Business Examiner Vancouver Island Wide Edition - April 2020

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Islanders Win BC Women Of The Year Awards Pauline Stevenson Of Excel Career College In Courtenay And Julie Angus Of Open Ocean Robotics In Victoria Honoured

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Millwork Company Celebrates 20 Years In Business

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INDEX News Update

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Digital Marketing

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Cowichan Valley

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Greater Victoria

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West Shore

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Nanaimo

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Comox Valley

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Citified

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Who is Suing Whom 17 Movers and Shakers 19 Opinion

OURTENAY/VICTORIA – Another feather for their caps. Pauline Stevenson, President a nd fou nder of Excel Career College in Courtenay has been named winner of the Leader Award, and Julie Angus, cofounder and CEO of Open Ocean Robotics in Victoria declared the Innovator winner in the first annual BC Business Women of the Year Awards. A gala celebration will be held September 28 at the Vancouver Club in Vancouver. A panel of four judges chose the winners in six different categories from organizations large and small from across the province. There were runners-up in three categories from Victoria: Toni Desrosiers, founder and CEO of Abeego in Innovator, Origin Bakery co-founders Tara Black and Marion Scott in Community Builder, and Kyla Dufresne, founder and CEO of Foxy Box Wax Bar in Rising Star. Stevenson started Excel Career College in 1989, and has been operating the business out of the

main campus in Courtenay for the past 31 years. The particulars of why Stevenson was chosen as the Leader Award recipient will be revealed at the fall Vancouver gala, although she suspects it is due to leading a women-led enterprise for over three decades. “ My c om m it ment to s uppor t i ng women i n bu si ness through my volunteer activities is also a factor,” she notes. “Being appointed the Region’s Ambassador for the Women’s Enterprise Centre of BC has shone a bright light on me in the past year and has allowed my main passion of sharing my knowledge and supporting women in business to flourish.” E x c e l Ca re e r C ol l e ge w a s named a Finalist in the 2020 Grant Thornton Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards in January in Victoria, and Stevenson notes the company has experienced steady growth over the years. SEE EXCEL CAREER COLLEGE | PAGE 14

Pauline Stevenson of Excel Career College has earned the Leader Award from the BC Women of the Year Awards

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Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Puts Spotlight On All Things Local

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The ‘Island Good’ Initiative Brings Island Products And The Companies Who Make Them To The Forefront

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ANAIMO - Founded in 2006 as an island-wide economic development organization, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) has grown into a force for local businesses, highlighting goods and services Islanders produce. The only regional, non-government, non-profit, economic

development organization in Canada, its mandate is to support a vital, sustainable economy for Vancouver Island and its Gulf Island counterparts. Thus was born Island Good, a product brand created to visually mark island-made products, with the goal of increasing sales and market share amongst members

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both public, private and First Nations. George Hanson, VIEA President, explains, “After our economic report in 2015, we learned the island economy was eighty per cent services, and only twenty per cent goods. We felt this was unsustainable, and began working on strengthening goods production

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locally, and making them easier to identify. We tested our Island Good pilot program in 2018 in the food and beverage category, working with four participating grocers.” “Measuring same store, same month sales of island products and SEE VIEA | PAGE 8

NEWS UPDATE

2 VANCOUVER ISLAND CWB Recognized As One Of 50 Best Workplaces In Canada CWB Financial Group has been recognized as one of this year’s Best Workplaces™ in Canada, placing 41 out of 400 participating organizations headquartered in Canada in its first year in the running. CWB is committed to continuing to build a culture where people come first, and where collaborative spirit and embracing change are rewarded. Employees are empowered to take ownership, share their views and contribute to a caring, inclusive environment that strives to be the best full-service bank for business owners in Canada. The 2020 Best Workplaces™ in Canada list is compiled by the Great Place to Work® Institute. The competition process is based on two criteria: twothirds of the total score comes from con fidentia l employee survey results and the remaining one-third comes from an in-depth review of the organization’s culture. This offers a rigorous representation of the organization from an employee perspective, and an overall portrait of the workplace culture.

Together, they provide crucial data relative to five trust-buildi ng d i mensions: cred ibi l ity, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. More than 80,000 employees participated in the annual Trust Index Survey representing more than 400 companies and over 300,000 employees.

VICTORIA Victoria Real Estate Spring Market Will Be Impacted By COVID-19 A total of 608 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this March, five per cent fewer than the 640 properties sold in March 2019 but eight per cent more than the previous month of February 2020. Sales of condominiums were down 9.2 per cent from March 2019 with 178 units sold. Sales of single-family homes decreased 5.3 per cent from March 2019 with 305 sold. “Last month, we stated that we saw the spring market kicking off,” says Victoria Real Estate Board President Sandi-Jo Ayers. “The start of March continued that trend and we saw higher year over year sales for the first weeks of the month - spring had officially sprung with multiple offers, new listings and sales. And then the world changed.

APRIL 2020

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, we have tracked a predictable downturn of sales in our market. Moving forward it is hard to predict what our spring market will look like, but it will likely be very different than recent years as our entire community slows down to stay healthy.” There were 2,252 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board MLS at the end of March 2020, 7.5 percent fewer properties than the total available at the end of March 2019 but a 5.9 per cent increase from the 2,127 active listings for sale at the end of February 2020. “Right now, it is not business as usua l,” adds Ayers. “Ou r realtors are working to ensure that services for clients who need them are delivered in a healthy, safe and secure way. Our industry is working with govern ment sta keholders to make sure that transactions that were underway before the pandemic was declared are protected and that homeowners are able to complete sales and purchases. This is a time to ensure our clients are safeguarded as well as to ensure that our community stays healthy. Many Realtors are leveraging new technologies including video home tours and virtual showings. Our message is - if you need us, we are here.” T h e M L S H o m e P r i c e I nd e x b e n c h m a rk v a l u e for a s i n g l e-f a m i l y h o m e i n t h e

Victoria Core in March 2019 was $836,100. The benchmark va lue for t he sa me home i n March 2020 increased by five per cent to $877,700, 1.1 per cent more than February’s value of $868,100. The MLS HPI benchmark value for a condominium i n the Victoria Core a rea i n March 2019 was $507,700 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in March 2020 increased by 4.8 per cent to $531,900, 0.9 per cent more than the February value of $527,400.

NANAIMO Demanding Times But Realtors Are Up To The Task The COVID-19 health crisis will undoubtedly dampen the provincial housing market, but the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) reports that the virus had little impact on March sales. Last month, 333 single-family homes sold on the MLS System compared to 259 in February 2020 and 308 in March 2019. Apartment sales in March did drop by 44 per cent year over year, but there was a 40 per cent increase in townhouse sales from one year ago. Inventory of single-family homes last month was slightly h ig her t ha n one yea r ago

(1,174 to 1,181). Active listings of apartments rose by 41 per cent (284 to 400) yea r over year, while townhouse inventory dropped by 18 per cent (181 to 147). The benchmark price of a single-family home board-wide was $521,400 in March, a four per cent increase from one year ago and marginally higher than in February. In the apartment category, the year-over-year benchmark price rose by seven per cent, hitting $314,700, which is around one per cent higher than the previous month. The benchmark price of a townhouse in March rose by four per cent year over year and was two per cent higher than in February, climbing to $417,900. Regionally, the benchmark price of a single-family home i n t he Ca mpb el l R iver a re a last month was $441,300, an increase of five per cent over last year. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price reached $516,800, up by two per cent from one year ago. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $478,700, a two per cent increase from March 2019. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose by two per cent to $564,500 in March, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price i ncrease by fou r per cent to $590,700. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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Alberni reached $328,300 in March, a 12 per cent increase from one year ago. In its most recent Market Intelligence Report, the BCREA states that no one knows how the unfolding COVID-19 outbreak will i mpact the economy i n the longterm. However, BC is facing a sudden stop in economic activity with little sense of when things m ay retu r n to nor m a l. Based on BCREA’s scenario analysis, BC home sales and prices will likely face declines in the spring and early summer but should recover a long w ith the broader economy in the second half of the year, conti ngent on the outbreak resolving. Although it is certainly not business as usual, real estate has been declared an essential service by the provincial government as long as licensees comply w ith hea lth a nd sa fety guidelines, which VIREB members are doing. VICTORIA Camosun Steps Up To Manufacture Over 9,000 M e d i c a l G r a d e Fa c e Shields C a m o s u n I n n ova te s , the appl ied resea rch and innovation arm of Camosun College, is cont r ibut i ng t hei r expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the fight against COV ID-19. Working at their campus facility and in collaboration with local industry partner AP Plastics, Camosun Innovates is producing more than 9,000 medical grade face shields for local health ca re workers on the front lines of the global pandemic. The Camosun Innovates team is led by Dr. Richard Gale, w ith Applied Research Technologist Matthew Zeleny ser v i ng as t h e c o o rd i n a to r o f a l l C O V I D -19 r e s p o n s e activ ities. As Ca nada began to prepare for the global pandemic, Zeleny rev iewed the ava i lable open-source face shield designs and realized that a 3D pri nted solution would not be able to meet the growing demand. He c on s u lte d w it h I s l a nd Health and local manufacturer AP Plastics, then designed from scratch a new flat-pack version that Camosun’s facilities at the Babcock Canada Interaction Lab could produce at a rate of 90 per hour

rat her t h a n 10 per d ay using their industrial 3D printer. “I started with a specul at ive desig n a nd t hen took the specs required by Island Health and fit them to the manufacturing standards of the machines and materials we had available,â€? explains Z eleny. “ T he sh ield i s designed with a built-in buckle so it’s adjustable a nd compat ible w it h a wide range of strap materia ls for the g reatest flexibility in real-world conditions.â€? His design also removes the need for a 3D-printed brow-piece standard in most other models. T his run of the masks is bei ng ma nu factu red using high quality modified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG), sourced by industry partner A P Plastics, and production w i l l beg i n th is week at the college’s Interurban campus using Camosun Innovates’ laser cutting machine. The initial run of face shields will help support Island Health and provide industry partner AP Plastics with time to retool their facilities in Calgary so that the Camosu n desig n ca n go i nto full-scale production for use throughout Canada. In the coming weeks, AP Plastics will continue to produce face shields based on the new design, utilizing CNC machining, while simultaneously retooling their facilities in order to increase production. They expect to be able to produce 4,000 shields per day by the end of May.

SOOKE Sooke Chamber Rallies Community T he Sooke Region Chamber of Com merce launched B etterBuySooke. ca, a “buy now, redeem laterâ€? gift card solution for the many Sooke businesses that have had to close their doors or reduce their services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a FREE made-inSooke solution, businesses can soon sell online certificates ranging from $5 to $100 (or more). BetterBuySooke.ca, a Sooke Region Chamber initiative in partnership with Webmax.ca, will offer a secure direct-sales tra nsaction between consumers and the many business enterprises in

the Greater Sooke Region. While storefronts may be temporarily closed, Sooke residents (and others) will still be able to buy cards from Sooke businesses, redeemable when the “new normalâ€? is realized and businesses re-open and resume business. This will allow Sooke residents to continue to shop local and support their favourite businesses right now, while giving cash-flow to the many businesses who have had to close thei r doors. “W hen the economy slowed to a near stop in mid-March, many of our local businesses lost all or most of their income,â€? said Karen Mason, president of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce. “T h is on l i ne g i f t-ca rd approach will allow some form of commerce to take place.â€? Businesses in the greater Sooke region can sign up for FREE between now and April 27th, with continued free access for the remainder of 2020. Businesses joining after April 27th will be required to pay a nominal fee. Except for the fee charged by the processor (Square or Stripe), the entire card sale will go to t he bu si ness. O n signing up, Webmax.ca will work with the vendor to design and finalize t hei r B et terB uy So oke. ca offer. Then, let the sales begin! “We are stronger when we work collaboratively and give each other a hand up,â€? said Mason. “Sooke is a unique town, filled w i t h p e o p l e w h o c a re deeply. T h is cr isis has brought about tremendous uncertainty, but it also has highlighted our ability to pull together as a community. BetterBuySooke.ca will give some economic stimulation to local businesses, but more importantly, it will show our businesses that they are supported by Sooke residents. Together, we can get through this crisis and embrace whatever the new normal will look like ‌ when it gets here.â€? To s i g n up, i ntere s ted businesses from East Sooke through Sooke to Jordan River and beyond need to visit BetterBuySooke.ca a nd complete the initial application process. Webmax will then be in touch w it h t he vendor to complete the process. Wit h i n 48 hou rs, you r online gift-cards will be re a dy for p u rc h a se on BetterBuySooke.ca.

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APRIL 2020

Working In Self-Isolation: Tips to Thrive As Appeared In Mowi Canada West Wharfside

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ou look a rou nd t he of f ice to v isit w it h a col leag ue, a nd t here are none to be found. W ho ca n you h ave cof fee with? Yourself. . .again. Or you’re working remotely, in your home office, connecting with other employees via telephone and/or video. Such is l i fe these days a s Mow i Ca n ad a West h a s many of its workers practici ng sel f-isolation, to stop t he spread, or “f latten t he c u re� of t he s pre ad of t he COVID-19 virus. Ever yone hop es t h i s w i l l soon pass, but in the meanti me, how do we cope w ith w o rk i n g o n o u r o w n , a n d the various challenges that presents? Perh aps some t ips f rom Ca n ad i a n a s t ron aut Ch r is Hadfield ca n be helpf u l. Hadfield knows all about work i ng i n isolation as the for m er c om m a nd er of t h e International Space Station in outer space. He sha red fou r th i ngs astronauts keep i n m i nd du ri ng thei r m issions w ith

Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield

CTV News Ottawa this week on thei r CT V Morning Live program. 1. Know the risk. H a d f ield s t ate s t here’s a difference between fear and danger, and obtaining information from credible sources about the risks facing yoursel f, you r fa m i ly a nd you r friends is very important. “ It’s wh at m i g ht h ap p en t h at is sca r y, but once you actually dig into it, you can become l i ke a n ex per t a nd then you can do the correct th i ngs a nd be a lot more logical and calm about dealing with it,� he says. 2. Know your mission. Hadfield points out it’s important to have clear objectives for the day, week, a nd month, so we know what we want to get done. “Shave. L ea rn the chords t o ‘ S t a i r w a y t o H e a v e n ’. Ca l l you r Au nt Ethel a nd get her to actually show you how to make those muffins. Something that takes a little time, something you’ve been meaning to do, but you never had a chance to do,� he adds. 3. Know your constraints.

Every person is facing their own unique set of circumstances, so have a plan that works within any possible con st ra i nts you’ve identified. “ W ho’s tel l i n g you wh at you need to do? What financial resources do you have? What are your obligations?� a re good quest ion s to a sk, he says. 4. Take action! Do something, he suggests, e v e n i f t h e y ’re d i f fe re n t . Start a new project, learn to play g uitar, write, create. . . Just don’t let lethargy and passivity take control. “Give you rsel f someth i ng to accomplish every day,� he suggests. “Actually go and do one of the things on your list of stuff to get done.� He shared that, while on the space ship, they were active from six in the morning until eleven at night. “A t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y, you’re ex h au sted, but you look back and go, ‘Wow! That was a great day! I got a whole bunch of stuff done!’ Don’t l e t t h i s t h i n g d i re c t yo u r l i fe. Di rect you r ow n l i fe,� he states.

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APRIL 2020

NANAIMO RDN Seeing Development Continue At PreCOVID-19 Levels Nanaimo Bulletin Development in Regional District of Nanaimo is seeing business as usual thus far during the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans are being developed for an anticipated downturn. The coronavirus has impacted everything from travel to education and at the RDN’s committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, departments gave directors operational updates. Geoff Garbutt, RDN general manager of strategic and community development, told the committee development remains strong in the region and the RDN is providing all of its services in current planning, building inspection, bylaw enforcement and strategic initiatives. “ We’re e x p e r i e n c i n g development levels that are consistent with preCOVID and we expect that in the near- and mediumterm future this is going

NEWS UPDATE/COWICHAN VALLEY to be the case,” Garbutt said at the meeting. “We d o re c o g n i z e h owe ve r that there are going to be some changes upcoming and ongoing with the development community. R e c o g n i z i n g t h i s, o u r staff, and myself as a GM, have been in direct contact with a number of our larger developers and builders to talk with them about their needs and where they intend to go and we’ll be reporting back on that in the near future.” Garbutt said RDN planning staff have been working with developers and residents virtually, receiving plans via e-mail, and the regional district is now able to accept credit card payments for applicable fees. “Our building and bylaw service area launched its online, building and bylaw application portal ahead of schedule and that was absolutely critical,” said Garbutt. D u r i n g t he p er io d of COVID-19 impacts, the RDN issued 29 building permits, performed at least 189 inspections, issued n i ne new development permits and received 29 new building permitting

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

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he D u nc a n Cowichan Chamber in collaboration with Economic Development Cowichan and Communi t y F u t u r e s C ow i c h a n launched a new website in response to businesses reaching out about programs to help their business during COVID-19. #CowichanStrong i nitiative was lau nched to prov ide a one stop source for the Cowichan Va l l e y b u s i n e s s c o mmunity. This centralized website i s desig ned to share relevant information on the support and resources available in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

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applications, Garbutt said. Staff will report back to the board on how to address the lack of public hearing capacity for rezoning, he said.

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COMOX VALLEY Construction Well Underway On Comox Valley Water Treatment Plant Comox Valley Record C o n s t r u c t io n i s we l l underway on a new water treatment plant that will service 45,000 residents in the Comox Valley. Raw water that’s been pu mped from Comox Lake will be treated using three processes: filtration, ultraviolet treatment and c h lo r i n a t io n . T re a te d water will then be transported through a pipeline to the water distribution system. T h e new s y s tem w i l l eliminate the need for turbidity-related boil water notices. The total project cost is $126 million with expected completion date of the fall of 2021.

COWICHAN STRONG WEBSITE LAUNCHED Phase one was launched as a “toolkit” of emerging s u p p o r t s fo r b u s i n e s s o w n e rs a n d e n t re p reneurs. As we expand our partners for this initiative, and learn more about challenges facing businesses, we will shift our focus to provide valuable resources to support economic recovery and resilience in Cowichan We are all in this together. Please visit https:// cowichanstrong.ca. The Chamber also launched a new facebook page ‘Business NOT As Usual Cowichan’ for businesses to post their open hours and adapted services during this crisis. Businesses across the entire Cowichan Valley are welcome to join and post on this page. It’s a great way to support local and connect community and business. T here a re some go o d n e w s s tor i e s f rom t h e Cowichan. Stillhead Distillery and Ampersand Distilling Company are kept busy producing hand sanitizer from alcohol normally

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used for spirits. They are actively donating sanitizer to those that need it, and also produce hand sa n itizer for pu rchase. S t i l l he a d D i s t i l ler y i s a lso usi ng u nsel lable beer donated from Vancouver Island Brewing to distill and bottle as hand sanitizer. These generous donations have been welcomed in the community, In Cowichan an initiative called “Project Draw Breath” is bei ng led by Live Edge Design in using 3D printer technology to manufacture plastic face shields to help the medical community. The team wh ich b ega n w it h ju st three members on March 23 has now expanded to 10 ex perts i n a nu mber of related fields. They are working on a number of new projects intended to help hospitals and medical facilities get through the crisis. Sonja Nagel is the Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. http://www. duncancc.bc.ca/

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GREATER VICTORIA

APRIL 2020

HOW DO WE PLAN FOR RECOVERY AND THE NEW NORMAL?

GREATER VICTORIA CATHERINE HOLT

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oing business in the 21st century after 9/11 and the Great Recession has required all of us to continuously adapt and evolve. Once again, we are facing a new norma l — though the econom ic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic is unlike a ny t h i ng we’ve seen i n ou r lifetime. The Chamber, like all of you, has had to profoundly restructure the way we do business in order to carry on. We’ve been using every channel available to connect with decision makers at all levels of government, and our team has worked diligently to get accurate information about relief programs out to our members. We’re also continuing to host our highly regarded fireside ch ats w it h subject ex per ts. But instead of shaking hands in elegant settings with dozens of business leaders as guests, we’re now using the tools available. Facebook Live, Zoom and Skype and other technological solutions have helped us continue to give ou r members a chance to hear directly from the federal Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, Mona Fortier, and BC Finance Minister Carole James. Members have also been able to ask their own questions directly, and this has proven a very effective way to help both business and government better understand what is needed to get through this crisis together. And that is really what everything is all about right now. We need to survive and we need to be ready to thrive when restrictions affecting our economy can be safely lifted. To help prepare for the inevitable shift to the yet another new normal, we hosted a fireside chat on April 15 with Jamie Sawchuk, BC Government and Public Service Leader at Deloitte. Jamie and his team are working with government to help get us to better days a head. Deloitte has developed a dashboard titled “Predicting the post-pandem ic rebou nd – A l ive look at Ca n ad a’s econo m y to p re p a re b u s i n e s s e s

for recovery.” The dashboard is public — you can find it at VictoriaChamber.ca/covid-19 under Helpful Links. Because of the sca le of the econom ic i mpact caused by COVID-19, there is no precedent we can use to plan for recovery. The Deloitte dashboard gets around this by providing real-time data that illustrates emerging trends, such as traffic patterns. We can use this data to see what has happened to other jurisdictions ahead of us on the curve. W hen restrictions on going shopping are lifted, will people return to buying goods and services in person? Or will they first rush out of their homes to enjoy being outside but continue buying what they need online. Metrics from other regions can help Greater Victoria retailers understand what to expect when restrictions are lifted here. Government is also looking at this information as they try to provide the right stimulus to re-start a thriving economy. Is there a tool, such as a coupon, that can be used to spur people to go back to patronizing local shopkeepers? How can we stagger the recovery to mitigate the next wave of the virus? Does this mean that young people who are lower risks will have more freedom to move around than seniors who are more susceptible to serious illness? As we continue to flatten the curve, we will get a better sense of what kind of world we will emerge into. Jamie, a self-proclaimed optimist, wonders if the exceptional cooperation we’re seeing between BC and Alberta and between governments and business will result in a better quality of life for everyone in the future. Unt i l t hen, we a l l need to do ou r pa rt to stay sa fe a nd healthy. Physical distancing is proving to be effective medicine and, as Jamie said, we all need to keep taking our medicine. EVENTS: Go to Victoriachamber.ca for a complete list of upcoming virtual events Catherine Holt is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

WEST SHORE

APRIL 2020

PREPARING FOR RECOVERY

TOURISM VICTORIA PAUL NURSEY

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he COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the Greater Victoria visitor economy. Just a month or two ago we were looking forward to another successful year, and particularly our high-season spring and summer months. Due to the public health situation governments have responded w it h closi n g t he Ca nada-US border to non-essential travel and actively encouraging people to stay home. The consequences of these actions on businesses small and large cannot be understated. Moreover, Destination Greater Victoria had to temporarily reduce its staff and close its Visitor Centre, which is what many in our industry have had to do. We are not currently marketing the

destination for immediate travel but are keeping social media channels and digital channels engaged to inspire future travel when the pandemic clears. Focusing on immediate travel is not a good use of resources and not appropriate given the strong message from political leadership to stay home. Although this is a difficult period, Destination Greater Victoria is working hard to support our membership and position the Greater Victoria visitor economy for recovery. For example, our Business Events Victoria team is working with clients to rebook meetings, events and conferences at the Victoria Conference Centre. In this way we are ensuring business will still occur in Greater Victoria – just at a later date. Ou r ma rketi ng a nd communications team is running the “#MyVictoriaMoments” contest. A social media promotion, we are encouraging travelers to share their memories of past trips to Greater Victoria using the hashtag #MyVictoriaMoment. Once photos are entered using the hashtag and the promotion

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COMPASSION AND CONNECTION period closes, one randomly drawn entry will win a future getaway to Greater Victoria including roundtrip transportation from Vancouver or Seattle, two nights accommodation and choice of a whale watching excursion or museum visit for two. Lastly, many of our members are looking at options to keep their businesses solvent. The federal and provincial governments have launched a series of measures to support small b u s i ne ss. D e s t i n at ion Greater Victoria is actively monitoring these programs and communicating with members as new information becomes available. Destination Greater Victoria is also part of regular conversations with federal and provincial decision-makers, taking the concerns of our members and the Greater Victoria visitor economy directly to those formulating the econom ic response resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria

WEST SHORE JULIE LAWLOR

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was very late in putting together this article. At first, this was because my brain was reeling from the impact COVID-19 is having in our communities and across the world. And then, I queried what I could contribute which would do more than just add to the noise. Therefore, I hope that what follows is useful. Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade have never worked harder. Our role has always been to advocate on behalf of the business community, but our advocacy efforts are not always top of mind unless the situation impacts on you directly. COVID-19 is of course a game changer in so many ways. Chambers are now very clearly

a crucial conduit between the com mu n ity a nd a l l levels of government as we help shape policy based o n fe e d b a c k f ro m o u r communities. I f you a re a busi ness, non-profit or charity and you need help navigating the many programs and options available to you, I encourage you to reach out to your local Chamber. In the Capital Regional District, you have five to choose f rom: t he Esqu i m a lt, Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, Sooke Region and WestShore Chambers of Com merce. A ll have their own communities of promotion and communication, and you can pick the one that is the best fit for you. The WestShore Chamber offers options to connect with our twice weekly e-news, and we are also active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For many, the lack of human connection is really hard. While it’s not the same, the good news is that networking organisations have moved really quickly to create opportunities online. The WestShore Chamber held its first online networking event

on March 24th and is currently offering Wednesday afternoon check-ins via Zoom. Other organisations that have moved their networking online include Orbus Business Networks, which is offering Coffee Chats on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Westshore Women’s Business Network is also offering a variety of online opportunities based on feedback from WWBN members. You can connect with all of the organisations above – a nd more – by going to westshore.bc.ca and clicking on the “Small Business Resources” tab. A pre-COVID page that we designed to support sma l l busi ness ow ners and entrepreneurs; it is a handy one stop shop for connecting with your local networking organisations as well as providing other business resources. You can also access our dedicated COVID-19 page from this tab. Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at jlawlor@ westshore.bc.ca

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• Central Port Alberni location • Vacant and ready for your office/retail/warehouse, etc. ides • Previously health unit business & child care • 14,800 sq.ft. of reception, offices and meeting rooms • Also included is separate garage unit building with an additional 1,000 sq.ft. plus lots of paved parking

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8

APRIL 2020

The ‘Island Good’ Initiative Brings Island Products And The Companies Who Make Them To The Forefront VIEA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

comparing 2017 sales with 2018 in forty-five grocery stores for six months, Island Good achieved a 16.4 per cent average increase in sales. We submitted our trademark and license the brand to anyone producing island products. From potatoes to airplane parts, they can use Island Good to increase sales and market share.” In this time of economic uncertainty with COVID-19, VIEA seeks to remind Islanders how important a strong base of local food and goods production is; Island Good offers consumers a means to buy homegrown, leading to greater investment and more island jobs, particularly important in trying times. “We’ve calculated a one per cent increase of local food products results in fifty new jobs,“ says George on the importance of supporting the island economy. Not qualified for government support as a non-profit, VIEA rely on support from island companies’ general populace. Through investment in community, VIEA has created a network of goodwill by actively supporting licensees through a variety of channels, particularly social media. “The more the brand is used and seen, the more interest it generates,” elaborates George. ”Increasingly, goods producers are discovering

Vancouver Island Economic Alliance President George Hanson works with volunteers and a board of directors to support and promote Islander products and communities the value of licensing the Island Good brand.” Key to building this support is engaging island stakeholders via a bold approach to economic vitality, developing high-leverage initiatives to improve the overall business climate for the widest number of communities possible. The annual VIEA Economic Summit brings together decision-makers from a number of sectors all over the island to collaborate, solve problems and increase awareness of island goods and services.

Saltspring Kitchen Co. is one of a number of food and beverage companies who have licensed Island Good branding for their on-shelf products The Foreign Trade Zone, Vancouver Island (FTZVI), the only regional, non-government FTZ in Canada, focuses on providing a competitive advantage for island exporters, helping VIEA bolster local producers and give them the best chance in global markets. This level of support, from offering access to economic data via annual economic reports, to producing multiple business cases designed to attract investment, has paid off. “Our 2018 business

case for seaweed aquaculture was picked up by investors, who formed Cascadia Seaweed, developing a one-billion-dollar industry on Vancouver Island. Our wood industries committee is in the midst of a two-year pilot funded by the provincial government focused on waste wood recovery and forest fire mitigation.” The Island Good brand is designed to grow, from retail stores and cosmetics, to fabricated micro-buildings and clothes,

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with a goal to have every product island-made branded so locals and visitors can buy into the island economy. Concludes George, “We believe long-term, Island Good will attract investment in our production economy here, while developing a strong export market. Ultimately, this will create everything from food security to economic sustainability. These are our ultimate objectives.” www.islandgood.ca

NANAIMO

APRIL 2020

9

COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS POSTPONED

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

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he 13th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards will be held this year – just not in late April as originally planned. Organizers of the gala event, honouring the best in commercial, industrial and revenue producing buildings in 2019, note there are a near-record 43 nominations this year from the Malahat to Port Hardy. The event will be held at a yet to be determined date and location. ■ ■ ■ Phil and Brenda Levesque have sold Leemar Excavator Components Inc. and Dynamic Hydraulics in Parksville to Matt Conley and Jesse Shiels. Conley, Kyle Kusznieryk and Dorian Cota have purchased the land and building on which the company sits, from the Levesques. Conley owns Macon Industries and Kyle owns Northwest Fabworks, both in Parksville. The Levesques were the founders and majority partners of the Nanaimo Buccaneers team in the Junior B Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, which they sold two seasons ago. ■ ■ ■ The Nanaimo Airport Commission has announced that Dave Devana will take over as President and CEO from Mike Hooper, who is retiring in June. Devana, who holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation, is the former Chief Administrative Officer for Cochrane, Alberta, and previously was deputy CAO in Sooke and CAO for the District of North Cowichan. ■ ■ ■ They’re back home – finally! Integral Wealth Securities is finally back in its long-term location at 450 Wentworth Street. Andre Sullivan, Daniel Martinez, Mike Hrabowych and the Integral team have been working out of rented space on Skinner Street for the past couple of years while renovations were conducted at their own building, including adding a second floor. ■ ■ ■ Rachel Mason is now the Controller at St. Jean’s Cannery. Rachel had been with Communication Connection for the past several years, after serving in a management position for Glacier Media and the former Nanaimo Daily News. ■ ■ ■ Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic Inc. is now open in Ladysmith, above the library at 12-740 First Avenue. ■ ■ ■ A tip of the hat to Little Valley Restorations in Ladysmith, which has is now officially certified by Certified Collision Care. The business is also certified by Kia, Nissan, Honda, Fiat Chrysler and Ford.

Brad Archibald

Levesques Sell Leemar And Dynamic To Pair Of Parksville Businessmen

■ ■ ■ Kudos to VMAC of Nanaimo who is helping to manufacture parts for ventilators. The part are now being tested in a prototype ventilator created by the University of Minnesota. ■ ■ ■ They’ve returned! The crew behind the Resident Alien was in Ladysmith recently to do more filming for their television series. ■ ■ ■ Laurie Bienart, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Foundation, is pleased to announce that donors to the Nanaimo Foundation and the Tom Harris Community Foundation have contributed $150,000 to launch a Community Response Fund to provide relief to urgent community needs due to the COVID-19 crisis. T he funds will be disbursed where support is needed, with the first phase

going towards food security, assisting vulnerable seniors and housing needs for low-income families due to COVID-19 related closures. ■ ■ ■ Winners of the First Annual Ladysmith Heritage Awards include Munroe Myers of renowned palate pleasing Roberts Street Pizza at 20 Roberts Street, and to Karen Olenik for renovating 431 First Avenue, which is home to White Space Living Store and Plantitude Vegan Restaurant. ■ ■ ■ Erin MacDonald is now the Marketing Communications Manager at the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. ■ ■ ■ Alison Booth is the new owner of Pure Spa at 93 Commercial Street, taking over the business from previous owner Karen Murphy. ■ ■ ■ Former Nanaimo Clipper forward Dave Robinson is now Director of Sales at Horizon View Homes in northern Colorado. Robinson, a Nanaimo native, was the left winger on the highest scoring line in BC Hockey League history, and the record, set in 1979-80 along with John Newberry and Dave Wheeldon, still stands today. ■ ■ ■ Amrikko’s Redevelopment plans for 1400 Wingrove Street in a $2.5M three floor mixed-use building with a restaurant, commercial and rental units are coming to fruition, as construction is underway on the site across from Departure Bay. ■ ■ ■

Westmark Construction Ltd. is renovating the Psychology Group medical clinic at 201 - 6545 Portsmouth Road. ■ ■ ■ A tip of the hat to Brad Archibald, who has been promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President of commercial real estate firm Colliers International. ■ ■ ■ Millstone Winery and Vineyard is expanding by adding another building to its location at 2300 East Wellington Road. ■ ■ ■ Posh Nails has moved into a location at 103 - 601 Bruce Avenue. ■ ■ ■ Communications Manager Hayley Picard notes that Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan is pleased to announce that David Robertson has stepped into the role as Head of School. David is the former Headmaster of Shawnigan Lake School and brings over 40 years of experience in education and Canadian boarding schools to QMS. ■ ■ ■ Nanaimo-based Mighty Speck Records, founded by James Kasper, is back in business, and the record label has announced its new 21-band roster, that includes seven local artists and one from Ladysmith. Folk, rock, heavy metal and hip hop genres are featured on the label. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@ communicationInk.ca

10

APRIL 2020

XTEND RENTALS & SAFETY EXPANDS INTO NANAIMO Second Location For Ladysmith Tool And Equipment Rental Operation

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ADYSMITH – Bonnie and Bill Robinson moved to Ladysmith to semi-retire and slow down four years ago. Instead, they’re gearing up as the Xtend Rentals & Safety company they started has grown and is expanding. The f i rs t Xtend op ene d ne x t to Ladysmith Home Hardware in 2016, and in January, the tool and equipment rental operation opened a second location in Nanaimo, at 1910 East Wellington Road. They started renting and selling tools and equipment of all sizes and shapes, and added safety wear to the list of products they sell, as direct dealers for Viking, Pioneer and Big K. Last year, they began selling sand, gravel and landscaping material from their Gravel and Soil Mart at their Ladysmith location. They’ve come a long way in a short time, and it all started when Bill rented one piece of equipment to do some work around their home. “Bonnie was a little upset that I wasn’t doing much, so I said I could rent an excavator,� he recalls. “Before I knew it, I had seven machines sitting in my yard, and we were renting them out. Within two months, we were renting out 29 excavators. “People started asking if they could rent other machines, so we added Hilti tools, then jackhammers, drills, and we grew and grew and grew,� he says. “Now we’re a major safety gear supplier, too.� Xtend sells tools from names l i k e Ts u r u m i P u m p, H i lt i , Wheeler Rex Pipe Tools, Husqvarna, Muck-Truck, Atlas Copco, GeoR ipper a nd Bissetts. They also offer rubber tracks for machines.

The Gravel and Soil Mart location at Xtend Rentals & Safety in Ladysmith

Bill Robinson inside the Xtend Rentals & Safety store in Ladysmith

Nanaimo’s Xtend Rentals & Safety store is at 1910 East Wellington Road

They rent compactors, concrete tools, constr uction dehumidifiers and fans, construction tools, excavators, flooring equipment, generators, skid steers, loaders, dumpers, man lifts, zoom booms, scaffolding, tractors, trailers, water pumps and landscape and outdoor tools. Robi n son notes t hey h ave

customers f rom Victor ia to Courtenay and Port Alberni. “We have over 70 machines on tracks at one time,� he says. “We deliver 95 per cent of the machines we rent to the site, and that’s been a big reason four our success. “We don’t just rent what we have here, but we go out of our way to find what our customers

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need elsewhere, if we don’t have it.� Xtend has an equipment yard in Cobble Hill that helps serve customers in Greater Victoria, and he has plans to open another location on the island in the future. Robi nson is no stra nger to business, as he’s been a plumber for almost 30 years. He started

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a plumbing company, Maple Ridge Mechanical 16 years ago i n t he lower m a i n l a nd t h at continues today, and over the years, the couple has dabbled in real estate, buying, renovating and selling homes. “We ended up working nonstop,� he recalls, adding they decided to move to Ladysmith “because we love the people here. But the only holiday I’ve had i n the last 11 yea rs was three days in Kauai, Hawaii for us to get married.� Robinson is grooming Alex Morel to manage the Ladysmith Xtend store, while Nick Testini is managing the Nanaimo location. “We have good people working for us, and their commitment to serving our customers is always evident,� he notes. “We love this business.� “We will constantly be adding to our rental fleet and our tool sales as we grow, and if our customers have any rental needs they can let us know and we’ll always do the best we can to get them what they need.� www.xtendrentals.com

NANAIMO

APRIL 2020

11

Cousins A Commercial Real Estate Pioneer Realtor Marks 30 Years Selling Industrial, Commercial and Investment Property All Over The Island BY MARK MACDONALD

the original Chair of the VIREB Commercial Building Awards. It’s activities like those he is involved in, and more, as well as a strong market, that make Vancouver Island such an attraction for investors. “The types of investments we have in this area show good returns, and the yields we get are strong. You can’t get the type of

FOR BUSINESS EXAMINER

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ANAIMO – Jay Cousins has been a realtor for three decades, and has never sold a house. He’s sold plenty of Industrial, Commercial and Investment (IC&I) properties and leasing, mind you. “I’ve been a realtor for 30 years now, and I’ve never sold a house,” says Cousins, a Central Vancouver Island pioneer in commercial-only realty, who operates RE/MAX Jay Cousins Realty. “I’ve always been selling investment property. The first firm I went to said ‘Thanks, but we don’t do commercial real estate on a full time basis, and you’ll starve to death’. The second firm, NRS Block Bros., said they’d let me give it a try, and I think I was the only commercial-only realtor in town.” Cousins remained with Block Bros./ Windermere for a decade before moving to RE/MAX of Nanaimo, where he’s hung his shingle for the past 20 years, and now operates as RE/MAX Jay Cousins Realty, continuing to focus on Industrial Commercial and Investment (IC&I) real estate. “The commercial market in the mid island area is still very strong, and it continues to grow,” says Cousins, taking note of the obvious, hopefully temporary slowdown due to COVID-19. “We have lots of local investors, coupled with a lot of out of area investors from Vancouver and the lower mainland, plus we still have many international investors. We have people that want to place money in an area that is solid and offers a good investment return, and the Central Island fits that criteria.” Cousins has broad experience in commercial buildings sales and leasing, industrial warehousing, and distribution activity, business evaluation and marketing, and commercial property management. He has served the Vancouver Island market from Mill Bay to Port Hardy since arriving from the Yukon at Christmas, 1989. Born in Edmonton, Cousins was raised in the Yukon, and his family operated several businesses that he was involved with, including owning and operating a retail complex, a wholesale distribution company, and a sales agency that represented top-name foods including JM Schneider Meats, Freybe Sausage, Christie and Dare Foods. He sold his interests in the companies and moved to Nanaimo, choosing to utilize his degree in commerce and marketing from the University of British Columbia to start a career in commercial real estate. ICI is more technical and complicated than residential real estate, not just because it involves leasing and extra legalities, but the fact that company valuations are based on revenue and return, as opposed to the conventional comparative market analysis approach of residential. “You take a house down the street and what it sold for, and the house up the street, and by comparing them, you know where your house is valued in the market,” he notes. “Commercial is all revenue driven. Everybody wants to know what the revenues and return are in the business.” “We still use the comparison approach for land and some things, but by far the most impact and weight in commercial is

yields on the lower mainland that you can get here. They’re about 4 per cent there, and 5-6 per cent here, and the island is a safe and secure environment for investments. The yields are good on CAP rates,” he says. “This is such a desirable place to live, and I expect the market to be strong moving forward.” www.jaycousins.com

Reach The Masses Jay Cousins operates RE/MAX Jay Cousins Realty, based in Nanaimo put on revenue to determine the value of the business.” Cousins states that CAP (Capitalization – the ratio of net operating income to property asset value) rates are used to indicate what an investment property will actually yield to a buyer. “We also consider the diversity of the tenant mix, strength of the covenant, and a number of other criteria to determine what the earning potential of a property is,” he adds. Outside of the office, Cousins has several fulfilling hobbies. He is an International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) competitor and instructor. Competitions include shooters drawing their guns from a holster, and running up and down a field, moving around and shooting at targets. “It’s a time and accuracy sport,” he says, adding it’s a popular one at that. A recent match in Victoria featured 126 shooters, and Cousins estimates there are over 75 shooters in the central island alone. Cousins is an active singer with the Nanaimo Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus, featuring 45 men from the Central Island, as well as a member of the award-winning Fouray quartet. “Fouray has been together about eight years now, and we perform at the Port Theatre, and we do birthdays, anniversaries and stage performances,” he notes. “It’s awesome. Singing keeps you healthy and makes you feel good.” He loves his wheels as well. He’s driven Harley Davidson motorcycles longer than he’s been a realtor and is a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group, and enjoys long-distance motorcycle rides. He is a member of the ‘Smokin Oldies’ Hot Rod Car Club and owns a couple of hot rods, a Dodge Challenger and an El Camino, which he enters in shows, adding he drag raced when he was younger. Cousins is consistently in the top 10 per cent of salespeople at RE/MAX of Nanaimo, a multiple-time winner of the RE/ MAX Chairman’s and Platinum Club, as well as an inductee into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award. A past Chairman of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s Commercial Division, Cousins was also

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12

APRIL 2020

PLANTE HOMES LTD. BRANCHES OUT AFTER STARTING OUT BUILDING CUSTOM HOMES Cowichan Valley Builder Adds Subdivisions With Plante Developments Ltd.

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U NCA N – W hen Kyle Pla nte s t a r te d Pla nte Homes Ltd. in 2014, he decided to focus on building only custom homes. Years later, while still committed to custom home construction, Plante has ventured out to build all types and sizes of homes, including spec houses under Plante Developments Ltd., a company he formed with his father, Dale Plante, in 2017. The development company is currently working on a five-lot subdivision two blocks from the Cowichan District Hospital, having finished one builtfor-sale unit, and now starting the footings for the second and third lots. “We build pretty much everything from a starter home and up,� says Kyle. “In our five lot subdivision we’re focusing on affordable housing. We built a 1,000 square foot house for the first lot, and the second lot is

1,300 square feet. We are building smaller homes for an aging population, and continuing to build large homes.� Plante Developments also has a property at First and Jubilee i n dow ntow n Du nca n, upon which they can build a six-storey building. They’re still in the planning stages for that project. After starting his construction career in 2007 while building several homes in Grande Prairie, Alberta in 2007, Kyle relocated to Duncan in 2010 to complete his training. He did framing work for several other companies while working towards his Journeyman Carpentry ticket for BC from North Island College in Courtenay, which he completed in 2012. While finishing his diploma, he did framing work for several other companies before deciding to open his own business. “I remember goi ng back to Grande Prairie and it was minus 40, and it was plus 10 here, so it was a 50 degree change in the weather,� he notes. “That finished it for me. We spent one winter here and never left.� Fo r s e v e ra l y e a r s , P l a n t e Homes Ltd. provided services to several large homebuilders

A Plante Homes Ltd. home on the Malahat offers stunning ocean views as a footings, foundation and framing contractor. “ I n 201 4, a s p e c home we constructed in the Maple Bay area attracted many interested buyers to our company,� he recalls. Seizing the opportunity, a number of vacant lots were purchased and Plante Custom Homes was well underway.� In recent years, Plante Homes Ltd . h a s bu i lt or renovated custom homes from Mill Bay to Chema i nus to La ke Cowicha n. Pla nte Developments Ltd., Kyle’s partnership with h i s fat her Da le, cont racted Plante Homes Ltd. to complete two duplex housing u n its in the Cowichan Valley. Both are three-storey units, and one, in Lake Cowichan, has private elevators installed. “Plans are underway for construction of several multiple

f a m i l y u n i t s i n d o w n to w n Duncan, as well as a new subd iv i sion on Cow ich a n L a ke Road in the Town of Lake Cowichan,� Kyle adds. “Plante Homes Ltd. is com m itted to building more attainable housing opportunities within the Cowichan Valley.� Plante Homes Ltd. uses contractors primarily from the Cowichan Valley, and has several long-term employees. Tea m members include Dan Boudreau, Lyle Molyneaux, Chris Edwards, Nick Brulotte a nd Harvey Thomas. They continue to build during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking extra safety precautions, Kyle notes, adding they’ve adjusted with a one crew on, one crew off schedule. Kyle believes the company’s success is due to the fact the

company is “Customer focused and passionate about establishing solid working relationships., and we provide creative input throughout the planning and construction process for our clients. “We a re process-d riven to ensure all facets of the construction phase are meeting expectations - budgets, adhering to building codes, schedules, contractors, etc., with a major focus on exceeding WorkSafeBC regulations.� Pla nte Homes h as g row n steadily over the years, as Kyle is careful to maintain quality standards to make sure each job is done right. “We’ve been increasing every year, but at the same time we’re not taking more than we can,� SEE PLANTE HOMES LTD | PAGE 13

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13

APRIL 2020

Kyle Plante started Plante Homes Ltd. in 2014

This Plante Homes Ltd. home on the Mill Bay oceanfront features a unique design and pool

The rear entrance of the Mill Bay oceanfront home

PLANTE HOMES LTD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

he says, noting they built 12 homes last year. “We’re mainta i n i ng a steady strea m l i ne and we have got great subcontractors, and great long-term employees.� P l a n te a n d h i s f a t h e r a re both members of the Duncan

Proud to work with Plante Homes!

Rotary Club, which offers services within the community and internationally, and Plante Homes is well known for supporting local charities like the local food bank, Cowichan Valley Hospice Society, Cowichan Hospital Foundation, Kiwanis Club, local hockey teams, and the Good-timers hockey club non-profit charity.

Kyle and his wife Stephanie, a Nurse Practitioner who works for Island Health and Brentwood College, own property on the Cowichan River and in Lake Cowichan. Avid sportsman and fisherman, he is a keen supporter of current measures that intend to preserve the lake, river and surrounding territory for future generations.

“Six years ago my father and I did a duplex in the shape of a barn off Herd Road, and we both have places at Lake Cowichan and we spend the summers out there,� he notes. “We love Lake Cowichan.� Plante Homes Ltd. was named a f i n a l i s t i n t he Con s t r u ction-Development Category of the 2019 Grant Thornton LLP Va n c o uver I sl a n d B u si n e s s Excellence Awards, and Kyle says they have three projects they pla n on entering i n the Canadian Homebuilders Association residential construction Georgie Awards this year. They include an oceanfront lot in Mill Bay, an oceanfront duplex in Crofton, and a house on the Malahat on a property with a waterfall, featuring a panoramic view overlooking Saanich Inlet. “The oceanfront Mill Bay project was pretty amazing. It is 4,500 square feet, with a pathway down to the ocean, and we built a pool in their backyard,� he says, adding that Checkwitch Poiron Architects out of Nanaimo was the designer. “T he house on the Malahat has a spectacular waterfall on the property,� he notes. “It’s a full timber frame roof, and it features amazing views. You

can see down the Inlet off the master bedroom deck.� When it comes to design recommendations, Kyle notes that plenty of windows is a staple. “Wi ndows rea l ly ma ke a house. . .windows and patios,� he says. “We’ve moved away from doors out onto patios to big patio slider doors. “A lso, the fu nctiona l ity of the layout of a home is really important,� he adds. “We promote smaller sized homes with proper layout and functionality. We try to really focus on prioritizing the needs of the client, and we really try to achieve the clients’ dreams throughout the design process.� O p en com mu n ic at ion a nd patience are keys to the company’s success. “Relationships are important to us, and we emphasize communication, honesty and patience,� he notes. “Patience is a big one with the trades we work with, and our clients. Everybody has been pretty busy, so we just make sure that everything gets done right. “We take great pride in having zero claims through the New Home Warranty Program, as we build a very good, high quality house.� www.planthomes.ca

Congratulations to the team at Plante Homes on all your success!

Nanaimo Victoria P: 250.756.1231 P 250.384.3003 www.finishingstore.com

14

OFF THE COVER

APRIL 2020

Pauline Stevenson Of Excel Career College In Courtenay And Julie Angus Of Open Ocean Robotics In Victoria Honoured EXCEL CAREER COLLEGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“In 2019 we have seen the best growth ever with the addition of the Industry Training Association (ITA) Women in Trades and Women in Construction contracts, as well as the expansion of the Health Care Assistant program locations,” she states. Stevenson credits the Excel tea m, as wel l as thei r solution-focused approach to labour market challenges that have gained the attention of employers and industries across the province, as the top reasons for the College’s success. Excel Career College has gained recognition for its ability to respond quickly and efficiently to labour market needs, and as such has been drawn into numerous communities throughout the entire province. A trio of industry partnerships are examples. “When several healthcare providers expressed that they were in critical need of employees, we were able to form partnerships and connect funding within mere weeks, to train skilled workers in Cranbrook and Williams Lake,” Stevenson notes. “Another partnership with the ITA has given us the opportunity to support women on the mainland and we will continue to expand throughout BC over the next 18 months, and longer if needed.” Partnering with leading aquaculture companies has provided meaningful employment for hundreds of British Columbians, she adds. “They have been amazing to work very closely with, ensuring that the skills our graduates leave with are matched to the

Julie Angus positions they are hiring for,” she says. “These partners actively contribute to the development and enhancement of our Diploma Program, which allows us to access funding opportunities that support the whole industry and lessen the labour crisis they have been facing.” The Aquaculture Technician Diploma Program, started 10 years ago, has resulted in over 300 people obtaining employment and changed recruiting practices for the industry. “By providing a practical, skillbased program with necessary certifications included, industry employers have a new standard of recruits,” Stevenson states. “We have had employers quantify the value of hiring a graduate to the tune of $5,000 in savings, plus reducing the high level of attrition that was customary in the industry.” The recognition is the latest for Open Ocean Robotics, which creates “robots of the sea”. They received a $22,000 BC Resource Industry awa rd l a st fa l l for their autonomous, un-manned,

Excel Career College team, back row, from left: Lauri Gwilt, Michelle Konkle, Teresa Matesanz, Heather Nowl and Mary Stephenson. Front row, from left: Montana Pistell, Pauline Stevenson and Maria Rodrigue

Colin and Julie Angus, cofounders of Open Ocean Robotics in Victoria un-personned and un-crewed vessels that collect data for ocean research and surveillance. Open Ocean Robotics has created two unmanned vessels: The

Force12 Xplorer, and the Solar Xplorer. The Force12 sailboat uses the compa ny’s proprieta ry dua l rigid wind sail design that can be navigated completely autonomously, or be remotely controlled using satellite telemetry. It is propelled entirely by wind, and a solar panel provides power for sensors, communication devices, processor and rudder actuator. The Solar Xplorer carries 1,200 watts of solar panels and lithium ion batteries that enable it to average over four knots per hour, day or night. It is a seaworthy and self-righting solar boat that is also autonomous. The company’s vessels improve ship fuel efficiency, can detect and clean up oil spills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and

are used to patrol the ocean. Ocean Robotics, also won Canada’s Most Promising Startup of 2019 Award from NACO, the National Angel Capital Corporation (NACO), last June, and $100,000 in Spring Impact Investor Challenge run by Spring Activator, beating out over 100 companies for the honour. They also moved into a new location in the Vancouver Island Technology Park at the start of 2019. I n 2 018, C E O Ju l ie A ng u s pitched the compa ny i n the “Women in Cleantech” competition, and it was awarded $800,000 in incubator support from the collaboration between the Canadian government and Mars Discovery District. www.openoceanrobotics.com www.excelcareercollege.com

The Vancouver Island Tech Community Needs You DER3: Helping Connect Vancouver Island Businesses Who Want To Enter Or Expand Into The “Digital Economy”

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n partnership with Island Coa s ta l E c onom ic T r u s t (ICET), Innovation Island Technology Association (IITA) has launched the Digital Economy Rapid Response Recovery Program (DER3) that will start to tackle the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. As the region’s technology accelerator, with support from Innovate BC, Innovation Island has been asked to help with the mounting challenges facing small-medium sized businesses to restart the local economy. This rapid recovery initiative will provide one-toone business & technical expertise and actionable resources to

companies that need to consider changes to their business models and/or best-practices on how to better engage with entering or expanding in the digital economy. With decades of experience in the tech sector, and a deep understanding of digital ecosystems, this is their call to action. What is it? The Digital Economy Rapid Response Recovery Program (DER3) is a free service and program (for small and medium businesses) and is open to individuals or businesses living or working on Vancouver Island, North of the Malahat, on the Sunshine Coast,

or Gulf Islands. DER3 offers oneto-one business and technical consultations for businesses that are considering entering or expanding their online presence or putting technology-based tools in place to better serve their needs. When required, the program will also match businesses with regional service providers (digital service providers and subject matter experts) who can deliver contracted solutions. Who is it for? Small & Medium Sized Businesses (SMB) - Is your business closed or running at below normal capacity? Do you have alternative sales or other income

that will help you weather this crisis? Are you currently doing business online, or would you like to do more? Is it time to consider a pivot or change to your business model? If so go here https://innovationisland.ca/ der3/smb/ Digital Service Providers (DSP)Do you provide online services to help people and businesses to enter and/or expand into the digital economy? If so go here - https:// innovationisland.ca/der3/dsp/ Subject Matter Experts (SME) - Have you ever been a mentor, business advisor, consultant or investor? Are you a technician, engineer, scientist, artist,

photographer (or guru in any field) currently working or retired? You know what you know, and it’s probably a lot, so maybe now’s the time to give back? More or less, free or fee, this program could use your help! If so go here - https://innovationisland. ca/der3/sme/ “This situation is a major call to action for many businesses to make a swift and smart shift to the digital economy,” says Graham Truax, Executive Director of IITA. “We’re dealing with a Black Swan event that, at least in the short term, will change many consumer behaviours.” www.innovationisland.ca

APRIL 2020

DIGITAL MARKETING/COMOX VALLEY

15

9 KEYS TO SUCCESS IN DIGITAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

BE DIGITAL JOHN MACDONALD

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ustomer service is about solving the problems of your customers. Now, with a dramatically different business environment companies have to manage customer service across multiple channels. Whose job is it anyway? The truth is, customer service is the responsibility of everyone in your company. Building a brand means delivering on a promise again and again. It means consistency and maintaining effective customer relationships. 1. Respond to reviews quickly Nearly nine in ten consumers read online reviews to determine the credibility of a business, and it’s important they see that the business has an active, responsive voice. All reviews should be acknowledged by your business. The only exception to this is star-only rating reviews. These are permitted on Facebook and a few other top review sites. 2. P rov ide a consistent experience Depend i ng on the ty pe of product or service that you offer, customers may interact with

several people at the company before the final transaction. Your business needs to make sure that throughout the entire experience, that your customers are having positive interactions. The same story should resonate throughout your customer service efforts, and that story should be customer-centric. 3. Experience your customer journey Most businesses have put together their online presence somewhat piecemeal—create an account on one social platform, add chat integration to the website, build a blog, expand offerings, etc. While this is the most common way to build out a business, it doesn’t always equal the most seamless customer journey. Go through your buyer’s process. Search for yourself online, look at the website content, sign up for the newsletter, etc. Note any bumps and bruises you find along the way and how you can make the whole experience more cohesive. 4. Use social media as a twoway street W hile social media can be tiresome, let’s be sure we don’t ruin one of the best things about it—the fact that consumers can have conversations with b u si ne sse s. Sh a re helpf u l content, engage with consumers and occasionally share promotional info about your products or services. Asking questions, holding competitions and sharing content relevant to your audience are all good ways to engage with consumers. Don’t just talk, listen. 5. Have a high performing

website People visiting your website are not patient so your business needs to have a webpage and assets that load quickly. Nearly 50% of consumers expect a page to load in two seconds or less, anything longer than that, consumers start dropping off. 6. Open communication and transparency Consumers can detect sales-y language from a mile away. It’s best to be d i rect about your offerings, and even your shortcomings. Nail your sales approach and provide consumers the information they’re looking for. Even if you are unable to solve every problem your customers have, they’ll appreciate your honesty and will be less likely to leave. 7. Get your listings right Having a thorough understanding of listings is essential in the digital space. Getting business listing information accurate (name, address, and phone number) across the web, though, is one of the most important things your business can do to create a better digital customer service experience. 8. Positive attitude & authenticity The power of a positive, authentic attitude and its influence on customers should never be underestimated. Optimism is a cornerstone of customer service. Small changes in language and wording can make a huge impact on customers: 9. Use email effectively Make sure when you email your customers, that you have

something to say. The communication should be timely, relevant and helpful. Having an effective call to action is essential—give them a reason to read and engage with the email.

John MacDonald is the Director of Business Development with the Business Examiner News Group. Call him at 604.751.0819, or email BEDigital@ businessexaminer.ca.

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#STAYSTRONGCOMOXVALLEY

COMOX VALLEY CHAMBER DIANNE HAWKINS

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he Comox Valley Chamber is working with the business community to help keep our community vibrant and make sure we remain connected – even as many of us work from home. We know collaboration and connection are more important than ever right now, and we are committed to keeping up to date on what’s happening nationally (Canadian Chamber), provincially (BC Chamber), and locally through our municipal leaders.

We are also working with our colleagues the Downtown Courtenay BIA, Comox by the Sea and our Economic Development office to ensure information is being provided to our business community. It’s NOT business as usual but we are touched by the innovative and creative ways our business community is rallying together. From karma drops organized by Edible Island to businesses purchasing gift cards for a “not so rainy” day in the (I hope) near future to volunteerism popping up more and more as we work to help others, reminding us that we are in this together. Now, more than ever, we are here to be your voice, represent local businesses, assist business owners in sustaining their business and to be part of the solution to a robust plan for recovery. Business hasn’t stopped and your Chamber hasn’t either. Some resou rces we have set up include our COVID-19 resource page located

at comoxvalleychamber.com, where you can also sign up for our newsletter to keep you up to date on current information being released (daily in most instances) by the federal and provincial governments. Take part in our weekly Zoom calls on Thursday mornings from 10:30 – 11:30, you can register for these calls at comoxvalleychamber.com/events. These Zoom calls are focused on hearing your questions and providing answers on income tax, GST, human resources and grants available for business. We’re here for you, our business community! Email us at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber. com or call us at 250-334-3234. Dianne Hawkins is CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber. Building Good Business since 1919 For more information on the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit: www.comoxvalleychamber.com or call 250-334-3234.

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CITIFIED

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APRIL 2020

Sponsored by

VICTORIA’S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT CO-LIVING RESIDENCES PROPOSED

C Citified.ca Saanich A proposal to build a four-storey, 17-unit strata-titled residential building on Doumac Avenue at Cordova Bay Road has been submitted to the District of Saanich by developer Citta Construction. The project is the second proposal for a duo of lots at 986 and 990 Doumac Avenue after an earlier concept for a 25-unit, four-storey building failed to secure approvals. Council rejected the 25-unit plan in 2017 following an hourslong public hearing. Since that time, however, approvals were granted by the municipality for an adjacent redevelopment of the Tru Value Foods shopping plaza that will yield nearly 90 residences and a significant ground floor commercial component. Construction is now underway. Victoria A formerly stalled proposal for a rental building containing 75-units of workforce micro-housing has been revived as a mixed-use commercial, office and residential complex for the John Howard Society. 736 Princess Avenue is back b e fo re m u n i c i p a l pl a n n e rs as a mi xed-use retail, office and transitional housing project catering to the society’s operations with a street level café on the ground floor, space for employ ment a nd education programs on level two, and office space on the third floor along with support services for clients. Levels four-through-six will be comprised of nearly 30 furnished micro suites sized at approximately 300 square feet. Proponent Gerald Hartwig of Hartwig Industries describes the John Howard Society’s mission as “assisting individuals,

A rendering of 975-983 Pandora Avenue, a 15-storey rental tower proposed by developer Townline. The building’s 121 residences will include 54 co-living suites featuring three, four and five-bedrooms. © TOWNLINE

families, youth and adults with programs and services focused on employment, housing, mentorship, and restorative justice.” 736 Princess Avenue is one of the first such projects undertaken by the society. Victoria’s first purpose-built co-living residences ranging from three to five-bedrooms have been proposed as part of a highrise rental tower eyed for Pandora Avenue at Vancouver Street. The Victoria offices of Vancouver-based development firm Townline, which is finishing construction of Vancouver Island’s tallest building at downtown Victoria’s Hudson District, has updated plans for its 15-storey 975-983 Pandora Avenue proposal to include a refined design and a unique collection of apartments su itable for mu lti-tena nt or shared living accommodations.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE GLOBAL REACH Our team specializes in the Greater Victoria commercial real estate market. From single buildings to multi building portfolios, we provide a comprehensive range of real estate services to help investors, developers, landlords and tenants with their real estate needs.

Descr ibed by Tow n l i ne a s co-living units, 54 homes will be in the form of three, four and five-bedroom suites featuring a combination of bedrooms with private bathrooms, and bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Unit sizes will push to upwards of 1,200 square feet. The proposal will include traditional unit sizes and layouts alongside the co-living spaces, with an additional 67 residences (for a total of 121) in the form of one and two-bedroom homes. Over a decade since its initial concept was approved by the City of Victoria, the Roundhouse component of Vic West’s Bayview Place development has been re-envisioned as developer Focus Equities adjusts the multiphased project to the present-day market. Under the new v ision, a

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‘housing high street’ along the north perimeter will yield four purpose-built rental highrises from Catherine Street to the west and the railroad roundhouse to the east along Esquimalt Road, totaling 1,000 residences. Condominium residences will total nearly 1.2 million square feet and will rise within two zones, one of which will be situated east of the housing high street and above the historic railroad roundhouse, known as the ‘heritage heart’ with two towers, the second called Lime Bay Mews south of the high street along Kimta Road. Hotels w i l l tota l ju st over 350,000 square feet to deliver over 300 hotel rooms across two properties, with a duo of towers flanking the E&N Building and its counterpart. 106,000 square feet of retail

3030 Jacklin Road Langford, BC Newly constructed 12 suite apartment building in the commercial hub of Langford. The building has 9 one bed/ den & 3 two bed/den residential suites & 1 commercial unit. $4,897,000

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and commercial spaces will be situated throughout the site with a primary focus on the heritage buildings at the nexus of the project lands. Public park and open spaces will total two-acres. Developers Cheng and Jan Lim have proposed a 19-unit rental building on Convent Place east of Quadra Street. The proposal, designed by Victoria-based Hillel Architecture, envisions a five-storey low-rise at 933 and 935 Convent Place comprised of mostly two-bedroom residences. If approved, the building will replace a duo of single-family-dwellings currently occupying the properties. Parking capacity will accommodate 17 vehicles. The Lim’s proposal is in the early community engagement phase.

1402 Douglas Street Victoria, BC Mixed use heritage building on the high exposure corner of Douglas and Johnson Street. The building is comprised of 1 residential executive suite & 2 KLJK SURÀOH FRPPHUFLDO VSDFHV $3,795,000

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

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

Opt in to receive our property listings! www.cbrevictoria.com CBRE Limited, Real Estate Brokerage | 1026 Fort Street, Victoria, BC | 250 386 0000

WHO IS SUING WHOM

APRIL 2020

WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT Achteck Construction Ltd 4660 Yew St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Westcore Industries Ltd CLAIM $82,909 DEFENDANT Alykhan Enterprises Inc 101-17750 56th Ave, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Saltys Fish And Chips Ltd CLAIM $46,750 DEFENDANT Baker Construction And Design 536 Beaver Point Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC PLAINTIFF Llinykh, Dmitry CLAIM $25,040 DEFENDANT Casman Projects (BC) Inc 3rd Flr, 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF RC Roofing Ltd CLAIM

$123,702 DEFENDANT Coast Glass Ltd 1002B Herring Gull Way, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Morison, Daniel Brian CLAIM $28,966 DEFENDANT CR Coastline Towing & Transport Ltd 115 Barlow Rd, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF T Shepherd Trucking Ltd CLAIM $30,836 DEFENDANT CR Coastline Towing & Transport Ltd 115 Barlow Rd, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF T Shepherd Trucking Ltd CLAIM $26,836 DEFENDANT Fair Realty 1564 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yang, Xuejun CLAIM $35,186

Findlay Renovations And Metal Exteriors 27-390 Cowichan Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Plywood Courtenay CLAIM $8,688 DEFENDANT Habanero Homes Ltd 202-58 Station St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Brown, Peavey CLAIM $27,451 DEFENDANT HDA Enterprise Inc 1808-5088 Kwantlen St, Richmond, BC PLAINTIFF J Cross & Company Ltd CLAIM $5,781 DEFENDANT Island View Place Care 3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Coho Communications Ltd CLAIM $44,828

DEFENDANT Fair Realty Ltd 1564 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yang, Xuejun CLAIM $35,186

DEFENDANT K & G Installations Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF MSE Precast Ltd CLAIM $30,243

DEFENDANT

DEFENDANT

Keeping projects on time and on budget

K&J Fencing 5303 Washer Rd, Union Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Windsor Plywood Courtenay CLAIM $10,588 DEFENDANT Philps Specialty Services 3450 Kingburne Dr, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Glazier Construction CLAIM $35,236 DEFENDANT RABC Holdings Ltd 5160 Universal Pl, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Smith Transportation Ltd CLAIM $7,176 DEFENDANT Rocket Heavy Duty And Fabrication Ltd 7440 Nantree Rd, Lake Cowichan, BC PLAINTIFF J Cross & Company Ltd CLAIM $15,136 DEFENDANT Sky King Communications Inc PO Box 390, Chilliwack, BC PLAINTIFF Mulder, Ronald Robert CLAIM $14,040 DEFENDANT TCH Contracting 5006 Bush Rd, Port Alberni, BC PLAINTIFF

17 Eddies Equipment Repairs Ltd CLAIM $15,537 DEFENDANT Tim Baker Construction Ltd 8450 Lawrence Rd, Saanichton, BC PLAINTIFF Carpenter, Carol CLAIM $35,256 DEFENDANT Villamar Construction Ltd 200-7169 West Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Deering, Gary Anthony CLAIM $27,156 DEFENDANT VJM Fitness Solutions Inc 903-4266 Grange St, Burnaby, BC PLAINTIFF Riokim Holdings Inc CLAIM $25,979 DEFENDANT W & A Associates Inc 12 Cowan Ave, St Johns, NL PLAINTIFF Universal Teleclinic Incorporated CLAIM $14,468 DEFENDANT Western Grater Contracting Ltd 2400-745 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Nielsen, Jane CLAIM $35,000

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APRIL 2020

GLOBAL CUSTOMERS SEEK PRONAUTIC INTERIORS CRAFTMANSHIP Sidney Custom Millwork Company Celebrates 20 Years In Business

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IDNEY – A sterling reputation for quality craftsm a nsh ip has broug ht customers from all over the world to ProNautic Interiors. Maarten Kooijman founded the company in a 2,000 square foot building in Sidney in 2000, to do cu stom m i l lwork a nd cabinets for boats and custom homes. Now celebrating their

20th year, a team of 18 full-time employees work out of a 16,000 square foot facility. “O u r n iche i s we a re ver y f lex ible to work w ith i ntern at ion a l cl ients, a s we ca n supply customers anywhere in the world,� Kooijman says, noting they are currently doing high end millwork for a custom home in Japan, and two in the United States, in New York and Miami. “We build to a very high standard, so our customers come to us for our craftmanship and the high quality of work we deliver,� he adds. “Our European heritage and quality is really

Congratulations to the team at Pronautic on all your success! +EVFEPP] 6SEH :MGXSVME Ĺ&#x; 4 ) GSPYQFMEMRHYWXVMEPWYTTPMIW$WLE[ GE [[[ GSPYQFMEMRHYWXVMEPWYTTPMIW GSQ

attractive to our clients. We build modular units that are all built to size and fit, and can be shipped globally. It’s very efficient.� “Our on-time delivery is very important to our clients and to us – and we are on budget at all times.� ProNautic has a Biesse, Rover G CNC machine, a vented spray booth, specialized tools for joinery and cabinet making at their facility in the Canada Coastal Building on Willingdon Road at the Victoria International Airport. Kooijman began his career in 1989 in the Netherlands and worked on super yachts, before moving to Canada in 1996 to joi n Queen Sh ipya rds i n Vancouver. “I wa nted to have my ow n company again, and Vancouver Island is a very nice place to live and raise our family, so we started ProNautic on Vancouver Island,� he recalls, adding his son, Maarten Jr., has been working with the firm for the past eight years. “Our first project when we started in 2000 was a 55-foot steel sailboat. We built the whole interior while the boat was still upside down and being welded.� “We took all the templates and measurements, and built it right-way up in our shop before

Maarten Kooijman started ProNautic Interiors 20 years ago installing it.� W hen the economy went sideways in 2008, the firm focused on custom homes, and Kooijman notes that more yacht work has been coming their way recently. They’re currently bidding on a 165-foot yacht that is being built in BC. ProNautic does a lot of work

for the Canadian Coast Guard ships based out of the lower mainland, including interior modules for supply ships. “We work with designs that our customers want, and from architects,� he says. “Every project we do is d i fferent – they’re all custom.� www.pronautic.ca

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

APRIL 2020

Business Examiner Gold Event Sponsors

NORTH ISLAND Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce held its 47th Annual Recognition of Excellence Gala and announced this year’s winners. ShopRite General Store was presented with the Business of the Year award in the over 25 employee’s category while Petro Canada received the same award in the under 25 employees category. 19 North Apparel was both New Business of the Year and Home-Based Business of the Year while Telegraph Cove Resort took home the Tourism Award. Loonies for Loggers was this year’s Non-Profit of the Year and Nicole Barnes – Medical Clinic received the Customer Service Excellence Award. Dr. Prean Armogam is retiring at the end of May from the Port McNeill Medical Collaborative Clinic, after practicing for 15 years. Port McNeill Medical Collaborative Clinic is at 2161 McNeill Road. The Canadian Coast Guard is developing a new 10,800 square foot Logistics Depot on Jensen Cove in Port Hardy. Port Hardy council approved a Development Permit Variance for the depot which calls for a warehouse storage facility for environmental response, fleet maintenance equipment and more. The building will also include administrative workstations, classroom/training spaces, meeting room, a mechanical workshop

19

and will be capable of acting as a command post in the event of an emergency. Port Hardy council also approved a waterfront walkway for the depot. The Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce has expanded its membership criteria to include home based businesses. The membership fee for home-based businesses is $50 per year.

CAMPBELL RIVER

Orland Hansen

Grieg Seafood BC has appointed Orland “OD� Hansen to the newly created position of Director of Reconciliation. Orland has over 20 years of experience in Indigenous relations in the oil and gas industry and most recently served as Aboriginal and Community Relations Advisor with Husky Energy. In the new role, Orland will work with coastal Indigenous communities on behalf of Grieg Seafood BC. To p r e v e n t t h e s p r e a d o f C OV I D -19, t h e St rat hcon a Regional District (SR D) h a s launched an emergency assistance initiative – ‘SRD Delivers’. The initiative will see the SRD provide sustainable funding for organizations that can offer assistance with grocery shopping, food delivery, prescriptions and other essentials for the benefit of the elderly (65+) and other vulnerable persons who must self-isolate in accordance with Public Health Orders. SRD Delivers is available to households within the Regional District’s electoral areas, municipalities

and First Nation communities. Little Caesar’s Pizza at 465 Merecroft Road marks its 25th anniversary this year and remains open for business while taking the necessary precautions. North Island College is expanding its Indigenous language offerings by developing a new certificate that is set to launch this fall. The certificate expands on NIC’s current Indigenous language offerings in Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwak’wala, which also incorporate Indigenous ways with language teaching. The certificate will support the infusion of culture and draw on local fluent elders and knowledge keepers.

COMOX VALLEY Goods Grocery, formerly on Ryan Road East, has opened for

business at 140 Headquarters Road in Courtenay. Owners Mark and Glenda Turner have changed the grocer’s offerings from providing a mix of Canadian and international products to providing strictly Asian/Mexican groceries. Ace Brewing has proposed to City of Courtenay council the addition of an outdoor patio to its microbrewery at 150 Mansfield Drive that would increase its seating capacity to 68. The patio would be licensed to operate between 11 am and 11 pm daily and the would be located on the western side of the building. The City will post notice on its website for public input on the proposal.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

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provide air tanker services throughout the United States. The contract beginning in 2020 will see the first Boeing 737, Tanker 137 in operation. Coulson Aviation will be using its Fireliner planes, which are modified Boeing 737’s capable of transporting firefighters without reconfiguration and flying at maximum speeds and altitudes with a load of fire retardant and no restrictions. Coulson Aviation is the first company in the world to modify 737’s into Fireliner’s, which utilize a new advanced delivery system specifically designed for firefighting, the RADS-XXL/2. To convert a 737 into a FIRELINER takes over 43,000-man hou rs a nd i ncludes the R A DS-X X L/2 i nsta l lation, avionics upgrades, full strip and re-paint, new interior and 72 refurbished passenger seats. Alberni Denture Clinic has moved to a new space at 4040 Redford Street, the former home of Healthy Habits.

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Vicky Seredick, of Royal LePage Pacific Rim Realty, was presented with the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Realtors Care Award, which recognizes relators who give back and improve the quality of life in their community. Dr. Shaun F. Golemba was recently awarded the BC Optometrist of the Year Award by his peers at the BC Doctors of Optometry annual conference in Vancouver. Dr. Golemba has been the owner of Valley Vision at 4009 Redford Street since 2009. Declan Fines has opened West Coast Strings, a business that services lacrosse players equipment. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) promoted Heather Zenner from the role of Lands and Resources coordinator to Protective Services Manager. The ACRD a n nou nced l ast mont h that former Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department chief Charlie Starratt has been hired as the Regional Fire Services Manager. L.B. Woodchoppers Rentals Sales & Service is celebrating its 40th anniversary at 3509 3rd Avenue. Port Alberni City Council

APRIL 2020

issued Westcoast Native H e a lt h C a r e S o ci e t y a development va r i a nce permit, allowing the organization to expand its Tsawa ay uu s (R a i nbow Gardens) Care Facility. The permit allows the society to build a five-storey apartment building with 39 units of housing for low to moderate income seniors. Once complete, this will mark the third expansion for Rainbow Gardens. The first two added long-term care bends and independent living units that opened in late 2019. Kevin Wright, the owner of house Medic Handyman Service in Port Alberni has stepped up to support local frontline workers in the healthcare industry. Kevin has been printing hu nd reds of protective face shields for West Coast General Hospital and local care homes since the beginning of March with his 3D printers. He is partnered with Houle Printing who is providing plastic covers for the shields and now the City of Port Alberni has stepped in to help out by purchasing an extra 10 3D printers and some additional filaments to assist with production of the shields.

TOFINOUCLUELET Tofino Craft Distillery is producing hand sanitizer for emergency operation c e n t r e s i n t h e A l b e rn i-Clayoquot Reg iona l District. T he distillery owned by local volunteer firefighters Neil Campbell, John Gilmour and Adam Warry has delivered 150 litres of hand sanitizer to front line workers throughout the West Coast. Claire Bond, founder of essential oil company Clarity Apothecary, has supplied spray bottles labels and argan oil for the hospital grade sanitizer. Tofino Brew Co. has supplied ‘growlers’ for the lotion and Smashing Glass Event Rentals has offered its warehouse for production. Meanwhile, other distilleries in the Tofino-Ucluelet area have been hard at work repurposing their distilling operations. Luke Erridge has been turning Pacific Rim Distilling in Ucluelet into a hand sanitizer production facility w it h t he help of Black Berry Cove, Ucluelet Rent It Centre and the Ucluelet Co-op. Pacific Rim hand

sanitizer is available behind the Ucluelet Co-op deli counter where people are asked to bring small refillable bottles. Tofino Distillery is i n the process of creating a World Health Organization version of hand sanitizer fit for the public, which it plans on releasing in greater volume over the next few weeks. Royal LePage Pacific Rim Realty has added Nick Holatko to their team of realtors. Nick holds a BBA from Bishop’s University and will be serving the Ucluelet community for the real estate firm. Tourism Ucluelet a nnounced its board of directors for the coming year, led by Brian Congdon of Subtidal Adventures who will chair the board. The board of directors includes Heather Riddick of Heartwood Kitchen; Julian Ling of Wild Pacific Trail; Laurie Filgiano of Ucluelet Aquarium; Lily Verney-Downy of Pluvio Restaurant and Rooms; Julie Se of Cana d i a n P r i n c e s s; B r e nt Hohlweg of Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites; Dustin Riley of Blue Room Bistro; Melissa Boucha of Black Rock Resort Oceanfront Resort; and Kevin Bradshaw of Hello Nature Adventure Tours.

NANAIMO Arbutus Distillery has been manufacturing hand sa n itizer a nd donati ng 100 per cent of it to health care service providers and non-profit organizations. T he distillery has been supported by Industrial Plastics & Paints Nanaimo and Signage Canada Nanaimo who have donated packaging supplies. The distillery is inviting inquiries about its hand sanitizer from the healthcare community and non-profit organizations and will do what they can with their limited supply. Inquiries should be made to info@ arbutus-distillery.com and include name, position with the organization, name of the organization, name of relevant director within the organization and detailed contact information. A lison Booth h a s acquired Pure Spa Skin Care Services from Karen Murphy who has stepped into retirement. Alison has 23 SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 21

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

APRIL 2020

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

years of experience in the spa industry and opened the business on March 16th at 97 Commercial Street; only two days before the Provincial Government ordered the closure of all personal service establishments in response to COVID-19. In the meantime, the company is offeri ng f ree del iver y on skin care orders and will be posting skin care advice and other self-care t ips on t hei r faceb o ok feed at facebook.com / purespananaimo. MNP has launched a business advice center to help their clients, team members and communities adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more about their services at mnp.ca/en/covid-19. Martell Refrigeration moved its office from 4396 Boban Drive to #111 – 1925 Boxwood Road. Sani-Tech at 102 – 256 Wallace Street is celebrating its 30 th anniversary. T he bu si ness prov ides residential and commercial cleaning services to the mid-Island area.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS Puppycats Pet Emporium is now open for business and is offering free delivery to those in the Chemainus area. The shop specializes in pet supplies for dogs, cats and small animals and is at 9616 Chemainus Road. T he Sim monds Life Styles Team announced a formal partnership with EXP Realty, that includes the team as an EXP Realty Branch. The team consists of Debbie Simmonds, Adam Kelln, James Chisholm and Monika Holst.

COWICHAN VALLEY Baan-Do’s Stir Fry reopened for business beginning on Good Friday for takeout and delivery service only between the hours of 12 and 7 pm on Monday through Saturday. To find out more about the shop’s offerings visit baandos.com. The overdose prevention site at 221 Trunk Road will be moving to a new Wellness

and Recovery Centre at 5878 York Road in Duncan in the fall this year. The prevention site is run by the Canadian Mental Health Association Cowichan Valley branch and will continue to operate at its existing location on Trunk Road until the new centre opens.

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OPINION

22

APRIL 2020

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GOVERNMENTS NOT DOING NEARLY ENOUGH FOR SMALL BUSINESS DURING CRISIS

MARK MACDONALD

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overnments siphon off close to 50 per cent of Canadian incomes and they are mandating office and public meeting closures to thwart the COVID-19 crisis. They are trying to protect the public in unprecedented times. In recognition of that, they’ve offered various wage subsidy/replacement programs for employees, effective immediately. But what the various levels of government have offered up for businesses so far has fallen far short of what needs to be done. There are some cases where workers have received benefits within 24 hours. The benefits are generous – so much so that they have created an environment where employees won’t return to work because they are receiving more money from the government than they were while working. Businesses that want to re-open cannot, because

their employees won’t come back. And who can blame them: Why , as strictly go to work for less than they are receiving for sitting home and doing nothing? Meanwhile, business owners need to either crawl over broken glass, or hire their own forensic accounting team to determine if the paltry percentage of relief the federal government has stated companies might be eligible for. Ottawa’s priorities are most evident through the programs it lays out, and it is clear they recognize the value of looking after the mass block of employees/voters, rather than the few votes representative of the few entrepreneurs and owners who run the companies that create jobs. The initial announcements were also a statement about what the governments and policy-constructing bureaucrats think about business. It mirrors most of society – that all business owners are rich, sitting on fat wallets and burgeoning bank accounts, all the while taking advantage of “write-offs”. T h at’s t h e bi g ge s t l a u g h : “You have all those write-offs”, non-business people note, having no idea what they are spouting. A “write-off” is money that is spent on business-related activities and purchases paid for while conducting business, i.e. pre-tax

dollars. It isn’t a gift to business – it’s taking less tax away, in recognition of spending money to, hopefully, make more money. “Write-offs” are certainly not free – it’s still money spent. Government needs to move swiftly to give back some of the money it takes from businesses, because their isolation insistence has removed what the business community counts on them to do – create an environment in which they can conduct commerce. The same government that demands quarantining its citizens needs to reimburse those who have made significant investments in order to make a living, and have had those opportunities squashed, if even temporarily. Governments should do something serious – like paying rent for companies shut down by government policies, for example. Or cutting property taxes. And more. If governments don’t take care of small business, many will close their doors, and there won’t be jobs to go back to. 50 per cent of businesses fail, and with these hardships, that number may increase. I’ve already heard from a landlord who has lost several tenants in their commercial properties, and won’t re-start their enterprises. That means a loss of revenue for the building owner, not to mention the

jobs that will disappear. As far as government is concerned, business is the front line of tax collection. Every business owner is well aware of how much tax is taken off in payroll deductions, fees, and the GST and PST collected and remitted. That needs to be recognized and appreciated. Kudos to business organizations across the country that have taken initiative to inform and lobby governments about the dire situations facing companies during COVID-19 panic. They’ve aggressively solicited memberships to obtain boots-on-the-ground anecdotes and numbers they can share with government, demonstrating the difficulties they are encountering – and what might likely happen if the government doesn’t intervene properly. In business, cash flow – not cash. If there’s not enough of either, any business is going to be in serious trouble. Deferring taxes or giving a one or two month reprieve on sending in GST or other taxes doesn’t help the situation at all. In fact it quickens the inevitable, and that means bankruptcy or shutting the doors. Loans aren’t helpful if a business owner looks down the road at long-term struggles, knowing they’ll have to pay back even more just to keep going. It’s just added

overhead. Providing direct financial support for businesses in a straightforward fashion in cash is an expensive solution, but in the long run, it may be the most inexpensive. If governments come up with effective methods to allow small businesses to survive, then those companies will be able to re-open their doors, meaning employees will go back to work, which will get them off income, or more accurately, taxpayer assistance. The bottom line is this: Governments, which take all sorts of money from businesses in so many different ways, MUST support those companies during times like this – especially because the government themselves are the ones that have instilled prohibition-style tactics in an effort to stop the pandemic. From a business owners’ point of view, governments are adept at getting in the way, instilling endless regulations and rules in a game of fiscal steeplechase that make it hard for companies to continue to jump over roadblocks to success and survive, let alone thrive. Right now, governments need to give business owners back some of what they have already taken from them, and give them an opportunity to stay on their feet and continue to fight and move forward.

ENERGY SECTOR HELPING CANADA WEATHER COVID-19 STORM

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCERS TIM MCMILLAN

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overnments have been forced to take bold actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and simultaneous economic crisis. For the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and our member companies, health and safety is a top priority. We support governments’ measures to protect the health of citizens

and flatten the curve in the spread of COVID-19. We know how essential oil and natural gas are to our daily lives. Crude oil, natural gas and other petroleum products are essential for transportation fuels, heating and electricity for all Canadians. Canada’s energy sector is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the collapse in energy demand stemming from the pandemic. The impacts are being exacerbated by Saudi Arabia and Russia, who are exploiting this human health crisis in an attempt to expand their share of the global oil market. As a result, Canadian upstream companies have been forced to cut capital expenditures by more than $6 billion in the last few weeks alone. This historical drop in investment significantly weakens the economy and threatens the jobs of nearly 500,000 Canadians. In every corner of the country, these Canadians are part of the energy industry and its nationwide supply chain.

Despite the hardships, Canadian producers have committed to keeping energy flowing. And many of us find ourselves self-isolated and dependent on that energy in our homes to keep us working and living. This includes fuelling the trucks delivering groceries and critical care supplies across the country and in the planes bringing Canadians safely home. Oil is also a core ingredient in lifesaving medicines, hand sanitizers, and in the plastic required to build critical medical and personal protective equipment such as goggles and face shields. This is a responsibility the oil and natural gas sector takes seriously, and we value the trust Canadians place in the industry. A government designation for the oil and natural gas sector as an essential service will help to ensure energy production isn’t disrupted through this crisis, while maintaining a significant measure of economic activity due to the industry’s far-reaching supply chain.

For example, Ontario’s participation in the oil sands supply chain was valued at $1.89 billion 2016 and 2017, supporting more than 63,000 jobs and 1,162 businesses. The supply chain of producers is associated with close to 10,000 businesses across the country. In the long term, the industry is resilient. Oil and natural gas producers have weathered previous low prices and economic challenges, and came out fighting on the other side of the storm to build an economic revival. However, the more immediate reality is that companies are in survival mode, deeply cutting costs and capital expenditures to remain operational. Natural gas and oil are our country’s largest export commodities. According to Statistics Canada, the industry generated about $110 billion in direct real gross domestic product in 2019. The sector contributed an average of $8 billion in annual revenue to governments in recent years. A l l Ca nad ia ns deserve the opportunity for prosperity and

security. So it’s so important that we start looking ahead to economic recovery. It will take work and commitment, leadership and resolve. And it’s essential that we begin now. What we choose to do today, in terms of support for the energy industry, will determine Canada’s role as a global energy supplier in the future. A strong industry creates jobs across Canada and much-need revenue for governments in every part of the country. The oil and natural gas industry is key to Canada’s economic well-being and it’s determined to help lead the country’s recovery. We won’t let Canada down. We’ll be there on the other side of this storm, to work with governments and support Canadians. Together we will build a foundation for long-term resilience in this country we call home. Tim McMillan is president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

APRIL 2020

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

VICTORIA

Clayton Stark

service called Four Frames Greetings. Customers can now send in fun photos of friends or family members and Four Frames will create digital files including Boomerangs, MP4’s, photos and GIFS to entertain loved ones. V2V Black Hops Brewing opened for business on March 20th, providing beer delivery service and drivethru at 2323 Millstream Road. The company is a not-for-profit organization run by veterans in support of veterans.

Sweden-based game software studio Stillfront has appointed Clayton Stark as its group chief technology officer and a member of its executive management team. Clayton is the CEO of Victoria-based game developer Kixeye and will retain his position as head of the studio. Stillfront acquired Kixeye last year in a deal worth $120 million USD.

Tim Ayres Current Taxi is offering free rides for healthcare workers to and from hospitals. The company operates a fleet of Tesla’s that have touchless door handles and undergo thorough sanitization after each trip. To find out more about Current Taxi go to currenttaxi.ca.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) announced its board of directors for 2020-21 at its annual meeting on March 24. Once of the additions to the board of directors, serving his first term, is Sooke’s own Tim Ayres of Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty.

Darien Verbrugge

Al Hasham

Engel & Volkers welcomes Darien Verbrugge to their team of realtors serving the Victoria area. Darien will be working out of the agency’s office at 736 Humboldt Street.

Maximum Express Courier, a local courier and freight company led by CEO Al Hasham, has been providing Sidney-based Victoria Distillers free transportation for delivering their hand sanitizer. The Sidney-based distiller has been distilling free hand sanitizer since mid-March and delivering to frontline workers with help from Victoria’s Nezza Naturals. The sanitizer has been delivered to hospitals, police and fire departments

Select Mortgage Corp welcomes Sheena De Groot to its team of professionals. Sheena is a UVic graduate who holds a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and has extensive experience with the local mortgage industry. The Victoria Native Friendship Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a hub for the Indigenous community. The centre provides 35 programs, a large daycare and provides services to about 20,000 Indigenous people. Four Frames Photo Booth has implemented a new

S W E N

and social service agencies. Maximum Express is also providing free delivery of prescription medication for seniors who don’t want to venture out for their medication. Victoria’s own StarFish Medical has been enlisted in the effort to manufacture 30,000 ventilators in Canada in order to meet an expected shortage of the life-saving medical equipment in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The company is working on one of four initiatives to produce ventilators, which will be responsible for delivering at least 7,500 of the 30,000 ventilators. StarFish Medical will be responsible for choosing and managing design partners for the ventilators while most of the manufacturing will take place in Manitoba and Ontario. Flytographer is offering a service to print your professional photos onto a puzzle layout. The company provides a platform to access professional photographer services around the world. Find out more about their prints and services at flytographer.com.

CORPORATE • WEDDING • FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

20 Years in Business

T h e Greater Victor ia Chamber of Commerce’s job board now has up to 133 postings looking for people to support essential services in the community. Job postings can be found at victoriachamber.ca/jobs. The following BC technology companies have been recognized by Ready to Rocket as having the g re a te s t p o te n t i a l fo r revenue g row t h: Congratulations to: Eupraxia, MarineLabs, Open Ocean Robotics, First Light Technologies, Certn, Encepta, Flytographer, Hummingbird Network, SaaSquatch, Riipen, BRNKL, Cuboh, Limbic Media, Locelle and Youneeq.

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