YAM magazine May/June 2022 by Page One Publishing

ISSUE 78 MAY/JUN 2022

yammagazine.com

VICTORIA’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PEOPLE CULTURE EXPERIENCES STYLE FOOD We’re celebrating it all!

CITY ISSUE

Comfortably bold. The new C-Class inspires confidence and prestige like never before. Drivers and passengers will revel in the beloved Mercedes-Benz luxury experience, now elevated by a suite of new and intuitive technology. Safer, more efficient and more connected, the new C-Class is here to upgrade your comfort zone. Discover the thrill at Three Point Motors.

Three Point Motors

A Division of GAIN Group | 2546 Government Street | 250-385-6737 | threepointmotors.com

THE CONDO GROUP REIMAGINED AS

As the Island has grown... So have we.

VISIT US AT I S LA N D R E A LM R E A L E S T A T E .CO M

WEDDINGS, WORK AND ALL OCCASIONS SPECIALISTS IN CUSTOM SUITS & SPORTS JACKETS FA B R I C S F R O M THE FINEST MILLS LORO PIANA, DRAGO, HOLLAND & SHERRY

menswear & accessories fa s h i o n c h a n g es. st y l e re m a i n s. #110 -2506 beacon avenue, sidney 250.654.0534 dgb-sidney@shaw.ca

620 broughton street, victoria 778.265.5340 dgb-victoria@shaw.ca

city issue

CONTENTS features

24 FANTASTIC FIVE Meet five people in our community who make our city bright, beautiful and welcoming. By Jennifer Hartley

32 ADRENALINE ADVENTURES Three nearby experiences to get your heart pounding. By Jennifer Hartley

52 TAKE IT OUTSIDE Picnic ideas for dining al fresco and the perfect places to munch your lunch.

from the cover STYLE WATCH Page 46

By Cinda Chavich

60 BRING HOME THE BLOOMS Get the latest trends in gardening containers. Find tips on pots and what to put inside them, from plants to flowers to foliage. By Wendy McLellan

66 MIND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Get your creative forces flowing to boost your mood and your mind.

departments

EDITOR’S NOTE

HERE + NOW YAM’s latest finds in home décor, fashion, lifestyle and food.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

Styled by Janine Metcalfe

HOME + LIFESTYLE All in the family: creating a home for multigenerations.

SCENE Meet Wes Borg, the funny guy with a big heart.

Local filmmaker Allen Lewis warms our Hallmark hearts. By David Lennam

STYLE WATCH Local designers showcase summer style.

IN PERSON

By Danielle Pope

By David Lennam

DO TELL Q&A with hometown Olympic hero, Micah Zandee-Hart. By Jennifer Hartley

2 5 0 B E C H E R B AY R O A D, S O O K E

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES » N EW L ISTIN G

$15,500,000

$8,500,000

$14,000,000

3155 Beach Drive, Oak Bay

2908 Fishboat Bay Road, Sooke

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 8 11,900 SQ.FT 1.67 ACRES Lisa Williams PREC 250.514.1966

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 8 12,214 SQ.FT 2.50 ACRES

$5,999,999

Norway Island, Gulf Island

3274/3290 Campion Road, Central Saanich

Andrew Maxwell

250.213.2104

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES »

9.86 ACRE LOT Logan Wilson PREC

BEDS: 8 BATHS: 4 6,000 SQ.FT 30 ACRES

250.857.0609

Nico Grauer PREC

250.228.3858

« U N I Q U E O P P O R T U N I T I E S C O N D O S & TOW N H O M E S »

N EW L I ST I N G

NEW LISTIN G

$1,950,000

$2,100,000

$2,990,000

$1,550,000

9462 Lochside Drive, Sidney

1918 Marina Way, North Saanich

689 Frayne Road, Mill Bay

803-21 Dallas Road, Victoria

BEDS: 3 BATHS: 3 2,771 SQ.FT 0.05 ACRES

BEDS: 3 BATHS: 4 2,645 SQ.FT 0.5 ACRE Glynis MacLeod PREC 250.661.7232

2.36 ACRE LOT

BEDS: 2 BATHS: 3 2,383 SQ.FT 0.05 ACRES

Georgia Wiggins 250.415.2500

Tim Wiggins 250.415.2811

PREC

C O N D O S & TOW N H O M E S »

D’Arcy Harris

250.686.2375

Kris Ricci

778.966.7441

« C O N D O S & TOW N H O M E S S I N G L E FA M I LY H O M E S » R EC ENTLY SO LD

NEW LISTING

RECENTLY SOLD

$550,000

$799,000

$399,900

$6,999,000

308-9751 Fourth Street, Sidney

201-1597 Mortimer Street, Saanich

314-1411 Cook Street, Victoria

BEDS: 2 BATHS: 2 1,059 SQ.FT Michael Tourigny

BEDS: 2 BATHS: 2 1,178 SQ.FT Alenzo Winters

BATHS: 1 370 SQ.FT

250.514.6457

250.858.9395

Samantha Jensson

250.818.2006

$3,875,000

2426 Andover Road, Nanoose Bay

2114 Marne Street, Oak Bay

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 7 8,800 SQ.FT 0.47 ACRES Robyn Wildman 250.818.8522

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 4 4,302 SQ.FT 0.25 ACRES Beth Hayhurst 250.896.0766

S I N G L E FA M I LY H O M E S » SOLD

NEW LISTING

651 Avalon Road, Victoria

113-2829 Meridian Avenue, Langford

BATHS: 4 1,744 SQ.FT 0.14 ACRES Andy Stephenson PREC 250.532.0888

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 3 2,399 SQ.FT 0.09 ACRES

$1,249,000

SOLD

RECENTLY SOLD

$949,900

$1,099,000

$1,150,000

1190 Reynolds Road, Saanich

16-1030 Hulford Street, Saanich

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 2 2,524 SQ.FT 0.19 ACRES

Harley Shim

403.313.6683

Kersten St Germain

250.532.3869

BEDS: 2 DEN: 1 BATHS: 3 1,576 SQ.FT Marnie Ross 250.514.4363

Connect with your local experts.

Alenzo Winters

Andrew Maxwell

Victoria 250.380.3933

Andy Stephenson

Beth Hayhurst

Brad Maclaren

Salt Spring Island 250.537.1778

Brayden Klein

Brett Cooper

Vancouver 604.632.3300

Christine Ryan

D’Arcy Harris

West Vancouver 604.922.6995

Dave Hatt

Dean Innes

White Rock 604.385.1840

Don St Germain

Georgia Wiggins

Glynis MacLeod

Whistler 604.932.3388

Grace Shin

Harley Shim

Kelowna 250.469.9547

Jacob Garrett

John Shin

Sun Peaks 250.578.7773

Move Beyond Your Expectations S O T H E B Y S R E A L T Y. C A 7 0 3 - 1 2 3 4 W H A R F S T R E E T, V I C T O R I A

« UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

R EC E N T LY SO L D

NEW LISTING

NEW LI ST I NG

$5,180,000

$2,750,000

$2,700,000

639 Radcliffe Lane, Oak Bay

250 Becher Bay Road, Sooke

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 4 3,618 SQ.FT 0.42 ACRES Sean Farrell 250.588.2377

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 3 5,900 SQ.FT 11.29 ACRES

Dean Innes

250.686.0279

$2,500,000

6121 Wallace Drive, Saanich

6922 Lochside Drive, Central Saanich

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 4 4,252 SQ.FT 5.68 ACRES Kirsten MacLeod Shaelyn Mattix 250.686.3385 250.908.0184

5,435 SQ.FT 2.71 ACRES

Peter Crichton

250.889.4000

« C O N D O S & TOW N H O M E S SO L D

SOLD

$1,700,000

$1,499,000

$837,500

$1,199,900

703-1234 Wharf Street, Victoria

409-521 Courtney Street, Victoria

127-2345 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Oak Bay

2-1900 Watkiss Way, View Royal

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 2 1,161 SQ.FT 0.04 ACRES

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 2 826 SQ.FT

BEDS: 2 BATHS: 3 2,298 SQ.FT Don St Germain PREC

BEDS: 3 BATHS: 4 1,943 SQ.FT 0.04 ACRES Thomas Goodman 250.415.6675

Sandy Berry

250-818-8736

Brayden Klein

250.588.2466

250.744.7136

« S I N G L E FA M I LY H O M E S SO LD

$2,999,000

SOLD

$1,899,000

$2,300,000

$2,450,000

2024 Troon Court, Langford

9544 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 4 4,280 SQ.FT 0.33 ACRES Brad Maclaren PREC 250.727.5448

BEDS: 3 BATHS: 3 2,900 SQ.FT 0.70 ACRES

John Shin

778.584.1204

1584 Rockland Avenue, Victoria

510 Richmond Avenue, Victoria

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 4 3,649 SQ.FT 0.19 ACRES Dave Hatt 250.888.0204

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 4 2,356 SQ.FT 0.24 ACRES

Grace Shin

250.893.9976

« S I N G L E FA M I LY H O M E S R EC EN TLY SO LD

SOL D

$800,000

$929,000

3208 Wetherby Road, Saanich

Toronto

250.858.6524

Kris Ricci

Paris

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 1 732 SQ.FT 0.66 ACRES

BEDS: 3 BATHS: 1 1,581 SQ.FT

Brett Cooper PREC

Kirsten MacLeod

6920 East Sooke Road, Sooke

261 Lagoon Road, Colwood

BEDS: 2 BATHS: 1 1,077 SQ.FT 0.13 ACRES

Kersten St Germain

SO L D

Lisa Williams

Logan Wilson

New York

Marnie Ross

Christine Ryan

Michael Tourigny

Tokyo

778.533.3205

Nico Grauer

Peter Crichton

Hong Kong

Robyn Wildman

Samantha Jensson

Montréal

Tom de Cosson

Sandy Berry

Sean Farrell

250.858.5841

Shaelyn Mattix

Thomas Goodman

Tim Wiggins

Tom de Cosson

S OT H E B YS R E A LT Y.C A

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. PREC is Personal Real Estate Corporation.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Pinch me, please

BUYING OR SELLING? I am dedicated to providing my clients with exceptional service, sound negotiating techniques and constant communication throughout the real estate process.

Call Andrew Maxwell for a complimentary consultation.

250.213.2104 amaxwell@sothebysrealty.ca A N D R EW M AXW E L L .CA SOT H E BYS R E A LT Y.CA Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

he City Issue. There is no better edition to begin my YAM journey with than one dedicated to celebrating my new home. Victoria continues to rank as one of the best cities in Canada in which to live, drawing new residents from across Canada and around the world. Paradise is a recurring attraction, but we know that already. One aspect that has captivated me in particular Jennifer Hartley, Editor as I explore is the diversity that surrounds us. It editor@ yammagazine.com manifests itself in every area of life in Victoria. Our exquisite beauty and the various ways to experience it — on foot, on a horse, on a bike or from the sky — nourishes my soul. I love how our natural beauty is juxtaposed with sophisticated architectural innovations (including creative solutions to multi-generational family homes— see page 38), against a backdrop of stunning historical buildings. It all has me walking well over 10,000 steps a day, which is a good thing, because our flourishing food scene and culinary experiences are impossible to resist. Our long patio season, not to mention picnics in beautiful places, excites me, and inside this issue are many suggestions on how to take advantage of every beautiful day ahead. As editor, I am in a privileged position to meet fascinating people in our community from all walks of life: artists, musicians, Olympians, historians, a shoemaker and people who support others. Each one strengthens the social fabric of our city and makes it more beautiful. I have been deeply moved by something I wasn’t expecting: their humility. Without exception, while they all share a thirst for all the best that life has to offer, their kindness, warmth and gratitude have warmed my heart. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from them and to share their stories with you. As we come out of hibernation, finally seeing the back end of COVID, I could not be more thrilled to embrace all that Victoria has to offer, and I look forward to taking this voyage with you. Full speed ahead.

The fascinating people of our community all strengthen the social fabric of our city.

JOIN US! Spring Winemaker’s Dinner Speaking of culinary experiences, I am thrilled that YAM is now able to host our Spring Winemaker’s Dinner. It will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 13 at HOB Fine Foods, 2829 Peatt Road, Langford. I hope you will join me, YAM Best Restaurant Awards winner Castro Boateng and Cowichan Valley’s Unsworth Vineyards for this divine evening. Chef Boateng will present a fivecourse menu featuring fresh, seasonal bounty harvested on Vancouver Island. Each course will be paired with wines handcrafted by Unsworth Vineyards. Limited tickets available! For more info, scan the QR code or visit yammagazine.com. All proceeds will go to supporting the Ukraine effort.

Luxe Home Interiors is honoured to partner with local talented artists like Rande Cook, who combines tradition and contemporary style. Through our partnership we promote local art while celebrating the creativity and diversity of our community.

The future of every community lies in capturing the passion, imagination, and resources of its people.

Rande Cook, Artist

— Ernesto Sirolli

564 Yates St 250.386.7632 luxevictoria.ca

VICTORIA’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHERS Lise Gyorkos, Georgina Camilleri

NATURAL BEAUTY, INSPIRED DESIGN by Little Gold, Victoria

EDITOR Jennifer Hartley DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jeffrey Bosdet PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Kühtz DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Amanda Wilson LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Janice Hildybrant ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jo-Ann Loro, Caroline Segonnes CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Carla Sorrell MARKETING COORDINATOR Claire Villaraza ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Rebecca Juetten ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Deana Brown, Cynthia Hanischuk, Brenda Knapik FASHION EDITOR Janine Metcalfe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cinda Chavich, David Lennam, Wendy McLellan, Danielle Pope CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS S ama Jim Canzian, Joshua Lawrence, Jo-Ann Loro, Michelle Proctor PROOFREADER Paula Marchese CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Alamy p. 54; Getty Images p. 32, 34, 62, 63; Living4Media p. 60, 64; Stocksy p. 52, 53, 58

523 Fisgard Street 250-382-4424 | fantanvictoria.com

GENERAL INQUIRIES info@yammagazine.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@yammagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE TO YAM subscriptions@yammagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES sales@yammagazine.com ONLINE yammagazine.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/YAMmagazine TWITTER twitter.com/YAMmagazine INSTAGRAM @yam_magazine

ON THE COVER Style Watch See story on page 46. Photo by Jeffrey Bosdet.

Published by PAGE ONE PUBLISHING 580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1C7 T 250-595-7243 info@pageonepublishing.ca pageonepublishing.ca

Printed in British Columbia by Mitchell Press. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Page One Publishing Inc. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in all or part, in any form — printed or electronic — without the express permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #41295544

A COMFORT LEGEND AND A FASHION STAPLE

1023 Fort Street | 250.920.7653 | heartandsoleshoes.ca

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

ADVERTISE IN YAM MAGAZINE YAM is Victoria’s lifestyle magazine, connecting readers to the distinctive lifestyle and authentic luxury of the West Coast. For advertising info, please call 250-595-7243 or email sales@yammagazine.com.

HERE + NOW

LUKE CONNOR

Rifflandia’s main stage at Royal Athletic Park.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY Downtown Victoria will be filled with music once again as festivals resume after the COVID hiatus. The Phillips Backyard Concerts will kick things off with their Glitterbomber weekend concert May 14 to 15. The TD Victoria International Jazz Fest vibes will ooze into the streets June 24 to July 3. The Phillips Backyard Concerts continue with Tilt! July 9 to 10 and Implosion Explosion August 13 to 14. The Victoria Symphony will be splashing around town at different venues for 10 days, from July 22 to 31. And Rifflandia will fill the air with more fabulous tunes September 15 to 18. Enjoy!

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

Like Your Bike

HERE + NOW

GET TO NOMI

NOMI app creator, Christie Faye Collins

JEFFREY BOSDET/YAM MAGAZINE

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasures of riding a bike.” John F. Kennedy was right, but he forgot to say how fun it is to get new gear.

A new app focused on disability inclusion lends a helping hand to people looking for connection.

rying to make a human connection online can be difficult, and if you are neurodiverse or disabled, you know it is even more challenging. Victoria resident Christie Faye Collins is trying to change that. She is developing an app, NOMI, where people can connect in a safe place, accepted and celebrated for who they are. “On Tinder and Bumble, people get fixated on someone’s disability, and they don’t see the person,” Collins says. “I want something where people already understand and don’t need to field invasive questions about themselves or make others uncomfortable. I want it to be a place of acceptance and where people explore each other to see if they can get along without those other hassles.” Collins is seeking input on NOMI’s content and design from the community. Individuals can share their

perspective in an online Collins says NOMI is questionnaire. already evolving in response Jacob, a 19-year-old to comments. autistic and neurologically “At first, I thought it would complicated individual living be exclusively for disabled in Victoria, is excited about or neurodiverse individuals. NOMI’s potential. That is not going to be the “For a long time, I thought case for a few reasons, one I would never find someone of which is because some who would like me for me, people are not yet identified but now I am optimistic about as neurodivergent but are my odds because of this app,” drawn to people who are. says Jacob. They want to be part of the However, app. Another NOMI is not question I “This is a just for dating. received was welcoming If people find whether trans space ... I want and two-spirit romantic love, everyone to all the better, people could be feel accepted.” part of NOMI. but Collins is calling NOMI Absolutely. more of a “connection” app. This is a welcoming space for She wants it to be a place for everyone. I want everyone to people looking for friendship feel accepted.” and companionship. In fact, Collins plans to have the the majority of people who app up and running by 2023, have responded to her call for after she runs through all feedback have indicated it is the suggestions. It will be that kind of relationship they a fantastic addition to our crave. community.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

For a biking experience that offers a bit of a boost, you might want to consider the Turbo Vado e-bike from Specialized. The Vado is a smooth ride with a strong motor and battery. (The 2022 model can make it to 200 km before requiring a charge). The Mission Control App feature keeps track of your data and customizes your ride. Available at Victoria Electric Bikes

The Nutcase VIO MIPS LED helmet lights up the night, protects your head and stays cool with oversized vents for airflow when things heat up. Recharge by USB. Line carried by North Park Bike Shop

Fashion and functionality. With its patent-pending BagBar, this stylish bike bag carrier system looks great on and off the road. Order at 1kiind.com

This pouch is designed for bike tools or smaller items, like your smart phone. Handcrafted out of genuine leather, it comes in three sizes — large (for handlebars) and medium and small (for seat bags). Available at Bao Shoemaker

From one coast to another: MEET MAUD This summer, over 130 paintings by Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970) are heading west to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV).

EXHIBIT ORGANIZED BY McMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION.

ewis’s art magically depicts life in rural Atlantic Canada. She had a dedicated and significant following for decades in her home province, but her work has only recently gathered international fans following the 2016 film Maudie starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke. A Lewis painting can fetch well over $45,000 — a far cry from the $5 she used to make. Known for her bright colours that exude optimism, warmth and vitality, she has become one of Canada’s most formally inventive folk artists. In the final years of her life, interest in her art started to grow and even captured the attention of people like Richard Nixon. She loved painting black cats and kittens, cart horses and oxen hauling logs as well as quayside scenes of ships in port. She captured the Maritime landscape in all seasons, and you can see it all at the AGGV from June 18 to October 16. Fisherman on Dock, 1958, oil on pulp board, 29.6 x 35 cm. Private collection.

3 WAYS TO PERK UP YOUR PATIO Fun options to spiff up your space. Who doesn’t love wicker? There is just something familiar about it. It’s also easy to maintain. Wicker refers to the weaving process of materials, and not the materials themselves. Its origins go back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, but the term is believed to be Scandinavian (“wika” means bend in Swedish and “vikkers” means willow). Some great wicker options include the Capri Nest Chair made from synthetic resin rattan and its matching side table. They are beautiful, distinctive-looking pieces that are also durable. SLICKER WICKER

It always feels great to make environmentally friendly choices. It turns out that the plastic in bottle caps, milk jugs and orange juice containers also makes great patio furniture. It’s called high-density plastic (HDPE), and, when blended with pigment for colour, it creates a low-maintenance, weather-resistant material. C.R. Plastic Products makes furniture from 100 per cent recycled plastic, diverting millions of pounds of plastic waste from landfills and the ocean. FANTASTIC PLASTIC

There is something so comforting about a fire table or fire pit. They add sparkle to a patio but they are practical, too. Not only will they keep you cozy and toasty on cool evenings, they are soothing and add great ambience to any setting. Spiral propane patio heaters, the kind that grew in popularity during the pandemic, are another nice look and provide an extra bit of light to a space. KEEP YOUR TOES TOASTY

1 Wicker Capri Nest Chair and side table, available at Monarch Furnishings 2 Recycled high-density plastic Modern Adirondack chair in navy from C.R. Plastic Products, available at Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre 3 Bola fire bowl (FPB30) from Heat Savers Fireplace & Patio Co.

2 3 YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

GET FIRED UP It is finally that fabulous time of year to grill and chill at home in your outdoor kitchen, a.k.a. the BBQ.

PACK IT UP AND HIT THE ROAD

EXPERIENCE LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. TASTE LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL.

If space is at a premium at your home or if you want to take your grill on the road, you are not alone. One of the BBQ trends this year is portability, and you don’t need to compromise quality to have it. Check out the Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill (above), perfectly sized for a smaller patio, or hit the road or trails with the Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill (below). In addition to the classic black and titanium, it comes in fun colours like bright blue and orange.

Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

s u h it w t n e v e n a k oo B Monday to Saturday, 11am-6pm Sunday, 11am-5pm

1701 Douglas Street, Victoria B.C. | victoriapublicmarket.com | 16

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

@victoriapublicmarket

The right BBQ tools can make the experience of creating your culinary masterpiece much easier and more enjoyable. A digital grill thermometer, stainless steel utensils, Lodge cast-iron skillets and grilling baskets should all be part of your BBQ tool kit.

Napoleon Rotisserie Grill Basket

The patio-sized Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill

YAM

Contest Alert!

Glow Your Best G I V E AWAY We’re excited to announce that Viso Dermatology is giving away four CoolPeel laser treatments, valued at $2,200, to one lucky YAM reader. CoolPeel is an innovative advancement in CO2 laser technology that targets the superficial layers of the skin to stimulate new collagen, remove damaged skin and improve overall texture. The best part? CoolPeel treatments are fast and painless. Scan the QR code or visit yammagazine.com to enter. Contest ends June 30, 2022. Good luck!

New arrivals from Barcelona’s Mus & BomBon offer a European perspective to your summer essentials.

Now offering swimwear styles from bikini to onepiece, including cup-sizing for your perfect fit.

FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE • ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY MODEN & MODEN ESSENTIALS 2418 & 2416 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | 250.655.0774 | modenboutique.com YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

TASTES + TRENDS

By Cinda Chavich Oak Bay Avenue’s Vis-à-Vis Bouchon Bar and The Penny Farthing Pub

Sweet Surrender The corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road is a popular destination for the Saturday farmers’ market. But now it’s a spot for lovers of sweet stuff, during the week. Joining the popular Tout de Sweet Confectionary (makers of legendary organic marshmallows, hibiscus gumdrops and rosemary caramels) are Deer & Dough Bakery and Martha’s Delectables. “This morning the aroma of caramel corn is in the air — it’s quite a dangerous little alleyway,” says Martha Barber of her new wholesale bakery in Fairfield, with a takeout window where customers can buy little bags of her Scottish-style shortbread (think lovely lemon, orange brandy or Canadian maple), pecan tarts and custom cookies. Next door, Melinda Friedman has moved her virtual, home-based Deer & Dough Bakery “into a bricks-and-mortar mega micro-bakery café.”

Taking it to the Street

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

patio perched along the Selkirk Waterway, specializing in big views, small plates and steaks. At Blanshard and Fort, you’ll find The Fort Common, a hidden urban oasis, with tables open to the public for dining outdoors, while the rooftop patio at Superflux (Cabana) on the corner offers craft beer and casual noshes in a stylish space with a vintage vibe. Vis-à-Vis Bouchon Bar always had a few seats outside but with neighbouring Penny Farthing Pub, there’s now a sprawling sidewalk café, complete with gas heaters and cozy blankets for all-day diners along Oak Bay Avenue. Also in Oak Bay is the patio at FARO, with a cozy outdoor café space to enjoy handcrafted pizza and cocktails outside the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Looking for a leafy garden patio? Try The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden or a table for al fresco Italian at James Bay’s Il Covo Trattoria. EMMA ROSSUM PHOTOGRAPHY

ike European cities, where outdoor seating is all part of the urban ambience, we’ve all embraced openair dining. And Victoria may be the best place in the country to rock the patio year round. The new Boomtown Burritos & Beer Garden is all about the outdoor space — takeout snacks and beer on their purposebuilt tiered deck on Yates Street. The Fort Fine dining Common meets the street courtyard outside Saveur Restaurant, where creative locovore chef Robert Cassels constructed his own urban space for elegant al fresco meals. The patio space at Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point is the place for globally inspired small plates and fine dining with a harbour view. Get close to the inner-city action on the patio at the Steamship Grill and Bar — think happy hour oysters, B.C. wine and tourists in a historic waterside setting. Glo Restaurant + Lounge has a heated

JO-ANN LORO/YAM MAGAZINE

Al fresco patio dining has been the positive payoff of the pandemic. Restaurants that were once restricted to indoor service have sprawled out onto the streets, and, thanks to local initiatives like the City’s sidewalk café licensing, many now offer us new places to eat outside.

“Our new little shop is a tiny 250-square-foot bakery, which offers morning goodies like muffins and scones as well as cake and pie by the slice, cookies and other classic yummies,” Friedman says, adding the bakery also serves sandwiches, homemade soups, Mile Zero Coffee and sells a selection of fresh breads from Working Culture Bread. Along with the weekly Moss Street Market, it’s a new hub for locally made food in Fairfield. “We are three sweet little businesses in a row in an old heritage house, which is pretty unusual,” says Friedman.

Beachside Brewskis Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. has jumped into the alcohol-free beer business with its iOTA craft Pilsner, Hazy IPA and Pale Ale. The straw-coloured Pils has an easy effervescence and a light, malt-driven profile, with the German hops you expect in a light lager. The Hazy IPA starts with Phillips’ own housemalted barley and gets its citrusy notes from tropical hazy hops. iOTA Pale Ale is light gold in colour and brings rounded honey and cereal notes, straightforward mouthfeel and deliciously floral hops.

Springtime is the perfect time to refresh the wardrobe selection in our closets... and the lingerie in our dressers!

Collective Creativity A group of city restaurant owners have joined together to form the Bread & Butter Collective (B&B), a way to tackle issues facing the local hospitality industry.

ith long-term sustainability a core mission, one of their first joint ventures is the new Reusable Container program. It’s a way to reduce waste and keep single-use plastic and takeout boxes out of landfills, a problem that multiplied exponentially during the pandemic.

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It’s easy to use. Just buy an eight-dollar reusable container from the collective when you order a take-out meal at more than 15 B&B Collective member restaurants. The next time you order from a participating restaurant — from Roast to Tapa Bar or The Drake Eatery — bring your empty container, and your order will be packaged in a clean container, free of charge. The hinged plastic boxes keep food secure inside and are sturdy, built to withstand 1,000 washes in commercial dishwashers. The collective has other important issues in its sights, too, from paying living wages, addressing tipping and employee mental health to creating a healthy independent hospitality community. Stay tuned through their regular podcast, hosted by Sam Jones of 2% Jazz and Calen McNeil of Big Wheel Burger.

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WHERE IT ALL HAPPENS Over the years, Langford has flourished and attracted international retail stores, smaller owner-operated boutique shops and cultivated a vibrant, chef-owned restaurant scene. With its unique geography and quaint downtown core, Langford is packed with welcoming patios and eclectic menus that are perfect for connecting with family or celebrating with friends. For a directory of Langford shops and restaurants, visit:

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IN PERSON

Home Movies ALLEN LEWIS FROM FRONT STREET PICTURES IS WARMING VICTORIA’S HEARTS ON FILM. By David Lennam | Photo by Jeffrey Bosdet

llen Lewis’s office at Front Street Pictures is adorned with a collection of paintings from Timothy Wilson Hoey. They’re from the Victoria artist’s Locals Only series: storefronts, signs, anything commonly identifying the city. It’s a subtle reveal to the filmmaking approach of the 56-year-old Lewis, embracing a buy-local bent and commonly identifying Victoria in each frame. Lewis, who annually produces up to 10 Hallmark movies in the region, grew up on the West Shore, waited tables at Chandlers, worked the door at the Haida Theatre, went to Belmont, married his high school sweetheart (which sounds a bit Hallmark-y) and is widely recognized through a rare connectedness to the community he’s always known. One of his go-to directors, Mark Jean (they’ve made 15 films together), says Lewis is impossible not to like. Not only is he fun, he is a legendary storyteller. He is also protective of his home turf. “The thing about Allen is — he cares. He wants to make good movies and he does. And he wants to make them in Victoria whenever he can. He nurtures the film industry here. It’s his home, and he treats it as such,” Lewis says. In conversation with the gregarious Lewis, it becomes apparent how much he loves his hometown, even though he generally only gets to spend weekends at home in Metchosin (where he’s comfortable golfing in gumboots and a T-shirt). As VP Production at Front Street, and a partner with the Vancouver-based moviemakers, he’s used to a lot of money crossing his desk during those blink-of-an-eye shoots. “Yeah, it’s stressful,” he says with no hesitation. “We spend a lot of money in three weeks, over $2-million, and you’ve got to hold on tight.” Always with a good analogy, Lewis references that scene in Goodfellas when a frazzled Ray Liotta, all sweat and road map eyes, races around in his Cadillac, a paper bag full of handguns in the trunk, a cocaine smuggling operation in the works and a pasta

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

sauce that needs to get made. Helicopters circling, everyone yelling. “That’s what I feel my days are like sometimes.” The one degree of separation that puts most Victorians in each other’s pockets is what jazzes Lewis. The interconnectedness, the routine coincidences of everyone knowing each other. “That’s what’s cool about Victoria,” he says. “We’ll be out scouting (for locations), and my sister-in-law calls and says, ‘I’ve got some guy in my house, scouting,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, yeah, that’s our guy.’ ” Delicately, I bring up the almost punchline reputation of the Hallmark brand, tiptoeing around its over-the-top saccharine, uh … Hallmarkness. Without making me suffer an uneasy silence, or snatching across his desk and throttling me, Lewis is braced. “That’s exactly it. It’s a brand. Like Disney. Some of those brands are iconic. People know what they’re going to get when they show up and see a Hallmark movie. I don’t mind that.” Just how big that brand is might surprise you. “They’re freakishly popular,” reveals Lewis. “We beat HBO on a regular basis. The Christmas movies are unbelievable. (Hallmark) owns Christmas; the ratings they get, it’s phenomenal … We just did The Wedding Veil series, a trilogy. It was one of the highest-rated cable programs ever.” Bantering about how the uplifting, comforting, often predictable mood makes the films so attractive, we surprise each other, on cue, by adding, “but oddly entertaining.” Lewis’s contributions go far beyond the $20-million Front Street spent in the Capital Region last year. Because Lewis is all about hiring locals and training them, much of that money has stayed here. “I’m proud of this team; the art department and our cinematographers are all local. These are people who started with our company and have worked their way up through the company.” Which is what Lewis, then in his 30s, did

Producer Allen Lewis on the set with Front Street Pictures shooting a new Hallmark movie.

“We’re a family. I know it sounds corny … We’re very much a homegrown company here, and I want to keep it sustainable.”

after getting a job as a lowly PA in a film production office. He’d just returned from Japan where he taught English, had two daughters and received a master’s degree in international relations. He accepted that entry-level film position from a friend who told him to just kind of fake his way through it. His BS must’ve been brilliant. The president of Front Street, then in its infancy, offered him work in Vancouver. One of the production managers quit, and Lewis discovered he had a knack for doing budgets. “I read a script, and then I have to quantify it and say what I think this will cost to make. And for some reason, I was good at that. I was able to read something and understand what the expectations are and what we need to do to deliver a product that they’ll love and that the creative team will be satisfied with. But at the same time, it’s a financial thing. So I’m the little wedge between these two opposing forces. It’s a really great combo for my personality.” Production designer Michael Goodwin likes how Lewis has fit himself into the film scene here — or maybe fit the film scene around him. “Allen likes to talk to people. I daresay he’s the definition of loquacious. And after all, communication is key in this industry. I’ve always found him to be fair and a good problem solver. He needs to be, given what he drives.” And how he drives it. Lewis is big on loyalty. By giving regular film work to locals, he gets it back. “We’re a family. I know it sounds corny. [Crew] are either friends or people we’ve gotten into the business … We’re very much a homegrown company here, and I want to keep it sustainable. I want to keep working here for the next 10 years; I’m not ready to retire. And I would like to keep getting new people into the industry and getting them trained up.” We hope he stays in the biz, too.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

FA N TA S T I C

f i ve

Meet five fascinating people who make our city a better place. They may be different, but they all have one thing in common: They love our city. By Jennifer Hartley

s a newcomer to Victoria, I am fascinated by every detail about our city. I am mesmerized by the snow-capped mountains, the ocean, the clean air, our deep respect for fresh, locally grown food and the eclectic and unique feel of each neighbourhood. I can’t get enough. Wandering around town, people watching, I always wonder about the faces I encounter who not only smile but actually say hello as they walk by — which at first can be off-putting for someone from stuffy Ontario. I wanted to dig a little deeper and find out what makes people smile — what is it they love about our city. I reached out to a few who contribute to the social fabric of Victoria in different ways. Here is what they had to say.

KAY GALLIVAN

Concrete Canvas Wherever you roam around town, you will have seen her handiwork. Kay Gallivan is a young, vibrant mural artist whose paintbrushes have left their mark on walls, façades and side walls of buildings across our city, and in North Park and Quadra Village in particular. “They have ended up being an artistic hub for the city. The price of living is affordable and the food is great. They are ethnically diverse neighbourhoods as well,” Gallivan says. Originally from Hinton, Alberta, she moved to Victoria when she was 19. “There was the biodiversity and the ability to be in nature while living in a city that I initially loved. However, when I was in my undergrad [she studied history and Spanish], I assumed that when I finished, I would move to a bigger area. I did my undergrad preparing to be a social studies high school teacher.” However, along the way, she met many

painters. She picked up a brush and never looked back, but she left Victoria, thinking a life in the arts meant she would have to live elsewhere. “I briefly moved to Mexico City, but one thing I learned is how to appreciate everything in Victoria. Even though it is on an island, it is a mutually supportive arts scene. Street art isn’t as developed as other places, and so being part of that experience and to see the community support for it is touching. That is important to me.” It was also instrumental in encouraging her. “At first, I worked on abandoned buildings, backs of buildings, but I started offering my services to social justice and non-profit organizations that resonated with me. They started paying, and, as I developed, private organizations started offering me work. That is how I grew.” And while she does work in other countries, Victoria remains her home base. Lucky us.

Left: Kay painting at the Tiny Home Village (Vancouver and North Park) Above: Everybody Love Everybody mural, 2021, Old Esquimalt Road.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

SURJIT DHANOTA

Lighting the Legislature

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ts majestic architecture, rough-hewn stone, copper domes and beautiful grounds dominate our downtown landscape. At night, its iconic Jubilee Lights, all 3,450 of them, brighten our skies. Have you ever wondered who makes everything sparkle at the legislature? Surjit Dhanota is the magic maker. He is the facility manager, legislative facility services, and he is in charge of ensuring things run smoothly. A kind, soft-spoken man, he moved to Victoria from Punjab, India, in 1992 with his parents. He never left. “The weather, the friendly people, the pace of life were all reasons to stay. But what I love most is the quiet, peacefulness and the sense of community.”

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Surjit Dhanota makes the magic happen at the legislature.

He joined the legislature in September, 1996 as a cleaner. “A lot of doors opened for me, and, after a year, I was transferred to Government House. From there, I served three lieutenant governors and then came back in 2004 to the legislature, and I worked my way up. In 2017, I became facility manager.” As an immigrant from a country with a very different political culture, he says it is nice to meet politicians and MLAs who are so humble and welcoming. “Everyone is held to the same standard and treated with the same amount of respect, which is very different than what most people would experience in India.” So, how many people does it take to

change the legislature lightbulbs? It turns out there is actually a team of seven. “We help each other do the job and we bring in a crane.” The original lights were installed in 1897 in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Back then, there were only 350 of them, and Dhanota says they were described as “two-candle power” carbon lights. When things progressed to incandescent bulbs, they were changed twice a year. Thanks to LED technology, today the bulbs only need to be changed every two years. However, the lights in the fountain twinkle different colours more often, for events or occasions. “We recently displayed the Ukraine flag in the fountain in blue and yellow,” Dhanota says. The next time you are awed by our legislature grounds, you can thank Dhanota and his team.

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BETTER TOGETHER

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

OSARO EZOMO

Warmly Welcoming New Canadians

elocating to a new city is difficult, even when it is to a beautiful location like Victoria. The situation is even more complicated when that move is from a country in conflict or there are language barriers. The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) helps newcomers settle into their new life, and the board is led by the warm and welcoming Osaro Ezomo. As a first-generation Canadian, she understands the challenges they face. She arrived in Canada in 2012 from Nigeria to study at Royal Roads University, where she earned a master’s degree in global management — which is similar to an MBA but takes into account the cultural lens. Her experience in Victoria was so positive that she decided to stay. “I fell in love with the city and I never left. I guess the universe wanted me here.” She lives here with her partner and two children. What is it she particularly loves about Victoria? “Would it be weird if I said I like everything about Victoria? Accessibility to trails and green space is one of the things I enjoy most about living in Victoria. Having spent a significant part of my adult life in a concrete city, I am constantly in awe of the beauty and the closeness to all things nature. Another wonderful aspect of our community is its openness and

“I fell in love with the city and I never left. I guess the universe wanted me here.”

JEFFREY BOSDET/YAM MAGAZINE

Osaro Ezomo, the friendly face and dynamic president of VIRCS.

STRENGTH & QUALITY

friendliness. One piece of advice I have for people is to keep an open mind and say ‘yes’ to invitations for coffee or tea, as long as you feel safe doing so.” A provincial public servant, she wanted to give back to the community in other ways. While starting over in a new country made her resilient, it also fueled her wish to support others. She shares her expertise and wisdom with VIRCS on the governance side of the organization. “When you see and hear how people settle into a new community, it is heartwarming.” (The staff at VIRCS serve an average of 3,000 clients from all over the world every year.) “Hearing about the difference VIRCS makes in the lives of new immigrants and newcomers to Canada is truly inspiring,” she says. “We have an amazing team.”

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CHARLES BAILEY

Bagpiping on Belleville

f you visit downtown regularly, no doubt you have seen him and heard him. With his bright red kilt and beautiful bagpipes, he has been a fixture downtown at the corner of Belleville and Government, regaling all passersby for over seven years. The City of Victoria has a peculiar, wonderful bylaw that specifically allows for bagpiping at that corner, and pipers are able to be there, on a firstcome, first-piper basis. Currently, there are two regulars, and, thankfully, Charles Bailey is one of them. Bagpiping is almost like a

mission for him, and the talent is one he inherited from his father. His dad was a Calgary Highlander and piped the troops to Hill 67 and into Caen during World War II. “Piping is a way of communicating. In the war days, it was a tool for the army — one tune meant ‘go here’ another meant ‘go there,’ ” he explains. It is also a great honour. His dad played for Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, three times. “You know our kilts? They were practical back in the day. They are four metres long and were used as a bed

roll.” Today, amid tulips and what he calls “the best spot in the world,” he delights audiences with his music and his deep respect for his art. He loves everything about Victoria, having moved here from Calgary over seven years ago to retire. “The weather and the people. No place like it.” And with nine little notes from his bagpipes, he thrills passersby. “It is quite something, really,” he says. “From shepherd boys with small flute bags in the Middle East to war fronts to here in paradise, it has been quite a journey for the pipes.”

LINDA EVERSOLE

Chronicling Victoria’s Racy Past

At the corner of Government and Belleville, Charles Bailey’s melodies will greet you and put a smile on your face.

JEFFREY BOSDET/YAM MAGAZINE

ne of the great things about Victoria is our fascinating past, and author and historian Linda Eversole knows all about it. Her journey started when she met Ainslie Helmcken (of the pioneer Victoria family) in the 1970s who had a love of local history. He established the city archives and brilliantly hired her, and the rest is, well, history. She went on to pursue a lengthy career in museums and heritage conservation. “I was very interested in older buildings but then discovered I loved learning about normal people. I somehow got into criminal history and women’s history. That sort of thing we didn’t find in records in those days. Ordinary people and their challenges intrigued me.” One of the people she came across was Stella Carroll, who ran “parlours.” Broad Street between Yates and Pandora had an area of small brothels and saloons. (Chatham Street later became part of Victoria’s red-light district as well.) Carroll’s life was tumultuous. Her leg had to be amputated after having been ‘accidentally’ shot by a lover. When the police charged him, it was Carroll who hired a lawyer to defend him.

“Ordinary people and their challenges intrigued me.”

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Linda Eversole, in front of 681 Herald Street (formerly 643), built in the 1880s for pioneer brewer Thomas Watson Carter. From 1907 until 1915, Stella Carroll owned and operated a brothel here that was periodically subjected to raids by local police in response to pressure exerted by moral reform groups.

Eversole wrote a book about Carroll’s extraordinary story, entitled Stella: Unrepentant Madam. (She wrote another book that offers insight into that era, called Victoria Unbuttoned: A Red-Light History of BC’s Capital City.) It is not only historical Victoria that intrigues Eversole. A fan of today’s urban setting, she has a special spot in her heart for James Bay. “I have lived here many times over the years. It has a wonderful spirit and creativity. However, I also love that the natural world is all around us. I hike and I see bears (from a healthy distance), otters, eagles. It is wonderful that they are out there. And, of course, there is the seashore.” As do many Victorians, she says she likes living on an island. “I love it when I travel and come back and it feels like home.”

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

ADRENALINE ADVENTURES

Heart-pounding thrills are all around us: in the sky, on the ground and somewhere in between. By Jennifer Hartley

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

dventure. The kind that gives you thrills and chills is something that I think T.S. Eliot meant when he said: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” For me, there is something invigorating about doing something scary and pushing boundaries. It opens up the mind and stimulates a different way of looking at the world. I also like to think Eliot meant we should carpe diem: Live life to the fullest. Live each day as if it is your last. Victorians know how to do that well. As I explore our city, our paradise and island, I have had two experiences so far that have fed my hunger for adventure, and I am already planning my third.

PLUNGING IN PARADISE My biggest adrenaline adventure to date has to be when I leapt out of an aircraft at 10,000 feet, did a free fall at 200 km an hour, heart pounding fiercely in my chest, until my parachute opened. Our fascination with jumping into the air is not new. According to the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association, it dates back to the ninth century. It continued for centuries, and in the 14th century in China, there are records of people jumping out of towers. Fifteenth-century Italian sketches of parachutes have emerged, one belonging to the brilliant inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Our chutes today still have aspects inspired by his design. (Wouldn’t it be great to bring him forward in time so he could see airplanes and jump?) Flash forward to 1912, on March 1, when the first jump from a biplane was performed by Captain Albert Berry in the United States. The rest is history, and today, thrill seekers can skydive on Vancouver Island. Extraordinary. In tandem is the only way to go for a first-time jumper. After a 30-minute briefing, we geared up, WHERE TO and I was attached to my instructor. The ride in the plane was surreal. As we rose above the ground, it dawned on me that in mere minutes I would be experiencing that beauty in an unprecedented way. I was filled with anticipation. And dread, too. We reached our flying altitude and moved to the edge of the plane’s open door. Before I had a Skydive Vancouver Island chance to change my mind, my instructor pulled Nanoose Bay us off and into the free fall. In an acrobatic move (well, I thought it was anyway), we somersaulted in Campbell River the air and the magic began. Skydive Centre Here I was, falling at 200 km an hour, legs and Campbell River arms spread eagle, facing the Earth, and my fear (also offers and screams were overtaken with amazement, helicopter tandem) astonishment and awe. It was the most spectacular

take the plunge

scene around me. The ocean, the land, the greenery below and the clearest blue skies above me made me realize how magnificent the Earth is, and I wondered if this is what it feels like for an astronaut in space for the first time.

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“I wondered if this is what it feels like for an astronaut in space for the first time.”

Free falling at 200 km an hour is a supremely satisfying adrenaline rush

The parachute went up, we turned upright and as we glided down slowly, I had a 360-degree view of the world. Experiencing a spiritual moment, full of gratitude not only for the experience but also for the parachute functioning properly, I saw everything in a new light. I appreciated the fragility of our Earth and how precious life really is. Maybe that was the biggest gift of that adrenaline rush.

RIDING THROUGH THE RAINFOREST Walking along the Galloping Goose or the Lochside Regional Trail, I have often come across riders on horseback. To willingly sit on the back of an animal that can throw me off at will requires overcoming certain feelings of intimidation. However, a magical ride in the rainforest seemed to make it worth the effort. I began searching for the perfect equestrian adventure near my new home and found it in Cobble Hill, just thirty minutes from downtown. Alpine Stables owner Carla Sabourin discovered the area over 20 years ago. “We fell in love with the trails around here. Back then, the terrain was pretty rough but the scenery so beautiful that we decided to create an experience for people.” My stunning ride began on a wide, scenic (and thankfully flat) wilderness trail — a smart way to build up the confidence of nervous riders. My daughter and I also had to adjust to seeing hikers, cyclists and dogs on the path. Thankfully, the horses were used to sharing their trails. I relaxed and feeling the rhythm of my horse as he moved under me, a new sensation washed over me. I felt at one with this creature. As we traversed the paths together, through rainforest and up windy Cobble Hill for over

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

WHERE TO

saddle up Alpine Stables offers a number of experiences, including the Summit Trail Ride. Paradise Acres Ranch in Nanoose Bay offers multiple riding excursions. They range from one-hour to fourhour experiences.

an hour and a half, I appreciated the horse’s strength and ability to adjust to the environment. It was exhilarating and calming all at the same time. We passed through West Coast rainforest that included evergreens, ferns, maple trees, twisted arbutus trees and brush. The higher we went, the trees changed, adapting to the altitude. Cobble Hill climbs to just over 1,000 feet. We had an extremely knowledgeable guide who is passionate about horseback riding and the environment. She shared details on the vegetation and beautiful natural growth around us. The narrow and winding paths that twist and turn sharply added

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to the thrill of the ride, but I had to keep reminding myself that my four-footed travel companion knew what he was doing. We reached the summit. On a clear day, there are breathtaking views of the Cowichan Valley, Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. However, even on a foggy day like the one we had, it is stunning. We rode through the clouds. Sadly, the way down flew by, and while I initially thought three hours might drag, it did not. The good feelings and the exhilaration of the experience linger to this day and make this adventure a thrill that lasts.

ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’ IN THE CAPITAL A few years ago, I saw the documentary Free Solo about a rock climber who scaled up the famous 3,000-foot vertical rock El Capitan in Yosemite National Park — without a harness. It was a dramatic feat that many have unsuccessfully tried. I was mesmerized. Rock climbing, as it turns out, is a popular activity that has a dedicated following. Indoor rock climbing made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, and around town, there are now three facilities. “Since I started climbing in 2013, the sport has grown substantially,” says Sabine Boisvert of BoulderHouse. An international climber, Adrian Has of Climbing Canada, says rock climbing “has an extreme vibe to it. There is always another challenge. You learn from that achievement and you take it to the next level. It is like solving a

“[Rock climbing] is like solving a puzzle, and people just want to do it.”

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JEFFREY BOSDET/YAM MAGAZINE

Brewery, Cidery, Distillery, Sodas & Sparkling Mineral Waters

puzzle, and people just want to do it.” Rope climbing and Me included. To bouldering (climbing feel that physical without equipment): push and the mind/ Crag X Climbing body connection that Centre, downtown climbers talk about Victoria sounds invigorating. Has explains: Centre for “Self-confidence, Athletics, Recreation mental focus, stress and Special Abilities relief, strength and (CARSA), University overcoming doubt. of Victoria These are some of the benefits from The Boulders rock climbing but Climbing Gym, that is just the start.” Saanichton While scaling up El Cap won’t Bouldering only: be in my future, I BoulderHouse, would like to take it downtown Victoria outdoors some day and Langford but will start the journey indoors, to learn the basics. Has says most people practice for six months to a year before taking it outside. “But some people keep it indoors. You will just have to try it.” Sold. Since all climbers love the community vibe of the sport, I am going to throw it out there and invite a YAM reader or two to join me in exploring this new adventure. You And Me. Let’s do it. Get in touch: editor@yammagazine.com

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Join us for an information event on June 2nd @ 7pm at the Union Club in support of Victoria Hospital Foundation.Visit departurestravel.com/events to register. YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

HOME + LIFESTYLE

SUBURBAN JEWEL This modern, multi-generational family home brings big heart to its neighbourhood. By Danielle Pope Photos by Sama Jim Canzian

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

ome say the only reason a particularly angular, contemporary home is sitting on its tree-lined street in Fernwood is because of a family’s love for one another. The double-headed structure stakes out its claim in the neighbourhood, situated among more modest houses like a jewel box nestled in the grass. But, then, that was no accident. The multi-generational home was tailored specifically to serve the needs of three generations: a modest apartment for grandparents in front and a larger home for kids and grandkids in the back. Together, the revolutionary building forms a shapely “H,” with a soundproof bridge linking the two. “The conversation started because I had been caring for my grandkids — commuting each day from Sidney — as well as looking after an aging mom and aunt at the time, and I realized how much care was needed for this time of life,” says coowner Anne Heinl. “We started talking about renovations for my son’s home, but we had a limited budget, and most builders said what we wanted couldn’t be done.”

This home’s architecture stands out in its neighbourhood, but the materials used — like new-form galvalume metal, often used on outbuildings — presented innovative solutions to stay within budget and provide easy weathering.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

At the time, Heinl’s son Matthew and his family were considering adding a suite to their three-bedroom house, but the foundation was crumbing and plans for repair were cost prohibitive. Heinl says when the team from Aryze Developments met the family and heard about their dilemma, they wanted to see what was possible. “I can remember going to their existing home and thinking these are some of the most spectacular people I’ve ever met,” says Matty Jardine, principal of construction for Aryze. “The family is a perfect balance of artists, people with massive hearts and some real funk mixed into the whole thing — right down to their hairless cat. They’re a perfect microcosm of their neighbourhood.” Jardine says because a complete renovation would have been needed, the choice to start anew was made as much for financial reasons as practical ones. Vancouver-based architect D’Arcy Jones was drafted onto the project, and the concept went through multiple renditions before landing on the winner. “I remember D’Arcy presented the other sketch, one you’d call a more typical home, but this one just jumped off the page, and everyone was so excited about it,” says Jardine. Jones’s design shaped the house, in part, to serve zoning requirements — traditional duplexes were not permitted in this neighbourhood, and attached suites could not exceed 955 square feet — and, in part, to facilitate lifestyle needs for each family member. The 955-square-foot, east-facing apartment suits the grandparents who are at home each morning, and the

The triangular shape of the home’s windows add geometric intrigue while capitalizing on light. Simple and creative finishes, like the exterior lights repurposed as dimmable overheads, kept the project within budget.

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1,446-square-foot, west-facing unit meets the needs of the younger family and their children, who return from work and school in the afternoons. The result lets each family retain autonomy, while being close enough to interact as desired. “Initially, we were expecting the home would accommodate a suite, but what they came up with is amazing — it’s like this little jewel box,” says Heinl. “The ‘H’ shape gives you two little private patios on either side; the windows are huge and let in so much light, but the wings offer privacy. The raw wood brings in this cozy cottage feeling, and the angles give a beautiful perspective. It’s like a secret hideaway. You look out at the world and feel like you’re wrapped in this little present.” The structural details and framing are bare throughout, exposing off-the-shelf fasteners typically hidden by drywall. While both suites’ interiors are almost identical, Jones says the home’s distinctive folded sculptural form was derived by fitting matching prefabricated truss roofs onto slightly different-sized units. “We chose unpainted metal to reference the shipyards where the client works, but

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

The exterior cedar siding of the home was stained to look like faded cedar for a natural and consistent weathering process, and the unpainted metal requires no maintenance. Each side of the home maximizes daylight for both families. Co-owner Anne Heinl says these functional choices mean all can enjoy the home together with enough space to have autonomy.

also because galvalume metal doesn’t need any maintenance,” says Jones. “The exterior cedar siding was stained to look like faded cedar, so when it inevitably does fade, it all looks consistent and unchanged.” Jardine says the stripped back approach became a design esthetic in itself — from the exposed tresses to the finished concrete floors and plywood interior. “You can find beauty in construction materials without covering them up. This was the vision for the space. It’s a hard target to hit, but the key force was amazing clients you wanted to bend over backwards for to bring it all together,” says Jardine. “And their fingerprints were all over the project: Anne and Matt were there sealing the concrete and cleaning the floors alongside us.” Heinl says the family made it through some growing pains to create the structure neighbours see today. “How did we get everyone on board? It just happened! The whole building process was like that,” she says. “Of course, there were some tensions with two households trying to build something cohesive, but in the end we did, and it made us stronger.” The home now hosts Heinl and her husband, her son, her daughter-in-law and two grandkids, as well as one dog, one cat, a bearded dragon and a chicken.

“OF COURSE, THERE WERE SOME TENSIONS WITH THE TWO HOUSEHOLDS TRYING TO BUILD SOMETHING COHESIVE, BUT IN THE END WE DID, AND IT MADE US STRONGER.”

To stick with the raw beauty of natural materials, drywall lids were left off the ceiling of the main floors so exposed tresses could be seen above.

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“The convenience is just lovely,” says Heinl. “I can look outside and see my grandkids growing up, and watch my granddaughter playing with her friends on the street. When I lived in Sidney, an invite for dinner would take the whole evening. Now, they come by for a drink. We have holiday dinners together. We have movie nights and sleepovers, where my granddaughter will come across the bridge with her blankie, then go back in the morning. We’re all part of each other’s lives, and we all still have our space.”

“YOU CAN FIND BEAUTY IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS WITHOUT COVERING THEM UP. THIS WAS THE VISION FOR THE SPACE.”

RESOURCES Architect: D’Arcy Jones Architects Builders: Aryze Developments Framer: Aryze Developments Plumbing and Mechanical: Solid Plumbing & Gas Electrician: Greenlight Electric Light Fixtures: McLaren Lighting; Home Depot Doors and Hardware: Home Lumber & Building Supplies Windows: Ply Gem Canada Roofing: Coastal Roofing Tile: Island Floor Centre Kitchen Appliances: Coast Appliances Countertops: Silver Fern Stainless Plumbing Fixtures: Splashes Bath and Kitchen Flooring: Greg Cutler; Aryze for plywood floor upstairs; Capital City Paving for the polished concrete slab on the main floor Landscape Design: Biophilia Design Collective Cabinets: Coast Cabinets

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

Artistic touches punctuate each room of this joint house, like the rolled French iron door Heinl and her husband bought from an antique dealer in Toronto. The door is from the 1600s and sits like a frame in the house, not leading anywhere but adding a touch of mystique to the space. The exterior “wings” of the home provide visible privacy, shielding the bedrooms from onlookers while allowing in plenty of light.

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

STYLE WATCH

Fashion Stylist: Janine Metcalfe Photographer: Jeffrey Bosdet

From sophisticated sultry to flowy freedom, our talented local designers share their take on summer style.

URBAN CHIC 46

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

This page: Furusato Women’s Cotton Twill Carabiner Jacket in beige and Equinox skirt, both by Cameron Ray Lizotte, Atelier Coin, available at ateliercoin.com or Upcycle Clothing Collective; sunglasses by Jacques Marie Mage, Maycock Eyecare; shoes courtesy of the model Opposite page: Onesie No. 1 in Dark Mode, Bralette No. 4 in Dark Mode, black mesh Lettuce Top by Elyse On Mars, available at Luna Collective and at elyseonmars.com; earrings, custom made by Carole Davis

This page: Andrea linen shirt/jacket in rust, Jordan linen pants and Tote Bag in ivory by Nomi Designs, all available at nomidesigns.net; earrings custom made by Carole Davis Opposite page: Boden shirt dress, Patchwork short Cora vest, Toko trousers and Nada robe by Korinne Vader Handmade Goods, all available at korinnevader.com; shoes courtesy of the model

This page: Cotton Voile Three Tier Dress, available at Leisure and leisure-thebrand.com Opposite page: Tilda Jumpsuit (Dragonfly print), available at Smoking Lily and smokinglily.com; earrings custom made by Carole Davis; shoes courtesy of the model

Model: Nova Stevens/Lizbell Agency Hair & makeup: Anya Ellis/Lizbell Agency Products: MAC Cosmetics, Oribe

TAKE IT

OUTSIDE Dining al fresco, at a picnic site or sprawled on a beach blanket, is one of the joys of island life. When you take it outside, even the simplest meal is an event. By Cinda Chavich

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

JOVANA RIKALO/STOCKSY

hen I think of picnics, it’s usually family gatherings by a lake, everyone hauling coolers filled with chilled potato salad and cold fried chicken, or smoky sausages to grill over the fire. A picnic can be a big portable potluck, or a simpler collection of noshes, pulled from your backpack and eaten while perched on a rocky outcrop at a day hike destination. Planning a private picnic for two, in a secluded spot, is always a romantic gesture. What you pack depends on the occasion, where you’re going, and how far you need to carry your picnic lunch. But it should be something that’s easy to eat (preferably out of hand) and travels well. Your menu may be simple — a great sandwich or wrap, with a bag of crunchy vegetables and a cookie — or an elaborate al fresco tapas feast of frittata, stuffed peppers, garlicky shrimp and ceviche. You may opt for a charcuterie board selection of artisan cheeses and cured meats — the classic antipasto platter — or a full meal, complete with a starter, salad, entrée and dessert, pulled from a wicker basket, with proper plates, cutlery and a bottle of bubbly. But a great picnic is all about simplicity and fun — good food enjoyed in the great outdoors with good people.

JOVANA RIKALO/STOCKSY

MOVABLE FEASTS Whatever your choice, picnic food should be portable, the kind that can be made ahead without losing its appeal, and tasty when served cold. I’m always up for an eclectic selection of flavours, especially the kind of thing that you can slather on a bit of baguette or pile onto a cracker, whether it’s a smoky, canned sardine; a schmear of creamy, herbed cheese; a bit of meaty pâté or a scoop of garlicky hummus.

Finger food is picnic food for me, a grazing buffet of easy appetizers, hard-cooked eggs, a selection of cheese and charcuterie with olives, crisp radishes and celery, crusty bread, grapes or dried fruit. Anything hand-held is a good choice for a picnic. I love to bake calzones filled with cheese, spicy chorizo or roasted vegetables, or make a big muffuletta sandwich to slice into individual servings at the park. For the latter, split a baguette or crusty round loaf and remove some of the bread inside before spreading with olive tapenade and mayo, and layering with sliced ham or grilled eggplant, roasted peppers and cheese. Use focaccia bread for a sturdy sandwich made with similar fillings, or stuff split pita bread and roll it up. All will stand up to some jostling without getting squished and soggy. You can stick with a simple sandwich for a family hike (think peanut butter and banana) or pull out the stops with cold smoked salmon or tuna, herbed cream cheese and watercress; hummus with roasted vegetables or a bahn mi of grilled chicken, pickled carrots and cilantro on baguettes. For a gluten-free picnic nosh, pack classic chicken or salmon salad, with lettuce leaves for wrapping. Plan a more substantial picnic menu around fried chicken or cold roast beef, a vegetable frittata and hearty portable salads — pasta, quinoa and potatoes are the perfect base for a salad that goes anywhere without going limp, and a kale salad just gets better over time. Drizzle your grain or pasta salads with assertive dressings made with garlic and chopped herbs, add roasted peppers and cauliflower and finish with grilled shrimp or chunks of smoked salmon for gourmet flair. Fresh seasonal fruit makes a refreshing finale, whether you tote along a watermelon or simply snack on local berries. A brownie or lemon square is never out of place at a picnic.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

FILL YOUR BASKET If you have the time, you can prepare an elaborate picnic menu at home, but it’s more fun to be spontaneous with some good graband-go picnic fare. Cherry picking local goodies, or turning to the experts to pack your picnic, is always a smart solution. Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry in Oak Bay is one go-to spot for a variety of takeout salads, appetizers and desserts to build an impromptu picnic. Or call ahead for one of her themed picnic baskets, with everything you need for an outdoor feast, from napkins and glassware to dishes. This experienced caterer has several selections, whether it’s the popular For Lovers Only picnic with smoked salmon and cream cheese, raspberry-glazed chicken and fresh fruit; the Summer Classic with fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw and cookies; or The Tailgater, featuring grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish cream.

Tea lovers will be impressed by the Elizabeth, a 26-morsel afternoon picnic tea box from the White Heather Tea Room, a selection of tiny sandwiches, scones (both savoury and sweet), tea cakes, madeleines, tarts and traditional Scottish shortbread, beautifully arranged in a portable box with your choice of tea. Order a portable feast from Wild Mountain Food & Drink in Sooke, and let the chefs wow you with their picnic (a.k.a. party) box, complete with house-cured meats, duck liver mousse, artisan cheeses, Castelvetrano olives, quince mostarda, crostini and cookies. Delis, bakeries and cheesemongers are ground zero for portable picnic fare, too. Visit Ottavio Italian Bakery & Deli for their fresh loaves and pastries, a great selection of fine cheeses, olives, imported grissini and crackers. Or order a curated antipasti platter, a selection of crostini or a savoury ricotta Torta Salata to share. Then head up Oak Bay Avenue

The Elizabeth tea box from White Heather Tea Room

Uplands Park

PARADISE PICNIC SPOTS Munch your lunch in luscious gardens, on beaches, in parks or on mountain tops. Here are some top picnic places.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

French Beach picnic area

BEACH BLANKET BINGO From Willows to Island View, there are lots of popular beach spots close to the city to get down by the water for a picnic. Parker Beach, just off Cordova Bay Road, is a long stretch of sand, perfect for a stroll and an impromptu picnic. Otherwise, drive up to Tod Inlet and follow the wooded trail down to the little sandy beach. Or take a winding drive past Sooke to French Beach Provincial Park, where you’ll find tall trees and picnic tables in a pretty day use area, with a view of the waves breaking on the pebble beach. Or plan to spread your blanket in a shady spot on the sand at East Sooke Regional Park. HIGH AND DRY Want to get up high on a rocky spot with a big view? Try Mount Tolmie Park and its panoramic city views, all accessible by car. It’s a bit of a hike up to the top of Mount Doug, but you’ll work up an appetite for your portable picnic lunch. In the Highlands, Mount Finlayson is another grunt — and not for the faint of heart — but it’s an Instagram-worthy destination for a mountain-top snack.

BILL GOZANSKY/ALAMY

MICHAEL WHEATLEY/ALAMY

Continued on page 56

SEAFOOD MARKET • FOOD CART • ONLINE STORE

Tortillitas de Camarones

GETTING GNARLY The gnarled Garry Oak and its rare ecosystem is unique to our landscape — old trees in meadows dotted with wild blue camas, nodding lilies and shooting stars. Tread carefully if you plan to picnic among the twisted oaks and wildflowers in sprawling Uplands Park, or at historic Fort Rodd Hill, or, perched on a bench, among the oaks and rhodos, in hidden Playfair Park. GARDEN RETREATS If a manicured garden is more your style, head to the Japanese Gardens at Esquimalt’s Gorge Park for your picnic. Or wander through the formal gardens at Hatley Park and castle in Colwood. There are plenty of manicured corners in sprawling Beacon Hill Park, where you can spread out your picnic blanket — but expect tourists! IF YOU GO OUT IN THE WOODS A shady spot among the tall trees is a wonderful place to picnic on a hot afternoon. The Goldstream Provincial Park picnic area is popular, with tables, washrooms and a shelter, and easy nature walks in the surrounding woods. Francis/King Regional Park is an accessible place to commune with the tall trees, especially along the Elsie King Trail where there’s seating to rest and have a snack. Or try John Dean Park at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula for a walk through old-growth woods to viewpoints like spectacular Pickles’ Bluff.

MAKES 10

• 150g peeled and rough chopped Wild B.C. Spot Prawns (or other B.C. Shrimp) • ¾ cup chickpea flour • ¾ cup all purpose flour

• 1 ¼ cup cold water • ¼ cup chopped parsley • ¼ cup chopped green onion • 2 tsp kosher salt • ½ cup olive oil

Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a small mixing bowl. Whisk gently and let the batter rest for 30 minutes in the fridge. It will be smooth and runny. Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, pour tortillita batter into the pan ¼ cup at a time. Cook for a couple minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan to a paper towel. Enjoy warm or room temperature, tapas style, with the people you love. Excellent with a drizzle of chimichurri, garlic aioli or your favourite sauce. WILD, SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL, TRACEABILIT Y

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

to The Whole Beast for artisan-cured meats, from salami and dried pepperoni to creamy chicken liver parfait. Charelli’ Shop & Deli does beautiful snack boxes, too, complete with a variety of perfectly aged cheeses, crackers and spreads. This wellstocked cheesemonger carries everything you need for packing a gourmet’s picnic — think olive and artichoke tapenade, cornichons, tins of Spanish seafood conservas and caviar. Look for creative charcuterie, imported cheeses, housemade ferments and picnics for two (or lunch boxes to go) at Bull & Sons Deli on Fort Street. Or stop at Fol Epi’s downtown bakery on Yates, for their own pâté en croûte, cured meats, pickled vegetables and artisan baked goods. For a mezze-style meal, get tabouli, muhammara, feta, olives and baklava at Fig Deli. Or have a cold Japanese picnic with takeout sushi, seaweed salad and fried chicken karaage from Fujiya. Think local when filling your basket at city grocers — Jenny Marie’s crackers, Justo’s hummus, Haltwhistle cheese and Four Quarters charcuterie, with fresh vegetables to dip into the Root Cellar’s famous Green Sauce, and a Phillips Soda, Babe’s Sparkling Bee Line or Cultured Kombucha to sip. And if a picnic isn’t a picnic without cold fried chicken, you can always get takeaway chicken, whether you opt for Korean fried from Chicken 649 or lemon rosemary from Roast.

THINK LOCAL DRINK LOCAL

PICNIC PACKS Gear for your al fresco feast: backpack, basket and blanket.

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

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A backpack is a practical way to transport your meal or snacks. It will keep your arms free for exploring. Find it at Lee Valley Tools.

KEEP IT COLD AND LEAVE IT CLEAN Whatever you bring, plan to make it (or buy it) the day before your picnic and keep it in the refrigerator overnight to make sure everything is well chilled. Use a cooler or insulated cooler bag and add some ice packs to keep perishable foods, including salads and meats, cold. Get an insulated bottle or thermos for drinks and dressings. Keep your insulated bag or cooler closed as much as possible to retain its cool temperature, and to guard your food from curious critters. Don’t forget a blanket to spread on the ground (if you’re not heading to a picnic site with tables), or camp chairs and an umbrella for shade. Avoid disposable plastic utensils, glasses or containers — you can easily bring dishes, cutlery and napkins from home to create a stylish spread. Vintage Melmac or enameled tin plates are perfect for picnics. And haul out everything that you hauled into your picnic spot. Leave nature as you found it. A picnic can be a meticulously orchestrated outdoor meal, the fuel for an athletic outdoor adventure, or just an impromptu lunch shared on a park bench. But wherever you are, there’s a secret garden, a hidden cove or a sunny spot to spread out the blanket, recline and dine. Looking for ideas on what to pack in your picnic bag? Try my calzones, quinoa salad and pecan brownies. They are all easy to make and travel well. Enjoy!

HAND PIES (Calzones) This is my version of a classic Italian calzone. You can make your own bread dough or start with frozen dough from the supermarket. (I used Knead to Bake frozen bread dough, from Armstrong, B.C., and found their frozen rolls perfectly sized for making individual calzones.) This recipe is flexible — carnivores can augment these vegetarian pies with cooked chicken, slivered prosciutto, Italian sausage, chopped ham or salami. Calzones are delicious cold (like cold pizza) and make great portable lunches for hiking or cycling because they don’t get squished in your pack. • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 large onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced • 1 large red pepper, seeded and slivered • 1 small chili pepper, minced

• 1 teaspoon oregano • salt and freshly ground black pepper • 6 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water to rehydrate, then drained and chopped • 2 ounces crumbled feta or 2 ounces shredded Parmesan

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or 3 Cheese Italian Blend • 14-ounce (398-ml) can artichokes, drained and chopped • 1/3 cup chopped black olives • 2 loaves frozen bread dough, or frozen bread rolls, thawed

A large, thick picnic blanket to protect you and to display your spread makes any picnic more enjoyable. Available at MEC.

Sophia Briggs

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• 1 cup ricotta (or cottage cheese)

A more quaint option is the classic wicker picnic basket. It too has all the tools you will need. Available on wayfair.com.

A little bit about...

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Heat the olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat and slowly cook the onions until caramelized and golden, about 30 minutes. Add the red pepper and chili pepper and cook for about 5 more minutes or until tender. Stir in the garlic and cook 3 minutes longer. Remove the sautéed vegetables from heat and stir in the basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside the filling to cool slightly, then stir in the feta or Parmesan, ricotta, artichokes and olives. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut each loaf of bread dough into 6–8 equal pieces. On a floured board, roll each piece into a 5-inch (12-cm) circle or alternatively use individual, thawed frozen rolls). Wet the edges. Fill with 2–3 tablespoons of filling, fold the dough over top and press well to seal, then roll edge over and crimp again. Brush the calzones with milk and poke them with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Set the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Bake for 20 minutes, until brown. Cool on a rack. Refrigerate or freeze. Makes 12–16.

•

Has lived in Victoria her whole life

•

forever home Has three dogs Marly, Emma, and Penelope who appear regularly on her social media

• Currently doing a large renovation on her

“I live in Saanich with my husband and 3 pups. I love to travel the world and I can’t wait to get back to seeing faraway places. We are not overplanners and love to land in a city with very little planned, including where we are sleeping that night. We always have an adventure and a good story to tell!”

Sophia Briggs Personal Real Estate Corporation

Sophia.Briggs@TheAgencyRE.com 250.418.5569

Nancy Stratton REALTOR®

Nancy.Stratton@TheAgencyRE.com 250.857.5482

Rebecca Barritt REALTOR®

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Erin Smith REALTOR®

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briggsandstrattonrealtors.com YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

A new take on tabouli — with protein-rich quinoa and added chickpeas — this portable salad makes a cool summer meal. •3 cups water or broth • 1 1/2 cups quinoa • 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes • 1 cup finely diced baby (mini) cucumbers • 1 /2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley • 1 /4 cup finely chopped fresh mint (optional)

You can make this salad extra portable by packing it in small glass jars.

•2 –3 green onions, finely chopped • 1 4-oz (398-mL) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional) Dressing: • 1 /4 cup olive oil • 1 /4 cup fresh lemon juice • 1 large garlic clove, minced or pressed • 1 /2 teaspoon salt

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

In a saucepan, combine water (or broth) and quinoa and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for another 5 minutes (the quinoa will be al dente). For softer quinoa, leave it covered for 10 minutes before you remove the lid and fluff with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer to a bowl. For dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt and pour over the warm quinoa, tossing to season the grain. Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint (if using), green onions and chickpeas (if using). Toss to combine. Cover salad and chill. Serves 4.

JEFFREY BOSDET/YAM MAGAZINE

QUINOA SALAD

PECAN BROWNIES

“Spring Tulip”

This is your classic homestyle brownie — chewy, nutty and addictive. I like to use a silicon mini muffin or square mould for individual brownies, but you can also make these in a regular 9 x 13-inch (3.5-L) baking pan. • 1 cup unsalted butter • 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped • 2 cups granulated sugar • 4 large eggs • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

KIRSTY BEGG/STOCKSY

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter, or use a silicon minimuffin pan. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over low heat until it’s half melted. Add the chocolate and stir until both are completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Let the mixture cool (should be warm, not hot). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a whisk until the mixture is shiny. Stir in the vanilla, flour, salt, and chopped nuts to make a thick batter. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes (about 12–15 minutes if using a mini muffin pan). A cake tester inserted in the middle of the pan should come out almost clean but with moist crumbs (you want to underbake brownies slightly for a chewy interior). Cool completely in the pan before cutting into small squares. Makes 36–42 pieces.

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

Bring home the blooms Spruce up your outdoor space with creative container gardening. By Wendy McLellan

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

FRIEDRICH STRAUSS/LIVING4MEDIA

“Imaginary Beach 3” | Ben Fox

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

ring spring home with a container of colourful blooms or calming greens to add life to a front entry, deck or patio. After surviving the winter, we all appreciate a reminder that life is back again. Containers are a great way to garden, and the possibilities are practically endless. They also work in any space. “People are downsizing or couples are just starting out in a small space, and they want something stylish for their patio,” says Jen Lasko, owner of the Victoria-based Modpots, who specializes in creating containers. “I do container gardening with a more modern approach — I try to do showstoppers.” Lasko says terracotta or terracotta-coloured containers are popular again, and mixing containers of different colours is also trending. “It used to be that pots had to be black and square, but the trend now is round or oval shapes, and instead of all black, we are mixing black, white and terracotta. Or grey and terracotta or grey and orange. It looks a little more modern.”

CARLA UNGER

Jen Lasko, owner of Modpots, says mixing containers of different colours is trending, but so is terracotta.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

She loves to use chartreuse foliage in containers, such as sedum Angelina, which creeps over the edge of planters, or the grass Carex Evergold. With terracotta pots, she looks for plants that are silver or blue to complement the container. Senecio candicans ‘Angel Wings’ or lamb’s ears are perfect, as well as the blue salvias. Succulents are being used in many containers now because they are low maintenance and drought tolerant. There are also loads of varieties to choose from. “Drought resistance is big — people are conscious of climate change,” says Lasko. Other droughttolerant options for containers include hebes, euphorbias, phormiums and most grasses. Lasko says her container plantings have shifted from the colourful, mixed palette of years past. “Now you’re seeing more green on green on green. We are really paring down the colour palette, and green is number one.” When she adds annuals in her planters, Lasko looks for big colour. Black and yellow is a favourite combination. “If you want to grab attention, going with sharp contrast is a good formula.”

Tip! Scale up. Buy bigger pots than you think you will need.

She also loves using annuals with silver foliage because it can be mixed with warm or cool tones. “It adds a fun design element.”

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BIG POT, SMALL POT? CHOOSING YOUR CONTAINER Choosing the right size container is important, especially if it is to be placed at the front door. Lasko looks for containers that are 20 to 30 inches high so that they have visual impact. “Buy bigger pots than you think you need. If you have to look down at your plantings, it’s over. Most people buy pots that are too small.” Louise Boutin, landscape designer and owner of the Ucluelet-based Ultramarine Tidal Atelier, prefers big “statement” planters and an architectural style. “Investing in good containers is always worthwhile,” she says. “Look at containers as an accent to the home.” In large containers, she chooses sculptural trees, such as conifers, Japanese maples, olive trees or a dwarf Ginkgo biloba. She plants bulbs under the trees for spring colour. A jasmine vine on a trellis in a pot adds height and fragrance to a space. She often elevates containers to bring them just below eye level.

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Beach Food & Music Tip! Go for drama. Plant sculptural trees like Japanese maples in large pots.

THRILLER, FILLER AND SPILLER (OR MAYBE A VEGGIE OR TWO) For summer colour, she has lots of favourites, including black/purple fuchsia, coleus, heliotrope, bougainvillea, osteospermum, cosmos, zinnia, sweet pea and Prince Tut papyrus. You can have so much fun with containers. Linda Petite, head gardener at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, says the old rule of “thriller, filler and spiller” still works to create beautiful containers.

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Tip! Create a tonal theme. Group together three or four plants with complementary colours or multiple containers of the same plant.

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

The “thriller” is the upright focal point that goes at the back or centre of the planter, depending on where the pot is going to be placed. The “fillers” are shorter plants that fill the space between the thriller and the edge of the container, and “spillers” are the trailing plants that cascade over the edges. One of her favourite thrillers is a rex begonia with its swirl of silver or dramatic foliage. “As much I love flowers, we do need foliage.” She likes silver, pink and white as a cool colour combination, and a vibrant container might be filled with purple, blue, red and orange flowers. If she is nesting together three or five containers, she creates a theme. It may be by repeating a plant or with complementary colours. One collection she created last year used pinks, yellows and greens. The front door colour, trim or style of a home can influence choices. Containers are also great for growing vegetables, and companies such as West Coast Seeds offer a range of container-specific seeds. Dwarf peas, beans, small carrots, patio tomatoes, herbs and edible flowers can be used to create delicious and colourful containers for a deck or a patio. To create a successful planter, look for plants that have the same light and water requirements. Also, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the potting soil when planting a container provides extra nutrients to replace those lost with watering. Using a water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks will keep flowers blooming. Deadheading also improves blooming.

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Tip! Plan for success. Look for plants that have the same light and water requirements.

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“A lot of people think they can plant their pots and walk away, but that doesn’t work,” explains Petite. As for trends, she says there are some predictions that this year, gardens and planters will include more bright, vibrant colours. However, whatever you choose, the wonderful thing about containers is that they are a versatile way to garden. You can create something new over and over again, and even if you don’t have much space, containers can create an oasis in any area.

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MIND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Get those creative juices flowing to boost your brain.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

sn’t it fabulous to once again focus on living after the last couple of years of holding our collective breath? While the pandemic experience has been difficult for all of us, there were some constructive outcomes. One of the positive lessons is a clearer understanding that mental health is health. In 2021, the BC Alliance of Arts + Culture conducted a survey that looked at creativity during COVID-19. It found that many of us turned to creativity to support our mental health. Before the pandemic, 36 per cent of respondents indicated they were creative to “have fun,” while 21 per cent said they were in it to “experience new things.” Only 12 per cent of us thought the most important reason for engaging in creative activities was to support our mental health. That’s shifted. While “having fun” continued to be the most important reason during the pandemic, this percentage dropped considerably to 26.7 per cent, and “improving mental health” took second place at 24 per cent. In other words, the number of us who to turned to creativity to boost our mental health doubled. Creativity comes in many shapes and sizes. The study used a broad definition of activities including listening to music, trying a new recipe, reading a book, making crafts, taking dance classes, watching movies or TV, viewing a live show or learning a language. What creativity is really about is discovering new ideas, new approaches and opening pathways in your brain. Plucking a guitar string, bellowing out your favourite tunes in your living room, finding animals in the clouds with your kids, knitting, making rock formations on the beach, doodling, colouring — it is about those pathways. The creative process releases those important feel-good hormones (dopamine) in your brain.

What creativity is really about is discovering new ideas.

MICHELLE PROCTOR

< Emily Grav, owner of The Paint Box School of Art in Fernwood, helps students of all ages get in touch with their artistic side.

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

Don’t worry about being a Picasso — it’s all about the process.

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Other studies show that the creative arts can reduce stress, decrease anxiety and depression and improve cognition. That will come as no surprise to our city’s talented artists. Given we are so blessed with such a vibrant artistic community in Victoria, you can tap into their expertise to explore that side of yourself, and don’t worry about being a Picasso — it’s all about the process. Emily Grav, owner of The Paint Box School of Art, offers art classes for people of all ages and skill levels. She says her experience reflects the BC Alliance study: “People come for a variety of reasons, but all of it is to improve their mental health. They want to get out in a different space and access materials they’ve never tried before.” (Exactly the point of creativity.) Ryan Citron is new to painting and has found comfort in creative exploration. He works in the tech sector and recently turned to art to express himself. “Finding new hobbies is so critical for everyone — to find new ways of engaging yourself and building new skills. It’s been a little too easy to be stuck at home, getting depressed. Just try something. If it doesn’t work out, that’s fine. Don’t judge yourself.” For others, singing, and the opportunity to do so online, was a silver lining of COVID. Kimberly Denness-Thomas of South Island Studio and Tumbleweeds Theatre attracted a range of new singers — and brought former ones back into the fold. “I think [people] really needed something [to

ways

to fuel the creative fire

Maybe it’s feeling clay through your fingers or singing, dancing or knitting. Here are a few ideas to open those mental pathways.

1 Dance! Put on your dancing

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singing lessons or learn a new instrument — no experience necessary! •T apestry Music tapestrymusic.com • Victoria Conservatory of Music vcm.bc.ca • Long & McQuade Musical Instruments long-mcquade.com

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Sign up for an outdoor sketch class or take a weekend workshop to light that creative spark. • The Paint Box School of Art thepaintbox-victoria.com • Vancouver Island School of Art vancouverislandschoolart.com • Cedar Hill Recreation Centre saanich.ca

2 Make some noise. Take

3 Count your stitches.

4 Discover your inner artist.

5 Spin the wheel. Drinking coffee or tea out of a homemade mug or enjoying dessert on a plate you created can be extra rewarding. • Fired Up! Ceramics (take-home kits available or paint a premade ceramic in the studio) firedupceramics.ca • Hands on Clay Collective handsoncollective.ca • Earth and Fire Pottery Studio earthandfirepotterystudio.ca

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

focus on], other than how hard everything was,” Denness-Thomas says. “They needed something that fed their soul.” Civil engineer Lois Boxill, who grew up singing in church in the West Indies and performed her first solo at just 11 years old, is one of them. Boxill wanted to do something she loved, just for fun. “It’s beyond a head decision. It’s a body decision; it’s a heart decision. All of me is saying ‘yes.’ ” Exploring creativity in community is an option, too. Grav coordinates “Paint & Sip” parties at The Paint Box. “Participants have a laugh, and there’s always wine involved, which helps people relax,” she explains. “It’s really cathartic for people to get together and be creative.” It’s not only students who embraced new creative outlets in the recent past. Grav did as well. “I’m a painter. I love painting. But now I’m part of an outdoor painting group. It’s just a casual ‘show up at this location and paint outdoors activity.’ That is new to me.” Denness-Thomas also explores her own creativity, and is trying her hand at watercolour painting. “I promised myself I wouldn’t care if I was terrible and gave no attachment to an end result,” she says. “I could paint bubbles all day long and they look beautiful ... And now I’m painting ferns and foliage.”

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DON’T WORRY, BE FLEXIBLE When people are stressed and worn down, the idea of making the time, space and energy for something new can be daunting. One of the beautiful things about exploring creativity is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, timeconsuming or expensive. “I would encourage people to try something, whatever that might be. It may not be the first thing they try that works out,” says Citron. “As Bob Ross [the creator and host of the 1980s show The Joy Of Painting that ran on CBC] said, ‘there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.’ He had a calm approach to the process of creating art that is soothing and speaks to me.” Denness-Thomas also emphasizes the importance of flexibility. “If you find something and it’s every Tuesday at seven o’clock, you need to be present. That’s an obstacle already. Find something that meets what you can do with realistic expectations. Take that first obstacle away, and then only do it if you want to.” She’s embraced this approach on her adventure with watercolours. “I’m trying to give myself permission to be present in it. That’s it. Surrender to the idea of it not as the finished project, surrender to the working, surrender to something new coming into your life and the curiosity that can arise.” As we move forward and finally see the back end of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to put into practice those life-enriching experiences we may have discovered along the way. Creating is good for every part of us, and as we mark Mental Health Week in May, let’s celebrate our beautiful minds and get those creative juices flowing.

THE CREATIVE PEOPLE OF YAM We are fortunate to have a diverse and multitalented team at YAM. They kindly agreed to share their various creative endeavours that helped them through the pandemic.

Deana, account manager “I love painting. It’s easy to get lost in time and escape from all other thoughts. A great playlist, strong coffee and a blank canvas is a perfect day!” Janice, graphic designer “I scratch the creative itch primarily with my knitting, but lately I’ve started doing all the things, including a pottery workshop with Butatta Ceramics and a drawing workshop at the Vancouver Island School of Art.”

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Cynthia, account manager “I’ve been carving since the age of five when my grandfather gave me my first pocket knife! It’s a fun, meditative practice.”

artwork: michela sorrentino

Brenda, account manager “I started doing pet photography when I was looking for something creative to do on the weekends. The hobby flourished into a fun social media community and an online store.”

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Jo-Ann, graphic designer “Alcohol inks are my latest creative addiction. I paint with air, rather than a paintbrush, a technique I find fascinating every time I put ink to paper.”

Rebecca, ad coordinator “I started learning Mandarin when I was 15, and I now spend free time producing Mandarin-andEnglish storybooks and workbooks as my creative outlet because, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it!’ “

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

SCENE

Funniest Guy in the Room Wes Borg is vulnerable, generous and unmotivated by anything but the laugh. By David Lennam | Photo by Jeffrey Bosdet

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

YAM Size: 2.39" x 9.58"

es Borg is — uh, make that was — than to you. It’s fun writing shows together the busiest man in showbiz. because we riff and feed off each other, and Before two years of pandemic then cobble together the good stuff and riff gig cancellations made him feel trapped in the off that.” void, the fifty-something comedian was in almost Sometimes the blinders need to be lifted for us to recognize the talent around us. Borg every show that made you laugh: CBC’s The is Exhibit A. He’s lived with fame. Canadian Debaters; in one-man shows, musical standup, fame, anyway. Growing up in Edmonton, doing improv soaps, “Derwin Blanshard” mock talk “theatresports,” he founded the legendary show; as a performer with Atomic Vaudeville comedy group and Fringe royalty Three Dead and regularly joining old pal Carolyn Mark for Trolls in a Baggie. The Trolls had a short-lived those hootenannys. He has acted in theatre, CBC TV series, a stack of comedy albums and appeared on British television’s As Yet Untitled comic plays like War of 1812. and released his first solo comedy album, “Better Thirteen years ago, Borg turned up in Victoria Than I Am.” He’s probably on The Bachelor. and just didn’t leave. (“What, I got to come up I should check. with ferry money to leave this place?”) He’d quit So, all this, but unaccompanied by the sort of Alberta on a roll. He left, winded by it all. all-consuming motivation and ambition that can “I was done. I was burned out. It was a little be blinding. (He doesn’t audition.) too early [to have that kind of success]. I wouldn’t Borg is more the artist, in the sense of the recommend it. ’Cuz everything was so easy at word, rooming in a 1970s camper van he calls the beginning, I just thought it would be easy. his 3-ton wife. Yes, his musical diary of satirical We happened to have some lightning in a bottle.” songs has one about her. Opening line: She got Borg got a job at the Victoria Event Centre a scar on her face from when she killed an eagle/ mopping floors and She’s 40 years old, but cleaning toilets and was she’s barely legal. lured back onto the stage He’s unmotivated by Atomic Vaudeville by fighting for jobs but creator Britt Small. skilled enough to get “Wes likes to play,” them anyway. says Small. “Probably “I don’t try to get one of the things I like work anymore. But I’m best about him [is his] not against it. I love child-like openness being asked. I’m on a and curiosity that’s at real big anti-competition the heart of clowning kick right now. It’s the and performance. He’s enemy of creativity. unafraid of, or rather Atomic Vaudeville creator Britt Small They’ve taken everything embraces, his own beautiful and turned it foolishness, which makes him immediately into a game show. [Comedy] can’t be as careercharming and likable. All sharpened by a centric as it used to be. It can’t be about trying quick, dark wit, he comes from the heart, to make it, trying to get a TV show or any kind and sometimes his heart is filled with of gig. It’s just got to be fun.” marshmallows, and sometimes acid darts. Comedy — good comedy — isn’t about I welcome both.” who’s better. “I was taught that every piece of Those marshmallows get roasted in the literature followed into man vs. world, man vs. Lifetime Networks program Borg runs — a himself, man vs. whatever. It was all fight, fight, drama club for adults with developmental fight, fight. There was always a bad guy, there disabilities — upending assumptions about was always a fight, but it’s really about building the disabled and giving them a stage to uplift, tension. You don’t have to fight each other; inspire and make us laugh. Watch for their you just have to build the tension, and then upcoming Psych Ward: The Musical. that feels like a compelling reason to continue Often switching into cartoon voices or watching the story. It is not about who wins.” laughing like Krusty the Clown doing Seth SHARING THE STAGE (AND THE LAUGHS) Rogen, Borg talks about encouraging his drama Comedian and longtime collaborator Katieclub gang to choose wisely from comedy’s Ellen Humphries hails his performances as thousand flavours. super-generous. “There’s the derisive, scored-one-on-ya “There are not a lot of comedians who love competitive kind of laughing at, making fun of, but to share the spotlight like Wes, and even fewer it’s much more fun to do the kind of comedy that who exalt quite so much in making other people is just about the joy. Laughter is the expression look like the funny one. The beauty and tragedy of joy. For me, it’s defiance against how shitty of Wes is he truly has no idea just how special mortality is. When you’re vulnerable and honest he is. I don’t know whether he realizes the [he almost whispers] that’s all you need. Be impact he’s had on generations of Canadian vulnerable, be willing to fail and then be as honest comedians and comedy fans.” as possible. That looks exactly like bravery.” Morgan Cranny has shared many stages with Coda: What to Expect Now That You’re Borg. Improv, he says, is where that generosity Creepy is the title of a guidebook that Borg is dazzles. “He’s very clever and goes for the writing for men of a certain age. Expect a TV laugh, but knows how to do it with you, rather series.

“All sharpened by a quick, dark wit, he comes from the heart, and sometimes his heart is filled with marshmallows, and sometimes acid darts.”

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YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

PHOTO: HOCKEY CANADA

DO TELL

Riveting on the Rink

Hometown hockey hero Micah Zandee-Hart is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the ice. By Jennifer Hartley

he first hockey player from Vancouver Island to play on the national women’s team, captain of the 2015 silver-winning International Ice Hockey Federation Under 18 Women’s World Championship team and one of the top Canadian players for that tournament is none other than hometown hockey dynamo Micah Zandee-Hart. Most recently, she made us even more proud as part of Team Canada‘s women’s hockey team at the Olympics, bringing home the gold. She also made history as the first player from the province to play on the Olympic roster for women’s hockey. In short, she is hockey royalty. While she is a highly accomplished athlete, she is also kind, focused and surprisingly calm, (must be the Victoria vibe flowing through her veins). What is your idea of perfect happiness? For me, it’s being able to be able to do something that I don’t consider work. I am already doing something I love, so I am perfectly happy. What is your biggest fear? Disappointing those who support me, not that I think I have, but it has always been a huge fear. Who do you admire most? That is an easy one because it is my mom. The best part about her is that she finds joy in everything she does. She works with seniors, and they love her and she loves them. There is a

YAM MAGAZINE MAY/JUN 2022

Micah Zandee-Hart is stickhandling her way into hockey fame.

mutual respect. She finds joy everywhere and is grateful for everything. A book that positively shaped you? Leaders Eat Last. Leadership takes different forms. Read it! Most important lesson you have learned? That is a whopper. I have learned so many things, but I think the biggest one right now is the notion you get out of life what you put into it. It applies to everything. What makes you laugh? Sarcasm. I come from a lot of chirping and ribbing. Seinfeld, Friends always get me. What are three things you can’t live without? My journal, music, and activity or exercise.

Best advice you’ve received? My mom always told me: “You have never walked a day in someone else’s shoes. Say ‘hi’ and ‘thank you’ no matter where they come from and have your heart open to other people.” What comes next? Hopefully, the next Olympic cycle (or two) will work out for me. I also love coaching. The people who have had the most impact on my life have been my coaches and teachers. In fact, teaching in general and being a role model is my second passion, so hopefully something long term comes along. [Micah graduated from Cornell University in 2020 with a degree in psychology and a minor in English.]

“The people who have had the most impact on my life have been my coaches and teachers.”

What does a hockey hero like you do in your spare time? I connect with my family since I am away a lot. I am a TV junkie, and I enjoy reading and writing, too. I write on my computer, in a journal, wherever I can. [Stay tuned for a book from her one day.] Three words to describe yourself? Determined. Optimistic. Calm.

This is YAM’s City Issue … so what do you love about Victoria? First and foremost, I love the ocean. I just love all the different parts of Victoria. Growing up on the Saanich Peninsula, you are surrounded by animals, the ocean and farms. Downtown has an old-city vibe and is full of culture but then drive three hours up-Island and you can ski. There are so many different parts to the region and so many people from different places. There is so much here to love. Indeed. And Micah, we love you.

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