by Annilee Armstrong –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email noteworthyseaside@gmail.com.
THE WAY THE COOKIES CRUMBLES
Tasty Treats
Smør Scandinavian Bakery is a new artisan bakery that’s creating a buzz at farmer’s markets across the Peninsula. Launched in 2022, they specialize in traditional Scandinavian baked goods like Danish rye bread, sweet cardamom buns, soft potato lefse and specialty cookie boxes. Owner Leah Hayward is a professionally-trained baker whose passion for Scandinavian culture stems from the years she spent living, studying and working in Norway. “We want to share that passion with our community by offering authentic Scandinavian baking and warm Scandinavian hospitality.”
For a full list of Smør’s 2023 market dates, visit www.smor.ca.
CRISSCROSS APPLESAUCE
Gingerbread Preschool
Congratulations to Gingerbread Preschool and Daycare on celebrating their 50th anniversary! Located at 6888 West Saanich Road, Gingerbread was founded in 1973 by Margaret Caron. Her daughter Cathy Morin took over in 2009, upon Margaret’s retirement. They wish to extend their thanks to their staff and community for their amazing support over the years and as they look to the future. www.gingerbreadpd.ca.
Acorntree Preschool
After being in the community for 18 years, Acorntree Preschool is closing its doors. They wish to express their gratitude to the families who took the chance on a brand new preschool back then. One of the highlights that has stood out was being able to participate in the Sidney Days Parade where they dressed in costumes to walk the parade, as well as doing face painting at Tulista Park. While they will miss all of the amazing families and children they saw on a daily basis, they look forward to seeing some familiar faces around town. They are very appreciative of the support that the community has given during this time.
COMMUNITIES COMING TOGETHER
Parkland Track
With contributions matched from the District of North Saanich, Town of Sidney, and School District 63, Parkland Secondary is moving forward on the final stages of replacing the school track! Along with current funding, the municipalities have agreed to ongoing annual contributions to support future track replacement. Watch for progress and the final product ready for the students, and as always, community use.
SIDNEY NEWS
Sidney by the Sea Gift Card
Sidney by the Sea is introducing its own Gift Card to enhance Shop Local efforts, drive tourism and support economic impact. The Sidney BIA is leading the new Gift Card initiative to showcase the unique businesses in the town’s vibrant downtown core and keep more dollars local. Known as the Sidney by the Sea Gift Card, the Gift Card can be spent with multiple downtown businesses, including restaurants and cafés, stores, beauty and wellness, attractions and cultural venues. It’s available for purchase at the Sidney Visitor Information Centre, or online at www.sidneybia.ca.
Summer Sounds
Enjoy live music every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sidney’s beautiful outdoor waterfront space, Beacon Park. The events are brought to you by the Peninsula Celebrations Society, along with Signature Sponsor, Peninsula Co-op. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted, with 100% of the proceeds going towards the successful continuation of this family friendly event. Dates and concert line up can be found in our “Take Note” section of the magazine on page 91.
One for the Road
Major roadway improvements are well underway on Galaran Road. Construction will begin this spring and is expected to continue through the summer and fall. The project aims to redevelop Galaran Road with on-street parking and safe pedestrian amenities, consistent with the future vision of the existing neighborhood. https://tinyurl.com/yjm2zbm7.
NORTH SAANICH NEWS
North Saanich By-Election
July 8 is General Voting Day for the North Saanich by-election. This by-election is to replace one councillor. Wednesday, July 5 is the final advance voting day. All voting is to take place at the municipal hall. www.northsaanich.ca.
FURRY FRIENDS
Hidden Acres Dog Boarding
Hidden Acres Dog Boarding, located at 10485 West Saanich Road, has expanded their services from daycare to include overnight boarding. The new facility is managed by professional dog trainer Julie Carter, who is also owner of West Coast Canine Academy. Carter and her team aim to provide the best experience for dogs during their stay and hope you will think of Hidden Acres as your dog’s extended family. Spanning 52 acres, Hidden Acres is one of the only open field daycare and boarding facilities on the Island. www.hidden-acres.ca.