Business Examiner Victoria - December 2020

www.BusinessExaminer.ca

December 2020

Serenity Homecare Ltd. owners Murray and Kathy Tough

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By the time you’re reading this you’re likely on Zoom Christmas party number three, with virtual Santa planning his COVID-safe gift delivery plan.

Hopefully, like us you’ve made it through the final heavy push of 2020 and are in recovery and planning mode.

While you’re resting up and spending (remote) time with family, we’ve got some great stories to tell.

This month’s lead article is on Serenity Home Care, an amazing family business in Victoria.

We’re also covering the Island’s construction sector, with a deep dive into the industry that’s largely kept our economy moving forward.

To help you stay informed and better manage your business, we also have Chamber of Commerce reports from across the Greater Victora area, CITIFIED’s monthly update, financial advice from Coastal Community Credit Union, Who Is Suing Whom, Movers and Shakers, and much more.

John MacDonald, Director, Business Development

Contact Us 25 Cavan Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 +1 866-758-2684 info@businessexaminer.ca www.BusinessExaminer.ca Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday: Closed Editor: Lise MacDonald (lise@businessexaminer.ca) Press Releases & Story Ideas: (media@businessexaminer.ca) Sales: John MacDonald (john@businessexaminer.ca)

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8 NEWS UPDATE

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WEST SHORE

SAANICH PENINSULA

GREATER VICTORIA

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CITIFIED

16 SERENITY HOMECARE TRANSFORMS LIVES

18 MAZZEI ELECTRIC CONTINUES GROWING LEGACY IN BC

22 WHO IS SUING WHOM

32 EDEN PROJECTS CREATES STRIKING OUTDOOR SPACES

24 CONSTRUCTION SECTOR HOLDS ITS OWN DURING 202 PANDEMIC

36 34 SCANPLUS LOCATING LEADS WAY IN GROUND PENETRAING RADAR

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UA LOCAL 324 MONITORS SAFE CLEAN-UP SITES FOR WORKERS

42 KAERCHER PROJECTS & CONSTRUCTION THRIVE ON CHALLENGE

SASCO CONTRACTORS ARE LEADERS IN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION

44 OPINION

47 MOVERS AND SHAKERS

46 FREEDOM FINANCIAL

NEWS UPDATE

Inez Louden, FRI Associate Broker 250-812-7710 inezlouden@telus.net Pemberton Holmes – Sidney 107 – 2360 Beacon Avenue Inez was raised in a family of 6 children and was taught to work hard, do the best she could and always work honestly and ethically. “My Grandfather, who lived with us in his last years, told me to treat others as I would want to be treated – but do it first.” In honour of her Grandfather, and in keeping with the way she was raised, Inez has always tried to follow this one simple rule in life.

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“I love my job and have been very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people who have referred me to their family and friends”.

If you are thinking of making a real estate move, give Inez a call at 250-812-7710 and put her 31 years of experience and knowledge to work for you.

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VICTORIA - A total of 795 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this November, 37.8 per cent more than the 577 properties sold in November 2019 but 19.7 per cent fewer than the previous month of October 2020. Sales of condominiums were up 62.7 per cent from November 2019 with 262 units sold.

Sales of single-family homes were up 21.8 per cent from November 2019 with 375 sold.

There were 1,813 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of November 2020, 24.4 per cent fewer properties than the total available at the end of November 2019 and a 14.6 per cent decrease from the 2,122 active listings for sale at the end of October 2020.

The MLS Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core in November 2019 was $857,600. The benchmark value for the same home in November 2020 increased by 5.3 per cent to $903,100, a 2.7 per cent increase from the previous month of October. The MLS HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core in November 2019 was $517,400, while the benchmark for the same condominium in November 2020 remained close to last year’s value at $516,600, a 0.2 per cent fluctuation.

Inez believes education and staying current on changes in the real estate industry is very important in representing, and providing. the best service to her clients. Her FRI (Fellow of the Real Estate Institute) and Associate Broker designations, plus membership in the Real Estate Institute of Canada and Better Business Bureau are part of her education achievements.

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REAL ESTATE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE STRONG DEMAND

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NEWS UPDATE

GVHA TO PROCEED WITH NEXT STAGE

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Following its meeting on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) Board of Directors has confirmed that the organization will proceed with the next stage of the shore power project for the Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District.

The Ship Emission Mitigation Technology Assessment and Business Case created by consulting firm Moffat & Nichol indicates that a reduction of more than 46 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and criteria air contaminants (CACs) is achievable with the installation of shore power at two berths at Pier B, which welcomes 75 per cent of all cruise ship calls during a season. The reduction of GHG emissions and CACs is equivalent to 1,394 cars on the road per year.

The cost for the proposed solution is between $23.3 million and $24.8 million. In contrast, the 2019 gross revenues for GVHA, a not-forprofit organization, were $16.3 million. Due to COVID-19, the suspension of cruise worldwide, and remaining uncertainty about resumption of cruise in Canada and the financial impact to GVHA the project cannot proceed until a stabilization of the cruise industry is achieved and funding sources are determined. The critical next steps in the project will focus on funding opportunities with partners and stakeholders and developing a power upgrade design and installation plan with BC Hydro.

$1,000 BC RECOVERY BENEFIT The BC government has introduced legislation to secure funding for approximately 3.7 million British Columbians to receive the tax-free BC Recovery Benefit. Passage of the bill will ensure British Columbians can apply for the benefit starting Dec. 18: $1,000 for families with incomes under $125,000.

Families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced benefit amount. Single-parent families also qualify for these benefit amounts. $500 for single people earning less than $62,500.

Single people earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced benefit amount.

British Columbians receiving income assistance and disability assistance will be eligible for the BC Recovery Benefit. As well, people on income assistance, disability assistance and low-income seniors receiving the senior’s supplement will receive an additional recovery benefit at $150 per month from January 2021 to March 2021.

The BC Recovery Benefit and the additional temporary recovery supplement continue government’s support for people and families during the COVID-19 pandemic and into BC’s recovery.

Other previous supports include the $300-permonth COVID-19 crisis supplement (April to December 2020), $1,000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers, extension of a rent freeze through to July 10, 2021, and the one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit in July 2020, which put up to $174.50 for adults and $51.25 for children into people’s pockets when they needed it most.

December 2020

NEWS UPDATE Tired of the negative feedback loop in the time of COVID? Join us for a positive view on how Victoria businesses coping and thriving

AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS OPEN ON THE WESTSHORE Families and single people with mixed incomes will benefit from 282 new affordable housing units now renting in the communities of View Royal and Langford as part of the Regional Housing First Program (RHFP). Properties funded by the RHFP provide a mix of rental options, including units for people who can live independently with supports.

West Park, located by Thetis Lake in View Royal, consists of two six-storey rental buildings at 1910 and 1920 West Park Lane. The property has 152 units, including 20 accessible units and 34 units renting at the current provincial income assistance shelter rate ($375/month).

Spencer Close in Langford consists of a single six-storey rental building at 2763 Spencer Rd. The property has 130 units, including 13 accessible units and 26 units renting at the current provincial income assistance shelter rate ($375/month).

Residents began moving into both buildings on December 1 under the management of the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC). Tenancy applications for the affordable units are currently being accepted.

The Regional Housing First Program is an equal partnership agreement between the CRD, the BC Government through BC Housing, and the federal government though the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The equal partnership will see a direct investment of $120M to construct up to 2000 units of affordable housing as part of the $600M program.

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Asking the big questions facing businesses in our community today. Discover what business leaders are doing to adapt in this ever-changing world.

• Meeting the challenges of the “new normal” • Strategy, tactics and outcomes • Lessons learned and going forward comebackvictoria.ca

For more information and episodes

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GREATER VICTORIA

LOOKING BACK AT 2020 WITH HOPE ON THE HORIZON Typically, at this time of year, we’re inundat-

10 BRUCE WILLIAMS

ed with lists highlighting the best and worst of the past 12 months. Of course, we know better than to expect anything typical in 2020. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still reflect on the year that was.

Back in January, most of us would have been hard pressed to explain what an epidemiologist does and even fewer had heard of Zoom. Greater Victoria’s economy was red hot as the tech and tourism sectors blossomed. Our jobless rate was among the lowest in the country.

The Chamber was squarely focused on helping employers find and keep workers. When BC Housing CEO Shayne Ramsay joined dozens of community leaders at a Chamber luncheon

on Jan. 28, he took part in a vibrant discussion about what his organization was doing to address workforce housing. No one knew that, within a matter of months, a pandemic would sweep the globe and BC Housing would become the owner of several Victoria hotels in an emergency effort to triage people suddenly left homeless. The closing of shelters due to physical distancing requirements in camps and shelters created chaos downtown and underscored the need for greater investment in mental health services.

As summer began and the reality of COVID-19 sunk in, the economy was mired in deep recession and confusion and uncertainty were paralyzing. It was in this climate that I took over as CEO of one of the most venerable organizations on Vancouver Island. I never second-guessed my decision and it didn’t take long for me to know that, with The Chamber, I was in the right place with the right team.

I’m an eternal optimist (Sagittarius!), and I’m certainly not afraid of hard work. As someone who is truly passionate about the health of our community, I am grateful to be trusted with leading The Chamber during this time.

I’m proud of the advocacy work we did in the early days of the pandemic and over the summer to ensure governments understood that businesses needed support. We called for wage subsidies, temporary layoff status extension, emergency loans and help for commercial tenants. Our sense of urgency was clear, and, to their credit, the federal, provincial and municipal governments responded faster than anyone December 2020

GREATER VICTORIA expected. Some of the programs launched early were immediate successes and continue to be lynchpins for making sure we get through this together.

In the fall, the federal government announced that vital programs, including wage subsides, will continue into 2021. Commercial rent relief was revamped and will be critical for many businesses that have suffered dramatic drops in revenue.

The second wave has hit hard, tightening restrictions across the province. The end of 2020 will test our resolve, but hope is around the corner. Vaccines are beginning to roll out and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Please be kind to yourself and others as we patiently wait for better times to begin.

Thank you for all you do, and season’s greetings on behalf of the board, governors and staff at The Chamber.

Happy Holidays and wishing you peace on Earth.

Bruce Williams is the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

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WEST SHORE ENDING THE YEAR WITH GRATITUDE

JULIE LAWLOR

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After writing the title for this article, I realized that it could be read in more than one way. Certainly, I know many people will be glad to say good-bye to 2020! I was, however, thinking more along the lines of expressing gratitude as I reflect on the year that we’ve experienced. I am certainly finding that gratitude is an antidote to the stress and anxiety most of us have felt at some point in 2020 (or are still feeling).

As we are a member-based organisation, I would like first of all to thank the members of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce for your continued membership during a very challenging year. In spite of dealing with unprecedented times in your businesses and organizations, you have made supporting our work a priority. Membership dues are our first and largest source of income, and it is thanks to you, our members, that we are able to advocate on behalf of business, promote what you do and connect you through a range of support and services. Thank you members! It is no understatement to say that we couldn’t do it without you.

I would also like to acknowledge the Mayor, Council, and staff of the City of Colwood, District of the Highlands, City of Langford, District of Metchosin and the Town of View Royal. I know you have worked tirelessly to support our communities since COVID-19 arrived on our shores – and

the work isn’t over yet. Thank you to the City of Colwood, the City of Langford and the Town of View Royal for your fee for service support of the work of the WestShore Chamber. While we appreciate these relationships every year, we have been especially grateful for them in this year of almost no events, given that events pre-COVID were our second largest source of income.

Last but certainly not least, huge thanks to the Goldstream Gazette and Black Press. We have partnered on the Best of the WestShore Awards over many years, and 2020 took our gala event in a whole new direction. Instead of an evening dinner and celebration, thanks to Black Press we could offer you four pre-recorded and interactive presentations, one each night from October 26-29.

You can check these out on our YouTube channel if you’d like to learn more.

For stakeholders, sponsors, and supporters I have not thanked by name, please know that this is due to lack of space, not lack of appreciation! Thank you for making it possible for us to serve the community in 2020, and I look forward to working together with you all in 2021.

Julie Lawlor is Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.

December 2020

SAANICH PENINSULA 2020 IN THE REAR VIEW Clearly the pandemic has been devastating to

DENNY WARNER

Well that was a year to forget that will never be forgotten. It seems fitting we experienced a pandemic in 2020 - the year of numbers representing the standard for good vision. It will be some time before we will be able to see all the lessons clearly but there were some doozies.

Screens. The experts were telling us our screen-time was excessive and to limit it significantly. Then the pandemic hits and all of us, including grannie, are learning how to use new applications to spend more time than ever to communicate with people on screens.

How could a platform with such a zippy name like Zoom deliver us so many hours of boring meetings?

Science and technology got hacked by keyboard warriors who had a lot of free time on their fingers. Despite this large-scale attempt to counteract facts and to minimize the credibility of experts, those on the front lines of science and technology, focused on their work to develop vaccines and many other solutions to the world’s problems.

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many who experienced loved ones getting sick and dying and others whose financial security was breached and who are facing ruin. On the flip side, there is nothing like the prospect of your own or a loved one’s death to reorient you to what’s important.

We were reminded of how critical touch and face-to-face connection are to our human experience. How a dinner out with friends can bring immense joy. Marking occasions in groups like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings will, at least in our time, no longer be taken for granted. How our enjoyment of life is enhanced by watching live musical performances. There is so much more we learned we don’t wish to live without and will cherish when access is again granted.

And in the quiet pause, people rested, created, considered, dreamed, slept, planned, organized, cleaned, cooked, connected, and reflected. It was never time wasted.

Denny Warner is the Executive Director at the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

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Citified.ca

THE PATTISON GROUP ADDS TO LAND HOLDINGS Sponsored by

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Langford A duo of residential towers have been proposed across the street from Centennial Park near Spencer Middle School. Landowners representing 1020 Costin Avenue and 2836-2854 Carlow Road (just south of Goldstream Avenue) are seeking a rezoning from the district’s One and Two-family Residential zone, which blankets the proposal’s five properties, to City Centre zoning permitting taller structures and significantly higher densities. Approximately 170 rental residences in one and two-bedroom layouts that include ground-oriented units are envisioned by the proponents as part of ten and 11-storey mid-rises, according to submitted plans.

The first phase of development at the Tri-Way seniors mobile home park in the 2700-block of Spencer Road could be an affordable senior’s complex. Envisioned with nearly 60 apartments, if approved the Capital Regional District-operated project will be situated at the Spencer Road end of the park owned by Tri-Way Development Ltd., which earlier this year announced redevelopment plans for portions of its holdings.

Langford & View Royal The Capital Region Housing Corporation !

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1764 Island Highway Colwood, BC 4.82 acre development site located in Colwood’s downtown core.

LE E SAAS R LE FO R O

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS Ross Marshall

Personal Real Estate Corporation Senior Vice President CBRE Investment Properties Group 250 386 0004 ross.marshall@cbre.com

Chris Rust

(CRHC) has completed two affordable rental projects on the West Shore with nearly 300 residences scheduled for December move-ins. Spencer Close, a 130-unit complex in Langford along the 2700-block of Spencer Road, features one and two-bedroom layouts with in-suite laundry and available on-site parking. Qualification for one-bedroom homes requires an annual household income range of $42,500 to $74,150, while two-bedroom layouts are available with earnings of $56,000 to $113,040. Meanwhile, construction of the CRHC’s West Park, a two-building, 152-unit collection of one and two-bedroom apartments along the edge of Thetis Lake Park, is now complete in the 1800-block of View Royal’s West Park Lane. West Park’s rental qualifications mirror those of Spencer Close.

Victoria The massing of a five-tower development proposal between the 900 and 1000-blocks of Yates and View streets has been adjusted following feedback and formal planning sessions. Building heights at Starlight Developments’ Harris Green Village redevelopment effort, planned for the London Drugs and Market on Yates-anchored Harris Green Village retail node and the Harris automotive dealership one block east, are 1011 Fort Street Victoria, BC Opportunity to purchase a 8,168 SF retail/office building or lease full floors or individual units within the building. $2,800,000

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Personal Real Estate Corporation Senior Vice President CBRE Investment Properties Group 250 386 0005 chris.rust@cbre.com

December 2020

Citified.ca now envisioned to reach the tallest heights on Vancouver Island. The updated proposal, if approved, would yield a landmark tower of 32-storeys situated half-way up the 900-block of Yates Street that represents a notch upward from its originally planned 25 or 27-storeys. A 28-storey tower is now proposed at the intersection of Yates and Quadra streets, several storeys taller than originally proposed, and a third will celebrate the groundbreaking of Tresah, the region’s first mass timberstand 27-storeys tall at Van- Dignitaries designed condominium tower now underway between the 600-blocks of Frances couver Street, also multiple and Speed avenues in Victoria’s Mayfair District. Mayor Lisa Helps, at left, assists Edward Geric, at right, with a customary first shovel’s-worth of moved floors higher. Further east at developer soil. Photo Credit: © Citified.ca Cook Street, a former 19 and constructed from state-of-the-art cross-lami17-storey massing has been nated and glue-laminated timbers, and Tresah adjusted to 21 and 19-storeys, respectively.

East, a six-storey lowrise counterpart. Tresah’s The land below a popular dining destination late summer initial sales release produced a 50 in the Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood has been per cent sell-out of Tresah East’s 68 homes, and acquired by Jim Pattison who appears to be bank20 per cent of Tresah West’s 179 residences have ing big on the Capital’s emerging ‘midtown’ also been reserved as a fall sales campaign ramps up. dubbed Mayfair District. Douglas Street’s locaA former private bank-turned-office-building tion of Denny’s, a diner-style chain of eateries on Douglas Street will become a bank once more headquartered in South Carolina, is now in the next spring. Vancouver-based VanCity Credit hands of Pattison’s The Pattison Group, adding Union has leased a 2,135 square foot portion of a final piece to significant land holdings under 1280 Douglas Street, a two-storey landmark the billionaire businessman’s control between at the southwest corner of Douglas and Yates the 600-blocks of Finlayson Street and Frances streets. VanCity’s new branch, a lease-up handled Avenue. by the Victoria offices of commercial real-estate A ground breaking ceremony kicking off the brokerage CBRE, will replace the credit union’s construction start of Victoria’s first mass timexisting downtown location along the 700-block ber-designed condominium tower took place of Fort Street, and is expected to open in May on November 17th in the Mayfair District. Deof next year. VanCity also operates a branch on veloper Mike Geric Construction will delivDouglas Street at Finlayson Street within the er nearly 250 residences to the 600-blocks of Mayfair District.

Frances and Speed avenues in a duo of buildings victoria.citified.ca known as Tresah West, a 12-storey highrise tower

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OFF THE COVER

SERENITY HOMECARE LTD. TRANSFORMING LIVES COMPASSIONATE ELDERLY HOME CARE COMPANY MARKS 10 YEARS OF SERVICE

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VICTORIA – Transforming lives.

That’s what Serenity Homecare Ltd. has been doing for the past 10 years, since Murray and Kathy Tough started the company to provide compassionate elderly home care.

Their reasons for starting the company were very personal. They’re fueled by the belief that every life should be celebrated, and that “the elderly have contributed their greatness and have earned the right to their dignity.”

T here were two defining moments that nudged the Toughs towards starting their own venture.

First, a friend of Murray’s had a sister who was dying with cancer, and he quit work and went to live with her for the last three months of her life.

“My friend says if they had not done that, they wouldn’t have been able to die with dignity,” he recalls.

Then there was their own family situation.

“My father-in-law had come down with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, and it nearly killed my mother-in-law,” he notes. “He went from being this kind, pillar-of-the-community man, to being an angry stranger that she had to look after.

“Kathy and I were in Alberta, her parents

Murray and Kathy Tough

were living in Newfoundland. Her mother needed somebody to come in and give her a break, and for whatever reason she couldn’t access that. So we knew there was a need for this type of business,” he says. “A disease like that is so stressful for family members, and probably more for them than the person with the disease. It’s the family that really, really suffers. It’s such a horrible disease, and December 2020

OFF THE COVER it kind of made us go, ‘we’re needed. Let’s do something about this’.”

So they did. It was 2010, and the Toughs were

canoeing, dragon boating, skating. . .we’ve taken people to opera.”

One particular touching story was of a client

in Calgary, Alberta with Murray, an engineer and project manager running his own company, while Kathy had a business providing home staging and senior move management – helping seniors downsize and move.

A friend connected them with someone in the elderly home care business, who in turn put them in touch with an organization to help businesses like Serenity get started.

“We’re avid sailors and had been coming out to Victoria for awhile, so we thought this was our chance,” he recalls. “We decided to make a lifestyle choice that so many people make, and said Victoria was the place we wanted to live.”

The Toughs and their 35 employees are inspired because they get to do “out of the ordinary” things for their clients.

“We really pride ourselves on being the company that tries to say ‘yes’,” he says. “One of the best examples was when a woman called who had a loved one with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She asked ‘Do you have someone who can take them fishing’. We found someone who said they’d love to. They took him fishing, and they had a wonderful relationship for many years.

“We just love to do those special things where we get to take someone on an adventure or an experience, something they’ve loved to do but stopped doing,” he adds. “We have some of our employees taking people out golfing, regularly. They’ve taken people sailing,

who had severe mobility issues and couldn’t do much with his hands and couldn’t walk. A Serenity employee found out that they loved model airplanes, so she brought in model airplanes that the two of them could do together.

“One of the nurses took her aside and said ‘You have absolutely transformed their life.

You have no idea’,” he says. “We make such a difference, and we’re here to transform the lives of our clients, their families, and our employees.

“We put people ahead of profits in everything we do - in the way we treat our clients, and the way we treat our employees.” www.serenityhomecare.ca

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FEATURE STORY

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A Mazzei project in progress on Elliot Road in West Kelowna.

MAZZEI ELECTRIC CONTINUES TO CEMENT GROWING LEGACY IN BC AN INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY AND CLIENTS PLACE MAZZEI IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN British Columbia - When Ben Mazzei took the helm of Mazzei Electric in 2008 from his father Frank, he not only endeavored to uphold a proud legacy, but enhance it. Founded in 1994 in Nanaimo, Ben’s arrival saw Mazzei Electric grow rapidly in the ensuing years, evolving from a focus on commercial service contracts, to covering multi-family residential, residential, commercial, Institutional and industrial construction.

Today, they have offices in Nanaimo, Fort St. John, Victoria and Kelowna, offering fullyequipped service vans in every location for residential and commercial service, renovations, and maintenance. Over the last nine years, they’ve maintained up to fifty-percent growth, an undeniable signal Mazzei Electric is doing something very right.

They’ve accomplished this with a measurable dedication to their company ethos.

December 2020

FEATURE STORY Safety. Innovation. T rust.

Relationships.

“I bel ieve we have a modern, progressive approach to how we d o b u s iness,” explains Ben. “We embrace new technologies, care Ben Mazzei took the helm of Mazzei Electric in 2008, with deeply about offices in Nanaimo, Fort St. John, Victoria and Kelowna safety (they are today.

COR-certified by the British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance), have designed a scalable business model capable of moving into new regions fairly seamlessly, and invest in the long term growth of our people.”

Mazzei Electric consists of a diverse team of

future, we’ve built a culture that demands high standards, fostering an ethos of collaboration and teamwork. Our Forepersons are encouraged to identify potential leaders within their teams, both Journeypersons and apprentices.

Those individuals are rewarded with increased responsibility and training.”

Another component in their staffing success has been an eagerness to take on a deeply underutilized percentage of the skilled trades workforce. Women make up barely five-percent of tradespeople working in BC. Mazzei’s numbers include twelve-percent women, including a strong female presence in their management teams. HR Manager, Monika Zwilling, knows everyone can do more, and hopes other companies across BC follow suit.

Explains Monika, “Construction hasn’t always been a very inclusive environment. We are glad to see that this is changing and we are proud to be a leader on this front. Supporting women in

Electricians and project managers, talented trade veterans and a leadership team of professionals from outside the electric industry for a unique, adaptive mix of perspectives. A substantial amount of energy is put into holding onto this workforce.

Director of Operations, Stuart Cuthbert, elaborates.

“One of the keys to our success has been the retention, recruitment and development of our staff team, specifically those in field leadership positions. Strong leaders set the tone on the job site and are the cornerstone of successful project execution. By identifying, coaching and mentoring the leaders of today and the

trades doesn’t just mean hiring more women though. It means having fair and equitable

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Mazzei’s co-op gas station project with W.L. Construction in Fort St.John.

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FEATURE STORY

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hiring practices, inclusive and respectful workplaces, as well as zero tolerance policies for workplace harassment, bullying, and hazing.

We are a signatory of the BC Construction Association’s Builders Code which sets a standard in construction for acceptable workplaces and improves the safety, retention, and productivity of trades people. If you look at some of the terminology that is used in construction it is very male dominated; for example Foreman or Journeyman. We have shifted our language to gender-neutral terms such as Foreperson and Journeyperson and are continually looking at ways to make our workplaces more inclusive and diverse.”

Their strong internal culture and commitment to professional growth has, naturally, only further pushed their development as a company.

Smart, driven leadership breeds stability and expanded business opportunities.

“Our growth has not been by accident,” notes Mazzei CFO, Roger Perry. “In fact, in 2018 we developed a growth strategy for the company.

Specifically, we found we could rely on the geographic diversification of the company’s operations and our diversification of product lines within the electrical industry. We knew we had a very good business model because of the success we’ve had with customers who were very successful in their own right. Having the ability to reduce our risk exposure through that diversification and having good alignment with key customers who were also growing allowed us to set out to build a reliable organization structure with management processes that could grow with increased business volume.”

Mazzei electric actively works to hire and support women in the trades.

This diversification gives Mazzei Electric a competitive advantage. Each branch has a service department as well as construction team completing a range of services across the province. Not depending on one type of work or region to support the business further cements their stability.

This patience and vision from Ben and his team has spurred their consistent, double digit growth and, just as importantly in today’s climate, has allowed Mazzei to continue doing so through the COVID-19 crisis and its related challenges. This has allowed them to focus on exploring opportunities in new markets throughout the province, expand their product offering and continue to build on new and existing relationships.

Concludes Ben, “We have spent a lot of time on our processes and making sure that they support the culture we want to have in the company and the value we bring to BC businesses and residents. It has paid off for us.” www.mazzeielectric.com

December 2020

VICTORIA TOURISM

POSITION VICTORIA AS FIRST CHOICE FOR TRAVELERS Looking back to the beginning of 2020, it i s hard to remember the year sta rted w ith a tremendous amount of hope a nd prom ise for our industry. Destination Greater Victoria forecasted anot her st rong PAUL NURSEY year, with full hotels and potential records in our meetings, events, and conferences business. In March, those forecasts were turned upside down, as public health and government decision makers restricted travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effects were immediate. As an organization we went from promoting a world-class destination to fighting for our very survival.

Greater Victoria business leaders came together and advocated for help. The Greater Victoria Tourism Rescue and Recovery Task Force played a vital role in highlighting the plight of the industry, proposing practical solutions, and keeping the industry top of mind as governments crafted policies in response to the economic downtown.

Despite the difficult circumstances, it was amazing to see many in the community work together as we sought solutions and prepared for a limited summer re-opening. The summer high season coincided with limited travel throughout the province. Our members did their best to salvage the season. Many worked hard to comply with health and safety orders for both employees and guests.

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We emerged from the summer hopeful that we would see even fewer restrictions than in the summer. However, the “second wave” of COVID-19 hit and many in our industry were forced to cease operations as non-essential travel was once again suspended. It was a disappointing blow, but not unexpected. We continue to work with government partners on what deliberate re-opening and recovery looks like. As vaccines are approved it is now possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It will take time for travel restrictions to be lifted, but by the end of 2021 we expect to be marketing internationally and welcoming people from around the world.

Better days are ahead. This year has been a challenge for so many in the visitor economy – not just in Greater Victoria but around the world.

Operating safely and in lockstep with guidelines and health directives, the focus now is preparing the visitor economy for what that will look like.

We need to capitalize on our opportunities.

There will be many destinations marketing to potential visitors in 2021. They key is for Greater Victoria to position itself as the number one choice for travelers. With our amazing hotels, restaurants, and attractions – and people – I am confident we will deliver.

Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria

21

WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a thirdparty resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT Aerie Dental Centre 1-590 North Rd, Gabriola Island, BC PLAINTIFF Lamb, Zoe CLAIM $35,236 DEFENDANT Built Contracting Ltd 994 Errington Rd, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF JD Plumbing And Gas Inc CLAIM $9,282

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DEFENDANT Coastline Express Ltd 105-1740 Convair Pl, Sidney, BC Ebonies Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $12,262

DEFENDANT Ever y t h i ng Fi na ncia l Group 530-130 Brew St, Port Moody, BC PLAINTIFF Westland, Craig CLAIM $26,384 DEFENDANT Grants Small Motors Inc 7865A East Saanich Rd, Saanichton, BC PLAINTIFF PSC Power Source Canada Ltd CLAIM $12,526 DEFENDANT Hillview Renovations 5348 Catalina St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF JD Plumbing And Gas Inc

CLAIM $12,415 DEFENDANT CPM Canadian Property Management Inc 1214 Haliburton Close NW, Edmonton, AB PLAINTIFF Rideout Construction Ltd CLAIM $5,746 DEFENDANT Horizon Motorcycles Ltd 4883 North Island Hwy, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Mason, James CLAIM $18,531 DEFENDANT Hud Studios Inc 102-5301 Ch a ster Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Segev LLP CLAIM $18,354

DEFENDANT JBR Construction Ltd 2700-700 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Lehigh Hanson Materials Limited CLAIM $40,337 Ladkeen (Canada) Ltd 400-1401 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Dhanjal Homes Construction Ltd CLAIM $52,305 DEFENDANT Medium The Mover Inc 6645 Sherbrooke St West, Montreal, QC PLAINTIFF McConnell, Colleen CLAIM $18,759 DEFENDANT Nadina Lake Contracting Ltd

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WHO IS SUING WHOM 1725 Pelter Pl, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Mid Island Consumer Services Cooperative CLAIM $9,141 DEFENDANT NFO Solutions Inc 602-770 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Brenton Construction Corp CLAIM $33,853 DEFENDANT Parkway A lliance Developments Ltd 301-830 Shamrock St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Pitro Painting CLAIM $20,150 DEFENDANT Pino Lite Glass Ltd

450 Banga Pl, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF 235 Russell Holdings Ltd CLAIM $10,716 DEFENDANT Rawlinson Moving & Storage Ltd 1024 Westport Cres, Mississauga, ON PLAINTIFF McConnell, Colleen CLAIM $ 18,759 DEFENDANT Saanich Ridge Development Ltd 1727 Jefferson Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Colliers International Realty Advisors CLAIM $9,231 DEFENDANT Saanich Ridge Development Ltd

1727 Jefferson Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Colliers International Realty Advisors Inc CLAIM $8,741

PLAINTIFF Fundme Consulting Inc CLAIM $ 15,828 DEFENDANT Westsea Construction Ltd 1200-925 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Walker, Sally CLAIM $ 9,638

DEFENDANT Sirva Canada LP 580-40 King St West, Toronto, ON PLAINTIFF McConnell, Colleen CLAIM $18,759

DEFENDANT Zenabis Global Inc 1-15782 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC PLAINTIFF Adobe Inc CLAIM $ 333,076

DEFENDANT Superior Plus LP 400-725 Gra nv i l le St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Pierce, Larry CLAIM $ 34,602

DEFENDANT Zenabis Ltd 1700-666 Bu rra rd St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Adobe Inc CLAIM $ 333,076

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CONSTRUCTION SECTOR HOLDS ITS OWN DURING 2020 PANDEMIC BUILDING INDUSTRY REMAINS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE PROVINCE

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BRITISH COLUMBIA - While the COVID-19 Pandemic has struck BC businesses hard, one private sector has managed to hold its own in 2020: Construction.

According to BC Construction Industry Statistics released by the BC Construction Association, the value of construction projects underway in the province is $112.3 billion, down only two per cent from 2019. The value of proposed construction projects is $220 billion, up 7 percent.

Construction again ranked number one as the top employer in the BC Goods Sector, with 205,500 employees – although that was down 13 per cent from 236,000 the year before. That’s about 10 percent of the total provincial workforce.

Still, that’s pretty good compared to other sectors.

Average annual wages went to $59,141, down from $61,784 in 2019.

Chris Atchison, President of the BCCA, says “The construction industry is resilient and used to managing risk. COVID-19 will challenge us, but we will work together and we will come through it.”

Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), notes “This year has been unlike FROM PAGE 24

Rory Kulmala of VICA

anything we have experienced in recent memory. The effects of COVID have severely impacted most, if not all, sectors of our economy.

“Throughout this, construction activities across British Columbia were designated an essential service. As a result, our industry was fortunate to avoid many of the layoffs and closures that affected so many other businesses. Construction has persevered and adapted to a new paradigm by adopting new workplace procedures to ensure

December 2020

CONSTRUCTION

Angela McKerlich of BCCA

that construction work can continue in a safe manner.”

Kulmala adds “As we look to 2021, construction will play a vital role in our economic recovery as further investment in our Island communities will continue to provide critical and stable employment while meeting our construction needs.”

Angela McKerlich, BCCA Board Chair, stated in their Annual Report that “When it became apparent in early March that drastic measures would be required, the BCCA helped convene a task force that sprang into action to represent the safety and interests of BC’s industrial, commercial, and institutional sector.”

On March 26, construction was declared an essential service, and McKerlich says the industry

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CONSTRUCTION

Before you start construction You will need to submit a Notice of Project (NOP) for any new building or renovation construction project with a cost of $100,000 or more.

Not sure if you need to submit an NOP? Visit worksafebc.com/residential-construction for more information.

26

came together.

“We stood united for the safety of our workforce and for the economic stability of our businesses, but also for the greater good of our communities and province,” she says. “Many owners and workers might have preferred to stand down, stay home, ride it out, but they came to work and they did the job and they got us through.

“We saw highly competitive contractors collaborate like never before, sharing best practices and working round the clock to help each other learn and adapt to the demands of COVID-19.

My hard hat goes off to all of them.”

McKerlich points out that in crises like these, industry associations are critical, as they advocate for business owners and interests to government and remind politicians and bureaucrats about how vital sectors like construction are to

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2020 CARE AWARDS CELEBRATE PROJECTS & PEOPLE

On Saturday, Nov 28, VRBA announced the Gold winners for our first online 2020 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island.

The 29th Annual CARE Awards event showcased 37 categories hosted by CFAX’s Al Ferraby, and was attended virtually by finalists and the public at cfax1070.com and ctvnewsvi.ca.

Here are some of the many notable winners: Project of the Year – Single Family was awarded to M. Knight Construction, Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design for Maison de Lee.

Project of the Year-Multi-Family went to Abstract Developments for Black and White.

Chris Atchison of BCCA

the province.

BCCA President Chris Atchison concurs, adding “Our relationship with the Canadian Construction Association is strong and we supported them in their governance transformation. BC remains well-represented at the committee level and frequently consults with our national representatives and our colleagues representing other provinces and territories.”

And while construction continues on as an essential service during COVID-19, there is another cloud potentially on the horizon, pointed out by ICBA President Chris Gardner: The now majority government NDP angling towards stripping secret ballots from workers.

In an op-ed that first appeared in the Vancouver Sun in November, Gardner penned: “Even before the mail-in ballots

WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

The popular People’s Choice Award was won by Made to Last Custom Homes for Mountaincalm.

27 The event is as much about celebrating skilled people in the industry as showcasing outstanding home projects.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rob Parsons, R. Parsons Construction Ltd for leadership in award-winning construction.

Best Heritage Project went to MacMinn Contracting for Ross Bay, revitalizing our community heritage.

The Building Better Futures Community Award was won by FortisBC for their investment and advocacy in renewable energy and carbon capture technology.

Murray Frank, Building it Right was given the Bill Wansbrough Memorial Award for leadership in research and education.

Mike Geric Construction won multiple special achievement awards including Green Builder of the Year, the Award for Environmental Achievement and the Award for Excellence in Housing Affordability.

These Gold winners and more will be featured in the 2020 CARE Awards magazine distributed December 31 in the Times Colonist. They will also be highlighted at careawards.ca This event would not be possible without the support and generosity of our industry sponsors: Gold: BC Housing; BCCA Employee Benefit Trust; Built Green; FortisBC; Hourigan’s Flooring; McLaren Properties Ltd; Slegg Building Materials; Travelers Insurance Company of Canada; Victoria Real Estate Board Silver: Coast Capital Savings; Trail Appliances Bronze: Aviva | National Home Warranty; Mike Geric Construction Media: CFAX/CTV; Times Colonist If you are considering a new home or renovation, please contact them about their products and services.

All of our award-winning builders, designers, trades and suppliers can be contacted at vrba.ca

Visit us at vrba.ca and careawards.ca Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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were counted and the final results of the provincial election certified, an executive from one of the biggest unions in the country was urging the new NDP government to trample all over the hard-won rights of workers across BC. In an oped for the Vancouver Sun, Unifor regional director Gavin McGarrigle called on the NDP Government to immediately enact ‘pro-worker’ legislation that would strip workers of the secret ballot vote when deciding whether or not to join a union.

Gardner wrote that the secret ballot has been the law in BC since 2001, and it ensures that neither employers nor unions are able to coerce or intimidate workers. Certification votes are fair, transparent and supervised by a neutral party, the Labour Relations Board.

“What some big labour organizers like McGarrigle want is a ‘card check’ system that is notoriously open to manipulation and abuse.

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In 2018, an independent panel appointed by the NDP Government recommended that the secret ballot remain part of the Labour Code in BC. The Panel found that the secret ballot is ‘most consistent with our democratic norms, protects the fundamental right of freedom of association and choice, and is preferred.’

“There is nothing more fundamental to our democracy than the secret ballot – whether it’s when we elect governments or members to local community associations, it is the secret ballot we rely on to provide assurance that the vote is free from manipulation by any interested party.

Working men and women deserve no less when they are deciding to join a union.”

There are 25,817 construction companies in the province, 92 per cent of which have less than 20 employees. Unionization of these smaller

companies would be devastating to employers.

“The decision to support joining a union is a deeply personal one and not one workers should have to make while a union organizer is standing over his or her desk, or when surrounded by colleagues watching to see if they sign a union card, or when a union card is put in front of them on their doorstep,” Atchison says. “Stripping workers of the secret ballot will only serve to weaken the rights of workers at the expense of big unions and harkens back to a bygone era. In a rapidly changing and modern economy, workers deserve choice, openness and fairness.

“All British Columbians should be concerned about this attack on the democratic rights of workers and fairness in the workplace. We have enjoyed relative labour peace in BC over the past two decades and it is troubling to see voices so

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CONSTRUCTION committed to turning back the clock on labour relations in our province.”

By far, the non-residential project with the biggest industry impact is the ongoing liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Kitimat, a joint venture between Shell, PETRONAS, KOGAS, PetroChina and the Mitsubishi Corporation.

This is the single largest private sector investment in the nation’s history at $40 billion.

With so much growth on the horizon through projects like this, Atchison notes the BCCA is 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,” Atchison said earlier. “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.”

In its 2020-2029 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward national report, BuildForce Canada notes that employment in Canada’s construction and maintenance industry is anticipated to grow by 50,200 workers by 2029.

When coupled with the anticipated retirement of more than 257,000 construction workers over the same period, the industry will need to recruit more than 307,000 workers over the decade to keep pace with demand, according to the labour market forecast released today by BuildForce Canada.

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CONSTRUCTION

EDEN PROJECTS OFFERS NOVEL APPROACH TO LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY DANÉE LAMBOURNE’S EVERY-STEP-OF-THE-WAY BLUEPRINT FOR CLIENT-CONTRACTOR HARMONY CREATES TRANQUIL LANDSCAPES BOTH LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY

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VICTORIA - Danée Lambourne intends to be a catalyst in changing the way people view the landscaping industry.

In 2005 she launched Inventing Eden. The largely female team focused on therapeutic and restorative garden projects, growing edible and medicinal plants, using sustainable land practices, and more. A five-year hiatus after a severe skiing injury in 2012 afforded Danée an opportunity to steep herself in project management, working with both web and brand agencies during her recovery. By the time she returned to landscaping, Danée had a vision for something different.

In 2019, Danée founded Eden Projects alongside her original flagship.

Explains Danée, “Hiring Eden projects, clients quickly learn they’re working with professionals who’ve walked in their shoes. I work with contractors early in the bidding process to ensure design integrity and quality of materials used. We’re on the ground with the contractors as both project manager, designer and foreman, not to impose, but advocating for everyone’s success.”

Rather than simply operate as an installer, Eden Projects folds in the service of a management or mediation firm.

“A project starts with Danee Lambourne

Eden Projects creates striking, functional outdoor spaces often consisting of medicinal, sustainable and even edible plants, all designed to improve the quality of life of the client.

us by the client’s side, going out to tender under our guidance,” Danée elaborates. “Contractors run with us there to advocate, translate and document changes and progress, freeing them to focus on the work. This process builds trust and camaraderie between our team, contractors and clients.”

This novel approach allows Eden Projects to do what it does best; create breathtaking outdoor spaces that improve the quality of life of their owners, the process of getting there being uniquely painless for everyone involved.

It is a blueprint that Danée hopes will pique the interest of both industry professionals and potential customers.

“I see what we do as a sort of product,” notes Danée.

Her clientele list quickly growing, Eden Projects is indeed a product changing the landscape, in more ways than one. www.edenprojects.ca

December 2020

CONSTRUCTION

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The increased labour demand is propelled by major public transportation and infrastructure, utility, the liquefied natural gas (LNG), pipeline, and health services projects. New-housing construction is expected to bounce back in most provinces, building on growing non-residential construction and maintenance demands fueled by ongoing investments in public and private infrastructure and increasing heavy industrial maintenance requirements.

“Canada’s construction outlook has strengthened from last year,” says Bill Ferreira, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada. “Our scenario predicts that growth will slow in the latter half of the decade, although labour market challenges are anticipated to intensify as the retirement wave crests and the pool of available youth shrinks.”

British Columbia was expected to remain the fastest-growing market in 2020 and 2021, driven by public transportation projects, pipelines, and work on the LNG Canada project and related pipeline infrastructure.

“Meeting anticipated peak employment demands in British Columbia and Ontario will likely require significant levels of interprovincial mobility,” says Ferreira. “Accessing workers from provinces where market conditions have softened will be critical.”

Non-residential employment demands are also expected to grow throughout the scenario period. The principle driver has been an explosion of major projects in the energy and utilities sectors, public transportation, and other institutional

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SOOKE - Launched in 2015 by Dough Wittich, ScanPlus Locating Ltd. was born out of Doug’s frustration with existing ground penetrating radar and locating services on Vancouver Island.

Doug explains, “Our construction company, PLAN Contracting Ltd., would often have to book weeks in advance to get locating completed, a substantial inconvenience since our business frequently operates under emergencies and short windows for projects.”

Ground penetrating radar, or GPR, is invaluable for locating underground utilities within areas slated for excavation, including underground storage tanks (USTs), septic tanks, subsurface voids and much more. When Doug began ScanPlus, he was entering a fledgling industry with training opportunities limited to California and Colorado at the time.

“We started with one van and basic equipment,” notes Doug.

Today, Doug’s team operates three vehicles with five staff, their equipment renewed every four years to ensure ScanPlus operates with the most advanced equipment and processing capabilities.

Most recently, they added IDS Stream C to their GPR collection, a unit with thirty-four antennas (as opposed to a standard two-antenna unit) offering two polarizations, providing an accurate 3D reconstruction of the underground utility network in a single passing scan.

Elaborates Doug, “This is the only unit of its kind in Western Canada, used not only in

Mike Cooper of ScanPlus and the Stream C, a 34-antenna 3D GPR unit is used for post construction and archaeological projects.

utility locating post construction but also in archaeological projects. In the new year we will be adding bedrock mapping and volumetrics to our offerings.”

Doug and his team have built strong relationships Island-wide thanks to an exemplary work ethic, and the personal touch of a small, family business. This combination has brought the likes of Telus, Rogers, Bell and BC Hydro into the ScanPlus fold, as well as multiple engineering firms, construction companies, and of course, satisfied residential clients.

Concludes Doug, “I’m a firm believer in the family business enterprise and strive to bring attention to the professionalism in which we operate as a small business. We are proud of the integrity by which we serve BC.” www.scanplus.ca

December 2020

CONSTRUCTION FROM PAGE 33

infrastructure projects. Growth in retail and wholesale trade, the transportation and warehousing sectors, and manufacturing should further boost construction of industrial buildings, while immigration-driven population growth will maintain upward pressure on commercial and institutional construction.

Employment in non-residential construction is expected to rise by 33,100 workers (+6 per cent) over the scenario period.

The development of skilled tradespersons in the construction industry takes years, and often requires participation in a provincial apprenticeship program. As such, replacing retiring workers typically requires several years of pre-planning to avoid the creation of skills gaps. By 2029, an estimated 257,100 construction workers, or 22 per cent of the 2019 labour force, are expected to retire.

Based on historical trends, Canada’s construction industry is expected to draw an estimated 227,600 first-time entrants aged 30 and younger from the local population, leaving the industry with a possible retirement-recruitment gap of 29,500 workers. When coupled with demand growth, the industry may be short as many as 82,400 workers by 2029. Clearly, an ongoing commitment to training and apprenticeship development will be necessary to ensure there are sufficient numbers of qualified tradespeople to sustain a skilled labour force over the long term.

To meet its growing needs, the construction and maintenance industry will need to increase recruitment from groups traditionally underrepresented in the current construction labour force, CONTINUE ON PAGE 37

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CONSTRUCTION SITE CLEAN UP PROGRESS CONTINUES

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VICTORIA – One of the tasks of the United Association Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 324 is to monitor a “clean up” the industry that employs over 1,000 unionized pipe trade workers on the island.

The installation of handwashing stations on job sites during the COVID 19 pandemic – especially those that include hot water - has been warmly welcomed, notes Business Manager Jim Noon. He applauds WorkSafe BC’s insistence on the stations to help keep these essential workers safe on the job.

“Our members are quite pleased to see this change,” says Noon. “They feel more comfortable being able to wash their hands, and with hand sanitizer, it’s a much more thorough way of washing their hands. That’s definitely a big plus.”

Mick Smith, owner of Victoria-based Oceanview Mechanical, adds “We have put handwashing stations wherever required, and we put hot water with them. We knew if we provided warm water, the workers will wash their hands, especially if it’s colder. I think the key is having hot water, as nobody wants to wash their hands in ice-cold water.”

Another desired adjustment could ensure that hand wash stations are located beside port-apotties, as opposed to being on the opposite end of the job site.

“If the wash stations are right there, people can immediately wash their hands,” Noon notes.

While Noon hands out accolades for companies providing hand wash stations and ensuring they are stocked up, he also sees an urgent need for flush toilets on medium/ large-sized job sites. Porta-potties are adequate for small residential construction jobs with only a handful of workers.

“But when we are building schools, hospita ls, commercial buildings a nd condom i niums, port-a-potties are still being u s e d , a nd we’d l i ke to see t h at changed,” Noon states. “One concern that has arisen during the Jim Noon pandemic - and in the past - is the unsanitary conditions of some port-a-potties.

“Issues include that they are not being cleaned frequently enough, there is no interior lighting, and no heat, and in the winter, the weather affects the temperatures inside,” he observes. “A lot of our members are opposed to using them because they’re not being cleaned enough, so it can be a health concern. Some workers would rather hold out all day and not use the facility rather than using them, and that’s very unhealthy.”

Noon would like to see regulations change to mandate flush toilets on larger projects.

Some companies provide washroom trailers, complete with flush toilets, sinks and handwashing stations inside, heated and protected from the elements.

“We believe facility that has porcelain flush toilets with light and heat can be cleaned a lot easier, and it’s more sanitary than plastic port-a-potties,” he notes. “A push for flush toilets is something we need to consider on our projects. That would help keeping the workers safe.” www.ualocal324.com

Handwashing sink at a construction site

December 2020

CONSTRUCTION FROM PAGE 35

including women, Indigenous people, and new Canadians.

In 2019, Canada’s construction industry employed approximately 191,700 women, of which 27 per cent worked directly on construction projects.

Of the 1.1 million tradespeople employed in the industry, women made up only 4.7 per cent. Similarly, Indigenous people accounted for little more than 4.9 per cent of the total, of which about 81 per cent work directly on construction projects. Increasing the participation of both these groups would go a long way to help the industry address future labour force needs.

“The construction industry will need to concentrate on recruiting, training, and retaining young workers, even as peak labour demand slows,” says Ferreira. “Even if the labour market leverages full interprovincial mobility, the industry will still need to be diligent in recruiting, training, and retaining young workers, and expand recruiting efforts for new workers from local labour, other industries, and new immigrants to meet ongoing labour needs.”

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5878 York Rd

Institutional add/alter

VIHA - Overdose Prevention Site - Construction

Western Medical Contracting

Esquimalt

CFB Esquimalt

Consulting services

DY Crane Rail Underground Voids

AECOM Canada Ltd

Ladysmith

Holland Creek

Civil work

Water Supply Main - Phase 2

Don Mann Excavating

Nanaimo

430 Selby St

Demolition/deconstruction

Curriculum Resource Centre and Library Building

MWL Demolition

N/A

North Cowichan

Ford & Drinkwater Rd

Consulting services

Intersection and Road Improvements

McElhaney

N/A

Oak Bay

UVic

Institutional add/alter

Lab Renovations - Petch Building

Kinetic Construction

Port McNeill

2217 Mine Rd

Supply

Steel portable bridge - Seaward Business Area

Magnum Fabricators Ltd

Saanich

900 Fifth St

Institutional add/alter

VIU - 4th Street Walkways & Building 255 Ramp

Milestone Equipment Contr

Saanich

UVic

Institutional add/alter

Cunningham Building Upgrade

Cascadia West Contracting Ltd

Sidney

9860 W Saanich Rd

Mechanical, electrical

Substation 5 Replacement

ARRM Electric Ltd

Victoria

1625 Bank St

Consulting services

Building Condition Assessment

AK Murphy Architect Ltd

2,208,000 42,110 N/A 45,000 288,298

275,000 N/A 675,000 2,258,151 250,000 N/A

38

0827746 BC Ltd. (DBA)

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December 2020

CONSTRUCTION

BAUCO MEETING THE 2020 CHALLENGE PANELS THAT ARE VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE & FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE

39

Bauco team members with some of their products

VICTORIA – Bauco Access Panel Solutions manufactures panels that give access to mechanical components in walls and ceilings, and they’ve won loyal customers locally, in North America, and the Caribbean.

Over 22 years Bauco has grown to more than 60 employees in three buildings in Esquimalt. The company has enjoyed steady growth, although 2020 has been a challenge.

“We did not lay anybody off during COVID even when orders fell dramatically in April,” founder Walter Riemann notes.

“We took care of our team and their families with a few weeks of reduced hours at full pay, and extended sick days. We continue to hire team members with skills in manufacturing, operations, marketing, product design, customer service to contribute to the company’s growth.”

Bauco works closely with architects and contractors. “Customers love our access panels because they’re virtually invisible and solve a lot of problems in high-quality buildings” Riemann notes. “But

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we also customize the size and shape of the panels for a customer’s needs, and staff go the extra mile with customer service.”

He quotes longtime New York City customer, Josh Wiener of Silverlining Construction, “Bauco’s access panel is the one product we cannot live without.” (Pro-Remodeller Nov 2020 p.63)

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CONSTRUCTION

SASCO CONTRACTORS MAKE BIG IMPACT IN ITS FOUR YEARS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND ARRIVING IN VICTORIA IN 2016, SASCO PROVES ITS ALMOST FOUR DECADES OF INDUSTRY LEADER STATUS IN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION

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BRITISH COLUMBIA - Excellence. Teamwork. Diversity. Growth. Ambition. Balance.

These are the six core values of Sasco Contractors, an industry leader in electrical construction with almost forty years’ experience serving Canadians, and one of BC’s fastest growing electrical contractors. On those values, Sasco puts their money where their mouth is.

Launched in 1984, Sasco Contractors has over one hundred and sixty employees across offices in Burnaby, Kamloops and Victoria, the latter opened in 2016. Providing everything from 24/7 on-call service and maintenance, electrical construction, full spectrum electrical and communication projects for data centres, network infrastructure installations, fire alarm upgrades, power distribution upgrades, and much more, Sasco offers a true full-service experience.

When Sasco set up shop in Victoria to provide better service to some of their long-term customers and build new business, they wasted no time making an impact on the Island community.

“On Vancouver Island, we are able to provide budgeting, cost-estimation, and project management services for various types of electrical work, regardless of size and complexity,” Explains Sasco President and General Manager Craig Paquin. “We continue to work with and seek customers needing problems solved, and who view Sasco as a true partner in completing the electrical portion of their projects. For projects where the electrical scope is the primary focus, we’re able to plan, organize, and schedule the required sub-trades, ensuring Sasco will be their one-stop shop for infrastructure renewals and upgrades, from fire

President and GM Craig Paquin with apprentice Tasia Pona. Sasco makes a concerted effort to support women in the trades

Sasco Contractors is an industry leader in electrical construction with almost forty years of experience under their belt

December 2020

FEATURE STORY

“We want to foster new relationships and deliver service to the many communities on Vancouver Island”

alarm systems and distribution, to emergency power upgrades.”

In keeping with their core values, Sasco provides these services via a diversity of ambitious and experienced people, including a concerted effort to hire and support women in the trades, a woefully underutilized demographic in the trades workforce Canada-wide.

Today, Sasco has its hands in a number of major projects across BC, Vancouver Island being no exception. The Island team is working on Langford’s multi-phased, multi-story, $1.8 million Makola housing development, providing one-hundred units of affordable housing and containing the Office of Makola

Developments services and the Hulitan Society, which advocates for and provides services to indigenous families. They helped design and build the region’s first indoor soccer training facility for the Pacific Football Club, also in Langford. Recently, they completed a full fire alarm and emergency lighting upgrade for the Victoria courthouse, a $1.4 Million job, and are currently working on replacing the fire alarm system at the Victoria Conference Centre.

On the Victoria Courthouse job, Vancouver Island Regional Manager Ian Bartlett notes, “This was an occupied space, which made for a complicated project requiring our people to work nights, and essentially appear as if we’d not been there at all the next day. Our teams really enjoy the challenge of working in these very technical scenarios.”

A dedicated company, up for any challenge, Sasco Contractors continues to perpetually strive to showcase their values to existing customers, and an ever-growing list of new clienteles in BC. www.sascocontractors.com

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41

FEATURE STORY

Kaercher Projects & Construction Ltd. team members

KAERCHER PROJECTS & CONSTRUCTION LTD. THRIVE ON CHALLENGING PROJECTS 42

SIDNEY – Mike and Eric Kaercher love a challenge.

That’s become a trademark of their company, Kaercher Projects & Construction Ltd. The Sidney-based company the brothers co-own, has carved out a niche in construction with a passion for seismic upgrades, heritage restoration, and commercial renovation projects.

“That’s kind of our bread and butter,” notes Eric. “We’ve had the privilege of doing quite a few commercial projects on Southern Vancouver Island. A lot of them have been challenging projects lasting several months long, and it’s really worked well for us. We love doing these types of projects that face specific challenges and involve careful planning. We like to roll our sleeves up and get to work.”

Kaercher Projects & Construction Ltd., takes on commercial projects such as seismic upgrades, tenant improvements, exterior remediations as well as residential new home building and renovations. They offer general contracting services, construction management, as well as project management taking

From left: Eric Kaercher and Mike Kaercher

projects from concept through to completion.

Eric states it simply, “We love to build,” noting that most of their work is a result of referrals, adding “we have a lot of repeat customers that our Dad did work for. When Mike and I started this company, we were able to form those connections and continue on with great working relationships.”

December 2020

FEATURE STORY

With over 50 years of combined experience, there are very few aspects of construction their team has not been part of

The Kaerchers are third generation red seal carpenters: Their grandfather and father also plied the trade. Their father was a partner in Patterson and Kaercher Construction which operated in the Victoria area for almost 40 years.

While both sons worked in the company, they decided it was time to start their own new firm when their father Karl looked to retire, and the employees joined them.

Mike originally graduated from the University of Victoria with a psychology degree. Eric earned an education degree at the University of British Columbia and later taught high school.

Both brothers moved to the lower mainland but returned to the Island to settle down, complete their red seal training, and follow their true passion, building.

As owners, Mike and Eric are busy estimating, invoicing, manning computers and phones, and going from site to site to ensure jobs keep moving and stay on budget. They have nine employees, WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

all of whom are either Red Seal ticketed carpenters or registered apprentices. “We’ve been very steady for the past four years, and we think we’ve found the sweet spot in terms of the size of company, with the number of employees we have and our workload,” Mike states. “We know what our team can do, when we can get it done, and we’ve become very proficient with multi-tasking with many projects.” www.kpconstructionltd.ca DOUBLE A PAINTING LTD. COMMERCIAL & RESI DEN T IAL PAI N T I NG CO N T RACTORS

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43

OPINION

FREE ENTERPRISE NEEDS A NEW LEADER WITH FRESH VISION

44

MARK MACDONALD Who will be the voice for free enterprise in British Columbia now?

With the BC Liberals’ abysmal showing in the recent provincial election, and NDP decisions continuing to decimate the economy, an opportunity is there for someone or a group of people to re-unify the non-left.

Clearly, a three percent reduction in the Provincial Sales Tax as their election “game changer” did nothing to excite or attract voters. Quite frankly, if that’s the best that Andrew Wilkinson could come up with, well, shame on him.

Wilkinson’s pledge of allegiance to Dr. Bonnie Henry left him no room to navigate, and Henry became a shield that enabled Premier John Horgan to hide behind as he used the pandemic to kick the Green Party to the curb and win a big majority.

We’re about to see the real Horgan now, as he

can push NDP dogma into law unfettered. Horgan’s appointment of Selina Robinson as Finance Minister demonstrates the NDP’s disdain for free enterprise, as the fact she has absolutely no private sector experience shows what little regard Horgan has for the economy. But neither did Carole James, for that matter.

Wilkinson wisely resigned, but the damage he did in his leadership race by tag-teaming to ensure former Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, a Conservative, didn’t become party leader, was already done. That didn’t go unnoticed by the BC Liberals’ typical worker bees, the Conservative side, many of whom sat out the election.

Significant losses in traditionally safe BC Liberal havens like Langley, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford were at least partially due to a spike in BC Conservative votes. Not to mention a reluctance to revitalize party ranks with fresh blood and new ideas. Those areas alone were represented by three long-time politicians with 60+ years in some form of public office.

Here is what needs to happen: First, find someone with a new, fresh vision.

Might that be former cabinet minister Kevin Falcon, whose profile is rising once again? His enemies scoffed he was Gordon Campbell Junior, but that might not be a bad thing.

But maybe, just maybe, it’s time to draft another star from the Okanagan. That would be Brad Bennett, grandson of W.A.C. and son of Bill, Brad has the royal jelly, profile and name recognition to lead. It could again be Bennett time in B.C. Second, how about some big ideas? Term limits, no more career politicians. Two terms and you’re done, no matter what. How about a truly science and data-backed approach to economic December 2020

OPINION development, equality and the environment?

If science and data were truly valued by progressives, they’d support the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, pipelines in general, LNG, resource development, Site C, the list goes on.

Protests and activism focused on equality and the environment are ok to start, but where are the specific, measurable, attainable objectives from government? Or society at large?

So far the only government in BC to truly lead a “green revolution” has been the BC Liberals with the carbon tax. Now a global success story and standard.

Everything else has been lip service, 20 years in the distance with commitments to electric vehicle programs, carbon emissions, equality.

What about now?

Finally, consider a name change. BC Liberals is long past its best-before date. For many conservatives it’s a divisive name atop the party that has represented the non-NDP vote for over two decades.

The majority of the province that has supported free enterprise coalitions has coalesced comfortably under the Social Credit banner, and the destructive power of a decade of doom during NDP rule in the 1990’s recognized the BC Liberals led by Gordon Campbell as the only safe haven.

But those days are gone, and the name should be retired. It is very difficult for many Conservatives to utter the Liberal name, let alone support it. Having another party named Conservative doesn’t help – in fact, it further entrenches the distrust members of both parties have of each other. Come up with a new umbrella, the BC Party, or something more unifying.

Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationink.ca​

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45

FEATURE STORY

FREEDOM CAPITAL: INVESTING IN THEIR CLIENTS SO THEIR CLIENTS CAN INVEST IN THEMSELVES CUTTING THROUGH READ TAPE AND REGULATIONS, PIP DHALIWAL TAKES A FRESH APPROACH TO ALTERNATIVE AND COMMERCIAL LENDING

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The Freedom Capital team works hard to provide quick, easy access to lending, transparent and flexible repayment, and a personal touch for each client.

BRITISH COLUMBIA - Founded in 2010, Freedom Capital is the brainchild of founder and CEO Pip Dhaliwal.

Working as a loan officer at a standard bank, Pip saw a need in the financing market for alternative solutions after watching frustration clients see their banks cater largely to fully-employed clientele, rather than investors and entrepreneurs.

“Strict guidelines and red tape make getting access to loans no easy task,” explains Pip. “Traditional institutions look at only credit history and net income, limit clients to one or two projects, amongst many other complications.”

Freedom Capital takes a different approach, looking at total assets as a whole to form a clearer picture of each of their clients, providing solutions unique to each one.

“We find that brokers in today’s market look to complete deals on a transactional basis,” elaborates Pip. “At Freedom Capital, our goal is to focus

on making the client’s experience stress-free, providing quick, easy access to lending with a transparent and flexible repayment system. This has allowed us to develop long term clients and establish strong relationships with their lenders.”

As Pip sees it, private financing is an increasingly important option in business communities Canada-wide, offering those with financing issues customized solutions that make sense.

Over the last decade, Freedom Capital has established itself as one of the most dominant national alternative brokerages in Canada, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. They do this by functioning in the niche of private, commercial and construction financing, rather than operating as a one stop shop brokerage.

This has allowed them to refine their expertise and provide the very best service to their customers.

Notes Pip, “We are well known to our lenders and clients, and provide unsurpassed service with win-win solutions for both parties. We have frequently turned around approval in less than twenty-four hours.”

Pip considers Freedom Capital’s most significant strength as seeing clients not as a number, but motivated entrepreneurs with goals; people who may have suffered some setback in their personal or business careers, and simply need an advocate in their corner. A lack of hidden costs, compounding fees or lengthy agreement terms mean those people have an ally in Freedom Capital.

Concludes Pip, “We care about our clients visions and goals, and most of all doing what’s right.” www.freedomcapital.com

December 2020

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS Announcements, business changes, celebrations and other hidden gems from around Central/North Vancouver Island.

Curated just for you.

Submit your company’s announcement to: media@businessexaminer.ca

John Espley has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2021 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as a member of the Chamber’s Board of Governors.

The Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island has announced its 2021 Board of Directors.

Chair, Marion Harding-Soare, Past Chair, Vern Fischer, Vice Chair, Gary Eisenstein, Treasurer, Robyn Walle, Secretary, Richard Gordon, Member-At-Large, Walter J. Donald, President & CEO, Rosalind Scott, Directors, Gregg Meiklejohn, Richard Michaels, Mark Breslauer, Colin Watson, Brody Funk, Honorary Life Director, Paul Chow, and Independent Legal Counsel, Sharon Cartmill-Lane.

John Espley

Victoria tech start-up Open Ocean Robotics recently launched Daphne, an autonomous solar-powered vessel developed to monitor illegal fishing, completing the first stage in a multiyear project by participating in a three-day field demonstration using surveillance tech to track boats, detect fishing activity and collect evidence.

Visit openoceanrobotics.com to learn more.

WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Avenue Barber has opened at 3174 Oak Bay Avenue in Oak Bay Village. They’re open Tuesday through Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm. Give them a call at (778) 440-2174, or visit avenuebarber.ca.

The City of Langford has okayed 227 residential units on McCallum Road, consisting of one and two-bedroom units priced at market value.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2021 according to Christina Wilson, VP of Development and Sales for Highstreet Ventures.

Entourage Hair at 100 Aldersmith Pl Suite A6, is now offering online booking. Located in the Nelson Square in View Royal, owner Teresa Duran has over twenty years of experience cutting and styling hair. Give her a call at 250-590-2803, or book online at www.entouragehair.ca.

Victoria-based Anvy Technologies has made Time Magazine’s ‘100 Best Inventions of 2020’ with the Sepura, a garbage disposal system that sorts solids into a smell-free container beneath the sink, sending liquids down the pipes. Creator and CEO Victor Nicolov, who studied engineering at the University of Victoria, notes the device is available for pre-order, and expects to begin shipping units in early 2021. https://sepurahome.com

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS The City of Victoria is inviting artists to submit their artwork for downtown kiosks and storefronts for 2021. Artists must live in the Capital Region, including the Gulf Islands. The submission deadline is Monday, January 11th at 4pm PST. For submission guidelines and information, visit this link. Proposals can be emailed to culture@ victoria.ca.

The volunteer Board of Directors at Pearson College UWC have welcomed Anita George, Owen Teo a nd Yewande Awe as new volu nteer Directors, all of whom once attended the Metchosin international school.

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Cascadia Liquor has launched online shopping, with store-to-door delivery. Cascadia Liquor delivers in Greater Victoria, Nanoose Bay, Courtenay/Crown Isle and Parksville, with locally owned locations in Quadra Village, Colwood, Langford, Uptown, Eagle Creek, Courtenay, Nanoose Bay and Parksville. Pickup and delivery options are available, with a minimum $50 purchase for delivery orders. Visit their online store at shop. cascadialiquor.com/.

Mandy Farmer, President and CEO of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed won the 2020 Women of Influence RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award of Excellence, in a field of 8,600 talented nominees.

Mandy Farmer

Umami Bomb Shiitake Chili Oil is now available in Garlic and Extra Hot, joining their original Medium and Hot lineup. The vegan shiitake mushroom-based chili oil, produced

by Sidney’s Umami Foods, is available in more than forty-five premium markets and grocers throughout BC, and online via www.vumamifoods.com.

Concert Properties and its partners donated $90,000 this year to support Camosun College’s “Trades for Success” programming for youth, adult and K-12 learners in communities with December 2020

MOVERS AND SHAKERS limited access to training providers or public post-secondary institutions. The goal of the project is to build awareness of Red Seal trades and how these career pathways lead to sustainable employment within underserved regions of British Columbia.

Greater Victoria Public Library patrons will have access to computer stations as well as extended branch open hours in January of 2021, as part of Phase 3 of the GVPL Service Restoration Plan. GVPL will offer public Internet computer stations, with printing, first at the sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ followed by remaining GVPL locations on a branch-by-branch basis. Extended open hours will also be introduced in January 2021, beginning with all district branches (Central, Juan de Fuca, Nellie McClung and Saanich Centennial) open in the evenings until 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and until 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Full details will be available at gvpl.ca, including start date and sign-up procedures for computer stations, early in the new year.

Kudos to Newport Realty! They are using the money saved for their annual corporate Christmas party to instead buy gift cards from local businesses and then donate to Our Place Society and the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria.

Victoria again rates high on Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Experiences in Canada for 2021. Included are Butchart Gardens, Prince of Whales Whale Watching Adventure and Taste of Victoria Food Tours.

Ania Wysocka

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Victoria’s Rootd was named a winner of Innovate B C›s 2020 New Ventu res BC Competition. The pa n ic attack a nd anxiety relief app won a $7,000 Rogers Com mu n ic ations In-Kind Prize

Package. Ania Wysocka is the company›s founder.

The pilot project to move 100 government employees to the West Shore has been delayed, with employees now set to move into the 11,000-square-ft. space at Lakepoint One in Langford in early 2021. construction of the location, developed by Westhills, should be complete late December.

Co-owners of Victoria-based Puzzle Lab, Andrew Azzopardi and Tinka Robev, have launched a line of puzzles made of locally sourced woods, created using custom-made algorithms. (Photo Credit: Robazzo design studio)

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS The Haunted Bookshop at 9807 Third Street in Sidney is changing hands, with current owner Odean Long transferring ownership December 1st. to William Matthews. The store has been in business since 1947.

The District of North Saanich and Circular Farm and Food: Vancouver Island have agreed in principle to lease terms for the 83-acre Sandown Agricultural Lands. If ratified by city council, Circular Farm would offer programs ranging from community gardens, to an incubator pilot program supporting emerging farmers.

Saanich councillors Colin Plant and Rebecca Mersereau have been elected chair and co-chair, respectively, of the Capital Regional District board.

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Saanich residents and Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers coordinators Phil Downie and Gill Millam received a Crime Stoppers International award for their work in 2019, In the category for programs serving a population of 300,000 to 1-million.

The Vancouver Island Library has reopened its Sooke branch with limited service. To find out more, visit virl.bc.ca/branches/sooke.

The T’Sou-ke Nation hopes to break ground by 2022 on a $7.4-million health and community centre. In collaboration with the federal and provincial governments, the 10,400-squarefoot facility will include a community complex, house administrative offices, community hall, classrooms and a health centre. Planned for completion by 2024, the community centre will be located near the T’Sou-ke Nation’s Petro Canada gas station, convenience store and Tim Hortons on Sooke Road.

Council has unanimously ratified the Saanichton Village Design Plan for Central Saanich’s Saanichton Village. The plan calls for mixed, multi-storey buildings between three to five storeys in height, as well as additional public places, greenspace and pedestrian-friendly features.

December 2020

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Helmcken Market at 38 Helmcken Road in View Royal was recently used as a backdrop for Netflix series, MAID. The 10-part series based on a bestselling memoir by Stephanie Land will continue shooting around Greater Victoria into early March of 2021.

Seaspan Victoria Shipyards has donated $2.65 million to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to support the building of a high-acuity unit at Royal Jubilee Hospital. The unit will reduce pressure on intensive care units, enable teams to respond more quickly to admission surges and provide better support for the region’s aging population.

Victoria’s Citrus & Cane Tropical Cocktail Bar, located at the former Copper Owl, has opened at 1900 Douglas Street. The space had a pre-COVID-19 capacity of 120 people, but is currently seating up to 54 visitors. Check out their colorful drink menu at www.citrusandcane.com.

T he City of Victoria has pu rchased the 12,700-square-foot Garry oak meadow at the corner of Leighton Road and Bank Street, the site of Agamemnon and Eleni Kasapi Park, with $1 million from the sale donated by the Kasapi family to the University of Victoria. The Kasapi family’s donation will be used to fund two new student scholarships at UVic. Agamemnon and Eleni Kasapi Park is open to the public in Victoria’s South Jubilee neighbourhood. The 12,700 square foot parcel of land consists of a Garry oak meadow at the corner of Leighton Road and Bank Street. The City purchased the property for $1 million with funding from its Parks Acquisition Fund and issuance of a charitable donation receipt in the amount of $210,000 for the remainder of the purchase price.

Elite Self Storage at 4402 Westshore Parkway in Victoria is open, and offering fifty-percent off its climate controlled storage units for two rental periods. Give them a call at 778-817-1294 or visit www.eliteselfstorage.ca.

WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Urban Grocer at 1625 Fort Street at the Oak Bay Junction in Victoria is having a grand opening sale. They’re open daily from 7am to 10pm. Visit www.urban-grocer.ca for details.

The City of Victoria has been ranked as one of the best small cities in the world to live in by global media company Monocole, as well as ranking seventh in a new report from CBRE scoring Canadian tech talent.

The Capital Regional District has a memorandum of understanding with KENES Transportation to truck dried biosolids to the Lafarge Canada cement plant in Richmond, produced at its residuals treatment facility, starting later this year. KENES Transportation was created by the WSANEC Leadership Council and Sangan Resource Management.

Happy Buddha Cannabis at 2410 beacon avenue in Sidney has changed its name to Truth + Alibi Cannabis Co. The store is set to open soon.

Barb’s Barber Shop at 6706 Sooke Road is open for appointments and walk-ins. In addition to haircuts, shaves and even in-home cuts, Barb’s sells masks for ten dollars, with all proceeds going to Meals on Wheels. Give them at call at 250-642-6219.

Sidney has announced substantial completion of the renovation of Reay Creek Dam. The dam, now with a fish ladder, is ready for the upcoming salmon spawning season. Sidney’s original budget for the much delayed project was $900,000, with the federal government hiring QM Environmental for a total of $1.14 million. Installation of handrails and signage remain to be completed.

Sequoia Coffee has opened a new location at 365A Latoria Boulevard in Colwood. Hours are Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

Langford Pharmacy at 109 - 2854 Peatt Road is now open. Store hours are 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday, Saturday 10am to 3pm.

51

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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Threshold Housing Society has partnered with Silk Road Tea to create gift boxes with 12 different tea flavours. Sales from each box will provide housing and support services to at-risk youth in Greater Victoria. Visit www.thresholdhousing.ca/product/tea to purchase a box.

Charter Telecom and Waymark Architecture have won the 2020 Green Building Award in the small commercial/industrial building category for the Charter Headquarters in Langford.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) will proceed with the next stage of the shore power project for the Victoria Cruise Terminal at the Breakwater District. The project, costing between $23.3 million and $24.8 million, will result in the reduction of more than forty-six percent of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and criteria air contaminants (CACs) by installing shore power at two berths at Pier B. The reduction will be the equivalent to 1,394 cars on the road per year.

The Cattle Point Boat Ramp lease, through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, is up for renewal. Oak Bay applied for a new Cattle Point lease in 2020 that will extend rights to the two boat ramps until 2049.

The Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program is offering funding up to $800,000 to help small and new farms receive business plan coaching and cost-shared funding for commercial farm infrastructure and equipment. The program defines small farms as those with a total annual gross revenue of less than $60,000 in the last two years. The program funding will cover fifty to seventy-percent of total approved project costs to a maximum of $17,500 for individual farm businesses.

Starting January 4th of next year, the District of Saanich will charge one dollar an hour for use of its electric vehicle charging stations, with a three-hour time limit remaining in effect. There are 75 public EV charging stations in operation in Saanich.

December 2020

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Victoria has been named Canada’s most generous city in GoFundMe’s annual Year in Giving report. Victoria makes more donations per capita than any city in Canada.

United Way of Greater Victoria (UWGV) is funding a pilot project, The Digital Divide – Community Technology Help Desk program, providing community members, seniors and non-profit service providers with a virtual community help desk and a technology lending program. The community help desk can assist with technical issues, software installation, sending emails, creating documents, and more.

It can be reached Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm at 236-638-2610 and 250-217-4978.

The Victoria Foundation has channeled nearly $2.4 million to more than 120 hard-hit south Island charitable organizations struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Chef Ken Nakano has joined the Culinary Team at the Inn at Laurel Point,

WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Chef Ken Nakano

located at 680 Montreal Street in Victoria. Over his twenty years of experience, Chef Nakano has led the kitchens of Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia and Hotel Fairmont Empress, to name a few.

Saanich-based director and filmmaker Arnold Lim’s All-in Madonna feature film will make its debut at the virtual Whistler Film Festival on December 20th. Shot in Victoria, the film follows a 17-year-old girl living in a small rural town, who learns the dark Arnold Lim past of her father, and who he might be. To stream All-in Madonna, visit www.whistlerfilmfestival.com/how-to-buy.

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Working together, staying apart.

Reconfiguring the office setup doesn’t have to be complicated.

Panel dividers, glass panels and stackers can all be easily employed to separate your workers’ physical space.

• Enable collaboration with low panels & full glass panels • Create privacy with tall panels, stackers & sliding door option • Simple product design allows for quick adds & changes to keep your space functional and safe.

It’s how you’ll work, today.

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