by Paula Kully –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email news@seasideamagazine.ca.
NEW VENTURES & ADVENTURES
Onward and Seaward
True to her entrepreneurial spirit, Laura McLarty, owner of Flush Bathroom Essentials in Sidney, is branching out. Laura is opening SEAWARDS Souvenir and Apparel Shop at #107 – 2506 Beacon Avenue in the former Victoria Lavender location this March. We can’t wait to see what cool stuff she brings in!
Who knew you could farm seaweed?
Cascadia Seaweed had its Grand Opening on February 29 at their office above Lolly Gobble on Third Street. The management team of Cascadia includes local entrepreneurs Mike Williamson, President/CEO; William Collins; Tony Ethier and Steven Cross, who are growing Cascadia Seaweed to become the largest producer of seaweed in North America by partnering with First Nations and coastal communities. They currently have two “farms” in the Bamfield area. Seaweed is used in numerous products including human food, cosmetics, medicinal use, pet food and fertilizer to name a few.
NEW HOME
Veterans get a new home
The Saanich Peninsula Legion has been a fixture in the region since 1926 and has had a residence at 1660 Mills Road for the past 90 years. But recently, they found themselves looking for a new home as the building they had been renting was no longer suitable. The SHOAL Centre has come to the rescue and the Legion, Branch #37 is now holding their meetings there.
Barbara is back!
Just when you thought you weren’t going to be able to find a new outfit for that special occasion, Barbara’s Boutique reopened their doors in their new location at 2493 Beacon Avenue (formerly Tatum & Olivia). The new location brings Barbara’s into the heart of Beacon Avenue. Owner Barbara Hubbard strives to bring classy, chic designs to her clients and this hasn’t changed. Stop by the new store that is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ARTS & CULTURE AT ITS FINEST
Mini exhibits in Central Saanich
Did you know that Central Saanich municipal hall has been hosting a rotating art exhibit? The displays are all local artists. If you are an art lover, stop by and have a look. Or, if you are an artist, apply to have your work displayed. The current display is by Salish Artist Chris Paul. Details are on the Central Saanich website at www.centralsaanich.ca.
Learning to cry
Almost everyone on the Saanich Peninsula knows Kenny Podmore, Sidney’s colourful Town Crier. He is often opening events such as the Canada Day Parade with a booming “Oyez, Oyez” and the ringing of a brass bell. But now, Kenny has a new partner. Liam McLennan has recently become the Junior Town Crier and will accompany Kenny at events. His debut will be at the Annual Ferry Between Friends that launches the start of the Anacortes to Sidney Ferry Run on March 29.
Colour of the year with a twist … of gin
Victoria Distillers’ Empress 1908 Gin is not only a gin with a wonderful taste, but the beautiful blue colour has a nice trick of turning pink when it is mixed with citrus, which has attracted a lot of attention. It’s not surprising then that this year, Empress Gin has been chosen to craft the signature cocktail of the year for the Pantone Color Institute, the company that decides the official colour of the year. This year’s colour is classic blue, a shade reminiscent of the sky at dusk, and Sidney’s own Victoria Distillers has created the cocktail “Classic Blue” for the occasion.
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
New dreamer for Sweet Dreams
After 18 years of business in Sidney, Jennifer Michnik and her husband Brian have sold Sweet Dreams Boutique. New owner Fei Li moved to Victoria from Ottawa four years ago. Her daughter loves Buddies Toys, which brought the neighbouring Sweet Dreams Boutique to Fei’s attention. With 18 years of experience in the furniture business, Fei will continue to operate Sweet Dreams with the same staff and will “do her best to keep Sweet Dreams Boutique going and growing.”
Par for the course
The Ardmore Golf Course in North Saanich has been in its current location since 1930 and has been owned by The DuTemple family since 1946. In February, the golf course was sold to the Pauquachin First Nation, who intend to keep running it as a golf course. The current management will continue at the golf course under the new ownership.
