Business Examiner Thompson Okanagan - December 2020/January 2021 by Business Examiner News Group

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Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

MAZZEI ELECTRIC CONTINUES GROWING LEGACY IN BC - 16

Mazzei Electric owner and President Ben Mazzei

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR HOLDS ITS OWN DURING 2020 PANDEMIC – 19

CHRISCAN CONSTRUCTION FOCUSED ON DENTAL, MEDICAL, PROFESSIONAL BUILDS – 30

R ELI A BILIT Y STA RTS AT THE TOP Serving Southern British Columbia Since 1976

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Business Examiner team! Hopefully, like us you’ve made it through the final heavy push of 2020 and are excited about what 2021 holds. 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 Mazzei Electric, one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. We’re also covering BC’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 Thompson/Okanagan, construction bid opportunities, 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)

6 NEWS UPDATE

KAMLOOPS

VERNON

GREENSHEET

16 MAZZEI ELECTRIC

30 CHRISCAN CONSTRUCTION

19 BUILDING IN BC

32 BDC - ADVISORY

29 OKANAGAN COLLEGE

36 OPINION

38 MOVERS & SHAKERS

NEWS UPDATE

ALLIED MOVES TO BECOME LEADER IN PSILOCYBIN SPACE

NEW SUPPORTIVE HOMES COMING TO PENTICTON

KELOWNA - Allied Corp., an international medical cannabis company focused on creating and providing health solutions to address medical mental health issues, announced the signing of a letter of intent to acquire the psilocybin company Pacific Sun Fungi. Pacific Sun is a BC corporation that has been working on Research and Development activities in the psilocybin space for the past 10 years. They have several formulations that have been tested under physician supervision and have proprietary extraction technology, proprietary formulations for several specific disease targets and physician-led therapy protocols that have proven to be effective for several specific disease targets. Over the past two years, in parallel with psilocybin moving into the pharmaceutical research realm, Allied has continued to develop its pharmaceutical research infrastructure. This represents the evolution of Allied beyond specific cannabis-based therapies to more pharma-based health targets. Allied was born out of the need to support veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD with targeted cannabinoid solutions. This acquisition has advanced Allied into the broader mental health market encompassing both pharmaceutical and natural health products.

PENTICTON - The Province, through BC Housing, has purchased a site in Penticton as the future location of 50 new permanent supportive homes for people who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The vacant site, located at 3240 Skaha Lake Rd., will be developed into a four-storey building with up to 54 units. The facility will be modelled after the successful Burdock House supportive housing project that BC Housing opened in October 2019, and which is operated by ASK Wellness Society. Staff will be on site 24/7 to provide supports, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services and other offerings like those at Burdock House. The supportive housing units are the first phase of the site’s development. The rest of the site will be kept available for future affordable housing projects for people in Penticton, including seniors, singles, families and/or people with a disability. An experienced operator for the project will be confirmed later. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2021 and anticipated to be completed in summer 2022. Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

NEWS UPDATE

BC MARKETPLACE PROMOTES LOCAL BUSINESSES BRITISH COLUMBIA – The BC Marketplace is an online resource showcasing more than 1,500 BC-based businesses that helps boost small-business growth and encourages British Columbians to buy local. The BC Marketplace was launched in April 2020 by Small Business BC (SBBC) to give immediate support to small businesses during COVID-19 when consumer shopping trends shifted online. With a growing number of businesses joining the online community, the BC Marketplace has become a long-term solution for BC businesses. It allows them to create or enhance their online presence and reach more customers at no cost. The BC government and the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, have each provided $169,000 to Small Business BC for the BC Marketplace. The funding was used to improve the website’s functionality, including enhanced profiles for small businesses and regional search capabilities for consumers. SBBC supports sma l l busi ness ow ners throughout BC to grow successful and sustainable businesses through expert advisors, educational services and easy-to-use free tools. marketplacebc.ca WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

BC HOUSING MARKET POSTS STRONGEST NOVEMBER ON RECORD BRITISH COLUMBIA – The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 9,416 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in November 2020, an increase of 42.1 per cent from November 2019. The average MLS residential price in BC set a record of $816,074, a 9.3 per cent increase from $746,310 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume in August was $7.68 billion, a 55.4 per cent increase over 2019. “Home sales were once again unseasonably strong in November with several markets setting records for the month,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “While demand continues to be strong, the supply of listings has reached near-record lows in several parts of the province, with prices rising sharply as a result.” Active listings were down close to 14 per cent year-over-year in November, which contributed to a 34.8 per cent sales-to-active listings ratio. Consequently, the provincial average price rose 9.3 per compared to this time last year with many markets seeing even stronger price growth. Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 32.3 per cent to $66.43 billion, compared with the same period in 2019. Residential unit sales were up 18.7 per cent to 85,625 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 11.4 per cent to $775,845.

NEWS UPDATE

SIMPLIFIED PROCESS FOR CLAIMING THE HOME OFFICE EXPENSES

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has provided additional details on the home office expense deductions available, and simplified the way employees can claim these expenses on their personal income tax return for the 2020 tax year. Employees with larger claims for home office expenses can still choose to use the existing detailed method to calculate their home office expenses deduction. Employees who worked from home more than 50 per cent of the time over a period of a least four consecutive weeks in 2020 due to COVID-19 will now be eligible to claim the home office expenses deduction for 2020. A new temporary flat rate method will allow eligible employees to claim a deduction of $2 for each day they worked at home in that period, plus any other days they worked from home in 2020 due to COVID-19 up to a maximum of $400. Under this new method, employees will not have to get Form T2200 or Form T2200S completed and signed by their employer. To simplify the process for employees choosing the detailed method, the CRA launched today simplified forms (Form T2200S and Form T777S) and a calculator designed specifically to assist with the calculation of eligible home office expenses. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n w o r k i n g f rom home ex penses go to Ca nad a.ca / cra-home-workspace-expenses.

REAL ESTATE MARKET CLOSES 2020 ON HIGH NOTE KELOWNA – Residential sales for December in the region of Revelstoke to Peachland increased 65 per cent compared to December 2019’s residential sales, coming in at 661. The South Okanagan region, stretching from Summerland to Eastgate Manning Park also saw an unexpected jump of 201 units sold of overall property sales compared to the previous year’s 107, while property sales in the South Peace River region was up 11 per cent from 18 units in 2019 to 20 in December 2020. Active residential listings for December from Revelstoke to Peachland fell short 35 per cent compared to December 2019’s 2,715, while in the South Okanagan region overall listings saw a slight increase of 11 per cent compared to the previous year’s 158 properties. The South Peace River region had a greater uptick compared to December 2019, jumping up 24 per cent to 34 units listed. The benchmark price for single-family homes in the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan and Shuswap/Revelstoke regions clocked in doubledigit percentage increases in year-over-year comparisons. In the South Okanagan and the South Peace River region where benchmark pricing is not yet available, the average sales price for single-family homes surged 37 per cent and 15 per cent year-over-year respectively. Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

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KAMLOOPS

KAMLOOPS IS BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

ACACIA PANGILINAN

Kamloops is embracing change, the skyline is evolving, and it is ready for the post-pandemic workforce. Hybrid models of work from home and in office collaboration are quickly becoming the norm as businesses look towards recovery from COVID-19. It is no longer just about the work, it is about the work/life balance we all crave as technology has allowed us to work from virtually anywhere. Located where the North and South Thompson Rivers converge, traditionally called Tk’emlúps, meaning where the rivers meet, Kamloops already ticks off many boxes for today’s workforce -with an airport, award-winning wineries, a major university and an abundance of enviable outdoor space to explore – all this, but with a commute time shorter than the time it takes for your barista to prepare your morning coffee. The introduction of the Revitalization Tax Exemption (RTE) was the catalyst developers needed as they looked for opportunity to modernize our city’s commercial spaces, something that

has been lacking for over a decade. Wasting no time, developers have already broken ground to create new business hubs to answer the evolving needs of the business community. Esteemed development group A&T Project Developments inc. and Invictus Properties broke ground on phase one of The Hive – a mixed-use space of office and ground-floor retail in Downtown Kamloops, setting its scope to become Kamloops Premier Business District. On the North Shore, ARPA Investments is reimagining the Tranquille Corridor by embracing its eclectic culture and youthful vibe with the recent completion of The Station on Tranquille and nearly completed The Colours on Spirit Square – bringing with them collaboration centres, breweries and a newly announced Food Hall. For the fourth straight year, the City of Kamloops has set a record for construction activity – even amidst the pandemic. Much of this can be attributed to expansion of the Royal Inland Hospital with the under-construction Patient Care Tower, but our hub corridors are quickly densifying and are offering contemporary amenities for the post pandemic workforce. Have you considered opportunities in Kamloops lately? Get in touch with Acacia, at acacia@kamloopschamber.ca to discuss your business needs.

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

VERNON CHAMBER

VERNON CHAMBER CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

DAN PROULX VERNON - Advocating on behalf of its members is a fundamental component of any chamber of commerce and that has certainly been the case during 2020. In November, the Greater Vernon Chamber asked members and non-members what factors are inhibiting their ability to operate and what actions are needed from government to improve conditions. While many of the responses revolved around the pandemic, other issues were also highlighted. When asked for the single biggest issue their business or non-profit is currently facing, respondents indicated (some respondents selected more than one option): • Low Revenue – 40 per cent • Human Resources/Staff – 40 per cent • Paying Taxes – 15.5 per cent • None – 11.1 per cent • Other - 11.1 per cent (lockdown uncertainty, inventory access challenges, theft/ vandalism) • Paying for Business PPE – 6.6 per cent WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

• Paying Rent – 4.4 per cent • Paying Utilities – 4.4 per cent We regularly hear from our members that retaining and recruiting employees is a challenge and that impacts the ability to provide services. But beyond input from employers, we need a better sense of why individuals are not pursuing employment opportunities. As a result of the survey, the Chamber has taken a number of steps to date, including: Participating in a round table discussion with North Okanagan-Shuswap MP Mel Arnold Met with Vernon Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu Distributed the survey results to the City of Vernon, Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Coldstream We will continue to review the survey results and advocate to all levels of government, and if there are further matters that we need to be aware of, we ask our members to contact us. Beyond the survey, our chamber has been busy on a number of fronts, including our Vote Vernon campaign. Presented by VantageOne Credit Union, Vote Vernon encouraged residents to cast a ballot for the community by shopping local in-person or online. Our Merriment Experiment gift exchange presented by Okanagan Restoration Services also encouraged our members to support local while spreading Christmas cheer to a local family in need. Dan Proulx is the general manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

BC CONSTRUCTION

KELOWNA FIRM EARNS PROVINCIAL AWARDS FOR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SECTOR

KELOWNA – Just call them the Builders Code Champions. Mazzei Electric, which has an office on Banks Road in Kelowna, was named Contractor of the Year at the Builders Code Champion Awards for BC’s industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector. The BC Construction Association (BCCA), the Builders Code Governance Committee and Minerva BC judged the awards, which were launched in 2019 to recognize companies that took proactive measures to eliminate discrimination and harassment on worksites throughout the province, as well as prioritizing the importance of psychological and physical safety for all workers. Other winners were Chinook Scaffolding Systems of Kamloops as Recruiting & Hiring Champion Westcana Electric of Prince George as Loyalty Champion, RAM Consulting Ltd. of Vancouver (medium sized employer) and Lafarge Canada of Vancouver (large employer) as Workplace Culture Champions, and Houle Electric of Vancouver as Community Champion. This was the latest in a string of awards for Mazzei Electric. “I would absolutely recommend the Builders Code. I think it’s important that we have, I guess you can call it a platform across the industry

that we are all held to the same standards,” states President Ben Mazzei. “I think if you look a lot of what the Builders Code stands for, that is what should be acceptable across society and there is no reason the construction industry shouldn’t be held to the same standard.” The Contractor of the Year Award recognizes companies that are committed to achieving an Acceptable Worksite and building a diverse workforce where all employees are able to perform at their best and reach their full potential. Mazzei Electric is a signatory of the Builders Code pledge. They ensure that we provide inclusive workplaces (this includes no tolerance for any sort of hazing, harassment, bullying, etc.), and ensure that all employees have equal opportunities to advance with us. 11 per cent of their workforce is women, and had their first female sub-foreman this year as well promoting a female Service Electrician into the Service Manager position. Wendy Gaskill, Corporate Safety Manager, has been with Chinook Scaffolding for six years, and says they’re excited about receiving the award, which recognizes companies that hire the best talent based on skills, experience, and attitude; work to attract diverse candidates; look for ways to remove barriers that hold them back; and compensate all employees at fair market value regardless of gender, race, religion, or ethnicity.

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

BC CONSTRUCTION

Mazzei Electric provides a range of industrial, commercial and residential electrical services across BC

“We’re pretty stoked about it,” Gaskill says. “It’s tough for women to break into the industry, so organizations like this really help to level the playing field for us. “The most powerful aspect of the Builders Code is simply introducing the idea of all trades people are created equal and should be given equal opportunity.” Chinook Scaffolding has shown its focus on culture and values by signing the Builders Code pledge, and they were awarded a Champion Award in 2019 for their efforts. They have shown their continued efforts toward equity by working with other community tradeswomen initiatives, such as Women Building Futures (WBF). While they are aware their trade is one that requires a degree of physical strength, they’ve implemented processes that are designed to ensure all workers can have a fulfilling career with their company. They have a strong female component in management positions, with a continued commitment to promoting female tradespeople – it is driven from the top down. They clearly have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to inclusivity. “On behalf of everyone at BCCA, Minerva WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

BC and all our Builders Code partners, I want to thank our winners for their support of the Builders Code and their leadership across the province during this challenging year,” said BCCA President Chris Atchison. “These award recipients, the other nominees and the companies throughout BC who have adopted Builders Code are helping to shape a new workplace culture for construction and encouraging others to get involved. They recognize that the Builders Code has helped them set clear behaviour expectations among employees and supported them in the development of company policies all of which are contributing to attracting and retaining employees in a tight labour market.” The Builders Code is co-funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, with financial contributions from the BC Construction Association, WorkSafe BC, the Industry Training Authority, LNG Canada, the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and the BC Construction Safety Alliance. It is also supported by the province’s s four Regional Construction Associations and the Minerva Foundation of BC. www.builderscode.ca

BUILDING BRIEFS

SIMONE SUNDERLAND

KAMLOOPS LOCATION 780 Windsor Ave PROJECT TYPE: Commercial New - Restaurant - Drive Thru Tim Hortons - Cooper Centre PROJECT New drive thru Tim Hortons - 1 storey - approx 351 sm - surface parking - wood frame construction - brick, porcelain tile, aluminum siding, glazing, suspended metal canopies exteriors PROJECT STATUS Building permit application submitted ARCHITECT MacKinnon Arch & Interior Design - 2 737 Seymour St, Kamloops V2C 2H4 250-372-7100 DEVELOPER Copper Tree Holdings Ltd - 404 275 Lansdowne St, Kamloops V2C 1X8 250-374-7200 VERNON LOCATION Hwy 97 (east side of Hwy 97 near Meadowlark Rd) PROJECT TYPE Commercial New - Storage Facility PROJECT New storage facility development - 8 buildings - 1 storey - approx 70 storage units - 580 sf to 3,079 sf units - approx 71,740 sf total - care taker

unit - office, reception area, staff room - customer washrooms, showers, mechanical rooms - vehicle wash bay - surface parking - insulated metal panelling exterior - concrete pads - metal panel roofing PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at final reading - requirements for approval underway APPLICANT Ledcor Construction Ltd - 7008 Roper Rd, Edmonton T6B 3H2 780-395-5433 - 7008 Roper Rd, Edmonton T6B 3H2 780-395-5433 ARCHITECT GTA Architecture Ltd - 243 1889 Springfield Rd, Kelowna V1Y 5V5 250-979-1668 KELOWNA LOCATION 191 Hollywood Rd S PROJECT TYPE Mixed-use Dev - Condominiums - Commercial – SOHO PROJECT New mixed use development - 1 structure - 5 storeys - approx 92 residential units - studio to 3 bedroom units - 420 sf to 1,206 sf units - approx 81,719 sf total - ground level commercial, 8 units, approx 9,560 sf - gym, media room, games room, central courtyard - u/g and at grade parking - stucco, faux wood lap siding, cultured stone exteriors PROJECT STATUS Foundations underway ARCHITECT BlueGreen Architecture Inc (Kelowna) - 100 1353 Ellis St, Kelowna V1Y 6Y9 236-420-3550 KELOWNA LOCATION 230 Aurora Cr PROJECT TYPE Multi-family New – Condominiums PROJECT New rental condominium development - 2 structures - 6 storeys - approx 113,201 sf total - 104 units - 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms - 584 sf to 1,031 sf Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

BUILDING BRIEFS units - amenities includes, fitness centre, indoor meeting area, rooftop patios and an outdoor plaza - u/g, ground level and surface parking - wood frame and concrete foundation construction fiber cement, exposed concrete, corrugated metal sheet and stone veneer exteriors PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at 3rd reading - development permit application in process ARCHITECT RJSG Architects - 201 57158 Symington Rd, Springfield R2J 4L6 204-227-9274 DEVELOPER Ironclad Developments Inc - 101 57158 Symington Rd, Springfield R2J 4L6 204-777-1972 KELOWNA LOCATION 1383 Ellis St PROJECT TYPE Commercial add/alter - Restaurant - Music Hall - Revelry Kelowna PROJECT New restaurant and banquet facility for 1,250 patrons - renovation and addition - 3 storeys - approx 15,917 sf total - main level, stage, ballroom, kitchen facilities, washrooms - 2nd level, green room, washrooms, seating areas - 3rd floor addition, approx 6,505 sf, storage, banquet room, washrooms, offices - exteriors to match existing, weathered steel panelling, standing seam cladding and stacked block wall PROJECT STATUS Development permit application in process - requirements for approval underway ARCHITECT LakeMonster Studio Architecture & Design 3004 29 St, Vernon V1T 5A2 250-506-4567 KELOWNA LOCATION 907 Ethel St PROJECT TYPE Mixed-use Dev - Industrial – Residential PROJECT New mixed use development - 1 structure - 4 WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

storeys - floors 1 to 3, offices and industrial, 9 units, 1,730 sf to 3,254 sf units - floor 4, 4 residential units, 2 bedroom units, 830 sf to 946 sf units - approx 27,871 sf total - roof top decks surface parking - stucco and refinished aluminum flashing exteriors PROJECT STATUS Site prep underway ARCHITECT LIME Architecture Inc - 205 1626 Richter St, Kelowna V1Y 2M3 250-448-7801 DEVELOPER Emil Anderson Construction Inc - 907 Ethel St, Kelowna V1Y 2W1 250-762-9999 PENTICTON LOCATION 962 Churchill Ave PROJECT TYPE Multi-family New - Condominiums – Boutique PROJECT New condominium development - 1 structure 6 storeys - 8 units - 3 bedroom units - rooftop decks - electrical charging stations in at grade parkade - demolition of existing SFD PROJECT STATUS Construction start anticipated spring/21 - rezoning and development permit approved ARCHITECT Parallel 50 Construction Ltd - 210 Hastings Ave, Penticton V2A 2V6 250-488-9122 OSOYOOS LOCATION Sawgrass Dr PROJECT TYPE Subdivisions - Residential - SFDs - Duplexes Sawgrass at Dividend Ridge PROJECT New residential subdivision - 19 units - 8 duplexes - 3 SFDs PROJECT STATUS Construction start anticipated spring/21 APPLICANT Osoyoos Dividend Ridge Development Ltd - 103 5405 Oleander Dr, Osoyoos V0H 1V1 250-495-0611

OFF THE COVER

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. Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

OFF THE COVER Safety. Innovation. T rust. Relationships. “I bel ieve we have a modern, progressive approach to how w e 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 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

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

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

OFF THE COVER

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

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR HOLDS ITS OWN DURING 2020 PANDEMIC BUILDING INDUSTRY REMAINS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE PROVINCE 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 anything we have experienced in recent memory. The

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

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

CONSTRUCTION

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 came together.

Angela McKerlich of BCCA 2 5 0 .717. 3 0 0 0 leasing@callahanpg.ca

www.callahanpg.ca

230 BEAVER LAKE ROAD, KELOWNA, BC New 35-acre industrial park. Building 3 under construction and scheduled for delivery in spring 2021. Building 1 and 2 are fully leased. • ± 10,000 sf units and up • ± 28 foot clear ceiling height • Zoning: I-2 General Industrial

2525 ROSS ROAD, WEST KELOWNA, BC

• Dock & grade loading • Customer & staff parking

New industrial development with front and rear grade level loading and parking. • ± 4,200 sf up to ± 17,200 sf • ± 24 foot clear ceiling height • 12’ x 14’ grade doors, up to 4 per unit • Zoning: I-1 Light Industrial

Commercial Leasing Industrial. Retail. Office.

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

“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 the province.

Chris Atchison of BCCA

WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

triton-env.com

CONSTRUCTION

Triton is an employee owned environmental consulting firm with over 30 years of experience Our staff together with our First Nation partnerships, bring inter-disciplinary expertise to every project we work on Providing a wide range of scientific, technical and management expertise that merge to provide practical environmental solutions

CONSTRUCTION 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 were counted and the final results of the provincial election certified, an executive from one of the biggest unions in the

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The Safe Solution 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.

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country was urging the new NDP government to trample all over the hard-won rights of workers across BC. In an op-ed 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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Clark, Robinson is a full service accounting firm which has been assisting and advising clients throughout the North Okanagan with their personal, corporate, estate and trust accounting and tax needs since 1978. Our team of Chartered Professional Accountants has the expertise to guide you through your business opportunities and challenges, make the best of the current tax laws and plan for future tax situations. Moreover, our team has significant experience working with the construction industry. We can advise on start-up, structure, how to integrate family into business, and with the everyday requirements of what a business needs to maintain its books and records. We realize taxes can be puzzling. Allow us to help you put the pieces together.

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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

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

CONSTRUCTION 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 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

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CONSTRUCTION

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. 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

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

CONSTRUCTION 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 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

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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, 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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GOLF PRO GOES FROM SWINGING CLUBS TO HAMMERS THROUGH OKANAGAN COLLEGE KELOWNA - It’s easy to say that Greg Forbes went from looking for a hole in one, to drilling several holes. After growing up playing golf in Oakville, Forbes earned a golf scholarship to study at Coastal Carolina University, and returned to Canada to tee off a career with retail giant Golf Town that ultimately brought him to Kelowna. “I had been opening stores across Ontario, and the opportunity came up to move to Kelowna. I couldn’t resist,” he recalls. Last August, he signed up for the Carpenter Foundation program at Okanagan College, thrown into a completely foreign world filled with tools, supplies and machinery. “I did not handle a circular saw until I stepped into the class,” he says. “It’s amazing to see how comfortable I am now, only a few months later, handling tools. It is so satisfying completing projects and knowing that I did that.” Forbes has completed the program after completing the final exam, and hopes to work alongside Red Seal Carpenter in addition to working the links during the summer months. With enough hours, he could become eligible to register for Level 2 of the apprenticeship program. At one time, he was ranked in the top 100 in Canada for amateur golfers and made the Canadian Amateur Golf team. Forbes eventually earned his pro card and began playing a lot of PGA of BC events, especially on the Interior Tour. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

29 Greg Forest is enrolled in the Okanagan College carpentry program In 2013, he shifted energies more to the game, joining Black Mountain Golf Club as a PGA Golf Professional. “You’re doing something you love and coaching people. It’s great,” he says. His career allowed his family to buy a 1979 fixer-upper home that needed upgrades. “I’ve never been a handy person at all,” he chuckles, adding that they hired a Red Seal carpenter friend to do some renovations. “I watched and learned, helped out where I could. But here I am in my 40s, and I found I kind of liked working on the house. I thought, why not try carpentry?” www.okanagan.bc.ca/carpentry

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KELOWNA – Jim Kitchin is always pleased to see clients smile after Chriscan Construction has completed a project. Dental offices, as well as medical and professional office space and buildings have been the focus of Chriscan, and Kitchin states the company has now built well over 50 dental clinics throughout the Okanagan since the company started 28 years ago. “Our experience has allowed us to hone our skill set and knowledge to efficiently build these projects,” says Kitchin, the company owner and President. “Dental offices, specifically, are more complicated to build, so once we had successfully completed a few of them, we were able to develop a favorable reputation throughout the dental and medical communities.” Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

CONSTRUCTION Chriscan focuses on its commercial division, completing numerous tenant improvements for various businesses throughout the interior

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Chriscan focuses on its commercial division, completing numerous tenant improvements for various businesses throughout the interior. They also build high-end residential homes, with two currently under construction. Len Suchocki started Chriscan as a family business in 1992, and Kitchin joined the company in 2004 as an apprentice carpenter. “Len mentored me for years, guiding me through the specifics of running the business,” he notes, adding that he became part of the ownership six years ago and completed a succession plan to take over the business on January 1, 2020. The company is well known for its quality work and attention to detail. “What really keeps us relevant in the market is our reputation for attention to detail and the

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elevated level of service we provide,” he states. “We walk our customers through the entire construction process from start to finish.” Kitchin is particularly proud of one of their latest projects in Vernon, the 11,000 square foot Siwoski Dental building on Anderson Way that features a 5,000 square foot dental office on the upper floor and leased office space on the main floor. He credits the experience and diligence of the Chriscan team. “Our experienced team members and the processes we have implemented really make the difference,” he says. “We have exceptional people working for Chriscan and processes in place for every step that really streamlines the development of the project. The execution of each project is tracked and monitored, so we always have a clear understanding of where each project is from a financial perspective to the daily construction schedule. ” www.chriscan.com

CONSTRUCTION

5 KEY STEPS TO PLAN YOUR CASH FLOW IN THE COMING YEAR MANY NEGLECT FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

Making cash flow and other financial projections each year is a vital tool for keeping your business healthy and on a sustainable growth path. The idea is to have a reference you can review through the year, so you can make adjustments as needed. How to make financial projections? 1. Plan your year First, think about what you want to accomplish over the next 12 months. This should be based on your strategic plan for your business. With a clear idea of what you want to achieve, start estimating your annual expenses and consider the additional costs you will incur

to implement your business strategy. These expenses should be added to the costs of running your day-to-day business, such as: • payroll • rent • utilities • interest • loan repayments Next, estimate your annual sales and think about the effect your decisions will have on your cash flow forecast. Make sure you take into consideration your credit policy and when your customers pay to ensure your business has enough cash throughout its business year.

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2. Make projections Based on past experience and your plans for the coming year, prepare these three documents. • A projected income (profit-loss) statement— Projected revenues, costs, expenses, taxes, etc. • A projected balance sheet—Assets, liabilities, equity. • Monthly cash-flow projections—Accounts receivable, accounts payable, investments, financing, etc. 3. Arrange financing With your projections in hand, determine financing needs for the coming year and discuss them with your bankers and other financial

partners. Also, don’t make the common mistake of dipping into your working capital for longterm capital investments because you may end up facing a cash crunch. It’s better to use longterm financing for such projects. 4. Monitor and adjust Finally, review your projections each month against the actual numbers to see if you’re on track. Variances can flag trouble spots in your business. Take an even closer look each quarter. Make any needed adjustments to your operations or changes in your planning. 5. Get help Depending on your in-house resources, consider seeking outside help in creating your financial project ions and monitoring your progress through the year. To r e a d t h e f u l l a r t i c l e p l e a s e v i sit: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/ money-finance/manage-finances/ making-projection-coming-year

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PENTICTON

AGREEMENT IN PLACE FOR PENTICTON HOTEL PENTICTON - A $1.5 million city land sale and building agreement between the City of Penticton and Ron Mundi of Mundi Hotel Enterprises Inc. will pave the way towards a long-awaited hotel adjacent to the Penticton Trade and Ron Mundi of Mundi Convention Centre Hotel Enterprises Inc (PTCC). Located at 903 Vernon Avenue, the planned hotel will feature approximately 100 to 110 rooms, stand six stories tall and include a direct pedestrian connection to the PTCC via a $600K allocation in the City’s 2021-2025 Financial Plan. Once opened, the City expects the hotel will capture new market segments as well as convention, meeting and special events, all of which will positively impact the City’s local tourism and business community. “The era of operating top-notch trade and convention centre experiences in the absence of adjoining hotel facilities ended years ago,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “This announcement significantly improves the ability of this important City asset to attract additional conferences, conventions and events that were previously unavailable to us on account of the winning formula of a facility, plus hotel, being incomplete. T his is great news for the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, the South Okanagan Events Centre, local businesses and our community as a whole.” “The addition of an attached hotel, with a pedestrian walkway to the PTCC, is an

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innovative and long-term investment by the City of Penticton,” said Spectra Venue Management General Manager and Regional Vice President, Dean Clarke. “We will now be able to solicit and bid on new convention, meeting and special event business, which we have previously not met hosting requirements. Like the SOEC, the City’s forward-thinking vision will grow our convention business bringing more delegates and event attendees to Penticton.” “Travel Penticton welcomes the prospect of a new hotel to add to the inventory of existing rooms in Penticton,” said Travel Penticton Executive Director, Thom Tischik. “The addition of a new hotel will help to off-set the loss of rooms through housing and attrition of accommodation properties and be an asset to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and the South Okanagan Events Centre.” “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to build a full-service hotel with an internationally recognized brand alongside the remarkable facilities at the South Okanagan Events Centre and the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, said President of Mundi Hotel Enterprises Inc., Ron Mundi Owner. “This hotel will offer a variety of accommodations and facilities which will include: an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness facilities and an upscale restaurant and lounge. We built and opened the Fairfield Marriott Hotel in August 2020 and enjoyed a great working relationship with the City. This property location, with easy access to the facilities, will be advantageous in attracting new conference and events business to the city. We look forward to being a part of welcoming these guests and offering them an exceptional Okanagan experience.”

OPINION

FREE ENTERPRISE NEEDS A NEW LEADER WITH FRESH VISION

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 Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

OPINION you’re done, no matter what. How about a truly science and data-backed approach to economic 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

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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

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS Announcements, business changes, celebrations and other hidden gems from around the Thompson/Okanagan. Curated just for you.

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

KAMLOOPS Fast & Furious franchise actor Tyrese Gibson gifted the hotel rooms he and his team were occupying near Kamloops to local homeless who asked for his help. The actor was filming a new movie in the area.

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Tony Cuzzetto is the new president of the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association. He has been on the board of directors since 2012. The Kamloops and District Real Estate Association held their third Realtor Awards online.

Realtor of the Year w e n t t o We n d y Runge of Century 21 Desert Hills Realty and Rookie Realtor of the Year Award went to Casie Menhinick o f R oya l L e P a ge We s t w i n R e a lt y. Other awards winners were: Helen Tony Cuzzetto Ralph won Realtor Choice Award; Wendy Runge, KADREA president won Distinguished Service Award; Ron Fawcett of the Kelson Group and Frilan Appraisals won Non-member Citizenship and Outstanding Affiliate Awards. The Bank of Montreal donated $750,000 for

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

MOVERS & SHAKERS Indigenous students at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. The award will be split between the mentorship program Knowledge Makers, which guides Indigenous researchers at the undergraduate level, and the School of Nursing, supporting Indigenous students across various health-care programs in Kamloops and Williams Lake. KPMG Kamloops announced the successful CFE writers. Scott Bjorkland, Nic Corno, Faline Lidstone, Wendy Milligan and Greg Russell. Daley & Company LLP also congratulates Jeff Carter on his completion of the CFE exam as he continues to journey to quality as a Charted Professional Accountant. Shelby Vollo of Wealthy Roots Financial has received her designation as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. A CDFA professional is a financial professional skilled at analyzing data and providing expertise on the financial issues of divorce. SALMON ARM Nufloors celebrates 35 years in business. They are located at 775 Lakeshore Drive SW. Morrow Beer Company, owned and operated by Adam and Genean Morrow, plan to open at the former Windmill Meats Location on Lakeshore Drive. Eric’s Shuswap Automotive at 2560 Trans Canada Hwy has been in business 20 years.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS Sisters, Janice Ishizaka and Cilla Watkins, founders of the Canadian Barley Tea Company, made a presentation before the Dragon’s Den and received the quickest offer in the show’s history. Their offer of 15 per cent of the company for $40,000 in order to expand their operations was quickly received by Dragon, Jim Treliving. The deal was settled in 6 minutes but the sisters pitch is not going to be aired on TV. Rider Express is looking to expand their footprint into the South Okanagan, proposing a bus route going south from Salmon Arm stopping in Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton, before returning the same way. The application for the added route is currently before the Passenger Transportation Board.

VERNON SilverStar Mountain Resort has opened its cross-country ski trails, with the downhill slopes coming soon after. Find out more about trail status and availability here. FortisBC will soon be purchasing Stargas, the latter of which has supplied the Silver Star Mountain resort community near Vernon with natural gas for 20-plus years. The Province of BC and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has awarded Vernon a $7 million grant to create more than 200 daycare spaces. The Okanagan Boys and Girls Club will operate the two new licensed facilities in partnership with the City of Vernon. The new facilities are expected to open in the fall of 2022.

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The half-century year-old Pat Duke Arena in the Village of Lumby, 26km east of Vernon, has completed its change room renovation and expansion project. The total project budget was $3.5 million, and was completed with $2.56 million in support from the federal Gas Tax Fund, as well as a TELUS community grant. Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming hopes to expand Ellison Provincial Park via purchase of the lakefront lands on Cameron Road, adjacent the park. Mayor Cumming noted BC Parks’ interest in the 234-acre Chelsea Estate property, most recently assessed at a value of around $16.5 million.

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

MOVERS & SHAKERS Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band Group of Companies (OKIB GC) announced signing of an agreement with EPCOR and Enterprise Canada, which will see the companies identify commercial opportunities Chief Byron Louis in utilities-related infrastructure including water, wastewater and irrigation management systems providing quality drinking water and an adequate firefighting supply to serve the OKIB’s reserve lands. The partners will formalize the utility’s corporate and financing structures in the coming months.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS The Silver Star Resort Association (SSRA), representing the Vernon mountain community, will elect five new board members at its first annual general meeting early next year. Silver Star homeowners can nominate a candidate for the SSRA board of directors by sending their nomination choice to info.ssra.2020@gmail. com. Armstrong city council is considering a proposed development of two medium-density apartment buildings at 3455 Adair Street, next to NorVal Arena and Memorial Park. The project would consist of eighty units of affordable housing between the two buildings. If brought to next steps, council will schedule a public hearing on the project in early 2021.

Best Health Magazine has recognized Cammy LaFleur Street Outreach Program harm-reduction counsellor Alison Houweling as one of Canada’s Hea lth Heroes, naming her amongst its Women of the Alison Houweling Year. The national magazine places Alison in the ranks of notable doctors, health policy leaders and health information scientists. The Vernon resident also acts as manager of education and community programs for the Turning Points Collaborative Society (TPCS).

Dentist, Dr. Ryan Kilistoff moved to the Mori Professional Building at 2013607 31st Street. Cheryl Witter of Nor t h E n d Spi ne and Sports Physiotherapy celebrates 25 years in business.

Cheryl Witter

The Community Foundation of the North Okanagan has distributed over $1 million in grants to local charities es in 2020. Lake Country’s Dairy Queen, owned and operated by Kelly Leach and Craig Misseldt celebrate 5 years in business. They are located at 8-10074 Highway 97. KELOWNA StruXure Okanagan has opened its doors. They make luxury, automated, adjustable louver pergolas. The majority of the business is owned and operated by the Effa family with Dan Effa as president. www.StruXureOkanagan.ca The City of Kelowna has launched Citybot on the city website’s homepage. The chatbot is programmed to simulate human conversation, and is designed to respond to more than 200 COVID-19-related questions. The bot has not yet been programmed to discuss non-COVID topics. To test the bot yourself, visit Kelowna.ca.

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

MOVERS & SHAKERS The Kelowna Hotel Motel Association celebrated the Third Annual Heart of Hospitality Awards recognizing exceptional front-line staff. The virtual celebration honoured Georganna Moore of Accent Inns with the Heart & Soul Award, Mickey Cooke of Holiday Inn Express with Service Superstar Award and Linda JonesEvans of Accent Inns with Spirit of Kelowna Award.

The Greater Westside Board of Trade has announced the 202 Key Business Award winners. Geoffrey Paynter Citizen of the Year: Norm Parent - Business of the Year - A View to Remember Bed & Breakfast; Arts & Entertainment - Okanagan Indigenous Music & Art Society; Community & Public Service - West K Women of Influence; Entrepreneurial Spirit - Shift Power Yoga; Environmentally Sustainable Business - A View to Remember Bed & Breakfast; YET Human Resources; Home Based Business - YET Human Resources; Indigenous Business - Syilx Trail Gallery & Gifts; Large Business - Boyd Autobody & Glass; New Business - II Mercato Social Kitchen; Platinum Service Provider - West Kelowna Integrative Health Care Centre; Small Business - Carls Flower Company; Technology & Innovation

Kelowna Regional Transit will receive $7.3M in provincial and federal grants, which will allow essential service levels to be maintained, and fares to remain at current rates. The funding is part of $1.08 billion in COVID-19 Safe Restart grants to support municipalities and transit systems.

Innov8 the way you work. Innovation goes beyond products; it’s the processes and support services that help a business prepare for growth and long-term success. With today’s software and technology, we can automate some of your company’s tasks, such as meter reads, so that your team can spend more time doing what they do best.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Reach The Masses Words and Images are what Communication Ink Social Media & Public Relations is all about - getting your message out to the masses clearly, concisely and powerfully. Whether it be press releases for your company, writing for your website, photography and videos, or communication through Social Media, our team of writers and strategists is ready to get to work!

- Big Bear Software; Tourism & Hospitality The Cove Lakeside Resort. Brady and Angela Rogers have opened The Rogeries in Orchard Park Mall. They offer all types of 100 per cent recycled plastic products with demonstrations of their recycling and printing process in-store. KPMG LLP in Kelowna has promoted Lee Lesack to Senior Tax Manager and Mercedes Marleau to Audit Manager.

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other Social Media application communication strategies that work

Public Relations

Get your message out professionally and accurately, with our writers, photographers and Videographers

Production is currently underway in Kelowna, Quilchena, Kamloops and Lavington for the movie Dangerous. Among the cast are Mel Gibson, Tyrese Gibson and Famke Janssen. Laurel Douglas of Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust won Business Leader of

Crisis Management

Trouble brewing in your company or organization? Put the fire out and fix the problem with our assistance

Book Writing

Have you ever thought of writing a book? We can help from start to finish: Writing, editing and publishing

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Laurel Douglas Winter 2020 / Spring 2021

MOVERS & SHAKERS the Year at the 2020 Kelowna Chamber Business

route between Vancouver and Penticton starting

Excellence Awards.

January 11, 2021, operating the service six days a week. Flights will be offered Sunday to Friday,

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business

with fares now on sale for $150 for one-way

Excellence Awards 2020 winners were an-

tickets. Flights can be booked at pacificcoastal.

nounced: Arts & Entertainment Achievement

com.

Award - Kelowna Pride Society; Rising Star Business of the Year Award - Shambhu’s Spice

Painted Rock Estate Winery’s 2017 Red Icon

House Cuisine of India; Marketing Campaign of

wine has been included in the “Wine of the

the Year Award - Okanagan Bucketlist; Social

Year” list for the January 2021 edition of De-

Leadership Award - Secure-Rite Mobile Stor-

canter Magazine. Decanter is The UK’S oldest

age; Ethics in Business Award - Inspire Property

consumer wine publication. Painted Rock Estate

Management Ltd.; Not-for-Profit Excellence

Winery, located at 400 Smythe Drive in Pentic-

Award - The Bridge Youth & Family Servi-

ton, was the only Canadian wine selected.

ces Society; Technology Innovator of the Year Award - Hybrid Elevator Inc.; Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Brandon Panopoulos from TKI Construction Ltd.; Excellence in Tourism Award - Big White Ski Resort Ltd; Inclusive Workplace Award - Hampton Pools & Landscape; Small Business of the Year Award -

Apex Mountain Resort, 35 km southwest of Penticton, is open for the ski season under COVID-19 safety protocols. The City of Penticton is issuing a letter of support for Ask Wellness Society’s planned afford-

portia-ella; Midsize Business of the Year Award

able housing project for seniors and families,

- Secure-Rite Mobile Storage; Large Business of

which will be presented to BC Housing for fund-

the Year Award - Highstreet Ventures Inc. and

ing. The proposed affordable housing project,

Business Leader of the Year - Laurel Douglas.

in partnership with CMHA South Okanagan, Liberty Construction Group and JTW Con-

SUMMERLAND

sulting, would provide eighty-three units for

NAPA Auto Parts is now open at #12-7519 Prai-

seniors and families, each group having their

rie Valley Road in Summerland.

own individual building.

A total of 18 building permits were issued in

Penticton city council has approved of the

November with a total construction value of

Skaha Lake Road to Martin Street lake-to-lake

$2,382,000.

cycling route. The route will enter the planning stage with work on planning and infrastructure

PENTICTON

to begin in 2021. The design work is estimated

Pacific Coastal Airlines will launch a non-stop

to cost between $480,000 and $500,000.

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LEASE OPPORTUNITIES: INDUSTRIAL AND RETAIL

350 BEAVER LAKE RD

Industrial Business Park

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Argus Properties Ltd. 250.763.6789 300-1060 Manhattan Drive leasing@argusproperties.ca Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X9 argusproperties.ca

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lender/broker fees may apply to unconven�onal borrowers