Canada’s 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in 2018 (So Far)

They are, for the most part, long-time leaders. They are the establishment, the obvious choices, the natural ruling parties. They are Canada’s 10 most popular vehicles through 2018’s first six months. Together, they account for only a small fraction of the available nameplates on offer, yet they generate one-third of the market’s overall volume.

With a 2 per cent drop in total sales in June, the first-half of 2018 ends as the second-strongest start to the year in history. “Second-best” isn’t often good enough for automakers, which typically build their business strategy on the promise of consistent year-over-year growth. At the current pace, Canadians will still buy and lease more than 2 million vehicles in 2018 for just the second time ever, but that’s with fewer total sales than in 2017.

Given that more and more consumers are acquiring new vehicles by adopting longer-term loans, having been lured in to showrooms by strong incentives (and in spite of their frequent need to roll existing vehicle debt into their new vehicle loan), the Canadian auto industry may not be as healthy as it appears on paper.  

1.04 million new vehicles were sold between January and June, according to Global Automakers of Canada, but many of the most popular vehicles – the vehicles on which the industry depends for great swathes of volume – are suffering substantial demand decreases.

The market’s evolving palate nevertheless remains visible, even in a cursory glance at the best sellers’ list. Honda and Toyota, for instance, sold nearly 5,000 fewer Corollas and Civics in the first-half of 2018 compared with the same period one year ago. Yet the same two automakers reported 5,500 extra sales of the CR-V and RAV4. The most popular compact cars in the country can’t sustain recent levels of demand, while the most popular compact crossovers only briefly sit on dealer lots.

There’s more to Canada’s top 10 list than just cars and crossovers. Full-size pickup trucks consume 40 per cent of the limelight.

10. Nissan Rogue: 22,404, down 1 per cent

2017 nissan rogue sl 20 Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2017 Nissan Rogue

Faced with growing in-showroom utility vehicle traffic, Nissan Rogue volume fell slightly short of 2017 levels in the first-half of 2018. The good news for Nissan revolves around the success of its two other small crossovers. Together with the hugely popular Rogue, the Nissan Qashqai contributed 9,257 first-half sales, and Nissan sold its first 615 copies of the Kicks late in Q2. That trio accounted for just under half of the brand’s sales in June. 

9. Ford Escape: 23,612, up 1 per cent

17fordescape titanium 16 hr Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2017 Ford Escape Titanium

Historically, the Ford Escape was the preeminent SUV sales leader in Canada. That changed in 2016 when the Toyota RAV4 took over. Halfway through 2018, the Escape sits third among utility vehicles as the current generation approaches its seventh model year. Escape demand peaked in Canada in 2014 with 52,198 total sales.  

8. Toyota Corolla: 25,166, down 11 per cent

2018 Toyota Corolla

2018 Toyota Corolla

Long a global powerhouse, the Toyota Corolla remains a leading passenger car in Canada, as well. The current model, however, is dated in many ways, and is therefore left to trade largely on a reliability reputation and advanced safety technology. Corolla volume is currently shrinking more rapidly than the passenger car market at large, in part because demand that once resulted in a Corolla sale is often shifting to vehicles like Toyota’s own C-HR.  

7. Toyota RAV4: 26,606, up 5 per cent

03 toyota rav4 Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2018 Toyota RAV4

In 2016 and 2017, the Toyota RAV4 was Canada’s most popular utility vehicle. Indeed, with the launch of a more style-centric RAV4 – the fifth iteration – later this year, hype could yet see the Toyota take the top spot again in 2018. For the time being, sales of the RAV4 continue to rise even in the current model’s sixth model year.  

6. Honda CR-V: 28,022, up 18 per cent

2018 Honda CR-V

2018 Honda CR-V

On track to end 2018 as Canada’s top-selling SUV/crossover for the first time ever, the Canadian-built Honda CR-V is tracking towards a near-60,000 end-of-year sales total. The shift away from vehicles such as the Honda Accord toward the CR-V and its cohorts has been swift and momentous. Less than a decade ago, Honda Canada reported fewer than 20,000 annual CR-V sales. Fast forward to 2017, and Honda Canada will sell more CR-Vs in the first nine months of this year than the company did in all of 2015.  

5. GMC Sierra: 29,765, down 5 per cent

2018 GMC Sierra

2018 GMC Sierra

Caused only by General Motors’ own decision to market the two trucks under different banners, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado separately take the No.5 and No.4 positions on Canada’s best-selling vehicles list. The trucks are all but identical. Combine their sales and the duo’s 59,975 first-half sales places GM in the second position, still well back of the leader, but well ahead of the current No.2.  

4. Chevrolet Silverado: 30,210, up 8 per cent

2017 Chevrolet Silverado

2017 Chevrolet Silverado

South of the border, it’s normal to see the Chevrolet Silverado generating far greater sales figures than its corporate GMC twin. GM Canada’s strategy, on the other hand, has always been different, typically resulting in Sierra leadership. That trend has flipped in early 2018, if only by the slightest of margins. Chevrolet is on track to sell more Silverados in 2018 than ever before and is therefore eating up significant chunks of full-size truck market share as chief competitors suffer sharp declines. 

3. Honda Civic: 35,536, down 4 per cent

img 4050 Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2018 Honda Civic Si Sedan

Only a remarkable second-half accomplishment by the No.2 Toyota Corolla would unseat the Honda Civic, which is set to be Canada’s best-selling car for a 21st consecutive year. The Civic, despite a predictable decrease in volume after 2017’s nine-year high, outsells its nearest rival by a surely insurmountable 41-percent margin.  

2. Ram: 48,659, down 16 per cent

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

Quickly losing full-size truck market share during a year of generational changeover, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ line of Ram pickups remains a tremendously high-volume family. But compared to 2017, sales fell by more than 9,000 units in 2018’s first-half alone. Now dealers are tasked with clearing out remaining 2018 models while accepting the hotter, newer, flashier 2019 trucks, a task that will be accomplished with long-term interest-free loans and 25-per cent-off stickers plastered on the sides of crew cab pickups.  

1. Ford F-Series: 72,308, down 8 per cent

2018 Ford F-150 diesel

2018 Ford F-150 diesel

Victory seems all but assured. By the end of 2018, the Ford F-Series will complete its tenth consecutive year as Canada’s best-selling vehicle line. As with its Detroit trio of full-size truck rivals, F-Series sales include a variety of full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks. Production levels suggest between two-thirds and three-quarters of F-Series sales are produced by the F-150, a truck which now enjoys virtually annual updates. The F-Series’ reign atop the Canadian leaderboard did not occur by the Blue Oval resting on its laurels. Still, Ford has not proven able to sustain 2017’s record level of F-Series demand.

Hotelier: Bill Lewis, Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Victoria

Hotelier Magazine recently featured our neighbouring property’s General Manager, Bill Lewis:

The words “fun” and “energy” seem to come up quite often in conversations with Bill Lewis. The GM of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria, B.C. is an entrepreneur at heart. He’s also adamant about not accepting the status quo as good enough. “We can always look for improvements and ways to better meet our guests’ needs every day.”

It’s that can-do philosophy that’s earned the 40-something hotelier plaudits from guests and critics alike. Having landed in the hotel industry in his teens via the restaurant industry, Lewis quickly determined hotels would be “fun” places to work. “I originally thought I’d go to business school later and pursue a different field,” but instead, he continued working in hotels, while earning a Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate degree in Entrepreneurship at Victoria’s Royal Roads University. He later returned to school to complete an MBA in Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Guelph, where it became clear to him hotels were his passion.

After nine years at the stunning Victoria hotel, situated a stone’s throw from the city’s inner harbour, Lewis still has fun being at the helm of a unique 64-room boutique property featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, bright spacious rooms with natural light and a tranquil spa setting that offers a soothing oasis.

The hotel is “locally owned and the owners are passionately involved. They provide the hotel every resource to ensure we continually pursue our goal — to maintain our place as one of Canada’s finest luxury boutiques.”

In April, the hotel opened a new restaurant called The Courtney Room, which celebrates local products with a classic-French twist. He’s hopeful the dining space will “set new trends in dining in our region.”

Lewis is proud and supportive of his team of 85 associates, who work tirelessly to keep customers happy. Clearly, it’s working: the Magnolia Hotel & Spa has consistently been voted one of the country’s top-five hotels by Conde Nast Traveler. One of Lewis’ biggest challenges is managing opportunities for his staff’s career growth. “I believe in promoting from within and mentoring strong talent but, based on our small size, we don’t have opportunity for advancement for all of our outstanding candidates.”

Delivering exceptional and personalized hospitality to each and every guest in a relaxed style is what drives the father of two. “I strive to create a service environment where guests’ expectations are always exceeded in a way that seems natural, not forced. When we get to know our guests, we can anticipate their every need,” he says. At the end of the day, “the key is to stick to your vision — in good times and bad — and not waver. Guests love consistency, which, in our case, builds loyal business.”

Union Club Car Show – A “WHEEL” Success

The Union Club held its first annual Car Show on Sunday, July 8.

With 23 cars and 1 motorcycle, Car Show organizer, Lee Ferreira, says that the show was a great success.

Please find below pictures taken by Club members Lee Ferreira and Bob MacFarlane:

CFB Esquimalt Museum 5th Annual Open House

Where: CFB Esquimalt
When: July 14, 2018 – 10:00AM to 4:00PM

CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum will be holding an open house on Saturday July 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The family-friendly event is free and features:

  • A bouncy castle
  • Button-making station
  • Military vehicles and re-enactors
  • Pirate camp
  • Artist-in-residence
  • Bubble blowing
  • Sno-cones
  • Cupcakes for early birds

The museum is located at CFB Esquimalt off of Admirals Road in Esquimalt. Enter at the Naden main gate and follow the blue lines. Please bring photo identification to gain admission.

Whisky vs. Bourbon: Canadian Distillers Wary of a Cross-Border Tariff Showdown

Single malt whiskey ages in oak casks at the Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley, AB, August 1, 2017. Ottawa’s new 10 per cent tariff on American whiskey could force bourbon aficionados to shell out more for a drink, prompting some to switch to a domestic blend, but Canadian distillers fear the politically motivated move could paint a reciprocal target on their industry.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Ottawa’s new 10 per cent tariff on American whiskey could force bourbon aficionados to shell out more for a drink, prompting some to switch to a domestic blend, but Canadian distillers fear the politically motivated move could paint a reciprocal target on their industry.

The federal government confirmed Friday that American whiskey is on its final list of dozens of American goods subject to retaliatory tariffs starting July 1 in response to the crushing steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The strike is both political and symbolic — it would target Kentucky, the home state of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the heart of a distinctly American product in the midst of a rise in global popularity.

Any price increase could drive some Canadian drinkers to choose a domestic blend, an historic Canadian product that is experiencing its own moment in the global spotlight, including the recognition of Crown Royal’s Northern Harvest Rye as 2016 World Whisky of the Year.

But Canadian distillers also fear the tariffs could spark reciprocal levies from U.S. President Donald Trump against Canadian whiskies sold into the bigger U.S. market, just as Americans seem to be embracing the lighter-tasting spirit from north of the border.

U.S. whiskey producers of popular Kentucky bourbons and Tennessee-style whiskeys could pass along the 10 per cent tariff to Canadian consumers. Jack Daniel’s producer has already announced it will increase prices by about 10 per cent in the European Union due to the impact of a new 25 per cent tariff in response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum from the trading bloc.

Jack Daniel’s maker Brown-Forman said it’s taking a brand-by-brand and province-by-province approach to dealing with Canada’s tariff.

“Tariff increases could be passed directly to the customer in full, partially or not at all,” it said.

But some provincial liquor boards appear set to raise prices on their own.

The Societe des alcools du Quebec carries 20 U.S. whiskies in continuous supply that would be affected by the surcharge if it comes into effect. Prices could rise as much as $4 per 750-millilitre bottle, it said.

A spokeswoman for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation said bourbon retail prices will rise in accordance with the 10 per cent tariff on July 16 — once the corporation can make changes to promotional materials that will be issued on that date.

Price increases on American whiskey could prompt bourbon connoisseurs to switch to Canadian whisky instead, increasing the customer base for the domestic spirit, Davin de Kergommeaux, author of “Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.”

However, he warned, the possibility of reciprocal tariffs “could be pretty devastating” given that the U.S. is the world’s largest market for Canadian whisky.

In 2017, 157.5 million litres of Canadian whisky was sold in the States, according to the Distilled Spirits Council — up 2.4 per cent from the previous year.

From the 1860s until about 2010, Canadian whisky was the most popular whisky style among American drinkers, he said. Recently, bourbon gained popularity and is now neck-and-neck with the Canadian-style blend, which includes labels such as Crown Royal and Canadian Club.

Tariffs on Canadian whisky would impact distillers’ ability to export south of the border, said David Farran, owner of Eau Claire Distillery, a new producer in Turner Valley, Alta.

“Everybody gets hurt with a tariff like this, no matter what side of the border you’re on,” he said.

“That would be a disaster for everybody and I think that’s the slippery slope of a tariff trade war.”

Perfect-for-Summer Smoothies

With the summer temperatures arriving before summer, we thought it would be great to share the following article, pulled from the archives of Victoria’s Times Colonist newspaper:

A colourful array of smoothies, packed with nutrition. From left, Cucumber, Beet Green and Apple Smoothie; Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie with Oats; Beet, Blackberry and Island Yogurt Smoothie; Nectarine Smoothies with Tofu, Ginger and Hemp Seeds. Photograph By ERIC AKIS

When summer temperatures are soaring and your energy level is sinking, perk up by blending and sipping a cool, refreshing and nutritious smoothie. It’s also the perfect time of year to make this puréed drink because farm markets and food stores are filled with locally grown, ripe, just-picked fruits and vegetables to use in them.

For example, my four smoothie recipes here incorporate Island-grown produce such as beets, berries, rhubarb, apples and cucumber. I also added other nutritious ingredients to my smoothies, including soft tofu, Greek yogurt, coconut beverage, fruit juice, hemps seeds, flax seeds, oats and matcha tea powder.

All my smoothie recipes could be made in a regular blender, or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender. Feel free to adjust the recipes to your liking or to substitute one ingredient for one you might have on hand. For example, if you have raspberries on hand, but not blackberries, use them in the beet smoothie.

Happy blending and keep cool!

 

BEET, BLACKBERRY & ISLAND YOGURT SMOOTHIES

These deep purple, nutrient-rich smoothies, flavoured with earthy beets, sweet berries and tangy yogurt, also contain heart healthy, ground flax seeds. They are sold at health-food stores and supermarkets.  I used Vancouver Island-made Tree Island brand yogurt in these smoothies.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one-cup servings

1 cup loosely packed, grated raw, peeled fresh beet (about 1 medium beet)

1 cup blackberries or marionberries

1/2 cup pomegranate juice (see Note)

2 tsp ground flax seeds (see Note)

2 tsp honey, or to taste

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender). Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

Note: Pomegranate juice is sold at most large supermarkets in the produce department.

 

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SMOOTHIES WITH OATS

Flavoured with nutritious oats and cinnamon, these sweet and tangy smoothies taste similar to strawberry rhubarb crumble in a glass.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one-cup servings

1 1/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sliced fresh rhubarb

3/4 cup coconut or almond beverage, or milk

2 Tbsp large flake rolled oats

1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp honey, or taste

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender). Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

 

CUCUMBER, BEET GREEN & APPLE SMOOTHIES

If you’ve bought a bunch of beets with the tops attached and are wondering what to do with some of those greens, these rich-green smoothies provide a solution. The antioxidant-rich matcha tea powder used in these smoothies is sold at specialty tea stores and at some supermarkets.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one-cup servings

1 cup coarsely chopped, packed beet greens (just leafy parts; no tough rib sections)

1 cup cubed English cucumber

1 cup cubed, peeled apple

1/2 cup unsweetened apple cider or juice

3/4 tsp matcha tea powder (optional)

4 to 5 fresh mint leaves

1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp honey, or to taste (optional)

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with you immersion (hand) blender). Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

Eric options: Instead of beet greens, use chopped kale or chard in these smoothies.

NECTARINE SMOOTHIES WITH TOFU, GINGER & HEMP SEEDS

The hemp seeds in these sustaining, orange-hued smoothies add a slightly nutty flavour and provide essential fatty acids, protein and fibre.

Hemp seeds are sold in small bags at health-food stores and supermarkets.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one- cup servings

2 cups ripe, cubed fresh nectarine, skins on

1 medium banana, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup soft tofu

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tsp hemp seeds

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

honey, to taste

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender).

Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

Eric Akis is the author of eight cookbooks. His columns appear in the Times Colonist’s Life section Wednesday and Sunday.

Past President – In Memoriam…

KNIGHTED BY QUEEN VICTORIA

Judge Matthew Baillie-Begbie was born in 1819 and travelled from England in 1858 to become one of the first officials of the new Crown Colony of British Columbia.

He walked and rode hundreds of miles getting to know the miners and mining camps, and judging cases everywhere.

He was an artist who drew sketches of the witnesses in his “courtroom”–often a tent or a clearing. He was an opera singer who gave concerts in Victoria.
He was a linguist who heard cases in the Shuswap and Chilcotin languages without needing an interpreter—and he often defended the rights of First Nations people, who called him “Big Chief”.

Often called “the hanging Judge”, Begbie, at 6’5″ tall, certainly looked the part. But truth be known, only 27 of the 52 murder cases he heard in the history of the Colony ended in hangings–and hanging was the punishment required by law for the crime of murder at that time. So if the verdict was guilty, the Judge didn’t have a choice….

In 1875 Begbie went on holiday to Europe and was knighted by Queen Victoria-Sir Matthew! Soon afterwards Judge Begbie was back at work, and kept judging cases for another two decades until he died on June 11, 1894, when the city of Victoria mounted a magnificent funeral procession for him.

AGM 2018 Results

Please take notice that the 139th Annual General Meeting of The Union Club of British Columbia was held in the Centennial Ballroom of the Union Club, on June 7, 2018, at 4:30pm.

With a special “Thank you” to those who let their names stand for election, the results of the General Committee election are as follows:

 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

LCdr Angus Fedoruk

Rick Sousa

Jon Watson

 

President Lawrence Graham, Vice-President Grace Van den Brink and the Club’s General Committee look forward to welcoming Mr. Fedoruk, Mr. Sousa and Mr. Watson to the General Committee.

The Passing of Peggy (Mulliner) Freethy

The Club was sadly advised this week of the passing of Mrs. Peggy Freethy.  Mrs. Freethy was the Club’s oldest member at 99 years, 10 months.  She will be missed…

Today, the Club received the following interview of Mrs. Freethy, conducted in 2012 by a fellow alumni of Victoria High School (Mrs. Freethy was a member of the class of 1935).

PEGGY (MULLINER) FREETHY, VHS CLASS OF 1935

Interviewed by Kamille Tobin-Shields, VHS Class of 2012

“As a youth, fascinated with History, I find it it extremely important to foster intergenerational relationships. The passing on of one’s wisdom and knowledge through storytelling (and simply spending time with our elders) makes for a very rich and fulfilling experience, not to mention the importance of continuing someone’s legacy.  Peggy Freethy is one of these wonderful elders who was gracious enough to share some of her early Victoria childhood memories with me!

Peggy grew up in the James Bay neighborhood of Victoria, near the end of Government Street.

She attended Alice Carr’s Kindergarten, Girls Central School and then graduated from Victoria High School in 1935.

At age five, Peggy Freethy met Emily Carr who was in her 40’s at the time. She said that Emily’s sister, Alice Carr, would often worry about Emily’s eating habits and send Peggy and one of her classmates over to Emily’s house with puddings and food for her.

Some days, Emily would ask the children to stay and she would put them to work, sweeping her small, ten-by-twelve studio. Peggy remembers, at the young age of five, sweeping the dusty studio floors as Emily Carr’s notorious monkey, sat perched up in the little window.

She also remembers Ms.Carr giving her little prints and sketches that she didn’t like, instructing the children to take them out to be burned in the fire that was always ablaze in the backyard. One day, after Peggy had finished sweeping the studio, Ms. Carr offered to take Peggy and her classmate up to the attic, in reward for doing a good job in the studio. Emily brought the two kids up the ladder and into the attic.  They were, as Peggy recalls, the first children to ever see the painted totem poles that flooded the attic’s empty space.

Peggy went on to share another story about Emily Carr, this one more personal. Emily’s sister, Elizabeth Carr, had married Mr.Williams and together they had four children, two boys and two girls. The girls were fine, healthy girls but the two boys had diabetes and epilepsy. One of the boys sat next to Peggy in Alice Carr’s kindergarten, so Peggy had become close friends with him.

One day, when Peggy was about twelve years old, one of the brothers came to visit her at home. As he they met on the sidewalk, he began to have an epileptic fit. Peggy was taught to stick a small piece of wood between the boy’s teeth, so he wouldn’t bite his tongue. Peggy then told him to stay and she ran to get Alice from the schoolhouse. On her way there, Peggy ran into Emily out walking her little dogs in a baby carriage. She told her to come at once, because the boy was having a fit. Emily whirled around, dumped her dogs in her studio and ran to the boy’s aid. She picked up the boy in her arms, a young man of age seventeen now, and cradled him for a few minutes. Peggy describes in beautiful detail, the look of compassion on Emily Carr’s face as she held this boy in her arms. “The look of compassion on her face, I have never forgotten.”

Peggy then attended Girls Central School, its building sat where Central Middle school now is. From there, Peggy moved on to attend, and graduate from, Victoria High School.

VHS Class of ’35 – Peggy in the front row, 2nd from right

Peggy looks at me, knowing that I currently attend Vic High, and asks doubtfully if there are any remainders of the All Girls division. I reply with, ” the only things that remain are the signs above the side entrances that read: “Boys Entrance” and “Girls Entrance”.

She goes on to describe to me how she can still remember her principal (sitting to her right in the photo above, beloved teacher and long-serving VHS principal, Harry Smith.  Please see the 1940’s page and the interview with Winsome [Smith] Oliver, for more stories about him.  – ed.), watching carefully from his office door every morning, as all of the students marched past him.

“Our behavior was controlled, I remember it well.”

Peggy participated in the Portia Debate team while at Vic High and was described as the “social lion of her division”. Groups, she said, were considered the thing to be a part of, if you wanted to be known at school.

“High school was a wonderful experience for me”, Peggy says with a graceful smile.

She then recalls a few more of the many memories she cherishes from her youth.

On weekends, Peggy and her friends would go to the Crystals Gardens, they would swim in the pool or go dancing at night. Peggy fondly remembers that the youth of her time always had somewhere to go, somewhere to meet new people and spend the weekend.

Peggy also belonged to The Craigdarroch Society, a group of young women who all, except for Peggy and her sister, were residents of what we call today, the prestigious Rockland area. The mothers of these young ladies would host afternoon teas, dinners and other events. The young women would go from home to home for different social occasions.

When she was younger, Peggy recalls going out to Butchart Gardens with her family. Admission was free, and they would join countless other families on the lawn to have picnics. She remembers the image of Mrs. Butchart coming around, providing the families with hot water and making sure they had everything that they needed. The sense of community was strong, and compassion was truly evident.

Sadly, our conversation had to come to an end here. I sat fully engaged as Peggy finished describing some of the fondest memories of her youth in Victoria in the 1930’s.

I was fortunate, however, to have spent just over an hour with Peggy.  Visualizing her stories of walking along wooden sidewalks, or encountering Emily Carr, or even her nights spent dancing at the Crystal Gardens, I would have loved to have listened to her stories about the young city of Victoria forever. My short time spent with Peggy taught me that memories are priceless; to cherish everything around you and everybody you meet, as they may just turn out to be a famous painter; but also, that memories will not live on unless they are shared.  The gift of storytelling and sharing must never be lost to assure this preservation. I feel fortunate to have been in Peggy Freethy’s company and even more fortunate to have been invited to share a piece of her personal history.

Past President – In Memoriam…

ATTORNEY-GENERAL, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE…

David McEwen Eberts was born in Chatham, Ontario, in 1850 and came to Victoria in 1878. He had studied at Osgoode Hall in Toronto and when he first came to Victoria he joined A. Rocke Robertson in law practice. He married in 1884 to Miss Mabel Charles, the daughter of a prominent Victorian.

“Hopedene”, where Mr. and Mrs. Eberts took up residence, was built by R.B. McMicking, the great grandfather of our 44th President of the same name.
In 1890, D.M. Eberts was first elected to the Legislature, for Victoria city.

In 1895, The Daily Colonist said this of Mr. Eberts: “He is free and independent in manner and though a hard fighter in any cause he espouses, he never personally antagonizes his opponents and is socially and politically one of the best-liked members in the Assembly.”

For eight years Eberts was Speaker of the Legislature, under Premier Richard McBride, and Premier W.J. Bowser. In 1917 he was appointed to the bench and he remained a Supreme Court Justice until his death, at age 74, on May 21, 1924.