Boulevard Magazine - October / November 2015 Issue

OCTOBER I NOVEMBER 2015

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

MODERN ENGLISH TREASURE Saxe Point home has it all

Fall …

FOR THE HIGHLANDS

Warm and woolly Autumn fashion

THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT Luxury and adventure in Africa

SUCCULENT SQUASH Fall fare from OLO and beyond

Belize 54 sedan

Is it time to enhance your experience?

Sidney, BC 250 656 1138 vanislemarina.com

INTERIOR S 2269 Douglas Street, Victoria | 250.385.6746 Free Underground Parking Available

VICTORIA

NANAIMO

661 McCallum Road 250.475.2233

1711 Bowen Road 250.753.6361

SCANDESIGNS.COM

CONTENTS

Issue 10, Volume XXV

SEPTEMBER 2015

62

36

111 32

52 FEATURES

Interior of Saxe Point house by Terry Johal Development Ltd. and One Step Design.

Photo by Vince Klassen.

20 COVER STORY

80 SUCCULENT SQUASH

A modern English

treasure

delicious

By Angela Cowan

36 THE GOOD LIFE

By Cinda Chavich

Active, vibrant

100 A FINE NIGHT

OF FINE ART

retirement living

Art+Fare at

By Susan Lundy

the Union Club

By Emily Dobby

62 SMOOTH OPERATION

8

Abundant, versatile,

Plaster artist

Frank Csordas

By Carolyn Heiman

COLUMNS 77 HAWTHORN

Civic duty

By Tom Hawthorn

96

80

86

100 45

20 DEPARTMENTS

16 EDITOR’S LETTER

Spicing up life

with change

43 BOULEVARD BUZZ

96 TRAVEL NEAR

Vancouver:

By Susan Lundy

45 FASHION

Fall … for the Highlands

By Lia Crowe

18 LIFE STYLE

Wendy Dagg

By Lia Crowe

30 DESIGN MATTERS

Chic pendants

By Sarah Reid

32 TALKING

WITH TESS

Touch wood

By Tess van Straaten

77

52 HOT PROPERTIES

Cultural immersion

By Susan Lundy

104 FRONT ROW

Paco, Peña, Harry Manx,

and much more

By Robert Moyes

Unique, functional

and shiny

111 SECRETS & LIVES

By Carolyn Heiman

An eye to the sea

with Ian Robertson

By Susan Lundy

86 TRAVEL FAR

Namibia: The Lion

sleeps tonig ht

By Cherie Thiessen

9

scsmithbuilding.com

Italy, Puglia.

www.na t u zzi.co m

blends function and design to create of perfect harmony. onceivedNatuzzi to makeblends us feelfunction good and surround beauty. and designus towith create

w w w. n

natuzzi.com

Natuzzi function and design to create spaces of perfect harmony. spaces blends of perfect harmony. what inspires us and always has: Spaces surround us us with withbeauty. beauty.

Spacesconceived conceived to to make make us us feel feel good and surround our muse.

Puglia is what inspires us and always has: Puglia is what inspires us and always has: our land, our muse. our land, our muse.

us and create a 3D model of your new living room. We look forward to seeing you. re. Address address address address - tel: 000000 - emailxxxx Come Comevisit visitus usand andcreate createaa3D 3Dmodel modelofofyour yournew newliving livingroom. room.We Welook lookforward forwardtotoseeing seeingyou. you.

Natuzzi Store. Address address address address - tel: 000000 - emailxxxx

1630 Store Street | 250.360.1238 | mliving.ca

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CINDA CHAVICH

ANGELA COWAN

LIA CROWE

WRITER: SUCCULENT SQUASH

WRITER: A MODERN ENGLISH TREASURE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: FALL … FOR THE HIGHLANDS

PAGE 80

PAGE 20

PAGE 46

“Inspired by the fall field of orange orbs at Michell Farm ... ‘tis the season for squash.”

Cinda is a longtime food and travel journalist, Boulevard’s food columnist and author of the new Waste Not, Want Not Cookbook (Touchwood Editions), released this past spring.

“As an ardent lover of English Arts and Crafts architecture and design, it was such a treat to tour the Hawes’ home for this issue, and to see how cozy, and also how flawlessly finished it was.” Angela is a freelance writer, poet and acupuncturist, and regular contributor to Boulevard magazine.

“During this month’s fashion shoot at Stonehouse B&B, I was struck by the contagious nature of creative vision realized, and the ripple effect hit me to commit more to my own creative visions.” Lia is a freelance stylist, creative director, photographer and writer with a long history of working in the fashion industry.

DON DENTON

EMILY DOBBY

CATHIE FERGUSON

PHOTOGRAPHER: TOUCH WOOD

WRITER: A FINE NIGHT OF FINE ART

PHOTOGRAPHER: FALL … FOR THE HIGHLANDS

PAGE 32

PAGE 100 PAGE 46

“The photo shoot at Autonomous Furniture Collective was a reminder of the complexity of any craft, especially when working with local natural materials.” Don Denton is the Photo Supervisor for Black Press’ greater Victoria publications.

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto EDITOR Susan Lundy CREATIVE Lily Chan Lorianne Koch ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Pat Brindle ASSOCIATE GROUP Oliver Sommer PUBLISHER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mario Gedicke 250.891.5627

12

Emily is on the planning committee for Art + Fare and had fun interviewing her fellow committee members about the event. She is an art professional with experience working in both the museum and commercial fields. She is currently an associate and art consultant at Art Atelier 546.

CIRCULATION & Miki Speirs DISTRIBUTION 250.480.3277 CONTRIBUTING Cinda Chavich, Angela WRITERS Cowan, Lia Crowe, Emily Dobby, Tom Hawthorn, Carolyn Heiman, Robert Moyes, Sarah Reid, Cherie Thiessen, Tess van Straaten CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe, Don Denton, PHOTOGRAPHERS Cathie Ferguson, Vince Klassen, Arnold Lim

“Inspired by the book and TV show Outlander, I was drawn to shoot a fashion story at the Stonehouse B&B. There, we were magically transported into a world of beauty and inspiration: the stones themselves, the starry nights and the original art that covers every inch of the B&B.” Cathie is a freelance commercial and lifestyle photographer in Victoria.

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is Victoria’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 24 years of publishing in Greater Victoria.

To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca blvdmag.ca

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.

Let us get you where you want to be.

The Elbers Financial Group Adrian Elbers, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor Eric Elbers, CIM, FCSI, PhD, Portfolio Manager, Associate Investment Advisor 250 361 2283 (Victoria) • 1 800 561 5864 www.cibcwg.com/Elbers-Financial-Group Elbers’ High Income Portfolio $235,828 S&P/TSX 60 Index $194,146

Growth of $100,000 (as of July 31, 2015) CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor. Past performance may not be repeated and is not indicative of future results. Performance returns are gross of AMA investment management fees, and other expenses, if any. Each individual account’s performance returns will be reduced by these fees and expenses. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns. Inception date for the Elbers’ High Income portfolio is January 2009. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. All investments carry a certain degree of risk. It is important to review objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, tax consequences and any other considerations before choosing an AMA strategy.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

TOM HAWTHORN

CAROLYN HEIMAN

VINCE KLASSEN

WRITER: CIVIC DUTY

WRITER: UNIQUE, FUNCTIONAL AND SHINY

PHOTOGRAPHER: UNIQUE, FUNCTIONAL AND SHINY

PAGE 77

PAGE 52

PAGE 52

Gordon Quan was a young man when he went off to fight for his country. He returned keen to take part in hard won democratic rights and has not missed an opportunity to vote since. He tells his story to columnist Tom Hawthorn, who is a longtime newspaper and magazine writer here in Victoria.

What’s old is new again in townhouse on the Inner Harbour.

Designer Sandy Nygaard casts her spell on the interior of a 1970s home, bringing it into this century — and then some.

Carolyn writes about gorgeous Victoria-area homes for Boulevard.

ARNOLD LIM

ROBERT MOYES

SARAH REID

PHOTOGRAPHER: A FINE NIGHT OF FINE ART

WRITER: FRONT ROW

WRITER: LIGHT IT UP

PAGE 100

PAGE 104

PAGE 30

Arnold Lim is a longtime photojournalist and videographer whose credits include the Globe and Mail, Sports Illustrated, the Toronto Star and Black Press. In this edition of Boulevard, he was inspired by the beautiful details of Victoria’s historic Union Club.

CHERIE THIESSEN WRITER: THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT PAGE 86

14

“Doing Front Row is a continual reminder of all the amazing offerings available here. In this issue, savour the duel between slide guitar virtuoso Harry Manx and Spain’s gifted flamenco guitar master Paco Peña.” A Victoria native, Robert is a longtime freelancer writer, editor and arts journalist.

“One of the joys of being a travel writer is living the journey twice: once in ‘real time’ and again when recapturing the experience for readers.” Cherie Thiessen is a Gulf Islands sailor, book reviewer and traveller who fell into her dream job of travel writing in her retirement.

“Photographing Sandy Nygaard and her condo renovation was a huge inspiration. She completely transformed a tired 1970’s building into a modern, hip. and elegant sanctuary.” Vince has collaborated with Boulevard for over 20 years. He recently contributed to the coffee table book Island Style with India Hicks.

This issue, Sarah sought out chic pendant lights — which is fitting, since she is in the midst of seeking out brilliant new lighting for her own dining room. Sarah is a designer, creative director and maker living in Victoria, BC.

TESS VAN STRAATEN WRITER, TOUCH WOOD PAGE 32

At Autonomous Furniture Collective, Tess got to explore a “wood library” — a room filled with unique slabs of wood, some decades old, set to become coffee tables. A fourth-generation Victoria native, Tess is an awardwinning journalist and television personality.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Spicing up life with a little change  BY SUSAN LUNDY

PHOTO BY ARNOLD LIM

spice of life. And so with this edition of Boulevard, we are spicing up the lives of our readers.

Welcome to this beautiful reincarnation of Boulevard; we’re proud of our new look, which includes more of just about everything.

With a focus on homes and Victoria living in this edition, we take readers on two house tours — the first is a Saxe Point beauty (page 20), where fine-detail aesthetics meet comfort and modern amenities, and the second is a Songhees townhouse (page 52), transformed from its tired 1970s look to a shiny, luxurious space.

We also talk to Randy Royer, the man behind a new village that will rise on the Colwood waterfront over the next decade. Ground breaking for Phase One of Pacific Landing, a mixed-use residential area, occurs October 1.

People in the Boulevard limelight include the stylish Wendy Dagg (page 18), plaster artist Frank Csordas (page 62), Kirk Van Ludwig and Jodie Webb, who own Autonomous Furniture Collective (page 32) and Ian Robertson, the new CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (page 111).

Squash is the food of the season, and our food feature offers up a delish dish from OLO (page 80). Columnist Tom Hawthorn tackles the season in another way, with a compelling reason to get out and vote (page 77).

Mix luxury and adventure as you travel to Africa (page 86) or take in some aboriginal culture a little closer to home at Skwachàys Lodge, a boutique hotel in Vancouver (page 96). Our fashion shoot went on tour as well: check out the latest fall styles amid a striking stone sculpture on Salt Spring Island (page 46).

Coinciding with our new look, Boulevard has a new publishing schedule, so watch for us again on December 1.

And until then, as the nights get longer, and the weather gets colder, take heart, and be eternally grateful that changes in your life include a bigger, better Boulevard — and not a winter in Calgary.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

W

HEN YOU ARE THROUGH changing, you are through,” said American author Bruce Barter. So once the girls’ high school grad dresses were all packed away, I quit my job of 25 years and decided to join my long distance boyfriend (now husband) in Calgary.

Having been born and raised and lived on the west coast all my life, I thought “cold” meant those rainy, mushysnow sort of dark January mornings, when the air punches through your clothes, right to your core and only a hot bath can warm you up. In my life on the coast, I’d seen the thermometre dip to a bone chilling minus 8, and I figured I was ready for a cold Calgary winter.

Bruce, who had lived in Calgary for 25 years, was amused.

“It’s all in the way you dress,” I assured him, as we trotted over to Danier where I purchased a long leather coat, “good to minus 40.” Thick socks, scarf, hood, west coast hiking boots … and I was set. Thrilled when the mercury finally said minus 44, I begged Bruce to go for a walk.

“Well …” he said, eyebrows raised slightly. “There’s a pub just down the road. It’s about a 10 minute walk.”

So we bundled up and stepped outside. It was like walking into a wall of ice. Crunch, crunch, crunch, down the steps, down the road, around the corner. Dang, it was frosty. I hadn’t counted on my eyelashes freezing. Or the airsucking pain that hit my lungs.

“Maybe we should go back,” I said a little hoarsely. A few minutes later, I discovered that the best way to enjoy winter in Calgary is on the couch, watching a hockey game and drinking scotch.

I changed a bit that winter. Once BC-rabid about idling cars, I learned to see the wisdom in occasionally leaving the car running a minute or two. And I actually uttered the words, “oh, it’s warmed up!” when the thermometre read minus 15. I walked to the grocery story in minus 22, and discovered that unlike walking in west coast cold, a vigorous outing in Calgary cold doesn’t warm up the body. (I called for a ride home.)

Ultimately, I learned to appreciate those cold, wet January mornings when we moved back to the coast a few years later. So I’ve changed, and thanks to Bruce Barter, I therefore know I’m not “through.” We also know that variety (read “change”) is the

DANG IT WAS FROSTY. I HADN’T COUNTED ON MY EYELASHES FREEZING.

16

Boulevard editor Susan Lundy is former journalist and twotime recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award. She is also editor of Oak Bay’s Tweed Magazine, and her stories have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of Heritage Apples: A New Sensation (Touchwood Editions, 2013).

harbour city kitchens f ine cabinetry & storage systems

2189 keating cross road

•

250-652-5200

www.harbourcitykitchens.com find us on

facebook

Instagram

pinterest

LIFEstyle  BY LIA CROWE

with

WENDY DAGG

FASHION/ BEAUTY: UNIFORM: Shift dress and a simple shoe.

JEANS: Rag and Bone dark denim, skinny jean. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PIECE: Mackage Kenya Jacket. COVETING: Free People Boots.

FAVOURITE SHOES: Frye boots.

DAYBAG: Matt & Nat. SUNGLASSES: Tom Ford. FAVOURITE JEWELRY DESIGNER: Anne Marie Chagnon.

SCENT: Jo Malone.

“My base sent is Oud & Bergamot and then I will add Nectarine & Blossom or the Earl Grey & Cucumber.”

NECESSARY INDULGENCE: “A full face regime. A good face wash, nice toner, serum, eye cream and a moisturizer.

MOISTURIZER: Viva. MUST-HAVE HAIR PRODUCT: Dry shampoo. EYE MAKEUP: The naked Palette by Urban Decay. BEAUTY SECRET: Sunscreen.

LIFE: FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Brasserie l’Ecole. COCKTAIL: “I love a creative mock-tail.” MUSIC ON CURRENT ROTATION: “My kids and I have dance-offs in the kitchen. ‘Uptown Funk’ and Rita Coolidge ‘Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher.’” FAVOURITE FLOWER: Pink Gerbera Daisy. FAVOURITE AUTHOR: Bryce Courtenay — “ I love

18

everything he’s written, The Power of One was the first and then I was hooked.” FAVOURITE CITY TO VISIT: London.

FAV APP: Shazam. FAVOURITE HOTEL: Oak Bay Beach Hotel. FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD: “The Rockhouse in Negril, Jamaica. It’s where I spent my honeymoon.”

STYLE INSPIRATIONS: CELEBRITY WHO INSPIRES YOUR STYLE: “Katharine Hepburn and Cate Blanchett: they just make it look effortless.

And I have to say I love Jane Fonda, not for the fashion but for her attitude; she’s fantastic.”

DESIGNER: “I think Ralph Lauren makes clothes for me.”

ARTIST: Claude Monet “ There’s something so soft and soothing about his work.” MUSICIAN: “I like Etta James, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald.

I kinda like that classy, soulful sound. Strong women singing about love and relationships — love that.”

O

fficially she’s the director of media relations at Hot House Marketing, but on our shoot day she happened to be working double duty as mom — her youngest son down with a case of the sniffles — so I couldn’t help but put him in the shot.

She owns a lot of shift dresses, still loves print media (yay!) and if you get the chance to meet Wendy, there’s a good chance you’ll agree this is a lady with great style and energy reminiscent of a bright, sunny spring day after an eternity of Februaries.

“On my 40th birthday I decided that if there’s something I’m not happy with I’m either going to make a change or get comfortable. That’s been my motto for the last seven years. So I made some changes

and I started getting comfortable.”

Wendy showed me around the Hot House office, a beautifully updated old brick building in the “design district,” and introduced a bustling crew of creative and technical minds busy behind computers. All the while two big dogs frolicked at our heels.

“The key to success is hire people smarter than you,” Wendy laughs as we have coffee down the road. “And don’t be afraid to work hard. My husband and I are often up at 5:00 with our laptops across from each other at the kitchen table getting ready for the day.”

And what gets her jumping out of bed so early?

“It’s not closing the deal or the

negotiations, it’s the personal interaction — that’s the piece that jazzes me. I’m very social, I love talking to people and going out, this work completely sates that need.”

So what’s good style?

“I’ve always admired the woman who’s comfortable in how she dresses.

That comfort is really sexy. I really like Judi Dench, not just her on-screen characters but the person.”

Wendy laughs, saying in some situations she finds her internal voice asking, “What would Judi do?”

FINE CLOTHIERS SINCE 1862

1221 Government St. 250.383.7177 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 Sun 11-4

1210 Newport Ave. 250.592.2821 Mon-Sat 10-5

2348 Beacon Ave. 778.426.4446 Mon-Sat 10-5:30

19

HOT PROPERTIES COVER STORY

A MODERN ENGLISH TREASURE FLAWLESS AESTHETICS, COZY COMFORT AND LUXE AMENITIES IN A SAXE POINT HOME  BY ANGELA COWAN PHOTOS BY VINCE KLASSEN

I

F YOU TAKE A STROLL down to Saxe Point this fall, you’ll see myriad golds and crimsons as the trees don their autumn dress, and the steely grey that takes over the ocean as the days grow colder. Let your feet take you exploring through this tight-knit Esquimalt neighbourhood, and you’ll find one of the community’s newest additions — an English Arts and Crafts house nestled right up against the park.

Home to Kelly and Jennifer Hawes, the three-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot house exudes warmth from every corner, outside and in. From the heritage blue exterior to the meandering cobblestone path leading to the front entrance, to the glimpse of its charming dining room — lit with a Tiffany-styled chandelier throwing soft light from its larger-than-life glass shade — it’s the Hawes’ dream home, the culmination of nearly three years work from conception to completion.

The project was initially planned as an overhaul renovation of their existing 1949 wartime bungalow — their home for the past 11 years — but as the list of necessary, major fixes grew ever longer, the Hawes decided to take the leap and start over from the ground up. They brought in Mike Dunsmuir of Step One Design, who took their wish list and began brainstorming with the couple.

20

 A focal point of the Hawes’ home is the exquisite walnut millwork surrounding the one-piece leathered granite fireplace, which was a collaborative effort between Terry Johal Developments Ltd., the Conforti Bros. and South Shore Cabinetry.”

21

ďƒĄ The kitchen is a dream come true, with its seamless quartz countertops from Colonial Countertops, simple and elegant cabinetry from South Shore Cabinetry, and the luxurious 22 choice of either a gas range or an induction stovetop.

milan

coPenhaGen

VicToria

The World’s mosT amazing closets are made in VicToria Ph: 250-381-6511 462 BUrnside rd. easT, VicToria WWW.incrediBlecloseTs.ca

 The windows — a richly stained English style from Pella Windows & Doors — are just as much of a treat for the eyes as the view outside.

Good things come in small packages.

No bars. No springs. No sagging.

Cot Size 38” Wide

Comfort Sleeper

American Leather ®

ON SALE 1802 GOVERNMENT ST. | 250.386.3841 | SAGERS.CA | MON-SAT 9:30-5:30 | CLOSED SUNDAYS

started Terry Johal Developments Ltd. 15 years ago. “The people that work for me are all good people. I’m very loyal to my trades, and in turn, they’re very loyal to me — and it’s for projects like this.”

That loyalty and dedication to quality is reflected in the flawless finish of the house.

Looking at the walnut fireplace surround, the eye follows its lines effortlessly up to the peak of the vaulted ceiling, and that’s no accident. Each piece of wood was carefully placed to ensure continuity of the wood grain, and the same was done with the windows — glorious, heavy features from Pella Windows & Doors.

With a richly stained interior box and white painted frame, the windows are actually ponderosa pine, which arrived raw onsite and had to be made to match the walnut millwork, a process that took its own fair share of hours.

But the real pièce de résistance in matching wood grain is hidden away in the library.

Jennifer’s self-proclaimed “woman cave,” the library is an oasis for lovers of the written word: replete with cozy cushions in which to nestle, a wide window overlooking a Japanese red maple, and dozens of books lining the walnut shelves.

PHOTO BY ARNOLD LIM

Dunsmuir approached it with intense deliberation that began with the first scratch of graphite on paper, and infused the entire process, giving rise to a home that the Hawes can stay in for decades.

“They basically gave me carte blanche to figure out what they wanted,” says Dunsmuir, who had previously worked with the couple to design their combined garage and pool house. “One of the things that I think dictated how the house was laid out was how they entered the home. It was a focus on how they would interact within their house, on a day-to-day basis.”

To Jennifer, for whom cooking and entertaining is a passion, Dunsmuir gave an entryway through the butler’s pantry and into her kitchen. For Kelly, who often rides his motorcycle home, Dunsmuir created a mudroom near the garage.

To accommodate the Hawes’ desire for an open concept, he also introduced the idea of a vaulted area through the main living space, but added an interior bridge between the office and upstairs bedrooms to keep the space from becoming too cavernous.

Finally, with floor plans in hand after nearly a year and a half, the Hawes turned to Terry Johal — the man who would make their dream a reality.

“It was a really great project from the onset,” says Johal, who

 Kelly and Jennifer Hawes couldn’t be happier with their dream house, a project brought to life by veteran builder and class act Terry Johal.

26

 With shelves full of Jennifer Hawes’ favourite books, the library is a place of comfort, made cozier by the warm tones and walnut millwork.

Is this really where he wanted to be?

We provide dignified places of remembrance for cremated remains.

GREEN BURIAL CREMATION

ROBP020_Pickles_BlvdMag_Ad.indd 2

TRADITIONAL BURIAL MEMORIALIZATION

250-658-5621 ROBP.CA

2015-09-18 3:51 PM 27

 The dining room exudes a welcoming aura, particularly when the Quizola chandelier from Mclaren Lighting is bathing the room in its golden glow.

28

A roomy soaker tub and heated Carrera marble tiles from Hourigan’s Flooring are featured in the upstairs bathroom.

 Greg Johnson and Bob Renney worked their magic in creating the staircase.

It was perfect, until the painter realized the white interior door would clash with the rest of the dark woodwork. Enter Gary Osborne from Sheldon Dupont Painting. Over the course of 15 coats, Osborne painted the back of the library door to match the richly textured grain of the other woods in the room, coming back time and again with tools — and at times his own fingers — to leave a finish that can only be described as sublime.

Perfectionism was the standard throughout the project, right from the first shovel in the ground, all the way to the last day of work.

“Once we think a job is perfect,” says Johal, “we shut off all the lights and take a 100-watt bulb, and go over every inch of the house.”

Any imperfections are marked and swiftly dealt with, leaving walls as smooth and flawless as liquid silk. And for each moment of aesthetic bliss, there are just as many features dedicated to comfort.

The Carrera marble tiles in the bathrooms are heated, the expansive kitchen boasts both a gas and an induction stovetop, cast iron pipes minimize water noise within the walls, and speakers are wired through each room.

The residence even boasts a state-of-the-art home automation system by Grohovac Systems that would rival any science fiction novel.

“It has that classic look, but all the conveniences of today’s technology,” says Johal. “Little details like that are what I appreciate about this place.”

With elements of traditional English style combining with modern amenities and their own personal touches, the Hawes’ home is beautiful without being stuffy, and flawless without

 Welcoming exterior of Saxe Point home.

being forbidding.

“It was like the stars aligned,” says Jennifer. “We’ve designed this house so we can stay until we’re 90. We’re really thrilled with what we ended up with.”

PROFESSIONAL, SUPPLIERS AND TRADES Designer: Step One Design Contractor: Terry Johal Developments Ltd. Windows: Pella Windows & Doors Paint: Sheldon Dupont Painting Home automation: Grohovac Systems

the new west coast 2101 Government Street

autonomousfurniture.com 29

DESIGN MATTERS

 Architectural details create artistic ambiance. $359 // Available at Parc Modern

 Set the mood with a bold Moroccan inspired sphere. $539 // Available at Chintz & Company

 Get retro with a timeless accent. $259 // Available at Parc Modern

 Go modern with the sleek Meeka pendant. $2,951 // Available at Illuminations Lighting

 Make a statement with Calligaris’ Andromeda ceiling lamp. $1,032 // Available at StudioY Design

it up light chic pendants with

 By Sarah Reid

Update your space and light up dark autumn nights with a modern pendant from around town and beyond.

30

 Get geometric with beautiful brass. $248 // Available at Anthropologie

 Chic metallics and honeycomb texture add artistic flare to any room. $99 // Available at West Elm

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

 Create drama with clustered bulbs. $4,319 // Available at Mclaren Lighting

80% oF

learning is visual

1

 Keep quiet with this sound deadening lamp, ideal for office environments, busy cafés or your bustling home. $6,200 // Available at Gabriel Ross

in 5

children has a vision problem we recommend e y e e x a m s at

6 m o n t h s, 3 year s,

& every year a g e 5-18

Helping our patients have clear vision and healthy eyes throughout their lives.

DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY DR . H E I DI W E B S T E R DR. MEGHAN HILDEBRAND

www.victoriavisioneyecare.ca

(25 0) 3 8 3 -2 8 21

1005 Broad St. @ Broughton 31

TALKING WITH TESS

TOUCH WOOD VICTORIA COUPLE CARVING A NICHE IN LUXURY FURNITURE MARKET  BY TESS VAN STRAATEN PHOTOS BY DON DENTON WITH LIA CROWE

 Jodie Webb and Kirk Van Ludwig in their Autonomous Furniture Collective showroom.

32

Over 30 Years Of Making

HOMe renOvatiOn DreaMs a realitY!

R E N O VAT I O N S ESTABLISHED 1980

“A contractor you can trust�

Relationships are the most important thing we build as a company.

We have forged many long lasting relationships with our clients over the years due to our attention to detail, integrity, and the personal service we provide to turn your dreams into reality. Give us a call for your complimentary in-house visit from our kitchen and bath design specialist.

www.macreno.ca 250.412.8012 | 825 Viewfield Road, Victoria, BC

33

A

S SOON AS YOU WALK into the showroom of Victoria’s Autonomous Furniture Collective, you’re immediately enveloped in the sweet smell of wood.

“I think we’ve gotten so used to it, we don’t even notice it anymore,” laughs Jodie Webb, half of the dynamic duo that founded Autonomous, which is carving out a niche for itself in the high-end contemporary furniture market.

Partners in business and in life, Webb and Kirk Van Ludwig launched the business in 2013 after people starting coming to Van Ludwig for advice. With a background in manufacturing and millwork, he’s developed a reputation for sourcing and curating some of the best wood in British Columbia.

“People started to ask me for help with what to with an amazing piece of wood,” Van Ludwig explains. “They would say, ‘what would you do for legs?’”

“Kirk knew where to get the wood and how to treat it so it really morphed from that to the point where he was assisting people all the way through the design process of a dining table,” adds Webb. “He had the designs in his head anyway so there was room to do amazing things, and we realized we could fill a void in the market.”

For Webb, who’s a chartered accountant on mat leave from her job as finance director at AscendantFx Capital, the opportunity to be an entrepreneur was exciting.

“I went into accounting because I knew I always wanted to have my own business,” Webb says, holding the couple’s fourmonth-old daughter Emery as three-year-old Mila plays nearby.

“I love design and it’s a hobby to read every design magazine there is and scour Instagram. So it was an opportunity for us to pursue a joint passion.”

Van Ludwig’s passion — and inspiration — is the wood. He’s been collecting it for a decade, often going on outings to get it himself, and he has specimens that have been air-drying for more than 40 years.

“I’m really drawn to the West Coast look and I’m fascinated by nature’s beauty,” Van Ludwig says. “Because I’ve worked around woodworkers for so long, I’ve seen how they want to showcase what they can do. But I want to showcase what Mother Nature has done, trying to do as little as possible to the wood to preserve its organic beauty.”

While the sculptural coffee tables, side tables, dining tables, benches and one-of-a-kind reception desks Van Ludwig designs are all inspired by beautiful and unique slabs of Vancouver Island-sourced wood, he juxtaposes that against metal, concrete and acrylic to push design boundaries and better showcase the natural and torched wood with which he works.

“The design world is really egotistical and you really have to put yourself out there,” Van Ludwig admits. “It`s like putting on a crazy outfit and going out in public, not knowing what people are going to think.”

Van Ludwig pours hours into each piece — some custom slab coffee tables can take more than two months to create — and the result is a highly designed luxury product ranging in price from $1,000 for an Autonomous Signature Line side table to $10,000$20,000 for a custom dining table.

 Designed by Kirk Van Ludwig, the “cbi table” includes a tabletop set on one-and-a-half inch clear Lucite legs, and a centre stretcher bar running along the underside.

34

“People will come into the showroom after months of looking for just the right piece and be so relieved they finally found it,” Webb says. “They’re looking for that showstopper piece and often they say they didn’t know exactly what they were looking for until they saw it here.”

The company’s also seeing success in the commercial market thanks to a partnership with Monk Office. And a deal was recently inked with Luxe Home Interiors to be the exclusive Victoria dealer of Autonomous products, with a line at Luxe launching in November.

“We’re really excited about our partnership with Luxe Interiors and we plan to take that model into the U.S. in select cities and grow the business from there,” Van Ludwig says.

The pair is also hoping the Luxe deal will help grow their business in the Victoria market.

“Right now, 90 per cent of our sales aren’t in the Victoria market,” Van Ludwig explains. “We’re a proudly Victorian company using material from Vancouver Island but we’re selling our pieces all over the world — New York, Colorado, Los Angeles, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna.”

As for working together, the couple say they wouldn’t want it any other way — even if it means talking shop around the clock.

“We’re talking about it all the time and planning things while we’re making dinner and putting our kids to bed,” Jodie admits. “We’ve really poured our heart and soul into this.”

“Everybody, including our families, told us not to do this,” Van Ludwig adds. “But we just steamed ahead, just like we do with our designs. And we’re doing what we want to do.”

 Kirk Van Ludwig in his Autonomous Furniture Collective shop.

35

Artisan Rugs B a B a k ’ s O r i e n ta l C a r p e t s 919 Fort street 250-480-7114

www.babaksorientalcarpets.com

e r e wh

e h t l wil

r e z la

b r? d re e he tak

Not just equal opportunity; girls here get every opportunity.

Since 1908, SMS has provided empowering education for girls from Jr Kindergarten to Grade 12.

1080 Lucas Ave | Victoria, BC

OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 23 9–11AM / 1–3PM www.stmarg.ca

St. Margaret’S School | Confident girls. Inspiring women.

36

“PACIFIC LANDING WOULD OFFER HER ALL OF THE THINGS SHE LOVES DOING IN A WAY THAT WOULD ENHANCE HER LIFE, NOT OVERWHELM IT.”

 Pacific Landing president Randy Royer, looking out over Esquimalt Lagoon from inside historic Pendray House.

THE GOOD LIFE VIBRANT VILLAGE PITCHES ACTIVE RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE  BY SUSAN LUNDY PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

R

ANDY ROYER IS SO INSPIRED by his vision for a new village in Colwood, he plans to buy a unit there himself.

“I’ve always found it hard to leave the site,” says Royer, the Calgary-based president of Pacific Landings, a $90 million project at the historic Havenwood site on the edge of Esquimalt Lagoon.

Planned in several phases over the next five years, the 12-acre property will ultimately house a multi-use village with condos, a boutique hotel and spa, grocery, pharmacy and clothing stores, gallery, restaurant, artisan studios, kiosks, and even a performing arts centre.

“It’s not just a village, it’s a whole concept of service,” says Royer, who has been involved in the development of 35 37

West end Gallery

Dulce AlbA l inDezA n ew ArrivAls of HAute couture weArAble sculpture Dulce Alba Lindeza earned her Silversmithing Diploma from the renowned Billy King of Sterling Quest School in San Miguel, Mexico. Her reticulated haute couture .950 wearable silver sculptures are elegant creations to be cherished for generations. A labour of love, these necklaces, bracelets and rings are formed into organic shapes, always following the flow of the silver and honouring the colonial culture and architecture of the places she has lived.

We st end Ga lle ry 1203 Broad street 250.388.0009 open daily westendgalleryltd.com

Book your Christmas party early & stay on

the nice list

Call: 250 598 8555 or Email: marina_events@obmg.com www.marinarestaurant.com 1327 BEACH DRIVE AT THE OAK BAY MARINA

38

 Artist rendering of the proposed look for Phase One at Pacific Landing.

properties all over North America, including the successful waterfront Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna. The concept for the Grand Okanagan, like Pacific Landing, was based on baby boomer trends in the hospitality industry — something Royer watches carefully.

“Every trend in the hospitality industry over the past 50 years has been set by baby boomers — from the ‘Chevrolet way’ to timeshares and beach resorts,” he says.

In building the Grand Okanagan, Royer foresaw boomers wanting a playground on the water’s edge. Now they’re looking for somewhere to retire that is lifestyle oriented.

“They want to age with dignity and vitality. They want a lifestyle that’s active, engaged and fulfilling, with a strong sense of community and caring.”

Enter Pacific Landing, which Royer sees as a multigenerational retirement village, where residents can toss aside the keys to their cars, and enjoy an active, vibrant lifestyle in a beautiful waterfront setting. He is joined on the project by Victoria based Ray Parks, a former CEO of the Provincial Capital Commission, project manager Dale Fish and Royer’s son, Jordan Royer, a project coordinator and who — like his father — attended Ivey Business School in Ontario.

SITUATED ON A SCENIC SITE To reach the Havenwood property, one drives along Ocean Boulevard in Colwood, past the 600-acre national historic site that houses Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard

IF BACK PAIN IS EVEN A SMALL PART OF YOUR LIFE,

WE’RE A BIG PART OF THE SOLUTION

Come see our complete line of Tempur-Pedic® Products

Lighthouse, along the edge of the beach spit and Migratory Bird Sanctuary at Esquimalt Lagoon, to the end of Heatherbell Road. Here, a stone bridge and driveway open up to the lush, secluded property.

At the base of the driveway, marketing director Anna Difiore staffs the freshly painted Discovery Centre, which now displays site drawings on the walls and offers brochures on the table. This was the original house on the property used in the 1920s by the Pendray family while they built their main home (Pendray House) at the edge of the lagoon.

Across the pavement is the site of Phase One, set to break ground on October 1. It includes 33 two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences, most around 1,050 square feet, located in three boutique buildings: Dunsmuir House, Breton Place and Hatley Manor, and starting at $399,000.

Dunsmuir House will feature a yoga studio on the top floor, while Hatley Manor includes plans for a state-of-theart cooking theatre with an outdoor lounge and barbeque area, plus workshop space. Eighteen of the 33 units are already “spoken for,” many to people transitioning to the coast from elsewhere in Canada.

At the start of the tour, Difiore points out that each of the many beautiful trees on the property has been assessed and documented in collaboration with the Songhees First Nation. While plans include keeping as many trees as possible, those that are removed will either be given to local First Nations for various uses, or milled on site and incorporated into walkways, bridges and on-site landscaping. A raised boardwalk through wetlands located east of Phase One, for example, is among the plans for wooden site enhancements.

Zero Gravity Recliners

Travel Comfort

Ergonomic Office Chairs

Inversion Tables

Sleep Wedges and Pillows

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

39

EVENT fall 2015

DEKA

1

3

NAJA

“THEY WANT A LIFESTYLE THAT’S ACTIVE, ENGAGED AND FULFILLING, WITH A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND CARING.”

2 NERIS

Kitchen Faucets:

1 DEKA surfer – chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . $229 2 NERIS diver – stainless steel . . . . . . . . $469 3 NAJA surfer – stainless steel . . . . . . . $449

4

Floormount 2-pieces tub filler with handshower: 4 CITÉ – chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $719 5 KONTOUR – chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $719

CITÉ

5

KONTOUR

FLIP Tub Door 2-PANEL FRAMELESS PIVOT BATH SHIELD 46” x 56” (reversible) - CHROME

Open

Close

429

$

AKCESS Tub Door ALCOVE 2-PANEL SLIDING BATHTUB DOOR 60” X 60”- CHROME

$

719

Bath & Kitchen Visit us online at SplashesOnline.com or follow us on Facebook!

Pricing valid Sep 15 – Nov 30, 2015

40

Near the Discovery Centre sits a small bridge and the burbling Bee Creek, which starts as a spring on the neighbouring land of Royal Roads University. Due to 10 years of restoration and care by volunteers, it now supports a healthy population of cutthroat trout. Pacific Landing is working with aquatic ecologist Patrick Lucey on a management plan to continue stream enhancement and develop the expanded marsh areas planned during Phase One construction.

On the other side of the creek sits Pendray House, currently home to the Coast Collective arts group. Plans for the Pendray House — with its stunning ocean views — involves redevelopment as a seaside restaurant. Land between the house and the lagoon will not be developed, and the Coast Collective will remain on site.

SERVING A UNIQUE DEMOGRAPHIC Difiore’s enthusiasm for the project definitely matches Royer’s.

“Even 20 years ago,” she says, “people in their mid-60s were considered ‘senior’ — but now, with advances in nutrition, education and overall lifestyle choices, people who are 60, 70 and even 80 years old are a much younger, more vibrant version of what their parents were.”

She says this creates a unique demographic that wants a “community to grow young in … They want access to learn new things, to advance in both their mental and physical well-being. These are not our parent’s parents — they may be retried from work but are by no means retired from life.”

At Pacific Landing, she adds, people will be able to take art classes, work in the community garden, use the yoga studio, and kayak or bike outside their door. The development will be pet friendly and entirely walkable.

“My mother is the perfect example of a women in her mid 60s who is in the prime of her life,” Difiore says, noting her mom owns a farm in the Gulf Islands, but is now finding the upkeep and travel onerous.

“As a retired chef, an avid gardener and an artist, Pacific Landing would offer her all of the things she loves doing in a way that would enhance her life, not overwhelm it.”

And as Royer points out, “The best way to stay young is to have lots of young people around.”

That’s why his vision for the village includes mentoring opportunities with young people, chances to take on

ďƒĄ Artist rendering shows the location of Phase One in proximity to Esquimalt Lagoon.

BALANCING ART AND PRECISION Your home is one of your largest and most important investments.

It’s also where the best part of your life happens every day. Making it comfortable, beautiful and functional for many years is what we do best.

We help create the highest value for your investment whether you are looking to modernize your space, expand or start from the ground up.

We have the expertise to bring your visions to life.

S E A B R O O K D E V E LO P M E N T S LT D. 778-747-3373

seabrookdevelopments.ca

41

W E ’ VE MOVED!

 KITCHENS  VANITIES  CUSTOM MILLWORK

PROVIDING QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP IN VICTORIA Island Dream Kitchens was formed with skilled craftsmen and expert installers having extensive experience in the Victoria market.

The commitment to excellence and quality workmanship is of paramount importance to the entire team. They strive to complete each project with the care their customers expect and deliver on their promises.

new location!

10124 McDonald Park Rd Unit #102 250-686-9987 mbrown@IslandDreamKitchens.com www.islanddreamkitchens.com

42

 Marketing director Anna Difiore in the Discovery Centre at Pacific Landing.

philanthropic deeds and creation of close connections with university students in the area.

He recalls a conversation he had with friends in which they discussed an 80-year-old woman who had just lost her driver’s licence.

“We wondered, ‘How do you get around that?’ It would change the way you live.”

In the Pacific Landing concept, residents will have access to everything they need within a walkable distance — no driver’s licence required. And the plan for a small, boutique hotel in the village will further enhance its “service” aspect.

“It will provide that ‘resort’ feel to it, with amenities like room service, a spa and wellness centre,” Royer says.

It’s tough not to catch Royer’s enthusiasm. And it’s not surprising that having just turned 60 himself, Royer is keen to buy into his latest vision.

Boulevard Buzz: For jazz lovers: The Victoria Jazz Society presents multi-award-winning musician Steve Hill on Friday, October 17 at the Tally Ho Sports Bar & Grill (3020 Douglas Street). Doors open at 8 p.m. for an 8:30 start, and tickets are $19-$22. Hill, who won “Blues Album of the Year” at the 2015 Junos is described as “one of Canada’s most prolific and exciting guitarists.” Throughout his performances, Hill sings and plays guitar standing up, uses his feet to play bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and, with a drum stick fused to the head of his guitar, any other percussion within reach.

Over 30 Years Of Making

HOMe renOvatiOn DreaMs a realitY!

For party lovers: Don your masks and hit the Fairmont Empress Hotel on Halloween for an evening of intrigue at the 10th annual Victoria Masquerade Ball. Red carpet arrival starts at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $175, available at www.victoriaball. com. Masks are mandatory and can be purchased at the door. From there it’s your choice: period costumes, tuxedos or evening gowns. The Victoria Masquerade Ball began in Victoria in 2006 and has been chaired for the last six years by local philanthropists Derek and Julie Sanderson, owners of The Island IT. Proceeds this year will benefit Pacific Opera Victoria.

For art lovers: Emily Carr House is featuring a retrospective of work by the late Arnold Burrell in an exhibit November 13-15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Burrell was a recipient of the Emily Carr Scholarship, and this marks the first time that Emily Carr House has featured a scholarship recipient’s work. The show — called “A Servant to His Art: Arnold Burrell” — features a number of his “solidly modern and visionary” paintings spanning nearly five decades. Through the generosity of Burrell’s art executor, admission to Emily Carr House is free during the three-day show.

For cider lovers: The first annual BC Cider Week involves eight days of craft cider celebration with more than 50 cider events, tastings and festivities planned throughout the province.

Festivities kick off in Victoria on Sunday, October 18 from 2-6 p.m. at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse. With tastings, local food purveyors and live music by Jon Middleton, the event will present a variety of ciders, including BC selections from Tod Creek Craft Cider (Victoria), Merridale Ciderworks (Cobble Hill) and Sea Cider. There’s also a Halloween bash on Saturday, October 24 at Tod Creek Craft Cider, complete with pig roast and barn dance in costume.

For education lovers: An open house at St. Margaret’s School takes place Friday, October 23, at the school’s Saanich campus (1080 Lucas Avenue, near Quadra and McKenzie). Interested families are welcome to drop in from 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. to find out more about the school and the admissions process.

Visitors can take a student-led tour of campus, and meet teachers and staff to have all their questions about the school answered.

R E N O VAT I O N S ESTABLISHED 1980

“A contractor you can trust” Relationships are the most important thing we build as a company.

We have forged many long lasting relationships with our clients over the years due to our attention to detail, integrity, and the personal service we provide to turn your dreams into reality. Give us a call for your complimentary in-house visit from our kitchen and bath design specialist.

www.macreno.ca 250.412.8012 | 825 Viewfield Road, Victoria, BC

43

Serving Southern Vancouver Island:

NEW

• GreAter Victori A • Sooke

PowerView Motorization.

• cowichAn

™

Intelligent shades that simplify your life.

v i c t o r i a BLINDS & CLOSETS # 8 - 7 5 5 Va n a l m a n A v e .

Vi cto r i a 250. 590.8 0 6 0 Co wi ch an 250. 929 .2 2 1 9 w w w. v i cbc. ca Offer runs from September 1st to December 18th, 2015.

FREE TABLET with selected window shadings. †

44

† Purchase a minimum of 4 Silhouette®, Pirouette®, Luminette®, Vignette® or Duette® Window Shadings with PowerView™ Motorization and receive a tablet.

Offer runs from September 1st to December 18th, 2015.

Valid at participating retailers only. For full details, † Purchase a minimum of 4 Silhouette®, Pirouette®, Luminette®, Vignette® or Duette® Wind visit hunterdouglas.ca. ™ PowerView Motorization and receive a tablet. Valid at participating retailers only. For full de

FASHION

Hooded sweater by Luisa Cerano ($795), dress

by Part Two ($139) and bronze bracelet by Karyn Chopik ($195) all at Bagheera Boutique.

Fall …

FOR THE HIGHLANDS  BY LIA CROWE PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON 45

Hunting jacket by Smythe ($695), cashmere sweater by Line ($495) and “Spirits for Sale” necklace in Burgundy by Lizzie Fortunato ($325) all at Bernstein & Gold.

Purse by Borgo Degli Etruschi ($89) at W&J Wilson.

Fisherman cable crew sweater

by Levi’s ($118) at Reunion Boutique.

TROMPING THROUGH THE LAVENDER AND WOOLLY THYME, AND MARVELLING AT THE HUGE STANDING STONE CIRCLE ON THE GROUNDS OF SALT SPRING ISLAND’S STONEHOUSE BED & BREAKFAST, ONE FALLS UNDER THE SPELL OF THE HIGHLANDS. SET AGAINST A MAGICAL BACKDROP, Boulevard SHOWS THE BEST OF FALL FASHION IN HIGHLAND STYLE WITH WOOLS, LEATHER, TARTANS AND TWEEDS BATHED IN COOL AUTUMN SUNLIGHT. FINISH THE LOOK WITH ACCESSORIES SUCH AS LEATHER, ROPE AND BRONZE, WHICH HAVE THE STRENGTH TO MATCH THE RICH AND RUGGED TEXTURES OF FASHION’S FAVOURITE SEASON.

Camel wool pants ($175) and cream silk blouse ($145) by Tatum & Olivia and available at their Sidney store. Grey Icelandic sheepskin ($340) at Pigeon Hole. Leather, bronze and crystal cuff ($410) and bronze bracelet by Karyn Chopik ($195), both at Bagheera Boutique. Laceup ankle boot by Hispanitas ($319) at Footloose Shoes.

V-neck sweater by Viyella ($159) and navy corduroy pants

by Coppley ($275), both at W&J Wilson.

Jacket in camel red ($250), camel wool pants ($175) and cream silk blouse ($145) by Tatum & Olivia and available at their Sidney store. Leather bag ($295) at Pigeon Hole.

V-neck sweater ($159) and shirt ($135) by Viyella; navy corduroy pants by Coppley ($275), all available at W&J Wilson.

Camel turtleneck

by Betty Barclay ($119) at W&J Wilson; leather “Gaucho” pants

by Hoss ($275) at Bernstein & Gold; bronze bracelet

by Karyn Chopik ($195) at Bagheera Boutique. Laceup ankle boot by Hispanitas ($319) at Footloose Shoes.

Black raincoat by Elka ($165), Fisherman cable crew sweater by Levi’s ($118) and wool pants by Vito ($125), all at Reunion Boutique.

Jacket ($390) and pants ($240) by Marc Cain and available at W&J Wilson; “Spirits for Sale� necklace in Burgundy by Lizzie Fortunato ($325) at Bernstein & Gold; leather, bronze and crystal cuff by Karyn Chopik ($410) at Bagheera Boutique.

V-neck sweater ($159) and shirt ($135)

by Viyella, both available at W&J Wilson.

50

The New Fall Collection has arrived!

2493b Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC 778.351.2493

tatumandolivia.com

Mon-SAt 10-5:30 | SundAy 12-5

Models: Jessica Allerton from Coultish Management and Christopher Arnold.

Styling and Production Assistant: Hilary Russell Photographed on location at Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast on Salt Spring Island, saltspringstonehouse.com.

A huge thank you to our wonderful and gracious Stonehouse hosts for an incredibly magical couple of days.

51

HOT PROPERTIES HOT PROPERTIES

UNIQUE, FUNCTIONAL

& SHINY DESIGNER TRANSFORMS TIRED 1970S TOWNHOUSE INTO SLEEK CONTEMPORARY HOME  BY CAROLYN HEIMAN PHOTOS BY VINCE KLASSEN

L

OTS OF BLING. That’s what the owners of a Laurel Point townhouse asked for when they tasked interior designer Sandy Nygaard to take charge of renovating the unit, which had sat more or less untouched since it was built in the 1970s.

At one point, the couple, who don’t want to be identified, left town, leaving Nygaard the keys and instructions to complete the job in their absence.

Asked how they felt when they unlocked the door after their return, their delight was unmistakable: “The place is outrageous … it is absolutely wonderful and we fell in love with everything,” says the male homeowner.

Meanwhile, the woman says the transformation more than meets their desire for place that melds high contemporary styling along with no-fuss living — a place where their young visiting grandchildren can romp without concern about dirty shoes.

52

ďƒĄ The kitchen sings with sleek lines, a high-sheen finish and cabinetry from Innovative Kitchens and Baths.

53

ďƒ A grey and white quartz tabletop was polished in a leather finish to dial down the sheen compared to the high gloss kitchen cabinetry nearby.

54

TERRY JOHAL D E V E L O P M E N T S

QUALITY CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND RENOVATOR TERRYJOHALDEVELOPMENTS.COM

250.418.1660

 Interior designer Sandy Nygaard.

 Houston Homes Ltd. took on the roll of contractor/builder, giving new life to the 1970s townhouse.

56

“Sandy really got what I wanted and she added a lot of great suggestions. We wanted something unique and this place is.”

Nygaard took stock of the townhouse’s original layout that was cut into small rooms, limiting access to the full Victoria Inner Harbour views. By breaking down walls and adding structural beams, the main floor now opens to sweeping harbour views from every room and there is a comfortable flow from the entryway right though the kitchen, dining and ultimately the step-down living room.

Laundry facilities are now upstairs, boosting functionality.

And meanwhile, on the top floor, location of the “man cave” and/or family games and TV watching area, Nygaard unconventionally reduced the floor area by bringing a wall closer into the room. Paradoxically, it makes the room feel larger by creating a taller wall. And, for the grandchildren’s fun, the resulting tunnel area behind the wall will become a secret play area, still leaving room for storing luggage and Christmas ornaments.

With the layout now fitting a 21st century open plan, Nygaard moved her attention to colour and texture. Crisp whites, dark espresso, smoky taupe are backdrops for the owners’ desire to add eye-popping orange and yellow punches in the art, cushions and other accessories. By using a range of textures – smooth porcelain tiles, vermiculite mica wallpapers, textured panel walls, and high gloss kitchen cabinetry, the neutral palette transcends ordinariness at every turn.

“I love using texture to create interest against a neutral palette,” says Nygaard. “(The owners) liked white – that was the main thing — along with the dark wood. That’s the palette and that is what

w w w. s t u d i o y d e s i g n . c a 5 20 Herald s treet Ph: 250-590-5200

ďƒ˘ Eye-popping colour enhances a white and dark-wood palette, and offsets custom designs by KL Design Furniture and stunning Venetian plaster on the fireplace by Coventry Interiors.

Great selection of coats at Baden-Baden, please come and visit.

from Denmark

Baden-Baden Boutique

Barbara’s Boutique & Showroom

2485 Beacon Avenue 250-655-7118

2392 Beacon Avenue 250-655-0372

Sidney, BC badenbadenboutiques.com 58

“I LOVE USING TEXTURE TO CREATE INTEREST AGAINST A NEUTRAL PALETTE.”

 Nygaard used her custom-designed headboards in the owners’ bedroom.

444 William Street, Victoria | 250-920-2003 191 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan | 250-932-2004 www.SouthShoreCabinetry.com

59

 Texture and “bling” rule the kitchen alongside counters by Stone Age Marble and Granite.

60

is combined over and over again throughout the home. From there I grabbed textures.”

One of those surfaces is the high sheen Venetian plaster fireplace crafted by specialist Frank Csordas (see story, page 62).

“It was very important as I wanted a fireplace that adds a lot of excitement,” Nygaard says.

Using the same plaster product, Csordas put a traditional plaster  Incorporating the wood grain was spatulata on the top an important component of the and bottom, and added design. a striated section in the centre, similar to what he does for Louis Vuitton stores.

Meeting her trademark style, many of the furnishings are custom designed by Nygaard, including the sofa, dining table, coffee table, lighting over the dining table and headboards in the owners’ bedroom.

Customizing furniture does not cost significantly more than purchasing high quality manufactured pieces and the results are

perfectly scaled for the area, notes Nygaard. For example, one of the owners wanted the dining table scaled to accommodate her particular china settings.

The L-shaped sofa, meanwhile, comes in a random pattern, coloured in silver/white/chocolatey grey.

All the doors now stretch to ceiling height, adding to a sense of luxury and spaciousness in the townhouse. Each has an inlaid chrome strip that is accentuated by having the direction of the wood grain change on one half. The chrome repeats the theme of shine found elsewhere in the home including the stairwell and kitchen.

“I told (Sandy) that she can’t do enough shiny, shiny,” the owner says. “I wanted a place that is happy” … while also being comfortable and practical.

PROFESSIONAL, SUPPLIERS AND TRADES Contractor/Builder: Houston Homes Ltd.

Interior Designers: Nygaard Interior Design Cabinetry: Innovative Kitchens and Baths Ltd. Counters: Stone Age Marble and Granite Flooring: Island Floor Centre Ltd. Plumbing fixtures: Victoria Speciality Hardware Lighting: Illuminations Lighting Solutions Custom sofa: KL Design Furniture Custom dining room table: Cowichan Valley Millworks Venetian plaster: Coventry Interiors

T o b a c c o n i s t

1116 GOVERNMENT STREET, VICTORIA BC • 250.382.4811 • 1.888.845.6111 • OLDMORRIS.COM 61

 Plaster artist Frank Csordas.

A SMOOTH OPERATION VICTORIA PLASTER ARTIST PRESENTS TIMELESS FINISHES  BY CAROLYN HEIMAN PHOTOS BY VINCE KLASSEN

62

W

HEN PRADA AND LOUIS VUITTON STORES in Vancouver need decorative plaster finishes that are the exact matches for each of their stores around the world, Victoria’s Frank Csordas is the go-to guy.

Similarly, his skill has been sought for repair work in BC’s legislative buildings. And when Sarah McLaughlin wanted a unique decorative plaster finish in her Whistler home, it was Csordas who lead the work.

It wasn’t always that way.

For two decades Csordas undertook drywall and taping jobs until he couldn’t stand the boredom anymore. So he joined forces with an experienced English plasterer who taught him time-honoured techniques mostly used to match finishes in older buildings under renovation.

While working his trowel, Csordas continued to troll for more information on decorative plaster finishes, even contemplating a

Life… We’ve got you covered.

AMRIT LALLI

BCom, FMA CFP

senIoR fInAncIAL consuLTAnT Investors Group Securities Inc

Tel: (250) 727-9191 1-888-475-3499

Amrit.Lalli@investorsgroup.com www.lalliwealthmanagement.com

give in to

temptation

This fall, come try our Chophouse steak menu 28 day aged sterling silver steaks starting at just $18

250.385.5643 | glovictoria.com

 A Frank Csordas decorative plaster fireplace.

2940 Jutland Rd. Victoria, on the Selkirk Waterway

63

 Frank Csordas at work in his Victoria studio.

trip to England to work with masters there.

But a series of inquiries lead him to mentoring by Dennis Karter of Vero Italian Plaster in Orange County, California, and Steve Mortimer of Armourcoat UK — both of whom were influential in the North American market.

“I had the opportunity to work with the top guy at Armourcoat and then I took over the teaching service in North America.”

Looking back on his career Csordas notes, “You think you are going through one door and you go through three or four instead.”

Venetian plaster refers to a certain technique popularized in Venice, Italy where high moisture made it challenging to keep finishes on walls. There are hundreds of different kinds of finishes and each requires different techniques, tools and formulas, and science only partially guides the execution of a project.

From our Vancouver Island Quarry…

Today there are synthetic products that are essentially thick paints, but Csordas notes these are not true decorative plaster finishes and don’t compare to the authentic version.

True lime plasters, he explains, are made of slaked lime with crushed marble added for pronounced textures. Synthetic plasters are easier to apply, but are more limited in their creative applications and, if poor quality resins are used in their manufacture, they become nothing more than thick paint.

While he uses both types in his work, he is mindful of using only high-quality synthetic plaster that polishes up as well as a natural product.

Often the steps of a project — particularly those covering a large area — are intricately choreographed ahead of time because the finishes need to work a certain way, says Csordas.

There’s a delicate time factor for working with the product and no timer can spell out the intervals because factors such

…to the Bathroom of Your Dreams

Marble & Granite for Bathrooms and Kitchens

quarriers and fabricators of natural stone

Vancouver Island’s Largest Selection of Granites, Marbles and Engineered Stone

2890 Allenby Rd., Duncan: 250-746-7257 | Victoria: 250-384-9717

matrixmarble.com 64

tsrved! i unrese 0 1 Ady

re Al

On the Western Shores of Victoria BC

Creating a vibrant Waterfront village

Luxury Homes Oceanside Living Inspired By Nature Surrounded by 500 Acres of Protected First Growth Forest & Walking Trails Neighbour to Prestigious Royal Roads University Priced from $399,000

dIScOveRy ceNTRe NOW OPeN dAILy 12-5Pm 3221 HeATHeRBeLL ROAd t 250.896.7099

PAcificlAnding.cA

E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal.

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is Independently Owned And Operated.

as the room’s temperature, an open window, and outdoor humidity can all affect when new coats need to be applied and polishing has to happen.

As a result, Csordas will discuss with his crew ahead of time exactly how large an area will be worked on before moving scaffolding to another area or starting another part of it.

Decorative plasters have been around for centuries. The Egyptians, Italians and Greeks all used them and contributed to their evolution. And they are still evolving.

“It is not standing still. The demands from architects and interior designers are pushing decorative plasters into unique territories,” Csordas says, adding, “I am doing less and less traditional looking plaster.”

Instead, he spends a lot of time in his studio working up samples that address specific looks and feel. The Tuscan look, once very popular, is giving way to more polished, shiny looks in keeping with contemporary styling. And he’s experimenting with stencils and the addition of new materials such as broken glass.

Botox & Fillers Complete IPL Services • Profractional Laser • Microdermabrasion • Dermal Rollers

Revaleskin Skin Care Latisse • Cellex C • Rodan and Fields • Cloud Vitamin Cream •

•

•

PHOTO COURTESY FRANK CSORDAS

•

 Example of Csordas’ decorative plaster finish.

66

VICTORIA’S FINEST REAL ESTATE

L U X U R Y AT YO U R D O O R S T E P 67

Vancouver Island

West Coast’s Finest!

Luxury Waterfront

Bayview One - New Listing

529 Swanwick Road, Victoria BC $13,250,000 | MLS 344206

8355 Lochside Drive, Victoria BC $4,950,000 | MLS 351157

610-100 Saghalie Road $920,000 | MLS 356111

1400 ft of coastline on 67 acres just outside of Victoria. A contemporary and architecturally award winning design by Marko Simcic.

Canyon River runs through the home and controls the temperature via hydrothermal radiant energy. This 6 bedroom home gracefully coexists with its surroundings. Tennis courts, hot tub, pool & enclosed boathouse within the home all add to this active retreat.

6000 sq ft Oceanfront home on 2.2 acres; offering 400 feet of low bank Saanich Peninsula waterfront. The unique design throughout allows full panoramic views.

Luxury is paramount throughout the home; demonstrating the calibre of the home’s overall complete renovation. Pool, spa, steam, fitness room & outdoor sport court complete this lifestyle oasis.

Open concept condo in the Bayview One. Engineered hardwood flooring, granite back splash, countertops & SS appliances.

2 Master suites each with 5-pce baths.

Spacious main living area; high ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows capture the southwest views. Spectacular 180° views of the inner harbour from the expansive balcony!

Modern – Style

Beautiful Waterfront

Potential Vendor Financing

1221 Victoria Avenue, Oak Bay, BC $2,195,000 | MLS 352681

2250 Dolphin Road, Curteis Point, BC Price Reduced – $989,000 | MLS 350741

1590 Wain Road, North Saanich, BC Price Reduced – $3,499,000 | MLS 355519

A stunning custom 2013 build. 4 bedrooms this is a thoughtfully designed contemporary home situated in a coveted Oak Bay neighborhood. 35 foot open atrium stairwell crowned with skylights. 10” ceilings, white oak flooring, 3-way gas fireplace and 3 sets of French glass doors opening to the outdoor dining area – Modern Perfection.

Stunning views optimized throughout this home. Meticulous woodwork and custom built-ins. Master thoughtfully staged on the main. Walk-out lower level with family room, 2 bedrooms & full bath. A self-contained studio suite with separate patio access. Private & bright detached art studio with 220 amp and water; surrounded in mature gardens.

Price Reduced and Vendor Financing available to a qualified Buyer! This is an award winning architectural marvel on 10 private acres. Interior blends contemporary design with natural materials. A custom, designer luxury home. 2 slip Boat House included; fantastic opportunity for this remarkable home and acreage.

Scott Piercy

Personal Real Estate Corporation, Real Estate Advisor Main:

250-686-7789 | office: 778-433-8885 | scott.piercy@evcanada.com

735 Humboldt Street, Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1B1

vi.evcanada.com | luxurybchomes.com

Stunning Home on 9+ Acres

Elegance & Charm

Business Opportunity

6374 Bryn Road, Central Saanich, BC

105A-2245 James White Boulevard, Sidney, BC

$2,350,000 | MLS 354506

1587 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC $1,699,000 | MLS 353899

9+ private and sunny acres with abundant potential for the equestrian enthusiast.

Stylish kitchen with high end appliances; living and separate dining rooms. 4 bedrooms and every ideal space for a large family or guests spread over 2 spacious levels. A mustsee Saanich Peninsula acreage. Live your dream.

Beautifully updated 6 bedroom and 5 bathroom, elegant character home spread over 4900 sq ft on ½ acre. The cottage-white kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a center island. Hardwood flooring polishes the main; dining, family & living rooms. A spacious south facing deck captures Ocean Vistas.

Business Opportunity –Spacious rental villa; or suited as a home/work residence. This renovated open concept design houses abundant potential for business, work, or residential accommodation. Dining for 10 around the wrapping bar; 2300 sq ft space exudes casual extravagance. Master with luxury ensuite.

Additional 2 bedrooms/2 baths & 2 media rooms – Walking distance to all amenities.

Contemporary Waterfront

Bear Mountain Home

New Townhome!

8407 Lochside Drive, Victoria BC Price Reduced – $2,950,000 | MLS 344427

1298 Eston Place, Victoria BC $1,099,000 | MLS 352686

443 Oswego Street, Victoria BC $699,000 | MLS 361337

Exclusive gated waterfront home finished with meticulous care and detail. This modern design offers stunning views from the floorto-ceiling windows. This spacious 4,900 sq ft, 5 bedroom estate has a separate suite for guests. An infinity pool & hot tub bring additional luxury to this stunning waterfront setting.

Stunning 3 bedroom, Terry Johal designed home with soaring views of Bear Mountain Golf Course & Mt. Finlayson captured In nearly every room. Vaulted great room, gourmet kitchen, hardwood flooring, large windows & spacious deck. Media, games room & 2 additional bedrooms on lower level – every amenity to be desired.

New architect designed townhomes at Kingston & Oswego. Open concept with ample natural light; Aryze custom interior finishings & Hansgrohe fixture package.

2 bedrooms, each with 3-piece bath. The top 2 levels feature white oak flooring. Contemporary living, in a historical neighborhood; walking distance to downtown.

$739,000 | MLS 355795

James LeBlanc

Personal Real Estate Corporation, Real Estate Advisor Main:

250-812-7212 | office: 778-433-8885 | james.leblanc@evcanada.com

L I N D S AY H A M I L T O N

AMBER BINAB ALI CROZIER

JASON BINAB

ANDY RO GERS

B OWMAN RUTLED GE

LD

LD

SO

SO

2760 Lincoln Road $2,266,000 352751

3 - 88 Dallas Road $ 500,000 354375

224 Edward Street $ 354929 515,000

1536 Despard Avenue $ 349358 975,000

494 Victoria Avenue $ 354901 1,470,000

901 - 608 Broughton Street $ 354895 850,000

1011 Pakington Street $ 355428 1,300,000

350 King George Terrace $ 1,400,000 355412

1906 Stellys Cross Road $ 795,000 354391

1343 Finlayson Street $ 425,000 354374

104 - 1514 Church Avenue $ 354,900 355745

4 - 910 Maltwood Terrace $ 600,000 353365

I TA LY

FRANCE

LONDON

C A L I F OR N IA

GERMANY

N E W YO R K

HONG KONG

F LOR I DA

MONTREAL

TORONTO

C A L G A RY

V IC TOR IA

ART. bEAuTy. pRovEnAnCE. ThE woRld’s mosT dEsIREd homEs.

3195 huMBer roaD | $14,999,000 spectacular uplands

Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate

Sylvia Therrien

Personal Real Estate Corporation

sylvia@sylviatherrien.ca 250 385 2033 www.LuxuryWaterfront.ca

InternatIonal PersPectIve WIth a Personal touch

Christie’s International Real Estate works with Affiliates that are handpicked for their expertise in selected geographies and their extraordinary level of service. Together, we bring the depth of expertise and excellence that is characteristic of everything that Christie’s does to create the world’s finest international real estate company.

WLISA WILLIAMS 4041 Palmetto Place - 10 mile Pt. $3,298,000 Stunning new 6383 sq.ft. home with ocean views on a sunny 1 acre property!

Absolutely luxurious with open & airy design, fabulous gourmet kitchen w/huge eating area & pantry, incredible 1000 sq.ft. master suite, totally private back yard w/ huge outdoor & covered patio areas, and garage parking for 5-6!

1035 loch glen Place - glen lake $1,838,000 PRePaRe to Be DaZZleD! Magnificent south-facing, lakefront home on a quiet cul-desac: Absolutely luxurious with 5 bed/5 baths, 18’ entry, gourmet kitchen, super family rm and office, sumptuous master suite, incredible home theatre, billiard area, exercise rm, 3-car garage, gorgeous deck w/lake views, new dock and fabulous lakeside gazebo!

1029 maPle RoaD - n. Saanich $1,385,000 goRgeouS cuStom home on a fenced/gated, sunny & private 1 acre property: one level living with bonus 1 bed guest suite! Over 4100 sq.ft. with 4 bedrms, incredible Great room & gourmet kitchen w/pantry, luxurious master suite w/fireplace & hi vaulted ceilings, office and fabulous sun-drenched outdoor covered living/entertaining areas!

wanteD Cash Buyers are looking for 10 Mile Pt. or Oak Bay waterfront from $1.5M to $6M. 5388 PaRkeR ave. - coRDova Bay $1,648,000 Stunning Tuscan-inspired custom home overlooking the Cordova Bay Golf Course!

Exquisite custom finishing throughout w/4 bedrms/6 bths, separate studio or office, gorgeous master suite with spa-like ensuite bath, and rooftop deck with covered sitting area, full bar area and stunning sunsets & views over the golf course!

Incredible .25 acre private west-facing property with deluxe terraces, outdoor fireplace, water features and gorgeous landscaping; truly spectacular!

Building lot — or tear down in Oak Bay or Fairfield.

View property with potential to reno.

Anything Uplands!

1825 maRina way - n. Saanich $1,495,000 goRgeouS 5 bed/5 bth, 5800 sq.ft. custom home on upscale Marina Way! Dramatic high ceilings, oversized rooms, huge windows, incredible master suite with gorgeous ocean and marina views. Beau-tifully manicured south-facing .5 acre property totally private . . . moor your boat at the adjacent marina! Just 5 mins from Sidney & 30 mins to downtown Victoria!

PERFORMANCE! Over $62,500,000 in Completed & Pending Sales Since Jan. 2015 DELIVERING THE HIGHEST CALIBRE OF PROFESSIONALISM & DEDICATED CLIENT SERVICE . . . IF YOU HAVE CONSIDERED SELLING YOUR HOME CALL LISA TODAY! c: 250•514•1966 L I K E N O OT H E R sothebysrealty.ca

Lisa@lisawilliams.ca Independently Owned and Operated

www.LisaWilliams.ca

Dallas Sells Victoria/Oak Bay

Personal real estate CorPoration

“My goal is to find your dream home and ensure that the decision you make stands as a wise investment over the long term.”

COTTAGE

NORTH SAANICH HOME PLUS COTTAGE!

You will feel as though you have stepped into the pages of “Homes & Gardens”! Beautifully finished 2 level, 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1.15 acres. New kitchen with granite counters & stainless steel appliances, new flooring, lighting, & new master bedroom spa-like ensuite (master on main floor). Both levels are walk-out to ground level as this stunning home is on a hill. 2438 sq. ft. in the main house & 1612 sq. ft. in the exquisitely renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath guest cottage. There is also a separate artist’s studio! Perfect for extended families or great mortgage helper! $899,900

DRAGON ALLEY

Live/work in Dragon Alley! Fabulous bright, urban townhome with private roof deck! Main floor entry has versatile living or show room plus kitchen. Owners took out a 2nd bedroom to create a spacious open living area on the 2nd level, with 2 pc. and laundry. 3rd floor offers master bedroom with balcony & 4 pc. ensuite. Award winning 12 unit townhome project is steps to nightlife, restaurants, theatres & the Galloping Goose trail! High ceilings, designer colours, new flooring, baseboards, built-in bookcase, lighting, windows, door and exterior just painted. Bonus: beautiful garden! $445,000

MOUNT DOUG

Beautiful custom 2009 home, thoughtfully designed with great attention to detail & quality. Almost 4,000 sq. ft. with 4 bdrms, 6 baths, a gorgeous chef’s dream kitchen & a home theatre. Wood floors, gas fireplace, heat pump, remote control blinds & sound system. Plus 1 bdrm suite! $1,099,000

JUBILEE REVENUE PROPERTY

Excellent will maintained legal duplex with 2 additional in-law suites. 1 block to Jubilee Hospital, Oak Bay Ave, and Fairfield. Three 2 bedroom units & one 1 bedroom unit. Excellent investment property or live in 1 unit while the income from the other 3 units pays your mortgage! $849,888

Dallas Chapple RE/MAX Camosun • Tel: 250.744.3301 • Toll Free: 1.877.652.4880 www.dallaschapple.com • Email: dallas@dallaschapple.com 73

S E L L S V I C TORIA Pe rso n a l R e a l E st ate Co r p o rat i o n

Stunning Estate Home on 10 Sunny, Private Acres Minutes to Victoria

EAGLEHURST is a stunning Estate Home architecturally designed by Ted Lunt, built to exacting standards taking full advantage of sun drenched 10 acres forming the natural backdrop to stunning SW valley & mountain views! Incredibly designed, 3 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom, 3,855sq.ft. with entertainment-sized rooms open onto 860 sq.ft. covered deck/ veranda for all-season use. Extensive updating including new Bosch appliances, exquisite Master Ensuite & Guest Bath.

Coach House, with offices support business/suite potential & Double Garage/Workshop a bonus! Easy access to hiking, biking, equestrian trails and steps to golf, boating and lake swimming. Shop local at many boutique farms, markets, orchards & wineries at your doorstep yet only 25 mins to City or Airport. Eaglehurst is your legacy! $1,298,000 MLS355834

Prospect Lake | Country Living | Retreat Setting 74

South facing waterfront Beautiful Olympic Mt. view and sandy beach. 2,868 sq.ft. 4 bedroom, new roof, updated kitchen and baths. $1,398,000

Sheltered SouthweSt facing waterfront. 3,900 sq.ft. 2007 built 4 bedroom home with a legal 1 bedroom suite, dock and boathouse. $1,675,000

charming 3/4 bedroom home bordering the Uplands. Hardwood floors, coved ceilings, beautiful formal living room and separate dining. $799,000

deep water moorage South facing executive 4,000 sq.ft. 3 bedroom, 5 bath, 22’ ceilings. $2,698,000

JameS bay character with Studio. Artist, yoga or ballet studio, with 1 bedroom plus den home above. Charming character, wood floors, many built-ins. 120’ deep lot. $569,000

PROUDLY SERVING VICTORIA FOR 30 YEARS PHONE 250.744.3301 • EMAIL lynne@lynnesager.com WEBSITE www.lynnesager.com Get the results that you desire. Call Lynne for professional representation, when you wish to sell your home.

“Home is the Canvas on which you are free to Paint your wildest and most beautiful Dreams”

$799,000

JEWEL IN FAIRFIELD

Hamley Street, one of the most beautiful in Victoria, canopied by majestic walnut trees. Elegant and spacious at 2000+ sq ft on 3 levels, this Zebra designed 2004 home will check all the boxes for your rightsizing wishes.Interior features include: big bold windows, brazilian cherry wood floors, wool carpets, dual fuel convection gas stove, heated floors & towel bars in the master bathroom, cosy gas fireplaces in both living and family room, storage spaces and custom closets.

$669,888

ELEGANT AND BRIGHT

describes this lovely condo in the vibrant waterfront community of Selkirk, right at the trestle bridge! 2 Bedrooms + Den and 2 Bathrooms over 1210 sq ft of well-appointed design by Concert Properties. Floor to ceiling (over-height) windows.

Luxuriate in the master suite with spacious walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom with dual sinks and sensor under-cabinet lighting. Adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail system to walk/cycle downtown,or kayak/ harbour ferry! Rental & Pet friendly.

Susanna Crofton RE/MAX Camosun-Oak Bay 250-370-7788 BCSelectHomes.ca

Sharen Warde & Larry SimS

250-592-4422

service@WardeSims.com www.WardeSims.com

eXCellent turn key buSineSS

and land for sale located on 3.3 acres of semi waterfront prime property.

Consisting of 32 RV sites, 9 Modular homes and 4 semi-detached 1 bed cabins plus 3 bed residential home and office! Located in beautiful Campbell River. Offered at $2,850,000.

Camosun

eXCellent inVeStMent

5 unit Strata titled townhouse complex!

3 units 3 bed plus den, 2 units 2 bed plus den. All have decks, garages, in suite laundry and 3 baths! Built 2010 located close to all amenities and shopping in Beautiful Sidney.

Great income! $2,750,000.

Inventory is low, call me to discuss your listing today!!

Offering over 23 years of experience.

Karol Power

76

Waterfront at SWalloWS landing!! Executive 1907 sq. Ft.

3 bed 2.5 bath unit featuring 11 ft ceilings and private open floor plan perfect for entertaining and relaxing on the over- sized slate patio. Views of Victoria Harbour and breathtaking ocean and Mountain views.

High end finishing, 2 underground parking spaces, 2 guest suites, caretaker and residents lounge. Offered at $1,349,000.

“The Power to Move You!”

karol@karolsellsvictoria.com KarolSellsVictoria.com

250-886-2537

Re/Max Camosun Oak Bay, 2239 Oak Bay Avenue

Camosun

HAWTHORN

CIVIC DUTY

HONOURING THE MOST BASIC OF RIGHTS  BY TOM HAWTHORN PHOTO BY DON DENTON

L

ATE ON THE EVENING of October 19, a worker will tip over a box to pour out folded paper ballots. These will be carefully opened and stacked. They will be counted and recounted.

A similar scene will unfold across the city, the island, the province, and, indeed, all across this vast land. Election day is a time when we take a brief pause in our daily activity to offer an opinion on the future direction of the country.

One of those boxes will include a ballot cast by Gordon Quan, who will celebrate his 90th birthday in January. In an age when barely more than half of us cast a ballot once every four years, Quan votes in federal elections and provincial elections and

 Victoria’s Gordon Quan.

LOCALLY HANDCRAFTED DESIGNER KITCHENS

N O M I N AT E D F O R 9 C A R E AWA R D S

77

municipal elections. He is among the dedicated few who never miss a chance to do their civic duty.

“I always vote,” he said. “To vote is to get your idea into the system.”

Quan votes because there was once a time when the country of his birth said he could not. He returned from active service in the Burmese jungles at the end of the Second World War to a Canada that would still deny him the franchise solely because of his ethnic heritage.

In British Columbia, the restrictions on voters were removed slowly and over time with Chinese Canadians and Hindu Canadians granted the franchise in 1947, Mennonites and Hutterites in 1948, JapaneseCanadians and First Nations in 1949, and Doukhobors in 1952.

Quan had earned the right to vote since he had fought in the war, but he vowed never to skip an opportunity others had once sought to deny him.

He was born Juy Kong Quan in Cumberland, where his father was a Chinatown merchant. His father died when he was five, so his mother took him to her ancestral village in Canton for four years.

He returned to Victoria at age nine, attending North Ward School and, after school, taking lessons at the Chinese school on Fisgard Street.

He remembers a Victoria where people were expected to

know their place, and boys who looked like him were not permitted to swim at Crystal Pool. It was also a time when their parents were barred from such professions as teaching and the law.

At 18, he enlisted in the war effort. He did basic training in Saskatchewan before being seconded to the British Army where he was to join others of Chinese descent in Force 136 of the Special Operations Executive.

A good pupil, he showed promise and received further training in the dark arts of sabotage and demolition. Midway through 1945, he was dispatched to the jungles of Burma where he was to blow up bridges and fuel depots to harass the occupying Japanese forces.

He was under no illusion as to his likely fate.

“A suicide squad” is how he describes the assignment today.

Despite that, he was willing.

Lucky for him, the destruction of two civilian cities by atomic bombs brought a quick end to the war.

He returned to civilian life, got married, and took a job washing dishes at the Mandarin Chop Suey restaurant in Victoria’s Chinatown. After taking an 18-month vocational course, the cost covered as a veteran’s benefit, he qualified as an automobile mechanic.

He joined the militia in 1952, retiring from the Canadian Army after 35 years for which he was awarded the Order of

“I ALWAYS VOTE. TO VOTE IS TO GET YOUR IDEA INTO THE SYSTEM.”

footloose Victoria’sUltimate Ultimate Shoe Victoria’s ShoeDestination Destination

637 Fort Street 250.383.4040 www.footlooseshoes.com 78

 Gordon Quan in London in 1945.

Military Merit for his exceptional service.

In his civilian life, he became the first person of Chinese ancestry to work for the City of Victoria’s public works department.

To mark a ballot with a checkmark or an X — the sign of the cross, a child’s scratch, a mark so simple it is used as a signature by illiterates — is the easiest of tasks.

What would Quan say to the millennials and others who don’t bother to vote?

“You have the right to vote,” he said. “You’re not going to help the country. When you grow older you’re going to regret you didn’t vote when you had the opportunity.”

There is one other reason to vote, he added.

“If you don’t vote,” he said, “you can’t do any squawking.”

So, he will cast a ballot on election day. Three weeks later, on Remembrance Day, he will wear his beret and his uniform as he lays a wreath at the cenotaph in front of Saanich Municipal Hall, as he has done for years.

On election day, I’ll be remembering the most basic of rights and the simplest of actions are easy to take for granted. Others were once dropped into unforgiving jungles to ensure we’d have this chance. To go mark a ballot is the least we can do.

79

FOOD & DRINK

Succulent SQUASH ABUNDANT, VERSATILE, DELICIOUS  BY CINDA CHAVICH PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

 Squash at The Market on Yates.

80

S

QUASH IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL autumn ingredient — whether it’s a big Halloween pumpkin to carve, a sweet dumpling to stuff or a dense golden butternut to swirl into a creamy soup.

Families come to Michell Bros Farm outside Victoria in October to choose a jack-o-lantern. The field that hugs the highway is a surreal sight, a sea of orange orbs ready for picking.

But there are nine other varieties of winter squash produced on this historic family farm.

In fact, there are so many different kinds of squash to choose from these days — each with a specific texture, colour, size and flavour — it’s almost impossible to pick your favourite without having a program.

We love to cook with pumpkin and squash at home, but Victoria chefs are finding new ways to feature this sturdy fall vegetable on their creative, local menus, too. It’s mixed with cheese and local crab to stuff the tender ravioli at Cowichan Pasta, combined with whole grains in a rustic squash succotash at OLO, and used to make plates of golden Butternut Squash Gnocchi at Bubby’s Kitchen.

Roasted butternut squash is also served with greens and carrot dressing for a sexy salad at Part and Parcel, and folded into the 3 Sisters Enchiladas at ReBar. That’s the beauty of winter squash. It has the ability to morph from appetizers and salads to main dishes and desserts, whether served raw in thin ribbons or seasoned with cinnamon and other sweet dark spices for pies, pumpkin creme brulee, muffins and coffee cakes.

“THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF WINTER SQUASH. IT HAS THE ABILITY TO MORPH FROM APPETIZERS AND SALADS TO MAIN DISHES AND DESSERTS.” Squash is good for you, too. Loaded with B vitamins and betaCarotene (any orange vegetable is a treasure trove of this antioxidant that wards off cancer), squash is low in calories and high in fibre. But you need a little fat to help absorb that, so make sure you include a bit of butter, olive oil or cream in your squash recipes.

Squash can be cooked in various ways. The sweet flesh can be roasted, grilled, mashed or puréed for soups and baked goods — some squash can even be pulled into strands like spaghetti.

Think about adding pureed leftover winter squash to thicken any hearty vegetable or cream soup, and mix it into a cheese sauce for a healthy and colourful hit in your mac and cheese recipe. Or just chop up your favourite squash, and sauté it in a little butter and olive oil until nicely caramelized to serve alongside grilled fish, chicken or pork.

The other bonus with winter squash is longevity. While delicate summer squash (think zucchini and patty pans) should be picked young and eaten within a week, winter squash can be

reaL FOOD reaL PeOPLe reaL gOOD

Voted one of the top 10 best new restaurants in Canada

1005 LangLey Street

250.381.2428

nor thfor tyeight.com

OLO is a farm to table restaurant. We serve thoughtful, locally grown produce, ethically raised meats and sustainable seafood – showcasing the best ingredients from our backyard. One of a kind, hand crafted cocktails compliment a pretty stellar, well-curated wine list.

Open seven days a week & late night Sunday to Thursday 5pm – 12am Friday and Saturday 5pm – 1am 509 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC (250) 590-8795 | www.olorestaurant.com 81

stored for months in a cool, dry location. Once cooked, roasted or mashed, squash also freezes well.

But the thick skins that make winter squash long-lasting keepers also make them difficult to peel. So roast or steam your squash unpeeled, then scoop out the flesh, or serve with the skin on (in many cases, it’s perfectly edible, too).

Scientists believe squash varieties were first domesticated in North America 10,000 years ago, and they are as popular as ever today.

Here’s a look at some of the colourful specimens you’ll find in local markets:

roast in wedges. The flesh is sweet and delicate, and caramelizes nicely when roasted.

BUTTERCUP:

This flat, dark green squash can be roasted or steamed, mashed and added to soups. The flavour is sweet and nutty, and the flesh is dense, dark orange and dry.

DELICATA:

An oval, ribbed squash, these white and green striped specimens are starchy and reminiscent of sweet potatoes.

You can eat the skin, too.

HUBBARD:

ACORN: A small, deeply ribbed, green squash that is shaped

These big, knobby, blue-grey squash are best when roasted. The flesh is very sweet, and gets sweeter in storage, which can be five months, due the exceptionally thick skin.

BUTTERNUT: This buff, pear-shaped squash is great when

Also called Japanese Pumpkin, this dark green, pumpkin-shaped squash has a very sweet, chestnut flavour, and a fluffy, potato-like texture that’s good for mashing, filling ravioli or tempura.

SPAGHETTI: Also called vegetable marrow, the oblong pale

This large, multi-coloured squash looks like a turban, with a ring around a bulbous centre. It’s the most dramatic looking squash, but actually not the tastiest.

like an acorn with dark yellow, slightly sweet flesh. Just slice in half, remove the seeds and bake with a little butter, or stuff with wild rice or sausage risotto for a full meal.

you want perfect cubes of squash. It’s relatively easy to peel and the top is a solid chunk of orange flesh that can be roasted or mashed to a silky purée. The rind is tough, but edible.

yellow squash cooks into strands of translucent “spaghetti.”

Cut squash into thick rings before roasting or steaming for the longest strands, then serve with olive oil, chopped herbs and garlic, or almost any sauce.

SWEET DUMPLING:

A little, round, white and green or orange-striped squash, it’s perfect to serve whole, stuffed or

October 20— November 15

KABOCHA: TURBAN:

PUMPKIN:

This is the big orange beauty we carve into scary faces and purée for pumpkin pies, and there are also blue pumpkins (actually grey-blue or teal), heirlooms from Australia.

Use a marker to draw a face on your Halloween pumpkin so you can enjoy it in soup or risotto later.

A FIREHALL ARTS CENTRE PRODUCTION

2015

“Overwhelming inventiveness...

Ingenious creativity.”

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN

“Finally made me understand what my parents love about Cohen"

CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY

SAD MAGAZINE

Tracey Power

MUSICAL DIRECTION AND ARRANGEMENTS BY STEVEN CHARLES STARRING

Rachel Aberle, Lauren Bowler,

Xavier Berbudeau SOUND DESIGNER

Barbara Clayden COSTUME DESIGNER

James MacDonald DRAMATURGE

Marlene Ginader and Jonathan Gould

Ted Roberts LIGHTING DESIGNER

Donna Spencer ARTISTIC DIRECTION

40TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS

PUBLIC FUNDERS

82

Marshall McMahen SET DESIGNER

Steven Charles, Benjamin Elliott,

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

TICKETS 250

385 6815 / belfry.bc.ca 1291 Gladstone at Fernwood, Victoria

WINTER SQUASH SUCCOTASH PREP 20 MIN COOK 1 HR SERVES 2

Chef Bradley Holmes of OLO prepares squash three ways to add colour, flavour and texture to this hearty grain dish. He recommends using heirloom varieties of squash from local farms.

1 lb (450 g) winter squash, peeled and seeded canola oil 1 cup (250 ml) farro (a whole grain also called emmer wheat) 1 clove garlic, sliced thinly 1 shallot, sliced thinly 2 Tbsp (30 ml) butter 1 small bunch sage, leaves removed 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable or chicken stock, or water 2 Tbsp (30 ml) mascarpone ¼ cup (60 ml) hazelnuts, roasted and chopped Squash Prep: Cut the squash into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes, divide cubes into two equal parts and keep the scrap for purée.

Pickle the first half of the squash: Combine three parts water, two parts apple cider vinegar and one part sugar. Bring the brine to a boil then add half the diced cubes and simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and transfer to a glass jar, cool with a lid on — once at room temperature store in the fridge. They will keep up to a week in the fridge and taste their best after 24 hours.

Roast the second half of the squash: Toss the remaining cubes into a neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, etc.) and roast at 375˚F (190˚C) in the oven until golden brown but still maintaining texture — about 5-10 minutes depending on type of squash.

Once cooked, season with good salt.

Squash scraps: Take squash scraps and season with salt.

Sweat them in butter until fork tender, add water if they start to colour too much. Purée in a blender and reserve for succotash.

Emmer prep: In a saucepan, combine emmer with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover and place in a preheated 190˚C (375˚F) oven for 40 minutes. Season with salt once cooked. Cool on tray. Store in fridge until needed.

Succotash: In a sauté pan, sweat the shallot and garlic in 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of butter. Fry the sage leaves in the garlic butter and, once crispy, remove and leave to cool on a napkin. Add the roasted squash, cooked farro/emmer, and the pickled squash to the pan and stir to combine. Add half of the stock and squash purée and bring to a simmer, adding more of the stock until you find the sweet spot — not enough liquid and it won’t be creamy enough, or add too much and it’s a soup. Remove from heat and cool succotash slightly. Finish by folding in the mascarpone. Serve succotash in bowls, topped with toasted hazelnuts.

AWARD-WINNING DESIGN • INTERIORS • BUILD

zebragroup.ca

250.360.2144 83

Gluten Free  Winter Squash Succotash prepared by chef Bradley Holmes of OLO.

WINTER SQUASH SOUP WITH CAULIFLOWER MUSHROOMS PREP 15 MIN COOK 1 HR SERVES 4-6 This hearty combination is from Chef Bill Jones and his Deerholme Farm Mushroom Book (Touchwood Editions).

Bill likes to use Japanese kabocha squash and the cauliflower mushrooms he forages near his home in the Cowichan Valley.

You can substitute pine mushrooms or oyster mushrooms.

1 large winter squash, peeled, cleaned and cubed 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil salt and pepper to taste 8 cups (2 L) chicken stock, water or apple juice 2 Tbsp (30 ml) fresh sage, chopped 1 cup (250 ml) onions, peeled and chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 Tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic 1 tsp (5 ml) ground allspice 1 cup (250 ml) cream or sour cream (optional) 2 cups chopped cauliflower mushrooms 1 Tbsp (15 ml) salted butter or olive oil fresh, chopped sage or chives to garnish

Festive catering for your home or office party Gourmet Christmas and four course New Year’s Eve dinner Homemade fruit cakes, Christmas puddings, tortiere pies, mince tarts, and our famous shortbread!

250.595.3212 cherylsgourmetpantry.com info@cherylsgourmetpantry.com 2007 Cadboro Bay Road

84

Preheat the oven to 350˚F/180˚C. Place the squash on a baking pan, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until soft and starting to brown.

Transfer squash to a soup pot and cover with stock, water or juice. Add sage, onions, celery, garlic and allspice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Purée with a hand blender (or in batches in a blender or food processor). Add the cream if using and adjust seasoning.

Meanwhile, sauté the mushrooms in butter or olive oil over medium heat until they release their juices and begin to brown. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with some of the sautéed mushrooms and garnish with chopped fresh sage or chives.

your

beautification destination

Your secret is safe with us.

MARKET SQUASH SALAD PREP 20 MIN COOK 30 MINS SERVES 4 When you’re at the farmers’ market, pick up a one- to twopound winter squash, some local goat cheese, a mixture of local greens, and some fresh BC hazelnuts. Roast the squash and toss it all up with a sweet maple vinaigrette. A healthy and uberCanadian harvest dish!

4 cups (1 L) mixed greens (look for arugula, sprouts, watercress, mustard greens for extra flavour and texture) 1 medium squash, peeled, seeds removed and diced into large cubes 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil salt and pepper 1 cup (250 ml) whole hazelnuts, skins removed ½ cup (125 ml) crumbled goat cheese 1 green onion, finely chopped Vinaigrette: ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil 2 Tbsp (25 ml) lemon juice 2 tsp (10 ml) maple syrup or local fireweed honey 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard Combine the greens in a large salad bowl. Toss the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in a 400˚F oven for 25 minutes, until softened and beginning to brown. Remove from oven and cool.

Meanwhile, spread the whole hazelnuts on a baking sheet and pop into the oven for 5-10 minutes, just to lightly toast and bring out the flavour. If there are any skins left on the nuts, rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove. Then place half of the nuts on your cutting board and press under the blade of a large chef’s knife, just to break them up a bit. Leave the rest of the hazelnuts whole.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients to emulsify. Add the roasted squash and chopped hazelnuts to the bowl of mixed greens. Drizzle in the vinaigrette and toss to combine well. Divide between four salad plates. Top each salad with some of the crumbled goat cheese and some of the chopped green onion.

Garnish plates with whole toasted hazelnuts and serve.

250.595.3888 | 805 Fairfield Road www.clinic805.ca 85

TRAVEL FAR

THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT NAMIBIAN SAFARI COMBINES LUXURY AND ADVENTURE  BY CHERIE THIESSEN

 Elephants drinking in Namibia.

86

F

IRST THE HUFFING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES … then the scream. Having lived in South Africa for a few years, I know the sound of hunting lions and this resonant panting is it. After the shriek, it all stops. The lions aren’t sleeping tonight. Did I zip the tent up thoroughly? If those predators were hungry, would it matter if I had?

It’s an exhilarating start to our Namibian safari and I’m so glad that if nature calls tonight, I only have to throw off my cozy duvet, get out of my comfortable bed, open the middle flap of our expansive tent and use the commode in our “on suite” bathroom.

We’re camped just outside Namibia’s 22,270-squarekilometre Etosha National Park, the Cadillac of Africa’s parks.

The next morning, as we gather blearily around the dining tent for a 5:30 a.m. breakfast prior to our first game viewing drive, our guide, Laurens Gaseb, asks if anyone heard the lions.

Karibu Safaris is a local company, and owner-operator Jimmy Marais has been in the business for 25 years. Many of the safaris he organizes are custom made for small groups, and with six trucks and five land cruisers, he can accommodate them.

We like the 4x4 land cruiser we’ve been assigned, with its three rows of bench seats and two pop-up roofs, and we like small groups. This 12-day, luxury-mobile-tented safari has brought together a perfect combination: my partner, David, and I from Canada, Ana from Spain, Sonya and Franck from Belgium and France, and Mark from Britain. We all heard the lions.

OUR EVENING WAS SPENT AT THE CUSHY, THATCHED FRANS INDONGO LODGE ... A FIVE-STAR FACILITY WHERE WE SIP SUNDOWNERS WHILE WATCHING KUDU, ZEBRAS, ORYX AND WILDEBEEST WANDER BY. Now we wave goodbye to our crew of four, who had to get up way earlier than we did to prepare a delicious hot breakfast, and roll onwards toward a sunrise that is turning almost as fiery as the peach-faced lovebirds we spied in the Acacia yesterday.

This is Day 3. Yesterday we had lunch at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otjiwarongo. After lunch, our guide, Ignatius, took us into the compact-butinformative museum and delivered the sad statistics. Only 10 per cent of the cheetahs that roamed Africa 100 years ago are left today.

“Because they kill their prey during the day,” he told us, “they are more likely to be seen and shot by the farmers. There are ways, however, that cheetahs and farmers can live in coexistence.”

He showed us one of the ways: a kennel housing some adorable Anatolian Shepherd puppies. CCF has now placed 400

LEGO Themed Party

Let Top Notch Parties style & CAteR your dream party Top Notch Parties helps you plan, organize, style, cater, and host a perfect party for your special occasion, from special showers to themed birthdays and seasonal parties.

250.896.5544

All you need to do is...

• choose your theme • choose your location • relax and enjoy the celebration

topnotchparties.ca

Personalized services for remarkably natural results

® Medical Aesthetics|Skin|Laser|Botox |Filler rejuvenate | restore | repair

Mattick’s Farm #209-5325 Cordova Bay Rd. Ph: (778) 677-5477 (250) 787-0010 (250) 590-1875 Book online @ www.mediskin.ca 87

Greenhouse Gardening Starts Here!

+ = Russell Nursery

Island Agent for Halls Greenhouses

1370 Wain Road, North Saanich 250-656-0384 www.russellnursery.com/greenhouses

REDISCOVER YOURSELF REDISCOVER YOURSELF REDISCOVER YOURSELF EXPERIENCE PURE PAMPERING EXPERIENCE PURE EXPERIENCE PURE PAMPERING PAMPERING

REDISCOVER YOURSELF EXPERIENCE PURE PAMPERING

Organic & Age Smart Facials Organic & Age Smart Facials

Relaxation & RMT Massage Organic Age Smart Facials Organic &&Age Facials Relaxation &Smart RMT Massage Manicures • Pedicures • Esthetics Relaxation &RMT RMT Massage Relaxation Massage Manicures •& Pedicures • Esthetics Manicures Pedicures • Esthetics Manicures ••Pedicures • Esthetics Tel: 250-360-5858 | thespadeltavictoria.com

Harbour Road Victoria, BC | V9A 0G1 Tel:100 250-360-5858 | |thespadeltavictoria.com - FREE PARKINGBC - | V9A 0G1 100 Harbour Road | Victoria, Tel:250-360-5858 250-360-5858 thespadeltavictoria.com Tel: | |thespadeltavictoria.com - FREE PARKINGBC - | V9A 0G1 100Harbour HarbourRoad Road | Victoria, 100 | Victoria, BC | V9A 0G1 - FREEPARKING PARKING - FREE - -

88

Only 10 per cent of the cheetahs that roamed Africa 100 years ago are left today.

of these trained livestock guard dogs with farmers. It’s an exciting program and we’re proud to hear that Canada is an international partner.

Our evening was spent at the cushy, thatched Frans Indongo Lodge near Waterberg, a 5-star facility where we sip sundowners while watching kudu, zebras, oryx and wildebeest wander by at the lodge’s waterhole.

WE SNAP PHOTOS OF SHY, DREAMY GIRAFFES AND FEATHERED LITTLE RAINBOWS WITH EVOCATIVE NAMES LIKE LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER AND CRIMSON-BREASTED SHRIKE. Now Gaseb pulls the vehicle to the side and asks: “Do you see them? Under the Mopani tree,” and he points. Up come the roofs, the binoculars and the cameras because our illustrious guide has somehow managed to spot a pair of prone cheetahs. We’re elated. Seeing the fastest animal in the world in the wild is a rare thing indeed.

The cheetahs stand up and yawn. Around them several zebras and wildebeest graze the plentiful, late-summer grass, unconcerned. Zebras are smart, our guide told us yesterday; they like to hang out with the wildebeest because lions prefer wildebeest to zebra.

Over the next two days we are stopped by a roadblock of elephants that eventually brush past our vehicle nonchalantly — while we bounce off the seats with adrenalin — and Gaseb whispers, “Don’t move. Don’t move!”

360 degree

360 degree construction ltd.

(250) 217 9360

360degreeconstruction.ca

ďƒ˘Himba woman — one of the indigenous people living in northern Namibia.

90

We snap photos of shy, dreamy giraffes and feathered little rainbows with evocative names like lilac-breasted roller and crimson-breasted shrike. We raise our binoculars to ogle When to go: Winter (May – Sept), is the most popular season, cranky and endangered black rhinos. with cooler, drier weather but higher rates and more tourists, We stop for a block-long parade of ostriches on a mission, so fall (April) was our preferred time. If you decide on winter, and on our last Etosha night, we sit too long by the floodlit choose June or the first two weeks of July. August can be very waterhole at the main administrative resort of Okaukuejo, windy and dusty. watching the African sunset reflect rhinos, zebras and giraffes How to go: Book through the Safari Partners in Vancouver. at water’s edge.

And that was only Day Six. We still have remote Damaraland opening up before us, with its 2,000 ancient rock carvings in the area called Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And the people who give their name to the land, the Damara, are still waiting to show us how they make spirits, use plants for healing, make fire, and celebrate their life-spilling-over-the-edge music and dance.

And then there’s the European-flavoured town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast to savour and after that, the orange skyscraper dunes at Sossusvlei to climb, especially the 170-metre dune called Dune 45 that we tumble down in an avalanche of ochrecoloured sand.

This safari has been a perfect combination — balancing six nights of bush camping with luxury accommodations in Windhoek, Waterberg, Etosha and Swakopmund. But we won’t see the lions. On this trip the 350-400 felines that call Etosha home decide to be  The writer’s room at Frans Indongo Lodge, a 5-star facility near heard and not seen.

Waterberg.

IF YOU GO

ORIAN CONSTRUCTION INC. 250-812-1496 91

$100 OFF

ALL LENSES*

FUN & FUNKY

Anything But Ordinary

We only want the best for our customers which is why we recommend Varilux lenses.

As the world leader for corrective lenses, Varilux has been improving the way people see for over 160 years.

AnythingButOrdinary.ca

*With purchase of frames. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer valid until Oct. 31, 2015

OAKBAY BAYVILLAGE VILLAGE-- 250.595.2773 250.595.2773 // BROADMEAD BROADMEADVILLAGE VILLAGE - 250.881.8252 OAK

OAK BAY VILLAGE / BROADMEAD VILLAGE

Victoria’s Premiere Fitness studio For 55+

 A hike in Namibia desert.

“If you want to change your life for the better I highly recommend the Fit For life program.”

Heather Stenhouse - Member

△ FREE Fitness Assessment (value $49) △ 100% CREDIT on 1st month membership △ EnhanCE health & maintain independence △ On-SITE Exercise specialists, on-going training Monthly MeMberships • Free parking Athlone Court #202 -2187 oak Bay Avenue 250-382-2328 www.fit-4-life.ca 92

They get far better airfares and connections than we could get on our own. We were impressed with British Airways. Air Namibia is the only choice from South Africa (Johannesburg) to Namibia (Windhoek).

What shots and visas do you need? None. You should take malaria pills, however, especially if travelling in the summer.

Where to stay in Windhoek: Belvedere Boutique Hotel is a quality, family-owned inn with excellent breakfasts, staff and facilities. There are no restaurants nearby, but you can order dinner in. The staff sets your table, cleans up and pours your choice of wines. While the inn is part of the safari package on the first night, I strongly recommend you book for the last night as well. Otherwise you tumble onto the plane straight from a dusty morning’s drive.

How safe is it? It could well be the safest and cleanest country in Africa. Although many roads are unpaved, they are well maintained except during floods. It’s a politically stable democratic republic with tourism being its fastest-growing industry.

Other safaris: Ours suited us fine but Karibu Safaris also arranges custom safaris for guests who prefer only lodge accommodations.

NAMIBIA FACTS With a population of only 2.3 million over a landmass of 824,292-sq.km. (twice the size of California), Namibia is one of the least populated countries in the world with 70 per cent of the residents still living outside the towns.

The San or Bushmen, along with the Damara, are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia. Along with the Bantu, Herero and Nama tribes, they’ve lived in Namibia for thousands of years. From 1884 until 1915 when South Africa administered the country, it was colonized by Germany and called German South West Africa. There was a political uprising and revolt in 1966. Guerrilla war continued until 1971 when the South African occupation was declared illegal. In 1990 it became independent, general elections were held and the republic is now a stable, multi-party democracy.

English is the official language but Afrikaans, and German are still spoken by many.

The Oshiwambo dialects are spoken by half the population while only one per cent of people speak English as their native language.

It’s your little secret. Balance shapers from Amoena® slip into your bra to help restore your silhouette after a lumpectomy, reconstruction or if you’re naturally uneven.

Available at

Suite 210-2250, Oak Bay Ave. 250.384.1791

Websites: The Safari Partners: The Canadian booking agent for Karibu Safaris, located in Vancouver. The company also dedicates one per cent of its revenue to responsible tourism projects in Africa. www.thesafaripartners.com Karibu Safari, Namibia: Mobile Tour Operators. www.karibunamibia.com Namibia Tourism: The official site. www.namibiatourism.com.na British Airways: www.britishairways.com Air Namibia: www.airnamibia.com).

Etosha Park Information: www.etoshanationalpark.org Belvedere Boutique Hotel: www.belvedere-boutiquehotel.com Cheetah Conservation Fund Canada: cheetahconservationfund.ca 93

advertising feature

distinctlysidney.ca

LALOCA brings a unique experience to Sidney with local & global Fair Trade products

778-351-3844 • 2367 Beacon Ave., Sidney

We love to recommend books for every age!

Visit us in Sidney Open 8am - 9pm Every Day!

tannersbooks.com

People often wonder why so many artists, musicians, and highly skilled crafts people live in Sidney and on the Saanich Peninsula. Is it the beautiful environment, the laid-back life style, or other factors that make the area such a haven for creative people? No one will ever know for sure, but the richness of the visual and performing arts is truly remarkable.

Celebrate words, imagery and books through the talents of 16 award-winning regional authors during the 2015 Sidney and Peninsula Literary Festival to be held October 2-4. Participants will experience readings, author-audience discussions, workshops, writing contests and book signings.

The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula is the heart of the arts community in Sidney. With a mission to encourage public awareness and appreciation of the cultural life on the Peninsula, CACSP offers and supports events throughout the year including: the Artisans Gift Gallery (September 26 to December 23), the Sidney Fine Art Show (October 16-18) the ArtSea Festival (October 16-25) and the Fall Studio Tour (October 24 & 25) just to name a few.

The Community Arts Centre at Tulista Park is also home to rotating exhibits of local artists’ dynamic work.

Fall for us

butchartgardens.com 250.652.5256 94

Sidney

The Art of

The Mary Winspear Centre, a state of the art community centre, offers an extraordinary mix of cultural events throughout the year, showcasing music, dance, and theatre performers from around the world. The Centre also houses one of the most outstanding exhibits of First Nations and

Diamond Tea & our NEW FALL Lingerie Fashions are Arriving!

Lingerie & Lounge Wear 2424 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250.656.1002 sweettalksidney.ca

BROWN’S Since 1912

• Downtown • Sidney • Westshore www.brownsflorist.com

Great selection of coats at Baden-Baden, please come and visit.

from Denmark

Baden-Baden Boutique 2485 Beacon Ave. 250 655 7118

Barbara’s Boutique

2392 Beacon Ave. 250 655 0372

www.badenbadenboutiques.com

Canadian art from across Canada, a generous gift from the Bill and Margot Winspear family.

The Sidney waterfront offers a fascinating sculpture walk, displaying pieces selected from across North America. The Town also features four art galleries, an attractive historical museum and a cinema that plays first-run and lesser-known independent films.

For more information on upcoming events and businesses located in Downtown Sidney visit distinctlysidney.ca

distinctlysidney.ca 95

TRAVEL NEAR

Skwachàys Lodge is located near Gastown and Chinatown in Vancouver. Its rooftop story pole, called Dreamweaver, beckons travellers.

96

CULTURAL IMMERSION VANCOUVER ABORIGINAL HOTEL IS FIRST OF ITS KIND IN CANADA  TEXT BY SUSAN LUNDY  PHOTOS BY CRAIG MINIELLY AT AURA PHOTOGRAPHICS

T

HE TOTEM, CALLED DREAMWEAVER, punches into the skyline of West Pender Street in Vancouver, hugging the edge of a longhouse, built — incongruously yet spectacularly — onto the rooftop of Skwachàys Lodge.

This marked the first sign that our experience would be special. Once we stepped through the hotel’s front door into a world of First Nations art, we understood we’d discovered a one-of-a-kind accommodation, perfect for anyone seeking a great downtown Vancouver location combined with an authentic aboriginal culture experience.

Located at the crossroads of Vancouver’s Gastown and Chinatown, the boutique-style accommodation is Canada’s first aboriginal arts and culture hotel. It opened in September last year and has been enjoying rave reviews and huge word-of-mouth success.

My husband and I arrived at Skwachàys Lodge last October with a full agenda: brunch with our daughters, who live in Vancouver, a little shopping, and a Canucks game at Rogers Arena (happily just a block or two away from the hotel).

However, once shown to our exquisite room, we wished our schedule were a little lighter.

To create the rooms at Skwachàys Lodge, six world-class Vancouver interior designers collaborated with six aboriginal artists. The result is 18 distinctly themed rooms, featuring original carvings, paintings, fabric, art, custom furniture and décor.

Our room, the King Salmon Suite, was created by Porada Design and artist Richard Shorty. It pays homage to salmon, which play a central role in the life and culture of coastal First Nations.

Shorty’s tribute to the salmon run is captured in his painting “Spawning Salmon,” which is the first image you see as you step into the room. Cast in Plexiglas and set against a back light, the striking piece of art stretches across the entire headboard wall and, illuminated, basks the area in a warm glow.

The room’s finishes are earthy and neutral, making use of rich red tones, light fabrics and wooden furnishings to represent nature’s surroundings. It has all the comforts one expects in an upscale

 Stone waterfall in “longhouse” patio.

97

 Smudge room at Skwachàys Lodge.

STUDIO® ACTIVATE™ Germ-Free No Touch Flush

STUDIO ACTIVATE™ ®

GERM-FREE NO-TOUCH FLUSH YOU CAN RELY ON EVERY TIME The new Studio ActiVate is available as either a Right Height® elongated or Right Height round front configuration. The smooth sided, high efficiency toilets obtain the best 1,000 g MaP flush score* and include a slow close, telescoping seat and EverClean surface at no extra cost.

EverClean® Surface Ordinary Surface

EverClean Surface

Includes antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface.

MODEL

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

2794.119

RH EL Studio Activate Combo With Seat

3075.120 2795.119 3053.120

RH EL Studio Bowl With Seat RH RF Studio Activate Combo With Seat RH RF Studio Bowl With Seat

4000.119

Studio Activate HET Tank

5218.210

Telescoping Elongated Seat

5121.210

Telescoping Round Front Seat

CHINAWARE COLOR

020 WHITE

Smart Sensor, No-Touch Technology Simple hand-wave flush

Simple hand-wave flush

Our smart sensor ensures consistent optimal performance and prevents unintentional flushes.

Two year battery life†

Two year battery life (with low battery indicator)

Powered by 4 AA batteries (included) and features a low battery indicator.

†Based on a average of 12 flushes per day.

Convenient, manual flush option

Convenient, manual flush option

Button is conveniently located on the sensor to manually flush if needed.

Power-off mode for easy cleaning

Power-off mode for easy cleaning

Easy one-step deactivation of sensor avoids unwanted flushes while cleaning.

* MaP testing performed by IAPMO R&T Lab. MaP report conducted

by Veritec Consulting Inc. and Koeller and Company.

SCAN FROM YOUR MOBILE DEVICE TO SEE THIS PRODUCT IN ACTION

©2014 AS America, Inc. SAL14E206

Nanaimo

Saanich

Courtenay

2067 Boxwood Road

4248 Glanford Avenue

#3, 2989 Kilpatrick Avenue

250.758.1771 250.727.9976 250.334.0645 98

Richard Shorty’s “Spawning Salmon” in the King Salmon Suite.

accommodation — fluffy bathrobes, plush linens, comfy king bed, 43” Plasma HD TV — but the richness of the art makes it unique and even more appealing.

After we arrived, our daughters waited in the room’s sitting area (which includes a single sofa bed) as we dropped off our bags, and then we all traipsed outside onto the balcony (a little too cold to enjoy the patio seating) and gawked at the totem running up the side of the building. The hotel’s architect preserved the heritage building’s century-old brick façade and designed a traditional northern longhouse to sit atop of it. The totem, a “story pole” called Dreamweaver, is 40.5 feet tall and rises high above the Vancouver roofline.

“TO CREATE THE ROOMS AT SKWACHÀYS LODGE, SIX WORLDCLASS VANCOUVER INTERIOR DESIGNERS COLLABORATED WITH SIX ABORIGINAL ARTISTS.” Back downstairs, we admired art in the lobby’s street-level Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery, and poured through massive books filled with remarkably well-priced original First Nations art and prints, trying to decide on just one to purchase.

(We chose a Shorty, apropos of our stay in the King Salmon Room.)

Adjacent to the gallery is a beautifully designated common area with tables, comfy lounging chairs, snacks and beverages.

The furnishings are works of art in themselves — including a stunning hand-carved table — and the entire room is ringed with First Nations paintings and sculptures.

Owned and operated by the Vancouver Native Housing Society — a registered charitable organization — Skwachàys Lodge is described as a “new, sustainable model for supportive housing.” In addition to the 18 rooms and the gallery, it includes 24 aboriginal artist live/work studios. One hundred per cent of profits from the hotel operation and the fair trade gallery subsidize the studios and further the VNHS mandate

to “improve the well-being of Vancouver’s urban Aboriginal people.”

During a tour, we were shown the basement, which, during the next stage of development, will transform into a working studio where hotel patrons can watch the artists at work. On the top floor, we discovered the peaceful, artful area where guests can partake in traditional aboriginal cultural experiences such as a sweat lodge.

Here, private purification ceremonies led by a sweat lodge “Keeper,” occur in a garden setting inside the domed structure — made from inter-woven willow branches. Heated rocks are placed by the Keeper in the sweat lodge to “cleanse and purify the participant’s heart, soul and spirit” and bring life balance and connection to Mother Nature, states the hotel’s website at skwachays.com.

Private smudging ceremonies can also be arranged in advance, and they take place in an authentic aboriginal smudge room, also on the sixth floor.

The hotel has a small conference room, as well as an arrangement for guests to use a “state-of-the-art” fitness centre, Kalev Fitness Solution, located just two blocks away.

“The rebranding and conversion of the lodge now completes our vision,” said Dave Eddy, CEO of the Vancouver Native Housing Society in a press statement. “The success of the hotel and gallery will enable us to provide an authentic cultural tourism experience and create revenue necessary to subsidize rent and enhance the lives of the aboriginal artists living in the residence.

“This is a truly dynamic and sustainable solution for housing that provides a positive social impact for some of the most marginalized members of Vancouver’s population.”

Chief Ian Campbell, the Hereditary Chief of the Squamish Nation, named the lodge in a traditional ceremony. “Skwachàys” is the traditional name of the area located at the head of False Creek, and refers to the spring waters that once covered the area.

Skwachàys Lodge is affordably priced, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in aboriginal culture amid a stunning, modern, urban setting, in a handy, downtown location.

After a night at nearby Rogers Area (yes, the Canucks won) and breakfast at a trendy little spot on West Hastings, we packed up, carefully placed our new art into the truck, and headed home with definite plans to return.

99

FEATURE STORY

A FINE NIGHT OF FINE ART  BY EMILY DOBBY PHOTOS BY ARNOLD LIM

NEW UNION CLUB EVENT CELEBRATES ALL THINGS LOCAL

 Robert Coulter, chair of the Union Club’s Community Outreach Committee, and Janyce Ronson, director of advancement at The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

100

V

ICTORIA’S HISTORIC UNION CLUB is joining with local art galleries to present a night of food, drink, music and art — all in support of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Taking place October 17, and the first event of its kind in Victoria, Art + Fare will “transform the Union Club into a magnificent art gallery” to celebrate all things local, including art exhibits, pop-up lectures, historical tours of the Union Club, a tapas-style menu inspired by Union Club chefs and music played by local musicians.

Tickets are $125 each (patron tickets are available for $1,500) and available though the AGGV website.

Victoria galleries exhibiting the work of local artists include Madrona, Winchester, Alcheringa, Art Atelier 546, Mercurio, and the Sales and Rental Department of the AGGV. Alison Ross of Kilshaw’s Auctioneers Ltd. will deliver pop-up lectures on investing in art.

“Given its historic association with Victoria’s artistic community, the Union Club is proud to organize and host Art + Fare in support of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria,” said Robert Coulter, chair of the Union Club’s Community Outreach Committee. “We look forward to welcoming Victoria’s art enthusiasts in their dancing shoes and finest cocktail attire for an outstanding evening to remember.”

The idea for the event came to Coulter one day last fall. As a boy, he recalls, he often visited the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and met local artists. He remembers spending entire days at the gallery completely galvanized by his surroundings.

Since returning to Victoria from a lengthy stint in Ottawa, he regularly attends openings, exhibits and auctions and is an avid collector of art.

This event is a “labour of love” for Coulter and his committee.

He is passionate about art, the gallery that inspired him as a boy, and celebrating the flourishing art community in Victoria.

The Union Club’s connection to the arts runs throughout its history, according to Martin Segger, who heads the art committee at the UC. Founding Club members included circuit court judges, mining engineers, land surveyors and military officers. Many sketched

colour

inspired design to create the perfect ambience

Sheri Peterson Interior Design Consultant

Residential • Commercial • Hospitality

250.388.6167 sheripinteriordesign.com

Getaway Fares to Seattle Save with our low fall fares and new hotel packages

 Details in the wood at the historic Union Club in Victoria — the location for October’s Art + Fare event.

KenmoreAir.com • 866.435.9524

CM 101

A benefit for the Belfry Theatre

FINE WINE LIVE AUCTION with Vancouver sommelier Keith Nicholson & auctioneer extraordinaire Roshan Vickery of Kilshaw’s.

See website for a sneak peak at auction items.

WINE TASTINGS some of BC’s best wineries CUISINE PAIRINGS

by Chef Takashi Ito

2015

SILENT AUCTION wine packages and unique experiences JOEY SMITH TRIO Jazz stylings

A Fine Wine Affair

Join us!

Sunday, October 25 · 5 –8pm Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal Street

Tickets $95 (includes a generous tax receipt portion)

250 385 6815 or belfry.bc.ca/crush Generously supported by

maximize y o u r va l u a b l e outdoor spaCe

 Decorative door knob at the Union Club.

“WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING VICTORIA’S ART ENTHUSIASTS IN THEIR DANCING SHOES AND FINEST COCKTAIL ATTIRE FOR AN OUTSTANDING EVENING TO REMEMBER.” the landscapes they travelled through, and documented and collected plant specimens. Others, such as Harold Motimer Lamb, were pioneer photographers.

Club member architects William Ridgeway Wilson, Francis Mawson Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure — along with collectors and connoisseurs like member John Shallcross — helped reinterpret the taste and ideology of the English and American Arts and Crafts movement in Victoria. They were active in founding the Arts and Crafts Institute for the education of artists, and Arts and Crafts Society chapters to organize local exhibitions. These helped establish the careers of artists such as Emily Carr and Jack Shadbolt.

A number of local galleries have been invited to showcase their artists at the Union Club over the past few years, and their involvement in Art + Fare is an extension of this relationship.

Every gallery represents a unique stable of artists and offers every art lover a distinctive experience.

Janyce Ronson, director of advancement at The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, says she is thrilled to collaborate with the Union Club for this event.

“We are excited to partner with the Union Club on this evening of art appreciation and celebration. Art + Fare will transform the Union Club into a magnificent art gallery.”

Funds raised through ticket sales will allow the gallery to continue to exhibit artwork by contemporary artists, she added.

“Some of Canada’s most influential artists have spent and do spend time on the west coast and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is home to many of their works.”

Ideal for pubs and restaurants!

Transform your patio or deck space for year-round use. Also works great at home!

Call Don for a complete outdoor solution.

Custom made, weather resistant CommerCial & residential solutions for outdoor spaCes

PH. 250.361.4714 TF. 1.800.563.5558 2-2745 BRIDGE STREET, VICTORIA PACIFICROLLSHUTTERS.COM

103

FRONT ROW  BY ROBERT MOYES

 Dramatic dancers are part of flamenco guitarist Paco Peña’s performance.

104

ELASH_9024_ELASH_resize_X1a.pdf

1

2015-04-17

11:51 AM

FLAMENCO’S GOD OF GUITAR

Sometimes referred to as a virtuoso’s virtuoso, Spain’s Paco Peña is a thrillingly accomplished flamenco guitarist who represents total authenticity as an ambassador of this gypsy art form. Peña became an international star in the 1960s, and has continued to define and sometimes extend the flamenco tradition, but has always remained a purist. It’s been six years since he performed in Victoria, and we’re lucky to be getting him back – this is one of only 22 dates on his North American tour. “He’s performing with two other guitarists, three dancers, two singers and a percussionist,” explains Josh Keller, Peña’s tour manager for North America. “And the dancers include long-time associates Angel Muñoz and his wife, Charo Espino.”

Even though Peña can play with blinding speed, he also shapes and colours his melodic lines with delicacy and finesse. And his power as a soloist is but one element in this handpicked ensemble of nine, who summon great passion as they meld guitar, dance, voice, and rhythm into something bordering on the transcendent. Although Peña has sometimes taken flamenco into the realm of musical theatre, this “Flamencura” tour is stripped down to the essence. “It’s classic flamenco … performed at the highest level,” adds Keller. “I’m not surprised it’s getting such great reviews.”

Performing October 25 at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.

For tickets, call 250-721-8480.

TOUCHED BY TANGO

As the Tango and Latin Music Festival heads into its eighth year, it offers a heady mix of performance and participation in a festival that has quadrupled in size since it began. “Most people associate tango with dance, but the music is as important in its own right,” says program coordinator June Waters, who has headliners representing both aspects of Argentina’s hottest

DRAW OUT YOUR BEAUTY WITH EVERLASH Everlash is the leading eyelash extension studio in Victoria. Our professional technicians use the best and safest techniques and the finest products available.

We will help you choose the extensions that best express your style and beauty. Draw out your beauty.

LASH EXTENSIONS | BROW SHAPING | PERMANENT MAKEUP

250.592.3040 | EVERLASHSTUDIO.COM

 Bandoneon virtuoso Ben Thomas.

105

Coming up

export. Seattle’s Ben Thomas Quartet is led by a virtuoso on bandoneon, the accordion-style instrument that is often the melancholic heart of tango. They will perform a concert ranging from traditional tango to “jazz tango” and the innovative compositions of the legendary Astor Piazzolla. And travelling much farther are esteemed tango dancers Monica Parra and Mariano Paderna, both from Buenos Aires. According to Waters they will preside over “Café Buenos Aires,” which is both a performance and a milonga-style social dance where the audience can dance to live tango. “This is Monica and Mariano’s first trip to Canada,” adds Waters. Holding up the Latin end of things will be Cuban-born pianist Pablo Cardenas and his West Coast Afro-Cubans, who will perform a lively mix of Latin jazz and various Cuban styles. There are also workshops, free events and a flash mob comprising up to 100 dancers.

Grace & Glorie

By Tom Zeigler

Oct 16 - Nov 7

Elf The Musical

Happening October 1-4 at various venues. For more details, including tickets, see passion4tango.com

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin Music by Matthew Skar Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

A LIFE INFORMED BY ART

Nov 20 - Dec 31 Gift Certificates

available in any denomination

Luxurious Theatre Getaways

theatre, dinner & breakfast with accommodation

1.800.565.7738

| chemainustheatre.ca

An important double exhibition at UVic’s downtown Legacy Art Gallery will showcase both the beauty and the underlying philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement, as well as the important role that Victoria played in supporting and extending the revolutionary principles of English artist William Morris.

Morris was a brilliant designer and utopianist who believed that art and beauty should uplift domestic life, from furniture to wallpaper. Also a socialist, Morris was philosophically opposed to what he saw as the deadening force of industrialization.

Many Victorians are aware of this movement thanks to famed local architect Samuel Maclure, a prolific builder of Arts and Crafts homes in the early 20th century. In fact, all the Pacific

PHOTO BY MARY MATHESON

Proudly Presents

Save the Date Thursday, December 3, 2015 A delightful evening of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and auctions await you.

Tickets $150 bccancerfoundation.com/jinglemingle

Benefiting

106

 “Head of Canada,” a soapstone carving by Katharine Maltwood.

www.westwindhardwood.com

Northwest had embraced this design movement, and it proved fertile ground for a talented English sculptor named Katharine Maltwood, who immigrated to Victoria with her husband in the 1940s. She joined the Arts and Crafts Society founded by Maclure, and upon her death bequeathed both her art collection and her sculpture to UVic in 1964. It became the core of an expanding collection of Arts and Crafts pieces that now numbers above 200. “The collection is as good as anything in the country,” says exhibition co-curator Caroline Riedel. “We have stained glass windows by Frank Lloyd Wright, wallpaper and tapestries by Morris and ceramics and metalwork by leading manufacturers such as the Roycroft Institute.” The main exhibition will delve into both the beauty of Arts and Crafts and its philosophical underpinnings, while a complementary show is a tribute to Maltwood and her sculpture.

Running from October 3 to January 9, 2016, at 630 Yates Street (although the Maltwood tribute opens October 8).

For information, see Legacy Art Gallery.

PRIZE-WINNING ART

Despite rating himself “completely unqualified” for the job, sculptor Ronald T. Crawford has spearheaded the inaugural Salt Spring Island National Art Prize (SSNAP). “It was my idea, so I guess I was stuck with it,” admits Crawford with a wry chuckle. As it turns out, his lack of experience didn’t prevent him from doing a brilliant job: nearly 1,400 pieces were submitted by over 800 artists from all across the country — almost double what the committee expected. “And the quality of the work is very, very good,” notes Crawford. “The jury is going to have a very hard time.” With a top prize of $10,000, it’s no wonder that a lot of artists got very interested in SSNAP, which is entirely a Salt Spring-nurtured event. “We wanted this to be a bit like the Giller Prize,” explains Crawford. “Why shouldn’t there be equivalence between visual and literary contests?” According to Crawford, Canada lags way behind other countries in supporting the visual arts. “This is the third-largest such prize in Canada — which is a comment on the lack of such contests in Canada moreso than a comment on the size of our prize,” he adds. The work of 50 finalists will be

your natural resource IPE DECKING QUALITY HARDWOOD DOUGLAS FIR SPECIALISTS CUSTOM PLANK FLOORING

   

Ph. 250 656 0848 10189 McDonald Park Rd., Sidney, BC

SIDNEY FINE ART SHOW

ARTIST: LEONARD BUTT

 Portrait of Katharine Maltwood by Nico Jungman.

A CACSP EvEnt

Oct 16•17•18 2015 In beautiful Sidney by the Sea Mary Winspear Centre

Friday & Saturday 9 am - 9 pm Sunday 9 am - 5 pm $6 AdMISSIon or $10 for a 3 day pass sidneyfineartshow.ca 1 07

presented throughout October in Mahon Hall in Ganges, with the winners being announced on the 25th. And day-tripping art lovers will be able to take in parallel art shows, as well as pay visits to the many Ganges galleries or undertake various studio tours. “The only thing we have more of on Salt Spring than artists is opinions,” laughs Crawford.

Running until October 25 at Mahon Hall on Salt Spring Island. For information, see Salt Spring National Art Prize.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

PHOTO COURTESY DESIGNEGG

For several years UVic’s Phoenix Theatre has run its “spotlight on alumni” series, where UVic grads return to perform work representative of their recent professional accomplishments. Few such returnees will likely cause as much of a stir as Kate Braidwood, co-founder of WONDERHEADS, a unique company specializing in physical theatre and “full body” mask work (essentially, the actors wear oversize heads). Braidwood, who graduated from UVic 12 years ago, often uses the phrase “live-action Pixar” to describe the style of theatre she created with nowhusband Andrew Phoenix. “There’s definitely a kinship in tone and aesthetic, but the main difference is that Pixar’s work is geared first towards kids and then to adults, whereas ours is the other way around,” explains Braidwood.

“We love creating work for adults that has a childlike whimsy to it, but is capable of dealing with more difficult, darker territory.”

WONDERHEADS hit it big right off the start in 2009 with Grim & Fischer: this tale of an old woman who squares off against the Grim Reaper became a huge hit on the Fringe Festival circuit. For her Phoenix return, Braidwood is reprising Loon, which was performed at last year’s Uno Fest. It stars a lonely janitor named Francis who falls in love with the moon … and goes on a remarkable, out-of-this-world journey. There is never any dialogue in Braidwood’s plays, yet they are marvelously expressive of the human condition.

And even though the giant masks can’t physically change expression, audiences believe that the masks somehow come alive to tell a story full of emotional range. “It’s the magic of mask,” exclaims Braidwood. “I love it!”

Running from October 14-24 at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre. For tickets, call 250-7218000.

• And please note that from November 5-21 the Phoenix Theatre will be mounting Bertolt Brecht’s marvelous and still provocative Threepenny Opera. Brian Richmond, who splits his time between teaching at UVic and spearheading the always impressive Blue Bridge 108

 Kate Braidwood with “Loon” head.

Your pet’s well-being is our #1 priority

• Comfortable, clean & healthy fresh air environment • Quality, nutritious foods • Exercise yards up to one quarter acre • Feline “Cuddle Time” • K-9 Playschool course • Recommended by Veterinarians • Full grooming services available

A Full Service Animal Care Facility

250-652-2301 • puppylove.ca • email: info@puppylove.ca 2918 Lamont Road, Saanichton Just minutes from Victoria Airport & BC Ferries Terminal Like us on Facebook!

 Harry Manx with his Mohan Veena East Indian guitar.

Theatre, will direct this landmark piece of satirical musical theatre.

WEST MEETS EAST

With a nearly unique style dubbed “mysticssippi,” Canadian slide guitar virtuoso Harry Manx combines the earthiness of traditional Delta blues with the transcendent spirituality of East Indian ragas. The longtime bluesman pioneered this hybrid after he became a student of Grammy winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, inventor of the 20-string Mohan Veena (essentially, a modified Hawaiian guitar that has drone and sympathetic strings similar to those on a sitar). After 12 years studying raga music in India, Manx fused these two disparate styles of music into a heady blend that quickly earned him a cult-like following on the concert scene. “My Indian music is pretty bluesy and my blues is pretty Indian,” says Manx with a soft chuckle. “I always improvise during the solos . . . I try to stretch myself every night because that’s what keeps me interested.” The British-born Manx grew up outside Toronto and has lived on Salt Spring Island since 2001. “I stay out of a town long enough that the audience starts to miss me,” says Manx, who last performed here a couple of years ago. He often performs solo, and gives about 100 concerts a year, via a series of short tours that stretch

What does $6.98 a day buy you? Bliss.

Radiant Health Sauna

Relax and enjoy a sense of well-being, privately in your own home.

We offer an amazing range of well-researched products that enhance your well-being!

From $2,550

Who shops at Triangle? People who want to transform their health.

250.370.1818 l 1.888.370.1818 l 770 Spruce Avenue, Victoria www.trianglehealing.com

cleanse•replenish•revitalize 109

as far away as Britain and Australia. Although he’s also an evocative singer, Manx’s latest CD, 20 Strings and the Truth, is mostly instrumental. “A good night for me is when I really feel the music and the groove is reaching the audience and it takes them on a bit of a journey,” Manx adds.

Performing November 21 at Alix Goolden, 907 Pandora.

Tickets are for sale at Lyle’s Place.

IN VERDI VERITAS

In another first for Pacific Opera Victoria, the nationally celebrated company will undertake its debut performance of Verdi’s Otello, an epic work that will challenge the resources of the 40-member Victoria Symphony. “It’s big,” admits POV artistic director Timothy Vernon, who says that an orchestra of 80 would be ideal. “But we’ve taken things on before we shouldn’t have and made them work … we just have to be careful what we do when scaling it down to the size of our orchestra.” Even though Verdi was a huge Shakespeare fan, it’s nearly miraculous that he composed an adaptation of Othello, one of the Bard’s most profound tragedies. Verdi had retired at age 58 after the great triumph of Aida, and it took nearly 16 years of nudging and encouragement before what would prove to be a surprisingly modern masterwork was premiered in Milan in 1887. Although the Verdi of La Traviata is associated with the bel canto style, Otello is a departure that features a dramatic, densely woven orchestral score with extensive use of counterpoint. “There are beautiful orchestral

we’re just getting warmed up.

V i c t o r i a S y m p h o n y 15 /16

fall and winter SeaSon highlightS rachmaninoff 2 & tchaikoVSky 5 Bach’S muSical offering orli Shaham playS mozart Ballet meetS Broadway hayden cello concerto ehneS & mahler 5 Single tickets on sale now!

call 250.385.6515 today V i c t o r i a S y m p h o n y. c a 110

 Tenor Kristian Benedikt in Otello.

colours, a strong sense of chiaroscuro, and scenes that flow into each other seamlessly … it’s a fantastic extension of his musical vocabulary and a pinnacle work for Verdi,” explains Vernon. It’s also hugely challenging to sing, especially for the title character, which is why they have cast Lithuania’s Kristian Benedikt, a superlative tenor who has the requisite power. “He’s a career Otello and has performed the role all over Europe,” Vernon adds.

SECRETS & LIVES

An Eye to the Sea  BY SUSAN LUNDY PHOTOS BY DON DENTON WITH LIA CROWE

111

F

ROM THE SIXTH FLOOR VIEW of Ian Robertson’s office on the corner of Wharf and Fort streets, he can see the outline of a bench he and his brother placed on the waterfront in memory of their parents.

From another window, Robertson can make out the spherical white dome of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, which is housed in a building constructed by his grandfather’s company, McAlpine Robertson, in the early 1900s.

And also from his office — the former digs of Microsoft in Victoria — Robertson, who has been CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority since April, can see much of the area that falls under the GVHA’s jurisdiction.

In the distance sits a cruise ship at Ogden Point — an area currently being scrutinized as the GVHA develops a master plan for it — while closer to the office winds the inner harbour causeway and mid-point between the two is Fisherman’s Wharf with its complex mixture of businesses and transient liveaboards.

Also nearby is the historically rich Steamship Terminal, for which the GVHA is currently assessing applications for tenants to join the Robert Bateman Centre, Steamship Grill and Bar, and Starbucks.

Although perhaps known best as a tourist attraction, the Port of Victoria is a working harbour. It serves the cruise ship industry, whale watching and ecotourism, ship repairing facilities, a floatplane aerodrome, marine industrial uses, a water taxi and an international ferry terminal with connections to Port Angeles and Seattle.

The GVHA, a not-forprofit corporation, owns and operates a number of holdings throughout the harbour. As CEO, Robertson says, his days are “always varied, which I enjoy … most days consist of meeting with staff, customers and harbour partners.”

“They loved this city and the water, so my brother and I dedicated a bench in their name after they passed away. The bench is adjacent to the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Hotel and looks out over the harbour.”

Robertson’s brother, John Robertson, also lived in Victoria, working at the Royal BC Museum as chief of design.

“Sadly, he passed away two years ago due to cancer. I miss him very much and often wonder what advice he would be giving me now.”

COLLABORATION AND TRANSPARENCY Robertson brings a number of skills to his new job. As former CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC, he “learned a lot about collaboration and working with all levels of government — municipal, provincial and federal.”

As an elected park commissioner for six years, and chair of the Vancouver Park Board, he attended “many, many meetings with residents who were passionate about their park and recreation services.”

“THE HARBOUR AUTHORITY IS A STEWARD OF THE LAND AND WATER ASSETS; WE ARE HERE TO WORK WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS THAT RELY ON THESE AREAS FOR THEIR BUSINESS.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY Although born and raised in Burnaby, Robertson’s roots in Victoria run deep. And appropriately, given his new role, the ocean and Victoria’s harbour front is part of that story. His aunt and uncle had a home on the waterfront in Sooke, where he spent every summer of his childhood from age six on. And his parents, who eventually retired to Victoria in 1980, first came to the city in 1947 on their honeymoon. They steamed into the harbour via the SS Princess Marguerite passenger vessel (known locally as the “Maggie”) and stayed at the Empress Hotel.

112

Robertson was head of the park board during the massive windstorm of 2006, which destroyed 10,000 trees in Stanley Park and shut down the sea wall for over 10 months. The board ultimately had to raise close to $6 million for its restoration.

“As we worked through the recovery plan, I learned that being open and transparent was key to our success in gaining the public’s trust that we were going to restore the park and manage the process in a respectful way.”

He believes that collaborative spirit is crucial to his role at GVHA. “The harbour authority is a steward of the land and water assets; we are here to work with the stakeholders that rely on these areas for their business.”

One of the GVHA’s current focuses is creation of a master plan for Ogden Point, which Robertson sees as a “blank canvas with endless opportunities.” Currently, the area functions as a terminal for visiting cruise ships and the home base of Helijet and other local businesses.

“While the deep water terminal will always play an important role, we need to make sure it works for all the residents of Greater Victoria,” says Robertson. “The property has an amazing history and right now we’re inviting the public to share ideas on its future” as the new master plan is developed.

EMILY CA RR H OUSE Proudly Hosts

ARNOLD BURRELL (1924-1991)

“SERVANT TO HIS ART” A Major Retrospective

AT HOME IN VICTORIA In moving to Victoria, Robertson has fulfilled a dream. As he considered accepting a job outside of Vancouver, he stressed that Victoria was the only city in Canada to which he would agree to relocate. Currently living in James Bay while his wife, Pam — an administrator with Langara College Foundation in Vancouver — makes her transition to Victoria, the couple has yet to decide which area of the city appeals to them the most. A walkable neighbourhood near the core? Or perhaps acreage in Saanich?

“It’s a great problem to have,” he smiles.

“AS WE WORKED THROUGH THE RECOVERY PLAN I LEARNED THAT BEING OPEN AND TRANSPARENT WAS KEY TO OUR SUCCESS IN GAINING THE PUBLIC’S TRUST.” Robertson and his wife have two sons, aged 22 and 27. Their elder son is an RCMP officer, currently based in the Arctic, where Robertson has visited him three times. Their younger son lives in Vancouver, studying business administration at Langara College.

Looking at his sons is a constant reminder, he says, of the close relationship he shared with his older brother, to whom he often turned for advice. The two enjoyed their times together as adults, sharing a love of cooking, which is still one of Robertson’s favourite hobbies. (“My specialty is pepper steak,” he says.)

As he looks out over Victoria Harbour toward the bench and then through another window to the observatory, he says it is bittersweet that he is finally in Victoria, where his family has so many roots. And it seems fortuitous and appropriate that his new role is interwoven with very harbour that his parents first steamed into so many years ago.

“

“Upper Skeena River” 1988 Oil on panel

“Arnold Burrell was prepared to make any material sacrifice necessary …[his] was a dedication to serve art, rather than vice versa.”

Colin Graham, Director Emeritus, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria “…[these] paintings have a mystery all of their own… clear and resolved and they burn away quietly in colour… they are terrific!”

Jack Shadbolt, Artist “…solidly modern and visionary”

Joseph Plaskett, Recipient of the Emily Carr Art Scholarship

“Arnold Burrell will be the 1st Emily Carr Scholarship artist to exhibit here and this very special show and sale extends Carr’s intended legacy of inspiration in the arts.”

Jan Ross, Curator, Emily Carr House

EMILY CARR HOUSE 207 Government St., Victoria, BC (250) 383-5843

Nov. 13-15, 2015 • 11 am to 4 pm

Through the generosity of Arnold Burrell’s Biographer, Ellen Mackay, admission to Emily Carr House will be complimentary for the three-day show.

113

UP NEXT ISSUE

“ … Then a gentle wind moved a cloud along, opening the forest to the sun’s warm rays. The orange mats came alive; thousands and thousands of magnificent Monarchs, which had been clustered together to stay warm, unfurled their wings and rose up into the air.”

114

In our next issue, travel to southern Mexico and witness the spectacular Monarch butterflies.

CHA3413_EscherAd_TCSept2015_film3_OUTLINES.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

2015-09-17

9:49 AM

PhotograPhed at ross bay by gary MCKINstry

Smooth, Safe, Sporty: the 2015 LexuS rC350 It took just one test drive to convince Craig Gottfred that the 2015 Lexus RC350 was the car for him — in the brand’s signature infrared colour — of course.

A driver of Toyota Camrys for more than 20 years, Gottfred walked onto the lot this summer looking for something a little different.

“I was interested in getting something a little more sporty,” he says, and so slipped into the RC350 for a quick spin. “The infrared colour just exudes sports car. And the lines they brought out this year are quite phenomenal.”

In addition to the 17-speaker sound system, the vented, air conditioned seats, and the exquisite smoothness of the ride, he says, the advanced safety features also caught his attention.

These include the back-up camera that can detect people moving behind the car before the driver even has a visual, and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which helps the driver maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically slowing the car if it gets too close.

The exceptional service at Jim Pattison Lexus Victoria set the stage, but it was the hands-on experience that really sold Gottfred.

“The way it drives is definitely number one,” he says.

“The way it drove and responded … it’s quite something else.”

“I love the look of it,” says Gottfred. “I love the way it drives.”

2015 Lexus rC350 Nicely equipped from $59,820

Includes Freight and Pre-Delivery Inspection.

the PursuIt of PerfeCtIoN

623 FInLAyson sTReeT, VICToRIA 250-386-3516