by Anne Miller | photos by Janis Jean Photography –
If you can say YES to at least one of the following, read on:
• I feel Sidney would benefit from a boost to the economy.
• I see the importance of fundraising for amenities to benefit Sidney.
• I am proud of Sidney.
• I love a sweet now and then.
These seemingly-unrelated assertions were nicely blended together for me by Lorraine Heryet, a long-time resident and accomplished artist with a dream rooted in her unique creation of a tasty treat called the Sidney Slice. 34 years ago, Lorraine entered a contest, initiated by her art group, aimed at promoting Sidney’s reputation. Echoing the famed Nanaimo bar, known throughout Canada since the 1950s, the group hoped to find an equivalent that would give the town of Sidney similar recognition. Lorraine entered the contest, producing a delicious square made with nuts, coconut, butter and hard chocolate and, to her surprise, her creation won. The Sidney Slice was born. For a while, the Slice enjoyed some fame. Several organizations and individuals were interested, with the Sidney Bakery churning out the sweet and with locals and visitors calling or writing for information on where to get it. But interest faded.
Today, Lorraine sees important reasons to resurrect the Sidney Slice. One of them is economic. Tucked away off the Pat Bay Highway, Sidney is not in the flow of ongoing traffic. “It’s not a drive-through town,” so if we want to raise its profile and boost its economy, we should find a way to pique the interest of ferry traffic and divert it into Sidney. How about a billboard on the highway saying, “Welcome to Sidney – Home of the Sidney Slice?” Tourists add greatly to the economy yet, as elsewhere, Sidney has been stung by Covid. Furthermore, the Anacortes Ferry, historically a source of tourists, is still on hiatus. Sidney could use a boost in recognition and in visitors, as we have so much to offer them.
Lorraine says we simply need to walk around Sidney to see the many attractions. “Sidney is a gem. There’s no other place like it.” All is here, she says – the otters and eagles, the museum, the fish market, the beauty by the sea, a myriad of shops and amenities, the endearing statues, the friendliness and, of note, the prolific, colourful flowers, which are her favourite subjects for painting. Lorraine suggests that the Sidney Slice could be that hook to entice visitors and, thus, raise the town’s profile.
She also envisions the Slice as a fundraiser for organizations interested in expanding their own standing, or in providing amenities and comforts that residents may be lacking. In particular, she fervently wants a resting bench outside Life Labs or the Island Health medical laboratory. Lorraine has spent more days than she cares to remember waiting in the cold rain until her number is called for a medical test. She understands the discomfort and often pain of standing for long periods, intensified for people with canes and disabilities or parents with little children. A place to sit would add enormous relief and comfort, so she’s hoping a sponsor will take this on.
Lorraine has held this dream for the Sidney Slice for a long time but fears it will be lost if not acted on now. She feels that several businesses, community organizations and individuals have a vested interest in endorsing the Sidney Slice in order to promote Sidney, jolt its economy and raise funds for some needed conveniences. Lorraine is eager to share her recipe and her technique. She challenges all would-be cooks to experiment and make improvements. “If a baker thinks he or she can make a better Slice, go for it!” She hopes to hear from others who share her interest in this appealing treat because, however you slice it, it could be a win-win for everyone.
For more information, get in touch with Lorraine at jheryet@shaw.ca.
