For West Shore businesses, a growing community means offering a diverse range of services to meet residents — and visitors — needs.
From art classes to spa treatments, home accessories and motorcycles, local businesses are rising to the challenge.
At 4Cats Art Studio students learn as much about their own creativity as they do influential artists, says owner Gaylia Lassner. As they create their own works based on the styles of famous artists they learn that Andy Warhol had 25 cats, all named Sam, and why Vincent Van Gogh was so influential. Classes offer painting, clay work and other mediums to students age two to 15 at the Langford location.
Infusing music into play is part of the everyday at Music Makers Child Care Centre, says Lassner, who is also the operations manager there. Since 2006, staff has provided care to children aged six months to Grade 1.
“We are the only child care centre who provides music lessons within the curriculum — our kids participate in a choir each week in addition to receiving weekly classes on music composers, theory and keyboarding,” she says.
If keeping up with the kids has you worn out, Sante Spa Victoria is happy to pamper you. Located at the Westin Bear Mountain Hotel & Resort, the spa has expanded its offerings to combine treatments with outdoor experiences. Clients can pamper themselves inside before treating themselves to a complementing cycling or hiking experience outside, says marketing director Christina Arthur-Dicks.
Whether you are looking for a day of solitude or a group gathering, Sante Spa has options, she says. “As the largest spa in the Victoria area, we can accommodate groups for wedding events, corporate retreats and social spa-ing while also catering to individuals, couples and friends,” she adds.
If the spa isn’t your pace, Savage Cycles offers up an altogether different experience. The business moved to the West Shore in 2010, bringing with it a selection of Triumph, Suzuki and Royal Enfield motorcycles and ATVs. Originally located in Sidney, the new location better serves customers from all over the South Island, says owner Alex Bolz.
“We are passionate about riding motorcycles and our location at Westshore Parkway is minutes away from the best riding on the Island,” he says. “We are very supportive of the motorcycle riding activities being held at Western Speedway. We also provide military discounts and discounts to new riders for all the riding schools.”
For those that would rather stay home, Love Den in Langford is excited to announce their anticipated move to a new location within the same building in the Station House Plaza on Goldstream Avenue.
Owners Amanda and Rob Stacey focus on providing great customer service, competitive pricing and an extraordinary selection. The store offers clothes, toys and more.
“Our goal is to be able to offer the best selection in town,” explains Amanda Stacy, “but more importantly, we want our customers to feel as though their shopping experience was educational and informative. We always strive to satisfy. Sex should be fun and playful!”
For those wanting to make their homes a little more comfortable, staff at Focus on Patio in Colwood is eager to show you your options.
“Leisure is an important part of everyone’s life and Focus on Patio believes that the quality of your leisure time is impacted by comfort and style,” says Ann Robinson. “Our goal is simple: to create a living oasis that is not only timeless and practical but functional and inviting for you, your family and guests.”
Focus on Patio relocated to Colwood after 12 years in Saanich and 10 in Victoria.
“We invite you to visit our showroom and experience firsthand the difference between what a specialty store sells compared to what the “box stores” sell,” Robinson says. “We can help you make informed decisions reflecting your needs, style and personality.”
To help people enjoy the community around them CBI Health Centre has been serving the West Shore for 14 years. Previously known to the community as Summit Injury Management and Westshore Physiotherapy, the name changed in 2009 to better represent the national company. CBI has two locations in the Westshore: 582 and 940 Goldstream Ave.
Our mission as a clinic and company is “to improve the health and wellness of our communities,” says Adam Cornett. “We strive to accomplish our mission by guiding individuals with any injury through a logical continuum of high quality rehabilitation leading to a return to normal activities of daily living.” CBI has maintained status as a winner of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies since 2007.
The centre offers physiotherapy, aquatic therapy, kinesiology, acupuncture, occupational therapy, and medical and psychological consultation. “In the West Shore, we also offer golf fitness and seniors health programs in our fully equipped rehabilitation gym,” Cornett says.
There are no shortages of places to dine on the West Shore, but one staple has recently upgraded its location. Akemi Sushi moved from Colwood to Station House Plaza, off Goldstream Avenue. The change brought more tables and a private dining room, but diners need not worry about the sushi that was a staple in Colwood since 2006. Fully licensed, the menu has stayed the same, offering up sushi and traditionally prepared Japanese food.
The new space reflects the care and attention to detail in the food, a theme that is carried through the name as well, say owners Frank and Brent Lai. Akemi means beautiful, “beauty in terms of the art of sushi,” they say.
To learn more about businesses on the West Shore go to www.westshore.bc.ca.
Connect online:
4Cats Art studio | www.4catsart.com
Music Makers Child Care Centre
Sante Spa | www.santespa.com
Savage Cycles | www.savagecycles.ca
Love Den | www.loveden.ca
CBI Health Centre | www.cbi.ca
Focus on Patio | www.focusonpatio.com
Akemi Sushi | 737 Goldstream Ave.