Readers' Choice 2020 by Times Colonist

SPECIA L F E ATURE

READERS’

CHOICE

AWARDS • 2020 •

WINNERS EDITION

INSIDE: WINNERS, FINALISTS & PROFILES FROM ALL 106 CATEGORIES timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS AND FINALISTS IN THIS YEAR’S READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS AUTOMOTIVE

FISH N CHIPS

HOME FURNISHINGS

FURNITURE STORE

Stellar Finish Auto Detailing, F11 .................................Winner Prancing Horse Autobody & Paint ................................ Finalist Didi Auto Group ........................................................... Finalist

FOOD TRUCK

AUTO DETAILING

AUTO REPAIR

Steve’s Service .............................................................Winner John’s Auto Body & Paint ............................................. Finalist Searle’s ....................................................................... Finalist

OIL CHANGE

Great Canadian Oil Change, F11...................................Winner Mr Lube ....................................................................... Finalist BCAA Auto Service Centre ........................................... Finalist

RV DEALER

Arbutus RV & Marine Sales, E14 ...................................Winner Galaxy RV .................................................................... Finalist Big Boys Toys Parksville ............................................... Finalist

COMMUNITY ART GALLERY

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, F16...............................Winner Esquimalt Community Arts Hub ................................... Finalist UVic Legacy Art Galleries............................................. Finalist

BEACH

Willows .........................................................................Winner Island View Beach Regional Park................................. Finalist Esquimalt Lagoon........................................................ Finalist

Barb’s Fish N’ Chips .....................................................Winner Red Fish Blue Fish ....................................................... Finalist Fish on Fifth ................................................................ Finalist

HOUSEWARES

Capital Iron ..................................................................Winner Canadian Tire .............................................................. Finalist HomeSense Victoria.................................................... Finalist

HOME ELECTRONICS

HAMBURGER

HOT TUB

JEWELLERY STORE

HAPPY HOUR

Bin 4 Burger Lounge, F8 ...............................................Winner Big Wheel .................................................................... Finalist The Pink Bicycle .......................................................... Finalist

Capital Iron ..................................................................Winner Canadian Tire .............................................................. Finalist The Wickertree ............................................................ Finalist

LIGHTING STORE

ICE CREAM

ROOFING CO.

Parker Johnston ...........................................................Winner Proline Roofing & Gutters, E17 .................................... Finalist Victoria Roofing Co. Ltd............................................... Finalist

MEN’S CLOTHING

ITALIAN

WINDOWS

OUTDOORS SHOP

Il Terrazzo.....................................................................Winner IL Covo Trattoria .......................................................... Finalist Romeo’s, F9 ................................................................ Finalist

INDIAN

Dosa Paragon, F5 .........................................................Winner Sizzling Tandoor .......................................................... Finalist Varsha .........................................................................Finalist BC Liquor Stores ..........................................................Winner Vessel Liquor Store ..................................................... Finalist Cascadia Liquor Store ................................................. Finalist Cafe Mexico .................................................................Winner Tacofino ...................................................................... Finalist Adriana’s The Whole Enchilada.................................... Finalist

PIZZA

Romeo’s, F9 .................................................................Winner Pizzeria Prima Strada .................................................. Finalist Virtuous Pie ................................................................. Finalist

PICNIC SPOT

PUB

PLACE TO HIKE

RESTAURANT PATIO

Saxe Point, F14 ............................................................Winner Esquimalt Lagoon........................................................ Finalist Willows Beach .............................................................Finalist East Sooke Regional Park.............................................Winner Mt Douglas Park .......................................................... Finalist Gowlland Tod Provincial Park ...................................... Finalist

BC PREMIER YOU MISS THE MOST

Dave Barrett .................................................................Winner Mike Harcourt ............................................................. Finalist Christy Clark ................................................................ Finalist

PLACE TO SEE A LIVE PERFORMANCE

Royal Theatre ...............................................................Winner Belfry Theatre.............................................................. Finalist Chemainus Theatre ..................................................... Finalist

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Berwick Retirement Communities, E20 ........................Winner Broadmead Lodge ....................................................... Finalist Amica .......................................................................... Finalist

FAVOURITE CHARITY

Lifetime Networks, F10 ................................................Winner BC Cancer Agency ....................................................... Finalist Our Place Society ........................................................ Finalist

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE THEATER

IMAX.............................................................................Winner Silver City .................................................................... Finalist Capitol 6 Theatres....................................................... Finalist

NIGHT CLUB

Hermann’s Jazz Club ....................................................Winner Lucky Bar .................................................................... Finalist The Duke Saloon ......................................................... Finalist

OUTDOOR MUSIC VENU

The Butchart Gardens ..................................................Winner Inner Harbour .............................................................. Finalist Beacon Hill Bandshell ................................................. Finalist

LIVE THEATRE

Belfry Theatre...............................................................Winner Royal Theatre .............................................................. Finalist Chemainus Theatre ..................................................... Finalist

FOOD & DINING BAKERY

Dutch Bakery & Diner, F3 .............................................Winner Crust Bakery ................................................................ Finalist Cobs Bread ................................................................. Finalist

BBQ FOOD

Jones BBQ ....................................................................Winner Montana’s ................................................................... Finalist Smokin’ Georges BBQ Restaurant ............................... Finalist

Mclaren Lighting, E3 ....................................................Winner Pine Lighting ...............................................................Finalist Home Depot ................................................................ Finalist

Beacon Drive-In, F3 .....................................................Winner Cold Comfort ............................................................... Finalist Parachute Ice Cream ................................................... Finalist

SEASIDE WALK

Dallas Road ..................................................................Winner Elk Lake....................................................................... Finalist Mount Douglas Park .................................................... Finalist

Artina’s Jewellery, F12 ..................................................Winner Idar .............................................................................Finalist Paul Mara Jewellers .................................................... Finalist

PATIO FURNITURE

MEXICAN FOOD

OFF LEASH DOG PARK

Capital Iron ..................................................................Winner Vintage Hot Tubs ......................................................... Finalist Twilight Hot Tubs ......................................................... Finalist

Atlas Audio Video, E4....................................................Winner London Drugs .............................................................. Finalist Mother Computers, E5 ................................................ Finalist

Fireside Grill, F3 ...........................................................Winner Browns Crafthouse Vic West, F8 ................................. Finalist Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio ......................................... Finalist

PARK/PLAYGROUND

Dallas Rd......................................................................Winner Sidney Waterfront ....................................................... Finalist Breakwater .................................................................. Finalist

Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, E8 ..................................Winner Resthouse Sleep Solutions.......................................... Finalist Scan Designs, E9 ........................................................ Finalist

Al-Rahman Samosa King ..............................................Winner Tacofino ...................................................................... Finalist Deadbeetz................................................................... Finalist

LIQUOR STORE

Cadboro-Gyro Park .......................................................Winner Beacon Hil...................................................................Finalist Mount Douglas Park .................................................... Finalist

The Foam Zone .............................................................Winner Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, E8 ................................. Finalist Scan Designs, E9 ........................................................ Finalist

The Waddling Dog, F6...................................................Winner Wild Rover Irish Mobile Pub, F6 ................................... Finalist Six Mile Pub ................................................................ Finalist Canoe Brew Pub ...........................................................Winner Fireside Grill ................................................................ Finalist Glo Restaurant + Lounge............................................. Finalist

SUSHI

Fujiya Foods .................................................................Winner Sen Zushi .................................................................... Finalist Nubo Japanese Tapas ................................................. Finalist

Van Isle Windows - Victoria Showroom & Factory, E6 ........Winner Starlite Windows ......................................................... Finalist Centra Windows, Exteriors,Restorations ..................... Finalist

PETS

PET GROOMER

Bosley’s by Pet Valu......................................................Winner Groom That Dog .......................................................... Finalist The Doggy Lounge ....................................................... Finalist

PET STORE

Bosley’s by Pet Valu......................................................Winner Pets West .................................................................... Finalist A Pet’s Life .................................................................. Finalist

PET CARE SERVICES

Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning, F21 ...................................Winner Van Island Pups Dog Walking Service.................................................... Finalist CommuniCanine Training & Behavioural Counselling .............................................. Finalist

DISTILLERIES

Sheringham Distillery, F6 .............................................Winner Victoria Distillers.........................................................Finalist Merridale Cidery and Distillery .................................... Finalist

HEALTH & BEAUTY BARBER SHOP

Brothers Barbershop ....................................................Winner Chamberlain Walk Hair Design, F18 ............................ Finalist Victory Barbers & Brand .............................................. Finalist

HAIR SALON

The Natural Hair Salon .................................................Winner Kharma Salons ............................................................ Finalist Parlor Hair Boutique ....................................................Finalist

HEALTH FOOD STORE

Lifestyle Markets, F21..................................................Winner The Vitamin Shop ........................................................ Finalist Sidney Natural Foods .................................................. Finalist

PHARMACY

Heart Pharmacy, F20 ...................................................Winner London Drugs .............................................................. Finalist Pharmasave ................................................................ Finalist

SPA

Pure Day Spa ................................................................Winner Brentwood Bay Resort Spa .......................................... Finalist Beauty by Brette.......................................................... Finalist

VITAMIN STORE

SHOPPING MALL

Mayfair Shopping Centre ..............................................Winner Hillside Shopping Centre ............................................. Finalist Uptown ........................................................................ Finalist

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

Bodacious, F16 ............................................................Winner The Bay ....................................................................... Finalist Reitmans ..................................................................... Finalist

SPORTS FOOTWEAR

Frontrunners, E19 ........................................................Winner New Balance ............................................................... Finalist Sport Chek .................................................................. Finalist

MUSIC STORE

Vic West Pet Hospital ...................................................Winner McKenzie Veterinary Services ..................................... Finalist Hillside Veterinary Hospital ......................................... Finalist

ISLAND WINERY

Hoyne Brewing Company, F9 ........................................Winner Phillips Brewing & Malting Company ........................... Finalist Driftwood ....................................................................Finalist

Walk in Comfort, E19 ...................................................Winner Frontrunners, E19 ....................................................... Finalist New Balance ............................................................... Finalist

VETERINARY CLINIC

RBC Royal Bank ............................................................Winner TD Canada Trust .......................................................... Finalist CIBC ............................................................................Finalist

CRAFT BREWERIES

SHOE STORE

SIGN SHOP

Woofability ...................................................................Winner The Doggy Lounge ....................................................... Finalist Nirvana Pet Resort ...................................................... Finalist

VEGETARIAN FOOD

Unsworth Vineyards, F2 ................................................Winner Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard ............................................................... Finalist Enrico Winery .............................................................. Finalist

Capital Iron ..................................................................Winner Robinsons ................................................................... Finalist MEC............................................................................. Finalist

DOG DAYCARE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Rebar ...........................................................................Winner Baan Thai .................................................................... Finalist Be Love .......................................................................Finalist

Mark’s ..........................................................................Winner Hudson’s Bay............................................................... Finalist Eddie Bauer................................................................. Finalist

BANK

CREDIT UNION

Coast Capital Savings ..................................................Winner Island Savings ............................................................. Finalist Coastal Community Credit Union................................. Finalist

FUNERAL HOME

McCall Gardens Funeral and Cremation Service, E17 ................................................Winner First Memorial Funeral Services .................................. Finalist Earth’s Option Cremation & Burial Services ................ Finalist

INSURANCE AGENCY

Harbord Insurance, E24 ...............................................Winner BCAA ........................................................................... Finalist Coast Capital Savings - Western Financial Group ........ Finalist

LAW OFFICE Beacon Law Centre, F10...............................................Winner McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson Law Corporation .......................................................... Finalist Sitka Law Group .......................................................... Finalist

TRAVEL AGENCY

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, F18 ................................Winner Departures Travel ........................................................ Finalist Flight Centre Business Travel Victoria ......................... Finalist

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Pemberton Holmes, E16 ..............................................Winner Brown Bros, E16 .......................................................... Finalist Newport Property Management, E17 .......................... Finalist

Graphic FX Signworks ...................................................Winner Peninsula Signs, F11 ................................................... Finalist Alley Kat ...................................................................... Finalist Long & McQuade ..........................................................Winner Lyle’s Place.................................................................. Finalist Ditch Records ............................................................. Finalist

SPORTS STORE

Mountain Equipment Co-op .........................................Winner Sport Chek .................................................................. Finalist Courtside Sports, F15 ................................................. Finalist

BBQ STORE

Capital Iron ..................................................................Winner Home Depot ................................................................ Finalist

COMICS, GAMES & GAMING

Curious Comics .....................................................................X Legends Comics & Books ............................................ Finalist Epic Games & More ..................................................... Finalist

FACE MASKS

The Kindness Factory, E18 ...........................................Winner ACME Supplies ............................................................ Finalist Somersaults and Splashes .......................................... Finalist

POWER SPORTS

SG Power ......................................................................Winner Victoria Motorcycles ................................................... Finalist Action Motorcyles ....................................................... Finalist

SPORT & FITNESS GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)

Cedar Hill Golf Course, F13 ..........................................Winner Cordova Bay Golf Course ............................................. Finalist Highland Pacific Golf ................................................... Finalist

GYM/FITNESS FACILITY

Annex Fitness, F15 .......................................................Winner Passion and Performance Studio ................................ Finalist Saanich Commonwealth Place .................................... Finalist

YOGA STUDIO

Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Victoria .................................Winner One Yoga ..................................................................... Finalist Quantum Yoga Club .....................................................Finalist

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

TRAVEL

OFFICE SERVICES

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa, F12 ..................Winner Oak Bay Beach Hotel................................................... Finalist Tigh-na-Mara............................................................... Finalist

OPTOMETRIST

Butchart Gardens .........................................................Winner Victoria Harbour Ferry ................................................. Finalist Royal BC Museum........................................................ Finalist

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, E17.................Winner Pemberton Holmes, E17.............................................. Finalist Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate ...................... Finalist Monk Office .................................................................Winner Staples........................................................................Finalist Madill Office Supplies ................................................. Finalist

ISLAND RESORT

ISLAND TOURIST ATTRACTION

The Vitamin Shop .........................................................Winner Lifestyle Markets......................................................... Finalist Sidney Natural Foods .................................................. Finalist

Mayfair Optometric Clinic, F14 .....................................Winner Oak Bay Optometry ..................................................... Finalist FYI Optometry ............................................................. Finalist

PRIVATE ISLAND CAMPGROUND

HOME & GARDEN

RETAIL

ISLAND BED & BREAKFAST

Fireside Grill, F3 ...........................................................Winner Floyd’s Diner................................................................ Finalist The Village Restaurant ................................................ Finalist

WestCoast Appliance Gallery E13 ................................Winner Trail Appliances ...........................................................Finalist Home Depot ................................................................ Finalist

Russ Hay’s, E20 ...........................................................Winner Giant Victoria .............................................................. Finalist Trek Bicycle Store ........................................................ Finalist

BUTCHER

BLINDS AND WINDOW COVERINGS

BREAKFAST

BRUNCH

Glenwood Meats, F19 ..................................................Winner Fraser Orr Butcher, F19 ............................................... Finalist Berryman Farms .......................................................... Finalist

CHINESE FOOD

J & J Wonton Noodle House..........................................Winner Don Mee Restaurant, F21 ........................................... Finalist Halibut House ............................................................. Finalist

COFFEE SHOP

Dutch Bakery & Diner, F3 .............................................Winner Discovery Coffee ......................................................... Finalist Caffe Fantastico .......................................................... Finalist

FERMENT ON PREMISE

APPLIANCE STORE

ANTIQUE STORE & CONSIGNMENT

Budget Blinds, E11 .......................................................Winner Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre ........................................................... Finalist Home Depot ................................................................ Finalist

Good Things Consignments, F18 ..................................Winner Charmaine’s Past & Present Home Collection ............. Finalist The Old Attic................................................................ Finalist

CARPET CLEANERS

Lund’s ..........................................................................Winner MaxSold ...................................................................... Finalist Steptoe Services ......................................................... Finalist

Luv-A-Rug Services Inc, E23.........................................Winner Dri-Way Carpet & Upholstery Care ............................... Finalist Sunny Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning, E22 ....................... Finalist

FLOORING STORE

Hourigans Flooring, E22 ...............................................Winner End Of The Roll ............................................................ Finalist Island Floor Centre Ltd ................................................ Finalist

Flying Fish Winery, F21 .................................................Winner The Village Winery ....................................................... Finalist Blanshard Street Winery U-Vin U-Brew ............................................................... Finalist

GARDEN CENTRE

FINE DINING

HARDWARE STORE

Il Terrazzo.....................................................................Winner Finn’s........................................................................... Finalist Fireside Grill ................................................................ Finalist

BICYCLE SHOP

GardenWorks................................................................Winner Elk Lake Nursery ......................................................... Finalist Patio Gardens ............................................................. Finalist Capital Iron ..................................................................Winner Home Hardware .......................................................... Finalist Canadian Tire .............................................................. Finalist

AUCTION HOUSE

BRIDAL WEAR

Shades of White Bridal Fashions ..................................Winner Blush Bridal................................................................. Finalist The White Peony Bridal Boutique ................................ Finalist

BOOKSTORE

Bolen Books .................................................................Winner Russell Books..............................................................Finalist Munro’s Books............................................................. Finalist

FLORIST

Brown’s The Florist .......................................................Winner Foxgloves Flowers........................................................ Finalist Poppies Floral Art ........................................................ Finalist

Living Forest Oceanside Campground ..........................Winner Country Maples RV Resort........................................... Finalist Pedder Bay Marina ...................................................... Finalist Birds of a Feather Ocean Lagoon B&B..........................Winner Farm Table Inn............................................................. Finalist Moonlit Cove BB .......................................................... Finalist

BOAT MARINA

Oak Bay Marina ............................................................Winner Pedder Bay Marina ...................................................... Finalist Canoe Cove Marina & Boatyard ................................... Finalist

HOTEL

Oak Bay Beach Hotel, F19 ............................................Winner Fairmont Empress ....................................................... Finalist Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort ................................................... Finalist

YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO GET OFF OF THE ISLAND

BC Ferries Connector....................................................Winner WestJet ....................................................................... Finalist Harbour Air .................................................................. Finalist

BC FERRIES ROUTE WITH THE BEST SCENERY

Swartz Bay - Tsawwassen .............................................Winner Port Hardy - Prince Rupert .......................................... Finalist Mill Bay - Brentwood Bay............................................. Finalist

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LIGHTING STORE

Mclaren Lighting The Leaders in LED.

Mclaren Lighting is a family owned and operated lighting showroom committed to ensuring their customers never get left in the dark. Celebrating our 60th Anniversary, Mclaren Lighting has been serving the communities and people on Vancouver Island Change since 1960. For four years running, Mclaren Lighting has been recognized in the Readers’ Choice Awards as Victoria’s favourite Lighting Store. With over 5,000 items on display, and home to Canada’s largest

A N N I V E R S A R Y

LED inventory, Mclaren’s selection is unmatched. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you the best pricing and service. The staff are certified ALA lighting consultants and have made lighting their career, some for over 25 years, making Mclaren the leader in the lighting industry. They cover every aspect of lighting and design, from commercial to residential. They can work with any project, any renovation and any budget.

GENERATIONS OF LIGHTING EXPERIENCE There are three generations of expertise standing behind the Mclaren promise, to bring you the best service, pricing and selection available. MAKE THE SWITCH TO LED LED is the new standard for lighting and fixtures in commercial and residential applications. LED technology allows for design styles and looks that were once impossible to create.

Use the online LED savings calculator on Mclaren’s website and crunch the numbers for yourself. Find out how you can save money and the environment. VISIT THE SHOWROOMS You’ll find Mclaren Lighting in Victoria at 3400 Douglas Street, at the corner of Douglas and Boleskine Roads. The Nanaimo lighting showroom is located at 2520 Bowen Road in the Nanaimo Home Centre. mclarenlighting.com

BOXING WEEK SALE STARTS DEC 28–JAN 2

(closed Jan. 1)

100’S of items have been brought in for this sale! DOOR CRASHERS!

LED

10” 16W

LED

Ceiling Mount also available in black REG $66

4” RECESSED SLIMLIGHT 3000K 9W 630 LUMENS

SALE $29

REG $25

SALE $15 LED

REG $482

SALE $199

REG $176

SALE $89

REG $538

36”

SALE $79

All Regular Priced Lamps 20% Off REG $198

9”

LED

SALE $39

35”

48”

SALE $109

SALE $99

REG $534

REG $532

LED

CEILING MOUNT REG $57

SALE $99

A N N I V E R S A R Y

REG $178

SALE $99

SALE $39 VICTORIA

23”

20W FLUSHMOUNT TRIMLESS REG $89

REG $163

SALE $29

LED

9”

24”

3400 DOUGLAS ST 250.475.2561 1.888.300.5939

NANAIMO 2520 BOWEN RD 250.758.0138 1.800.665.4448

HOURS

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30 - 5:30 SATURDAY 9:00 - 5:00 SUNDAY CLOSED MCLAREN LIGHTING CAN LIMIT QUANTITIES

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

HOME ELECTRONICS

Atlas Audio Video Unlimited

Serving the Victoria area’s Home Electronics needs for over 52 Years.

Voted 4 years in a row as the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Award Winner for Best Home Electronics Store, Atlas Audio Video Unlimited continues to provide its legendary service to the Victoria area for over 52 years. As this unprecedented and challenging year draws to a close we would like to express our most sincere appreciation for your vote of confidence in our store. The world is now a very different place and we have all had to adapt to keep each other safe.

Our homes have become safe havens for keeping us in good health, and along with that, where we now primarily entertain ourselves. For many, our products now play a huge role in keeping us informed, entertained, and in good spirits. Recently Atlas has experienced unprecedented demand for electronics, and we have worked hard to secure additional inventory, while maintaining our nationally competitive prices. Our retail store remains open with adjustments in our operations to insure both customers and staff are kept as safe as

possible. For those who wish to shop our online store, note that not all items we have in-store are listed in our web store. If you do not see an item you are interested in, just give us a call. We have also implemented safe practices for our installation technicians including wearing masks, physically distancing, and frequent sanitization. In addition we offer curbside pickup, free shipping, and local delivery. We wish you the happiest of holidays and our warmest appreciation for shopping local and choosing Atlas. Thank you!

966 Yates St, Victoria BC 250.385.2712 • atlasavu.ca

THANK YOU VICTORIA! FOR VOTING US THE #1 HOME ELECTRONICS STORE 4 YEARS IN A ROW!

AT L A S

AUDIO VIDEO U N L I M I T E D

YEARS

966 YATES STREET 250.385.2712 www.atlasavu.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

HOME ELECTRONICS

Mother Computers

Thank you Victoria! Serving the community is our mission Located in the Saanich Plaza, Mother Computers is honoured to have served our community for 20 years now, having recently expanded our services to meet the changing needs of our community, especially during this time of Covid, we continue to strive daily to provide top quality products and outstanding services at a great value. We pride ourselves on giving you a warm, personable service that you could only get from a familyrun business. More than ever having a trusted source for computer questions, repairs and sales is one reason our loyal customers keep coming back over the years. Our caring and committed staff are eager to help and go out of their way, every day, to make sure our customer’s needs are taken care of. Whether it’s a quick phone call to ask about a problem, a service call to someone’s home or an in-depth consultation to build a new computer system for their home office needs, we have the experts to take care of all your computer and technical needs. We service all types of computers and laptops, including Mac, and strive for same day repairs. Virus and malware removals, hard drive replacements, data backups and general troubleshooting are all services we provide regularly and have the tools and skills to solve even the most complex computer issues. Mgaming and Mbusiness are our two new divisions that we are proud to announce. Mgaming specializes in custom gaming machines built with all the latest components and can accommodate all budgets. Our gaming experts are familiar with the requirements of all the latest games and can make recommendations to ensure you enjoy the ultimate gaming experience. Mbusiness is dedicated to serving the unique needs of other small businesses in the Greater Victoria area. We can offer onsite service, same day repairs and new computer builds to keep your business up and running, with minimal downtime. We

are proud to have served over 150 local businesses over the years and have the expertise and professionals to service the needs of small-medium sized businesses. Serving the community is our company’s mission and we regularly donate time and refurbished computers to local charities as a way to give back for the ongoing support we receive. So, again thank you Victoria for all your support and we look forward to the next 20 years! Please visit our website mothercomputers.com for more information on our store and feel free to chat with us live from our website, with any questions you may have.

Thank You Victoria For All Your Votes

Let Us Build A Custom Gaming Machine To Fit Your Style

We have been proudly serving Victoria for 20 Years We specialize in Home and Business computing and Custom Gaming We also repair all brands of computers and laptops with same day service!

OPEN MON. - SAT. 9 - 5 • CLOSED SUNDAYS | 250-479-8561 • 3551 Ravine Way Saanich Plaza by Tim Hortonsmothercomputers.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

WINDOWS

Van Isle Windows Ltd.

A Canadian Owned Company, Manufacturing and Installing Since 1978.

Like the rest of you, 2020 has been a very interesting year for Van Isle Windows. Covid-19 might have changed how we work, but it has not stopped us from being the leading manufacturer and installer of vinyl windows and patio doors on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Despite the difficulties faced throughout this pandemic, and after a short shut down in the Spring to give us time to procure PPE and establish safe working protocols, the entire team has been extremely committed and dedicated to being safe and following these guidelines so that we could continue to support our customers. The key to our success is a combination of our commitment to our customers and their safety, our local touch, our years of experience and our knowledgeable and professional employees. We are a resilient group, and this past year has had its challenges, but we have come out stronger because of it. Life was different in 1978 when Van Isle Windows opened its doors and factory at 404 Hillside Avenue in Victoria, which is where we are still located today. In those days, we were manufacturing and installing aluminum windows and patio doors. Today we offer our customers either a double pane or triple pane sliding window, casement style window and patio doors. We have ENERGY STAR, high performance most efficient windows on the market, and have a variety of window options for customers who want to be either active participants in reducing their carbon footprint, or, are looking for higher energy efficiency. Our windows can have a modern type look, as well as traditionally styled look, and they can be white or coloured, your choice. And we manufacture larger windows, where customers want to bring the outdoors indoors. All these options are available to our customers in both the home renovation and new construction markets. We are a long-time local manufacture based in Victoria and we are proud supporters of our communities too. We are humbled that we have been so fortunate to continue to keep our doors open during this pandemic, when many businesses have not and people have found themselves unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. Recognizing that folks were needing some help more than ever, this past Spring, we donated funds from the sale of every window sold to numerous local food banks across Vancouver Island. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the least we could do to say thanks, give back and provide some assistance. Come visit us if your interested in windows, patio doors, entry doors, skylights or sun-tunnels. You will be provided with quality customer service and care throughout the entire process.

All of our showrooms across the island are open by appointment, with safety protocols in place. We have showrooms and sales consultants to help you across the island in Victoria, Nanaimo and Courtenay and this allows us to attend to our customers needs quickly and effectively. We are the factory too, manufacturing our windows and patio doors locally in Victoria (since 1978) so you never have to deal with a third party. We have a proven track record and our warranty is our guarantee of quality windows and patio doors. We are all islanders just like our customers and have a team of qualified employees who have years of experience in everything from sales to installations. They can help direct you with your home renovations, new home construction (contractors and/ or homeowner builders), your insulated glass units, your skylights and sun-tunnel needs, as well as entry doors. We would like to thank all of our customers for trusting us with their window projects, and for supporting and investing in our islands local economy. Visit our showrooms in Victoria, Nanaimo or Courtenay, or on line at vanislewindows.com (and on Facebook, InstaGram or YouTube) or give us a call in Victoria at 250-383-7128 or toll free at 1-800-361-2221 and let us help you with all of your windows, patio doors, skylights and sun-tunnels, insulated glass units or entry door needs.

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

ALL SHOWROOMS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

It’s worth getting excited about:

FIVE EQUAL PAYMENTS, NO INTEREST! *

BUY ENERGY STAR® WINDOWS AND QUALIFY FOR GOVERNMENT REBATES ON EACH WINDOW*

Get a Quote on Installed New Windows: $

REC

HAR

GE!

Qualify to WIN 1,000 towards an Island Hotel & Spa* &+226( )520

Linda Gourlay General Manager

The Magnolia Hotel and Spa - Victoria .LQJƓVKHU 2FHDQVLGH 5HVRUW DQG 6SD - Royston &U\VWDO &RYH %HDFK 5HVRUW 7RƓQR

* OAC. Some conditions apply. Limited time offer. On installed Van Isle Windows. Non transferable. No cash value. GRAND PRIZE DRAW: February 14, 2021

P: 250.383.7128 | Visit our Showroom: 404 HillsideAve.

vanislewindows.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

FURNITURE STORE

Sca

Dodds Furniture and Mattress

Covid

Thank you Vancouver Island for voting us the best Furniture Store. We so appreciate your business.

WHY DODDS FURNITURE AND MATTRESS? HISTORY With 3 locations - in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress has become Vancouver Island’s largest independent furniture retailer. Familyowned & locally-operated since 1977, Mr. Gordy Dodd is best known for his on-going community initiatives and one-of-a-kind TV commercials. In 2019, Gordy was honoured with the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

SELECTION Specializing in beautiful, functional, affordable furniture for every room in your home, Gordy’s unparalleled mattress selection includes: Tempur-pedic, Sealy and Kingsdown. Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress is also Vancouver Island’s exclusive home of Scott Living by Restonic. 40% of our merchandise is Canadianmade, with many pieces carefully-crafted right here in BC. Our fabulous showrooms are updated with the latest design trends & styles. Dodd’s certified design consultants can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and that includes customized furniture to match your own personal style & flair. Thanks to our 43,000 square-foot warehouse, the items you see in-store and online will be in stock and ready for fast delivery. VALUE: Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress will beat any advertised price on the Island. Buying in volume allows us to pass on the savings to you. As Gordy always says: “We won’t be undersold!”

www.doddfurniture.com

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Dodd’s Management & Staff recognize the importance of giving back. We held our first Thanksgiving Dinner for those less fortunate in 1988, and it’s become an annual tradition ever since. Gordy also hosts a number of fundraisers on behalf of local non-profit groups, amateur sports teams, schools and nationally-registered charities coordinating relief efforts whenever natural disasters strike around the world. doddsfurniture.com

Dodd’s Delivers!

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

FURNITURE STORE

ScanDesigns

Covid-19 has made 2020 a very difficult year for everyone. Staying safe has been a priority for all. Through all this turmoil you have voted ScanDesigns a finalist of the 2020 Times Colonist Readers Choice Awards as your furniture store of choice. We thank all of you for your loyalty and support during these trying times. Since 1984, ScanDesigns has been serving Vancouver Island and providing quality furniture to its many loyal customers. We are a 100 per cent B.C. owned company. Our roots are Scandinavian modern (teak and rosewood furniture), but as time evolved, our focus has become contemporary modern furniture. For over 12 years, our home has been a spacious 35,000 square foot building situated in Millstream Village in Langford with plenty of parking. We share the space in the building with our sister company, Muse & Merchant, which specializes in an eclectic blend of styles to furnish every room of your home. In addition to our Langford location, we operate stores in Nanaimo, Coquitlam, Richmond, Langley and Kelowna. We are a one-stop furniture store with all the furniture you would need for your living room, dining room, bedrooms and office. Our strength is our knowledgeable experienced sales staff, selection of quality furniture, and our superb in-house delivery service. For a truly inspirational, unique and enjoyable experience, shop in our friendly, relaxed store atmosphere. The showroom is setup in room settings for an easier shopping experience. Our mix and match allows you to fit your room and decor, and therefore dining tables, chairs and china cabinets are all sold separately, as are our beds, dressers and mattresses. For your kitchen counter, we carry a generous selection of bar and counter stools in wood and metal. In the past 30 years, ScanDesigns has had the privilege of being a retailer of the world famous Norwegian line of furniture by Ekornes. Today, ScanDesigns hold the distinction of being Canada’s largest Stressless retailer of this unsurpassed quality product. All Stressless models have one

common trait and that is quality and comfort. Visit our showroom to test drive your chair today. Again, our staff and management would like to say thanks to those who voted for us as their furniture store of choice, and to those that didn’t, our name may sound Scandinavian and expensive, but that is far from the truth. Visit our showroom and you will be amazed at the selection, prices and value. We look forward to serving new and past customers alike in the very near future. In the meantime stay safe, calm and positive. scandesigns.com

Holiday Hours

Dec 24 - Closed Dec 25 - Closed Dec 26 - 11:00am - 5:00pm Get an additional 15% 4Ǻ Aireloom Mattresses and 10% 4Ǻ 2EVWLEPP 2EXXVIWWIW [MXL 'IH 5YVGLEWI YRXMP /ER 4th 2021.

LEON WALNUT BUFFET

$798

ALICE BEDROOM QUEEN BED : $548 KING BED : $598 NIGHT STAND : $158

CERAMIC WITH EXTENSION

$1498

MISSION CHAIR STARTING AT

$328

BARCLAY SECTIONAL

CREST BEDROOM

STARTING AT

$3298

SALE

POTRERO DINING TABLE

$198

SALE

VICTORIA DINING CHAIR

SALE

see instore for details

QUEEN BED : $898 KING BED : $998 DOUBLE DRESSER : $898 NIGHT STAND : $278 HIGH CHEST : $798

ALSO AVAILABLE IN FABRIC $2498

COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248

SCANDESIGNS.COM

$1298

RICHMOND 12551 Bridgeport Rd 604.273.2971

GOLF RECLINER

REGULAR PRICE: $2268

KELOWNA 1912 Spall Rd 250.860.7603

SCANDESIGNSFURNITURE

$1198

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.6361

SCANDESIGNS_FURNITURE

CODI 1350 RECLINER

REGULAR PRICE: $2268

$1298

SALE

SPACE 2424

REGULAR PRICE: $2298

SALE

$998

SALE

NORDIC 21

REGULAR PRICE: $1598

SALE

BOXING WEEK SALE

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.475.2233 Accepted in all stores

E10 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Thank You! For voting Budget Blinds #1 in Blinds & Window Coverings! 4-time winner 4 years in a row!

OUR TEAM OWNER

GENERAL MANAGER

SALES MANAGER

WAREHOUSE

LORNE CAMPBELL

RUSSELL GURNEY

DUSTIN MCCONNELL

MARTIN VANDERSPEK

WINDOW FASHIONS EXPERT

ALANA TODD

RHONDA HILL

CHRISTINE TAYLOR

SHOWROOM STAFF

CAROL TUCKER

JESSE DUNNING

HEALTH & SAFETY SPECIALIST

JOSCILYN JUPP

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLER

SEAN SKILLINGS

IAN CHISHOLM

JOE QUINDO

WALTER NIENABER

WINDOW FASHIONS EXPERT

BRIAN JUPP

JANINE KOSMENUKO

LINDSAY CHISHOLM

KEYLION SHORTREED

MICHAEL COOPER

JASON KOETT

JAKE

SHUTTERS. BLINDS. SHADES.

#100-915 Fort St, Victoria • 250.381.6238 • BudgetBlinds.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

E11

BLINDS AND WINDOW COVERINGS

Budget Blinds

Thank-you readers of Times Colonist for voting Budget Blinds #1 in Window Coverings

THE EXPERT DESIGN TEAM AT BUDGET BLINDS,PAIRED WITH AN ARRAYOF STUNNING BLINDS,SHADES,SHUTTERS,DRAPERY AND MORE WILLHELP YOU CREATE THE IDEAL HOME INTERIOR THAT COMPLEMENTSANY ROOM,OR AN ENTIRE HOME.

The Budget Blinds of Victoria team is available to provide you a safe experience, with the latest residential and commercial window coverings. Our team specializes in complementing current home styles, upgrading to the latest- trending window designs, and integrating automated window coverings, into smart homes and devices. Budget Blinds offers the largest variety of complete window covering. The selection is endless including blinds, shades, shutters, drapery and more. We pride ourselves on being the largest Lutron and Hunter Douglas dealer within the Budget Blinds Canadian network. We cater to meet our customers specific needs, with your family in mind. We offer energy cost reducing material, child safety mechanisms, and no questions asked warranty on most products. Budget Blinds aim to be the best priced quality product available. If you’ve been thinking about transforming your home’s interior into something truly special, Budget Blinds of Victoria is here to help. Our expert design team, paired with an array of stunning blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and more creates the ideal home interior that complements any room, or an entire home. From the latest styles and innovative fabrics to a host of on-trend colours, we’ll show you how fun and affordable it can be to upgrade your décor with the power of the #1 provider of custom window coverings in North America.

Our consultative process is designed around caring about you and your home. We make the entire experience easy and convenient as we bring the showroom to you with our free in-home design consultation. From those unique shaped windows to energy efficient treatments and more, Budget Blinds does it all for you, with style and service for any budget. We’re local and we’re here to stay, to ensure you have peace of mind. Budget Blinds brings our customers exclusive vendors and products to best serve their needs. With top brands like Lutron — the largest window covering company in North America — teamed up with the most established name in smart home technology to bring you the best in home automation. With Lutron, we have made home automation easy to use and easy to afford. Products like Smart Shades, Smart Lights and Smart Thermostat will help transform your home. Other exclusive brands include Enlightened Style, Signature Series and PureVu. At Budget Blinds, your child’s safety is our top priority. When it comes to deciding on the safest choice in window coverings for a home with children or pets, why take chances? Fortunately, with Budget Blinds, you don’t have to. From cordless child-safe blinds and cordless shades with retractable lifts to motorized shades, Budget Blinds has the safe solutions that minimize the risk of accidents or injury. For a custom design, we offer Design Ink. Create your own custom fabric,

choosing from over 1,500 patterns and every colour in the rainbow. Budget Blinds does the rest, creating drapes and pillows for your one-of-a-kind home. Nobody else does custom like this. With home automation on the rise, we can motorize your drapery rods and shades all into one system — controlled from your own smart device. With this new technology, you can literally operate your shades from anywhere in the world. Did I mention everything is completely custom? That means you can choose accent trims, edge landings in contrast colours, the perfect linings to give you room darkening or thermal protection and coordinating pillows all in one consultation. Our company’s goal is simple: to provide you with the best products and services in order to enrich your home environment. Our lavish selection of window treatments includes shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and even window film. Regardless of your window’s size or shape, Budget Blinds will have a customized window covering solution for you. Lorne Campbell brought Budget Blinds to Victoria as a mobile window coverings business in 2006. With his Thrifty Foods experience, the company was experiencing rapid growth. He started with Dustin, his nephew, and a few other close friends. Word quickly spread about the excellent service and lifetime guarantee. By 2013, Lorne hired Russell Gurney as his general manager, and many other

quality installers and home decor experts. In the fall of 2014, the retail store was opened on Fort Street. This brought the designer in-house, and proved to be a glamourous location to display the many brands and options available to home owners. Budget Blinds is a well-known and respected company in our community. We are thrilled that Times Colonist readers have voted us #1. Business owner Lorne Campbell chaired the BC Cancer Foundation’s “Jingle Mingle” in 2015. He and his family are recognized for their philanthropy. Lorne has been activey invloved in the Victoria community throughout his life, watching his dad build the Thrifty Food Store chain, giving back every step of the way. Through superior products and attentive customer service Budget Blinds has grown to be one of the top three Budget Blinds dealers in Canada. budgetblinds.com/victoria During times of change with Covid-19 present Budget Blinds was the first local window covering company to offer virtual consultation, guided self-installation and contactless quoting and payment. We are assertive to ensure our customers have the best experience and hold high integrity as we encourage you to explore our social media reviews on platforms such as “Google Reviews”. Our community and yours health and business are valued.

EXPERIENCE HOME AUTOMATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF MOTORIZED SMART SHADES AT BUDGET BLINDS.WITH THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY,YOU CAN LITERALLY OPERATE YOUR SHADES FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

E12 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

E13

APPLIANCE STORE

WestCoast Appliance Gallery

2020 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards Winner 4 years in a row! For the love of your home

“We value trust, reliability, integrity, ownership and diversity.”

Fred Aram has spent over 20 years specializing in the appliance business. He has worked directly for several major appliance manufacturers and prides himself on his industry knowledge and strives to provide the best value in town.

Byron Loucks was born and raised in Victoria and continues to call this beautiful city home. He believes excellent customer service begins with the owner and empowers his staff to excel in brand knowledge and understanding customer’s needs.

We Service What We Sell!

Unit B - 3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria www.westcoastappliance.ca Call Today: 250-382-0242

Thank you, Victoria, for voting for WestCoast Appliance Gallery in the 2020 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards! We are honoured to be the number one appliance store three years in a row, and are incredibly grateful for the local support over the last 36 years. We couldn’t do it without you! When WestCoast Appliance Gallery opened 36 years ago as a used appliance store, we didn’t imagine it would become the largest showroom in Victoria. What makes WestCoast Appliance Gallery unique is the values we hold and how this has made our customers happy. We value trust, reliability, integrity, ownership and diversity. We build trust by getting to know our customers; learning as much as we can about their space, budget and style is essential to finding the right appliances. We offer a price match guarantee, so customers know they are getting the best deal. We want to continue to be known for being reliable. No one wants an appliance to stop working unexpectedly, and that’s why we have lots of inventory in stock for when you need an appliance now. Our delivery team takes the time to remove

your old appliances and install the new ones while recycling the old ones. Integrity is essential to our business. From the start, we take the time to select only quality appliances that we know our customers will have great experiences using and look great, too. All of our staff are factory trained and have immense knowledge about all the brands we carry. We work with you in all stages of selecting, delivering and installing your appliances. Taking ownership of the appliances we sell is vital to our customer’s peace of mind. An appliance can be a big purchase for many families who rely on their appliances to do essential everyday tasks. If something goes wrong, we want our customers to know that we are going to make it right. We are authorized dealers of the brands we carry, which means we offer repair service if something were to go wrong. We want our customers to be happy with their purchase long after they leave the store. We value diversity and understand the best solutions are those that take into account different perspectives, ideas and cultural backgrounds. We are proud to be part of a community that helps our company be successful.

We have expanded our showroom to over 12,500 square feet, making us the largest home appliance showroom in Victoria. We are currently building the most extensive working Jennair kitchen display on the West Coast, where we will have live cooking demonstrations with professional chefs. Our vision for the future is to continue to improve our showroom to showcase the latest trends in home and kitchen appliances. We hope to be Victoria’s number one appliance store for many more years to come by listening to our customers’ needs.

stores that week, but hands-down, got the best service, selection and price from Westcoast Appliance! I thought the store had the largest selection in town. John Simpson helped us make the best choice. Out of everyone we met while on our search for appliances, John impressed us the most. We ended up getting the matching dishwasher as well at the best price. They had the new appliances delivered in two weeks — that’s over a week early. In the future, Westcoast Appliances and John Simpson in sales, are where we’re going for all our future appliance needs!”

CUSTOMER REVIEWS Ken Chipeniuk: “Remarkable folks. Sourced all of our appliances for our new house here. Great knowledge of appliances, pros and cons. Check them out like we did. Their prices beat anyone. And their delivery and support is wonderful. Great folks to work with. You will not be disappointed. We just love how our new kitchen looks.”

Patricia Houston: “I have just had a washer repaired by Chris at WestCoast Appliances and could not be happier. A company I consulted earlier told me it could not be fixed and no parts were available. Fortunately I called GE who told me to contact West Coast. They found the problem and the parts. Although it was a difficult job, Chris found a way to make it work and my machine is now working perfectly and with much less noise. It also cost less than originally quoted and I am a happy customer. I will always use this company.” westcoastappliance.ca

Jessica Erion: “My family recently bought a new double professional fridge and standup freezer. We looked at five other

Re-Design Reward For the love of your home

CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN EXPRESSION Two Distinct Styles. Same Exceptional Performance.

RISE

NOIR

For the love of your home

We Service What We Sell!

Unit B - 3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria www.westcoastappliance.ca Call Today: 250-382-0242

We Service What We Sell!

Unit B - 3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria www.westcoastappliance.ca Call Today: 250-382-0242

E12 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

E13

APPLIANCE STORE

WestCoast Appliance Gallery

2020 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards Winner 4 years in a row! For the love of your home

“We value trust, reliability, integrity, ownership and diversity.”

We Service What We Sell!

Unit B - 3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria www.westcoastappliance.ca Call Today: 250-382-0242

Jessica Erion: “My family recently bought a new double professional fridge and standup freezer. We looked at five other

Re-Design Reward For the love of your home

CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN EXPRESSION Two Distinct Styles. Same Exceptional Performance.

RISE

NOIR

For the love of your home

We Service What We Sell!

Unit B - 3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria www.westcoastappliance.ca Call Today: 250-382-0242

We Service What We Sell!

Unit B - 3090 Nanaimo Street, Victoria www.westcoastappliance.ca Call Today: 250-382-0242

E14 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

RV DEALER

Arbutus RV & Marine Sales

A 32-Year Adventure That Not Even 2020 Could Slow Down!!

Arbutus RV Sales Team.

2020 has been a year like no other around the globe, for Craig & Rose Little of Arbutus RV, they were presented with challenges they have never faced, and never expected in their 32 years in business. This year threw some major curveballs at the Arbutus RV team, with a record drop in sales early in the year, followed by a record surge in sales, and manufacturer shutdowns in the industry that initially slowed new RV shipments to a crawl. Facing the unknown is nothing new for the Littles and the Arbutus RV team. Founded in 1988 with a single location in Mill Bay, the company has grown to become Vancouver Island’s leader in the RV industry, as well as offering BC’s biggest inventory selection. Not a small feat for a family-run business, but the people the Little’s have surrounded themselves with have made the difference and given them the ability to successfully grow from that first Mill Bay location to 6 Vancouver Island sales locations, 7 service centres, and the Island’s leading RV industry website, ArbutusRV.ca and tens of thousands of happy RVers. The formula behind that growth isn’t new says Craig Little, “It’s about having the right people and offering the right service – friendly, courteous service with compassion. We listen to the guest’s needs and offer old fashioned services to fill them.” Over the past 32 years they have continued to grow and with the most

recent addition of a new location in Parksville and now have over 150 team members. There is a sense of community fostered amongst the group, with a team that supports one another and not only cares about each other but also every guest who passes through their gates. The Little family has welcomed team members at the beginning of their careers in the industry and watched them as they turned the page to retirement. They have watched and supported numerous apprentices earn their Red Seal Certification and other team members grow and advance within the company to management positions. They have also watched as countless new RVers hit the road with the help of an Arbutus Sales professional and often numerous generations within families have returned to Arbutus RV upon the recommendation of their parents or other family members. Being supported by so many people who feel at home with Arbutus RV brings a great sense of pride to the Littles. Expanding in 2020 has been almost unheard of, but both Craig and Rose have watched as more and more Vancouver Islanders have chosen the RV lifestyle as the greatest option for safe, memorable family getaways, and they believed that a short downturn this past year would just be a minor bump in the road. They have watched as their teams have worked together over the years bringing Arbutus RV to new communities throughout the Island, and with each

expansion, welcoming new members and guest to share in the Arbutus RV experience. What has helped set Arbutus RV apart from others has always been their commitment to guest satisfaction, from a new family purchasing their first RV to a couple setting out on their retirement adventure, the Littles have led by example, installing a sense of pride in every Arbutus employee. From day one, there has always been a friendly face greeting guests, from Craig himself in Mill Bay on day one, right through to today at all 6

sales and 7 service locations. Welcoming the same friendly faces is another point of pride for the Little family from long term team members who make Arbutus RV their home, to the repeat guests who have chosen Arbutus as a valued partner in support of their RV Lifestyle. Ensuring their guest’s experiences are memorable and that every employee feels a sense of pride and value in their work is really what has driven the expansion of the business over the years. After opening the first location in Mill Bay it soon became apparent to the Little’s that their goal was to expand to the point that no matter where you were on Vancouver Island you would have the support of an Arbutus RV store nearby. With locations in Sidney, Mill Bay, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, and Courtenay, what was once just a goal has become reality. Building a reputation as Vancouver Island’s trusted choice when it comes to RV sales and service has been a 32-year passion for Craig & Rose Little, and shows no sign of slowing down. “With the growth we’ve experienced,” Rose says, “our days are busy, but we love to get out RVing on Vancouver Island as much as we can. It’s a wonderful family activity that we share with our kids and grandkids, including our newest family addition, our 6 mo. old granddaughter “Little Lucy”. Creating family memories that last a lifetime, enjoying the great outdoors, or just getting away from it all for a weekend, RVing gets you on the road to your next adventure and Arbutus RV is with you every step of the way. arbutusrv.com

Craig & Rose Little of Arbutus RV

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

E15

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Pemberton Holmes Property Management

RESIDENTIAL

STRATA

Thank you Victoria!

COMMERCIAL

RELOCATION

www.thepropertymanagers.ca 250.478.9141 | reception@thepropertymanagers.ca

Pemberton Holmes is proud to be selected The Best Property Management Company in Victoria. Since 1887, we’ve been building one of the largest independently owned and operated real estate firms on Vancouver Island. This year, Covid-19 has brought on a unique set of challenges. It has been through determination, care and your support we’ve continued to persevere and lead change in our industry. From the Pemberton Holmes Team, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to a great year ahead.

developers to manage corporations in accordance with the Strata Property Act. We offer the management of condos, townhomes, bareland, and multi-type sectioned stratas.

RESIDENTIAL Our experts act as the liaison between the owner and the tennant. With our in-depth knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and our 24/7/365 on-call emergency response, we provide first-class service while protecting your investment.

RELOCATION We are here to help you find your perfect rental while removing the stress of finding your perfect rental! We work with you to determine your ideal space, price point and location. Once we establish what you are looking for, we then complete a market analysis, provide you with options and even help you with negotiations and lease signing.

STRATA We have extensive knowledge of Strata Councils and have built strong relationships with established

COMMERCIAL We provide top quality maintenance to help preserve your property while our experienced leasing team helps facilitate better tenant retention. For our commercial properties we offer accounting management for budget preparation, year-end reconciliations, capital expenditures planning, rent collection, and more.

thepropertymanagers.ca 250-478-9141

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Brown Bros. Agencies Ltd. Proud to be a recipient of a TC Reader’s Choice Award. Thank you Victoria for your votes!

Your Property. Our Priority Your Peace of Mind. You can relax knowing your property is in safe, experienced hands. BrownBros.com / 250.385.8771

Thank you Victoria for your vote. We are proud to have been serving you for over a century!

Taking the guesswork out of property management since 1918, Brown Bros. Agencies Ltd. is the trusted stop to find a home or the support needed to manage properties, from apartments to single family dwellings on the South Island. Proudly managing over 6,500 residential, strata, and commercial units, Brown Bros. is dedicated to the provision of client peace of mind through genuine service and commitment. If you have invested in a house, duplex, condo, or apartment building, and you need support renting it out, the team at Brown Bros. can help. From advertising the property to hiring building managers, they tend to every detail, so you can relax knowing your property is in safe, experienced hands. Managing strata properties can be complex and often confusing too. The

knowledgeable team of property managers simplify ‘all-things-strata’, from managing the council’s finances to ensuring compliance with the Strata Property Act. Brown Bros. knows the local real estate market, staying on top of rental patterns and trends, leveraging their knowledge and experience into tomorrow to help their clients make sound investments in their rentals today. No matter what the need, Brown Bros. can always be counted on to provide professional and efficient service and are truly proud to continue to do business on the South Island on behalf of their clients. brownbros.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Newport Property Management

All of us at Newport Property Management want to thank everyone for recognizing us. We love what we’re doing: keeping our residential and commercial landlords and tenants well served. 2020 has been a difficult year for many and we would like to thank all of our clients and tenants for working together and showing their best throughout all of the challenges.

MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS • Proven strategy to attract ideal tenants • Professional managers licensed by RECBC

WHY NEWPORT? At Newport Property Management we have the solutions to your property management needs. We have spent nearly three decades establishing a reputation for superior client service, reliable knowledge of the rental market and impeccable business practices. Our unique position as a boutique brokerage allows us to focus exclusively on the needs of our clients in Victoria. We are never more than a phone call away, with staff in the office six days a week and the attentive, personal relationship you would expect with the team managing your investment property. To put it simply, we provide peace of mind.

• Regular professional inspections of your property

• Emergency service available 24/7 • Transparent monthly financial statements • Collecting rents on time • Responsible enforcement of tenancy agreements • Keeping you up to date with current tenancy legislation newportrentals.ca

2045 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC Phone 250 598 2220 info@newportrentals.ca www.newportrentals.ca

McCall Gardens Subhead needed!

of Graham and Torrey became the largest independent funeral home in B.C. David A. McCall, Graham’s son, had the foresight in 1986 to purchase a property on Falaise Drive next to Royal Oak Burial Park. Twelve years later, he built a small funeral home named Sequoia Gardens after the large trees on the property. In 2014, David and son Trevor knew it was time to either build a new facility on Falaise or undertake a massive renovation downtown. After careful consideration, the family sold the downtown properties and built a new state-of-the-art facility on Falaise. The new funeral home and event centre opened its doors on Aug. 3, 2016, and McCall Bros. Funeral Directors and Sequoia Gardens combined to become McCall Gardens. A fourth generation of the McCall family is now involved in the business, with Trevor McCall the president and Craig McCall Williams manager of advanced planning. The McCall family and staff honour and value tradition, but have been able to evolve to meet customer needs decade after decade. mccallgardens.com

ROOFING COMPANY

THE TEAM YOU CAN RELY ON!

Thank You Greater Victoria for voting McCall Gardens as your Readers’ Choice Funeral Home four years in a row!

ROYAL OAK 4665 Falaise Dr.

DOWNTOWN: 1315 Cook St.

250-385-4465 mccallgardens.com

Our entire Proline Roofing & Gutters family sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us; you are the reason we are celebrating our 20th year in business!

Proline Roofing & Gutters Thank you so much to all of our valued clientele who voted for us and helped Proline Roofing Ltd. become a finalist in the Roofing category for the second time in four years. We feel truly privileged to be in our 20th year of business and serving Greater Victoria and its surrounding communities with professional roofing, gutter, and chimney services. Despite the unprecedented challenges throughout 2020, we are proud to be a part of this vibrant and caring community and are confident we will collectively get through it, and look ahead to 2021 with joyful anticipation.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

• Keeping your expenses under control

FUNERAL HOME

McCall Gardens is looking forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021. It started in 1921 with the purchase of a residence built by Victoria pioneer J.H. Todd at Johnson and Vancouver streets. The residence was improved and converted into a first-class funeral home: McCall Bros. Funeral Directors Ltd. The property across the street was seeded to grass, planted with flowers and given the name McCall Gardens. In 1960, second-generation owners Torrey and Graham McCall embarked on a project to build a new funeral home and chapel. The new funeral home, designed by architect John Di Castri, was leading edge for its time, and under the guidance

We wish everyone a happy and successful New Year in 2021!

Our entire team sends a heartfelt thank you shout-out to all frontline and emergency workers who are making daily sacrifices and helping to save many lives. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and blessings for a healthy and prosperous New Year – we are ready to continue to serve you and are just a phone call or email away! prolineroofing.com

250-475-1310 3578 Quadra Street

prolineroofing.com

E18 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

FACE MASKS

The Kindness Factory

What do you do when you’re laid off in the middle of a pandemic? You learn to sew masks, of course. That’s the story of the Kindness Factory, a local small business that makes and sells handmade face masks and related accessories. “Back in March, I was in a really dark place,” CEO Karmen McNamara tells us. “I was laid off; my mom had just passed away; I was having a tough time finding any kind of motivation or meaning.” McNamara taught herself to sew on an old, borrowed, 1950s Singer sewing machine. Before she knew it, she couldn’t keep up with requests for masks. “I had gotten to know a bunch of folks in the community who were sewing masks, but most of them didn’t have the desire or the skills to find customers. So I thought if I could create a way to get these highquality handmade masks from makers to customers that everyone would benefit. “My background is in non-profit leadership. And it seemed to me that I could give more back to the community by creating jobs for people, then by just continuing to sew myself. I’m still a beginner,” she laughs. “I can make a mask, but it’s not going to be anything like one that’s been sewn by someone who has been doing this for 30 years.” The Kindness Factory now has 20 employees and contractors. Sewists work from home, and mask kits are picked up and delivered each week via bike courier. The Kindness Factory opened a workshop and contact-free pickup for customers at 1038 Hillside Ave. in Victoria on Sept. 1. They also offer delivery and have started shipping around the world. “I’m so grateful for the support and all of the positive messages from the public and from our customers, thanking us for providing masks that are reusable and fun to wear. I feel privileged to be able to contribute to the community during such a dark time.” “I try to have fun with it and find fabrics that bring people joy. I believe we each need to do what we can to help each other right now.” To see over 100 masks that the Kindness Factory has available, please visit thekindnessfactory.com.

www.TheKindnessFactory.com (250)813-3169

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

Thank you, Victoria, for voting us

SHOE STORE

BEST SHOE STORE

Walk in Comfort

in Victoria

Victoria’s favourite shoe store.

PARTNERSHIP RETAILING Their committed partnership with top brands often includes special purchases not given to other stores. Their suppliers frequently offer them exclusive products at lower prices that Walk in Comfort passes on to their customers. Walk in Comfort also cherry-picks other quality shoe brands to find the best and most current fashion styles in multiple colours to ensure they are available for their customers.

Walk in Comfort’s staff are passionate about shoes and are dedicated to providing comfort, quality, style and outstanding customer service. Employees at Walk in Comfort differentiate themselves by declaring “we like to measure and fit” and they aspire to measure and fit every foot that walks through in the door. Walk in Comfort’s top brands include Birkenstock, Clarks, Earth, Ecco, Merrell and Rieker. The company searches Europe each year for quality brands that are new to Canada. This allows them to provide their customers with unique styles and pass along substantial savings , by buying direct from the factory and bypassing the importer.

FREQUENT BUYER PLAN Customers who purchase five pairs of shoes receive 50 per cent of the average value of those five pairs towards the cost of their sixth pair — with no exclusions. This means that if the average cost of the first five pairs was $100 each, the sixth pair will be $50 off the regular, sale or clearance price. Through the Frequent Buyer Plan, Walk in Comfort gives back approximately $250,000 annually to their valued customers. When you visit one of Walk in Comfort’s seven locations on Vancouver Island, you’ll find dozens of quality brands for men and women along with experienced professional staff that are ready to find a style and a fit that is right for you. Walk in Comfort is now available online: walkincomfort.ca

Ladies’ CRAVE Grey, Red, Black - Reg $240

168

Ladies’ RAPID 2 RICKY Merlot, Navy, Bl - Reg $120

Ladies’ RYLIE Chestnut, Black - Reg $80

Ladies’ RENEE Merlot, Black - Reg $150

Ladies’ RONA Stone, Black - Reg $120

Ladies’ M MALCOLM Merlot - Reg $140

Ladies’ MICHELLE Merlot, Black - Reg $140

79 99

49 99

89 99

99 99

89 99

You may now order online. www.walkincomfort.ca

Ladies’ CHEYN KISHA Black - Reg $140

Ladies’ ADDIY KARA Tan, Black - Reg $150

99 99

Ladies’ MARILYN BETH Black - Reg $140

99 99

WALK IN COMFORT LOCATIONS DOWNTOWN VICTORIA 731 Fort St, Victoria 250-388-9910

MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE #304-3147 Douglas St, Victoria, 250-389-1158

DOWNTOWN SIDNEY 2447 Beacon Ave, Sidney, 250-655-7463

WOODGROVE CENTRE 6631 N Island Hwy, Unit 73, Nanaimo, 250-390-7463

OAK BAY AVENUE 2238 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, 250-598-9255

HILLSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE 42-1644 Hillside Ave, Victoria, 250-592-2223

DOWNTOWN DUNCAN 150 Station St, Duncan 250-597-1950

MAYFAIR CENTRE VICTORIA

731 FORT ST VICTORIA

2447 BEACON AVE SIDNEY

2238 OAK BAY AVE VICTORIA

WOODGROVE CENTRE NANAIMO

HILLSIDE CENTRE VICTORIA

150 STATION ST DUNCAN

THANK YOU!! FOR VOTING US

BEST SPORTS FOOTWEAR STORE IN 2020 BOXING WEEK SALES

DEC 26 - JAN 3

E20 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Berwick Retirement Communities A Vibrant Social Life, Even In a Pandemic.

If you’re not over 65, I’m sorry, you’re out of luck! It’s older adults that have the opportunity to make a positive change in pandemic times. The pandemic has caused some to be isolated at home — something that can negatively affect people in multiple ways, sometimes feeling cut off and not wanting to venture out into an ever changing world. Change is scary. Leaving the comforts of your home is a big change. Many older adults seem to wait until they have to move which creates more stress in a challenging time. Often prompted by a fall or medical issue, seniors are suddenly forced to adjust their living situation. Berwick Retirement Communities encourages people to make the change while they can make the most of a vibrant life and reap the benefits of living within a safe and secure community. Even during the current pandemic, life is vibrant at Berwick.

A resident commented, “If you’re living on your own in your house, here we’ve got our friends all around us…I feel safe, and healthy, and happy… It’s been quite amazing.” Berwick Retirement Communities are locally owned and operated which has created greater ease evoking positive change on an individual community basis. Naturally Berwick follows all Island Health and provincial guidelines while also working diligently to keep up social aspects of their community. Fitness classes in the Zoom Room are physically distanced and all equipment and surfaces are sanitized between classes. These include many types of classes like chair yoga and better balance. The Active Living team also leads computer classes like photography for iPad and plans safe outings to shop or hike. Card games are back on the recreation calendar with players always wearing masks and

sanitizing hands, of course. Whether it’s poker, bridge, euchre or cribbage, there is safe play in the activity room. With flexibility at mealtime, there are several options. The Bistro offers a selection of dining offerings to be enjoyed in The Bistro or take-out to suites. During warmer seasons, residents can dine al fresco amongst tranquil gardens and water features. Of course, the Dining Room awaits with waited table service where one can join their dining cohort in a spacious area with beautiful surroundings. In addition, Berwick Royal Oak has its own quintessential English Pub. The Shield and Dragon features wood beamed ceilings, a cozy fireplace, a pool table and a wine cellar Berwick is open to visitors of residents. Following provincial and Island Health guidelines, visits are booked ahead of time and safety protocols are in place. The Berwick team has worked within mandated

safety rules and regulations while still offering its best life for residents. Staff work to keep their personal bubbles small and, as per usual, keep the safety and wellbeing of residents a priority. Berwick resident, Betty, says, “With all the Covid-19 pandemic going on, being at Berwick has helped me feel calm, more kind, and really feel at home. I love it here because I feel safe. I feel wanted. I love the people… It’s very, very special.” Because it’s fully independent living at Berwick, residents are free to come and go as they please. Naturally masks, distancing, and sanitizing are encouraged whether inside or outside of the community. Berwick offers flexible, upscale and affordable senior living options in a caring community where residents live life to the fullest. berwickretirement.com

Berwick is a second generation, family-run business with a stellar reputation for the health and safety of our communities. At Berwick, you’ll enjoy the complete freedom that independent living oﬀers with the conﬁdence and support of the Berwick family behind you. Our unparalleled standard of living delivers all of the comforts of home, the amenities of a friendly, vibrant community and the ability to safely maintain friendships and connections. Simply live and enjoy your best life here with us.

BerwickRetirement.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

E21

BICYCLE SHOP

Russ Hay’s

Thank you for choosing us 2020 Bike Shop of the Year Since 1959, Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Shop has been serving the Greater Victoria Community with quality brands and friendly expert advice. In following the philosophy of making the customer feel heard and appreciated, the business has become one of the most popular and appreciated bike shops in the city. 2020 has been an unusual year for the bike industry, with demand for bicycles reaching levels that have rarely been seen. With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting so many people, cycling has become an ideal means to travel safely and to stay healthy. As one of Canada’s top Specialized and Giant Bicycles dealers, Russ Hay’s has been able to offer a full spectrum of bicycle types to suit the needs of any cycling enthusiast: City, Road, Mountain, Gravel, Youth, and Electric. In North America, electric bike sales were up 84% in march, 92% in April, and 137% in May and the trend is expected to continue into 2021. “We haven’t seen anything like this before.” says store co-owner Mike Korb. “By July we were already sold out on key models and bike parts, and were struggling to keep up with demand. ” Even with manufacturers significantly ramping up production, it is estimated that the pandemic-fueled bike and part shortage may continue into 2021.

Fortunately for Russ Hay’s, Specialized and Giant are two of the biggest bike companies in the world and have been able to secure access to materials and parts to supply their dealers.

The Specialized e-Bike product line has been especially popular for Russ Hay’s with the Turbo Creo, Vado, Levo, and Como models literally flying out the door. “People recognize quality and value and also see the economic return on these bikes.” says Mike. “Within 1 year the price of an e-Bike can pay for itself when you remove the expense of paying for gas and car maintenance every year. Russ Hay’s also offers exceptional full-service in bicycle repairs of all makes and models to ensure that they are always working in optimal condition. 61 Years and still going strong. russhays.com

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

It has been a pleasure and privilege to put a smile on our customers’ faces and to get more people riding their bikes. We very much appreciate your patronage. - The Russ Hay’s Team

VICTORIA 650 Hillside Ave. 250-384-4722

SIDNEY

2426 Bevan Ave. 250-656-1512

RUSSHAYS.COM

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST FLOORING STORE

Hourigan’s Flooring Thank you Victoria!

WE LOVE YOU TOO! THANKS FOR VOTING US VICTORIA’S BEST In our 70+ years of providing ﬂoor covering solutions, we’ve earned a reputation for excellence and value. Above all else, we have valued you, our customers, and are thankful to our wonderful employees who show their dedication to ensuring your expectations are exceeded. Our experienced team of sales representatives and installers, have also been there to help you choose and install the perfect ﬂooring solution. Visit our showroom today!

www.hourigans.com

Hourigan’s has been Victoria’s flooring specialists since 1948. For over 70 years Hourigan’s Flooring has been providing floor covering solutions in the Greater Victoria area and has established a reputation for excellence and value. Business partners Martin Kalsbeek and Evan Guengerich alongside their staff and installation team of over 80 talented people, work smart each day to earn their customer’s business. “We are hyper focused on doing business locally with business owners and clients that live in the Victoria area. We hope you are too.” says Martin. They enjoy being part of a team, a good cup of coffee, feeding treats to any of the several dogs that visit each day and caring for each other as family. They believe that if their employees are in a ‘good place’, they will be in their best form to serve customers. They provide the resources and an environment that allows their employees the autonomy to make good and timely decisions to satisfy the unique needs of each customer. With an experienced team of sales representatives, they can help you choose

the right flooring solution for your next renovation or building project, no matter what the size. Hourigan’s Flooring has a team of expert installers to install your new floor. Whether you live in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Langford, Sidney or a surrounding area, Hourigan’s can help with your next project. Their showroom is the place to find your dream floor. With hundreds of samples to select from in each flooring category their knowledgeable sales reps will help you find exactly what you are looking for. They offer a wide selection of carpet, hardwood, cork, laminate, linoleum, vinyl plank, vinyl tile and ceramic tile from all major manufacturers and many specialty suppliers. Let them help you find the perfect flooring. We look forward to working with you in 2021. 477 Boleskine Road, Victoria, BC Phone: 250-475-2401 Showroom Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm Hourigans.com

CARPET CLEANERS

Sunny Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning Thank You Victoria for voting us Reader’s Choice Finalist!

THANK YOU VICTORIA! For Voting Us Reader’s Choice Finalist Carpet Cleaning Company! LOCALLY OWNED & CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF BUSINESS SERVING OUR 5 LOCATIONS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

VICTORIA

250.384.7951 PARKSVILLE QUALICUM

250.954.3491

DUNCAN

250.746.1888 NANAIMO

250.755.1128

sunnycarpetandairductcleaning.com

With a client list stretching from Victoria to Qualicum Beach and Parksville. Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has become, during the past quarter century, a true industry leader. But it all began on a much smaller scale. “It began as a cleaning service, but we’ve grown over the years. Today, in addition to our main office in Victoria, we operate offices in Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni,” explained Perry Chaggar, Sunny Carpet’s founder and owner. Launched in Victoria in 1992, Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning began its operations as a general cleaning service, with additional skills, service and technologies. “From our Victoria office, we’ll go as far as Duncan, while our guy in Nanaimo will cover the area from Duncan to Parksville, depending on how busy he is,” Chaggar explained. Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning operates a fleet of three vehicles specifically tasked with furnace and duct cleaning duties as well as six designated carpet cleaning vans. Training and experience is another of the company’s primary assets. For example, Sunny Carpet employs a team of National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) fully certified specialists for all furnace and duct cleaning. Sunny Carpet has also become the go-to company for a number of property management firms in the region, many of which have been using their services for years.

“I’ve been able to show these companies just how different we are from other providers. For example, we never play bait and switch — we’ll never say one thing and do another. After this long, and using our systems, clients know what they will be getting and what they will pay. There’s never any sticker shock; there are no unpleasant surprises or hidden charges. Being open, honest and upfront — that’s the only way to do business, and that’s how we’ve done business right from the start,” he said. Having the best equipment and providing the best service are central to long term success. For example, the company’s furnace and duct cleaning units are equipped with some of the most modern and powerful equipment in the region, while on the service side of the ledger, putting the customer first is always top priority. “It’s all about service. If there are any complaints or problems, I take care of these personally. Besides, I still like to get out of the office and into the field. That’s what I’ve always done, and I still enjoy meeting the clients and doing the work,” he said. Serving the region for more than 25 years, expanding from a local janitorial firm into a regional carpet, furnace and duct cleaning service, Sunny Carpet Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning looks forward to the opportunities the future has to offer. sunnycarpetandairductcleaning.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

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FURNITURE & MATTRESS

$500 gift certiďŹ cate scandesigns.com 250-475-2233 museandmerchant.com 250-474-3433

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Win a Suntunnel valued at $1,650 vanislewindows.com 250-383-7128

E23

E24 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Thank You to all our Valued Clients for your continued support!

harbordinsurance.com

TIMES COLONIST, VICTORIA, B.C.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

SPECIA L F E ATURE

READERS’

CHOICE

AWARDS • 2020 •

WINNERS EDITION

INSIDE: WINNERS, FINALISTS & PROFILES FROM ALL 106 CATEGORIES timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

ISLAND WINERY

Unsworth Vineyards

Thank you Victoria for voting Unsworth Vineyards, “Best Vancouver Island Winery!” We are perpetually thrilled by the support we feel from our fellow islanders. Throughout many changes and adaptations to the Unsworth Tasting Room and Unsworth Restaurant in 2020 we feel encouraged and grateful to our guests. The profile of Vancouver Island wineries has been steadily rising as we hone in on expressing our unique cool coastal climate through the medium of wine. Unsworth tasting room remains open throughout the winter so feel free to pop by when you’re heading up island. The staff of Unsworth Restaurant are on a much earned annual respite until the restaurant reopens on February 11th from our annual deep clean and maintenance - it turns out, century old farmhouses don’t take care of themselves. Upon reopening we warmly welcome you to enjoy the new highway improvements and make the short 40min drive from Downtown Victoria to Unsworth. In July, the BC Government officially minted the Cowichan Valley Sub-GI; meaning that we have a unique spot in the world designated as an official wine growing region. This natural progression for any up and coming wine region is a sign our maturity; look for VQA Cowichan Valley on labels during future forays into local wine shops. Vancouver Island and especially the Cowichan Valley are breadbaskets for great produce and are home to countless farms, artisan producers and world class wineries. To celebrate, we will launch a series of unique events and dinners featuring local food producers and even another island winery or two! Chef Maartyn loves working with local cheesemakers, mushroom foragers, farmers, ranchers and fishermen, thus bringing the best of BC to your plate. Our events shine spotlights on these producers so come join us to listen to their compelling stories and savour their products over a nice glass of wine (or two). As the weather warms and the rain subsides, stay tuned for the reopening of our pizza oven! The newest addition to Unsworth Restaurant - pizza - has become a local favourite. With standby classics and weekly

features there is always something new to experience. Our staff take your safety and comfort very seriously and constantly adapt and our experiences to reflect up to date health and work safe regulations. When visiting you can expect to feel warmly welcomed but physically distanced. Check out our website and social media channels or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date. WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING… Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape on Vancouver Island and represents the backbone of Unsworth’s production. We have Pinot Noir planted in our estate vineyard and also work with Pinot Noir from elsewhere in the

Cowichan Valley and one vineyard on the Saanich Peninsula. Winemaker Dan Wright crafts this lauded grape into Sparkling wines, Rosé, and, of course our limited production red Pinot Noirs, depending on the characteristics of each vineyard. Recently WineAlign, one of Canada’s most renowned and prolific consortium of wine critics, awarded our 2018 Pinot Noir with 91 points making it one of the top Pinot Noirs produced in Canada. WineAlign also awarded our 2019 Rosé with 90 points and ranked it in the top ten Rosé produced in Canada. We are thrilled at the recognition and pat on the back for our continual effort to excel in quality with all our wines, especially Pinot Noir.

ARE YOU IN THE CLUB? For fans of Unsworth, becoming a wine club member is the best way to stay up to date on all things Unsworth. In our ever growing wine club, members opt in to receive an annual Spring Release Case, containing the newest releases of our favourite wines. Upon joining the wine club members also receive a 10% discount on all wine purchase, free shipping on cases to Victoria, early access to limited production wines and events. If you are wondering what our single vineyard Pinot Noir tastes like, joining the club is the only way to insure access as it, and other member only wines. There is no membership fee and full details can be found on our website. unsworthvineyards.com

rraditional ad meets artisanal winemaking at Unsworth Vineyards. A family owned and operated winery committed to handcrafting wines of distinction in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley. Thank You Victoria for voting us #1 Winery

2915 Cameron Taggart Rd Mill Bay, BC

250-929-2292

www.unsworthvineyards.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com BAKERY

Dutch Bakery & Diner We are thankful to the community for their support and voting us best bakery.

Mouth-Watering Treats Since 1965 We are thankful to the community for their support and voting us best bakery. We are appreciative of your continued support during these challenging times. Although the holidays look a little different this year, you continue to share your love for our family’s baked good. We love that our traditions have become

part of your traditions. That you share our products far and wide with those closest to you. Here’s to many more years on Fort Street! Wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season! 718 Fort Street • 250-385-1012 thedutchbakery.com

718 Fort Street Victoria BC 250-385-1012 thedutchbakery.com

ICE CREAM

Beacon Drive In

126 DOUGLAS STREET, VICTORIA

Thank You Victoria!

The Beacon Drive In is a classic 50’s style diner serving up Burgers, Fries, Shakes, & Soft serve ice cream in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Located at 126 Douglas Street, we are directly across from the 75-hectare Beacon Hill Park — making the Beacon a perfect destination for picnickers and park-goers. Our most popular menu item is the ice cream, which comes in a variety of dips and flavours, and has held the title of Victoria’s Best Ice Cream for 25 years running! Part of the Beacon Drive In’s appeal stems from the fact that it has been in business for more than 60 years with very few changes. Founded and built in 1958 by Bill Pistol and Bob McMillan, it has come to be known as a “Victoria institution” for its softserve ice cream, friendly service and local charm. Part of the Beacon Drive In’s appeal stems from the fact that it has been in

business for more than 60 years with very few changes. The Beacon has changed ownership only twice over its long history and current father & son owners Gus and Peter Loubardeas have strived to stay true to its roots as a family run business. Gus credits previous owner Jim Douglas, who ran the Beacon for 44 years, for instilling the unchanging character of the Drive in. Jim had two mottoes for the business — “the customer always comes first” and “we don’t change.” Aside from adding a few awnings, outdoor heaters, and a new colour scheme the building is still the same as it was when it was first built in 1958. Even the menu is largely unchanged, with Peter boasting that “our top 10 selling items have been the same for past 40 years!” 126 Douglas St, Victoria, 250-385-7521 beacondrivein.ca

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH / HAPPY HOUR

Fireside Grill

A Local Favourite, offering dine-in, takeaway and exclusive delivery service.

Known for its exquisite cuisine and extensive wine and beverage selection, Fireside Grill is a local favourite located in a lovingly restored Heritage Tudor Estate. Nestled in a grove of wild oak trees and meticulously maintained gardens, Fireside Grill is only a ten minute drive from the bustle of downtown to a distinctly old-world dining experience. The Fireside Grill prides itself in offering a dining experience that is sophisticated, yet approachable. Meals are served with friendly service, quality and locally sourced ingredients. “We truly believe that success can be found when you invest in all things local,” says Managing Partner Tim Petropoulos. “We’ve always loved the local Farm to Table approach to food and ingredients. And we appreciate and support our community. With so many wonderful restaurants in Victoria, we approach our food and service in a manner that sets us apart from our competitors.” Whether it’s their Signature Fireside Burger or fresh local seafood, their menus are crowd pleasers for any age. Fireside Grill has a number of menu options;

casual lunch, happy hour offerings, weekend breakfast brunch and farm-totable dinners. They also offer takeaway boxes and delivery service for guests that choose to eat at home. For those who prefer to enjoy their unique ambience, Fireside features several indoor and outdoor fireplaces and invite you to check out their new heated covered patio! It’s a great place to unwind after a busy day or a comfortable option for those that prefer to eat outdoors. During this challenging time, Fireside’s expansive dining room offers sufficiently spaced seating and enhanced Covid protocols to help keep everyone safe while dining with them. Their staff wear masks at all times for everyone’s protection. Fireside Grill is the perfect venue for a romantic meal, a small family gathering or a night out with close friends or family. So if you love Local and love Farm Fresh, head over to Fireside Grill where there’s always something for everyone. RESERVATIONS: 4509 W. Saanich Road Phone: 250-479-1222 Email: firesidegrill@shaw.ca firesidegrill.com

BUY Any Burger w/ Fries or Onion Rings & a Regular Sundae, Get The 2nd Burger (of equal or lesser value)

FREE!

Excludes seafood. Limited one coupon per customer, per visit Excludes all other special til January & combo’s No cash Value. Valid Oct 14 until29, Nov2021. 11, 2020

Thank you for your votes Victoria!

BEST ICE CREAM

THANK YOU! for voting Fireside Grill

BEST BRUNCH BEST BREAKFAST BEST HAPPY HOUR BEST FINE DINING BEST PATIO We are so grateful to receive awards in the 2020 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards. We look forward to serving you in 2021.

BRUNCH | LUNCH | DINNER | LOUNGE | MARKET Temp. Closed Mondays – Plenty of FREE parking 4509 W. Saanich Rd, Victoria – Ph: 250.479.1222

FIRESIDEGRILL.COM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

Thank You Victoria

We are honoured to be your #1 choice in Indian cuisine Food is the Medicine, Medicine is the Food - I can’t describe Indian Food in my own words better than this. When customers walk into a restaurant, they think most of the menu items should be fresh. At Dosa Paragon we can always guarantee great quality since we prepare most dishes daily. Dishes are always prepared in small batches to ensure freshness. As the chef owner of Dosa Paragon, I consider it an honour to cook and serve authentic South Indian food to my customers. For me it’s not just a day of cooking, it’s knowing we do everything we can to provide high quality dishes. Victoria has so many wonderful restaurants to choose from, but we have only one choice and that is YOU. We are here to serve you delightful and specially selected dishes from my home country Kerala. We want you to be able to enjoy the amazing flavours South India has to offer. Thank you to our loyal customers and all Victorians for your support during this COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for trusting us to keep you safe when you dine in or pickup. We are so grateful for the support you have given our small family run business.

Bob Unnikrishnan

What I know in cooking is drop and what is unknown is the Ocean. I just want to focus on the drop, which is Dosa Paragon.

Dosa

Idly & Vada

Paneer 65

x A Crispy Savoury Rice Crepe is cooked crispy thin, made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It can be made in different variations according to the type of fillings used. x Gluten Free & Vegan

x Idly is a savoury rice cake, made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils and rice. x Vada is a savoury fried snack made from lentils. x Both, Gluten Free & Vegan

x Paneer marinated in South-Indian spices, coated in chick-pea flour and deep fried x Served with 2 chutneys: tomato & herb and mango x Also comes in Gobi 65 or Chicken 65

Chettinad

x Chettinad dishes are a specialty of Dosa Paragon x It uses a variety of spices, served as a chicken, beef, goat or vegetable dish Today we are sharing with you our unique blend: Cardamom Cloves Cinnamon Cumin Fennel Whole red chilli Green Chilli

Come and enjoy husband-wife duo's cooking and hospitality.

Lathika Prasanth & Bob Unnikrishnan

We invite you to an exceptional culinary travel which offers a world of vibrant colours and healthy food with a blend of house style cooking and exotic aroma that gives you the true flavours from South India.

Bay leaf Pepper corn Star anise Mace Split chickpeas Ginger

We wanted to say an extra special Thank You to our dedicated staff

Front House Staff Amala Robert Alka Paul Juviya Reji William John

Please visit our website www.dosaparagon.ca where you can learn more about Dosa Paragon and South Indian Cuisine.

Join us on

Garlic Shallots Curry leaf Whole Corriander Turmeric Grated coconut

@dosaparagon

735 Yates Street, Victoria, V8W1L6, BC 778.440.2206 bob.dosaparagon@gmail.com

Back House Staff Amal Ragh Kannan Alwin Kuriakose Cerin Xavier Babitha Poddar

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

WORLD’S BEST CONTEMPORARY GIN WORLD GIN AWARDS 2019 Thank you to everyone who voted us Best Distillery - The Readers’ Choice Awards 2020

SEASIDE GIN

Sheringham Distillery

refreshing as a seaside stroll sheringhamdistillery.com

Wild Rover Mobile Irish Pub The Wild Rover brings the Irish pub experience to you. Perfect for: • Weddings • Festivals • Corporate events • Bachelor(ette) parties • Special events and more...

Rent the Wild Rover and make your special event extraordinary. If you can’t go to the pub, let us bring the pub to you. An authentic Irish pub is truly something special. It’s cozy, inviting, a place where you can relax with a pint and have a bit of craic. You never know where your night will take you but it’s sure to involve laughter, camaraderie, new friends and old.

778-922-6902

DISTILLERIES

Sheringham Distillery has been producing international award-winning spirits since 2015 in Sooke. The company was born during an oceanside walk when Jason and Alayne MacIsaac were taking in the sights and scents of the surrounding area, including the fresh sea air mixed with the evergreen forest. The concept was to recreate that moment in time as a spirit. Walking alongside the water at French Beach, their olfactory senses were overwhelmed with the simultaneous aromas of nearby wild

Nootka rose bushes, Douglas fir and red cedar trees, and the rolling surf. “We looked at each other,” recalls Jason, “and thought…we have to get this feeling into a bottle.’” A few months and trial batches later, their flagship Seaside Gin was created. This gin features all-natural, premium botanicals such as juniper berries, rose petals, lavender, citrus peel, coriander, cardamom and most importantly, local and sustainably harvested dried wing kelp. This last ingredient adds a slight brininess to the palate as the gin is sipped, gently boosting the overall flavours of the other botanicals, creating a bright and vibrant tasting product. Perfect for sipping neat or in a simple gin and tonic, or any other gin cocktail recipe. Seaside Gin was awarded World’s Best Contemporary Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards in London, UK, where it beat over 200 other gins from 40+ countries to take this top title. Other Sheringham spirits include their Asian inspired Kazuki Gin which features cherry blossom petals and yuzu citrus peel imported from Japan as well as green tea leaves and flowers from Westholme Tea Farm in the Cowichan Valley, vodka, akvavit and a coffee liqueur featuring coffee custom roasted at Stick in the Mud in Sooke. For the holiday season they release a tri-pack box of three different 100ml spirits. Find them online at: sheringhamdistillery.com

PUB

The Wild Rover We’d like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who voted for the Wild Rover mobile Irish pub as one of the top three pubs in Victoria in the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards. Our goal is to bring an authentic Irish pub experience to you, making weddings,

thewildrover.ca birthdays, anniversaries, staff parties and special events truly memorable. In Gaelic, céad míle fáilte means one hundred thousand welcomes and we hope to welcome people from across BC into our cozy little slice of Ireland. For booking information visit thewildrover.ca

THANK YOU

VICTORIA

FOR VOTING US

PUB

1 PUB #

The Waddling Dog Pub

IN VICTORIA

Thank you Victoria from the Staff at The Waddling Dog Pub! Come in and try our

Super Caesar which includes...

• Beef Slider • Torpedo Prawn • Chicken Strip • Grilled Cheese

• Onion Ring • Pepperoni • Spicy Bean • Olive

All in a glass rimmed with Montreal Steak Spice

19 taps and wings every night after 9pm! Your home for every UFC PPV (no cover)

2476 Mt. Newton X Rd., Saanichton

250-652-1146

From all the staff, management and ownership of the Waddling Dog Pub, we are absolutely thrilled to be named the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Best Pub in 2020! After winning this award in 2019, we wanted to live up to this label during what turned out to be a very challenging year for the entire industry. With hard work, perseverance and adaptability, the “Dog” continued to push through the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure our beloved customers were able to enjoy the pub during these unprecedented times. We have taken every precaution necessary to ensure all of our guests are safe & comfortable during this pandemic and can’t thank our loyal following enough for their ongoing support! We are poised to make the rest of 2020 a success as we look forward to a successful 2021! The Waddling Dog Pub, located on Mt Newton Cross Road, welcomes you 7 days a week to our neighborhood pub offering

19 draught lines including wine & cider on tap, unbeatable daily Happy Hour from 4-6pm, our infamous Wednesday Night Wing Nights and our monthly no cover UFC nights! The Petraroia family, who purchased the property in June 1991, are honoured to be named the winner of the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Award two years in a row and would like to thank the local community for the years of loyalty and support. In addition, we would like to dedicate this year’s award to the late Sarah “Sugar” Jenkins. Sugar was loved by all and lost a hard-fought battle to cancer this year. She was a member of the Waddling Dog family for 22 years and is deeply missed. Make sure to follow us on Instagram (@thewaddlingdog) and Facebook “Waddling Dog Pub” to keep up with our latest offers, promotions and events! Once again, from all of us at the Waddling Dog Pub, stay safe and thank you for voting! We hope to see you all soon. Happy Holidays! qualityinnvictoria.com/waddling-dogvictoria-bc

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

FINE DINING

Finn’s Restaurant

Local businessman David Cooper opened Finn’s on Canada Day 2017, and the Wharf St. heritage property has quickly become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Situated downtown on the Inner Harbour, Finn’s is located in the building previously occupied by the Wharfside Eatery. “The address came with a lot of negative baggage from its past” Says Cooper, “It is a fantastic location, but over the years it became stigmatized, people just knew not to go there. When I moved into the space and started Finn’s I really felt the time had come for a fresh start for the property. I wanted to create a restaurant with great, locally sourced food, cold, strong cocktails, and warm, welcoming service. A place where customers can choose between an upscale meal or just a casual bite, and where local craft beer and BC VQA wines are always flowing. I wanted a restaurant that represents our region and stands for quality, a place my children could be proud of for decades to come. From the very first day, the need for investment was staggering. Over the years the property had fallen into a state of complete disrepair; floors and ceilings needed to be replaced, equipment needed to be purchased, you name it we needed it, and to cap it off, the patio and decks urgently needed major structural repairs. The list of expenses seemed endless, but

piece by piece, and with help from our supportive landlord, Cedric Steele, it all came together. Bringing the property into a state of good repair gave Finn’s a launch pad, while our talented Executive Chef, Richard Luttman, provided a fantastic menu to lift off with. Early on we put in place a company paid apprenticeship program with the goal of developing aspiring young cooks. The program pays for our apprentices’ three year Red Seal education, and provides them with per diem payments when in class so they can afford to miss work for their studies. They graduate as fully qualified Red Seal cooks with work experience under a top Executive Chef, and zero school debt. Our most recent graduate started with us as a dishwasher, and we currently have three other apprentices enrolled in the program. It’s been a great success, and has become an important part of who we are as a company. Investing in our people has been rewarding both personally and business wise. Thanks to the efforts of our incredible team, in the span of three years we have won two Diners Choice Awards, were named by Yelp as one of the top 100 most scenic restaurants in Canada, and have been awarded TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award, placing us within the top 10% of restaurants worldwide for customer reviews. In addition to awards,

data from Open Table shows us that 94% of our customers would recommend us. Now, we are especially grateful to be a finalist in the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards because the nomination and the votes all came from our local community, the very people we have

been working so hard to win over since day one. Our first three years have been an extraordinary journey, and I am deeply grateful to our many supporters, and to our amazing team who have made Finn’s such a success. Although our staff come from varied backgrounds, they all share certain characteristics which have come to define Finn’s culture; they are kind, they care, and they LOVE good food! Now we all look forward to leaving the 2020 pandemic behind so we can get back to eating, drinking, laughing and enjoying life together once again in 2021. We’ll save you a seat on the patio. Cheers!” finnsvictoria.com

T hank you Victoria

for voting us a ﬁnalist in the Best Fine Dining category!

Happy Hour from 4 - 5:30 daily

★★★★★ Finn’s Seafood Chops Cocktails is rated 4.5 out of 5.0 based on 3,832 reviews.

1208 Wharf St 250 380 1808 Finnsvictoria.com

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST HAMBURGER

Bin 4 Burger Lounge

Opened their first location in November 2011 in Downtown Victoria.

Bin 4 Burger Lounge contemporizes the classic burger, making it gourmet with fresh ingredients, toppings and sides. Burgers are no longer only about the beef. They’re about what you put on it, in it, next to it and what you wash it down with.

THANK YOU VICTORIA

Enjoy a cold pint from a local craft brewery, savour a glass of vino from the feature wine list, and try one of our refreshing cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices and house-made syrups. Bin 4 is locally owned and operated, with a menu that features fresh, local ingredients, house-made sauces and ethically raised, hormone-free meats. We choose to support local whenever possible, whether it’s the buns or the coffee. Playing with a diverse range of flavour combinations and with a focus on freshness, taste and quality, Bin 4 aims to modernize the ever-so-popular burger. Catering to all ages and tastes, the menu extends beyond burgers and even incorporates gluten-free and vegetarian options. Bin 4 began with three burger-lovers and friends who envisioned a new kind of restaurant – a burger joint serving only the classic gastronomic icon – with a gourmet touch.

Lounge was born. Restaurants, marriage and a baby came next. Profit Guide named Sarah one of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs. DAN BLACKMORE: Dan began his career in the restaurant industry over 30 years ago as a dishwasher at The Keg in Victoria, owned by none other than his parents. He went on to manage and own several local restaurants. His wealth of knowledge and high standards have grown Bin 4 Burger Lounge culture into what it is today. MICHAEL RINGLAND: A Red Seal Chef for over 15 years, Mike boasts an extensive range of experience from hotels and local restaurants to private chef positions. Former executive chef to NHL star Russ Courtnall, Mike’s mouth-watering recipes have been featured on The Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here.” Monthly Features Each month, Bin 4 thinks up a new burger to tease your taste buds – complete with a feature appetizer, drink and dessert. bin4burgerlounge.com

THE PEOPLE BEHIND BIN 4 SARAH BLACKMORE: Sarah studied hospitality with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. A couple years later, she met Dan, and Bin 4 Burger HAPPY HOUR

Browns Crafthouse Welcome to Crafthouse Vic West

Browns Crafthouse is a locally focused casual restaurant that celebrates all things made with skill or by hand. Our food and bar programs will harness the power of the “craft” movement by serving a variety of house-made food, craft beers, cocktails and wine that represent the best of what Western Canada has to offer.

#100-184 Wilson St. | 778.432.0565 brownscrafthouse.com

Crafthouse is the newest addition to the Vic West Community. Locally owned and operated, Crafthouse celebrates all things made with skill or by hand. When you visit our restaurant, you will be treated to a selection of BC’s finest craft beers, BC wines, local spirits, fresh pressed juices, and diverse food menu developed by a few of Vancouver’s most talented chef’s. Our culinary vision remains true to a scratch cooking with house made soups, sauces, vegetables, starches, and proteins whenever possible. We pride ourselves by supplying our guests with a ‘Products with Integrity’

philosophy which includes working with local suppliers, using environmentally conscience takeout packaging and sourcing ethical and sustainable products. We are bringing high quality ingredients and industry leading thinking to a local based establishment. We strive to create an environment where the community can come together and socialize locally. Come down and visit some awesome people, you will be treated to a lively experience with genuine hospitality. We want to be the destination for delicious food and to be the first choice for guests, colleagues, and supplier partners.” brownscrafthouse.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com PIZZA

Romeo’s

Thank you Victoria!

THE STORY OF ROMEO’S PIZZA Dimitri Mavrikos and his two brothers, Steve and George, came to Victoria from Vancouver with the dream of opening their own restaurant. Their goal was to open a restaurant that offered excellent food, great service and a fun casual atmosphere. They wanted a place that felt like home. In the summer of 1974, Romeo’s Place was created. Romeo’s primary focus was signature pizza and pasta from recipes and techniques that had been passed down to the family. These staples created the name for the new restaurant and helped create a passionate local following. The menus included popular local dishes such as steaks, chicken and veal, burgers and salads, as well as other original dishes from their homeland — Greece. Delivery and takeout proved to be extremely popular options and the local market responded enthusiastically. The first Romeo’s opened on Hillside and was warmly embraced by the people of Victoria. An instant success — this location was joined very shortly by a second location downtown on Johnson Street — very popular for lunch and dinner and still remembered fondly for fun-filled late night meals and crowds. The Mavrikos brothers opened more locations on Vancouver Island, adhering to the same philosophy that brought them success in the beginning. With the help of their growing young families and new franchisees Nick and Chris Kamaretsos, the company grew to where it is today. There are currently five Romeo’s

locations on Vancouver Island and the family is honoured and blessed to be celebrating over 46 years in the restaurant industry. We continue to pride ourselves on offering great food and service at a reasonable price. Pizza and pasta recipes continue to stand the test of time and have garnered many awards and accolades. It is an exciting time for the Romeo’s family as we transition into the next chapter by opening new and remodelled locations. In April of 2012, we returned to the Downtown core with our location on the corner of Blanshard and Fisgard Street. This is our biggest location. Another exciting change has been in Broadmead Village where, after 20 years, in the spring of 2014, we relocated to the mall beside the breezeway. This brand new restaurant has earned our customers’ loyalty and positive feedback and has exceeded our expectations. Our Hillside location has also gone through extensive renovations and the feedback and response has been overwhelming. Our Langford location underwent of renovations and we are delighted with the new look. All four of our Lower Island restaurants have a similar modern look and contemporary feel. It truly is an exciting time for the Romeo’s family as we continue to evolve, and as always, hope our amazing customers will remain right there with us for the ride! Five locations to serve you: Victoria Downtown, Hillside, Duncan, Broadmead Village, and in Langford on the Westshore. romeos.ca

A BIG THANK YOU VICTORIA FOR VOTING US #1 AND SUPPORTING US THROUGH THESE TRYING TIMES! It’s been an honour and a privilege to be serving Victoria for over 47 years!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From the Management and Staff at Romeo’s

VICTORIA DOWNTOWN

HILLSIDE

BROADMEAD

1703 Blanshard St.

1581 Hillside Avenue

777 Royal Oak Drive

250-595-0212

250-744-1177

250-383-2121 WESTSHORE 2945 Jacklin Road

250-474-2121

DUNCAN 180 Trans Canada Hwy

250-746-9964

romeos.ca

CRAFT BREWERIES

Hoyne Brewing Company

Always grateful, and never taking it for granted... Thank you Victoria!

Saying that 2020 has been an “interesting” year would be the understatement of the century. It has been at times challenging, scary and sad – but it has also shown us what can happen when people work together to tackle big problems. Like most breweries, we lost about 50% of our business as restaurants and pubs shuttered in March. Our staff was worried about losing their livelihoods as no one really knew what was to transpire. At the same time, we had just started a massive project to install a brand new canning line that was on its way from Italy. Normally for a project like that, technicians would arrive alongside the new equipment to help put it all together. Border closures made it impossible, of course, but this unforeseen challenge actually turned into a benefit. My wife, Chantal, and I had committed to keeping everyone employed who wanted to work, and so while many of

our sales team transformed into home delivery drivers, our brewers were enlisted to become the missing technicians we’d been expecting from Italy. Together, we pieced the fabulous canning line together, then worked out the kinks and got it up and running in time for summer – and it kept everyone busy until things slowly reopened. A big win in a tough year. At times like this, it’s important to recognize the positive when possible. We want to thank our entire team for the hard work they put in throughout this year. It’s because of them that you were able to enjoy our beers as you undoubtedly dealt with your own challenges – and we want to thank YOU for choosing us as the Readers’ Choice for Best Brewery in 2020. We are lifting a glass in your honour and hope to continue crafting some of your favourite beers long into the future. Thank you. – Sean Hoyne, Brewmaster hoynebrewing.ca

Growler Room hours Tues–Sat 11–5 101-2740 Bridge St, Victoria, BC

hoynebrewing.ca

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Thank you Victoria

FAVOURITE CHARITY

Lifetime Networks

for voting Lifetime Networks your Favourite Charity Your support has helped us accomplish the following in 2020: VIRTUAL SUPPORT

260

Virtual Programs

12,000

Virtual Hours

Volunteer Hours

250

Individuals/families supported

570

Meals Delivered

Our Mission: We foster networks of friendship and support for people with diverse abilities to enhance community. www.lifetimenetworks.org 250-477-4112

Thank you Victoria!

Del Elgersma and Lianne Macdonald founded Beacon Law Centre in 2000.

We are delighted to be voted the #1 Choice for Legal Services in Victoria for the fourth straight year!

‘I believe in community inclusion and I gain so much through spending time with folks with diverse abilities. I love that I am able to meet new people and grow as a person. ‘ Lifetime Networks is a local not for profit agency with a family that includes people we serve, volunteers, staff, community members and supporters. Our goal is to create opportunities for people with diverse abilities. We provide friendship and supports so all people can live rich and rewarding lives in our community – safely and with friends that care. Lifetime Networks specializes in developing friendships and supports for people with diverse abilities. Connecting with people and making friends can be very difficult, in fact sometimes almost impossible! At Lifetime Networks, we believe friendship and connections are a cornerstone to a fulfilling life. Through Personal Support Networks, we develop and maintain lasting friendships, true reciprocal unpaid relationships. Volunteers and staff offer connection through continuing education classes, friendship pods, art studio, music, social groups, employment support, personal support networks, theatre, Best Buddies, Dynamic Duos, and outreach support. It is all about the people we support, their interests, dreams, and goals. We

currently offer 35 facilitated activity pods, connecting people through shared interests. During the past nine months many of our programs, offered virtually, provided an ongoing sense of belonging, connecting friends through virtual cooking, dance parties, literacy classes, art sessions, theatre, games, socials and regular daily check ins. Staff prepared and delivered 570 meals to ensure marginalized folks in the Lifetime Networks family were fed, safe, and cared for. ‘The ability of staff to offer quality virtual programs quickly during COVID, and the ongoing outreach has been a highlight!’ Pam ‘Lifetime Networks creates a wonderfully supportive environment that allows the unique qualities of my loved one to shine. Many thanks to this amazing organization.’ Irene ‘Thank you for your unwavering attention to individuals. You walk the talk of inclusion and of celebrating individual differences as a contribution to society, not a barrier. Maureen ‘People at Lifetime Networks respect my decisions and choices big time! The entire Lifetime Networks family wishes you a safe and healthy 2021. Friendship. Support. Community. lifetimenetworks.org

LAW OFFICE

Beacon Law Centre Not your average law firm

Del Egersma and Lianne Macdonald started Beacon Law in 2000 with the goal of providing a unique way to deliver quality legal services in the areas of real estate, business law and wills and estates. They began by identifying and prioritizing their core values. These include a deep care for their clients and staff; striving for excellence; being accessible, forthright and fair; and a commitment to integrity and the highest ethical standards of practice. Together with their associates Kelvin Scheuer and Karl Maier, and their highly experienced team, Del and Lianne pride themselves on having built a successful business based on these values, and on consistently offering trusted advice and outstanding service that ensures an exceptional experience with their firm. These factors seem to be working. The firm has been voted the top choice in the

Victoria Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards for the fourth year in a row, and was voted the #1 choice for legal services on the Saanich Peninsula seven times! What makes Beacon Law Centre unique? They provide practical advice you can trust — in plain language. They have three convenient locations to serve you. Their quotes for work are provided by the job, not by the hour. And anonymous client surveys give top marks for friendliness of the lawyers and staff, value for money, prompt service and plain language communication. If you are buying or selling a home, starting a business, or need help with a will or estate, give Beacon Law a call. They will help you make the best decisions for you and your family. Visit: beaconlaw.ca to see why they are not your average law firm.

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING Honoured to be Victoria’s Best 3 Years in a Row!

AUTO DETAILING

Stellar Finish Auto Detailing

Stellar Finish Auto Detailing is beyond thrilled to be voted the Best Auto Detailing shop in Victoria for the third year in a row! We are committed to offering Victoria’s most premium and friendly detail service, with results that are truly unlike the rest. Our expertise with all aspects of detailing from professional ceramic

coatings, advanced paint correction and polishing, high level detailing, and everything in between, means we are capable and experienced to deliver exceptional results no matter the job. As a fully licensed, insured and certified company, you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in the best of hands. Victoria is a very close knit community, especially when it comes to our love of vehicles. Stellar Finish Auto Detailing is very fortunate to have the continued support of the local community, and those who value their vehicle and take pride in maintaining its appearance. We wish everyone and their family a safe and Happy New Year, and look forward to making your ride shine in the future! Thank you! Alex Flatman, Owner stellarfinishautodetailing.com

SIGN SHOP

Peninsula Signs

Thank you for nominating and supporting us on the Saanich peninsula for over 40 years. From humble beginnings of hand painted signs, the sign industry has evolved and we’ve kept pace, offering creative vehicle wraps, wide-format printing, laser engraving, dimensional signs and more than we can list here. Our attention to quality, workmanship and top-notch service brought us this far, supporting our continued growth in the years to come. Valued highly is our strong relationship with our customers, associates and suppliers. We are fortunate to be a part of a great business community on the Peninsula, serving industry and individuals alike. Despite a year of challenges for businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors, we feel so fortunate to have stayed operational throughout. Deemed an essential service, we quickly stepped up, supplying signage for first responders,

front end services, and acrylic shields to keep workers safe. The need continues. In addition to our support of donations, we were pleased to design, produce and install the graphics on a truck supplied by our friends at Island Hino and BMT Group Services. Brightly coloured, the truck is used to pick up donations for our local Food Bank. So many are still struggling, unable to work. Food Banks need our help well into the new year, and beyond. Our exciting plans for Peninsula Signs’ 40th anniversary - like all celebrations – has been postponed until we can gather again. When time comes, we will invite all our customers, old and new, to celebrate with us. Details will be posted on our Instagram, Facebook page and Website. We wish everyone peace, health and happiness in the coming year! peninsulasigns.ca

OIL CHANGE

250-896-2539 stellarfinishautodetailing.com

Thank You Victoria for your Votes!

Peninsula signs does it all. A one-stop multifaceted professional sign studio with well qualified design and manufacturing staff. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | NO APPOINTMENT | WARRANTY APPROVED

Great Canadian Oil Change

THANKS FOR VOTING US

VICTORIA’S BEST OIL CHANGE! Great Canadian Oil Change is a familyowned, franchised oil change company with over 104 locations across Canada. But think of us as a drive-through car maintenance shop. We do it all — from quick oil changes and full 21-point diagnostic checks to cleaning and replacing parts. Thank you for voting us #1 in the Times Colonist Reader’s Choice Awards. Locally owned and operated since 2007, we are the largest oil change franchise on Vancouver Island with 9 locations from Victoria to Campbell River. The Great Canadian Oil Change built their reputation based on quality workmanship, new car warranty approved products, and polite friendly customer service. We strive to be the best in the business. Plus, at all of our outlets, you’ll receive the same courteous, competent service we’re known for. Being in your ‘hood and working under your hood is a privilege for Great

Canadian Oil Change. We strive to make every customer interaction effortless and friendly. We work hard to offer the best value. And we treat you like family. Each of our Great Canadian Oil Change locations are independently owned and operated, by people like you! Family people. Working people. Communityminded people. It’s reassuring to know every maintenance service we perform on your vehicle is guaranteed. Whether it’s in the piping hot coffee we serve, the care and attention we show your vehicle, or the endless smiles and “how can we help?” attitude, GCOC is happy to be of service. Keeping your vehicle safe and operating at its peak is what truly drives us. The Great Canadian Oil Change supports many local charities and elementary school fundraisers around Victoria and Duncan. gcocltd.ca/about-us/our-guarantee

VISIT THE GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE AT 2353 DOUGLAS STREET IN VICTORIA.

WITH FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN VICTORIA, LANGFORD & DUNCAN. MILLSTREAM NOW OPEN!

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST JEWELLERY STORE

Artina’s Jewellery

Treat yourself or someone you love. Visit our stores in Victoria/Vancouver and our website www.artinas.com

VICTORIA 1002 Government St

VANCOUVER 387 Water Street

877.386.7700 | 1.877.915.7001

Artina’s would like to start by thanking all our loyal, local customers who have helped us get through this difficult year. The continued support from the people of Victoria has been overwhelming and wonderful. Being voted the Readers’ Choice Winner for Best Jewellery Store 2020 was touching and the perfect symbol of the sense of community we have felt in the turbulent landscape of 2020. We had over 10 000 customers in 2019 but this year has been a little different and we are doing our best to get through it and build something even better. As a fixture in Victoria for more than 30 years, Artina’s Hand Crafted Canadian Jewellery has always made supporting Canadian artists our focus. We feature creations from over 60 Canadian artists, and we are always expanding our connections to bring Victorians the very best Canadian made jewellery from a wide variety of artisans.

Artina’s has maintained a strong connection to indigenous artists of British Columbia and fashion artists across Canada. We are proud to support indigenous artists and display some of the most powerful and beautiful art found anywhere in Canada. As we move into a new year we invite you to come down to Artina’s, located at 1002 Government Street, and see for yourself the wide variety of jewellery, from silver, gold and titanium to BC jade, ammolite and everything in between. The work of indigenous artists will inspire you and the fashion will style you. artinas.com

ISLAND RESORT

Kingfisher Resort

Top BC Spa, right in our own backyard

Thank You Victoria! We truly appreciate you!

1-800-663-7929

Best Island Resort

KINGFISHERSPA.COM

Comox Valley, BC

The iconic Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa has once again been honoured with the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice accolade for Best Island Resort. “This year more than ever, we are truly humbled to once again win this award as voted by the people,” says Bill Brandes, owner of the Kingfisher. “It means so much that our guests are noticing all of our resort upgrades accomplished thus far. I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to our entire Kingfisher team as they have worked so hard to go above and beyond, creating memorable and safe experiences for all our guests.” The Kingfisher is a world class destination located in the heart of Vancouver Island, a safe getaway where guests can truly relax and be confident that their health and safety is upheld to the highest standards. The resort continues to create remarkable getaway experiences with innovative ideas. This year is no exception, their serenity gardens have once again been transformed into an enchanting winter light display! Guests will be captivated by hundreds of thousands of lights adorning the gardens until the end of January, igniting a magical setting. Stand amongst glowing towering conifers, cherry blossom trees, weeping willows, shimmering tulips, illuminated grasses, 10ft tall dandelionsand so many more spectacular light features. Bundle up and stroll the gardens on the way to your spa

appointment, dining reservation or while enjoying a winter staycation. One of the many major changes this year is to the iconic Pacific Mist Spa. This world-class spa has been renovated top to bottom, with upgrades in all spa treatment rooms from custom cabinetry to new massage tables and reclining esthetic chairs. The outdoor heated pool and hot tub having been recently resurfaced to new, adds to the luxurious spa experience. Guests are also beckoned to the Hydropath to immerse in a unique, one-of-a-kind experience, a re-created West Coast shoreline in a cave like setting featuring sandstone sculpted caves and pools, with a spa guide transporting you through eight unique relaxing elements. The pièce de résistance are the two spectacular on-site restaurants; casual upscale AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar and the exquisite fine dining Ocean7 restaurant. Soak in island sunsets from their panoramic ocean views while indulging spectacular seafood and locally sourced produce paired with fine wines and creative cocktails. Check out the new sip & sparkle two night package in celebration of the winter light display. kingfisherspa.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)

Cedar Hill Golf Course Although 2020 was a challenging year for all our local business, the support of the Cedar Hill Golf Course by the community was a positive outcome. It is an honour to be voted by the community as the best public golf course in our region; for three consecutive years. This is particularly meaningful given the impacts and challenges of 2020. Staff believe that being recognized is a reflection of the fantastic community spirit of Saanich and the greater Victoria area that we serve. Despite having to close down for a short time and reopening with modified playing rules, new safety procedures and limited food service, staff was pleased to hear from many golfers that all the precautions and changes didn’t substantially impact their enjoyment of the game. The District continues to believe that being a successful golf course goes beyond the number of rounds played annually. The Cedar Hill Golf Course’s core mission includes a commitment to making a positive difference to the personal and emotional health of the community and enhancing the quality of life in Saanich. Regardless of age, ability, or accessibility the team is always looking to expand participation in golf for youth and children through the Cedar Hill Junior Golf program. Junior Golf teaches many important life lessons about self-scoring, honesty, perseverance, and a commitment to practice; creating the opportunity for many young people who might not be able to, participate in this life-ling sport. A newly acquired Paramobile allows patrons with physical disabilities to enjoy participating in a round of golf. The all-terrain Paramobile is a stand-up device that enables golfers who use wheelchairs to achieve a standing position to play golf and is available at no additional cost to the green fee. The quality of play and course conditions of this publicly owned and operated golf course are equal to most privately owned courses largely due to the vision and commitment of Saanich employees and Pro Shop contractors. One of the reasons that Cedar Hill Golf Course enjoys so much popularity is the superbly maintained greens and fairways surrounded by mature landscape featuring spectacular views of the cascade mountain range. The Cedar Hill Golf Course grounds and maintenance crew is dedicated towards providing our community with the best playing conditions possible, while continuing their pursuit and multi-year accreditation under the Audubon International cooperative wildlife sanctuary designation for golf courses. The Audubon designation is a long term commitment that includes a range of requirements ranging from chemical free turf maintenance to preserving and enhancing portions of Cedar Hill’s wetlands as habitats for various bird species and other wildlife that also makes Cedar Hill Golf Course their home. saanich.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation-community/ cedar-hill-golf-course.html

Voted the Times Colonist Readers Choice Award for:

Best Public Golf Course in Victoria for the 3rd year in a row

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE!

PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Book your tee time today at saanich.ca/golf

Cedar Hill Golf Course 250-475-7150

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timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST PICNIC SPOT

Thank you for voting for

SAXE POINT PARK

Saxe Point Thank you!

There are many beautiful places in Greater Victoria and we are honoured to have been chosen at this year’s winner. Staff and residents alike are proud of all our parks and Saxe Point is no exception. The park provides spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. You can walk the forested trails set among mature Douglas fir and Grand fir trees, explore the beaches, or enjoy the views from one of the many picnic tables. The waters around Saxe Point are considered to be some of the best in the area for scuba diving. For spontaneous picnic-goers, Esquimalt has food choices for every taste within a short distance. There is no shortage of coffee shops and traditional baked goods for those with a sweet tooth. If you crave international fare, you can find East African, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines, just to name a few. Besides enjoying the park for a picnic, visitors can take advantage of the township’s self-guided walking tour of the area. The tour takes you to naval historical sites, tree-lined pathways, heritage architecture and impressive seaside views.

Want to get your hands dirty? The Branch out Community Stewardship Program provides volunteers with opportunities to restore natural areas within parks. Volunteers are trained on how to remove invasive species in an effort to make the natural areas more biodiverse. Saxe Point Park is located on Cape Saxe, named by Lt. Commander James Wood, a member of the crew of HMS Pandora, who surveyed the area in 1849. The name Saxe is part of the title of HRH Queen Victoria’s husband and consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Saxe Point was designated as park land in 1934. During World War 2, many trees on this 7.5 hectare site were cleared and a searchlight was installed as part of the DND’s shoreline defense. Find the park at the end of Fraser Street, with foot paths off of Munro and Bewdley streets. The park is readily accessibly by bus, foot or bike as well as provides accessible parking. More at Esquimalt.ca/parks. Hope to see you soon!

ESQUIMALT.CA/PARKS ESQUIMALT.CA/ PARKS

OPTOMETRIST

Mayfair Optometric Clinic Mayfair Optometric Clinic has been proudly serving patients in the Greater Victoria area for over 20 years and Dr. Stephen Taylor has been seeing patients for over 30 years. Born and raised in Victoria, Dr. Taylor is a graduate of Oak Bay High School. He received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Dr. Trevor Peddle joined Mayfair Optometric Clinic over ten years ago and early in 2020 Dr. Brad Genereux joined the two doctors. All three doctors continued seeing patients through the spring shut down and throughout the year. Eye infections and injuries didn’t take a rest so neither did our doctors or dedicated staff. Taking care of ourselves includes regular eye health evaluations and glasses and contact lenses that are crafted to how we use our eyes. A routine eye exam can detect other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other ailments that may require medical attention. Mayfair Optometric Clinic works

with industry leaders and offers quality products to their patients to ensure they receive the very best that their eyes deserve! The doctors and staff at Mayfair Optometric Clinic work hard to earn patient and customer trust and are proud of the work they do every day. At this time in our world history, everyone at Mayfair Optometric Clinic wants to extend sincere appreciation to our frontline healthcare workers, hospital support staff and everyone involved in supporting our community. mayfairoptometric.com

Dr. Trevor Peddle, Optometrist

Dr. Genereux, Optometrist

Mary Lou Newbold, CEO - Chief Eyecare Office

THANK YOU!

FOR VOTING US YOUR FAVOURITE OPTOMETRISTS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Strict COVID protocols in place

250-361-4444

mayfairoptometric.com

Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com SPORTS STORE

Courtside Sports

We want to thank you for your support! Courtside Sports is proud to be your local racquet specialty store and this year marks our 30th year in business. Located at 1136 Hillside Ave, we carry everything you need for Tennis, Pickleball, Squash, Badminton, Racquetball, Table Tennis, as well as Volleyball and Spikeball. In our store, you can find racquets, paddles, footwear, clothing, accessories, net systems and table tennis tables, to mention only a few of our products. Our staff is comprised of Certified Racquet Technicians who will give expert advice and service to players of all levels. They are not only team members at Courtside Sports they are also avid racquet sports players themselves. Racquet restringing, grip

replacement and frame customization are all part of the service we offer and we also have one of the largest selection of court-specific footwear anywhere in BC. During this challenging time worldwide, we are diligent in maintaining strict Covid protocols and keeping our store safe for customers and staff alike. We offer online sales through our webside, as well as phone orders and we provide the option for curbside pick up to our customers who want to keep their visits brief. We also offer a safe 24 Hour Racquet Drop Off to allow customers to leave their racquets and paddles for service at their convenience. Happy Holiday Season and a safe and healthy 2021! courtsidesports.com

SAANICH COMMONWEALTH PLACE

GYM/FITNESS FACILITY

Saanich Commonwealth Place

The Saanich Commonwealth Place team would like to thank you for your continued patronage, support and for voting Saanich Commonwealth Place as a finalist for two consecutive years in the “Best Gym and Fitness Facility” category. It was great to see all your smiling faces after we re-opened in June with our new flooring, new colours, and enhanced safety protocols. It means a great deal to us that you feel safe to work out in

our gym. Just like our participants, our equipment is all physically distanced, and we have reduced our capacity to ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe while working out. With the Weight Room being fully sanitized every 2 hours between groups, our participants have commented about the high standard of cleanliness. With our 90 minute reserved drop in sessions available, you can book up to 7 days in advance, however the majority of the time, we can accommodate same day availability. Thank you for your trust and letting us know how much it means to you and your well-being to be able to maintain your active lifestyle and continue to participate in the activities you love saanich.ca/EN/main/parks-recreationcommunity/facilities-schedules-fees/ facilities/saanich-commonwealth-place. html

GYM/FITNESS FACILITY

Annex Fitness A year like no other…

Annex opened its doors at our 645 Yates street on November 24th, 2019. My team and I were incredibly excited to bring a fitness campus to Victoria that offered three different disciplines: spin, barre and strength. For three amazing months, we saw a diverse community of people give us a try, move their bodies, and see what we had to offer. New faces became regulars, and in no time regulars became friends. Our talented instructors were excited to see those who started timid and tentative find their confidence build. Then, in what felt like a blink of an eye, we came face to face with a global pandemic. We dutifully boarded up our windows and stayed home to keep each other safe. This was when we first discovered just how resilient our community was. Knowing how important it was to keep moving our bodies while in lockdown, we started leading complimentary live workout classes on Instagram. Grabbing soup cans as weights and turning their living rooms into make-shift workout spaces, our online community grew and spanned from coast to coast. When we were able to re-open our doors three months later, we did so with a brand new spin location at Uptown. We

re-emerged with gloves, masks, smaller class sizes, new safety protocols and a lot of hospital-grade cleaning equipment. Once again, we saw the strength in our community as they came back to safely sweat with us. Now, with the secondwave closure upon us we’ve stayed nimble. We have equipped our community with weights and bikes and have been welcomed into the homes of our Annex family as we continue to move our bodies together – albeit remotely for now. All of this to say, Victoria, we can’t thank you enough for not only supporting us in our interesting first year but for naming us as the best Fitness/Gym facility! People often say the first year is the hardest, but the resilience we’ve seen from our community has made us hopeful and so looking forward to our future together!. – Morgan, Founder, Annex Fitness annexvictoria.com

Finalist in the Times Colonist Readers Choice Award for:

Best Gym/Fitness Facility in Victoria, for the 2nd year in a row.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE!

PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

250-475-7600 saanich.ca/recreation

F16 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

Bodacious

Thank you to everyone who voted Bodacious! You’ve made my heart happy.”

“Hi, my name is Lorna and I am the owner and lead body love enthusiast at Bodacious Lifestyles Inc. This year my team and I are celebrating 20 years of providing beautiful and quality clothing for curvy gals. This dream began from my desire to shop in a pretty boutique (like so many I’d seen) that actually catered to women in my size. A store that felt welcoming and inclusive and fun! For me, I couldn’t find what I was looking for so I created my dream store. Bodacious – bold and audacious – encompasses the attitude that I want to express. I search far and wide (including annual trips to Paris) to curate the best selection of plus-size clothing and accessories to offer women the opportunity to create their own personal style. Choice is so important! Trusting our own wants and needs when it comes to what we put on our bodies is rarely even a choice when you wear above a curvy size 14. Learning to accept and possibly love our bodies as they are right now. Well, that’s not an easy road for most women. When we are bombarded with messages telling us that we need help to look younger, slimmer, fitter…there’s little room left for loving this body that we’ve been blessed with. At Bodacious, we encourage you to pay attention to how you feel in an article

of clothing and to focus on and see your own beauty. Does it make you dance or twirl or light up your eyes. Standing taller in confidence can change your mood and quite possibly your day. Bamboos, velvets, cashmere, crisp cottons, natural fibres – these all play a part in how you feel when you get dressed in the morning. You deserve options. You deserve beautiful clothes that fit well. You deserve to have a fun shopping experience! I love my customers and the support and enthusiasm I’ve received over the past 20 years! We’ve grown up together and I’m thrilled to be living my dream during these challenging times. bodacious.ca

ART GALLERY

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is thrilled to receive the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Award for favourite art gallery. “In a year unlike any other, we are grateful for the public recognition, as we have adapted during the COVID - 19 pandemic, to be recognized as Victoria’s favourite art gallery,” said AGGV Director Jon Tupper. The AGGV re-opened in May, after an initial period of closure, the first public gallery or museum in BC to do so, with COVID -19 WorkSafeBC BC protocols in place. Beginning in March, the AGGV migrated, virtually, all of their programming to digital platforms, including working with galleries across the country to launch a new digital arts initiative, Field Trip: Art Across Canada. When restrictions prevented the AGGV from holding the beloved community event, the TD Art Gallery Paint- In in July, the Gallery adapted the event to continue to showcase and the support the artists who live in our community with the TD Artist Guide, a digital and print resource. The popular AGGV Family Sunday program has continued throughout the pandemic with new on-line activities and the delivery of art supplies and activity kits directly to families in the community.

The AGGV Listener in Residence programs adapted early in the pandemic by creating a volunteer companion network for seniors who live in isolation, delivering the program by phone rather than in-person visits. The program has helped to keep the participants connected and engaged and to lessen their sense of isolation. The AGGV continues to look towards the future with plans for future programs and exhibitions. In late January 2021, the Gallery will launch a new exhibition; Blue and White. The exhibition will look at the AGGV’s extensive collection of blue and white porcelain, both historical and contemporary, from their renowned Asian collection. As the year closes, the AGGV has launched their Annual Appeal, so that they can continue to bring innovative arts programming and exhibitions to the community during these challenging times. For information about the campaign or to donate visit aggv.ca. The Gallery looks forward to presenting and bringing art to life in Victoria in 2021 and beyond.

From the upcoming AGGV exhibition Blue and White, ARTIST, Unknown, Snuff Bottle with a Scene of an Official, Man carrying a Pole with Baskets, Asia, porcelain, soft paste; glaze, white; underglaze, blue; stone, blue, 6.7 x 2.7cm, Gift of Terry J. Waller in memory of Myra L. Waller, 2009.010.001 a, b.

1040 Moss St | aggv.ca

Book a Guided Tour or Drop In Check out our hand sanitizer Follow the arrows Experience the art Enjoy! From the AGGV Collection: Pink Profile, Ivan Eyre (Canadian, b. 1935), 1968, acrylic, 91 x 76 cm, Gift of the Artist, 1998.002.018

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Thank you for voting us

in Victoria

For those who seek an exceptional life. Luxury is an experience, not a price point. At Sotheby’s International Realty Canada our commitment is unwavering: we deliver exemplary marketing and service to every client, regardless of the home’s size, neighbourhood, or price point. Sotheby’s International Realty has earned the distinction of being the #1 most trusted brand in residential real estate, and we are proud to be voted the #1 real estate brokerage in the 2020 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards. Our reputation reflects our commitment to exemplary service, and to expanding a global marketing network that lifts the visibility of our clients’ homes. Our exceptional investment in reaching qualified buyers locally,

nationally and internationally ensures the maximum return on the homes we represent. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada has been privileged to represent some of the most extraordinary properties in the Greater Victoria area, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Island through our offices in downtown Victoria and Salt Spring Island. With offices in over 30 residential and resort markets nationwide, and a global affiliate sales network of over 1,000 sales offices in 70-plus countries and territories, we continue to lead the industry in providing exposure to every property we represent on a premier digital and publications network that spans the globe. sothebysrealty.ca

For exceptional service, connect with us in 2021 Victoria — 250.380.3933 752 Douglas Street, Victoria

Salt Spring — 250.537.1778 120 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island

sothebysrealty.ca Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is f rom sources which we deem reliable, but must be veriﬁed and may be subject to change or withdrawal.

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

PEMBERTON HOLMES REAL ESTATE

Pemberton Holmes

Vancouver Island’s Real Estate Brokerage.

H Cuthbert Holmes - 1917

We are proud to a be part of Vancouver Island’s rich history. Pemberton Holmes is a true family business at heart, passed through six generations since our inception in 1887. Our leaders continue to be guided by the strong values established in earlier days, captured perfectly by the words of Pip Holmes: “It is understood that if you live here, you play a role in the community and contribute what you can.” Our founder, Joseph Despard Pemberton arrived on Vancouver Island in 1851 as one of the first surveyors of this beautiful island, surveying and recording the topography from Victoria through to Nanaimo. This legacy of continued public service is also reflected in Frederick Pemberton’s aid in establishing parklands across Vancouver Island, including the world-renowned park Cathedral Grove, for future generations to enjoy.

Mike Holmes, BA L.L.B., leads the company today with the same integrity held by his forefathers. Under this strong leadership, Pemberton Holmes continues to flourish and grow as one of the most distinguished family businesses on Vancouver Island, with dedicated real estate professionals servicing the local markets. 250-384-8124 pembertonholmes.com

It is our privilege to serve this exceptional community as your local real estate brokerage. We are humbled by your continued support!

Pip Holmes philosophy runs deep within all at Pemberton Holmes “It is understood that if you live here, you play a role in the community and contribute what you can.”

Thank you for your vote Victoria! www.pembertonholmes.com 250-384-8124 #150-850 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST ANTIQUE STORE & CONSIGNMENT

Thank you Victoria for voting us the Best Antique Store!

104-1841 Oak Bay Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 1C4 fun@good-things.ca

Good Things

Open Tuesday to Saturday

250-598-9393

Good Things was started in 1994. At that time we had an antique store called The Old Vogue Shop. People brought their antiques and collectibles to us but they wanted us to have a place for their newer “Good Things” to sell for them. There were auction houses and secondhand stores available but no place that consistently sold only good quality items that were beautifully merchandised. In essence, that is how we came to create “Good Things.” All we had to do was celebrate and display the great pieces our customers brought us. For some years we advertised but as we became very busy we simply relied on word of mouth. Sometimes we call the shop “Victoria’s best kept secret.” People constantly come in for the 1st time and ask when we opened and we say, over 20 years ago. We started small and expanded several times as space became available.

Now we say we have been “finding new homes for ‘good things’ since 1994.” We are profoundly grateful for the community we are part of and welcome you to drop in. Seeing is believing and once you see the “busiest store in town” you will believe us. It is an old style, loving and loved retail store. We are all absolutely dedicated to re-using and re-celebrating useful, unusual and lovely objects. Everything from Grandma’s rhinestones to Le Creuset pots & pans. Books to toys. Art to antiques. Vintage kitchen to Crown Derby china. Drop in and experience “Good Things,” you will be happy you found us. All goods consigned at 50/50. Prices based on research, experience and mutual agreement. Our appreciation to the consignors & the purchasers is heartfelt. Our staff are wonderful and knowledgeable. good-things.ca

BARBER SHOP

Chamberlain Walk Hair Design Enjoy professional hairstyling from a family-oriented salon at Chamberlain Walk Hair Design. Located in Victoria, we offer top quality haircuts, colours, perms, updos and a wide variety of other styling services. When it comes to hairstyling, every person is different. At Chamberlain Walk Hair Design, we take the time to listen to your wants and work with you to find the style that best suits you. We cater to women and men of all ages in the Oak Bay area. FAMILY BUSINESS Chamberlain Walk Hair Design is owned and operated by Paul and Elaine Bowden. Both have worked in the salon industry for decades, offering the residents of Victoria over 70 years of combined hair care experience. Our

C H A M B E R L A I N WA L K HAIR DESIGN

Thank you For Voting us a Winner or Runner up for three years running!

family business has been operating in the same area for 32 years now. We’ve built up an excellent reputation with 95% of our business stemming from referrals. PROUD SUPPLIER OF REDKEN PRODUCTS Chamberlain Walk Hair Design is proud to use only Redken hair care products in all our salon services. We carry shampoos, conditioners, gels and volumizing formulas for colour treated, straight, curly and a variety of other types of hair. Thank you! 107 – 1841 Oak Bay Avenue Victoria, Tel: 250.592.2481

(250) 592-2481

#107-1841 Oak Bay Avenue

TRAVEL AGENCY

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

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Air, Land & Sea Vacations Shorter name. Infinitely more possibilities. As your neighborhood travel experts, we are committed to providing every t ravel opportunity by air, land, and sea!

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Every Travel Opportunity

Whether your next extraordinary vacation is overseas or closer to home, we offer cruise vacations, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts, coach and rail tours, home and villa rentals and travel insurance, as well as flights, hotels, car rentals, activities, and enriching excursions from the best in the business, worldwide.

Every Booking Option

As members of your local community, we deeply value the relationships we have built with our customers over years the course of one extraordinary vacation to the next. We'd like to thank you for your You can choose to book with us by phone, bythe email, in while one ofnavigating our 300+ retail continued support over the past months, as we've all weathered this storm together. stores, or through one of multiple online booking platforms, all with the personalized service and support of a friendly Vacation Consultant from your We are pleased to announce that after much consultation and every precaution, we are returning to what we own local community. love best—navigating extraordinary vacations by air, land, and sea.

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Whether your next vacation is in a few The countdown yourwe're next adventure Whether your next vacation is in a few months, or even nexttoyear, here to help you turn your daydreams We are passionate travelers ourselves and are backed by the #1 name in travel. We will months, or begin now into a reality. We're ready to put our pent-up travel expertise to good use, whether that's securing topeven valuenext for year, we’re here use our resources to compare and explore every option for your perfect vacation, all to help you turn your daydreams into a As members of your local community, your Future Cruise Credit, or starting afresh with incredible deals to your dream destination. while taking advantage of our value-packed Expedia® Extras! reality. We’re ready to put our pent-up we deeply value the relationships we travel expertise to good use, whether have built with our customers over the We are committed to being your trusted source extraordinary byof air, land, and sea. securing We understand that’s top value for yearsfor while navigatingvacations the course that you may have questions, and we are happy to answer them. your Future Cruise Credit, or starting one extraordinary vacation to the next. Contact us to plan your next getaway. afresh with incredible deals to your We’d like to thank you for your continued support over the past months, as we’ve all dream destination. Ask us about a Land vacation. We are committed to being your weathered this storm together. trusted source for extraordinary We are pleased to announce that after vacations by air, land, and sea. much consultation and every precaution, We understand that you may have we are returning to what we love best— questions, and we are happy to navigating extraordinary vacations by air, answer them. land, and sea.

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4089A Shelbourne Street , Victoria, BC • 250-477-4877 • 1-866 -477-4898 ExpediaCruises.ca/MtDoug

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

F19

ISLAND RESORT

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Located only a 10-minute drive from downtown Victoria, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers locals a safe staycation close to home, and yet feels worlds away. Nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel overlooks the Salish Sea and offers breathtaking ocean views of snow-capped Mount Baker in the distance. Experience world class services such as our heated seaside mineral pools, award winning Boathouse Spa and exceptional dining options that include The Snug pub, FARO Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room, or stay in and enjoy our selection of In-Room Dining. Relax in well-appointed guestrooms and suites, knowing we have thought of every detail to keep you safe and help take the stress out of your luxurious stay with us. oakbaybeachhotel.com

BUTCHER

Glenwood Meats

Thank You Victoria For Supporting Local!

Thank you for Voting for us.

Everyone at Glenwood Meats would like to thank our customers for the ongoing support during this different year. With gracious gratitude a heartfelt Thank you!

250-478-6328

1245 Parkdale Drive www.glenwoodmeats.ca

Open Wed - Sat 9 am - 5 pm

BUTCHER

Fraser Orr’s Butcher Pleased to meet you —Meat to please you!

Fraser Orr has been part of the famous haggis and sausage making family, Ronald Orr & Son’s Family Butcher that has spanned 38 years in Saanichton BC and gained legions of followers. With his siblings’ support, they have resurrected their family’s famous recipes.

“The very best butcher shopon the Island. Lovely goodquality cuts of meat. Delicious sausages, pies and Scottish delicacies. It’s a warm inviting shop toenter and the staff thereare wonderful.” — Jean Johnston Fraser Orr’s Butcher & Deli has gained a reputation for its quality meat, home made sausages, meat pies and haggis. There is no doubt youwill find all the classics here —Orr’s beef and pork sausages,bratwurst, Scottish slice sausage and a variety of meatpies.“We cook the way we cook for our own families,” says Lori Orr. Lori is also headbaker, cooking delicious soups and the manufacturer of deli and baked goods. As one might expect from a renowned butcher, there’s a multitude of meatchoices, from steaks to roasts, specialtycuts, chicken, pork and more. They dotheir best to source local and Island-grown products, from nearby farms — to ensure the products are hormone and antibiotic free. Fraser Orr’s shop is tailored to meet the needs of everyone, from the traditional Scottish specialty food customers — haggis is available year-

round in manyforms — to those looking for an easy-to-prepare dinner for one or more people. DELI: Orr’s has 13 varieties of meals to choose from, with everything from singleservingpies, soups and steak to prepped dinner ideas available in the display case. “It’s very convenient to grab a little something and take it home for dinner.” Depending on the day of the week, Orr’s offer various special items like rotisserie chicken, lasagna, Shepherds Pie, cabbage rolls, Scotch eggs and a variety of handpies and sausage rolls and other traditional items. There’s a daily hot lunch special available every day along with a soup of the day and a variety of grab’n go lunches, saladsand snacks. Located at 108-1931 Mt Newton X Rd, Saanichton. fraserorrsbutcher.com

Lori Orr, Fraser’s Wife and Business Partner, is the head baker for Orrs, cooking delicious soup and the manufacturer of deli and baked goods.

Fraserorrsbutcher.com Tuesday-Friday 9-5 | Saturday 9-4

108-1931 Mt Newton X RD | 778-351-2280 Phone orders available

F20 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Thank you from the Heart Pharmacy team for voting us Victoria’s Favourite Pharmacy for three straight years!

500

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

HeartPharmacy.com * No purchase necessary. See website for complete details.

HEART COMPOUNDING PHARMACY AT CADBORO BAY, 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd. HEART PHARMACY AT FAIRFIELD PLAZA, Fairﬁeld Plaza, 1594 Fairﬁeld Rd. HEART PHARMACY AT SHELBOURNE PLAZA, 3643 Shelbourne St. UVIC CAMPUS PHARMACY, UVIC SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd. ST. ANTHONY’S CLINIC PHARMACY, 582 Goldstream Ave. SIDNEY PHARMACY, 2425B Bevan Ave.

www.HeartPharmacy.com

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THANK Y❤U

PET CARE SERVICES

Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning

Victoria

For Voting Us #1 Pet Service Three Years In A Row! ow!

“Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning is thrilled to be voted Best Pet Care Service for the third year in a row! Happy Tails aims to provide cosmetic teeth cleaning services to Victoria’s dog and cat community with a level of customer service that is sure to please. Our calm, clean and professional atmosphere of our Spa’w location and our mobile capabilities where we come to you ensure that we offer the most efficient and safe services no matter your pet’s needs. We are extremely thankful to have the continuing support of our community of pet lovers, and we wish everyone and their four- legged friend the best in the New Year!” – Cheyanne Cave 778-265-2126 happytailsteethcleaning.com

Happy Tails offers a safer, time efficient way to naturally clean your pet’s teeth without the use of general anesthetic. Affordable and friendly service makes Happy Tails Teeth Cleaning the smart choice!

Call or Text 778-265-2126

Visit our website to find out more

happytailsteethcleaning.com CHINESE FOOD

Don Mee

A special thank you to all the voters who have voted for us every year. If your strolling Downtown through Victoria’s Chinatown, you cannot help but notice the luminous lantern sign that says Don Mee Seafood Restaurant. Don Mee Restaurant has been the heartbeat in Chinatown for over 95 years, establishing a tradition of dining through generation after generation. Don Mee has been serving Victoria since 1923 with traditional Cantonese and Szechuan style cuisine. They are most known for their large variety of Dim Sum, Roasted Peking Duck, and live seafood which includes Dungeness crab and Lobster. Don Mee’s lively and vibrant atmosphere is sure to make your dining experience a memorable one whether you’re enjoying our daily dim sum lunch or celebrating a special occasion. Come and find out why people from all over the world keep coming back to Don Mee. donmee.com

Thank you Victoria for voting us as a ﬁnalist in the Best Chinese Food category. We are proud to offer the ever-popular daily tradition of exotic dim sum cuisine. — THE HEARTBEAT OF CHINATOWN FOR OVER 80 YEARS — JUST LOOK FOR THE DON MEE LANTERN!

538 Fisgard St 250.383.1032 donmee.com

HEALTH FOOD STORE

Lifestyle Markets

We are thankful to the community for their support and voting us best Health Food store.

We are appreciative of your continued support during these challenging times. Although the holidays look a little different this year, you continue to share your love and support for our locally owned organic market. Established in 1995, Lifestyle Markets offers the largest selection of vitamins, supplements, natural body care, glutenfree foods, as well as organic and NonGMO groceries and produce. Other cool

things we offer include raw snacks, green cleaning products, Fair-Trade foods and a Café and Juice Bar that prepares fresh Organic food every day. We have so much to offer, you won’t be disappointed with your visit! We wish you and yours all the best this holiday season! from all of us here at Lifestyle Markets. 250-384-3388 • 180 - 2950 Douglas St lifestylemarkets.com

FERMENT ON PREMISE

Flying Fish Winery

At Flying Fish Winery we have devoted our lives to the premise that life is too short to drink bad wine. Wine is one of the great pleasures of life, and it’s our goal to show just how much of a pleasure good wine can be. Try a selection from our Cali 12 Collection today! Exclusive to Flying Fish Winery, these craft wines are made from 100% pure, cold pressed, fresh California grape juice. Over 20 varietals to choose from! For those who want an even more traditional approach to winemaking; we make wine from grapes, too. We import fresh whole grapes from California seasonally, so you can make your own California wines right here in BC, in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. We want you to fall in love with wine the same way we have. Whatever you’re looking for in a wine, port, beer, or cider… we can make it; and we can make it well.

Thank you for voting for us Victoria!

Enjoy twenty-first century wines made with the traditional values of the past. Look no further than us for your personal winemakers. flyingfishwinery.com

6782 Veyaness Rd #3, Saanichton (250) 652-8818

www.flyingfishwinery.com

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TRAIN WITH US! 14-Week VIRTUAL Training Clinic! CLINICS START MID-JANUARY LED BY 6-TIME TC10K WINNER LUCY SMITH $69 INCLUDES: • 14 week training schedule and guide • Online coaching, tips & motivation • Long sleeve tech shirt • Virtual community training group • $99 includes virtual TC10K

R E G I S T E R N O W AT

RUNSPORT.CA/CLINICS RUNSPORT.CA/CLINICS R E G I S T E R N O W AT

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

Thank you Victoria for choosing us as your favourite shoe store - visit our new online store at walkincomfort.ca Walk in Comfort’s staff are passionate about shoes and are dedicated to providing comfort, quality, style and outstanding customer service.

WALK IN COMFORT LOCATIONS AND HOURS DOWNTOWN VICTORIA 731 Fort St. Victoria 250-388-9910

WOODGROVE CENTRE 6631 N Island Hwy, Unit 73 Nanaimo, 250-390-7463

DOWNTOWN SIDNEY 2447 Beacon Ave. Sidney, 250-655-7463

MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE #304 – 3147 Douglas St. Victoria, 250-389-1158

HILLSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE 42-1644 Hillside Ave. Victoria, 250-592-2223

OAK BAY AVENUE 2238 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria, 250-598-9255 DOWNTOWN DUNCAN 150 Station St. Duncan, 250-597-1950

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