Nanaimo Best of the City 2010

est Local Campground

Best Place for Mountain Biking

Best People-Watching Spot

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Best Place to Swim Outdoors

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Best Romantic Parking Spot

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Best Fitness Centre

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BBest esst st BBreakfasts reak re akfasts ak

Best Romantic Restaurant

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Best Baker Bakery ry

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BBe Best est Ta TTanning anning Salo Salon on

BBest est Fa FFast ast FFood oood

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Best Beauty Salon

BBest est French Frie Fries es

Best Sushi

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Best Gas Bar

BBest e t FFamily es amiilyy RRes Restaurant e ta es taur uurran at

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Best Place to Meet for Coffee

BEST OF THE CITY

est Roofing fingg CCompany om mpany panyy est Pub

Best Place for a Picnic Best Place for Kayaking

Best Vege

Best Bike Shop

Best Floor Covering St

Best Place to Buy Seafood

Best Store for Mens’ W

Thank You

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ER THE YEARS V O T R O P P U S R U O

EMAIL: sales@vanderleekroofing.com Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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 ...

Recreation, page 7 Night life/ entertainment, page 8 Kids, page 11 Service, page 16 Restaurants/food, page 35 Shopping, page 40

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15 Top citizen

Nanaimo is full of great people – including our Citizen of the Year.

19 Centrepiece park saved Maffeo Sutton Park is now a major attraction for Nanaimo, but it took a concerted efforted from a vocal group of residents 40 years ago to protect it.

20 Sink or Swim The Silly Boat Regatta is an annual fundraiser for Nanaimo’s Child Development Centre ... and a boat-load of fun.

26 Culinary artists VIU’s culinary arts program produces exceptional graduates every year.

29 Naturally artistic Artists seeking inspiration are drawn to the natural beauty of Nanaimo.

30 Festival celebrates fighters Every July, the waters off Swy-a-lana Lagoon are churned up by dragonboat teams raising money for the battle against cancer.

Exclusively in Nanaimo The Harbour City has a number of things to see and do that are unique to us, from flora and fauna to outdoor activities. Find out more inside.

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People come here for the peace and quiet of nature. And they see bears, deer and bullfrogs. page 34

32 Tasty city A culinary world awaits out there in Nanaimo’s various restaurants.

34 Wildlife abounds When your backyard is a mountain and your front yard is the ocean, you’re bound to be blessed with biodiversity.

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

36 Why not race a bathtub?

It’s been 44 years since the first bathtubs spilled out of Nanaimo Harbour. Who knew a publicity stunt would evolve into an international sport?

12 Changing the world Our Junior Citizen of the Year strives to make a major difference, both locally and globally.

42 City of champions Nanaimo is home to thousands of athletes and hundreds of teams. And if they’re not champions, they’re playing toward that goal.

“Leaders in Lighting”

VICTORIA Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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250-758-0138

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2520 Bowen Road d Nanaiimo

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Thank yyou Nanaimo for your y support! pp p Mclaren Lighting has been family owned and operated since 1960.

We have the most extensive lighting selection on the island with over $4 million of inventory.

Over 3000 items on display. Free on-site support and service.

Free delivery on qualified orders.

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THANK YOU!

L E A D E R S I N L I G H T I N G

NANAIMO Best of the City 3

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, Jan Beecher Special Edition Production: Nanaimo News Bulletin Production Department Sales Manager: Sean McCue Account Representatives: Sheldon Bitz, Teresa McKinley, Luke Winkelmans, Jacqueline Pirie, Lesley Livingstone-Gray, Erin Burden

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prime waterfront land is proposed for development, and suggest a park instead.

A community needs people to devote time and energy to coach local teams and athletes, ensuring the tradition of excellence continues. It needs people who strive to make their businesses the best they can be and meet every need of their customers or clients.

Great communities need people with unique ideas and the energy to make them a reality. They need people who want to help and are willing to get involved with charities, non-profit organizations and other groups to help address social issues and other community concerns.

In any community, whether it’s big or small, it’s the people who make the place what it is.

Lucky for us, Nanaimo has thousands of great people. And more keep coming all the time.

Mitch Wright, Managing Editor

Great communities need people with unique ideas and the energy to make them a reality.

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Voting us Best Family Restaurant for 7 years Best Breakfast for 9 years in a row

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here’s an awful lot to like about Nanaimo.

We’ve got stunning natural beauty and great entertainment options and tourism attractions. We’ve got no shortage of shopping and various places to play and things to do.

The city keeps growing, evolving and getting better.

But for any community, regardless of how beautiful the environment or amazing the opportunities, it all comes down to the people.

Without the countless outstanding people – people like Bruce Williams and Dominique Saab, this year’s citizens of the year – making everything happen, there is no community.

Every community needs people – like the folks who formed the Concerned Citizen’s Committee some 40 years ago – to ensure the natural beauty is protected and accessible for others to enjoy.

It needs people to voice opposition when

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Winners in the ninth 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.

The people make the place

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BEST KIDS RESTAURANT 4 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Exclusively in Nanaimo

Some have tried, but none have duplicated the success of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s Silly Boat Regatta.

For 25 years silly sailors have taken to the waters off Swy-a-lana Lagoon to raise funds for programs and equipment for children with developmental needs and their families.

Michelle Kocourek, CDC resource development assistant, said she has heard of a race in Australia, but boats are constructed out of beer cans.

“Cowichan Bay has something similar on a much smaller scale but neither it, or the Australian one is a fundraiser,” she said.

Nanaimo’s Silly Boat Regatta has grown to 50 or more teams raising more than $100,000 annually for the centre.

“I think part of it is the team-building experience, whether it’s a family, service group or business,” said Kocourek. “When I first saw the silly boats, I thought, ‘what fun, my family has to be a part of this’ and now we are.”

The 26th annual Silly Boat Regatta takes place July 18.

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ver the history of Nanaimo, residents have created unique structures or developed activities that have put the city on the map.

But a flowering plant has turned the table on those scenarios, choosing Nanaimo as home rather than being grown and nurtured by someone with a green thumb.

Lotus pinnatus, also known less eloquently as the bog bird’s-foot trefoil, thrives in a single area known as the Harewood Plains. The rare section of habitat is considered the fourth most important wildflower meadow on Vancouver Island.

Of the 1,800 known plants in Canada, Harewood Plains is home to 1,500. The balance are found in Ladysmith and on Gabriola Island.

Lotus pinnatus is a delicate but colourful plant that flowers from May to July. Anywhere from five to nine stamens, red at the stigma and green toward the flower, grow from a single stem, with white and yellow flowers. It was recently named as Nanaimo’s official floral emblem.

“This flower has chosen Nanaimo – it’s unique to our area and it’s not found anywhere else in Canada.

That’s about as good as it gets,” said naturalist Charles Thirkill.

As B.C.’s third oldest city, Nanaimo also has bragging rights to the last of the original free-standing Hudson’s Bay Company forts in North America.

The Bastion, now a city museum, was built in 1853, serving as the guardian for Nanaimo.

Chosen in a city-wide survey as Nanaimo’s most important heritage building, the Bastion is undergoing a major restoration this year.

It is the city’s oldest building and widely believed to be the second-oldest free-standing structure in the province.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Plenty of communities on B.C.’s coast have bathtub races, but there is still only one Great International World Championship Bathtub Race.

Tubbers from around the globe have flocked to Nanaimo every July since 1967 to test their skills not only against other tubbers, but also the wicked weather Mother Nature often churns up on Georgia Strait.

Originally a Nanaimo to Vancouver event, the race has changed with the times, starting in Nanaimo harbour and finishing on Departure Bay beach to the cheers of thousands of spectators.

The great race is part of Nanaimo Marine Festival, which includes the Sailpast on Wheels parade and Quality Foods Festival of Lights and Music fireworks show. This year’s race takes place July 26 at 11 a.m.

If breaking a sweat and cooling off within seconds of each other is your thing, Nanaimo’s WildPlay Element Park is the answer to your prayers.

WildPlay’s 42-metre bungee bridge is the only place in Canada where participants can jump and do a water touch.

“If a jumper wants to, they can on their first drop touch the Nanaimo River,” said Matt Vissers, WildPlay guest services agent. “The jump master can dunk them from their fingers to their waist. It’s almost like going bungee jumping and swimming at the same time.”

On a typical summer day at WildPlay, 50 to 75 per cent of the jumpers choose to do a water touch.

On the sweet side of life, Nanaimo’s Pirate Chips restaurant has taken a favourite dessert to a higher level. The Nanaimo bar has been a city signature for years, often copied around the world, but never duplicated.

Pirate Chips added a twist by deep frying the delectable treat. April Legris, restaurant manager, said deep-fried Nanaimo bars are a hit with both locals and visitors to the city.

“Tourists like the fact they’re trying a Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo, but are a little surprised that we deep fry them,” she said. “But once they try them, they realize it’s pretty funky.”

Another dining experience unique to Nanaimo is the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. Canada’s only floating pub, the Dinghy Dock is a 10-minute ferry ride aboard the Protection Connection from the Nanaimo Boat Basin.

The ferry leaves 10 minutes past the hour starting at 7:10 a.m. weekdays, 8:10 a.m. Saturdays and 9:10 a.m. Sundays.

The endangered coastal subspecies of the Vesper Sparrow – the only surviving population on V.I. is at the Nanaimo Airport Photo courtesy Mike Yip

For some fun in the water, nothing can beat snorkelling with harbour seals.

Several Nanaimo dive companies offer trips to Snake Island where participants can spend some time interacting with the playful mammals.

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“Where the Sun Always Shines” Sun for life TANNING STUDIO

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

Thank You Nanaimo!

FREE! Some conditions apply.

Come enjoy your Summer Days and Summer Nights on

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!

“Where the Sun Always Shines” TANNING STUDIO

250-756-4100

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Behind Earls

520-2980 North Island Hwy.

NANAIMO’S BEST BAKERY Thank Nanaimo!

T hankYou, You, Nanaimo!

#1 NINE YEARS A ROW! CELEBRATING OUR 15TH IN ANNIVERSARY

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Best Tanning Tann ng Salon EIGHT GHT Years Running. unning.

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

“Nanaimo’s Best Place to Buy Meat”

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Nanaimo’s Only True High Pressure Tan.

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Earls Patio

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8 YEARS!

2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

“W are your llocall “We meat specialist”

www.pipersmeats.com

STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:00 to 5:30

2139 BOWEN ROAD • (250) 758-3611 6 Best of the City

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BEST BAKERY • 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

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Check our weekly features at:

We’re also the Best Place to Buy Cookware and Holland Grills

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for supporting Piper’s for over 30 years!

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.

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European European Style Bakery

#1-2025 • 250-758-4260 #1 - 2025BOWEN BowenROAD Road • 758-4260 Tuesday, June 29, 2010

SURVEY WINNERS ~ RECREATION Best Place to Watch Birds

Living Forest Oceanside Campground won top spot in the Best Local Campground category.

1. Buttertubs Marsh 2. Morrell Bird Sanctuary 3. Piper’s Lagoon

CHRIS BUSH

Best Local Campground 1. Living Forest Oceanside Campground 2. Brannen Lake Campsites 3. Newcastle Island

Best Place for Mountain Biking Best Place for Kayaking

1. Mount Benson 2. Dumont Road 3. Westwood Lake

Best Place to Walk, Jog or Hike

1. Newcastle Island 2. Long Lake 3. Departure Bay

Best People-Watching Spot

1. Westwood Lake 2. Waterfront Promenade 3. Neck Point

Best Place to Meet for Coffee

1. Waterfront Promenade 2. Woodgrove Cente 3. Swy-a-Lana Lagoon & Marine Park

Best Place to Swim Outdoors

1. Tim Hortons 2. Starbuck’s Coffee Co. 3. The Buzz

Best Place for a Picnic

1. Westwood Lake 2. Nanaimo River 3. Long Lake

Best Place to Walk your Dog

1. Piper’s Lagoon 2. Newcastle Island 3. Westwood Lake

Best Romantic Parking Spot

1. Westwood Lake 2. Waterfront Promenade 3. Piper’s Lagoon

1. Departure Bay 2. Piper’s Lagoon 3. Neck Point

Thank you Nanaimo for voting us

BEST OF THE CITY

We are honoured to have been voted ‘Best Banking Institution in Nanaimo’ for the third year in a row.

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We owe this distinction to our employees – people who are passionate about helping our clients feel more in control of their future by providing sound financial advice and continuously improving our ability to help our clients succeed. We applaud our employees and thank you for recognizing their commitment and hard work.

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Dean Simpson

Investment & Retirement Planner

Drew McIntyre Mortgage Specialist

Ardie Windley Mortgage Specialist

Teri Schwartz Mortgage Specialist

Downtown 205 Commercial Street

250.741.3500 Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Len Tourout

Mortgage Specialist

Keith Wood

Mortgage Specialist

Troy Lacharite

Investment Retirement Planner

Colleen Tourout Anne Kuzminski Laurentia Robbins Mortgage Specialist

Branch Manager

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Kevin Zerr

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Sue Gibson

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Michael Kossey Investment Retirement Planner

Kevin Lonsdale Mortgage Specialist

Josh Minami

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Best of the City 7

WINNERS ~ NIGHT LIFE/ENTERTAINMENT Best Place to Dance 1. The Queen’s 2. Level Two 3. Club 241

Best Place for Live Bands 1. The Queen’s 2. The Cambie 3. The Port Theatre

Best Live Theatre 1. The Port Theatre 2. Nanaimo Theatre Group 3. Wilton-Broad Players

Best Sports Bar 1. Old City Station Pub 2. Piper’s Pub 3. Millers Pub

Best Pub 1. Longwood Brew Pub 2. Piper’s Pub 3. Black Bear Pub

NEWS BULLETIN FILE

The Queen’s was voted the winner in both the Best Place to Dance and Best Place for Live Bands categories.

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Know Nanaimo From the early mining days to the 21st century, the Harbour City is rich in history.

Take our updated quiz and test your knowledge. The answers are on the following page.

1. In May 2009, the restored mural painted by Canadian master E.J. Hughes – Lieutenant Malaspina Sketching the Malaspina Gallery – was installed in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. The mural was discovered when workers were demolishing the old Malaspina Hotel in what year? a). 2001 b). 1986 c). 1996

7. The city’s oldest cemetery is located at: a). The corner of Bastion and Wallace streets b). Maffeo Sutton Park c). Comox Road and Wallace Street

3. The brave exploits of Nanaimoite Raymond Collishaw, an airman in the First World War, include: a). Crashing into a row of outhouses and covering himself in excrement and toilet paper while attempting to deliver a note from a friend to a girl; b). Landing by accident at a German airbase behind enemy lines – then taking off and escaping to land safely in a French airfield; c). Falling out of the cockpit when he was shot down and riding the plane to the ground by its wing, COLLISHAW only to return to work the next day; d). All of the above.

8. Gabriola Island is thought to get its name from a misspelling of the Spanish word gaviota, which means: a). rock b). seagull c). beach 9. What world-famous event occurs in Nanaimo every July? a). Great International World Championship Bathtub Race b). Island Logger Sports Series c). Empire Days 10. Vancouver Island University’s new logo, adopted in 2007, depicts the Island, ocean surrounding it, a canoe and half of a maple leaf. The old logo was: a). an arbutus tree b). an apple and half of a book c). a fish

4. When did Nanaimo Regional General Hospital move from its old quarters on Kennedy Street to its new location on Dufferin Crescent? a).1971 b).1963 c).1952 2. What ingredient is not commonly found in a Nanaimo bar? a). finely chopped walnuts b). custard powder c). graham wafers

6. Newcastle Island is home to what rare critter? a). golden raccoons b). burrowing owl c). porcupine

5. What year did Malaspina University-College become Vancouver Island University? a). 2001 b). 2008 c). 2009

11. The Pacific Biological Station on Hammond Bay Road is the oldest fisheries research centre on the Pacific coast. It was established in: a). 1947 b). 1896 c). 1908

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Best of the City 9

Know Nanaimo

Answer key

Check your answers and see how you did. If you got 10 or 11 correct, you’re probably from here; 4-9 correct, not bad but you should probably chat with a few more long-time residents; 1-3, you’re a visitor, and we’re happy to have you here.

1. c). 1996 – In 1938, owners of the Malaspina Hotel commissioned Hughes, Orville Fisher and Paul Gorenson to paint six murals on the walls of the hotel.

The murals were boarded up, painted over and forgotten until demolition began, when workers discovered the Hughes mural behind panelling and called the Nanaimo Community Archives.

2. b). Walnuts – In the official recipe on the City of Nanaimo’s website, almonds are used, but not walnuts.

3. d). All of the above – Collishaw, for whom the Nanaimo Airport terminal is named, was Canada’s most successful airman during the First World War, earning more than 60 kills.

9. a). Great International World Championship Bathtub Race – This is the 44th year that Nanaimo has hosted the bathtub race. This year’s race starts at 11 a.m. on July 25 in the downtown Nanaimo harbour.

4. b). 1963 – The new building is bigger than the old hospital and NRGH is expanding again: the new emergency wing is scheduled to open in 2012.

5. b). 2008 – The name change was a long-time dream of former president Rich Johnston.

6. a). Golden raccoons – golden raccoons are much lighter in colour than a regular raccoon; they have less pigment in their skin and fur and are essentially albino.

7. c). Comox Road and Wallace Street – The cemetery was active primarily from 1852 to 1876 and some of the stones bear names of Nanaimo’s first pioneering families like Bate and Haslam. The cemetery was neglected, left to decay for decades, and today there are only a few headstones set in a wall to mark who lies beneath the ground.

10. a). n arbutus tree – University officials feel the new logo better represents the school’s ties with First Nations and plays up the institution’s geographical location. The arbutus tree logo served for more than 24 years.

8. b). Seagull – Gabriola is also referred to as Petroglyph Island because of the large number of ancient stone engravings.

11. c). 1908 – The PBS is the principal centre for fisheries research on the West Coast and is home to scientists, technicians, support staff and ships’ crews.

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SURVEY WINNERS ~ KIDS Best Place for Birthday Parties 1. Jumpin Jiminy’s 2. Cyber City 3. McDonald’s

Best Day-care Centre 1. Katie’s Corner 2. Boys and Girls Club 3. Enchanted Moments

Best Kids Clothing Store 1. The Children’s Place 2. Gap Kids 3. Please Mum

Best Kids Restaurant 1. McDonald’s 2. Mrs. Riches 2. Ricky’s All Day Grill

Best Playground 1. Beban Park 2. Oliver Woods Community Centre 3. Swy-a-lana Lagoon marine park

Best Toy Store 1. Toys ‘R’ Us 2. Kool & Child 3. Wal-Mart

RACHEL STERN

The Children’s Place earned top spot in the Best Kids’ Clothing Store category for the third straight year.

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Best of the City 11

Changing the world

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Junior Citizen of the Year strives to make a major difference

ominique Saab is living proof that one individual can have a major impact on the world.

The Grade 12 Wellington Secondary School student has been involved in a wide range of school, community and international projects, from helping Grade 8s adjust to life in high school to raising funds to build schools in developing countries.

“If there’s an event and somebody asks me to help out with it, I usually help out with it,” said Saab, winner of this year’s Junior Citizen of the Year award from the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

In elementary school, she started getting involved with school events.

When an informational workshop on Free the Children – a global network of children helping children – came to Wellington three years ago, Saab’s interest in international poverty issues was sparked.

Stories of children with no chance to get an education, as well as images of child soldiers pulled away from their families at a young age to witness death and destruction, haunted her.

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For her work, Saab was nominated for a Me to We award last fall. Me to We, a sister organization to Free the Children, organized the We Day event in Vancouver, featuring presentations by celebrities and world leaders including the Dalai Lama, Gov.-Gen. Michaëlle Jean, Jane Goodall, Sarah McLachlan and Jason Mraz.

She’s now raising funds to build a school in Ecuador.

When she’s not organizing or helping out with events, Saab dances hip hop at Vibe Dance Studio or works on one of her art projects – she’s really into painting, sketching and nature photography.

“It’s actually weird having spare time right now,” said Saab. “If I do, it’s usually filled up about five minutes after I find out I have it.”

Saab plans to take global studies and political science at Vancouver Island University next fall and she wants to work for an international development agency such as the United Nations on poverty issues.

said Saab.

She formed Brick by Brick Nanaimo and raised more than $10,500 to build a school and a well in a village in Kenya.

The school is now being built and once it is finished, it will give the children in that village opportunities they otherwise

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ROOFING | GUTTERS | SIDING | WINDOWS

Television personality also dedicated to his community

Williams city’s top citizen

I I

f you’re at a community event benefitting a good cause in Nanaimo, chances are good that you’ll run into Bruce Williams. He attends about 200 events up and down the Island every year and plays an active part, as an emcee, speaker or auctioneer, at about half of those events.

Williams, ‘A’ TV’s community relations manager and senior weather host, was named the 2010 Citizen of the Year at the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s Sterling Awards for his work on behalf of a long list of social agencies.

A large part of his participation in events is on his own time and Williams’s example proves a little effort and a gift of the gab makes a huge difference for social agencies and community groups.

“In the media, we’re very often reporting bad news,” he said. “I really feel we also have a responsibility to report the solution to those problems.”

And Williams believes in leading by example, even if that means he gets few quiet evenings at home in Nanoose Bay

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

with his three cats.

“I go wherever I need to be,” he said.

“My ability to communicate can make a difference. To be recognized for it and accepted for what you do is pretty rewarding.” ◆

Journalism was far from his mind when Williams started studying English at Brock University in Ontario – he wanted to be a teacher.

But then fate stepped in.

Williams used to drink beer with a friend while he did a show on the campus radio station, but one day the friend didn’t show up for his time slot, so Williams filled in.

He loved it.

His favourite journalism experiences so far include interviewing Rosa

Parks at her lawyer’s office in a Detroit ghetto, playing golf with hockey player Gordie Howe – he claims he’s not good at golf, so it was more about meeting a sports idol – and meeting famous Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar.

“She’s sort of got that calm about her that astronauts tend to have,” said Williams. “She’s been to space. What else can you do?”

He worked in radio and television in Ontario for 18 years before the opportunity to move to the Island and build the Nanaimo bureau of ‘A’ presented itself nine years ago.

“I’ve lived the best part of my life in Nanaimo,” said Williams. “It’s the people and the scenery. I still get the feeling that I’m on vacation because there’s mountains and water.” ◆

The list of Island organizations and events that have benefitted from Williams’s comical and charismatic voice behind them include: Haven Society, the B.C. SPCA, the Vancouver Island Symphony, the Salvation Army, CFAX Santas Anonymous, the Canadian

Cancer Society and Tourism Vancouver Island.

Williams also serves on the campaign cabinets of both the Greater Victoria and central Island United Way campaigns, is vice-chair of the Vancouver Island University Foundation and funds an annual scholarship at VIU out of his own pocket.

His support is invaluable in helping raise awareness about the importance of education in achieving a better quality of life, said Ralph Nilson, VIU’s president.

“He serves as a role model in the community,” he said. “He uses his public visibility and he connects all of us to a common cause. He really pushes people to action.”

There’s no better person to have on your side when you’re raising money for social services, said Lynne Brown, chief operating officer of United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island.

“He knows everybody,” she said.

“He’s articulate, he’s charismatic, he’s got a great sense of humour. He creates a really positive energy and vibe.”

Best of the City 15

SURVEY WINNERS ~ SERVICE

Best Insurance Agency

Best Appliance Repair Shop

Best Massages

Best Financial Planner

1. Barron’s Home Appliance Centre 2. Sears 3. Aztec Appliances Ltd.

Best Carpet Cleaners

1. TD Canada Trust 2. RBC Dominion Securities 3. BMO Bank of Montreal

Best Electrical Contractor

1. RBC Royal Bank 2. TD Canada Trust 3. Coastal Community Credit Union

Best Gas Bar

1. Den Mar Electric Ltd. 2. Mazzei Electric 3. Houle Electric Ltd.

Best Catering Business

Best Auto Servicing 1.

2.

3.

3.

Best Travel Agency

1. Rich 1 Beauty Salon & School 2. Breze Salon and Day Spa 3. Kiyo Salon & Day Spa

1. Flight Centre 2. Around The World Travel & Cruise 3. Nanaimo Travel & Cruise

Best Fitness Centre

Best Tanning Salon

1. V.I. Fitness 2. Northridge Health Performance Centre 3. Lifestyles Health & Fitness Centre

Best Marine Supplier

Canadian Tire Midas Auto & Tire Service Gold’s Automotive Ltd. Kal-Tire

1. Aspin Roofing 1. Erickson Roofing 3. Vanderleek Roofing

1. Archie Johnston Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 2. Marshall Plumbing Ltd. 3. Cambrey Plumbing

Best Beauty Salon

1. Breze Salon & Day Spa 2. Rich 1 Beauty Salon & School 3. Tru Spa Institute

Best Roofing Company

Best Plumbing and Heating Business

1. Mid Island Co-op 2. Real Canadian Superstore 3. Petro-Canada

1. Carrot on the Run 2. Mrs. Riches 3. Good To Go Food Co.

Best Estheticians

1. Breze Salon & Day Spa 2. Tru Spa Institute 3. Kiyo Salon & Day Spa

Best Banking Institution

1. Citrus O Carpet Care Inc. 2. Sears 3. Classic Care Carpet & Upholstery

1. BCAA Insurance Agency 2. Coastal Community Insurance Services 3. Hub International Barton Insurance Brokers

1. Spanish Sol Tanning Studio 2. Divine Glow Tanning 3. Body Glo Tanning

Best Place to Get a Tattoo

1. The Harbour Chandler Ltd. 2. West Marine Products Inc. 3. Barnacle Bill’s Marine Consignment

1. Black & Blue Tattoos & Piercing 2. Tranceformations Tattoo Body Piercing 3. Inside Out Tattoo Works

Thank Y You to our Customers!

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Line up p of Quick Q Messaging g g Phones*. Starting g at $ $0*

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

Family ily Plan l

Monthlyy Fee $50 ffor 2 ffamilyy lines. Additional lines $20 each. h. ^ Plus government regulatory recovery fee .

• • • • •

200 shared minutes weekdays minutes Unlimited evenings and weekends Unlimited Canada - wide Family Calling 100 minutes per additional line 1000 Sent Extreme Text/Picture/Video/MobileMail.IM o/MobileMail.IM Messaging & unlimited Received Messa Messages included

Come visit us at any of our 3 locations in Nanaimo.

We’re open 8 ‘til late, 6 days straight.

Island Cellular Ltd. 2540 Bowen Road, Nanaimo Tel. (250) 756-0517

^The Government Regulatory Recovery Fee ranges from $2.46-$3.46/line/month (varies by province and plan selected). It is applied to help fund fees, costs and other amounts related to federal, provincial and/or municipal mandates, programs and requirements. It is not a tax or charge the government requires Rogers to collect and is subject to change. See www.rogers.com/ g / regulatoryfee g y for details. A one time Activation Fee of up to $35 (varies by province) also applies. Where applicable, additional airtime, data, long distance, roaming, options and taxes are extra and billed monthly. *With new activation on any 3-year term voice plan. Taxes extra. Early cancellation fees apply. ™ Rogers & 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 ©2010.

16 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

for BEST TIRE STORE

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BC CO Owned, d Family O Family Oper Operated p t d Tuesday, June 29, 2010

2294 McCullough Rd. 250-756-3611

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837 Old Victoria Rd. 250-754-4456

kaltire.com

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Nanaimo’s

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Spanish Sol Tanning Studio won first place in the Best Tanning Salon category.

CHRIS BUSH

Email: chatterswoodgrove@chatterssalon.ca

Thank You Again, Nanaimo!

Thank You to our many

(2 blocks south of the Howard Johnson)

18 Best of the City

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loyal customers and contractors.

LUMBER - PLYWOOD - BUILDING MATERIALS ROOFING - DRYWALL - INSULATION FLOORING - DOORS - PAINT POWER TOOLS - HARDWARE - LANDSCAPING

SLEGG LUMBER LTD. PLEASE NOTE: Our Nanaimo Store is Now OPEN Sundays 9:30 am-4:30 pm

NANAIMO

4950 Jordan Ave.

250-758-8329

LANTZVILLE

7187 Lantzville Rd.

250-390-1207

100% CANADIAN OWNED & OPERATED

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

City’s centrepiece park saved

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n warm days, Maffeo Sutton Park is alive with the voices of Nanaimo residents enjoying spectacular ocean views and recreational activities.

Thousands of walkers pound the trails of the popular waterfront park throughout the year, with an average of about 1,000 people a day using the walkway in 2005.

But almost 40 years ago, the waterfront jewel was nearly lost to the city when a developer created a proposal to turn the area into a repair marina for diesel and marine engines. The foresight of 14 Nanaimo residents stopped the development and preserved the property for the enjoyment of Nanaimo residents.

The Concerned Citizens Committee formed in 1970 to ensure the land remained in public hands. Pat Barron, co-chairman of the committee said he was motivated to protect the area for future generations.

“It’s the desire to see it public and handed on to our sons and daughters,” said Barron.

The committee gathered 4,170 signatures to petition against development. At that time that represented 63 per cent of the electorate.

When the committee presented the petition to council they were referred to by the mayor at the time, Frank Ney, as “wild-eyed radicals” opposed to progress.

The committee enlisted the help of barrister Ralph Hutchinson to argue their case that the water fell under federal jurisdiction and council couldn’t make a decision.

“He walked up and beautifully cut them to pieces.

He didn’t insult them,” said Barron about Hutchinson’s presentation.

In the end, the committee successfully argued its case and the property was saved as parkland.

Wayne Harling, co-chairman of the committee, said the victory illustrates the importance of speaking up for what you believe in.

“We demonstrated you can take on the city of Nanaimo and win,” said Harling.

Since that victory the park has evolved and expanded into the recreation area people enjoy today.

The committee was recognized for its efforts with a plaque last September.

The popular swimming area of Swy-a-lana Lagoon, is a man-made salt water lagoon, that opened in 1984.

When it was built it was the only constructed tidal lagoon in Canada.

“

The Lion’s Pavilion was built in 1998 and the Civic Arena was removed in 2007.

The park had a facelift in 2009, during Phase 1 of an improvement plan, with the addition of the Spirit Square. The square was designed to be a gathering place to bring the community together during special events and celebrations. The second improvement phase is still in development.

It’s the desire to see it public and handed on to our sons and daughters.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

~ Pat Barron ~

Best of the City 19

Sink or Swim

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at the

Silly Boat Regatta

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ou have four hours. No boats or kits or motors allowed. But you can bring duct tape – and plenty of silly. That’s because it’s the Silly Boat Regatta.

This year marks 26 years of silly for the regatta, Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s biggest annual fundraiser. The four hours of boat-building is followed by eight heats and one grand championship.

There’s plenty of fun for landlubbers as well, with Woodgrove Centre’s Kids’ Mini Regatta, Coast Capital Savings Wally’s World pirate-themed carnival and McDonald’s Sports Lane.

The race distance is 150 to 200 metres, depending on the wind, from Swy-A-Lana Lagoon to the ‘buoy’ in Nanaimo Harbour and (hopefully) back.

Boats can be made of any recycled material, as long as they float, hold at least two people and can be assembled completely on-site.

Originally, Silly Boats was started by CHUB Radio in 1984 to raise funds for the Show You Care Society, a society that existed to help families of children who needed to travel to the US for kidney transplants.

Once kidney transplants were available in Vancouver, the Nanaimo Child Development Centre became the beneficiary. The CDC later took over running the event, which raised $107,000 last year and hopes to

raise $125,000 in 2010.

The regatta was a rebellion against the increasingly serious and technical Nanaimo Bathtub race. The first rule of Silly Boats is “Have Fun!” and the last rule of Silly Boats is “Be Silly!”

“Duct tape is a major component because it’s waterproof,” said Michelle Kocourek, who has co-ordinated the event for the last five years, adding you can expect to see anything and everything.

“One year there was a boat that looked kind of like a gerbil wheel – the idea was to be like a paddle wheeler.”

It’s a great team-building experience with community groups, businesses, families and individuals competing to build a boat that floats and makes it around

2010

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Country Club Centre

250-758-6822

www.brezesalonandspa.com

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... because of your loyalty and support, the Breze Team has once again been voted #1. It is ALWAYS a pleasure to have you as our guest and we all look forward to seeing you soon.

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Congratulations to the Best of the City!

Your hard work and dedication to your customers has paid off.

They appreciate your effort, recognizing you as the Best of the City!

Keep up the good work!

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Thank You Again Nanaimo

the buoy without capsizing.

But the competition isn’t just in the water – fundraising is just as competitive.

This year the Mafia Mommies are the family team to beat. Last year they raised $1,800. This year, with a garage sale, a car wash and a beer and burger/silent auction at the Harewood Arms, they intend to raise $3,500.

“We used plywood, inner tubes and foam and ‘stuff’,” said Kirsten Doucette, the team’s spokeswoman. “We didn’t place, but we weren’t last and we didn’t sink.”

Many of the members of the Mafia Mommies have been helped by the CDC, including one mother whose daughter was born with a club foot. They have all had such positive experiences with the organization they just want to give back.

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre helped more than 1,400 children and families in 2009.

Its programs include everything from early childhood education and occupational/speech language therapy to new mother nursing support and family services.

This year’s Silly Boat Regatta will be held on July 18 at Maffeo Sutton Park. Boat building starts at 8 a.m. and races start at 1 p.m.

For more information, please contact Dino Tsembelis or Michelle Kocourek at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre at 250-753-0251 or visit www.sillyboat.com.

Best ESTHETICIANS 3 YEARS RUNNING

777 POPLAR STREET, NANAIMO (250) 753-3707 Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Thank You Nanaimo!

visit www.thriftyfoods.com Tuesday, June 29, 2010

NANAIMO Best of the City 21

Thanks Nanaimo for voting us

#1 for Plumbing & Heating ST OF THE CI BE E

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We appreciate your continued support AWARD WINNER

BEST PLUMBING B & HEATING

5th Consecutive Year as #1 NOW INSTALLING HEAT PUMPS Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps • Geothermal • Gas • Electric Gas • Kitchen Equipment • BBQ Outlets • Hot Water Tanks • Furnace • Boilers • Fireplace Plumbing • Drainage • Water Pipe • All Makes and Models of Equipment

22 Best of the City

Ventilation • Custom Kitchen Hoods • HRVs • Exhaust Systems Heating • Heat Reclaim • Radiant Floor • Hydronic • Forced Air • Convection • Geothermal

With Archie Johnstone Plumbing & Heating you get the highest quality of work.

On time, every time, guaranteed!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Best of the City 23

. . . g n i r o o l F r u o Y .

W O N T H RIG

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E R E H T H RIG

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E C I R P T H G RI

0.99 $ Laminate ........................................ 1.19 $ Berber Carpet .............................. 1.22 $ Hardwood .................................. 2.99 % Area Rugs .............................50 OFF $ Vinyl ............................................

sq ft & up sq ft & up sq ft & up

sq ft & up

up to

PLUS

Do Not Pay for 6 Months!

No Interest & No Payments OAC*

Nanaimo

1925 Bowen Rd

endoftheroll.com 24 Best of the City

250.756.4944 or 1.866.697.4946 Monday–Friday: 8:30–5:30, Saturday: 9–5

*See store for details Tuesday, June 29, 2010

is vancouver island’s

BIGGEST and best priced

auto detailing 1 STOP SHOP Don’t have the time to drop p your car off? We will pick your car up at home or work and bring it back at NO extra charge!

US ENVIRON ING MEN FRIENDLYTALLY PRODUCT S!

CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ALL MAKES • ALL MODELS • RV’s RVs & BOATS

NANAIMO La Senza earned the most votes in the Best Lingerie category.

TOBY GORMAN

ALL MAKES SERVICING

FRESH DAILY from our Processing Facility

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Fresh “Wild” Salmon Fresh “Wild” Halibut Fresh “Wild” Cod, Sole, Snapper Fillets Fresh “Wild” Hand Peeled Shrimp Meat Nova Scotia Digby Scallops Live Crab, Alaskan King Crab Legs

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Some of the Great Products we carry:

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OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK 9:30 am - 6 pm

We have fresh in-store homemade Soups and ready to eat Seafood entrees.

Best Place to Buy Seafood

Garlic Stuffed Potatoes Seafood Crepes Seafood Lasagna Smokey Salmon Pasta Halibut Phillo with Spinach & Feta Clam Chowder, Salmon Aspargus Curry Shrimp, Seafood Garlic Lovers

Thank you to all who voted us #1!

“The only fish that is fresher is still swimming!”

#1-1559 Estevan Road Nanaimo (250)

754-4913

NORTHRIDGE N VILLAGE V

#401-5800 Turner Road Nanaimo (250)

758-7151 Best of the City 25

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BEST FAST FOOD

W

ith fresh ingredients available across Vancouver Island, it’s no wonder so many students are inspired to study the culinary arts.

Vancouver Island University’s culinary arts program produces exceptional graduates every year, many of whom go on to run five-star restaurants all over the world.

Nanaimo-born David Wong earned a bachelor degree in social work before a trip to Europe inspired him to become a chef. After graduation, Wong apprenticed at Creek and the Delta Pinnacle restaurants in Vancouver. He is currently the executive chef at Fairmont Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton.

Last year Wong competed in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition in Lyon, France, against 24 other top chefs from around the world. He placed ninth and is an inspiration for students following in his footsteps at VIU. Chris Thomson, also raised in Nanaimo, graduated from the same culinary arts program 14 years ago.

Earlier this year, he earned a spot in the Global Chefs Challenge in Santiago, Chile, through a series of competitions where he and his apprentice completed three and four-course dinners for more

than a dozen people.

Culinary student Carlos Rodriguez also achieved international recognition by placing fourth in a global cooking competition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Last year he spent a month at the three Michelin star restaurant Fat Duck, owned by British celebrity chef Hestor Blumenthal.

Instructing new students in the culinary arts is pastry chef instructor Ken Harper, who placed second at the Pastry Chef of the Year competition at the Canadian Culinary Federation’s annual conference last year.

Harper established his career in kitchens such as the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Pan Pacific in Vancouver before becoming executive pastry chef at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, where he served his apprenticeship.

VIU’s Discovery Dining Room is catered and served by students in the school’s culinary programs. The dining room is open September through June.

For more information, please visit www.viu.ca/culinary.

Dr. Skinlaser NEW OFFICE! Expert Facial

Rejuvenation by Dr. Hancock: • • • • • • •

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Come and see what we do!

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See: DOCTORSKINLASER.COM ~ BOTOX.COM ~ JUVEDERM.COM ~ METVIX.COM

DR. JULIAN HANCOCK FRCP (C) DCH DA DRCOG #101-5281 Rutherford Road, by the Quilted Duck. Access parking from Nelson Roads.

250-729-2665

26 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Programs g Offered * Waxing * Gel Nails * Aesthetics * Spa

Mambo’s Gourmet Pizza earned top spot in the Best Pizza category.

RACHEL STERN

Being g nominate as one of NANAIMO’S BEST is an honour and a standard we intend to uphold p for a long time to come.

Thank You Nanaimo!

Look for our New Short Course Advanced Nail Care Professional Cert.

(For RN, LPN and Home Care Professionals) Coming this Fall to TSI

TRU: Creativity

Client Services

We specialize in providing products for every for fo eve vvery ery ry budget budget. b ud u dg dg get. et

2010

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* Manicure * Pedicures * Facials * Relaxassage * Waxing * Tinting * Gel Enhancement * Nail Art * Pedique q * Body Polish * Body Butter * Body Wraps * Hot Stone * Infrared Sauna * Tooth Whitening

TRU: Relaxation

TRU: Spa p

CALL FOR SEPTEMBER ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

250.754.8637 www.truspainstitute.com #1 - 77 Victoria Crescent, Nanaimo, BC

Best of the City 27

35

Citrus O Carpet Care Inc. was the winner in the Best Carpet Cleaners category.

Thank You!

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Nellie’s Dutch Deli

wants to thank all of our customers who voted for us in “Best of the City”.

2010

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BEST FRENCH FRIES

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BEST FISH & CHIPS

Best Deli

Kelly, Karen, Trudy and Lisa • Homemade Sandwiches, Soups, Desserts & Salads • Deli Meat & Cheese sliced to your specification • Smoked Mackerel • Pate • Liverwurst • Herring

• Dutch, Danish & German Cheese • Dutch Licorice • Gluten & Wheat free products • Gourmet Meat/Vegetable/ Fruit Pies

Nellie’s Deli Store Hours: Monday to Friday 9-5:30 • Saturday 10-5 #500-2980 Island Hwy., Nanaimo, B.C.

(250) 729-7044

ROCK CITY CENTRE (behind Earl’s) Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Naturally artistic

A

rtists seeking inspiration are drawn to the natural beauty surrounding Nanaimo.

Many more, however, are born and raised in the city’s rich and diverse cultural scene, their education in Nanaimo a foundation for national and international success.

Nanaimo’s arts legacy stretches back to the first half of the 20th century, when Canadian artist E.J. Hughes would sketch scenes of Nanaimo’s harbour. He painted some of his first commissions at the old Malaspina Hotel in the form of wall-sized murals, one of which was preserved from demolition and installed in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Artists such as Fred Peters display their work in galleries across Nanaimo, including Yellowbird Arts Gallery in Country Club Centre. Nanaimo North Town Centre plays host to the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery, showcasing the work of new and emerging artists, and Art 10 Gallery, a co-op offering paintings to pottery.

The city’s main arts district is downtown, with Gallery 223 showcasing international artists and providing studio and gallery space on the second floor for local artists.

The Nanaimo Art Gallery’s downtown location – a second location is found at Vancouver Island University – showcases local and national artists.

Visual art can also be found all over the city, from Gallery Row in the Old City Quarter to a marble

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

mosaic at the corner of Wesley and Fitzwilliam streets.

Nanaimo also has a strong legacy of music, with jazz singer and pianist Diana Krall leading the way. She was educated in Nanaimo’s high school music program before gaining worldwide popularity for her take on songs like The Look of Love.

Blues musician and multiple Juno Award-nominee

David Gogo cut his teeth on the music scene in Nanaimo, performing regularly in downtown nightclubs beginning in his teen years.

The vibrant music scene continues today with graduates of high school and university music

programs, as well as touring performers, including Bryan Adams, 54-40 and Our Lady Peace.

Nanaimo boasts its own symphony – the Vancouver Island Symphony, which regularly features guest performers from around the world.

Theatre plays an important role in Nanaimo’s cultural makeup.

Nanaimo Theatre Group’s annual Christmas pantomime is a holiday tradition that anchors their slate of comedies, musicals and farces performed each season. Western Edge Theatre focuses on edgier content, often performing first-run plays.

TheatreOne produces mainstage plays, commissions new plays based on Nanaimo’s heritage and brings touring plays to the city. The organization also hosts a foreign film series and a children’s theatre series.

Nanaimo’s dance schools also produce national-level performers, such as Jillian Vanstone and Richard Landry, first soloist dancers with the National Ballet of Canada.

Both were products of Nanaimo dance schools, which regularly host full-scale ballets, like the Nutcracker, as well as musical theatre.

Crimson Coast Dance Society brings in national level contemporary productions, such as a performance by Andrea Nann to the narration of works

by Michael Ondaatje – by the author himself.

Nanaimo’s arts and culture scene continues to grow and evolve.

Best of the City 29

Festival celebrates fighters

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Dragonboat Festival supports battle against breast cancer

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eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d promised it would be huge.

And he was right. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Save-on-Foods Dragonboat Festival is dedicated to the memory of its founder, Alex Marriott.

The three-day festival began as his vision and obsession eight years ago and he never doubted its success for a moment. Mariott passed away of a heart attack in February of this year; he was 53 years old.

Nanaimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2010 Dragonboat Festival is expected to be the biggest yet, with over 2,000 participants and 7,000-8,000 spectators.

Frank Mazzei, president of the festival, said the people who make the festival happen are there because of Mariottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundless energy and his ability to attract people to work towards his vision. But it seems like dragon boating is just that kind of sport.

From its origins in China over 2,000 years ago to the celebration of life and survival that drives the Nanaimo festival, dragon boating has always been an emotionally-charged event.

The first festivals in China were in memory of a

much loved minister, Qu Yuan, who was banished from the kingdom and, devastated with shame, filled his pockets with stones and threw himself into the river.

Fishermen raced out in their boats and tried to save him. They banged on drums and splashed the water with their paddles in order to scare fish and water dragons away from his body. The body was never found but dragon boat races were held annually to remember their much loved leader.

Like so many of the dragonboat festivals in North

America, the Nanaimo event is a fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer.

One hundred percent of its net proceeds are donated to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation to help fund research and equipment purchases that will lead to the early detection of breast cancer.

Over the past eight years, the society has raised more than one-quarter million dollars for the foundation.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event expects to have at least 80 teams racing in two divisions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mixed and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only.

Although many boats are only for breast cancer survivors, just as many are composed of enthusiastic supporters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a smattering of serious athletes among them, who compete in races across the continent.

The original Nanaimo dragon boat team was Angelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Abreast; now strictly a breast cancer survivor team.

Bette Ainsworth started with that team back in 2001.

It was part of her rehab after being hit a second time with colon cancer.

A few years later she helped start Ergondragons Boating and Fitness Club. The original five members of that club built their boat from a kit. Ainsworth was honoured by having the boat named after her â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the U Bette.

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When asked if she has ever won, she said, “I’m a winner all the time. I don’t dwell on that sort of thing.”

The Ergondragons now have five teams using the U Bette, including a senior’s team, Quick Silver, and a youth team, Full Throttle.

It doesn’t take much for a team to qualify for the dragon boat races.

“You just have to be breathing and able to sit upright,” said Mazzei.

A team must have a tiller and a drummer, and up

AWARD WINNER

On behalf of our retailers, management and owners, we would like to thank you # for choosing Woodgrove Centre as “The Best Place to Shop” in Nanaimo. Here’s to another great year of shopping on the Island!

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Thank You Nanaimo!

2010

Retirement Living at its best.

Accredited by the B.C. Seniors Living Association 2010.

Voted The Best Place To Shop!

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A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE.

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Four years ago, Ainsworth, now 82, had a mastectomy.

“It was my fourth go ’round with cancer. I don’t dwell on it,” she says. “I’m too busy to remember those things that aren’t important. I’m just happy it wasn’t MS or Lou Gehrig’s. Cancer takes you – or you get over it.”

Ainsworth paddles with a team called the Nautical Dragons. She still paddles five times a week and fully intends on racing at this year’s festival.

to 20 paddlers. There are two divisions, mixed and women’s only; with the mixed division requiring a minimum of eight female paddlers.

Although it’s OK to race with fewer than 20 paddlers, the disadvantage is obvious. Besides, the dragon boaters’ motto is, “Twenty paddlers – one heart.”

“All paddles have to move together.” said Mazzei.

“The team that can do that will win.”

Mazzei, another cancer survivor, has been with the Dragonboat Festival Society for all eight years – as a sponsor, chairman, a director, and now, as the president.

He has also been a dragon boat team member for five years. Originally an outrigger paddler, he was invited to join the Meyers Norris Penny’s Kicking Bass dragon boat team five years ago.

Although it is all about camaraderie, the competition can get pretty stiff once the racers hit the water.

There are two days of racing. Each team competes on the 500-metre course four times, racing three qualifiers and one final. Because of this structure, team abilities become very closely matched by the time final races run on Sunday afternoon.

Finishing times run between three and a half minutes and one minute fifty seconds.

Mazzei describes one race a couple of years ago where there was only a half second between three boats crossing the finish line.

And now that the young ’uns are getting involved, look out.

“The Full Throttle team is on that secret drug called youth,” said Mazzei. “You’ll just be getting to the end of the race, dog tired, and they’re just unplugging their iPods and getting serious.”

The Save-On-Foods Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival runs July 9-11 at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park.

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

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1-877-525-3111 Best of the City 31

A culinary world awaits out there in Nanaimo’s various restaurants

Tasty city

British

Fox and Hounds – 247 Milton Ave. 740-1000 Crow and Gate Pub – 2313 Yellow Point Rd. 250-722-3731

Mexican

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alking through Nanaimo’s streets is like taking a trip around the culinary world.

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To get a sampling of Nanaimo’s cultural cuisine, check out TheatreOne’s annual fundraiser Bite of Nanaimo, set for September. Please call 250-754-7587 for more information.

For more information on Nanaimo’s wide selection of restaurants, please visit www.tourismnanaimo.com/visitors/ dining.php for Tourism Nanaimo’s Dining Guide.

Is Now...

2010

2009

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Foodies can sample cuisine from the Mediterranean, India, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Greece and Italy, as well as a blend of flavours at dozens of restaurants in Nanaimo.

Ethnic food diversity began during the coal mining era, when Chinese coal miners would eat with family or friends in informal kitchens. Soon, Chinese restaurants cropped up in Nanaimo’s Chinatown districts.

It wasn’t until about the 1950s that people saw Chinese restaurants outside of Chinatown. Many dropped their Chinese names in favour of more western-sounding names.

In the 1960s Canada changed its immigration policy to a points-based system, opening the country’s doors to immigrants from the West Indies, Indochina, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Today Nanaimo boasts food from all corners of the globe, including Mexico, India and the Middle East.

Gina’s Mexican Cafe – 47 Skinner St. (behind the Nanaimo Courthouse).

250-753-5411 Penny’s Palapa – in the Boat Basin, 250-753-2150

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For The 6th Year In A Row!

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2010

Thank you for voting us

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After enjoying 36 years in the restaurant business, George Mavrikos (owner of Romeo’s) feels a need to kick back and relax a little. As he passes the torch to the younger Mavrikos generation, so the restaurant name changes as well. Please welcome Milano’s Ristorante … the same location, the same great people, and the same great food and service that brings “Nanaimoites” back time and time again. The Mavrikos family thanks you for your support over the past 12 years, and hope to continue serving you for generations to come at Milano’s!

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‘Italian Soul In The Heart Of Nanaimo’ 32 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

French

Chinese

Mon Petit Choux (bakery and coffee shop) – 101-210 Commercial St. 250-753-6002

Shanghai City – 215-2000 Island Highway N. (Departure Bay Road side of Brooks Landing).

250-756-9368

Italian

Japanese

Manzavino – 77 Skinner St. 250754-7745 Milanos – 300-6551 Aulds Rd. (across from The Bay at Woodgrove Centre). 250-390-5060 Italian Grapevine Trattoria – 335 Wesley St.- 250-754-5505

Vietnamese

Blue Ginger – 5769 Turner Rd. (in Longwood Station). 250-751-1131 Sake House – 55-650 Terminal Ave. (in Port Place shopping centre). 250-741-8833 Yoshi Sushi – 203-6750 Island Highway N. (near Costco). 250-751-3377

Huong Lan – 19-1925 Bowen Rd. (Bowen Centre).

250-756-7943

Indian

Mediterranean

Thai

Gateway to India – 202-Fourth St. 250-755-4037 Amrikko’s Indian Grill – 1400 Wingrove St. (across from Departure Bay beach). 250-729-7922

Aladdin’s Cafe – 67 Victoria Cres. 250-716-1299 Armani’s Grill – 22 Victoria Cres. 250-754-5551 Thirsty Camel – 14 Victoria Cres. 250-753-9313 Ilios –215 Terminal Ave. N. 250-754-1122 Asteras – 347 Wesley St. 250-716-0451

Amazing Thai – 486 Franklyn St. 250-754-7818 Thai Sukkho – 123 Commercial, 250-591-8424

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Best of the City 33

The Bullock’s Oriole is a regular spring and summer migrant at Buttertub’s Marsh.

Photo courtesy Mike Yip

Wildlife abounds

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hen your backyard is a mountain and your front yard is the ocean, And the city celebrates its ecological gems through conservation and careful you’re bound to be privileged with biodiversity. planning.

Nanaimo is no exception.

Morrell Sanctuary is 111 hectares of preserved second growth forest with 11 From larger mammals like deer and bear to tiny critters eking out kilometres of trails that pass by beaver ponds and Morrell Lake. a life in tidal pools, Nanaimo is one of the most ecologically diverse cities in the “People come here for the peace and quiet of nature,” said Helen Johnston, a world. member on the board for the sanctuary. “And they see bears, deer and red legged And with such a close proximity, whatever creature Pacific bullfrogs, as well as an assortment of aquatic you’re looking for is just a short distance away. birds.”

Some Nanaimo residents just need to look out their Johnston said after 10 years of absence, beavers have kitchen window to see deer grazing or the occasional finally returned to the pond. black bear. For a lesson on salmon, a key coastal species, “Very encouraging,” she said. a quick trip to Bowen Park’s salmon side channel will Newcastle Marine Park attracts visitors from around provide all the details needed in how salmon fit in to the world looking to see harbour seals, sea lions, eagles our ecosystem. You may even see a resident barred owl and a variety of sea birds. Trails wind through the 336while you’re there. hectare park, which also features diverse plant life like For bird watchers, Buttertubs Marsh, located right in mature Douglas fir, Garry oak, arbutus and dogwood the heart of Nanaimo, boasts dozens of species of birds trees. Lucky visitors will sometimes catch a glimpse of from blue herons to ospreys that migrate through the orcas just off shore, or Pacific white sided dolphins, and marsh. a sighting of the unique albino raccoons on the island is “There are, of course, the resident mallards and the likely. gorgeous wood ducks,” said Bill Merilees, a local Because of Nanaimo’s temperate climate, it is also naturalist. “And we’re hoping one day the ospreys that home to vegetation most other places in Canada don’t River otters are a common sight in and around pass through will stay long enough to want to nest. But have.

Nanaimo, and all over Vancouver Island. there are also mammals like beavers that go back and At Harewood Plains, plant lovers can find the rare Photo courtesy Mike Yip forth, the occasional mink and otter and if you look up Lotus pinnatus, a strange but beautiful plant that was in the oak trees you can often spot a raccoon sleeping.” recently named Nanaimo’s official floral emblem. Eighty For the more adventurous, the Nanaimo River estuary is a hinterland’s who’s who per cent of all Lotus Pinnatus found in Canada are found at Harewood Plains. where life aquatic, aerial and terra firma all come together in a dazzling display of It is also home to protected Garry oak ecosystems that attract many birds, biodiversity. including blue birds that are trying to make a recovery on Vancouver Island.

34 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

WINNERS ~ FOOD

Best Asian Food 1. Blue Ginger Restaurant 2. Hong Kong House Restaurant 3. Saigon Kitchen

Best Chicken Wings

Best Family Restaurant 1. Ricky’s All Day Grill (tie) 1. Mrs. Riches (tie) 3. White Spot Restaurant

1. Panago Pizza 2. Piper’s Pub 3. Pizza Hut

Best French Fries

Best Romantic Restaurant

1. Pirate Chips 2. McDonald’s 3. New York Fries

1. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar 2. Zouglas Restaurant 3. Bold Knight Restaurant

Best Fast Food

Best Vegetarian Food

1. Wendy’s Restaurants 2. Subway 3. McDonald’s

1. Thirsty Camel Cafe 2. Delicado’s 3. Gina’s Mexican Restaurant

Best Bakery 1. Nanaimo Bakery & Confectionery Ltd 2. Columbia Bakery 3. Bodhi’s Artisan Bakery

Best Breakfasts 1. Ricky’s All Day Grill 2. Alice’s Restaurant 3. Smitty’s Family Restaurant

Best Deli With two locations in Nanaimo, Delicado’s won top spot in the Best Lunches category.

1. Thrifty Foods 2. Quality Foods 3. Nellie’s Dutch Deli

Best Desserts 1. The Dairy Queen 2. Moxies Bar & Grill 3. Earl’s Restaurant

Best Hamburgers 1. Mrs. Riches 2. Armani’s Grill 3. White Spot Restaurant

Best Lunches 1. Delicado’s 2. Thirsty Camel Cafe 3. Mrs. Riches

Best Pasta 1. Romeo’s 2. New York Style Pizza and Pasta 3. Grapevine Trattoria

Best Patio Restaurant 1. Cactus Club Cafe 2. Earl’s Restaurant 3. Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant

Best Martini 1. Acme Rib & Seafood House 2. Cactus Club Cafe 3. Red Martini Grill

Best Nachos

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

1. Asteras Greek Taverna 2. Ilios Restaurant 3. Thirsty Camel Cafe

Best Pies 1. Nanaimo Bakery & Confectionery Ltd 2. Thrifty Foods 3. Columbia Bakery Ltd

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK June 29th - July 8th

Best Pizza 1. Mambo’s Gourmet Pizza 2. Panago Pizza 3. Pizza Hut

Best Seafood 1. Nauticals Seafood & Grill Restaurant 2. Lighthouse Bistro 3. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

Best Steak 1. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar 2. Bold Knight Restaurant 3. Beefeaters Chophouse & Grill

Crispy Calamari & Fries Popcorn Shrimp & Fries 1 pc Lemon Pepper Cod & Fries Steamed Whole Crab Clusters & Fries

Best Sunday Buffet

+Tax each

1. Longwood Brew Pub 2. ABC Restaurant 3. Lighthouse Bistro

Best Sushi 1. Blue Ginger 2. Fire House Grill 3. Sushi Eh

(While quantities last)

Check out our Weekly Specials!

Best Restaurant 1. Cactus Club Cafe 2. Thirsty Camel Cafe 3. Mrs. Riches

F SEA

1. Gina’s Mexican Restaurant 2. Piper’s Pub 3. Jingle Pot Pub

Best Mediterranean Food

NT

1. Pirate Chips 2. Trollers Fish & Chips 3. Bond’s Fish & Chips

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Best Fish and Chips

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1340 STEWART AVE., NANAIMO

250-754-8881 Best of the City 35

Rub a dub dub

why not

RACE a BATHTUB?

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t’s been 44 years since the first bathtubs spilled out of Nanaimo Harbour in 1967. Who would have thought that a publicity stunt would evolve into an international sport?

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Thank you for all you ur support since we opened. We couldn’t do it without you! We look forward to seeing familiar and new facess this year and doing our best to en nsure a great dining experience.

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Motor-class restrictions? Compliance with race rules? The coast guard?

One might expect a race involving plumbing fixtures to be a little less serious, but with years of racing comes years of experience with safety issues, and now safety is a priority with tubbing. Every tub must have an escort boat, every racer must attend a safety meeting on the day of the race, and all competitors must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

The first tubs hit the water as part of Canada’s centennial celebration and as a great way to put Nanaimo on the map.

Dressed in a pirate outfit, mayor Frank Ney launched the event with a flare gun.

The bathtubs that completed that race went all the way across to Fisherman’s Cove in Vancouver – because that’s where the media would see them.

Now, Nanaimo is the bathtubbing capital of the world and host to the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race; with entrants from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the U.S. When does a bathtub become a boat?

“A tub becomes a boat as soon as you put it in the water – as far as the coast guard is concerned,” said Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society commodore, Bill McGuire.

“In the beginning, you’d just put down a piece of plywood and something that looked like a tub on top of it and hope it floats,” he said.

Modern bathtub boats are still based on the fibreglass mould of a real tub which is then placed on a hull, but they look much more boat-like and move much faster than your average bathtub. What tubbers do to their boats to make them original is up to them, as long as they comply with race rules and motor-class restrictions.

ai Toll Free 1-800-255-6250

BEST MEDITERRANEAN

36 Best of the City

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The race has changed a lot since its inaugural romp across the Georgia Strait.

For one thing, the course has changed – bathtubbers don’t cross the strait at all now. Instead, they run from Nanaimo Harbour, up past Schooner Cove, around the Winchelsea Islands and back to Nanaimo, finishing at Departure Bay beach. It’s the same distance, 58 kilometres and, although it’s much safer, it’s still the most challenging course on the circuit.

“The way it was back in the ’50s and ’60s is nothing to do with the sport anymore,” said Dave Saunders, the father figure of Saunders Racing Team.

Saunders, 50, and his sons, Kevin, 18 and Jeff, 20, have been involved with bathtubs for the last four years.

It started with Kevin when he turned 14, the minimum age for bathtub racers. The following year they bought a tub and engine for Jeff; and last year dad finally picked one up for himself.

The Saunders follow the bathtub circuit, racing all seven sanctioned races and collecting points.

The points are added to their results from the Great International race, which is also the grand finale for the series.

Last year, Kevin placed first for overall points for the modified-class division in the series; and his brother, Jeff, took first place in the stock division. Dad doesn’t do the entire circuit as he is needed to man an escort boat for one of his sons at the big race in Nanaimo.

Recruiting escort boats for everyone was one of the challenges when the whole family started racing. The other was the cost. You can build a boat for about $1,100, but then there’s the motor and the cost of attending the events plus transporting the boats.

Saunders also includes a spare engine in his list of expenses. Last year, when they were racing in Washington, he had to take the engine off of his own tub to give to one of his sons when his engine died.

“It’s a family thing,” said Saunders.

Fortunately, each member of the Saunders team has a sponsor: Apple Auto Glass sponsors Kevin; London Life Freedom 55 sponsors Jeff, and Dave’s employer, United Rentals, is his sponsor.

Another sponsor that helps an employee get in their tub is Longwood Brew Pub. It has been behind Marian Stewart since she started five years ago.

“I love it. I absolutely love it,” said Stewart. “Some people camp on the weekend, I got bathtub racing.”

The Great Race The Great International World Championship Bathtub Race, part of the Nanaimo Marine Festival, will be held on July 25 this year.

There are three classes of bathtub: ◆ Stock: finish the race in about 1:45 – 2:00 hours ◆ Modified: finish the race in about 1:30 – 1:45 hours ◆ Unlimited: finish the race about 1:10 hours Bathtubs must weigh a minimum of 350 pounds (158 kilograms) including driver.

Eight horsepower is the maximum engine size for a tub. The Suzuki 8 hp was choice among racers but it’s getting hard to come by.

Regulations now allow for a 9.9 engine to be used as long as it’s modified to pull 8.0 hp.

Most of the sanctioned races building up to the Great Race are circuit style races. The whole event can be viewed from the beach as the tubs ring around a course 10-15 times.

The Sail Past On Wheels Parade on July 24 showcases many of the bathtub race participants.

This year’s theme is Canadian Naval Centennial 1910-2010.

Stewart, 54, is used to being on the water – she lives on Protection Island in Nanaimo Harbour and she commutes across the water on a daily basis.

“I leave my job at the Longwood at two or 2:30 a.m. on a Friday night,” said Stewart.

Stewart is a die-hard. She is one of the few female racers and she’s been the oldest tubber to finish the Great Race for the last four years in a row. She is the only woman to take on all seven sanctioned races.

Dave Saunders has a great respect for Stewart, “She’s pretty tough,” he said, “And she’s my age.”

Saunders said that the calm of Departure Bay and Nanaimo Harbour are deceptive for spectators.

“Towards Entrance Island and Winchelsea, you’ve got five- to six-foot seas. Basically, you’re going from wave top to wave top,” said Saunders. “A stock tub can get going 30 miles per hour.”

Only about half of the fifty or more tubs that start the race actually finish. Engines die or boats flip over coming off a wave.

“Guys come in and their legs are black and blue and their arms are bleeding – just from the pounding of the waves,” said Saunders.

Why do they keep doing it?

It’s all about bringing home a bell. Each category has first, second and third place trophies to hand out, but the prize that racers covet is a plaque with a little silver bell.

“The bell is what you’re really racing for,” said Saunders.

You see, a bathtub race isn’t finished until the tubber runs up the beach and rings the silver bell.

“A lot of guys just collapse when they hit the beach,” said Saunders. After 38 miles of getting bashed around in a tub, racers are exhausted and cramped up.

It’s a far cry from mayor Frank Ney in a pirate suit shooting a flare gun and 212 crazy bathers on plywood, but the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race has certainly put Nanaimo on the map.

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The Urban Wine Cellar

Open Monday-Saturday 11a am-8pm www.thirstycamelcafe..ca

#14 Victoria Crescent Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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Some familiar faces of

Best

Dominic & Rose Staniscia City Tile Best Tile Store

Blake Erickson Erickson Roofing Best Roofing Company

Dan Zapotichny Thrifty Foods Best Deli

Michael Langermantel Canadian Tire Best Auto Service

Lawna Herring The Children’s Place Best Kids’ Clothing

Richard Tchamourian, ICT Rich 1 Beauty Best Beauty Salon & School

Delaine Rangno - Owner Spanish Sol Best Tanning Salon

Hollis Connelly - Manager Wendy’s Best Fast Food

Keith Barron - Owner Barrons Home Appliance Centre Best Appliance Repair

Julie Shannon - Owner Breze Best Estheticians and Best Massages

Joe Trivett - Manager Dairy Queen Best Desserts

Ravi Dhaliwal - Manager Kal Tire Best Place to Get Tires

Tracy Branchi - Manager Jumping Jiminy’s Best Place for Birthday Parties

Merv Piper - Owner Pipers Meats Best Place to Buy Meat

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

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

Thomas Gemma - Manager Sears Best Store for Ladieswear

Donna Brown - Manager Fabricland Best Sewing/Notions Store

Larry Lim Blue Ginger Best Asian Food & Best Sushi

of the

City

Rae-Anne Fuller - Supervisor Ryan Simpson - el presidente Tim Hortons Pacific Rim Best Place to Meet for Coffee Best Bike Shop

Ryan Lafortune The Brick Best Furniture Store

Barry Ladell Longwood Brew Pub Best Pub & Best Sunday Brunch

George Mavrikos Romeos Pizza & Pasta Best Pasta

Mary Anne Molcan Manager, Optician Iris Best Optical Store

Sharon Vander Putten Manager Peoples Jewellers Best Jewellery Store

Mark Fenwick & Nola Dunn Woodgrove Centre Best Place to Shop

Jamie Leckenby - Manager Toys R Us Best Toy Store

Sharon Bennett - Manager Home Sense Best Housewares & Linen Store

Craig McLaren Owner, Manager McLaren Lighting Best Lighting Store

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

Bruce Halliday General Manager The Port Theatre Best Live Theatre

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

Ashley Manuel Flight Centre Best Travel Agency

Jerry Jaggers Thrifty Foods Best Place to Buy Produce

Laurel Sliskovic Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park Best Local Campground

Glenda Darragh Charlie Browns Best Vitamin/Health Food Store

Mike Goddard - Manager Value Village Best Second Hand Store

Marianne Turley Turley’s Florist Best Flower Shop

THANK YOU NANAIMO!

2010

For cchoosing us once again as your

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“BEST MARINE STORE”

PRIVATE AUTO HOMEOWNERS

For making us one of COMMERCIAL TRAVEL

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FARM MARINE GARAGE & FLEETS

HUB International Barton Insurance Brokers DOWNTOWN

NANAIMO NORTH TOWN CENTRE

(250) 753-2481

(250) 758-4606

100 Wallace Street

52 - 4750 Rutherford Road

www.hubinternational.com Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Some familiar faces of

Best of the City

Sue Gibson Branch Manager RBC Royal Bank Best Banking Institution

Robert Hong - Owner Nauticals Best Seafood

Art Lindala and Maureen Millar Art of Brewing Best Wine Making

Reid Hugh Nanaimo Toyota Best Place to Buy a Used Vehicle

Peter Flengeris Cactus Club Best Patio Restaurant, Best Restaurant

Laurentia Robbins Branch Manager RBC Royal Bank Best Banking Institution

Derek & Lisa Rickwood Owners Rickwoods Menswear Best Store for Menswear

Angela Negrin - Owner Pirate Chips Best French Fries and Fish & Chips

Anne Kuzminksi Branch Manager RBC Royal Bank Best Banking Institution

Karelyn Goodall Mid Island Co-op Best Gas Bar

Erin McAuley - Manager La Senza Best Lingerie Store

Rick Bayko and Chris Turnbull DenMar Electric Best Electrical Contractor

Ilan Goldenblatt - Owner Thirsty Camel Best Vegetarian Food

Barbara Ernst - Owner Seadrift Best Place to Buy Seafood

Bob Wilson Branch Manager TD Canada Trust Best Financial Planner

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

Alex Teare and Melissa Hamilton 24 Carrot Catering Best Catering

Lorcan Bryne Home Depot Best Floor Covering, Home Building, Paint Store, Store to Buy Tools

Brianne Carson Bosley’s Pet Food Plus Best Pet Supply

Sharon Logan, Optician Manager Iris Best Optical Store

Janet Edwards General Manager Chapters Best Book Store

Christina Indseth - Manager VI Fitness Best Fitness Centre

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Caring for pet wellness and nutrition

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www.bosleys.com

Nanaimo’s Harbourfront Walkway, stretching from Cameron Island to the B.C. Ferries’ terminal in Departure Bay, is one of the favourite walks for residents and visitors alike.

Thank you Nanaimo for choosing

Canada’s #1 weight loss company *

Husband & Wife, Nolan & Cindy of Nanaimo lost a combined 79 lbs and 15 sizes!

Thank You For Your Support!

Dickinson Crossing 6894 Island Highway

250-390-4833

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Pinetree Square 1708 Bowen Road

250-753-9841

“We need to put ourselves first in order to make our lives better, as well as the lives of everyone around us.”

A common sense system for weight loss that lasts: REAL FOOD | PERSONAL COACHING | NATURAL PRODUCTS

1 - 6332 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, B.C. 250-390-0677 Canada’s #1 choice for proven weight loss.

herbalmagic.com *As our clients vary, so do their results.

Best of the City 39

SURVEY WINNERS ~ SHOPPING Best Floor Covering Store 1. The Home Depot 2. End of the Roll 3. United Carpet

Best Art Gallery 1. Nanaimo Art Gallery 2. Gallery 223 3. Yellow Bird Art Gallery

Best Flower Shop 1. Turley’s Florist 2. Thrifty Foods 3. West Coast Classic Floral Design

Best Customer Service 1.

2.

3.

3.

Wal-Mart Thrifty Foods Costco Home Hardware

Best Store to Buy Books 1. Chapters 2. Back Page Books 3. Coles

1. The Brick 2. Flying Fish Kitchen & Gift 3. Jysk

Best Garden Centre 1. Art Knapp Plantland 2. The Home Depot 3. Long Lake Nurseries

Best Store for Ladies Wear 1. Sears 2. Winners 3. Quintessentials Accessories

Best Music Store

1. Sea Drift Fish Market 2. Thrifty Foods 3. Costco

1. Rickwood’s Menswear 2. Moore’s Clothing For Men 3. The Bay

Best Building Supply Store 1. The Home Depot 2. Rona 3. Slegg Lumber

Best Jewellery Store 1. People’s Jewellers 2. Michael Hill Jeweller Ltd 3. Ben Moss Jewellers

1. HomeSense 2. Jysk 3. Flying Fish Kitchen & Gift

Best Lingerie Shop

THANK YOU NANAIMO

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

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CREATE YOUR OWN PIZZA!

BEST WINGS

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OPEN FOR LUNCH

2010

Don’t wait for disaster . . . call the master!

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www.ericksonroofing.com

1. Value Village 2. Salvation Army 3. Friends of the Haven

2010

4201 Jingle Pot Road 250-758-5440

Best Second Hand Store

310-0001 TH

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• Expert Trouble Shooting • Commercial-Residential • Professional Service • All types of Flat & Sloped Roofing • Asphalt & Rubber Membrane Systems • Cedar Shakes • Fiberglass Shingles • Metal Roof Systems • Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates for Re-Roofing

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Roofing Problems in our Hands

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

Thank You To All Our Loyal Customers for Your Support!

ST OF THE CI BE E

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

Put your

Best Place to Get Tires

Best Place to Buy produce

Best Place to Buy Meat 1. Piper’s Meats 2. Nesvog Meats 3. Costco

1. Charlie Brown’s Health Food Store 2. Island Natural Market 3. GNC-General Nutrition Centres Co.

1. Kal-Tire 2. Big O Tires 3. Canadian Tire

1. La Senza 2. La Vie En Rose 3. My Undies

Best Housewares / Linen

Best Tile Store

Best Vitamin/Health Food Store

Best Lighting Store 1. McLaren Electric 2. The Home Depot 3. Rona

Best Store for Mens’ Wear

1. The Home Depot 2. Benjamin Moore 3. General Paint Corp

1. City Tile Ltd 2. The Home Depot 3. Cornerstone Tile Ltd

1. HMV Canada 2. Music Maxx 3. Fascinating Rhythm

Best Place to Buy Seafood

Best Paint Store

NA NEWS BNAIMO ULLETIN

1. Pacific Rim Bicycle 2. Arrowsmith Bikes 3. Oak Bay Bikes

Best Furniture Store

1. Iris Optometrists & Opticians 2. Vision Arts Eyecare Centre 3. Maycock Eyecare

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Best Bike Shop

Best Optical Store

BEST PIZZA

1. Pick a Crust 2. Add the Sauce 3. Add the Cheese South 218-4th St.

Visit us Online:

panago.com

North 102-6560 North Island Hwy. Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Bosley’s won for Best Pet Supply Store.

TOBY GORMAN

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ST OF THE CI BE E

✔ Restoration ✔ All Work Guaranteed with 2 Year Warranty

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THANK YOU NANAIMO FOR VOTING US #1 AGAIN!

✔ Marina Repairs & Upgrades ✔ Lighting Upgrades

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Country Club Centre • 250-758-4175

2010

✔ Data, Telephone & CATV Installs

3

61 years of vision

✔ Thermal Camera Imaging

✔ Installing & Maintaining Fire Alarm Systems

#

BEST OPTICAL STORE

✔ Service Upgrades

✔ Light maintenance and efficiency solutions

ST OF THE CI BE E

2010

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RUNNER UP

2009

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RUNNER UP

2008

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Serving Vancouver Island Residential/ Commercial

Nanaimo Toyota Harris Mitsubishi Bouman Auto Gallery Ltd. Galaxy Motors Ltd.

1

RUNNER UP

2007

24 Hour Emergency Service

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1. Art of Brewing 2. Wine Kitz 3. Urban Wine Cellar

Best Place to Buy a Used Vehicle

• Complete Vision & Eye Health Exams • Incredible sunglass collection • Specializing in contact lenses • The best selection of exclusive eyewear

ST OF THE CI BE E

2006

Best Wine-Making Store

1. Sport Chek 2. Sport Mart 3. Reaction Sports

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Woodgrove Centre Downtown Costco Wal-Mart

Best Sporting Goods Store

2005

1.

2.

3.

3.

1. Aldo Shoes Inc. 2. Payless Shoesource 3. A Step Ahead Footwear Inc.

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Best Place to Shop

Best Shoe Store

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1. Fabricland 2. Snip & Stitch Sewing Centre Ltd 3. Wal-Mart

Thank You Nanaimo for your votes!

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

Best Sewing / Notions Store

1. Bosley’s 2. Petsmart 3. Shar Kare

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1. The Home Depot 2. Midland Tools 3. Canadian Tire

Best Pet Supply Store

NANA IMO NEWS BU LLETIN

Best Store to Buy Tools

✔ BC Hydro Power Smart

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS

4161 Jingle Pot Rd. Nanaimo, BC. V9T 5P7

Phone: 250-758-8464

www.denmarelectric.com Gold Seal Certified • Star Cor (worksafe BC) • ECABC • Highest CSCS

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Best of the City 41

City of Champions

C C

hampions play here.

Nanaimo’s thriving sports community is home to thousands of athletes and hundreds of teams.

And if they’re not champions, then they’re playing toward that goal.

In recent years the city’s junior football team, the Vancouver Island Raiders, has helped establish a championship mindset. The team doesn’t accept losing – it once fired a coach after his first loss in two years – and that attitude has helped the Raiders to four straight B.C. titles and three national championships in four years. The franchise, in just its fifth season in the Canadian Junior Football League, already has more national titles than any other B.C. team.

There has definitely been a trickle-down effect from the Raiders’ success, especially on the gridiron. Last fall the Nanaimo Redmen community football team won its first league championship in 15 years.

Of course, it isn’t only the football teams that are filling the city’s trophy case.

Nanaimo’s newest champions are the Vancouver Island Baseball Institute Mariners, a club team that won a national title in May. The city’s other ball teams are no slouches, either – the Nanaimo Coal Miners senior men won a Western Canadian championship in 2007 and a provincial title in 2005 and are in the mix again this summer. The city’s junior baseball team, the Nanaimo Palladian Pirates, won a B.C. championship in 2006 and the premier Pirates are usually close.

Thank you Nanaimo!

Oceanside Campground and RV Nanaimo, Vancouver Island

300 beautiful sites on 53 natural waterfront acres... ...Today’s Parent Magazine calls it one of the 25 best campgrounds in Canada and one of the 2 best campgrounds in B.C.!

At this time of year, lacrosse is the biggest game in town. There haven’t been major championships in recent years aside from the bantam girls winning the provincial title in 2008, but all the modern teams are desperate to get there. And they’ve all heard of the exploits of the great 1956 Nanaimo Timbermen, who won the Mann Cup. Then there’s hockey, where the Nanaimo Clippers are the city’s favourite sports team through the winter months.

The B.C. Hockey League team won league championships in 2007 and 2004 to go with its three-peat in 1976, 1977 and 1978.

Up the hill at Vancouver Island University, the Mariners have boasted the strongest all-around college sports program in B.C. for four straight years. Best of the bunch this decade was the women’s volleyball team, which won eight B.C. championships culminating in a national crown in 2008.

Nanaimo’s individual athletes can claim many more titles. Just this month, discus thrower Jade Richardson won gold at the B.C. High School Track and Field Championships. Last year sprint canoeist Nicole Haywood won gold at the Canada Games and boxer Stefan Melideo won a national lightweight title.

Nanaimoites have also won championships at running races, bathtub races, BMX nationals, field lacrosse provincials, swim meets and countless other competitions.

City of champions? Absolutely. And the next one is coming soon, so hopefully Nanaimo’s sports fans will be there to see it.

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

Where camping includes this WiFi gourmet coffee deck Go ahead- pamper yourself... ...the only thing we overlook is the waterfront!

Pick up a copy of Tourism Nanaimo’s 2010 Map and Attractions Guide around town or view it on-line at

www.tourismnanaimo.com LivingForest.com 250.755.1755

Turn at the new Rona at Maki Road and follow ½ km to our gate 42 Best of the City

Visit our Visitor Centres at Beban Park or the Port of Nanaimo Centre or call 250-756-0106.

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City G e th f o t s e B for voting us a lt y t o y lo !! & w e o r g a a n year in ur patro o y e t ia c ing our e r id p v p o r a p ly e t u a n e ti r We g e to con iv tr s l il w owledge e n W k . & s s ty e li in a s u u q b , our selection t s e b aping c e s th d n h it la w d s n r a e custom rdening a g r u o y gain!! a ll a u o r y fo k n s t a c h u T d – of pro needs.

2010

! a e r A & o m i a n a N r the 8th s fo e k tr n n e a C h n e T ard

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PLANTLAND

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“The Real Plant Experts” • Quality • Service • Selection

ST OF THE VANCOUVER E CI B E ISLAND’S LARGEST & MOST COMPLETE RETAIL GARDEN CENTRE

BEST OUTDOOR GARDEN CENTRE 8 YEARS IN A ROW

4 Days Only Special!

Thursday July 1, Friday July 2, Saturday July 3 & Sunday July 4

*ALL REGULAR PRICED ITEMS IN STORE NOW...

20

%

TREES, SHRUBS, INDOOR T FLOWERS, SOILS, AMMENDMENTS, GIFTWARE, A HOME DECOR, PESTICIDES, H FERTILIZERS, PUMPS, FILTERS, FER FLOWER & VEGETABLE SEEDS, FLOW HOSES, HOSE SPRINKLERS, TOOLS, PRUNERS, ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, PRUNER PLASTIC POTS, ETC. ETC.

OFF

Those Regular Prices!!

While Quantities Last

*DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY ITEMS ALREADY SALE/SPECIAL PRICED REGULAR PRICES end with a 99¢ price point.

Example: 2 Gallon Roses reg. 24.99 each SPECIAL PRICES end with 97¢ price point.

2 Gallon Roses NOW 19.97 each

ALSO DOES NOT INCLUDE BULK SOIL, FISH COMPOST, BARK MULCH

OPEN ALL END WEEAK ND AY! CANADA D

• BULK TOP SOIL • FISH COMPOST • BARK MULCH 6469 Metral Drive Nanaimo, BC

Across from Home Depot, Real Canadian Superstore, next to United Furniture

CALL FOR FREE GARDENING ADVICE

TOLL FREE: 1-866-845-3919

PLANTLAND Tuesday, June 29, 2010

250-390-1151 qya

55+ SENIORS DAY IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

10% OFF Regular Priced Items

(Excludes – Bulk Soil, Fish Compost & Bark Mulch)

NEW STORE HOURS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

9:00 am - 6:00 pm Best of the City 43

Jim Pattison Hyundai Nanaimo 4123 Wellington Road â&#x20AC;˘ Nanaimo, BC 4123 Wellington Rd. 250-758-6585 â&#x20AC;˘ Toll Free 1-866-758-6585 www.pattisonhyundainanaimo.com Nanaimo, 250-758-6585 D#23669

D#23669 44 Best of the City

D#23669

Tuesday, June 29, 2010