A Farewell to Sidney

I would like to thank my friends and customers abroad for supporting my dive store Liquid Heaven for the last 3 years. I'm Closing the doors Wednesday 18th of June due to a very bitter, vengeful marriage that is now costing me my business. We have had 4 great years in business in Sidney because of a great diving location and huge loyal customer base we developed. Sidney Dive n Surf closed in February 08 and now we close in June 08. Just to let our readers now. The dive industry is a tough market to break. There is not enough comroderry amogst the dive stores and local township asscociations in the community. If local people continue to buy products online, or support the big box stores, dive stores or any other mom and pop stores will never exist to serve the local community. Try buying a tank of air on line.

For your information I was very saddened when Dan of Sidney dive n Surf closed his doors. Unfortunately people listen to rumours and that's sad. On the contrary I like Dan and his wonderful wife. I think he is a fun individual despite what differances we have in business we should have marketed together and made Sidney a pleasure destination for divers versus a town to avoid because of internal fighting amongst assocations, whale watching companies and simliar businesses. Dan and I had our differances, we sold different product, offered different services but we were on the same team. If the dive stores worked together in the local community more the whole area will profit dramatically.

The town of Sidney has no idea what they are doing as far as marketing and what a shame that is. No place to park, stiffling small business growth, too high rent and no team work, not to mention absolutely nothing for young people who are our future. I look at Sidney BC as a wheel, and diving, whale watching, eco tours, biking, sailing and boating, Snowskiing, west coast trail are all spokes or vehicles in which attract people to our gorgeous West Coast of BC. Think of Sidney as the above and below water experience, gateway to the Gulf Islands. People come here for the experience. Families that come from Europe and abroad will pay premium dollars for an experience. People always remember experiences, not dinners and hotel accomodations. We are crazy to think marketing Sidney as a BOOK TOWN that were going to attract people from the world to visit Sidney. People that visit are attracted to outdoor activities that Sidney offers. We attract these tourists here using these vehicles of outdoors activities (diving, whale watching, eco-tours) and then while they are here they eat at our first class restaurants, and enjoy huge choices of book stores and enjoy world class accomodations right on the waterfront. I don't know why people are not working together so all people could make a living and really support each other as community should. I moved here with the intention of giving to the community for the rest of my working life. I have tried to stay open long hours seven days a week to accomodate people and influence the local businesses to stay open later than 5 pm. I have seen so many good people lose their business locally in Sidney and it seems no one cares in the township, the powers that be. The mayor, and his crew along with the Chamber of commerce, Sidney Business asssociation should work as one unified voice thinking outside the box for the betterment for the community, not for personal gain. This is not a letter of hate but more of disbelief of what I have seen in 4 years being in Sidney as a resident.

I wish great success for the remaining businesses in Sidney. I hope I have influenced some people in Sidney in a good way. I know I will miss you all very much, all local busineses, friends and excpecially my diver buddies. I will miss the stunning veiws, the best restuarants anywhere. I have been touched and overwelhmed by you people supporting me through so much these last few months. You will be missed beyond understanding. You will soon hear of my next life adventure and desination shortly...............okay it's Mexico. I will talk to you all soon one day. Listen for my name because I know you'll visit me.

Your Scuba Instructor, your friend, your servant and your local Sidney merchant.

"Dream deep, Dive Inspired"

Darryll Harasemow

Padi GranDadi