isitors are life-line to town without mill CHEMAINUS ON Van- couver Island should have been officially declared dead back in 1983 when, after 120 years, the lumber mill closed. people on the street, other shop- pers and even everyone in our corner of the restaurant, the pub and the bakery, every house and yard in the cn- tire lown is neat and tim. I’m nutty over roses and the yards and parks are full of them. Probably the most amazing thing is the new theatre. Look, this town has 3,500 residents. Where do they come by the col- fossal nerve to build a huge art centre in the middle of town? Who do they figure will fill the 168 seats nightly, not to mention the restaurant with about 250 seats? Answer: visitors by the busload. A lot of the imagination spurr- ing Chemainus on comes from 19 Photo subs THE HORSE-DRAWN carriage takes visitors past the nearly compieted Chemainus Theatre. The delayed opening is scheduled for today, June 20, for both matinees and evening performances in- cluding dinner in the spacious restaurant. Call 1-800-565-7738 for details and reservations Don Sawatzky, one of the original muralists. He liked the town s0 much that Ras 8 TRAVELWISE Instead, the little town is thriv- ing, partly due to 32 awesome murals deccrating the downtown area. Visitors are now the life- line. I’m no art critic so maybe my opinion is even more valuable. No one could fail to be impressed by the impact of these giant paint- ‘ings. But there’s a Jot more to admire in Chemainus than artwork. Brian and I spent last weekend simply prowling around the small town, and what impressed us the most might be summed up as “‘at- titude."” : I've never seen civic pride like this, shown in so many ways. First, everyone is glad to see you. It isn’t like the smarmy wel- coine you get from famous tourist traps but a genuine hospitality. Everywhere we went we met friendly people. It’s one thing to meet friendly shopkeepers, but we visited with he moved there shortly after com- pleting his first contribution to the outstanding mural collection, I know there are hundreds of others who have given much to Chemainus, but Don is responsi- ble for the whimsical architecture appearing throughout the town. Besides the new theatre, the Pacific Shores Inn and his own home, all right in the town centre, reflect the turrets and fairy-tale- like lines of some mystical kingdom. Several other prime pieces of property have been designated for more of the ‘‘Camelot’’ construc- tion (my impression). Look for a quaint town square to come, centring in the alley behind the Pacific Shores, be- tween Willow and Maple streets. On the old highway, Chemainus Road, you’ll see a large sign, say- ing ‘‘Artesan’s Village.** Just now, there is nothing there except a hiking trail, ‘‘Hermit’s trail,’’ but there are plans afoot. I was told that this parcel is perfect for including some sort of hotel, which Chemainus will sore- ly need when the theatre starts operation. A few minor construction delays have postponed the Che- mainus Theatre opening, but it should present the play soon; call for reservations (1-800-565-7738). Accommodation is very limited in Chemainus. The Pacific Shores Int (246-4987) is a new condo- style hotel owned by Dave and Sonia Haberman. It’s spotless and spacious but it has only three units — $75 a night, including taxes. So where will the rest of you stay? There are various bed- and-breakfast homes and a cail to the Habermans will direct you if their inn is full. Food service in Chemainus is also limited. This will change with the opening of the theatre (big dining room, buffet and menu service) and a Continental-style restaurant (the workmen told me it will be called the Waterford Inn — on Maple Street, site of a former ice-cream parlor). 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