Sunshine Coast Business Magazine

BUSINESS SUNSHINE COAST

Fall 2019 • Vol. 06 No. 02

MAGAZINE

Published by

WINTER on the

Sunshine Coast THE LUND RESORT

at Klah ah men

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6

SNOWBOUND SUCCESS

Winter activities on the Sunshine Coast

WOOD CARVINGS Cultural Art

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SILVER MOON GALLERY 3 artists, 3 distinct styles

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STAYPLAYMEET STAYPLAYMEET meetings & retreats

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Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

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604-747-2222 Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

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CONTRIBUTORS Publisher, Editor Susan Attiana

Contributing Writers Anna Nobile Connie Jordison Angie Ishak Sunshine Coast Tourism

A LOOK INSIDE A special thanks to all our advertisers!

>> TABLE

Sales and Marketing Kaytee Johnstone Andrea Coates

Production Manager, Graphic Design Christina Johnstone

Distribution Richard Austin Al Jerry Rob Lemarquand

COVER PHOTO Featuring: Tin Hat Hut,

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Sunshine Coast Trail

Courtesy of: Brayden Hall, Sunshine Coast Tourism

#213 - 5710 Teredo Street, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0 Phone: 604-885-3134 publisher@thelocalweekly.ca www.thelocalweekly.ca The Sunshine Coast Business Magazine is published twice a year

by The Local Weekly Newspaper.

This material, written or artistic, may not be re-printed or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the Publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the Publisher or staff of the Local Weekly. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the ownerĘźs responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind, is limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

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Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

OF CONTENTS

Fall 2019 Vol. 06 No. 02

Connecting the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island

6 WINTER

on the Sunshine Coast

8 THE LUND RESORT at Klah ah men

12 SNOWBOUND SUCCESS

Enjoying winter activities on the Sunshine Coast

14 FLU SYMPTOMS how to recover fast

Share a flight between Sechelt and Victoria for as low as $130 + tax.

We also offer beautiful 35 minute scenic tours for $75 + tax per person (2 person min)

Call 604-885-4422 to book now! www.flycoastal.ca

16 WOOD CARVINGS Cultural art

Smart decisions. Lasting value.

18 20 YEARS OF COLOUR Paul’s Paintin’ Place

20 SILVER MOON GALLERY three artists, three distinct styles

24 THE RESURGENCE

Trusted Professionals Who Care TCG Chartered Accountants is now serving the Sunshine Coast as Crowe MacKay LLP. While the name has changed, the team and their values remain the same.

of table top games

28 WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE and protect your investment

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BE ENERGY INDEPENDENT with solar power and electric cars

Kristine Toynbee Partner

Robert Flux Partner

Richard Wilson Partner

Lisa Kennedy Partner

Connect with us today Sechelt (604) 697 9271 Audit / Tax / Advisory

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

Gibsons (604) 697 9272

Pender Harbour (604) 697 9273 crowemackay.ca

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Sunshine Coast

PHOTO: ERRIN CASANO - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

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inter on the Sunshine Coast is generally mild compared to most of Canada, but don’t let the rainy Pacific Northwest vibe fool you – there are great stashes of snow for backcountry adventures, quaint cabins with ocean view hot tubs, and a variety of different events that offer something for everyone.

PHOTO: MATTHEW MASSA - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

WEATHER The winter rains that come typically from November to March keep the scenery green and the waterfalls flowing. By mid-December, it usually doesn’t take more than a 20 minute drive up the mountains to reach the snow, and the temperatures typically sit between 2 and 10 degrees Celsius (35-50 F) during the day.

SNOW SPORTS – SKIING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING

PHOTO: ALLY PINTUCCI - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

PHOTO: BRAYDEN HALL - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

Speaking of snow, the communities along the Sunshine Coast are situated very close to sea level, and thus receive minimal snowfall on a typical year. That said, the neighbouring terrain is mountainous and it doesn’t take long to reach the snow line for those that seek it. Visitors to the Powell River region can enjoy the snow along the higher elevations of the Sunshine Coast Trail, such as Tin Hat Mountain, or in the Knuckleheads. Both areas have winterized sleeping huts for those prepared to winter camp.

On the southern Sunshine Coast, snow aficionados can enjoy Dakota Ridge winter recreation area, which boasts 20km groomed nordic ski trails and 7km snowshoe trails. The trails wind through old growth forests and open areas in a subalpine setting. Topping out at over 1,200 metres, the facility offers amazing views of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver Island, and the Salish Sea. Local outfitters provide rentals, tours, lessons, and a “by-booking” shuttle service to Dakota Ridge. Other popular regions for more backcountry exploration include Mt. Elphinstone Provincial Park, Tetrahedron Provincial Park, and the Caren Range.

BACKCOUNTRY CABINS & LODGES The Tetrahedron Provincial Park, the Sunshine Coast Trail, and the Knuckleheads areas as mentioned above also boast backcountry cabins that are available on a first come-first serve basis, and by donation to the local volunteer organizations that maintain them. These winterized cabins are rustic yet cozy, and provide an ideal resting place after a day of backcountry touring.

Though it is beautiful, the Canadian backcountry is remote and can be unpredictable. Severe weather and avalanches are two

of the primary hazards, so for any backcountry travel you and everyone in your group - must be self-sufficient. If you’re travelling in avalanche terrain, ensure that you and your group also have proper avalanche training. No matter which backcountry sport you choose – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling – always be thoroughly prepared before you head out. Check out adventuresmart.ca for more safety resources.

WATERFALLS & TRAILS One of the most popular activities in the winter on the Sunshine Coast is to head outside and enjoy the lush rainforest.

Even on a rainy day, the canopy overhead often provides a bit of shelter from the drizzle and the greenery is stunning. Pick a trail with a waterfall or creek and you are sure to enjoy the extra waterflow that you don’t often see during summer hikes.

Popular choices include Cliff Gilker Park, Langdale Falls and Homesite Creek, or near Powell River explore Kelly Falls, Eagle Falls and David Lam Falls.

PHOTO: ERRIN CASANO - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

EMBRACE THE “HYGGE” (GET COZY!) There’s lots of ways to enjoy winter on the Sunshine Coast, but we like to take a cue from the Danish term “hygge”, encouraging us to embrace the winter vibes and that special feeling and conscious appreciation of feeling cozy, and enjoying the moments of life which are charming and special whether with friends or alone, ordinary or extraordinary. Sometimes on a cold, dark day, hygge is the feeling you get from sitting by the fire with a hot drink. Other times it’s about simply basking in the rainforest (forest bathing, as some call it). Overall, it’s about being aware of the good moments and enjoying the season. Maybe book a spa treatment, plan a home cooked meal with friends, or find a quiet moment of solitude in the trees. The Sunshine Coast beckons a connection of mind, body and soul throughout the winter.

PHOTO: NATHANIEL MARTIN - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

WINTER EVENTS Though the summer festival season may be over, the Sunshine Coast winter is full of festive events for you to enjoy.

During November and December you’ll find multiple Christmas markets and craft fairs, plus festive celebrations in each community, like the Tree Lighting in Pender Harbour, or the Santa parades in Powell River and Sechelt. On New Year’s Day you can embrace your inner Canadian if you’re willing to take the plunge in the Polar Bear Swim, and February’s don’t miss event is the annual Powell River Film Festival.

For further reading, visit sunshinecoastcanada.com - Sunshine Coast Tourism

PHOTO: CHRIS THORN PHOTOGRAPHY - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

PHOTO: JEREMY WILLIAMS - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

PHOTO: KELLY FUNK PHOTOGRAPHY - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM.

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THE LUND RESORT AT KLAH AH MEN

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he Lund Resort at Klah ah men is a place of balance. It shares the elements of a modern destination-style resort with the traditions of the Tla’amin First Nation. Nestled against the coastal rainforest, with views over Desolation Sound, its location is a demonstration of how the forces of nature work in harmony to create stunning beauty and abundant resources.

The location of Klah ah men or ‘place of refuge’ has been a gathering spot for the local First Nations people for thousands of years. In recent history, the Tla’amin Nation was a partner in the Resort, formerly known as The Lund Hotel. In 2015 the Band

Sweet Shack Marina & Gas Dock Beer & Wine Store Intimate Weddings

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bought out their partner.

“In 2016, the Province transferred the resort lands, giving us taxation authority and full jurisdiction. The transfer was not something the Province immediately put on the table for negotiation. It took a long time, but it was not a trivial request. This territory has meaning. The location had been a traditional camping site for our people,” said Grace Adams of Tla’amin’s economic development entity.

Adams outlined the First Nation’s ambitious plans for the Resort, which rebranded as The Lund Resort at Klah ah men in April of this year. In the Tla’amin’s ‘Future Story’ visioning document, expansions in tourism ventures, including the doubling of the size of the Resort’s marina, are discussed.

Adams has worked with the First Nation for over twenty years, much of that time in treaty negotiations.

When that group completed its mandate, she reinvented herself, taking on duties including proposal writing within the First Nation’s economic development arm.

Re-invention is also a process the Resort is undergoing. The marina has been renamed 13 Moons Marina and has slips available for short and long-term rental.

The Resort purchased a 10 passenger boat this past summer to provide tours to nearby locations like the famous beaches of Savory Island, historic Finn Bay and Dinner Rock.

Changes have involved drawing on outside resources to help move the facility from its past as a supply outpost for marine travellers and industries to a destination resort. General Manager Scott Wilshaw was recruited. “Scott is a multi-tasker and a leader who has the depth of experience to transform the Resort and the variety of services that it provides,” said Adams.

The Resort currently employs about thirty-five people. Many are members of the Tla’amin Nation, some who began their careers there with part time, first jobs Corporate Retreats Eco-Tourism Packages as teenagers. Some have returned to the area of their ancestry to take positions with the expanding Resort.

Wilshaw and his team have also used online recruiting to bring in experienced resort personnel from worldclass resorts further afield.

Updating of the hotel portion of the Resort has Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

been undertaken and is continuing over the next two years. While the exterior retains the historic charm and European influence of the onehundred-year-old structure, the hotel suites and public areas have received facelifts. First Nation themed artwork and design elements are everywhere, including a large and dramatic carving, as well as display cases featuring more delicate pieces located in the lobby.

Guest room amenities have local influence with a touch of luxury. 13 Moons Coffee and spa-influenced toiletries are a part of each room. The thirty-one rooms range from oceanview suites with charming woodrailed verandas in the main hotel building to a modern family suite, pet-friendly rooms and accommodations for people with special mobility needs in the more recently added extension.

The dining room and pub, re-branded as the Back Eatery, feature expansive views of the marina and Strait.

They also offer fantastic food and a vast assortment of BC wines and beer products including Powell River’s Townsite Craft Brew on tap and tasting flight samplers. Staff in the food services area include Executive Chef Linton Novak who joined the Resort after honing his skills in internationally renowned dining establishments. A variety of fresh seafood and locally sourced products figure prominently in menu items, allowing diners the opportunity to enjoy the mouth-watering wealth and variety that the coastal environment provides. Unique offerings such as four different styles of eggs benedict – the

most popular being the Indigenous-styled Bannock Benny with smoked salmon and a specialty Caesar cocktail that eats like a meal are available.

The Resort has a specialty coffee bar and confectionery, the new Sweet Shack. Feast on a fantastic array of coffee offerings, ice creams and candies ranging from the latest designer treats to old standards that you may have forgotten you love. Unique First Nation and BC coastal themed souvenirs are also available.

A conference room, ideal for corporate retreats or group get-aways of weddings to family reunions, complete the services included in the main Resort building.

There are a variety of novel, fresh products and services available, yet what has not changed about the Lund Resort is the role that it plays as the hub of the community of Lund. In the Back Eatery Pub, there is signage reminding local patrons about the Resort’s loyalty program and that rooms can be accessed at ‘locals’ rates. The Re-

sort provides parking passes to area families so that they can bring guests from their homes to enjoy its amenities.

Many of the products on display in the Tu-Guhm Gallery and Studio are reflections of the natural beauty that surrounds the area. Jewelry, stained glass and carvings, in traditional First Nations, as well as modern design, fill the shelves. The display of lifelike seal carvings poised on log slices shows the subjects enjoying a moment of rest as if basking in Lund’s warm and welcoming sun.

The Resort’s general store underwent renovation with new equipment installations and an updated paint job early in the 2019 season. Also new this year is an expansion into frozen entrees and take-away food. The next step planned for the aptly named ‘Stock Pile Market’ is the introduction of online ordering similar to ‘Spud’ or ‘Chef’s Plate.’ Offering the convenience of pre-ordering items for pick-up to resort guests, to boaters using the marina and to the residents of the area is key. “Our store shelves a little bit of everything, we’re a one-stop-shop,” said Lori Stewart of the Resort. She continued, “We keep pricing for goods from dog food to fresh produce, fishing supplies and hardware very similar to venders in nearby Powell River. Affordability greatly serves the year-round local population.” The Lund Resort and Stock Pile Market provide the area’s Post Office, a BC Liquor store plus marine repair services, an art gallery and gift shop.

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

The grounds graced with gorgeous plantings, floral displays and lawn areas make spending time outside the hotel a genuine pleasure. Plans are in the works to relocate the Resort’s laundromat and store to a former marine shop building behind the main complex. Once completed, this will provide more desired greenspace at the rear of the Resort. Discussions are underway to include a site for a farmer’s market too. Adding more shopping options for guests while creating marketing opportunities for area residents to sell local produce and crafts is a high priority on the list of constant upgrades to the property.

I encountered guests from the United States, Germany, England and other areas of Canada at the Resort during my stay. The astounding beauty of Desolation Sound where Lund sits took each of us by surprise. Coupled with the easy access to the ocean, it was a treat to go fishing, watch shorebirds, walk along the beach or take a kayak tour. Those that ventured out on the water had opportunities to view marine life, from seals to jellyfish, up close.

A stay at The Lund Resort at Klah ah men offers top quality eco-tourism opportunities for those interested in marine or coastal forest-based adventures. It lets you treat yourself to a balance of the best of modern-day comforts, with time-honoured traditions of Tla’amin Nation culture and the rich history of the BC coast.

- Connie Jordison

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SNOWBOUND SUCCESS: Enjoying Winter Activities on the Coast

F

rom around mid-December to the end of March, you can hike Soames in the morning, take a break for lunch, then spend the afternoon snowshoeing up on Dakota Ridge. The next day, you could enjoy a leisurely morning, go cross country skiing midday, then cook dinner over a beach fire and watch the sunset. Such is life on the Sunshine Coast. Outdoor activities are year-round, and extending your explorations to higher elevations in the colder months is just as rewarding as sea level activities in summer.

The Sunshine Coast’s main winter recreational areas include Dakota Ridge, Mount Elphinstone and the Tetrahedron. However, Dakota Ridge is the easiest to access for people of all ages and skill levels. Operated by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), Dakota Ridge is a plateau covering 1,532 acres of subalpine terrain. It includes 20 kilometres of well-marked, world-class, track-set cross country ski trails, four kilometres of groomed snowshoeing trails, three kilometres of wilderness snowshoeing trails, and a tobogganing area. The snowshoe trails are purposefully separate from the cross country skiing trails, specifically because snowshoeing tracks disrupt the grooming on the ski trails, but they do intersect at certain points.

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At its highest, Dakota Ridge reaches an elevation of over 1,200 metres, offering unparalleled views of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver Island, and the Salish Sea. On a clear “bluebird day,” a brilliantly blue and cloudless sky, sparkling snow, and crisp air makes for an unforgettable, coastal winter experience.

Dakota Ridge’s nordic ski area has a range of trail difficulty and uses the same identifiers as downhill skiing—green signifies the easiest, blue is intermediate, and black is the most challenging. Whichever level you choose, you can regroup at the end of your activities in the warming hut, sitting fireside with a thermos of your favourite hot beverage.

Whether you’re an experienced snow enthusiast or an ultimate beginner, you can enjoy what the Coast has to offer in the winter with the appropriate gear and knowhow. Alpha Adventures in Wilson Creek is a year-round outdoor recreation retail store and basecamp for guided tours, lessons, equipment sales and rentals, and, for winter, a Dakota Ridge shuttle service.

Owner Jamie Mani has worked in the outdoor recreation industry since high school graduation. He first worked in retail settings, working up from sweeping floors to store buyer.

“My passion for gear as well as for working outside are combined in owning an outdoor recreation business,” he says.

In his 20 years in business, Mani says the most rewarding aspects of having the store are seeing people excited about being outdoors and witnessing them actively using the gear they bought from him. He enjoys it when people bump into him out on a trail or in the community and share stories of their outdoor adventures—how they feel empowered and enabled to enjoy nature. Mani also fosters a love for the outdoors through his work as a teacher for the Sunshine Coast School District.

For those who are new to winter recreation, Mani suggests snowshoeing as an entry into the world of nordic activity.

“Snowshoeing, for the most part, is just hiking in the snow, with a little bit of equipment to help you.” Alpha Adventures takes care of orienting and helping clients with their snowshoeing equipment. On their tours, certified guides take clients on groomed marked SCRD snowshoe trails, as well as special off-track routes that meander through fresh snow.

The company’s services cover a variety of snow sport scenarios. He explains: “Sometimes people will come up to the Sunshine Coast and they may have only one day to see the best-of-the-best, maybe they’d like a bit of a skill clinic, too.

Our certified guides and instructors can take them out and tailor their experience to them.” Amongst their plethora of offerings, Alpha Adventures offers “all-inclusive” lesson and/ or tour packages which include a guide, your Dakota Ridge trail pass, transportation, gear, hot chocolate, and a snack.

The company also offers self-guided tours, which include a map orientation and transportation. Mani stresses that at Dakota Ridge, having a map of the area and familiarizing oneself is important. “It’s not really a patrolled area,” he cautions.

“There’s no ski patrol out there. There are staff—volunteer snow hosts—but really, you need to be self-sufficient if you’re venturing on your own.”

Even if you have your own gear and are a well-seasoned cross country skier or snowshoer, you might not have a 4-wheel drive car and chains to get you up the mountain.

Alpha Adventures offers a shuttle service that will transport clients and their gear between the store and Dakota Ridge.

ALPHA ADVENTURES PHOTO

Jamie Mani, owner, Alpha Adventures in Wilson Creek. ANGIE ISHAK PHOTO

The store is conveniently located in the nearest commercial plaza at the base of Dakota Ridge.

“We really have the best of both worlds here,” enthuses Mani. “Half an hour from here [the store], we’d be up to our necks in snow... yet down here, we’d be mountain biking, skateboarding... you could be stand up paddleboarding, kayaking. We’re pretty lucky that way.”

Alpha Adventures, Wilson Creek, 604-885-8838.

- Angie Ishak ALPHA ADVENTURES PHOTO

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

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How to recover fast from your

FLU SYMPTOMS

W

ith the beginning of flu season upon us, many of us are already feeling the wrath of the influenza virus. If you’ve found yourself feeling under the weather, there are some easy steps you can follow to ensure your recovery is as easy as possible.

Here are some tips for recovering from the flu: EAT RIGHT. The flu can take a toll on our bodies, so it’s important to fuel our stomachs with foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals to aid our immune systems in fighting off the virus. Vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes and peppers, as well as meats, shellfish and dairy, are a good place to start. Soups, such as a warm chicken noodle, also count as liquid that will help keep your body hydrated.

FLUSH OUT THE TOXINS. Fluids, especially water, help your body to flush out toxins. Keeping your respiratory system hydrated helps your body fight more serious infections by avoiding thick mucus buildup in the lungs.

Make sure to drink more fluids than usual because your body will lose a lot of liquid in the form of sweat as you battle a fever.

STAY WELL RESTED. If you are sick, it’s important to take some time off work or school to give your body some much-needed downtime. The best thing for your body at this time is rest so it can focus on attacking the virus.

AVOID SPREADING GERMS. Just because you’re on the mend doesn’t mean your flu season is over. Don’t forget to disinfect shared surfaces to avoid spreading the virus to more vulnerable people. Young children, senior citizens and pregnant people are even more likely to catch the influenza virus than the average person.

YOUR BEST DEFENSE. The flu shot is always your best defense. To avoid the flu altogether, stop in at your nearest Pharmacy and get vaccinated today.

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WOOD Carvings Cultural Art A 4-foot-tall eagle and frog totem pole welcomes visitors to the Coast Raven Design Studio in Davis Bay. PHOTO SUBMITTED

ith the abundance of wood around us, it’s no surprise that the art of woodcarving has taken root on the Sunshine Coast. Three such artists—Francis Krutsky, and Coast Raven Design Studio’s Artie George and Richard de la Mare— share a love for local wood as their material, yet bring different backgrounds, styles, and stories to their art.

Francis Krutsky is drawn to the sea and to the driftwood logs that settle along the beach by his home.

Five years ago, Francis moved to the Sunshine Coast with his wife Vanda and their three sons. They found their home in a cosy, 90-year-old oceanfront cottage in Sechelt. As Francis began exploring the beach at the foot of his property, he was inspired to try carving pieces of driftwood into figures. “From a young age, I’ve been interested in carving. On the beach, I find a nice piece of wood, maybe some yellow cedar, and I like to take it and carve it into something.”

With these found pieces, he tries a new style of carving that he hadn’t practiced much in his previous career as a decorative art restorer in the Czech Republic. There, Krutsky worked for almost 35 years restoring intricate baroque and renaissance objets d’art from private collections, antique furniture in castles, and decorative interior elements in churches and cathedrals in Prague.

Krutsky is part of a sacred art guild in Vancouver and has created a few carvings for it. “That was the closest to his area of previous work,” shares his wife, Vanda. They show me a small statue, about a foot high, depicting St. Catherine of Alexandria. Krutsky carved it from a two-dimensional painting in a book.

You could say that small carvings like this were good practice for Study of a Warrior, the towering figure that was recently featured in the Sunshine Coast Community Forest’s Wood Expo in Sechelt.

Study of a Warrior began as a large piece of driftwood. Too heavy and large to carry up to his workshop, Krutsky cut it into three pieces, as well as enlisting one of his sons to help with the load. The three sections were then reattached. The process has been somewhat fluid. “Always, my inspiration is the piece of wood. I found this piece of wood and immediately, I knew I wanted to make a figure, a human body, but I didn’t know who. Maybe me? I don’t know,” he laughs.

Krutsky would prefer to carve from a model, especially for the face, but for Study of a Warrior he is using sketches. A few weeks before the Wood Expo, he found some old sketches of his which had a pleasing face. He decided to use them as his guide.

When asked what he will do with the sculpture when he’s finished, he replies with a chuckle, “It’ll never be done… no, no, I’ll be professional and sell it when it’s done.”

Though he’s not finished Study of a Warrior yet, Krutsky is constantly on the lookout for new pieces of driftwood for future pieces. “I want to do other statues with wood from the ocean. It’s nice to think, ‘where is this from?’ You never know.”

Case in point, Vanda shares a story about a piece of driftwood that Krutsky and their sons had been carving on the beach. Because of the ever-changing beach landscape, the tide had taken the log one day.

They all assumed it was gone forever. However, a while later, Vanda was walking along the Sechelt waterfront and noticed it in someone’s yard. It had apparently washed up there. “I was a bit angry,” says Krutsky, in jest.

“I would’ve preferred it be a mystery.”

Though the West Coast is an adopted home for Krutsky, it is the decades-long home of artists Artie George and Richard de la Mare of Coast Raven Design Studio. The duo first built their business in North Vancouver, then moved it to the Sunshine Coast 12 years ago. They are a unique team: de la Mare is 25 years older than George, and their friendship and artistic partnership began when George was just 13 years old. George was one in a group of his uncles, brothers and cousins that spent time assisting de la Mare with his beadwork business. An almost 40-year creative partnership was born.

George says he was drawn to carving because of the tools: “Knives. I always liked knives. Ever since I was six, I always had a knife in my pocket or was playing with knives.” In high school, he took a class called “Native Art” which covered disciplines such as beading, silkscreening, painting and carving. “Because of the knives, it [carving] just came naturally.”

George was encouraged to pursue carving by de la Mare, who thought some of his smaller metal designs could translate well into wood. They are both largely self-taught.

George is a great-nephew of the renowned Chief Dan George, and his carvings proudly convey his heritage—masks of beaver, bear, sun and moon. Plaque-style carvings feature intricate eagles and killer whales. A beautiful “Shaman’s Rattle” tells the story of a loon and a human giving each other life, while underneath, a frog and raven do the same.

Larger carvings are made from alder, smaller ones from yellow cedar. All the alder they currently use has been saved from development bulldozing along the Dollarton Highway. “When they’re bulldozing logs for burning, if Francis Krutsky poses with his work-in-progress, there’s something large and a good piece we might be interested in, they “Study of A Warrior”. PHOTO SUBMITTED contact us and we’ll pick that up. Using it this way, we turn it into a piece of artwork,” explains de la Mare. On occasion, de la Mare and George cut down the wood themselves and have it milled into smaller pieces in North Vancouver before bringing it to their studio. They also pull their own red cedar bark for making rope and other finishing touches.

Their artistic process is truly a collaborative one. George does the wood carving while de la Mare handles the finishing: painting, natural waxes, the addition of horse hair, cedar bark, or metal inlays. This has been the process since early on. De la Mare also handles the studio’s business responsibilities.

The pair’s artistic inclinations and love of travel have exposed them to carving practices from cultures around the world. Their frequent travelling started with a trip to a small carving village outside of Oaxaca, Mexico, just after George graduated. They’ve done many similar trips since. “I like tools,” reflects George, “and I’ve liked learning about different tools and techniques, different styles of carving.”

Coast Raven has stood the test of time, so it’s no surprise that their wood carvings are found in collections at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, the UBC Museum of Anthropology, and the Smithsonian Native American Museum in Washington, DC. Pieces have been gifted to Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations, Canada, the Honourable Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Throughout the years, Coast Raven pieces were sold through retail distribution but as of January this year, they closed their offsite retail channels and are selling only through their website and Davis Bay studio. Their intimate shop is full of beautiful artwork, a fitting testament to a lifetime of artistic commitment.

Whether diving into a new carving discipline like Francis Krutsky or enjoying a decades-long practice like Artie George and Richard de la Mare, wood carving will always have its time and place on the West Coast. Where there is Coast Raven Design Studio’s Artie George (left) and wood, there is a way.

Richard de la Mare (right) have enjoyed a 37-year-long artistic partnership. PHOTO SUBMITTED - Angie Ishak Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

17

www.paulspaintinplace.com

Celebrating YEAR S

(1999-2019)

of THIS PROOF IS FOR (1999-2019)

F

or the past 20 years, countless DIY enthusiasts, conPaul’s Paintin’ Place has undergone several expansions and renovations over tractors and designers have looked to Paul’s Paintin’ the years. The store was originally an 850 square-foot space in what is now Home Place in Sechelt for their painting needs. Owner Paul Hardware. In 2002, the business took over the space next door. The years 2004, PROOF COMPLETED: Feb 13,2009 2019 Morris#has spent two decades mixing up DATE Benjamin Moore 2008 and saw further expansions. The design centre was added in 2014 and colours, building a loyal customer base and growing deep Morris’ wife Kathy Worsfold began managing it. Initially, they only offered window roots in the community. His energy and friendliness is evicoverings but upon seeing a gap in the local market, they expanded their products MEDIA: dent. His passion for paint,Magazine undeniable. to include drapery, rods, countertops and cabinet hardware.

IZE: Morris’ paint expertise goes 1/2 back Vertical 9.5”) years, more(3.5” thanxthirty Earlier this year, the store was redesigned to align with Benjamin Moore’s “Store beginning in 1986 at Colour Your World. Having studied muof the Future” program wherein the customer experience is about merchandise COLOUR: 4 colour sic at Capilano College, the musician had intended to purand display, with plenty of stock held in the back. sue a career in music. However, changed course and he PUBLICATION: CoastlifeLife - Spring 2019 Technology has played a considerable role in the company’s evolution. “The inrealized that music wasn’t his path. In 1992, Morris moved dustry has changed so much since we first started,” reflects Morris. “We used to CLIENT: Pauls Paintin Place to the Sunshine Coast. It was a homecoming of sorts—from have a manual prescription book and catalogues, now we’re 100% computerized.” the age of seven, Morris had spent most of his formative Their database holds detailed client purchasing history from 2003 onward, which, years in Sechelt and his father still lives in the family home.

TELEPHONE: 604.885.4811 Morris says, has contributed to their customer loyalty and business growth. In the In 1999, Morris bought Bill’s Paintin’ Place from its namedesign centre, window covering automation can now be controlled from anywhere sake, Bill Wood. After the purchase, the two worked sidein the world from a smartphone. Traditionally controlled by remote control, the by-side and to this day, Morris still considers Wood one of design centre has offered a free app in their motorization package for about 2.5 his most significant mentors. The respect is obvious: on the years. By January 2020, the store will have a revamped display to better showcase wall in Morris’ office hangs an 8x10 framed photo of Wood this technology. helping a customer at the counter.

Though the paint and decor industry has changed over the years, Paul’s Paintin’ Sadly, about a year after Morris bought the store, Wood Place has strived for one constant—a focus on customer service. Part of that focus succumbed to a heart attack and passed away. The store is retaining experienced staff who know the industry inside and out. Peter Limwas renamed Paul’s Paintin’ Place in 2001. beek has been at the store since 2004. Store floor manager Carl Abrahmson has worked in paint as long as Morris—they go way back, working together at Colour Your World.

The store also has a family feel. Andrea Haslett has managed the books since the beginning and remembers bringing her infant sons to work. Those first few years, she’d be elbow-deep in numbers while her babies napped. Now, her once wee work companions are 21 and 18 years old. Carl’s wife Lori works in the design centre and Morris’ own three sons have spent time working in the store.

In the design centre, Worsfold’s staff have a combined 60+ years of sales experience.

Good customer service isn’t always about making a sale. Worsfold offers inhome consultations, and her favourite experiences don’t always result in a contract: “When you can go in and adjust a couple of couches and some lamps … if we leave and people can breathe and feel happier in their home, that’s a positive, even if they didn’t spend any money.”

Morris has learned a lot about building a successful business over the years, much of that wisdom has come from asking questions and learning from others: “I’ve asked business owners who have been in business 30, 40 years, ‘What have you done to make yourself successful?’ The answer is always, ‘First, invest in the Paul’s Paintin’ Place staff photo. Left to Right: Tracy Mitchell, people that work for you. Second, invest in yourself and always stay true to who Peter Limbeek, Kevin Johnson, Carl Abrahmson, Paul Morris, you are. And of course, treat others the way you’d want to be treated.’”

Carol Jones, Kathy Worsfold. (Missing in photo: Andrea Haslett, - Angie Ishak Ben Robinson, Braden Morris, Angela Johnstone). PHOTO SUBMITTED

18

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Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

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Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

19

SILVER MOON GALLERY

L

ocated in a 400 square foot space on Gower Point Road, Mark Benson, Sandy Kay and Levi Purjue have transformed Benson’s former fine art print shop into Silver Moon Gallery, a dedicated venue to showcase the works of these three professional artists.

Benson had been operating Mark Benson Photography, developing a strong reputation for his high quality art prints. While business was good, it didn’t leave him much time for getting out and taking photographs. “That’s the biggest reason to [bring in Sandy and Levi],” says Benson. “I haven’t been out taking pictures very much in the last couple of years because I was committed to being here and it was difficult for me to keep regular hours.” Benson uses long exposure, leaving the shutter open for extended periods, requiring time and patience. “Long exposure allows you to capture this surreal image,” Benson explains. “There’s this juxtaposition between anything that is static in the image which remains sharp, and anything that is moving like the sky or the water that creates this surreal flow of light. For me, doing photography is like meditation.”

Eager to get out into nature again and take photographs, he approached Kay about coming into the gallery on a partnership. He and Kay met when she approached him to

“Circle of Life” by Levi Purjue.

produce some fine art prints as she was preparing for Tangled Web, a successful exhibition of her paintings of Smuggler’s Cove that premiered at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery in summer of 2019. Though she has taken several art classes over the years, Kay is largely self-taught with her nature-based work striving to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. She also has a wealth of experience running cooperative galleries and studio galleries in various locations, including one on Granville Island. Though she was tempted by Benson’s offer, she said no at first.

“It’s too much obligation,” explains Kay.

“Especially for the work part, having to be a half-partner.” Several months later, Benson called her up to say he’d found a third artist. “He came back to me recently and said, ‘It’s happening. I got another person and you’re going to love his work.

We’re opening in the fall,’” she recalls, laughing. “‘Okay,’ I said, ‘I’m in.’”

That third artist is Levi Purjue, a painter and carver of Tahltan and Shoshone from Nevada heritage. He grew up in Haida Gwaii before moving to the Sunshine Coast when he was 14, attending Chatelech Secondary School. Also selftaught, Purjue only began painting five years ago when he was rehabbing his back after a car accident. “I found I was watching too much TV and got bored,” says Purjue. “I went to the dollar store and bought a little canvas and some paints and just tried it.” He kept at it, getting an “amazing” response from family.

“ “Storm Over Hopkins Landing” by Mark Benson.

20

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

PHOTO SUBMITTED

We all have different skills and it’s nice to bring them all together...

He invested in better quality materials and after three months of painting, a gallery accepted some of his work.

“It was just so relaxing and healing, I kept on doing it,” says Purjue. “I absolutely love it.” This past summer, he took up carving, working on a totem pole with Derek Georgeson for the Texem-ay exhibiton at the Arts Centre in Sechelt. Carving is now part of his repertoire and he plans to display wood carvings, including paddles, as well as his paintings at Silver Moon.

All three artists draw inspiration from nature yet have their own distinct styles, and all three have developed a following for their work that has translated into strong individual sales. They are quite confident Silver Moon will be a commercial success. “I do pretty well out of my studio,” says Kay. “We’re all professional artists and I believe that sets us apart from other galleries on the Coast.” Benson agrees. “I was doing really well here already,” he says of his former business. “Lower Gibsons has been growing the last couple of years and I find it’s busy all the way to Christmas.

There’s a lot of traffic with the olive oil place next door and there’s all these restaurants here.” To date, most of Purjue’s work has been shown and sold on Vancouver Island. “All my artwork is over in Coombs,” he says. “I don’t have much presence here so it will be nice for me to have my work available on the Coast.”

Silver Moon Gallery officially launched October 19 and is run cooperatively with all three artists responsible for staffing the gallery a certain number of days per month and sharing the expenses while 100% of any sales will go directly to the individual artist. To start, the trio will have the gallery open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm, with hours increasing in the spring and summer when tourists return to the Coast. However, they don’t believe tourism is what will drive their sales. “In the last couple of years there have been a lot of new homes and renovations, so lots of new wall space,” says Benson. “I have noticed a lot more local sales.”

All three believe Silver Moon will give them a venue to display their works while still leaving them enough time to pursue their creative endeavors.

“Gibsons is becoming really vibrant,” says Benson. “I hope [the gallery] will add to that and allow me to create more art. It feels more dynamic being in a collective.” Part of that energy

“The Clarity of It All”

by Sandy Kay. PHOTO SUBMITTED

includes live painting in the gallery. “We’re going to have a space for Levi and Sandy to do some painting so people will be able to come in and see them doing their work and ask questions,” says Benson. With their diverse art and business experience, the trio feels they complement each other and look forward to learning from each other. “We all have different skills and it’s nice to bring them all together,” says Kay. “It’s so easy to slip into that business side when painting is hard. The creative process is full of doubt, as well as joy, so it’s really nice to have partners for that.” Purjue agrees, feeling he can learn a lot from both Benson and Kay. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” he says. “But it’s been really relaxed and has a really nice vibe.”

Visit the gallery at 307 - 287 Gower Point Road in Gibsons. www.silvermoongallery.com.

- Anna Nobile

Levi Purjue (left), Sandy Kay (centre) and Mark Benson (right), Silver Moon Gallery founders and artists.

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

PHOTO SUBMITTED

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THIS PROOF IS FOR

23

THE

RESURGENCE of table top games

P

eople have been gathering to play games since the earliest civilizations with backgammon and checkers originating in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago. Board and card games have evolved over time but in the last decade, and despite our increasingly digital world, table top games are making a big comeback. Over 3,000 new board games are published annually and, according to research and market stats, the global board games market will be worth more than $12 billion by 2023.

Brit Boyd and Jenny Lee Silver, proprietors of Enchanted Toys and Games, played board games as children and now play with their own kids, while regularly hosting game nights in their homes. They’ve been in business just three months, but have 10 shelves full of games they need to keep close watch on in order to keep popular games in stock at their Gibsons store.

“They’re selling really well,” says Boyd simply. Why? “We grew up with the internet,” she continues. “We’re all connected on our devices and we’re seeing a trend of it not making us happy or fulfilled. We kinda miss people.” In group social situations where some people may not know each other well or are shy, games are excellent ice breakers. “You have a role and a purpose in the game,” says Silver. “You don’t have to come up with small talk.”

At Game Point in Sechelt, owner Brad Finlayson has been around games of one sort or another all his life.

His father ran an arcade so he grew up playing classic video games like Street Fighter before taking up Dungeons and Dragons and later, Magic: The Gathering.

Dungeons and Dragons is a role playing game that has seen a huge surge in popularity as the main characters in the Netflix hit Stranger Things were devoted players. “It happened at the same time that D&D released their fifth edition which is the best one ever,” says Finlayson. Magic: The Gathering is a card game involving two or more players engaged in battle as wizards. The cards are collectibles, with some costing hundreds,

Customers playing “Magic: The Gathering” at Game Point.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

even thousands of dollars. “A Black Lotus was sold for $87,000,” says Finlayson of a rare, mint condition, very powerful (in terms of game play) card. There are pro players who earn six figures playing in tournaments.

That’s the serious side of the new renaissance in table top games, and while Finlayson runs Magic tournaments out of his store (though not for such high stakes), he also makes opportunities available for beginners and novices to join games. He even offers workshops for those wanting to hone their skills. “The basics are really easy to learn,” says Finlayson.

Customers enjoying arcade and virtual reality games at Game Point.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

“But discovering all the strategies and getting really good takes a little longer.” He also runs D&D games, has a selection of thousands of classic arcade games like Frogger, Super Mario and Street Fighter, and a selection of 80 virtual reality games for people to experience. There is a strong gaming community on the Coast and his variously themed game nights are very well attended. D&D attracts at least 20 people and “there are people playing Magic here almost every day,” says Finlayson.

He agrees with Boyd and Silver that a desire for less screen time and more human interaction is a main factor for the increased popularity in table top games. He also credits better games with greater player agency. Larger companies have stuck to refreshing classic games like Monopoly which now has multiple versions, including Star Wars and Game of Thrones editions to keep up with trends.

But according to Finlayson, “Monopoly is a broken game because of roll to move. If moving [along the board] is the main thing in the game, if I keep rolling high, then you probably have no chance to win.” Player agency denotes that a player’s choices in a game, the strategies they use, influence the outcome of a game. “If you don’t think you have a chance of winning then you’re not having any fun, and if you’re not having fun, why play?” he asks. Kickstarter has also been a factor for game designers, like Finlayson himself, to get their games into players’ hands. He designed Symetra, a strategy card game that was funded through a Kickstarter campaign, with another, Wizards WARdrobe, launching in 2020. “Table top games are the biggest category [in Kickstarter] and the most grossing projects have been table top games,” he says.

The party game market has also seen an upward swing in sales with

Brad Finlayson, owner, Game Point in Sechelt.

ANNA NOBILE PHOTO

better designs and improved game play and mechanics bringing people together again as they put away their devices to enjoy each other’s company. “Board games have made such a resurgence because you’re getting face to face with people,” says Boyd. Boyd and Silver point out that games are educational, even if you’re not always aware that you’re learning something as the object of the game forces players to think strategically or deductively.

“You can also learn to lose badly, win well, and work together,” says Boyd. “There’s a lot of learning that comes from interacting with other people in a game setting versus just a social setting.” There are some games that have been designed to be collaborative rather than competitive. Silver enjoys playing Pandemic, a board game where virulent viruses are spreading across the world.

“It’s everyone against the game,” says Silver. “And it’s really hard to win.” Codenames is a popular card game that combines team play—collaboration—with competitiveness—beating the other team. Betrayal at House on The Hill is a tile game that builds suspense as players explore a haunted house together while knowing there is a traitor in their midst. Exploding Kittens and Throw Throw Burrito are extremely popular games that leave everyone laughing, don’t take hours to play, and engage adults as well as kids.

Games can make great gifts, and Boyd, Silver and Finlayson are prepared to offer suggestions based on who will be playing and the category of game one is interested in playing. “We want to make games accessible,” says Boyd. “We have the train station, little toys everywhere, the community art space, and a board game table for drop-in games or puzzles.” Silver, a Dungeons and Dragons master, hopes to be running D&D games out of the store in the near future. Both locations offer open game time when people can come in and try their hand at various games. “We’re having fun,” says Silver. “And want everyone else to see how fun it is.”

Visit enchantedtoys.ca and gamepointcentral.com for more information.

Brit Boyd and Jenny Lee Silver, proprietors of Enchanted Toys and Games in Gibsons. ANNA NOBILE PHOTO

- Anna Nobile

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

25

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Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

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27

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• Charge up. Batteries vary across vehicles. The most common one you’ll see is an SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) battery that takes care of your ignition, lights, radio

NEW LOCATION

• Top up fluids. Things like wiper fluid, oil, and brake fluids should all be topped up ahead of winter. Wiper fluid is especially important as you’ll likely be dealing with a lot more dirt and salt from the roads at this time of year. Visibility is crucial to safe driving, so why not make sure things are optimized for a clear view of the road ahead?

Opt for a winter fluid to avoid freezing and sun glare on your windshield.

Find more safety tips and to book a winter maintenance check at oktire.com.

Courtesy of newscanada.com

SAME GREAT SERVICE!

#102 - 5520 SECHELT INLET CRESCENT, SECHELT

YOUR ONE STOP FOR TIRES, PARTS AND AUTO SERVICE • No appointment necessary for tire repairs

• We’re a locally owned & operated business

• OPEN: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

• SK Automotive Ltd now DBA OK Tire-Sechelt

28

604.885.2375 skauto.ca

604.885.3155 oktire.com

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

Be ENERGY Independent with Solar Power & Electric Cars

E

nergy independence is a top environmental and economic concern and the main benefit of electric cars is that they can be powered by any resource that generates electricity; your fuel doesn’t come from a gas pump.

Solar panels and EVs are a match made in heaven. When you install a solar energy system, you can use it to both power your home and your EV for emissions-free transportation. Both require almost zero maintenance and solar equipment is warrantied for 25 years!

The ability to install a solar system large enough to power both your home and your car is an option within reach. Whether you buy an electric car and install a solar panel system with an EV charging station all at once or stagger your purchases, pairing electric cars and solar panels is one of the best ways to increase your energy independence. There are two things to know in order to determine how to optimize

your solar panels and EV: • KMs-per-litre equivalent of the EV • The average distance you will travel You can then estimate of how much extra electricity charging your EV will require. Then, when you install your solar panel system, you can work with your solar installer to size your system based on your driving needs along with your home electricity use.

If you are delaying going solar solely because you think costs will come down further, think again. In the past few years solar panel systems have come down in

price so much that by waiting to install solar, you may not only miss out on any financial incentives that are available, any cost savings will be offset by increasing hydro charges. The energy costs you can save each year will exceed any reduction on a future purchase price.

There are also incentives on EV purchases so before you buy a new vehicle, see what your options are. As of May 1, 2019, under the iZEV program, the Government of Canada offers up to $5,000 off the purchase price of a qualifying new battery electric vehicle. Visit the iZEV program for a list of eligible vehicles. Additionally, the province of British Columbia has renewed funding for the Clean Energy Vehicle (CEVforBC) Point of Sale Incentive Program.

The CEVforBC Point of Sale Incentive Program is managed by the New Car Dealers Association of BC and offers up to $5,000 off the purchase price of a qualifying new battery electric, fuel-cell electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Visit CEVforBC.ca for a list of eligible vehicles.

With reduced purchase prices and today’s technological advances, EVs and solar power are no longer a thing of the future... being energy independent is today’s reality! The future really is now – so what are you waiting for? www.energysage.com • www.pluginbc.ca

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

29

Complete Line of Automotive Parts & Accessories

FULL SERVICE SHOP with Red Seal Technicians

604-886-2700

We Have a Great Selection of Power Tools!

Celebrating 60 Years of serving the Sunshine Coast!

1498 Burton Road

WINTER TIRE REBATES Start Sept.

15th!

Get UP TO $100 BACK on select Goodyear tires!

• Stereos • Tools • Auto Body • Paint and Supplies

Join us on November 28th for evening of Shopping with a cause!

From 4pm-8pm we will donate 15% of our Sales to the Sunshine Coast Secret Santa !

We will have refreshments while you shop GET A FREE GOODIE BAG WITH PURCHASE. Browse through our store for many Christmas gifts!

Seniors Day Thursdays 10% Discount on Automotive Work for Seniors 65+!

MARK YOUR CALENDER FOR DECEMBER 14 FOR OUR

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY

WHERE WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY THE PRIZES.

1045 Gibsons Way, Gibsons 604-886-2031 Hours: Mon. to Sat. 8am to 5:30pm, Sun. 12-noon to 5pm

www.kenmacparts.com

Working Together to Build Our Communities®

5784 Sechelt Inlet Rd, Sechelt | 604.885.7595 | www.lehighmaterials.com 30

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

Garden Mix | Turf Blend | Mushroom Manure | Fir Bark Mulch

U A Q L I P T O Y T TOP SOIL Simply The Best Custom Blended Soils Since 1988

soil starting at $28 a yard Our soil meets BC Landscape Specs

Our soil is made of recycled green waste.

No dead diseased farm fish is in our soil. No biosolids.

Top Quality gardens begin with

top quality top soil Proud Supplier to the Sunshine Coast Botanical Society and 40+ Contractors

CALL US TODAY!

604.740.7715

Sunshine Coast Business Magazine • Fall 2019

31

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