TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com ADVERTISING FEATURE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011 D5

D O W N T O W N V I C T O R I AB U S I N E S S A S S O C I A T I O NCOMMITTED TO THE CORE

F I N D Y O U R S E L F

Kathleen Ryan-Lloyd works as a reference librarian at the Legislative Library of British Columbia and has contributed to the governments needs. On February 10, 1898 legislators, government officials, and members of the public gathered in Victoria to celebrate the opening of British Columbia’s most famous landmark: the Legislative Buildings. The Buildings celebrated their centennial this February with legislators holding a special one-day session to mark the occasion and hundreds of visitors descending on the capitol to explore the historic structure. The Buildings have a dual role: they serve as a focus for local tourism and they are also home to British Columbia’s parliamentary. This article looks at the controversy which marked the Buildings’ earliest years, resulting in excessive cost overruns, and eventually, the downfall of our political government. British Columbia’s magnificent Parliament Buildings have been acclaimed over the years by legislators, tourists and Victorians alike. In 1901 King George V praised them and Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings as the two finest examples of

architecture in the Dominion. However, few admirers know of the saga of the Buildings’ construction, shaped by the project’s eccentric architect, and of course, the politicians of the day. Today’s Parliament Buildings occupy the same site as the original government buildings, built for the Colony of Vancouver Island, in 1859. The construction of the government buildings was criticized by many opponents. Their cost, location and the fact that they were built without the consent of Parliament were points of concern. However, as the $100,000 cost was defrayed by Hudson’s Bay Company funds, Governor James Douglas chose

to ignore his critics and ordered construction to proceed. The original government buildings were built of wood and brick, featuring bracketed eaves, dark cream framework and brickwork painted different shades of red. Their quaint architectural styling was somewhat suggestive of Chinese pagodas, and hence they were commonly referred to as the “Birdcages”. They consisted of five buildings, originally used as an administrative building, a courthouse, the office of the

Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, the Queen’s Printer and the Legislative Assembly. They served their purposes adequately for many years, but by the late 1880’s they had become dilapidated and too small to accommodate the government of a growing province. The Birdcages had no temperature control and were even publicly criticized in Victoria’s Daily Colonist on March 16, 1893 as giving the impression of “a sordid narrow-minded and uncultivated State or Province”. Theodore Davie, M.L.A. for Victoria City, first raised the suggestion of replacing the Birdcages in the Legislative Assembly on February 6, 1889.

When he asked the Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, Forbes Vernon, if the Government had any intention of budgeting for “replacing the present Legislative Hall with a [more]... suitable building”, Vernon replied that the government did not feel justified in “incurring the expenditure necessary to construct new legislative buildings” and instead the Government intended “to make the present building sufficiently commodious for all

requirements.” However, the need for improved facilities remained, and within 3 years Davie himself had become Premier and he worked to secure political support for a new “commodious” building to house the government of BC. The Davie administration set out to search for a building design that would be functional as well as visually impressive. The government allotted $75,000 to the Department of Public Works in March 1892 for the costs associated with managing a design contest. Notice was sent throughout Canada and the United States. Contest guidelines stated that the building should be fire proof and that the designs should accommodate four distinct uses: an administration office, the legislative chamber, the land registry office and the majestic Queen’s Printer. Sixty-five designs were submitted under pseudonyms from architects across North America. The two contest judges, A. G. Taylor of Montreal and W.S. Curry of Toronto studied the plans and came up with a short list of five candidates, which included a picturesque sketch signed by “A B.C. Architect.” In March 1893, a government committee selected the final winner: the “B.C. architect”, Francis Mawson Rattenbury. Rattenbury’s nom de plume was a clever hint to the contest judges that by selecting his design, they were awarding the contract to an architect from British Columbia. However, Rattenbury had only recently arrived from England, and he was just 25-years old. He explained to the judges that his design was intended to express confidence in the promise of British Columbia. Some research sources suggest that Rattenbury’s own self-confidence was in inverse proportion to his experience: at this point he had only assisted with the design of perhaps two other building projects. Throughout the past century, the Parliament Buildings have proudly served the people of British Columbia as the key symbol of our provincial heritage. Rattenbury’s magnificent design boasted 70,000 Admirers in 18994, and continues to draw twice that number of visitors today and now happily sit downtown in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.

FIVE Riffl andia acts you don’t want to missMIKE DEVLINPostmedia News

AWOLNATION. A huge hit among modern rock fans, the project is helmed by Aaron Bruno is a wildly erratic affair, with its mish-mash of styles (rock, folk, electro) at its core. He's too over-the-top by half, but the band's big hit, Sail, will have the audience in fits — guaranteed. Royal Athletic Park, Saturday, 4 p.m.

The Coup. The big afro of Boots Riley will loom large at the Phillips stage, though the music of this Bay Area group will stand taller and much mightier. Its mix of militant funk and true school hip-hop is a feverish delight — comfort food for the ears and soul. Phillips Brewery, Thursday, 11:30 p.m.

Giant Sand. The first-ever local performance by Tucson's Giant Sand should have the indie faithful out in force on Saturday. There's not one description that properly fits this band, as they do everything from acid folk to sand dune rock with an out-there musical dexterity. Performing at the Alix Golden Hall, Saturday, 11:30 p.m.

Sage Francis. In the realm of angst-ridden rap, there are few who compete, in terms of intensity, with Sage Francis. From Rhode Island the rhymer, who is touring his fourth album, which features an oddball mix of contributions from Buck 65, Sparklehorse and members of Death Cab For Cutie and Calexico. At sugar, Friday, 12:30 a.m.

L.A. Riots. The opening night of Rifflandia usually always has the sleeper success, and this talented L.A. duo could take that honour in 2011. The group brings its manic grooves to the checkered dance-floor of Club 9ONE9 opening night, as fitting a place as any would before this boogie-friendly throwback. Club 9ONE9, tonight, at 12:30 a.m.

The story Behind the architecture

KATHLEEN RYAN-LLOYDA closer look at our Legislative Assembly Buildings

The Victoria Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Today’s Parliament Buildings occupy the same site as the original government buildings, built for the Colony of Vancouver Island, in 1859.

Lead singer, Aaron Bruno jumps on the shoulders of heros and giants

photographer: B. MOORE

photographer: JAY ADAMS

www.downtownvictoria.ca

Sixty-fi ve designs were submitted under pseudonyms from architects

across North America.“

”

www.spca.ca to Adopt today!

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com ADVERTISING FEATURE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011 D6

AMY SMARTTimes Colonist

Half-pipes, quarter-pipes, bumps, hips and spines. The ramps that Steve deBruyn builds are a skateboarder’s dream. The London, Ontario — based artist’s latest installation, to be revealed Friday at Open Space, is called Wood for Rolling.

The massive structure is unrideable - it features two double loop-the-loops and the over-vert means it curls back on itself. But as one observer said, the creation is more of a ‘ what-if ’ scenario. DeBruyn, who graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art in 2002, started building ramps from scrap wood as a kid. He says it’s the form and the challenge to build the design that attracts him to the structure - aside from the obvious appeal as a real pro skateboarder. “I think that skateboard ramps are fun to build and I also think that they’re pretty,” he said. “So I think this is just a large, ambitious version of that.”Since then,

he has built 30 to 50 ramps, often working in his London backyard area. “I’ll build one in my yard then drop it off somewhere in my town to see how long it stays there,” he said. He said he likes to think that they get stolen, but most of the time he’s pretty sure they end up in the trash. In each gallery that he shows, he gathers volunteers to help him gather found and recycled materials to build his ramps. Usually, he said, it’s a way for him to get to know the town. When he arrived in Victoria, however, his team had already gathered all the materials for him. “I showed up and they kinda went above and

beyond the call of duty on this one,” he said of the Victoria volunteers. “Usually it’s up to me to do a lot of the scavenging of things . which is kind of part of the piece.” But the concept is still there, as is the amateur building style. “It’s just a really found, DIY approach to carpentry.” A companion exhibit to Wood for Rolling will be shown at the Fifty Fifty Arts Collective. Vic Sightings highlights local skateboard photographer and videographer artists. Go to the link below to support local artists!

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/

Ramp ‘n’ roll: The skater’s life in art

Where Open SpaceWhen Sept. 30 — Oct. 1Tickets Free

Steve deBruyn works on Wood for Rolling at Open Space in Victoria. While the London, Ont., artist usually recruits volunteers to help him scrounge material for his installations, this time it was all waiting for him when he arrived.

Photograph by: Darren Stone, timescolonist.com

ERIC AKIStimescolonist.com

Cowichan Wine and Culinary FestivalThe seventh annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival kicks off at 1:30 p.m. today in Duncan with an open-to-the-public grape-stomping competition at City Square Stage. The festival ends Sunday. This festival is designed as a self-guided one where visitors are encouraged to pick up an event location map or download it from the festival website. With that map as a guide, visitors can taste and sip their way through the Cowichan Valley and visit wineries, eateries, cider makers and other participants holding tastings, serving special menus and giving tours. Most daytime activities are free. There is also a superb array of ticketed events ranging in cost from $30 to $225 per person. For example, Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., Duncan’s Providence Farm plays host to a chef ’s table, where some of our province’s best chefs will cook up a feast of local delicacies paired with Island wine, beer and cider. Tickets for this event, held in honour of the late James Barber, are $100 per person. Wine education is also a big part of the festival, and B.C. wine guru John

Schreiner will be a featured speaker at a symposium being held Saturday and Sunday in Duncan.

Vancouver Island Feast of FieldsThe 14th annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields takes place Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The location of this year’s event is Marley Farm, 1831D Mount Newton Cross Rd., Saanichton. More than 60 of the Island’s top-rated restaurants, wineries and other food and beverage purveyors will set up shop on this scenic Saanich Peninsula property waiting for event ticket holders to arrive. When they do, they’ll be handed a menu of what’s being served, a wine glass and a napkin, and then be set free to nibble and sip the afternoon away. Adult tickets are $85 per person, children aged seven to 12 are $15, and children aged six and under are free. There is on-site parking, and bus transportation is being provided to the site from Mayfair mall. It’s sure to be a memorable event! Please visit the link below to find out more.

For more info check out: www.feastoffi elds.com

Call 250-537-8320. Those attending should also note the famed Saltspring Saturday Market will also be on during the event.

Culinary carnivals

Emily Carr: On the Edge of NowhereAlthough Emily Carr described herself as an isolated little old woman on the edge of nowhere her work has an appeal that is universal in its expressive messages. With this exhibition, the AGGV will become the premiere destination on Vancouver Island to visit and learn about Emily Carr through her paintings.

Price $2.00 to $12.00 (Regular Gallery admission applies.)Dates Jun 30, 2010 tillDec 31, 2011

James Bay MarketSaturdays only from 9am to 3pm

You will be amazed at the variety of products available at the James Bay Market. Whether you’re a local in need of some fresh red peppers, or a visitor looking for that unique something from Victoria, we’ve got it. Handmade. Homegrown. • live music • coffee, cold drinks and home baked treats• fresh flowers • locally grown fruit & vegetables • hot and cold snacks

Price Info not availableDates May 07, 2011 tillOct 29, 2011

Bastion Square Public Market 2011Thursday, Friday & Saturday

From April to the end of September Bastion Square is transformed into a colourful and eclectic European-style, Artisans Showcase and Open-Air Marketplace, with vendors selling original paintings and prints, stained glass, multi-media jewelry, woodwork, pottery, herbal soaps, clothing and accessories, and so much more.

Price Info Not AvailableDates Apr 20, 2011 till Oct 15, 2011

Ballet Victoria Presents: Ballet RocksFrom J.S. Bach to Pink Floyd

Musical guest — Starring international star Denise Djokic performing Bach Cello suites excerpts!

Come see iconic music of the past and present mix with an international palette of choreographers for a hard core ballet performance you won’t want to miss! Performed in front of a live audience.

Price $14.00 to $65.00Dates Oct 07, 2011 tillOct 09, 2011

Thanksgiving DinnerWhat are you thankful for this year? We are thankful for Chef Silva’s sumptuous five course Thanksgiving Dinner in the Empress Room. Join us October 7 - 10, 2011 and delight in local traditional slow-roasted turkey and spend some quality time with your friends and family.

Price $75.00Dates Oct 07, 2011 tillOct 10, 2011

UVic Guest Concert— Joze Kotar, clarinet & Bruce Vogt, pianoJoze Kotar, clarinet from Slovenia and Bruce Vogt, piano (University of Victoria). Kotar is principal clarinetist at Ljubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra and professor at the Music Academy in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Performing works by Jaka Pucihar, Dekleva, Denissow and Slovenian composers.

A complete listing of all School of Music events, including graduating student recitals, can be found on the web at: http://www.finearts.uvic.ca/music/events.

Price FreeDates Oct 04, 2011

Dine around & stay in town VictoriaA calendar of events happening locally here in Victoria

All the hustle and bustle is happening at Bastion Square for the Festival of the Arts. Come join us Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at the entrance on Government Street!

find yourselfD O W N T O W N V I C T O R I AB U S I N E S S A S S O C I A T I O NCOMMITTED TO THE CORE

If you enjoy fi ne local food and wine, September is the time you can celebrate

Artist builds tricks from found and recycled material

ADVERTISING FEATURE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011 D7TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

favorite things

New

“SHINE CAFE”opening September 2011

Come visit the shine cafe for good people, good eats, and a cool environment. This trendy new

cafe is opening its doors in September of 2011 on Blanshard St. If you like breakfast, then you’ll

loooove the Shine Cafe!

Make a Stop for

“ROGER’S CHOCOLATE SODA SHOPPE”on Government Street

All the hustle and bustle downtown is enough to tire anyone out. So why not cool down with a quick stop at Roger’s Chocolate Soda Shoppe

at the end of Government Street next to the Inner Harbour. Any ice cream lover is sure to indulge in the 53 flavours offered at the Soda Shoppe. Embrace your inner sweet tooth — you know you want to!

Fab Finds at

“AMERICAN APPAREL”downtown on Johnston Street

Tights, onesies, body cons, crop tops, all the basics you need for your wardrobe can be found right here at American Apparel on Johnson Street. Their bright and tight clothes are perfect for layering and staying casually in style. For one week only, come visit the Johnson Street location for their annual blowout sale, 25 - 50% off select merchandise. You won’t want to miss this, and your closet will thank you forever! www.americanapparel.com

2012

“VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL”

January 30 - February 8

This year’s film festival is full of charismatic endeavours that will take you, well somewhere not on this planet! Come down to support our local film scene and see some truly amazing artists. Visit www.vicotriafilmfest.ca/tickets for ticket info and dates. And don’t forget the popcorn! We’ll be waiting for you on screen.

2012