AUGUST 30TH – SEPTEMBER 4TH
KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012
MEET ’N GREET
Michael Graham Productions &
LEVVS[IVEVXW
PRESENTS A Staged Reading
friday august 31 9:30pm Finley’s 705 Vernon $5
pride early entry by donation to Nelson Food Cupboard
KOOTENAY
©2012
for further details please visit kootenaypride@facebook.com
Featuring . . . Karen Agnew Michael Calladine Chris Cook Oscar Derkx John Dooley Gus Fowler Neil Harrower
Pat Henman Deb Kozak Roger Ley Bob Long Joanna Maratta Clay McCann Brian Monroe
Michelle Mungal Jeremy Pawlowicz Bradley Roulston Philip Seagram Wade Swagar Tyler Stuart Taylor Dean Wilson
Friday, August 31, 7:30 pm Capitol Theatre 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, BC
Tickets $11 advance or $13 at the door
welcome to the kootenays Many of you don't need any introduction to this beautiful region, but for those who do, welcome! With Kootenay Pride in its sixteenth year, I couldn't be more proud to be a Nelsonite and Kootenay boy. And what an honour to be producing the first ever Official Kootenay Pride Guide in association with V-Rag Magazine, the largest monthly LGBTTQ publication west of Calgary. For those who have supported Pride for the last nearly-two decades, this year proves to be the biggest and most ambitious Pride yet, and for all you newbies, you're in for a real treat! Nelson and the Kootenays have a spirit and atmosphere that's almost tangible, an amazing sense of inclusiveness and acceptance that makes me proud to call it home. Our annual event is what a Pride celebration should be, a diverse and upbeat festival that brings our community together and invites everyone to join in the celebration. So if you're a local or a first-timer to the area, I hope you have a fantastic time at this year's 16th Annual Kootenay Pride!
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Vancouver’s Gay Arts & Culture Rag
Find V-Rag every month at Otter Books!
Tret Fure and Kate Re
id
Pride Saturday @ 8pm Spiritbar Doors $20
An Evening of Great Song from 2 Fabulous Musicians Show your Pride at this fundraiser for Nelson's Women Center
KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012
004 welcome to the kootenays
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned vet
006 kootenay pride 2012
Help us celebrate Pride's 'Sweet Sixteen' this year
007 calendar of events
All you need to know about this year's festivities
010 q&a: myria lenoir
Your Nelson hostess with the mostess
010 q&a: conni smudge
Vancouver's queen invites you to chew it off
011 THE SOUNDS OF PRIDE
What will be the soundtrack to 2012?
012 inkredible kootenays
Check out these amazing attractions
015 index of attractions
From beaches to food to shopping, it's all here
The Kootenay Pride Guide is produced by V-Rag Magazine, Vancouver's monthly LGBTTQ arts and culture magazine. Special thanks to the Kootenay Pride Committee, Don Crowe, Drew Lethbridge, Jason Peil, Brad Fergusson, Chris Bolton, Jason McColl, Denyse Kyte, Gordon Johnston and all the businesses who helped support Pride this year. V-Rag Magazine 1535 West Broadway, PO Box 29141 Vancouver B.C. V6J 1W6 V-Rag is printed by Cole Johnston Design. No part of this may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written consent from the publisher. All content Š 2012 Cole Johnston Design.
kootenay pride 2012 It's hard to believe that Kootenay Pride is 16 this year! Sweet Sixteen and we're growing up! Not only is this the biggest and busiest Kootenay Pride in Nelson's history, but we've also expanded to include Castlegar for the very first time. The Kootenay Pride kick-off party will take over the stunning Element Nightclub on Thursday Aug. 30th for a historic event. The next day, The Capitol Theatre will host a new play by Milk writer Dustin Lance Black entitled '8', a political recreation of the California State Proposition 8 trial. Afterwards, the annual Pride Meet 'n' Greet will once again be held at Finley's Irish Pub. It's a great way to get to know Pride friends, old and new. Saturday night and I like the way you move at Spirit Bar! No need to go anywhere else, as Pride will make this venue its home for the evening well into the morning hours. Come down and help us support Nelson's Women Centre while watching a night of NDCU_Pride_2012_CMYK_OUT.pdf 8/22/2012 great music and song with two fabulous musicians, Tret Fure and Kate Reid. Following
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that, the vibe changes a bit with Myria Lenoir hosting this year's Divas Drag Show featuring Conni Smudge! If last year was any indication, expect a very colourful night! Sunday will of course be the 16th Annual Pride Parade, the centrepiece of Kootenay Pride. Wear your rainbows and cheer on those in your community making a difference. The parade begins at Central School (Stanley Street at Carbonate Street) and makes its way down historic Baker Street all the way to Cottonwood Park. There, you'll find the 16th Annual Pride Rally featuring vendors, spoken word, food, live music and DJs all afternoon. Don't go anywhere, as the Sunday night Funk 'n' Disco Dance will be right around the corner at the Rod & Gun Club, with local DJ Sturdy and DJ Coleo from Vancouver (hot off his last gig opening for CeCe Peniston at Vancouver Pride). Monday is sure to see a few hangovers, 3:11:04 butPM that's to be expected with a weekend of this much fun. Now let the festivities begin!
KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012
THURSDAY
AUG. 30
Castlegar Pride: Bottoms Up 10:00pm – 2:00am @ Element Nightclub 292 Columbia Ave.
calendar of events
www.facebook.com/ events/266469796795754
FRIDAY
AUG. 31
SATURDAY
SEPT. 1
SUNDAY
SEPT. 2
MONDAY
SEPT. 3
'8': A New Play by Dustin Lance Black
Kootenay Pride 2012: Annual Meet n Greet
Post-Meet n Greet Munchies
7:30pm – 10:00pm @ The Capitol Theatre 421 Victoria St.
10:00pm – 2:00am @ Finley's Irish Pub 705 Vernon St.
2:00am – 3:00am @ Wait's News 499 Baker St.
www.facebook.com/ events/337219963028031
www.facebook.com/ events/376824229048715
Why are Faggots so Afraind of Faggots?
Tret Fure & Kate Reid An Evening of Song
Kootenay Pride 2012: Divas Drag Show
Book Study 11:00am – 12:30pm Location TBA
8:00pm – 10:00pm @ Spirit Bar 422 Vernon St.
10:00pm – 2:00am @ Spirit Bar 422 Vernon St.
www.facebook.com/ events/258707670897214
www.facebook.com/ events/447921591909174
www.facebook.com/ events/413175482065944
Kootenay Pride 2012: Parade
Kootenay Pride 2012: Rally
Kootenay Pride 2012: Funk n Disco Dance
3:00pm – 4:00pm Start: Stanley at Carbonate End: Cottonwood Park
4:00pm – 6:00pm @ Cottonwood Park 199 Carbonate St.
9:00pm – 1:00am @ The Rod & Gun Club 801 Railway
www.facebook.com/ events/269093273197576
www.facebook.com/ events/269093273197576
www.facebook.com/ events/475201325840000
Pride Business Window Contest 2012
Kootenay Pride 2012: Mimosa Monday
See You in 2013!
Votes tallied today, vote for your favourite window!
10:00am till late @ Hume Hotel 422 Vernon St.
www.facebook.com/ events/424339314275036
www.facebook.com/ events/134251376714497
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organic produce hundreds of bulk items prepared foods fresh meat & seafood grocery vitamins & supplements healthy bodycare products
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Mon-Sat 8am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm
kootenay st
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Conveniently situated in Nelson's historic downtown, Dancing Bear Inn is the perfect 'home base' for travelers in search of the 'Kootenay experience'.
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FUNK’N DISCO 12
stanley st
171 Baker Street Nelson, BC www.dancingbearinn.com toll free: 1.877.352.7573 4 email: info@dancingbearinn.com
fall st
295 Baker Street, Nelson BC ph: 250 354 4077
Library
sunday september 2 8pm The Rod & Gun Club 801 Railway $20
pride KOOTENAY
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! ! !!!!WAIT’S NEWS !!!!WAIT’S NEWS ! !!!!WAIT’S NEWS 499 BAKER ST 499 BAKER ST 499 BAKER ST NELSON, B.C. B.C. NELSON, NELSON, B.C. 250-352-5667 250-352-5667 Open 6am-6pm Mon.-Sat. 250-352-5667
8am-4pm Sundays 10:30pm-3am Fri. & Sat.
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BiBO 518 Hall Street Cottonwood Park 199 Carbonate Street Craft Connection 378 Baker Street Dancing Bear Inn 171 Baker Street Finley's Irish Pub 705 Vernon Street
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Kootenay B 377 Baker S Kootenay C 295 Baker S Lakeside P Nelson Ave L Boutique 488 Baker S Nelson Cre 501 Vernon
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Come down Sunday after the Parade and check us out!
kootenay lake
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KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012
lakeside dr 1
MEET ’N GREET
lake st
City Hall
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friday august 31
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pride
vernon st
KOOTENAY
hall st
400
Post Office
500
victoria st
josephine st
400
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ward st
500
! !!!!WAIT’S! NEWS AIT’S 499 NEWS BAKER ST 9 BAKER ST B.C. NELSON, 15 ELSON,250-352-5667 B.C. 50-352-5667 baker st
hendryx st
300
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front st
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Kootenay School of the Arts
silica st
Bakery Co-Op Street Co-Op Street Park enue
Street edit Union n Street
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Ric's Grill 701 Lakeside Drive The Rod & Gun Club 801 Railway Spirit Bar 422 Vernon Street Touchstones Gallery 502 Vernon Street Wait's News 499 Baker Street
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myria lenoir
conni smudge
Who is Myria Lenoir?
Who is Conni Smudge?
How do I answer that? Let’s put it this way: she is a figment of your imagination, or better, my imagination. A bitchy, ballsy, brassy babe. Who’s had the courage to go forward and change the world she lives in. She’s kinda funny, kinda quirky with a heart of gold, but definitely not for the faint of heart.
Mz. Smudge is a people pleaser. She is an ambassador for the gay community. She is an entertainer, a leader, she is an original. And most importantly she is unstoppable!
What makes the Kootenays so special for the LGBTTQ community?
I think it is a way that we can literally come out. Step out of our comfort zones, our cozy homes and neighbourhoods, gratefully filled with supportive friends and family that share our same views. To get out and about and meet new friends, like minded people. Showing everyone that our similarities out number our differences.
Well I live here darling! The people are really cool, the city is open and accepting. It’s a great place to raise kids. There is a sense of being at home in Nelson. The view is panoramic. There's an atmosphere of fun, frivolity and festivity. Everyday I walk the street it’s a parade. Best place to get your groove on? Are we talking about dancin’? Or the kinda grooving you like to do? Because I can recommend a few spots for both. For dancing: the Spirit Bar of course, Finley's is always a good time, especially if you like the hits from eighties. For the other kind of grooving there’s always my place. If that’s full up, there’s Painted Rock. What advice would you give Nelson firsttimers? Bring rubbers [hahaha]. I give that advice to everybody no matter where you travel! Come with an open mind, polish up your boogie shoes and get ready to have the time of your life. Favourite Kootenay Pride memory?
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It’s all a haze.
Why do you think Pride celebrations are important in smaller rural communities?
Favourite Nelson post-Pride haunt? Have to say it in one word – Glade – or as Conni calls it "Glawd'eh". Best place to see something wild? The ride on the ferry back to Glade after the celebrations on Pride Sunday. What does Kootenay Pride mean to you? It is a time to rejoice! A celebration of our mosaic. A time when all of our shapes and colours are acknowledged and appreciated. It is also a yearly reminder to carry that Pride with us 24/7, 365. Favourite Kootenay Pride memory? Crashing a wedding after Pride last year. Minding her own business, enjoying a cocktail at the Prestige after Pride celebrations, Conni was pulled into crashing a wedding. You can relive it all if you YouTube "Conni Smudge Wedding Crasher". So much Fun!
KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012
Tasty. Healthy. Community Owned.
the sounds of pride 2012 For every Pride there's a soundtrack to the weekend. Whether this is the music playing in your car on your road trip up to the Kootenays, the song you're humming in your head on your walk down to Lakeside Park, the great band you saw at Spirit Bar or the DJ that has you dancing into the wee morning hours. It's different for everyone, and as diverse as the community that Kootenay Pride represents. This year sees even more talent, both local and international. The Pride Word Jam Music Slam will get things going on Saturday the 1st with spoken word performance, poetry, readings, and musical pieces. Later that night Tret Fure and Kate Reid take over the Spirit Bar for an evening of great song benefiting Nelson's Women Centre. Sunday will see DJ Sturdy and DJ Coleo rocking the Pride Ralley at Cottonwood Park, then throwing you back to the days of classic tracks at the Funk 'N' Disco Dance all night long. Check out Coleo's retro dance party top ten tracks for this year's Pride:
organic produce hundreds of bulk items prepared foods fresh meat & seafood grocery vitamins & supplements healthy bodycare products
Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 8am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm 295 Baker Street, Nelson BC ph: 250 354 4077
FUNK’N DISCO sunday september 2
DJ Coleo Top 10 Pride Tracks 2012 01: The Bucketheads – "The Bomb (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind)" 02: Civiles & Cole – "Pride (A Deeper Love)" 03: L ove Inc. – "Broken Bones (Club Mix)" 04: CeCe Peniston – "Finally (David Morales Classic Fun Mix)" 05: PJ – "Happy Days (Unreleased Remix)" 06: Avant Garde – "Get Down" 07: Crystal Waters – "100% Pure Love" 08: Deee-Lite – "Runaway" 09: Club Ultimate – "Carnival (Pride '95 Mix)" 10: Donna Summer – "I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Extended Remix)"
8pm The Rod & Gun Club 801 Railway $20
pride tickets available at door
KOOTENAY
©2012
for further details please visit kootenaypride@facebook.com
SPIRIT BAR, NELSON
element nightclub, castlegar
While Spirit Bar resembles a nightclub you might expect to find in an urban, cosmopolitan centre, it is infused with a spirit that is distinctly Nelson; inclusive and diverse by design, Spirit Bar is Nelson’s entertainment hub, hosting established and upcoming acts both local and international, the space segmented into zones for lounging, catching up with friends, or dancing the night away. The vibe is friendly, and, taken in sum with an impressive LED lighting array, killer sound system, and slick finishing, cements Spirit Bar as Nelson’s preferred nightspot. See the club in full force on Saturday September 1st for Tret Fure and Kate Reid followed by Myria Lenoir's Divas Drag Show.
Thanks to Element Nightclub, Castlegar is hosting its first ever gay Pride event! That's right, Kootenay Pride is no longer confined to Nelson, but is expanding out into the rest of the region for a historic night on Thursday August 30th. The 600 seat award winning resto-club in downtown Castlegar features a state-ofthe-art sound system and light show that needs to be heard and seen to be believed. With nightly DJs and live entertainment, Element is a slice of inner city life dropped into the heart of the Kootenays. For over 5 years, the venue has seen the likes of Mark Farina, Benny Benassi, Naughty By Nature and K-OS. Thanks for adding Pride to the list!
422 Vernon St. www.humehotel.com
292 Columbia Ave. www.clubelement.ca
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KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012
bibo, NELSON
ric's grill, nelson
It's definitely patio season here in Nelson and one of the most beautiful spots downtown is at BiBO. Nothing says summer quite like Italian and Mediterranean tapas and wine on a garden deck overlooking the city. This is the type of place you could spend the entire evening at and not even notice until the hanging lights come on. With its rustic charm and heritage brickwork blending with modern furnishings and a distinct metropolitan feel, you'll probably think you've been transported to one of New York's famous cafes. The menu will also impress the most discerning palette. Come for the patio, stay for the ever-evolving seasonal menu and wine list.
Ric's Lounge & Grill has the distinction of being the only waterfront patio in Nelson, and what a location! The term 'million dollar view' is tossed around a lot, but here's an occasion that it couldn't be more apt. Located in the Prestige Lakeside Resort, the cozy restaurant has fireplaces, couches and a mountain resort feel. A huge modern deck backs right onto Kootenay Lake, with views of Elephant Mountain, the Big Orange Bridge, and the marina. Not only that, the Lakeside Walk runs from the front door right to Lakeside Park and beach. I know where we'll be all afternoon, the friendly staff and servers make this patio not only stunning but welcoming as well! See you there!
518 Hall St. www.bibonelson.ca
701 Lakeside Dr. www.ricsgrill.com
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lakeside park, NELSON
red sands nude beach, nelson
After a night (or several nights) of partying, there's nothing better than collapsing onto a pristine white sandy beach nestled on Kootenay Lake. Definitely the epicenter of the summer tourism boom, Lakeside Park has it all. Tennis courts, lawn bowling, a labyrinth, picnic tables, a concession stand, soccer fields and a gorgeous waterfront walkway going all the way to Ric's Grill. Oh yeah, and that beach! While it can get fairly busy on a hot sunny day, you'll always be able to find a spot to sunbathe, people watch and enjoy views of the lake and the Big Orange Bridge (affectionately known as Bob). The park is a short walk from downtown, and worth enjoying a cool post-Pride dip in the lake!
For the more adventurous traveller, Red Sands Nude Beach offers just that... beautiful red sand, warm private water and a place to bare all. At the end of Bealby Point Road, just a short stroll through a forested area will reveal an all-natural oasis that looks more Caribbean than Canadian. Although Red Sands is considered one of the best nude beaches in British Columbia, it's remained undeveloped and true to the spirit of the 1960s. It may be well-known among locals, but it will never seem crowded or overly busy, even on a hot long weekend afternoon. Of course, all are welcome, nude or not, and the beach is worth seeing just for its incredible views of the North Shore.
Nelson Ave. www.nelson.ca
Bealby Point Rd. www.redsands.ca
KOOTENAY PRIDE GUIDE 2012 accomodation Best Western 153 Baker St. Dancing Bear Inn
Centrally located in Nelson, the Dancing Bear Inn is an international travelers hostel. Our belief is that a perfect accommodation should invite travellers of all ages and nationalities into a common experience, which is personalized but not exclusive, engaging not isolating and comfortable but not expensive.
dancingbearinn.com 1.877.352.7573 171 Baker St. Hume Hotel 422 Vernon St. Nelson City Campground 90 High St. New Grand Hotel 616 Vernon St. Prestige Lakeside 701 Lakeside Dr.
The Red Snowshoe 2497 Slocan Valley Rd.
attractions Capitol Theatre 421 Victoria St. Cottonwood Park 199 Carbonate St. Gyro Park Gyro Park Rd. Lakeside Park Nelson Ave. Red Sands Beach Bealby Point Rd. Touchstones Museum & Art Gallery 502 Vernon St.
coffee Dominion Cafe 334 Baker St. Grounded 616 Vernon St. John Ward Coffee 503 Baker St. Oso Negro 604 Ward St. Sidewinders Coffee 696 Baker St.
dining All Seasons Cafe 620 Herridge Lane
BiBO
BiBO serves modern bistro fare, rustic Italian, Mediterranean, European inspired comfort food; a carefully selected winelist and perfected cocktails to enjoy within historic brick walls. Using the finest local, in season or organic ingredients, the summertime patio is an oasis up and away from streets.
bibonelson.ca 250.352.2744 518 Hall St.
El Taco 306 Victoria St. Jackson's Hole 524 Vernon St. Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-Op
The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op is a worker cooperative that creates food from scratch. By using mostly Organic and often local ingredients we produce a multitude of baked goods and cafe food catering to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
kootenaybakery.com 250.352.2274 377 Baker St. Kootenay Co-Op
Certified organic, local produce and groceries. Take-out deli and gourmet cheeses. More than 400 bulk food items. Supplements and natural body care. Exceptional customer service. Kootenay Co-Op is a community-owned natural foods store where everyone is welcome!
kootenay.coop 250.354.4077 295 Baker St. Kurama Sushi 491 Baker St.
Lucky Cupcakes 564 Baker St. Main Street Diner 616 Baker St. New China Restaurant 702 Vernon St. The Outer Clove 536 Stanley St. Ric's Grill
Welcome to Ric’s. Located in the Prestige Lakeside Resort, Ric’s serves up house made
sauces, dressings and rubs to enhance the best in Ocean Wise seafood and premium Alberta beef. Join us on Nelson’s only waterfront patio for creative cocktails, appetizers and our legendary BBQ buffet. Breakfast ‘til late night.
Vadim Kristopher Salon 506 Herridge Lane
shopping BC Wineguys 410 Kootenay St. Bent Over Leather 737 Baker St.
ricsgrill.com 250.354.1472 701 Lakeside Dr.
Chahko Mika Mall 1200 Lakeside Dr.
Smokewood BBQ 502 Front St.
We are workers in wood, metal, clay, glass, fibre, and wax; we are basket makers, jewellers and book binders. Visit our store in the heart of Historic Baker Street and discover many unique creations made by the hands of Kootenay artists that are both functional & stunning.
Wait's News
World's best milkshakes! Homecooked soups and sandwiches, fresh pizza, coffee and baking. Open Mon.Sat. 6am-6pm, Sun. 8am-4pm. Plus open late on Fridays & Saturdays, 10:30pm-3am!
(250) 352-5667 499 Baker Street
nightlife Element Nightclub 292 Columbia Ave., Castlegar BC
Craft Connection
craftconnection.org 250.352.3006 378 Baker St. Esprit de la Femme Suite 4-502 Baker St. The Fairies Pyjamas 358 Baker St.
Finley's Irish Pub 705 Vernon St.
Gerick Cycle Nelson 702 Baker St.
Mike's Place 422 Vernon St.
Global Underground 532 Ward St.
New Grand Hotel 616 Vernon St.
Isis Essentials 582 Ward St.
The Royal 330 Baker St.
Kolmel Jewellery 459 Ward St.
Spirit Bar 422 Vernon St.
L Boutique
services CaTS TaTS 711 Houston St. Enso Hair Design 336 Baker St. Nelson Urban Acres nelsonurbanacres.ca Nelson & District Credit Union
Over 55 years in business! Through careful and ethical stewardship of our members’ resources, financial success is shared by members and the communities that we so strongly support.
nelsoncu.com 1.877.352.7207 501 Vernon St.
Tea Garden Aveda Salon & Spa 502 Baker St.
Find Trillium Soaps and Candles here in Nelson, as well as a host of men's and women's wear. Check us out on Baker Street or at Heather Ross In House in Vancouver.
trilliumsc.com 250.354.4448 488 Baker St.
Love of Shiva Boutique 526 Stanley St. Otter Books Inc. 398 Baker St. Packrat Annie's 411 Kootenay St. Phoenix Computers 468 Baker St. Reo's Video 607 Front St. Starlight Cinema 323 Nelson Ave. Wine Kitz Nelson 630 Front St.