by Lara Gladych –
RETAIL
Art, Print & Framing
Island Blue Sidney is on the move! They are excited to be relocating to the former Lunn’s Bakery location at 2453 Beacon Avenue. The new space will offer the same products and services they offer now, with the possibility for expansion. They are still at 2411 Beacon Avenue until the end of April.
Fond Farewell
After over 50 years in the Sidney business and retail community, Marie Rosko is closing Sweet Talk & Lace Lingerie. This store is the most recent in her run of local businesses, among which were Christine Laurent Jewellers and Animal House Pet Store. Her presence in the Sidney community has also included holding the position of mayor between 1990 and 1996. Marie is an active Rotarian, and looks forward to pursuing both community and international humanitarian work as part of her retirement.
Closing Shop
Repeat Boutique, on Third Street in Sidney, is closing its doors. Rest assured: adjacent consignment store Connections will remain open for your shopping pleasure!
Food-ware & Jewelry
Spirals Gourmetware and Heidi Krause have left Something Special, in Sidney. Heidi will be selling her line at the outdoor BC Ferries Marketplace from May 9 to September 24, and you can watch for her at local Christmas craft fairs and select retail outlets, too. www.spiralsgourmet.com.
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
A Smaller Space
There are downsizing plans in store for Odyssia Steak House, in Sidney. They will remain open throughout building renovations, but they’ll be reducing their capacity to about a third of its current size. Guests can look forward to a more intimate space, and to all their same menu favourites. 9785 Fifth Street.
TRAVEL
Agency Opening
Departures Travel is opening a Peninsula location on May 1, at #105 – 2506 Beacon Avenue, in Sidney. Departures Travel on Oak Bay Avenue is Victoria’s oldest travel agency, delivering high-touch, personalized customer service. Cathy Larsen, who will be leading the Sidney team, is excited to be bringing Departures to Sidney along with co-owner, Cathy Scott.
www.departurestravel.com.
GIVING BACK
Food Bank Benefit
The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa recently made a donation to the Sidney Lion’s Food Bank of the proceeds from its January “Tombstone” event – $9,852 was raised for the cause.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Hair School
Studio 63, the teaching salon for the Saanich School District/Vancouver Island University Hairstylist Program, opens for their eighth season on April 10! Salon hours are Monday through Wednesday 1 to 4 p.m., and Thursday 12 to 6 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, or make an appointment by calling 250-652-5381. Located at 1649 Mt. Newton X Road. Offering free haircuts until July!
Youth Health
The Saanich Peninsula Youth Clinic for mental, physical and sexual health is now at Peninsula Medical, #2A – 2379 Bevan Avenue in Sidney. Walk-ins are welcome on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a judgement-free zone where youth can see a doctor about any medical concerns, access STI and pregnancy testing and birth control, get prescriptions and even speak with a counsellor. It’s free and confidential, and a safe space for all genders, orientations and identities. 250-616-4143.
Grad Night
Still need something to wear for grad? Why buy when you can borrow from Magic Wand (for a small fee), and choose from like-new dresses, tuxedos and accessories. All students are eligible to use this non-profit service.
www.themagicwandproject.com.
