Seaside Magazine July 2026 Issue

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 local bites from our new 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

SIDNEY HARBOUR DENTAL

Exceptional Dental Care for the Whole Family

We provide all the dental services you need to achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. We are committed to providing each and every patient with treatments tailored to their specific needs and goals. We provide all our patients with the highest level of care and treat them like our own family. We offer evening hours to ensure you can receive treatment without compromising your schedule. If you’re looking for a dental office near you, look no further.

• General, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

• Sedation Dentistry

• Invisalign, Dental Guards & Appliances

• Oral Surgery

• Emergency Dentistry

• The latest in Dental Technology

Dr. Tracy Mitchell

In This Issue

SEASIDE STORIES

Sue Hodgson

I'm not quite sure how to put into words the feelings I have as I write this, but the photo above says so much of what is in my heart. It represents more than a celebration – it represents a legacy, one that I know will continue on with care, passion and purpose.

On June 1, Allison officially became the sole owner of Seaside, while I will continue on as Publisher through the remainder of the year. It is both emotional and incredibly meaningful to reach this moment. Allison has been with me from the very beginning. Through every issue, every deadline, every event and every challenge, she has been by my side, steady, dedicated and always willing to give her whole heart to this magazine and this community.

There is something very special about knowing that something you built will continue to grow with someone who truly understands its spirit. Seaside has never just been a business to me – it has been about connection, storytelling, community and celebrating the people and places that make this Peninsula so remarkable. It's also been my family.

I could not be more proud or more grateful knowing Allison will carry my legacy of Seaside with the same integrity, warmth and love that has guided it from the beginning. Watching the next chapter unfold feels less like an ending and more like a beautiful continuation of everything Seaside has always stood for.

And while this chapter is evolving, I’m certainly not going far. I’ll still be writing First Word, still out in the community, and still finding ways to connect with the people and places I care so deeply about – whether that’s working at North Saanich Canadian Tire, spending time at Butik, supporting community events, or perhaps discovering new adventures along the way. After all these years, community has become part of who I am, and that will never change.

Seaside Sue, Publisher & Founder

EDITOR IN CHIEF / OWNER

ALLISON SMITH

250.813.1745 allison@seasidemagazine.ca

PUBLISHER / FOUNDER

SUE HODGSON

250.516.6489 sue@seasidemagazine.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LEAH-ANNE MACLEOD leahanne@seasidemagazine.ca

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

TABATHA GOLAT tabatha@seasidemagazine.ca

SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER

KATHERINE KJAER katherine@seasidemagazine.ca

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

JANIS JEAN janisjean100@gmail.com

SARAH HARTLEY sarahhartleyphotography@gmail.com

AMBER WAHL windgypsyphotography@gmail.com

P.O. BOX 2173, SIDNEY, B.C. V8L 3S6 www.seasidemagazine.ca

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

CONNIE

DUNWOODY

Page 45

Do you have a Bucket List, or a Chuck it Bucket?

I explore the surprising freedom that comes from letting go of regret, perfection, dusting and a few extra pounds, while holding tight to what matters most –like cycling, fresh bread and kindness.

CASSIDY NUNN

Pages 24, 38

Both my pieces had me outside and learning some thing new – from gardening to sports.

I hope you’re inspired to start a garden even if you don’t have a huge yard or if you feel behind – it’s not too late to get those hands in the dirt!

PAUL MORAN

Page 18

Garlic and all its friends ...

The property we host private events at has 14 acres of garlic fields, two patches of wild garlic and we preserve the scapes and other parts throughout the year.

I wanted to share some recipes where garlic can be more of a star and not so punchy.

SHELLEY TICE

Page 57

This is one of those beautiful spots close to home that reminds me why I love where I live.

Watching the sky light up as the sun sets, and taking a few minutes to walk the trail, is the perfect end to a summer day.

Contributors:

Ashlee Albright, Jo Barnes, June Murray Dagnall, Jamila Douhaibi, Connie Dunwoody, Colin Eaton, Samantha Fex, Kelly Finerty, E-J Frederiksen, Jesse Holth, Richard Hope, Tina Kelly, Jackie LaPlante, Pamela Martin, Paul Moran, Cassidy Nunn, Joan Saunders, Marita Schauch, Claudette Sells, Shelley Tice

Men We Admire

Every community has people who help set its tone. Some do it from a boardroom, some from a stage, some from a bike seat, a rescue flight, or a quiet conversation over coffee.

Seaside Magazine’s Men We Admire contest was created to recognize local men whose contributions are felt not only through their work, but through the way they show up for others. This year’s five honourees reflect different kinds of leadership: steady, generous, creative, brave and deeply human. They are business owners, fathers, mentors, fundraisers, environmental leaders and community-builders. What connects them is not title or profile, but character: the willingness to care, to act, and to leave their corner of the world a little better than they found it.

JEVON UPTON

Jevon Upton is the kind of person who seems to carry community with him wherever he goes. A local businessman, musician, husband and father, he describes family, work, music and community as “one big gift of life.” His roots in Sidney and North Saanich run deep; he still speaks with gratitude about his parents’ decision to move here in 1978, to the town he continues to call home.

As a business owner with JR Marine, Jevon hopes his work helps his crew develop skills, confidence and pride. Work ethic is one of the values that has guided him most, along with staying positive and remembering that “you can’t have the sweet without the sour.” He credits his father as a mentor, and also points to friends who supported his career in aluminum boat building.

At home, Jevon’s admiration is directed toward his family. His wife, Lisa, is “an inspirational soul,” and his sons, Bridger and Moss, make him proud every day. For him, modern fatherhood means getting kids outside, away from screens, and teaching practical things: light a fire, catch a fish, change the oil, go for a walk.

Then there is the music. With Space Chickens, Jevon helps gather people from different corners of the community under one roof to dance, sing and feel connected. “It gives love,” he says, “and that’s something we all need.”

JAYSON BIGGINS

Jayson Biggins was surprised to learn he had been nominated, but also honoured. “We just go around living our lives,” he says, “and it’s nice to hear that people are affected by it.” For Jayson, much of that impact comes through the natural meeting place of two lifelong passions: aviation and animal welfare.

Known by some as “Big to the Rescue,” Jayson flies wherever he is needed to transport injured birds and animals to the care that may save them. He is humble about it, but the work is urgent, practical and deeply compassionate. In wildlife rescue, time matters. Flying does not simply make the work more dramatic: it extends the reach of what can be done.

Jayson’s idea of community is broad and generous. It includes people working toward a common goal, but also the animals, wild places and living systems we are responsible for protecting. His ethic is simple but demanding: compassion has to become action. He believes we all carry responsibility to reduce suffering where we can, even while knowing no one person can save everything.

That sense of character was shaped early. A serious accident as a teenager changed his relationship with life and health, while becoming a young single parent helped him grow into the father he had once wished for. Today, he is most proud of his son, Jaron, and of the steady, useful ways a person can keep showing up.

WORDS PAMELA MARTIN PHOTOS WIND GYPSY PHOTOGRAPHY

CG MORRISON

In a world that often rewards the loudest voice, CG Morrison stands out for his calm. He is the kind of leader people seek out when a decision matters, when the numbers are complicated, or when a situation needs not more noise, but more clarity.

As Board Chair of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, CG contributes to the business life of the region in a steady and strategic way, supporting entrepreneurs and helping strengthen the economic vitality of the Saanich Peninsula. Through Black Swan Advisory, his fractional CFO practice, he brings senior-level financial leadership to small and midsized business owners who might not otherwise have access to it. In practical terms, that means helping people understand their numbers, make clearer decisions, protect jobs and plan for the future.

But the admiration for CG is not only about formal roles. It is also about the quieter habits: the coffee conversation, the introduction made without fanfare, the thoughtful question that changes how someone sees a problem. He is described as measured, curious and principled, someone who listens before he speaks and looks for the unconventional angle that can unlock real value.

CG represents a modern model of leadership rooted in service rather than self-promotion. Whether advising a client, chairing a meeting or supporting a colleague, his goal appears to be the same: leave the person, business or situation better than he found it.

KEVIN NUNN

Kevin Nunn’s first reaction to being nominated was simple: shock. Then came laughter, followed by the words “honoured and privileged.” For those who know him, though, the nomination makes perfect sense.

Kevin is the Equipment Officer for Saanich Police, a former British Forces soldier, and a man whose approach to fundraising is anything but ordinary. He has dyed his hair Billy Idol white, run long distances, pulled a Mini Cooper around UVic’s Ring Road, ridden Tour de Rock, and completed a 24-hour cycling event, all to raise money and awareness for families affected by childhood cancer.

Now, through End2End, Kevin hopes to help raise more than $150,000 for the Island Kids Cancer Association, with funds staying on Vancouver Island to support local families. The cause is deeply personal. Kevin’s father died of cancer, and when he is struggling on a ride or in training, he thinks of children going through treatment. His own pain, he says, will pass. Theirs is far harder.

Community, to Kevin, is people showing up for those who need them. He trains before dawn, wears his End2End jersey on rides to spark conversation, and has no trouble asking for support when the cause matters this much. His values are straightforward: honesty, integrity, kindness and respect. His advice is just as direct: “It’s never too late to start. Age is a number. If you believe in yourself, that’s the first step.”

MIKE WILLIAMSON

Mike Williamson laughed when he first heard he had been nominated, partly because he knows there are many admirable men in the community. Still, he was honoured to be included. A former Naval officer, later-in-life entrepreneur and co-founder of Sidneybased Cascadia Seaweed, Mike has lived in the area for about 10 years and now calls North Saanich home.

His connection to the Peninsula is both personal and professional: proximity to the water, local trails, Beacon Street conversations and a business rooted in coastal possibility. For Mike, community means shared pride and responsibility. It is neighbours looking out for each other, a friendly nod in town, a joke on a hiking path, and people supporting and celebrating one another.

At Cascadia Seaweed, Mike is helping build a company focused on sustainable ocean-based products, food security, positive environmental impact and respectful relationships with First Nations coastal communities. He speaks about responsible business leadership in familiar terms – people, planet and profit – but insists those values only matter if they are lived daily. That means giving team members the tools, removing barriers and walking the talk. He is equally clear about culture. At Cascadia, people are “team members,” not employees. Humour helps, as does not taking oneself too seriously when it is not required. What gives Mike hope is that the company’s work is already making an observable difference: healthier ocean areas, farmers using seaweed-based products, and younger generations insisting on doing better with the resources we have.

The men featured here remind us that admiration is not reserved for grand gestures alone. It is found in consistency, kindness, courage, humour, service and heart. It is in the person who shows up when no one is watching, who builds something meaningful, who lifts others along the way, and who helps make the community feel more connected. These five men each lead in their own way, and together they reflect the best of what it means to contribute close to home.

Meeting Youth Where They Are

At the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves access to support when they need it. That is why we are proud to support Human-Nature Counselling Society as a 2025 grant recipient. Human-Nature Counselling Society provides accessible, nature-based mental health counselling and therapeutic programs for children, youth, adults, and families across Southern Vancouver Island. Their innovative approach combines professional counselling with outdoor experiences that help strengthen community well-being, and foster healthy relationships between people and the natural world.

Our grant supported an additive youth mental health outreach program delivered in collaboration with Stelly’s Secondary School, Parkland Secondary School, and Bayside Middle School. Rather than expecting vulnerable youth to seek out services on their own, HumanNature counsellors brought support directly into schools, creating opportunities for connection in a familiar environment. The program exceeded expectations. More youth participated than anticipated, with approximately 50 students receiving support and 21 accessing ongoing counselling services. Over the course of the year, counsellors provided more than 850 hours of service to Peninsula schools.

“The Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation’s support help make it possible for us to bring mental health counselling directly to vulnerable youth who would otherwise have gone without it. Over 850 hours of service and 50 youth reached. Those are real kids, in real schools, getting real care. We are grateful to SPCF for believing in this work and in the community it serves.”

- David Segal, Executive Director, Human-Nature Counselling Society

The project supports vulnerable youth living on the Saanich Peninsula, many of whom live in First Nations communities and are in need of mental health support. By meeting young people where they are, the program engaged youth who might not otherwise access mental health services.

Through the generosity of our donors, SPCF is able to invest in organizations like Human-Nature Counselling Society that are finding innovative ways to strengthen community wellbeing and help Peninsula youth build resilience and thrive.

We’re 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.

E-J Frederiksen, Owner of Pacifica Paddle Sports

When you need more than a clutch? A dry bag – always fashionable on the sea! In your closet? A drysuit for the winter, and quick dry clothes for the summer. When you want a night out? Bioluminescent Glow Tour at Pacifica. On your playlist? Toby Mac. On your feet? Vessi – find them at Style Coast. When adding sparkle to your outfit? The ocean sparkles; I don’t need to. On your luxury wish list? A new Danish Style Current Designs Kayak . In home décor? Sculptures by Hellmund Studio. In haircare? Oneka shampoo refills from Shallon Refillery & Naturals.

On your bathroom counter? Glass sea stars by Salt Spring Foundry. When you want to smell irresistible? A shower with Nature Bee Warm Coconut foaming soap. In your makeup bag? There is no makeup; I’m comfortable in my own skin. On your skin? SPF 50+ cause healthy skin is fashionable for the long run. On your bedside table? My phone and a book by Terry O’Reilly.

In the kitchen? Tea! Level Ground Chai and Domo Matcha Latte. When it comes to your go-to “uniform?” Quick dry Pacifica T-shirt and Eddie Bauer pants. On your must-watch list? Remarkably Bright Creatures. When you want to throw fashion out the window and be all about comfort? Roots sweat pants and a sweater. When you don’t care how much it costs? Gluten-free desserts. On your walls? Art by friends.

PHOTOS JANIS JEAN

The Pelvic Floor Revolution Comes to Victoria

You may not know it, but there is a Pelvic Floor Revolution happening around the world. For years the pelvic floor was a taboo subject not well understood. You can blame this on a historical lack of funding and interest in women’s health. This is now changing. There are articles in major women’s health magazines, podcasts, and even a new industry called FemTech – where women’s healthcare and technology are colliding to solve unmet needs. And don’t you think it’s about time? If men peed their pants every time they sneezed, jumped, or shot a hockey puck this would have been solved 50 years ago. Can I get an “Amen”?

Women have normalized bladder leaks and urgency as “part of being a woman”. This is simply not true. These issues are common, but not normal. Your body should not leak urine. Ever. Wearing bulky pads or diapers should not be something we settle for. These issues are typically a sign of dysfunction in your pelvic floor, and you deserve to have that problem solved.

Numerous surveys show many women have no idea what the pelvic floor is or what purpose it serves. UROSPOT is a private and modern pelvic health and urology focused clinic passionate about changing this statistic.

UROSPOT combines technology, education, and health coaching to help women (and men) say goodbye to bladder leaks, urgency, prolapse and other pelvic floor issues. The best part is you remain fully clothed, and the treatment is 100% noninvasive. Nothing goes in your body, and no one is touching you.

The care team consists of Nurses and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists. You are surrounded by professionals coming together to help you. A key part of the care model is the Kegel Throne - a medical chair, approved by Health Canada. As you sit comfortably, the chair not only re-boots the connection between your brain, bladder, and pelvic floor, but it also does 11,000 contractions of the pelvic floor muscles (you know these as Kegels) to help strengthen and restore the muscles.

“Finding this program was the best thing to have happened to me. I had become pretty recluse, and now I feel free and liberated from my circumstances. I have learned so much about my body that I didn’t know before – it’s a wonderful blessing”.

The level of education provided at UROSPOT is world class. “Why wasn’t I told this 10 years ago?” is a common question asked by clients exposed to the education throughout their care.

With locations across Canada, UROSPOT has a new home in Victoria. This revolutionary and dignified treatment changes lives and restores confidence and freedom. You can even use physiotherapy benefits towards the cost of treatment. If bladder leaks, urgency, night waking to pee, frequent trips to the bathroom or pelvic organ prolapse are impacting your life, help is now here.

urospot.com | victoria@urospot.com

UROSPOT Victoria 3200 Shelbourne St., Unit 150 778-247-2026

One Food, Three Ways

Garlic Three Ways

BLACK COD WITH MISO, SAKE & MAPLE (Serves 4)

Grilled over cedar paper with pickled garlic scapes

1 3/4 lb (800g) sablefish (black cod) fillet, skin on 1/2 cup (120g) white miso cup (80g) maple syrup cup (80g) sake

3 tbsp (40g) mirin

1 tbsp (20g) soy sauce

5 oz (150g) garlic scapes, trimmed cup (150g) rice wine vinegar cup (150g) water

3 tbsp (40g) sugar

1 tbsp (15g) kosher salt cedar paper or untreated cedar sheet, soaked (available at www.bccoastalgrilling.com or other online retailers) neutral oil

charcoal or wood grill preferably, or gas bbq or broiler

WORDS PAUL MORAN, SIXTY FORTY, ANCIENT DUNES

PHOTO TYMO CREATIVE

WILD MORELS & ORGANIC GARLIC EN PAPILLOTE

(Serves 4)

Camus Farms garlic, cultured butter & herbs

14 oz (400g) fresh wild morel mushrooms

1 whole bulb organic garlic, separated and lightly crushed

6 tbsp (80g) cultured butter

cup dry white wine

1 tbsp sake

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 tbsp chopped chives

1 tsp thyme leaves

sea salt

fresh cracked pepper

parchment paper

BLACK SESAME & GINGER DRESSING

(Yield: approx. 1.2 litres; 6 week shelf life)

1 cup (225g) tahini

1 cup (225g) white miso

1/2 cup (112g) sugar

1 tbsp (11g) nutritional yeast

2 tbsp (34g) lime juice

1/2 cup (112g) pickled ginger

1/4 cup (56g) soy sauce

1/4 cup (56g) shiro dashi

2 tsp (11g) sesame oil

1/2 cup (112g) rice wine vinegar

1/2 cup (112g) sake

5 cloves (22g) garlic

GRILLED SPRING GARLIC & FLOWERING BRASSICAS

(Serves 4)

Black sesame & ginger dressing

2 bunches spring garlic

14 oz (400g) flowering brassicas (available at farm markets, or broccolini is a good substitute)

neutral oil

sea salt

black sesame & ginger dressing

toasted black sesame seeds lime zest

tender herbs (such as chives, parsley, tarragon, dill)

Total Body Collagen

Natural Factors Total Body Collagen provides hydrolyzed collagen alongside synergistic nutrients to promote healthy skin and connective tissues, reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, and support lean muscle growth and recovery after a workout. Convenient powder is available unflavoured and in two great-tasting natural flavours.

✔ Promotes collagen synthesis and elastin production to help reduce visible signs of aging;

✔ Provides structure, strength, and resilience in the body’s tissues – vital for maintaining hydration in the joints;

✔ Supports wound healing, immune function, antioxidant activity, and nutrient metabolism, with benefits for skin, hair, and nails

A. Vogel Prostate 1 One-A-Day

With so many products on the market it is important to ensure whatever you choose is backed by science and approved claims. Made from fresh, organically grown saw palmetto, Prostate 1 helps to relieve mild to moderate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, including weak urine flow, incomplete voiding, frequent daytime and nighttime urination, and sexual dysfunction.

✔ Crafted from organically grown Saw Palmetto berries;

✔ Prevents and treats BPH symptoms such as frequent urination;

✔ Clinically-Proven, Vegan, Cruelty-Free

Ahhh summer ... that delicious time of year where we can throw the rule book out the window and embrace freedom. Long days, lots of time outside and the glory of summer barbecue. But that doesn’t mean you should throw out your healthy habits for the season: our bodies still need us to take care of them, no matter what season we are in.

Or maybe you dread the unstructured chaos that the kids being out of school wreaks on your routine and are desperate to find a way to keep your health momentum going.

Either way, I thought it was a good time to check in with a few ways you can keep your healthy habits going over the summer holiday.

HAVE SOME GRACE IN YOUR GOALS

It’s realistic that the season is going to bring a change to your routine, but that doesn’t mean all your habits need to go by the wayside. Keep a few “non-negotiable” habits instead of trying to maintain a perfect routine. Consistency wins over intensity, and the all or nothing mindset will kill your motivation faster than the fly zapper. Pick those two to three habits that give you the biggest impact and take them with you, to the campsite or grandma’s ... wherever your summer travel takes you.

BALANCE

INDULGENCE WITH NUTRITION

There are so many opportunities for good eats in the summer season, and you don’t need to deprive yourself completely in order to keep your healthy eating going. Set yourself up for success by doing things like bringing protein snacks when out for

long summer days, hydrating before coffee or alcohol, and prepping simple summer foods ahead: washed fruit, chopped veggies or grilled protein. When on the road, keep your supplements visible so you remember to take them and pack a “wellness travel kit” with electrolytes, magnesium and probiotics!

KEEP IT MOVING, BUT KEEP IT COOL

The summer heat can leave you tempted to ditch your workouts completely, but there are plenty of great ways to work with the season to keep active! Plan your workouts for the morning or evening to beat the heat, and keep them shorter and less intense. Make sure you’re well hydrated, and take advantage of the active summer fun you can do with friends and family like beach walks, hikes, paddleboarding, biking, or swimming. Summer nights are a beautiful time for a walk after heavier meals or restaurant outings.

PROTECT YOUR REST

The longer days and nice weather tend to bring forth the business and packed social calendar. Don’t forget to ensure you’re getting quality time to recharge. Try to maintain a consistent wake time even if bedtime shifts later and create good sleep where possible with eye masks, fans, blackout curtains, and limiting late afternoon and evening caffeine.

Set good screen-time boundaries so summer doesn’t get scrolled away in a sea of overstimulation, and prioritize recovery days if your social calendar is packed.

Here’s to the best summer and the best YOU!

Keeping Healthy Habits Over the Summer

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | 250-656-0275 |

The Peninsula Roots Revival

July 18 Four award-winning singer-songwriters come together for an evening of Bluegrass, Americana, and Western Swing at the Charlie White Theatre. Backed by some of BC’s finest instrumentalists, The Peninsula Roots Revival showcases original songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and world-class musicianship from Oliver Swain, Jenny Lester, Élise LeBlanc, and Pony Gold.

Featuring individual sets from each ensemble alongside special collaborative performances, this unique concert brings together contemporary and traditional roots music in one of Vancouver Island’s premier listening rooms — an evening of exceptional songs, spontaneous musical interplay, and the spirit of live acoustic performance.

Matilda Jr. the Musical

July 17 & August 15

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Legally Blonde Jr. the Musical

July 31

Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the smash hit motion picture, Legally Blonde The Musical JR. is a fabulously fun journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show’s instantly recognizable songs are filled with humor, wit and sass — leaving cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling.

Upcoming Events

Mary Winspear Centre 25 Years in Our Community

The Mary Winspear Centre is inviting the community to join a special celebration on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as it marks 25 years of bringing people together on the Saanich Peninsula.

For a quarter century, the Mary Winspear Centre has served as a gathering place where people come together to celebrate, learn, connect, and create memories. Since opening its doors in 2001, the Centre has hosted thousands of events, performances, meetings, conferences, and community celebrations, becoming an important hub for the region.

Visitors can explore a variety of community vendor displays, highlighting local service groups and organizations that help make the Peninsula such a vibrant place to live. Historical displays throughout the Centre will offer a fascinating look back at the building’s evolution and the many memorable events that have taken place over the past 25 years.

The celebration will feature a full day of live entertainment for all ages, beginning with a special children's performance by Norman Foote, whose award-winning music and interactive show have delighted families across Canada. In the afternoon, the festivities continue with live local bands performing throughout the day, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. There will also be food trucks. giveaways, prizes, family-friendly activities, a beer garden, and plenty of surprises to round out the day's festivities, making this a community celebration not to be missed.

The anniversary Open House is more than just a celebration of a building—it is a celebration of the people, organizations, volunteers, performers, and supporters who have helped shape the Mary Winspear Centre into the thriving community gathering place it is today.

Mark your calendars for September 19, 2026, and join the festivities. Reconnect with neighbours, discover local organizations, enjoy great food and entertainment, and help celebrate 25 years of community, culture, and connection at the Mary Winspear Centre. Everyone is invited, and admission is free.

Blood Donor Clinic

Sea Star Academy

The Improvisers

Timeless Music of Santana & Chicago

Victoria Model Railway Show

The Return of Simon & Garfunkel

Epidermis Circus

The Judds / Wynonna Experience

Mary Winspear Centre 25 Anniversary th Feelin Al’Right Tribute to Joe Cocker

Moondance The Van Morrison Songbook

Brent Butt

Sharli Ulrich & The Unfaithful Servants

Psychic & Spiritual Arts Fair The Sutcliffes Beatles Legacy Blood Donor Clinic

Bentall

3 Annual Homecoming Concert

The Piano Man: Jim Witters

The Boo Revue!

South Island Record Show

Doc Walker, Michelle Wright, Jason McCoy

Crafted Farmhouse Market

Monthly Meetings

The Purposeful You: TASHA MEDVE

Tasha Medve is one of those people who radiates warmth and enthusiasm.

WORDS CASSIDY NUNN

PHOTOS NUNN OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY

She’s a self-described extrovert who’s now amassed an online following of over 800,000 people on her online platforms over the past seven years. It was while on maternity leave from her successful career in real estate, as a new mum, that she felt called to try to create a more sustainable and intentional environment to raise her son in. She started her blog, The Purposeful You, with the intention of inspiring others to lead a more sustainable life. It quickly turned into a focus on gardening and growing food as that is the area she found people were most engaged with and had questions about. She continued to expand her own garden, eventually moving to an acreage that provided a blank slate to continue her journey.

At the entrance to Tasha’s Peninsula garden is a beautiful archway covered

in roses. She planted them in memory of her family’s beloved dog, Zoe, who used to spend hours alongside her in the garden and passed away a couple of years ago. “And now she greets us whenever we come into the garden,” says Tasha. There is a calmness and sense of peace in this serene garden setting that she and her garden helpers – her husband and two young children – have helped her to establish with a lot of hard work over the past several years. The garden is home to rows of raised beds; a stunning greenhouse by BC Greenhouses, installed locally by A. Davis Construction; several beds of flowers – edible and decorative – and bursting with colour, bees and sweet smells. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, various herbs, carrots, peas, lettuce, spinach, garlic, zucchini, squash and the beginnings of her famous

pumpkin arch are all grown here using organic growing practices. She focuses on companion planting to create harmony and a biodiverse garden.

The greenhouse is warm when you enter and overhead fans help to circulate the air. Peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and citrus such as mandarin and even a lime tree (purchased locally from Fruit Trees and More in Deep Cove) are currently growing. The benefit of the greenhouse is that it allows the option for a year-round garden and harvest. While you don’t necessarily need heat in our climate, you do ideally want to keep the inside temperature from going below zero, says Tasha.

Tasha and her husband have continued to develop the acreage in three stages over the past three years. As she took followers along on her gardening journey, she was approached by a publisher about writing a book. She chose to focus on raised beds since it was what she had in her own garden, saying that they allow for greater accessibility (not having to crouch or bend down all the time when planting, weeding or harvesting!) and they are simpler in terms of time management. She also focused on vertical growing, which offers the ability to grow more

in a small space, has fewer pests to deal with and is also easier on the body.

Her book, The Purposeful Gardener: Double Your Harvest & Create a Food Oasis with Raised Beds, Vertical Growing and Companion Planting, came out earlier this year and sold out in North America; a second print run has since been released. “The local support has been unreal,” says Tasha. She did several book events locally and has continued to partner with small businesses to host gardening events. Tasha loves to garden with her kids and a whole section of the book is devoted to encouraging youngsters to get outside and play in the dirt, to learn about food and how things grow.

Tasha has created a family tradition around harvesting the first of the peas that her kids now look forward to each year.

And what if you haven’t started a garden this summer yet? “Focus on foods you actually want to eat!” says Tasha. “The Peninsula is a hot pocket; we can plant so much in August that will be ready for the fall and that’s unique to our Peninsula,” says Tasha. “Some great fall options that you can plant in August are broccoli starts, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce and beets.”

Find more information and Tasha’s e-books at www.thepurposefulyou.com.

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.

Ready to uncover your strength and confidence?

Visit violavanderuyt.ca to start the conversation

Racheal Jamieson CIM® Wealth AdviSor 250-657-2208 racheal.jamieson@nbc.ca

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

A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY OF LIFE

There’s something remarkable happening behind the doors of Westcore Training Centre in Sidney. It’s not a flashy fitness trend or the latest workout craze. It’s something far more meaningful – and built to last.

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 better, and enjoying a higher quality of life.

Since opening its Sidney location two years ago, Westcore has become a trusted destination for older adults looking to improve their health, mobility and independence. “We like to say we’re saving Sidney one spine at a time,” says Mike, co-founder and CEO, reflecting on the growing community of members who are rediscovering strength and confidence through movement.

A Smarter Approach to Personal Training

Westcore specializes in semiprivate personal training – a model that combines the benefits of one-on-one coaching with the energy and affordability of a small-group environment.

Inside the bright, welcoming Sidney studio, each client trains in their own fully equipped pod. There’s no waiting for equipment, no overcrowded gym floor, and no feeling rushed through a workout. Every member follows a personalized program designed around their goals, abilities and needs, with guidance from a dedicated coach who provides

instruction, encouragement and ongoing support every step of the way.

Beyond the workouts, Westcore has built a culture centered on respect, service and genuine connection. The studio’s clean, private and supportive environment helps members feel comfortable and confident from day one. By making high-quality coaching more accessible, Westcore is helping people experience the benefits of personal training without sacrificing individualized care or results.

More Than Exercise

At the heart of Westcore’s philosophy is a simple belief: our bodies are designed to move, and when we stop maintaining them, they begin to decline.

That’s why every program is designed with longevity and function in mind. For seniors, success isn’t measured by six-pack abs or personal records in the weight room. It’s measured by the ability to carry groceries with ease, enjoy a walk along the waterfront, get up from the floor safely, or travel and garden without discomfort.

The focus is on preserving independence, preventing injuries and maintaining the strength needed to enjoy everyday life.

The impact has been significant. Members frequently report improved posture, better balance, reduced joint pain, increased energy and greater confidence. Many arrive seeking physical benefits and discover something more — a supportive community and a renewed sense of purpose.

A Family Business with Heart

Westcore was founded 13 years ago by two friends united by a passion for movement and helping others live healthier lives. What began as a small startup has grown into a thriving family-run business with six locations across British Columbia, including Sidney, Victoria and Surrey.

The Sidney studio has become one of the company’s standout success stories, thanks to its close-knit community and strong reputation among local seniors.

“It’s been 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.”

Now, Westcore is preparing for its next chapter with the launch of a franchise program designed to bring its proven, accessible training model to communities across Canada.

“If we can help more people move better, live longer and age with strength and dignity, we’ll consider that a success.”

All Ages. All Fitness Levels. All Welcome.

While Westcore has earned a strong reputation for helping older adults thrive, its programs are designed for people of all ages and abilities. From retirees and busy professionals to new parents and recovering athletes, the semi-private model allows every member to train at their own pace while receiving the guidance and support they need to succeed.

Experience Westcore for Yourself

Whether you’re new to strength training, returning after an injury, or simply curious about the semi-private approach, Westcore offers complimentary consultations and introductory sessions to help you determine if it’s the right fit. No pressure. No intimidation. Just experienced coaches, a supportive community, and a commitment to helping you move and feel your best. Visit Westcore Training Centre today and discover what’s possible when fitness is built around longevity, strength and quality of life.

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.

Laird White: Physics & Fun on the Fairway

He checks the atmospheric conditions of the day, evaluates the lift and loft and works to minimize the drag. But his aerodynamic creation is more at home on the fairway than the runway!

WORDS JO BARNES

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Laird White, Director of Golf at Cedar Hill Golf Course, skillfully and creatively crafts golf clubs, a process that significantly delves into the world of science.

“Physics plays a major role. In fact, many of the golf club engineers come from the aeronautical world,” shares Laird. “There is a lot of aerodynamics in golf and you have to look at factors including wind, drag and optimizing speed and weight.”

Laird has spent years assessing and understanding these kinds of factors while crafting golf clubs and working with golfers. He has earned recognition for coaching and golf club fitting and has worked with the very best including Justin Rose, Vijay Singh, Bernard Langer and Brooke Henderson. There are many factors that can impact a golfer’s results on the course, such as the weight of a golf club or the weather conditions of the day. Whether

it’s the speed of the club, the launch angle, the ball speed or the golfer’s swing, it can all be measured and represented in factual data. Laird is an expert on Trackman technology and this has made him invaluable to golf educators and coaches across the country. Trackman tracks such events and provides detailed data metrics. It is a system he uses extensively every day.

“We use Trackman technology here at Cedar Hill. We might be the only municipal golf course that has it. We provide tour quality support to anyone who wants it.”

Likewise, crafting quality golf clubs involves endless measuring and assessments. Each golf club consists of three components. The shaft is the long cylinder. At the top end is the second part, the grip, and the final piece at the other end of the shaft is the head. Designing and putting these parts together involves

numerous measurements, each one affecting handling and play.

“The raw shaft is where the build process starts. I measure everything, the gram weight of each component, and determine how it will come out,” notes Laird. “I take into account the length and weight progression from one club to the next, the swing weight, the loft of each club and the lie angle.”

Laird’s fluency in the language of golf can make any non-golfer’s head spin! It becomes clearer, though, when he explains that swing weight is how heavy a club feels when swinging it, loft is the angle of clubface relative to the ground, and lie angle is the angle between the shaft and sole of the clubhead. Shafts are cut, grips are applied and finishing touches complete his process. A set of 14 clubs takes time and patience. “It takes about half an hour to build a single club and a set of irons about three hours,” notes Laird.

Since moving to the West Coast in 2018, this dynamic golf enthusiast has been building and customizing golf clubs and working with golfers to make a difference in their golf game outcomes. It is a precise business that has changed overtime with new technology, materials and approaches. “When I first started in this, there were no manuals. It was trial and error,” says Laird. “Now with graphite rather than steel clubs, there is far less fluctuation in tolerance.”

As a teenager, Laird learned to play golf and thoroughly enjoyed taking his golf clubs apart, making

adjustments and testing the outcomes. This experience was the beginning of a lifelong career.

“At 15 I got a set of golf clubs for my birthday from my grandma and a junior golf membership from my mom and dad,” he relates. “I played lots of sports, but golf challenged me in different ways. I was always trying to adjust my equipment to better fit and support me, and eventually, my skill sets got noticed.”

He went on to serve as Head Teaching Professional at The National Golf Club of Canada, one of the country’s top-ranked courses and became Lead Club Fitter for the well-known Titleist Golf Company. In 2011, he was named the Ontario PGA Coach of the Year for developmental athletes. It was the art of club fitting, the process of designing the best clubs for any individual, that called to Laird and continues to this day. “The equipment is the controllable variable. I can help an athlete to rule things out that can influence, change how they play and affect the outcome,” he comments. “I get my joy from interacting with people; I love what I do!”

Whether it’s helping professional golfers in their quest for the ultimate title or enabling enthusiastic amateurs to finally make par on a hole, for Laird, it’s all about enhancing their system of play, improving their confidence, and helping them play better. As a master of aerodynamics, Laird helps golfers’ dreams take flight.

https://tinyurl.com/3bry94tn

Dr. Matthew Foulkes and his team are committed to providing all our current and new patients a relaxed environment with calm and quality care. Come visit our office and staff!

Our services include but aren't limited to:

• Examinations & Hygiene

• Crowns & Bridges

• Complete & Partial Dentures

• Restorations

• Root Canal Therapy

• Extractions

• Clear Aligner Braces Dr. Matthew Foulkes, BSc. Hon., DDS

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 390 clients across Canada, principally in Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.

No Financial Products to Sell Leads to Truly Independent Advice.

WITH Peter Dolezal

FUTURE RISKS TO OAS BENEFITS

Currently, if meeting residency requirements, everyone reaching age 65 becomes eligible to receive a potential maximum Old Age Security (OAS) benefit of $743/month.

At age 75, the then-current payment increases by 10%, to today’s maximum level of $816/month.

However, to receive the maximum payment, the recipient’s taxable income must fall below $93,000 annually. If it is higher, OAS declines gradually until all is clawed back at an approximate income of $150,000.

Given today’s relatively high income claw-back threshold of $93,000, few seniors lose some or all of their OAS. If they have an eligible partner, also earning less than $93,000 annually, both could receive the maximum OAS benefit.

At some $80 billion annually, OAS is the Federal Government’s single-greatest expenditure. As our population of seniors increases, by 2030, this programme’s cost is expected to exceed $100 billion. At the same time, the government is not only dealing with record deficits, but also significant levels of poverty among many seniors.

The risk to the current OAS programme is twofold:

a) A significant lowering of the income threshold, or its application on a “family income” basis, rather than for individuals, would free up billions of dollars that could be diverted to increased benefits for very low-income seniors, and/or to reduce the deficit.

b) Some years ago, the Federal Government attempted to implement a phased increase in OAS eligibility, from age 65 to age 67. The reaction was so severe that the planned legislation was rapidly scrapped.

Despite the expected political push-back, common sense suggests that within the next few years, the Federal Government may have little

choice but to implement one or both of these changes – although likely not at the same time.

Fortunately, for most high-income seniors, changing the OAS income threshold is unlikely to materially affect their lifestyle. If the released funds were redirected to low-income seniors, the change might even garner significant public support.

Be prepared; before many years go by, one or both of these changes to the OAS program is virtually a certainty.

B.C’s PROPERTY TAX DEFERMENT –

RECENT CHANGES

For many years, B.C. homeowners over age 55 have been eligible to indefinitely defer their annual property tax, at a simple interest charge of 2% BELOW prime rate – with repayment of principal and interest due only when the home is sold. Some 90,000 B.C. households are currently enrolled.

The Change in 2026

Effective immediately, future deferrals will be subject to a compounding interest rate, set at 2% OVER prime rate – making deferment a very poor financial choice, unless the homeowner is desperate for the funds –unfortunately, this may be the case for many, having no choice but to accept these usurious new conditions.

Fortunately, because the treatment of accumulated deferrals was spelled out in the original contract, the government cannot apply these changes to the taxes deferred to-date. If the principal is left outstanding, the original simple interest rate at 2% below prime rate will continue to apply.

The Recommendation?

If you, the homeowner can afford to do so, immediately cease further deferments, but leave the accumulated deferred amount unchanged.

Farm, Food, Fundraiser A Tasty Summer Afternoon

Toast to the Coast is a celebration of all the wonderful food and drink this Island produces! On July 26 from 1 to 4 p.m., guests will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly and invited to wander around the beauty of Kildara Farms (11293 Chalet Road, North Saanich) while tasting the very best offerings from local caterers, restaurants, distilleries, breweries and wineries.

Find something you love?

Many of the participants will have some of their delicious products available for you to add to your pantry or cellar! Sip and savour your way through one of the Island’s most beautiful organic farms, overlooking the stunning Saanich Inlet. Local ingredients

combined with creative presentation will have your mouth watering and picking a new favourite restaurant by the end of the afternoon.

Toast to the Coast is a fundraiser for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation. This is its third year and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with amazing local music, new food and beverage vendors and an upscale garden cocktail lounge! Nickel and Lira, the intrepid party goats, will be on hand trying to steal your samples and eat the gardens while posing for pictures.

Delicious highlights from past years include amazing coconut gnocchi from Kinu, handmade ravioli with farm-raised braised

ham from Food For Thought, and incredible cocktails infused with healthy herbs (every little bit helps!) from Holocene Distillery. Best Coast Distillery will be back with their scrumptious flavoured whiskey and some new releases, and our wonderful neighbours Deep Cove Winery will be showcasing their Queen series of wines which are truly exquisite. Local foodie artisans like Elk and Tide wowed people with their line of dressings and sauces which guests got to experience while they noshed on beautiful salad with local cheese, berries and greens picked that morning on Kildara Farm!

Lounge areas and games are thoughtfully laid out throughout the property so

guests are encouraged to slow down, relax and soak up the beauty and abundance that surrounds us every day on this Island. It is truly a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon! We are welcoming many new faces this year and are looking forward to Eurosa Farms, which will be sponsoring a new, interactive floral display; you might even learn a thing or two and can go home full and a borderline genius! We couldn’t do this without our amazing sponsors – Ruby Tuesday’s Laundry, Simply Pure Ice & Water, Michell’s Excavating, Edible Magazine, Seaside Magazine and of course our host, Kildara Farms’ Daphne Hughes. Find more details and purchase tickets ($49.50 per person) at www.toasttothecoast.org.

TALON Bookkeeping Services

This is part of a rotating series of articles about some of our unique local shops and services.

Located in Sidney, TALON Bookkeeping Services is your trusted source for complete and comprehensive bookkeeping and payroll solutions.

With over 35 years of experience, TALON owner Leah Bird is committed to helping hardworking individuals and businesses succeed. Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs, Leah learned early on the time and dedication it takes for a company to thrive. It is this firsthand knowledge that drives her long-standing passion for the success of small business. Leah enjoys handling your financial needs so you can focus on what you do best: growing your enterprise.

TALON Bookkeeping Services offers the following: Data Entry

Accurate and efficient data entry of accounts receivable and payable for maintaining organized financial records.

Account Reconciliation.

Thorough account reconciliation to ensure accurate and error-free financial reports.

Payroll Processing & Source

Deduction Submissions

Timely and accurate payroll processing to ensure employee satisfaction and compliance, preparation and reporting of all employee sources deductions and employer expenses.

Sales Tax, EHT & WCB Reporting. Expert tax and mandatory reporting preparation services to minimize tax liabilities and eliminate penalties.

Wondering if your business is too small for a bookkeeper?

Never. TALON

Bookkeeping Services is happy to assist any size of business, from needing an hour or two per month up to many hours or more per week, or even just support periodically. Whether it’s a little or a lot of bookkeeping help, TALON can customize a bundle to fit your unique business needs.

On the fence if you should outsource your bookkeeping or hire a part-time employee instead? TALON Bookkeeping Services takes pride in providing reasonable pricing and charges either per hour or a monthly contract fixed rate. When you hire someone in-house, you need to keep in mind that in addition to paying their wage, there’s all the added employer mandatory costs too, including vacation, sick time, WCB, and employer portion of CPP/EI. TALON strives to save you money, time and hassle.

TALON Bookkeeping Services also has an excellent track record for assisting clients who have fallen so behind in their bookkeeping that they don’t know where to start. Trust that you never have to worry about the state of your financial records when meeting with TALON; you will be in great hands every time.

If you are ready to take the next step, reach out to TALON Bookkeeping Services by phone at 250-893-8112 or by email at leah@talonbks.com to set up an appointment and receive an estimate. TALON Bookkeeping Services – creating solutions for all your bookkeeping and payroll needs. Serving the Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria, and the Southern Gulf Islands.

FOCUS HAIR DESIGN

WORDS SAMANTHA FEX

A New Chapter

Christie Hall is a local resident who has redefined herself in middle age – we chatted about the Highland Games, following your dreams and refusing to let fear stop you.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I’ve lived, worked, volunteered and raised my family in Sidney since 2002. My degree is in Communications, but I’ve had a great career in aviation, landing in the quality and safety end of the industry. My husband is also in aviation, so that’s been an important part of our life together. Recently though, with our kids getting older and recognizing how quickly life moves, I’m focused on what I still want to achieve in life.

You describe yourself as an empty nester – how have you adjusted to this new phase of your life?

After parenting full-on for many years, I’m super proud of my boys and their ability to launch into the adult world. Redefining what relationships look like when we’re not as involved in their lives can be hard for parents. But the extra time and space of empty nesting is an opportunity to focus on the next decades, and to be intentional in how we move forward.

You’ve been invited to the Highland Games Heavy Events Masters World Championship in the Netherlands this September. Congratulations! How does this international competition work?

A few years ago, needing some goals to keep me motivated at the gym, I signed up for a Highland Games heavy events novice clinic and was immediately hooked.

After avoiding competitive sports my entire life, I’m now in my third season as a heavy events athlete. I’ve competed in local B.C. games, and the first Canadian Women’s Masters National Championship in Moncton, NB, last summer.

The 2026 Masters World Championship (for athletes over 40) is hosted by the village of Driewegen in the Netherlands. Roughly 200 athletes will compete, based on results from the previous year. This competition includes a lightweight category, and that’s how my invite came about. Size is definitely an advantage in the heavy events.

I’m smaller than the average competitor, but I’m excited to compete with other lightweight athletes, and I’m honoured to represent Canada at the Master’s World Championship.

What is the origin and history behind the Highland Games? How did they get started?

It’s generally understood that the earliest Highland Games involved feats of strength and skill, and possible competition between clans. Modern highland games developed in the 19th century, following the Jacobite rebellions. Scottish settlers brought those traditions with them to North America.

WORDS JESSE HOLTH

PHOTO SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Although many Highland Games athletes have Scottish heritage, it’s not a requirement. I have Scottish ancestry, but my current competition kilt, the “Irish Revenge” tartan, honours my Somerville ancestors who came to Canada in the early 1800s from Northern Ireland. The Highland Games consists of nine different events. What exactly are they?

Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Heavy and Light Weight for Distance, Heavy and Light Hammers, Weight for Height, Sheaf Toss (which you won’t find in Scotland but it’s been incorporated into many North American games) and the Caber Toss, always a crowd favourite.

Athletes participate in all events and are scored on a decathlontype points system.

Women couldn’t compete in the Highland Games until the 1990s, but you said the sport is extremely welcoming for women now. Can you explain?

Historically, women were limited to the frying pan and rolling pin toss events. The first women competing in the heavy events threw the men’s weights (up to 56 pounds).

The number of women in the sport continues to grow. Out of the 15 Canadians attending the Master’s World Championship this year, 12 of them are women.

Women are no longer afraid to lift heavy and push the limits of what we can do physically. It’s very empowering. The Highland Games community absolutely supports that.

Reinventing ourselves in middle age can be daunting – what is your advice to people who are in this stage of life?

Stay curious. Say yes. Don’t let fear stop you. Surround yourself with people who support your wild dreams. My husband is the biggest cheerleader of my efforts. And I love hearing my kids cheer from the sidelines when I compete.

You said it’s easy for people to coast through life – go to work, come home, go to work and so on. How can we learn to break

out of our comfort zone and try something new?

We have to be intentional. If we look at where we want to be at the end of the year, or in five or 10 years, we need to take steps every day to ensure we get there. There are many small achievable goals on the way to big dreams.

I’ll be 50 next year and I’m stronger, healthier and happier than ever. None of that is accidental. Having goals keeps me on track.

Last year, you went back to school for screenwriting –what made you decide to take that leap?

When I was in second grade, I decided to be a writer. A couple years ago I started developing a script, but needed to learn more about that particular craft and the business of screenwriting if I wanted to be successful. The Toronto Film School offers a two-year online program in Writing for Film and Television. I’m nearly halfway through the program, currently working on two feature-length scripts, and I have a short film script entered in some festivals. It’s a huge commitment on top of fulltime work, but I’m fulfilling the promise I made to my sevenyear-old self.

You said it’s important to remember that we don’t need to be good at something the first time we try it – how can we learn to accept not being perfect?

It takes courage to be embarrassingly terrible, whether that’s submitting a script or turning a caber, or something else entirely. If we only do the things we’re good at, we miss out on so much.

Years ago, if someone had told me I’d be competing internationally in the Highland Games, and pursuing a second career as a screenwriter, I would have laughed. But here we are. Those wild opportunities are out there for everyone. Do what you love, do it unapologetically and do it with your whole heart.

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!

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.

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!

Girls Soccer Nights at Peninsula FC

We showed up to the soccer field a bit late (shocking, I know! I blame the extremely long time it takes to do the laces up on a three-year-old's first pair of tiny soccer cleats ... ) with two very excited girls ready for their first Girls Night Soccer, a free community soccer program hosted by Peninsula FC at Blue Heron Turf Fields in Sidney. Our daughters raced over to join the group of over 150 girls clad in neon colours and cleats. My husband and I soon lost sight of them in the crowd of girls doing jumping jacks; the speakers were blasting pumpup music, throngs of parents were gathered on the sidelines cheering their girls on and the massive field was set up with nets and bags of soccer balls and bright pinnies. With a megaphone and a neon yellow shirt and pink shorts, Coach Krista Young and her cousin, Coach Ellise Guigon, wrapped up the warm-up and split the girls up by age groups, assigning them to a volunteer coach and a spot on the field.

The two had the idea last year to have a soccer night just for girls to come and experience the sport without having to commit to being in a league. The small pilot project had 30 participants last year and this year the registration has ballooned to 180! They’ve worked hard to get sponsors, and to organize the many coaches and volunteers that it takes to run such a successful community program. They’re hoping to inspire a lifelong

WORDS CASSIDY NUNN

PHOTO NUNN OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY

value of sport, where girls can feel they belong, and experience the joy of being part of a team and connecting with other players.

“When my daughter started soccer,” Krista says, “I wanted her to have the same experience I had. Standing on the sidelines was never really where I belonged, I wanted to be out on the field helping create those experiences for the next generation. I also wanted her to grow up seeing women coach, lead,

organize programs, and build community. I want her to know that girls and women don't just participate in sport – we help shape it.”

Girls of all ages and skill levels, from our little threeyear-old who’s never played before to teenagers who play in the league regularly, have all been welcomed to these drop in soccer nights. Each night has a theme, from the first night of everyone dressing in neon colours, to

glitter tattoos, world cup night (dress up as your favourite country in world cup), super hero night, twin night (dress up as twins with a buddy) etc. The use of music on the field has also been intentional to help create energy, foster connection and improve motivation and mood.

Last week we made it to practice on time; my husband volunteered to coach and I was cheering support on the sidelines. The girls ran and ran and ran some more. They laughed, they danced, they played with friends old and new. Our elder daughter scored a few goals that she was very proud of, and in between all the scrimmages, each group of girls were ushered to the middle of the field where more volunteers worked to apply glittery tattoos to their rosy cheeks. At the end of each practice, the girls all race over to the clubhouse for a treat and the chance to enter a raffle for draw prizes from local sponsors – the more practices a player attends, the more chances to win as the raffle will be drawn on the final night of practice.

While the Girls Soccer Nights have already begun, they’ll be running every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. until July 30 at the Blue Heron Turf Fields and while registration is encouraged (and free!) drop ins are also always welcome.

For more information visit www.peninsulasoccer.ca.

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Featured Property

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A thoughtfully designed custom residence offering effortless indoor-outdoor living on a beautifully landscaped 0.42-acre property in coveted Deep Cove.

∙ Custom-built Philco Construction rancher (2022)

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∙ Chef-inspired kitchen with custom Thomas Phillips millwork

∙ Private 1-bedroom self-contained suite

∙ Over 1,400 sq.ft. of patio space with hot tub oasis

∙ Deep Cove living, minutes from beaches, marinas, Sidney, YYJ & BC Ferries.

From the Kitchen

arvellously editerranean M

I’ve been lucky enough over the years to travel to Greece a few times. It’s glorious.

WORDS JOAN SAUNDERS

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

But even if we can’t journey to our favourite places, we can indulge ourselves on a warm West Coast summer evening and pretend we have landed on foreign shores with a flavourful Greek-style meal. Shish kebabs are a brilliant choice for a summer barbecue; I like to marinate the meat for a day or two, then it’s a quick task to assemble the vegetables and lamb on the skewers. Seasoned with a classic lemon, olive oil and oregano marinade then lightly charred over the coals, these are a standout option. If you don’t want to make shish kebabs, the marinade also works well with lamb chops. I like to serve the kebabs with this glorious Greek tossed salad. While most of us often opt for a classic Greek salad, this alternative is packed with outstanding summer flavours. What’s unusual is adding some salonika peppers: otherwise known as pepperoncini, friggitello or golden Greek peppers. Whatever they’re called, they add a sweet, mild spice to the mixture. They do

have a slight heat and can be used in a variety of ways, including being added to sandwiches, burgers or pizza. But if you’re not keen on the salonika peppers, just omit them from the salad recipe. There are so many other amazing ingredients such as onions, radishes and my favourite, feta cheese. In my opinion, if a recipe has feta involved, it’s always a first rate option. I love its salty, creamy earthiness.

And, while feta is a staple in Greek cuisine, it’s also packed with nutrients that can support overall health as the salt brine it’s cured in helps preserve the essential minerals and vitamins it offers.

So while our ocean is a bit colder than warm Aegean waters, we can still indulge our love of distinctive Greek seasonings with a wonderful summer barbecue. Invite some friends and family over, open some retsina, and toast to a glorious West Coast evening with an incredible and marvellously Mediterranean dinner. Yamas!

LAMB SHISH KEBAB (SERVES 4-6)

3 lb leg of lamb or lamb roast, cut into 1½ inch cubes

¼ cup butter

¼ cup olive oil

½ cup lemon juice

1 tbsp oregano

½ tsp pepper

3 to 4 medium tomatoes, cut into sixths

3 to 4 medium onions, cut into sixths

EASY TZATZIKI

Take half a cucumber and grate it. Place grated cucumber in a sieve and sprinkle it with a little table salt. This helps draw out some of the moisture. After

GREEK TOSSED SALAD (SERVES

½ head (or more) of hearty lettuce (your choice of type)

½ peeled cucumber, sliced

½ pepper, sliced then cut into chunks

1 tomato, cut into 8 wedges

4 radishes, thinly sliced

8 salonika peppers, thinly sliced, tops removed (also known as pepperoncini peppers, find them in a jar in the pickles section of the grocery store)

3 to 4 peppers, your choice of colour, cut into 1½ inch pieces about 8 skewers

After you’ve cut the lamb into cubes, place the cubes in a deep bowl. In a small saucepan, melt butter with oil, lemon, oregano and pepper. Pour over the lamb cubes; mix together. Tightly cover the bowl and marinate overnight in the fridge.

Skewer lamb, onions, tomatoes and peppers (in that order). Roast on the barbeque, or broil. Turn skewers frequently for even cooking. If you like, serve on a bed of rice pilaf.

I also like to serve this with pita bread and tzatziki, either store bought or homemade.

about 10 minutes, squeeze grated cucumber to get out any more moisture, then put it in a bowl. Add: 1½ cups Greek yogurt, 1 peeled and crushed

(or finely chopped) clove of garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, ½ tbsp chopped fresh mint, 3 tbsp lemon juice. Mix well.

4)

8 kalamata olives, chopped

2 green onions, white and light green parts thinly sliced

3 anchovy fillets, chopped small

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ tsp oregano

salt and pepper to taste

½ tbsp olive oil

½ tbsp red or white wine vinegar

Tear the lettuce into bite-sized chunks. In a large bowl, add the peeled cucumber, pepper, tomato, green onions and radishes. Toss well. Then garnish with olives, salonika peppers, anchovies and cheese. Sprinkle oregano, salt and pepper on top. Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad. Toss well.

BRENTWOOD CROSSING

My bestie is currently making her way from Mile Zero in Victoria to Halifax.

On a bicycle. Camping. On purpose. She's not even doing it alone. She somehow persuaded her partner to go, too.

"Why?" I goggled.

"I don't really know," she replied. "It's kind of a bucket list thing."

A bucket list. You know, all the things you're supposed to do before you die.

I conducted a highly scientific survey of several friends. The results were roughly split down the middle between those who have bucket lists and those who don't. I fall firmly into the second camp.

I'll tell you what kind of list I do have, though. It rhymes with "bucket" and contains all the things I no longer feel obliged to care about. Since this is a family magazine, let's call it my Chuck it Bucket. Over the years I've tossed quite a few things into it.

Dusting, for one. If you're visiting my home to evaluate my housekeeping skills, we're probably not destined for a long friendship. I also release all my friends from dusting before I visit. "No one should ever suffer dusting on my account!" Some of them do it anyway. So do I, occasionally. I just don't lose sleep over it.

Next into the bucket: perfect makeup. At this stage of life, if I remembered to brush my teeth and put on matching shoes, I’m already having a successful day. As Popeye wisely observed: "I yam what I yam."

I've also chucked in anxiety about those sneaky “menopounds.” Do I wish they weren't there? Sure. Would I like my metabolism to write me an apology letter? Absolutely. But this body still lets me ride my bike for hours, haul groceries, climb stairs, hug heartily, bake bread, and laugh so hard I snortle. It's earned a little grace.

One of the biggest things in my Chuckit Bucket is regret.

To Bucket or Not to Bucket?

Of course there are things I'd do differently. We all have moments we'd happily edit out of the past. But my mistakes, detours, wrong turns and some spectacularly questionable decisions helped create the person I am today. And frankly, I quite like her.

So, what stays out of the Bucket?

Kindness. You never know what someone is carrying. A smile. A compliment. A moment of patience. Listening when someone needs to be heard. These things cost almost nothing and can change the trajectory of a person's day.

Joy. The scent of a rose. A child's giggle. Finding my mother's recipe for Company Casserole after thinking it was lost forever. Time with family and friends. Fresh bread from the oven. A good bike ride. Loving people well and allowing myself to be loved in return.

Generosity stays out too. It’s not just about money,

WORDS CONNIE DUNWOODY

although that's part of it. Time. Encouragement. Skills. Compassion. A willingness to help when help is needed. The older I get, the more I realize that generosity isn't really about what you give away. It's about how you choose to live. And finally: curiosity. Keep asking questions. Keep learning. Stay interested. The day we decide we've got everything figured out is probably the day we start growing old.

So that’s what is – and isn’t –in my Chuckit Bucket.

My bestie has a bucket list. I have a bucket. Honestly, I think we're both travelling toward the same destination – she's just crossing Canada to get there. By the time you read this, she'll probably be somewhere near the Manitoba-Ontario border, pedalling happily toward Halifax with her sweetheart, while I'm at home deciding whether dusting really needs to happen this week.

Spoiler alert: it doesn't.

NANCY'S SEW CREATIVE

Patio Cushions for Living!

The long and lazy days we wait for all year long are finally here. It is time to get outdoors and tend to our gardens, go for a bicycle ride or just lounge in whatever outdoor space we have. It could be you have multiple patios, a lovely garden retreat or a balcony overlooking your outdoor space.

Sunbrella Furniture Fabric is the best my industry has to offer, in fabric that can withstand our climate here on the Island. It comes in a variety of colours, textures and stripes. It is fade, mold, mildew and moisture resistant. That being said, my cushions are in my yard from mid-May to the end of September. If it is going to rain for a few days, I just tip them up on their zippers. They dry very quickly and efficiently.

There are things about manufacturing these cushions that I have learned to be true. The tops of the back cushions are the most affected by sun exposure. I recommend piping around all cushions to protect the thread from the sun.

I also recommend Sunbrella Furniture Fabric for sailboat cushions because of the mold and mildew resistance. I have recently completed slipcovers on three sailboats. Please feel free to give me a call to discuss yours.

Wishing all of you a long and happy summer season. I am grateful for the support I have received from you all this year and thank you for keeping it local.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL

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.

The Shop

#107-2506 Beacon Ave, Sidney

A Heartfelt Thank You from The Shop

Four years ago, The Shop opened its doors with a simple dream: to create a welcoming space filled with beautiful treasures, unique finds and a sense of community. What we never imagined was just how much support, kindness and friendship we would receive along the way.

To every customer who stopped in to browse, every loyal shopper who returned again and again, every consignor, maker and friend who believed in us – thank you. Your encouragement has helped make The Shop what it is today.

Because of your support, we are excited to announce that The Shop is moving to a new home! While our address is changing, our heart remains exactly the same. We will continue to offer the carefully curated mix of new, vintage, reused and revived treasures that you have come to love.

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful new location at 107-2506 Beacon Avenue. Join us as we begin this exciting new chapter and celebrate our Grand Opening on July 1.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting local, shopping small, and being part of The Shop family. We can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new friends in our new space.

See you on Beacon Avenue!

SEASIDE STORIES

Off the Land

Island View Farm & Mini Golf

A Farming Fairway into the Future

For years, people at this site have been taking a swing towards flag markers to improve their golf game.

Now, at Island View Farm & Mini Golf, the owners and their team are enthusiastically taking a swing towards regenerative farming and restoration of the land.

“Ten years ago, the driving range closed,” relates Ashton Simon, farm manager. “There have been several attempts at restoration. A farmer grew grain crops here, and there was also a market garden here at one point.”

The ten-acre site off Central Saanich Road is a very familiar site to any passerby driving along the Pat Bay Highway. General manager and co-owner, Shawn Smith, says: “As we learned about the opportunity on this property, the vision started to coalesce around a beautiful place to create living soils, healthy food and deep community, all in a way that could sustain itself financially.”

Siblings Wilf, Dagmar and Karin Wanke are the primary owners

who purchased the property in August 2024. While a beautiful family mini golf area still remains, the long-neglected driving range area is being transformed into a thriving agricultural space.

Shawn outlines the dramatic changes which have taken place. “We've added six acres of perimeter fencing, acres of drip irrigation, a 2,000-squarefoot greenhouse, processing facilities, plans for an acre of market garden, 1,000 apple trees for a future cidery, a farm store, mountains of organic compost to build up the soil from prior golf uses, nine goats, some ducks and 40 chickens and all the related infrastructure for animal care.”

It has been a massive undertaking, as the property initially presented many challenges. “The land is about four feet higher than surrounding areas because fill was brought in when it was developed into a golfing

WORDS JO BARNES

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

business. There were chunks of rock and even cement slabs in the ground, and also a lot of golf balls,” says Ashton, adding emphatically: “We’re still digging them up!”

Ashton designs and manages the day-to-day farm activity and runs all programming and product lines. There are two part-time staff, others who work both farm and mini golf, and summer student staff. Overall, it’s very much a family venture. “We were looking for a meaningful project as an extended family,” relates Shawn. “Karin is my mom, and my cousins, Dagmar and Wilf's daughters respectively, are also part of the governance. So, its intergenerational and cross family collaboration.”

Regenerative practices including organic compost and cover cropping to enhance the soil structure, avoidance of sprays and pesticides, and the use of organic approved fertilizers are resulting in healthy soil and bountiful crops. The half-acre market garden planted last year, which generated a delicious abundance of produce, inspired the team to raise the bar. “In 2026, we are increasing the market garden to a full acre,” shares Ashton. “The goal is to have as diverse a market garden as possible.”

CSA will receive a ‘culinary box to inspire the inner chef’. In it will be a mix of produce items curated for taste and visual excitement,” relates Ashton. “There will be bonuses too in each box like samples, tea blends and plant starts.”

Shawn relates how this project is positively resonating with the local community: “We just heard from someone whose grandparents used to farm here before it was sold and converted to golfing use. They are participating in our new CSA program as a way of supporting its return to healthy food production.”

Community residents and visitors can still enjoy the fun of a round of mini golf, but now the greater landscape around them is being tended and sustained for the future and for local food security. “The biggest goal this year is for people to come check out the farm store, produce, seedlings, seeds and more on offer, as these all directly support the farm,” says Shawn. “It’s a very special place and important work we are doing here,” shares Ashton. “It is really important to restore the farm land and secure the future of our ecosystem. We need to pay attention to this as it is the foundation to growing good food.”

In addition, produce grown is sold in the onsite farm store which also offers pickles, jams and jellies, tea blends made from the produce and artisan goods made by locals and staff including macrame, jewellry, pottery and greeting cards.

This year the farm kicked off its first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box program. “Customers subscribing to the 20-week

It’s still a place to enjoy fun and friendship, but now visitors not only can appreciate the efforts being made to enhance the land, but they can also support the creation of a resilient food system. Island View Farm and Mini Golf is successfully aiming at an invaluable target on the green, that of reaching “par” in environmental sustainability. It’s a case not of “fore” but moving “forward.”

www.islandviewfarm.ca

At Sidney Mattress – locally owned and operated for the last 7 years – we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service with a personal touch. No pushy sales tactics, no gimmicks, no ridiculous markups, just a relaxed friendly experience focused entirely on you.

Simply Better: Irrigating with Today’s New Technology

WORDS

COLIN EATON, GARDEN CITY TREE AND LANDSCAPE LTD.

Irrigation has come a long way in a short period of time. Here are some solid reasons why you should consider a professionally installed irrigation system or an upgrade of your existing system;

• Even if you like getting up at 6 a.m. several times a week for nine months a year to water your landscape, your landscape is still not receiving adequate water. Your lawn and plants are suffering, and you are wasting your valuable time.

• A professionally installed system ensures proper watering of all areas, avoiding overwatering in some areas and underwatering in others.

• Precision nozzles are a relatively new technology that sees irrigation heads deliver water in slower application rates, thus allowing for better absorption rates (i.e. less water is wasted due to evaporation or runoff). Less water wasted will result in a

cost savings to you, and it’s just good practice.

• Emitters lines are no longer soaker-hose quality. They are now engineered to release the same amount of water every 12 inches and they ensure less loss of water due to evaporation, a common problem with spray heads.

• Proper watering of your landscape will ensure optimum growth of plants and lawns.

• It is an investment in your property. You can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a landscape that will be dead or severely damaged within a few years without a proper irrigation system. An irrigation system provides control over watering!

• Irrigation timers have cloudbased technology which means they check in with the local weather and adjust the irrigation based on the actual weather. So if it rains, your system does not engage. These new systems also

alert you to a break in the system so you don’t waste unnecessary water! While you’re at it, why should you install a backflow preventer?

• Water that enters your irrigation system comes from your municipal water supply, i.e. the same water we drink every day. Without a backflow preventer, irrigation water can backflow into the municipal system every time you water. If, for example, you have a pet that relieves itself on your lawn or you use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, all will mix with the water that can flow back into your and our drinking water.

• To combat this backflow contamination, the CRD requires backflow preventers be installed on any new or existing systems. If you don’t have one, consider installing one soon, for everyone’s health.

www.victoriagardencity.ca

Proper watering of your landscape will ensure optimum growth of plants and lawns.

Meet Your Neighbours

Katherine Margetts: Community Creator

A thrifter, a mother, a shop owner, a grandma, a manager of two businesses and a local artist-hub creator.

WORDS JAMILA DOUHAIBI

PHOTO WIND GYPSY PHOTOGRAPHY

This seems like too many descriptors for one person, but Katherine Margetts is all of these things and more. Having lived in Sidney for 18 years, she has grown with the town and remains loyally committed to supporting and sharing with the local community.

Katherine grew up in Penticton and says that she has “always been a thrifter,” because she went to garage sales with her mom every Saturday growing up. Her mom even put pins into a map so they had their schedule pre-planned. Katherine always thought she’d be an entrepreneur, but after having two children, she focused on raising them and didn’t start her first business,

keekeeklean professional house cleaning, until she was older. Perhaps an unpopular view, Katherine says: “I love cleaning,” and through her business she met the nicest, friendliest clients.

When her sister and mom both passed away within one month of each other five years ago, it turned her life upside down. She gave her cleaning clients to her other employees and after coming back to work says that “I didn’t know what to do so I opened The Shop.”

The Shop, which started on First Street in Sidney, is the perfect place for a curator of interesting things. Though it has often meant working at the store during the day and

running keekeeklean at night, Katherine says about The Shop: “I never set out to do this but it’s the thing I’m most proud of.” Katherine says that there are more than 30 local artisans represented at The Shop, which acts as “the hub” for local gems. She sources everything that comes to the store and travels around the Island for great pieces to add to the displays of artists’ work. Favourite spots are Parksville and Qualicum and Katherine has come back with several full cars after days of thrifting. She says that some of the artists are older ladies that like to sew and craft, or people who make one specialty item, so The Shop is the perfect place for them. She loves decorating and arranging everything in the store and says that she is “very minimal at home” so everything thrifted and chosen comes to The Shop. She also carries some items of clothing, but says that “I only carry great clothes at a medium price point,” rather than piles of mismatched items. Outside of working two jobs and finding pieces for The Shop, Katherine loves to swim, bike, host big family dinners and go camping. Katherine and her mom were supposed to go camping just before she passed away, so she’s “making the whole family go camping

this summer.” Katherine’s oldest grandchild, aged 21, meets her for lunch every two weeks, and another grandchild helps at The Shop. Her dog Molly is also “world famous in Sidney” and had a sweet 16 party at the store.

Exciting news is The Shop is moving to Beacon Avenue!

Though the original home provided a lot of good memories over the years, the location off the main drag has also been a struggle. Katherine says that even though rent is a bit higher in the new place, when a space came up, she decided to “take the plunge and find a better spot with more foot traffic.” For her, the important aspects of what she does won’t change in the new location. She still looks forward to working with and highlighting community artists, offering personal touches like dropping purchases off for older shoppers, referring people to other shops if she doesn’t have what they’re looking for, and providing elevated goods. The opening date for The Shop’s new location (107-2506 Beacon Avenue) is July 1!

As someone who wears many hats and loves the roles she’s taken up in her community, Katherine is adding to the character of Sidney, and doing it in style.

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S PREMIER SUMMER ARTS EVENT

PHOTO COURTESY THE SHOP

Our office is now located at

All of our other contact information will remain the same, including telephone number (778.426.3330), fax number (778.426.3332) and email addresses. We look forward to working with our clients from our lovely new premises.

SEASIDE EVENTS

Peninsula Celebrations Society Summer Event Season!

As you read these words, summer will officially be underway on the Saanich Peninsula. That can only mean one thing: the Peninsula Celebrations Society (PCS) summer event season is about to begin. We’ve got parades, fairs, and concerts on the way, so clear those schedules and get ready to celebrate with us all summer long.

spirit surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re also introducing a free bike valet service, operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ride to the festivities, leave your bike in safe hands, and enjoy the day worry-free.

www.alfordwalden.com • 104 – 9710 Second St, Sidney

Patio season is here!

Sip, savour, & soak in the ocean views!

Everything kicks off on July 1 with our annual Canada Day Parade. Downtown Sidney closes to traffic as Beacon Avenue comes alive with floats, bands, community groups and plenty of red-andwhite spirit. Starting at 11:30 a.m., the parade promises fun for all ages. Our theme this year is “Love, Honour, Respect,” and fittingly, 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion. We’ll be honouring our very own Branch 37, one of the first Legion branches chartered in 1926. Be sure to watch for the 676 Kittyhawk Squadron Cadets carrying the Centennial Banner at the front of the parade and give them a well-deserved cheer.

As if that wasn’t enough, Canada Day leads directly into our Summer Sounds concert series. Beginning July 5 and running every Sunday through August 23, Summer Sounds brings outstanding live music to the bandshell in Beacon Park from 2 to 4 p.m. The series opens with Barracuda, a tribute to Heart, and the excitement continues all summer with tributes to Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and many more. We're also delighted to welcome local favourites The Haven (August 9), who will be bringing their signature blend of great music and highenergy entertainment to the stage. Bring your friends, lawn chairs, sunscreen and best dance moves, then settle in for an afternoon of great music in one of the Peninsula's most beautiful settings.

Immediately following the parade, the celebration continues at the Canada Day Family Fun Fair in Iroquois Park (2295 Ocean Avenue). From 12:30 to 4 p.m., enjoy live music, entertainers, food vendors, games, inflatables and plenty of family-friendly activities. New this year is our “Kickin’ It Canada: World Cup Celebration,” inspired by the excitement and community

All PCS events are smoke and vape free.

For full details on the PCS Canada Day events and the complete Summer Sounds band lineup, visit: www. peninsulacelebrations.org. Want to get involved? We’re always looking for volunteers. Ask us about it at info@ peninsulacelebrations.ca

See you out there!

It is a spot I pass often on West Saanich Road, and more than once I have found myself pulling over at sunset, jumping out of the car to capture the sky as it lights up over the water. Last night, instead of a quick stop, we decided to slow down and make an evening walk of it.

We started at the north end of the trail, following the beach before the tide crept too far in. The evening light stretched across the water as the sun slowly dropped behind Salt Spring Island. The shoreline was alive in that quiet summer way that feels uniquely Peninsula. Paddle boarders glided across the calm bay while families lingered at the water’s edge, children splashing in the shallows where the warm

evening sun had heated the rocks close to shore.

Others wandered the trail at an easy pace, enjoying an after-dinner walk. A few people sat quietly on the driftwood facing the water, soaking in the stillness before sunset. Neighbours stopped to chat. Seals surfaced offshore, watching the activity from a distance, and we kept an eye out for the blackfish, the Dall’s porpoises that are sometimes spotted playing in the bay.

After reaching the south end, we returned along the forested path as the sky shifted through soft pinks and golds. At just over two kilometres return, it is not a long walk, but it never feels rushed. This is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and notice things: the movement of the tide; the

Seaside Sunset at Patricia Bay

There are some places that quietly become part of you. Patricia Bay, also known as Scoter Trail, is one of those places for me.

sound of water against the rocks; the changing colours across the bay.

Wherever I travel, this is one of those places that always welcomes me home. Patricia Bay reminds me why the ocean is so deeply connected to life on the Saanich Peninsula. It is simple, accessible and beautiful in every season.

In summer, the bay becomes a gathering place. Kayaks and paddle boards launch from the easy beach access, picnic tables fill with families sharing dinner, and on windy days, kite surfers dance across the water. Yet even with activity around you, there is still a sense of calm that settles in as the sun disappears behind the islands. Sometimes the best way to get out is not to go far at all.

THINGS TO NOTE

• Patricia Bay, also called Scoter Trail, is located along West Saanich Road, with the main parking lot between Willingdon and Mills roads

• The walk is relatively flat and approximately 2 km return

• Bring a picnic or takeaway dinner for the beachside picnic tables

• Sunset is the perfect time to visit during summer months

WORDS & PHOTOS SHELLEY TICE

SEASIDE STORIES

New & Noteworthy

HEARING CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

News, Changes, Updates, Launches

Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy@ seasidemagazine.ca.

WORDS JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL

Founded in early May 2026 by local resident Aisling Smyth, Sound Audiology is an independently owned audiology clinic serving the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria community. Sound Audiology provides personalized hearing care services including hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, tinnitus assessments, and ear wax removal, with a focus on patient-centred care and long-term hearing health. www.soundaudiology.net

“THE UNBROKEN” AT RED ART GALLERY

Red Art Gallery will be showcasing “The UnBroken”

event and auction. Fifty percent of art auction proceeds, along with individual donations, will support Little Warriors Canada, helping children heal from sexual abuse. Online bidding available at https://tinyurl. com/n9h37c53. View auction artwork at Red Art Gallery at 108 - 2506 Beacon Avenue, Sidney.

RARE JET LANDS AT B.C. AVIATION MUSEUM

B.C. Aviation Museum has acquired a rare Cold War-era de Havilland Vampire jet, an important piece of Canadian aviation history and the country’s first operational fighter aircraft. The jet also served with the Blue Devils aerobatic team before being retired from military service in 1958. After its service life,

the aircraft passed through several private owners, including actor, pilot and aviation enthusiast John Travolta, who owned the Vampire from 1989 to 1991. His name remains painted on the fuselage below the cockpit, adding a unique chapter to the aircraft’s history. The jet will now become a featured attraction at the museum, where it will help tell the story of Canada’s early jet age.

HEALING THE WATERFRONT NATURALLY

Sheets of polyethylene plastic are being used to solarize the soil along a section of the Waterfront Walkway. This is a natural method that harnesses the sun’s heat to eliminate weeds, weed seeds and harmful soil organisms without chemicals.

The covering will remain in place for several months to complete the process. After that, the area will be replanted with native plants with guidance from local First Nations.

SPHHF CLASSIC CAR RAFFLE

Proceeds from the SPHHF Classic Car Raffle 2026 will help fund essential equipment for Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s Emergency Department, Operating Room and kitchen. The equipment supports doctors, nurses and care teams in diagnosing and treating patients more effectively, helping ensure the highest quality care for our community. The Grand Prize is a restored yellow 1976 Triumph TR6 2-door convertible with a 2.5 litre inline six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual

transmission. Draw date is August 5th at 1 p.m. Secure your tickets securely online via the SPHHF Raffle Nexus.

SAANICH PENINSULA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL DEBOCCERY

TOURNAMENT

Get ready to roll in the Annual Bocce Tournament on August 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where friendly competition meets great networking and community fun! Hosted at the McTavish Academy of Art and brought to you by the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, this popular summer event is back and better than ever. Whether you are a seasoned bocce player

or trying it for the first time, this tournament is all about laughter, great networking and a little friendly rivalry. Expect exciting matches, great energy, and prizes to celebrate both skill and creativity. Costumes are encouraged, so start planning your team theme!

https://tinyurl.com/3vajshxv

VIRL CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF SERVICE

Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is celebrating 90 years of service to communities across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, Bella Coola, and the Central Coast. Established in 1936, VIRL is one of the first shared service organizations in British Columbia and a cornerstone of community well-being. It all began with a small grant

of $500 from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, six library branches and a collection of 12,648 books. Today, VIRL is one of British Columbia’s largest and most geographically diverse public library systems, serving urban centres and some of Canada’s most rural and remote communities. This milestone reflects more than the growth of an organization. It represents a shared public value: access to information, ideas, learning, and opportunity must be available to everyone.

Celebrations continue throughout the summer, with the VIRL 90th Anniversary Passport Program. People of all ages are invited to explore branches across the region, collect unique branch stamps, and enter regional and system-wide prize draws. www. virl.bc.ca/90th.

Cool Aid Recovery Housing House Lead

Summer has arrived and many islanders and tourists are heading to the beach with their dogs in tow! The Saanich Peninsula is home to some beautiful oceanside beaches and lakes. It brings me so much joy to watch a dog chasing sand fleas or fetching sticks and balls again and again from the water.

As dog guardians, it is our responsibility to be mindful that public beaches must be shared respectfully and safely with young children, wildlife, other dogs, people who might be scared or uncomfortable around off-leash dogs, and the environment. While picking up after our pets is our obligation and a common courtesy, it unfortunately remains a persistent issue in most communities. Pet guardians should be checking posted signage and respecting environmental protection zones as off-leash dog rules vary between parks and at different times of the year. A good rule of thumb to follow is that unless a park is clearly marked as an off-leash

dog park, restrictions apply between June 1 to September 15 for many parks.

I have compiled the following list of park rules and restrictions for some of our best local hotspots:

Island View Beach Regional Park: Dogs are required to be on a leash at the park campground. From June 1 to September 15, dogs must be on leash when passing through all beach areas above the natural boundary of the sea, and are not allowed to linger in one spot.

Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Roberts Bay): Under the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations, allowing pets to run "at large" (unleashed) is illegal at this park. This designated bird sanctuary provides critical resting and feeding habitat for thousands of seabirds, waterbirds and shorebirds.

Cy Hampson Park: This 3.5-hectare waterfront park boasts two fenced off-leash dog areas, large grassy open spaces and beach access. This

Safe Sails, Happy Tails: A Guide to Exploring Local Beaches This Summer With Your Dog

park is open to off-leash dogs at all times of the year.

Durrance Lake: Dogs are not permitted on the beach from June 1 to September 15, but are permitted leashed on the trails around the lake.

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park: Dogs are required to be under control, or on a leash where specified throughout this park and trail system. Dogs are not allowed in designated beach or picnic areas at Beaver Lake beach, Hamsterly beach, Eagle beach and Water Ski beach between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash without stopping.

Parker Park: This smaller waterfront park in Cordova Bay has beach access and dogs are allowed controlled off-leash year round between 6 and 9 a.m.

Coles Bay Regional Park: Dogs are allowed off-leash under control on the short trails to Coles Bay. However, from June 1 to September 15, dogs must be on-leash at the beach while passing through.

Thetis Lake Regional Park: Dogs are not allowed in designated beach or picnic areas in the Prior Lake beach and dock area, and Thetis Lake main beach, between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash without stopping. Otherwise, dogs are allowed to be on-leash or under control off-leash.

Peter Grant Park, Dominion Brook Park, Horth Hill, Adam Kerr Park, Centennial Park: While not waterfront, these smaller local parks offer either fenced off-leash grassy areas and/or trail systems where dogs are allowed to be offleash under control year-round in designated areas or trails.

Whether you are a local islander or a visitor to this gorgeous slice of paradise, we are so privileged to explore the natural beauty of Vancouver Islands’ regional parks and trails. Being respectful of seasonal restrictions and ensuring our dogs are under our control is essential to keep these spots and their wildlife protected.

WORDS DR. ASHLEE ALBRIGHT PENINSULA VETERINARY HOSPITAL

How HARP is Helping Bring 21 Family Doctors to the Saanich Peninsula

WORDS SAANICH PENINSULA HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Since launching in 2025, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation's Healthcare Assist Recruitment Program (HARP) has helped recruit seven family physicians to the Saanich Peninsula and is on track to welcome six more by fall. The Foundation has already earmarked funding to recruit an additional eight physicians, bringing the total to 21, while also exploring ways to support physician succession planning as local doctors approach retirement. The goal is to help ensure access to primary care for years to come.

The donor-funded initiative was created to help address the ongoing shortage of family doctors in the region. With 13 physicians already recruited through HARP, an estimated 16,250 residents could eventually gain access to a family doctor. Behind those numbers is a recruitment process that is far more complex than many people realize.

According to John Livingstone of Canada Medical Careers, the recruitment firm supporting HARP, recruiting

a family physician often means helping an entire family relocate and settle into a new community. For many internationally recruited physicians, the process includes navigating licensing requirements, immigration procedures and relocating an entire family.

"There are four licensing regulatory agencies and two federal immigration agencies involved in licensing each doctor," says Livingstone. "It's a complicated process."

Many of the physicians recruited to the Saanich Peninsula come from the United Kingdom. In addition to meeting licensing requirements, they must find housing, establish banking arrangements, obtain documents such as a Social Insurance Number and driver's license, and help their children settle into local schools.

Physicians are also choosing where they want to build their lives. "Family physicians look for safe communities, great schools and an opportunity for a healthy lifestyle," says Livingstone. Those qualities make the Saanich Peninsula an attractive destination, but

barriers still exist. Finding suitable housing can be difficult, particularly for families arriving without a Canadian credit history. Relocating to Canada can be both financially and logistically challenging, which is where HARP plays an important role.

Funded through donor support, the program covers recruitment services and provides startup loans helping physicians manage licensing fees, housing costs and other expenses associated with relocating and establishing a new practice. The goal is to help physicians settle into the community and begin caring for patients sooner.

"HARP reassures doctors that the community is supporting their success, both as physicians and for their families," says Livingstone.

The impact is already being felt across the Peninsula. One physician recruited through HARP arrived from the United Kingdom in June 2025 and now cares for approximately 1,250 patients. As more physicians establish their practices, thousands of additional residents will gain access to a

family doctor and the ongoing care that comes with it.

"Access to a family doctor is one of the most important healthcare concerns we hear about from our community," says Heather Edward, CEO of SPHHF. "HARP was created to help remove barriers, support all community clinics and attract physicians to the Peninsula. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're seeing real results that will benefit residents for years to come."

For Livingstone, the success of the program demonstrates what can happen when a community takes a proactive approach to healthcare. "The HARP program has been very proactive in facilitating the recruitment of thirteen doctors to the Saanich Peninsula," he says. "I am optimistic that almost every resident of the Saanich Peninsula will soon have a family doctor."

By helping physicians overcome the challenges of relocation and establishing a new practice, HARP is strengthening access to primary care and helping build a healthier future for the Saanich Peninsula.

How Dental Implants Can Help The Impact

of Poorly Fitting Dentures on Nutrition, Quality of Life and Overall Health

Dentures have long been an effective solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring basic oral function. However, when dentures fit poorly, they can significantly affect a person’s ability to chew food comfortably and enjoy meals. These challenges extend beyond the mouth and can negatively influence nutrition, physical health, emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Dental implants offer an important advancement in denture treatment by improving denture stability and enhancing chewing efficiency.

One of the most common problems associated with poorly fitting dentures is difficulty chewing. Conventional dentures may become loose over time due to natural bone resorption in the jaws. As the underlying bone shrinks, dentures lose their retention and stability, causing them to move during eating. Patients often report discomfort, soreness and a lack of confidence when chewing. Foods that require greater biting force, such as meats, raw vegetables, fruits and nuts, may become difficult or impossible to consume comfortably. As a result, many denture wearers modify their diets

and avoid nutritious foods that are harder to chew. Instead, they may choose softer, processed foods that are often higher in sugar, fat and refined carbohydrates. This dietary change can lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Poor nutrition may contribute to weight loss, muscle weakness, impaired immune function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. For older adults in particular, reduced nutritional intake can negatively affect overall health and independence.

The inability to enjoy food is another significant consequence of poorly fitting dentures. Eating is not only a biological necessity but also an important social and cultural experience. When patients experience pain, instability or embarrassment while eating, meals can become stressful rather than pleasurable. Many individuals report avoiding social gatherings, restaurants and family events because they fear their dentures may slip or become dislodged. This loss of confidence can contribute to social isolation, reduced selfesteem, and diminished quality of life.

Catherine Teng Kinesiologist

Lauren Ching Acupuncturist

Emma Rigsby Physiotherapist

Shelley Dumais Physiotherapist

Poorly fitting dentures can also affect oral health. Excessive movement of dentures may cause irritation of the soft tissues, resulting in sore spots, inflammation and ulceration. In some cases, chronic irritation can make wearing dentures uncomfortable for extended periods. Additionally, unstable dentures do not prevent the progressive loss of jawbone that occurs following tooth loss. Continued bone resorption can further worsen denture fit and create a cycle of declining function and comfort.

Dental implants provide a highly effective solution to many of these challenges. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to titanium implants placed within the jawbone, providing significantly greater stability and retention compared with conventional dentures. Because the dentures are securely attached, patients experience less movement during chewing, speaking and daily activities.

Research has consistently shown that implant-supported dentures improve chewing efficiency and bite force. Patients are often able to eat a wider variety of foods, including those that are more nutritious and fibrous. Improved chewing function allows for better food breakdown, which can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. As patients regain confidence in their ability to eat comfortably, they are more

likely to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

Beyond functional improvements, implantsupported dentures often lead to greater patient satisfaction and quality of life. Individuals frequently report increased comfort, improved self-confidence and greater enjoyment of meals. The enhanced stability reduces concerns about denture movement in social situations, allowing patients to participate more fully in everyday activities.

Another important benefit of dental implants is their ability to help preserve the jawbone. Functional forces transmitted through implants stimulate the surrounding bone, reducing the rate of bone loss that commonly follows tooth extraction. This contributes to better long-term oral health and helps maintain facial support and appearance.

In conclusion, poorly fitting dentures can have profound effects on chewing ability, food enjoyment, nutrition, social interactions and overall health. By improving denture stability, chewing efficiency, and patient confidence, dental implants offer a valuable treatment option that can significantly enhance both oral function and quality of life. For many patients, implant-supported dentures represent a transformative solution that restores not only their ability to eat but also their overall well-being.

Donna Stewart

Chronic pain – defined as persistent discomfort lasting longer than three months –affects millions of people in Canada and can dramatically impact their daily life, work, sleep and emotional well-being. While medications and surgery are commonly considered, many people want nonpharmaceutical means of managing their chronic pain.

One option in B.C. is osteopathy, a hands-on form of health care that combines gentle physical techniques with a whole-body approach to healing the underlying causes of chronic pain.

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy is a therapeutic approach rooted in the belief that all body functions are connected, and that the cause of a specific ache or pain could originate elsewhere in the body. It aims to address inherent contributors to pain, rather than just treat the symptoms.

Osteopathic practitioners use hands-on techniques such as stretching, soft tissue work, joint mobilization and gentle manipulation to improve mobility, reduce tension, and support the

body’s ability to heal.

ALLEVIATING CHRONIC PAIN

People living with chronic pain often report discomfort in their lower back, neck, shoulders and hips. Osteopathy has been found to be helpful in treating this pain by:

• Reducing Pain and Muscle Tension: Hands-on techniques can decrease muscle tightness and “unlock” restricted joints, which may reduce pain signals sent to the nervous system.

• Improving Function: By restoring movement and alignment, many people find that they can move more freely, and with less discomfort, after an osteopathic treatment.

• Supporting Overall Health: Osteopathic care often integrates education on proper posture, movement guidance, and lifestyle advice, contributing to long-term improvements.

While individual responses vary, the latest research suggests that osteopathy can play a meaningful role for many people living with chronic pain.

A growing body of research

Living with Chronic Pain? Osteopathy Can Help

supports osteopathy for treating chronic pain conditions, specifically lower back and neck pain.

HOLISTIC & SAFE

Importantly, most research shows that osteopathy is well-tolerated and safe with relatively few adverse effects when provided by qualified practitioners. Osteopathy may be most effective as part of an integrated treatment plan that includes exercise, stress management, sleep support and other evidence-based strategies. It can be used at the same time as other manual therapies.

CONSIDERING OSTEOPATHY?

• Choose a qualified practitioner. All OsteopathyBC members are qualified in accordance with World Health Organization

standards and have extensive experience with chronic pain.

• Be open to combining care approaches. Osteopathic treatments often work best with active self-management such as movement and posture training.

If you’re living with chronic pain, consider osteopathy as a gentle, hands-on, drug-free health care treatment that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your pain.

This article was written by OsteopathyBC (OBC), the professional association for qualified osteopathic practitioners in BC. All OBC members are trained to the highest international standards as established by the World Health Organization. Check if your osteopathic practitioner is an OBC member at www.osteopathybc.ca.

Are you looking for a unique, family-friendly experience this summer? The owners of Country Bee Honey Farm know these can be hard to find; that’s why they created the Farm Experience Tour, a self-guided adventure designed especially for families and nature enthusiasts. From playful goats to curious emus, the farm is home to a variety of animals you can meet up close, making it the perfect place to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

This tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. It’s recommended to pack a picnic and a few outdoor essentials (sunhat, sunscreen, juice boxes and snacks) to make the most of your visit. When you arrive, head into the store to purchase admission and explore the locally curated gift shop. Treat the kids to the famous sugar cookies or the huge selection of flavoured honey sticks. The store is also stocked with local honey treats, cold drinks and fresh baked goods from the café … perfect for enjoying in the pollinator garden. Before heading out, pick up some feed for the adorable animals on your tour!

When you’re ready to start your tour, follow the bees to the yellow door and begin your adventure. You’ll first pass Sweet Pea the adorable mini pig, likely sunbathing, waiting to welcome you. Continue to the miniature Western Town where you’ll meet the friendly dwarf goats, babydoll sheep, hair sheep, miniature donkeys, emus, alpacas, bunnies, chickens, ducks, geese, peacocks, pheasants and guinea fowl. Don’t forget to visit the Chick Nursery – it’s home to baby chicks that you can hold!

After visiting all the animals, take a break at one of the picnic tables in the pollinator garden. Enjoy a snack and a peaceful moment surrounded by seasonal blooms and local pollinators. Then head back out for more time with the animals – the kids never seem to get enough!

In January 2026, the Farm Experience underwent significant alterations to be more accessible for those with strollers, wheelchairs and mobility issues, and to allow the tour to be open all year round! Come see all the changes, open 7 days a weeks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day passes are $5 for children and $6.50 for adults. Annual passes are $30 for children and $40 for adults.

FRESH for KIDS Nourishing a Generation of B.C. Students

Every school day across British Columbia, something quietly remarkable happens: students in more than 1,500 schools receive fresh, locally grown food, that was planted, harvested and delivered by B.C. farmers who are their neighbours and their community.

For more than two decades, FRESH for KIDS has made that possible. A flagship program of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC), it has grown into one of British Columbia’s most impactful and costeffective school nutrition programs, delivering over 120 million servings of fresh, local produce to students across the province, from urban classrooms to remote and Indigenous communities.

What makes FRESH for KIDS stand out is not just its scale, but its roots. The program is built on relationships, between schools and farmers, between students and the land and between communities and the food that sustains them. At just $10 per student per year, it stretches limited school budgets further than almost any comparable program in Canada, while ensuring that the dollars spent flow directly back to B.C. growers, local food producers and delivery partners. To date, more than $100 million has been paid directly to people in B.C.’s agricultural sector, supporting over 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs province-wide.

WORDS BC AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM FOUNDATION

“The FRESH for KIDS program thrives today because of the dedication of B.C. farmers, educators, volunteers and donors,” says Cheryl Johnson, Executive Director of BCAITC.

“Together, we’re fighting food insecurity, supporting B.C. agriculture and building healthier futures in schools and communities across B.C.”

For School Food Coordinators navigating the complexity of province-wide food programs, FRESH for KIDS serves as a trusted, reliable backbone. Its consistent supply chain of locally sourced food makes it easier for schools to feed students, and to do so with food that reflects the richness of B.C.’s agricultural landscape.

“FRESH for KIDS is a shining example of how agriculture and education can come together to support the health and success of our children,” said Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food. The sentiment is one echoed by farmers, educators and community leaders across the province.

As demand for school food programs continues to grow, FRESH for KIDS remains committed to reaching every corner of British Columbia, including the rural and remote communities that need it most. That mission depends on continued community support.

B.C. residents can help bring fresh, local food to children who need it most by donating at www.freshforkids.ca/donate.

About BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC): BCAITC is a nonprofit, charitable organization that works with farmers, educators and agriculture specialists to bring local food and agriculture education to BC's students. Together we bring fresh, healthy, local foods to students, teaching them where their food comes from, how it's grown and produced and the importance of supporting BC's agricultural community. To learn more about BCAITC, visit www.bcaitc.ca.

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.

LIVING

Widow's Bay

Seaside Small Town Spookies

Comedy Horror Series One Season (2026) TV-MA Apple TV & Prime Video

Something unfamiliar this way comes, with a dip into a spooky story from the seaside of a cursed New England Island in the 2026 TV Series Widow’s Bay, created by Katie Dippold.

Not your traditional horror with its delicate lacing of comedic tone, this folky series follows skeptical town mayor and single father Tom Loftis, played by Matthew Rhys (The Beast in Me), as he navigates tourism woes and the shenanigans of his teen son while battling superstitious island residents.

Convinced the island is cursed and ramping up for another cycle of terror, the residents actively attempt to derail newcomers and tourists from visiting, creating often hilarious encounters among several characters who figuratively head-butt Mayor Tom in their own quirky ways. The favourite island head-butting resident is most certainly the town’s canary in the coal mine, Wyck, masterfully played by Stephen Root (Office Space), who adds sea salt to Tom’s ever-growing island economic wounds. Tom, determined to win over his constituents and get his way running a financially sustainable town, finds himself volunteering to experience the whims of the island’s alleged curses, leading to unraveling island mysteries and Tom’s sanity over the season arc.

In addition to the crisp and haunting imagery of the show, something most notable and atypical is that the creative vision of

each director’s episode is beautifully distinct. Most episodic television is formulaic in its style and coverage within the boundaries of storytelling. Directors are typically brought in to create one episode in a season, sometimes only given a few lenses to create the “look,” and strictly bound by previous episodes’ styling and camera movement to match tone and give the audience a familiar interpretation of the characters and story. Widow’s Bay diverges from this method and clearly gives each director room to breathe life into the script as they see it, and I would say big kudos to the show’s creator Katie Dippold in this arena. Episode Five was one of my favourites, directed by Andrew DeYoung, with a snappy, psychedelic style, harmonizing with a perfectly hilarious and creepy storyline you really must see.

If you find yourself needing a break from romantic comedies this summer, Widow’s Bay has just the binge-worthy spookiness you’re looking for, and if you live seaside, perhaps best as a daytime watch for the scaredy-fish.

If you liked Widow’s Bay, you may also like:

The Chair Company (2025)TV Series (Crave)

Weapons (2026) –Feature Film (Crave)

Wellington Paranormal (2021) TV Series (CBC Gem)

Obituary (2023) TV Series (Crave)

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WORDS KELLY FINERTY

REFLECTING ON 100 YEARS

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 Saanich Peninsula

WORDS KELLY FINERTY

The year is 1926. Tenth Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King, the man you see on the $50 bill, returns to office, King George V is monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is born and Warner Bros. releases the first film synchronized to sound. Locally on Vancouver Island, Saanich Peninsula Branch 37 of the Royal Canadian Legion was founded as one of the first in Canada that year, on November 16, 1926, ushering in a new era of support to the community.

An instinctive thought may be that the Legion exists solely to support veterans and their families, and although that is a large part of what they do, at the core of it, the Legion is actually about connection. In correspondence with Legion Branch 37’s President, Ryan Trelford, I was given a historic peek into the Legion’s accomplishments, and within it, there was undeniable pride and honour – and so together, let’s reminisce.

In its early years, the Legion shared space at the Freemasons Lodge in

Saanichton before settling in 1940 at the newly built Legion Hall at the former North Saanich School site, 1660 Mills Road. The Hall was constructed by the community through donations of land, time and funds in a “barn raising event” to be remembered, and hosted many weddings, graduations and dances on its famous floating dance floor – back then, the talk of the town. In 2002, the Hall was sold, but Branch 37 remained a tenant for over 20 years until the pandemic, ending an 80-year residence. Never deterred by hardship, the Legion reopened its doors in 2021 at the SHOAL Centre in Sidney, a partnership they are grateful to have acquired, and where the Saturday Meat Card Draws take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If the lifeblood of the Saanich Peninsula Legion is its connection to the community, then the beating heart is its many volunteers who keep the connection flowing. The women and men, both veterans and civilians, who have dedicated their time and knowledge to the Legion and

its many successful events deserve medals of honour in ensuring the community remains well supported. Before Ryan, Branch 37’s first female President in 2000, Valerie Noyes, served with distinction, followed by Mary Truttman, who served as President with a warm and comradely nature for veterans and their families. “We’ve always had a very healthy contingent of women volunteers,” Ryan relays. The wonderful men and women volunteers are always looking for new community opportunities to improve the Legion’s many events and activities.

Fundraising has always been a staple. The long-standing annual Poppy Campaign distributes 100% of its donations locally and has raised over $1.25 million since 2014. Legion Scholarships invest in the education of future generations, with Ryan being one of the past recipients. “The Legion awarded me $6,000 of scholarships over my four years, paying for a whole year of post-secondary education at UVic! I am so grateful for

their support, and see my volunteer work as a way to give back to the branch for all they’ve done for me and other members of my family.”

A heartfelt thought from Ryan to conclude the reminiscent magic of the Saanich Peninsula Legion’s Centennial celebrations: “We had a wonderful Centennial barbecue on May 30 sponsored by the Sidney Lions Club, Torquemasters, Peninsula Celebrations Society, Thrifty Foods and Telus, and hosted at the wonderful Canadian Tire North Saanich. It was a great example of what we can do when we work together with others locally.”

Over 200 guests are expected to attend the Centennial Dinner and Dance at the BC Aviation Museum on June 20, and although in the future from when this piece was written, I’d imagine it was an unforgettable event to be talked about for the next 100 years.

If you would like to learn more about the Saanich Peninsula Legion or become a volunteer, visit https://peninsulalegion.ca/.

Growing Roses on Vancouver Island for 45 Years

Local Flavour: Feature

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAY

Last month I was in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, meeting winemakers specializing in Riesling. It got me thinking: where can I find the best Riesling in British Columbia?

Riesling, a grape from the Rhine Valley in Germany, is considered one of the white wine world's top three most prestigious varieties, alongside Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. It is highly aromatic, with notes of apricot, honey-crisp apple and pear developing during the winemaking process. It grows best in slate-based soils, tends to be left on the vine longer than most varieties, and carries a robust sweetness that offsets its famously high acidity.

That sweetness, though, is more nuanced than most people expect. Riesling spans a wider sugar range than almost any other white wine, from bone dry to rich dessert styles, and the label rarely makes it obvious. B.C. Rieslings generally sit at the drier end of that spectrum, with residual sugar kept in check by high natural acidity,

making the sweetness code on the shelf label your most reliable guide.

British Columbia sits at the same latitude as northern Germany, and while the climate is quite different, the Okanagan is a superb region for producing fine Riesling. With a warm evening and an empty glass in mind, here are four bottles worth seeking out.

Tantalus 2021 Riesling

East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, B.C. Price: $28, $32 (B.C. private liquor stores)

Sourced from estate blocks including vines planted in 1978, whole bunch pressed and fermented cool in stainless steel, this is Tantalus' flagship and the wine that established Okanagan Riesling as a serious proposition internationally. Lime, mandarin and white honey dominate the nose, with a persistent white pepper thread running through to a saline, mineral finish. Best pairings: Terrific on its own as a contemplative glass.

SEASIDE FLAVOUR

Off the Vine

The Search for Good Riesling

It's that time of year where long summer days drift into warm evenings relaxing at the beach or on the verandah, and a glass of Riesling is a great prospect.

Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Dry Riesling Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, B.C. Price: $17, $20 (B.C. Liquor Stores and private)

Walter and Gordon Gehringer studied winemaking in Germany and brought that sensibility home to the South Okanagan. Apple blossom and white peach on the nose, a wet stone mineral backbone and a clean bitter lime finish. A fantastic everyday table wine.

Best pairings: Thai green curry, cedar-planked salmon, or B.C. Dungeness crab.

Synchromesh Riesling Multi-site, Naramata Bench / Okanagan Falls / Oliver, B.C. Price: $25, $28 (winery direct and private stores)

Synchromesh is the spiritual home of B.C. Riesling, a boutique family operation in Okanagan Falls that has built its entire identity around the variety. The flagship draws fruit from four vineyards and delivers green apple, sweet pear and a surge of juicy

acidity. Off-dry, vibrant and wickedly drinkable.

Best pairings: Charcuterie with pickled vegetables, fresh oysters or a simple cheese plate on a warm patio.

Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Dry Riesling 2023

Mosel, Germany Price: $22, $26 (B .C. Liquor Stores and private)

No list of Riesling recommendations would be complete without a nod to the source. From parcels in the villages of Bernkastel, Graach and Wehlen, where the soil is pure blue slate, this is the benchmark against which the others are quietly measured. Bright white peach, delicate florals and flinty minerality at an exceptional price.

Best pairings: B.C. oysters on the half shell, or grilled halibut with a squeeze of lemon.

Whether you are new to Riesling or a long-time devotee, these four bottles offer a wonderful tour of the variety's range, from the sun-drenched slopes of the Okanagan to the ancient slate riverbanks of the Mosel. Pour a glass, find a spot in the evening sun, and let the wine do the rest.

WORDS & PHOTOS RICHARD HOPE

SYNCHROMESH VINEYARD

Long Days, Big Books

For many readers, summer is the season that affords the mental space and free time to take on an extra-large book. There are many days left to enjoy a blockbuster summer read, and the release of Robert Galbraith’s super-sized The Hallmarked Man in paperback offers the perfect moment to rejoin or discover this series. It is no secret that Robert Galbraith is J.K. Rowling, a tidbit leaked even before the release of the first Cormoran Strike mystery in 2013. So, it follows that this series, like the Harry Potter collection, is well-written, erudite and suspenseful. It, too, is epic in page count, running from 450 at its outset to a whopping 1,225 pages in book six.

found in a silver vault: the victim is either a convicted criminal, or the lover of Strike’s most recent client. In keeping with Galbraith’s fondness for using a cultural reference to direct the crime, this killing bears signs of Freemason ritual, and epigraphs alternate between romantic poetry and snippets of an 1871 treatise on Freemasonry. The Strike-Robin chemistry heats up, adding extra tension to their working relationship.

The enduring success of the Harry Potter novels demonstrates Rowling/ Galbraith’s ability to create books whose every detail adds to the reading experience. Similarly, the Cormoran Strike novels are jam-packed with fascinating tidbits. References to everything from Virgil to Blue Öyster Cult mirror the novels’ themes. The London setting is vibrant and geographically correct (tested by my pilgrimage to Strike’s Denmark Street office), and each novel highlights a current issue – from tabloid journalism to cults and incel culture. The workings of the detective agency, and its contractors’ often red-herring cases, create further interest.

The series’ main character is the grumpy Afghan war veteran, Cormoran Strike, troubled by his prosthetic leg and unstable childhood. His brusqueness is tempered by business partner, Robin Ellacott, and the simmering attraction between them becomes a will-they-or-won’tthey scenario that is as much a motivation to read the novels as is the criminal plotline.

The Hallmarked Man is the eighth novel in the series, and finds Robin and Strike tasked to investigate a body

Robert Galbraith is masterful at drawing the myriad and complex plotlines of this 912page mystery to a satisfying and credible finish, and creates anticipation for Cormoran Strike’s next case.

Take advantage of sunlit summer evenings to dive into a “biggie”. From the contemporary to the classic (all over 700 pages) here are some diverse suggestions:

1. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

2. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

WORDS JACKIE LAPLANTE

Daughters

Murder in Pitigliano Tuscan #5

The Heart of Moodyville: Welcome to “Souleiado”

Nestled along the sheltered waters of Brentwood Bay in the historic seaside enclave of Moodyville, a quaint cottage called “Souleiado” captures the quiet charm of a bygone era.

Tucked among cottages and old boathouses on the north shore of the bay, this beloved waterfront retreat encompasses the 1920s era, when families from Victoria would escape the city each summer to enjoy the calm beauty of this Saanich Inlet. Located in the oldest part of Brentwood Bay and just moments from Tod Inlet and The Butchart Gardens, Souleiado embodies the simple elegance and restorative spirit that first drew visitors to Moodyville nearly a century ago.

WORDS

A slow drive down the peaceful laneway introduces the tranquil spirit of this home owned by Joan and Paul, where the sounds of nature and the scent of the sea invite complete relaxation.

Inspired by the tradition of naming homes where Paul grew up, the couple searched for a few years before finding the perfect fit. Souleiado means “sunshine after rain,” a phrase that felt especially fitting for life on the West Coast, capturing the spirit of the cottage itself being resilient, warm, imperfect and full of light.

For many people, houses are simply four walls, and yet for others they quietly become the backdrop to an entire life, which is the case for Joan and Paul who have now lived here for the past 36 years.

Over the last three decades, the modest cottage grew and changed alongside the family who cherishes it. Expanded thoughtfully, one room and one renovation at a time, it never lost the character and charm that originally captured their hearts. Today, Souleiado is a warm and deeply personal home, rich with history,

craftsmanship, colour and treasured memories.

Originally built in the 1920s or early 1930s as a simple summer fishing cottage for Victoria families seeking summer refuge, the home still reflects the easy charm of its early beginnings. The surrounding lots remain modest in scale and closely knit together, preserving the warm sense of community.

Neighbours are part of the fabric of daily life here, and Souleiado reflects this enduring sense of community in the most charming way.

JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The home next door shares a small window built into the shared fence between the two properties as a thoughtful detail that allows these neighbours to pass things back and forth. It may be fresh garden produce, a friendly conversation or a cold beer on a warm afternoon after tending the garden. Souleiado embraces imperfection with floors that slope unexpectedly, and some of the walls wander slightly off straight lines in the original sections of the home.

The first major project came more than three decades ago when Joan and Paul decided to add a master suite and second bathroom. What began as a relatively modest renovation quickly expanded after they discovered the original bathroom was literally deteriorating beneath them. The result was a transformation from a simple two-bedroom cottage into

a more functional threebedroom family home.

The family’s thoughtful updates preserved the spirit of the original cottage, creating spaces that feel lived in rather than newly constructed. That philosophy comes beautifully to life in the kitchen, considered the soul of the home, which has been renovated twice over the years. The cabinetry, painted in a soft grey green, subtly shifts tone throughout the day as natural light moves through the room. Like much of the house, the kitchen balances beauty with practicality. Nothing feels extravagant, yet every detail appears deeply considered.

One of the most transformative renovations involved reimagining the front yard. Gone are the once-dominant hedges and underused patch of lawn. In its place, through a gate announcing “Jardin,” sits a

charming courtyard garden inspired by a classic cottage landscape. It’s intimate, relaxed and designed for living rather than merely looking. It has become an outdoor room used year round, where the couple putters with creativity and often enjoys a cold beverage on a summer’s evening. The backyard, meanwhile, reflects Paul’s passions –raised beds and a compact greenhouse provide space for year-round vegetables.

Inside the home, the décor tells the story of a family that values meaning over trends. Much of the furniture has been inherited, salvaged or purchased second-hand. Pieces carry stories as much as function. The dining table and living room coffee table were crafted from wood reclaimed from Victoria’s historic Sussex Hotel on Douglas Street. A cedar hope chest once belonging to the

homeowner’s grandmother now sits proudly in the living room. A friend built the dining room China cabinet from weathered barnwood, while a handcrafted bar made from reclaimed Cowichan Valley timber adds warmth and texture.

The other rooms unfold naturally, filled with objects accumulated over decades of living and travelling. The couple finds that there is pleasure in enjoying mementoes of special journeys.

When their son was a teenager, the primary suite was given over to him so he would have space to gather with friends away from the main living areas. The latest renovation reclaimed this space for Joan and Paul, as they are now empty nesters and have a new perspective on considering both comfort and aging in their choices.

They felt very fortunate working with Cedar Tides Contracting and contractor Nick Urff and his crew. His input and ideas were imperative as he helped the couple carefully renovate the bathrooms and primary suite while remaining true to the cottage aesthetic that defines the home. Modern efficiency also played a role in another recent redesign. Solar panels and a heat pump have helped move the nearly century-old cottage firmly into the 21st century while reducing its environmental footprint.

Many of the homeowner’s design choices draw inspiration from the Craftsman tradition, beautifully complementing the cottage’s age and architectural character. Rich colours, patterned wallpapers, natural textures and handcrafted materials bring warmth and personality to every room.

The primary bedroom features a dramatic accent wall in layered shades of green, cream and tawny yellow that subtly echoes colours repeated elsewhere in the house, tying the rooms together cohesively. The bathrooms became opportunities for creativity and play. The ensuite was envisioned as a “little jewel box,” wrapped in rich green tile that makes an unapologetically bold statement. The guest bathroom takes a softer approach, with quieter tile selections balanced by striking wallpaper adorned with oversized golden flowers. After 36 years, Souleiado is no longer simply the house that Joan and Paul once intended to move from. It is the heart of 36 years of family life, memories and meaningful moments.

THANKS TO MAY ’S COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

• Brentwood Bay Village Empourium

• Burl & Blossom

• Country Bee Honey Farm

• Ecotopia Naturals

• McTavish Academy of Art

• muffet & louisa

• Provenance Fine Things

Congratulations to May’s Winner, Valerie F.

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!

PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS IN LANDS END

$3,299,000

JIM LEBLANC*

250.812.7212

james.leblanc@evrealestate.com

(*personal real estate corp)

BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS

$969,000

KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH*

250.655.0608

Dinnie Smyth | McMahon | Real Estate Group

(*personal real estate corp)

karendinnie-smyth.com

11406 Sycamore Drive, North Saanich. Set in the prestigious Lands End area, this custombuilt masterpiece offers 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, blending natural beauty with timeless design. Ideal for onelevel living, with a full 1-bed suite below. Designed by Klaus Hoffman, this property offers exceptional views, privacy and tranquillity. MLS #1039064

201 - 2461 Sidney Avenue. 3BR/2BA corner suite in the heart of Sidney and unbeatable Sidney walkability. Thoughtfully designed with wide, accessible spaces and an open-concept layout, it is equally well suited to families, downsizers, or anyone seeking comfortable single-level living Call for details.

MLS# 1039152

SUNNY, PRIVATE OCEANFRONT

$2,850,000

RISA GAGNER*

250.899.7188

risa@risagagner.ca

(*personal real estate corp)

MOVE-IN READY TANNER RIDGE RANCHER

LINDSAY CASEY*

778.676.1142

lindsay@sellingseaside.ca

(*personal real estate corp)

8877 Lochside Drive. Charming 3 bdrm bungalow perched between garden and sea on 0.56 acre of flat, gated, partiallyfenced 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

3 Bed, 2 Bath, Updated Kitchen & Bath. Heat Pump with A/C. Double Garage. Ensuite with Soaker Tub & walk in shower. Beautiful Garden Spaces. MLS #1036189

THE

EASE OF SIDNEY LIVING

$439,000

KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH*

250.655.0608

Dinnie Smyth | McMahon | Real Estate Group

(*personal real estate corp)

karendinnie-smyth.com

301 - 9900 Fifth St. Spacious third-floor corner suite, perfectly positioned in one of the town’s most walkable locations. This inviting one-bedroom home combines comfort, function, and lifestyle with an updated kitchen and bathroom, full-size in-suite laundry, cozy fireplace, and a generous enclosed west-facing balcony. Call to view.

MLS# 1033819

NEWPRICE!

PRISTINE PRIVACY

ON 2 ACRES WITH SUNSET VIEWS

$1,449,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com

(*personal real estate corp)

PRIVATE 4-ACRE ESTATE

$2,895,000

STEPHANIE PEAT

250.656.0131

stephaniepeat.ca

205 - 10421

RESTHAVEN DRIVE, SIDNEY

$679,000

SARAH VIDALIN*

778.676.6768

sarahvidalin@outlook.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#1034010

1650 Tatlow Rd, North Saanich. Exceptional one-owner residence offering nearly 4,000 sq.ft. of thoughtfully designed living. This 4-bedroom home features elegant living and dining spaces, a chef’s kitchen, media room, triple garage, fruit trees, forest trails, and beautifully landscaped grounds in picturesque Deep Cove. MLS #1038225

Beautifully updated 2-bed, 2-bath condo in Sidney by the Sea. This bright home features soaring 12-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, an open layout and a private balcony. Secure parking and storage included.

Walk to vibrant shops, cafés, restaurants, the waterfront park and local marinas!

MLS#1039425

1BR & 1BA SIDNEY COASTAL RETREAT

$419,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com (*personal real estate corp)

DEAN PARK SANCTUARY

$1,275,000

STEPHANIE PEAT & WENDY BERKE

250.656.0131

stephaniepeat.ca victoriahomesales.com

5330 SAYWARD HILL CRESCENT

$1,725,000

SARAH VIDALIN*

778.676.6768

sarahvidalin@outlook.com

(*personal real estate corp)

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

8705 Nash Pl, North Saanich. Beautifully maintained and updated, this 3-bedroom home offers a flexible layout, gourmet kitchen, bright loft, fenced backyard, and nearly 800 sq.ft. of multilevel decking. Enjoy peaceful surroundings with easy access to trails, schools, recreation, and every-day amenities . MLS#1038433

Sophisticated and expansive, this premier Sayward Hill residence showcases hickory flooring, crown moldings, luxe renovated baths, custom primary closet, upgraded appliances, and refined finishes throughout. As the largest unit in the complex, it offers timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and an unparalleled standard of living. MLS: coming soon!

PRESTIGIOUS ARBUTUS RIDGE

$1,595,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

MOVE-IN READY!

$968,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

THE PINNACLE OF LUXURY LIVING

$1,430,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

This exquisite West Coast Contemporary home showcases the epitome of luxury living. Meticulously crafted, with elegance and sophistication at every turn. This immaculate home offers over 3,300sf living space. 3 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious bathrooms, den, family room, mudroom and butler’s pantry, no detail has been overlooked! MLS# 1033825

3 BD/3 BA home that has been lovingly updated and blends modern amenities with cozy comfort. Spacious living room with Gas fireplace, dining area, family room off kitchen and a primary retreat with ensuite on the upper level. Marvel at the picturesque greenery & tranquil atmosphere that envelops this home. MLS# 1032225

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

PERCHED ATOP CORDOVA RIDGE

$1,198,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

WELCOME TO DREAMCATCHER

$975,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

ONE LEVEL LIVING AT SAYWARD HILL!

$2,250,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

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

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

Experience the epitome of luxury living in this exceptional Cordova Bay townhome boasting breathtaking views of the ocean and golf course. Meticulously updated with tasteful designer touches and high-end finishes, this one-level residence exudes elegance and sophistication and a prime location offering a coveted Westcoast lifestyle.

MLS# 1030473

CHARMING HOME BY THE PARK

4296 Cedar Hill Road

$1,295,000

NICOLE BURGESS

250.384.8124

nicole@nicoleburgess.com

RARE OCEANFRONT CHARACTER BOATERS DREAM DOCK

MARYAN VAN STOLK*

250.385.2033 (*personal real estate corp)

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# 1038891

One of a kind and a boater's dream property. Beautiful bright home full of modern character and charm, fully renovated and meticulously cared for. Featuring its own private 40ft (+/-) dock providing year-round protected moorage and storage. Multiple private decks to take in glorious seaside vistas. Reach out for a private showing and additional details MLS#1033164

Sudoku KEEP YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY

The Alzheimer's Association recommends doing puzzles like Sudoku to strengthen brain cells and the connections between them. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. Answers found at right.

Take a look for the little guys – the little ones with many legs and wings. They’re not creepy crawlies; let’s relegate that term to the history books. Language matters, words matter and pollinators aren’t creepy, they’re beneficial and essential.

Not calling them creepy isn’t enough though – get to know them with a wide embrace. Not literally of course: many would stop reading right here. Embrace them with a deeper understanding of their importance, their needs and how to give their survival a leg – or legs – up.

You can thank wind pollination for your morning toast or overnight oats, but much of what we eat and enjoy is available to us because of animal pollinators. They transfer pollen from one plant to another, fertilizing the plant so it can produce fruit or seeds. Who are these superheroes? Birds, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, bees and, in some regions, bats are pollinators. Insects do the vast majority of the pollinating work and the most common pollinators are

bees. There are more than 500 species of bee in British Columbia. An estimated 75% of food crops and flowers need animal pollinators. That’s significant.

Globally, pollinators are in decline. Urbanization and habitat loss is the leading factor, followed by the use of pesticides. Governments, organizations and individuals are taking action to promote the preservation, restoration and growth of suitable pollinator habitat. Cities across the country are taking note.

Calgary has a “Bee a Pollineighbour” program. A glance at Vancouver and Toronto city websites shows they too have programs and resources dedicated to pollinators.

Victoria (YYJ) Airport has a community pollinator garden and the District of Saanich has pledged commitment to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021 to 2030), including pollinator habitat.

To thrive, pollinating insects need food (flowers!), shelter, water, nesting and overwintering space and life free of pesticides. It’s not just on the backs of the government or

Laying Out the Welcome Mat for Pollinators

urban planners. Individuals, no matter the size of your yard or balcony, can make a positive contribution to pollinators by actioning one or more of the following:

• Integrate native species into your landscape; local pollinators co-evolved with these plants.

• Garden with plants that have prolonged or different bloom times, providing food for longer.

• Choose plants that have flowers of different size, shape and colour.

• Dedicate a small part of your yard to be messy, leaving leaves, dead tree stumps or other debris.

• Plan a few patches of bare dirt; these can be nesting ground for solitary bees.

• Avoid planting invasive species (sadly, they are still sold at garden centres).

• Avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides.

• Volunteer with a group organizing restoration events.

• Support organizations doing good work to boost

pollinator habitat and pollinator populations.

• Share the plight of pollinators with those who may have more yard space to allocate to healthy habitat. Embrace the bugs, the birds and the bees ... for the ecosystem and for the love of apples, blueberries and “insert your favourite fruit or vegetable.”

Insects do the vast majority of the pollinating work and the most common pollinators are bees.

WORDS & PHOTO TINA KELLY

Community and Social Connection: Board Game Room Opens

A new community gathering space is opening its doors in Sidney by the Sea with a mission centred on connection, laughter and bringing people together through the timeless enjoyment of board games.

Officially opening on July 1 at 2446 Beacon Avenue, the new board game room has been created with community and social connection in mind, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment where residents can gather to play games, meet new people and enjoy meaningful social interaction in a relaxed setting. While the space is especially focused on creating opportunities for seniors to connect, socialize and reduce isolation within the community, people of all ages are welcome to participate and enjoy the experience together.

In an increasingly digital world, the new gathering space aims to encourage face-to-face interaction, conversation and shared experiences. Whether guests are longtime board game enthusiasts or simply looking for a friendly place to spend time with others, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“We wanted to create a place where people could slow down, have fun, and feel part of a community,” says the owner. “Board games naturally bring people together. They create laughter, conversation and friendship, and we felt Sidney was the perfect community for something like this.”

The space will feature a variety of classic and modern

board games suitable for all experience levels and interests. Guests are encouraged to drop in for a casual game, participate in organized game nights or simply enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

More than just a place to play games, the vision is to create a true community hub where friendships can grow, seniors can remain socially connected, and residents have a comfortable place to gather year-round.

To celebrate the opening, the community is invited to attend the Grand Opening Celebration on July 1. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the space, meet fellow community members, sample refreshments and treats, and learn more about upcoming events and memberships.

As part of the opening celebration, all new members who sign up during the promotional period will receive their first month free. Affordable membership and drop-in options will also be available, making the space accessible for both regular visitors and those wanting to stop by occasionally for an afternoon of games and good company.

The owners hope the new venture will offer something meaningful to Sidney residents – a place where connection, conversation and community can flourish one game at a time. Residents are encouraged to stop by, bring a friend and experience the spirit of togetherness that makes Sidney by the Sea such a special place to call home.

Seaside Guide: What to See & Where to Be

JULY 2026

Toast to the Coast

JULY 26TH 1-4PM

KILDARA FARM 11293 CHALET ROAD, NORTH SAANICH

Attend Toast to the Coast and spend a delicious afternoon wandering through the beautiful grounds of Kildara Farm. Toast To the Coast showcases some of the best food and drink the coast has to offer.

You can spend the day meandering amongst the flowers and orchard trees, while sipping and tasting and enjoying live music! Lounge areas and picnic blankets will be set up for your comfort, and linen napkins, tasting glasses and bamboo plates will be provided upon entry.

Listen to incredible live music from local talent. Many vendors will have goods on sale that the team will label for you and have available for collection on your way out, so no need to carry things around and hamper your enjoyment!

This is a fundraiser, with 100% of proceeds going to Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation.

& Tickets: www.toasttothecoast.org

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

SATURDAYS UNTIL OCTOBER 10TH 9AM-1PM

Peninsula Country Market

SAANICH FAIRGROUNDS 1528 STELLY’S CROSS ROAD, SAANICHTON

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 JULY 10AM-4PM DAILY Art

Exhibits

ARTSEA GALLERY 9565 FIFTH STREET, SIDNEY

July 3 – July 9: "West Coast Tug Project" July 10 – July 16: "Into the Wild" July 17 – July 23: "Wild Places, Wild Women" 250-656-7400; www.artsea.ca

JULY 1ST 8AM-5PM

Sidney Canada Day Celebrations

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Lions Pancake Breakfast (8-10 a.m.): A classic community breakfast kick-off serving up hot, fresh pancakes and fried sausages in the courtyard of the Mary Winspear Centre.

The Annual Canada Day Parade (11:30 a.m.): A vibrant community parade running along Resthaven Drive, down the length of Beacon Avenue, right onto Second Street, and finishing on Ocean Avenue.

Slegg Build a Boat Challenge (12-5 p.m.): Friendly competition at Beacon Park where teams construct handmade boats out of basic materials and launch them from Glass Beach at 4:30 p.m. to race.

Canada Day Family Fun Fair (12:30-4 p.m.): Free family fun at Iroquois Park featuring local food vendors, interactive games, face painting, live entertainment, and a free bike valet.

Cost: Free admission (Pancake breakfast requires paid plate purchase)

250-656-4365; www.peninsulacelebrations.org

JULY & AUGUST

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 5:30-8 p.m: Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth St, Sidney; Thursdays 5:30-8 p.m: HEL, HILEC Park, 7130 West Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay. FREE Yoga in the Park, Wednesdays 6-7 p.m: Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth St, Sidney. www.panoramarecreation.ca

JULY 4TH

Community Plant Clinic Q&A

PATIO GARDENS 6536 WEST SAANICH RD, SAANICHTON

Knowledgeable local Master Gardeners set up an advice station at the nursery to answer community questions about plant care, Vancouver Island soil types, pruning and sustainable pest control. Free admission.

250-652-8338; www.patiogardens.ca

SUNDAYS IN JULY 2-4PM

Peninsula Celebrations Society: Summer Sounds Concert Series

BEACON PARK 9801 SEAPORT PLACE, SIDNEY

July 5: Barracuda (Performing the rock hits of Heart and Led Zeppelin)

July 12: Completely Creedence Band (Classic roots-rock melodies of Creedence Clearwater Revival)

July 19: Got Stones (Capturing the classic songs and vintage stage presence of The Rolling Stones)

July 26: The Sutcliffes (Performing definitive Merseybeat classics and hits of The Beatles) Free admission (community donations gracefully accepted).

250-656-4365; www.peninsulacelebrations.org

JULY 5TH 11AM-4PM

Saanich Strawberry Festival

BEAVER LAKE REGIONAL PARK 728 BEAVER LAKE ROAD, VICTORIA

A beloved historic family festival featuring children's bouncy castles, face painting, live musical entertainment and traditional servings of fresh strawberries and ice cream. Free festival admission (strawberries and ice cream tickets are approximately $2-$3).

250-475-5558; https://tinyurl.com/3k3xhzzt

JULY 7TH & 21ST 2-4PM

The Socrates Café

BEACON BREWING, 9839 THIRD STREET, SIDNEY

Come explore a variety of topics and perspectives with others. The Socrates Café is part of a global movement designed to inspire curiosity and nurture self discovery. Drop by and listen, share your thoughts and meet new people.

250-544-6398; www.beaconbrewing.ca

JULY 12TH 11AM-4PM

Local Folk Summer Fair

SEA CIDER FARM AND CIDERHOUSE 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL ROAD, SAANICHTON

Spend the day perusing a curated Orchard Market with 40 vendors, enjoy live music and dance, partake in a variety of interactive activities and creative play stations, relax with holistic offerings in the Forest Village, and enjoy the best local food and drink offerings around! Fun for the wholefamily; dogs welcome. www.seacider.ca

JULY 14TH 10AM-12PM

Upcycling with Paint and Stencils

MCTAVISH ACADEMY OF ART 1720 MCTAVISH ROAD, NORTH SAANICH

A beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop guiding participants to transform, refresh and upcycle their own old articles of clothing into pieces of wearable art using professional fabric paints and complex stencils. $20 (includes all paints, stencils, test fabrics and materials). 250-656-2278; www.mctavishacademy.ca

JULY 25TH 12-8PM

District of Central Saanich 75th Anniversary Celebration

CENTENNIAL PARK 7526 WALLACE DRIVE, SAANICHTON

A massive community jubilee featuring a regional food truck festival, local classic car showcases, historical photo tents, kids' bouncy zones, a ceremonial giant cake cutting, and non-stop live bands on the main stage. Free admission. 250-652-4444; www.centralsaanich.ca/75

JULY 26TH - AUGUST 8TH

Classic Car Painting By ORION (exhibit)

ALEXANDER’S COFFEE 2385 BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY

Coincides with the Torquemasters Car Show on August 2. Have your car, motorcycle or boat painted. nightskyartist@gmail.com

ONGOING EVENTS

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MONDAYS | 10AM-12PM Saanich Peninsula

Stroke Recovery Association Communication Group

10-11am: Social time – coffee/tea/cookies.

11am-12pm: Individual groups for:

• those requiring speech improvement led by a Speech Language Pathologist

• those with physical disabilities led by a Kinesiologist

• caregivers, led by an experienced convenor www.spstrokerecovery.org

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH MONDAY REHEARSALS | 7-9PM

Sidney Concert Band

A proud part of the Peninsula vibrant arts scene in its 38th season, 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 | 10-11AM

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 | 1-4PM

Afternoon Bingo

These everyone welcome games take place in the lower hall, next to the Public library. Hot dogs are for sale at noon both Wednesdays.

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 us 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

Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 25 to August 3 DISCOVER 40 YEARS

WORDS & PHOTOS SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW

Join us as the Sooke Fine Arts Show celebrates an exciting milestone – 40 years of showcasing exceptional West Coast art and creativity. From July 25 to August 3, the SEAPARC Recreation Centre in Sooke will once again be transformed into a stunning 17,000-square-foot gallery, featuring 370+ original works by approximately 275 artists from Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal islands.

Over four decades, the Sooke Fine Arts Show has grown into Vancouver Island’s largest juried art show, attracting artists, collectors and art enthusiasts from across the region. This beloved 10day event offers a unique opportunity to experience an extraordinary collection of painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, fibre arts, ceramics, glass and hand-formed jewelry – all carefully selected through a rigorous jury process.

Visitors can also enjoy artist demonstrations and talks, live music, guided tours and interactive experiences for all ages. Browse the Gallery

friends at special events, or simply take time to explore and connect with the stories behind the artwork.

The Show continues to be powered by the dedication of more than 300 volunteers, whose passion and community spirit have helped sustain this remarkable event since its beginnings in 1986. Their efforts, together with the support of sponsors, artists and visitors, have made the Sooke Fine Arts Show a treasured cultural tradition on Vancouver Island.

The celebration begins on July 24 with the exclusive Purchasers’ Preview Night. This ticketed opening event offers collectors and art lovers the first opportunity to view and purchase artwork before the show opens to the public, while enjoying wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music in a festive atmosphere.

Whether you are discovering the Show for the first time or returning as part of a long-standing tradition, the 40th Sooke Fine Arts Show promises an inspiring experience that honours the

Tickets for Purchasers’ Preview Night are available in advance for $60 + GST at www.sookefinearts.com

Daily admission is $17 + GST for adults, $12 + GST for seniors & students, and free for youth 17 and under.

28, for $5 after 2 p.m., and on Market Night, July 30, for $5 after 5 p.m., when the Show remains open until 9 p.m. to coincide with activities at the Sooke Region Museum. For tickets, event details, and show hours, visit www.sookefinearts.com or call 250-642-7256.

SEASIDE STORIES

Last Word

Seventeen years ago, I moved back to the Island after several years in Vancouver attending Journalism school and working for a commercial shipping journal.

After being introduced over the phone, I met with Tim Flater, then-publisher of “Peninsula Times,” as it was called then, and became Editor-in-Chief. "No more freighters and tugboats!" was my first thought, but little did I know how much this small community magazine would change my life.

In my very first issue, I wrote in my Last Word that my goals for the magazine were simple: “I want to create something that I’ll be proud of and my community will value and look forward to reading every month,” I said. “I want the magazine to mirror the feeling of our community. That feeling lives in the smell of the salt air on the breeze, the faces of everybody you walk by who smiles and says hello, and the rolling farmland that surrounds us. It’s where we live.”

Now, many years have passed since that first issue; Sue Hodgson bought the magazine in 2011 and it’s been such a joy to work with her and help her grow Seaside into what it is today. Seaside Sue, as she is known in our wonderful community, cares so deeply about the Saanich Peninsula and the magazine’s place in it – celebrating the people, places and businesses that make it so special.

A few years ago, Sue and I started talking about how I might continue her legacy, buying the magazine and shepherding it on the next leg of its journey. We are reminded every day of how important Seaside is to our community, and maintaining its integrity is so important to both of us. The time has finally come – on June 1, I officially became the owner of Seaside – and I could not be more excited about what’s to come.

Words cannot express how grateful I am that Sue has chosen me to continue her legacy, and to our community – our readers, clients, writers, photographers and friends – who support us so whole-heartedly. We have all worked together to build what you hold in your hands today. And to that younger me who expressed a simple wish so many years ago – you did it!

Allison Smith, Editor-in-Chief & Owner

Clothing provided and styled by Butik Naturals. PHOTO JANIS JEAN

The Feeling of Comfort, Connection and Belonging