Under wraps
Mystery show offers art for art’s sake. Page A3
NEWS: Recycling mishap resolved /A3 ARTS: Musician takes on marathon /A12 SPORTS: Swim, cycle, run ready to go /A18
OAK BAYNEWS Friday, June 14, 2013
www.vicnews.com
TOURiSm ON TWO WhEElS Antiques
robber sentenced
Oak Bay tourism committee’s bike-powered pop-up kiosk has a European flavour Natalie North
Victoria man makes guilty plea
News staff
Location, location, location. The creative team behind a new tourism info centre in Oak Bay knew that was a key factor when they were discussing how best to communicate with visitors. “The issue is always about location,” said Rena Kendall, Oak Bay tourism committee member. “Where do you put these things? A “There are lots physical location is of cycling visitors in good, but what we need is something Oak Bay and that that’s mobile.” would line up with Cue the info bike, a the goal of reducing bike trailer designed to attach to any bicycle our footprint and for easy transportation of information about getting the right Oak Bay, to those who information to the need it. The drivers of the info bike will right people, in the also offer emergency right place.” bicycle repairs and a - Rena Kendall first-aid kit, in addition to a plethora of information on the municipality. Kendall, along with Tom Croft, president of the Oak Bay Community Association, had been looking back over the committee’s approach to marketing and advertising via social media, as well as its partnership with gourmet food tours and decided they hadn’t yet hit the mark. The idea for the pop-up tourism kiosk wasn’t such a foreign concept to Kendall, after having employed similar marketing devices, including working with people who walk large crowds dressed in information vests, though the vehicle is new to town. The info bike is the only one of its kind in Greater Victoria, and as far as the team can tell, all of Canada, though several European countries have hopped on board. PlEASE SEE: Tourism bike brings information, Page A9
Laura Lavin News staff
A man who attempted to rob Oak Bay Avenue’s Cambridge Antique store in February 2012, pleaded guilty to charges of robbery, disguising his face with intent to commit an offence and carrying a weapon or prohibited device. This week, Bryant Louis Kertesz was sentenced to 44 months in jail and given a lifetime firearms prohibition. Kertesz, who entered the store just before 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, wearing a white hard hat, dust mask and gloves, produced what turned out to be a paintball gun. He carried a black bag, which he demanded owner, Peter Everett, fill with merchandise. When Everett refused to do so, Kertesz ran down an aisle and jumped into the front display area, where he began grabbing jewelry and other items. Everett tackled Kertesz and a struggle ensued. Meanwhile, Crystal Stupple, who was in the store with her mother, saw the events unfoldingJEWELLERS and helped FINE CUSTOM keep the man on the ground, pinning him there while they waited for police. Police said Kertesz, a 41-yearold Victoria man, has a criminal record which includes previous robbery convictions. - with Oak Bay News files editor@oakbaynews.com
BARCLAY S
Natalie North/News staff
Oak Bay Community Association president Tom Croft and tourism committee member Rena Kendall test out the new info bike, a mobile tourism information station that doubles as an emergency bike repair station, on Oak Bay Avenue.
BARCLAY S FINE CUSTOM JEWELLERS
Pearl Event June 13th - 15th
Largest Pearl Show in Victoria! Barclay’s showcases will be overflowing with the most extensive and exciting designer collection you will see in one location - all with event pricing. Visit our website to receive your $50 voucher towards purchase.
reverse>>>
BARCLAY S FINE CUSTOM JEWELLERS
106-2187 Oak Bay Ave. 250-592-1100
barclaysjewellers.com