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Another month, another calendar packed with events. The list of happenings on Mount Washington in February is as abundant as the tasty powder. Here are a few noteworthy highlights.

Slopeside Singles February 5

Take speed dating sky-high with chairlift dating between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. A singles line at the Eagle chair will pair you with a different single every time. It’s an adults-only event, costs $5 to register (plus the price of your lift ticket) and gives you the opportunity to win an ultra romantic getaway to Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino. Appetizers, wine and beer will be available in FRESH after the event. [more information]

Kokanee Day For Dudes February 11

Hone in on your skills, test ride new equipment and chug back free beer. For $77.90 you get a full-day lift ticket, aprés at Fat Teddy’s and cold, crisp Kokanee beer. What more do dudes need? [more information]

Photo: Kyle Mouritsen on Flickr [used with permission]

Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic February 13

The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports aims to provide those with physical or mental challenges the opportunity to learn and enjoy snow sports. The Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic teams four participants, one of which being a disabled skier or rider, to fundraise for this crucial athletic group. The races wrap up with prizes and even a “Wipe Out Of The Day” award. [more information]

Big Air Competition February 26

The Stomping Ground Terrain Park is the only place to be for adrenaline junkies and those with an appetite for huge air. Skiers and boarders will by competing by lofting themselves off one massive jump. There are prizes, categories for men and women, those under 13, teens and adults. There’s a refundable $10 entrant fee and helmets are mandatory. Register on Marmots Floor on jump day. [more information]

Subaru Women’s Week February 28 – March 4

Kick off the spring season with a week-long event dedicated to bringing chicas together on the slopes. There are a number of packages available that include themed lunches, lift tickets, lessons, and even wine and beer tastings. Childcare will be available at a discounted rate. [more information]

For all these events and more, check out Mt. Washington’s events calendar online.

Because Vancouver Island is located directly on a fault line and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped area of high seismic activity including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, annual earthquake drills in preparing for that inevitable “Big One” was largely a part of attending any school in British Columbia.

Today marks the first annual Great British Columbia ShakeOut, a province-wide initiative to encourage each and every one of us to know what to do in an earthquake and how to best survive the days following. Each year more than 1,000 quakes are registered in Canada with the majority of those shakers taking place in BC. [source]

More than 400,000 people have registered to partake in this simultaneous earthquake drill, modeled after highly successful practices in the State of California. Whether or not you’re participating in the Great British Columbia ShakeOut, one of the best principles to know and stick to is “Drop, Cover and Hold On”:

1. Drop to the ground.

2. Take cover by ducking under a sturdy desk, table or within a doorframe.

3. Hold on until the shaking stops. Most earthquakes last an average of 60 seconds.

For more information on the Great British Columbia ShakeOut and for tips on how you can be better prepared for earthquakes in our region, visit the official website. You can also find them on Facebook or follow their updates on Twitter.

On June 23, 1946, a catastrophic earthquake rattled Vancouver Island. Centered in the Forbidden Plateau area, the 7.3 magnitude quake had far-reaching effects. Miraculously, only two fatalities were recorded: one due to heart failure and another who drowned near Port Alberni from the enormous waves that occurred after the earthquake. I have managed to dig up a few remaining photos that documented the damage.

Bank of Montreal, Port Alberni

Photo: Wikipedia file, photographer unknown

Kelsey Bay Highway, north of Campbell River

Photo: Wikipedia file, photographer unknown

Comox, house damage

Photo: Wikipedia file, photographer unknown

Courtenay Post Office

Photo: Natural Resources Canada

Courtenay Elementary School

Photo: Natural Resources Canada

Courtenay Elementary School, damage to classroom interior

Photo: Natural Resources Canada

Before Highway 19 moved inland, the highway south of the Comox Valley was dotted with a number of shellfish and seafood farms. While those farms are still there and are very much active today, it’s easy to forget how vital they are to Vancouver Island’s sustainable seafood market.

Oysters, scallops and shellfish farms in the area produce some of BC’s best seafood, and this weekend attendees of the SeaWeb Seafood Choices 2011 Seafood Summit will have the opportunity to visit and explore the region through tours, tastings and an incredible feast prepared by Xinh Dwelley of Xinh’s Clam & Oyster House in Shelton, Washington.

Photo: David O on Flickr

“Fanny Bay Oysters and Taylor Shellfish are pleased to be hosting the Seafood Summit tour of shellfish farms on Vancouver Island“, says Bill Taylor of Taylor Shellfish and Fanny Bay Oysters. “It is a great opportunity to share the challenges we face as shellfish farmers, to show why farmed shellfish is probably the most sustainable of seafoods and especially to show off the delicious tastes of our incredible shellfish at the Field Station dinner.”

Vancouver Island University recently completed construction of the Deep Bay Marine Field Station which will serve to be a featured focus of the summit attendees’ field trip to Vancouver Island. Located in Baynes Sound, this research station is innovative in that it brings together the shellfish industry, the government and researchers all while adhering to “green” policies and methods of operation.

Photo: Vancouver Island University Deep Bay Field Station

This year’s annual Seafood Summit, held in Vancouver, will take place over January 31st to February 2nd. The summit’s goal is to promote seafood in a way that is socially and economically sustainable. For more information on the Seafood Summit, please visit the summit online.

Photo: Parksville Uncorked

Now in its third year, the Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival has quickly gained popularity with culinary aficionados and wine connoisseurs all across Vancouver Island and beyond. Over four days, guests have the opportunity to learn trade secrets from some of British Columbia’s most celebrated chefs, vintners, sommeliers and restaurateurs.

There are a number of spectacular events planned over the course of Parksville Uncorked, happening February 24th through 27th, allowing for plenty of time to mix and mingle with other food and wine lovers. There’s guaranteed to be a little bit of something for everyone.


Parksville Untapped Thursday, February 24
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Tickets are $49 each – Phone 1-800-663-7373 to reserve

Local breweries and beers will be showcasing their bubbles and barley at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa. Enjoy smooth jazz music while taking a featured look at the history of beer brewing on Vancouver Island.

Swirl Gala Friday, February 25
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Tickets are $69 each – Phone 1-888-760-2008 to reserve

Pop the cork, swirl your glass and delight in delicious wines and palate-pleasing cuisine. This sophisticated evening is being proudly hosted by The Beach Club Resort.

Winemakers Dinner with Burrowing Owl Winery Saturday, February 26
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Tickets are $99 each – Phone 1-888-760-2008 to reserve

Chef Sean Norris will be preparing a coastal-inspired dinner to perfectly pair with a number of Burrowing Owl wines at The Beach Club Resort. The pairings will be explained and and your questions answered by Sommelier Stuart Bruce from Appellation Wine.

Winemakers Dinner with Road 13 Saturday, February 26
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Tickets are $99 each – Phone 1-800-663-7373 to reserve

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa’s Walbran Ballroom will be the place to be to experience a divine six-course meal, expertly prepared by Chef Eric Edwards. Enjoy the meal with pairings provided by Pam & Mick Luckhurst of Road 13.

Bubbles & Brunch Sunday, February 27
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Tickets are $29.95 each – Phone 1-800-663-7373

Say “au revoir!” to a phenomenal weekend with a scrumptious brunch and a selection of BC bubbly at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa.

For more information on Parksville Uncorked, the events, wine sponsors and fabulous accommodation packages with either The Beach Club Resort or Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa, please visit the Parksville Uncorked website.

Photo: The Beach Club Resort

The fantastic folks behind Parksville Uncorked want to give Keira-Anne.com readers a chance to enjoy one of the premiere events of the weekend, the Swirl Gala on Friday, February 25. The prize package consists of a one-night stay for two at the luxe Beach Club Resort, lapping the shores of Parksville’s beachfront, and two tickets to the Swirl Gala – a quick getaway worth over $300! You’ve got two chances to enter:

1. Leave a comment below. (1 entry)

2. Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

RT to win a night for two at @BeachClubResort and two tickets to Parksville Uncorked’s Swirl Gala from @KeiraAnne http://tinyurl.com/5wafyqn

You must be 19+ to win and able to attend the Swirl Gala on Friday, February 25. I will draw one winner at random at noon on Friday, February 4. Good luck!

One of my favourite big city events each year is Taste BC. For 17 years, this fundraising event has brought together divine wines, phenomenal foods and lively spirits from all corners of British Columbia to downtown Vancouver.

Through samples, swirls and sips, Taste BC is a celebration of our province’s wine and culinary delicacies. Dozens of wineries were on hand to share tried and true varietals such as pinot noir and chardonnay while providing for the opportunity to try rarities such as meritage blends. Some personal favourites included Nichol Vineyard‘s 9 Mile Red and Burrowing Owl Estate Winery‘s Meritage.

Having heard a lot of buzz about Victoria Gin from Victoria Spirits, I wasted no time in throwing back a sip or two. Their Left Coast Hemp Vodka was also on hand with a deliciously earthy-tasting vodka that goes down as smooth as silk.

Though wine grapes have been grown in BC since 1859, 1990 marked the beginning of the wine culture in BC that has since seen global recognition as a respected wine producing region. [source] However, BC is about so much more than wine, beer and spirits. Grumbling bellies were satisfied with everything from artisan breads, fresh-shucked oysters, savoury cheeses and butcher meats. I was also a huge fan of the Gone Crackers crisps strategically placed to cleanse the palate.

While I was slightly disappointed to discover that Vancouver Island wineries weren’t well represented at Taste BC, I heard through the grapevine (pun intended) from one of the exhibitors that a number of Island wineries have a tasting event in the works. You’ll have all the details as soon as I have them!

As in past years, Taste BC 2011 has proven wildly successful in raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Oak Tree Clinic. In fact, more than $170,216 has been raised since the event’s inception! Congratulations to Liberty Wine Merchants for another fantastic Taste BC event.

With traditional British roots and a colourful Chinese community, it’s no secret that Victoria has become a melting pot for tea drinkers. This healthy and natural beverage has become a popular means by which to relax, boost immunity, detox the body and delight the toungue. Now in its fifth year, the Victoria Tea Festival is gearing up and will take place February 12th and 13th at Crystal Garden (713 Douglas Street).

Proudly presented by a personal favourite of mine, Silk Road, the Victoria Tea Festival is the largest public tea exhibition in North America. Designed to provide the opportunity to sample, explore, learn and experience teas from all corners of the globe, the festival also features prime exhibitors. Tea experts will also be on hand to share their knowledge. And yes, there will be plenty of shopping for those wishing to take something home with them!

Tickets for the Victoria Tea Festival are $20 in advance (or $25 at the door) and can be purchased at Silk Road, Serious Coffee, Murchie’s Coffee, Special Teas and Camosun College Child Care Services Office. For more information and to see a complete list of exhibitors and vendors, please visit the Victoria Tea Festival’s official website. You can also follow their updates on Twitter. All proceeds from the Victoria Tea Festival benefit the Camosun College Child Care Services in providing non-personnel resources, special projects and an annual student bursary.

While it’s no secret that British Columbia regularly faces a pet overpopulation problem – one that faces crisis levels – the problem has become even more severe in the United States, particularly California. With a plummeting economy, more and more beloved family pets are being dumped on shelter doorsteps. Most have mere days to be re-adopted or face euthanasia. In fact, more than 3,000 animals are euthanized in the City of Los Angeles every single month.

One such little guy was fortunate enough to escape being euthanized and brought to British Columbia and into a new home. Meet appropriately-named Lucky.

Photo has been privately provided by Lucky’s rescuers.

Born with a birth deformity, Lucky’s life has always been a struggle. Lucky requires a front-wheel dog cart (such as these) to get around. Fortunately for Lucky, he’s been brought into a Vancouver-area foster home and is finally getting the love, care and medical attention he has always needed.

However, there’s expense involved in transporting Lucky and other small dogs up from California, so Bow Wow Haus is holding a fundraising evening to benefit Lucky. On Thursday, February 10, head to BWH between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. for a silent auction, a ticketed draw for 20-40% merchandise discounts, Lucky-tinis, delicious treats and a trainer’s corner where your doggie can learn a new trick and more! BWH is located at 1340 Davie Street in Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood.

Photo has been privately provided by Lucky’s rescuers.

If enough funds are raised at this event, the sweet little girl Pixxie, pictured above, will also be brought to British Columbia to be placed in a new home. Please consider stopping in at BWH on February 10th to show your support. You can find more information on A Night For Lucky! on Facebook.

Why does this particular rescue group support dogs rescued from California rather than focus on dogs in BC? “Few small breed dogs come into rescue in Canada and the interest in adopting small dogs is high. When small dogs are brought to Vancouver, many of the little ones find loving homes fairly quickly. The availability of small dogs for adoption also decreases the demand for puppy mill pups – so we think it’s a win-win situation!”

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a decent scotch from time to time, a first-time evening is coming to the Comox Valley to celebrate all things whiskey. The Comox Rotary Club and The Westerly Hotel are presenting Comox Valley Whiskey Fest on Thursday, January 27th from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at The Westerly Hotel and Convention Centre.

Photo: VancityAllie on Flickr

Much like a wine tasting event, this evening offers up more than 40 kinds of whiskey for those brave enough to try more than a handful. Featured whiskeys include Chivas, The Singleton, Johnnie Walker, Springbank and many more. In addition, tasty food will be passed around to pair with the whiskey, including roast leg of lamb, prosciutto wrapped figs, smoke salmon, chorizo sausages and delicious desserts.

Tickets to the Comox Valley Whiskey Fest are $85 with all proceeds to benefit the Comox Valley Hospice. Get your tickets at The Westerly Hotel Top Shelf Liquor Outlet and remember to partake responsibly. Free pick-up and drop-off transportation will be available within the Comox Valley. For more information on the event, please visit the Comox Valley Whiskey Fest online. A complete list of all whiskeys offered can also be found online.

With a current alpine snowbase of over 500cm (yes, you read that correctly), Mt. Washington’s definitely earned their bragging rights this season. However, all that tasty powder isn’t the only thing happening on the hill these days. Mt. Washington’s events calendar is jam-packed this January – here are a few ideas to entice you.

Kokanee Day For Dudes January 14

Hone in on your skills, test ride new equipment and chug back free beer. For $77.90 you get a full-day lift ticket, aprés at Fat Teddy’s and cold, crisp Kokanee beer. [more information]

The North Face Avalanche Awareness Weekend January 14-16

Sponsored by North Face and featuring the Canadian Avalanche Association, this weekend aims to promote safety in the back country and build awareness of this very real risk. Demonstrations and events will be held at the BCA Beacon Basin at the top of the Whiskey Jack Chair. [more information]

Ladies Day Escape January 18

If the dudes get their day, the ladies have theirs too. This drop-in program with the ski school groups women of similar abilities together to meet new friends while improving skiing or riding techniques. For $85.94, your lesson and full-day lift ticket are included as well as a scrumptious lunch. [more information]

Laser Tag at the Ozone January 22, January 29

From 4-7pm, a snow course will be set up at the tubing park for laser tag enthusiasts. $5 (cash only) will get you in with all your gear; weather permitting. [more information]

Ski For MS Fundraiser January 30

Each year Mt. Washington hosts this important fundraiser to help those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. This day-long event features fun for everyone and those who raise a certain minimum will receive a free lift pass, a BBQ lunch and some fantastic prizes. For more information or to obtain a pledge form, contact Cherie Kamenz at (250) 339-0819 or zip off an e-mail. [more information]

For all these events and more, check out Mt. Washington’s events calendar online.

Last night, in a landslide vote of 18-1, Victoria city council voted to ban those under the age of 18 from using tanning beds in the Greater Victoria region. This precedent-setting decision is being applauded by health care groups and physicians as Victoria is the first city in all of Canada to put such a ban into place.

Photo: Valerie Yermal on Flickr

The largest controversy over tanning is in the fact that indoor tanning is largely contributed to skin cancer despite some in the industry labeling the practice as “safe”. The new by-law has been volleyed around city council for more than five years and now the city has the power to enforce regulations, carrying penalties between $250 to $2,000 if the by-law is broken. Effective immediately, all those appearing to be under 25 will be asked for identification. [source]

Much like those under 19 cannot buy cigarettes due to their cancer-causing components, I admire Victoria city council for providing yet another avenue by which to protect the health of its city’s youth.

What do you think? Should tanning be banned to those under 18? Would another age be more suitable for the by-law?