love old Hollywood, the 20s, 30s and 40s. I also love unusual details and industrial design, so I like to find something that’s pretty and pair it with something that’s rough.”

Now 43, Lorin reflects on the best life lesson learned since 40. “When I was turning 40, every woman I talked to over 40 said, ‘You’re going to love it. You’re going stop giving a shit about what other people think. You’re going to feel more comfortable in your skin.’ And that is so true. Worrying about what everyone thinks of you, takes so much effort. That is a big lesson that I’m still learning.”

LIFE

FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: “In honour of my community, Sooke, for romantic dinners, Point No Point. For island visitors, Wild Mountain.” FAVOURITE COCKTAIL/WINE: A glass of Prosecco or a Tom Collins. SONG ON CURRENT ROTATION: “Everything Now,” Arcade Fire.

FAVOURITE FLOWER: Peony. FAVOURITE HOTEL: InterContinental Carlton Cannes Hotel where they filmed To Catch A Thief. FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD: “Big Island of Hawaii — every square inch.”

WHAT DO YOU READ ONLINE FOR STYLE: “I spend an inordinate amount of time online looking at new brands and products for interior design. I like the quirky, irreverent aesthetic of Rockett St. George. I find the handmade tile and modern patterns of Fireclay Tile quite inspiring. For Fashion: The Cut.” FAVE PRINT MAGAZINE: Elle Decoration, UK. COFFEE TABLE BOOK: “I love Vicente Wolf’s pared-down global interiors, and his book, Learning to See, is timeless.” LAST GREAT READ: Swing Time by Zadie Smith. BOOK CURRENTLY READING: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. FAVOURITE BOOK OF ALL TIME: Fall On Your Knees by Anne-Marie MacDonald.

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inspiredDESIGN

BY JANICE JEFFERSON MODHAUS DESIGNS

3.

1.

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Scandinavian SKI CHIC

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Dreaming of a cosy ski lodge? This fall, settle into the luxury and warmth of Scandinavian minimalism with wool blankets, black coffee with cinnamon donuts, clouds of sheepskin and a bubbling fondue.

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4.

Designed in Germany, Made in Italy

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618 Broughton St. I 778 406 1600 I bagheeravictoria.ca

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1. Copper kettle by Hario, $185, Pigeonhole Homestore 2. Highball glasses by Tom Dixon, $115 (set of 2), Gabriel Ross 3. “Bowan” writing desk by Remi, $1299, Monarch 4. Honey Tobacco candle, $38, Picot 5.

“Curio Zebrawood” wallpaper by Cole & Son, $230/ 11 yard roll (not priced per single roll), Bespoke 6. “Tapas” ceramic fondue pot in black by Boska, $59, Hudson’s Bay 7. “Pablo” Tube Top Lamp in smoke and black, $899, Chester Fields 8. ”Wing Ear Climber” in labradorite and silver by Leah Alexander, $175, Violette Boutique 9. Velvet bootie by Hispanitas, $300, Footloose Shoes 10. Lap blanket by MacAusland’s Woollen Mills, PEI, $96.00, Smoking Lily 11. “Tambour” Credenza by EQ3, $1299.00, Studio Y Design 12. Icelandic sheepskin, $285, Pigeonhole Homestore 13. Carve: A Simple Guide to Whittling by Melanie Abrantes, $22, Bolen Books 14. “Spy Bag” by Market Canvas, $245, marketcanvas.com

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CLIENT: MAYCOCK EYECARE PUBLICATION: BOULEVARD MAGAZINE

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inspiredCHEFS

SOPHIE FENLON, EXECUTIVE CHEF, VIS À VIS BOUCHON BAR & PENNY FARTHING PUB TEXT BY SUSAN LUNDY PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

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QUICK FACTS:

Chef Sophie Fenlon prepares a Beef Tartare with a quail’s egg.

• Born in Stroud, England — a small town in the Cotswolds — and moved around around a lot as a child, eventually settling in Canada.

• Trained at Vancouver Culinary Institute, and apprenticed for three years under Chef Lee Parsons at the Wedgewood Hotel in Vancouver.

• Six months at Vis à Vis and Penny Farthing.

• Before that: “After completing my Red Seal, I moved to London, England where I worked at the Ritz, and most memorably, Trinity Restaurant in Clapham.

Coming to Victoria I tried to find what to do next. I worked at OLO (back when it was called Ulla), Wild Mountain and even tried building my own business of in-home dining called Duet Dinners. Eventually I decided it was time to take a big step, and challenge myself. So here I am.”

WHAT ARE YOU BEST KNOWN FOR AS A CHEF? I move fast. I’m loud.

I sing — a lot.

WHAT ARE THE 10 OR SO MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN YOUR PANTRY? My top 10 thing to always have on hand, and which I believe are the basic ingredients to almost all wellbalanced dishes are: butter, kosher salt, lemons, fresh herbs, chicken bones, onions, garlic, brown sugar, olive oil and sherry vinegar.

FAVOURITE DISH TO COOK AND EAT ON A WARM, FALL DAY? A big pot of mussels and spot prawns, with ridiculously crusty bread and way too much butter.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO ITEM WHEN SAMPLING OTHER CHEFS’ FARE? When I dine out I usually go for anything I can share; therefore, I can try more things on the menu. I love quality in food, so I do tend to seek out restaurants that are trying to bring more business to the local farms here on the island.

HOBBIES? I really like to incorporate as much music as possible

into my free time. On top of that, I enjoy the time I have with friends and family, and my most valued hobby — the art of conversations.

CAN YOU SHARE AN EASY, SEASONAL RECIPE FOR A QUICK BITE IN LATE FALL? Roasted Squash Bruschetta with Goat Cheese 1 squash of choice 1 shallot, brunoise 1 tsp sherry vinegar 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp brown sugar ½ tsp kosher salt 1 garlic clove, minced

white pepper (to taste) a few basil leaves — cut chiffonade A few pieces of your favourite crusty bread cut into crostinis quality goat cheese

Roast the squash pieces in a splash of olive oil and salt until golden and soft. Let cool to room temperature and mix with the shallots, vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, oil and basil.

Spread the goat cheese on your crostini, and top with the squash mixture. boulevardmagazines.com |

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inspiredPEOPLE

Summer Floats, Fisherman Wharf, Victoria by Michael Tickner.

BOLDAND

BEAUTIFUL THE VIVID WORK OF MICHAEL TICKNER

BY ANGELA COWAN PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

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Gorgeous Handmade Silver Copper Jewellery

GAZING AT ONE OF TICKNER’S PIECES FEELS LIKE GOING FOR A STROLL, AND THE MORE YOU LOOK, THE MORE THE GROUND FEELS FAMILIAR.

S

NUGGLED UP TO THE BASE OF SUGARLOAF mountain in the heart of Nanaimo’s “Sherwood Forest,” Michael Tickner’s new studio is surrounded by many of the same elements so often found in his paintings: craggy-topped mountains, a view of a bluegrey sea, swathes of green in the evergreens and shrubs.

The London, England-born Tickner and his wife made the move to the island three years ago after spending nearly three decades in Lions Bay on the mainland; he moved into his new artistic digs at the beginning of this year.

“We knew we loved it here,” he says. “Every August, we used to tour the island. Being over here, it’s like living in Vancouver in the ‘70s.”

The move came as Tickner was nearing the 45th year in his artistic career, and it’s a career that has been enormously successful.

Tickner is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, of the Fine Arts Trade Guild of England, and has had his art commissioned for a number of public spaces, including SkyTrain pillars, a 30-foot mural at Richmond General Hospital, an eight-foot salmon at the Richmond Public Library for the Save Our Salmon Foundation and an eight-foot orca, located at the waterfront park at Port McNeil, for the BC Chapter of the Lions Organization.

His charity work has been long and varied, with contributions and art donations made to the Ronald McDonald House, Vancouver Children’s Hospital, Children’s Help Phone and many more. And he’s also been kept steadily busy with private commissions and his own inspirations through the years.

But there was a time when art was the last thing on his mind.

Tickner was accepted into the prestigious London School of Art when he was just 16 years old, but because he was too young, he was forced to defer his enrolment for one year. It was a year he spent recovering from jaundice, and at the end of it, “the last thing I wanted to do was go back to school, any school,” he says.

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Instead, he ended up working in business for a number of years (“logistics, materials handling”), where he met his wife, and through her was introduced to Vancouver Island.

“She was born in Port Alberni and grew up in Sechelt,” says Tickner.

After doodling a gnarled tree on a scrap piece of paper for her one afternoon, he quietly rediscovered his love for art, and with the support of his new wife, dedicated his future to his art career.

“That sparked something. We ran away to the south coast of England, to Brighton, and I sold paintings on the seafront,” he says with a smile. It’s one of the romantic stories of his life, and one he loves to tell.

His passion for paint rekindled, he began working in earnest, and continued when they moved to Canada. He experimented with a palette knife and ink washes in the 1970s, and in the mid-‘80s produced a series of detailed pen and ink drawings of British Columbia scenes.

Then in 1987, he developed his current style, what some have called a mix of primitive and contemporary techniques, with the help of his then eight-year-old son.

“I created with his help,” he says with a laugh, “because he handed me the paints.”

The first piece was of a teddy bear flying a kite, and his repertoire expanded hugely from there.

Focusing largely on landscapes, Tickner began catching the bus into Stanley Park nearly every day with his paints and easel under his arm to work en plein air, “testing out the new stuff” and selling his 5”x7” originals for $35 each.

Tickner was in Stanley Park for one summer when the Horizon’s West Gallery invited him into their space and had a sell-out show for him the following January.

Fast-forward to now, his smallest originals sell for $995, and he has collectors who come from around the world to select their next pieces of his art.

With his work’s bold colours and black outlines, Tickner is often asked if he was influenced by the late Ted Harrison, but it’s actually English artist Colin Ruffell to whom Tickner likens parts of his work.

Ruffell’s work is “off the beaten track a bit,” says Tickner. And while Ruffell uses an ink wash to “antique” his work, the two artists both use black outlining with similar effect. In regards to Harrison’s work, Tickner took the primitive style — twodimensional blocks of colour surrounded by lines — and added depth and perspective, making it unique in its own right.

“There may be aspects of other people’s [styles],” says Tickner of his work. “But you’re always evolving.”

He approaches his pieces as though they’re “an agreement between the viewer and the artist. You have to keep people looking at the picture. The longer they look, the more likely that

“YOU HAVE TO KEEP PEOPLE LOOKING AT THE PICTURE. THE LONGER THEY LOOK, THE MORE LIKELY THAT THEY’LL SEE SOMETHING TO CONNECT WITH.”

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak”

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Michael Tickner at Jackson’s Ice Cream at Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria.

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they’ll see something to connect with.”

Look carefully at any one of his paintings, and you’ll find your eye drawn to a single focus, as is often the case in art. And from that focal point, your eye will travel up a path, or over a cresting wave, and then perhaps meet a tree reaching for the sky or a unique cloud, but there’s always something that keeps you in the frame.

Many of his pieces are inspired by landscapes in Whistler, Howe Sound and through Vancouver. Gazing at one of Tickner’s pieces feels like going for a stroll, and the more you look, the more the ground feels familiar.

“You buy a painting because it agrees with something you already have in your head,” he says.

That may be a memory, a feeling or an image, and Tickner is adept at forging that connection.

With originals for sale at Vancouver’s Pousette Gallery, 22 images in print in a variety of media and a steady stream of commissions, Tickner has no plans for slowing down his illustrious art career. And if the clutter and chaos of setting up his new studio become overwhelming, he can always step outside to breathe in the ocean view, and relax in the little pocket of serenity he’s claimed for his own.

And perhaps the island vistas will inspire a new series of paintings.

Michael Tickner at Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria.

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HOT PROPERTIES

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Hardeep and Jane with their three children, Isaac, Corah and Ellis.

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P, UP AND UP. I’ve been through Bear Mountain many times, but I’ve never had cause to explore this particular neighbourhood, which begins at an innocuous left turn off of Bear Mountain Parkway, and curves through winding roads into the sky. boulevardmagazines.com |

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At last, my car emerges into a cul-de-sac and I spot the address I’m seeking, itself at the peak of the cedar-sided homes that dominate the mountain. It fits seamlessly into the West Coast contemporary aesthetic of the surrounding houses, but as I approach the entrance, I’m stopped by an unlikely figure.

Squatting proudly on the walkway, wide eyes goggling at me, is a perfect, pink wooden pelican. I can’t help but smile as I knock at the front door.

Homeowners Hardeep and Jane Bamara are friendly and genuine, immediately welcoming me into their home. Their three children, gambolling through the house, are energetic in the best way, and their dog, Georgia, is unspeakably sweet as she chaperones the ensuing house tour carrying her favourite stuffed toy. It’s their energy — this happy bustle of family life — that has seeped into the walls and made this mountaintop house a home.

“I wanted people to know we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Jane laughs when I comment on the pelican. “I wanted it to be a little bit fun.”

Fun is an apt descriptor. But so are the words “gorgeous,” “contemporary” and “convenient.”

“This house has eye candy, but it’s [also] so practical,” says builder Terry Johal of Terry Johal Developments. “It’s such a usable home.”

Terry and the Bamaras worked with Mike Dunsmuir of Step One Design to build a floor plan that suited the family’s needs, and also took full advantage of the breathtaking views.

Standing in the main living area on the second floor, both the front and back of the house look out over landscapes that literally stop me in my tracks. In the front living room, you can stand next to the stone fireplace and look through larger-than-life windows at panoramic ocean and distant peaks, and Mount Baker on clear days. The bank of windows over the kitchen sink and counter at the back frame is a closer but no less spectacular view of Mount Finlayson and pockets of the Bear Mountain golf course.

“We knew we wanted to take advantage of the view and the sunlight,” says Terry, explaining why the main living area is one floor up from the entrance. “And it’s an extremely efficient

house. There’s very little air leakage and there’s significant solar gain from the large glazing.”

It speaks to a sense of practicality that is noticeable with the actual layout as well.

From the ground floor theatre and rec room (complete with bunk beds and a ping pong table), to the second floor playroom and its enviable Lego collection, as well as a fenced-in basketball court outside, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly space. All of their three children have their own bedrooms, and their daughter has the luxury of her own bathroom while the boys share a “Jack and Jack” bathroom between their rooms.

Two guest bedrooms and a full bathroom (with heated porcelain tiles) await company on the ground floor, an absolute necessity with their steady stream of houseguests, says Hardeep.

And the kitchen is a dream. The quartz countertops and high-gloss millwork combined with stainless steel appliances make for a clean and uncluttered contemporary feel, with just enough natural elements to keep it warm.

Here, Jane shows me one of her favourite features: a walk-in working pantry complete with countertops for small appliances and an opening window.

Two full-size wall ovens and a warming drawer ensure they have plenty of room for big family dinners, as does the oversized, side-by-side fridge and freezer. There’s a “beverage

THEIR DAUGHTER HAS THE LUXURY OF HER OWN BATHROOM WHILE THE BOYS SHARE A “JACK AND JACK” BATHROOM BETWEEN THEIR ROOMS.

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The exterior of Hardeep and Jane Bamara’s beautiful Bear Mountain home.

Victoria | 250-920-2003 Lake Cowichan | 250-932-2004 SouthShoreCabinetry.com 28

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Meet Mitzi Lighting for the classically creative

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IT FEELS AS THOUGH WE’VE STEPPED INTO THE CLOUDS AND RISEN ABOVE THE EVERYDAY DETAILS OF TRAFFIC AND GROCERY SHOPPING AND SCHOOL MORNINGS.

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built for life, Built for beauty established in 1980

centre” fridge tucked underneath one end of the island, and an articulating “pot filler” tap over the induction cook top.

Every detail has been considered. The bleached white oak flooring has a wire-brushed finish, allowing it to hold up against high traffic and Georgia’s paws. The entire home is wired for surround sound, inside and out, and it’s a smart home as well, with automated blinds, lights and more.

There’s even a laundry chute that connects the third floor master walk-in closet and a small storage closet on the main floor to the ground level laundry room. No more hauling baskets of dirty clothes down multiple flights of stairs. This is something that’s going on my must-have list when my husband and I build.

And then it’s upstairs to the top floor, where the master bedroom rests in a glory of sunlight streaming through enormous windows. From here, it feels as though we’ve stepped into the clouds and risen above the everyday details of traffic and grocery shopping and school mornings. The horizon stretches out far beyond the hazy blue ocean; the bright sun’s rays warm my hair and my cheeks.

Around the corner on one side of the king bed is a softly lit built-in vanity; a few steps away sits the airy walk-in closet. On the far side of the bed lies the entrance to an elebant en suite.

Heated porcelain tiles and a towel warmer outside the six-by-six spa shower make it a pleasure to wake on even the most nippy of winter mornings.

The pinnacle of this particular loo, though, is the tub. Made of compressed volcanic rock, it keeps bath water luxuriously hot long enough to have a proper soak, and its gently sloping back is just the right angle for lounging with a favourite book and a glass of vino.

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And now, more than a year after making the move, they’ve settled in to their mountaintop paradise, entertaining friends and family, watching their kids grow.

“We’ve imagined the kids here as teenagers,” says Hardeep.

“We built it to live in it for a long time.”

“It turned into our dream home,” Jane adds, smiling.

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TALKING WITH TESS

FOR THIS VICTORIA COUPLE, LIFE IS JUST BEGINNING AS THEY EMBARK ON A NEW DREAM AND BUSINESS VENTURE TOGETHER.

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OF PLACE AND

SPACE

WAREHOUSE REDESIGNED INTO GLORIOUS, HOME, STUDIO AND EVENT SPACE

BY TESS VAN STRAATEN PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

F

OR CHARLOTTE AND STEPHEN HALE, transforming an industrial warehouse space in Victoria’s gritty Rock Bay neighbourhood into an eclectic home and events centre called Studio 455 was a labour of love.

“It’s been a dream of mine ever since I can remember to take a commercial building and redesign it as a place to live and for the community to enjoy,” explains Charlotte Hale, an artist and architectural designer. “As an artist, I think it’s important to have a space to be able to collaborate in.”

The unlikely pair — a retired airline pilot and a creative powerhouse — got married in the area that would become their bedroom a month after they bought the Gorge Road East building in the fall of 2015.

“Not many people can say they got married in their bedroom,” Charlotte quips. “But seriously, for us to have this renovation just after getting married, people said we were nuts.

What a great way to create the most stress!”

“People said we’d have the quickest divorce in history!”

Stephen jokes, sipping a cappuccino in the couple’s bright, light-filled kitchen.

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restore refresh renew

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“IT’S BEEN A DREAM OF MINE...TO TAKE A COMMERCIAL BUILDING AND REDESIGN IT AS A PLACE TO LIVE AND FOR THE COMMUNITY TO ENJOY,”

But that old saying about opposites attracting held true and the combination of practicality and creativity helped them turn a neglected, 25-year-old building that had been empty for a year before they bought it into a fabulous live/work space.

“It was offices before — very ugly offices with peach tile and teal carpet,” Charlotte explains. “It was really bad so it was definitely easy to take it out, but was tricky because the city had never seen anything like this. It was zoned ‘heavy industrial,’ not ‘live/work.’”

The renovation ended up taking more than a year and the Hales were very hands-on with the ambitious project, even doing some of the work themselves.

“All the drywall had to come down, including the ceilings, and the two of us did 77 runs with our pick-up truck to the dump because labour just wasn’t available,” Stephen says. “It was a full-time job for us and being there every day, we stopped some colossal errors from happening. We had some things about to go totally downhill and we were here to catch it.”

Their vision was to create a one-of-a-kind, warehouse-style events venue for art shows, wedding receptions and corporate events on the lower level, as well as garage space for six classic cars — including a 1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud they rent out — and a contemporary, 3,000-square-foot condo on the upper level.

Overlooking downtown with views of the Olympic Mountains, the condo is an art-filled space with unique and creative touches in every room. A two-way circular fireplace — believed to be one of only two in Canada — separates the colourful living room from the open-concept kitchen, which is the centre of the home.

In the main bathroom, dubbed the “square room,” the shape repeats throughout the space and hits of colour are everywhere, from the Mexican tiles in the shower to the accessories, and there’s even a dragon toilet roll holder.

The master bath is completely different — art deco and all black and bronze, with gold mirrors, a vintage hutch-turnedvanity with solid bronze handles rescued from a nearby junk store, and a concrete-look floor with antique Italian tiles in front of the bath.

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“I love combining classic with contemporary, mixing old pieces and eclectic ones,” says Charlotte, who’s been an architectural designer for 18 years and is currently working on a six-foot-tall papier-mâché gargoyle for the roof.

There’s also a rooftop deck, complete with hot tub, and a screening room with a 96-inch screen and vintage seats from a Parksville theatre. Charlotte’s paintings and sculptures can be found throughout the condo and numerous skylights bathe this hidden gem in natural light.

“It’s all about light — amazing, natural light so you don’t have to turn any lights on,” says Stephen, who couldn’t be happier with the $600,000 reno. “Every now and then, we had to have a little huddle and say, ‘no compromises, no compromises’ because one of the things we hate the most looking at houses is the compromises.”

For Charlotte, being able to develop the studio and event centre as a creative space the community can share has been the best part.

“That’s the important thing for me — community and creative space,” she says. “In between having it rented, I will use it as my studio. I’ve never had the space to do my art before,

so that’s huge for me. I used to do my art in the kitchen and I would have to clean up after.”

After raising two children on her own as a single mom, the Victoria native went back to school to fulfill another life-long dream: art school.

“I promised myself once the kids had left home, I would go to art school,” Charlotte says. “It’s one of the best things I have ever done for myself.”

Ironically, for Stephen, who moved to Vancouver Island in 2002, giving up on his dream job as an airline pilot and taking early retirement from Cathay Pacific was the life change he desperately needed.

“I learned it’s okay to give up the highest-paying pilot job in the world for lifestyle,” says Stephen, who flew the Boeing-777 on long-haul flights.

“Sixteen-hour flights really take their toll and I’d had enough, but you can pack it up and life doesn’t end.”

For this Victoria couple, life is just beginning as they embark on a new dream and business venture together.

“It’s a little unbelievable, actually!” Charlotte says. “I have to pinch myself sometimes because I keep thinking I’m going to wake up.”

“EVERY NOW AND THEN, WE HAD TO HAVE A LITTLE HUDDLE AND SAY, ‘NO COMPROMISES, NO COMPROMISES’ BECAUSE ONE OF THE THINGS WE HATE THE MOST LOOKING AT HOUSES IS THE COMPROMISES.”

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Custom Built Homes | Renovations | Design

Design for life.

Design for you. seabrookdevelopments.ca 778.747.3373

FASHION

On Joyce: black vest ($1,105), fitted turtleneck sweater ($360) and pencil skirt ($497) all by and available at Black Goat Cashmere; copper and silver earrings ($78) by Linda Rajotte and available at lindarojotte. com. On Jen: reversible vest ($745), polo with zipper ($625) and leggings ($325) all by and available at Black Goat Cashmere. On Dylan: hand-knit vest ($138) by Granted, shirt ($34.50) by Tea, and jeans ($45)

by Levi’s, all from Finn & Izzy.

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On Mira: two-tone, double-breasted coat ($2,665) and dark green dress ($625) by and available at Black Goat Cashmere. On Zen: hooded coat ($2,750) and “fisherman’s” turtleneck ($745) both by and available at Black Goat Cashmere; black Courage jeans ($195) by 34 Heritage at Citizen Clothing.

On Djuna: rolled-sleeve coat ($2,165) and black rushed tube dress ($545) both by and available at Black Goat Cashmere; textured copper with fused circle earrings ($58) by Linda Rajotte and available at lindarojotte. com. On Nevaeh: hand-knit vest ($138) by Granted, shirt ($32.50) by Tea and jeans ($49) by Levi’s, all from Finn & Izzy.

MODERN COUNTRY

BY LIA CROWE

PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON

Whether it’s a family related by blood or one formed by bonds rooted over time, autumn is an occasion for gathering and appreciating those we love. Boulevard celebrates the best and most luxurious fall fashion, which crosses generations with a timelessness that can only come from good design. Nouveau plaids, modern cashmere and neo-knits — here are the new cuts and silhouettes in these ultra classic luxuries. boulevardmagazines.com |

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On Jen: pants ($240), mock neck T-shirt ($160) and reversible printed coat ($720) all by Marc Cain and at W&J Wilson; Wavy Sole lace-up platform shoes ($220) by Wonders at Footloose Shoes.

On Zen: heather grey dress shirt ($125) by Anian, black Courage jeans ($195) by 34 Heritage, Lowerdale jacket ($245) and black Ashby jacket ($495) both by Barbour, all at Citizen.

On Nevaeh: Grey cardigan sweater ($47.50) and shirt ($34.50) by Tea, black jeans ($49) by Levi’s, boots ($119.95) by Bluntstones, all from Finn & Izzy; 5mm simply silver bracelet ($48) by Linda Rajotte and available at lindarojotte.com.

On Zen: Hooded coat ($2,750) and “fisherman’s” turtleneck ($745) both by and available at Black Goat Cashmere; black Courage jeans ($195) by 34 Heritage at Citizen Clothing.

On Dylan: Hand-knit vest ($138) by Granted, shirt ($34.50) by Tea and jeans ($45) by Levi’s, all from Finn & Izzy.

On Mira: long, textured coat ($775) by Anne Claire, knit wrapstyle cardigan ($275) and plaid wool skirt ($185) by Cinque, all from Bagheera; “Julie” Combat boots ($458)

by Frye from Footloose Shoes; “Silver Rain” fine and sterling silver necklace ($480) and European 4-in-1 wide silver bracelet, both

by Linda Rajotte and available at lindarojotte.com.

On Joyce: dark olive “Ciofelia” coat ($675), plaid dress shirt with tie ($235) and grey pants ($295), all by Cinque and from Bagheera; 8mm “Silver Wings” earrings ($88), gold-filled Viking knit bracelet ($248) and simply silver 1” cuff ($68), both by Linda Rajotte; mustard satin and leather loafer shoes ($294) by Intentionally Blank at Footloose Shoes.

On Joyce: black dress ($405) and sleeveless coat ($1,285) by Liviana Conti, both from Hughes Clothing; textured copper 1” cuff bracelet ($68) and 1/2” ($48) by Linda Rajotte and available at lindarojotte.com. On Mira: Grey wrap sweater ($715), nude cardigan ($565) and houndstooth patterned pants ($415) all by Liviana Conti and from Hughes Clothing; hammered copper 1” cuff bracelet ($68) by Linda Rajotte and available at lindarojotte.com. On Djuna: oversized red sweater ($400) and grey pants ($460) both by Liviana Conti and from Hughes Clothing. On Dylan: hand-knit vest ($138) by Granted, shirt ($34.50) by Tea, and jeans ($45) by Levi’s, all from Finn & Izzy.

MAKEUP AND HAIR: Jen Clark, in-house makeup artist for COSMEDICA using glo•MINERALS makeup MODELS: Mira Davis, Joyce Chauvin, Jen Clark, Zen May, Djuna Nagasaki, Nevaeh Guillemette and Dylan Guillemette STYLING AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Sierra Lundy Photographed on location at Beacon Hill Park, a huge thank you to Jim Toner for the help on location.

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Romancing

THE OLIVE

MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRATION THRIVES ON THE WEST COAST

BY SEAN MCINTYRE PHOTOS BY DON DENTON 50

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FEATURE STORY

O

N THE ISLAND OF MALLORCA, which rises from the Mediterranean Sea about halfway between Barcelona and Algiers, the narrow-gauge Tren de Sóller electric railway cuts through an arid mountainous landscape.

Established more than 100 years ago to haul produce from rural areas into town, the train owes its modern-day existence to people like me — tourists with plenty of time to rattle through the hills and farmland.

Small, family-owned orchards resplendent with the gnarled trunks of ancient olive trees line the tracks minutes from the island’s bustling hub at Palma. Hot sunshine, bright blue skies and a steady breeze blowing inland from the coast create the quintessential Mediterranean experience.

Be it in Spain, France, Italy or Greece, this is the sensation

that attracts millions of international visitors to the area every year. We hadn’t come for the olives, but it’s those tenacious trees that my wife and I still recall fondly many years after our trip.

Such is the alluring romance of an olive orchard.

We content ourselves with savouring those delicious memories of Mallorca and the rest of southern Spain, but another set of visitors, it turns out, are driven by motivations much stronger.

It was on a similar voyage through Spain as a young couple many decades ago that George and Sheri Braun experienced an epiphany. It was love at first sight, and the couple vowed to someday, somehow retire to an olive grove of their own.

Despite the passage of time, successful careers, raising a family and becoming grandparents, the Brauns never forgot their dream. But unlike many successful retirees who long for the boulevardmagazines.com |

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IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, AND THE COUPLE VOWED TO SOMEDAY, SOMEHOW RETIRE TO AN OLIVE GROVE OF THEIR OWN.

George and Sheri Braun walk though their grove of olive trees on their Salt Spring Island property.

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Mediterranean, the couple didn’t purchase a lush Tuscan villa or whitewashed casa in Andalusia. Wanting to remain close to their family, the Brauns have brought the Mediterranean spirit to Canada’s West Coast on Salt Spring Island.

The couple began experimenting with cold-hardy varietals of olive trees about a decade ago. About 1,000 trees have been planted and are now five years old. In late 2016, hours before the season’s first epic snowfall, the couple oversaw the pressing of a modest crop that produced the first batch of 100 per cent authentic Canadian olive oil.

The historic harvest netted 32 litres of emerald-coloured oil, much of which was promptly scooped up by restaurants and distributors at $75 for a 200 ml bottle. The oil was served at the Canada 150 Order of Canada Governor General’s dinner in Ottawa over the summer, and the Brauns still have a highly coveted personal reserve left for private consumption.

They’ve also got plans to produce much, much more.

On a recent tour of the 36-acre property overlooking Salt Spring’s Burgoyne Valley, George points to a section of land prepped to receive another 2,500 young trees. His goal? To cover the farm in olive trees and produce up to 1,000 litres of oil annually. With a little more work and some cooperative winters, Salt Spring is on the verge of becoming an olive oil destination for tourists with a yearning for Mediterranean flavour within easy reach of Victoria.

“It’s been incredible, but it’s still very much an experimental crop,” George says. “There’s nobody to tell us how to do this, but the olive tree is a very hearty tree. Once it gets established, it’s tough to kill.”

The Brauns are why Salt Spring Island is included on a wall-

Complete Your Vision blinds I motorization roller shades I custom draperies VIsIt our showroom

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HIS GOAL? TO COVER THE FARM IN OLIVE TREES AND PRODUCE UP TO 1,000 LITRES OF OIL ANNUALLY.

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zebragroup.ca

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sized map of olive oil-producing behemoths such as Chile, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Greece and Italy that occupies an entire wall at the Victoria Public Market’s Olive the Senses, a retail store and gastronomic experience unlike any other on Vancouver Island.

Much like the Brauns, storeowners Emily and Steve Lycopolus became infatuated by the magic of fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil while visiting a farm owned by Steve’s parents near the Adriatic Coast in Northern Italy.

When Emily couldn’t find the same rich, satisfying flavour when she returned to her hometown in 2010, the couple set out to change the way Victorians think about and consume olive oil.

Five years after opening their business, Olive the Senses has become the go-to destination for olive oil lovers across Vancouver Island and beyond. Setting foot inside the store is enough to inspire a new range of flavours to any household’s drab culinary repertoire.

“We do a lot of educating along every part of the spectrum,” Emily says. “People are really enjoying it and definitely once people taste fresh olive oil, they can’t go back.”

The store welcomes olive oil aficionados, but it’s the doubters who get the couple especially excited. Emily thrives on customers who openly confess to disliking olive oil.

“I tell them that’s probably a good thing. It means they have a palate,” she says, adding that most olive oils commonly found on supermarket shelves simply don’t compare to the real thing.

“I ask if they’d like to try some of our oils, and usually they suddenly start to like it.”

The store hosts weekly tastings where participants sample different olive oils and try equally delicious balsamic vinegars.

Samples are served in International Olive Council-certified tasting glasses. Since colour shouldn’t be used as a marker of quality when tasting olive oil, the tasting cups are tinted a deep blue that hides the oil’s hue.

To be classified as extra virgin, olive oil must be processed without the addition of chemicals and have an absence of measurable properties that include mustiness, rancidity and fustiness, which can result from using overripe olives.

A swig from the blue cup coats the palate in a rich nutty smoothness followed up with a sharp peppery finish. It’s not greasy and is surprisingly refreshing. Flavour variations among harvests and regions vary in much the same way as wine. The possibilities are endless, Emily says.

Olive the Senses sells between five and 15 single-cultivar extra virgin olive oils. Each is protected from oxidization and ultraviolet rays in a sealed, stainless steel container from which customers can fill take-away bottles. All of the oil sold through the shop undergoes strict chemical and sensory testing that’s designed to ensure the oils meet the extra virgin olive oil grade.

During the past decade, several large-scale investigations in Europe and North America have revealed widespread falsehoods, deception and mislabelling among major producers in the lucrative olive oil trade. Given that there’s still no formally agreed-upon process to ensure the extra virgin olive oil on store shelves are genuine, Emily and Steve have taken on that responsibility.

“Our practice is to make sure our oils are authentic and real because it is an unregulated food item in North America,” she says. “Because of that, we do extensive testing to prove its authenticity, because there is a lot of adulteration and fraud.”

LOCALLY HANDCRAFTED DESIGNER KITCHENS

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A SWIG FROM THE BLUE CUP COATS THE PALATE IN A RICH NUTTY SMOOTHNESS FOLLOWED UP WITH A SHARP PEPPERY FINISH.

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Paul Demetrios, a long-time resident of Victoria and owner of the former Black Olive restaurant, has watched consumers’ appreciation of quality extra virgin olive oil slowly rise to prominence in the city since the early 1990s, but says public understanding still has much room to grow.

Demetrios consumes a shot of olive oil every morning in keeping with a tradition among his family members and neighbours on the Greek island of Crete.

“In Greece, 99 per cent of all dishes use olive oil. In my house, it’s always on the table,” he says. “I have a spoonful of oil every morning, and my energy is up all the time.”

Demetrios attributes the olive oil boom to publicity about the product’s health benefits, but many Victorians had their first taste of authentic extra virgin olive oil during the 16 years he owned the Black Olive.

“We started selling it and everybody came back for more,” he says.

Demetrios’ Kastamonitsa extra virgin olive oil is produced by a cooperative of nearly 80 farms in and around his family’s village. He says quality standards and production methods are a result of many decades of experimentation by his father. Lowgrade oil isn’t tolerated at the Demetrios household, and giving consumers a taste of authentic olive oil is a matter of pride.

Be it through a family connection that spans generations or a young couple’s unsuspecting journey through a romantic Mediterranean landscape, the result is the same: an encounter with an olive grove and its liquid gold crop is an enlivening experience that’s never easily forgotten.

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VICTORIA’S FINEST REAL ESTATE

L U X U R Y AT YO U R D O O R S T E P

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Welcome to “The Bluff” 503 Outlook Place, Colwood BC $1,299,000 | MLS 381880 The awe inspiring mountain & ocean views are the central theme. Elegance & grandeur are captured with Asian inspired aesthetics, with rooms that flow seamlessly. Kitchen adorned with granite & top of the line appliances - opens to dining & living rm. Family rm is relaxed, yet sophisticated. Outside discover a park like setting with tranquil water features, a rock wall, manicured gardens, mature Garry oaks & Arbutus all set on half an acre.

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North Saanich Oceanfront Estate 10643 Blue Heron Road, North Saanich BC $2,290,000 | MLS 382364 Warm & inviting waterfront home. Abundant natural light provided by large picture windows, which artfully frame the stunning ocean vistas.

Hardwood flooring extends throughout the main.

Outside, an extensive parcel with mature trees, manicured gardens, beach access & a private boat house for storing your kayaks etc. Set in North Saanich, a vibrant community with progressive amenities and close to the airport and BC Ferries. ©2017 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved.

Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

735 Humboldt Street, Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1B1

The local real estate agent with the international network: vi.evcanada.com Scott Piercy, Private Office Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-686-7789 scott.piercy@evcanada.com www.luxurybchomes.com victoria.evcanada.com

14,000 SqFt Double Lot 2558 Killarney Road, East Saanich BC $1,739,000 | MLS 382361

Completely Renovated Oak Bay Manor 574 Island Road, Victoria BC $4.788,000 | MLS 380276

ATTENTION DEVELOPERS! Two single-family residential lots on a quiet lane in desirable Cadboro Bay. Each lot is 7000 square feet, zoned RS-6, created by the subdivision and rezoning of the existing lot at 2558 Killarney Road. The rezoning allows for the building of a new 1-story or 2-story house on each lot, with legal secondary suites. Th e current home on the property is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with hardwood flooring, two wood-burning fireplaces, and a lower self-contained living area.

This Oak Bay Manor has been completely renovated. Interior merges natural materials with delicate European inspired highlights. Ample patios & decks offer dramatic ocean & mountain views. Explore bordering Anderson Hill park or neighbouring beaches. Premium location affords access to the finest Victoria has to offer; minutes from downtown & inner harbour & short commute to ferries & Victoria’s international airport.

Ocean, Mountain & City Views 3347 Hatley Drive, Victoria, BC $1,995,000 | MLS 375063 Savor spectacular views from this executive home located just steps from the Esquimalt Lagoon. This beautifully designed home has been constructed with the highest quality construction and eco-friendly materials. This 4,300 square foot home has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms including a 1 bedroom suite with private entrance. Do not miss this Oceanview oasis with views from every room.

Spacious Family Home

Nature’s Wonderland

Beautiful Coastal Estate

1294 Eston Place, Victoria, BC $1,595,000 | MLS 374629

6601 Razor Point Road $9,850,000 | MLS 360255

3807 Duke Road, Victoria, BC $3,800,000 | MLS 379143

This exquisite custom built home by aware winning builder, Terry Johal offers breath-taking views of Mount Finlayson and surrounding areas. This 4 bed, 3 bath home features hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace spacious living areas and plenty of outdoor space for spending time with family or entertaining friends. Over 4800 sqft of room to breath or grow.

60 stunning acres with incomparable privacy & almost a mile of ocean frontage. Commute using BC Ferries, Seaplane or Yacht to your private dock or helicopter to a landing area at the tip of the point. Foreshore development includes an aluminum ramp & catwalk that leads to a 10 x 40 foot concrete float. Behold nature’s wonderland on beautiful Pender Island.

Upon entering the gates of this spectacular coastal estate you know you have arrived at where the land meets the sea. Situated on 1.7 acres of south facing waterfront with approx.

480’ of shore, the executive west coast residence offers an unparalleled ocean edge location with walk on waterfront.

©2017 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved.

Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

2249 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria BC, Canada V8R 1G4

The local real estate agent with the international network: vi.evcanada.com James LeBlanc, Private Office Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-812-7212 james.leblanc@evcanada.com www.luxurybchomes.com victoria.evcanada.com

®

binab group w at e r f r o n t lot in ten mile point 2937 Seaview Road

18,445 SQ ft lo t i n u p l a n d S 2450 Lansdowne Road

383003

COMING SOON

$2,200,000

oCean ViewS from eVery room 629 Beach Drive

Brand new Home in SoutH o a k B ay 52 Maquinna Street

$2,750,000

381024

382948

$1,899,999

$1,899,000

g r e at upl andS fa m i l y H o m e 3047 Devon Road

Half aCre on a magiC al Set ting 3796 Cadboro Bay Road

381945

383070

$1,600,000

$1,350,000

C a d B o r o B ay Home witH w at e r V i e w S 3749 Waring Place

magnifiCent weSt CoaSt liVing 3665 Seashell Place

382913

382373

$2,250,000

$1,650,000

roCkl and CHarm on priVate Street 1014 Verrinder Avenue

perfeCt family Home in eSteVan 2760 Burdick Avenue

383104

382939

$1,450,000

$1,200,000

ITALY

FRANCE

LONDON

CALIFORNIA

GERMANY

NEW YORK

Stunning CuStom upl andS Home

Stunning new QueenSwood eState

2950 Lansdowne Road

2631 Queenswood Drive

379832

382947

$4,500,000

$4,000,000

CuStom Build in tHe Heart of fairfield

6 luxury Condo/townHomeS in fairfield

The Shafer on Southgate

555 Harbinger Avenue

COMING SOON

383154

Call for detailS

$2,250,000

binabgroup.com #1 Team North America & #2 Global Agent* Based on Engel & Vรถlkers 2016 statistics from VREB MLS

HONG KONG

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Majestic Mt. Newton, Central Saanich $2,850,0000

968 Mt. Newton Cross Road: Sited high above this coveted valley is an idyllic 7.55 acre oasis.

The refined 6,163 sq ft home has inspirational vistas towards the Olympic Mountains. A flexible layout includes additional living spaces for in-laws and/or caretakers with B&B potential. At the rear, a landscaped sanctuary awaits with steps to the picturesque 6-stall barn for the equestrian connoisseur with an olympic sized riding ring. Located on the Peninsula ,30 minutes to Victoria.

GLYNIS MACLEOD 250.661.7232

4071 Haro Road, Victoria $4,000,000

Personal Real Estate Corporation

gmacleod@sothebysrealty.ca

glynismacleod.com

I believe every home is a mansion, regardless of size, location or price.

Please call me if you are considering selling your home.

Magical Oceanfront Estate $6,900,000

1126 Gillespie Road, Sooke: Waterfall Cove offers 150 pristine & private acres, mostly natural state, with a custom built double A-frame home on the sheltered shores of Sooke Basin. Just 40 minutes from downtown Victoria with almost 2,000 ft of shoreline offering a year-round haven for a float plane or boat. Famed Galloping Goose Trail & East Sooke Park nearby.

LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Oceanfront Sophistication $8,500,000

2530 Queenswood Drive, Victoria: World class custom home built to exquisite standards with walls of glass to take in unobstructed ocean views. A 1.74 acre sanctuary with approximately 300 ft of ocean frontage. The 6,103 sq ft home, with ceilings soaring to 25 ft, offers superior accommodation and is perfect for the art connoisseur.

sothebysrealty.ca

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Not intended to solicit properties already under agreement

Lisa Williams P Pe e rr s so on na a ll R Re ea a ll E Es s tt a a tt e e C Co o rr p po o rr a a tt ii o on n

LOCAL LOCAL EXPERTISE, EXPERTISE, GLOBAL GLOBAL CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

250.514.1966

lisawilliams.ca

2898 2898 Mt. Mt. Baker Baker View View Road, Road, 10 10 Mile Mile Point Point

425 425 La La Fortune Fortune Road, Road, Mill Mill Bay Bay

2990 2990 Beach Beach Drive, Drive, Uplands Uplands

2727 2727 Cavendish Cavendish Ave, Ave, South South Oak Oak Bay Bay

1212 1212 Garden Garden Gate Gate Drive, Drive, Brentwood Brentwood Bay Bay

3785 3785 Waring Waring Place, Place, Cadboro Cadboro Bay Bay Beach Beach

$5,490,000 $5,490,000

$4,749,000 $4,749,000

$1,880,000 $1,880,000

$2,998,000 $2,998,000

$3,290,000 $3,290,000

$3,298,000 $3,298,000

PAIRING TOP TECHNOLOGYWITH WITHUNSURPASSED UNSURPASSED EXPERTISE. PAIRING TOP TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE. Watch fornew my new website marketiopportunities ng options Watch for my website and and marketing Coming ComingOctober October 2017!

2017!

Lisa Williams

Personal Personal Real Real Estate Estate Corporati Corporation on

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E&O.E: Not intended to solicit properties already under agreement. Independently Owned & Operated. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Brokerage. Independently Owned & Operated. Used with permission Gulf of Spezia by Henry Newman.

E&O.E: Not intended to solicit properties already under agreement. Independently Owned & Operated. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Brokerage. Independently Owned & Operated. Used with permission Gulf of Spezia by Henry Newman.

Proudly

Presenting

l u x u ry l i v i n g i n t h e w e s t s h o r e

WELCOME TO 484 REGENCY PLACE If you have been waiting to move to one of the most exclusive Westshore subdivisions around, then look no further. Introducing 484 Regency Place, 2016 built, brand new and move in ready, where you can walk to Royal Bay High School, the sunny Westshore Beaches, Trails & Parks, it’s all here for you to enjoy! The WESTSHORE is a fast growing community on Vancouver Island with all of the amenities you love! This home offers great value with the Bonus LEGAL ONE BED SUITE which as a potential rental income of $1400 per month, a HUGE DOUBLE CAR GARAGE with Bonus EXTRA STORAGE AREA, super sunny west facing patio & lovely ocean & Olympic Mountain Views from the living room & master balconies! This lovely West Coast Contemporary Home has an abundance of space at 2800 sq ft, lots of natural light with 9 & 12 foot ceilings and plenty of windows, gleaming wood floors, sparkling quartz countertops, Stainless Steel Kitchen-Aid Appliances, Heat Pump + HRV, Gas FP & H2O on demand! There are many lovely features that you love to see in a new home here in this beautiful spotless 4 BED + DEN + 4 BATH home! Don’t wait - this home is sure to please! Call CHERYL at 250-413-7943. TODAY to book your personal tour and make this your NEW DREAM HOME! $899.900. VISIT 484regencyplace.com for more info! MLS 380369

Cheryl Barnes

250 413 7943

#1 REMAX AGENT VICTORIA BC 2017 #23 REMAX AGENT TOP 100 WESTERN CANADA 2017 www.cherylbarnes.ca | info@cherylbarnes.ca | Remax Camosun 4440 Chatterton Way, Victoria, BC V8X 5J2

*Vreb Stats, Remax Stats 2017

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Let me heLp yOu every Step Of the way…

Beautiful ocean view home in Deep Cove.

Thank you T

hank you Dallas Chapple, for endorsing and entrusting me to your very special clientbase. Big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge!

I promise to show the same integrity, trustworthiness and loyalty that you have shown to your clients. It has been a pleasure working with you over the years. Wishing you a wonderful retirement!

Krista V

Krista Voitchovsky • RE/MAX Camosun • 4440 Chatterton Way • Victoria, BC V8X5J2 Tel: 250-744-3301 • Cell 250-888-3256 • www.kristav.ca

SAANICH PENINSULA

REAL ESTATE EXPERT Helping you make the right decision.

at FE

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FEatuRED PRoPERty

D

$2,750,000

9165 Lochside Drive, North Saanich

MLS# 383337

$995,000

10421 McDonald Park Road, Sidney

Chace Whitson personal real estate corporation

MLS# 382367

¡ 250 818 9338 tel ¡ 250 388 5882 cel

Exceptional custom home featuring 180 ft of prime low-bank WATERFRONT! Expect panoramic ocean views & a refined modern interior from this 3,946 sq.ft well appointment home. Highlights include a stunning kitchen w/ Miele appliances including dual oven & 36 inch fridge; massive laundry room; and an ocean view master suite w/ large walk-in closet, & wheelchair friendly ensuite. Outside you will find a flat useable yard, new matching outbuilding offering 656 sq.ft of finished multipurpose space w/ swim spa, plus 2-car garage.

Situated on an elegantly landscaped .65-acre lot w/ excellent sunny exposure, this home is located just minutes from the Town of Sidney, ferries, & airport. Exquisitely rebuilt in 2012, this home is virtually brand new.

$1,625,000 & $1,575,000

10425 & 10426 Eden Place, Sidney

Chace@ChaceWhitson.com CHACEWHITSON.COM

MLS# NEW

Extraordinary Properties!

Unrivalled Experience and Expertise Luxury Waterfront Specialist

INNER HARBOUR WATER VIEWS! This luxurious Inner Harbour townhome is finished to the highest of standards with spectacular water views, and located in a boutique collection of seven luxury townhomes. This is a unique opportunity in that these units rarely are offered for sale. Within the 2,700 sq. ft. on three levels, it provides a gourmet kitchen with rich wood custom cabinetry and state of the art appliances including wine fridge, Wolfe range and Sub Zero fridge. The spacious 15’ separate dining room and spectacular living room on the main are ideal for large group entertaining. The sleeping rooms including luxurious master suite with spa bath, with a bonus floor providing media/office and a grand viewing deck. Ideal for the July 1st fireworks! The private courtyard adjoins the common outdoor pool while the Harbourside deck has easy access to beautiful park and pathway to town. This is a lifestyle choice that cannot be matched, only a short stroll to the Parliament Buildings, the Empress and many fine restaurants and galleries.

Offered at: $1,895,000 MLS# 382269

UPLANDS OCEAN VIEWS! This elegant home is a masterpiece emulating the epitome of superior construction merged with classic modern design!

Designed by Architect Sid Chow the home captures the spectacular ocean views from almost every room! The open plan features floor to ceiling windows with soaring beamed ceilings, filling the space with light from every direction. Special features include a German designed Poggenpohl kitchen with feature granite counter tops & bleached French white oak flooring.

Offered at $3,595,000

MACDONALD REALTY LTD. 755 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC | T 250.388.5882 | TF 1.877.388.5882 leslee@lesleefarrell.com | www.lesleefarrell.com

Call Leslee Farrell at 250.388.5882 for assistance with your local and global real estate needs.

+1 250.896.3859 eli@mavrikoscollective.com www.mavrikoscollective.com

Personal Real Estate Corporation

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Uplands 2014 Custom Home 6 Ensuite Bedrooms, 7173 Finished sq/ft 3160 Weald Road - $5,600,000

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Exquisite Uplands Estate 6 Beds/5 Baths - 36,150 sq/ft Lot 3320 Ripon Road - $3,498,000

4

Luxurious Custom Home 4 Beds/4 Baths - 3637 Finished sq/ft 2701 Goldstone Heights - $2,188,000 Oak Bay Revenue Duplex 6 Beds/2 Baths - 2465 Finished sq/ft 2631/2635 Eastdowne Road - $1,364,900

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5

Cedar Hill Triplex 6 Beds/3 Baths - 3282 Finished sq/ft 3439 Cook Street - $979,000

6

Exceptional Cordova Bay Home 4 Beds/3 Baths - 3204 Finished sq/ft 803 Sea Ridge Place - $1,369,000

7

Stunning Custom Estate 4 Beds/4 Baths - 3908 Finished sq/ft 996 Moss Ridge Close - $1,288,000

* #1 Realtor in Sales Pemberton Holmes 2014, 2015 & 2016 * Multiple MLS Gold Award Winner

Your Real Estate Professionals, The Best Practices Produce The Best Results Bringing knowledge, integrity & tenacity to the table.

Together we achieve your real estate goals!

Corie Meyer | 250.818.3216 coriemey@gmail.com www.coriemeyer.com Shelley Saldat | 250.589.4014 ssaldat@shaw.ca www.shelleysaldat.ca

Specializing in Stratas and Tenanted Properties

250.891.1777 • CATHYCURTI.COM

FOR SALE

SOLD

Navigating today’s real estate market is a challenge.

250.384.8124 | www.pembertonholmes.com

WHETHER YOU NEED HELP BUYING OR SELLING

ASK

Don’t leave it to chance!

Alice

R E A LT O R ®

We’ll make it easy for you to achieve your goals!

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • EXPERTISE

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NICOLE BURGESS WALT BURGESS 250-384-8124

A PROUD MEMBER OF

nicole@nicoleburgess.com

Serving you first and foremost since 1887.

Duncan 250.746.8123

Salt Spring 250.537.5553

Sooke 250.642.3240

778.679.2107

Victoria 250.384.8124

West Shore 250.478.9141

“ When you are at “home” some of the best living & most valuable living happen’s ” - Enjoy

When Buying or Selling Real Estate in the Victoria area or Salt Spring Island ...

The Choice is Claire. ding Pen

MLS 381912 114-68 Songhees Road $899,000 - at The Shutters Residences

SHAREN WARDE & LARRY SIMS

250-592-4422

service@WardeSims.com www.WardeSims.com

Claire Sarginson Realtor, B.A.

130 Mobrae, Salt Spring Island, BC $699,000

modern

MLS 381100

www.clairesarginson.com sales@clairesarginson.com 250-538-8966

778-432-4611 team@modernrev.com www.modernrev.com

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

LD SO

2553 Vista Bay Rd 4 Bed | 2 Bath MLS 382007 $1,300,000 FOR SALE

3336 Anchorage Ave 4 Bed | 2 Bath MLS 382977 $775,000 SOLD

2925 Eastdowne Rd 3 Bed | 2 Bath MLS 382903 $950,000 FOR SALE

Contact our award winning team of dedicated real estate professionals Tasha Medve* and Saira Waters* *Personal Real Estate Corporation Modern Real Estate Team Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty Coast Capital Realty

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

76

208-2187 Oak Bay Ave Victoria BC, V8R 1G1

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1705 Haultain St 3 Bed | 3 Bath MLS 380899 $760,000 FOR SALE

PHASE 2

NOW

SELLING

2 bedroom boutique residences starting from $579,900 8 storeys of solid concrete private living Spacious balconies up to 799 sq.ft.

Nature at your doorstep, minutes to some of Victoria’s best parks and trails.

Luxurious natural gas fireplaces and cooktops LYRA BUILDING LOCATION

Located in the established Christmas Hill

RAIN BOW

REGISTER TODAY

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LyraResidences.com

LAS S T.

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RAINBOW HILL LANE

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PRESENTATION CENTRE LOCATED AT GATEWAY VILLAGE #604-771 VERNON AVE, VICTORIA BC OPEN 12-5PM DAILY, EXCEPT WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY T 250.590.5777 E INFO@LYRARESIDENCES.COM

The Developer of Lyra Residences is Lyra Residences Limited Partnership. The developer reserves the right to make changes to the building and landscape design, floor plans and in-unit specifications, equipment and features without prior notice. Actual maps, distances, dimensions, square footage, floor plans, finishings and the views from the suites may vary from those shown. The interior and exterior renderings are an artist’s impression of the building and suite designs only and are not intended to represent the completed project. E&OE. Trademarks are owned by Developer.

FOOD & DRINK

TACO PARTY

FESTIVE, FLAVOURFUL AND FUN, TACOS ARE THE KIND OF FOOD MADE TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

BY CHEF HEIDI FINK PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

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TORTILLAS

S THE SEASON CHNAGES TO FALL, we often want to hold on to the tastes of summer: dinners on the patio, casual meals on a warm evening, an abundance of marketfresh produce. Enter the homegrown taco party — the easiest way to bring back the taste and feel of a summer meal.

Festive, flavourful and fun, tacos are the kind of food made to bring people together. What could be more enticing at any time of year than a shared meal of sun-drenched foods: spicy salsas, juicy grilled meats and vegetables, warm, seasoned beans and sweet corn tortillas?

Tacos are at once homey and festive: easy to eat, casual and still special enough for a party. Every person at the table can tailor his or her own tacos to suit individual tastes, mixing and matching fillings with salsas and condiments to create a personal version of taco heaven.

To make a basic taco meal, choose at least one filling, two salsas and several condiments. To make a full-on fiesta in your own kitchen, invite friends who love to cook, and have every person bring something different to the meal. A selection of at least three taco fillings, two or three salsas and all of the condiments will feel like a feast of summertime abundance.

Below are some of my favourite recipes for fillings and salsas.

Try any or all of these, with or without your regular taco time favourites.

But for spectacular results no matter what, try your hand at homemade corn tortillas. I love them so much and find them so easy to make, I pull out my tortilla press even during a busy weeknight. Homemade corn tortillas are the definitive sign that a taco meal has turned into a full on taco party, no matter how small the meal.

HOMEMADE CORN TORTILLAS

Makes about 12 soft tortillas Homemade tortillas are easy to make and have an incomparable flavour and texture. They are made with a special corn flour called masa harina, which can be purchased at various grocery stores in town.

2 cups masa harina 1½ cups tepid water Equipment: tortilla press, cast iron or stainless steel skillet Combine masa and water in a medium-sized bowl and mix with a fork or your hands until evenly blended. Let dough rest for 5 minutes. Form dough into golf-ball-sized pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten slightly. Preheat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat.

Place a flattened dough ball in the centre of a plastic-lined tortilla press (I use a large freezer lock bag, cut open), close and press firmly. Open and gently remove tortilla. Immediately place in the preheated skillet to cook while you press the next tortilla.

Cook in the skillet for about one minute; flip and cook for about 40 seconds on the second side. Remove to a plate and cover with a clean dish towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

Serve tortillas immediately, or let cool and wrap in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge. Reheat by wrapping the stack in foil and placing in a warm oven for 10 minutes.

“Homemade tortillas are easy to make and have an incomparable flavour and texture,” says Chef Heidi Fink, whose directions for making tortillas can be found on the opposite page.

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SALSA FRESCA Makes 2 cups The proportions of this salsa are not set in stone. You’re looking for a happy blending of flavours, which depends on the sweetness of the tomatoes, the sharpness of the onion, the acidity of the lime and the heat of the chili. Taste as you go, and feel free to make adjustments. ½ small white onion, cut in quarters 2 jalapeños or serranos (seed them if you want the salsa to be less spicy) 1 clove garlic, pressed ¼ to ⅓ cup fresh cilantro ½ tsp salt, more to taste 2 to 3 tsp fresh lime juice 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut in large pieces Combine the onion pieces, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro and lime juice in the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the tomatoes and the salt and pulse until tomatoes are chopped and everything is well mixed. Pour into a bowl and taste to adjust for seasonings.

TOMATILLO SALSA

Makes about 2 cups Tomatillo salsa is a fresh-tasting, green table salsa found everywhere in Mexico. Naturally a bit sour and very refreshing, this salsa goes especially well with rich meat fillings and veggies flavoured with smoke from the grill. Although in the same family

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as tomatoes, tomatillos are more closely related to the ground cherry and cape gooseberry.

8 fresh tomatillos* ½ white or yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic ¼ cup minced cilantro ½ tsp salt 1 or 2 jalapeños, chopped (use more if you like it spicy) *To choose tomatillos, look for firm fruits with a dry husk.

Generally, if the husks are tighter against the fruit, the tomatillo will be fresher, but this is not always the case. Tomatillos should not be soft and mushy. The colour of a tomatillo can range from bright apple green to pale yellow. Any colour within that range is fine, although the greener ones are less ripe and therefore less prone to spoiling. Some tomatillos will have a dark purple bloom on them. That is also normal.

Remove and discard the papery husk from each tomatillo.

Wash the tomatillos well and place in a small pot with enough fresh water to just cover them. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the tomatillos are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the tomatillos, reserving the cooking liquid, and set them and their liquid aside to cool.

Place the remaining ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor or blender. Add one-half cup of the cooled tomatillo cooking liquid. Blend until very finely chopped. Add the cooked tomatillos and pulse to make a coarse purée. Pour into a bowl and taste for salt. Use a little more of the cooking liquid to thin the salsa to a pourable consistency.

FRIJOLES NEGROS Makes 2 to 3 cups frijoles Homemade black beans are far superior to the canned ones!

1 cup dried black beans ½ tsp salt 1 bay leaf 1 clove garlic, crushed ½ tsp dried epazote (optional) ¼ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp ancho chili powder ¼ tsp dried Mexican oregano 2 to 3 Tbsp olive oil, bacon fat or lard ½ onion, minced 1 additional clove garlic, minced Coarsely chopped cilantro leaves (optional) Crumbled goat feta (optional) Pick over beans to remove any that are broken, discoloured or moldy. Rinse well and drain. Place in a large pot with 8 cups of fresh water. Add the salt and bring to a boil. While boiling the beans for 1 minute, skim any foam that rises to the surface.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the bay leaf, crushed garlic, epazote, cumin, ancho and oregano. Simmer the beans gently for 2 to 3 hours, until very tender, adding water to keep the level just above the surface of the beans. Remove from heat, and let the beans cool in their own broth.

Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid. Remove bay leaf. Place all but one half a cup of beans in the work bowl of a food processor. Add one half to three quarters cup of the reserved cooking liquid and process until beans are puréed.

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A SELECTION OF AT LEAST THREE TACO FILLINGS, TWO OR THREE SALSAS AND ALL OF THE CONDIMENTS WILL FEEL LIKE A FEAST OF ABUNDANCE.

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Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil or fat and heat until shimmering. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until onion is cooked through and browning. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Now add the puréed beans to the pan and stir everything together. Add some reserved bean-cooking liquid, if necessary, to keep the beans from splattering too much. Heat thoroughly and add the remaining halfcup whole beans. Cook for 10 minutes until all the flavours are melded together, adding more bean cooking liquid as the beans get thicker. You will probably use up all the liquid. Taste the beans for salt, scrape into a bowl, sprinkle with cilantro and cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.

SPICED FLANK STEAK FILLING FOR TACOS

Makes 12 tacos, serving 4 to 6.

Spice Paste 3 medium garlic cloves, roughly chopped 2 medium scallions, roughly chopped (about ¼ cup) 1 jalapeños or serrano chili, seeded 1 chipotle chili, canned in adobo sauce 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika 1 tsp ancho chile powder 1 tsp toasted ground cumin 1½ tsp salt 1 tsp brown sugar 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, or a bit more, if necessary 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Steak 1 flank steak (approx. 1 pound) ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp white sugar FOR THE SPICE PASTE: Pulse garlic, scallions, chili and spices in food processor or mini-chopper until finely chopped.

Add oil and process until mixture is smooth and resembles pesto, about 15 seconds. Use more oil if needed to help the paste purée better. Transfer 1 Tbsp of the spice paste to medium-sized bowl, whisk in lime juice and set aside.

FOR THE STEAK: Trim the steak of excess fat. Cut it crosswise in half; cut each half lengthwise (with the grain) into 2 equal pieces, making 4 pieces of steak in total. Use a dinner fork or skewer to poke each piece of steak 10 to 12 times on each side.

Place in a large baking dish; rub all sides of steak pieces evenly with the spice paste that does not have lime juice in it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.

TO COOK AND FINISH THE FILLING: Heat a gas or charcoal grill to a medium-high heat. Scrape paste off steak and sprinkle all sides of steak pieces evenly with salt and sugar. Scrape grill and heat until very hot. Place steaks on grill and sear, about 3 minutes. Flip steaks and grill for about 3 minutes. Reduce grill heat and cook until steaks are rare, registering 125 to 130 degrees F (52 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 3 minutes more. Transfer steak to a platter and let rest 5 minutes.

Transfer the steak to a clean cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife or carving knife, slice steak pieces across the grain into thin slices (1/8 inch thick or less). Transfer sliced steak to bowl with spice paste-lime juice mixture and toss to coat.

Serve filling immediately, sprinkling each flank steak taco with chopped onion, avocado, salted cabbage, chopped tomato, salsa or crumbled cheese.

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chicken cool in its broth until cool enough to handle.

While chicken is cooking, make cabbage: remove the core Makes enough filling for about 12 tacos from the cabbage. Use a sharp knife to finely shred the cabbage.

A traditional Mexican filling of plain meat paired with spicy, Place cabbage in a medium bowl and add the salt. Toss cabbage salty and crunchy condiments, this is a not-to-be-missed taco and salt together to coat cabbage evenly with the salt. Let salted combination. cabbage sit, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salt is starting to draw out the juice.

Chicken: Dump salted cabbage into a strainer and suspend over a bowl 3 large or 4 smaller full chicken legs (thigh and drumstick) or sink.

Place a small plate inside the strainer, covering the 1 onion, cut into eights cabbage. Place a heavy weight, such as a can of beans, on top of 2 bay leaves, broken in half the plate so that the cabbage is being pressed. This will force as 3 cloves garlic, peeled and cut into quarters much liquid from the cabbage as possible. Press and drain the ¾ tsp salt cabbage for about 30 minutes.

2 Tbsp chopped cilantro stems Remove the can and plate. Rinse the cabbage well under a Cabbage: stream of cool water. Shake strainer to get rid of as much excess ¼ head of green cabbage water as possible. Squeeze cabbage by the handful, transferring ½ tsp salt it to a clean bowl, repeating until all the cabbage is done.

Salsa Fresca (recipe above) Remove cool chicken from the broth, remove skins and pull meat from the bones, discarding any fat and sinew, To make chicken: Rinse the chicken legs well and pat dry. Cut shredding the meat into small pieces with your fingers. Set along the joint of each leg to separate the thighs from the meat aside. drumsticks. Place all the thighs and drumsticks in a medium pot To assemble and serve tacos: chicken can be warm or room with the salt. Add water until chicken is covered by a generous temperature. To warm the chicken, place the shredded meat in inch of water. Place pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Boil for a pan with a few tablespoons of its cooking broth. Heat over one minute, skimming off any scum or foam that floats to the medium heat, stirring gently from time to time, until chicken surface. is heated through. Cabbage and salsa are both served at room Immediately add the onion, bay leaves, garlic and cilantro temperature. Fold prepared corn masa tortilla into a U-shape. stems. Add more water, if necessary, to make sure everything Place two tablespoons of chicken in the fold, top with one is covered by one inch. Bring to a boil again, reduce heat to tablespoon of salted cabbage and one or two tablespoons of medium-low, partially cover and simmer gently until chicken ROBP_Pre-YouCantTakeIt_Ad_Boulevard_7.25x4.75_X1a.pdf 9:55 AM Salsa Fresca.

Have napkins ready! Enjoy! is tender — 25 to 30 minutes. Remove pot from heat and let 1 2017-09-12 POACHED CHICKEN AND SALTED CABBAGE FILLING

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’M ON A HIGH! My first ride on the High Roller, the largest Ferris wheel in the world, has my pulse racing.

We rise upward as the desert sunset bathes the legendary Sin City and the mountain peaks to the west in hues of orange, bronze, and blue. As we near the top, the fountain show in front of the Bellagio far below us, lights up. The view of Las Vegas is breathtaking.

Earlier today, I faced a difficult choice. To start my three-day visit I had to choose from the many epic attractions that make Vegas famous. I was drawn by the Paris Las Vegas hotel and its replica of the Eiffel Tower. I wanted to visit the Mirage Las Vegas hotel and feel the heat of the volcano that erupts every evening. I’d also heard magical things about Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

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My eyes were agog as we drove past the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, which looks like New York’s skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. And I wanted to ride the huge roller coaster that circles in and around it. The Luxor Las Vegas, a hotel shaped like a pyramid with a neighbouring sphinx, drew my inner Egyptian. I was on sensory overload, as Las Vegas is unique. Everything is monumental, grandiose, so over the top!

I’m happy with my choice, for the High Roller is the biggest of the big. Measuring 520 feet in diameter, it eclipses both the London Eye and Singapore Flyer and dominates the Las Vegas skyline. For 30 minutes (one revolution) I’m cocooned in one of 28, glass-enclosed, spherical cabins, which are mounted on the wheel’s outer rim.

Since this is the Happy Half Hour ride, I order a drink. While pouring, the bartender explains that yoga classes are also very popular. I imagine holding poses like downward dog and warrior while taking in sweeping views of the Las Vegas valley. And think of the resulting Instagram photos!

For the more hedonistic types, he explains, the High Roller offers a sky-high chocolate tasting experience. Quality chocolates are paired with red or white wine, while a chocolatier describes how the pieces were created and chats about their aroma, taste and texture.

Of course, the bartender adds, since Vegas is known for its weddings, many couples say, “I do” while riding high over the city. And cabins are frequently rented for private and corporate events. I can only guess at the high jinks that happen in this rarified atmosphere.

I like the fact that High Roller is a play on words, meaning both a large wheel and a big spender, the type Vegas loves to attract. It’s also fitting that the High Roller looks like a giant roulette wheel, the perfect symbol for this crazy city that thrives on gambling.

Outside the cabin, darkness has fallen, but it only serves to make Vegas even more spectacular. A beam of light from the highest point of the Luxor pyramid shoots high into the night sky.

Below, the lights flash around the clock in this city that never sleeps. I can’t wait to sample the nightlife and, especially, to see a show — and Vegas has many, including Mystère by Cirque du Soleil. I also plan to spend time in the ubiquitous casinos — even the airport has numerous slot machines — but mostly I’m excited to do some people watching. Okay, deep down, I secretly dream of hitting the jackpot, so I’ll play a little blackjack and spend a few dollars on the slots. Maybe I’ll get lucky.

Below the High Roller, people are happily strolling about the LINQ Promenade — a retail, restaurant and entertainment complex that has the feel of a pedestrian friendly neighbourhood.

IT’S ALSO FITTING THAT THE HIGH ROLLER LOOKS LIKE A GIANT ROULETTE WHEEL, THE PERFECT SYMBOL FOR THIS CRAZY CITY THAT THRIVES ON GAMBLING.

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“THE SKY WAS ABLAZE WITH MULTICOLOURED, CONSTANTLY CHANGING FIREWORKS. IT FELT LIKE WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE.”

Like many things in Vegas, the LINQ project, of which the High Roller is the towering centerpiece, is massive and expensive, costing about a half-billion dollars.

From street level, the High Roller adds a majestic arc of colour to the Vegas skyline thanks to 2,000 LED lights that cast an array of varying hues, transforming the wheel into an enormous jewelled circle.

As we approach ground level, I realize I’m famished. I face another difficult choice because Vegas overflows with great eateries and top-notch chefs, ranging from Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips on the LINQ to haute cuisine. Leaving the High Roller, I ask the bartender for his favourite experience on it.

“Without a doubt, it was July 4th,” he answers. “The sky was ablaze with multi-coloured, constantly changing fireworks. It felt like we were in the middle of the creation of the universe.”

I quietly vow to return next Independence Day to ride through the amazing pyrotechnics … and perhaps I’ll win a million dollars, too.

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Easily above it all.

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HEALTH FEATURE

GO to SEED A NUTRITIONAL TREASURE IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH

BY PAMELA DURKIN

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VERY OCTOBER, WHETHER WE’RE baking traditional Thanksgiving pies or carving spooky Jack-OLanterns, pumpkins take centre stage in our festivities.

But there’s something many of us discard from inside the hallowed gourd that deserves the same star-billing as the squash’s orange flesh — the nutrient-dense seeds.

If you’re guilty of ignoring these valuable little gems, you may want to rethink your habits. Scientists have discovered that the flavourful seeds contain a bevy of nutrients — some in almost unrivalled amounts — that can enhance your health in several ways.

MINERAL MIGHT

While pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamins and essential omega 3-6-9 fatty acids, their unparalleled “payload of minerals” is what really has nutritionists gushing.

A mere quarter cup of the nutty kernels provides 73 per cent of the recommended daily amount for manganese, 47.7 per cent for magnesium, 16.8 per cent for zinc and 15.7 percent for iron.

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Protein is part of every cell in the body and pumpkin seeds are one of the plant world’s best sources of this essential macronutrient. Surprisingly, one ounce of these super-seeds contains more protein than an ounce of beef or a cup of milk. What’s more, preliminary animal studies suggest that the protein in pumpkin seeds potentially holds unique liverprotective properties.

It’s just one of the features of the jade-colored super-seeds that impresses naturopathic physician Dr. Kevin Jackson.

“Pumpkin seeds play host to an array of health-enhancing nutrients,” he enthuses. “But their impressive protein content is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.”

ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION

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In addition to the usual “antioxidant suspects” — vitamin E and zinc — pumpkin seeds boast a dizzying array of carotenoids, polyphenols and plant-sterols that have been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

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Studies suggest one of the phytosterols abundant in pumpkin seeds — beta-sitosterol — has also been shown to help lower cholesterol and help alleviate symptoms of prostatitis.

Clearly, instead of tossing out these nutritional superstars, we should be incorporating them regularly into our snacks and meals.

Here’s tasty recipe that uses pumpkin seed.

Hearty Fall Stew with Ground Pumpkin Seeds In Africa, ground pumpkin seeds have long been added to soups and stews. The practice is a wise one since the seeds give these dishes extra body as well as providing a healthy alternative to less salubrious toppings like dumplings and cheese.

1 Tbsp olive oil 4 herb tofu sausages, chopped (carnivores can use their favorite variety of sausage) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 or 3 small garlic cloves, peeled and chopped (let individual preference be your guide) 1 leek, well scrubbed and diced, use only the white and very light green parts 2 small cans low-sodium chopped tomatoes (should be a generous 1.5 cups in total) 3 Tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil 1 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock or veggie broth 1 large yam, peeled and chopped

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1 ½ cups canned borlotti beans, drained and rinsed well salt and pepper to taste 1 ½ cups kale, rinsed well and shredded ¼ cup ground pumpkin seeds (hulled) Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the tofu sausage. Cook the sausage until lightly browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Add the onion, garlic and leek to the skillet and reduce the heat, and stir-fry until onions are softened — about 5 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, purée , spices and stock and bring to a boil. Add the chopped yam and beans, and season with salt and freshly grated black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat again, cover the pot and simmer until the yams are almost tender.

Stir in the kale and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When yams and kale are both nice and soft, ladle the stew into bowls and top each with some of the ground pumpkin seeds — serve immediately. Serves 4.

HOW TO ROAST PUMPKIN SEEDS

Roasted pumpkin seeds are readily available in most supermarkets, but it’s a snap to roast them yourself. This allows you to control the time and temperature involved, avoiding any deleterious effects that may be incurred by over-roasting. A recent study suggests roasting the seeds beyond the 20-minute mark can bring unwanted changes to their healthy fat structure.

To roast at home: • Remove the seeds from the pumpkin’s inner cavity and

wipe them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess pulp.

• Spread them out evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them dry out overnight.

• Once ready to roast, simply pop them into a pre-heated 200 ºF oven for 15-20 minutes.

• Allow to cool and then squeeze the kernels out of the hull.

Although edible, the hull can be tough and stringy.

• Alternatively, you can buy the seeds raw and dry fry them in a heated skillet on the stovetop until lightly golden. Use medium heat and keep a close watch while roasting — do not let the seeds burn!

IN THE RAW

Of course, it isn’t necessary to roast pumpkin seeds at all — they’re equally delicious and most nutritious, in their raw, unadulterated state. Although they’re great eaten out of hand, there are myriad ways to enjoy them. Some suggestions include: • Incorporate them into your cookie, muffin, quick bread and granola recipes — they lend an intriguing texture as well as their sweet, nutty taste.

• Serve them on top of your morning yogurt or hot cereal bowl (great with quinoa porridge).

• Grind them finely and adding to stews, soups and pasta dishes or use them to create a crispy coating for tofu, fish filets and more.

To avoid exposure to pesticides, always purchase organic pumpkin seeds. Store roasted or raw pumpkin seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They retain peak freshness for up to two months.

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Penthouse ZIPLINING AND LUXURY IN A SOOKE GETAWAY

BY SUSAN LUNDY

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TEPPING INTO THE PACIFIC PENTHOUSE at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke is nothing less than jaw dropping, as evidenced by our stunned silence as we opened the door on the sun-laden entranceway.

At first you see the big things — the lavish, chandelierlit, multi-room interior and the wrap around outdoor space that includes five terraces and glimmering ocean views.

But as we abandoned our suitcases and sped off to explore, we started noticing the little things, like the remote controlled blinds in the living room. Or the way the office — complete with computer, printer and scanner — is tucked behind a decorative door, making it easier to ignore the call of work.

Sculptures and ornamental vases are carefully placed throughout the 1,900 square feet of indoor living space, many providing shiny silver accents to the rooms’ rich greys and browns. The couch is a creamy white leather; sheepskin pillows sit on the beds and a flat screen TV graces the master en suite. In the hot tub, a cascade of underwater light rotates through the colour wheel.

Rocking chair with view from one of the Pacific Penthouse terraces.

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WE DID EVENTUALLY VENTURE OUTSIDE OUR LUXURIOUS ABODE, ENJOYING A TRULY DIVINE DINNER AT WEST COAST GRILL, NIBBLING ON BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED CEDAR-WRAPPED SALMON, AN ARTISAN GREENS SALAD ….

iPhones out, my daughters filmed and snapped away, wanting to capture it all. My elder daughter sent a clip to her boyfriend, trying to convince him it was our new home. We moved our suitcases into the bedrooms, hit some balls on the putting green and then stood on the outside deck, looking out over the ocean and trying to breathe it all in.

My adult daughters and I had decided to take a getaway trip to Sooke, located just 45 minutes from Victoria, to check out some of what this ocean-hugging town has to offer. We started 104

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the afternoon with a “bang” — or, more accurately, a zip— at AdrenaLine Zipline Adventures.

Located on Sooke Road next to the 17 Mile House Pub (which was our second stop), the zipline tour takes thrillseekers zipping through the treetop canopy of a mountainside acreage, offering fabulous views and a few heart-pumping moments.

Our group of 10, ranging in age from 16 to 60, bonded as we grew in confidence, first embarking on a short, ground-level

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zipline, and eventually finding ourselves hurtling through the trees on a 1,000-foot-long zip, many of us trying tricks like hanging upside down, or cannonballing for extra speed.

Ziplining is actually easy and safe, and after we overcame any initial trepidation, it was downright fun. The tour also included a twisting, rolling ride up the mountain in a multipassenger, off-road vehicle; a slightly terrifying walk across a treetop suspension bridge; entertaining banter between the guides, and commentary that tied in the history of the area and revealed other fun facts. It was a great way to spend the afternoon and kick off our getaway.

AdrenaLine offers other adventure tours as well — kayaking, rainforest hiking and whale watching — and will custom-create packages.

There are lots of other things to do in Sooke, and with its network of parks, trails and beaches, it’s an absolute “mustvisit” for people who like the outdoors. The clear waters of the Sooke Basin, the Barnard Castle Shipwreck and Race Rocks Underwater Marine Park make it ideal for divers, and there’s also fishing charters, golf and ecotourism. We spent our second day admiring the cool rock formations, deep-green water and picturesque trails at the famous Sooke Potholes, immediately planning a return visit.

But we wanted to save as much time as possible for our Pacific Penthouse stay, which — a destination in itself — required some more exploring before we kicked off our shoes, opened a bottle of bubbly and hopped into the hot tub.

The two master bedrooms (one King, one Queen) both have

AND SPEAKING OF THE OUTDOOR SPACE: THE FIVE PRIVATE OUTDOOR TERRACES TOTAL 1,670 SQUARE FEET. walk-in closets, balconies and spa-like en suites with glass showers, soaker tubs and choice of showerheads. The fully outfitted kitchen features custom, European-style cabinetry with gleaming appliances, including a stainless steel gas range, convection oven and microwave combination, built-in cappuccino/espresso system and a wet bar. There’s a washer and dryer in a dedicated laundry room, a third bathroom and built-in vacuum system.

Touring the expansive space, we decided to count some of the amenities. There are 56 places to sit, ranging from chairs at the indoor and outdoor dining tables, barstools at the kitchen island, two outdoor rocking chairs — perfectly placed for morning coffee in the sun — armchairs and even a comfy looking resting spot in the laundry room.

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The 14 hanging lights range from exquisite chandeliers to sparkling works of crystal-infused art. The penthouse has nine exterior doors: two to the hotel hallways, and seven to the various terraces.

And speaking of the outdoor space: the five private outdoor terraces total 1,670 square feet. The ocean front terrace includes the hot tub, natural gas BBQ, outdoor kitchen and a dining area for six. There’s also the putting green terrace; an outdoor garden area; and a second deck that extends off the living room.

Guests also have access to the hotel’s athletic centre, indoor pool and hot tub, pier and marina, 24-hour boat launch, LeSooke Spa, West Coast Grill restaurant, Vault lounge and a café. Of course, if you’re staying in the Pacific Penthouse, you may not want to leave. Luckily, those booked in for three or more nights get an added perk: a seven-course meal with wine pairings, prepared in that sleek kitchen by the resort’s private chef. Those staying multiple days are also offered a reduction in the $3,400-per-night rate.

We did eventually venture outside our luxurious abode, enjoying a truly divine dinner at West Coast Grill, nibbling on beautifully presented cedar-wrapped salmon, an artisan greens salad with quinoa, salmon and smoked salmon, and gluten-free tacos. Selecting drinks from the extensive list was tough, but

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between the three of us, we settled for a cucumber and lavender vodka cocktail, a dirty martini and a glass of Pinot Noir. (The restaurant also features six different Caesers, three of which we happily taste-tested the next morning at breakfast.)

After dinner, we wandered down to the hotel’s ground-level terrace, where a collection of cosy, horseshoe-shaped seats encircle fire pits, overlooking the marina and a special-eventsized, seaside gazebo. The hotel’s convention centre is on the ground level as well.

Back in the penthouse, we gazed at the starry sky from the hot tub and later sank under the duvets for a blissful sleep.

Ultimately, we decided, the Pacific Penthouse offers a perfect getaway scenario for a family, a twosome or a pair of couples. It would provide the perfect backdrop for any sort of gathering — as part of a convention, wedding or other special event — or as a luxurious escape amid a true West Coast adventure.

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A COLLECTION OF ALL THINGS ARTSY, FUN AND SPOOKY HAPPENING IN VICTORIA THIS OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER. ENJOY DISOBEDIENT WOMEN, SPECTACULAR OPERA, SIZZLING BALLET, UPSCALE ARTISANS AND MORE.

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OCTOBER 18-DECEMBER 10 WOMEN AND THE ART OF PROTEST

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VERYONE FROM MARILYN MONROE TO Eleanor Roosevelt has been credited with saying “well-behaved women seldom make history.”

That bumper sticker call to action is radically expanded and deepened in an art show called Disobedient Women: Defiance, Resistance, and Creativity Past and Present. Created at the University of Victoria, Disobedient inverts historical tradition by ignoring the so-called great men who wielded political and economic power and focussing instead on the many often-invisible women who have challenged, defied and subverted patriarchal and colonial authority.

“We initially intended the exhibit to be more of a historical look, but we quickly realized that the past is still current,” explains Kathy Sanford, a professor in the Faculty of Education who was an assistant to the show’s curator, Darlene Clover.

Indeed, the show’s decades-old images of indigenous women protesters effectively make that point. With a Canada-wide focus that covers the last half-century, Disobedient includes two videos, artworks created for the exhibit, quilts, posters, historic photos of events like protest marches and artifacts such as protest buttons and newspaper clippings.

And from a Barbie Doll quilt that slyly challenges the representation of the female world to portraits of lady wrestlers and a spotlight on the satirical provocations of Victoria’s own Raging Grannies, Disobedient sometimes entertains as it educates.

“Some things have changed for the better for women, but there’s been a backlash in the last decade,” Sanford notes. “There are some incredibly brave, powerful women who continue to resist the patriarchy,” she adds. “And that message is sometimes being kept alive through art.”

Running from October 18 to December 10 at Legacy Maltwood Gallery, in the basement of UVic’s McPherson Library. For information, click on the “current exhibitions”

tabs at legacy.uvic.ca

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After emerging as the crown prince of indie theatre in Victoria, Theatre SKAM co-founder Amiel Gladstone has gone on to an impressive national career as a playwright and director.

A brief involvement with the opera scene in Vancouver exposed him to the lush and tragic charms of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and Gladstone hungered to recast it in the form of contemporary musical theatre. After making a phone call to renowned composer and sometime collaborator Veda Hille — their Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata had already been a huge hit — Onegin slowly took shape.

The storyline involves a dashing aristocrat from St. Petersburg who inherits a country estate and soon sets lonely hearts aflutter.

But when the self-absorbed Onegin coldly rejects the proffered love of the charming Tatyana, the resulting emotional drama

Based on the opera by Tchaikovsky, Onegin unfolds at the Belfry.

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leads to intrigue and a deadly duel.

“The plot is simple,” says Gladstone. “What’s interesting are the details of how people interact with each other, how they treat each other.”

By adding an onstage band and modernizing the language, Gladstone created a compelling hybrid: a production with a period appearance but a contemporary sensibility.

First mounted in Vancouver in 2016, the wildly successful show sold out the entire run and went on to win a record 10 Jessie Awards. Onegin’s original cast is now headed to the Belfry for what should be a remarkable remount.

“Audiences just loved the world created by the play,” notes Gladstone. “Plus the way it looks at love offers a chance for us to ponder how we are living our lives.”

Running from October 17 to November 12. For tickets, see Belfry Theatre.

A MICHEL TREMBLAY PLAY WITH AN ALL-FEMALE CAST AT LANGHAM COURT NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 2 WOMEN ON FIRE Written just over 50 years ago, playwright Michel Tremblay’s award-winning Les Belles-Soeurs still has the power to shock.

It features 15 women from an impoverished East Montreal neighbourhood who have gathered in the home of Germaine for

a “stamp-licking” party (zillions of grocery-store stamps have to be stuck into albums, akin to a labour-intensive version of collecting Air Miles).

This disparate group of sisters and friends are envious of Germaine’s good luck at winning the stamps, and their growing jealousy provokes a generalized bitching session where they trash-talk each other, their husbands and also the church.

Cruelly circumscribed by a society that suffocates them, these are angry, terribly frustrated women who have become loud and raunchy.

“The play is brutally honest but it’s also very funny,” says theatre veteran Judy Treloar, who will be directing what she estimates is her 24th play for Langham Court. “And it was so raw that it wasn’t allowed to be mounted until three years after Tremblay wrote it.”

A cheerfully outspoken feminist, Treloar is fascinated by how the play portrays the very beginning of women rebelling in an extremely conservative and patriarchal culture.

“I’m from New Zealand, which was way more advanced in terms of women’s rights in the 1960s,” says Treloar, who delved deeply into Quebec’s social history as part of her preparation for directing Belles-Soeurs.

“I just hope that people are excited about seeing an important play by one of Canada’s greatest playwrights,” she adds.

Running from November 15 to December 2. For tickets, see Langham Court.

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POV’S SEASON OPENER OCTOBER 12-22 A HAUNTING OPERA DEBUT

Soprano Lara Ciekiewicz is featured in Jenufa.

Composed just over a century ago, the opera Jenufa is a haunting tale of infanticide and redemption that contains some of the most beautiful music ever written by Czech composer Leos Janácek.

“He’s now regarded as a major composer of 20th century opera,” says Pacific Opera Victoria artistic director Timothy Vernon, who will conduct the first-ever Victoria performance of this celebrated work.

“His music has deep roots in Czech folk music, but he has a great use of harmony and a speech-derived sense of rhythm that influences the shape of his melodies,” Vernon notes. “His music is wonderful — engaging, memorable, imaginative — and Jenufa is his most popular opera.”

The story has a rural setting, and involves a baby born out of wedlock who is then drowned in an icy river in a grotesque attempt to preserve moral order in the village. But despite the horrific nature of that crime, the grieving mother doesn’t demand vengeance but instead offers absolution to the perpetrator.

“The story is emotionally true, and the reconciliation is a brilliant, transcendent human moment that is beautifully expressed in Janácek’s music,” explains Vernon.

Adding further interest to this production, Jenufa will be directed by Victoria-raised Atom Egoyan. Although the internationally celebrated Egoyan is best known as a filmmaker,

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he has also directed several operas.

According to Vernon, Egoyan has seen several POV productions over the years and had indicated an interest in working with POV some time — and happily accepted when offered the challenge of Jenufa.

“This is a special project,” Vernon adds.

Playing from October 12 to 22 at the Royal Theatre.

For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

TRIBUTE TO NATALIE COLE OCTOBER 26 & 29 NOT FORGOTTEN It was ironic that when Natalie Cole died nearly two years ago, the R&B vocalist who won seven Grammys for her Unforgettable CD was, if not forgotten, then certainly underacknowledged.

“I cried for days when I heard she had passed away,” says celebrated jazz chanteuse Maria Manna. “She was insufficiently honoured when she died, so I vowed to do something.”

True to her word, the Victoria-based Manna — whose diverse accomplishments include performing with legendary jazz flautist Paul Horn and opening for the Beach Boys — is touring “Unforgettable: A Tribute to Natalie Cole,” with backup from the 17-piece Lust Life Big Band Jazz Orchestra.

Manna, a huge fan, thinks that Cole was one of the top jazz vocalists in the world.

“She did a really good job with her R&B, but her vibrato,

Victoria-raised Atom Egoyan will direct POV’s Jenufa.

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her scatting and her cadence made her jazz singing truly exceptional,” Manna notes.

Herself blessed with flawless diction, elegant phrasing and a torchy on-stage sensuality, Manna is an ideal choice to perform such Cole-associated classics as “Route 66,” “Lush Life” and “Cry Me a River.”

“A vocalist gets to live the life of each song for those few minutes,” explains Manna. “The challenge is to bring the audience through the story with you.”

Manna, who is equally well known for her philanthropic work, will donate part of the tour proceeds to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

“I have two passions in life — music and helping the less fortunate,” she says. “Natalie was a kidney recipient, so working with the foundation was an obvious choice.”

Appearing October 26 at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney and October 29 at Victoria’s First Metropolitan Church. For tickets, see mariamanna.ca.

and curate fine crafts, artisan foods and one-of-a-kind fashions designed by some of BC’s most creative professional artisans.

This year promises no less as producer Carmen Degelman will continue the tradition for the 29th annual event, and present works by both well-established, familiar artisans as well as emerging designers and craftspeople.

Also included is a pop-up Esty boutique and an artisan food market, featuring topnotch local food producers, craft distilleries and vintners. Live music is also planned for each day.

“Attend Out of Hand for the art, fashion, food, and fabulous home décor. Meet the person behind the masterpiece. Shop handmade, buy local, and give something unique this holiday season,” says Degelman.

A full list of exhibitors/vendors and scheduled entertainment is available at www.outofhand.ca or call 250-479-4339 for more info.

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NOVEMBER 24-26 SHOP HANDMADE AND BUY LOCAL Victoria’s prestigious Out of Hand Artisan Fair, the largest event of its kind on Vancouver Island, moves to the Victoria Conference Centre for three days of unique arts and crafts, local foods and great entertainment, over the last weekend of November.

For 28 years, Out of Hand organizers have aimed to source

As Halloween gets ready to glide into town on little ghouls’ feet, Ballet Victoria is celebrating the spooky season with a remounting of Dracula, an original BV production that debuted in 2014.

“We’ve gone from 12 to 16 dancers and have upgraded the production values by adding digital projections,” explains Ballet Victoria artistic director Paul Destrooper. “It’s a piece I’m

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thrilled to be revisiting.”

According to Destrooper, Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic novel wasn’t just an atmospheric horror-fest but also a thoughtful look at the seamier side of the Victorian era in Britain. “It’s like Dracula is a force that draws in people, especially if they have already been seduced by the darkness of drugs and alcohol. So there are obvious contemporary parallels,” he adds.

Destrooper is known for creatively altering familiar stories, and his take on the erotic but deadly count is as much romantic as horrific, including elements of tragedy.

“He’s not just that evil bloodsucker who needs to be terminated,” quips Destrooper.

As with other BV productions, the dancing is contemporary classical — the dancers are en pointe and there is lots of partnering. But after starting very traditionally, the dancing gets more fluid as the storyline gets wilder. And the soundtrack also evolves, from Elgar and Mahler to Pärt and Piazzolla.

“The music, lighting and projections all create the setting and enhance the mood that helps carry the ballet’s themes,” Destrooper adds.

Running from October 27 to 29 at the McPherson Playhouse. For information, see Ballet Victoria.

Ballet Victoria presents Dracula.

All kids deserve to play.

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HEART

DISCOVER BLACK BLACK ROCK DISCOVER ROCK UCLUELET • BRITISH COLUMBIA UCLUELET • BRITISH COLUMBIA DISCOVER BLACK ROCK DISCOVER BLACK ROCK UCLUELET • BRITISH COLUMBIA UCLUELET • BRITISH COLUMBIA

OF THE

PENINSULA BACKGROUND IN KARATE AND A LOVE OF COMMUNITY ANCHORS CHACE WHITSON

BY SEAN MCINTYRE PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

T

HE BUZZING WATERFRONT CAFE in downtown Sidney is an ideal setting to speak with Chace Whitson.

Staff members rush to fill a lineup of orders, and customers overflow onto the sun-drenched patio. Tourists and locals lounging in the enjoyable summer afternoon clearly illustrate what Whitson means when he says Sidney is a town on the move.

“The landscape has changed. There are more young families, and there’s more money on the Saanich Peninsula. It’s becoming more of a hub and a lot more modernized,” Whitson says. “There’s definitely a balance between urban areas, space for families and a diverse spectrum of demographics.”

It wasn’t too long ago when talk of Sidney conjured scenes of a distinctly more mature class of townsfolk. A walk down Beacon Avenue these days will have newcomers questioning those assumptions. New residential and commercial projects, an extremely walkable downtown core, and proximity to strategic infrastructure such as schools, transportation and recreation opportunities have put Sidney and much of North Saanich on the map as the place to be.

And Whitson is here at the perfect time.

The 35-year-old realtor is a certified local who grew up across the Peninsula from Sidney in Pat Bay and attended Sidney’s Parkland Secondary. Whitson devoted himself to the Shotokan school of karate at age seven. He obtained his black

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belt by his mid-20s and taught youngsters the ropes before a busy family life began to draw more of his time.

Whitson says his karate background forged a strict discipline, honed his mental and physical strength and instilled in him a strong sense of respect.

In the words of Gichin Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan style, “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant.”

Like so many young graduates, however, schooling and career prospects took him elsewhere on Vancouver Island. Following business school, he started out as project manager with an excavation firm before moving on to become operations manager for Victoria-based Ralmax Group. Whitson soon relocated to Nanaimo, where he managed the largest concrete company on Vancouver Island.

His career path followed a winning formula as he transferred an evergrowing skillset to newer and more challenging leadership positions about every five years. Whitson’s latest move involved walking away from the comforts and security of that lucrative executive role in Nanaimo to set off on his own in the crowded and competitive world of residential real estate.

“I’m continually growing,” he says.

Whitson studied to obtain his realtors licence in the evenings

after work, but setting out on his own still felt like a massive risk. Based on the experience from his upbringing, education and quiver of on-the-job skills, however, the transition felt inevitable.

“I could see it well before I got in the business,” he says. “I have a passion for real estate and an entrepreneurial spirit, and I love people. I just decided what I wanted to do, and I took the leap and never looked back. So far everything has been amazing.”

Whitson may be nearing the top of his game, but he remains a modest island boy at heart. It’s a good 30 minutes into the interview before the topic of sales enters the picture. Based out of his Macdonald Realty office in the heart of Sidney, Whitson has quickly vaulted to the top of his peers by concentrating on sales within the Saanich Peninsula.

“I’ve lived up and down the island, but spent the majority of my life on the Peninsula,” he says. “It’s very familiar to me. I know the area well.”

Whitson’s business sense, charisma and knowledge have helped him become a “top-producer” by value of sales among his colleagues on Vancouver Island. He says growth in the area has been spurred by people seeking a comfortable life in a vibrant, small-city atmosphere. Buyers are coming primarily from Victoria and the Lower Mainland, but the area’s relatively mild climate and casual West Coast lifestyle have begun to attract an

“I HAD BUILT SUCH STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH DEVELOPERS AND CONTRACTORS IN MY PREVIOUS CAREERS THAT I REALLY HAD AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE OUTSET.”

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Sunday, October 22 · 5 – 8pm Inn at Laurel Point Join us! Tickets $95 Includes a generous tax receipt

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increasing number of people from elsewhere across Canada and the United States.

“Many people are downsizing from other areas and moving out this way for a quieter lifestyle and the flatter terrain,” he says.

Whitson’s background in the building sector gives him the knack to work closely with contractors tasked to build much of Sidney’s newer residential projects. The results mean prospective buyers can access homes, townhouses or apartments tailored to their specific needs and lifestyles.

“With demand increasing contractors are seeing that and it’s snowballing,” Whitson say. “I had built such strong relationships with developers and contractors in my previous careers that I really had amazing opportunities from the outset.”

Whitson and his family recently completed work on a new home of their own. It’s got a big backyard and is within walking distance of his office, major amenities and the waterfront. It epitomizes what’s great about Sidney, the kind of place where Whitson can head out for an early morning run with his chocolate lab Hudson, get home to see his oldest of three young children off to school and still get to the office without having to deal with a lengthy commute.

On weekends, the family might head out for a hike at Horth Hill Regional Park or cruise their pleasure craft for a picnic on Sidney Spit or a getaway in the Gulf Islands. It’s a place he’s happy to call home, and so grateful to have returned to.

“Sure there have been changes, but it’s always been such a beautiful place. All the outdoor activities are around you wherever you go,” he says. “The quality of life is unparalleled.

It’s a small community, but it has it all.”

S AV E T H E D AT E THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 T H , 2017 THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS | TICKE TS $175 Join us for a festive evening at Victoria’s premier social event and make a difference for people facing cancer in our community. Funds raised will go towards advancing research and care at BC Cancer’s Vancouver Island Centre.

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Victoria 774 Spruce Ave. 250.592.1974 Tue - Sat: 10 am - 5:30 pm

OUTTAKE

In Boulevard’s Hot Properties feature, the images capture more than just stunning and gorgeous houses — these are homes as well. In the case of this month’s feature, Above the Clouds, the home belongs to a family of five plus one dog. Here, Hardeep, Jane and their three children, Isaac, Corah and Ellis, enjoy their beautiful dining area that features a painting entitled Power by Jane’s mother, artist Lynn Rowland. This family is the heart of this home.

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Photo by Vince Klassen

THE ALL-NEW 2018 VOLVO XC60 has ARRIVED With a suite of world-first safety features, refined Scandinavian styling, and the only plug-in hybrid powertrain in its class, the All-New Volvo XC60 is the pinnacle of SUV luxury, safety, and innovation. We designed it to change the way you drive, but it just might change the way you live, too.

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The new Lexus reflects my personality for sure — it’s fun and outgoing. I chose the IS 350 AWD F-Sport because it’s not too large, and it gets top marks and reviews. I also think it’s the best looking sport sedan you can purchase currently, especially with its new updated grill and headlights. I feel like I’m more mature and more rounded when I drive my Lexus. But when I switch the car to sport mode, it changes, and I feel like I’m 16 years old again… I can’t wipe the grin off my face! Driving the Lexus makes me feel more confident, and I think it’s a car I’ll be keeping for a long time.”

James Tran PhotograPhed at swallow’s landing BY garY MCKinstrY

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