Boulevard Magazine 2025 ISSUE 2

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

LIFE AT ITS FINEST

ON HOME GROUND

HIGH IN TORONTO

Going to heavenly heights in this Canadian metropolis

FARM TO FASHION

Reviving Canada’s wool fibre and textile industry

CONTEMPORARY CANADIANA

Trendy twists on favourite Canadian foods

building design.

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building design interior design landscape design feasibility studies for spaces that matter

The Essence of luxury

Excellence in every detail Driven by perfection

Uncompromising craftsmanship

At No.1 Collision Group, we specialize in providing a repair experience that is unlike any other in North America. From the Italian leather furnishings that adorn our offices to the bespoke architecture of our expansive facilities, we’ve meticulously curated each of our collision centers to embody the essence of the luxury vehicles that reside within them.

With certifications from prestigious manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla, our expert technicians are equipped with the latest in automotive technology to ensure that your luxury automobile is fully restored to its original grandeur. Add to this an industry-leading customer service, uniquely provided by our team of client experience specialists, and together it equals an experience that is entirely bespoke to the collision repair industry.

Lisa Manfield

Cosy, traditional, conceptual and masterfully made, these knits transcend trends

By Lia Crowe + Jen Evans

FARM TO FASHION

Reviving Canada’s wool, fibre and textile industry

By Cinda Chavich

Trendy twists on favourite Canadian foods

By Ellie

Shortt

HIGH IN TORONTO

Going to heavenly heights in this Canadian metropolis

By Susan Lundy

On the Cover

Photo by Lia Crowe

Model Nevaeh Guillemette with eco-dyed Vancouver Island skeins of yarn by Tannin & Toil, wearing large faux pearl necklace and animal-print pumps by Marni, both from Turnabout; blue beaded necklace from Magic Friend Maker; blue stockings (stylist’s own). Styling by Jen Evans; hair and makeup by Jen Clark.

"For the knit fashion story in this issue of Boulevard, I had the pleasure of featuring some local designers and makers, who I’ve had my eye on for a while. I’ve been in awe of Cara from Tannin & Toil, who hand-spins local Icelandic sheep wool fibre into gorgeous knit sweaters and felted rugs, and eco-dyes fabric with foraged, west coast elements. Sophie Isabella stunned me with her hand-knit, oneof-a-kind, high-fashion creations, patiently designed without the use of patterns and with only a pair of knitting needles. And, of course, the timeless and authentic Cowichan sweaters featured in our story are so much more than merely a fashion statement: they are a canvas, narrating the tales of the Coast Salish people.”

Jen Evans is a creative producer, fashion and prop, working in Victoria and Vancouver BC. jenevansstylist.com.

“There are luxury homes, and then there is King Georges Estate—ultraluxury on a level I have never experienced before. What I appreciated most about this estate, aside from the 180-degree views of the city below, was the subtle integration of high-end furnishings. It didn’t feel like the home was trying to be opulent—but it clearly made the most of functional and aesthetic upgrades to add to its comfort and convenience. Who wouldn’t value that?” Lisa Manfield is a writer, editor and content strategist. She was the founding editor of BCLiving magazine and is a regular contributor to Boulevard.

“We all watched in horror last summer at the news of Jasper National Park burning, but since I had just spent a magical few days at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, it felt personal. So, learning and writing about plans to renovate the historic property has been uplifting.” Suzanne Morphet is a Victoria-based print journalist who loves to travel and write stories that inspire others to explore the world.

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

2025 ISSUE 2

BOULEVARD GROUP Mario Gedicke

PUBLISHER 250.891.5627 info@blvdmag.ca

MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Tammy Robinson Crea Zhang

ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki Clark

CONTRIBUTING Susan Beiderwieden

WRITERS Natalie Bruckner

Cinda Chavich

Lia Crowe

Jen Evans

Janice Louise

Susan Lundy

Suzanne Morphet

Joanne Peters

Kaisha Scofield

Ellie Shortt

Tess van Straaten

Jane Zatylny

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe

PHOTOGRAPHERS Martin Knowles

Francine McCabe

CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411

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.

Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

In the end, I suppose, the joke was on me. My travel story in this edition of Boulevard—“High in Toronto”—is the third in a series of “high in” articles. Over the last few years, I’ve also written about high spots in New York and London. Toronto seemed the obvious next choice, especially for the “made in Canada” theme of this edition.

The “high” title is deliberate. You can be up high, in high spirits, living the high life, or, as you immediately think when you see the title, high on weed. The New York tourism people, who helped organize my story itinerary there, were not keen on the title. But I was adamant. It’s clever! It’s catchy! And while it’s obviously not about being high on weed, the allusion draws the reader in.

The night before my husband Bruce and I left for Toronto, my right eye felt a bit itchy. By the next morning it was red and weepy. By the time we landed in Toronto both eyes were swollen and red. The infection was irritating and bothersome, but I consulted with a pharmacist, bought some antibiotic eye drops, and didn’t think much more of it until we met up with Bruce’s family. One of Bruce’s brothers kept stealing glances at me and seemed a bit reluctant to engage in conversation. As we left, we walked past a sign for an eye doctor and I said, “Maybe that’s where I should go to get this eye infection checked out.”

“Ohhh!” said Bruce’s brother, seemingly having an aha moment, and I suddenly understood that he thought I was really high in Toronto. This realization carried with me for the next few days as we met with myriad people on my itinerary. I tried to act particularly sober despite my swollen red eyes, but I’m certain many of them thought I was taking “high in Toronto” very seriously.

There are always anecdotes from a trip that you can’t include in a travel article, but they are still worth sharing. Having an eye infection is one of these: it was a low point in a story about being high.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

High profile

Here’s another anecdote: the omnipresence of Taylor Swift. We arrived in Toronto just days before this “event of the century,” and the famous singer was everywhere. A life-size cut-out stood amid the lavish furnishings at Casa Loma. Her songs blared in every elevator and store, and bounced about the outdoor airwaves for the “enjoyment” of people traversing the sidewalks. Friendship-bracelet-making stations dotted the ground floor of our hotel and places to take photos against Eras Tour backdrops abounded. Each time we walked past the arena where Taylor would perform, we had to push our way through a throng of people lining up to buy her merchandise.

It was all too much. The high Taylor presence resulted in my low Taylor tolerance.

But the lowest moment came as we extended our trip beyond Toronto and landed in New York. Never stop in Times Square to check out what a crowd of tourists has gathered to watch. Somehow, amid what appeared to be an acrobatic street performance, Bruce got pulled into the show with five other unsuspecting men. I confess, I enjoyed this part of the experience, making sure to capture his embarrassing ordeal on my phone. Until…I was spotted, and it was my turn to be paraded about. Ultimately, it cost Bruce $20 to free me and more cash to extricate himself. A high price for low tourism IQ!

But back to Toronto. Ultimately, I was impressed with the city—despite its annoying hockey team—and it was eye-opening to spend a few days as a tourist, living the high life and exploring its high spots. I just didn’t expect to look high as well.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Boulevard and its made-in-Canada theme. May it be a high spot of your day!

Susan Lundy Managing Editor

Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as an editor, author and freelance writer. Her latest book of humour columns, Home on the Strange, was published in 2021 via Heritage House Publishing.

design notes

She Mends Fences lll

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Stay close

By Janice Louise

I’m pumped! The options and creativity of products and the skills of creators—all available close to home—are remarkable.

I hope this inspiring collection of local goods, many with hints of spring greens and fragrant florals, will excite you as well. I love the interesting ways in which this collection creates a story, each product relating to one another in small ways.

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Cactus Garden Candle Rising Moon Botanicals $30

Kofu Bag - Kinchaku 08 Mirooka

May 25, 2020

Sculpture by Susannah Montague Madrona Gallery *price on request

Marbled Mini Vase

Someone Ceramics

Luna Collective $44

Saint Squirrel: Protecting You ‘Cause You’re Nuts

Carollyne Yardley, Madrona Gallery

$4,500

Midnight Blues

Two Crows Studio $22

Zingaro Floral Perfumery

$58

Sandpiper Lamp a light studio, Arrietty Home $325

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life.style.etc.

ANITA TIERNAN HEAD BUYER FOR MUSE & MERCHANT HOME COLLECTION STORE

WORDS SUSAN LUNDY X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I was born in Ireland and grew up in a small village on the east coast, about 40 minutes from Dublin. I come from quite a large family—I have two brothers and two sisters, so it was quite a chaotic but very happy childhood.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?

I’ve always followed my passion for art and design. I won my first art competition at age five. I’d painted some large bumble bees in a bright blue sky and felt so proud! I did a BA in textiles at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, specializing in woven textiles. After my travels to Southeast Asia in 2003, I got my first job as a buyer/ administrator in the largest department store in Ireland. I then worked for a company called Meadows & Byrne, buying all their soft textiles and furniture. Here, I learned more about the bigger picture, from start to finish, of buying and honed my love of furniture. In 2015, I was lucky enough to join Muse & Merchant and instantly fell in love with the style and direction. I helped to hone the look and feel and created a store that is so unique and truly special.

WHAT IS THE ONE ASPECT OF YOUR WORK THAT REALLY GETS YOU FIRED UP?

Travelling the world and seeking out beautiful, unique pieces made by incredibly talented crafts people. It’s such a privilege being able to work with such talent. Seeing the product from the very start in their workshops to the final styling in the stores is really exciting. And when pieces sell well, it’s even more satisfying.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK?

The three main things that jump out are volunteering, travelling and eating great food. I feel that a big purpose of my life is to help people as best I can. My spirituality is a huge part of my life today. And I LOVE food. I adore trying out new local restaurants and cooking something delicious. My next big adventure is a solo trip to Peru and Bolivia, coming up this year.

WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

Wow! Where do I start? I will keep this simple. I feel that I’m now at a stage in life where I’m really getting to know and be true to myself. Yes, it’s taken 42 years. I’ve also learned that The Traitors UK is the best thing on TV! I’m obsessed.

WHICH OF YOUR INNATE QUALITIES OR DAILY PRACTICES HAS LED TO YOUR SUCCESS?

I have great energy, I’m humorous and authentic, honest and forthright. It means I can speak to craftspeople and heads of companies and make great relationships. Exercising, meditation and eating well make me happy and ready to face each day with enthusiasm.

WHAT IS GOOD STYLE TO YOU?

People whose style I generally admire are those who look at ease in their clothes.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

I have quite a laid-back, European and slightly quirky style. I adore unusual jewellery and bright accessories. I love fashion, but I also love to be comfortable! The year ahead is when I really plan to embrace colour in my wardrobe. And maybe I’ll wear something other than my Blundstones from time to time…

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE

Style icon: I really like Sienna Miller’s style. She’s a bit boho, but always looks elegant. She does a great red lip too! I also admire Jennifer Aniston, who has found what suits her and sticks with it; she always looks comfortable in her skin.

Favourite fashion designer or brand: I don’t have a loyalty to any one brand. I love a mix of high-street, vintage and a touch of designer.

Favourite musician: This is a tough one. Maybe Elton John. Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: I loved Keira Knightley’s style recently in the Netflix show Black Doves—cosy sweaters, big colourful scarves and gorgeous dresses.

Favourite cocktail or wine: I love a virgin mojito!

Album on current rotation: Lovers Rock by Sade.

Favourite flower: It has to be a peony.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: Laughing with my work team, FaceTiming my family, funny podcasts and, of course, a great almond croissant.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Uniform: Smart trousers, bright tee and blazer, with some unusual accessories.

All-time favourite piece: My floral jumpsuit that my sister gave me.

Favourite pair of shoes: My new Adidas green velvet Sambas!

Favourite day-bag: My coat pocket.

Favourite work tool: My phone is so important for taking pictures for inspiration and then showing ideas to our makers around the world.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: My blue sapphire ring I had custom made in India.

Fashion obsession: Pretty obsessed with Adidas footwear right now.

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: I’ve been using ZO Skin Health for the last four years. It’s my go-to to keep my Irish porcelain skin fabulous!

Scent: Jo Malone Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne.

READING MATERIAL

Fave magazine: Am I supposed to say Boulevard here?!

Last great read: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. Book currently reading: Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel.

The benefits of flexing your outdoor muscles

WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

The only thing better than being Canadian being Canadian and living in British Columbia. We are spoiled with diverse natural beauty: from the winter wonderlands in the north to the temperate rainforests in the south. We have ocean, lakes, islands and straits. Kayaking, tubing, fishing and wildlife-viewing are only some of the incredible activities we can enjoy throughout our stunning province.

BC is an international tourist dream destination. Visitors excitedly board whale-watching boats on the Salish Sea, hop on water skis on Okanagan Lake, run, walk or cycle the ocean-edged Seawall in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, or try their luck on fishing excursions in Haida Gwaii. Our province’s waterways are incred ible, but when the warm weather hits and the tourist destinations become too crowded, you’ll find BC-ers diving into the sanctuary of the mountains and plunging into the peacefulness of the forest.

Super natural British Columbia. More than half of BC is covered in trees and we have more national parks than anywhere else in Canada. In fact, our parks make up 14.7 per cent of the province’s land base, with over 1,000 protected areas, covering 14 million hectares. It’s no wonder that outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, walking and running, are enjoyed by over 70 per cent of our province’s population annually.

Hiking is a part of our identity and it’s one of the reasons BC has been called the healthiest province in Canada. Hiking offers exceptional physical and mental exercise because it provides a near- perfect balance of adventure and movement, while also having the ability to suit an individual’s interest and skill level. The range of difficulty and the simple equipment requirements also make hiking widely available to all levels of capability. It is truly one of the most accessible and inclusive types of movement.

Hiking is so accessible that it is often a foundational movement platform for diversity and inclusion programs. For example, Colour the Trails is a BIPOC run/hike program that promotes diversity and provides support for underrepresented communities on the trails. Originating in Vancouver, the program has expanded country-wide and recently celebrated having more than 1,000 participants in 75 cross-country hiking events. Another organization, Power to Be, out of Victoria, runs several inclusive outdoor programs for folks with disabilities and/or barriers to accessing nature. Last year it facilitated over 400 programs and had just under 2,500 participants.

JEWELLERY TO TELL YOUR STORY

DISCOVER BIRKS MUSE

Hiking provides a physical challenge via muscle engagement, requires mental fortitude while engaging in spatial navigation, and challenges cognitive adaptation through environmental acclimation, making it a truly multifaceted form of movement. This is further enriched by the constant need for maneuvering through unpredictable terrain; sidestepping roots and ground cover; preparing for potential interactions with wildlife; absorbing visual stimulation; all while undergoing constant trail navigation. Not to

mention that the nature of, well, nature means that the same hike will change from day to day and season to season.

Fortunately, your body was built for hiking. Humans have evolved, more so than any other species, to be experts at walking for long distances. Our ability to clamber over rocks, trudge up hills, slow-step down dry creek beds—even our capacity to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of lookout vistas—is all due to our physiology and cognitive function.

The large muscles of our legs and maneuverability of our hips make us excellent at climbing over obstacles, while our upright positioning, strong torso and broad shoulders allow us to carry supplies over long distances. Most importantly, our large brain is designed for problem-solving, adaptability and proprioception.

We may be built to be in nature, but too many of us spend our days indoors, enduring near-constant interactions with screens. This can lead to a disconnection with the natural world and negatively affect our mental wellbeing, possibly increasing anxiety, depression and isolation.

Most people do not move their bodies enough and are increasingly shifting their attention away from the natural world. The minimum movement recommended is based on the 20-8-2 formula, which recommends that we limit sitting to 20 minutes at a time, followed by at least eight minutes of movement, in two-minute movement sessions. For example, set an alarm to stand after 20 minutes of sitting work, get up for a minimum of eight minutes and during this time engage in as many two-minute movement sessions as possible (dancing, walking, squatting, climbing stairs, et cetera).

Now that we’ve decided to limit sitting to 20-minute sessions, let’s

take the movement formula a step further. A multitude of studies have shown that being outside for as little as 20 minutes per day improves overall health and even increases lifespan and health longevity. There is also a formula for ensuring we spend enough time in nature: it’s called the 20-5-3 rule. This formula suggests spending 20 minutes per day in nature (for example, a local park), five days per week in a natural setting (for example, forest hiking) and three days per year immersed in the backcountry (for example, camping).

Parks are everywhere in BC, so finding somewhere to spend your daily 20 minutes should be easy. When you’re ready to start picking out five weekly hikes, apps like AllTrails, or even a local Reddit recommendation search, can simplify the process.

The most fun part of getting outside is planning bigger backcountry camping trips. This can be done via the BC Parks website, which offers campground reservations, or you can sometimes reserve specific locations at private campgrounds, throughout the province. If tent camping feels overwhelming, you can opt for renting a trailer or camper van via companies like GoCampers, or, you can book camping excursions with local adventure companies.

In whatever way you choose to start flexing your outdoor muscles, do it today. Get outside and head to a park or forest to enjoy some fresh air and natural beauty. Maybe you want to lounge on a local park bench and listen to the birds chirp; take the family on an elevated trail and look for slugs; or climb to the top of a mountain vista to surround yourself in nature. While you’re there, be sure to take a minute to really appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and feel gratitude for this incredible province that we are lucky enough

good taste

Fairmont Empress’s executive pastry chef, Gerald Tan.

Ataste of Victoria

Local flavours of honey, berries and roses infuse new signature Empress chocolates

WORDS TESS VAN STRAATEN X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

I’m sitting in a wingback chair in the luxurious Gold Lounge of Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress hotel soaking up the spectacular view of the inner harbour as velvety milk chocolate melts in my mouth.

“It’s a little darker than your typical milk chocolate with a 46.5 per cent cacao content, and I did that because it has more of a depth of flavour to it,” explains the Fairmont Empress’s executive pastry chef, Gerald Tan. “I was inspired by the ocean so there’s a touch of salt in there, a hint of caramel and honey, and fruity notes. We named it Golden Aura because the sunsets here are so beautiful.”

I’m tasting the Fairmont Empress’ new signature chocolates—the creation of which, I’m told, are a first for a Victoria hotel—and they do not disappoint.

“We try to do things that are special and make us stand out, so I really wanted to have a product that defines the Empress in dessert form,” Gerald says. “The whole idea behind creating the chocolate is to have something unique to the property and something that embodies not only the Empress, but also Victoria and Vancouver Island.”

With notes of bark and pine capturing the woodsy aromas of the West Coast, red berries from Vancouver Island, and a hint of rose to honour the hotel’s lush rose gardens, the 66.8 per cent cacao dark chocolate does just that. It’s called Midnight Bloom—a nod to all the flowers in the City of Gardens—and it’s Gerald’s favourite.

“I love the dark chocolate because there’s just more intensity to the notes and as you taste it more, you get hints of olives and wine,” he says. “It’s a bit stronger than your average dark chocolate, but it’s velvety and there’s no bitter aftertaste.”

To find the perfect combination of flavours, Gerald travelled to Paris

to taste all of the delectable options at high-quality chocolate maker Barry Callebaut.

“There are different notes of chocolate that you go through and then you narrow it down to the flavour profile you want,” he explains. “Do you want it to be sweet or to have a strong cacao taste? I went with the more floral and a bit of fruitiness, and they created three different recipes for me that I brought back for the executive team to taste. And then we decided what was the best fit.”

For Gerald—who’s been a pastry chef for 10 years and moved to Victoria a year and a half ago, after working at the St. Regis Hotel in his hometown of Toronto—it was an exciting but also daunting endeavour.

“It was definitely a lot of pressure!” he says with a laugh. “How do you express what the property is about? It was really about getting to know the history of the Fairmont Empress as well as what makes Victoria special. So, I did a lot of exploring.”

Making both the Reserve Noir and the Reserve Le Luminaire chocolates even more special is the heraldic emblem embossed on each delectable piece—another nod to the rich history of Canada’s castle on the coast. Highlighted with gold dust on the piece of dark chocolate I’m sampling, the “Badge of the Empress” features a cougar (Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of cougars in the world) coming out of a crown that’s rimmed with Pacific dogwood, British Columbia’s official flower, and Canadian maple leaves.

“The emblem and the chocolates are truly one of a kind and reflect the essence of our unique property,” Gerald says, adding that both signature chocolates are featured in the hotel’s popular afternoon tea, and will be key ingredients in desserts at Q at the Empress this summer.

The raised arms of the cougar on the Empress emblem mean

MASTER OF MATERIALS

CENTRIX OPEN HEART

ALYSHA NEWMAN

“The whole idea behind creating the chocolate is to have something unique to the property and something that embodies not only the Empress, but also Victoria and Vancouver Island.”

that it holds onto its good fortune and I’m about to do the same by tasting the four-piece bon bon box ($20), available for purchase in the Lobby Lounge. The flavours emerge as a taste of Victoria, and include Empress honey, which is harvested on the property through the hotel’s pollinator program, and even a Saanich berry, with white chocolate that’s oozing with the most delicious raspberry ganache I’ve ever tasted. And since it’s the Empress, there’s also a tea-infused Earl Grey Midnight Bloom bon bon.

With Vancouver Island as his inspiration, Gerald and his team of 12 are constantly creating new sweet treats, from homemade ice cream to Gin Baba, a new twist on the citrusy Rum Baba that’s made with the hotel’s famous signature Empress 1908 Gin.

“It’s very important for me to make things from scratch because there’s a sense of pride from the team that we came up with this, and that it’s homemade,” says Gerald, who’s always loved baking and grew up making chiffon cakes with his mom. “I find it tastes better, the quality is better and it’s unique—you’re not going to find it anywhere else and I’m constantly amazed at the creativity of my team.”

“What the pastry team comes up with is unbelievable and since Gerald’s changing the menu every season, we always look forward to tasting what the team creates,” Empress public relations director Lisa McPhail tells me. “I was never a chocolate person and now I’m suddenly a chocolate person, which says a lot.”

As I bite into the last piece of chocolate on my tasting platter—Midnight Bloom, beautifully decorated with rose petals and freeze-dried raspberries—I ask Gerald if you can have too much chocolate.

“I have a sweet tooth so it’s very hard not to eat everything!” he says. “We always taste everything we make but I still have dessert at home every night as well.”

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Clay dates

“With clay, anything is possible,” says ceramic artist Miho McLaughlin

WORDS JANE ZATYLNY X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Life can be unpredictable. Just ask Miho McLaughlin, a Chemainus-based ceramics artist and pottery teacher. Born and raised in Vancouver, Miho found herself, almost by accident, studying fine arts at Vancouver’s Langara College.

“It was just so random,” she laughs.

Maybe not entirely random: as a high school student, Miho imagined herself teaching physical education one day, as both of her parents and her sister are teachers. But she had never practiced any type of artistic endeavour; that is, until her older sister asked if she would illustrate a children’s book she was working on for a university class.

“It was really well received,” she says. “I guess you could say it was my first artist’s critique.”

After accompanying her sister to a UBC art history class, she decided at 19 to enroll in an art history course at Langara College.

“I still didn’t know what I was doing,” she says. “I used to work at a café on Granville Island and met a group of students who went to [Emily Carr University of Art + Design]. So, I decided to take a night course for children’s books.”

At 21, she was the youngest in the class, and everyone there was questioning her, “Don’t you know what you want to go to school for? Why don’t you just go to art school?”

Heeding the hints, she decided to enroll in a fine arts program at Langara College, where she met Alwyn O’Brien, her first ceramics teacher.

Old to Bold

“She taught me everything I know,” says Miho.

At Langara, Miho began to work as a teachers’ assistant, making up the clay and glazes for the students. This position and her passion for clay led to a job teaching pottery in Vancouver.

After earning her diploma from Langara, Miho transferred to Emily Carr University, where she continued her studies towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

She moved to Chemainus in 2022 with her partner, the sculptor Mark Ollinger, purchased a kiln, and converted their basement to a studio with six potter’s wheels.

“After I fell in love with teaching in Vancouver, I knew I had to create my own studio in Chemainus, so I could continue doing what I love full-time.”

With COVID-19 rules in place a few years ago, she commuted across the Strait of Georgia to Emily Carr about half the time and worked from home the other half.

At Emily Carr, she honed her style and brought screen printmaking into her artist practice, sometimes combining the two art forms.

“I was really glad to have the extra two years to learn,” she says. “I was able to understand what I wanted to make.”

But her draw towards clay was undeniable.

“My favourite thing about clay is the endless possible outcomes you can achieve with one medium,” she says. “The only limit is the size of kiln we have...with clay, anything is possible.”

Clay sculpture in particular intrigues Miho. Her works are highly personal, reflecting visits to her grandparents’ home village in Japan as well as significant family memories.

Looking around Miho’s studio, what appears to be a crushed can of Japanese milk on a shelf is actually a ceramic sculpture; a miniature vending machine filled with carefully painted cans of Japanese drinks and snacks is a perfectly executed ceramic piece that took Miho three months to complete; life-sized pastries in a silver-plated

footed dish are actually ceramic delicacies on a silver-glazed pottery dish.

A large red rotary phone, a set of car keys and a paper receipt are all, too, ceramic works that form an artwork related to her mother.

Following her graduation from Emily Carr in 2023, Miho attended a local market, where she sold her work and promoted pottery classes. Word of mouth spread quickly about the classes, which Miho offers on an ongoing weekly basis or as drop-in classes.

“The studio got very busy,” she says. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

Students at the weekly classes receive three hours in the studio a week, while the drop-in students learn how to make two pots in a single, two-hour session. They choose the glaze colour and Miho glazes and fires their pots for them to pick up later.

“Art is so grounding for people, especially in these times we are in now,” she says. “I always ask everybody about their hobbies, not their work, just to get them to talk about something they love. And I hear some really cool things.”

With the studio established, Miho is now anticipating making time for some of her own projects. Early this year, she booked a studio in Vancouver for a month to work on her screen-printing; she is also working on ideas for claymation (an animation technique)projects, when time allows.

But as I listen to Miho enthusiastically sharing her experiences, teaching seems to be where she finds a great deal of joy.

I have to wonder. Was Miho’s career path truly random? It seems more fated than accidental.

“I had no idea years ago that I was going to end up here,” she laughs. “But I really enjoy seeing how happy the students are when working with clay, especially if it’s their first time. After each class, I am so grateful to have such a fun and meaningful job.”

For more information, email mihoceramicsstudio@gmail.com.

Finding the magic

The iconic Fairmont

Jasper Park Lodge

WORDS SUZANNE MORPHET

PHOTO BY SUZANNE MORPHET

“B

reathe deeply,” whispered the massage therapist into my ear as she cupped her scented hands over my face. I inhaled the citrusy aroma of an essential oil that launched my journey to a place of profound relaxation.

Outside, the turquoise water of Lac Beauvert reflected the majesty of the Rocky Mountains surrounding Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. For most of my visit to this legendary property I wanted to be out there, surrounded by nature, but for the next two hours I was happily cocooned in a room with light blankets, soft music and the strong hands of an experienced therapist.

As I drifted blissfully in and out of consciousness that day last June, it would have been impossible to imagine that in exactly one month, this spa, this lodge, all its guests and everyone in the town of Jasper and in the entire national park would be evacuated as wildfires raged out of control.

We all know what happened next. But now, almost a year later, most businesses are operating, wildlife is thriving, visitors have returned and—perhaps most exciting—Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation.

The renovation is not due to the fire. Except for one lakefront building that burned, the 700-acre property with more than 400 rooms and cabins was largely spared. Rather, it’s ready, in the words of general manager Garrett Turta, for a “compre hensive transformation,” including to its main lodge, which hasn’t been updated in decades.

“We aim to achieve a sophisticated blend of alpine elegance and contemporary design,” he told me, with “soaring cathedral ceilings, rich wooden beams and magnificent stone fireplaces.”

The goal? To be “the leading destination for creating magical moments.” Even if that sounds Disneyland-ish, who can argue with wanting to experience magical moments while on vacation? Not me.

The essentials are already here, I discovered, from the par 71 golf course, where Bing Crosby played when he was in town in 1946 to shoot The Emperor Waltz, to the barrel sauna on the shore of Lac Beauvert, where Joey Graziadei of The Bachelor enjoyed a passionate kiss with one of his dates in Seawson 28. (The reality TV show may be past its prime, but the scenery in the Jasper episode will have you packing your bags.)

Even if you’re not staying in one of Fairmont’s Signature Cabins like Joey and his dates (the smallest cabin starts around $1,200/night in high season), the property is undeniably special.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. While most of them are substantial stone and brick structures fashioned after a French château or Scottish castle, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has more rustic roots.

FINE CLOTHIERS SINCE 1862

And being so iconically Canadian—there’s even a pair of loons on Lac Beauvert— it feels like home, or what home should feel like. That kind of magic is hard to find.

It began in 1922 as a collection of 10 tents, soon transi tioning to log and stone cabins and a main lodge that was once marketed as “the largest single-storey log structure in the world.” Embellished with an enormous stone fireplace and mounted animal heads, it was a place where guests once danced the night away to a live orchestra.

But the lodge suffered setbacks even before the recent wildfire. One night in 1952, guests were partying when flames suddenly broke out. The fire destroyed the main lodge, but it was rebuilt the following year, in time for a visit by Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum, both in town to shoot the western musical Cabin, one of the lodge’s original cabins from 1928, with its five bedrooms, now each with en suite bathroom.

It couldn’t all have been magical for Marilyn, though, as lodge management of the day reportedly kicked her out for repeatedly dressing inappropriately at dinner!

When my husband and I arrived for dinner at Orso Trat toria one night last June, we dressed for the special occasion that it was—my husband’s 70th birthday—and I’m sure we glowed. I had just come from my head-to-toe Jasper Indul gence in the spa and Kit was looking youthful and feeling relaxed from his Gentleman’s Facial.

The restaurant focuses on the cuisine of northern Italy (the Dolomites and the Rockies are equally awe-inspiring) and we delighted in shared salads (prosciutto with pear and grilled radicchio with fennel), followed by light and lemony ricotta agnolotti, rack of lamb, halibut and—for dessert—crispy phyllo pastry filled with orange cream.

The next morning we were up with the sun to play 18 holes at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge golf course. I’m not

crazy about golf, but I really wanted to see grizzly bears and this course straddles the intersection of two important wildlife corridors. (That wasn’t known when it was conceived in the 1920s.)

Celebrating 100 years in 2025, the course wraps partway around Lac Beauvert, with glorious mountain views from every green. While Kit was organizing our gear, I asked a staffer about bears.

“We have a mama bear and two cubs,” Peyton told me. Pulling out his phone, he showed me a photo of one of the cubs, which looked a little like a giant panda with its two-tone fur.

Unfortunately, the grizzlies were elsewhere that day, but one species was in abundance: ground squirrels. Don’t laugh when I say their antics made my day magical or, at the very least, memorable. Standing on their little hind legs and watching us tee off, or diving into one of their holes that littered the sand traps, they were always adorable and attentive. I almost expected one of them to offer tips on my swing.

I’m not one to return to the same destination often. But Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge may prove the exception. Along with the renovations, there will be new experiences, including innovative sleep programs and seasonal wellness activities. And being so iconically Canadian—there’s even a pair of loons on Lac Beauvert—it feels like home, or what home should feel like. That kind of magic is hard to find.

PHOTO BY SUZANNE MORPHET

75 Years of Care & Craftsmanship.

Thanks to our community for your loyalty and trust. For three generations, we’ve had the honour of building stunning custom homes—where memories are made and life’s most meaningful moments unfold. We’re proud to be a part of your journey.

in every wayElevated

An ultra-luxury estate

WORDS LISA MANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY MARTIN KNOWLES

At first glance, the resplendent three-storey home perched atop the hill at 961 King Georges Way in West Vancouver appears to blend seamlessly into the neighbourhood. One of the most prestigious streets in the British Properties, the road is lined with luxury residences as breathtaking as the 180-degree views they overlook.

But stepping inside the newly built King Georges Estate quickly reveals that something is different here. It’s ultra-luxury on a level not often seen in this part of the world.

Built by Trilliant Homes, which has recently started developing Vancouver properties after 40 years’ experience in Dubai, Europe and the US, the seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 13,828-square-foot estate brings modern and classic designs together in an homage to the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a luxury property in the French Riviera the company’s chairman and CEO, Amir Amjad, once visited.

“We envisioned building a resort-like estate that the owner could truly enjoy,” Amir says. “We saw that lacking here in Vancouver. So, we used the best of everything, but kept the vibe simple and relaxed.”

Built by Trilliant Homes, the seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 13,828-squarefoot estate brings modern and classic designs together in an homage to the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a luxury property in the French Riviera.

EUROPEAN GRANDEUR

From the moment the gates open on the heated gradient driveway, it’s clear everything about this home has been designed for refined sophistication and elevated living.

“We chose to challenge ourselves and showcase our creativity,” says Trilliant’s president of operations, Alex Sadeghi.

That creative spirit is immediately evident as the grand rotunda driveway veers past the eight-car subterranean garage, which comes with a collection of luxury cars, as well as a Tesla reserve battery system that can power the entire home in an emergency. It gives way to a meticulously landscaped backyard, anchored by a cascading waterfall and pond, featuring cubic artwork.

Designed by landscape architect Paul Sangha, the outdoor space includes walking paths and sitting areas which, in the summer, will bloom with fragrant hydrangeas.

With the main entrance situated at the back of the house, a Romanesque archway leads to a European-inspired inner courtyard adorned with handmade ironwork and Juliet balconies for all of the bedrooms above.

Triple-glazed soundproof glass ensures the inner dwelling isn’t disturbed by outside noise. Custom, oversized, sound-deadening glass on the front door lets the light in, but keeps the sound out as entrants step inside and onto the marble radiant flooring that extends throughout the entire residence.

Straight ahead is the great room, an 80-foot, open-concept area, which combines a family room, dining area and living space unobstructed by structural columns. This allows for unimpeded panoramic views of the 180-degree cityscape between Simon Fraser University in Burnaby and UBC in Vancouver. On a clear day, you can see as far south as the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.

To the left, a gourmet Italian kitchen in warm, comforting tones features bronze-coloured Ernestomeda custom-paneled cabinets, Gaggenau and Miele appliances with no-touch closures (yes, they

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FABRICATIONS

will close themselves if you forget) and a hanging stainless steel hood fan. Additional appliances include a smart espresso machine, Miele wall oven and food dehydrator.

A sitting room adjacent to the kitchen features figured Anigre millwork. As beautiful as it is functional, it serves as spiral wall shelving illuminated with embedded LED lighting. Custom-designed furniture by Ludovica Mascheroni includes couches, glass tables and end units augmented with leather belting and panelling.

A long glass dining table separates the family room and the living space, anchoring the other side of the open-concept great room with an oversized white-marble-slab fireplace mantel. Here, the first of a series of 10 paintings by French artist Abolghassem Saidi (a disparate collection sourced from art galleries around the world) beckons toward the west wing, where a guest suite pampers visitors with leather- and silk-lined closets, and an en suite outfitted with exotic marble backsplash, a crystal sink, Gessi teardrop faucet, and a self-cleaning Toto toilet.

Next door, an office can conveniently be accessed from the outside.

An east wing, down the hall from the kitchen, offers a chef’s area for behind-the-scenes food prep and clean-up, with an additional two refrigerators and washers, a double commercial-grade aluminum hood fan and separate climate control—an entertainer’s dream. At the end of the passage, an open-concept guest bedroom overlooks the entrance courtyard.

LIVING AND LOUNGING

A quick climb up the LED-lit floating glass staircase—or a short ride up the glass elevator—leads to the upper level, where four bedrooms surround a central sitting area illuminated by an Italian chandelier that’s designed to emulate Vancouver raindrops.

Vaulted angular ceilings add an artistic dimension to the space,

LOCALLY CRAFTED MODERN – TIMELESS

while a wet bar offers access to late-night beverages without the need to trek downstairs.

In the master bedroom, custom furniture shows off Mascheroni’s fine craftsmanship with leather accents, bronze hardware and concealed reading lights built into headboards. Walk through the his-and-hers closet to an opulent en suite, designed with gold-leaf sinks and gold-plated fixtures, and an extra-large shower with rainfall and waterfall options, plus body jets. A laundry room with an antibacterial dry-cleaning closet rounds out the upstairs.

The lower level features a bright and airy games room and bar area with an eight-seater Mascheroni-designed poker table with hidden hydraulic poker chip storage. A vintage arcade game adds levity to the space, while a 300-bottle wine cellar, complete with two wine fridges and a cigar humidor, offers limited-edition King George Blue Label Johnnie Walker scotch whisky. The home also comes with a Louise XIII by Rémy Martin cognac package, which includes a trip to France and tour of the facility.

In the adjoining health and fitness rooms, a workout space is stocked with custom Christian Dior gym equipment and a smart mirror wall that offers workouts and training stats. Two sauna options—dry and steam—reward the workout or simply offer a relaxing refuge, while an adjacent mudroom provides ample space for all-weather gear.

A soundproof theatre room with Mascheroni acoustic wall panels, halo lighting and JVC surround-sound speakers provides a cosy hideaway for entertainment seekers, while a flexible-use guest bedroom and second laundry room round out the lower level.

The lower level also provides access to the front yard, which includes an infinity pool and hot tub, as well as an outdoor shower: the perfect warm-weather oasis, complete with outdoor kitchen and lounge spaces, and a lower-level fire pit with water-view seating.

All told, over $3 million in custom furnishings and artwork have

transformed this elegant estate into a move-in-ready home—and a first for Trilliant.

“It’s the first time we’ve developed and built a fully furnished and completely integrated property,” Alex Sadeghi says. “And it’s on par with what you would see in Miami, New York or LA. We believe that if you’re going to do something, you might as well make it the absolute best.”

Learn more about King Georges Estate at kinggeorgesestate.com.

Upcoming Market Square

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All

and felted

Spin a

good yarn Spin a

Spin a story of place by wearing knits that have threads which can be traced right back to the land on which we live. All these knits are made locally and, in most cases, with yarn spun from Vancouver Island wool. Cosy, traditional, conceptual and masterfully made, these knits transcend trends, draw out the imagination and never go out of style.

PHOTOS: LIA CROWE

STYLING: JEN EVANS

MAKEUP AND HAIR: JEN CLARK

MODEL: NEVAEH GUILLEMETTE

wool

hide rugs are by Tannin & Toil and some items can be found at Open House. Handspun sweater ($700), silk scrunchies and wool shawl are by Tannin & Toil (enquire for prices); vintage leather and brass stud belt ($35) from House of Savoy; vintage red leather and hide shoes by Natacha Marro, from Magic Friend Maker; baskets by Willow Daughter.

Genuine Cowichan/ Coast Salish knit sweater ($895) by VNFC KNIT WUTTH’ELS from Knit With Purpose and Aunty Collective; Vintage cheetah belt ($85), from House of Savoy; black denim shorts ($35) by Denim Forum, from Turnabout; black knee-high suede boots ($130) from Magic Friend Maker; basket by Willow Daughter.

Balloon Sleeves, Column Skirt and Dew Drop Top: hand-knit creations by

Sophie Isabella Studio (enquire for prices).

Iris Bloom: hand-knit creation by Sophie Isabella Studio (enquire for prices).

Tops and cardigans by Tannin & Toil (enquire for prices); yellow skirt by Prada ($262) from Turnabout; vintage suede pumps ($59) from Magic Friend Maker.

Blue Bell: hand-knit creation by Sophie Isabella Studio (inquire for prices). White booties by Chanel ($490), from Turnabout.

Ross Bonetti.

Destination design

Livingspace has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s design evolution for more than three decades

WORDS NATALIE BRUCKNER PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

L

ivingspace may have started in a modest 3,000 square feet in North Vancouver, but its heart and ambition have always stretched far beyond the walls of that first showroom.

Today, it stands as more than just a furniture store—it’s a living, breathing testament to design, legacy and community. Its presence now spans a transformed 30,000-square-foot space in the Armoury District and a new Livingspace Outdoor showroom in Olympic Village.

Founded by Ross Bonetti in 1988, Livingspace has evolved into a place where world-class design meets a local touch, where family ties run deep and where even romance has bloomed: during a business trip Ross’s eldest son, Quinn, who works in the business alongside his brother Matteo, met his now-wife.

“He married an Italian woman he met at a trade show in Germany. They sat beside each other at dinner, and that was the start of their romance. Now, she lives in Vancouver and works at Livingspace too,” says Ross.

Livingspace is indeed a legacy not just of design, but of connection, love and the unexpected paths that bring people together.

Taking a step back, it’s fascinating to get to know the man behind the business—a humble, kind and philanthropic individual whose journey began long before Livingspace’s doors opened.

Growing up in the shadow of North Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain, Ross was immersed in everything North Vancouver had to offer and surrounded by entrepreneurs, including his father, Barry. An Australian immigrant, Barry opened Combined Appliances on Marine Drive in 1957, where Ross spent his days

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“I always knew Livingspace was about more than just furniture—it’s about connection. Whether it’s our long-time employees, the relationships we’ve built with clients or the things we sell, it’s about creating something lasting.”

learning the ins and outs of retail—whether that meant pulling weeds or handling deliveries.

“I lived and breathed retail from a young age,” Ross says. “When my dad retired, the appliance business was strong, but we started seeing competition from big players who weren’t in that space before. We ended up selling the business to long-time employees who had worked for my dad for 20-plus years.”

Though the appliance world was his first professional home, Ross’s passion for design was always just beneath the surface. Growing up, his home was filled with the sleek lines of Danish modern furniture, a reflection of his English mother’s refined taste. Her love for beautiful, well-crafted pieces had a lasting impact on him, shaping his appreciation for design from an early age.

“I’ve always been drawn to design in all its forms,” he reflects. “It didn’t matter if it was furniture or hockey equipment—if it was innovative, functional and beautiful, I was intrigued.”

In 1988, armed with a vision to bring modern European design to Vancouver, Ross opened the doors to Livingspace. His mission was clear: to offer Vancouverites access to European and Quebec-made furniture not found anywhere else in the city.

A pivotal moment came when Ross attended the Milan furniture fair, where he forged lasting relationships with iconic European brands like Ligne Roset from France and Minotti from Italy. Admittedly, the journey wasn’t easy:

“I had a 3,000-square-foot store in North Vancouver, and I was going to Milan trying to convince these iconic brands to let me represent them. They’d look at me like, ‘Yeah, I don’t think so.’ But I was persistent and, over time, I built those relationships and grew in the market,” Ross reflects.

Livingspace quickly outgrew its first location on the North Shore, prompting Ross to open a second showroom in Yaletown. The

“It didn’t matter if it was furniture or hockey equipment—if it was innovative, functional and beautiful, I was intrigued.”

business flourished, eventually expanding into a sprawling 12,000-square-foot space in the old Jantzen factory on Kingsway and Broadway.

As Vancouver evolved, so did Livingspace. By the 2010s, Ross knew the business needed more space to showcase its growing collection. He found the perfect home in the historic Mitchell Press building in Vancouver’s emerging Armoury design district. With its concrete bones and lofty ceilings, the building offered a dramatic canvas for Livingspace’s ever-evolving aesthetic.

“We wanted to create a space that was as dynamic and inspiring as the furniture we were selling,” Ross says. “The building’s industrial vibe contrasted beautifully with the clean lines and modern elegance of our designs.”

Livingspace’s expansion quickly extended beyond furniture. The company became renowned for its bespoke Italian kitchens, closets and lighting, allowing clients to curate their entire living space in one place. The next leap came with the addition of outdoor furniture, responding to the growing demand for luxurious outdoor living. This was further bolstered by this year’s acquisition of two iconic Vancouver businesses: Brougham Outdoor and Kerrisdale Lumber’s outdoor kitchen division, which gave rise to Livingspace Outdoor—a destination for premium outdoor products.

“When Mark Panther of Brougham Interiors decided to retire, he wanted to ensure his staff was taken care of,” Ross explains. “Around the same time, I saw an opportunity to bring Kerrisdale Lumber’s outdoor kitchen business into the Livingspace fold. By merging these two well-established companies, we retained loyal clientele and staff while expanding our offerings. It’s been a seamless transition, to be honest.”

The true heart of Livingspace, however, is not just the space— it’s the family. And that extends beyond blood relations to the employees who have been with the company for decades, the partnerships, the community and the clients.

Ross and his wife, Melissa, alongside their daughter and two sons, have always embraced a philanthropic spirit. They’ve been long-time supporters of the Cause We Care Foundation, which empowers single mothers in need by funding programs that improve their well-being, economic security and personal capacity. The family is often seen at events with sleeves rolled up—whether it’s hauling heavy boxes for care package drives or lending a helping hand in other ways.

And if you think Ross is slowing down any time soon, think again: he’s as invested in his personal passions—playing tennis three or four times a week and staying active on the hockey rink—as he is in his business.

“I always knew Livingspace was about more than just furniture—it’s about connection,” Ross reflects. “Whether it’s our long-time employees, the relationships we’ve built with clients or the things we sell, it’s about creating something lasting.”

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Farm to fashion

Reviving Canada’s wool, fibre and textile industry, from the ground up

WORDS CINDA CHAVICH PHOTOGRAPHY FRANCINE MCCABE

Raw mohair fibre from Up A Creek Farm.

You’ve heard of the farm-to-table movement and about eating close to home, but these days that local “foodshed” concept is expanding to encompass textiles, too.

Looking to your region’s “fibreshed” for homegrown natural yarns—whether wool, cashmere or linen—is the latest trend in sustainable living, and one that is bound to gain even greater traction with the “buy-Canada” movement. And BC farmers, artisans and retailers are at the forefront.

It all dovetails with the growing interest in regenerative farming and environmental health, a chance to support the local farm economy and reduce our massive clothing carbon footprint by choosing a natural fibre wardrobe that starts close to home.

HOMEGROWN FIBRE

Robin Richardson walks the slow fashion talk, sourcing wool for her own brand of Sooke Farm Yarn from the same Metchosin sheep farmers who supply local lamb to Victoria’s top chefs.

Peek into her tidy little yarn shop in Sooke, and you’ll find a selection of Canadian-made wool, colourful skeins spun in small mills from across the country. But Robin is taking the idea of Canadian yarn to another level—collecting fleece from sheep and alpaca raised on Vancouver Island farms, sending it off to a small woolen mill to be spun into yarn, then dyeing each breed-specific batch using natural pigments. If you pick up a soft green skein of Robin’s Sooke Farm Yarn and look at the label, you’ll see that it started with East Friesian/Suffolk/Finn sheep from nearby Parry Bay Farm, was spun into two-ply yarn at Wellington Fibre Mill, then hand-dyed with Scabiosa Black Knight flowers from her own garden.

It’s a full-circle example of a new trend among knitters, weavers and other fibre artists who want to revive Canada’s wool, fibre and textile industry, from the ground up.

Arabesque Ring Collection

Internationally award-winning jewellery designers and makers since 1972 950 Fort Street Victoria BC | 250-383-3414 www.idar.com | @idarjewellers

Jewellery Designs © 1972 - 2025 IDAR

THE FIBRESHED MOVEMENT

What started just a few years ago with a fibre artist in California has grown into a global movement of farmers, artisans and fibre activists. There are now some 79 fibreshed (or fibershed) groups in 18 countries, with the Vancouver Island Fibreshed (VIF) building a network on the west coast, with the goal of “nurturing and fortifying a thriving local textile economy.”

Browsing through their website (vancouverislandfibreshed.ca) uncovers lots of information, from tips on weaving with breed-specific wool to a guide to auditing the clothing in your closet with sustainability in mind. There’s a comprehensive producers directory that lists the dozens of sheep, alpaca and other fibre animal farms on the islands, artisan spinners and dyers, and retailers selling locally produced BC yarns.

As Gulf Islands farmers and fibre artists Emily McIvor and Jodi Schamberger of New Wave Fibre note in their listing: “We think it matters where things come from and where they go. We think it matters how animals and humans are treated. And we like making.”

A GUIDE AND MANIFESTO

Fibre artist and writer Francine McCabe is a VIF member, who recently published a comprehensive book on the topic, Fleece & Fibre: Textile Producers of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. It’s a beautifully illustrated guide to the local fibreshed, and a handbook for anyone interested in learning about natural fibres. She profiles farmers who raise sheep, llamas, alpacas and even rabbits for fibre, and talks to some of the expert spinners and weavers who turn it

South Okanagan’s

Like many of the young artisans who have embraced the idea of using local fibres, Francine started down this road by simply looking for locally produced yarn for her own weaving projects.

“I just wanted to make something with island-grown fibre,” she

With so many sheep dotting the fields in rural areas around her home in Chemainus, Francine expected it to be easy to find yarn spun from local fibre.

Not so. And that led her on a quest to find out why.

The answer from farmers raising fibre animals was the same. There were once small fibre mills on Vancouver Island, but now there are none. The infrastructure to turn local fleece into usable yarn and textiles is missing, so farmers must ship it to off-island mills—and that’s expensive.

The cost to produce a single skein can be $15-$20, even before the yarn is dyed and sold. That’s not particularly profitable, so much of our raw fleece never makes it to market—it’s burned, landfilled or simply stored by farmers, looking for someone to spin this local resource into gold.

“We used to spin wool and make textiles and clothing in North America, and it’s crazy how fast that vanished,” adds Francine, who says the VIF group holds monthly virtual meetings and hosts workshops with sheep producers to encourage production of “good wool” and find new markets for local fleece.

The goal is “building a textile economy,” with natural fibres, whether from animals or plants like hemp and flax, and educating consumers about how our over-consumption of synthetic clothing contributes to climate change, wastes resources and pollutes our oceans with micro-plastics.

The goal is “building a textile economy,” with natural fibres, whether from animals or plants like hemp and flax, and educating consumers about how our over-consumption of synthetic clothing contributes to climate change, wastes resources and pollutes our oceans with micro-plastics.

Female llama at Millstream Llamas.

photo: Lia Crowe

FROM MILLS TO MAKERS

As in many industries, Canada has offshored textile production and there are only a handful of woolen mills left in the country processing Canadian fibre.

Some, like Briggs & Little in New Brunswick, make their own branded Canadian yarns, while Alberta’s Custom Woolen Mills and Manitoba’s Long Way Homestead, also offer custom fibre processing for fleece farmers.

Anna Hunter, owner of Long Way Homestead, has long been a vocal advocate of a local fibre economy. Founder of Baaad Anna’s Yarn Store in Vancouver, featuring Canadian-made and -dyed yarns, Anna now operates a fibre mill on her prairie farm, producing her own breed-specific yarns and educating others about Canadian wool.

In BC, there are only two small-scale woolen mills, the newest being Shelterwood Fibre Co., opened by Joanna deMontreuil and her husband Chip McKay on their North Okanagan farm.

Knitter Joanna explains how a cross-Canada family road trip—with a goal of buying locally produced wool in every province—led them to Belfast Mini Mills in Prince Edward Island, the last manufacturer of small fibre mill equipment in North America, and eventually to the purchase of a used Belfast mill for their farm-based wool-processing business.

“We bought our five acres just four years ago and this was something we could try, working from home,” she says, noting they “took a huge leap” from former forestry jobs into small business.

It’s expensive to set up a woolen mill and a lot of work to run, but Joanna says “there is no shortage of fibre” and, like

many mills, there’s always a waiting list with fleece coming from around BC, including the Shuswap and Lower Mainland.

“We had no idea how many alpacas there were around,” she says, adding that they’re blending soft alpaca with coarser local sheep wools, and buying finer fleece from prairie farms for their “small batch, sheep-to-skein” yarns, sold online and in Kelowna wool shops under the Shelterwood label, with breed and farm provenance listed on every skein.

Freshly shorn fibre at Parry Bay Farm.

“A great day starts with a good night’s sleep”

FIBRE TO FASHION

Bulky Cowichan sweaters—still created by Coast Salish knitters — are the original farm-to-fashion product on Vancouver Island, where Cowichan knitters were once the primary buyers of local wool.

Today a new generation of fibre farmers, spinners and dyers are embracing the idea of the local fibreshed. You’ll find many selling their own hand-dyed and breed-specific artisan yarns at annual fibre arts festivals—whether that’s Victoria’s Fibrations or Vancouver’s Knit City, the Cowichan Valley Fleece & Fibre Fair, or the Fibres West trade show in Surrey.

Beyond local knitters and weavers, some fashion brands, including Victoria’s Anian and Ecologyst, offer locally produced garments in timeless designs, using ethically certified and recycled wool, and promote conscious consumption. Cloth Tone custom textiles, with Okanagan weaver Larissa Beringer, features raw wool and alpaca from Shelterwood Fibre Co.

There’s no doubt that mass-produced fast fashion, and the sheer volume of clothing we buy, is polluting the planet. Synthetic fabrics, produced using fossil fuels, shed microfibres into our oceans and air, and the nanoplastics are now being found in drinking water and wildlife around the world.

The global fibreshed movement is focused on educating consumers about the consequences of this excess, advocating we buy less, recycle our wardrobes and focus on natural fibres that return to the earth in a circular, soil-to-soil textile system.

But as farmers and advocates like Anna Hunter remind us to “build resilience into our fragile textile systems” for the future, we need to invest in Canada’s wool industry infrastructure now.

We can all help make it happen, one cosy, made-in-Canada sweater or scarf at a time.

At New Wave Fibre on Thetis Island.

Design Victoria is a four-day festival celebrating community and creativity in Victoria. From 1–4 May, experience dozens of free design events, from workshops to talks and tours, taking place across the city. Explore the program online and sign up for the newsletter to be the first to hear about ticket releases and other exclusive offers. designvictoria.ca @designyyj

VICTORIA’S FINEST

LEBLANC PIERCY GROUP

1212 Garden Gate

Brentwood Bay, BC

$2,799,000

This stunning 2-acre estate offers privacy, sunshine, and a meticulously updated 4-bed, 4-bath custom home. Featuring an open-concept design over 4,000 sq ft, the home boasts high-end finishes, including gorgeous hardwood floors, a Chef’s kitchen, French doors and custom built-ins. Enjoy the incredible indoor-outdoor living spaces with over 800 sq ft of decks, a landscaped lawn, a sunny orchard, and a separate workshop/studio.

Exquisite custom-built estate in the desirable Gordon Head community. Perched on the ocean’s edge, this architecturally stunning home was masterfully designed to capitalize on the world class ocean and mountain views. With dramatic vaulted ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, spacious open concept design and a gorgeous custom kitchen, this 5 bedroom, 7 bathroom property captivates at every glance.

1145 Treadwell Drive

$3,299,000

Sensational ocean view estate constructed to a superior standard. Captivating views from sunrise to sunset! Designer interior flooded with natural light provided by walls of glass that frame the amazing views. Open concept living, set over 4,000 sq ft, the home is appointed with high end finishings, and offers spacious entertaining areas. Outside, stunning landscaping throughout the 1 acre parcel, with multiple patio areas to enjoy year round.

$13,995,000

Masterpiece of architecture! Waterfront estate on 5+ acres. Sweeping water views from all principal rooms. Nearly 10,000 sq ft of breathtaking living space. Exceptional outdoor living including a swimming pool, lots of patio spaces, trails & gardens. Workshop with 12ft garage, plus a garage, tool shed & chicken coop. Explore the surrounding waters from your yacht, with the convenience of a boathouse with a mechanized marine way.

LEBLANC PIERCY GROUP

Colwood, BC

3507

Aloha Drive

$1,895,000

A stunning 4000 sq ft residence with sweeping ocean views from nearly every window on every floor, just minutes from the beach, park, and the new Royal Bay development. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Aloha has had over a million dollars in award-winning improvements over the last ten years - and has been featured in House Beautiful. This is truly a West Coast dream property!

North Saanich, BC

$2,495,000

An architecturally stunning home in Dean Park with uninterrupted views of the Haro Strait, the Gulf Islands and glorious Mount Baker. Proudly featuring a spacious open concept layout over 4,500 sq ft, with 4 beds, 5 baths, a sleek fireplace, rubber driveway, walk-in wine room, a whole-home generator, a separate 1-bed suite (rental potential), plus multiple decks and infinite vistas, this home has it all!

Sooke, BC

5957 Sooke Road

$2,549,000

Stunning Oceanside estate on a 1 acre lot, offering complete peace & privacy! Extensive gardens, patios and deep water dock make for the perfect West Coast retreat. Interior is flooded with natural light from large picture windows framing ocean & mountain views. This 5 bed, 3 bath home features a gourmet kitchen, living and dining rooms with patio access and a hot tub on a private deck off the primary bedroom. Sooke living at its finest!

$2,780,000

Welcome to this newly created exclusive subdivision on stunning Curteis Point! Situated on a beautiful 0.6 acre waterfront lot, this cleared parcel is ready for you to build your dream home. With unobstructed water views and beach access to enjoy a multitude of water activities year-round, this privileged lot offers picturesque views of Mount Baker and recreational boat traffic sailing past.

Downey Road, North Saanich

Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton

Hovey Road, Central Saanich | $1,350,000

Grove Crescent, Sidney | $1,450,000

10 Mile Point Waterfront - Incredibly

Mt. Newton Valley - Lovely

Cordova Bay Beachfront - Quiet

UniversityWoods -

Cadboro Bay - Rancher,

KRISTA V AND MARK G TEAM

#1101 - 21 Dallas Road

$3,800,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

Step directly off the elevator into this unique 2 bed 3 bath home boasting ocean and inner harbour views from every room and the 4 large balconies on each corner of the unit. Enter into the sprawling living room with floor to ceiling windows, gas fireplace and Lace wood feature wall to hide the elevator doors. Spectacular harbour views from dining room featuring Chihuly-like

#401-430 Parry Street

$950,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Welcome to the Rotunda, an architecturally significant building combining contemporary elements of design with the charm of James Bay’s historical Legislature District.This bright west facing 2 bed, 2 bath home boasts a sprawling open kitchen, dining, and living area with deck access. The Rotunda is situated on a quiet street steps from so many amenities, downtown Victoria, and the ocean!

#410

- 21 Dallas Road

$1,475,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Beautiful, bright oceanview corner unit at prestigious Shoal Point. This S & E facing 2 bed 2 bath home has been meticulously maintained and has had many updates including new high end appliances. Enjoy the wonderful amenities that Shoal Point offers such as a Concierge, a 25m lap pool, full gym, sauna & steam room, jacuzzi, putting green & bike storage. A wonderful social community awaits!

#101-280 Douglas Street

$699,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Welcome to ‘On the Park’, 55+ boutique condo building across the street from Beacon Hill Park in James Bay. This 2 bed 2 bath, ground level corner unit opens onto a large patio area beautifully landscaped. Situated on the quiet side of the building, enjoy the garden views through the floor to ceiling windows in the large living room. Do not miss this opportunity to live in this quiet community, in an excellent location near all amenities.

Contemporary Canadiana

Trendy twists on favourite Canadian foods

We have a rich and beautiful history of Indigenous food practices and traditions, a colourful assortment of international dishes, gifted to us through immigrant communities, homegrown specialties…and even popular products, like our famous maple syrup and beloved ketchup chips.

WORDS ELLIE SHORTT PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

What is Canadian food? It’s a complex, even confusing question that likely has as many answers as there are people in this magnificent mosaic of a country. We have a rich and beautiful history of Indigenous food practices and traditions, a colourful assortment of international dishes, gifted to us through immigrant communities, homegrown specialties like Saskatchewan wheat, Saskatoon berries and Alberta beef, and even popular products, like our famous maple syrup and beloved ketchup chips.

When prompted to write a food feature examining Canadian cuisine, I had a hard time finding focus amid so much variety, so much history and so much nuance. What I kept coming back to, however, were those quintessentially Canadian dishes: unique and even a bit quirky, imagined or invented in both our biggest metropolitan food hubs and quietest small-town pockets, and recognized the world over as “Canadian originals.” Nanaimo bars, Montreal bagels, Calgary’s Caesar and, of course, Quebec’s poutine are just a few of those friendly, familiar favourites of Canadiana. But favourites evolve, classics see contemporary twists and tried-and-trues get reimagined, much like our multifaceted country, a place with a rich history that is also constantly adapting and evolving.

So, take a fun trip down memory lane with me as we explore a bit of history behind these Canadian-made favourites, while noting a few tasty trends that have taken hold of the food scene over the past few years.

“Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever.”

BOB DYLAN

IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND

APRIL 22— MAY 18, 2025

Zero-Proof Caesar Cocktail

The Caesar was invented by restaurant manager Walter Chell of the Calgary Inn (today the Westin Hotel) in Calgary, Alberta in 1969. He devised the cocktail after being tasked with creating a signature drink for the Calgary Inn’s new Italian restaurant. It is said that Chell was inspired by spaghetti alle vongole, and mixed vodka with clam and tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and other spices, and created a drink similar to a Bloody Mary, but with a unique twist.

A favourite among brunch crowds throughout North America (but especially Canada), there has been a consistent trend over the past decade or so to provide a food-forward Caesar offering, piled high with all sorts of edible garnishes. The original saw a leafy stalk of celery, which evolved into a skewer of olives, cornichons or pickled onion, and maybe some other pickled veggies, like spicy beans or carrots, stuck down the side. Now some restaurants and bars top their creations with grilled bacon, even skewers of sliders! Another trend gaining traction over the last few years is zero-proof cocktails. As more people are discovering alcohol-free living, many restaurants and bars aren’t just offering “virgin” drinks, but in fact non-alcoholic wines and spirits like local favourite Lumette “Gin.”

Prep time: 5 mins

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients

2 tsp sea salt

¼ tsp paprika

¼ tsp celery salt

¼ tsp garlic powder

1 lemon wedge

Ice

¾ cup tomato-clam juice (like Clamato, or you can make your own with a ratio of 1:3 ration of clam to tomato, and fresh lemon juice)

1½ oz zero-proof gin (I used Lumette Classic, made in Victoria, BC)

10 drops Tabasco

½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp freshly grated horseradish

*Garnishes shown here include celery stalk, pickled carrot, spicy green bean, a skewer of cornichons, pickled onion, pickled mushroom, olive, shaved cucumber, grilled bacon, and a sprinkling of the

Place the salt and spices on a small plate and gently stir together to evenly combine and level. Rub the rim of a tall highball glass with a lemon wedge and dip the rim in the seasoning mix to coat it. Fill the glass with ice. Add the clam-tomato juice, spirit of choice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish. Give it a stir, garnish and enjoy!

Chopped Montreal Bagels Three Ways

I did my undergraduate degree at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. It was an honour to study at such a celebrated university, but equally delightful was the opportunity to explore the exciting and exquisite culinary scene and eclectic cultural pulse of that special city. Some of my most cherished memories include munching on bagels and lox at the famous Beauty’s and bringing home some freshly baked bagels from the famous St-Viateur Bagel.

In contrast to the New York-style bagel, the Montreal bagel is sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, ideally baked in a wood-fired oven, and often rolled by hand. It usually contains malt, egg and no salt, and is boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked. Montreal bagels were brought to North America by Jewish immigrants from Poland and other Eastern European countries. The differences in texture and taste reflect the style of the particular area in which the immigrant bakers learned their trade. One of the hottest trends sweeping TikTok and Instagram over the past year has been the “chopped bagel,” whereby influencers layer favourite bagel fillings in a stack on a cutting board, chop it all up and schmear it all between two halves of a bagel for a full flavour-in-every-bite experience. If you’d like to give this trend a try, here are some suggestions to play around with.

CANADIAN BACON BREAKFAST ON EVERYTHING BAGEL

1 fresh or toasted bagel, sliced in half

¼ cup cream cheese

1 over-medium egg (this method works best if the yolk isn’t runny, but rather jammy or cooked through)

1-2 slices fried Canadian bacon

1-2 slices grilled tomato

1 tbsp chopped spring onion

Fresh cracked black pepper sprinkled over top

LOADED LOX ON SESAME BAGEL

1 fresh or toasted bagel, sliced in half

¼ cup cream cheese

1 medium romaine lettuce leaf

2-3 ounces lox smoked salmon

A few thin slices of red onion

1-2 tsp capers

1 small sprig of dill

Fresh cracked black pepper sprinkled over top

MAPLE BERRY ON CINNAMON BAGEL

1 fresh or toasted bagel, sliced in half

¼ cup cream cheese

A couple strawberries

A small handful of blueberries

A small handful of raspberries

1 tsp maple syrup, drizzled over top

Directions

On a cutting board, spread out the cream cheese so that it’s about one-quarter-inch thick. Layer with the remaining ingredients and chop with a large chef’s knife until everything is combined, but still a bit chunky. Scoop everything up, spread it on the bottom half of your bagel, top with the other half and enjoy!

LOADED POUTINE WITH MONTREAL SMOKED MEAT

Another constant in my Montreal experience were late night poutine runs after dancing my feet off at the many nightclubs and live music venues that are the heartbeat of this pulsing city.

Poutine seems to have originated in the Centre-du-Québec area in the late 1950s, with several restaurants in the area claiming to be the originators (although no consensus exists). Commonly consumed in small “greasy spoon” diners (known in Quebec as cantines or casse-croûtes), pubs and roadside chip wagons (commonly known as cabanes à patates), poutine has undergone many iterations, sometimes elevated with decadent dressings like duck confit and foie gras, or married with burger or nacho toppings in keeping with the fully-loaded baked potato trend that has been popular for the past decade or so. Here I’ve loaded my poutine with another Montreal favourite, smoked meat, and created a flavour profile that hints at Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, made famous by delis like Schwartz’s and Reuben’s.

Prep time: about 20 mins Makes about 4 servings

Ingredients

1 bag of frozen French fries

6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

¼ cup finely chopped onion

Sea salt

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups broth (mushroom, chicken or beef all work great)

Freshly cracked black pepper

4 ounces Havarti cheese, chopped into chunks

1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard

2-4 ounces chopped-up Montreal smoked meat

Optional garnishes of chopped parsley, spring onion, and/or pickled red onion

Directions

Cook your fries as per the direction on the package. While cooking, make the gravy by melting 4 tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, season with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about five minutes).

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk until the flour is light brown in colour, about two minutes. Slowly pour in the broth and whisk until the flour is incorporated and the mixture. Season with pepper and simmer until the gravy thickens (about 20 minutes). Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Meanwhile, heat a medium-large pan and fry up the smoked meat until slightly crispy on the edges. Set aside.

Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the Havarti cheese chunks, stir in the mustard and cook until the cheese is half melted, with some soft chunks remaining.

Raw Vegan Nanaimo Bars

The origin of the Nanaimo bar is a bit of a debate. However, the first printing of recipes featuring Nanaimo bar ingredients is found in the 1952 Women’s Auxiliary to the Nanaimo Hospital Cookbook, which offers three almost identical recipes that differ only slightly from the modern Nanaimo bar. They are referred to as the “chocolate square” or the “chocolate slice.”

This layered treat is characterized by a crumbly coconutty chocolatey base, a creamy custard centre and a rich ganache topping. When done right, it is truly transcendent, and while it’s hard to beat this real-deal delight, this protein-packed, nutrient-dense, plant-based version is an admirable option.

Raw, vegan, gluten-free and healthy desserts are nothing new and can hardly be considered a trend at this point, but more part of a lifestyle, very much in wide practice throughout the west coast of Canada, in particular. A sweet little collision of old-fashioned dessert sensibilities with modern-day wellness sentiments, this recipe will have you reminiscing about a possible childhood favourite, while fueling your next hike with each decadent bite.

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus setting time)

Makes about 8 large squares, or 16 smaller ones

Ingredients

For the base…

1 cup packed, soft pitted dates

¼ cup cocoa powder

½ cup unsweetened fine shredded coconut

½ cup pecan pieces (you can also use walnuts or almonds)

For the custard filling…

1 cup raw cashews

1⁄3 cup full-fat coconut cream (that really thick stuff at the top of the can—the thicker the better)

For the chocolate ganache…

¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

1 tbsp maple syrup

Halibut and BBQ season are just around the corner!

Halibut steaks are a perfect grilling option. Just like with meat, when bone and skin are present it adds great flavour and helps keep the fish tender and juicy while cooking. So fire up that Q and we’ll sea you soon!

3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp full-fat coconut cream (again, the thicker the better)

Directions

Simmer the cashews for 15 minutes (or longer) in boiling water until soft (you can also soak them in water for at least eight hours or overnight).

When you’re ready to make the recipe, grease and line a standard-sized loaf pan with parchment paper so that there are two flaps sticking out on either side. To make the base, add the ingredients to a food processor and mix into a crumbly “dough” (it should stick together if you press it with your fingers). Firmly press the dough into the prepared loaf pan to form one even layer.

To make the custard filling, drain and rinse the cashews and add them to a high-powered blender with the coconut cream, coconut oil, maple syrup, turmeric and vanilla. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture over the base. Place the pan in the fridge overnight or in the freezer for one to two hours to set.

To make the topping, heat a double boiler over low-medium heat. Add in the chocolate chunks/chips as well as the maple syrup and coconut cream, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Gently spread the melted ganache over the set custard filling until even. Place the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes until the top has hardened. Gently run a knife along the sides, then use the flaps of parchment to lift the entire bar out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars and store in the fridge.

Mix all marinade ingredients together and coat the steaks well. Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the salsa. Put on a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Drop the prawns into the boiling water and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the pot and cool immediately in an ice bath. When prawns are cool peel and chop roughly. Mix prawns with the remaining salsa ingredients and set aside in the fridge. Preheat your BBQ on high. When the grill is hot grease it well and put halibut steaks on. Cook approximately 4 minutes on each side depending on the size of the steaks. Once cooked, serve warm with chilled salsa and share with the ones you love.

Grilled Halibut Steak with

High in Toronto

Going

to heavenly heights in this Canadian metropolis

WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

We are sitting at the top of the world. Bathed in morning light, we’re tucked into a window seat on the 43rd floor of the Sheraton’s Club Lounge, where a lavish breakfast buffet has enticed us to fill our plates that now sit beside steaming cups of coffee.

We are eye-level with the tops of other Toronto high-rises and through the buildings, the city’s iconic CN Tower pokes high into the skyline.

“My name is on that tower,” says my husband, Bruce, who was born in Toronto. “When I was young, we used to hang around near the waterfront where the CN Tower was being built. There was a large beam on the work site that was designated as the last beam to be installed—right at the top near the antenna section. So, we all signed it with a Sharpie.”

“Huh,” I answer, and then add, “Who knew as I planned to write this story about being high in Toronto that you are permanently high here?”

Toronto is the third city, following New York and London, where Bruce and I have gone to new heights to discover all that a city has to offer, and Toronto does not disappoint. In this thriving Canadian city, we sleep high, walk high and eat a cornucopia of heavenly cuisine while happily perched in lofty locations.

SLEEPING HIGH

Our first taste of being high in Toronto occurs as we step into our room on the 40th floor of the centrally located Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Through the large window, we gape at the nighttime cityscape, which is alive with lights that glimmer like shining gems on black velvet, spreading outwards as far as we can see.

The hotel opened in 1972 as the Four Seasons Sheraton and has recently undergone a massive renovation.

The lobby is a sleek and welcoming space, with two street-level restaurants, art that hangs from the ceiling, collaborative workspaces and elevator access to the city’s pedestrian tunnel: called “PATH,” it’s a 30-kilometre network of underground shops, restaurants and services.

The hotel has an inner courtyard with a pretty, landscaped garden and waterfall, an indoor-outdoor pool, 24hour fitness centre and an astounding 171,716 square feet of event space—the largest hotel convention facilities in Toronto—including a ballroom with a capacity of 3,500. Our king room is modern and comfortable and comes with an upgrade (recommended) for the Club Lounge, which includes the hot breakfast buffet, 24-hour access to non-alcoholic drinks, a spacious sitting space with Wi-Fi, evening hors d’oeuvres plus alcoholic drinks for purchase. Oh—and the view. The stunning view.

PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION TORONTO

HIGH LIVING

Located high on a hill in Toronto’s midtown sits a lavish example of living high: a modern-day castle built by one of the city’s most renowned businessmen.

From the Sheraton, we walk the PATH to the subway, travel a few stops, step out into a leafy residential area, and then hike up a steep hill to explore Casa Loma—a Gothic Revival mansion and garden, which is now a historic house museum.

The castle, with its soaring turrets, towers and stone battlements, was constructed from 1911 to 1914 as a residence for financier Sir Henry Pellatt. With 64,700 square feet spread over seven floors, the sumptuous rooms are filled with rich textiles, gleaming chandeliers and opulent furnishings. On the lower level, a pool area is now a mini theatre that plays a movie on repeat, documenting Pellatt’s truly extraordinary life.

To reach the highest points in the castle, we climb up, up, up the Norman tower, and then step outside to greet the spectacular views of the city.

HIGH TEA

There’s nothing like high tea to top off an afternoon, and at EPOCH, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s fancy restaurant, it’s a heavenly feast. After taking our seats at a pretty, purple-clothed table, we’re presented with a wooden box of “sniffer” teas to sample. Bruce selects a Shanghai Rose, while I go with the no-caffeine Himalayan Meadow Chamomile.

qattheempress.com

YOUR SEAT IN THE

SUN IS WAITING

Take a sip and unwind on the Veranda. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and breathtaking views of the Inner Harbour. Visit our website for seasonal hours.

Casa Loma from the sky.

tion of finger food that looks as fancy and

as it tastes. The spread, including gluten-free, dairy-free items for me, features warm, homemade scones with lemon curd, strawberry and rose petal jams, English finger sandwiches with curled cucumber served on fresh homemade bread, and tarts adorned with flower petals. Divine.

PHOTO BY SUSAN LUNDY

PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION TORONTO

PIE IN THE SKY

Lunch at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower is one of those activities that sounds cool but turns out to be extraordinary. For us, it’s a highlight of many, many highlights.

A communications and observation tower standing over 1,815 feet high, the CN Tower became the world’s tallest freestanding structure when it was completed in 1976 and held that record until 2007. Today, it ranks 10th. In 1995, it was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

In addition to the revolving restaurant, it features several observation decks and an entertainment complex, and it’s visited by over two million people annually.

Booking lunch at 360 The Restaurant gives patrons access to the observation decks, but also offers its own mind-boggling views of the city as it slowly rotates during your meal.

With a claim to fame of having the world’s highest wine cellar, the restaurant is also committed to sustainable food practices and features flavours from all parts of the country. We order a seafood tower that, indeed, includes everything from a perfectly cooked west coast cod to PEI oysters.

The great food, impeccable service and ever-changing view from floor-to-ceiling windows add up to an exceptional experience.

PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION TORONTO

HIGH IN NATURE

It’s mid-November, the air is crisp, and a few golden-hued leaves still cling to the trees, but most lie underfoot in a beautifully patterned fall carpet. This morning we are walking an easy, mean dering path through the environmental gem that is High Park.

As Toronto’s largest public park, it includes dozens of trails, sports facilities, a large off-leash dog area, a zoo, playgrounds, greenhouses, picnic areas and even a couple of eateries, all spread through a lovely 400-acre setting, much of which remains in its natural state. It is a perfect place for us to breathe some fresh air and stretch our legs.

FLY IN THE SKY

As we savour our lunch at 360 The Restaurant, we are eye-level with helicopters that we can see buzzing about the skyscrapers. I watch them carefully because a helicopter tour is next on our itinerary and I’m a bit nervous about it.

Toronto Heli Tours is based out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which we can see below us, sprawling along the edge of Lake Ontario. We’re able to walk from the CN Tower to the airport and easily find our way to the hangar where the tour company is based. Here, we will be ushered onto a helicopter with two other passengers for an eight-minute, 15-kilometre tour, flying past Toronto’s tallest buildings. Helicopters make me nervous, but I have been assured by several people that this tour is outstanding.

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you if amazement crushes my nervousness. A storm has blown up and, although we wait an hour hoping it will shift, we aren’t able to do the tour.

Toronto Heli Tours.

PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION TORONTO

PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION TORONTO

HIGH FASHION

If I was a fashionista, Toronto would be the place to find high-end apparel, and a visit to the city’s downtown Yorkville neighbourhood proves it. We wander through the Holt Renfrew Centre, window-shopping in this “iconic destination” that receives eight million visits a year. There’s also the Colonnade on Bloor, the premier Bloor Street address for luxury retailers in Canada, featuring Prada, Moncler, Cartier, Dior and more. There’s also TNT, and the proudly Canadian Andrews.

HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN

We arrive, breathless, having walked 20 minutes from the Sheraton, at the ground-level entrance to Antonio Park, or AP Restaurant. A host, waiting behind a desk, hands us a glass of bubbly and directs us to a bright-red-walled elevator, which, once underway, redefines elevator music by playing a catchy techno-pop tune that has us bopping to the beat.

After travelling way, way up, we step into a gleaming spectacle: from the parasol-lined ceiling to the sweeping views of the nighttime cityscape, the AP décor promises something special. Sushi is my go-to cuisine and the chef’s stunning sixcourse tasting menu, paired with sommelier-selected wine and sake, only reaffirms this.

View from Antonio Park Restaurant.

PHOTO BY SUSAN LUNDY

HIGH DINING

Toronto is flush with high-dining options, from rooftop patios and bars to high-end restaurants.

Canoe, located 54 floors up the TD Bank Tower, specializes in contemporary Canadian cuisine in a celestial setting. Seated next to a wall of windows for dinner, it feels like we are dining in the stars as we savour the Low + Slow Short Rib (braised cheek, Savoy cabbage taco, crispy flank, bone marrow and sunchoke) and Haida Gwaii Albacore Tuna, with Champagne and caviar sauce, peas, fèves and smoked sablefish.

Daylight high dining unfolds in the airy, bright and busy The Chase, an upscale restaurant in Toronto’s Financial District. Located on the fifth floor of the historical Dineen Building, the dining room and all-season patio have spectacular views of nearby skyscrapers. Each dish in our lunch—Ahi Tuna Niçoise, Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche, Miso-Glazed Black Cod—arrives as a work of art, served with flair to our sublime seating.

HIGH PRAISE

Well done, Toronto. You exceeded even our loftiest expectations.

Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche at The Chase.

PHOTO BY SUSAN LUNDY

secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with DORIAN JECK

WORDS JOANNE PETERS X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

“I go from oceanfront property to oceanfront property…I wake up in the morning and I go to these job sites and go, ‘Wow, this is my office.’”

Dorian Jeck was fresh out of high school when he got his start in the construction industry. Having grown up on Gabriola Island, he started working in insulation and roofing before getting into concrete, which led to fixing leaky condos in Vancouver. For about 13 years, he helped run his identical twin brother’s renovation company, and then decided to branch out on his own in Victoria.

He founded Orian Construction about 11 years ago to specialize in design and remodelling services for residential properties.

“I still love it,” Dorian says. “I get up in the morning and still love to go to work.”

Dorian says he loves working on high-end renovations on beautiful properties.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I particularly love doing high-end projects,” he says. “I love having something that lets me take pride in it.”

He also enjoys the unexpected elements that contribute to a project. For example, one recent client wanted a huge gong installed in his teahouse.

Dorian considers himself fortunate to be able to live and work in Victoria.

“I go from oceanfront property to oceanfront property,” he says. “I wake up in the morning and I go to these job sites and go, ‘Wow, this is my office.’”

Dorian is particularly proud of his crew, some of whom have worked with him for 10 years.

“Usually, once people start working for me, they don’t want to leave,” he says.

The 7 Sins

ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

My father’s. He’s an amazing, hard-working and accomplished person.

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Mexican. I love a good burrito!

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

Cars and a boat. I’ve always dreamed of owning a couple of sports cars.

SLOTH:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing? Walking the beach, kicking rocks.

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of? My garden. It’s my passion and hobby outside of work.

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster? Fast acceleration!

AM I UP FOR THIS?

Driving from Victoria to Nanaimo, it’s hard not to notice the vivid fall colours against the blue sky, but my mind wanders. This weekly commute to babysit the newest addition to the family has me questioning my stamina and commitment. Am I really up for this? For being a fully participating grandmother, again?

All four of our other grandkids are almost self-sufficient, almost fully formed and are delightful human beings. But Ginny, named after a character from the Harry Potter series, is an exuberant, excited and extremely active bundle of pure puppy joy.

Albeit one that weighs 44 pounds, is 22 inches tall at the shoulder and stronger than many dogs of a similar size. Pure unadulterated joy describes the Vizsla (veez-luh). It’s a dog you can’t ignore and capable of some truly eye-rolling goofiness. As author Bud Boccone said after interviewing a Vizsla owner for the American Kennel Club, “…if this breed could talk—one of the few things it can’t do yet—it would say, ‘Yes I can! Go for it!’ and other such interjections that defy question marks and periods.”

Until our granddaughter received permission to get a puppy, or rather, until her parents were ready to do the heavy lifting of caring for a puppy, I’d never heard of or seen a Vizsla. Also known as a Hungarian Pointer, this ancient hunting breed is both a pointer and retriever with webbed feet for swimming. The breed has a history dating back to the 10th century and is associated with the Magyars. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Magyars, Asian nomads, roamed Central Europe before settling in what is now modern Hungary. The Magyars were known as a “kingdom on horseback,” so they bred both their horses and dogs for great speed, endurance and maneuverability. The Vizsla is among the fastest dogs in the world, clocked at up to 40 miles per hour.

The Vizsla breed faced extinction several times over the last thousand years, and just managed to survive the Ottoman Empire. It also faced serious decline after the Hungarian Civil War, 1888-1889, when it was thought that only 12 true-type Vizsla breeding pairs existed in Hungary. Though the breed recovered in numbers it was under threat once again following both the First World War and Second World War.

Since Vizslas were once considered the bastion of aristocracy and called “the gift of the kings,” their ownership was restricted to nobility. As the Second World War drew to a close, a Vizsla owner escaped Hungary with her pet. Eventually, one of that dog’s offspring was adopted by an American, Frank Tallman, in the 1950s. According to the American Kennel Club, Tallman was responsible for introducing the Vizsla breed to the United States and gradually the breed was entered into the books of registered kennel clubs across North America.

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) first recognized the smooth-haired Vizsla breed in 1958. Curious about the Vizsla’s popularity now, I contacted the CKC. In 2024, 127 Vizslas were registered in Canada, including puppies or those brought into the country.

Before signing up for a puppy with a breeder, my granddaughter and I played a game called “What Kind of Dog Would the Beiderwiedens Have?” Her dog would be short-haired, of medium height and weight, and would not be yappy or snort and drool.

Armed with information from the internet and consulting a book called the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, by D. Caroline Coile, my granddaughter searched for any breeds matching her criteria and settled on one that was just right for her. Loving drama, my granddaughter promised only to reveal the breed, gender and name of the puppy when she brought it home.

The big day took place on one of the coldest days last January. My granddaughter, her brother and her parents boarded a ferry bound for Horseshoe Bay, where they and a couple, also from Nanaimo, would meet the breeder.. Once there, they would take possession of their two-month-old puppies, a brother and sister from the same litter.

Expecting to remain below deck in the pet area and open to the weather, my family dressed in layers and carried heavy blankets for the puppy. Ginny, like many smooth-haired Vizslas, has a velvety coat the shade of burnished russet, but the breed’s colour ranges from golden red to deep mahogany, from the tip of the nose to the tail. With only a top-coat, Vizslas are particularly vulnerable to the cold. On that cold day in January, BC Ferries allowed both puppies inside for the return trip.

Later, via Zoom, the rest of our family meet Ginny. It was love at first sight for me. Staring into her golden hazel eyes (some Vizslas are born with blue eyes that change later) and the wrinkly skin she’d soon fill in, I was hooked. That’s how I found myself making a weekly trek up-island after my daughter-in-law returned to work following a month of 24/7 puppy care.

Driving home from Nanaimo after an exhilarating and exhausting day with Ginny, I mulled over my reasons for taking on this commitment. After all, she’s just a dog, not really one of my grandkids. But I get to be a vicarious pet owner with all the fun and none of the tough work that comes with that job description. Similar to the time spent with my real grandkids as babies, time spent with Ginny is an investment. I leave knowing Ginny is a relatively well-adjusted puppy from a breed often referred to as Velcro dogs, known for their attachment to their owners. They can experience separation anxiety if alone too long.

Like my human grandkids who are growing up too quickly, so is Ginny. As a one-year-old, she has almost outgrown her most annoying phases, from sleepless nights, indoor piddling, a snapping turtle period and sock shredding. She’s not above stealing a forbidden object from you and racing away with it, hoping to engage you in a game of “catch me if you can.” She’s a work in progress but I daydream of long walks with her soon without my arms aching. Like my human grandkids, I’ve bonded with this crazy, fun-loving dog. I’m one of her people.

Do you have a good story to tell—and the ability to write it? Boulevard readers are invited to submit stories for consideration and publication in the Narrative section. Stories should be 800 to 1,200 words long and sent to susan.lundy@blvdmag.ca. Please place the word “Narrative” in the subject line.

Boulevard asked the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) to reveal the story behind its Knit With Purpose program and the stunning Cowichan sweaters featured in this issue’s fashion story. Megan Boddy responded:

“In 2023, the VNFC launched the Knit With Purpose initiative, aimed at improving circumstances for Indigenous traditional knitters, ensuring that knitters are equitably compensated, and re-establishing the profile of the Cowichan sweater as a high-fashion family heirloom.

These iconic sweaters are renowned for their warmth, durability and distinctive designs, making them both functional garments and one-of-a-kind works of art. Unlike mass-produced garments, these sweaters are crafted in smaller quantities by a select group of artisans. This scarcity contributes to their exclusivity and justifies a higher monetary value.

The VNFC buys Cowichan sweaters from skilled, traditional Indigenous knitters year-round. Compared to the seasonally paid $90-$160 per sweater, which knitters typically receive (equivalent to $1-$4 per hour after labour and materials), the $500 wholesale price paid by the VNFC helps provide stable income and equitable compensation. The retail markup sustains the running of the initiative, programming and other supports for the knitters and their communities.

It is crucial to respect and support the cultural rights, economic empowerment and self-determination of the Coast Salish people and other Indigenous groups who contribute to the legacy of the Cowichan sweater.”

behind the story

BY

PHOTO

LIA CROWE

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