Peninsula News Review, December 13, 2013

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Farewell to AngusStaff and supporters of the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre say good-bye to a founder, page 5

Watch for breaking news at www.vicnews.comC O M M U N I T Y N E W S M E D I A

Black Press Friday, December 13, 2013

PENINSULA R E V I E WNEWS

Butterfly Gardens reopensCentral Saanich tourist attraction replaced its roof over the last nine weeks, page 7

Steven Heywood/News staff

Kennedy Archibald and Josh Rikhi enjoy a rare treat Tuesday morning - pond hockey in Central Saanich near Michell’s Farm. Freezing temperatures on the Peninsula of late created new ice surfaces for the pair of local hockey players and Stelly’s Secondary students to enjoy.

Devon MacKenzieNews staff

After a lengthy process search-ing for a location to build a new facility, the Brentwood Bay Boys and Girls Club finally has land on which they may build a new home.

In May of this year, the group made a presentation to Cen-

tral Saanich council concerning the deterioration of their facility located behind the United Church in Brentwood.

The group was looking for a new location to build a modest facil-ity, preferably somewhere in the heart of Brentwood, they said.

In a report presented in June, Central Saanich staff outlined four

possibilities for relocation of the proposed 1,400 square foot facil-ity.

All possible locations were centred around the piece of land which houses Pioneer Park, the library and cultural centre and the Centre for Active Living 55+.

A fifth option was later added to the list of options and was part

of a discussion at Monday night’s council meeting.

The list had been paired down to two viable options — one back-ing on to Rom Knott Park and looking out over the Library and Cultural Centre parking lot (site D) and one located at the west end of the parking lot (site E).

On Monday night, Mayor

Alastair Bryson moved to approve the option to locate the building on site D.

After discussion on the topic, Mayor Bryson’s motion was voted down and another motion was made to support the location on site E.

Boys and Girls Club has land to call home

Please see: Further delays rejected, page 4

A2 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 13, 2013- PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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A2 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 13, 2013- PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Jeff NagelBlack Press

VANCOUVER — B.C. pharmacies are now banned from handing out loyalty reward points to customers for prescription drug purchases.

The measure – effective Dec. 2 – is already drawing outrage from

shoppers and has sparked a legal challenge from Canada Safeway and Thrifty Foods, both arms of the Sobeys group that offer popular loy-alty card points.

The College of Pharmacists of B.C. first proposed a ban in 2012 but shelved it amid strong public opposi-tion.

However, the college’s board re-examined the issue after the pro-vincial election and unanimously approved the ban Sept. 20, arguing loyalty points are a powerful lure that can alter some shoppers’ buy-ing habits and potentially harm their health.

The bylaw prohibits various gifts,

rebates, refunds and other incen-tives, not just loyalty points.

Canada Safeway and Thrifty Foods were slated to be in court this week, seeking an injunction.

They argue the incentives ban mainly targets larger chains and unfairly props up smaller indepen-dent pharmacies.

Loyalty point ban hits pharmacies; court challenge ahead

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 13, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A3PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 13, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A3

Jeff NagelBlack Press

VANCOUVER — Canada Post will phase out door-to-door delivery of mail in urban areas in a new bid to cut costs.

Many newer suburban neighbourhoods already have community mail-boxes. But the Crown cor-poration says the remaining one third of Canadian house-holds that still get home delivery will be switched to community mailboxes or

grouped or lobby mailboxes over the next five years.

It cites declining use of postal mail — a billion fewer pieces of mail were deliv-ered last year compared to 2006 — as households shift to online bill payments and other digital communication.

The price of stamps will also go up from 63 to 85 cents each if bought in booklets, or $1 for individual stamps.

It means up to 8,000 fewer postal workers will be needed, which Canada Post says will be shed by attrition,

as nearly 15,000 workers are expected to retire or leave voluntarily over the next five years.

“With its current labour costs, Canada Post has a much higher cost structure than its competitors in the private sector have,” Canada Post said in a news release. “This is simply not sustain-able.”

The changes are expected to save a combined $700 to $900 million per year.

A Conference Board of Canada report last spring

found Canada Post would face losses of $1 billion a year by 2020 without major reform.

Reaction has been mixed but one concern being raised is that many more banks of community mailboxes will be vulnerable to mail theft by identity thieves.

There have been ongoing mail theft reports in Metro Vancouver communities that already have the clustered group boxes. Surrey resident Craig Findlay says the com-munity mailbox in his Fleet-

wood neighbourhood was broken into repeatedly and says Canada Post must make them more secure before converting the remaining urban neighbourhoods.

“It’s going to be an exer-cise in futility as far as I’m concerned,” Findlay said.

Findlay said it might be smarter to reduce home delivery to every second or third day, or else put group boxes in publicly accessible indoor areas such as malls, until mail thieves can be thwarted.

Canada Post to end home delivery in urban areasCommunity mail boxes coming for all remaining households

Steven HeywoodNews staff

Debate over whether a return to full two-way traffic flow on Sidney’s Beacon Ave-nue is in the cards could boil down to the cost.

Both the Town of Sidney and the Sidney Tourism Improvement Group (STIG) have asked for engineering and cost reports showing what would need to take place on the street to make it fully two-way. The reports differ on the bottom line and both parties have said that the cost to taxpayers for any change could sway the out-come of a public consulta-tion process in December and January. STIG, however, hopes that cost alone won’t be the only determining fac-tor in this decision.

Currently, traffic on Bea-con Avenue is two-way between the Pat Bay High-way and Fifth Street; one-way between Fifth and Second streets, and; two-way again between Second and First streets.

The battle over traffic flow has been simmering since 1997, when the Town, under then-Mayor Don Amos, changed the three-block segment of the street for both beautification and business delivery reasons.

Not everyone was keen on the change. Denis Paquette, owner of Sidney Waterfront Inn and Suites has been a vocal proponent of the two-way system in an effort to keep visitors in town longer and, therefore, help improve the local economy.

Paquette and other busi-ness owners formed STIG earlier this year and the movement for two-way traf-fic has been growing, put-

ting pressure on the munici-pality. A traffic movement study conducted by Urban Systems this year was not designed to look at Beacon Avenue specifically, but the company did so when they had less work than time allot-ted in their contract with the Town. They deemed the one-way portion of Beacon to be counter-intuitive for drivers — yet before any change, the Town would have to consult

with business owners and the rest of the community.

After initial delays and con-tinued pressure from STIG and others, the Town voted this month to proceed with public consultation. A public meeting on the issue is ten-tatively set for Jan. 23 at the Mary Winspear Centre.

Part of that announcement included a Town engineering department report estimat-ing the cost to revert Beacon

back to two-way traffic would be $150,000 to $250,000.

Prior to that, STIG held its own public meeting, reveal-ing they asked two engineer-ing firms to provide cost esti-mates as well. Steve Duck of TIDES Group and working with STIG, says those esti-mates were verbal-only, but put the cost of reverting Bea-con to a full two-way system at $60,000 or $125,000.

In an email to the PNR, Duck said getting the written estimates on those numbers will cost around $2,500 and may be out of reach by STIG at this point.

“Given the range when the Town’s estimate is included, it’s apparent the devil is in the details which will make valuable comparison diffi-cult,” Duck stated.

That said, Duck seemed to soften STIG’s insistence on the two-way option for Bea-con Avenue.

“The one-way versus two-way stand does not provide for any vision of what is the better way for Beacon Ave-nue,” he said. “Certainly, STIG has been encouraging an evaluation of two-way in response to the Urban Sys-tems traffic report recom-mendations.”

Costs driving Beacon Ave. debateSidney and traffic lobbyists differ on costs; agree on public process

Submitted/Town of Sidney

Town engineering drawings show proposed changes to Beacon Avenue should a portion of it revert to two-way traffic system. The Town based its cost estimate on these plans.

PleAse see: STIG will work with, page 4

Peninsula News in brief

Coins campaign rolls onSIDNEY — More than $1,000 has been raised in this year’s Coins for Kids cam-paign, put on by the Peninsula News Review.Readers con-tinue to bring in their coins and that total will certainly increase — so folks, remem-ber to drop off your coins at the PNR office on Second Street in Sidney.The fundrais-ing effort will help the Saanich Peninsula Secret Santas’ Toys for Tots campaign.

— News staff

students, seniors visit Government HouseVICTORIA — Students from Saanich Pen-insula schools and seniors from local care facili-ties spent time this week with B.C. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon at Government House.There were fes-tive activities such as Christ-mas tree deco-rating, a Christ-mas tea, lights and more.

— Submitted

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“The long term vision of this group is for shared streets for all modes of transport, which will include mov-ing cars in both direc-tions.”

Duck added Town council has the respon-sibility to determine the outcome and STIG will work with Sidney’s

public participation process.

Mayor Larry Cross said in an interview with the PNR recently that the public process has begun. There’s a survey online at www.sidney.ca, seeking peo-ple’s opinions about Beacon Avenue. There are also plans to host public forums in the

new year (one is tenta-tively set for Jan. 23).

Chief Administrative Officer Randy Humble added the Town really wants to promote its online survey — Sid-

neySays — as a venue for public feedback. He said there will be mail outs going to busi-nesses and residents

that will include the survey.

Once the Christmas season is complete, said Cross, the pub-

lic consultation pro-cess will ramp up and firm times and dates for meetings and open houses on the future of Beacon Avenue will be announced.

Humble said the Town hopes to wrap up its consultation by mid-to-late February with staff recommendations to council to follow.

[email protected]

“My question is who will bear the costs of having to tear up the asphalt to put down a foundation?” asked Bryson.

“All site and con-struction costs will be borne by the appli-cants,” clarified Bruce Grieg, the director of planning for the munic-ipality.

Other concerns on

the site E location cen-tred around the loss of 11 parking stalls in the lot in order to con-struct the building, but the motion in support of the location passed.

“I’m pleased because now we know we’ll have a home in Brent-wood for the Club,” said Councillor Carl Jensen.

Jensen echoed senti-ments from Boys and Girls Club staff who had concerns about finan-cial support for the project falling through because of the delays experienced in finding a location.

Coun. Zeb King made a motion after the site was chosen to request more public input on the location.

“My fear with more public consultation after the fact is that it might be a case of one step forward and two steps back,” said Bryson.

“The longer we delay, I have more concerns that it could cost the club the success of their project.”

King’s motion was voted down, five votes to two.

[email protected]

Continued from page 1

Further delays rejected by council

Continued from page 3

STIG will work with Sidney’s public participation process

1. Town of Sidney cost estimate• Basic one-way to two-way conversion (north side of Beacon Avenue) - $162,480*• South side curb reconstruction for relocated crosswalks - $36,960• Replace large painted voids each side of Second Street with landscaped median - $26,000

• Spilt phase signal timing at Seventh Street and Beacon - $19,200*Costs include 20% contingencies

2. STIG cost estimate• Two verbal-only estimates of $60,000 and $125,000, respectively.

Cost report breakdowns on Beacon Avenue conversion

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Angus Matthews is still a big booster of the Salish Sea and every-thing in and around it — including the Shaw Ocean Discovery Cen-tre.

“It has been the high-light of my career,” Mat-thews told a full house of friends, family, com-munity leaders, volun-teers and well-wishers at a celebration Tues-day night at the Sidney aquarium.

Matthews, one of the founding members of the SODC and its first executive direc-tor, announced this fall he was leaving the job. This week, the community honoured Matthews for his hard work and dedication to seeing the non-profit educational aquarium become a reality.

“Thank you for play-ing such a pivotal role,” said Murray Farmer, who was part of the original fundraising campaign to make the project a reality.

Farmer said he and his wife Lynda were part of a group of vision-aries who wanted the world-class marine cen-tre to become a reality in their community.

“Angus was limitless in his enthusiasm and energy,” Farmer said. “Here was someone who could not think small. It just wasn’t in his genes.”

Co-workers at the aquarium and mem-bers of the volunteer board of the SODC recalled Matthews’ hard work in creating designs for the facil-

ity and spearheading efforts to raise the mil-lions of dollars required to build it.

“Angus the magi-cian,” intoned former board member Peter Boyd, telling the his-tory of the SODC in the form of a medieval nar-rative.

Members of the Sam-son family were on hand to sing Paddle Song, a First Nations welcoming song. Mat-thews created, with this family and many

others, strong relation-ships that continue from the opening of the SODC in 2009 to this day.

Matthews’ efforts to improve the commu-nity didn’t stop with the aquarium. As one of the largest tourist attractions in Sidney, the Shaw Ocean Dis-covery Centre, through Matthews, worked to unify local business interests.

He was most recently a founding member and marketing chair-person of the Sidney Business Improvement Area (SBIA). It was cre-ated to help spread the word of just what the community has to offer and to increase Sidney’s economic for-tunes as a result.

Chair of the SBIA Cliff McNeil-Smith said Mat-thews made a presen-tation on establishing a marketing and brand-ing entity on the Penin-sula many months ago.

“I recall how Sid-

ney business owners asked him how they could do better,” said McNeil-Smith. “It was the start of the Sidney Business Development Group (which led to the SBIA).”

Sidney Mayor Larry Cross thanked Mat-thews for his energy, integrity and sense of fun. Cross admitted he had his doubts about the marine centre early on, but said that Mat-thews made it work, and made it an integral part of the community today.

Matthews himself wasn’t quite ready to stop being so bullish on the Salish Sea and the SODC. He said the area is all about rela-tionships — that of the ocean, surrounded by some seven million people who live on its shores.

“The ocean is unbe-lievably big,” he said.

“It does whatever the hell it wants and that dynamic has brought

people together.”Matthews thanked

the people around him from the beginning of the project to the real-ization of the dream, for their support — includ-ing his wife, Sandy.

He added the future of the SODC looks bright, thanks to peo-ple like the staff, vol-unteer oceaneers and board members.

[email protected]


Central Saanich Police Service

• On Dec. 8 around 10:30 a.m. during a routine traf-fic patrol, an officer noticed a red pick up truck pull into the Esso gas station at the corner of Mount Newton X Road and the Pat Bay highway. While doing a regular check, the offi-cer discovered the driver was prohibited from driving and had been previously convicted of a charge under the motor vehicle act. The 24-year-old Central Saanich man was arrested at

the scene and issued a provin-cial appearance notice.

• Two drunk drivers were nabbed on the morning of Dec. 7 within two hours of each other thanks to observant citi-zens.

The first man, a 42-year-old from Victoria, was pulled over around 8:15 a.m. on the Pat Bay highway near Mount New-ton X Road. A driver had fol-lowed the man from Saanich and noticed he was weaving and driving erratically. When a police officer caught up with the vehicle, the driver blew two fails and was issued a 90-day-suspension and had his vehicle impounded.

The second driver was reported by a citizen after he was found to be driving

erratically on Island View Road around 10:30 a.m.

When police caught up with the 28-year-old man from North Saanich, he too blew two fails and was issued a 90-day driving suspension and had his vehicle impounded.

• On Dec. 6 around 9:10 p.m. officers conducted a Counterattack road block at the corner of West Saanich Road and Slugget Road. Offi-cers stopped a blue pickup truck en route northbound on West Saanich and noted the driver smelled a lot like alcohol. After denying multiple times that he’d been drinking, the 47-year-old Central Saanich man blew two fails and was issued a 90-day suspension and had his vehicle towed.

‘Tis the season of impaired driversPoliCe NeWSThe Saanich Peninsula beat

Aquarium co-founder celebratedCommunity leaders, co-workers, volunteers bid Angus Matthews good-bye


Charles Elliott, master carver, holds up a carved paddle, a gift to SODC executive director Angus Matthews Tuesday night.


Outgoing SODC executive director Angus Matthews.

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A6 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 13, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEWA6 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 13, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

VIEWPOINTThe Peninsula News Review is published by Black Press Ltd. | #6 - 9843 Second St., Sidney, B.C. V8L 3C7 | Phone: 250-656-1151 • Fax: 250-656-5526 • Web: www.vicnews.com

Jim Parker PublisherSteven Heywood EditorJanice Marshall Production ManagerBruce Hogarth Circulation Manager

The PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

The Peninsula News Review is published every Wednesday and Friday by Black Press Ltd., #6 - 9843 Second St., Sidney, B.C. V8L 3C7. Phone: 250-656-1151. Fax: 250-656-5526. Web: www.vicnews.com

OUR VIEW

What do you think? Give us your comments by e-mail: [email protected] or fax 250-386-2624. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification.

Decision made, so move onTime heals all wounds. Or so the saying

goes.In some cases, however, time can also

open some new wounds. That might have been the case as the Central Saanich Boys and girls Club waited — and waited — for the municipality to make up its mind on where the Club might be able to build a new facility.

It appears that for the most part, the District council was in favour of the Boys and Girls Club rebuilding their facility within municipal boundaries. The sticking point then became where that spot might be. They began looking for a new site in May.

Now, some seven months later, they have that site approved by council.

In the meantime, organizers and fundraisers must have felt on pins and needles for most of that time, waiting

for an approval that would eventually come, but trying to hold on to donors and financing options willing to wait for the land issue to be resolved.

A decision like this probably should not have taken so long. Yet, such is often the nature of the beast when it comes to local politics. Agreeing with and supporting of an organization like the Boys and Girls Club is fine on the surface, but where that support really counts is in the willingness to get the job done. And done properly, of course.

For anyone to ask for further public consultation on the issue of clubhouse location, after the site was approved, is a perceived attempt at stalling the process under the guise of seeking more public input.

It’s fair to say that this proposal has had its share of public scrutiny over the last seven months. There appears to be little in the way of outspoken opposition to the Club’s proposal and the District has done its due diligence in choosing a location.

It’s now time to let the Boys and Girls Club rebuild.

It’s now time to let the Boys and Girls Club rebuild

YOUR VIEW

Re: Organic waste disposal.At the recent meeting concerning

the future of the Agriculture Land Reserve several issues critical to our future were raised by farmers, politicians and citizens.

It was noted there were sufficient numbers of Central Saanich council for a quorum. Only one councillor from Sidney was present, notable in that, earlier, the Town had held an open house to introduce and implement their blanket fee-for-service kitchen organics program.

Most importantly, as noted by Adam Olsen, former Central Saanich councillor and emphasized by farmers, is that food security is our most critical issue and Vancouver Island is alarmingly vulnerable to perturbations in the environment and our precarious geology.

As abundantly clear from recent catastrophes, we would be foolish to not take individual and collective action to prepare for emergency. As one speaker noted, we have only 72 hours of emergency food reserves.

An agro-ecologist noted one of the more acute problems is the recycling of nutrients and the health of the soil which takes a long time to build. Humus from organics is the key factor to production on the Saanich Peninsula.

We, a family of four, have practiced such non-emission humus/carbon recycling for decades. Hardly an ounce of organic waste has ever left our yard. We took the federal government’s One-

Ton-Challenge seriously. Our diet is supplemented by a variety of fruits and vegetables and our small lawn does not create carbon emissions or noise.

It is puzzling, then, why the Town of Sidney is imposing a mandatory surcharge of $156 for a service we do not want or need and which demonstrably increases carbon emissions in transport as well as neighbourhood uproar over the smell. Therefore, we are being severely penalized.

Something is wrong here, sort of like the proverbial butt not talking to the mouth. It’s time to integrate our environmental and agricultural policies for the Peninsula. Political expediency only delays the inevitable accounting, in the face of change.

One thing too was made clear, the citizens must engage with their leaders to implement change. We have no time — and no need — to waste.

James K. FinleySidney

Don’t compete with farmsRe: Voters need critical thinking

skills. Mr. Springfield Harrison is encouraging voters to use critical thinking skills in next year’s elections.

Perhaps I have been and still am one without said skills. Thank you Mr. Upward for your defense of the councillors who held out

for a better deal. A win is a win. It seems like those who oppose the majority of council simply cannot accept that they could actually do the community a favour and get something right.

Under no circumstances do I wish to see the largely agricultural nature of North Saanich change. However, I cannot accept that we must fight all development. We have a responsibility to build a community with jobs and homes. If Mr. Harrison is so concerned about the tax revenue then I suppose he would have no objection against a similar commercial development even without the offer of land to our community.

In my view we simply do not need a community farm. We have enough farm land.

What we may be short of is actual farmers. With all the risk attached to farming why would we compete with those farmers struggling to make a living? A growing community is a growing market for local food.

It’s time to build a slightly larger community and maybe even a community centre for North Saanich. And with it a new spirit of co-operation.

J. A. TomminenNorth Saanich

•••Let your voice be heard. Send your thoughts to [email protected]

Horse and mouth disease

Questionof the week? Last Week

we asked you:

Will the addition of more community mailboxes help people get to know their neighbours better?

Answer online at www.vicnews.com

Interest rates in Canada are expected to remain low for the foreseeable future. Is that enough impetus for you to look closer at the housing market?YES 9% NO 73% PERHAPS 18%


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CBC needs to change

Groucho Marx said of television, “It’s very educational. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”

Ninety-five per cent of today’s hundreds of platforms provide content focused on selling us stuff, demonstrating the point Groucho was making — it’s mostly eye-candy interrupted by commercials.

The NHL-Rogers 12-year hockey rights deal threw a hand-grenade at CBC-TV, with a time-delay fuse.

CBC-TV’s sports property and crown jewel, is gone.

In Oct. 2014, HNIC will be editorially-controlled by the folks at Rogers. Rogers will decide what games will be carried on the CBC-TV network, under their control. All related revenue (a very large chunk of CBC-TV’s annual revenue) is retained by Rogers.

HNIC will continue on CBC-TV for four years. Rogers will not charge CBC a rights fee. Rogers will, in effect, be feeding HNIC

(their show) to the full CBC-TV network and all of their other platforms on Saturday night.

This could be considered by the CBC as a devastating and potentially lethal blow, especially when the hand grenade explodes at the end of the four year shot-gun marriage between Rogers and CBC-TV orchestrated by Gary Bettman.

This bombshell is a wake-up call, a golden opportunity for the CBC to use the four years to change the direction CBC-TV has been going for the past decade or more.

The time for redemption is at hand, providing those in power (politicians and CBC board members) have the courage, tenacity and leadership to slowly turn the direction of the aircraft carrier into a non-commercial, content relevant, public broadcaster.

If the next four years are not dedicated to this challenge, CBC-TV will disappear.

Taxpayers now pay $34 per year to support the public broadcaster. An extra $20 per-

year per-capita will provide the sustenance to achieve the goal. It’s that important to the maintenance of our democracy.

Ron DevionBrentwood Bay

(Mr. Devion is a former Head of CBC Sports, former Director of TV for CBC British Columbia, and former Head of the CBC Host Broadcaster for the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games.)

One ugly buildingRegarding PNR article Dec. 4,

Legal grow-op building, page 1. Your staff reporter

Devon MacKenzie deserves commendation for her article on the new grow-op building at 6922 Lochside Drive. She accurately reported the facts in regards to the location, owners, purpose, and ALR status.

But what really impressed me was her total objectivity in completely ignoring the fact that this is the ugliest structure we’ve ever seen.

Never mind that it’s situated in the beautiful Island View area

by Michell Farms. She has shown remarkable restraint in her reporting.

Central Saanich, shame on you for allowing this hideous architecture in our back yard.

Bruce PrittieCentral Saanich

Upgrade the current hallI was quite surprised when

reading your Friday, Nov. 29 edition, to learn of the Town of Sidney’s intention to look at replacement properties for the current fire hall.

I was elected to council in Nov. of 1987. A referendum to replace the very old hall was also on the ballot.

Obviously, the referendum passed and the current fire hall was built in 1989. It replaced a hall that was not suitable for earthquake survival — again the current reason to replace the replacement hall.

The current hall is under 30 years old, making it one of the newest fire halls in the Capital Regional District. Yet our council

wants to replace it.Let’s upgrade the old hall and

stop using the perpetual excuse of ongoing earthquake issues.

Also there is talk of a composite fire department, that is, a combination of volunteer and paid professional firefighters. This is because the demographic in Sidney makes it possible that daytime fires could be difficult to respond to.

A check of available records reveals that at no time has the Sidney Fire Department used the mutual aid agreement that exists with other local fire departments. Would this not indicate that a shortage has yet to occur? The wage numbers quoted in the paper seem to downplay the costs of such an endeavour.

Quoting real/correct union wage totals should provide the public with useful information regarding what could become a very expensive municipal department, given the plans coming up in the near and distant future.

Robert JonesSidney

LETTERS


After nine weeks, Butterfly Gar-dens in Central Saanich reopened Dec. 7 and its general manager is happy that people have found their way back to the tourist attraction.

David Roberts says Butterfly Gardens shut its doors to replace it aging roof. Glass panels were replaced with poly-carbonate inserts. The project had two main benefits for the facility — making the roof lighter and allowing them to get rid of wood beams that affected visitor sight lines, and better insulating the roof which will reduce their heating costs.

Roberts said he was a little nervous that it might take some time for visitors to return after the nine-week closure. But, thanks to Facebook fans helping spread the word, people came back on their reopening weekend and visits

have been steady since.Butterfly World is home to hun-

dreds of butterfly varieties (they bring in 700 pupa each week from Costa Rica and the Philippines),

rescued or donated tropical birds and fish and they have a giant tor-toise habitat.

In addition to their collection of exotic flowers, meat-eating plants

and tropical food trees, Roberts said Butterfly Gardens also has a Colombia Corner — where they accept donations for their long-term project of helping people in

Colombia create a butterfly farm to help add to the local facility’s collection. For more information about Butterfly Gardens, visit www.butterflygardens.com.

Butterfly Gardens reopens with a new roofNew roof will save on heating costs


Butterfly Gardens’ general manager David Roberts says he’s pleased with the public’s return to the tourist attraction following a nine-week roof replacement project.


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Aside from oil, the com-modity we most hear and read

about is gold. Many experts tout gold as the ultimate invest-ment — the investor’s hedge against inflation, a weakening dollar and, generally, uncertain economic times.

In the past few years as gold prices climbed dramatically to a peak of around $1,900 an ounce, advocacy for gold as a sure-fire investment steadily gained ground. As is usually the case, during this upward price tra-jectory, the herd men-tality prevailed. Inves-tors large and small joined the frenzied rush to gold. Then came the sudden, downward price spiral. Many portfolios were devas-tated as, in a few short months, gold crashed by about 40 per cent, to $1,300 an ounce.

As the above price volatility illustrates, gold is much less an astute investment than a gamble, sub-ject to the whim of investors rather than the real interplay of normal supply and demand forces. There is no other example of a commodity where its price is driven largely by emotional investor reaction.

If an investor takes a position on another commodity such as silver, copper, coal or iron ore — whether in the commodity itself or through shares of the producers — he knows the underly-ing value is primarily driven by both the sup-ply and the consump-tion-driven demand for the commodity itself. In a product such as oil, some effect on price may be attributable to world political and economic stresses, but even so, the main deter-

minant of value will be the available supply vs. actual demand.

Unlike all other com-modities, gold is, for the most part, not bought for consumption.

World-wide, there are some 170,000 tons of gold in above-ground inventory. This mas-sive reserve is about 60 times the world’s annual production. It resides mainly in jew-elry, in Central Banks and in the hands of investors. The world’s actual annual industrial consumption of gold is only about 2,440 tons. While this represents 90 per cent of annual gold production, it is a mere 1.4 per cent of existing world supply.

The price of gold can be exceptionally vola-tile. It can react to sud-den decisions, not only of investors, but also of

Central Banks, some of which may decide to buy or sell large quanti-ties in response to their nation’s economic situ-ation.

In a well-diversified portfolio, gold may have a place as a very small percentage of one’s investments. However, gold pays nei-ther interest nor divi-dends. An investor may be better to invest in shares of a few low-cost gold producers with a solid track record of healthy dividend per-

formance.Predicting the move-

ment of any investment in the shorter-term has repeatedly been shown to be near-impossible, even for experts. Due to gold’s unique inde-pendence from normal industrial supply and demand forces, predict-ing its price direction is virtually impossible.

If you are willing to make investment deci-sions on the flip of a coin, then investing in gold may be for you – a 50/50 chance of a

positive price move is about the best proba-bility anyone can count on - not a particularly sound strategy for responsible investment decisions!

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Gold as an investment is becoming a gamble

Peter DolezalFinancial Savvy

“If you are willing to make investment decisions on the flip of a coin, then investing in gold might be for you — a 50/50 chance of a positive price move is about the best probability anyone can count on.”

A sudden, downward spiral hit the herd of investors

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Ear Wax is Good!Everyone has some amount of wax in their ears. However, our society generally views wax as un-pleasant. Cerumen (the medical term for earwax) is produced close to the outside of the ear canal by the cerumenous and sebaceous glands. Research has shown that ear wax is an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal agent for the ear canal designed to protect it from foreign objects and debris. Ear wax has a noxious smell and taste which deters small insects from making a home in the ear canal.Many people attempt to remove wax on their own using Q-tips, keys, bobby pins, suction devices adver-tised on TV, ear candling and many more interesting ways that DO NOT HELP and can cause injury to the ear canal and/or eardrum. A build up of ear wax can block sound from entering your ears so if you have concerns about your hearing or fullness in your ear please see an audiologist or family physician. A build up of wax in ear canals can create problems for clients that wear hearing aids by causing annoying feedback or whistling. If this happens please visit an audiologist that is trained and certified in cerumen management.Ear wax has a definite function for our ears. How-ever, if it is creating difficulty please consult with a professional.

The Peninsula News Review

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Elder College Open HouseThursday, January 9th, 2014, 1pm - 3pm & 5 - 7pm@ Greenglade Community Centre - 2151 Lannon Way Join us in celebrating Panorama Recreation’s NEW partnership with Sidney Senior Care. You are invited to stop in for tours, demonstrations and refreshments. Enter to win door prizes including free memberships, courses, and monthly passes. Peninsula Elder College offers low cost courses for adults 50 years and better who still want to learn.

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Daniel PalmerNews staff

“I didn’t know I was going to get old,” says Gayle, sitting on a wilted La-Z-Boy amongst her peers at Silver Threads Services’ Saanich activ-ity centre.

At 4-foot-9 with a con-fident gaze, the 71-year-old lives off about $1,400 per month from mostly government funding.

Gayle is lucky enough to have paid for her condo outright, but a mid-life divorce and subsequent return to work in low-paying customer service jobs

meant she was never able save for retire-ment.

I worked really, really hard,” she says. “But when you earn $800 a month, by the time you’ve lived, you can’t afford those kind of things.”

Gayle’s story is just one of thousands becoming more familiar as a new international report reveals divorced and widowed Canadian seniors, predominantly women, are being hit hardest by the rising cost of living accompa-nied by stagnant gov-ernment support.

Canadians 65 and

older are doing rela-tively well when com-pared with other seniors in advanced countries, according to a comprehensive study on pensions in 34 coun-tries by the Organiza-tion for Economic Co-operation and Develop-ment. The senior pov-erty rate in Canada is among the 10 lowest in the OECD.

But more concern-ing is that while many senior poverty rates were falling between 2007 and 2010 in other countries, poverty amongst Canadian seniors increased by about two per cent dur-ing the same period.

“Higher poverty among older women reflects lower wages, more part-time work and career gaps dur-ing women’s working lives,” said the OECD report, which also

noted longer female life expectancy plays a role in inadequate retire-ment savings.

The report also found that public pen-sion transfers in other advanced countries accounted for 59 per cent of seniors’ gross income, while Cana-dian government trans-fers account for less than 39 per cent.

“Further reforms are needed that are both fiscally and socially responsible,” said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gur-ría. “We cannot risk a resurgence of old-age poverty in the future. This risk is heightened by growing earnings inequality in many countries, which will feed through into greater inequality in retirement.”

The increasing finan-cial pressure on seniors

is prompting the fed-eral NDP and several provincial leaders to push for an immediate increase in Canadian Pension Plan transfer amounts. The CPP and Old Age Security trans-fers account for the vast majority of public transfers to seniors in Canada.

“You’ve got a huge advantage to put money into RRSPs, but less than 50 per cent of eligible people do it,” said Victoria MP and pensions critic Murray Rankin in a recent inter-view. Rankin will table a motion in the House of Commons Monday calling for public pen-

sion reform, but faces staunch opposition from the federal Con-servatives.

“The State will have to intervene anyhow when this gets worse,” Rankin said. “We just don’t think it’s going to happen if we simply ask people to put money aside.”

Federal Finance Min-ister Jim Flaherty has indicated the Cana-dian economy is too fragile to consider any increases to CPP pre-miums or transfers, and the Canadian Fed-eration of Indepen-dent Business is also opposed to higher pre-miums.

Edna, an 87-year-old expat from the U.K., lost her husband in 2012.

While she’s able to afford semi-regular trips to see her family in Vancouver, she scoffs at the lack of affordable and subsidized hous-ing for seniors on lean incomes.

“They keep putting up these buildings for seniors, but they’re just too expensive,” she says. “My husband and I applied for subsidized housing more than a decade ago in Vancou-ver, and they said they had 16,000 people on the waiting list. And it’s probably got worse now. I think a lot of seniors are suffering.”

But with OAS eligibil-ity set to rise from 65 to 67 years of age begin-ning in 2023, the grow-ing crisis of senior pov-erty doesn’t yet have a clear solution.

“You don’t expect the government to do it all, of course you have to make plans,” says Gayle, as the weekly seniors gathering comes to an end.

“Where I live is a lit-tle over $500 between my taxes, fire insur-ance, maintenance fees and hydro. I don’t have Internet or a computer, I have an answering machine and a landline. ... It’s not easy. If I didn’t get that little extra bit of lining from the gov-ernment, I don’t know what I’d do.”[email protected]

Seniors struggle quietly as help stagnatesReport reveals divorced and widowed Canadian seniors are being hit hardest by the rising cost of living

Black Press file photo

The senior poverty rate in Canada is among the 10 lowest in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

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Today’s dream becomes tomorrow’s memories


Seniors in Focus is a regular feature in the Peninsula News Review.

Running once a month, these pages showcase local issues and events important to area seniors.

Do you know of a senior citizen on the Peninsula who deserves a little attention? Do you have a senior-specific event com-ing up soon? Let us know.

Call the editor at 250-656-1151, ext. 128.

Do you have a seniors’ story?


A program run by Silver Threads is pro-viding a much-needed service for seniors all over Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula.

The Reassurance for Seniors Volunteer Pro-gram (RSVP) is a no charge community ser-vice that provides daily contact to seniors that live alone.

Trained volunteers offer a daily (five days a week) check-in phone call to ensure that the senior is safe and well.

“What we’re trying to do is offer another resource for seniors who live independently. By offering the check-in service it not only gives the senior a sense of security but also their families who may not always be near,” said Tracy Ryan, the direc-tor of community rela-tions for Silver Threads.

Ryan went on to explain that the pro-

gram is being re-jigged after a bit of a hiatus.

“We have run this program in the past and it’s just taking off again,” Ryan said, add-ing that the volunteers collect essential infor-mation on the senior during the intake pro-cess so volunteers have all the information they need should a situ-ation arise.

“We’re also now working with the Com-munity Care Occupa-tional Therapists from Island Health to see that they have intake forms for our check-in program with them when they do their vis-its.

“That way they can fill them out with the seniors and make sure all the information is complete,” Ryan said.

The program, she continued, is already seeing success and seems to be used by a growing number of seniors.

“Many elderly seniors want to live

independently and hav-ing that daily check-in and hearing a friendly voice on the end of the phone puts them at ease,” she said.

Silver Threads Service is a chari-t a b l e , n o t - f o r -profit soci-ety that p r o v i d e s p r o g r a m s and services that enhance social connec-tions and well-being for seniors, including those at risk.

Those interested in being a part of Silver Threads’ reassurance program can call the Silver Threads Saan-

ich Centre at 250-382-3151 and have a staff mem-ber com-plete the i n t a k e

process over the phone.

For more informa-tion on Silver Threads programming or mem-bership or the RSVP program, visit www.sil-verthreads.ca.

Silver Threads offering reassurance programVolunteer effort by local organization provides daily contact to seniors living independently

Devon MackenzieNews staff

A new guide avail-able at Tanner’s Books will help people from all walks of life search out information and resources.

The 2014 edition of My Help! Book published by a local woman features 64 pages of resources — phone numbers, email addresses, street addresses and more — all in one small guide.

Cynthia L’Hirondelle, the book’s publisher, got the idea because she was frequently asked by friends and family for resource information and con-tacts.

“There are people out there who fre-quently get asked for advice or direction, people who are infor-mal community help-ers or perhaps volun-teers. After hearing the questions, people were asking, I thought, ‘why not put all this informa-tion in one easily acces-sible place?’ That’s how the book was born,” L’Hirondelle explained.

As backwards as pub-lishing a paper book may seem in this day and age, L’Hirondelle said there are advan-tages to it.

“Many people have problems finding the information or help they need on the inter-net because of three things: not knowing

what to look for, infor-mation overload and not knowing what key words to use. There’s a distinct digital divide out there, not everyone has access or wants access to resources online. So a tangible resource like the My Help! Book is a neces-sity for some people.”

The books are priced at $5 (some sponsors like Salvador Davis in Sidney purchased the books bulk and donated them to the SHOAL Centre to give to residents at no cost) and L’Hirondelle hand-picked each resource listed.

“It has 45 sections and 900 listings cover-ing every aspect of indi-vidual and community services including key provincial and national listings and listings for the lower mainland. The book lists contacts for everything from legal resources, health resources, crisis lines, employment resources and more. It definitely doesn’t list every single resource out there but I’ve carefully chosen the contacts to reflect a good diversity.”

L’Hirondelle said she is also working on a digital version of My Help! Book for mobile devices that should be available in 2015.

For more informa-tion, visit www.myhelp-book.me.

[email protected]

Resources at your fingertips, on paperNew publication lists resources of all types

SENIORS IN FOCUS


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See us for all of your holiday needs!


December 20, 21 & 27 7:30 PMDecember 22, 28 & 29 2:00 PM

Tickets

Adults $20 • Senior/Student $16 • Plus tax

Peninsula Players proudly presents their Annual Christmas Pantomime

Tickets for all venues are available online at ThePeninsulaPlayers.ca or at the door one hour prior to curtain. Tickets for the Charlie White Theatre are available at the Winspear Centre Box office and for the Berwick Royal Oak Theatre at “Dig This” in the Broadmead Centre Mall. ThePeninsulaPlayers.ca

The Berwick Royal Oak (next to Howard Johnson Inn) December 13 & 14 at 7:30 p.m. • December 15 at 2:00 p.m.

The Charlie White Theatre (Mary Winspear Centre) – December 20, 21, 27 at 7:30 p.m. • December 22, 28, 29 at 2:00 p.m.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round-ish TableTraditional fun for all ages, filled with humour, live music and audience participation.

Written and Directed by Allan Haynes and Gerald Schieven

Peninsula Players proudly presents their Annual Christmas Pantomime

Tickets for all venues are available online at ThePeninsulaPlayers.ca or at the door one hour prior to curtain. Tickets for the Charlie White Theatre are available at the Winspear Centre Box office and for the Berwick Royal Oak Theatre at “Dig This” in the Broadmead Centre Mall. ThePeninsulaPlayers.ca


The Charlie White Theatre (Mary Winspear Centre) – December 20, 21, 27 at 7:30 p.m. • December 22, 28, 29 at 2:00 p.m.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round-ish TableTraditional fun for all ages, filled with humour, live music and audience participation.

Written and Directed by Allan Haynes and Gerald Schieven

Tickets for all venues are available online at ThePeninsulaPlayers.ca or at the door one hour prior to curtain. Tickets for the Charlie White Theatre are available at the Winspear Centre Box of� ce and for the Berwick Royal Oak Theatre at “Dig This” in the Broadmead Centre Mall.


The Charlie White Theatre (Mary Winspear CentreDecember 20, 21, 27 at 7:30 p.m. • December 22, 28, 29 at 2:00 p.m.

ThePeninsulaPlayers.ca

Doug LaFortune & FriendsNative Art Sale

Saturday, Dec. 14th

10am-6pmTsawout Gymnasium

7728 Tetayut Rd.Call Kathy @ 250.665.6133 for more info.

Everyone welcome!


CENTRAL SAANICH — The tenth annual Shady Mountain Christ-mas carol sing-a-long takes place this week-end.

Everyone is wel-come to the event which takes place Sun-day, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Shady Creek Church (7180 East Saanich Rd.) to snuggle in amidst the glow of dimmed lights and stained glass win-dows as voices echo off the trees and out into the night.

Local band Shady Mountain will play a few songs and every-one will have a chance to pick a favourite carol for all to sing.

After working up an appetite singing, enjoy warm cider and home-made cookies before heading home.

Admission is free and donations to the Sidney

Lions Food Bank will be taken throughout the

evening.For more informa-

tion visit www.shady-creekuc.ca.


Have your say on which sculpture along the waterfront the Town of Sidney will add to its permanent collec-tion.

Starting on Dec. 16, ballots will be available for anyone to fill out in the Seaside Sculpture Walk People’s Choice Award initiative.

Between then and Jan. 31, 2014, the municipality will collect votes from the public on which sculpture, not already in the Town’s permanent collection, should be purchased and added to the water-front art accumulation.

The piece with the most votes wins.

Sidney launched its Seaside Sculpture Walk initiative in the summer of 2012.

Featuring 12 artists, the Sculpture Walk fol-lows a portion of the community waterfront walkway from Beacon Park to the Anacortes

Ferry terminal on First Street. Four of those sculptures are already in the Town’s perma-nent collection: The Dog Walker, The Fish-erman, The Pirate and The Diver.

Mayor Larry Cross says the municipality will not use tax dollars to pay for the sculp-ture purchase. Instead, it will use money col-lected out of its bonus density fund — some-thing that developers pay into when they seek added density for a project.

Sidney has a maxi-mum of $12,000 to spend out of this fund. Staff said the artists have all agreed to sell their work within that limit, should they win the People’s Choice Award.

The long-term plan, said Cross, is to add to the Town’s collection.

“It will be another rea-son for people to visit Sidney,” he explained.

Cross added Sidney is learning from the

Town of Castlegar, B.C., which has a very suc-cessful sculpture pro-gram of its own (includ-ing a full-time co-ordi-nator, he said). Art afi-cionados travel all over the place for such dis-plays, said Cross, add-

ing he would like Sid-ney to get its share of that kind of tourism.

In 2014, Sidney plans to add another three new sculptures to the walk. A call to artists to submit to the Sea-side Sculpture Walk has

already gone out. Cross said he hopes the Town will continue to have the resources to add to its collection of public art.

Information on each sculpture can be found on plaques at each art work, as well as on the Town’s website (www.sidney.ca) with a link under its arts and cul-ture tab. There, people can also find an online ballot for the People’s Choice award. Paper ballots will be made available at the Visitor Information Centre on Beacon Avenue, the Mary Winspear Centre, Pier Hotel and at Town Hall. Watch for a ballot appearing in the Pen-insula News Review as well. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced at a gala event in 2014.

Watch the PNR for details.

THE ARTSSidney’s next sculpture is up to youPeople’s Choice Award winner will be added to Sidney’s collection

File photos

The Pirate is a sculpture already in the Town of Sidney’s art collection on the waterfront. Which one is next is up to voters. At right is a sample of sculptures to choose from.

Christmas carols at Shady CreekCelebrate the music of the magical season


What You WishContest!

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The village of Saanichton is gearing up to host the ninth annual Saanichton Community Christ-mas this weekend.

The event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations in Saanichton.

The Community Christmas celebrations include a Pancake Breakfast with Santa at St. Mary’s Church, carriage rides, live music, gingerbread decorating and a winter market.

The annual event, put on by the Saanichton Village Association, engages everyone, young and old, and is a chance to bring the community together over free refreshments and activities.

“This is a great winter event that the community looks forward to every year,” said SVA president, Jan Carroll.

The event supports the Sidney Lions Food Bank and attendees are encouraged to bring a donation (monetary or non-perishable food items) to con-tribute to the cause.

For more details on the event including a full list of event times, visit www.saanichtonvillage.ca.

[email protected]

Saanichton gets in the spiritAnnual Community Christmas this weekend

Attendees at Community Christmas can expect to see a few characters.Submitted photo

CENTRAL SAANICH — Vox Humana chamber choir takes the stage at St. Mary’s Church in Saanichton Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. for their forth annual pre-sentation of Dylan Thomas’ beloved Christmas story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales.

The story will be read by

Welshman Melville Jones and accompanied by carols.

The event is geared towards families and appropriate for all ages and admission is by donation.

Since 2002, Vox Humana has established itself as Victoria’s premier chamber choir and

an ensemble of great diversity and flexibility. Their repertoire covers every historical period and style, from the earliest polyphony to contemporary commissions.

Highlights of past perfor-mances include Handel’s Dixit Dominus with Victoria’s Galiano Ensemble in 2003, appearances with the Victo-ria Symphony on their Christ-mas Pops programme and the

soundtrack for the TV docu-mentary Captain Cook: Obses-sion and Discovery, scored by Victoria composer Tobin Stokes.

In 2011, the choir released their first CD Summer Rain that features the music of Jeff Enns, César Geoffray and Toivo Tulev.

For more information about the Dec. 23 event visit www.voxhumanachoir.ca.

Vox Humana celebrates the seasonChamber choir presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales Dec. 23

Submitted photo

Bev Elder of the Sidney Lions Food Bank accepts a cheque from the B.C. Aviation Museum presented by museum Treasurer John Lewis. The museum raised the money through a recent admission-by-food-bank-donation event.

Supporting the food bank


DISTRICT OF CENTRAL SAANICH

2014 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 127 of the Community Charter, of the Council Meeting schedule for 2014, as follows:

January 13 Special (Open) Council January 20 February 3 and 17 March 3 and 17 April 7 April 22 Special (Open) Council May 5 May 20 Special (Open) Council June 2 and 16 July 7 and 28 (Summer Schedule – To Be Confirmed) August 18 (Summer Schedule – To Be Confirmed) September 2 (Special (Open) Council in lieu of statutory holiday) September 15 October 6 and 20 November 3 and 17 December 1 and 15

The Regular and Special (Open) Council Meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at the Central Saanich Municipal Hall, 1903 Mt. Newton Cross Road, commencing at 7:00 p.m. (unless otherwise posted). The Council Meeting schedule is available at the Municipal Hall, and it and the monthly meeting schedules are posted on the District’s website: www.centralsaanich.ca. For further information, please contact the Municipal Hall at 250-652-4444. Ruby Shea Deputy Municipal Clerk [Note: The afore-noted schedule is subject to change at the discretion of Council.] PNR – Dec 13 and 18


The Corporation of the District of Central Saanich


Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 127 of the Community Charter, of the Council Meeting schedule for 2014, as follows:

January 13 Special (Open) Council January 20 February 3 and 17 March 3 and 17 April 7 April 22 Special (Open) Council May 5 May 20 Special (Open) Council June 2 and 16 July 7 and 28 (Summer Schedule – To Be Confirmed) August 18 (Summer Schedule – To Be Confirmed) September 2 (Special (Open) Council in lieu of statutory holiday) September 15 October 6 and 20 November 3 and 17 December 1 and 15

The Regular and Special (Open) Council Meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at the Central Saanich Municipal Hall, 1903 Mt. Newton Cross Road, commencing at 7:00 p.m. (unless otherwise posted). The Council Meeting schedule is available at the Municipal Hall, and it and the monthly meeting schedules are posted on the District’s website: www.centralsaanich.ca. For further information, please contact the Municipal Hall at 250-652-4444. Ruby Shea Deputy Municipal Clerk [Note: The afore-noted schedule is subject to change at the discretion of Council.] PNR – Dec 13 and 18

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SPORTS

Charla HuberNews staff

The Victoria Grizzlies ownership has multiplied from two to seven owners — including the current owner of the Peninsula Pan-thers.

The announcement was made at Bear Mountain Arena, Dec. 9. John Wilson, Don Robinson, Reza Binab, Pete Zubersky and Kirby Yeats have all signed on as co-owners.

Zubersky was also appointed as the team’s new director of operations.

“I remember this arena being built. We probably have the best Junior A venue in the country,” said Zubersky.

The new co-owner owned a share in the team from 2003 to 2006 and is excited to be back on the owner-ship side.

Zubersky is also a co-owner of the Peninsula Pan-thers Junior B team.

As the new director of operations Zubersky hopes

to enhance the game expe-rience and bring back the crowds and packed seats at Bear Mountain arena. Most games are drawing in about 1,200 fans and the arena has the potential for about 2,800, he explained.

He worked as an RCMP

officer with the West Shore RCMP for six years and coached in the Juan de Fuca minor hockey for seven years and hopes his ties to the community will help him in the position.

“It’s really important to get into the community and

we want to be best friends with Juan de Fuca minor hockey,” he said.

Binab was also a former owner holding stakes in the team from 2002 until 2011. He’s bought back into the team due to “My passion for hockey,” he explained.

Mark Wagstaff has been an owner of the Junior A franchise for the past 18 years, he hopes adding the new owners to the roster help give the team a boost.

“All live sports are see-ing a decline, we are not the only one. The teams are never in trouble as long as you have substantially secure owners,” Wagstaff said.

In the future the team

hopes to announce more names on its ownership ros-ter.

“We want to make this local BCHL team into one of the best teams in the coun-try,” said Ron Walchuk, co-owner of the Grizzlies. Wal-chuk has been an owner of the team for one and half years.

“These new owners will help us take this franchise to the next level.”

Panthers’ owner buys into Victoria Grizzlies

Charla Huber/News staff

The Victoria Grizzlies added five new owners, Dec. 9. From left are: John Wilson, Don Robinson, Reza Binab and Pete Zubersky. They are joined by Kirby Yeats.

Pete Zubersky one of five new Grizzlies owners; becomes BCHL team’s director of operations

Mark Wagstaff has been hopes to announce more

Ownership group fires head coachVictoria Grizzlies’ head coach and general man-

ager Bill Bestwick was fired by the new majority ownership group which took over on Monday.

The decision to axe Bestwick is believed to stem from past differences between him and Pete Zuber-sky, as the latter has assumed the role of director of operations, which includes the general manager position he previously held for three and a half sea-sons during the organization’s time as the Victoria Salsa. Back then Bestwick was with the Clippers and their disputes were public. However, Zubersky says it’s not what led to this week’s decision.

“Hockey is an emotional game for emotional peo-ple,” Zubersky said. “There’s a winner and a loser and you’re always going to have friction. Any differ-ences I had with (Bestwick), I can’t really think of any, but it had nothing to do with this.”

— Travis Paterson/News staff

Peninsula Eagles midget Noah Dalziel dives over Tri-Port’s Riley Heemels to get to the puck during the teams’ Division 3 contest in Port Alice Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. Tri-Port won the game, 4-2.

J. R. Rardon/Black Press

When Eagles fly

CENTRAL SAANICH —Stelly’s Secondary School’s senior boys basketball team has jumped into fifth spot in the Vancouver Island AAA boys basketball rankings.

In its Dec. 8 poll, Sport Victora put the Stingers at fifth place — an increase of two spots — in the top 10 3A schools on the Island. Leading the way on this list are Mark Isfeld out of Courtenay (1), Wellington of Nanaimo (2) and Nanaimo District Secondary (3).

Claremont of Victoria is currently ranked number one among 4A schools on the Island. Lambrick Park, St. Michaels and Gulf Islands are ranked one, two and tree, repsectively among 2A schools. — News staff

Stelly’s jumps to five on Island hoops list

Stelly’s player Jordan Elvedahl and the rest of the Stingers made the move to fifth place among Island 3A teams.Steven Heywood/News staff

A16 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 13, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEWA16 www.peninsulanewsreview.com Fri, Dec 13, 2013, Peninsula News Review

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CARDS OF THANKS

GRATEFUL THANKSfrom Greater Victoria Retired Municipal Police Offi cers Association to Cedar Wood Inn, Sidney Waterfront Suites, Peninsula Coop Gas Bars and all others for assisting in making your annual Food Bank Drive a success.

CHRISTMAS CORNER

CHRISTMAS TREES2’ to 30’ * 15 varieties

Wreaths * Greens * Swags * Holly * Cones

Direct from GrowerFree Hot Apple Cider

Tons of Fun!Available Nov. 29 to Dec. 24

SAANICHTON CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

U Cut 9am-4pm & Pre-Cut 9am-9pm

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NEW LOCATION off Sooke Lake Rd - turn off Malahat at South Shawnigan Lake Rd

and follow signs. U-cut 9am-5pm

IRCRAFT FA S

MONTEREY CHRISTMAS MARKET. Sun, Dec 15, 1-5 pm. 851 Monterey Ave. *Shop. *Silent Auction. *Tea Garden.

COMING EVENTS

ADVENT Song, Word, and Image (New Time! December 17, 7pm) This is a unique Ad-vent concert experience: Jour-ney in song, word, and image through the dark days of Ad-vent to the Light of Christmas morning. 7pm Dec 17th at Saint Elizabeth Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney BC. (En-trance by donation)

LEGALS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND

OTHERSNOTICE is hereby given that the Creditors and others having claims against the Estate of Lucia Giovina Cain also known as Lucy Giovina Cain, deceased, late of 602 - 220 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC and most recently care of Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Extended Care Unit, who died on October 22, 2013, are hereby required to send them c/o Mont & Walker Law Corporation, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2, Attention: Michael P. Walker, before February 14, 2014, after which date the Executor will distribute the said Estate among the parties entitled thereto having regard to the claims of which it has notice.


LEGALS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND

OTHERS RE: THE ESTATE of MYRA DOROTHY MILLIKEN, RETIRED, late of SAANICHTON, BC.

NOTICE is hereby given that creditors and others having claims against the estate of the above deceased are hereby required to send them to the undersigned at 3rd Floor, 612 View St., Victoria, BC V8W 1J5, before January 13, 2014, after which date the Executor will distribute the said estate among the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which She then has notice.

LILIAS MACFARLANE BATEMAN

ExecutorBy George Easdon, her SolicitorHORNE COUPAR

WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN ACT

Notice is hereby given that Kustom Towing, (2009) Ltd, 3297 Douglas St, Victoria, BC, V8Z 3K9 will be selling:

20012 KIA RIOKNADC163926075728

Owner R. Orr1997 PONTIAC

SUNFIRE 1G2JB1245V7560717

Owner B. CalibabaWill be sold on Dec 20, 2013. At 647B Dupplin Rd, Victoria, BC between 10am-2pm.

PERSONALS

THE BEST Selection of Real, Local Singles. Try FREE! 18+. Call 250-220-1300 or online at: www.livelinks.com

EDUCATION/TRADE SCHOOLS

CLASSIFIED ADS WORK!Call 250.388.3535


LOST AND FOUND

FOUND: HEARING aid, near corner of James White Blvd and Resthaven, Sidney. Call (250)655-0542.

LOST SET of keys downtown Dec 3rd, w/Thrifty’s & Pure tags. Reward! (250)589-9396.

INFORMATION

HELP WANTED

BUSY CONSTRUCTION Co. in Trail, B.C. is searching for an experienced Accounting clerk/ bookkeeper. Candidate is expected to be a self-starter and to be able to work inde-pendently in a fast-paced envi-ronment. Knowledge of Conac Pivot System is an asset and the ability to take on multiple roles is looked at positively. Main responsibilities include: Accounts Payable - invoice transactions for goods re-ceived and prepare cheques when due; Payroll - collect payroll data daily and convert into daily tracking sheets, sub-mittals and weekly payroll run.

Please send resume to: [email protected]

or call (250)364-1541 for further details.

Experienced parts person re-quired immediately for James Western Star in Williams Lake. Full time, competitive wages, benefi ts and signing bonus. Fax resume to 250-398-6367 or email: [email protected]


HELP WANTED

GENERAL LABOURERSOIL & GAS INDUSTRY

GUARANTEED Job Placement

• Labourers • Tradesmen• Class 1 Drivers

Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854

Horticultural Labourer needed at Eurosa Farms,

Brentwood Bay.Duties include picking and packing fl owers and crop

maintenance. No experience necessary. $10.25/hr. 40+ hrs/week.

5-6 days/weekWork available in 2014:

Feb 15- Oct 15. Send resume to Fax:

250-652-6949E-mail: [email protected]

THE LEMARE GROUP is accepting resumes for the following positions:•Heavy Duty Mechanics•Feller Buncher•Boom man•Chasers•Hooktenders•Grapple Yarder Operators•Off Highway Logging Truck Drivers•Hydraulic Log Loader Opera-tors•Processor Operators•Hand Buckers•Coastal Certifi ed Hand FallersFulltime camp with union rates/benefi ts.Please send resumes by fax to 250-956-4888 or email to offi [email protected].

OFFICE SUPPORT CLERK

SIDNEY offi ce requires part time bookkeeper / administra-tor Tuesday and Thursday each week. Experience with Simply Accounting and Excel required. Please email resume to [email protected]

TRADES, TECHNICAL

HD MECHANIC. Noble Tractor & Equip. is seeking a Journeyman or 4th year apprentice Service Techni-cian for our Armstrong location. A self-starter with Ag tech background is desired. Interested candidates send resume to: [email protected], or mail: Noble Tractor & Equip, 4193 Noble Rd, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B4, fax: 250-546-3165


VOLUNTEERS

CANADIAN DIABETES Asso-ciation is looking for corporate ambassadors to increase the engagement of businesses and organizations in advanc-ing the quality of life for people affected by diabetes. Other positions available. Call Volun-teer Victoria at 250-386-2269.

CANADIAN MENTAL Health Association seeks a qualifi ed board treasurer to review fi -nancial statements and trans-actions as well as liaise with the accounting administrator. Call Volunteer Victoria at 250-386-2269.

VICTORIA HOSPICE starts training in January for non-judgmental In-Patient Unit vol-unteers for physically demand-ing and varied tasks relating to patient care. Call Volunteer Victoria at 250-386-2269.

PERSONAL SERVICES

MIND BODY & SPIRIT

Kripalu full body massage. Release your stress now. Over 13 years experience. Gift Cer-tifi cates. Women only. Holiday special. Professional. 250-514 -6223, www.andreakober.com

The Trager Approachis an Innovative, Gentle and Therapeutic Bodywork that Reduces Pain & Tension

and supportsBalance and Presence in

a Relaxed Body.Rae Bilash

Certifi ed Trager Practitionercall for appointment

250-380-8733www.raebilash.ca

* Also Hot Stone Massage

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com


PERSONAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO

RETOUCH, RESTORE, EditPhotos. Home Movies to DVD.Also, Portraiture, Baby, Family+ Maternity. 250-475-3332. www.cwpics.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

FREE ITEMS

FREE. 14” BAND saw with 3blades. Needs minor work.Call Bill (250)652-7720.

FREE JELLY and pickle jars.Clean, labels off. Call 778-430-4302.

FRIENDLY FRANK

2 PAIRS beaded mocca-sins/shoes, $40/each. Call (778)265-1615.

FUEL/FIREWOOD

ARBUTUS, CYPRESS, fi r,hardwoods. Seasoned. Call250-661-7391.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

2011 PEGASUS 4W Scooter.Excellent condition. $1900. Ask for Warren, 250-208-4392.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. Allshapes & colours available.1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?


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PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 13, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A17Peninsula News Review Fri, Dec 13, 2013 www.peninsulanewsreview.com A17

Life is too shortfor the wrong job

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

NEWSPRINT ROLLENDS- $2-$10. Fridays only, 8:30am to 4:30pm. #200-770 Enter-prise Cres, Victoria. Gold-stream Press Division.

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

ANTIQUES, BOOKS, col-lectibles, furniture, china, jew-elry. Estates/private libraries purchased. Galleon Books & Antiques, 250-655-0700

REAL ESTATE

APARTMENT/CONDOS

NANAIMO WATERFRONT 2nd fl oor condo. 1500 sq.ft. LR/DR/2bdrms with view, den, gas FP, secure bldg. 2 under-ground parking spaces. Main-tenance fee includes hot wa-ter/gas/landscaping. 1 pet OK. $339,900 (250)753-9123

FOR SALE BY OWNER

SAANICH WEST- 1246 Has-tings St, 3 bdrm Rancher, 2 garage, dining/living/family rooms, 2 bath (ensuite), F/P, appls incld, new roof. Walking distance to Interurban cam-pus. Reduced price, $460,000. Call 250-477-4600.

BUYING OR SELLING?Call 250.388.3535

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE BY OWNER

SIDNEY- 2444 Amherst Ave. 1300 sq.ft. updated character home looking for a family w/2 children and a dog. Fenced south facing corner lot near the Salish Sea. Walk to town and schools. Organic gardens & fruit trees, fi replace, hot tub, 6 appls. Free TV forever.... New price- $484,000. (250)656-6136.

SIDNEY 9805 2nd St- lrg south facing 1 bdrm apt. Ocean view, lrg full length bal-cony, in-suite laundry, guest suites, underground parking pet free, secure concrete building w/monitored entrance. No rental restriction, low con-do fees. (778)426-0007. Ex-cellent investment [email protected]

RENTALS

APARTMENT/CONDO

1 & 2 Bdrm suites & cabins. Perched on a cliffside with panoramic ocean vista, over-looking The Saanich Inlet. Se-rene & secure. All amenities on-site, fi rewood. $500-$1200 inclds utils. Monthly/Weekly. Pets ok with refs. 25 min com-mute to downtown Victoria. Must have references! Call 250-478-9231.

RENTALS

APARTMENT/CONDO

GORGE- 1 bdrm condo, laun-dry on site, NS/NP. $750. Avail now. (250)882-2330.

APARTMENTS FURNISHED

LANDS End: large sunny wa-ter view, priv entry, parking, NS, $850. www.sidneystu-dio.info. Snow birds, refs. 250-655-4175, [email protected]

HOMES FOR RENT

4-BDRM HOUSE, near Com-monwealth Pool. N/S, N/P. $1900 + utils. (250)920-6282

SIDNEY: RANCHER, 3 bdrm+ den, 2.5 bath. $1500+ util’s. Avail. now. (250)813-0314.

SUITES, LOWER

AIRPORT: 1 bdrm bachelor new windows, curtains, fl oor-ing, paint. Private door, yard. Parking. $820/mo all util’s incld’d. NS/NP, Jan. 1. Call (250)656-9910.

HARRIET/UPTOWN- fully fur-nished 3 bdrm, reno’d, 4 appls, bus route, NS/NP. $1500 in-clusive. W/D. 250-480-0849.

MARIGOLD- the coziest 1 bdrm, W/S, shared W/D, quiet. NS/NP. $850. 250-727-6217.

WATERFRONT. NORTH Saa-nich. Large 2-bdrm, 2 bath. $1800./mo + 1/2 utils. Possibly small boat moorage +. NP/NS. (250)656-5999.

TRANSPORTATION

ANTIQUE/CLASSICS

1966 CHEVY Pick up, 1/2 ton short box, burgundy. 3 in the tree, 6 cylinder. Good condi-tion, runs great, comes with second set of winter tires and rims. Second owner for last 45 years, in Victoria. $6,000 obo. Call: 250-479-0441 or email: [email protected]

AUTO FINANCING

TRANSPORTATION

AUTO FINANCING

Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

AUTO SERVICES

$$$ TOP CA$H PAID $$$. For ALL unwanted Vehicles, any condition. Call (250)885-1427.

TRANSPORTATION

CARS

$50 to $1000Scrap Junk

Broken Down Cars Trucks Vans

FREE TOW AWAY

250-686-3933RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

FOR SALE

1998 TRAVELAIRE 5th wheel. Excellent condition for further info call 250-652-9660 or view at 2537 Mt Newton X Rds.

TRANSPORTATION

VTRUCKS & ANS

2011 FORD RANGER Sport. 4WD, 6 cyl. 25,000 km.$20,000. (778)351-0852.

MARINE

BOATS

14’ FIBERGLASS boat with 50 HP Suzuki, 4 stroke, usedonly for 13 hours. $6,000 obo.Call (250)652-1725.

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

ACCOUNTING/TAX/BOOKKEEPING

ACCOUNTINGVida Samimi

Certifi ed General Accountant

Bookkeeping, Audit,Payroll, HST. Set up &

Training. E-FileTAX

250-477-4601

ELECTRICAL

(250)217-3090.ELECTRICIAN 30 yrs exp. New homes and Renos. Knob & tube replace-ment. Service calls. Senior’s Disc. Free est. Lic.#3003.

250-361-6193 Quality Electric Reno’s, res & comm. No job too small. Lic# 22779.

AT&T ELECTRIC. Renova-tions. Residential & Commer-cial. Knob & tube replacement. #26125. (250)744-4550.

KENDRA’S ELECTRICAL Co. #86952. No Job too Small. Kendra, 250-415-7991.

FENCING

ALL TYPES of fencing, re-pairs. Reliable, on-time. Free estimates. Call 250-888-8637.

CLASSIFIED ADS WORK!Call 250.388.3535


GARDENING

10% OFF! Fall Cleanups, Raking, Pruning, Hauling, Mowing. (250)479-6495.

250-479-7950FREE ESTIMATES

• Lawn Maintenance• Landscaping• Hedge Trimming• Tree Pruning• Yard Cleanups• Gardening/Weeding • Aeration, Odd JobsNO SURPRISES NO MESS

www.hollandave.ca

PREPARE YOUR Lawn & gar-den for fall & winter. Glenwood Gardenworks. 250-474-4373.


GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

ABBA EXTERIORS Gutter cleaning & repairs. Seniors discounts. WCB, Insured. Free estimates. (778)433-9275.

(250)889-5794. DIAMOND Dave- window, gutter cleaning, roof-de-moss, gutter guards, power washing. Free est.

HANDYPERSONS

BIG BEAR Handyman. Paint-ing, household repairs. Free estimate. Barry 250-896-6071.

HANDYMAN SERVICES. Lawns, fences, pruning, fl oor-ing, painting, drywall, small re-no’s. Mike/Chris 250-656-8961

HAULING AND SALVAGE

$20 & Up Garbage & Garden waste removal. Senior Disc. Free estimates. 250-812-2279.

CLEAN-UP SPECIAL. You load bins, size 12 yard $100 plus dump fee or we do it all. Call 250-361-6164.

FAMILY MAN Hauling. Call Chris for all your hauling needs. 250-920-8463.

SAVE-A-LOT HAULING Furniture, appliance, garden waste, we take it all! Always lowest rate, senior discount. Brad 250-217-9578.

JUNK REMOVAL 7 days / wk.Fast Service, Best Prices!! Free quotes. (250)857-JUNK.


HAULING AND SALVAGE

JUNK BOX- We Do All The Loading

PARRY’S HAULING We haul it all - FREE estimates. Call Shawn 250-812-7774

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

250-216-9476 ACCEPTING new contracts; landscape and carpentry. BBB/Insured. Res /Comm. www.ftguland.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

VIRGO INTERIORS- Certifi ed Interior decorator specializing in color schemes that work the fi rst time. Call (250)[email protected]


MASONRY & BRICKWORK

CBS MASONRY BBB. WCB. Chimneys, Fireplaces, Flag-stone Rock, Concrete Pavers, Natural & Veneered Stone. Replace, Rebuild, Renew! “Quality is our Guarantee”. Free Competitive Estimates. (250)294-9942/(250)589-9942. www.cbsmasonry.com

& MOVING STORAGE

2 BURLEY MEN MOVING. $85/hr for 2 men (no before or after travel time charges on lo-cal moves. Please call Scott or Joshua, (250)686-6507.

D O N E R I G H T M OV I N G . C A $80/hr. Senior Discount. Free Est’s. No travel time before or after. BBB accredited. Call Tyl-er at 250-418-1747.

PAINTING

ALFRED, ALFRED Quality Painting. Wholesale, Dis-counts! 50 years experience. 250-382-3694.

A PROFESSIONAL Woman painter. Karen Bales Painting & Wall coverings. Over 25yrs exp. Free est. 250-514-5220.

LADY PAINTERServing the Peninsula for over 20 yrs. Interior/exterior. Call Bernice, 250-655-1127.


PAINTING

SAFEWAY PAINTING

High quality, Organized. Interior/Exterior

Residential/Commercial Jeff, 250-472-6660 Cell 250-889-7715

Member BBB

PLUMBING

FELIX PLUMBING. Over 35 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call 250-514-2376.

PRESSURE WASHING

DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS, Decks, etc. Reasonable rates. 250-744-8588, Norm.

SMALL ADS GET BIG RESULTS! Call 250.388.3535


UPHOLSTERY

UPHOLSTERER NEEDS work. Your fabric or mine.250-480-7937.

WINDOW CLEANING

BLAINE’S WINDOW WASH-ING. Serving Sidney & Brent-wood since 1983. Averagehouse $35. 250-656-1475

DAVE’S WINDOW Cleaning.Windows, Gutters, Sweeping,Roofs, Roof Demossing, Pres-sure Washing. 250-361-6190.

SERVICE DIRECTORYwww.bcclassified.com 250.388.3535

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Space, the final fron-tier. Sound like a sci-fi TV catch phrase? For Caylla and Adam Harvey, space was a challenge they faced every day in their condo, or at least the lack thereof.

The young working couple – she’s a senior executive administra-tive assistant in govern-ment while he’s working as a carpenter – have a plan for the future that includes kids and at least one big dog.

Adam bought the condo in 2011, a two-bed-room, one bathroom unit which he considered to be “a pretty decent size.”

After the couple mar-ried last year and added Sadie, a German shep-herd-chow-husky cross, the extra space was quickly used up.

“The closet in our spare room was taken over by Christmas dec-orations and random leftover wedding deco-rations. We needed more space,” Adam says.

Adds Caylla: “We both loved living in the condo. It was in a great location

right on Quadra Street. Even though it was big, we had outgrown it.”

The newlyweds began looking for a larger space and included detached homes in their search. They had specific objec-tives, knowing they will eventually expand their family.

Given that fact, Caylla was very concerned about location and wanted to be in a family oriented neighbourhood.

Both she and Adam also hoped to find a place they’d be comfortable in for at least five years.

During their search, the couple found them-selves weighing sev-eral variables, including price, location and how new or recently reno-vated units were.

“I wanted a town-house, because I thought we could get something nice, big and new for the same price as a two-bed-

room detached house,” Adam says.

It wasn’t quite as sim-ple as that, they found. With location in Greater Victoria playing a major factor in pricing, the properties they looked at ranged greatly in price.

In the end, they con-sidered their most important factors – loca-tion, size and allowance of larger dogs – as well as Adam’s carpentry skills, and chose a 1,900-square-

foot townhome in Royal Oak that needed some updating.

Tim Ayres, incoming president of the Victoria Real Estate Board, says townhomes can provide a more economical price point for homebuyers. The region’s benchmark, or typical, townhome is listed at $418,000 com-pared to the bench-mark detached home at $548,000.

“Plus, a lot of peo-ple underestimate the amount of time and money they’ll spend on upkeep and maintenance when they move into a detached house,” he says.

“Having most or all of this taken care of by way of a monthly strata fee will not only keep your home looking great, it will preserve its value because maintenance will not be deferred.”

The Harveys are very happy with their choice, Caylla says, pointing to such nearby amenities as shopping, banking, walk-ing trails and Saanich Commonwealth Place as part of that package.

“We went to a couple of places and immedi-ately liked them, only to find something we liked even more the next day,” Adam says. “Looking around for a while really paid off.”

– Don Descoteau

Q: WHAT WAS THE DEALMAKER

FOR YOU?

HomeFinderFind a place to call home

BUYING TIP | Visit a townhome in the daytime and evening to gauge the noise level

Do you have a house-hunting story you’d like to share

with us? Email [email protected]

To advertise in HomeFinder, call John Graham at

250.480.3227 or email [email protected]

Move to townhome a calculated decision

» 139

» $418,000» 3,829

He Said, She Said

SHE SAID: A lot of townhomes don’t allow certain size dogs, and we love our dog, Sadie,

so we had to � nd a place that she could

live, too.

HE SAID: If they don’t allow dogs, kids and

rentals, then we’re not buying it.

We askedCaylla and Adam

Harvey

TOTAL PROPERTIES SOLD OR DEALS PENDING THIS MONTH

BENCHMARK PRICE FOR A TYPICAL TOWNHOME

TOTAL NUMBER OF HOMES LISTED

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE »

Photo contributed

Adam and Caylla Harvey are getting ready for Christmas in their Royal Oak townhome. They moved in this year after outgrowing their condominium.

AS OF DEC. 11

Location, size, dog-friendly complex factors for young couple

250.812.3942watersedgerenovations.com

Renovations & All Home Repairs• Windows/Doors • Bathrooms

• Flooring - Hardwood and Tile

• Home Additions & Renovations

• Decks, Fences & Railings


VICTORIA2648 Cedar Hill, $649,900Saturday & Sunday 12-3Re/Max CamosunJason Leslie, 250-478-9600

733A Humboldt (200 Douglas)Saturday, Sunday & Monday 1-4Macdonald Realty Helene Roy, 250 883-2715

1278 Bay St, $329,900Saturday 2-4One Percent Realty VIRay Kong, 250-590-7011

606 Speed Ave, $215,000Saturday & Sunday 1-3Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyScott Munro, 250 477-5353

1704-751 Fair� eld Rd., $599,900Sunday 2:30-4One Percent Realty VIRay Kong, 250-590-7011

203-928 Southgate, $319,000Saturday 1-3Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyCheri Crause, 250-592-4422

OAK BAY624 St Patrick, $829,900Sunday 2-4Brown Brothers Real EstateRobert Young 250 385-6900

VIEW ROYAL3 Woodville Pl, $329,000Sunday 2-4Re/Max CamosunDeb Coburn, 250-812-5333

ESQUIMALT306-710 Lampson, $179,900Sunday 12-2Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyPaul Holland, 250-592-4422

376 Kinver St., $389,900Saturday & Sunday 2-4Pemberton HolmesAllen Tepper, 250-686-6325

405-1020 Esquimalt, $199,900Sunday 2:30-4:30Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyPaul Holland, 250-592-4422

1028 Tillicum Rd, $424,900Sunday 2-4One Percent Realty VIRay Kong, 250-590-7011

404-520 Foster St, $199,900!Sunday 11-1Pemberton HolmesRick Couvelier, 250-477-0921

SAANICH EAST2604 Shieling PlSaturday & Sunday 2-4Re/Max CamosunDan Juricic, 250-514-8261

4062 Livingstone Ave, $529,000Saturday 2-4Pemberton HolmesArran McLellan, 250-384-8124

4-4701 Lochside, $559,900Saturday 2:30-4:30Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyPaul Holland, 250-592-4422

2019 Casa Marcia, $624,900Saturday 1-3Pemberton HolmesAndrew Mara, 250-384-8124

982 Mckenzie Ave, $299,900Saturday & Sunday 1-4Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyJames Liu, 250 477-5353

4942 Cordova Bay, $848,000Saturday 2-4Sutton West Coast RealtyJonas Solberg 250 479-3333

4009 Cedar Hill Rd, $529,900Saturday & Sunday 1-4Sutton Group West CoastJames Gardiner (250) 507-4333

25-3958 Cedar Hill Rd, $249,900Sunday 2-4Pemberton HolmesMike Lock, 250-384-8124

1575 Jasper Pl, $589,900Sunday 2-4Pemberton HolmesRick Couvelier, 250-477-0921

SAANICH WEST102-4394 West Saanich RdSunday 2-4Re/Max CamosunRoss Shortreed, 250-858-3585

SAANICH PENINSULA8552 Ebor Terr., $550,000Saturday 12-1:30One Percent RealtyGuy Effler, 250-812-4910

6750 Woodward, $499,900Saturday 2:30-4One Percent RealtyGuy Effler, 250-812-4910

9776 Fourth St.Tuesday-Saturday 1-3Gordon Hulme RealtyDon King 250-516-1202

9820 Seaport Pl, $499,500+Saturday & Sunday 1-3Holmes RealtyMichele Holmes, 250-656-0911

110-10461 Resthaven, $164,900Saturday 11-1Pemberton HolmesRick Couvelier, 250-477-0921

2030 Cardinal, $829,500Saturday 1-2Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyMark McDougall, 250-588-8588

7161 West Saanich Rd, $276,900Saturday & Sunday & 1-3Re/Max CamosunCraig Walters, 250-655-0608

WEST SHORE 3008 Dornier Rd.Daily 12-4 DFH Real Estate Ltd.Mike Hartshorne, 250-889-4445

304-2732 Matson Rd, $229,900Wednesday-Sunday 2-4Re/Max CamosunNeil Docherty, 250-478-9600

2655 Sooke Rd, $219,900Thursday thru Monday 1-4Re/Max CamosunBrad Gregory, 250 744-3301

3467 Happy Valley Rd.Saturday & Sunday 12-4

DFH Real Estate Ltd.

Mike Hartshorne, 250-889-4445

593 Latoria Rd, $294,000Saturday & Sunday 1-4

Pemberton Holmes

Greg Long, 250-384-8124

OPEN HOUSES | DEC. 12 - DEC. 18, 2013 more details in Real Estate Victoria, available FREE on news stands now

Select your home.Select your mortgage.

Oak Bay 250-370-7601Westshore 250-391-2933

Victoria 250-483-1360Sidney 250-655-0632

www.vericoselect.comChatterton Way 250-479-0688

3379 Vision Way, $339,900Saturday & Sunday 1-3DFH Real Estate Ltd.Mike Hartshorne, 250-590-3921

1218 Clearwater Pl, $549,900Saturday 1-3DFH Real Estate Ltd.Jenn Raappana, 250-590-3921

Space, the final fron-tier. Sound like a sci-fi TV catch phrase? For Caylla and Adam Harvey, space was a challenge they faced every day in their condo, or at least the lack thereof.

The young working couple – she’s a senior executive administra-tive assistant in govern-ment while he’s working as a carpenter – have a plan for the future that includes kids and at least one big dog.

Adam bought the condo in 2011, a two-bed-room, one bathroom unit which he considered to be “a pretty decent size.”

After the couple mar-ried last year and added Sadie, a German shep-herd-chow-husky cross, the extra space was quickly used up.

“The closet in our spare room was taken over by Christmas dec-orations and random leftover wedding deco-rations. We needed more space,” Adam says.

Adds Caylla: “We both loved living in the condo. It was in a great location

right on Quadra Street. Even though it was big, we had outgrown it.”

The newlyweds began looking for a larger space and included detached homes in their search. They had specific objec-tives, knowing they will eventually expand their family.

Given that fact, Caylla was very concerned about location and wanted to be in a family oriented neighbourhood.

Both she and Adam also hoped to find a place they’d be comfortable in for at least five years.

During their search, the couple found them-selves weighing sev-eral variables, including price, location and how new or recently reno-vated units were.

“I wanted a town-house, because I thought we could get something nice, big and new for the same price as a two-bed-

room detached house,” Adam says.

It wasn’t quite as sim-ple as that, they found. With location in Greater Victoria playing a major factor in pricing, the properties they looked at ranged greatly in price.

In the end, they con-sidered their most important factors – loca-tion, size and allowance of larger dogs – as well as Adam’s carpentry skills, and chose a 1,900-square-

foot townhome in Royal Oak that needed some updating.

Tim Ayres, incoming president of the Victoria Real Estate Board, says townhomes can provide a more economical price point for homebuyers. The region’s benchmark, or typical, townhome is listed at $418,000 com-pared to the bench-mark detached home at $548,000.

“Plus, a lot of peo-ple underestimate the amount of time and money they’ll spend on upkeep and maintenance when they move into a detached house,” he says.

“Having most or all of this taken care of by way of a monthly strata fee will not only keep your home looking great, it will preserve its value because maintenance will not be deferred.”

The Harveys are very happy with their choice, Caylla says, pointing to such nearby amenities as shopping, banking, walk-ing trails and Saanich Commonwealth Place as part of that package.

“We went to a couple of places and immedi-ately liked them, only to find something we liked even more the next day,” Adam says. “Looking around for a while really paid off.”

– Don Descoteau

Q: WHAT WAS THE DEALMAKER

FOR YOU?

HomeFinderFind a place to call home

BUYING TIP | Visit a townhome in the daytime and evening to gauge the noise level

Do you have a house-hunting story you’d like to share

with us? Email [email protected]

To advertise in HomeFinder, call John Graham at

250.480.3227 or email [email protected]

Move to townhome a calculated decision

» 139

» $418,000» 3,829

He Said, She Said

SHE SAID: A lot of townhomes don’t allow certain size dogs, and we love our dog, Sadie,

so we had to � nd a place that she could

live, too.

HE SAID: If they don’t allow dogs, kids and

rentals, then we’re not buying it.

We askedCaylla and Adam

Harvey

TOTAL PROPERTIES SOLD OR DEALS PENDING THIS MONTH

BENCHMARK PRICE FOR A TYPICAL TOWNHOME

TOTAL NUMBER OF HOMES LISTED

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE »

Photo contributed

Adam and Caylla Harvey are getting ready for Christmas in their Royal Oak townhome. They moved in this year after outgrowing their condominium.

AS OF DEC. 11

Location, size, dog-friendly complex factors for young couple

IAN HEATH

MARILYN BALL

JONESCO Real Estate Inc. 250-655-7653

www.ianheath.net

A Honey of a Deal- Custom 3006sqft home - Set on a very useable 1 acre- Light � lled spacious living

spaces- Hardwood � oors, gas � replace,

gourmet kitchen- In law or nanny

accommodation$675,000

Have Your Oceanfront and Swim � ere Too!- Rare south facing Oceanfront - Full sun & Sensational sunsets!- Folding wall system opens for

an indoor-outdoor feel- Easy access to the beach & Your

own mooring buoy.- Quality � nishes$1,698,800

You Have Arrived- Elegant & Stately .72 acre

Oceanfront Home. - Features Control 4 lighting

which automates lighting with music, shades, locks, climate control, and video.

- Voluminous Rooms & Custom Kitchen

$1,109,000

I Can Sea for Miles- Ultimate Freehold Luxury Condo - SW corner unit has with 3

balconies - Panoramic Ocean views- Steel & concrete building is

second to none - Enjoy the full facilities of a

5-star hotel $963,800

Triangle Healing offers an amazing range of well-researched products that enhance well-being!

250-370-1818 • 770 Spruce Ave. www.trianglehealing.com

Helping People Attain Optimum HealthCLEANSE • REPLENISH • REVITALIZE

Made in

GermanyAthlete’s

Choice

FOREVERAlkaline Water Stick Purifier

TEETER HANG UPSRelief is now within easy reach. With its extended ankle lock handle, over-sized

medical-grade frame and traction handles, the EP-950 is the ideal

solution for those with low back pain.

NEW DESIGNER SERIESCommercial Quality 1 ,560 Watts of Power. Exclusive 10-year warranty from Triangle

Healing. Engineered to outlast other kitchen appliances.

Our springless mini-trampolines are made in Germany and have a patented

suspension system, featuring highly elastic bungees which train all muscles

in your body, strengthen your joints and stimulate your circulation.

The Real Champion of JuicersEverything you could want in a juicer and

more. It can handle wheatgrass, pasta and baby foods…all without destructive heat.

PHOTONIC PORTABLEWater structuringUnit can travel with you.

WEIGHTED ACU HULA HOOPS®The Acu weighted hula hoop is specifically designed to slim your waist, burn calories and fat and facilitate weight loss.

BAREFOOT SCIENCE’S patented insoles actually heal and strengthen feet so that pain is permanently eliminated.

EARTHING MATThe Earthing universal mat can be used on top of a desk under your keyboard and mouse, or under your desk with bare feet contact.


www.thriftyfoods.com/pickupwww.thriftyfoods.com/pickup

BRING ON THE BAKING!

Limit one per family orderWith minimum $50 family

order (including turkey)$2.16/kg

Over Limit Price $1.39/lb, $3.06/kg

reservep i c k u p

Fresh Turkey

Island Gold

Free Range EggsLarge, BrownDozen

Bet ter Food. Bet ter Holidays.

Specials in Effect until December 17th, 2013 ONLY

Fraser Valley

ButterSalted or Unsalted

454g

Rogers

FlourAssorted2.5kg

Grade “A” TurkeyFrozen, All Sizes, While quantities last.

499On Sale

Each

Quality California Baking AlmondsWhole Natural, Blanched, Slivered, Sliced or Ground

Rogers

Sugar4kg

399On Sale

Each 499On Sale

Each

Limit one per family orderWith minimum $50 family

order (including turkey)

On Sale98¢

Perlb

149On Sale

Per 100g

Reserve your fresh Christmas turkey online for in-store pickup!Please allow 48 hours notice.

Fresh Turkeys Available Starting December 15th

On Sale

2for$950

Holidays.Holidays.Holidays.

Peninsula News Review, December 13, 2013

Documents

Transcript of Peninsula News Review, December 13, 2013