by Paula Kully
News, changes, updates, launches? Email pjkully@gmail.com.
Show me the Money
A Wish Can Be Granted
The Saanich Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant is a new source of funding being administered by ArtSea – the Community Arts Council and funded by the three Saanich Peninsula municipalities of Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich. Grants range from $200 to $3,000 and are available for local performances, presentations, programs, workshops, training, etc. Individuals, groups, collectives, and organizations can access the online grant application at www.artsea.ca.
A Picture is Worth … $200
BC Fairs has a fun and tasty contest happening that is open to BC residents. The Buy BC Photo Contest invites people to show their love of local food and drink by taking a picture of themselves eating and drinking local and submitting it for a chance to win one of eight weekly $200 cash prizes and a $600 grand prize. Contest details can be found at: www.bcfairs.ca/BuyBC-contest.
Helping Hand for YYJ
The Victoria International Airport is one of 11 airports in B.C. to receive federal funding to help ensure connectivity and jobs for smaller regions in the province. VAA received $3 million to help get them back on track after Covid cut the number of passengers from two million in 2019 to less than 600,000 in 2020.
Planes, (Trains) & Automobiles
Freedom to Fly
Flair Airlines has arrived at YYJ offering super low fares to Edmonton, Calgary and Kitchener-Waterloo. A basic bundle is under $50 one-way from Victoria to Edmonton. This is great news for Vancouver Island residents!
Road Trip Down Memory Lane
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation recently opened its new Memory Garden at Saanich Peninsula Hospital with the intent of improving the quality of life for long-term care residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The shining glory of the garden is a 1947 restored Chrysler sedan restored by the Torque Masters Car Club over two years. It now provides an opportunity for residents to sit in the car and take a trip down memory lane.
New in Town
Stepping Out
Jayne Nelson is excited to be taking over Waterlily Shoes and notes that long-time outgoing owner, Christina Georgeadis is leaving some “big (but very stylish) shoes” to fill. Jayne has spent 15 years working in a non-profit setting for animal welfare. She is a lover of all animals but after 35 years caring for animals, she has decided to make a big change and pursue a new career in fashion!
New at the Mount
Mount Newton Centre has a few new but familiar faces helping them do their good work for seniors on the Saanich Peninsula. Laura Lavin is the new Executive Director, and Kenny Podmore is a new part-time driver.
Hello and goodbye
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation will welcome a new CEO at the end of September. Sarah Bragg steps into the role when long-time CEO Karen Morgan retires from her post after 21 years. Sarah was the Executive Director at the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation on Salt Spring Island and is a former Operating Room nurse. Karen will be greatly missed and has certainly left a legacy. We wish you all the best Karen and thank you for the remarkable work you did for the Saanich Peninsula!
From Sooke to Central Saanich
Central Saanich has a new Fire Chief. Welcome to Ken Mount who replaces Chris Vrabel. Vrabel has been Chief since January 2017 and retired earlier this year. Mount comes to Central Saanich from the Sooke Fire Department where he was chief since 2017. He brings with him a 16-year career in fire services.
Down by the Oceanna
Brewing Up a Dream
Husband-and-wife team Tristan and Alexa Fetherston, along with Alexa’s brother Steven Hardy, have made their dream come true to open a craft brewery in Sidney. Beacon Brewing, located in the new Oceanna building on Third Street, will open in September and will offer pints, tasting flights, off-sales, and snacks.
No Ordinary Man Cave
The Gentlemen’s Cave – Elegant Barbershop also recently opened in the Oceanna and you really can’t miss it with their bright-red window featuring a “gentleman” with beard, mustache and top hat. Owners/Barbers Bella and André, along with barber Emberly, offer a high-end grooming experience including haircuts, beard trim, hot shave, and hair replacement.
