OCTOBER I NOVEMBER 2020
VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST
INSIDE STORY At home this fall— and loving it
HOME WORKOUT! Keep moving and stay fit at home
FALL BOUNTY
Immune-boosting food for the season
HIGH COUNTRY Head to the hills in BC fashion
Stressless Admiral
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LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248
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CONTENTS 54
84 FEATURES
On the Cover Photo by Christian J. Stewart Photography. ON MEMORY LANE Patriot Homes owner Aman Gill and his wife, Varinder Gill, wanted a “forever home” that would set the backdrop for a host of family memories. This Cadboro Bay stunner is the result.
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HOME SWEET HOME
A memory-building forever home with bucket-list details
By Angela Cowan
54 HIGH COUNTRY
Get moving at home
By Kaisha Scofield
84 IMMUNE-BOOSTING BOUNTY
Head to the hills with these BC brands
Fall favourites to keep your plates nourishing
By Lia Crowe, Jenny McKinney
By Ellie Shortt
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HOT PROPERTIES
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60 HOME WORKOUT!
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100
30
DEPARTMENTS
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CONTRIBUTORS
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EDITOR
Mind over matter?
By Susan Lundy
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DESIGN NOTES
Cabin fever
By Janice Jefferson
16 LIFE.STYLE.ETC.
22 WEEKENDER
94 TRAVEL
The big reveal
Wild Churchill
By Susan Lundy
By Suzanne Morphet
100 SECRETS AND LIVES
26 WELL & GOOD
Aging gracefully
Damon Gray
By Kaisha Scofield
By Angela Cowan
30 IN STUDIO
102 NARRATIVE
Year(s) of the hare David Hunwick
By Cameron Hope
By David Wylie
Here.
Callaghan O’Connor
By Lia Crowe
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38 BUSINESS CLASS
GOOD TASTE
Bon appétit!
Cosy, calm and cared for: Ooh la la Boxes
By Angela Cowan
By Tess van Straaten
106 BEHIND THE STORY By Lia Crowe
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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
“Any trip to any beach anywhere has a
CAMERON HOPE WRITER HERE
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chance of delivering something interesting. On a recent warm morning, a lively group of young boys was engaged in a running play-battle in the sand at Cadboro Bay. Driftwood guns, plenty of shouting and then an unexpected yelled question: “Why would you be in Japan?” What a strange thing to hear at the beach. I mean, regardless of context, how would you answer a question like that? Why is anyone anywhere? How did they get there? Are any of us where we ought to be? Anyhow, they say that some stories write themselves. This is literally true when you describe a scene, and your thoughts at the time, exactly as they happened.” Cam has enjoyed a career in law and in sports management, most recently as president and general manager of the Victoria Royals.
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BLACK PRESS Penny Sakamoto GROUP PUBLISHER
BOULEVARD GROUP Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER 250.891.5627 info@blvdmag.ca
MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan
DESIGN Michelle Gjerde Tammy Robinson
“Movement is a big part of my life
KAISHA SCOFIELD
WRITER HOME WORKOUT!
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and something that helps keep me grounded and focused. This story was more to me than a fun workout piece, it was a glimpse into my own pandemic life, and the lengths I will go to ensure I am supporting my need for physical movement. I think that exercise should be fun and sometimes even silly, so when I began researching this topic, I was delighted to come across such a wide variety of movement options. There is truly something for everyone and, for me, having the option to workout at home has opened up a world of movement possibilities.” Kaisha is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, the owner of Well and Strong Health and a lifelong movement enthusiast.
ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki Clark CONTRIBUTING Angela Cowan WRITERS Lia Crowe
Cameron Hope Janice Jefferson Susan Lundy Suzanne Morphet Kaisha Scofield Ellie Shortt Tess van Straaten David Wylie
ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Christian J. Stewart
CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411
TRENDING ONLINE:
“I’ve been photographing for Patriot
CHRISTIAN J. STEWART
PHOTOGRAPHER HOME SWEET HOME
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Homes for a few years now and it is always a pleasure. The level of design and attention to detail is amazing and the homes are always staged in such a way as to make my job easier. I enjoy the satisfaction of capturing the design details in a way that is perhaps a little different from the norm. In my photography—be it architecture, dance, sports, editorial or other commercial work—I like to ‘see’ what everybody sees, but then ‘see’ what others do not. With this in mind, I concentrate on details of colour, texture, composition or lighting, which, I hope, results in images that provide unique perspectives on otherwise ordinary subjects.” Chris is the face behind the camera at Christian J. Stewart Photography.
View Boulevard’s Fashion Friday
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Mind over matter? I think not.
As we walked a rugged 12-kilometre trail on Malcolm Island—located off the north end of Vancouver Island—this past summer, I couldn’t help but recall the last time we traversed this path. It was eight years ago, well before the COVID-19 lockdown set us on a regular hiking regime that has significantly increased our fitness. The hike was one of those instances where the mind goes one way and the body goes the other. We’d set out on the trail amid loose conversations around hiking part of the North Coast Trail to Cape Scott—a significant trek that takes eight hours each way. (These conversations often start with great enthusiasm but falter as we try to envision carrying a case of beer on our backs.) About 30 minutes into the 2012 Malcolm Island hike, we’d huffed and puffed agreement that we might not be ready for an eight-hour trek. This year, the hike was still tough—especially where the path merges into several storeys worth of crumbling stairs down and then back up, and then disappears altogether—but with our newly toned walking muscles, it was much more accessible. It got me thinking about other times the mind says, “yes!,” but the body says, “are you kidding me?” This happened to me when called upon to participate on “parent teams” during my daughters’ sports years. Trotting along at half speed on a soccer field, for example, my mind took me sprinting up the wing with the ball, deking out a defender and placing the ball right in front of the net for a striker to put between the posts. My body? It continued trotting at half speed. Or the time at a swim meet when I got slotted in for the 50-metre freestyle portion of the parents’ relay. It didn’t help that I discovered a small hole on the backside of my swimsuit just moments before climbing onto the block and bending (in front of a row of timers) into the “set” position. At the buzzer, I blasted forward and sped though the water to the 25-metre mark…and slowly died the entire length back. But as these thoughts are wont to do, my mind turned to my husband—always fodder for a good yarn. It started at the bar one afternoon as we sat with a couple of men our age and a few younger bucks. The talked turned to rugby and Bruce confided that, yes, he’d once been a rugby player too! As pints of beer clinked enthusiastically around the table, a game was planned for the following day. “When exactly did you play rugby?” I asked innocently as we made our way home. “High school!” he answered, obviously charmed by the memory. “I played the wing because I was light and fast!” “And how old are you now?” I wondered aloud as I did the math … “Oh, so that was close to 40 years ago. Hmm. Played any rugby since?” I already knew the answer to that one. Sure enough, all the men turned out and the game got underway. Five minutes into it, Bruce caught the ball. He accelerated into an opening amid cheers from the sidelines…but then, like a car of out gas, he decelerated and finally limped off the field. Oh dear. Have you ever seen what a torn hamstring looks like? Purple bruising, from leg top to bottom. Ever seen what a bruised ego looks like? No matter, the hamstring healed as did the ego. But there is no rugby or soccer or swim meets in our future. We’ll stick to hiking. (Now. How do you carry a case of beer on your back?) I hope this new season brings you many adventures. Enjoy this issue of Boulevard!
Susan Lundy Editor Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as a magazine editor, author and freelance writer. Watch for her new book, Home on the Strange, out this spring via Heritage House Publishing.
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design notes
Cabin Fever
BY JANICE JEFFERSON
For many, this has been a time of reacquainting ourselves with our homes, examining what makes us feel cosy, and what helps us slow down. These days, the long shadows of fall and the cool air are reminders of what’s around the corner. This is a time to immerse ourselves in new routines and add the calming style of a cottage retreat.
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Sweater by Maevy, Frances Grey, $415 Bonne Maison sleeping socks, Footloose Shoes, $26 ASPORTUGUESAS City— Concrete, Footloose Shoes, $135 Lusher & Co Movement Duffle, Bernstein & Gold, $465 Nanimarquina shade rug, Palette 1, Gabriel Ross, $2,775 Escapeology, Bolen Books, $40 The Brink of Devotion, Sharon Montgomery Art, sharonmontgomery.net, $875 8. Calabria accent table, Monarch Furniture, $299 9. Homecoming Black Tea + Pepper soy candle, Luna Collective, $28 10. Velvetopia cushion, Smoking Lily, $42
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11. Farrow and Ball Bumble Bee BP585 wallpaper, Bespoke Design, *call for pricing 12. Jotul GF 305, Ark at Home, *call for pricing 13. Herman Miller Nelson fireplace toolkit, Gabriel Ross, $494 14. Cheep ottoman, Muse & Merchant, $98
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life.style.etc. WITH CALLAGHAN O’CONNOR, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR, ENGEL & VÖLKERS WO RDS + PH OTO G RAPHY LIA CROWE
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STYLE, INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Style icon: Hans Hartwig and Ralph Lauren. Favourite artist: Ted Harrison. Favourite fashion designer or brand: BODE. Favourite musician: Ten Fé. Favourite local restaurant: Deep Cove Chalet. Favourite city to visit: London. Favorite hotel: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Favourite app: Navionics, detailed charts for oceans and lakes on your mobile device and Twitter. Favourite place in the whole world: Desolation Sound.
Meeting Callaghan at his Oak Bay home, I’m greeted by his lively family, including his wife, Mare, baby boy, Oxford, and Old English Sheepdog, Oggy, who is more than ready to be the star of the photo shoot. “Every day is a fresh slate. Get after it…early,” Callaghan answers when I ask what’s led to his success. Specializing in residential real estate and the luxury home market in Victoria, Callaghan prides himself on a strong work ethic and paying close attention to detail. “What fires me up the most is seeing my clients happy about their purchase. It sounds generic but it’s true.” Outside of work, he’s passionate about family, being outdoors, boating, sports, fashion and landscape and interior design. “Patrick Ahearn, Olson Kundig and Scott Shrader are some of my favourite designers. And, of course, I’m passionate about my Old English Sheepdog, Oggy.” When it comes to style for Callaghan, it’s a combination of timeless and unique pieces. “I know they sound contradictory but I like the mixture of timeless and classic with something unique, a statement piece like a pair of shoes or jacket. Also, how you wear it matters—good style is effortless.” Asked what has been his best life lesson in the past five years, he says, “The quality of your mind is the quality of your life.”
READING MATERIAL Coffee table book/photography book: By Olson Kundig and Patrick Ahearn. Last great read: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.
FASHION Uniform: West Coast prep. Current go-to clothing item: BODE. Favourite pair of shoes: Common Projects, Lanvin, and Nike.
Book currently reading: I’m not. But someone I’m following closely on Twitter right now is Naval Ravikant.
Scent: BYREDO Sunday Cologne. Accessory you spend the most money on: I love the dry cleaner. Favourite work tool: Moleskine.
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good taste
Bon appétit! A taste of France at La Roux Patisserie WORDS ANGELA COWAN
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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
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unday mornings: perfect for hot tea, delicate pastries and classical music. Leaving the bustle of Fisgard Street and Chinatown behind me, I step into La Roux Patisserie, welcomed by the soft strains of composer Erik Satie and a warm smile from owner Rebecca O’Brien. The shop feels quintessentially French, with cushy purple seats, white marble-topped tables and a classic black-and-white tiled floor. A sparkling chandelier hangs behind the front counter, illuminating the cases of tarts, pastries, macarons and more. Rebecca, who’s travelled Europe extensively, including France at least 10 times, opened the patisserie in 2016 after enjoying several years of retirement from working in corporate law as a legal assistant. “I was only 46, so I thought, I’m going to try something different,” she says. “Building something where there was nothing before was really exciting for me.” She took a bare-bones location and created a little piece of heaven, designing everything from the décor to the kitchen layout to the menu and beyond—all inspired by the European sense of appreciation for quality. “I think Europeans know how to do it, as far as food goes. To them, eating is an event, every day,” she says, and adds with a laugh, “The women in France aren’t asking how many calories are in anything. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but it does have to be a good thing.” A good thing, indeed. The shop is brimming with good things.
1318 Blanshard Street | 250.384.4175 | maycockeyecare.com boulevardmagazines.com | OC T OB E R/ NOV E MB E R CLIENT: MAYCOCK EYECARE
PUBLICATION: BOULEVARD MAGAZINE
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“I think Europeans know how to do it, as far as food goes. To them, eating is an event, every day.” 20
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Mr. Jones is a regular at La Roux Patisserie.
Utterly hospitable, she refuses to let me pay for my chai latte, and then to my further surprise, brings out a little box of madeleines as a gift, remembering I’d mentioned they were a favourite when we’d chatted via phone several days prior. The shop is quiet for the moment, so I settle in at a small table to sip and nibble, and this is by far the best Sunday I’ve had in months. The chai is exquisitely spiced, laden with an extra dusting of cinnamon over a thick layer of creamy foam. The madeleines are chewy and citrusy, and leave a light dusting of icing sugar clinging to my lips. Of the six in the box, four disappear before my latte cools enough to drink. More customers wander in as I sit with my notebook; they greet the counter staff with smiles and chatter, leaving with boxes of goodies and wide smiles. By the window, a small galvanized tub holds local flower bouquets for sale—it’s well before noon, but there’s only one left. One more little touch of overseas. “In Europe, you can get fresh flowers everywhere,” explains Rebecca, smiling. “You can get flowers at the gas station!” The fresh flowers, the good coffee, the rich pastries—it all combines into a singular experience. La Roux has been supplying that experience for four years now, and with many people’s travel plans being cancelled due to the pandemic, the appetite for this kind of slowed-down, European excursion has swelled considerably. “People are saying, ‘We’re staying at home, we’re not going anywhere, so we’re going to enjoy our life more,’” says Rebecca. “I’ve had customers who were supposed to travel to Italy, or through Europe for an anniversary trip, and instead they’re coming in every day to buy treats.” And even customers who aren’t comfortable venturing out in public are still able to indulge themselves: Rebecca does delivery through downtown, Oak Bay, James Bay and Ross Bay (with a minimum $25 order). But if you do find yourself wandering near Chinatown, perhaps craving a little something sweet, drop into La Roux for a friendly bonjour, and indulge in a madeleine. You’ll be so happy you did. Bon appétit!
Warm up to our newest arrivals of soft knits, cozy sweaters, and bold design. Shop our collections in-store & online. 2418 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.655.0774 @boutiquemoden | modenboutique.com
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weekender
Haven Kitchen & Bar
PHOTO BY SPENCER MATTHEWMAN
The Big Reveal Langley has a bit of everything WORDS SUSAN LUNDY
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Trail rides with Glen Valley Stables.
“Langley? What’s in Langley?” I confess that this—the most common reaction to our recent weekend getaway—echoed my own thoughts. Langley? I’ve seen the exit signs on Highway 1; maybe I’ve stopped there for gas? Well, let’s get this out of the way—what’s in Langley? So much! There’s gorgeous rolling pastoral landscapes in the south; the cute, funky and charming buildings of historical Fort Langley; some of the best wine I’ve tasted; a distillery whose products will knock your socks off; horseback riding; farms; and dazzling dining options, including Haven, a new restaurant that would be equally at home in a chic West Vancouver neighbourhood. In short, Langley was a revelation. The glory of Langley really enveloped me as I rode horseback along a sun-speckled forest path. Lulled by the gentle movement of my ride, the sound of softly clopping hooves and the feel of the warm sun on my shoulders, the world slowed down. Ahead, Joanne Braithwaite, who owns Glen Valley Stables along with her husband Gene Parks, offered riding tips intermingled with stories about their popular trail-riding business. Her knowledge about horses and the area as a whole was astounding, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone: young, old, familiar with horses or not. As we meandered through the forest, my mind retraced the early stops of our trip so far, including dinner the previous night at Haven Kitchen & Bar. Haven may be located in a nondescript busy roadside location, but step into the lavish interior or onto the lush patio and be transported to a exceptional culinary experience. Haven describes itself as “modern casual dining with a global, adventurous approach; proudly independent, quirky and probably too loud for your grandma.” And although it just opened in June, it is obviously the place to be, judging by the steady stream of trendy-looking folk arriving at its doors. The menu presented a conundrum of delectable-looking options and we swooned over our choices, which included Japa-Guac + Chips, Miso Truffle Fries, Tempura Coconut Prawns, Saunder’s Fried Chicken Sandwich and the chef ’s specialty, Broiled Char Sui Salmon. Haven is heaven. boulevardmagazines.com |
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“We sat outside on the patio overlooking a beautiful stream, bridge, picnic area and distant view of the vines. Bucolic and beautiful.” This morning, prior to the happy meeting with Glen Valley Stables, we visited Fort Langley, savouring our morning eggs in a beautiful, courtyard at Sabà Café and Bistro, and then took a drive through rural Langley, right down to the US border. It was here that, after our trail ride, Langley once again revealed its magic. The family-run Glass House Estate Winery produces hand-selected, single-vineyard, low-yield artisan wine. Their Madeleine Angevine is my new favourite white, and my only regret after tasting a selection of Glass House wines is that you can’t buy the small-batch bottles in liquor stores, just here, on site. (No matter, several bottles ended up in bags in the backseat of our truck.) Glass House, so called for its appearance as an over-sized greenhouse, also features a popular restaurant. We sat outside on the
patio overlooking a beautiful stream, bridge, picnic area and distant views of the vines. Bucolic and beautiful. If the wine revelation wasn’t enough, our next stop at Roots and Wings Distillery further opened our eyes. The first craft distillery in the Fraser Valley, RAW produces small-batch artisan spirits with a farm-to-table approach, using ingredients grown on their farm. We met distiller Rebekah Crowley, one of the many female producers in the Fraser Valley, who along with her partner, Rob, is building this amazing libations business. We tasted the spirits—many with unique flavour combinations—straight up, and also tried a sampler spread of miniature cocktails. If you go, be sure to check out the absinthe fountain—oh my. (And, yes, several bottles of spirits ended up beside the wine in the truck.) Our day ended with a walk and, later, dinner in Fort Langley. Before finishing up our weekend getaway with a stop at Kensington Prairie Farm—where we fed the alpacas and added a beautiful alpaca wool sweater to our cache of purchases in the truck—we stopped at Tracycakes, an elegant and thoroughly charming bakery and eatery. Here, we drooled over the cases of fancy cupcakes and other treats and collected a pair of Picnic Packs, containing delectably fresh sandwiches, veggies, dip and fancy cookies. These would be enjoyed en route as we headed home—never again unable to answer the question, “What’s in Langley?” If You Go: tourism-langley.ca havenlangley.com glenvalleystables.com glasshouseestatewinery.com/ rootsandwingsdistillery.ca tracycakesonline.com
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PHOTO BY DANIELLE CAMPANI
Sabà Café and Bistro
Glen Valley Stables
see.
do.
The Fort Langley National Historic Site is home of the Hudson Bay Company’s fur trading post, still standing 150 years later. Located along the Fraser River, Fort Langley features a variety of museums, shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks and trails, plus the iconic yellow Community Hall, which is featured in many TV programs and films. With its charming buildings and many points of historical interest, Fort Langley is a must-do on any trip to this area.
Take a self-guided Circle Farm Tour, where a road map and brochure lead to specialty farmgate vendors, open-air markets, eateries, wineries, heritage sites and more. Our trip included a visit to Kensington Prairie Farm, where farm manager Dee Martens led us on an extremely informative tour of her family’s alpaca operation. In addition to breeding, raising and showing alpacas, the farm also markets and sells high-quality Canadian-made and imported alpaca products from an on-farm boutique and an online store. kensingtonprairie.ca
Kensington Prairie Farm
eat. Don’t miss Sabà Café and Bistro—where the food represents a combination of flavours, colours and memories gleaned from travels around the world—and The Bench Wine Bar, where you can pair your snacks, charcuterie boards and share plates with local cider, beer or wine. We enjoyed both of these Fort Langley eateries immensely. We also checked out a Langley classic, The Hilltop Diner, located for the past 68 years on the edge of the Fraser Highway. The decor, menu and servings hearken back to an earlier time, and the signature dishes include a mountain-sized Hilltop Burger and pies, pies, pies. sabacafeandbistro.ca, thebenchwinebar.ca, hilltopdiner.ca
sleep. We stayed at the Sandman Signature Langley Hotel, just off Highway 1 in Walnut Grove. It has all the amenities—fitness centre, indoor pool and hot tub—and on-site dining at Moxie’s Grill & Bar. But perhaps its best amenity is its location; it offers easy access to historic Fort Langley, located across the highway, as well as the city’s beautiful pastoral areas to the south and the area’s commercial centre. Our king suite was spacious and comfortable, and I was charmed by the option of using “firm” or “soft” pillows. sandmanhotels.com
NEW COLLECTION pillows| duvets | covers | sheets
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well and good
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Aging gracefully Movement, nutrient density and hormone balance WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD
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We all know that one of the only certainties in life is that we will get older. Yet, in our society, aging is rarely discussed or prepared for. In fact, a common statement on aging is that it takes most by surprise. Many people feel young but look in the mirror only to see an old person reflected back at them. How did this happen? We are a society obsessed with youth and productivity, and slowing down seems like a luxury we cannot afford. So it is not surprising that the topic of aging is avoided, often until it is too late. The truth is, aging is an inevitable part of living. By accepting the aging process, we are better able to be proactive in how to prepare our body and mind for this very natural transition. By identifying the areas that are most commonly frustrating for more senior populations, we can engage in targeted selfcare to make aging less overwhelming. The most common complaints about aging are health issues associated with degeneration. Loss of muscle and bone health, poor joint health, digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalance, loss of energy and impaired cognitive abilities are all common health problems the more senior populations deal with. The good news is, with a few simple lifestyle and wellness practices, many of these health issues can be minimized or avoided all together. Use it or lose it. Inactivity is the fastest way to age the body. Too many of us exist in a sedentary state; sitting at a desk for eight hours of the day, driving to and from work and then spending our evenings on the couch. Making solid lifestyle choices that include physical activity is the most effective way to keep the body and mind healthy, long-term. While this isn’t necessarily news to anyone, daily movement is becoming increasingly urgent as kids, teens and adults are spending more time on devices and games and in front of screens and, as a result, physical literacy is failing. Once movement habits are improved, it is important to keep the body happy and well maintained. We all know the feeling
PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
of sore and creaking joints. That crackling sound is called crepitus, which seems like a very unsettling yet appropriate name. These creaks, while harmless, are generally a result of degeneration in the bones and connective tissue. This tissue is made up of collagen, the same collagen that your aesthetician tells you to take for glowing skin. Collagen is found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bone. The bad news is that it deteriorates as we age. The great news is that it can be replenished. Collagen can be taken orally via supplements, pill or powder or by drinking bone broth. This is is a widely recommended support for joint health and for healthy skin, nails and hair. Aging well depends largely on fuelling the body with a nutrient-dense diet. Vitamin and mineral depletion is a common issue for the aging body because as we get older, the body’s ability to absorb and distribute nutrients can lessen. We typically absorb vitamins and minerals from the food we eat, via the digestive process, but digestive health can decline as we age, through deterioration, poor dietary habits, tissue damage, etc. Natural hormone transitions also occur, which can cause the body to go through fluctuations in appetite and energy levels, making meal preparation frustrating and unenjoyable. It’s a difficult combination of issues that are often ignored. The malabsorption of nutrients can occur for several reasons but the two main causes are a lack of dietary healthy fats and consistent dehydration. Our unfortunate vilification of fat has led to a largely depleted population. Many vitamins and minerals, essential to our body, are fat soluble, meaning that without a proper intake of healthy dietary fats, we are unable to absorb nutrients in our food. Not to mention the essential fatty acids themselves playing a crucial role in cellular, tissue and nerve health, to name a few. Alongside healthy fat intake, hydration plays a vital role in absorbing the other vitamins and minerals that are water soluble. One of the easiest ways to increase your energy levels,
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By accepting the aging process, we are better able to be proactive in how to prepare our body and mind for this very natural transition. mood, sleep and digestion is to improve your hydration. More than 50 per cent of the population is consistently dehydrated. Mild dehydration can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, moodiness, cramping and constipation. Electrolytes in the form of sugar-free powders, tablets or even a small pinch of salt can vastly improve hydration levels in the body. Fluctuating hormones are confusing at the best of times, but in an aging body, they can be especially disruptive. The hormone testosterone, for example, depletes as we age, an issue that can affect both men and women. Occasionally men can experience an age-related, steep decline in testosterone that can lead to many health issues. Often referred to as “male menopause,� symptoms are similar to those experienced in female menopause, such as hot flashes, breast tenderness, mood fluctuations and erectile disfunction. It is just as important for men to monitor hormone health as it is for women.
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For women, the most obvious hormonal transition is the big M, menopause. There is no way to avoid menopause, but there are steps we can take to prepare for it. Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential. Equally important is fuelling the body with a diet that is focused on nutrient-dense whole foods, including healthy fats and proper hydration. Menopause is never fully predictable but well-balanced and supported hormones will ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible, perhaps avoiding having to put ice down your shirt to cool a hot flash. Reducing sugar intake is the most important dietary change needed to support hormonal balance and the whole body, at any age. Sugar depletes nutrients and disrupts hormone regulation. Insulin, testosterone and estrogen are affected when sugar intake is elevated. These imbalances can lead to insulin resistance which, among other things, can cause heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. Insulin resistance wreaks havoc on hormonal functions, disrupting digestion, weight, sleep, mood and stress tolerance. There are many unknowns in the aging process and while feelings of uncertainty and apprehension are understandable, avoidance will create a missed opportunity. It is never too early or too late to start preparing your body for the next phase of life, and by incorporating a few preventative measures, you are more likely to create a solid foundation of health and wellness to launch from. The more we learn about aging, the less it is about the end of life and more about the culmination of living. There may be a sense of dread as we creep toward each milestone, but what often follows is a growing sense of relief and freedom. Removing the fear and ignorance surrounding the aging process helps us understand how to support our body as we go through these changes. By paying attention to movement, nutrient density and hormone balance, we can not only ensure that we age on our own terms, but that we do so gracefully.
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Year(s)
of the hare A renowned BC sculptor’s journey of art and acceptance It took years for sculptor David Hunwick to understand the deep personal significance of hares as they’ve reappeared throughout his life, his art and his introspection. The Victoria-based artist—seen recently in West Kelowna at Grizzli Winery’s art in the park event—created his first hare near the beginning of his sculpting journey, in the 1980s in London, where he completed his BA degree in sculpture at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design. Today, he is known for his sculptures throughout BC, and the hare continues to feature prominently in works such as his Dreams Can Come True sculpture, a piece of public art currently being exhibited on the Okanagan Lake waterway in Penticton. Of this piece, he says, in part: “All of my artwork reflects aspects of my own journey of discovery. The making of Dreams really represents a visual reminder to myself not to give up on the hopes and aspirations that quicken my step each day and inspire me to reach forward. Yet all change involves movement. Often the decision to jump or move is tempered by physical or other limitations. This piece is created to inspire to take that leap again. The hare, transcends the natural elements of the earth and ocean, and reaches over the moon.” David’s sculptures can also be found in and around Victoria and Sidney. His sculpture Rebirth, heart-shaped whale bone ribs, sits at the entrance to Oak Bay, while The Eye of the Ocean is idyllically located adjacent to the Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney. In high school, David studied drawing, animation, printmaking and etching; his portfolio was predominantly 2-D. He decided to try his hand at sculpting to explore its potential.
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“All of the hare sculptures that I’ve made are actually manifestations of me.”
After graduating from Ravensbourne, David was accepted for the PGCE teaching program at Bretton Hall College, located in the centre of the renowned Yorkshire Sculpture Park. He began teaching in 1987, continuing to hone his art and exhibiting each year. At this point, he says, his life centred around family, faith, teaching and art. Eventually, life ushered David to Scotland, where he lived for a time above a converted sheep barn, invited as artist-resident and gallery manager. He describes this as an idyllic setting, where he awoke each morning to the sound of the bleating of sheep. He exhibited annually at the Royal Scottish Academy and worked on a number of public and private commissions. He still has pieces in some of the country’s castles. And during his nine years in Scotland, David noted the ever-present hares, a constant sight on the landscape. Feeling the pull to Canada, David and his family moved to Gibsons, BC in 2001, relocating soon afterwards to Victoria. In 2008, David decided to focus more fully on his art and established the Sculpture Studio in downtown Victoria. Coming to Canada marked a turning point, and he became involved in one of his most notable projects soon after arriving here. Over two years, he moulded and cast more than 71 pieces of a blue whale skeleton for the Blue Whale Project, a permanent display at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC in Vancouver. And around this time, hares became a more prominent part of David’s work. “When I arrived in Canada, I thought, what should I sculpt? Thinking back to childhood memories of cycling in the Kent countryside, I remembered seeing the hares in the long grass, and the memories brought feelings of nostalgia and comfort,” he said.
Out of Eden: First created in Yorkshire, England this piece was then privately commisioned for a collection in Victoria, BC.
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So he embraced the “inner” animal, accepting the hare as an expression of himself as an artist. He sculpted and cast in bronze his first meadow hare. It captured others’ imaginations and soon more hares followed. Still, he felt the hares weren’t his real work as a sculptor. They were just for fun—whimsical and playful. “I’d like to say my motivation was really deep and philosophical, but it wasn’t. I just felt like I should make a bunny,” he said. “I was in the period of self-denial—what I call bunny denial.” Many of the rabbits are done in David’s preferred medium; he loves working in bronze due to its permanence. He also works with concrete. David said he aspires to create visual poetry with the lines, shape, spaces and rhythm of the forms he makes, even including text at times. He’s been using more abstract elements, and incorporating steel and mixed media in his castings. Recently, he’s been putting combustible material into his pieces and then burning them, allowing the element of fire to complete the piece. “The fire will actually be the last artist,” he said. He’s planning an exhibition in Italy where five of his works will go up in flames in front of onlookers. What is left when the embers die down is the final work. Often when creating and conceiving a new sculpture, David leaves some of the incidentals as evidence of the journey that has shaped the piece, so people can see the decisions made in its creation. “In many cases I want to leave them imperfect because I don’t really believe in perfection—I think perfection is an illusion. I believe in perfect imperfection. The human condition and experience is not perfect; although we strive for it, the reality is very different,” he said. Hares continued to multiply over the years. He’s made more than a dozen variations: dancing hares, the thinker hare (a visual pun of Rodin’s famed sculpture) and a hare leaping over the moon. Slowly the realization sunk in. He saw himself in the hares; in fact, he shared many of the character qualities of the hare—elusive and more comfortable in the background. So he embraced the “inner” animal, accepting the hare as an expression of himself as an artist. “All of the hare sculptures that I’ve made are actually manifestations of me,” he said. In the meantime, David has continued to keep teaching central to his work, taking on the role in 2012, for example, of artist-in-residence at the Gitxsan art centre in Hazelton, teaching First Nations carvers how to mould and cast their
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artifacts. He also co-teaches Sculpt Italy, a yearly 10-day workshop in Pietrasanta, Italy, alongside international sculptor Gabriel Vicari. “If you want to learn about sculpting, you go to Italy,” he said. For the last 12 years, David has been a regular exhibitor at several fine art shows and won multiple awards. He has participated in the Sidney, Oak Bay, Kingsbrae and Castlegar sculpture walks for several years with a number of public sculptures on permanent display. “I feel like I’ve been given a gift, the opportunity to create. Life as an artist is not always easy and you question, how often do you want to push the wheelbarrow up the hill? Is it worth it? Then every time you get to that breaking point, you find something positive happens that allows you to continue the extra mile again,” he said. For more info about his classes in Italy, visit icansculpt.com. For more information on the artist, visit davidhunwick.com. Ahab’s Altar: This privately commissioned piece was a collaborative project with commissioner Ed Lyons and is located on the slopes adjacent to the Gorge Inlet waterway in Victoria.
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Cosy, calm & cared for
Boxing up hope with Ooh la la
WORDS TESS VAN STRAATEN
X
PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
A
s I eagerly open my first Ooh La La Box, the tropically sweet and tranquil smell of plumeria washes over me and fills my kitchen. “I wanted something that would remind us of the scent of Hawaii since so many of us love to go there and are missing the tropical escape,” explains Out of Hand Modern Market owner Bethany Wilson, who had the plumeria candle specially created by Saanich’s Cordova Candle Co. for the subscription box’s summer debut. It’s one of eight carefully curated, hand-crafted, made-in-BC products in the surprise box—which has been a runaway hit. Demand for the fall boxes, which were delivered at the end of September, was so high after the summer boxes sold out before the end of June, they increased production by a third. “It’s been amazing!” Bethany says. “People are really excited to get them and one of the most com-
mon things I hear is that people anticipated giving away some of the items as gifts, but once they get it, they say they’ve decided to keep it all for themselves because they loved it so much!” The idea for the subscription box is a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis and the huge impact it’s had on artisans, makers and small business owners—including Bethany. She had to cancel Out of Hand’s first-ever spring market after the pandemic hit. “I sent out a survey to all the makers that were going to be involved and asked them how much their revenue had been impacted by the cancellation of all the spring markets. It was as high as 90 per cent,” she explains. “It’s had quite a devastating effect on top of all of the cancelled contracts with retailers, so I just started thinking of some pivot I could do to help the makers and connect them with shoppers.”
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Out of Hand was one of the first to do an online market, then they added gift boxes and then the idea for the Ooh la la seasonal box was born. “Like many people, I love subscription boxes and each box allows seven to eight different makers to participate, brings a small representation of the Out of Hand market to people’s homes and lets them have the joy of opening a surprise box,” Bethany says. It’s a true partnership with the makers, who are all paid for their products—unlike some of the popular US subscription box companies. “The big subscription boxes don’t actually buy the products in their box,” Bethany explains. “The products are given for no cost and typically the product makers pay a promotional fee on top of that because it’s seen as a marketing vehicle for the products. We have a different model.” Bethany’s passion to support local makers started at a young age. She’d gone to the Out of Hand Christmas markets with her mom, Noni Wilson, for years. In 2018, she left a successful career as a marketing consultant to buy the business, leading it to record attendance in 2019. “My mom passed away six years ago but she would have been the perfect partner to have this business with,” says
“I’m just trying to keep the business top of mind and relevant in today’s world. I’ve learned that you have to be innovative and you have to change as the environment around you changes.”
Bethany, tearing up. “It’s part of the reason I bought the business and she’s always an influence. She was the one who introduced me to Out of Hand, so the path was kind of set by her.” But this year, that path has been anything but clear. Out of Hand, which should be celebrating its 32nd year, is essentially on pause with Christmas markets in limbo. “The market model is very traditional, but this year it cannot follow any of the rules,” she says. “I’m just trying to keep the business top of mind and relevant in today’s world. I’ve learned that you have to be innovative and you have to change as the environment around you changes.” The theme for the fall box is “cosy, calm and cared for”— which is more important than ever right now—and includes a scarf and pottery mug both specially made for the box, black lavender tea from Westholme Tea Farm in the Cowichan Valley, lavender essential oil from Bilston Creek Farm in Metchosin, two woven stone stacking bracelets including one with lava stones that the oil can be worn on, cardamom-flavoured honey and an imprinted BeauTEAful silver teaspoon. The boxes, which sell for $135 and have a value of $200 to $230, aren’t customizable and the contents are always a surprise but pottery, home décor, skincare and food items will always be included. “I think of it as a nice little life line,” Bethany says. “It brings a real sense of joy in a time that hasn’t exactly been filled with joy.”
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Patriot Homes owner builds his family’s forever home, checking off “bucket list” details
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WORDS ANGELA COWAN PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTIAN J. STEWART
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t’s early hours on a quiet weekend morning, and a trio of deer pick their way across the road in Cadboro Bay as I wait in my parked car for them to pass. Directly ahead of me, on the last lot of a side street attached to a cul-de-sac, sits a sprawling West Coast modern home. Finished in June, it’s the most recent build by Patriot Homes. It’s also home sweet home to Patriot owner Aman Gill and his wife, Varinder Gill. The wildlife, no-through traffic, extensive trails literally next door and proximity to the beach were all huge draws for the couple as they searched for a lot to build their “forever” home.
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“We grew up playing outside, going out in the morning, coming home for lunch, and then going out again until dinner,” says Aman. “We didn’t have that where we lived before. Now, the kids can ride their bikes down the cul-desac. Have a bit more freedom.” It’s a great spot to build those childhood memories, and that’s something Varinder was set on too: having all those memories in one place. “I had one family home where I grew up. I got married there, I took my boys to that home,” she says. “I just want to have the one house with all the memories. And we can grow into this house.” Aman and Varinder built two homes prior to this, both more modest projects, but because they plan on staying here for a long time, they stepped up the build. “We went above and beyond to showcase our company’s abilities,” says Aman, “but also, because we don’t want to regret not doing something.” Ticking off nearly everything on their build bucket list, they emerged with a house that’s as luxurious as it is family friendly. At 6,600 square feet—plus a three-car garage— it’s significantly larger than their last home, and includes a finished basement with plenty of space for their boys, and a two-bedroom separate suite. “Our last house didn’t have a basement. I wanted something smaller and cosy, but then when the kids had their friends over, they were everywhere,” Varinder says with a laugh. “And obviously, they’re going to need more space.”
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“We played with the colours. We did gold, brass, nickel throughout the house, and I’m glad we did.” On the main floor, a media room with wine display and built-in kegerator scratched an itch for Aman, and a sports court out back gives their boys somewhere to play and practice on clear days. Trailing from a corner of the sports court down to the lower level of the backyard, an extensive water feature fosters a sense of serenity outside. Water bubbles and rushes over boulders up-cycled from the lot itself, mixed with slate from a quarry in Port Renfrew. Nearby, an eight-by-four-foot fire table dominates an outdoor kitchen and eating area, with gas-powered flames that can reach as high as four feet. Back inside, I ask about a feature that grabbed my attention immediately: a large three-dimensional inset in the living area wall. Formed from medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and painted, the angles look like they were sculpted, edges sanded gently, to form a triangular pattern. “In a traditional house, you’ll have wainscoting or moulding to bring in character,” says Aman. “We were trying to figure out how to enhance this house while keeping the modern aesthetic.” There are two more feature walls on the main floor— one in the master guest bedroom, the other bracketing a short hallway into a powder room. And there are other design touches that infuse the modern build with texture and character. Wallpaper on the formal dining room ceiling, for one, gives the room a hint of warmth and old-world style while remaining bright and clean-lined. There’s also textured wallpapers or tiles in powder rooms and bathrooms, plus an abundance of wood in varying tones and textures, from the rich fir of the oversized front door to the full-height column over the fireplace and the light shades of the flooring. And throughout the main and upper floors are the lights—oh, the lights!
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“We played with the colours. We did gold, brass, nickel throughout the house, and I’m glad we did,” says Varinder of the gorgeous variety of fixtures. My favourite is the “cavier” fixture overhanging the front foyer, and the smaller version in the main floor powder room: clusters of clear glass balls with lit metallic tubes shot through their centres. It strikes me as we walk around the house that everything is squared. The trim has clean right angles, as do the kitchen fixtures, and even the interior door handles are squared off. The engineered hardwood runs in smooth lines with very few knots in the grain—an upgrade Aman was happy to pay for—and breaks into a square of herringbone pattern to delineate the front foyer space. I mention it to Aman, who laughs. “I’m not a big curves and circles kind of person. I just think it looks cleaner when it’s all straight lines.” But interestingly, the light fixtures are almost all round or spherical—a departure from the angular nature of the rest of the house, and it adds a sense of geometric balance, not to mention the exposed, and often vintage-style, bulbs are just so neat. “It’s really amazing how the bulb can make
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the fixture,” agrees Aman. Upstairs, the master suite is separated from the boys’ rooms with a catwalk, a popular feature in many modern-style builds, likely for the incredible amount of light they allow into the main living space. And here, in the master suite, we come across what is probably my favourite design feature of the whole build: a fantastic feather-motif wallpapered wall in the bedroom, rich with blue-y-greys. Add in incredibly plush carpeting and the builtin fireplace opposite the bed, and I can imagine it would be hard to get out of bed in the morning. “I love our bedroom!” Varinder tells me when I ask about their favourite spots in the house. But as we settle into the living room, she looks around. “This right here. Often the kids are here. I can see the outside and hear the water.” “We love the flow of the house,” adds Aman. “Everything is functional. There’s no wasted space.”
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supplier list Architect/Design: Josh Collins of Adapt Design
Countertops: Colonial Countertops
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Construction and Interior Finishing: Barnes Concrete Forming and Absolute Finishing Carpentry
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Landscaping: Ardent Landscaping
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Cabinetry and Millwork: Excellent Ideas of Kitchens Ltd.
Home Automation: Wired Up
Painting: West Island Painting
Flooring: Hourigan’s Flooring and Showroom Designworks Tiling: City Tile and LL Montini
Doors: Slegg Doors and Karmanah Wood Design Windows: Starline Windows
Lighting: Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, Arteriors, Mclaren Lighting Plumbing Fixtures: Andrew Sheret Splashes and Macgregor Mechanical
Heating and Fireplaces: Heavy Metal Mechanical Roofing: R&D Roofing
Sport Court: BC Sport Court
Stairs and Railings: NIGHTNDAY Projects, Royal Oak Glass, Karmanah Wood Design Closets, Mirrors, Shower Doors: Maple Glass Outdoor Kitchen: Canada Outdoor Kitchens
LOCALLY HANDCRAFTED DESIGNER KITCHENS
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Finally,
Affordable Luxury has arrived
URBANA LUXU RY FI R EPL ACES urbanafireplaces.com
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U70 – GLASS HWD: 19” x 70” x 15”
Visit your local Urbana dealer today and see it in person. 2205 Keating Cross Rd. Saanichton (250) 544 6769 pacificfireplaces.ca
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U50 – GLASS HWD: 19" x 50" x 15"
fashion
Floral, puff-sleeve blouse by Leisure ($275) from leisure-thebrand. com; custom jeans by Today Denim (prices vary on custom denim) from todaydenim.com; genuine leather coat ($150) from House of Savoy; belt ($18) from Duchess & Duke; “Billy” bootie in cognac by Frye ($398) from Footloose Shoes.
Makeup and hair by Jenny McKinney. Model Jayda Stephens represented by Mode Models. Photographed on local at Seven Half Diamond Ranch: thank you to Justin, Heather and Jim O’Connor for graciously hosting our fashion team for the day. (See page 74 for more information on the ranch.) Also, a huge thank you to Stephanie Travers: artist, farrier, horse trainer and teacher, for being a part of our shoot and bringing her beautiful horse, Duende, a Palomino Lusitano filly.
HIGH COUNTRY STYLING LIA CROWE + JENNY MCKINNEY
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Against a backdrop of rolling grasslands and shimmering aspens at Seven Half Diamond Ranch in the stunning Thompson-Nicola Valley, Boulevard presents fashion from BC brands that honour and reflect the incredible lifestyle this province offers. Start with the building blocks of wool, cashmere, denim and leather, add in fabric with feminine flow and get set to explore the high country with the scent of dry grass and wild sage in your nose, and the screech of eagles and rustle of the wind in your ear.
Jacket by Luisa Cerano ($785), vest by Velvet ($125) and corduroy pants by Bras ($248), all from Bagheera Boutique; belt ($25) from Duchess & Duke; hat—stylist’s own.
“Elsie” collared dress by Leisure ($395) at leisure-thebrand.com; earrings by Only Child Handicrafts ($160) at onlychildhandicrafts.bigcartel.com; boots from House of Savoy; belt ($25) from Duchess & Duke; poncho—stylist’s own.
Denim jacket by Today Denim ($295) from todaydenim. com; handmade sweater by ecologist x Olann ($385) from ecologyst.com; recycled wool “Scout” blanket by Anián ($89) from anianmfg.com; leather pants by Tommy Hilfiger ($58) from House of Savoy; hat— stylist’s own.
Cashmere striped throw ($1,025), cashmere turtleneck four-ply ($795), cashmere leggings with cable detail ($445) and cashmere two-tone pom pom hat ($175) all from Black Goat Cashmere.
home
WORKOUT! Create your own routine or discover online options WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD
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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
Outdoor Spaces for All Seasons
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love exercise; I always have. I’ve dabbled in everything from ballet to kickboxing, yoga to weightlifting. Being physically active is a big part of my life and working from a home office affords me the flexibility to get in a workout whenever the mood strikes. That was, however, until the pandemic hit and like many others, I found myself hunkered down at home with my husband, two kids, our giant dog and an ornery cat. Within days, every surface was littered with lego, skateboards and comic books. My physical fitness was demoted to squatting down to clean toys off the floor or pacing the house, trying to find the quietest room for a client call. Schedules have certainly shifted in recent months and we find ourselves adjusting to new challenges working from home, educating children and navigating 24-hour family time. When life gets busy, many people compromise time spent on health and wellness. But supporting mental wellbeing has never been more important. Movement and exercise are proven tactics for tackling anxiety, depression and overwhelm. Physical activity supports mental wellness by stimulating the production of endorphins, neurochemicals that act as opiate receptors in our brain, thereby reducing pain, boosting pleasure and creating a general sense of awesomeness. Looking for a way to get some me time, I decided to take up running. Running is a great pandemic activity because it provides fresh air and gets you outside. You can do it alone or in a group and, as long as no one breathes on passers-by, it respects social distancing recommendations. Anyone who runs will tell you what a great workout it is—what they won’t tell you is that unless you do it consistently, it hurts and feels like torture. Running was not going to provide the de-stressing movement I required. I missed the gym. It was time to think outside the box. Browsing Instagram one day, I stumbled upon a post by the wonderful Johnathan Van Ness (JVN) from Netflix’s Queer Eye. He was talking about a workout app that he is a part of that includes dance workouts. Dancing, workout and JVN sounded too good to be true, and my interest was piqued. I tried it out and even though I was exceptionally awkward, it didn’t matter because I was in my own home and aside form the ornery cat, no one really noticed what I was doing. A quick survey of online classes led to dozens of websites, trainers and apps designed for working out in the comfort of your own home. These fitness centres never stopped working; instead, they spent their time in lockdown quickly adapting their services to run online. This was obviously a great idea because the move to online fitness has created a wave of exercise enthusiasm. There are a number of reasons why these classes are so popular. New classes are popping up every day so there are endless possibilities to choose from. Classes are also being presented in styles and formats that we have never seen before, making the online class less
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about simply transferring the gym to your living room and more about creating a whole new workout experience. Some classes involve costumes, others are music themed and some include celebrity trainers and demonstrators, like the JVN class. One of the best things about the abundance of online exercise classes is that participants are able to follow along in their own space and at their own pace. This expands the accessibility of fitness to people who may not feel comfortable working out in a studio or gym setting. Not only are there classes catering to all levels of experience and fitness, they offer the ability to sample new and different forms of exercise without commitment or embarrassment. This could prove to be a catalyst for getting many otherwise reluctant participants out of their comfort zone and moving their bodies. Engaging in online fitness has been a lifeline during these otherwise overwhelming times. I have tried a number of classes that I would never have attempted in a group; I’ve danced flamenco in my pyjamas, done yoga in my underwear and even used my dog for weighted lunges. Exercise is supposed to be fun and with the explosion of online workout options, we just might make it out of this pandemic fitter, happier and more coordinated than ever.
OPTION ONE:
Design your own home workout
Working out at home sounds amazing, right? You may be wondering, however, how to transform your living space into a gym, yoga studio or dance floor. Yes, plants may have to be relocated and chairs will have to be moved but building a home gym is not as difficult as it sounds. As with any do-it-yourself project, you just need a little creativity, grit and ingenuity and you too
photo: Jody Beck
778-433-1434 info@steponedesign.ca steponedesign.ca
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can have a place to lay your mat. The style of home gym that you choose to create depends largely on the type of exercise you want to practice. Yoga is conducted on a mat, making it the easiest form of exercise to adapt a space too. Weight lifting, dancing, martial arts and other, more explosive forms of movement, may need more space. Assuming you do not have your own set of dumbbells, kettle bells or a squat rack, weights will have to be repurposed out of items found in the house. Depending on your enthusiasm, just about anything can be used as a weight; for example, milk/water jugs, tin cans, cast iron frying pans, bags of rice, sandbags, or the family dog are all great for lifting. A word of caution: please do not lift heavy things without someone to spot you and if you are new to weights please check with your doctor first. The trick to building an excellent do-it-yourself workout is in the variety. The main guideline is to alternate between moves that target certain muscle groups with cardio. For example, squats work legs and bum while push-ups work back, chest and arms. Try a move and focus on what muscles are working. It is important to combine strength and cardio to keep your muscles warmed up and your cardiovascular system primed. Always remember that exercise is meant to be fun. Building your own home workout is a great way to experiment: simply choose a few movements that look fun, decide how many rounds you want to do, turn on some great music and you’re good to go! Example of an at home workout (source: girlsgonestrong.com) Set a timer for 20 minutes. Perform the following circuit, doing as many rounds as possible with good form. Rest 15 to 30 seconds between exercises, and 30 to 60 seconds between each round.
1. Perform 10 push-ups or 10 incline push-ups. 2. Perform 10 bodyweight squats or 10 bodyweight jump squats. 3. Perform 10 bear crawls. 4. Perform 10 jumping jacks.
OPTION TWO: Online resources
Finding an online workout program can be overwhelming, so we have listed some of the most popular online exercise apps. Nike Trainer App: This app lets you choose your workout style, time and available equipment. Each workout is presented by certified Nike trainers and athletes. It even has training programs that provide two to eight weeks of scheduled workouts. The best part is that it’s free! FitOn App: This is a very popular app, partially because it has great workouts for all levels, but also because it has exciting guest trainers such as Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and JVN. Who doesn’t like being entertained while exercising? Choose from a variety of movement styles from yoga to pilates to HIIT. Nearly every trainer, studio and gym is offering online classes these days, but in Victoria, check out: • Spar Boxing Studio has put together classes under their Spar Home program. Also available are their Spar At Home Packs, based on weightless to up the at home workout experience. More information at sparboxing.ca • One Yoga Victoria has online classes available, including a yoga class celebrating essential workers that is by donation, with proceeds going to the Big Wheel Burger Community Foundation. More information found at oneyogavictoria.com
Make any occasion special with
Located inside the Fairmont Empress Tea Lobby stonesjewelleryvictoria.com | 250-382-4841
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VICTORIA’S FINEST REAL ESTATE
L U X U R Y AT YO U R D O O R S T E P
909-910 100 Saghalie Victoria, BC $4,300,000 A stunning, one of a kind property in Bayview 1. Elevated high above Victoria’s inner harbour, this exceptional home is created from 2 penthouses, with over 4000 sq ft of open living space. Windows throughout the unit are corner to corner, floor to ceiling, providing an astounding 270 degree view. Outstanding amenities and top of the line finishes complete this magnificent property.
2365 Tryon Road North Saanich, BC $2,795,000 Private gated waterfront estate with sweeping south facing ocean vistas. Designer interior showcases an open floor plan and superior finishings. Floor to ceiling windows frame water views in all the principle rooms. Chef’s kitchen is equipped with top of the line appliances which opens to an expansive living room with a statement fireplace. Outside, an outdoor kitchen and easy care yard - launch your paddle board and explore the surrounding coastline.
735 Humboldt Street, Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1B1
The local real estate agent with the international network: vi.evcanada.com Scott Piercy, Private Office Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-686-7789 scott.piercy@evcanada.com www.luxurybchomes.com victoria.evcanada.com
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637 Transit Road
4035 Rainbow Hill Lane
8660 Richland Place
Oak Bay, BC $2,250,000
Victoria, BC $1,279,000
North Saanich, BC $1,795,000
Updated character home in prestigious South Oak Bay. Interior features gleaming hardwood floors, large picture windows, chef’s kitchen with high end appliances, 6 bedrooms including a luxurious master retreat. Additional space in detached finished garage. 1/4 acre of private park-like yard surrounded by trees and gardens.
Luxurious, modern townhome with sweeping city, mountain and ocean views. Designer interior is bright, open and flooded with natural light. Rich maple hardwood floors and upscale finishings throughout this 3 bed, 3 bath home. Generous sized principal rooms perfect for entertaining. Outdoor space offers decks, patio and easy care yard. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac, with easy access to all amenities.
Exquisite estate in picturesque North Saanich. Stunning interior captivates with vaulted ceilings and large windows framing garden vistas. Gorgeous modern kitchen is complete with custom cabinetry, waterfall marble island and eating nook. Grand foyer leads to the living room with a statement fireplace. This elite home also contains a self contained 1 bedroom suite with an open floor plan. Outdoor living space is private with manicured gardens.
1050 Roxview Court
11317 Ravenscroft Place
8080 McPhail Road - Lot 2
Sooke, BC $2,950,000
North Saanich, BC $2,195,000
Saanichton $3,000,000
Exquisite oceanfront property in scenic East Sooke, with over 5,000 square feet living space on a half acre. Uncompromising views provide the backdrop to this lavishly appointed residence. Upon entry, the dramatic 14 ft coffered ceilings emphasize the grandeur of this elegant residence and the open concept design encourages entertaining. Exceptional outdoor living space on each level, with both covered and uncovered areas.
Private, gated estate in desirable North Saanich. Positioned on the water’s edge, this oceanfront oasis offers a tranquil setting with spectacular ocean views. With over 5,000 sq ft of elegant living space, this stunning half acre property also offers easy care rock gardens, decks and patios, a hot tub and your own private access to a beach - the epitome of West Coast living!
Discover this exclusive waterfront parcel, that expands a full five acres of pristine West Coast beauty. Sitting in scenic Thompson Cove, this south west facing lot is positioned to soak in the sun and capture stunning sunsets. Mature trees provide coveted privacy. Potential for protected deep water moorage enhances this exceptional property by providing a launch point for your yacht, paddle board or kayak.
2249 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria BC, Canada V8R 1G4
The local real estate agent with the international network: vi.evcanada.com James LeBlanc, Private Office Advisor Personal Real Estate Corporation 250-812-7212 james.leblanc@evcanada.com www.luxurybchomes.com victoria.evcanada.com
exclusive luxury listings
2450 LANSDOWNE ROAD | UPLANDS 4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 843931 | $3,999,999
329 0 B E AC H D R I V E | U PL A N D S 5 B E D S | 5 BAT H S | 8 4 0553 | $3, 580,0 0 0
3250 EXETER ROAD | UPLANDS 4 BEDS | 6 BATHS | 850227 | $3,600,000
60 0 L I N K L E A S AV E N U E | OA K BAY 3 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 8 41815 | $3, 20 0,0 0 0
586 O L I V E R S T R E E T | OA K BAY 5 B E D S | 4 BAT H S | 8 4 4559 | $2, 80 0,0 0 0
SOLD
1250 B E AC H D R I V E | OA K BAY 4 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 850234 | $2,4 49,0 0 0
52 M AQ U I N N A S T R E E T | OA K BAY 3 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 850558 | $2, 249,0 0 0
2197 L A FAY E T T E S T R E E T | OA K BAY 4 B E D S | 4 BAT H S | 850 4 0 4 | $2,150,0 0 0
2225 L A N S D O W N E R OA D | OA K BAY 4 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 855418 | $1, 80 0,0 0 0
2250 W O O D H O US E R OA D | OA K BAY 3 B E D S | 2 BAT H S | 85120 6 | $950,0 0 0
309 -2285 B O W K E R AV E N U E | OA K BAY 1 B E D S | 1 BAT H | 850 474 | $575,0 0 0
JASON BINAB
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
JASON.BINAB@THEAGENC YRE.COM 778.265.5552 THEAGENC YRE.COM/BC
exclusive luxury listings
4657 VANTREIGHT DRIVE | SAANICH EAST 5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 852267 | $3,695,000
4544 DUART ROAD | SAANICH EAST 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 851679 | $3,090,000
2802 A R B U T US R OA D | SA A N I C H E A S T 3 B E D S | 4 BAT H S | 850 662 | $3,050,0 0 0
4705 K E R RY V I E W D R I V E | SA A N I C H W E S T 3 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 854562 | $3,0 0 0,0 0 0
691 D O N N I N G TO N PL AC E | SA A N I C H W E S T 3 B E D S | 4 BAT H S | 855570 | $2,495,0 0 0
10 685 M C D O N A L D PA R K R OA D | N O R T H SA A N I C H LOT | 838387 | $568,0 0 0
830 -21 DA L L A S R OA D | V I C TO R I A 2 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 8 42190 | $1, 875,0 0 0
PH 5 - 165 K I M TA R OA D | V I C TO R I A W E S T 3 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 85168 4 | $1, 50 0,0 0 0
4391 E M I LY C A R R D R I V E | SA A N I C H E A S T 4 B E D S | 3 BAT H S | 854167 | $1,420,0 0 0
3- 933 M E A R E S S T R E E T | V I C TO R I A 3 B E D S | 4 BAT H S | 839295 | $1,150,0 0 0
435 - 770 FI S G A R D S T R E E T | V I C TO R I A 2 B E D S | 2 BAT H S | 855262 | $650,0 0 0
THEAGENCYRE.COM/BC
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3150 Tarn Place | Uplands | .89 Acre Waterfront | Listed at $8,000,000
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3195 Humber Road | Uplands | 2.25 Acre Waterfront | Listed at $11,900,000
80 King George Terr, OB Gonzales 6 Bd | 5 Bath | 3,644 Sq Ft | $2,249,000
3585 Beach Dr, Uplands 5 Bd | 5 Bath | 5,600 Sq Ft | $4,777,000
641 Oliver St, South Oak Bay 5 Bd | 5 Bath | 4,100 Sq Ft | $2,899,000
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289 King George Terr, Gonzales Oak Bay 2 Bd | 3 Bath | 28,000 Sq Ft | $2,650,000
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987 Beach Dr, South Oak Bay 3 Bd | 4 Bath | 2,484 Sq Ft | $2,150,000
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2505 Cotswold Rd, Uplands 5 Bd, 3 Bath | 3,625 Sq Ftt | $1,825,000
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2354 Renfrew, Shawnigan Lake 3 Bd, 3 Bath | 48,000 Sq Ft Lot | $3,200,000
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467 Downey Rd, Deep Cove 3 Bd, 3 Bath | 2,642 Sq Ft | $1,499,000
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3205 Exeter Rd, Uplands 3 Bd, 4 Bath | 17,159 Sq Ft Lot | $2,150,000
2249 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC
CALLAGHAN O’CONNOR P E R S O N A L R E A L E S TAT E C O R P O R AT I O N
callaghan.oconnor@evcanada.com 250.888.4579 / callaghanoconnor.com
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2810 Lansdowne Rd, Uplands 7 Bd & 7 Bath | 9,034 Sq Ft | $4,100,000
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1773 Armstrong Rd, Oak Bay 5 Bd, 2 Bath | 9,675 Sq Ft Lot | $1,650,000
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640 Beach Dr, South Oak Bay 10,454 Sq Ft Lot | Panoramic View | $1,899,000
A unique modern French Chateau complete with slate roof and copper gutters, situated in Victoria’s crown jewel, the Uplands. Custom built in 2007 this elegant home features entertainment sized rooms, and quality finishes that will excite even the most decerning buyer. Over 6500 sq. ft. on three levels, plus a 6 car garage with heated floors!
3280 UPLANDS ROAD $4,500,000
The magnificent formal living room features an oversized Gas fireplace, and French doors overlooking a unique water feature, and the gorgeous private garden beyond. Gourmets will enjoy the fabulous kitchen with 6 burner Wolfe Gas stove, Sub Zero fridge and separate freezer, warming drawer, water filtration, centre island with eating bar. There is also a pantry with second Sub Zero fridge. Adjoining is an eating area with patio for barbecuing. Gracious formal dining with smoked French Crystal chandelier, has a butlers pantry, complete with wine fridge and second dishwasher. The Master is on the main with spacious separate dressing room, and sumptuous en-suite. Also on the main is an office with many built-ins, two more bathrooms, and the laundry. The second level has two spacious en-suite bedrooms, plus a grand family room with Gas fireplace. The lower level features an exercise room, wine room, custom cedar lined storage room, and plenty of extra storage. The six car garage has heated floors, and stainless topped workshop area. A separate heated garden house, and storage shed complete this unique property. Situated on a Park-like .61 acre lot, strolling distance to the Uplands golf club, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and village shopping.
For more information visit: uplist.ca/h/LynneSager-3280-Uplands-Rd
SPECIALIZING IN THE SALE OF DISTINGUISHED HOMES
250.744.3301 lynne@lynnesager.com lynnesager.com
SERVING BUYERS AND SELLERS IN THE GREATER VICTORIA AREA SINCE 1982
1017-21 Dallas Road $7,800,000.00 In the very best location on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, this unique penthouse suite is best described as a single family home situated on the top floor of phase III at the iconic Shoal Point development. Sharing no common walls and featuring almost 3,900 square feet on one floor, this incomparable 3 bed/3 bath sky-home features large Palladian windows throughout, affording stunning views from every principal room. Surrounded by 3,500 sqft of Marble laden deck, this offering comprises nearly 7,400 sqft of indoor/outdoor living. Its unique position affords nearly 360 degrees of dynamic views of Victoria’s breathtaking inner/outer harbour and beyond. Moor your yacht steps from your front door in Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoy evenings sitting around the outdoor fire pit, in the private outdoor hot tub, or just get lost in the ever-changing views and activity of beautiful Victoria, BC.
746 Pemberton Road | $999,000.00 Offered here is a super rare, newly created Rockland building lot. This 11,625 sqft bare land strata lot will be registered in late September and will be shovel ready. Fully underground serviced with lovely landscaped common road and level building site, this presents a rare opportunity to build a beautifully designed master-on-main 2,379 sqft home (plus garage). Pick a builder of your choice and create a beautiful living situation in one of Victoria’s most coveted neighbourhoods. Very close to all the amenities of downtown, beaches, Craigdarroch Castle, and the Government House.
IAN BROWN
Personal Real Estate Corporation
250.385.2033 | C: 250.686.2700 ianbrownrealestate@gmail.com
Lot A 1918 Crescent Road $1,599,000.00 Offered here is a rare, proposed south facing ocean view lot which sits directly across the street from one of Victoria’s best sandy beaches! This 11,216 sqft Oak Bay lot enjoys an elevated position which affords expansive views of Gonzales bay, the Salish Sea and beyond to the Olympic mountain range. Once your dream home is built, you’ll be enjoying the easy seaside lifestyle on Gonzales beach. Just minutes to Fairfield Plaza, excellent schools of all levels and Oak Bay Village are just a few things that make this location so special. Walk across the street with your paddle board or kayak or just enjoy dinner on the sand! Zoned RS-5 so there are lots of construction possibilities!
449 Long Harbour Road Saltspring Island | $5,900,000.00 The ultimate Saltspring waterfront retreat! Featuring a beautiful 5 bedroom main house and a 4 bedroom private, updated cottage, this estate is perfect for large groups and families! A boater’s dream with a deep water protected dock that can accommodate a 60’ boat and features its own crab shack and hot tub. Almost 4 acres with a beautiful orchard, workshop and 750 feet of low bank waterfront with walk-on private beach, this gated estate has it all! Located just minutes to Ganges by boat or car so one can enjoy the privacy of a rural waterfront estate and all the restaurants, galleries, and amenities at the same time.
IANBROWN.BIZ
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VICTORIA’S ESTATE LEADER Since Jan/2019 Over $43,000,000 in TrustedREAL Real Estate Transactions Approaching Billion RealeEstate Transactions Total i n&harder tApproaching rus than t e d1 Lisa. r e$1,000,000,000 aShe l einslistens, tat t 0r0in a ns ac and tSales! ions. 0 0 works strategizes makes itIEW happen. 3931 Tudor Avenue 2801 Tudor Avenue 0 3931 Avenue 2801 Tudor Avenue 2032 10493 A LLBAY R OAD 2940 M T B AKER V IEW R OAD 2921 SEA VIEW ROAD 10493Tudor A“Nobody LLBAY R OAD 2940 M T B AKER V IEW R OAD 2921 SEAEsplanade V2032 REsplanade OAD 0 0 0 0 0 0 , 0 , , 2017 Westcoast modern w/lots of options, open design 2 Acres with Ocean Views – 10 Mile Point Fabulous/quiet seaside home sandy coast modern w/lots of options, open design 2 Acres with Ocean Views – 10 Mile Point Fabulous/quiet seaside home on sandy Willows Beach , 0 inWillow 0 Oceanfront Masterpiece Tuscan-Inspired Luxury Elegant/Flexible Design Peaceful Oceanfront Setting .72 Acre Oceanview 10 M0 nt Masterpiece Peaceful Oceanfront Setting0 Case .72 Acre Oceanview Site Building in 10 on Mile E 24/7 - Design Lisa wasLuxury available she -made our Scenario’ aBuilding reality. 02‘Best 00Pt 0Site 80- Tuscan-Inspired CEElegant/Flexible 8 C 0 5 0 0 I 8G 0 , 9 I , , 9 7 R 7 9 0 N , 0 5 7 R , , , * I P 8 9 8 1 P 1 WeLisa could not recommend Realtor more highly.” G. & R. Mayor 9 Williams is Your$a$3Negotiating Negotiating Advantage Lisa Williams Advantage WW Selling: $M $52 Buying or Selling: Lisa Williams* Williams* is $Your Your Negotiating Advantage 33,,9 4,4 Negotiating Eor E $ Buying Lisa is Advantage $ O N Nor Selling: Lisa Williams* is Your Negotiating Advantage C VICTORIA’S REAL ESTATE LEADER REAL ESTATE LEADER Over $43,000,000 inVICTORIA’S Trusted Real Transactions Since Jan/2019 OverBuying $43,000,000 Transactions Since Jan/2019 (250) ( 2in 5 0 Trusted ) 5514-1966 1 4 - 1 9 6Estate 6Real LLISAWILLIAMS.CA I S AEstate WILLIAM S.CA
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CALL ( 2 5 0 ) 5LISA 1 4 - 1 9DIRECT 6 6 L I S A250-514-1966 WILLIAMS.CA ( 2 5 0 ) 5 1 4 -**Personal 1Personal 9 6 6Real Estate L I SCorporation AWI LLIA M S .C A Estate Corporation
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lisawilliams.ca * Personal Real Estate Corporation
* *Drive 2640 QUEENSWOOD Dis RIVE 639 Radcliffe RAdvantage ADCLIFFE Lane LANE 2640 Queenswood Lisa is Your Negotiating Lisa Williams Negotiating Advantage LisaWilliams Williams Negotiating Advantage Lisa Williams Your Negotiating Advantage
2615 Queensw QUEENSW 2615
Incredible Equestrian Estate 5960 Hunt Road, Victoria | Cordova Bay
$7,490,000
Cordova Bay refined luxury new 8,000 sq. ft. home alongside Olympic quality equine facilities with indoor & outdoor riding rings, 32 horse stalls plus more on 15 level acres backing onto Lochside Trail.
Contemporary Oceanside 8005 Turgoose Terrace, Central Saanich
Gracious Inspiration $3,498,000
Sleek West Coast lines meld effortlessly with the ocean from this inspiring 5,033 sq ft. automated home with foreshore lease for boating enjoyment.
375 Quayle Road, Victoria
$3,498,000
Hamptons inspired custom 6,500 sq. ft. family retreat perfectly sited on two sundrenched private acres in a picturesque resort-like setting just minutes from the City.
“We believe every home is a mansion regardless of size, location or price”
MACLEOD GROUP Glynis MacLeod
Kirsten MacLeod
250.661.7232
250.686.3385
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Sales Associate
macleodgroup@sothebysrealty.ca 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.
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$2,275,000
$2,795,000 9458 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich
mls®
# 843046
mls®
# 856185
$1,150,000 8846 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich
mls®
# 854569
mls®
# 842490
mls®
# 851208
$1,950,000
$1,995,000 12 Wellington Avenue, Victoria
1524 Montgomery Avenue, Victoria
2529 Goddard Road, Sidney
$1,049,000 mls®
# 855711
10993 Chalet Road, North Saanich
Sylvia Therrien
1144 Fort Street, Victoria, BC
Personal Real Estate Corporation
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The Value of Experience
4826 Spring Road | $2,995,000
2160 Wenman Drive | $2,095,000 Custom contemporary in Gordon Head
PE
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Custom Home on 5 acres with Views
3225 Exeter Road | $1,775,000
2515 Central Avenue | $1,285,000
4743 Amblewood | $1,385,000
93 King George Terrace | $2,169,000
Mid-century Privacy in The Uplands
Broadmead Rancher
South Oak Bay Charmer
Spectacular views in South Oak Bay
Sylvia@SylviaTherrien.ca • SylviaTherrien.ca 250.385.2033 • Cell: 250.888.6621
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
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317-21 Dallas Road James Bay $1,299,000
4381 Wildflower Lane Broadmead $1,499,000
435 Chadwick Place Fairfield East $2,495,000
6-4341 Crownwood Lane Broadmead $849,000
Large, bright kitchen complete with an island, granite counter tops and lots of cupboard and pantry space. The living/dining features a gas fireplace. A large master bedroom offers room for a king bed, has a 5 piece ensuite, walk -in closet, a cozy gas fireplace, and sunny deck.
This bright, spacious home has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, triple garage with a level II EV charger and is located on a quiet cul-desac. The main level has vaulted ceilings in the dining & living rooms, and a kitchen w/ eating area open to the large family room. The master bedroom has a 5 pce ensuite & deck.
Designed by award winning architects, deHoog & Kierulf, this concrete home is beautifully accented with blond woods, natural stone, and stainless steel throughout. The modern kitchen, overlooking the private and serene backyard with patio, is a chef ’s dream.
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom end unit townhome. Located in an adult oriented small complex of 6 units. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwood floors, a sunroom, lots of storage, patio with a water feature and a double garage are just a few of the wonderful features.
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9-21 Dallas Road James Bay $529,000
324-21 Dallas Road James Bay $899,000
606-21 Dallas Road James Bay $999,000
10-21 Dallas Road James Bay $610,000
This lovely south facing 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom live/work unit is move in ready! Hardwood floors and floor to ceiling windows add to this bright condo. A gas fireplace provides atmosphere and will keep you warm and cosy. The large South facing patio gives you lots of room for gardening, entertaining or relaxing. Located close to downtown, Dallas Road ocean walkway, restaurants & library and a park next door.
Inner harbour views from your 750 sqft. deck! This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is perfect for watching all the activities on the inner harbour. This elegant 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.
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.
Enjoy working from home with access to your 312 sqft patio from your office. Lovely open living/dining area has gas fireplace and 9 foot ceilings. Large master bedroom with an ensuite , a second bedroom or den/office and a three piece bathroom complete this lovely condo. One parking spot and a storage locker. Enjoy the wonderful amenities such as a 25m lap pool, gym, sauna, steam, jacuzzi, concierge service and more!
Strata fees for 2020 will be paid!
2249 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 1G4 • Office +1 778-433-8885
ETHIER.
Sarah West, Personal Real Estate Corporation, and Bill Ethier
The Real Estate Team You Trust for Life info@propertiesinvictoria.com | 250.920.7000 | propertiesinvictoria.com
PEACEFUL AND PRIVATE
MODERN AND BRIGHT
QUALITY NEW BUILD
6-1105 Esquimalt Road 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms $729,000
703-100 Saghalie Road 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom $539,000
3139 Bowkett Place 3 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms $1,295,000 plus GST
Living the Dream!
2190 Navigators Rise | $2,599,900 Escape to your Modern View Masterpiece! Panoramic Ocean, Mountain & City views from all principle rooms. Stylish interior blends clean lines with luxury that emphasizes striking vistas, framed by walls of glass. The Chef’s Gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances including gas range & central bar. Dining rm easily accommodates large social gatherings & opens to inviting living rm with statement FP. Entertain in style with a functional configuration & multiple settings for hosting. Regal master suite with lavish 5pc ensuite, walk-in & deck access. Media rm, office, gym with luxurious Steam Shower, laundry & 3pc bath. Walkout lower offers generous rec rm with wet bar, 3 bedrooms (1 with ensuite) & separate 1 bed suite. Outside, multiple deck & patio spaces, & an additional THREE car garage on the lowest level! Easy care property with manicured gardens. Bring your toys with FIVE garage bays! Prime location with Bear Mt. Golf club, restaurants, shops, spa & gym, & nature trails.
LINDA BROWN Licensed Realtor & Certified Home Stager
Better Marketing. Better Service. Better Results. Distinctive Vancouver Island Homes
cell 250-213-7194 | 250-744-3301 | lindabrown.ca | 4440 Chatterton Way | RE/MAX Camosun boulevardmagazines.com  |
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7235 SPAR TREE WAY | SOOKE 5 BEDS | 5 BATHS CUSTOM BUILT HOME | MOUNTAIN & OCEAN VIEWS
414-1400 LYNBURNE PL. | BE AR MOUNTAIN 2 BED | 2 BATHS | $589,800 | ML S 856164 CONDO ON THE GOLF COURSE
52 MAQUINNA ST. | GONZ ALES, OAK BAY 3 BED | 3 BATHS | $2,249,000 | ML S 850558 NE WER MODERN HOME
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802 - 1090 JOHNSON ST . | DOWNTOWN, VICTORIA 2 BED | 2 BATHS | $555,000 | ML S 855781 CONDO WITH VIEWS OF CITY, MOUNTAIN & OCEAN
586 OLIVER ST.| SOUTH OAK BAY 5 BED /4 BATHS | $2,800,000 | ML S 84 4559 NE W HOME - STEPS TO THE BE ACH
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Gautam Arora
Licenced Realtor, Pemberton Holmes Gautam Arora Personal Realestate Corporation
250.384.8124 | Arorarealty.org
Established 1887
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food and feast
Immuneboosting bounty WORDS ELLIE SHORTT
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PHOTOS LIA CROWE
Fall favourites to keep your plates colourful and nourishing throughout the colder months
A
s autumn takes hold and winter approaches, changes abound: the days shorten; the air cools. Many of us also have more on our minds and more on our to-do lists. Add to that the nervousness of our current pandemic reality, and some may feel a sense of fear in the air. Fear of the unknown, fear of new structures and systems, and for many, the fear of cold and flu season coupled with an aggressive virus that we still know so little about. However, one promising area of exploration is that of preventative measures as related to immune function and predispositions. While there is still minimal conclusive evidence on specifics that can ward off or diminish the effects of COVID-19, experts agree that a stronger baseline immune system doesn’t hurt, and even aside from this particular virus, tried-and-true methods for natural and safe immune support are beneficial in warding off various bugs that pop up in the colder, darker months. The following are some seasonal finds that not only contain nutrients to boost and support immune function, but taste wonderful and warm the soul on so many nourishing levels. (Please note that while I am a trained and certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, this is not intended to be medical advice for any ailment, especially COVID-19, and is meant to simply offer some sources of ingredient inspiration that perhaps also provide an additional advantage of natural and non-invasive immune support.)
Roots
Root vegetables are a strong staple in the autumnal culinary rotation. Carrots, parsnips and beets in their many gorgeous shapes, sizes and colours are delicious roasted and
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Some seasonal finds that not only contain nutrients to boost and support immune function, but taste wonderful and warm the soul on so many nourishing levels.
made into salads or side dishes, puréed into soups, or simply enjoyed raw, whether that’s shaved, grated, spiralized or even juiced. They are nutrient-packed powerhouses, boasting a wide array of immune-boosting benefits. For example, carrots have a high concentration of an antioxidant group called carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene, a precursor to active vitamin A, which is responsible for many immune-based perks. There are a number of studies that support this, including one out of the Institute of Nutritional Physiology in 2003 that showed the advantageous effects of carrots (specifically carrot juice) on immune function. And it’s not just the orange-hued ones! For those like myself who enjoy the visually diverse delights of multi-coloured produce, you will find immune assistance in the purple, red and yellow varieties as well. Similar to carrots, beets come in a cornucopia of stunning assortments and offer a multiplicity of superb nutrients. Equally rich in antioxidants, including carotenoids, beets provide a comparable set of immune advantages, in addition to their remarkable ability to aid in gentle natural detoxification—another key component to healthy immune function. Humble little parsnips also contain disease-fighting antioxidants such as quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin, which may enhance immunity and protect against infection. They also offer up jackpot levels of vitamin C—25 per cent of the daily recommended amount in one serving, in fact. This crucial vitamin plays a central role in immune function, and according to multiple studies, including one conducted by Anitra C. Carr and Silvia Maggini in 2017, getting enough vitamin C in one’s diet may help decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold and other respiratory tract infections.
Tubers
Yams, sweet potatoes and potatoes (specifically those vibrant purple potatoes) may seem like humble lumps, but are all loaded with nutrients, many of which provide mega benefits to the immune system. Sweet potatoes offer delightful doses of vitamins A and C; in fact, sweet potatoes contain one of the highest concentrations of vitamin A found in any vegetable (one
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The Botanical Series INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING JEWELLERY DESIGNERS • SINCE 1972 250-383-3414 • www.idar.com We’ve moved next door to 950 Fort St, Victoria, BC
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Located in the heart of Fort Street in Victoria, idar serves as the retail showcase and working studio of award-winning master goldsmith and nationally renowned jeweller Idar Bergseth.
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Roasted Roots Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing
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medium-sized cooked sweet potato contains 21,907 international units of vitamin A or 438 per cent of the daily recommended value). Regular old potatoes are great sources of beneficial nutrients as well, primarily potassium, but if you’re really wanting to kick things up a notch, give purple potatoes a try. While they seem novel, they’re not new. The history of the purple potato goes back to the purple Peruvian, an heirloom fingerling potato. This type of potato may have been noted as early as 1817, listed as available at the market of Les Halles. They have a nutty, earthy flavour and are perfect as a side dish to complement nearly any main course. I like to cook them in a way similar to how I would regular potatoes—roasted, mashed, smashed—even the hasselback method works great with this imperially pigmented tuber. But aside from being majestically hued and fragrantly flavourful, these potatoes serve up some vitamin C, potassium and B6, all of which can aid in proper immune function.
Winter Squashes
Butternut, acorn, ambercup, delicata and my personal favourite, kabocha…there are seemingly endless options to choose from in the winter squash world, and even within each variety, there appears to be boundless shapes, sizes, colours and quirks. They grow abundantly throughout British Columbia, each offering their own texture, flavour and most optimal use, and, you guessed it, are full of immune-enhancing nutrients like vitamins C and A. The bright-fleshed squashes like butternut and kabocha are particularly rich in antioxidants, including
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FINEST AT SEA Our Boats. Our Fish.
FROM OUR FISHERMEN DIRECT TO YOU.
FINEST AT SEA three different carotenoids, which as we discovered earlier are key elements in proper immune function. But equally as important as the nutrient factors of these gorgeous gourds is their gastronomic versatility. I like to cook and purée them into soups, incorporate them into stews, slice and roast them into side dishes and as salad toppers, blend them into creamy dips and sauces, and bake them into muffins, loaves and pies. And let’s not forget that pumpkin, a fall-time flavour favourite, is technically a squash and also jam-packed with all those wondrous nutrients mentioned above (one cup of cooked pumpkin provides 245 per cent of the reference daily intake of vitamin A and 19 per cent of the reference daily intake of vitamin C). These are just a few examples of the autumnal bounty we are so blessed to have at this time of year. I could go on and on about those exquisite leafy greens of kale, chard and collards, or the magnificent realm of mushrooms, all of which offer their own unique array of nutritional powers and immune-boosting benefits. But that’s the beauty of eating locally, seasonally and with curious eclecticism—nature provides us with what we need and when we need it, and packages it up in the most delicious and stunning ways for full sensory pleasure. So while this is perhaps a somewhat weighty breakdown of the nutritional benefits of a few of the most classic and common fall-time offerings, remember that the most important thing is to have fun with food, appreciate what’s on your plate, and try to find sweet moments of calm solace and cosy comfort amid the potential chaos, pending fears, or gloomier moments of the fall and winter season.
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Roasted Roots Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing Prep time: 10-15 minutes Cooking time: 30-45 minutes Makes 4-6 servings
For the dressing: ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup tahini Juice of one lemon (about 2 tbsp) 1 tsp honey ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 small clove of garlic, peeled and minced Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (I usually do about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper) Water for desired thickness (or olive oil if you like a more richly flavoured dressing); I usually do about ¼ cup Directions Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and turmeric. Slowly whisk in the water (or more olive oil) until you’ve reached your optimal consistency. Whisk in the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside. *TIP: you can also combine all the ingredients in a small blender or food processor for a quick and easy option. For the salad: 1 lb small to medium beets, peeled and halved or quartered 1 lb small to medium carrots, peeled and halved or quartered 1 lb small to medium parsnips, peeled and halved or quartered 1 medium red onion, peeled and sliced ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 to 2 tbsp of minced flat-leaf parsley 4 cups of baby arugula 4 oz soft goat cheese Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Garnish of shaved almonds and/or dried black currants Directions Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the pre-prepped veggies with the olive oil and spread evenly on one or two baking sheets. *TIP: I like to toss the carrots and parsnips first, then the beets, so that everything doesn’t turn pink if I’m using red beets. Sprinkle with your minced herbs and a generous dash of sea salt and freshly ground pepper, roast for 30-45 minutes (until everything is fork tender) and remove from the oven to cool. Once cooled, toss the arugula in some dressing (enough to lightly coat the greens), spread out on a platter and artfully place the roasted root veggies and goat cheese on top. Drizzle with more dressing and garnish with the almonds, currents and any remaining herbs.
Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup with Cumin Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Prep time:10-15 minutes Cooking time: 30-45 minutes Makes 2-4 servings
For the cumin toasted pumpkin seeds 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp ground cumin Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste (about ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp black pepper)
Let us help you discover your very own Eminence Wellness and Self Care Ritual
Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup with Cumin Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Directions Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil and cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the pumpkin seeds evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 5-10 minutes or until just beginning to toast (you don’t want to over-toast them). *TIP: you may want to stir them halfway through to ensure a more even cook. Remove from oven and set aside. For the soup 1 medium-sized kabocha squash, cut in half and deseeded ½ large onion, sliced 1to 2 cups broth, depending on how thick you like it 1 can (400ml) coconut cream 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger ½ tsp garam masala ¼ tsp ground clove 1 tbsp pure maple syrup Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tbsp to ¼ cup) *TIP: I like to use a nice bone broth for added nutrient density and immune-boosting benefits, but a simple veggie stock works great too. Directions Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rub the kabocha squash with some olive oil (about 1 tbsp or so) and place face-down on the baking sheet. Bake for 30-45 minutes until fork tender. Remove and set aside to cool. While the squash is cooking, sauté the onion on medium-to-low heat with the remaining olive oil until translucent and beginning to get golden brown. Transfer the onion, squash and all other ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor, and purée until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and add salt, pepper and any more seasoning you desire. Reheat on stovetop to enjoy, or store in fridge or freezer for later.
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Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Loaf Prep time: 5-10 minutes Cooking time: 30-40 minutes Makes 8 slices
½ cup almond flour ½ cup coconut flour ¼ cup tapioca flour ½ cup cane sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground clove ¼ tsp sea salt 3 eggs 1 cup sweet potato/yam purée 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ cup butter, melted, plus a little extra for greasing *
*TIP: Melted coconut oil or even olive oil works great too if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Loaf
Directions Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a loaf pan with butter.* In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, sugar and sea salt, and set aside. In a mixer, food processor, or by hand, combine the eggs, sweet potato/yam purée, vanilla extract,and melted better. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into your loaf pan, smooth out the top and sprinkle with some extra cinnamon, sugar and crumbled nuts, or just leave plain. Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking to see if the centre is cooked through by inserting a thin knife or long skewer until it comes out clean. Once baked through, remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove from the loaf pan, and let it cool further on a wired rack for a few more minutes. Slice and serve with butter or whipped cream. *TIP: You can also line the bottom with a thin strip of parchment paper with the edges hanging out for easier removal.
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e’re casually watching a pair of frisky Arctic foxes playing on the shoreline of Hudson Bay when our guide arrives with welcome news. A polar bear has been spotted. It’s half a kilometre away and heading straight for us. It’s hard to pick a white bear out of a white background— especially when your heart is hammering—but now I see him, striding confidently towards us over the tidal flat on big, furry feet. The foxes scatter from his path as we take up positions along the big picture windows of our lodge, cameras ready. For this bear—our first—I’m glad we’re inside. But for the next three days we’ll go on long walks on the tundra, looking for more of the largest land carnivores on the planet. I first heard about polar bear safaris at Seal River Heritage Lodge from a friend who was visiting from Belgium. Aline was on a month-long tour of some of Canada’s most magnificent places and when she arrived in British Columbia—her last stop—all she could talk about was walking with polar bears in Manitoba. And these were not bears behind bars in the Winnipeg zoo, but bears in the wild. At an eco-lodge on the shore of Hudson Bay. Off the grid and perhaps—I wondered—for people a little off their rockers. But crazy as it seemed, after hearing about Aline’s remarkable experience, I knew I had to go. It’s a 30-minute flight from Churchill to the private airstrip at Seal River Heritage Lodge. After settling into our comfortable rooms and lunching in the sunny dining room overlooking Hudson Bay, we gather in the lounge to learn more about what’s in store in the days ahead. “We won’t walk straight up to a bear,” says Andy McPherson, the lead guide, explaining that we’ll trek in tight single file and approach a bear slowly, “showing him how big we are.” “We want to be one visual presence,” he adds. In 26 years of offering walking safaris, guides with Churchill Wild—the company that owns this lodge and three others on this coast—have never had to shoot a bear. Instead, if one comes too close, they’ll talk loudly to it, “like I’m talking to a dog,” says Andy, or throw stones at it. “Bangers” and “screamers,” noisy deterrents that are commonly used in the town of Churchill, are rarely used here. The next morning the temperature has plummeted to minus 10 C and we gather outside dressed in puffy parkas and big boots. (I leave behind my favourite sealskin toque after learning that polar bears have a wicked sense of smell and seals are their favourite food.)
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PHOTO BY IAN JOHNSON, COURTESY CHURCHILL WILD
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It’s hard to pick a white bear out of a white background— especially when your heart is hammering— but now I see him, striding confidently towards us over the tidal f lat on big, furry feet.
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We number 15—seven Americans, three Aussies, a couple Israelis, two Brits and me—the lone Canadian. Interestingly, two women left their husbands at home and are here with their adult sons. Crunching through the snow, we follow Andy, while two other guides bring up the rear. All three carry rifles while the rest of us are armed only with cameras and a taste for adventure. It’s not by chance that Churchill Wild picked this stretch of Hudson Bay coastline for eco-tourism. It’s where the boreal forest meets the Arctic tundra and it’s rich with wildlife. Not only does it boast the largest concentration of polar bears in the world, but grizzlies and black bears are here too, along with moose and caribou. In the summer, thousands of beluga whales congregate in the Seal River estuary. In early November, when we arrive, polar bears are patiently waiting for ice to form on the bay so they can go offshore to hunt seals. Our first few walks on the tundra are bear-free. But there’s much else to savour: the dramatic black and white world of boulders and snow; or the hazy blue light on the bay one morning, illuminating the ice that formed overnight. Ptarmigans and Arctic hares hiding in plain sight simply by standing still. Eyelashes trimmed with frost after an exhilarating walk. In fact, there’s so much to observe that one morning when Andy tells us to keep an eye on the grassy ridges near the shoreline, I ask what we’re looking for.
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“Polar bears,” he replies. Oh, right. Of course, we enjoy our time inside the lodge as well, especially appetizers and wine in front of a roaring fire each evening. Meals are at family-sized tables with big helpings of comfort food, including wildly harvested meat and fish. After dinner, we’re treated to lectures about all things polar bear. Did you know that female bears experience something called “delayed implantation?” They mate in the spring, but fertilized eggs aren’t implanted until the fall, and only if the bear is healthy enough to support cubs through a long winter, much of it without food. Andy believes the bear population is doing well, despite climate change. “They’ve lived through warmer periods and survived,” he says. “They’re exceptionally intelligent animals.” On our final morning walk, we spot a bear and her cub bedded down in a nest of seaweed. At about 70 metres away, Andy motions us to stop and watch. When the bears finish napping, they completely ignore us. They stretch, they yawn and they scratch their chins in what appears to be boredom, the same way a person would. “Researchers will say you’re anthropomorphizing,” says Andy, who has been guiding here for the past 14 years, “but spending the time we do with them, you can’t help but see it.” On our last night, I’m watching foxes playing outside the window when someone yells “bear!” A mother and two cubs are approaching. When they get as close as they can (an electric fence is between them and the window) they peer up at us, as harmless-looking as teddy bears, and just as adorable. Then, off they walk into the snowy night, pausing once to look back, as if to say, “thanks for visiting.” Good-bye, bears. We wish you all the best. For dates and rates see churchillwild.com
PHOTO BY GEORGE TURNER
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secrets and lives —
AND THE 7 SINS with DAMON GRAY
D
WORDS ANGELA COWAN
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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
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amon Gray, the founder and general manager of NZ Builders Ltd. has been in construction for nearly 25 years, having started as a young teen in the industry. By 18, he was building his own houses in his native New Zealand, before making the move to the States for several years, and finally settling on Vancouver Island in 2004. “I come from the North Island, off a small hobby farm that would probably be something like what you’d find in Coombs or Central Saanich,” he says, explaining why he chose Vancouver Island when relocating. “That was an attraction. And the people are friendly, like New Zealand. And I don’t have to sit in traffic for two or three hours like I did in the States,” he adds with a laugh. NZ Builders started out doing smaller contract jobs, but the company’s profile exploded when Damon built his own house: an energy-efficient project on Wain Road, heavily focused on sustainability and passive solar design. “It got a lot of press,” he says. “It was different design-wise and was built with all concrete construction. And it was when energy efficiency was just coming in. “Energy efficiency isn’t really worthwhile financially in BC yet, but it’s a healthy way to live regardless. You get a very healthy house out of it, and that’s a really important part of it,” says the father of three. “The company’s always been about quality, building durable and building with energy efficiency.” And while many of their projects have been modern-leaning, NZ Builders is extremely versatile when it comes to working with different designs, he says.
“We’re always keen on unique and interesting projects; we don’t do well with the average bear. That’s where we seem to flourish.” On the new side of things, he and David Phillips, NZ Builders COG (Chief Operating Ginger), are in the process of starting up a new company, Kompak Prefab, specializing in prefab modular housing. The units start at 400 square feet, increasing in size from there, and will be built with the same focus on quality, durability and energy efficiency as NZ Builders’ custom homes. The idea to go the prefab route is to provide a more affordable option for quality generational housing. “They’re very nice, and as much as we love building custom homes, we know it’s not affordable for many and we would like to give back,” says Damon. “We can piggy-back off our knowledge and systems developed through NZ Builders and provide a new solution for housing in our community.”
“We’re always keen on unique and interesting projects; we don’t do well with the average bear. That’s where we seem to flourish.”
The 7 Sins ENVY:
WRATH:
Pet peeves? When people repeat what you just asked them. If they don’t clean up after themselves properly. When people break the rules and get to where they want to be, and meanwhile, you’re trying to do the same thing by the proper rules and spend years getting told you can’t.
Whose shoes would you like to walk in? Barry Crump. He’s a grizzled old farmer from New Zealand who just gets shit done. And Peter Blake, an iconic sailor who got to work, set his goals and got after them. But really I should be walking in the shoes of someone pushing the boundaries of architecture, so if I’d have to choose, I’d slip on Tom Kundig’s shoes and take them for a bit of a walk down sustainable lane.
SLOTH:
GLUTTONY:
Where would you spend a long time doing nothing? Out on the back patio, admiring the landscape and architecture.
What is the food you could eat over and over again? With my beautiful Crohn’s diet, this hits real close to home. I eat the same three meals every single day. I smash four cups of oats with a peeled diced apple, sliced banana, half a litre of macadamia nut milk, and just a splash of maple syrup. And don’t forget the salt.
GREED:
You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on? I’d buy good land where I could create work for the community, produce some food and leave a legacy for my family.
PRIDE:
What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ? I have always been a little (a lot) weird with my goings-on. Concrete homes, funny-looking sport trucks. Kiwis don’t take a lot of time for hubris; we’ve got this thing called tall poppy syndrome, so we typically downplay what we’re up to. Deep down, I’m really proud of our company and the people who have been a part of it for many years and helped me along the way.
LUST: What makes your heart beat faster? I’ll get in trouble if I don’t say my wife, but if I dig deep, I love wiping my hands across a freshly poured concrete panel, then walking away admiring its beauty before jumping in the Maloo.
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narrative
WORDS CAMERON HOPE
X
ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY
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he tide is out at Cadboro Bay on a sunny Saturday morning. Dog walkers stretch out to the left, while couples and families wander the longer crescent to the right. Others begin to fill the playground, claiming picnic tables and straightening infant sun hats. As my wife and I cross from the grassy park to the gritty low strip of concrete sea wall, and then to the sand, there are five boys ahead, eight or nine or 10 years old, looking for suitable sticks among the washed-up logs. They are talking, negotiating the rules of the game. In the manner of kids this age it is nothing but beach-day proximity that has put them in league with one another, and there is no way of telling if they are old friends or if they’ve just met. We have walked down from the local coffee house, lattes in hand. Sara sips hers and then asks me to hold it while she fishes for her camera, and monkeys with the settings for a minute. The five boys on the beach are in motion now, some with shirts and some without, and they all have driftwood machine guns. A running battle takes them down and then up from the water, over to a concrete outfall slab near the deeper dunes, ducking into the grasses, then barreling back down to the water’s edge. They level their wood guns at each other, “Dadadada” and imaginary bullets are flying everywhere. Some boys crouch as they shoot, others keep running and ducking, but they all evade being shot except for the tallest one. He falls dramatically into the soft sand. My wife snaps a few shots, followed by a scroll through the new digital images. She says that it’s already warm enough that she could have left her windbreaker in the car, and then she tucks the camera away and makes a hand-reach request for her drink. Our move to Victoria was nearly nine years ago. We arrived in the way a lot of people arrive any place, lured by a job and ready to discover our new home. We were in our mid-forties then and at a time without much life-friction. In short, we were lucky: semi-established but nowhere near retirement, still looking to pour on some sail and get a bit of speed out of the middle of our lives. Working in sports management, a career of vicissitudes, had dropped us into the fabric of other places before, from city to city, prairie to coast to coast, back and forth across the border. We were ready and able to weave our way in, again. The tall boy is up, having stayed down less than five seconds, and he runs and catches a shirtless comrade, throwing his arms around him, telling him something, a co-conspirator sharing his new counter-attack plan.
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Victoria can take her own sweet time revealing things to you. In the end though, she shows you, and it turns out that she’s (frankly) nothing less than just a better version of almost anywhere. A breeze off the water has me holding the brim of my ball cap. My wife asks, “Are you glad we moved here?” It’s a good question, or it was at one time, but it is completely rhetorical now. Nearly a decade has passed since that summer when we’d settled on a place to rent, unpacked our things, and found a good coffee place close by. We had also discovered that the nearest Chinese food joint closed at nine o’clock on weekdays, which seemed laughable, as if we were being punked after a decade in New York City, where everything was always open. Everywhere has charms that you roll with. Three of the boys have crawled atop the concrete slab, claiming it, driftwood guns held high. The other two, trudging across the sand toward them and away from us, begin to yell some instructions, spelling out their ideas for the next phase of conflict. The wind
blows half their words to us: World War Two… artillery… jungle… you guys now… Tom, James… Japan. A reply from one of the concrete-slab three, “Why would you be in Japan?” It’s another good question. I turn my ear toward where the answer might come from, but the only response is a sudden sprint toward the water and more gunfire. I am ready to answer my wife’s question, to agree again that I am glad we’re here, especially now, but I want to do more than just nod, or mutter one word. I think about how a place like Victoria can take her own sweet time revealing things to you. In the end though, she shows you, and it turns out that she’s (frankly) nothing less than just a better version of almost anywhere. Truths about a place emerge over time, and by the year that we had bought our small house (wondering if perhaps we had made our last move) it was clear. This place is so much more than just geographical blessings and brochure beauty. It is special in almost every way that matters. And once these things dawn on you it may also strike you (as it did us) that living here comes with an obligation to appreciate it. Really appreciate it. I say, “Sara, you know the answer. It’s the best thing that ever happened to us, an amazing fluke.” She nods. There is a break in the beach battle. The boys have gathered together down at the water line, dropping their makeshift guns in a pile, and are going into the ocean slowly, up to their ankles, then to their knees. Do you have a good story to tell—and the ability to write it? Boulevard readers are invited to submit stories for consideration and publication in the Narrative section. Stories should be 800 to 1,200 words long and sent to managing editor Susan Lundy at lundys@shaw.ca. Please place the word “Narrative” in the subject line.
CITY ESCAPE When you are ready for a getaway, the Wedgewood offers the perfect location to explore the city, do some fall shopping, or pampering at our spa.
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behind the story
The Boulevard fashion team had the incredible pleasure of shooting its latest feature at Seven Half Diamond Ranch in the stunning Thompson-Nicola Valley, where the landscape consists of acres of beautiful rolling grasslands, lush patches of aspen trees and countless lakes. A huge thank you to our gracious hosts, Heather, Jim and Justin O’Connor, for welcoming our fashion team to experience the ranch for the day. Coming from a long line of ranchers, the O’Connors made the move west from Saskatchewan 33 years ago. At Seven Half Diamond Ranch, they have created a very special place that welcomes guests to stay in one of the cosy cabins and experience trail riding, a genuine cowboy saloon and fly fishing on one of the most sought-after, catch-and-release lakes. Enjoy the magic of this unique place.
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PHOTO BY LIA CROWE
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