Business Examiner Peace Cariboo by Business Examiner News Group

DECEMBER 2019

» CONSTRUCTION

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DIGITAL MARKETING 6 Reasons To Have

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BC CONSTRUCTION An Industry That Works For Everyone

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INDEX News Update

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Williams Lake

Local Focus Pays Off For Prince Rupert Brewery Wheelhouse Brewing Makes Waves by Using Local Ingredients in Experimental Brews

RINCE RUPERT - From day one, Wheelhouse Brewing Co. has been about building a better community. Now approaching its sixth anniversary, the award-winning Prince Rupert craft brewery has become one of the coastal town’s top watering holes, earning a place on the BC Ale Trail. The establishment was founded by three friends, James Witzke, Craig Outhet, and Kent Orton. Since its beginnings, the brewery has brought home local, provincial and national awards, ex peri menti ng w ith beers that prominently feature local ingredients. “There was a group homebrewers, including James and myself, that got together in Kent’s living room in 2010,” says Outhet. “At the time, there was no brewery in Prince Rupert, so that night, we decided to put plans in motion to start one.” SEE WHEELHOUSE BREWING | PAGE 6

OUR 8TH YEAR

Left to right: James Witzke, Kent Orton, and Craig Outhet, owners of Wheelhouse Brewing Co.

2019 A Record Smashing Year For Prince George Building Permits Construction Boom Takes Prince George Statistics To New Heights

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

RINCE GEORGE - Just a couple of years ago, the City of Prince George was struggling to attract developers to build much-needed multifamily developments. Thanks to a concerted effort from the city, things have taken a dramatic turn for the better.

This November the city released October statistics showing an all-time high in the total annual value of building permits, including tens of millions in multifamily projects. This is still with a full two months before the end of the calendar year. A recent press release states,

“the total value of building permits issued in Prince George through the end of October, 2019 reached an all-time high of $193.76 Million, surpassing the previous high mark of $186.38 Million set in 2018 – a four per cent increase with two months of the year remaining to be tallied.

The total value includes $184.41 Million of private sector investment, which is about 95 per cent of the entire building permit values to date this year, and nearly equals all of last year’s then recordbreaking building permit values.” SEE CONSTRUCTION BOOM | PAGE 4

NEWS UPDATE

DECEMBER 2019

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Work will soon be underway in the Port of Prince Rupert, as the facility will be prepared to accommodate the upcoming increase of traffic. More than $300 million worth of work will take place over the next few years to get the harbour, one of the fastest growing ports in North America, ready for more growth. T he projects a re bei ng f u nded with $153.7 million from the federal govern ment v ia the Nationa l T rade Corridors Fu nd. T he rest w i l l come from the port, CN Rail and Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC). “We are pleased to see over $150 million of federal investment committed to the Prince Rupert gateway,” says port president and CEO Shaun Stevenson. “We see it as indicative of the growing role that the Port of Prince Rupert plays in adding value to Canadian supply chains and growing Canada’s trade with the world. “These investments will enable the development of gateway infrastructure that will support ongoing growth in capacity and resiliency of the gateway.” The port and CN are partnering on a $122-million project to build a new double-track bridge across the Zanardi Rapids, rehabilitate an existing singletrack bridge, and expand a causeway between the bridge and Ridley Island. The project will reduce operational conflicts and increase rail capacity to the port. Nearly $100 million will also be spent on ex pa nd i ng a n ex isti ng road, ra i l infrastructure and utility corridor to enable train access – a venture known as the Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform project. Another $89 million is slated for the Metlakatla Import Logistics Park project, a 25-hectare site on South Kaien Island that will enable transload and warehouse operations to provide increased flexibility and value-added capabilities. The park will be fully integrated into DP World’s Fairview Container Terminal.

BC Changes to Building Code Aim To Encourage More Affordable Homes The provincial government announced a series of upcoming changes to the BC Building and Plumbing Code (BC Building Code). T hese cha nges a i m to support innovative construction methods to help build more affordable homes faster, while enhancing building standards for energy efficiency and safety for British Columbians. One of the changes to the building code enables local governments to allow 12-storey tall wood buildings, up from the previous limit of six storeys. Thirteen communities have signed on to be early adopters of tall wood buildings using mass timber technology. “Increasing and finding new uses of British Columbia forestry products means we are creating beautiful energy efficient homes, while supporting jobs and local e c onom ie s,” sa id G eorge Hey ma n, Minister of Environment and Climate

Change Strategy. “Ch a nges to t he bu i ld i ng code to p ro m o t e e f f i c i e n c y i s p a r t o f o u r CleanBC plan to reduce emissions in new construction, while improving energy efficiency in existing buildings.” A nother cha nge w i l l help i ncrease the supply of homes people need by allowing secondary suites in multi-family buildings, like thousands of duplexes and townhouses around the province. The regulations also remove maximum size restrictions in the building code. “Second a r y su ites a re a crit ica l ly important source of rental housing in communities across BC,” said David H u t n i a k , c h i e f e x e c u t i v e o f f i c e r, LandlordBC. “We are pleased to see that the Province is ex tend ing the new reg u lations to ex isti ng bu i ld i ngs a nd is remov i ng barriers to this form of rental housing.” Add it iona l ly, new reg u lat ions for s e c on d a r y s u ite s w i l l re q u i re f i re sepa rat ion s b etween residences to improve safety for all residents. Energy Step Code requirements have also been introduced for public sector buildings, such as hospitals, schools, com mu n ity cent res a nd u n iversity classrooms.

FORT ST. JOHN City Of Fort St. John Unveils New Tool For Small Businesses The City of Fort St. John celebrated Small Business Week with the unveiling of a new B u si ne ss a nd I nve s t ment Assistant. This digital economic development tool allows local businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to start or grow their business access to: Research on the local economy and workforce Advice on starting and growing their business Contact information for additional resources and organizations that provide business support This data is updated routinely from sources such as Statistics Canada, BC Stats, and the City of Fort St. John. “We are excited to launch the Business and Investment Assistant, which will prov ide usef u l data to ou r busi ness community by helping to promote local advantages, share local insights, and drive economic development,” states Jennifer Decker, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Fort St. John. “This suite of interactive economic development tools will be of interest to our existing businesses, as well as newcomers to the community by ensuring they have access to the data they need to research local opportunities.”

PRINCE GEORGE UNBC Hits Number Two On Mclean’s University Ranking This fall, UNBC placed second in the Primarily Undergraduate category of Maclean’s Magazine’s annual ranking of Canadian Universities. This marks the sixth straight year UNBC has finished in the top two in its category and 12 years in the top three. Mount Allison finished first in the Primarily SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

NEWS UPDATE

DECEMBER 2019

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Undergraduate category, with Trent University maintaining its hold on third place. “UNBC continually strives to be a University that transforms lives and communities in the North and around the world,” said UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “This ranking acknowledges ou r ef for ts at creat i ng a n env i ron ment t h at fosters creativity, inspires future leaders a nd en h a nc e s t he re se a rch culture for our students, faculty and staff.” UNBC placed first in two of the 14 categories in the overall rankings, including the number of students who have won national awards and operating budget, wh ich measu res operating expenditures per fulltime student. The University a l so re c e ive d top m a rk s i n the student-to-faculty ratio (second), the number of faculty citations (fou rth), a nd tota l research dollars (fourth). The University made significant gains in the national reputation ranking including categories such as innovation and developing leaders of t o m o r r o w. T h e n a t i o n a l reputation ranking combines all universities from the Primarily Undergraduate, Comprehensive and Medical Doctoral categories into one group.

Globally, U N BC also ranks among the top five per cent of universities in the world and is the only Canadian university of its size to make the grade (according to the latest edition of Times Higher Education World University Rankings). UNBC finished in the group ra n k e d b e t w e e n 8 01 s t a n d 1,000th out of the nearly 1,400 universities from 92 countries in the report.

PRINCE GEORGE Research and Teaching Greenhouse Installed At CNC’s Prince George Campus To s u p p o r t a n d f a c i l it a te research and teaching within an indoor growing environment, College of New Caledonia (CNC) i nsta l led a 42 foot d ia meter ge o d ome g re en hou se at it s Prince George campus just west of the 900 Block Building. T h e proje c t wa s i n it i ate d c o l l a b o r a t i v e l y b y C N C ’s Applied Research & Innovation a nd School of T rades a nd Technologies. The project is a crucial component of the current education and training offered at CNC. The greenhouse will be used by CNC faculty, students and staff, public, local producers,

and technology companies to: Research, develop and showcase emerging indoor growing technologies Develop and deliver new training to students, local businesses, and the community Support CNC’s cafeteria, Kodiaks restaurant and Professional Cook Apprenticeship program CNC is a proud recipient of an Economic Diversification Infrastructure grant through Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) which contributed to the completion of the project.

KITIMAT Female Participation In LNG Canada Project Grows YO U R P L AC E , a p r o g r a m desig ned to i ncrease fema le pa r ticipation on the LNG Canada project, has received a n overwhel m i ngly positive response. Accord i ng to L NG Ca nad a and the project’s top contractor JG C Fluor, respon se to t h i s workforce development program for BC women has far exceeded expectations. T he prog ra m is a i med at attracting, recruiting, training, s u p p o r t i n g a n d e m plo y i n g women to work on the project. T he project tea m has seen the program garner more than 1,000 applications since it was launched four months ago.

YOU R PL ACE i ncludes a 4-week workplace readiness training program and employment supports designed to help women begin a successful ca reer i n the sk i l led trades. Graduates have a direct line to employ ment i n a n ent r y level position as an apprentice w ith JG C Fluor or one of its subcont ractors on t he L NG Canada project site in Kitimat. Of the 12 participants in the first class of women, three are self-identified as Indigenous. “The response to YOUR PLACE has completely su rpassed LNG Canada’s expectations,” sa id Tracey MacKinnon, L N G C a n a d a’s w o rk fo rc e development lead and creator of YOUR PLACE program. “We launched the program i n Ju ne, a nd i n the fi rst fou r months, we have 1,03 4 applicants, w ith about onethird of these self-identified as Indigenous women, and onequarter women from the local area. Our message to women that we are saving a place for them on our project has really resonated with women of all ages and in all stages of their career.” LNG Canada officials state that while not all applicants will make it through the recruitment process to training, to date close to 400 women have submitted a l l necessa r y docu ments to participate. LNG Canada and JGC Fluor have committed to cover the

3 costs of the training, return airfare to and from the training in Kitimat, and accommodations for women from outside the local area. T he compa n ies a re a lso providing all required personal protective equipment, including sa fety boots, ha rd hat, h igh v i si bi l it y vest, g l a sses a nd gloves. JGC Fluor is also encouraging women who a l ready have construction trades experience to apply directly to the company for employment, with hiring expected to ramp up by mid-tolate 2020.

PRINCE GEORGE MNP Expands Presence In Prince George This fall, MNP, Canada’s fifthlargest national accounting and business consulting firm, acquired Deloitte’s Prince George practice. MNP has 21 locations across BC with the firm’s strategic plan calling for continued growth in the province and its regions. “We have continued to see strong growth in the northern BC region. Prince George and the surrounding communities were identified as key locations SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

4 NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

with diversified economy offering opportunities to support our strategic plans for growth and express our commitment to the Northern BC marketplace,” said Darren Turchansky, MNP’s Executive Vice President of the BC Region. “As we continue to grow our firm to serve the needs of this region, we are excited to welcome a well-established and respected accounting and business consulting team that shares complementary experiences and an unwavering commitment to serving this marketplace.” The Partners of the Deloitte PG practice said they were most excited to join MNP because of its relationship-based culture. “MNP offers the best of both worlds—the scope and services of a national firm together with the culture, personalized approach and community commitment of a local office. We know joining MNP will be a good fit for our clients and our team and we are optimistic about the future,” said Cindy Thomson, a Partner transitioning to MNP. “This acquisition is a perfect example of how we can provide our clients the edge they need to stay competitive and overcome current business and industry challenges,” added Thomson. “Together we are stronger; adding more local resources and specialists and a range of experiences and a complementary perspective of the local PG

NEWS UPDATE marketplace—all of which will help to provide our clients with continued value. In addition to more local professionals and resources, MNP, like Deloitte, offers us access to national specialists and professionals. It’s truly a win-win.” Deloitte’s PG office had roots that go back to 1913 and the firm has been operating under the Deloitte umbrella for more than 40 years; serving clients in a variety of locations across central and northern BC, including the Okanagan, Quesnel, Prince G eorge, Va nderhoof, Bu r n s Lake, Smithers, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, and Dawson Creek, and has one client in Nunavut. M N P welcomed t he of f ice team of 21, with four of the team members— Cindy T homson, CPA, CA; Greg Sale, CPA, CA; Valerie Eberherr, CPA, CA, and Lorna Wendling, CPA, CA—joining the MNP partnership.

BC Pinnacle Enters Into Agreement With Japanese Company Pinnacle Renewable entered into a contract with Mitsui & Co. Ltd., a large, diversified trading company in Japan. Under the terms of the contract, Pinnacle will supply 100,000 metric tons per annum of industrial wood pellets to Mitsui beginning in Q 3 2023. The industrial wood

pellets will be used by a biomass power generation plant in Japan. “We are pleased to enter into this new relationship with Mitsui and our fourth contract with Asian customers this year,” said Robert McCurdy, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle. “Our growing order book in Japan underscores both Japan’s strong commitment to decarbonization and the strength of our competitive position in this market. We are also pleased to support the BC economy through our growing exports of industrial wood pellets to Asia.” Japan is a supportive market for renewable energy, targeting 3.7 per cent to 4.6 per cent from biomass or 20 million MTPA in pellet equivalent terms, providing Pinnacle with a compelling opportunity to continue growing in this market. Pinnacle is a rapidly growing industrial wood pellet manufacturer and distributor and the third largest producer in the world. The Company produces sustainable fuel for renewable electricity generation in the form of industrial wood pellets. This fuel is used by large-scale thermal power generators as a greener alternative to coal that allows them to produce reliable baseload renewable power. The Company operates eight industrial wood pellet production facilities in western Canada and one in Alabama, with a further plant under construction in Alberta. The Company also owns a port terminal in Prince Rupert.

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN BC BC Northern Home Sales Running Near Average Levels In October T he nu mber of homes sold through the MLS System of the BC Northern Real Estate Board totaled 389 units in October 2019. This was a decrease of 15.4 per cent from a historically strong October in 2018 but was still above the 10-year October average and in line with the five-year average. On a year-to-date basis, home sales totaled 3,637 units over the first 10 months of the year, down 5.3 per cent from the same period in 2018 but more generally pretty close to each of the last seven years. “Home sales continued to run near average levels in October,” said Leah Mayer, President of the BC Northern Real Estate Board. “That said, the balance of supply and demand in the market is still tilted more towards the tighter side of balanced territory. As such, the average home price is on track for a gain of about 5 per cent this year.” The average price of homes sold in October 2019 was$306,820, little changed (-0.5 per cent) from October 2018. T h e m o re c o m p re h e n s i v e year-to-date average price was $309,327, up 4.7 per cent from the first 10 months of 2018. The Board cautions that the

average residential price is a useful figure only for establishing trends and comparisons over a period of time. It does not indicate an actual price for a home due to the wide selection of housing available over a vast geographic area (the Board serves an area covering over 600,000 square kilometers or 72 per cent of the province). The dollar value of all home sales in October 2019 was $119.4 million, decreasing by 15.9 per cent from the same month in 2018. It was still the second-highest October on record. There were 448 new residential listings in October 2019. This was down 24.1 per cent on a year-overyear basis, albeit from an unusually high level last October. Active residential listings numbered 2,128 units at the end of October, up 4.1 per cent from the end of October 2018 but still below the same time in every other year in the last decade. Months of inventory numbered 5.5 at the end of October 2019, up from the 4.4 months recorded at the end of October 2018 but below the long-run average of 6.9 months for this time of year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity. Sales of all property types numbered 434 units in October 2019, a decrease of 18.1 per cent from October 2018. The total value of all properties sold was $129.6 million, falling 22.3 per cent from October 2018.

Construction Boom Takes Prince George Statistics To New Heights CONSTRUCTION BOOM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Though the influx of development throughout Northern BC is a significant factor behind this growth, council efforts to attract investment have paid off in a major way. “Residential real estate has been thriving for a number of years, but we hadn’t seen any new apartment of multi-family projects in Prince George for a very long time,” says Melissa Barcellos, Management, Economic Development for the City of Prince George. “It was hard to paint an accurate picture of demand and profitability for investors when our rental and vacancy rates were based on old residences built in the 60s. Our statistics also didn’t consider the demand for suites within singlefamily homes.” The city knew that it had to attract an initial investor to get the ball rolling, so Mayor Lyn Hall and his team got to work, making the city as appealing as possible to potential developers. Mayor Hall soon honed in on one developer, Frank Quinn of A&T Project Developments Inc. “The mayor was very involved in building the relationship with

The Prince George mayor and council worked hard to attract an initial multi-family developer. Left to right: Councillor Brian Skakun, Councillor Cori Ramsay, Councillor Terri McConnachie, Councillor Kyle Sampson, Mayor Lyn Hall, Councillor Garth Frizzell, Councillor Frank Everitt, Councillor Murry Krause, and Councillor Susan Scott this investor, calling him and inviting him to Prince George to meet,” Barcellos remarks. In the end, Quinn decided to take the initial risk and invest in a seniors housing development, Riverbend. “Riverbend was very successful in presales, so they decided to invest in the next project, a four-phase housing development next to city hall,” says Barcellos. “Right now, they’re almost finished with the first phase.” Frank Quinn also reached out to some of his contacts in the

Lower Mainland, telling them how he enjoyed working with the city and that it’s open for business. Now, of t he top 10-va lued permits for the year, five are for multi-family developments and nine are for privately funded projects. These include: Student housing development at 1404 Patricia Blvd - Faction Projects Inc. - $13, 000,000 F i r e h a l l a t 2 01 2 M a s s e y Drive - City of Prince George - $11,840,399 Hotel by Horizon North at 585

Dominion Street – Mundi SDR Development Inc. - $11,344,000 Apartment building at 6611 Southridge Avenue – Bic Hayer Rental Properties - $11,000,000 Apartment building at 4278 22nd Avenue – Hayer Construction Firm - $10,000,000 Renovation at P i ne Centre Ma l l at 3111 Massey Drive – Prince George Investment Inc. - $9,000,000 Apartment building at 1087 6th Avenue – A & T Project Developments Inc. - $6,765,850 Water treatment plant at 1337

PG Pulpmill Road – Canfor Pulp Inc. - $5,517,000 Hotel at 2005 H ig hway 97 South – HOCO Properties Inc. - $5,123,000 Apartment building at 3450 15th Avenue - Fortwood Homes Ltd. - $5,000,000 “Prince George is a great community and a wonderful place both to start a family and to retire,” says local developer Robin Hayer, President of Hayer Construction Firm, which is currently building the multi-family apartment complex at 4278 22nd Avenue. “Investing in Prince George provides excellent value, particularly as the Vancouver housing market pushes people further and further into the Fraser Valley. Prince George is becoming more and more attractive both for home buyers and investors.” The future is looking bright for the city, as the recently-published Mid-Sized Cities Outlook repor t f rom t he Conference Board of Canada demonstrates. The report states that “after growing by a modest 1.3 per cent in 2018, Prince George’s economy is expected to pick up the pace and expand by 1.5 per cent this year and 1.7 per cent in 2020.” princegeorge.ca

DIGITAL MARKETING

DECEMBER 2019

6 REASONS TO HAVE ACCURATE LOCAL BUSINESS LISTINGS It bears repeating that if a business address is incorrect on listing sites such as Google or Bing, then customers will not be coming to your door

BE DIGITAL JOHN MACDONALD

othing is more frustrating as a customer than finding out that you have been given the wrong information about where a business is located. As a customer, how likely are you to give this company your business? Not very. In fact, according to Placeable, 73 per cent of consumers stated that they lose trust in a brand when the online listing shows incorrect information. 1. Hours of Operation Matter Most In a study conducted by local data aggregator Localeze, hours of operation were noted as the most helpful feature in selecting a business during local search. 76 per cent of respondent reporting that they expect this information when searching and 61 per cent believe that it is a feature that helps them to select a business. 2. Business Listings are the foundation for strong SEO W h i le mos t p e ople wou ld

assume that the number one reason people do a search online is for the address or location of a business, the address is actually behind hours of operation as the second most desired information. It bears repeating that if a business address is incorrect on listing sites such as Google or Bing, then customers will not be coming to your door. A simple thing such as the wrong number on a street address, or even the wrong town, can mean that a customer cannot find you. 3. Mobile Matters According to Localeze, mobilephone-based searches drive instore purchases with more than 75 per cent of searches ending in a purchase—if a business has their listing details correct. Now if half of the people searching for a business listing on a local search engine, such as Google Local/Maps, can’t find the store’s business listing details, then the business is going to lose 100 per cent of their business. 4. Listings Need to be Linked to

Local search results are trusted sources of information for potential customers Websites More than 60 per cent of online searches on platforms have a similar chance of ending in a purchase. While mobile searches are becoming more of a standard in where a customer searches, a business owner should not discount the power of a complete, consistent and accurate listing that is reflective of the business website. 5. Cross Device Search Consistency is Critical The most important part of those mobile searches is accuracy. If someone cannot find your business in a local search or find inaccurate results while out and about, then your business has lost the chance for that browser

to become a customer. So having those listings correct in all of the device formats is a must as we, and our technology, continue to evolve in the way we interact with local businesses. 6. Lead in Local Search Results Last but certainly not least is the fact that local search results are considered the most trustworthy. In a study by Neustar, it was determined that these searches, such as “used cars Nanaimo”, are what people do the most since they put that trust in local business more than big box, big website stores. Local searches lend themselves to instant gratification and that interaction between browser and salesperson will convert that

browser from someone who might get just the minimum to a loyal customer. Those interactions are what lead people to local searches and the absolute necessity of getting your listings correct. Trust leads to loyalty, which leads to more business, which leads to happy customers and business owners. And it all starts with that correct listing in that customer’s local search. John MacDonald is the Director of Business Development with the Business Examiner News Group. Call him at 604.751.0819, or email BEDigital@businessexaminer.ca.

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OFF THE COVER

DECEMBER 2019

Wheelhouse Brewing Makes Waves by Using Local Ingredients in Experimental Brews WHEELHOUSE BREWING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The three founders have been friends since they arrived in town in the mid2000s, bonding over their love of craft beer and homebrewing. “10 years ago, when the Port was really growing, we noticed that it was challenging to attract professionals into town to accommodate the community’s growth,” says Outhet. “One of our thoughts was that if we opened a craft brewery, we could put Prince Rupert on the map a little bit, and make the community just a little more attractive to those considering a move.” After the initial meeting in 2010, Witzke, Orton, and Outhet continued working in their day jobs, meeting in the evenings to build a business plan. After three years of planning and preparation, Wheelhouse Brewing Co. opened its doors in December, 2013. Their first system was only capable of making 400 L of beer at a time. “It was like a very large homebrewing operation,” remarks Outhet. The partners created a five year plan to eventually expand to a larger 17 hectolitre system (1,700 litres per batch), which they achieved in three years. “As we’ve grown and earned money, we’ve put most of it back into the business, purchasing new machines and items that improve the consistency of our product and efficiency of our processes,” he says. “We’ve felt the support of the community from the very beginning,” Outhet continues. “This town has a very strong

The Taphouse at Wheelhouse Brewing Co. ‘support local’ culture, partially owing to the fact that this community is at the end of the road. We don’t get a lot of people passing through, so we want to stand behind others who open businesses here.”

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Over the past few years, Wheelhouse has been recognized as Business of the Year by Prince Rupert’s Chamber of Commerce for both 2015 and 2018. “Those awards meant a lot to us because they are voted on by the people in our community,” he says. “We do a lot more than just make great beer. We invest in our staff and treat our customers well, and work to give back to our community by supporting local charities and causes.” The brewery has also made a name for itself with its experimental beers, which often prominently feature local ingredients. One of their most popular seasonal brews is their Scurvy Dog Spruce Ale. “Each year, we harvest hundreds of pounds of spruce tips to use in the beer,” says Outhet. “It gives it an almost citrus flavor, and makes for a complex, unique beer.” Outhet had been experimenting with spruce tip beer for years since he had a

small home brewing operation. The concept is centuries old, originating with early explorers like Captain Cook, who took advantage of the vitamin C in spruce tips to help ward off scurvy. “We won two Canadian Brewing Awards for our Smokehouse Porter,” Outhet remarks. “We take the grain and smoke it in a local smokehouse.” Outhet and his team have also experimented with ingredients like yellow cedar, seaweed, huckleberries, and salmon berries. When trying out a new concept, he’ll often work in small batches, using the company’s old 400 L system to test the recipes. As the company moves forward, Wheelhouse plans on continuing to break new ground in craft brewing, creating exciting experiences for locals and beer enthusiasts everywhere. wheelhousebrewing.com

DECEMBER 2019

DISTRICT OF KITIMAT TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF EXPORT FACILITY “Additionally, the District is advocating for greater supports for agencies that aim to train or skill up people to enter the workforce,” says Marsh. “To alleviate issues related to affordability, the District is advocating for additional resources to support vulnerable individuals and families in the community.”

District Creates Strategy to Maximize Community Benefit on LNG Canada Project

ITIMAT - In October 2018, LNG Canada made an announcement that would change the community of Kitimat forever: the final investment decision for the mammoth liquefied natural gas export facility. As the largest energy investment in Canadian history, this project is behind one of the largest economic booms ever seen in Northern BC, bringing 10s of thousands of high paying jobs to the region. For the District of Kitimat, this means that careful planning was necessary years in advance to accommodate the community’s changes. By the time the official announcement was made, the District has already taken extensive measures to plan and prepare. They worked closely with the project’s proponents to minimize the negative impact, especially in regards to housing, while ensuring that the community took full advantage of the project’s positive impact. “The population has increased marginally with an expected tempora ry g row th of 500010,000 workers during construction,” says Josh Marsh, Business and Communications Manager for the District of Kitimat. “The permanent population is anticipated to increase from 8000 (in 2017) to over 10,000 once the project is operational, and dependent on other projects moving ahead.” Marsh gives an example of how the District planned to mitigate the negative impact of the sudden population swell. “One tangible outcome was the planning and construction of three worker accommodation centres that will be able to house 7,500 – 10,000 workers during peak construction,” he says. “The District also increased staff levels to prepare for the project, so that our organization would

JOSH MARSH BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR THE DISTRICT OF KITIMAT

Kitimat’s population will see temporary growth of 5000-10,000 workers during construction, with the permanent population anticipated to increase from 8000 (in 2017) to over 10,000 once the project is operational still be able to deliver high levels of service to the community. Hiring was conducted across all departments including Fire and Ambulance and RCMP protective services.” With the project getting into full swing, the industrial and supply chain sectors are seeing an unprecedented boom as they ramp up production and staff to accommodate the early stages of the project, as well as associated spin-off activity. While these sectors are booming, the District is working to address some key issues arising as an indirect result of the project. “Businesses are busy, however there are challenges related to recruiting and retaining workers, due to the high wages associated with the LNG project and a competitive labour market,” Marsh remarks. “Service industries such as food and beverage, and retail businesses are being hit

A digital rendering of the LNG Canada export facility the hardest by the competitive labour market. “A nother cha l lenge we a re seeing is the cost of living has increased marginally. It is becoming increasingly difficult for financially vulnerable households to find affordable places to live from both a rental and purchasing perspective.” In response, the District has partnered with other stakeholders in efforts to attract workers and families to the community

opportunity is calling

Kitimat will soon have thousands of career opportunities sparked by the construction of Canada’s ﬁrst LNG export facility. We also have thousands of reasons to make our community your new home. Kitimat is a community of about 8,000 people located on the north coast of B.C. The community sits at the head of Douglas Channel next to Kitimat River. Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities and surrounding wilderness provide plenty of opportunity for an active, outdoor, coastal lifestyle.

District of Kitimat - www.kitimat.ca @KitimatDistrict

District of Kitimat Kitimat Leisure Services

to join the local workforce and capitalize on the opportunities afforded by the export facility project. “Additionally, the District is advocating for greater supports for agencies that aim to train or skill up people to enter the workforce,” says Marsh. “To alleviate issues related to affordability, the District is advocating for additional resources to support vulnerable individuals and families in the community.”

According to Marsh, the LNG Canada export facility is only the beginning for the District of Kitimat. “LNG Canada is the first of what we anticipate to be several projects that could proceed in our community,” he says. “Beyond this phase of LNG Canada construction, there is a second phase that would expand the overall construction period by several years and double the production capacity of the facility. “Additionally, Chevron and Woodside are proposing a second major LNG facility in Kitimat, and the Haisla Nation is proposing a small-scale LNG facility in the community. Pacific Traverse Energy is further proposing a propane export facility in Kitimat as well. We anticipate that the workforce and infrastructure galvanized for LNG Canada’s first phase of construction will prove highly valuable for future proponents, which will likely result in many years of construction boom activity in Kitimat.” www.kitimat.ca

District of Kitimat

@DistrictOfKitimat

DECEMBER 2019

CONSTRUCTION Construction Industry Builds A Better BC Industry Remains Strong In Spite Of Residential Slowdown

BC’s thriving construction industry looks to a bright future BY ROBERT MACDONALD

hey’re number one! The construction industry, that is - and according to industry leaders, that’s a good sign for British Columbians. The recently released BC Construction Stat Pack, released by the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) indicates that the industry is once again the number one ranked employer in BC’s goods sector. With $115 Billion in construction currently underway, as well as $206 Billion in proposed construction projects, the industry accounts for 8.6 per cent of the province’s GDP. “There’s a tremendous amount of optimism for the industrial, commercial, institutional construction sector going forward,” says Chris Atchison, BCCA president. “A couple of major projects are getting into full swing up north, especially the Kitimat LNG export facility. “We’re currently employing a l m o s t 10 p e r c e nt of B C’s

“There’s a tremendous amount of optimism for the industrial, commercial, institutional construction sector going forward. A couple of major projects are getting into full swing up north, especially the Kitimat LNG export facility.” CHRIS ATCHISON PRESIDENT OF THE BC CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

Chris Atchison is president of the British Columbia Construction Association workforce, between trade, administrative, estimating, contracting positions, etc. These are high opportunity occupations that give British Columbians and those coming into the province an opportunity to earn more than a living wage. These are skill jobs, and there are lots of them in the province. With impending labour

shortages, people should be considering the occupations that are presenting themselves in this industry.” The province is currently home to over 25,000 construction companies (92 per cent of which have fewer than 20 employees), SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 9

CONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 2019

The Builder’s Code is helping to create a safe, more diverse work environment for incoming industry employees

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

employing approximately 236,000 individuals. Of these, 180,300 are construction trades workers. As mentioned above, the jobs provided in this industry offer substantial compensation, with the current average wage being $61,784. In the coming five-to-ten years, BC’s construction industry is poised to experience some of the strongest growth in Western Canada. By far, the non-residential project with the biggest industry impact is the ongoing liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility. On October 1, 2018 LNG Canada announced that its joint venture participants, Shell, PETRONAS, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation ,and KOGAS, made the final investment decision to build the LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat. A report from the BCCA described the project as “a great milestone” for both the province and the nation. “BC has been given the opportunity of a generation with the announcement of LNG Canada’s project in the Northwest, specifically in Kitimat,” said Atchison in a 2018 interview. “This project has massive implications throughout the entire workforce. The investment decision comes with a tremendous opportunity for the entire province to become elevated. All the industry is excited, and we’re excited.” This is the single largest private sector

investment in the nation’s history at $40 billion. With the announcement in early October, the province’s project value jumped 53 per cent, from $75 billion to $115 billion overnight. With so much growth on the horizon, Atchison and the team at the BCCA are working hard to attract new employees to the industry, addressing the looming labour shortage issues. “Even with so much good news, we’re still facing labour shortages, which are being reported in almost every region of the province,” he says. “Even with the slowdown in the residential market, there’s growth in the industrial/commercial/ institutional sector that needs to be accounted for. The construction industry is one of many industries that is facing challenges due to an aging workforce.” BuildForce Canada’s 2018 annual report included the following summary of BC’s construction industry: “British Columbia’s near-term growth outlook is strong relative to other Western provinces, but much of the available surplus workforce released from Alberta when the oil price fell in 2015 and major project activity declined, has already been absorbed in British Columbia or by other provinces. Relying on the supply of out-of-province workers may become increasingly difficult going forward. Meeting ongoing labour demands will be contingent on the industry’s ability to continue attracting and training workers from outside SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 10

BC’s construction industry employs over 251,000 people in over 24,000 companies

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CONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 2019

The Kitimat LNG export facility is the largest private project in Canadian history and will greatly impact BC’s construction industry

SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 13

“NO BS” POLICY, EXPANSIVE STOCK, MAKE WESTERN GASCO REGIONAL FAVORITES Independent Gas Supply Store Carves Out Niche in Prince George

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RINCE GEORGE - Western Gasco has carved out a unique niche in the Northern BC market. As an independently-owned distributor of welding gases and supplies, the growing store has made a name for itself with its expansive stock and NBS (No ‘BS’) policy, which outlines the company’s commitment to honesty and transparency. “O u r N BS pol icy basica l ly mea ns that we cha rge a fa i r price for a fair product and treat people how we would wish to be treated,” says Prince George Branch Manager Wade Foreman. This policy includes standards that dictate the way Western Gasco treats both customers and employees, and is one of the primary reasons clients keep coming back. “As an independent operation, we have a significant advantage over competitors in our purchasing department,” says Foreman. “Each location does its own purchasing, which means that we can bring in product

Western Gasco’s Prince George location serves companies and communities all over Northern BC quicker and react to customers’ needs faster.” According to Foreman, the store’s inventory is its biggest asset. “Our fill rates on orders are usually close to 95 per cent,” he remarks. “We carry a lot more inventory than most stores, and we work to meet the needs of new customers. If a new client comes in, we find out what they need and make sure to stock enough for their regular usage.” Western Gasco was founded in 2003, opening its first store in the Lower Mainland. After opening a second Abbotsford location a few years later, the Prince George store launched in 2013. A few years ago, the company opened its fourth store in Kelowna.

In addition to the four main locations, Western Gasco operates seven depots (in Burns Lake, Castlegar, Houston, Quesnel, Smithers, Vanderhoof, and Williams Lake), which house gas supply centres connected to the company’s distribution network. The Prince George location houses seven employees, and runs a fleet of five vehicles, allowing them to deliver cylinders to clients and depots across the entirety of Northern BC with a short turnaround. Western Gasco would like to thank everyone who has supported them over the last six ye a rs a nd lo ok s for wa rd to meeting many new faces in the future. To find out more, visit www. westerngasco.com

CONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 2019

The Builders Code – Building a Construction Industry that Works for Everyone BY LISA STEVENS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, BC CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

ur vision at the BC Construction Association is to ensure British Columbia is home to a world-class construction sector that demonstrates exceptional productivity and resilience. This vision will be realized only if our worksites support all skilled tradespeople to perform to the best of their ability, free from the stress and distraction caused by hazing, bullying and harassment. To help ensure a safe and productive worksite, the BCCA has partnered with key construction industry leaders and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training, to introduce the Builders Code. The Builders Code sets a standard code of conduct for all construction work sites in BC and defines an “Acceptable Worksite” as one where safety protocols recognize behavioral as well as physical threats, ensuring a productive environment for all workers.

“It’s so important for all our communities that we not only attract new workers to the construction industry but do everything in our power to keep them. Already over 100 employers have become official signatories to the Builders Code – they are establishing themselves as leaders when it comes to work culture and have an advantage in hiring and retaining skilled workers.” LISA STEVENS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, BC CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

Lisa Stevens, Chief Strategy Officer, BC Construction Association When an employee wakes up in the morning and looks ahead to their day at work, they deserve to have a feeling of security, to

BROCK WHITE HELPS BUILD NORTHERN BC COMMUNITIES Prince George Store Behind Many Major Projects Throughout Region

R I NCE GEORGE - I f something is being built in Northern BC, Brock White is probably involved. The one-stop, professionalgrade construction materials store is the supplier of choice for countless Prince George tradesmen, contractors, and weekend project warriors. The 20,000 square foot facility contains a massive inventory of construction supplies for everything from ground to roof. “ W hen cu stomers ca l l u s, they immediately get the sense that they’ve contacted the right people,” says Brad Pugle, Brock White’s Prince George Branch Manager. “Our staff has an incredibly deep knowledge of the products, so when clients ask questions, we can usually respond without hesitation.” Brock White was founded by Wayne Brock and George White in 1954 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It has since expanded across North America, starting its first Canadian store around 25 years ago.

“Clients love the deep knowledge the Brock White Team brings to the table and our large inventory of construction products. We have an excellent showroom, and customers rarely have to wait for stock to come in, because we often have the product they’re looking for on-hand.”

know they will be treated fairly and with respect on the jobsite. The construction sector in BC is booming, with the number

and scale of projects contributing to a projected labour shortage of 7,900 by the year 2028. It’s so important for all our communities that we not only attract new workers to the construction industry but do everything in our power to keep them. Already over 100 employers have become official signatories to the Builders Code – they are establishing themselves as leaders when it comes to work culture and have an advantage in hiring and retaining skilled workers. I have had the opportunity to talk to construction company owners and employees across BC and it’s clear our industry is evolving rapidly. W hether you are a tradesperson or an employer in our industry, please visit www. builderscode.ca and learn about the benefits of participating in the Builders Code. Join the hundreds of other businesses partnering to build a construction industry that works for everyone. By strengthening our industry, we strengthen our province, economy, and all British Columbians.

Build with the best.

BRAD PUGLE PRINCE GEORGE BRANCH MANAGER AT BROCK WHITE

Today, they operate 14 stores across Western Canada, including seven in BC. Thanks to its well-organized supply chain, clients can quickly get their hands on specially ordered products, if they aren’t already on the shelf. “Clients love the deep knowledge the Brock W hite Team brings to the table and our large inventory of construction products,” says Pugle, who has been working in the industry for 42 years. “We have an excellent showroom, and customers rarely have to wait for stock to come in, because we often have the product they’re looking for on-hand.” T hou g h lo c ate d i n P r i nc e George, the store has a broad reach, serving businesses all over Northern BC. “We have clients from Prince Rupert, all the way up to the Yukon, down to 100 Mile House,

and stretching to the Alberta border,” says Pugle. These clients include residential, commercial, and industrial contractors. Recently, the store has been selling a large number of pulp mill work and rehab products. In Prince George, Brock White products have been used in most of the community’s major projects, including the Casino expansion, the multi-family project near City Hall, and a new hotel. The store and staff have deep ro ot s i n t he P r i nc e G e orge community, and Pugle and the teamwork to give back to their community. Brock White is a member of local construction associations, and donates to local charities, focussing on supporting the charity initiatives of their clientele. To f i nd out more, v i sit ca.brockwhite.com

Brock White Prince George | 1706 Ogilvie Street | 250-564-1288

www.BrockWhite.ca

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Together we’re building a construction industry that works for everyone.

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CONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 2019

With an aging workforce, organizations like the BCCA are working hard to address the upcoming labour shortage

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

construction or from outside the province as many of the province’s major projects reach peak demand requirements. “ Thanks to initiatives by various local and provincial organizations (including the provincial government and the BCCA), labour statistics are starting to trend in the right direction. “Among teens, it used to be that one in 95 were choosing to come into the construction trades in their first year out of high school,” says Atchison. “Now, through tremendous effort and awareness campaigns, we’re down to one in 40. We’re moving the needle in the right direction here.” Closely tied to the labour shortage is the high cost of housing, which is affecting residents of almost every BC community, especially those living in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. “Housing affordability throughout BC is a challenge, and is a significant deterrent for many who are looking to own homes not only in the Lower Mainland, but also in the Greater Victoria Area, part of the Okanagan, and even up North, when the economy starts to boom,” he says. “We applaud the provincial government for their investment in low income and affordable housing, but there’s something missing, and that’s what we’re attempting to bridge.” A recently-announced mortgage investment corporation (MIC) launched by the BCCA aims to make securing a mortgage easier for BC’s skilled tradespeople, medical care providers, educators, and emergency responders, while at the same time provide the growing impact investment market with a tax-free vehicle that supports housing affordability. A BCCA press release states, “Despite their in-demand skills, steady employment and higher than average wages, thousands of essential workers in BC cannot afford to own a family home near their workplace. Often, they must either commute long distances to work, live in unreliable rental housing, or move elsewhere. This can leave employers with reduced access to skilled labour, create instability in families, and deprive communities of

vital professional services.” “Our goal is to create a social impact investment vehicle that offers value for investors while also helping tradespeople and other professionals to establish roots in BC communities,” Lisa Stevens, the BCCA’s Chief Strategy Officer, stated in the press release. “Guiding our approach is the belief that these highly skilled and hard-working earners should be able to afford housing, and organizations that employ and represent them are willing to invest in a financial vehicle that helps them succeed.” One of the most promising strategies in addressing the labour shortage is the effort to increase diversity in the workforce. For example, many industry professionals are campaigning to create more inclusive workplaces to accommodate for a growing number of female tradespeople. Information compiled by the federal government suggests that women comprise approximately 54 per cent of the nation’s workforce, but represent less than 10 per cent of Canadian construction industry employees – a statistic that may actually inflate a more disheartening percentage. “I believe the statistics include women who work in the office and in administrative capacities in those numbers, and essentially lump all ticketed trades not just construction trades under the overall umbrella of construction. This would include persons such as hairdressers, which are certainly not part of construction,” explained Katy Fairley, a Director with the Canadian Construction Association (CAA). “If we were to drill down into those numbers, and from what I know through personal experience, the actual percentage of women directly working in the industry in an active role would likely be closer to five to seven per cent, so obviously there’s lots of room for improvement.” In its recently released National Summary covering the years 2018 to 2027, BuildForce projected that the present skilled labour shortage that is impacting companies across the nation will continue to worsen. In the su m ma ry of the Bu i ld Force SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 14

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CONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 2019

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

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Ca nada report, Bill Ferreira, the group’s Executive Director said the industry has to take steps to head off a potential labour crisis. “This decade, Canada needs as many as 277,000 c o n s t r u c t i o n w o rk e r s to meet labour demands and counter rising retirements,” he said. “With these challenges in mind, the industry will need to step up recruitment efforts and do all it can to encourage far more new Canadians, women, and Indigenous people to join Ca nada’s constr uction workforce.” For Fairley, while progress has been made, the present small percentage of female involvement is an obvious sign that there’s still plenty of room for improvement. “T here’s no escapi ng t he fact t h at t he older segment of our industry i s l e a v i n g w h i c h c r eates a real potential for women,” she concludes. We’re now acutely feeling what a labou r shortage does to construction and it’s not a problem you’re goi ng to fi x by look i ng at only 50 per cent of the population, you simply have to put it on the table for the other 50 per cent as well, make it an option and women w ill recognize it and take it.” T h i s y e a r, o n I n t e rnational Women’s Day, the provincial government issued a statement along with industry partners including the BCCA, Industry Training Authority, WorkSafeBC and LNG Canada. T h i s s t a t e m e n t a nnounced a new initiative called the Builder’s Code, which “aims to retain more women in the construction trades by creating a supportive, inclusive work environment that works for everyone.” One of the initiative’s primary goals is to have women ma ke up 10 per cent of BC’s construction trades by the year 2028. This would make BC the first province in Canada to accomplish such a goal. This code would include a voluntary standard code of conduct for all workers on construction sites in the province. It would also expand the definition of construction safety beyond physical standards to include stress or distraction caused by discrimination, bullying, hazing, or harassment. “All British Columbians

WorkSafeBC and the Council of Construction Associations area always working to ensure construction workers are as safe as possible

“We’re changing the conversation. Employers are signing up, getting training, new policies, HR support – anything they need so we can ensure that anyone coming into the labour force can be in a safe, sustainable work environment. We don’t want to lose even one employee due to workplace harrassment, hazing, discrimination, or bullying, and this initiative is a great way to create a better environment for the next generation of construction workers.” CHRIS ATCHISON PRESIDENT OF THE BC CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

deserve the opportunity to share in the benefits of our thriving economy,” said Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender E q u i t y. “ W i t h a c o nstruction industry that’s booming and thousands of tradespeople needed, the Province is proud to support BC’s construction employers in making sure everyone on a jobsite knows what’s expected and can work safely and productively.” Atchison is pleased with the industry’s response to the builder’s code. “We have found more than 100 employer champion s, a nd a re gett i ng attention from other provinces, and even south of the border,” he says. “People

are watching what we’re doing, and this effort is making a difference. “ We’re ch a n g i n g t he conversation. Employers are signing up, getting training, new policies, HR support - anything they need so we ca n ensu re that anyone coming into the labour force can be in a safe, sustainable work environment. “We don’t want to lose even one employee due to workplace harrassment, hazing, discrimination, or bullying, and this initiative is a great way to create a better environment for the next generation of construction workers.” To find out more, visit www.builderscode.ca and www.bccassn.com

CONSTRUCTION

DECEMBER 2019

Employers Celebrated For Supporting Workplace Diversity

R I NCE GEORGE – Nine months after unveiling the resources to help the industrial, commercial, and institutional construction sector set a standard code of conduct on worksites in BC, the Builders Code has honoured six companies for their leadership at the inaugural Builders Code Champion Awards. Hosted by the BCCA and Minerva BC at the Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria recently, the awards recognized companies with advanced policies and practices that seek to ensure all employees can reach their full potential in the skilled trades. “T hank you to the BC Construction Association, Minerva BC and all of your partners for the work you are doing to recruit and advance more women in trades,” said Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “Your commitment to safe and inclusive workplaces contributes to a more accessible sector for everyone. Initiatives like the Builders Code are a rallying point to get more people involved in the trades, helping our province continue to grow

while embracing diversity.” The award categories and winners included: Recruiting & Hiring Champion: RAM Consulting Ltd. (Vancouver); Workplace Culture Champion: Scott Construction Group (Vancouver) and Kinetic Construction (Victoria); Community Champion: Westcana Electric (Prince George); Initiate of the Year: Durwest Construction Management (Victoria); and Contractor of the Year: Westcana Electric (Prince George) and Chinook Scaffold Systems (Nanaimo) “On behalf of everyone at BCCA, Minerva BC and all our Builders Code partners, I want to thank our winners for their support of the Builders Code and congratulate them for creating and maintaining outstanding workplaces that support the safety and protection of all employees,” said Chris Atchison, President, BCCA. “As an industry facing a serious labour shortage, the retention of tradespeople, and especially tradeswomen, in our sector is critical. By demonstrating their commitment to their workforce, To be recog n ized as a

Builders Code Champion, individuals and organizations must have demonstrated their commitment, leadersh ip, a nd act ion towards advancing and retaining women in their company and achieving the provincial goal of 10 per cent tradeswomen by 2028. Nomination applications were accepted from May to November 1, 2019, with winners selected by a Judging Panel comprised of Minerva BC, the BCCA and the Builders Code Governance Committee. “As partners of the Builders Code, we’re pleased to apply our experience measuring and reporting on women’s representation in BC’s workplaces to the construction sector,” said Tina Strehlke, CEO, Minerva BC. “Benchmarking where the construction sector is now will help us identify where progress is happening in the sector and where there is room for improvement. By sharing their information with us, our inaugural participants have demonstrated an important commitment to advancing and retaining tradeswomen.”

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BURNS LAKE Nations, a cannabis production facility in Burns Lake is scheduled to open its doors in 2020. Nations is an indigenouscrontrolled company based in the Burns Lake community.

DAWSON CREEK

two-bedroom apartments and 15 threebedroom apartments. Five units are wheelchair accessible. Blake Parker has been recognized with BC’s Outstanding Officer of the Year Award for 2018. Parker is the acting sergeant responsible for the BC Conservation Officer Service’s North Peace zone. He is the award’s 27th recipient.

Former Northern Lights College (NLC) president Jim Kassen died at the age of 74. Kassen retired from the post in 2005, and in 2007, NLC opened the Jim Kassen Industry Training Centre in his honour at the Fort St. John Campus.

Fort St. John’s new reclaimed water truck fill station is now complete. The $7 million facility reclaims treated sewage water for industrial use. The project was supported by $5 million in gas tax funding from the federal government.

The City of Dawson Creek announced the nominees for the community awards. In the Entrepreneur of the Year category, nominees include Margriet Abbey of Abbey Law Corporation and Carina Wingerak of World Financial Group - Dawson Creek. Business of the year nominees include Charmed Beauty Salon, Corlanes Sporting Goods, DC Recycling, Faking Sanity, Peace Country Toyota, RBC - Dawson Creek, SL Enterprises, Tiger Office Plus, and Tower Therapies. Inclusive Workplace of the Year nominees include Faking Sanity and Fitness 4 Life. Other categories include Youth of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Awards will be presented on December 16 at the year’s final council meeting.

The Fort St. John Co-op announced plans to break ground at its new development on 100 Street this spring. Estimates say that the build will take between eight and ten months, with an opening planned for the end of 2020 or early 2021.

Dawson Creek Veterinary Clinic welcomes Dr. Samantha Deamel and Dr. Carmen Schneider to their team.

HARTLEY BAY

FORT ST. JOHN The Fort St. John & District Chamber of commerce announced their new board. Among them are Brenna Burns (new), Judy Desjarlais (new), Justin Jones (new), Justin McKinnon (2nd Term), and Julie Roach Burns (2nd Term). Returning directors included Nelson Stowe, Russ Beerling, Jesse Braun, Paula Felix, Amy Forsythe, Chuck Fowler, Christopher Flury (Past President), Miranda Flury (Appointed Director), and Julie Ziebart. After three decades in the fire service, Fort St. John Fire Chief Fred Burrows retired, as of November 30. Burrows has been working at the city since May 2003, when he joined as deputy fire chief. He was promoted to fire chief two years later, and has overseen the department’s growth, rising from 12 career firefighters to 27 firefighters and three chief officers. BC Hydro and BC Housing celebrated the opening of a new 50-unit affordable housing apartment complex in Fort St. John. The complex was built in conjunction with the Site C dam project. The project was built by Western Canadian Property Group and designed by Low Hammond Row Architects. It features 35

The Alaska Highway News released its People’s Choice 2019 publication. Among the winners are Brad’s Furniture (Appliance Store), Murray GM (New Car/ Truck Dealership), Butler Farm Equipment (Farm Equipment Dealer), Inland Kenworth (Heavy Truck Dealership), Carters Jewellers (Jewellery), North River Midstream (Oilfield Company), and HB Health & Body Wellness and Spa (Spa).

The Gitga’at First Nation and LNG Canada announced the upcoming construction of a new Marine Emergency Response and Research Facility in Hartley Bay. The project will be built and operated by the Gitga’at First Nation and will consist of a shore-based structure, a research vessel, and communications equipment. It will be staffed by trained Gitga’at employees.

KITIMAT Companies behind the Kitimat LNG project have acquired a 40-year export license from the Canada Energy Regular (CER), which took over from the National Energy Board. This doubles the 20 year agreement that was originally approved. The Charge North Electric Vehicle Network Study Advisory Committee chose Electoral Area A director Eric Nyce to represent the Regional District of Kitimat-Skitine.

PRINCE GEORGE According to a recent announcement from the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, Kevin Gemmell will be the new general manager for CKPG Television, 99.3 The SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS | PAGE 17

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2019

MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Drive, 101.3 The River and CKPGToday.ca effective January 1, 2020. Gemmell will replace current GM Mike Clotildes who is semi-retiring at the end of December. In addition to his extensive career in broadcasting, Gemmell is past president of the BC Association of Broadcasters and the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, and a former board member of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack. Century-old Northern Hardware is closing its doors, affecting roughly 30 employees. The store has been operating in the city since it opened in 1919. It will begin liquidating stock at the beginning of 2020. Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store is closing its doors effective February 19. The store, located in Pine Centre Mall, is among 34 under-performing stores (including six Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 16 Ronas, and two Rona-Depots) being closed by Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Canada. Air North, Yukonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Airline announced the addition of Prince George to its route network. The new route is serviced by a Boeing 737 aircraft, which will depart from the Vancouver Airport South Terminal. The route includes stops in Nanaimo, Kelowna, Prince George, and Watson Lake before arriving in Whitehorse, Yukon. The aircraft will then operate the same route in reverse, transporting southbound passengers. New Car Dealersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Foundation of BC (NCDFBC) and Prince George Car Dealership Association (PGCDA) launched three new awards at the College of New Caledonia (CNC). These awards, totalling $10,000 annually, will assist students in entering a career in the automotive industry, providing three scholarships and a bursary for students registered in the Auto Service Technician Foundation-Level program. The PGCDA and NCDFBC have also created a scholarship for students registered in the Business Management or Accounting and Finance programs. The Prince George Chamber of Commerce announced the winners for the 2019 Business Excellence awards at their annual gala event. They include: Birch and Boar Charcuterie and Provisions (Business of the Year), Sonica Kandola (Business Person of the Year), Erin Stagg Fine Art (Top Indigenous Owned Business), Cariboo Rocks the North (Top Marketing Campaign), Pacific Western Brewing (Environmental Leadership), Trench Brewing and Distilling (Excellence in Food & Beverage), Salmon Valley Campground (Excellence in Hospitality), Prince George Hospice Society (Top NonProfit or Charity), 4 Paws Pure (Micro Business of the Year), The Exploration Place (Top Workplace Culture), CrossRoads Brewing Street Festival Series (Remarkable Visitor Experience), and Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All About Coffee & Food (Service Excellence Award).

Westcana Electric Inc. was the winner of two 2019 Builders Code Champion Awards (BCCA), which they received at an event in Victoria. The company took home both the Contractor of the Year and the Community Champion Awards. The province-wide event recognizing businesses working in the industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector.

PRINCE RUPERT Loaded Sports (located at 518 3rd Ave West) and Rock + Soul (located at 532 3rd Ave West) are closing their doors. Gift certificates must be used by Dec 31, 2019. A new FIELDS location held its grand opening celebration on December 5th. The store is opening in the former Co-op location in Skidegate and will feature a similar assortment to its Masset store, as well as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shop online pick up in storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; order desk. In a recent election, Garry Reece Sr. replaced former Lax Kwâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;alaams mayor John Helin, winning 291 out of a total 949 votes. This will be Reece Sr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth term as band mayor, as he served for 16 years before Helin was elected in 2015. Clarity Cannabis, Prince Rupertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever cannabis store, has opened its doors at 528 3rd Avenue West. Coast Mountain College was recognized for their indigenization efforts when representatives were invited to the 2019 Indigenous Education Symposium in early November. On November 5, executive director of indigenization Bridie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Indigenous relations and executive advisor to the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office Ali McDougall, professor Sheree Ronaasen, and Skaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yan (Anita Davis), a Gitxsan hereditary chief, made presentations at the event. An economic impact report from the Prince Rupert Port Authority showed that the Port of Prince Rupert has created another 500 new jobs in the last two years, totalling $481 million in annual wages. Cedar Village Seniors Housing opened at 700 Green Street, providing 32 more affordable housing units to local elders. The housing complex was built by the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) and the Cedar Village Housing Society. CityWest and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 213 announced plans to consolidate three unions into a single operation. This announcement affects 60 members in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, and Smithers, and expires in June 2024. Prince Rupert resident Samantha Wiley was a recipient of the Premierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award, presented by the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC) and the Province of British Columbia.

Incubator. First announced at the end of July, the new food hub will receive $500,000 from the Ministry of Agriculture toward its development. Quarry will be joined by Diandra Oliver of Small Town Love Media Inc. Award-winning Barkerville Brewing Co. is transitioning to compostable beer rings after a successful trial run. Barkerville Historic Town and Park and Cariboo Pulp and Paper are among the recipients of a recent round of project grants from the provincial government. The grants total $27 million in funding for a variety of projects throughout the province, provided by the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) in partnership with the provincial and federal governments. The Quesnel School District board of education chose David Chapman as its new chairperson. Chapman will be joined by new vice-chairperson Tony Goulet.

SMITHERS Brothers Ed and Jerry Pete, known throughout the Bulkley Valley for their snow removal and firewood sales services, announced the opening of Ed & Jerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Traffic Control. The business will provide crews for traffic control, snow removal, and road maintenance. Former Smithers hotel owner Al McReary has been reelected to the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE). McReary, who once co-owned the Hudson Bay

Lodge, will serve for another two years. He was a member of ABLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founding board, which formed in 2004. The Smithers District Chamber of Commerce held their annual Community and Business Awards Gala on November 16. Winners include Bulkley Valley Credit Union (Business of the Year), Rustica Wood Fired Bakery (Home-based Business of the Year), Bulkley Valley Bright Beginnings (Family Friendly Business of the Year), Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pantry (Environmental Business of the Year), Mark deHoog (Citizen/Volunteer of the Year), Smithers Fire Rescue (Public Service Excellence), Smithers Brewing Company (Tourism Excellence), Duane de Vries of Bulkley Valley Credit Union (Customer Service Excellence for an Individual), and Bulkley Valley Wholesale (Customer Service Excellence for a Business).

TERRACE Top Speed Energy (TSE), a Chinese distributor of liquefied natural gas, has tabled a proposal to build a new processing facility next to the Northwest Regional Airport. The proposed project, called Skeena LNG, would be located within the Skeena Industrial Development Park (SIDP), just west of Kitselas Development Corporation land. The Terrace Area Office for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) welcomes Heather Corkum. Corkum recently moved to the community from Halifax. SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS | PAGE 19

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DECEMBER 2019 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Prince George Office 2871 Wildwood Cres Prince George, BC V2K3J4 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER | Lise MacDonald EDITOR | Robert MacDonald SALES | john@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Beth Hendry-Yim, Robert MacDonald, Kristin van Vloten, Val Lennox

WHAT DO ANTI-RESOURCE GOVERNMENT POLICIES MEAN FOR OUR ECONOMY?

MARK MACDONALD

nve s t m ent go e s where it’s welcome. Is investment, particularly in the resource sector, welcome in Canada, or more specifically, British Columbia? Despite rhetoric to the contrary, the oil and gas industry has made some serious, significant moves out of the country since Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government was elected last month. Encana’s announcement right after the election that it is moving its headquarters and investment arm to the United States has sent shockwaves throughout Calgary, Alberta and Canada. Kinder Morgan divested itself of its Canadian portfolio by selling the last of its assets last summer. In August, the Financial Post reported that other companies, like ConocoPhillips, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Marathon Oil Corp. have also left, frustrated, and the cumulative total of departed funding is in excess of $30 billion

U.S. That was before Encana. And Alberta is still waiting for consistent supportive messaging from Ottawa for the Trans Mountain Pipeline – and of course, its completion. If the pipeline doesn’t get built, and economical alternative ways not found to get their resources to port, then expect the noise for Alberta to separate rise more than a few decibels. The province has already experienced one Trudeau squash it’s economy with an iron fist. Many believe this Trudeau has come to finish off the hit job his father started with his devastating, recession-creating National Energy Program. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has some bargaining chips to play in the battle with Ottawa. Regarding the thought of separation, he could dangle that as Quebec has successfully done for decades to extract/ negotiate a plan that makes sense for his province. That plan is a pipeline. Any pipeline. Perhaps even the most recent one mentioned, with its terminus on Hudson’s Bay, in Manitoba, therefore bypassing Quebec’s opposition. And if Alberta doesn’t get an alternative outlet, what choice do they have other than to separate from Canada? Why do Trudeaus seem to hold so much disdain for the west? Is it solely summarized by the fact Upper Canada doesn’t need to win seats in

the west to retain power? And that his political power is threatened by power-generating petroleum? Perhaps Trudeau really believes today’s Canada doesn’t need the oil and gas industry at all. That is certainly not the case now, and only might be in the future if economical, reliable and sustainable green energy sources can be identified and solidified. But is that even possible? With all the push for electric vehicles, there seems to be a subtle assumption that electricity is either free, or we can simply snap our fingers and more electricity is created. Electricity is certainly not free, and it would be shocking if electric bills for vehicles don’t end up being comparable to BC Hydro home rates. While leading Exxon Mobil Corp., Rex Tillerson undertook an analysis of global fuel consumption projections for the next 30 years. The resulting 1,000 page report looked at supply, demand, geopolitical and technological aspects of the industry. One of the things it revealed was that the world will need EVERY available energy source over the next 30 years. It’s not a question of one form of energy replacing another – they’re all needed. With that in mind, there is strong demand for energy that will be sustained for decades to come, and Canada, with its vast resources, is perfectly positioned to provide it.

While doing so, Canada’s economy would surge. What green economic “thinkers” fail to recognize is that when THE major industry – and tax generator – in the country is hammered, it affects many, many other businesses. How? Many other businesses supply goods and services to resource extracting companies, and employ workers as they do so. The resource industry itself pays its employees well, with disposable incomes to buy vehicles and homes and food and holidays and clothing. . . Hurt the resource companies, and a lot of other people and sectors get hurt, too. Here in BC, with the NDP acquiescing to the Greens to not so subtly choke off the forest industry, the subsequent mill closures and layoffs are frightening mill dependent towns. But does the NDP back up and re-examine their ham-fisted policies? No. It simply “robs Peter to pay Paul”, taking monies that had been earmarked for community development and plug it into a “forestry fund” that doesn’t help the industry, only displaced workers. That funding is for re-training; in other words, it’s not to create longterm sustainable jobs in that sector – it’s to prepare them for other jobs in other industries. It’s a not-so-subtle way of saying their future in forestry is gone, so get ready for something

else. Except many forest workers don’t want welfare, and don’t want to be retrained for other occupations at lower rates. They want their own jobs back, the ones they’re trained for that pay them well. What, then, is the “green” recipe for the economy? Judging only by actions – words don’t count at this stage – it’s a presumptive economy built on industries that may or may not produce the power we need to operate our current civilization. It includes no resource industry encouragement, hopefully choking it off until consumers are forced to use other energy, like electricity. Oh, and electricity is generated most cheaply through structures like the Site C Dam they vehemently opposed. Here’s the fact: Canada’s economy is intricately aligned with resource industries. Might that change in the future? Perhaps, but that is only a guess or wish. Also, when “green” minded governments state they intend to phase out the industry, that shows more investment is risky, and it goes elsewhere – like Encana, Enbridge. . . Canada needs resource-linked revenue to fill its tax coffers now and in the foreseeable future. Removing that money faster than other job creating power sources are found means certain economic catastrophe for the entire country.

SLUGGISH INVESTMENT THREATENS CANADA’S PROSPERITY

BUSINESS COUNCIL OF BC JOCK FINLAYSON

he recent federal election campaign saw much discussion about climate change, energy policy, housing, the social safety net, and the well-being of the never-defined “middle class.” One subject that was ignored by both the media and those seeking office was productivity.

That’s unfortunate and somewhat puzzling. After all, in the long term the only way to raise living standards and incomes for Canadians is by building a more productive economy. Yet it seems that most of the

country’s political class would prefer to talk about almost anything else. Even as the election unfolded, there was fresh evidence that Canada is struggling to remain in the top tier among the advanced economies. The World Economic Forum’s latest global competitiveness report finds that Canada has fallen two notches since 2018 and now sits in 14th place overall. Since 2017, we’ve dropped four spots among the 140 countries tracked by the forum. Canada continues to trail the U.S. and other leading economies in several key areas that affect competitiveness, including the burden of taxation, the state of innovation, the regulatory environment for business, the speed at which new technologies are diffused across the economy and – relative to the U.S. – aggregate market size. Perhaps the greatest threat to Canada’s future living standards is the weakness of business investment. The C.D. Howe

Institute periodically benchmarks business investment in Canada relative to other affluent jurisdictions by determining how much companies spend every year on various types of capital, measured on a per employee basis. Investment in housing is excluded, since this form of capital spending does nothing to lift productivity or spur innovation. For Canadian policy-makers, the assessment is not at all comforting. Capital investment boosts the economy in two ways: first, when businesses undertake the investment; and second, as companies and their employees become more productive by being able to work with more and better equipment, machinery, advanced technology products, factories and buildings, engineering infrastructure, and intellectual property. Looking at the data for Canada and other industrial countries, the C.D. Howe Institute researchers estimate that Canadian businesses collectively are investing about $15,000 per worker per year. The average amount for

all of the industrial economies is $21,000 per worker. In the U.S., businesses are investing the equivalent of $26,000 per worker annually in machinery, equipment, buildings and other things that help to raise productivity. Canada has lost ground compared to most other advanced economies since 2015. Business Investment Per Employee, 2015 and 2019 (Canadian dollars) 2015 2019 Canada $14,300 $15,000 United States $21,900 $26,000 Average for all advanced economies $18,200 $21,000 Comparing Canada and the U.S., for every dollar that American companies allocate to expand and improve the private sector’s stock of productive capital, Canadian businesses spend just 57 cents. If it persists, over time this investment gap will show up in the form of slower growth in real wages for Canadian workers visà-vis their U.S. counterparts, lost global market share for Canadian

industries, proportionately fewer large Canadian-based companies, and a lower overall standard of living in Canada relative to jurisdictions that are more successful in attracting investment. What explains Canada’s decidedly mediocre performance? Referring back to the World Economic Forum’s report, energy infrastructure bottlenecks, an outdated tax system, an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment for business, and Canada’s fragmented internal market are among the factors inhibiting investment and slowing capital formation. If the members of Parliament elected on Oct. 21 want to see a more prosperous Canada, they should turn their attention to these issues and leave behind the sound bites and often simplistic narratives that dominated the recent campaign. Jock Finlayson is executive vicepresident of the Business Council of British Columbia.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2019

AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Chuck’s Auto Supply won Business of the Year for 2019

WILLIAMS LAKE CHAMBER MARK DORATTI

he 2 4th A nnual B u s i n e s s E x c e llence Awards were very wel l attended a nd enjoyed by all. T he evening was catered by Carmen’s Catering and entertainment by ‘Roy Orbison’ and ‘Elvis Presley’. There were 66 nominations in eight different categories. Congratulations to all nominees. A nd the winners were: Greatest Improvement Award – Adventure

MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

T h e Te r r a c e R o t a r y club began work on a new $75,000 gazebo and walkway project in McConnell Estates. Two Terrace RCMP members (one of whom recently transferred out) recieved award for their exceptional efforts. In the last few weeks of November. Cpl. Douglas MacFarland and Cst. Angela Rabut received awards for their work.

WILLIAMS LAKE Williams Lake is now home to the Cariboo region’s first governmentrun cannabis store. BC Cannabis Store opened on Wednesday, November 27

Games Inc.; Tourism Excellence Award – Stampede Street Party; Not for Profit Award – Williams Lake Seniors Activity Centre; Production & Manufacturing Excellence Award – Still North Design; Retail Excellence Award – Jak’s Beer Wine & Spirits; Service Excellence Award – Poppy Home; Newsmaker of the Year Award – Williams Lake Indian Band; Hugo Sta h l Me m o r ia l Awa rd – Sunny Dyck and Business of the Year for 2019 – Chuck’s Auto Supply. at #130-850 Oliver Street in the Boitano Mall shopping complex. It is now the ninth government-run store in the province, joining Kamloops, Campbell River, Cranbrook, Courtenay, Port Alberni, Terrace and Powell River. Atlantic Power Corporation has executed a new ten-year Energy Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro for the Williams Lake biomass plant. The new EPA was effective October 1, 2019. The plant had been operating under a short-term EPA since April 2, 2018, which expired on September 30, 2019. Family owned Delainey’s Lock and Key has been in operation for more than 30 years. Services include automotive locks and ignition cylinders as well as program keys for vehicles.

The 24th annual Business Excellence Awards was well attended ■■■ On November 28th we had some changes to our Board. We welcomed 5 new directors with changes to the executive as well. The new board is as follows: President - Vanessa Riplinger, 1st Vice President - Ray Sanders, 2nd V ic e P re s id ent - Dave Walgren and Past President - Charlene Harrison. New Directors are Amy T hacker, Sandi Jessee, Philippa Mahon, Aaron Manella, MJ Vincent and returning directors, Roger Solly, Nancy Dron, Kirby Fofonoff, Kathy McLean, Brad O’Neill, John Sam and Paul French. This strong team looks forward to a busy and fruitful 2020 and making a difference in our community. Mark Doratti is Executive Director of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at 250-392-5025 They are located at 271 Oliver Street. Lake City Glass has been sold to Allan Fox of Glacier Glass. Lake City owner, Chester Mortensen had operated the business with his late wife, Sheila, for almost 50 years. This will be Lake City Glass’ fourth location, adding to Prince George, Grand Prairie and Dawson Creek. The first solar farm 100 per cent owned and operated by the Yunesit’in First Nation is one of the largest operational solar farms in the province according to Chief Russell Myers Ross. The farm is comprised of 3,456 solar modules that will produce power to be sold to BC Hydro that will generate revenue for the community. It is projected to produce enough power for between 130 to 150 homes.

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