Words June Murray Dagnall
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Local Favourites Here to Stay
The beloved Satellite Fish Market and Pier Bistro have secured lease extensions through the end of 2026, ensuring these popular Beacon Wharf staples will continue serving the community.
Monk Office and Art Stops In-Store Retail Sales
Monk Office and Art will conclude in-store retail sales of art supplies, stationery and office products on February 28. This decision reflects how customer needs, and the ways that we now work and shop, have continued to evolve. The company will remain focused on areas of continued growth, including furniture and interiors, print and copy services, technology solutions and custom framing, while continuing its strong commitment to supporting island communities. Sidney Monk extends its heartfelt gratitude to customers for their loyal support over the years and looks forward to serving them in new and evolving ways.
A New Kind of Shopping
Innovative retailers like Davidson Chambers Entertaining & Home, are expanding their concepts, pointing to the potential for a larger, community-driven destination store in Sidney. The store would feature classes, bakeries and experiential shopping all under one roof. Stay tuned!
Cookware, Community & a Cause We Love
Over the Christmas season, Sidney’s muffet & louisa raffled off a stunning All-Clad stainless steel cookware set to raise funds for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, they have announced that they now have a lucky winner. The cookware set, which normally retails for just under $2,000, has found its new home, and the shop is proud to have donated $5,000 to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, which helps so many in our community.
muffet & louisa expresses a heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and contributed to the success of this fundraiser.
Digital Marketing Masterclass
Join a one-day Digital Marketing Masterclass designed for Sidney’s local businesses – February 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre. Led by digital marketing expert Jared VanderMeer with special guest speakers, this practical session focuses on the tools, trends, and strategies that will matter most in 2026. Open to everyone, but the event is free for Sidney businesses (covered by the Sidney BIA). Register at https://tinyurl.com/4yeke69s. General admission $99.75; students $46.13.
Potential Pooch Park
Town of Sidney Council will consider a dog park at Iroquois Park in the 2026 budget.
Following two rounds of public engagement in 2025, Council is advancing a proposal for an off-leash dog enclosure in Iroquois Park for consideration in the 2026 budget. Community members were asked to provide feedback on potential locations at Iroquois Park or Tulista Park, with stronger support expressed for Iroquois Park. The small enclosure would be fully fenced and include separate areas for large and small dogs.
The need for this amenity was first identified in Sidney’s 2018 Parks Master Plan, with residents emphasizing the importance of an off-leash dog area in east Sidney, which would be within walking distance of many community members.
Treating You Like Family: Kt physiotherapy
KT Physiotherapy recently opened in Sidney, at #1 – 9843 Second Street. “We are professionals dedicated to elevating the health of our community through care that is evidence-informed and personalized,” says their website. “When you come to see us we believe in treating you like family. Our mission is to collaborate throughout the treatment process and work together to achieve your goals.”
Offering Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy, Mobile Kinesiology and Registered Massage Therapy, the therapists at KT Physiotherapy look forward to working together with you to achieve your goals. www.ktphysio.ca.
North Saanich Property Values Edge Up
New BC Assessment property values, released on January 5, show a modest increase of approximately 1 to 2%, including properties in North Saanich as well as across Victoria and Saanich. The updated assessments reflect steady market conditions heading into the new year.
Housing Advisor for North Saanich
The District of North Saanich has been advised that the Province of British Columbia will appoint an independent housing advisor to work with the District under the Housing Supply Act. The advisor will review actions taken by the District to date and provide recommendations to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs related to increasing housing supply.
The Province has acknowledged the District’s progress, including adoption of a new Official Community Plan, ongoing zoning bylaw updates, and infrastructure readiness work, while indicating that further action is needed to meet housing targets.
The District has confirmed it will cooperate fully with the advisory process and has emphasized the importance of solution-focused recommendations that address local constraints and support effective provincial–municipal collaboration.
The advisor’s review is expected to take place between January 19 and March 31, 2026.
