Readers' Choice Awards

TIMES COLONIST, VICTORIA, B.C.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

– SPECIAL FEATURE –

WINNERS EDITION INSIDE:

Winners, Finalists and Profiles from all 106 Categories

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WINNERS YOU VOTED, AND HERE’S WHAT YOU TOLD US!

AUTOMOTIVE AUTO DETAILING Stellar Finish Auto Detailing ......... Winner CJ’s Autobling ............................. Finalist Prestige Auto Detailing ................ Finalist

AUTO REPAIR John’s Auto Body & Paint ............ Winner Dunsmuir Super Service ............... Finalist Gorge Vale Automotive ............... Finalist

OIL CHANGE Great Canadian Oil Change ......... Winner Mr Lube ...................................... Finalist BCAA ......................................... Finalist

RV DEALER Arbutus RV & Marine Sales.......... Winner Galaxy RV ................................... Finalist Greg’s RV Place ........................... Finalist

COMMUNITY ART GALLERY Art Gallery of Greater Victoria ..... Winner madrona ..................................... Finalist Winchester Galleries Ltd. (Oak Bay) Finalist

BC PREMIER YOU MISS THE MOST Dave Barrett................................ Winner W.A.C. Bennett ........................... Finalist Mike Harcourt ............................. Finalist

BEACH Island View Beach Regional Park .... Winner Willows....................................... Finalist Esquimalt Lagoon........................ Finalist

FAVOURITE CHARITY Victoria Conservatory of Music .... Winner Women in Need .......................... Finalist Victoria Hospice .......................... Finalist

HARDEST WORKING MLA Lana Popham, MLA ..................... Winner Carole James............................... Finalist John Horgan MLA Community Office .. Finalist

ISLAND TOURIST ATTRACTION NIGHT CLUB

DISTILLERIES

Butchart Gardens ........................ Winner Royal BC Museum ....................... Finalist Prince of Whales Whale Watching ... Finalist

Hermann’s Jazz Club ................... Winner Lucky Bar .................................... Finalist Upstairs Cabaret Ltd.................... Finalist

Sheringham Distillery ................... Winner Victoria Distillers ......................... Finalist Merridale Cidery and Distillery ..... Finalist

OFF LEASH DOG PARK

OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE

FERMENT ON PREMISE

Dallas Road ................................. Winner Elk/Beaver Lake........................... Finalist Mount Douglas Park.................... Finalist

Sunfest Country Music Festival at Laketown Ranch...................... Winner Beacon Hill bandshell .................. Finalist Phillips Brewing Backyard ............ Finalist

Merridale Cidery & Distillery ........ Winner Unsworth Vineyards .................... Finalist Averill Creek Winery .................... Finalist

PARK/PLAYGROUND Beacon Hill.................................. Winner Cadboro Bay ............................... Finalist Thetis Lake.................................. Finalist

FOOD & DINING

PICNIC SPOT

Dutch Bakery .............................. Winner Lighthouse Bakery in Langford..... Finalist Sidney Bakery.............................. Finalist

Beacon Hill Park .......................... Winner Island View Beach Regional Park .... Finalist Saxe Point ................................... Finalist

PLACE TO HIKE Mt Douglas Park ......................... Winner East Sooke Park .......................... Finalist Thetis Lake Regional Park ............ Finalist

PLACE TO SEE A LIVE PERFORMANCE Save On Foods Memorial Centre .. Winner Alix Goolden Performance Hall .... Finalist Royal Theatre .............................. Finalist

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Berwick Retirement Communities Winner Sidney All Care Residence ............ Finalist Glenshiel Housing Society ............ Finalist

SEASIDE WALK Sidney waterfront ........................ Winner Dallas Road ................................. Finalist Songhees Walkway ..................... Finalist

ENTERTAINMENT LIVE THEATRE Chemainus Theatre ..................... Winner The Farquhar at UVic ................... Finalist Langham Court Theatre ............... Finalist

MOVIE THEATER IMAX .......................................... Winner Silver City .................................... Finalist Capitol 6 Theatres ....................... Finalist Odeon ........................................ Finalist

BAKERY

BBQ FOOD Jones BBQ................................... Winner The Very Good Butchers .............. Finalist Montana’s................................... Finalist

FINE DINING Fireside Grill ................................ Winner Alpina Restaurant at The Villa Eyrie Resort ................... Finalist Il Terrazzo ................................... Finalist

FISH N CHIPS Red Fish Blue Fish ....................... Winner Barb’s Fish N’ Chips (Fishermans Wharf) ..................... Finalist Naughty Nellie’s Not Just Fish & Chips Finalist

BREAKFAST

FOOD TRUCK

Fireside Grill ................................ Winner Floyd’s Diner ............................... Finalist The Village Restaurant................. Finalist

Greek on the street ..................... Winner Melt ............................................ Finalist Deadbeetz .................................. Finalist

BRUNCH

HAMBURGER

Fireside Grill ................................ Winner Alpina Restaurant at The Villa Eyrie Resort ................... Finalist The Village Restaurant................. Finalist

Bin 4 Burger Lounge.................... Winner Chuck’s Burger Bar ...................... Finalist Fatburger .................................... Finalist

BUTCHER Fraser Orr Butcher ....................... Winner Glenwood Meats......................... Finalist Carnivore Meats & More ............. Finalist

CHINESE FOOD

HAPPY HOUR Fireside Grill ................................ Winner Glo Restaurant + Lounge ............ Finalist Veneto ........................................ Finalist

ICE CREAM

Don Mee Restaurant ................... Winner J & J Wonton Noodle House ........ Finalist Halibut house .............................. Finalist

Beacon Drive In ........................... Winner Cold Comfort .............................. Finalist Parachute Ice Cream ................... Finalist

COFFEE SHOP

INDIAN

Caffe Fantastico .......................... Winner Java Jo’s ...................................... Finalist Discovery Coffee ......................... Finalist

Sizzling Tandoor .......................... Winner Royal Spice Fine Indian Cuisine .... Finalist Varsha ........................................ Finalist

CRAFT BREWERIES

ISLAND WINERY

Hoyne Brewing Company ............ Winner Philips Brewery............................ Finalist Sooke Oceanside Brewery............ Finalist

Blue Grouse Estate Winery .......... Winner Unsworth Vineyards .................... Finalist Enrico Winery .............................. Finalist

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ITALIAN

FLOORING STORE

LAW OFFICE

SHOE STORE

Il Terrazzo ................................... Winner Pagliacci’s ................................... Finalist IL Covo Trattoria.......................... Finalist

United Carpet ............................. Winner Windsor Plywood Westshore ....... Finalist End Of The Roll ........................... Finalist

Baggins Shoes............................. Winner Walk in Comfort .......................... Finalist Ronsons ...................................... Finalist

LIQUOR STORE

GARDEN CENTER

Beacon Law Centre ..................... Winner Sitka Law Group.......................... Finalist McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson Law Corporation ........... Finalist

Vessel Liquor Store ...................... Winner Cascadia Liquor Store .................. Finalist Broadmead BC Liquor Store ......... Finalist

Elk Lake Nursery ......................... Winner Cannor Nursery ........................... Finalist GardenWorks .............................. Finalist

OFFICE SERVICES

Mayfair Shopping Centre ............. Winner Hillside ........................................ Finalist Uptown ...................................... Finalist

MEXICAN FOOD

HARDWARE STORE

Cafe Mexico ................................ Winner Adriana’s The Whole Enchilada .... Finalist La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop ...... Finalist

Capital Iron ................................. Winner Home Hardware .......................... Finalist Castle Building Centre ................. Finalist

Newport Property Management .. Winner Brown Bros ................................. Finalist Pemberton Holmes ...................... Finalist

PIZZA

HOME FURNISHINGS The Foam Zone ........................... Winner ScanDesigns ................................ Finalist Dodd’s ........................................ Finalist

Newport Realty ........................... Winner Pemberton Holmes ...................... Finalist Macdonald Realty Ltd. ................. Finalist Sotheby’s International ................ Finalist

SPORTS FOOTWEAR

Romeo’s ...................................... Winner Pizzeria Prima Strada ................... Finalist Fireside Grill ................................ Finalist

PUB

HOT TUB

TRAVEL AGENCY

SPORTS STORE

The Waddling Dog ...................... Winner Canoe Brew Pub ......................... Finalist 328 Taphouse +Grill.................... Finalist James Bay Inn ............................. Finalist

Capital Iron- Westshore ............... Winner Twilight ....................................... Finalist Vintage Hot Tubs......................... Finalist

Maritime Travel ........................... Winner Expedia Cruise Ship Centers Westshore Finalist Merit Travel ................................. Finalist

Courtside Sports ......................... Winner Kirby’s Source for Sports .............. Finalist Golf Town ................................... Finalist

RESTAURANT PATIO

Capital Iron ................................. Winner Penna & Co ................................. Finalist Oak Bay Home Hardware ............ Finalist

Fireside Grill ................................ Winner Glo Restaurant + Lounge ............ Finalist Sea Glass Waterfront Grill............ Finalist

SUSHI Fujiya Foods ................................ Winner Victoria Sushi .............................. Finalist Bon Sushi 2 ................................. Finalist

VEGETARIAN FOOD Rebar .......................................... Winner Be Love ....................................... Finalist Nourish ....................................... Finalist

HEALTH & BEAUTY BARBER SHOP Victory Barbers & Brand .............. Winner Brothers Barbershop.................... Finalist Jimmy’s Barber Shop ................... Finalist

HOUSEWARES

PATIO FURNITURE Capital Iron ................................. Winner Wickerland Patio ......................... Finalist The Wickertree ............................ Finalist

WINDOWS Van Isle Windows - Victoria Showroom and Factory................ Winner Starlite Windows ......................... Finalist Rusco Windows & Screens........... Finalist

PETS

PET GROOMER

The Vitamin Shop ........................ Winner Lifestyles ..................................... Finalist Sidney Natural Foods................... Finalist

Groom That Dog ......................... Winner Nirvana Pet Resort ...................... Finalist Pets West.................................... Finalist

PHARMACY

PET STORE

Shoppers Drug Mart - Royal Oak... Winner JC Pharmacy ............................... Finalist London Drugs ............................. Finalist

Rascals Pet Market ...................... Winner Bosley’s....................................... Finalist Pets West.................................... Finalist

SPA Pure Day Spa............................... Winner Willow Stream Spa ...................... Finalist The Boathouse Spa at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel........................................... Finalist

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

VITAMIN STORE

BANK

The Vitamin Shop ........................ Winner Lifestyle Markets ......................... Finalist Market On Millstream.................. Finalist

Coastal Community Credit Union ... Winner TD Canada Trust.......................... Finalist Scotiabank .................................. Finalist

CARPET CLEANERS Sunny Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning .. Winner Luv-A-Rug Services Inc ................ Finalist Dri-Way Carpet & Upholstery Care... Finalist

Charmaine’s Past & Present Home Collection.......................... Winner Antique Emporium, Chemainus .... Finalist Good Things Consignments ......... Finalist

AUCTION HOUSE

Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Shop ......... Winner Trek Bicycle Store ........................ Finalist Westshore Bicycles ...................... Finalist

BOOKSTORE Bolen Books................................ Winner Russell Books .............................. Finalist Munro’s Books ............................ Finalist

BRIDAL WEAR

HEALTH FOOD STORE

Budget Blinds .............................. Winner Ruffell & Brown Window Fashions .. Finalist Saffron Windows ........................ Finalist

ANTIQUE STORE

BICYCLE SHOP

Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning .......... Winner Woofability ................................. Finalist McKenzie Veterinary Services....... Finalist

BLINDS AND WINDOW COVERINGS

RETAIL

Lund’s ......................................... Winner

Kashmir Salon ............................. Winner Chamberlain Walk Hair Design..... Finalist Rplace......................................... Finalist

WestCoast Appliance .................. Winner Trail Appliances ........................... Finalist Lansdowne Appliance Gallery ...... Finalist

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

Irwin Industries (1988) Ltd........... Winner Parker Johnston........................... Finalist Aerial Roofing ............................. Finalist

PET CARE SERVICE

APPLIANCE STORE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ROOFING CO.

HAIR SALON

HOME & GARDEN

Monk Office ................................ Winner

CREDIT UNION Coast Capital Savings .................. Winner Coastal Community Credit Union ... Finalist Island Savings ............................. Finalist

Luz Bridal Boutique ..................... Winner Shades of White Bridal Fashions .. Finalist Blush Bridal ................................. Finalist

FLORIST Flower Affairs.............................. Winner Brown’s The Florist ...................... Finalist Thrifty Foods ............................... Finalist

FURNITURE STORE Scan Designs ............................... Winner Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress..... Finalist Muse & Merchant Home Collection Finalist

HOME ELECTRONICS .

Atlas Audio Video ....................... Winner Best Buy ..................................... Finalist London Drugs ............................. Finalist

JEWELRY STORE Paul Mara Jewellers..................... Winner Barclay’s Fine Jewellers................ Finalist Country Gift Shoppe.................... Finalist

LIGHTING STORE Mclaren Lighting ......................... Winner Pine Lighting ............................... Finalist Illuminations Lighting Solutions ... Finalist Artistic Lighting Design ............... Finalist

MEN’S CLOTHING D.G.Bremner and Co.................... Winner Mark’s ........................................ Finalist Hudson’s Bay .............................. Finalist

FUNERAL HOME McCall Gardens Funeral and Cremation Service - Royal Oak ..... Winner Hatley Memorial Gardens ............ Finalist First Memorial Funeral Services.... Finalist

INSURANCE AGENCY Harbord Insurance ....................... Winner Megson FitzPatrick Insurance Services Finalist BCAA ......................................... Finalist Coast Capital Savings .................. Finalist

MUSIC STORE Long & McQuade ........................ Winner Lyle’s Place .................................. Finalist Groove Studios ............................ Finalist

OUTDOORS SHOP Island Outfitters .......................... Winner Robinsons ................................... Finalist .............. Finalist MEC ...........................................

SHOPPING MALL

SIGN SHOP Graphic FX Signworks ................. Winner Speedpro .................................... Finalist Peninsula Signs ........................... Finalist

Frontrunners ............................... Winner Cowichan Valley Running ............ Finalist New Balance ............................... Finalist

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE Marmalade Tart Boutique ............ Winner Mynx Boutique ............................ Finalist Suzanne’s.................................... Finalist

SPORTS & FITNESS GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC) Cedar Hill Golf Course ................. Winner Cordova Bay Golf Course............. Finalist Olympic View .............................. Finalist

GYM/FITNESS FACILITY 30 Minute Hit.............................. Winner Saanich Commonwealth Place ..... Finalist Club Phoenix Langford ................ Finalist

YOGA STUDIO.................

Yoga Lab..................................... Winner Sitka Yoga and Pilates ................. Finalist Breathing Space .......................... Finalist

TRAVEL BC FERRIES ROUTE WITH THE BEST SCENERY.....

Swartz Bay - Tsawwassen............ Winner Mill Bay....................................... Finalist

BOAT MARINA Oak Bay Marina .......................... Winner Port Sidney Marina ...................... Finalist Portside Marina, Brentwood Bay... Finalist

HOTEL The Villa Eyrie Resort ................... Winner Oak Bay Beach Hotel ................... Finalist The Beach Club Resort Bellstar Hotels & Resorts ............. Finalist

ISLAND BED & BREAKFAST Farm Table Inn ............................ Winner Birds of a Feather Ocean Lagoon B&B .. Finalist Moonlit Cove BB ......................... Finalist

ISLAND RESORT The Beach Club Resort ................ Winner The Villa Eyrie Resort ................... Winner Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa Finalist

ISLAND TOURIST ATTRACTION Butchart Gardens ........................ Winner Country Bee Honey Farm ............. Finalist Royal BC Museum ....................... Finalist

PRIVATE ISLAND CAMPGROUND Country Maples RV Resort ........... Winner Living Forest Oceanside Campground ............................... Finalist Bella Pacifica Campground, Tofino... Finalist

YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO GET OFF OF THE ISLAND W Harbour Air ................................. Winner BC Ferries Connector ................... Finalist Fi

to all of our Winners and Finalists in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards

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Arbutus RV’s 5 Locations’ Team Members are honoured that Vancouver Islanders have, for another year, voted us #1 RV Dealer in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2019

0011771728 ROSE LITTLE MANAGEMENT/ARBUTUS Winner - Best RV Dea 10 x 305 CMYK, , SIDNEY | MILL BAY | NANAIMO | PORT ALBERNI | COURTENAY View BC’s Biggest Selection of over 700 New & Pre-enjoyed RVs online or at any of our 5 Vancouver Island Locations! We will be introducing new additions to the Arbutus EXCLUSIVE LINE of RVs in 2020 and will continue to offer you Quality Brands including Lance Camper...

Live. Lance. Life

Actual unit(s) not exactly as show.

We’ve been with you all the way for 31 years Sidney 250.655.1119

MILL BAY 250.743.3800

Nanaimo 250.245.3858

TOLL FREE: 1.888.272.8888

TOLL FREE: 1.800.665.5581

TOLL FREE: 1.888.272.8887

Courtenay 250.337.2174 TOLL FREE:

1.866.330.2174

Port Alberni 250.724.4648 TOLL FREE:

1.877.724.4648

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RV Dealer ARBUTUS RV & MARINE SALES

RV Lifestyle on Vancouver Island Serving Vancouver Island for 31 years

FIVE LOCATIONS!

The Arbutus RV & Marine Sales Ltd. story began over 31 years ago with Craig Little purchasing his first sales location in Mill Bay in 1988.

This location was just down the road from where he has lived for over 60 years, and where he now lives with his wife Rose and daughter Brynn.

Craig knew he wanted to be in business for himself and chose Recreational Vehicle and Boat Sales and Service as his primary focus because he believed it was a good fit for Vancouver Island.

The business was very well received by the community. As the years went by, the focus of Arbutus shifted increasingly to RVs, and the growth continued.

In 1994, the addition of the Nanaimo location occurred after Craig met a couple who were developing an RV Park as well as selling Park Model RVs near the Nanaimo Airport. They approached Craig and asked him if he would like to help them out with sales. After consideration, Craig determined that he would be happy to forge ahead and eventually took the location over.

He immediately expanded it, added a service department and the business took off. A short 18 months or so passed, and Craig was approached by another dealer in Sidney. By 1996, he owned three locations.

“I was shaking my head a few

times wondering what had happened,” Little says. “I’d have been happy just having the one dealership and now I suddenly had three!” He expanded the lots at all three dealerships and began to bring in exclusive product lines to Vancouver Island from Thor Industries, the number one manufacturer in the world.

In 1998, he was successful in convincing his wife, Rose, who had several years of marketing experience in newspaper and radio, to head up the marketing for the company. This included taking over the publishing of The Island RV Guide – a 56-page magazine that Craig had launched which needed attention and expertise. Rose focussed on creating a marketing strategy that included the development of a website and arbutusrv.ca was created.

In December 2002, the Littles were invited to Calgary to research the RV rental franchise business as an avenue for expansion of their own rental division.

They decided it was not for them and flew back home, landing at the Comox Valley Airport. Since they were in the neighbourhood, Craig wanted to show Rose a piece of property outside of Courtenay (in Merville) that he had been interested in back in 1997. As fate would have it, when they arrived, there was a ‘For Sale’ sign on the corner – immediately across the road from the property Craig was originally interested in. They

purchased the property and opened their fourth location in March of 2003.

“Camping in an RV is at the top of the list of our families’ favourite things to do!”

- CRAIG LITTLE They reasoned that because they had such a large customer base from the North part of the Island, it would make sense to have another dealership close to service those customers. This thinking proved to be completely on target, and the Courtenay location has grown into one of Arbutus’s busiest. Customer demand prompted the expansion of the service facilities in the spring of 2007. They now boast an additional three service bays to accommodate the needs of the RV-ing public. In 2011, the property next door was purchased, enabling continued growth and selection of RVs being offered.

2003 saw an expansion of the original Mill Bay Sales and Service location to include the property formerly known as Ruby’s Ridge Campground.

In December 2004, Craig found another desirable property in Port Alberni. The reasoning was the same as for the Comox Valley location, Little says, “We have a large client base in the

Alberni Valley and Tofino/Uclulet and outlying areas, and we wanted to offer Port Alberni its first full service RV dealership.”

Arbutus RV opened its doors in July 2005 and sold their first unit before the telephone lines were even installed.

Arbutus RV currently employs over 120 people and continues to thrive far beyond expectations. 2017 was a record sales year and 2018 has once again exceeded expectations and broken records. Little says they carry the largest retail inventory of RVs of any dealer in B.C. Craig is quick to spread around the credit for the success of Arbutus RV. It’s probably the same basic formula as any successful business,” he notes. “It’s about having the right people and offering the right service – friendly, courteous service with compassion. We listen to the customer’s needs and offer old fashioned services to fill them.

The company website is hugely successful as is their marketing strategy, which includes the successful RVing lifestyle website, IslandRVGuide.com The IslandRVGuide.com has become a go-to digital destination for information on all things RV-related, including tech tips, Island adventure videos, recipes and camper-friendly cooking videos, RV tours, RV finance tips and articles

submitted by RV readers.

“The Island RV Guide is filled with local Island RV-ing information and editorial. Also, our YouTube Channel with Island Adventure, TV Tour and RV Tips videos has been incredibly well-received by the Island’s RV enthusiasts. Each day, we’re welcoming new Vancouver Island members to our Facebook community,” says Rose Little.

A few years ago, Arbutus RV began to work with select manufacturers to produce exclusive brands of RVs. This private label line-up can only be found at Arbutus RV’s five Vancouver Island locations. A few current exclusive private label brands they offer are Island Trail, Island Vibe, iTrek, and the newest arrival — Island Pursuit motorhomes. They plan to …plan to continue expanding that line of exclusives and have begun announcing some very exciting additions as they head into their 32nd year in 2020.

“With the growth we’ve experienced,” Rose says, “we don’t have as much down time as we would like, but we love to get out RVing on Vancouver Island as much as we can. It’s an activity we share with our youngest daughter who is now a teen, our eldest daughter and son-in-law and our newest family addition, our grandson.

Camping in an RV is at the top of the list of our families’ favourite things to do!” arbutusrv.ca

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“We are always welcoming new users through our doors, so we sure hope to see you soon at our ‘Health and Fitness’ area at Commonwealth Place!”

Building social connections and community around fitness Sports & Fitness Gym/Fitness Facility SAANICH COMMONWEALTH PLACE

0011773865 SAANICH RECREATION Readers Choice Award 5 x 76 CMYK, , Saanich Commonwealth Place – Finalist for Gym/Fitness Facility

Thank You for your vote!

Call: 250-475-7600 | saanich.ca/rec

PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

We love you too, 0011774202 Victoria.

THE HOYNE BREWING COMPANY Readers for Choice Award Thanks voting us 5 x 152 Best Brewery for 2019!

CMYK, , —From the Hoyne Brewing Team

The Commonwealth Place team is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our community has equal access to quality facilities, advice and equipment to help them achieve their personal health goals.

In addition to physical fitness, we have created an environment that invites socialization, and regularly see new friendships being forged at our facility.

Our patrons come to us, not only for fitness purposes, but to be with their friends and be a part of a larger local community hub within our supportive

friendly community of users.

Saanich Recreation staff consider themselves very fortunate to have forged so many long-lasting strong connections and relationships throughout the years. Part of our mission is to always go above and beyond participant expectations while serving all members of our community.

We are always welcoming new users through our doors, so we sure hope to see you soon at our ‘Health and Fitness’ area at Commonwealth Place! saanich.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Hardest Working MLA LANA POPHAM

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“Thank you to everyone who voted for us.”

Thank you for this opportunity.

Helping people is the top priority of this government, and of my community office.

We are working hard to make life more affordable, more fair and better for British Columbians.

Whether we’re tackling poverty, unaffordability, the housing crisis, affordable child care, climate change, or moving the dial on medical service wait times and finding primary care doctors — we are working hard.

On affordable housing: our work is starting to take shape with 20,000 new homes completed or underway in nearly 80 communities throughout B.C., and more in the planning stage.

On climate action: B.C. is leading the country. Our CleanBC plan is beginning to create real change. As an example, our government’s incentives to help people move to zero-emission vehicles are being embraced throughout the province. We’ve also passed new legislation calling for a phase-out of gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2040.

On affordability: by now, most people in B.C. have paid their last MSP premium — ever. The elimination of MSP Premiums and the new B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit is the largest middle-class tax reduction in a generation.

Our B.C. government has also increased investments into the Ministry of Agriculture by 15 per cent in order to help farmers farm and to protect farmland for future generations. As the Minister of Agriculture, I have developed new programs to increase access to B.C.-grown and -produced foods in health care facilities. This improves the freshness and quality of the meals served, and better supports patients’ experiences and outcomes — and the livelihood of B.C.’s farmers and producers.

In the process of doing all this and more, our government has eliminated B.C.’s operating debt and posted budget surpluses. We also have the lowest unemployment rate across the country — for two years straight.

B.C. continues to be the only province with a Triple AAA rating with all three international credit rating agencies.

I know very well that much more needs to be done, and that is why I am so excited for the future. We are just getting started! It’s a privilege to be the MLA for Saanich South and to serve as the Minister of Agriculture.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Warmest Regards, Lana Popham

Health and happiness for everyone’s pets Pet Store RASCALS PET MARKET Sue was drawn to the pet industry through the love of her pet, Jimi. Jimi, a 12-year old Labrador retriever, is the inspiration behind Team Rascals!

Located at Brentwood Crossing in Brentwood Bay, Rascals has one of the largest selections on the Saanich Peninsula of locally-sourced and Canadian made raw dog and cat food, raw meaty bones, bulk treats and chews.

Due to Jimi’s health struggles at four years of age, Sue learned the importance of understanding the ingredients in pet food products as well as the growing need for healthy, biologically appropriate pet food.

Sue opened Rascals Pet Market to offer the same good health and happiness for everyone’s pets in the community.

Rascals also supplies a selection of carefully chosen dry food and supplements for your pet. All products are thoroughly researched by the Rascal’s team, so every pet owner knows that “If it’s from Rascals, it’s got to be good!”

Team Rascals (Sue, Howard and Keven) offer a different approach to feeding your pet. No two pets are identical, so they should not be treated or fed exactly the same way.

Our focus is about building relationships with our customers and their concerns for the health and well-being of their pets. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. We love what we do and that you recognize that fact, which speaks volumes! Open every day in Brentwood Bay! rascalspetmarket.com

Hardest Working MLA

0011772442 LANA POPHAM, MLA 2019 READERS CHOICE My sincerest gratitude to the 5 x 152gratit Times Colonist’s Time CMYK,reade , readership for this award I’m grateful award. to be recognized for m my efforts.

It’s truly tru an honour to sserve you. u.

0011772527 RASCALS PET MARKET Readers Choice Winne x 152 We have5 so much to be CMYK, , year, thankful for this most of all YOU! Thank you for voting us #1 Pet Store!

Rascalspetmarket.com (778) 426-4290 Brentwood Crossing 7103 W Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay, BC

5CCNKEJ 5OTěJ %OMMTNKěX 1ĘEG: 260 – 4243 Glanford Ave. | 250-479-4154 lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca | www.saanichsouth.ca

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

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Thank You! For voting Budget Blinds #1 in Blinds & Window Coverings!

3-time winner 3 years in a row!

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0011771724 CAMPBELL BLINDS LTD Winner Readers Choic 10 x 305 OUR TEAM CMYK, , OWNER

GENERAL MANAGER

SALES MANAGER

LORNE CAMPBELL

RUSSELL GURNEY

DUSTIN MCCONNELL

CUSTOMER SERVICE

JESSE DUNNING

CAROL TUCKER

JAKE

ALANA TODD

BRIAN JUPP

DEVON AUSTIN

MARTIN VANDERSPEK

STYLE CONSULTANTS

JANINE KOSMENUKO

KRISTI CHURCHILL

LINDSAY CHISHOLM

ALYSHIA YAKIMISHYN

INSTALLATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

SEAN SKILLINGS

JOE QUINDO

ABE COX

IAN CHISHOLM

SHUTTERS. BLINDS. SHADES.

#100-915 Fort St, Victoria • 250.381.6238 • BudgetBlinds.com

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

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Blinds and Window Coverings BUDGET BLINDS

Transform your home into something special From unique shaped windows to energy efficient treatments, Budget Blinds creates beautiful solutions Budget Blinds would like to thank Times Colonist Readers for voting us #1 one again in Window Coverings!

If you’ve been thinking about transforming your home’s interior into something truly special, Budget Blinds of Victoria is here to help. Our expert design team, paired with an array of stunning blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and more creates the ideal home interior that complements any room, or an entire home. From the latest styles and innovative fabrics to a host of on-trend colours, we’ll show you how fun and affordable it can be to upgrade your décor with the power of the #1 provider of custom window coverings in North America.

Our consultative process is designed around caring about you and your home. We make the entire experience easy and convenient as we bring the showroom to you with our free in-home design consultation. From those unique shaped windows to energy efficient treatments and more, Budget Blinds does it all for you, with style and service for any budget. We’re local and we’re here to stay, to ensure you have peace of mind.

Budget Blinds brings our customers exclusive vendors and products to best serve their needs. With top brands like Lutron — the largest window covering company in North America — teamed up with the most established name in smart home technology to bring you the best in home automation. With Lutron, we have made home automation easy to use and easy to afford. Products like Smart Shades, Smart Lights and Smart Thermostat will help transform your home. Other exclusive brands include Enlightened Style, Signature Series and PureVu. At Budget Blinds, your child’s safety is our top priority.

When it comes to deciding on the safest choice in window coverings for a home with children or pets, why take chances? Fortunately, with Budget Blinds, you don’t have to. From cordless child-safe blinds and cordless shades with retractable lifts to motorized shades, Budget Blinds has the safe solutions that minimize the risk of accidents or injury.

For a custom design, we offer Design Ink. Create your own custom fabric, choosing from over 1,500 patterns and every colour in the rainbow. Budget Blinds does the rest, creating drapes and pillows for your one-of-a-kind home. Nobody else does custom like this.

With home automation on the rise, we can motorize your drapery rods and shades all into one system — controlled from your own smart device. With this new technology, you can literally operate your shades from anywhere in the world.

Did I mention everything is completely custom? That means you can choose accent trims, edge landings in contrast colours, the perfect linings to give you room darkening or thermal protection and coordinating pillows all in one consultation.

Our company’s goal is simple: to provide you with the best products and services in order to enrich your home environment. Our lavish selection of window treatments includes shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and even window film.

Regardless of your window’s size or shape, Budget Blinds will have a customized window covering solution for you.

Lorne Campbell brought Budget Blinds to Victoria as a mobile window coverings business in 2006. With his Thrifty Foods experience, the company was experiencing rapid growth. He started with Dustin, his nephew, and a few other close friends. Word quickly spread about the excellent service and lifetime guarantee.

By 2013, Lorne hired Russell Gurney as his general manager, and many other quality installers and home decor experts. In the fall of 2014, the retail store was opened on Fort Street. This brought the designer in-house, and proved to be a glamourous location to display the many brands and options available to home owners.

Budget Blinds is a well-known and respected company in our community. We are thrilled that Times Colonist readers have voted us #1.

Business owner Lorne Campbell chaired the BC Cancer Foundation’s “Jingle Mingle” in 2015. He and his family are recognized for their philanthropy. Lorne has been activey invloved in the Victoria community throughout his life, watching his dad build the Thrifty Food Store chain, giving back every step of the way.

Through superior products and attentive customer service Budget Blinds has grown to be one of the top three Budget Blinds dealers in Canada. budgetblinds.com

THE EXPERT DESIGN TEAM AT BUDGET BLINDS, PAIRED WITH AN ARRAY OF STUNNING BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS, DRAPERY AND MORE WILL HELP YOU CREATE THE IDEAL HOME INTERIOR THAT COMPLEMENTS ANY ROOM, OR AN ENTIRE HOME.

LORNE CAMPBELL, OWNER OF BUDGET BLINDS.

BUDGET BLINDS VICTORIA HAS BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TO START 2020 – WE ARE NOW AN OFFICIAL HUNTER DOUGLAS DEALER AND WE ARE THRILLED TO OFFER OUR NEW AND EXISTING CLIENTS THIS INDUSTRY LEADING PRODUCT LINE. WE ARE ALSO EXPANDING OUR DOWNTOWN SHOWROOM TO SHOWCASE HOME AUTOMATED BLINDS IN ACTUAL MEDIA THEMED ROOMS - CREATING A BETTER OVERALL HANDS ON EXPERIENCE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. VISIT BUDGET BLINDS AT 100-915 FORT ST. — A GLAMOUROUS LOCATION FEATURING IN-HOUSE DESIGN. YOU’LL FIND AN AMAZING SELECTION OF BRANDS AND OPTIONS ON DISPAY.

EXPERIENCE HOME AUTOMATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF MOTORIZED SMART SHADES AT BUDGET BLINDS. WITH THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY, YOU CAN LITERALLY OPERATE YOUR SHADES FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

E10 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

u o Y k n a Th . . . a i r o t c i V

Voted as Victoria and Sidney’s 0021773145 Best Flooring Store!

SUNDIAL FLOORING 5 x 152 AAA0

Flooring Store UNITED FLOORS

Serving Victoria and Sidney for over 35 years

RICK ROBINSON, CODY CAMPBELL, MATT YURICK, MORAG KELENY, TERRY YURICK AND WAYNE ANDREWS.

United floors is honoured to be voted as the #1 Flooring Store Winner in the 2019 Times Colonist Readers Choice Award. We are your #1 flooring store of choice, with some of the most experienced professionals in the business.

United Floors ensures you the best in flooring every time.

experience for over 35 years. We are a diverse company dealing with contractors and new home construction, insurance work and residential home renovations of any size.

Established in Victoria in 1984, United floors has been proudly providing superior customer service, high quality products and an enjoyable shopping

Mark Houston in Victoria Rick Robinson in Sidney

We have a large retail showroom display with a vast selection of floor coverings that includes Victoria’s largest selection of area rugs. We are your total flooring solution.

Unitedfloors.ca

Proudly Serving Victoria for 35 Years!

Hardwood - Laminate - Cork - Vinyl - Carpet - Ceramic Area Rugs - Professional Installation Services

VICTORIA

SIDNEY

3335C Oak Street

9752 Fourth Street

250-475-3811

250-655-4858

Vitamin Store THE VITAMIN SHOP

September 1984 ... let that 1980s nostalgia sink in.

Do you remember what you were doing?

0011772490 THE VITAMIN SHOP Reader's Choice Awar 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

Thirty-five years ago, Bruce Reid was opening the doors to a whole new way of shopping for vitamins and supplements. When Bruce first set up his fledgling business, The Vitamin Shop (which still operates from the original location 1212 Broad St.), what he was really doing was introducing North America to a whole new progressive retail model in the health food industry.

The secret to the success of The Vitamin Shop is manifold, but at its foundation is the commitment to honour the mission — Bruce’s vision: Offer consumers high quality, brand-name nutritional supplements at discounted prices with unparalleled customer service.

What began as a one-person operation with grit, conscientiousness and forwardthinking became the premier retail supplement outlet for Canada. The Vitamin Shop steadily grew to include a thriving mail order service, then keeping pace with technology, developed a website for online sales options.

With more than 35 dedicated employees, including certified product advisors and chartered herbalists, customers worldwide trust our product expertise and enjoy our longstanding first-rate shipping services.

An active member of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) since 1984, The Vitamin Shop has been

THE STAFF AT VICTORIA’S AWARD-WINNING VITAMIN SHOP, LOCATED AT 1212 BROAD ST.

awarded several CHFA distinctions, including The Independent Retail Shop in North America Award of Excellence and Retailer of the Year West.

In acknowledgment of his vision, business success and leadership, last year Bruce was inducted into the CHFA Hall of Fame with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Please join The Vitamin Shop in celebrating 35 years of serving you our best. canadianvitaminshop.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

E11

Insurance Agency HARBORD INSURANCE

Thanks to everyone who voted for us!

Thank you!

Harbord are humbled and thankful to have been voted Best Insurance Broker by Times Colonist readers!

We are committed to delivering an exceptional client experience to everyone, so it’s absolutely fantastic that we have been recognized!

In 2020, we promise to continue to give our 26,000+ clients awesome customer service and the best insurance rates we can. As part of our ongoing commitment to serving our clients, we will continue to invest heavily in technology that will

enable us to interact with clients in the way they want, when they want. This investment will help us streamline and automate some of our business processes, and help us to respond more quickly to client requests.

Next year, we will be adding additional on-line price comparison tools to our website, plus a self service portal for clients, to enable them to access documents 24/7.

All of our staff, including those not on the front line, continue to receive regular customer service and technology training.

This will enable us to ensure that each of our clients has a great experience

whenever they deal with us — whether they are getting a quote face-to-face at one of our locations, or on-line, making changes to their policy, paying their bill or processing their renewal.

We are investigating expanding our product line, increasing client payment options and securing more insurance markets.

Harbord is proud to support community and causes that are important to our clients, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Victoria Boys and Girls Club Services, Mustard Seed, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, the Peninsula Baseball and Softball Association and the S.P.C.A. We will continue to solicit client feedback

to ensure we carry on delighting our clients, because without them, we wouldn’t be here.

For over 70 years, we have had the privilege of serving clients across Greater Victoria, and we truly appreciate your valued support.

Our staff and management team say thanks to all those who voted for us, and for those who didn’t, please pay us a visit, or visit our website and see what all the fuss is about.

We look forward to serving new and current clients for the next 70 years. harbordinsurance.com

011773872L WESTCOAST APPLIANCE CENTRE 201 Readers Choice Award 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

E12 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

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0011775923 WESTCOAST 10 x 152 AAA0

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

E13

Voted Best Appliance Store WESTCOAST APPLIANCE GALLERY

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Hat Trick for Westcoast Appliance Gallery Thank you, Victoria, for voting for WestCoast Appliance Gallery in the 2019 Times Colonist Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Awards!

We are honoured to be the number one appliance store three years in a row, and are incredibly grateful for the local support over the last 35 years. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it without you!

When WestCoast Appliance Gallery opened 35 years ago as a used appliance store, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine it would become the largest showroom in Victoria. What makes WestCoast Appliance Gallery unique is the values we hold and how this has made our customers happy. We value trust, reliability, integrity, ownership and diversity.

We build trust by getting to know our customers; learning as much as we can about their space, budget and style is essential to finding the right appliances.

We offer a price match guarantee, so customers know they are getting the best deal.

We want to continue to be known for being reliable. No one wants an appliance to stop working unexpectedly, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we have lots of inventory in stock for when you need an appliance now. Our delivery team takes the time to remove your old appliances and install the new ones while recycling the old ones.

Integrity is essential to our business. From the start, we take the time to select only quality appliances that we know our customers will have great experiences using and look great, too. All of our staff are factory trained and have immense

knowledge about all the brands we carry.

We work with you in all stages of selecting, delivering and installing your appliances.

Taking ownership of the appliances we sell is vital to our customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peace of mind. An appliance can be a big purchase for many families who rely on their appliances to do essential everyday tasks. If something goes wrong, we want our customers to know that we are going to make it right. We are authorized dealers of the brands we carry, which means we offer repair service if something were to go wrong. We want our customers to be happy with their purchase long after they leave the store.

We value diversity and understand the best solutions are those that take into account different perspectives, ideas and cultural backgrounds. We are proud to be part of a community that helps our company be successful.

We have expanded our showroom to over 12,500 square feet, making us the largest home appliance showroom in Victoria. We are currently building the most extensive working Jennair kitchen display on the West Coast, where we will have live cooking demonstrations with professional chefs.

Our vision for the future is to continue to improve our showroom to showcase the latest trends in home and kitchen appliances. We hope to be Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one appliance store for many more years to come by listening to our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs.

Customer Reviews Ken Chipeniuk: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remarkable folks. Sourced all of our

appliances for our new house here. Great knowledge of appliances, pros and cons.

Check them out like we did. Their prices beat anyone. And their delivery and support is wonderful. Great folks to work with. You will not be disappointed. We just love how our new kitchen looks.â&#x20AC;?

Jessica Erion: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My family recently bought a new double professional fridge and standup freezer. We looked at five other stores that week, but hands-down, got the best service, selection and price from Westcoast Appliance! I thought the store had the largest selection in town. John Simpson helped us make the best choice.

Out of everyone we met while on our search for appliances, John impressed us the most. We ended up getting the matching dishwasher as well at the best price. They had the new appliances delivered in two weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over a week early. In the future, Westcoast Appliances and John Simpson in sales, are where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going for all our future appliance needs!â&#x20AC;?

Patricia Houston: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have just had a washer repaired by Chris at WestCoast Appliances and could not be happier. A company I consulted earlier told me it could not be fixed and no parts were available. Fortunately I called GE who told me to contact West Coast. They found the problem and the parts. Although it was a difficult job, Chris found a way to make it work and my machine is now working perfectly and with much less noise. It also cost less than originally quoted and I am a happy customer. I will always use this company.â&#x20AC;? westcoastappliance.ca

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We value trust, reliability, integrity, ownership and diversity.â&#x20AC;?

FRED ARAM HAS SPENT OVER 20 YEARS SPECIALIZING IN THE APPLIANCE BUSINESS. HE HAS WORKED DIRECTLY FOR SEVERAL MAJOR APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS AND PRIDES HIMSELF ON HIS INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE AND STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE BEST VALUE IN TOWN.

BYRON LOUCKS WAS BORN AND RAISED IN VICTORIA AND CONTINUES TO CALL THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY HOME. HE BELIEVES EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE BEGINS WITH THE OWNER AND EMPOWERS HIS STAFF TO EXCEL IN BRAND KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING CUSTOMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEEDS.

Re-Design Reward

011773872R WESTCOAST APPLIANCE CENTRE 201 Readers Choice Award 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

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We Service What We Sell!

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E14 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Pets: Pet Groomer GROOM THAT DOG

Oh my goodness, we won!

“I can’t begin to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone that made this possible, but the Times Colonist said I needed 700 words for this space, so bear with me ‘cause here I go.

First and foremost, I need to say a big thank you to all my clients and all the people that voted for us at Groom That Dog. Without your support, it would not have been possible for me to say without reservation when asked,” I’m living the dream.” I say thank you to those that

voted for us because with out my team of passionate people standing with me, what we do for you would not be possible, sooooo ...

Thank you, mom, most of all for all your volunteering, words of encouragement, and especially for driving the dogs of our clients who otherwise would not be able to have their furry friends looked after.

A big thank you to Cheyanne of Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning for holding, once a month, clinics in our shop to ensure your pets stay healthy as well as well groomed.

Thank you Karen, our bather, who has been with us since we opened — gosh, almost four years now! I would be remiss if I did not mention Gary, owner of the Feedbarn where we are located, for taking a chance on me and providing me with a space to do what we do, and allow our customers a one-stop doggy shop.

To my terrific tandem team of groomers, Vikki (my rock), my always amazing Jaime, and Leslie, my part-time helper and full-time mentor.

Thank you and welcome to Rivers, our

newest addition to the Groom That Dog team, who will be offering doggy discounts during her apprenticeship.

And last, but not least, thank you to my loving husband (who is actually writing this) and provides support in my endeavours.

Again — thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who made this possible.

May you and yours have a blessed new year!”

Janet Lynch, Groomthatdog groomthatdog.ca

Groom That Dog

by Janet Lynch

EXPERT DOG GROOMING • Flexible Hours 0011773368 • Pick-up/Drop off Available

GROOM THAT DOG Readers Choice 2019 10 x 152 Thank You CMYK, , Victoria and nd Saanich Peninsula! nsula!

778.977.3647 10109 McDonald Park Rd. Unit A inside the Sidney Feed Barn

www.groomthatdog.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

E15

Serving the Victoria areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Electronics needs for over 51 years the product selection and expertise to help you get the most out of your budget.

Voted Best Home Electronics Store ATLAS AUDIO VIDEO UNLIMITED

Voted three years in a row as the Times Colonist Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Award Winner for Best Home Electronics Store, Atlas Audio Video Unlimited continues to provide its legendary service to the Victoria area for over 51 years.

Although independently owned, Atlas is part of a nation-wide buying group. This allows them to be competitive with even the largest online and big box retailers, while retaining the high quality personal service

you would expect from a family owned, locally-operated store. It does not cost more to shop at Atlas.

The professional staff at Atlas are highly experienced, many of which have served in the electronics industry for decades.

Each brand and model offered by Atlas is carefully selected for a winning combination of class-leading performance, exceptional value and reliability.

Atlas offers electronics ranging from entry-level to high-end. Whether you are buying your first system or upgrading to the finest electronics, the staff at Atlas have

Careful thought has also gone into selecting the best cabling and power management products, so Atlas customers can get the premium performance from their electronics.

Atlas offers televisions, home theatres, audio components, high-performance stereos, headphones, portable electronics, wireless audio, and home automation systems. The expert technical team at Atlas can handle everything from a basic TV installation to the most complex custom and commercial systems.

For added convenience, Atlas now pays for your street parking using their Park Victoria app while shopping at in-store. They also offer free local delivery on larger items. atlasavu.ca

E16 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Art Gallery MADRONA GALLERY CONTEMPORARY AND HISTORIC CANADIAN ART

0011773750 MADRONA GALLERY Readers Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

Nicholas Bott, â&#x20AC;&#x153;West Coast Trail Sundownâ&#x20AC;?, 60 x 48 Inches, Oil on Canvas

Thank you for your vote, Victoria 7JFX 4USFFU 7JDUPSJB # $ t www.madronagallery.com

A destination for art lovers from across the country

Madrona Gallery works with a broad base of artists from around the country to exhibit excellent works that are under-represented in this region.

This includes leading contemporary artists such as Shuvinai Ashoona, Diana Thorneycroft and Sean Yelland; regional favourites like Nicholas Bott, Clayton Anderson and Meghan Hildebrand matched with local, emerging artists such as April Mackey and Morgana Wallace.

Each year holds 11 focused exhibitions.

the gallery successful,â&#x20AC;? says gallery owner Michael Warren. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From the start, we have always worked hard to make people feel welcome in the gallery and provide information in a meaningful and engaging way while showing the best artists we can find.â&#x20AC;?

Located in the heart of Downtown Victoria near the corner of View and Government Streets, the gallery also has frontage on the iconic Trounce alley.

The gallery has also established a national reputation for sourcing important historical and post-war Canadian art including major works by Emily Carr, E.J. Hughes, Tom Thompson, Members of the Group of Seven, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jack Shadbolt, Gordon Smith and Takao Tanabe and many others.

Having access on both sides of the Royal Trust Building fills the gallery with natural light and makes it feel spacious and inviting. Since Madrona Gallery was established in 2010 by Michael Warren and Theresa McFarland, they have worked to contribute to the arts community of this region and create a space that builds on Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation as an arts destination.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the combination of programming and customer service that I think makes

606 View St., T: 250-380-4660. madronagallery.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | NO APPOINTMENT | WARRANTY APPROVED

Oil Change GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE

0011774357 GREAT CANADIAN OIL THANKSCHANGE FOR VOTING US 2019 Reader's Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

VICTORIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST OIL CHANGE! VISIT THE GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE AT 2353 DOUGLAS STREET IN VICTORIA.

Happy to be of service!

Great Canadian Oil Change is a family-owned, franchised oil change company with over 70 locations across Canada. But think of us as a drive-through car maintenance shop.

We do it all â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from quick oil changes and full 21-point diagnostic checks to cleaning and replacing parts.

Thank you for voting us #1 in the Times Colonist Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards. Locally owned and operated since 2007, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find us at three locations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in Victoria, Langford and Duncan. Our new location on Millstream will open in February 2020.

WITH FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN VICTORIA LANGFORD & DUNCAN. MILLSTREAM OPENING SOON!

The Great Canadian Oil Change built their reputation based on quality workmanship, new car warranty approved products, and polite friendly customer service. We strive to be the best in the business. Plus, at all of our outlets, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive the same courteous, competent service weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re known for.

Being in your â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hood and working under

your hood is a privilege for Great Canadian Oil Change. We strive to make every customer interaction effortless and friendly. We work hard to offer the best value. And we treat you like family. Each of our Great Canadian Oil Change locations are independently owned and operated, by people like you! Family people. Working people. Communityminded people.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reassuring to know every maintenance service we perform on your vehicle is guaranteed.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the piping hot coffee we serve, the care and attention we show your vehicle, or the endless smiles and â&#x20AC;&#x153;how can we help?â&#x20AC;? attitude, GCOC is happy to be of service.

Keeping your vehicle safe and operating at its peak is what truly drives us.

The Great Canadian Oil Change supports many local charities and elementary school fundraisers around Victoria and Duncan. gcocltd.ca/about-us/our-guarantee

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

E17

DEREK FORD PHOTO

Retirement Community BERWICK RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Inspired Retirement Living SOCIAL CONNECTIONS & MAINTAINING AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE Nobody relishes the prospect of aging alone.

Unfortunately, many seniors age this way and are feeling alone in the crowd.

Loneliness is thought to act on the body in a way that is similar to chronic stress. It raises the levels of stress hormones like cortisol in the body, which impairs immune responses and contributes to inflammation, mental illness and conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

It can also result in cognitive decline.

It’s becoming increasingly evident that loneliness can negatively affect both physical and mental health, and that social connections and maintaining an active lifestyle can have incredibly positive effects on your mental and physical health.

Whether consideration of senior living community is prompted by the desire for

a lifestyle change or a health change, taking the next step to familiarize yourself with this type of communal living can be the perfect antidote to combating loneliness and isolation. Life at a Berwick retirement community is vibrant, inspiring and encouraging.

So many residents share with us that they “wish they had made the move sooner.”

Our goal is to help empower you to live your best life with us — whether that means pushing the boundaries on your fitness goals, dreaming up a new bucket list item to conquer, learning to speak a new language, learning about a new technology … the list goes on.

We recently sat down with Emily Johnson of StrongerU Senior Fitness — we are partnering with them to roll-out a brand new fitness program at all Berwick sites.

She eloquently shared the importance of

engaging the body and the brain, no matter your age.

see improvements in strength and ability similar to those of younger exercisers.”

“Brain and body are not separate. When you’re exercising, the brain needs to send and receive signals about what’s happening in order for that exercise to continue. In the most recent World Health Organization guidelines for the risk reduction of dementia, they listed physical activity interventions as the best thing you can do to stay sharp.

In a community setting like Berwick, there are endless opportunities to achieve your fitness goals, dream up new initiatives to explore and meet new people and develop friendships. Positive social connections and having a supportive friend group can prevent loneliness and increase your sense of belonging and purpose.

“Being physically active was more powerful than even brain games and apps. It’s also better than supplements that claim they support healthy brain function. Part of my mission with StrongerU Senior Fitness is to help educate caregivers, recreation and fitness professionals and even seniors on the benefits of exercise and how it’s never too late to start.

Research shows that older exercisers can

Take it from our residents when they say, “I wish I made the move sooner,” and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you wish to learn more or visit for a tour and lunch. Contact Amanda at Berwick Royal Oak at: 250-419-4012, or Linda at Berwick House at: 250-853-5492 for more information. They would love to chat with you!

Berwickretirement.com

0011773715 BERWICK INVESTMENTS LTD Choice Live yourReader's best life, the Awar Berwick way.

10 the x perception 152 of retirement living by At Berwick, we strive to change empowering our residentsCMYK, to live their best,life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living. Join one of our vibrant communities today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.

BerwickRetirement.com Proud to be BC Owned and Operated CAMPBELL RIVER | COMOX | KAMLOOPS | NANAIMO | QUALICUM BEACH VICTORIA: GORDON HEAD & ROYAL OAK

E18 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Windows VAN ISLE WINDOWS VICTORIA SHOWROOM AND FACTORY

Clearly a Winner Van Isle Windows Ltd. A Canadian Owned Company Since 1978.

manufacture right here in Victoria, our customers never have to deal with a third party.

We are proud to be a long-time local manufacturer. We have been making all of our windows and patio doors at our factory located at 404 Hillside Avenue in Victoria, supporting Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands since 1978.

They deal direct. They deal with us. The fact we are locally based also means we are connected to our communities so we can attend to our customers’ needs quickly and effectively.

We feel the key to our success is our local touch combined with our years of experience and our knowledgeable and professional employees.

From the sales order right through to the manufacturing, shipping, delivery, installation and administration — our customers are provided with top quality service and care throughout the entire process. Because we are the factory and

BEFORE

Our warranty is our guarantee of quality windows and patio doors. We are all Islanders — just like our customers. This is what our customers really love — knowing that when they trust us for their window projects, their investments support our Islands and local economy.

We are also extremely excited to announce that during this past 2019 year, we launched a new vinyl window and patio door series, and now offer both double and triple pane window options in

AFTER

patio doors, sliding windows and casement style windows.

patio doors. Many things have changed over the years.

We also created two unique ENERGY STAR products, which are high performance and are the most efficient windows on the market, as recognized and awarded by Fenestration B.C.

Our factory switched to vinyl from aluminum, and today, customers are seeking both a modern look as well as traditionally styled windows. Although white windows are still the most popular, coloured windows such as black, brown and charcoal are some of the colour trends we see today.

With all the concerns around global warming, Van Isle Windows Ltd. now has a solution for customers who want to be active participants in reducing their carbon footprint. Or for a customer who is just looking for higher energy efficiency, the new series addresses this, too.

For those who don’t know our history, the doors opened at our original location at 404 Hillside Avenue, Victoria in 1978.

In those days, we were manufacturing and installing aluminum windows and

BEFORE

As a matter of fact, we have customers who have purchased custom colours such as burgundy and forest green, as we can custom colour match for them.

Another trend we see more of today than in the past are larger windows, where customers bring the outdoors indoors.

These options are available to customers in both the home renovation and new construction markets.

AFTER

FROM THE SALES ORDER THROUGH TO MANUFACTURING, SHIPPING, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATIONS, VAN ISLE WINDOWS’ CUSTOMERS ARE PROVIDED WITH TOP QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CARE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS. ABOVE PHOTOS SHOW BEFORE AND AFTER WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENTS.

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

We are proud to employ upwards of 80 people from Victoria to Campbell River.

Limited time offer!

Every window, patio door and insulated glass unit we manufacture is custom made.

We have a team of sales consultants who specialize in home renovations and replacements, new home construction (contractors and/or homeowner builders), insulated glass units, skylights and sun-tunnels, as well as entry doors.

BUY IN DECEMBER

NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS

Many thanks to all of our customers for supporting us, both in the past, currently, and in the future.

FOR 6 MONTHS* 0011772515

Our goal is to continue being the largest window manufacturer and installer on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

We have the experience and knowledge to meet the needs of our customers. With the window and patio door changes to Energy Star qualifications in January 2020, our new window series provides our customers all the options they need.

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VAN ISLE WINDOWS LTD Voted #1 - Victoria' 8 x 190 CMYK, ,

ALL NEW QUOTES QUALIFY YOU TO ENTER TO WIN UP TO A

Visit our showrooms in Victoria, Nanaimo or Courtenay, or online at: vanislewindows.com

10,000

$

INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Also on Facebook, InstaGram and YouTube. Call us in Victoria at: 250-383-7128, or toll free: 1-800-361-2221.

Let us help you with all of your window, patio door, skylight, sun-tunnel, insulated glass unit and entry door needs.

Linda Gourlay General Manager

Chris Lamothe Sales Manager

* OAC. Some conditions apply. Limited time offer.

On installed Van Isle Windows.

P: 250.383.7128 | Visit our Showroom: 404 HillsideAve. | vanislewindows.com

E20 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

We are the champions!

Sports Footwear FRONTRUNNERS

0011773472 CHAMBERLAIN WALK HAIR C H A M BDESIGN E R L A I N WA L K H A I R Choice DESIGN Readers featu 5 x 76 CMYK, ,

Thank you

to everyone that voted placing us first in 2018 and as a finalist in 2019.

We are so grateful to have such wonderful clients.

Frontrunners Footwear was thrilled be named 2019 Canadian Independent Running Retailer of the Year at an international running conference in Austin Texas early this December.

Running specialty retailers from across the globe spent the week working on eduction and product knowledge to ensure we are offering world class service to all of our customers.

As an integral part of Vancouver Island’s health and wellness community, Frontrunners is committed to helping the community by organizing and sponsoring many events, including the Oak Bay Half Marathon, Victoria Marathon, Vancouver Island Trail

Running Series, Vancouver Island Race Series, and many more, as well as supporting numerous charitable foundations and athletic associations.

When you come into Frontrunners, we strive to create a unique experience, right from when you walk in the door and are greeted by our amazing staff, to the more than 30 years of running sports memorabilia throughout the store.

We want to ensure that every customer has a positive experience and we make a difference in our community. It is our goal at Frontrunners to make a positive change in our community and with every customer that walks through our doors.

We are locally owned and community driven. frontrunners.ca

THANK YOU! 0011774589 FRONTRUNNERS 10 x 152 AAA0

FOR VOTING US...

BEST Sports Footwear Store in Victoria for 2019 We want to share this win with you and help keep the community fit! Join one of our clinics and get 20% OFF, use code “weareallfrontrunners”

REGISTER NOW frontrunners.ca/clinics VICTORIA

SHELBOURNE

LANGFORD

1200 Vancouver Street 250.382.8181

3659 Shelbourne Street 250.384.4786

755 Goldstream Ave, Suite 123 250.391.7373

frontrunners.ca

*VALID UNTIL APRIL 30TH, 2020 Limit one per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

See store for details. Limited Quantities. We offer FREE SHIPPING on all North American orders over $150

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

Pizza ROMEO’S

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

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The Story of Romeo’s

Dimitri Mavrikos and his two brothers, Steve and George, came to Victoria from Vancouver with the dream of opening their own restaurant.

Their goal was to open a restaurant that offered excellent food, great service and a fun casual atmosphere.

They wanted a place that felt like home. In the summer of 1974, Romeo’s Place was created.

salads, as well as other original dishes from their homeland — Greece. Delivery and takeout proved to be extremely popular options and the local market responded enthusiastically.

Romeo’s primary focus was signature pizza and pasta from recipes and techniques that had been passed down to the family. These staples created the name for the new restaurant and helped create a passionate local following. The menus included popular local dishes such as steaks, chicken and veal, burgers and

The Mavrikos brothers opened more locations on Vancouver Island, adhering to the same philosophy that brought them success in the beginning. With the help of their growing young families and new franchisees Nick and Chris Kamaretsos, the company grew to where it is today.

The first Romeo’s opened on Hillside and was warmly embraced by the people of Victoria. An instant success — this location was joined very shortly by a second location downtown on Johnson Street — very popular for lunch and dinner and still remembered fondly for fun-filled late night meals and crowds.

There are currently five Romeo’s locations on Vancouver Island and the family is honoured and blessed to be celebrating over 46 years in the restaurant industry.

We continue to pride ourselves on offering great food and service at a reasonable price. Pizza and pasta recipes continue to stand the test of time and have garnered many awards and accolades.

It is an exciting time for the Romeo’s family as we transition into the next chapter by opening new and remodelled locations. In April of 2012, we returned to the Downtown core with our location on the corner of Blanshard and Fisgard Street. This is our biggest location.

Another exciting change has been in Broadmead Village where, after 20 years, in the spring of 2014, we relocated to the mall beside the breezeway. This brand new restaurant has earned our

customers’ loyalty and positive feedback and has exceeded our expectations.

Our Hillside location has also gone through extensive renovations and the feedback and response has been overwhelming. Our Langford location underwent of renovations and we are delighted with the new look.

All four of our Lower Island restaurants have a similar modern look and contemporary feel. It truly is an exciting time for the Romeo’s family as we continue to evolve, and as always, hope our amazing customers will remain right there with us for the ride!

Five locations to serve you: Victoria Downtown, Hillside, Duncan, Broadmead Village, and in Langford on the Westshore. romeos.ca

THANK YOU VICTORIA FOR VOTING US #1!

It’s been an honour and a privilege to be serving Victoria for over 46 years!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! From the Management and Staff at Romeo’s

VICTORIA DOWNTOWN

HILLSIDE

BROADMEAD

WESTSHORE

DUNCAN

1703 Blanshard St.

1581 Hillside Avenue

777 Royal Oak Drive

2945 Jacklin Road

180 Trans Canada Hwy

250-383-2121

250-595-0212

250-744-1177

250-474-2121

250-746-9964

romeos.ca

E22 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Raw fish ... well done!

9

8

Thank you for voting us...

0011772531 # FUJIYA JAPANESE FOODS Reader's Choice 2019 5 x 76 CMYK, ,

1 Best Sushi!

9

3624 Shelbourne Street, Victoria www.fujiya.ca 250-598-3711

Food & Dining: Sushi FUJIYA FOODS In June 1991, we opened our Fujiya store in Victoria to cater to the booming Vancouver Island market.

We’re located at 3624 Shelbourne Street, just a half block south of Cedar Hill Cross Road, and across from Shelbourne Plaza near the University of Victoria. In February 2005, we underwent a major renovation to include an updated kitchen with the goal of adding ready-to-eat foods and increasing sushi varieties.

At our Victoria Fujiya store, our shelves are filled with Japanese cuisine essentials.

Grocery shoppers may pick up miso paste, soba, udon noodles, dashi (fish-based stock), nori (seaweed) and fish from the large cooler section. We carry everything you need to prepare and serve all kinds of Japanese food, from the ingredients to the cookware to the dishes and ohashi (chopsticks).

We also carry Japanese newspapers, including the Vancouver Shinpo community paper and Asahi Shimbun American edition, magazines and videos.

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0011773148 MCCALL GARDENS FUNERAL 2019 for Readers' Choice Greater Victoria voting McCall Gardens as your 5 x 76 Readers’ Choice Funeral Home CMYK, , three years in a row!

Thank You

Whether you’re on your lunch break, off work or visiting the area, Fujiya provides the convenience and luxury of freshly made sushi and other items available to take home.

Thank you Victoria!

3624 Shelboure Street Phone: 250-598-3711 fujiya.ca

ROYAL OAK 4665 Falaise Dr.

DOWNTOWN: 1315 Cook St.

250-385-4465 mccallgardens.com

0011772534 RUSS HAYS THE BICYCLE SHOP Readers Choice 5 x 76 CMYK, ,

0011772848 MACDONALD REALTY LTD Readers Choice Award 5 x 76 CMYK, , Del Del Elgersma Elgersma and and Lianne Lianne Macdonald Macdonald founded founded Beacon Beacon Law Law Centre Centre in in 2000.

2000.

We are delighted to be voted the #1 Choice for Legal Services in Victoria for the third straight year!

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

E23

Carpet Cleaners SUNNY CARPET, FURNACE & AIR DUCT CLEANING

Thank you, Victoria, for voting us #1!

With a client list stretching from Victoria to Nanaimo and all the way to the West Coast, Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has become, during the past quarter century, a true industry leader.

But it all began on a much smaller scale.

“It began as a cleaning service, but we’ve grown over the years. Today, in addition to our main office in Victoria, we operate offices in Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni,” explained Perry Chaggar, Sunny Carpet’s founder and owner.

Launched in Victoria in 1992, Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning began its operations as a general cleaning service, with additional skills, service and technologies.

“When we started out in 1992, we were basically a janitorial service, working for

businesses and other commercial clients.

By 1996, we had added carpet cleaning to the list of things we did for our clients, and that was really the start of our company’s growth,” he explained, adding that furnace and duct cleaning services were introduced in 2000.

“From our Victoria office, we’ll go as far as Duncan, while our guy in Nanaimo will cover the area from Duncan to Parksville, depending on how busy he is,” Chaggar explained.

Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning operates a fleet of three vehicles specifically tasked with furnace and duct cleaning duties as well as six designated carpet cleaning vans.

“We never really planned for the growth — it just sort of happened as we started adding extra services.

Training and experience is another of the company’s primary assets. For example,

0011774751 SHOPPERS DRUG MART Thank you for 5 your continued x 152 support of AAA0 Shoppers Drug Mart at Royal Oak. Postal outlet now open!

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Sunny Carpet employs a team of National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) fully certified specialists for all furnace and duct cleaning.

Sunny Carpet has also become the go-to company for a number of property management firms in the region, many of which have been using their services for years.

“I’ve been able to show these companies just how different we are from other providers. For example, we never play bait and switch — we’ll never say one thing and do another. After this long, and using our systems, clients know what they will be getting and what they will pay. There’s never any sticker shock; there are no unpleasant surprises or hidden charges.

Being open, honest and upfront — that’s the only way to do business, and that’s how we’ve done business right from the start,” he said.

Having the best equipment and providing

the best service are central to long term success. For example, the company’s furnace and duct cleaning units are equipped with some of the most modern and powerful equipment in the region, while on the service side of the ledger, putting the customer first is always top priority.

“It’s all about service. If there are any complaints or problems, I take care of these personally. Besides, I still like to get out of the office and into the field. That’s what I’ve always done, and I still enjoy meeting the clients and doing the work,” he said.

Serving the region for more than 25 years, expanding from a local janitorial firm into a regional carpet, furnace and duct cleaning service, Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning looks forward to the opportunities the future has to offer. sunnycarpetductcleaning.com

THANK YOU VICTORIA! 0011774643 SUNNY CARPET 5 x#1 152 For Voting Us AAA0 Carpet Cleaning Company LOCALLY OWNED & CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF BUSINESS SERVING OUR 5 LOCATIONS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

VICTORIA

DUNCAN

250.384.7951

250.746.1888

PARKSVILLE QUALICUM

250.954.3491 250.881.1980 4440 W Saanich Rd, Victoria

NANAIMO

250.755.1128

sunnycarpetandairductcleaning.com

E24 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Gym/Fitness Facility 30 MINUTE HIT

Fast. Effective. Fun.

0011775654 30 MINUTE HIT 5 x 152 AAA0

THANK YOU VICTORIA!

“THROUGH A FAST-PACED EFFECTIVE WORKOUT AND THE SUPPORT OF A SKILLED TRAINER, 30 MINUTE HIT MEMBERS ACHIEVE THEIR DESIRED FITNESS RESULTS.”

Thank you for voting us Victoria’s #1 Fitness Facility!

Since 30 Minute Hit first opened their Victoria doors eight years ago, the main focus has been on the empowerment of women. Their goal is for all women to feel welcome, regardless of age or fitness level.

Through a fast-paced effective workout and the support of a skilled trainer, 30 Minute Hit members achieve their desired fitness results.

Designed just for women, each twominute round based on boxing, kickboxing, general self defense and core stability training keeps members challenged each and every time they come in for their workout. No matter who you are, 30 Minute Hit can deliver what you need.

Countless training options to keep things fresh and fun, amazing trainers, a community of empowered women and a safe, inspiring environment all combine to make this program the best 30

minutes of your day! They also offer a gated kids space for those busy moms, so you don’t ever have to miss a workout.

Owners Leanne Owens and Crystal Lynam are incredibly proud of the environment they have helped to cultivate at 30 Minute Hit. “To be a part of this incredible movement in society, where women are now supporting each other to gain confidence and strength in themselves, is very rewarding.”

“We have also been fortunate to attract some amazing young women to be a part of our team. Our trainers are high energy, encouraging, welcoming, and will definitely push you to achieve your fitness goals.”

There are two 30 Minute Hit locations in Victoria — one in Royal Oak and one in the Westshore. Book your free trial at either one. You won’t regret it!

Royal Oak: 778-433-8686 Westshore: 250-590-2774 30minutehit.com

0011772493 COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION Reader's Choice Awar 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

TIMES COLONIST, VICTORIA, B.C.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

– ADVERTISING FEATURE – SPECIAL FEATURE – –

WINNERS EDITION INSIDE:

Winners, Finalists and Profiles from All 106 Categories

time s colonis t .com

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Thank you Victoria for voting us as the winner in the Best Chinese Food category 0011771697 We are proud to offer the ever-popular daily tradition of exotic dim sum cuisine.

DON MEE RESTAURANT — THE HEARTBEAT CHINATOWN FOR OVER 80 YEARS — 2019 OF Readers Choice JUST LOOK FOR THE DON MEE LANTERN! 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

DON MEE

538 Fisgard St 250.383.1032 donmee.com

The heartbeat in Chinatown Thank you to all the voters who voted us the winner in the Chinese Restaurant Category in Victoria!

If you’re Downtown strolling through Victoria’s Chinatown, you cannot help but notice the luminous lantern sign that says ‘Don Mee Seafood Restaurant’.

Don Mee Restaurant has been the heartbeat in Chinatown for over 90 years, and has established a tradition of dining through generation after generation. Don Mee has been serving Victoria since1923 with traditional Cantonese and Szechuan style cuisine. They are most known for their generous variety of Dim Sum, Roasted Peking Duck and live seafood, including Dungeness crab and lobster.

Even though Dim Sum is served as small appetizers, it is a full lunch consisting an array of savoury and delicious Cantonese-style items presented on trolleys that circulate throughout the second-story dining room.

Don Mee’s Traditional Dim Sum is served 7 days a week, from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

0011772848 MACDONALD REALTY LTD Readers Choice Award 5 x 152 CMYK, , For voting Macdonald Realty a Finalist in the 2019 edition of the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards!

Celebrating 76 years of bringing people and places together.

A word of Advice Although Dim Sum is served every day, weekends are the most popular time. To avoid long line-ups, arrive before 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy the experience! donmee.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Victoria’s Favourite Golf Course (Public) CEDAR HILL GOLF COURSE

Our local youth matter at Cedar Hill Golf We believe that being a successful golf course goes beyond the rounds of golf played annually.

Our core mission includes a commitment to how we make a difference to our community. One of the efforts we’ve seen a lot of growth in recently is our Junior Golf program. This program is so popular because it combines skill development with fun and friendship.

The benefit of learning to play golf goes far beyond technical skills and includes everything from learning honesty and integrity through self-scoring, to perseverance and dedication to practice. Golf teaches respect of self, others and place as the juniors learn to care for the course and the environment around them. Golf is also wellsuited to inter-generational play and socialization — a great family activity!

The junior golf program has experienced a resurgence from the mid 2000s and is likely one of the

larger junior golf programs on the Island, and perhaps in the Province.

In 2019, Cedar Hill Golf hosted a portion of the Junior Boys and Junior Girls Zone Championships.

Junior golf has really taken off, and the 2020 program is about three-quarters full already as of December 2019. Our Junior Golf program has three divisions: SNAG (Start New at Golf) for 5-8 year olds; Bill Leutwyler Group; and High Performance Group are for ages 8 to 17 yrs. In total, there are spots for over 100 juniors to play from late March through early October. The High Performance group members also receive three private lessons over the summer and unlimited golf (some restrictions apply).

This popular program is subsidized through the Bill Leutwyler Fund and coordinated by and the District of Saanich in partnership with the Cedar Hill Golf Club.

For more information about Junior Golf, check out our website at: Saanich.ca/golf or directly contact our golf-pro, Craig Rencher at: craig.rencher@saanich.ca

0011773756 CEDAR HILL GOLF COURSE Readers Choice Award 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

Thank You for your vote!

Cedar Hill Golf Course has won the Times Colonist Readers Choice Award for the Best Public Golf Course in Victoria.

Call: 250-475-7150 | saanich.ca/golf

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timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Thank You

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For Voting us #1 SPA in Victoria 2018 & 2019

0011773919 PURE DAY SPA Reader's Choice 2019 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

Voted Best Spa PURE DAY SPA

Pure Day Spa is a Sanctuary.

And the public agrees. Pure Day Spa has been voted #1 best Spa two years running.

#121-5325 Cordova Bay Rd www.purevictoria.com | 250.590.7873

Pure Day Spa is a full service spa located in beautiful Mattick’s Farm. Their staff of friendly and licensed Estheticians cover all your spa needs. Treatments include facials for all skin types, pedicures, manicures, gel nails, waxing, lash and brow services, massage, body treatments and SharpLight Laser Treatments for hair reduction, body sculpting, skin rejuvenation, pigmentation and vascular concerns.

They invite you to visit them at beautiful Mattick’s Farm in Victoria. Renew yourself in their peaceful setting. Drift away to music and warmth as they take you to a place of pure relaxation.

Choose your favorite treatment from their list of services online at purevictoria.com and leave feeling related and rejuvenated .

Blinds and Window Coverings RUFFELL & BROWN WINDOW FASHIONS

The window fashion solutions people

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOTERS 0011771274 RUFFELL & BROWN INTERIORS LTD 2019 Readers' Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, , • • • • • • • • • • •

Faux Wood Blinds Wood Blinds Venetian Blinds Roman Shades Vertical Blinds Pleated Shades Cellular Shades Roller Blades Draperies Fabric Treatments Soft Shadings

• • • • • • • • • • •

Valances Sheers Drapery Rods Skylight Shades Solar Shades Motorization Interior Shutters Guaranteed Fit Best Price Policy Repairs & Service Installation Services

Established in 1987, Ruffell &Brown Window Fashions is Victoria’s innovative leader in the window covering industry.

• Residential • Commercial

For FREE Shop-At-Home Service call

250.384.1230 or visit www.ruffell-brown.com

1-2745 Bridge Street, Victoria Monday to Friday: 9 to 5 • Saturday: 10 to 4

Their highly trained sales team, support staff and installers are the best in the industry. Ruffell & Brown provide the expert advice you need to make the optimum decisions for your window covering investment. Their in-house repair and service department ensure they service what they sell right here in Victoria.

Being Southern Vancouver Island’s only full-service window covering company that provides a wide range of name brand manufacturers and suppliers enables them to provide the right

window covering solutions for your home, business and commercial projects at the best possible prices.

When it comes to owning a home, there are many expenses that you will have to deal with on a regular basis. But one of the things that you have almost total control over is how much you spend on energy and power each month. Ruffell & Brown will help you make changes to your window coverings to keep your utility bills down.

Arrange your free shop-at-home appointment online or call them at: 250-384-1230. Visit the large showroom to get inspired and experience all that’s available for you to make the right choices. ruffell-brown.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Voted Best Butcher FRASER ORR’S BUTCHER & DELI

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Pleased to meet you — Meat to please you!

“The very best butcher shop on the Island. Lovely good quality cuts of meat.

Delicious sausages, pies and Scottish delicacies.

It’s a warm inviting shop to enter and the staff there are wonderful.”

— Jean Johnston

Fraser Orr’s Butcher & Deli has gained a reputation for its quality meat, homemade sausages, meat pies and haggis. Voted # 1 butcher in the City, there is no doubt you will find all the classics here — Orr’s beef and pork sausages, bratwurst, Scottish slice sausage and a variety of meat pies.

baker, cooking delicious soups and the manufacturer of deli and baked goods.

“We cook the way we cook for our own families,”says Lori Orr. Lori is also head

Fraser Orr’s shop is tailored to meet the needs of everyone, from the traditional Scottish specialty food customers —

As one might expect from a renowned butcher, there’s a multitude of meat choices, from steaks to roasts, specialty cuts, chicken, pork and more. They do their best to source local and Islandgrown products, from nearby farms — to ensure the products are hormone and antibiotic free.

haggis is available year-round in many forms — to those looking for an easy-toprepare dinner for one or more people.

Deli Orr’s has 13 varieties of meals to choose from, with everything from single-serving pies, soups and steak to prepped dinner ideas available in the display case.

“It’s very convenient to grab a little something and take it home for dinner.”

Depending on the day of the week, Orr’s

offer various special items like rotisserie chicken, lasagna, Shepherds Pie, cabbage rolls, Scotch eggs and a variety of hand pies and sausage rolls and other traditional items.

There’s a daily hot lunch special available every day along with a soup of the day and a variety of grab’n go lunches, salads and snacks.

Located at 108-1931 Mt. Newton X Rd. in Saanichton. fraserorrsbutcher.com

0011773160 F&L ORR LTD Reader's Choice 2019 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

Fraser Orr has been part of the famous haggis and sausage making family, Ronald Orr & Son’s Family Butcher that has spanned 38 years in Saanichton BC and gained legions of followers. With his siblings’ support, they have resurrected their family’s famous recipes.

Lori Orr, Fraser’s Wife and Business Partner, is the head baker for Orrs, cooking delicious soup and the manufacturer of deli and baked goods.

Fraserorrsbutcher.com Tuesday-Friday 9-6 | Saturday 9-5

108-1931 Mt Newton X RD | 778-351-2280 Phone orders available

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Roofing Company IRWIN INDUSTRIES

Industry Leaders Award-winning Irwin Indusries is Vancouver Island’s favourite installer of exterior home building products.

THANK YOU!

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FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN US! 0011773427 IRWIN INDUSTRIES 2019 Reader's Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

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Proud

to have been serving the needs of Greater Victoria since 1988.

382-5154

irwin@irwinvi.com • irwinvi.com

CALL US FOR THE LAST ROOF YOU’LL EVER NEED!

Irwin Industries has been installing exterior home building products on Vancouver Island since 1988. What this means for you is the assurance of cost efficient, quality products, an excellent warranty and timely project completion.

Irwin Industries employs over 50 professional installers.

Estimates are free. You do not need to be home for an estimate, as long as Irwin’s estimators can get onto the property. Irwin provides estimates on exterior products such as gutters, downpipes, soffits, siding, gutter guards, leaf traps and steel roofs.

Why People Choose Irwin Irwin Industries installers are experienced, professional and carefully trained industry leaders.

Since 1988, Irwin Industries has installed over 10,000 miles of gutters, more than 5,000 square feet of soffit, and have served over 10,000 customers. They have more than 50 skilled employees who bring their vast body of knowledge to every job. Each employee has, on average, 10 years of experience.

Irwin Industries conducts ongoing internal training programs. Newcomers to the company are required to work with an experienced person until they feel they are ready to work on their own, regardless of their experience with other companies. This ensures they follow Irwin’s very specific professional guidelines. Many of the installers working in the business today began their careers at Irwin.

Industry Leaders Irwin Industries are leaders of the roofing industry on Vancouver Island. They custom manufacture (through Pro-Tech Exterior Products), distribute and install.

Because they manufacture and install, they see all issues first-hand, and are able to deal with them immediately.

No other company on Vancouver Island offers the same full range of products and institutes the staff training that Irwin does. Basically, they specialize in the hard stuff. Why would anyone in their right mind specialize in difficult projects?

The construction industry is constantly changing and evolving. What is common practice today may be completely different tomorrow. Irwin wants to be on the cutting edge of the industry, not just waiting for someone else to work out solutions to issues that may arise in the industry.

Irwin Industries participates in the formulation of industry standards and policies through their participation in a number of industry organizations.

Professional and Accountable BBB accredited, Irwin Industries are members of industry organizations who enforce standards of practice, including the Vancouver Island Construction Association, Canadian Homebuilders Association, ROMS BC and BC Construction Safety Alliance.

Not just someone on the end of a cell phone, Irwin Industries has an office, a factory, and a full staff. They are committed to the business. Your home will be serviced as promised — without exception. irwinvi.com

Shoe Store BAGGINS SHOES

A dazzling collection Baggins Shoes, an iconic shoe store in Downtown Victoria, is known for carrying the most dazzling collection of Converse, Vans and Dr. Martens in the world.

This year marks their 50th anniversary.

Baggins claims their success is due to the support of their amazing customers and staff over the past half-century.

0011772494 BAGGINS Readers Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

This year, Baggins is proud to claim their title as Best Shoe Store in Victoria in the Times Colonist Reader’s Choice Awards!

If you’ve ever visited Baggins, you’ll know it’s truly one of a kind. When you step through their door, you’re greeted by a rainbow of thousands of shoes and their team’s smiling faces. There’s something for everyone — from a tiny infant size one to a whopping men’s size 17 — Baggins has your perfect pair. Whether you’re into the classics like Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, or something a little funkier like a pair of Vans with flames across the sides, they’ve got you covered.

How did Baggins flourish into the company it is today? It all began in 1969 at the height of the psychedelic era. Glen

Lynch, founder and owner, was 19 years old when he opened Baggins’ doors.

What started as a place to find posters, incense, candles, and smoking paraphernalia slowly transformed into a destination for those passionate about footwear, providing the biggest and best selection of Converse and Vans in the world.

In 2018, Baggins brought in Dr. Martens — an amazing addition to their already jaw-dropping selection. Most recently, Director Tara Savrtka became a partowner. Tara’s efforts have played a huge role in pushing Baggins forward while staying true to the core of the original business — the one Victorians and visitors have grown to know and love.

Baggins is thrilled to boast a hugely unique Custom Printshop where they’re able to work with customers to create incredible one-of-a-kind custom printed shoes. You can print almost anything on your canvas hi-tops, low-tops or slip-ons!

This is one of the only shops in North America that is able to customize shoes in this way — the Baggins team of designers is waiting patiently to see what you can dream up! bagginsshoes.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

F7

Shopping Mall MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE

Victoria’s favourite shopping centre — three years in a row!

On behalf of the staff and retailers at Mayfair Shopping Centre, thank you for voting us Victoria’s No. 1 shopping mall in the Times Colonist Reader’s Choice Award for the third year in a row. It’s an award that means so much to us because it comes from you — our customers.

The Brands You Love Our recent expansion means more stores, more choices and more ways to take care of everyone on your shopping list, including yourself! We now have 120 stores to serve you, with a broad mix of local, national and international retailers that carry all of your favourite brands. We’re especially pleased to welcome our newest stores: Indigo, Sport Chek, Saje, Nespresso, Lush, Melanie Lyne, Bikini Village, Mountain Warehouse,

Lululemon Pop-Up, Polished Perfect and Flux & Stone.

Celebrate Your Style Whether it’s for a workday, weekend or a night on the town, we have everything to help you look and feel your best. Want to explore and enhance your own personal style? With a $20-donation to Bridges for Women, you can experience a two-hour Personal Style Session with our professional stylist, Jodi Bryans. It’s a great way to pamper yourself while also benefitting local women in need. All sessions include a complimentary one-hour beauty consultation at Sephora.

To help you celebrate your inner and outer beauty, we also offer a series of workshops throughout the year called A Stylish Life Series. These workshops focus on helping our guests define and celebrate their own original style in all aspects of their life such as wellness,

beauty, fashion and entertainment. Check out mayfairshoppingcentre.com for details about upcoming events or to sign up for our e-newsletter.

Improve Your Shopping Experience At Mayfair, we know that little things can make a big difference, so we offer a wide range of services to make your shopping experience a little bit easier and a lot more fun. Our guest services include coat & parcel check, baby supplies, complimentary gift wrapping, text concierge and portable phone chargers to name a few.

All of us at Mayfair are extremely grateful for your continued support and your business. We wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to serving you in the weeks and years ahead. mayfairshoppingcentre.com

0011772925 MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE LTD PA 2019 Readers Choice 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

F8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Five 2019 Readers Choice Awards!

BEST BREAKFAST BEST BRUNCH BEST FINE DINING BEST RESTAURANT PATIO PIZZA FINALIST

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

When it comes to Victoria’s restaurant scene, the Fireside Grill restaurant is an iconic favourite.

Not just good, but FABULOUS!

Nestled amongst meticulously maintained gardens and a grove of Gary Oak trees, the Fireside Grill offers old world elegance with new world flair, extensive wine and beverage selections, and a unique ambience featuring several indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

The Fireside Grill prides itself in offering a dining experience that is sophisticated, yet approachable. Meals are served with friendly service, quality and locally sourced ingredients.

0011733570 FIRESIDE GRILL Readers Choice Award 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

THANK YOU! Fireside Grill is proud to be voted the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Award Winner in 5 categories:

BEST FINE DINING BEST BREAKFAST BEST BRUNCH BEST PATIO BEST HAPPY HOUR WEEKEND BRUNCH | LUNCH | DINNER | LOUNGE Open 7 days a week – Plenty of FREE parking 4509 W. Saanich Rd, Victoria Ph: 250.479.1222

FIRESIDEGRILL.COM

“We truly believe that success can be found when you invest in all things local,” says owner Tim Petropoulos.

“We’ve always loved the local Farm to Table approach to food and ingredients.

And we appreciate and support our community. With so many wonderful restaurants in Victoria, we approach our food and service in a manner that sets us apart.”

Community and family have always been important to Petropoulos, whose own children work at the Fireside Grill. “We truly believe that in order to be successful on the Island, you must invest in all things local and care about your staff and your customers.”

Whether it’s the seasonal three course Farm to Table dinner menu — eaten in the dining room and paired with a nice glass of wine, the signature Fireside Burger — topped with truffle crab, as you sit by one of the fireplaces nursing a

pint, or a series of small shareable plates enjoyed in the lounge or on one of the patios with a cocktail. There is something to please everyone.

Known for their extensive ‘All You Can Eat’ Sunday brunch buffet, Fireside Grill has been honoured for the past three years to win ‘Best Brunch’ and have also been awarded ‘Best Fine Dining’, ‘Best Patio’ and ‘Best Happy Hour’! The latest addition of a Saturday breakfast menu brought in many votes for best breakfast, making Fireside the humbled winner of five 2019 Readers Choice Awards.

“Thank you to our staff for working hard and sharing our vision, and to our amazing customers for supporting us and choosing the Fireside as one of their favourite places to dine.”

Centrally located and only 10 minutes from the Downtown core, this lovingly restored Tudor-style heritage home is in a league of its own. Open year-round for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Fireside Grill is the perfect venue for your next romantic meal, group gathering or private party.

Featuring three indoor reception settings and a spectacular outdoor setting, the Fireside Grill provides picturesque settings and breathtaking photographic opportunities, assorted wedding packages, and outstanding hospitality service to host your events.

Visit the Fireside Grill at 4509 West Saanich Rd. in Victoria, and see their menus at: firesidegrill.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

F9

Lighting Store MCLAREN LIGHTING

Thank you Victoria!

Mclaren Lighting: The Leaders in LED

With over 5,000 items on display, and home to Canada’s largest LED inventory, Mclaren’s selection is unmatched.

Mclaren Lighting is a family owned and operated lighting showroom committed to ensuring their customers never get left in the dark.

They work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you the best pricing and service.

For over 60 years, Mclaren Lighting has been serving the communities and people on Vancouver Island.

For three years running, Mclaren Lighting has been recognized in the Readers Choice Awards as Victoria’s favourite Lighting Store.

consultants have made lighting their career, making Mclarens the leader in the lighting industry. They cover every aspect of lighting and design, from commercial to residential. They can work with any project, any renovation and any budget.

Generations of Lighting Experience

Make the Switch to LED

There are three generations of expertise standing behind the Mclaren promise, to bring you the best service, pricing and selection available.

LED is the new standard for lighting and fixtures in commercial and residential applications. LED technology allows for design styles and looks that were once impossible to create.

The staff and certified ALA lighting

Use the online LED savings calculator on Mclaren’s website and crunch the numbers for yourself. Find out how you can save money and the environment.

Visit the Showrooms You’ll find Mclaren Lighting in Victoria at 3400 Douglas Street, at the corner of Douglas and Boleskine Roads.

The Nanaimo lighting showroom is located at 2520 Bowen Road in the Nanaimo Home Centre. mclarenlighting.com

BOXING WEEK SALE SALE STARTS DEC 26–31 100’S of items have been brought in for this sale!

DOOR CRASHERS!

LED

10” 16W

LED

Ceiling Mount also available in black REG $66

KUZCO CORDLESS LAMP with USB Charging 7 HOUR Battery Life! *

SALE $29

$59 VALUE

ANY ORDER FREE* WITH OVER $250!

MAXIMUM 6 PER CUSTOMER

LED

REG $467

SALE $99

All

LED

REG $610

REG $846

SALE $99

SALE $99

0011773176 MCLAREN ELECTRIC 2019 Readers Choice 10 x 152 Regular Priced CMYK,Lamps ,

REG $310

REG $225

SALE $69

SALE $29

20% Off

LED REG $629

SALE $99

REG $289

REG $150

REG $200

REG $204

SALE $69

SALE $49

SALE $49

SALE $69

VICTORIA

NANAIMO

HOURS

3400 DOUGLAS ST 250.475.2561 1.800.300.5939

2520 BOWEN RD 250.758.0138 1.800.665.4448

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30 - 5:30 SATURDAY 9:00 - 5:00 SUNDAY CLOSED MCLAREN LIGHTING CAN LIMIT QUANTITIES

F10 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Thank you for your support.

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Real Estate Brokerage SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL

Thank you for voting for Sotheby’s as one of the Best Real Estate Brokerages

0011773767 SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Readers Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

Connect with us in 2020 Victoria — 250.380.3933 752 Douglas Street, Victoria

Oak Bay — 250.592.1042 2185 Theatre Lane, Victoria

Salt Spring — 250.537.1778 120 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island

sothebysrealty.ca Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Featured listing: MLS 416036

For those who seek an exceptional life.

Luxury is an experience, not a price point.

At Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, our commitment is unwavering — we deliver exemplary marketing and service to every client, regardless of the home’s size, neighbourhood or price point.

Sotheby’s International Realty has earned the distinction of being the number one most trusted brand in residential real estate today. Our reputation reflects our commitment to exemplary service, and to expand a global marketing network that lifts the visibility of our clients’ homes.

Our exceptional investment in reaching qualified buyers locally, nationally and internationally ensures the maximum return on the homes we represent.

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada has been privileged to represent some of the most extraordinary properties in the Greater Victoria area, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Island through our offices in downtown Victoria, Oak Bay and Salt Spring Island. We celebrated a significant sales milestone in the Greater Victoria Area with the highest recorded sale in 2019 in Sooke.

With offices in over 32 residential and resort markets nationwide, and a global affiliate sales network of over 1000 sales offices in 71 countries and territories, we continue to lead the industry in providing exposure to every property we represent on a premier, global digital and publications network across every price range. sothebysrealty.ca

Island Resort THE BEACH CLUB RESORT

Romance at the Beach Club When you’re on Vancouver Island with someone special, the raw beauty is something to behold; you might as well set your emails to auto-reply.

The stories you’ll want to tell friends and relatives can wait.

0011771706 THE BEACH CLUB RESORT Reader's Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

Now’s your chance to write stories you’ll never tell a soul, and some of the best ones start with these hand-picked romantic things to do for couples at The Beach Club Resort — the 2019 winner of the Island’s top resort by Victoria’s Times Colonist readers.

Sunrise in Your Robe Start your day with a beautiful sunrise.

Waking up to find the tide in or out makes for a perfect backdrop as you contemplate your day over a cappuccino on your room’s private deck.

For the Adventurous Couple: Kayak or SUP

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST VANCOUVER ISLAND RESORT TO SAY THANKS, WE’RE GIVING READERS

20% OFF MID-WEEK STAYS * BOOK WITH CODE TIMESCOLONIST 1.888.760.2008 BEACHCLUBBC.COM *

For stays until March 31, 2020. Book by January 31, 2020. Some blackout dates apply.

If adrenaline is a key ingredient in your relationship, take each other out on the relatively calm waters of the Salish Sea and explore the serene beachfront — all the way down to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. The Beach Club Resort, in

fact, offers all kinds of equipment to make sure guests are out enjoying the fresh air.

Romantic Restaurant Fair warning that your usual date night spot back home might lose a little magic after a romantic dinner at Pacific Prime in The Beach Club Resort. In addition to the best steaks in town, executive chef Rick Davidson offers tastes of local delicacies, and the sommeliers will be sure to introduce you to a memorable vintage from the wine cellar.

Go for a Nighttime Stroll Not everything needs to be planned.

After dinner and a drink, go for a walk on the boardwalk and let the finer points of your itinerary find themselves in the moment. Leave your shoes and get your feet wet. Wherever the evening takes you, don’t forget to look up. The stargazing in Parksville is truly unbelievable and the online hotel concierge provides an app to identify that night’s constellations.

Wherever your romantic Island adventure takes you, The Beach Club Resort will be waiting for you at the centre of it all.

Whatever your needs, the friendly resort staff are on hand to help make your romantic getaway on Vancouver Island more memorable. beachclubbc.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Law Office SITKA LAW Thank you, Victoria, for voting Sitka Law Group as one of the top three law firms in the City for 2018 and 2019! It is an honour to serve our clients and we look forward to continuing to serve the community in 2020.

Client feedback says it all We appreciate the feedback that our clients have provided …

“It was a great experience dealing with Sitka Law. Through a bad experience in a car accident, I was treated with kindness and understanding. Sitka Law was overall a great company to deal with. Thank you!”

“Without a doubt, Sitka Law is the best. Our entire family has been looked after for many needs. Trust, compassion, caring and confidentiality — it doesn’t get any better than this ...”

“The office was so friendly; we got a chance to meet with other partners and staff despite their busy day. It would appear they foster a team approach and do things a bit differently than other law firms. If you are reading this, just reach out and you’ll know what I’m talking about.”

“I cannot express my gratitude enough for everyone at this firm. You are all some of the most considerate, intelligent and hardworking individuals I have come across.

I’m so pleased with the time and energy our lawyer took in not only knowing the legal

matter, but the client as well. I knew I was being heard every step of the way. Thank you for taking such complicated concepts and explaining them with ease, for the knowledgeable advice, and for everything else in between.”

“Super helpful and knowledgeable; knew exactly what I needed and made the process easy and painless. They went out of their way to help me. Thank you!”

“We love Sitka! They were so helpful and insightful when starting our business from the ground up. We’d highly recommend to anyone!”

“I had a wonderful experience working with this firm. They were knowledgeable, available, experienced and very pleasant.

They truly went above and beyond. I would recommend them to anyone!”

“We used Sitka Law for the purchase of our home. We found them to be incredibly knowledgeable and helpful through this daunting process. Our first purchase wouldn’t have went so well without the advice and guidance of both our lawyer and the

wonderful staff. Would absolutely recommend Sitka Law to our friends and family.”

“We enjoyed dealing with Sitka Law. Our life is easier with professionals who act on our behalf and defend our interests. Sitka is a place where we are taken care of as clients and they go above and beyond to help.”

“My family physician referred me to Sitka law group after my car accident. I had been trying to deal with ICBC myself and it was proving very difficult. I truly felt my lawyer cared and was looking out for my best interests. I trusted my lawyer completely, and because of this experience, I will not hesitate to use Sitka Law Group in the future for any other needs.

Thanks!”

“The whole team there is extremely knowledgeable, young and full of energy to keep the subject of law that little bit more exciting! Thanks for all your help, guys. I would recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance.” sitkalaw.ca

Thank You Victoria!

SITKA LAW GROUP 0011772744 SITKA LAW GROUP Readers Choice Award 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

202 – 3750 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, B.C. 778-265-2677 sitkalaw.ca

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F12 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Best Hamburger BIN 4 BURGER LOUNGE

THANK YOU VICTORIA! 0011773766

“They’re about what you put on it, in it, next to it and what you wash it down with.”

BIN 4 BURGER LOUNGE Readers Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

“You Gotta Eat Here!”

Bin 4 Burger Lounge opened their first location in November 2011 at 180-911 Yates Street in Downtown Victoria.

Thank You

to our valued clients.

0011773524 NEWPORT REALTY Realfeatu Estate Readers Choice Brokerage 5 x 76 CMYK, ,

NewportRealty.com

Bin 4 Burger Lounge contemporizes the classic burger, making it gourmet with fresh ingredients, toppings and sides.

Burgers are no longer only about the beef. They’re about what you put on it, in it, next to it and what you wash it down with.

Enjoy a cold pint from a local craft brewery, savour a glass of vino from the feature wine list, and try one of our refreshing cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices and house-made syrups.

Bin 4 is locally owned and operated, with a menu that features fresh, local ingredients, house-made sauces and ethically raised, hormone-free meats.

We choose to support local whenever possible, whether it’s the buns or the coffee. Playing with a diverse range of flavour combinations and with a focus on freshness, taste and quality, Bin 4 aims to modernize the ever-so-popular burger. Catering to all ages and tastes, the menu extends beyond burgers and even incorporates gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Bin 4 began with three burger-lovers and friends who envisioned a new kind of restaurant – a burger joint serving only the classic gastronomic icon – with a gourmet touch.

The People Behind Bin 4 Sarah Blackmore: Sarah studied hospitality with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. A couple years later, she met Dan, and Bin 4 Burger Lounge was born. Restaurants, marriage and a baby came next. Profit Guide named Sarah one of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs.

Dan Blackmore: Dan began his career in the restaurant industry over 30 years ago as a dishwasher at The Keg in Victoria, owned by none other than his parents.

He went on to manage and own several local restaurants. His wealth of knowledge and high standards have grown Bin 4 Burger Lounge culture into what it is today.

Michael Ringland: A Red Seal Chef for over 15 years, Mike boasts an extensive range of experience from hotels and local restaurants to private chef positions.

Former executive chef to NHL star Russ Courtnall, Mike’s mouth-watering recipes have been featured on The Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here.”

Monthly Features Each month, Bin 4 thinks up a new burger to tease your taste buds – complete with a feature appetizer, drink and dessert. bin4burgerlounge.com Westshore: 102-716 Goldstream Ave. Downtown: 180-911 Yates St. Saanich: 100-3271 Maple St. Vancouver: 2996 Granville St. Kelowna: 1616 Powick Rd. Nanaimo: (opening spring 2020) 102A-6750 Island Hwy

0011775417 FLOWER AFFAIRS 5 x 76 We want to thank our loyal customers for the last 20 years and look forward AAA0 to meeting new ones in the coming year.

Serving Victoria, Saanich, Sidney & areas

250.479.8166 ❊ 107-4430 W. Saanich Rd. ❊ floweraffairs.net

THE PEOPLE BEHIND BIN 4: MICHAEL RINGLAND, A RED SEAL CHEF FOR OVER 15 YEARS; DAN BLACKMORE, WHO HAS 30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY; AND SARAH BLACKMORE, RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF CANADA’S TOP FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS.

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

F13

Jewellery Store PAUL MARA JEWELLERY

Passion led us here.

“Passion led us here.” That’s what the owners and staff at Paul Mara Jewellers say, “with a passion for jewellery and an exceptional commitment to customer service.”

Paul Mara Jewellers, a local family-owned jewellery store located in Downtown Victoria, takes pride in what they offer their clients.

Many of their clients are increasingly concerned with sustainability and responsibly sourced jewellery. Paul Mara Jewellers share those values and are truly passionate about all things diamond. They appreciate the romance and rarity of a mined diamond, ethically sourced and borne from nature, and formed over thousands of years.

They also understand the unique benefits of lab grown

diamonds which offer their clients excellent value.

Many feel these are a more environmentally-friendly and a socially responsible choice. Paul Mara Jewellers offer diamond alternatives such as moissanite and white sapphires, and feel it is important to explain the differences and show their clients the options.

When two people come together to make a commitment to each other, the staff at Paul Mara Jewellers enjoy being a part of their love story. They understand that finding the perfect engagement ring isn’t easy, and their experienced team is there to help.

They carry an exquisite collection of carefully selected diamond engagement rings. You can choose from classic and contemporary styles, clean and intricate designs — there are engagement rings to suit every taste and budget.

There’s even a collection of engagement rings that allow you to customize stone shapes, sizes and metals.

Looking for a unique, customized piece that’s meaningful, makes a statement and stands out in a crowd? Paul Mara Jewellers are passionate about designing custom jewellery. Clients can participate in the process with the latest CAD technology. Here, you can create beautiful jewellery pieces that tell your story, reflects who you are, and that are distinctly yours — alongside a professional jewellery designer.

With all the options available at Paul Mara Jewellers, you don’t have to wait to get engaged. You can start the next chapter of your love story and begin experiencing the world together! Visit them today. paulmarajewellers.com

0011772492 PAUL MARA JEWELLERS Reader's Choice Awar 10 x 152 CMYK, ,

F14 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Property Management NEWPORT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

The team you can rely on.

0011773502 All of us at Newport Property Management NEWPORT PROPERTY want to thankREALTY everyone for recognizing us.

We love what we’re doing: keeping our residential MANAGE and commercial landlords and tenants well served.

Readers Choice featu We wish everyone a happy and successful Year in 2020!

5New x 152 CMYK, , PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Newport Property Management has the solutions to your property management needs. We have spent nearly three decades establishing a reputation for superior client service, reliable knowledge of the rental market and impeccable business practices.

Our unique position as a boutique brokerage allows us to focus exclusively on the needs of our clients in Victoria.

We are never more than a phone call away, with staff in the office six days a week, and the attentive, personal relationship you would expect with the team managing your investment property.

To put it simply, we provide peace of mind.

Management Highlights > Proven strategy to attract ideal tenants > Professional managers licensed by RECBC > Regular professional inspections of your property > Keeping your expenses under control > Emergency service available 24/7 > Transparent monthly financial statements > Collecting rents on time > Responsible enforcement of tenancy agreements > Keeping you up to date with current tenancy legislation Newport Property Management Ltd. 2045 Cadboro Bay Rd., Victoria Tel. 250-598-2220 info@newportrentals.ca newportrentals.ca

To put it simply, we provide peace of mind.

2045 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC Phone 250 598 2220 info@newportrentals.ca www.newportrentals.ca

THE TEAM YOU CAN RELY ON!

Island Winery BLUE GROUSE ESTATE WINERY THE HEART OF

Cowichan Wine Country

0011771205 BLUE GROUSE ESTATE WINERY LTD Readers Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

Thank You We are so grateful to the local public for voting for us!

BLUEGROUSE.CA

@BLUEGROUSEWINES

2182 LAKESIDE ROAD, DUNCAN, BC

In the heart of Vancouver Island is Blue Grouse Estate Winery, a family-owned Cowichan Valley favourite.

In 2012, when Paul Brunner and his family took over the pioneering Blue Grouse Estate Winery on Vancouver Island, they could not have predicted what they would undertake over the next seven years. Investments include major upgrades to the winery and property, going organic, and now, this year, the evolution of Blue Grouse included a label refresh.

Sustainably farmed and award-winning, the winery and surrounding vineyards are a sought-after destination, not only for sampling the award-winning portfolio of Estate and Quill branded wines, but also for events, picnics and family adventures.

Visit and pass by a pond with birds, tadpoles and beehives in the background as you approach the winery. A bright, airy and sustainably-constructed tasting room opens onto a sun-drenched patio — the perfect spot for charcuterie and a glass of rosé.

In winter, much-loved weekend

favourites are “Soup Saturdays” and also the occasional special Sunday brunch.

The mezzanine and its’ romantic views make Blue Grouse an essential stop in your Cowichan Valley visit, while the surrounding vineyards offer the perfect setting for weddings and special events.

Make a stay of it with luxurious vineyardsurrounded accommodation in the Grouse House — open year-round.

The estate-grown wines are made by winemaker Bailey Williamson from transitional-organic vineyards, and a second label, Quill, incorporates Island and Okanagan fruit. Varietal wines include Ortega, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, and a traditional method sparkling wine, “Paula”, named after winery owners Paul and Cristina Brunner’s daughter.

The wines are bright, crisp, and wellbalanced, showcasing where they are grown.

Selling out vintage over vintage, the wines are celebrated with awards and positive critical acclaim. Taste and see why this biodiverse, progressive, ecoconscious winery is the Island’s rising star. bluegrouse.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Furniture Store MUSE & MERCHANT

F15

Furniture Store SCANDESIGNS

The furniture store of choice ScanDesigns is honoured to be voted the winner of the 2019 Times Colonist Readers Choice Awards as your furniture store of choice.

Sophistocated and unique home decor Muse & Merchant opened their doors in Langford seven years ago on the premise of providing customers with a unique and sophisticated collection of home decor. Today, there are five locations to serve British Colombians, including Victoria, Nanaimo, Coquitlam, Langley and Kelowna.

Our inspiring collections will help create a look for your home that is uniquely yours. Specializing in an eclectic blend of styles to furnish every room of your home — everything from sumptuous fabrics and leather seating to a vast selection of tables, chairs, beds, accessories and more.

Made in B.C. sofas and love seats are available in a choice of hundreds of modern and classic fabrics.

Many pieces of furniture make use of sustainable woods and reclaimed

materials. As well a carrying the best in eco-chic furniture that the industry has to offer, you’ll find tables made from reclaimed elm wood, salvaged from old buildings in China, collections created from the wood of boats from Indonesia, and accent pieces fashioned from recycled metals.

Our emphasis will always be on style rather than trend – trends pass and style lasts forever. This is the Muse & Merchant Signature.

The dramatic Monkey Pod and Acacia Live Edge Collections consist of dining tables, consoles, coffee tables, desks and accessories. These stunning and one-of-a-kind pieces are made using sustainably sourced Monkey Pod and Acacia wood from family-owned mills.

The rich contours of live edge lends a natural sculptural quality to the pieces that also double as pieces of art.

We are a 100 per cent B.C .owned company. Our roots are Scandinavian modern (teak and rosewood furniture), but as time evolved, our focus has become contemporary modern furniture.

For over 11 years, our home has been a spacious 35,000 square foot building situated in Millstream Village in Langford with plenty of parking. We share the space in the building with our sister company, Muse & Merchant, which specializes in an eclectic blend of styles to furnish every room of your home. In addition to our Langford location, we operate stores in Nanaimo, Coquitlam, Richmond, Langley and Kelowna.

We are a one-stop furniture store with all the furniture you would need for your living room, dining room, bedrooms and

0011772951 SCAN DESIGNS (1983) LTD DBA THANK YOU VICTORIA FOR VOTING 2019 Readers Choice MUSE & MERCHANT A FINALIST AS VICTORIA’S FURNITURE STORE! 5 x 152 CMYK, , Whether you’re staying up late with a good book, sleeping in ‘til noon or snuggling under the covers, do it in a bed you love.

661 McCallum Road (Millstream Village) Langford • 250 474 3433 VICTORIA • COQUITLAM • LANGLEY • KELOWNA • NANAIMO

In the past 30 years, ScanDesigns has had the privilege of being a retailer of the world famous Norwegian line of furniture

by Ekornes. Today, ScanDesigns hold the distinction of being Canada’s largest Stressless retailer of this unsurpassed quality product. All Stressless models have one common trait and that is quality and comfort. Visit our showroom to test drive your chair today.

Again, our staff and management would like to say thanks to those who voted for us as their furniture store of choice, and to those that didn’t, our name may sound Scandinavian and expensive, but that is far from the truth.

Visit our showroom and you will be amazed at the selection, prices and value. We look forward to serving new and past customers alike in the very near future. scandesigns.com

Visit Muse & Merchant to see the amazing in-store collections. Located at 661 McCallum Rd. in the Millstream Village in Langford. Ph: 250-474-3433. museandmerchant.com

“ESCAPE THE ORDINARY”

For a truly inspirational, unique and enjoyable experience, shop in our friendly, relaxed store atmosphere. The showroom is setup in room settings for an easier shopping experience. Our mix and match allows you to fit your room and decor, and therefore dining tables, chairs and china cabinets are all sold separately, as are our beds, dressers and mattresses. For your kitchen counter, we carry a generous selection of bar and counter stools in wood and metal.

THANK YOU VICTORIA

Muse & Merchant is a 100 per cent B.C. owned and operated company, and is the newest addition to the ScanDesigns group of companies.

Since 1984, ScanDesigns has been serving Vancouver Island and providing quality urniture to its many loyal customers.

office. Our strength is our knowledgeable experienced sales staff, selection of quality furniture, and our superb in-house delivery service.

0011772936 SCAN DESIGNS 1983 LTD ...FOR VOTING SCANDESIGNS THE WINNER AS VICTORIA’S 2019 Readers Choice BEST FURNITURE STORE 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

661 McCallum Road (Millstream Village) LANGFORD

250.475.2233

scandesigns.com

VICTORIA-COQUITLAM-RICHMOND-LANGLEY-KELOWNA-NANAIMO

F16 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Liquor store VESSEL LIQUOR STORE

Since opening the doors in December 2015, Vessel has made it their focus to serve the needs of the community — both their local community, and the wine / beer / spirits / cider community of Victoria.

In addition to stocking the core products that their local neighbours rely on, Vessel offers a complete selection of quality products from around the corner and around the globe, and strive to provide outstanding service and value to each customer.

Managing Partner and founder Ross

City’s best curated wine selection

Borland built the business plan around this goal. “We opened the store to fill a niche in Victoria. We couldn’t find a place where people passionate about drink culture could collaborate, learn and purchase interesting products at a fair price.”

Along with the city’s best curated wine selection, Vessel is home to Victoria’s largest selection of individual craft beers.

According to Beer Program Manager Paul Smith, “the essence of craft beer is experimentation, and our craft beer program allows customers to mix and match different producers and different styles without having to purchase a four- or six-pack”.

Vessel is also a one-stop shop for the

CHEERS TO VESSEL, VOTED VICTORIA’S THREE YEARS IN A ROW!

0011772834 VESSEL LIQUOR STORE LTD Readers Choice Award 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

amateur or professional bartender to seek out the gear they need, including shakers, glassware, ice cube trays, bitters and syrups.

store. Sharon McLean, Vessel’s education director and one of Canada’s leading wine educators, oversees a busy schedule of classes in the space.

The importance of an educated staff can never be underestimated. Vessel’s staff has achieved a minimum of Level Two certification in the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, provided by Vessel, and the company funds ongoing beverage education for their team.

There are classes aimed at everyone, from the beginner up to professional master classes, and from local beer to cocktails to wine. The updated calendar is on the Vessel website and Facebook page, and gift certificates for classes are a popular sale.

“We hire only people that share the passion, unpretentiously, for wine, beer, spirits and cider that we do,” Borland notes. The arrangement is aided by The Cru’s Nest — the classroom above the

Notes Borland, “It’s a rewarding feeling, helping grow beverage culture in this city, and seeing firsthand, the enthusiastic response.” vesselliquor.com

0011773163 VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC Readers Choice Award 5 x 76 CMYK, ,

GLAD YOU’RE

HOOKED

ON US!

0011773453 ISLAND OUTFITTERS LTD 2019 Readers' Choice FOR YOUR VOTES AND THANK YOU SHOPPING LOCALLY! 5 x 76 fishingvict CMYK, , oria.com

3319 Douglas St. 250-475-4969

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Bookstores BOLEN BOOKS

Auto Repair JOHN’S AUTO BODY & PAINT

Victoria’s Favourite Bookstore

Voted #1 Auto Body Repair

It’s no secret that the last 40 years have seen the book industry grow and change in dramatic ways, and Bolen Books has grown and changed along with it.

IN VICTORIA FOR 2018 & 2019!

Since we first opened our doors in the winter of 1975, the store has moved through four different locations within Victoria’s Hillside Centre, and grown by over 10,000 square feet, arriving at its current location — featuring an independent storefront and two mall entrances — in 1996. In 2013, a dramatic renovation saw our decor modernized leading up to our fourth decade of operations.

Now at almost 20,000 square feet, Bolen Books is the largest single-location independent bookstore in Western Canada. We are a general interest bookstore with large sections dedicated to kids’ books, science fiction, cooking, travel, fiction and mystery. On our shelves are an ever-changing assortment of over 30,000 titles by some of today’s biggest authors, as well as up-and-coming names, and self published authors from Canada and around the world.

But our store doesn’t stop at the books!

We also boast one of Victoria’s most popular selections of puzzles and board games. Our carefully selected non-book items come from local distributors as well as national and international wholesalers, providing the best possible selection for our customers.

Bolen Books is pleased that Victorians have recognized our hard work and demand for excellence by regularly voting us the #1 bookstore in the city. We have

also been nominated Bookseller of the Year by the Canadian Booksellers Association multiple times, and are proud to say we won the award twice.

Our author signings and readings are nationally known. Among the ranks of those who have visited our store include Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, comedy legend John Cleese, Geddy Lee of RUSH, literary superstar Michael Ondaatje, environmental activist David Suzuki, Jodi Picoult, David Sedaris, Farley Mowat, Margaret Atwood, Diana Gabaldon, John Kabat-Zinn, Edward Rutherfurd, Salman Rushdie, Emma Donoghue, Wayne Johnson, Preston Manning, John Vaillant, and literally hundreds of others.

John’s Auto Body has provided Victoria with quality collision repairs for over 35 years.

Ashok (Ash) Dhaul and Harpal (Paul) Kang are the owners and operators of John’s Auto body and DK Motors.

Located on 546 Dupplin Road, across from the Mayfair Mall, John’s Auto body recently opened a brand new location for their sister company, DK Motors, located at 430 Burnside Rd E.

If you’ve recently been in an accident, trust John's Auto Body for your collision repair. Our certified technicians have been serving the customers for more than 35 years with exemplary auto body repair at an affordable price.

DK Motors specializes in used cars, SUV’s, and trucks. They finance all types of vehicles and will work with their lenders to obtain the best possible rate for you.

Also, they receive fresh cars on a weekly basis, and will buy your car at a competitive price. dkmotors.ca 250-391-1996 “Thank you Victoria, for voting us the #1 Auto Repair two years in a row, and a huge thank you for your trust, faithfulness and business for over the past 35 years.

Locally owned and operated, we treat each car we work on like it’s our own.

We are dedicated to providing quality work that exceeds expectation — every time. Our repair services includes collision repair, custom paint and body, windshield repair and windshield replacement.”

We repair a wide variety of makes and models and we take both ICBC and private claims, so we can help regardless of the outcome of your accident. Our honest approach, courtesy car service and warranties set us apart. Life after a car accident can be stressful. If you’re looking for hassle-free vehicle repair services, you can rest assured you’ll get your car back looking like new.

From painting to structural straightening, our body shop handles all of your collision repair needs. Feel free to give us a call to book an appointment, or go to the website to get in touch with us for a free estimate. johnsautobody.ca

Check out a full list of upcoming authors on our events page. We would like to thank Times Colonist Readers for voting us the Winner of the Readers Choice Awards. bolen.bc.ca

Thank You Victoria for voting Bolen Books as the

#1 Book Store

THANK YOU VICTORIA!!

2 0 1 9

0011773520 Bolen BooksBOLEN is pleased thatBOOKS Victorians have recognized our hard work and demand for excellence by voting us #1 in Store the city. Re Winner Book Our author signings and readings are nationally known.

Do stop in today!

5 x 152 We also want to thank all the publishers who made our 2019 CMYK, , Press, Penguin Random event season possible: University of Toronto

2 0 1 8

0011771687 Thank youAUTOBODY for voting us JOHNS # 1 Auto Body Repair in Victoria for Readers Choice Award 2 years in a row 5 x 152 Locally owned and operated John’s Auto body has , 35 years. been servingCMYK, Victoria for over

House Canada, Heritage Group Distributions, Harper Collins Canada, Harbour Books, Simon and Schuster Canada, and Orca Books.

And a big thank you to all the authors who made our event season such a success: Geddy Lee, Meg Tilly, Ami McKay, Roy Henry Vickers, Robert “Lucky” Bud, Grant Hayter-Menzies, Andrew Knapp and Momo, Glen A. Mofford, Judith Williams, Lyndsay Green, Julie Paul, Anny Scoones, Tanya Boteju (with Eddilicious, Chaz Avery, and Perci Flage), Jennifer L. Butler, Allie McFarland, Jordan Bolay, Mark LeirenYoung, Diane Pinch, Kate Bird, Hazel Jane Plante, Ali Blythe, Charlotte Gray, Michael Layland, Ian Ferguson, Bill Richardson, Robert Amos, Chris Humphreys, John Barton, and Peggy Herring.

For upcoming events visit

bolen.bc.ca

#111 1644 Hillside Ave. Victoria, BC

F17

JOHN’S AUTO BODY AND AUTO SALVAGE 546 Dupplin Road, Victoria BC 250-388-6733 www.johnsautobody.ca

D.K. MOTORS 430 Burnside Rd. E, Victoria BC 250-391-1996 www.dkmotors.ca

F18 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Home Furnishings THE FOAM ZONE

Property Management BROWN BROS.

Transform the way you A proud past sleep with Nature’s Embrace and confident future Nature’s Embrace is dedicated to values of excellence, craftsmanship and an everlasting passion for helping people enjoy a perfect night’s rest.

A sublime combination of technical prowess and traditional artistry, each organic mattress is the result of a ceaseless quest for providing an unforgettable slumber — night after night, without the discomfort associated with a synthetic mattress.

Intricate techniques coupled with over 30 years of experience and mattress-making heritage have enabled us to develop products that maximize the inherent properties of latex rubber and create a delightfully inviting sleeping surface.

Pure, organic Dunlop Latex Supported by an exceptionally strong core, each Nature’s Embrace mattress is built with layers of Dunlop latex rubber, blended to perfection for edge-to-edge support and voluptuous comfort — a Nature’s Embrace signature. Certified through GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), the result is an inherent springiness unmatched by other brands.

Sweet, peaceful slumber As organic latex mattress making pioneers, we bring together all the health benefits of organic latex foam into a range of luxury organic mattresses. Each mattress incorporates an innovative support core that is adaptable to partners of differing stature, ensuring weight is evenly distributed for optimal support in all the right places. Drop by the Foam Zone for a test rest.

Naturelle Organic Certified Latex Mattresses are highly customizable, offering multiple layers of latex within the mattress. You can change the firmness of your sleep surface in the comfort of your own home by simply unzipping the mattress cover and changing the latex layer. Enjoy the individual freedom that comes when your personal needs align seamlessly with the supreme comfort of a Naturelle Total Comfort Sleep system.

Certified organic Organic, clean and healthy, the nonwoven organic cotton cover allows for increased breathability that boasts a classically soft feel which pairs perfectly with our natural wool. The natural wool regulates heat, wicking excessive moisture away from the body to further optimize the sleeping environment.

No hazardous chemicals Naturelle Organic Beds are assembled without hazardous chemical-based glues.

The use of glue to attach the interior layers prevents individualized comfort by negating your ability to customize the firmness of your mattress and can also be a fire hazard.

Petroleum-free Naturelle is petro-chemical free and VOC free (no polyurethane foams). Naturelle latex is simply the best material for sleeping. We carry both Dunlop and Talalay process latex to cater to individual needs. Check out our 100 per cent Naturelle beds. We have one for you.

Organic Latex is unequalled Look for 100 per cent Organic latex Certification when shopping for your mattress. foamzone.ca

0011773425 THE FOAM ZONE Winner Readers Choic 5 x 152 CMYK, ,

With a century of experience behind their name, Brown Bros. has refined the art of property rental and management so that renters and landlords can spend less time looking and more time living.

Founded in 1918 by brothers Herbert and George Brown, the folks at Brown Bros. bring over a century of experience to property management. They are known as the local leaders in property rentals and management due to their dedication to customer service and satisfaction. They help renters spend less time sifting through listings and property management service providers to give them more time living life in comfort and with confidence in a quality, well managed building.

Brown Bros. serve Victoria, from Sidney by the Sea to the Cowichan Valley, offering one convenient, trusted stop to find a home, or the support you need to manage your properties. From apartments to single-detached houses, they manage over 6,500 residential and 3,300 strata and commercial units on the Island.

Knowing the local real estate market well, they stay on top of rental patterns and trends, leveraging knowledge and experience into tomorrow to help make a sound investment in rentals today.

Your property, your peace of mind.

If you’ve invested in a house, duplex, condo or apartment building, and you need support renting it out — Brown Bros are there to help. From advertising the property, screening tenants to hiring

Residential

building managers, they tend to every detail, so you can relax knowing your property is in safe, experienced hands.

Multiple units, one effective manager.

Strata properties can be complex and confusing. The experienced strata property managers at Brown Bros. simplify all-things-strata — from managing the strata council’s finances to ensuring compliance with the Strata Property Act and strata corporation bylaws. More than 3,300 strata unit owners on Vancouver Island trust their services.

Invested in your property.

Successful commercial property managers take a vested interest in your tenant’s business to protect your investment.

Brown Bros. help maintain the property, manage the operations and support your tenants, so it’s business as usual, day in and day out, and you can trust the property is in safe hands.

Phone: 250-385-8771. brownbros.com

Strata

Commercial

THANK YOU VICTORIA! 0011773965

Eco Friendly Certified product Best Prices Guaranteed 60-Day Satisfaction Guaranteed

FOR VOTING BROWN BROS PROPERTY US YOUR FAVOURITE MANAGEMENT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY Readers Choise 5 x 152 We take the guesswork out CMYK, , of property management.

(Purchase extended Warranty $129, includes pro cover)

10-Year Warranty non-prorated

Whether you own a residential, strata or commercial property, we can help you with the minutiae of property management with one-off or full-time services, from advertising your property and screening tenants to assisting the strata council and managing financials.

Thank You for Voting For Us!

MATTRESSES | RV-MARINE | CUSTOM

3388 Douglas St. Victoria, BC 250-475-3626

b r ow nbr o s . c o m

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

F19

Convenient and comfortable travel

Your favourite Way to Get Off the Island BC FERRIES CONNECTOR “We are thrilled to be voted as one of the “Best Ways to Get Off the Island” for the 2019 Readers Choice Award. The BC Ferries Connector is a convenient and fun way to travel between Victoria and Vancouver, and we are grateful that our community feels the same.”

there are seven departures daily that run in all weather. BC Ferries Connector also provides transfers between Victoria and both YVR Vancouver International Airport and the Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal at Canada Place. You are always guaranteed on-board the BC Ferries when you choose the BC Ferries Connector as the bus is first-on, first-off the ferry with priority loading.

The BC Ferries Connector has been operated by the Wilson’s Group of Companies since 2016 and has become a preferred way to travel between Victoria and Vancouver year round. Commuters enjoy hassle-free, convenient transfers in the comfort of a luxury coach.

“We want to offer our passengers the most convenient and comfortable travel experience they can depend on. We have added a new route from Vancouver to Whistler; commuters from Victoria can hop on the BC Ferries Connector to Pacific Central Station and transfer onto our BC Connector to Whistler for a winter adventure or a leisure stay in the Village.”

With multiple departures, the service is both convenient and dependable, with several options for pick-up and drop-off points enroute in both Victoria and Vancouver, not to mention the beautiful sights to see while travelling on both sides, winter or summer. Travellers enjoy city views, beautiful farmland, mountain ranges and activities that are taking place, such as festivals and markets.

During the winter, there are four departures daily, and in the summer,

For more information, email: reservations@bcfconnector.com “From the entire Wilson’s Group team, we want to thank you again for voting for us. We appreciate the continued support and look forward to a great year ahead.” wilsonstransportation.com

126 DOUGLAS STREET, VICTORIA

0011773709 BEACON DRIVE INN LTD Readers Choice featu 5 x 76 CMYK, ,

BEST ICE CREAM Thank you for your votes Victoria!

THANK YOU VICTORIA FOR VOTING BC FERRIES CONNECTOR AS ONE OF 0011772891 THE BEST WAYS TO GET OFF THE ISLAND BC FERRIES CONNECTOR Readers' Choice 10 x 76 CMYK, ,

BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY

BCFCONNECTOR.COM OR 1.888.788.8840

F20 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Indian Food SIZZLING TANDOOR

BE SURE TO TRY THE CROWD FAVOURITE COCKTAILS — THE TURMERIC SOUR AND AAMB PANNA.

Deliciously Popular!

Sizzling Tandoor is proud to serve you at any of their three locations. Each location offers a different experience, and all serve the same authentic Indian cuisine and signature drinks.

All locations are equipped with a full service bar featuring signature cocktails created by cocktail guru, Shawn Soole.

Most recently, the original Sizzling Tandoor on Johnson Street was updated with a long 10-seat bar and welcoming decor that resembles British Colonial times.

The long white marble bar makes for a

cozy spot to sneak away on your lunch break to grab a quick bite, or to snag a spot in the evening for a more upbeat experience.

When you stop by, be sure to try the crowd favourite cocktails — the Turmeric Sour and Aamb Panna. Don’t forget to ask to have a taste of the house-infused vodkas. Additionally, there is a never ending supply of Prosecco and local craft beers on tap.

Sizzling Tandoor continues to prove itself popular with the lunch crowd. With its fairly priced all-you-can-eat buffet, you can try everyone’s favourite Indian dishes.

Sizzling Tandoor is a staple, not only in

the central downtown area, but in the beautiful and bustling Uptown shopping centre and the up-and-coming Westshore Town Centre. Sizzling Tandoor is a great option for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The restaurant is very popular amongst vegan and gluten-friendly diners because the majority of the dishes can be made without dairy or gluten. Indian cuisine is also a great option for those looking for a variety of vegetarian options.

Sizzling Tandoor has implemented environmentally friendly initiatives throughout the past years by offering a 10 per cent recycling discount on take out paper bags, and by using biodegradable

take out containers. Most recently, Sizzling Tandoor has gone straw-less and eliminated the use of plastic bags entirely.

The restaurant is always researching new ways to play their part in reducing the environmental issues that surround us today.

The Bawa family and staff are honoured to be the Winner in the Times Colonist Readers Choice Awards and want to thank the community for their continued support and loyalty.

To keep up to date, like their Facebook page: Sizzling Tandoor Victoria, or follow them on Instagram: @sizzlingtandoor_ or visit their website: sizzlingtandoor.ca

Sizzling Tandoor continues to prove itself popular with the lunch crowd.

Visit any of their locations for an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet which is great for families, friends, work lunches and business meetings.

The menu rotates daily and includes both meat and vegetarian dishes as well as a full salad bar and complimentary naan bread served hot and fresh to the table!

Sizzling Tandoor offers personalized catering services for all groups and occasions. This includes corporate and office lunches, weddings, rehearsal dinners and small or large gatherings.

Indian cuisine is a great option for those looking for vegetarian friendly dishes as well as those with specific dietary restrictions.

The majority of Sizzling Tandoor’s menu can be customized for your party’s needs to be made vegan, dairy friendly and/or glutenfriendly.

0011773740 Sizzling Tandoor continues to stay up to date by continuously SIZZLING TANDOOR RESTAURANT evolving their offerings. You can expect to see their Downtown flagship store, located at 637 Johnson St., double in size! This Winner Indian Food Rpopular success of their 2018 renovation, which is thanks to the included updated decor and a beautiful feature bar serving Indian 10 x 152inspired cocktails created by cocktail guru Shawn Soole. spring 2020, Sizzling Tandoor is excited to announce double CMYK, ,Coming the dining space with the same modern decor which resembles the Gurinder, Kirn and Narpinder welcome guests to Sizzling Tandoor At Sizzling Tandoor we assure memorable and personalized service delivered with a smile. Each dish is prepared with pride and served with care: the highest quality at a reasonable point.

Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that will leave you and those in your company in a state of relaxation and satisfaction.

British Colonial times. Watch for the brand new live cooking station serving authentic North and South Indian dishes made fresh and right in front of your eyes!

The Bawa family and staff are honoured to be presented the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards Winner for the third year in a row!

They are also proudly named best Indian Restaurant in Victoria for eight years running, along with top three for Best Catering, Best Buffet, Best Vegetarian and Best Business Lunch. A big thank you to the community for their continued support and patronage.

To keep up to date with us, like our Facebook page: Sizzling Tandoor Victoria follow us on Instagram: @sizzlingtandoor or visit our website: www.sizzlingtandoor.ca.

DOWNTOWN - 637 Johnson Street: 250-388-5450 UPTOWN - 123–3600 Uptown Boulevard: 778-265-7775 WESTSHORE - 2955 Phipps Road: 778-265-9308

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

Office Services MONK OFFICE

Creating inspiring workplaces

Thank you for choosing as your Findus serenity Best Office Services! in comfort.

0011773850 MONK OFFICE SUPPLY LTD 2019 Reader's Choice 5 x 152 CMYK, , Thank you to all of the Times Colonist readers for voting us your #1 choice for Best Office Services.

Because of your loyal support, Monk Office is the largest, locally owned office products provider on Vancouver Island, and has been a part of the Island community for almost 70 years.

Monk Office is a full service and single source office products dealer that provides amazing customer experiences.

With nine retail locations and our thriving commercial office products, furniture and technology divisions, our team of 130 “Office Outfitters” are eager to convert your home office or business space into a place of efficiency and comfort.

Representing brands like Herman Miller, Konica Minolta and our value-priced

Basics label, we’ve got you covered from pencils and pens, ink and toner, to custom interior design.

As members of Think Local First, Monk Office recognizes the importance of supporting and giving back to our communities, which is why you may spot us across the island sponsoring local sports teams, school activities, health care initiatives and environmental awards.

Our values, culture and commitment to sustainability and promoting innovative business practices minimize our impact on the environment and enable us to stand out against our competition.

Now let us elevate your space!

To show our appreciation we want to give one lucky winner a $5,000 Home Office Makeover!

Enter at Monk.ca!

We work hard to provide an inspiring and equitable workplace, while becoming a resource and advocate for a better world.

Authorized Dealer

monk.ca

Real Estate Property Management PEMBERTON HOLMES REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Thank you Victoria for voting Pemberton Holmes as your favourite Real Estate Brokerage and Property Management Company!

We have a proven track record in maintaining properties to increase their long-term value, while ensuring their efficiency on a day-to-day basis.

Our Property Management Division offers superior service, attention to detail and comprehensive reporting.

132 years and counting Pemberton Holmes was established in 1887 by Joseph and Fred Pemberton in its first incarnation as Pemberton & Son — Engineers, Surveyors and Real Estate.

The company has remained local and family-owned ever since. Current owner and president Mike Holmes is the fifth generation of the family to run this successful company.

Pemberton Holmes boasts a successful and professionally run property management division. We are selective about the properties we contract to manage, so as not to jeopardize our commitment to quality service.

We have a proven track record in maintaining properties to increase their

long-term value, while ensuring their efficiency on a day-to-day basis. Our Property Management division offers superior service, attention to detail and comprehensive reporting.

0011776428 PEMBERTON HOLMES 5 x 152 AAA0 MAKE HOMES HAPPY!

Our tradition of knowledgeable service continues to the present, keeping pace with the growth in the Capital Region, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

We are proud to be Vancouver Island’s real estate company.

A real estate investment may be one of the most important investments in your life. Thank you for trusting Pemberton Holmes agents to guide you through this process. Together, with our experienced and professional Property Management division, we have you covered!

Visit www.PembertonHolmes.com or one of our offices in: Victoria, Oak Bay, Sidney, Sooke, Westshore, Saltspring Island, Gordon Head, Hillside, Fairfield, Vancouver Island, Duncan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Comox Valley

Phone: 1.250.384.8124 or Toll-free: 1.800.665.5303

thepropertymanagers.ca

www.pembertonholmes.com

F21

F22 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Victoria’s Favourite Pub WADDLING DOG PUB

“Victoria’s favourite pub, you say?”

The Waddling Dog Pub, located on Mt. Newton Cross Road, welcomes you seven days a week to their neighborhood pub. With 19 draught lines, including wine and cider on tap, the Waddling Dog offers unbeatable daily Happy Hours from 4 to 6 p.m., and wings on special nightly after 9 p.m.

THANK YOU

VICTORIA FOR VOTING US

#

Next time you swing by, be sure to try one of their famous Super Caesars which includes a beef slider, torpedo prawn, chicken strip, onion ring, pepperoni, and a grilled cheese — all piled high on top of this delicious cocktail! The Super Caesar gained a lot of traction on social media and has been a hit ever since.

1 PUB

0011773907 THE WADDLING DOG INN INReaders VICTORIAchoice Award Come in and try 5 xour152 Super CMYK, Caesar,

The Waddling Dog Pub continues to prove itself as a local hot bed for all sporting events, including every UFC Pay Per View for no cover charge, and Canucks and Seahawks ticket

giveaways. This, along with weekly music bingo, paint nights, poker nights and many other events proves why ‘The Dog” has emerged as one of Victoria’s most popular watering holes.

The Petraroia family purchased the property in June 1991, and are honoured to be named the winner of the Times Colonist Readers Choice Award. They would like to thank the local community for their years of loyalty and support.

They would also like to dedicate this award to Angelo Petraroia — the late founder of Balmoral Investments Ltd. He would be proud of this accomplishment, and his family continue to honour his legacy.

Make sure to follow The Waddling Dog on Instagram (@thewaddlingdog) and Facebook “Waddling Dog Pub” to keep up with their latest offers, promotions and events. qualityinnvictoria.com/waddlingdog-victoria-bc

which includes...

• Beef Slider • Torpedo Prawn • Chicken Strip • Grilled Cheese

• Onion Ring • Pepperoni • Spicy Bean • Olive

All in a glass rimmed with Montreal Steak Spice

19 taps and wings every night after 9pm!

Your home for every UFC PPV (no cover)

2476 Mt. Newton X Rd., Saanichton

250-652-1146 Follow us @thewaddlingdog

0011776373 COURTSIDE SPORTS 5 x 76 AAA0

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

BOXING WEEK SALE

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731 FORT STREET

HILLSIDE CENTRE

MAYFAIR CENTRE

2238 OAK BAY AVE

2447 BEACON AVE

WOODGROVE CENTRE

150 STATION ST

VICTORIA

VICTORIA

VICTORIA

VICTORIA

SIDNEY

NANAIMO

DUNCAN

388-9910

592-2223

389-1158

598-9255

655-7463

390-7463

597-1950

F24 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Shoe Store WALK IN COMFORT

Walk in Comfort VICTORIA’S FAVOURITE SHOE STORE Walk in Comfort’s staff are passionate about shoes and are dedicated to providing comfort, quality, style and outstanding customer service.

Employees at Walk in Comfort differentiate themselves by declaring “we like to measure and fit” and they aspire to measure and fit every foot that walks through in the door.

Walk in Comfort’s top brands include Clarks, Merrell, Ecco, Birkenstock and Rieker. The company searches Europe each year for quality brands not yet seen in Canada, for the advantage of product uniqueness and the ability to bypass import hurdles, and so they can offer quality shoes and pass along substantial savings to their customers.

Partnership Retailing Walk in Comfort’s commitment to specific brands ensures the brands’ return commitment and invested interest by offering vast inventory with the best assortment of styles, so that customers can find their shoes locally. Walk in Comfort cherry-picks other quality shoe brands to find the best and most current fashion styles to ensure they are available for their customers in multiple colours.

Frequent Buyer Plan Customers who purchase five pairs of shoes receive 50 per cent of the average value of those five pairs towards the cost of their sixth pair — with no exclusions. This means that if the average cost of the first five pairs was $100 each, the sixth pair will be $50 off the regular, sale or clearance price. Through the Frequent Buyer Plan, Walk in Comfort gives back approximately $250,000 annually to their valued customers.

When you visit one of Walk in Comfort’s seven locations on Vancouver Island, you’ll find dozens of quality brands for men and women along with experienced professional staff that are ready to find a style and a fit that is right for you. walkincomfort.ca

WALK IN COMFORT LOCATIONS AND HOURS DOWNTOWN VICTORIA 731 Fort St. Victoria 250-388-9910

WOODGROVE CENTRE 6631 N Island Hwy, Unit 73 Nanaimo, 250-390-7463

DOWNTOWN SIDNEY 2447 Beacon Ave. Sidney, 250-655-7463

MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE #304 – 3147 Douglas St. Victoria, 250-389-1158

HILLSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE 42-1644 Hillside Ave. Victoria, 250-592-2223

OAK BAY AVENUE 2238 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria, 250-598-9255 DOWNTOWN DUNCAN 150 Station St. Duncan, 250-597-1950