Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking the Return-It facility on Esquimalt Road simply disappeared. The recycling depot has not only resurfaced in Esquimalt’s industrial district, it’s the first facility to be given Encorp Pacific’s five-star distinction.
That means customers bringing their materials to be recycled will find a higher standard of cleanliness and comfort, a public washroom and – as the rainy season is upon us – a large indoor sorting area.
“It’s all about customer service, but it’s also about audits (which help it maintain standards),” says Sophy Roberge, spokesperson for Westshore Bottle Depot Ltd.
The company operates five facilities under the Island Return-It banner on Vancouver Island, with Sidney, Salt Spring Island, Duncan and Campbell River its other locations.
The expanded Esquimalt location has allowed the depot to also expand the range of material it accepts, Roberge says.
“We used to be a bottle depot, but now we’re much more than just bottles and cans. We’re a recycling centre and we want to be a one-stop drop.”
Customers can drop off all manner of electronics, including computers, TVs, small appliances and cellphones. A full list of acceptable items is available at islandreturnit.com.
– Westshore Bottle Depot, 935 Ellery St., open Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 250-381-1482.
Make your underwear purchase go further
A Vancouver-based women’s luxury undergarment supplier aims to prevent young women in sub-Saharan Africa from dropping out of school because they can’t afford sanitary pads and fresh underwear during menstruation periods.
You and Her, which hosted a debut party in Victoria last week, is donating a portion of its sales revenue to the production of underwear in a Zambia sewing centre, and the purchase of extra pads and supplies to be distributed throughout the region. For more information, visit you-her.com.
Canadian designers featured at boutique
Najoie, the brainchild of textile artist and designer Jaiya Anka, is the latest unique boutique on Lower Johnson. With a focus on Canadian talent – including Anka – Pacific Northwest designers and clothing and jewelry manufactured using sustainable practices and materials, Najoie has created a retail space and collection that combine European style with West Coast design. Find them at 102-561 Johnson St.
Triple play for Uptown in marketing awards
Uptown earned a Maple Leaf Marketing gold award at the 2013 Canadian Shopping Centre Global Awards gala in Toronto last week. Its Wahoo! campaign, one of three medal winners for the mall, announced new tenants with snappy headlines in various media. Uptown general manager Roberta Ferguson, marketing director Kristy Lowes, marketing co-ordinator Carlene McDonald, and Cindy Papa of Mingle Marketing were recognized for creating innovative campaigns. Uptown won silver medals for its Style Uptown Fashion Swap and Tasty Tuesday promotions.
Annual CARE awards honour local builders
The Dwell on Despard was the big winner at the 2013 Victoria Home Builders Association CARE (Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence) awards gala Sept. 14. The 5,000-square foot Rockland home, built in 2011 by Urban Core Ventures and previously listed for sale for $2.59 million, captured the Project of the Year award and five other gold ratings. Other major winners on the night included G.T. Mann Contracting’s James View Residence in North Saanich for People’s Choice; Green Builder of the Year, large volume, Limona Construction Ltd.; Green Builder of the Year, small volume, BTH Construction Ltd. All gold and silver winners will be listed at careawards.com as of Oct. 4.
Who’s making waves on the business scene
Colleen McCrann has joined the staff as a flooring expert at Trade Source Design Center on Fort Street … Welcome Wagon announces Diane Kennedy as its new event co-ordinator for Greater Victoria. She takes over from Barbie Pichert, who held the position for three years … Mark Phillips from Sidney Transmission and Auto Care achieved his master certification in automatic transmission diagnosis and repair by the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association.
Send your business news to ddescoteau@vicnews.com.