Explore the Possibilities at Amica Beechwood Village
Are you considering senior living in Sidney for yourself or a loved one?
This is the perfect time to discover Amica Beechwood Village.
We invite you to enjoy a chef-prepared lunch in our garden, followed by a tour of our premium suites and amenities. Our wonderful team will be happy to share details about our personalized care services, exceptional dining, enriching programs, and meaningful social opportunities—all designed to create endless possibilities.
Schedule your visit with Sandy or Claire at 250-655-0849.
We look forward to seeing you.
Sue Hodgson
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness so many of you have shown following the announcement that I’ve sold Seaside to my Editor-in-Chief, Allison. Your emails, conversations in the grocery store, hugs at community events and thoughtful messages have meant more than you know. Many of you have told me you’re sad to see the change, but equally happy knowing Seaside will remain locally owned and that Allison will continue the legacy we’ve built together over the past 15 years. I couldn’t ask for a better gift. One message, in particular, stayed with me. A reader thanked me for sharing my personal editorials over the years and ended with four simple words: "Make Love, Not War."
The more I thought about that phrase, the more I realized how relevant it feels today. We’re living in a time when it often seems easier to criticize than encourage, to judge rather than understand, and to focus on what divides us instead of what brings us together. Yet every day, I see something very different here in our community. I see neighbours helping neighbours, local businesses supporting one another, volunteers giving their time, and people choosing kindness simply because it’s the right thing to do. To me, Make Love, Not War is about the choices we make every day. It’s about leading with compassion, and remembering that every person we meet is carrying a story we may never know.
Thank you for reminding me why I’ve loved telling the stories of this community for so many years. While Allison has taken over as owner, you’ll still see me as Publisher of Seaside until the end of the year, and you’ll also find me continuing my community relations work at North Saanich Canadian Tire. So if you see me around town, please stop and say hello. I always enjoy the conversations, the stories and the connections that make this community so special. After all, love grows from one conversation to another.
Seaside Magazine is printed by Mitchell Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited; please contact us via the above means for approval. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the publisher and editor.
We acknowledge and thank the W̱SÁNEĆ people on whose traditional territory we live and work.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
JO BARNES
Pages 40 & 48
Whether it’s creating music or cultivating flowers, whatever is it that we do in life can keep us grounded, utilize our talents and enable us to contribute to the community.
In the process, though, it’s our connections with others that often brings the sweet rewards.
ANN NIGHTINGALE
Page 30
How can I count what I can’t name? The first step in conserving birds is figuring out who they are.
Is there an app for that? Why yes, there is! Whether you are a beginner, a near-expert, or somewhere in between, your bird sightings count!
KELLY FINERTY
Pages 10 & 80
Sometimes the best summer vacations are in our own hometown.
Victoria is a beautiful tourist destination, and seeing the city through a tourist’s eyes can revitalize the awe that brought us here.
We really do live in one of the most gorgeous places on Earth!
NATASHA JACKSON
Page 13
One thing I’ve learned is that stress rarely arrives with a warning sign. More often, it quietly settles into our routines until feeling overwhelmed seems normal.
This topic matters to me because awareness creates choice, and sometimes one small choice can change everything.
Contributors:
Jo Barnes, Angela M Cowan, June Murray Dagnall, Jamila Douhaibi, Samantha Fex, Kelly Finerty, Lisa Gee, Sherrin Griffin, Heidi Hackman, Jesse Holth, Richard Hope, Natasha Jackson, Janis Jean, Jackie LaPlante, Leah-Anne MacLeod, Pamela Martin, Amy Joy Mistal, Charlotte Murdoch, Ann Nightingale, Cynthia Philp, Joan Saunders, Marita Schauch, Shelley Tice
Deborah Rogers, Marketing Director, Cowichan District Hospital
SEASIDE LIVING
Tourist in Your Own Hometown … on a Budget!
It’s the thick of the Island summer, and perhaps planning outings for the family is feeling expensive.
WORDS KELLY FINERTY
PHOTOS FINERTY FAMILY
The kiddos seem squirrel-y, and with the cost of living these days, it’s uncomfortably typical to find nothing but stale popcorn in the couch cushions. Fortunately, we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, evidenced by Victoria as a cruise ship port-ofcall and the droves of tourists flocking to our piece of paradise to experience all we have.
As a 22-year local resident in a bit of investigative (albeit subjective) journalism, I took my family of four downtown one afternoon to experience some of the hottest tourist destinations, and kept track of spending. Could we have fun without shelling out a ton of cash?
FIRST STOP –
BEACON HILL PARK
Known to have public performances in the bandshell and winding paths with beautifully manicured gardens, climbing trees, putting greens, playground, ponds, ducks and peacocks roaming free, Beacon Hill Park is a perfect place to start an afternoon with a young family. The water park along Douglas Street was cooling off a gaggle of toddlers
as we walked along the chip trail toward Beacon Drive-In for ice cream and a bite to eat. The diner is accessible for wheels and walking, with ordering windows outside and inside for quaint convenience. Although furry friends must park themselves on the sidewalk, the patio is partially covered with nice shade to dine. We ordered burgers, drinks and their famous soft serve ice cream, spending a total of $50 for a family of four. Skip the burgers, and $20 should cover it.
The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm was our next stop; it's entry by donation. The suggested amount for us was $26, but give what you can. This spot is most popular for their goats, with stampedes each morning and evening at specified times. The kids enjoyed brushing the goats, with many folks sitting on the ground with a goat in their lap! Chickens, turkeys, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, guinea pigs, birds and doves are also there to view.
Parking: 3.5 hours free; lot inside the park off Douglas Street. Suggested Budget: $20 for family ice cream or Children’s Farm, or pack a picnic and enjoy the park for $0.
NEXT STOP –MILE ZERO
Leave your car at Beacon Hill Park and head to Mile Zero at the intersection of Douglas Street and Dallas Road. A popular spot for tourist photos with the iconic sign marking the start of the Trans Canada Highway, and what would have been Terry Fox’s destination in his cross-Canada Marathon of Hope. Carry on across the street and meander the path along Dallas Road with expansive ocean views.
Suggested Budget: $0
NEXT STOP –
OGDEN POINT BREAKWATER
This accessible walkway above the ocean is a beautiful, breezy stroll to the lighthouse. Just over 760 metres long, getting those steps in, along with the joggers who frequent the hotspot, is no problem. Beautiful Coast Salish artwork accents the concrete structure, small waves jump up each side, and brave fishing folks dot along the lower shelf for the catch of the day. Capture the moment with a beautiful photo from the walkway or the shore.
• Strategies,
• Individuals and
• Vancouver Island “Business
Book
Parking: 3.5 hours free on Dallas Road.
Suggested Budget: $0
FINAL STOP –FISHERMAN’S WHARF & INNER HARBOUR
Vibrant coloured homes, restaurants and businesses draw the eye to Fisherman’s Wharf in James Bay off Dallas Road. A great place to refuel, the floating wharf boasts many foods and sweet treats, among storefronts offering adventure tours in whale watching and kayaking. Stroll the wharf to see the float homes bobbing in the water, and watch float planes land and take off. Wishing to sail? Board a water taxi and see some of the stops in the harbour for an additional cost. You’ll also find a small playground and fish market across the street, along with Dino Labs for those who love fossils!
Suggested Budget: $20
Parking: 90 minutes free on Dallas Road.
Subjective investigative conclusion: we had a great time, even on a budget!
2370 Orchard Ave
Stephen Postings
Inez Louden Shirley Jones
Wendy Herrick
Patrick Achtzner
Mariann Abram Niels Baartman
Ross Casey
You know that feeling when you're lying in bed at 11 p.m., completely exhausted, but somehow you can't put your phone down because you absolutely need to finish the quiz: "If You Were a Chili Pepper, Which One Would You Be?"
Or when someone asks for help and you've already said yes before checking your calendar, even though it's full and you have no idea when you'll fit it in?
Yeah, me too.
What I've learned is that when everything starts to feel urgent, stress has often quietly taken the wheel.
In When the Body Says No, Gabor Maté identifies three universal causes of stress: uncertainty, lack of information and loss of control. When I first read that, something clicked. These three factors show up so consistently in daily life that we often stop noticing them. That's the challenge with chronic stress: it rarely arrives all at once. Instead, it settles into the background. We get used to feeling overwhelmed. We wear busyness like a badge of honour. We push through headaches, exhaustion, irritability and brain fog, promising ourselves we'll deal with it later.
Until later never comes.
THE THREE DRIVERS OF STRESS
Uncertainty is everywhere. Will I get enough sleep tonight? Will that strange noise from my car turn into an expensive repair? Is my child OK? Are my parents OK? Am I making the right decision? Our brains crave predictability, but life rarely provides it. Lack of information can be just as stressful. We're surrounded by information, yet often struggle to find the answers we actually need.
We end up trapped in endless Google searches, scrolling social media for advice, or consuming more content without gaining any real clarity. Then there's loss of control, which may be the biggest stressor of all.
It shows up when your to-do list feels impossible, everything seems like a priority, and saying yes feels easier than saying no. It appears when you're exhausted but can't follow through on the simple things you know would help.
Over time, these three factors can create a cycle: stress makes us feel less capable, and feeling less capable creates even more stress.
SIGNS IT'S TIME TO PAY ATTENTION
Stress often reveals itself through subtle changes. You might notice that:
• Everything feels urgent.
• Decision-making becomes overwhelming.
• You don't know where to start when you sit down to work.
• You keep replaying the same thoughts without making progress.
• You feel scattered, distracted or out of control.
If any of that sounds familiar, you're in good company.
SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Managing stress doesn't always require a complete life overhaul. Often, the most effective solutions are small, practical steps that address the root causes.
CREATE POCKETS OF CERTAINTY
You may not be able to control what's happening in the world, but you can build predictability into your day.
When Everything Feels Urgent
WORDS NATASHA JACKSON, CPHR, PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROFESSIONAL AND WORKPLACE HEALTH CONSULTANT
A consistent bedtime, meal prep, a regular lunch break or a simple morning routine can become an anchor when life feels chaotic.
BE MORE SELECTIVE ABOUT INFORMATION
Take intentional breaks from the news and social media. Identify a few trusted sources and stick with them. And remember sometimes the answer you're looking for isn't online, it's a conversation with someone you trust.
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
Start by identifying what's actually within your influence. You likely have more control than you think. Practise saying no to one thing this week, just one. Notice what changes when you choose where your time and energy go instead of letting everything else decide for you.
PAY ATTENTION EARLY
Real self-care isn't just bubble baths and weekends off; it's addressing the sources of stress before they take over.
If you've read my previous articles, you may remember the Mental Health Continuum, a useful tool for recognizing when stress is beginning to affect your wellbeing. Whether you're familiar with it or not, the principle is simple: pay attention early. You don't need to fix everything this week. Choose one area, uncertainty, lack of information, or loss of control and make one small change. Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for our health is notice what's happening, name it and take one small step toward regaining our footing.
Better days rarely arrive all at once. They start with one small choice.
A spectacular custom oceanfront residence where award-winning design meets exceptional West Coast waterfront living.
∙ Award-winning Villamar Construction
∙ 0.90-acre waterfront estate with private beach access
∙ 4 bedrooms + dedicated office
Designer Fisher & Paykel kitchen
Spa-inspired primary retreat
Soaring 10–15’ ceilings with wood accents
∙ Minutes to Sidney, marinas, YYJ & BC Ferries
Peninsula Voices
On Resilience
Laurie White is a former RCMP officer who was shot in the line of duty and had her leg amputated –we spoke about trauma, PTSD and resilience.
WORDS JESSE HOLTH
PHOTO JANIS JEAN
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I spent my career in the RCMP – in policing, you spend a lot of time dealing with heavy, unpredictable moments, often witnessing the absolute worst of humankind. Carrying that weight takes a toll, but it also taught me ways to survive it. As a retired police officer, author and public speaker, my core purpose hasn’t changed. I’ve simply transitioned from policing to a different kind of service: hoping to inspire others as they navigate their own challenges, while helping them learn how to stand back up when life knocks them sideways. What do you hope to achieve through public speaking?
They say public speaking is one of the most universal fears, but I’ve been willingly doing it since 2000! For me, public speaking is a constant challenge and offers an unparalleled opportunity for continued personal growth. It forces me to stay sharp, allows me the privilege of meeting new people, and encourages me to look at the world through different
perspectives. In so many ways, the process is therapeutic for me, too. I believe that story sharing is the most powerful form of human connection, and I’m deeply honoured when I am asked to share mine. Now I get to use my voice to help support my communities in a different way –sharing what I’ve learned through facing my own adversity so others feel less isolated in their own struggles. I love the connection it brings, but I’m also practical about it: when the requests stop coming, I’ll stop talking!
Why is it important to normalize conversations around trauma and adversity?
When we keep trauma and adversity in the dark, we allow them to fester. Normalizing these conversations isn’t just about sharing stories or traumabonding, it’s about changing the environment. If someone sustains a physical injury, there is no shame – we empathize and give them the equipment, support, time and space to heal. Psychological injuries should be treated no differently.
By speaking openly about the heavy things we carry, we drag the stigma into the light and dismantle it. It allows our neighbours, our colleagues, and our families to realize that going through a difficult “season” is a normal, relatable part of the human experience, not a permanent defect or character flaw. Managing trauma often means navigating specific triggers and hypervigilance. How can we build a toolkit to cope with PTSD?
Living with the aftermath of trauma means your brain’s threat detection system is essentially stuck in the “on” position. It’s a constant state of fight-or-flight: hypervigilance, scanning every room, or dealing with intense sensory triggers. For me, an example is a balloon – when I was shot, it sounded like a balloon had popped right beside my ear, so ever since then, I become tense when I see them. It’s an intense biological response.
Learning how to cope begins with deeply understanding your own blueprint. You don’t have to fit seamlessly into a loud world. That means being intentional about reducing unnecessary stressors and fiercely protecting your peace. You learn your triggers, you pack your toolkit, and you navigate the terrain on your own terms.
All trauma is trauma – you said it can be harmful to measure your experience against someone else's. Can you explain?
There is a trap we often fall into where we try to assign ourselves a place on a continuum of suffering. We’re constantly measuring who has it the worst, but that kind of comparison is entirely useless. Our brain’s threat detection system doesn’t look at a continuum or check a ranking system before it triggers a trauma response. It doesn’t care about a resume or a medical chart. When we minimize our own heartache because we think someone else’s is “worse,” we aren’t being noble – we are just delaying our own healing. Pain is not a competition, and there is no trophy for suffering the most. Our experience is valid and our injuries deserve treatment, regardless of where we tell ourselves we fit on someone else’s scale.
How can we take on challenges as they come? How can we learn to become resilient?
We need to deconstruct the myth that resilience is a rare, magical trait you’re either born with or you aren’t. Resilience is a muscle, plain and simple. In policing, 10-33 is the radio code for the ultimate crisis: Emergency – Officer Down. It’s the most serious code an officer can say or hear. It’s also the framework for my book, 10-33: An Officer Down Steps Back Up, and it represents that exact moment when the world closes in and chaos takes over.
Life inevitably throws a lot of “10-33 moments” at us – sudden, overwhelming crises that knock us flat. But the core of resilience isn’t just surviving the impact; it’s the willingness to step back up. You build that capacity just like you build physical strength: by handling the smaller weights first, progressing with intention, and realizing you didn’t break. When a massive challenge hits, you don’t try to solve the next six months. You handle the crisis by breaking it down into the next breath, the next 10 seconds, the next five minutes. You call for backup, you slowly find your footing, and you make deliberate, conscious choices to move forward.
Do you have any advice for people who may be struggling with change in their lives?
Change is inherently disorienting because it ruthlessly strips away your familiar landmarks and forces you into the unknown. When the ground shifts under your feet, my biggest piece of advice is to stop trying to navigate the new landscape entirely on your own. We aren’t meant to survive transitions in isolation. Networking isn’t just reserved for professional advancement – it’s about creating a human safety net. When you are going through a major life change, look at your immediate radius and control what you actually can. Focus on building meaningful relationships and anchoring yourself in the community around you. You don’t need to see the entire path ahead of you; sometimes, you just need to surround yourself with people who will help you find your footing ... and step back up.
Presented By: Helen Edwards
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
5:30 p.m. • Hotel Grand Pacific
Join us for an unforgettable evening of great food, live music, complimentary bar, and plenty of surprises!
Tickets on sale now.
Preserving Our Stories, Enriching Our Community
At the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation, we believe our community is stronger when we understand the stories that have shaped it. That is why we were proud to support the Sidney Museum and Archives as a 2026 grant recipient.
Our grant helped bring to life 13 new interpretive panels along Sidney’s waterfront, transforming a walk along the shoreline into a journey through the Peninsula’s rich history. Through engaging stories, historic images, and thoughtful interpretation, residents and visitors can now discover the people, places, industries, and natural environment that have shaped our community over generations.
A highlight of the project is the collaboration with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board. Three new panels share traditional W̱SÁNEĆ stories, while all 13 panels were reviewed to ensure SENĆOŦEN language, culture, and worldviews were respectfully and accurately represented.
As Sidney Museum Executive Director Michael Goodchild explains, the goal was to build on the original waterfront displays by sharing a broader range of stories that reflect the many cultural, economic, and natural influences that continue to shape the Peninsula today.
- Michael Goodchild, Executive Director, Sidney Museum & Archives
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. More than 90 people attended the official unveiling, celebrating a project that honours our shared past while creating new opportunities for learning and connection.
Through the generosity of our donors, SPCF is proud to support projects that preserve our local heritage, celebrate diverse voices, and help tell the stories that make the Saanich Peninsula such a remarkable place to call home.
growing a better community, one grant at a time.
As an endowment-based foundation, we invest donor contributions permanently and use the income they generate to support Saanich Peninsula charity and non-profits organizations.
Through our grants program, we fund initiatives that benefit peninsula residents — in health and social services, arts and culture, education, conservation, and recreation — all the things that help grow a better community for all of us.
“Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation has long-been a supporter of the Sidney Museum’s ongoing work, and we wish to express our most sincere thanks to the SPCF for their continued financial assistance.”
But what happens when there simply is no money? Where do people turn?
This is the question that Sidney resident Stephanie Munkley asked herself in 2012, before founding Balfour’s Friends Foundation (BFF), a grassroots charity based in Greater Victoria. Her mission was clear: to provide financial assistance to low-income pet owners facing critical veterinary expenses, and in doing so, keep beloved pets with the families who cherish them.
While working as a first responder, Munkley identified a significant gap in support for individuals struggling to afford essential pet care. As she describes it: “A lot of these people are so marginalized. It’s either surrender or euthanize
a lot of the time.” Determined to change that reality, she built an organization that now helps hundreds of pets and their owners each year.
What makes BFF particularly remarkable is how much it achieves with so little. Entirely volunteer-run, the foundation operates with limited resources but delivers a profound impact. Its support often arrives at moments of crisis, when a sudden illness or injury threatens not only a pet’s life, but also the emotional well-being of the person who depends on them. Fundraising presents unique challenges. Unlike many animal charities that spotlight adoptable pets, BFF’s work is quieter and deeply personal. The animals they help already have homes;
Balfour’s Friends Foundation Helping Pets Stay Where They Belong
Anyone who has owned and loved a pet has experienced that terrible moment when there is an unexpected vet bill, and many have had to struggle to find a way to pay for it.
their stories are often private, their owners frequently seniors on fixed incomes or individuals living with disabilities and whose pets are a lifeline.
As veterinary costs continue to rise, so does demand for BFF’s services. Today, the foundation provides up to $500 per pet for urgent care across the Capital Regional District. In 2025 alone, it assisted 147 pets and distributed over $69,000 in aid.
Despite its growth, BFF remains a small organization driven by a passionate team.
Pet lovers as well, they bring a deep understanding of how vital pets can be, especially for those facing isolation and hardship. As retired Saanich police officer and Vice President Scott Treble notes: “For some pet owners, their
pet is their only world.”
A cornerstone of BFF’s fundraising efforts is its annual calendars – Firefighters and Friends and Officers on Pawtrol – which feature local first responders alongside their pets and police dogs. Their continued popularity in an increasingly digital world speaks volumes about the community’s support for both BFF and its local heroes.
Though it may not command widespread attention, Balfour’s Friends Foundation has spent more than a decade quietly transforming lives. Its guiding belief is simple yet powerful: no one should be denied the love and companionship of a pet. For further information or to donate visit www.balfoursfriends.com.
WORDS LISA GEE
BALFOUR’S FRIENDS FOUNDATION PHOTOS COURTESY BFF
PHOTO JANIS JEAN
Peter Dolezal is a semi-retired Sidney resident. He offers INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES to individuals, couples and companies.
To date, he has assisted more than 400 clients across Canada, principally in Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.
No Financial Products to Sell Leads to Truly Independent Advice. Author of The Smart Canadian WealthBuilder (Third Edition)
Included in the curriculum of several Canadian Colleges. For personal financial consulting services, contact pdolezal@shaw.ca or visit www.dolezalconsultants.ca for Client Testimonials and more!
WITH Peter Dolezal
UNDERSTANDING EQUITY MARKET RISK
Most investors think of Stock Market investments as riskier than perceived “safe” Fixed Income holdings such as Savings accounts, GICs or Bonds. They are not always correct.
If Equity (Stock) investments are made for relatively short periods, perhaps two or three years, the risk of some capital loss is, indeed, real. However, if invested for the long term, the risk of capital loss is virtually zero. Over any decade since the 1950s, no North American Equity Index has lost value.
There is no question that Equity Markets are more VOLATILE than Fixed Income. Volatility, however, is NOT the same as RISK. In any given year, stock markets will experience shorter-term price corrections in reaction to current events – but only once or twice per decade will those corrections become BEAR MARKETS, with a decline of 20% or more from previous highs.
When BEAR MARKETS are triggered, they rarely last beyond a year before recovering their previous highs.
Should an investor react to market corrections and sell, triggering an actual loss, the Equity Markets are certainly riskier than Fixed Income. If instead, the investor rides out the downturn, continuing to collect dividends, any risk inherent in the Equity investment
diminishes and eventually disappears, in relatively short order.
Of course, this minimal risk in long-term Equity investments presupposes the existence of low-cost, dividend-paying, sector and geographically diversified holdings in many hundreds, if not thousands, of corporations. Each of these factors involves risks – all of which are fully controlled by the investor. Appropriately applied, they mitigate Equity Market risk, even over shorter time frames.
Based on the historical performance of Equity vs. Fixed Income Markets over each decade or more, it becomes clear that Equities deliver two to three times the average annual total return of Fixed Incomes. Therefore, it can be concluded that over the long term, Fixed Incomes actually represent a greater risk to total returns than do carefully selected Equities.
Given these facts, it is wise to limit Fixed Income holdings in individual Investment accounts to an amount that provides a sufficient safety net for the funding of all necessary draws, even during lengthier periods of declines in Equity Markets. With this strategy, the investor should never be forced to sell Equities during an extended “down” market.
The take-away? Volatility in Equities is not the same as Risk. Risk in Equity Markets is both a function of the investment time horizon, and the structure of one’s Portfolio.
STRENGTH FOR A BETTER LIFE
Behind the doors of Westcore Training Centre in Sidney, something remarkable is happening. It’s not another fitness fad or short-lived wellness trend. It’s a proven approach to helping people build strength, improve mobility and enjoy a better quality of life – one workout at a time.
Over the past year, more than 200 seniors between the ages of 60 and 90 have become stronger, steadier and more confident through regular strength training. They’re standing taller, moving with greater ease and enjoying the freedom that comes with feeling stronger every day. Since opening its Sidney location two years ago, Westcore has become a trusted destination for older adults who want to stay active, independent and healthy. “We like to say we’re saving Sidney one spine at a time,” says Mike, co-founder and CEO.
A Smarter Approach to Personal Training
Westcore’s signature semiprivate personal training model combines the personalized attention of one-on-one coaching with the affordability and motivation of a smallgroup setting.
Inside the bright, welcoming studio, every client trains in their own fully equipped pod. There’s no waiting for equipment, no crowded gym floor and no pressure to keep up with anyone else. Instead, members enjoy a focused environment where they can train with confidence. Each workout is guided by a certified coach and built around a personalized program tailored to individual goals, abilities and lifestyles. Coaches provide expert instruction, encouragement
and accountability, ensuring every session is safe, effective and rewarding.
The result is high-quality personal training that remains accessible without sacrificing individualized care. Equally important, Westcore has created a culture built on respect, support and genuine connection, helping members feel comfortable from their very first visit.
More Than Exercise
At the heart of Westcore’s philosophy is a simple belief: movement is one of the best investments we can make in our long-term health. Every program is designed with longevity and function in mind. For many seniors, success isn’t about lifting heavier weights – it’s about making everyday life easier. Carrying groceries, climbing stairs, walking the waterfront, getting up from the floor safely or spending an afternoon in the garden all become more manageable with greater strength and mobility.
The focus is on preserving independence, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining the physical confidence to continue doing the things people love.
Members regularly report improved posture, better balance, reduced joint pain, increased energy and greater confidence. While many join to improve their physical health, they often discover something equally valuable: a welcoming community, meaningful friendships and a renewed sense of purpose.
A Family Business with Heart
Founded 13 years ago by two friends with a shared passion for movement and helping others, Westcore has grown from a small startup into a thriving family-run business
with six locations across British Columbia, including Sidney, Victoria and Surrey.
The Sidney location has become one of the company’s standout success stories, earning a strong reputation within the community and delivering life-changing results for its members.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference this training can make,” say the founders. “We’ve had members tell us they’ve avoided surgery, improved their bone density, regained mobility, or simply feel like themselves again.”
As demand continues to grow, Westcore is preparing for its next chapter with the launch of a franchise program that will bring its proven training model to communities across Canada.
“Our goal has always been simple,” they say. “If we can help more people move better, live longer and age with strength and dignity, we know we’re making a difference.”
All Ages. All Fitness Levels. All Welcome.
Although Westcore has earned a strong reputation for helping older adults thrive, its programs
are designed for people of all ages and fitness levels.
From retirees and busy professionals to new parents and recovering athletes, every member receives a customized training program and expert coaching in a supportive environment that encourages steady, sustainable progress. It’s fitness built around individual needs – not onesize-fits-all workouts.
Experience Westcore for Yourself
Whether you’re new to strength training, returning after an injury or simply looking for a more personalized fitness experience, Westcore offers complimentary consultations and introductory sessions to help you determine if it’s the right fit.
There’s no pressure or intimidation – just experienced coaches, a welcoming community and a commitment to helping you move better, feel stronger and live with greater confidence. Discover what’s possible when fitness is built around strength, longevity and quality of life.
From the Kitchen
Perfectly PACKABLE
It’s not always easy organizing a picnic or figuring out a warm weather meal.
WORDS JOAN SAUNDERS
PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
I do enjoy a classic sandwich when I’m on the go, but if you’re looking for another option then this Thai Chicken Salad ticks off a lot of boxes. It has everything you need in one bowl: protein, veggies and tons of flavour that’s mixed in with the zingy peanut dressing. Add or subtract the veggies that you prefer, like florets of broccoli or chopped baby kale, and you’ve created a tasty summer option.
It’s the peanut dressing that gives this salad so much flavour. If you’d rather not have the sriracha, then definitely omit it. Some members of my family don’t like cilantro, so I usually exclude it from the mixture, then put out a little bowl of it so people can choose to sprinkle some on when they’re dishing up. If you would prefer a vegetarian meal, then leave the chicken out of the equation. It’s infinitely adaptable, and very portable for any picnic or barbecue.
And the cherry clafoutis? It sounds fancy but is so easy to make and, when you bake it in individual ramekins, you’ve got a fabulous way to transport and serve this special little dessert. If you’ve got a crowd coming or want some leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. If you’re at home, add a little whipped cream or some ice cream to complement this classic French treat.
If you’re worried about nut allergies, while both recipes include nuts they can definitely be omitted. Leaving the almond flavouring out of the cherry clafoutis won’t alter its consistency or its fresh cherry taste. And remember that it’s your choice whether you use tart or sweet cherries. Both are excellent options. So enjoy summer while it lasts with some glorious al fresco meals. Whether you’re at the beach, in the park or on the deck or patio, both of these recipes are simple, sensational and yes, perfectly packable.
THAI INSPIRED CHOPPED CHICKEN SALAD
Salad Ingredients
3 to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
3-4 cups chopped/shredded green cabbage
2 cups grated carrots
1 mango, chopped into chunks
1 red pepper, chopped into thin strips
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup sugar snap peas
(cut into pieces, as desired)
1/3 cup green onions, sliced, white and light green parts
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, sliced basil for garnish
½ cup peanuts, chopped lime wedges (serve alongside)
Dressing: put all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix well. Make sure the garlic and ginger are processed in thoroughly. Adjust the consistency with water.
Chicken Salad: put all of the chopped ingredients in a big bowl. I like to leave the basil and the peanuts out to garnish the salad with, but you can put it all in if you’d prefer.
Peanut Dressing
½ cup peanut butter
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup sesame oil
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp sriracha (can reduce the amount, or omit as desired)
2 tbsp sugar about a tbsp of fresh ginger, peeled
1 clove fresh garlic, peeled
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp honey water to thin to desired consistency
Toss the salad ingredients with a drizzle of peanut dressing. You want everything to be well coated. Garnish with the basil and chopped peanuts. Serve the extra dressing alongside so people can add more if they choose to. Put out the lime wedges so people can add a bit more zing if they want.
INDIVIDUAL CHERRY CLAFOUTIS (MAKES 4)
2 eggs
2/3 cup whole milk (3.25%)
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp melted butter
¼ tsp vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, yogurt, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and almond extract. Add melted butter and lemon zest. Stir until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap; let sit for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°. Butter four 6-ounce ramekins.
¼ tsp almond extract
1 tsp lemon zest
1 cup pitted and halved sweet or tart cherries (your preference)
icing sugar for dusting toasted sliced almonds for serving
Divide batter evenly between the ramekins. Put the pitted cherries on top of the batter.
Bake for 30-33 minutes until lightly golden brown and barely set in the middle. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving, then dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with the almonds. A little whipped cream or ice cream is also a welcome addition.
What is Meritage, and Why is B.C. Making Some of the Best?
When I first arrived in B.C. three years ago, I couldn't believe the variety of wines available locally. One type caught my eye that I had never heard of. Meritage wines (pronounced to rhyme with "heritage") are a New World category of wines made in the Bordeaux style, though under European Union regulations, they are not allowed to be called Bordeaux wines.
Meritage wines are blended from the same grapes as those in Bordeaux blends. These include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. They can also include Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. White Meritage also exists and is usually a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle de Bordelais. Crucially, for both red and white wines, no single grape variety can be more than 90%, a rule that sits at the very heart of what makes a wine a Meritage.
When I arrived in B.C., I originally thought Meritage was a local product, but in fact its origins are a bit farther south in Napa,
California. Back in the late 80s, a group of winemakers came together to form the Meritage Association (now known as the Meritage Alliance) to develop a classification to identify Bordeaux blends. Prior to this, the rules governing winemaking were quite strict and limited winemakers' ability to produce more interesting products. After the introduction of the Meritage classification, winemakers were free to blend whatever they liked, so long as they used the grapes listed above. What started as a small association has now grown to over 200 members, including right here in B.C., and I've been lucky enough to try a few of the B.C. members myself.
Some of the highlights from across the province include:
Mission Hill Family Estate, Reserve Red Meritage 2022
A Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend, roughly 44% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 36% Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Malbec rounding things out, sourced largely from Osoyoos and Black Sage Bench fruit. Expect dark fruit, bramble and dried herb character, with a touch of vanilla from time in French oak. The tannins are smooth and well integrated, giving a full-bodied wine with a long finish. It's approachable now, but has the structure to reward a few more years in the cellar.
Fort Berens Estate Winery, Reserve Meritage 2021
This one leans Merlot-dominant, roughly 42% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, all from estate-grown fruit in Lillooet's Dry Creek and Red Rock vineyards. Fruit-forward on the nose with plum, raspberry and cassis, plus vanilla notes from 15 months in French oak. The palate is smooth with a long finish and a pleasant dark chocolate note at the end. It's already drinking well, but has the
backbone to age for a few more years.
Quails' Gate, Meritage 2023
Heavily Merlotdriven, around 80%, with small additions of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec, fermented separately on the skins before spending time in French oak. The result is medium-bodied and inviting, with notes of red licorice, plum and vanilla up front, moving into silky tannins, cedar and cocoa powder on the palate, finishing long. It's already drinking beautifully and would pair well with richer dishes like osso buco or smoked ribs.
These three provide a nice spread across B.C.'s Meritage producers: one Okanagan estate-leaning Cabernet Sauvignon, one from the emerging Lillooet region, and one classic Kelowna houseleaning Merlot, showing how much stylistic range exists within a single category.
WORDS RICHARD HOPE
Where to Sip
1. BRENTWOOD BAY VILLAGE EMPOURIUM
The Peninsula’s favourite place to eat, drink and browse for unique retail offerings. Retro ice cream cones and shakes. Licensed. 12 - 7103 West Saanich Road, Brentwood Bay www.empourium.ca
2. SEA CIDER FARM & CIDERHOUSE
Sip award-winning ciders – including non-alcoholic options – on our patio with ocean and orchard views. Pair your flight with bites from our gluten-free menu. Family- and pet-friendly, open daily 11:30–5:30. 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd, Saanichton seacider.ca
3. BEACON BREWING
Pints, flights, snacks and family friendly! Small batch craft beer brewed with local ingredients, by locals. Your guiding light to great beer. 9829 Third Street, Sidney beaconbrewing.ca
4. VICTORIA CIDER CO.
Named People’s Choice Award Winner/BC Cider Festival 2023 & 2024. Visit our tasting room, picnic area and cider apple orchard. Flights, glass, bottle sales and picnic food available. 9635 West Saanich Road, North Saanich victoriaciderco.ca
Where to Eat
5. NORTH SAANICH FARM MARKET
Fresh produce, seafood, baking, wine, artisans, flowers and Live Music. Saturdays 9:30am - 12pm. 10990 W Saanich Rd, North Saanich northsaanichfarmmarket.ca
6. MICHELL’S FARM MARKET
Farm-fresh veggies, pasture raised beef, fresh and frozen berries, Harvest Rd farm-to-table grill and Michell Valley Plants! Market open daily seven days a week. 2451 Island View Road, Saanichton michellsfarm.com
7. STONEHOUSE RESTAURANT & PUB
Nestled in a private setting at Canoe Cove Marina, minutes from Swartz Bay. Join us on the patio this Summer for Good Food – Good People – Good Times! 2215 Canoe Cove Rd, North Saanich stonehousepub.ca
We
This summer, use our guide to have a Saanich Peninsula Adventure ... Every Day!
Where to Play
8. HERITAGE ACRES
Experience early farming life on the Saanich Peninsula. Children’s Day Aug. 8; Fall Fair Sept. 19 & 20. Open 9-4 daily. 7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton heritageacresbc.com
9. SIDNEY MUSEUM
Explore local settler and W̱SÁNEĆ history at the Sidney Museum! Come see our travelling exhibit “A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia” (May - Nov). Open every day from 10am - 4pm. 2423 Beacon Ave, lower level, Sidney sidneymuseum.ca
10. PACIFICA PADDLE SPORTS
Kayak, SUP and canoe rentals, tours, lessons & sales. Kayak Tour options: Sunset & Fireworks, Glow, 2 or 3 hour Gulf Islands, or Relaxing Brentwood Tour. 789 Saunders Lane, Brentwood Bay and Canoe Cove Marina pacificapaddle.com
11. SHAW CENTRE FOR THE SALISH SEA
Aquarium and Learning Centre. Discover Your Nature. 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney salishseacentre.org | @salishseacentre
12. PANORAMA RECREATION’S FREE PLAY IN THE PARK!
Join Panorama for a summer full of FREE fun and fitness on the Peninsula! Play in the Park – interactive play, games and a 50-foot inflatable obstacle course. Tuesdays: Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth St, Sidney; Thursdays: HEL,HILEC Park, 7130 West Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay. FREE Yoga in the Park, Wednesdays: 9565 Fifth St, Sidney panoramarecreation.ca
13. COUNTRY BEE HONEY FARM
Meet all the animals in the self-guided Farm Experience Tour, sample honey at the honey bar, and browse local goodies in the curated gift shop. 6440 W. Saanich Rd, Saanichton countrybeehoney.ca
14. ISLAND VIEW FARM & MINI GOLF
Something for everyone! Play the beautifully landscaped mini golf, find unique produce and flowers fresh off our regenerative farm, visit the goats and chickens, browse farm products and artisan goods, or just relax on the patio! 7081 Central Saanich Rd, Saanichton islandviewfarm.ca
Those colourful paintings, drawings and creative projects are more than paper and glue. They are memories, milestones and little glimpses into your child’s imagination. Honour these creations while keeping your home calm and functional. One of the easiest ways to do this is by turning artwork into keepsake books and memory boxes.
Start by going through your child’s artwork with intention. Decide which pieces truly capture their growth, creativity or special moments. Not every paper needs to be saved, but each piece you choose should have meaning.
A simple and highly effective method is to use a paper storage box with file folders. Assign a folder for each age or school year and label it clearly. Only save the “gold pieces” in each folder, the ones that really capture a milestone or memory. By the end of your child’s school year, you will have one organized bin of keepsakes that is manageable, meaningful and easy to enjoy.
For the artwork you want to keep permanently, consider creating a keepsake book. Take photos of larger projects or scan delicate pieces, then compile them into a printed photo book. This preserves every memory without taking up stacks of space and is
something you can enjoy flipping through for years to come.
For three-dimensional projects or pieces you want to keep in their original form, a memory box works beautifully. Choose a sturdy, labelled box for each child and store their favourite creations by year or age. You can even decorate the box with your child so it becomes part of the memory itself.
Another tip is to rotate displays. Set aside a small area for featured artwork that changes every few weeks. This lets your child feel proud of their creations while keeping surfaces clutter free. Once the rotation period is over, decide together which items go into the keepsake book, memory box, or can be photographed and recycled.
Finally, involve your child in the process. Letting them help choose what to save or display teaches them how to value their work and creates a sense of ownership over their space.
Turning kids’ artwork into organized keepsakes allows you to celebrate creativity without feeling overwhelmed by clutter. With a few intentional steps, you can preserve memories, honour your child’s artistic journey, and maintain a home that feels calm, functional and joyful.
www.amyjoymistal.com
Turning Kids’ Artwork Into Keepsake Books & Memory Boxes
Every parent knows the feeling. Your child comes home with yet another masterpiece from school or art class but the fridge is full, your drawers are overflowing, and yet, you cannot bring yourself to toss any of it.
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DOWNSIZING SEMINAR
Birds Count! PLEASE COUNT BIRDS
First, the good news: bald eagles, purple martins and trumpeter swans are successfully recovering from low population numbers in the 1900s.
OSPREY: OSPREY ARE AMONG THE SPECIES RECOVERING FROM THE USE OF DDT IN THE 1950S AND 1960S.
WORDS & PHOTOS ANN NIGHTINGALE ROCKY POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY
The bad news is that the majority of bird species are declining around the world. How do we know this, and how can you help?
Bird counting is a “thing.”
Professional bird counters are usually employed by wildlife management branches of governments, but much of the bird counting in North America is done by volunteers. Launched in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count is one of the biggest citizen science projects in the world. Each winter, in more than 2,500 locations, data is collected. Breeding Bird Surveys look at nesting bird numbers in the summer. Specialized counts
are often organized by Birds Canada (www.birdscanada. org) which has programs covering loons, owls, aerial insectivores, nightjars, backyard birds and more.
If you are looking for something a little less formal, there are several standalone apps that will let you contribute your observations directly. Your choice will be affected by your experience.
If you want to help count birds but can’t tell a robin from a chickadee, iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org) could be your best option. Using their website or phone app, you can snap a photo and submit it as
BARN SWALLOWS: AERIAL INSECTIVORES LIKE BARN SWALLOWS ARE IN SERIOUS DECLINE IN CANADA. THIS ONCE COMMON BIRD IS NOW ON CANADA’S SPECIES AT RISK LIST.
YOUNG AMERICAN ROBIN: EVEN BIRDS AS FAMILIAR AS AMERICAN ROBINS COUNT!
CEDAR WAXWING: CEDAR WAXWINGS ARE OFTEN FOUND IN FLOCKS FEEDING ON BERRIES.
a “bird species.” iNat’s crowd of experts will identify it for you. You may become snap happy, taking pictures of plants, insects and every living thing you come across. iNaturalist wants it all!
If you are interested in birdsong as well as being able to identify birds visually, Merlin might be the right app for you. Phone-based only, you can record songs, upload photos or enter a description of what you saw, and Merlin will present the most likely options for your location and date. It is then up to you to review the options and choose which ones match your subject birds. Merlin lets you save recordings and photos and will create a list of all the birds you have confirmed. It also has a handy “explore” feature that will help you learn more about birds in your area.
If you are on your way (or better) to being a full-fledged birder, eBird (www.ebird.org) is the major player in the bird identification/record keeping field. It requires you to have at least a general idea of what you are looking at (duck vs. gull vs. sparrow, for instance) and prefers you know the name of the birds you are listing. You don’t need to provide photos,
but if you do and misidentify something, an eBird tool will offer a new suggestion. Any out of range or rare bird reports will be flagged for verification by a local volunteer reviewer. If you don’t want to count birds, but still want to help, make your home and yard a safe haven for birds. Include native plants in your yard, add bird safety features to glass surfaces, and protect birds from predators. In the wild, hawks and owls will eat other birds. Fence your yard or bird garden to keep out ground predators like cats, dogs and even squirrels and raccoons. Provide an escape route from avian predators by having a brush pile or dense plantings near your feeders.
There are other bird documentation apps out there, including www.dbird.org where you can report a dead bird you have found. By posting your sightings, even the common ones, you are helping the scientific community keep track of what changes are occurring and where they are happening. More information on bird population trends can be found at https://tinyurl. com/55yu7h4z.
Recently, I’ve taken note of a new trend that has me rethinking those rules.
In advertisements and industry photos, planters and baskets are now often mono-botanic (a single type of plant). In the fashion industry, a rough styling comparison would be called colour-blocking, the goal of which is to avoid sharp contrasts to drive up impact. When an entire countryside is crammed into one pot, the result can feel messy and unbalanced; competing plants often get lost in the mix. A mono-botanic planter is bold and simple, catching your attention at a distance.
Here’s a comparison:
Traditional: The thriller/ filler/spiller guideline is a greenhouse mantra. The combination of something tall and dramatic, something full and rounded and something cascading over the edge is almost foolproof. But it can be tricky to find a combination that works well together. It’s also easy to
accidentally combine plants with competing environmental needs. Salvia appreciates dryer conditions; petunias like consistent moisture. Putting them together means someone isn’t happy.
Mono-botanic: Pick one plant that suits the conditions you offer. Placing geraniums in a sunny spot and coleus in a shaded area helps ensure each will thrive.
Traditional:
The Rule of Odd Numbers. The classic arrangement is one thriller (e.g. dracaena), three fillers (geraniums) and five spillers (ivy) in a standard 12-inch pot. For those who like to follow rules to the letter, this leads to mathematical quandaries when buying four-packs of annuals.
Planter TRENDS
Long ago, I learned that each planter must have a Thriller, a Filler and a Spiller, each preferably in odd numbers.
there’s no need to count. You just add however many you need to fill in the planter. If you have an extra, tuck it in; it won’t look out of place.
This new way of planting benefits smaller gardens in many other ways. A smaller pot has a bigger impression: any colour stands out if there’s more of it and not offset by something else. You can also grow larger specimens that don’t share space gracefully. Hydrangea and lavender easily grow on a balcony without looking squished if each has its own pot.
ensures each plant in your herb garden does well.
Note that colour blocking rules apply to the planters themselves: stick to one type for maximum impact.
Even though this is appearing as a new trend, the style is actually very old. A classic Italian garden will have a geranium in one container, a lemon in another and a basil in yet another. Rarely will you see assorted plants tucked in, competing for nutrients.
Mono-botanic: With all the same type of plant in a pot,
A gardener can still compose groupings by arranging the planters: one of mint (lots of water), one of rosemary (lots of sun) and one of basil (moderate water and sun)
To date, I have only been partially successful at transitioning my thinking. The temptation to “just tuck this in” with an orphaned plant is overwhelming. But where I have restrained myself, I am rewarded with something truly extraordinary. I’ve also found that I’ve purchased fewer annuals this year, and feel that my planters have higher impact.
Keep an eye out for monobotanic plantings this summer, and see what you think.
INCREDIBLE SALES THROUGHOUT SIDNEY
DOWNTOWN SIDNEY
SATURDAY
10 AM TO 4 PM
SIDNEY SIDEWALK SALE - WHAT TO EXPECT
The Sidney Sidewalk Sale is back, and if you love a great deal, this is the day to mark on your calendar. Join us on Saturday, August 15, from 10 am to 4 pm for Sidney’s biggest shopping event of the year.
Known as Sidney’s biggest shopping event of the year, the Sidewalk Sale transforms downtown into a vibrant open-air shopping experience, with local businesses bringing some of their best offers of the season right onto the sidewalks.
From fashion and home décor to gifts, specialty foods, books, and more, shoppers can expect incredible savings, exclusive promotions, and plenty of unexpected finds.
Grab your friends and spend the day exploring downtown Sidney while taking advantage of the unbeatable sales and lively summer atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy live music, enter giveaways, and discover why this annual event has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
This year, we're celebrating another incredible summer in Sidney with more prizes, giveaways, and surprises than ever before.
Be sure to follow @ExploreSidney and check back on social media as the event approaches for details on giveaways, participating businesses, and everything you need to know before Sidney’s biggest sale of the year.
Blundstone Boots for Every Step of Island Life
Rain or shine, Blundstone is a Vancouver Island favourite. Built for our coastal climate, these iconic boots deliver comfort, durability and timeless style.
Shop one of the area’s largest selections for women and men at Waterlily Shoes in Sidney. From waterfront walks to weekend adventures, Blundstones are the boots you’ll reach for every day.
Come find your perfect pair at Waterlily Shoes in Sidney.
Shoreline Medical Society Board of Directors
Shoreline Medical Society is seeking candidates to join its volunteer Board of Directors.
Shoreline is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing team-based, patient-centred primary health care to the Saanich Peninsula community.
The Board is looking for people who care deeply about access to health care and healthy communities. Ideal candidates will bring non-profit board experience, financial literacy, strong communication skills, and the time to contribute meaningfully to Shoreline’s continued success. There are two openings; for one of them, preference will be given to applicants with professional commercial property experience. Please direct questions to Stephen Long, Chair of the Governance Committee, at stephen.long@royalroads.ca
To apply, please send a brief cover letter and one-page resume to Naomi Thomas at nthomas@shorelinemedical.ca by August 31, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with Governance Committee members, and recommended candidates will be nominated for election at the Shoreline Medical Society Annual General Meeting in November 2026.
Purpose A Simple Word with Profound Implications
WORDS SHERRIN GRIFFIN, SIDNEY SENIORCARE
As we move into retirement and transition into our golden years, we may find ourselves feeling rudderless, wondering what to do next in life and how we will fill our time. Retirement, including entering "seniordom," is a massive change in our lives, and if we’re not careful, it can possibly lead to feelings of profound loss, lethargy and even depression.
The longest living peoples, including centenarians, and even those who survive crippling stage 4 cancer diagnoses or other dire illnesses all have something in common that is literally a game changer – PURPOSE.
A strong sense of purpose can be even more potent than the most promising lifesaving drug. Purpose can pull us out of mental health crises, lifealtering illnesses and profound boredom. It gives us the drive we need to persevere and even thrive during life’s greatest changes and challenges.
Unfortunately, our North American culture tends to be more sedentary in lifestyle, especially as we age. Modern technology and conveniences, along with easy access to virtually everything, can make us lazy, apathetic and complacent, affecting our physical bodies, mental health and initiative/drive. These factors take a toll over the years, along with the common view in our culture that seniors are not as valued or capable members of society as their younger counterparts.
Thus, our "golden years" become not necessarily so golden, and are often fraught with mobility issues, debilitating illness and/or a
general sense of futility.
We can learn a lot from other cultures whose strong sense of purpose carries them into their older years with grace, dignity and a joie de vivre that can be missing from our lives. Many European and Latin American elders work well into their senior years, whether that be herding goats in Sardinia (Researchers studying the "Blue Zones" were amazed at the nimbleness and incredible endurance of the herders, many of them well into their 80s and 90s!), making wine in France or running a familyowned bakery in Chile. Working later in life keeps them active, mobile and mentally engaged with their tasks.
Whether passion for a job, a hobby, their families, community, church or other, the engagement derived has immeasurable benefits on seniors’ overall health and well-being. For many older adults, finding this sense of fulfillment comes from many different opportunities and rewarding paths:
• Continuing to work, which not only helps financially, but offers engagement with coworkers, knowledge sharing, problem solving, mentorship opportunities, etc.
• Taking up a meaningful hobby that you never had time for before, like learning how to play pickleball, improving your golf game or writing a children’s book.
• Sharing in family responsibilities such as helping to care for older parents or young grandchildren, sharing wisdom, experience and family traditions with other family members.
• Educating yourself and/or
learning a new skill, i.e. taking a course that you’ve always been interested in, learning a new language, how to paint or how to play a musical instrument.
• Volunteering with an organization that has special meaning for you, whether that be a hospital or care centre, animal rescue agency, women’s/children’s shelter, etc.
• Creating a new daily routine that gives you purpose, better health and joy such as starting your day walking in nature, followed by coffee with a
• Finding your faith, whether that be organized religion, new-age spirituality or simply developing personal practices that give you deep peace and gratitude.
Studies show that a strong sense of purpose for seniors greatly protects against cognitive decline, lowers stress levels and promotes a longer, healthier life. Purpose doesn't have to equate to grandiose achievements – it can simply mean nurturing relationships, sharing stories, experience and wisdom and indulging yourself
Friends of Sidney Parks
Sidney is full of an array of beautiful parks but many of these parks have invasive species like English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, holly and Daphne that are taking over and making green spaces uninhabitable for native plants.
For the past decade, Friends of North Saanich Parks (FNSP) has been removing invasive species and doing restoration when needed in that region. A group of Sidney residents, some of whom had been volunteering with FNSP, decided to create a similar organization to work in Sidney Parks. This group just started in early 2026 and took a formal proposal for their society to Sidney council in March. It was approved, along with the council signing a oneyear agreement, and the group started on April 21.
Judy Thompson, President of Friends of Sidney Parks (FSP), says that North Saanich is less urban than Sidney, but
the latter has “different types of parks,” and beautiful green spaces that need to be looked after to ensure the parks are healthy for people to enjoy. The society, which is made up of five board members and additional volunteers, wanted to start small, and have so far worked at the beach accesses on Third Street and Surfside Place, the Ardwell Street access to Rathdown Park, and have now started working in the larger Reay Creek Park. Following initial removal, they will return to the same areas to remove regrowth.
It’s not only trees and plants that don’t thrive with invasives: Judy says that “soil improves” and parks become “more alive when invasive plants are removed.” Wildlife, birds and insects don’t flourish in these environments because introduced plants “take away diversity.” Invasive plants can also be toxic to pets and people, including poison hemlock and Daphne.
WORDS JAMILA DOUHAIBI
PHOTOS FRIENDS OF SIDNEY PARKS
REAY CREEK VOLUNTEERS WORKING
ARDWELL BEFORE
ARDWELL AFTER
Aside from the work itself, which Judy says can be a “meditative activity” and “satisfying because you can see what you’ve done,” work parties are also a time to socialize and connect with others out in nature. Work sessions generally last for three hours, breaking halfway through for snacks, but people can come for shorter periods. No experience necessary and “whatever people can contribute” is appreciated. Other ways to support local parks include not putting garden waste in parks and planting native seeds in home gardens. The town works with FSP by disposing of removed debris in an area especially devoted to invasive plants.
Standing dead branches can also be a fire hazard, so volunteers break the wood into smaller sticks and distribute them on the ground to help regenerate the soil. Judy says that “we have to shift our concept of what is nice looking.” While scattered wood and parks without holly might seem less attractive now, native species will soon fill in to add beautiful local diversity to these places.
With so many parks, trails and beach-side green spaces, the volunteers of Friends of Sidney Parks are proud to uncover and encourage native plant species through the hard work of removing invasives, one patch or pull at a time.
Volunteers are always needed. For more information, or to see the schedule, visit www.friendsofsidneyparks.ca.
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The Haven: The Musical Key is Collaboration
Taking their name from the building where they rehearse, local band The Haven has managed to successfully achieve a cohesiveness and connection that is remarkable given the short space of time together and their diverse backgrounds.
The dynamic group, consisting of Peter Bacsalmasi, Don Carscadden, Natalie Foley, Keith Bjorndahl and Matt Bullock, performs a blend of rock, pop and original music that audiences are thoroughly enjoying, and it all stems from a collaborative and respectful approach within the group.
Bassist Don shares: “I have a commercial space and the ‘haven’ is part of that name. The upstairs is mostly a hangout space and this morphed into a space for music. The band rehearses there. ‘Haven’ also means it is a safe and welcoming space. We all gel well and agree on song choices and arrangements. But the respect for others, the caring and the sense of humour really seals the deal.”
Adds Keith: “We all work very hard, very collaboratively, and we all have a creative voice in each and every song we bring into our repertoire.”
Peter, musical director, does video and music production for the band. He plays multiple instruments and has been performing music professionally for many years across various genres including rock, pop and jazz.
After retiring from law in 2021, Natalie decided to pursue music and started learning guitar as well as taking vocal coaching. She auditioned for the band and was enthusiastically welcomed. “As a little girl I loved performing and my grandfather was a concert pianist,” she relates. “I started singing seriously and joined the band in 2023.”
Don plays bass guitar and takes care of band bookings and other business minutiae for the group. He learned basic guitar as a child and recently returned to playing and developing his skills. “A few years ago, I got interested in picking up a guitar for a bit, remembered a few chords, and started playing folk songs with a circle of eight people once a week,” he says. “My background is engineering so the structure and mathematics of music appeals to me. But I also love the creativity of it all.”
Drummer/Back-up Vocalist Keith shares: “I grew up musically in a drum corps environment, as well as playing percussion in a symphonic environment.” As well as bringing his skills with drums and percussion, Keith has an IT background and takes care of the band website and technical issues.
WORDS JO BARNES
PHOTO SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Matt, guitarist and vocalist, has been playing guitar since his teens, holds a Master’s degree in Archaeology, and has been performing professionally since 2019. He comments enthusiastically: “Any day where I have the opportunity to perform is a good day.”
These musicians come from different walks of life, but together they create dynamic, energizing music. “We try to play what people want to hear. We try to tailor our set list to a particular event such as up-tempo songs for a dance,” relates Natalie. “We also love creating original music too. When it’s something you’ve created, it’s very emotional.”
20 original songs that took two years to create and represents a first in terms of songwriting and also recording.
It’s been a whirlwind of rehearsing, polishing songs and performing, all of which is bringing rewards. At the heart of it all though is mutual support and respect among band members.
The band’s music and performances have met with positive response. “We often get complimented for our harmonies,” comments Natalie. “People love the variety of our playlist and often say ‘You’re such a tight band.’ They think we have been playing together for a long time.”
Band recognition is building primarily through word-of-mouth. Performances have included The Seaside Music Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation fundraisers, local car shows, yacht club events, Deep Cove Folk Nights, and Brentwood Bay Village Empourium. In addition, they recently debuted Red and Blue, a double album of
Don relates: “I think our success is due to numerous factors. We rehearse diligently and take our craft seriously. These are just super nice people, and I couldn't be happier than when we all get together for rehearsal, or tear down, or set up, or sound check, or gigs, or just socially.”
“We want everyone in the band to express what they are good at,” shares Natalie. “There might be a drum solo by Keith, guitar solo by Peter or Matt, or vocal solo by myself. This way everyone gets an opportunity to shine.”
With summer in full swing and fall around the corner, The Haven is busier than ever performing for the local community such as North Saanich Farm Market, Peninsula Celebrations Society Summer Sounds, and the Mary Winspear 25th Anniversary. It all adds up to more opportunities for audience members to tap their toes, get out on the dance floor and be welcomed into the haven of great music.
www.thehavenmusic.com
$2,850,000
8877 Lochside Drive. Charming 3 bdrm bungalow perched between garden and sea on 0.56 acre of flat, gated, partially-fenced property. Panoramic ocean views. Secret path to the quiet beach! This oceanfront gem is close to Sidney yet dreamily private. Move-in-ready OR invest and build your luxury waterfront dream home! MLS 1033512
Life brings change, sometimes expected, sometimes not. Planning your financial future isn’t about having all the answers from the start; it’s about having the courage to begin.
We’re a women-led wealth advisory team dedicated to building your Life by Design Plan as unique and powerful as you are. rough empathy, experience, and honest conversations, we’ll help you design a path that supports the life you want to lead.
Viola Van de Ruyt CIM, FCSI, CPCA Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager 250-657-2220
viola.vanderuyt@nbc.ca
Marcus Van de Ruyt Associate 250-657-2222 marcus.vanderuyt@nbc.ca
HOW TO PLAY?
Find the image of the box hidden somewhere in this issue.
Visit www.seasidemagazine.ca/seasidebox or call 250.813.1745 by August 31st to let us know where you found it.
Congratulations to June’s Winner, Linda S.
THANKS TO JUNE’S COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Brentwood Bay Village Empourium
Burl & Blossom • Country Bee Honey Farm Ecotopia Naturals • McTavish Academy of Art muffet & louisa • Provenance Fine Things *one
SEASIDE LIVING
Charlotte Murdoch, Coach & Personal Trainer, Peninsula CrossFit
In haircare?
Anything Moroccanoil.
Healthy, shiny hair will always be in style. In your closet? Timeless basics from Aritzia and anything from Lululemon. When adding sparkle to your outfit?
Simple gold jewellery that elevates an outfit. When it comes to your go-to “uniform?”
Depending on which role I’m in – a tailored suit with heels, or comfortable Lululemon and trainers. On your feet? My new
When you want to smell irresistible? Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. It’s been my favourite for years and never fails to make me feel put together. In your makeup bag? Maybelline’s tinted moisturizer and New York Falsies mascara. On your skin? SPF every single day. It’s the one product I never skip. When you want to throw fashion out the window and be all about comfort?
An oversized hoodie, Lululemon leggings and cozy socks. In your bathroom cabinet? A bottle of Bondi Sands Liquid Gold for a natural-looking tan without spending hours in the sun.
In the kitchen? Eggs, bagels, fresh fruit, good coffee, creatine, electrolytes and plenty of protein-rich staples. On your bedside table? My phone and my Apple Watch charging, ready to track my steps, workouts and sleep. When you want a night out? The Surly Mermaid and 10 Acres. On your playlist? A mix of upbeat workout music, country favourites and chilled acoustic tracks. On your luxury wish list? A beautifully curated capsule wardrobe and a timeless watch I’ll still love decades from now. In home décor? Lots of houseplants that I’m doing my very best to keep alive. On your must-watch list? Documentaries, inspiring true stories and anything that encourages me to book my next trip. When you need more than a clutch? My leather tote that fits my laptop, gym gear and everything I need for a day that’s constantly on the move. When you don’t care how much it costs? Travel and experiences. The memories I make exploring new places with the people I love are always worth investing in. On your walls? Photographs of my family and friends. Living on a different continent from where I grew up makes those memories even more special.
PHOTOS JANIS JEAN
The Improvisers
September 11
Experience an evening of unscripted comedy when The Improvisers take the stage at the Charlie White Theatre on Friday, September 11.
This fast-paced show features three of Canada's top improvisational comedians, creating hilarious scenes, characters, and stories inspired entirely by audience suggestions. Every performance is unique, ensuring no two shows are ever the same.
The show stars three of Canada's top improvisers: Roman Danylo, creator of The Comic Strippers; Peter Oldring, cocreator of CBC Radio's This Is That; and Richard Side, creator of CBC's The Debaters. Together, they bring decades of comedy and improvisation experience to the stage, delivering clever, interactive entertainment that keeps audiences laughing from beginning to end.
The Improvisers promises a unique night of comedy where no two performances are ever the same. Recommended for audiences 18+.
Epidermis Circus
September 16
Get ready for one of the most delightfully bizarre and unforgettable performances of the season when Epidermis Circus comes to the Charlie White Theatre at the Mary Winspear Centre on Wednesday, September 16.
Created and performed by acclaimed puppeteer Ingrid Hansen, whose credits include Fraggle Rock and Sesame Workshop, Epidermis Circus is a wildly imaginative puppet cabaret unlike anything you've seen before. Using only her hands, everyday objects, cameras, mirrors, and clever illusions, Hansen creates an extraordinary cast of hilarious characters that come to life on a giant screen in real time. Every scene is packed with creativity, comedy, and unexpected surprises, making for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
This special presentation will also feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, helping make the performance more accessible and welcoming to members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Blending physical comedy, live filmmaking, and innovative puppetry, the 75-minute performance has captivated audiences across North America with its surreal humour, remarkable illusions, and inventive storytelling. Recommended for ages 14 and up due to mature humour and themes, Epidermis Circus offers a one-of-a-kind night of entertainment that is equal parts hilarious, imaginative, and wonderfully strange. Whether you're a fan of comedy, puppetry, or simply looking to experience something completely different, this is a performance you won't want to miss.
At Sidney Mattress – locally owned and operated for the last 7 years – we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service with a
Getting Unstuck
Using Sensory Details to Break Down Writer’s Block
It’s an afternoon in early summer and I’m standing at the front of the Brentwood Bay ferry, wind whipping my hair against my sunglasses while I watch a bee fly over the deck, impossibly far from shore. I haven’t written anything in weeks, caught up in travel and family visits and a to-do list long enough to wallpaper my house, and I’m feeling it: a low-lying frustration, a stuckness that clings like sap and gums up everything I try to write. The boat grumbles toward the dock as a ferry worker behind me cheerfully whistles a few bars of Drunken Sailor, and I suddenly notice how the sunlight reflects off the water and plays over the underside of the ramp. It’s the kind of rippling light that moves like it’s alive, illuminating the ragged streaks of rust, the salt-weathered ropes and the pigeons nestled in protected crevices. I hear the gulls skreeing as they wheel overhead, and I feel the heat from the deck bleeding through my shoes. It’s one of those rare and fleeting
WORDS ANGELA M COWAN
moments where each detail seems to gleam with vibrancy, like the air itself is alive, and my mind spreads wide like dandelion seeds on the wind. All those stresses from the past weeks fall away, and then my pen is scribbling madly as the ferry bumps in, searching out just the right words to capture this experience.
For more than 20 years, whenever I’ve faced yet another bout of writer’s block, I find my way back onto the page by way of the world. I might not know how to resolve a character’s emotional arc or how to fix a poem that refuses to work, but I can always write what’s in front of me. What I see, hear, smell and taste, teasing out those details that feel like anchor points. Often, simply writing down what is leads to being curious about what could be, and soon all those bricks that made up my block start crumbling away.
So if you've been feeling stuck, know that you're not alone, and there is a way through. The simplest method is to grab a pen and notebook and just start describing your
environment, but if you work well with a bit more structure, try one of the following exercises.
1. Choose a familiar location –a movie theatre, the beach, a used bookstore – the specifics don’t matter as long as you can clearly envision it. Now, imagine you’re standing there with your eyes closed. What sounds do you hear? Are there any distinctive scents? What kind of sensations travel through your body?
2. Pick a nearby object and describe it. Start with a neutral perspective at first. A plain white coffee mug, for example. Maybe the inside is stained with faint rings of brown, or the handle has a chip right where your littlest finger rests. Then, write it again imagining someone you love gave it to you, and again, from someone you hate.
3. Choose any colour and make a list of everything it makes you think of. Try to stretch beyond the visual and explore your other senses, and don’t be afraid to get abstract or personal. This
doesn’t need to make sense to anyone but you. Purple, for example, makes me think of dusty, thin-skinned grapes, my father’s worn fleece sweater, melting popsicles on a burning August sidewalk, the one-way smoothness of velvet.
Whichever prompt you choose, set a timer for 10 minutes and do your best to free write without editing yourself until the alarm goes off. These are low-pressure, low-stakes exercises. They don’t need to be linear, or make sense, or have tension. You might uncover an idea that sparks your imagination, or you might not – the important thing is getting that pen moving. And if these don’t resonate, you can also open a nearby book to a random page and use a word or phrase as a prompt, or you could pick a favourite line of poetry or song lyric to use as your first line.
Above all, don’t be afraid to follow your curiosity. And remember, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been, you can always get unstuck.
www.angelamcowan.com
Havenley Farm: Dahlia Delights
It has been said that Epsom salts in the bath can put you “in the pink.”
However, when Epsom salts are used with the dahlias at Havenley Farm, it not only puts them in the pink, it puts them into the purple, orange and burgundy too!
AUTUMN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY
Nicki Blakesley puts a lot of care and thought into growing dahlias, and her application of Epsom salts during their final growth stage is critical to their appearance.
“It is just me and my husband, and it’s hard work for 10 months of the year,” shares Nicki. “Every grower has their own ways. Mentors who have taught me have 30 years’ growing experience. We use Epsom salts during the later part of the growing process. There is magnesium in Epsom salts, and later in season is when flowers are deficient in magnesium. It really brings the colour out of the flower.”
In 2021, Nicki and her husband Connor purchased the sevenacre property tucked away off Burnside Road West, and since then, the dahlia operation has grown tenfold. Nicki relates
how a trial planting grew into a huge passion.
“I like the symmetry and hardiness of dahlias. They are tight and symmetrical and last well in vases. I read a few books about dahlia cultivation, and that was it, I was hooked. Initially, I grew 20 tubers. I now grow almost 2,000 dahlias.”
Havenley primarily focuses on sales of dahlia tubers which are the tuberous root part of the dahlia plant containing the food, water and nutrition for the dahlia plant to grow in the beginning of the season.
In addition, the farm offers custom bouquets, a delivery flower subscription and event floral orders through its online marketplace.
“I grow 130 varieties of dahlias, mainly formal, decorative and ball form. I love the dark and moody colours and all the pastels,
WORDS JO BARNES
PHOTOS
anything outside of primary colors,” relates Nicki. “Flowers are harvested late August to Thanksgiving and offered online through the growing season and weekends at our onsite roadside flower stand.”
Foundational to successfully growing dahlias is careful maintenance beginning with attention to soil quality. The property was a longtime horse pasture, so the soil needed remediation. “We needed to do a lot of work here. We took soil samples and sent them through Integrity
Sales to get a diagnostic report,” says Nicki. “The results showed a very low nitrogen content, so we did soil amendment.”
grow something that I find so rewarding.”
In addition to growing dahlias and helping others with their own flower gardens, Nicki is also an active member of the Victoria Dahlia Society. “I have been involved for the last four years. I’ve met amazing mentors who have taught me a lot. I want to be the best grower I can be,” she says. “I began attending meetings, building my knowledge and experience, and now serving as a show competitor and accredited judge at local competitions.”
Infrastructure also needed to be established. “Connor put in irrigation, drainage, fencing and building structures,” shares Nicki. “He built a wonderful cooler which is vital to moisture control and keeping the tubers dormant in the winter months. It also keeps harvested flowers fresh during the summer.”
The farm’s customer base has grown quickly and now includes clients as far east as New Brunswick and P.E.I. and as far north as Yukon. Key to this growth has been Nicki’s enthusiasm for dahlias which is reflected through her detailed educational website and customer care. There is a whole host of valuable online how-to information on growing dahlias including storage, planting, maintenance, harvesting and other useful tips.
“I think people invest in the person they are buying from. On my website, I share a variety of information,” shares Nicki. “I provide a product and want to encourage others to successfully grow their own gardens. I love it when someone wants to
Always up for a challenge, Nicki seeks out any opportunity to branch out in her knowledge of and experiences with dahlia flowers. Recently, she began to research and explore the peculiarities of hybridization.
“I’d like to create my own line of flowers, like a legacy of sorts, so I started to try my hand at growing dahlia from seed, both naturally and hand pollinated,” she relates. “They are harder to successfully grow and very challenging to show at competitions.”
Nicki’s dedication and effort is garnering public recognition.
“I was excited to win ‘Best in show on the Head Table’ for a triple bloom submission in my just second year of growing. A ‘triple’ means three uniform and identical blooms are submitted in a group, shown in a single vase. It was also the ‘open’ category, so judges score this specific entry heavily on perfection. I thought 'just go for it'.”
For Nicki, however, the lasting reward is the opportunity to grow these spectacular flowers and share her passion. All she needs is sun, soil, water, and maybe ... a few Epsom salts.
www.havenleyfarm.com
McTavish Academy Of Art resides in a former elementary school in North Saanich. The space has been transformed into a vibrant community art & recreation centre. A space where we host classes, workshops, events, birthdays, rentals & create art kits for all ages. Join us and explore your creativity.
Local Flavour: Feature of the Month
SMØR SCANDINAVIAN BAKERY
Last month, we celebrated our bakery’s second anniversary –that’s two whole years of cardamom knots, rye breads, waffles and love! We were immediately and enthusiastically embraced by our community, and we’re honoured to be one of Sidney’s most-loved cafés.
7 DAYS A WEEK
In spring 2025, we expanded our team, our menu and our opening hours. We are now open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We bake our products fresh every morning and we sell out throughout the day, so arrive early for the best selection!
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
We don’t just make pastries and coffee – we serve breakfast and lunch too! Discover our selection of fresh, healthy meals, housemade soup, the popular Breakfast Bunwich or the “Big Awesome Salad.” And don’t miss Waffle Wednesdays!
EXCEPTIONAL BREADS
We still bake our traditional Danish Rye and Seedy Multigrain breads, but we’ve recently added new breads like Sidney Sourdough, Caraway Deli Rye and Swedish Limpa. We are proud to supply The Farmer’s Daughter with traditional French baguettes baked fresh every morning. For a list of our daily breads, please visit www.smor.ca
GRATITUDE
Thank you, everyone, for your love and support over the past two years. It fills my heart seeing how many of my neighbours have made my little spot their little spot. I am honoured to be your baker!
A couple of years ago, I announced my retirement from the commercial photography business and a reduction in my work as a photographer for Seaside Magazine. That was the version I shared with the world and my clients. The real story, however, was only just beginning.
After a bad bout of COVID-19 that I never fully got over, I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). It’s an illness that affects my energy levels in ways I could never have expected, and it’s very hard to explain.
I was initially told by doctors that there was nothing wrong with me, but I knew something wasn’t right. I trusted my instincts because I knew my body. I was sleeping at least 16 hours a day, but never felt rested. Simple tasks became exhausting and if I pushed myself too hard, my body paid for it the next day with what is known as a “crash”. Sometimes I could barely get out of bed, forcing me to cancel plans. I now know this delayed worsening of symptoms, Post-Exertional Malaise, is a hallmark symptom of ME/CFS.
Regardless of how much I “rested,” the fatigue never let up, yet my body had to rest and sleep. I felt guilty and lazy, despite not having any control over my symptoms. Even picking up my camera, doing something I love, for more than a couple of hours would leave me feeling utterly exhausted. My legs would feel like lead and I’d be heading straight to bed when I finished. I’ve had to learn how to pace my activities, schedule rest and afternoon naps.
The word fatigue is often associated with feeling "tired," but for me, it’s so much more than that. Imagine running on a battery that never fully charges. Even on a good day it only reaches 50% . Once it’s empty, it’s no small feat to refill it, and I can’t function until that happens. Everything I do draws from that half-charged battery, which means rationing every bit of energy I have in my day-to-day life. This condition has completely changed how I plan my days.
If I’m out and about, I probably seem like my usual outgoing self. What you don’t see is the nap I have taken beforehand, or the recovery time I've
The Story I Didn't Tell Living with ME/CFS and Learning to Trust My Instincts
already planned for tomorrow so I can walk our dogs, spend time with family and friends or pick up my camera. It’s not that I’m unable to do the activities I love – when I’m there, I’m there 100%! But you don’t see everything that happens before and after to make those moments possible. Eventually, I found a specialist who diagnosed and now helps me manage ME/CFS with prescription medication and supplements. I distinctly remember that appointment with him. When I described my symptoms and the circumstances of when and how it started, he diagnosed me without hesitation. I honestly cried afterward.
Finally, someone believed me! No, it wasn’t “just hormones.” It wasn’t “all in my head.” It was a real medical condition, and suddenly everything made sense.
I’m sharing my story not to seek sympathy, but to let others who experience similar symptoms know they’re not alone. Sometimes, solutions take longer than expected, and not every doctor will have the answers. However, your voice and instincts are worth trusting. Don’t give up.
Keep asking questions. Keep advocating for yourself. Trust your gut, and don’t stop until someone helps you find the answers you deserve.
WORDS JANIS JEAN
LOVE YOUR LOCAL
HANSELL & HALKETT
Vintage Home Décor
Hansell & Halkett is where vintage charm meets artisan craftsmanship. We curate characterful home décor that tells a story– each piece thoughtfully selected for its quality, history and potential to be loved again.
Our collection celebrates the work of experienced artisans from around the globe, bringing you handmade treasures that honour traditional techniques and sustainable practices. From locally sourced artisanal works to found objects and restored furniture, every item in our shop reflects a commitment to craftsmanship over mass production.
As a proud Annie Sloan stockist, we offer the full range of Chalk Paint ® and finishing products that have made furniture transformation accessible and beautiful. Annie Sloan's eco-conscious philosophy aligns perfectly with our values– low VOC, minimal waste, and colours that breathe new life into well-made pieces.
We also host hands-on Annie Sloan paint workshops, where you'll learn techniques from waxing to layering, guided by practical instruction in a welcoming environment. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned maker, you'll leave with the confidence to create something truly your own.
You are investing in your community by supporting its unique businesses. Appreciate what makes our neighbourhoods different.
Our one-of-a-kind shops and services are an inherent part of the distinctive character of our Saanich Peninsula neighbourhoods; that is what brought us here and will keep us here. Stay local and stay connected to the merchants in your community.
Discover exceptional quality and value with our custom cabinets on the Saanich Peninsula!
As a full-service millwork and renovation company, we provide personalized design, manufacturing, and expert installation. We have expanded our in-house services and now manufacture solid surface countertops.
SEASIDE CABINETRY & DESIGN
Passionate About Design
Seaside Cabinetry & Design is a familyrun business owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tony Rechsteiner and Jessica Kwasnica.
Opened in 2015, their showroom is in downtown Sidney at 9715 First Street. They are authorized dealers of Merit Kitchens and Columbia Cabinets – two quality brands manufactured right here in B.C.
Jessica brings a passion for designing the unexpected in every space. Tony, with years of home building and renovation experience, excels at bringing creative vision to larger-scale spaces. Together, they offer a well-rounded approach to every project.
The team is also thrilled to have Carrie Mills on board. With 19 years of design experience, Carrie is dedicated to the craft and enjoys working closely with clients to bring their visions to life.
The Seaside team is committed to quality cabinetry, professional design services, seamless installations, and personalized support throughout the entire process. They value getting to know their clients –whether they're from Sidney or elsewhere on Vancouver Island.
Visit their showroom by appointment to start planning your next space. Maybe a new kitchen is in your future!
SEASIDE STORIES
New & Noteworthy
HOMEOWNERS MEET TRUSTED TRADES
News, Changes, Updates, Launches
Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy@ seasidemagazine.ca.
WORDS JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL
Jacks Victoria is a newly launched local home services marketplace connecting homeowners with skilled, insured tradespeople across the region. The platform was created to solve a common challenge in which homeowners were struggling to find reliable, available help for everyday household jobs, while local trades workers often look for flexible extra work outside of regular hours. Through the platform, homeowners can post a job they require to be done along with photos and descriptions. Verified independent contractors (known as “Jacks”) can then browse available jobs, submit offers and apply
directly. Homeowners choose the tradesperson that best fits their needs based on ratings, reviews and proposals.
All “Jacks” are required to carry insurance, operate as independent contractors and keep 100% of their earnings. The platform aims to streamline access to trusted home services while supporting local trades professionals.
www.jacksvictoria.ca
YOUR LOCAL COMPUTER
EXPERTS NOW IN SIDNEY!
Whether you need a new computer, a quality refurbished laptop, accessories or expert technical support, locally owned and operated Village
Computers in Sidney has you covered. Offering friendly, knowledgeable service for both home and business customers, this is your one-stop shop for all things tech. Located at #2 - 2353 Bevan Avenue, they are open Monday through Saturday. Stop by and experience personalized local service that keeps your technology running smoothly! 250-410-0739
FRESH PICKS, LOCAL PRODUCE
Sidney's newest stop for fresh, local produce is now open! Burke & Jones Local Produce has opened its doors at 2372 Beacon Avenue, offering a delicious selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms. From farmfresh favourites to Okanagan cherries, there is always
something fresh in season. Stop by, support local growers, and enjoy the best flavours our region has to offer.
SIDNEY PIER & PATH
There's something exciting on the horizon for downtown Sidney! Sidney Pier & Path recently opened its doors in the former Buddies Toys location on Beacon Avenue. Featuring a thoughtfully curated collection of coastal, outdoor and lifestyle gear, the new shop is a perfect addition to Sidney's vibrant waterfront community. Keep watching for further updates.
PICKLES FOR PATIENTS
Join Shoreline Medical Society September 18 to 20 at Centennial Park in Central Saanich for the Peninsula’s first-ever charity pickleball tournament! Open to players of all skill levels, this funfilled weekend will feature tournament play, community activities, food and fundraising in support of local healthcare. Proceeds help strengthen primary and hospital care across the Saanich Peninsula. Registration now open. Learn more and register at shorelinemedical.ca/news.
“THE SHOP” FINDS A NEW HOME ON BEACON AVENUE
Treasure hunters, take note! The Shop has moved to a new location in the heart of Sidney. Formerly located on First Street, the charming boutique is now welcoming customers at #107 - 2506 Beacon Avenue. Known for its thoughtfully selected collection of vintage, new, reused and revived treasures, The Shop continues to offer a unique shopping
experience filled with oneof-a-kind finds. Stop by the new Beacon Avenue location and discover what makes this local gem a favourite among residents and visitors alike.
CB 55+ HITS THE RIGHT NOTE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
The CB 55+ Association's first-ever Dance Party Fundraiser was a sold-out success, bringing the Cordova Bay community together for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and generosity. Guests enjoyed performances by the CB 55+ Music Collective and the high-energy Neon Waves Band, keeping the dance floor packed with classic favourites and 80s hits The event raised $951.20 for the Cordova Bay Elementary School PAC's Native Garden Project, with the PAC also raising an additional $160 through snack and drink sales. A generous donation of native plants will further help bring the students' exciting garden project to life this fall.
ARTSEA
ANNOUNCES
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ArtSea Community Arts Council has announced its 2026 Board of Directors, elected at the Annual General Meeting on May 20. The incoming board brings together experienced community leaders who will help guide and strengthen arts and culture initiatives across the Saanich Peninsula. Building on a successful 2025 that saw nearly 25,000 gallery visitors, over 2,000 attendees at the Salish Sea Lantern Festival, and support for dozens of local artists and cultural projects, ArtSea
is focused on expanding community engagement and ensuring long-term sustainability in 2026. For more information, visit www.artsea.ca.
GREATER VICTORIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HIGHLIGHTED
The Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame (GVSHoF) Board of Directors is showcasing the sporting accomplishments of two of its Honoured Members with strong ties to the Saanich Peninsula at the Hall's satellite display in the main entrance at North Saanich Canadian Tire – 10300 McDonald Park Road.
Reg Underwood ( https:// shorturl.at/Ky3zz ) was inducted into the GVSHoF
in 1996 and Brenda Shields Hennigar ( https://shorturl. at/iWbUJ ) was inducted in 2022. Visit the display to learn their stories and view select memorabilia reflecting their successes.
RCMP SHARES TIP TO HELP TRACE HARASSING CALLS
The Sidney/North Saanich RCMP is encouraging local businesses to use the *Call Trace (57) feature if they receive harassing, threatening or nuisance phone calls. After receiving an unwanted call, simply hang up and dial *57 immediately. Your phone service provider will record details of the call, which can assist law enforcement with investigations– even if the caller has blocked their number.
FLIPPING PANCAKES FOR A CAUSE!
Come out and enjoy a pancake breakfast at Sidney Elementary with Hughesman Morris Liversedge Chartered Professional Accountants.
All Funds Raised Will Go to Sidney Elementary School to Help Purchase School Supplies and Field Trips
We are once again working together with Sidney Elementary School to help meet the learning needs of their students, many of who need assistance to purchase school supplies and other learning aids. Last year with your help we raised $6,400!!
We are also holding a raffle to raise funds. Visit www.sidneyaccountants.ca to purchase tickets for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.
With that intention in mind, we headed to ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ / John Dean Provincial Park for a morning of forest bathing. Starting from the north entrance, we set out along the Slektain Trail, a circular route through the heart of the forest that provided the perfect setting to slow down, notice and fully immerse ourselves in nature.
Forest bathing, or shinrinyoku, is a Japanese practice that encourages people to connect with nature through all their senses. The circular route meandered through the forest, past ponds and a scenic lookout. It was a quiet morning, interrupted only by birdsong and the occasional rustle of animals moving through the shrubs. Aside from a handful of hikers and dog
walkers, we had much of the trail to ourselves.
Rather than focusing on pace or distance, we paid attention to what was happening around us. We listened to insects buzzing in the undergrowth and watched sunlight dance through the leaves overhead. Tiny wildflowers appeared along the trail edge. Soft moss invited a gentle touch, while the bark of nearby trees offered a rough contrast. The scent of dry earth and wood lingered in the warm air.
At one point, I picked up a small rock and carried it with me for much of the walk, eventually finding a place to set it down. The simple act encouraged me to be present and intentional, rather than focused on what was next.
Forest Bathing in
Dean Provincial Park
Sometimes the best walks aren't about getting anywhere in particular: they're about slowing down and paying attention to the journey itself.
As we continued along the trail, I noticed my breathing becoming deeper. The forest seemed to invite a slower pace, making it easier to observe the details that are often missed when we're focused on reaching a destination.
As we headed back to the
THINGS TO NOTE
trailhead, I was reminded that not every outdoor adventure needs a summit, destination or goal. Sometimes the purpose is simply to slow down, engage your senses and experience the journey itself. Forest bathing offered exactly that, and I left feeling calmer than when I arrived.
• The Slektain Trail can be accessed from the north entrance to ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ / John Dean Provincial Park.
• Allow about an hour to slowly explore the circular route through forest, ponds and viewpoints.
• Leave the headphones at home and take time to notice the sounds, scents, textures and sights around you.
• Before your visit, download or view the park trail map at: www.johndeanpark.com/map/
WORDS & PHOTOS SHELLEY TICE
Dr. Loren J. Braun
Staying in the Game
Why Movement Matters More as We Age
WORDS PAMELA MARTIN
BLUE JELLYFISH SUP ADVENTURES
THE FEELING YOU ALMOST TALK YOURSELF OUT OF
There is a particular feeling that anyone who has ever talked themselves out of a walk knows well: the couch is comfortable, the weather looks iffy and the motivation just is not there. And then, somehow, you go anyway. Twenty minutes later you are walking taller, breathing easier and wondering why you ever hesitated. That lift is not just in your head: it is dopamine, endorphins and a nervous system doing exactly what it was built to do. The trouble is convincing yourself of that before you go, not after.
At Peninsula Physiotherapy, this is the conversation the team has with patients every single day. Staying active is not just about looking fit or fitting into last year's jeans. As we age, movement becomes one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting bone density, supporting cardiovascular health, sharpening brain function, and maintaining the balance and agility that keep us independent and confident on our feet. Add in the social connection that comes from a weekly pickleball game or
a group fitness class, and the benefits stretch well beyond the physical.
PLENTY OF WAYS TO GET MOVING
The good news is that our region makes this easy. The 55 Plus Summer Games bring together older adults from across the community for friendly competition and camaraderie.
Pickleball courts are busier than ever, drawing people who never thought of themselves as athletes.
Swimming and aqua fit classes offer joint-friendly cardio that is gentle on the body but still gets the heart pumping.
Strength and balance classes and 55 Plus yoga programs build the foundation that supports everything else, from carrying groceries to catching yourself if you stumble.
But here is the part people often miss: knowing where to start, or how to modify an activity around an old injury or a new joint, makes all the difference between an activity that helps and one that hurts. This is where physiotherapy and osteopathy come in. A thorough assessment of mobility, strength and balance can identify small
issues before they become big ones, and from there, the team can recommend a home exercise program or point patients toward the sport or activity best suited to their body and goals.
CARE FOR EVERY AGE AND STAGE
Peninsula Physiotherapy treats active people of every age and stage, from weekend warriors to competitive athletes to those returning to activity after a hip or knee replacement. Injury prevention is at the heart of the practice, but so is helping people get back to doing what they love, safely and with confidence, after an injury or surgery. The team's fall prevention program is a particular strength, giving older adults concrete tools and strategies to reduce their risk and stay steady on their feet.
Just as important as the activity itself is what happens around it. Balancing exertion with proper rest and recovery is essential, and this is an area where acupuncture and massage therapy play a valuable role. These treatments help ease muscle tension, support the body's natural healing processes, and can be an important part of both preventing injuries and recovering from them. Recovery is not the opposite of progress; it is part of it.
A TEAM APPROACH TO GETTING BETTER
One of the advantages of working with a multidisciplinary team is that patients are not
limited to a single perspective. Physiotherapists, osteopaths, massage therapists and acupuncturists at Peninsula Physiotherapy collaborate closely, comparing notes and adjusting treatment plans together, which means a patient dealing with a stiff shoulder or a cranky knee benefits from more than one set of trained eyes. That collaboration often leads to better outcomes, faster progress, and a more complete picture of what is really going on.
Education is woven into every visit. The practitioners at Peninsula Physiotherapy take the time to explain what is actually happening with an injury, in clear, plain language, so patients truly understand their own bodies and feel like active, engaged participants in their recovery rather than passive recipients of treatment. That understanding builds real confidence, and confidence keeps people moving.
LET'S STAY HEALTHY
TOGETHER
Because, in the end, staying healthy is rarely a solo project. It takes good information, the right activity, a supportive community, and sometimes a professional in your corner to help you along the way. Whether that means lacing up for the 55 Plus Summer Games, trying pickleball for the first time, or booking an assessment to address a nagging ache before it becomes something more, the team at Peninsula Physiotherapy is ready to help. It truly takes a whole team. Let's stay healthy together.
"As independent audiologists, we work for you, not a hearing aid
• hearing tests • hearing aids • wax removal
• tinnitus
• auditory processing disorders
Saanichton
Healthy Life Healthy Life
If you’re a summer lover, the end of the season can feel like such a low, especially as we hunker down for another rainy and grey West Coast winter. No more fun in the sun, no more long days, backyard BBQs and camping trips. Heading back into the drudge of routine can really do a number on our mental health. So, let’s take a look at some small steps we can take for our mental health as summer closes to prepare us for a joyful fall.
Ease Back Into Routine. Rather than the sudden switch overnight into "backto-school/work" mode, gradually reintroduce regular wake times, more scheduled meals, exercise, and bedtime sleep hygiene routines over the last one to two weeks of summer. When you head back and the weather is still nice, incorporate some of your fun summer activities into your free time too so you aren’t just feeling cut and dry.
Get Outside Every Day. As daylight hours begin to shorten, prioritize natural light, especially in the morning. Even a 10- to 15-minute walk can help regulate your circadian rhythm, improve mood and support energy. If your mornings are too tight, try an after-dinner walk.
Prioritize Sleep. Late summer nights and vacations can throw off sleep schedules. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep and establish a calming evening routine before autumn arrives.
Nourish Your Brain. Continue eating plenty of colourful vegetables, seasonal fruits, healthy fats and protein with every meal. Stable blood sugar supports stable moods and sustained energy.
Get Your Vitamin D. As sunlight exposure decreases, consider a vitamin D supplement.
Most Canadians are deficient, especially in the winter!
Move Your Body
Consistently. Exercise doesn't have to be intense. Walking, yoga, strength training, cycling or dancing all help reduce stress hormones while boosting mood-supporting endorphins.
Protect Your Peace. Build small moments of calm into each day through deep breathing, meditation, journaling, prayer, stretching or simply spending time in nature.
Stay Social. As busy schedules return, it's easy to become isolated. Make time for meaningful conversations, coffee dates, family dinners or community activities to maintain that feeling of togetherness that summer is so great for.
Be Mindful of Calendar Creep Avoid filling every evening and weekend with commitments on top of your already busy schedule. Leave some space for rest and recovery to help prevent overwhelm as responsibilities increase.
Ask for Support Early. If you're noticing persistent anxiety, low mood, burnout, irritability or loss of motivation, don't wait until you're struggling more. Reach out to a trusted friend, counsellor or healthcare practitioner early. Our mental health deserves the same proactive care as physical health!
Try a New Hobby or Activity. Keep things exciting and engaging this fall by trying something new like a pottery class, learning a new language, or learning to play pickleball!
Remember, small, sustainable changes often have the biggest impact on long-term mental health. Every day doesn’t demand perfection, but you should have the presence of mind to take those small steps to invest in your well-being year-round.
One Day at a Time
Small Steps for Mental Health as Summer Ends
WORDS DR. MARITA SCHAUCH, ND TALL TREE INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTRE
SEASIDE LIVING
Well Read
Only 10 minutes from the Swartz Bay ferry
Still Waters
snippets of wine- or coffeefuelled conversations are documented; the clientele is described only with reference to their habits and behaviours while at the café. Yet Seethaler’s calm and insightful portrayal of daily life compels the reader.
There is a certain calm to be found in reading a book where nothing really happens. The lack of excitement in the plot allows the reader to spend more time appreciating the writer’s craft and understanding the characters. That the plot is not exciting does not mean the book is dull. On the contrary, these books spark interest in the reader by offering an authenticity in the story that appeals to the human desire for connection.
Even the events that, in another book, might have devastating consequences, turn out much like they would in real life. A patron’s epic drunken binge leaves him with simply regret and a sore head. The collapse of a bridge (a factual event) becomes but a topic of conversation at the café, and an accident that befalls the main character which may, in a different book, have been life-changing, is absorbed and accommodated. Human emotions are not overwrought: they are real and recognizable and honestly moving.
Austrian author Robert Seethaler’s engaging novel The Café With No Name is a quiet gem of a book where nothing extraordinary happens.
Robert Simon (pronounced Zeemon) suffered the privations of war but was too young to have served. In 1966 he is performing odd jobs in Vienna when he is inspired to rent a vacant café in his workingclass neighbourhood. With no experience in the restaurant business or customer service, he begins simply, serving one type of sandwich and limited beverages. As the business grows, he hires an equally inexperienced but hardworking country woman. Customers come and go;
The Vienna of the book is not sophisticated. The patrons of the café discuss everyday joys and woes. Simon’s few love interests don’t come to much, and his close relationship with his elderly landlady is sweet and everyday. Yet despite there being no extraordinary events to propel the story, Seethaler creates characters that are sympathetic. They are neither resoundingly good nor evil, but real, so the reader feels invested in them, as if they are friends and neighbours.
Quiet books can be a refreshing break from plotdriven novels. They make the reader appreciate how rich regular lives are, if we take a moment to study them.
1. A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
2. The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten
3. Intimacies by Katie Kitamura
WORDS JACKIE LAPLANTE
Feline “Cuddle Time” • K-9 Playschool course
All managerial staff “Certified Kennel Technicians”
•
250-652-2301 2918 Lamont Road, Saanichton puppylove.ca • email: info@puppylove.ca Just minutes from Victoria Airport & BC Ferries Terminal
Focus Hair Design Your Best Hair Day Starts Here
This is part of a rotating series of articles about some of our unique local shops and services.
At Focus Hair Design, taking care of the planet is as important as great hair. Proudly Green Circle Certified, the salon only uses vegan, cruelty-free and environmentally conscious products.
From precision cuts to colour transformations, meet the energetic team who create a warm, positive experience where clients leave smiling with a confident, fresh look.
CLARE, OWNER
I’m happy to call Sidney home since 1992. With the salon for 23 years, I became the owner in 2016. How fortunate I am to work in a salon that truly feels like my second home. Recently, several long-term clients told me they feel we are family. I feel the same, and what a wonderful feeling it is. Thank you to all of our clients for their continued support. It’s always a pleasure to welcome each and every one of you.
MARK, STYLIST
I want to sincerely thank all of my wonderful clients for your loyalty and support over the many years. I have learned so much from every single one of you, and it allowed me to grow as a stylist. I'm so grateful for all of you, and all of our amazing coworkers, from the bottom of my heart.
ALYSSA, STYLIST
Since 2017, I’ve been building my expertise in all aspects of
hair services. While I specialize in blonding transformations and vibrant funky colours, I also enjoy crafting beautiful cuts and customized colours for every client.
When not in the salon, I love spending time outdoors, at the beach, camping, or hiking trails. I also enjoy movie nights with my kitties, Doris and Otis. I’m taking new clients and look forward to helping you achieve your hair goals.
ANNABELLE, STYLIST
Born and bred in Sidney, my family has been here for three generations. I love where I live and what I do. I specialize in effortless, real-life hair that moves naturally and suits you and your lifestyle. When I'm not behind the chair, you'll find me hanging out with my cats, doing another craft and dreaming up my next great adventure with my partner.
TARYN, JUNIOR STYLIST
I just moved to Sidney from Kelowna. When I'm not in the salon working on my lovely clients, I'm out on the mountains, hiking or rock climbing with my partner. I have found a passion in learning all types of haircuts, styles and colours. I’m accepting new clients and would love to see you in my chair.
FOCUS HAIR DESIGN
From Classroom to Construction: Lily Finds Her Path
WORDS HEIDI HACKMAN, DISTRICT CAREER COORDINATORS, SD 63 PHOTO SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Lily Macintyre knows she is a kinesthetic learner, and thrives in courses where she can be active and work with her hands. The STAC (Skills, Training Apprenticeship Carpentry) program was the perfect place for her to develop her woodworking skills and explore whether a career in the industry was the right fit.
The STAC program allows students to work in industry two days a week as youth apprentices. By combining hands-on experience with theory and technical training, students gain real-world insight alongside industry expectations – one of the key reasons the program is so successful.
Being the only female student in the program hasn’t been a barrier for Lily. “I have found that those in the industry have been very supportive,” she explains. “I really value the connections I can build with others, because in construction you’re always working with someone who is either willing to teach or eager to learn. I also like seeing how my hard work pays off. If I build a deck, for example, I love seeing the joy of people using something I created.” She adds: “I am excited to be working with more women in the trades in the future.”
Lily is now working with All Points Construction, where she helps build boathouses and docks. “My wonderful employer, Mike, has taught
me a lot of skills on the job site,” she says. Her parents agree, saying: "She has made great connections in the industry and has learned a tremendous amount in her first year after completing the STAC program."
Before joining the STAC program, however, Lily’s journey was shaped by her woodworking teacher, Tim Lockhart. Tech Ed (shop) teachers play a pivotal role in guiding students toward careers in the trades, often serving as their first point of exposure. Whether it’s metalwork, automotive or carpentry, these teachers are often the first to recognize a student’s potential.
Lily was one such student. Tim saw her potential early on and strongly encouraged her to apply to the district’s STAC carpentry program in Grade 12. Having taught her in Woodwork 10 and 11, he recognized her strong work ethic and determined attitude, and knew she would thrive both in the program and in the industry. He was right. Lily has completed her Youth Work in Trades program this year and will be eligible to apply for the redesigned Youth Work in Trade Scholarship this September.
Readers may notice the shift in terminology from “award” to “scholarship.” While the eligibility criteria remain the same – completing four Youth Work in Trades courses and logging 900 hours – the
funding is now structured differently. Instead of receiving a $1,000 cheque, students apply for a $1,000 scholarship, which they have up to three years to use toward tuition for the next level of their education.
This change is intended to encourage students to continue their training in their chosen trade.
We are so proud of Lily and look forward to seeing where her carpentry career goes, who knows maybe she will become a woodshop teacher one day.
For more information on Saanich School District Career programs and the Youth Work in Trades program please contact Heidi Hackman at hhackman@saanichschools.ca.
A Home Where Family, Nature, and Timeless Design Come Together
Some homes impress with their size. Others captivate with their design. This remarkable custom-built modern farmhouse does both, while offering something far more meaningful, with a lifestyle rooted in peace, comfort and timeless beauty.
The remarkable transformation is the result of a successful partnership between Falcon Heights Contracting and the existing homeowners. Working closely together throughout the renovation, they combined expert craftsmanship with a clear shared vision to create a home that is as beautiful as it is welcoming. Together, they have created a private countryside retreat where timeless architecture, refined interiors and breathtaking natural surroundings come together to offer a lifestyle defined by comfort, serenity and enduring beauty.
The site set the tone for this custom home. From the first sketches, the Falcon Heights Contracting team kept returning to the valley views and how the family would live with them, morning to evening. Generous windows, covered patios and an easy transition out to the garden all work to root the house in its landscape.
Tucked away down a private road, the journey begins long before you step through the front door. As you wind your way through the peaceful grounds, the outside world gradually fades, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility. It is the kind of arrival that immediately slows your pace and invites you to simply breathe.
This two-level home blends classic farmhouse character with modern-day functionality. Surrounded by open fields and framed by meticulously designed gardens where the owners love to work daily, the property is a private sanctuary where every season brings new colours, textures and moments to enjoy.
The home's low-maintenance exterior is enhanced by striking timber frame accents, creating a welcoming presence that complements the natural surroundings. Built to the highest standards of
craftsmanship using quality materials, the home has been thoughtfully designed to blend timeless beauty with everyday comfort, with every detail carefully considered.
Every room reflects exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Custom millwork, carefully selected finishes and a soft, sophisticated colour palette create interiors that are both elegant and inviting. Throughout its 3,700 square feet, the home strikes a seamless balance between refined style and comfortable functionality, ensuring each space feels warm, welcoming, and effortlessly livable.
The well-thought-out layout ensures that beauty and purpose go hand in hand. Whether it's unwinding in the welcoming living spaces, watching the grandchildren enjoy the upstairs toy room or hosting family and friends,
each area has been designed to feel both comfortable and connected.
At the heart of the home is the stunning gourmet kitchen, a true gathering place where family and friends naturally come together. Expansive countertops, generous workspaces, quality cabinetry and timeless finishes make it equally suited for preparing meals or hosting memorable celebrations. The open-concept layout allows conversation to flow effortlessly from the kitchen to the dining and living areas, extending seamlessly to the outdoor dining space, creating an inviting atmosphere that is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living.
Ten-foot ceilings and large windows throughout the entire home frame the surrounding countryside like living artwork, filling the interior with natural
light while showcasing the spectacular landscape beyond.
Adding another layer of charm is a beautifully appointed, selfcontained guest suite. More than simply a place for visitors to stay, it has become a welcoming retreat where the homeowners have opened their doors to guests from all around the world.
Through the years, the suite has welcomed people from many different countries, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable conversations. Stories, cultures and experiences have been shared over morning coffee and evening sunsets, making the property not only a beautiful place to live but also a place where meaningful connections have flourished. It reflects the warm hospitality that defines this home where guests arrive as strangers and very often leave as friends.
The professionally landscaped gardens, the result of the homeowners’ dedication and hard work, are nothing short of spectacular. A carefully curated blend of mature trees, flowering shrubs, colourful perennials, ornamental grasses, and seasonal blooms creates a dynamic and immersive landscape filled with beauty throughout the seasons.
Winding pathways lead to thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces, each offering its own unique experience. Multiple patios and seating areas invite everything from morning coffees
to leisurely afternoon reading or evening dinners under the open sky.
Perhaps the greatest luxury is the view itself. Looking out across the valley, your eyes naturally travel over rolling countryside before reaching the distant slopes of the Malahat. It is a panorama that changes with every season and every hour of the day, offering an ever-changing backdrop that never loses its ability to inspire. When asked to name their favourite place in the home, the homeowners don't hesitate.
For the lady of the house, it's the garden which is a peaceful sanctuary where she happily spends hours each day tending to the flowers, enjoying the changing seasons, and soaking in the beauty that surrounds her.
For the gentleman of the house, it is the living room, where expansive windows frame the breathtaking views and create a sense of calm and tranquility that can be enjoyed year-round. Their favourite spaces reflect what makes their home so special. More than a beautifully designed residence, it is a place thoughtfully crafted for everyday living, meaningful moments and lasting memories. Designed with family at its heart, the home provides a welcoming gathering place where children and grandchildren can come together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and create cherished memories for years to come.
SAANICH PENINSULA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER
For Sale
on the Peninsula
We live in a little piece of paradise; here are some featured properties for sale on southern Vancouver Island to help you experience it to the fullest!
MID-CENTURY WATERFRONT RETREAT
$2,349,000
ROBYN WILDMAN
250.818.8522
TheWildmanGroup.com
SUMMERWOOD GARDEN OASIS
$749,000
SAMANTHA CHISHOLM
250.818.2006
TheWildmanGroup.com
618 Lands End Rd, North Saanich. Peaceful 1.05-acre retreat in coveted Lands End with 3 BR and 2 BA. This Easterninfluenced waterfront home offers panoramic water, Gulf Island and wildlife views. Renovated kitchen, newer windows, wraparound deck, Japanese-inspired landscaping, private stairs to the waterfront, studio and workshop.
MLS#1031067 SUN-DRENCHED
$1,349,000 + GST
SARAH VIDALIN*
778.676.6768
sarahvidalin@outlook.com
(*personal real estate corp)
101 - 1870 Doney Rd, Central Saanich. Embrace effortless living in this new 2,000+ sq ft duplex designed by Ryan Hoyt. Enjoy a mainlevel primary suite, gourmet kitchen, gas fireplace, and heat pump. Upstairs features two guest bedrooms and a rec room. Complete with sun-filled yards near shops and parks.
MLS# 1042323
PRIVATE ACREAGE RETREAT
$1,024,900
GRACE SHIN
250.893.9976
TheWildmanGroup.com
BREATHTAKING CORDOVA BAY LUXURY
$1,725,000
SARAH VIDALIN*
778.676.6768
sarahvidalin@outlook.com
(*personal real estate corp)
#1 - 1144 Verdier Ave, Central Saanich. Rare corner 55+ townhome in Brentwood Bay’s Summerwood Estates. Bright one-level layout offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, primary ensuite with walk-in tub, open living/dining with gas fireplace, heat pump, garage and storage. Near shops, parks, restaurants and Mill Bay ferry.
MLS#1042080
1139 Lipincott Rd, Langford. Tucked away on a quiet no-through road, 10 minutes from Langford, this upgraded 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home sits on 2.16 acres and offers warmth, character, functional updates, a greenhouse, detached cold storage, and a large workshop. Ideal for growing, creating, and enjoying a quieter lifestyle.
MLS#1036889
5330 Sayward Hill Cres, Saanich. Experience refined West Coast living in this expansive concrete/steel townhouse. Enjoy stunning Haro Strait and Mount Baker views, a chef's kitchen, custom fireplace, and an upgraded primary ensuite. Complete with front/ rear patios, a double garage, and a versatile lower level.
MLS# 1036864
CHARMING HOME BY THE PARK
4296 Cedar Hill Road
$1,245,000
NICOLE BURGESS
250.384.8124
nicole@nicoleburgess.com
CORDOVA BAY VIEW ACREAGE
$2,185,000
BRENT MCMAHON*
250.418.5391
Dinnie Smyth | McMahon | Real Estate Group (*personal real estate corp)
brentmcmahon@gmail.com
SUNSETS, SAILS & SEASIDE LIVING
$2,590,000
MARILYN BALL
250.818.6489
victoriawaterfronts.com
Nestled in lush gardens at the foot of Mt Doug/Pkols a few minutes from the beach, this 2Bdr (possible 3Bdrs), 2Bth 1944 home on a 12,542sf lot, is one-level living with the charm of Fir floors, coffered ceiling & glass door knobs. A heat pump, vinyl windows, built-in vacuum & sprinkler system make this home a perfect choice! MLS# 1041194
Rare 1.27-acre private estate in sought-after Cordova Ridge with ocean views, Mt. Baker vistas and endless potential to renovate or build. Custom home with in-law suite, detached cottage, workshop, tennis/sport court and exceptional privacy, just a short walk to the beach, parks and Broadmead. MLS#1041801
7090 Brentwood Drive, Brentwood Bay. An Exceptional near Oceanfront Executive residence in sought-after Brentwood Bay, this beautifully updated home offers a rare blend of refined finishings, captivating views and coveted West Coast lifestyle!
MLS# 1038826
PRISTINE PRIVACY ON 2 ACRES WITH SUNSET VIEWS
$1,429,900
MARIANN ABRAM*
250.884.6796
mariann@mariannabram.com
(*personal real estate corp)
1BR & 1BA SIDNEY COASTAL RETREAT
$409,900
MARIANN ABRAM*
250.884.6796
mariann@mariannabram.com
(*personal real estate corp)
JAMES BAY HERITAGEDESIGNATED RESIDENCE
$1,800,000
MARIANN ABRAM*
250.884.6796
mariann@mariannabram.com
(*personal real estate corp)
754 Walfred Rd. Rare estate with sweeping mountain and lake views. Updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath mid-century rancher offers vaulted ceilings, open living, brand-new kitchen and ensuite, serene primary suite, plus a sun-filled family room ideal for a studio or future suite, gazebo, gardens, workshop, and office or gym space.
MLS#1043679
Carefree walkable lifestyle within steps to Tulista Park, beach access and oceanfront walkway to Sidney. Bright open-concept living/dining with eclosed partial ocean view balcony. Updated kitchen and bathroom, hardwood through main living areas. Workshop, parking, storage, lock-and-go with 10 minutes to Airport and BC Ferries. MLS#1037991
Historic character meets refined modern luxury. Meticulously maintained and extensively restored. Grand entertaining spaces, chef’s kitchen, thre including a luxurious primary suite, detached garage/studio/ workshop, and wraparound porches overlook fully fenced, irrigated grounds. Walk Score 99, near Victoria’s Inner Harbour, where timeless elegance endures. MLS#1041074
SPACIOUS IN SIDNEY
$949,000
KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH*
250.213.6017
Dinnie Smyth |
McMahon | Real Estate Group
(*personal real estate corp)
karendinnie-smyth.com
PERCHED ATOP CORDOVA RIDGE
$1,198,000
INGRID JARISZ*
250.385.2033
(*personal real
THE PINNACLE OF LUXURY LIVING
$1,398,000
INGRID JARISZ*
250.385.2033
(*personal
Tucked away down its own private corridor, this bright 3-bedroom corner suite offers rare privacy, spacious open-concept living and abundant natural light. Featuring a generous island kitchen, 2 bathrooms, in-suite laundry, underground parking and same-floor storage, all just steps from Sidney's waterfront, shops, restaurants and everyday amenities. MLS# 1039152
This 8,728sf building lot presents an unparalleled opportunity to create your own piece of paradise. Marvel at the panoramic views of Mt Baker, the San Juans, and the glistening ocean from a lofty elevation of approx. 300ft above sea level. Survey, archaeological & Geotech done & no GST!
MLS# 1033485
This exceptional penthouse residence! with over 1,700 square feet of exquisitely designed space, features 2-bdrms, 2 bthrms, and is a masterpiece crafted by Jawl Dev. Featuring an abundance of natural light and southwest views from two expansive balconies and an open floor plan perfect for hosting gatherings. Underground parking and a great location.
MLS# 1038786
GREAT WALKABILITY
$439,000
KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH*
250.213.6017
Dinnie Smyth | McMahon | Real Estate Group
(*personal real estate corp)
karendinnie-smyth.com
WELCOME TO DREAMCATCHER
$975,000
INGRID JARISZ*
250.385.2033
(*personal real estate corp)
SIDNEY
PENTHOUSE AT VELA!
$1,575,000
INGRID JARISZ*
250.385.2033
(*personal real estate corp)
Enjoy easy Sidney living in this spacious 3rd-floor corner suite offering over 750 sq. ft. of updated comfort. Featuring a refreshed kitchen and bathroom, fireplace, enclosed west-facing balcony, full-size in-suite laundry and rare heated storage, all just steps from the waterfront, shops, cafés and restaurants.
MLS# 1033819
West Coast lifestyle, natural beauty & sheer artistic luxury awaits! Ruxton Island offers remote privacy, waterfront living & only a short boat ride from Nanaimo. Enjoy all conveniences of living off-grid in this uniquely designed home. Easy access to your foreshore 48ft welded aluminum ramp & 20ft dock.
MLS#1005198
Impeccably appointed and near-new, this stunning SouthEast facing 2 bed / 2 bath corner home spans 1,493sf of luxurious living space. The open concept is accentuated by a gas fireplace, multiple skylights, and soaring 10.5-foot ceilings. An expansive wrap-around balcony of 252sf outdoor living space making alfresco dining made easy.
MLS# 1043009
RISE ONELEVEL TOWNHOUSE!
$1,625,000
Rare opportunity to own a stunning Jawl Dev. 2003 Arts & Crafts townhome nestled in the exclusive Hill Rise community of Cordova Bay. This exquisite end unit, offers a tranquil escape with private south gardens, a spacious double garage, and a large patio and serene green space backdrop. A truly remarkable real estate jewel. MLS# 1041128
Privately nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in prestigious Towner Park, this 3 bed/3bath West Coast home delivers nearly 3,000 SF of single-level living on a private ¾-acre lot bathed in natural light and featuring a gourmet kitchen, elegant dining and luxurious primary suite. Bonus suite above the detached garage. MLS# 1034603 THE WAVE AT SAYWARD HILL!
$1,550,000
INGRID JARISZ*
250.385.2033 (*personal
Exceptionally bright, meticulously maintained quality built condo with concrete/steel construction, 1,894sf, 2BD/2BA+Media, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows capturing brilliant sunrises, and premium panoramic unobstructed vistas - the best views and sun from the WEST CORNER! 2 U/G stalls w/ EV Charger, & storage make this a great opportunity in one of Victoria's finest communities. MLS# 1040941
EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
Whether you are new to the area, going through a life transition, or unhappy with your current situation, you will find that Deborah takes a unique approach when working with her clients.
Whether you are new to the area, going through a life transition, or unhappy with your current situation, you will find that Deborah takes a unique approach when working with her clients.
Deborah’s 25 years of experience in the investment industry has resulted in her having a greater understanding of an investor’s needs and their tolerance to volatility, which allows her the ability to effectively guide investors through the ups and downs of today’s markets.
Her 25 years of experience in the investment industry is her guide when working with investors. Deborah realizes that building a strong client relationship is rooted in trust and transparency. The foundation for a strong relationship is ensuring compatibility and effective communication. Investors want to know that their financial advisor is committed to their success and willing to take the time to listen to what is important to help them determine their goals.
She has successfully guided investors through many market cycles by ensuring that her clients are invested in a balance of suitable products. Determining the appropriate blend of investments that focus on preserving capital, generating income, or providing growth is key to finding a client’s comfort level.
It may surprise many to learn that investing is often not about achieving the ‘highest rate of return’, but rather having confidence that their financial advisor understands their goals and will prepare an investment plan to achieve those goals. What one investor considers important, another may not, therefore, goals, plans, and solutions are as unique as the individual, so too should be the portfolio!
Jerry & Marge Go Large
The Gift of Connection & Community
by David Frankel (Devil Wears Prada).
Comedy Drama –Based on a True Story. Feature Film (2022) - Netflix 1h 36m; PG-13
The greatest threat to long-term investing is selling growthoriented investments during turbulent markets. History has proven that selling an investment with the expectation of purchasing it later (market timing) is not a successful investment strategy. An experienced financial advisor will ensure that the investor does not sabotage their long-term goals, and this starts with having a thorough understanding of the investor, such as past experiences, current investment knowledge, family situation, health concerns, and financial goals, both short and long-term.
Experience matters when it comes to guiding investors through turbulent markets.
Although setting goals, determining the appropriate asset allocation, implementing a strategy, building a portfolio, and monitoring investments are essential to successful investing, the most important factor is the amount of time that the professional spends with the investor. The more investment knowledge and understanding of the markets that an investor has, the greater the chances are for success. When investors are prepared for volatility and understand the emotional roller coaster that can be experienced during market corrections, the less chance they have of making decisions based on emotion rather than discipline and logic.
Preparing an investor for volatility helps the investor ride out the emotional roller coaster that one can experience during a market correction. Effective communication with the investor is essential to ensure that investment decisions are based on logic rather than emotion.
A financial advisor who has experience guiding investors through these market corrections is an invaluable asset to achieving one’s financial goals.
A financial advisor who has experience guiding investors through these market corrections is an invaluable asset to achieving one’s financial goals.
Picture this: you’ve been working for over 40 years in the production line at Kellogg’s cereal factory as its top efficiency expert. You understand relationships to numbers exponentially better than relationships to people, and your job is eliminated, forcing you into earlier retirement.
The film has a warm country feel, with writing leaning into differentiating the generations through a comedy lens. The film is an easy watch, with a handful of moments that pull at the heartstrings.
Even though I am a few decades away from retirement, I found myself relating to Jerry in his struggle to understand the people around him. The character is kind and has a big heart locked away behind strict rules and structure with little room for nuance or variables (read: emotions), so it is uplifting to see Jerry use his genius to connect with an entire town and the people he loves most.
Don’t take chances with your financial success because experience truly does matter!
Don’t take chances with your financial success because experience truly does matter!
Deborah
Reid
fma, fcsi®
Now you have to find a way to fill the days living in a small, economically destitute town in rural Michigan – this is the new reality for Jerry Selbee (Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad), a genius math wiz and buttoned-up rigid husband. His wife, Marge Selbee (Annette Bening, Nyad), a quick-witted loving baddie, also struggles to reconnect with her bored husband in this new daily routine ... that is, until the day Jerry picks up the “Winfall” State Lottery pamphlet. The odds of winning look off, and based on Jerry’s calculations, he discovers a flaw in the formula to win. He tests his theory with the family savings – all in. So begins the adventure of Jerry and Marge playing the lottery in a big way, with quirky townsfolk investors and a nefarious Harvard genius to sweeten the "plot."
Jerry & Marge Go Large is more than an easy watch on a rainy summer day. I’d go as far as to say it’s a valuable lesson in the connections we can foster when we’re authentically bold and share our natural gifts. In the end, I think we all find where we belong in this unpredictable world when we are brave enough to be ourselves, and learn to open our hearts that much more to ultimately unlock quite a rich life indeed. So, which actor is going to play you in your true story?
Raymond James Ltd., Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
www.raymondjames.ca/deborahreid
Based on a true story and a 2018 article by Jason Fagone in the HuffPost, the film’s screenplay was written by Brad Copeland (Arrested Development) and directed
If you liked Jerry & Marge Go Large, you may also like: Ladies First (2026) – Netflix Office Romance (2026) –Netflix
Ordinary Angels (2024) –Netflix
In Her Shoes (2005) –Netflix and Disney+
WORDS KELLY FINERTY
t 7 a m , the Saanich Fairgrounds is just a ifeld Dew clings to the grass, the morning air still carries the nig ht s cool, and the only sound is a crow working the fence line Stand here long enoug h with a coffee, and you'd never guess that in two hours this peaceful stretch of grass will become one of the busiest places on the Peninsula
T H E N T
G
A lfatbed stacked with freshly picked zucchini A hatchback overlfowing with buckets of dahlias A cargo van that smells like warm bread before the doors even open. Vendors greet one another as canopies unfold in a familiar rhythm Tent poles clang, radios crackle to life, and neig hbours stop what they re doing to help lift a table or straig hten a banner
It s the part most visitors never see the hour when the market quietly builds itself from nothing
Every Saturday, neighbours don t just buy local they gather local
BY 8 : 3
Fresh coffee mingles with the sweetness of sun warmed strawberries Somewhere a guitar is being tuned A vendor's dog patrols the stalls before the shoppers arrive
Almost instantly, the ifeld comes alive Families with strollers, neig hbours catching up over coffee, children racing toward the craft tables, and loyal customers heading straig ht to their favourite vendors Some come for corn still warm from the ifeld Others for crusty sourdoug h, fresh lfowers, artisan jewelry, meat, or the simple pleasure of wandering throug h a market where nearly every face is familiar
Music drifts across the grounds while conversations ifll the spaces between tents A toddler dances without caring about the beat Someone joins the lineup for Captain Pete's fresh catch Throug hout the morning, hundreds of small exchanges produce, lfowers, baked goods, stories, smiles remind us that a farmers market is about far more than shopping It's about community
Saturday from June till Thanksgiving weekend this quiet ifeld becomes a village
BY
Canopies fold away, trucks pull out one by one, and the grass returns to being just grass again. Only a few tire tracks and the occasional stray kernel of corn hint that, for a few short hours, this quiet ifeld became a thriving little town.
The Art of Classic Cars by Orion
Until August 8, 2026
The annual Torquemasters Auto Extravanza takes place during the B.C. Day long weekend on Sunday August 2 and features classic cars of all makes and models.
Coinciding with this great event is an art show of paintings depicting vintage vehicles by local artist Orion. View this classic artwork at Alexander’s Coffee at 2385 Beacon Avenue from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
For your viewing pleasure, you will see paintings of Chevys, Fords, a custom 1927 engine, an antique 1908 Harley-Davidson, and other treasures to be discovered.
Admiration for historic vehicles inspires Orion to depict them with love and a fine attention to detail in respect to the same love the car owners put into their beloved rides.
She was a proud owner of 1965 and 1966 Chevy Panel trucks for 35 years. Every dollar she earns from her artwork goes toward purchasing another funky truck to transport her paintings around in style. You may commission Orion to paint a portrait of your classic car, truck, motorcycle or boat. She would be honoured to preserve the memory of your cherished vehicle, for you to enjoy throughout the years. Your painting will become a family heirloom. Contact Orion by text at 250-5083923, or email nightskyartist@ gmail.com. Send her a great photo of your beautiful vehicle so she can create a painting you will always enjoy having in your home, office or garage.
Drop by Alexander’s Coffee and enjoy a coffee and a treat, while being surrounded by the cool classic car paintings rendered for you with love, by Orion.
Seaside Guide: What to See & Where to Be
AUGUST 2026
Illuminating the Peninsula: ArtSea Community Arts Council
Salish Sea Lantern Festival
AUGUST 22ND 6:30–9:30PM BEACON PARK 9801 SEAPORT PLACE, SIDNEY
If you’ve ever watched glowing lanterns drift through Sidney at dusk, you’ve experienced the magic of the Salish Sea Lantern Festival, presented by ArtSea Community Arts Council.
From August 16 to 22, the Week of Lanterns invites residents and visitors to help the Saanich Peninsula shine with creativity. Throughout the week, lantern kits, workshops, and online tutorials make it easy for families, artists, and first-time makers to participate and contribute to the glow.
On August 22, Beacon Park becomes a gathering place for the community at the Salish Sea Lantern Festival, featuring live performances, illuminated creations and characters, and activities for all ages, followed by a magical lantern procession along the waterfront celebrating light, community, and the Salish Sea.
More information, tutorials, and resources are available at www.artsea.ca/salish-sea-lantern-festival
WORDS LEAH-ANNE MACLEOD
PHOTO JOHN STEPHEN
THURSDAYS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 10TH 5:30-8:30PM
Sidney Street Market
BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY
A vibrant outdoor market with over 100 vendors featuring local artisans, bakers and fresh produce. Admission is free. thesidneystreetmarket@gmail.com
More than 60 vendors offer fresh, local food, artisan goods, baked treats, flowers and so much more! Live music every Saturday. Free admission. www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca
SATURDAYS UNTIL OCTOBER 10TH 9:30AM-12PM
North Saanich Farm Market
ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH 10990 WEST SAANICH ROAD, NORTH SAANICH
A beloved community market. Shop farm-fresh produce and local crafts with live music every week. Admission is free. www.northsaanichfarmmarket.ca
THROUGHOUT AUGUST 10AM-4PM DAILY Art
Exhibits
ARTSEA GALLERY 9565 FIFTH STREET, SIDNEY
July 31 – August 6: "Living the Moment"
August 7 - 13: "Storm and Still ... journeys in caregiving"
August 14 - 20: "Acknowledging Uncertainty"
August 21 - 27: "Imagination Journey"
August 28 - September 3: "Donna Dubock" 250-656-7400; www.artsea.ca
SUNDAYS IN AUGUST 2-4PM
Peninsula Celebrations Society: Summer Sounds Concert Series
BEACON PARK 9801 SEAPORT PLACE, SIDNEY
August 2: Eagle Eyes
A standout tribute to the legendary music of the Eagles. August 9: The Haven Performing rock and contemporary music.
August 16: Fleetwood Magic
Performing Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits from the 60’s to the 80’s.
August 23: The Timebenders
Experience 50 years of great music wrapped up into one dynamite performance.
Bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner or check out the food vendors! This is an all-ages event brought to you by the Brentwood Community Association, and all are welcome. These shows are free, but please consider buying a 50/50 ticket at the event to help support these concerts. www.brentwoodbay.info/music-in-the-park
AUGUST 2ND 8AM-3PM
Torque Masters
Sidney Summer Car Show
BEACON AVENUE SIDNEY
Explore hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and custom vehicles at the Sidney Summer Car Show on Beacon Avenue. A family-friendly automotive celebration in the heart of Sidney. www.torquemasters.ca
AUGUST 7TH 6-7:30PM
Outdoor Concert with Raven Baroque
HEL,HILEȻ PARK 7130 W SAANICH ROAD, BRENTWOOD BAY
Step back in time and enjoy a free outdoor concert with Raven Baroque. This talented ensemble of approximately 10 musicians performs popular Baroque-era music– featuring what they call the "Hits from the 1650s"– while dressed in authentic period costumes. www.ravenbaroque.org
AUGUST 8TH 1-3PM
FREE Community Foam Party
KELSET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIELD 1800 FOREST PARK DRIVE, NORTH SAANICH
Bring your friends and family and jump in for this unique community event! North Saanich Fire Department will be on site with their giant slip 'n slide, so wear your swimsuit, bring a towel and come get foamy! www.panoramarecreation.ca/drop-activities/special-events
More than just a movie! Enjoy live music and a pre-show ABBA Costume Party, family friendly games, food vendors and concessions. Free admission. Gates open at 6 p.m. www.saanichtonvillage.com
AUGUST 17TH & 18TH 6:30-9:30PM
Two-Day Fish Lantern Workshop
ST. ANDREW ANGLICAN CHURCH 9691 FOURTH STREET, SIDNEY
Join Artistic Director of the Salish Sea Lantern Festival, Jennifer Witvliet, to hand-build your very own fish lantern using traditional materials like bamboo and tissue. Bring your completed lantern to the Salish Sea Lantern Festival and carry your creation in the magical Lantern Parade! $75, paid online during the registration process (materials included). www.artsea.ca/salish-sea-lantern-festival/ sslf-fish-lantern-workshop-registration/
AUGUST 18TH 6-9PM
Paint & Cider Night with Kelsie Gibson
SEA CIDER FARM & CIDERHOUSE 2487 MOUNT ST MICHAEL ROAD, SAANICHTON
Unwind, sip, and paint! Local artist Kelsie Gibson will be your guide. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting, Kelsie will lead you through each step to create your masterpiece. Your ticket includes: all painting materials, a flight of Sparkling Cider or Temperance (non-alcoholic), optional food options such as flatbreads and locally-made Hazel's Ice Cream bars (pre-order at checkout). Purchase tickets online. www.seacider.ca/pages/classes-meetups
From livestock exhibitions and produce competitions to live music, midway rides, and local food vendors, the Saanich Fair offers something for everyone. It is a celebration of community, heritage and the farming traditions that built this region. Tickets can be purchased online. www.saanichfair.ca
STARTING SEPTEMBER 8TH 7-9:30PM EACH TUESDAY Peninsula
ST. MARYS CHURCH 1973 CULTRA AVENUE, SAANICHTON
Love to sing? The Peninsula Singers is welcoming new voices to join them for our Christmas season. Whether you sing Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass – join the Singers for some great music and wonderful friendship. Auditions and rehearsals begin September 8. www.peninsulasingers.ca
ONGOING EVENTS
RESTHAVEN SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MONDAYS | 10AM-12PM (NO MEETINGS AUGUST 1 TO SEPTEMBER 7 & HOLIDAY MONDAYS)
Saanich Peninsula Stroke Association
10-11 am: Social hour with light refreshments
11 am - noon: Group Programs: 1) Communication Group led by a Registered Speech Language Pathologist, 2) Movement Group led by a Registered Kinesiologist, 3) Caregiver’s Support Group, peer led with support from a Registered Clinical Counsellor www.spstrokerecovery.org
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH MONDAY REHEARSALS | 7-9PM (SUMMER BREAK – REHEARSALS START BACK UP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7)
Sidney Concert Band
A proud part of the Peninsula vibrant arts scene, this all-ages ensemble welcomes newcomers with at least three years’ experience on your instrument. Musicians are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early for rehearsal with your instrument and music stand. Percussion instruments are provided, but bring your sticks. Most importantly, bring a smile and get ready to have fun. Visit www.sidneyconcertband.ca
SHOAL CENTRE TUESDAYS | 7:30-9PM
Seniors Speak Toastmasters
Saanich Peninsula Toastmasters Club meets Tuesdays in person at the Shoal Centre located at 10030 Resthaven Drive in Sunny Sidney at 7:30-9 p.m. Visit https://1288.toastmastersclubs.org.
CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING 50+ FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAYS | 12-4PM (AUGUST BREAK – BINGO STARTS BACK UP WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2)
Bingo & Hot Dog Days
The Centre for Active Living hosts Bingo in the Lower Hall next to the library in Brentwood Bay. Doors open at noon for hot dog and pop sales; bingo starts at 1 p.m. This event is open to the public. Everyone 19+ is welcome! www.centralsaanich.ca/our-community/meeting-events
2ND THURSDAY | 2-3:30PM
Caregivers Connect: B.C.’s Virtual Caregiver Café
This peer support group is open to all caregivers. To register or for more information, email cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca.
SHOAL CENTRE THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH | 1-4PM
Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
Join every third Saturday of the month in exploring a range of topics through documentaries, storytelling, speakers and education, creating space for connections and deeper understanding in a safe environment for all. Admission is free. 250-656-5537; www.beaconcs.ca/shoal
SEASIDE STORIES
Last Word
This summer, I found myself floating in the ocean on an inflatable tube that was very clearly designed for a child. Somewhere along the way, I had misread the Amazon listing, but once I stopped laughing, I realized I didn’t care. For an hour, I wasn’t thinking about the next thing on the calendar, whether we had snacks for our guests, or what needed to happen when we got home. I was simply bobbing in the water, feeling eight years old again.
Maybe it stuck with me because summer, despite being known as a season of slowing down, often feels like the busiest time of year. In our household, weekends fill quickly with visitors, barbecues and plans to make the most of each day. We love sharing this place with others, but I realized we were spending so much time helping people enjoy summer, we weren’t always taking the time to enjoy it ourselves.
So this year, I intentionally protected a few weekends just for us. Not because we don’t love hosting, but because we live in a place people travel around the world to experience, and I wanted to remember what it feels like to be a visitor here too.
There is something special about rediscovering familiar places with fresh eyes. A swim at Coles Bay, watching seal families pop up to observe the visitors in their home. Heading out to Sidney Spit for the day. Exploring local farmstands. These moments don’t require a complicated itinerary, just the time to appreciate them.
This issue’s article "Tourist in Your Own Hometown" on page 10 captures the same spirit, while "When Everything Feels Urgent" on page 13 reminds us how easily our lives can become filled to the edges.
Maybe the moments we remember most aren’t the ones we plan, but the ones that surprise us. I have a feeling I’ll remember that undersized floatie, and laughing at myself long after summer has come and gone.
Tabatha Golat
Tabatha Golat, Editorial Director
The inventor of throat lozenges died last week. There will be ... "
NIGGO OGORFT EDOFNU ASOTERC
ANSWER: at his funeral.
How to Play: Unscramble each of the clue words. Take the letters that appear in boxes and unscramble them to solve the final message.
This jumble was created by The Blue Sheet Club, a group of brain injury survivors. The Cridge Centre for the Family's Brain Injury Services provides independent housing with support for survivors of brain injury. Through the development of support groups like The Blue Sheet Club, we strive to provide opportunities for personal development and reintegration in the community. Creating Word Jumbles are a great way to improve cognitive functioning. Plus they're fun too! Enjoy!
