Award season is upon us again, with votes now being collected for the Best of the West Shore awards, celebrating exceptional local businesses, non-profits and community organizations.

Among the categories this year are Healthy as a Horse, for the best veterinary care provider; Bring Home the Bacon, for the best independent grocery store, and IB次元官网网址檓 Sexy and I Know It, for the best aesthetics provider.

West Shore residents are encouraged to vote for one, several or all of the categories.

The awards have continually evolved, but this year is particularly unique in that the West Shore Chamber of Commerce has taken over the nominations. The new format, which lists nominees in 12 categories, is designed to make sure more businesses are represented, said Chamber president Doug Kobayashi.

B次元官网网址淭here are some businesses that people might not even know exist. I think itB次元官网网址檚 a great cross-section of businesses.B次元官网网址�

The other big change this year is the introduction of a Best of the Community section. The public can write in their favourite places to hike, fish, have a summer swim and more on the ballots.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e capturing some of the spots that donB次元官网网址檛 necessarily fall under the category of a business or community organization,B次元官网网址� said Craig Sorochan, manager of communications and community relations for the Chamber.

Once the votes are tallied, the awards will be presented at a ceremony at Olympic View Golf Club on Oct. 24. The event is open to the public.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the awards gala, call the Chamber at 250-478-1130.

Voting is open until Oct. 8. Votes can be cast at , or in person at either the Chamber office, 2830 Aldwynd Rd., or at the Goldstream B次元官网网址 Gazette office, 106-2800 Bryn Maur Rd. Paper ballots can be found in the GazetteB次元官网网址檚 twice-weekly print edition or at the Chamber office.

acowan@goldstreamgazette.com