by Paula Kully –
CONTECHUALLY SPEAKING
The future is now
Harbour Air and magniX closed out 2019 in a momentous way by successfully flying the world’s first electrically-powered commercial passenger aircraft. Harbour Air CEO and founder Greg McDougall piloted the plane and launched the electric era of aviation.
Feeling groovy
One of the Peninsula’s many tech companies has recently changed things up. Regroove changed both its name – formally Itgroove – and location. The business recently moved to Brentwood Bay.
NEW KIDS IN TOWN
10 Acres is the place to be …
Haro’s and Georgia Café at the Sidney Pier Hotel have changed hands. Restaurateur Mike Murphy, who owns the 10 Acres Farm & Restaurant Group, which includes their farm on the Saanich Peninsula, is currently undertaking an extensive renovation of Haro’s before re-opening in the spring as 10 Acres at the Pier. This will include a new menu, dining room and patio. A shorter closure and renovation of Georgia Café will also take place before the spring.
Healing hands
A new Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy clinic has opened in the heart of Saanichton. Jessica Hall recently opened Island View Physiotherapy and Wellness, located at the corner of Mt Newton Cross Road and Wallace Drive. Jessica has 10 years’ experience as a manual therapist, and is excited to join this community.
Something for the fur friends
Saanichton has a new pet store! Village Pets supports local rescue organizations and businesses like Landshark Leashes that are made from recycled climbing ropes with 10% of sales going to a local animal rescue.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Trading spaces
Sidney’s One Stop Furniture will be getting a new home with more space in March. They are moving from their current location beside Boondocks to the former Capital Iron building at 9768 Fifth Street.
AWARD SEASON IS UPON US
Readers’ choice
At the close of 2019, the Times Colonist announced their Readers’ Choice Awards. Congratulations to the many Peninsula businesses and locations that won, including Rascals Pet Market, Beacon Law Centre, Monk Office, Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Shop and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
The best of business
More awards will be given out on January 30 at the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards. Several Peninsula companies have been nominated such as Parsell Vineyard, and The Cut Cartel; good luck!
OPEN HOUSES
Design for the future
The District of Central Saanich undertook a community engagement process for the Saanichton Village Design Plan. Draft plans will be available for the public to review on February 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Saanichton Village Association’s AGM, Saanich Pioneer Museum.
Making it green
The Town of Sidney will be hosting a public open house on January 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Greenglade Community Centre to provide information about the Reay Creek dam project.
BECAUSE IT’S VALENTINE’S DAY
Peninsula romance
The Farmer’s Daughter owners Jessica and Tom are now not just partners in business but also in life, as they officially tied the knot in the Cayman Islands during their January vacation. Congratulations!
