Boulevard Magazine, Victoria, February/March 2020

FEBRUARY I MARCH 2020

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

THE INFLUENCERS Victoria’s business heroes

FRESH & GREEN Recipes for renewal

WHERE LIGHT AND LOVE LIVE And views to the Salish Sea

BLUE JEAN BABY

Vintage-esque denim with a lived-in vibe

THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE HIGHER YOUR STANDARDS. INTRODUCING THE NEW GENESIS G90

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™ The Genesis names, logos, product names, feature names, images and slogans are trademarks owned or licensed by Genesis Motors Canada, a division of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.. Inventory is limited. Visit www.genesis.ca or contact your Genesis distributor for complete details.

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CONTENTS 56

80 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

40

8

CONTRIBUTORS

WHERE LIGHT AND LOVE LIVE

Photo by Lia Crowe

And views to the Salish Sea

10

EDITOR

Lori Muñoz Malcolm, pictured with her son Roman, is one of the many Victoria business people featured in this issue’s special section.

By Darcy Nybo

Superhero introverts

50

BLUE JEAN BABY

12

Vintage-esque denim with an upcycled, lived-in vibe.

THE INFLUENCERS

By Jen Evans

On the Cover

80

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DESIGN NOTES

Winter blues

By Janice Jefferson

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE NOT A BEER DRINKER

Tasting may be believing

16 LIFE.STYLE.ETC.

By Jane Zatylny

Claudia Knoglinger

By Lia Crowe

130 FRESH AND GREEN

6

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT

Recipes for renewal

By Chef Heidi Fink

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

40

18

18

GOOD TASTE

Where tradition rules

By Chelsea Forman

22 WEEKENDER

50 36

BUSINESS CLASS

Hothouse hot business: Dan Dagg

That day I was a life model

By Jade Cameron

By Tess van Straaten

162

BEHIND THE STORY

By Lia Crowe

Flavours of the West Coast

139 TRAVEL

By Susan Lundy

Remarkable Rwanda

By Lucas Aykroyd

146

HEADLINERS

What’s on this March and April

By Robert Moyes

26 WELL AND GOOD

The evolution of self- improvement

By Kaisha Scofield

32 IN STUDIO

Into the forest: Jeremy Herndl

By Sean McIntyre

158 NARRATIVE

SPECIAL FEATURE

80 THE INFLUENCERS

By Lia Crowe Don Denton Sean McIntyre

156 SECRETS AND LIVES

Jean Cardno

By Angela Cowan

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contributors V I C T O R I A L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T

“When I first sampled the tacos at The Tasting Room, I was blown away. I’d never before experienced such

ERICA CHAN PHOTOGRAPHER,

Where tradition rules

profound taste profiles in, quite simply put, a taco. From that moment on, I was hooked.

I love to photograph food with personality because there is always a rich story to uncover and recreate with movement, colour and emotion. The passion and creativity that Israel shares in each of his dishes needs no frills and carries no pretension. His story, his art, his food... it’s an easy journey to follow.

It looks as good as it smells, and it smells as good as it tastes.” Erica is an award-winning photographer, artist and storyteller.

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F E B RUARY/ MARC H 2 020

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto

BOULEVARD GROUP Mario Gedicke

PUBLISHER 250.891.5627 info@blvdmag.ca

EDITOR Susan Lundy ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Lorianne Koch Michelle Gjerde Tammy Robinson Kelsey Boorman

“I thought twice about visiting Rwanda last September because the Ebola virus was still raging next door in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But Rwanda

SUZANNE MORPHET WRITER,

Remarkable Rwanda

is one of the cleanest, safest and most progressive countries anywhere. It was one of the first to ban plastic bags, for instance, and it has the highest percentage of female parliamentarians in the world. I thought seeing gorillas would be the highlight of my trip but it was the unexpected pleasures, like cruising the shoreline of a lake at sunrise and looking for wildlife from a boat, that made the biggest impression.”

PAGE 139

“Photographing the feature home for this issue was a privilege. Cue a

MATT SHANNON

fresh blanket of snow, a rare event in Victoria to say the least, and the perfect stage is set.

A marvellous view of James Island is beheld from the all-windowed east-facing side of the house. The contrast between the cool blanket of snow and warm, woody interior creates a relaxing haven to pass the winter days.” Matt Shannon’s passion for landscape and adventure photography sets him apart by establishing a creative edge in his commercial work.

ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke

Vicki Clark

Pat Brindle

Lisa Vassiliadis

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS Angela Cowan Lia Crowe Heidi Fink Chelsea Forman Janice Jefferson

Jade Cameron Sean McIntyre Suzanne Morphet Robert Moyes Darcy Nybo Kaisha Scofield Tess van Straaten Jane Zatylny

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton

Matt Shannon

CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411 TRENDING ONLINE:

View Boulevard’s Fashion Friday

www.vicnews.com/life Any device. Any time.

Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

PHOTOGRAPHER,

Where light and love live

PAGE 40

Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

STUDIOYDESIGN.CA 250-590-5200 520 HERALD STREET

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

superhero introverts

“Introverted? Here’s how to be more social,” reads the title of an Oprah Magazine article on social media. “Just once,” says the response, “I’d like to see an article: ‘Extroverted? Here are some tips on how to be quiet and reflective.’”

For our special section The Influencers, we asked Victoria entrepreneurs, “What is your superpower?” So I’ve been thinking about superpowers and wondering how powerful I’d feel as an extrovert.

Imagine walking into a roomful of people and crushing it — ping-ponging from person to person, giving each the perfect dose of chit-chat (albeit, often shallow) peppered with anecdotes (albeit, often incorrectly recalled) and salted with firm handshakes and the perfect conversational exit.

My husband is an extrovert and I watch him with awe as, first, he’s always excited to go to a party; second, he’s not ready to leave after half an hour; and, third, he happily mingles amid the throng, seemingly eager to talk to everyone there. My introvert-spawned party goals are to arrive late, leave early and know exactly where the escape areas lie — back porch, bathroom and edges of the party where fellow introverts huddle. I’ve learned to seek out other introverts and embark on deeper — if not slightly awkward — one-on-one conversations. (The longer the conversation the better — and it usually is long because introverts don’t know how to gracefully move on).

But is being an extrovert really a superpower?

Years ago, when Bruce and I lived in Calgary, we attended numerous political functions. Since I was new to the city and he’d been there for years, I knew no one and stuck to his side as he made his mingle-and-jive moves.

But soon something emerged. After the event, I’d ask him if he’d heard a certain comment, noted a new pairing, caught a bit of body language. Usually it was no, no, no. Also, it turned out that as he was chatting away to a group of people, I’d often fall into a side conversation with someone else in the group (usually another introvert), ultimately discovering all sorts of things unknown to my extroverted husband.

Finally, I learned that being an introvert helps me listen. Extroverts, many of whom like to talk a lot, often chatter away to introverts (who are just thankful to appear engaged in a conversation).

And as a good interviewer knows, if you want to find out something, say very little and chances are the speaker will fill the space with words. This brings to mind a certain interview I conducted about 11 years ago with a charming extrovert based in Calgary.

To say the least, I left the interview extremely pleased with all the information I’d pulled from this man, who turned out to be my future husband.

So bring on the introvert superheroes! Perhaps we can teach you extroverts how to be quiet and reflective.

Find more superpowers and superheroes in The Influencers (page 78). I hope you enjoy your journey through this issue of Boulevard, with its fresh fashion, a gorgeous home, design tips, intriguing people, food, beer and a sassy narrative about being a life model. And speaking of our new Narrative feature, writers — don’t forget to submit your stories.

Susan Lundy Editor

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LOVE YO UR LOOK C O N S U LT T H E BEAUTY EXPERTS

G I F T C E R T I F I C AT E S AVA I L A B L E BOTOX • COOLSCULPTING • LASERS LASER HAIR REMOVAL • ULTHERAPY

FILLERS • PRP (FOR HAIR LOSS & SKIN)

MICRONEEDLING • FEMININE REJUVENATION

250.380.2600 rosenthalclinic.ca

everyone’s talking about … wild things

1.

2.

RALF SCHNEIDER / WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

The Royal British Columbia Museum’s popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit runs February 14 to March 29. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

Now in its 55th year, the competition showcases a global selection of outstanding nature photography. Each photo is presented in a huge backlit display with a caption exploring the image’s compelling story. The images evoke a wide range of emotions but are always visually stunning and thought-provoking. Definitely worth a visit!

3.

vegans and food lovers rejoice A brand-new, 100 per cent plant-based restaurant — focused on hand-crafted pizza and ice cream — opened mid-January in Victoria. Located at 530 Pandora Avenue, this is the largest Virtuous Pie location to date.

At over 2,300 square feet, it has 73 seats, a 653-square-foot outdoor patio opening this spring, and a communal bar area, featuring local craft beers, wines and cocktails.

The owners say, “Join us to indulge in our signature plant-based pizzas, ice cream and small plates, plus unique menu items exclusive to Victoria!”

head of the cask The 10th Annual Whisky Awards in Victoria on January 16 saw Vancouver Island’s Shelter Point Distillery win the award for “Best All-Rye Whisky” in Canada, and take home 11 medals. Shelter Point won gold medals for its Single Cask Rye and for its recently released Smoke Point Single Grain Whisky, which is finished in ex-Laphroaig barrels from Islay in Scotland.

Shelter Point also won six silver medals and three bronze medals.

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brava!

Pacific Opera Victoria Director of Development Yvette Guigueno has been selected to participate in OPERA America’s highly competitive 2020 Leadership Intensive program.

Guigueno is the only Canadian selected and joins participants from the USA, Europe and Latin America. Her participation is underwritten by Opera. ca, the national association for opera in Canada. We say, “Congratulations!”

4.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

harbour city kitchens f ine cabinetry & storage systems

Greater Victoria’s Largest Cabinet Showroom

Specializing in: Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinetry, Closet Organizers, Laundry & Mudroom Storage Solutions locally owned & locally manufactured • 2189 keating cross road • 250-652-5200 www.harbourcitykitchens.com

1.

design notes 1.

2.

winter blues

3.

BY JANICE JEFFERSON

MODHAUS DESIGNS Get moody with blues. Try powder blue reimagined or delicate chinoiserie set against blurred modern lines. This season’s interiors are awash in blues that reflect our landscape — the place where sea and sky meet and meld beautifully into each other.

4.

7.

5.

1. Catalina earrings, lalobajewels.com, $130. 2. Small table planter, Buttata Ceramics, Smoking Lily, $35.

3. Libra blue and white vase, CB2, $22.95. 4. Whimsy plates, Mary Loria Ceramics, $15 - $30. Antigua linen duvet cover and shams, Chintz and Company, call for pricing. 6. Redondo accent chair, One Kings Lane, $2,305 USD. 7. Lamb fur pillow, Moe’s Home, $209. 8. Jam jams, Smoking Lily, $85. 9. Millie rug, Anthropologie, $68 - $998. 10. Chinese pile wallpaper, Cole and Son, Bespoke Design, call for pricing. 11.

Kartell Mini Kabuki table lamp, Gabriel Ross, $581.

12. Gan Nuances Pouf, Patricia Urquiola, Gabriel Ross, $1,769.

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life.style.etc.

WITH CLAUDIA KNOGLINGER, OWNER/OPERATOR/JACK OF ALL TRADES BERNSTEIN & GOLD

“It’s about trusting your instincts and being able to take risks.

It can’t be boring, it needs to be fresh but still wearable.”

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Claudia has always been someone I’ve gone to for fashion inspiration. When I have a nugget of an idea but need to distil it into a concrete concept, I’ve relied on her knowledge of fashion and trends and her passion for all things visual.

She also has a strong sense of personal style and with her boutique Bernstein & Gold, she brings a fresh, current and bold aesthetic that has elevated this city to the category of fashion forward.

So, it is a real treat to meet Claudia for a chat about her life, style and inspiration, and what she holds as important.

She’s owned a retail boutique in Victoria for close to 20 years, so I wonder what aspect of her work fires her up and keeps her going.

“It’s the customers and the fashion,” she says. “There’s a thrill in the buying for the next season: the trends, colours and fabrics, and what direction I’m going to take the store next. And that all comes from feedback I get from clients while working on the floor; being on the floor is everything.”

And what is Claudia most excited about for spring 2020?

“There’s an interesting mix. The ’90s are definitely showing up again, and wild florals in big prairie poofs.”

Asked what innate quality has led to her success, Claudia says her strength lies in the buying. “Choosing out of the million things you see, sifting through countless amounts of pictures and fabric swatches, going to the showrooms, meeting designers and really paring it down. It’s about trusting your instincts and being able to take risks. It can’t be boring, it needs to be fresh but still wearable. That’s what I spend the most time fretting about — it has to be right.”

And what essential daily practice has she adopted in her work?

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

“Something that I try to show up with every morning is — listening to customers. They are coming through the door, they chose to spend their time with me and it has to be special, it has to be personal, it has to be meaningful to them in all aspects of the interaction.

I have a great team and they all subscribe to that same philosophy.”

Since she is the mother of a toddler, I asked Claudia: what is the best life lesson she’s recently learned?

“One big thing I’m passionate about is self-care and wellness and making it a priority in my life. Going back to basics — from natural skincare to even the type of clothes and how much that you buy — incorporating the right things into your life, making better choices and honouring what matters to you. My self-care practice is focused on my garden because it’s something I can do with my son. It’s all about keeping your body well to preserve yourself, so you can be there for that person. You don’t think about that in your 20s very much, or at least I didn’t.”

When it comes to personal style, Claudia says she likes things pretty and casual.

“I’ve always liked flowing blouses, nice fabrics and patterns, but most days I’m in jeans and sneakers because I’m running around and I need to be able to move.”

So what does good style mean? “It has to feel like it’s you. And it’s a feeling; it’s the way your body responds in clothes, the way you move. It doesn’t have to be expensive or be designer, it just needs to feel like there has been some thought behind it. It has to work for the person and you can usually tell by the way they carry themselves in it.”

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Style icon: Stella McCartney.

Favourite artist: Rothko.

Favourite piece of art: Jackson Pollock's “Autumn Rhythm.”

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Chloé/ Stella McCartney style and brand philosophy.

Favourite musician: Too many but Neil Young is in the top five.

Era of time that inspires your style: ’70s and now.

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Toni Collette in Wanderlust.

Favourite local restaurant: Brasserie l’Ecole.

Favourite cocktail or wine: Old Fashioned.

Album on current rotation: Best of the ’80s on Spotify.

Favourite flower: Thistle.

Favourite city to visit: New York City.

Favourite hotel: 1477 Reichhalter, South Tyrol.

Favourite App: Instagram for the store.

Favourite place in the whole world: Copenhagen.

COMPLETE EYE EXAMINATIONS BY

DR. JASON MAYCOCK DR. TOBY VALLANCE DR. MANDY LETKEMANN OPTOMETRISTS

FASHION & BEAUTY Uniform: Straight-leg high-waist Mother denim, Ulla Johnson blouse or top with big sleeves, sneakers.

All-time favourite piece: Ulla Johnson blouse with lace and ruffles.

Currently coveting: A new wallet by Celine.

Favourite pair of shoes: Isabel Marant sneakers.

Favourite day-bag: WANT Les Essentiels backpack.

Favourite work tool: My iPhone.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: Initial necklace by Pascale Monvoisin.

Fashion obsession: Sneakers.

Accessory you spent the most money on: Chanel bag.

Moisturizer: Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Serum.

Scent: Love by Chloé.

Must-have hair product: Hair mask by Kerastase.

Beauty secret: Sleep, laugh and facials by Jamie.

1318 Blanshard Street | 250.384.4175 | maycockeyecare.com CLIENT: MAYCOCK EYECARE PUBLICATION: BOULEVARD MAGAZINE SHIPPING DATE: TBD; AD SIZE: 3.5” x 4.75” PRODUCED BY FORM CREATIVE T: (250) 589 5966

READING MATERIAL What you read online for style: Numerous style blogs but I still like traditional Vogue Paris and Schöner Wohnen (interior design) for style news and links to other sites and blogs.

It’s truly endless.

Fave print magazine: The Gentlewoman .

Fave style blog: Who What Wear.

Coffee table book/photography book: A Frame for Life: The Designs of StudioIlse by Ilse Crawford.

Last great read: She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

Wedding, Designer, and Luxurious Rings for All 250-592-1100 106 - 2187 Oak Bay Avenue barclaysjewellers.com boulevardmagazines.com |

F E B RUARY/ MARC H 2020

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good taste

Where tradition rules The case for authentic tortillas and honest Mexican food WORDS CHELSEA FORMAN

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X

PHOTOGRAPHY ERICA CHAN

Mexico is a beloved travel destination of Canadians, luring visitors with the promise of vacations teeming with sunshine, fun-loving culture and delicious food. Cold months on the west coast have us yearning for a taste of Mexico, and it is through food that we find that in Canada. The brightness of traditional flavours warms both bellies and spirits, allowing us to relish in fleeting Mexican moments without ever stepping foot on a plane.

But as all of us who have travelled south of the border know, the pursuit, and perhaps struggle, to find authentic Mexican food takes a bit of persistence, as professional chef Israel Alvarez quickly discovered after moving to Canada from Mexico City in 2008.

Israel joined the Tasting Room at the Breakwater Cafe in April 2019, and soon after that proposed the switch to a traditional taco menu. The chef, who is dedicated to producing authentic Mexican food that adheres to ancient cultural traditions, rolled out the new menu in August 2019.

“I felt some sort of responsibility to do something great outside of Mexico.

To bring traditional, honest food to people,” Israel explains, “When I came to Canada I found that most tortillas are just a vessel to transfer food — lacking character, lacking aroma — and nearly all of them are made with instant corn flour. Due to political and cultural issues and for ethical reasons, I don’t ever want to use that ingredient.”

In Mexican culture, the process of creating a tortilla is deeply rooted in tradition, with the art passed down for centuries. In a process called nixtamalization, corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, washed and then hulled. This ancient Mesoamerican technique transforms hard-to-digest corn kernels into a nutritious staple grain. In the early 1990s, there was a push by the Mexican government to remove the nixtamal process and support the mass production of instant corn flour. The change caused a domino effect in Mexico, spanning from thousands of farmers losing their jobs to compromised quality of the corn flour and a surge in health-related issues within the country.

“I am part of a global chef movement to bring back the traditional process and support Mexican farmers,” Israel explains.

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F E B RUARY/ MARC H 2020

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At the Tasting Room, Israel sources the non-GMO corn used from two states in Mexico. Across the southern country, there are several types of corn native to the land that have been preserved and carried through several thousands of generations.

“Corn makes Mexico greater — our people come from corn and have always survived off of it. There is a saying that goes: Sin Maíz, No Hay País, which means ‘without corn, there is no country.’ That’s how important it is to Mexico,” says Israel.

Adhering to the traditional nixtamal process takes approximately 20 hours. Israel uses three ingredients in his tacos: water, calcium hydroxide in the form of lime, and dry corn. After simmering the corn for about an hour, he then leaves it to soak in water for 14 to 16 hours overnight.

“I rinse the corn the next morning and then grind it and form the dough.

Sometimes it requires more water, depending on the day, whether it is more humid or dry outside. You have to touch it until it feels right,” he explains.

Israel next forms little balls of dough which are made fresh to order — on a busy day at the Tasting Room they produce 350 to 400 tortillas fresh off the grill.

“A tortilla should be elastic, foldable and have character. It should never break. If it does the whole experience is ruined,” Israel says, “When you have the foundation right the rest is easy to execute and falls into place.”

While Israel is the head chef at the Tasting Room, he works closely with the Breakwater Cafe’s executive chef David Furlonger to produce authentic Mexican tacos that honour coastal flavours.

“We decided to use the Mexican techniques paired with Pacific Northwest ingredients. For example, our executive head chef is a forager who forages kelp, which will be on the taco menu consistently. A taco is anything you can put in a tortilla; there are no limitations or rules,” Israel says.

Israel’s tacos are quickly becoming a staple in the Victoria culinary scene.

Served family-style, his dishes offer respite from our day-to-day life, with ancient kernels and an honest approach that allows you to savour Mexican culture.

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weekender View from the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet.

PHOTO BY BARBARA SHCRAMM

flavours of the West Coast Pluviophiles in Ucluelet WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

eat.

see.

do.

sleep.

Pluvio restaurant is a must-do experience for dining in Ucluelet. There is nothing else like it.

Another excellent spot to dine is located right next door: Heartwood Kitchen features West Coast flavours served up from an expansive, vegetarian-friendly menu with lots of gluten-free options. For breakfast, try The Blue Room across the street; for waterfront happy hour, drive out to Float Lounge at Black Rock Resort. Be sure to drop by Zoe’s Bakery; it’s another local hot spot.

The Ucluelet Aquarium is a great place to experience local sea life showcased in exhibits designed to inspire respect for ocean habitats. Some of the displays are interactive and the entire experience is both educational and entertaining. The aquarium has a unique catchand-release program, releasing most of the exhibited sea life each year. Another must-see is the Amphitrite Lighthouse — the only active lighthouse in the area accessible by car. It can be accessed via the Lighthouse Loop section of the Wild Pacific Trail or via a short walk from the end of Coast Guard Road.

Walk the Wild Pacific Trail — there are lots of trail options and the sights are truly spectacular.

Rent e-bikes and take a tour with Mario Chartrand at Pacific Rim Eco Tours (ukeetours.com); Mario is super knowledgeable and e-bikes are the best! Visit the brand new Ucluelet Brewing Company, located in a beautiful former church building right downtown. In the fall, visit the Thornton Creek Hatchery. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an upclose look at foraging bears.

Pluvio’s brand new rooms are located right downtown behind the restaurant and beside a kitchen garden. The four king rooms are sleek and spacious (at 400 square feet) and super comfortable. A lot of thought has gone into details small and large, making these rooms topnotch.

Breakfast is delivered early each morning, left outside the door in a chilled cooler.

It can be enjoyed inside the room in one of two cosy armchairs, or out on the deck beside the garden. Reserve a room ahead of time and ask for the pet-friendly room if you’re travelling with a pooch.

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e’re in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island’s west coast settling into seats at Pluvio restaurant + rooms’ chef ’s table. In front of us, Chef Warren Barr and his sous chefs seem immersed in a choreography as they spin and dance around the kitchen, creating cuisine that has our mouths watering. Suddenly, I spot something out of the corner of my eye.

“Excuse me,” I say, pulling aside Lily Verney-Downey, who owns Pluvio along with chef-partner Warren, but who is also hands-on in the dining room. “Did I just see food plated on a bed of sticks and stones?”

She nods and smiles. This is my first inkling that the dinner at Pluvio—named fourth best new restaurant in Canada just six months after opening in the spring of 2019—will be unique.

It’s riveting sitting at the chef ’s table watching the transformation of ingredients from raw food to edible art. The plating is so unique but so obvious. Why wouldn’t you serve smoked spruce-flavoured candied salmon on plate of sticks and stones?

It tastes like a campfire at the water’s edge, why shouldn’t it look like one?

Still trying to decide my own meal, I watch Warren plate a ring of succulent-looking butter-soaked scallops, my absolute favourite food. “Would it be possible to make that for me without butter?” I ask (regretting my dairy allergy).

Warren hesitates and then shakes his head. “No,” he says.

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PHOTO BY DANIKA MCDOWELL

Artfully plated food at Pluvio restaurant + rooms.

At first, I’m taken aback because most restaurants meet this request. But suddenly I am thrilled. Here is a chef so proud of his creations, he’s not willing to compromise.

This is the second time today I’ve met a sky-high personal standard and it says something about Ucluelet. Once considered the slightly dowdy cousin of hip Tofino down the highway, Ucluelet (or Ukee as it’s known locally) now bursts with its own flavour, personality and emerging food scene. It stands alone as a must-do destination.

A few hours before our dinner at Pluvio, we stop by Pacific Rim Distillery, where Luke Erridge creates uniquely flavoured gin and vodka, using four generations worth of his family’s whisky-making techniques. Spirits don’t get more hand-crafted than this. Everything is fermented using Luke’s own wild yeast culture, propagated in nearby Barkley Sound. He hand-forages all nine botanicals used in his Lighthouse Gin, and everything is made on-site at a distillery hand-built by Luke and his grandfather.

The spirits are made in small batches — each is unique — and when we visited in October, Luke had little stock left.

Just three select restaurants carry the spirits (Pluvio is one), and Luke has no intention of ramping up production. In fact, he seems a bit reluctant to sell one of the last bottles of his hand-crafted vodka to any old bloke.

“If you say you’re going to mix it with Coca-Cola, I probably won’t sell it to you,” he laughs. And for sure, his gin and vodka are meant for sipping straight up. The flavours are that unique.

“I want Ukee to be known as having the best … a small humble town that people take pride in,” he says.

To this end, topnotch hand-crafters are sprouting up everywhere around town, including the brand new Ucluelet Brew-

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Chef Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey of Pluvio restaurant + rooms.

ing Company and Foggy Bean Coffee Co. located in a beautifully repurposed church building. Ukee may not have the Pacific Rim’s signature long sandy beaches, but a hike on the Wild Pacific Trail offers breathtaking wild-sea vistas and relaxing immersion in a lush rainforest. There’s lots to see and do in this booming town that’s filled with young, creative people.

Back at Pluvio, the theme that “local is best” continues to emerge as Chef Warren presents us with several courses of inspired Canadian cuisine, rich in seasonal and wild ingredients — many foraged from nearby forests and coastlines or grown in Pluvio’s own garden. Previously the chef at Tofino’s famed Wickaninnish Inn, Warren seems to relish his new role as a leader of the burgeoning food scene in Ucluelet.

Pluvio’s 30-seat dining room has a wine-rack wall, open kitchen, high-top tables, separate bar and a regular cast of diners. The result is casual but intimate; accessible but out-of-this-world.

The wine and cocktail lists are similarly inspired, with the wines carefully selected, frequently from lesser-known, small-batch wineries. Finally, even the name celebrates the site: “Pluvio” means rain in Latin, while a pluviophile is “a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.”

Our meal is peppered with surprises, both in taste and presentation. In fact, this was the most inspiring and unique food adventure that I’ve experienced.

We left completely satiated with the flavours of Ukee.

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well and good

evolution selfimprovement the

of

CrossFit is a community experience WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

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a

new start can be exciting. The first thing many of us do after welcoming the new year is take on acts of self-improvement.

We vow to be a healthier, fitter and better version of ourselves. We are far more likely to start a new diet, workout program or lifestyle change at the beginning of the year because there is a sense of rebirth and new beginnings; the possibilities seem endless. The trouble is, impulsive lifestyle changes almost always fail. This is due, in part, to the fact that decisions to better ourselves are often made in reaction to overindulgence or the feeling that we don’t measure up, and the guilt and self-judgement that result. But motivation to make changes, when triggered by negative feelings about ourselves and our past actions, rarely enacts long-term, positive change.

Besides being motivated by negative feelings, another self-improvement pitfall is that acting on promised changes often relies on internal motivation. This can be challenging because we are put in charge of our own accountability.

Some people have concrete goals and make concrete plans that push them to the gym every day after work, or wake them up early in the morning to meditate.

But many of us, most of us, struggle to start new activities and form new routines by willpower alone. Starting a new workout or wellness routine without external accountability and support, without proper guidance and more than a bit of enthusiasm, can be confusing and lonely. Humans are social creatures, and we are far more likely to succeed if we are surrounded by like-minded people.

Our innate desire to be held accountable, supported and encouraged has recently led to an evolution in self-improvement. Many of the new activities gaining in popularity are centred around the idea of not only getting healthy but getting healthy together, in a community. One of the most popular and effective training programs that has wholly and completely embraced the community focus is CrossFit.

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Many of the new activities gaining in popularity are centred around the idea of not only getting healthy but getting healthy together, in a community.

CrossFit is, in essence, a collection of intense and varied activities that are almost guaranteed to leave you in a sweaty heap on the floor. Forming a sweaty heap may not be something you imagine wanting to do in a room with 20 other people, but the CrossFit model may pleasantly surprise you. Its success and its appeal are as much about building relationships and joining a community as they are about the health benefits of intense and varied exercise.

I met up with the owners of CrossFit LoLo, Adam Davidson and Kelsey Goodwin. One of the first things you notice about them is that they are clearly very good at the exercise part of their craft. They are a strong, healthy and powerful-looking pair. But after talking with them for a few minutes, what outshines even the physical evidence of their commitment to health is their unwavering commitment to making the experiences at their gym transformative beyond fitness. Yes, at CFLoLo you will lift heavy things, but you’ll also make gains that can’t be measured by body fat percentage or squat counts.

When asked what they envision for a fitness community, Adam speaks passionately about the possibilities of gyms forming communities centred around shared goals; not only fitness goals but goals that encompass holistic integrity and well-being, because, in his words, “When we see a health-minded community, we see that trickle into the businesses, families, the overall creativity of the community. It isn’t about fitness at all, it’s really about relationships with what we do in our lives, making them better.”

So maybe instead of self-improvement by sheer force of will, instead of generating new plans and goals out of guilt or disappointment, we should join a community. We should

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become part of a place and a practice where just showing up, participating and being present are the best measures of success. By approaching health and wellness as a group, getting involved and sweating together, we can make changes and form connections that extend beyond the gym and into all aspects of our lives.

HYDRATION

It may surprise you, but water is the most common nutritional deficiency and arguably the easiest to fix. Many of the minor ailments we face day to day, like fatigue, irritability, brain fog, cravings, cramps and headaches, can all be cured simply by drinking more water. It may sound too simple to be true, but the vast majority of us are constantly dehydrated and low in electrolytes. For those of us engaging in sweaty activities, this is even more crucial.

More severe dehydration can cause migraines, joint pain, back pain, heartburn and constipation.

So how can we be sure that we’re getting enough water?

A simple tool is to divide your body weight, measured in pounds, in half. The result is the minimum number of ounces you should be drinking each day. If you are looking to add electrolytes to your water, which is extra important if you are engaging in strenuous exercise, look for electrolyte powders or tabs that do not have added sugar.

Avoid energy drinks, sports drinks, or juice, which will spike your blood sugar levels. Don’t have electrolytes handy? Simply add a pinch of sea salt to your water — if you can taste the salt, you’ve added too much — and you’re good to go.

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in studio …

WITH JEREMY HERNDL

Into the forest WORDS SEAN MCINTYRE

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PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

Jeremy Herndl’s final piece of advice before

providing the address of his Victoria studio is to dress for the weather. Unusual, perhaps, but not too surprising for someone who specializes in vast oil paintings of primordial forestscapes.

He works out of a nondescript, detached suburban garage behind his home. The space echoes with the song of winter birds floating in from the glade out back, and

“Because I’m out there for days and days, I start to feel the little changes that happen and realize that maybe it’s not a one-way thing. It becomes a back-and-forth kind of thing. The weather starts to have an effect. It makes the paint thick or it makes the paint thin.”

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Hook & Hook Designs the cold winter air sinks into the room’s hard concrete floor. Jeremy’s paintings cover the walls, like windows to a lost and changing world.

Clad to endure the elements, Jeremy sits at his desk, finishing up a conversation with a supplier about an order of new canvases.

“One day I just have to figure out heating because it’s so uncomfortable here for people,” he says apologetically when he gets off the phone. “I do bundle up when I’m working in here. It’s just like when I’m out there.”

“Out there” is where Jeremy finds inspiration and undertakes the bulk of his artistic work. It is the wooded spaces in and around Victoria, areas where pockets of ancient forest persist within an increasingly developed and industrialized landscape.

Dog walkers, bird watchers and hikers in Saanich’s Francis/King Regional Park or in and around Port Renfrew might have spotted Jeremy at work. Though he may work in isolated spaces, he’s hard to miss.

Jeremy scouts locations by walking into the forest and sketching his surroundings until he lands upon a spot where he feels compelled to settle down. Whereas many artists would then bundle up those sketches and work on them from the comfort of a sheltered and preferably heated studio space, Jeremy goes home to prepare his gear for a return trip to the woods.

“Within a kilometre walk is my limit because it’s a bit of a pain to carry all that stuff,” he says.

Jeremy will retrace his steps to set up his easel, canvas and oils so that he may paint throughout the day and pack things up at dusk, only to repeat the process the following day. The routine will continue for about two weeks, a period in which Jeremy feels he can

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adequately capture a setting’s changing form and its subtle effect on him as observer and painter.

“I’m out there and I can smell the trees and appreciate the light changes. I learn to really pay attention. In a way I feel like working outside is really special because these places get a chance to express themselves,” he says.

“Because I’m out there for days and days, I start to feel the little changes that happen and realize that maybe it’s not a one-way thing. It becomes a back-and-forth kind of thing. The weather starts to have an effect. It makes the paint thick or it makes the paint thin. Or the rain comes and it makes the paint slip off and stick somewhere else.

It’s almost as if the place is participating. I really love the possibility that this process of making a painting feels collaborative.”

Years ago, when he was eight years old, Jeremy’s son looked upon his father’s work as short movies. These seemingly static representations of landscape encompass the continuous play of light, wind, moisture and growth found within each setting.

“I would hope that somebody could appreciate that liveliness,” he says.

In his recent works, Jeremy focuses largely on the natural. This new trail represents a transition from attempts to convey the liminal spaces between the constructed and the natural that have characterized much of Jeremy’s previous work. In his very earliest artistic efforts, undertaken as a young boy who’d moved from an off-grid family cabin near Squamish to downtown Toronto, Jeremy recalls painting many images of trains pointed towards the hills and forests. More recent projects comprise scenes of distant glass-clad condominiums glimpsed through ancient firs and swaying cedars, views that are characteristic of green spaces that endure amidst the built landscape of Vancouver, Surrey and other suburbs of the Lower Mainland.

“Where do we really draw the line? Where does nature end and the human start? Is there such a thing as wilderness or is wilderness something a human could never know because as soon we encounter it, it ceases to be wild?” he asks. “I’ve always wanted to draw that blur, to paint in that blur where humans and wilderness meet because I think it exemplifies the concept that humans are actually nature.

“I think that the old dualist thinking about humans and nature as completely separate has brought us to this situation now, where we find ourselves in such ecological trouble.”

The human element may persist in the guise of his presence as the artist and observer, yet the canvas is now exclusively dedicated to representing Jeremy’s close commune with the forest. It represents an opportunity for creative expression, spiritual fulfillment and existential satisfaction, however fleeting that may be.

“I really want to focus on the forest because it becomes a kind of meditation,” he says. “It’s a very satisfying experience to hear the creatures and the forest and to have a conversation with these places, and then to offer that conversation out to people at this stage, I feel, is an important job.”

People in the Victoria area can glimpse the result of Jeremy’s conversations when his work is presented at Oak Bay’s Winchester Galleries in May and June. Exhibitions are also slated for Calgary, Alta. and London, Ont. later in 2020. Further information about Jeremy’s current projects can be obtained at jeremyherndl.com or on Instagram at @jeremyherndl.

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business class

Hothouse.

Hot business.

Dan Dagg’s firm is a marketing powerhouse

WORDS TESS VAN STRAATEN

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

48

“I love problemsolving. I love the creative, dynamic nature of the business.

It’s very exciting — everything is new.”

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After more than three decades in the business, Victoria marketing guru Dan Dagg has learned the only constant is change.

“I’ve learned to embrace change,” the 58-year-old owner and president of Hothouse Marketing says. “I think people are afraid of change because of fear of failure, but in the advertising industry, change is the operative word. It occurs daily.”

With change comes opportunity — something Dan knows first-hand after growing Hothouse, which is celebrating 20 years this year, from a one-person firm into a marketing powerhouse.

“When I bought Hothouse 12 years ago, it had one employee and everything was in a storage locker out in Langford,” Dan says. “We have 20 employees now and I grew it by doing good work. Our clients spread the word and more business comes our way.”

Dan got his start in Vancouver, where his uncle had a public relations firm. Filling in for a maternity leave gave him a taste for the industry and led to other jobs, including stints at Copeland Communications and Palmer Jarvis.

“I love problem-solving,” says Dan. “I love the creative, dynamic nature of the business. It’s very exciting — everything is new.”

But it’s not without its challenges, especially in a highly competitive market where Dan says anyone with a computer and smartphone can call themselves a designer or marketing expert.

“There are a lot of unqualified people with Mac computers and iPhones producing work out of their basement

49

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“When I bought Hothouse 12 years ago, it had one employee and everything was in a storage locker out in Langford.”

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Jewellery Designs © 1972 - 2019 IDAR

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and that forces you to differentiate yourself,” he adds. “I always like to say we’re in the business of problem-solving.”

After acquiring long-time competitor Suburbia Studios last year, Hothouse is re-branding this year after joining forces with H2 Digital, the digital marketing and online behaviour targeting company Dan started with partner Ed Chung in 2016.

“It’s been very successful and digital has become a part of everything we do now,” explains Dan. “The traditional and digital worlds have converged to the point that we saw fit to merge the two companies and are launching under the evolved brand H2 Accelerator in 2020.”

But instead of increasing client numbers, Dan says the focus moving forward will be to work with fewer clients in a more meaningful and strategic way. Turning down business is actually an important lesson Dan’s learned over the years, especially when the client is not a good fit.

“One of the mistakes we sometimes make is chasing the bright and shiny objects,” he explains. “Our values don’t mesh but we ignore it because it’s lucrative. However, if we go into it for wrong reasons it often doesn’t work and we’ve actually fired clients, which is a frightening thing to do because you’re giving up revenue, but it’s almost always the right decision and makes room for the right client to come through.”

Hothouse specializes in cause marketing, working with numerous non-profits and doing socially responsible work.

And for Dan, the tragic death of his 19-year-old son Elliott from leukaemia five years ago is propelling him to work even harder to make a difference.

“A good friend forced me to go out for lunch with him not long after my son died and told me he’d lost a brother when he was about 19 and he said he’d lost his father that day as well because his father never recovered,” Dan says.

“He reminded me I have four other children that need me, and that really touched me. As much as I may want to curl up and lick my wounds for the rest of my life, I have to go on and live a happy, productive life and be a role model for my other children [aged 13 to 26].”

Dan recently wrapped up his term as chair of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and he helped start the South Island Prosperity Partnership to spur much-needed economic development in the region. But he also follows the work hard/play hard mantra, blowing off steam — literally — at a hot yoga class three times a week, and he goes skiing in the winter and water skiing in summer as much as he can. And he’s even teaching himself how to play the ukulele.

“I’ve always wanted to play an instrument and make music and the ukulele only has four strings so that’s got to be 50 per cent easier than a guitar!” Dan jokes.

A big fan of corporate positioning lines, Dan says his personal positioning line is still a work in progress.

“I think people and organizations need to have direction and they constantly need to be growing and evolving,” he says. “Part of any great day for me is progress of some sort, and advice that sort of sticks with me is to do your best each day and acknowledge that your best may vary from day to day.”

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hot properties

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WHERE LIGHT AND LOVE LIVE And views to the Salish Sea

WORDS DARCY NYBO

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PHOTOGRAPHY MATT SHANNON

Villamar Design has achieved an incredible platform for living in one of the most desirable locations in Greater Victoria. This platform is a single-dwelling home and it sits atop a hill overlooking Island View Beach.

When a home designer meets a location for the first time, a kind of conversation occurs between the land and the designer as they seek out respect for one another.

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The owners of this fabulous view home were riding horses in North Saanich one day and saw another custom home Villamar had nearly completed. They really liked what they saw and contacted Villamar. They were torn as to how they wanted the finished house to look. One wanted a modern look while the other leaned towards a rustic feel. Enter Duane Ensing, the principal designer for Villamar.

When Duane and his colleagues saw the location, they were immediately excited by this project.

“We instantly fell in love with the views,” Duane said.

“When we started designing the home, the plan was to be able to capture these one-of-a-kind views as much as possible from as many of the living spaces. The result is what you see today.”

One of Duane’s favourite things is watching the view open up as you make your approach.

“As you drive up, the first thing you see is a very practically placed double car garage. When you drive a little further you are mesmerized by one of the most spectacular views of the Salish Sea. You can see right through the house to the ocean beyond. It doesn’t matter if it is a stormy day or a beautiful day, the view is absolutely phenomenal. When you enter the home you are greeted by an atmosphere that is very warm and welcoming, especially for a contemporary build.”

Most of the main living space faces the ocean, coupled with vaulted ceilings and windows.

“Further back from these great views, we’ve added in a laundry area and a handy butler’s pantry right off the kitchen. The owners also wanted an office to take advantage of the main floor living, so we put it near the back door and formed another window area. That created storage space and a bright bathroom in between, flooded by the natural

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light. Despite being totally separate from the rest of the house, we were able to provide this space, too, with unobstructed ocean views.”

Light enters the space thoughtfully. With floor-toceiling windows, the light enters and interacts with the created space. Light and life live here, warming the inhabitants and welcoming visitors.

“The owners wanted to bring lots of coastal light coming into the space,” Duane explained. “Instead of having a single line of windows we created viewing in the dining area and put in side windows in the kitchen on either side of the stove. We captured optimum light without disrupting their privacy.

Off the living area, we put a large deck, which creates a covering for the outdoor area below.”

Making the home look modern while including

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Structural Assessments Seismic Assessments

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Even more, the home is reflected in the pond. Here, one can take a mindful minute, reflecting with dwelling, self and nature.

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rustic charm might be difficult for some designers. But Villamar managed to seamlessly merge the two qualities through the use of natural materials like stone and wood.

The beautifully designed exterior rock wall is continued inside to create a sense of extended space and connection to nature. The melding of spaces is intentional and embraces the principle of biophilic design: connecting humans with nature. There was no other choice in this location; there had to be a co-existing principle. Villamar Design engaged with both of their clients and the space in understanding, communicating, designing and building with this guiding principle.

Duane explained: “One of the things we wanted to bring into the space was the stone feature wall that surrounds the eight-foot fireplace. It does a great job of delineating the great room from the area where the master suite and reading room are located. The homeowners were origi-

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nally from Alberta and wanted a wooden mantel to help tell this story. So we sourced the mantel from a barn in Alberta and the stone from K2 here on Vancouver Island. Then on the exterior of the home we added complementary exterior siding to go with the feel of the stone facing. We used slate tiles from Decora Stone to surround the fireplace and an ocean pearl cut top hearth, which adds a rustic look to this modern fireplace.”

Another unique feature of this home is the curtain wall with a patio door that leads out onto the upper patio. Stretching 22 feet across the living room and 14 feet tall, the glass is framed in white-powder-coated aluminium with a modern two-inch reveal.

Designed and rated to withstand the elements, this feature gives an uninterrupted view of Haro Strait.

While the ocean view is certainly mesmerizing, there’s another view just before the ocean that catches you by sur-

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Fabricating quality stone kitchens and bathrooms since 1980.

prise. It’s an idyllic 80- by 30foot man-made pond, sharing the harmony of the space with reeds, bulrushes and pond life.

The homeowners’ father crafted it years ago and there’s even a small rowboat to take into the middle of the pond and simply relax.

When you stand with your back to the ocean, the view is still great. The home reflects a modular design, understanding the time within which it was designed. It communicates the thoughts of society, the idea of defining spaces, the reflection of groupings. Even more, the home is reflected in the pond. Here, one can take a mindful minute, reflecting with dwelling, self and nature.

Meanwhile, Villamar reflects.

Villamar is all it designs and builds, and also exists as an idea and potential in future dwellings.

Villamar will move forward into new land, to consider and design and build, as the conversation continues.

Tel: 250.474.4829 www.northerntropic.ca

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fashion

a n e j b a e b u y l b Greet spring with 1970s flare in vintage-esque denim with an upcycled, pulled-straight-from-a-thrift-store, lived-in vibe.

Boulevard visits the deliciously retro Big Wheel Burger and funky The Village Coiffure in Cook Street Village to celebrate the new denim that’s all about looking back in time.

STYLING BY JEN EVANS

Jean shirt ($12) by Ralph Lauren from Turnabout Luxury Resale; blue Jeans (custom pricing) by todaydenim. com; leather belt ($59) by Part Two from Bagheera Boutique; “Janetta” Boots ($335) by Intentionally Blank from Still Life; scarf (stylist’s own).

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Shirt ($18) by Vince from Turnabout Luxury Resale; jean skirt ($149) by Part Two from Bagheera Boutique; purse ($990) by Chanel and boots ($230) by Ganni, both from Turnabout Luxury Resale; earrings (stylist’s own).

Stripe roll-neck knit top ($155) by JUST from Still Life; graphic blouse ($115) by Cinque from Bagheera Boutique; black jeans (custom pricing) by todaydenim.com; ankle boots ($170)

by Rachel Comey from Turnabout Luxury Resale; gold hoop earrings (stylist’s own).

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Faux fur coat ($440)

by Des Petits Hauts and blouse ($119)

by Part Two, both from Bagheera Boutique; jeans (custom pricing) by todaydenim.com; blue ankle boots ($320)

by Sol Sana from Still Life; gold necklaces (model’s own); ring (stylist’s own).

Fader stripe tee ($85) by Rolla’s and “Sherpa” denim jacket ($165) by Brixton, both from Still Life Boutique; flared jeans (custom pricing) by todaydenim.com.

Model: Lindsay Kryczka Makeup and hair: Jen Clark Styling and production assistant: Dylan Trodden A huge thank you to Big Wheel Burger and The Village Coiffure for hosting the team and inspiring our story. Thank you to Lee Grant of LG Speed & Kustom for the use of your vintage truck.

lifestyle

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So you think you’re not a beer drinker Tasting may be believing

WORDS JANE ZATYLNY

I

X

PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

like beer — sometimes. When it comes to beverages, it’s hard to beat the refreshing taste of an ice-cold ale alongside a dozen fresh-shucked oysters, or a dark, chocolate-brown stout with grilled baby back ribs. Still, my natural inclination when dining out has always been to reach for the wine list.

But lately, as I walk by the banks of fridges devoted to craft beer at my local liquor store, I can’t help but wonder: am I missing something? For answers, I asked Joe Wiebe, author of Craft Beer Revolution: The Insider’s Guide to BC Breweries and all-round BC beer enthusiast, to lead me through a beer tasting.

As we settle in at a back table at Victoria’s Refuge Tap Room, Joe orders a flight of beer for us to sample. We talk about how Victoria, with its long-established brewpubs like Spinnakers and Swans, has always been at the epicentre of the Canadian craft beer movement.

“I like to say Victoria is the cradle of the revolution,” Joe says, noting that changes to liquor legislation in 2013 allowed breweries in BC to operate tasting rooms, much like wineries, further propelling the popularity of craft beer here.

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Sour beers are often the “gateway” beer for people who don’t think they like beer: “They’re very sour, and there’s a certain type of person who just loves them.

They’ll taste one and say, ‘Oh! I didn’t know beer could taste like that!’”

Like alchemists, craft brewers today experiment with herbs, spices and fruits. They express themselves through the hops they use and through new interpretations of traditional brewing techniques.

“They’re producing some incredibly exciting flavours,” says Joe. “Beer has really evolved in the last decade or so. It’s a tasting culture now.”

It’s these more eclectic brews that I’m most interested in tasting, beginning with our first beer, Strawberry Hibiscus Milkshake IPA from Vancouver’s Russell Brewing (6 per cent alcohol). The name is intriguing, but how good can a strawberry-flavoured, milky beer taste?

Surprisingly good, it turns out: this is no ordinary milkshake. “Milkshake” actually refers to the use of lactose by the brewer, an unfermentable sugar that retains sweetness in the beer.

It’s the perfect complement to the star ingredient: ripe strawberries. The first taste reminds me of spring’s first strawberry, greedily plucked in the field, while Joe likens it to strawberry ice cream.

Next up? A Beets by Sinden sour beer from Electric Bicycle Brewing in Saanich (5.5 per cent). Deep pink in colour, this beer is unusual for two reasons, says Joe. One, it’s made with beets, and two, it’s part of a category of beers known as sours.

“They’ve erupted in the last few years as their own category of beer,” he explains. Traditional sour beers have a three-year aging process, but modern craft brewers figured out how to accelerate the aging process by heating the beer in the brewing kettle. Sour beers then became more practical to produce and more affordable for consumers.

Sour beers are often the “gateway” beer for people who don’t think they like beer, says Joe: “They’re very sour, and there’s a certain type of person who just loves them. They’ll taste one and say, ‘Oh! I didn’t know beer could taste like that!’”

Raising the glass of peony-coloured beer to my nose, I really can smell the beets, or at least a very earthy suggestion of beets. The beer is sour, but pleasantly so and very refreshing. If I didn’t know better, I would have said this was a cider.

“This beer is proof of how far the craft beer industry has come,” laughs Joe as he drains his tiny glass. “Here I am, a big bearded guy in a flannel shirt, drinking a pink beer.”

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The third beer in our flight was another sour — the Corvus Lingonberry Lime Gose from Ravens Brewery in Abbotsford. Joe says that this salty sour beer won Gold at the World Beer Cup — quite an honour for a fledgling BC brewery.

As I peer into the cloudy, pinkish glass of wheat beer, I can’t really distinguish the smell of red lingonberries. But I can taste the tartness of lime and the salinity of the Himalayan salt in my first sip.

“This beer would taste great with seafood or a big bowl of mussels,” I mention to Joe. “Beer works really well with food in general,” he says. “It’s much more versatile than wine, and the carbonation is great for cleaning the palate between courses.”

Interesting point. I’d never thought of that.

Leaving sours behind for now, Joe introduces me to another sub-category of beer — the very popular hazy IPA. The Humans IPA from Parkside Brewing in Port Moody (6.3 per cent) is like lemon meringue pie in a glass: it’s golden-coloured with a pleasant froth and a sweet, lemon-drop scent.

“Brewers have started to experiment with adding hops later in the process, so you get more of the fruity sweet characteristics of the hops and less of the bitterness,” Joe explains. “That’s what gives us that huge burst of lemon aroma.” The beer’s flavour is just as fruity but not sugary. It reminds me of tropical mango, pineapple and peach.

It’s time for our second flight (I should mention at this juncture that neither of us are driving and we’re sharing six-ounce glasses). This time, we’re turning to nut brown, dark and stout beers, beginning with the Silk Road Chai Nut Brown Ale (5.2 per cent) from Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria. You’d have to like the scent and flavour of chai tea spices to enjoy this amber-coloured brew, a

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classic nut brown ale made with loose tea from Victoria’s Silk Road Tea. Fortunately, I do.

“Here you have something with definite spices,” says Joe. “It reminds me of some sort of baked Christmas treat.”

I agree: “There’s a molasses flavour coming through, like the sticky goodness of a fruit cake on the bottom of the pan.” Again, I can imagine a great food pairing, perhaps a crème brûlée.

Coriander, cloves, orange zest, Belgian candi sugar and local plums flavour our next beer, Saison Noel (6 per cent) from Howl Brewing in North Saanich.

“This small brewery produces some incredible craft beers,” says Joe. “They make the candi sugar themselves in the brew kettle.”

The Belgian-style dark beer tastes well-rounded, sweet, but not cloyingly so, with a slight tannin aftertaste. Don’t tell Joe, but for this wine lover, Saison Noel is reminiscent of a rich Cabernet Sauvignon.

Our last beer is a stout, and it does not disappoint. The Mole Stout (6 per cent) from Deep Cove Brewing in North Vancouver is crafted in the style of the famous Oaxacan dish, and brewed with poblano and jalapeno spices. Like a true mole, its flavour profile is complex. “Some beers with peppers are incredibly hot,” says Joe. This stout is not. The peppers add depth without the searing heat; cocoa nibs, chocolate malt and fresh Mexican spices balance the full, rich flavour of this delicious stout.

As we finished our last drops of beer, I admit to Joe that I was truly surprised at what I’d just experienced — so much so that I may no longer automatically reach for the wine list. Joe nods. He’s heard all of this before.

“Whether you’re a high-level beer geek or someone who doesn’t know a lot about beer, order a flight of beers, and you’re sure to find something there you like,” he says.

T HE VI E W F ROM T HE TO P

It starts with stunning views of James Bay and the Salish Sea. But it’s the clean, modern interiors and open layouts of these downtown Victoria rentals that really make them sing.

Downstairs, hotel inspired amenities like the indoor pool, top-tier fitness, coworking spaces, and courtyards make perfect gathering places for this active community.

This is a bold new outlook on rental living in James Bay – on every level.

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INFO 7TH ANNUAL VICTORIA BEER WEEK, MARCH 6-14 Learn more about BC craft beers at the 7th annual Victoria Beer Week.

Check out these events to try some new and unique brews: • Lift Off! The opening night event will feature all-new beers from a variety of BC breweries • Pucker Up Sample all of the sour beers on tap at the Garrick’s Head & Churchill Pubs • Saturday Night Casks More than 20 cask-conditioned beers showcase brewmakers’ creativity, often using highly unusual ingredients victoriabeerweek.com/schedule BC ALE TRAIL Make craft breweries a highlight of your next B.C. staycation by checking out this province-wide ale trail. bcaletrail.ca CRAFT BEER REVOLUTION: THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO BC BREWERIES Paperback, 2nd edition, by Joe Wiebe.

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Using the extensive and large windows to maximize the view of Willows Beach, this modern style home is built to enjoy this popular and beautiful sandy beach. Sunsets will never be the same.

Steps to the ocean is just one of many benefits for this immaculate half acre property in Deep Cove, set out on the north west corner of the Saanich Peninsula. Each corner of this beautiful home is touched by the sun as the contemporary nature of this home provides open spaces and a wealth of windows.

Private Oceanfront Estate is a magnificent property overlooks Cadboro Bay, Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Gyro Beach from every corner of this custom built home. No expense was spared through the kitchen to the media room, this house was built to a commanding level.

Resting on the Ocean’s Edge

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1941 Crescent Rd

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Cordova Bay $3,599,000

Oak Bay $5,700,000

Discover the embodiment of West Coast living at its finest. Situated on Stuart Island lies a property that transcends limitation, a perfect union of tranquility, beauty and luxury. This vast 120-acre parcel provides a range of topography with temperate old growth rainforest comprising the bulk of the property and a kilometer of shoreline.

Gated beachside manor on a quiet lane with sweeping ocean views. Masterful open plan encourages entertaining, with dynamic seascapes framed by walls of glass. Gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, butler’s pantry, top of the line appliances. Upstairs, master retreat with sitting area with private balcony & lavish 6pc ensuite.

Private, landscaped yard with manicured gardens & mature trees. Patio space includes a firepit & staircase to sandy beach.

Multiple CARE Awards Winner Zebra Designs masterpiece with walk out to Gonzales Beach, this custom beachfront residence surpasses all expectations. Sweeping ocean & mountain vistas framed by walls of glass. Outside living at its best: an amazing infinity pool, hot tub, outdoor FP, tons of patio & deck space & private beach access.

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PENDING

60 4 -838 B R O U G H TO N S T R E E T | V I C TO R I A 1 B E D S | 2 BAT H S | 416334 | $539,0 0 0

2809 B U R D I C K AV E N U E | OA K BAY 6 B E D S | 5 BAT H S | 419027 | $2, 50 0,0 0 0

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987 B E AC H D R I V E | OA K BAY 3 B E D S | 4 BAT H S | 416222 | $2,495,0 0 0

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$850,000,000 $850,000,000 lisawilliams.ca

+ VICTORIA’S ESTATE LEADER Since + Over $43,000,000 in TrustedREAL Real Estate Transactions Jan/2019

LLBAY OAD T AKER IEW OAD 2017 Westcoast modern w/lots of options, openLuxury design 2 Acres withDesign Ocean-Views – 10 Mile Point Oceanfront Masterpiece Tuscan-Inspired Elegant/Flexible Peaceful Oceanfront Setting UEENSWOOD RIVE

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5 0 8G0 9 9 7 7 9 N , 7 , , , * I 1 1 Highest SalesLisa Volume inisis Victoria RealAdvantage Estate Lisa Williams is Your$$3Negotiating Negotiating Advantage Lisa Williams Advantage $M $52 Buying or Selling: Lisa Williams* Your Negotiating Negotiating Advantage Buying or Selling: Williams* Your O C orWilliams Selling: Lisa Williams* isAEstate Your Negotiating Advantage VICTORIA’S REAL ESTATE LEADER VICTORIA’S REAL ESTATE LEADER Over $43,000,000 in Trusted Real Transactions Since Jan/2019 OverBuying $43,000,000 Transactions Since Jan/2019 (250) Lisa is Negotiating (2 2in 50 0 )Trusted ) 5 5514-1966 1 4 --Your 19 96 6Estate 6Real LLISAWILLIAMS.CA IS SA W II LL LL II A AM M S .. C CA A Advantage ( 5 1 4 1 6 L I W S Buying or Selling: Lisa 4Williams* isA W Your Negotiating Advantage 2 5 $1,000,000,000 1$1,000,000,000 6 Lin ATotal S in . C ASales!

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2801 Tudor Avenue 2801 Tudor Avenue 2032 MTV BIEW AKER V IEW ROAD 2921 SEA VIEW ROAD 2940 MT2940 BAKER ROAD 2921 SEAEsplanade V2032 IEW REsplanade OAD 2017 Westcoast modern w/lots of options, open design 2 Acres with Ocean Views – 10 Mile Point Fabulous/quiet seaside home sandy coast modern w/lots of options, open design 2 Acres with Ocean Views – 10 Mile Point Fabulous/quiet seaside home on sandy Willows Beach Oceanfront-Masterpiece - Tuscan-Inspired Luxury Elegant/Flexible Design - PeacefulSetting Oceanfront Setting .72 AcreBuilding Oceanview Site 10 M nt Masterpiece Tuscan-Inspired Luxury Elegant/Flexible Design - Peaceful Oceanfront .72 Acre Oceanview Site Building in 10 on Mile Pt inWillow

**Personal Personal Real Estate Estate Corporation Corporation * Personal Real Estate Corporation

( 2 5 0 ) 5 1 4 -* 1 96 6 LI SAWI LLIA M S .C A Personal Real Estate Corporation * Personal Real Estate Corporation

For those who seek the exceptional As a mother-daughter team, we understand that family is at the heart of every home. Your home is where you experience life, connection and growth. We have built our business on delivering exemplary service backed by an all-encompassing marketing strategy, years of experience, and a personal touch to ensure our clients are taken care of from start to finish.

MacLeod Group “We believe every home is a mansion regardless of size, location or price” Glynis MacLeod

Kirsten MacLeod

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Sales Associate

250.661.7232

250.686.3385

macleodgroup@sothebysrealty.ca

LD SO

2058 Seawind Way, Sidney

396 Ocean Spring Terr., Becher Bay

5179 East Sooke Road, Sooke

Pristine, 1,892 sq. ft. single family home with 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms at Harbour Landing.

Exceptional custom 7,771 sq. ft. steel & concrete masterpiece with ocean & mountain views.

Record MLS sale closed in 2019 in Greater Victoria.

$925,000

$5,995,000

$6,500,000

M AC L EO D - G ROU P.COM

SOTHEBYSRE ALT Y.CA

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Not intended to solicit properties already under agreement.

F

R TU EA

ED

$3,995,000

$4,500,000 1630 Lands End Road, North Saanich

mls速

# 414103

mls速

# 415365

$1,190,000 8-9512 Lochside Drive, Sidney

mls速

# 415308

$3,550,000

$3,798,000 10741 Bayfield Road, North Saanich

1590 Wain Road, North Saanich

10731 Bayfield Road, North Saanich

ExClusivE listing

$1,175,000 Coming soon

1-10293 Sparling Place, Sidney

mls速

# 420074

when others see a

HOUSE WOR K we see a

of

ART

Discover your masterpiece.

Christie’s International Real Estate and Newport Realty’s curated network of property specialists are trusted advisors in the at of connecting buyers and sellers of fine homes.

Sylvia Therrien

SOLD Saanich Inlet Waterfront

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Sylvia@SylviaTherrien.ca | 250 385 2033 SylviaTherrien.ca | LuxuryWaterfront.ca

Art. Beauty. Provenance.

Krista Voitchovsky, Real Estate Advisor 250-888-3256 | krista@kristav.ca www.kristavmarkg.ca

Mark Gutknecht, Real Estate Advisor 250-880-1000 | mark.gutknecht@engelvoelkers.com www.kristavmarkg.ca

4060 Lockehaven Drive Ten Mile Point/ Cadboro Bay $3,000,000 This beautiful seaside home will make you feel like you are always on vacation! Walk out beach access, boat ramp & your own private mooring buoy for the boating enthusiast. This custom built 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home has radiant floor heating and two airtight wood fireplaces to keep you cozy. A double garage, boat carport, vaulted ceilings with skylights, high end appliances & hot tub are some of the many features.

Be sure to watch the videos of each listing on kristavmarkg.ca

606-21 Dallas Road - Shoal Point in James Bay $999,000 Bright & sunny ocean view with Southern exposure, this condo is a delight! This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom has a lovely open concept layout and good separation between the bedrooms.

Some highlights are new light Maple flooring throughout, gas fireplace, A/C, ocean view den, extra space for a piano or seating and a semi private deck. Some Shoal Point amenities: 25m lap pool, fitness centre, concierge, bike/kayak storage, guest suites & workshop.

612-6880 Wallace Drive Brentwood Bay $699,000 Lovely one level 2 bedroom 2 bathroom ocean view townhouse in the gated community of Port Royale. This top level end unit has been meticulously maintained by the original owners and very lightly used. Newer wool carpets throughout and cork flooring in the kitchen and bathroom.

Vaulted ceilings and a fireplace in the living room add to the already appealing ocean view living room. Two sundecks with over 740 square feet for your outdoor living. Adult oriented , pets welcome! Perfect for downsizers!

12-14 Erskine Lane - View Royal Hospital $589,000

324-21 Dallas Road – Shoal Point in James Bay $999,000

Elegantly updated 3 bedroom 2 bathroom townhome in a wellrun complex. Master bedroom is on the main floor and the kitchen has a spacious eating area. Lower floor has a large family room with 2 extra bedrooms and bathroom. Brazilian Cherry Hardwood floors, granite countertops, two gas fireplaces & a clubhouse add to the appeal.

Close to hospital, schools, shopping and the Galloping Goose Trail. Kids & Pets welcome!

Inner harbour views from your 750 sqft. deck! This elegant, well laid out 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo is perfect for watching all the activities on the inner harbour. This elegantly styled condo has 2 bedrooms each with their own ensuite and a powder room.

Our clients love the location as it is around the corner from the elevator to the pool/fitness area.

Some Shoal Point amenities: 25m lap pool, fitness centre, concierge, bike/kayak storage, guest suites & workshop.

2249 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 1G4 • Office +1 778-433-8885

Sarah West, Bill Ethier, and Sharen Warde Personal Real Estate Corporation

The Real Estate Team You Trust for Life

info@propertiesinvictoria.com | 250.920.7000 | propertiesinvictoria.com

PEACEFUL AND PRIVATE

SPACIOUS AND MODERN

QUALITY NEW BUILD

303-3110 Havenwood Lane 2 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms $565,000

107-3614 Richmond Road 2 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms $549,900

3139 Bowkett Place 4 Bedroom 4 Bathrooms $1,295,000 plus GST

exclusive luxury listings

2240 WOODHOUSE ROAD | OAK BAY 6 BEDS | 3 BATHS | ML S 419904 | $1,485,000 FULLY REBUILT FAMILY HOME

7235 SPAR TREE WAY | SOOKE, BC 5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | ML S 419670 | $1,545,000 SPECTACULAR CUSTOM HOME WITH SUITE

49A-1000 SOOKE POINT PL ACE | SOOKE, BC ML S 419130 | $795,000 LUXURY OCE ANSIDE CONDO

479 MONTERE Y AVENUE | OAK BAY ML S 414806 | $1,650,000 BE AUTIFUL CHAR ACTER HOME W/OCEAN VIEWS

10685 MCDONALD PARK ROAD | NORTH SA ANICH ML S 419532 | $575,000 BUILDING LOT WITH OCE AN VIE WS

531 LINDEN AVENUE| FAIRFIELD ML S 417138 | $1,900,000 LEGAL 4 PLE X

SAR AH BINAB 76

boulevardmagazines.com  |

| SARAH.BINAB@THEAGENCYRE.COM | 778.265.5552

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

THEAGENCYRE.COM/BC

2810 Lansdowne Rd, Uplands 7 Bed & 7 Bath | 9,024 Sq Ft | $4,450,000

3170 Beach Dr, Uplands 4 Bed & 4 Bath | 3,691 Sq Ft | $3,200,000

4541 Pheasantwood Terr, Broadmead 5 Bed & 3 Bath | 2,871 Sq Ft | $1,190,000

3205 Exeter Rd, Uplands 3 Bed & 4 Bath | 2,747 Sq Ft | $1,999,000

SO

LD

3300 Uplands Rd, Uplands 6 Bed & 8 Bath | 8,451 Sq Ft

SO

LD

621 Newport Ave, S Oak Bay 5 Bed & 5 Bath | 5,492 Sq Ft | $4,165,000

250.888.4579 / callaghanoconnor.com

CALLAGHAN O’CONNOR

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY LISTINGS

DANIEL ROSS

P R EC * D A NIEL .R O S S @ T HE A GENC Y R E .C OM 2 5 0.6 8 6.13 5 6

EMILY MOYES

EMILY.MOYES@ THEAGENCYRE .COM

YOUR CORDOVA BAY TO CADBORO BAY REALTORS ® www.bay2bay.ca

Daniel Ross and Emily Moyes are licensed Realtors working with the award-winning brokerage The Agency, specializing in Cordova Bay to Cadboro Bay. The two have deep roots in these bayside communities, having grown up in the area. Daniel spent much of his youth on Mt. Doug, biking the trails, and enjoyed exploring the lush forest with his friends. Some of Emily’s fondest memories are in the Cadboro Bay Village and Gyro Park, and all the other beautiful beaches that line the sunrise coast.

With Emily’s decade long media career and Daniel’s history in local real estate sales, they hope to provide an unmatched service to this area.

GET MOVING AND CALL US TODAY

THE AGENCYRE.COM/BC

*personal real estate corporation

boulevardmagazines.com |

F E B RUARY/ MARC H 2020

77

LD O S

Thinking of BUYING, SELLING or MOVING to Victoria!

Call me for all your Real Estate Needs.

29 years Experience in Greater Victoria.

Residential & Commercial.

GURCHARAN CHAUHAN Direct: 250-744-4613 Office: 250-384-8124 1-800-665-5303 gurcharanchauhan.com

We’ll make it easy for you to achieve your goals!

ij

ingrid jarisz

SELLS VICTORIA Real Estate is my passion People are my priority!

2444 Beacon Ave Sidney, BC V8L 1X6 www.ingridjarisz.com | 250.656.4626 78

boulevardmagazines.com |

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

NICOLE BURGESS WALT BURGESS 250-384-8124

nicole@nicoleburgess.com

Gautam Arora

RESIDENTIAL . COMMERCIAL . TOURISM

Licenced Realtor, Pemberton Holmes Gautam Arora Personal Realestate Corporation Arorarealty.org

250.384.8124 | PembertonHolmes.com

Established 1887

250.858.1679 | mattshannonphotography.com

Exclusive Spa Treatments

Exceptional dining & Live entertainment Nightly

Welcome to Luxury

ouver - Leading Luxury, Boutique Hotel 845 Hornby St, Downtown Vancouver | 604.689.7777 | wedgewoodhotel.com boulevardmagazines.com  |

F E B RUARY/ MARC H 2020

79

THE INFLUENCERS Meet some of Victoria’s top entrepreneurs as they discuss their success, vision and … superpowers. Bam! Boulevard presents: The Influencers

U

rban renewal in the downtown core is exemplified by the new, architecturally stunning Johnson Street Bridge and its neighbour, the restored and rebuilt historic Janion building, with its micro-loft apartments and businesses such as Café 1891.

THE BRIDGE structure, which includes walkways, plazas at both ends, and the adjoining Janion heritage building, serves as the background for the photographs featured in Boulevard’s 2020 edition of The Influencers.

It may be hard to believe, but the Johnson Street Bridge has already been a part of Victoria’s urban landscape for almost two years. It opened at the end of March 2018 after several years of sometimes contentious planning and construction. Replacing the beloved, although somewhat worn-looking (and worn-out), Blue Bridge, the new structure pays homage to its predecessor at night, when it is lit up in the glow of blue lights. While known as the Blue Bridge, the previous crossing was not actually painted blue until 1979 — not that long ago considering that bridge opened to traffic in 1924. It is the largest single-leaf bascule bridge in Canada and its iconic structure will make it a Victoria landmark throughout its expected 100-year lifespan.

THE JANION, originally a 48-room hotel, was built in 1891 and was a modern marvel of its time, boasting that all rooms were wired for electricity. During renovations, a contemporary expansion of rooms was added, while retaining the exterior brick look of the old building.

CAFÉ 1891, which takes its name from the date of construction on the Janion heritage building, serves residents of the building as well as the passing parade of pedestrians and cyclists taking advantage of the dedicated bike paths and pedestrian walkways on the Johnson Street Bridge. An astonishing 50 per cent of the bridge’s surface area is given over to space for traffic on foot and two wheels, while still leaving three lanes for motorized traffic.

photos by Lia Crowe & Don Denton words by Sean McIntyre makeup by Jen Clark production assistant Vellar Chou A special thank you to SpaceHost for hosting our team at The Janion.

AMBER SIMPSON

Co-Founder/CEO

FRANK PALMER

Strategic Advisor & Investor Covault Technologies

My superpower is SEEING INTO THE FUTURE and understanding when something needs a change. I’m determined to not always do things the way they’ve always been done and, instead, consider new and better solutions to get things done. — Amber Simpson covaultapp.com

778-350-0610

I formed Canada’s most creatively acclaimed marketing communications agency (DDB Canada) and used my superpowers to CHANGE THE FACE of Canadian advertising from the West Coast. By getting behind Covault’s innovative technology, I want to bring communications and advertising into the 21st century. — Frank Palmer

JASON BINAB

Managing Partner The Agency

My superpower is my ability to CONNECT with people. I have always been a people person and can understand what they are looking for. My ability to cater to their needs is what makes me stand apart from the rest. theagencyre.com/bc 778-265-5552

MICHAEL WALSH

Sobriety Coach/Interventionist

My superpower is the ability to support and INSPIRE PEOPLE struggling with problematic substance use and addictions. Working with individuals, I utilize evidence-based tools and strategies to create customized sustainablechange plans for each client and place emphasis on the practical and functional aspects of quitting. While helping individuals change their relationship to alcohol or drugs, I also support their families to tap into their deeper potential to create extraordinary recovery stories. I’ve been there.

I can help. Discretion is assured. michaelwalsh.com 250-896-8494

VICTORIA COURTNALL & HAYLEY GUSTAVSON

Owners of SPINCO Vancouver Island & Founders of SPAR Boxing Studio

My superpower is HONESTY – it’s a strategy that no one can outflank, outcompete with or out-invest in. It is about seeing and expressing what really is, in spite of difficult or uncomfortable circumstances. It requires going against the grain. The outcome of honesty is knowing where you and your team stand, continuous improvement and immense trust. I will always tell it like it is. — Victoria Courtnall

My superpower is EMPATHY because it unites your team, drives your vision and enables you to have a greater impact. When you can truly understand the experiences of others, your potential for growth is limitless.— Hayley Gustavson spinco.ca / 778-440-6888

sparboxing.ca / 250-590-6480

LORI MUĂ‘OZ MALCOLM

Founder HeartPress #BrokersOfGood

My superpower is RESILIENCE WITH GRACE. Roman was born just

two weeks after losing my dad to cancer. My inner strength has been tested by navigating how to be a new mom and dealing with grief while leading and managing the challenges of a startup. I show up everyday with grace and integrity for my family and my team. heartpress.ca

@heartpress_

ADAM FRYATT

Owner/Designer/Project Manager/ Custodian MDRN Built Ltd.

My superpower is my VISION. I’ve worked as both a designer and a builder so I’ve developed an intuition for visualizing and anticipating how building elements come together. I experience the world around me through construction details, and I obsess about aesthetics and modern design. I love how good design influences your experience in so many ways. adam@mdrnbuilt.com

@mdrnbuilt (Instagram)

250-891-4618

REBECCA BURROWS & CRAIG McCALL WILLIAMS

Hughes Clothing Store & McCall Gardens Funeral

Our superpower is HOW MUCH WE CARE for our community and the people within it. We both possess the genuine ability to soften any situation and make people feel understood and appreciated. Loving what we do, and combining for over 135 years of family business in Victoria, means our hearts are invested more than anything else. We both come from a long line of family entrepreneurs who set the bar high. We were taught at an early age that, in order to succeed in business, we first need to follow our moral compass and live with integrity in all avenues of our lives. The rest will take care of itself. “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have too much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt hughesclothing.com 250-381-4405 mccallgardens.com 250-385-4465

ROBERT FUNG

President The Salient Group

I’d like to think that my superpower involves BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

to achieve a common goal. Our projects build on the unique history and characteristics of a specific place. I’m constantly trying to learn from the people who understand the neighbourhoods that we work in so our projects are always complementary to their surroundings and help neighbourhoods evolve. thesalientgroup.com

MARK CHEMIJ

Senior Manager, Development

ANDREW BROWNE

Development Manager, West Coast Starlight Developments

Starlight Developments

I would describe my superpower as the ability to CONNECT WITH PEOPLE in the community so that we can work together to create exceptional new communities that will have a positive impact decades beyond my lifetime. — Mark Chemij I think my superpower is UNDERSTANDING that development is about collaborative city building — envisioning places that do not yet exist, for people that live here today and those that will come, with the goal of creating places that people will care about. — Andrew Browne harrisgreen.ca

416-234-8444

MELODIE REYNOLDS

Founder & CEO Elate Cosmetics

My superpower is

CREATING SPACES where

people feel like they belong through empathy and compassion. The culture at Elate allows us all to be ourselves, while solving sustainability and inclusion issues in the beauty industry. elatebeauty.com

JAKE NEMEC

Investment Specialist Scotiabank

The top expert who I know in the field of superheroes is my four-year-old son, Mateo.

I asked him what he thought my superpower is, and he responded with “HELPING persons make their monies grow.� is.scotiabank.com/jakenemec

250-217-8862

SOPHIA BRIGGS

Realtor

NANCY STRATTON

Realtor

REBECCA BARRITT

Realtor

Sophia Briggs Personal Real Estate Corporation Sotheby’s International Realty Canada — Oak Bay

My superpower is simple:

I SHOW UP. It might sound simple;

however, I don’t only show this for my clients daily but for my friends and family. I am someone you can count on.

— Sophie Briggs

strattonandbriggs.com

250-418-5569

If “POSITIVITY” was a superpower that would be mine. Buying and selling can sometimes be daunting, and having a positive attitude is key. I strive to let my clients know that there is always a silver lining. — Nancy Stratton strattonandbriggs.com

250-857-5482

My superpower is reading and

UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE and their

needs. I love finding common ground with new people. I’m constantly fascinated by people’s life stories, and this inspires me to do everything I can to help them reach their goals.

— Rebecca Barritt

rebeccabarritt.com

250-514-9024

ANDREW WADE

Mortgage Broker Company Modern Mortgage Group DLC

My superpower is KICKING THE BANKS’ BUTT to ensure delivery of

service on time, every time, and the best rates the market has to offer without any gimmicks or sales pitches. BAM! — Andrew Wade

findmeamortgage.ca

250-886-1959

DENISE WEBSTER

Mortgage Advisor

JODIE KRISTIAN

Mortgage Consultant

Dominion Lending Centres — Modern Mortgage Group

Although not gifted with a superpower from the Marvel Universe, I’d like to think I harness the power of COMPASSION. While I may be passionate about my profession, it’s compassion that drives me to provide my clients with the very best advice and experience.

It encompasses a desire to educate my clients, reduce their stress and, most importantly, get their mortgage approved. — Denise Webster My superpower is being able TO

DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER service

tailored to each client’s needs in a timely manner. Being flexible, conscientious and proficient is what I strive for with each transaction, and this is the foundation on which I have built my business for the past 21 years.

— Jodie Kristian

denisewebster.ca 250-889-4743 jodiesmortgages.ca 250-885-5738

JASON EASTON,MBA, CFP, FCSI, CIM

Vice President and Wealth Advisor

SARAH PETTINGER & VANESSA HARMS

Associate Advisors

RBC Dominion Securities

jason-easton.ca

250-356-4914

When it comes to superpowers, we pride ourselves on taking an interest in the SUBTLE DETAILS of our clients’ lives‌ it helps that Jason has a photographic memory! This helps us take a comprehensive approach to wealth management, going beyond investments and retirement planning to provide solutions for insurance needs, tax minimization, philanthropy and estate preparation. Our team is committed to building long-lasting relationships based on trust, communication and transparency.

Our clients have peace of mind knowing that we are putting their needs above our own.

KENDALL GROSS

President Island Savings (a Division of First West Credit Union)

COACHING is my passion and my superpower. Whether it’s helping members with their finances or encouraging employees to achieve their career aspirations, it’s a journey that makes us all better. I find it personally rewarding to see people succeed and achieve their goals. islandsavings.ca

1-888-597-1083

CURTIS VERTEFEUILLE

Owner Moe’s Home Victoria

My superpower turns BORING INTO BEAUTY. With the snap of my fingers I can transform anything from dull to amazing. My power allows me to make your furniture, fabric, colour and the mood in your home instantly fabulous. moeshome.ca

250-590-6637

HARDIP JOHAL

Realtor RE/MAX Alliance

My superpower is the ability to offer my clients a PERFECT MATCH. I help them find exactly what they want: the beautiful home of their dreams. johalrealty@shaw.ca

250-858-8877

KORY LARSEN

Design and Construction, Custom Furniture and Upholstery (KL Design Furniture)

CAM PETERSEN

Construction Manager, Renovations

ERIK LARSEN

Founder

The Larsen Group

OUR HERITAGE is our superpower.

Our craft is in our blood, passed down for generations from our forefathers, who were masters in their trades. They inspired our passion for woodworking and construction, instilled within us an eye for detail and discipline in our work, and modelled the values we hold true today. larsengroup.ca

250-217-5941

NANCY PAINE

CEO SpaceHost

My superpower is HOSTING PEOPLE — it makes me happy, so it makes perfect sense that I built a business around connecting homeowners in Victoria with guests from around the world. My greatest pleasure in life is to host friends and family in our home over ambitious meals, wine and laughter. spacehost.ca

250-893-7295

THERESA BARRY

Front Store Manager

CAITLIN MITCHELL

Cosmetic Manager

Pharmasave Broadmead

If I said I had one superpower, it would probably be my ability to take my AUTHENTIC particular genius and unique and specialized skills that they SELF wherever I go, and to hopefully inspire the people around me to follow. Whether it’s sharing bring to Pharmasave Broadmead. To inspire them to bring their personal best to work and help them achieve their own information, making jokes or telling stories, “superpower” is irreplaceable. They are no longer workers, I’m always showing my value to others, and by but superheroes who can save the day. It is not a skill but a doing that, I hope that I encourage them to do the same in return. — Caitlin Mitchell mindset of the way we work. — Theresa Barry My superpower is to bring out our team members’

NATURAL GIFTS AND ABILITIES, helping them find their

pharmasavebroadmead.com

250-727-3505

DAVID ADELMAN

Founder T.A.G. Retail Innovators

Today, more than ever, exceptional customer experiences are the key to success. Being in retail all my life, The superpowers I’ve developed are GREAT INSIGHTS into human behaviour and the ability to understand what motivates today’s consumers. I’m a fixer. I love being brought into any project, old or new, to find and eliminate the pain points and help steer the company in the right direction. theadelmangroup.com

250-508-2040

SHAUNNA JONES

Personal Real Estate Corporation Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty

My superpowers are HONESTY, INTEGRITY and OPTIMISM. I like to inspire, motivate and support others.

I am strong, independent, optimistic, honest, loyal, kind and compassionate. I treat all my clients as though they are family and treat them the way I want to be treated, with respect and professionalism. shaunnajones.com

250-888-4628 (cell) / 250-592-4422

DR. RICHARD CHAMBERS, DMD DR. KATJA MCBEE, DMD DR. STEPHANE PICARD, DMD, Owner

Downtown Dental Victoria

My superpower is the ability to give people healthy,

BEAUTIFUL SMILES. I take pride in knowing that my

patients are given an extra boost of confidence to face each day. In a way, a smile is everyone’s superpower.

One flash of those pearly whites can brighten the day for everyone around them. — Dr. Stephane Picard downtowndentalvictoria.ca

250-382-1541

PAMELA ZWICKY, FMA, RRC

Financial Advisor Edward Jones

My superpower is the ability to not just hear but INTENTIONALLY LISTEN in a way that allows my clients to speak freely and share their life goals.

Working together in this way lets me help them achieve their dreams now and in the future with sound financial decisions. edwardjones.ca

250-474-1602

Jack Insurance FP

RYAN DAVIES, CFP, CLU, GBA,

Advisor

SHEILA AIREY

Advisor

ROBERT JACK, B.A., F.L.M.I.

President

Jack Insurance and Financial Services jackinsurance.ca

250-383-9866

We are the superheroes of EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. With over 50 years of experience

and access to the entire benefits marketplace, we can find the right benefits program for your company. A good employer deserves a good advisor. Let us be part of your superhero team.

LINDA BROWN

Realtor & Certified Home Stager, Certified Negotiation Expert, Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing

MARILYN BALL, BFA Hons.

Realtor, CIPS, ILHM, SRES, MCNE, Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Engel & Vรถlkers Vancouver Island

Our superpower is our passion for GOING THE EXTRA MILE both personally and professionally. With a combined 27 years of outstanding professionalism in the Victoria Real Estate market, we are forging our way and making a mark with our impressive ability to not just simply market homes, but bring to life the true feeling and value that each individual home exudes, selling to the lifestyle and vibe that truly connects a home to the heart of the right buyer. As co-founding members of the Rock 4 A Reason charitable society, we also have a knack for fundraising. We have raised more than $135,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation through an annual outdoor music festival featuring artists such as Randy Bachman, Tal Bachman, Mick Dalla-Vee, Doug and the Slugs, Prism, Jaimey Hamilton and The Steadies. lindabrown.ca 250-213-7194 marilynball.ca 250-818-6489

THOMAS KALA

DEANA FAWCETT

Personal Real Estate Corporation/Owner Pinnacle Luxury Homes Group @ eXp Realty

Realtor eXp Realty

My superpower is TENACITY. In many situations, tenacity is the factor that determines one’s chances for success. When everything around seems to be falling apart, I respond with determination, courage, persistence and strength. That’s my character — and genuine character is the highest form of power.

I have always loved the magic that comes with using my INTUITION as my guide. The results of listening to my inner “knowing” have been nothing short of miraculous in both my career and personal life.

pinnacleluxuryhomes.com

deanafawcett.com

250-588-8076

250-893-8932

TANYA STERLING, CPA, CA, CPCA, CFDS, CPC Sterling Financial Accounting Services My superpower is HELPING OTHERS to find and strengthen the connection with their own superpower. sterlingfinancial.ca

250-857-1857

RUSS BARRY

Owner Interactive Construction

Every day I set the bar for the company slightly ahead of whatever we did yesterday. Our superpowers are that we build on what we are already good at, stay OPEN-MINDED TO IDEAS and measure our success against ourselves and our values. It’s not a competition with others but a commitment to do our best work — always. That means investing in the team and trusting they are capable of the work that needs to be done. I believe that individual growth is company growth, and that company growth is industry growth. That’s really why we’re all here, to build things today that will make tomorrow better for everyone. interactiveconstruction.ca

250-886-3833

MICHAEL MCMULLEN

Personal Real Estate Corporation/Realtor RE/MAX Camosun

I regularly see people in all states of emotion. By placing myself in the other person’s shoes, I believe I have the power of EMPATHY and COMPASSION. I’m always looking for opportunities to serve and encourage others, and I feel it’s less about getting and so much more about giving. mcmullenhomes.com 250-415-3355

NATASHA W. CRAWFORD

Owner Brown’s The Florist

As any good flower grows, I’ve learned everything from the ground up. My superpower of SPREADING JOY has helped me continue and expand the tradition of a locally owned flower shop, making it healthy and vibrant.

Through adaptation and learning on the spot we’ve harnessed the power of social media and digital commerce while staying true to the personalized needs of our clients. brownsflorist.com Downtown 250-388-5545

Sidney 250-656-3313 West Shore 778-433-5399

DIANE REGAN

Owner/Operator Triangle Healing Products

My superpower is the ability to DECIPHER DIFFERENCES in products for quality and reliability while teaching people how they can take responsibility for their health. trianglehealing.com

250-370-1818

SANDRA LOMAS

Personal Real Estate Corporation RE/MAX Camosun Oak Bay

I have been told that my superpower is my infectious energy. “ENERGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU,” as my business cards say. I believe that you only get one chance at life, and I’d rather it not be boring. I strive each day to share my energy with my clients, my friends and my family. My hope is that it will inspire them, put a smile on their faces, and maybe even make them laugh.

As Andrew Carnegie put it, “There is little success where there is little laughter.” sandralomas.com

250-370-7788

LINDA GOURLAY

General Manager Van Isle Windows Ltd.

My superpower is COMMUNICATIONS. I make myself available and encourage feedback and discussion about any matter of importance to our employees. Everyone knows they can come to me with concerns, questions or suggestions. Not having to worry fosters trust and honesty in our working relationships. vanislewindows.com

250-383-7128

PAUL SILK

President

DAVID FULLBROOK

CEO, Acquisitions and Development Merchant House Capital, Inc.

CALMNESS is my superpower.

The end goal is always clear in my mind and provides the beacon towards which I strive. I am trusted to take a methodical approach in getting there, and to provide constant stability and honesty, no matter the challenges faced along the way. — Paul Silk merchanthousecapital.com

250-385-7603

I have the ability to SEE THROUGH the CLUTTER and the obstacles to reach the heart of what’s important, the vision. I then build that vision into a force that runs through all further steps from that point forward.

— David Fullbrook

KELSEY CARRAGHER, B.Com

Associate Consultant

BEATRICE KIGODI

Executive Assistant

TRACEY COTTRELL

Practice Manager

AMRIT LALLI, B.Com, FMA, CFP Executive Financial Consultant Investors Group Securities Inc.

My superpower is being

RELATABLE. I enjoy working

with people from diverse backgrounds and learning about their experiences.

— Kelsey Carragher

My superpower is being

DETAILED. I give care and

consideration to every challenge I take on and all of the people in my life.

— Beatrice Kigodi

My superpower is being

DEPENDABLE. Clients and

colleagues are always able to come to me knowing that they’ll get the support and assistance they need.

— Tracey Cottrell

My superpower is

CONNECTION. I enjoy learning

about people and what is important to them. This understanding complements the work I do for my clients.

— Amrit Lalli

lalliwealth.com

250-727-9191

DR. CHRIS TETLEY

Medical Director Tetley MD Medical Aesthetics

My superpower is my INTUITION — clinically, artistically and in relationships. Having the intuition to understand my patients and their motivations enables me to deliver exceptional results that are tailored to each unique individual. I care about my patients, and seeing them empowered, achieving their goals and increasing their self-confidence energizes me and gives purpose to my practice. tetleymd.com

250-589-3444

DUSTIN C. MARNELL, HEATHER FISHER & PAULA BOSENBERG

Partners Horne Coupar, LLP

I provide clear, experienced and step-by-step advice to my clients on a number of matters, including estate planning, estate administration (probate) and real estate. Given that much of my practice navigates through difficult life situations, I’m attentive to the client’s perspective, using my superpower of providing EMPATHY and removing anxiety. — Dustin C. Marnell hornecoupar.com

250-388-6631

My superpower is

LISTENING and providing

practical, clear advice for challenging or complex estate disputes. I craft solutions to achieve the best outcome for my clients, whether through litigation or settlement. — Heather Fisher

My team and I are deeply committed to best practices in the areas of corporate, trust and estate planning law. We care about the people we help and aim to ensure that our assistance is not only technically excellent but also COMPASSIONATE, when and where our support is needed because of a significant life change. — Paula Bosenberg

MARK GUTKNECHT & KRISTA VOITCHOVSKY

Real Estate Advisor Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island

My superpower is, hands down, my RELATABILITY. My diverse educational and career pursuits give me the ability to connect with people of varied backgrounds and interests. I am excellent at communicating all necessary facts in an uncomplicated and direct manner. — Mark Gutknecht kristavandmarkgteam.evrealestate.com 778-433-8885

My EFFERVESCENT PERSONALITY and GENUINE KINDNESS are my twin superpowers.

I have an empathetic approach to personal and business relationships.

I am warm, gracious and thoughtful, carrying these traits through each and every aspect of my life.

— Krista Voitchovsky

JOSÉE LALONDE

Owner, Creative Director & Interior Designer The HOUSSE and Josée Lalonde Design

My superpower is to INSPIRE THROUGH COLLABORATION. With my clients, collaboration inspires them to discover the design that fulfills their dreams. In turn, collaboration with my team is a constant source of inspiration. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I work with. I owe them a great deal of gratitude. thehousse.com

BARBARA HUBBARD

Owner Baden-Baden Boutique Ltd.

I delight in looking at numerous fashion collections in Europe and finding unique fashion styles that will be appreciated by my West Coast customers. When I get excited about a style that fits with my idea of beauty and quality, I know I can trust my INSTINCTS. badenbadenboutiques.com 250-655-7118

joseelalondedesign.com

CATHY SCOTT

CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) Niche Travel & Departures Travel

According to friends, my superpower is my ROSE-COLOURED GLASSES. I am eternally grateful for them as they allow me to

see the good in people and connect with them both locally and around the globe. They also show me the magic and beauty of our amazing world. This, along with a laser-like focus and attention to detail, helps me create extraordinary journeys through Departures Travel and offer unique and safe travel experiences for women with Niche Women’s Tours. nichetravel.com / departurestravel.com

KARL MAIER

Lawyer/Associate Beacon Law Centre

I understand the power of CREATIVE VULNERABILITY. In the words of Brené Brown:

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” beaconlaw.ca

250-656-3280 ext.107

250-483-2301

RICHARD SILVER

Financial Advisor

CAROL COOPER

Owner, Certified Financial Planner® Professional

BOND SKILLINGS

Financial Advisor

Cooper Financial Group

If I were to name a superpower, it would be ADAPTABILITY. I work in an industry that is in constant change. I must respond, understand, assimilate and adapt to these changes in real time to stay on top of what’s best for my clients. I’ve grown to expect that the status quo isn’t remotely realistic, and I’ve trained myself to not only expect change, but to take it on as a new challenge, a new puzzle that I enjoy solving. — Richard Silver Our superpower is our TEAM. My role as leader is to assemble people with the right skills, aptitudes and experience, and support them to discover and grow their natural talents. Our team, also known as the CFG League, delivers on our mission to enrich the lives of individuals and business owners through investment and insurance solutions that give them financial freedom and security. — Carol Cooper My superpower is CONNECTION. I’m able to make meaningful connections easily because I focus completely on the people I meet. By tuning into someone’s life and needs, I’m able to support and enhance their well-being. — Bond Skillings

cooperfinancial.ca 250-475-0557 Richard Silver, ext. 201 Carol Cooper, ext. 204

Bond Skillings, ext. 206

RYAN HOYT

Principal Designer Ryan Hoyt Designs Inc.

Finding maximum EFFICIENCY is my pursuit in every design project. Whether it’s the most effective and efficient use of space in a home or the most efficient structural arrangement to balance simplicity of construction and desired aesthetics, it’s a superpower that manifests itself in every design we do. Sometimes the best superpowers are those that aren’t fully appreciated until the project is complete and we can reflect on these successes. ryanhoytdesigns.com

250-999-9893

KEITH BAKER

Owner & Principal Designer Keith Baker Design

My superpowers? I have at least three. TELEPORTATION lets me take my clients into a creative future world through the process of the design of their new home. PASSION is the love, excitement and satisfaction I’ve experienced through nearly four decades devoted to serving my clients in the home-design process. Finally, HUMILITY — just as it takes a village to raise a child, so it is with the creation of a new home: it takes a creative and supportive team. keithbakerdesign.com

250-384-1550

INGRID JARISZ

Realtor/Personal Real Estate Corporation Newport Realty Sidney – Christie’s International

People often comment on the PASSION, PERSISTENCE and PATIENCE with my approach to everything. These three Ps are

my go-to superpowers. I absolutely love people, anything real estate and being born and raised in Victoria, BC. My extensive background and global network have brought success to both myself and my clients. ingridjarisz.com

250-385-2033

TED HANCOCK

Owner

SHAWN RICHARDSON

Manager

Incredible Home

TENACITY is my superpower. From my morning workout, to my interactions with staff and clients, to my evenings enjoying the finer pleasures of life, I am fully engaged and loving all that life has to offer. I don’t quit until it’s done right. There is no room for fear or doubt in this life, only truth and goodness. — Ted Hancock incrediblehome.ca 250-381-6511 Ted Hancock 778-920-6588 (cell) Shawn Richardson 778-584-7504 (cell)

DETERMINATION is my superpower. Recovering from a paralyzing spinal cord injury in 2009 is the very proof of it. I apply this tenacious attitude to support my personal and work relationships. I am determined to have each and every member of our team feel valued and appreciated. — Shawn Richardson

AMAN GILL

President Patriot Homes

My superpower is my ability to

ORGANIZE AND LEAD. Be it tasks,

timelines or people, leadership is one of my best skills. Equally important, however, is my ability to relate to people and manage relationships to ensure long-lasting friendships and client relationships. patriothomes.ca

250-217-3080

CORDELIA MCFADYEN

Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN™) & Gutsy Goddess™ Inspired Living Nutrition Inc.

My strength is developing

AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS with people

through straight talk and honesty, in order to inspire better living through health, confidence and trust. inspiredlivingnutrition.com

778-351-4538

WES SHELLEY

President Fallingwater

My superpower is CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT. I’m a small piece of

Fallingwater’s success, one person among an exceptional team of 25. We develop experts in this industry through our Red Seal sponsorship, and mentorship from our in-house industry leaders. Our mission is to continuously look for ways to better our clients’ gardens through that developed expertise. fallingwaterlandscapes.com

778-679-6822

SARAH WEST & BILL ETHIER

Realtors Properties in Victoria Professionals/ Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty

I believe that EXPERIENCE and hard work provide me with the skills to help people. Through my experience as a realtor, broker and owner of a real estate company, I share my knowledge so clients feel they are in the best possible position while buying or selling their home. — Bill Ethier I wouldn’t call it a superpower, but I prioritize being present. I LISTEN, get to know people and am able to make them feel comfortable, calm and informed while they make important decisions. — Sarah West propertiesinvictoria.com

250-920-7000

WADE & VANGEL ROBERTS

Owners Wade Roberts Plumbing Ltd.

AUTHENTICITY is my superpower. Open

communication helps us facilitate valuable connections in our marriage, family and business. Working together has brought challenges and joys, but open dialogue keeps us focused, aiming at our dreams, not each other.

When you are loved and valued, you can risk without fear, and nothing is impossible. — Vangel Roberts waderobertsplumbing.com 250-883-7545

EMPATHY is my superpower.

In plumbing it’s important to build with strong connections that will last a lifetime. This is the same in business and in marriage. When you choose to listen first, you find common ground, and if you treat others the way they want to be treated, you can build connections that will stand the test of time.

— Wade Roberts

CARLY SANDERSON

Principal/Interior Designer Carly Sanderson Interiors

In my career, LISTENING is one of the most important aspects of my job. You have to be able to hear what your clients want and need in order to help them and determine their style. In doing so, I’m able to create for them a functional dream space that they can enjoy for years to come. csandersoninteriors.com

CAROLYN HARVEY-SMITH

Owner Aurea Fashion Boutique & Essential Luxuries

My superpower is my partner Bev Stubbs and our TALENTED TEAM. Together, we are privileged to serve an amazing clientele, many of whom are valuable contributors to our community. We empower them all to shine in their own way. Aurea has been very blessed to be a fashion influence in Victoria for more than 12 years, and we invite everyone to come into our treasure box. aureagems.com

250-381-6260

250-634-1753

TRISHA LEES

Owner Rep Lab Communications

My superpower is being the

BRIDGE between where an individual or

company is and where they want to go.

I help them find the words, techniques and connections to bring themselves and their business to the next level. replab.ca

DEVON BIRD

Owner & Operator Moden Boutique

My superpower has always centred on my PASSION FOR CELEBRATING WOMEN — who they are and what

they love about themselves — and providing them with the space to experiment and feel empowered through fashion and self-expression. modenboutique.com

250-655-0774

250-857-5655

-

JAMES LEBLANC & SCOTT PIERCY

Licensed Partners/Private Office Advisors Personal Real Estate Corporation Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island

What is my superpower? This is a question I’ve pondered for quite some time. I think the first thing that comes to mind is my ability to COMMUNICATE with people no matter who they are. I have received wonderful testimonials on my ability to listen when needed, ask the right questions to discover what people are looking for and to negotiate on their behalf. — James LeBlanc My real estate superpowers are my COMMITMENT to competence, passion and exclusivity. — Scott Piercy luxurybchomes.com James LeBlanc 250-812-7212 Scott Piercy 250-686-7789

food and feast

Winter salad with apples, pomegranate and celery.

fresh green and

Recipes for renewal

WORDS HEIDI FINK

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PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

I

am starting to get tired of winter fare. My appetite for rich stews and rib-sticking carbs has turned to a craving for fresh, green, crunchy, bitter and sour — flavours that remind me of spring and renewal. We might still be in the throes of winter, but my palate is reminding me that West Coast spring is just around the corner.

The notion of seasonal produce at this dreary time of year has always been fascinating to me. What is still considered “in season” in these hushed and cold months at the beginnings of spring? Many winter-storage vegetables and fruits are getting past their prime (although still delicious); many spring greens have yet to emerge or are in their earliest stages. How can I concoct something that satisfies my need for freshness without departing too much from the rhythms of our local growing season?

We can honour this time of year with a combination of local foods, greenhouse fare and a few imported seasonal items. For the last, citrus has always been my February goto. The markets are overflowing with beautiful grapefruits, sweet limes, tangelos, Meyer lemons, blood oranges. Their sour, sweet or bitter juices taste of freshness and renewal, and perfectly complement winter vegetables than run to peppery, bitter or sharply green.

For the rest, I rely on a combination of greenhouse herbs, in-season greens (kale, arugula, chicory and the like), along with crunchy winter-storage vegetables and fruits (green apples, cauliflower, fennel, celery and pomegranate, to name a few).

Foods like this ignite a sluggish digestion, liven up a bored palate and possibly help to shed some winter pounds. More than that, they taste absolutely delicious. They satisfy my need for fresh and green.The flavour hit of fresh herbs, peppery greens, crunchy vegetables and sour citrus in late winter gives me the same feeling as when I emerge from a slow hibernation into the weak sunlight, to feel the fresh air and taste it.

I like to create simple dishes from these basic ingredients.

Salads, soups, side dishes, plates of raw veggies or perhaps a smoothie. The recipes I’m sharing here are among my favourites in terms of flavour, texture and visual appeal.

From a tart yet creamy green smoothie to the sweet crunch and bitter juice of a shaved fennel and grapefruit salad to the garlicky herbaceous hit of a re-imagined Green Goddess dressing, these “Recipes for Renewal” have got you covered.

Spring, we are ready for you!

extend your family time,

social time, and quiet time

CUSTOM MADE, WEATHER RESISTANT COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS FOR OUTDOOR SPACES

PH. 250.361.4714 TF. 1.800.563.5558 2-2745 BRIDGE STREET, VICTORIA PACIFICROLLSHUTTERS.COM

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Everything’s better with cake!

GREEN GODDESS DIP OR DRESSING MAKES 1 ½ CUPS (375 ML)

An updated spin on the classic herb and mayo salad dressing, this one pumps up the ratio of herbs and uses avocado for creaminess. Tangy, green and flavourful — you will love this. It can be used either as a salad dressing or as a dip for crudités.

1 cup (250 ml) packed flat leaf parsley ¼ cup (60 ml) sliced chives 1 ½ Tbsp. (22 ml) white miso (e.g. Hikari brand) ½ avocado, chopped ½ cup (125 ml) buttermilk 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) chopped cilantro 1 small clove garlic, peeled ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil 3 to 4 Tbsp. (45 to 60 ml) lemon juice Place all ingredients in a blender and purée. Taste to adjust seasonings. Transfer to a bowl for serving, or a glass jar for storing in the fridge. This dressing keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days.

WINTER CRUDITÉS SERVES 6 TO 8

This extra-crunchy, complex and refreshing take on a classic veg-and-dip platter is just what the doctor ordered at this time of year. Allow the underdog vegetables to shine here. Pay special attention to how the vegetables are prepared and arranged.

The platter will wow your guests.

Choose three to four of the following vegetable options: 6 small carrots Hearts of 2 bunches celery (“hearts” means the small, yellowish centre stems) 1 bunch red radishes OR ½ large daikon radish 1 bulb fennel 1 whole endive 1 bunch broccolini or sprouting broccoli ½ head cauliflower, separated into florets ½ purple cabbage Green Goddess Dip (recipe above) CARROTS: peel and cut into very long thin sticks.

RED RADISHES: stem, rinse and serve whole or cut in half, depending on size.

Daikon Radish: peel and cut into either rounds or long sticks.

FENNEL: slice into the thinnest wedges you can.

ENDIVE: slice off bottom end and separate the leaves; cut

Gluten Free options available cakesetc.ca • 250-360-2390 2821 Quesnel St., Victoria, BC 132

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large leaves in half lengthwise if desired.

BROCCOLINI: cut the bottom 2 cm of stem off; blanch broccolini for 30 seconds in boiling water and cool before adding to the platter.

CAULIFLOWER: separate into florets; cut some florets in half. Blanch like the broccolini, if desired.

PURPLE CABBAGE: cut into thin wedges.

Choose your vegetables based on flavour, shape and colour.

You can pick a mono-chromatic colour palette (e.g. pale yellow-white with daikon, endive, cauliflower and celery hearts) or go for vibrancy with purple cabbage, broccolini, carrot and red

Winter Crudite and Green Goddess Dip.

PURE INSPIRATION

New modern, sleek showroom offering plumbing fixtures, lighting and electric fireplaces.

Whether looking to select a faucet or undergoing a large project, we look forward to helping with your selections.

778-265-6122 538 Culduthel Road Victoria, BC konceptfixtures.ca Locally owned and operated.

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radishes. Or focus on the shape: all long thin crudités; or contrasting shapes for a different visual appeal. The choice is completely yours.

Arrange your selection of vegetables on a beautiful platter and place a bowl of the Green Goddess Dip in the centre or on the side. Another option is to arrange the vegetables in different sizes of Mason jars around the dip.

GREEN SMOOTHIE SERVES 2

Refreshing, slightly creamy and not too sweet, this smoothie is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The unsweetened oat milk provides a lovely mouthfeel and light sweetness; feel free to substitute another milk of your choice.

1 medium ripe banana, peeled ¼ ripe avocado, peeled and chopped 2 cups (500 ml) packed spinach leaves 1 small or ¾ large green apple, peeled, cored and chopped 1 to 1½ cup (240 to 370 ml) unsweetened oat milk Optional - ½ scoop unflavoured protein powder Place all ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth. Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.

VICTORIA I VANCOUVER I WHISTLER FULL SERVICE CATERING & LUXURY TABLETOP RENTALS WWW.TOQUECATERING.COM

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CELERY, GREEN APPLE AND POMEGRANATE SALAD

C I B C WO O D G U N DY O’BRIEN INVESTMENT GROUP

SERVES 4 AS A SIDE

One of my favourite winter salads, this comes together easily with its simple honey-mustard vinaigrette. Make sure to slice the cucumber and apple as thinly as possible.

Use a mandoline for the celery if you have one.

A S A B U S I N E S S OW N E R ,

DRESSING ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) honey ½ tsp. (2.5 ml) Dijon mustard ½ tsp. (2.5 ml) salt ¼ tsp. (1 ml) ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) minced chives

CO N S I D E R I N G A N I P P ?

S H O U L D YO U B E

SALAD 4 to 5 large stalks celery, sliced very thin 1 large green apple, quartered and sliced very thin Seeds from ½ pomegranate Several handfuls of arugula leaves ¼ head radicchio, sliced DRESSING: whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until well mixed. Transfer to a small Mason jar or glass dressing cruet. Dressing can be saved in the refrigerator up to one week. Shake or mix well before using.

SALAD: place arugula and radicchio on a large platter, evenly mixed. Arrange celery and apple over the greens. Scatter pomegranate seeds over the top.

Drizzle with dressing. Serve.

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Remarkable Rwanda Conservation push sees parks and tourism grow WORDS SUZANNE MORPHET

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built for life,

Built for beauty Rwanda is densely populated. It’s smaller than Vancouver Island but home to 12 million people, making its conservation achievements all the more impressive.

“Wer’re getting closer,” says my guide, holding up a radio antenna in one hand and a receiver in the other. “It’s quite strong.”

We’re looking and listening for M-7, a collared male lion who’s out there somewhere in the fading light of a September afternoon in one of the oldest national parks in Africa.

A few minutes later, Hein steers our 4X4 off the dusty red ribbon of a road and we lurch over rough ground and around small shrubs.

Just over the crest of a hill we spot him. He’s lying in long grass near a warthog burrow. His tan and tautly muscled body blends in with the grass and a radio collar is barely visible under his thick mane.

He’s with his brother and they barely look up as we come to a stop a few metres away.

“They might wait for this warthog to come back,” says Hein.

“They love warthog.”

The lions of Akagera National Park are just one of Rwanda’s conservation success stories in a country where “remarkable” seems to be more than just a tourism marketing slogan.

Created in 1934, the government abandoned Akagera during the genocide in 1994. When that nightmare ended, people who had fled came here in search of a new home, bringing 40,000 head of cattle with them.

Wildlife stood no chance against farmers and poachers and in 1997 the government downsized the park by two-thirds.

What remains is still some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa with high ridges, deep valleys, lakes and plains. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 and black rhinos two years later, meaning Akagera is once again a “Big Five” park.

Sizable herds of buffalo, zebra, impala and topi graze the plains, while hippos and crocodiles rule the shallow lakes and papyrus swamps, which form the largest protected wetland in central Africa.

The government’s strong commitment to conservation has led Botswana-based Wilderness Safaris to open a new camp here, its second in Rwanda, with exclusive rights to the diverse northern corner of the park.

“Don’t be scared,” says Anita, the manager at Magashi camp, as she shows me to my tent on a raised platform overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga. “You’re going to hear hippos all night.”

And not just hippos, but nightjars — one of Akagera’s 500

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species of birds —and bubbling kassina, a type of frog. That night I fall asleep to a strange symphony of churring and whooping, but most of all to the loudest grunts and oinks I’ve ever heard. Good night, hippos!

Rwanda is densely populated. It’s smaller than Vancouver Island but home to 12 million people, making its conservation achievements all the more impressive.

In the opposite corner of the country, Nyungwe Forest National Park teems with life: birds, butterflies and 13 species of primates, including chimps. The park also contains a spring that’s thought to be the remotest source of the Nile River.

When we arrive late one afternoon, mist is rising from the valley floor far below. The air feels wonderfully moist and cool on bare skin. A trail leads deep into the forest where we can hear the rat-a-tat-tat of a great blue turaco, a bird traditionally hunted for its meat and feathers.

Eventually we come to what looks like a single strand of a giant cobweb strung across the sky. It’s actually a walkway designed to give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding jungle and it was built by Vancouver-based NGO Greenheart.

We linger, suspended in mid-air for many minutes, reluctant to leave this romantic landscape.

But another park is calling.

Gishwati Mukura National Park near Lake Kivu will officially open as the country’s fourth sometime this year.

Sitting on the high divide between the Congo and the Nile river basins, its two montane forests total just 34 square kilometres, a tiny fraction of Nyungwe, but it will also provide important protection for wildlife, in this case golden monkeys, chimpanzees and rare birds.

Wilderness Safaris is opening a camp here too. The details are still under wraps, but the conservation-minded company negotiated a 25-year concession agreement with the Rwanda Development Board to create an exclusive chimpanzee and primate trekking experience.

Speaking of primate trekking, you can’t come to Rwanda without visiting the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Well, you could, of course, but why would you? This is where Dian Fossey brought to the world’s attention the desperate plight of the species that shares 98 per cent of our genetic code.

Before we visit the park, we’re curious to see what the country has achieved with its admittedly pricey gorilla viewing permits. Individual permits cost $1,500 US and of that, 10 per cent goes to local improvement projects. In 2018, that totalled almost $2 million US. In one village we tour a new hospital. At another we’re introduced to Preciosa Nyiramikam and meet her cow, bought with tourism money. Preciosa tells us she no longer worries about feeding her family. And at the Gorilla Guardians Centre in Musanze we meet reformed poachers who now get paid to be wildlife protectors.

Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif, a chain of eight volcanoes that spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Of these, Mount Karisimbi is the highest, at 4,507 metres, and this is where my group heads.

Unlike most wildlife experiences in Africa, where you pay and take your chances, seeing gorillas here is pretty much guaranteed. Armed trackers go into the park early every morning to find each family of gorillas, then report their location to guides. It’s a way of protecting the gorillas as well as monitoring their health.

But knowing we’re definitely going to meet our closest animal cousins doesn’t diminish our excitement. If anything, it increases it. How many will we see? How close will we get?

For the first hour we hike through a radiant bamboo forest.

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Then the path gets steep and muddy. Bamboo gives way to large African redwood with a dense understory. Finally, we leave the trail and hike through waist-high stinging nettles that live up to their name.

When we meet the armed trackers for the Susa family of gorillas we know we’ve arrived.

We’re led into a large clearing where Kurira, Susa’s dominant silverback, sits alone on the forest floor, arms wrapped around his manly chest like he’s giving himself a hug.

Then other gorillas come into view through the greenery. More silverbacks, mothers with youngsters and one with a baby. They look content, even bored, examining their fingernails or chewing a branch. They come so close that sometimes we have to move quickly to get out of their way.

When another family of gorillas suddenly shows up, near pandemonium breaks out. The Susa family — all 26 of them — gather together as if to confer, then turn and leave in single file.

As they disappear into the forest it’s like watching a river of gorillas flow by.

Yes, gorillas will likely always be Rwanda’s pride and joy, and for good reason.

But it’s heartening to know this tiny country is restoring and protecting its other wildlife too. What it’s already accomplished truly is remarkable.

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A collection of all things artsy, fun and spectacular happening in Victoria this February and March. Enjoy the Belfry’s annual SPARK Festival, the newly revealed artistry of a rebellious Dunsmuir granddaughter and a soaringly tuneful modern opera presented by POV.

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VOCALIST SHAKURA S’AIDA.

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BEACON RIDGE PRODUCTIONS: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN MUSIC

An ongoing music series Various dates in February and March For seven years Beacon Ridge Productions has been presenting an impressive array of blues, folk and singer-songwriter performers, from Jim Byrnes to Ashley MacIsaac. This season, Beacon Ridge co-founder Marie Bachand has noticed that women have dominated their stage.

“It wasn’t a conscious decision,” says Bachand. “My husband Adrien and I just realized that we were presenting a particularly large number of strong female artists.”

They saved some of the most exciting acts for late winter, starting with Lynne Hanson and Linda McRae (February 15).

“Lynne sold out last year and we’ve put together a one-off pairing with Linda McRae, who was with Spirit of the West but is now based in Nashville,” says Bachand. “Linda’s a great songwriter with a really powerful alto voice.”

The iconic and inspirational Ferron follows them on February 22.

“This is a solo show by a big, important artist, and one who hasn’t toured much for a long time,” she adds.

Then comes Rosie & the Riveters (March 6), a trio of gifted singers who look like a retro “girl group” but perform charming and

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witty songs about female empowerment. “Their songs are inspiring and they’re fantastic performers ... they captivate the audience,” Bachand says.

The next night stars dazzling vocalist Shakura S’Aida, a powerhouse performer of blues and funk. “Plus she fronts a killer band,” says Bachand.

And on March 27 there’s the ever-inspiring Irish Mythen, a guitar-slinging troubadour whose big heart – and big lungs! – pour out an unforgettable mix of the personal and the political.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

March 20-22 If you’ve ever travelled along Douglas Street near the Conference Centre and been startled to spot Spider-Man or a medievally armoured female warrior ambling through the crosswalk you’ve doubtless chanced upon Capital City Comic Con, an annual convention inspired by comics, movies, science fiction and all things fantasy.

“This year we’re expecting 12,000 attendees over the weekend,” says Candice Woodward, who helped co-found Comic Con in

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2018. “The event just keeps on growing.”

One of the hallmarks of these increasingly popular conventions is called cosplay, where fans wear elaborate costumes that perfectly replicate the characters and superheroes from such realms as Star Trek, Harry Potter, Dr. Who and the ever-expanding Marvel Universe.

“Up to 70 per cent of those attending will be in costume,” notes Woodward, who adds that there are contests for the truly serious. “Some people literally spend months making their costumes and they can be amazing.”

Another highlight will be the panels and Q&A sessions where celebrities answer audience questions and share behind-thescenes anecdotes. (This year’s biggest catch is Star Trek: The Next Generation star Gates McFadden, a.k.a. Dr. Beverly Crusher.)

There’s also a Lego group showing off elaborate creations, a number of vendors selling everything from Yoda mugs to specialized parts for serious cosplay practitioners, and an Artists’ Alley featuring both published and amateur comic book artists and authors.

“Comic Con is exciting and electric ... everywhere you look there’s something colourful going on,” says Woodward. “And it’s so friendly, with lots of families coming out,” she adds.

Running March 20-22 at the Conference Centre. For tickets, see Ticket Rocket.

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CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF Flight Modern operatic work presented by POV

February 20-March 1 After their notable critical and popular success with Puccini’s almost-never-performed Il trittico, Pacific Opera Victoria is launching Flight, the Canadian premiere of a contemporary work by British composer Jonathan Dove. Inspired in part by the true story of a “stateless” Iranian refugee who lived covertly in a Paris airport for many years, Flight manages to be playful, risqué, witty, poetical and profound as the bland sterility of an airport transforms into a crucible of the human experience.

A storm has grounded all flights and a motley group of passengers and crew spends an uncomfortable night in the departure lounge. There are 10 characters, ranging from an icy air traffic controller and a married couple hoping a vacation will rev up their sex life to an immigration officer stalking the elusive refugee. It’s a foible-rich group in a mostly funny script, leading some critics to call this a modern-day Marriage of Figaro.

“The music is engaging but it has a modern aesthetic, a cooler form of expression,” explains POV artistic director Timothy Vernon, who compares it with the minimalism of John Adams. “It’s very lyrical, with beautifully descriptive orchestral passages and gorgeous writing for the voices,” he adds.

Although it sure won’t outsell POV’s season-capping Carmen, Vernon thinks that programming a lesser-known piece like Flight is well worth the risk. “I hope that the audience will

understand that opera as a medium is still alive . . . and that it is expressive of the zeitgeist,” he notes. “Flight is a beautiful work.”

Performing at the Royal Theatre from February 20 to March 1. For tickets, see RMTS.

THE POWER OF LIES

The Children’s Hour (produced by Phoenix Theatre) Classic 1930s drama by Lillian Hellman

March 12-21 Despite dating from the mid-1930s, Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour is disturbingly relevant in our age of online bullying and “fake news.” Based on a true story, Hour explores what happens after a vengeful student starts a rumour that two teachers at an all-girls boarding school are having an affair. A toxic cloud of misinformation and fear gradually engulfs the school, with tragic results.

The play experienced both record-setting popularity and lots of controversy, its topic of lesbianism getting it banned in cities like Chicago and London.

“In the 1930s it was even hard to find actresses to play the two women,” says director Peter McGuire. “But the play is really about the power of a lie ... and how malicious gossip can ruin lives.”

McGuire, who’s 30 years into an internationally credentialed theatre career, has been teaching at UVic since 2005.

He saw a production of Hour at the Shaw Festival 15 years ago and found it a compelling and important piece of theatre, and realized that Hellman was an underrated playwright.

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“She was dismissed as ‘difficult’ early on because of her outspoken politics ... and for getting embroiled in that notorious lawsuit with [fellow writer] Mary McCarthy. But she’s a very skilled writer and a superb dramatist,” he adds, noting that her themes of gossip and lies predate Arthur Miller’s award-winning The Crucible by 20 years.

“These days, social media prevails and it’s dangerous,” McGuire says.

“I hope that the audience walks away thinking about the corrosive effects of misinformation and malice.”

Running from March 12-21 at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre. For tickets, call 250-721-8000.

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A COAL BARON’S GRANDDAUGHTER

Exhibition on Elinor Dunsmuir at Craigdarroch Castle The life of a rich, rebellious woman

March 19 to April 30 Built in the late 1880s for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, Craigdarroch Castle was one of the grandest private homes in the Pacific Northwest. It’s been a historical museum for 40 years, but almost never presents temporary exhibits, hence the interest in Finding a Voice: Gender, Sexuality, and Music Through the Works of Elinor Dunsmuir.

A granddaughter of the Dunsmuir patriarch, the creative, musically gifted Elinor was a high-society misfit. She eventually found her way to Europe, where a sophisticated arts community that included the likes of Noël Coward embraced her sharp intellect and open homosexuality. A gifted composer of everything from orchestral works to jazz and musical theatre — some of her songs ended up on Broadway — Elinor nonetheless struggled for recognition in a male-dominated field.

Eventually forced by ill health to return home, she spent the rest of her days sequestered in luxurious conformity.

Elinor died in 1938, but it was only a decade ago that her musical legacy became known after all her original scores were unearthed.

“The exhibition will mostly be putting some context around her music and the life she lived,” explains curator Danielle MacKenzie.

The exhibit will be primarily text- and image-based, with lots of photographs and information panels. A selection of her compositions and songs will also be available at two audio listening stations. “We hope to bring her music to a wider public,” says MacKenzie.

Running from March 19 to April 30 at Craigdarroch Castle. For information, call 250-592-5323.

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March 9-22 Inaugurated just over a decade ago when artistic director Michael Shamata took over the reins of the Belfry Theatre, the SPARK Festival is an opportunity to enjoy outside-the-norm productions. “I choose work that wouldn’t otherwise be seen here,” says Shamata. “It should feel cutting edge and boundary-pushing.”

This year’s four short-run plays include Busted Up: A Yukon Story, which is set in Canada’s far north, with real-life characters and verbatim dialogue derived from over 60 inter views. “The play is fantastic . . . bringing it in was a no-brainer,” declares Shamata.

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whales trapped in fishing nets. “It’s beautifully written and performed,” Shamata notes. “There are four musicians on stage, and the form of Breaths is intriguingly non-mainstream.”

Ten years ago Vancouver’s famed Chop Theatre created Kismet, a unique Canadian mosaic fashioned by four actors who went on the road and interviewed 100 people, aged one to a hundred. And for Kismet, things have changed, the actors revisited the surviving interviewees a decade on. Funny, profound and intimate, this is a remarkable portrait of Canada and the stories its people tell.

Victoria writer Laura Anne Harris performs the autobiographical Destiny, USA, based on her work as a relay operator for the deaf in Syracuse, New York. “It’s in part a meditation on being isolated,” explains Shamata. “She feels out of place in the States, and her clients are isolated by their disability.”

Runs from March 9-22 at the Belfry Theatre. For tickets, call 250-385-6815.

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wenty years ago, serendipity laid its hand onto Jean Cardno’s life when it presented an opportunity to open a shoe store in Duncan. And Cardino’s Shoes was born.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

Jean has dedicated the last two decades to making the business a success, and it’s clear her hard work paid off. Cardino’s Shoes is a coveted destination for both fashionable and high-quality footwear, with customers travelling from all over Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and farther afield to browse the selection.

“I understood the need for the right footwear,” says Jean, a former nurse. “I’ve never done high fashion for the sake of high fashion. I’ll do high fashion and really well-made products. Some of the best shoes are made by small artisans in studios in Spain or Italy.”

Driven by textures and colours, Jean loves to “look for the beautiful in things,” which she freely admits can vary widely depending on the subject matter.

“I love colour intensities. I love roaming through places like Chintz and Company, and other places that still sell bolts of fabric.”

A New Zealander by birth, she arrived 39 years ago to settle on Vancouver Island.

But she still loves to travel. With one son locally, another in Australia and her daughter — the talented ethical clothing designer Eliza Faulkner — in Montreal, Jean loves to explore the neighbourhoods where her children live and work, and see the spaces through their eyes, always seeking the sublime.

“I understood the need for the right footwear.

I’ve never done high fashion for the sake of high fashion. I’ll do high fashion and really well-made products.

Some of the best shoes are made by small artisans in studios in Spain or Italy.”

The 7 Sins envy:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

Diane Von Fürstenburg, an iconic fashion designer in the ’70s who embraced feminism wearing a dress. And, who is still in business today.

gluttony:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Avocado on toast with a good flat white (coffee).

greed:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

Well, I could never spend that much on myself, so I would share it.

wrath:

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Pet peeves?

Laziness.

sloth:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

On a beach, reading.

pride:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of?

Cardino’s Shoes.

lust:

What makes your heart beat faster?

Any shop or gallery full of colour, textures and designs that is well curated. It lifts the soul.

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narrative

WORDS JADE CAMERON

X

ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

THAT DAY I WAS A LIFE MODEL 158

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hould I shave? I flip this question over in my mind a dozen times. I know Zoe does, and he’s seen her before. Then again, she says he’s in his 70s, and a natural bush was a given back when he would have been around women my age. Also, a bit of hair might provide just the slightest means of protection, even if it’s only an illusion. I throw the razor in my bag just in case.

I’m heading to meet my stepsister, who is taking me to my first ever life-modelling gig. There, I will pose nude for the sake of art. Drawing me will be a single client, Charles, and Zoe, who I’ve insisted come along. She’s modelled for him before, and has arranged this session at my inclination of interest.

Nudity is a strangely loaded concept. The various attitudes and implications related to exposing one’s body are beyond contradictory, and the lines between empowerment, exploitation and exhibitionism are muddy at best. But nudity is universal! Everybody has a body and why shouldn’t we feel casual about seeing them and having them seen by others?

Women’s figures are beautiful and deserve to occupy more than just sexual spaces. I tell myself I feel okay about others seeing my naked body, but I know that I am lying to some degree.

This is where Charles comes in. Charles participates in a weekly life-drawing class, where a group of people gather around a nude model and draw for two hours. I’m hoping that his interest in the human figure in a desexualized context, and my participation in this exchange, will be a way to confront my own internalized taboos and insecurities. I want to be confident in nakedness, I want to feel good about my body in a platonic “here I am, no big deal” kind of way.

So I set out, flipping between anxiety and confidence, excitement and dread. I meet up with Zoe and we debrief.

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I want to be confident in nakedness, I want to feel good about my body in a platonic “here I am, no big deal” kind of way.

She reassures me. She tells me that the hardest part is coming up with and holding new poses. I suddenly realize I haven’t considered the logistics of this. Shoot. I don’t know a single pose. But Zoe says it’ll be fine, that they just come naturally and there are no wrong positions. She says to twist; twists are interesting.

I mull over her advice as we hop into the car. In the back is a pile of clothes that she tells me to look over. I pull out a super-soft sweater — high quality and in black. It’s like it was made for me.

“Have it!” she says. I stuff it in my bag, and am distracted from our destination just long enough to feel minor relief.

Eventually, we park at the base of Charles’s driveway and the moment of “is it too late to turn around?” hits. It is. The dread takes over and fills my feet as we trudge up the driveway. Charles’s door is bright red. I am pulsing with anxiety as Zoe knocks on it.

Charles opens the door. He is a small man with gray hair and a black beard. We head up to the kitchen and his wife, Sally, jumps right into the conversation. She offers us Girl Guide cookies. I can’t believe what we’re here for. I can’t believe I’m doing this.

The studio is impressive. There are work tables easels, shelves of materials, drawers of different paper sheets, toolboxes of charcoals, and jars of sketching pencils. A grey paper backdrop hangs from a roller on one wall and onto the floor, making a stage. It is illuminated by a menacing spotlight. I am thankful for the professionalism it portends. Also intimidated.

Charles says there’s a robe for me to wear in the bathroom whenever I decide to get ready. I follow his direction and head to “change.” This doesn’t seem like the right word when there’s nothing to change into — but “strip” is worse.

I begin undressing.

My body and I are on relatively amicable terms. I don’t fall too far outside of the desirable norm. But puberty brought large, heavy, wideset breasts to my otherwise petite frame. This is supposedly a good thing, according to almost everyone I complain to. To me, it has always been a source of deep insecurity.

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Jeans have never felt so comforting.

I struggle to get the cuffs of my jeans over my ankles and realWhen I emerge, Charles and Zoe are comparing drawings as ize I’ve left my socks on last. How unsexy. Is that a good thing? I Sally gushes over them. They all applaud me as well, and I don’t avoid looking down at myself as I slip into the robe. It is silk. As I know how to take the compliments. We say our goodbyes and I step back into the room, they are still setting up their things and I run down the driveway. stand waiting, unsure of when to take the robe off. I’m anxious to “So, how did that feel?” Zoe asks excitedly. get it over with.

“I don’t know. Fine, I think.” It’s the truth. I’m not quite sure Charles explains that we will start with a few one-minute how I feel. I’m glad I went through with it and I’m glad it’s done poses, then move onto two minutes, then a couple of fives, and with. I still feel nothing as we part ways. But later, as I travel back finish with one or two long holds. “Whenever you’re ready,” he home, I am suddenly struck with shame. I can’t quite place its prompts. source but I find myself pushing the memory of the day out of I slip the silk off and drop it in a pile to the side. Zoe is smiling my mind, avoiding reflection, not ready to process it. at me. I feel surprisingly relaxed now that I’m actually just naked.

Was I expecting something bigger? I don’t feel empowered. I Yet I am certainly aware of the shallowness of my breathing.

I move into the spotlight and decide to start facing backwards. I don’t feel exposed. I don’t feel a new confidence in my body. I just feel weird about requesting an arrangement to stand naked in a raise one arm over my head and twist my torso. They both restranger’s basement. mark that this is a great position.

I carry Zoe’s sketches, rolled up with two elastic bands, under So it begins. One minute seems longer than it usually does. my arm as I wait to transfer busses. It’s late. It’s cold now, and I Then it’s done and I twist a different way. remember the sweater Zoe has given me. I put it on under my “You’re a natural!” Charles says. He is engaged in polite conbomber jacket and I’m instantly warm. I think of our relationship versation with Zoe. and how great it is to have a sister who knows me, who sees me, I listen to the scritch-scratch of their pencils. I examine who reminds me I exist beyond skin. Our closeness has nothing to Charles’s studio meticulously. It’s almost boring. Now the five do with our physical bodies. minutes. Time ticks away ever so slowly. I realize that I am so When I get home I unroll the three pages and show my girlfocused on staying still that the whole naked thing isn’t really a friend the drawings. thing. Finally Charles calls time and tells me I can take a break “Whoa. She got your tits perfectly,” she says. and stretch. I again become acutely aware of my nakedness and pull my arms across my chest. I feel my body’s awkward posture outside of a deliberate position. The break is the longest part yet.

Do you have a good story to tell — and the ability to write it? Boulevard I am relieved when we start again. readers are invited to submit stories for consideration and publication in the We do a long pose and I read every single title on Charles’s Narrative section. Stories should be 800 to 1,200 words long and sent to bookshelf. They are organized by subject. Suddenly the session is managing editor Susan Lundy at lundys@shaw.ca. Please place the word over; I slip back into the robe and briskly head for the bathroom. “Narrative” in the subject line.

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behind the story

Creating a fashion story is always a group effort and sometimes it includes new players who bring an extra special effort. In order to present a retro fashion story, we needed some key visual elements, including a cool vehicle from the 1970s. Lee Grant, of LG Speed & Kustom, came to our attention and after a quick chat, he agreed to bring his beautiful1972 Ford F-350 crew cab truck to our fashion shoot on a cold January day. Lee, whose work includes building hot rods and race cars, and restoring vintage cars, uses the Ford F-350 as his shop truck, picking up and delivering customer cars and parts, as well as towing race cars to and from various racetracks around the province. He tells us that crew cabs from that era are extremely rare; they were usually special-ordered by forestry and railroad companies. Lee describes the truck as a work in progress. “Being that I build hot rods, obviously I had to highly modify the truck. The suspension has been lowered seven inches for style, but also updated to a more modern suspension so it’s capable of safely towing cars. The interior is all custom, but kept with an early ‘70s correct style.” Collaborating with local business is always a treat, and the Boulevard fashion team appreciates the ‘70s vibe that Lee brought to our shoot!

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PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

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