by Natalie Bobrowich –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email seasidemagazinenews@gmail.com.
SMALL BUSINESS HEROES
Small Business Week (October 20 to 26) is a wonderful opportunity for us to pause and appreciate the significant role our local businesses play in creating the thriving, vibrant communities we are fortunate to enjoy on the Saanich Peninsula.
This year, a wide variety of new businesses have chosen to open their doors for the first time. Among these exciting additions are Seabreeze Vietnamese Restaurant and dot. Naturals in Sidney, as well as Brentwood Bakery and Masala Roots Indian Cuisine in Brentwood Bay.
We’ve also seen businesses grow and evolve. Anytime Fitness in Sidney has expanded, while others have transitioned, such as Holmes Realty‘s move to Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate.
Sadly, we’ve had to say goodbye to some long-standing community favorites, like Beacon Books and Melinda’s Café, which have closed their doors for good.
No matter where our local businesses are in their life cycle, one thing remains certain: the people behind them pour their heart and soul into serving the community, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them.
BUSINESS UPDATES
As we’ve seen, the business community is constantly evolving, and we have several updates from the past month!
SpecSavers Sidney is now open! This full-service optometrist, located at 2424 Beacon Avenue, is ready to welcome new patients with grand opening offers. For more information visit www.specsavers.ca/stores/sidney.
Congratulations to Acre Wood Daycare & Early Learning on opening a new infant location! The new classroom, located in Garden Court, provides care for 12 children aged four to 20 months. Visit the website at www.acrewooddaycareandearlylearning.ca to learn more.
SpeedPro Printing has closed its Sidney location, but the Langford branch will continue serving the Sidney community. For more information, visit www.speedprocanada.com.
Robin Evan Willis Counselling & Psychotherapy is a new practice offering one-on-one counselling for adults and teens to address challenges such as anxiety, burnout and self-esteem. Visit www.counsellingwithrobin.com for more information.
Shallon Naturals has moved to a bigger location at 1191 Verdier Avenue in Brentwood Bay. Owner Lisa, who hand makes several of the fabulous home and lifestyle products, shared that she loves having “more room to grow.” Treat yourself to a visit to the beautiful store, or check out items online at www.shallonnaturals.ca.
FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER
The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank and the Mary Winspear Centre are partnering to present the annual Barney Bentall & the Cariboo Express fundraising concert from October 24 to 27.
The Cariboo Express is a unique variety show hosted by Barney Bentall and features a cast of 17 performers. Each year, a special musical guest is featured. Over the past 14 years, the concert has raised over $300,000 for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank and its programs through sponsorship!
If you’re looking for a great evening of entertainment while supporting a vital cause, you can book tickets now at www.marywinspear.ca. All proceeds from the concert will go directly to the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank.
FALL FAMILY FUN
Keeping the kids entertained as the weather turns can be tricky, but luckily there’s some great programming coming up to help families stay busy and have fun!
Tot Tuesday is returning to The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, starting October 8 with an Octopus Extravaganza! Sessions are created for children aged three to five and begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.salishseacentre.org/events.
Meanwhile, Panorama Recreation Centre is offering $2 Skate and Swim sessions to keep kids active during the Pro-D Day on October 25. Visit www.crd.bc.ca/panorama/ for information on times.
According to my children (ages nine and 12) there are “tons of amazing movies” being released this fall. In my humble opinion, a family movie with popcorn at Star Cinema on a dreary day is never a bad idea! To see what’s showing, visit www.starcinema.ca.
