by Paula Kully –
Doing Business
Passing the Torch
The Sidney BIA said goodbye to longtime President, Susan Simosko, as she did not seek re-election at the June AGM. Susan has been a driving force at the BIA for the past six years. The BIA’s new President is Brad Edgett and replacing the BIA’s Executive Director Donna Petrie is Morgan Shaw. To top off the changes at the BIA, they have a new and impressive website which you simply must check out. It does Sidney proud!
Something New from Something Old
Husband and wife team Leslie Hunter and Graden Dej who create the most unique, fresh-made pasta on the Island at Vancouver Island Pasta, will open Porto Bakery Osteria Patio on August 6 in the former Canoe Cove Joe’s. The menu will include fresh baking, pizza, Bows & Arrows Coffee and of course pasta! They will support local produce, beer and wines and will even be producing pasta straws. Check them out at the Sidney Market.
Time for Jane to Play
Long-time Buddies Toys owner Jane Powell is handing over the 30-year-old business to daughter Lauren. As part of this transition, they amalgamated their Oak Bay store into the Sidney location at the end of July. Buddies Toys has operated in Oak Bay since 1996. Thank you Jane for all the joy you have brought generations of children! We wish you well!
On the Move
Active Balance Physiotherapy has moved. Owner Shelley Dumais still offers all the same great services but has recently relocated to #103 – 9816 Seaport Place in Sidney.
Old Events With a New Twist
Celebration – Come On!
If you were in Sidney during the Canada Day celebrations you may have noticed a few things. First, this just might have been the biggest and busiest Canada Day we’ve ever seen. All the organizers involved reported record numbers. Second, the fireworks show went off without a hitch! This is thanks to the new pyrotechnicians from Celebrations Fireworks!
The Race is On!
The Sidney Seaside 5k / 8k run will happen after all in 2019 as Cathy Noel’s proposal to Sidney Council was approved. Cathy is a seasoned race organizer and currently coordinates the Goddess Run and GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon. Get your running shoes on and and start training for the big day on September 22.
Lights, Camera, Action!
And the Award Goes to the Academy
We don’t know how this one slipped past us but it is so noteworthy that we just have to make mention of it, even if it is a bit “old news.” The Peninsula’s own McTavish Academy of Art won Entrepreneurial Business of the Year at the 19th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards. There were 200 nominees and 80 finalists in the 17 categories which represented interests from across Vancouver Island.
Today is a Good Day to … Go to the Museum
(For those of you that remember “Little Big Man,” you’ll get this title)
If you haven’t been down to the Sidney Museum in a while, it’s time to go and check out the Chief Dan George Exhibit. This special exhibit opened on July 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and will run to September 30. It showcases the life of the Indigenous rights advocate and actor and was developed by the North Vancouver Museum, in close collaboration with the George family.
An A-MAZE-ing Adventure
Ocean View Estates will be opening up their farm at 7979 Central Saanich Rd to the public for their second annual Corn Maze this September! This beautiful family-run farm boasts a corn maze with a view, a bouncy castle, pumpkin patch and more for the perfect fall experience. A portion of each weekend’s proceeds will be donated to local charities. Find updates on their Facebook and Instagram page @OceanViewEstatesYYJ and look out for the signs.
