Stories

Words Seaside Sue, Publisher & Owner As we step into the holiday season, I find myself pausing a little more, noticing the small things that make this time of year feel special. For me, it has always been about connection – the quiet moments and the unmistakable feeling of belonging. While working on this issue, [...]

Words & Photo VIK9 AHSS VIK9 AHSS is helping shape the very future of the Animal Assisted Human Services (AAHS) industry in Canada. Founded in 2024 by Tyson King, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, the non-profit provides highly trained dogs that bring comfort, support and resilience to individuals, facilities and communities navigating trauma,

Words Jesse Holth Photos Josh Holton A seasoned traveller himself, Josh believes in leading by example – he has been across the U.S. and Canada, as well as the U.K., Ireland, Poland, France and Denmark. We chatted about the importance of accessibility, the intensity of professional sports, and how to confidently explore the world. You

Words Jamila Douhaibi Photos Public Services and Procurement Canada On East Saanich Road near the Panorama Rec Centre, there’s a fenced in 40-hectare expanse of land that looks over Bazan Bay across the Salish Sea on W̱SÁNEĆ territory. People drive by the gate all the time and wonder what happens at this very official-looking Government

Words Ashley Morris Photo NILTUO Child & Family Services Society At NIȽ TU,O, we use the word ŚTEṈISTEL for our Family Support Workers (FSWs) — and for good reason. ŚTEṈISTEL means “walking forward together” in SENĆOŦEN. This name reflects the relationship our FSWs build with the families they support and the forward movement they strive

Words Heidi Hackman, District Career Coordinators, SD 63 Photo Wind Gypsy Photography Mika Holmes always knew they were destined for a hands-on career. Mika has a natural talent for building, fixing and understanding how things work. Whether it was assembling intricate LEGO creations, solving 3D puzzles, designing and making sets in stagecraft, Mika’s curiosity and

Words June Murray Dagnall Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy@seasidemagazine.ca. DGD Gifts Bids Farewell After many wonderful years in business, DGD Gifts, previously located at 2446 Beacon Avenue in Sidney, has closed permanently. The popular shop carried gifts, greeting cards, locally-made 3D printed toys, and everything in between. A gift shop that brought

Words Pamela Martin Photos Janis Jean On a crisp Saturday morning, sunlight shines brightly on Central Saanich United Church, illuminating the joyful bustle within its Shadywood Hall. Aromas of homemade soup waft from the kitchen and the cozy space is electric with excitement. Saturday Lunch is in full swing, and it is abundantly clear that

Words & Photos Ann Nightingale, Rocky Point Bird Observatory Every year, in the middle of December, dozens of birders, experienced and novice, hit the streets, trails and waters of Sidney and South Salt Spring Island to count every bird that they can identify by sight or sound. From the lowly house sparrow to the rare

Words Jo Barnes Photos Sarah Hartley Photography It’s that time of year when Christmas trees are decorated with twinkling lights, shimmering tinsel and an assortment of West Coast sea life ... Wait a minute, sea life on Christmas trees? North Saanich artist, Monique Froehler, enjoys painting in various formats which include, at this festive time