WEST SHORE – Since January is a time of new beginnings, it seems appropriate that I start 2016 by talking about Coast Collective Gallery & Arts Centre. After many years at Pendray House on Heatherbell Road overlooking Esquimalt Lagoon, Coast Collective is moving to a new location. Still in Colwood, the Gallery & Art Centre opens premises at 103-318 Wale Road next to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites from January 6.
Executive Director & Education Co-ordinator Cindy Moyer is excited about the move. “Big walls!” is one of the advantages of the new space, as Pendray’s wood panelling meant it was not possible to accommodate some pieces of work. This location will change that, and also makes it possible for people to come to a weekend art workshop, stay overnight at the Holiday Inn, and dine at the Orca Grillhouse next door. Newly opened in October 2015, the Orca Grillhouse prides itself on “great food, great people and a great experience for customers of all ages.”
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Just around the corner from this Westridge Landing complex is Saunders Subaru. The Saunders family and the Saunders business are many things to many people, and I know them as huge supporters of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. It is therefore fitting that the Chamber’s first mixer of the year will be held at Saunders Subaru on January 20 from 5-7 pm. Each of our mixers has a slightly different flavour dependent on our host, and this one is no exception.
We’re describing our January event as an “Info-Mixer” as it will include a short presentation on the BC Cancer Foundation’s Deeley Research Centre in Victoria. If you’re not a member of the Chamber we’re waiving our guest fee for this event, so you are welcome to join us to connect with other local business people, enjoy appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, and learn more about how DRC are preparing to launch an innovative new treatment option for cancer.
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As it’s a new year, it’s a great time for me to encourage you to support your local Chamber of Commerce. We are non-profit organizations which exist to support and connect businesses and community. The WestShore Chamber of Commerce has 380 members from all across the West Shore – Colwood, the Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal. However it doesn’t stop there, as we have members across the Capital Regional District who like to connect with what is going on in the West Shore. If you’d like to learn more about who we are and what we do, please feel free to get in touch with me or have a look at our website at www.westshore.bc.ca.
– Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.
You can reach her at 250-478-1130 or jlawlor@westshore.bc.ca.
