by Paula Kully –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email pjkully@gmail.com.
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
Paying it Forward
The Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofits and registered charities prior to the deadline of February 28, 2022. Grants are open to Peninsula groups, and groups that support Peninsula residents for projects that benefit our community. Find out who is eligible and how to apply on their website: www.sp-cf.ca.
Golden Pears
Marion Evamy and Bobb Hamilton, Sidney residents and owners of Red Art Gallery, recently raised $22,500 for the Victoria Women’s Transition House through the “Painted Pear Affair” auction. The auction featured 30 beautifully painted concrete pears, created by 30 women artists. The gallery donates 25% of profits from the sale of every painting sold back to the community and has consistently donated tens of thousands of dollars each year for many local charities including the Saanich Peninsula Food Bank. www.redartgallery.ca.
BEAT THE PANDEMIC BLUES
Get ready for the 2022 market season!
With the pandemic still looming and uncertain, Westcoast Impressions, the company that organizes the popular Sidney Street Market, has decided to hold both the Sunday Farmer’s Market and the Thursday Night Market outdoors at the Mary Winspear Centre this year. Sunday markets run from May 8 to September 25 from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday markets run from June 2 to September 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.sidneystreetmarket.com.
The Doctor is In
In response to the challenges created by the pandemic, in particular the impact it has had on many people’s mental health, the team at Reach Health Clinic in Sidney has added clinical counselling to their list of services. You can book an appointment online through their website at
www.reachhealth.ca/therapists.
WINNING!
Star Investors
Local Investment Advisor Viola Van de Ruyt has been honoured by her firm, National Bank Financial – Wealth Management with a regional and national award for Social Commitment in 2021. Likewise, Viola’s team member and Senior Investment Associate Annette Quan has been recognized nationally as an Elite Associate. Congratulations to Viola and Annette!
The Peninsula Rocks
The annual Times Colonist Readers Choice Awards recognized many Saanich Peninsula businesses in various categories as winners and finalists. Winners included: Arbutus RV & Marine, Flying Fish Winery, Lifestyle Markets, Woofability, Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning, Bosley’s, RBC Royal Bank, Coast Capital Savings, Harbord Insurance, Beacon Law Office, Monk Office, Departures Travel, Brown’s the Florist, Mark’s, Walk-in Comfort, and Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen Ferry Route.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Planning for the Future
The Town of Sidney is expecting to get a look at the first draft of the new Official Community Plan (OCP) at the February 28 Council meeting. The tentative timeline for final approval is June with public engagement scheduled for March, revisions in April and the adoption process taking place in May. The OCP will shape the future of Sidney in years to come and identify future land use within the community. For public input opportunities, watch the Town’s website and social media.
Creative Emergence
Caitlin McKenzie, President & CEO confirmed on January 11 that Monk Office purchased Island Blue Art & Framing stores in Victoria and Sidney. Both Monk Office and Island Blue have served the people of the Peninsula well for many years and this merger is a natural fit. Island Blue Print was founded in 1912 and has been locally owned by the Shemilt Family for the past 55 years. Monk Office has committed to keeping the longstanding and respected Island-based Shemilt family legacy alive as they take on Island Blue. Congratulations to Monk Office on their new endeavour and thank you to the Shemilt Family for all you have done for creators and the community over the decades.
SOME GOODBYES ARE HARD TO SAY
Condolences From the Seaside Team
In closing, it pains me to write this but we want to send our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Grant Gilbertson and recognize this fine young man who left us too soon. Grant was the forward for the Peninsula Panthers and was only 18 years old when he died in a motor vehicle accident on January 3. To honour and remember him, the community came together at the Panorama Recreation Centre prior to the game between the Peninsula Panthers and the Victoria Cougars on January 7.
