Thinking of Moving to Parksville/Qualicum?

Those who come to live in the Oceanside area often find that they wonder how they ever found time to work. Parksville/Qualicum is filled with opportunities to meet people and participate in favourite activities ranging from hiking to golfing to bridge and so forth. A few of the myriad of groups, which are active in the area, and whose prime goal is to promote culture and enjoyment of the Oceanside area, are:

The Old Schoohouse (TOSH): Located in the heart of the Qualicum Beach village, TOSH offers opportunities to enjoy quality art, take classes in painting and other art mediums and enjoy the weekly Music on Sundays series. TOSH presents the annual Harvest of Music in September/October of each year and the Grand Prix d’Art in July. Check out The Old School House at www.theoldschoolhouse.org

Milner Gardens: A visit to the Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach, where the famous rhododendron collection can be seen, is a “must do” regular event for visitor and long-time resident, alike.  Milner Gardens welcomes visitors throughout the spring and summer months, and hosts a wide range of cultural events.  Much more information is available on their website www.milnergardens.org.

Qualicum Beach and Area Newcomers’ Club (QBANC) and Parksville Newcomers’ Club: These social groups have been a boon to the enjoyment of the area, for those who have just moved to the Parksville/Qualicum. The primary focus of these clubs is to allow newcomers a chance to meet others who have recently moved to the area and to participate in a number of activities designed to ease one into getting to know one’s new hometown and environs. More information regarding these wonderful clubs can be found at www.qbnewcomers.org and www.parksvillenewcomers.org
ECHO Players (Errington, Coombs, Hilliers and Others Players): ECHO Players is an amateur theatre group housed in the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach. The theatre group is made up completely of volunteers who work together to put on 4 to 5 major productions from October to June. Check it out at http://www.echoplayers.ca/

Bard to Broadway: Bard to Broadway (B2B) is a semi-professional theatre group that puts on 4 productions, at the Parksville Civic and Community Centre, each summer. Volunteers are a huge part of the success of this organization with some remuneration paid to performers and production staff. For more information, see www.b2btheatre.com

Bike For Your Life Vancouver Island Society (BFYL): Each August, approximately 300 cyclists, ranging in ability from the novice rider to the racer, gather at the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre for a fun day of cycling a variety of routes which are especially suited to each rider’s ability and inclination. Draw prizes, prizes for the most safety conscious rider and refreshments are covered by a minimal entry fee. Learn more about BFYL at www.bikeforyourlife.org
Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA) With an ever-increasing number of seniors making the City of Parksville and the surrounding area their retirement destination, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA) is dedicated to assisting them in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. Check out the list of PGOSA activities at http://www.island.net/~pgosa/