Oak Bay is losing a bustling community hub and parent haven with the closing of the doors of CrumsbyB次元官网网址檚 Cafe in Estevan Village, but much-loved owner Maria Elwood is ready to write a new chapter.

Announced publicly last night on their , the last day for the cafe will be Sunday April 22.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been nine years and it is so much more than I could have ever imagined,B次元官网网址� said Elwood. B次元官网网址淭his is my neighbourhood as well. I have been so fortunate to have so many wonderful people embrace us. It has been a wonderful gift.B次元官网网址�

Her favorite thing is to stand in the cafe and just listen to the buzz.

B次元官网网址淚t wasnB次元官网网址檛 just about the coffee shop,B次元官网网址� said Elwood. B次元官网网址淭hat wasnB次元官网网址檛 what it was about. It was about bringing people together.B次元官网网址�

The boisterous environment draws a certain crowd, mostly made up of families and seniors.

B次元官网网址淧eople are so caring and loving. ItB次元官网网址檚 special people that come into a place like this. You are getting an experience here, so you get some very caring people,B次元官网网址� said Elwood.

Her background is in early childcare, having opened up the first childcare centre in a law firm in Washington D.C. before moving to Victoria to raise a family. Upon arriving in Victoria 25 years ago, she worked at Glenlyon Norfolk School, helping to start the junior kindergarten program.

B次元官网网址淭hat was my career, so kids have always been my passion,B次元官网网址� said Elwood.

Though the shop doors are closing, some favourite CrumsbyB次元官网网址檚 muffins will still be available in coffee shops around town.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檒l get up early and bake and make the mixes, then IB次元官网网址檒l have the rest of my day. I just need a little time for me,B次元官网网址� said Elwood.

With that said, she just got an order of 600 cupcakes and another customer asking for 400.

B次元官网网址淪o weB次元官网网址檒l have one last hurrah,B次元官网网址� said Elwood.

B次元官网网址� Crumsby's Cafe (@Crumsbys)

B次元官网网址淲e are so lucky to live here. It is just an amazing place to be. And someone will do something wonderful with the space,B次元官网网址� said Elwood.

There has been an outpouring of love and support online for Maria and her next adventure, evidence of the great impact she has had on the community.