Stories

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 [...]

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

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