Oak Bay News, March 18, 2015

Buying or selling in Oak Bay? Give me a call. Area specialization does make a difference! Royal Le Page Coast Capital Realty

[email protected] 250-893-5800

BAYOAK OAKBAYOAKBAY

PLANNING ON SELLING YOUR HOMEIN THE NEAR FUTURE, OR JUST CURIOUS

ON TODAYS MARKET VALUE. Please contact me for a very knowledgeable, educated opinion of value. I have specialized my Real Estate career in Oak Bay for over 25 + years

and have been involved in hundreds of sales in the area!

2045 Cadboro Bay Rd, Victoria

250-595-1535www.boorman.com

Real Estate

Property Management

BOORMAN’SSINCE 1933

BOORMAN’SSINCE 1933

Winner receives $100,000 in arena upgrades plus opportunity to host

an NHL exhibition game.

VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY at 8:00 pm at KHV2015.CA

HELP OUR COMMUNITY BECOMETHE NEXT KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE

Panorama Recreation Centre Arena B, North Saanich is now in top 10!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 oakbaynews.com

Cookies comingGirl Guides planning a blitz of Oak Bay

Page A2

NEWS: Police officer engaged in improper conduct /A2SPORTS: Oak Bay places sixth in B.C. basketball /A6ARTS: Hotel puts kitchen party on the menu /A10

OAK BAYNEWSDestination for kitchen scraps on back burner

Christine van ReeuwykNews Staff

Developing an Island solution for kitchen scraps is on hold and Oak Bay’s organic waste continues to be shipped to the Lower Mainland.

“We are in a holding pattern,” said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen.

CRD staff suggested a “pause on the process” because the CRD’s core area liquid waste committee has embarked on a market sounding process for technologies to process liquid waste that could incorporate kitchen scraps and municipal solid waste.

“In the meantime, kitchen scraps in Oak Bay are being sent to a processing plant in Richmond,” Jensen said.

Kitchen waste from Victoria, View Royal, Esquimalt and Sidney are also transported to Harvest Power.

“It’s unfortunate, I think, but we know the carbon footprint of shipping it to the Richmond energy garden is better than landfilling. It prolongs the life of Hartland [landfill]. We’ll be hard-pressed to find a new landfilll site so close so whatever we can do to prolong the life is good,” said Oak Bay Coun. Michelle Kirby.

“I just hope this doesn’t delay construction of a local facility by any great extent because we need it as soon as possible.”

As Hartland landfill set about banning kitchen waste to start this year, last fall the board tasked CRD staff to see if there was a way to “establish a processing society in region or in proximity to the region.”

They received 15 proposals.However, staff expect the market sounding to look at

residual solids from liquid waste process and how kitchen scraps could be integrated.

“Clearly we’re going to accumulate a sizable quantity of diverted kitchen scraps with potentially no solution other than sending them offshore,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “I’m wondering what potential is there that this could take years to resolve?”

CRD staff suggest it could only be a couple of months until the market sounding results come back. Those

results too were a concern for Windsor, where Central Saanich has dipped into the issue of biosolids use on farmland.

“It’s fairly obvious when the proposal of combining biosolids with other scraps and creating a soil… the community responds in a way that is not positive, to put it lightly. But I’ll wait to see the report back in a couple months.”

It’s a stance the CRD has also taken in the past, vowing no biosolid use on land.

“There seems to be a clear policy that we’ve taken as a board that it not be done in this region,” said Jensen,

adding it would be a collision of policies. “Before we can even consider that we would have to go back and revisit a policy which was already revisited twice I think with the application of biosolids.”

As for the timeline, the next step would have been a shortlisting which takes time, so staff presume a couple months is within reasonable timelines to respond to those who submitted the 15 proposals.

“I would rather see us move forward sooner rather than later … operators may not be so keen down the road,” Windsor said.

[email protected]

Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff

Oak Bay Coun. Michelle Kirby hopes a local solution for kitchen scraps isn’t delayed too long after 15 proposals to the CRD were put on hold last week.

CRD receives 15 proposals to process organic waste locally

A2 •www.oakbaynews.com Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS

Spring styles in full bloom!

GET ONE!

BUY ONE! ½

OFF!*

*On regular priced items only. *2nd item at ½ price must be equal or lesser value. Excludes Alia, TanJay, Nygard & Bianca.

www.suzannes.biz

Westshore Town Centre 250-478-3885 Hillside Centre 250-598-3502

Beacon Plaza 250-656-0096Broadmead Village 250-658-3618

Private Boutique Salon located in Serenity Esthetics

108 - 2250 Oak Bay Ave, (below The Oaks)

Jane Hair

250 588 7562 Monday - Saturday9am - 6pm (flexible)

l i ve f rom v ic tor ia

Friday, April 17

1:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, April 18

9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Sunday, April 19

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Create Your Dream Home

Celebrating 30 Years in Victoria!

Create Your Dream Home

SHUTTLE BUS between ARENAS!

Create Your Dream HomeCreate Your Dream HomeFREE E BUSE BUS between ARENAS! between ARENAS!E BUSE BUS

PARKING!

FREEFREE SHUTTLSHUTTLE BUSE BUS PARKING!FREE

ONE LOCATION! 3 ARENAS! 3 BIG DAYS!West Shore Parks & Recreation

1767 Old Island Highway

EXPOHOME

2015

Victoria’s Largest Building, Renovation and Decor Show!

FREEADMISSION!

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

HOMESHOWTIMEwww. .comProducer of Victoria’s

Only FREE Shows!

sponsored byShow information1-800-471-1112

Dan EbenalNews Staff

A Vancouver police officer has been found to have engaged in improper conduct in relation to an

Oak Bay homicide investigation.

Const. Stephen Todd was found guilty of corrupt practice and improper disclosure of information in connection with the

investigation into the Dec. 11, 2001 death of Owen Padmore in Oak Bay.

“As an experienced police officer he clearly knew that his conduct in accessing the computer database was improper,” said adjudicator Wally Oppal in his findings for the Office of the Police Complaint

Commissioner. He also found that Todd had disclosed information to his cousin, Rob Ander, who was a suspect in the homicide investigation.

“The fact that he accessed a database on three different occasions, confirms my view that he wilfully disclosed the information to his cousin.”

The charges stem from the death of Owen Padmore, who died under somewhat mysterious circumstances from a head injury suffered in a residence that was occupied by his mother Jeanne Padmore, his sister Christabel Padmore and Ander.

Jeanne Padmore

testified that she had been awakened by a thump and went downstairs to discover her son in an apparent dazed condition with a head wound. He was taken to the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria where he died after being in a coma for 36 hours.

The death was originally ruled as a result of an accidental fall and the file remained closed until 2008 when a friend of Padmore contacted RCMP to say there had been animosity between Ander and Padmore. As a result of the new information, Oak Bay Police reopened the investigation, obtaining authorization to

intercept private communication for Ander as well as Christabel and Jeanne Padmore.

By 2010 the police investigation began to focus on Todd, who was brought in for questioning. Todd told police that Ander admitted his involvement in Padmore’s death. However, Todd later told his representative with the Vancouver Police Union that he made up the confessions because he was under immense emotional pressure.

“There were of course, a number of blatant untruths that were conveyed to Todd,” said Oppal, who pointed to a false report to Crown

counsel as well as a fabricated letter under a Deputy Attorney General letterhead.

“At times the conduct of the police was flagrant,” said Oppal in his decision.

“It is well recognized that deception by the police in the investigation of crimes is often acceptable. In this case, however, the actions of the police were well beyond the pale.”

Oppal said he could not determine if Ander committed the assault which caused Padmore’s death, and as a result found Todd not guilty of the more serious charges of deceit, discreditable conduct and neglect of [email protected]


Vancouver officer found guilty of corrupt practiceOfficer improperly disclosed information related to Oak Bay homicide investigation

Drive-by greetingFergus the Welsh terrier greets Carmine the chow as he takes a rest in a wagon while on an outing to Willows Beach.

Stephanie Krohn-Jarrar photo

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 www.oakbaynews.com • A3

MAYFAIR SHOPPING CENTREwww.MayfairJewellery.ca

Some jewelry displayed patented (US Pat. No. 7,007,507) • © Pandora • PANDORA.NET

*See store for details.

March 19-22Free PANDORA Bracelet with Purchase*


A Vancouver police officer has been found to have engaged in improper conduct in relation to an

Oak Bay homicide investigation.

Const. Stephen Todd was found guilty of corrupt practice and improper disclosure of information in connection with the

investigation into the Dec. 11, 2001 death of Owen Padmore in Oak Bay.

“As an experienced police officer he clearly knew that his conduct in accessing the computer database was improper,” said adjudicator Wally Oppal in his findings for the Office of the Police Complaint

Commissioner. He also found that Todd had disclosed information to his cousin, Rob Ander, who was a suspect in the homicide investigation.

“The fact that he accessed a database on three different occasions, confirms my view that he wilfully disclosed the information to his cousin.”

The charges stem from the death of Owen Padmore, who died under somewhat mysterious circumstances from a head injury suffered in a residence that was occupied by his mother Jeanne Padmore, his sister Christabel Padmore and Ander.

Jeanne Padmore

testified that she had been awakened by a thump and went downstairs to discover her son in an apparent dazed condition with a head wound. He was taken to the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria where he died after being in a coma for 36 hours.

The death was originally ruled as a result of an accidental fall and the file remained closed until 2008 when a friend of Padmore contacted RCMP to say there had been animosity between Ander and Padmore. As a result of the new information, Oak Bay Police reopened the investigation, obtaining authorization to

intercept private communication for Ander as well as Christabel and Jeanne Padmore.

By 2010 the police investigation began to focus on Todd, who was brought in for questioning. Todd told police that Ander admitted his involvement in Padmore’s death. However, Todd later told his representative with the Vancouver Police Union that he made up the confessions because he was under immense emotional pressure.

“There were of course, a number of blatant untruths that were conveyed to Todd,” said Oppal, who pointed to a false report to Crown

counsel as well as a fabricated letter under a Deputy Attorney General letterhead.

“At times the conduct of the police was flagrant,” said Oppal in his decision.

“It is well recognized that deception by the police in the investigation of crimes is often acceptable. In this case, however, the actions of the police were well beyond the pale.”

Oppal said he could not determine if Ander committed the assault which caused Padmore’s death, and as a result found Todd not guilty of the more serious charges of deceit, discreditable conduct and neglect of [email protected]


Vancouver officer found guilty of corrupt practiceOfficer improperly disclosed information related to Oak Bay homicide investigation

Drive-by greetingFergus the Welsh terrier greets Carmine the chow as he takes a rest in a wagon while on an outing to Willows Beach.

Stephanie Krohn-Jarrar photo


Guides plan an Oak Bay blitzChristine van ReeuwykNews Staff

Savannah Newton actually lights up in excitement as she anticipates her first cookie blitz in Oak Bay.

“I like selling cookies,” said the second-year Brownie with 1st Chatham Girl Guides who only sold door-to-door last year. “This year I’m doing it with Emily.”

Emily MacMillan, for her part, has a great story about last year’s cookie sales.

“The mayor came along and bought lots of cookies,” she said with a grin.

Selling a lot of cookies means more camping for girls from the local level to international travel.

“They are our main mode of fundraising for Girl Guides across the country,” said Neala St. Hilaire, a Pathfinders leader and Chatham District commissioner. “We really try to make it so parents, they pay the fee, they sell the cookies and that would be all they need to do (financially).”

Registration, and the fall tea, provide some of the maintenance of Bowker Hall where 1st Chatham meet, along with other incidentals.

“The cookies go more toward the events the kids are doing,” St. Hilaire said.

For example, this year one unit bumped its cookie order to 95 cases, the norm is 65, to help fund an overnight trip at Vancouver Aquarium.

“They are going to be out in full force,” St. Hilaire said.

The cookies also support every level, from local groups to international work, and at the Oak Bay Girl Guide hall there are at least two girls slated for international travel this year – to Mexico and India. They fund the provincial and national websites and other administration tools that make the volunteers’ jobs easier, St. Hilaire said.

The young ladies will also sell their classic chocolate and vanilla sandwich cookies in a one-day blitz of Oak Bay Avenue. They plan to set up stands March 28 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. along Oak Bay Avenue between Wilmot Place and Monterey Avenue. The girls usually spread out along both sides of the street, making sure that they do not interrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic or block businesses.

Girls will do door-to-door sales as usual, covering the realm of Oak Bay. cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.


First Chatham Brownies Savanah Newton and Emily MacMillan are set to blitz Oak Bay Avenue and head door-to-door with the traditional vanilla and chocolate Girl Guide cookies this month.

Victoria keeping sewage options openAndrea PeacockBlack Press

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps is open to giving up government funding for a regional sewage treatment plan if it means find-ing opportunities for cheaper technology and different sites.

The City of Victoria is work-ing to make a sewage treat-ment plan work with the CRD, but it is still keeping its options open, said Helps.

The city is not only contrib-uting to a region-wide solution, but it is also looking into a Vic-

toria-only option.“My preference is that we can

get along with our neighbours and find a way to bring this project to completion in a col-laborative and forward-looking way,” said Helps. “At the same time, I am committed to finding a solution that is cost-effective and long term. We’re keeping our options open.”

This may mean giving up the government funding.

“There are a lot of restric-tions that come with certain pots of funding, and I would like to try to meet those, but at

the same time, we’ve got to be realistic. Do we chase money, or do we create long-term, cost-effective solutions?

“We’ve got to truly be open to things that we might not have thought of before in terms of sites or conveyancing. If we can come up with cheaper technology, different sites, less conveyancing, the project itself may not cost that much.”

The CRD approved a time-line for sewage treatment that will not see it completed until 2023 or 2024, yet still follows the funding deadlines set by

the provincial and federal gov-ernments.

“I think we can get things done before then, if only because we have to,” said Helps.

There may be opportunities to shorten the timeline, includ-ing in the procurement and construction processes, said CRD chair Nils Jensen.

“There’s never a guarantee when you have seven commu-nities around the table trying to wrestle with a very complex issue and moving parts,” he said.

Eastsideeyes sitesChristine van ReeuwykNews Staff

The issue of sites came up during a planning and strategy session on public input during the Eastside Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Select Committee meeting on March 4.

Oak Bay Coun. Kevin Murdoch attended the meeting in Mayor Nils Jensen’s place.

“My hope here is really that this committee fairly quickly and efficiently comes up with a list of possible sites, technologies and costs that might be viable as a standalone Eastside option, get that back to the CRD board as quickly as possible and have those three – Westside, Eastside and conjoined – options available.”

Costs are determined by linkages, locations and levels of expected treatment and early on it’s “very much an engineering exercise.”

“I think our job is to narrow it down as soon as possible to a few viable ones,” Murdoch said during discussion. “Then we can go out to public consultation and get a better understanding – they’re all going to have impact on traffic, on smell, on digging up roads and things to lay pipes – and get some public consultation back on that front.”

His sentiment that it’s “much easier for people to address a concrete proposal” was a common theme among the board.

The City of Victoria asked for a list of potential sites and asked each other municipality to provide the same.

They don’t have the time for a “blank notebook” and “open-ended public consultation” isn’t an option, said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps

“We don’t have that luxury right now,” Helps said. “What I would like, is to have each municipality at this table cough up some sites – not just a site because this is a really bad idea – and have some intelligent conversation with the public about what’s possible on those sites.”

Oak Bay staff will seek out potential wastewater treatment locations in the community to report back to an in-camera, or closed session, of council as it’s a land issue.

Each municipality would be expected to bring those possible sites back to the CRD in early April.

The next meeting of the Eastside committee is March 18.

A4 • www.oakbaynews.com Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWSA4 • www.oakbaynews.com Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS

EDITORIAL Penny Sakamoto Group PublisherDan Ebenal Editor Oliver Sommer Advertising Director

The OAK BAY NEWS is published by Black Press Ltd. | 207A-2187 Oak Bay Ave., Oak Bay, B.C. V8R 1G1 | Phone: 250-598-4123 • Web: oakbaynews.com

OAK BAYNEWS

The OAK BAY NEWS is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

What do you think? Give us your comments by e-mail: [email protected] or fax 250-386-2624. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification.

2009

OUR VIEW

March has been a good month for the B.C. NDP, and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to say that.

Opposition critics fired a shot amidships at the B.C. Liberal government when they began questioning the lack of progress by the new Auditor General for Local Government.

This experimental vessel was launched in Premier Christy Clark’s leadership campaign, and two years after it set sail, it is listing, taking on water and in danger of sinking.

The original idea was to expand the B.C. Auditor General’s office so it could check the financial performance of local governments too. Business groups were concerned about municipal taxes going up too quickly, with staff growing even as the province grappled with a hiring freeze.

Mayors and councillors began to talk of mutiny over that plan, protesting that their budgets are already required to balance and are subject to annual audits.

But this will be “performance auditing,” Clark insisted, not just making sure the figures add up. It will determine the public is receiving “value for money” on projects like arenas and services like police, by comparing different communities’ results. A new AGLG office opened in Surrey.

The “value for money” promise is on the rocks. The government

appointed a quasi-independent board (hello, BC Ferries and TransLink) that hired chartered accountant Basia Ruta, a veteran of the federal Auditor General office who had also served as chief financial officer at Environment Canada and had done local government audits in private practice.

NDP local government critic Selina Robinson

started asking why this office has spent $5.2 million and produced only one audit out of a promised 18. Community Minister Coralee Oakes, a former Quesnel councillor in her first cabinet post, allowed that there had been some rough water but there is smooth sailing ahead.

Then came a big leak, in the form of a “work environment review” of the good ship AGLG that was given to the NDP by a seasick crew member.

It described chaos below decks, with “shifting priorities and unclear direction,” as well as “wasted time and work” and “inefficient use of consultant and staff resources.”

Worse, the review noted a human resources monitor had been stationed at the office for most of January to maintain a “respectful workplace for all employees.”

“A peacekeeper,” as NDP leader

John Horgan described the grim scene. “This is like we’re in Cyprus.”

Then it was confirmed that when the AGLG board tried to conduct a performance review, Ruta’s response was to hire a lawyer. Ruta seems to be decisive when protecting her job, if not when hiring, running the office or meeting her own work targets.

Whatever goodwill had been restored with local governments over this experiment is likely gone. Municipal staffers have been dealing with new auditor demands as their councils grind away at their own budgets, and now they see signs that what they have contributed may well have been swept overboard.

Oakes remains on deck, eyes fixed on the horizon. An audit of capital procurement in Rossland is finally scheduled to be done by the end of March, she said. Similar reports on Delta and Sechelt are due in April. The latest revision of that schedule is underway, no doubt in another series of long, acrimonious meetings.

Clark addressed the situation in her last question period before the legislature’s spring break this week. She didn’t have a lot to say about the AGLG’s voyage of the damned, mostly familiar rhetoric about “lower taxes, less red tape” and so on.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press.

Auditor leak has B.C. Liberals bailing

Tom FletcherB.C. Views

Changes won’t solveminimum wage issue

In announcing changes to the wages of the lowest paid British Columbians it’s clear the provincial government got it half right.

Jobs Minister Shirley Bond announced that the minimum wage will be rising by 20 cents

in September to $10.45 an hour, with all future increases tied to the B.C. consumer price index. Those increases will be determined in March with the wage hike to take effect in September, giving business time to

adjust accordingly.Linking the minimum wage to inflation is a

good idea to provide certainty for both business and workers as well as eliminate the temptation of using people’s livelihood for political game.

Unfortunately, in linking the minimum wage to the consumer price index the government is acting on the assumption that the current rate is the definitive model. And the government’s argument fails under the weight of that one flawed assumption.

While the provincial government consulted with business owners prior to announcing the changes, the same courtesy doesn’t appear to have been extended to those representing low-income earners.

B.C. Federation of Labour president Irene Lanzinger said the announcement guarantees that hundreds of thousands of British Columbians will continue to live in poverty for years to come. Her call for a $15 minimum wage won’t be realized until 2034 under the government’s current plan.

People often have a tendency to downplay minimum wage workers as a small segment of the society primarily made up of students looking to make a few extra bucks. But the facts show otherwise: more than 120,000 British Columbians earn the minimum wage, and almost half of those are over the age of 25.

While the government has obviously listened to the concerns of business, those British Columbians struggling to put food on their family’s table will continue to have their voices go unheard.

Linking rate to inflation must be accompanied by an established baseline


CALL TODAY:To arrange your complimentary in-home consultation

250-480-4972 February 10 – April 15

50%Offon regular price

HUNTER DOUGLAS

PARKLANDWOOD BLINDS

Available in the popular 2” slat size in painted and stained finishes. Lifetime Warranty.

WHY WAIT? WE CAN HELP NOW!Home & Hospital Visits

COME ON IN FORYOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

Walk-In Denture ClinicHome & Hospital VisitsHappiness is

a beautiful smile! Conrad De Palma Denturist

(250) 595-16653581 Shelbourne Street

www.walk-indentureclinic.ca

DOUBLEDISCOUNT DAYS

Fabricland Sewing Club MembersReceive 20% Off Regular Price Fabrics,Sewing

Notions, Cut Laces, Trims, Quilt Batt, Fibre Fill, Foam, Pillow Forms, Lining, Interfacing

and more everyday!

NOW DOUBLE YOUR DISCOUNT AND RECEIVE

REG. PRICE40%FABRICS, NOTIONS,

HOME DECOR & SEW MUCH MORE!

OFFREG.PRICE

4 DAYS

........ ONLY

Mar 20 - 24, 15

(exclusions apply to Promotional, Clearance, “Special Purchase”, Signature Styles & Yarn products)

All Prices here Exclusive to Fabricland Sewing Club MembersMEMBERSHIP CARD MUST BE PRESENTED FOR DISCOUNTS

Mar. 2015 Double Discount AD - Insert usual basebar at bottom Ad Size 3 x 100 Group 1

SEE INSERTION ORDER FOR PUBLICATION DATE

Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am - 9:00 pmSat. 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Sun and Holidays 11:00 am - 5 pm

3170 TILLICUM ROAD, VICTORIALOWER LEVEL OUTSIDE OF TILLICUM CENTRE

ACROSS FROM PEARKES REC. CENTRE • 250-475-7501

www.fabriclandwest.com | customer service # 1-855-554-4840UVic Centre Farquhar Auditorium

250 721 8480

Palm Court rchestra

Saturday April 11 7:30pm

2014 - 2015 SEASON

Around the Worldin 80 DaysVictor Young’s famous song sends us on a musical journey that includes The Warsaw Concerto, The Legend of the Glass Mountain and music by Eric Coates, Leroy Anderson, Haydn Wood and Robert Farnon.

Frederick Hodges PIANOFORTE

A4 • www.oakbaynews.com Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS

EDITORIAL Penny Sakamoto Group PublisherDan Ebenal Editor Oliver Sommer Advertising Director

The OAK BAY NEWS is published by Black Press Ltd. | 207A-2187 Oak Bay Ave., Oak Bay, B.C. V8R 1G1 | Phone: 250-598-4123 • Web: oakbaynews.com

OAK BAYNEWS

The OAK BAY NEWS is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

What do you think? Give us your comments by e-mail: [email protected] or fax 250-386-2624. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification.

2009

OUR VIEW

March has been a good month for the B.C. NDP, and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to say that.

Opposition critics fired a shot amidships at the B.C. Liberal government when they began questioning the lack of progress by the new Auditor General for Local Government.

This experimental vessel was launched in Premier Christy Clark’s leadership campaign, and two years after it set sail, it is listing, taking on water and in danger of sinking.

The original idea was to expand the B.C. Auditor General’s office so it could check the financial performance of local governments too. Business groups were concerned about municipal taxes going up too quickly, with staff growing even as the province grappled with a hiring freeze.

Mayors and councillors began to talk of mutiny over that plan, protesting that their budgets are already required to balance and are subject to annual audits.

But this will be “performance auditing,” Clark insisted, not just making sure the figures add up. It will determine the public is receiving “value for money” on projects like arenas and services like police, by comparing different communities’ results. A new AGLG office opened in Surrey.

The “value for money” promise is on the rocks. The government

appointed a quasi-independent board (hello, BC Ferries and TransLink) that hired chartered accountant Basia Ruta, a veteran of the federal Auditor General office who had also served as chief financial officer at Environment Canada and had done local government audits in private practice.

NDP local government critic Selina Robinson

started asking why this office has spent $5.2 million and produced only one audit out of a promised 18. Community Minister Coralee Oakes, a former Quesnel councillor in her first cabinet post, allowed that there had been some rough water but there is smooth sailing ahead.

Then came a big leak, in the form of a “work environment review” of the good ship AGLG that was given to the NDP by a seasick crew member.

It described chaos below decks, with “shifting priorities and unclear direction,” as well as “wasted time and work” and “inefficient use of consultant and staff resources.”

Worse, the review noted a human resources monitor had been stationed at the office for most of January to maintain a “respectful workplace for all employees.”

“A peacekeeper,” as NDP leader

John Horgan described the grim scene. “This is like we’re in Cyprus.”

Then it was confirmed that when the AGLG board tried to conduct a performance review, Ruta’s response was to hire a lawyer. Ruta seems to be decisive when protecting her job, if not when hiring, running the office or meeting her own work targets.

Whatever goodwill had been restored with local governments over this experiment is likely gone. Municipal staffers have been dealing with new auditor demands as their councils grind away at their own budgets, and now they see signs that what they have contributed may well have been swept overboard.

Oakes remains on deck, eyes fixed on the horizon. An audit of capital procurement in Rossland is finally scheduled to be done by the end of March, she said. Similar reports on Delta and Sechelt are due in April. The latest revision of that schedule is underway, no doubt in another series of long, acrimonious meetings.

Clark addressed the situation in her last question period before the legislature’s spring break this week. She didn’t have a lot to say about the AGLG’s voyage of the damned, mostly familiar rhetoric about “lower taxes, less red tape” and so on.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press.

Auditor leak has B.C. Liberals bailing

Tom FletcherB.C. Views

Changes won’t solveminimum wage issue

In announcing changes to the wages of the lowest paid British Columbians it’s clear the provincial government got it half right.

Jobs Minister Shirley Bond announced that the minimum wage will be rising by 20 cents

in September to $10.45 an hour, with all future increases tied to the B.C. consumer price index. Those increases will be determined in March with the wage hike to take effect in September, giving business time to

adjust accordingly.Linking the minimum wage to inflation is a

good idea to provide certainty for both business and workers as well as eliminate the temptation of using people’s livelihood for political game.

Unfortunately, in linking the minimum wage to the consumer price index the government is acting on the assumption that the current rate is the definitive model. And the government’s argument fails under the weight of that one flawed assumption.

While the provincial government consulted with business owners prior to announcing the changes, the same courtesy doesn’t appear to have been extended to those representing low-income earners.

B.C. Federation of Labour president Irene Lanzinger said the announcement guarantees that hundreds of thousands of British Columbians will continue to live in poverty for years to come. Her call for a $15 minimum wage won’t be realized until 2034 under the government’s current plan.

People often have a tendency to downplay minimum wage workers as a small segment of the society primarily made up of students looking to make a few extra bucks. But the facts show otherwise: more than 120,000 British Columbians earn the minimum wage, and almost half of those are over the age of 25.

While the government has obviously listened to the concerns of business, those British Columbians struggling to put food on their family’s table will continue to have their voices go unheard.

Linking rate to inflation must be accompanied by an established baseline


LETTERS

Confusion clouds the total cost of deer cullOak Bay has completed its cull of up to

25 deer by killing only 11. Does the mayor think that by having 11 fewer deer there will be no more car accidents, no deer attacks and no more poop in the parks (his words)?

Of course he doesn’t, which makes me ask why did he kill 11 innocent animals? To prove a point? To show his cronies how big he is? What a waste of time and at a cost of $16,000 plus. He can be proud of

himself because very few others are.When Oak Bay first mentioned a deer

cull they said there would be a cost of $500 per deer for a one-time cull of 25 deer, totalling $12,500. In a staff report to council dated Oct. 14, 2014, it states that half of the $25,000 budget has been spent.

In the Request For Proposal dated Dec. 5, 2014 section 16 under Budget and Costs, it says the budget for the capture and euthanizing will not exceed Oak Bay’s

budget of $15,000. Further along in section 19, subsection 19.1, it includes payments on scenarios based on 25 deer at $600 per animal to a maximum of 25 deer, with a cost for an eight-week period from $3,000 to $15,000. For fewer deer (up to four) for that same two- to eight-week period, payment will be $2,800.

In a CFAX interview when asked how much money had been spent, the mayor said the only figure he knows is the $16,000

paid to the contractor. He admitted there would be other costs which would come up in the report.

So from an initial cost of $500 for each of the 25 deer, the cull has actually cost almost $1,500 plus for each of the 11 deer. What happened to the maximum of $15,000 specified in the RFP? Nowhere in any document has the $16,000 been mentioned.

William JesseOak Bay

Cull results not worth itNow that Mayor Nils Jensen

has finally fessed up to the results, it’s clear his deer cull in Oak Bay was a dismal failure. Eleven deer were killed at a cost to Capital Regional District and Oak Bay taxpayers of more than a quarter million dollars (including the urban deer management strategy), or $23,000 per deer.

Seven were bucks, the ones who roam widely throughout the CRD without regard to municipal borders. They’ll soon be replaced by others moving into the vacated space in Oak Bay from elsewhere in the region.

Maybe now those Oak Bay councillors who have been privately telling citizens that the cull was pointless will step in and stop the waste of money and animal life before the mayor goes for another round.

That same spotlight-seeking mayor is curiously silent on the real issue of public safety in our municipality. A woman is attacked in her front yard by a weapon-toting assailant in broad daylight and we hear nothing from Mayor Jensen about what he is doing to protect our community from a repeat.

David Kong & Kristy Kilpatrick

Oak Bay

Nothing gained from cullSo it’s over. The mayor’s cull

killed 11 deer. What will that prove? Nothing except that the cull was a farce.

Questions as to why it ended

prematurely say that maybe the deer are smarter than he is. Maybe there is not a deer overpopulation in Oak Bay as he has so often said or maybe the ministry revoked the cull permit when it learned that all of the mitigating steps had not been completed.

Of course the answer he gave does not relate to any of those thoughts. But do we trust his answers? I don’t.

Gerard PotvinOak Bay

Video unfair to policeThere has been a video going

viral on Facebook of a woman getting arrested downtown by two Victoria Police officers. In this video, the lady resists being arrested and it results in one of the police officers kneeing her in the side of her body.

Social media has blown this out of proportion by stating that this is police abuse. This is not police abuse; it is the act of force that police have to use for people who resist arrest.

There is actual police abuse happening a lot around the world but this is not an example of it. This makes me question how social media has shaped society’s views on the police and their authority.

Ryan TimmerVictoria

Politicians lose respectHaving been in this wonderful

community since childhood, I am dismayed that mistruths, erroneous statistics and pure fabrication has led to a cull of 11 innocent deer.

How one can get away with this bewilders me. At one time we were taught to respect teachers, police officers and politicians. We can no longer respect politicians. There will be a change in four years. Hope I’ll be here to see it.

Jonathan Stinson, 86Oak Bay

Cull was a farceThe so-called successful cull

carried out by Oak Bay was a colossal farce.

The rest of the province is laughing at the stupidity of it and what it didn’t prove. The secrecy of it and the threat of arrest to anyone who happened to be in the area and observe it certainly shows signs of a dictatorship.

Of course it was a success, at least in the mayor’s mind, and killing just one of the 25 nuisance deer would also be a success.

George W. BakerVictoria

The News welcomes your opinions.

To put readers on equal footing, and to be sure that all opinions are heard, please keep letters to less than 300 words.

The News reserves the right to edit letters for style, legality, length and taste.

Send your letters to:Mail: Letters to the Editor, Oak

Bay News, 207A - 2187 Oak Bay Ave., Victoria, B.C., V8R 1G1

Email: [email protected]

Letters to the Editor



The Oak Bay Bays couldn’t live up to their No. 1 ranking at the B.C. AAAA senior boys basketball championships in Langley.

The Terry Fox Ravens jumped out early and Oak Bay was never able to mount a rally, falling 70-50.

“They’re a good team, they were No. 1 most of the season. They ended up second in the tourney to a very good Yale team,” said Oak Bay coach Chris Franklin.

“We were a little flat, I think a little nervous and they just got the best of us. Full credit to Terry Fox, they came out and played hard and executed well.”

None of the Bays were able to get to double-digits on the scoresheet in the game they trailed 27-15 after one and 41-27 at the half.

Terry Fox were knocked off in the finals 69-63 by the Yale Lions.

Oak Bay opened the provincial tournament with a convincing 92-28 win over Mt. Baker.

Matthew Griffin paced the Bays with 18 points, while Atlas St. Paul-Butler netted 14 and Matt Gray, who was awarded a Telus scholarship, chipped in 11.

Oak Bay followed the loss to Terry Fox with an 82-80 win over Lord Tweedsmuir.

“That was a fun game. That was just two teams playing loose and having a good time,” said Franklin.

Jaden Touchie notched 22 points to

lead Oak Bay, who trailed 45-38 at the half. St. Paul-Butler added 13 points.

The Bays wrapped up the tournament with a 79-75 loss to Burnaby South to finish in sixth place.

“We were leading most of the way but they have a really

good player named Jermaine Haley and he kind of rolled us into the post and we had no real answer for him,” said Franklin.

He said he was fortunate this year to have a great group of kids who were committed to the sport and came ready

to play and practise hard every day.

“I think they gave excellent effort throughout. We held steady at a high level throughout the year,” said Franklin. “I really enjoyed coaching the group, I’ll really miss the seniors.”[email protected]

Dan Ferguson/Black Press

Oak Bay’s Liam Finnigan takes a shot in a game against Mt. Baker at the AAAA senior boys provincial championships in Langley.

Bays bounced at provincialsOak Bay settles for sixth at B.C. basketball championship

To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.

1.855.678.7833 @localworkbc/localwork-bc

BETTER MEALSHome Delivered Meals Since 1993

Are you an artist or cultural worker active in promoting arts and culture in your community? If so, BC Culture Days invites you to apply to be the next BC Culture Days Ambassador!

The top finalist will win a trip to the National Congress on Culture in Edmonton, May 7 & 8, 2015 and $2,500 towards the production of their Culture Days event, September 25-27, 2015! In addition, up to 10 finalists will be awarded $1,000 towards production of Culture Days events in their community. Deadline: April 13, 2015

For submission criteria and guidelines or details on upcoming Culture Days information sessions, please visit BC.CultureDays.ca

To register your 2015 Culture Days event visit CultureDays.ca

Call for BC Artists and Cultural Workers

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

Photo: Sara Machtaler

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 www.oakbaynews.com • A7A6 • www.oakbaynews.com Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWS


The Oak Bay Bays couldn’t live up to their No. 1 ranking at the B.C. AAAA senior boys basketball championships in Langley.

The Terry Fox Ravens jumped out early and Oak Bay was never able to mount a rally, falling 70-50.

“They’re a good team, they were No. 1 most of the season. They ended up second in the tourney to a very good Yale team,” said Oak Bay coach Chris Franklin.

“We were a little flat, I think a little nervous and they just got the best of us. Full credit to Terry Fox, they came out and played hard and executed well.”

None of the Bays were able to get to double-digits on the scoresheet in the game they trailed 27-15 after one and 41-27 at the half.

Terry Fox were knocked off in the finals 69-63 by the Yale Lions.

Oak Bay opened the provincial tournament with a convincing 92-28 win over Mt. Baker.

Matthew Griffin paced the Bays with 18 points, while Atlas St. Paul-Butler netted 14 and Matt Gray, who was awarded a Telus scholarship, chipped in 11.

Oak Bay followed the loss to Terry Fox with an 82-80 win over Lord Tweedsmuir.

“That was a fun game. That was just two teams playing loose and having a good time,” said Franklin.

Jaden Touchie notched 22 points to

lead Oak Bay, who trailed 45-38 at the half. St. Paul-Butler added 13 points.

The Bays wrapped up the tournament with a 79-75 loss to Burnaby South to finish in sixth place.

“We were leading most of the way but they have a really

good player named Jermaine Haley and he kind of rolled us into the post and we had no real answer for him,” said Franklin.

He said he was fortunate this year to have a great group of kids who were committed to the sport and came ready

to play and practise hard every day.

“I think they gave excellent effort throughout. We held steady at a high level throughout the year,” said Franklin. “I really enjoyed coaching the group, I’ll really miss the seniors.”[email protected]

Dan Ferguson/Black Press

Oak Bay’s Liam Finnigan takes a shot in a game against Mt. Baker at the AAAA senior boys provincial championships in Langley.

Bays bounced at provincialsOak Bay settles for sixth at B.C. basketball championship

NOW OPENNOW OPENNOW OPEN

JPToyotaVictoria.com | 3050 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC | (250) 386-3516

TAKING YOU TO NEW HEIGHTS

Rooftop Parking

PARKING WITH A VIEW

You won’t find this kind of view at any other dealership in the Capital Region. Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from our rooftop parking, only at


B.C. minimum wage to be tied to inflation

Tom FletcherBlack Press

Financial disputes involving less than $10,000 will soon be directed to an online “civil resolution tribunal,” in an effort by the B.C. government to keep them from clogging up the courts.

The new tribunal will also provide a place to resolve strata disputes, which now have only the costly B.C. Supreme Court option if strata councils can’t resolve them, Justice Minister Suzanne Anton said.

Anton presented legislation last week to create the new tribunal, which is to come into effect later this year. She said it will begin as a voluntary option, and later a deposit will be required for those who want to go directly to court instead.

Anton said B.C. is the first jurisdiction in the world to establish an online dispute resolution tribunal. The government estimates that 40,000 people a year will eventually use the tribunal.

“The really big change for stratas is that there is now a place for minor strata issues to go to,” Anton said. “Everybody knows somebody who has been in a strata nightmare. Often it’s about something fairly minor, like a tree or a parking spot. There hasn’t been a forum to have a resolution to those disputes.”

The tribunal will operate in three stages. The first is an application submitted to a website describing the claim, with an opportunity for response from the other party. That service will be

offered free, and includes information and self-help suggestions to settle the dispute without further intervention.

If that fails, the second stage would bring in a mediator to seek an agreed

settlement of the dispute. The third stage would be sending the dispute to a tribunal member for arbitration. Fees for the second two stages have not yet been established.

Tony Gioventu, executive director of the non-profit Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C., welcomed the new approach. But he cautioned there will be a learning curve for strata councils.

“Education will be essential and CHOA is committed to working with the strata community to ensure the creation of a system that provides good justice in a timely manner that works for all strata corporations,” Gioventu said.

The B.C. government has used mediation before in an effort to relieve the load on provincial and B.C. Supreme Court.

The Family Law Act of 2011 was designed to encourage out-of-court settlements of property and parental responsibility disputes when marriages and common-law relationships end.

The provincial government has announced B.C.’s minimum wage will be increasing by 20 cents in September, to be followed by annual increases tied to the B.C. consumer price index.

It’s the first increase since 2012, when the current wage of $10.25 was set. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond said this year’s increase reflects what would have taken place if indexing to inflation had been in place at that time.

Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Andrew Weaver said there was insufficient consultation and an apparent lack of expert review to determine today’s increase and the baseline for future increases.

“This is a political move that doesn’t actually solve the problem. Annual increases tied to inflation will only ensure minimum wage doesn’t fall further behind,” said Weaver. “This government hasn’t done

enough to ask whether it still has some catching up to do before indexing minimum wage to the B.C. consumer price index.”

The Green Party deputy leader called for an independent examination of B.C.’s minimum wage policy, including advice on how to determine future increases and to explore what the baseline minimum wage should be.

“We need to move the decisions about increases into a non-politicized environment so they can be about people, not politics,” said Weaver.

The lower minimum wage for restaurant and pub servers is being retained, going from $9 to $9.20 in September. The discount from the general minimum wage will remain at $1.25 per hour to account for tips earned by servers, Bond said.

Piece rates for seasonal piece workers are to receive

proportional increases, as are day rates paid to live-in camp counsellors and residential caretakers at apartment buildings.

B.C. is the last province in Canada to move to an automatic formula for setting the minimum wage. The annual increase will be announced each March based on the previous year’s consumer price index, and will take effect each September to give small businesses time to prepare.

In the case of negative

inflation, which the province experienced briefly in recent years, the minimum wage would not be decreased.

Bond said she expects continued debate on the wage rate, led by the B.C. Federation of Labour, which is calling for an immediate increase to $15 an hour.

“Today’s announcement guarantees that hundreds of thousands of British Columbians will continue to live in poverty for years to come,” said Irene Lanzinger, President of the B.C. Fed. “Lifting the minimum wage to $10.45 is nowhere close to the increase that is needed – and indexing a poverty wage only entrenches people in poverty.”

Business was more supportive of the move. The B.C. Chamber of Commerce said increases to the minimum wage have a very real and direct effect on business, and that linking increases to inflation provides

business with the certainty it needs while keeping B.C. competitive with rates in other provinces.

“A raise is warranted,” said Al Hasham, vice-chair of the Victoria chamber. “Long-term planning of smaller incremental changes provides a foundation of predictability for small business and the chamber looks to be engaged with the mechanisms around this ongoing process.”

Naomi Yamamoto, B.C.’s minister of state for small business, said consultation with business was clear that employers want predictable increases, not large jumps. The September increase amounts to about two per cent, keeping B.C.’s minimum wage higher than Alberta and Saskatchewan’s $10.20 an hour.

Using a similar formula, Ontario’s minimum wage rose to $11 an hour last year.

[email protected]

Small claims, strata disputes will go to online tribunal

“This is a political move that doesn’t actually solve the problem. Annual increases tied to inflation will only ensure minimum wage doesn’t fall further behind”

-Andrew Weaver

Government estimates 40,000 people will eventually the tribunal



The Oak Bay Cabaret goes Irish this month with a rollicking show to celebrate St. Paddy’s day.

“Wear your green, sing along, clap, stomp and laugh with this fun show,” said producer Jim Ricks.

Three Wide Men headlines an evening of fabulous performers including The Coastline Quartet from the Coastline Celtic Music Band, Stuart Nemtin and Sally Glover, Mike Fenger, Gordon Miller, Michael Majocha and Robin Alexander.

The monthly Oak Bay Cabaret, organized by 13 volunteers,

celebrates its second year next month with audiences now reaching 80 to 90 patrons.

“The performers love being in front of this audience, which is welcoming and responsive,” said Ricks. “The open stage has been the first time for many performers. It’s also been visited by the

seasoned ones.” Previous featured

performers include well-known artists such as West My Friend, Ceilidh Briscoe, Oliver Swain, Tim Rogers, Mike Demers, Stephanie Grieves, May Brown and The Carolina Bluebirds.

Doors open at 7 p.m. on March 20 with the show at 7:30

at Oak Bay United Church hall, corner of Mitchell and Granite streets. Admission is $5. Visit facebook.com/bringitoncabaret for updates.

Anyone interested in performing should contact Jim Ricks at 250-383-4001 or [email protected].

cvanreeuwyk@oak baynews.com


Stories from the music trade are on stage at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and guest musicians create a different experience each weekend in the dinner theatre turned Kelt Eccleston’s Kitchen Party.

Hosted by entertainer and actor Kelt Eccleston himself, the show is an entertaining night of engaging music, fascinating improv, head-shaking stories and laughter.

“It’s a real departure from theatre or musicals. It’s a real party, we sit around and have some laughs and tell stories about what we do,” said Eccleston. “You get to meet experienced local musicians in a relaxed environment.”

He recalls sitting in a cafe while learning a new song, singing five words aloud. Those five words spurred the lady behind him to strike up conversation as it tweaked a memory for her to share. Those little sparks of memory are something they hope to both ignite and create for audiences at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel between now and May 2.

“We’re always entertained passively,” he said. People go to the movies, or sit on the couch, missing the experience of going out. “People are starting to lose the wonderful experience of sitting among people… we want to give memories.”

An East Coast tradition,

the kitchen party is perfectly paired with dinner theatre, he noted, without the food you can’t develop that atmosphere.

This particular kitchen party includes a pickled beet and goat cheese salad with salted pecans as a starter, followed by a main of free range chicken with wild mushroom farce, roasted pepper demi, parsnip puree and seasonal vegetables and a hazelnut chocolate torte brandy tulie and Grand Marnier cream for dessert.

Each week features a special mystery guest to join Kelt and his band on stage in its bid to turn a roomful of strangers into old friends. Sweet musical treats include guest appearances by Yvonne Hernandez, Oliver Swain, Calvin Cairns and John Gogo. They’ll all share the tales of their profession over the run of the Kitchen Party. Kelt says he had no problem getting anyone to sign on: “They wanted to be part of the party.”

That story-telling audience-

inclusive feeling is what sold the gig when Eccleson proposed it, said Kris Morash, director of marketing for the hotel.

“We really liked that it was an engaging show,” Morash said. “People could come back and get a different experience.”

Visit oakbaybeachhotel.com or call 250-598-4556 for ticket and reservation information. The Kitchen Party runs weekends through May [email protected]

March Cabaret adds a touch of the Irish


Kelt Eccleston, left, Mark Hellman and Tobin Stokes jam in preparation of a kitchen party in the David Foster Foundation Theatre. The Kelt Eccleston Kitchen Party runs until May 2 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Photo submitted

Cabaret features a myriad of performers headlined by Three Wide Men Friday, March 20 at Oak Bay United Church.

Beach hotel sets table for kitchen party

Three Wide Men headline Friday’s show

FREE! Bring Food Bank Donation250-472-0613

BC reg # 3379-5 • Victoria, BC

www.royalheights.com

Norman Bruce’s

Travel Slide ShowsPlease join us at one of our upcoming PRESENTATIONS:

We will feature the history & culture of the countries we visit:

African Safari, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Greek Islands, India, Ireland, Italy, Peru/Ecuador/Galapagos, Scotland, Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia

VictoriaTuesday, March 24, 7-9pm

Comfort Hotel, 3020 Blanshard Street

SidneyMonday, March 23, 1-3pm

Star Cinema, 9842 Third St

Conserve & Save $ with Natural Gas

96% Two Stage Furnaces $4,795+ GST (Free site visit required)

Fully Installed. Free (Above Grade) oil tank removal10 year parts & lifetime heat exchanger warranty

BRIDGEMAN PLUMBING & HEATING [email protected] • 250-727-1228

Serving Victoria and area for over 30 years.

High Efficiency Heating OptionsTankless Water Heaters Boilers,

Eligible for up to $1,500 RebateHot Water Heating, Fireplaces

There’s more on line - oakbaynews.com

Vision Matters

VisionMatters Healthy Eyes. Doctor Delivered.

Dr. Neil Paterson

250-361-4444

250-361-4478

Dr. Rachel Rushforth*

Dr. Neil PatersonDr. Suzanne Sutter

Optometrists

250-595-8500

100-2067Cadboro Bay Rd.

250-995-0449106-1505 Admirals Rd. (near Thrifty Foods)

www.admiralsvision.ca

*Denotes Optometric Corporation250-744-2992

www.saanichoptometry.ca

Dr. Victor J. Chin*Dr. Charles Simons* & Dr. Daisy Tao*

119-3995 Quadra @ McKenzie (in Saanich Centre)

*Denotes Optometric Corporation

Dr. Paul NeumannOptometrist

250-544-2210#1 - 7865 Patterson Rd. Saanichton

CentralSaanich

OPTOMETRY CLINIC www.cseyecare.com

www.oakbayoptometry.com

www.mayfairoptometric.com

DR. TREVOR PEDDLE *DR. CHARLES SIMONS *

250-361-4478

Dr. Erick Vesterback, O.D., BSc

Caring for Your GlassesWe wash our windshields when they are dirty, why

not do the same for our glasses? Dirty, scratched, and misaligned glasses distort our sight, and increase glare problems. They do not, however, harm our eyes. Scratches may weaken the lenses’ resistance to impact.The following are some easy tips for proper eyeglass care:• Clean your glasses regularly using warm water and soap or special eyeglass cleaners to remove oils and dirt from the lenses.• Keep your glasses in their case when not in use.• Never set glasses down with the lenses touching the table or counter top.• Put on and take off your glasses using two hands. Hold each temple about midway, and gently slide them over your ears.• Avoid letting others try on your glasses as this may throw off the alignment.• Have your glasses readjusted periodically.

If vision problems persist even with clean, dry, and properly adjusted glasses, consult your Optometrist.


Be our guest.

Amazing is bornAmazing is bornN O W O P E N

JPLexusVictoria.com | 623 Finlayson Street, Victoria, BC | (250) 386-3700

Take the elevator up to our L-finesse Mezzanine Lounge, valet service and business services. Experience luxury reborn at



The Oak Bay Cabaret goes Irish this month with a rollicking show to celebrate St. Paddy’s day.

“Wear your green, sing along, clap, stomp and laugh with this fun show,” said producer Jim Ricks.

Three Wide Men headlines an evening of fabulous performers including The Coastline Quartet from the Coastline Celtic Music Band, Stuart Nemtin and Sally Glover, Mike Fenger, Gordon Miller, Michael Majocha and Robin Alexander.

The monthly Oak Bay Cabaret, organized by 13 volunteers,

celebrates its second year next month with audiences now reaching 80 to 90 patrons.

“The performers love being in front of this audience, which is welcoming and responsive,” said Ricks. “The open stage has been the first time for many performers. It’s also been visited by the

seasoned ones.” Previous featured

performers include well-known artists such as West My Friend, Ceilidh Briscoe, Oliver Swain, Tim Rogers, Mike Demers, Stephanie Grieves, May Brown and The Carolina Bluebirds.

Doors open at 7 p.m. on March 20 with the show at 7:30

at Oak Bay United Church hall, corner of Mitchell and Granite streets. Admission is $5. Visit facebook.com/bringitoncabaret for updates.

Anyone interested in performing should contact Jim Ricks at 250-383-4001 or [email protected].

cvanreeuwyk@oak baynews.com


Stories from the music trade are on stage at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and guest musicians create a different experience each weekend in the dinner theatre turned Kelt Eccleston’s Kitchen Party.

Hosted by entertainer and actor Kelt Eccleston himself, the show is an entertaining night of engaging music, fascinating improv, head-shaking stories and laughter.

“It’s a real departure from theatre or musicals. It’s a real party, we sit around and have some laughs and tell stories about what we do,” said Eccleston. “You get to meet experienced local musicians in a relaxed environment.”

He recalls sitting in a cafe while learning a new song, singing five words aloud. Those five words spurred the lady behind him to strike up conversation as it tweaked a memory for her to share. Those little sparks of memory are something they hope to both ignite and create for audiences at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel between now and May 2.

“We’re always entertained passively,” he said. People go to the movies, or sit on the couch, missing the experience of going out. “People are starting to lose the wonderful experience of sitting among people… we want to give memories.”

An East Coast tradition,

the kitchen party is perfectly paired with dinner theatre, he noted, without the food you can’t develop that atmosphere.

This particular kitchen party includes a pickled beet and goat cheese salad with salted pecans as a starter, followed by a main of free range chicken with wild mushroom farce, roasted pepper demi, parsnip puree and seasonal vegetables and a hazelnut chocolate torte brandy tulie and Grand Marnier cream for dessert.

Each week features a special mystery guest to join Kelt and his band on stage in its bid to turn a roomful of strangers into old friends. Sweet musical treats include guest appearances by Yvonne Hernandez, Oliver Swain, Calvin Cairns and John Gogo. They’ll all share the tales of their profession over the run of the Kitchen Party. Kelt says he had no problem getting anyone to sign on: “They wanted to be part of the party.”

That story-telling audience-

inclusive feeling is what sold the gig when Eccleson proposed it, said Kris Morash, director of marketing for the hotel.

“We really liked that it was an engaging show,” Morash said. “People could come back and get a different experience.”

Visit oakbaybeachhotel.com or call 250-598-4556 for ticket and reservation information. The Kitchen Party runs weekends through May [email protected]

March Cabaret adds a touch of the Irish


Kelt Eccleston, left, Mark Hellman and Tobin Stokes jam in preparation of a kitchen party in the David Foster Foundation Theatre. The Kelt Eccleston Kitchen Party runs until May 2 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Photo submitted

Cabaret features a myriad of performers headlined by Three Wide Men Friday, March 20 at Oak Bay United Church.

Beach hotel sets table for kitchen party

Three Wide Men headline Friday’s show


Pirjo RaitsBlack Press

One hundred and fifty porta-potties, 400 picnic tables, over 225,000 pounds of gear and 60,000 meals will land at Camp Barnard this summer for Pacific Jamboree, an eight-day adventure for Scouts from across Canada.

The Boy Scout camp has been a naturalist’s dream for 70 years and a legacy for the future.

In February 1945, Senator George Henry Barnard turned his hunting lodge over to the Victoria Council of Scouts Canada. He was a lawyer and a Conservative politician serving as an alderman, mayor and a member of the House of Commons for Victoria. He was appointed to the Senate and served there until retiring in 1945. Barnard gifted Scouts Canada 200 acres of second growth forest, just west of Victoria in Otter Point, which included the 17-acre Young Lake.

That was the beginning of 70 years of activities at what is Camp Barnard. The camp, along Young Lake Road, just out of Sooke, is now 251 acres and is used year-round by the Boy Scouts, community groups and organizations, and most recently the film industry.

Both scouting and non-scouting children learn about camping, nature and the environment.

In the 1940s camping was rough and the hardy campers slept in tents and cooked on open campfires. Every decade since improvements continued and now the camp boasts new water systems, expanded electrical systems, upgrades to bridges and renovations to almost all of the building to prepare for the Pacific Jamboree in July of this year.

Indoor plumbing, 24 bunkhouses and a kitchen fit to feed an army all make camping a lot more comfortable than in the formative years.

The camp is expecting 25,000 camper nights in 2015, a huge increase from the 2,781 camper nights in 1956. The camp has grown along with the need for safe, nurturing, clean and sustainable facilities accessible to all.

In July, 2015, Camp Barnard will play host to the Pacific Jamboree with an expected 3,250 Scouts and service/staff from throughout B.C. and the Yukon. Camp Barnard has not hosted a Jamboree since

1987. “The main road in camp

has been widened, turn around provided and

bus parking created.

Bridges have been reinforced to carry the load of service vehicles for food delivery, pumping port-a-potties, etc.,” said, Penny Hill, of the Camp Barnard Management Committee.

It is a monumental task and everything is being considered. Hill said they have extended electricity service to allow for an on-site hospital, security, post office, shops, phones, internet and bank.

“We have worked for a year with local first responders and emergency preparedness experts to create a comprehensive emergency plan for the camp.”

It’s a major operation and the financial benefits to the area are tremendous. It is expected to generate $700,000 of economic spending in Sooke and the CRD region through suppliers and vendors. This does not include what the youth, volunteers and families spend in the local communities.

“Based on projections by previous chambers of commerce, we expect an economic impact of $500,000 or more over the course of the jamboree,” stated Hill.

The Pacific Jamboree is being hosted by Scouts Canada - Cascadia, Fraser Valley and Pacific Coast Councils. Youth aged 11-18 will be participating in outdoor activities ranging from archery and climbing to scuba diving and kayaking. Activities will take place not only on camp

property but throughout the Greater Victoria area.

Camp Barnard celebrates 70 years of scoutingUpgrades and changes made every decade

Photos submitted

Today’s campers have more amenities than earlier visitors to Camp Barnard, with the inset photo showing the camp that greeted Scouts in 1946. Camp facts

n The furthest travel to a Pacific Jamboree: The Australian Benalla contingent at Pacific Jamboree 2011 (on the Sunshine Coast) flew for 21 hours.n Average steps taken each day at Pacific Jamboree 25,435.n 60,000 meals will be provided during the week of Pacific Jamboree.n Pizza delivery to Pacific Jamboree spikes on Tuna Helper night.n 400 picnic tables will be delivered and constructed.n 150 port-a-potties have been rented. n Units will bring in approximately 225,000 pounds of gear.n Water for the participant showers is unheated and will be glacier fresh no matter how long you let the water run.n This Jamboree will be the first with both full recycling facilities and kitchen waste collection.n Dimensions for the unit campsite (max 10 people in a unit) – each unit will have space up to 10 metres by 10 metres.n Groups will be arriving on everything from bicycles to charter flights. n Weather forecasting is important as there is no “indoors” for the units taking part in Jamboree. Weather forecasting is done in a traditional Scouting method using the “Weather Rock.” If the rock is wet, it’s raining. If the rock is swinging, the wind is blowing. If the rock casts a shadow, the sun is shining.

A12 • www.oakbaynews.com Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - OAK BAY NEWSA12 www.oakbaynews.com Wed, Mar 18, 2015, Oak Bay News

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING EVENTS

BOTTLE DRIVEVictoria High

CONCERT BANDMusic Tour to

Europe!SATURDAY, March 28

10am - 2:30pm1260 Grant Street

Vic High parking lotPlease bring your

empties to support a great cause!or call us at

(250)857-2496 for pick-ups any time before March 28th

CALL FOR ENTRIES13TH ANNUAL

Kitty Coleman WoodlandArt & Bloom Festival.

Fine Art and Quality Crafts Juried Show.

Presented in a spectacular outdoor setting

May 16, 17 and 18Applications for Artisans

are available at woodlandgardens.ca

250-338-6901

UKRAINIAN EASTER FOOD FAIR. Sale of homemade perogies, borscht, cabbage rolls, Easter breads, baking, beet horseradish, kovbassa & hot Ukrainian lunch. Wheel-chair access. Free admission. Sat. March 21, 11am-2pm. St. Nicholas Ukrainian Hall, 1110 Caledonia Ave. 250-384-2255.

INFORMATION

APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Pen-ny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certifi cate Pro-gram at Langara College in Vancouver. Application dead-line April 30, 2015. Send appli-cations to [email protected] information online at: www.bccommunitynews.com /our-programs/scholarship.

DID YOU KNOW? BBB Ac-credited Businesses contractu-ally agree to operate by the BBB’s 8 Standards of Trust. Look for the 2014 BBB Ac-credited Business Directory E-edition on your Black Press Community Newspaper web-site at

www.blackpress.ca.You can also go to

http://vi.bbb.org/directory/ and click on the 2014 BBB

Accredited Business Directory

DO YOU have a Disability? Physical or mental. We can help you get up to $40,000 back from the Canadian Gov-ernment. For details online: disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us today Toll-Free 1-888-875-4787.

PERSONALS

ALL MALE Hot Gay Hookups! Call FREE! 1-800-462-9090. only 18 and over.

MAKE A Connection, Talk to Sexy Singles FREE now! Call 250-220-1300 or 1-800-210-1010. www.livelinks.com 18+

WHERE HOT men hook up! Try free! 250-419-4634 or 800-777-8000 InteractiveMale.com

TRAVEL

GETAWAYS

LONG BEACH - Ucluelet - Deluxe waterfront cabin,

sleeps 6, BBQ. Spring Special. 2 nights $239 or 3 nights $299Pets Okay. Rick 604-306-0891

TRAVEL

TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program stop mort-gage & maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Auto Mechanic PartnerOk Tire and Automotive, Terrace BC is seeking a licensed auto mechanic part-ner for an OK tire fran-chise. E-mail:

[email protected]

HIP OR knee Replacement? Problems Walking or Getting Dressed? The Disability Tax Credit $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit. $15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg). For assis-tance Call: 1-844-453-5372.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONis an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online train-ing you need from an employ-er-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career to-day!

HELP WANTED

PRODUCTION WORKERSCanada’s Largest Independently owned news-paper group is currently looking for Part Time Production Workers for its Victoria location.This is an entry level general labour position that involves physical handling of news-papers and advertising supplements.REQUIREMENTS:• Prior bindery and/or

machine operator experience would be an asset

• Motivated self-starter willing to work in a fast paced environment performing repetitive tasks

• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for long periods of time

• Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse, team based environment

• Must be reliable, dependable, have excellent communication skills and good attention to detail

• Must have own transportation

✱Afternoon and evening shifts 16-20 hours per week. $11.25 an hour

Interested parties may drop off their resumes between 9am and 5pm at:

GOLDSTREAM PRESS#220-770 Enterprise Avenue, Victoria, BC

V8X 6R4

TRADES, TECHNICAL

WE are Trojan Collision, locat-ed in Nanaimo B.C. and we are looking for Licensed Auto Body Technicians. We are a high volume production shop that offers competitive wages, a full benefi t program and training opportunities. If you want to be part of our innova-tive team [email protected] or call 250-756-1266

PERSONAL SERVICES

MIND BODY & SPIRIT

KRIPALU MASSAGE, Reiki, Acupressure, Chair Massage. I have relaxed clients that have been with me for 5-12 years. See testimonials on website. Women only. Call 250-514-6223 or visit online at: www.andreakober.com

HOLISTIC HEALTH

Trager® Bodywork Gentle, effective & deeply relaxing. Move more freely with less pain and tension.

Spring Special $60.Hot Stone MassagePenetrating heat from

smooth basalt rocks softens tight muscles, melts tension

Spring Special $80.Rae Bilash

Certifi ed PractitionerWomen only, men by referral

250-380-8733www.raebilash.ca

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

LARGE FUNDBorrowers Wanted

Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

FOOD PRODUCTS

BEEF FARM GATE SALES. 1516 Mt. Douglas Cross Rd. Hours Friday & Saturday 10-4. Naturally raised, hormone free beef. Individual cuts sold, sharp, frozen & double wrapped. (250)477-3321.

FRIENDLY FRANK

12 MENS long sleeved shirts, size 15.5, assorted, good quality, $45. (250)383-5390.

Crossmen 1008 airgun, $50. Silk pant suit, metal watering can, $5/e. 778-265-1615.

DR. HO’S back pain belt and de compressor kit, new $150 asking $45. 4 down pillows, $5 ea. Call (250)479-7918.

STYLISH METAL/ Wood open back book shelving. Approx 5’Hx3’W. $60. (250)477-2993.

FUEL/FIREWOOD

ARBUTUS, CYPRESS, fi r, hardwoods. Seasoned. Call 250-661-7391.

FURNITURE

6-PIECE BDRM suite, queen; chesterfi eld & loveseat, roll-top desk, antique corner cabinet. All exc. cond. Pictures, house-hold, etc. (250)478-4010.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

NEWSPRINT ROLLENDS- $2-$10. Fridays only, 8:30am to 4:30pm. #200-770 Enter-prise Cres, Victoria. Gold-stream Press Division.

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Spring sales with hot savings!” All steel building models and siz-es are now on sale. Get your building deal while it’s hot. Pio-neer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

ANTIQUES, BOOKS, col-lectibles, furniture, china, jew-elry. Estates/private libraries purchased. Galleon Books & Antiques, 250-655-0700.

RENTALS

COTTAGES

SAANICHTON- Small bache-lor cottage. Hydro & water incld’d. N/P, references. Avail now. $900./mo. (250)652-3345

SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING

MT. DOUGLAS: 55+ only Bachelor suite, $485/mo, low-er income seniors. NS/NP. Cable, heat, hot water includ-ed. Avail soon. 250-721-1818.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

GOLDSTREAM AREA- 1400 sq ft, newly furnished, W/D, D/W, A/C, big deck & yard, hi-def TV, parking. Working male only. $650 inclusive. Call Ray 778-433-1233.

STORAGE

STORAGE- 10’x25’ Ideal for boat, car or trailer, dry, high ceilings. $160. (250)656-8897.

SUITES, LOWER

N.SAANICH. 2-BDRM, 1800 sq.ft. level entry. Bright, re-cently reno’d, 5 appliances, parking, nice yard. $1500./mo. inclds hydro. (250)812-4447.

RENTALS

SUITES, LOWER

SIDNEY: 1 bdrm furn. suite,NS/NP. On bus route. Utilsincld, ref’s req’d. $850/mo.Avail. now. Call (250)656-0963

WANTED TO RENT

HOST FAMILIES needed for Quebec and International HighSchool students, program atSt. Margaret’s School (June 28-August 1). Double placement.Remuneration $1700. ContactMichelle at 250-385-0583 [email protected]

TRANSPORTATION

AUTO SERVICES

FREE REMOVAL of all vehi-cles, cash paid for some. Anycondition. Call (250)889-5383

CARS

1993 BMW: 3.4 L engine, au-tomatic, Kashmir (beige/gold),4-disc brakes. Brakes, tiretread still in good shape, re-cent O2 sensor and throttleswitch replaced, rear wheeldrive, power windows/locks/sunroof, 2-12” subs and Ken-more amp. 200,000 km, all re-ceipts for work done. Very funcar to drive. $4000 obo. Call250-812-6008 or email [email protected]

2004 MATRIX Toyota, 71,000 km. Asking $6,800 obo. Goodcond. Call (250)477-0062.

We Buy Cars!Scrap Junk

Running or Not!Cars Trucks Vans$50 to $1000FREE TOW AWAY

250-686-3933

CONNECTING JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS

www.localworkbc.ca

fi l here please

Today’s Solution

Sudoku

Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

To solve a Sudoku puzzle,every number 1 to 9must appear in:• Each of the nine vertical columns• Each of the nine horizontal rows• Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 www.oakbaynews.com • A13Oak Bay News Wed, Mar 18, 2015 www.oakbaynews.com A13

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

CARPENTRY

All Home Renovation and Restoration

Kitchens, bathrooms, decks, additions, remodeling.

We build custom homes. Comm/Res. 35 yrs exp.

250-213-7176

CLEANING SERVICES

EXP. RELIABLE & effi cient house cleaner and home care, 10 yrs exp. $20/hr. Bondable, have own supplies except vacuum.(250)220-4965

DRYWALL

BEAT MY Price! Best work-manship. 38 years experience. Call Mike, 250-475-0542.

ELECTRICAL

(250)217-3090.ELECTRICIAN Lic.#3003. 25 yrs exp. Renos, new homes, knob & tube re-place. Sr.Disc.No job too small

250-361-6193 Quality Electric Reno’s, res & comm. No job too small. Lic# 22779.

KENDRA’S ELECTRICAL Company. Res/Com. Lic #86952. Call 250-415-7991.


ELECTRICAL

NORTHERN SUN Electric Comm/Res. $40/hr. Work Guaranteed. Any size job. (250)888-6160. Lic#13981.

FENCING

ALL TYPES of fencing, re-pairs. Reliable, on-time. Free estimates. Call 250-888-8637.

GARDENING

(250)208-8535 WOODCHUCK Comm/Res lawn cutting. Weed/moss removal. De thatching, aerating. Ref’s avail.

Auricle- 250-882-3129 Spring clean up lawn aeration & ferti-lize-soil-hedges, irrigation

DPM SERVICES- lawn & gar-den, seasonal pruning, clean ups, landscape, power wash, etc. 15yrs exp. (250)883-8141.

LANDSCAPE & TREE Care Lawns, garden maint, tree pruning/shaping, hedge trim-ming, design. Mth/weekly. Free estimate, Insured, re-liable. Andrew, 250-893-3465.


GARDENING

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

ABBA EXTERIORSProfessional gutter cleaning & repairs. Window cleaning. Roof de-mossing. Pkg dis-counts. WCB. (778)433-9275.

(250)889-5794. DIAMOND Dave- window, gutter cleaning, roof-de-moss, gutter guards, power washing. Free estimate

GRAND XTERIOR Cleaning & Repairs- Gutters, roofs win-dows, PW. 250-380-7778.

GRAND XTERIOR Cleaning & Repairs- Gutters, roofs win-dows, PW. 250-380-7778.

GUTTER, WINDOW cleaning, de-mossing, power washing, grass cutting. Call Mike 250-474-3701 or 250-813-1618.


HANDYPERSONS

BIG BEAR Handyman. Decks, Painting, Repairs. Free estimate. Barry 250-896-6071.

HAULING AND SALVAGE

$20 & Up Garbage & Garden waste removal. Senior Disc. Free estimates. 250-812-2279.

CLEAN-UP SPECIAL. You load bins, size 12 yard $100 plus dump fee or we do it all. Call 250-361-6164.

GARY’S HAULING. One call does it all. Small demos & yard clean-up. Vehicle & metal recycling. Call (778)966-1413.

JUNK BOX- Junk Removal Company. Local guys. Low rates. Call (250)658-3944.

JUNK REMOVAL 7 days / wk.Fast Service, Best Prices!! Free quotes. (250)857-JUNK.

PARRY’S HAULING We haul it all - FREE estimates. Call Wes 250-812-7774.

PETE’S HAUL A DAY- Junk removal. Airforce guy. Call 250-888-1221.

SAVE-A-LOT HAULING Furniture, appliance, garden waste, we take it all! Always lowest rate, senior discount. Brad 250-217-9578.

WE HAUL CHEAP! Moving & Hauling. (250)881-1910. www.wehaulcheap.com


HOME IMPROVEMENTS

COMPLETE HOME Repairs. Suites, Renos, Carpentry, Dry-wall, Painting. Licensed and insured. Darren 250-217-8131.

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

MASONRY & BRICKWORK

CBS MASONRY BBB. WCB. Chimneys, fi replaces,fl agstone rock, concrete, natural & ve-neered stone. Replace, re-build, restore, renew! Free competitive est. www.cbsma-sonry.com; Call (250)589-9942, (250)294-9942.

& MOVING STORAGE

(250)858-6747. WRIGHT Bros Moving&Hauling.Free estimate $80=(2men&3tontruck)Sr Disc.

(250)889-5794. DIAMOND Dave Moving- Free estimates!

ALLSTAR MOVING Delivery Service. From $59. Free local travel. Call (250)818-2699.

Done Right Moving $85/hr. Senior Disc. No travel time before/after local moves. BBB. Call Tyler 250-418-1747.


PAINTING

A PROFESSIONAL Woman painter. Karen Bales Painting & Wall coverings. Over 25yrs exp. Free est. 250-514-5220.

OLD TIMER. Quality old fash-ioned service. Great rates. Ex-cellent references. Call Al at 250-474-6924, 250-888-7187.

PEMBINA PAINTING- Ready for Spring Cleaning? We are a full service painting company. Call ahead so you won’t be disappointed. (250)419-1556.

PLUMBING

bicycleplumbing.com Re-liable, friendly service, li-censed and insured. Please call Erik, 778-533-1490.

FREE ESTIMATES. Rea-sonable. Reliable. No job too small. Call 250-388-5544.

PLASTERING

PATCHES,Drywall, skimming, match the textures, coves, fi re-places. Bob, 250-516-5178.

PRESSURE WASHING

DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS, Decks, etc. Reasonable rates. 250-744-8588, Norm.

CLASSIFIED ADS WORK!Call 250.388.3535


STUCCO/SIDING

PATCHES, ADDITIONS, re-stucco, renos, chimney, water-proofi ng. Bob, 250-516-5178.

STUCCO MAN- All types of Stucco/Painting. Repairs, ad-ditions, renovations. Free esti-mates. Dan, 250-391-9851.

TREE SERVICES

BUDDY’S TREE SERVICES-Trimming, pruning, chipping,removals, hedges. Insured.Call Keith, (250)474-3697.

UPHOLSTERY

UPHOLSTER- Furn. repairs, scratches, fi x springs, marine,commercial. 250-480-9822.

WINDOW CLEANING

BOB’S WINDOW Cleaning.Roof demoss, Gutters. Licensed and affordable. 250-884-7066.

DAVE’S WINDOW Cleaning.Windows, Gutters, Sweeping,Roofs, Roof Demossing, Pres-sure Washing. 250-361-6190.

CLASSIFIED ADS MEAN MORE BUSINESS

250.388.3535

SERVICE DIRECTORYwww.bcclassified.com 250.388.3535

DO YOU OFFER HOME SERVICES?

Don’t be missed, our readers are looking for you!

250-388-3535

email [email protected]

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.388.3535

Crossword

Tod

ay’s

An

swer

s

ACROSS 1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Delicately beautiful 11. Queen of the gods 12. Reordered letters 15. Representation 16. 24th state 17. Irritated 19. Large black dog breed 24. Atomic #18 25. Followed 26. Ivy University 27. Equal, prefix 28. Cablegram (abbr.) 29. Affront 30. 7th Hindu month 31. Competed 33. Slur over 34. Shape before marketing 38. Comes into being39. White House architect

40. Brazilian dance 43. Somalian supermodel 44. Yield 45. Electric Cobra model 80 48. Local area network (abbr.) 49. Substitution 50. “Thornbirds” actress Ward 53. Not out 54. Male ice dancing champion 56. Tops of birds’ heads 58. Carrier’s invention 59. Children’s author Blyton 60. Anise liqueur 63. Listing 64. Adult females 65. Yellow Dutch cheese DOWN 1. Emit light 2. Not long past

3. Casually inspect 4. Masculine 5. Wish harm upon 6. Capable of soothing 7. Farm state 8. Initials of HLN legal host 9. Planets 120 degrees apart 10. An enclosed field 13. Initials of one of the Olson twins 14. Coastal 18. Remote control aircraft (pl.) 20. Oersted (abbr.) 21. Blue Hen school 22. Praise 23. Vestment 27. Egyptian goddess 29. Atomic #21 30. Boxer Muhammad 31. Fast gallop 32. Indicates position 33. Geological time

34. Elizabeth’s Prince 35. Balkan nation 36. Israeli politician Abba ___ 37. Indicates ability 38. Universal recipient blood group 40. Clairvoyant 41. Blandish 42. Of I 44. Former OSS 45. Deviously plan 46. Polished shoes 47. Visual processing membrane 49. Tibet’s capital 50. 2nd musical tone 51. Expression of sympathy 52. Bog Labrador-tea 54. To furnish with a ceiling 55. Frosts 57. Natural logarithm 61. -__, denotes past 62. Atomic #22

• ATVs • Bicycles • Camping Gear • Kayaks • Student Rentals• Landscaping Service • Painting Service• Summer Jobs

ADVERTISE IN...ADVERTISE IN...ADVERTISE IN...Summer is the perfect time to


DIAMOND EYECARE 1964 Fort St., Oak Bay: 250.590.2932

DIAMOND OPTICAL VICTORIA1320 Douglas St., Victoria: 250.380-6919

Welcomes Dr. John Poonfor EYE EXAMS

Please call for an appointment

250-590-7499

Foul Bay Professional Building, 1964 Fort Street

DIAMOND EYECARE

DIAMONDOPTICAL EYECARE






50%off ALL FRAMES

Tetley Tea 80’s or 144’s

We can’t guarantee you’ll be invited to afternoon tea

in Oak Bay...but we can guarantee

we have the lowest price on this tea.

3 days only

GIF

T C

AR

D $10

FREE $10

GIFT CARD

POINTSPOINTSREWARDS

effective Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 18, 19 & 20, 2015.

3000Spend only $75† & receive:

valid inVictoria & Sidneyonly

Fort & Foul Bay: 1950 Foul Bay Road • Tillicum: 3170 Tillicum Rd • Saanich: 3510 Blanshard St University Heights: 3958 Shelbourne St • Westside Village: 172 Wilson St • Sidney: 2345 Beacon Ave

Our new Always Lowest Guarantee ensures our stores always have the best prices*.

• we price check Every week, we check the competition’s prices on 850+ items you buy the most to make sure we’re lowest—guaranteed, or it’s FREE.**

• we price match If you see a lower advertised price for your favourite item, bring in the ad and we’ll match it*.

➜599ea

Always Lowest Guaranteed and sale off ers require the use of More Rewards card.* If a major competitor within our geographical trade area off ers a lower advertised price on any identical grocery item (brand, size, etc.) we will match the competitor’s price only during the eff ective date of the competitor’s advertisement. ‘Major competitors’ and

‘geographical trade areas’ are determined solely by us and are based on a number of factors which can change from time to time. Excludes ‘multi-buys’ (eg: 2 for $4), ‘spend x get x’, ‘Free’, percentage discounts and discounts obtained through loyalty programs. You must bring in the competitor’s advertisement to our customer service desk prior to the expiry of the advertisement in order for us to provide you with the price match. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

**Off er entitles customer to one (1) item per product family free of charge. Additional items will be at competitor’s advertised price. Off er not available to team members of the Overwaitea Food Group or their immediate family members or persons living in same household. † Limit one Spend/Receive off er per single grocery purchase. Excluding Lotto, tobacco, gift cards, prescriptions, clinics, diabetes care, tickets, charities, bus passes, postage stamps, deposit & recycle fees, rewards and taxes, where applicable.

flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips.

No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Five (5) prizes are available to be won, each consisting of a check for $100. Approximate value of each prize is $100 CDN. The selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest opens Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:01 AM ET and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM ET. For instructions to enter and complete contest rules visit Save.ca/SpringCleaning.

Get ready for sunny weather with spring cleaning tips,

checklists, money-saving coupons and more.

ENTER CONTEST AT

www.save.ca/SpringCleaning

plus





ENTER CONTEST AT


plusplus





ENTER CONTEST AT


plus





ENTER CONTEST AT


plus


Photographer lines up Oak Bay modelsChristine van ReeuwykNews Staff

Elizabeth DeArmond didn’t anticipate becoming a model at the age of 87.

She certainly didn’t envision her “well earned” facial lines would be the featured content of a photo project.

The Oak Bay woman served among the models for fellow resident and photographer Emma Kelly, in pursuit of her certificate of fine arts at the Vancouver Island School of Art.

As a former nurse, Kelly loves interacting with people and it was her chance encounter with an older lady at a bus stop on Oak Bay Avenue that inspired her photography project.

“She told me that she was 92 and in very good health,” Kelly explained. “During our lively discussion about casinos, which is where she was heading, I became fascinated by a pattern of square wrinkles and crevices on her right cheek as she was speaking. In particular my interest was drawn to the darker areas between each wrinkle and the shadows which they created.”

It seemed that in some way these hidden and shadowed areas were a metaphor for the wisdom and depth that can come with aging and the passing of time. The experience of meeting the lady and the beauty of her skin stayed with me.”

Life lined includes 22 images exploring those depths and shadows using Monterey volunteer models aged 75 to 95. It will be displayed in the Monterey Recreation Centre foyer March 23 to 28.

“It’s just looking at lines and wrinkles in a different way,” Kelly said.

DeArmond, a 20-year Monterey recreation member, is among the models whose skin will be on display.

“It was something different and I thought it would help someone,” DeArmond said.

“We all age,” the older woman added. “It’s just another aspect, another form of enjoying the lines we have – of acceptance.” [email protected]

Life lined by Emma Kelly runs March 23 to 28 in the Monterey Centre foyer.

There’s more on line - oakbaynews.com

SERVICE SINCE 1947

Open Mon-Sat. 250.386.31942003 Government St, Victoria

• Oil Change• Replace Spark Plug• Check Filters• Check Ignition

System• Check Fuel System• Check & Adjust

Cables

• Check general Condition

• Filters Extra if required

• Sharpen Blade

$5995$5995

Serving all makes of lawn & garden & powered equipment

✃Spring Small Equipment ServicesLawnmower Service Special

OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 www.oakbaynews.com • A15OAK BAY NEWS - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 www.oakbaynews.com • A15

Wednesday, March 18Restoring Your Home

an evening with the experts hosted by Oak Bay Heritage – Nick Russell, Simone Vogel-Morridge and Bill Patterson. Talk starts at 7 p.m. at Windsor Pavilion.

Victoria Sketch Club show and sale – Celebrating over 106 years of unbroken activity, the Victoria Sketch Club invites you to view the work of its members at Glenlyon Norfolk School, 1701 Beach Dr. from March 17-22 . Free admission. Show runs daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.victoriasketchclub.ca.

Thursday, March 19Volkssport 5/10

km walk. Meet at Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. Registration 5:45 p.m.; walk 6 p.m. Contact is David at 250-598-4316.

Friday, March 20Oak Bay Cabaret

brings Ceilidh Music Night to Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

Friday Music – featuring School of Music string students. 12:30 p.m. at UVic’s Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (Admission by donation).

Drop-in Family Storytime from 10:30-11 a.m. at the Oak Bay branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, 1442 Monterey Ave.

Saturday, March 21Louise Rose shares

her philosophy in life – gratitude – at Carleton House. Call Katherine at 250-595-1914 to RSVP as space is limited.

Volkssport 5/10 km walk. Meet at Fisherman’s Wharf Park, Dallas Road

& Erie Street. Registration 9:30 a.m.; walk 10 a.m. Contact is Wendy at 250-598-9390.

Sunday, March 22Volkssport 5/10

km walk. Meet at Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. Registration 9:30 a.m.; walk 10 a.m. Contact is Carol at 250-386-6670.

Bluegrass Mass is back this Sunday March 22 at 4 p.m. at St. Philip Church (2928 Eastdowne At Neil). Gospel bluegrass and Americana with songs to sing-along with and a brief reflection from the Ven. Christopher Page. It all gets rolling at 4 p.m. with a free/by donation meal to follow. This month we take on the theme of “C’mon out of the Wilderness” with songs by the Civil Wars, Quartette, The Carter Family, Hank Williams and lots of Bluegrass standards. More info at www.stphilipvictoria.ca or call 250 592 6823.

Monday, March 23Drop in baby time

from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for babies 0-15 months and their caregiver. Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day. No registration required at the Oak Bay branch of the GVPL, 1442 Monterey Ave.

Life lined photography display at Monterey Recreation. Photographer Emma Kelly explores wrinkles and lines in the faces of Monterey models at the rec centre, 1441 Monterey until March 28.

Tuesday, March 24Emergency

preparedness information session 7 to 9 p.m. at Windsor Pavilion, 2451

Windsor Rd. Detailed information on how to identify risks, be personally prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of seven days after a major emergency or disaster and begin the recovery process. Free session but pre-register to guarantee your seat. Call 250.592.9121 or email [email protected].

Volkssport 5/10 km walk. Meet at Running Room, Broadmead Shopping Centre, 777 Royal Oak Dr. Registration 5:45 p.m.; walk 6 p.m. Contact is Gail at 250-477-7742.

Drop in Toddler time, for youngsters 16-35 months and their caregiver. Toddler-terrific stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets. No registration required. Starts 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Bay branch of the GVPL, 1442 Monterey Ave.

Wednesday, March 25 Lenten Lunchtime:

Chamber Music for Strings at St. Mary the Virgin Church, 1701 Elgin St. from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Admission is by donation ($8 suggested amount) with proceeds to benefit Abbeyfield House Society. Bring your lunch; coffee and tea are provided. Information: 250-598-2212.

Inside Opera - Madama Butterfly, free talk with Robert Holliston of Pacific Opera Victoria at Monterey. Register at reception, 1441 Monterey Ave.

Thursday, March 26Free coffee at Good

Earth Cofeehouse grand opening. Ribbon cutting ceremonies, prizes and samples at Village Walk, 1971 Oak Bay Ave.

Volkssport 5/10 km walk. Meet at Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. Registration 5:45 p.m.;

walk 6 p.m. Contact is David at 250-598-4316.

Friday, March 27Drop-in Family

Storytime from 10:30-11 a.m. at the Oak Bay Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, 1442 Monterey Ave.

Saturday, March 28Volkssport 5/10 km

walk. Meet at Olympic Golf Course, 643 Latoria Rd., Colwood. Registration 9:30 a.m.; walk 10 a.m. Contact is Rick at 250-478-7020.

Big screen movie at the Oak Bay Rec Centre. Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 at 5:15 p.m. in Sportsview Lounge. Arrive early seating is limited.

An afternoon in Russia. Maestro Pablo Diemecke leads the DieMahler String Quartet at St. Mary’s the Virgin church, 1701 Elgin Rd. Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. This second concert in the quartet’s 2015 Chamber music series features music by Shostakovich, and Borodin. All programs are subject to changes. Tickets are available at the door for $25 (or from McPherson Box Office, Cadboro Bay Books or Ivy’s Book Store).

Sunday, March 29Birding in Uplands

Park with Geoffrey Newell of the Friends of Uplands Park. Meet at Cattle Point by the first boat launch for 9 a.m. Bring binoculars, bird books or simply show up to enjoy the outing, rain or shine.

Volkssport 5/10 km walk. Meet at 125C South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan. Registration 9:30 a.m.; walk 10 a.m. Contact is Christine at 250-478-7020. (This walk is sponsored by Volkssport Association of B.C.)

Monday, March 30Drop in baby time

from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for babies 0-15 months and their caregiver. Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day. No registration required at the Oak Bay branch of the GVPL, 1442 Monterey Ave.

Tuesday, March 31Drop in Toddler time,

for youngsters 16-35 months and their caregiver. Toddler-terrific stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets. No registration required. Starts 10:30

a.m. at the Oak Bay branch of the GVPL, 1442 Monterey Ave.

Wednesday, April 1 Jester’s Pub Night

in the Fern Café at Monterey rec. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Members $13.25 non-members $15.25 at 1441 Monterey Ave.

Lenten Lunchtime: STABAT MATER by Pergolesi sung by Marnie Setka-Mooney and Sara Weicker-Partridge with pianist Curt Bergen at St. Mary the Virgin Church, 1701 Elgin St. from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Admission is by donation ($8 suggested amount) with proceeds

to benefit Abbeyfield House Society. Bring your lunch; coffee and tea are provided. Information: 250-598-2212.

Thursday, April 2In the Neighbourhood

opening event at Red Art Gallery, 2249 Oak Bay Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery artists portray their ideas from the perspective of some chosen neighbourhoods, or perhaps their own worlds.

Share your community event email your community calendar item to [email protected].

Community Calendar

In response to an overwhelming demand for Psychiatric Nurses throughout British Columbia, particularly outside the large urban centres, Stenberg College has offered its online-based Psychiatric Nursing diploma program since 2006. The only program of its kind in Canada, this innovative program allows students to do the majority of their coursework as well as their clinical placements and practicum in their local communities.

• Wages range from $30.70 - $40.42 / hour • Recognized by the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC (CRPNBC)

Articulation Agreement with Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Graduates of Stenberg College’s Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program (graduates from 2014 onwards) will be granted advanced entry into Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) Degree completion program at year 3, enabling Stenberg grads to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing.

You may be eligible for government-funded training programs and/or government student loans, grants & bursaries.

Toll Free: 1-877-836-2374 · stenbergcollege.com

Guided online learning, instructor-led, in a highly supportedenvironment combined with local clinical placements & practicum LEARN ONLINE

PSYCHIATRIC NURSING Diploma Program

To learn more or donate call 250-480-7688 ext 105 habitatvictoria.com/100

CHANGE A LIFE

BE ONE OF THE 100 WOMEN TO BUILD AMANDA A HOME.Donate $1,000 between now & May 14th to fund the $100,000 needed to build her home.

Your contribution will be recognized in many ways. And the impact you make on a single mother’s life… immeasurable.

Habitat Victoria makes homeownership possible for local low-income working families thanks to volunteers, funders, in-kind donors and YOU – women who want to effect change.

Amanda & her children at the work site of their future home.


10Reasons to useLOCAL

in Oak Bay!SHOPS & SERVICES

in Oak Bay!

Oak Bay News oakbaynews.com207A - 2187 Oak Bay Ave 250 480 [email protected]: 9am - 5pmIf you would like to market your shop or serviceto the residents of Oak Bay.

Call me for a no obligation chat.

Diamond Optical Eyecarediamondeyecare.ca1964 Fort Street 250 590 2932 Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 - 5:30 Sat 10- 5We take great pride in our expert staff of Optometrists, Onsite Lab and Eye Ware Technicians, we also take pride in our expert staff, when it comes to frame and lens construction. We understand that eye wear is more than fashion. It’s also function. Take a look at our diverse selection of fashionable eye glasses and contact lenses.Our Oak Bay location boasts the best price for an eye exam in the area. Book an appointment today.

Independent Seniors Livingshannonoaks.com2000 Goldsmith Street 250 595 6257 Hours: By appointmentShannon Oaks is a premier independent living retirement residence with locations in Victoria’s prestigious Oak Bay and South Vancouver. From � ne dining to a variety of daily activities and excursions, it’s the perfect place to enjoy retirement and spend time doing the things you love the best. Come home to Shannon Oaks, where you can live life to the fullest!Baptist Housing - Enhanced Seniors Living - Since 1964

Baptist Housing | Enhanced Seniors Living | Since 1964

VICTORIA | 250.595.6257

www.shannonoaks.com

Barclay’s Jewellersbarclaysjewellers.com106 - 2187 Oak Bay Ave 250 592 1100 Hours: Mon - Fri 9:30 am - 5:15 pm, Sat 10 - 5

Pandora GiveawayFrom March 19 - March 22, Pandora and Barclay’s will be giving away a Pandora bracelet with certain purchases. Spend $125 on a Pandora product or products and receive a .925 bracelet FREE. Spend $550 on Pandora product, and get a 0.925 bracelet with a 14 karat gold clasp FREE. Spend $3300 on Pandora product and receive a 14 karat gold bracelet FREE.

1

10

Fit for Lifewww.Fit-4-Life.ca202 - 2187 Oak Bay Ave 250 382 2328Uptairs in Athlone CourtHours: Monday - SaturdayFunctional Fitness for 55+Our new studio offers: personalized programs, ongoing coaching and mentoring. Quiet state of the art equipment. Living room style ambiance. One monthly fee - no contracts. ARRANGE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TRY OUT NOW AND STAY FIT FOR LIFE.

6

Fair� eld Skin ClinicDrSkinBotox.com1494 Fair� eld Rd. 778 432 3333 Hours: Friday - by appointmentDr. Julian A. Hancock Dermatology Inc. Our clinic specializes in Age Well Skin: Skin rejuvenation, Skin Cancer Prevention, Botox, Juvederm, CO2 Laser, Botox, Metvix PDT. All Botox/Juvederm by Dermatologist. Venus Viva - Facial Rejuvenation now available. Appointments available Fridays in under a month,with or without a referral.

Beauty with a Light

Touch TM

4

Features Spa Servicesfeaturesspaservices.com2552 Windsor Rd. 250 888 3172 Hours: Mon - Sat - by appointmentComing from an extensive hotel spa background,Gaynor welcomes you to her newest venture in Oak Bay, across from the scented garden at Windsor park. A fine range of spa services await with after work appts available Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Yes, we do offer couples spa.Visit our website for more details on treatments.

Mucky Mutt Bowtiquemuckymutt.comOak Bay Ave. (below The Oaks) 250 590 0833 U bath & groomingHOURS: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pmIPG Certified Salon Groomers, Dog & Cat Grooming. Walk-in nail clippings. State of the Art, safe, clean facility, staffed by qualified, friendly animal lovers. Our “Bowtique” store offers select accessories for your dog like leashes, collars,scarves, coats & rainwear with a focus on quality & ethical products, giftware, local artisan & locally made one-of-a-kind items can also be found. Susan Lanci Swarovski stockist.

3

Oak Bay Emergency Program (OBEP)oakbay.ca1703 Monterey 250 592 9121 email: [email protected] 90 minute Emergency Preparedness Information Sessions will provide you with information on how to be prepared for any emergency. Learn how to develop your personal plan, evacuation grab & go kit and how to be self sufficient for a minimum of 7 days. Tues, March 24 - Windsor Park Pavilion - 7pm Thurs, April 9 - Monterey Centre - 1pm Tues, May 5 - Windsor Park Pavilion - 7pm

8

2

McNeill Audiologymcneillaudiology.ca1463 Hampshire Rd. 250 370 2833HOURS: 9 - 4.30 Mon - FriClosed for lunch 12pm-1pmCelebrating 20 years of Better Hearing.Comprehensive hearing tests.Digital hearing instruments. Our audiologists will � nd the optimum choice to best suit your individual hearing needs and your lifestyle

87

5

9

McNeill Audiologymcneillaudiology.ca1463 Hampshire Rd. 250 370 2833HOURS: 9 - 4.30 Mon - FriClosed for lunch 12pm-1pmCelebrating 20 years of Better Hearing.Comprehensive hearing tests.Digital hearing instruments. Our audiologists will � nd the optimum choice to best suit your individual hearing needs and your lifestyle

8


Kevin LairdBlack Press

For most of her life, sports was a sanctu-ary for Patti Dawn Swansson, a place where she could be

among friends.Often picked on by

bullies because of her petite size, Swansson turned to sports as a refuge. Those who bul-lied her soon found she was a talented

athlete in both hockey and baseball, and left her alone.

Her sports prowess took her into the news-paper business, where she wrote sports, and eventually became a

sports editor and col-umnist for the Winni-peg Sun.

But for more than 50 years, she was living a nightmare: she was a woman trapped inside a man’s body.

“I knew from the time I was eight years old I was different,” says Swansson, 64, a Victoria resident.

Swansson, though, lived the life back then as Pat Doyle, a rough

and tumble sports editor, working in the world of macho pro-fessionals.

“It was tough going into team dressing rooms to hear the lan-guage,” she recalls. “The contempt [ath-letes] held for gay people and for women. The misogyny was ter-rible.”

After several years, Swansson refused to go to dressing room interviews and found her sources elsewhere.

Seven years ago, she became true to herself, beginning the process of gender reassign-ment. It started with hormone therapy and ended with surgery in 2009.

Swansson’s long struggle has a trium-phal ending of sorts, at least in the newspaper world. Last month, she returned to Winnipeg as one of the induct-ees to the Manitoba Sports Writers Hall of Fame.

“The phone call came out of the blue,” she says. “I started to laugh because I’ve been out of the busi-ness so long.”

Swansson moved to Victoria in 1999 and toiled at a variety of jobs. There was the cleaning jobs, work in an antique store and even a brief stint as sports editor of the Victoria News.

The induction in the hall of fame is some-thing special.

“I just did my job, so to be recognized, it was lovely,” she says.

But to those who

know her, Swansson did more than just come into work every day and do her job.

Swansson is one of the finest journal-ists longtime friend and former co-worker Dave Komosky ever came across.

“Patti is very serious about the newspaper business. She has a really nice touch with words and humour,” he says.

Komosky, who first worked with Swans-son in 1972 and was a coworker at both the now-defunct Winnipeg Tribune and the Win-nipeg Sun, says there was no indication the sportswriter wanted to be a woman.

“She seemed to like women. She had three wives and five kids over the years.”

Along the way, Swansson has had a huge influence on many people’s careers, in media circles from Toronto to Winnipeg, adds Komosky.

To Swansson, though, the biggest influence she might have is on a gay youth who has aspirations of becoming a sports writer.

“I don’t know a gay sports writer in Can-ada, male or female,” she says.

“For me to get this award is what it rep-resents. I hope a gay youth reads about it, hears about it and can understand that if I can do it, then they can do it. They won’t have to hide in the closet any longer.”

Journey to happiness a life-long process for former Victoria sportswriter

Kevin Laird/Black Press

For more than 50 years, Patti Dawn Swansson was living a nightmare: she was a woman trapped inside a man’s body. It never stopped her from being one of the top journalists in the country and being named to Manitoba Sports Writers Hall of Fame.

Documents

Oak Bay News, March 18, 2015