Seaside Magazine June 2026 Issue

Anthea Helmsing

PHOTOS BY RICK RADELL

EVERY THURSDAY | JUNE 4 - SEPTEMBER 10

5:30PM - 8:30PM | BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY

COME GATHER ON BEACON

The Sidney Street Market returns for another season of community, creativity and local flavour. Inspired by the camas flower, our 2026 theme, Rooted in Community, reflects the connection between people, place and the land we share.

EACH THURSDAY EVENING FEATURES

Live music • Food trucks & local eats • Artisan vendors & makers Warm summer evenings & sunset views

More than a market, it is a weekly gathering place to slow down, connect and celebrate what makes Sidney special. Come for the market. Stay for the people.

PHOTO BY KEVIN LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Sue Hodgson

There’s something about June, with Father’s Day and our annual Men to Watch issue, that makes me pause and think about the men who have quietly shaped my life – not through grand gestures, but simply by being there.

My Dad was never a man of many words. He didn’t sit us down for heartfelt talks or openly show emotion, but we never questioned how deeply he loved us. Some of my favourite memories of him are the simplest ones – early mornings fishing, afternoons clay shooting, wandering through the forest, or just sitting side by side in comfortable silence. We didn’t have to say much. Looking back now, I realize those quiet moments were his way of telling us everything we needed to know.

My brother Dave, the oldest among three sisters, has always been one of my constants. There’s an unspoken understanding between us that’s hard to explain –maybe because he’s so much like Dad: steady, protective and dependable. He’s always been there for me, never needing many words to show he cares.

And then there’s my son. Being his mom is the greatest privilege of my life. Watching him grow into such a kind, thoughtful, caring man fills my heart in ways I can barely put into words. No matter how old he gets, a part of me will always see the little boy I held onto so tightly. I couldn’t be prouder of who he has become. We still have a special word we share: tuckinoff; it was a word that just happened one night when I was tucking him into bed.

And to the close male friends who have stood beside me through life’s harder seasons –thank you. Through heartbreak, challenges and moments when life felt especially heavy, your friendships have meant more than you probably know.

Seaside Sue, Publisher & Owner

These puppies may have already found a family, but there are many animals waiting for their forever homes at www.victoriahumanesociety.com PHOTO JANIS JEAN

OWNER / PUBLISHER

SUE HODGSON

250.516.6489 sue@seasidemagazine.ca

EDITOR IN CHIEF ALLISON SMITH

250.813.1745 allison@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

KATIE BLAKE

Page 45

Having worked in ecological conservation for 25 years, I have seen time and again how healing land and healing people goes hand in hand.

Never have I experienced this truth more deeply than working in service of Indigenousled land stewardship at the W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society.

KENNY PODMORE

Page 18

Despite troubles throughout the world, here in Canada we lead beautiful lives and this is due to our men and women who gave so much in past conflicts.

We as The Royal Canadian Legion continue to support Veterans and Families.

“We will remember them”.

Contributors:

JACKIE LAPLANTE

Page 36

For many, summer signals the time to relax and fall into a good book.

And while every season is reading season for a book lover like me, I, like many, prefer to enjoy the natural joys of summer – by moving my reading chair outside!.

JAMES POLL

Page 23

For over 30 years, I’ve cultivated a sanctuary of sustainable beauty – where every product, practice and guest interaction nurtures a sense of calm, care and connection within our community. My deep passion for beauty products and the ever-evolving technology behind them keeps this industry alive – exciting us, inspiring us and pushing us forward every day.

Jo Barnes, Catherine Briand, Britt Burnham, June Murray Dagnall, Denis Donnelly, Jamila Douhaibi, Kelly Finerty, Bennett Gilleland, Sherrin Griffin, Heidi Hackman, Janice Henshaw, Jesse Holth, Richard Hope, Natasha Jackson, Tasleem Jessani, Jackie LaPlante, Pamela Martin, Ann Nightingale, Cassidy Nunn, Kenny Podmore, James Poll, Joan Saunders, Marita Schauch, Claudette Sells, Shelley Tice, Rhonda Todrick, Stacey Toews

VISIT US THIS JUNE & ENTER TO WIN

Drop by our new

MacFarlane,

Graham Scholes: AGELESS ARTISTRY

C.S. Lewis once said: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Age should never be a barrier to trying something new. Local artist and lifelong learner Graham Scholes is an example of someone who embodies this idea and, at the age of 92, continues to hone his craft of woodblock printing.

“I have always liked drawing and had an interest in visual concepts. You have to find the shapes, the forms, the values before you can draw something,” says Graham. “But you know at 92, I don’t know how much time I’ve got. Every day is a bonus.”

The arc of Graham’s life is an interesting one. After 20 years in the publishing and packaging industry, he forged a new path in his 40s as a selfemployed watercolour artist. In the 1990s when Graham was in his 60s, he took up woodblock printmaking and, in his 70s, he began a daunting project – a landmark series

of 78 handmade prints made through the highly technical and artistically demanding process of woodblock printing. This series in part depicts all the lighthouses on the west coast of British Columbia.

“Well, I thought it was a great subject to tackle,” says Graham, adding with a grin: “Why not?”

The lighthouse series garnered much attention and Graham was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement in 2024. Born in Toronto, Graham’s art skills developed early. “My parents sent me off to the Toronto Art Gallery for Saturday morning classes. I liked building things,” he shares. “My parents could see I had an interest in visual concepts.”

He completed a degree in graphic design at the Western Technical Collegiate, where he studied with renowned Canadian watercolourist

Frederick Fraser. Graham remembers the positive impact Fraser had on him. “Fred taught watercolour and perspective. He was a task master. But he was very encouraging. He was never a negative individual, everything was positive.”

It was a turning point for Graham when, after 20 years in the corporate world of printing and publishing, he decided to become a self-employed artist. “I decided I would go into the art business because I had had a lot of success with watercolours in Montreal. In 1970, we moved from Montreal to Barrie,” he says. “The 70s was a time when the art business was vibrant.” Graham began doing art exhibitions which generated great response and motivated him to begin teaching watercolour painting to others. “My wife, Marnie, and I would set up exhibitions of my work. People would come to see a show and often asked ‘Do you teach it?’ That sounded like a good idea to me. I was a travelling artist and teaching watercolours. We travelled across Canada four times,” shares Graham, adding with a laugh: “We had a 24-foot suitcase called an Airstream trailer!”

form involves an image being printed from a carved block of wood that is pressed by hand with a rubbing disk called a “baren.” Graham uses specialized wood carving knives to carve away the unwanted areas of his design; the uncarved area of the block is what is printed. While the concept is akin to a rubber stamp, the process is more complex and incredibly demanding and results in vibrant and intricate creations.

“I decide how many colours are required to create the image and then I make a block for each colour,” he says. “I use bass wood which is really durable. You can do up to 100 prints before it breaks down. The paper, called ‘hosho,’ is made from mulberry and comes out of Japan.”

Since his introduction to this art, Graham has spent years mastering it and has also become an art educator along the way. He has published books such as Watercolor and How and Let There Be Light, produced a teaching DVD about the Mokuhanga medium, and was invited in 2014 to teach at the Florence School of Fine Arts in Italy.

In 1987, Graham and his family moved to B.C. It was one unique workshop at the Metchosin International Summer School in 1994 that served as a major turning point in his art career. “I took a twoweek workshop with master printmaker Noboru Sawai,” he says. “I really liked it, so much so that I bought $2,000 worth of tools at the workshop!”

Known in Japanese as “Mokuhanga,” meaning “wood block print,” this art

In 2020, Graham celebrated his 87th birthday and was recognized by the Art Gallery of Victoria, which announced that it would archive his complete set of woodblock prints. However, Graham is not an artist to rest on his laurels and is always answering the call of creativity. “I have a new piece that’s cooking in my brain,” he comments.

Like the lighthouses in his prints, Graham stands as a beacon of inspiration and living proof that age is not a limitation to artistic creativity. www.woodblockart.ca

Ten Years of Road Hockey, Community & Dreams

“Ten years ago, a simple conversation with a dad whose daughter had been helped by Help Fill A Dream changed everything for me. Hearing his story, I knew I (Seaside) had to get involved, and that conversation became the beginning of our Road Hockey Charity Event, which has now grown into a decade of community, compassion and the love of helping kids and their families,” says Sue Hodgson, Owner/Publisher, Seaside Magazine.

The Annual Seaside Magazine Charity Road Hockey Tournament returns Saturday, June 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Iroquois Park in Sidney. This one-day fundraiser brings together Help Fill A Dream (HFAD) Dream Kids,

children with critical medical conditions, their families and the local community for a funfilled celebration of Canada’s favourite pastime: road hockey.

The tournament features fastpaced, friendly competition, with teams from across the region battling it out on smaller playing surfaces designed for nonstop action. Teams of three to six players, including a goalie, will need to be quick, agile and ready to score.

Tyler Stanton, a player with the Peninsula Panthers junior hockey team, returns each year alongside teammates who volunteer as referees.

“We come back every year to support the cause. Craig and his team at Help Fill A Dream is very special. It’s more of an honour for us to be able to be a part of it,” says Tyler.

Beyond the hockey action, TD Bank will once again host the popular Family Fun Zone from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free mini carnival includes food trucks that will donate a portion of their sales to HFAD, along with superheroes, princesses, mascots, fire trucks, bouncy castles, hands-on exhibits and a dunk tank. Organizers are also hinting at a few extra surprises this year as Help Fill A Dream celebrates its 40th anniversary.

“Help Fill A Dream is only able to do what we do through the generosity of our community. An event like the Charity Road Hockey Tournament is the perfect opportunity to bring together donors, sponsors, volunteers, players, Help Fill A Dream kids and families, and the public to enjoy a day of

fundraising and fun. One of the highlights of the day each year is the Dream Reveal. This year we will be filling Sumeaya's Disney World Dream. It is so wonderful to celebrate a Dream with those who work so hard to make them happen,” says Craig Smith, Executive Director, Help Fill A Dream.

Last year, the event raised $13,300, and since the tournament began nine years ago, it has raised more than $150,000 in support of Vancouver Island children with critical medical conditions. Says Tyler: “If you have not stopped by before and been a part of the event, as a volunteer or supporter, I highly encourage it. What Help Fill A Dream does for those in need is incredible!”

WORDS HELP FILL A DREAM FOUNDATION PHOTOS STEVEN NOWICKI

2026 marks 14 years of Seaside Magazine celebrating local men in business with our June Men to Watch feature! We’re shining a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who make a difference close to home, celebrating the strength, character and contributions of men in our business community.

From quiet acts of kindness to impactful leadership, these stories reflect the many ways local men are helping shape a stronger, more connected place to live. It’s our way of recognizing those who inspire others and lead by example every day.

We salute the men in our community who have passion and commitment to their careers. You inspire us and all who come after you.

Stephen Leaver & Whitey Mitchell

Stephen is one of the firm’s Principals specializing in Canadian tax (including personal, corporate and estate taxes). He has completed CPA Canada’s three-year InDepth Tax Program and focuses on identifying client needs (known and unknown) to develop tax efficient plans to accomplish their objectives.

Whitey is the firm’s new Senior U.S. Tax Manager specializing in U.S. and cross border tax services. He assists clients in determining and fulfilling their filing requirements, including U.S. citizens living in Canada and Canadians living and doing business in the U.S. Whitey understands the complexities of cross border taxation and enjoys helping clients navigate their unique tax situations.

Baker Tilly is independently owned and managed but is associated with the international Baker Tilly network. This results in the best of both worlds – a locally focused firm with an emphasis on client relationships, but with access to broad resources when required.

GIVE BACK. SUPPORT. MENTOR.

As you read through the following pages you'll discover the faces behind many of the businesses that you know and love. You will probably recognize friends and neighbours. Each of them will have their own story: of how they came to their career, of the compromises and concessions they had to make to achieve it, and of the pleasure and satisfaction their work brings.

As a special tie-in to this year’s Men to Watch pages, we are running "Men We Admire," a new contest where we will celebrate the special local men, nominated by their peers, who are doing great things in their community. Watch for this special feature in our July issue!

Q & A with

Stephen & Whitey Full-Service Accounting Firm & Tax Specialists

How do you achieve a work/life balance? As accountants coming out of tax season this is a bit of a challenging question! But truthfully a key is finding a way to keep doing things that fuel you, even in increasingly small blocks, no matter how busy it gets.

What do you love about our local business community? The connections. We can’t have a conversation without finding some delightful, and often surprising, overlap in shared contacts and history.

Rob Rolston

Rob is an award-winning realtor with RE/MAX Camosun in Sidney, working alongside his partner, Michelle Martin, as part of Beacon Realty Group. Together, they have built a strong, referral-based business serving the Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria, and extending north to the Cowichan Valley. Known for a client-focused approach, Rob prioritizes relationships, treating clients like family and maintaining connections long after each transaction is complete.

Before entering real estate, Rob gained valuable experience while working in education, home building and the non-profit sector. These roles shaped his strong work ethic, professionalism and deep understanding of homes and their systems, while reinforcing a commitment to social responsibility.

Rob and Michelle place great importance on staying connected with their clients, hosting events, organizing monthly prize draws, and meeting in person whenever possible. Active in their community, they are dedicated to giving back through ongoing volunteer work and charitable contributions.

Beacon Realty Group | REMAX Camosun (Sidney)

778.966.1967 | rob@beaconrealtygroup.ca | www.beaconrealtygroup.ca

Mykell Wagner

Mykell Wagner has spent the past 11 years owning and operating Deep Cove Customs out of North Saanich. The business was started out of an attached garage and has grown over the years from being solely owner-operated to having upwards of 20 employees. What has not changed is the focus on the customer and supplying great service and products.

The driving factors behind the success we’ve seen are quality and integrity. The business is built on relationships and reputation. We see a tremendous number of referrals and repeat customers. It has always been the goal to supply affordable custom quality.

Our services may have expanded, but the goal remains constant – whether it be custom cabinetry, countertops, closets, kitchen and bath fixtures or complete renovations, the team we have built and continue to expand upon is dedicated to giving the best service possible to all our clients. From the smallest of projects to the largest, we will provided the same courteous service to all who wish for our help.

Q & A with

Rob Rolston Realtor

What do you love about our local business community? The Peninsula has an amazing variety of very successful businesses and the owners are incredibly supportive and generous –especially with their volunteerism.

What might surprise your clients to learn about you? I sing/play guitar and perform at venues to raise money for local charities, like the Food Bank and Shoreline Medical Society.

Q & A with

What is your business best known for and why?

We are best known for producing quality locally made Custom Cabinetry and Millwork.

What inspired you to follow this career path? I have always enjoyed helping others and I saw a need in the community for services that I knew I could help to provide.

Mykell Wagner Owner

Q & A with Patrick Schile

Financial advisor Patrick Schile is bringing a focus on clarity, continuity and long-term client care to Sidney’s financial services landscape. After a successful career in retail, including part ownership of a Leon’s furniture franchise, Schile sought a more meaningful path built on trust and transparency.

“Customer service wasn’t just a slogan – it was the passion,” he said.

Originally from Alberta, Schile chose to settle permanently in Sidney and returned to school to train as a financial advisor. His transition led to the opportunity to take over Focus Tax & Accounting, a firm established in 1988 with deep community roots.

Schile aims to simplify financial decisions and build lasting relationships. The firm offers tax planning, personal and estate returns, and investment and insurance solutions through providers such as Manulife and Canada Life.

“My door is always open,” Schile said, emphasizing accessibility and trust.

Focus Tax & Accounting Ltd.

250.656.9797 | patrick.schille@focustax.ca | www.focustax.ca

Manulife Wealth

At Manulife Wealth, we help you plan confidently for the future you envision. When your finances are well managed, you’re better prepared for life’s changes and free to focus on what matters most.

Our advice is built on experience, discipline and long-term thinking. We focus on what we can control – fees, planning, risk and diversification –while accounting for what we can’t in an uncertain world. If this resonates with you, we’d love to connect.

We’re also excited to welcome Julian Smith to our team. Julian is a former biologist and is currently working toward his CFP designation, bringing a strong analytical mindset and a fresh perspective to our practice.

Patrick Schile Financial Advisor

What experience most shaped the way you think about work? Playing sports taught me the value of hard work and discipline. I work hard, study constantly and focus on giving people the best customer experience and the best possible outcomes.

What do you love about our local business community? I love the team spirit in Sidney, where businesses work together to create a friendly and welcoming experience for everyone.

These dedicated leaders continue to strengthen the Peninsula’s Real Estate landscape through excellence and commitment.

In the vibrant Saanich Peninsula real estate market, Eric Smith and Mark Rice stand out as leading professionals earning their place in this edition’s Men to Watch. As co-owners of Coldwell Banker Oceanside—one of Victoria’s top brokerages—the duo brings exceptional expertise and results to buyers and sellers across the Peninsula. Together with partner Michele Holmes, they form a dynamic three-person super team renowned for their deep local knowledge, innovative strategies, and client-first approach. Whether it is condos, families finding their ideal home or handling luxury properties, Eric and Mark deliver outstanding outcomes with professionalism and integrity. We're

Sidney’s Elite Military: COLD WAR VETERANS

In recognition of the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary, it is our honour to share with you the stories of two Saanich Peninsula Cold War Veterans. The call to serve your country is the highest honour and responding to that call is a selfless act.

Admiral John Rogers Anderson CMM, CD (above), was the 23rd Commander of the Canadian Navy and is the Honourary President of the Royal Canadian Naval Association.

Admiral Anderson joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as a Cadet in 1959 and studied at the University of British Columbia. From 1963 to 1966 he served: in HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Saskatchewan and HMCS St. Croix; and at HMCS Venture (Naval Officers Training Centre).

In 1966, Admiral Anderson specialized in operations, taking the Long Operations Course at HMCS Stadacona. He was appointed to the aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure in 1968. In

1970, he joined the CCS 280 Programming Team as a Programmer at Canadian Forces Headquarters (CFHQ) in Ottawa and in 1974, he became Executive Officer in the destroyer HMCS Iroquois. In 1975, he studied at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto and was promoted to Commander in 1976. He served at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) as the Section Head of the National Defence Operations Centre. In 1978, Anderson assumed command of the Esquimalt based destroyer-escort HMCS Restigouche and in 1980, he was named Commandant of the Naval Officers Training Centre Venture.

On promotion to Captain(N) in 1982, he was appointed

Commander of the First Canadian Destroyer Squadron in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1983, he became Director Maritime Requirements (Sea) at NDHQ. Promoted to Commodore in 1986, Anderson was appointed Director General Maritime Doctrine and Operations at NDHQ. In July 1987, he was promoted to Rear-Admiral and was tasked to head the Canadian Nuclear Submarine Acquisition Project as the Chief of Submarine Acquisition. In July 1989, he was appointed Chief of Maritime Doctrine and Operations. On promotion to Vice-Admiral in July 1991, he was appointed the Commander Maritime Command in Halifax. The next year, he was made Vice Chief of the Defence Staff at NDHQ. Promoted to Admiral in January 1993, Admiral Anderson was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff. He served in this position until he retired in December 1993.

On departure from the Royal Canadian Navy, he took up his appointment as Canada’s Permanent Representative to NATO’s North Atlantic Council in the rank of Ambassador in Brussels, Belgium. On completion of this duty and after 37 years of service to his country John and his wife,

Anne, returned to B.C. and took up residence in North Saanich, eventually settling in Sidney.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Brigadier-General Don Macnamara (Ret'd) (at right) is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (B.A.) and the University of Toronto (M.A.), a Distinguished Graduate of both the Canadian Forces Staff School and the Canadian Forces Staff College and also attended the National Defence College. He spent the first half of a 37-year career in the RCAF and Canadian Armed Forces, starting as an Air Traffic Control Officer and then as a bio scientist in operations research and development in the areas of flight safety, environmental protection and weapons effects, which included service in the U.S, the U.K. and Germany and command of a research and development unit in Toronto. The latter half of his career, in strategic analysis, strategic intelligence and policy planning and professional education, included appointments as Director, Strategic Policy Planning and Director, Arms Control Policy in NDHQ, and as Director at both the Canadian Forces

WORDS KENNY PODMORE, CENTENNIAL COORDINATOR BRANCH 37 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION SAANICH PENINSULA AND RHONDA TODRICK

Command and Staff College and the National Defence College, where he was responsible for the curricula in strategic studies and international affairs.

A small sampling of his career highlights include:

He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1988 in the rank of Brigadier-General, and joined the faculty of the School of Business at Queen’s University to teach international business and strategy. He also taught a course in Canadian Foreign and Defence Policy in the Department of Political Studies. For four summers commencing in 1990, he was a Visiting Professor in International Management at the Universitat Kaiserslautern, Germany.

From 1984, he was first a Faculty Associate and then Senior Fellow in the Queen’s Centre for International Relations. In 1994-95, he served as a facilitator for and advisor to the Officer Development Board and to committees associated with the creation of the new National Security Studies Program and contributed to the academic accreditation of the various courses at the

Canadian Forces College for graduate degrees.

Appointed Officer in the Order of Military Merit in 1978, BGen Macnamara was the co-recipient of the School of Business Scholars of Excellence Award in 1989, received the Commerce Society Award for Teaching Excellence in 1990, and was made a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 1994. For eight years, he was President of the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies, of which he was a founding member, and led the establishment of the Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Centre. He was a long-standing member of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs and last Chair of the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies. He has been a member of the International Institute of Strategic Studies since 1974.

In 1996, Macnamara was appointed the first Honourary Colonel of the Canadian Forces College, a position he held for 15 years. In 2001, he was awarded a Chief of Defence Staff Commendation, and in 2002 received a Doctor

of Military Science from the Royal Military College of Canada. In 2005, he received a Distinguished Service Award from the Queen’s Theological College, in 2011 the Canadian Forces Decoration Fourth Clasp, in 2012 the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distingushed Service and in 2013 the prestigious Vimy Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Canada’s defence and security. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth the Second Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals. Mcnamara also served as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada and was a 14-year member of the RCAF Commander’s Council.

He and his wife Lee, together since 1956, now live in Sidney. Clearly, the lives of our Cold War veterans were dedicated to excellence and their careers an example of what a "duty to serve" provides our country. We are so honoured and proud to have them living in our community. God Bless Canada.

Note: The Royal Canadian Legion’s Centennial Hangar Dinner & Dance is taking place June 20, 5 p.m. at the B.C. Aviation Museum.

For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/38c9n87s or call 250-656-2428.

Photos courtesy of John Rogers Anderson and Don Macnamara.

Luke Taylor

What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you read the word “Loomo”?

Initially started by Luke Taylor in 2005 as Five Branding, it was the desire to make people pause and wonder for a moment that inspired the rebrand in 2015.

Seemingly, most marketers fall into one extreme or the other: “Ultra Artistic” (where the creative leans too heavily into subjective artistic preferences or Award Season fodder) or “Hyper Optimized” (where the agency sells the same templated thing to wildly different clients with only minor tweaks).

Loomo lives in the crossroads where the analytical and the creative converge. Working primarily with clients in the financial, construction and technology industries, it’s cultivating curiosity in their staff and solving the unique puzzle that is each client’s present situation that gets Luke out of bed in the morning.

And you know what pops into his head? “Bright ideas.”

Loomo

Q & A with

Luke Taylor Chief Creative Officer

What experience most shaped the way you think about work?

Working on the branding for Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney. His approach towards creative thinking is transformative. And infectious!

If your business disappeared tomorrow, what would you do next? Become a board game designer. Crafting systems and solving puzzles comes naturally to me, so that would be a great outlet for my kind of mind.

Victoria: 250.800.1159 Vancouver: 604.210.5592 | luke@loomo.ca | www.loomo.ca

Julian Sale

Since 2008, we’ve been Sidney’s go-to destination for electric vehicles, and we now have even more to offer the community.

For Drivers and Enthusiasts:

• Join the electric revolution without the new-car premium

• Quality used electric vehicles at lifestyle-friendly prices

• Sell us your used EV at a competitive rate

Complete Tire Services:

• New tire sales with competitive pricing

• Expert installation & balancing

• Regular tire rotations to maximize life & performance

Detail Studio:

• Basic economical cleaning options

• Complete interior & exterior cleaning

• Professional paint polishing to restore showroom shine

Visit us across from Slegg for affordable used electric vehicles, tire sales and services, and to refresh your car’s appearance with detailing services. Our friendly, no-pressure approach ensures you’ll feel right at home – we’re not just selling services, we’re welcoming you to our family.

Q & A with

What do you love about our local business community? I love to see families grow. I’ve helped local families over three generations buy and sell the vehicle they most want.

What might surprise your clients to learn about you? After family and EVs, my biggest passion is gardening; it is my place of zen.

Julian Sale Entrepreneur

Bradley M. Bianchin

SLG Saanichton Law Group

Entering the legal profession in Australia, Bradley M. Bianchin returned from across the globe to settle in Saanichton, and brought his passion for peoplefocused law with him. Now the principal lawyer of SLG Saanichton Law Group, he has built a local practice that helps families, entrepreneurs and retirees plan with confidence, clarity and care.

With over a decade of experience, Bradley is known for making complex legal topics feel manageable and even empowering. Whether he is drafting a will, setting up a trust, or guiding a client through a major transaction, he does it with empathy, precision and a down-to-earth approach.

Dr. Joe Peters

Dr. Joe Peters has quickly become a go-to dentist for many local patients at Runway Dental, earning a reputation not only for clinical excellence, but for the genuine care and connection he builds with every patient who walks through the door.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Dr. Peters brings a grounded, approachable style to dentistry that has resonated deeply with the Sidney community.

Since joining Runway Dental, his patient base has grown steadily, driven largely by word-of-mouth from patients who appreciate his calm demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to make even the most anxious individuals feel at ease.

As Runway Dental evolves, Dr. Peters stands out for his ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine patient care, earning his place as a “Man to Watch.” in the years ahead.

Patrick Rippon

SLG Saanichton Law Group

Patrick is an attorney that handles both litigation and solicitor work, including workplace injuries, real estate conveyancing, wills and estates, and probate matters. Patrick served as an Infantry Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he was deployed multiple times throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Accordingly, he has unique knowledge of veteran entitlements surrounding wills and estates.

Today, Patrick continues to serve as a reservist with the Canadian Scottish Regiment. When Patrick is not in the office you can find him exploring the island with his young family, which includes his wife Janet, his son Luca (4), and daughter Charlotte (2).

& A with

What’s been the biggest struggle in your career? Soreness from working! If you don’t take care of yourself, it can sneak up pretty fast.

If you could go back, what would you do differently? Not a single thing, I’m exactly where I want to be.

Dr. Joe Peters Dentist

James

Poll, Master Stylist, Haven Salon & Spa

In haircare?

Aveda hair care contours my curls. In your closet? Many pairs of shoes! On your bedside table? Always a book; at the moment, The American No by Rupert Everett. In the kitchen? Always meals from Refire Grill. When you want a night out? Deep Cove Chalet is a favourite.

In your shaving kit? Eminence sunscreen; I never skip a day. In your bathroom cabinet? Skin Rituals – an effective, simple line. When you want to smell irresistible? Red Hibiscus by Jo Malone.

On your playlist?

Upbeat music that you can dance to. On your feet? Embassy London and John Fluevogs are my go-to. When adding colour to your outfit? Black is my favourite but I love some colour in my jackets. On your luxury wish list? Prada. In home décor? Lots of art. On your mustwatch list? Steel Magnolias is a frequentlywatched favourite! When you want to throw fashion out the window and be all about I love my pajamas at home. When you don’t care how much it costs? Shoes. On your walls? A lot of local artists: Andy Wooldridge, Catherine Emerson, Wesley Clark.

PHOTOS JANIS JEAN

Two Local Dads Just Made Camp Planning a Whole Lot Easier

School break planning has a way of sneaking up on you.

WORDS PAMELA MARTIN

PHOTOS WIND GYPSY PHOTOGRAPHY

One minute it's February and the next you're staring down a browser with 10 tabs open, a stack of rec centre brochures covered in scribbles, and a half-remembered text from another parent about some camp your kid absolutely has to attend. If that sounds familiar, two Saanich Peninsula dads have built something just for you.

Craig Frew and Michael Doyle are the founders of CampMatch, a free, centralized platform that helps families search, compare, and plan youth camps and programs. The idea was born during a holiday conversation about an upcoming ski trip that somehow turned into a shared venting session about the chaos of camp planning.

"A flash went through my head of sitting there with countless pieces of paper, scribbled dates trying to work around family visits and holidays, brochures

from rec centres with scribbles all over them, searching for a text from another parent raving about some camp," Craig recalls. "It was a genuinely chaotic process." When Michael suggested they just build something, Craig didn't need much convincing.

The platform they created is refreshingly straightforward. Parents don't need to create an account to start browsing. Enter your child's age and address, and CampMatch surfaces available camps nearby filtered by interest and category. A visual planner dashboard lets you map out the whole season, and you can share your plan with other families, finally solving the endless group-text problem of figuring out which camps your kids' friends are attending. Lessons, leagues and Pro-D programs are also featured. What started as a local solution has grown faster than

either founder anticipated. CampMatch now lists over 17,000 camps and programs across Canada, with a particularly strong presence in Victoria, Vancouver and the GTA. Local providers are already on the platform, including North Saanich Yacht Club, McTavish Academy of Art, and Sneaky Education, among many others. Growth has been largely word of mouth, the best possible kind. "We started overhearing parents telling other parents about CampMatch," Craig says. "And then someone recommended that we check out the site, not knowing we'd built it. You can't manufacture that.”

The founders, whose wives are as much a part of the success, are stay-at-home dads first, running CampMatch from school pickups, naptime windows, and late nights once

the kids are in bed. Their daily business meetings happen in the Keating Elementary parking lot. It's a setup that keeps them grounded in exactly the problem they set out to solve, and it shows in how they talk about the platform's future.

Monetization is being done thoughtfully to benefit both parents and providers. Craig is direct about that: "We will never ask parents to pay to use the platform, while providers are offered premium accounts to help target their marketing dollars. " What is on the horizon is something arguably more meaningful, a nonprofit arm called CampMatch Kids Society, designed to help lower-income families access camps they otherwise couldn't afford. Camp providers have already pledged free spots and significant discounts, and the founders are working

Paul Macris

Paul Macris is a dedicated Real Estate Agent specializing in the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria area. Born and raised on the Peninsula, he offers clients deep local knowledge and a strong understanding of the region’s real estate market. Licensed since 2010, Paul is known for his attention to detail, contract expertise and skilled negotiation. He is passionate about educating clients throughout the buying and selling process, helping them make confident, informed decisions.

Relationship building is central to Paul’s approach. He takes time to understand his clients’ goals while providing a professional, personalized experience built on trust and communication. Outside of real estate, Paul values family time with his wife and three children and enjoys staying active through soccer, tennis and CrossFit. He is also actively involved with the Greek Community of Victoria, supporting the preservation of Hellenic culture on Vancouver Island.

toward a launch for the 2026 spring season.

"The goal is simple," Craig says. "To help lower-income families afford summer camps for their kids. It feels like a natural extension of why we built this in the first place."

For Saanich Peninsula families heading into

summer planning mode, CampMatch is worth a look. For any local camp operators not yet listed, the founders have a clear message: your families are already there looking for you, and it costs nothing to be found.

Visit www.campmatch.ca to start planning.

Q & A with

How do you achieve a work/life balance? By making family time a priority. I value being present with my wife and three kids and creating balance by setting aside meaningful time together outside of work.

What do you love about our local business community? I love how supportive and connected our local business community is. Many of us grew up together and genuinely champion one another’s success while helping our community thrive.

Paul Macris Real Estate Agent with The Agency

Huntly Ketchen

I would like to offer you our free Family Registry Estate Planner. This Estate planner is an essential tool for any family to have in their home: it assists in collecting the necessary details and information required at the time of a common tragedy. It includes a Family Registry, an Executor’s Handbook, a Legal Will Guide, POA brochure and more.

It can be difficult to remain informed in a time of crisis, as financial burdens and questions about security cloud decision making. Pre-planning allows you time to discuss options and make choices that are right for you. It can also save you thousands in the long term; money better spent on your family’s quality of life. I want to ensure that every family has the proper information to plan today for tomorrow.

Please schedule your complimentary appointment by contacting me at 778-533-8797 phone, text, or email hketchen@arbormemorial.com. The free Family Registry Estate Planner is tailored to each family’s individual needs and is available by appointment only.

Mark Unsworth

When Mark and his partners purchased the water store in Sidney in 2021, he saw the potential to expand Simply Pure’s reputation in Victoria to throughout the Peninsula, growing brand recognition and becoming “the community.” Mark and his wife Sharon immediately moved to Sidney, becoming regulars at the shops, bookstores, restaurants, cinema and dog park. “I love it when we’re out and about and someone calls out ‘that’s my water guy!’”

Mark has quadrupled the business – expanding the store’s portfolio by adding Alkaline water, ice cubes, blocks and bulk bags, deliveries and more stock items to make it a one-stop shop for ice and water. All of the equipment has been replaced and upgraded providing the freshest, cleanest water around.

Simply Pure has embraced the community by advertising within local businesses and publications, sponsoring local organizations and events and participating in Sidney BIA promotions. Sidney feels like home.

Q & A with

Huntly Ketchen Advanced Planning & Continuing Care Specialist

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

Say no until your tongue bleeds. We prioritize work time; we must prioritize “me time.” Prioritize time for a walk, a swim, gardening, gym, a hobby, or family time.

What do you love about our local business community? What’s not to love, with its unique blend of innovative, independent retailers? Many a familyowned enterprise, each one complementing the other without prejudice or animosity regardless of ethnic, cultural and religious diversity.

How do you achieve work/life balance?

At work, I go above and beyond for our customers. At home, I’m present for my wife and dogs. It took me having my strokes to figure that out.

What’s been the biggest struggle in your career? After my strokes, I didn’t know if I would be able to function, let alone work. Buying the water store gave me the strength and drive to push forward every day.

Mark Unsworth Entrepreneur

Welding a Path Forward: Turning Passion into a Career

Students today face a wide range of post- graduation choices – work, further education, travel or a gap year – and the possibilities can feel overwhelming. Hayden Evans’ journey through the trades is a powerful example of how getting an early start in high school can open doors to both meaningful work and future travel opportunities. Hayden began in the district’s Trades Awareness Skills and Knowledge (TASK) program, where learning extended far beyond the traditional classroom. “It was a lot of fun to be outside my actual school doing things I really wanted to learn,” he shares. “I learned a lot of good life skills to be honest; I learned to work with people who had different skill sets and learned how to build a full-size bathroom, including plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall and paint. I didn't really see how it would help me but these things have come up in my recent jobs and it was a great benefit to have seen it before."

The experience also helped Hayden discover a passion for welding. In Grade 12, he enrolled in the Welding Foundation Program at Camosun College, earning 28 graduation credits while having his tuition covered by the Saanich School District.

“I loved everything about the course,” Hayden says. “It was right up my alley and I am glad I picked welding. I learned a lot of really good technical skills and had an incredible teacher to support me, Justin Chappell, which made it a lot easier. Just having a simple problem and someone there that knows the little thing to fix was a game changer.”

Following the program, Hayden transitioned into the Youth Work in Trades program, working at Titan Boats. “It was the best trades experience ever,” he says. “They were amazing at helping me grow my skills.” Now, in his new role with NorLand Inc., Hayden is excited to continue developing his trade while exploring opportunities to travel. His advice to other students is simple: take the leap. “Just do it; it’s free and provides so much help to when you start looking for jobs no matter which course you take. People actually want to invest in you and see your progress in the trade and having this first year head start is a huge step into getting into the trades. Everyone I know that didn’t do these courses are a year or two behind me, just because they didn’t know if they wanted to do it or not. It is so worth it and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to do trades in high school."

Hayden’s father, Nathan, has seen the impact firsthand. Programs like TASK, he says, “open students’ eyes to opportunities they didn’t even know existed. Whether they discover a passion or simply gain valuable skills, it’s a win.”

For more information on Saanich School District Career programs and the Youth Work in Trades program please contact Heidi Hackman at hhackman@ saanichschools.ca.

WORDS HEIDI HACKMAN, DISTRICT CAREER COORDINATORS, SD 63

PHOTO WIND GYPSY PHOTOGRAPHY

Great Drinks & Good Company

Music Bingo at Beacon Brewing is a reminder that simple nights out can be the most fun

WORDS & PHOTOS

SHELLEY TICE

If you are looking for an easy and enjoyable outing close to home, consider making plans for a local night in Sidney. We recently headed out for Monday night Music Bingo at Beacon Brewing, and it was the kind of evening that reminds you how valuable these simple social events can be.

By the time the game started, there was not an empty seat in the house. Tables were filled with couples, groups of friends, families and neighbours ready for a fun start to the week. The room was full of energy as people chatted between rounds, compared scorecards and sang along when favourite songs came on.

If you have never tried Music Bingo, think of it as a mix of nostalgia, friendly competition

and laughter. Instead of numbers being called, songs are played and players mark their cards when they recognize the tune. Some people knew the track within seconds, while others relied on their tablemates for help. Either way, everyone seemed to be having a great time.

What stood out most was how naturally the event brought people together. Friends were catching up after work, families were enjoying dinner together and conversations sparked between people. In a world where many evenings disappear into errands and screens, there is something refreshing about gathering in a room simply to have fun. It also makes for an ideal weeknight outing. We stayed for both rounds and were still home before 9 p.m., proof that

you do not need a late night or elaborate plans to break up the week. Sometimes a couple of hours out is all it takes to feel recharged. Another bonus of these casual local events is flexibility. Some guests had brought snacks, others picked up food from a local restaurant, and several tables turned the evening into dinner and entertainment all in one. We were inspired by another group and popped across the street for fresh popcorn before settling in for the second round.

Whether you are planning a relaxed date night, meeting friends for something different, or looking for an outing that works across generations, Music Bingo is an easy win. It has enough activity to keep things lively, but remains casual enough that conversation is still part of the night.

THINGS TO NOTE

Events like this also highlight the importance of businesses and venues that create space for community connection.

A good local night out is about more than where you go. It is about shared laughter, seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones and supporting the kind of places that make towns feel vibrant.

With Father’s Day approaching, this could be a fun alternative to the usual dinner reservation. Gather Dad or Grandpa, order a drink, test your music knowledge and enjoy a lowkey evening together.

Sometimes we think a memorable outing requires big plans or a long drive. In reality, some of the best nights happen just down the road, with good company, a little music and plenty of laughter.

• Check the venue calendar at www.beaconbrewing.ca for Music Bingo, trivia, live music and other events

• Arrive early for popular nights as seating fills quickly

• Great option for friends, couples and family groups

• Lots of free street parking nearby

You know that feeling of standing in the middle of a crowded marketplace, surrounded by hundreds of people going about their day, yet somehow feeling completely alone? Everyone’s rushing past with purpose, moving through their routines, while you’re just ... there. Present but not really connected. Visible but somehow invisible at the same time.

I’ve felt that way more times than I can count, and it took me a while to realize that some of my most meaningful connections and happiest moments have come from simply showing up to help others.

My journey with volunteering started back in 1994 when as a teenager I had the incredible opportunity to be Klee Wyck, the official mascot for the Commonwealth Games. Looking back now, that experience sparked something in me – this passion for community involvement that I didn’t even know I was looking for. It showed me that volunteering doesn’t have to be some massive long-term commitment that eats up all your free time. Sometimes it’s just showing up for an event, a day or a moment.

Right now, I’m checking off a significant bucket list item by giving back to the ballpark that brought me so much joy during my youth. I’m coaching a girls fastball team alongside two amazing women I’ve

known for over 40 years – we played fastball together and literally grew up side by side. Here’s the thing though – I hadn’t spent any significant time with them in the past 25 years. Life just ... happened, you know? But when we came together to give back, our friendships picked up right where we left off, and I honestly cannot describe in words what this means to me. Watching us contribute together, seeing that bond we share still so strong after all these years – it’s been one of those full-circle moments that fills your heart in ways you didn’t know you needed.

That’s the thing about volunteering that nobody really talks about – it’s this beautiful kind of tired that actually fills your bucket instead of draining it. Research shows that over 90% of Canadians want to volunteer, but only about 25% actually do it, and I think part of that gap comes from this idea that we need to commit to something huge and lifechanging when really, some of the most powerful connections happen through those smaller, one-off opportunities.

Remember how we talked about eight-minute conversations and microconnections in my last article? Well, volunteering is like the perfect playground for those moments to grow into something bigger. Last year, I had the privilege of volunteering for the Invictus

The Magic of Showing Up

How Volunteering Fills Your Bucket While Building Your Village

WORDS

NATASHA JACKSON, CPHR, PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROFESSIONAL AND WORKPLACE HEALTH CONSULTANT

Games in Vancouver, and I formed friendships with people from around the world. We still stay connected, and honestly, I never expected that showing up for a few days would create bonds that would last beyond the event itself.

I’ve watched this happen over and over again in my own life – those quick hellos and shared laughs during volunteer shifts that somehow turned into people I genuinely care about and who care about me back. There’s something about working toward a common goal with others that breaks down those weird social barriers we usually carry around, and suddenly you’re having real conversations with people you might never have met otherwise.

The science backs this up too – volunteering literally boosts your mood and mental health in eight different ways, from practising gratitude to building social bonds to creating that sense of meaning we all crave. And here’s the beautiful

part – it works as an antidote to loneliness by shifting your focus from your own worries to helping others, which significantly lowers stress levels. So, here’s my challenge for you – instead of waiting for the perfect long-term volunteer opportunity to fall into your lap, look for something small and manageable that speaks to you. Maybe it’s helping at a local 5K, spending an afternoon at a community garden or lending a hand at a neighbourhood event. The key is showing up with genuine intention to help others, because that’s where the real magic happens.

Your community is out there waiting for you to show up, and trust me, they need what you have to offer just as much as you need what they can give you back. Sometimes the best way to fill your own bucket is to help fill someone else’s first.

What’s your next small step toward showing up going to be?

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A private modern estate designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living on a sun-filled 1-acre property.

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Chef-inspired kitchen with Wolf appliances

Detached 2-bedroom carriage home

Minutes from beaches, trails, Sidney, YYJ & Victoria.

SEASIDE LIVING

A Title for All Tastes

WORDS JACKIE LAPLANTE

PHOTOS TANNER'S BOOKS

When the Forest Breathes: Renewal and Resilience in the Natural World

Suzanne Simard

British Columbian author and forestry specialist Suzanne Simard was a pioneer in introducing the concept of trees as intelligent, communicative entities. Through her “Mother Tree” project, she continues to speak her mind and has become something of an environmentalist celebrity. Her latest book, When the Forest Breathes, aims to improve the human interaction with trees, urging innovations in logging and conservation practices that aim to increase the forest’s adaptability to human interruption and a changing climate.

Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds

Scott Solomon and Scott Kelly

Why is there interest in living on other planets? What ailments will the human body suffer as a result? Will genetic adaptations occur if humans colonize remote planets? With a foreword by astronaut Scott Kelly offering firsthand experience of the physical effects of space travel, professor and broadcaster Scott Solomon delves into genetics, biology and a surprising quantity of governmental plans supporting space habitation to offer his answers, meanwhile exploring the ethics of space colonization.

The Book of Birds: A Field Guide to

Wonder and Loss

Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

Standard field guides are useful, but if you truly wish to not just identify, but identify with birds, then dive into Macfarlane and Morris’ beautiful collaboration, The Book of Birds. Jackie Morris’ exquisite illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Macfarlane’s poetic descriptions. Ranging from rhyming observations (“the cuckoo’s monstrous switcheroo”) to vivid prose (“crisp apple, bright bauble Bullfinch”), the authors gently urge the reader to ensure that the existence of these marvelous species continues.

Yesteryear

Caro Claire Burke

The “trad wife” trend has spawned numerous social media personalities who offer charming farm lives replete with attractive children, homemade preserves and devoted husbands. When a trad wife influencer discovers that her home is a portal to 1855 – where there is neither electricity to enable effortless homemaking nor a nanny for her unruly brood – her carefully-honed persona is jeopardized. Intense and darkly humorous, Yesteryear is a keen study of the morality of social media influencing.

Our Perfect Storm Carley Fortune

Carley Fortune’s wildly popular summer romance series has come to the beaches of Tofino. With a classic “best friends to lovers” plot line, Frankie – dumped right before her wedding –and George – her best friend since childhood – explore their changing relationship. Romance fans will enjoy the slow and often tempestuous build-up, and the cheerful and quirky accompanying characters, while revelling in the beauty of Tofino’s shores and forests. An ideal accompaniment for a summer day.

Meanwhile, Back in Nokomis: Tales from Canada and Elsewhere

Will Ferguson

Awash in the author’s well-loved, homespun wit, Meanwhile, Back in Nokomis is a first-time collection of essays and memoir pieces. Drawing on his career as a travel writer, Ferguson muses on events and locations both worldwide and local. The diverse vignettes allow Ferguson and his readers to ponder defining elements of Canada – from our nation’s favourite condiment to the neighbourhoods of Montreal, each story underscoring Will Ferguson’s honest and appreciative love of his homeland.

White River Crossing

Ian McGuire

The lure of gold in Canada’s wilderness drives British author Ian McGuire’s latest historical fiction noir. When a self-serving Hudson’s Bay Company factor sends a small party comprised of his own men and Dene guides on a secret expedition in search of a promised source of gold, man and nature present both physical and moral challenges to the explorers. McGuire draws on historical sources as a framework for this suspenseful and compelling adventure

CurcuminRich Theracurmin and Double Strength Theracurmin

Natural Factors CurcuminRich Theracurmin and Double Strength formulas contain a highly bioavailable form of curcumin – the most active curcuminoid in turmeric – to help relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, and provide antioxidants for the maintenance of good health.

Formulated To Help:

✔ People with osteoarthritis, painful joint or inflammatory conditions;

✔ Older adults wanting to reduce joint discomfort and maintain mobility;

✔ Individuals concerned about oxidative stress who want to increase their antioxidant intake;

✔ Athletes and active individuals seeking support for sore, and inflamed joints.

HEALTHY JOINT FUNCTION

CurcuminRich Joint Optimizer

Natural Factors CurcuminRich Joint Optimizer contains a synergistic combination of herbal extracts that are effective for natural joint pain relief and healthy joint function. Theracurmin™ curcumin and supercharged extracts of white willow, devil’s claw, boswellia, and InflamRelief™ complex exert powerful antioxidant actions and support a healthy inflammatory response. Together, they help relieve the joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, offer short-term relief for low back pain, and support joint health, comfort, and function. High Absorption

Summer is practically upon us, and as you get beach ready, bloating might be cramping your style. While bloating may be common, it definitely isn’t normal. It is normal for your stomach to expand slightly after eating, as the food moves into your body and takes up space, but the feeling of your belly ballooning out, the dreaded "food baby," or your waistline suddenly going up three sizes is a sign that there’s something else going on.

COMMON ROOT CAUSES OF BLOATING

Low Stomach Acidity. While digestive issues have a lot of people popping over the counter antacids, many people actually don’t have too much stomach acid, but too little. This means food isn’t properly broken down, leading to fermentation which causes gas, and that heavy, stuck feeling after meals.

Gut Imbalances. The gut microbiome is a very important balance. An overgrowth of the wrong bacteria in the wrong area of your digestive tract (SIBO) or yeast imbalances can cause excessive gas production. Think: bloating that worsens throughout the day or flares after certain carbs.

Food Sensitivities. Not all food reactions are immediate or obvious. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, artificial food additives, and even foods like legumes or cruciferous veggies if your gut isn’t happy.

Sluggish Digestion. Eating on the go, rushing meals or constantly being in a stressed state can slow digestion way down. Your body deprioritizes digestion when it thinks you’re being chased by a tiger (aka your inbox), sending blood flow to more essential systems like your heart, brain and muscles.

Constipation. If things aren’t

moving regularly, gas and waste literally build up. Even if you’re going daily, incomplete elimination can still contribute to bloating.

BLOATING FIXES THAT ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Slow. Down. While. Eating This sounds basic, but it’s foundational. Sit down; chew your food; breathe. Digestion starts in your mouth, not your stomach.

Support Stomach Acid. Try incorporating bitter foods (like arugula or lemon water before meals), or consider digestive bitters. Diluted apple cider vinegar before meals can also be helpful. In some cases, supplements like betaine HCl with digestive enzymes (with practitioner guidance) can be a game changer.

Balance the Gut Environment. A quality probiotic is something I recommend most people consider. It’s also great to enjoy probiotic foods such as miso, kombucha, yogurt and kimchi for a yummy gut friendly diet.

Identify Trigger Foods

A short-term elimination diet can help you pinpoint what your body doesn’t love right now. Don’t worry: this isn’t about cutting things you love out forever, it’s about gaining awareness.

Get Things Moving. Hydration, fibre, a magnesium supplement and getting your body moving all support healthy elimination. If you’re not pooping well, bloating will stick around. Hydrate. And no, coffee doesn’t count. One of the main culprits behind constipation is actually just dehydration. Your body needs water to run well. Consider adding electrolytes on hot or active days. Here's to Happy Guts!

th

Anniversary Celebration

CENTENNIAL PARK • JULY 25, 2026 • 12-8PM

Live Local Music All Day

Acts proudly featuring musicians raised in Central Saanich!

NICK LA RIVIERE & THE BEST LAID PLANS

Victoria Rock Choir • Madi and The Dads

Vanilla Riot • Luke Lampard with Chase Varnes

Plus emerging young local artists!

Wet Knees • Wreckage • Kingston Weesa

Getting There

FREE BC Transit shuttle

11:30 a.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Accessible shuttle on a loop to and from the park, stopping by:

• Stelly’s Secondary School parking lot

• Central Saanich Cultural Centre parking lot

• Saanichton Village Bus Exchange

FREE secure bike parking

11:45 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Secure Capital Bike parking for bikes, scooters, strollers and other micromobility vehicles!

Parking

• 1882 Hovey Road lot (across from the park)

• Stelly’s Secondary (approx 1 km)

• Municipal Hall/1903 Mt. Newton Cross Rd (approx 1 km)

Accessible parking is available at the tennis courts and adjacent to the park.

Food & Fun

12-8 pm Food Truck Festival

2 pm Community (GIANT) Cake Cutting

4-8 pm Beer Garden

12-5 pm

Kid Zone: Ride-on train • Face painting

Bouncy castles • Games • Unicorn photo booth

Performers • Mascots • Animals • Arts

Central Saanich Fire dunk tank

Classic vehicles incl police and fire

Commemorative art unveiling

Local artists and businesses

Interactive community booths

Pride booth with drag makeup tutorial

Let’s Roll: Try Your Hand at Lawn Bowling

For event schedule and details

Double Dribble: TWIN BASKETBALL STARS

Twins Chelsea and Sadie Neilson are Grade 12 students at Claremont High School and have spent years on the basketball court.

WORDS JAMILA DOUHAIBI

PHOTO SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The duo says the work of Jumpstart has made a lasting impact, giving young athletes a welcoming place to play, grow and connect. They will be playing professionally for the Lakeland College Rustlers in Lloydminster, Alberta in the fall.

The girls both started playing in the fourth grade, and by middle school had moved into competitive travel club basketball. They played several sports, but say “basketball was really fun” and that’s where they met many of their friends. They were “always really shy kids” but it’s clear that they shine on the court. Last year Chelsea scored 31 points in their season opener, while twin Sadie hit 11 three-pointers in a

single game against Mt. Doug. Both reached 1,000 points each by the end of the year.

Their dedication to the sport is inspiring. Sadie says that the twins “train every day for one to two hours,” just playing basketball. Added to this is daily weight lifting and strength conditioning. Then they have at least three two-hour practices each week, and travel every other weekend up Island or to the mainland for games. Through their club teams outside of school, they have travelled to Vegas, L.A., Seattle and Alberta. They are also teenagers who need to sleep, see friends and “balance school with everything else.” And for the past three years they have been training younger players, “coaching the team we played for when we started.”

Their dad, Jamie Neilson, says that Jumpstart, and the court they built at Panorama Recreation Centre, has made a huge difference for his girls and has been an “absolute blessing for this community.”

Founded in 2005, Jumpstart works to remove barriers to sport to ensure all kids have access to recreation. With the financial support of Canadian Tire North Saanich, Jumpstart’s outdoor courts opened during the pandemic when there were limited options for playing basketball. The court also stands out because it has eight hoops and is a FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur/International Basketball Federation) regulation court. When you’re training to become an athlete, Jamie says a high accuracy court with the right lines is crucial because “basketball is a game of fractions of inches.”

John Cunningham, owner of Canadian Tire North Saanich, says that the five stores within Greater Victoria were proud to collaborate and help support the court. John says that “supporting the community is a big part of Canadian Tire” and that they are fortunate that North Saanich

was chosen to build the court because it’s “lucky to have that in our backyard.” He also says it’s worth a visit for anyone that hasn’t been there, as it’s “state of the art” and a “spectacular” part of the local community. John met Sadie and Chelsea and says that it’s amazing what they have accomplished. He says that these “two girls are just one example of all the youth that this Jumpstart facility supports.”

Sadie and Chelsea agree that having the basketball court “minutes away from the house” meant it was a core place for training, and with eight hoops they had more freedom to practice even when other players were there. Also, when travelling to the mainland on a 9 a.m. ferry, there is no opportunity to warm up prior to the game once they arrive. But having the court so close means that they can warm up before they leave in the morning. By high school, Chelsea and Sadie were already working up to 500 buckets per day and Jamie says that having “access to something they could walk to before they started driving,” with yearround availability, made all the difference. Since the fifth grade, the twins have put up over 319,000 made baskets and shot over 59,700 three-point shots.

This is just the beginning for Chelsea and Sadie’s basketball stardom. They have some time off this summer, aside from their day-to-day training, before moving to Alberta in August.

Chelsea says “we’re excited about being together,” and this factor, along with each receiving a scholarship, is what led them to choosing Lakeland. Practices will increase to twice a day, six days a week. And of course, this will be on top of starting their degrees, beginning with firstyear science courses. Through all of Sadie and Chelsea’s daily training and hard work, Jamie says about the Jumpstart court: “having this in our backyard helped them get to college.”

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.

Established in 2021, the charitable organization W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society was created to provide a legal- and communitybased pathway for land to be returned to W̱SÁNEĆ people, whose traditional territory spans the Saanich Peninsula and Southern Gulf Islands. The Society’s work supports the revitalization of Indigenous stewardship, cultural connection and ecological care through land return and long-term ecocultural restoration initiatives.

For W̱SÁNEĆ people, land is inseparable from language, identity, ceremony, food systems, and sacred responsibilities to the natural world. Colonization displaced

W̱SÁNEĆ communities from much of their territory and disrupted relationships with culturally significant lands, plants and animals. The W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society was formed to help reverse some of that loss by accepting donations of land and financial contributions that support a reconnection to land.

One of the Society’s most significant projects is the restoration of ȾIKEL, also known as Maber Flats, a culturally important area in Central Saanich. In 2023, nearly 19 hectares of former farmland was donated to the W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society by the Berglund family. ȾIKEL was once a vibrant wetland where W̱SÁNEĆ people gathered

SEASIDE

W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society

Redefining what reconciliation can look like in practice.

food, medicines and materials, including Pacific willow used to create reef nets for fishing. Although the wetland was drained for farming generations ago, the land is no longer viable for agriculture and its restoration will support cultural revitalization and food security through the return of traditional food and medicine plants and animals to a healthy wetland ecosystem. Stewardship of this land provides opportunities for W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge, oral history and language to be passed down from elders to youth.

The Society encourages individuals and families to see reconciliation not only as a conversation, but as an action. Donations of funds help

W̱SÁNEĆ LANDS TRUST SOCIETY

support ecological restoration, educational initiatives, and future land return opportunities. Landowners also have the opportunity to contribute directly through land donations that place culturally and environmentally significant spaces back into Indigenous care.

By bringing together Indigenous leadership, environmental restoration and community collaboration, the W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society is building a powerful model for reconciliation rooted in care for the land and responsibility to future generations.

Learn more at www.supportlandback.com.

WORDS & PHOTOS

Waterfront Living

8877 LOCHSIDE DRIVE, NORTH SAANICH | OFFERED AT

THIS PRESTIGIOUS WATERFRONT ADDRESS embodies 0.56 acres of highly sought-after oceanfront beauty and potential. Perched at the end of a long, flowering cherry tree-lined driveway, a charming bungalow rests between garden and sea. The breathtaking panoramic ocean views of Haro Strait take in the twinkle of Sidney’s evening lights, the Gulf Islands, and marine coastal life. The large property is gated at the driveway and partially fenced with luxury builds on both sides.

The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, one-level home has lots of storage and all of the main rooms have massive windows to capture the outstanding view. In the living room, a beamed cathedral ceiling and a gas fireplace are viewed from the adjoining, spacious dining room, and it’s a warm and inviting place to entertain. The oak kitchen, with plenty of cabinets, drawers and even a concealed, lighted bar, opens into the family room where this is yet another gas fireplace. A butler pantry behind the kitchen offers more space to prepare for entertaining.

The glass-encased sunroom is ready for all green thumbs, and the two outdoor patios are lovely places to dine or read a book. The backyard has an impressive expanse of flat lawn that is perfect for bocce or croquet. This high bank property even has a secret path down to the beach that could potentially be converted into your own private stairwell to the most magnificent stretch of quiet beach. This oceanfront gem is only six minutes from Sidney and yet feels dreamily private. Hop on your bike and ride the famous Lochside Trail from the end of your driveway. Move-in-ready OR purchase to build your luxury waterfront dream home!

Celebrating Community, Together

At the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation (SP-CF), we believe strong communities are built through shared experiences. That is why we are proud to support the Peninsula Celebrations Society as a 2025 grant recipient.

Entirely volunteer-run, the Peninsula Celebrations Society brings people together through a calendar of events that have become part of life on the Peninsula. From parades and holiday traditions to summer concerts and family gatherings, these moments create connection, belonging, and joy for residents of all ages.

Our grant supported the Canada Day Family Fun Fair, helping ensure the event remained accessible and welcoming to everyone. Funding contributed to entertainment, equipment, permits, and free activities for families, removing barriers so more people could take part. It also helped strengthen partnerships with local vendors, performers, and community groups, adding to the richness of the day.

The result was a vibrant celebration that exceeded expectations. Families filled the grounds, enjoying a wide variety of games, performances, and activities. The atmosphere was welcoming, energetic, and inclusive, a true reflection of the Peninsula’s community spirit.

“Our Board discovered SP-CF while researching funding opportunities, and it immediately stood out for its alignment with our goals and its commitment to improving quality of life on the Saanich Peninsula. We are sincerely grateful for SP-CF’s support.”

- Jennifer Jacobson, Family Fun Fair Lead with the Peninsula Celebrations Society

For us, this is what community impact looks like. It is not only about funding charities and non-profits, but about creating spaces where people feel connected and included.

Through the generosity of our donors, we are proud to support organizations like the Peninsula Celebrations Society, helping to keep traditions alive and growing for years to come.

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.

Finding Your Balance Goals That Inspire and a Life That Feels Good Getting There

As summer arrives and we find ourselves midway through 2026, it's a natural moment to pause and check in. Not to measure how far you've fallen short of January's ambitions, but to ask a gentler question: are you moving in a direction that actually feels good?

At Active Balance Physiotherapy Studio, that question sits at the heart of everything they do. Working with people chasing milestones, they’ve learned that the most meaningful progress rarely comes from gritting your teeth harder. It comes from building a foundation that makes the journey enjoyable enough to sustain, and from having someone help you break that big, sometimes overwhelming goal into steps that actually feel within reach.

START WITH YOUR WHY

One of the most useful frameworks for thinking about goals is the Golden Circle: Why (your deeper motivation), How (the actions you take), and What (the result you're after). Most of us jump straight to the what – the number on the scale, the finish line or the milestone. But starting with why will produce something more durable. When your

goal is rooted in how you want to feel and live, the path there looks very different, and more enjoyable.

Ask yourself: do you want to run a half marathon to complete the distance, or because you want to feel strong and capable in your body? Do you want more energy to keep up with your kids without running out of steam? The why behind the goal shapes everything, including whether you'll keep working toward it.

TWO KINDS OF GOALS, AND WHY YOU NEED BOTH

Goals generally fall into two categories, and understanding the difference is something Active Balance talks about with clients every day.

Outcome goals are the destinations: running a half marathon, returning to work after injury, keeping up with your grandchildren or finishing that garden project. They're energizing because they give you something concrete to move toward. But they can also be fragile – influenced by timing, setbacks, or factors outside your control. Outcome goals are best treated as a direction, not the sole measure of your success.

Functional goals are the foundation underneath. They're about how you move and feel day to day: walking without pain, carrying groceries comfortably, climbing stairs with ease, building the strength to lift your kids. These goals shape your quality of life, and they're far more within your control than any finish line. Active Balance spends time identifying the specific functional steps that build the capacity you need to reach the bigger goal, grounded in where you actually are right now. Functional goals are where lasting health actually lives.

THE PART NOBODY TALKS ABOUT: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD

There's a story around fitness that equates progress with suffering. And while hard work has its place, some of the most powerful functional gains feel like living well: a daily walk with your dog, a summer hike with friends, an easy bike ride or an evening swim.

The goal is to find movement that sustains you, not depletes you. When the process itself feels good, you stop needing willpower to keep going. Enjoyment is not the reward at the end of the hard work, it can drive the whole thing.

Emma is working toward a half marathon on the one-year

anniversary of her ACL surgery. Star is rebuilding strength for snowboarding and surfing. Shelley is planning to backpack through Garibaldi Park. In the gym, Lutska is learning to use equipment that will help him strengthen while protecting current injuries. Catherine’s goal is to do five pull-ups and improve her sleep routine . Alongside those bigger targets: Andrew is slowing his mind on daily walks with his dog, Lauren is building pelvic floor resilience ahead of labour, and Monika is learning to be present on the golf course to break 100 at Cordova Bay. Big and small. Hard-won and quietly joyful. Gritty and gentle. That's the balance.

WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE

The Active Balance team meets you where you are now and maps the functional steps that connect you to where you want to be, without making the journey feel like punishment. Whether you're recovering from injury, building toward something physical or wanting to move through your days with more ease, they’ll help you build the capacity to get there in a way that lasts.

Because the best goals aren't just the ones you achieve. They're the ones that make the life you're living along the way feel a little richer, a little freer, and a lot more like yours.

Owls Nest Early Learning Program Big Steps Start Here

As children approach the transition to kindergarten, families often begin to wonder how best to support that next important step. At Owls Nest Early Learning, a Panorama Recreation Centre program offered at Greenglade Community Centre, the Partial

a week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the program mirrors a kindergarten schedule, helping children grow comfortable with routines, transitions and group learning experiences.

At the heart of Owls Nest is an emergent curriculum, an approach that recognizes

Classrooms are intentionally designed to feel open, calming and inspiring, with natural materials and ever-evolving invitations to play. Beyond the classroom, children benefit from access to expansive outdoor spaces, forested areas and additional facilities at Greenglade Community Centre based activities like yoga and dance to support physical literacy and a strong connection to the natural world.

Equally important is the program’s commitment to making learning visible. Through pedagogical narration,

school while celebrating each child’s unique journey.

Led by experienced Early Childhood Educators in a nurturing, supportive environment, Owls Nest offers a place where children feel safe, seen and inspired to grow. The program aligns with provincial frameworks and offers access to childcare subsidies, helping make quality early learning and care more accessible for families.

For families seeking a balanced, engaging, and developmentally thoughtful introduction to school life, the Owls Nest Program

With over 60 Sidney businesses par ticipating, Sidney by the Sea Gift Cards keep your dollars local and make every gift more meaningful

Purchase online or at the Sidney Information Centre

exploresidney.ca/giftcard

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

10 Acres at the Pier

10 Acres Cafe

3rd Street Cafe

900 Degrees Bistro

Atticus

Avenue B Home Decor

Beacon Landing Liquor & More

Bodacious Lifestyles Boutique

Bosley's - Sidney

Butik Naturals

Cameron Rose Gifts

Chef on the Run

Connections Consignment

Cottons and Blues

C.S. Chan Wontons + Dumplings

Davidson Chambers

Departures Travel

Deco De Mode

Ecotopia Naturals

El Dorado

Far & Away Adventures

Fish on Fifth

Flush Bathroom & Travel Essentials

Fry Guys Bistro

Good Decade

Hansell & Halkett Vintage Home Decor

Haven Spa

Home Hardware - Sidney

House of Lily Koi

J Kitchen

iSpa Wellness

Jared VanderMeer Gallery & Studio

Kiddin' Around

La Boutique

Lolly Gobble - Home Hardware

Mary Winspear Centre

Miss Bliss Boutique

Moden

Moden Essentials

Moden Mens

Modern Massage Co.

Muffet & Louisa

Nest & Nook

One Stop Furniture

Peninsula Lifetime Eye Care Centre

Peninsula Veterinary Hospital

Provenance Fine Things

Pure Glow Laser

Refire Kitchen

Salvador Davis & Co

Sacred Somatics

Sapodilla's Smoothie and Juice Bar

Seawards Souvenir & Apparel

Shai Thompson Image Consulting

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Sidney Information Centre

Simply Pure Ice & Water

Sidney Museum

Sidney Pier Hotel

Sidney Scones

Skin by Angela

Smør Scandinavian Bakery

Tanner's Books

The Beauty House

The Children's Bookshop

The Dancing Orchid

The Farmer's Daughter

The Fickle Fig

The Five & Dime Diner

The Shop

The Surly Mermaid

Tivoli Gallery

Tyneham Luxury Products

Victoria Distillers

Waterlily Shoes

Quince Cafe

From the Kitchen

Seasonal Showstopper

Turning up to a backyard barbecue with a pavlova in hand is sure to guarantee entry.

WORDS JOAN SAUNDERS

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

While both Australians and New Zealanders lay claim to this gorgeous dessert, its origins remain unclear. However, no matter who created this showstopper, its inspiration remains the legendary light-as-air ballerina Anna Pavlova who toured both countries in the 1920s.

You can top your marshmallow-soft meringue creation with whatever fruit you choose, but I love this seasonal combination of local rhubarb and strawberries. These two are often paired because the sweetness of the berries complements the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a well balanced mixture. They also work together visually, as the bright red of the strawberries contrasts beautifully with the pinkish-green hues of the rhubarb.

This is also an amazing dessert for the gluten-free crowd, but I guarantee that everyone will love the texture, as the crispy on the outside and soft on the inside

meringue is sure to please everyone, gluten free or not. One tip for making a pavlova is having room temperature egg whites. However, I’ve found that it’s easier to separate the whites and yolks when the eggs are cold, so the answer is to separate the eggs when they’re just out of the fridge, then set the whites aside for 10 to 15 minutes to come to room temperature. Another tip is to incorporate the sugar gradually and beat until glossy. Add it a bit at a time, beating well between each addition. This ensures the sugar dissolves fully and gives your meringue that signature shiny finish.

While I love rhubarb, some people don’t. You can top this with any fruit in any season, and I promise you that Australians, New Zealanders, and whomever else lays claim to this delectable treat, won’t mind at all. This month, however, in the midst of rhubarb and strawberry season, this delectable dessert becomes a definite showstopper.

SPRINGTIME PAVLOVA (SERVES 8)

FOR THE MERINGUE BASE:

4 room temperature egg whites

pinch of salt

1 cup fine white sugar (berry sugar)

1 tsp cornstarch

2 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM:

2 cups whipping cream

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 300°. Make a template for a large pavlova by tracing an - inch round pan onto a piece of baking parchment. Turn parchment over; place on a baking sheet.

In a clean bowl of a stand mixer, using a whisk attachment, whip egg whites and a pinch of salt on high until glossy peaks form.

With mixer running, slowly stream in sugar. It will take a bit to add in the sugar. Whip until meringue has stiff peaks and is glossy. Going slowly helps to ensure that the sugar dissolves in the egg whites.

Sprinkle in cornstarch, lemon juice and vanilla. Gently fold in until combined.

Using your template as a guide, spread ½-inch layer of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet parchment to fill circle (about ¾ of meringue). Pipe or spoon on remaining meringue to form a taller edge around circle to create a shallow bowl. Make decorative swirls as desired. Put meringue in oven then immediately reduce heat to 250°; bake 75 minutes. Do not

FOR THE STRAWBERRY/ RHUBARB TOPPING:

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup dry white wine

1/8 tsp (pinch) kosher salt juice of one lemon

¼ tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

¾ cup water

1 lb rhubarb

(halve any thick stalks lengthwise, then cut into 1 inch pieces)

1 lb strawberries

(hulled, then halved if small, quartered if larger)

open door while baking. Turn off heat and allow meringue to cool in oven.

To make rhubarb/strawberry compote: In large saucepan, combine sugar, wine, salt, lemon juice, vanilla paste, water. Put pan over medium heat; cook until sugar has dissolved (2-3 minutes). Bring liquid to gentle boil, then add rhubarb. Cook over medium heat gently, just until mixture bubbles around edges of pan. Remove pan from heat; let cool completely.

When rhubarb has finished cooling, add in prepared strawberries. Mix very gently. You want the rhubarb to retain its shape.

When you’re ready to serve, whip the cream. Beat cream, sugar and vanilla paste in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.

Spread whipping cream on cooled meringue. Using a slotted spoon, top with the strawberry/rhubarb mixture. Don’t put this together until you’re ready to serve or you’ll lose the lovely texture of the meringue.

As dementia becomes more common across Canada, communities are beginning to recognize that awareness and compassion are not just the responsibility of families or healthcare professionals, and what the growing number of Canadians living with dementia means for everyday life, neighbourhoods and shared spaces.

Dementia is often spoken about as a private family matter, something handled quietly behind the walls of a home or care facility. But as more Canadians live longer and age in place, dementia is increasingly part of public life. It’s showing up in neighbourhoods, shops and shared spaces. And that shift is asking all of us, not just families, to respond differently.

Today, many people living with dementia remain active in their communities. They walk familiar routes, visit local businesses, attend appointments and participate in everyday routines for as long as possible. It supports independence, dignity and connection. But it also means that confusion, fear and disorientation are more likely to appear in places not traditionally

associated with care.

A person might struggle to follow a conversation at a bank counter. Someone may appear lost in a grocery store aisle. A neighbour might wander outside, unsure how to find their way home. These moments can be unsettling, both for the person experiencing them and for those who witness them, especially when dementia isn’t recognized for what it is.

Too often, these situations are misunderstood. Confusion can be mistaken for rudeness. Repetition can be seen as intentional. Hesitation can look like noncompliance. When we interpret these moments through a lens of impatience or assumption, interactions can escalate unnecessarily, creating stress and fear where calm and reassurance would have helped.

Dementia is a community issue not only because more people are affected, but because everyday human interactions begin to matter more – the way we speak, the pace we set, whether we choose to correct or reassure and whether we look away or offer support. These moments

A Community Issue, Not Just a Family One

WORDS CATHERINE BRIAND, CDP FOUNDER, GENTLE PATH MoCA CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATOR

shape someone’s sense of safety, dignity and belonging more than we realize.

The good news is that responding well is often simpler than we think. Slowing down, using clear language and offering reassurance go a long way. These are human responses, not medical ones, and they benefit everyone. When communities understand dementia, shared spaces become safer and more welcoming. People feel less embarrassed asking for help. Families feel less alone. Professionals and neighbours alike gain confidence in how to respond. Awareness becomes a form of care.

Perhaps most importantly,

recognizing dementia as a community issue invites compassion to replace judgment. It reminds us that vulnerability is not a personal failure: it’s part of being human. Aging is something we all share.

As dementia becomes more visible in everyday life, the question isn’t whether communities will encounter it, but how they will respond. With impatience and misunderstanding or with patience, dignity and care.

The choice we make shapes not only the experience of those living with dementia but the kind of communities we create for everyone.

www.gentlepath.ca

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | 250-656-0275 | marywinspear.ca

The Soul Summit

Ft. Dawn Pemberton and Emily Braden

June 20

The Seaside Music Festival presents an extraordinary evening of soul, gospel, jazz, and funk, bringing together two of North America’s most compelling vocalists for a onenight-only collaboration.

Award-winning artist Dawn Pemberton joins forces with New York City’s Emily Braden in a rare meeting of voices that is as technically stunning as it is deeply engaging. Known for their warmth, charisma, and sense of humour, both artists create performances that are as inviting as they are inspiring.

Having spent time working together in advance of the show, Pemberton and Braden will present a dynamic program of individual sets and collaborative performances—an unforgettable celebration of voice, connection, and musical excellence.

Wavelengths Community Choir

The Great Canadian Songbook

June 27 & 28

Wavelengths wants to celebrate Canada, and what better way than with songs of Gordon Lightfoot, Great Big Sea, Sarah McLachlan, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and others, as sung by our amazing 80voice choir! And be prepared to sing along to some treasured Canadian favourites by Tragically Hip, BTO, Raffi, Rush, and more! With Ashley Wey on keys and guest vocalist Denis Withnell!

Wavelengths Community Choir is a dynamic community based on the Saanich Peninsula. We are dedicated to bringing people together to sing in harmony with the transformative power of music. With a diverse membership that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, we focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can feel “at home” in our singing community.

Sue Foley

July 11

Award-winning Canadian blues artist Sue Foley brings her acclaimed concert experience One Guitar Woman to the Mary Winspear Centre for an evening that celebrates the legacy of groundbreaking female guitarists. Presented in an intimate theatre setting, the show combines soulful storytelling, exceptional musicianship, and a deep appreciation for the women who helped shape blues, folk, and roots music traditions. Inspired by Foley’s Grammy-nominated album of the same name, the performance explores the influence of legendary artists while showcasing Foley’s own unmistakable style and artistry.

Known internationally for her fiery guitar work and expressive vocals, Foley has spent decades building a reputation as one of the most respected performers in contemporary blues music. In One Guitar Woman, she strips the music back to its emotional core, using acoustic guitar arrangements to create a powerful and deeply personal connection with audiences. The concert moves beyond a simple tribute, offering insight into the musical journeys of influential women performers and the impact they had on future generations of musicians.

Audiences can expect a rich mix of blues, roots, and folk-inspired sounds delivered with warmth, authenticity, and technical brilliance. Foley’s engaging stage presence and storytelling ability make the evening both entertaining and educational, drawing listeners into the history and spirit behind every song. The performance has been praised by critics for its emotional honesty, musicianship, and originality, earning recognition across the blues music world.

With thirteen albums, multiple Blues Music Awards, and a long-standing international career, Foley continues to be one of Canada’s most celebrated blues artists. One Guitar Woman promises an unforgettable evening of music, history, and heartfelt performance for audiences of all ages.

Upcoming Events

Verticle Performing Arts

The Writers Notebook Writing Workshop

Island Song Spring Choir Concert

Lobsterfest

Westshore Dance Recital

Psychic & Spiritual Arts Fair

Messages from Beyond

Blood Donor Clinic

Seaside Musical Festival: Judy Collins

Seaside Musical Festival: The Soul Summit

Victoria Guitar Show showcasing luthiers

The Great Canadian Songbook

Sea Star Academy

The Improvisers

Timeless Music of Santana & Chicago

Victoria Model Railway Show

The Return of Simon & Garfunkel

Epidermis Circus

Mary Winspear Centre 25 Anniversary th

Feelin Al’Right Tribute to Joe Cocker

Brent Butt

Sharli Ulrich & The Unfaithful Servents

What It Means To Write: Community Poets in Conversation

Jesse Holth and Bennett Gilleland have been named the Community Poet and Youth Community Poet for the District of Saanich.

WORDS JESSE HOLTH & BENNETT GILLELAND

How and when did you start writing?

Jesse: I have always been a writer – throughout childhood I was an avid reader and in high school I wrote songs and journaled a lot. I didn’t start writing poetry until my late 20s. I had studied poets like Emily Dickinson and Seamus Heaney at university, but never tried writing my own poems. It took years to feel comfortable calling myself a poet. For anyone starting out, I highly recommend reading as much poetry as you can get your hands on – you don’t need a fancy degree to write, you just need to read, read, read. Have fun and experiment with your own writing.

What are your plans as Community Poet?

Jesse: I’m looking forward to engaging with people on the many ways you can interact

with poetry. I will be offering workshops, readings and other opportunities to connect. We’ll also be using the Little Free Libraries to promote poetry and invite people to participate. I would really like to convey two things: that everyone can enjoy poetry, and that anyone can be a poet. I think there is often a misconception that poetry is hard, or too formal, or not accessible. But one of the things I love about poetry is that there are no rules! A poem has 100 doors you can enter through – it’s about emotion and how people fundamentally connect.

Bennett: Aside from planning events, I hope to become more in tune with the community. Since finishing my degree, I’m looking back at how I’ve isolated myself in studying, and I need that to change. Being in any position that acts to represent a group, or a community, is a big undertaking, and I want to step

up and be the person who can do that. I want to encourage, support and platform. At the end of the day, I don’t want this to be just a personal victory; I want everyone to benefit from a youth community poet, not just the youth community poet. Tell us about your craft and your writing practice.

Bennett: Craft is all about the high. Better than getting published or performing. Just me and a desk. Writing pages and pages until “that” moment: the moment I write long enough to get the word, the line, that one paragraph. The one that gets me out of my desk, screaming, jumping, disturbing the neighbours. That moment of “I can’t believe I wrote that.” Everything about it just clicks and yet it feels like it took forever to get there. Craft is at its best when it’s like that one knuckle that won’t crack, but when it finally does, cover your ears.

Who are your favourite poets right now?

Jesse: This is an impossible question! I have so many favourite poets – I read a lot of poetry. Old and new, experimental and formal, prose poems and found poems. My taste is wide ranging, but some of the poets I’ve been enjoying recently are Jane Hirshfield, Mosab Abu Toha, Tracy K. Smith and Ilya Kaminsky. I’ve also been reading a lot of poetry in translation. I’m always impressed with how much talent is out there; I am constantly discovering new writers to love.

You started out in spoken word – what are some of the differences between written poetry and spoken word?

Bennett: They’re two sides to the same coin; the history of poetry is informed by page and oral presentation, but I think every page poet should try spoken word. The feedback is immediate (whether snapping, laughing or clapping). It’s an easy, organic way to find out what is working in your piece,

what lines get the biggest response. Additionally, the way performance has improved my confidence is invaluable. Practicing speech eases many of life’s obstacles. Even if you’re not a poet, performing at an open mic is a safe and relaxed place to improve public speaking.

Where are your favourite places to write?

Jesse: Anywhere I feel connected – to the ocean, to other people, to the morethan-human world. I find inspiration among the trees, listening to birds, watching the sunset. Being around life and living things and feeling that sense of interconnectedness. I draw strength and creativity from community and ancestors. I believe place is reciprocal: we give to it, and it gives to us. It can sustain us. Some of the best advice I’ve gotten is that you are working on writing, even when you’re not. Even when you are just thinking or being in a space –that deep attention fuels your creative practice.

Your position has a focus on youth – how can we get more youth involved in poetry and why is it important?

Bennett: For the first time in history, we have eyes into everyone’s lives, and anybody can respond to it with their own unfiltered words. Poetry has been used throughout history to every facet of human joy and suffering, and now that this is a generation of limitless information, it makes sense that there’s potential for the most eclectic and honest types of poetry. Everyone wants to mention how growing up around the internet has ruined us, but it exposes us to a wealth of perspective. Our voices matter because we’ve seen too much; maybe we share too much. But we are conditioned for expression and poetry is built for that. What projects are you currently working on?

Bennett: I’m working on my first collection of

poetry. I don’t want to say too much about it, but it’s differed greatly from my past work. The core of it is an examination into queer history as far back as the earliest cave drawings. Most of the time I write poetry to get a better understanding of myself, but with this book I want to learn, teach, unpack and track the journey that queerness has taken and how it informs us now. I’ve never been more excited for a project.

Jesse: I am working on several full-length poetry collections. I have a large body of

published work, and I’m in the challenging stage of building and organizing books around these pieces. One of the books is focused on themes around nature and history, lineage and reckoning. A friend described it as “ecofeminist” and I think that’s pretty accurate. I also have a collection of erasure poems and a book with darker themes around war, complicity, oppression and resistance. Poetry is about the not-knowing – trying to figure something out, questioning on the page. What is asking to be written? Trust that the work knows where it’s going. Trust in the process.

S

A T URDAY

JUNE

Get ready for a day of street hockey and community spirit at Seaside Magazine’s Charity Road Hockey Tournament! All funds raised support Help Fill A Dream children with critical medical conditions and their families.

Everyone is welcome to stop by, cheer on their favourite road hockey team, and enjoy the TD Family Fun Zone from 10 am to 2 pm, featuring games, food trucks, superheroes and princesses, a dunk tank, hands-on booths, and more.

Registered teams will compete in men’s, women’s, and kids’ street hockey tournaments. Come join the fun!

Iroquois Park, Sidney BC, 8am-4pm

This is a Gardening Show

WORDS KELLY FINERTY

Documentary Comedy Series

6 episodes ~ 16 min each Netflix TV-14 (2026)

A nice change from the Hollywood pace, this month’s pick for your viewing pleasure elevates the documentary genre to comedic heights with a charming production showcasing the beauty of Vancouver Island in Zach Galifianakis’ This is a Gardening Show. Laughing and learning how to use the Island’s natural soil and climate to grow local crops, while leaning into the Agrarian lifestyle, each episode runs approximately 16 minutes, allowing for bitesized lessons even those of us missing a green thumb can digest easily.

Each episode has a comforting formula: Zach Galifianakis cracks his usual jokes dusted in dry humour, chats with children from Comox Valley’s Brooklyn Elementary School on the topic du jour, followed by a visit to Island-wide local farms specializing in the episode’s particular starring fruit, vegetable or technique. Interviews with each farm’s agricultural expert(s) along with historical context and fun animations hold the audience’s interest effortlessly, encouraging us to watch all six episodes back-to-back.

The series showcases many impressive Vancouver Island farms, along with the fun, experienced people who run the land and grow the crops. My favourite scenes seemed to unintentionally highlight the adorable and often hilarious differences in Zach Galifianakis’ American humour and what

Island folks find funny. Whether it was clever editing or genuine reactions, our Canadian politeness shone through during humorous allusions made by the Hollywood star, with several laugh-out-loud moments. The Vancouver Island farms in this series were certainly stars in the spotlight. Fruit Forest Farm in Cobble Hill demonstrates grafting and budding techniques in growing a variety of apples; Raven Ecological Farm in Courtenay teaches us how to grow bush and vine tomatoes effortlessly; Amara Farm, also in Courtenay, covers lessons on carrots and potatoes; and McNab’s Farm in Ladysmith takes us into their corn fields, where we did in fact confirm that corn is a grain.

As the weather heats up this summer, I find myself, along with my not-so-green thumb, outside in the garden attempting to once again bring my very dead lawn back to life. This time, though, This is a Gardening Show has inspired me to replace several areas of my patchy yard with plants we can eat, and now I’ve been armed with the knowledge to maintain them – a nice change from throwing seed on the ground, watering occasionally, and hoping for a miracle. That’s growth in itself, I think?

If you liked This is a Gardening Show, you may also like:

Somebody Feed Phil (2025) 8 Seasons – Netflix

Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018) Limited Series – Netflix

Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2022) 2 Seasons – Netflix

Clarkson’s Farm 4 (2025) Prime Video

SAVING SIDNEY ONE SPINE AT A TIME

There’s something quietly revolutionary happening behind the glass doors of Westcore Training Centre in Sidney. It’s not a trendy bootcamp, or a fad-fuelled challenge. Instead, it’s something much more powerful – and far more sustainable.

It’s the sight of more than 200 seniors, aged 60 to 90, getting stronger, standing taller, walking steadier, and living better, over the past year.

Since opening its Sidney location two years ago, Westcore has become a beacon of health and hope for the town’s aging population. “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 older adults reclaiming strength, mobility, and confidence through movement.

A Smarter Model: Strength in Semi-Private

Westcore specializes in semiprivate personal training – a model that brings all the perks of one-on-one coaching (custom plans, expert oversight, targeted results) at a fraction of the cost. In their bright, spotless Sidney studio, each client trains in their own fully-equipped pod – never crowded, never rushed, and always supported.

Each pod comes with personalized programming and access to a dedicated coach who guides, adjusts and cheers on every rep. But it’s more than just equipment and instruction – it’s a respectful, encouraging atmosphere that

emphasizes service, cleanliness and privacy, with a strong human connection at its heart.

Affordable personal training done right, the team is making high-quality coaching accessible to the people who need it most – without compromising care or results.

More Than a Workout: A Mission to Maintain Quality of Life

Westcore’s programs are built around a simple truth: if we don’t maintain the body, it breaks down. The centre’s work is rooted in a mission to directly enhance the quality of as many lives as possible – especially those in later stages of life.

For seniors in particular, that means training for longevity, not vanity. The goal? Staying strong enough to carry groceries, walk the seawall, get up off the floor, or enjoy an active retirement without fear of injury or loss of independence.

It’s not about lifting heavy weights or chasing six-packs, members find. It’s about being able to live in one’s own home, garden and travel without pain. Those are the real wins. The results speak for themselves: clients report improved posture, reduced joint pain, better balance, more energy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Many come for physical health and stay for the sense of community and personal empowerment.

A Family Business with Big Heart (& Big Plans)

Westcore was founded 13 years ago by a couple of friends who shared a passion

for movement and helping others. What began as a humble start-up has grown into a thriving family-run business with six locations in B.C. – including Sidney, Victoria and Surrey.

The Sidney studio, in particular, has become a standout success thanks to its close-knit community and growing reputation among seniors. “It’s been humbling to see the impact,” the founders say. “We’ve had folks tell us they’ve avoided surgery, improved their bone density, or simply feel human again.”

Now, Westcore is preparing to scale their unique model with a newly-launched franchise program – offering others the chance to bring accessible, results-driven fitness into more communities across Canada.

“It’s our way of paying it forward. If we can help more people move better, live longer and age with dignity, we’ll consider it a job well done.”

All Ages. All Levels. All Welcome. Though Westcore has earned

a reputation for seniorfriendly training, their doors are open to all ages and abilities. From retirees to new moms, busy professionals to recovering athletes, the semiprivate approach allows each person to train at their own pace, with the support they need to succeed.

And while fitness trends come and go, Westcore’s approach is timeless: sciencebacked movement, done with care, and guided by people who genuinely want to see you thrive.

Because, as the team puts it: “Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s train for it properly.”

Try Westcore for Yourself

New to strength training? Returning after injury? Curious about the semi-private experience? Westcore offers complimentary consultations and intro sessions to help you explore whether it’s the right fit – no pressure, no ego, just good people doing good work.

Visit Westcore Training CentreToday!

SEASIDE STORIES

Stable & Field

Connection and Healing Through Land and Horses

Derrinberg Farm is nestled near the end of a quiet deadend street in Saanichton. What once was a chicken farm many years ago is now a 10-acre farm home to a very special herd of horses. From a miniature horse to several fullsize horses of varying breeds and personalities, these horses offer support and connection, most recently through a new offering on the farm: a three-day Horse and Land Immersion.

Brooklyn Greig, an experienced equine professional who grew up on the farm and is now back living and raising her family on the same land that supported her through her youth, has teamed up with Lisa Hartwick, MA (Psych) RCC, a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. Together with their combined expertise in horses as well as psychotherapy, they’ve created an immersive experience for those who seek to heal,

connect more intentionally to themselves and nature, and receive the guidance and energy from a herd of horses, a unique experience that can be transformative in many ways. Somatic practices, grounding exercises, guided time with the herd of horses and journaling are just a few of the elements that are included over the course of the three days.

Lisa reflects that she has spent her career “deeply invested in the study and practice of psychotherapy, human attachment and development.” She is certified in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy (GEP) and teaches GEP in Colorado. Horses have been a powerful and inspiring force for Lisa over her life and she incorporates GEP into her private practice.

The three-day Land and Horse Immersion consists of a group of eight to 10 participants with varying levels of horse experience; no horse experience is needed in order to participate.

WORDS CASSIDY NUNN

PHOTOS NUNN OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Brooklyn and Lisa focus on preparing the group for safety around the horses as well as guiding participants to become more aware of their own nervous systems. They are taught about their body language and how that affects the horses, as well as how to read and understand the horses’ body language.

Participants first meet the horses over the fence and learn about co-regulation and how that works with the horses. The majority of the work with the horses is done from the ground while the horses are at liberty – without halters or tack, loose in the large sand riding arena – which can be intimidating at first but allows a level of vulnerability that is held by the group as a community, as well as the horses as a herd. It also allows for the unspoken magic of the horses to shine through: "it’s so common for the horses to come and offer their support – they’re all at liberty and they could be anywhere in that arena,” says Lisa, but instead, they’ll often come over to engage and support, stand directly beside a participant or offer their quiet presence, especially and interestingly when a participant is in a particularly vulnerable moment. “Horses create an invitation to connect, to relate,” says Brooklyn, adding that they listen and have the capacity to be with other beings in a nonjudgemental way, without any fixing, just being in the present moment, which offers up a safe space for healing.

Inviting people into a group situation we “become this human/horse herd,” says Lisa, which she adds offers a container for growth, learning and healing.

The group spends the three days outside in the elements, “immersing ourselves in nature and the elements of each season,” says Brooklyn. The land offers support as well as challenge to develop, grow and evolve, to quiet the mind naturally and to use all our senses.

Supporting people through emotional experiences requires awareness, sensitivity and care, and Brooklyn and Lisa are deeply conscious of how this work affects the horses. They strive to be “attuned and ethical with the horses as we support people who are working through challenges to become more wholly themselves,” says Lisa.

“I feel so filled up by this place and want to share what I’ve been able to receive from this land,” says Brooklyn. "There is something profoundly healing about reconnecting with ourselves in nature.”

The next three-day Land and Horse Immersion is being offered September 25 to 27 for those 18+ years old. To apply for a spot or for more information visit: www. brghorsemanship.com/ therapy-with-horses/; www. lisahartwick.ca/horse-andland-immersion/

Wavelengths

Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen,

Proudly Growing Roses on Vancouver Island for 45 Years

Experience

We are a fun, outgoing and clean salon that proudly offers a

inclusive space for everyone –LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming to every walk of life. Our services include Manicures, Pedicures, Lash Extensions and Facial Waxing, all provided in a cozy, uplifting atmosphere.

Planning something special? We love celebrating with you! We host Wedding Parties and Birthday Parties.

A New Chapter for the Sidney Pier Hotel

The Sidney Pier Hotel, a wellknown and long-standing part of the community, has entered a new chapter –shaped by thoughtful design and a renewed connection to its coastal surroundings.

During the first few months of 2026, the hotel underwent a series of carefully considered cosmetic upgrades, reimagining its interiors while preserving the warmth and familiarity guests have long appreciated. The intention was never to reinvent, but rather to elevate – bringing each space into closer alignment with the natural beauty just beyond its windows.

Guest rooms have been refreshed with a softer, more cohesive palette rooted in a sense of home. Subtle textures, layered lighting and updated furnishings create a calm, welcoming atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless. The result is an experience that invites guests to slow down – whether visiting for business or simply enjoying time by the water. Throughout the property, attention to detail defines the atmosphere. From the moment guests arrive, the lobby – often referred to as Sidney’s living room – offers a welcoming place to gather and connect. The redesign enhances this feeling through intentional layouts and refined finishes that balance comfort with understated elegance. These updates extend beyond aesthetics. Every element

has been selected to create a more elevated coastal experience, from in-room amenities to curated local partnerships that encourage guests to engage more deeply with Sidney and the surrounding area.

Rooted in its setting, The Sidney Pier Hotel continues to reflect the character that makes Sidney feel far from ordinary. More than simply accommodations by the sea, the hotel aims to create meaningful connections to the town through local experiences, waterfront adventures, and the rhythm of Beacon Avenue just outside its doors.

Long connected to the community, the hotel also looks ahead to continued involvement through events, fundraisers, seasonal celebrations, and collaborations that bring people together. As this new chapter unfolds, the goal is not only to welcome visitors, but to further weave the hotel into the community it has long been proud to call home.

For returning guests, the changes feel both fresh and familiar. For those visiting for the first time, it is an invitation to experience Sidney from a place that reflects its surroundings more beautifully than ever.

This latest chapter is not a departure, but a refinement – an evolution of a well-loved destination, thoughtfully brought forward.

WORDS & PHOTOS SIDNEY PIER HOTEL

Ardmore Restaurant

One of the last spots to grab a full meal for under $20!

OPEN DAILY 10:30 AM TO 7:30 PM EVENT SPACE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR RENT!

MaryAn Van Stolk *

Ingrid Jarisz * Mona palfreyman

Ralph Meuser

Central Saanich at 75: Built by SERVICE, sustained by COMMUNITY

How does a community come to be? It is built – through care, commitment and a shared willingness to serve.

When Central Saanich officially became its own municipality 75 years ago, 2,000 people called it home. Residents built the foundations of a growing community while working long hours farming, running small businesses and raising families. The spirit of service ran deep. In 1951 the Central Saanich Fire Department was established by neighbours with basic training who answered alarms day or night. That same year the police department was founded: one Chief Constable equipped with a pair of handcuffs, a blackjack and a 38 Special revolver.

Service isn’t only emergency response. It is residents coaching teams, serving on Council and boards, organizing festivals, fundraising, delivering meals and showing up where help is needed. These efforts

rarely seek attention, yet they shape so much of what defines Central Saanich.

This place – bordered by the Saanich Inlet and the Salish Sea – is the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people, whose deep relationship with the land and water since time immemorial continues to guide how it is cared for today.

Over the years protecting farmland, establishing parkland and preserving natural landscapes have been consistent priorities. Through decades of planning decisions, park dedications and regional and provincial partnerships, Central Saanich has maintained a balance where farms, forests, beaches and neighbourhoods exist side by side supported by a strong local economy with hundreds of businesses.

WORDS BRITT BURNHAM

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO JANIS JEAN

Today, 17,000 residents continue to enjoy a place with natural beauty all around, and a slower pace of life where people still value connection and invest in their community. The identity of Central Saanich remains strong thanks to the commitment of many to community service.

This summer, the community will mark its 75th anniversary with a celebration that reflects exactly that spirit. The event is a true collaboration – brought to life by local musicians, businesses, volunteers, service organizations and community groups. From traffic control and signage to prizes, performances and funding, the celebration exists because people stepped forward together. The District is organizing a free shuttle, bike valet, water bottle refill stations and waste diversion stations to keep the event planet-friendly. A special highlight of the celebration will be the recognition of Deputy Fire Chief Rob Nelson, born and raised in Central Saanich, whose remarkable 50 years

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• Vancouver Island “Business Excellence” Professional Company of the Year (multi-years)

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of service exemplify the commitment, professionalism and community spirit that define Central Saanich’s emergency services.

Music plays a central role in the day, with a raised-in-Central Saanich lineup that pays tribute to homegrown talent. Headliner Nick La Riviere, a Stelly’s Secondary alumnus inspired by the school’s music program, fronts Nick La Riviere & The Best Laid Plans, a high energy blend of New Orleans inspired grooves, R&B, funk and pop. He also serves as musical director of the 130-member Victoria Rock Choir, which will perform covers of feel-good rock hits. Other local acts include Vanilla Riot, Madi and The Dads, and Luke Lampard – plus emerging young local artists.

This event is a reminder that community is something we build together, and worth celebrating.

The Central Saanich 75th Anniversary celebrations happen at Centennial Park, July 25 from noon to 8 p.m. www.CSaanich.ca/75

“If it wasn’t for this, I wouldn’t have been able to better my life and my children’s lives.” Ian Cooper, Cool Aid Recovery Housing House Lead

house exists. What happens inside it – and whether we can do more – depends on you.

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.

Small Town, Big Pride!

The Sidney Pride Festival returns on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, bringing a vibrant and inclusive celebration to the waterfront at Beacon Park.

Don’t take chances with your financial success because experience truly does matter!

Don’t take chances with your financial success because experience truly does matter!

Deborah Reid fma, fcsi® Financial Advisor

Embracing Sidney Pride’s Motto “SMALL TOWN, BIG PRIDE,” the festival highlights the strength, warmth and inclusivity of the Sidney community. This free, family-friendly event will feature over 35 vendors, food trucks and a full day of live entertainment celebrating local talent and community expression.

The entertainment lineup will be hosted by local emcee extraordinaire J Bird McLaughlin, and includes Drag Storytime with Persi Flage and Henrietta Dubét of Staches & Lashes, live vocal performances from Lil Jam Jam of Salty Broads, and a poetry reading by Pam Stewart. The stage will also feature multiple drag performances including Mina Mercury, Shelita, Aria Okay, Fierce Brosnan, Lilith Cain, Lacrosse, and additional guest

performers throughout the day. This year’s festival is proudly powered by its premier sponsors: The Q and Zone Radio, Seaside Magazine, Victoria Airport Authority, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Victoria Airport Sidney.

Sidney Pride Festival is about building connection and celebrating diversity in a meaningful way,” organizers say. “Small town doesn’t mean small impact – this community shows up with heart, pride and inclusivity. With something for all ages, Sidney Pride Festival continues to grow as a cornerstone event on the Peninsula – welcoming residents and visitors alike to celebrate Pride on Sidney's waterfront."

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Beacon Park, Sidney

Admission: Free

Info: sidneybcpride@gmail.com

Raymond James Ltd., Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

WORDS SIDNEY PRIDE COMMITTEE PHOTO JANIS JEAN

BROWN'S THE FLORIST

Congratulate Your Graduates! Corsages, Boutonnieres, and More

June is a month full of meaningful celebrations, moments and milestones.

Whether you're honouring a recent graduate, showing appreciation for the father figures in your life, reflecting on the history of our land during National Indigenous History Month or celebrating Pride Month, flowers are the perfect way to share your loving sentiments. From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and funerals, flowers help us express our feelings, support and well wishes. Graduations are no exception. Whether it is a friend, family member, or fellow student who is graduating, flowers are the perfect way to show them how proud you are of their achievements. Hand them a big, luscious bouquet, grab your camera, and capture this momentous occasion. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event that you’ll want to remember!

When it comes to congratulations bouquets, there are infinite options. You can choose their favourite flower or flowers in their favourite colour. One of our top choices is a bouquet of locally grown Eurosa Farms roses. This is the ideal time of year for roses: they are in season and make such a beautiful gift for a special occasion.

For a fun and festive touch, consider floral crowns, lapel flowers, or floral tattoos. These not only make for great photo opportunities, but also add personal flair!

LOVE YOUR LOCAL

•

•

• Personalized

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.

red

art gallery #108-2506 Beacon Ave, Sidney

There’s something refreshingly different about stepping into artist Marion Evamy’s Red Art Gallery. Perhaps it’s the bold explosion of colour, pattern and personality. Or perhaps it’s the instant realization this is not a traditional, quiet gallery experience where you might feel intimidated, but one filled with laughter. Located in the heart of Sidney, Evamy’s gallery has quietly become a destination for discerning collectors, design lovers and creatively curious visitors who appreciate originality, sophistication and a touch of humour.

Her work – influenced by travel and midcentury modern design – blends bold colour with emotional depth and striking composition. The paintings feel joyful yet sophisticated, playful yet layered, contemporary yet timeless.

“People often tell me the gallery feels so joyful,” says Evamy. “I want visitors to feel inspired, comfortable and connected to the work – not intimidated by it.”

That philosophy resonates deeply with her collectors, many of whom are seasoned art lovers who value meaningful original work rather than mass-produced décor. They come not only for the art itself, but for the feeling the gallery evokes: warmth, creativity, and genuine human connection. In a world increasingly filled with sameness, Red Art Gallery offers art with soul, personality and a little fearless joie de vivre. www.redartgallery.ca

SEASIDE STORIES

New & Noteworthy

OUTGROWING THE PAST AND BUILDING THE FUTURE

News, Changes, Updates, Launches

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

WORDS JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL

A standing priority in the Town of Sidney’s Strategic Plan is replacing the Town Hall. Built in 1964, the aging building is increasingly costly to maintain and no longer meets functional or accessibility needs.

A 2025 independent assessment found that extending its life by 40 years would require major upgrades, including new mechanical and electrical systems, structural work, an elevator, seismic improvements and exterior updates.

The cost of these renovations would be comparable to building a new facility without the benefits of a modern, accessible design. Currently, much of Town Hall

is not accessible, and Council Chambers are too small for public participation. A new Town Hall would provide full accessibility, larger and more welcoming public spaces, improved Council Chambers, and flexible work areas to meet future needs.

RESIDENTS ASKED TO WEIGH IN ON REC CENTRE PLAN

Sidney residents are being asked to weigh in on a proposal to borrow up to $14.2 million for a new recreation centre in Central Saanich. The cost would be shared by Sidney, Central Saanich and North Saanich through the Peninsula Recreation Commission, which manages local facilities. The new centre, planned

near Centennial Park, would add fitness, studio and multi-purpose space to help relieve pressure on existing amenities such as Panorama Recreation Centre.

PRECISION CUTS AND TIMELESS FINDS

At Mankind Barbers, grooming is just the beginning. This barbershop now features a curated gift gallery for the modern man, blending craftsmanship, quality and style. Discover premium leather goods, handcrafted grooming bags and high-quality knives sourced from local bladesmiths. The collection also includes sterling silver jewelry, sunglasses, hats and distinctive accessories. Alongside expert haircuts, beard sculpting and traditional shaves, clients can relax in a licensed lounge

with a craft beer, Americano or latte.

FRIENDS OF SIDNEY PARKS

Have you noticed ivy choking trees and crowding our native plants? Invasive species such as English ivy, daphne and Himalayan blackberry compete aggressively for light, nutrients, water and space, harming native ecosystems, disrupting wildlife habitats and reducing soil health. This can lead to increased erosion, particularly along our foreshores and stream edges.

The newly formed Friends of Sidney Parks, with full support from the Town, is working to restore biodiversity in our local parks by removing invasive plants and encouraging the growth of native species. Contact friendsofsidneyparks @gmail.com.

JUMPSTART FUNDRAISER

On June 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., your North Saanich Canadian Tire will be hosting a fundraising event, with all proceeds going to Jumpstart. Come meet LEGO Certified Professional Robin Sather, who will be crafting a LEGO™ Big Build creation, build your own Canadian flag to take home, or enjoy a North Saanich Firesmart barbecue by donation.

FRESH NAME, FRESH ENERGY!

Rebranded as V Gallery & Framing, Village Gallery on Beacon Avenue in Sidney has been revitalized under the ownership of Michelle Ford. Bringing fresh energy to the local arts community, the artist and long-time resident

continues to showcase the gallery as West Coast art by West Coast artists, traditional with the addition of a new contemporary vision. With a framing and art material background, Michelle has added Art of Supply, a finely curated selection of art materials.

NEW HOTEL NOW OPEN

A new hotel has officially opened in Sidney, just minutes from Victoria International Airport. The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Sidney, a $35-million, 129-room extended-stay property, held its grand opening on May 4. Located at Pat Bay Highway and Stirling Way, the threestorey hotel offers studio to two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and workspaces, designed for both short and long stays. Amenities include

a fitness centre, pool and meeting space for business and leisure guests. Developed by the Ontario-based Kothari Group in its first Greater Victoria project, the hotel aims to serve growing travel demand. A 5,000-square-foot restaurant is also planned for the site, with construction expected to begin in June 2026.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Sidney Hearing Clinic proudly provides personalized, professional hearing care to the local community. They offer free hearing tests and consultations, along with a wide range of modern hearing aids and promotions to fit clients' needs and budget. Now accepting new clients; visit 2440 Bevan Avenue in Sidney, call 778-351-2222 or email info@sidneyhearingclinic.ca.

Plant Your Own ASPARAGUS

It’s Like a Veggie RRSP!

Imagine YOUR garden as a place with fresh asparagus every spring!

This article is meant to help you make that into a reality. Asparagus is like a veggie RRSP: get it started with a few strong contributions, and you’ll have decades in the future to experience and share the reward.

Asparagus rewards patience. Plant it once, care for it well and it will produce for many years. Each year, our family enjoys – and shares – fresh asparagus throughout May and June.

New to asparagus? Think of it like the rhubarb of vegetables. It disappears underground during the dormant season,

then comes back strong and early each spring.

15 years ago, I planted 50 asparagus crowns and I’ve never regretted it. Crowns are established root systems that give you a significant head start over planting seeds. The key is to plan the bed properly before you buy crowns – and to understand that you’re planting for the long term.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Select a Location

• Dig a Trench

• Plant & Cover Crowns

• Wait ... Enjoy Start by choosing a permanent location. Designate an area one metre (three feet) wide and make it as long as you can reasonably spare. Allow 16 to 18 inches per crown, so a 12-foot bed will hold eight or nine crowns. Pick the sunniest spot you have. Asparagus needs maximum sun exposure to grow strong ferns after

harvest, which feed the crowns for future years. Avoid areas with invasive tree roots, heavy competition from shrubs or boggy spots where water pools during the rainy season. Good drainage is essential.

In February to March, depending on the weather and soil conditions, dig a trench that’s 8 -10 inches deep and the same width in the centre of your designated asparagus patch. Then you’ll be ready when crowns become available!

For sourcing crowns, look for reputable garden centres. Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre (near Saanich Commonwealth Place) is a good place to check for asparagus crowns in March. Buy firm, healthy-looking crowns and plant them promptly.

In our area, Mary Washington is a dependable heirloom variety. It’s a great choice if you want a reliable, classic green asparagus. On planting day (trumpet blast!) improve the soil at the bottom of the trench with compost or well-rotted manure, then create a small

mound along the bottom of the trench. Lay each crown on the mound with the roots spread gently outward, spacing crowns about 16 to 18 inches apart. Cover with a few inches of soil at first, then gradually fill the trench as shoots grow.

After planting, keep the bed moist and control weeds. Mulch helps conserve moisture and reduce competition.

The hardest part is waiting. Do not harvest in the first year. In the second year, take only a light harvest. By the third year, your asparagus bed should be ready for a proper spring harvest and your veggie garden will move up a few notches in status.

Harvesting is simple. You can use a small knife to cut spears at soil level or just bend them near the base – they’ll naturally snap at the right point. Once you get the feel for it, it becomes a quick and satisfying routine during the season. This season, our spears grow three to four inches in a day!

After harvesting – usually concluding late June – let the

remaining stalks grow freely. They’ll shoot up to four feet tall, forming airy, fern-like growth covered in tiny flowers that attract pollinators. This stage is important: it allows energy to move back into the root system, strengthening the plant for the following year.

Once the foliage has turned brown and brittle, cut it back at soil level.

At this point, in prep for each winter, I top dress with two to three inches of soil or compost, then cover the area with cardboard and coffee sacks to keep it insulated through the colder months. In early April, I remove the coverings to let the new shoots emerge. This simple routine has kept the bed productive year after year.

With planning and patience, asparagus becomes one of the most rewarding crops in the garden – quietly doing its work underground, then showing up each spring right when you crave it most.

You can follow me on Youtube @SustainableStace

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

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

Viola Van de Ruyt

CIM, FCSI, CPCA Wealth Advisor 250-657-2220 viola.vanderuyt@nbc.ca

Marcus Van de Ruyt Associate 250-657-2222 marcus.vanderuyt@nbc.ca

301-1018 Inverness Road, Saanich

1bed | 1 bath | 539 sq ft | $335K + GST

Bright and modern 1 - bed condo at The Shire featuring open - concept living, quartz counters, stainless appliances, parking, and storage.

Built in 2017, this well - kept unit is rental - only, offering a strong, turnkey investment opportunity.

1095 Moss Street, Victoria

2bed | 1 bath | 1,332 sq ft | $999,990

Charming 2-bed Rockland home with modern updates, including a new kitchen, bathroom, and vinyl plank flooring. Bright interiors, a sunny backyard, and a prime location near parks, schools, and downtown make this a standout opportunity.

2485 Orchard Avenue, Sidney

3 bed | 3 bath | 0.13 acres | 2264 sq ft $1.488M

Beautifully renovated 3-bed, 3-bath Sidney home offering bright main-level living, flexible upper retreat, and thoughtful upgrades. Steps to beaches, trails, shops, cafés, and the marina, this move-in-ready residence captures true West Coast seaside living.

The Cento, Saanichton

1 & 2 bed | $589,000 - $1.4M

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9601 Fifth Street, Sidney

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1870 A Doney SaanichtonRoad,

3 bed | 3 bath | 2,044 sq ft | $1.349M + GST

Features a main-level primary bedroom and an upstairs rec room, with an open layout showcasing engineered hardwood, custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, a gas fireplace, and a heat pump for efficient year-round comfort.

Transforming Interiors Since 1976: Rodco Draperies & Upholstery

This is part of a rotating series of articles about some of the Saanich Peninsula's unique shops and services.

WORDS JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL

At Rodco Draperies & Upholstery, every space is viewed as an opportunity to reflect the personality, purpose and lifestyle of the people who live or work in it. Based in North Saanich, this family-owned company has been transforming interiors since 1976. As a secondgeneration business, Rodco is built on a foundation of craftsmanship, trust, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Over the decades, Rodco has earned a reputation not only for skill and attention to detail, however also for the genuine care this father-son team bring to every project. The company delivers personalized interior transformations across a wide range of services, including custom window coverings, upholstery, furniture, bedding, shower curtains and their signature Eaze Drape System . All their products are designed for lasting beauty and value thereby saving clients money over time without compromising on style. With every project, Rodco combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for quality, ensuring every detail reflects the

client’s needs, style and vision.

Rodco’s portfolio includes work with residential clients, hospitals and care centres, hotels, restaurants, and educational facilities across Canada with each solution tailored to the unique requirements of the space.

At the heart of Rodco are Roger and Fielding, who believe in a truly personal approach. When you contact Rodco, you will speak directly with them to arrange a consultation. They are always responsive and accessible, guiding clients through every step of the process to ensure comfort and confidence from start to finish.

Whether your project is a single room, or a complete home update, Rodco blends artistry with practicality. They work closely with clients to stay on budget while creating interiors that are beautiful, enduring, and a true reflection of how they live.

If you are ready to transform your space please visit www.rodcodrapesblinds upholstery.ca to explore Rodco’s services and start your own story today. They offer the right product for the right price every time!

SEASIDE STORIES

Off the Land

Eurosa Farms: Pick of the Roses

Sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses.

That certainly is part of the joy for the growers at Eurosa Farms and is one of the dividends of their year-round hard work. “We are one of only two commercial rose growers in Canada,” shares Paul Bulk, Head Grower. “Roses are stunningly beautiful, but they are labour-intensive.”

Started by Hans and Debbie Bulk in 1979, Eurosa Farms in Central Saanich has expanded over the years and now grows over 80,000 rose plants in its 4.3 acres of greenhouses. This is no small feat as the number of commercial rose growers in this country has significantly declined over time. “In the 1980s, there were probably seven rose growers in B.C. and others in Quebec and Ontario. There is one other small rose farm, but we are the main commercial grower now,” relates Paul. “Due to economic changes, production shifted to South America. Colombia and Ecuador are the two main production places.”

The flowers cultivated at Eurosa Farms are hybrid tea

roses – either single head long stem such as the extravagant “Red Naomi” or spray with multiple heads like the creamcoloured Tanja. As well as numerous varieties of roses, colourful Alstromerias are also grown. Flowers are made into exquisite bouquets and fresh arrangements, all marketed in various ways including a rose delivery subscription service launched in 2025. “Large quantities of our flowers are marketed through United Flowers Auction on the mainland, sold wholesale to local grocery stores and delivered to Victoria and Peninsula locations,” outlines Paul.

“Our online store offers a great selection,” adds Kristen Bulk. “Our coastal-themed bouquets are now available to the public for the first time in 47 years.”

The inherent costs to growing roses and the increasing competition from imported product makes for some definite challenges. “There are rising costs like fertilizer, transportation and supplies,” says Paul. “Also, our competition

WORDS JO BARNES

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

is not local. In South America, the land is nearly free and labour is cheap. The roses grow there at a high altitude which means they have a longer stem development.”

Imported roses, however, do not last as long, and the transportation and cold storage time mean a significant impact on the environment.

The roses at Eurosa Farms are hand-harvested six times a week ensuring ultimate freshness. They are all grown hydroponically, meaning they’re cultivated without soil.

“The roses grow in fivegallon pots, each of which contains ‘coir’ or ground-up coconut husks in them. This is the soil media,” shares Paul. “The roses are grown on top of a trough which collects water inside it.”

relates Paul. “We have been using biological pest control for around 15 years now. It is introduced from bags that release the pests around the plants or sprinkled by hand.”

Maintaining this operation requires dedication, effort and experienced hands. There are now three generations of family involved, including Paul and his wife Elaine, Ryan Worsfold who serves as Sales Manager and his wife Nicole, Danielle Litke who oversees grading and bouquets, and Kristen Bulk who handles accounting.

There are five main growing compartments, inside of which are multitudes of rows of rose plants. Nourishment comes to the plants through a highly efficient irrigation system. “They are nourished by nutrients dissolved in the water that is fed through water lines,” says Paul. “The plants receive two times the amount they can drink. The extra water is collected, sterilized and then pumped back into the main tank.”

In addition to the hydroponic approach to growing, there are technologies implemented with regard to lighting to both reduce the impact on environment and optimize energy use. An integrated pest management system, whereby living organisms are introduced to deal with pests, serves to increase productivity and enhance sustainability.

“The lighting is a hybrid of LED and HPS (High Pressure Sodium) which is radiant heat and helps the buds stay warm,”

There is a staff of 30 full-time workers, and each one is experienced and trained in what they do.

“Roses are the king of flowers, but they are very fussy. They don’t like to be wet, need lots of light and need specific pruning and picking. For example, if you cut back too far, the plant might not come back or the stems will not be very high quality,” comments Paul. “So, the crew needs to be knowledgeable. There’s lots of training involved as people need to do things correctly.”

It is an intricate operation involving significant planning, maintenance and consistency, but as Paul affirms, the rewards are undeniable. “This is unique what we are doing. It has its challenges and opportunities. My parents were very successful and we are continuing the operation. I feel blessed and am lucky in my part in all of this.”

At Eurosa Farms, the work and commitment are ongoing, and while the team might only have moments to stop and smell the roses, their customers can enjoy and appreciate them all year round.

www.eurosa.bc.ca

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Local Flavour: Feature of the Month

THE LODGE KITCHEN & BAR

The Lodge Kitchen & Bar embraces the name locals have affectionately used for years when referring to The Pub at Brentwood Bay Resort. The name honours the strong relationship the restaurant has built with the surrounding community and reflects the team’s continued commitment to the community of Brentwood Bay.

Our Team

Director of Food & Beverage, Adam Ames, has cultivated a service team that truly represents the spirit of the Saanich Peninsula. The atmosphere created at The Lodge is one where locals and visitors alike truly feel at home. Alongside Ames, Chef de Cuisine, Ross Maldo, has a culinary philosophy rooted in quality, consistency, and fresh, local ingredients. The menu is designed with value in mind, delivering portions that satisfy and prices that allow guests to come back regularly.

Our Community

The Lodge has naturally become a gathering place for locals somewhere to celebrate milestones, meet friends after work, or simply enjoy the view across the water. The team is energized to continue showcasing the Saanich Peninsula for the people who live, work, and visit here.

“The Lodge is rooted in the community and the menu is designed to reflect the people, culture, and local ingredients.”

— Ross Maldo, Chef de Cuisine

BABY BIRD BOOM

Spring sprang and by now the bushes should be buzzing with the results. Baby birds are out and about with watchful parents trying to keep them fed and safe.

WORDS & PHOTOS

ANN NIGHTINGALE,

ROCKY POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY

Here are some things you might not know about Birds: The Next Generation.

Most songbirds are the same size as their parents when they leave the nest. Parents work diligently to keep the babies well fed during their time in the nest. It takes thousands of insects to feed a nest of birds. The chicks develop quickly, and their feathers grow faster than they ever will again. This gives young birds their fluffy appearance and can make them look a little larger than their parents.

AMERICAN ROBIN NEST

YOUNG BARN SWALLOWS BEGGING BABY CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES WITH PARENT

Although they are about the same size, many young birds look different than the adults. A lot of the songbirds you will find on Vancouver Island have distinct juvenile plumage. The size and shape of the offspring will more or less match their parents, but the colouration may be more cryptic or drab to help conceal them in the nest and for their first few days on the ground. Many young birds grow a new set of body feathers within a week or two of fledging.

Many young birds can’t fly very well when they leave the nest. From robins to hawks, and even the larger owls, a lot of youngsters spend more time on the ground than in the trees or in the air once they have made that big leap. There are some exceptions like swallows and hummingbirds, but it is normal for a young bird to be more or less earthbound while it is learning to fly.

A surprising variety of birds nest on the ground. We expect this of birds like ducks and quail, but most sparrows, killdeer and other shorebirds, some marsh birds, and quite a few warblers normally build their nest on or very close to the ground. This makes them very vulnerable to our pets and even ourselves as we walk through forests and fields or tend our gardens.

How can you tell if a bird is a baby? Since size isn’t a reliable

feature, consider behaviour and appearance. A big clue is to see if the bird is being fed by another. While this can take place during courtship, begging with mouth wide open and wings twitching is a good indication that you are looking at a youngster. Behaviour of the parents will also signal that young are nearby. If you are being swooped on or yelled at by a bird, there is a good chance that you are close to a nest or a baby.

Look for differences in appearance, even if the size and shape are similar. For instance, young American robins are much more spotted than “teenage” and adult robins. Tails of songbirds are very short when they first leave the nest. Young birds might even have different-coloured eyes than their parents. Are you looking at a crow with blue eyes? It’s a baby! See a small bird with big “lips” (fleshy corners of the mouth)? Another baby!

Young songbirds must learn very quickly how to avoid predators, windows and other dangers. Their parents will feed them for a week or so after they are out of the nest, but then they have to find their own food. Without parental help, many will be flying south to their wintering grounds in just a few weeks, guided only by instinct, magnetic fields, and the stars. Safe journeys, little ones!

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Is Longevity Simpler Than We Think?

As we age into our 50s and 60s, we inevitably start to notice some changes in our body – not all of them welcome. For some, it might be small aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis and gradual wear and tear on our musculoskeletal system. For others, it might be early onset, or full-blown, diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline and/ or other age-related disease.

We may find our conversations with our peers turning from discussions about our children, family vacations and the demands of our jobs to more health-related issues – how our bloodwork is all of a sudden not so good, how we seem to be getting more forgetful, how we just don’t seem to have the energy we used to, etc. etc.

My own husband was absolutely shocked and outright indignant when his recent bloodwork showed that he was borderline diabetic, with cholesterol through the roof, earlier this year. "How can that be when my bloodwork was perfectly normal only six months ago?" he sputtered. "Well, I guess it’s time to pay the piper," I said. Decades of excessive meat and cheese combined with ice cream and cookies every night had come to demand a heavy toll, and he was bitter to have to pay it.

My husband, like many others in our generation who are heading towards senior status, had lived his life boisterously, without thinking about the potential ramifications of his choices in later life. And, of course, we all want to enjoy what we want to enjoy, without denying ourselves, whether it be junk food, being a

WORDS SHERRIN GRIFFIN, SIDNEY SENIORCARE

couch potato or staying up late at night to binge watch Netflix.

I think, deep down, we inherently know that these kinds of choices are not sustainable, and certainly do not result in good longevity, but we tend to live life in the moment and cater to our cravings at the time.

With "longevity" now deemed an official science and a mainstream hot topic these days, Dan Buettner’s popularization of the "Blue Zones" and multimillionarie Bryan Johnson’s extreme $2 million-a-year antiaging protocol has catapulted interest in longevity practices into superstardom, almost to the point of fad-like obsession.

Granted, with decades of research-backed science under our belt, we now know a whole lot more about how the body works and how to best stave off age-related illness. We’ve learned that genes, once believed to be the sole determinants of our health outcomes, are not the sole directors of our health after all, and that lifestyle choices have a far greater influence on our longevity than we originally thought. This discovery of epigenetics has debunked traditional theories of how genes express themselves.

Dean Ornish, an American cardiologist and researcher, completely turned the cardiac world on its side with his landmark study, published in 1990, proving that when it comes to disease management, prevention and even reversal, much of the power lies in our own hands. With over 45 years of research under its belt, Ornish Lifestyle Medicine

remains the only lifestyle program scientifically proven in peer-reviewed randomized trials to prevent, and often reverse, the progression of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. It is also the first lifestyle program and only one of its kind to be reimbursed by Medicare and Blue Shield in the U.S.

Dean Ornish's program for reversing chronic disease is based on four main pillars: Eat Well (plant-based nutrition), Move More (exercise), Stress

Less (stress management), and Love More (social connection).

The pillars of Dr. Ornish’s Program may seem simplistic and old-school, but they also ring true to something a very wise physician said to me a few decades ago in response to a mysterious condition that I had at the time. "Live like your grandmother did," she advised. At the time, it seemed an odd, unhelpful thing to say, but little did I know how very intuitive and valuable it would turn out to be.

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.

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RESILIENCE OF EQUITY MARKETS

Once again, I write this article on the last trading day of the month – this time April. Despite continued U.S. tariffs, and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Equity Markets have not only continued to defy gravity, but have actually increased during the month.

Year-to-date, the CDN TSX Index is up about 7%; U.S. and Global 100 Indexes, by nearly 5% – all, once again, approaching record levels. How can this be?

For the longer term, the answer may not be reassuring. Equity markets seem focussed on corporate earnings growth which, generally, is outpacing forecasts. Consumer spending remains relatively bullish – but for how long?

If oil flows from the Middle East fail to resolve quickly, global oil reserves will be depleted, resulting in not only greater increases in gas prices, but also in the cost of all goods dependent on diesel-powered deliveries. Air fares have already increased dramatically, and some flights are being cut.

As these factors become more pronounced, consumer spending is bound to decrease dramatically. Corporate profits will decline, recessions will loom and Equity Markets will reverse.

Should the worst-case scenario materialize, Central Banks will be forced to cut interest rates to neutralize, and eventually reverse, the downward pressures on both the

consumer and corporations. Hopefully, an economic and Equity market recovery would follow relatively quickly, in line with history.

On the other hand, should an early settlement of the Middle East conflict emerge, the economic positives should remain, with Equity markets likely to continue their upward trajectory, at least for some time.

For investors, the negative possibilities and unpredictable outcomes continue to create a dilemma, especially for retirees with less than long-term investment time horizons.

Aside from the benefits of a solid Financial Plan, with low holding costs and broad sector and geographic diversification, consider the following simple Asset allocation rule: If drawing MORE than the income flowing into an account, the investor should ensure that the Fixed Income allocation (vs. Equities) is sufficient to cover all CAPITAL draws for at least two to three years. Doing so will avoid having to sell Equities when they may be declining.

Application of this principle makes it highly likely that an Equity downturn will have reversed and recovered well before the more stable Fixed Income holdings are exhausted.

Always remember that no single strategy is fool proof. However, with the above approach, the investor can be more relaxed and avoid trying to predict the timing of Equity market reversals.

The Seaside Music Festival

JUNE 19-21 | SIDNEY, BC

MARY WINSPEAR CENTRE, ANAF #302 & BEACON BANDSHELL CONCERTS, CABARETS, FREE SHOWS & WORKSHOPS

From multi-Grammy-winning folk icon Judy Collins at the Mary Winspear Centre to blues legend Colin Linden at ANAF #302, the Seaside Music Festival brings an eclectic mix of world-class music to Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula June 18 to 21.

This year’s lineup features a sweeping blend of folk, blues, soul, jazz, roots and indie music, including performances by Dawn Pemberton, Emily Braden, Dana Sipos, Ella Korth, Nautical Disaster, The Haven, Bagatelle, Tia Greenwood & Co., Max Francis and more.

“Seaside has always been about collaboration and

musical discovery,” says Artistic Director Oliver Swain. “Our free waterfront festival days will feature unique artist collaborations throughout the weekend, while Saturday night’s Soul Summit at the Charlie White Theatre brings together Dawn Pemberton and Emily Braden for an unforgettable evening of soul, jazz and R&B. When singers of that calibre share the stage, you know some magical moments are going to happen.”

In addition to performances at the Mary Winspear Centre and free daytime programming at the Beacon

Bandshell, the festival also expands into Sidney’s beloved ANAF #302. Saturday night features Nautical Disaster – Canada’s Tribute to The Tragically Hip, while Grammywinner Colin Linden of Oh Brother Where Art Thou fame performs Thursday.

Beyond the concerts, Seaside also offers educational workshops led by festival performers, covering songwriting, vocals, instrumental technique and music appreciation. The Victoria Guitar Show joins the festival on Saturday, giving attendees a chance to explore instruments crafted

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by some of B.C.’s finest luthiers and hear festival musicians put them through their paces.

“Our goal is to create a world-class musical event that reflects the incredible arts infrastructure and community spirit of Sidney and the Peninsula,” says Swain. “Whether you’re enjoying free waterfront concerts with family, catching a legendary artist at the Winspear, or discovering new talent, there’s something here for everyone.”

For tickets, schedules and full festival details, visit www.seasidemusic.ca.

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SEASIDE FLAVOUR

Off the Vine

GROWN HERE

Keira

LeFranc and Lyndsay O'Rourke on making wine in a changing Okanagan

WORDS RICHARD HOPE

The Okanagan Valley has spent the better part of four decades building a wine industry the rest of the world is still getting acquainted with. Two of the women defining its current generation arrived by routes neither had planned, and both trained in New Zealand before returning to B.C.

Keira LeFranc (Stag’s Hollow) grew up in Penticton and was studying science at the University of Alberta, with architecture in mind, when a summer job in Stag's Hollow's tasting room redirected her entirely. An invitation into the cellar led to her first harvest, then a move to Australia, a

sommelier certification and a postgraduate diploma in Wine Science from the University of Auckland. She returned to B.C., stepped into Stag's Hollow as Assistant Winemaker, and soon moved into the top role.

Lyndsay O'Rourke (Tightrope Winery) planned to take a year off university to snowboard in Whistler and stayed for 10 years. It was her mother, living in the Okanagan, who eventually suggested wine. She and her husband Graham enrolled at Lincoln University in New Zealand, where she earned a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology and Graham completed a postgraduate diploma. They returned home and founded Tightrope Winery on the Naramata Bench, with Graham managing the vines and Lyndsay in the cellar.

THE CELLAR AS LABORATORY

Different wineries, different portfolios, but a shared

sensibility: restraint, site expression and fruit as the priority.

Keira works with an expansive range at Stag's Hollow, from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Albariño, Tempranillo, Dolcetto, and Teroldego and has intentionally pulled back on oak across the board. "I want the vineyards to speak first," she says. "I am continually striving for elegance over power." Lyndsay keeps her hands equally light at Tightrope, her style shaped by time in New Zealand. "Our wines are fresh, clean, and reflect where they are grown as well as the variation of the vintage. My philosophy is minimal intervention, letting each variety express itself each year."

A REGION UNDER PRESSURE

Both have watched climate change reshape the Okanagan across the course of their careers, and neither is understating it.

PHOTO KEIRA LEFRANC STAG’S HOLLOW

Lyndsay has been making wine in B.C. for more than 20 years and has seen the summers grow steadily warmer and drier. Wildfire smoke taint has become a recurring and unsolved problem. The freeze of 2024, which caused widespread damage across the valley, was unlike anything the region had experienced in over 30 years. "The hope is that it is only a once-a-generation event," she says.

Keira frames the challenge as one of ongoing variability rather than simple warming. In 10 years of winemaking, she cannot point to two identical vintages. "We are a small region without the economies of scale to homogenize dramatic vintage shifts," she says. "We have to lean into vintage variation rather than fight it." What gives her optimism is how B.C. producers are responding, refining styles toward natural acidity and freshness, and replanting with future conditions in mind.

REPRESENTATION, STILL IN PROGRESS

The Okanagan is frequently cited as having one of the highest percentages of female head winemakers of any wine

region in the world. Both acknowledge the progress and keep going.

Keira wants young women with STEM interests to see winemaking as a viable path, not something they fall into by accident as she did. Lyndsay calls for broader representation in upper management and adds a pointed observation: "I might be biased, but I have to say most of my favourite wines are made by women."

WHAT B.C. WINE IS BECOMING

Ask both where the region is heading and their answers land in the same place: the Okanagan's greatest asset is its refusal to imitate.

The combination of latitude, desert-influenced climate and dramatic site diversity within a small geographic area produces wines with natural acidity, brightness and structural tension that belong to this place specifically. The region is still young, its identity still forming, and both winemakers see that as an advantage. "We are adaptable, innovative, and unafraid to evolve," Keira says. "The next decade will be about refinement: defining what we do best and doing it exceptionally well."

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Maureen Vincent Maureen

As technology continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly accessible and useful for people of all ages – including seniors. In fact, a growing number of tools and apps are designed specifically to support older adults in managing their day-to-day lives more efficiently. From keeping track of appointments to reminding them to take their medications, today’s digital tools can be powerful allies in staying organized and independent. Here's a look at some of the best seniorfriendly technologies available, and how they can simplify everyday life.

Digital Calendars: Never Miss an Appointment

One of the simplest yet most effective tools for staying organized is a digital calendar. Apps like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Cozi

Family Organizer offer easyto-use interfaces where seniors can input events, appointments and reminders. These calendars sync across devices – smartphones, tablets and computers – so users can access their schedules wherever they go.

Many digital calendars also offer color coding and voice input, which can be particularly

helpful for those with vision or mobility challenges. Seniors can also share their calendars with caregivers or family members, allowing for better coordination and peace of mind.

Reminder Apps: Staying on Track, Every Day

For managing daily tasks and routines, reminder apps are incredibly helpful. Medisafe, for example, is a medication reminder app specifically designed with seniors in mind. It provides timely alerts for taking medications, tracks doses, and even notifies a loved one if a dose is missed.

Another popular option is Pill Reminder – Meds Alarm, which features large buttons, simple navigation and easy customization. For broader use, apps like Todoist and Microsoft To Do allow users to create checklists for errands, appointments and daily chores. These apps offer features like recurring tasks and priority levels, helping seniors manage their time effectively.

Smart Home Devices: Help at Your Fingertips

Smart home technology can make a big difference in a senior’s daily routine.

Technology: Tools for Organizing Your Life

Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub act as virtual assistants, able to set reminders, provide weather updates, make phone calls and even control other smart home gadgets like lights or thermostats.

Voice-activated systems are especially useful for seniors who may have limited mobility or difficulty using small touchscreens. By simply saying “Alexa, remind me to take my blood pressure medicine at 8 a.m.,” a senior can set up a helpful reminder without lifting a finger.

Keeping Track of Health and Wellness

Health is a top priority for older adults, and there are many digital tools that help with managing it. MyChart and Healow are patient portal apps that allow users to view test results, communicate with doctors, schedule appointments, and keep track of medical history – all in one place.

Wearable devices like the Apple Watch or Fitbit offer features like heart rate monitoring, step tracking and fall detection. Some models even include emergency SOS features, which can notify a caregiver or emergency service if something goes wrong.

Tips for Getting Started

While technology may feel intimidating at first, taking small steps can lead to big improvements in daily life. Here are a few tips to help seniors get started :

• Start simple: Begin with one or two apps or devices and build from there.

• Seek support: Family members or local community centres often offer tech help or classes.

• Use voice features: Many apps and devices offer voice commands that make them easier to use.

• Keep it visible: Place devices like tablets or smart speakers in commonlyused areas to encourage regular use

Embracing a More Organized Life

Technology doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. With the right tools, seniors can take control of their schedules, stay connected with loved ones and maintain their independence. Whether it’s setting a reminder to take medication or using a smart assistant to manage a todo list, today’s tech is opening new doors for seniors to live more organized, fulfilling lives.

Colour, Drums & “Day of the Dead”

An Art-Filled Sidney Home

WORDS JANICE HENSHAW

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The exterior siding of the home is stucco, a calm shell for what turns out to be a very lively interior. The walls may be white, but they are simply the backdrop to a life exuberantly full of colour, art and music. At the entrance, an old Underwood typewriter sits as a reminder that words matter here, too. Jude Wheeler and her husband, Jason Bonneau, agree that some things simply cannot be parted with. Their previous home was in Deep Cove, on a large, private lot. Downsizing was both a

purge and a relief. The yard work of Deep Cove is gone. In its place is a smaller patio, garden beds along the side of the house for Jason to putter in, and a life where, as Jude says, the car sits more than they move it. They walk everywhere and love the convenience of downtown living in Sidney. Jude walks to work; she is a co-owner of Will + Wheel Hair Salon.

Their home was built by Little Crow Projects, a residential construction company, as one of two side-by-side, identical

homes that look modern and welcoming from the street. The interior makes the most of its 1,818 square feet with a clever vertical layout, featuring three bedrooms and twoand-a-half bathrooms spread across two floors. The nine-foot ceilings add volume to the relatively narrow footprint. Glass walls and railings are used strategically upstairs, so instead of walking into a tunnel of drywall, you arrive at an open landing where light, art and a multitude of family photographs greet you.

The kitchen is, by Jude’s own declaration: “the heart of our home.” Photos and mementos crowd the fridge doors, a joyful alternative to the plain white or stainless fridges Jude dislikes. The space is bright and modern, with quartz countertops, double sinks and a KitchenAid gas stove. A central island holds a dishwasher, with pendant lights above it. A glass divider to the stairs keeps the space feeling wider and more open. The floors are softened by colourful wool and rag rugs, chosen not only for aesthetics but also for Bishop, who has hip problems and appreciates the extra grip.

Jude gravitates toward handmade objects, folk art and anything she calls “whimsy.” Perfection does not interest her – personality does. The kitchen showcases local and regional artists. There are bowls and mugs

that Jude has thrown herself, which she cheerfully labels “wonky” and imperfect, and pieces by her friend Pam Bradley, a North Saanich potter who makes intricately detailed functional ware. Another presence throughout the house is Salt Spring Island potter Kathleen Raven. Her work appears in whimsical sculptural pieces, such as a caterpillar-like creature near the entrance, as well as in smaller vessels and a “little pottery girl” figure in the kitchen. In the dining area, a soft creature portrait by Tracy Nelson, a Vancouver Island artist, hangs.

One wall on the main level reveals another of Jude’s obsessions: Mexican folk art and “Day of the Dead” imagery. Mexican art treats death not as something grim and hidden, but as part of life, full of colour and humour. She has multiple “Day of the Dead” figures and artworks, which cluster together like

an exuberant, slightly macabre party. There is a collection of coconut masks, carved from halved coconut shells and painted with animated faces. Jude loves purchasing many of her pieces directly from artists in Mexico.

Nearby, a framed piece from Edward Gorey’s “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” introduces a darker kind of laughter. Jude remembers memorizing the whole alphabet of ghastly fates while nursing her infants, reading the book repeatedly in the small hours of the night. It is gently alarming and very on-brand. Alongside this are icons and saints, including a Scrabble-tile pepper shaker featuring a saintly image. Friends now gift her Catholic imagery and Frida Kahlo items, knowing her fascination with both. She is not religious but she is deeply entertained by saints, icons and the dramatic visuals they evoke.

Most of the finishes were already in place when they bought the home, and Jude is quick to credit Little Crow’s designer for selecting distinctive features and finishes. Once they moved in, Jude and Jason did what they do best: they filled it with art. Jude describes herself as an “art hack,” but the evidence on the walls and shelves suggests a high-functioning one. Jason is also an artist and a musician. He is a drummer who played in a punk band in Victoria in his youth, and he writes and creates visual art. Just off the kitchen is a small patio and Jason’s music studio, a soundproofed room where he records and plays drums, which keeps the peace with the neighbours and the rest of the household.

Jason’s relationship with drums is so committed that when they moved and no longer had room for multiple drum kits, he couldn’t let them go. Instead, his

PHOTO JUDE WHEELER

drums have been transformed into functional art pieces. Drum shells become glowing, lightbased features and sculptural objects. A drum appears in the “man cave” bathroom. One is turned into a lit display piece in the living room. It is as if the drums negotiated a new contract: they may not all be played, but they will still be seen.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms – the primary bedroom feels spacious due to its higher ceiling. The ensuite bathroom has heated floors, double sinks, double mirrors and dark cabinets. At one point, the shower wall was made of clear glass, allowing a view into the bedroom. When Jude first viewed the house, she took one look and thought she would never buy a house with such a feature. Fortunately, by the time they moved in, the glass had been treated to become opaque. On the landing, a laundry closet holds the washer and dryer, which the couple

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.

appreciate having on the same level as the bedrooms.

Through all of this, the house itself has become a threedimensional scrapbook of people and places: from Salt Spring to Brooklyn, from Mexico to Montreal and from punk stages to pottery studios. It is a place where a broom is colourful, a pepper shaker is saintly, drums glow and even the dogs and cats come with elaborate names. Their home proves you can downsize your square footage without downsizing your life, especially if you fill the space with colour, curiosity and just the right amount of whimsy.

This is my last home review story for Seaside Magazine. After 10 years of having the wonderful opportunity to write stories for Seaside, I’m now moving on to new endeavours. I’ve loved every minute of meeting so many unique and interesting people and writing about their beautiful homes. Thank you for reading my stories!

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!

PRISTINE PRIVACY ON 2 ACRES WITH SUNSET VIEWS

$1,599,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com

(*personal real estate corp)

SAANICH INLET VIEW ESTATE

$3,798,000

MARILYN BALL

250.818.6489

victoriawaterfronts.com

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

Find Serenity on 4.6 Acres overlooking Saanich Inlet! World class Water Views mesmerize throughout this beautifully reimagined home featuring Designer J.C. Scott’s renowned aesthetic. Two homes in one coexist (Air B&B 30 day+) and a 968 sqft Carriage House is permitted on this gorgeously landscaped luxurious property.

MLS# 1031077

NEW PRICE! RARE BAZAN BAY WATERFRONT

$1,799,000

STEPHANIE PEAT

250.656.0131

stephaniepeat.ca

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)

8503 Lochside Drive. Wake to panoramic ocean, island and mountain views, launch your kayak from your backyard, and enjoy endless West Coast sunsets.

Enjoy the existing 2-bedroom + den home or build your dream retreat on this 0.28acre oceanfront property.

MLS #1027496

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

SPACIOUS AND INVITING

$439,000

KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH*

250.655.0608

Dinnie Smyth | McMahon | Real Estate Group

(*personal real estate corp)

karendinnie-smyth.com

MOVE-IN READY!

$968,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

WELCOME TO ORCHARD PLACE

$710,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

301 – 9900 Fifth Street. Offering over 750 sq. ft. of updated living space in the heart of Sidney. Thoughtfully refreshed kitchen & bathroom, full-size in-suite laundry, fireplace, and a generous enclosed west-facing balcony. Separate heated storage with power. Just steps to Sidney’s vibrant shops, cafes, restaurants, waterfront. Enjoy the best of Sidney living. MLS# 1033819

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

Steps from Beacon Ave in the heart of Sidney, lies a true gem of a condo. This fully remediated abode promises a lifestyle of utmost comfort and convenience featuring 2 beds/2 baths, and unrivaled S/W exposure that floods the 1,168sf space with an abundance of natural light. Don't miss this opportunity!

MLS# 1031818

JUST A BLOCK FROM THE OCEAN

$719,000

KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH*

250.655.0608

Dinnie Smyth |

McMahon | Real Estate Group

(*personal real estate corp)

karendinnie-smyth.com

PRESTIGIOUS ARBUTUS RIDGE

$1,595,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

PERCHED ATOP CORDOVA RIDGE

$1,198,000

20 – 2020 White Birch. This spacious end-unit home offers over 2,000 sq. ft. of flexible living space. Upstairs, the vaulted living room ceiling with warm wood detailing adds character and openness with lots of natural light. Abundant in-suite storage & a separate double car garage. 2 dogs or cats allowed; no size restrictions. Just steps to the waterfront. MLS# 1035009

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

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

CAPTURE the MOMENT

The Great Canadian Songbook

Our friends south of the border are proud of their “Great American Songbook,” but we in Wavelengths Community Choir are saying “hold on a minute!” In Canada we have an amazing tradition of musicians, singers and songwriters that do not for a minute take a back seat to any other songwriting tradition, and it’s time to wave our Canadian musical flag! Canada punches way above its weight in our rich tradition of songwriters! The musicians who came out of the 1960s – like Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, Gilles Vigneault and Stan Rogers –elevated Canada to a position in the global cultural ecosystem far above what Gwould be expected from our population numbers. And there are so many artists who have come along since then, like Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, and, of course, Raffi. And this is not even to mention the groups and bands like BTO, Harmonium, Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Great Big Sea, Rush, Barenaked Ladies, The McGarrigles, Spirit of the West and many others who have made waves internationally with their music.

a beautiful thing! It turns out that we Canadians do get a bit passionate about our music! We all carry the music of our favourite artists and bands that accompanied us through the various stages of our lives.

As the choir director (at left), I had a difficult time making choices for this concert to reflect different genres, decades, regions, ethnic backgrounds and other factors. I wanted musical touchstones for everyone – our audience as well as my choir members. I have included some of my own favourites from our unbelievably rich store of Canadian songs, but I have also discovered songs that I might not otherwise have considered, and now they resonate with me as lovely new discoveries.

It seems we develop a two-way conversational relationship with the songs we love – they help to define us, and our love for them helps to define Canada. Our Canadian musical landscape is as rich, textured and varied as the landscapes under our feet. We can never know all of either of them, but by dropping in here and there we can taste a bit of what it means to be Canadian in this beautiful and evolving country.

Of course, in reading this article you might be thinking, “But what about ?! You left out !” And isn’t that

Wavelengths Community Choir presents “The Great Canadian Songbook” at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney on June 27 and 28.

www.wavelengthschoir.ca

WORDS & PHOTO DENIS DONNELLY

Seaside Guide: What to See & Where to Be

JUNE 2026

Eine Kleine Summer Music:

A June Masterpiece

June on the Peninsula comes alive with the return of Eine Kleine Summer Music. The season kicks off June 7 and 8 with the electrifying Galvin Cello Quartet, performing "Voice of the Piano."

On June 14 and 15, principal soloists from the Victoria Symphony present the monumental Beethoven Septet alongside the B.C. premiere of Ian Cusson’s "Cure for Madness."

The virtuosity continues June 21 and 22 as New York violinist Sean Lee performs the formidable complete cycle of Paganini’s 24 Caprices. The season concludes June 28 and 29 with a rare display of talent from Ray Ushikubo, who performs as both solo violinist and pianist.

Concerts take place Sundays at 2:30 p.m. (First Unitarian Church, $35 to $40) and Mondays at 7 p.m. (Deep Cove Winery, $50). This world-class series is a celebration of musical renewal you won't want to miss.

For tickets, visit www.eksm.ca, find them at www.eventbrite.ca or call 250-382-7717.

JUNE 1ST – 30TH 10AM-4PM

Seat at The Table

SIDNEY MUSEUM 2423 BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY

A feature exhibit of Chinese Immigration and British Columbia. Using food and restaurant culture as an entry point, the exhibit features stories that point to great diversity. Admission is by donation.

250-655-6355; www.sidneymuseum.ca

THURSDAYS, JUNE 4TH-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.

250-382-3111

SATURDAYS, JUNE 6TH-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, JUNE 6TH-OCTOBER 10TH 9:30AM-12PM North Saanich Farm Market (June 6 – Season Opener)

ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH 10990 WEST SAANICH ROAD, NORTH SAANICH

The official summer kick-off for this beloved market. Shop farm-fresh produce and local crafts with live music every week. Admission is free. info@northsaanichfarmmarket.ca

JUNE 6TH 10AM-5PM

Pottery Sale

GREEK COMMUNITY HALL 4648 ELK LAKE DRIVE, SAANICH

A major showcase by the South Vancouver Island Potters Guild featuring over 30 ceramic artists displaying and selling unique, handcrafted work. Admission is free.

www.victoriapotters.ca

JUNE 6TH 11AM-12PM

Make More Plants for Free (Propagation Demo)

PATIO GARDENS 6536 WEST SAANICH ROAD, SAANICHTON

A live demonstration on plant propagation techniques to help you grow your garden for free. Registration recommended. Admission is free.

250-652-8338; www.patiogardens.ca

JUNE 6TH 2-4PM Music in the Park

ȽÁU,WELṈEW /JOHN DEAN PROVINCIAL PARK MAIN PARKING LOT

Celebrate BC Trails Day with live music by Sidney Brass and light refreshments in the heart of nature. Bring a lawn chair. Admission is free.

www.friendsofjohndeanpark.org

JUNE 6TH 6PM 12th Annual Lobsterfest+

MARY WINSPEAR CENTRE 2243 BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY

A community feast of lobster, crab or prime rib, plus silent and live auctions and music by The Haven. 100% of proceeds support local charities. Doors open at 6 p.m. for cocktails and silent auction viewing and the dinner bell rings at 7 p.m. Tickets $140.

250-588-8545; www.sidneylobsterfest.ca

JUNE 7TH 11AM-3PM World Ocean Day Celebration

BEACON PARK SIDNEY WATERFRONT

Interactive marine exhibits, art stations and science demonstrations celebrating ocean conservation with the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Admission is free.

250-665-7511; www.salishseacentre.org

JUNE 18TH-21ST

VARIOUS SIDNEY LOCATIONS SUCH AS MARY WINSPEAR CENTRE, ANAF #302, BEACON BANDSHELL

A multi-day festival featuring Colin Linden (June 18), Judy Collins (June 19), Pierre Schryer and Adam Dobres (June 20), and free waterfront shows. Tickets: free to $89.25.

www.seasidemusic.ca

JUNE 19TH 2PM

CSSCA Speakers’ Series: Kathi Hemphill Camilleri

THE CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING 50+

1229 CLARKE ROAD, BRENTWOOD BAY

"Building Bridges through Understanding the Village."

An insightful monthly talk. Note: Bingo (1 to 4 p.m.) and Hot Dog Days (12 p.m.) occur here on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Admission by donation.

250-652-4611; www.cssca.ca

JUNE 21ST 3:30PM Lighthouse Community Choir Spring Finale & BBQ

ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH 2410 MALAVIEW AVENUE, SIDNEY

An uplifting community concert followed by a Father's Day barbecue, supporting the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. Tickets: $20 (includes BBQ).

250-656-3213; www.stpaulsunitedbc.com

JUNE 25TH 10-11AM

Aging with Dignity Presentation

SHOAL CENTRE 10030 RESTHAVEN DRIVE, SIDNEY

An informative seminar on local resources and strategies for maintaining independence and senior wellness. Registration recommended. Admission is free.

250-656-5537; www.beaconcs.ca/shoal

JUNE 30TH 7:30PM & JULY 1ST 8AM-4PM Sidney Days & Canada Day

SIDNEY

The official kickoff for Canada Day happens at Beacon Park on June 30 .Featuring opening ceremonies, live music and fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

On July 1, wake up to the Sidney Lions Pancake Breakfast at the Mary Winspear Centre ($8 to $22), followed by the Canada Day Parade on Beacon Avenue at 11:30 a.m.

The afternoon continues with a Family Fun Fair at Iroquois Park and the Build a Boat Challenge at Beacon Park (foot of Beacon Avenue). Admission is free.

250-656-1131; www.peninsulacelebrations.org

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

SEASIDE STORIES

Last Word

Back in March, I attended an event celebrating the Power of Women in Philanthropy. The entire day was inspiring, but my biggest takeaway came from three-time Olympic rower Darcy Hortness. When asked what one thing people could do each day to move toward their goals, her answer was simple: stretch for one minute every morning. It felt manageable enough that I decided to try it myself.

I am not a morning person, and I have fully accepted this about myself. My stretches are groggy and always done before I’m fully awake, but every morning I take a minute to quietly say hello to my body. “Thank you for carrying me through the night. Thank you for getting me here again.”

Nothing dramatic has changed, but I have become more aware of movement and how this small act of care shapes my day and, because the commitment is only one minute, it’s hard to talk myself out of it. What I appreciate most is that it doesn’t feel rooted in “self improvement,” at least not in the overwhelming way that phrase is often framed. It feels like a small moment of joy within an ordinary day.

Several articles in the June issue echo this gentler approach. On page 49, "Finding Your Balance" explores goals that make life feel good while you work toward them. On page 91, "Is Longevity Simpler Than We Think?" reflects on how lasting wellness is often built through simple daily choices and connection.

Maybe a “good” life is not built through reinvention, but through small, imperfect habits repeated with care. Often, the little things we ritualize become something larger over time, whether we notice it or not. Sometimes it’s a stretch; sometimes it is a quiet moment at the end of the day asking yourself what felt good. I hope there’s something in your days that brings you back to yourself, even briefly, and stays with you as time passes.

Tabatha Golat

Tabatha Golat, Editorial Director

The pilot never went on a date. He was just ... "

TROEEGTH VEUTELAA

EHRTAG NORPDE

ANSWER:

How to Play: Unscramble each of the clue words. Take the letters that appear in boxes and unscramble them to solve the final message.

This jumble was created by The Blue Sheet Club, a group of brain injury survivors. The Cridge Centre for the Family's Brain Injury Services provides independent housing with support for survivors of brain injury. Through the development of support groups like The Blue Sheet Club, we strive to provide opportunities for personal development and reintegration in the community. Creating Word Jumbles are a great way to improve cognitive functioning. Plus they're fun too! Enjoy!

JUMBLE SOLUTIONS

Answer: plane hard to get

together • evaluate • gather • ponder