may 30, 2014

READERS’ CHOICE

AWA R D S

2014

ATTRACTIONS EVENTS SPORTS & LEISURE

SHOPPING HEALTH RESTAURANTS

SERVICES AGRI-TOURISM JAVA JOINTS

PLACES TO STAY CHILDREN SENIORS PET CARE

B2 • Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 Friday, May 30, 2014 PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

4

B2 • Reader’s Choice Awards 2014 Friday, May 30, 2014 PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Who’s on the list?This year’s Readers’ Choice selections prove our readers do get around the Saanich Peninsula

What a night!

Close to 100 people attended the Peninsula News Review’s 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards presen-tation at The Muse Winery on

Tuesday, May 27 — certainly a record for the annual awards event.

And why not? There was a lot to celebrate as the PNR handed out the honours in more than 50 categories — all chosen by our readers.

It is the amazing people behind the counters of Saanich Peninsula businesses that make the yearly Readers’ Choice Awards such a pleasure to do. Readers were even given the chance to name their favourite customer service person from any business they so choose.

With close to 500 online entries and many, many printed ballots completed and handed in, this was a Readers’ Choice year to remember.

Not to mention the ties. This year more than any other in recent memory, readers’ votes resulted in ties among many of the categories. It goes to show that store owners and their employees are competing very well for people’s business.

This year was the ninth annual Readers’ Choice Awards. It highlights the favourites of Peninsula News Review readers, among the various tourism attractions, places to play, shops and charities and the individuals that make the Saanich Penin-sula their home.

Readers were asked throughout April and May to fill in a ballot and name their favourites in a variety of categories. The top three winners in each of them are listed, starting on page seven of this special section.

This special section is a great way to recog-nize those individuals and businesses that have

impressed many in the community. They have gone the extra mile to offer excellent service or provide much-needed support in whatever they have chosen to do.

The PNR thanks everyone for being involved this year — from those folks at the register and out in the community, to our readers who were dedicated in their ballot entries this year.

Congratulations and enjoy this special section.

Steven Heywood, editorPeninsula News Review

Steven Heywood/News staff

Brooke Smith from Marigold Nurseries hams it up with PNR publisher Jim Parker during Tuesday night’s Readers’ Choice Awards night at The Muse Winery in North Saanich.


Maria and Dillon accepted the favourite band award on behalf of the Timebenders. The duo, who work at Haro’s Restaurant & Bar were frequent visitors to the winners’ circle Tuesday night at The Muse.

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW Friday, May 30, 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 • B3

Thank you for voting for us!

250.656.7271

Panorama Recreation is excited to offer the Play in the Park program for the second consecutive summer! This summer, make play a priority for your family and join us every weekday evening from 5:30-8:30pm at various locations in Central Saanich, Sidney and North Saanich. Staff will facilitate FREE fun for the whole family. Help us kick off the summer at our Play in the Park launch party from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday, July 3rd at Rodolph Park. Free BBQ dinner courtesy of White Spot and lots of great prizes!

www.panoramarecreation.ca

2432 Beacon Avenue , Sidney 250-656-7141

www.christinelaurentjewellers.ca

Thank you for your continued support!

Christine LaurentJewellers

Fine Je wellery & GiFts

‘Watch & Jewellery Repairs’

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW Friday, May 30, 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards 2014 • B3

Devon MacKenzieNews staff

Even though she’s only been part of the team at Haven Spa for two months, Manager Marika Abraham says she already feels like part of the community.

“The Sidney Pier Hotel is such a hub for Sidney and I already know so many of the regulars at the hotel, in the salon and at the spa,” said Abraham.

“One of the things that impressed me most about the hotel from the beginning was the sense of community here,” she added, noting during her first two weeks managing the spa and salon the Origin Fashion Show (a fundraiser for ORCCA, an organization that provides dental care for local, low-income families) took place.

“I was amazed at how everyone came together to make it happen, the support was so huge and the energy and passion everyone had was infectious,” Abraham said.

Now, after having settled into her new position, Abra-ham is looking forward to a busy summer at the salon and spa.

Last year around this time, the salon was reno-

vated and expanded and rebranded as a full Aveda salon with stylist Jamie Poll at the helm, she explained.

“His team in the salon is

wonderful and his enthusi-asm for his work is inspir-ing,” Abraham said.

She added that Poll is already booked into Sep-

tember and October and his staff are regularly booked solid.

“It’s been a great year for the salon,” she said.

On the spa end, Abra-ham said the new Haven Polish Lounge has been extremely popular and the spa and salon have recently

started opening on Sundays to accommodate clients all week long.

“We’ve also been working on implementing specials for each month or season, so coming up we have a special on back facials and gel polish manicures for two for June which are perfect for grad and wedding sea-son,” she said.

The spa, which was named the Saanich Peninsu-la’s number one choice for a Day at the Spa in the Penin-sula News Review’s Readers’ Choice Awards this week, was also ranked in the top 100 in the Spas of America 2013 ratings as well as 17th in the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2013.

“I’m so impressed by everyone here, the staff take so much pride in what they do and that’s why they are so successful,” said Abra-ham.

Favourite Day at the Spa:

1. Haven Spa2. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa3. The Refresh Spa

All about community at Haven Spa and Salon

Devon MacKenzie/News staff

Haven Reception Supervisor Ashley Pistone and Haven Spa and Salon Manager Marika Abraham.


Congratulationsto All the OtherAward Winners!

Thank You ...for Your Continued Support

9764 5th St., Sidney250-656-1970

Serving the Peninsula Community for 25 years!

Main Logo: Graphic Element with Wordmark

Congratulations to all of the Readers’

Choice Winners

Locally Owned & Operated!

The management and staff would like to thank all of our customers for nominating Brentwood

Pharmasave as their Favourite Drug Store

IN THE HEART OF BRENTWOOD BAY - LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED!7181 West Saanich Road, Brentwood Bay • Phone 250-652-1235

Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Closed Sundays & Holidays

Thank you... for voting us as one of your favourite

places for gussying up your garden!

7874 Lochside Dr.SAANICHTON

250-652-2342

7030 Bell McKinnon Rd.DUNCAN

250-597-2526

7874 Lochside Dr.7874 Lochside Dr. 30 Bell McKinnon Rd.70 Bell McK30 Bell McKinno0 ll McKinnon Rd.7 30 Bell McKinno030 Bell McKinnon Rd30 Bell McKinno0 Bell McKinnon Rd.7 0 B ll M Kinno0 Bell McKinnon R

Marigold Nurseries4 Lochside Dr4 Lochside Dr 0 Bell McKinnon Rd70 Bell McK30 Bell McKinno0 ll McKinnon Rd7 30030 Bell McKinnon R30 i30 Bell McKinno0 Bell McKinnon Rd7 0 Bell McKinno0 Bell McKinnon R

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - 8 AM - 6:00 PM


Save $ with a 12-Month Pass

250.652.5256butchartgardens.com

1 Special Event and Firework days have special conditions.2 Not applicable for Youth and Child passes.

Full details on lineor available at

our Visitor Centre

Benefi ts REGULAR FIREWORKS

ADMISSION Every day1 Every day1

FIREWORKS Not Included1 1 Firework Show1

RESTAURANTS Save 10%1 Save 10%1

GIFT STORE Save 10%1 Save 10%1

BRING A FRIEND Save 10%2 Save 10%2

BOAT TOURS Reduced Rate2 Reduced Rate2

PRICE -Adult $56.76 (+tax) $83.56 (+tax)

PRICE -Youth $28.38 (+tax) $41.78 (+tax)

PRICE -Child $6.00 (+tax) $8.60 (+tax)

Friends and Relatives Visiting?

Let Us Help You Entertain Them.

Friends and Relatives Visiting?

Let Us Help You Entertain Them.

Sidney’s

Specializing in all of your pet’s needs

9769 Fifth Street, Sidney

250-656-3314

&Aquatics

Proudly serving Sidney and the peninsula for 25 years.

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY SALEJUNE 21st - 22nd & 23rd!

Pet Centre

• B.C. Designated Inspection Facility

• Latest Technology Diagnostics

• Complete Fluid Flush Equipment

• Full Line of Tires to Fit Your Budget

• Warranty Approved Maintenance

• All Repairs Guaranteed

• Customer Pick-up & Drop-off Service

• Courtesy Cars

• Complimentary Car Wash (with All in Shop Repairs)

Monday to Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

250-656-2921www.cla i rdowney.com

Old Fashioned Service For Today’s Automobile

CompleteAutomotiveMaintenanceand Repair

A Special Thank You to ourClientele for their Support and

Continued Patronage.


Thanks for voting usone of your favourites

We’ll Take Care of You with Licensed Mechanics

TUNE-UPS

LUBRICATION

BATTERIES

ENGINE OVERHAUL

CUSTOM EXHAUST

BRAKES

TIRES

DOMESTIC & IMPORT CARS & TRUCKS

250 656 04122075 Amelia Avenue, Sidney

Over 30 Years of Experience

OPEN DAILYCorner of Island View Rd. & Hwy. 17 250-652-6770Come see us for all of your fresh, locally grown produce!

FARMINGon the Peninsula since 1862

Thank you for voting us for your favourite farm produce!

Six generations of Michell’s have been part of the Peninsula community. We would like to thank

everyone for their support over the years! – Michell Bros. Farm


Devon MacKenzieNews staff

A year after finishing renovations in their Sidney store and only 8 months after open-ing a new location on the Westshore, busi-ness is blooming for Brown’s the Florist.

The Sidney location, recently voted by readers of the Peninsula News Review to be the Saanich Peninsula’s favourite flower shop (they also took the title in 2013), has been a landmark at the corner of Second Street and Beacon Avenue since the mid 70s.

“Last year this time we were swinging sledgehammers in here,” laughed owner, Natasha W. Crawford.

“The opportunity to renovate and expand was wonderful and we’ve been so happy with the new space,” she said.

The shop took over the space next door to them that used to house a jewellery store. When the shop closed and the space became vacant, Crawford approached the landlords and got the ball rolling.

The shop’s facelift included new floors, windows, awnings and coolers. The small family business also adopted a new point of sale system that is state of the art and combines all the sales and orders from their web store with the sales and orders from their brick and mortar stores.

“It’s been a learning curve getting used to the new system but we are the first shop in Canada who has this system. By learning it and using it in our shops we are improv-ing the standards for other small business florists in Canada. It’s really important for small businesses to have this type of tech-nology,” Crawford said.

The newest location in Langford on Jack-

lin Road (they also have a location in down-town Victoria on Fort Street) had been in Crawford’s plans for the last five years but only recently came to fruition.

“We had actually looked at the same space in 2008 but it just wasn’t the right time for us to expand,” explained Crawford.

“Five years later the same space came up

for lease and the tenants weren’t renewing so the landlords called us first and we made the decision. The landlords were absolutely wonderful, we couldn’t have done it with-out them,” Crawford added.

She equates the success of her small, locally owned business to her staff and the company’s previous owner and Crawford’s

business coach, Christine Dysart.“All my staff are long term team mem-

bers with the company,” explained Craw-ford, adding that the Sidney store manager, Kathy Blaine, has been with Brown’s for over 30 years.

“Being a small business it’s so important to us to retain staff and customers. We’re so grateful for our customers in Sidney for their loyalty and support of our small busi-ness since the mid 70s.”

The company is also committed to sup-porting other local businesses and prides themselves on using over 75 per cent local flowers supplied from growers like Eurosa Gardens and Mount Newton Greenhouses.

“Everything over that 75 per cent we import fair trade,” she added.

Aside from being busy overseeing her three shops, organizing a new flower happy hour on Thursday and Friday nights from 4 to 5:30 p.m. through June, July and August, Crawford recently embarked on another new life adventure. She welcomed her son Carter Brown Crawford into the world only a few months ago and is already back at work behind the scenes of the business, with her son’s help of course.

“He already comes with me to work, he’s the newest member of the Brown’s team,” she laughed.

Favourite Flower Shop :

1. Brown’s The Florist2. Thrifty Foods Central Saanich/

Sidney3. Fiorenza Classic Flowers and

Coleman Flowers (tie)

Business blooming at Brown’s The Florist

Devon MacKenzie/News staff

Kathy Blaine, manager of Brown’s the Florist in Sidney sits with Natasha W. Crawford, owner, and the most recent addition to the Brown’s family, Carter Brown Crawford, Natasha’s twelve-week-old son.


ATTRACTIONS

FAVOURITE ART GALLERY1. Peninsula Gallery2. Village Gallery3. Gallery at the Arts Centre,

Tulista Park

FAVOURITE TOURIST ATTRACTION1. Butchart Gardens2. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre3. Sidney Sculpture Walk

EVENTS

FAVOURITE PUBLIC OUTDOOR EVENT1. Sidney Street Market2. Sidney Days Parade3. Sidney Summer Sounds

FAVOURITE PUBLIC INDOOR EVENT1. A Touch of Saltspring Christmas2. Sidney Fine Art Show3. LEGO at the Sidney Museum

SPORTS & LEISURE

FAVOURITE PLACE TO BREAK A SWEAT1. Panorama Recreation Centre2. Peninsula CrossFit3. Hot Mama Health + Fitness

FAVOURITE PLACE TO TEE OFF1. Ardmore Golf Course2. Glen Meadows Golf Course3. Island View Driving Range

FAVOURITE HIKING SPOT1. Horth Hill2. Dean Park3. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

SHOPPING

FAVOURITE BOOK STORE1. Tanner’s Books2. Beacon Books3. The Haunted Bookshop

FAVOURITE MEN’S CLOTHING1. Mark’s Work Wearhouse2. d.g. Bremner & Co.3. Cottons & Blues

FAVOURITE WOMEN’S CLOTHING1. Cottons & Blues2. Miss Bliss3. Mark’s Work Wearhouse

FAVOURITE FURNISHING AND HOME DÉCOR1. Lilaberry2. Capital Iron3. Muffet & Louisa

FAVOURITE THRIFT/CONSIGNMENT STORE1. Beacon Community Services2. Salvation Army3. St. Vincent de Paul

FAVOURITE HEALTH FOOD/VITAMIN STORE1. Sidney Natural Foods2. Lifestyle Markets3. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich

& Sidney

FAVOURITE GARDEN SHOP1. Marigold Nurseries2. Dig This3. Russell Nursery

FAVOURITE FLOWER SHOP1. Brown’s the Florist2. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich

& Sidney3. Fiorenza Classic Flowers

plus Coleman Flowers

FAVOURITE GROCERY STORE1. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich

& Sidney2. Fairway Market3. Peninsula Co-op

FAVOURITE JEWELLERY STORE1. Christine Laurent Jewellers2. Cameron Rose3. JayLyn Jewellers

FAVOURITE FOR SHOES1. Waterlily Shoes2. Walk in Comfort3. Mark’s Work Wearhouse

READERS’ CHOICE

AWA R D S

2014


August 30, 31 and September 1

Saanich Fair &4-H Learning Together

SSSS iiiiiiiii hhhh FFFF iii &&&&&&&&&&&&

The 147 th Annual Saanich Fair

celebrates the

ggggg ,, pppppresented by

NORTH & SOUTH SAANICH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

WESTERN CANADA’S OLDEST CONTINUOUS AGRICULTURAL FAIRWWESTERN CACANADAA SS OOOLDL ESTTT T COCONTINUOUOUOOUSUS AGRGRICICCULTURAL FAIRR

Admission: $11 for Adults, $8 for Seniors/Youth FREE for Kids 6 & under

Midway - Ride All Day for $40Gates Open 8am - 9pm

NO DOGS, DRUGS OR ALCOHOL1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1S8

www.saanichfair.ca

DR. LOREN BRAUNSIDNEY CENTRE FAMILY DENTISTRY

Thank you for your loyal support and continued confidence in us!

• Family & General Dentistry• New Patients Always Welcome• Same Day Emergency Treatment• Insurance Plans Accepted• IV Sedation Available

215-9764 Fifth Street, Sidney, BC250-655-7188 www.sidneycentredental.com

FAVOURITE DRUG STORE1. Shopper’s Drug Mart,

Central Saanich & Sidney2. Pharmasave, Brentwood Bay

& Sidney3. Rexall

HEALTHY LIVING

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR STRESS RELIEF1. Panorama Recreation Centre2. Haven Spa3. Peninsula CrossFit

FAVOURITE PLACE TO GET A BETTER SMILE1. Dr. Neal plus Dr. Louie2. Dr. Eeg3. Dr. Braun

BEST DAY AT THE SPA1. Haven Spa2. Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa3. The Refresh Spa

RESTAURANTS

FAVOURITE PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK1. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar2. Prairie Inn 3. The Charles Dickens Pub plus

Beacon Landing Restaurant & Lounge

FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT1. White Spot2. Mary’s Bleue Moon Cafe3. Sassy’s Restaurant

FAVOURITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT1. Fish on Fifth2. Sea Glass Waterfront Grill3. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar

FAVOURITE ETHNIC FOOD1. Sabhai Thai2. Thai Corner3. Good Fortune Restaurant

SERVICES

BEST REAL ESTATE SERVICES1. Holmes Realty2. Pacifica Real Estate Inc.3. REMAX Camosun

FRIENDLIEST SERVICE1. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich

& Sidney2. Cottons & Blues3. Exist Hairworx plus Salon J

BEST LEGAL SERVICES1. Beacon Law Centre2. Henley & Walden LLP plus

Salvador Davis & Co3. McKimm & Lott

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES1. Coast Capital Savings, Central

Saanich & Sidney 2. TD Canada Trust3. RBC Royal Bank

BEST CATERING SERVICES1. Stonestreet Café & Catering2. Truffles Catering3. Jazzaniah Café & Catering plus

The Roost BEST LOCALLY OWNED BEER, WINE & SPIRITS STORE1. Sidney Cold Beer &

Wine Store2. Beacon Landing Cold Beer &

Wine Store3. Prairie Inn Cold Beer & Wine Store

FAVOURITE PLACE TO MAKE BEER & WINE1. Wine by You2. Peninsula U-Brew Winery3. Gartley Station

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A NEW HAIRSTYLE1. Exist Hairworx2. Salon J3. Focus 5000

READERS’ CHOICE

AWA R D S

2014


9752 Third St., Sidney250-656-7176 or 250-589-0010

#209 – 2250 Oak Bay Ave. (at Monterey)778-433-4784 or 250-589-0010

Thank you, readers, for voting Sidney SeniorCare one of your top 3 favourites in the

BEST SENIOR HEALTH SERVICES category.

Proud to be

nominated for the

Readers’ Choice Awards

2 years in a row!

We appreciate your loyalty and support, and look forward to continuing to provide the very best home support services for seniors to make you proud!

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A TUNE UP1. Sidney Tire2. Steve’s Auto Service plus Midas3. Clair Downey Service

AGRITOURISM

FAVOURITE LOCAL WINERY1. Muse Winery2. Church & State Wines3. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

BEST FARM PRODUCE1. Michell’s Farm Market2. Silver Rill Corn3. Dan’s Farm & Country Market

FAVOURITE FARM EVENT1. Saanich Fair2. Sidney Street Market3. Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails

plus North Saanich Farm Market

JAVA JOINTS

BEST CUP OF COFFEE1. Starbucks2. Toast Café3. Alexander’s Coffee Bar BEST BEANS1. Alexander’s Coffee Bar

plus Starbucks2. Fresh Cup3. Toast Cafe

BEST MUFFIN1. Alexander’s Coffee Bar2. Toast Café3. Sidney Bakery

PLACES TO STAY

FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION1. Sidney Pier Hotel2. Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa3. Cedarwood Inn & Suites

FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY WITH A PET1. Sidney Pier Hotel2. Cedarwood Inn & Suites3. Best Western Emerald Isle

FOR CHILDREN FAVOURITE KID FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT1. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre2. Panorama Recreation Centre3. Sassy’s Restaurant

FAVOURITE DAY CARE1. Discovery House Early Childhood

Centre plus Gingerbread Pre-School and Daycare

2. Polly’s Playhouse plus Parachute Express

3. Deep Cove Kid’s Club

FOR SENIORS

BEST SENIOR FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT1. SHOAL Centre2. Glen Meadows plus J Salon3. Amica at Beechwood

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY1. Amica at Beechwood2. Peninsula at Norgarden3. SHOAL Centre

BEST SENIORS’ HEALTH SERVICES1. Sidney SeniorCare2. Saanich Peninsula Hospital3. Beacon Community Services

PET CARE

FAVOURITE BOARDING/GROOMING1. Puppy Love2. For Little Paws3. K9 Country Cottage

BEST PET SUPPLIES1. Sidney’s Pet Centre2. Bosley’s Pet Food Plus3. Reigning Cats and Dogs

plus Sidney Feed Barn

READERS’ CHOICE

AWA R D S

2014

A Boarding Kennel that lovesyour pets as much as you do

A Full Service Animal Care Facility

250-652-2301 • puppylove.ca • email: [email protected] Lamont Road, Saanichton Minutes from Victoria Airport & BC Ferries Terminal

A Boarding Kennel that lovesyour pets as much as you do



Thanks to all our supporters over the past year!A Boarding Kennel that lovesyour pets as much as you do




TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS

Thank you for choosing us as one of your favourite real estate companies!

Buying or Selling?We specialise in Residential, Commercial, Waterfront and

Acerages & Farms on the Saanich Peninsula, Victoria and Westshore.

250.656.0911 or Toll Free 1.877.656.0911Holmes Realty Ltd. 2481 Beacon Ave. Sidney BC V8L1X9

www.HolmesRealty.com

FAVOURITE VETERINARY CLINIC1. Sidney Animal Hospital2. Beacon Cat Hospital3. Garry Oak Vet

FAVOURITE PEOPLE

FRIENDLIEST FIREFIGHTER1. Jim Tweedhope plus Gary Wilton2. Jon Dodd3. Jeff Tomlin plus Rob Syverson

TOP CUSTOMER SERVICE REP & WHERE THEY WORK1. Anna Savage, Cottons & Blues2. Carly Chatwin, Salon J3. Sarah Haldane, Wine by You

FAVOURITE VETERINARIAN1. Nigel Bass2. Dr. Guttormson plus Lorie Clarke3. Neil Boulton

FAVOURITE LOCAL BAND1. The Timebenders2. The Archers3. Reverie

WE WANT TO KNOW

BEST PLACE TO MEET A DATE1. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar2. Beacon Landing3. Sidney Waterfront

FAVOURITE PLACE TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS1. Prairie Inn2. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar

plus Starbucks3. Brentwood Pub

FAVOURITE PLACE TO HEAR MUSIC1. Beacon Park Bandshell2. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar3. Mary Winspear Centre

READERS’ CHOICE

AWA R D S

2014

2537 Beacon Avenue (in the Cannery Building)

Sidney 250.656.5606 [email protected]



PNR sales representative Karen Boudewyn presented the award for favourite outdoor market to Laurie McDermid of the Sidney Street Market (second place) and Clara Knight, representing first place winner, the Saanich Fair.


The Saanich Peninsula Hospital is a vital part of our community and after 29 years of work, we see a strong sense of ownership on

the part of residents of the peninsula.

Thank you for voting us your choice for Seniors’ Health Care!

It’s our hospital.

Th

e Sa

anich

Peninsula Hospital

for generations to

com

e

We serve — you, your neighbours, your friends and your family.

2389 beacon ave.sidney, bc

778.426.0479www.missblissboutique.ca

We truly appreciate your continued support &owe our success to you, our great customers!

Thank-you for a wonderful year!


Sidney’s Booktown still a very good readSteven HeywoodNews staff

The heyday of Sidney’s Book-town, some 18 years ago, saw nearly a dozen book stores of vari-ous kinds active in the downtown.

As technology has crept into the domain of the printed word, some of those shops have moved on but there remains a core group of book sellers who have retained the loyalty of readers throughout Greater Victoria.

There’s a strong group of book shops that keep the Booktown idea alive in Sidney and three of them have been recognized by Peninsula News Review readers for their excellence.

Tanner’s Books has topped the list once again this year. A peren-nial winner of the Readers’ Choice Awards, Tanner’s Books is right in the hub of downtown Sidney with a focus on new books, local authors, magazines and a lot more.

Just up Beacon Avenue is Bea-con Books, a favourite local used book store. Another reader favou-rite, it’s a great place to browse for titles that you might have missed or longed to read.

Around the corner on Third Street sits The Haunted Book-shop, a venerable store with 67 years of history in Greater Victo-ria. It moved to Sidney 18 years ago during the Booktown boom

and to this day has loyal custom-ers coming back for more.

Odean Long, owner of The Haunted Bookshop — Vancou-ver Island’s oldest antiquarian bookshop — says they brought the store to Sidney since it was her and her late husband’s home town.

“With 10 or 12 other book stores in town at the time, things were very good for book sellers during those years.”

Business has changed over time, she said, but added a few things remain the same — such as the hard work one puts into the business and the retaining good customers. With only five book stores left in Sidney, Long says they still have their niche.

“Our advantage is that we are known, we have been around for so long,” she says. “Customers still shop here and come to us from Greater Victoria.”

They come for the old books and unique collections — and the atmosphere.

Long says she has kept the origi-nal decor that has accumulated over the years. The book cases are original from 67 years ago, as are some of the display tables. Paint-ings on the walls, too, have been hanging for years and despite many, many requests, Long says they are not for sale.

They are part of the atmo-

sphere, she says, making The Haunted Bookshop a favourite, well, haunt.

The name of the shop, Long says, comes from Christopher Morley’s book of the same name, written in 1919.

That name, she adds, some-times worries some people who might think it’s an occult book store. That’s not the case at all, she says.

The store itself is filled with antique books — Arthur Conan Doyle anyone? — to more mod-ern novels and volumes. There are atlases, pictorals and history books on almost any subject you can think of. And then there are the rafts of fiction hardcovers and children’s books. It’s tempting to spend hours there, poring over each section.

Long says she hopes when peo-ple come to The Haunted Book-shop, looking for a specific title, they can find what they are look-ing for and more.

“It’s about the experience as much as the books,” she says.

Favourite Bookstore:

1. Tanner’s Books2. Beacon Books3. The Haunted BookshopSteven Heywood/News staff

The Haunted Bookshop in Sidney.


Thank you for voting us thePeninsula’s Favourite

Hair Salon for the past 7 years!

We at team Exist would like to thank the peninsulafor all your support over the last 15 years and for

acknowledging our dedication to our craft. It is becauseof you, our wonderful clientele, that we continue to shine.

An appreciation for Friendliest Service touches us deeper than any compliment.

Hours: Tuesday 9 am to 8 pmWednesday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm

Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

3-2310 Beacon Ave., Sidney250-656-2321

Thank you to all our amazing fans for choosing us as your favorite company for Best Real Estate Services! As a local company we are proud to work in and support our vibrant community. We look forward to another year of helping you achieve all of your real estate goals!

Please visit our website for more information about our consultants or just drop-in anytime for a chat & coffee/tea during business hours.

~ O’N

EILL ~ JAG

~ PO

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O ~ B

ILLAB

ON

G ~ O

RB

~ DEX

~ ~ M

AV

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SIL

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~ K

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FR

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“FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS”

Thank you for nominating us as Favourite Women’s and Favourite Men’s Clothing, as well

as Friendliest Service again this year, it is an honour.

2437 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, B.C. OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY 9:30 - 5:30, SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS 11 - 5

Proudly serving Sidney and the Peninsula for 35 years!


We thank the hundreds of families who have entrusted their children to us and helped to make their Discovery

House early learning experience a great success.

1989–2014

Serv

ing

Saan

ich Peninsula families for 25 years

For information about Discovery House or to register your child, please check us out at discoveryhouse-ecc.org or call 250-655-3345.

16 YEARS WITH THE SAME LOCAL OWNERSHIP!

Thank you to all our customers, and a special thank you to our staff:

Jenn Switzer, Chelsey Minter, Nathalie Jenkins, Meredith Jenkins, Natasha Illi, Megan White, Logan

Gibson, Madison Gordon, Jaclyn Richmond, Sky Craig, Walter Alexander, Shay Montgomery, Scott

Klausen, Charlotte Helton, and Amanda Lise

9812 Fifth Street(1/2 block from Beacon)

250.656.4022

FAMILY PROGRAMS

The family that trains together, stays together!

tel: [email protected]

www.hotmamahealthandfitness.ca

At Hot Mama Health & Fitness, we believe that ‘busy mom’ and ‘hot mama’ really can be the same thing. We provide a fun, family-friendly environment

where busy Mamas can focus on fitness without having to worry about childcare. You workout, they workout; or you workout and they enjoy

supervised play. Fitness for you, with your family.

Come join us for a free drop-in session by mentioning this ad in the Readers’ Choice Awards.

Thank you for nominating Hot Mama Peninsula for “Favourite Place to Break a Sweat”

Thank Youto all our great clients for allowing us to

participate in the care of your pets.

Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry For Cats and Dogs

9837 7th Street across from Thrifty Foods in Sidney

250-656-3955 www.garryoakvet.com

Dr. Lorie Clarke and Staff


9775 Third St., Sidney9781 Third St., Sidney9760 Fourth St., Sidney7105 West Saanich Rd., Brentwood Bay7060 West Saanich Rd., Brentwood Bay2676 Quadra St., Victoria715 Pandora Ave., Victoria

New volunteers are always welcome! No experience necessary. Please call 250-656-3511 or visit www.beaconcs.ca for info.

Furniture DonationPick-Up: call

250.656.6828

Beacon Community Services at SHOAL Activity Centre250-656-5537 • www.beaconcs.ca

10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney

“Helping People – Improving Lives”

Volunteer Services • Youth Employment Programs • Assisted Living • Food Services, Rental & Catering •

Activities & Programs for Improved Health & Well-Being

There is so much more happening at Beacon Community Services at the SHOAL Centre.

Drop by for a visit!

at theSHOAL Centre

Thank you for voting for us!Please continue to enjoy our services and programs.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors, as well as to our

customers for voting for us

for 9 years in a row!


Steven HeywoodNews staff

Start with the fish and chips. Most people do, say Amanda and Bert Minter.

But there’s more to Fish on 5th.The Sidney family restaurant has been a

mainstay of the downtown core of the com-munity for 17 years. It has had an impact on the town and many of the young people who grew up and graduated from high school in Sidney. For many young people, Fish on 5th was their first job. And for plenty of others, it became a long-term gig.

Credit the atmosphere of the restaurant, attitude of the owners and their employ-ees and the Minter’s willingness to let their employees do much of the heavy lifting, says Amanda.

“Some of our staff have been with us for six or seven years and one stayed for 11, right out of high school,” Amanda says. “Over those 17 years, we’ve probably employed 170 people here.”

It’s an opportunity, she continues, for young people to learn the ropes of a new job. Her willingness to give them a lot of leeway and responsibility has also paid off.

“They respond well,” Amanda says. “And our staff get a lot of praise. Our custom-ers are often surprised how these kids can operate on their own and be in charge.”

She said she and Bert lay out their expec-tations clearly at the start and try to make their employees’ experience as positive as possible.

As a result, Amanda says customers are given a genuine response from their serv-ers.

The influence of their staff has added to the eclectic atmosphere of Fish on 5th —

named the top seafood restaurant in the 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Bert says the place is fun, with a nautical theme that includes fisherman’s knots on each table — something for the kids to play with. A picture of other knots encourage them to try their hand at others.

Of course, a restaurant has to have good food to keep people coming back year after year.

“Our fish and chips are our mainstay,” says Bert, noting that they are, at heart, a seafood place.

The restaurant started out as a small take

out place on 5th Street, he says. After they took over, the older home section of the building was renovated, effectively expand-ing the restaurant. Tables were added and the menu grew. A variety of fish dishes are accompanied by salads, wraps and many other options to meet people’s tastes.

Bert says when people come to Fish on 5th, they can expect a personal and sincere experience, good service and good food.

Their reputation has grown over those 17 years in business. These days, whenever visitors to the community ask anyone for a seafood restaurant — it’s Fish on 5th that comes to many people’s minds.

Because of that, Amanda says genera-tions of customers keeping coming back.

“It’s amazing to see people who have either worked here or eaten here, come back with their own kids,” she says.

“We do stay in touch with our past employees and it’s nice to see how they grow and how they have taken on different things,” adds Bert.

The Minters add they hope to provide people with a great dining experience when they come to Fish on 5th.

“We eat out too,” Bert says. “So we have expectations and we know the experience has to be as good as possible.”

Favourite Seafood Restaurant:

1. Fish on 5th2. Sea Glass Waterfront Grill3. Haro’s Restaurant & Bar

Fish on 5th has you hook, line and sinker


Amanda and Bert Minter, owners of Fish on 5th in Sidney.


2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney

For show, ticket and conference information visit:

TICKETS250.656.0275

www.marywinspear.ca

Thunder From Down Under June 19 & 20 at 7:30PM

Pre-show Cocktail Party 6:00-7:30 $5 drinks and complimentary appetizers. Over 15 vendors with products and services for women!

Holly McNarland July 3 at 8:00PMAward-winning Canadian signer-songwriter with the unique whisper-to-a-scream voice

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY FOR THE NOMINATION FOR “BEST SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE”

Sidney’s Best Kept Seniors’

Secret

(note: The SHOAL Centre is not a nursing home. It is the only seniors centre in town with an on-site public activity centre and a public dining room).


Steven HeywoodNews staff

When it comes to picking their favourite trails, readers of the Peninsula News Review made it very clear in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Horth Hill was the out-and-out winner in the Favourite Hiking Spot category.

With its ease of access and proximity to many services, Horth Hill is a great choice for a day hike. The park is used by a lot of people — from hikers and walkers to bird watch-ers, dog walkers and people on horseback. There are a vari-ety of trails within the park, so there are plenty of options for return trips.

Located in North Saanich, Horth Hill was once private property, whose owners allowed people to access the area. In 2002, The Land Conservancy and Capital Regional Dis-trict purchased the land and made it an official regional park.

Horth Hill is home to a variety of wildlife — including wild

turkeys and plenty of other bird species. On the ground, there are wetlands, Garry oak, Western red cedar and Doug-las fir trees.

Once at the viewpoint of the park, visitors can see all around them: the Saanich Peninsula, Satellite Channel and the Gulf Islands.

Considered a moderate hike, Horth Hill is located off Tatlow Road in North Saanich. To get there, take the Wain Road exit off the Pat Bay Highway north of Sidney. Cross the highway onto Wain Road and turn right onto Tatlow Road. The park entrance is a short drive away and on the right.

For more, see www.crd.bc.ca.

Favourite Hiking Spot:

1. Horth Hill2. Dean Park3. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

Horth Hill is simply the tops


Horth Hill Regional Park (above, left) was chosen by readers as their favourite hiking spot. It’s a gem among great outdoor places on the Saanich Peninsula.


Thank you!

Sidney 9810 Seventh St 250.656.0946 > Central Saanich 7860 Wallace Dr 250.544.0980 > thriftyfoods.com

Sidney & Central Saanich for your votes of confi dence and continued patronage.

We look forward to serving you for years to come!

may 30, 2014

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