peninsula news review, december 27, 2013

FIRST NIGHT Join us at our 8th annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy musical entertainment as well as numerous activities, including swimming, skating, arts & crafts, inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castle and XBOX Kinect on our giant inflatable movie screen. We’ll end off the night with a Fireworks Finale at 9pm! Refreshments available for an additional cost. See website for details.

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Centre.On Dec 31stAdult (19yrs+) $15Child/Student (6 - 18yrs) $11Child (0 - 5yrs) Free

New Year’s EveFamily Celebration

Partnership for seniorsSidney SeniorCare and Panorama Recreation have teamed up, page 6

Watch for breaking news at www.vicnews.comC O M M U N I T Y N E W S M E D I A

Black Press Friday, December 27, 2013

PENINSULA R E V I E WNEWS

Getting ready for graduationGrade 12 students at Parkland Secondary are learning about school plans for grad, page 3

Steven HeywoodNews staff

Another attempt at streamlining the process for devel-opment permit applications in North Saanich has been delayed — but this time by the councillors who are seen as more favourable to growth than others.

At the Dec. 16 District council meeting, Coun. Dunstan Browne asked that a new policy that would allow staff to directly approve or reject development permit applica-tions — thereby making the process a lot faster — be postponed. The reason, he said, was to allow councillors to

further question language used in the draft bylaw, review a landscaping con-tingency fee and clarify the appeal pro-cess should a permit be turned down.

Browne and councillors Conny McBride, Craig Mearns and Ted Daly — generally considered a majority who support added development in the community — all voted to post-pone the bylaw after it had already been advanced at the Dec. 9 commit-tee of the whole meeting.

In an apparent reversal of roles, it was Mayor Alice Finall and councillor

Elsie McMurphy and Celia Stock who wanted to get the bylaw in place to allow staff to advance development per-mits based on current council policy.

“This has been going on for a long time,” said Finall, not-ing the drafting of the bylaw started around June of 2012. “It’s to delegate the approval process for development per-mits to staff. As long as an application adheres to the Dis-trict’s guidelines, council wouldn’t have a lot of say.”

It’s a common practice in other municipalities. In neigh-bouring Sidney, for instance, staff have the authority to consider such applications, only advancing their final rec-ommendations to council for review.

Finall said this is allowed under the Local Government Act and said she’s at a loss to explain why councillors wanted it postponed this time.

Role reversal over permitsNorth Saanich delays bylaw that would speed up development application process

Please see: Councillors concerns with loss, page 2

Dunstan Browne

Devon MacKenzie/News staff

Sidney Peace Lutheran Church Pastor Erik Trovall. Trovall and his family were recently part of an exchange to Australia.

Devon MacKenzieNews staff

Apart from living through three back-to-back winters, Pastor Erik Trovall from Sidney’s Peace Lutheran Church said his family’s

exchange with an Australian family was the experience of a lifetime.

The Sidney family, Erik, his wife Jennifer and their son Nathanael, 13, returned to the Saanich Peninsula from a six month exchange in Austra-lia at the end of October.

The Trovall’s made the exchange with pastor David Wear from the Lutheran Church of the Good Shep-herd in Hamilton, Australia, his wife Kate, daughters Misha, 4, and Eve, 2,

and son Henry, 1.“We left B.C. in mid-April and I met

David in Adelaide where we spent 10 days at a pastors conference. At the end of April we went to Hamilton and David and his family left for Sidney,” Erik explained.

An exchange to rememberLocal family returns from six month exchange Down Under

Please see: Exchange families learned, page 5

INSIDEINSIDE

A2 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013- PENINSULA NEWS REVIEWA2 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013- PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

“We have talked about getting a more efficient pro-cess in place,” she said. “I heard nothing substantive from the councillors for why they wanted the post-ponement. Their reasons are not clear.

“It’s a surprise that we’re still dithering over this.”

Browne said he was being cautious in what he termed a fundamental change in North Saanich’s approval authority.

“This process would,” he said, “take the approval process away from council’s hands.”

Browne added he thought this issue could be subject to abuse.

Finall, McMurphy and Stock all

stated to some degree they thought the move by the majority indicated there was “something at play here” that they just didn’t understand.

“To me, [Browne] is fear-ful of a policy taking con-trol out of the hands of council,” said McMurphy. “It’s a matter of whether council wants staff to have the control or keep the sta-tus quo.”

McBride and Daly said there’s no rush on this and they have been ask-ing questions raised by citizens.

“I have some reservations,” admit-ted Browne. “I don’t oppose this but I’m asking that the bylaw be held.”

His request passed in a 4-3 [email protected]

Councillors concerned with loss of control

Continued from page 1

Alice Finall

Concerns over policy changeCouncillor Dunstan Browne wanted the development permit appli-

cation streamlining bylaw held up based on a few concerns:

• A 125% contingency fee for developers. This, explained Chief Administrative Officer Rob Buchan, applies only to landscaping plans, to ensure they are completed.

• Number of council votes required in a development permit appeal. Browne wanted to clarify if it’s a two-thirds majority or simple majority of council votes to allow an appeal.

• Other wording concerns in the draft bylaw.

While the proposed bylaw would allow municipal staff to approve or reject development permit applications based on existing policies and regulations in the District, any request that would require a vari-ance of those bylaws would still be dealt with at the council level.


North Saanich dis-trict council approved its amended 2013-2015 Strategic Plan — but not without extensive debate over a small portion of the docu-ment.

The only dissent-ing vote on council was Mayor Alice Finall. She said she could not

support the document based on one point — the changing of plans to create an affordable and workforce housing policy from an urgent goal a long-term one.

“In recent develop-ment applications,” she said, “there has been no capacity to supply affordable housing at all. And the District has no policy in place that might force the issue

with developers.”Finall has debated

councillors for North Saanich to develop such a policy sooner, rather than later, con-sidering all of council’s desire for more afford-able housing for people in the local workforce. Where Finall’s opinion differs with that of the majority of council is over the definition of affordable housing.

To her, it’s about what people of modest income can afford. To the majority of council, it’s market housing.

Coun. Craig Mearns said he didn’t see the need for such a policy, stating the market will decide what’s afford-able.

While debate on this issue came down to a 4-3 vote, the Strategic Plan itself passed, 6-1.

North Saanich sets strategy for two years

Devon MacKenzie/News staff

A volunteer Christmas tree, complete with ornaments and a star, appeared along a trail in the Ardmore area of North Saanich this month. It makes for a seasonal treat while out for a walk.

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PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 27, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A3PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 27, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A3

Peninsula News in brief

Have a heartSIDNEY — Hearts of the Community is getting ready to accept nomina-tions from local residents to honour folks in a variety of cat-egories.The Peninsula News Review is working with Beacon Com-munity Services to present the annual awards. Nomination forms will be available in the new year. Watch the PNR for details.

— News staff

People’s choiceSIDNEY — Vot-ing is open for the People’s Choice Award in the Sidney Sea-side Sculpture Walk. Ballots are available at www.sculpture-walk.ca until Jan. 30. The winning sculp-ture will be pur-chased by the Town of Sidney and added to its permanent col-lection.

Coins For KidsSIDNEY — The Peninsula News Review is still accepting coins of all kinds for its annual Coins For Kids campaign. With more than $2,300 counted (and more coins to come), the PNR is on track to matching last year’s fundrais-ing total of over $3,000. Thanks to our readers for their support throughout the year.

— News staff

Steven Heywood/News staff

Parkland Secondary grad committee executive members Trevor Bolduc and Breanna Clooney join Principal Lizanne Chicanot (with microphone) in front of Grade 12 students to keep them up to date about graduation fundraisers and events.

Gearing up for graduationBig bottle drive event Jan. 11 one of many local events planned for a safe grad in 2014Steven HeywoodNews staff

Graduation for students on the Saa-nich Peninsula might be six months away but students, teachers and par-ents are getting ready for it now.

On the last day of school at Park-land Secondary before Christmas (Dec. 20) members of the 2014 grad-uation executive committee stood before their peers and asked them to get involved. Already, they are seek-ing help from their co-graduates to run a big bottle drive at the school parking lot on Jan. 11. And that’s not all.

“If enough of us come out, even for an hour during the bottle drive, it’ll go a long way,” says executive mem-ber and Grade 12 student Trevor Bolduc.

Graduation next year, he contin-ued, will be in late June. It sounds like it’s a long way off, but it can come up quickly. He said December has been very busy — not only with his own education and activities, but with

grad event planning. With only four students in the group, Bolduc said he hopes more of his peers will step up.

The Dec. 20 meeting with other students, he said, was to raise aware-ness about what’s going on in prepa-ration for the graduation celebration. He said it normally takes place at the University of Victoria, with dry grad events and more happening back in Sidney at the Mary Winspear Centre.

“I’m looking forward to grad,” he said. It’s an important thing but I try to balance that with things I’m involved in.”

So he knows how tough it can be to get students out to help with events like theme days, semi-formal dance, bottle drives and the upcoming grad fashion show in the spring. That’s why he and committee member Bre-anna Clooney were handing out fly-ers detailing the activities of the grad committee right before Christmas holidays.

Parkland Principal Lizanne Chi-canot told the crowd that they were a main focus of school life between

now and graduation — teachers and parents are working hard to help with the celebration.

As well, she noted there’s a Park-land alumni group working on 40th anniversary events for next year and the grad class will, in some form, be involved.

Chicanot asked the gathered stu-dents to ensure they’re on top of their courses for the school year — to ensure that they will be able to graduate in the first place.

The meeting outlined for the stu-dents where they can get informa-tion on scholarships and that there’s a grad committee Facebook page

where they can check for new events and important information they need to know. Chicanot also showed them a text messaging service students can enter on their phones so they can get timely updates.

A list of frequently asked ques-tions about graduation requirements and ceremony is also now up on the school’s main website.

Bolduc added if more students help with fundraising events, they can lower the cost of grad for every-one.

Bolduc said he’s looking forward to some of the community events and fundraisers that are being planned.

“The Parkland grads,” he said, “are always trying to stay connected to the community and in some way, to give back.”

It’s a Parkland tradition for each grad class to come with a legacy gift for the entire school. Bolduc said this year’s class is still working on that and hopes other students will have a say.

[email protected]

Parkland Grad Class bottle drive

When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Location: Parking lot at the school, 10640 Macdonald Park Rd.

SIDNEY — A recent donation of $20,000 from Telus was gratefully received by the members of ORCCA (Oral Care for Children and Adolescents Society), a Sidney charitable group seeking to provide dental care for youth in need.

It’s the peak of a series of recent donations to ORCCA, including $10,000 from the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club. The society is using the money to renovate a space at Sidney Elementary School into the dental clinic.

The outpouring of support has included volunteers from the dentist and dental hygienist communities.

— Submitted by ORCCA

Outpouring of support for ORCCA team

Members of the Oral Care for Children and Adolescents Society received a $20,000 donation from Telus this month.Submitted photo

A4 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEWA4 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

VIEWPOINTThe Peninsula News Review is published by Black Press Ltd. | #6 - 9843 Second St., Sidney, B.C. V8L 3C7 | Phone: 250-656-1151 • Fax: 250-656-5526 • Web: www.vicnews.com

Jim Parker PublisherSteven Heywood EditorJanice Marshall Production ManagerBruce Hogarth Circulation Manager

The PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW 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.

The Peninsula News Review is published every Wednesday and Friday by Black Press Ltd., #6 - 9843 Second St., Sidney, B.C. V8L 3C7. Phone: 250-656-1151. Fax: 250-656-5526. Web: www.vicnews.com

OUR VIEW

What do you think? Give us your comments by e-mail: [email protected] or fax 250-656-5526. All letters must have a name and a telephone number for verification.

Resolve not to make resolutions

A new year is about to begin and that has us thinking about renewal — a fresh start and, yes, those dreaded New Year’s Resolutions.

Some of the best advice we have heard about those things came from Janet Krenz, a registered dietician and community nutritionist with Island Health. In relation to eating habits over the holidays, Krenz said don’t do it — don’t make any resolutions when it comes to food. All they do, she said, is enable people to justify a binge before January 1 and then feel guilty about it afterwards and through the next year.

That advice can be applied throughout the Saanich Peninsula.

Take North Saanich municipal council, for instance. They must have resolved at some point

not to continue the bickering during meetings. Why? Because they enjoyed a lot of it at their last meeting

before the new year. A bit of a pre-ban bickering binge, if you will. We can only hope they got it out of their system. Realistically, though, residents can expect more of the back-and-forth animosity leading up to next November’s municipal election.

Over in Central Saanich, they have resolved to spend less, thanks to some debt left over from their new fire hall. Residents should hope this resolution holds and no one feels guilty about their spendthrift ways in 2014 and reverses course.

In Sidney, there’s probably no point in resolving to end the Beacon Avenue traffic debate. Why not? Because no matter which direction drivers end up taking along the main drag, someone isn’t going to like it and there will be close calls between cars and pedestrians. It’s inevitable that when people are walking and drivers driving, they will cross paths — often way too closely. The best course of action is to mitigate that conflict as best you can and ensure Sidney’s downtown is welcoming to both groups.

For the rest of the community, resolve not to make a resolution this year, but to live a little happier and more positive and, maybe then, good things will come your way.

Live a little happier ... good things will come your way

YOUR VIEW

Re: Cherry picking data, Dec. 11, PNR. The author of this letter accused me of cherry picking data to dispel his notion that global warming has ceased since 1998. This is quite amusing for that it is exactly what the deniers do.

In a previous letter I just gave one example of hard data to indicate that there is peer reviewed science to support increased warming temperatures. I agree that record-breakers don’t tell us much about trends for it is the trends that matter. And there is an equivocal consensus among the reputable world’s climate scientists that the Earth has been warming at a steady rate before and since 1998.

Not only do these scientists focus on surface air temperatures which show an undisputed 0.11 to 0.12ºC per decade warming trend since 1997 but, perhaps more importantly, they measure thermal mass of the oceans which give a much more steady indication of the warming that is occurring.

I would suggest to these deniers of global warming they check the real science, not the nonsense that is floating out there on the Internet.

T. V. GogolNorth Saanich

Sandown an opportunityRe: Don’t compete with farms,

PNR Dec. 13. Most of the farmers and market gardeners I have spoken with are in favour of the Sandown

proposal and I, as a market gardener, am one of them.

The letter-writer states “In my view, we simply do not need a community farm. We have enough farm land.” I wonder what his criteria is? The 2006 Ministry of Agriculture report B.C.’s Food Self-Reliance – Can B.C.’s Farmers Feed a Growing Population? indicates that one acre is needed to provide food for one person for one year. North Saanich has 1,226 hectares being farmed. That means we are only farming enough land to feed 2,339 people. If you include Sidney, which has no farmland, then we are farming enough land to feed only 11 per cent of the population of the two municipalities. That’s not including the larger community that the letter-writer wants to add.

The Ministry of Agriculture report adds “to maintain the [2005] levels of self-reliance [at 48 per cent] through to the year 2025, farmers will need to increase production by 30 per cent over 2001 levels. The increased production will be concentrated on the land that has access to irrigation – land that is typically near the urban centers.”

Food security is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. When the Sandown proposal first came to light, many young farmers came to North Saanich council indicating a desire to lease the land, saying they could not afford to buy farmland here.

With the average age of farmers

at 56 years, we definitely need more farmers and we have to find creative ways to give young farmers access to land. The Sandown proposal provides that opportunity.

Bernadette GreeneNorth Saanich

Get out and walkIt would seem that Canada Post

has deemed it necessary to go to great lengths to try to cut its mail delivery costs. This is at the expense of the public and for the senior citizens, also a potential cause for them to fall in the winter to get that one letter they may or may not get in the mail that day.

I realize many workers walk their routes in all kinds of weather across Canada. We have had postal workers walk the route, other have ridden a bike and now we have a worker who drives the route in a full-size Canada Post van. Canada Post, I assume, pays for the gas and is this cost-effective? I think not.

I suggest before they stop home delivery, they look at other ways to cut costs starting with going back to workers walking the routes and not being given a company van to do so.

William PlowmanNorth Saanich

•••Let your voice be heard. Send your thoughts to [email protected]

Check real science, not the Internet

Questionof the week? Last Week

we asked you:

Did you follow through on your New Year’s resolutions this year?

Answer online at www.vicnews.com

Will you be spending time with family and/or friends on Christmas Day?

YES 69% NO 23% MAYBE 8%

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 27, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A5

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MLA Gary Holman is marking a victory alongside residents of the Gulf Islands in sav-ing the 10 a.m. Trans-Link route 620 bus from the Tsawassen ferry terminal to the Bridge-port Skytrain station in Richmond.

Holman said Trans-Link had planned on eliminating the 10 a.m. bus as of Dec. 16. It normally picks up pas-sengers off of the Gulf Islands ferry and gets them to their connec-tions. Without it, he said people would have been left waiting an extra hour for the next bus on that route.

According to Trans-Link’s winter route changes set for Dec. 16, the 10 a.m. 620 bus would have been

dropped in favour of a 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. bus.

Due to an outpour-ing of complaints, Hol-man said TransLink has pulled back.

“For Gulf Islanders, that was a crucial con-nection,” Holman said. “TransLink soon real-ized this … they had stepped on a bit of a hornet’s nest.”

The MLA credited the transit authority for changing its mind. It means less financial impact on travelers from the Gulf Islands, he said.

In an email to the News Review, Sany Zein, a spokesperson for TransLink con-firmed they had initially planned to align the 620 service with ferry pas-senger demand.

“We have heard a strong Gulf Island com-

munity desire to main-tain current services,” Zein wrote. “The 9 a.m. 620 bus service leav-ing Bridgeport Station and the 10 a.m. 620 bus service leaving the Tsawwassen ferry will remain in the sched-ule.”

Holman said he’s interested in transit issues on the Saanich Peninsula as well. He said he favours a B.C. Transit request to the Capital Regional Dis-trict to increase fuel taxes by two cents a litre, in order to have an impact on B.C. Tran-sit’s budget.

In North Saanich, Holman added, there is somewhat limited bus service and would like to see at least an expan-sion of basic services there.

[email protected]

MLA calls for basic transit growth on the Peninsula

“It was wonderful because we swapped homes and vehicles so it was a really easy way to do it.”

Erik, David and their families were matched for the exchange through Lutheran Church Can-ada and the Lutheran Church of Australia who have an intercom-munion program.

“David had expressed interest in doing the exchange and so had I, so they matched us up after a vetting process. We had originally planned it for 2012 but they ended up being blessed with a baby boy so we put it off for a year,” said Erik.

The exchange taught both families new things about living in a different country he said.

“Even though there aren’t huge differences in language or cul-ture, going to a different a coun-try like we did in the exchange taught us a lot about Australia. I mean, what better way to learn about a country than to go live there? It was especially great for our son who is 13 because he was able to absorb so much.”

Hamilton, Australia is known for its mountainous green land-scape and sheep farming, he added, which made for a differ-ent experience from living in Sid-ney by the Sea.

“Jennifer and Nathanael were able to get out to many excur-sions around the area but we

were also able to do all the big-ger destinations too like Can-berra and Cairns which is one of Sidney’s sister cities,” Erik said, adding that the highlight of the trip was the people he and his family met.

“The highlight was definitely the personal relationships we made,” he said, smiling.

“The congregation at the Church of the Good Shepherd was wonderful and their com-passion and spirituality were amazing,” he added, noting that the only downside of the whole experience was the fact the fam-ily endured three winters — they left in the winter, arrived in the winter and returned home in the winter.

“If I was to do it again I would do it so we got to be the ones who had three summers,” he laughed.

David said the experience was also one to remember for his family.

“I had great discussions with and learned a lot from Erik dur-ing my time spent with him in Australia. Above all, being with the wonderful people of Peace Lutheran Church was something that made a real impact on me. I think I really hit the jackpot going there. Not only are they are a wonderful group of friendly and caring people who embraced us, Peace Lutheran Church also happens to be in a picture post-

card location. Looking back on our time living in Sidney for six months it’s a little bit hard to believe it really happened, it’s like a dream. We loved the town of Sidney and the Saanich Pen-insula and a bonus was that we there for a great summer.”

During the exchange, David and his family made the most of their time here, taking trips to Vancouver where David dragged his wife (who teaches classical violin) to a Rush concert.

David also said the family vis-ited Seattle, took several trips up island to visit Tofino, Mt. Wash-ington, Cathedral Grove, the Kinsol Trestle and Chemainus among other places, as well as enjoyed a trip to New York City and time in Phoenix, Arizona at the end of their trip before returning home.

Now settled in at home and with his congregation, Erik said he would do an exchange again in a heartbeat, not only because it enriches knowledge of other places in the world but because it solidifies the love and appre-ciation for your own home.

“When I came back, the first time I stepped up to the front of Peace Lutheran to do my ser-mon, I really felt that sense of home,” he said.

“It’s definitely good to be back.”

[email protected]

Continued from page 1

Exchange families learned about living in different countries

Submitted photo

The Trovall family, Jennifer, Nathanael (13) and Erik during their exchange in Hamilton, Australia.

vicnews.com

A6 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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NORTH SAANICH — Tom Ackerman and Joey Smith will kick off the New Year at Jazz Vespers at St. John’s United Church on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.

While most Victoria jazz lovers will prob-ably be more familiar with the sight of Joey Smith waltzing with his bass in performance, the guitar is actually his first instrument and the one he will be play-

ing at Jazz Vespers on Jan. 5.

Ackerman will join him on clarinet and saxophone and Ryan Tandy will play bass.

Ackerman was born in Hollywood and began tap dancing and playing the clarinet at age six.

He was at that time a member of a family act Dixieland band which led to an appearance on the famed Ted Mack Amateur Hour televi-sion show.

Eventually he moved to Hawaii in 1975 and worked with several jazz bands and per-formed with some great artists including Sammy Davis, Jr., Joe Williams and Julio Igle-sias.

Devon MacKenzieNews staff

A new public-private partner-ship is hoping to benefit the local senior community.

Panorama Recreation and Sid-ney SeniorCare recently joined forces to form a partnership they hope will bring more diver-sity in programming as well as more health and wellness to the local senior community.

“[This partnership] was the next logical step to providing superior community health and welfare to our senior pop-ulation,” said Shauna Dorko, the president and CEO of Sid-ney SeniorCare. “Our goal is to enrich the quality of life of each and every client of ours and really make a significant differ-ence in our communities.”

The partnership has also seen Sidney SeniorCare get on board with Panorama’s Elder College program as the program’s spon-sor.

“By us creating these part-nerships in the community

it enables us to enhance they types and number or programs we’re able to offer,” explained Lisa Sneek, the marketing co-ordinator for Panorama Recre-ation Centre.

The partnership will even-tually see the installation of enhanced Elder College pro-grams at the Greenglade Com-munity Centre in addition to possible new programming at the recreation centre, Sneek said, adding that more informa-tion on the programming is to

come in the next few months.Sidney SeniorCare has been

offering customized services for seniors for more than 10 years and is currently the largest pri-vate home support agency on Vancouver Island.

Their goal, Dorko said, is to help seniors maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes while remain-ing an integral part of the com-munity — something which can be achieved through the new partnership and keeping seniors active.

The partners are offering an open house on Thursday, Jan. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greenglade Com-munity Centre in Sidney (2151 Lannon Way) to offer a chance for all to attend.

“The idea is seniors can attend during the day and families or caretakers of seniors who might work during the day can attend in the evening,” said Sneek, adding that there will be door prizes, free membership give-aways, refreshments and infor-mation on Elder College course offerings during the open house.

For more information visit www.panoramarecreation.ca.

[email protected]

Strong partnership means a stronger community

Submitted photo

Shauna Dorko of Sidney SeniorCare is looking forward to making a difference in the community.

Panorama joins forces with Sidney SeniorCare

Jazz Vespers welcomes popular duo

Submitted photo

Tom Ackerman, left, and Joey Smith perform Jan. 5 at St. John’s United Church.

Please see: Jazz Vespers, page 7

vicnews.com

THIS MONTH AT THE BEACH

* Alcohol, gratuities & taxes extra. Guest rooms based on double occupancy & availability.

OAKBAYBEACHHOTEL.COMCall 250.598.4556 For Dates & To Book

Our Best. Always .

DOWNTON ABBEY SEASON 4 PREMIERE | SUNDAY, JANUARY 5TH

Step into the 1920’s at our Manor House to celebrate Season 4 of Downton Abbey. You will be greeted by white gloved valets, butlers and served by our very own “Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes”. Period inspired cocktails, menu and attire will make this an event to remember!

Individual tickets are $89pp* | Overnight package rates from $199pp*

THE TIMEBENDERS | DINNER THEATRE | JANUARY 17 - MARCH 1Dinner Theatre is back for our fi rst show of 2014. Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with the return of Tom Watson and “The Timebenders” hilarious tribute to Rock & Roll.

Tickets are $89pp* | Call 250.598.4556 for details, to book tickets or your group function.

MOVIE NIGHTS | DAVID FOSTER FOUNDATION THEATRE Gourmet theatre fare and new releases: The Butler, Enough Said and more. Tuesday Movie Nights start at 6:15PM January 7, 14, 21, 28 and Family Movies, January 19 at 2PM.

250-590-7889 102 - 736 Broughton St

www.wellsgraytours.com

Depart from Victoria - Over 50 tours available!

California Winter Escape Jan 30-Feb 20 $3910 Arizona Feb 3-24 $3925 Long Beach Storm Watching Feb 23– 26 $780 Harrison Hot Springs Retreat March 4-6 $565 Rediscover Seattle April 4-7 $795 Whistler Seniors’ Spring Celebration April 14-17 $970 Japan to Vancouver Cruise April 9-30 from$6270 San Francisco & Coastal Cruise April 21-May 2 from$2490

Today’s dream becomes tomorrow’s memories

Share the World - Wells Gray Tours gift certificates available


Give the gift of travel!Buy your passes and tickets at the following locations:

www.bctransit.com

Brentwood BayBrentwood Rexall Drug Store Pharmasave West Saanich

Colwood88 Mini MartCanex Express Mart Colwood Corners Drycleaners 7-Eleven Colwood Corona FoodsPetro Canada Island HwyLondon Drugs

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Mayfair AreaB & V Market Mayfair Esso Mayfair Shopping Centre

McKenzie & QuadraLondon DrugsPetro Canada Quadra Thrifty Foods QuadraThrifty Foods McKenzie Quadra/McKenzie Esso

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Wilkinson/Interurban AreaMac’s Store

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10 tickets

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Victoria Regional Transit Commission

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3264_BCT_Vendor_VIC_12x10.3125_PNRNews Group12” x 10.3125”

Insertion Date: December , 2013

Created by: Megan Roberts, BC Transit

Updated Rider’s Guide effective December 30.


He attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, lived and worked in Washington D.C. and eventually became a bandleader for Princess Cruises for 10 years where he met his Canadian bride, Sarah.

Now residing in Victoria, Ack-

erman has worked with the Ian McDougall Big Band and the Don Leppard Big Band and is a regu-lar member with CanUS and The Stomp Club.

After touring for two-and-a-half years with the Glenn Miller Orchestra as bassist and arranger, Smith, originally from Tennessee,

also ended up settling in Victoria with a Canadian bride.

An in-demand freelance bass-ist, Joey performs regularly with the Marc Atkinson Trio, the Karel Roessingh Trio, the CanUS tradi-tional jazz band and many other groups in Victoria.

Tandy began his musical career

in the jazz studies program at Esquimalt High.

Since graduating in 2006, he has been in demand all over Victoria.

Jazz Vespers continues on Feb. 9 with The Victoria Chamber Jazz Quartet (VCJQ) returning to per-form Claude Bolling’s second Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio. On

March 2, vocalist/pianist Amy Nold will bring her trio.

Jazz Vespers services begin at 7 p.m. St. John’s United Church is located at 10990 West Saanich Rd. across from Deep Cove School. There is no admission charge. An offering will be taken to cover costs of the program. — Submitted

Jazz Vespers program continues Feb. 9 with Victoria Chamber QuartetContinued from page 6

A8 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 27, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A9PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 27, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A3A2 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEWA8 • www.vicnews.com Friday, December 27, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

MARK YOUR CALENDARSJanuary calendar of EVENTS

February calendar of EVENTS

March calendar of EVENTS

Highlighting your favourite events on the Saanich Peninsula in 2014

Jan. 1 – Happy New Year! Jan. 1 – Polar Bear Swim – Lochside beach access (south of Tulista Park) at noonJan. 2 – Lego exhibit at the Sidney Museum with 250 Lego models celebrating the Sidney Fire Department’s 100th anniversary. Exhibit runs until March 31Jan. 8 and 9 – Blood donor clinic at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 1-888-2-DONATE.Jan. 10 to 12 – Race weekend, Island Radio Operated Car Club at the Mary Winspear Centre.Jan. 18 – Mardi Gras at the Sidney Pier Hotel. Information: 250-655-9445 Jan. 25 – Robbie Burns dinner with the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 250-656-0275 or marywinspear.caJan. 31 – Chinese New Year

Feb. 5 – Classic Albums Live at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: www.marywinspear.caFeb. 5 and 6 – Blood donor clinic – Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 1-888-2-DONATE or www.marywinspear.caFeb. 6 – Buddy Holly Tribute at the Charlie White Theatre, Mary Winspear Centre. Info: www.marywinspear.caFeb. 10 – Family Day in B.C.Feb. 8 to 10 – Family Day celebration in Sidney. Visit www.distinctlysidney.ca for more information.Feb. 14 – Happy Valentines Day! Feb. 14 – 2 for 1 Sweetie Swim at Panorama Recreation Centre. Information: www.panoramarecreation.caFeb. 14 – Palm Court Light Orchestra at the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: www.marywinspear.ca

April calendar of EVENTS

May calendar of EVENTS

June calendar of EVENTS

March 3 – Comedienne Jean Robertson at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: www.marywinspear.caMarch 5 and 6 – Blood donor clinic – Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 1-888-2-DONATE or www.marywinspear.caMarch 9 – Daylight savings begins (spring forward) March 10 to 23 – Spring break swim programming at Panorama Recreation Centre. Information: www.panoramarecreation.ca March 17 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day!March 27 – Sip and Savour Food Tasting Event at the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: www.tidesgroup.comMarch 31 – Duck Mania at Panorama Recreation Centre aquatic facility. Information: www.panoramarecreation.caMarch 31 – Lorne Elliott at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: www.marywinspear.ca or 250-656-0275

April 5 – Children Count fair at Brentwood Elementary. Visit www.mypeninsula.ca for information.April 6 – Sidney Concert Band at the Mary Winspear Centre. Call 250-656-0275 for information or visit www.marywinspear.caApril 18 – Good Friday Apr. 20 – Easter Egg Hunt Swim – Panorama Recreation Centre, 1-3 p.m. Bring your swim suit and meet the Easter bunny.April 20 – Easter egg hunt hosted by the Peninsula Celebrations Society in Dominion Brook Park, across from Panorama Recreation Centre at noon. Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca for informationApr. 26 – Jimmy Rankin at the Mary Winspear Centre. Call 250-656-0275 for information or visit www.marywinspear.ca

May 2 to 4 – Peninsula Singers present from White Cli� s to Emerald Shores at the Mary Winspear Centre. Call 250-656-0275 for show times and tickets or visit www.marywinspear.caMay 11 – Mother’s DayMay 11 – Mother’s Day swims at Panorama Recreation Centre. Visit www.panoramarecration.ca for times and admission fees.May 19 – Victoria Day May 21 to 24 – West Coast Amusements Midway at the Mary Winspear Centre � eld. Info: www.marywinspear.ca

June to September – Gallery by the Sea is up for display and voting by the public. Artworks hang o� the � sh market at Beacon PierJune 7 – Brentwood Bay Festival – including a pancake breakfast, market with vendors, music and parade. Info: mypeninsula.caJune to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich FairgroundsJune to September – Sidney Summer Market – along Beacon Avenue, between First and Fifth every Thursday evening. Entertainment, food, gifts, fresh produce, hand-made crafts and more.June 15 – Father’s Day June 15 – Father’s Day swim – Panorama Recreation Centre. Visit www.panoramarecreation.ca for schedule and admission informationJune 30 – Sidney Days Canada Day cake and � reworks at Beacon Park


MARK YOUR CALENDARSJanuary calendar of EVENTS

February calendar of EVENTS

March calendar of EVENTS


Jan. 1 – Happy New Year! Jan. 1 – Polar Bear Swim – Lochside beach access (south of Tulista Park) at noonJan. 2 – Lego exhibit at the Sidney Museum with 250 Lego models celebrating the Sidney Fire Department’s 100th anniversary. Exhibit runs until March 31Jan. 8 and 9 – Blood donor clinic at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 1-888-2-DONATE.Jan. 10 to 12 – Race weekend, Island Radio Operated Car Club at the Mary Winspear Centre.Jan. 18 – Mardi Gras at the Sidney Pier Hotel. Information: 250-655-9445 Jan. 25 – Robbie Burns dinner with the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 250-656-0275 or marywinspear.caJan. 31 – Chinese New Year

Feb. 5 – Classic Albums Live at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: www.marywinspear.caFeb. 5 and 6 – Blood donor clinic – Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 1-888-2-DONATE or www.marywinspear.caFeb. 6 – Buddy Holly Tribute at the Charlie White Theatre, Mary Winspear Centre. Info: www.marywinspear.caFeb. 10 – Family Day in B.C.Feb. 8 to 10 – Family Day celebration in Sidney. Visit www.distinctlysidney.ca for more information.Feb. 14 – Happy Valentines Day! Feb. 14 – 2 for 1 Sweetie Swim at Panorama Recreation Centre. Information: www.panoramarecreation.caFeb. 14 – Palm Court Light Orchestra at the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: www.marywinspear.ca

April calendar of EVENTS

May calendar of EVENTS

June calendar of EVENTS

March 3 – Comedienne Jean Robertson at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: www.marywinspear.caMarch 5 and 6 – Blood donor clinic – Mary Winspear Centre. Information: 1-888-2-DONATE or www.marywinspear.caMarch 9 – Daylight savings begins (spring forward) March 10 to 23 – Spring break swim programming at Panorama Recreation Centre. Information: www.panoramarecreation.ca March 17 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day!March 27 – Sip and Savour Food Tasting Event at the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: www.tidesgroup.comMarch 31 – Duck Mania at Panorama Recreation Centre aquatic facility. Information: www.panoramarecreation.caMarch 31 – Lorne Elliott at the Mary Winspear Centre. Information: www.marywinspear.ca or 250-656-0275

April 5 – Children Count fair at Brentwood Elementary. Visit www.mypeninsula.ca for information.April 6 – Sidney Concert Band at the Mary Winspear Centre. Call 250-656-0275 for information or visit www.marywinspear.caApril 18 – Good Friday Apr. 20 – Easter Egg Hunt Swim – Panorama Recreation Centre, 1-3 p.m. Bring your swim suit and meet the Easter bunny.April 20 – Easter egg hunt hosted by the Peninsula Celebrations Society in Dominion Brook Park, across from Panorama Recreation Centre at noon. Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca for informationApr. 26 – Jimmy Rankin at the Mary Winspear Centre. Call 250-656-0275 for information or visit www.marywinspear.ca

May 2 to 4 – Peninsula Singers present from White Cli� s to Emerald Shores at the Mary Winspear Centre. Call 250-656-0275 for show times and tickets or visit www.marywinspear.caMay 11 – Mother’s DayMay 11 – Mother’s Day swims at Panorama Recreation Centre. Visit www.panoramarecration.ca for times and admission fees.May 19 – Victoria Day May 21 to 24 – West Coast Amusements Midway at the Mary Winspear Centre � eld. Info: www.marywinspear.ca

June to September – Gallery by the Sea is up for display and voting by the public. Artworks hang o� the � sh market at Beacon PierJune 7 – Brentwood Bay Festival – including a pancake breakfast, market with vendors, music and parade. Info: mypeninsula.caJune to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich FairgroundsJune to September – Sidney Summer Market – along Beacon Avenue, between First and Fifth every Thursday evening. Entertainment, food, gifts, fresh produce, hand-made crafts and more.June 15 – Father’s Day June 15 – Father’s Day swim – Panorama Recreation Centre. Visit www.panoramarecreation.ca for schedule and admission informationJune 30 – Sidney Days Canada Day cake and � reworks at Beacon Park


MARK YOUR CALENDARS

October calendar of EVENTS

November calendar of EVENTS

December calendar of EVENTS


July calendar of EVENTS

August calendar of EVENTS

September calendar of EVENTS

July 1 – Canada DayJuly and August – Music in the Park – Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay hosts live music on Wednesday nights. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. Information: brentwoodbay.infoJuly and August – Sidney Summer Sounds at Beacon Park hosts live music on Sunday afternoons. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca June to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich FairgroundsJuly 1 – Canada Day parade on Beacon Avenue and Sidney Days festivities hosted by Peninsula Celebrations Society. Information: peninsulacelebrations.caJuly 1 – Annual Slegg Build-a-Boat Competition at Beacon Park ends in a traditionally hilarious race at Glass Beach (at the foot of Beacon Avenue). Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca

Aug. 4 – B.C. Day Beginning of August – Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heavy Truck Show. Dates and information at www.shas.caAugust – Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails. Visit www.� avourtrails.com to con� rm dates and locationsJune to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich FairgroundsJune to September – Sidney Summer Market – along Beacon Avenue, between First and Fifth every Thursday evening. July and August – Music in the Park – Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay hosts live music on Wednesday nights. Information: brentwoodbay.info July and August – Sidney Summer Sounds at Beacon Park hosts live music on Sunday afternoons. Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca

Sept. 1 – Labour Day Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1 – 147th Annual Saanich Fair. Enjoy the midway, animals, crafts, live music and more. Visit saanichfair.ca for informationSeptember – Back to school! Visit www.sd63.bc.ca for information on school start dates and times, bus schedules and moreMid September – Fall threshing weekend at Heritage Acres. For dates and information visit www.shas.caMid September – Saanich Peninsula Harvest Feast at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Visit www.islandfarmfresh.com for information on dates and ticketsJune to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Visit www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca for information

Oct. 13 – Thanksgiving October – Sidney Fine Art Show – the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula’s tenth annual event is at Mary Winspear Centre. Information and dates at http://blog.sidney� neartshow.comOctober – Saanich Peninsula Fall Studio Tour – hosted by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. Information and dates at cacsp.comOctober – Saanich Peninsula Art Sea Fest. Information and dates at cacsp.comJune to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Visit www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca for informationOct. 31 – Happy Halloween!

Nov. 2 – Daylight savings ends (fall back) Nov. 11 – Remembrance DayNovember – Breakfast with Santa hosted by the Peninsula Celebrations Society at the Shoal Centre (10030 Resthaven Dr.) Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca for information and datesNovember – Sidney Sparkles Christmas parade – Peninsula Celebrations Society presents the annual parade on Beacon Avenue followed by the lighted sailpast best viewed from Port Sidney to Tulista Park. Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca for information and dates.November – Christmas in the Manger at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Visit saanichfair.ca for information

December – Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas – Christmas is a magical wonderland, including carollers, a festive brass band and an outdoor ice skating rink. Visit butchartgardens.com for more informationDecember – Christmas in the Village at Heritage Acres at 7321 Lochside Dr. (o� Island View Road). Visit www.shas.ca for dates and timesDec. 31 – 9th Annual First Night celebration at Panorama Recreation Centre. Visit www.panoramarecreation.ca for more informationDec. 17 – Hanukkah Dec. 25 – Christmas DayDec. 26 – Boxing Day, Kwanzaa


MARK YOUR CALENDARS








July 1 – Canada DayJuly and August – Music in the Park – Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay hosts live music on Wednesday nights. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. Information: brentwoodbay.infoJuly and August – Sidney Summer Sounds at

Beacon Park hosts live music on Sunday afternoons. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca June to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich FairgroundsJuly 1 – Canada Day parade on Beacon Avenue and Sidney Days festivities hosted by Peninsula Celebrations Society. Information: peninsulacelebrations.caJuly 1 – Annual Slegg Build-a-Boat Competition at Beacon Park ends in a traditionally hilarious race at Glass Beach (at the foot of Beacon Avenue). Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca






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MARK YOUR CALENDARS








July 1 – Canada DayJuly and August – Music in the Park – Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay hosts live music on Wednesday nights. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. Information: brentwoodbay.infoJuly and August – Sidney Summer Sounds at

Beacon Park hosts live music on Sunday afternoons. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca June to October – Peninsula Country Market displays its wares in open air at the Saanich FairgroundsJuly 1 – Canada Day parade on Beacon Avenue and Sidney Days festivities hosted by Peninsula Celebrations Society. Information: peninsulacelebrations.caJuly 1 – Annual Slegg Build-a-Boat Competition at Beacon Park ends in a traditionally hilarious race at Glass Beach (at the foot of Beacon Avenue). Information: peninsulacelebrations.ca







www.crd.bc.ca

We’ve put our sink on a fat-free diet.That’s because, around here, we know that all drains lead to the ocean. So we never flush

fats, oils or grease from cooking or leftovers down our drains with hot water. Instead, we save energy and water by putting them in a sealable container, refrigerate them until they become solid and discard them with our household waste. It’s a good feeling to know that we’re helping to keep our marine habitats healthy.

Visit www.crd.bc.ca/cleanwater to learn more.

Maternity • Nursing • Babies • Gifts & Toys

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Make recycling one of your New Year’s Resolutions.‘Tis the perfect season to reduce, reuse and recycle. This year, help prevent recycling worker injuries by remembering to use only CRD approved blue boxes and blue bags for your holiday recycling. Flatten and cut large cardboard boxes to size, bundle them together with string or twine and get it all to the curb by 7:30 am sharp. It’s the right thing to do for the environment. And for the people who work every day to make it better. Wishing you a happy “blue” holiday season.

For more recycling information call the CRD Hotline at 250.360.3030 or visit www.myrecyclopedia.ca

www.crd.bc.ca


First the statistic. Only 7.2 per cent of Canadian seniors age 65 or older are considered to fall below the pov-

erty line. This ranks Canada 10th best among a 34-country group of advanced economies.

The concerning news is while seniors in most other countries on the list are reducing poverty levels, our seniors’ poverty rate is increasing.

It is noteworthy that Canada’s public transfer of funds to seniors represents only about 4.5 per cent of the nation’s GDP. The average of the 34 countries surveyed is 7.8 per cent of GDP.

In making these comparisons we have to recog-nize that they include many European countries such as Greece, Spain and Portugal, whose past profligate spending on various social programs had these countries hovering on the edge of bank-ruptcy and are now forced to dramatically reduce many services, including those to seniors.

It is fact nevertheless, that more of our seniors are struggling than in past decades. The phased-in adjustment to age 67 for future OAS eligibility will only exacerbate the financial struggle for some.

Can we reverse this trend? The solution lies not only with government, but also with us — current and future seniors.

In an effort to increase the ultimate benefits pay-able, a growing number of provincial governments are lobbying the Federal government to increase CPP contributions of both employees and employ-ers. This however may be a misplaced effort. It cannot be a good decision to increase costs for both employees and employers in a still-fragile economy. Incomes barely keep pace with inflation and employers remain cautious in adding to their workforce. Increasing payroll costs for employers would likely lead to job losses.

We all, current and future seniors alike, either have or have had access to a broad variety of sav-ings vehicles designed to assist in saving for retire-ment. These include RRSPs, optional employer-sponsored shared-contribution retirement plans and since 2009, the innovative TFSA. Unfortu-nately, many in the workforce opt either to not participate or to significantly underutilize these beneficial programs.

It hardly seems logical that government should force more savings on our workforce and higher costs on employers, when the various available retirement programs already available are so sig-nificantly underutilized.

Efforts and government funds would be better focused on a concerted effort to raise financial literacy — from the youngest school child, through to the high school grad and the adult work-force.

To build an understanding from an early age of the liberating power of debt-minimization, saving, smart investing and the awesome power of compound-ing should do much to change people’s behavior and result in a better job of building assets in support of a comfort-able future retirement.

A concentrated, nation-wide educa-tion program should lead to a much lower level of poverty levels among future seniors — more than changes or additions to existing government-sponsored retirement programs.

A recent Manulife Bank survey of Canadian homeowners with family incomes over $50,000 found that only 51 per cent expected to be debt-free by the time they retire. Other surveys have shown that more than 20 per cent of existing retir-ees carry some debt and that others plan to add debt during retirement.

Although many Canadians, retirees in particular, recognize that debt is a key drag on retirement life-style, they are not yet coping with its systematic elimination and avoidance.

Future and current seniors need to buy into the fact that although debt such as mortgages may be a necessary evil at a younger age, a major family priority must be to liquidate debt. Future seniors must also be passionate about the avoidance of all debt by the time they retire. Debt among seniors is the greatest enemy of a comfortable retirement, and very likely a huge contributor to the increas-ing level of poverty among retirees.

Government cannot ignore the current facts; perhaps some tweaking of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) might be appropriate — target-ing those seniors most in need.

However, we, Canada’s current and future retir-ees, must also accept more responsibility. We must, at all ages, do a better job of managing our financial affairs so that we can enjoy a financially-comfortable retirement.

A retired corporate executive, enjoying post-retirement as an independent Financial Consultant (www.

dolezalconsultants.ca), Peter Dolezal is the author of three books, including his most recent, The SMART

CANADIAN WEALTH-BUILDER.

Canadian seniors facing increasing poverty levels

Peter DolezalFinancial Savvy

Canada needs a nation-wide program on financial literacy

Tom FletcherBlack Press

VICTORIA — B.C.’s Auditor General has found no political inter-ference in the govern-ment’s 2010 decision to forgive $6 million in legal defence costs for former ministerial aides Dave Basi and Bobby Virk.

The legal costs deci-sion was announced two days after Basi and Virk pleaded guilty to one count each of breach of trust and accepting benefits, after seven years of investigation into their role in leaking confiden-tial information on bids for the sale of BC Rail

assets.The guilty pleas, on

the eve of testimony by former cabinet min-isters, prompted the audit to examine the decision to waive col-lection of the legal fees. That was contrary to the existing policy that while the govern-ment would cover legal defence costs for its employees, that money would be recovered if employees were found guilty.

In a report released Wednesday, acting Auditor General Russ Jones concluded that the plea bargain and fee relief were proposed to the Legal Services Branch of the Attorney

General’s ministry by Basi and Virk’s defence lawyers. The final deci-sion was made by the former deputy attor-ney general and dep-uty minister of finance, with politicians pur-posely excluded.

“The decision was an economic decision,” Jones said. “It was to save money.”

The government had spent $6 million to date and would be putting up another $2 million for defence bills if the trial had continued. Combined prosecu-tion and defence costs were costing taxpayers $15,000 for each day of a trial expected to take six months.

The audit noted that Basi and Virk’s com-bined assets were val-ued at $400,000.

The B.C. government not only covers legal costs for its employ-ees, but for defendants in large criminal trials who can’t afford their own defence. Fees were paid for convicted serial killer Robert Wil-liam Pickton and for Jamie Bacon, one of the accused in the current Surrey Six murder case.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton said the government is acting on the auditor’s recom-mendations to make the process of cover-ing employee legal fees more transparent.

Auditor clears politicians on legal billsNo interference found in defense costs to Basi and Virk

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, December 27, 2013 www.vicnews.com • A11Peninsula News Review Fri, Dec 27, 2013 www.peninsulanewsreview.com A11

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING EVENTS

UKRAINIANNEW YEARDinner/Dance Celebration,

Sat. Jan. 11th, 2014Ukrainian

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PERSONALS

FUN, FLIRTY, Local Women! Try FREE! 18+. Call 250-220-1300. Or visit online at: www.livelinks.com

TRAVEL

GETAWAYS

SNOWBIRDS - SOUTH PHOENIX, Seasonal - newer home. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, double garage. $1450. /mo. Nicely furnished, all included. For pictures and more info call (250)724-3606 or email: [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS

BC CANCER Agency needs energetic, outgoing café volun-teers with positive attitude, weekdays, 3-hour shifts for minimum of 6 months, age 18 and up. Training provided. Call Volunteer Victoria at 250-386-2269.

BIG BROTHERS Big Sisters needs In-School Mentoring volunteers to spend one hour per week with a child at an elementary school. The hour is spent during school hours do-ing crafts, playing sports or games, or just chatting. Call Volunteer Victoria at 250-386-2269.

VOLUNTEERS

THE WOMEN’S Sexual As-sault Centre needs offi ce and admin. volunteers to answer phones, greet clients, and as-sist in various administrative tasks. Weekly half-day shift for 6 to 12 months preferred. Oth-er positions available. Call Vol-unteer Victoria at 250-386-2269.

PERSONAL SERVICES

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Kripalu full body massage. Release your stress now. Over 13 years experience. Gift Cer-tifi cates. Women only. Holiday special. Professional. 250-514 -6223, www.andreakober.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO

RETOUCH, RESTORE, Edit Photos. Home Movies to DVD. Also, Portraiture, Baby, Family + Maternity. 250-475-3332. www.cwpics.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

FUEL/FIREWOOD

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

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

2011 PEGASUS 4W Scooter. Excellent condition. $1900. Ask for Warren, 250-208-4392.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

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

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

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

250.388.3535

BUYING - RENTING- SELLING

REAL ESTATE

APARTMENT/CONDOS

NANAIMO WATERFRONT 2nd fl oor condo. 1500 sq.ft. LR/DR/2bdrms with view, den, gas FP, secure bldg. 2 under-ground parking spaces. Main-tenance fee includes hot wa-ter/gas/landscaping. 1 pet OK. $339,900 (250)753-9123

FOR SALE BY OWNER

SAANICH WEST- 1246 Has-tings St, 3 bdrm Rancher, 2 garage, dining/living/family rooms, 2 bath (ensuite), F/P, appls incld, new roof. Walking distance to Interurban cam-pus. Reduced price, $460,000. Call 250-477-4600.

SIDNEY- 2444 Amherst Ave. 1300 sq.ft. updated character home looking for a family w/2 children and a dog. Fenced south facing corner lot near the Salish Sea. Walk to town and schools. Organic gardens & fruit trees, fi replace, hot tub, 6 appls. Free TV forever.... New price- $484,000. (250)656-6136.

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE BY OWNER

SIDNEY 9805 2nd St- lrg south facing 1 bdrm apt. Ocean view, lrg full length bal-cony, in-suite laundry, guest suites, underground parking pet free, secure concrete building w/monitored entrance. No rental restriction, low con-do fees. (778)426-0007. Ex-cellent investment [email protected]

RENTALS

APARTMENT/CONDO

1 & 2 Bdrm suites & cabins. Perched on a cliffside with panoramic ocean vista, over-looking The Saanich Inlet. Se-rene & secure. All amenities on-site, fi rewood. $500-$1200 inclds utils. Monthly/Weekly. Pets ok with refs. 25 min com-mute to downtown Victoria. Must have references! Call 250-478-9231.

SUITES, LOWER

MARIGOLD- the coziest 1 bdrm, W/S, shared W/D, quiet. NS/NP. $850. 250-727-6217.

SIDNEY: 1 bdrm, laundry, pri-vate prkng, share util’s. $850. NS/NP. Call (250)884-4608.

WATERFRONT. NORTH Saa-nich. Large 2-bdrm, 2 bath. $1800./mo inclds utils. Pos-sibly small boat moorage +. Pet OK. N/S. (250)656-5999.

RENTALS

SUITES, UPPER

SIDNEY: AIRPORT side of Beacon Ave, 2072 Henry Ave West. Managers suite, 2nd fl oor, 1 bdrm. D/W, W/D. 1 parking spot, small locker. $920+ utils. Avail. immed. Ask for Harold (250)655-6454.

TRANSPORTATION

ANTIQUE/CLASSICS

1966 CHEVY Pick up, 1/2 ton short box, burgundy. 3 in the tree, 6 cylinder. Good condi-tion, runs great, comes with second set of winter tires and rims. Second owner for last 45 years, in Victoria. $6,000 obo. Call: 250-479-0441 or email: [email protected]

AUTO FINANCING

TRANSPORTATION

AUTO SERVICES

$$$ TOP CA$H PAID $$$. ForALL unwanted Vehicles, anycondition. Call (250)885-1427.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLESFOR SALE

1998 TRAVELAIRE 5th wheel. Excellent condition forfurther info call 250-652-9660or view at 2537 Mt Newton XRds.

SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES

Your community. Your classifieds.

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fax 250.388-0202 email [email protected]

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SELL YOUR STUFF!Private Party Merchandise Ad1" PHOTO + 5 LINES (99¢ extra lines) Runs till it sells, up to 8 weeks!

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Taking out theGarbage not

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VICTORIA606 Speed Ave, $215,000Saturday & Sunday 1-3Royal LePage Coast Capital RealtyScott Munro, 250 477-53535-1027 Belmont Ave, $639,000Saturday Jan 4, 1-3DFH Real Estate Ltd.Dennis Guevin, 250-477-7291

ESQUIMALT404-520 Foster St, $199,900!Dec 28 & Jan 4 11-1Pemberton HolmesRick Couvelier, 250-477-0921

SAANICH EASTMidtown ParkSaturday & Sunday 12-4RE/MAX AllianceRon Neal, 250-386-8181

SAANICH WEST3795 Burnside Pl, $549,900Saturday January 4 1-3DFH Real Estate Ltd.Jenn Raappana, 250-590-3921

SAANICH PENINSULA110-10461 Resthaven, $164,900Sun Dec 29 & Sun Jan 5 11-1Pemberton HolmesRick Couvelier, 250-477-0921

WEST SHORE 3379 Vision Way, $339,900Saturday, Dec. 28 & Sunday, Dec. 29 1-3Saturday Jan. 4 & Sunday Jan. 5 1-3DFH Real Estate Ltd.Mike Hartshorne, 250-590-3921

3467 Happy Valley Rd.Saturday, Jan. 4 & Sunday, Jan. 5 12-4DFH Real Estate Ltd.Mike Hartshorne, 250-889-4445

3377 Vision Way, $339,900Saturday & Sunday Dec 28/29th & Jan 4/5th 1-3DFH Real Estate Ltd.Jenn Raappana, 250-590-3921

3008 Dornier Rd.Saturday, Jan. 4 & Sunday Jan. 5 12-4DFH Real Estate Ltd.Mike Hartshorne, 250-889-4445

OPEN HOUSES | DEC. 27, 2013 - JAN. 8, 2014 more details in Real Estate Victoria, available FREE on news stands now

Select your home.Select your mortgage.

Oak Bay 250-370-7601Westshore 250-391-2933

Victoria 250-483-1360Sidney 250-655-0632

www.vericoselect.comChatterton Way 250-479-0688

Season’sGreetings

John GrahamAdvertising Consultant

250.480.3227 ~ [email protected]

Nobody can beat Homefinder!

Ask your realtor to advertisein Homefi nder!

Call John Graham 250.480.3227

Mike Hartshorne, 250-889-4445

John GrahamAdvertising Consultant

[email protected]

Nob

HomeFinderFind a place to call home

A12 www.peninsulanewsreview.com Fri, Dec 27, 2013, Peninsula News Review

Call 1-855-678-7833 today for more details.

Looking for the perfect fit?

They are looking here.

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

ACCOUNTING/TAX/BOOKKEEPING

ACCOUNTINGVida Samimi

Certifi ed General Accountant

Bookkeeping, Audit,Payroll, HST. Set up &

Training. E-FileTAX

250-477-4601

ELECTRICAL

(250)217-3090.ELECTRICIAN 30 yrs exp. New homes and Renos. Knob & tube replace-ment. Service calls. Senior’s Disc. Free est. Lic.#3003.

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

AT&T ELECTRIC. Renova-tions. Residential & Commer-cial. Knob & tube replacement. #26125. (250)744-4550.

KENDRA’S ELECTRICAL Co. #86952. No Job too Small. Kendra, 250-415-7991.

FENCING

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


GARDENING

10% OFF! Fall Cleanups, Raking, Pruning, Hauling, Mowing. (250)479-6495.

250-479-7950FREE ESTIMATES

• Lawn Maintenance• Landscaping• Hedge Trimming• Tree Pruning• Yard Cleanups• Gardening/Weeding • Aeration, Odd JobsNO SURPRISES NO MESS

www.hollandave.ca


GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

ABBA EXTERIORS Gutter cleaning & repairs. Seniors discounts. WCB, Insured. Free estimates. (778)433-9275.

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

HANDYPERSONS

BIG BEAR Handyman. Paint-ing, household repairs. Free estimate. Barry 250-896-6071.

HANDYMAN SERVICES. Lawns, fences, pruning, fl oor-ing, painting, drywall, small re-no’s. Mike/Chris 250-656-8961

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.

FAMILY MAN Hauling. Call Chris for all your hauling needs. 250-920-8463.

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


HAULING AND SALVAGE

JUNK BOX- We Do All The Loading

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

250-216-9476 ACCEPTING new contracts; landscape and carpentry. BBB/Insured. Res /Comm. www.ftguland.com


INTERIOR DESIGN

VIRGO INTERIORS- Certifi ed Interior decorator specializing in color schemes that work the fi rst time. Call (250)[email protected]

MASONRY & BRICKWORK

CBS MASONRY BBB. WCB. Chimneys, Fireplaces, Flag-stone Rock, Concrete Pavers, Natural & Veneered Stone. Replace, Rebuild, Renew! “Quality is our Guarantee”. Free Competitive Estimates. (250)294-9942/(250)589-9942. www.cbsmasonry.com

& MOVING STORAGE

2 BURLEY MEN MOVING. $85/hr for 2 men (no before or after travel time charges on lo-cal moves. Please call Scott or Joshua, (250)686-6507.

D O N E R I G H T M OV I N G . C A $80/hr. Senior Discount. Free Est’s. No travel time before or after. BBB accredited. Call Tyl-er at 250-418-1747.

250.388.3535

CLASSIFIED ADS MEAN MORE BUSINESS


PAINTING

ALFRED, ALFRED Quality Painting. Wholesale, Dis-counts! 50 years experience. 250-382-3694.

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

LADY PAINTERServing the Peninsula for over 20 yrs. Interior/exterior. Call Bernice, 250-655-1127.

SAFEWAY PAINTING

High quality, Organized. Interior/Exterior

Residential/Commercial Jeff, 250-472-6660 Cell 250-889-7715

Member BBB


PLUMBING

FELIX PLUMBING. Over 35 years experience. Reasonablerates. Call 250-514-2376.

PRESSURE WASHING

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

UPHOLSTERY

UPHOLSTERER NEEDS work. Your fabric or mine.250-480-7937.

WINDOW CLEANING

BLAINE’S WINDOW WASH-ING. Serving Sidney & Brent-wood since 1983. Averagehouse $35. 250-656-1475

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

SERVICE DIRECTORYwww.bcclassified.com 250.388.3535

fi l here please


IAN HEATH

MARILYN BALL

JONESCO Real Estate Inc. 250-655-7653

www.ianheath.net

A Honey of a Deal- Custom 3006sqft home - Set on a very useable 1 acre- Light � lled spacious living

spaces- Hardwood � oors, gas � replace,

gourmet kitchen- In law or nanny

accommodation$675,000

Have Your Oceanfront and Swim � ere Too!- Rare south facing Oceanfront - Full sun & Sensational sunsets!- Folding wall system opens for

an indoor-outdoor feel- Easy access to the beach & Your

own mooring buoy.- Quality � nishes$1,698,800

You Have Arrived- Elegant & Stately .72 acre

Oceanfront Home. - Features Control 4 lighting

which automates lighting with music, shades, locks, climate control, and video.

- Voluminous Rooms & Custom Kitchen

$1,109,000

I Can Sea for Miles- Ultimate Freehold Luxury Condo - SW corner unit has with 3

balconies - Panoramic Ocean views- Steel & concrete building is

second to none - Enjoy the full facilities of a

5-star hotel $963,800

We are pleased to announce that Judy has chosen our company to offer her services and grow her business as an experienced real estate agent and consultant. You can easily drop by our offices to meet her at 2444 Bevan Avenue,

in Sidney (between 4th & 3rd) or contact her through our office at 250-984-2310

As we roll into the fifth week publishing Home-Finder, we’re discovering there are always exceptions to well-established rules.

Take December, for exam-ple. The number of listings traditionally drop a little lower as home sellers take a break for the holidays. But not everyone is content to focus mainly on socializing and enjoying some well-earned time off, as we dis-covered in a recent email from a HomeFinder reader.

This correspondent told us about a townhome listing he and his wife checked out just before Christmas 2012 in Langford. Turned out it was a foreclosure sale and to make a long story short, they put in a relatively low-ball offer and it went unchal-lenged during the required court proceedings.

We wondered just how common their experience is in Greater Victoria. Appar-ently not very, according to local realtor Dale Sheppard, who has worked on a num-ber of foreclosure sales over the years.

“For the most part (the home) generally goes for fair market value,” he says.

There’s various reasons for that, Sheppard explains. Not only are lending insti-tutions mandated to get as

much as possible for the home, he says, once an offer is accepted and conditions lifted – as with traditional vendor home sales – the accepted price is then made public and a court date set. That information usually attracts other potential buy-ers who usually drive the price up.

Sheppard says the final decision on who gets the home lies with the presid-ing officer of the court, but it frequently goes to the high-est bidder.

Come court time – hear-ings are almost always held

in “chambers” upstairs in the Victoria Law Courts building – the process some-what resembles an auction. Additional bids to the origi-nal are presented and made known to all in attendance. Then, to level the playing field, the interested parties are sent out of the room to determine their final bid, which is put in a sealed envelope before everyone comes back into chambers.

“Sometimes people will overpay for a foreclosure, because they get caught up in the whirlwind of (the bid process),” Sheppard says,

adding it can be challenging for novices to know just how much to bid. “That’s why it’s important to work with a realtor who can give you the realistic fair market value of a home.”

While it’s anyone’s guess who might show up at a fore-closure hearing, he believes that the initial “buyer” of such homes have a “home-field advantage” of sorts. By that, he means they’ve pre-sumably done all the work, like having the appropri-ate inspections done and removing any outstanding conditions to be able to pur-

chase the home.The number of people

actively keeping track of foreclosure sales today in Greater Victoria has dwin-dled from the heavy growth period – in terms of prices – of 2001 and 2008, Shep-pard says. With the market holding prices relatively flat, “flipping” houses doesn’t happen as often, he adds.

“There’s a lot of buyers who ideally would like to do that if the opportunity arose,” he says, “but most are aware that it’s not the market for that right now.”

– Don Descoteau

WHAT SHOULD

I KEEP IN MIND

BEFORE PUTTING

AN OFFER ON MY

DREAM HOME?

HomeFinderFind a place to call home

BUYING TIP | Consult a realtor to help guide you through the foreclosure sale process

Do you have a house-hunting story you’d like to share

with us? Email [email protected]

To advertise in HomeFinder, call John Graham at

250.480.3227 or email [email protected]

Foreclosure sales: more than meets the eye

» 248» 342» 3,670

1. Are we pre-qualifi ed for a mortgage?

2. Is the home in a neigh-bourhood that works for us?

3. What’s that smell?4. Is it really a good deal?5. How much are closing

expenses?6. What furnishings do I

have that may not fi t?7. Are there any pending

legal issues on this home?

8. Have I had the home inspected?

9. What is the appraised value of the home (not the assessment)?

total properties sold or deals pending (all Categories) tHis MontH

total neW listings tHis MontH (all Categories)

total nuMber of HoMes CurrentlY listed

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE »

Thinkstock photos

Having a low offer accepted in a foreclosure home sale can happen, but given the process also includes going to a court hearing, there’s no gurantees the original offer will be the price for which the home will eventually sell.

as of DEC. 20 CourtEsy ViCtoria rEal EstatE BoarD

The chances of paying below market price on a home aren’t as great as you might think

Season’s Greetings BOULEVARD MAGAZINE

mon

daym

ag.com

VICTORIANEWS OAKBAYNEWS SAANICHNEWS

from everyone at

VICTORIA

Q:


I would like to thank my clients for a great 2013 by sending a generous donation to BC Children’s Hospital.

DEAN PARK LUXURYMLS 324037

Architect design done by award winning Nigel Banks! This one owner, spectacular home is at the top of scenic Dean Park, with dramatic

ocean views from almost every room. You’ll see from Saltspring to Mount Douglas and overlook

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natural patio settings, workshop, studio, of� ce, 3 bay attached garage, extra parking, and 24 hour a day views! The lower area is perfect for guests, extended family and or home business. A future

elevator was included in the original building plans, if important to the buyer. Walk to Kelset

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BRENTWOOD BAY LIFESTYLE MLS 329114

Join the lifestyle of being able to walk, walk, walk to all the amenities from your brand new

luxury condo. 9 units to choose from starting at $239,000; offers! All with designer � nishing, a

full appliance package, quartz counter tops, tile, screens, secure underground parking, separate

storage locker, elevator access, controlled entry, 2-5-10 year new home warranty, net GST/

HST transition tax and more! Open house by appointment throughout the holiday season! Pictures are of former show suite. $276,900

Craig Walters Real EstateCraig Walters Real Estate

14-2510 Bevan Ave. Sidney, BC V8L 1W3 • (250) 655-0608 • www.craigwalters.net • [email protected]

CRAIG’S OPPORTUNITIES OF THE SEASONCRAIG’S OPPORTUNITIES OF THE SEASON


Quiet Home in the Country$585,000 Eastern HighlandsEnjoy country living on 3.98 acres with room for ex-tended family and your visitors. Open plan kitchen andfamily room and two bedrooms on main with Frenchdoors leading to large deck with private space for hottub. Two separate one bedroom suites, one above thegarage complete with its own bathroom and officespace. The complete separate second suite is on thelower level of the main house. Lots of parking and theflat level landscaped acreage.

Privacy, Views, Suite & Shop$850,000 Metchosin - Olympic ViewEnjoy privacy, ocean, mountain and city views on 3acres in Metchosin with separate suite, separateshop and lots of room in spacious open plan offeringover 3,500 square feet for family living and enter-taining too! Excellent value and rare opportunity toenjoy this much living space, land, VIEWS, and hugedetached fully equipped separate shop.

Unique does not describe it!$584,900 SE QuadraThis 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom is situated on a large lot inconvenient area of town. New kitchen with built in doubleovens, quartz and stainless steel countertops, and newappliances. Vaulted ceilings, extensive use of laminateflooring,and numerous skylights. Main floor is an openconcept living area, lower level has a family room andgarden doors to fenced private back yard.

Spectacular Dean Park Home$2,488,888 North SaanichSituated at the top of Dean Park with fantastic 180degree views of Sidney and the Gulf Islands through22’ living room windows. This custom built homeboasts over 5000 sqft with in floor radiant heatthroughout the whole house; engineered to the high-est standards with 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.Features include jacuzzi tub, heated stone and woodfloors, and 400 amp service. With a gourmet kitchendetails resonate throughout.

$2,287.46 per month OAC




Elevated Building Site withBeautiful Outlook

$495,000 Prospect LakeDiscover this amazing five acre homesite readyfor your dream home and immerse yourself innature. Tucked well back from the road on theother side of the Interurban Trail. Serviced andready to build with driveway in, city water, andperc tested. Building site is elevated. Sellermay carry financing for qualified buyer/builder.

Large, Pristine Two Bedroom &Den Condo

$289,900 Langford ProperThis condo has 9’ ceilings and Oak hardwoodfloors in all main living areas. Granite countertops and stainless Frigidaire appliances.Heated tile flooring and soaker tubs in each ofthe two full bathrooms. Master bedroom withwalk through closet. Roof top patio, securedunderground parking. Short walking distance toshopping, restaurants and all amenities.

Updated 55+ Home in Desirable Park$98,500 Central SaanichEnjoy easy care living with nothing to do butmove right in and enjoy this well maintainedtwo bedroom and two bathroom home in avery well run, desirable 55+ park. Masterbedroom with walk-in tub ensuite plus twoclosets! Updated laminate flooring plus amix of thermo and storm windows and it’searthquake proofed too!

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$385.16 per month OAC

Quality New CondosFrom $299,888 Saanich EastWalk to Mayfair or Uptown, downtown isjust minutes away. Ultra-modern stylingcombines with all the conveniences incl in-unit laundry, undrgrnd parking & pet-friendly. Stainless steel appliances, quartzcounters and underhung sinks. Geothermalin-floor heating, green rebate, & decoratingallowance. Move in February 2014

Walk to Oak Bay Village$539,000 Oak Bay - South Oak BayWalk just a few steps to popular Oak Bay Villageshops & services. Amazing opportunity for couplewanting to downsize, yet remain in very desirableneighbourhood. Main flr incl spacious living roomw/fireplace, lrg kitchen, master bedroom w/ensuite& 2nd bdrm. Deck overlooking gardens. Downstairsincl storage areas, workshop, laundry & dbl garage.Well managed 50+ Townhome Development.

Attention Snowbird Investors!$399,900 James Bay-VictoriaAmazing water & mountain views from this9th floor corner south west facing 2 bed-room suite. Panoramic floor to ceiling win-dows. Oswego is deeded, whole-owner-ship recreational condo with all theservice’s & amenities of a hotel. Com-pletely furnished with high end finishings.

Harbour & Mountain Views in Bayview 1$572,500 Victoria WestEnjoy amazing mountain, city and harbourviews from this SE facing luxurious suite. Op-portunity in prestigious built building, an InnerHarbour property radiating quality and ele-gance. Two bedrooms plus a den, high ceilings,all appliances, air conditioning and Concierge.Walking distance to waterfront walkway. Excel-lent value, aggressively priced to sell and noGST.



www.MidtownPark.ca

Private and Sunny ExecutiveCountry Home Plus Suite

$709,000 Metchosin Albert Head/Witty’s LagoonEnjoy this custom built architecturally designedhome of nearly 4,000 sqft on quiet acre. Mainfloor master suite with access to expansivebrick patio with hot tub. Sunny kitchen with is-land, dining and LR. Three BRs up and legalself-contained furnished 1 BR suite over triplecar garage. Extensive landscaping, workshop,and lots of recent upgrades.

Updated Two Bedroom$189,000 Saanich West - TillicumMove right in to this updated 2 BR third floorcondo conveniently located. Spacious livingroom with cozy wood burning fireplace and cov-ered balcony. Recent new carpets, tiled bath-room floor plus new fixtures and vanity,baseboard heaters and deck lumber also new.Galley kitchen could benefit from updating andis available for immediate possession. Includesparking. Rentals and cats allowed, no age re-strictions.

Entire Floor of Character Conversion!$269,900 Victoria-Central ParkThis 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit is over 940square feet. Front and back exterior doors ANDwindows on all four sides. Bright kitchen hascounter space which flows into the dining roomand large living room. Laminate flooringthroughout main living area, stainless steel ap-pliances, and the balance of a New Home War-ranty. This home has in-suite laundry, parkingstall, and allows large dogs!

Ocean View Spacious Condo 8th Floor$365,000 James BayEnjoy ocean, mountain views from this1,250 sqft 2 bedroom and 2 full bathroomhome. Quality built with no pets or rentalsand only 4 suites per floor. Huge living anddining area with lots of light. Monthly feescover heat, hot water, pool, hot tub, coveredparking, rooftop observation deck, caretaker,insurance, landscaping, garbage, two ele-vators, and a guest suite.


$739.03 per month OAC



Disclaimer: *Mortgage Payments OAC and subject to change without notice based on 20% down payment (as little as 5% down required), 25 year amortization @ 3.3% 6294833

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Character 4-Plex Near OceanGreat Revenue Property

$885,000 Victoria - James BayRevenue Conversion with four self-containedsuites off Dallas Road and the oceanfront! Verywell maintained & updated, this is turn-key withexcellent tenants in place (under market rents).Two 2 BR suites and 2-1 BRs plus additionalbasement storage and coin-op laundry. Thor-oughly updated systems including baseboardelectric heat, some thermo windows and more.

“To the world, you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”

-Dr. Seuss

We hope the coming year end finds you and those close to youin good health and spirits. It’s been a very full and truly amazingyear for the Neal Estate Team; We have so much to be thankfulfor and so much to look forward to in 2014.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season.

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peninsula news review, december 27, 2013

Documents

yrs freepurchase

added development

councillors concerns

draft bylaw

council wouldnt

long time

councillors conny mcbride

current council policy