Boulevard Magazine - May 2014 Issue

CO FI VE N R A LI BY ST C :A O D MP A E M T W ITI A ON N G

blvdmag.ca | MAY 2014 | LIFE AT ITS FINEST

LAND SCULPTOR LOUISE BOUTIN'S SANCTUARIES URBAN GARDENS FLOURISH IN SMALL SPACES SCONES: A MOTHERS' DAY TREAT

PHOTOS by COMPETITION

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Found Money is What Clients Like to Call it

Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. continues to spread the word about government rebates for newhome purchases, owner built homes and substantial renovations to existing homes during the tenure of the HST throughout Ontario and British Columbia. Happy clients are receiving up to $42,500, which is the upper limit a homeowner can receive for a project. Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. has already helped homeowners apply for rebates totaling over $4 million through our Victoria office alone. With new offices in Vancouver and Toronto the number of homeowners we are helping is growing exponentially.

“There is a misconception that if your home is worth more than $450,000, you are not entitled to any government rebates, but this is just not true,” says Sean.

Do I qualify has to be the most frequently asked question my staff get say’s Sean Leitenberg, Manager of the Victoria Office. Each renovation or new build is not exactly the same so we have to determine that the best we can on a case-bycase basis.

There are definitely some clear-cut rules though. There is a deadline of 2 years from the time you completed your major renovation or new build to apply though there are a couple exceptions to that rule too.

To qualify for a major renovation you must do substantial work to the majority of the inside of your home. If your work was limited to a small portion of your home, such as a bathroom or kitchen, or you just painted or put down new floors, you would not qualify for this rebate.

The end result of your renovation should be that your home or condo is like a new home. When it comes to the expenses incurred on the outside of

CANADA’S RENO REBATE INC.

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$42,500

Tax Free Rebate might be on the horizon

your home, you can only claim these amounts if you have first met the requirements on the inside of your home.

If you purchased a new home or condo for yourself, the builder has probably claimed the rebate. If you purchased that property as an investment rental property, the builder could not claim the rebate and as the owner of that condo or home you may be entitled to a rental rebate for as much as $42,500 once you have signed a lease with your tenants.

If your home is worth more than $450,000, you are not entitled to a federal rebate; however, you may be entitled to a provincial rebate if a portion of the construction took place during the term of HST. If your home is worth less than $450,000 you are entitled to both a federal rebate as well as a provincial rebate for the portion spent during the period of HST. A new home built or renovated for your self, or as a family members’ primary place of residence qualifies if it was completed within the last 2 years. If the home’s value is more than $450,000 then you are only entitled to a rebate for money spent between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013.

Canada’s Reno Rebate has representatives throughout British Columbia and Ontario who

Vancouver office: C4 770 Terminal Ave. Vancouver, BC V6A 2M5 Toll free: 1-877-724-4624 info@renorebate.ca renorebate.ca

are happy to help clients with the forms that need signing and a brief questionnaire. For the areas where we do not have a representative, or if you would prefer to download the forms for signing right from our website in the comfort of your home and use our free courier service, the time involved is minimal and your rebate could be huge.

There is a brief questionnaire on our website which allows you to see if you qualify for the rebate and only takes a few minutes or if you like you can give us a call and in just a few minutes we can determine if you qualify.

Everyone seems to know someone who qualifies for this rebate, so if you know someone who might qualify make sure to let them know before they miss their deadline.

Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. handles all the paperwork and follows through with the government until you receive your cheque.

Because Sean and his staff know the forms, the processes, and who to call, they efficiently and quickly collect the information and submit exactly what the government agencies need.

The company charges no upfront fee and if you don’t receive a rebate, the application costs you nothing. So give us a call or check us out online.

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Victoria office: 1267 Fairfield Rd. Victoria, BC V8V 3B3 Toll free: 1-877-724-4624 info@renorebate.ca renorebate.ca

CONTENTS May 2014 Issue 05, Volume XXIlI

MAY

12 18

38 42

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

12 PHOTOS BY FINALISTS

Reader entries

8

EDITOR’S LETTER The reluctant gardener

42

38

SCULPTRESS OF THE LAND

By Lia Crowe

11

FASHION FAVES Roshan Vickery

By Lia Crowe

46

CITY PLOTS

By Amy Mitchell

18

HOT PROPERTIES All points to the view

By Carolyn Heiman

50 TRAVEL FAR

Reford Gardens, Quebec

By Suzanne Morphet 62

54 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fighting insulin resistance

By Kristi Meredith

32

DESIGN MATTERS Outdoor chair affair

By Sarah Reid

56

COLUMNS

35 HAWTHORN

Whitfield, Kreek

after the Olympics

By Tom Hawthorn

FOOD & DRINK Scones for mum

By Cinda Chavich

58

FRONT ROW No Gimmick Required, Fired Up!, Centennial

Festival and more

By Robert Moyes SECRETS & LIVES Stephen Green, VCM

By Susan Lundy

TALKING WITH TESS Dan Matthews

By Tess van Straaten

e r: cov r on ou Sherringham Point Lighthouse by Photos By finalist Adam Wang

5

advertising feature boulevard business

profiles

Quality & craftsmanship drive the Island Dream Kitchens Team

W

reputation of hether designing your dream high-quality kitchen or envisioning a beautiful workmanship. wood design as the finishing touch “A business for your fireplace, library or staircase, Island like ours is all Dream Kitchens and Custom Millwork will about the finished help create a space you’ll happily call home product,” Mike for years to come. notes. “Excellence Visiting the Island Dream Kitchens is easy to talk showroom reveals the breadth of their skill, about, but can be from a stunning, ceiling-high, Shaker-style difficult to achieve cabinet in creamy-white painted maple, to a consistently. Pride of workmanship is rare sleek, horizontal-grain bamboo topped with and we are fortunate to have passionate, glass-and-concrete counters. The quality energetic folks bringing their best to work of workmanship is obviously that of true each day.” craftsmen.

During a tour of the expansive, state-ofIt takes a special group of artisans to the-art workshop, Dylan pauses from his first envision, and then create and construct work at the table saw to kitchen cabinets and demonstrate a unique millwork that match “As a quality home pantry system designed their clients’ dreams. builder it is paramount to to maximize space in The talented craftsmen at Island Dream have a cabinet partner who a client’s kitchen. The Kitchens and Custom understands the customer’s artfully trimmed walnutstained bamboo is at Millwork do just that, needs and can translate once sleek and richly offering the expertise that into a quality delivered textured, opening to that homeowners and reveal a series of nesting, contractors expect product — you worked from a high-end diligently to make our project stainless steel shelves that provide seemingly production facility. look its best and exceeded endless storage. It’s Father and son Mike our expectations!” stunning! and Dylan Brown have The workshop is combined their unique – Terry Johal where Dylan and the passions and talents to Island Dream Kitchens forge a company that craftsmen bring clients’ visions to life, relies on timeless principles of quality work and where they’re earning a well-deserved and exceptional service. reputation buoyed by the referrals that follow Mike, who brings decades of business a job well done. experience, was eager to work with son Said one client, “as a quality home builder Dylan, a skilled craftsman, who learned it is paramount to have a cabinet partner who early that attention to detail and superior understands the customer’s needs and can craftsmanship are essential qualities of a translate that into a quality delivered product successful cabinetmaker.

— you worked diligently to make our project The Browns acquired their Keating-area look its best and exceeded our expectations!” display centre, workshop and equipment For homeowners, custom cabinetry and from a long-standing local cabinetmaker, millwork provides a number of benefits larger and were pleased to also retain many of manufacturers can’t match. the skilled, experienced craftsmen. So with Dylan’s creativity and Mike’s ability the new business comes a longstanding

to source unique woods and quality products come together in designs that match clients’ aesthetic and functional needs. Soft-close doors and drawers, highquality, full-extension pantry shelves and a full range of accessories enhance their kitchen’s functionality, and through that, the enjoyment that emerges from the space.

The Browns also have the vision to see solutions to potential design challenges.

“Some of our guys have decades of experience in the business,” Mike says. “And the reason they chose to become craftspeople is because it’s what they love to do; it’s their passion.”

That commitment continues through the installation process, with service that befits the craftsmanship of the cabinetry itself.

As Dylan observes, “It’s not enough that clients are happy with the end result; we want to exceed their expectations. We want it to be perfect.”

Michael Brown Cell: 250.686.9987 6660 Butler Cres., Saanichton www.islanddreamkitchens.com

Group Publisher Editor Creative

Penny Sakamoto Susan Lundy Lily Chan Pip Knott

Advertising

Pat Brindle Janet Gairdner

Advertising Director

Oliver Sommer

Advertising Manager

Janet Gairdner

Editorial Director Circulation Director

Kevin Laird Bruce Hogarth

Contributing Writers

Cinda Chavich, Lia Crowe, Tom Hawthorn, Carolyn Heiman, Kristi Meredith, Amy Mitchell, Suzanne Morphet, Robert Moyes, Sarah Reid, Tess van Straaten

Contributing Photographers

Lisa Baumeler, Cinda Chavich, Doug Clement, Don Denton, Vince Klassen, James Patterson, Sandy Rossignol, Adam Wang

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is Victoria’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 24 years of publishing in Greater Victoria.

To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca

Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca blvdmag.ca Victoria Boulevard ÂŽ is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher's written permission.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred.

The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication.

Printed in Canada.

Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER facebook.com/BoulevardMagazine twitter.com/BoulevardMag

7

EDITOR’S LETTER

PHOTO BY ARNOLD LIM

U-turn for a reluctant gardener

8

MY FIRST GARDEN flourished in those remarkably uncomplicated, post-university and pre-baby years. At first I was a reluctant gardener. I had books to read, poetry to write, a 9-5 job . . . and besides, veggies were cheap and abundant at the grocery store in the summer.

But the boyfriend insisted, so I dug little holes and dropped in the seeds — covering them back up with firm pats. As I got used to the feel of soil in my fingernails and dirt on my kneecaps, I started to find the process . . . likeable . . . even addicting. I spoke soothingly to the sprouts of greenery, and savagely attacked any weeds that threatened them. I wanted to frame my first zucchini, and shook my fist at the Deer of the World after my cabbage plants disappeared.

I liked gardening!

Fast forward 20 years to find that particular thrill buried and dormant. I have to practice deep breathing when my partner, Bruce, looks at the large grassy area in the backyard and becomes exuberant, sprouting words like: backhoe, deer-fencing, big bags of soil, mulch and tomato plants.

Fact: we both work long hours, and leisure is more of a concept than a reality. Fact: Bruce travels frequently to Calgary on business and I once plucked an entire bed of wildflowers, thinking they were weeds. Fact: all the children arrive home from university amid the crucial gardening period, and life suddenly revolves around keeping the refrigerator full, not spending blissful, meditative hours playing in the dirt. And finally, fact: last year we churned up a piece of lawn, planted herbs and veggies on a thick, raised bed of soil, watched the plants grow with the pride of new parents, and then lost the entire bounty to wily rabbits who managed to slide under the chicken-wire.

So when Bruce gets all bubbly about it, I agree gardening is a marvelous notion.

However, I haven’t gone out and purchased a rototiller.

So I was pleased to read Amy Mitchell’s story about gardening in small urban spaces (page 46). The idea of small-scale gardening allows me to squeak out a little exuberance myself. Perhaps, instead of tearing up the backyard and buying out the entire stock of a local nursery, we could build a planter for the deck. A small planter, that is.

Gardens feature in several Boulevard stories this month. Readers can take a trip to Reford Gardens in Quebec (page 50); meet Louise Boutin, landscape designer (page 38) and consider some seating ideas for outdoor spaces in Design Matters (page 32-33).

This is also our “Photos By” issue. What a tremendous response! Boulevard staff, led by photographer Don Denton and designer Pip Knott, faced an extremely challenging task in determining the winners (pages 12 to 17). Check out our Facebook page for some of the runners-up, and many thanks to all the people who contributed.

At this point, I’d like to acknowledge the obvious: I’m new to the editor’s chair at Boulevard. Luckily for me, this is the gardening edition, allowing me to weave in a garden metaphor or two as I introduce myself. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to watch Boulevard flourish and blossom as it moves through a period of regrowth. While I may have once been a “reluctant gardener,” there is no hesitancy here — this is the type of “gardening” (read “cultivating” and “tending”) that I relish.

Please feel free to email me your thoughts and comments at lundys@shaw.ca — I welcome your input and feedback.

Boulevard Buzz:  Here’s a perfect way to celebrate gardens this month: the Victoria Conservancy of Music’s 32nd annual Mother’s Day Garden Tour runs May 10-11, and features 10 stunning gardens. As a fundraiser for the school, it also features VCM students and faculty providing music in the gardens. Sounds spectacular.

FMI: http://vcm.bc.ca/victoria-garden-tour/  Also worth checking out this month is the inaugural Victoria International Kite Festival, May 31 to June 1, at Clover Point. FMI: www.tourismvictoria.com  Finally, congratulations to Little Jumbo on Fort Street for becoming the Victoria Partner Bar of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Good news for scotch lovers.

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LIFE & STYLE

with

FASHION FAVES

ROSHAN VICKERY

Auctioneer at Kilshaw’s Auctioneers Ltd. and serial cardigan wearer.

AN APPRAISER/AUCTIONEER IS ALSO kind of like anthropologist/showman — it's the two sides of this man who, when appraising, loves hearing people’s stories, and is then tasked with selling 360 items every Thursday night.

Invited up to his Chinatown apartment one Saturday evening, I am delighted to walk into a postmodern heaven. An art wall of Tretchikoff-ian blue skinned women, a shelf of sweet Kakinuma ceramic creatures and the sexy curve of teak everywhere.

Similar to my first impression of Roshan, it’s not cool because it’s trying, it’s cool because it isn’t.

“Everything I own is second hand. And I don’t

really use much technology.”

Born in 1966 in Halifax, he is the son of a jazz pianist, and has a degree in art history. He also has a collection of over 400 8mm and 16mm films that he projects for groups of lucky people in his apartment or on warm summer evenings in the back courtyard. He doesn’t have any fav apps or devour any style blogs, but says good style to him means having passion. In a world obsessed with forward motion, instead of propelling us further ahead, Roshan settles us backwards and deeper, with a few stylish nuggets to consider and take away.

Reading Material:

 BY LIA CROWE

“Everything I own is second hand. And I don’t really use much technology.”

Weekly: Globe and Mail style section. Photography book: Men at Work by Lewis W. Hine. All time favourite source for good content: The New Yorker. Last good read: The Dream at the End of the World by Michelle Green. Currently on bedside table: Into the Silence by Wade Davis.

Style:

Personal style: “I wear a suit and tie twice a week, otherwise it’s one of my vintage curling sweaters.” Artist: Sculptor Alexander Calder. Era: Post-Modern: “I’ve always thought it was hot, everything was optimistic at that time.”

Life:

Who cuts your hair?: Jimmy the Barber on Fort Street. Fav Cocktail: Gin martini.

Coveting: Vespa p200e in industrial green. City you may disappear to one day: Barcelona. Favourite Album: Duke Ellington & John Coltrane. Film (It wasn’t easy but I made him pick just one): Paris, Texas by Wim Wenders.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

11

PHOTOS BY

Photos By “In a world awash with photographs — where images stream by us on our computers, our phones, tablets and televisions ­— it is amazing to witness the power that a single photograph still has on the printed page. It holds a moment of beauty, wonder or maybe meditation, in colour or black and white, just for us. A moment to take a breath in a breathless world.”

— Boulevard photographer and Photos By judge Don Denton

BOULEVARD’S annual Photos By contest drew over 300 entries, making the selection of our favourites a challenging task. Led by photographer Don Denton, Boulevard staff narrowed it down to just under 20 images, and then cut further to choose the images that are featured here. (Be sure to watch and “like” our Facebook page in early May, when we’ll post all of the finalists’ images). New to the contest this year was the People’s Choice award. With a total of 234 votes cast, Mandy Jo Burbank’s colourful bee in the blossoms emerged as the winner. We proudly present the following stunning images, representing our favourites and yours.

“A great example of how colour isn’t always needed in the creation of an eye-catching image.”

— Don Denton

12

ADAM WANG, 39, VICTORIA SHOT TAKEN: March, 2013, early morning at the Sherringham Point Lighthouse.

CAMERA: Canon 5D Mkii, 50mm 1.4 lens, stacked Neutral Density filters. ISO 200, f11, 240 sec shutter speed.

TAKING THE SHOT: "My process for this image started with just sitting, watching and listening until I knew what I would try to create. A 240-second exposure time with 16 stops of ND filtering gave me strong cloud movement and misted out the water, allowing the sun time to kiss off the tip of the rock in the foreground. Eventually, I got the dynamic image I was after, with the lighthouse dominating the natural elements."

PHOTGRAPHY: “My goal is simply to create an image that evokes an emotion.”

PHOTOS BY

“A peaceful moment in nature captured in a beautiful side light.”

— Don Denton

JAMES PATTERSON, 59, SAANICH SHOT TAKEN: March 3, 2013, in the early morning at Panama Flats Park.

CAMERA: Canon 5d mk II with a 400 mm lens TAKING THE SHOT: “I like to go there in the early morning at first light, look for a view with a good background and hope the wildlife cooperates. This time the blackbird landed and sang long enough to get this shot.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: “My goal, first off, is to take pictures that I like. I always try for my shots to be technically correct, but as important, I try for something unique and hopefully a little artistic.”

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PHOTOS BY

“This photograph shows the power of weather, and a rare island lightning storm, over the landscape.” — Don Denton

DOUG CLEMENT, 51, COLWOOD SHOT TAKEN: From the top of Mt. Tolmie, July 13, 2012.

CAMERA: Canon T1i EX 30sec f5.0 ISO 100.

TAKING THE SHOT: “I used a long exposure to get in as many lightning strikes as possible. If you look closely you can see Mt. Baker in between the strikes.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: “My goal is to find an image with emotion — whether it’s a beautiful landscape that makes you feel happy, or a dark forbidding scene that makes you sense fear. I find the best pictures are always the ones that evoke a strong emotion.”

SANDY ROSSIGNOL, 23, QUADRA VILLAGE (VICTORIA) SHOT TAKEN: Taken in the middle of the night from a rooftop in downtown Victoria.

CAMERA: Nikon D7000 TAKING THE SHOT: “It was achieved by a long exposure (3+ seconds) — taking advantage of the uniform glow of the halogen street lamps reflected off the seagull — with a flash in the very last instant of the exposure.

PHOTOGRAPHY: “I hope to draw the ‘is that real?’ reaction, and if possible, to provide a fresh conceptual experience for viewers that may inspire them in some way, and blurring the lines of realism and narrative whenever possible.”

“A technically unusual photo that shows both the poetic and standard views of a bird in flight” — Don Denton 14

PHOTOS BY

“The photographer captures the a detail that makes an elephant look both delicate and bashful.” — Don Denton

LISA BAUMELER, 47, NORTH SAANICH SHOT TAKEN: May, 2010 at the Calgary Zoo. CAMERA: Nikon D80 body with a Tamron 18-270mm lens.

TAKING THE SHOT: “I remember thinking that the way this elephant was standing, with one foot balanced coyly against the other, made it look “dainty”— a word I wouldn’t ever associate with an elephant! This, plus the sand-papery, grainy skin, is what appeals to me most about this capture."

PHOTOGRAPHY: "I love looking beyond what the average eye sees when I am photographing, whether it is an animal, a person or a place.

And I also love tight, subject-focused crops."

“The readers have spoken: close up and colourful with nature.” — Don Denton

READER'S CHOICE WINNER

MANDY JO BURBANK, 41, SAANICH SHOT TAKEN: May 31, 2013, in her backyard.

CAMERA: Canon EOS Rebel T4i using a 55 - 250 mm lens.

TAKING THE SHOT: “I was out in the backyard taking pictures of the plants and flowers . . . I decided to focus in on a bumblebee resting on the pink flowers and just see what I could capture.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: “My goal . . . is to capture a clear and crisp image of my subject and obtain the best photograph I can get.”

15

PHOTOS BY

MIKE SOTKOWY SHOT TAKEN: Sidney Spit, BC

PENNY PITCHER SHOT TAKEN: Shaw Discovery Centre, Sidney, BC

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PHOTOS BY

MARY DOWDS SHOT TAKEN: Saanich, BC

17

ďƒ Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, who often didn’t design homes with front entranceways facing the street, the main entrance is off a front patio landing.

18

HOT PROPERTIES

ALL POINTS to the VIEW  BY CAROLYN HEIMAN  PHOTOS BY VINCE KLASSEN

Classic View Royal home makes waves

U

PON ARRIVAL TO GARY MATHIES and Niece Garry’s home, and before ringing the doorbell, guests peak around behind to check out the breathtaking waterfront backdrop.

After all, it’s impossible to resist the enticing, come-hither ocean glimpses created by serpentine landscape elements that command the eye to look further and further beyond — all the way to boats gently rocking on their moorings. The curving green lawn pulls the eye to cascading granite steps and to a lower secret patio bathed in warm sunlight, inviting thoughts of a good book.

Gary and Niece call out to guests to enter the side door, bringing everyone back to the present. A side entryway is not where most homes invite great impressions. But never mind that. Bathed in 19

extend your family time,

social time, and quiet time

light that pours in from every direction, this classic grand dame has no imperfect side in need of camouflage or hiding. Indeed, the home’s orientation — it’s perched on a small point of land jutting into a protective bay — safeguards views from every vantage point. There’s even a view of the water from the main floor den, reflected in the antique-etched mirror bookcase doors, so those sitting with their backs to the water are not deprived of the view. It seems no detail has been overlooked.

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Designed by Bruce Wilkin, the almost 3,500-square-foot View Royal home is the manifestation of the owners’ dreams for a rambling, East-coast style shingled house touched with a hint of French. It is Gary and Niece’s retirement dream home, and Gary’s enthusiasm for the result is palpable as he tours his guests around, giving all the credit to Niece and the collaboration with Wilkin.

“We found throughout the project that Bruce never said ‘no,’ but he didn’t roll over and play dead either. We did acquiesce to his knowledge from time to time.”

ďƒ&#x; An inspired 14-light chandelier with rustic bronze shaped to evoke tree branches sets off the stunning vaulted ceiling room.

21

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“If you had an idea they found a way to do it,” says Niece.

Niece is a retired designer from Jordan’s and her time spent around luxury furnishings and accessories has imparted to her a certain je ne sais quoi that shows through in all the carefully chosen details and furnishings in the home.

Wilkin notes it was clear that Niece had been thinking about what she wanted for a long time. For example, “She wanted black and charcoal going through the home . . . It didn’t take much meeting of the minds to come up with that perfect . . . house.”

MODERN APPROACHES IN THE PAST In dreaming about their future home, Niece collected a catalogue of ideas she liked, while she and Gary looked along the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island for a retirement property.

(They settled on the Victoria area after realizing that they still wanted to be near great theatre and restaurants.) After doing the “contemporary thing” in their Vancouver condominium, Niece wanted to do something different this time.

“It was a case of been there, done that,” she says. “It’s a bit like when I cook. Once I do a recipe I can’t do it again.”

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The windows fronting the vaulted living room experienced the effects of her spell when she realized that the floor-to-ceiling version — being framed in by the construction crew — would contradict the traditional feeling she wanted to evoke.

“We re-drew that window half a dozen times before getting it right,” recalls Wilkin.

“It was the only ‘deconstruction’ we did,” says Gary, who trusted Niece’s sense of design in all matters.

“You could tell it wouldn’t work. Niece was so strong minded.”

He did, however, have to come to her rescue when the seemingly over-large metal barrel-style light pendants were installed in the kitchen before the island was in place.

“I knew when I ordered them they were 23 inches in diameter, but seeing them was a surprise,” says Niece.

“I thought OMG, I made a big mistake.”

Gary soothed her by pointing out that the Currey and Company lights could be returned if they didn’t work, but Niece needn’t have lost sleep. Once the warm white cabinetry with pewter glazing and granite countertops were in place, the lighting was perfect, adding appropriate drama to the area.

“If we had put three small light fixtures there, it wouldn’t have been the same,” notes Gary.

Niece, along with cabinet maker Jason Good,

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sweated over getting the right proportions for the cottage ceiling with the wainscoting trim.

“I wanted a linear look stretching out to the water,” says Niece, and that meant positioning the trim in precisely the right way. For added effect, she called for a high gloss paint finish on the ceiling, which is an unusual treatment, but allows light from the water to be refracted off the ceiling.

“It was a tough job for the painter because every little thing shows,” says Gary.

Niece’s familiarity with furniture lines also came in handy when it became necessary to find creative solutions around office/desk space for Gary.

RETHINKING HOW SPACE IS USED

firedup.ca 26

“I was going to have an office. Then it became a desk. And now it’s an armoire,” he says without a tinge of regret as he opens the doors of a Drexel Postobello armoire that ingeniously conceals a full computer set up, similar to old “secretary desks,” but with transitional elegance Upon being asked what she likes most about the home, Niece pauses, and then says: “The kitchen. The living room. The catwalk overlooking the living room. How the home is light even on the darkest of days. There are a whole bunch of things.”

 Through trial and error, until made perfect, stair railings and caps were stained to match the soft pewter-washed oak flooring.

Carolyn Heiman explores beautiful Island homes each month for Boulevard. If you know of a gorgeous home you’d like to see profiled, she can be contacted at cheiman@shaw.ca.

SUPPLY LIST Contractor/Builder: Bruce Wilkin Design Interior Designers: Bruce Wilkin and Niece Garry Cabinetry: Jason Good Custom Cabinets Inc. Counters: Matrix Marble and Stone Flooring: Jordan’s Appliances: Trail Appliances Plumbing fixtures: Victoria Speciality Hardware Windows: Pella Lighting: Mclaren Lighting Landscaping: Woodland Landscape Arts

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35 YEARS EXPERIENCE 27

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Watch the cruise ships in the distance from your gorgeous completely remodelled 3 bdrm, 3 bath home. New kitchen with quartz counters & stainless appliances, gas range, 3 new bathrooms with heated tile floors, maple floors, new insulation, windows, metal roof, deck, patio & more! Beautiful valley & water views & Mt. Baker too! All on .31 ac.

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One of the best 1 level suites in the complex, this townhome has exceptional water views. Quartz counters in kitchen, new tile backsplash & new appliances. Spacious master with views. Large deck, double garage & driveway too! Small pets OK. $499,900

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Boulevard magazine supports Southern Vancouver Island's top Realtors representing the region's finest real estate. In our pages, we hope you will find your next home, whether it is in the listings of the Great Homes/Great Realtors or here in the Boulevard Luxury Real Estate listings. Both of these monthly advertising features bring you the finest selection of homes and condominiums Victoria has to offer.

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SUPERB PARKER AVE. WATERFRONT. Recently refurbished Pamela Charlesworth home will impress even the most discerning buyer. Gleaming Brazilian hardwood floors, soaring vaulted ceilings, & sweeping views of the Ocean to San Juan Island and Mt. Baker’s glowing glacier beyond. Fabulous new kitchen. 4 bedroom, master with commanding views.

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THIS WONDERFUL FAMILY home is on the market for the first time in years. A half acre lot in Ten Mile Point. On the main floor you will find a living room/dining room combination perfect for entertaining. A large sunroom overlooking the garden and three bedrooms, including a master with three piece ensuite. The kitchen has $995,000 been upgraded. On the lower level you will find a fourth Sharen Warde & Larry Sims bedroom and three piece bath, family/games room, laundry 250-592-4422 area, workshop and storage. wardesims.com This home is ready for new owners.

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ON THE QUIET SIDE of this extremely well run complex, this pristine townhome is one of the 3 largest; 1,953 sq.ft., 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom. Master on main floor, family room off of kitchen opens to the east facing sunny patio with awning. Upstairs offers guest bedroom, bath, plus a bonus room. Many upgrades include German engineered flooring, low flush toilets, and lighting. Close to shopping, buses & library. 2 parking spots.

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PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS Beautifully maintained 4 bdrm+den, 3 bath home. Two levels, 3400 SF. Living rm with gleaming oak floor, wood burning fireplace, floor to ceiling windows & vaulted ceiling. Tiled entry with vaulted ceiling. Formal dining rm. Kitchen has solid surface counters & breakfast nook. Family rm with skylight & fireplace.

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LOOKS LIKE A SHOW HOME! Beautiful, private and quiet town home. Lovely big modern eat-in kitchen, living room with gas fireplace and sliding doors to patio (with gas BBQ hook-up) and back yard. Upstairs are 3 large bedrooms, a beautiful main bath & spacious ensuite. Lots of storage and parking for 2 cars. Small pets OK. Very close to schools, shopping, buses. Small (8 unit) well selfmanaged complex.

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31

Don your shades and

KEEP CALM AND

Z E BRA ON DESIGN | BUILD | INTERIOR 1161 NEWPORT AVE., VICTORIA, BC V8S 5E6 TEL: 250.360.2144 INFO@ZEBRAGROUP.CA WWW.ZEBRAGROUP.CA 32

pour your favorite cocktail; patio season is upon us.

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advertising feature

boulevard business

profiles

Trust & Communication:

Key to investment success For Investment Advisor Rod MacMillan, building a relationship with both spouses eases the burden when one passes away.

W

hen Rod MacMillan’s father passed away 10 years ago, helping his mother with the innumerable details that followed let him see first-hand the many challenges the death of a partner brings.

In addition to their grief, a surviving spouse must also wade through the many tasks accompanying their partner’s death, from preparing an obituary and making funeral arrangements to taking over portfolio management. While family finances may be the last thing they want weighing on their mind, often that’s just what happens, especially if a spouse dies suddenly.

Having the expert advice of a trusted advisor well-versed in the intricacies of investment planning, especially as it relates to more mature adults, can relieve some of that stress and allow spouses to make decisions with confidence.

“Often, the survivor must come up to speed very quickly at a time when they don’t want to or may not be able to,” explains Rod, an Investment Advisor with TD Wealth Private Investment Advice.

“Each person will move through their grief at a different pace. Through this time, trust and communication with their advisor are critical.”

For Rod, who in addition to holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria, is both a Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional and a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute, planning ahead through long-term client relationships is key, especially when statistics suggest half of couples together at age 65 will have one partner live to age 90. Additionally, situations such as second marriages mean addressing the needs of

both the surviving spouse and any children from blended families.

While each situation is unique, “there are some common threads.”

Where younger investors with more time to build assets might seek aggressive growth, for example, older clients often prefer a more conservative growth strategy and protection of assets. Investment markets inevitably have volatile periods that can test the resolve of clients. “At these stressful times the value of an experienced advisor is crucial,” says Rod. “During the downturn of 2008 and 2009, I was fortunate to have my practice grow through referrals from my clients who said they appreciated my guidance and results.”

Rod believes the first step in building and maintaining an investment portfolio is establishing a relationship with both partners, where possible – a philosophy grounded in his experience with his own parents. Traditionally, older couples are more likely to have had one person – often the husband – look after the investment portfolio.

Unfortunately, when that person passes away, much of the information and experience can go with them if the surviving spouse hasn’t been involved.

“It’s easy in this male-dominated field for advisors to forget about the importance of working with both spouses, especially if one spouse takes the lead,” Rod says. “I like to review the role each specific investment plays and how it relates to my clients, in addition to how the investments serve their purposes over time.”

Building relationships also allows Rod to help couples prepare for changes that follow the death of a spouse.

For those who haven’t prepared ahead, “one surprise that often catches people off-guard is that the income-splitting

“My clients appreciate having someone they can communicate with, and who can explain investment concepts clearly, including the basics.”

opportunities are gone, meaning the household tax bracket can increase,” Rod notes. “And while some expenses decrease, others can increase. Perhaps the widow needs to hire someone for maintenance her husband once looked after, or the widower who has never cooked has more restaurant expenses. It’s important to plan ahead and have a flexible plan to deal with that.”

“My clients appreciate having someone they can communicate with, and who can explain investment concepts clearly, including the basics. For me, that personal connection is often the most fulfilling part of my work.”

To learn how Rod MacMillan can you achieve your investment goals, call 250-356-4148.

Roderick MacMillan, B.Comm, FCSI, CSWP Investment Advisor A. R. MacMillan Wealth Management TD Wealth Private Investment Advice 1070 Douglas Street, 5th Floor Victoria, B.C. V8W 2C4 rod.macmillan@td.com www.rodmacmillan.com

TD Wealth Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. A. R. MacMillan Wealth Management consists of Roderick MacMillan, B.Comm, FCSI, CSWP, Investment Advisor. A. R. MacMillan Wealth Management is part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice.

PHOTO BY VINCE KLASSEN

 BY TOM HAWTHORN

After the Olympics

VICTORIA ATHLETES PUT GOLD-MEDAL TOUCH ON NEW ENTERPRISES VICTORIA’S SIMON WHITFIELD taped a three-word message of inspiration to the handlebar of his bicycle. It read, “Sing like Kreek.”

He stared at the message as he put his head down to cycle through the blistering heat of a Beijing summer. After he parked the bike to run the final stretch of the gruelling Olympic triathlon, he repeated those words in his head, a silent mantra with the syllables providing a rhythm for tired legs beating down on unforgiving blacktop. Sing. Like. Kreek. Sing. Like.

Kreek.

The words were inspired by his friend and fellow athlete Adam Kreek, who two days earlier had won a rowing gold medal with the men’s eights team. He celebrated on the podium with a ragged, head-back, off-key rendition of our national anthem.

In other circumstances such a display might have been regarded as disrespectful, but Kreek’s exuberance was seen as an expression of pride in his homeland, as well as an athlete’s prerogative following a triumph.

Inspired by Kreek, Whitfield pounded along the pavement past younger rivals. He crossed the finish line behind only one other competitor, adding a hard-won silver medal to the gold he won eight years earlier.

Settling back into the “real world” The two men are now retired from Olympic competition. After living for years with routines set by daily training timetables — all designed to put them at peak performance for the Olympics or world championships — both men have routines and 35

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lives more similar to the rest of us. And both are involved in innovative local companies.

Victoria is known for many things — nature (flowers and a temperate climate), institutions (the university and the naval base), successful musicians and singers (David Foster and Nelly Furtado). We also are home to a large number of world-class athletes, lured here by sporting facilities and weather that permits year-round training, a rarity in our snowbound land.

Once the cheering stops and the medals are put on display (or put away), Olympic gold-medal athletes confront the ordinary demands of making a living. They call on the same qualities that make them champions in the sporting arena — dedication, perseverance, single-mindedness — to build successful businesses.

Kreek spent 13 years as a rower, something that might explain his quixotic quest two years ago to row across the Atlantic Ocean, a 73-day odyssey that ended after a rogue wave dumped him and three fellow rowers into the sea. In his 9-to-5 life, Kreek runs a biodiesel company and an organic food bar company. He is best known as a motivational speaker, presenting philosophical and psychological tools to make workplaces happier and more productive.

Gold-medal entrepreneurial spirit Across town, Whitfield is following Kreek’s entrepreneurial example. He heads the sports division of the Fantan Group, where he is developing a modified version of triathlon for indoor stadiums. Whitfield, who turns 39 this month, is also an investor in a business called Velofix for which he holds the franchise in Victoria.

The company operates what is described as a mobile bike shop. A fully-equipped truck with a bicycle repair mechanic makes house calls — or business calls, or recreation calls — to do repairs. The capital region is cycle mad. Bike paths stretch from the ferry terminal past the airport to downtown Victoria and out west on the Galloping They call on the Goose as far as Leechtown on the same qualities Sooke River. New paths are built every year, and a new designated that make them bike lane along the Dallas Road champions in the waterfront from Clover Point sporting arena.

Park to Ogden Point, is scheduled for completion in 2016. Cycling promises to become a tourist lure in coming years, too. Since delivering a broken bike to a repair shop presents problems of its own, you can’t help but think the mobile Velofix repair shop might be an idea whose time has come.

We get to cheer for top athletes in their competitive days.

Then, after they retire from their sport, we benefit from their ingenuity and creativity as they transition into another stage of their lives. The qualities that made Kreek a success on the water — and Whitfield in the water, on the bike and on foot — will likely also make them winners in business. Sing like Kreek all the way to the bank (or credit union).

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

LOUISE BOUTIN CREATES SANCTUARY  BY LIA CROWE

O

land SCULPTRESS OF THE

38

NE OF THE FIRST messages I received regarding an interview from landscape “sculptress” Louise Boutin only served to intrigue me further: “I’m a bit of a recluse,” she wrote. In my experience, those reluctant to attract hype are often the most interesting.

I first came to know Louise through social media, not as a Facebook “friend” but as a fascinated follower. Her posts are not personal, nor are they promotions of her work.

They’re simply a curation of extraordinary images: challenging, beautiful, sexy and inspiring. Anyone can immediately see she has an incredibly sophisticated eye.

Born in Montreal, in 1961, and schooled in landscape architecture at UBC, Louise’s work ranges from public spaces such as Hastings Park in Vancouver, UBC Botanical Gardens, and art installations at the Vancouver Art Gallery, to private gardens for highprofile families, locally and as far away as penthouses in Manhattan.

“The children’s play area at Hastings Park is unlike any other,” says architect Sandra Moore, who collaborated with Louise on the Hastings

Park project. “We played with sound, touch, poetry, geometry and, of course, the rain. Working with Louise was magical. [Her work] has the power to make you suddenly think about and see architecture, buildings, [and] landscapes in a new way.”

Louise and family moved to Vancouver Island several years ago from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Vancouver before that. Now that she’s surrounded by water, her design focus has shifted to waterfront locations via

Saanich Peninsula.

“I work with the philosophy of the typologies of landscape,” Louise explained earlier. “These are degrees to which a human being feels comfortable; the ways of shaping the land — bosque, orchard, glade, single tree, amphitheater, allee and many more.”

A bosque, she added, is a grid of trees that creates a special space within it. An allee, meanwhile, is a row of trees that leads into a farm, “heightening the energy [and]

GARDEN IMAGES PROVIDED BY LOUISE BOUTIN

Louise Boutin says her

designs are often based on sacred typologies and arrangements that go back to Roman and Egyptian times. "It’s a tool for me, a philosophy . . . an adaptation and an ordering of thought when I’m designing.”

I know a garden is successful when I have created sanctuary. her business, Ultramarine Tidal Atelier — described as “landscape and marine design for the life aquatic.”

She calls her style “modern forest” and defines herself as a landscape sculptress. She possesses broad expertise and her designs are steeped in ancient knowledge coupled with contemporary aesthetics.

Using a soft and slow approach, I am soon greatly rewarded when, on a few visits, I am brought into her visually rich world.

I fly down the incredibly beautiful stretch of West Saanich Road, hot on the tail of the landscape sculptress’s SUV. We are on our second outing to look at some of her work in gardens on huge waterfront estates across the

the anticipation of arrival.”

Her words come back to me as she gestures out of the driver’s side window, giving me a car-to-car, 50k/h tour of some typologies in Saanich. She points out a row of tall trees along a road, a huge single tree in a field, an impressively tall hedgerow.

Soon we’re tromping through a few beautiful waterfront properties, Louise’s blue mascara electric in the sunshine as she tours me through the visions behind these gardens.

She describes her work as the rough and the refined.

Wonderful boxwood hedges with a billow of ephemeral grasses. Weeping Katsuras that trail down a concrete wall. Little pools that capture salt water. An orderly 39

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bosque of yew trees against a giant backdrop of bamboo.

“I know a garden is successful when I have created sanctuary,” she says.

“I prefer to see a property before I even meet the clients, because

transformed into one of the most beautiful gardens on the island.

“We chose Louise Boutin because of her reputation; her unique, creative approach; and her solid background in contemporary garden design,” Deborah writes.

A beautiful garden to me is one that has an exquisite relationship between the home, the owner and nature in the surrounding context. the property tells me so much. It’s a silent dialogue between myself and the land. What is the setting?

Oceanfront, forest, agricultural?

What is the typology of the place and character? I start listing in my mind what is there and what is lacking. What are the hidden gems?

What is the beauty inherent?”

Louise’s Saturna Island client Deborah MacNeill had her property

“We also sensed she would be interesting to work with; she was. Her quick wit, rigorous expectations and resourcefulness cut a swathe across our relatively laid-back island, quickly becoming the stuff of legend on Saturna.”

Client reactions like this prove that this unassuming artist makes an impression wherever she goes.

“A beautiful garden to me is one that has an exquisite relationship between the home, the owner and nature in the surrounding context,” Louise says. “It’s a beautiful harmony, an exquisite balance, and it has to be on a continuum of grace.”

Now that she has several thousand Facebook followers, I’m curious how the page fits into her design work.

“It’s a window for the imagination. I’m really interested in history and popular culture — the page is all about aesthetics, style aesthetics, how people are thinking. Those are all explorations in which I learn a lot,” she says.

“But it’s definitely a wish to be in a larger milieu of design thinking. I have to blow my own mind; nature will do it and really brilliant clients will do it, but I also need to constantly be doing it for myself.”

41

At the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Joga “Yogi” Kaler has been in charge of making scones for the hotel's iconic afternoon tea for 23 years.

Yogi estimates he’s made more than 5 million of them.

SCONES  BY CINDA CHAVICH

42

Sweet, savoury or straight from Buckingham Palace

for W MUM

HENEVER I THINK OF scones, it’s the tender kind I envision, topped with decadent clotted cream and raspberry jam, alongside a steaming cup of tea.

But a scone, as they say, is simply a biscuit with attitude. And whether sweet or savoury, it’s an easy and impressive addition to any breakfast, especially for a holiday like Mother’s Day.

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Still, not every scone is created equal.

In the American south, biscuits are served smothered with gravy alongside fried eggs and ham for breakfast. Often made with buttermilk, this is definitely a savoury sort of scone.

The kind you’ll traditionally find on the tea trolly here — or across the pond anywhere in Britain — are usually sweet scones, made with sugar and cream, and dotted with raisins or currants.

But modern bakers like to make oversized scones, filled with almost any combination of flavours to serve as portable breakfast fare. I’m rather partial to cheesy scones, like the Greek-style feta, spinach and caramelized onion scones at my favourite coffee shop, or tender potato scones made with mashed potatoes and cheddar.

CHANGE IT UP Biscuits and scones are infinitely adaptable. You can create your own savoury or sweet combinations, and whether it’s sundried tomato and basil, roasted red peppers and smoky Gouda, caramelized onions and thyme, or white chocolate and dried blueberries, experimenting is fun.

Still, not every scone is created equal. Butter and flour are standard, combined with some kind of dairy product — milk,

43

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 Sweet and savoury options abound when it comes to baking scones.

Redefined 45 Songhees Road, Victoria

44

cream, buttermilk or even yogurt. Scones may be enhanced with beaten eggs, too, making them richer and more cake-like.

And whether they are biscuits or scones, most of these quick breads are raised with baking powder or baking soda (not yeast), then simply rolled and cut into rounds or wedges for baking.

Brush them with a wash of beaten egg and water (or cream) for beautiful golden tops.

At the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Joga “Yogi” Kaler has been in charge of making scones for its iconic afternoon tea for 23 years.

He’s down in the hotel pastry kitchen most mornings, happily rolling out scones and baking them in big rotating ovens, even making the wee thimble-sized scones to serve alongside the hotel’s famous tea-based Empress 1908 cocktail.

They serve about 200,000 scones every year at The Empress, and Yogi estimates he’s made more than 5 million of them. And while he still loves to make scones — even in summer when his day begins at 3 a.m. — he admits, in all those years, he’s eaten less than a dozen himself!

FAIRMONT EMPRESS SCONES PREP 15 mins BAKE 30 mins MAKES 35

Catering, picnic baskets, & gourmet cuisine

Pastry chef Joga (a.k.a. Yogi) Kaler says the original recipe for the famous Empress Hotel scones came directly from Buckingham Palace. This is a scaled down version of the hotel’s recipe, but it still comes out at 35 scones.

Bakers are cautioned: don’t try to cut it in half!

8 1/2 cups (2 pounds 4 oz.) all-purpose flour 1 cup + 2 teaspoons (9 oz.) sugar pinch of salt 1 cup + 2 teaspoons (9 oz.) butter 4 tablespoons (2 oz.) baking powder 6 eggs, divided (see note) 3/4 cup (6 oz.) golden raisins 2 cups (16 oz.) whipping cream Egg wash (reserved egg yolk beaten with 2 tablespoons cream or water) USING a large stand mixer, slowly blend flour, sugar, salt, butter and baking powder together. Mix slowly for about 5 minutes. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed.

BEAT the eggs lightly and, with the machine running slowly add the eggs along with the raisins. With the mixer still running on low speed, add just enough cream to make a soft but smooth dough; do not over mix — the dough should gather and be slightly sticky but not wet.

DUMP the mixture out onto a floured surface and knead gently for a minute, just until the dough is smooth. Don’t overwork.

ROLL out into a large, thick round (about ½-3/4 inches thick) and cut into 2.5-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass. Reroll any scraps and cut more biscuits.

SET them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash.

BAKE in a preheated 350 F oven for 25-35 minutes until golden brown. Makes 35 scones.

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CITY

“If you have the space, why not make it useful?” — Ian Abbott

PLOTS O Gardens bloom in small, urban spaces  BY AMY MITCHELL

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N THE BOULEVARD of a quiet side street in urban Victoria sits a small patch of land, brimming with vibrant, even lavish, organic vegetables. Artichokes, raspberries, sage and lavender now grow in a space once reserved for a section of manicured

grass.

Here, gardener Ian Abbott is finding a way to cultivate vegetables in an urban setting.

Victorians, it turns out, are growing food everywhere — in yards, balconies, parking spaces, windowsills and shared community spaces around the city. As people embrace everything from container gardening to community gardens and even sidewalk

 Ian Abbott, seen with his daughter, Camille, makes use of the green space on the boulevard in front of his house to create a garden area.

gardening, conversations are happening all over the city about where our food comes from, and how growing even a few things of our own can positively impact our health and our communities.

Urban agriculturists assert that having a hand in growing the food we eat offers more than just the food it produces. The process of preparing the soil and then planting, tending and harvesting is therapeutic; the food produced tastes better and is more nutritious than produce shipped from thousands of kilometres away.

With interest rising in the community, there are now multiple resources for getting started. Combine this with hospitable land and an excellent climate for growing produce, and everyone from seasoned gardeners to those just getting started can join Victoria’s growing local movement.

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PLANTERS AND SMALL OUTDOORS SPACES Stefan Jacob has lived in many places around BC, and for him, growing food isn’t a hobby but an important part of his life.

“I’ve always been a vegetable gardener,” says Jacob.

Moving into an apartment complex in Oak Bay two years ago, Jacob noticed a small space of unused land alongside the building. With the building manager’s permission, he set up a few small planters and has been growing food there ever since.

“Fresh food is just better,” says Jacob.

“I like to garden; it’s therapeutic.”

With a modest investment of his time, Jacob now grows, among other things, all of his salad greens from May to October.

Gardening gives him a chance to get outside and cultivate healthy and nourishing food for himself and his wife. Jacob also takes advantage of wild food growing on Vancouver Island, harvesting nettles and berries on hikes throughout the spring and summer.

SIDEWALK GARDENS While he has a garden in his yard as well as a space he tends in his neighbour’s yard, Ian Abbott also makes use of the green space on the boulevard in front of his house. Although ce ra

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it initially required a few conversations with the City to ensure the garden isn’t obstructing anything, Abbott has an established a sidewalk area where he has grown zucchini, corn, potatoes, garlic, leeks and sunflowers.

“If you have the space, why not make it useful?” says Abbott.

His approach is a holistic one; he’s a Registered Massage Therapist and Acupuncturist with an interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine. His passion for growing food in the city is beyond simply providing produce for his family: like Jacob, it is part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Food is medicine,” says Abbott, who also grows peas, beans, salad greens, even quinoa, for his family. He considers growing his own food an expression of his values and his contribution to a healthy community.

“If you’re a gardener, you’re more in touch with the seasons and the weather. It grounds you, literally.”

Abbott has set up an extra-small plot in his front yard, just high enough for his two-year-old daughter, Camille, to plant her first vegetables this year.

“It’s not just for me, it’s for her,” he says.

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food locally. Matthew Kemshaw, urban agriculture coordinator for LifeCycles and local food enthusiast, helps ensure Victoria’s green spaces are put to good use by connecting people with land and food.

“There’s just something about having your hands in the dirt, literally connecting you to the earth,” he says, adding “Herbs in planters are an excellent place to start. Simple annual herbs, like basil and cilantro, or one of many perennials, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, mint or lemon balm, are fun and relatively easy to grow.”

LifeCycles has several programs for those interested in urban gardening: it can help start gardens, find spaces to plant, and obtain seeds.

• Urban Agriculture Hub: an online resource that provides forums, videos, courses, and an opportunity to connect with others about growing food in the city. www.urbanagriculturehub.ca • Fruit Tree Project: volunteers pick fruit that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it among homeowners, volunteers, food banks and community organizations. www.lifecyclesproject.ca/ initiatives/fruit_tree/ • Victoria Seed Library: in partnership with the Greater Victoria Public Library, this project is a way for hobby and beginner gardeners to share seeds and information about gardening. www. lifecyclesproject.ca • Sharing Backyards Program: matches those who have time and an interest in growing food with those who have the land but not necessarily the time or interest. www.sharingbackyards.com Amy Mitchell is a freelance writer, Sierra Club BC grants coordinator, and recent Royal Roads graduate.

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TRAVEL FAR

I GARDEN CITIES

EAST WEST Jennie Butchard's soulmate found in the wilds of Quebec ďƒ BY SUZANNE MORPHET

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N 1926, FIVE YEARS AFTER Jennie Butchart famously transformed an abandoned limestone quarry on the Saanich Peninsula into an exquisite sunken garden, an equally energetic woman at the opposite end of the country was about to launch her own gardening project.

Elsie Reford inherited a fishing lodge and more than 500 acres of rugged wilderness on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River from a wealthy uncle, George Stephen, who made his fortune founding and financing the Canadian Pacific Railway.

He had spent his summers there, indulging his passion for salmon fishing.

Elsie shared her uncle’s love for the sport. But as she recovered from appendicitis one year, her doctor suggested that gardening would be a gentler pastime than wrestling feisty salmon.

Elsie was 54 when she began her project. It would take her a decade to convert about 20 acres of spruce forest into an enchanting garden bisected by a babbling brook and filled with native and exotic plants.

Today, more than 3,000 species, cultivars and varieties of

PHOTO BY ÉRIC MARCHAND

plants thrive here, including some of Elsie’s originals, such as the diminutive Boyd Willow that she planted in the 1930s, surrounded by a carpet of saxifrage and double bloodroot.

As I strolled through Reford Gardens (also known as Jardins de Métis) in early fall, enjoying the autumn crocuses and last of the hydrangeas, I couldn’t help but compare this garden with Butchart Gardens. Butchart is larger and more traditional, while Reford Gardens is smaller and more intimate. The latter also stages an international garden festival each year that explores garden design and experiments with the idea of garden as art.

But in many ways, the stories of the two gardens are strikingly similar, right down to Meconopsis betonicifolia (also known as Meconopsis baileyi), the rare Himalayan blue poppy that both Jennie and Elsie grew.

“A lot of people compare this garden to Butchart,” agrees Patricia Gallant, a member of the gardening team at Reford Gardens. “What’s different is the climate.”

No kidding. This region— known as the BasSaint-Laurent — is almost 600 km northeast of Montreal. Winters are long, snowy and bitterly cold, with the temperature dipping to minus 30C. In spring, the stream at Reford Gardens becomes an icy torrent. Had Elsie not built stonewalls to contain it, her hard work and laboriously

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The rare Himalayan blue poppy, seen here at Reford Gardens, is also grown at Butchart Gardens.

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conditioned soil could have been washed away after one season.

While winter is harsh, summers are humid with cool nights, the ideal conditions — as Elsie discovered —for growing the blue poppy. Almost 400 poppy plants greet visitors in the Blue Poppy Glade, the progeny of the first plants Elsie grew from seeds, which she obtained in the 1930s from the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh (the same source used by Jennie Butchart).

“I would say it’s the largest blue poppy garden in Canada,” says Gallant, noting that it’s also the garden’s official flower and was one of Elsie’s favourites. (Interestingly, both Butchart and Reford gardens operate a restaurant that goes by the name Blue Poppy.)

Unlike Butchart Gardens, Reford Gardens left family hands when Elsie’s son sold it to the government of Quebec in 1961. But today it’s run by a not-for-profit group headed up by Elsie’s great grandson, Alexander Reford — another fascinating parallel to Butchart Gardens, which is now owned by Jennie’s great granddaughter Robin-Lee Clarke.

Along with the original gardens, Reford Gardens has an herb

Winters are long, snowy and bitterly cold, with the temperature dipping to minus 30C. In spring, the stream at Reford Gardens becomes an icy torrent. and picking garden and a greenhouse. Every year, chef PierreOlivier Ferry chooses about 20 new kinds of edible flowers and herbs to grow in the greenhouse, in addition to the 100 or so mainstays.

Last year, for instance, Ferry experimented with arugula, recording how the taste and texture changed every seven days, so he would know, for instance, “when we have to pick arugula to have a nutty taste without the spicy taste.”

As well as running the restaurant and two cafés on the property, Ferry and his team also produce between 1,000 and 1,500 jars of spreads, pickles and jellies each year, created with plants from the garden or from the wild.

Alexander Reford is delighted with his young chef’s creativity and passion. And focusing on food makes sense, since Elsie herself hosted countless dinner parties and events.

“The estate, like many others of the period, was self-sufficient in food production,” says Alexander, “with beef, lamb, cheese, milk, cream, vegetables and, of course, Atlantic salmon — so from a purely historical point of view, the increase in selfsustainability has a solid foundation.”

Sitting down to lunch in the Garden Café at the end of my 52

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

 Tourists walk past flowers in bloom in the Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens.

garden tour, I’m presented with a bowl of foaming sweet corn soup, followed by a plate of gravlax salmon garnished with pickled daisy buds, dill mustard and tiny clumps of sulpheryellow flowers from the Bronze Fennel plant. A side salad of sliced fennel bulb is brightened with Lemon Lasil (one of 12 cultivars of basil Ferry has grown) and red and orange Nasturtium petals.

For those of us in Victoria, it takes a lot more effort to visit Reford Gardens than it does to drive up the road to Butchart Gardens, but it’s one inspiring trip.

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IF YOU GO: Reford Gardens (www.refordgardens.com) is open from June to September. It’s midway between Rimouski and Matane and a 10-minute drive from the regional airport in Mont-Joli.

The airport has regular daily service from Montréal and BaieComeau via Air Canada (Air Canada Jazz).

Suzanne Morphet is a travel writer and photographer who lives in North Saanich, conveniently close to both the Victoria airport and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. One of her favourite places in Canada is the Gaspe region of Quebec, where the Appalachian Mountains meet the St. Lawrence Seaway.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

FIGHTING THE RESISTANCE Pre-diabetes can be reversed — naturally  BY KRISTI MEREDITH

L

ACK OF EXERCISE and poor nutrition are leading to more and more diagnoses of “insulin resistance” or “pre-diabetes.”

But what is it and how can it be reversed?

To start, you might look at it like this: if your body is a machine, insulin resistance is like having a faulty part. You not only need to fix it, but also maintain it to keep it running smoothly.

But more technically, insulin resistance occurs when the body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. Instead of being absorbed by the cells and metabolized into energy, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, creating numerous problems. Insulin resistance can be caused by a genetic predisposition or — in most cases — what is or is not eaten.

A complex relationship exists between food, blood glucose levels (blood sugar), insulin and fat. Consuming carbohydrates — starches and sugars — triggers the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that stimulates cells to absorb glucose, fatty acids and amino acids.

Insulin also regulates blood glucose levels and fat storage among other things.

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“Insulin receptors on liver, fat and muscle cells are the targets when insulin is released into the bloodstream, and subsequently result in glucose uptake,” explains Sarah Garner, honours biochemistry candidate at the University of Victoria. “Depending on energy needs, this glucose will be stored as glycogen in fat cells or metabolized for energy.”

When cells stop responding to the normal stimulus of insulin, usually due to sudden spikes and crashes of blood glucose, more insulin is needed to regulate blood sugar levels. When that level of insulin in the bloodstream remains high, cells become resistant to the hormone; more insulin is needed to help glucose enter the cells, causing further resistance — and the negative cycle begins.

Weight gain is one possible result of insulin resistance as excess glucose in the bloodstream is converted into fat and carried throughout the body.

Advances in science have shown ways to control insulin resistance with the use of pharmaceuticals and drugs; however, it can also be prevented, and reversed, naturally.

To help keep insulin levels in check and prevent or reverse prediabetes, follow these tips:

Stick to the outside aisles of the supermarket Spikes and crashes of blood sugar, and consequently insulin, are typically related to eating highly processed and packaged foods.

“Often overlooked is the importance of dietary fibre in reducing the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance,” says Dr. Marita Schauch, naturopathic doctor at Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic in Sidney. “Sources of soluble fibre, such as legumes, nuts, psyllium, apples and most vegetables, are capable of slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thereby preventing rapid rises in blood sugar and keeping insulin levels balanced.”

Sticking to the outside aisles of the supermarket and choosing vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and fruits will help maintain a consistent insulin and blood glucose relationship in the bloodstream.

Meal size really does make a difference The amount of insulin secreted after eating is partially determined by the amount of glucose encountered in the previous meal. Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal followed by a lower carbohydrate meal will cause an over-secretion of insulin. Since insulin aids in the storage of fat, this can lead to weight gain.

“Protein, fibre and good fats [should be eaten] with each meal to help delay blood sugar spiking. I encourage my patients to eat a well-balanced diet, with foods that are minimally processed,” says Dr. MJ Atkins, naturopathic doctor at Synergy Health and Wellness Clinic in Victoria.

Keeping carbohydrates consistent at each meal will help maintain glucose and insulin levels in the bloodstream.

exercise is an energy saver Exercise is key for an insulin resistant body; it helps use up excess glucose in the bloodstream and also converts stored fat into energy. Until cells are no longer resistant to insulin, excess glucose and insulin will remain in the bloodstream. Exercise is the key to combatting already stored excess fat as well as maintaining lower blood sugar levels.

Reversing insulin resistance naturally is not just a fad weight loss diet; it is a lifestyle change to help keep that “machine” running smoothly.

Kristi Meredith is an aspiring naturopathic doctor currently studying at the University of Victoria. Her passions for nutrition and preventative medicine are rooted in her own challenges dealing with gluten and dairy intolerance, food sensitivities, and in caring for diabetic children.

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TALKING WITH TESSDAN MATTHEWS featuring

 BY TESS VAN STRAATEN IT’S GOLF SEASON IN VICTORIA and after several years of instability, the embattled Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa is moving out of the rough. New owner Dan Matthews, founder of BC-based Ecoasis Developments, wants to elevate the master-planned community to world-class status. It’s a full-circle moment for Matthews, whose family history in the area dates back more than 90 years. Tess van Straaten caught up with the sustainable development dynamo, who jet-sets between properties in Victoria, Hawaii and Whistler, to talk about growth, golf and getting a good work-life balance.  Bear Mountain has had a lot of trouble over the last few years — ownership issues, bankruptcy. What’s the biggest challenge turning that around? The trouble with Bear Mountain was never with the development itself, but the structure of the prior

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ownership and the financing. Bad structures lead to failed enterprises and too much debt can take any development off its course. Our purchase was all cash and our structure is such that we’re funded 100 per cent by the two partners of Ecoasis, so we can really focus on needs of community and the long-term goals of the resort.  One of the first things you’ve done is reverse a contentious decision to take away nine holes of golf. Victoria has a lot of golf courses, why was it so important to have 36 holes? We’re a lifestyle developer, so amenities are key to our core strategy; reducing amenities is not in line with that strategy. The retention of all 36 holes fits with our overall objectives.

We came up with a business model and listened to the community prior to making that announcement, and it became loud and clear that the retention of the 36 holes was important.

 What’s been your best business decision? My best business decision was to form Ecoasis (in 2009) with my partner Tom, and to start acquiring under-valued resort assets at a time when nobody wanted resort assets.  Where do you see the resort market now? In the U.S., we’ve certainly seen true tier one destinations hold their value. But there are many tier one destinations, which, in my mind, aren’t in tier one locations. The affordability in tier one destinations became so ridiculously high, new ones were suddenly being created. A great example is Phoenix, where communities started sprouting up in non-core areas. Or, look at the Florida interior, Orlando, and the interior of Montana, which just recently became littered with resort opportunities. They’ll improve from their lows, but they won’t go back to their former highs in a timeline that would be sensible from an investment prospective.  What destinations have really held their value? Hawaii, parts of Southern California — Newport Beach, Laguna Beach — and parts of New York. I throw New York in there because so many of the towers in Manhattan are lifestyle-driven with amenities that rival some of the best resorts in the world. The real tier one locations have come back strong in these places, and the best among them were really never impacted by the full severity of the downturn.  What’s your advice to someone looking to buy a resort property in North America? Don’t make the mistakes of the past by leveraging yourself too much. There are great alternatives to ownership, such as timeshares. You can also look at different types of resort management programs. If you’re looking at a second home in a resort area, make sure you can rent it out when you’re not there. This means it has to be highly desirable to other people. If you can, buy-in early before all the plans are rolled out, because once they are, prices will reflect that.  What’s been your biggest mistake? Not paying attention to the fine details. I think when you build an organization, you try to have great people around you, and sometimes you don’t always focus on the things you should. As a result, I’ve become a bit of micromanager, which can become a problem in and of itself. I also fell victim to a tech crisis in 2000. I stayed in a bit longer than I should have and I know the markets better than that. But I don’t look at those as bad investments — they’re learning lessons.  What‘s your best parting advice? Do what you love, make time for your family — above all — and try to create a sensible and desirable life-work balance. For us, it doesn’t really feel like it’s a job. Considering the geography of Whistler, Hawaii and Victoria, I can’t think of three better places to spend time.

Tess van Straaten is an award-winning journalist, television personality and fourth- generation Victoria native.

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FRONT ROW  BY ROBERT MOYES

THE MONUMENTAL BRAHMS

Unchallenged as one of the greatest monuments of choral music, the German Requiem by Brahms requires a full symphony, a chorus of 170 singers. . . and plenty of endurance to preform its non-stop, 80-minute entirety. “This is an exhausting work for the chorus . . . they’re singing almost all the time,” explains Tania Miller, conductor of the Victoria Symphony. For this epic performance, she’ll be working with the Victoria Philharmonic Choir and the Victoria Choral Society, both of which perform regularly with the symphony. According to Miller, the German Requiem is a very beloved and important work in the oratorio repertoire.

“As a conductor, you are entering into an important musical journey and you want to do justice to the composer’s vision,” says Miller, who will have spent 60 hours studying the score by the time she picks up the baton. Considered a work of special profundity,the German Reqium is meant to offer consolation to those in mourning. And although Brahms took all the text from the Bible, the discussion is of God and spirituality, but not of Christianity, per se. “There are dramatic elements in the Requiem, passages that are exhilarating and captivating,” she says. “But overall it is one of the most peaceful and beautiful works ever written.”

Performing May 10-11 at the Royal Theatre. For times and tickets, call 250-386-6121.

NO GIMMICK REQUIRED

Gotta Getta Gimmick was founded by a trio of grads from the Victoriabased Canadian College of Performing Arts, aspiring to present musical theatre in Victoria. “It was really about creating performance opportunities for local theatre artists,” explains Clayton Baraniuk, who helped cofound GGG 12 years ago. Most recently they’ve been running a unique musical cabaret that happens several times a year in the “studio” at the Belfry Theatre. According to Baraniuk, there’s a curatorial aspect, insofar as each show focuses on the songs of one particular composer. About 25 performers are assembled, then put through some 30 hours of rehearsal.

The resulting shows, heartfelt and brimming with talent, are spectacular enough to have attracted a cult-like audience. Their newest one focuses on Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Baraniuk is quick to point out that the GGG shouldn’t be dismissed as old-fashioned. “They have a great body of work, and musicals like South Pacific and The King and I were very progressive in the way they confronted racism,” he says. Anyone interested in attending should buy tickets early — these cabarets always sell out.

Performing May 12 at the Belfry Theatre. For tickets, call 250-385-6815.

 GGG presents a song from Stephen Sondheim’s famed Sunday in the Park with George, during a past performance.

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PHOTO BY PETER POKORNY

 Maestra Tania Miller, conductor of the Victoria Symphony, will be working with the Victoria Philharmonic Choir and the Victoria Choral Society to present Brahm's German Requiem.

 Altered Pot, by Mary Fox, was enhanced by asymmetrically stretching the clay and finishing it with coloured clay slip and a textured glaze.

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As the longest-living ceramic exhibition group in Canada, Fired Up! has lots to celebrate as it heads into its 30th anniversary. Currently comprising 11 nationally renowned potters from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, Fired once again hosts its big annual show. “This is a chance to see how individual potters interpret the world differently,” says Salt Spring Island’s Pat Webber, a founding member of Fired, and one of two still active in the group. According to Webber, the exhibition will show everything from functional vessels such as mugs to exotic sculptural pieces. All are made by a wide variety of firing techniques. Aside from the group’s core members — including Gary Merkel, Gordon Hutchens and Kinichi Shigeno —the show features contributions from up to a dozen retired members of this exclusive club, such as Robin Hopper and Walter Dexter. “It’s hard to make a living as a potter unless you do other things,” admits Webber. “But it’s a fabulous life, from the freedom of the work to the beautiful objects that you make or buy from your colleagues,” she adds. “We live rich.”

Fired Up! is at the Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Road, May 23-25. For information, call 250590-5744.

The BesT Prices The BesT seaTs The BesT selecTion The BesT BenefiTs season highlighTs Britten’s War Requiem Jan Lisiecki Goodyear Plays Brahms The Irish Tenors the piano men: Music of Billy Joel and Elton John and more!

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A CENTURY OF CULTURE

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For the last two years, Victoria arts producer and manager Josh Keller has been planning a birthday party of truly epic proportions. Both the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse have just turned 100, and the elaborate, starstudded “Centennial Festival” acknowledges the unique contributions these heritage theatres have made to Victoria. “They were and still are incredibly important as the city’s cultural hubs,” explains Keller. “Whether it was touring artists or local institutions like the symphony and the operatic society, those two theatres were indispensable to the presentation and nurturing of the performing arts in Victoria.” According to Keller, the eight shows lined up are artistic companies or individual performers who have a long-term relationship with the city or the arts community.

From opera superstar Ben Heppner anchoring the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria gala, to a mini-fest of different rock groups “curated” by Atomique Production’s Nick Blasko (reflecting the noisily proud history of rock ‘n’ roll in Victoria), these performances represent an opportunity to see a broad swath of the city’s cultural community in one incredible week. “There are some great out-of-town headliners like jazz trumpeter Chris Botti or Victoria-raised dancer/choreographer Crystal Pite,” says Keller. “But I’m just as interested in some of the local artists — like what Nick is doing — as well as the incredible lineup of roots, folk and blues musicians that Daniel Lapp has organized,” he adds.

“These are musical collaborations that eloquently express the very best of our local scene.”

Running from May 18-25 at the Royal and McPherson. For information and tickets, see www.rm100.ca

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 Daniel Lapp has organized an incredible lineup of roots, folk, and blues musicians for the Centennial Festival.

 Sunny Farmland, an oil on panel, is among the pieces by Ken Faulks that will be exhibited at West End Gallery.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Victoria-born Ken Faulks grew up on Portage Inlet and, as soon as he could hold a pencil, displayed an enthusiasm — and an aptitude — for drawing. By the early 1980s he was freelancing in the visual arts, doing everything from murals to book covers. Later that decade he became more dedicated to his vocation. Inspired by the Group of Seven he began plein air painting — hiking out into nature and putting lush layers of oil onto small wood panels. “Walking through the woods I’ve had sticks go through a canvas painting . . . that doesn’t happen with board,” says Faulks with a laugh.

A professional painter for the last quarter century, Faulks reckons he’s still trying to make a living at it. “I don’t own a house, I don’t buy new cars . . . and whether or not I go on a painting road trip depends on the budget.” Mind you, with his largest paintings now selling for $7,000, Faulks is certainly getting by. Still a plein air enthusiast — he often heads out with an informal gang of painting notables who call themselves the Al Frescoes — Faulks also executes larger canvases in the studio. Both aspects of his output will be on display at West End Gallery, his exclusive dealer in Victoria.

Faulks expects that approximately 30 pieces will be on the walls. Although best known for creating vivid landscapes, Faulks finds inspiration in many artistic movements. “Aside from the Impressionists, I’m just as influenced by New York Abstract Expressionists such as Robert Motherwell,” he says.

Showing May 17-29 at 1203 Broad Street. For information, see West End Gallery (http://www.westendgalleryltd.com/).

Boulevard is pleased to announce Susan Lundy has taken over as editor, effective this edition. Susan brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked as a journalist, editor and freelance writer for over 25 years. She has a BA in Creative Writing and Journalism from the University of Victoria, and has won more than 25 writing, design and project awards. She is also a two-time recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award of Distinction. She worked for numerous years at the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper as reporter, managing editor and design editor, but now focuses on freelance writing and editing. She is also the editor of Oak Bay’s Tweed magazine, and her column on family life runs in several Black Press newspapers. Last year, she published her first book, Heritage Apples: A New Sensation (Touchwood Editions, 2013). She has two daughters and two stepchildren, all in their early 20s, and lives with her partner, pollster and social media analyst, Bruce Cameron, their two dogs and a cat. connect with us

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SECRETS & LIVES  BY SUSAN LUNDY

Nice to meet you, Stephen Green. Where are you from and how did you get to Victoria? I grew up west of Toronto, mostly around Oakville. After completing my music studies in Salzburg, Austria, and working there a few years, I returned to Canada to work at the RCM for just over a decade.

In 2012, I had the opportunity to come to Victoria to be the Dean of the wonderful Victoria Conservatory of Music. In other news . . . my mother’s family has been on this island for 200 years, so I guess in their eyes, I’ve finally found my way home!

What is one of your most significant childhood memories? When Oscar Peterson came to perform at my high school. I hadn’t known the man aside from seeing him in church from time to time; however, one day I just knocked on his door and asked if he might consider coming to perform. He said YES! It changed everything for me, and I knew I wanted to spend my life in music.

How and when did music come into to your life and what role does it play now? When I was three, my Sunday school

duets with people in other parts of the world online, the way we play online video games.

What impresses you most about the Victoria Conservatory of Music? The high quality instruction and diverse offerings for all ages and stages is what immediately comes to mind; however, it’s the passion and dedication of both the faculty and staff that impresses me the most. The VCM would not exist today without it.

What do you love most about your work? Having the opportunity every day to be creative in so many ways. For the VCM’s 50th anniversary, we are launching two new schools: one focused on the Contemporary (Popular) Music genres, and the other on Music Technology and Creativity. These are very new directions for a traditional music conservatory. We’re on a path of discovery, re-envisioning what music education means to our community; what it means to create music and be creative with music.

What do you love most about living in Victoria? It’s a tie between not having to shovel snow, and finally being able to get a proper cup of tea!

What do you on a rainy day off? How about a sunny day off? [When it rains] I try to get out with the family and take in one of the many live performances at the VCM or elsewhere in town. Otherwise, enjoy some wine and cheese and practice fiddle.

When it’s sunny, I can’t stay indoors: I’m down at the beach or on a walk somewhere.

Where do you turn for advice?

Depending on what it’s for, to my friends and colleagues, the internet, the “man upstairs,” and most importantly, my committee of sober second thought, i.e. my lovely wife and three sons.

What has life taught you? Music is one of the greatest gifts given to the human race; it breaks down all barriers and teaches us to love and live life to its fullest.

Depriving someone of a music education is like depriving them of oxygen.

Is there anything else we should know about Stephen Green?

He has a crazy cockatoo named Tosca.

She prefers to walk, rather than fly, is quite the diva, and keeps the whole family on their toes!

This interview has been condensed and edited.

teacher let me play on the piano at church.

I was soon finding the notes to children’s tunes, and making up my own as well.

Music is my way of life, and I do what I can to share that with everyone.

STEPHEN GREEN, 53 DEAN AT THE VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 62

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

Who would you like to play a piano duet with? I’d love to use music technology to play

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PHOTOGRAPHED OUTSIDE THE RAVEN BUILDING BY GARY MCKINSTRY

YOUTHFUL, FUN AND UNCOMPROMISING It was the distinctive spindle grille that sold the car, Fraser Lee recalls with a laugh.

Of course, after settling into the comfortable driver’s seat, with the track-tested, performance-tuned Lexus IS 350 F Sport ready to claim the road, it was an easy sell.

A long family history led Fraser to Metro Lexus, where he fully expected his showroom visit would be met with exceptional vehicles and equally exceptional service.

He didn’t necessarily expect the Lexus IS 350 F Sport.

“I didn’t think I’d be buying a Lexus at this point in my life,” says Fraser, 29, a professional with Tri Eagle Development Corporation.

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impression.”

The sleek, sexy styling of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport caught his eye immediately.

“It has an aggressive uncompromising look to it,” he notes.

Inside the luxurious, ergonomic cabin, the IS 350 F Sport expertly marries modern, sophisticated design with surround sound, connectivity and numerous innovative safety features for a truly dynamic driving experience.

After four months behind the wheel, Fraser couldn’t be more thrilled.

“It has everything you could want in a modern car,” he says, confident in the long-term relationship he’s building with the Metro Lexus team. “It’s really nice to deal with a group of people you can trust. And knowing you’re going to be looked after long after the sales process — that was really the reason I went there.”

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THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

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