by Annilee Armstrong –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email noteworthyseaside@gmail.com.
SIDNEY / NORTH SAANICH TIDBITS
Road Closures
Construction of the new roundabout has started at the intersection of Galaran and Beacon and Stirling Way, on the west side of Sidney. Closures should be expected as the next phase of the project gets underway. Visit the Town of Sidney website for updated information on road closures: https://tinyurl.com/47bfadp2.
Sandown Shopping Plaza
Sandown Park Shopping Plaza in North Saanich has broken ground. New tenants already confirmed are Red Barn Market, this being their newest and largest location, as well as a Dollarama and a liquor outlet. Red Barn hopes to be opening late
Summer 2024.
SPHF Staff Food Truck Event
In July, the SPHHF put on their most anticipated annual event for the staff. The Staff Food Truck event is to show the continued appreciation for the amazing staff at the hospital and health unit.
This year, over 380 staff enjoyed the event! Thank you to our health care workers.
A WARM WELCOME
Sidney Pure Water
Welcome to Simply Pure Ice & Water, with their new Sidney location at 2305 Beacon Avenue (beside the Five & Dime Diner).
Local owner Mark Unsworth is delighted to bring you Reverse Osmosis and Alkaline water. “Reverse Osmosis water has chemicals, metals and minerals removed for pure water. Alkaline is re-mineralized so you rehydrate faster, feel more refreshed; it reduces muscle cramps and soothes acid reflux and heartburn.” The store also carries jugs, pumps, spigots and crocks for dispensing.
Mark says that he rides his bike to and from work to exercise his legs, after suffering three strokes in April of 2021 that left him completely paralyzed on the right side. “I treat every day as a gift and love to share that gift with everyone,” he says. www.simplypurecanada.com
The Agency
Paul Macris is excited to join the team at The Agency, located at 9836 Second Street. He was born and raised on the Peninsula, and has been a realtor since 2010. He is excited about the recent move to The Agency, offering unparalleled marketing tools for clients. Paul is happy to get together for a coffee and show you the new Sidney office. www.theagencyre.com
New Director for SHOAL Centre
Congratulations to Jennifer Van Es for moving into the permanent position of Director of SHOAL and Senior Services. She has been in an acting role for the past 18 months.
Jennifer brings over 19 years of experience in recreation, programming, administration and management. She is a community builder who has demonstrated a collaborative approach to all she takes on and the recent Collaboration Award from the United Way of Southern Vancouver Island was awarded due to success in programs she has led. Most recently she also worked on a qualitative and quantitative program evaluation for programming at SHOAL where the results were published. Her team is so proud of the work she did in this regard as it demonstrated the incredible impact of the work being done through this centre. www.beaconcs.ca/services-programs/shoal-centre-for-seniors
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD
Peninsula Thunder Win Provincials
Congratulations to the U20 team for taking home gold in the 2023 Provincial Championships. It was a fantastic final game ending 12-8 against Central Saanich Extreme. The coaches couldn’t be more proud of all the time, effort and training these players participated in to get them to this remarkable ending! www.facebook.com/PeninsulaThunder
U18 BC Bears Take Gold at Westerns
Congratulations to the U18 BC Bears Girls Rugby Team on a gold medal win in August! Four members of the team call the Saanich Peninsula home! The girls have had a successful journey since they won school B.C.’s with Claremont Secondary. They went on to win the Provincial Regional Championships with Junior Tide Rugby at UBC in July, and finally Westerns with the BC Bears. www.bcrugby.com/bc-bears
A WARM GOODBYE
New Photographers Gallery
When Alan Kohut opened New Photographers Gallery in 2019, he set out to remove the usual barriers for photographers to exhibit their work. An engaging new theme every five weeks created ongoing interest. Submissions were not juried, the gallery provided frames to those who didn’t have their own, and the exhibition and commission fees were affordable.
The Gallery was a welcome addition to Sidney’s main street and a go-to place for members of the two local photography clubs (Victoria Camera Club and the Sidney Shutterbugs). Locals and tourists also enjoyed dropping in while visiting the other art venues on Beacon Avenue.
Until September 15, 2023, the Gallery is hosting its final show – “Westcoast Stories.” We wish Alan all the best as he moves to new adventures.
