Nanaimo's Best of the City by Black Press Media Group

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Nanaimo News Bulletin 2009

2 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

CONTENTS AND THE WINNERS ARE .... The results of our annual survey determined the top three in dozens of sub-categories, and without further ado, they are ... Service, page 7 Restaurants/food, page 8 Shopping, page 10 Kids, page 11 Night life/ entertainment, page 12 Recreation, page 14

“

We are just surrounded by incredibly beautiful nature. You have everything anyone could ask for. page 30

18 Nanaimo loves bathtubbing

”

By Chris Bush The Great International World Championship Bathtub Race is the premier event of the bathtub racing season.

19 Silly sailors

By Greg Sakaki The Silly Boat Regatta is an annual fundraiser for Nanaimo’s Child Development Centre ... and a boat-load of fun.

21 Festivals all year round

By Rachel Stern From the new year to Christmas, and every month in between, there is always something happening for residents and visitors to celebrate.

22 Model citizens

By Toby Gorman Nanaimo is full of great people – including our Citizens of the Year.

27 Jewel of the Harbour

By the News Bulletin Newcastle Island Marine Park provides a host of recreational opportunities.

34 A day at the beach From relaxing to exercise and fun, our beaches have it covered. By Melissa Fryer

36 A place to play

What makes Nanaimo No. 1?

By Jenn Marshall People come here for a variety of reasons, including the obvious – the mountains and waterfront. We asked a few newcomers what brought them.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Nanaimo is the envy of the rest of Canada. By Toby Gorman

15 Know Nanaimo

38 Shop ’till you drop

16 City’s story told visually

41 Dragon’s lair

By the News Bulletin From the early mining days to the 21st century, the Harbour City is rich in history. Take our quiz and test your knowledge.

By Melissa Fryer The new Nanaimo Museum has more space for permanent collection, visiting exhibits.

By Melissa Fryer Every July, the waters off Swy-a-lana Lagoon are churned up by dragon boat teams raising money for cancer equipment.

Urban getaways

Higher learning

On any given day, sports fans can always find a team to cheer on. By Greg Sakaki

Nanaimo has no shortage of parks – there are 365 within city limits. By Chris Bush

Vancouver Island University is seeing a steady growth in enrolment. By Jenn Marshall

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NANAIMO

Good sports

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By Jenn Marshall Nanaimo’s shopping scene includes favourite shops providing great service and new plans on the horizon.

GOLF CLUB

TEE TIMES 250-758-6332

MEEMB MBE ERS RS RS SHIP HIP VISITORS WELCOME INFORMATION 250-758-2451 Tee Times 250-758-6332 2800 Highland Boulevard Nanaimo BC, V9S 3N8 Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Excellence since 1920 www.nanaimogolfclub.ca Best of the City 3

Best of the City SPECIAL EDITION Phone: 250-753-3707 / Fax: 250-753-0788 / editor@nanaimobulletin.com A division of Black Press Ltd. 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7

Publisher: Maurice Donn Editor: Mitch Wright Special Edition Writers: Greg Sakaki, Jenn Marshall, Toby Gorman, Mitch Wright, Chris Hamlyn, Chris Bush, Melissa Fryer, Rachel Stern. Special Edition Production: Nanaimo Bulletin Production Department Sales Manager: Sean McCue Account Representatives: Sheldon Bitz, Teresa McKinley, Katja Theus, Luke Winkelmans, Jacqueline Pirie, Lesley Livingstone-Gray

WRIGHT TURN Mitch Wright Managing Editor

Nanaimo’s best newspaper tallies your feedback about the best options the city has to offer

his is a city of variety. Regardless of where your interests lie, you’re certain to have a bevy of choices. Sure, we’re known for our easy access to the spectacular wilderness just outside (and in some places within) city limits and our amazing waterfront. And of course, there’s the unparalleled shopping opportunities (we’re not known, unofficially, as the city of malls without just cause). But the choices Nanaimo offers go far beyond those broad-strokes categories. That’s why, every spring for the past eight years, the News Bulletin has undertaken our Best of the City survey, which in turn results in this supplement. The survey asks our readers for feedback in

numerous categories. Who has the best seafood? The best coffee? The best desserts? Where’s the best place to buy shoes? Clothing? A used vehicle? The list of categories goes on and on ... and on. In fact, it could easily go on and on even more. Our list of winners (please see the Contents listing on the previous page for page numbers) is a testament to the choices that exist. The top three were tabulated in each category, but in many there were ties among those winners. And in nearly every category there were other entries that didn’t make it into the top three. Whatever you’re doing, whatever you’re looking for, you’ve got options in Nanaimo. That’s part of the reason – for those of us who call this city home as well as for those who come for a visit – Nanaimo is always the best choice.

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Winners in the eighth annual Nanaimo News Bulletin Best of the City supplement were chosen by Nanaimo readers over the course of two weeks. These votes were then tabulated and ranked in order to determine the top three ﬁnalists. Black Press, parent company of the Nanaimo News Bulletin, has sole copyright over any written material or image in this publication. In the event of an error occurring in any advertisement, the liability of Black Press shall not exceed the charge of the space actually occupied by the item in question.

Choice city

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2009

Best Breakfasts

4 Best of the City

Saturday, June 28, 2008

What at makes

Nanaimo

No. 1? BY JENN MARSHALL

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

hen Laurie Kersten first drove through Nanaimo several years ago, she and her husband fell instantly in love with the Harbour City. “We just drove through Nanaimo and it was truly the feeling you get when things just feel right,” she said. “It was seeing the harbour itself and walking the harbourfront that made us say we had to take a second look. The natural beauty just bowled us over.” Kersten moved here in the fall of 2008, after searching for a place to live and talking with local people

in Victoria. “We had never heard of Vancouver Island before,” he said. The couple visited the Island in 2005 and fell in love with Nanaimo, both as a good place to settle and finish raising their two children and as a place to operate a business. Hardie checked out the downtown core, the city’s revitalization plans and made a decision. “We thought, ‘Yeah, there’s things that are going to happen here’,” he said. “There’s so many things to do and see. We sit on three acres here and it’s so nice to have that space around you but

about starting a newcomers group. She had started a Twin Cities Transplants group in Minnesota many years ago and being able to start a Nanaimo Transplants group was important to her. The newcomers group can be reached at www. imnotfromhere.com. “Even though it’s just a hobby, it’s a key passion of mine,” said Kersten. “The city has been as open as I was hoping it would be.” Peter Hardie, 60, moved to Nanaimo from England in 2008 to start up Maple View B&B off Jingle Pot Road. “We absolutely love it out here,” he said. “It’s so quiet yet so easy to get where you want to go.” When Hardie and his wife first started looking for somewhere in the world to relocate and operate a bed and breakfast together, they stumbled across a house for sale

also be so close to everything.” Hardie said not only are there many things to see and do in Nanaimo itself, but the city is also perfectly positioned to allow for day trips to other popular tourist locations on the Island. Annabel Rogers, 48, moved to Nanaimo in January from England with her husband and two children. The decision to move to the Harbour City was made after the family visited Rogers’s aunt, who had lived in the north end for years. Her aunt wanted to downgrade to a smaller house and offered to sell the Rogers family her ocean view home, which they eagerly snapped up. “Nanaimo has everything you want – the sea, trees, lots of lovely walks, flowers, shops,” she said. “It’s such a central location, you

can get anywhere from Nanaimo.” Kelly Cochrane, 47, moved here with his wife more than four years ago from Toronto to escape the harsher winters there. “When we drove through the city, driving from Departure Bay Road, we thought, ‘What a beautiful place,’” he said. Cochrane loves walking the waterfront, hiking through the city’s parks and being within a 30-minute drive from several golf courses. “I can be on several different golf courses in a reasonable amount of time,” he said. “In Toronto, it was a two-hour trip to get to a golf course.” Dave Petryk, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island, said most tourists who come to Nanaimo are interested in the scenery. “Primarily, we focus on the harbour, the harbourfront walkway, the parks and Newcastle Island,” he said. “What people are very interested in is the walking, hiking and exploring kind of thing.” Petryk said kayaking, the WildPlay Element Park in south Nanaimo and shopping downtown and in the Old City Quarter are major tourist draws. He said Nanaimo is growing into more of a destination city due to the growth and beautification of the downtown and harbour area. “We’re certainly finding there’s a number of people coming to Nanaimo and staying for a few days,” he said. “They often use Nanaimo as a hub.” Mark Drysdale, executive director of Tourism Nanaimo, said while the harbour is often the initial feature that draws tourists in, once they’re here, Tourism Nanaimo staff point them to a wide range of things to see and do. “Nanaimo is very multi-faceted,” he said. “Because of where we’re located and how many people are coming through, there is truly something for everyone.” From mountain biking and kayaking to scuba diving, Drysdale said the city’s ocean, lakes, rivers and mountains cater to tourists eager to try out a range of adventure sports. The city’s recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, islands and attractions make Nanaimo a popular place for families to visit. Drysdale said he also points people in the direction of downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter for shopping. Nanaimo is also home to Woodgrove Centre, the largest shopping centre on the Island. “We’ve got a lot of city amenities for a city of our size,” he said. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

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eUsTOt SERVICE BAAUTO

2009

FOR 8 YEARS STRAIGHT!” STRAIGHT

“PROUD TO BE #1

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From Michael Langermantel to all the people who voted us #1 eight years in a row!

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THANK YOU NAN NANAIMO! NAIMO! 6900 North Island Highway, Nanaimo

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(Dickinson Crossing)

250-390-1400

Toll Free 1-800-255-6250

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1 2009

N NEW ANAIM S BU O LLET IN

FOR VOTING

Cassandra Franklin makes the most of a hot sunny day while waiting for a friend to arrive at Maffeo Sutton Park.

TY CI

THANK YOU NANAIMO

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Kid’s Plaace

Childcare Center Locally owned/operated since 1994 94

ROOFING COMPANY!

Booking king for September: eptember agess 3-5, Kindergarten an and after school program.

Put your

Rooﬁng Problems in our Hands

(Limited space p ce available) av

• Cedar Shakes • Fiberglass Shingles • Metal Roof Systems • Licenced & Insured • Free Estimates for Re-Rooﬁng

Transportation rtation to Brechin, Brechin Forest Park and Quarterway Schools. s

ST OF THE CI BE E

• Expert Trouble Shooting • Commercial-Residential • Professional Service • All types of Flat & Sloped Rooﬁng • Asphalt & Rubber Membrane Systems

Thank you Nanaimo for voting oting for us us!

YOUR FAVOURITE

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2009

“Open all year long” 7:30 to 5:30 (Mon.-Fri.)

42 201 Jingle Pot Road 250-758-5440 em mail: blake@ericksonrooﬁng.com

Don’t wait for disaster . . . call the master! 6 Best of the City

Contact Tina:

(250) 754-Kids (5437) 1085 Moyse Cres. Nanaimo, B.C.

We accept Childcare Subsidy Lic# 1381181 Tuesday, June 30, 2009

SERVICE WINNERS

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Michaela Exelby, regional manager and personal trainer for VI Fitness Centres, gets in a quick workout in the company’s Nanaimo fitness centre. VI Fitness Centres flexed its muscles in this year’s Best Fitness Centre category.

BEST ESTHETICIANS 1. Breze Salon & Day Spa 2. Merle Norman 3. Bella Donna Esthetics BEST APPLIANCE REPAIR SHOP 1. Aztec Appliances Ltd 2. Barron’s Home Appliance Centre 3. Classic Appliance & Refrigeration

BEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR 1. Den Mar Electric 2. Mazzei Electric 3. Houle Electric

BEST MARINE SUPPLIER 1. Harbour Chandler 2. Anchorage Marine (tie) 2. West Marine (tie) BEST MASSAGES 1. Breze Salon & Day Spa 2. Majestic Massage 3. Cozy Spot BEST BANK INSTITUTION 1. Royal Bank 2. Coastal Community Credit Union 3. Bank of Montreal BEST PLUMBING AND HEATING BUSINESS 1. Archie Johnstone 2. Marshall Plumbing (tie) 2. West Bay Mechanical (tie) 3. Norm’s Mobile Plumbing

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY 1. BCAA 2. Hub International Barton 3. Western Financial Group (Bakes Jarvie)

BEST ROOFING COMPANY 1. Blake Erickson Roofing 2. Aspin Roofing & Gutters 3. Vanderleek Roofing

BEST TANNING SALON 1. Spanish Sol Tanning Salon 2. Golden Sands 3. Divine Glow

BEST FITNESS CENTRE 1. V.I. Fitness Centre 2. Northridge Fitness Centre 3. Lifestyle Health & Fitness

BEST CATERING BUSINESS 1. 24 Carrot 2. Mrs Riches 3. Good to Go

BEST AUTO SERVICING 1. Canadian Tire 2. Nanaimo Toyota 3. Tom Harris Chev

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER 1. Investor’s Group 2. RBC Dominion Securities 3. Dean Carto - Sun Life

BEST CARPET CLEANERS 1. Citrus O Carpet Care 2. Sears 3. Classic Care Carpet

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY 1. BCAA Travel 2. Marlin (McFarlane) Travel 3. Flight Centre

BEST GAS BAR 1. Mid-Island Co-op 2. Chevron 3. Save-On Gas

BEST TATTOO 1. Tranceformations 2. Black & Blue 3. Sandra’s Ink BEST BEAUTY SALON 1. Breze Salon & Day Spa 2. Rich 1 Beauty (tie) 2. Salon D (tie) 2. Serenity (tie) BEST OPTICAL STORE 1. Iris 2. Maycock Optical 3. Highview Optical (tie) 3. WalMart (tie)

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2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008

2009

best travel agency

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WE PROUDLY SERVE NANAIMO.

Thank you for choosing BCAA as Nanaimo’s Best Travel and Insurance Agencies. BCAA is dedicated to providing peace of mind and security with all our products and services. You have our word on it. You also have Nanaimo’s residents word on it.

best insurance agency 2005, 2007, 2008

Runners up 2006

Metral Place 6581 Aulds Road

390-7700 www.bcaa.com Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I N S U R A N C E Best of the City 7

RESTAURANTS/ FOOD WINNERS

BEST ASIAN FOOD 1. Blue Ginger 2. Hong Kong House 3. Amazing Thai

BEST DELI 1. Thrifty Foods 2. Save-On-Foods 3. Quality Foods

BEST FAST FOOD 1. Wendy’s 2. Subway 3. Delicados

BEST FISH AND CHIPS 1. Troller’s Fish n Chips 2. Pirate Chips 3. Bond’s

BEST LUNCHES 1. Delicados 2. Mrs. Riches Dinner Club Cafe 3. Thirsty Camel Cafe

BEST PIZZA 1. New York Style 2. Mambo Gourmet Pizza 3. Pizza Hut

BEST HAMBURGERS 1. Mrs. Richies 2. White Spot 3. Armani’s

BEST NACHOS 1. Gina’s Mexican Cafe 2. Longwood Brew Pub 3. Jinglepot Pub

BEST STEAK 1. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar 2. Bold Knight Restaurant 3. Beefeaters Chophouse & Grill

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD 1. Alexandra’s Bistro 2. Ilios 3. Thirsty Camel

BEST PIES 1. Costco Wholesale (tie) 1. Nanaimo Bakery (tie) 3. Columbia Bakery

BEST MARTINI 1. Acme Food Co 2. Red Martini Grill 3. The Modern Café

BEST PASTA 1. Romeo’s 2. Grapevine Trattoria 3. Mrs Riches

BEST SEAFOOD 1. Nauticals 2. The Keg 3. Troller’s Fish n Chips

BEST SUSHI 1. Blue Ginger 2. Sushi Eh 3. Acme Food Co

BEST SUNDAY BUFFET/BRUNCH 1. Longwood 2. ABC 3. Ricky’s All Day Grill

BEST BREAKFASTS 1. Ricky’s All Day Grill 2. Smitty’s 3. Tania’s

BEST BAKERY 1. Nanaimo Bakery 2. Columbia Bakery 3. Bohdi Bakery

BEST WINGS 1. Miller’s Pub 2. Muddy Waters Pub 3. Chico’s (tie) 3. Piper’s Pub (tie)

BEST PATIO RESTAURANT 1. Earls 2. Cactus Club Cafe 3. Dinghy Dock Marine Pub 3. Mrs Riches Dinner Club Cafe

BEST DESSERTS 1. Dairy Queen 2. Mrs. Riches 3. Earls (tie) 3. Mon Petit Choux (tie)

Gina’s Mexican Cafe servers, Margaret Torgerson, left, and Stephanie Larke, hand deliver one of the restaurant’s popular dishes straight from the oven. Gina’s nachos were voted the best in Nanaimo.

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT 1. Zougla 2. Mahle House 3. Beefeaters Chophouse & Grill BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 1. Mrs. Richies 2. White Spot 3. Ricky’s All Day Grill BEST FRENCH FRIES 1. Pirate Chips 2. New York Fries 3. McDonald’s BEST RESTAURANT (OVERALL) 1. Mrs Riches Dinner Club Cafe 2. The Thirsty Camel 3. Mahle House / Ricky’s All Day Grill / Zougla (tie)

Thank you Nanaimo!

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Recieve a new lo lookk in our cosmetics department with a

Free Makeover

2 2009

2009

Come shop Sears Nanaimo and experience our outstanding associates and excellent customer service.

N’S WEAR ME

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DIES WEAR LA

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Didd youu know that 7 out of 10 women men wear thee wrong ong bra size? See our br bra specia cialists in the t Lingerie Department fo for a

Free Bra Fit

Sears Nanaimo is the Number 1 Seller

of Appliances

in Sears stores across Canada.

Contractor Prices Available from Kitchen to Laundry

For the best selection to chose from, visit our Nanaimo Sears and talk with one of our experts PRO ICON™

8 Best of the City

SEARS Commercial pricing on Major Appliances. General Contractors come see a Sears Associate in our Major Appliance Department for a Commercial Quote on Appliances for your Development Project

Nanaimo North Town Centre 250-756-4111 Tuesday, June 30, 2009

ST OF THE CI BE E

Thanks Again Nanaimo!

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2009

ST OF THE CI BE E

Ph: (250) 758-1971

Pirate Chips

2129A Bowen Road

Thanks to all the locals for keeping us afloat!

ST OF THE CI BE E

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2009

4 Year in a row!

charliebrowns@shaw.ca Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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Any questions please email us at...

Ph: (250) 753-5211

Best ESTHETICIANS 2 YEARS RUNNING

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Thank you from: Lee, Jan, Logan, Glenda, Tanneya, Alison, Penny, Lorri & Linda

91-650 Terminal Avenue, Port Place

758-6822 www.brezesalonandspa.com

2009

We appreciate our customers’ support for 7 Years in a row.

Country Club Centre Best Massages 4 YEARS RUNNING

Y IT

BEST VITAMIN / HEALTH FOOD STORE

2009

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2009

THE NEWS BULLETIN

Piper’s Lagoon is one of many popular parks along Nanaimo’s shoreline providing opportunities to experience the intertidal zone.

ST OF THE CI BE E

Best BEAUTY SALON

From all of us at Breze, thank you Nanaimo for your continued support. It is a pleasure to have you as our guest in our newly expanded salon and spa.

1 - Best French fries # 2 - Best Fish & Chips

#1 Commercial Nanaimo 250-753-2447 Best of the City 9

SHOPPING WINNERS BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. Wal-Mart 2. Thrifty Foods 3. Home Hardware Stores BEST OUTDOOR GARDEN CENTRE 1. Art Knapp’s Plantland 2. Long Lake Nursuries 3. Green Thumb (tie) 3. Canadian Tire (tie) 3. Diana’s Garden Centre (tie) BEST STORE TO BUY TOOLS 1. Home Depot 2. Canadian Tire 3. Midland Tools BEST WINE MAKING STORE 1. Wine Kitz 2. Wine Works 3. Rainy Crick BEST ART GALLERY 1. Nanaimo Art Gallery 2. Gallery 223 3. Yellowbird Art Gallery BEST PLACE TO BUY SEAFOOD 1. Seadrift 2. Thrifty Foods 3. Save-On-Foods (tie) 3. Costco (tie)

BEST PLACE TO BUY MEAT 1. Piper’s Meats 2. Costco Wholesale 3. Nesvog Meats & Sausage

BEST PLACE OT BUY PRODUCE 1. Thrifty Foods 2. Save-on-Foods 3. Quality Foods

BEST PAINT STORE 1. Home Depot 2. Cloverdale Paint 3. Benjamin Moore (tie) 3. General Paint (tie)

BEST SEWING/NOTIONS STORE 1. Fabricland 2. Snip and Stitch Sewing Centre 3. Wal-Mart

BEST PLACE TO BUY A USED VEHICLE 1. Tom Harris Chev 2. Galaxy Motors 3. Wheatons Pontiac

BEST FLOWER SHOP 1. Turley’s Florist 2. Thrifty Foods 3. Westcoast Classic

BEST STORE TO BUY BOOKS 1. Chapters 2. Literacy Nanaimo 3. Costco

BEST FLOOR COVERING STORE 1. Home Depot 2. End of the Roll 3. United Carpet

BEST STORE FOR LADIES WEAR 1. Winners (tie) 1. Sears (tie) 3. The Bay

BEST HOUSEWARES/LINEN STORE 1. Homesense 2. The Bay 3. Home Outfitters

BEST SECONDHAND STORE 1. Value Village 2. Salvation Army 3. Friends of Haven BEST HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES 1. Home Depot 2. Home Hardware 3. Slegg Lumber BEST LIGHTING STORE 1. McLaren’s Electric 2. Home Depot 3. Illuminations

BEST LINGERIE SHOP 1. La Senza 2. La Vie en Rose 3. My Undies BEST STORE FOR MEN’S WEAR 1. Rickwoods Menswear 2. Sears 3. Moore’s BEST SHOE STORE 1. Payless Shoes 2. A Step Ahead 3. Shoe Warehouse

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE 1. PetSmart 2. Petcetera 3. Bosley’s Pet Food Plus BEST PLACE TO SHOP 1. Woodgrove Centre 2. Downtown 3. Wal-Mart BEST VITAMIN/HEALTH STORE 1. Charlie Browns 2. Island Natural 3. GNC

BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE 1. SportChek 2. Canadian Tire (tie) 2. Sport Mart (tie) 3. Reaction Sports BEST TILE STORE 1. City Tile 2. Home Depot 3. Cornerstone Tile BEST BIKE SHOP 1. Oak Bay Bikes 2. Arrowsmith Bikes 3. Pacific Rim Bicycle BEST FURNITURE STORE 1. The Brick 2. Laz-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries 3. Flying Fish BEST PLACE TO GET TIRES 1. Big O Tires 2. Kal Tire 3. Canadian Tire

BEST JEWELLERY STORE 1. People’s Jewellers 2. Keller’s 3. Ben Moss BEST MUSIC STORE 1. Music Maxx 2. HMV 3. Fascinating Rhythm

Come enjoy your Summer Days and Summer Nights on

Earls Patio Voted #1 Patio in Nanaimo, ST OF THE CI BE E

“Best of the City 2009”

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2009

Relax in the sun or enjoy the breeze under the cover. Good food, friendly staff and daily beverage specials are all great on a hot summer day!

#1 Patio

Our Patio – “A place where life is better...”

ROCK CITY CENTRE 10 Best of the City

250-756-4100 Tuesday, June 30, 2009

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Alexander Ledoux-Reist, and his big sister Kassandra, take a ride with Jumping Jiminy’s mascot J.J. The company was voted Nanaimo’s best place for a birthday party.

A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE.

BEST KIDS RESTAURANT 1. McDonald’s (tie) 1. Mrs. Riches Dinner Club Cafe (tie) 3. White Spot BEST KIDS CLOTHING STORE 1. Children’s Place 2. Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear 3. Wal-Mart BEST PLACE FOR BIRTHDAYS 1. Jumping Jiminy’s 2. Cyber City Adventures 3. Backstage Pass Events

KIDS WINNERS BEST TOY STORE 1. Toys R Us 2. Kool & Child 3. Wal-Mart

2. 3. 3. 3.

Retirement Living at its best. Luxury by Choice. Award Winning Designs and Superior Location.

BEST DAY CARE 1. Boys and Girls Club Kids Place Childcare Jolly Giant Childcare(tie) Enchanted Woodland (tie) Katie’s Korner (tie)

BEST PLAYGROUND 1. Beban Park 2. Swy-a-lana Lagoon 3. Oliver Woods

ISLAND OWNED & MANAGED • LICENSED CARE, FRIENDLY & DEDICATED STAFF

3201 Ross Road, Nanaimo • 729-7995 1-877-525-3111

ST OF THE CI BE E

www.berwickrc.com

Thank you Nanaimo

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2009

for voting us

Best of the City!

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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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BE BEST FAST FOOD

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NIGHT LIFE / ENTERTAINMENT WINNERS BEST SPORTS BAR 1. Old City Station Pub 2. Piper’s Pub 3. Quarterway Hotel BEST LIVE THEATRE 1. The Port Theatre 2. Nanaimo Theatre Group/Bailey 3. Malaspina/ VIU Theatre BEST PLACE FOR LIVE BANDS 1. Queen’s Hotel 2. The Cambie Hostel 3. The Port Theatre BEST PLACE TO DANCE 1. Queen’s Hotel 2. Club 241 3. The Cambie Hostel BEST PUB 1. Longwood Brew Pub 2. Piper’s Pub 3. Jingle Pot Pub CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

IT’S WORTH

the drive drive! the ALL NEW 2009 SX4 SPORT SEDAN

MSRP FROM

FULLY LOADED SPORTS SEDAN MODEL INCLUDES SAFETY AND SECURITY -34 mode point ELR p belts 4 seat -ABS with EBD and brake assist -Airbags front seat mounted side, side curtain, -Centre high mounted rear stop lamp - Child proof rear door locks -2stage remote-keyless entry with panic function -child proof tether anchorage (3 rear) -daytime running lights -Engine Immobilizer CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT -AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player with 8 speakers w/subwoofer

conditioning tomatic climate Control uise Control -power steering -power door locks -power windows with drivers express down -XM satellite radio ready -Aero Body Kit -speed sensing volume control -Steering wheel mounted audio controls -17” aluminum alloy wheels -heated power mirrors -engine block heater -tilt steering

FINANCING UP TO 72 MONTHS

20,740

-leather wrapped steering wheel -information display -remote trunk release -remote fuel door release -7 drink holders-ﬂoor mats -tinted glass -fog lamps PERFORMANCE 2.0 Litre DOHC 4 cyl 9.2/6.5L/100km 31/43 mpg (city/highway) 5 year/100,000km powertrain warranty 5 year/umlimited km anti-perforation

ALL NEW 2009 SX4 CROSSOVER All-Wheel-Drive

MSRP FROM

0 4-WHEEL-DRIVE MODEL INCLUDES SAFETY AND SECURITY -3 point ELR seat belts -4 mode 4 wheel drive -ABS with EBD and brake assist -Airbags dual front, front seat mounted side, side curtain, -brake assist -Centre high mounted rear stop lamp -Child proof rear door locks -2stage remote-keyless entry with panic function -side impact beams -engine immoblizer -esp with traction control CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT -AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player with 7speakers w/subwoofer

MSRP FROM

FINANCING UP TO 72 MONTHS

27,545

-Air conditioning -split-folding rear seatbacks -Automatic climate Control -front door courtesy lights -Cruise Control -cargo area cover -Illuminated Steering wheel mounted audio controls -variable intermittent wipers -Micron air filter -rear window wiper/washer with fixed intermittent -information display -remote fuel door release -steering wheel-mounted audio controls PERFORMANCE -speed sensing volume control 2.4 litre 4 cyl -power steering 11.2/8.1 L/100 km -power mirrors 25/35 mpg city/highway -power door locks Class leading towing capacity 3000 lbs. -power windows 5 year/100,000km powertrain warranty --XM satellite radio ready 5 year/umlimited km anti-perforation -engine block heater 3 year roadside assistance -floor mats -overhead console -height adjustable drivers seat

UP TO 72 MONTHS

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CUSTOMERS SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING: Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. Limited time offers are subject to change without notice. *MSRP of a new 2009 SX4 Sedan with manual transmission (Model S3L83J9), 2009 SX4 Crossover with manual transmission (Model H3N80J9) and 2009 Grand Vitara with manual transmission (Model LLNB0S9) is $19,209/$23,009/$27,964 ($1,395/$1,395, $1,550), destination and delivery liveery charge. $299 administration fee, $20 tire recycling tax and $$100 air conditioning tax included). $75 tax for fuel conservation (where applicable), duties on new tires (where applicable), $72 PPSA (where applicable), other taxes, license, insurance, appplicable fees and registration are extra. **Limited time finance offferss available to qualified retail customers on approved credit. These offers can not be combined with dealer participation and stacklable credits. 0%/0%/0% purchase financing APR forr a 72/72/72 month term is available. Financing example: the monthly monnthly payment at 0%/0%/0% purchase financing APR is $267/$320/$389 per month for 72/72/72 months. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $19,209/$23,009/$27,964 ($1,395/$1,395/$1,500) /$11,395/$1,500) designation and delivery charge, $299 administra administration ation fee, $20 tire recycling tax and $100 air conditioning tax included). Financing example does not include $75 tax for fuel conservation (where applicable), duties on new tires (where applicaable), $72 PPSA (where applicable), other taxes, licence, insurance, applicable fees and registration. +MSRP of models shown, 2009 SX4 Sedan Sport for manual transmission (Model S3L83K9), 2009 SX4 Crossover JLX with manual transmission (Model del H3N8029) and 2009 Grand Vitara JLX with automatic transmission transmission (Model L2NB5V9) is $21,159/$25,009/$30,809 ($1,395/$1,395/$1,550) destination and delivery charge, $299 administration fee, $20 tire recycling tax and $100 air conditioning tax inc included). cluded). $75 tax for fuel conservation (where applicable), dutiess on new tires (where applicable), $72 PPSA (where applicable), other taxes, license, insurance, applicable fees and registration are extra. Certain conditions apply. Dealers may sell for lesss. Innformation shown is based on the latest available information att thee time of print. See participating dealers for conditions and details. Offers end June 30, 2009. ©2009 Suzuki Canada Inc.

Ray Baird, of The Thieves, wails out the lead from Black Sabbath’s War Pigs on his Gibson SG guitar at the Queen’s Hotel. The Queen’s took top honours with readers who voted it Nanaimo’s best place for live bands and best place to dance.

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RECREATION BEST PLACE TO WATCH BIRDS 1. Buttertubs Marsh 2. Piper’s Lagoon 3. Neck Point BEST PLACE TO SWIM OUTDOORS 1. Westwood Lake 2. Nanaimo River 3. Piper’s Lagoon BEST PLACE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING 1. Dumont Road 2. Mount Benson 3. Westwood Lake BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC 1. Piper’s Lagoon 2. Bowen Island 3. Newcastle Island BEST ROMANTIC PARKING SPOT 1. Departure Bay 2. Piper’s Lagoon 3. Vancouver Island University BEST PLACE TO MEET FOR COFFEE 1. Tim Hortons 2. Starbucks Coffee Co. 3. Buzz Coffee House BEST PLACE TO WALK, JOG OR HIKE 1. Westwood Lake 2. Seawall / Waterfront 3. Piper’s Lagoon

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Westwood Lake Park, with its six-kilometre looped trail is a popular spot for joggers, hikers and cyclists. The trail is also a starting point for hikes along the Westwood Ridges and up Mount Benson.

BEST PLACE FOR KAYAKING 1. Newcastle Island 2. Departure Bay 3. Long Lake

BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING SPOT 1. Swy-a-lana Lagoon 2. Waterfront 3. Seawall

BEST LOCAL CAMPGROUND 1. Brannen Lake 2. Living Forest 3. Westwood Lake

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From the early mining days to the 21st century, the Harbour City is rich in history. Take the quiz and test your knowledge. The answers are on the bottom of the page, but no sneaking a peek.

now nanaimo

5. What mid-Island actor will star in the movie sequel to Twilight? a) Justin Chatwin b) Cameron Bright c) Pamela Anderson 6. The G.A. Fletcher building on Commercial Street had been a: a) Fire hall b) Movie theatre c) Hotel 7. Grandview Bowl was wa home to what sport?

a) Car racing b) Horse racing c) Track and field 8. Nanaimo was not the first name for the town. In 1852, Gov. James Doug Douglas named the settlement: a) Colviletown b) New Rupert c) Bartown

was: a) 1870 0 b) 1923 3 c) 1930

3. What Nanaimo on-air personality did play-by-play play-by-pllay for Nanaimo Clippers games on CHUB Radio? a) Duane Bodeker b) Ted T d Kelly K ll c) Larry Thomas

9. Nanaimo and Vancouver Vanc had downtown-to-downtown ferry service in the 1960s and 1970s. What was the name of the vessel? a) Glasgow Empress b) Princess of Vancouver Vancouv c) Coastal Princess

2. Nanaimo is home to which hich two-time national champion sports team? a) Vancouver Island Raiders. rs. b) Vancouver Island University ersity Mariners c) Nanaimo Timbermen

4. The Child Development Centre hosts an annual fundraiser in the harbour in July. Which event is it? a) Marine Festival b) Silly Boat Regatta c) Dragonboat Festival

10. Movie-goers had two choices when it came to drive-in entertainment in Nanaimo. They were: a) Fiesta and Capitol b) Famous Players and Avalon c) Cassidy and Starligh Starlight

6. b) Once the Bijou Theatre, the building became the Strand Theeatre in 1935.

1. The record year for co coal oal production in Nanaimo

Sources:- www.nanaimodowntown.com - www.nanaimo o.ca - Harbour City, Nanaimo in Transition, 1920-1967 by Jan n Peterson. 10. c) The Starlight Drive-in was on Norwell Drive near Long L Lake and the Cassidy Drive-in was south of town, near the Nanaimo Airport.

5. b) Nanaimo actor Camero on Bright has been cast in New Moon, the Twilight sequel filmed in Vancouver.

9. b) The CPR’s Princess of Vancouver carried both passeenger vehicles and railcars in competition with Blackball Ferries which later became B B.C. Ferries. She later sailed between Comox and Powell River, Victoria and Seattle and then was sold and operated in China.

4. b) The Silly Boat Regatta attracts thousands of people dow wntown to watch teams build their own watercraafts and propel them around a buoyy off of Swy-a-lana Lagoon. 3. c) Larry Thomas could be heard on 1570 am on the radio dial describing the hockey action from the gondolaa in the Civic Arena. 2. a) The VI Raiders won the Canadian Bowl in 2006 and 2008 and are three-time reigning B.C. Football Conferen nce champions. 1. b) In 1923, 3,400 workerrs mined coal in Nanaimo, producing 1,177,929 tonnes.

8. a) Douglas called it Colviletown, after Andrew Colvilee, the governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company. It wasn’t until 1860 that the town was named Nanaimo, derived from Snuneymuxw. 7. a) Sounds of stock and super-stock cars filled the air arround Beban Park Saturday nights from 1958 to 1985. Racing moved to Cassidy Speeedway which closed in the late 1990s. Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Best of the City 15

City’s y storyy told visually New Nanaimo Museum has more space for permanent collection, visiting exhibits BY MELISSA FRYER

iner Robert McArthur probably rode the cage into the coal mine on Protection Island hundreds of times, never thinking that Sept. 10, 1918, he and 15 other miners would plummet to their deaths after the cage’s cable snapped.

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they didn’t know.” The museum can now tell many more stories, thanks to 16,000 square-feet of space in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, doubling the size of the museum in its old location. Beginning from scratch with a wide-open room, museum staff focused on what aspects of the city’s history was unique to other harbour cities and coal mining towns. “What are our firsts that make us special?” Trueman asked.

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His pocket watch, a Westclox Pocket Ben, recorded the moment, stopping at precisely 7:10 a.m. Through artifacts like McArthur’s watch, the Nanaimo Museum is able to tell the stories of the people and events that shaped the city’s more than 150-year history. “We wanted to tell the story of Nanaimo not only for visitors, but also for residents,” said Debbie Trueman, museum general manager. “Everyone discovers something new

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In choosing what artifacts to display from more than 10,000 in the museum’s collection, staff picked those that told a story, much like McArthur’s pocket watch or a teapot that crossed the Atlantic Ocean with early Nanaimo settlers aboard the Princess Royal ship. The history of the Snuneymuxw people, including artifacts of clothing and tools, is included, as are the Bathtub races and its early booster Frank Ney, Nanaimo’s late mayor. “You can’t tell all of it,” Trueman said. “That’s why we focused on things that make Nanaimo unique.” The museum is always changing. An exhibit on the Bastion era just opened, as well as an exhibit on the forest industry. An exhibit on downtown retail development is underway and the popular coal mine tunnel will re-open in February. “That room is still going to change over the next two years,” Trueman said. “The gallery’s never really going to be done.” The museum has also hosted its first travelling exhibit, The Painted Photograph, from the National Gallery of Canada. A second exhibit, focusing on the life of Maurice “Rocket” Richard, opens July 19 at the same time as new inductees into the Nanaimo sports hall of fame are announced. “We have a great sports history,” Trueman said. The museum operates on an annual budget of $550,000, with additional money from sponsors and donations directed to special projects. The museum employs eight full-time staff, with more than 70 volunteers. “Everything we do is augmented by volunteers,” Trueman said. The museum is located at the corner of Commercial Street and Museum Way. For more information, please visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca.

MELISSA FRYER/THE NEWS BULLETIN

ABOVE: Nanaimo Museum displays focus on what makes the Harbour City unique, like late mayor Frank Ney, often seen wearing his pirate costume while attending the annual Bathtub races. OPPOSITE PAGE: New exhibits are opening at the museum all the time, including a display on the area’s forestry industry, complete with artifacts, models and photos.

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Best of the City 17

NEWS BULLETIN FILE

The Great International World Championship Bathtub race is full of thrills and spills as tubbers race to get out of Nanaimo Harbour as well as exit their crafts at the finish line at Departure Bay beach.

Nanaimo o lo loves oves bathtubbing C

BY CHRIS BUSH hances are, a real cast iron bathtub wouldn’t float. But that hasn’t stopped racing tubs from skipping across the waves since the first bathtub ran from Nanaimo Harbour to Fisherman’s Cove in Vancouver in 1967. That race was a publicity stunt dreamed up by Glen Galloway and put into action by former Nanaimo mayor Frank Ney as a Canada Centennial celebration event that dovetailed nicely with promoting Nanaimo. Ney donned a pirate costume to fire the starting flare gun. Every race entrant received the Royal Order of the Gold Plug. The first tubber to sink – most never made it out of the harbour – received the Silver Order of the Toilet Plunger. Ney had his reasons for making sure the race finished in Vancouver. “He knew that’s where most of the major media was,” said Bill McGuire, Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society commodore. McGuire and four Serauxmen entered that race on a craft composed of four 200-litre drums and a sail. They never made it out of the harbour either, but McGuire finished 21st the following year when the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society was formed, racing rules were laid out and Ney became Honourary Bathtub

18 Best of the City

Admiral of the Fleet. Competitions soon sprang up in B.C., the U.S., Australia and New Zealand and continue today. What’s the appeal? McGuire said there are those who love to race and for others, it’s one of those things you have to do just once in life. In the intervening 42 years, tubs have evolved, the race course has changed and the event is now called the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race – and the tubbing spirit is alive and well. This year’s focus and theme for the Nanaimo Marine Festival, July 23-26, is a salute to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is also the theme for the Spirit of Tubbing competition sponsored by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce – in which businesses around Nanaimo decorate for the Marine Festival and staff wear official bathtub race T-shirts – and the Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade. The parade and fireworks the day before the race draw tens of thousands of spectators into downtown Nanaimo and Maffeo Sutton Park on Nanaimo’s waterfront. What was supposed to be a one-time event not only triggered the start of international bathtub racing, but is the premier event that brought Nanaimo worldwide attention.

◆ The Great International World Championship Bathtub Race is the culminating event of the Nanaimo Marine Festival and is also the premier event of international bathtub racing events around the world. ◆ First race run in 1967 as a Centennial event for City of Nanaimo. ◆ Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society formed in 1968 by former Nanaimo mayor Frank Ney. ◆ Original 60-kilometre race course ran from Nanaimo Harbour to Fisherman’s Cove in Vancouver. ◆ Winner of 1967 race was Rusty Harrison of Vancouver. ◆ First woman to win race: Janice Dorman, 1970. ◆ Tubber with most wins: Aaron Froats – modified class with five wins. ◆ Winners of 2008 race were: Nathan Barlow, super modified class, Roy Hesser, modified and Marlon Brown, stock. All from Nanaimo. ◆ Race course changed in 1997 after demise of Vancouver’s Sea Festival and now starts and finishes in Nanaimo. ◆ Number of entrants in first race: 212. Number completed: 47. ◆ Highest estimated number of participating craft, including observation and escort boats: 785. ◆ Number of entrants in 2008 race: 45. ◆ This year’s race runs July 26. For more information, please visit the LNBS website at www.bathtubbing.com.

photos@nanaimobulletin.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

sailors Silly lly Boat Regatta is an annual fundraiser for or Nanaimo’s Child Development Centre It’s the 25th anniversary of the event, so organizers have stretched the Silly Boat Regatta into a two-day festival July 18-19. “We have so many activities that we were going over the top,” Tsembelis said. This year, there will be carnival activities set up all weekend. Organizers have decided to make everything free this year, Tsembelis said, and will no longer be asking for donations for things like face painting or the bouncy castle. Anniversary celebrations will include a cake, a display of photo/souvenir archives and a Gilligan’s Islandthemed look-alike contest. The winners of the look-alike contest will get a three-

BY GREG SAKAKI

anaimo’s Silly Boat Regatta has become so popular, it’s tough to even find a patch of park to view the race. “It’s so jam packed, people are starting to go on boats just to watch the Silly Boat Regatta,” said Dino Tsembelis, one of the organizers. “People literally volunteer to help down at the water so that they can actually see the race. It’s that busy now.” The annual fundraiser at Maffeo Sutton Park has grown exponentially in recent years, raising $100,000 last year for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. This year, the goal is $125,000.

hour tour aboard the actual SS Minnow the next day, allowing them a prime view of the regatta. The racing, of course, is the main event of the weekend. Fifty teams have limited time to build a vessel, then they have to survive a heat to reach the championship race. Every year, some teams find out that their boats aren’t exactly seaworthy. Last year, Tsembelis said, the Kiyo Salon team won the big race by “less than a second.” He marvels at the boat-building he’s seen during the event’s history. “We have round boats, long boats; the creativity’s going through the roof,” Tsembelis said. “It’s a lot of fun.” sports@nanaimobulletin.com

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From the new year to Christmas and every month in between, there is always something happening in Nanaimo for residents and visitors to celebrate BY RACHEL STERN

NEWS BULLETIN FILE

Fun celebrations take place all year including the Vancouver Island Exhibition at Beban Park in August.

anaimo is a city of festivals with each month bringing the community a chance to celebrate, to fundraise or to share cultural traditions. “The festivals bring a sense of community to all different groups,” said Corry Hostetter, Destination Nanaimo’s destination marketing coordinator. “It’s a way of getting involved in different community events. ” Festivals take place across the city, but many occur in Nanaimo’s downtown. Matt Hussmann, managing director of the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership Society, said the events are important to build traffic in the downtown area. “People who might not come downtown come for an event and they see how downtown has changed,” he said. The partnership is working with other organizations to get even more festivals downtown. New this year, the Coaltown Festival is at the Diana Krall Plaza, Aug. 29. Nanaimoites love of fun, fundraising and celebrations lasts all year long. The year kicks off with syrupy fun, ice sculptures and FrenchCanadian culture during the Maple Sugar

Festival du Sucre d’Érable held each February. Spring brings water into the mix with the Nanaimo Floating Boat show in June. Maffeo Sutton Park is a popular spot for spring and summer fun and is the location for the Vancouver Island International Children’s Festival in June; the Save-On-Foods Dragon Boat Festival July 10-12; the Child Development Centre’s Silly Boat Regatta July 18-19 and the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race and Nanaimo Marine Festival July 23-26. Music and waves mix during the Symphony in the Harbour Aug. 8 at Maffeo Sutton Park, the Summertime Blues Festival in Diana Krall Plaza Aug. 20-23 and the Vancouver Island Exhibition Aug. 21-23. The year winds down with scrumptious treats during the Cans Food Festival in the Old City Quarter in early September, Bite of Nanaimo Sept. 25 at Beban Park, the Pumpkin Festival Oct. 24 on Jingle Pot Road and the Festival of Trees in November. Nanaimo says farewell to the year Dec. 31 with Finale celebrations at Beban Park. reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com

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Best of the City 21

Model citizen STORIES BY TOBY GORMAN

tepping into Hadi Abassi’s office at Atlas Truss instantly reveals many things about the man. He’s a hard worker – his desk is controlled chaos – and it’s no coincidence when he shuffles his paperwork, he stares directly into a bookcase across the room filled with trophies representing the latest successes of his football team, the Vancouver Island Raiders. The computer is off for the moment as he focuses on his guest. The walls are lined with an eclectic mix of sports and movie personality photos, and somewhere in the fray lie blueprints to improve Caledonia Field, the Raiders’ home field. Each item commands attention and interest, but it’s Abassi himself, plunked in a chair in the middle of it all, that is the immediate attraction. “It took three tries. I’ve been a finalist three times, but I finally won. I was up against some very good people. Maybe

they felt sorry for me.” Not likely. ‘It’’ is the Citizen of the Year award, presented at the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s Sterling Awards, and Abassi didn’t stumble upon it by accident. He has worked tirelessly with the young men he recruits to be on his football team, not only helping to form them into exceptional athletes, but into exceptional young men as well. He invites them into his home, feeds them, employs them and sets them on

the right track. In just four complete seasons, the V.I. Raiders have won the national championship twice – in 2006 and 2008 – and became one of the teams to be part of for young players aspiring to play football as a profession. “Our team has created a culture that people want to be part of,” said Abassi, who is also the president of the Nanaimo senior A Timbermen lacrosse team. “I’ve got something to do with that, but it’s everybody else too. Our team loves Nanaimo, we enjoy playing for our fans and we want to win. It’s a very successful combination.” A large reason for his award was the creation of a Vancouver Island University scholarship, a program overseen for the Raiders by former Malaspina University College president Rich Johnston. Abassi also dedicates much of his time with local charities like the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Rotary Club of

Junior achiever worth watching

elping people has been a goal of David Kim’s since the age of five. And fulfilling that goal has earned him Nanaimo’s Junior Citizen of the Year award. Now 17, Kim’s resume is impressive for any community member and with his intention of becoming a physician, it is only going to get stronger. Already, the Grade 12 Wellington student does volunteer work at the hospital, co-chairs youth philanthropy, fundraises on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Foundation and is part of the Vancouver Island School Outreach program. He also manages to spend time helping the Red Cross and the local chapter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Last year, he spent eight weeks 22 Best of the City

working in a lab for a cancer research program. Once school is done, he will travel to Toronto with a paramedic’s licence to further his involvement in the health field before returning to attend the University of B.C.’s medical program in the fall. “I like giving back, it’s made me who I am,” said Kim, who emigrated to Canada from South Korea when he was seven years old. “I learned from my parents early in my life that helping people is the best thing you can do.” Despite his accomplishments, Kim said he was surprised to receive the award. “Other students are very involved too and have done some really great things. We don’t do it for the recognition, we do it to contribute.”

Nanaimo. “He loves the city, he loves working hard and he works hard to make this a better community,” said Matthew Blokker, coach of the Raiders. “The people around him really pick up on that, it’s infectious. “You see the people he brings here to play, and they end up going to school at VIU or moving here and working here and contributing. Football is the easy part.” Abassi moved to Nanaimo from Langley 21 years ago with his wife and three children. He intended to stay long enough to set up his new businesses, which also includes Atlas Windows and Doors, and move back. He fell in love with the city, however, and decided to stay. “I made some good friends here very quickly,” said Abassi. “It was easy to get involved and become part of the community so we stayed.” reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

Three more to keep an eye on Also nominated for the Junior Citizen of the Year award, which was presented by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce at the annual Sterling Awards in early May, were Nathan Stefani, Tamera Rogers and Ian Warbrick. ◆ While working hard for the environment, Stefani has earned several service awards including the School Service for Outstanding Services in both Grades 10 and 11. ◆ Rogers is a positive, outgoing and dedicated leader. She organized Operation Christmas Child, led Global Watch Club, is an International Student Ambassador and co-founder of Student Future Network. ◆ Warbrick participates in a number of programs including Heart and Stroke Foundation summer research, Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteers at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and was a Spirit Leader at the B.C. Student Leadership Conference.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Jewel

harbour OF THE

While only a 10-minute pickleboat ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, Newcastle Island Marine Park provides a nice getaway for residents and visitors to Nanaimo. RACHEL STERN/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Newcastle wcastle Island Marine Park provides a host of recreational opportunities from hiking, biking, camping and picnics

anaimo is one of the few places in the world blessed with a marine park right in its own backyard. Newcastle Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Maffeo Sutton Park, is one of the city’s premier outdoor recreation spots. Boaters, bikers, hikers, campers and swimmers flock to the 366-hectare island throughout the spring, summer and fall to take in not only the natural beauty, but history as well. A network of hiking trails, stretching 22 kilometres, take visitors to a number of sandy beaches, viewpoints, sandstone cliffs and Mallard Lake. Kayakers and canoeists frequently launch in Nanaimo and tour the shoreline of Newcastle. If they’re lucky, the might see a deer or the island’s famous white raccoons. The island is part of Snuneymuxw First Nation traditional lands and archeological digs revealed it was the

winter site for First Nation fishing villages. It was also home to a fish salting and cannery operation and a shipyard. The island’s sandstone was famous for its quality and was used to make stones to grind wood fibre into pulp for making paper and for the construction of public buildings such as the U.S. Mint in San Francisco. The B.C. Penitentiary, Nanaimo post office, Nanaimo court house, Bank of Montreal, British North American Bank of Vancouver, St. John’s Church and Oddfellows Hall in Victoria all used Newcastle Island sandstone. The island’s past is preserved in historic sites on its hiking and biking trails that lead visitors to some of the most beautiful scenic views of Nanaimo and Georgia Strait. Newcastle Island became a resort playground in 1931 when it was purchased by the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company that built the recreation pavilion,

still in use today. CP hosted dances and company picnics for as many as 1,500 guests ferried in from Vancouver and Nanaimo. The City of Nanaimo purchased the island from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1955. In 1961, Newcastle Island became a marine park when it was granted to the province by Nanaimo and is now managed by the province, City of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation. Camping facilities include walk-in campsites complete with flush toilets and showers (close to the dock), as well as facilities for group camping and picnicking. The restored pavilion offers food services, interpretive programs and a gift shop May to September. The pavilion can also be rented for dances, corporate picnics and wedding receptions. For more on Newcastle Island, please go to www. env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/newcastle.

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Best of the City 27

Good sports BY GREG SAKAKI

t’s always game on, somewhere in Nanaimo. On any given day, sports fans in the city can put on an oversized foam hand that says “Nanaimo No. 1” and find a team to cheer for.

The high-calibre sports in the city are many and varied. The best-supported team in the city is the Nanaimo Clippers, a junior A club in the B.C. Hockey League. The Clippers have posted 14 straight winning seasons, won two league championships in the past six years and have five in their history. They average more than 2,000 fans a game at Frank Crane Arena. For a virtually guaranteed win, fans might want to head to Caledonia Park and check out a Vancouver Island Raiders game. The defending Canadian Junior Football League champions and three-time defending

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The Pirates play in Canada’s best league for teenagers, the B.C. Premier Baseball League, and made it all the way to the championship tournament last summer. For heavier hitting, fans can check out the Nanaimo Coal Miners senior men or the Vancouver Island Baseball Institute college team. All three teams play their home games at a dedicated, enclosed ball diamond, Serauxmen Stadium. Not far from the stadium is Vancouver Island University, where sports fans can see the city’s highestcalibre basketball and volleyball. The university’s men’s basketball program is coming off an undefeated regular

B.C. champions haven’t lost a home game since 2005 and boast an all-time .863 winning percentage. Nanaimo loves its lacrosse, too, and the sport keeps the city’s arenas hopping all summer long. The Nanaimo Timbermen compete in the Western Lacrosse Association, where they’re trying to add a second championship to go with their Mann Cup from 1956. The city also has a competitive junior A lacrosse team and there are enough fans to go around to create great atmosphere at senior B and junior B games, too. For fans who’d prefer to spend an afternoon at the ballpark, Nanaimo has a few options.

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season last year and the volleyball teams are perennial powerhouses. VIU also fields men’s and women’s soccer teams. The other high-calibre soccer in the city is played by the Nanaimo United club. The historic 100-year-old club is entrenched in the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s highest division and recently added Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association sides. Many other sports teams in town provide great games and get good fan support. The Nanaimo Hornets rugby club at May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park is always competitive, and Dover Bay Secondary School’s basketball teams and John Barsby Secondary School’s football teams can be counted on for winning seasons every year. The curling club, BMX track and motocross park are always busy; same with the fastball and slo-pitch diamonds. From Nanaimo’s artistic synchronized swimmers to our bruising boxers and Mixed Martial Arts athletes, there are always reasons to cheer.

The Pirates play in Canada’s best league for teenagers, the B.C. Premier Baseball League. For heavier hitting, fans can check out the Nanaimo Coal Miners senior men or the Vancouver Island Baseball Institute college team.

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arm velvet breezes drift over Nanaimo, stroking the skin of residents and tourists enjoying everything the Harbour City offers. But the city is more than sea breezes, rippling waterlines and waves that reach out toward the horizon and reflect the sky.

It’s more than the harbourfront walkway and beaches that offer visitors and residents summertime strolls, sun tanning opportunities or family sandcastle building adventures. Nanaimo is a city of abundance – almost every interest or recreation need can be met. There is a thriving artistic scene with local plays, musicians and artisans. Taste sensations await eager diners at restaurants and pubs around the city. Unique fare can be savoured at Nanaimo’s only floating pub, the Dinghy Dock Pub,

located on Protection Island. People can scale ropes and swing from trees at the unique Wild Play Element Parks. There are kilometres of trails and walkways for avid walkers, runners or cyclists. “We are just surrounded by incredibly beautiful nature- mountains, trees, oceans and lakes – you have everything anyone could ask for from Nanaimo,” said Mark Drysdale, executive director of Tourism Nanaimo. For a city of Nanaimo’s size there is lots to do and a lot of infrastructure.

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Nanaimo has a lot to offer tourists and residents alike. People looking for information about all there is to see and do can go to Tourism Nanaimo’s website, www.tourismnanaimo.com. There is loads of information about events, recreation, dining and more. People can also get the 2009 Visitors Guide, the Maps and Attractions guide and the official Nanaimo Dining and Shopping guide. Or people can pick up the Nanaimo News Bulletin’s 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo available at the News Bulletin office, 777 Poplar St.

MITCH WRIGHT/THE NEWS BULLETIN

A hike to the end of Jack Point Park, near the B.C. Ferries Duke Point terminal, provides not only a bit of exercise, but outstanding views of Nanaimo’s waterfront, Protection Island, Georgia Strait and Northumberland Channel.

projects including the conference centre, once a hotel is built.” The airport expansion will extend the runway 488 metres to a length of 2,012 metres. Phase 1 costs about $16.4 million and has a target completion date this November. Phase 2 is estimated to cost $10.4 million and the commission hopes to begin that phase in a year or two and Phase 3 is expected to cost about $500,000.

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The Nanaimo airport expansion is also opening up tourism opportunities. Mike Hooper, president and CEO, said the main goal of the expansion is to meet the future need of residents, but carriers will decide how many flights to add if there is a market demand from tourists. “I see the airport expansion as part of the inevitable growth as a city and it gives us a higher profile of Nanaimo,” said Maartman. “It will help a number of

Zeni Maartman, president of Tourism Nanaimo, said Nanaimo puts the super in natural attractions. “We are super natural, whether doing walking, hiking or swimming, there are so few cities that have all we have such a short distance from us,” said Maartman. “One of our greatest attractions is our waterfront and Newcastle Island.” Maartman said she sees Nanaimo becoming a leader in eco-tourism.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

NEWS BULLETIN FILE

LEFT: Bowen Park, with its plethora of recreation opportunities, including a swim at the Kin Pool, is a jewel in the heart of Nanaimo. BELOW: Neck Point Park is one of many waterfront parks within Nanaimo city limits. In total, the city has 365 parks ranging from neighbourhood play lots to large nature parks.

Urban getaways BY CHRIS BUSH

anaimo has no shortage of parks. Within the city limits there are 365 parks ranging from neighbourhood play lots to Nanaimo’s big nature parks that take visitors on easy strolls or outdoor adventures.

Multi-use parks, like May Bennett Pioneer Park (with its sports fields, tennis courts, softball diamonds and skatepark that serves an estimated 6,000 skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX riders from north Nanaimo’s communities) and Beban Park (home to Altrusa playground, participark running trails, sports fields, BMX track, golf course, lawn bowling, tennis courts, eques-

trian centre and dog park) offer venues for a broad spectrum of recreational activities. Bowen Park has nature walks and a fish side channel along the Millstone River, tennis courts, lawn bowling, swimming pool, beach volleyball and disc golf. Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo’s premier downtown waterfront park – where thousands gather for the city’s

major annual events like the Silly Boat Regatta, Dragon Boat races and the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race – was recently upgraded to accommodate bigger events and crowds. Take a day for a sea to sky adventure exploring Neck Point or Pipers Lagoon seaside parks, then visit Westwood Lake Park, Nanaimo’s biggest park at 120 hectares with swimming beaches and six kilometres of trail circumnavigating Westwood Lake. The park is the gateway to trails on the Westwood ridges that take hikers on scenic climbs above Witchcraft Lake to the summit of Mount Benson. Some parks connect trails that lead outside the city limits and beyond. Colliery Dam Park leads visitors to the Extension Ridge Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail, popular with hikers and mountain bikers. You can get to almost any park on the city’s 120-kilometre, wheelchair-accessible, paved trail network that keeps growing as more areas of the city are connected, allowing commuters to walk, run or cycle practically anywhere in town. Portions of south Nanaimo, Cinnabar Valley and Cedar are being eyed for connection to the trail system. “I think the next thing we’re looking at as part of our five-year planning is how to get into the south, “ said Jeff Ritchie, senior manager of parks. Once routes through downtown and south Nanaimo are built, more local outdoor gems, like Biggs and Jack Point parks, with spectacular views of the city from across the harbour, will be just a bike ride away. One of south Nanaimo’s most beautiful urban getaways is just a 30-minute walk down the Cable Bay and Joan Point trails. An hour relaxing on Joan Point Park’s sun-warmed sandstone, watching pleasure craft and tug boats with log booms navigate Dodd Narrows, where the changing tides rush through the narrow channel between Joan Point and Mudge Island, is one of the unique rewards of living on Vancouver Island. photos@nanaimobulletin.com

Discover more about our parks ◆ Nanaimo has 365 parks on 641 hectares of parkland within the city boundaries. ◆ The largest of Nanaimo’s parks and one of the most popular is Westwood Lake Park at 120 hectares. ◆ Oceanside parks including Neck Point, Pipers Lagoon, Jack Point, Biggs and Joan Point parks offer some of the most spectacular vistas from Nanaimo’s shoreline. ◆ For a complete list of Nanaimo’s parks and park amenities pick up Nanaimo parks recreation and culture’s new Parks and Trails Brochure at park offices in Beban Park, Bowen Park, Tourism Nanaimo, Nanaimo city hall and other city offices. ◆ For listings of facilities, rentals, park development, trails, online virtual tours and all other information about local parks, please visit the parks recreation and culture website at www.nanaimo. ca/EN/main/departments/parks-recreation-culture/ Parks.html.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Best of the City 33

GD\

AT THE

beach

From relaxing to exercise and fun, Nanaimo’s beaches have it covered

playground and washroom facilities located near the Kin Hut. History buffs can learn about the past of the Snuneymuxw First Nations, who lived on the beach in the summer months prior to European arrival. Pipers Lagoon features something for every member of the family, from the little ones who like to play with the creatures in the tidal pools, as well as adults who like to swim in the ocean and relax in the sun. Washroom facilities are located here. Other popular swimming and sunbathing spots include Colliery Dam Park at the end of Wakesiah Avenue, and Brannen Lake off Dunster Road. For more information on Nanaimo’s beaches, please visit www.nanaimo.ca. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

Maffeo Sutton Park, Park is also a popular beach for children of all ages. Families have a choice to swim in the lagoon or enjoy access to a jungle gym playground, open grassy areas, a skateboard park, basketball courts and food vendors in Nanaimo’s landmark downtown park. Loudon Park, on Long Lake, underwent upgrades last year, including cutting of underbrush, improvement of sight lines, rebuilding the children’s playground and improved parking. The park features a sandy beach, roped-off swimming area and washroom facilities. The canoe and kayak club uses the lake for practice. Access is located off Wellesley Avenue. Departure Bay Beach is a popular spot for families as well, with a children’s

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alking out of the trees onto the windswept beach, with the sun high in the clear blue sky, the waves crashing on the endless expanse of white sand, I was reminded again of one thing: I live where people vacation. Despite living in Nanaimo for more than five years, I still discover amazing places like Blueback beach, nestled away from the more frequented tourist spots like the waterfront. It’s also a reminder that the variety found in Nanaimo’s restaurants and activities extends to its natural environment, specifically beaches and lakes. The beach, located at the end of Blueback Road (Uplands Road turns into Blueback at Dover Road), is reached by

descending more than 300 stairs down the cliff. The beach is best at low tide, where the shallow water retreats to reveal a soft sandy beach with plenty of room for skim boards, frisbee players and kite surfers. No washroom or change facilities are located here and it’s a long climb back to the small parking lot, so be prepared. Other beaches in Nanaimo are serviced, including Westwood Lake, which is also the only Nanaimo beach with lifeguards. The small lake, located at the top of Westwood Road, features a six-kilometre trail loop around the perimeter, popular with walkers and joggers, as well as washroom facilities and children’s play area. Man-made Swy-a-lana Lagoon, in

Nanaimo has an abundance e of beaches on both lakes and tthe ocean to satisfy everyone’s need for recreation and to cool off in the summer months.

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

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NEWS BULLETIN FILE

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NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

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anaimo has some of the best weather in the country, so when it comes to outdoor recreation, the city is the envy of the rest of Canada. Of course, having the mountains and ocean nearby doesn’t hurt, either. For active people who prefer to stay on land, the area offers unequaled opportunities for hiking, cycling, running and walking. The city has a multitude of recreation pathways, including the E&N Trail, the Parkway Trail and the extremely

popular Westwood Lake trail, which circumnavigates the lake and is used by runners, hikers and cyclists. It is also one of the trailheads for a more challenging adventure – a 1,000metre climb up Nanaimo’s backdrop, Mount Benson. Other popular trails include the Trans Canada Trail which weaves its way

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throughout the city, Morrell Sanctuary, Cable Bay Trail, Beach Estates and a short network through Bowen Park. “People are really beginning to see what we have to offer here,” said Mark Drysdale, executive director at Tourism Nanaimo. “Whether it’s outdoors in the mountains, ocean or lakes, or hiking and biking, we have amazing facilities for a small city. People are taking notice of that.” Nanaimo is also becoming an Island mecca for mountain biking. The Abyss – part of the Trans Canada Trail – located off Harewood Mines Road, is a local favourite, while Doumont Trails at the end of Biggs Road offers some challenging technical terrain. The City of Nanaimo also provides an endless list of recreational facilities from tennis courts at Beban Park and Bowen Park to soccer fields, lawn bowling pitches, horseshoes facilities, beach volleyball, frisbee golf and baseball diamonds. For those who live life for the water, the harbour provides a perfect playground for aquatic sports. Dragonboaters, kayakers and outrigger canoeists can be seen paddling or rowing regularly in Newcastle Channel and there are regular sailing regattas as well. It’s what lies beneath the surface that draws people from around the world. Nanaimo is known as a global destination for scuba diving because of its incredible ocean biodiversity and excellent visibility. Throw in three

world-class artificial reefs located at less than 30-metres in depth, and it’s easy to see why the diving industry here is as healthy as the sea life. There is also fun to be had high above the ground. Nanaimo’s WildPlay Element Park provides enough challenge for any adrenaline junkie. With a kneeshaking tree course, bungy jump, King Swing and canyon zip line all nestled in a picturesque forest, WildPlay challenges participants to function as high as 20 metres above the forest floor while overcoming unique obstacles. “A lot of the people who come in for ideas are local residents looking to take out-of-town guests around and show them what we have to offer,” said Megan Beauregard, manager of visitor services at Tourism Nanaimo. “They’re always amazed at how centrally located everything is and how much can be done in a single day.” Occasionally, the weather turns for the worse in Nanaimo and the recreation heads indoors. For people who like to test their skills on the face of a wall, Romper Room offers some of the best indoor climbing with bouldering problems and wall routes. For kids, Jumpin’ Jiminey’s offers an indoor playground complete with ping-pong, air hockey and private party rooms. Movie theatres, swimming at Beban Park or the top-notch Nanaimo Aquatic Centre can also make the rainy days pass faster. reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com

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Shop drop ’TILL YOU

Nanaimo’s shopping scene includes favourite shops providing great service and new plans on the horizon BY JENN MARSHALL

hange is in the wind on Nanaimo’s retail horizon and shopping enthusiasts will be the ones to benefit. All of Nanaimo’s malls are undergoing some form of renovation, the most dramatic happening at Harewood’s University Village. Formerly Harewood Mall, the mall’s owners have decided to revamp the look of the shopping centre. Buildings have been popping up on the outskirts of the mall parking lot facing Fifth Street drivers as they head up toward Vancouver Island University and the outward-facing strip on the side of the mall has been knocked down and is in the process of being rebuilt. Two of the four new buildings being constructed

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Nicole Patterson, Seadrift Fish Market manager, hoists a 5.5-kilogram lobster brought in from the Maritimes as part of a special order. News Bulletin readers voted Seadrift Fish Market the best place in Nanaimo to buy seafood. The lobster was ordered for a client’s saltwater aquarium to enjoy a long happy life as a pet.

onsite are finished. Highlights are the new Starbucks coffee shop and expanded Shoppers Drug Mart. Even the sidewalks bordering Fifth Street and Bruce Avenue have been revamped with concrete, giving the mall grounds a fresher, cleaner look.

South Nanaimo is booming in terms of development with new stores, including Country Grocer, moving into all the malls in the Chase River area. And look for the new Rona building centre that recently opened.

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The Old City Quarter continues to provide a unique shopping experience. A few blocks from the waterfront and bordering Wentworth and Wallace streets with Selby and Franklyn streets, visitors can stroll the Heritage Mews, Old City Square, or Fitzwilliam Gate with boutiques that offer those one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. The Old City Quarter also offers fine dining choices from around the world including Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Thai. From specialty foods to skateboards and accessories, the old City Quarter has everything for your shopping needs. Moving downtown, First Capital Realty, the owners of Port Place Shopping Centre, are also retooling the mall. The plans for Phase 1 are to include a two-storey retail mall with two residential floors above that built adjacent to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Phase 2 will include the highrise and waterfront condos. The retail portion will feature a pedestrian mall that will connect to both the conference centre and the Great Canadian Casino. First Capital also bought the retail space in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre last year with Serious Coffee and Iris Optical confirmed tenants. First Capital also owns Longwood Station and the Terminal Park building that contains a B.C. Liquor Store, which recently got a facelift. Downtown Nanaimo is also seeing the revitalization plans come to fruition thanks to the Port of Nanaimo Centre. More and more people are visiting the many shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants throughout the downtown including Victoria Crescent, Commercial, Church and Chapel streets. Moving north, Terminal Park and Rock City Centre are busy neighbourhood hubs, offering one-stop shopping for everything from groceries, fast food, banking, used books and movie rentals to fine dining,

rants and other community services. A new standalone building is going up in the Country Club Centre parking lot, housing a private liquor store run by the owners of the Cambie Hostel in downtown Nanaimo. The Cook’s Nook is also moving in to the mall and expected to open in June. Lululemon Athletica, a trendy, yoga-inspired athletic apparel company, opened up its first Nanaimo store temporarily in Country Club for the holiday season last December and the centre hopes to get the store to commit to opening permanently in the mall. Country Club is also continuing its strong focus on community with a variety of organizations hosting displays and information booths. New construction is also popping up at Nanaimo North Town Centre. A new private liquor store has opened beside the London Drugs store that opened in a new part of the mall two years ago. The centre also opened a Best Buy last summer and other new stores include Urban Planet, a B.C. Cancer Foundation office, Fan Fever Game Wear, Front Side Beach and Board and Stuffed With Love. And after a busy season last year, the farmers’ market is returning to the mall’s parking lot with a new, fresh look and more vendors. Longwood Station and Northridge Village continue to offer a variety of shopping choices from grocery stores, movie rentals, fresh seafood and restaurants to women’s clothing, bicycles, spa treatment and a B.C. Liquor Store. Woodgrove Centre, the Island’s largest shopping mall, has new new tenants including Tim Hortons, Swimwear Etc., Guava – a ladies fashion store – and Bagels’N’More. Rounding out the retail scene in North Nanaimo is Dickinson Crossing, Woodgrove Crossing and the Crossroads mall with a host of services for home, pets and personal shopping.

children’s play centre, fishing tackle and bicycles. Brooks Landing features grocery, hardware, banking, insurance and fishing tackle outlets as well as restau-

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Thanks to our customers...

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Best of the City 39

Looking for the best here is to see and do in Nanaimo?

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2009

Savita and Tony invite you to enjoy Nanaimo’s Nanaimo s Finest Indian Food Ocean View • Belly Dancing Friday & Saturday evenings Fully Licensed • Private Parties Welcome

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terry@marshallplumbingltd.com 40 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

lair The waters off Swy-a-lana Lagoon are churned up by dragon boat teams raising money for cancer equipment BY MELISSA FRYER

s the tiny candles float in Nanaimo’s Harbour, visitors to the annual dragon boat festival remember the people they loved and lost to cancer. But that is the only sombre moment you’ll find in the annual Save-On-Foods Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival at Maffeo Sutton Park. The candle ceremony pays homage to the significant role cancer patients play in the sport prior to a weekend of racing, cheering and celebrating. “The festival this year is going to be bigger and better,” said Frank Mazzei, society president. The festival opens July 10 with the eyedotting ceremony at Swy-a-lana Lagoon. The ceremony harkens back to dragon boating’s origins in China, where dotting the eye would awaken the dragon and bring out the fire, giving the boats and crew the strength of the dragon. More than 70 teams from Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the U.S. – many made solely of breast cancer survivors – compete in races in Nanaimo Harbour July 11-12. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival, with spectators lining the edge of the harbour to watch the action, cheering heartily for all, from the

fastest to the slowest boat. “The comradeship and friendship is above and beyond what you’d get in a competitive event,” Mazzei said. “It creates a feeling of joy that’s hard to describe.” While in the park, spectators and competitors can take in the beer garden, food vendors and other attractions. The festival went with a medieval theme this year, with decorations and entertainment to reflect the Middle Ages. “We’ll have the medieval theme running throughout the whole festival,” Mazzei said. All proceeds from the festival are donated to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation for diagnostic equipment for breast cancer. Since 2003, the society donated more than $150,000 to the foundation, with $80,000 raised last year alone. Dragon boating is a way for women recovering from breast cancer treatment to regain strength in a positive, team environment. With this in mind, cancer survivors are honoured with a carnation ceremony prior to the races on the final day. For information on the festival, please visit www.nanaimodragonboat.com. arts@nanaimobulletin.com

NEWS BULLETIN FILE

The three-day Save-On-Foods Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival draws thousands of spectators to the waterfront to watch more than 70 teams compete on the waters off of Swy-a-lana Lagoon.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Best of the City 41

Higher g Learning Vancouver Island University is seeing a steady growth in enrolment BY JENN MARSHALL

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

ST OF THE C BE E

“It was a privilege to be nominated and an honour to win, for the 4th year in a row!” AWARD WINNER

Another Quality Installation by

1 2008

2009

tor in B.C. On the green front, VIU has received $1.2 million in funding from B.C. Hydro to launch a new energy reduction campaign. “We’re going to be doing things like geothermal assessments,” said O’Keeffe.

Thanks Nanaimo for voting us #1 for Plumbing & Heating – we appreciate your continuing support!

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NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

New programs also include a masters of education in educational leadership – developed in response to the number of Island school administrators expected to retire in the next few years – and a green building and renewable energy technician program was added due to the expanded green building design sec-

Y IT

Winner #1: Best Catering, Best Family Restaurant, Best Hamburger, Best Kids Restaurant, Best Restaurant #2: Best Desserts, Best Lunches, #3: Best Patio Restaurant, Best Pasta

Vancouver Island University’s spring convocation ceremony is piped through downtown Nanaimo. Since acquring university status, the school is seeing increased interest from students wishing to further their post-secondary education.

2009

ST OF THE CI BE E

Thank You Again, Nanaimo!

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

for next fall. We’re able to provide the community with a skilled workforce.” The university recently finished and forwarded its Campus Master Plan to the provincial government, detailing a growth strategy for the next 40 years. Plans include a rerouted and expanded transit exchange and new student services building at the Nanaimo campus are also ready to go and detailed in the master plan. The Campus Master Plan also outlines how future programming and services are to be decided. “Part of our new mandate is that we’re a regionally focused university,” said O’Keeffe. The university’s programs and research projects focus on stimulating coastal Island communities and meeting regional needs such as VIU establishing a shellfish research station at Deep Bay.

he old line goes, “What’s in a name?” There’s plenty when it comes to post-secondary education. While 2008 graduates carried the name Malaspina University-College on their degrees and diplomas, school started last September as Vancouver Island University. And VIU was voted best post-secondary institution in B.C. and second best in Canada for student-faculty interaction in a national study survey published by Maclean’ss magazine in February. “We’re seeing huge international interest in VIU. The fact that we’re a university instead of a university-college lends credibility,” said Toni O’Keeffe, VIU spokeswoman. “Our enrolments were up 2.3 per cent over last year and we’re seeing growth for next year. “We’re up 63 per cent in applications

• Best Family Restaurant • Best Overall Restaurant ! • Best Hamburgers

199 Fraser Street

• PLUMBING • HVAC • REFRIGERATION • HEAT PUMPS • GAS FITTING • SPRINKLER FITTING • SHEET METAL

sidential/Commercial tial/Commercial Residential/Commercial

250-754-2232 50 5 3

www.ajph.com jp

(2 blocks south of the Howard Johnson) Best of the City 42

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

RACHEL STERN/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Breathtaking beauty Views from Newcastle Island and the surrounding shorelines off Nanaimo remind residents and visitors alike why this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Cemetery Tours

Historical Pub Tours

Join a historical tour guide and hear stories of the past and navigate the cemetery on this walking tour of the highlights, history, scandals and mysteries of Nanaimo.

Join a historical tour guide on this walking tour to explore three of Nanaimo’s oldest pubs while learning about the history and development of BC Liquor laws.

Monday, June 29th, July 27th & Aug 25th 7 pm to 9 pm

Monday, June 22nd, July 20th & Aug 17th 7 pm to 9 pm

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Meet at the Howard Street Entrance to the Nanaimo Cemetery

Cost $15

CO M SO ING ON

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Meet at the Nanaimo Museum

A play about Vancouver Island Four Stories: Pieces From Our Past

A travelling Exhibit from the Canadian Museum of Civilization

A presentation from the The Seeds and Salt Theatre Company, in association with the Bamberton Historical Society

Saturday, July 4th - 1 to 3:30 pm Thurs., July 16th & 23rd - 7:30 to 10 pm July 18th to October 11th, 2009

To purchase tickets call: 250.753.1821

Cost $15 One Year Birthday Celebration & Sport Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement July 18th

100 Museum Way

250.753.1821

downtown in the conference centre

www.nanaimomuseum.ca “The Hottest Place in Town”

NANAIMO’S BAKERY Thank You,BEST Nanaimo! T hank You, Nanaimo!

Sun for life TANNING STUDIO

Buy one month unlimited tanning get one month unlimited tanning Nanaimo’s 1st Choice in Tanning

ST OF THE CI BE E

BEST BAKERY 2009 NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

2009

FREE!

BEST BAKERY • 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

NEW D F IN RARAE! SAUN

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN N

“The Hottest Place in Town”

2 Locations: • Rock City Centre Behind Earls

#1-2025 • 250-758-4260 #1 - 2025BOWEN BowenROAD Road • 758-4260 Tuesday, June 30, 2009

TANNING STUDIO

ST OF THE CI BE E

1 2009

Nanaimo’s Only True High Pressure Tan.

ST OF THE CI BE E

2009

with a large selection of Breads, Sweet Desserts and also Sausage Rolls, Meat Pies and Quiche. We also offer light lunches (soups, sandwiches and salads) in our cafe.

European European Style Bakery

Some conditions apply.

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

#1 EIGHTOUR YEARS IN A ROW! CELEBRATING 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Best Bes est st Tanning Ta anning ng Sa Salon alo on SEVEN SEV EV VEN Years Yea ea ars Running unning. ng.

•Bowen Centre (beside End of the Roll)

520-2980 North Island Hwy. #10-1925 Bowen Road 250-751-0171 250-751-1559 Best of the City 43

Some familiar faces of

Bestt of the City

Aaron Boles - Asst. Mgr. Wal-Mart Best Customer Service Store

Colin Heasley Sales Centre Asst. Mgr. BCAA Best Travel Agency

Lisa Salewski & A’liza Spencer Sport Chek Best Sporting Goods Store

Mary Anne Molcan Manager, Optician Iris Best Optical Store

Jamie Le Kenvy - Manager Toys R Us Best Toy Store

Derek & Lisa Rickwood Owners Rickwoods Menswear Best Store for Menswear

Hollis Connelly - Manager Wendy’s Best Fast Food

Tracy Branchi - Gen. Mgr. Jumping Jiminy’s Best Place for Birthday Parties

Joe Trivett - Manager Dairy Queen Best Desserts

Bobby Turna - Co-owner Alexandra’s Bistro Best Mediterranean Food

Jennifer Kain Restaurant Leader Earls Best Patio Restaurant

Chris Coulter - Manager Tim Hortons Best Place to Meet for Coffee

Brandy Anderson Manager Spanish Sol Best Tanning Salon

Roland Churchill - Owner Tranceformations Best Place to Get a Tattoo

Dominic & Rose Staniscia City Tile Best Tile Store

Sean Lunny & Corey Piket Oak Bay Bikes Best Bike Shop

Ryan Lafortune The Brick Best Furniture Store

Barry Ladell Longwood Brew Pub Best Pub & Best Sunday Brunch

Brian Frith Thrifty Foods Best Best Produce & Best Deli

George Mavrikos Romeos Pizza & Pasta Best Pasta

Larry Lim Blue Ginger Best Asian Food & Best Sushi

Blake Erickson Blake Erickson Roofing and Waterproofing Best Roofing Company

Michael Langermantel Canadian Tire Best Auto Service

Craig Little - Manager VI Fitness Best Fitness Centre

Julie Shannon - Owner Breze Salon & Day Spa Best Massages, Estheticians and Beauty Salon

Kristin Romanchuk Bartender Millers Pub Best Wings

Lynne Barclay and Kevin Young Wine Kitz - Central Best Wine Making Store

Colleen Lind - Early Childhood Educator Boys and Girls Club Best Daycare Centre

Rick Bayko and Chris Turnbull DenMar Electrical Best Electrical Contractor

Emmanuel Lint Division Director Investors Group Best Financial Planner

Homayra Soltani Assistant Manager The Children’s Place Best Kid’s Clothing

Barbara Ernst - Owner Seadrift Best Seafood

Alex Berlingette and Melissa Hamilton 24 Carrot Catering Best Catering

Lorraine Caillet - Co-owner Brannen Lake Campground Best Campground

Ian Niamath President of the board Nanaimo Art Gallery Best Art Gallery

Merv Piper - Owner Pipers Meats Best Place to Buy Meat

Tim & Pat Van Hest Art Knapp Plantland Best Outdoor Garden Centre

Thomas Jaeger - Owner Nanaimo Bakery & Confectionary Ltd. Best Bakery

Annie Tanasichuk Mid Island Co-op Best Gas Bars

Brian Adam - Owner Ricky’s All Day Grill Best Breakfasts

Thomas Gemma - Manager Sears Best Store for Ladieswear

Peter Maltesen - Owner New York Style Pizza Best Pizza

Thanks 1 Nanaimo!

Featuring: • • • •

One of the largest smorgasbords in town Daily Dim Sum Daily Smorgasbord Luncheon & Dinner Sunday Brunch (12:00 am- 2:00 p pm))

FREE HOME DELIVERY

10% OFF

PICK UP

- within 5 km with order of $30.00 - 10% off seniors over 60 Mon.-Wed. - 10% off pick-up orders over $30.00 (cash ( only)

PARTY ROOM (SEATS UP TO 40 PEOPLE) FULLY LICENSED AND AIR CONDITIONED

Brooks Landing Shopping Centre 250-756-9368 44 Best of the City

2009

For choosing us once again as your

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

ST OF THE CI BE E

“BEST MARINE STORE”

8 Years in a row!

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and going strong! BOOKS HARDWARE PAINT CHARTS

CLOTHING TACKLE INFLATABLES ELECTRONICS

52 Esplanade • Nanaimo mo Fax 250-753-6355 • Tel. 250-753-2425 www.harbourchandler.com Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Carole Seggi - Owner Trollers Best Fish & Chips

Erin McAuley - Manager La Senza Best Lingerie Store

Bruce Halliday General Manager The Port Theatre Best Live Theatre

Brett Homer - Installation Service Manager Home Depot Best Home Building, Floor Covering, Tool and Paint Store

Glenda Darragh Charlie Browns Best Vitamin/Health Food Store

Mike Goddard - Manager Value Village Best Second Hand Store

Marianne Turley Turleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florist Best Flower Shop

Angela Negrin - Owner Pirate Chips Best French Fries

Robert Hong - Owner Nauticals Best Seafood

a h T

! k You Roc

Sharon Vander Putten Manager Peoples Jewellers Best Jewellery Store

Zeni Maartman Sales Centre Asst. Mgr. BCAA Best Insurance Agency

John Hagar - General Sales Manager Tom Harris Chev Cadillac Best Place to Buy a Used Vehicle

Andrew Todd - Manager Winners Best Store for Ladies Wear

Lynnette Flagler - Assistant Manager Chapters Best Store to Buy Books

Parm Bhalra - Manager Pet Smart Best Pet Supply Store

Sharon Bannett - Manager Home Sense Best Housewares & Linen Store

Frank Vassilopoulos Owner, Manager Zougla Restaurant Best Romantic Restaurant

Craig McLaren Owner, Manager McLaren Lighting Best Lighting Store

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2009

Doug Van Wieren and Diana Ready Payless Shoe Source Best Shoe Store

USIC STO TM R ES

Mark Fenwick & Nola Dunn Woodgrove Centre Best Place to Shop

i m a n o a N s nk

Music Maxx 620 Comox Rd., Nanaimo Donna Brown - Manager Fabricland Best Sewing/Notions Store

Ilan Goldenblatt - Owner Thirsty Camel Best Vegetarian Food

Daniela Oliver - Owner Wine Kitz - North Best Wine Making Store

Bill Woldnik Aztec Appliances Ltd. Best Appliance Repair Shop

250-753-6299

Scott Macleod General Manager Music Maxx Best Music Store

www.musicmaxx.com

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*Free stick based on two or three year acttivations and a minimum $25 Data plan while stock lasts. A $6.95 monthly System Access Fee (non-gorvernment fee), a monthly 911 Emergency Service Access Fee and a oneone-time time Activation Fee apply in addition to the monthly service fee for each line in the account. Local airtime usage, long distance, roaming charges, additional service options selected are also billed monthly. Customer responsible for any data overages. An early cancellation fee (EFC) applies if, for any reason, your service is terminated prior to the end of the agreement. In connection with your wireless data service, a Data Early Cancellation Fee (DECF) also applies if, for any reason, your service is terminated prior to the end of your planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment term (Data Term). The DECF is the greater of (i) $25 or (ii) $5 per month remaining in the Data Term, to a maximum of $100 (plus applicable taxes), and applies in addition to the ECF for termination of your service agreement. If you subscribe to a plan combining both voice and data services, both the ECF and the DECF will apply. TMRogers and the Mobius design are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. used under license or of Rogers Wireless Partnership. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners ÂŠ 2009.

Best of the City 45

THANK YOU, NANAIMO! We appreciate your support TH

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

VOTED BEST ASIAN FOOD 7 YEARS IN A ROW!

2009

2008

(Swy-a-Lana Lagoon)

ST OF THE CI BE E

Saturday Night, July 25th, 2009

1 2007

Simulcast SSim im mulcast lc st oon 102 102. 102.3 02.3 ffm 02.3 m ““Th “The he W Wa Wave Wave.” aavvee.”” Tu TTune uune ne inn ffrfrom room om you yourr bo bboat, boa at,t, ca car ar oorr ppatio! attio

Celebrate Celeb Cel C Ce elebr eleb e lebrate le ebr bra b brate rate ra rat attte ate e Marine Marin M Ma arin a rrin rine in ine e FFesti Festiva Festival estival ival va all w a wit with ith th ﬁreworks k sett tto music! i !

ST OF THE CI BE E

BEST 1 ASIAN FOOD 2009

Quality Foods Festival of Lights

ST OF THE CI BE E

voted best sushi 3 years in a row!

Then T hen hen join nu us ffor or th the he eW World Wo Wor orrld ld Cham Ch C Championship Champ amp mpionship pionship io onship nship h p Bathtub athtub thtub htub tub tub ub Race Ra R acce ace a c a att tth the he he Quality Foodss Star Q St Start art rrt Li LLine, in ne, ne e, Su Sunda Sunday, u day, a JJuly ly 26, 6, 2009 2009, 200 20 009, 09, 9, 11 11 a.m a. a a.m. .m m. S m. Sh Sharp Sharp! ha ha arrrp p!

Experience the difference Quality makes! TH

Northridge Village, Beban Plaza & University Heights

ST OF THE CI BE E

Three exceptional Nanaimo locations to serve you:

RUNNER UP NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

2008

Proudly serving you for 10 years

Longwood Station, 5769 Turner Rd.

751-8238

best martini

Comfortable. Convenient. Original. Get to know your Downtown

46 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETI N

PLANTLAND

2009

Vancouver Island’s Largest & Most complete retail garden centre

ST OF THE CI BE E

Thank you Nanaimo and Central Island customers for voting us Best Garden Centre in Nanaimo

We greatly appreciate your loyalty and patronage. Art Knapp Plantland strives to BEST OUTDOOR GARDEN provide the best selection, quality and knowledgeable service for all your gardening CENTRE 7 YEARS IN A ROW needs. So again, thank you very much. - The Van Hest Family, Owners.

BEST OF NANAIMO SPECIALS!

5 DAYS ONLY!! Tues. June 30 through Wed. July 8

ALL SPECIALS WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

All Sizes of

2 Gallon Pot Size and Larger

Outdoor Palms

Rhododendrons & Azaleas

% OFF

NOW

THE REGULAR PRICE

HUGE SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM

Perennials

% OFF

THE REGULAR PRICE

All Japanese Maples, Magnolias, Lilacs, Dogwoods, Flowering Plums and Flowering Cherries

All 5” Pot Size and Larger

NOW

% OFF

NOW

THE REGULAR PRICE

% OFF

THE REGULAR PRICE

All

All 2 Gallon Pot & 5 Gallon Tree

Ceramic Pots

Roses

NOW

% OFF

NOW

THE REGULAR PRICE

STILL A GREAT SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM

PLUS LOTS MORE IN NURSERY SPECIALS ON SELECTED TREES & SHRUBS. TIME TO PLANT NOW!! *Note: As long as you’re home to water

THE REGULAR PRICE

1 Gallon Pot

1 Gallon Pot Size

Summer Flowering Heather Reg. $12.99

Shrubs

$ 97 $

NOW

OR BUY 3 OR MORE

EACH

Across from Home Depot, Real Canadian Superstore, next Leon’s Furniture

CALL FOR FREE GARDENING ADVICE

TOLL FREE: 1-866-845-3919

390-1151

qya

00 EACH

6469 Metral Drive Nanaimo, BC

PLANTLAND

% OFF

Regular Priced 12.99 Only!

$ 97 NOW

55+ SENIORS DAY

IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

10% OFF Regular Priced Items

OR BUY 5 OR MORE MIX OR MATCH OTHER 12.99 SHRUBS. PRICE IS

900 HOURS

EACH

9:00 am - 5:30 pm

7 DAYS A WEEK Best of the City 47

Jim Pattison Hyundai Nanaimo 4123 Wellington Road • Nanaimo, BC 4123 Wellington Rd. 250-758-6585 • Toll Free 1-866-758-6585 Nanaimo, 250-758-6585 www.pattisonhyundainanaimo.com D#23669

48 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 30, 2009