Tapas on Oak, the newly opened global tapas restaurant in Oak Bay has now been operating for just over 6 months. As a locally owned business, we are very very grateful for all the support we have had during this time. We are also very excited to have joined the local culinary community here.
Tapas on Oak will
now build on this experience, o ering a slightly changing tapas menu weekly. We o er a delicious small plates selection and a great choice of fine wines in the jazz-infused, ‘positive red’ atmosphere. Jeremy Teahan, who graduated top of his culinary class and went on to study under a Michelin Star Chef, continues to test new dishes with the owner Dan Massey and the Manager of Things (James Halliday).
We have a perfectly sized space for booking small gatherings (32 people max inside) whether it’s for corporate events, social clubs, birthdays, pre Christmas drinks or … for any other reason to just get together with friends or family. The restaurant’s team is thrilled to be serving the residents and visitors to Oak Bay and the wider Victoria area and welcomes all to come enjoy the Tapas on Oak experience. Reservations are recommended and are very easy to do by calling the team at: 250-590-8881. See you at Tapas on Oak. Thanks.
Whether you’re in a rush for a quick co ee or cold drink or looking for an upscale bistro dining experience, our local café has something just for you – and we welcome everyone who arrives riding a bike or walking beside a dog.
Looking for a glass of pinot gris and a chance to share a mushroom brusche a? Or sandwiches and beer? Windsor Café has local beers on tap, as well as a superb selection of wine and cider.
Enjoy a luxurious baked pastry, a gourmet drink, or a seasonal lunch menu feature in our fully licensed establishment and take a stroll down to the waterfront on a summer day. On a winter day, escape the weather with one of our warm fair-trade and organic co ees.
Our Tudor-style building features three indoor dining rooms, and two outdoor garden patios with a view of Oak Bay’s stunning Windsor Park, the best gathering spot in our community.
With the scintillating atmosphere we have created in our two-level heritage building, our café has become a destination for the entire region.
You can spend your time admiring the local and vibrant art adorning our walls while the
sounds of so jazz echo slowly in the background, welcoming you home.
STEPS AWAY FROM THE OAK BAY MARINA
Nestled in the heart of Oak Bay, Windsor Café is just steps from the gorgeous Oak Bay Marina on scenic Beach Drive.
Our location is ideal for everyone who prefers to ride a bicycle. It’s also a great area for walking your dog – and because our front patio is dog friendly, your four-legged friends will be welcomed here.
No ma er the season, the oceanfront provides an idyllic se ing for your Oak Bay café dining experience and a great neighborhood for bike riding and dog walking.
Come and visit us today to see just what the Windsor Café has to o er.
HOURS: Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm
Sorry, we don’t take reservations. windsorcafevictoria.ca
For cyclists everywhere, this is the best year to buy a bike. Compared to previous years, 2023 brings a wealth of opportunity for consumers who are enjoying the best selection from every brand, competitive pricing across the industry, and
the most advanced technology available.
It’s been three years since the pandemic hit and the global supply chain came to a grinding halt. While almost every industry su ered the consequences, cycling enthusiasts came out
in droves, pushing the cycling industry to its limits with what li le inventory could be sourced. Add an optimistically warm spring and indoor capacity restrictions and you get booming bike shops across Canada.
Since then, the supply chain has recovered and bike shops have more to show their eager customers. Shoppers are now spoiled with choice, which is a relief a er long wait times and limited selection plagued the industry. Now, the power is in the buyers’ hands to choose any make or model. There are bikes for everyone.
Engineers from big name brands have been waiting to showcase their latest advancements in bike technology. They have spent the last few years waiting for materials and bringing new ideas to life once
Atreasured destination in Oak Bay Village for over 20 years, The Avenue Gallery is one of the premiere boutique galleries in British Columbia. Patrons are treated to ever-changing exhibits of contemporary Canadian fine art and have access to unsurpassed collections by masterful painters, sculptors, ceramicists, glaziers and
jewellery artists. A veritable feast for the eyes! Popular with devoted collectors as well as those new to the contemporary art scene, The Avenue Gallery is beloved by local Victorians and international visitors.
For many of Victoria’s top interior designers, The Avenue Gallery adds the finishing touches to corporate and residential projects, enhancing
any environment and respecting every budget. A key resource for all professionals in the industry, the gallery o ers clients carefully chosen works of art that express individuality and are tailored to their environment.
The Avenue Gallery o ers:
- Open daily
- Accessible entrance
- ‘On approval’ artwork trial for up to 48 hours
- Superimposing of artwork into photos of clients’ spaces
- Flexible payment plans and leaseto-own options
- E-Commerce website
- Worldwide shipping
- Gi certificates
- Complimentary gi wrapping
Get your art fix without leaving the house! From pendants to paintings, all your favourites and the latest arrivals are on The Avenue Gallery’s e-commerce website. Order your perfect artwork from home at theavenuegallery.com.
The Avenue Gallery is open Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12 to 4pm. 2184 Oak Bay Avenue, 250-598-2184.
it became possible. This year we are all being treated to lighter and faster bikes. We have new features and benefits across all types, from e-bikes to mountain bikes and everything in between.
There has never been a be er time to explore the world by bike.
Let Oak Bay Bikes help you navigate the ever-evolving cycling landscape. We are
commi ed to bringing you the lowest prices and highest quality of service. We always o er free local delivery, fast turnaround for repairs, and unmatched customer service.
We’ve been serving you and your bike be er since 1934. Let’s make 2023 your year. oakbaybikes.com
The Old Farm Market continues to buzz as we keep expanding our selection and bringing in new o erings! In our last update, we shared how we brought in hot soup and co ee as well as a cozy seating area for you to enjoy your food.
And of course, in typical Old Farm Market fashion, we now have even more new things to o er. We are excited to announce our new line of items exclusive to The Old Farm Market. Introducing “Old Farm Market Original” – a line of made-in-house or locally made food that you can only find at The Old Farm Market. For our initial launch, we have an exciting and innovative line of dips and sauces available in our Deli Department. From our Hulk Sauce to our Scandal Sauce, we have something for everybody to enjoy and that your dinner/party guests are sure to love. Next time you’re in the store, keep your eye out for our bold and bright “Old Farm Market Original” logo to be confident you’re buying a high-quality local item you can’t get anywhere else. In addition to this, we have also
launched our Customer Survey!
This is a place where you can go to leave feedback about your experience in our store, as well as provide comments or product requests, or recognize one of our outstanding employees for going above and beyond. Every survey completed is an entry to win a $100 gi card to The Old Farm Market.
We are truly blessed to be a part of the Oak Bay community and are overwhelmed with the love and support we have received from our amazing customers. Our success wouldn’t be possible without your continued support.
PS – there’s more exciting improvements to come!
Thank you for supporting local!
Kyle Penny Store Manager
Dreaming of an Aperol Spritz in Italy? FARO
Handcra ed Pizza and Tasting Room has the next best thing with their take on a traditional Italian Aperitivo Hour. Think fresh Esquimalt Winery Spritz, delicious Campari sangria, and delicious appetizers on special every Monday to Friday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Adding a variety of new dishes to their spring menu come midMarch, FARO (pronounced fare-oh) is anchored by its Wood Stone pizza oven and a seasonally changing menu. Set in a stunning modern room, guests can enjoy handcra ed pizza, a variety of
fresh salads and small bites, cocktails and local wines, and more. Translated from Italian, FARO means “beacon” or “lighthouse”, a well-suited name for a location that has been a beacon for Oak Bay locals and visitors alike, where guests have gathered to enjoy Victoria’s most luxurious oceanfront accommodation, dining experiences and award-winning spa se ing for over 90 years at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. oakbaybeachhotel.com/dine/faro
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss in yourself can be di cult and taking steps to address hearing loss can be even harder. Many individuals with hearing loss delay treatment 7-10 years and are o en not sure how to seek assistance. With the right steps, creating a treatment plan can be simple.
Once you start to notice signs of hearing loss, the first step is to obtain a hearing assessment. You can do this by contacting a local hearing health professional or obtaining a referral from your primary care physician.
During the hearing assessment, the clinician will determine your lifestyle and communication needs as well as the type and degree of hearing loss present. If a medical condition is identified a referral will be made to the appropriate health professional.
If hearing aids are recommended, the clinician will work with you to find the right product that will meet your hearing and lifestyle needs. A trial period with the chosen hearing aid is an important part of the process, as it provides you time to adjust to the hearing aids so you are able to assess the benefit accurately. It can sometimes take multiple visits to the clinic to have the hearing aids adjusted. It is important to establish a trusted relationship with your hearing health professional as hearing aids require ongoing maintenance and at a minimum should be checked annually.
The dedicated and experienced hearing professionals are here to support you on your journey to be er hearing. To book an appointment at our Oak Bay Hearing clinic call 250-900-8026 and our Fairfield Hearing clinic call 250-999-4553.
Translated
“beacon” or “lighthouse.”
A well-suited name for a location that has been a beacon for Oak Bay locals and visitors alike.
GNS has o cially kicked o a partnership with The Social Institute (TSI), an online learning platform that empowers students to navigate the social world (both in person and online). Through this partnership, our school is adopting TSI’s comprehensive program for our students in Grades 4 through 8 called ‘#winatsocial.’ This program promotes character, empathy, teamwork and other essential life skills.
One of the great things about the #winatsocial program is its positive approach; o en, when it comes to digital citizenship and social media, a lot of what we hear is negative, with a ‘don’t do this’
approach that doesn’t resonate well with students. This program shows students how they can leverage social media and digital citizenship in order to enhance their relationships.
Social media is not going away, and relationships for students, especially Middle School students, are increasingly facilitated through this medium. While there is nothing more valuable than in-person, face-to-face o ine conversations, we do bear some responsibility as educators to make sure they are equipped to navigate the increasingly online world in which they live.
Shannon Oaks is independent, all-inclusive seniors living. It is a wonderful way for you to enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle filled with social engagements, nutritious meals, daily exercise and new friendships. You would be surrounded by understanding peers and belong to a meaningful community. Some describe it as living on a cruise ship on land.
Your own private suite can range from 500-800 square feet and it features
Teachers and parents are keen to have a working knowledge and unified philosophical approach towards digital citizenship. Another amazing facet of the #winatsocial program is that it also educates families and parents and gives them opportunities to follow up and reinforce messaging at home. A er each lesson, family huddle questions are sent home to help facilitate conversations about the learning. There is also a parent toolkit to learn about the latest social media apps.
One of the most exciting things we look forward to is the continued partnership between teachers, students and
large windows, a full bathroom, kitchene e and utilities. Every meal is an occasion prepared by professional chefs and personally served by our dining sta . Fresh baked goods, fruit and beverages are available throughout the day. Shannon Oaks o ers you an array of daily activities including fitness classes, cra ing, painting, card games, discussion groups and field trips. Bus trips are scheduled multiple times a week to include malls, libraries, concerts and more. There
families at home. Making sure everyone has access to the tools needed, and a common language and understanding is key to helping our students meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
To learn more about our Middle School, visit: mygns.ca
is also a hair salon available for all your beauty needs.
Other amenities include a gym with equipment specialized for seniors and a spacious entertainment room that hosts weekly movie nights, dances, socials and a variety of local entertainers. You can pick and choose what you like. Take part in everything or just sit back and relax and enjoy the 24/7 customer service.
Cleaning….no more. For your convenience and peace of mind we provide weekly housekeeping,
linen service and 24-hour emergency response. Your suite is le sparkling clean every week, while you can enjoy time with friends and family.
Step into a beautiful courtyard with a bubbling fountain and landscaped gardens to relax in. There really is something for everyone. Living at Shannon Oaks you will feel like you are part of one big family.
Call for a tour today 604-940-1960. baptisthousing.org
Importance of
Reviews: YOUR PHARMACIST IS A MEDICATION EXPERT THAT CAN HELP YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICATIONS
Fort Royal Pharmacy is your local community based pharmacy serving the community of Greater Victoria for over 10-years. They have 3 locations to serve you. With their professional sta , quick and e cient service, they strive to provide the best customer service to all their clients.
They provide Free Medication Reviews at all their locations. Come into any of their locations and make an appointment with their Pharmacist.
What is a Medication Review?
The aim of a medication review service is to help patients be er understand their medications. When you understand your medications – from why you are taking them, when to take them, and how to best take them – you make informed
decisions and have greater ownership of your overall health. Your pharmacist is a medication expert that can help you be er understand your medications. The service provides you with a one-on-one consultation with your pharmacist in a semi-private area of the pharmacy to discuss your prescription medications, as well as any over-thecounter meds, vitamins and natural health products you may also be taking Is there a cost to me for this service?
No.
Am I eligible?
If you are a B.C. resident with a valid BC Services Card and you have taken at least five medications within the last six months, you may be eligible to receive Medication Review Services.
What do I bring to the service?
Any medications that you are taking can and should be brought to your scheduled Medication Review. This includes prescriptions and over-thecounter medications, vitamins and natural health products. Your pharmacist will consider each of your medications and discuss with you how to achieve the best health outcomes.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No, You don't need a doctor's referral to have a Medication Review, although your doctor may suggest it.
FortRoyalPharmacy.ca info@fortroyalpharmacy.ca
Hillside team
Easter, a time to celebrate new beginnings is on April
7 (Good Friday) this year and Easter Sunday is on April 9. Nothing says “New” like fresh spring flowers. As you’re pu ing the finishing touches on your Easter decorating and planning your Easter dinner for the family, don’t forget to incorporate some beautiful blooms into the display.
Your spring colour pale e can be vibrant and showcase flowers in bright reds, yellows, deep pinks, blues and orange. So pastel colours represent another side of spring and can include flowers in so peaches, pinks, lavender, and white.
Popular flowers for spring, and found in many of our local gardens include hyacinths, tulips, and da odils. Blooming branches like forsythia, pussy willow and cherry blossoms add a lovely element to flower arrangements.
The colours found in nature will fit right in with your spring decor, so you can keep the
arrangement on display long past Easter has hopped on by.
Although the most popular flower for Easter is the lily which represents purity and resurrection these scented blooms are not popular with everyone as they are highly scented and you may want to avoid them if you are having house guests for dinner who may be allergic.
Incorporate colorful Easter eggs or holiday candy or even some veggies in your arrangement. Think outside the traditional vase when you’re looking for the perfect vessel. A vintage canister, basket, or even a family china dish can make a statement on your Easter table.
We sell our flowers by the single stem so you can come into the store and choose your own flowers to design your own arrangement or bring
in your container and let us design one for you. Call us, we’ll custom design something for your table, for pick up or for delivery. We also have grab and go arrangements so you can pick something up in a hurry.
ORDER NOW: 250-595-2421 Oakbayflowershop.com
When you are in the store be sure to say hi to Charlie.
Vision is an important part of our daily lives. So much so, that according to the Canadian Association of Optometry, vision loss is the most feared disability amongst Canadians. While it has been shown that our visual acuity and eye health declines as we age, the World Health Organization estimates 80% of visual impairment is either preventable or curable with treatment. This means that the steps we take today can help keep our eyes healthy tomorrow.
Start with these simple steps to keep your eyes as healthy as possible:
1. Have a routine eye exam. An eye exam is not only about ge ing a prescription to help you see clearly, it is essential to help detect vision issues before they develop into something more serious.
Even if you haven’t recognized a change in your vision, conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can progress with few to no noticeable
symptoms. Your optometrist will check for these conditions during your eye exam.
The British Columbia Doctors of Optometry recommend children aged 18 and under, adults aged 65 and over, and people with diabetes, have an eye exam annually. It is recommended adults aged 19 to 64 have an eye exam once every two years.
2. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to UV rays can lead to long-term eye damage. Wearing protective sunglasses year-round, including a well-fi ing frame and UVA and UVB blocking lenses is the best way to prevent UV rays from reaching your eyes.
3. Eat your veggies. A diet rich in omega 3s, vitamin A and C, lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidants, found in fish, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, will help prevent eye disease.
At Oak Bay Optometry, we help ensure quality of vision and quality of life. Schedule your eye exam today. 250-595-8500 info@oakbayoptometry.com 2075 Cadboro Bay Rd.
It’s not everyday an 86-year-old packs up her life and moves to another continent, but that is exactly what Elaine Huntsman did. In 2017, Elaine le England and moved to Carlton House of Oak Bay to be near three of her eight children.
Born just North-East of London, Elaine lived most of her life in England, experiencing rationing, evacuation, and bombing as a young child.
At 18 she started her nursing training at St. Bartholomew’s hospital in London. It was there that she met her future husband Dr. Richard Huntsman, during a tricky medical procedure. The two
were married in 1955.
In 1975 the pair emigrated to Newfoundland where Richard had accepted a faculty position at the medical school in St. John’s.
On his retirement they moved back to their house in Norfolk, England, where they spent their time taking trips and enjoying their lovely home. With all eight children (and 17 grandkids!) living around the world, there were many places to see, and adventures to be had.
Following Richard’s passing in 2015, Elaine began to miss her grandchildren, and her big, noisy, family gatherings. So, in 2017 she traveled to Victoria, to visit her daughter and two of her other
children who live nearby. It was then that she stayed at Carlton House.
At the beginning of her stay, she really had no intention to leave England… That is, until she saw her beautiful suite! “It was a snap decision.” Elaine remembers, and it was one that changed her life. Elaine sold her house of 40 years and moved.
These days, Elaine enjoys taking walks, exercise classes, watercolour painting, and playing bridge with friends. Her decision was a quick one, but it brought her to yet another adventure. One with friends, family, and a new place to call home. carltonhouse.ca
