by Paula Kully –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email news@seasideamagazine.ca.
ON THE MOVE
Moving On
Sidney Town Crier Kenny Podmore will say farewell this summer to his counterpart, Richard Riddell, as he moves to Nova Scotia. Richard has been Town Crier since 2007, a position that was created in 1997 as a direct result of the Sister Cities agreement with Sidney.
Moving In
Ravens Crossing Cohousing, located on Brethour Avenue between Seventh Street and Resthaven Drive in Sidney, anticipates completion by September. People will move in from as close as a few blocks away and as far as France and New Zealand. Some friends of Ravens Crossing, such as Barb Whittington and Tracy Mills, have worked together for five years, while the last two households joined just this spring. All 35 families have made this dream become a reality.
CREATIVE GENIUS
Coming Home
The Village Gallery is back under its previous ownership. Stop by to see some familiar faces and view work by many talented artists at 2459 Beacon Avenue in Sidney or call 778-426-1113.
Surprise From the Island
This Mother’s Day, the “From the Island” artisan surprise box is offering a truly special gift filled with a collection of handmade treasures from five of Vancouver Island’s most established artists, two guest artists, and a sweet treat that will melt your heart. The surprise box sells for $125 with $10 from each sale going to Wild Arc, the BC SPCA Rehabilitation Centre. To order call 250-665-7132 or 250-507-1722 or islandrainstudio@yahoo.com. For details, visit www.islandrainstudio.com.
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
Help VTRA Drive On!
Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA) is fundraising $8,000 to buy their own cart and equipment for their hugely successful adaptive cart driving program that offers a unique learning opportunity to participants who do not participate in mounted horseback riding. VTRA offers the only adaptive cart driving program opportunity on Vancouver Island. To donate, visit https://fundrazr.com/driveonwithvtra.
Home Made
Senior Living Assist is a new service available to Saanich Peninsula seniors, which helps them navigate the myriad of housing solutions available, from assisted living, long-term care, market housing to seniors’ retirement complexes. They offer a free consultation followed by a range of packages to help find the best choice for individual needs and taking care of all the details that go along with moving. www.seniorlivingassist.ca.
HIGH SPIRITS ON THE PENINSULA
Raising the Big Top
Sea Cider Farm and Cider House has completed a new 2,800-square-foot pavilion to replace the large tent that has been a popular location for weddings and special events. The Pavilion, which was inspired by the tent and designed by Cascadia Architects, is white, bright, open and airy and ready to host your next big event once Covid protocols allow.
Simply Divine
Devine Distillery and Winery recently took home several prizes at the 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards. This includes best mixed mash whisky and best whisky spirit for their Ancient Grains Whisky. They also came away with Artisanal Distillery of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ken Winchester of Devine.
GREAT AQUISITIONS
Top 25
The Saanich Peninsula ranked high in Maclean’s recent list of “Best Communities in Canada.” Central Saanich came in #22 and Sidney at #23 out of 415 cities. Based on the ranking methodology, internet access, community, population growth, and health are our top assets.
Doubling Up
Pauquachin First Nation is purchasing the Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club with the sale closing May 22. The 129-acre parcel located within the Agricultural Land Reserve sold for $5.38 million. Pauquachin now owns two golf courses as they purchased Ardmore Golf Course in February 2020.
