For those who own the first edition (2006) and prefer not to obtain the 2009 edition, download the following pdf file which contains major updates through May 2009. Missing from that file are all the restaurant changes that occurred afterward, the dozen new parks and ocean accesses that came on line, hundreds of items that were updated during the processing of the second edition, plus additional features not present in the 2006 edition.
UPDATES TO FIRST EDITION AS OF MAY 2009 pdf
UPDATES TO THE SECOND EDITION (PUBLISHED AUGUST 2009)
Last updated: September, 2011
Chapter 3/Travel Guide
BC Ferries now offers free wifi at the Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay terminals, and on board vessels between those two ports.
p 27. (Getting to Tsawwassen) The new Canada Line train runs between YVR and downtown Vancouver, and public transport to and from Tsawwassen is now more convenient as a result.
Ferries to Washington: The passenger-only Victoria Express between Victoria and Port Angeles no longer operates. The vessels now do eco-tours. The only option is now the Coho.
p 44. Float Planes. Saltspring Air now has regularly scheduled flights between Port Washington and both YVR and downtown Vancouver. Stopover or transfer in Ganges. Free shuttle from seaplane terminal to main YVR terminal (but not reverse). Ask about standby service between Port Washington and Ganges for $30 (Regular fare applies if reserved). 1.877.537.9880.
Chapter 4/Accommodations and Camping:Sahhali Serenity B&B has sold and is no longer a B&B :-(
p 57. Camping at Prior Centennial: The Parks Canada reservation service has taken over from the BC system as predicted. The PC contact info was included in the 1st edition (2006), but unfortunately Parks Canada had me remove the info from the 2nd edition (2009) because it was not in effect yet. If you have the 2nd edition, here it is: www.pccamping.com, 1.877.737.3783.
Chapter 5 Dining
p 63. At the Golf Course, Chippers (in 2008), then Fairways (in 2009) Restaurant became Birdie's Bistro in 2010. The space has been remodeled. They are open for breakfast and lunch. Same contact info.
Hope Bay Cafe was sold and is now Skinny Legs Hope Bay and is no longer operating Sharkey's pizza take out window/delivery service. Same contact info.
Pender Sushi, a Japanese restaurant, has opened at Driftwood Centre, 250.629.6263. It replaces Fish on Pender that closed in October 2010.
p 69. Jane' Herb Garden has closed.
p 70. Wine/Liquor: Pender Island Cellars, a "U-Vin" wine making business is open at the site of the former Island View Paper Works next to Canada Post at Driftwood Centre. Besides the do-it- yourself wine making service, they sell wine making kits and supplies, and gift items.
Ph: 250.629.6511, IslandCellars@shaw.ca. Michael Symons, proprietor. Map Page 73, Loc: 18
Chapter 6 Shopping and Services
The laundromat/showers at Driftwood Auto Centre has closed.
New pet food and accessories store is at that location: For Pet's Sake; Tues-Sat 10-5
New store Made on Pender features locally made hand crafted gifts. Next to Medicine Beach Market, 5827 Schooner Way. Contact: Corinne 629.7808.
p 76. Home Electronics & Media off Island: a new Best Buy is in Langford near the Superstore.
The downtown Future Shop has moved to the new centre with the new Super WalMart (including grocery) at Douglas & Saanich.
p 86. Other services. Island View Paper Works (Copies, photo finishing) has closed.
Time To Play now offers printing/copying/faxing. The store (Map Page 73 Loc: 11) is operated by the Pharmacy and contains a lot of the non-pharmacy gift & toy items previously sold at the main store.
p 89. New radio station 107.9 on Salt Spring Island serves the Gulf Islands.
Chapter 7 Wedding & Event Planner/GLBT
p 94. Although not mentioned specifically in the book, Marriage Commissioner Wendy Wacking reports new contact info: E-mail: wendyhacking@orcasonline.com, Phone/Fax: 250.629.6761
A new vendor for wedding cakes: Shelley Richards, shelskitchen@yahoo.ca, 250.629.6180
A new hairdresser, Hair to Go, offers house calls, Tannis 250.629.6030.
p 96. GLBT: Victoria gay/LGBT bars: Prism Lounge is now Paparazzi Night Club, same contacts. New: The Ledge, gay-friendly lounge, mezzanine lobby of Bedford Regency Hotel, 1140 Government St & Bastion Sq. 250.384.6835.
Chapter 8 Attractions Off-Island
p 101. Konpira/Udon Master left. Now a Tibetan restaurant.
Chapter 12 Hiking North Pender
p 148. The foot bridge to Roe Islet is closed and may be replaced some day. No access at high tide so plan visit accordingly. To enter the islet currently stairs descend to a short stretch of tidal beach that may be slippery.
p 138, 140. Interpretive markers were never installed as promised along the Found Road Trail (11), but there is an interpretive brochure available for the walk along the Welcome Bay ocean access trail (8).
pp 150-156 At Roe Lake, new bridges have been installed over the marshy areas near the lake so that the trail from Shingle Bay to Roe Lake is passable even during periods of high water. Impacts hikes 30,33,37.
p 169. J.M. Abbott Park The rough trail to the park now features a very steep staircase up one side and down the other. At the top of the hill are 3 benches and a picnic table (no garbage can, pack in, pack out policy). There are limited views to the ocean and an excellent view of Buck Lake. Parking is available for a car at each end of the trail. PIPRC hopes to link this trail with the present Buck Lake to Privateers Trail.
Chapter 13 Hiking South Pender
p 180-187 References to Mt. Norman Viewpoint: The elevated boardwalk at the summit was taken away and is now a dirt trail. The viewpoint platform was rebuilt in a similar configuration as before.
p 192-194 Brooks Point: The missing link portion of the series of parks (between 97 and 102) was purchased by CRD but fundraising is needed to pay the interest to a loan so they don't have to subdivide the property to pay for it. The entire property is now Brooks Point Regional Park. Scenic paths have been mowed through the new parcel, making for a wonderful continuous walk from the Higgs Rd (at lower tides) ocean access all the way to the Gowlland Pt Road ocean access. Note that the parcel with the navigation aid (98) has a very slippery , steep trail to get down to the beach at Gowlland Point (96). It's safer to go up it than down it.
Chapter 15/Boating/Orca Watching:
p 222. The Pender Island Power and Sail Squadron now has a website:
www.cps-ecp.ca/penderisland/
p 223. As of Nov 1, 2010 boat licensing is by mail only as explained here.
p 234. MLPOS members note: There is no longer a separate wait list for Thieves Bay Marina for those without boats. To get on the wait list members now must already own a boat. Those already on the no-boat list were grandfathered onto the boat-owners list several years back.
p 241. A kayak launch ramp (for higher tides only) was installed at Shingle Bay Park (49).
The Whale Wise orca-watching info brochure has changed slightly. Check it out for details.
p 250. A new dive shop opened in Sidney, Island Diving, 778.426.3483. islanddiving.ca
p 252. Fulford Harbour Marina is closed due to storm damage until further notice. However the government dock on the south side of the ferry terminal is available for 2-hour stays and may have room for your boat to dock-and-lunch at the Rock Salt Cafe (recommended).
p 253. Saturna Vineyards' separate bistro phone is disconnected. Check before going for hours and services. For 2011: Open 11-6 Fri, Sat, Sun or for tours of 8+ by arrangement. May expand days of operation based on demand. Bistro opens June 10.
Chapter 16/Pender Writers and Artists:
p. 269 I am sorry to report the passing of Joy McAughtrie of Whalepointe Studio.
Additions:
Hans Tammemagi, Ph.D. Books on environment, science & travel, www.hanstammemagi.com
Colin Gatward, Photographer, Also at Red Tree Gallery, www.gatwardphotography.com
Chapter 17/Natural Environment
p 277. The rainfall record for September, normally a dry month, was shattered in 2010 with 124.2 mm (4.9 in).
Chapter 18/Living on Pender
p 311. The Pender Islands Museum is only open Easter through early October each year but available for groups in the off season with arrangement.
p 320. Churches, Anglican: The Church of the Good Shepherd on South Pender is closed for regular services due to budget cuts, but may have special events like Christmas Carol day.
In addition, the following changes were made for the second printing (September 2009).
If you have the first 100 printed these changes apply:
p 103. In Victoria, the Blackfish Cafe changed names to Flying Otter Grill and is similar in character.
p 113. The contact info for Bracket Cove Farm horseback riding business was removed since they do not want to be contacted for riding lessons or rentals at present.
p 157. Another new Pender Parks ocean access: Pecos Road: From Driftwood Centre, go 350 m down Razor Point Road. Turn right on Pecos Road. At the end of the unpaved road, 46 stairs descend to Browning Harbour across from Port Browning Marina.
p 216. The arrow in the ocean on the Tour de Pender bike map was in error and was removed. Do not ride into the ocean!
Those businesses mentioned in this book are urged to submit changes to comments@penderhandbook.com.