Stories
Words Jo Barnes Photos Courtesy Ministry of Agriculture and Food When you think of British Columbia, what comes to mind? Mountains? The ocean? Lovely sunshine? All these iconic images of B.C. also guide us to selecting homegrown food and drink products when we shop. Since 1993, the Buy BC program, with its recognizable logo of [...]
First Word
Words Seaside Sue, Publisher & Owner January often gives me a moment to breathe – not because everything magically becomes easier, but because everything seems to quiet down just enough for us to hear ourselves again. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how kindness shows up in the world. Not in big, dramatic gestures,
Meet Your Neighbours – Living With Alzheimer’s
Words Jamila Douhaibi Photo Wind Gypsy Photography Patricia is a 75-year-old former executive and business owner who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Unfortunately, there is still stigma against many diseases that countless people face throughout their lifetimes. But diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s need to be highlighted in our society to enable those facing new unknowns, and
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The Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission – Shaping a New Era for Local Filmmaking
Words June Murray Dagnall Photo Emma Rossum photography On southern Vancouver Island, where rugged coastline meets creative energy, a quiet transformation has been unfolding that is powered by filmmakers, local businesses, and the people who call this place home. At the centre of it is Tara-Lee Novak, the newly appointed Film Commissioner, whose journey into
New & Noteworthy – News, Changes, Updates, Launches
Words June Murray Dagnall Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy@seasidemagazine.ca. 20 Years of LEGO® Magic at the Sidney Museum This year marks the 20th anniversary of the LEGO® Brick Exhibit at the Sidney Museum, running through March 2026. By popular demand, the Community Creations display is returning – and the museum wants your
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A History of Mahara Woodlands, North Saanich
Words Richard Mackie This prime seaside property on Tsehum (Shoal) Harbour, comprising 180 acres in the 1860s, has had four owners since 1920, all of them from the British Isles. The first two owners were Scottish immigrants, miller James Bryden and sheep farmer Adam Ross, and in 1920, Esther Tryon (1881-1958) of the Nottinghamshire landed
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Charity Connections – West Coast REACH Association: REACHing Out Through Music
Words & Photos West Coast REACH Association “Music and performing arts have such potential and power to touch hearts and change lives,” says Anne-Marie Brimacombe, “and REACH does that so effectively.” Founded in 2017 by Sidney residents Anne-Marie and Peter Brimacombe, West Coast REACH Association now produces seven dynamic programs with three unique performing groups
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Last Word
Words Allison Smith, Editor-in-Chief One year ago, we launched our "new look" after many hours of collaboration and hard work. Over the last 12 months, we've tweaked and finetuned here and there but the response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive, so we knew – since our readers are our best and most important
First Word
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,
Charity Connections – VIK9 AHSS: Transforming Lives Through Standards, Service & Education
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,











