Oak Bay is named after the distinctively characteristic Garry Oak, the single oak species native to the Coastal Pacific Northwest. The huge, gnarled trees, with their contorted limbs and massive crowns are prevalent along Beach Drive through Uplands and Cadboro Bay, some of which are over 400 years old. At some point in its history, Oak Bay captured the nickname "Tweed Curtain," an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek reference to its British heritage. This explains the tea rooms. However, times have changed, and so has Oak Bay. Yes, there are tearooms, but there are also cafes, pubs, take-out fish and chips, great restaurants, and a charming shopping district with a wonderful array of specialty shops and art galleries. The best way to explore Oak Bay is on a bicycle. One of the most popular routes is along the Scenic Marine Drive. This exceptionally picturesque roadway follows the shoreline and grants magnificent water and mountain views.
For six weeks from March to May, over five thousand Victoria-area performers and students of music, dance and dramatic arts are on stages throughout the city receiving adjudications from renowned experts in the arts. Performances in Brass, Classical Guitar, Choral, Composition, Dance (School and Studio), Ethnic Performance, Fiddle, Musical Theatre, Piano, School Bands, School Orchestras, Speech and Dramatic Arts, Strings, Voice and Woodwinds by talented youngsters and adults take place daily throughout Festival. Our Honours concerts showcase the amazing talent. Dozens of significant awards and trophies are presented including the Rose Bowl (Classical Voice), the City of Victoria Medallion Tray (Piano), and the Roberto and Mary Wood Scholarship, the largest of its type in Canada
I met Bruce over a decade ago when his work as an architect ran parallel with my graphic design projects. Years later, upon founding Greenway Studio Architecture, Bruce commissioned me to design and build his new company website in tandem with his ever-expanding portfolio of projects. I'm grateful to be a small but integral player within his skilled team—and I'm excited to see what he creates next! I wholeheartedly recommend Bruce—both as a good architect and beneficent person.Read more