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NEWS GAZETTE

Exam-ining education in SD62

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In today’s issue, the Gazette begins a three-part look at how well the Sooke School District is preparing students for graduation Page A3

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Friday, April 3, 2015

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Extra funds available for school district Additional money will help, but won’t restore past cuts Mike Davies News Gazette staff

singing and dancing and just killing it.” One of the people who guided his development in the performing arts is mom, Sandra Webster-Worthy, the longtime artistic director for PACE in the Sooke School District. She says it’s always exciting when Calum comes home, given everyone wants a piece of his time. As a now-veteran professional in an industry notoriously difficult to break into, he’s able to mentor PACE’s up-and-coming young actors and give them the straight goods on the amount of hard work and persistence it takes to be successful, she says.

With the continued growth of the region as a whole and a new funding model increasing the amount of money the district receives per student, it might not be a surprise to hear the Sooke School District (SD62) has a little extra money to play with this coming year. Unfortunately, it’s not much, especially considering the cuts that have been made in the recent past. The 2015-16 fiscal year budget was presented this week at an open meeting at the district office. Those in attendance heard the administration’s plans for the extra $260,000 available over last year, and how they came to have that money. As outlined by SD62 secretary/ treasurer Harold Cull, the increase comes mostly from estimated additional student enrolment and increase in provincial per-student funding. In short, SD62 will receive an additional $3.8 million from the B.C. government next year.

PlEASE SEE: Hard work and dedication, Page A10

PlEASE SEE: District, Page A6

Don Descoteau/News Gazette staff

Actor Calum Worthy joins mom Sandra Webster-Worthy in promoting this week’s PACE Musical Theatre production of Another Op’ning, Another Show, in the Isabelle Reader Theatre. Calum, a PACE grad who plays Dez on the Disney Channel TV show Austin and Ally, is part of the cast for the show, while Sandra is artistic director for PACE in the Sooke School District. The show opened last night and continues with performances at 2 and 7 p.m. today (April 3) and tomorrow, with more shows next week.

Star in our MidSt Disney’s Calum Worthy flies in to be part of the PACE theatre team Don Descoteau News Gazette staff

Once the excitement died down over having a bona fide TV star on the set of the latest PACE Musical Theatre production, everyone got down to work. Calum Worthy, a PACE program grad wellknown by tweens and teens alike as Dez on the hit Disney TV series Austin and Ally, jetted

into town from California early this week to take on his usual multiple roles in the community theatre production. Worthy, who on Tuesday was set to take part in his first dress rehearsal for Another Op’Ning, Another Show, at the Isabelle Reader Theatre in Langford, says he appreciated being able to come back to where his theatre and performance career began. “PACE has been my home since I’ve been born,” the youthful 24-year-old said with only slight exaggeration. “Some of the people I learned from are still here, so it’s very cool to come back and see everybody. The kids are so talented … it’s amazing to see the Grade 12 kids acting and

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Exam-ining education in SD62: Part One: Statistics are complicated In part 1 of a three-part series examining high school education on the West Shore, we look at provincial performance statistics and the difficulties with using them as indicators of how the system is working as a whole Mike Davies News Gazette staff

Earlier this year, the Gazette ran an editorial talking about the graduation rates of students within the Sooke School District (SD62), which covers much of the West Shore of the Capital Region, as well as Sooke. It was pointed out by people within the system that the numbers cited in that opinion piece, while technically accurate, did not tell the whole story of the state of education in the region – doing so in a 350word piece about graduation statistics is nearly impossible. We realize that our interpretation may have created a perception amongst the public of a failure on the part of the school district. “There’s always a story behind the data,” was almost the first thing out of assistant superintendent Dave Betts’ mouth when he sat down to discuss the editorial, entitled “Graduation rates an issue in SD62.” Citing graduation statistics that were “enough to raise alarm bells in the hallways,” we called on the district to “act quickly to ensure a downward trend doesn’t continue.” Possibly most alarming was the statistic cited that, “among all students listed as first-time Grade 12s in the Sooke district last year, just 68 per cent graduated in 2014.” That caused an uproar among educators, parents and administrators alike. Betts acknowledged the figure was accurate, but pointed out that “first-time Grade 12s” by the province’s definition includes anyone who takes a Grade 12 course. He says such a percentage shouldn’t be in the discussion when it comes to graduation rates, because many of those students couldn’t possibly gain enough credits to graduate in that year. Maybe they are Grade 11 students who are ahead in a particular subject and want to get the Grade 12 course in that subject out of the way early, for example.

94%

Eligible Grad Rate, B.C, 2013/14* * includes private schools

83%

Eligible Grad Rate, SD62, 2013/14** ** includes alternative schools Mike Davies/News Gazette staff

Maybe they’re Grade 10 students who chose to get the Graduation Transitions course – one of only two required Grade 12 courses needed to graduate with a Dogwood Diploma – out of the way. “There’s a huge difference between a firsttime Grade 12 and a person who is actually eligible to graduate,” Betts said. The second group are students who are actually within striking distance of gaining the requirements to complete their secondary schooling, while that factor isn’t even taken into account for the first group. Looking at the second group alone, SD62’s “actual eligible grad rate is 83 per cent,” Betts said. Another factor skewing the numbers downward, he said, is the fact that roughly 25 per cent of the student population are in what he calls “non-traditional” or “alternative” programs. Not surprisingly, the completion rate in those programs is significantly less than in traditional high schools. At Pacific Secondary, one of the alternative education programs under the SD62 umbrella, 63 students took a Grade 12 course in 2013 – they’d be “first-timers” – but only eight graduated. That’s 13 per cent. Two out of 41 kids who were enrolled in a Grade 12 course at Juan de Fuca – another alternative program – got their credential. That’s five per cent. Similarly, the BITE program graduated 31 per cent of its firsttimers. Most educators would agree these students need more time to be successful. They have different needs from those in traditional systems. They live different lives and struggle with more than just school. Betts was once the principal of those alternative schools, so he knows the myriad challenges students face when they’re trying to get to graduation. “Without a high school graduation,” he said, “they don’t have the foundation for a

better life. We don’t say to them, you know, ‘You’ve had your five years in the Sooke School District, so see ya later, it’s time to go.’ We give them six, seven, eight years to graduate if they need it.” Statistically, the schools are “not doing us any favours,” Betts admitted. “But I know personally that the people who have graduated, what a boost that has been in their life and what an opportunity that provides for them that otherwise wouldn’t exist. In this district we pride ourselves on making sure that we’re providing those opportunities for all of our students. “We serve our community. These folks

“What we don’t want to do is play games with the numbers … The right thing to do is work with the kids who are not being successful in the current situation.” – Dave Betts, asst. superintendent, Sooke School District are a big part of our community, and I think it’s our obligation – our duty – to make sure we’re providing programs for them that are going to enable them to be successful in life.” So how is the district working towards improving the numbers within the alternative education section, if that’s what’s bringing down the overall totals? “What we don’t want to do is play games with the numbers,” Betts said. “We could play games with the numbers and not record people who are just enrolled in any Grade 12 class, or we could say ‘you’ve had your time and now you’re out.’ That would be a way to make the numbers go up quickly and would look great on paper. But it’s not the right thing to do. The right thing to do is work with the kids who are not being successful in the current situation …”

That’s where Paul Block comes in. As the district principal for adult and alternative education for SD62, he’s one of the people driving that change for the better within the system, in an attempt to get those numbers up without “playing games” with them. “These kids are highly intelligent, incredibly resourceful and very resilient,” Block said. “They just need some guidance and compassion for what they’ve endured and continue to endure.” They also need to have education presented to them in a different way. “What I saw when I was working in primary school,” Block said, “was the strength and power of the cohort model, where the same group of kids move through together and build a community.” He felt this style of learning would translate well for older kids who don’t necessarily learn best in a traditional structure, and presented it as an option to the established model of alternative education. His model has now been adapted for the region’s alternative education programming, and everyone is not only hopeful, but confident it will benefit those who need it most. So the numbers are actually better than they might first appear on a spreadsheet. The district is, in fact, keeping pace with overall graduation outcome averages throughout the province as well as taking care of an underserved segment of the population and increasing their ability to do so. Block, Betts, and the school district as an entity all believe the new model being implemented in the alternative education system will make a huge difference to the overall average outcomes in the district. There are still gains to be made, however. Ian Johnson, president of the Sooke Teacher’s Association said, “When you look at the data that’s collected, I think we’re doing as well as anybody. It’s generally agreed by everyone, I think, that under the conditions we are forced to teach in right now, we do a very good job. Could it be better? Absolutely.” Hear more from Johnson in Part 2 in the series, where we examine the challenge of just straight-up not having enough money. mdavies@goldstreamgazette.com

A4 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Friday, April 3, 2015 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

Comforts of home sent lovingly from Canada

Seniors’ centre in Colwood becomes a workshop to help developing countries

It’s the home base of Canada Comforts, a not-for-profit charitable organization of people determined to do their part to help the children of the world, in whatever way they can. Even though they recognize their efforts are just a drop in the bucket, says founder and president Sylvia Hatfield, they feel that if there are enough drops, the bucket overMike Davies flows. News Gazette staff “Our little motto is actually an African The humming of the sewing machines, proverb,” she says. “We can walk far when sergers and electric screwdrivers and the we walk together.” And walk together they do. murmurs of wise old souls comes flowCanada Comforts began in the early ing up the stairs, growing in volume as I descend into the basement of the Juan de 1980s, Hatfield says, but only became a “formalized” organization in 1998, when Fuca Seniors Centre in Colwood. I am greeted by the smiling faces of about they took up shop in the Centre’s base15 seniors, hunched over various stations ment. Prior to that, they were just a group set up to perform the various functions of of friends doing good things out of Hatfield’s the workshop – as they are every Tuesday living room. They now have approximately 80 satellite groups across the country. morning. Their Colwood workshop has stations It’s like the North Pole of a child’s imagination – right down to the rows of teddy for making knitted teddy bears, rolling banbears – but without the pointy, curled-toed dages made of old bedsheets, sewing and serging dresses, shorts, baby shirts and shoes. other simple garments, and an area to organize it all for packaging. langford cascadia As I take the tour of the area – which anyone can do by appointment – Hatfield stops at a table. On that table sits a sample of their creations and a non-descript binder, FREE ICE! which she opens. “This baby was dying,” she says, pointing at a photograph taken in Africa at a hospital. The binder is full of similar shots taken around the A $50 PURCHASE world over the years – and Hatfield *redeem by May 30 / 2015 knows the stories that go with each valid only at Langford location one. “Her mother said she had never had a single thing in her life that was brand new. Her baby had a brand new teddy bear and a bag, and the 107 - 977 LANGFORD PARKWAY tears were streaming down. I get (next to Quality Foods + Capital Iron) kind of tired sometimes, and I think

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Some of the volunteers who help Canada Comforts with their mission, along with founder and president Sylvia Hatfield (second from right), gather around the bearmaking station in the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre in Colwood. it might be time to pack it in, and then I remember things like that and,” she pauses, gathering her emotions, “I guess I can go on a little longer.” Doctors and nurses in these far-flung places have told her that their promises to young patients that they could keep the bear if they went through with a painful, life-saving operation have convinced the children to go through with the procedures. It’s those kinds of stories that keep Hatfield going. Canada Comforts now ships to more than 80 countries around the world, Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, Bangladesh to Yemen. Some months they’ll fill two 40-foot shipping containers full of donations. Some months they’ll fill three. And they’re always looking for help. People can work on items at home, as well, based on patterns supplied by the organization (or of their own design, depending on the product). They also happily accept

donations of yarn, washable fabric, thread – anything they can use to make their offerings – and those are accepted at the Church of the Advent on Sooke Road. “The main goal is to help children both in Canada and in the developing world. It’s not about money-raising, but about what we can do with our hands,” Hatfield says. If people can’t knit or sew, but would like to help out financially, Canada Comforts can offer tax receipts for donations. Supporters can be sure those funds will be used to purchase supplies and other good uses. For more information, scheduling a workshop tour on a Tuesday or getting involved in some way, contact Hatfield at 250-4744614 or canadacomforts@shaw.ca, or Marguerite Swallow at 250-642-4354 or cancoms@telus.net. For inquiries about garment patterns or helping from home, call Betty Guiney at 250-478-3040. mdavies@goldstreamgazette.com

Provincial bike lane money announced Area municipalities may be looking at applying for grant

money to build and expand cycling lanes, trails and paths,

after the province announced the availability of $6

million in BikeBC grants. Local governments must submit proposals before May 15 that describe how projects will benefit communities, contribute to increased physical activity and healthy living as part of active community plans, and increase cycling tourism. Michelle Mahovlich, Langford’s director of engineering, said they only received the information last week but the city looks at all grant possibilities. “We will have to see what council wants to do,” she said. The province will invest $18 million during the next three years through the BikeBC cost-sharing program to assist local governments with projects that attract and support commuter, recreational and tourism cyclists and pedestrians. editor@goldstream gazette.com

www.goldstreamgazette.com • A5

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015

Dan Auerbach, left, of the Black Keys brings his band across the water after playing the Pemberton Music Festival this year. They will join local rockers Current Swell, Canadian rock icons 54-40 and others at this year’s Rock The Shores in Colwood, July 18 and 19. Common license photo

Rock The Shores lineup announced

Black Keys, Jane’s Addiction among headliners Mike Davies News Gazette staff

One of the largest music festivals on Vancouver Island has announced its lineup for this year’s event, and it’s a good one. Rock The Shores, scheduled for July 18 and 19 on the soccer fields at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, will feature a mix of local and up-and-coming talent and established international stars for its 2015 edition. “Last year I think we had 8,000 attendees per day and this year

they’re anticipating between 12,000 and 15,000,” said Rob Martin, Colwood councillor and chair of the West Shore Parks and Recreation board of directors. “The numbers have just been getting better and better and better,” he says, as have the bands being booked. Akron, Ohio’s The Black Keys are set to headline this year’s event, joined by ageless rockers Jane’s Addiction, along with Canadian rock icons 54-40 and Victoria’s own Current Swell. “We are extremely excited by the world-class talent we’ve been able to secure for this year’s Rock The Shores,” says Nick Blasko of festival promoter Atomique Productions. He adds they expect it to be

“by far the biggest yet.” Last year, Rock the Shores was the first “open liquor” festival in B.C., meaning there was no “beer gardens” area where alcohol needed to be served and remain within. This year’s festival continues with that model. “It actually lowered the number of alcohol-related issues,” Martin says. The “beer gardens” model causes a situation where once people are in, they are hesitant to leave because they will need to wait in line to get back in, Martin says, so it creates more binge-drinking and overconsumption issues. The full lineup can be found at rocktheshores.com. Tickets go on sale today (April 3). mdavies@goldstreamgazette.com

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NEWS GAZETTE

District looks at restoring supports Continued from Page A1

Roughly $3.5 million of that money, however, is needed to cover non-discretionary expenditures that come along with those additional students and the new teachers’ agreement signed by the B.C. Teachers’ Federation last fall. It leaves $260,000 in “discretionary” funds that the district can allocate. Unfortunately, because of the $4.1 million cut from the SD62 budget over the past two years, it won’t go very far. “(Those cuts had) a huge impact on our operation,” Cull said. “Over the last two years, we’ve really had to tighten our belt and make our operations as efficient as possible. So when we’re talking about a status quo budget – it’s better than what it was the past two years, but it’s still not great.” But since $260,000 is nothing to sneeze at, it’s important that it’s allocated properly. Cull said that in deciding how to spend that additional

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Sooke School District secretary/treasurer Harold Cull goes through the changes in this year’s district budget for those in attendance at this week’s public presentation of the proposal. This slide outlines how high the previous two budgets were on the “Suck Meter.” discretionary money, four themes emerge from stakeholders – teachers, staff, parent groups, etc. They are restoring supplies budgets and clerical support cuts, addressing staff compensation issues and restoring staffing reductions. As such, the draft budget has a balanced approach to addressing all four of those categories, Cull said. The proposal includes adding

$100,000 to the supplies budget, $40,000 for extra clerical support, creating a full-time transportation manager position (instead of sharing one with Saanich) and doing a full custodial review – possibly ending in hiring a custodial manager, as well, though that is yet to be determined. “This budget, yes, in some ways is a status quo budget,” said board trustee Margot Swinburnson during

the question/comment period. But that is based on “last year and the year before (being) horrible budgets,” she said. “We are merely putting a Band-Aid on a huge festering sore, because we are not coming up to the levels that we need. I’m tired of this underfunding … 15 years tired.” District superintendent Jim Cambridge summed up the proposed financial plan: “The soundbites for this budget are:

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more teachers, more support staff, more clerical staff, no more administration and more supplies in a really tight budget,” he said, noting the situation is still not ideal. “It’s not as good as what we had two years ago, but it’s certainly better than what we had last year.” The budget next comes before the board on April 14, with possible adoption on April 28. mdavies@goldstream gazette.com

Mask rule lifted for hospitals Health-care workers and visitors to healthcare facilities are no longer required to wear a mask in those buildings if they are not vaccinated against influenza. The lifting of the protection policy this week affects Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals as well as residential care facilities and unofficially marks the end of the 2014-15 influenza season. This year roughly 80 per cent of health-care workers reported getting vaccinated. The province covered the cost of the flu vaccine for non-health professionals in high-risk categories and those visiting friends or relatives in hospitals.

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015

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A8••www.goldstreamgazette.com www.goldstreamgazette.com A8 Christine Scott Publisher Don Descoteau Editor Penny Sakamoto Group Publisher

VIEWPOINT

Friday,April April3,3,2015 2015- GOLDSTREAM - GOLDSTREAMNEWS NEWSGAZETTE GAZETTE Friday, The Goldstream News Gazette is published every Wednesday and Friday by Black Press Ltd. Office address: 205-774 Goldstream Ave., Victoria, B.C. V9B 2X3. Phone: 250-478--9552. Circulation contact: 250-478-9552 ext 227

2013

CCNA BLUE RIBBON

OUR VIEW

Making the best of a bad situation The Sooke School District (SD62) revealed its proposed 2015-16 budget this week and there’s good news and bad news contained therein. The good news is they can still operate the district with the amount of money expected to be received from the ‘Found money’ province. Staff have even found $260,000 that will no doubt wasn’t available last year. The bad news is that be put to good money is a proverbial use by SD62 drop in the bucket when considering the district is still reeling from having to make $4.1 million in cuts over the past two years. The “found money” is just 6.3 per cent of the amount slashed from past budgets. Put it this way: if you were given $100 to spend, and did so, but the next time you wanted to purchase or do the same thing, you were only allotted $6.30, you’d likely have some difficulties. Adding another voice to arguments calling for more government funding for public education is like encountering another tumbleweed on a prairie field. It gets lost in the breeze with all the others. That’s not what we’re doing here. Our aim is to give kudos to the management of the school district for finding some money – any money – to put back into the system to benefit students in the face of dwindling funds. While districts across the province are having difficulty making the cuts demanded by the Ministry of Education, SD62 seems to have done that proactively and is now able to take a breath, if only a shallow one. They’re planning to add clerical hours, so the offices of the schools will be better staffed more often, thus making the student, parent, instructor and administrator experience better, even if only slightly – $40,000 doesn’t go very far in terms of district-wide wages. They’re also considering restoring their transportation manager position – right now they’re splitting one with Saanich. Considering two new high schools will open this fall and that grade configurations are being re-jigged districtwide, that’s a good plan. It’s likely to be a fulltime job figuring out how to get all those kids to their new schools. SD62 is currently conferring with stakeholders on what to do with the money. We trust it will be put to good use and will ever-so-slightly improve a system that has been financially hamstrung in recent years.

The News Gazette is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. If talking with the editor does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

OPINION

Trust is becoming more difficult First, it’s tax time, and many It seems like every day – it’s not, people will have recently filed their but it feels like it – there’s another taxes and be awaiting their return, “Such and such an organization is so the message is timely, warning the public about and plays on people’s another email scam …” expectations. Most of the announcement in the time these scams pop media. up, they aren’t exactly I’m torn on this. so bang on in terms of In some ways, I feel offering things people are like most of them are actually waiting to hear fairly obvious, and people about (remember the should just kind of know Nigerian Prince or the by now that these things European lottery win?). aren’t real. Second, it seems It’s hard to feel sorry Mike Davies like every time we turn for someone who willingly sends money over the Mike’s Musings around, the CRA has some new technology internet on the promise or “efficiency” they’re of more money being sent the opposite direction once they do. implementing, and many may just think, “Hey, they’re making this After all, “you don’t get something even easier! About time!” and click for nothing” is a cliché for a reason. the link. I sometimes think that if people The other scam people are talking are gullible enough to fall victim about these days is the supposed to these things, after all the press surrounding their frequency, so be it. email from Canada Post telling people a delivery was attempted At the same time, though, I do to be made at their home, and that lament that we live in a world they need to click on the link to where good folks, raised to trust find out where and when to pick up and be trusted, treat people how their parcel. they wish to be treated and assume Like the “CRA scam,” this one is the best in people until proven otherwise, now have to be skeptical easy to fall for. Because we hear about Canada about every communication they Post falling apart, making cuts, receive from people purporting to changing delivery modes, etc., it be official and important societal would be very easy for people to organizations. think such a scenario is another Like the recent Canada Revenue “efficiency” implementation, I Agency (CRA) announcement suppose. Guess they can’t even that people are receiving text be bothered to write out the little messages asking them to “Click delivery notice things anymore.” here” to receive their tax return by And let’s face it, many of us e-Transfer. are pretty accustomed to being This is a sketchy one in a few disappointed with Canada Post’s ways.

performance, so an email like this is not exactly a shock. Even if you were home all day and would have heard the door, many of us would just assume, “So, I guess they aren’t even trying anymore.” Anyway, as I said, it disappoints me that we have become a society that can’t trust. We now have to assume the worst, it seems, when we open up our inbox and see who’s been leaving us messages. We need to be on our toes at all times, and that doesn’t make for a healthy population. I’d like it if we could all be friends and look after each other, rather than always being skeptical of others. After all, friendship is based on trust. So what’s your big plan then, Davies? How do we change this wary attitude when there are people who are clearly intent on taking advantage of those who are not? Alas, I do not know the answer. I know we have to report these things when we see them and inform those around us in whatever ways we have available (social media is great to get the word out quickly). Maybe we just need to be extra vigilant as a society for a while, mistrust everything until those who would prey on trust go away because it’s not worth their time. I’m worried, though, that if we do that, it might change us permanently and we won’t be able to go back. Like I said, I’m torn. What do you think? mdavies@goldsteamgazette.com

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015

www.goldstreamgazette.com • A9

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

FAST FACTS

SCOTIABANK MS WALK

Join the Scotiabank MS Walk May 3 at Marigold Elementary School, before heading out along the Galloping Goose Trail. To register or donate visit www.mswalks.ca

New location, new route for Scotiabank MS Walk Jennifer Blyth, News staff

VOLUNTEER To learn more about volunteering for the Scotiabank MS Walk, call Lily at 250-388-6496 ext. 7324 or email: lily.fawn@mssociety.ca

Hodgins explains. Donations to the MS Walk provide those Participants in this year’s Scotiabank MS Walk will enjoy a new route at a new location, living with MS access to education seminars, information and emotional support, member but their goals remain unchanged. After many years at Willows Beach, walkers and partner/caregiver support groups and the will this year gather at Marigold Elementary equipment provision program. They enjoy School before heading out along the Galloping drop-in gym and exercise programs, physiotherapy, advocacy, social and recreational Goose Trail toward Thetis Lake. “We are excited about the new location and events, a resource library and much more. In addition, donations also support MS how central it is for Greater Victoria. We hope this move makes the event more accessible to research being conducted right here in British people from Sidney, Saanichton, Brentwood Columbia, Hodgins adds, noting that progBay, View Royal, Colwood and Langford and ress toward ending a disease typically emerges encourages them to join us on May 3 with from thousands of small breakthroughs from their friends and family,” says Ashley Hodgins, hundreds of researchers. Tens of thousands Manager of Development, MS Society Van- of fundraisers each contribute to those small breakthroughs, which lead to bigger and betcouver Island Region. In addition, the new location offers more ter ones. One of the key aspects of the walk is its parking, a mix of concrete and grass surfaces to make participation easier for those in a sense of community. When MS strikes, there’s wheelchair and a beautiful tree-lined route often no warning and for people experiencing Pippa Black and with fewer road crossings and less vehicle traf- symptoms for the first time, the cause is someher Rise Above times misdiagnosed. For people living with fic. While much is new for this year’s walk, MS, symptoms can worsen and new sympBarriers team its goals, atmosphere and motivation remain toms can appear out of nowhere. The course unchanged. As always, the route is fully acces- of the disease affects everyone differently and sible to people using wheelchairs, scooters and can change without warning, which makes it walkers. Participants will also enjoy delicious difficult to live with. “So, to combat a disease that is so unprefood from Country Grocer and Island Farms, not to mention on-site musical entertainment dictable, we organize, prepare for and plan an event – the Scotiabank MS Walk – to come that will set the tone for the day. “With everybody coming out the whole together on a particular day at a particular time thing is quite lovely. With so many people to celebrate what we can accomplish together,” it’s a nice place to be and a happy event,” says Hodgins says. “And when we see you and your Pippa Blake, entering her 13th MS Walk as family and friends, we want to announce to everyone that we’ve met our fundraising goal, Rise Above Barriers team captain. Crediting “wonderful friends and fam- because we will only find a cure for MS if everyily who have been in it from the start,” her one helps.” team has raised more than $30,000 over the years, estimates Blake, who champions both the MS Society staff and the Asking for and receiving a donation is both powerful and inspiraservices they provide. “It tional, and almost all of the MS Walk fundraisers get their donations really is the most unique in more than one way, Hodgins says, pointing out that challenging place because we just have yourself is a great way to build confidence and build on your initial everything under one roof.” fundraising success. The MS Society of “So, don’t just post on Facebook, put up a fundraising poster at Canada strives each year work and start a fundraising conversation with colleagues. Host a to support both aspects of bottle drive, clean out your garage for a garage sale or put items up its mission: providing serfor sale on UsedVictoria.com under the #UsedHelps option. Email all of your contacts, pledge yourself and ask people to match your vices to enhance quality of commitment to ending MS,” Hodgins says. life for those living with MS “Thank you to everyone in the Greater Victoria area for your and conducting research into pants ongoing support. Together we will end MS.” the cause and cure of MS, MS Walk partici

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK: Just what kind of impact do your donor dollars have in Victoria? ➤ $40 sponsors one, one-hour session of one-on-one physiotherapy treatment. ➤ $75 sponsors one member to an eight-week support group. ➤ $80 installs a grab bar in the bathroom to assist someone with reduced mobility. ➤ $100 funds four people with MS to attend a Newly Diagnosed Workshop. ➤ $200 pays for a person living in a rural area to travel to a medical appointment in a larger centre. ➤ $300 buys a sling for a ceiling track lift, essential for transferring clients from bed to wheelchair. ➤ $400 provides training for 10 Self-Help Group Facilitators. ➤ $450 provides a four-wheeled walker. ➤ $500 installs an emergency response monitoring system in the home of someone living with MS. ➤ $600 buys a pressure-relief foam mattress with different levels of support to help avoid bedsores and pressure ulcers. ➤ $1,000 helps eight people attend a 16-hour Newly Diagnosed Program. ➤ $1,500 helps 10 people attend a weekly yoga class adapted for people living with MS for a year. ➤ $5,000 provides a year’s supply of MS educational literature to the public and people affected by MS.

INFORMATION Contact the South & Central Vancouver Island Chapter of the MS Society at 250-388-6496, email info.victoria@mssociety.ca or at www.mssociety.ca

Victoria Sunday, May 3, 2015 Marigold Elementary School and the Galloping Goose Trail

EVERY STEP TELLS A STORY The most driven students in Western Canada

A10 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Friday, Friday, April April 3, 3, 2015 2015 -- GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE

Hard work and dedication paying off Continued from Page A1

Calum didn’t get “discovered” by Disney for his role on Austin and Ally four years ago, Sandra says. “He walked in with 60 (film and TV) credits,” she says. “In reality it’s really hard to get a contract with Disney.” She and Calum note that much of getting on board with the entertainment colossus is being able to bring a positive image to the table and not only maintain it, but grow it, through things like social media. “I gained 100,000 followers on Twitter when I was signed to the show,” Calum says. The company does a lot to maintain that connection with fans. In between a busy production sched-

Don Descoteau/News Gazette staff

Goodies galore Ariana Robertson, 7 of Colwood, bites into a pumpkin tart at the annual Metchosin Hall Spring Fling last Saturday. Visitors had numerous crafts, artwork and edible goodies to choose from.

ule with the show and doing side jobs such as teleplay writing and voiceover work for Disney, he gets flown around the country for signing tours in malls, where there can be as many as 6,000 kids waiting to get an autograph and have a brief conversation with a star. Calum, a Claremont secondary alumnus, is quick to point out the family atmosphere that he enjoys so much about working on the Disney show is very much a parallel to the setting around PACE. “It’s a team. That environment is so magical,” he says. With participants – both students and adults – doing upwards of 20 performances per year and rehearsing most Sundays, the program has become very family oriented, Sandra

says. PACE also prides itself on offering performers a non-competitive environment – no auditions are held. “When you’re in high school, if you don’t come in talented and confident, you don’t get much of a shot,” she says. “(PACE is) about empowering kids. Most of them won’t go on to careers in show business, but this is just as much about life lessons.” Calum has taken those lessons to heart as he’s moved from a oneline scene in Scooby Doo 2 to a regular gig with Disney and various film roles. “I think it’s important to stay real, he says. Another Op’ning shows at 7 p.m. April 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, with 2 p.m. matinees April 3, 4 and 11. Cost is $12 or $10 for students and seniors. editor@goldstreamgazette.com

ANNUAL PUBLIC GENERAL MEETING ANNUAL PUBLIC GENERAL MEETING

ANNUAL PUBLIC GENERAL MEETING Board Chair Mel Rinald, on behalf of the Board of Chair Mel Rinald, on behalf of thePresident Board Directors, and Geoff Dickson, Board of Directors, and Geoff Dickson, and CEO, invite the public to attend the President Victoria Board Chair Mel Rinald, on behalf of the and CEO, invite theAnnual public Public to attend the Victoria Airport Authority’s General Meeting Board of Directors, and Geoff Dickson, President Airport Authority’s Annual Public General Meeting and public to attend Victoria 7:00CEO, pm –invite 8:30the pm, Thursday, Maythe 7th, 2015 Airport Authority’s Annual Public General Meeting 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Thursday, May 7th, Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa (Sallas Room) 2015 SidneySeaport Pier Hotel & Spa (Sallas 9805 Place, Sidney, BCRoom) 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Thursday, May 7th, 2015 9805 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC Public Comments Welcome Sidney Pier Hotel &and SpaQuestions (Sallas Room) Public Comments and Questions 9805 Seaport Sidney, BC Welcome Enquiries: (250)Place, 953-7501

Easter Monday

Recycling Reminder

We Recycle on Easter Monday If your blue box collection day falls on Easter Monday, Monday, April 6, your curbside materials will be collected as usual.

Enquiries: (250) 953-7501 Public Comments and Questions Welcome

Please place your recyclables at the curb by 7:30 am in appropriate sized containers.

Enquiries: (250) 953-7501

For more information, please call the CRD Hotline at 250.360.3030 or visit www.crd.bc.ca

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DrivewayCanada.ca |

www.goldstreamgazette.com • A11

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Kelowna car artist sportifies Tesla Visit the gallery y at DrivewayCanada.ca

Vancouver auto show becoming world class As the 2015 Vancouver Internaleft-hand drive Land Rover Detional Auto Show fades into our fenders in Europe and then ship rearview mirror, it’s a good time them to England to be rebuilt, to reflect on what a fantastic before they are imported to show it was. Canada. The buyer gets a brand Yours truly travels all over the new Land Rover that is unavailworld to such exotic locations able here, starting at $75,000. as Paris, Geneva, Beijing, New The top floor also provided York and Frankfurt, for much much more walking room for With the bigger auto shows. But to me, it the large crowds to mingle and is obvious that the setting for the expansion this year’s check out the collection of exVancouver show is, hands down, show underwent, the otic cars or the vintage Corvette the best around. The Vancouver collection. Vancouver show is Trade and Convention Centre is a It’s the lower floor where the moving into the big stunning building; from the huge big manufacturers spend a lot leagues. windows, to the exposed wood of money on elaborate stages to and living roof, it is a world-class Zack Spencer promote the latest and greatest venue. from high-horsepower supercars And with the expansion this to fuel sipping environment year’s show underwent, the Vancouver show vehicles or practical family crossovers. is moving into the big leagues. By keeping the The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is one of this lower exhibit hall exclusively for the big auto year’s most anticipated cars, with 650hp and manufacturers to showcase the latest, shiny a track-ready setup that would make any cars, and adding the upper main ballroom and driver look good. Dodge, not willing to take concourse locations helped the show breathe second seat, actually adds a back seat to its and provided flow. powerhouse Hellcat Charger or Challenger. As much as the hot new cars get the attenThese two new models come with 707hp and tion, often the local vendors can create a the factory has had to suspend orders so the stir. Like the gang at Fine Vehicles, who buy production can catch up with demand.

‘‘

’’

Big power may be back but not to worry, the environmentally minded cars were never far from sight. The Vancouver show was chosen to announce the new Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) Green Car of the Year Award. This year’s winner is the Kia Soul Electric Vehicle, providing a practical design with full electric capabilities. Also on display was the Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell vehicle, capable of running on hydrogen, with no tailpipe emission, only water vapour. The hottest trend in the market today is the small crossover vehicles that come in many shapes and sizes, and from all over the world. The Fiat 500X is an example of the latest from Europe, allowing a young family practical, thrifty transportation in a stylish Italian design. Built on the same platform as the new Jeep Renegade, the 500X has more panache and curb appeal. The 2015 Vancouver uver International Auto Show marked the 95th year of this annual event and it was the biggest ggest and boldest yet.

Kelowna resident Rick Kelly thinks Tesla has missed the boat with its Model S design, so he’s created his own sporty coupe version of the electric car. Well, actually, the car-loving artist has created a digital version of what he calls a Model S 2+2-coupe concept. Kelly explained: “The only ‘sporty’ electric vehicle on the market right now is the BMW i8 – I’ve seen one here in Kelowna and it is spectacular, albeit out of most people’s price range ($145,000). Tesla has the performance in its electric Model S to be entertaining as a driver’s car. The Model S is one of the nicestlooking cars on the road, but it has FOUR doors – that precludes it from being ‘sporty’ in my book.” You can check out Kelly’s other creations at his website: http://automotiveart.shawwebspace.ca, his blog at http://digital-automotive-art.blogspot.ca and he even has a fun iBook called Digital Automotive Art on iTunes. Check it out. What do you think about Kelly’s digital re-creation of the $114,700 Tesla?

“The Model S is one of the nicest-looking cars on the road, but it has FOUR doors – that precludes it from being ‘sporty’ in my book.”

keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

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Friday, April 3, 2015 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

DrivewayBC.ca

Sprinter is built for BC resource sector did their best to impede progress. The ride-height of 4ETS-equipped Sprinters is increased by 75 mm (3-in) at the rear and 100 mm (4-in) at the front, which improves the vehicle’s approach and departure angles while also imparting a 24-inch wading depth. Interestingly, I didn’t find the additional ride-height detrimental to highway driving. The Sprinter felt exceptionally well anchored to the road and remarkably secure on its winter rubber, even at high-speed on backroads of broken, patchy pavement. As the only game in town when it comes to four-wheel-drive commercial vans, Mercedes-Benz is keen to roll its high-traction Sprinter into industries

By Rob Rothwell

British Columbia’s Monashee Mountains are renowned for their steep north faces and massive old-growth cedars. While its rugged terrain is largely inaccessible by road, logging activities have given rise to a network of steep, roughly cut access roads, which the spring thaw recently converted to deep quagmires of confidence-sucking mud, rock, and debris. What fool would attempt to drive a large commercial-style van up these routes of impending doom? Me for one. Mercedes-Benz invited me to explore the capabilities of their Sprinter vans available with four-wheeldrive, or in Mercedes-Benz parlance: 4ETS. In the world of commercial highroof vans, the Sprinter is the only one

‘‘

As the only game in town when it comes to fourwheel-drive commercial vans, Mercedes-Benz is keen to roll its high-traction Sprinter into industries such as mining, logging, construction.

’’

Rob Rothwell

in Canada fit with traction at all four corners. Known technically as 4-wheel Electronic

Traction System, 4ETS is an option on V6 diesel-powered Sprinters, including the dual rear-wheel long wheelbase 3500 model. Expect to pay in the range of $6,000 for the feature, which can be paired with low-range gearing and downhill descent control for those seeking to maximize the Sprinter’s off-road fortitude. 4ETS is driver-activated as needed via a dash-mounted switch. When the grit of four-wheel-drive isn’t necessary, the setup enables optimal fuel-economy by returning the vehicle to rear-wheeldrive, thereby reducing fuel-robbing mechanical drag. While active, 4ETS splits torque 35/65 front-to-rear. This ratio doesn’t change

such as mining, logging, construction, and any other work environment located off the beaten path – and that’s huge in a resource-based province like B.C. The long-chassis Sprinter 3500 with dual rear wheels could easily serve as a rolling workshop for trades’ people needing access to work camps where fourwheel-drive wherewithal is essential. Mercedes-Benz will also equip the passenger version of their Sprinter with 4ETS. Ski resorts and lodges, such as the Monashee Lodge, will undoubtedly appreciate the expanded capability. The recreational market is another niche ripe for off-road performance. rgrothwell@telus.net

though traction-control and stability-related programs remain active to improve grip and increase safety. These programs can be disabled should the driver require the ability to spin the wheels in an effort to unglue a stuck Sprinter. Keeping one’s right boot deep into the Sprinter’s turbocharged throttle enabled its four wheels, clad in winter tires, to keep digging for traction while spitting out congealed mud and deleterious earthen material in an effort to supply forward propulsion. And it worked. We battled ruts so deep that the entire underside of the van banged and shuddered viciously as rocks and buried tree limbs from former logging operations

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www.goldstreamgazette.com •• A15 A15 www.goldstreamgazette.com

GOLDSTREAM NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE -- Friday, Friday,April March 2015 GOLDSTREAM 3, 20, 2015

Rugby teams off to a good start Defending champion Glenlyon Norfolk School brought their A game to Westhills Stadium for the annual Startup Sevens rugby

Don Descoteau/ News Gazette staff

Capital Regional District

Hartland Landfill

Easter Monday Closure

The Hartland Landfill Facility will be closed on Easter Monday, Monday, April 6, 2015. Hartland will reopen on Tuesday, April 7 from 9 am to 5 pm.

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The Special Committee on Local Elections Expense Limits is conducting public consultations on campaign expense limit amounts for candidates for local government positions, such as mayor, councillor, school trustee, regional district electoral area director, Vancouver Park Board commissioner, or Islands Trust trustee. In addition, the Committee is examining limits for third party advertisers in local elections.

W E WA N T T O H E A R F R O M Y O U ! British Columbians are invited to participate by attending a public hearing in person or via teleconference in Victoria on Wednesday, April 15 from 9:00 am to 12 noon, Douglas Fir Committee Room, Parliament Buildings. Interested persons may also make a written submission, send an audio or video file, or complete an online survey. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 17, 2015. Please visit the Committee website www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/leel for more information or contact: Parliamentary Committees Office, Room 224 Parliament Buildings, Victoria BC V8V 1X4 Tel: 250.356.2933, or toll-free in BC: 1.877.428.8337 Fax: 250.356.8172, e-mail: LocalElectionsCommittee@leg.bc.ca Kate Ryan-Lloyd, Deputy Clerk and Clerk of Committees

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Registered account customers will have access to the active face from 7 to 9 am. For more information, please call the CRD Hotline at 250.360.3030 or visit www.crd.bc.ca/hartland

A story on billets needed for the Westshore Rebels football club in the April 1 Gazette contained an error. The $600 honorarium paid to full-season hosts comes from the players themselves.

live from victoria

20152015 2015

A Belmont Bulldogs player comes down with the ball in a lineout against Stelly’s during the Startup Sevens rugby tournament at Westhills Stadium on Tuesday.

the Bowl and fifth place with a win over Spectrum. Stelly’s rounded out the final winners by taking the Shield with a win over Vic High. In junior boys play, a combined SD62 team topped the four-team round robin. The day’s events were sponsored by Colwood Rotary. editor@goldstream gazette.com

tournament Tuesday in Langford. The Gryphons captured the cup by beating fellow private school Shawnigan Lake School in the championship match. Esquimalt, secondplace finishers in the A pool behind GNS, captured the Plate with a win over Edward Milne of Sooke, while the Belmont Bulldogs earned

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Friday, April 3, 2015 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

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www.goldstreamgazette.com • A17 www.goldstreamgazette.com • A17

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015 GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015

Renowned artist 2015 ambassador for summer school Bill Zuk maintains a connection with the arts on the West Shore

Greater Victoria artist Bill Zuk has worked with a variety of mediums, from digital printmaking to sculpture. He was recently named this year’s Ambassador of the Arts for the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts, which runs June 20 to July 3.

Rick Stiebel News Gazette staff

Although his work has taken him from B.C. to the prairies and the far reaches of the Arctic, the coast of Vancouver Island maintains a mystical connection for renowned artist Bill Zuk. Currently serving as a professor emeritus in art education at the University of Victoria, Zuk has been named this year’s Ambassador of the Arts for the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts (MISSA). An accomplished digital artist, Rick Stiebel/ News Gazette staff printmaker and sculptor, Zuk was born in Trail, B.C. and grew up on the Prairies The school runs from June 20 to July connection between artists and teachers the work and the people involved. Meeting before earning a master’s degree in art 3 on the grounds of Pearson College in in the Sooke School District,” she said. the artists is always a treat.” from the University of Alberta in 1970. His Metchosin. For more information on the “Artists teaching teachers who teach Cindy Moyer, executive director of passion to learn about the arts and culture students who become artists embodies the offerings or prices, visit missa.ca. MISSA, said it’s an honour to have Zuk as of indigenous people of Canada led him editor@goldstream gazette.com lifelong cycle of the arts.” ambassador. “He symbolizes the lifelong to teach the Inuit in the Arctic, as well as teaching in a coastal Tsimshian village in the Pacific Northwest. Those experiences had a profound influence on Zuk in Locally Owned & Operated since 1984 many different ways, he acknowledged last week at an event announcing his MISSA appointment at Coast Collective Gallery. “You get a sense April 10th-12th of the close, unique connection the arts have with the coast,” he said. “There’s a cultural richness of people on this coast dating back thousands of years that you won’t find anywhere else.” Of the 59 indigenous languages in Canada, 10am-2pm: (unless otherwise noted) • Par-T-Perfect Bouncy more than half are in Castle with Face Painting & Balloon Animals • Level Ground Coffee B.C., he noted. and Cookies • Free Cake at 11:30 • Child Find Run by the Saanich As for being selected Reserve Police Officers • Saanich Emergency Display • Farmer Vicki as the summer school’s & Daisy the Cow, 10-11am • Saanich Police Dragster Ambassador for the • Rotary Club Hot Dogs & Hamburgers • Prostate Center Arts, he considers it an • Canstruction /Dahlia Society • Appearance by Anna & Elsa from honour. Frozen by Enchanted Fables 12:30pm • Demo by Island Farms Ice Cream • Demo by Purica Healthy Supplements • Krispy Kreme Donuts by the Mount Doug Rams Football Team • Saanich Commonwealth Table “It’s wonderful when the community acknowledges some 10am-2pm: (unless otherwise noted) • Par-T-Perfect Bouncy Castle with Face Painting • Little of the things you League Hot Dog BBQ by donation • Level Ground Coffee: Free Coffee and Cookies • Esquimalt Block have done,” said Zuk, Watch, Victoria Police Department with Vintage Police Car 40 and Child Find BC • Earthquake Preparedness Friday, April 10th, 2015 10:00am – 8:00pm who has a more than • Island Farms: Farmer Vicki and Daisy the Cow • Free Cake at 12:00pm • Esquimalt Parks & Rec 20-year connection Saturday April 11th, 2015 10:00am – 8:00pm • Help Fill A Dream Photo Booth by donation • Raven’s District Girl Guides Cookies Sales with the West Shore • Island Farms Ice Cream Demo • Celebration of Lights Sunday April 12th, 2015 10:00am – 5:00pm Arts Council and will be a jury member for Offers valid at Royal Oak and Esquimalt Fairies, Fantasies and Admission: $5.00 (weekend wristband – cash only) Country Grocer locations only Folk Tales, an upcoming WATCH FOR OUR Friday & Saturday: 2 for 1 Admission after 6:00pm student show at Coast 4420 West Saanich Rd, Royal Oak (Children Free: Under 18 accompanied by an Adult) Collective. 1153 Esquimalt Rd. Victoria Parking: Free “I’ve always had EVERY FRIDAY Open Daily 8 am - 10 pm an interest in the arts in select Saanich News Victoria News, RVDA of BC • 604-575-3368 scene on the West Goldstream News Gazette info@rvda.bc.ca • www.rvda.bc.ca Shore, particularly with & Peninsula News Review students and teachers because of the quality of

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www.goldstreamgazette.com A18 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Reader Photo Colwood resident Doug Morris saw this red tail hawk (right) having a snake for lunch recently, and his camera was nearby, so he thought he’d share it with the community. If you’ve got a photo from the West Shore of people places or things and want to share it with our readers, the Goldstream News Gazette can help you out with that. Every week, we select a

Friday, March Friday, April20, 3, 2015 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

of the Week

Reader Photo to share. To have your photo considered for publication, simply email us a highresolution .jpg copy to editor@ goldstreamgazette.com. Please include your name, contact information including municipality of residence, where you took the photo and what you like about the image. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Fridays for consideration.

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www.goldstreamgazette.com â€˘ A19

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GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015

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A20 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Friday, April 3, 2015 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

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www.goldstreamgazette.com www.goldstreamgazette.com •• A21 A21

GOLDSTREAM 3, 20, 2015 GOLDSTREAM NEWS NEWS GAZETTE GAZETTE -- Friday, Friday, April March 2015

HomeFinder

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE » MONTH ENDING MARCH 31/15

734/575 » 1,438/1,286 » 3,769/4,050 »

Find a place to call home

Q: HOW HEALTHY IS THE REGION’S REAL ESTATE MARKET? Based on the numbers for March, the Greater Victoria market is looking pretty healthy. The number of net unconditional sales last month jumped by a whopping 27.7 per cent over last year, to 734, following a big push at the end of the month. As well, the number of new listings that came in during the month exceeded the 2014 total by almost 12 per cent, another sign of confidence in the market. “Consumer confidence in local real estate appears to be high, and it’s likely that buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates,” said Victoria Real Estate Board president Guy Crozier. Among the other highlights from the March VREB report, 393 single-family homes sold during the month, the most since 2010, when 414 homes changed hands. The benchmark value for a single-family home in the West Shore was $417,000 last month, up about $10,000 from February and higher than the March 2014 figure of $409,600. The Greater Victoria benchmark value in March was $492,600. Do you have a homebuying or selling story to share? Email ddescoteau@ goldstreamgazette.com To advertise in Homefinder, contact Christine Scott at: cscott@ goldstreamgazette.com

COURTESY VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD

NET UNCONDITIONAL SALES / MARCH 2014 NEW LISTINGS / MARCH 2014 ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS / MARCH 2014

TOUR TIP | Collect business cards from people whose work you admire to contact later

Celebrating 25 years of quality workmanship Home tour visitors will be inspired by upgrades and modern construction Don Descoteau News Gazette staff

Getting a sense of what’s hot and what ideas might work in your own home have long been drawing cards for the Young Life Home Design and Renovation Tour. Celebrating its 25th year of showcasing the work of some of the South Island’s best practitioners in restoration, renovation and new home construction, the tour has provided many visitors with ideas and connected them with professionals in the industry. This year’s tour, set for April 10 and 11, offers some serious makeovers, from a 400-square-foot micro-loft suite in Fairfield to a 1973 Saanich home that has been transformed into an ultramodern living space. While four of the 10 homes on tour are essentially brand new contemporary designs, a common theme in the remaking of the other homes has been renovating the kitchen and moving out from there, says Young Life tour spokesperson Bill Okell. “It boggles my mind the whole emphasis put on the kitchen reno; that’s what stands out really,” he says. “I think almost all the (pre-existing) homes are complete renovations, but it’s amazing what gets initiated in the kitchen.” While updating each of those homes’ dining and food preparation areas was central to the renovations, the structures themselves are a mix of styles, from a typical 1960s family home in Gordon Head to a spacious, restored Central Saanich farmhouse that will leave one daydreaming of the Deep South. As always, the tour organizers encourage homeowners, designers and suppliers to stick around during the tour to speak with visitors about their work, ideas and sources of inspiration. Those conversations invariably wind up happening in the kitchen, Okell says. “When you look at a kitchen with all the appliances, the sink detail and the counters, it’s a great conversation starter,” he says. “You can really display your products, from countertops to cupboards, the electronic aspect or even the utilization of a fan – the technology that’s drawn

Photo courtesy Young Life Victoria

The lot for this Prospect Lake-area home presented the architect with various challenges, not least of which was its constricting size and shape. It’s part of this year’s Young Life Home Design and Renovation Tour, coming up April 10 and 11 around Greater Victoria. into that busy area of the home is really quite amazing.” The tour provides an opportunity to witness firsthand the workmanship offered by some of Victoria’s most reputable designers and builders, including Jason Good Kitchens, Max Huxley and Emma Dane Design, to name just a few. The 1,000plus expected visitors should have a great time viewing some stunning homes. While the tour always attracts Greater Victoria architecture and design fans, the two-day event is the primary fundraiser for Young Life, a Chris-

tian organization that provides teens with a summer camp opportunity at RockRidge Canyon near Princeton, B.C., and runs various other local programs for youth at schools and in the community. Passport style booklets for the self-guided tour sell for $25 and are available at hardware stores around the region, as well as the Young Life office; call 778-977-3551 to arrange pickup. For a list of locations where to purchase passports, and more information on the tour, visit younglife.ca/victoriahometour. editor@goldstreamgazette.com

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*Personal Real Estate Corporation

www.keycorp.ca

A22 • www.goldstreamgazette.com

Friday, April 3, 2015 - GOLDSTREAM

NEWS GAZETTE

OPEN HOUSES

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2015

more details in Real Estate Victoria, available FREE on news stands & in home delivered copies of this community newspaper 101-640 Michigan St.

VICTORIA

#1003-250 Douglas St., $329,900 MLS 346202, Sat. 2-4 RE/MAX Camosun, Paul Askew, 250-744-3301

200 Douglas St., From $445,900 Saturday - Monday 1-4 Macdonald Realty Helene Roy, 250-883-2715

524 Cecelia Road, $574,900

MLS 347685, Saturday 2:304:30 RE/MAX Camosun April Prinz, 250-744-3301

101-1235 Johnson St., $249,900 MLS 345736, Sat. 1-3 Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Sladja Stojkovic, 250-477-5353

Daily 12:00-5:00 Chard Developments 250-383-2999

SAANICH EAST 3918 & 3926 Orchard Lane

OAK BAY

3342 Henderson Road, $724,000 Saturday & Sunday 1-3 Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty Anna Bjelde, 250-592-6600

ESQUIMALT

1060 Tillicum Road

Saturday & Sunday 12-3 Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, John Monkhouse, 250-216-6343

44-850 Parklands Drive, $379,900

MLS 345645, Saturday 1-3 Pemberton Holmes Ltd. Nancy Young, 250-384-8124

MLS 347097 & 346508 Saturday & Sunday 1-3 RE/MAX Alliance Karen Love, 250-818-8522

306-971 McKenzie Avenue, $219,900 MLS 348776, Saturday 1-3 RE/MAX Camosun David Silletta, 250-744-3301

TH 1 2591 Penrhyn Street, $769,900 MLS 348177 Saturday & Sunday 3:30-4:30 RE/MAX Alliance Karen Love, 250-818-8522

Family Homes • Homes with Suites • Ranchers

SAANICH WEST 740 Travino Lane Tuesday - Sunday 1-4 Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty Scott Munro 250-477-5353

4065 Grange Road, $449,000 MLS 348779 Saturday 1-3 RE/MAX Camosun Jason Leslie 250-478-9600

3912 Carey Road, From $229,000 Saturday - Monday 1-5 Macdonald Realty Sheila Aujla & Sophak Sim, 250-744-4441

SAANICH PENINSULA

HIGHLANDS

725 Skyview Place, $919,000

2324 Malaview Avenue, $615,000

Sunday 2-4 Sotheby’s International Realty Glynis MacLeod 250-380-3933

MLS 347625 Saturday 2-4 Macdonald Realty Ltd. Chace Whitson 250-388-5882

WEST SHORE

103 & 105-990 Rattanwood Place From $319,000

7182 West Saanich Rd., From $333,000

Sunday 2-4 Sutton Group West Coast Realty Komal Dodd 250-479-3333

Saturday 1-4 Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty Murray Lawson 250-477-5353

8643 Aldous Terrace, $649,000

625 Windman Court, $429,900

MLS 347871 Sun. 1-3 RE/MAX Camosun Jason Leslie, 250-478-9600

MLS 348631 Saturday 2-4, Century 21 Queenswood Realty Chuck Meagher 250-477-1100

CHANGE A LIFE BE ONE OF THE 100 WOMEN TO BUILD AMANDA A HOME. Donate $1,000 between now and May 14th to fund the $100,000 needed to build her home. Your contribution will be recognized in many ways. And the impact you make on a single mother’s life… immeasurable. In Greater Victoria, many parents struggle to provide a safe and affordable place for their family, let alone build any savings for the future. They’re caught in a cycle of poverty. Habitat Victoria makes homeownership possible for local low-income working families thanks to volunteers, funders, in-kind donors and YOU – women who want to effect change. Amanda & her children at the work site of their future home.

To learn more or donate call 250-480-7688 ext. 105, www.habitatvictoria.com/100

GRAND OPENING APRIL 18th & 19th at 12pm

Homes Starting From$459,900

Including Net GST

For more information call:(250) or visit us online at:

889 4445

McCormickMeadows.com

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NATURAL STONE NATURAL BEAUTY

free estimates 250-478-3364 #121-937 Dunford Avenue, Victoria , BC www.robtournourmasonry.com | email: tourmas@shaw.ca

GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE - Friday, April 3, 2015

www.goldstreamgazette.com • A23

victoria’s premier show of the year!

2015

RIA CTO

I IN V

HOME

Victoria’s Largest Building, Renovation and Decor Show!

EXPO

April 17, 18, 19

ONE LOCATION! 3 ARENAS! 3 BIG DAYS! West Shore Parks & Recreation

Design Theatre featuring Amy McGeachy of trend on CHEK!

1767 Old Island Highway

FREE ADMISSION!

The Q Centre Juan de Fuca Curling Arena Juan de Fuca Hockey Arena

Create Your Dream Home Friday, April 17

1:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, April 18 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

FREE FREE between arenas!

PARKING! See the 2015 version of the SHUTTLE BUS 3000 Year Old Mongolian Yurt!