7 replies to this topic

[Holden West]

TOURISM
Welcome to Sidney, B.C.: Canada's bookstore capital

JUSTINE HUNTER
Globe and Mail
January 3, 2008

With a population of just 12,000 in this seaside town, the ratio of bookstores to residents makes it the bookstore capital of Canada.

"Cliff, what a find he was," Mr. Tanner now says of his fellow bookseller. "I hate to say it, but he's been more successful than we were."

It's all part of Mr. Tanner's grand scheme to recreate a local version of Hay-on-Wye in Wales, the world's first destination book town. There are now about three dozen self-proclaimed book towns around the globe, but Sidney is Canada's first. (St. Martins in New Brunswick launched one last year.)

For the past 12 years, Mr. Tanner has been encouraging booksellers to set up in Sidney, offering to scout locations, even helping with startup inventory. He expects at least one new bookstore to open this year, but his goal is to have 25 bookshops lining the seaside community's short commercial strip.

Bonus photo:

Beacon Ave--1950s postcard

[Nparker]

From CFAX:

 

 

 

BC Supreme Court approves changes to 1965 Trust Document

April 11, 2016 05:27 from James Gardner

The Sidney and North Saanich Memorial Park Society has received direction in the way it manages Blue Heron Park and the Mary Winspear Centre.

The Society says a judgement has been issued by the Supreme Court of BC, which allows changes to the 1921 Trust that directs the Society in its management practices of the two properties.

So which is the correct date of the Trust document: 1921 or 1965?

[Nparker]

Live entertainment returns to the region.

The Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney is officially reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with its first series of live performances beginning this week. Concert-goers will find a host of new safety rules at the theatre, including a 50 person limit and a new lowered stage. Other health measures include personal protective equipment worn by staff, increased cleaning practices and contactless delivery of concession and merchandise. Hand sanitizer and masks will also be available for attendees, though customers are not required to wear a mask...The first live concert to take place at the Mary Winspear Centre since the theatre closed is scheduled for this Thursday. Canadian country music singer Aaron Pritchett will be performing for four nights, from July 16 to 19...

https://www.iheartra...week-1.12984522

 

[SimonH]

We were in Sidney for a coffee this morning. Gosh it was packed ! Line ups at most restaurants and parking difficult to find. 

 

Surprisingly large (2 suv) presence.

[lanforod]

Live entertainment returns to the region.

 

Tempting. I like country music. Even with a 50 pax limit there are still tickets available. hmm

[SimonH]

We were in Sidney for a coffee this morning. Gosh it was packed ! Line ups at most restaurants and parking difficult to find. 

 

Surprisingly large (2 suv) POLICE  presence.

Edit: I omitted Police.

[Redd42]

Wondered why you were commenting on only 2 SUVs! 

[Hotel Mike]

Someone I know who lives in Sidney, says Sidney is where old people go to, visit their parents.