Aquattro Blog
August 24th, 2009
(HMCS – Her Majesty Canadian Ship)
Just recently I was watching the navy ships coming into the Esquimalt Harbour, accompanied by a fleet of sailboats all flying Canadian flags. It looked incredibly impressive and interesting especially when I noticed the huge black helicopter flying above the ships.
A Navy ship in the Harbour
I had no clue what all the activity was all about until someone was lowered out one of the helicopters and everyone started cheering. I grabbed my binoculars and saw a man holding a pirate flag. Then I got it. A celebration of the return of the HMCS Winnipeg, which was in Somalia fighting pirates. Perhaps you heard about it on the news? Or read it in the Times Colonist? You can see some pictures from celebration here.
Jeff
August 15th, 2009
Almost every day we see cruise ships gliding in and out of Victoria’s harbour. For a few minutes we watch and envy the passengers and think about the good times and fabulous meals they’ll enjoy. But lately the ships have been anchoring directly off the beach in front of Aquattro. It seems like we could swim to them (ok, I know I couldn’t), but it’s probably only a mile out!
It's so close! A cruise ship off Fisgard Beach - anyone up for a swim?
Take care,
Heather
June 15th, 2009
Aquattro acres are buzzing with activity and condo living. Our first building, the Adriatic, is complete!
Purchasers are now residents- the furniture is moved in, bbq’s are grilling and residents have been enjoying the Aquattro lifestyle since mid-April 2009! If mountain and ocean views weren’t enough, one resident even noticed the birth of a fawn, just five days ago!
The next building to be completed is a toss-up – both the townhomes and the Baltic 2 building are competing for a June completion date. In the townhomes, heat pumps have been installed and kitchen islands, counter tops and cabinets are now being installed. In the Baltic 2, inspections have already been done on the first two stories of the four-story building. Construction workers are finishing up the details on the inside and beautifying the outside with patio pavers and entry-way stones. Glass rails are installed on the balconies and sprinkler systems are now being installed for the irrigation. Also to be noticed – a beautiful landscaping stone wall at the front of the building. Both buildings are expected to complete in time for their purchasers to enjoy what stunningly warm weather the summer has given us so far!
Read more and see photos
April 01st, 2009
Spring is here and there is much to report as the brisk pace of activity continues at Aquattro:
The floors and roof are now installed at the Baltic 1 and the building is buzzing with workers from a variety of trades. The electrical is nearly in on all four floors and the dry walling has begun on the first floor. The outside portion is being wrapped in Tyvek paper (building envelope) which protects the structure from water, moisture and air infiltration. This, along with the rain screen technology, helps provide a drier and more comfortable home for residents.
The scaffolding surrounding the Baltic 2 building is nearly completely removed and a beautiful building is emerging. Finishing touches are underway and once completed, the focus will shift to the inside. The Baltic 2 is slightly different from the other two buildings with variations on color and home sizes.
Photo by Catherine Furman
The townhomes are coming along nicely. The electrical work is complete and the homes are being painted and the exterior work is underway. The townhomes have been popular and only one remains for sale.
It’s no secret that Mother Nature has been playing tricks on us this winter and though it’s officially Spring, the recent wet weather has delayed some of the landscaping and salmon stream work around Selleck Creek.
Trees, shrubs, grass, plants and other riparian vegetation secured from a nearby property have been nurtured over the past year by Bee Creek Nursery. The plants are now on the site and ready to into the ground once the land around the creek dries up enough for planting.
Bring on the sun!
March 26th, 2009
There were more than 1 billion blossoms (1,067,011,747 to be exact!) counted in greater Victoria in the past week during the 33rd annual Victoria Flower Count http://www.flowercount.com/
The Aquattro team is also getting in on the action. We must confess, spring is a little slower to come to the West Shore this year than usual, but things are starting to come alive here on the property and we have been out every day seeing what’s popping up and unfurling.
We have been surprised to see such a mix of interesting blooms on the grounds and in the orchard. Our official count is 5,000 and growing. As we continue to restore the natural ecology of this land, we are looking forward to seeing more plant species thriving each year.
We have posted some of our blooms on Flickr, but these ones have stumped us. Can you help us identify the blossoms in these pictures?
March 18th, 2009
Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative view Selleck Creek under construction at Aquattro
The Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiave came to Aquattro during our recent snowfall to see the work that’s underway on our natural landscaping.
Peter Daniel, Aquattro, and Jody Watson, Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative
They are particularly interested in the progress toward the restoration of Selleck Creek and are looking forward to seeing how the rest of that project goes.
Peter Daniel with the Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative at the restored pond at Aquattro
Stay tuned for updates.
Peter Daniel
March 17th, 2009
Along with the Olympic Mountains, Downtown Victoria and the Esquimalt Lagoon, the Esquimalt Harbour is one of the beautiful and interesting views from Aquattro.
Photo by Catherine Furman
The Esquimalt Harbour is home to Canada’s West Coast Navy at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt and holds the oldest dry-dock on the west coast. Along with cruise ships in the summertime, it welcomes navy ships from all over the world and most recently the US Navy ships.
Photo by Catherine Furman
Earlier today, visiting US Navy ships were seen undergoing rescue exercises with the help of helicopters. Red smoke could even be seen lifting from the water, most likely signalling the position of a man overboard in the ocean. The day started out a little wet and grey, but as always, the sun found its way out of the clouds!
Photo by Catherine Furman
March 12th, 2009
Metchosin – not as sleepy as it looks!
Photo by Catherine Furman
A perfect day on the West Shore? Let us count the ways.
Consider Metchosin. Only a few minutes from Aquattro, this sleepy, pastoral community will surprise you with all it offers.
Spring Flowers.
A little known secret of Metchosin is the beautiful field of spring lilies at St.Mary’s Church. It’s worth stopping to take in the early signs of Spring and the beautiful scenery.
Local ceramics only sold here
Just up the road is ‘Chosin Pottery, owned and operated by internationally known ceramic artists Robin Hopper and Judi Dyelle. The Gallery and showroom are located in a renovated heritage house and features an ever-changing variety of work. This is the only place you can find works by Robin or Judi for sale. The spectacular setting includes a two-and-a-half acre Japanese-inspired garden and one of the finest stands of first-growth Douglas fir in the Victoria area.
Metchosin eats
Time for some lunch at My-Chosen Cafe, this hidden gem is a country restaurant with delectable home-made comfort food. The people are friendly and warm and the atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable. There are no reservations available and lunch and dinner sometimes require a wait – but it’s worth it and you can linger in the cozy craft shop until your table is ready. Highlights from the menu include the calamari, seafood chowder, and the workman burger – bring your appetite, portions are plentiful.
Stop at the Broken Paddle Coffee House (4480 Happy Valley Road) to pick up some snacks for eating on the beach later in the afternoon – unless it’s Saturday when this popular spot with beautiful local art featured on the walls is closed.
Beach trails
Witty’s Lagoon is an incredible place to get some exercise, learn about the local ecology, do some bird watching or just take a book to read on the beach – a perfect day would include all of these. This is a special place with an ecosystem rich with coastal plants and animals.
The interpretive displays in the information centre are a good place to start followed by a great hike; the beach trail is about one-and-a-half hours return; you will see a freshwater creek and waterfall, lagoon, salt marsh and estuary. Don’t be surprised if you spot a bit of wildlife. A great blue heron fishing for its dinner is not an uncommon sight.
At the end of the trail is a beautiful beach that is a great place to spend the rest of the day reading in a sunny spot or snacking on a picnic. At low tide there are great tide pools and if the tide is really low you can explore another beach at tower point.
What’s your perfect day on the West Shore?
March 10th, 2009
Photo by Catherine Furman
How does that old joke go? Rain is a pain, but at least you don’t have to shovel it. Well, you sure have to shovel this. It’s rare, but it’s happened. Snow at Aquattro. A dumping of it and a first this year. It must be payback for all that bragging we do about our gentle climate and our year-round golfing. The news came over the week-end that we could get some white stuff and by 10am, nearly 4 cm had already fallen. This is rare but not unheard of for Victoria. In March 2008, almost 6 cm fell. March snow on Southern Vancouver Island usually doesn’t remain on the ground more than a few hours; fortunately, that’s what happened here. It was pretty, but fleeting. After putting our clocks ahead in preparation for spring and that extra hour of light, we were then hit with that final blast of winter. Tomorrow we will be back on the golf course again :)
March 10th, 2009
In December, I made an appearance at a grade 4 science class at Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral School. Jean Hollingworth, the students’ teacher (also my daughter) invited me to speak to the class about the salmon stream going in at Aquattro as part of our nature-inspired landscaping.
I shared the story with the kids – how the idea for the stream came about – its design and how it’s now built, incorporating weirs, a fish ladder as well as the habitat gravel and rocks from the construction site.
By the time I finished, they were lobbying for a field trip to Aquattro to see the work in progress.
So, a few weeks ago, one yellow school bus pulled into the Aquattro parking lot on a beautiful, sunny winter day and, after a brief orientation and introduction to the team in the sales centre, the students went to see the salmon stream under construction. They came armed with clipboards bearing questions for me and our construction manager Ken McLeod to help them write the report about the experience.
The kids were very well versed in salmon stream and the whole salmon life cycle, but with a teacher like Jean I would expect no less. I’m sure their reports will be impressive and I look forward to reading them.
Peter Daniel
FOLLOW UP – Below are some of the visuals of the reports that the kids had to deliver:
Read more and see photos
