– by Lara Gladych –
NEW BUSINESSES
Dining, design and marine
Sarah Matchett, owner of Five and Dime Diner, is behind the new oyster bar in Sidney. The Surly Mermaid offers lunch and dinner, craft beers, wine, share plates and oysters, all in a rustic setting overlooking Port Sidney. Opening approximately August 1st, you’ll find them at 1B Seaport Place. Call 778.351.1544.
Watch for another restaurant opening in Sidney, J Kitchen Korean and Japanese Restaurant, in place of the former Noodle Box, in Sidney, located at 2305 Beacon Ave.
For all your cabinetry and millwork design needs, look to Seaside Cabinetry and Design, in Sidney. This is a new business for owner Jessica Kwasnica, who has ten years of industry experience behind her. For kitchen, bath, and all other cabinetry design, contact Jessica at 250.812.4304, or info@seasidecabintery.ca. Her office is located at 2071-D Malaview Avenue.
Anthony Utley, owner of Raven Marine Yacht Services in Sidney, has added to his marine business portfolio by creating Raven Offshore Shipping Lines, Ltd. Raven Offshore is 100% First Nations owned, and the only wholly aboriginal owned ocean carrier in Canada. Its focus is on interstate ocean freight and government services. For more information, contact Anthony at 250.880.1877, or anthony@shipraven.com.
RELOCATING
Change of scene for stylists
Fans of eXist hairworX will be excited to learn that the hair salon is moving to 9851 Seaport Place, just above the marina. They anticipate opening September 1st, an exciting move for staff and clients alike. For more information, call 250.656.2321. You can follow them on Facebook under eXist hairworX, for further updates.
OUTDOORS
New opportunity for visitors and locals
If customized hikes on Vancouver Island interest you, contact Nicole at Wild Van Isle. As an experienced hiking guide, Nicole will design a hike suited to your personal ability, and you can go it alone, or bring her along. She loves to explore new places and show people our beautiful local parks and beaches, as well as the back-country wilderness. You can reach Nicole by phone at 250.686.2927, or email her at wildvanisle@gmail.com. Find her on Facebook, under Wild Van Isle.
ACUISITIONS
Going back to basics
Local businesswoman Valerie Lindholm has purchased Island View Golf Centre, the 10-acre property in Central Saanich. Lindholm says there’s no question that the best use for the land is agricultural, and that she will convert the property into farmland. The nets will come down, the earth turned, leveled out and prepared for a crop of alfalfa or potatoes to be planted this year. Lindholm would like to grow organic grains in particular, and the first grain planting, likely barley, will be planted next year.
REBRANDING
New look for island-owned company
Monk Office has rolled out a new brand identity as of July 2nd. Their logo has been restyled, and in this new phase they encourage customers to “Think Monk,” for all their workplace needs, including supplies, office designs, interiors and technology. There are 10 locations island-wide to serve you, an in Sidney you’ll find them at 9839 Fifth Street. They can be reached by phone at 250.655.3888, or you can visit their website, www.monk.ca, for more information.
