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FALL 2026

VACATION from your Vacation EXPERT TIPS FOR AVOIDING POST-TRIP EXHAUSTION

HOW AI IS CHANGING MARKETING THE LIVING HISTORY OF SIX MILE PUB

Publisher Jim Schneider | jim@ifr-helijet.com

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IFR Magazine

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In-Flight Review (IFR) is a quarterly magazine published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., for Helijet International Inc. All published material is the copyright of Island Parent Group. No part of this publication, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The written and photographic material published in In-Flight Review does not necessarily reflect the views of the air carrier or the publisher. Information and images produced in the magazine are believed to be accurate and truthful, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors. Advertising in In-Flight Review magazine does not indicate an endorsement by Helijet International Inc. or Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd. Cover photo: Adobestock

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Published by: Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd. 518 Caselton Place Victoria BC V8Z 7Y5 Tel 250.388.6905 publisher@islandparent.ca ISSN 1916-5080 In-Flight Review Fall2026 Vol. 19 No. 3

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Distribution: Distribution in all scheduled Helijet aircraft and passenger terminals, including Vancouver Harbour, Victoria, Nanaimo and YVR Airport. Also available at local hotels.

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LEARJET 31A/ER NEW IN 2024

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Account Executive Kristine Wickheim | kristine@ifr-helijet.com

CESSNA CITATION X COMING 2030

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Graphic Design Shannon Swanson production@ipgenterprises.com

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Editor Stacie Gaetz | editor@islandparent.ca

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FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

SP OTLIGHT

From left: Danny Sitnam and Owen McClung-Sitnam

Bridging the Healthcare Gap in Remote British Columbia

Helicopters Without Borders provides care to the province’s most isolated communities

elicopters Without Borders (HWB) is a young Talk a bit about the process of starting up an non-profit organization that delivers health organization like this. services, education, and prevention to the most Founding a non-governmental organization (NGO) was, and still isolated communities around the province. is, a steep learning curve, particularly after years spent on the “Our programs feature fly-in mobile clinics operational side of aviation (from fire suppression to air medical equipped for diabetes screening, oral health, optometry, audimissions). However, I had the advantage of a head start with my ology, and family medicine, as well as team-based care flights father being who he is. His passion, dedication and time allotted bringing specialists, nurses, and counsellors to to this project made it far more attainable for HWB these areas,” says Owen McClung-Sitnam, CEO to get to where it is five years into it. Once we “...our founders of HWB. committed to trying to get this thing off the ground, HWB aircraft took off on its first flight on our process was fairly simple: go directly to the wanted to look January 12, 2021, in partnership with the First communities and groups we hoped to work with, for ways aviation gauge their interest, listen to the challenges and Nations Health Authority. Today, with 10 staff and a stellar group of volunteers and board memgaps, and then collaboratively design a program to could support bers, HWB delivers more than 2,000 health address those gaps. That’s it; that was the recipe. the province’s interventions annually in BC. We sat down with McClung-Sitnam, son of ongoing health- How do you measure success on a Danny Sitnam (president and CEO of Helijet), to humanitarian flight mission? care delivery learn more about the past, present and future of The important thing to note is that we like to this integral organization. start with qualitative feedback that we get from challenges...” our clients and then rely on our impact numbers Describe the moment that made you realize to mould ourselves in a way to reduce burdens in this organization had to exist. the healthcare system and the communities we serve. It wasn’t a single defining moment, but rather a gradual By bringing care directly to communities that either have no realization that our founders—Sitnam, Board Member Adam or limited road access, we are seeing a few downstream effects. Aldous, and I—wanted to look for ways aviation could support One being the fact individuals are getting certain types of the province’s ongoing healthcare delivery challenges that we primary and secondary care services for the first time, or on a face living in such a sparsely populated part of the world. more regular basis. Ninety-eight percent of our clients have 4

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reported directly improved health outcomes. We also save clinical workers time so they can spend more time providing care rather than travelling for two to four days. In quarter two of 2026 alone, our flights eliminated more than 121,000 kilometres and 5,642 hours of travel for patients, while simultaneously saving healthcare workers 1,000 hours of travel time.

What is one operational assumption you had when founding HWB that you had to throw out the window?

“Ninety-eight percent of our clients have reported directly improved health outcomes.”

Initially, we were working toward obtaining our own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) status. While this path would have pushed us into a very different scope of aviation management, we ultimately chose to outsource those functions to partner operators. Among them is Helijet, whose team supports HWB through in-kind donations, handling the intricate aviation nuances so that HWB can concentrate on charitable program delivery.

What is the most complex logistical puzzle your team has had to solve to deliver aid?

Complex logistical puzzles are really what we do and why we

exist. The most complex part of it is usually aligning our partners’ and collaborators’ schedules. Our operations team typically starts organizing a HWB clinic six months out, and as that departure day closes in, we align many moving parts to finesse and adjust as circumstances always shift.

How do you structure corporate partnerships or donor models to make aviation sustainable for non-profit work?

We rely on a few different funding models in our work. One being we try to seek out multi-year support from the private sector, as it supports our mid- to long-term strategy. An example would be fuel donated by PetroValue Products. Second, we work alongside Health Canada to get more services to areas that struggle to attract clinical teams. Third, we sell our services to institutions that we can bring value to, so we don’t have to purely rely on donations, as people’s ability to donate flows with the economic landscape. Having multiple funding models (and a lot of luck!) has kept us going. Visit helicopterswithoutborders.org for more information on Helicopters Without Borders.

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FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

R: O O D T N O R F W E N S ’ R E M O T g n i g n THE CUS a Ch

How

g n i t e Mark

BY JOHN HALL, FIND THE ETHOS MARKETING

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recently upgraded my trusty iPhone SE. It was not broken, exactly. It could still make a call. Text messages arrived. But every update made it slower, and the battery had developed the stamina of Lou, our short-legged retriever, after a long hike. Certain apps acted as if they were doing me a favour simply by opening. Then there was my 14-year-old nephew, who looked at the phone with the kind of concern normally reserved for an archaeological find. It was time for an upgrade. That made me think about the marketing systems many organizations still rely on. They are not broken either. Google Search, social media, influencers, email, events and owned content have worked for years. Businesses have grown, destinations have attracted visitors and governments have built public trust using this familiar playbook. In many ways, it still works. But the operating environment has changed around it. For years, marketers could see where the customer journey began. Someone searched Google, noticed an ad, read a review or visited a website. Then they researched, compared options and decided whether to buy, book, call, apply or visit. Today, more of that early research happens somewhere else. The customer is using a new front door: an AI-generated answer. Instead of typing “best accountant in Victoria” into a search bar and opening six browser tabs, a business owner can ask ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity or

Claude: “What should I look for in an accountant for a growing construction company in Victoria?” The tool can summarize the criteria, prompt useful follow-up questions, compare options and suggest next steps, often before the person visits a single website. That is a fundamental change in customer behaviour, and a new starting point for marketing.

THE WEBSITE IS NOT DEAD

That said, websites are not disappearing. Google is not irrelevant. Search engine optimization is not irrelevant. Nor will AI replace good advertising, strong creative content, capable sales teams or a memorable customer experience. If anything, those things matter more now. But the website’s role is changing. In the old model, it was often the first

eting gets k r a m w o h ging AI is chan nalysis, a , h c r a e s ding re done, spee gn and campai , s t f a r d first t. developmen

meaningful destination after a search. In the new model, it may be where people arrive once they are closer to a decision. That can be good news. A visitor who has already narrowed their choices may be more likely to reserve a room, purchase a product, or submit an application. The challenge is that organizations have fewer chances to influence people in the early research phase. If AI creates the shortlist, summarizes alternatives or frames the decision criteria, it has become part of the customer journey. Canadian research suggests this is already underway. Retail Council of Canada research found that 46 percent of AI users said it helped them find products faster, 43 percent said it made comparisons easier and 40 percent said it saved time.

MORE THAN A NEW CHANNEL

AI is changing how marketing gets done, speeding research, analysis, first drafts and campaign development. It is also making content vastly easier to produce. The downside is obvious. When everyone can generate content quickly, the internet becomes noisier, more repetitive and less trustworthy. But its deepest effect is on discoverability. For decades, organizations asked, FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

add-on or n a t s u j t ’ AEO isn n essential a s ’ t i , t h ug an aftertho g, touching n i t e k r a m r in you , design, throughline t n e m p o l e v e content d technology, selection. e c n e i d u a and “How do we get our website to rank higher?” That still matters. But a more useful question is now: “When a customer, citizen, visitor or business buyer asks AI about our company, does it know we exist and does it have enough evidence to trust us?” This is the emerging discipline known as answer engine optimization, or AEO. Traditional SEO focused on rankings, keywords and clicks. AEO adds recognition, context, authority, reputation and citation. AEO’s goal is to make your organization understandable, accessible and credible enough to be included when AI tools answer real questions. That means being clear about what you do, whom you serve and where you operate. It means current information about your products, services, locations. And it means having credible evidence beyond your own website that confirms what you say.

A CONNECTED SYSTEM

AEO isn’t just an add-on or an afterthought, it’s an essential throughline in your marketing, touching technology, content development, design, and audience selection. Content must answer the questions people actually ask while researching, comparing and deciding. For a retailer, that may mean clear product information and helpful reviews. For a tourism operator, it could mean current information about experiences, seasonality and accommodations. The technical foundation matters because AI systems and search engines cannot use information they cannot find, crawl or understand. Site structure, 8

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accessibility, page speed, indexation, internal links and accurate structured data all matter. Design matters too. An AI-referred visitor may be close to a decision and looking for confirmation. Is this right for me? What will it cost? What happens next? Good design makes those answers easy to scan and act on. Reputation becomes even more important. An organization cannot simply announce that it is trustworthy. Customer reviews, credible media coverage, expert commentary, recognized partnerships and accurate third-party information all become part of the public evidence that supports confidence. Finally, measurement must evolve. When discovery happens within an AI conversation, we need to ask: Are we appearing in the questions that matter?

Are we represented accurately? Are competitors being mentioned when we are not? Are AI-referred visitors becoming inquiries, bookings, applications or sales? The hard part is not technological. It is organizational. A customer does not experience your organization in departments. AI exposes the gaps between what an organization says, what its website shows, what customers report and what the rest of the internet confirms. Closing those gaps requires marketing, communications, digital, IT, operations and customer service to work from the same view of the customer’s real questions. My nephew may have been right about my old phone. It still worked, but it was increasingly out of step with the world around it. Many marketing playbooks are in the same position. They are familiar. They are comfortable. Parts still perform very well. But the customer has found a new front door. The question for every business owner, government leader and marketer is simple: When people ask AI about what you do, will it know enough to invite them in?

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BU SINESS

The Business of Influence Building a Career on Trust

BY NATASHA MILLS, @MOMMAMILLSBLOG

nfluencer” is a misleadingly simple job title. The reality is that when I went all-in as a content creator Influence is the capacity to shape character, developfive years ago, I had a big vision in mind. ment, or behaviour. And while that’s great for business, I knew it would take work and many humbling reps, but I’m inherently a storyteller who shares over time, it has evolved into a thriving six-figure authentic, personal experiences straight business, with revenue growing approximately “...I would never 20 percent year -over-year. from the heart. At the core of my brand is authenticity in want to alter motherhood, womanhood and the glimmers of Where does the money actually someone’s everyday life. come from? If people trust my judgment and see what I My work as an influencer—also known as decisionhave to offer— and the opinions I have to share— content creation—is anchored primarily in making based as valuable, that’s a win-win situation. Conversealigned brand partnerships, but also includes on something ly, I would never want to alter someone’s affiliate marketing, published articles, events decision-making based on something I couldn’t and, more recently, a new TV and podcast series I couldn’t wholeheartedly stand behind, whether it makes with CHEK called MotherLoad. wholeheartedly financial sense or not. Over the past five years, I’ve had the pleasure There’s an unfortunate misconception that stand behind...” of working with more than 100 trusted brand influencers are just selling out to take a cheque partners. from whatever brand comes our way. For some, As I’ve learned to work smarter, I’ve realized that may be the case, but not for me. For me, it must be somethat longer-term brand partnerships and recurring seasonal thing that makes sense, something I genuinely enjoy using or campaigns make the most sense, so I’ve rooted down with that has provided value in some way. my core businesses. This is especially true when I know my There’s also a misconception that content creation is somefollowers are reaping the benefits from those partnerships as how an unserious careerthat much of our day is spent scrolling well, whether through community updates, discount codes, and posting and waiting for the next opportunity to appear. giveaways or some sort of exclusive appeal they couldn’t get People see the finished reel, but not the business behind it. anywhere else.

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These core businesses take up most of my time—in A 45-second video may represent hours of work, months combination with being a twin mom of three—and then of skill refinement and years of audience development. I’m usually left with a little flexibility for incremental growth Ultimately, a brand isn’t just paying for my ability to create as opportunities come my way, month after month. content; they’re investing in the relationship I’ve spent years Every time I’m provided a brief for a marketing campaign, building. I put my whole heart into it, and more importantly, I’m My audience also tends to be exactly what many brands passionate about doing so. are looking for—primarily women aged 25 to 45. I realize that I’ve created this life of full-time Another aspect of the job people often entrepreneurship without any real job security, don’t realize is the extent of the invisible work but with incredibly desirable flexibility. behind the business: the contracts, invoicing “With global I love the creative outlet that content and never-ending administration. There are uncertainty at creation allows me—from the art of cinematoganalytics and pitches, as well as negotiations raphy to gamifying elements of editing the an all-time high, and deadlines. finished product. There’s also the discernment involved in there is one It’s not lost on me that every time I publish a saying “no” to a brand that isn’t an absolute constant and piece of content, it becomes part of my public “yes” for my community. In the world of content résumé for other businesses to see my work ethic. creation, the ultimate currency is trust. certain need, I strive incredibly hard to over-deliver for If I accepted every paycheque, that would and that is my brand partners, but even more so for my ultimately make me less profitable, because community. long-term credibility creates long-term for human commercial value. That trust is something connection...” What are brands actually paying for? I’ve learned to protect fiercely. My brand partners aren’t simply buying “a post.” Of course, I’ve taken a wrong turn or two They’re paying for access to my trusted, realand realized after the fact that a partnership person audience, plus concept development, scripting, filmwasn’t as aligned as I had hoped. I’ve been open about those ing, editing, photography and years spent building credibility. experiences, and they’ve sharpened my discernment moving forward.

Where is the industry going?

I wish I had a crystal ball to know exactly where the industry of influencing may be heading. Especially with the rise of AI, it’s hard to know what the future will look like. But what I know for sure is that real people connect with real people—through lived experiences, hardships, challenges and successes. I also think the uncertainty of it all is what has led me to push outside the box and evolve beyond my phone. The most rewarding part of my career is being of service to my community, getting outside and shaking hands, and connecting with the real people behind those tiny profile icons we see on our screens. What’s possible through social media is unparalleled. It can be a miraculous tool for business, but it’s important to stay true to what’s at the heart of it all. Social media will continue to change. Platforms will change. Algorithms will change. AI will change how content is produced, marketed, seen, and used by audiences. But I don’t believe our desire for genuine human connection will ever change at its core. As long as I protect the trust of the community I’ve built, I know I’m protecting the most valuable part of my business.

FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

BU SINESS

How to Build a Team Culture in a Digital World

BY DENISE LLOYD, ENGAGED HR

strong workplace culture has never been The good news is that strong cultures can thrive in about ping pong tables, office snacks, or even a digital environments. The difference is that the interactions shared office space. At its core, culture is how that once happened organically now need to be designed people experience work. It’s how they connect deliberately. with one another, solve problems, celebrate As an organization that has successfully managed this success, and how they feel when they go home at the end of transition, one of the biggest mindset shifts we made was the day. understanding that communication is not the The challenge is that in a digital world, many same as connection. People can feel discon“...in a digital of the interactions that once happened naturally nected even when they are interacting with no longer exist. We don’t bump into colleagues in others all day long. We quickly realized that world, many of the hallway. We don’t overhear conversations we needed to create space for more than the interactions that help us stay connected to the bigger picture. information sharing; it needed to be about that once We don’t grab a coffee together after a tough connection, relationships, and shared meeting. Instead, we spend our days moving experiences. And it had to be meaningful, happened between video calls, instant messages, and email not performative. naturally no notifications and if we are entirely virtual, we It started with creating intentional touchpoints spend a lot of time alone. While technology throughout the week. These did not need to be longer exist.” has created incredible flexibility, it has also lengthy or highly structured. High-performing reintroduced new challenges that leaders cannot mote teams create dedicated spaces for different afford to ignore. types of interaction. That might include a recognition channel Isolation, digital fatigue, and the loss of spontaneous where colleagues celebrate wins, a social channel for sharing connection are among the most common concerns I hear from photos and personal milestones, or cross-functional discussion leaders and employees alike. Culture can slowly erode, not groups that encourage knowledge-sharing across departments. because people stop caring, but because the opportunities to These spaces create opportunities for employees to connect as build relationships become fewer and farther between. people, not just as coworkers. 12

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“Annual events, birthday celebrations, onboarding experiences, and team achievements all help create a sense of belonging.”

Recognition deserves special attention in virtual environments. In an office, achievements are often visible. People hear congratulations, observe successes, and share in accomplishments naturally. In remote settings, those moments can easily be missed. Leaders should make recognition visible, frequent, and specific. Celebrate project completions, work anniversaries, professional achievements, customer feedback, and examples of employees living organizational values. The more leaders reinforce what success looks like, the stronger the culture becomes. The same applies to milestones and traditions. Culture is often built through rituals. Annual events, birthday celebrations, onboarding experiences, and team achievements all help create a sense of belonging. Virtual teams need rituals too. Consider introducing monthly recognition ceremonies, quarterly team celebrations, virtual welcome events for new employees, or even a simple tradition where team members share one personal and one professional highlight each week. These practices create consistency, shared experiences, and a stronger sense of community. If you want to strengthen your culture starting tomorrow, begin with these five steps: 1 Schedule one non-work virtual gathering each quarter or even once a month. 2C reate a dedicated recognition space where employees can celebrate one another. 3 I ntroduce a weekly leadership update that shares priorities and progress. 4 Establish one consistent team ritual that everyone participates in. 5R eview every employee touchpoint, from onboarding to offboarding, and ensure it reflects your values. The reality is that we do not need to be in the same building to feel connected and while technology may have changed where we work, it has not changed what we need from work. Everyone needs to feel seen, heard, appreciated, and included. We want meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging, and confidence that what we do matters. The organizations that thrive in the years ahead will be the ones that treat culture as an intentional leadership responsibility, not something that happens by accident. In a digital world, culture doesn’t disappear. It simply requires a different level of design, commitment, and care. FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

TRAVEL

Why You Need a Vacation from Your Vacation

BY GEORGE BIELAY, WAYPOINT COUNSELLING NETWORK

ravel is supposed to restore us. We imagine ourand which cup in the cupboard is ours. selves returning home refreshed, inspired and a Travel removes much of that predictability. Suddenly little more interesting than when we left. Maybe we are making decisions all day long. Which train? we’ve walked the seawall in Vancouver before Which restaurant? Which road? Do we need a reservation? breakfast, caught a ferry through the Gulf Islands, Where is the hotel? Did someone pack the passports? wandered through a European market, or finally made it to Psychologists refer to this accumulation of mental demands that place we’ve been talking about for 10 years. as cognitive load. Even enjoyable decisions Sometimes travel does exactly what we hope require energy. Add unfamiliar surroundings, “There is a it will. And sometimes we come home exhaustdisrupted sleep, different foods, more alcohol ed. The problem is not travel itself. It is the way than usual and a few thousand extra steps, and particular kind many of us travel. our brains can become surprisingly tired. of holiday that There is a particular kind of holiday that could There is also decision fatigue. The first choice could be called be called “busyness” travel. It is different from of the day might be exciting: café or bakery? business travel, where meetings, flights and obliBy late afternoon, choosing between two ‘busyness’ gations largely dictate the pace. Busyness travel restaurants can feel oddly difficult. travel” happens on our own time. We take a vacation Then there is the pressure to have a good time. and then accidentally turn it into a work project. We often spend months planning and thousands It starts innocently enough. We have limited of dollars on a trip. That creates expectations. time, we have come a long way, and naturally we want to make When the weather turns, the flight is delayed or the hotel room the most of it, so we make a list. Then another list. faces the parking lot instead of the ocean, the disappointment Before long, the trip has three cities, six reservations, four can feel larger than the problem itself. A grey Tuesday in museums, a food tour, a hike, a day trip and a train connection Victoria is just a grey Tuesday. A grey Tuesday on a long-awaited that allows exactly 11 minutes to change platforms. vacation on the other side of the world can feel like someone At some point, the vacation begins to resemble project has broken a contract. management with nicer scenery. For some travellers, anxiety also begins before the trip. Anticipatory anxiety can show up in the days or weeks before Psychologically, that matters departure: worrying about flights, connections, illness, At home, much of our day runs on familiar habits. We know packing, crowds or simply the loss of routine. Even people where the grocery store is, how long it takes to get across town who love travelling can experience it. 14

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Relationships can also feel different away from And allow yourself some time alone. home. Couples and families often spend far more Most importantly, pay attention to how you are “If you are tired, concentrated time together while travelling than actually feeling rather than how you believe rest. If you have they normally do. Add fatigue, navigation, you should be feeling. expenses and unfamiliar surroundings, and If you are tired, rest. If you have had enough had enough small differences suddenly become very sightseeing, stop sightseeing. If everyone says sightseeing, stop a certain attraction is a “must-see” but sitting visible. One person believes arriving at the airport three hours early is sensible. The other beside the harbour with a coffee sounds better, sightseeing.” believes 55 minutes demonstrates confidence. choose the coffee. Travel does not necessarily create relationship Some of the best moments in travel problems. Sometimes it simply removes the familiar routines happen when very little is happening at all. A long lunch. that normally soften them. An unexpected conversation. A ferry crossing at sunset. A quiet morning when nobody is trying to get anywhere. So how do we make travel genuinely restorative? There can even be a small psychological dip after returning One answer is surprisingly simple: do less. Leave space in the day. home. The post-travel blues are real for some people. After Plan one meaningful activity instead of four. Sit longer over weeks of novelty and stimulation, ordinary life can feel lunch. Wander without a destination. Take an afternoon off. unusually flat for a few days. If you are travelling around British Columbia, perhaps that Travel can be wonderful for our mental health. It can bring means resisting the urge to see Tofino, Cathedral Grove, perspective, curiosity, connection and a welcome break from Cowichan Valley and Salt Spring Island in the same weekend. routine. Sometimes one beach, one trail and one good meal are enough. But the value of a trip is not measured by how much we Protect your sleep. Keep a few familiar routines. Go for managed to fit into it. Sometimes the healthiest thing we can a morning walk. Read. Exercise. Eat something green bring home from a vacation is the realization that we did not occasionally. need to see everything after all.

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FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

AGENDA

Chemainus Theatre Festival — Peril in the Alps Now Through October 25

A mystery-filled theatrical production in one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved theatre communities. chemainustheatrefestival.ca

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) October 1 to 11

VIFF brings international films, talks and special events to venues across Vancouver. viff.org

Now Through January 3

Authors from Canada and around the world gather for readings, conversations and literary events around Granville Island and online. writersfest.bc.ca

Bruno Mars — The Romantic Tour

BC Lions Oktoberfest Game

Bruno Mars brings his major stadium tour to BC Place in Vancouver for five nights. bcplace.com

The Lions host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for their final regular-season home game festivities. bclions.com

October 14, 16, 17, 20 & 21

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Royal BC Museum: Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life

39th Annual Vancouver Writers Fest | October 18 to 25

October 23

This immersive exhibition explores ancient Egyptian rituals, beliefs and artistry, taking visitors on a journey through death, rebirth and the afterlife. rbcm.ca

› Arts Club Theatre Presents: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors October 22 to November 15

October 14

Julian Lage performs music from his newest album Scenes from Above, with bassist Jorge Roeder, drummer Kenny Wollesen, and renowned keyboardist John Medeski at The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. chancentre.com 16

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Julian Lage Quartet

A fast-paced, comedic twist on Bram Stoker’s classic vampire story at the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver. artsclub.com

Vancouver Opera Presents: Tosca | October 24 to November 1 Puccini’s powerful opera of passion, betrayal and intrigue takes the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. vancouveropera.ca

Power To Be Have A Go Day: Halloween | October 31

Families can experience Power To Be’s outdoor programs at Prospect Lake in Victoria during this Halloween-themed community event. powertobe.ca

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Fan Appreciation Match November 1

The Whitecaps close their MLS regular-season home schedule against Seattle Sounders at BC Place. whitecapsfc.com

Chemainus Theatre Festival — The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley November 15 to December 23

A festive return to the world of Jane Austen, perfect for the holiday theatre season. chemainustheatrefestival.ca

MRG Live Presents: Rodrigo y Gabriela — Our Home Tour November 20

The acclaimed guitar duo brings its distinctive, high-energy acoustic sound to the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver. voguetheatre.com

Belfry Theatre Presents: Blind Date December 2 to 20

This unscripted comedy uses improvisation and audience interaction to make every performance unique. belfry.bc.ca

Pentatonix Christmas in the City Tour | November 7

The Grammy-winning a cappella group kicks off the holiday concert season at Rogers Arena. rogersarena.com

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Dance Victoria — Nutcracker

November 27 to 29

Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Victoria Symphony join forces for a spectacular holiday classic. rmts.bc.ca

Arts Club Theatre Company Presents: Elf: The Musical November 12 to December 27

The beloved holiday story of Buddy the Elf comes to the Stanley BFL Canada stage. artsclub.com

The Barra MacNeils — East Coast Christmas November 15

The celebrated Celtic group brings music and East Coast holiday spirit to the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. porttheatre.com

Gateway Theatre Presents: 42nd Street December 10 to January 2

This classic Broadway musical delivers tap dancing, glamour and plenty of show-stopping numbers. gatewaytheatre.com FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

FOOD + DRINK

If These Walls Could Talk The Living History of Six Mile Pub

BY STACIE GAETZ, IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

or more than 170 years, the iconic Six Mile Pub & Eatery in Victoria has stood as a welcoming haven of hearty meals and laughter-filled conversations. Long before paved roads and automobiles transformed the landscape, weary travellers, postal workers, and pioneer settlers sought shelter, sustenance, and warmth within its doors. Today, under the stewardship of Publican David Wong, this legendary establishment continues to honour its rich past while serving as the vibrant, beating heart of the community.

“If only the walls could talk!” says Wong. “With an old pub like ours, there will always be stories of rumrunning during the Prohibition era, hauntings, and, of course, rumours of it being used as a brothel.” The facility originally started as a roadhouse catering to travellers making the six-mile trek from the downtown main post office. Around the turn of the century, a fire broke out at Six Mile House. Following the fire, the present square, two-storey structure was built as an addition to the original building, finished with tongue-and-groove details and a balcony running A Journey Rooted in BC History along the second storey. Today, the facility stands as a wellTo truly explore the roots of this local watering maintained, Tudor-house style building, rebuilt hole, we must go all the way back 1848 when Bill in the early 1900s after the original structure “...this legendary burnt down in a fire. The interior is well appointParsons, a former London Bobby known simply as “Parson,” purchased a sawmill from John ed, featuring stained wood, rich wallpaper, and establishment Fenton. He built a bridge over Millstream, which interesting architectural details. continues would later provide vital access to the Sooke and Over time, ownership shifted through many to honour its Leech River areas during the 1863 gold rush. hands. One of the most colourful owners was Jim Parsons purchased 40 acres of land from the Price, who managed the house during Prohibition. rich past while Hudson’s Bay Company in 1855 and constructed Although officially closed to conform with the law, serving as the the Parsons Bridge Hotel. The rambling wooden the hotel remained a covert gathering space where hotel featured a perimetre veranda and officially locals met to discuss politics and enjoy a drink. vibrant, beating opened that year. Parsons purchased a “country Bootlegging became a popular sport, and Six Mile heart of the retail licence” in 1856 and established what House was the prime arena. community.” remains the oldest operating pub in British When Prohibition ended, the pub underwent a Columbia today. major renovation around 1924, complete with new interior finishes, exterior work, as well as a red carpet and large Rumours, Bootleggers, and Sailors bay windows added to the “ladies” side. Strict liquor laws of the As the decades unfolded, the hotel earned a colourful reputation. era forbade food in bars, made sitting while drinking mandatory, It served as a handy port of call for British sailors filling their and restricted offerings solely to beer. Because neighbouring ships’ water barrels at the mouth of Millstream. The tap room municipalities like Victoria remained “dry” until 1952, the lifrequently rang with the laughter and shouts of the Brits from the censed status allowed the Six Mile Pub to flourish. Price retired nearby Esquimalt naval base, which was established in 1864. in 1931, selling the pub to the founder of Silver Springs Brewery. 18

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Ready for tomorrow. Employee Benefits We collaborate to create sustainable plans that employees value. hubinternational.com Shane Hohlweg

During WWII beer rationing, waiters reigned supreme, buying beer at the bar and serving it to the highest-tipping tables before supply ran out. The pub traded hands five more times before 1950.

Fresh Hospitality and Culinary Integrity

In 2002, current ownership purchased the oft-traded property, restoring the grand establishment to her former glory. Today, Wong oversees operations as publican (a person who owns or manages a pub, tavern, or public house), maintaining a warm environment centered on relationship-building. “While we may be the oldest pub in BC, our products and hospitality are always fresh and bright!” says Wong. “A team of mature, well-trained, and knowledgeable professionals provides warm, genuine hospitality to every guest who walks through the door.” Every community needs a school, a hospital, a church, and a welcoming gathering place, and the Six Mile Pub & Eatery relishes its role as the heart of the community. While no longer a drop-off point for post office mail, Wong says it has evolved into the “living room and dining room” of the community, where families and friends gather to catch up and celebrate. Today, the pub’s reputation is firmly rooted in culinary excellence and pioneering sustainability. “We serve familiar foods but always with our unique twists.” says Wong. “While beverages (particularly alcoholic beverages) were the main source of income before, we pivoted to be more foodfocused about 20 years ago, removing microwaves and other shortcuts and relying on more artisanal ways of producing food for our guests, including making our own pastas.” The culinary team relies on a Riverside Organic Culinary Garden on the property to source fresh herbs and vegetables. Ingredients are procured as close to home as possible: proteins come from ethically raised, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free animals, while seafood is sourced from Ocean Wise suppliers. Steeped in intrigue and local lore, today’s Six Mile Pub seamlessly blends its historic charm with a focus on sustainability, hearty dishes, and a welcoming spirit. Learn more at sixmilepub.com.

Benefits Consultant (604) 714-4449 shane.hohlweg@hubinternational.com

Robert Taylor

Executive Vice President Group Retirement Services (604) 714-4410 robert.taylor@hubinternational.com

Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits Retirement & Private Wealth

CELEBRATING WHO YOU ARE. FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

FOOD + DRINK

Your Ultimate Autumn Cider Road Trip BY ERIKA PALMER, IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

A 1

s autumn settles over Vancouver Island, crisp coastal air and rich golden light set the scene for a different kind of road trip. Beyond the region’s well-trodden wine routes lies a booming craft cider scene rooted in heritage orchards, family farms, and centuries-old fruit varieties. From sea-breeze-kissed tasting rooms on the Saanich Peninsula to rustic farmsteads in the Comox Valley, a journey north along the island’s cider trail offers a flavourful, slow-paced invitation to taste autumn in a glass. Here are some standout stops, beginning in Greater Victoria and heading north, with a couple of worthwhile Gulf Island detours along the way.

minimally processed seasonal fruit is central to its approach, and the familyfriendly tasting room welcomes dogs too. With orchard seating, games, food and community events, Junction feels as much like a gathering place as a cidery. junctionvictoria.com

Located on a farm supporting blueberries and apples, the cidery embraces experimentation with flavour and fermentation. It is a great stop for drinkers interested in discovering something a little less conventional. ravensmooncraftcider.ca

THE COWICHAN VALLEY

6. Coastal Black Estate Winery & Cidery

GREATER VICTORIA & SAANICH PENINSULA

NANAIMO

1. Sea Cider Farm + Ciderhouse

This ciderhouse in Saanichton combines orchard scenery with a full cider experience. The farm-based cidery produces sparkling and non-alcoholic ciders and regularly hosts events alongside its food offerings. Its setting overlooking the orchard makes it an easy choice for lingering rather than simply grabbing a taste. seacider.ca

2. Junction Orchard & Cidery

This cidery sits on an eight-acre farm beside Prospect Lake in Victoria. Fresh, 20

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3. Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Cobble Hill’s most famous cidery and distillery is a destination in its own right. The family-owned, woman-led farm has been crafting cider for more than 30 years and has grown into a 20-acre destination with an orchard, cidery, distillery, farmhouse eatery, farm store and accommodation. merridale.ca

4. Big Bang Cider

This cidery offers something particularly distinctive: a farm-based cidery with one of the few 100 percent heritage cider apple orchards in BC. Its focus is traditional dry cider made from proper cider apples. bigbangcider.com

THE COMOX VALLEY & NORTH ISLAND 5. Raven’s Moon Estate Winery & Cider Worx

This Courtenay cidery brings a creative approach to Vancouver Island cider.

Black Creek is home to this awesome cidery, which is a four-generation family farm located near the base of Mt. Washington. Alongside fruit wines and mead, its “Second Page” line includes a huge range of handcrafted ciders. coastalblack.ca

THE GULF ISLANDS 7. Ciderworks

This Salt Spring Island cidery takes a distinctly orchard-driven approach. Its organic orchard contains more than 425 heritage and connoisseur apple varieties, and its ciders are made with minimal intervention and no added sugar. ciderworks.ca

8. Fossil Beach Farm

This wonderfully scenic location on Hornby Island pairs cider with panoramic waterfront views. The farm makes cider using apples from its heritage orchard and welcomes visitors to its tasting room and picnic area. fossilbeachfarm.com

* This map is not intended for navigation

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GENOMICS IS WORKING FOR BC FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

FINANCE

Boosting Curb Appeal Easy and Affordable Exterior Improvements

STACIE GAETZ, IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

hen preparing a home for the market, He adds, the exterior of the home doesn’t need to be first impressions can make or break a sale. elaborate or expensive—it just needs to feel intentional and Homeowners often wonder where to well maintained. focus their time and money to achieve “On the island especially, buyers notice outdoor presentation the best results. To find out how sellers because we live so much of our lives outside year-round.” can maximize their property’s exterior value, we Buyers on Vancouver Island are very aware of spoke with Danny Vales, licensed Realtor with the climate, particularly moisture exposure. “...the exterior Newport Realty, to get expert insights on highThey’re paying close attention to roofing, drainage, yield, budget-friendly upgrades. gutters, siding, windows, and signs of deferred of the home maintenance. doesn’t need to The Ultimate ROI: “Buyers become nervous when they see small Landscaping and Tidiness maintenance items piling up because they start be elaborate When it comes to the number one exterior wondering what larger issues may have been or expensive— “grooming” task that provides the highest return overlooked,” says Vales. on investment for a listing, Vales points directly “Often, it’s not the severity of the issue that it just needs to to a property’s overall presentation and impacts a deal—it’s the perception of neglect.” feel intentional cleanliness. and well “Without question, it’s improving overall Contemporary Hardware Swaps curb appeal through landscaping and exterior Small aesthetic details dictate whether a maintained.” tidiness,” says the Realtor of nearly 10 years. home feels modern or stuck in a past decade. “In Victoria, buyers are incredibly lifestyleVales highlights a few quick, affordable hardware driven, and they form an opinion within seconds of arriving updates that can completely transform a front entry and give at a property. A well-maintained lawn, fresh garden beds, it a contemporary edge. trimmed hedges, pressure-washed walkways, and a clean “Simple upgrades can dramatically modernize a home’s entry instantly signals that the home has been cared for.” exterior,” he says. 22

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“Replacing dated brass fixtures with matte black or soft contemporary finishes is one of the easiest wins. Modern house numbers, a clean-lined mailbox, updated door hardware, and warm exterior lighting can instantly change the feel of a home.” Vales says even something as simple as a new front door handle or sleek porch light can make a property feel more current and move-in ready.

Staging Outdoor Living Spaces

You do not need a massive budget or professional decorators to make decks and patios appeal to potential buyers. According to Vales, effective staging is all about helping buyers envision a highly desirable lifestyle. “You don’t need a designer furniture package to make an outdoor space feel inviting. A simple outdoor rug, a small seating arrangement, a few neutral cushions, and some potted plants go a long way,” he adds. Buyers are buying into the outdoor lifestyle as much as the home itself. The goal is to help them imagine morning coffees on the deck or entertaining friends on a summer evening. Even a modest patio can feel like an extension of the home when it’s thoughtfully arranged.

High-Impact Paint Projects

If a full exterior paint job is out of the question, targeted touch-ups can achieve a similarly fresh effect for a fraction of the cost. Vales notes that focusing on key focal points yields the most significant visual impact. “The front door is always the best place to start,” he says. “A freshly painted front door can completely refresh the first impression of a home. Beyond that, touching up trim, railings, garage doors, shutters, or fencing can make an exterior feel significantly cleaner and more maintained.” One of the biggest misconceptions sellers have is that exterior preparation needs to be expensive to be effective, adds Vales. “In reality, buyers respond most strongly to homes that feel clean, cared for, and easy to own. Especially in Victoria’s market, lifestyle and emotional connection matter. A welcoming exterior creates confidence before a buyer ever steps through the front door, and that emotional first impression can have an impact on both buyer interest and sale price.”

The Payoff

Vales adds that in today’s market, buyers have more choices than they’ve had in a long time, so a well-presented home gets more attention. However, he emphasizes that enhancing a home’s exterior appeal does not need to be a costly endeavour for sellers. “Victoria buyers tend to value authenticity. Homes do not need to feel overly staged or over-renovated. Thoughtful presentation combined with proper maintenance almost always outperforms flashy cosmetic upgrades.” FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

FINANCE

Rethinking Legacy

How Strategic Giving Transforms Wealth into Purpose

BY STACIE GAETZ, IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

egacy planning was once viewed as an end-of-life When integrated thoughtfully, strategic giving connects decision. A provision tucked into a will to be executfinancial success with personal purpose and legacy. ed decades down the road. However, giving during “It can give donors confidence that they are supporting your lifetime makes philanthropy causes they care about while preserving the more fulfilling by allowing you to resources they need for their own lives,” says witness the impact your money has on the Thorkelson. “Giving while causes you care about. A considered approach can reduce the after-tax you are alive Investment Counsellor Grahame Thorkelson cost of a gift. Thorkelson gives the example that of Burkett Asset Management Limited emphadonating eligible publicly traded securities that allows you sizes that donors do not need a foundation, a have appreciated in value directly to a charity to see the public profile, or a seven-figure gift to create a can receive more favourable tax treatment than difference meaningful legacy. selling those investments and donating the “Giving while you are alive allows you to resulting money. your support see the difference your support makes, develop “The charitable intention comes first; then the makes...” relationships with organizations you care about, right planning helps those dollars go further,” and involve your family,” he adds. he adds. “Turning your mind to charitable intentions earlier gives you more choices about timing, assets and family Donor Options involvement. You do not need to commit to a large gift immedi• Operating charity: One-time or recurring cash donations ately; you can give an amount that works for you and build from or transfer eligible investments directly to a charity. there if appropriate.” • Donor-advised fund: Give to a donor-advised fund through

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or a community where they built their business.” Thorkelson says he prompts clients by asking: “What has mattered most in your life, and what would you like others to have the opportunity to experience?” To evaluate impact without overburdening organizations, Thorkelson coaches donors to establish clear goals. “An annual update, a conversation with program staff or an appropriate site visit can make the connection between their giving and the “What has outcome more tangible,” says Thorkelson. Thorkelson notes that donor-advised funds mattered most “Accountability matters, but the reporting provide a practical middle ground. in your life, and should be proportionate to the gift. Some valuable “A donor-advised fund allows you to establish a named charitable fund within a public foundation,” what would you outcomes take years to emerge, and a meaningful relationship should leave room for that.” he adds. like others For readers looking to refine their giving “You donate and receive the applicable tax receipt, strategy, Thorkelson recommends asking a then recommend grants to charities over time.” to have the couple of important questions: Donors can involve their children in those opportunity to How much can I comfortably give, and which recommendations and, depending on the assets should I use? foundation’s rules, name successor advisors to experience?” Can I make charitable giving an explicit part continue that involvement. It creates a practical way to pass on family values alongside a tradof my financial plan? ition of giving. Thorkelson also advises asking charities When deciding where to direct support, Thorkelson suggests directly what would help most, whether through multi-year starting with personal connection. commitments or flexible funding. “That might be a hospital that cared for a family member, “The strongest giving plans bring together what matters to the an educational opportunity that changed someone’s life, donor and what the organization needs to do its work well.”

a public foundation. The foundation handles the investments and administration. • Private foundation: A private foundation gives donors greater control and flexibility over their charitable giving while also building a family legacy. Private foundations involve startup and ongoing costs, administrative responsibilities and less privacy, as much of their financial and granting information is a matter of public record.

FALL 2026 | IN-FLIGHT REVIEW

NEXT READS This edition’s book recommendations are courtesy of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. These books share the same orbit: pursuing your purpose. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce helps businesses do the same— follow their path, build connections, and create great things.

The Speed of Trust

The Happiness Equation

The Alchemist

In The Speed of Trust, Stephen Covey explains why trust is the foundation of all successful relationships and organizations and provides a framework for building and maintaining it. Covey explores the four elements that make up credibility and shows how to use them to diagnose trust issues. He discusses the balance between analytical thinking and a willingness to trust others, and he explains how to rebuild trust once it’s been broken.

The author Neil Pasricha spent years developing leaders and organizations before he realized that many people (including himself) weren’t happy despite their career successes. This book captures the nine secrets for happiness that he uncovered after researching and testing various models, approaches, and ideas for rejuvenating himself. It challenges you to change how you think about pretty much everything.

In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho introduces the concept of a Personal Legend— an innate purpose that beckons every individual to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Discover how to uncover your destiny by attuning to the world’s universal language manifested in signs and symbols. Coelho guides readers on a transformative journey, exploring how to decipher the voice of the cosmos, overcome self-doubt, and embrace life’s challenges as catalysts for enlightenment.

by Stephen M. R. Covey

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by Neil Pasricha

by Paulo Coehlo

a fall romance…

POWERING THE WORLD WITH LNG. FUELING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY AT HOME.

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