Special Features - Best of the City 2012

Best OF THE

City

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Y E A R

Join the winners circle

2011 Rondo

2009 20 09

2011 Optima 2011 Optima Hybrid 2012 Rio 2012 Rio 5-Door 2012 Sportage

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2010 2010 Soul

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2011 Optima 2011 Optima Hybrid

2011 Forte5 2011 Sportage

2012 Optima 2012 Optima Hybrid 2012 Rio 2012 Rio 5-Door

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4 • Best of the City Summer 2012

2011 Forte

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2011 2011 Optima 2011 Optima Hybrid 2012 Sportage

2011 Rio5 2011 Rondo

2012 Forte 2012 Optima 2012 Soul 2012 Sportage 2012 Sorento

2011 Sportage 2011 Rio 2011 Rio5 2011 Rondo

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Best of the City How to contact us: Black Press 818 Broughton St. Victoria, B.C. Phone: 250-381-3484 Email: editor@vicnews.com Web: www.vicnews.com Editorial Director Kevin Laird Editor Don Descoteau Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto Director of Sales Oliver Sommer Circulation Director Bruce Hogarth Production Manager Janice Marshall Winners in the 18th annual Victoria News Best of the City supplement were chosen by Capital Region readers over the course of one month. Their votes were then tabulated by our promotions department and ranked in order to determine first, second and third place. Black PressVancouver Island has sole copyright over any written material or images in this publication. In the event of an error occurring in any advertisement, the liability of Black Press shall not exceed the charge of space actually occupied by the item in question.

A FEW WORDS FROM EDITOR DON DESCOTEAU

A survey for all BEST OF CITY A PERFECT RESOURCE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR REGION

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n the 18 years since Best of the City first found its way onto residents’ coffee tables and magazine racks, we’ve made numerous discoveries about our region. Whether it’s finding out why your favourite places to go hiking or rock climbing are the best, gaining new insights into our city’s history, or experiencing the vibrancy of a segment of the local arts scene, we learn new things every year through producing Best of the City. Readers such as Lynn Harris, who lives in Highlands but works in downtown Victoria, use the Best of the City listings to keep up on what’s out there and available around Greater Victoria. “I’ve been picking it up for years and bringing it into the office,” she says. “I’ve tried so many things from Best of the City, it’s been awesome.” Harris, like many of the people whose votes helped determine this year’s winners, offered an opinion on virtually every question in the survey. While some might answer based on memory, she has experienced much of what the region has to offer, a point she says is reflected in her answers this time around. “If it wasn’t for Best of the City I probably wouldn’t get out there as much.” David Marshall of Saanich, another avid BOTC reader and thorough survey contributor, enjoys comparing how he voted to the eventual winners list, especially for dining out. “I like the magazine in general and I like to

see people’s opinion about things,” he says. “If something catches my interest, I’ll go there and try it.” The British expatriate likes discovering new places to visit around the oceanfront, an opportunity he didn’t have when he lived in Alberta. As someone who frequently gets out for walks, runs and, occasionally, a round of golf, he’s always eager to see the list and to share his own thoughts about the best places to go for those activities. Born-and-raised Victorian Sandy LaFace, now in her 60s and living in Saanich, holds many memories of the city as it was growing. Checking over the list, she sees new places and business names, many of which replaced longstanding icons. Among her favourite activities is meeting friends for coffee downtown in the Bay Centre, which she still refers to as the old Eaton’s Centre (part of which was the site of the old Eaton’s department store before that). Speaking of retail shops, she likes the accessibility of most merchants these days, compared to the days 30 or 40 years ago, when “the town rolled up its carpets just after 5 o’clock.” Thankfully, Greater Victoria had evolved by the time the first Best of the City hit the streets in 1995. And as readers illustrate to us, the region’s best just keeps on getting better. ■ You can find this year’s rankings, starting on page 35

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Queen Victoria, Esquimalt and a piece of history Queen Victoria got it right. Back in the 1840s when she agreed to have her namesake put to a little settlement on the West Coast of Canada, little did she realize that it would become the best place in the world to live. Fast track to 2012. This year Victoria celebrates its 150th year as a municipality. So, it seemed a natural fit for the editors of Best of the City to theme this year’s magazine around Victoria’s 150th anniversary of becoming a city and the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Esquimalt. Editors, reporters and photographers were tasked with finding unique historical stories and photos that we could pepper throughout

this year’s edition of Best of the City. Many of those stories turned out to be untold (or at least unfamiliar). But as we celebrate our past we also look to the present and the future in Best of the City, and this year’s publication will give plenty of information and facts about our region for both resident and visitor alike. Of course, Best of the City is well known for its annual survey on everything to see and do in Victoria, and this year we’ve expanded it to include more categories. The survey has become a must read for everyone. We hope you enjoy this year’s publication. Kevin Laird, Editorial director

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MEET THE CEDAR HILL TEAM NIGEL MAGEE

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BEST OF THE CITY | FEATURED CONTENT

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A step into the past

Neighbourhood heritage walking tours offer insight into city’s many character homes and architecture

Chinatown’s mystery

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In Emily’s footsteps

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Linking communities

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History revisited

Exotic plants from around the world can be found in the city’s iconic Beacon Hill Park

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Fun on The Gorge

The perfect pitch

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Titanic link

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Cruising right along

Chinatown’s Fan Tan Alley is rife with charm and intrigue

Seeking fortune

Miners had high hopes for gold in Goldstream River and Leechtown in the mid-1800s

Secrets from within

From the murals on the ceiling to the jail cell in the basement, the B.C. legislature is a host of history and mystery

Victoria’s Eden

The game of cricket is played throughout the region from Beacon Hill Park to Metchosin

Art aficionado and author Elaine Limbrick discovers 21 spots where Canadian art legend Emily Carr did her best work Victoria was the first community in Western Canada to have an electric streetcar network John Adams knows a few good ghosts stories – and he’s willing to tell The Gorge winds its way through the region’s core The sinking of the Titanic had a huge impact on Butchart Gardens

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Aboriginal heritage

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Cultural history

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Pop, kick and jump

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Below the surface

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Foodies delight

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What’s happening?

Thousands of visitors will visit Victoria by cruise ship this summer

First Nations’ totem pole art celebrates past and present of families and folklore The Royal B.C. Museum continues to evolve as a natural and cultural history icon Skateboarding sinks deep roots into Greater Victoria Divers leap into the Inner Harbour to uncover shipwrecks ‘Foodie U’ is making its mark on Victoria’s culinary landscape Looking for something to do this summer? Check out our calendar of local events

THE SHELBOURNE PLAZA deep in the

of the Shelbourne Valley

Shelbourne at Cedar Hill X Road

A&W Restaurant

Lizzy Lee & Me Sports & Bikes

Fairway Market

People’s Pharmacy

Grocery & Bakery Cobs Bakery

M&M Meat Shops Cards & Gifts

Wild & Birds Sports Bikes Unlimited

City Nails Cards & Gifts

Mac’s Cycle Centre

Island&Inkjet Cards Gifts

Booster Juice

Merit & Travel Cards Gifts

Oregano’s Pizza and Bistro

Little Thai Place

Liquor Distribution Br.

Scotiabank

Grocery & Bakery

Starbucks Cards & Gifts

Victoria’s First Shopping Plaza, Serving Friends & Neighbours Since 1959

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Best ofof the the City City Summer Summer 2012 2012 •• 53 Best

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Best City of the

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BUSINESS PROFILE: McKenzie Veterinary Services

BEST of the CITY FINALIST

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McKenzie Veterinary Services cares for city’s animals and their families

When our pets need special treatment, whether surgery, dental care or emergency services, the ability to have everything done at the same place, with the same caring, understanding veterinarians and staff, goes a long way to easing the stress of both pet owners and patients. That’s exactly what people and their pets have found for years at McKenzie Veterinary Services and it’s a big part of what has once again earned them a nomination as one of the best vets in the city. “We are a stand-alone practice in that people can come here and have their pet examined, have diagnostic tests run, have surgery, etc., right here; we don’t have to refer to other offices for those specialized services,” Dr. Malcolm Macartney explained during a recent tour of the 3888 Carey Rd. facilities, which include surgery and dental suites, digital x-ray and ultrasound, and on-site diagnostic lab. The eight veterinarians and many of

the support staff also have various specialties and consult with each other’s patients as needed, for a complementary, holistic approach. “We have worked to build a very clientcentred practice. We try to do the very best by the animals and their humans.” Understanding that 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. doesn’t work for everyone, flexible hours into the early evening and on weekends make it easier for people to get their pets the care they need. A vet is always on call and if an emergency crops up in the middle of the night, well, they’ll even make house calls. “Somebody is available to talk to, to give solid advice and see true emergencies.” When an emergency arises, anyone can bring their pet to McKenzie Veterinary Services, Macartney notes; they needn’t be a pre-existing patient. Of the house calls they do make, about one-third are for euthanasia, where the client prefers to have the procedure done

at home, where they are more comfortable and the pet less stressed. The company is also active in the Greater Victoria community, and internationally. Locally, they provide spaying and neutering services, testing and vaccinations for Dee’s Orphan Kitten Fund, and operate a mobile vet for community fundraisers and events, including Project Connect, involving marginalized people and their animals in Victoria. “Anything you do for people who genuinely can’t afford pet care, no matter what their background, makes such a difference; if they love their pet, they love their pet,” Macartney notes. For several years, the McKenzie Vet team has travelled to Puerto Vallarta to offer pet services with their MexiCan Vet Project. They’re also looking at similar projects Dr. Malcolm Macartney with one of the Carey Road facility patients.

McKENZIE VETERINARY SERVICES 3888 Carey Road, Victoria • 250-727-2125 • www.mckvets.com

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Plenty of family fun can be found in region Family time together is one of the most treasured times, but it can be difficult to find one activity kids, teens and adults will enjoy. When heading out with children of varying ages, it can be tough to find a place where a toddler can explore safely and older children don’t feel hindered or bored. One answer is the beach and Greater Victoria is surrounded by them, literally. Whether you are hitting the beaches off Dallas Road in James Bay, or Gyro Park in Saanich or the Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood, beaches have easy access that don’t require extensive walking. At the beach, as a family you can search for stones or beach glass, take a gander at inter-tidal sea life, build a driftwood fort, make a sandcastle or enjoy a picnic. On windy days, when the beach may not be a first choice, Goldstream Park in Langford is a beautiful place to take a walk amid giant cedars, and in the fall, the ideal place to watch salmon spawning. The park holds a number of trails, including one heading up Mount Finlayson for more of a challenge. At the end of a stroll through the woods, Goldstream

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Nature House displays highlight the plants, animals, birds and fish that live in the area. To add a history lesson to family time, head to Fort Rodd Hill national historic site in Colwood. The coastal artillery fort, built in the late 1890s, gives kids – and adults – plenty to explore. Kids can play an 1890s spy game that sneaks in history lessons, and underground bunkers and other historic building give plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Fisgard lighthouse, now with modernized computer displays, allows for interactive fun, including piloting a ship into the harbour. These locations are bound to satisfy anyone, of any age, at the same time.

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ENTERTAINING BENT

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

City ready to party Celebrate the nation’s 145th birthday July 1 with fireworks, music, food and much more in the Inner Harbour. Details at www.victoria.ca/canadaday. Other communities throughout the region also party it up. www.victoria.ca/canadaday

MAKING A SPLASH

Music for everyone Victoria Symphony Splash is the largest annual outdoor symphony event in Canada, attracting up to 40,000 spectators every B.C. Day holiday weekend in August. It includes musical entertainment, food, souvenirs and the evening’s highlight: a live performance by the Victoria Symphony. The concert concludes with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. www.victoriasymphony.com

Busker Yuki Veda focuses on juggling with flames at the Victoria International Buskers Festival held last summer.

Acrobats, musicians, circus performers and magicians will descend on the Inner Harbour this summer for the second annual Victoria International Buskers Festival. More than 600 performances from 50plus different acts are slated to keep locals and tourists entertained throughout the 10-day festival, which runs July 20 to 29. Nine stages will be set up downtown, to complement Victoria’s existing busking talent on street corners and sidewalks. Both Government and Langley streets will close to vehicle traffic most nights of the festival to become full-blown stages. Last year’s event drew thousands of attendees, eager to see some of the best street performers – award winners, even – that the world has to offer. This year, festival society executive director John Vickers is anticipating upward of 130,000 people soaking up the street entertainment. “On the quality front, we’ve really increased the depth of the performances,” he said. “People appreciate having broad access to this kind of entertainment.” While all the street- and stage-level events are free, the Victoria Event Centre will play host to a daily comedy cabaret, featuring stand-up comedy and acrobatics. Admission for the VEC performances is $5. www.victoriabuskers.com

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WORKS OF ART

Art lovers rejoice! STEP BACK IN TIME

Fairytale castle reigns over city CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE THE VISION OF AN INFLUENTIAL FAMILY

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A bit of an imagination is all you need to slip back in time to the life of Victoria’s wealthiest family. Perched majestically near the crest of Fort Street, Craigdarroch Castle has graced the city for 122 years. Built by Robert Dunsmuir, the castle was home to his wife and children for 19 years. A modest family from Scotland, they made their fortune in the coal business before constructing the fairytale home. The home construction was completed in 1890, after the death of Robert Dunsmuir. And while Craigdarroch Castle has undergone restorations over the decades, its exterior remains unmistakeable and unchanged. The castle is open for self-guided tours daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 250-592-5323; www.thecastle.ca.

Voted

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S IA NEW VICTOR

On July 21, Vancouver Island’s largest visual art event celebrates its 25th anniversary – TD Art Gallery Paint-In, also known to locals as the Moss Street Paint-In. The paint-in is a community outreach initiative of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria featuring 150 invited professional and emerging artists from Victoria and surrounding areas. Artists take their studios to the street to display and produce their work on Moss Street between Fort Street and Dallas Road. 250-384-4171; aggv.ca/ events/gallery-paint-in

ADVERTISING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE: Victory Barber and Brand

BEST of the CITY FINALIST

Barbershop spells Victory for men’s style

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tools – Damned Fine Shaving for Gentlemen, with the wet line available in September. “There’s a tradition in barbering that needs to be nourished; it’s an art form and very different from hairdressing.” Helping Conrad set the scene was his passion for reclaiming old barber chairs and other memorabilia often left rusting in people’s basements around town. All the chairs used in Victory are period-perfect; even the sidewalk sign out front was crafted by Conrad from re-claimed materials. For clients, “there’s something really authentic about it.” In addition to his own research into the history and techniques of barbering, Conrad found a long-time barber who was able to pass on those traditions, though “I also find the new school is developing its own style.” Not only are Victoria men appreciating Victory’s products and services, but women have also been thanking Conrad for the difference it’s making. “In a lot of cases, I think men were selling themselves short,” he explains. “These are men who want to take care of themselves. It’s neat to see men proud of where they go to get their hair cut.” On a grander scale, Victory has proven to be a successful model that’s getting noticed internationally. “I’m proud that Victoria is creating its own culture. It’s cool to see what we’re all coming up with that is world-class. Gone are the days when we had to move to a big city to pull this kind of thing off,” Conrad says. “When you put the time in and really commit to it, people appreciate it.”

Victory Barber and Brand 1315 Blanshard St. at Yates in the Atrium • 250.381.1522

www.victorybarbers.com

Matthew Conrad at his men’s only heritage-style barbershop

BestofofthetheCity CitySummer Summer2012 2012• •119 Best

This time last year, Matthew Conrad was taking in the excitement of his Lab salon being selected as one of the top hair salons in the city for the second year in a row. This year, he adds to that with a Black Press Best of the City nomination for Victory Barber & Brand, as one of Victoria’s top three barbershops. The buzz generated almost immediately by Victory has created a real sense of excitement in the industry, especially for men, Conrad says. “It’s the authenticity and the attention to detail that people appreciate. When you come in, it looks, sounds and smells like a true barbershop,” he explains. “It has really out-performed what we expected, especially in the broad nature of who is showing up – everyone from captains of industry to kids getting their first haircut!” A men’s-only heritage-style barbershop in the prestigious Atrium building, the atmosphere is cool classic, a stylish reflection of the 1930s and ‘40s. “We call it a heritage barbershop because for me, the word heritage means an acknowledgement of the past, not a recreation of it,” Conrad says. That philosophy permeates how Victory approaches its haircuts as well as services like straight razor shaving. At the same time, Conrad’s team has adopted their own modern twist, developing Victory’s own line of shaving products and 9 % ! 2

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Take a step into the past NEIGHBOURHOOD HERITAGE WALKING TOURS OFFER INSIGHT INTO CITY’S MANY CHARACTER HOMES AND ARCHITECTURE

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Brigitte Clark stands outside her Vining Street heritage home in Fernwood. The 1891 house has been renovated by Clark during the 34 years she has lived there.

homes, the brochures list oneand-a-half hour walks and detail not just houses, but styles from craftsman and colonial bungalows to architectural trim, such as triangular knee brackets and finials. The foundation now gives out 2,000 brochures each year covering five neighbourhoods: James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, North Park and Hillside-Quadra. Brochures can be found at City Hall and in public libraries. One walking tour is about Fairfield and lists houses on streets such as Cook, Vancouver, Pakington, Oscar, Linden, Faithful

and Marlborough. Text highlights how the area was once meadows and grasslands with two small streams that were important to the Songhees Nation, how the city was originally an important trading fort and how the neighbourhood sprang to life with the advent of the streetcar in the early 1900s. A major building boom – houses could be bought as a kit through Eaton’s catalogue – began in 1907 and reached a peak in 1912. Clark’s own house, a folk or vernacular Victorian style, is mentioned in the Fernwood brochure, copies of which Clark keeps in a holder on her picket

Photos | Don Denton • Text | Vivian Moreau

fence. Thirty-four years after she moved into what was a tumble-down house, Clark’s home is an inviting haven with rooms she and her former husband renovated, which retains original wood floors, doors and windows. She hopes the heritage walks will help others appreciate their own homes as much as she appreciates hers. “Maybe that will help homeowners in ordinary houses to take care of them a bit better if they understand (their) history a bit more.”

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 13

hen Brigitte Clark and her former husband first moved into her Vining Street house it was a mess. There were holes in the lathe and plaster walls of the house that had been built in 1891. A bathroom was installed in the 1930s with a 1.2-metre clawfoot tub under a sloping roof, making it tricky to use. The Fernwood neighourhood was full of older homes that had been rental houses for years and were falling apart. In James Bay, developers were demolishing older homes and putting up highrises. Clark was working as a planner’s assistant and learning about heritage houses, a phrase that was just starting to buzz. The following year the city had a survey of its older homes conducted and created a register. Clark was surprised when her house was added to the list. “There were certainly other homes in the neighbourhood more deserving,” she says modestly. After the birth of a child, she worked from home and on renovating the house. She was surprised to learn that the twostorey house had originally been a one-storey worker’s cottage. A second level had been added in the early 1900s. At that time the neighbourhood was working class with houses built as rentals for tradespeople. As Clark became more interested in the history of her house she became equally intrigued by how her Fernwood neighbourhood and surrounding areas had grown. She began volunteering for the Victoria Heritage Foundation, the non-profit group funded by the city to help homeowners with work on their heritage homes. That’s when she took on a special series of neighbourhood brochures. Designed not for just for tourists but for anyone interested in older

A

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WHAT IS NEEDED TO CREATE A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC PRODUCTIVITY AND PERSONAL GROWTH? A trait we pride ourselves on, and see in those who we admire. At Royal Roads University, we pride ourselves on a lot of things – our diverse and inclusive learning model, our stunning, pristine location, and our steadfast commitment to facilitating personal growth. But most importantly we pride ourselves on the people that make up our school, people like you. When you’re ready, we’ll be waiting.

14 • Best of the City Summer 2012

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I love Victoria … Kathleen Gilbert

Film commissioner, Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission Age: 55 Before becoming the film commissioner two years ago, I was a location manager on the Island. I’ve worked on approximately 62 productions, with X-Men and Emile being my favourites.

and there are lots of Garry oak and fir trees. Five minutes from my home, there’s a small park with big, beautiful trees and birds chirping. It’s a nice getaway from the craziness in the world. I can also walk to Esquimalt harbour from my house. I like sitting on the rocks and watching the seals.

I studied communications at the University of Ottawa. I thought I wanted to be a broadcaster.

What’s great about Victoria is the weather and beautiful scenery. It’s also a great place to raise children.

I became interested in the film industry when I was an advisor for a documentary. I wanted to make movies with a message.

I travel worldwide for both business and pleasure, but Victoria still has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

I currently live in View Royal with my husband. I’ve lived in Greater Victoria for 20 years. I’m originally from Sarnia, a little town in southwestern Ontario.

I love walking by the Inner Harbour and having lunch in Bastion Square. I also love shopping in the local boutiques downtown.

I love my neighbourhood. It’s a quiet area and it’s like living in the country. Everyone has a big yard

I do a lot of casual hiking. I especially enjoy walking around the Cedar Hill Golf Course in Saanich, and the West Bay Walkway in

Esquimalt. I love being able to get close to nature, so close to home.

because when I step outside, all I can smell are the flowers.

I’m a big gardener. I’m in my garden a lot. I love being able to garden while my relatives back east are shovelling snow.

I love going to the theatre. I watch at least four movies each month. I love watching the big screen, and eating the buttered popcorn.

I grow a lot of berries in my garden; raspberries, blueberries, strawberries. I pick handfuls and eat them whenever I’m weeding. My favourite time of the year is when peonies and lilacs grow

I’m not a big fan of action movies but I do enjoy comedy, dramas, and foreign films. Cinema Paradiso, an Italian comedy, is one of the few movies I’ve seen more than once. I rarely repeat movies.

Best of your …

Neighbourhood. “In 49 years, Fairway Market has grown from a small family business to one of Vancouver Island’s largest independently owned grocery stores. We’ve made it our mission to support and enhance the neighbourhoods in which we live and work through sustainable initiatives and store programs. We continue to build on the values established by my father, Founder/Chairman, Don Yuen. As the next generation, I am proud to continue to deliver quality name brands, the freshest local products and imported specialities that represent good value to our loyal customers.” – Doug Yuen, President – Doug Yuen, Company President and Fourth Generation Grocer

10 locations to serve you! Gorge Centre 272 Gorge Road. West, Victoria Shelbourne Plaza 3651 Shelbourne St., Victoria Athlone Court 2187 Oak Bay Ave., Oak Bay Quadra Street Village 2635 Quadra St., Victoria 1521 McKenzie at Cedar Hill Rd., Victoria

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Best of the City Summer 2012 • 15

Doug Yuen and his father Don Yuen

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The mystery of Chinatown

Shoppers viewed through the window of Turtle Express Designs pass through Fan Tan Alley.

A highlight for tourists to Victoria, Fan Tan Alley is rife with charm and intrigue. The colourful boutiques that line the narrow pedestrian passage in Chinatown today, however, mask its shadowy past. “Fan tan is a Chinese gambling game,” said John Adams, a historian who conducts Chinatown tours. “There were gambling dens throughout Chinatown, but Fan Tan Alley developed with about six big parlours.” The second-storey parlours had barricaded and guarded doors because gambling was illegal at the time. From time to time, police would raid the places. Hopper the cat and his brother, Elwood, watch the world go by “They would arrive with from a doorway in Fan Tan Alley, where they live and regularly sledgehammers and axes and visit friends in other shops and visitors to this tourist attraction. bash down the doors and the gamblers would escape out the back windows and up to alley was empty and locked for a number of the roofs,” said Adams. years. “There’s a myth in Victoria that they Later in the decade, David Lai escaped through secret tunnels led an effort to resurrect the alley underneath, but that’s really as a place for artists. A a myth. There are no secret Lai was a professor at the WA L K H tunnels in Fan Tan Alley, but University of Victoria whose reTHROUG : T there certainly were a whole search focused on Chinatown. T H E PA S s leads am d A n h Jo maze of alleyways and courtHis idea worked. The presn a ry ri e v to e His wn Tours eck his yards that they escaped into.” ence of the artists attracted Chinato Ch . g in rn y mo : www. ils Saturda ta The last gambling den investment in the e d for website .com. rthepast e closed in 1968. dilapidated buildings v o c is d At street level, the last reswhich continues taurant closed in 1971 and the today.

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13 Best of the City Summer 2012 • 17

Locally owned & operated

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Entertain me – options abound

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Thank You Victoria! From All the Doctors and Staff at

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Whether you’re in the mood for Open mikes at James Bay Coffee a cover band and a cheap pint or a and Books and Norway House. The burlesque dancer or a life-drawing Victoria Folk Music Society follows session, chances are you’ll find what its Sunday open mike at Norway you’re looking for – and perhaps House with a featured performer. more than you bargained for – (James Bay Coffee and Books also downtown after dark. keeps things interest“People are really ing with Scrabble on open-minded here Tuesdays.) and willing to try new Don’t miss: Herthings,” says Monday mann’s Jazz Club is a Magazine arts editor staple of the Victoria Mary Ellen Green. music scene and ofThe standard Top fers something for all 40 dance club scene tastes. barely plays into the Comedy range of nighttime Touring comedians activities happening Mary Ellen Green stop in at Hecklers around the city, she Bar and Grill Friday added. “There are and Saturday nights. Next door, in so many other things to do. Why the Ramada, stand-up newbies take waste your time in a dark basement the stage every second Wednesday somewhere drinking rum and Coke when you could be out really enjoy- for Ratfish Comedy. Sunday night, the Victoria Event Centre alternates ing yourself and actually hearing between Phillips Comedy Night and conversations?” the Showdown, a live entertainment competition between performers of Live music all varieties. For special events: Check out Logan’s, Lucky, Sugar, 9ONE9, Fort Dancing Café or The Cambie. Salsa, mambo, tango and conAny ol’ night of the week: Try tra lessons followed by evenings of Swans, Bard & Banker, Bartholomdance are cropping up everywhere ew’s or Irish Times. from St. Mattias Anglican Church, Family friendly: The Fernwood which hosts Tango Vita, to Café Inn and McRae’s Bistro offer a Casablanca. The Victoria Event pub experience where everyone is Centre also hosts the Rock ’N’ Roll welcome and they often host open Shakedown, an evening of rockamikes and live music. billy and Americana music. You might not know about:

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Miners had high hopes for Goldstream gold RIVER PROUCED LITTLE, IF ANY, GOLD. BUT LEECHTOWN HAD A LEGITIMATE GOLD RUSH.

of mining out rich lodes of ore versus the complete lack of proof that any gold at all was ever found in Goldstream River. The Goldstream gold rush collapsed nine months after it started and prospectors re-routed to the growing settlement of Leechtown near Sooke. The Sooke and Leech rivers had a legitimate, if small gold rush, but it was also abandoned in a year. Leechtown for a time held houses, hotels, saloons and stores. “The Goldstream gold rush was a tiny event. The real goldrush was at Leechtown in 1864,” says Victoria historian John Adams. “The Leechtown boom was a quick gold rush, it was easy to take (gold) out for a short while. It was a boon to Victoria for a short time.” Maureen Duffus, author of the book Old Langford, doesn’t believe Goldstream mining companies tried to dupe stockholders and investors. With gold fever on the Mainland, and steady, if unverified, reports of gold finds at Goldstream over the years, prospectors were certain they’d eventually strike it rich. “They were hopeful (they’d find gold). I think it was wishful thinking, frankly,” Duffus says. These days, naturalists at the Goldstream Nature House give hands-on gold-panning demonstrations to children as part of history lessons of the park. Now, like 150 years ago, children find flecks of pyrite – fool’s gold. “In October 1863 (miners) stampeded to Goldstream; now some nine months later they headed for Leechtown,” wrote Wuorinen in A History of Goldstream Provincial Park. “Some believe not one speck of gold was taken from Goldstream. There is no doubt that early colonists and miners believed in Goldstream.”

With picks and pans, horses and mules, a steady stream of newcomers to Fort Victoria plodded 25 kilometres west, toward a place called Goldstream. With a name like that, fortunes were bound to be made. It was the fall of 1863, and hundreds of prospectors had filed into Fort Victoria from the U.S. and as far as Australia to load up on supplies before crossing the water to the Fraser River gold rush. Rumours abounded for years that gold was to be found relatively close to the fort. In 1858 Royal engineer Peter Leech claimed he found traces of gold in what he called Gold Creek. Fort Victoria gold fever ramped up until 1863, when some 30 companies and hundreds of men made their way to the next great gold rush at what is now the foot of Mount Finlayson. Prospectors tramped along Craigflower Road, through the fields of Edward Langford’s 245-hectare Hudson’s Bay Company farm and past Skirt Mountain to a place once called Dead Man’s Creek. This was still largely untamed wilderness and many became lost along the way. Within a few months in the fall of 1863, mine shafts peppered the hillside above Goldstream and a number of ore assays promised rich hauls of gold, amid veins of quartz, as detailed in the History of Goldstream Provincial Park, written by Paula Wuorinen in 1976. It’s difficult to reconcile the many reports

Goldstream Nature House naturalist Bre Robinson, a.k.a. Penny the Prospector, teaches kids about gold panning using a muddy trough where they can pan for fool’s gold. Goldstream River had a short-lived gold rush in 1863, but it’s doubtful any gold was found in the stream or hillside.

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Beacon Drive In shows fresh face, same great food

The Beacon Drive In is putting a fresh face forward this summer, but beneath that fresh exterior is the same great food. Celebrating 53 years on Douglas Street, between the entrance of Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road waterfront, Beacon Drive In has once again been chosen by Victorians as a finalist for the region’s Best Ice Cream in the Black Press Best of the City awards. Whether it’s the classic vanilla soft-serve that tempts or one of the flavourful new varieties earning converts among ice cream fans, a sunny day virtually guarantees the take-out window will be hopping. Prefer your ice cream without the cone? “We have two sizes of sundaes plus many different flavours of shakes, and people really love how big and thick they are,” says general manager Janet Reynolds. And when the outside window is deep in ice cream fans, come inside, where more smiling staff are please to take your order. Inside the café, long-time customers are enjoying the fresh, refurbished appearance, its

BUSINESS PROFILE: Beacon Drive In

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colours and design carefully chosen to reflect the restaurant’s long heritage. “It’s cleaner, brighter and easier to serve our customers,” Reynolds says. Outside, the patio is a happening place, and even cooler days are busy under the heaters. As good as their ice cream is – judged Best of the City for 17 years now – Beacon Drive In also offers a full menu perfect for eating in or taking away for a picnic in the park. The Beacon’s day begins with breakfast, a must for many regulars who enjoy the good home-cooking and easy conversation with friends. “For the price of our breakfasts, you can’t go wrong,” Reynolds says. Lunch and dinner are busy with everything from chicken strips and a healthy new grilled salmon burger to two Beacon Drive In specialties, the Oyster Burger and the Prawn Burger. “They’re long-standing items on our menu and they’re still favourites.” Many of the favourite Beacon items, including the new barbecue Swiss mushroom burger, are also available as combos, making them even more convenient. For one of Victoria’s longest-

standing restaurants, it’s about honouring what works while also keeping an eye to what today’s customers would like to see, Reynolds says. “I’m a firm believer that customer service is No. 1. People tell me we have a great crew here – I take pride in that.” Visit Beacon Drive In online at www.beacondrivein.ca or catch all the latest news via facebook or twitter.

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17 Best of the City Summer 2012 • 19

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Victoria is a city with led a restoration projgreat weather for ect of the run-down D strolling, as well as buildings and closed HAUNTE Y fabulous water the street to open H I S T O R mnants see re views. But few up a pedestrian can still as the ry to is People h ’s e n Square from th io venues in the e plaza. st d a si B A f o g ntre. hauntin stice ce downtown , a more It proved to city’s ju in se d u o o h o rt st cou nce ok restored s. A jailhouse o capitalize on be a good move. tions to in u a c m xe e re relic Many s were these assets like Today, it’s en Alley. , and the bodie ne, Helmck ow go s walls n it e is d g si in Bastion Square. one of the most ild e u c b la p place in e h e th side. T ill mark buried in On warm vibrant pedestristill lay bricks st f d o n a le c id ir la ere but a c ourt. C odies w g b days, people an-only spots in n e a rr th where Boome e ee it in Maritim e flock to the town. th today. S t A ns: wn Directio orth do square for its Gems such as , walk n Museum Alley. n e k c Helm outdoor markets the old courthouse and patios facing the (now the Maritime harbour. Museum of B.C.) and the “It’s a little oasis in the former B.C. Board of Trade centre of the city where you can be building still flank the square, which amongst the historical buildings,” these days hosts regular celebrations says Thea Harris of the Bastion such as the Celtic Festival and the Square Revitalization Association. Street Performers Festival. “It has a European flavour. You can “There’s not many places in Vicpeople-watch, you can shop, you toria youreverse>>> can do all the things you can have a beer or just sit and relax can do in Bastion Square,” Harris and look out over the Inner Harsays. bour.” For five months of the year, the Bastion Square is named after two square is home to an outdoor marfortified log towers, called bastions, ket, offering people a place to shop that formed part of Fort Victoria in for arts, crafts and snacks three days the mid-1800s. a week. Later in the century, the city’s New this year, the Government legal and professional centre develStreet Sunday farmers’ market has oped at the site of the modern-day relocated to Bastion Square. square. “You’ll be able to come down and The 1960s marked another sigget homemade bread, pasta, cheeses nificant shift. At that time, the city (and more),” Harris says.

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71 • Best of the City Summer 2012

Bastion Square: oasis in city’s centre

B.C. legislature holds many secrets FROM THE MURALS ON THE CEILING TO THE JAIL CELL IN THE BASEMENT, THE B.C. LEGISLATURE IS A HOST OF HISTORY Every year thousands of tourists wander through the halls and stare agape up into the dome of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, but there are some areas the public rarely see. David Nicholls, outreach officer with the public education and outreach component of the Legislative Assembly, knows all the best lesser-known nooks of the 116-year-old building. In the basement, for instance, is a jail cell with black metal bars, as one might imagine, but it has never held occupants. These days it is used for storage but technically the sergeant-at-arms of the legislative assembly has the authority to arrest people and bring them to the legislature to give information or evidence. In 1917 the treasurer of a rail company, Richard Duff Thomas, was summoned to give information in front of the legislative assembly. He refused and was held on the property for two weeks, although not in the jail cell. He apparently slept in a boardroom and dined at the Empress. “They must have just built it

in case of something coming up,” Nicholls offered. There have long been rumours of a tunnel that goes from the basement on the Parliament Buildings to the Empress Hotel. Nicholls said that while that is not true, there is a tunnel beneath Government Street to another government building. The tunnel is no longer used and is closed off. Nicholls swears it’s the only one. The upper rotunda still features its original mosaic tile floor, a feature almost lost to renovations in 1961. James Nesbitt, a journalist, heard that the government was considering removing a portion of the floor. In protest Nesbitt camped out on the floor with a sleeping bag and an old rifle until the government agreed to keep the flooring. The press room perhaps might not be top of the list for tourists to see, but it one of the more interesting rooms in the building. As you would expect, compared to the immaculate cleanliness of the rest of the building, the press room is a dimly lit mess of desks and scattered paper. One can al-

The rotunda in the B.C. legislature building is one of the highlights of any visit to this landmark of British Columbia’s political past.

most still see the low-hanging haze of cigarette smoke in the historyfilled room. Free tours of the Parliament

Buildings are available throughout the year. For more information visit www.leg.bc.ca.

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22 • Best of the City Summer 2012 24 • Best of the City Summer 2012

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Voted

Best City

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VICTORIA NEWS

Get up close and personal with a variety of birds and animals at the ponds and petting farm in Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park.

Beacon Hill Park a Victorian eden

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EXOTIC PLANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD CAN BE SEEN IN BEACON HILL PARK of native leaders that can be found on the hillside. But the park has always been more than just plants. There was once a race track and a zoo that housed bison, bears and chimps. It’s gone now (replaced by a petting farm) but there are remnants of the old zoo. The old aviary is still there, now an information kiosk, and there are still peacocks roaming the grounds. Those peacocks are the direct descendants of the birds brought in to beautify the park in the 1890’s. Beacon Hill Park has a rich history. But the peaceful ponds and paths have also had their share of excitement. Stories abound. There was that time in June of 1999 when park staff and seniors out on a stroll all hit the ground in terror. Stephen Reid, the infamous head of the Stop Watch Gang, robbed a bank in Victoria and led police in a running gun battle through the park. No one was hurt, but old timers still talk about that day. Then there was the time in 1994 when, in preparation for the Queen’s visit to the park, an advance security team of scuba divers arrived to comb the ponds for possible explosives. The divers were a bit abashed to find that the ponds did not exceed a few feet in depth. Apparently the ducks and herons are still laughing about that one.

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Beacon Hill Park is the realized ideal of a Victorian Eden. Its 154 acres, located in the heart of the city, were granted in trust to the City of Victoria in 1882. Of course, the area wasn’t always a park. The meadows of Beacon Hill were traditional lands of Songhees First Nation. When the British arrived, their grazing cattle and rooting pigs ruined the Songhees traditional camas meadows. The recreational aspirations of the British then took over. Exotic plants from around the world were imported, resulting in one of the largest collection of nonnative species on the West Coast. Japanese plums were donated by the leaders of Chinatown, a giant Sequoia was planted in 1913 (and is now the most climbed tree in the park), and Dawn redwoods, thought to be extinct until 1941 were introduced. The seeds were a gift from a Chinese ambassador. Mayor’s Grove has a wide variety of species planted by dignitaries including Winston Churchill and Lord Baydon-Powell. A huge nursery was established to ensure that tens of thousands of bedding plants were available for the flower gardens of the park. The camas meadows of Beacon Hill have returned, by the way. They carpet the hills in purple every spring; blooming among the burial cairns

ADVERTISING FEATURE Voted

Best City of the

Dodd’s Furniture brings same quality and service to Nanaimo

S IA NEW VICTOR

BUSINESS PROFILE: Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress Ltd.

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For years now, Gordy Dodd has been asked when he would bring Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress up-

Island. Customers from Nanaimo, Port Alberni, even as far north as Campbell River were travelling for hours to take advantage of the value and selection of Dodd’s Furniture’s Victoria store. Now they can get those same great advantages closer to home. In May, Dodd’s Furniture held the grand opening of its brand new Nanaimo store, 25,000 square feet in the former Uncle Sam’s Furniture – conveniently located across from the Woodgrove Shopping Centre and chock full of quality, affordable sofas, recliners, chairs,

dining suites and more. And mattresses? The Nanaimo store has Vancouver Island’s largest mattress gallery, notes Gordy, who runs both stores with his son, Love Dodd. The Nanaimo store is an exciting opportunity, the perfect companion to the 35,000-square-foot, three-storey Victoria store, Gordy says. “With the two stores we are trying to serve the Island better. We have the same great service, selection and price, but with better buying power, a value we can pass along to our customers.” And thanks to Gordy’s reputation – not to mention his tongue-in-cheek TV advertising campaign – introducing the new Dodd’s store to Nanaimo was a breeze. “They know that behind everything we sell is the Dodd’s name and our

work with the community,” says Gordy, who launched Dodd’s Furniture back in 1977 with a 2,200-square-foot store at the corner of Quadra and King streets. Their reputation for quality, affordable furnishings led to Dodd’s expansion to a 35,000-square-foot building he built and owns, supported by a 35,000-square-foot warehouse. In Nanaimo, all the former staff were all invited to stay on with the new store,

typical of Dodd’s 35 years of community support, ranging from local Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to international campaigns for Haiti and Japan. “It’s our opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us for more than three decades,” explains Gordy. “Our aim is always to give back to the community and we’ll be giving back through our new store as well. We love the Island and the people.”

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Voted

Best City

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Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

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Now in our 27th year!

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NEWS VICTORIA

24 • Best of the City Summer 2012

Thank you Victoria for voting for us!

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From Peacocks to Chickens, from Alpacas to Donkeys and a brand new goat barn! Don’t miss our Goat Stampede!

250.381.2532 I www.beaconhillpark.ca/childrenspark/

Cricket lovers find Victoria pitch perfect To those who say cricket is too complicated, Jim Lodge has five minutes for you. And you could search the world without finding a greater an ambassador to any sport than what Lodge is to cricket in Beacon Hill Park. Each Saturday and Sunday afternoon, during cricket season, the 92-year-old is one of a dozen “retirees” who can be seen sauntering along the boundary of the pitch, engaging spectators. “I come to watch the W H E R ED games,” Lodge says. “But TO F I N so many people have : A GAME questions. We made d at a couple of “cricket is playe to Cricket ddition a in explained” guides. s ation dsor in W veral loc : g se din That way we can share Hill, inclu ity Univers Beacon ichaels M the game we enjoy, t. S , Lake n Park a ig n Shaw the game we grew up . School, tchosin and Me playing.” One guide is a map detailing the many positions on the pitch. The other contains the basics of the game, and brief synopsis of the various clubs and leagues ongoing in the Victoria and District was the first sport played in Victoria, Cricket Association. thanks to the passionate commitment Lodge claims his cricket playing of Captain Walter Colquhoun Grant. days were over when he came to Can- The British Army officer lugged the ada in 1958. “I was too long in the cricket gear here in 1849 and matches tooth. But I played the game growing were staged against visitors with the up and I’ve been involved here since Royal Navy. 1960, just as I’m still a member of the In 1891, the Albion Cricket Club Yorkshire County Curling Club.” was founded and is now the oldest It’s generally accepted that cricket surviving cricket club on Vancouver

Jim Lodge, 92, keeps a cricket ball with him to teach spectators at Beacon Hill Park about the game he’s loved since he was a boy. Lodge never played here, but has been a fan of cricket in Victoria since 1960.

Island. The first club in Victoria was the Victoria Cricket Club, formed in 1876. It ran into troubles assembling a team and disbanded in the 1930s. “I’ve never played on a team with

so much history. It’s something special to be a part of,” says 30-year-old Richard Abbott, a lifelong player from New Zealand who immediately joined the league after arriving in Victoria last year.

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Esquimalt spirit will shine during centennial party PUBLIC INVITED TO WEAR PERIOD COSTUMES TO 100TH BIRTHDAY BASH Consider yourself invited. “We want it to be a real Esquimalt is just a few months community event,” Jones away from welcoming residents of says. “We want it to be like the Capital Region and beyond to that kind of Saturday aftermark its 100 years as an incorponoon picnic that families rated municipality. always did together.” A free family-friendly outdoor The event will feature a party is planned for Saturday, Sept. blend of old-fashioned and 8, from noon to 8 p.m. at Esquimalt modern children’s activities: Gorge Park. bouncy castles, face paintIt was only fitting to hold ing and three-legged the celebration at the park races. which was, historically, There will G MAKIN a regular gathering be live enter: Y S A IT E place. tainment on t a g f parkin In lieu o orge Park, “There’s so many two stages. G alt rt Esquim transpo gorgeous archival Saanich ttles will m the free shu o fr d n to a photos of these celsinger-songrchie people A e th d s an festivitie Sports Centre ebrations with everywriter Fraser e rowning B ay of th one in the dress of the Campbell will on the d . bash day, and having family perform “Espicnics and regattas, quimalt Shines,” canoe races. And of course, the song he wrote in those days there were swimfor the township’s cen- Esquimalt’s centennial committee chair Janet Jones, left, and Mayor Barbara Desjardins, looking resplendent in early-1900s fashion, pause in Esquimalt Gorge Park’s Japanese ming and diving competitions,” says tennial year. Gardens. The township’s centennial will celebrate in the park in September. Janet Jones, chair of the Centennial To showcase the park’s Celebrations Select Committee. Japanese Gardens, the Vic“So we’re trying to recreate that.” toria Nikkei Cultural Society will “There’s a real spirit that comes take the time to stop and say hello. The party will feature events on provide Japanese drumming, dancout (during township events),” “It’s that kind of spirit that we’re the Gorge Waterway, guided walks, ing and flower arranging. Jones says. “Esquimalt residents trying to capture in all of our celarts and crafts booths and commuPenny Farthing bicycles will be are just so proud of our history, of ebrations,” she says. “As we always nity and business displays. on display and many of the 100 vol- our parks, of our real community say, ‘We’re compact in size, but There will be food booths on site, unteers will wear period costumes. culture.” enormous in spirit.’” but everyone is welcome to bring a In a modern twist, clowns and flashThe township is home to resiFor more centennial details, visit picnic lunch. mob dancers will also delight. dents who know one another and www.esquimaltcentennial2012.ca.

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A view to the universe HISTORY AND ASTRONOMY COLLIDE AT DOMINION ASTROPHYSICAL It’s a long and scenic drive up Observatory Hill in Saanich, but the trip is well worth it. It’s the site of the National Research Council’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (the 1.8metre Plaskett telescope) and the Herztberg Institute of Astrophysics, known as the Centre of the Universe. Upon arrival you’re treated to a fascinating telescope tour, and presentations in the planetarium and multimedia theatre. During the summer the public has a chance to make its own observations with the big telescope or direct stargazing through smaller telescopes. The Plaskett telescope and observatory were constructed in 1918 and at the time it was the world’s largest. That designation is long gone now and most of the NRC team’s research is now done at the much larger Canada-France-Hawaii telescope on Mauna Kea Mountain in Hawaii. Still, even though Centre of the Universe is about to become a national historic, it remains a centre for cutting-edge science. The first signs of the Big Bang were discovered by researchers here in Victoria, as was the rotational rate of the Milky Way and the mass

The Plaskett (1.8m) telescope, in operation since May 6, 1918, is still used by astronomers today at the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics in Saanich.

of neutron stars. The Plaskett still tracks asteroids and contributes to other research. But perhaps the greatest legacy of the Plaskett telescope is the human talent and technological knowledge we retain in Victoria. More than 100 staff are employed at the NRC research facility and they’re currently designing the world’s largest adaptive optics system and the computer program actuators for the world’s largest telescopes. That team has helped take the first ever pictures of exoplanets in our galaxy. Still, you might wonder why the original observatory was ever built on the rain-shrouded West Coast. Original telescopes couldn’t function where it was really hot, as the glass mirrors warped with the heat. Today’s observatories use ceramic mirrors so places like Hawaii work out quite well.

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The man who shaped the icons of Victoria THE STUNNING ARCHITECTURAL LEGACY OF FRANCIS RATTENBURY

The Irish Times Pub at Bastion Square was designed by Francis Rattenbury for the Bank of Montreal.

If anyone has left his mark on Victoria, it was Francis Rattenbury. While it’s well known the iconic turn-of-the century architect designed the B.C. legislature and the Empress Hotel, Victoria holds many other Rattenbury masterpieces. “A lot of people don’t know he designed the CPR Steamship Terminal,” says Tobin Stokes, the librettist for the upcoming Rattenbury, the Opera. “He worked with another architect on it but the whole outside is his.” The CPR Steamship Terminal, the former home to the wax museum, was modeled after an ancient Greek temple. The landmark Crystal Garden building, a saltwater swimming pool in 1925 is a Rattenbury, as is Irish Times Pub building on Government Street and his former Oak Bay home, which is now the Glenlyon Norfolk Junior School.

There have been additions made to the school, but “you can still see the cottage,” Stokes notes. On the Island, Rattenbury designed the Nanaino Court House building and the cable station residence in Bamfield, which has since been demolished. Stokes, with The Other Guys Theatre Company, has been researching Rattenbury extensively while writing the opera. A concert version of Rattenbury, the Opera is scheduled to be performed at the Fairmont Empress in September. Many buildings on the Island and across the province bear Rattenbury’s mark. His big break was winning the bid for the B.C. legislature in 1892, when he was just 25. He lied on his resume as to the extent of his experience to get the job. “There was no Google back then,” Stokes chuckles.

The 1924 CPR Steamship Terminal at the Inner Harbour housed the Royal London Wax Museum until September 2010.

Glenlyon Norfolk Junior School on Beach Drive was once the home of Francis Rattenbury.

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BUSINESS PROFILE: Lûxe Home Interiors

Find custom furnishings to suit your style at Lûxe Home Interiors

Things keep getting better at Lûxe Home Interiors. Shortly after winning the Victoria Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business of the Year Award for businesses with one to 10 employees, the team was further humbled to learn that they were also a finalist for the Black Press Best “We shop at Lûxe of the City awards. It has been a busy 1 1/2 years since new Home Interiors because owners Darren Ausmus and Scott Elias purthey put the customer chased the showroom at the intersection of Douglas and Hillside. first and have a manTogether with long-term staff they have reinvigorated the store by bringing in new date of ‘whatever it product lines with contemporary, transitional takes.’ You really must and traditional styles, providing visitors the ability find furnishings fitting their unique shop there, it is such styles. fun and everyone Clients are often surprised to learn that Lûxe sales associates are trained designers makes you feel really, who offer complimentary design services to clients wanting assistance to select just the really important.” right furnishings, styles and colours for any residential or commercial project. This is just one of the many ways the Lûxe team goes above and beyond in their customer service. As one client recently commented, “we shop at Luxe Home Interiors because they put the customer first and have a mandate of ‘whatever it takes.’ You really must shop there, it is such fun and everyone makes you feel really, really important.” The team at Lûxe wishes to thank so many in the community who voted Darren Ausmus and Scott Elias emphasize customer service for them in the Best Independent Furniture Store category. and fine furniture to suit your style at Lûxe Home Interiors.

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Mmmm ... burgers GOURMET OR JUST BIG AND SLOPPY, PEOPLE HAVE PLENTY OF OPTIONS TO FIND THE BEST BURGERS IN TOWN Hamburgers are enjoying a resurgence in Victoria, following a trend set in larger Canadian and U.S. cities in recent years. Everybody has their favourite neighbourhood burger hangout, like Pluto’s Restaurant, The Pink Bicycle and Floyd’s Diner, but in the last year the city saw an influx of burger eateries, including Burger King, bin 4 Burger Lounge, Big Wheel Burger and Fatburger. It was only a matter of time before the trend came to Victoria, says Victoria resident Donald Kennedy, who taste-tests and reviews burgers for his Victoria Burger Blog (vicburgers.blogspot.ca). “During the recession, a lot of burger places sprung up because a lot of people still wanted to go out and eat, and burger places are generally cheap,” says Kennedy, who has reviewed more than 150 burgers since first writing about them four years ago. Gilbert Noussitou, chair of Camosun College’s culinary arts program, agrees. “In times of economic depression,

Bob Mabee enjoys a juicy hamburger at Big Wheel Burger on Cook Street. The city has seen a resurgence of burger joints in the past year.

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people tend to go back to this homey feeling, and so I think the burgers have enjoyed a resurrection in a sense,” he says. Top chefs have taken burgers to a whole new level by trying to outdo one another’s talents, prompting more chefs to use fancy toppings and better buns and meat. “We’re trying to take (things) back to basics, just a really simple cheeseburger,” says Matt Quinn, general manager of Big Wheel Burger, which opened in the Cook Street Village last November. In addition to striving to serve better burgers, some restaurants have embraced sustainable business practices. All waste produced at Big Wheel, for example, is compostable. The eatery expected to become carbon neutral earlier this spring. “It’s about culture and community and conscience and everything, from the meat we use to the way we treat our employees,” Quinn says. “We want it to be a world-class experience from both sides of the counter.”

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Following the wooden-block roads WADDINGTON ALLEY HOLDS THE LAST VESTIGE OF OLD STREETS One really needs to get down to street level to understand the true story of Victoria’s past. Literally. The history of downtown street surfaces tells a tale of the personality of the city. John Adams, a Victoria historian, knows that history – wooden blocks, horse urine and all. Streets in Victoria were initially dirt, Adams recounts. In the mid-1800s they were notorious for being dusty in the summer and muddy in the winter. There are stories from the day of people sinking up to their waists in mud as they tried to cross the street. To improve this sorry state of affairs, the city began to lay planks of wood over the dirt streets. Boardwalks were built above the muddy road for walking, designed to be high enough so pedestrians would not get splashed by the mud from horses and

Surfacing roads in wooden blocks became popular at the turn of the century, but it did have its drawbacks. The wood amplified clattering horse hooves and stank of horse pee.

carriages passing by. At the turn of the century the popular process for road repaving became laying down wooden paving blocks

sealed in creosote. The end result would be a street that resembled a cobblestone road, only with wood rather than stone.

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“It was a very popular way of paving the streets, not just in Victoria, but in Seattle, Tacoma, New Westminster, Vancouver,”

Adams says. One of the main issues with these streets was horses. For one, horse hoofs on blocks was extremely loud and reportedly sounded like bongo drums. Also when horses would urinate, wood blocks would soak up the liquid and end up stinking. “Especially on a hot day, it was rather unbearable sometimes,” Adams says. “The streets were smelly to begin with, but this was something you couldn’t just clean up or hose off, it soaked right in.” The last remaining wooden block road is Waddington Alley, between Yates and Johnson streets. Blocks at either end of the alley have been replaced, but the middle retains some of the originals. With the influx of automobiles and the development of new processes, tarmac came into fashion in the 1920s or ’30s and is still the norm today. Underneath much of that tarmac, though, still lives the history of the city and its muddy past.

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In the footsteps of

EMILY CARR BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS 21 SPOTS WHERE CARR DID HER BEST WORK She’s best known for moody scenes of totems and Haida Gwaii villages, but Emily Carr did her best work in the West Shore area of Greater Victoria. “She painted our backyard; it was a living landscape for her,” says Emily Carr aficionado Elaine Limbrick. Limbrick, a retired French professor, has spent several years discovering the many spots around the region where Carr painted. In the 1930s Carr bought a hamburger-standturned-trailer and had it hauled to Esquimalt Lagoon where she got up every morning at dawn to catch the light. Carr’s painting of the view across the Juan de Fuca Strait to the Olympic Mountains has been compared to works by Van Gogh. A brochure written by Limbrick and produced by the West Shore Arts Council denotes 21 locations, from Whiffin Spit in Sooke to Gorge Park in Esquimalt, where Carr painted. In her youth Carr didn’t sign her paintings with her name. But living in the trailer, painting by day and writing late into the evening, Carr found her oeuvre and began signing her work. “People in Victoria are not always conscious of what lies beyond the city,” Limbrick says. “They need to come out here to the West Shore and discover the wonderful landscapes as Emily Carr did.” Emily Carr: A guide to artistic and literary sites on the West Shore is available at the Central Library, 735 Broughton St., as well as Munro’s Books, 1108 Government St.

Author Elaine Limbrick has written a guide to Emily Carr’s favourite places to paint on the West Shore. Limbrick sits at Esquimalt lagoon, where Carr often camped and painted the landscape and seascapes around her. INSET: Emily Carr and her monkey, Woo.

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A portal into the life of sea critters length. They may even tell you how the centre is located above a parking garage and has no floor drains. They will certainly tell you that the centre gathers its own exhibits with a team of professional divers, and doesn’t really welcome animal donations. Unfortunately, that happened not too long ago. Some gentle soul apparently bought a couple of live lobsters at the local supermarket, only to have a change of heart. Staff found the reputedly relieved, yet very confused crustaceans in the centre’s outside display tank. The lobsters were removed, of course. For more on the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, see www.oceandiscovery.ca.

SHAW OCEAN DISCOVERY CENTRE OFFERS A GLIMPSE INTO THE SALISH SEA

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Voted

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S IA NEW VICTOR

S A L I S HE SEA LIF FA C T S :

to eat mama octopus’ eggs. The other, a male perch was … well, he was just a bully. They’ve both been relegated to a ‘time out’ amongst the school of salmon. The centre is a bit quirky that way and it’s why the volunteer guides are so important. They can

tell you things like when the jellyfish bred at the centre get too big, they are fed to the sea nettles (sorry fellows, it’s the circle of life). Or they may explain that the 10centimetre-long wolf eels in the tank are babies and that the full grown version grows to two metres in

n live lams ca oduck c 156 years e g c ifi • Pac ge of , e ripe a Victoria up to th sushi in n te a eed. e w a e v se a , h ri u o • If yo eaten n robably h heart. you’ve p too muc e v a h r three. s eve a n h n s a u c p • You ific octo c a P t re n a The gia sea stars y nflower he u T S . e d h rl T o • ew r est in th inch pe the fast g at one n lo a y fl . d n o c se

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Very few signs mark the wide range of tanks and displays at Sidney’s Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. That’s because the Centre prefers the human touch. More than 150 volunteers, ranging in age from 11 to 84, work at this attraction. They annually donate more than 15,000 hours of their time and make it possible to always have at least nine volunteers on the floor, all anxious to tell you about the diversity of life in the waters around Vancouver Island. Still, as amazing as the volunteers are, they have one habit that makes Paula Romagosa, the head aquarist, a bit nervous. They give names to the animals on display. See, there’s a superstition amongst aquarists that if you name your fish, they’ll die. Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case at the Discovery Centre. In fact, the various creatures on display are reproducing in captivity – a sure sign that they’re happy. Well, let’s say that most of them are happy. The salmon display has two rather un-salmonlike fish skulking in the background. One, a kelp greenling – used to have a home in the octopus tank until he decided

BUSINESS PROFILE: Sizzling Tandoor

BEST of the CITY FINALIST

Sizzling Tandoor quickly becomes a local favourite

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if they prefer, or to order food to take out. In the evening, the Bawas welcome an appreciative dinner clientele who enjoy a more intimate atmosphere and a full menu, Bawa says. From appetizers like samosas, mussels and pakoras to Sizzling Tandoor specialties of Chicken Tikka, Lamb Kebab, Tandoori Prawns and more, the challenge may be in choosing! Find a tantalizing array of vegetarian dishes and even a few unexpected treats, like chicken strips and Masala fries and a Butter Chicken Poutine. “We had a passion for cooking from Day 1,” says Gurinder, whose family has operated a successful Indian restaurant in Redmond, Wa., for many years. Learning from them, and incorporating some of their popular recipes with their own, the time was right to follow their dream here in Victoria. “I like to cook for people and when they say thank you and you see the smile on their faces, it makes me really, really happy,” Gurinder says.

That satisfaction their guests enjoy has paid off in significant word-of-mouth advertising and many repeat customers. Haven’t tried Indian cuisine before and don’t know where to start? The mildly flavoured butter chicken is a popular choice, as are the various Tandoori dishes, cooked in a traditional clay Tandoor oven, that can be tailored to the appropriate degree of spice, Bawa notes. Rewarded for their efforts with a Best of the City nomination for Best Indian Cuisine, “We want to say a big

sizzling tandoor restaurant 637 Johnson Street • 250-388-5450 • www.sizzlingtandoor.ca

thank you to all of Victoria – they’ve all been so supportive.”

Gurinder and Narpinder Bawa welcome guests to their Sizzling Tandoor Indian restaurant, in lower Johnson Street.

Best ofof the the City City Summer Summer 2012 2012 •• 33 29 Best

It hasn’t taken long for Gurinder and Narpinder Bawa to make a name for themselves in Victoria’s busy restaurant scene. Since opening Sizzling Tandoor in November 2010 in the vibrant LoJo neighbourhood, the Bawas’ restaurant has quickly become a local favourite for its fragrant and flavourful North Indian cuisine. Quality home cooking with fresh, delicious ingredients has earned Sizzling Tandoor a loyal lunch crowd that appreciates sampling many of their favourite Indian items at the hearty, affordable Indian buffet, such as butter chicken, dal makhani, aloo gobi, rice, naan bread and salad. The bright, cheery setting is perfect for a quick break from work or lunch with friends. While the buffet is a quick and popular choice at lunch, allowing people to sample a wide variety of Indian favourites, guests are also welcome to order off the full menu 9 % ! 2

34 • Best of the City Summer 2012

Streetcar network linked

communities M

TOP PHOTO: Streetcars on Windsor Street in Oak Bay. ABOVE: Streetcar operators pose for a photograph in Esquimalt outside a streetcar on a snowy winter’s day, on Dec. 30, 1898.

mode of transportation for residents and sailors alike. “It was the only way we had to get back and forth to town (Victoria),” Lambrick says. “People didn’t have cars. They had bikes, walked or rode the streetcar.” In one newspaper account of the day, sailors could often be seen poking their heads out of the streetcar windows, that is, until screens were introduced. Businesses sprang up along the route, particularly at the end of each line. In Esquimalt, travellers could enjoy ice cream, soft drinks, candy, cigars, cigarettes and tobacco at the Terminus Soda Fountain, near the dockyard. The streetcar service was not without its tragedies. In addition to a number of derailments, the No. 16 streetcar plummeted into Victoria’s Upper harbour

in 1896 after a section of the Point Ellice Bridge, as the Bay Street bridge was known, gave way. Fifty-five people died. Officials later determined a problem with the bridge, made worse with the vibration of the streetcar, which was overcrowded with 142 passengers. In fact, the streetcars were so crowded during the war years that B.C. Electric ran a series of newspaper advertisements in 1942. The ads encouraged women to run their errands between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In doing so, the men could find seats on the streetcars at the end of their work shifts. “That was the primary mode of transportation in the region,” said longtime Esquimalt resident and volunteer Esquimalt municipal archivist Sherri

Robinson. “They took the streetcar, they walked or they got a taxi. “People didn’t have vehicles. Gas was rationed. There were no tires.” She said it’s incredible that some people today view the proposed $950-million light rail rapid-transit system, that could one day be installed between Victoria and Langford, as a novel idea. “It comes full circle,” Robinson said of the move to return to a somewhat similar system that was eventually replaced by buses. “It’s amazing.” Streetcars were phased out, starting in 1943. On July 5, 1948 the last streetcar made its final trip through Victoria. The cars were eventually destroyed at the Vic West railyards and most of the tracks have been torn up.

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 35

olly Lambrick can still recall most of the Text | Erin McCracken numbers Photos | Esquimalt Municipal Archives assigned to the different routes of the electric streetcars that trundled through Esquimalt, Victoria and Oak Bay 64 years ago. “The No. 4 was the Esquimalt car,” says Lambrick, who was born and raised in Esquimalt, and still calls the township her home. When B.C. Electric officially opened its electric streetcar network on Feb. 22, 1890, Victoria became the first city in Western Canada to have such a system. Vancouver’s system wasn’t launched until four months later. By 1891, 19 kilometres of track had been laid around At the height of Victoria, 11 cars were production in the in service and a new Second World War, extension had been built B.C. Electric ran a along Pandora Avenue. series of newspaper Oak Bay’s route opened in advertisements in 1891, and additional lines 1942 that encouraged were introduced in the women to use the decades to come. streetcar service The fare at one time between 10 a.m. and was 35 cents for six tickets 4 p.m., ensuring the for adults or 35 cents for droves of working 10 tickets for children. men had a seat on the The Esquimalt streetcar packed cars during run, between Yates and the end-of-day shift Douglas streets and HMC change, around Dockyard, as it is known 3:30 p.m. today, was a popular

Bugged out THERE’S NO ZOO QUITE LIKE VICTORIA’S BUG ZOO

Victoria Bug Zoo owner, Carol Maier, holds a giant green Asian mantis at the popular insect zoo located in Nootka Court.

THANK YOU! For nearly a decade, Little Thai Place has been providing affordable, delicious, Master Thai Chef created dishes – and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for voting us as a “Best Of The City” winner SIX yearss in a row and for nominating us again this year!

As Carol Maier extols the curious nature of a six-inch twiddlebug crawling across her hand, it leaves behind a tiny “gift” in her palm. “She went poop,” says Maier, smiling as she flicks the pea-sized remnant into the bottom of the creature’s glass enclosure. The twiddlebug, also known as the muppet hopper, also known as an Ecuadorian Walking Stick Mimic, is from the Orthoptera family (grasshopper). It’s the inspiration for the tweedlebug muppets that live on the window sill of Sesame Street’s Ernie’s home. Maier has an eye for bugs. She’s the owner-operator of the Victoria Bug Zoo, and an entomologist first and foremost. Full of rare, and particularly large insects and arachnids, there’s no other zoo like it. “I’m not bragging, there just isn’t,” Maier says. “Some of the bigger zoos and natural history museums are attempting, but there’s nothing that focuses on live species, yet. Dead collections, yes.” In 15 years the zoo has expanded, but is still contained within

one large room. Visitors are always surprised by the amount of time they can spend there. “We want people to overcome their fears. Even if they don’t fall in love with the insects, they leave excited.” With kids, it means relating to alien-looking insects that could have stepped out of a blockbuster sci-fi film. “Hollywood can help – like the muppets. But a lot of the scariest monsters … are often based on real insects, sometimes exactly. We teach kids what the insects eat for breakfast, and show them how baby insects need naps, too. It helps.” Of course, people bring their own questions about insects. Maier or one of the zoo’s tour guides can’t make it through the week without facing a question about dealing with common domestic insects. “I came from the farm in southern Alberta,” Maier says. “Dad was the type of guy where the-only good bug was a dead bug. But that’s not really my area. With silverfish, one of the oldest insects going, I say live and let live.”

Thank you Victoria for voting for our great pizza year after year!

®

littlethaiplace.com EAT-IN, PICK-UP OR FREE DELIVERY* FROM FOUR LOCATIONS

Royal Oak 4480 W. Saanich Rd. 250-477-3377 Victoria 1839 Cook St. 250-477-8900

Saanich 3613 Shelbourne St. 250-477-8668 Langford 2745 Veterans Memorial Pkwy 250-478-5455

MONDAY TO SATURDAY 11:30AM to 2PM and 5 to 9PM / SUNDAY 5 to 9PM Licensed / Interac, Visa & MC / *Free delivery on min. $20 order, 5 to 9PM daily

Voted

Best City

of the

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 28

36 • Best of the City Summer 2012

NOW INTRODUCING!

VICTORIA NE WS

W W W. R O M E O S . C A OPEN FOR LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT 7 DAYS A WEEK Victoria East 1581 Hillside Ave.

noodlecart.com

595-0212

Downtown 1703 Blanshard St.

383-2121

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744-1177

Langford 2945 Jacklin Rd.

474-2121

18th

9 % ! 2

Duncan 180 Trans Cda. Hwy.

746-9944

Voted

Best City

of the

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

The Best of the City 2012 Results AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Best Place To Spot A Celebrity

Leisure and Entertainment

1. Fairmont Empress 2. Inner Harbour 3. Save On Foods Memorial Centre

Best Place For Afternoon Tea 1. The Fairmont Empress 2. Murchie’s 3. The White Heather Tea Room

Best Place To Spot A Ghost 1. Ross Bay Cemetary 2. Bastion Square 3. Victoria Golf Course

Best Place To Walk Your Dog 1. Dallas Road 2. Thetis Lake 3. Willows Beach

Best Urban Hiking Trail 1. The Galloping Goose Trail 2. Mt. Doug 3. Thetis Lake

Best Off Leash Dog Park 1. Dallas Road 2. Beacon Hill 3. Beaver Lake

Best Romantic Beach

Best Place To Meet A Mate

1. Willows Beach 2. Gonzales Bay Beach 3. Island View Beach

1. Starbucks 2. Thrifty Foods 3. Darcy’s Pub

Best Free Fun

Best Museum

1. Beacon Hill Park 2. Inner Harbour 3. Dallas Road

1. Royal BC Museum 2. The Maritime Museum of BC 3. British Columbia Aviation Museum

Best Place To Worship

Best Adventure Tourism

1. Christ Church Cathedral 2. St. Andrew’s Cathedral 3. Glad Tidings Church

1. Wildplay Element Parks 2. Adrenaline Zipline Adventure 3. Prince of Whales

Best Place To Pick Blackberries

Best Worst Kept Secret In Victoria

1. The Galloping Goose Trail 2. UVic 3. Cedar Hill Golf Course

1. Red Fish Blue Fish 2. Blue Fox Cafe 3. Academy Spa

Best Outdoor Art

Best Local Twitter Account

1. Moss Street Paint-In 2. Inner Harbour 3. Wild Fire Bakery

1. The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer 2. Alchemy Victoria 3. Bin 4 Burger Lounge

Thanks Victoria for voting us One of the Best!

Thank-you Victoria for choosing Recreation Oak Bay! ì Best Recreation Centre ì Best Swimming Pool ì Best 9-Hole Golf Course (for Henderson Golf) ì Best Romantic Beach - Willows

Not your average Drug Store 250-595-7946

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

Post Office • Prescriptions • Cosmetics Natural Health • Skin Care • Household Items

2200 Oak Bay Ave • 250 598 3380

of the Summer 2012 • 33 BestBest of the CityCity Summer 2012 • 37

Recreation Oak Bay was chosen by you in these categories:

Voted

Best City

of the

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

The Best of the City 2012 Results AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Shopping Best Nutritional Supplements 1. The Vitamin Shop 2. Popeyes 3. Lifestyles Market

Best Bookstore 1. Bolen Books 2. Munro’s Books 3. Chapters

Best Used Bookstore 1. Russell Books 2. Penelope’s Book Shop 3. Smart Book Shop

Best Flower Shop 1. Brown’s The Florist 2. Poppies Floral Art 3. Flowers On Top

Best Garden Shop

Best Used Car Dealership

1. Gardenworks 2. Dig This 3. Marigold Nursery

1. Galaxy Motors 2. Metro Lexus Toyota 3. Howies Car Corral

Best Thrift Shop

Best For Motorcycles/Scooters

1. Value Village 2. The Salvation Army 3. Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative

1. Action Motorcycles 2. Steve Drane Harley Davidson 3. SG Power

Best Consignment Store

1. Oak Bay Bicycles 2. Russ Hays The Bicycle Shop 3. North Park Bicycle Shop

1. Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana 2. My Sisters Closet 3. The Patch

Best New Car Dealership 1. Metro Lexus Toyota 2. Campus Honda 3. Glen Oak Ford

Best Bicycle Shop

Best For Your Pets 1. Bosley’s Pet Food Plus 2. Pets West 3. Pet Smart

Best For Appliances 1. Sears 2. Trail Appliances 3. The Brick

Best For Hardware 1. The Home Depot 2. Home Hardware 3. Rona

Best Kitchen Shop 1. Capital Iron 2. Cook Culture 3. Muffet & Louisa

Best Independent Shoe Store 1. The Cobbler 2. Footloose Shoes 3. She She Shoes

Best Fashion Boutique 1. Still Life 2. Bliss 3. Mango

Best Farmers Market

E’

ER

Voted

Best City

of the

3

NEWS VICTORIA

TH

Your Community.

E FEA F T GO OOD URI TT NE NG O A TW N EA OR T K’S H

1. Red Barn Market 2. Moss Street Community Market 3. The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer

‘Y

OU

th 18

9 % ! 2

Thank you, Victoria, for your continued patronage. Voted

Best City

of the

1

Come by to try our new menu items and our Caffe Fantastico Shine blend coffee.

38 • Best of the City Summer 2012 34 • Best of the City Summer 2012

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

WE BUILD STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIES

851 Broughton Street, Victoria s Ph: 250-386-7511 s www.victoriay.com

The best egg bennies! great lattes too. TRIPADVISOR.CA

Shine has the best breakfast in Victoria hands down. URBAN SPOON

DOWNTOWN 1320 Blanshard St. 250 595 2134 FORT STREET 1548 Fort St. 250 595 2133

Voted

Best City

of the

The Best of the City 2012 Results

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Best For Window Coverings

Best Furniture Store (Chain)

Best For Seafood

1. 2. 2. 3. 3.

1. The Brick 2. Sears 3. La-Z-Boy Furniture

1.

Best For Pool/Spa

Pescatores Seafood & Grill 2. Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House 3. Red Fish, Blue Fish

1. Borton’s Spas & Pools Ltd 2. Twilight Hot Tubs & Billiards 3. Vintage Hot Tubs

Best For Steak 1.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar 2. Prime Steakhouse 3. Brasserie L’ecole

Best For Barbeques 1. Capital Iron 2. The Home Depot 3. Canadian Tire

Best For Lighting 1. Mclaren Lighting 2. Illuminations Lighting Solutions Ltd. 3. The Home Depot

Best Chinese 1. Ming’s 2. Don Mees 3. Sampan Chinese Seafood Restaurant

Best For Musical Instruments 1. Long and McQuade 2. Larsen Music 3. Tom Lee Music

Best Department Store 1. The Bay 2. Sears 3. Walmart

Restaurants/Food & Drink 1. 2. 3. 3.

Milestones The Tapa Bar Ferris’ Oyster Bar & Grill The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

ptical/Eyew

Best City

of the

r

Voted

st

Best City

of the

2

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

, C h ris

VICTORIA NEWS

tin e, G a rett, J o s h a n d A n

18th

9 % ! 2

COSTCO MEMBERS, YOU CAN INTRODUCE A FRIEND TO THE GREAT VALUE YOU FIND AT COSTCO AND REAP THE BENEFITS!! Bring your friends in to join as NEW members and you’ll get a For each new membershIp you bring in! PLUS your friends who join will also get a $10 Cash Card! SAVE EVEN MORE WITH OUR EXECUTIVE MEMBERSHIP AND AMERICAN EXPRESS PROGRAMS A Personal Shopping Membership is $55 per year plus applicable taxes and includes a 2nd FREE card for someone in the same household over 18. VALID FOR NEW MEMBERSHIPS ONLY ON THIS DATE AT COSTCO. NOT VALID FOR MEMBERS ALREADY IN OUR SYSTEM.

O

P Voted

Best City

of the

VICTORIA N NEWS EWS W

18th

9 % ! 2

Celebra Family Ow ting 10 Years ned & Operated

Thanks, Victoria, for voting us Best Bicycle Shop! • New Bikes • Used Bikes • Parts • Accessories • Repairs & Service

1725 Quadra Street, Victoria 250.386.2453 www.northparkbikeshop.com

BestBest of the CityCity Summer 2012 • 39• 35 of the Summer 2012

$10 COSTCO CASH CARD

dy

• MEAT • DELI • PRODUCE

, Joe

• GAS • TIRES • PROPANE • BAKERY

ne

uke

9 % ! 2

n, L

1

Best City

of the

u re

est Bulk 9 B % ! 2 Voted

: La

18th

Discover the Great Savings from the following departments!! • OPTICAL • HEARING • PHARMACY • PHOTO

ly d n p e o i r h f s Your od bike ho r u o ighb

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Thank You Victoria for voting Your Costco Best in the City for Optical, Photofinishing & Best Bulk Store!

1. Il Terrazzo 2. Zambri’s 3. Pagliacci’s

Lt

VICTORIA NEWS

Best For Italian

tofinis Pho hi Voted

3

1. Opa Souvlaki 2. San Remo 3. Il Greco

ng

O st

ea

Be

1. Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress 2. Sager’s Home Living 3. Luxe Home Interiors

Best For A First Date

Be

Best Furniture Store (Independent)

Best For Greek

C BICY L E S H

1. The Home Depot 2. Hourigans 3. End of the Roll

ST

Best For Flooring

BE

Ruffell & Brown Home Depot Sears Island Window Coverings Saffron Windows

Voted

Best City

of the

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

The Best of the City 2012 Results AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Best Japanese

Best Business Lunch

1. Japanese Village Restaurant 2. Azuma Sushi 3. Ebizo Japanese Restaurant

1. Cactus Club Café 2. Moxie’s Classic Grill 3. Lure Restaurant & Lounge

Best Mexican

Best For Your Sweet Tooth

1. Café Mexico 2. Hernande’z Cocina 3. La Fiesta Cafe

1. Ooh La La Cupcakes 2. The Dutch Bakery 3. Pure Vanilla Bakery & Cafe

Best Coffee/Latte/Cappuccino (Independent)

Best Vietnamese e 1. Pho Vy 2. Saigon Night 3. Green Leaf Bistro

1. Habit 2. Discovery Coffee 3. Moka House Coffee

Best Indian 1. Sizzling Tandoor 2. The Spice Jammer 3. Sabri Indian Cuisine

Best Ice Cream or Gelato 1. 1. 2. 3.

Best Thai 1. Baan Thai 2. Little Thai Place 3. Siam Thai

Best For Breakfast

36 • Best of the City Summer 2012

40 • Best of the City Summer 2012

1. The Blue Fox Café 2. John’s Place Restaurant 3. Shine Cafe

Beacon Drive In Marble Slab Creamery Dairy Queen Ottavio Italian Bakery & Deli

Best Wings Best Vegetarian/Vegan 1. Rebar 2. Green Cuisine 3. The Lotus Pond

Best ‘All You Can Eat’ 1. Raymond’s Restaurant 2. Purple Garden 3. Brunch at The Marina Restaurant

1. Shark Club 2. The Monkey Tree Pub 3. Hecklers Bar & Grill

Voted

Best City

of the

The Best of the City 2012 Results

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Best Fish & Chips

1. Irish Times Pub 2. Bard & Banker Scottish Pub 3. The Beagle Pub

Best Burger

Best For Scotch

Best Organic Grocer 1.

The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer 2. Lifestyles Market 3. Planet Organic 3. Red Barn Market

1. Bin 4 Burger Lounge 2. The Pink Bicycle 3. Red Robin

1. Bard & Banker Scottish Pub 2. Clives Classic Lounge 3. Irish Times Pub

Best Pizza

Food Service

1. Cobs Bread 2. The Dutch Bakery 3. Wild Fire Organic Bakery & Cafe

1. Pizzeria Prima Strada 2. Romeo’s 3. Ali Baba Pizza

Best Grocery Store

Best Specialty Deli

1. Thrifty Foods 2. Fairway Market 3. The Market Stores

1. Italian Food Imports 2. Ottavio Italian Bakery & Deli 3. Choux Choux

Best Bulk Store

Best Local Brewery/Winery

1. Costco 2. For Good Measure 3. Save On Foods

1. Phillips Brewing Company 2. Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub 3. Vancouver Island Brewery

Best For Produce

Best Wine Store

1.

1. Everything Wine 2. BC Liquor Store 3. Liquor Plus

Best Patio Bar 1. Canoe 2. Rooftop Surfclub 3. Glo Restaurant & Lounge

Best Sports Bar 1. Shark Club 2. The Podium Sports Grill 3. The Sticky Wicket Pub

Best For Martini 1. Veneto 2. Clives Classic Lounge 3. The Bengal Lounge

Voted

Best Pub

1. Red Fish Blue Fish 2. Barb’s Fish & Chips 3. Haultain Fish & Chips

The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer 2. Red Barn Market 3. Fairway Market

Best Bakery

1

Best City

of the

WS VICTORIA NE

AR YE

2012

th 18

Voted

Best City

of the

2

WS VICTORIA NE

AR YE

2012

th 18

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 37 Best of the City Summer 2012 • 41

Voted

Best City

of the

The Best of the City 2012 Results

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Best For Making Your Own Wine

Best Manicure/Pedicure

Best For Photo Finishing

1. The Winemaker 2. Cook St. Village Wineworks 3. Stellar Wines

1.

1. Blacks Photography 2. Costco 3. Prism

The Spa at The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort 2. Spa Magnolia 3. Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress

Best U Brew 1. Bedford Brewing Company 2. Brew Works 3. West Coast Brew Shop

Best Hair Salon

Service

1. Lab Salon 2. Alchemy Hair Design & Spa 3. Fish Hair Salon

Best Boutique Hotel 1. The Magnolia Hotel and Spa 2. Abigails Hotel 3. The Oswego Hotel

Best Shoe Repair 1. Stevenson’s Shoe Clinic 2. Gaudio Shoe Repair 3. Oak Bay Cobbler

Best Barbershop 1. Status Barber Shop 2. Victory Barber Shop 3. Jimmy’s Barber Shop

Best Optical/Eyeware 1. Maycock Eyecare 2. Goo Goo Goggles 3. Costco

Best Spa 1.

Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress 2. Spa Magnolia 3. The Spa at The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

Best Pharmacy 1. London Drugs 2. Pharmasave 3. Shoppers Drug Mart

Best Place For Picture Framing 1. Michaels 2. Opus Framing & Art Supplies 3. Prestige Picture Framing

Best Custom Home Builder 1. Abstract Development Inc. 2. Terry Johal Developments 3. Piluso Construction

Best Condo Development 1. The Falls 2. The Hudson 3. Dockside Green

Best Retirement Residence 1. The Wellesley 2. Berwick Retirement Communities 3. Highgate Lodge

Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor 1. Urge Tattoos 2. Pair O Dice Tattoo 3. Tattoo Zoo ADVERTISING FEATURE

Voted

Best City of the

S IA NEW VICTOR

42 • Best of the City Summer 2012 38 • Best of the City Summer 2012

BUSINESS PROFILE: Baan Thai

BEST of the CITY FINALIST

1 th

18

Savour the fresh flavours of Baan Thai

Victorians have long recognized Baan Thai as one of its favourite choices for Thai cuisine, but now they have a few new reasons to visit. Five years ago, encouraged by his loyal customers, owner Matthew Takoski added to his downtown flagship restaurant on Blanshard with a second location at Fort and Foul Bay in Oak Bay. This past fall, he answered the call of West Saanich residents, opening the third Baan Thai restaurant at Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. Baan Thai diners appreciate the diverse menu, full of the deliciously fresh flavours of authentic Thai cuisine, prepared by expertly trained Thai chefs. “The cooking methods are healthier, it’s not laden with oils and there’s a good differentiation between flavours,” Takoski says. “Thai food can have a multitude of flavours from dish to dish. And let’s end one myth – Thai food is not all hot! In fact many Thai dishes are served with little or no spices at all. We serve people of all ages covering the full spectrum of tastes. From young children to seniors – from those who like it hot to those with delicate taste buds.” The publisher of the Victoria Dining Guide, Takoski bought the restaurant when the previous owner fell ill. It was a way of continuing what was then one of Victoria’s only Thai restaurants. But more than that, Takoski had strong 9 % ! 2

desire to support the members of the Thai community who worked there. “I had spent a lot of time in Thailand and really enjoyed the food, which was taking the world by storm, and I also developed a place in my heart for the Thai people.” Takoski recalls. That’s all it took and I made a five-minute decision to purchase the restaurant.” “Thailand boasts well over 800 national dishes, and its people have so much knowledge of their cuisine,” Takoski says. “I think in terms of food, I can’t think of a country that has more of a food culture than Thailand.” At Baan Thai, diners can now explore more of that culture with a recently expanded menu, which offers something new for regulars and a tempting array of choices for new diners. Included are a good selection of gluten-free items, along with the always-popular vegetarian. Whether it’s something new or an old favourite, Baan Thai diners know they’re in for something delicious. “We have a history of being consistent, of serving great Thai cuisine and our customers appreciate that. The real secret to our success is no secret at all. It’s the wonderful team of people who work hard each day to deliver the finest Thai cuisine with a smile. For them I am eternally grateful.” Visit Baan Thai today on Blanshard, in Oak Bay, or Broadmead Village; be sure to check out baanthaivictoria.ca for news, menus and opportunities to save on your next Thai meal.

Broadmead: Chefs Nan,and Chat with Head Chef AA

Oak Bay: Head Chef Kachen with chefs Noeun and Preda

Broadmead: 250.658.0057 400-777 Royal Oak Drive Oak Bay: 250.598.0057 104-2000 Cadboro Bay Rd.

www.baanthaivictoria.ca

Downtown: 250.383.0050 1117 Blanshard St.

Downtown: Chefs Thitithana, and Oranee with Head Chef Nattanon

Voted

Best City

of the

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

The Best of the City 2012 Results AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Best Tire Store 1. Canadian Tire 2. Big O Tire 3. West Coast Tire & Wheel Ltd.

Best Automotive Service (Chain) 1. Canadian Tire 2. Midas Auto ServIce 3. Speedy Auto Service

Best Automotive Service (Independent) 1. Searles Auto Repair 2. Royal Oak Automotive (1989) Ltd. 3. Galaxy Motors

Best Place To Improve Your Smile 1. Academy Dental 2. Saanich Dental Group 3. Babin Dentistry

Best Public Washroom 1. The Bay Centre 2. Cactus Club 3. The Fairmont Empress

Best Pet Clinic

Best Weight Loss Centre

Best Bank/Financial Institution

1. Hillside Veterinary Hospital 2. Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic 3. Mckenzie Veterinary Services

1. Weight Watchers 2. Curves 2. Jenny Craig 3. Herbal Magic

1. Coast Capital Savings 2. Royal Bank of Canada 3. Bank of Montreal

SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS

2012 Best of the City

Gluten free crust now available Best Bestof ofthetheCity CitySummer Summer2012 2012• 43 • 39

Mayfair Shopping Centre

Voted

Best City

of the

The Best of the City 2012 Results

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF VICTORIA NEWS, OAK BAY NEWS, SAANICH NEWS AND GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE, MAY 2012

Recreation

Best For Dance Lessons

Best Recreation Centre 1. Recreation Oak Bay 2. Saanich Commonwealth Place 3. West Shore Parks & Recreation

Best Gym 1. YMCA-YWCA Greater Victoria 2. Good Life Fitness 3. Vancouver Island Fitness Centres

Best 18 Hole Golf Course 1. Cordova Bay Golf Course 2. Bear Mountain Resort 3. Olympic View Golf Club

1. John De Pfyffer Dance Victoria 2. Dansko Studios 3. Karen Clark Dance Studios

Best For Martial Arts 1. Olson’s Gym Martial Arts & Boxing 2. Zuma 3. Studio 4 Athletics

Best Yoga Studio 1. Bikram Hot Yoga 2. Moksha Yoga Victoria 3. Moksana Yoga Centre

Best Personal Trainer 1.

Best 9 Hole Or Par 3 Golf Course 1. Henderson Golf 2. The Ridge Course at Cordova Bay 3. Juan de Fuca Golf

Best Swimming Pool 1. Saanich Commonwealth Place 2. Recreation Oak Bay 3. Esquimalt Recreation Centre

Darcy Dommett – Studio 4 Athletics 2. James Beckerley – Body Dynamics Headquarters 3. Sonja Heynsbrook – Success Fitness

Kids Best Kids Attraction

Best Kids Clothing Store

1. Beacon Hill Park Petting Farm 2. Victoria Bug Zoo 3. PlayZone Victoria

1. Gap Kids 2. Old Navy 3. The Children’s Place

Voted

Best City

of the

VICTORIA NEWS

18th

9 % ! 2

Thank you for nominating us for “best place to improve your smile”

• Best of the Summer 2012 40 44 • Best of the CityCity Summer 2012

• Family Dentistry • One visit porcelain CEREC Crowns • Dental Implants • Cosmetic Procedures • Veneers • Invisalign • Spa Dent 20 Minute Whitening • Professional Cleanings • Oral Cancer Screening

Voted

Best City

of the

1

VICTORIA NEWS

Chris Souliotis, Alina Toaxen and Sean Compton at their Saanich Dental Group office.

#119, 1595 McKenzie Avenue 250-477-7321 saanichdentalgroup.com Dr. Chris Souliotis | Dr. Sean Compton Dr. Alina Toaxen Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 4:30pm Evening appointments available

18th

9 % ! 2

Best Camp For Kids 1. Y Camp Thunderbird 2. Camp Pringle 3. Camp Imadene

Bringing history to life Perhaps more than any other contemporary historian, John Adams has brought the old ghosts of Victoria to life. The founder of Discover the Past and its popular ghostly walk tours, Adams has popularized the Capital Region’s history for more than 40 years. He began his career in the 1970s as a tour guide at Fort Rodd Hill, while working on his history degree. He found work at museums and heritage sites in Ontario, Vancouver and Victoria, including at the Royal B.C. Museum, before landing a job with the B.C. heritage branch. Leading tours and making history accessible to laypeople has always been key for Adams. In the 1980s he led tours with the Victoria Heritage Foundation, and was a founding member of the Old Cemeteries Society, which broke new ground by offering tours of Ross Bay Cemetery. “In 1987 people rolled their eyes and giggled. People wondered what we were doing,” says Adams, 62. “That was 25 years ago. Now people are very accepting of tours in cemeteries.”

He founded Discover the Past 12 years ago to offer downtown walking tours in his spare time. Now it’s a business that offers histories of virtually every old neighbourhood in the city. This summer he’ll have 10 part-time employees. “I hope in telling these stories, I will connect people with their community and let them find out some of the history they might not have known.” Ghost walks are an entertaining entry point into the fascinating and often grisly history of colonial Fort Victoria, but Adams is also a serious and committed historian of the region. His first book from 2003, Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas, explores the enigmatic first governor of the colony of British Columbia. Adams is nearly finished a detailed book of the Chinese community in Victoria, tentatively called Chinese Victoria. “I’ve spent most of my life doing history-related activities,” Adams says. See www.discoverthepast.com.

The all-new 2013 V6 RDX. STARTING FROM

†

Now available at your local Acura retailer.

CAMPUS ACUrA

3347 OAk St., VICtOrIA

250.383.0088 CAMPUSACUrA.COM

MSRP is $42,935 (includes $1,945 freight and PDI) on a new 2013 RDX 6-speed automatic (model TB4H3DJN). Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. Retailer may sell for less. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. See Campus Acura for full details.

†

43 Best of the City Summer 2012 • 45

42,935

$

Lyall Street Service

d Vote

Besitty C RIA NEWS of the

O VICT

th

18

9 % ! 2

Show & Shine Imports, domestics, European & motorcycles welcome. Come down and show off your ride!

• car wash • BBQ • cold drinks Chevy Grillverado on-site

Saturday July 14th 9am to 3pm

All proceeds to the ALS Society of Victoriaa presented by

631 COURTNEY • 250.384.BUGS (2847) • WWW.BUGZOO.COM

Lyall Street Service

1480 Lyall St • 250.382.0015 2.0015 • wix.com/lyallstreet/service

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

5:00 - 6:30 pm $ Dinner for Two

20 OFF

46 • Best of the City Summer 2012

Would you prefer your sushi with brown or white rice? Japanese Restaurant 1619 Store Street

250.386.9121

FOLLOW US ON

The Art of the Photograph BLACK PRESS PHOTOGRAPHER DON DENTON GIVES TIPS ON WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST PHOTOS IN VICTORIA

2

1 3

The Inner Harbour area just before and at sunset. The harbour offers a smorgasbord of subjects, from the boat-filled harbour itself to the B.C. legislature, Fairmont Empress Hotel and the causeway, which in summer is crammed with pedestrians, entertainers and crafts people.

The top of Mt. Douglas in Mt. Doug Park. There are two peaks, one to your left and one to your right, from the parking lot. It’s only a short uphill walk either way to multiple possibilities for photographs. The right-hand peak gives you expansive views towards the Saanich Peninsula, while the left side will reward you with an overhead look at residential and wooded areas, as well as the surrounding ocean.

The view across the fifth hole at the Victoria Golf Club (off of Beach Drive, near Newport Avenue) with the Trial Islands Lighthouse, the Olympic Mountains and most often, passing ships in the background. The best time for this shot is morning, as the light from the east hits the lighthouse and mountains.

4

Esquimalt Lagoon at any time of day. You can photograph beach and ocean landscapes, passing maritime traffic, the Fisgard lighthouse and a huge variety of birds.

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 47

21 • Best of the City Summer 2012

H

aving worked as a photographer in Victoria for more than eight years, most recently as photo supervisor for Black Press’ Greater Victoria newspapers, Don Denton often gets asked for advice on locations to capture great images. Denton has four favourite photo viewpoints, located in different parts of the Capital Region. “They’re places I go back to time and again and am always rewarded with something new to photograph,” he says. Four stops and a real variety of photo opportunities. These four locations also make a great day tour by car when you want to show new visitors the best of the area, Denton adds.

Join us on the patio near the Golf Pro Shop for

12:00 – 4:00 PM AND

5:00 – 7:00 PM SSTARTS

Sunday, June 17th

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Anita Favour, from Fish Hair Salon, rollerblades down Government Street during the 2010 Victoria Pride Parade. Victoria’s 2012 Pride week runs the first week of July, starting with the memorial drag ball game on Canada Day and ending with the popular Pride Prade on July 8. See www.victoriapridesociety.org.

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Fiddler a busking force to be reckoned with ONE OF INNER HARBOUR’S MOST RECOGNIZED FIGURES HAS USED MUSIC TO CARRY HIM THROUGH SOME TOUGH TIMES

Darth Fiddler, a.k.a. Randy McKenna, plays on the corner of Government and Wharf streets on his Stradivarius violin he named Joan.

A convers conversation with Victoria busker Fiddl (government name: RanDarth Fiddler dy McKenn McKenna) is like trying to describe his act. It m moves fast, flows like a river, stops abru abruptly and twists into shapes you never imagined. He did didn’t start playing the violin w in his 20s. “I was a late until he was bloomer he says. “I worked the bloomer,” su whole summer in P.E.I. so I could buy a b big, new, nice violin. I was basicall basically inspired by a lot of weird underg underground ’60s music, like Velvet Underground’s violinist John Cale. That strings rock music re really set something into play insid inside me.” T The spirit of Darth Vader has live lived inside him for even longer. At age nine, he saw Star Wars. “It drew me in like a magnet. Iw was generally stuck in a li lifeboat of the ever-sinking sship of the 1970s. … It was a w weird time to grow up in.” The character of Darth V Vader struck a chord. “I adopted it as a philosophy as a child. The thing drew me in.” He surroun surrounded himself with Star Wars

toys and created a universe of his own adventures. But as boys do, he grew up, gave up the toys and picked up a guitar. “At the dawn of the millennium I moved out West,” he says. Illness, an emotional breakdown and a violin that snapped in two during the move led to a dark time. Then a friend got him to record a punk song called Shark Attack that inspired him to write nine of the songs he now plays on Victoria streets. “The story is like a pitchfork,” he says. In 2003 he was playing his violin on the streets of Victoria, mostly unnoticed. He tried a ninja persona, wearing a robe and Chinese sandals, adding karate kicks between songs. Then a discovery in a thrift shop changed everything. “I had 20 bucks left. I went into the Salvation Army and I saw the Darth Vader mask. I put it on my head and I walked down to the usual spot where I play. What happened on that walk was the birth of Darth Fiddler. I had the mask on, I was carrying my violin to my normal spot. I put the case down and I noticed everything changed. It was like the most beautiful fireworks going on everywhere. The struggling artist sees potential in the future.”

Old burying ground in Pioneer Square Park contains city’s early settlers

Beth Clark enjoys the sunny weather lying in the grass and daisies in Pioneer Square Park, which mixes heritage with current-day restfulness.

years, the coffin being fastened to a gun carriage and pulled by bluejackets. The state of Victoria’s streets at that time was such that it required a great deal of power to propel any vehicle, and especially was this the case with Quadra Street. I have often seen a funeral come to a dead standstill and the hearse dug out of the mud, also teams loaded with stones for the monuments in the cemetery. “We will suppose the hearse has been dug out, and in the cemetery near the grave, in many cases men might be seen bailing out the grave, one below and one on top; especially was this the case with the Roman

Catholic ground. And I have known when it was necessary to hold the coffin down in the water with shovels or have a man get down and stand on the coffin until enough soil was thrown on it to keep it down. What must the friends have thought at this time, as the dirty water was forcing its way into the coffin?” Bull was buried in the Quadra Street cemetery on Nov. 17, 1860. His remains are among 1,300 others who lie in unmarked graves under the grass in Pioneer Square Park. It took only 12 years for the new cemetery to become neglected and earn an outcry from the public that

it must be maintained. Victorians raised $438 to construct gravel paths, renew fences and plant trees and shrubs through the .81-hectare property, which is bounded by Quadra Street, Meares Street and Rockland Avenue. The Quadra Street Burying Ground was closed in 1873 when the Ross Bay Cemetery opened. It was left to decay and fall in disrepair once again. Fawcett was one of those who helped convince the city to develop a plan to transform the graveyard into a grassy park owned by the city. The majority of the grave markers were removed or buried and only eight of the tallest monuments were left standing along with six box tombs. About 19 other box tombs were dismantled and the tops placed flat in the ground to form the outer semicircle of a new grouping on the eastern edge of the park. Behind them six other semicircular rows of monuments were arranged. Since the early 1990s, the Old Cemeteries Society has advocated for the preservation of the monuments and history associated with Pioneer Square Park and maintaining it for future generations to enjoy. A management plan is currently being developed by the city. For more about the Quadra Street Burying Ground and other local cemeteries go to oldcem.bc.ca.

Best ofof the the City City Summer Summer 2012 2012 •• 45 49 Best

Just blocks away from Victoria’s bustling downtown core is a serene patch of grassy green, perfect for picnics or catching a break from work under the rustling of a leafy tree. But Pioneer Square Park has hundreds of permanent residents laying deeper under those trees as well. The park began as Victoria’s first public graveyard, established in 1855 – seven years before the city itself. A smaller burial ground had been in use earlier in Fort Victoria and those interred there were moved to the new Quadra Street Burying Ground by a chain gang. In his 1912 book, Reminiscences of Old Victoria, Edgar Fawcett recalled his fondness for watching the grand funerals that took place at the Quadra Street Burying Ground. “As a boy, I had a great weakness for funerals, and living only a block from Quadra Street, I attended scores in my day. I naturally liked the naval funerals best, for there were soldiers and sailors, and bands of music, with three volleys over the grave, so I missed few. The funerals came from Esquimalt, generally by water, in large boats propelled by oars, and landed at the Hudson’s Bay Company’s wharf. “I well remember the funeral of Captain Bull, of H.M. surveying ship Plumper, who died at the age of 27

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Kayaking on the Gorge Waterway is a popular pastime for residents and tourists.

Fun on The Gorge 10-KILOMETRE WATERWAY GEM WINDS ITS WAY THROUGH VICTORIA, ESQUIMALT, SAANICH AND VIEW ROYAL

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lines cast from above. Here, the water narrows and the shoreline is taken over by private docks and parks. On your left, check out the motley collection of liveaboard vessels. Keep going and you’ll find at least one opportunity to dock on the rocks to enjoy your snack. Tillicum Bridge is the next major landmark and it’s an impassable hurdle for the unprepared. Depending on the time of day, this is the location of the reverse falls, which look like a half-metre waterfall as the tide retreats. “The kayakers go up and play (in the gushing water),” Carroll says. Keep padding northwest, under the Craigflower Bridge, and the Gorge eventually opens up to reveal Portage Inlet, a migratory bird sanctuary. It’s here you can often see the Gorge’s resident swans. “Stuff happens that you can’t believe,” Carroll says. “Last week an eagle picked a seagull off (and) every bird in Portage Inlet must have been screeching.” Explore the inlet further to find a statue of a mermaid tucked in a little cove, then paddle up the Craigflower stream. The Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club keeps its rates low. An expectation of its close to 400 members is that they give back through annual clean-up efforts and other activities to preserve the health of the Gorge. It’s the kind of grassroots activism that helped saved the Gorge from its reputation as a community dump. After decades of work, today the waterway is once again clean enough for swimming, if you dare.

47 • Best of the City Summer 2012

Fishermen try their luck off Craigflower Bridge.

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 51

t the turn of the 20th century, the Gorge Waterway “was Victoria’s most highly-praised scenic attraction,” according to Dennis Minaker, author of The Gorge of Summers Gone. People thronged to its shores from all over the region for boating, swimming, picnics and campfires. Even tourist pamphlets, wrote Minaker, called the waters “one of the most famous swimming resorts on the coast.” Today, the Gorge doesn’t have quite the same status, but it is known and loved by many as a unique 10-kilometre gem winding its way through Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, and View Royal. And none love it as much as those who explore this waterway by boat. “You see everything,” says Pam Carroll, president of the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, located on the Gorge near Tillicum Road. “There’s all sorts of unique things (you can’t see from land).” Carroll is on the water five days a week, rain or shine. But for those who don’t own a boat, there are many opportunities to get involved that don’t cost a mint. Buy an inflatable dingy for two, rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board from one of the several rental operations, or join the Canoe and Kayak Club for only $40 a year. “It’s the deal of the century,” Carroll says. For those unfamiliar with the highlights along the way, hop on board and enjoy the tour. The waterway starts in the Upper Harbour, between the Johnson Street Bridge and Bay Street Bridge – an excellent place to see playful seals. The focus here is industry. Whether you love it or hate it, the industrial harbour is largely invisible from shore, but the water provides a front row seat to gravel, metal and other processing plants in action. Next, pass under the Bay Street Bridge. Immediately to your right is the Point Ellice House museum. While the harbour ferry boats stop here, allowing people to dock for afternoon tea, paddlers can’t dock their own watercraft. New this year, however, this historic G RUSHIN landmark has entered the 21st century. S R E WAT Send staff a tweet (@ptellicehouse) t to n a w u o ry t Whethe e falls a rs or facebook message (ellice house) e v re to ross the u want safely c e, or yo and they’ll come to meet you with g st d e ri b B e th Tillicum ome for r a boxed picnic lunch, closely hen to c eck you h c to know w t o ou’ve g Find a s. rt approximating the version served a h show, y c current ictoria tide and in the garden. Just give them 20 off the V b m e th k Clu link to nd Kaya minutes’ notice. Canoe a , te websi Now you’re set for the next portion kc.ca. www.vc of your adventure. Duck through an opening in the Selkirk Trestle, being mindful of not getting caught in any fishing

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Many Victorians are familiar with the Japanese Village Restaurant’s award-winning teppan dining – after all, who hasn’t marvelled at the chefs dazzling with their remarkable skills, right at the table? But what diners may not know is that the Japanese Village also welcomes guests in their charming, traditionally decorated sushi bar and dining room – just one more reason why the iconic restaurant has again been voted one of Victoria’s best. Pull up a comfortable stool and watch the talented master sushi chefs create the delicacies right before your eyes, or relax at a quiet table to enjoy your meal.

Open for lunch and dinner, additional selections here include a variety of individual and combination meals, including tempura, yakitori, lunch-time udon bowls and more. Can’t decide which kind of sushi and sashimi to try first? Ask the chef to prepare a special assorted sushi platter and discover a new favourite. Of course, if you’re in the mood for something hot and sizzling, venture into the Teppan Steakhouse. Teppan dining, or Teppanyaki – “the iron table” – was first introduced to North America in the 1960s, offering guests a front row seat as their dinner is cooked to perfection right before their eyes. Choose from filet mignon, chicken and seafood dishes, complimented by fresh-cut vegetables and fantastic secret recipe sauces, then enjoy the show as your personal chef dazzles and delights with his culinary sleight-of-hand. Have a birthday or special occasion coming up? Whether in the sushi dining room or the Teppan Steakhouse, special events are a Japanese Village specialty and the experienced staff will help ensure your celebration is memorable!

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THE CITY OF VICTORIA’S ICONIC FLOWER BASKETS HAVE BEEN HANGING AROUND FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS

Baskets of Beauty It’s a year of anniversaries in Victoria, from the city’s 150th to Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year on the throne. You can add to that list Victoria’s iconic hanging baskets, which have been hung from the antique lamp standards around downtown for the past 75 summers. Since the idea was conceived as a way to mark the city’s 75th anniversary in 1937, the production process has become more streamlined for the city parks department staffers who create and maintain the baskets. The project has grown from a few hundred baskets to more than 1,600 today. Parks operations manager Gord Smith, who joined the department 20 years ago, says one of the biggest challenges in his time with the city has been the changing architectural landscape downtown. “There’s definitely more shade baskets than when I started – there’s more (taller) buildings downtown casting shade,” he says. In trying out new plants, he adds, “We look at how well they last with wind and the radiated heat from the buildings. Even the height of the baskets makes a difference.” Once-sleepy Victoria has also become a

more vibrant place later into the evening – a factor that comes into play for drivers of the water trucks who make the rounds daily in summer to keep the baskets moist. Years ago you could drive down Wharf Street at 2 a.m. and you wouldn’t spend a lot of time avoiding parked cars, Smith says. Not today. While different flowers occasionally get worked into the mix, the general makeup of the baskets hasn’t actually changed a whole lot since the 1960s, with petunias, geraniums and lobelias the mainstays. Think there can’t be much to building a quality hanging basket? Victoria’s parks staff receive inquiries from around North America and beyond – from shopping centres to other parks departments – asking how they create the baskets and get them to flourish, Smith says. Given their longstanding tradition and the pride with which staffers build and nurture them, it seems Victoria’s baskets have become the gold standard for fabulous floral displays. They go up in the second week of June and stay up until the third week of September, making them a very visual sign of summer’s arrival and departure in the city.

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Viva Mexico dancer Lorena Alvarez entertains the crowd at Centennial Square during Festival Mexicano in 2010, celebrating Mexican and Latin American culture with music, entertainment and food. The sixth annual festival this year runs the weekend of July 13. See www.victoriamexicancanadian.org.

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With more than 3,000 butterflies fluttering about, along with a bevy of exotic birds and fish, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens let’s get up close with nature – while staying indoors. The humid tropical forest built inside a 1,115-square-metre greenhouse in Central Saanich provides a unique educational experience for young and old alike. Naturally, as butterflies only have a typical lifespan between two and three weeks, keeping

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$169.8M The total economic activity generated by the arts and culture sector in Greater Victoria is estimated at $169.8 million annually. Need further proof that Greater Victorians love the arts? In 2010, according to the Victoria Foundation, 55 per cent of residents aged 15 and over reported attending at least one popular music concert in Greater Victoria in the last year and 30 percent reported having attended a symphonic music concert.

SNOW

Greater Victorians tend to be smug, some might even say snobbish, on how little snow we get annually. But Victoria is the only city in Canada west of Southern Ontario to receive 50 centimetres or more of snow in one day. This occurrence has happened three times in recent history: 1916, 1923 and 1996.

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CFB Esquimalt regularly fields requests to serve as a backdrop for commercial and filmmaking projects, but the navy base can’t often accommodate a team of moviemakers and their gear, including food, lighting, sound and wardrobe, for days on end. There are naval operations, security issues and today, a lack of space that prevent much filming from being done. Smaller projects that take a week or less to shoot, preferably a day or just hours, stand a better chance of being accepted. The last major projects filmed at CFB Esquimalt were Seven Deadly Sins, and Stranger, both in 2009. They were shot at the Canadian Forces Health Services Centre on Colville Road. The Greater Victoria Film Commission includes the base in its photo library of filming locations, helping ensure filmmaking requests made to the base are the right fit.

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of ornamental birds – birds he and Jennie collected while travelling around the world. Peacocks roamed the gardens; rare ducks were kept in Star Pond; squawking parrots graced the main house; and racing If it wasn’t for a dead duck, the pigeons were trained on the present Butchart Gardens might never have site of the Begonia Bower. been completed. Still, it was the death of a duck The gardens owe their existence in London that saved the Butchart to the energetic Jennie Butchart. family. Beginning in 1909, she The duck, a rare fowl that decided to transform was part of a mating pair the desolation left purchased in Germany A by her husband’s met his maker while GARDEN then-exhausted the Butcharts D L O T O B E H Victoria limestone quarry waited to steam r a Greate rd of into a thing of home from a tour If you’re e no doubt hea a world t, you’v beauty. of Europe. They ens. It is residen 23 rd d a te G a c rt ha n lo the Butc w garde ies o p To make it had already u sh c l c o ra a. It ed flo e f Victori renown was onc happen, she purchased north o t s a e h tr w e kilom nd on uarry. res of la stone q ordered that their tickets s 22 hecta rt family’s lime it th o b ha ous for m fa the Butc thousands of but Robert is e n th ctio for The attra ing beauty and isplay tons of topsoil Butchart was d h is n n o o s st n a cime ns. y of spe be hauled to the distraught. As y garde diversit n a m s ns. within it rtgarde a h site by horse and much as he was tc u www.b com wagon. Flowers, trees looking forward to and shrubs were then the journey home, he collected from around the wanted these particular world to create the first site – ducks to be part of the gardens. the spectacular Sunken Garden. He convinced Jennie to delay Later, Jennie sacrificed the home’s their departure while a replacement tennis courts and built the Italian bird could be obtained. Garden. The kitchen staff’s vegetable Jennie reluctantly agreed, with patch was expropriated to create the the proviso that they would wait in Japanese Garden. And it continued London and be passengers on the with more land being transformed. second crossing of the White Star Robert Butchart was enormously Line’s new masterpiece. So in April supportive of his wife’s work and 1912 the Butcharts waited for a did his part in beautifying the site. replacement duck and missed the He contributed a vast collection Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Social Opportunities: independent retirement communities offer daily social events, programs and volunteer opportunities to help residents enjoy an enriching, engaged lifestyle. Security: Living among peers and staff members in a larger community gives families and seniors reassurance in knowing residents are never far from help in case of emergency. Convenience: Residents enjoy freedom from yard work or time-consuming and costly home repairs. Housekeeping services are commonly provided and most communities combine all expenses into one simple monthly payment (including utilities). the Victorian and the Victorian at mcKenzie also provide the added benefit of live-in management teams and pet-friendly living! Seniors and families are welcome to call or visit The Victorian or The Victorian at McKenzie for more information about independent retirement living.

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If bigger means better then the best is still to come for Victoria’s cruise ship industry. The first ship of 2012 arrived on April 17. The 250-metre vessel came from Vancouver and stopped here for 10 hours before departing for San Francisco. The largest ship to stop in Victoria this year is the 296-metre Norwegian Pearl. Cruise ships are in port in Victoria for roughly three months of the year. Ships don’t stay overnight, however, as Victoria is a port-of-call as opposed to a home port, such as Vancouver. In 2009, the Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas became the largest vessel ever to berth at Ogden Point. At 311 metres – larger than three football fields – the Mariner of the Seas weighs in at 138,000 gross tonnes. An expansion to the pier at Ogden Point, including a new mooring dolphin and dredging of Pier B, was completed by early 2011 for just less than $4 million. The cost was split between the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the provincial and federal governments. “I’m delighted our investments are paying off here in Victoria,” federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, James Moore says. “The expanded pier is increasing tourism and providing a significant boost to British Columbia’s economy.” Making use of the expanded pier, the 315-metre Celebrity Solstice is 20 metres longer than the longest ship due to arrive this year. The Celebrity Solstice begins making weekly stops in Victoria next season and can carry 2,850 passengers. Cruise ship season typically runs from mid-April to the end of September. Victoria’s port has three berths. In 2010, more than 220 ships stopped in Victoria, carrying more than 400,000 people to the city. Cruise ship passengers spend money throughout Victoria, even travelling to Central Saanich to visit Butchart Gardens, the national historic site on most tourists’ must-see list. However, not everyone thinks the ships are a good deal for the city. E S I CRU S T In 2011, the James Bay Neighbourhood C A F SHIP pier: Association commissioned a study that longest s t’ in o P • Ogden tres e found the city’ s cruise ship industry m 5 3 3 ere: oored th creates $24 million in business per year. l ever m e ss e v st tonnes • Large However, the report also concluded 138,000 2012: r fo d le du alls sche c the big ships have an even greater ip sh • Cruise 229 g to adverse affect on the neighbourhood. in is ru c ors ted visit r: The study was written by a University • Estima this yea Victoria of Victoria proffessor who also happens 475,000 lines f cruise o to be a James Bay resident. Concerns r e b m int: • Nu gden Po raised in the report include noise and air using O 12 pollution, diminished property values and damage to local infrastructure.

Fairmont Empress chalks up 104 years of afternoon teas It’s odd to think that served on fine China, a mild hypoglycemic you pick your food lull spawned the most from a tiered tower and quintessential English can sit next to a roartradition known to coing (mock) fireplace, lonial man: afternoon all accompanied by a tea. piano player. The story goes that The tea is a blend the seventh Duchess of of four different teas, Bedford, Anna, fighting developed for the Emoff “a sinking feelpress by the Metropoliing” between her light tan Tea Company in noon meal and dinner, Toronto. When crafting Afternoon tea at the the current blend, the started to order a tray Empress Hotel is of bread, treats and tea Fairmont company had Victoria a local tradition. in the afternoon to tide water shipped to Toher over. Thus afternoon tea was ronto so that its particular nuances born. could be taken into account. I learn this as I’m enjoying a deliMany notable guests have taken cious cup of the Fairmont Empress part in the tradition at the Empress, Hotel’s own blend of the sacred including Winston Churchill, Bing drink at its traditional Afternoon Crosby, Shirley Temple, Rita HayTea. It’s my first such experience and worth, and more recently, Emperor I’m certain my English ancestors are Akihito and Empress Michiko of smiling down on me as I spread jam Japan. on my scone and accept my third Barbra Streisand once came for cup of tea from our expert server. tea, but was ushered to another part Tea at the Empress has been a of the hotel, as she did not meet the Victoria institution since the hotel Tea Lobby’s modest dress standards. opened in 1908. Every year more Thankfully I made the grade. than 100,000 people from around Even though it is steeped (pun inthe world are served an estimated tended) in tradition, a more modern 500,000 cups of tea. touch to the affair is the availability It’s not so much a midday snack of vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, nutas an experience. Everything is free and gluten-free tea spreads.

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Totems mark city’s aboriginal heritage FIRST NATIONS ART CELEBRATES PAST AND PRESENT OF FAMILIES, FOLKLORE

Eagle Project members Terrence George, left, and Marcus Goldsmith carve a totem pole behind the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. The Eagle Project allows artist Carey Newman to teach youths how to create a totem pole.

There isn’t a list of the many totems to be viewed around Greater Victoria, but one place to start is the Royal B.C. Museum, where there are 11 poles outside at Thunderbird Park. Some of the poles at the museum were carved in the 1950s by master carver Mungo Martin. Although the carving shed Martin and a team of apprentices worked in outside the museum is long gone, the original totems are protected inside the museum behind glass near the east entrance, in the main lobby as well as in the First Peoples galleries on the third floor of the exhibits building. Totems can also be found at the Inner Harbour and at Beacon Hill Park. Totems are not religious icons, internationally respected artisan Carey Newman points out. “People don’t come and pray to a totem ever, it’s more like a painting on a wall.” Totems denote family status, can be memorials, mark celebrations or commemorations. Newman has carved totems both in traditional Salish and contemporary styles. He is currently working with a team of youth to carve an eight-metre western red cedar slab into a pole that will honour Newman’s great-great grandfather.

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Fresh, home-made cuisine a hallmark of the Wellesley

The dining room plays an important role in 189 the daily lives of % ! residents at the 2 Wellesley of Victoria. It’s a gathering place to enjoy a meal with friends, a place to host family coming for dinner and a visit, and a spot to enjoy a quiet lunch with a good book and a view overlooking the courtyard garden. And then there’s the food! At the helm of the Wellesley dining room is Chef Connie Young-Davis, celebrating 20 years with the retirement residence this fall. In addition to the many residents she has grown to know over the years, Connie appreciates the diversity of the Wellesley kitchen. With rotating menus, residents enjoy a new line-up of menu choices every four or five weeks, keeping things interth

62 • Best of the City Summer 2012 58

Last year’s Ska Fest organizer Dane Roberts is ready to rock the 2012 Victoria Ska Fest July 10 to 14, at Ship Point and venues around the city. This 13th annual event also features ska workshops at Long & McQuade. See victoriaskafest.ca.

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esting for both kitchen staff and diners, Connie notes. Each day, residents can choose from five different lunch entrees and three different dinner entrees, with something new on the menu each day. Because residents enjoy full kitchens in their suites, they can enjoy breakfast in the privacy of their own suite, and other meals if they choose. Connie’s flexible menu is complemented by flexible service, with dinner served any time between 4:30 and 6 p.m. And if they enjoy lunch out with friends or a quiet dinner in their suite, those meals, if part of their residents’ package, can be made up later or by inviting a guest to share a meal, explains the Wellesley’s Margo McIntosh, Marketing Coordinator. All meals are crafted from scratch, from soups to sauces and everything in between, right down to the herbs Connie grows in the patio garden. Those fresh ingredients and home-made flavour are hallmarks of the Wellesley’s cuisine. “It makes the residents feel like they’re

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at home – that they come first,” Connie says. Especially popular is her Chinese food, along with themed events, such as Hawaiian night, and a spectacular Sunday buffet, hosted once a month. “All the families want to come in for the Sunday buffet,” Margo says with a laugh. Connie is one of many staff who have been with Wellesley for some time and that longevity helps building long-standing relationships with residents. “We get to know what they like, and what their special needs are, and they appreciate that,” she says. It’s these special details, and the clientcentred approach that has earned the Wellesley a position as one of the Best in the City for retirement living. Offering both independent and assisted living suites, the Wellesley com-

bines the best of both worlds, enjoying a garden-like setting just minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment. Thanks to the residences’ two activity co-ordinators, residents can choose from numerous activities on-site, in addition to guest entertainers and out-trips, notes Margo, also busy planning a variety of community events, such as the Wellesley’s recent Wellness Day for residents and neighbours.

Safeguarding B.C.’s natural and cultural history ROYAL B.C. MUSEUM CONTINUES TO EVOLVE A petition signed in 1886 by 30 prominent Victoria citizens launched what is now the Royal B.C. Museum, a Crown corporation encompassing the B.C. Archives, Helmcken House, the Netherlands Carillon, Thunderbird Park, St. Ann’s Schoolhouse and the museum itself. The museum had its start in one room of the Capital Building. John Fannin, an avid outdoorsman, collector and taxidermist was appointed as its first curator. Fannin helped launch the museum by donating his personal collection of preserved birds and animals to the endeavour. By 1898, the museum was moved to the East Wing of the new B.C. legislature buildings. More than 3,700 visitors were recorded in its first decade. The museum now hosts more than 350,000 each year. “More than 23,000 B.C. students, their chaperones and educators visit the RBCM – free of charge – every year,” said Sue Stackhouse, communications specialist for the museum. In 1941, six lots at the corner of Belleville and Douglas streets were transformed into Thunderbird Park, where totem poles from the

quarters. In the late 1970s, museum staff travelled to the University of Nebraska to check out a woolly mammoth skeleton found in Illinois in 1931. They were looking for ideas for an impressive entrance exhibit for the new natural history gallery, hence the iconic mammoth that Birds mounted by looms there to this day.. the Royal British “It was built here by our Columbia Museum’s maintenance technicians at the first curator John time,” says Mark Dickson, manager “Jack” Fannin are of exhibits and trades. “It’s the found in the hallway largest single animal that we have.” of the museum's The mammoth was built over the Fannin Building. skeleton using foam blocks, iron, wood and nine musk ox pelts. “In the past, larger museums owned their own RBCM Kate Kerr, an exhibition arts technician, works on a model fabrication shops. We’re B Y THE of a Beipaosaurus inexpectus that is part of the dinosaur really unique in the N UMBER exhibit, which runs until Sept. 16 at the Royal B.C. Museum. S: The Ro museum world today y a l British Museu Colum m museum’s collection were displayed. W.A.C. Bennett in that we have our bia specim houses abo ut 7 en By the early 1950s, when announced own full fledged in its c s, objects an .2 million ollecti d artif on. A deterioration of the poles became a plans to build production shop,” fractio acts o n are n disp The go lay. ve concern, a pole restoration program a new museum Dickson adds. $12.1 m rnment of B illion p .C. con began. The totem poles now on and archives This summer, the er yea tr ib utes r, the m the mu ajority seum’s display at Thunderbird Park are as a Canadian museum goes back o Museu f b u dget. m vo replicas of the originals, which have centennial even further in time 40,00 lunteers con 0 hou tribute rs of s been moved indoors, so they can be project. as it hosts Dinosaurs: e rv ices each y ear. properly preserved. Three years Ancient Fossils, New Over the years the museum later, Queen Discoveries a travelling continued to grow and attract more Elizabeth and the exhibit curated and designed visitors. By 1961, estimated annual Queen Mother dedicated by the world-famous American attendance reached 100,000. The the cornerstone for the current Museum of Natural History. province decided to expand the museum building, and in 1968 the See www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. museum, and in 1963 Premier RBCM made the move into its new

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being able to promote and share not only traditional, but modern native music. I also host a weekly native music column, known as Tribal Clefs, on CBC Radio One.

Victoria poet laureate Age: 49 I used to be a visual artist. But something about Victoria, which I prefer to call the Coast Salish Territory, made me switch from working on a canvas to a piece of paper.

Other than doing writer residencies, I don’t have any formal training in writing. I’ve done residencies in places such as the Banff Centre in Alberta, and the National Museum of the American Indian in both Washington, D.C. and New York City.

Victoria became my salvation. I made the decision to become sober before moving here from Toronto in 1994. I started with a clean slate.

In August, I’ll be doing a writing residency at the Santa Fe Art Institute, in New Mexico.

I credit Victoria for my career because of the abundance of inspiration the land has given me. The Coast Salish people embraced me and continue to today.

I think the Island is great. It would be hard to convince me to leave.

Besides being the city’s poet laureate, I am a radio host, a recording artist, and a creative writing teacher. I’ve been a fulltime poet since I quit my job as an aboriginal support worker in 2005.

I was born in Vancouver but grew up in southern Ontario. I currently live in View Royal. I also lived in Esquimalt for several years.

I host Vancouver Island’s only native radio program, Native Waves Radio on CFUV 101.9FM. I love

My favourite place is Esquimalt lagoon. The land there really speaks to me. There’s something in the air,

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In my spare time I like to browse second hand shops and yard sales. I love bargain hunting. I find Victoria culture to be “art

rich.” I love how every other person I meet is an artist. I love talking about poetry, sharing it with others, and introducing it to different pockets of people in the city. In April, I started a new reading series called BYOP (Bring Your Own Poetry). I like that a different audience comes out each week.

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men’s football team, which ran concurrent to rugby season in the winter, and wore the famous clover with the Victoria Shamrocks in the summer. It’s all part of a James Bay legacy that started with a group of baseball players in 1886. The club went on to become a second home for rugby, soccer, boxing, rowing and track-and-field athletes, with the latter two sports putting the club on the map from the 1890s until the First World War. Most of it predates Davison. “I remember the rowers. They were good, but we didn’t share social events very much. There was no official clubhouse in the ’50s. Coach Alec MacDonald would have the (rugby) boys back at his house. We’d fill the basement.”

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In the dank basement of the James Bay Athletic Association clubhouse, only a subtle brightening of the lights over the gym equipment signifies where the lounge ends and the gym begins. Walls are laden with plaques, signifying the club’s many championships or achievements. Upstairs in the main hall, glass cabinets are littered with defunct trophies from the last three centuries. No one’s been around the Bays longer than Mel Davison Davison. At 80, the clubhouse manager tells it like he sees it. A Vic High grad, Davison started playing high school rugby in his senior year of 1947-48. He joined the Bays at the same time. “Today’s athlete, in my opinion, is so superior to when I played,” he says. He had a hand in many of the Bays’ Rounsefell Cup provincial titles, both playing forward in the 1950s and as coach in the ’60s and ’70s. “Nowadays, I can’t help but cringe when I see a crushing tackle. We had some big guys, but not like today. Not with today’s fitness.” And yet Davison was a part of the Bays’ 1950s crew that tripled as football and lacrosse players. He was a centre for the three-time national champion Victoria Drakes senior

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John Vickers is in the business of creating good old-fashioned fun – the free kind – for the people of Victoria. “A couple of years ago my parttime community life became my whole life,” says Vickers, the man responsible for Victoria’s pumpkin art, buskers festival and upcoming chalk festival. “I feel very fortunate to wake up every day and go to work for Victoria.” Vickers spent 25 years in the tech sector before embarking on his career in community leadership. After a stint living in Manhattan, the East Coast native decided he was “too Canadian to become an American” and returned to Victoria in 2003. His involvement with the community began in his own front yard in 1998. His presentation of carved pumpkins gained attention and soon moved to Government House, where it generated about $15,000 in donations to Unicef annually. Two years ago, Vickers began conceiving of a larger scale community event. After witnessing a crowd gathered around a busker near the Inner Harbour, the idea for hosting a buskers festival was born. The first Victoria International Buskers Festival drew 75,000 visitors downtown last summer. Vickers hopes to see that number grow to more than 125,000 this

year (July 20 to 29). Some 600 free shows, a music stage and a comedy cabaret are planned. Vickers also holds the title of executive director of John Vickers the Victoria International Chalk Art Festival Society, a nonprofit organization he created while the festival was being formed. Chalk artists from around the world will converge downtown for a week of street art, beginning Sept. 12. Though it’s too early for Vickers to reveal details, he has begun exploring the idea of bringing a third free festival to the capital city, likely during the month of May. “People say that Victoria is lacking in terms of festivals, but I think there’s a real willingness from within the greater community,” Vickers says. “If you live your passion, it becomes a part of your life. I highly recommend it. You have those days that are challenging, but you love what you do to such an extent that you move on over the rough parts and keep moving forward.”

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Pop, kick and jump Terms such as “quarter-pipes, bowls, funboxes and pyramids,� are becoming commonplace to a growing number of athletic Greater Victorians. Skateboarding is these days “super accessible� for people who want to learn, and Victoria’s boarding community welcomes newcomers with open arms. “For so long, skateboarding was portrayed in not the best light, and that’s definitely changing. It’s being considered a real sport, and it’s a very accepted sport here in Victoria,� says Brandan Soros, with Coastline Surf and Sport. Soros, a semi-pro skateboarder, is one of a number of local athletes helping Victoria build a solid reputation in the national and international skateboard community. “We have a ton of good skatepark facilities here that really help,� he says. There are skateparks in Oak Bay, Gordon Head, Esquimalt and Sooke, and a massive outdoor facility in Vic West – just off Esquimalt Road – that remains the most popular. Soros says one of the fastestgrowing facets of the sport right

Damien Berkers hops onto a rail at the Vic West skatepark.

now is recreational longboarding. “It’s very trendy. I don’t think a lot of dudes do it seriously, but there are a lot of UVic students who are longboarders,� he says. Longboards are more stable, and because of a longer deck and wheelbase, they provide a smoother ride. “A lot of kids are getting into the skateboarding world here. The sport is growing and growing,� Soros says. “It’s only going to get better.�

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Victoria preps for 150th birthday celebration Send a message through the electronic time capsule, add a photo to the living history wall, or just enjoy a piece of cake. Aug. 2 marks the 150th year since Fort Victoria became the city of Victoria. And to celebrate, the city has a full day of events planned. A public ceremony, in Centennial Square at 11 a.m. will kick off the party with the unveiling of a commemorative envelope and stamp sheet, a project launched by Canada Post and the City of Victoria last year. There will also be a First Nations welcome, speeches by dignitaries and special guests and an official cake-cutting ceremony. But the fun doesn’t stop after the cake is served. Once the formal ceremony ends, at noon, the city’s 150Forward Community Celebration begins. This free event in Centennial Square provides a whole afternoon of familyfriendly fun, including live entertainment, costumed performers, tours, demos, displays and children’s games. “We wanted to keep it upbeat and casual, and fun,” said Alice Bacon, Victoria 150 event co-ordinator. “Ultimately, this is a celebration that the whole community can enjoy, so we wanted to make it fun for everyone.” The event will feature many ways for the community to get involved with the anniversary. Members of the public can contribute to a digital time capsule by recording greetings that will be stored in the city’s archives. People may also bring old family photos

to add to the living history wall. “We’re inviting people to bring family photos from throughout historical dates to pin on a wall, just to share with other people,” Bacon said. Video screens in the square will show historical footage, organizations will have interactive and historical displays, and the Victoria 150th anniversary History2Life characters will be roving around.

150 Celebrations: July 29: Fort Victoria Family Festival and Fort Building in Centennial Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2: Victoria’s 150th Anniversary Public Ceremony, 11 a.m. on Spirit Stage in Centennial Square. Aug. 2: 150Forward Community Celebration, from noon to 6 p.m. in Centennial Square. Free, family-friendly event highlighting the past, present and future of Victoria through performances, multimedia presentations, interactive and historical displays. Aug. 6: City United! Celebration and concert in honour of Victoria’s 150th and the United Way of Greater Victoria’s 75th anniversaries at St. Ann’s Academy, noon to 9 p.m. Family-friendly event featuring live music, entertainment, crafts, cooking and gardening demos. Need more info? Go online to www.victoria.ca

Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin is inviting everyone to the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations this summer.

Celebrating over 50 Years in Victoria Family owned & operated since 1956

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Big world of the small Searching for the true fountain of youth may be a lost cause, but George Devlin has found the next best thing. The 72-year-old CEO of Miniature World has made a living playing with toys, figurines and dollhouses for the last 40 years. And though his snow white hair is evidence he’s aged a bit since the attraction opened, the jovial entrepreneur is still a kid at heart. “This place is a combination of fact, fantasy and fiction – maybe because it appeals to the children in all of us – it doesn’t matter what age you are,” he says. Miniature World is undoubtedly an attraction for the tourists that come to town (Devlin estimates no more than five per cent of his customers are locals), but that doesn’t mean Miniature World isn’t fun for families from Greater Victoria. Mom and dad will be enthralled by all the intricate details in each of the 80-plus miniature dioramas – ranging from Germany, circa. 1945 to a miniature reimagining of Jack and the Beanstalk. Devlin has occupied the northern street-level-side of the Fairmont Empress since Day 1. Recently, he signed another 20-year contract to stay there for years to come. He’s even looking at a major expansion. In May 2014, Devlin

George Devlin, CEO of Miniature World, stands with a Second World War diorama in his downtown tourist attraction.

says a massive new exhibit (currently under construction) will be added to the Miniature World space. “All I can say is it’s going to be amazing, and it’s based on a very famous story – but I have to be hush hush,” Devlin teases. With the assistance of artist Peter Locke, with whom Devlin has worked for decades on building these miniature worlds, there’s no question that whatever is next for the attraction will be a wonderfully detailed sight for young and old, alike. And who knows? Perhaps the next great miniature scene will be Ponce de Leon’s 16th-century “discovery” of the legendary fountain of youth – that’d be right up Devlin’s alley.

Stevenson’s Shoe Clinic “Family Owned Since 1925”

Thanks Victoria

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History below the surface The Inner Harbour is a must-see for any said Jacques Marc, explorations director of visitor to Victoria. It’s also home to a few the Underwater Archaeological Society of massive places-of-interest overlooked by B.C. “Some we know where they are, some tourists and locals alike. we don’t.” Shipwrecks dot the shoreline Perhaps the most fascinating of around the city. One such wreck stories springs from the wreck – the SS Green, a whaling ship of the Nanette, an all-wood R POPULA that sunk out of neglect in barque that fell victim to a DIVES 1966 – rests in the waters collision with Race Rocks lar u p o p most ictoria Divers’ V just off Store Street. in 1860. News reports of r te a re cks in G ) shipwre location Divers regularly visit the day commented on the , k n su (date ro, 1891, the the vessel under the drinking and rowdiness as San Ped S S e h •T Ledge water. Above water, you the wreckers pilfered the Brotchie , 6 8 Castle, 18 can see the ship’s whaling ship’ s cargo – much of it Barnard S S e h y •T Pilot Ba gun – retrieved by navy liquor. 77, 18 , sh fi ord • The Sw rd Island divers – on display at the Though the event was S. Bedfo B.C. Maritime Museum. well documented, and the “We’ve got lots of fascinating society has located the site, the stories that go with these things,” full wreck has yet to be found.

Divers plunge onto shipwrecks that can be found throughout region.

Home owners helping home owners Providing old fashioned friendly customer service in Fairfield Plaza and on Oak Bay Avenue. Thank you, Victoria for nominating us the best hardware store! Voted

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Best of the City Summer 2012 • 67 71

Fairfield Staff

Thanks Victoria for your continued support

Melanie, Jeffrey, Alison and Roshan.

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Victoria Symphony music director Tania Miller (above) is scheduled to lead her 10th Symphony Splash this year in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Each year up to 40,000 boaters and pedestrians pack the waterway and causeway to take in live classical music. This year’s Splash happens Aug. 5.

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Foodies delight ‘FOODIE U’ IS MAKING ITS MARK ON VICTORIA’S CULINARY LANDSCAPE Visitors and residents looking for a bite to eat usually end up visiting the same spots along the waterfront and Government street strips. For those in the know, however, a new area has emerged to fulfil anyone’s eating cravings. The Foodie U, a three-block strip that starts on Fort and Douglas streets, runs up Fort to Blanshard, Blanshard to Broughton and down Broughton back to Douglas. You can find something for every taste and budget in this U-shaped three blocks: chain restaurants such as the Cactus Club to the one-of-a-kind deluxe hamburger joint Pink Bicycle. You can grab a sandwich to go at Bond’s Bakery or sample a variety of ethnic food eateries featuring the tastes of India, Lebanon, Vietnam, Mexico or the Philippines. Try out the soup and sandwiches at Zazu, a bowl of wonton soup at Saigon Harbour or breakfast, lunch and dinner, all of which are offered at The Clay Pigeon. You can eat in a rush with a slice of pizza from Ali Baba Pizza or sit down and take your time in the intimate and excellent Devour with a gourmet feast. If you’re not sure what meal would best suit your appetite and want to check out the offerings in the area, grab an americano from Street Level Espresso and a cookie or croissant from one of the three bakeries in the U and take a stroll while checking out the various menus on offer. Hungry pedestrians should note that not all the restaurants in the area are open for evening dining; some cater only to the lunch crowd. That said, visitors and resident alike, who find themselves downtown with noon approaching would be well-advised to check out this new and growing food corridor.

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CALENDAR

WHEN TO BE WHERE THIS SUMMER

JULY June 30-July 1 – Victoria Celebrates Canada Day, Inner Harbour. Festivities include children’s events on the B.C. legislature lawn, featuring Juno awardwinning entertainer Norman Foote, musical performances by both award-winning and up-and-coming artists and fireworks. For a full schedule of events, see www. victoriacanadaday.ca. June 30-July 8 – Victoria Pride Society presents Pride Week 2012, including an artwalk and exhibition in Trounce Alley (June 30), Drag Ball Game in Vic West (July 1), and Pride Parade and Festival (July 8). Parade starts at Government and Pandora at noon, ends at MacDonald Park in James Bay. For details, see www. victoriapridesociety.org. July 1 – Victoria’s first-ever Vegan Festival, Market Square (560 Johnson St.), from noon to 5 p.m. Features guest speakers, entertainers, businesses and non-profits, and free vegan food samples. For more information, www.victoriaveganfest.com. July 1, 5, 12-14 and Aug. 4, 6, 9, 1112 – Raven Baroque Summer Celebration. Free concerts throughout Victoria featuring classical baroque played by musicians dressed in period costumes. More details at members.shaw.ca/ravenbaroque. July 3 – Music in the Park, every Tuesday at various locations throughout July and August, from 6 to 8 p.m. July 3 event takes place Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Rd. For more details, see www.saanichsunfest.ca or call Julie at 250-475-5408. July 7 – Yogathon in Centennial Square, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Drop-in yoga classes every hour, on the hour until 7 p.m. Suggested $5 donation per session, or through pledges for full 12 hours. Benefits Victoria Cool Aid Society. For details, see www.coolaid.org/dcc. July 7-13 – Canadian Chess Open, Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville St.). details at monroi.com/2012-cocc-home.html. July 8 – Strawberry Festival at Beaver Lake Park (on Elk Lake Dr.), 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free, family-friendly event features face painting, pony rides, relay races, bouncy castles, and a pie eating contest. Strawberries and ice cream served from 2 to 3 p.m. for 50 cents. For more information, contact Rob, 250-475-5558.

July 13-15 – Festival Mexicano, hosted by the Mexican Canadian Community Association of Victoria. Dinner and dance at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad St.), July 13, 6 p.m. Activities in Centennial Square July 14-15, from noon to 5 p.m. Includes music, mariachi, dance, Salsa

July 14 – The eighth annual Victoria Dodgeball Championships, Royal Athletic Park (1040 Caledonia Ave.), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Play for fun or competitively. Register your team of six to 12 people by calling 250-361-0732. July 14-15 – Enjoy Serbian food and Balkan music at the third annual Serbian Days, at Reynolds Park (on Reynolds Road). Family-friendly event features Victoria’s Euro Cup, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and activities for kids. Event runs from noon to 7 p.m. (July 14) with a final soccer tournament from 3 to 6 p.m. (July 15). For more information, email Aleksandar at donmaconi@gmail.com. July 19-22 – Victoria International Accordion Festival, at Market Square (560 Johnson St.), and various venues in Victoria. Featuring internationally acclaimed performers, competition, concerts, workshops, kids’ corner, open stage, trade show and beer garden. For a full schedule of events, see www.bcaccordion.ca. July 19-22 – Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine, a weekend of wine and culinary tastings, seminars, and other events. Try more than 100 B.C. wines with local cuisine at Crystal Gardens (913 Douglas St.)For more details or to purchase tickets, see www.victoriataste.com. July 20-29 – Victoria International Buskers Festival, noon to 10 p.m. The free festival brings together street performers from around the world to stages across downtown. Visit www.victoriabuskers.com. July 21 – The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria celebrates the 25th annual TD Paint-In, on Moss Street, from Fort St. to Dallas Rd. More than 150 local artists take their studios outdoors for a paint-in from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other events throughout the day include gallery open house and dancing to Kumbia in the evening. See aggv. ca/events/gallery-paint-in. July 24, 26, 28, 30-31 – Victoria Summer Music Festival, at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall at the University of Victoria’s School of Music. For details, see www.vsmf.org. July 28-Aug. 6 – Sooke Fine Arts Show, a 10 day celebration of the arts at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Rd. For event or ticket info, see sookefinearts.com. July 29 – Fort Victoria Family Festival and Fort Building Competition, Centennial Square, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All-ages event includes music, performances, historic stories and tours. Register your team by July

13. For more information, see www.victoria. ca/Victoria150.

AUGUST Aug. 2 – Celebrate 150Forward, Victoria’s 150th anniversary event, in Centennial Square. Public ceremony at 11 a.m. Free afternoon festivities from noon to 6 p.m. Bring old family photos, and contribute to a digital time capsule. Details at victoria.ca/ Victoria150. Aug. 3-4 – Integrate Art Crawl, a visual arts festival featuring 26 galleries. For more information, see integratearts.ca or email integrateartsociety@gmail.com. Aug. 4 – Victorian Garden Party at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Crescent), 1 to 4 p.m. Have a cup of tea, a glass of wine, or a mug of beer while listening to music by chamber orchestra Raven Baroque. Free, family-friendly activities include a bean bag toss and croquet, live-action role-play, and steam punk photography. For more information, see www.thecastle.ca. Aug. 4 – B.C. Aviation Museum Open House (1910 Norseman Rd., Sidney), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. View historical aircrafts, engines, and more. Admission by donation. See www.bcam.net. Aug. 4-5 – Victoria Electronic Music Festival, featuring more than 200 artists in Centennial Square. Includes interactive seminars, a vendor market, beer garden, and more. For full schedule of events, see vemf.org.

splash. Aug. 5 – Oak Bay Collector Car Festival, on Oak Bay Avenue. Almost 300 collectable cars from various eras will line the street starting at 8 a.m. For details, please see www.bletheringplace.com/carshow. Aug. 6 – City United! at St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt St. The City of Victoria and the United Way of Greater Victoria partner to celebrate Victoria’s 150th and the United Way’s 75th anniversaries, noon to 9 p.m. Family-friendly event includes live music, entertainment, crafts, cooking and gardening demos. Details at victoria. ca/Victoria150. Aug. 10-12 – FolkWest, a music festival celebrating folk-roots music. Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave. For details, see folkwest.ca. Aug. 17-19 – Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, Inner Harbour. Featuring more than 90 dragon boat teams from North America on a 500-metre course. Family-friendly event includes multicultural entertainment, crafts tent, food court, and more. For details, see www.victoriadragonboat.com. Aug. 31-Sept. 2 – Classic Boat Festival in the Inner Harbour. Featuring 100 boats from around the world. For details, see www.classicboatfestival.ca.

Aug 4-11 – Victoria International Six-aSide Cricket Festival at Beacon Hill Park, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Features players from around the world in hour-long games with teams of six. See www.vdca.ca for more information. Aug. 5 – Victoria Symphony Splash at the Inner Harbour, featuring maestra Tania Miller and the Victoria Symphony. Family zone open from 1 to 4 p.m., orchestra performance at 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Admission $5. For full schedule, see www. victoriasymphony.ca/

The Victoria Theatre Fringe Festival, celebrating live theatre in various venues, is staged Aug. 23 to Sept. 2. It features over 50 comedy, drama, spoken word and theatre shows. Special events include FringeKids Fest in Market Square and nightly cabaret, and pre-concert festival in Centennial Square. Details at www.intrepidtheatre.com/fringe.

Best Best of of the the City City Summer Summer 2012 2012 •• 71 75

July 10-14 – Victoria’s 13th annual Ska Fest, featuring Toots and the Maytals, The Pietasters, Katchafire, Leroy “Heptone” Sibbles, and many more. Festival includes ticketed and free shows. For more details or to buy passes and tickets, see www. victoriaskafest.ca.

lessons, and much more. See www. victoriamexicancanadian.org, or call 250213-9366.

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Get the best of Red Barn with a Barn B Bucks k Gift C Card d Barn Bucks are easy to purchase; just take a moment to stop at a Red Barn location and load your card with as many Barn Bucks as you want. Red Barn makes it so easy! • 5550 West Saanich Road • Mattick’s Farm - 129-5325 Cordova Bay Road • 751 Vanalman Avenue • Latoria Walk - 611 Brookside Road

Best of the City Summer 2012 • 77

Share your love for fresh, local and organic produce by gifting your friends and family a Red Barn Market card loaded with Barn Bucks..

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Private investment portfolios for individuals, families and foundations, focusing on Income and Capital Growth. Telephone: 250.595.7955 www.georgiancapital.ca