Boulevard Magazine - July/August 2009 Issue

V

BOULE Ard the magazine of urban living

food homes

the arts people

july/august 2009

EVERYBODY

INTO THE POOL! Hot Design dives into poolscaping

PACK THE PERFECT PICNIC

ROAD TRIP!

Let gourmet shops outfit your al fresco feast so you don’t have to

Send your guests on a scenic island ramble

Maclure beauty is an artist’s haven

HOT PROPERTIES A majestic

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This is it: summer has officially arrived. As a mother of two, I wonder why everything has to reach a fever pitch just before the end of school. Birthday parties, baseball games, sports awards, banquets, PAC meetings, graduation, report card conferences. It’s exhausting! The kids have a break from the regimen of school with its bells and predictable schedule and will start running around like hooligans from morning to night, not knowing what each day will bring. Maybe we adults should have summer resolutions to replace the long-forgotten ones from January. My goal for the next two months is to share the kids’ excitement.

After all, it’s summer for us, too.

In our cover feature, Everyone into the Pool, Adrienne Dyer reveals how “poolscaping” can transform a backyard pool into an oasis of tranquility and charm. If you’re hosting visitors or planning your own local travels, Georgina Montgomery has mapped out a day’s excursion to the eastern Cowichan region that you and your guests will rave about for years. As well, Greg Pratt takes us to Sidney to explore the growing popularity of its summer events, including the new Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Julie Nixon does everything but rub the sunscreen on us in her guide to gourmet picnics, and Alexandra Van Tol trails after those who chase their happiness up close and personal with Mother Nature by beekeeping or bird-watching. If you can’t eat all the fruit your trees produce, check out Steve Carey’s story on a Victoria program that could solve your problem.

We also want to say thank you to Chris Creighton-Kelly for his 20 years of writing the Culture Talks column for Boulevard. Everyone at the magazine wishes Chris well as he pursues his endeavours as an artist, writer, critic and arts policy consultant.

And now it’s time to plunge into your Victoria summer with Boulevard as a companion, whether you are “chillaxing” with the family, revelling in the great outdoors, or just taking a quick break from work or chores. Summer is short: enjoy!

Victoria Boulevard welcomes your letters. Please include your name, address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for brevity and/or clarity. Write to Letters, 210-612 View Street, Victoria, B.C., V8W 1J5, or you can e-mail us at info@victoriaboulevard.com. Check out our website: victoriaboulevard.com.

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36.

20. THE BIRDS AND THE BEES Uncovering the tao of beekeepers and bird-watchers

By Alexandra Van Tol 26. PUBLIC CITIZEN My Winnipeg has lots to teach Our Victoria

By Ross Crockford

44. CREATIVE MINDS Terence Tam, a man of music and medicine

By Anne Mullens

114. STATE OF THE ARTS When the going gets tough, the tough go toward the arts

By Alisa Gordaneer

50. THEY’RE BACK!!!

Got guests? Here’s how a road trip can save the day

By Georgina Montgomery

116. FRONT ROW The world turns upside-down at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; the Victoria MultiCultural Society presents Festival Mexicano; the first annual Summer Chess Fest comes to town; the second Passion for Tango festival grows; and that is just the beginning of what’s happening this summer

By Julie Nixon

64. Sidney Heats Up Sidney’s small-town delights just keep getting bigger

By Greg Pratt

44.

4. INK ON PAPER A word with you

80. VACATION CAM High-tech systems let you monitor home from afar

By Garth A. Buchholz Photo: Jonathan Craggs

8. PERFECT PICNICS Are beautifully prepared by someone else

By Julie Nixon 16. CULTURE TALKS Picture a world with far too many photos

By Chris Creighton-Kelly

84. HOT PROPERTIES A Maclure masterpiece is an artist’s home and easel

By Adrienne Dyer

100.

30. KITCHEN BRIGADE A soup kitchen works because volunteers do

By Thelma Fayle

84.

36. CITY PICKINGS A fruit-sharing program wants to grow

By Steve Carey

100. HOT DESIGN Swimming pools go to infinity and beyond

By Adrienne Dyer

126. IN VINO VERITAS Fall into your hammock and open a good book about wine

By Robert Moyes 128. ISLAND CHEFS Cherry Point Bistro’s chef Browning mines flavour from his valley

By Alisa Gordaneer

106. GREEN HOUSE Those new tax programs can save money AND energy

By Julie Nixon

133. SECRETS & LIES It’s the Chief Constable of Victoria, Jamie Graham: Better pull over

By Shannon Moneo

108. SISTERS IN JAZZ This women’s jazz orchestra plays above the gender gap

By Rick Gibbs

116.

ON OUR COVER: At sunset, a stunning infinity pool seems to melt into the Saanich Inlet.

Welcome to the new art of poolscaping. Photo by Vince Klassen.

46,000 copies of Victoria Boulevard ® are published bimonthly by Boulevard Lifestyles Inc. President: John Simmons. VP Finance: Melissa Sands. Publisher: Sue Hodgson. Associate Publisher: Linda Hensellek. Managing Editor: Vivian Smith. Associate Editor: Anne Mullens. Art Director: Jaki Jefferson. Production: Jaki Graphics, Kelli Brunton. Advertising: Sue Hodgson, Linda Hensellek, Eve Hume, Cynthia Hanischuk and Pat Montgomery-Brindle.

Pre-press: Kelli Brunton. Printing: Central Web. Mailing address: 210-612 View Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1J5. Telephone: 250-598-8111. Fax: 250-598-3183. E-mail: info@victoriaboulevard.com. Website: victoriaboulevard.com.

Victoria Boulevard ® is a registered trademark of Boulevard Lifestyles Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Printed in Canada.

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You can’t work all summer: why not buy gourmet fare and go for a flop in the park?

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Picnics

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When we talk about indulging in an extra-decadent picnic, though, we do not mean throwing together bland macaroni salad and picking soggy potato chips out of the spilled pickle juice. Times may be tough, but you can still step it up a notch and pack a medley of flavourful, fresh, pre-made epicurean delights, thanks to a number of businesses in town that cook well so you don’t have to. After all, most of us have hectic schedules, and finding the time (or inclination) to provision for a Saturday afternoon at Island View Beach or East Sooke Park can be nearly impossible, especially if the idea is impromptu.

So let us offer some suggestions for finding great gourmet picnic food and the best parks to enjoy your al fresco meal.

The best fare travels well and is easy to eat. The picnic food should also reflect the location and experience you seek. For instance, consider the walking distance, how much you can carry and how you’ll keep your food at a safe temperature.

Devilled eggs stored in the cooler are fine for the family picnic at Thetis Lake, but not stuffed in your backpack for a hike to the summit of Mill Hill.

Before heading out to pick up your food, you’ll need to gather a few important items. Unless you plan to eat take-out food within an hour or two, grab the cooler and a block or bag of ice to avoid food poisoning. If you’re not walking far to your picnic site, keep your drinks in a separate cooler; bring lots of water or juice to keep hydrated. Don’t forget cups, cutlery, plates, napkins, paper towels, garbage and recycling bags, and, if needed, a corkscrew, bottle opener and a small cutting board.

Delicatessens are wonderful for finding foods for an antipasto-style meal that you can pick at throughout the day, or for creating your own amuse-gueules, a savoury, bite-sized appetizer. Stop by Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen, Plenty Epicurean Pantry or Choux Choux Charcuterie for artisan cheeses, charcuterie (cold, cooked deli meats), breads, crackers, pâtés, tapénade and other gourmet spreads. Smoked salmon, olives, anchovies and oysters go well with breads and crackers. Take a quick browse through the aisles at upmarket grocers like the Red Barn at Mattick’s Farm, the Market on Yates or Millstream, Planet Organic or Lifestyle Markets to discover all sorts of yummy snack complements for your outdoor meal.

Many cafés and restaurants serve full take-out entrées.

The menu at Pure Vanilla Bakery & Café on Cadboro Bay Road includes mouthwatering salads, quiches, paninis and baked goods, while downtown, Murchie’s Tea & Coffee offers a take-out lunch of a sandwich, cookie or biscotti, and drink for $9.95.

Beth Davyduke, part-owner of Cook’s Day Off on Fort Street, descibes their popular picnic service for two: a surprise basket filled with delectable finger foods and nibbles, a cold-course main dish like curried chicken mango salad or

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poached salmon with a mustard-dill sauce, and a variety of finger sweets. For larger groups, they also create a traditional picnic complete with southern-style fried chicken, potato salad and brownies. All of their packaging is either biodegradable or recyclable. If you prefer to keep trash to a minimum by bringing your own plates and cutlery, let them know when you order.

The Little Piggy Bake Shop and Eatery has a customized picnic package that serves two to four people. Or try their catered barbeques for larger groups.

Most standard dessert fare won’t hold up well in the cooler, or in a bag on a hot day (ever had melted chocolate chip cookies at the beach?). That’s why a stop at Bubby Rose’s Bakery on Cook Street is in order. However, you may have a difficult time deciding from among “Apple Yum,” gingerbread cake, banana pecan bread, fruit chew cookies or lemon tarts.

(They also have take-out chickpea salad and quinoa salad.)

For light desserts, a quick visit to your neighbourhood grocer can turn up some interesting and succulent choices. Pick out fruits or berries you don’t eat very often and you have the makings of an ambrosial feast of all-natural sweets.

Now to choose your perfect picnic location. But with 30 regional parks and trails managed by CRD Parks, a handful of provincial parks, and countless smaller neighbourhood parks, finding the “perfect” spot may take some planning. Reid Osler, a park interpreter with CRD Parks, said some parks are ideal for swimming with the kids, while others offer expansive, meditative views. Some picnicking sites require a hefty hike to reach, while some, like a bucolic roadside field, are just a few steps from where you’ve parked the car. On the CRD website (www.crd.bc.ca/parks) you can find a park by name, location or activity. There’s also a list of parks that have picnic shelters.

Most parks allow dogs, but check the specific regulations for the park you intend to visit beforehand.

Consider picnicking at a park you haven’t visited before.

Most Victorians have likely spent a sultry afternoon dipping their toes in the water at Willows Beach or Witty’s Lagoon, but how many of us have splashed about in Pease Lake or dined en plein air amongst the Garry oaks near the summit of Horth Hill?

Osler has some great suggestions for families with smaller children. Coles Bay, while a small park, is secluded and the water is shallow. Here kids will delight at seeing moon snails and other living things. Island View Beach off the Pat Bay Highway provides picnic tables, and it’s great for searching out sea life at low tide. Osler says nudibranchs (sea slugs), brittle stars, moon snails and marine creatures are fairly easy to find, and she even found a baby octopus once.

The ideal picnic location has a stunning landscape view, easy to find at many Victoria parks. Near town, both Anderson Hill and Gonzales Park offer a sweeping seascape

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vista of Juan de Fuca Strait. Farther afield and a bit more of a footslog, Lone Tree Hill and Bear Hill parks see fewer visitors and offer panoramic city, mountain and water views. As well, “there are parts of Thetis that people don’t often go that are amazing,” says Osler. Seymour Hill, for example, has a view of the lake and surrounding mountains, and you’ll often see hawks circling in the blue sky above.

Osler says one of her favourite parks is Francis/King. With Douglas fir trees 500 years old, lush flora, lots of trails (including the Elsie King Trail, a cedar boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible), the Nature Centre and picnic tables, explains Osler, “Francis/King is gem; that one just has something for everyone.”

For a list of parks and nature programs, visit CRD Parks at www.crd.bc.ca/parks. To reserve a picnic shelter, call 250-478-3344. For maps to the parks visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks/ map.htm. t Delicatessens Choux Choux Charcuterie, 830 Fort St. Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen, 2272 Oak Bay Ave. Plenty Epicurean Pantry, 1034 Fort St. The Little Piggy Bake Shop, 1019 Fort St. Markets Lifestyle Markets, 2950 Douglas St. Market on Yates, 903 Yates St. Market on Millstream, 2401 Millstream Rd.

Planet Organic, 3995 Quadra St. (Quadra and McKenzie) Red Barn at Mattick’s Farm, 5325 Cordova Bay Rd. Cafés & Take-Out Food Bubby Rose’s Bakery, 313 Cook St. and 1022 Cook St. Cook’s Day Off, 1883 Fort St. Murchie’s Gourmet Food & Beverage Bar, 1110 Government St. Pure Vanilla Bakery & Café, 2590 Cadboro Bay Rd. Park Locations Anderson Hill, Island Road in Oak Bay Bear Hill, Bear Hill Road in Saanich Coles Bay, Inverness Road in North Saanich East Sooke Park, various entrances off East Sooke Road and Becher Bay Road in East Sooke Francis/King, Munn Road in Saanich Gonzales Hill, Denison Road in Oak Bay Horth Hill, Tatlow Road in North Saanich Island View Beach, Island View Road in Central Saanich Lone Tree Hill, Millstream Road in the Highlands Mill Hill, Atkins Ave. in Langford Pease Lake, in Mount Work Regional Park, Ross-Durrance Road in the Highlands Thetis Lake, Six Mile Road in View Royal/Langford Willows Beach, off Beach Drive in Oak Bay Witty’s Lagoon, off Metchosin Road in Metchosin

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to photos.

One picture is worth a thousand words.

– origin unknown

In certain circumstances, maybe. But, then what are a thousand pictures worth? These days, I would be tempted to answer, one word. And that word would be “banal.”

Far too many photos are shot and shared. Sadly, the photograph has become as ubiquitous as a throwaway candy wrapper. And just about as trivial.

How did this happen? After being flash-popped, cropped and photo-shopped, the lowly photograph entered the past decade a shadow of its former, once-iconic self. Still at the time, its future looked bright, ready to refocus electronically.

Digital cameras had come down to reasonable prices and consumers were going nuts. Shoot, download and fire off the first image of the newborn to Grandma in Moose Jaw, Mumbai or Manchester. Dear, look at this, isn’t she adorable!

The pros liked it too. Not only could they see their handiwork instantly, but now home office could receive it in

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seconds from pretty well anywhere in the world. Already in a malleable, digitized form, it arrived ready to be massaged and then instantly messaged.

This immediacy put the punch back into photojournalism.

Add in webcams and camera phones and whoosh! The door opened to a fresh horizon of new citizen photojournalists.

It seemed that overnight, awash in a bath of electrons, the photo was digitally born again. Reset, redesigned, repurposed for a new century. No fuss, no muss, no waiting in line for prints. Another techno-revolution had begun. Shut down the darkrooms: we are all photographers now!

Along came the photo-sharing sites with names like Fotki, Shutterfly, Buzznet, Smugmug, Snappages and the big daddy of them all, Flickr. Now, not just Grandma would see the adorable newborn. And the cute kitties. And the cuter still hamsters, the soccer uniforms, the family dinners. Flowers, weddings, boat rides, new cedar decks. The Great Wall, the Eiffel Tower, the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Oh, and that guy, the little guy in the corner of the frame, holding the microphone, with his back turned, that’s Leonard Cohen.

Honest. Live in concert.

And did I mention porn? You need to see a photo of something, anything? No problem. Let’s see, if I google “cuter hamsters with naked body of . . .”

Everyone clicks and posts. Looking anxiously for that Warholian 15 minutes. Or is it 15 seconds of fame now?

Look at me. Look at what I made. Look at how cool I am.

Don’t get me wrong. I emphatically do not feel that photography should be left to the experts. Any technology that democratizes our society is a good thing. Most of us do not hesitate to witness the grainy image of a tsunami uploaded from half a world away. And who doesn’t relish the politician lying or making a misogynist comment that was digitally fresh-caught in a supposedly safe moment?

I adore that my 11-year-old, bright-eyed, precocious daughter loves to take photos. Thousands of them. Some are really good. But she insists that I look at all of them with her. “Honey, why not edit them first?” says time-constrained dad. “I don’t want you to miss any of them, Papa,” responds enthusiastic, come-on-spend-a-little-quality-time-with-me daughter.

Is that it? Not missing any of it? You will recognize this phenomenon beyond just the world of photo-sharing. It is the raison d être of social networking. “I do not want to miss anything my friends, sorry ‘followers’, are doing.”

In fact, let me pause to Twitter you now. What am I doing? I am writing my column. I am typing. My fingers are touching the keys. One after another. Wow! I just hit the space bar. With my thumb!!! I think I am about to use up all of my 140 charact Are we closer to each other now? Does the sharing of this

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trivia make us feel more intimate? Or does our sense of the lack of intimacy cause us to crave . . . well what, exactly?

Here is an insight from Susan Sontag’s 1977 work On Photography: “To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed. It means putting oneself into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge, and, therefore like power . . .

To photograph people is to violate them, by seeing them as they never see themselves; it turns people into objects that can be symbolically possessed.”

Strong words. I am not even sure I entirely agree. But from 30 years ago, just as personal computers were coming into our homes, her caution echoes loudly. Perhaps Sontag’s acuity might simply give us pause, ask us to contemplate before we blithely shutter away.

Why do I need to take this photo? Who is it for? What am I doing? The last question is not asked in the Twitter sense.

Canadians used to have an inspiring, inquisitive place, The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, which was devoted to photographs and the questions surrounding them.

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As for me, I hardly shoot photos of any kind, anymore.

My old 35mm Nikon gathers dust in the studio. I have to line up to use our digital camera.

I was reminded of this recently while spending a little time with my sweetheart in Banff. We were looking out over the Bow Valley at the glorious Rockies. The sun was setting, its rays beaming out from the high clouds in god-like clichés. Light oranges sprinkled with intense yellows, tender lavenders, reds of every hue, glaciers on fire, and the river below sparkling with a purply-blue light shimmering on its surface.

“Oh, she says, “I forgot my camera.” We glanced at each other and laughed. We walked out on the balcony and gazed silently, for an elongated while.

Click. I have the photograph in my collection. I can see it anytime. I don’t even need to make new copies. Anyway, I can’t.

I just gave you the original. t

After 20 years, this is my last column for Boulevard. I have written them from many places, including Québec, San Francisco, Mumbai and for three years from Paris and Spain. It has been sheer pleasure writing them and sharing them with my many loyal readers. It is has been a privilege to have such a rewarding connection to a thoughtful, literate community.

victoriaboulevard.com 19

The Birds and the Bees Better than sex? We’re not sure, but beekeeping and bird-watching help these folks find their bliss With our sizable retired community and mild climate that allows for year-round activities, the Victoria area is a hobby hotbed.

According to Kim Blank, professor of cultural studies at the University of Victoria, the cultivation of hobbies requires two things: time and interest. On the south Island, it seems we’ve got plenty of both.

“Hobbies are normally beneficial, both personally and culturally,” says Blank. They also confer a sense of ownership and accomplishment, as well as using and Jody Paterson creating good energy. Hobbies don’t normally involve figures she has profit: they can be passive, like collecting or playing cards, to walk the dog or they can be active, like hiking or gardening. Most anyway, so why importantly, we do them simply because we enjoy them. not take Beekeeping and bird-watching are particularly popular binoculars and these days, so we decided to trail after those who chase their happiness up close and personal watch the with Mother Nature, either flocking to birds? birds or communing with the bees.

Bird-watching sharpens your senses and you can take it travelling, too Jody Paterson’s initiation into bird-watching started innocently enough, when she and her partner, Paul Willcocks, got into kayaking a few years back. It’s all his doing, she says: even though he’s not a birder, he’s the one who brought the binoculars.

“I started noticing ducks on the water and wondering, ‘What kind of ducks are those?’ ” says Paterson. “And suddenly this whole new world opened up for me.”

Since those early days, Paterson has accumulated a library of bird books and CDs in her quest to identify and understand the many species she encounters.

“Once you start looking at them and listening to them, it’s like going to the zoo every day,” says the awardwinning journalist and social advocate. “It’s very compelling once you get into it.”

By Alexandra Van Tol

photos by gary mckinstry

Bird-watching is a popular pastime for nature lovers because birds are so visible, says Darren Copley, president of the Victoria Natural History Society. “One of our most popular talks is how to attract wildlife to the backyard for viewing using nest boxes and feeders,” he says. He notices an increasing number of retirees in Victoria who are looking at bird-watching as a hobby. “You can do it at any age and anywhere you travel,” he says.

Within the bird-watching society itself Copley says there’s everything from the casual backyard observer who’s just out to enjoy the day to “crazy competitive birders that will do anything to see a new bird.”

On her numerous walks through Victoria’s bird-rich natural habitats, Paterson has developed a degree of sophistication as a birder. This day finds her scanning the trees at Colquitz River Park, a favourite spot for strolls with her rough-haired terrier, Jack. She points out a heron’s nest, one of many that the spindly birds have recently built after having their population decimated by eagles at Beacon Hill Park. She hears a hummingbird pass us by. (I don’t.)

For Paterson, bird-watching has turned out to be an easy hobby to fit into her full-to-bursting lifestyle. (She also runs, plays piano and accordion, sings, writes, drums, blogs and runs a communications consulting company.) “All hobbies take time,” she says. “But I’ve got to walk the dog, so why not walk the dog with a pair of binoculars?”

Now, she takes binoculars everywhere she travels, from New Zealand to Prague to her most recent trip through Yosemite and Death Valley. It gets her outside and into the fresh air, and it’s good for the brain, too: with the requisite reading, listening, attending, sorting and shape recognition, bird-watching over time hones the auditory and visual senses. Paterson’s faves? Cedar waxwings with their black masks and red wing droplets, “just because they’re amazingly beautiful and I didn’t even know they lived here until I started birding.” Favourites aside, Paterson is happy simply to observe the day-to-day behaviours of the birds that are most familiar to her.

The spinoffs from birding have carried over into other areas of Paterson’s life, too: she now pays closer attention to the world around her. “I’ve become better at stillness, which was never a strength for me. When you stop and you look and you listen in a different way, you suddenly realize there’s a whole world going on around you that you had literally walked through for 50 years without ever noticing,” she says.

But bird-watching? Paterson never saw it coming.

“My daughter gives me a hard time about it,” she chuckles.

“It does seem to be something that happens more likely when you’re older. Maybe you slow down finally?”

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Beekeeping can make you zenlike, Or busy as a – well, you know . . .

“I’m not a beekeeper,” says John Defayette as he opens a small bag of yellow grains and offers a pinch. Since meeting Defayette 20 minutes ago, I’ve tasted three kinds of honey, drunk mead brewed from the stuff and sipped tart honey vinegar. The guy’s got seven box hives out in his yard, a head-to-toe bee suit hanging on the wall, and jar upon jar of golden honey boxed up in his basement.

But he’s not a beekeeper.

“I’m a bee server. I serve them,” says the retired Algonquin College instructor. Ah. Point taken.

Defayette speaks quietly, ducking under the low beams in his basement, where he does everything from extracting the honey from the combs to bottling it to putting together materials for his educational presentations about beekeeping. “I used to do all this stuff up in the kitchen, but my wife finally sent me down here,” he chuckles. Now in his 80s and into his sixth year of beekeeping – sorry, bee serving – Defayette says we need more of his kind.

More people to raise bees. More undisturbed habitat. More awareness for the essential work bees do in keeping our supermarkets stocked.

More bees.

Defayette can’t get enough of the little marvels. “They’re fascinating,” he says. He holds out a wooden frame coated with perfectly formed, ridiculously symmetrical honeycombs. “Mathematically, you and I could not do this.”

Defayette speaks in reverential tones as he explains the way honeybees work together to build a hive, protect the queen, store honey and raise the brood. Complicated yet utterly cooperative, bee society presents us with a model for a better way of living.

Jeremy Hackett, a relative newcomer to the apiculture scene with just a year under his belt, learned the craft from Defayette. “The whole social structure of the colony is quite fascinating,” he says. “It’s basically a well-structured society and everyone has their jobs to do.” In the wake of colony collapse disorder, which started in 2006 and has since decimated North American bee populations, Hackett understands he has a job to do, too, by welcoming more of these little pollinators to the city. His two daughters, 13 and 16, have an abiding interest in beekeeping, using the profits from honey sales to fund their own creative activities, one of which is making beeswax candles. In their first summer, the Hackett family’s two hives produced 30 pounds of honey: and that’s only about half of what can be done.

Up on Hornby Island, Kevin Woods also loves the rewards that come from working with bees. Having left behind a career as a stockbroker (“dealing with numbers,

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representational values and all that kind of crap that wasn’t real”), Woods says he’s grounded by beekeeping. “It’s up there with falconry,” he says. “It’s an ancient art that dances directly and intimately with nature.” Since a beekeeper neighbour introduced him to the pastime in Grade 6, Woods has gone on to raise bees in Ontario, Alberta and BC. Though most beekeepers are men, Woods thinks women, with their smaller hands and gentler movements, are ideally suited to the job. “The great thing about bees is you don’t need property,” he says. An area of six square feet will do, to allow for the hive and clearance on all sides for the bees to come and go. They don’t ask much.

And they give so much in return. “[Bees] are almost an unknown factor in our living day-to-day and like most things we may not appreciate it until we lose them,” says Defayette.

There’s no better time than now for interested hobbyists to don a bee veil, he says. “It deserves to be revitalized,” agrees Woods. “People deserve to experience it. It is communing with an unedited experience, seeing cooperation and productivity and unified purpose writ large and real. And you can witness it in a little white box on your deck.”

Beekeeping can be as busy or as laid back as you like. In the winter, the hives are dormant and low-maintenance.

During summer, the bees ramp up their foraging and honeyproducing activities. On a busy day, a hive might produce

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several pounds of honey. Take it for yourself or leave it for the bees — it’s your decision. Stings aren’t a concern if you move slowly and pay attention to what you’re doing, say the men.

Here’s the kicker: the reward of beekeeping isn’t the honey. It’s being with the bees themselves. For Defayette, beekeeping slows him down and forces him to be in the moment. “When you keep honey bees you are influenced by their community, their working together,” he says.

“There is an ease to it,” says Woods. “[Beekeeping] hits at a personal, resonant level. Either you get it . . . or you don’t.” t To Find Out More: Want to be a birder? Try the Victoria Natural History Society’s website at www.vicnhs.bc.ca and click on their calendar of events.

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For the rules and regulations for beekeepers or apiarists in British Columbia, go to www.agf.gov.bc.ca/apiculture/faq.htm.

The Capital Region Beekeepers meet every second Thursday of the month at St. Aidan’s United Church Hall in Victoria. Contact Brian Scullion at 250-385-7129 for more information.

Tugwell Creek Farm in Sooke (250-642-1956) also offers introductory beekeeping courses.

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Like many little films, swamped by summer blockbusters, it left after a week. But I keep thinking about it, partly because I wished I’d bought tickets to it for every elected official and tourism-sector bureaucrat in town. My Winnipeg has plenty to teach Our Victoria.

The film is like nothing else. Billed as a “docu-fantasia,” it’s a weird melding of autobiography and municipal history, dramatizing Maddin’s childhood memories and Winnipeg urban legends — the seances in the legislature, the ghosts of the old hockey arena, the creepy restaurant atop the Hudson’s Bay store — as if the city was a manifestation of his own subconscious. Filmed in grainy black-and-white, intercut with ridiculously dramatic silent-movie titles (“Cold!”), it’s like a series of Heritage Minutes directed by Fritz Lang.

Much of My Winnipeg is laugh-out-loud hilarious. What lingers, however, is the film’s celebration of a unique civic identity, like the ones expressed in Amélie, or Wings of

Desire, or Woody Allen’s Manhattan. These films know a basic truth: Where we live determines who we are. And the way we know who we are, most often, is through the stories we tell each other about where we live.

“Half of the myths that go into making a country’s identity are based on fact and the other half are generated out of some species of campfire story. So you get, in America’s case, things like Johnny Appleseed and Daniel Boone and Paul Bunyan,” Maddin told an American interviewer recently. “Canadians are such lousy selfmythologizers — they refuse to do it, as a matter of fact — they have no national identity. So I had to make up for a hundred years of negligence in this one movie, and put all the Winnipeg history that I had heard into one big boulliabase.”

You’d think a mash-up of historical and personal anecdotes about Manitoba’s snowbound capital couldn’t possibly find an audience, but it did. My Winnipeg won raves around the world, from publications as diverse as the Irish Times, Wall Street Journal, and Der Spiegel. Not bad for a movie that cost $600,000 — the equivalent of what the City of Victoria spends in two years just on printing brochures.

I mention all this because, theoretically, such a movie could’ve been made here. Victoria has been home to an equally respected and idiosyncratic director, Atom Egoyan.

Many times he’s wanted to set a feature film in this city — Felicia’s Journey, for example — but never had the financial backing to do so. (Egoyan is working on a short called Victoria Year One, but it sounds purely autobiographical.)

And, Lord knows, we have just as many stories and characters that deserve to be elevated into cinematic legend.

Think of Emily Carr, a social outcast who found enlightenment in our forests, a century before British Columbians invented Greenpeace. Francis Rattenbury, who designed the BC Legislature building at the age of 25, and then was murdered by his wife’s young lover. (I’m told Pacific Opera Victoria’s Timothy Vernon has wanted to make a Rattenbury opera for years. Someone should finance that.)

Or the seductive cult leader Brother XII, who evaded the RCMP by blowing up his island hideout and disappearing with a crate of gold. Ambition, genius, romance, madness, death — it’s all here. Too daring a slogan for Tourism Victoria, perhaps, but can’t you just picture the movie?

Obviously, having a popular story set in your city provides spinoff benefits. Da Vinci Code fans flock to Paris, Harry Potter kids visit London — even Port Angeles gets the teen readers of the Twilight vampire tales. True, such traffic is partly a matter of luck, dependent on the whims of novelists and bestseller lists, but I’d argue that cities can also encourage it. I’m not suggesting that our governments create

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a Ministry of Corporate Storytelling, cranking out potboilers stuffed with product placement — “Muriel gazed across the twinkling harbour at the Fairmont Empress, dreaming of its 477 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites” — but they could do more to help our best stories find their way into the wider world.

Why not pay for translations of some classic B.C. books — Emily Carr’s Klee Wyck, for instance — and then donate thousands of copies to schools in China and India, to seed the market for future literary visits? Why not offer a tax break to films and TV shows that identifiably set their plots in BC, instead of passing us off as California? And why not help fund those artists who tell our stories elsewhere?

Last year, a Toronto magazine listed the 20 all-time highlights of that city’s Fringe theatre festival. Three were Victoria-raised acts — Theatre SKAM, T.J. Dawe, and a spinoff of the Atomic Vaudeville troupe — and yet none of them have ever received any serious recognition from the chamber of commerce. Local musicians, from NoMeansNo to Nelly Furtado, have gone on to achieve international acclaim, and yet bylaw officers repeatedly harass the venues where our next generation of performers hone their skills. These artists should receive our complete civic encouragement. They are Victoria’s true ambassadors, the ones who explain us to the rest of the world.

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Mainly, though, we should commemorate our storytellers because they explain us to ourselves — who we are, and why we’re here. As a Gitskan elder famously asked a judge during the Delgamuukw land-claims trial, “If this is your land, where are your stories?” Legends are proof Our city doesn’t need of use, of knowledge, of love of a place — far more, the chief more cold brass plaques, suggested, than any certificate from the Land Titles Office. it needs its own songs Without stories about this land, we are no more than occupiers. and novels and plays It’s ironic that Franz Boas, the grandfather of anthropology, heard and films and transcribed the world’s greatest collections of native legends right here on the coast of B.C., and yet we who live here today give such little formal attention or respect to stories of our own. Victoria doesn’t need more brass plaques outside old buildings, it needs its own songs and novels and plays and films.

If Winnipeg can produce such things, so can we. t Ross Crockford is the author of Victoria: The Unknown City, a book of local facts and legends. The movie rights are still available.

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A HUNDRED PAIRS OF HANDS

Making 900 Meals a Day at Our Place Takes More Than a Menu Plan

By Thelma Fayle Photos by Ted Grant

Tammy Newhart and Bruce McNab, mid-life newlyweds on holiday from Toronto, volunteer for an afternoon at Our Place. They want to get a feel for the heart of Victoria by helping out in a community soup kitchen. Newhart, a retired, professional chef for 15 years in upstate New York, always enjoys a “kitchen fix”.

Barry Bieller helps out for a few hours at lunchtime on Fridays. Peeling potatoes and serving soup are among his niches when he is not working as a director of a policy and communications branch for the provincial government.

“I grew up in this town and see the evidence every day of the increased need for a facility like Our Place,” says Bieller. “They don’t have much money. As a member of my community I want to help. I have learned about the value of Our Place and the value of the folks that come in.”

Individuals come Farhad Tohidi, a bright young Iranian music student about to graduate from the together to University of Victoria before pursuing a law degree, comes prepare meals in twice a week to help make and serve lunch. at Our Place: The Our Place kitchen serves 900 meals a day to church groups, homeless and street people in Victoria. For lunch and dinner school classes, five days a week, beleaguered souls who are often lonely, farms, businesses, scared and hungry receive some comfort in the presence restaurants and of “family,” as Our Place considers its guests. hotels help out This piece was supposed to be about the highwith donations functioning infrastructure of Our Place, one of Canada’s of food and money. model kitchens-of-its-kind.

There’s a Way to write your own legacy.

For more information you can go online at www.uwgv.ca or contact Trudy L. Farrell, Personal Giving Manager at 250-385-6708 to arrange a private appointment.

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But it turns out to be about the varied faces of compassion in Victoria, with soup-kitchen sustenance in 2009 delivered by diverse volunteers under the watchful eye of understanding staff.

Bill Webb, retired, and currently a model railroad builder, is the experienced volunteer who gets the daily sandwichmaking brigade going. He reminds new volunteers not to use the ends or heels of the loaf. “Many of our guests don’t have teeth,” he says. Even some of the young people in their teens and 20s have lost their teeth and gums to “meth mouth.”

For five days of spring break this year, a dozen international baccalaureate students from Pearson College enlivened the kitchen with a cappella singing and youthful exuberance as they cheerfully volunteered their time.

These kids were from the Northwest Territories, “Every day in this place Ontario, Haiti, Indonesia and Lesotho.

I learn a little more As part of his regular curriculum, a local highabout patience, school teacher brings his Global Perspectives class to compassion and volunteer in the Our Place kitchen. Victoria senior and understanding.” junior volunteers sign up to do whatever needs doing.

Once a month a local group comes in to help celebrate birthdays. They bring a jazz band and cake and ice cream.

A church group offers money with a stipulation that it be used to buy fresh fruit. Another group purchases a different grain every month. Donations from local farms, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, grocery stores and caterers make up one third of what it takes to feed the Our Place community. Most of the contents of the daily soup kettle are donated. The tuna for sandwiches is purchased, but the margarine is donated.

Brian Cox, Peter Stokes, Dave Pickard and Scott Sharett comprise the kitchen staff. They form the smooth infrastructure that allows 90 volunteers a week to help prepare food. Anyone who knows anything about managing a large number of volunteers knows this kind of organization is not an easy task.

With 25 years of kitchen management experience, Cox explains that unlike a high-volume restaurant, a highvolume community soup-kitchen is not restricted by having to maintain reproducible recipes. Since no one comes in demanding the consistency of a signature clam chowder, chefs at Our Place have room for creativity. As a rule, little is wasted and soups are like Mom’s.

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fridge and freezer areas carrying boxes and trays of food, then swing down to the pantry area, stopping to stir the big steel cauldron. Then it’s over to the delivery elevator, then back to the wash pit. There is a well-worn but highenergy pattern to the constant motion that produces meal after meal.

Three out of four of the chefs have personal links to the homeless community. Pickard openly credits Our Place with its role in his drug and alcohol recovery.

Volunteers might chop Pickard is the congenial host who likes to whip up and peel to Van Halen 300 to 500 hot muffins in the morning. That is welcome or Miles Davis or Dean medicine for someone who has spent a night sleeping on the cold sidewalk.

Martin’s That’s Amore.

Pickard puts sandwiches into a bag for the director, Reverend Al Tysick. “Reverend Al wants to give them to a guy who is on his way to rehab,” Pickard says.

Sharett runs the nutrition bar, but the part of the job he loves most is connecting with the community. “I know what it is like to be absolutely broke and starving,” he says.

“Every day in this place, I learn a little more about patience, compassion and understanding.”

Stokes is the inspired and creative rhythm of the kitchen.

His soups elicit raves and he provides the musical backdrop that makes the kitchen feel alive. Depending on the day and Stokes’ preference, volunteers might be chopping and peeling to Van Halen or Miles Davis or Dean Martin’s That’s Amore.

In his determination to keep increasing his skill level, Stokes plans to take a saucier course one of these days. He is always trying new things; this week it was fresh lemonade for the volunteers with a secret ingredient that no one could guess. It turned out to be vanilla.

These chefs don’t tolerate a guest’s belligerence or misbehaviour, but they also appreciate that the person will likely return to apologize the next day with an explanation of being off meds, or drunk or suffering withdrawal.

As Rev. Tysick put it, “some days our task is to love people who are not easy to love.”

“Seeing a 17-year-old girl propped up on the sidewalk with empty eyes and a needle sticking out of her neck is hard to witness,” Cox says. “She doesn’t care about life anymore,” he says with the empathy of a concerned father of three children.

With this critical ingredient of compassion, Victorians of all kinds help to offer hope and belonging to people who desperately need it. t

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“After my first summer living in this house, watching all of the fruit going to rot, I just couldn’t keep up. I thought, ‘what a waste’,” says Wickins, who teaches business courses at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University.

“We have this abundance of healthy, nutritious, amazing produce that previous generations decided to make happen by planting these trees, and to have it go to waste would be such a shame.”

Then Wickins read about the Fruit Tree Project, a pickand-redistribute program operated by the LifeCycles Project Society. She registered her trees immediately.

“Now with the Since 2000, LifeCycles, a local non-profit that promotes healthy common theme communities, urban agriculture and food security, has organized volunteers of eating local, to pick the trees of registered tree owners like Wickins in exchange for a growing local donation. The fruit is distributed to owners and volunteers at the time of and consuming the pick, while the rest of the groceryquality fruit goes to local food banks and community organizations. The local goods, project keeps some fruit to make products to be sold through local more people businesses.

Every year, the project redistributes are buying into the equivalent of more than 85 refrigerators full of fruit, or roughly the idea.”

13,500 kilos. But relying on grantfunding and donations means the program is always in danger of disappearing. So far, the partnership with local businesses does not bring in enough revenue to cover costs.

As for Wickins, she has scheduled a pick every summer since 2004. She says working with the project was easy and the volunteers were wonderful.

“This is an important service for the local Victoria community,” says Wickins, who increased her donation last year when she heard the project’s funding had been cut.

The growing season and weather in Victoria net a plethora of plums, pears, cherries, figs, quince, grapes and apples. That’s thousands of kilograms of fruit to be picked July through September. Last year, volunteers picked 19,530 kilos of fruit, the largest pick to date.

“Initially it started to stop food going to waste, with people asking ‘how can we use this food?’ ” says Renate Nasher-Ringer, a nurse and the project coordinator. “Now with the common theme of eating local, growing local and consuming local goods, more people are buying into the idea.”

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Tree owners register on LifeCycles’ website or though a summer-only phone hotline. Volunteers submit their contact information online, or sign up at events throughout the year.

Addresses are not available to volunteers until a pick has been scheduled and a team leader selected.

LifeCycles estimates its costs at between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. In April, a call for donations went out to keep the Products from local fruit project operating.

“We had years of funding for trees include cider, pear our fruit tree project and it being such a ‘sexy’ program, everyone sorbet and apple-spiced thought we would keep getting money for it,” says executive gelato, as well as chutneys, director Kezia Cowtan. “But the grant money ran out, and it was reaching a point where we were quince paste and jelly. unable to get funding.”

In the past, the project has received money from the United Way, the Victoria Foundation and the Vancity Community Foundation. But grants are normally given to new projects, rather than existing ones, says Cowtan, and LifeCycles didn’t want to change the structure of an already successful project just to be eligible.

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In 2004, LifeCycles decided to try partnering with businesses to make products out of surplus fruit. Local cider house Sea Cider Farm & Cidery makes a fragrant and sharp cider called Kings and Spies. Salt Spring Gelato produces a LifeCycles pear sorbet and an apple-pie-spiced gelato, while Spinnakers Brewpub makes an apple cider vinegar. Chutneys, quince paste, jelly and quince butter are sold as well. The products are available through Ambrosio Markets & Deli, Food Roots, the Root Cellar and other small businesses.

“Slowly, with lots of support, the business has developed.

At this point it’s probably making $10,000 to $15,000 a year.

But our costs still outweigh our revenue, so we’re still trying to figure out how to be more successful,” says Cowtan, who estimates it will be two years before the profits pay for the project. She says the Vancity Foundation has given LifeCycles a $15,000 business development grant, as well as a grant of $4,500 to assist other regions in designing their fruit tree projects, but that doesn’t help the operational aspect.

To fund the operation, LifeCycles has to make more products, and pick and store more fruit. A move last year to a warehouse shared with Food Roots and Share Organics is expected to help with capacity, but that leaves the next challenge: ensuring enough volunteers will become pickers and team leaders between August and September, when most fruit

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ripens. Last year more than 100 fruit trees couldn’t be picked because of a lack of team leaders. Of about 100 signed-up volunteers, only 30 regularly pick. About 20 to 25 team leaders are needed to lead one pick every one or two weeks, while volunteers work on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone is welcome to volunteer, though work may involve climbing ladders or lifting a 9- to 16-kg bucket of fruit.

Team Leader Patty Loveridge has led more than 10 picks over three years with members of the Hatha Yoga Association of Victoria.

“It’s so great to get out, meet people, and see what’s going on. To make this kind of contribution to food security in the community is really worthwhile,” says Loveridge. t

Want to get involved?

If you have fruit trees to pick or wish to volunteer, visit www.lifecyclesproject.ca/initiatives/fruit_tree/. You can register online, by e-mail at fruittree@lifecyclesproject.ca, or phone LifeCycles at 250-383-5800. The usual donation in exchange for a pick ranges from $20 to $50.

LifeCycles’ other projects range from community mapping to urban agriculture. Its volunteer opportunities include Growing Schools, a program on nutrition and food security for youth, as well as Sharing Backyards, which matches those who want to garden with those who have the space. They offer services such as garden work parties and workshops.

victoriaboulevard.com 43

When concertmaster Terence Tam takes the Royal Stage

The Doctor is in the House

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As an emergency room doctor Terence Tam routinely performs acts of medical skill — stitching a toddler’s chin, shocking a heart into rhythm, resetting a dislocated shoulder — all greatly appreciated by the intimate audience involved.

Sometimes he’s recognized for a different stellar performance. “Hey! Aren’t you the concertmaster of the Victoria Symphony?” a patient will ask, perhaps seeing the thickened skin on his neck or remembering him from his confident walk across the Royal Theatre stage each concert, violin tucked under his arm, as the audience applauds.

In the dual worlds of medicine and music, Tam, 38, is a very rare breed: a working doctor who is simultaneously a professional musician in a prestigious

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Victoria has two violinist/doctors of exceptional quality.

Dermatologist Dr. Mark Lupin, a student of Jascha Heifetz, is a concert violinist who each year plays five or six concerts here and abroad while doing his specialty 9-to-5. Tam is fulltime concertmaster while fitting in, over-and above, a 50 per cent job as an ER doc.

Tam doesn’t make a big deal of his duo roles. As concertmasters of first the Symphony Nova Scotia and then the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in Australia he never told the musical hierarchy of his doctor hat. “Concertmaster is a full time job and I never wanted anyone to assume I wasn’t fully committed.”

Music director Tania Miller understands his reticence.

The symphony heard in 2007 that Tam was looking to come back to Canada so that he, his wife, concert pianist Lorraine Min, and their two children, now 4 and 2, could be closer to family on the west coast. “His reputation was excellent and we knew from his resumé that he was a doctor, too. But there is definitely a feeling in the musical world that to be a real musician you have to focus 100 per cent of your energy on music,” said Miller.

They invited Tam for a week’s trial, making him audition with challenging repertoire, assessing in rehearsals and performances his interactions with the members of the orchestra. Did he have that ethereal leadership quality that enables a dozen violinists to play as one? Even one bow released too soon can undermine unity. Did he and Miller share a common musical sensibility and the ability to communicate?

“The concertmaster is a constant channel between the conductor and the orchestra. He must translate my musical ideas for sounds or moods into actual technique and performance,” said Miller. Satisfied Tam was perfect “then we discussed how his life as a doctor would fit in.”

At one time, Tam didn’t think it could. Born and raised in Toronto, he showed early musical gifts by age 5 when, mimicking his piano student mother, he played the opening bars of Beethoven’s Für Elise by ear. He began music lessons soon after and by age 8 was performing publicly on piano and violin. His teens and early 20s included a full scholarship for piano and violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music, acclaimed performances in North America and abroad, and the winning of prestigious competitions.

Settling on the violin, he earned a graduate degree in performance at the Peabody Institute of Music under violinist Victor Danchanko.

His parents, originally from Hong Kong, wanted a stable life for him. “What immigrant parents don’t want a son to be a doctor?” laughs Tam. When music began to take a back seat to the demands of medical training he became increasingly depressed.

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“The farther away I got from it, the more I realized music had to be a central part of my life.” A medical mentor urged him to go into emergency medicine for its defined shifts, no after-hour patient load, no 9-5 office hours. When Tam told Danchenko he was going back into music, his former teacher said: “Ah, you have tasted the poison of performance and you will never be free of it.”

With the symphony schedule given up to a year in advance, he books his ER shifts around it, making sure he never goes directly from hospital to stage. He once tried to do just that in Halifax for The Nutcracker: “I knew it so well, but in performance you cannot have a moment’s lapse. I barely made it through.” Occasionally he will go to the ER for an overnight shift from a concert since the adrenalin surge from performance keeps him revved.

At their new Oak Bay home with Min, they revel in being full-time parents to their two young children, supporting each other to find enough time each day to practice, which can be up to four or five hours a day. Tam also needs to “bow” the parts, a time-consuming process of marking entire scores so that all string bows move precisely together.

The couple still finds time for quality one-on-one time, which can include playing duets, harkening back to their eight years performing as chamber partners. “It is very comfortable to play together,” says Min. “I know his phrasing and he knows mine. It is almost effortless.”

Meanwhile Tam is earning audience raves. His first prominent solo this past year was the Massenet Meditation in Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of Thaïs. Tam played with such sweetness and poignancy that the audience held its collective breath and sighed at the end before erupting in enthusiastic applause.

“He has a lovely silky tone and a strong lyrical sense which grabs the heart of his audience,” said Gary Karr, an internationally renowned bassist and éminence grise of the Victoria music scene.

His debut solo concert with the symphony was the technically challenging Brahms Violin Concerto. An audience favourite, it is full of rapid runs, complicated rhythms, and double and triple stopping (playing two or three notes at once) — a perfect vehicle to display Tam’s virtuoso talents. Miller will never forget the first rehearsal.

“When Terry finished playing, this wonderful hush filled the room with the palpable admiration of his colleagues.

It was this moment that said, ‘this is our new concertmaster and we are so proud to be in his presence.’ ” Under Tam’s leadership morale and performance standards are steadily climbing, says Miller, and youthful energy and enthusiasm abound.

In short, the doctor is in the house and the symphony is full of renewed health and vigour. t

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excursion ideas. Most first-time visitors, understandably, put Victoria’s iconic attractions at the top of their must-see list: the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Royal British Columbia Museum, Butchart Gardens. To these they might add a tour of the downtown delights, like Government Street and the old-town shops, Chinatown, the evolving Design District, and Antique Row on Fort Street.

But does your guest room contain repeat visitors who crave something farther afield?

At the risk of having your dear ones stay even longer, we present an itinerary for a day trip to the eastern Cowichan region that they’ll rave about for years. Send them off in a rental car, armed with a good map, so you can snooze on the patio, or go along yourself for a day of discovery in your own backyard.

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Over the Malahat to Cowichan Bay North of town and the Western Communities, the Trans-Canada climbs up Malahat Mountain. Pull in at one of the lookouts if it’s a clear day and you’ll catch, as Canadian poet Bliss Carman put it, “a glimpse of heaven from Malahat”: a sweeping view of islands, coastal waterways and distant snow-peaked mountains.

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Telegraph Road winds through the Cherry Point area, land of commercial and hobby farms, large and small seaside homes and Cherry Point Vineyards. When you reach Cowichan Bay Road, turn right and follow it down into the village of Cowichan Bay. Shops, restaurants, marine supply stores, galleries and homes crowd along the shoreline here, overlooking a broad expanse of wharves, docks, liveaboards and boats.

When you hit the road again, don’t leave without a snack. It’s the Slow Food law here. Stop in at True Grain Bakery, Hilary’s Cheese Company and, especially if you’ve got kids along, The Udder Guy’s Ice Cream Co. for ice cream.

Cowichan Bay to Maple Bay From Cowichan Bay, continue around the estuary: if you have bird watchers in the party, they will find plenty to interest them here. When the first Europeans arrived in this area, they found more than half a dozen villages of the Quw’utsun (now Cowichan) First Nations along these shores and beside nearby Quamichan and Somenos lakes. Archaeologists date some of these settlements to 5,000 years ago.

Where the road bends and becomes Tzouhalem Road, watch for the cairn honouring Robert W. Service, the same bard after whom Victoria’s Bard and Banker Pub is named. Service spent a

couple of years by the bay, working at a small general store and penning verse, though none with a legacy like The Cremation of Sam McGee. Half a kilometre on, the road also passes the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club (est. 1887), reputed to have the oldest grass tennis courts in the Commonwealth after Wimbledon.

The road winds across the estuary, taking you closer to Robert Service spent several the massive bulk of Mount years in Cowichan Bay, working Tzouhalem. Watch for the driveway into Providence Farm, one of a handful of at the general store and horticultural therapeutic centres in Canada for people penning verse: watch for the with disabilities. Providence welcomes the public on cairn honouring him on weekdays to browse its community store, nursery, Tzouhalem Road stables and workshops.

It also hosts the annual Islands Folk Festival. This year is the festival’s 25th anniversary, from July 24 to 26.

The road beyond Providence joins Maple Bay Road. Near this junction is St. Peter’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest parishes in the region. Though many early residents are buried in St. Peter’s

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cemetery, the one whose name is most often remarked on is Dr. Richard Stoker. Once renowned in international gardening circles as a cultivator of rhododendrons (many now form the basis for the University of Victoria’s Finnerty Gardens), Stoker is perhaps as well remembered for being the brother of Bram, author of the gothic novel Dracula.

Maple Bay to Chemainus Maple Bay Road wends back toward the water, ending at the small community of that name. Like Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay was originally abuzz with commerce and trade, before the railway and later the highway entered the picture. The sandy beachfront is popular with swimmers. It’s not the Caribbean, but on a warm day, you and the kids might appreciate a refreshing dip.

When you follow Herd Road up out of Maple Bay, you move from seashore to a tidy landscape of farms, pastures, vineyards and gardens. Turn right onto Osborne Bay Road. This takes you through Crofton, the small town with the big view. It was planned and built in 1902 by Dunsmuir in-law Henry Croft to support his short-lived copper smelter.

Eight kilometres on is Chemainus. The once forestry-dependent town reinvented itself in the early 1980s after the mill closed.

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Chemainus to Ladysmith The road from Chemainus to Ladysmith passes through the seaside community of Saltair before rejoining the Trans-Canada Highway. Turn right onto the highway. A kilometre along, you’ll reach Ladysmith, which sits above the highway on the left. Ladysmith was designed and laid out in 1904 by coal baron James Dunsmuir as a community for his mine workers. He named it for Ladysmith, South Africa, to mark that town’s relief from siege during the Boer War. Shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants are on the upper side of town; you can do the self-guided walking tour. Or let the kids blow off steam at Transfer Beach Park.

Ladysmith to the Yellow Point–Cedar area Five minutes up the highway, turn right onto Cedar Road, then right again onto Yellow Point Road for the full tour around the point. If you’ve never seen the sculpted sandstone ledges characteristic of Gulf Island coastlines, Continued on page 63 victoriaboulevard.com 57

Beyond Ordinary, There’s Cowichan.

Just a short drive north of Victoria, and suddenly you’re beyond ordinary. We’ve got picturesque downtowns, rich culinary experiences and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re in the mood to quietly indulge yourself or itching to create a memorable family adventure, the Cowichan is sure to please.

HOME DECOR

Luxurious, playful and wholly original.

Tasteful furnishings, timeless art and the perfect accent pieces.

Summer sale now on!

115 Kenneth Street Downtown Duncan TEL 250.746.9809

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b re

r ow, ex

pl o

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,g e h

A well established local hot spot, we are famous for fresh food and beer, as well as fun, energetic staff and a great atmosphere!

Jakes ~ 250 746 5622 25 Craig Street, Duncan

Brew Pub ~ 250 737 2337 45 Craig Street, Duncan

for conscious living

125 Station Street

Downtown Duncan

250 748 9411

Mill Bay . Shawnigan lake . CoBBle hill . CowiChan Bay . DunCan . Crofton . CheMainuS . laDySMith . lake CowiChan . youBou . honeyMoon Bay

Summertime – Cowichan style.

Looking for a way to make summer last forever? There’s nothing like the hazy, lazy pace of summertime in the Cowichan to slow a person down. Experience our warm and sunny hospitality at our many bistros, bed and breakfasts and spas. Stroll along our quaint downtowns, calm beaches and tranquil pathways.

dressing west coast women since 1984

www.bistro161.com

125 Kenneth Street, Duncan

•

Tel 250 746 4751

bamboo

• bamboo salad sets, tools and cutting boards

199

$

• bamboo kitchen trolley

863 Canada Avenue Duncan 250-748-4614 Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 5:30pm Sunday 11am – 4pm For more information, contact Tourism Cowichan | Tel 250 746 1099 tourist information 1 888 303 3337 | discovercowichan.com

Cowichan: The art of good living.

Live well in the Cowichan. Our artisan chefs and bakers will create magic for you in our many bistros and restaurants. Our furniture studios and art galleries will dazzle your senses. And our award-winning wines will top off the best vacation you’ve ever had an hour’s drive from home! It’s all here: discovercowichan.net

Old Farm Fountains, Statuary & Planters

oldfarmgardenstone.com

The largest collection of garden pottery on Vancouver Island, unique plants and patio accessories.

The largest selection of Fountains, Statues & Urns on Vancouver Island & maybe the world!

Open 9 - 6pm through summer Trans Canada Hwy. (just south of Duncan) 250 746 8734

On the highway ~ 1 km south of Duncan

250 748 4977

The best selection in wicker, rattan and patio furniture

A Classic French Inspired Bistro “French influenced Shawnigan Lake restaurant, which turns out meals that rival the fare at top city eateries.

Dedicated to regional ingredients…”

National Geographic Traveler April 2009

Only 35 minutes from downtown Victoria

Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm for dinner 1753 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road www.amusebistro.com 250 743 3667

“intrigue the senses, amuse the palate”

Whippletree Junction 4705 Trans Canada Highway ~ south of Duncan Duncan 250 748 1100 | 2520 Bowen Rd , Nanaimo 250 729 0309 www.thewickertree.com | 1 877 748 1101

Mill Bay . Shawnigan lake . CoBBle hill . CowiChan Bay . DunCan . Crofton . CheMainuS . laDySMith . lake CowiChan . youBou . honeyMoon Bay

Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival – Sept 19-20, 2009

“Vancouver Island’s largest and most delicious Wine Festival!” This unforgettable wine and culinary adventure features exceptional epicurean offerings from Cowichan and Vancouver Island vineyards and farms, as well as original music and art. For more info go to: www.wines.cowichan.net

Great Wines!

Great PeoPle! Great exPeriences!

PATRYKA DESIGNS We pride ourselves on personal service

Try our wines – each one has been awarded a medal!

Mill Bay Centre, Mill Bay 315 - 2720 Mill Bay Rd. 250-743-3531 Mon.-Sat. 9:30 AM-5:30 PM Sun. 12-4 PM

2009 awards: 1 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze

100% Vancouver Island grapes Open: Thursday to Sunday 11 am to 4 pm until Sept 15

1854 Myhrest Road Cowichan Bay 250 748 5622

www.patrykadesigns.com

www.rockycreekwinery.ca

fdj.ca

Soul Sisters... at the HHHHH Pam Grant

Summer collections, shoes, handbags, jewellery & accessories

Just a short drive north of Victoria 2740 Dundas Road, Shawnigan Lake Village

250 733 2200 (The Big Lilac Building)

Join us for Sunday Brunch Cowichan Bay 250 748 3714

www.themastheadrestaurant.com

For more information, contact Tourism Cowichan | Tel 250 746 1099 tourist information 1 888 303 3337 | discovercowichan.com

The world can wait.

Ladysmith harbour is the perfect launching point for kayaking and daily harbour tours. Join us at Transfer Beach Park for Sunday outdoor concerts and Ladysmith Days. Visit historic downtown and meet local artists at Arts on the Avenue. Make Ladysmith your destination this summer!

Sealegs Kayaking Adventures

M ARY FOX

RAKU / STONEWARE FORMS & VESSELS 321–3RD AVENUE LADYSMITH BC

T 250.245.3778

a truly inspiring studio to visit!

E MARYFOX@SHAW.CA

Expeditions | Day Trips Kayak Rentals Lessons | Sales 2-hr Guided Tours Daily

1-877-KAYAK BC USUAL STUDIO HOURS TUESDAY – SATURDAY 1 TO 5 OR BY APPOINTMENT

black door decor

Experience the Lifestyle!

Entertaining, Relaxing, Living, Giving

Luxurious Canadian-made Bedding, Spa inspired Turkish Towels, Savon de Marseille & Kama Soaps, Great Dinnerware and much more!

Store Hours Sunday 11-5, Monday - Friday 9:30-6, Saturday 9:30-5 2-740 1st Avenue, Ladysmith 250.245.2248

Transfer Beach, Ladysmith | www.SealegsKayaking.com

The Worldly Gourmet Housed in a lovingly restored 1944 Butcher store, we carry functional kitchen tools, international and local foods at “small town” prices. Discover everything from Japanese Benringers, French-made Maurviel copper pots, Lodge Cast Ironware and Swiss Diamond sauté pans.

3 Wednesdays a month we offer cooking classes with local chefs.

524 1st Ave v Ladysmith BC v 250 245 7307 www.worldlygourmet.ca

For more information, contact Tourism Ladysmith | tourist information 1 250 245 2112 | tourismladysmith.ca

Continued from page 57

A Boarding Kennel that loves your pets as much as you do.

• Comfortable, clean & healthy fresh air environment • Quality, nutritious foods • Exercise yards up to one quarter acre • Soft music • Feline “Cuddle Time” • K-9 Playschool course • Personnel on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • All managerial staff “Certified Kennel Technicians” • Active member American Boarding Kennels Association • Recommended by veterinarians • Full grooming services available

2918 Lamont Road, Saanichton, BC 250-652-2301 www.puppylove.ca email: info@puppylove.ca Just minutes from Victoria Airport & BC Ferries Terminal

The Crow & Gate

make a stop at Roberts Memorial Provincial Park. For visual pleasures Pub is a popular place of a different sort, follow Yellow Point to stop and sip a pint Road to Decourcy Drive and look for the signs to the Barton & Leier Gallery. or enjoy pub fare The exuberant colour and sauce in the before heading back work of artists Nixie Barton and Grant Leier are displayed as much on their to Victoria. canvases as in the gardens surrounding their home and whimsical gift shop.

Having come this far and assuming you’re child-free and have enough time to return to Victoria (less than two hours down the highway), it only seems right to go around the corner to Yellow Point Road and call in at the Crow & Gate Pub. It’s a local favourite, typically packed to its low rafters.

Wrapping It Up at Home Back in Victoria, finish the day with an Inner Harbour fix, strolling the lower causeway with the summer evening crowds. If you’re child-free, consider heading to the Bard and Banker Pub on Government Street and give a thought to the Bard of the Yukon, who, as you just did, once drank in the scenery of the eastern Cowichan Valley. t

Space tourism

is about to become

reality

Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, the world’s first spaceline, will soon transport ordinary citizens into sub-orbital space before gliding them safely back down to earth.

Wouldn’t you like to be able to see Earth through a window previously reserved for astronauts?

Contact Vision 2000 Travel to make your space adventure dreams become a reality.

Cadboro Bay Village Tel: 250-477-3550 Toll-free: 1-800-615-6599 www.blaneystravel.com

victoriaboulevard.com 63

By Greg Pratt photo by John Sinal

SUMMER IN SIDNEY Not a backwater anymore, Sidney welcomes a new sense of liveliness

W

ith afternoon concerts set to start at a

new bandshell, the evening summer market more popular than ever and the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre ready for exploration, Sidney-by-the-Seasiders might be forgiven if they fear their community could lose a little of its village feel this summer.

Happily ever after begins here

Whether saying “I do” for the first time The Hotel Association of Canada’s or renewing your vows, celebrate your Green Key Eco-Rating Program has awarded special day with us at our naturally The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa 4 Green Keys. romantic island escape. Receptions for 20 guests start at $1500 and special guest room rates start at $119.

Then, to help you and your party take the stress away and feel inner and outer bliss, enjoy a 20% discount at Haven Spa when your reception is booked with us.

Make this the event of your dreams. Contact Catering today.

9805 Seaport Place, Sidney Tel: 250 655 9445 Catering 250-655-9761 www.sidneypier.com

victoriaboulevard.com 65

free in-home quotes

•

custom designs

•

lifetime warranty

Tel: (250) 381-6511 Showroom: 462 Burnside Rd E www.IncredibleClosets.ca

beautifully organized

Our Best Kept Secret Personalized Independent Dental Hygiene Services

Experience the Difference 102 - 2423 Beacon Ave., Sidney (In the heritage post office bldg.)

250-655-4884 Insurance claims accepted

66 victoriaboulevard.com

But despite new development and the growing popularity of summer events among out-of-towners and residents alike, Sidney’s small-town appeal does not seem endangered.

Instead, residents talk about a new sense of liveliness around town.

Bookstore owner Clive Tanner has lived in Sidney for nearly three decades and chuckles when asked if he’s ever nostalgic for Sidney’s old days, when the Hotel Sidney (today the Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites) and the barnlike Sanscha Hall (now the spacious and multi-faceted Mary Winspear Centre) book-ended Beacon Avenue, the main drag.

Our expert therapies include Leg Veins Lipotherapy

The Sidney Cannery building is

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a waterfront home to shops,

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a restaurant, inn and spa.

Pearl Skin Removal Lip Enhancement

Rick Hudson photo

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“No, not at all,” he says. “Sidney was a backwater town 28 years ago. It was nice but it’s much better now.”

Of course a seaside town like Sidney really shows off its appeal in summer, luring flocks of tourists. At the ocean centre, located at 9811 Seaport Place, right off of Beacon, they hope to attract some of the 7.2 million people who executive director Angus Matthews says travel within 10 minutes of the building every year, including the summer traffic coming from the ferries and airport.

The $8.5-million project seems to reflect how Sidney is growing, but without forgetting why people find the town so special because of its connection to the sea: a wall will

TITAN

t h e

ROSENTHAL c l i n i c

Call Dr. Gillian Rosenthal at 250-380-2600 for a consultation www.rosenthalclinic.ca victoriaboulevard.com 67

Building Victoria’s Premier Homes Complete project management Site development Custom mouldings, doors and cabinetry

display every visitor’s personal pledge to the ocean on it, while a monitor will broadcast images from an underwater camera.

Jeff Favelle, who has lived here on and off for 28 years, is typical of locals who love living beside the ocean, especially at this time of year. “The best part of the summer in Sidney is heading down to the beach at Robert’s Bay during low tide and checking out all the marine life in the tidal pools,” he says of the bay just north of the town centre. “The crystal-clear water provides the perfect environment to view all the fascinating creatures milling about, waiting for the tide to come back in.”

Likewise, Randy Humble, director of development services at the Town of Sidney, enjoys “going down to Government Wharf off Harbour Road; Harbour Road is one

The Sidney Summer

Morris & Schooley

“rock concert,”

250.883.6383 www.morrisandschooley.com

says the director

construction Morris & Schooley

of the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.

Laurie Salvador & Lisa Ehrlich, Notaries Public

Specializing in: • Real Estate Conveyancing

(buying or selling) on time and at a reasonable cost

• Estate Planning • Wills and Powers of Attorney 68 victoriaboulevard.com

250-656-3951

101-9830 Second Street, Sidney www.salvador-davis.com

of the last working harbours on Vancouver Island. Taking a stroll down there is really cool.”

The Sidney Summer Market, under way since June 4 and operating until August 27, runs Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. It’s becoming the ultimate small-town festive experience, with around 200 vendors selling handmade goods, fresh food and much more. Beacon Avenue closes to traffic between First and Fifth streets for the market, with up to 5,000 shoppers crowding the main street. “It’s like a rock concert,” says the ocean centre’s Matthews.

Sidney comes alive on other summer evenings, too, he says. “There are boaters coming in, lots of people from downtown . . . It’s like Victoria was 15 years ago: walk a block of Beacon and you will always run into someone you know; you can talk community issues with a town councillor in his bookstore.”

Sidney is certainly known for its many bookstores. A dozen line the town’s streets, most of which are specialty second-hand shops, such as Country Life Books on Beacon, specializing in crafts and do-it-yourself, and the Haunted Bookshop, on Third, with its out-of-print rarities. Tanner’s is

Rick Hudson photo

Market is like a

Really Cool Tea A new TWIST on an old favourite Wake up your taste buds with the refreshing taste of Murchie’s iced tea. Full leaf tea is available in seven tantalizing fruit flavours in addition to all our traditional choices.

A sure-fire way to beat the heat.

the hub of it all, with a selection of over 2,000 magazines and 40 newspapers and, best of all, it’s open until 9 pm for evening browsing.

Clive Tanner and his wife Christine opened Tanner’s 28 years ago. They sold it to Cliff McNeil-Smith eight years ago and currently own five of Sidney’s other used bookstores, including Beacon Books and the Book Cellar. “Without the tourists in the summer we would barely make a go of it,” he says.

Picking up a couple of good reads and heading out to a restaurant to sit outside and eat is an essential part of the Sidney summer experience. Fish on Fifth is a bustling fish-and-chip joint right in the heart of Sidney at Fifth and Beacon; Pedro’s is a teeny Mexican restaurant located on Fourth Street, just off Beacon and across the road from Tanner’s. There’s more to eat if you start exploring: Hyland’s

Finum 1.8L Iced Tea Control Pitcher

The built-in infuser makes it easy to brew your favourite full leaf tea. Then just TWIST the top to lock in the flavour. $36.99

Terrance Fidler photo

WWW.MURCHIES.COM 1110 GOVERNMENT STREET 250.383.3112

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre features up-close views of sea drifters, like jellyfish.

Fish and Chips may have an unlikely locale on Resthaven Drive, sharing space with a corner store, but have a seat in the outside area and bite into some of the best fries around.

The Blue Peter, on Harbour Road, is a great place to sit outside in the summer, watching the marina and the bustling traffic of the boaters coming in and out.

July 1st kicks off Sidney Days, a popular event which features a parade, sidewalk sale, family fun fair, boat race and more. Sundays from July 5 to September 6 Beacon Park hosts the Summer Sounds Concert Series. Check out the new Beacon Park Pavilion from 2 pm to 4 pm while you listen to live music ranging from upbeat rock and roll to light jazz to the Naden Band, the Esquimalt’s Canadian Forces Naval Band, which performs on August 30. t 70 victoriaboulevard.com

Summer Boulevard on the

An advertising guide to shopping, arts and entertainment . . .

Estranged by Mark Heine, oil on canvas, 24 in x 40 in, 2009, on view at the Avenue Gallery.

When it’s summertime in Victoria, the sun loves to get going early in the morning, roam around all day, and stay up as late as it can.

And that’s good, because so do we.

The long, light hours and the not-too-cold, not-too-hot summer temperatures mean everyone can get out and explore the pleasures of the season, from downtown Victoria to Sooke in the west and Sidney in the north, to the Gulf Islands and up into the lush Cowichan Valley.

You can spend your day shopping at downtown boutiques, little neighbourhood shops or brand-name stores at the big malls.

You can take your out-of-town visitors sightseeing at our many familiar and new attractions, or hike any number of parks and

trails. Festivals abound for music-lovers, foodies and arts fans all over the region.

The water is a summer playground too, whether you are swimming at a local lake or rec centre, whale-watching, sailing, kayaking or just watching the action as you stroll the beach.

Pull a sweater on, and you are ready for Victoria’s nightlife: check out the theatres, evening concerts and many restaurants that offer cuisine from around the world, and increasingly, from right here in our own Victoria gardens, farmyards and seacoast.

The ways to spend long, lovely summer days are, unlike the season, nearly endless. On the following pages you’ll find many ways of enjoying those long lazy days . . . from the beach to the boulevard!

Summer Boulevard on the

. . . shopping, arts and entertainment ➤ July 21 - August 15, Wingfield Lost and Found. This summer the Belfry Theatre will premiere Wingfield Lost and Found, the latest installment in Dan Needles’ incredibly popular comedy series. Starring the incomparable Rod Beattie as Walt Wingfield, a Bay Street broker turned gentleman farmer, Wingfield Lost and Found is a brilliant, whimsical comedy that will charm everyone.

BELFRY THEATRE, 1291 Gladstone Ave. Tickets 250-385-6815, www.belfry.bc.ca

➤

WOOF! DOG AND ART LOVERS FEAST YOUR EYES! Artist Marion J.E. Morrison captures your best friend, “life-size” in a modern work of art bursting with vivid colour and personality. All original paintings are acrylic on exhibition canvas, no framing required. Gifts and Christmas orders now being taken; don’t miss your opportunity. Pup Art Studios ships worldwide. Check out Marion’s other “non-dog” art at www.marionmorrison.com PUP ART STUDIOS INC., 250-294-6864 www.pupartist.com

➤ MERGING THE WRITTEN WORD WITH VISUAL IMAGES. The All Art Show, July 10-12 is a three day interactive literary, photography and art fair with over 50 participants. Sue Coleman will unveil her new original, “Raven’s Reign”.

Also offered is a series of lectures featuring Canadian Authors Assoc. and National President, Anthony Dalton and author Lou Allin. Terry Zlot of Loupe ImageWorks will be discussing giclee printing. Food and live band. Sat. at 6pm., Fri. 2-9pm, Sat. 12-9pm, Sun. 12-5pm. Free Admission.

All Art Show at Sooke Legion Hall 6726 Eustace Rd., Sooke, 250-642-6745 www.allartshow.org

➤

2009 SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW: July 25 to August 3.

Open 10am-8pm daily except August 3, closing at 6pm. Admission is $7 adults, $5 for seniors, $12 for a week-long pass. Children under 12 are free.Purchasers’ Preview Night July 23 with the Mark Atkinson Trio, $25.

SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Rd., Sooke For more information call 250-642-7256, www.sookefinearts.com

➤ INTRODUCING MUSE WINERY (formerly Chalet Estate Winery), a self-sustaining, boutique family winery, nestled in tranquil Deep Cove. The new name comes from owner/winemaker Peter Ellmann, to pay homage to his wife Jane, his life’s inspiration. Pouring the same fine wines with a fresh new look from Tues.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Enjoys al fresco dining with our new Bistro Muse menu; lunch Thurs.-Sun., 12-4pm.

Reservations appreciated.

MUSE WINERY, 11195 Chalet Rd. North Saanich, 250-656-2552 www.musewinery.ca

➤ LIFE HAS ITS MOMENTS . . .

MAKE THEM UNFORGETTABLE. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff would love to help you design your own unforgettable moments with ™ charms, rings, necklaces and earrings in sterling silver and 14K gold. U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507. Copyright. ➤

TREAT YOUR FEET TO THE FINEST IN FASHION AND COMFORT with classic brands like Frye, Birkenstock, Naot, Josef Seibel, Think and unique footwear from El Naturalista, Neosens, Dolce Vita and Cydwoq. Check out our imported lines from Chie Mihara, Coclico, and Argila with amazing bags from Tano and Bronsino. Step into Footloose, Victoria’s ultimate shoe destination.

KNICKERBOCKERS, 7103 West Saanich Rd. Brentwood Bay, 250-544-8211, www.knickerbockers.ca

➤

s, 637 Fort St., 250-383-4040 www.footlooseshoes.com Second location: Heart & Sole, 1014 Cook St. 250-920-7653, www.heartandsoleshoes.ca

Artist: Peter Titus

➤

BROWSE OUR SOUTHWEST COAST CULTURE AND HERITAGE TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT. Come visit Sooke Region Museum and marvel at artwork created by First Nations artists and artists of Vancouver Island’s southwest coast. Open daily 9am-5pm. Take the Pacific Marine Circle Route to SOOKE REGION MUSEUM & GALLERY 2070 Phillips Rd., Sooke, 250-642-6351 www.sookeregionmuseum.com

THE CLOSER WE LIVE TOGETHER, THE CLOSER WE WANT TO BE TO NATURE. Your Ultimate Nature Backyard Store®, from bird feeders to bird seed, we offer the widest range of quality bird supplies. This summer don’t forget about the woodpeckers. We have unique feeders for this group of birds and the right optics for bird enthusiasts.

WILD BIRD CENTER OF LANGFORD 105-2455 Millstream Rd. 250-590-7333 www.wildbird.com/langford

➤ DO NOT MISS THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF BAYVIEW RESIDENCES VICTORIA SYMPHONY SPLASH on Sunday, August 2nd! From a floating stage in Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, Maestra Tania Miller, the Victoria Symphony, and special guests celebrate the remarkable 20 year history of this incredible event. Come at 2pm for kids activities and stay for the fireworks at 10pm. www.victoriasymphony.ca

Salt spring and The Gulf Islands Savour Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands Planning a small escape this summer? From golf to spas, from gelato to galleries, the Gulf Islands have everything you need to unwind and recharge. Stay a few days at your favourite B&B, enjoy a glass of pinot gris or golden ale, sample local goat cheese, shop the artisans or just sleuth out a good book and relax. Whatever your retreat plans, visit us soon and enjoy these eclectic communities close to home. For more information: www.gulfislandtourism.com

➤ VISIT SALT SPRING’S MUST-SEE AND MUST-SHOP STOP offering islanders and visitors an outstanding selection of clothing. From edgy Italian designs to kids gumboots, Mouat’s Clothing Co. never fails to delight with the new and totally unexpected. Manager Marnie McAughtrie extends a warm invitation to all visitors to find their way to the historic heart of Ganges and experience this landmark business first hand.

MOUAT’S CLOTHING CO., 106 Fulford-Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island 1-877-490-5593 or 250-537-5593

➤ MOUAT’S TRADING CO., YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP, has been a business tradition for over 100 years. At the hub of Ganges, customers flock from miles away to visit our Housewares and must-see, Bed, Bath and Furniture department.

Our Home Hardware offers a full range of paint, marine and plumbing supplies for all your projects. A chance to explore Salt Spring Island is a must, saving ample time to shop at . . .

MOUAT’S TRADING CO. 106 Fulford-Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island 250-537-5551

➤

OLD SALTY CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE ISLAND. Experience the shop’s exceptional seafaring theme. Highlights include nautical treasures, West Coast Native, Salt Spring and Canadian artisans in cozy quarters. Also, sample a unique buffet of greeting cards. Pamper yourself with the latest in lifestyle products, while enjoying the hottest decorating and gift-giving trends, making Old Salty much more than just a great card store!

MOUAT’S OLD SALTY 106 Fulford-Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island 250-537-5551

➤ ARTCRAFT IS BC’S ESTABLISHED, JURIED ARTS EXHIBITION and sale of work by Southern Gulf Islands artists since 1967.

A premiere venue and source for fine arts and quality craft, ArtCraft has become internationally renowned. Visit our heritage setting in Mahon Hall and enjoy personal service from our welcoming staff.

Shipping arrangements, custom orders and gift certificates available.

ARTCRAFT, Mahon Hall 114 Rainbow Rd., Salt Spring Island 250-537-0899, www.saltspringartscouncil.com Pencilled In by Donna Cochran: Photo by Janet Dwyer

SKIN SENSATIONS Grace Point Square, 2102-115 Fulford-Ganges Rd. Salt Spring Island, 250-537-8807, www.skinsensations.com

➤ ORGANIC AND NATURAL CLOTHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, Nordic Natural Woollens brings quality European garments to our online store. Babies, children and adults deserve clothing created in an ecological manner and made of the best materials from nature. 100% organic Merino and Virgin wool, pure silk, bamboo silk, organic cotton and silk/wool blends enhance the body’s natural rhythms and functions. Great for layering, styles for daily living, versatile for outdoors and ideal for sports performance.

NORDIC NATURAL WOOLLENS, Salt Spring Island, 1-877-858-9665 www.nordicwoollens.com

ON PENDER ISLAND, NESTLED ➤ AMONGST THE ANCIENT MAPLES and cedars, you will discover The Joshua Art Gallery.

There you will see paintings and drawings of old souls and distant lands, where costumes and landscapes from history and the imagination are tools of inspiration. Our website displays a wide selection of art styles, along with an online store, where you can purchase limited edition fine art prints year round.

THE JOSHUA ART GALLERY 9891 Spalding Rd., S. Pender Island 250-629-2078 www. joshuaartgallery.com THE UPSTAIRS BEARS IS A TEDDY BEAR BOUTIQUE, unique in Canada. We sell fine antique teddy bears that predate 1930, as well as award-winning artist, handmade and one-of-a-kind teddy bears; all heirloom quality.

This is a boutique for collectors, or for anyone who can still be enchanted by the nostalgia of childhood.

THE UPSTAIRS BEARS Grace Point Square 2203-115 Fulford-Ganges Rd. Salt Spring Island, 250-538-0964 www.theupstairsbears.com

➤

➤ YOU DESERVE TO ESCAPE from daily stress by making your visit to Salt Spring Island as deeply relaxing an experience as possible. The soothing fingertips of our spa care experts will help rejuvenate your body and soul. Treat yourself to a massage, a facial, a manicure, a pedicure, or any of our other rejuvenating treatments; all important steps in maintaining your health and balance. Check our website for daily and monthly specials.

➤

DISCOVER THIS LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, with spectacular 180 degree views overlooking Swanson Channel and Vancouver Island. From high above the bluffs of Pender Island, you can whale watch, star gaze, and see the majestic eagles soar as the sun sets from the privacy of your deck. Each room has a queen bed, fireplace, hot tub, private deck, gourmet breakfast and more. Book your get-away now.

SAHHALI LUXURY OCEANFRONT B & B, 5915 Pirates Rd., Pender Island, 1-888-724-4254 250-629-3756, www.sahhali.ca

COME LIVE, BOAT OR ➤ SWIM ON CANADA’S BEAUTIFUL WEST COAST GULF ISLANDS! Call Li Read, Managing Broker, Sea to Sky Premier Properties, (Salt Spring), an affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates. Li offers you wise advice on all real estate matters, and will help you find your dream home! Visit LiRead.com to learn more about the islands, and to view Li’s extensive selection of fine properties!

Why keep the islands waiting?

CONTACT LI READ 250-537-8763 or LiRead33@gmail.com www.LiRead.com

mattick’s farm Come for a relaxing visit in our stylish atmosphere. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, and an intriguing browse through our many diverse and unique shops, just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. Open 7 days a week. 5325 Cordova Bay Road. Also at Mattick’s: Secret Garden Flower Shop, The Paper Chain, Calico Cupboard, VQA Wine Shop, The Ladybug Boutique, Lasting Impression Stamps, Red Barn Market and Art Knapp’s Victoria Garden Centre. Check us out at www.matticksfarm.com for a list of summer events.

ADRIENNE’S TEA GARDEN AND RESTAURANT, 250-658-1535

At Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf we offer two spacious 18-hole miniature golf putting courses in a beautiful treed setting that winds through the forest floor. Our course is challenging and a big hit for young and old alike with discounts and special rates for almost any group or occasion. For more information regarding rates and hours please call

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HOMEMADE COUNTRY FLAVOUR! During your visit to Mattick’s Farm, there’s no better place to stop for a bite to eat. Start your day right with a hearty breakfast of French Toast (multigrain or cinnamon), Eggs Benedict – a local favourite – or our homemade muesli with yogurt and fresh fruit. We also invite you to join us for lunch or our traditional High Tea. Enjoy our home cooked meals, fresh juice bar, delectable take-out deli and bakery items.

Cool off this summer with your favourite frozen desserts at Gramma Fay’s Ice Cream Parlour, where it’s all served up with a country smile. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Restaurant 9am – 4:30pm, Bakery/Deli 8am – 6pm.

PURE DAY SPA, 250-590-PURE (7873)

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SUNDAY’S SNOWFLAKES at Mattick’s Farm 250-658-8499 and 1000 Douglas St. 250-381-4461

AHHH... SPA! PURE DAY SPA HAS NOW MOVED TO MATTICK’S FARM. We specialize in facials using world renowned Yon-ka and GM Collin skin care products, which is the number one skin care line chosen every year for the stars at the Oscars! As a full service spa we offer many services such as hot stone massage and side-by-side pedicures. Come see us for your next spa treatment.

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➤ YOU’LL FIND HOT LOOKS THIS SUMMER with stunning and stylish fashions from our little boutique at “the farm”. Our versatile, fun and comfy clothing is guaranteed to take the heat out of a summer’s day. Choose from casual or sophisticated collections like Sandwich from the Netherlands, fashionable looks from Not Your Daughters Jeans and Jag Jeans, or hand-knit Pure Sweaters, the perfect match for your favourite capris. Discover what to wear this summer, from casual to chic, we have it all.

Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf, 250-658-4053

➤ Sparkly Sandals, Slippers and Steel Toes. Find a fresh, ever-changing selection of footwear from Naot, El Naturalista, Romika and Dansko to Blundstone and Teva, just to name a few. This season’s collection of fun handbags and great gift ideas are yours to discover. Because we love shoes as much as you do! Open daily 10am -5:30pm.

A Stable Way of Life, 250-658-3052

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➤ THE GALLERY AT MATTICK’S FARM specializes in original art by Canadian artists, catering to both the private and corporate sector. Featured regularly are contemporary sculptures, paintings and an outstanding collection of ceramics and glassworks, as well as many more unique art pieces. We also have a magnificent selection of beautifully crafted, distinct jewellery by the finest artists. A personal gift registry, bridal registry and gift certificates are also available. (White multi-chain necklace

by Veronica Stewart, can be worn six ways)

CREATE ATMOSPHERE AND EVOKE MEMORIES while providing a breath of clean air for your home with our LAMPE BERGER from Paris. Each elegantly designed lamp gently burns an enchanting perfume of choice, permeating the air with wonderful custom fragrances. Drop in today and delight your senses, where every nook and cranny of this charming shop is filled with functional giftware, linens, candles, spices and luxurious bath products.

THE GALLERY AT MATTICK’S FARM 250-658-8333

THE COUNTRY GIFT SHOPPE, 250-658-1812

THE COUNTRY GOOSE CLOTHING CO., 250-658-5411

Exclusively Continental! The Ring vintage tableware collection from the Bauer Pottery Company of Los Angeles brings the magic of vividly coloured glazes and cheerfully practical shapes to every dining occasion.

Designed to inspire your artistic instincts, setting a table with Ring-ware is always an adventure. Find your own rainbow today at…

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➤ NATURAL CLOTHING FOR THE WEST COAST WOMAN. Summertime and the living is easy in cool linens from Cut Loose where you’ll find skirts, dresses, linen shirts and fabulous new tees in a bright palette of colours. Splendor cardigans are a favourite staple year after year.

Woolrich capris and easy shirts are perfect for traveling. July and August will see many new arrivals throughout the store, all geared to our wonderful, relaxed West Coast lifestyle. We look forward to dressing you at

the Continental Kitchen, 250-658-8191

cannerybuilding the

100 years ago, The Cannery Building was Sidney’s humming heart, processing

FLUSH BATHROOM ESSENTIALS 250-655-7732 www.flushbath.ca

➤

VISIT FLUSH BATHROOM ESSENTIALS FOR INSPIRATION and rejuvenate your bathroom. We specialize in design forward accessories, vanity mirrors, contemporary, classic hardware and innovative storage solutions. Pamper and indulge in Canadian made body products that nourish the skin and spoil yourself with luxurious monogrammed bamboo towels and BC made robes.

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oysters, clams and even fruit at the foot of Beacon Avenue. While the original plant is now gone, its lively spirit lives on in a new cannery building with a luxury waterfront inn and spa, and a unique array of shops, offices, and services. Find us at 2537 Beacon Avenue.

This hand blown Canadian glass is all about style with a story. Kitras Art Glass has perfected the decorative nature of glass and colour. These beautifully crafted ornaments, oil lamps and paperweights come in a variety of styles and collections including the newest line of Healing Scents atomizers. All of these and more at Papyrus Cards and Gifts, 250-656-1358

➤ BOOK A GET-AWAY in our one of our oceanfront suites and indulge in all of our amenities. Only steps from the ocean, come and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands while relaxing on the balcony, in front of your own private fireplace or while soaking in the large jetted tub.

Reserve today and run away to SIDNEY WATERFRONT INN & SPA lobby and check-in at 9775 1st St. 250-656-1131, www.sidneywaterfrontinn.com

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LIGHT FOR YOUR BODY & SOUL. Spa packages and signature experiences that cleanse, nourish and energizes one’s body, mind and spirit.

State-of the-art skin care technologies. Wonderful pedicure area for groups of four or more while you enjoy an amazing chair massage. Couples room, as well as a choice of treatments for that special man in your life.

➤ STYLE. COMFORT. COLOUR. Waterlily offers the finest selection in ladies’ fashion footwear, handbags and accessories. We carry all the latest, greatest labels such as Nine West, Anne Klein, Naot, Miz Mooz, Tsubo, Kenneth Cole, Fly London and many other fashion forward lines. You will be excited by the wonderful selection available. Come in to Waterlily and see what people are talking about. We look forward to your visit!

WATERLILY SHOES, 250-656-5606

OCEAN PALM SPA, 250-655-7070 www.oceanpalmspa.com

Enjoy summer in Sidney. If you love shopping, the arts, theatre, dining-out or bookstore

➤ RICK L. SILAS, professional artist for 30 years, creator of Silastial® Glass and over 80 cold-worked glass processes, teaches you the “how-to” of his artistry in a fascinating workshop. Starting in September, this local designer of the exquisite glass panels in Sidney’s new marine centre, conducts workshops in his studio. Call to register or for gallery information.

Private and corporate commissions welcomed.

Summer is here and we just keep getting better!

We’ve been very busy this year finding even more unique and beautiful accessories for the ladies. We have increased our selection of irreverent cards and books to keep the tears of laughter flowing. Come in and see us soon for some fun and don’t forget, we have a great website for you to shop at if you can’t visit us in person.

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browsing, our picturesque seaside town has it all. Take a stroll along the sea-walk, or relax in one of our many beautiful parks and beaches; come for the day or spend the night with us.

Offering everything your heart desires, where parking is free. It’s a friendly place to visit.

For more information: www.sidneybusiness.com

Cameron Rose Gifts 2447 Beacon Ave., 250-656-8782 www.cameronrose.ca

Undercurrents (detail), Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Sidney

RICK SILAS GALLERY & STUDIO 103-2031 Malaview Ave. West, (across from Slegg Lumber) 250-656-9370, www.coldbentglass.com

➤ ART . . . NO LONGER JUST FOR WALLS. We offer one-of-a-kind doors built into trees, by “that wood guy in Sidney… Don Bastian” and custom furniture created to showcase the West Coast’s stunning beauty. Our unique home décor and gallery features 60 local artists and eco-friendly products. Come and discover the largest wood gallery on Vancouver Island. Open daily.

WEST COAST WOOD DESIGNS, 9851 Seaport Place (beside the Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa), 250-665-7646 www.westcoastwooddesigns.com

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LaRoche Fine Art Gallery features a variety of accomplished local artists, creative workshops and is Sidney’s art school for youth and adults. “New Paintings Exhibition” open until September, offers a wide range of Post-Impressionistic style paintings, capturing the light and mood of the day. Use of palette knife, controlled lighting, and colour contrast enhances the drama in nature and engages the viewer.

Open daily 11am-5pm. Viewing appointments available.

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Discover one of Canada’s most innovative stores in Sidney-by-the-Sea. Mineral World features one-of-a-kind jewellery, unique stone gifts, crystals, fossils, shells, sciencebased toys and gemstone beads. The famous Scratch Patch and creative Earth Science Centre allow visitors to play, discover, and learn all while enjoying a spectacular view of Haro Strait. Mineral World – something for everyone!

Mineral World, 9891 Seaport Place, 250-655-4367 www.scratchpatch.com

LaRoche Fine Art Gallery 204-2527 Beacon Ave. 250-655-8278 www.odettelarochegallery.com

Imagine . . .

Life with your own private elevator.

Do you love your home, but not the stairs? Add convenience, value and luxury to your home with Decortec’s affordable home elevator.

New Ways to Catch a Thief High-tech systems let you monitor your home while you travel

By Garth A. Buchholz

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250.883.2576 (Victoria) 1.866.990.1028 (Toll Free)

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If you’re enjoying a trip to a faraway destination this summer, or just sunning yourself on a beach upIsland, one of the last things you want to hear is that the monitored alarm system in your home went off.

If it’s an actual burglary and not a false alarm, your vacation will be ruined as you wait for reports from friends and family about what was stolen and what damage was done. Your next call might be to book a flight home as you cut your holiday short.

“Homeowners who are absent from their homes for weeks or months on vacation have to be worried about the potentially large window of opportunity for thieves,” says Scott Sheldrake, president of Victoria’s Bullet Security Cameras. Indeed, homeowners who are away for an extended period of time may have their homes ransacked by thieves and not even know about it until they return.

While monitored alarm systems have the advantage of 24/7 human involvement, they can involve a costly contract starting at $30 a month and higher; some contracts may also include an outlay of hundreds of dollars for hardware.

Non-monitored alarms, on the other hand, require no contract or monthly fee, but only provide a local deterrent such as a loud siren or flashing lights.

If you’ve done everything to secure your home and property with the usual precautions such as deadbolts and window locks, you can also install sophisticated technology to help you stay informed about your home security when you’re away. High-tech home surveillance systems can allow homeowners to visually monitor their own homes and properties anywhere in the world where they have Internet access and a web browser. For example, Bullet Security Cameras installs video cameras that are connected to the Internet and can be accessed on the web and even on smaller wireless devices such as a Blackberry or Apple iPhone. (To find out the cost of these systems, the company offers an instant quote generator on the Bulletcam Website at http://www.bulletcam.ca/systembuilder.php.)

“With a video surveillance system you always have the ability to log in remotely and see what is happening live at your house when an alarm is triggered, regardless of whether you pay for monitoring or not,” says Sheldrake.

The most secure scenario, he suggests, would be to have both a monitored alarm and a video surveillance system that both the homeowner and the monitoring station employees can access. By combining video surveillance with alarm monitoring, he explains, you can give your alarm monitoring service the ability to visually identify any trouble alarms immediately and decide the best way to respond.

Sheldrake adds that for homeowners who are going away

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for several months, there are many ways technology can help maintain the security of home and property, such as a motion-triggered video recording with email notification that can be sent right to a cell phone. That way you can see with your own eyes what the camera has recorded, then act accordingly by calling a neighbour or even your local police to investigate until you can return.

“We also offer features such as notification via email in the event that motion is triggered on a video camera, which allows customers to be informed instantly when unauthorized activity occurs at their residence,” says Sheldrake, who started the company five years ago and now says he has clients in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Vancouver and Edmonton.

Another Victoria firm that offers electronic surveillance systems as well as smart home systems is Simply Automated (http://www. simplyautomated.com), a Home If you already have Automation Inc. (HAI) dealer.

Their system provides various a video surveillance ways to control your home from either inside or outside, such as checking and adjusting room system, make sure temperature and lights. The latter gives the appearance that the recorder is someone is occupying your house while you’re vacationing. somewhere where This company’s surveillance and recording equipment lets homeowners check on their it is not likely to homes via PC, PDA, or Webenabled phone. A touchscreen be stolen. lets you control your system via simple graphical icons on your computer or cell phone from anywhere in the world. And if you are unable to access the Internet, you can call to check on and change the status of your home over the telephone.

“HAI is one of the leaders in this field,” says Dean Fanning, a systems designer/engineer with Simply Automated. A couple of others are worth a mention, he says, that do similar things at various price points, too, like Control 4 and Crestron. Most of these can give that lived-in look and offsite check-in capability.

“If you already have a video surveillance system,” says Sheldrake, “make sure the recorder is located in a place where it is not likely to be stolen. And in the event that you do have a break-in, make sure to save the video footage of the incident. The police are almost always able to recognize the culprit from the small community of repeat-offenders.” t

Building Victoria’s Finest Homes

If y ou can d re a m i t . . . We c a n b u i l d i t

NatioN al award w iN NiN g - C u s to m H o m e B u i l d e r

2007 & 2008 Project of the Year

w w w. a b s t r a c t d e v e l o p m e n t s . c o m 1969 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC

Mike Miller

250-883-5579

An Artist’s Historic Haven This family honours its Maclure masterpiece with art, light and flowers

S

amuel Maclure, Victoria’s most

prominent residential architect of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a firm proponent of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and as such, believed that homes should be designed to suit the distinct needs of each owner.

Although Maclure designed this “Hot Property” for W.P.D. Pemberton over 80 years ago, the house is a perfect match for current owners Lindy and Steve Renshaw, for whom functionality, charm and privacy blend into liveable surroundings that continually inspire Lindy’s art.

HOTProperties

By Adrienne Dyer photos by vince klassen

Quietly marked by a small, black and white address sign not far from the end of Foul Bay Road’s winding path to the sea, the Renshaws’ narrow driveway entrance forms a gateway to complete seclusion. Two seven-foot-tall stone pillars flank the driveway, which curves upwards beyond the stone walls to the pool at the base of the stately home. With its cream stucco and chocolate half-timbers, the house exemplifies Maclure’s singular ability to marry the grandeur of Tudor Revival with the simple, strong aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The garden, which surrounds the house with high evergreens and magnificent English country landscaping, retains Maclure’s signature in both its harmonious balance with nature, and seamless transition from outdoors to in.

complete design/build and renovation services Building green on Vancouver Island for 20 years Proud member of the Canada Green Building Council

DAVID COULSON DESIGN LTD. 250.746.5372 coulsondesign@shaw.ca www.davidcoulsondesign.com

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The home’s impressive front portico leads to a richly paneled vestibule, with a welcoming garden sitting room beyond.

The artist/owner finds her garden views inspiring.

After 18 years on a five-acre property in Qualicum Beach, where they raised their children, Steve and Lindy came to Victoria in 2001 in search of change. But they also hoped to capture a bit of the privacy they were used to. “Despite its urban setting, our house is extremely private,” says Steve, who notes how neighbouring houses are almost completely hidden by trees and by

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the home’s hilltop perch on slightly more than a half-acre of land. “We loved the house on first sight.

Though large, the scale is right; Perpetual warmth radiates there’s plenty of room for our children to visit: our grandson from the kitchen’s Aga even has his own bedroom and stove and from the deep playroom. We live in every red walls of the dining room.” room with its English Immediately impressive is rectory table. the home’s front portico, which leads into a richly panelled vestibule, where one transitions from New World to Old. To the left, a powder room is tucked near the base of the grand staircase leading to the four bedrooms (each with an adjoining bathroom) on the second floor, while to the right sits the couple’s office, complete with its own fireplace, and living room next door.

A central gallery leads into the dining room, where one then makes a sharp left first into the butler’s pantry, then into the kitchen and conservatory beyond.

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In the open, light-drenched spaces that make up the house, dramatic colours fairly leap from the art adorning the walls. Though modern and abstract, the paintings are so utterly at home it is no surprise to learn that many are Lindy’s own work. At 5,600 square feet, there is ample wall space for Lindy (working under the last name Michie) to “live with” newly completed paintings to see if they require any changes. The home’s neutral palette also acts a backdrop for works by her father (Alastair Michie), her grandmother (famed Scottish painter Anne Redpath) and her friend Jessie Homer-French. The dining room alone is allowed a departure from the neutral colour scheme. Here, deep red walls enhance the richness of the dining table, designed and fashioned from long planks of old fir by friend Dennis Nicholson to resemble an antique English refectory table. In the dining room, as throughout the house, Arts and Crafts sensibilities hold true, for abundant windows soften the division between indoors and out.

“In the garden, there are many secret places and surprises to capture one’s imagination,” says Lindy, who notes that a talented team from Henry’s Gardening brought the neglected landscape back to life. In her studio in the conservatory (a 1980s addition by previous owners), Lindy’s paintbrush is continually inspired by views of nature. In spring, rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas show grandly, while in summer, scented roses bloom in all shades of peach, pink and apricot. There are two ponds, upper and lower, where hydrangeas, iris, lilies, hollyhocks and delphiniums bloom amidst the comforting splash and trickle of a waterfall. Roses clamber up the walls outside the office, where peonies and flowering quince nod below. Peace and

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serenity abound here. Unifying exterior and interior living spaces becomes the most natural thing in transition from indoors the world. to out, shown in the Unlike many historic homes, the bright windows of the Renshaw residence required no artist’s studio space. major renovations to restore it to its original beauty. “One can sense that this home has been well-loved and cared for over the years,” says Lindy. Still, they have made the home distinctly theirs. Steve laboured meticulously during the past few years to refinish the upstairs bedrooms. New black and white, hexagonal-tiled floors installed by son-in-law Evan Scoffings in the upstairs bathrooms match the master bath’s original mosaics so perfectly it’s impossible to tell old from new. And the Maclure’s signature style is a seamless

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kitchen, once cramped and conventionally decorated with floral wallpapers, has been transformed into a functional, immensely inviting space that blends seamlessly with the rest of the house.

“The kitchen renovation started from a magazine photo,” says Lindy. “We wanted to keep the character, but the space needed modernizing.” They turned to Bart Griffin of Griffin Design, who immediately “got” the design concept. New cabinets and mouldings were custom-built, fixed with polished nickel hardware, and painted creamy white to match the existing original woodwork in the butler’s kitchen. Modern appliances (like the refrigerator) remain hidden behind clever panelling to retain the heritage feel.

Three new glass pendulum light fixtures designed by Patrick Bulmer of Waterglass Studios illuminate the sink, exactly matching the authentic fixture over the breakfast nook. The kitchen’s crowning glory, a massive black Aga range, warms the room around the clock right down to the black Brazilian slate underfoot. Scoffings completed all tile work, including the new patio and grey Italian marble countertop in the butler’s kitchen.

In a house so beautifully designed, where home, garden and interior exist together in perfect harmony, comfort and artistic inspiration come as naturally as the canary’s song pouring forth from Lindy’s studio. Samuel Maclure, could he see this house today, would be suitably impressed. t SUPPLIERS AND TRADES: Contractor/designer — Griffin Design; Construction — Tucker Bay Woodworks; Cabinetry/woodwork — Victoria Millwork & Joinery; Tiles/marble — Evan Scoffings; Light fixtures — Waterglass Studios Ltd.; Landscaping — Henry’s Gardening; Granite countertops — Matrix Marble & Stone; Roman blinds — Ruffell & Brown Interiors; Dining chairs — Chintz & Company; ­K itchen hardware — Cantu Bathrooms & Hardware Ltd.; Alarm System — ADT Security Systems Canada Inc.; Floral design — Verbena Floral Design

GREAThomes GREATrealtors BOULEVARD MAGAZINE’S REAL ESTATE

advertising SECTION July/August 2009

UPLANDS WATERFRONT! Spacious, luxurious Uplands residence, beautifully upgraded throughout with incredible views & sumptuous main floor Master suite! $2,595,000. For details contact LISA WILLIAMS, Century 21 Queenswood Realty Ltd. photo by dave aharonian photography

GREAThomes GREATrealtors Welcome to Boulevard ’s inaugural Great Homes, Great Realtors. This advertising section, showcasing prominent Victoria realtors and their selection of available property listings, will appear in each issue of the magazine. We hope that you will enjoy it!

LISA WILLIAMS - CENTURY 21 QUEENSWOOD REALTY LTD. A third generation Victorian, my passions are architecture, design and our fabulous West Coast lifestyle. Working in Victoria since 1990, I specialize in waterfront, unique and luxury properties and have sold many of Victoria’s highest priced homes. My mission is to exceed expectations, rise to every challenge and to always look for innovative ways to connect buyers and sellers!

LESLEE FARRELL MACDONALD REALTY I am a Simon Fraser University graduate and passionate about boating, the arts and charity service. After 30 years in my profession, I feel as committed to my clients today as I did on day one. My wish is to deliver the ultimate concierge service to my real estate transactions, combined with current information and leading-edge marketing tools.

LINDA GEDDES MACDONALD REALTY I’m proud to have brought Vancouver-headquartered Macdonald Realty to Victoria. A full-time, nonselling managing broker, I’m a third generation Victorian with a degree from UVic and I’m a former competitive equestrian. Since 1987, I’ve focused on luxury and investment properties, equestrian estates and project marketing. I pride myself on ensuring my sales force gets the highest level of support.

DALLAS CHAPPLE RE/MAX CAMOSUN Named after my father, bandleader Dal Richards, I have a Mass Communications degree from Paris’ Sorbonne University. I’ve been a Victoria realtor for 18 years specializing in Oak Bay and have consistently placed in the top 100 of RE/MAX’s 6,000 agents in Western Canada. My goal is to help clients find their dream home and ensure their decisions are wise, long-term investments.

LYNNE SAGER RE/MAX CAMOSUN I’ve been selling unique and waterfront homes in Victoria for 25 years and offer knowledge in construction and interior design from my family business. I’ve been a member of the Education Committee for VREB for four years and am presently on the Community Relations Committee.

I pride myself on keeping my negotiating skills current by recently completing Legal Update 2009 and Conflicts Resolution courses.

photos by bullock & kirstein photography

W

LISA WILLIAMS

STUNNING ROCKLAND ‘MACLURE’ . . . an award-winning restoration & absolutely luxurious!

Gorgeous hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, sumptuous master, beautiful formal rooms, outdoor granite kitchen too & tons of custom details throughout! $2,799,000

UPSCALE BEACH DRIVE home with spectacular views! 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, with gorgeous Master suite & spa bathroom . . . totally upgraded top to bottom . . . huge deck, private patios & access to beautiful Anderson Hill Park! $1,449,000

SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT ESTATE! Over 6600 sq.ft. on prime 1.24 ac. in Oak Bay. Exceptional views, seaside pool, & tons of privacy! Elegant entry, formal liv. & din. rms, kitchen w/FP, eating area, family rm, conservatory & office, gorgeous master suite plus 5 bdrms & 6 bths, lrg games rm, nanny suite & much more! $5,900,000

SPECTACULAR CUSTOM home on .5 ac waterfront lot on prestigious Marina Way! This home boasts the best of everything & a fantastic, sunny one-level plan. Incredible kitchen, ‘Whistler’ style FP, sumptuous master . . . totally luxurious! $1,675,000

GORGEOUS WATERFRONT TOWNHOME 2-3 bedrm with beach access, on a stunning 5 acre property in Cordova Bay! 'Seascape' is easily one of Victoria's most exclusive developments w/spectacular views & privacy, beautiful new HW floors, hi-ceilings, fabulous master & more! $975,000

GORGEOUS CUSTOM WATERFRONT home on beautiful Gonzales Bay! This fabulous home boasts over 4575 sq.ft. with amazing legal in-law suite & great guest studio too! Incredible views & sun all day . . . just 5 mins. from downtown! $2,495,000

MODERN & CHIC Waterfront home with dock . . . kayak to the Inner Harbour! Incredibly warm, sunny and totally private with massive windows, lovely open design, deluxe main floor master suite, expansive decks, beautiful gardens . . . a total oasis! $1,399,000

ENJOY LUXURY LIVING & BREATHTAKING VIEWS from this elegant 5400 sq.ft. Uplands Waterfront home! Sumptuous main floor master suite boasts his & hers ensuite bath & walk-in closet 'rooms'! Gorgeous new upgrades throughout and fabulous, sunny design with worldclass panoramic views! $2,995,000

ATTENTION BOATERS! Moor your boat in your back yard! This beautifully upgraded 3 bedrm home with private moorage is located in sunny Brentwood Bay with access to incredible boating & the 5 Star Lodge & Spa for extra amenities! $1,289,000

Lisa Williams offers professional & personalized service combined with the BEST INTERNATIONAL MARKETING STRATEGY and a commitment to achieving the BEST RESULTS FOR YOU

250•514•1966 Direct www.LisaWilliams.ca

Century 21 Queenswood Realty ltd.

GreatHomesGreatRealtors

QUEENSWOOD WATERFRONT - 2.2 acres $4,995,000 reduced to $3,500,000 Imagine one of Victoria’s most private, low bank waterfront properties offering 2.2 acres of woodland opening to extensively landscaped access to your secluded bay offering WALK-ON beach and incredible ocean vistas.

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest pieces of waterfront property available in the Victoria market.

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A classic residence situated on .5 acre S-facing low bank waterfront is truly a jewel in the heart of the Uplands.

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This exceptional Shawnigan Lake estate offers 1.2 acres of south facing waterfront, a beautifully renovated A-Frame residence, plus self contained guest cottage and 2 docks! The absolutely enchanting setting offers complete privacy with terraced landscaping. Come to boat, swim, enjoy! Offered at $2,445,000.

This elegant Rockland residence was designed in keeping with the turn of the century Coach House style, artfully executed to present the ultimate in design & structural excellence. The home is classed as a “smart house” with the newest technology & energy efficiency. Some of the features include white oak plank floors, walnut inlay, travertine tiles and Carrere marble floors, spa baths & an ultimate media room.

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One of Victoria’s most spectacular penthouses, situated in award winning Shoal Point. This home offers the ultimate in space 3800 sq.ft. on two levels, plus almost 3400 sq.ft. of deck. Enjoy an eagle’s eye view of city, ocean and mountains plus the ultimate in finishings. Fully furnished with concierge service.

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Twin Coves, named for the two coves on the shoreline is an outstanding waterfront estate in Queenswood with 1800’ of shoreline on 5.17 acres of magical property, and is one of the largest estates in the area. On the market for the first time in 20 years the elegant and stately residence offers 6300 sq.ft., a second garage and guest cottage. Offered at $6,900,000. MLS#256851

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“Our swimming pool is the centre of family life and every gathering, and has greatly enhanced the enjoyment of our home,” says developer Henry Hamm, whose infinity pool perches 30 feet above the Saanich Inlet.

Created by garden designer Jonathan Craggs, the pool features an integrated spa, swim-current jets, a southfacing tiled terrace, and infinity edge over which the water seems to flow right into the ocean. The visual effect is stunning, for the eye sees no interruption between pool and sea, and the swimmer feels as though she’s floating in mid-air.

Craggs, whose portfolio includes some of Victoria’s most upscale homes, says waterscape designs have become part of the West Coast dream lifestyle. “I think there is a trend towards making a swimming pool part of a full leisure package, with a terrace for lounging, an outdoor fireplace for warmth and atmosphere after sunset, an outdoor kitchen to keep the cook outside and part of the fun, and mood lighting to enhance the experience after dark,” says Craggs. As he brings each vision to life, he works with pool suppliers, structural engineers, and homeowners to blend each waterscape into its natural surroundings. The results are uniquely West Coast.

If you’re considering adding a pool to your home, it’s imperative you start with the right design team and a careful, realistic look at your backyard. “Property values are more affected by who installed the pool than by the pool itself, so it’s crucial to find a supplier whose reputation is built on superior quality and customer service,” says Bob Borton of Borton’s Pools and Spas Ltd. (www.bortonspas-pools.com). Over the course of 30 years as a leader in the business, Borton has seen plenty of pool projects gone wrong. He stresses the importance of making sure suppliers have adequate insurance, WCB coverage, and a solid reputation backed by references.

Think, too, about what type of pool best suits your requirements and budget. Generally, three types of pool are available, each with its own set of pros and cons depending on each project. Concrete, favoured by suppliers like Allan Benn of Big Splash Pools Inc., allows for huge artistic scope when it comes to finishing options.

Exposed aggregate, tile, stamped concrete and a myriad of other choices allow designers to play with endless combinations of colour and texture. Vinyl-lined pools remain the most inexpensive choice, but are subject to UV damage and therefore the least durable. The third choice, moulded fibreglass, can be installed in as little as 10 days and is extremely resilient, while still allowing for a full range of design options to suit the most upscale projects. For Borton, whose pools grace exclusive properties throughout the city, fibreglass remains the best

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option for both strength and ease of care, since concrete is subject to cracking and requires regular maintenance to keep tile work in top form.

You’ll also need to start with a general idea of the desired size, shape and location of your waterscape, based on both your property and your intended uses for the pool.

Do you just want to swim laps? Or do you need a shallow end for toddlers to splash in? Would you like to incorporate a spa into your pool? And how close to the house should your pool be? While you don’t need a huge yard (the smallest swim spas measure about eight by 14 feet) it’s imperative to have the property assessed for things like water table levels, municipal restrictions, and buried gas lines before you go any further. Once you know what (if any) restrictions you face, you and your design team can start building the pool of your dreams.

“Technology has evolved so rapidly that any design is possible — the sky is the limit,” says Ann-Marie Derkatch of Nautilus Pool Service. Owned and operated by Ken Derkatch, the company specializes in high-end projects using gunite (a type of concrete) construction and provides hard and soft landscaping, stonework, and specialty pool structural design. Because gunite is sprayed directly onto the pool form, any shape is possible. And while no pool is complete without a cover (for safety, heat efficiency and reducing debris), companies like Aquamatic Cover Systems offer user-friendly cover systems that accommodate pools with curves.

Don’t be deterred by the thought of onerous maintenance tasks associated with your new pool. These days, maintenance systems are so refined that they nearly operate on their own. Although traditional chlorination systems still exist, automated salt water systems are increasingly popular alternatives. “Once set up, salt water systems require a little bit of maintenance on a regular basis,” says Benn, who has been installing salt water pools for more than 15 years. “Salt water pools are not chlorine free — salt is used to make chlorine — but people find the water gentler on the skin and they are safer because they eliminate the need to handle chlorine directly.” Borton agrees, and notes that thanks to modern technology, pools rarely need to be emptied so long as you stay on top of your prescribed pool care program.

“The West Coast offers some really amazing opportunities for juxtaposing the architectural lines of a man-made structure like a pool, with a stunning natural setting,” says Craggs. And when handled by the right professionals, an outdoor waterscape becomes the centrepiece of your garden. As Craggs puts it: “The reflections of the landscape, cloudscape and light on the pools are nothing short of magical.” t victoriaboulevard.com 105

photo by gary McKinstry

The

GreenHouse

By JULIE NIXON

If you are a home reno nut like me, now is a good time to go crazy remodeling because you save on taxes: And if you make green choices, you might help save the Earth, too.

My husband and I are renovation and home decorating nuts. In the past year and half, we’ve landscaped our yard, painted nearly every room in the house, refinished the staircase and more.

We’re part of a nation of remodelers: 37% of Canadian households spent nearly $19.7-billion on home improvements in 2007, according to the CMHC Renovation and Home Purchase Report.

We renovate our homes to reduce energy consumption (for the environment and for our pocketbooks), to increase their value, to add living space and to update the place we spend most of our life. And this year looks to be an even more sensible time for a green investment in your home, thanks to the federal government’s temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit and a $300-million increase to the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes grants program.

The feds anticipate that approximately 4.6 million Canadians will take advantage of the tax credit, an initiative

intended to stimulate the economy. The cash boost to the grants program will make room for some 200,000 additional homeowners to save money when making energy-efficient upgrades, and it’s expected to generate about $2.4-billion in economy activity.

Homeowners can take advantage of both initiatives, but be aware: they are different. I’ll explain each here briefly, but be sure to check for further details if you plan to use either.

The tax credit eligible expenditures are for home renovation or alteration services, some necessary goods, and associated expenses made after January 27 of this year, and before February 1, 2010 on residential houses, cottages and condominiums that are lived in or used by the owner, or the land on which the dwelling sits. (Rental suites, for example, don’t qualify: only renovations done in personal-use space are eligible.) The tax credit of 15% is available for eligible renovations between $1,000 and $10,000 in total. The maximum credit, claimed for the 2009 tax year, is $1,350 and is family-based (you don’t need to send in your receipts, but make sure to keep them in case Revenue Canada asks to see documentation). In 2007, Canadian homeowners spent on average about $12,800 per renovation, so the $10,000 cap seems reasonable. Allowable costs include permanent changes like complete room renovations or new flooring, but not items such as appliances or tools.

The ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program provides grants of up to $5,000 to homeowners, institutions, small- and medium-sized businesses, and organizations for energysaving building upgrades in an effort to reduce greenhouse gases. Until March 31, 2011, when the entire program is scheduled to end, retrofit grants have been increased by 25%.

For example, a high-efficiency gas furnace grant is now $625, up from $500. Grants are subject to the availability of funds, so anyone intending on taking advantage of the program should apply as early as possible. To qualify for the program, a pre- and post-retrofit energy evaluation by a Natural Resources Canada-certified energy advisor must be conducted. (You can search for licensed service organizations on the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program website.)

If you’re making use of the tax credit this year, it would be prudent to concentrate your renovation on increasing water and energy efficiency and reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. By making full use of both the tax credit and the grant, you’ll have an opportunity to make smart, environmentally friendly upgrades that reduce your home’s eco-footprint and increase the value of your home.

Small upgrades can have considerable impact. Kitchens and bathrooms, for instance, are areas where you can update the lighting and install low-flow faucets. If you’re completing a full kitchen reno, create a concealed but easy to access

recycling area. Think about the materials you’ll use. Look for materials that are recycled or made from renewable resources. For example, cork and bamboo are excellent choices for floors and cabinets.

In the bathroom, install a low-flow showerhead and an ultra-low-flush or dual-flush toilet. Toilets can use up to 30% of the indoor water usage of a home. Check the CMHCpartnered report of water-efficient toilets at www.cwwa.ca.

With all the hot water used in bathrooms and kitchens, a tankless, on-demand water heater can put lots of dollars back in your pocket.

Pay attention to longevity. A kitchen or bathroom built well with high-quality materials may be more expensive at the outset, but if it lasts two or three times longer than one built poorly, the money invested will provide more value and return on your investment. Fewer renovations mean less waste to the landfill.

As well, consider what could be repaired and/or restored rather than replaced. Our home is nearly 100 years old and hasn’t been maintained well since it was moved to Sooke in 1989. To preserve what’s left of its century-old character, we evaluate every renovation with what we can afford and what will maintain the integrity of the house. For example, the original fir floors had been painted three times. The main floor was in terrible condition and our floor refinisher wasn’t certain about getting one more sanding out of it. So we decided on new, unfinished American cherry from a sustainably managed forest. The colour, grain and width of the boards suit the house perfectly, and the floor will last for more than 100 years. The top floor, with less foot traffic, had some life left in it, and we decided to have it refinished.

The edge-grain fir has shrunk in most places and is stained in others; and burn marks, nails and staples are clearly visible. We think it’s simply gorgeous, and we know whoever loves this house after us will think so too.

Renovating with the environment in mind entails getting the most mileage out of the materials you’re using, and also selecting products that are have the least impact on Mother Nature. Every time we support the green building industry, we lower the subsequent cost of these products and services. When demand increases, prices tend to fall. It may seem counterintuitive, but in an economic downturn, while it’s certainly wise to pinch your pennies where you can, it’s also a perfect time to invest in your home and the future.

For more information on the tax credit, call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 or visit the website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/. For information on the EcoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program, visit the ecoACTION website at www.ecoaction.gc.ca or phone 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). t

The Canadian Home Renovation Tax Credit is a Federal non-refundable tax credit for renovation work performed on your principal residence up to February 1, 2010. The 15% credit applies to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000 but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 14%). Matching Kohler credit applies to list price of sink and faucet products up to the amount of the Federal Tax Credit. Promotion valid for a limited time, July 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009.

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Lorae Farrell and the Hypatia Creative Women’s Jazz Orchestra Play Above the Gender Gap

In A Jazz League of Their Own If

the bandstand at Hermann’s Jazz Club were a

baseball diamond, trumpeter Lorae Farrell would be catching plenty of fly balls these days, but you can

By Rick Gibbs Photos by gary mckinstry

be sure she’d be letting her teammates snag their share as well.

Likening jazz to baseball may be a stretch, but the analogy explains exactly why the 41-year-old Farrell founded the Hypatia Creative Women’s Jazz Orchestra a few years ago. “I remember playing in a mixed softball league and you’d be on first base and a pop fly would be hit and it’s coming right at you and you can

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handle it, but the guy from second or short stop would run all the way over, go ‘I’ve got it,’ and catch the ball.”

Farrell encountered the same mentality in big bands she played with in Vancouver and Victoria: the male musicians would grab the solos that she felt perfectly capable of playing. Farrell says she created Hypatia, a 13-piece group, “not because fewer men should be playing jazz, but because more women should be involved and have a chance to contribute.”

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Historically, women musicians have been well recognized as vocalists and pianists, but making their marks as bassists, drummers, and horn players has been a greater challenge.

In the 1940s a debate raged between the covers of the jazz magazine Downbeat when Viola Smith, an accomplished drummer, dared to suggest that women could hold their own with men in a jam session. It wasn’t that long ago that some jazz commentators questioned whether women had the physical stamina to blow a trumpet or wail on a saxophone.

Attitudes have changed, but in the professional jazz world, men still outnumber women four to one, and women who play instruments other than the piano stand out.

Drummer Sherrie Maricle, leader of the New York based, all-female DIVA Jazz Orchestra, one of the inspirations behind Hypatia, thinks jazz, like other male-dominated professions, has been particularly slow to change. She says it’s “slightly better” than it was 16 years ago when DIVA was formed, but “still people meet it [an all-female group] with skepticism.” In her view, “If you have a bunch of people who all play their asses off, who cares what gender it is?”

Vancouver Island’s own Ingrid Jensen is an internationally respected jazz trumpeter based in New York who joined DIVA when it was first formed but eventually moved on to a successful solo career. Women can get “much-needed experience and exposure” from all-women bands, she says, but regardless of how good they are the groups can come across as “gimmicky and divisive.” Unlike Maricle, she thinks women-only groups are anachronistic and nowadays even declines to play in all-female jazz festivals. “When the all-woman, all-star, all-anything factor is inserted,” says Jensen, “it immediately sends a message to the art that it better be prepared to take a seat further in the back.”

Interestingly, Hypatia seems to have found a way to embrace both perspectives. While it is primarily an allfemale group, creating a supportive atmosphere for emerging players, men are very much part of the mix through the group’s projects. Farrell and her musical mentor (and partner), Juno award-winning trombonist/pianist/ composer Hugh Fraser, do all they can to ensure that art doesn’t take a back seat to gender. “To be creative you have to be inclusive,” emphasizes Farrell.

Fraser, who helped launch the group in January, 2007 and continues to work with it, says that he wanted to create a situation where the members of Hypatia would take on some of the most challenging music possible and eventually “find their centre” by performing live. “It’s been very successful,” he says. “It’s created a sisterhood, a sorority of very talented women of all ages and all walks of life . . . and demonstrated to them that they have a centre point that

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they can intersect on and move ahead with.”

Viola player Donna Williams, a music teacher at St. Michael’s University School and a founding member, agrees with Fraser, saying the group is “a fantastic ensemble not to be taken lightly” that is friendly and experimental and functions like a music lab. Flautist Melissa Hubert, another founding member, thinks Hypatia sends a message not only to women but to anyone interested in improvisational music that jazz is open to everybody. “Even if you just create the opportunity yourself, the music is always accessible,” says Hubert.

The group’s creative orientation has meant performing material by innovative composers like Dave Holland and Chucho Valdes, who often fuse jazz with other genres, including rock and Afro-Cuban music. They’ve also undertaken projects with bluesman Jim Byrnes, multiinstrumentalist/composer Bill Runge, and Toronto vocalist Christine Duncan. Runge, who has worked with everybody from K-OS to Natalie Cole, says he loves working with Farrell and likes “the combination of female and male energy in an ensemble.” Saxophonist Monik Nordine, who made a guest appearance with Hypatia for the first time recently, adds that she really likes the “family feeling” of the group.

Inspired by Fraser, who wrote the first composition the group performed (aptly entitled DNA), Hypatia is increasingly developing its own material. Farrell, in particular, is writing tunes and even has plans to commission a jazz opera based on the life of Hypatia of Alexandria, the 4th century scholar and philosopher for whom the group is named.

The historical Hypatia, who knew little of bandstands and baseball diamonds, has been a real inspiration for Farrell. “I just thought it was a really neat story,” she says.

“A lot of people say that her death signified the beginning of the Dark Ages and I thought we could shed more light on that concept.”

Hypatia was killed by a religious mob angered by her nonconformist ways but not before she made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy, attracting students from throughout the Roman Empire.

Fortunately, the only mobs the present-day Hypatia is likely to face are those inspired by the group’s example and lining up to hear the music. t

Upcoming gigs are all at Hermann’s Jazz Club at 8 pm For more information: www.hermannsjazz.com July 24 - Hypatia with Strings August 8 - Hypatia Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire September 12 - Hypatia, featuring piano star Sarina Bachleitner, who performs in New York City and abroad and promotes jazz through educational institutions. victoriaboulevard.com 113

photo by gary McKinstry

State of

By alisa gordaneer

TheArts By taking part in community events like the Moss Street Paint-In we do not so much consult the oracle of art as become art ourselves.

That’s reassuring and exciting in uncertain times like these.

I’ve occasionally heard people criticize contemporary art by saying it doesn’t make sense. They don’t understand why an artist can make a few splashes on a canvas, or place a few chunks of stone in a particular place, and call it meaningful.

At times, I’ve questioned the meaning of certain art works, too, but I know that what I find puzzling might make perfect sense to someone else. That’s the beauty of subjective thinking, and of the subjective world of art: with all the options out there, something is bound to connect for you, no matter who you are.

But just as we sometimes find that a piece of art doesn’t make sense, a delicious irony arises when nothing else makes

sense either, particularly in a world of tumbling financial markets, increasingly inequitable social systems and stability seemingly crumbling on all fronts. People turn to art to make sense of it all. Maybe it’s a case of the lesser of two confusions: I don’t know about you, but I find it easier to look at a painting or sculpture than at the financial pages these days. Or maybe it’s a dip into that big puddle of human consciousness that we all drink from when we’re parched by the aforementioned news of our latest investment downturns.

Either way, hard times bring on a quest for meaning, a trend that’s been noted by the Associated Press, Newsweek magazine, and by galleries and museums themselves, which, like churches, tend to see many more people through their doors when times are tough. If an art gallery is one place where we can ask questions about what kinds of meanings mean what, we’ll head on down. It’s a chance to find, if not answers, then at the very least others who ask the same questions we do.

I talked about the phenomenon of hard times creating more gallery-goers recently with Jon Tupper, the new director of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, who brings with him a background in cutting-edge programming from both the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts. He did a stint as well as the director of media and visual arts residencies at the Banff Centre, where he had a front-row view of artists engaged in the creative process. He’s noticed the gallery-going trend here in Victoria, and elsewhere, too. “When there are uncertain times, people tend to come more often to cultural institutions,” he says. “They’re looking for answers, looking to escape, to sort out what’s going on in the world.”

Escaping into someone else’s head for a while, as you can do when you spend time gazing at artwork, can feel like relief. As such, galleries offer a powerful drug. They also offer a way to make sense of the ideas and questions that arise when you look at art. As Tupper says, the gallery’s enduring challenge is to present programming that’s relevant to a community asking questions and seeking answers. How do you do that, when you’re faced with the public’s questions not just about the community, but the whole world?

Well, the Gallery’s Assume Nothing show, which took place this past spring, is an example of the kind of socially engaged, meaning-finding art that people look for these days, and an example of the kind of “relational art” that we can expect to see more of as people look to engage with

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ideas through cultural expression. Exploring issues of urbanism, homelessness and local identity, the show used multimedia, performance and even public forums to engage audiences in a relevant discussion of cultural geography, social issues and aesthetics.

While the Assume Nothing show closed in May, the event of all relational art events has yet to come this summer. You might say the Moss Street Paint-In, which celebrates its 22nd anniversary this summer (mark your calendar for Saturday, July 18, from noon to 4 pm), is the most important relational art event this city sees. Not only do dozens of artists have the opportunity to practice their work in the public sphere, but thousands of art lovers, curious tourists and innocent bystanders get to see and interact with art in process.

Beyond appreciating art in a gallery, the event offers audiences the chance to connect with the art as it’s created.

They can connect with the artist, too, to ask questions, make comments, and even (in some cases) try their hands at art-making under the artist’s guidance. They can connect with each other, becoming part of the whole artistic experience. Those kinds of connections help us build community and an understanding of what it means to participate in a society. Those relationships and personal insights are all brought about by art, and the conversations it raises.

Tupper’s still new here, but he’s got a clear idea that Victoria could play a stronger part in these kinds of art conversations. For a community trying to understand not only itself, but its role on a global stage, opening that dialogue makes a lot of sense. Holding events like the Paint-In might go a long way towards making art, and the gallery it’s housed in, ever more relevant to locals and tourists alike. And that’s long before the perennial discussion of whether the gallery should move downtown comes up again. If there’s more happening to draw visitors to the Moss Street location, maybe that whole discussion of downtown, and relevance, and visitor numbers doesn’t need to happen anymore. Or maybe it does.

Tupper is clear that he’s got a lot of work ahead of him on that front, and plans to study the bookshelves’ worth of past feasibility studies carefully before deciding what, if any, direction the gallery might take. “The Wharf Street Paint-In just doesn’t sound the same, does it?” Tupper jokes.

Maybe not. But whenever art asks the questions, the public is bound to want the answers. And when the public wants answers, it’s clear they turn to art to ask the questions first. t

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¡Vamos a bailar!

Get your dancing shoes ready for the third annual Festival Mexicano, a weekend of Mexican and Latin American culture involving live music, DJs, dancing, demos, food and art, organized by the Victoria MultiCultural Society. First try salsa dancing Friday night at the regular Salsa Palace at the Victoria Event Centre.

Cover is $8.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoon Centennial Square will sway to the sounds of Son de Cuba, DJ Javier and more. Dancers include local legends Christina Morrison of ¡SALSA CALIENTE!, Javier Monsalve, and Bernard Henin and his dance troupe Salsa Moderna. Miguel Espinoza of Café Merengue hosts this free, all-ages event, funded in part by the City of Victoria.

Colin McKean, a volunteer with the Victoria Multi-Cultural Society, says the theme is to keep it simple and authentic and bring together people who love Latin music and dancing. “It’s very much family oriented,” he says. “You’ll see grandmas dancing with their grandchildren.”

Festival Mexicano takes place July 10-12. Info from the Victoria Event Centre at 250-380-1280 or visit www.1415broad.ca.

famous Plays by Blue Bridge The new Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s first season will showcase both classical and modern North American and European master plays at the McPherson Playhouse.

Producing artistic director Brian Richmond, the founding artistic director of Saskatoon’s Persephone Theatre and past chair of the Department of Theatre at UVic, says the company is committed to providing work for young artists by offering them lead roles and important positions. By allowing emerging artists, both local and national, to work side-by-side with Canada’s veteran thespians like former Stratford Festival director Jeannette Lambermont-Morey, “we’re bridging one generation of artists with another generation,” says Richmond.

Playing in mid-July is Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, considered one of the greatest American plays: it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1949. Director Richmond chose Miller’s famous drama for its relevancy for our current times and its enduring power.

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“I actually weep every time I read this play,” he says. Death of a Salesman runs July 7-11 and 14-18 at 8 pm and July 11-12 and 18-19 at 2 pm. The popular Broadway musical The Fantasticks runs August 4-16. Tickets vare available from McPherson Playhouse, 250-386-6121.

Prices range from $21.50 to $47.50. See www.bluebridgetheatre.ca.

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All in Good Taste A new annual festival devoted to the wines and foods of Vancouver Island will bring together top chefs, noted wine experts, artisan producers, growers, farmers, fishers — and even you.

Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine will feature more than 15 events, including an opening-night tasting of the best of BC wine and Vancouver Island Cuisine at Crystal Gardens. Food and wine personalities on hand to lead seminars and host events include chef David Mincey and culinary olympian chef Brad Horen, as well as wine writers John Schreiner and David Scholefield.

Seminars include Women of BC Wine, Riesling Rules and Rosé Revival. Other presentations include Chocoholics Anonymous, Tea and Terroir, and an inside look at BC’s seafood industry. Hotel Grand Pacific will host a pig roast and pinot tasting called Pig and Pinot on the Patio. The Italian Garden at Butchart Gardens will host Tuscan Table, featuring Island producers and wine makers.

The festival runs July 16-19. More information at www.VictoriaTaste.com or through organizer Kathy McAree at Kathy@VictoriaTaste.com.

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The Passion for Tango festival runs August 7-9 at three downtown locations.

Friday’s events take place in Centennial Square. Headliner is Yiddish Tango Barcada, comprised of local klezmer and tango musicians led by Tom Ackerman. Other performers from the West Coast take the stage too.

Saturday night’s highlights include Cantango with guest musicians and dancers; Vancouver’s Martin Nemcovsky, an Argentinean guitarist, and his trio; as well as guest violinist from Buenos Aires, Pablo Hopenhayn. Saturday’s festivities take place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

On Sunday at 7:30 pm, two of Canada’s best-known tango musicians play at First Metropolitan United Church: Linda Lee Thomas, the long-time principal pianist for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Radio Orchestra, and accordion and bandoneonist Jonathan Goldman, who played with Canadian tango group Quartango and Montreal’s Sweatshop Tango.

Friday afternoon and evening concerts are free, while the Saturday and Sunday shows are ticketed prices.

For more information, visit www.passion4tango.com or call June Waters, program coordinator, at 250-418-8898.

No Stalemate Here The first annual Summer Chess Fest takes place July 20-21. The free event includes a live game with 32 people as the chess pieces at the Royal BC Museum. Confederation Park on Menzies Street, adjacent to the Hotel Grand Pacific, is the site of most of the action, including teaching sessions for neophytes and spectator events

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like blindfold chess (the blindfolded player, told the moves, must remember all positions for the entire game) and high-speed games like blitz chess (five minutes) and speed chess (one minute).

Special guests are Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura (ranked 31st in the world), a 21-year-old Japanese native now living in New York State, and 21-year-old Grandmaster Mark Bluvshtein, a Russian-born Israeli chess player now in Toronto. Nakamura will play 40 players at once. The festival is followed by the Canadian Youth Chess Championships, the BC Open Chess Tournament and the Canadian Junior Chess Championship.

See details at www.summerchessfest.pbworks.com or e-mail victoriajuniorchess@gmail.com.

Free-B Films Since 2000, free outdoor shows of classic B movies have graced the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park on weekend nights in August. Organized by the Victoria Film Festival, these “movies under the stars” are as popular as ever. “Last year we had about 4,200 people at six

screenings,” said M. Donovan Aikman, festival programmer.

He notes Cameron Bandshell “never feels crowded or empty . . . there’s always seating.” Everyone’s in high spirits, arriving early to dine al fresco on beach blankets or throw the Frisbee around.

Past films ranged from the cult classic Labyrinth and Princess Bride to the little-known Dr. Seuss film The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. “We’re having fun with this and we’re showing there are a lot of other titles offside of the things that people normally think of when they think of the drive-in movie, the outdoor movie,” says Aikman. All screenings are either G or PG rating, making this a familyfun event. This year, be prepared for a 3D title, and maybe even a Johnny Depp musical.

The Free-B Film Festival takes place at 9 pm on August 7, 8, 15, 22, 28, and 29. Call the Victoria Film Festival at 250-389-0444 or visit www.victoriafilmfestival.com (click on “Year Round”) for more information. (Bring snacks, blankets and a flashlight.)

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In the Open Air

A Topsy-Turvy World Head to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria to see how bizarre things can get when the symbolic order is upturned. In the touring exhibit “The World Upside Down,” killer rabbits hunt humans and Superman becomes a hero in the Soviet Union. In these and other inversions, the exhibition’s participating artists question the visual representations that attempt to substantiate social orders and stereotypes.

Part of the exhibit uses public space. Calgary-based First Nations artist Terrance Houle, with BC photographer Jarusha Brown, will show an image of their “Urban Indian Series” on a billboard on the west side of the Pat Bay Highway. The series is comprised of a group of photos and videos that “question ideas of tradition, identity and culture that is often negated or replaced by Western cultural standards,” explains Houle. Dressed in full pow-wow regalia, Houle performs the tasks of daily life, like shopping for groceries, in an attempt to juxtapose First Nations identity and contemporary life, while Brown photographs him.

“The World Upside Down” runs June 5 to August 30.

See details at www.aggv.bc.ca or phone 250-384-4101.

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Dozens of artists will gather at Sidney’s waterfront Beacon Park for the seventh annual Sidney Plein Air Paint Out, a popular event organized and hosted by the Odette Laroche Gallery. Rain or shine, the painters sit along the brick walkway and have about three or four hours to paint a nearby scene, attempting to capture the changing light, colours and patterns.

Painter Avis Rasmussen, represented by Winchester Galleries, looks forward to seeing the distinctive results.

Many artists will paint the same scene, but everyone’s artwork is different. “That really brings to your attention that it’s a matter of how you look at things . . . and your skill,” she says.

This year the Paint Out hosts a half-dozen artists from La Jolla, San Diego, including plein-air painter Lynne Schulnik, who was born in Victoria and is excited to be returning. “It’s almost a full circle for me coming back to paint in Victoria,” she says.

Works will be judged and then three cash prizes and a number of smaller prizes will be awarded for top paintings. The paintings are viewable at Beacon Park until 4 pm, and then the show moves to the Laroche Gallery for one month. All artwork is available for sale.

The Sidney Plein Air Paint Out happens August 1, 10 am - 4 pm. Contact Odette Laroche at 250-655-8278 or visit www.odettelarochegallery.com.

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Flavour Trail If you love plucking juicy berries straight from the vine, then you’ll love exploring the North Saanich Flavour Trail, a two-day, self-guided event that highlights agriculture in the region. About 20 area farms, markets, nurseries, wineries and restaurants open their doors to the public by offering tours, demonstrations, education and samplings of their products. Participants include Deep Cove Market, Highland House Farm and The Roost Bakery, Bailiwick Farm, RC Grill House, Kildara Farms, Muse Winery and the Centre for Plant Health.

“We’re really trying to raise awareness of the importance of farming to our livelihood,” explains Normand Schafer, chair of the North Saanich Flavour Trail and member of the North Saanich Agricultural Advisory Commission, the organizing body for the event. “It’s quite a unique experience for people to be able to see things that are grown locally and be able to eat them and taste them.”

The third annual North Saanich Flavour Trail, sponsored by the District of North Saanich, happens August 22-23, from 10 pm to 4 pm each day. For more information and a map of participating businesses, visit www.northsaanich.ca.

Mark your calendars for these big, annual summer events on the Island:

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Vancouver Island MusicFest Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds in Courtenay, July 10-12 1-866-898-8499, www.islandmusicfest.com

TD Canada Trust Moss Street Paint-In Along Moss Street in Fairfield from Fort Street to Dallas Road, July 18, 12-4 pm. 250-384.4101, www.aggv.bc.ca

Sooke Fine Arts Show At the SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Road Sooke, July 25 - August 3. 250-642-7256 www.sookefinearts.com

Bayview Residences Symphony Splash Inner Harbour, August 2. 250-385-9771 www.victoriasymphony.ca

Telus Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Inner Harbour, August 14-16. 250-704-2500 www.victoriadragonboat.com

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In

Pluck some delightful wine books from the literary vineyard and settle back for reads that range from the complex to the spicy

One simply can’t – make that shouldn’t – be slurping wine all the time. So responsible oenophiles cultivate a wine library to get them through the tough times, for example, that desert of sun-baked, summertime hours between lunch and dinner.

Although your palate is the ultimate arbiter of what sloshes around in your glass, the mind is a key part of the tasting process: and reading about wine notably expands both appreciation and pleasure. Which books will best complement all those dusty bottles stashed in the cellar?

Wine’s literary vineyard yields a harvest as diverse as what flows from the world’s innumerable wineries. Here are some of my favourites.

Wine maven Graham Harding, a Cambridge history graduate who became chairman of the Oxford Wine Club and a wine importer, is a boon companion for anyone eager to imbibe wine lore. His A Wine Miscellany (Michael O’Mara Books, 177 pages, $22.95) is exactly what the name implies: a treasure trove of wine trivia, brought to a high polish by a witty, erudite and curious-minded writer. Want to know the 9,000-year-old origins of wine or which vintages James Bond savoured, the recipe for spiced wine from the kitchen of Richard II or details of the world’s smallest vineyard? This charmer answers questions you never knew to ask. Call Miscellany a good sipper.

Although based in America, veteran NYC wine merchant Neal I. Rosenthal has spent decades in the wine countries of France and Italy, courting specialist producers and building a stellar portfolio of premium wines. His Reflections of a Wine Merchant (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 272 pages, $18.95) is a lyrical recounting of that history, and is especially compelling in its portraits of winemakers in Burgundy, most fabled of wine regions. As individualistic as the wines he prizes, Rosenthal believes in the superiority of the Old World approach. He argues eloquently for terroir, the idea that a wine isn’t defined solely by its grape varietal but expresses the soil and climate it sprang from. Balanced and harmonious.

The once-maligned BC wine industry is roaring along, and even its harshest critics are eating crow – and washing it down with a tasty Burrowing Owl Syrah or Golden Mile Chardonnay. Whether you just want to learn more about our 170 wineries or are planning a sun-filled wine tour of the Okanagan (or the Cowichan Valley, for that matter), there is no better starting point than British Columbia Wine Country (Whitecap, 264 pages, $32.95) or The Wineries of British Columbia (Whitecap, 496 pages, $29.95). Both are by John Schreiner, who is unchallenged as a source of informed commentary on BC wines and the people who make them.

Recently updated, these volumes are an invaluable resource about an industry at the forefront of BC agri-tourism.

Elegant yet convivial.

Wine snobs, with their annoying jargon and thinnostrilled pretension, are, happily, a vanishing breed. But enough remain to warn us all of what happens when a lover of wine falls in love with an image of himself (they are almost invariably male) as a connoisseur of the grape.

This brings us to The Official Guide to Wine Snobbery

(William Morrow, 160 pages, available on Amazon) by Leonard S. Bernstein. This satire purports to guide the reader to an enlightened condescension, one that avoids pitfalls while promoting the pleasures of an empurpled pedantry and the ecstasy of suave one-upmanship.

Alternately sly and laugh-out-loud funny, Snobbery entertains while conveying a core of genuine wine knowledge from which non-snobs can benefit. Spicy, with hints of malice.

Many rate two annually updated books as must-haves.

Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book (Sterling, 320 pages, $15.95) is indispensable when you draw a blank “Identifying wines blind while shopping in the liquor store. Which are is a little like playing golf. good vintage years?

Here’s the Italian aisle: Try to keep your ball on Barolo or Barbaresco?

What wine is best with the fairway and forget braised lamb shanks? It’s all here, and more. And about the hole in one,” the self-explanatory Had a Glass: Top 100 Wines according to The Official for Under $20 (Whitecap, 160 pages, $19.95), written Guide to Wine Snobbery. with cheeky panache by Vancouver wine geeks Kenji Hodgson and James Nevison, is a favourite with wine lovers who also love a bargain. For everyday consumption, but has complexity.

When you’re ready to dive deeply into the near-oceanic world of wine, it’s time to buy one of those doorstopper encyclopedias that contain everything worth knowing. From the obscure grape varietals unique to southern Italy, the “solera” system for blending sherry, the many different shapes of wine glasses, and French versus American oak barrels to vintage charts and all the science underpinning the transformation of rotten grape juice into the jolly social libation we call wine, a lifetime of pleasant study waits between those covers. Although several such books exist, it’s easy to recommend all-knowing grape guru Jancis Robinson’s magisterial Oxford Companion to Wine (Oxford, 840 pages, $75), Karen MacNeil’s The Wine Bible (Workman, 910 pages, $26.95), and André Dominé’s Wine (Konemann, 928 pages, $62.50). Chewy, with a very long finish.

This list of wine tomes is just a sampling of what’s available. So, flop into your backyard hammock, your favourite drink in hand, and savour those tasty words. t

Great Wines, Great Value Wine Making On Site Grilled Kabobs

recommended Wine Pairing sommelier reserve ™ symphony inGredients / 2 cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp lemon zest 1 / 2 tsp each hot pepper flakes, pepper, salt 1 lb large shrimp, shelled, deveined 1 lb chorizo sausage

1

For the entire reciPe visit www.winekitz.com

Enter Our Draw For A Free Wine Kit! Simply email your name to lipton1@telus.net Tel 250.383.0308 • 109-1505 Admirals Rd, Victoria victoriaboulevard.com 127

IslandCHEFS

Cornucopia

By Alisa Gordaneer Photos by Vince Klassen

Cowichan

Bistro chef Nick Browning honours fresh offerings from the earth and sea

Enter

BOULEVARD Magazine’s Summer Getaway Contest

at Bear Mountain Resort Growing up on Vancouver Island has given chef Nick Browning, 30, an appreciation for the abundant culinary treasures of the Cowichan Valley, from fresh seafood to wild blackberries.

A graduate of the culinary arts program at Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), Browning has worked for the past three years as the head chef at Cherry Point Vineyard’s Bistro, where he arrived after three-year stints at Victoria’s Coast Harbourside and the Arbutus Ridge Golf Course. Browning, originally from Mill Bay, has roots stretching deep through the Island’s rich soil back to its first settlers. His culinary sensibilities draw from the flavours that grow freshest in this part of the world.

Browning uses as many local foods as possible: cheeses from artisans in Cowichan and Salt Spring; vegetables and meat from the local farm market; and of course seafood from the waters of Mill Bay and the Strait of Georgia. Just as the winery’s celebrated vintages are distinguished by their distinct climactic conditions, creating a unique local flavour the French call terroir, Browning’s dishes reflect a taste that’s only to be found in the fertile Cowichan Valley.

The winery is owned by the Cowichan Tribe and the present bistro menu features the traditional Coast Salish salmon bake, an event as much as a meal. Browning partially debones the whole fish before inserting strips of cedar kindling through six incisions across the fish’s body. The salmon is then suspended above smoking alderwood.

While savouring the aroma of salmon, guests are treated to a winemaker talk, and can tour the flowery grounds or sip a glass on the terraced patio. The salmon is served with roasted vegetables, garlic smashed potatoes, and perhaps a glass of the winery’s crisp Ortega.

The popular once-a-month winemaker’s dinners feature six courses with wine pairings for $60 per person. Weddings are becoming very popular here and the vineyard’s picturesque setting lends itself to photo ops.

WIN! • One night in a one bedroom suite • A round of golf for two • A private lesson with a Golf Pro • Private wine tasting in The Cellar • Dinner at Panache Restaurant www.bearmountain.ca

Visit www.victoriaboulevard.com and click on Enter Contest Winner must be over 19 years of age.

The contest draw will take place on August 15/09 Congratulations to Diane Luong, winner of our Poet’s Cove Getaway Contest

victoriaboulevard.com 129

New Summer meNu By chef Matt Rissling. see the menu at www.marinarestaurant.com 1327 Beach Drive at the Oak Bay Marina • 250-598-8555 OB 4583 Oak Bay Marine Group Boulevard Magazine 4" x 4.625" prepared June 1, 2009

It’s Patio Time!

waterfront restaurant + patio Floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour • West Coast Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine • Sunday brunch • Large waterfront patio • Gold medal chefs

680 MONTREAL STREET • VICTORIA BC CANADA V8V 1Z8 T 250.414.6739 TF 1.800.663.7667 • WWW.AURARESTAURANT.CA

Seared Sea Scallop, Chevre and Grilled Peach Salad with Mango Vinaigrette Browning recommends the Cherry Point Ortega white, or the Cherry Point Seigerrebe white, to complement this summery salad, but he admits that the white-wine-withseafood rule is only a guideline and suggests a nice Merlot or the winery’s blackberry wine would be an equally tasty pairing.

Dressing (enough for 4 servings) ¼ teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 tsp Dijon mustard ¼ tsp seasoning salt 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tbsp honey 1 cup vegetable oil ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp ground pepper ¼ tsp Worcestershire ¼ cup white wine vinegar ¼ cup pulp-free orange juice ¼ cup mango juice (can substitute any tropical fruit juice) Blend all ingredients except vinegar and fruit juices in a blender or food processor for a minute or two, then add vinegar and fruit juices. Vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator up to a week.

Salad (per serving): 3 large scallops 1 head butter lettuce 1 cup frozen peaches 2 tbsp diced roasted red bell pepper 1 tbsp “chevre” goat cheese To prepare scallops, drain off any liquid, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and a small amount of oil. Heat frying pan to medium-high. Add scallops and cook two to three minutes each side, or until dark golden brown. Add a splash of white wine, turn off the heat, and cover for five minutes. The steam from the wine will cook the scallops perfectly while deglazing the pan for extra flavour.

Place still-frozen peaches on grill or barbecue, allowing approximately one minute per side. Peach segments should have defined grill marks, and be nicely cooked but still firm.

To assemble the salad, tear the lettuce in bite-size pieces and toss with ¼ cup vinaigrette. Top with peaches, goat cheese, diced peppers and finally scallops, including any juice remaining in scallop pan.

Cherry Point Vineyards, 840 Cherry Point Road, Cobble Hill.

250-743-1272. Open May to October. Bistro hours: Monday through Saturday, 11am – 5pm, Sunday brunch 10am – 3pm. t victoriaboulevard.com 131

What are the top three traits a police chief needs?

Be a leader. Leadership is a big one. Professionalism.

Understand you’re in the public eye. Be focused. Being the police chief of a big, urban force, you’re expected to do certain things but above all, to be professional. At the end of the day, you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and understand you’re doing the right things.

Been to the shooting range lately? If so, how’d you do?

I shoot a lot. My first day in the Victoria Police Department, I went to the range. I qualified.

I can carry a firearm, and I do. I used

to shoot competitively a lot.

Firearms are not a strange thing to me.

As a dedicated cyclist, what would you say to cyclists riding three abreast or not following other rules of the road?

My message is to drive carefully.

You’re not driving a car. You can’t win any kind of contest with a 3,000-pound car. Wear a helmet. Wear bright clothing.

I’m very cautious. I’m not an aggressive driver.

Have you ever smoked a joint?

Never. It’s against the law.

Back to the professionalism, I try not to do things that are against the law.

When was the last time you used a Taser and under what circumstances?

Never have. I’ve always been in an executive management position. I helped bring Tasers into the province. I’ve been involved in the discussion and the oversight of Taser use. I’ve never had the course on the proper use of the Taser.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with anything, say for jaywalking or speeding?

Speeding. I paid a photo radar ticket. I don’t recall how fast I was going. (It happened in Delta and

CHIEF JAMIE GRAHAM VICTORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

secrets

&lies

By shannon moneo photo by gary mckinstry

Graham was driving an older GMC half-ton truck.)

What’s the latest book you’ve read?

I’ve got four on the go. I read a lot. I’ve got a Michael Connelly book on the go now (mysteries featuring character LAPD Detective Harry Bosch).

A lot of magazines and stuff.

What sort of job advice does your wife Gail, a lawyer, give you?

Copious amounts. Be yourself.

Be professional. Be sensitive to

other people’s needs. Be a good listener. She’s a great reminder and a great editor.

When appropriate, I get legal advice.

Satisfy your craving for fabulous shoes and handbags at

She She Shoes & Bags

616 View Street

(backs onto Trounce Alley) 250 388 0613

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250 383 1883

134 victoriaboulevard.com

Before you were accepted into the RCMP in 1968, you were going to join the Canadian army with plans to fight in Vietnam.

What happened?

I was deferred because my marks weren’t as good as they should have been. My dream was to get into engineering and play football for the Royal Military College. I did drive my brother to Buffalo and he joined the American army.

I was going to follow him.

When we think of people like Willie Pickton, Clifford Olson or Paul Bernardo, is capital punishment ever justified?

Yes. I think if the laws of a democratic state allow for capital punishment it should be imposed. If you commit the ultimate crime - first degree murder, sedition, kidnapping with murder and you’re beyond redemption, there is, on rare occasions, the need for the ultimate penalty. There are people now who I’ve dealt with over the years who I certainly think if Canada had capital punishment, they deserve to die.

If you could eliminate one crime in Victoria, what would it be?

Drug possession. It causes so many other problems, theft, vehicle break-ins, graffiti, chaos, problems in the

downtown core, break and enters.

I understand you own a golden retriever named Solo. When you’re out walking Solo and a tattooed fellow with an unleashed pit bull approaches, how do you react?

Avoid the conflict. Go the other direction. If possible I’d pick my 80-pound dog up, put him on my shoulders and run like hell.

How do you define “harm reduction” and does it work or is it a case of bleeding hearts using statistics to win the PR war?

The part I embrace wholeheartedly is the prevention issue. Some parts I’m less enamoured with.

When it comes to drug enforcement, I wrap myself in the arms of the law. My job is to enforce the law. If the law says it’s illegal to consume and traffic in narcotics then it’s going to get my attention.

What’s the biggest difference between Victoria criminals and Vancouver’s variety?

People who are down on their luck and that commit offences are similar, no matter where. The ones I’ve run into in Victoria seem politer, more respectful.

If you could be a superhero, who would it be? Iron Man? Spider-Man? Batman? Superman?

I’m going to say Batman, because of the car. He’s got a nice car. t

© 2009 Audi Canada. European model 2009 Audi Q5 quattro shown with optional equipment. “Audi”, “Audi Q5”, “Audi Drive Select”, “quattro”, “Vorsprung durch Technik”, and the four rings emblem are registered trademarks of AUDI AG.

Familiar Faces, Familiar Places

This is debbie yu, software developer with enterprise information management inc.

Photographed at bastion square by Gary McKinstry

with her Lexus IS 250

Meet Debbie Yu: Accountant, software developer, and yes, barista. Born and raised in Taiwan, she immigrated to Canada eight years ago and fell in love with Victoria instantly. The smell of the ocean, the breathtaking views, the beautiful weather and the endless outdoor activities have helped Yu ease much of her homesickness. After graduating with her second bachelor degree in computer science from the University of Victoria, she started working as a software developer with EIM-Canada. In her spare time, Yu enjoys working at Starbucks. “It’s a fabulous way to meet new people and learn about different cultures,” says Yu. As a girl in Taiwan, she can remember

2009 Lexus IS 250 Very well equipped from $35,845.00 Includes freight and pre-delivery inspection

when she saw her first Lexus commercial on TV with its slogan, The Pursuit of Perfection. “A Lexus has always been my dream car,” says Yu. As a first-time car buyer, she is especially excited that she has chosen the Lexus IS 250. Not only does she love the exterior design, some of her favourite interior features include the electro-luminescent gauges on the dashboard, the anti-theft protection and, of course, the keyless smart access system. “Over the years, Lexus has built an enviable reputation for reliability and outstanding customer service,” says Yu. As an inexperienced buyer, that reputation and the help of the Victoria Lexus team made Yu happy to fulfill her Lexus dream in her new city.

lexus victoria

More than just a dealership the pursuit of perfection

Douglas at Finlayson, Victoria 250-386-3516