As this is my first monthly column for the Oak Bay News, I would like to invite business owners to email me and let me know their news. Are you moving? Offering a new service? Have a new member of the team? Are you a new business and want our readers to know about you. Let me know and I will try and include it.
The big news for us came late this summer, with the Oak Bay News moving to the second floor of Athlone Court. We are now back in the centre of the community.
As we approach the festive period, all the retailers are gearing up for what we hope will be a busy and successful season. Don’t forget to try and buy local and avoid the stress of the city. The range of gifts and food items available in the area is stunning. Our retailers have searched far and wide for gifts to suit all your family and friends. You can visit the Avenue, but don’t forget the great range of shops around and about including those on Foul Bay Road, Cadboro Bay Road and Estavan Village. Please let me know of anything new happening in the business world up your street.
I took some time to visit a relatively new business just across our boundary with Victoria. A young man from Oak Bay, named Kai Du, has opened the cutting-edge Victoria Cyber Cafe on Fort Street. If you love the internet, playing games or just watching movies online, pay them a visit. You can get involved in tournament games and make some new friends at the same time. If you are passing by, pop in and have a look.
A new business also just opened this week at the back of Athlone Court, called Coast Life and Style, where you will find some new treasures, many direct from Salt Spring Island. Also joining us in Athlone Court are new realtors Engel & Volkers Victoria, opened by founding partners Scott Piercy, James Le Blanc and Shelby Donald. “We are excited to bring a global brand with local ownership to Oak Bay,” said Piercy. Visit www.luxurybchomes.com.
Also joining us in Oak Bay, with offices in Athlone Court, are McElvaine Investment Management Ltd., an investment management firm which advises The McElvaine Investment Trust, a mutual fund that Tim McElvaine founded in 1996. The Globe and Mail recently described him as one of Canada’s best known value investors. In addition, McElvaine is currently a director of Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. and Glacier Media Inc. and has served on the boards of Sun-Rype Products Ltd. and Humpty Dumpty Snack Foods Inc. McElvaine Investment Management’s website can be found at www.avaluefund.com
The Village Walk In on Oak Bay Avenue should be welcoming The Good Earth Coffee House in the new year, date still to be confirmed.
Clare Radford is the advertising rep with the Oak Bay News. Email: clare.radford@oakbaynews.com.