by Phillip Tiicham Muir –
FOOD & DRINK
Pizza and Beer
Category 12 Brewing on Keating Cross Road has secured a foothold in Central Saanich since it opened in late 2014. They’ll be drawing even more traffic now as they’ve partnered with Pizzeria Prima Strada to utilize their new lounge license four days a week. Pair Neapolitan-style pizza from a mobile oven with a pint of craft beer every Thursday through Sunday. Thursday to Saturday the brewery is open until 8 p.m., and pizza’s available until 7 p.m.
Plastic Free Pub
Saanichton’s Prairie Inn Neighbourhood Pub has replaced all of the plastic products they previously used with compostable ones. This includes drinking straws and salad cups. You can expect the same great food, drinks and service they’ve been offering since 1974, now with disposables worthy of 2018.
Local Cider Wins Down South
Sea Cider recently put its Bittersweet Cider on trial at the sixth annual Portland International Cider Cup, and took home the top prize, Best of Show. 170 ciders were judged in 19 different categories, and the winners of each faced off for the coveted Best of Show prize. Bittersweet is a perfect representation of Sea Cider, according to Kristen Needham Jordan, Sea Cider’s owner and cidermaster. It is grown, pressed, fermented and bottled onsite at the Central Saanich farm and ciderhouse.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Accessible Fitness for All
The Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation recently donated $10,000 to Victoria’s MOVE Adapted Fitness. MOVE is an independent, registered non-profit society dedicated to providing a safe and encouraging place for adults and children with physical disabilities to exercise. The donation has funded the installation of automatic doors in their facility, which will help increase fitness accessibility for clients. Visit www.moveadaptedfitness.ca.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
It Takes a Village
Sidney is moving toward a more progressive way of life, thanks to the Ravens Crossing Cohousing Community. Land was acquired June 29 for a project that’s been discussed since early 2016. Now with an ideal site, Ravens Crossing will start work on 30 to 35 creatively designed apartments with extensive common facilities, built to foster strong relationships among neighbours. The Raven’s Crossing project will save residents on energy costs and expenses like meals and childcare. They’re shooting for completion by late 2020, and there will be an information meeting in September. Find details at www.ravenscrossingcohousing.ca.
Time for a New Look
The Brentwood Crossing Shopping Centre at the corner of West Saanich Road and Wallace Drive in Brentwood Bay is undergoing a significant facelift. The dated façade is being replaced with a clean modern look, which will benefit local businesses like Island Savings, Carnivore Meats, and Brentwood Bay Village Empourium. Work is expected to continue until November (at the latest), but will not disrupt normal business operation.
