APRIL 2021 BUSINESS EXAMINER VICTORIA by Business Examiner News Group

www.BusinessExaminer.ca

April 2021

BEER TO BENEFIT MOUNTAIN ROAD FOREST - 12 Matt Phillips is the founder of Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.

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This month is likely going to be one of the most expensive in Canadian history, perhaps in our lifetimes. The provincial and federal governments have outlined their budgets, and ultimately the framework for economic recovery. While the business community waits to see what may or may not be included for their respective sectors or interests, the show must go on. Inside this issue we have Phillips Brewing leading the charge with a great story on its Benefit Brew campaign. Alongside their story we have great features from CITIFIED, BR Ventilation, Capital Region chambers, and much more. Keep grinding, we are getting there!

John MacDonald, Director, Business Development

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

April 2021

6 NEWS UPDATE

10 GREATER VICTORIA

9 WEST SHORE

12 PHILLIPS BREWING

14 CITIFIED

16 BR VENTILATION

20 OPINION

18 WHO IS SUING WHOM

ADVISORY

TOURISM

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

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

24 MOVERS AND SHAKERS

NEWS UPDATE

BCREA: RECORD-SETTING MONTH FOR BC HOMES SALES

VREB: VICTORIA REAL ESTATE MARKET SURGES ON

BRITISH COLUMBIA - The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 15,073 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in March 2021, an increase of 123.3 per cent over March 2020 and a new all-time record for monthly BC home sales. The average MLS residential price in BC was $947,707, a 20.4 per cent increase from $787,032 recorded in March 2020. It should be noted that average prices across the province are being skewed higher as more expensive single-detached homes remain a higher share of dollar volume during the pandemic. Total sales dollar volume was $14.3 billion, a 168.9 per cent increase from last year. “Home sales in the province shattered the previous record, led by markets in the Lower Mainland,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “While mortgage rates have risen in recent months and a modest tightening of mortgage regulations is on the horizon, market activity is expected to remain very strong through the spring.” Total active residential listings were down 24.4 per cent to 22,337 units in March. The total inventory of homes for sale remains severely depleted, but new listings activity has accelerated in response to high prices.

VICTORIA - A total of 1,173 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this March, 92.9 per cent more than the 608 properties sold in March 2020 and 35.9 per cent more than the previous month of February. Sales of condominiums were up 111.8 per cent from March 2020 with 377 units sold. Sales of single-family homes were up 88.2 per cent from March 2020 with 574 sold. There were 1,310 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of March 2021, 41.8 per cent fewer properties than the total available at the end of March 2020 and 0.6 per cent properties fewer than the 1,318 active listings for sale at the end of February 2021. The Multiple Listing Service Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core in March 2020 was $879,600. The benchmark value for the same home in March 2021 increased by 10.1 per cent to $968,700 a 2.2 per cent increase from the previous month of February. The MLS HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core in March 2020 was $531,800, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in March 2021 remained close to last year’s value at $529,100 a 0.5 per cent decrease. April 2021

NEWS UPDATE

CITY OF VICTORIA SHOWS SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS BY REDUCING TAX RATE

GREEN MANUFACTURING PLANT TO CREATE MORE THAN 200 JOBS

VICTORIA – Reducing property taxes for business in the City of Victoria is the right thing to do as the pandemic continues to create challenges for our region’s economy. At the April 8 Committee of the Whole, Victoria’s mayor and council voted to endorse a two per cent decrease in business property taxes — about $146 for a business with an average assessed value of $647,000. During 2020, the assessed value of commercial property dropped by an average of 5.29 per cent. Residential assessed values in the city increased by 2.26 per cent. “We’re grateful that Victoria council has acknowledged the struggles businesses are facing with uncertain conditions and the pace of change spurred by the pandemic,” Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, says. “We’re seeing many businesses working hard to successfully pivot and develop innovations that allow them to adapt. Reducing taxes during this time shows that the city wants to work with the business community, so that all of our employers and operators have a chance to get through this together.” The tax break reflects an adjustment to the city’s current policy of equalizing changes to taxes across all classes. If council had chosen to follow that policy, the average assessed business would have had a tax increase of $122. Instead, Victoria continues to close the gap between the business and residential share of municipal taxes. “We want to thank City Council for recognizing the challenges businesses have faced over the last year, this is a significant and meaningful show of support for our business community,” Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, says.

VICTORIA – Canadian green construction technology company, Nexii Building Solutions Inc. recently announced that a new green manufacturing plant will be developed on the southern end of Vancouver Island. The plant – which represents an investment of approximately $50 million – will create more than 200 local, green jobs in the area, and will accelerate Vancouver Island’s transition towards a cleaner economy. Vancouver-based company Nexii is rapidly scaling the deployment of its breakthrough green building products in response to escalating customer demand. Through its Nexii Certified Manufacturing program, Nexii provides independent local manufacturing businesses with access to its operating systems and protocols to produce Nexii building products in their regions. The new Vancouver Island facility – known as Alexzi Building Solutions Inc. – will be developed under Nexii’s Certified Manufacturing program. Alexzi Building Solutions Inc. will be operated by a qualified group of professionals with deep experience in manufacturing and real estate, and will be led by local business women Amber Simpson and Elizabeth Liu, QC. Alexzi is currently in the process of identifying possible sites for the new 150,000 sq ft facility, and the plant is expected to be operational in late 2021 or early 2022.

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NEWS UPDATE

UVIC: THE CLIMATE FINANCE PROJECT

BUTLER BROS FBA AWARD RECIPIENT VICTORIA – Doug Wittich, President of Family Business Association (FBA) of Vancouver Island, is pleased to announce that Butler Bros Supplies and Pepper’s Food Store are the recipients the 2021 Family Business Excellence (FBE)

Award. Elspeth McGillivray, Prince of Wales/ North Island Kayak, is the recipient of the 2021 Family Business Young Entrepreneur Award. Butler Bros started in 1930’s as a trucking company and by the 50s were growing into concrete production, cement distribution, hardware and lumber sales and even further into farm equipment and irrigation. At its peak they had over 300 employees and when a serious financial crisis in the later 70s and early 80s, Brian Butler was asked to return to lead the company. Now the third generation with Travis and Roxy now manage the two parts of the business, Butler Concrete and Aggregate and the Butler Properties. One of their greatest achievements is the longevity of the business from the 1930s to today and overcoming a variety of challenges and obstacles while keeping the business successful with a strong forward focus.

A project aimed at expanding the potential of the finance and investment sector to support the transition to a climate-friendly, low-carbon economy has been announced today by the University of Victoria hosted and led Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS). Climate Finance: Integrating Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Considerations into Investment Decisions is a three-year, $180,000 research project led by the UVic Peter B. Gustavson School of Business in partnership with British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) and PICS. The project is funded by PICS. The project partners will co-develop decision-making tools and frameworks for integrating climate change risk evaluation and climate mitigation opportunities into investment portfolios. The work will leverage and build on BCI’s existing climate change scenario risk analysis and valuation framework, and incorporate the best available academic and applied research. The project will also evaluate global government stimulus and green recovery packages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their potential implications for investment management approaches supporting the transition towards a net-zero future. Michael King, Lansdowne Chair in Finance at UVic, who is project co-principal investigator with Basma Majerbi, UVic associate professor in finance, says large asset owners such as pension funds, play a critical role in supporting the transition to a net-zero emissions future through their portfolio choices and investment activities. But he says there are obstacles to overcome. April 2021

WEST SHORE

PROMOTE YOUR ORGANIZATION THROUGH THE BEST OF THE WESTSHORE AWARDS

JULIE LAWLOR The Best of the WestShore Awards is an annual awards program that is brought to you thanks to a partnership between the Goldstream Gazette and the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. Open to every business and non-profit organisation located within Colwood, the Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal, the winners are entirely decided by public vote. In 2020 there were over 30,000 votes across 44 categories and that was a slow year. In 2019 there were over 40,000 votes. The voting platform opens in July and closes on Labour Day. Before that, business owners and non-profit managers can register so that they will appear on the voting platform as soon as it opens. I have two words for why you want to do this: free promotion! It costs you nothing other than the 5 minutes it takes to fill out the registration form, and having done so, you will appear on the voting platform as soon as it opens. This makes it easy for your clients or customers to vote for you, and it also means everyone

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voting will see the name of your organisation. Every year we promote platform registration through our communications channels, and we are making an extra effort for 2021. Times are still challenging for many businesses and non-profits, and we know from experience that getting involved in the Best of the WestShore Awards has a positive impact. While we welcome new members (as it is our members who make initiatives like this possible by supporting our work), you don’t have to be a member to take part in the Best of the WestShore Awards. Unless you want to be an Ambassador! That is an opportunity exclusive to our members. You can find out more about both the Ambassador program and registering for the voting platform by going to westshore.bc.ca and clicking on the “Best of the WestShore Awards” tab. Registration opens on April 30th and will remain open through the month of May. To find out more about this and other initiatives, you can sign up for our e-news on our “Contact Us” page or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. We’re here to help! Julie Lawlor is Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.

GREATER VICTORIA

TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO HAND BALL TO BUSINESS COMMUNITY

10 BRUCE WILLIAMS

It’s time for government to recognize business as a partner in a safe and healthy community. The next few weeks and months are a critical time as vaccination efforts race against the spread of more infectious variants. It’s vital that businesses be consulted now on how to innovate solutions so we can ensure a smooth transition to post-pandemic life. At some point, the state of emergency must end and the Provincial Health Officer will step away from regulating so much of our daily lives. It will be up to each of us, and, importantly, our business communities to continue the practices we know keep our staff and customers safe. Government, with its enormous size and available resources, has been essential to

backstopping our economy through its darkest hours. Relief programs will continue to play a role as we taxi down the recovery runway and prepare for better times in the years ahead. But it will be the private sector that will allow us to reach our economic capacity and build resilience. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and our chamber network, as well as our community partners, are hard at work as your voice of business to forge a new role for business. Getting government to return to its more traditional role in our lives won’t be a simple process. We can start by increasing the dialogue between the public and private sector and offering the services of a business advisory group. This will help us avoid some of the pain points and the resulting anger and anxiety that comes with misunderstandings. Businesses, especially retailers and hospitality providers, have gone out of their way to find innovative solutions to fight the spread of COVID-19. They’ve listened intently to the directions from our health authorities and have done the right things. From the data and information that has been made available by the BC Centre for Disease Control, we know that businesses are generally not the reason we’ve had problematic outbreaks. The few exceptions need to be dealt with — no one disputes that. However, as a rule, businesses have overwhelmingly earned the trust of the public and, we would like to think, of decision makers in government. A good example of our ongoing advocacy to work closer with government is the April 8 announcement of a Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant. April 2021

GREATER VICTORIA The program pulled $50 million in unused funds from the province’s Business Recover Grant program, which had a bumpy rollout because of the red tape and arbitrary hurdles that made getting the money more difficult than necessary. When we spoke with the Minster of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Ravi Kahlon, he understood our concerns and has been working to free up the funding. It’s not a perfect process, and businesses are still frustrated by bureaucratic decisions. But, if we’ve learned anything from the past year, it is that we are resilient. We’ll keep talking to decision makers and keep offering solutions. We have been listening to government. It’s time for government to listen to us. We want the ball because we know, as a business community, we will be called on to reach the next level. Pharmacies are already finding innovative ways to ensure more efficient immunization, and employers have adapted operations that will be with us for months and years to come. Let’s roll up our sleeves, figuratively and literally, and end this pandemic together. We want the ball because we know, as a business community, we will be called on to reach the next level. Pharmacies are already finding innovative ways to ensure more efficient immunization, and employers have adapted operations that will be with us for months and years to come. Let’s roll up our sleeves, figuratively and literally, and end this pandemic together. Chamber Events: • Business Restart Series: Shayne Ramsay, CEO BC Housing • Tuesday, May 11, 12 to 1 p.m. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Life is short… let Praxis help you.

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OFF THE COVER

BEER TO BENEFIT MOUNTAIN ROAD FOREST PHILLIPS BREWING PROGRAM AIDS MOUNTAIN ROAD FOREST CAMPAIGN IN SAANICH

VICTORIA – Will drinking beer help the environment? Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. believes so, and is putting its money where its mouth is, by expanding its “Benefit Brew Goes Green” campaign. Started in 2019, the program saw groups in BC and Alberta receiving the full proceeds of a special beer created by Phillips – up to $10,000 each. Their announcement of the BC winner, the Mountain Road Forest Campaign, coincides with Earth Day on April 22. It’s the latest initiative by the company that Matt Phillips, then a 27-year-old brewer, founded in 2001. Besides beer, the 2010 Government Street company includes Phillips Soda Works, featuring Spitfire Ginger Ale, Captain Electro’s Root Beer, Speed King Craft Cola and Dare Devil Orange Cream, and the Phillips Fermentorium Distilling Co., which makes Stump Gin. They also have an online brew shop called Ales by Mail. The Mountain Road Forest contribution comes alongside a major push by the Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) to raise $1.4 million to preserve a 49 acre urban forest property in Saanich. Phillips explained in a press release that a local family has owned this forested property for

Matt Phillips is the founder of Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.

nearly 50 years. Recognizing the ecological and community values of the property, the family has been pursuing a permanent conservation option for this urban forest for many years. The Capital Regional District, HAT and the family have entered into an agreement to sell the property at 4692 Mountain Road near Prospect Lake so that it can be permanently designated April 2021

OFF THE COVER an urban forest park as part of the CRD park system. “The family’s patriarch was an ardent conservationist who believed in the importance of setting habitat aside and protecting it from development and destruction,” it states. “With only three owners since 1883, this property has been gently used over the decades. For the past 50 years, the current owners have allowed the community to access this property for the enjoyment of nature. Wide community support for the protection of these woods became evident with more than 800 donors stepping up to contribute to the fundraising campaign so far.” The HAT push has a sense of urgency to it, since the property is also an active real estate listing, as developers have expressed interest in purchasing the property should fundraising efforts fall short. The goal is to raise the last $800,000 by Earth Day to complete the purchase and protect the property permanently. “That’s why we’re pledging the full proceeds ($10,000) from the 2021 BC Benefit Brew now and hoping all of our nature and craft brewing friends out there might be able to join us in this important and time sensitive campaign,” the company states, adding that 75 per cent of the funding has been secured thus far. Celebrities like Neil Young and Daryl Hannah have thrown their support behind the campaign as well. The Mountain Road Forest campaign will give “wildlife and locals the chance to enjoy this spectacular environment for many generations to come,” Phillips states. www.philipsbeer.com

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Citified.ca

NEW MICROBREWERY ADDED TO LOCAL BEER TRAIL Sponsored by

COLWOOD Third time could the charm at a master-planned residential and commercial development eyed for Esquimalt Lagoon. The Victoria-based office of real-estate brokerage CBRE is soliciting bids from developers looking to revive a 700-home project that hit the pre-sales market in spring of 2019 as Two Waters from Relevant Properties, which itself was a re-envisioned concept for a proposal that emerged a decade earlier as Ocean Grove. Ross Marshall, Senior Vice-President of CBRE Victoria which is representing the sale, says a number of well-established developers have expressed interest in CBRE’s recent listing of the 26.5-acre Two Waters property (near the southern banks of Esquimalt Lagoon at Lagoon and Heatherbell roads), and considering the calibre of firms vying for the land, construction may not be far away. JORDAN RIVER Sooke’s trio of micro-breweries may no longer be the last stops among Greater Victoria’s local beer trail pending approvals for a brewery proposal further west along the Highway 14 corridor. Proponents behind a 4,000 square foot brewery operation in the town of Jordan River 30 kilometers beyond Sooke are working to secure approvals from the Capital Regional District to open Jordan E

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1820 Maple Avenue South Sooke, BC Oceanfront Office/Retail Strata Units Opportunity to purchase two strata units located on the Sooke harbour, steps to Downtown Sooke. $325,000 & $700,000

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River Brewing Co. on a rise overlooking the mouth of the river and the Salish Sea. SAANICH Saanich’s replacement of its #2 fire hall on Royal Oak Drive at Elk Lake Drive will be constructed out of mass timber technology as part of a provincial investment and study into the BC-made building material. The Province of British Columbia has announced $4.2 million in funding for a dozen projects throughout BC to utilize mass timber technologies in lieu of traditional building methods and components, one of which will be the Saanich fire hall built to “strict post-disaster requirements.” SOOKE Sooke’s real-estate boom may have fielded one of the priciest acquisitions in the town’s history for a duplex and single-family-dwelling subdivision in the town’s central core. Situated in the Broom Hill neighbourhood north of Sooke’s commercial centre is a $9.8 million collection of parcels for sale by CBRE. The land has drawn significant interest from local and off-Island developers looking for a foothold in the furthest West Shore municipality of Greater Victoria, with an accepted offer reportedly in the making just days after hitting the market. SOOKE TO PORT RENFREW The province has announced $4.9 million in Two Waters Colwood, BC Rare Oceanfront Community Development Opportunity 26.5 acre waterfront development site located in the rapidly growing Colwood community, near Victoria, BC.

Western Speedway Langford, BC We are pleased to announce the sale of an 80.97 acre site slated to be a significant business park and residential development.

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

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CBRE Limited, Real Estate Brokerage | 1026 Fort Street, Victoria, BC | 250 386 0000

April 2021

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A rendering of Saanich’s upcoming #2 fire hall redevelopment on Royal Oak Drive at Elk Lake Drive. The project will utilise mass timber as part of an investment and study by the Province of British Columbia to promote B.C.-made forestry products and a new generation of construction materials. © HMCA Architecture + Design

funding to expand cellphone connectivity to Port Renfrew at the western terminus of Vancouver Island’s Highway 14 corridor. Presently, cellular signals are lost just west of Sooke, with no coverage until motorists arrive at Cowichan Lake via the rural Pacific Marine Circle Route. VICTORIA The high-end Customs House condominium development from Cielo Properties, nearing completion at Government and Humboldt streets, has closed multiple multi-million-dollar purchases in recent days bringing the internationally-recognized project’s sold status to 85 per cent, with eight suites remaining. Customs House is currently one of the most complex development undertakings in the Capital with a heritage retention component of the Customs House building dating back to the early 1900s and a new-build mid-rise. The project made headlines in 2018 for selling Vancouver Island’s most expensive condominium, which at the time was valued at $10.8 million. 11-years into a rezoning effort involving Wharf Street’s Northern Junk lands, developer Reliance WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Properties has launched an information campaign ahead of a public hearing. Plans to restore the duo of Northern Junk buildings, at 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street, and redevelop adjacent lands into a mixed-use residential and commercial project, have been underway since 2010. Planned with rental apartments and ground floor retail spaces, the six-storey, 47-unit project is headed for a public hearing in May. Further refinements to one of the largest development proposals within the City of Victoria have been submitted to the municipality, building on a rezoning submission unveiled in the spring of 2020 that could deliver some of the tallest buildings on Vancouver Island and a performing arts centre designed by a world-renowned architect. Developer Focus Equities’ vision for the Bayview lands in Vic West has crystallized with an application that could yield as many as 2,000 rental apartments in a collection of towers rising 21-to-31-storeys tall, condominiums in 25 and 28-storey towers, and a concept for a cultural centre crafted by Frank Gehry. The E&N Railway compound, which is within the Bayview property, is incorporated into the overall vision.

FEATURE STORY

BR VENTILATION LETS CUSTOMERS BREATHE EASIER LANGFORD-BASED COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN HEAT PUMPS, HRV AND VENTILATION SERVICE

LANGFORD – BR Ventilation Ltd. helps buildings – and customers – breathe easier. Company founder and owner Bill Simons says the company provides commercial and residential sheet metal, heat pumps, HRV and ventilation system service throughout Greater Victoria from Sidney to Sooke, as well as Mill Bay and the Cowichan Valley. “I started the company part time in 2003, and went full time in 2009,” Simons notes. “I work out of our Residential heat pump systems and ducting shop and office on Leigh Road in Langford, and Ease, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu and Daiken products. am responsible for running the company on a “Recently we have been installing many daily basis, organizing staff, estimating jobs, slim-ducted and Red Zone hydronic systems, and various paperwork items.” due to the smaller footprint these systems have Simons adds: “We provide many services to in residential homes,” he adds. help with heating and cooling needs. Whether BR Ventilation provides supply and install of it’s a renovation or new building, we can cusHVAC products for institutional, commercial tom build a ventilation system to accommodate and industrial buildings. From the beginning whatever heating system is needed.” of a project to completion, it’s handled by BR All of the company’s employees are certified Ventilation employees, and the company has journeyman and registered apprentices, and its own delivery service for materials to the job the company is TECA Certified, Quality First sites to ensure time and efficiency. Their team Approved, and WCB Insured. BR Ventilation can is also able to provide made to order service Carrier, Trane, American Standard, Air Heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy April 2021

FEATURE STORY

BR Ventilation builds custom HRV systems for customers

BR Ventilation Ltd. owner Bill Simons on the job

heat while an ERV transfers both heat and moisture,” he states. “Both ventilation systems place the control of air quality and air exchange in the hands of the homeowner rather than relying on inherent, often inadequate, leaks in the home to provide necessary ventilation.” Simons is thankful that the company has managed to keep busy and steady during COVID-19, and attributes the company’s success to “Having good people and the willingness to work with our customers and steady clients.” www.brventilation.com

recovery ventilators (ERV) are air exchange systems that help to enhance indoor air quality and minimize heating costs, and Simons says the demand for both is high. “They retain existing heat and optimize the interior moisture content in the air,” he notes. “These mechanical systems use fans to maintain a balanced airflow into the house while exhausting stale indoor air.” There are some differences between the two, as HRVs and ERVs www.priceindustries.com are similar devices that supply air Congratulations to Bill and the B.R. Ventilation team! to the home and exhaust stale air while recovering energy from the exhaust air in the process. They also both offer operating cost savFirst in Quality, ings for customers. First in Service “The primary difference between 250-475-1500 the two is that an HRV transfers Representing the highest quality HVAC-R equipment available in the market today

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Congratulations on 18 great years in Victoria, and we wish you many more to come!

#5 601 Boleskine Rd., Victoria BC V8Z 1C5 Phone: 778-265-2500 Toll Free: 1-844-729-5780 www.emcobc.ca

WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a thirdparty resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 1187238 BC Ltd 520 Nova St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Go Fish Ltd CLAIM $109,547 DEFENDANT 1209049 BC Ltd 200-6061 No 3 Road, Richmond, BC PLAINTIFF Matias, Maria De Lourdes Pedro CLAIM $655,000

DEFENDANT 1209053 BC Ltd 212-880 Jones Rd, Richmond, BC Matias, Maria De Lourdes Pedro

CLAIM $540,000 DEFENDANT 1209057 BC Ltd 200-6061 No 3 Road, Richmond, BC PLAINTIFF Matias, Maria De Lourdes Pedro CLAIM $490,000 DEFENDANT Beacon Underwriting Ltd 1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF McKay, Howard CLAIM $33,206 DEFENDANT Campbell Construction Ltd

3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF 8458642 Canada Ltd CLAIM $24,415 DEFENDANT Can Sure Underwriting 1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF McKay, Howard CLAIM $33,206 DEFENDANT Cansure 1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF McKay, Howard CLAIM $33,206 DEFENDANT Christine Laurent Ltd 7-9843 2nd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF

New City Safety Mortgage Fund Inc CLAIM $782,312 DEFENDANT Family Ford Ltd 103-300 St Anns Rd, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Bartlick, David CLAIM $35,186 Golden Tripod 202-58 Station St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Cucoci Ventures CLAIM $8,232 DEFENDANT Happiness Town Holdings Ltd 4405 Moonlight Lane, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Northcoast Building

Region

Project Address

Project Type

Project Details

Low Bid / Award

Amount

Victoria

63 Gorge Rd E

Institutional add/alter

Gorge Road Hospital - Roof Replacement

Top Line Roofing

1,160,000

Victoria

1 Hospital Way

Institutional add/alter

Victoria General Hospital - Pharmacy Renovation

Western Medical Contracting

1,200,000

Saanich

3561 Blanshard St

Tenant improvements

BCCS 7060 Saanich Uptown

Hilson Construction Ltd

Saanich

3100 Tillicum Rd

Institutional add/alter

Pearkes Gold Arena Slab Replacement

Kinetic Construction

Langford

3051 Niagara Main Rd

Consulting services

Gatehouse and Gate Design and Construction Services

Number Ten Architectural Group

Duncan

Cowichan Valley Trail

Supply

Crush Base Course Aggregates

Coast Mountain Resources

Cowichan Valley RD

Various locations

Roads & bridges

Paving replacements

David Stalker Excavating

720,600

Nanaimo

745 Third St

Institutional add/alter

Serauxmen Fencing & Netting

IWC Excavation Ltd

838,000

Parksville

957 Lee Rd

Roads & bridges

French Creek Pollution Control Centre Clearing / Grubbing

Milner Group Ventures Inc

38,700

Port Alberni

Maggie Lake Forest Service Rd

Roads & bridges

Grading Maggie Lake FSR Branch 01 & 04

TMD Machinery

55,000

Port Alberni

7080 McCoy Lake Rd

Institutional add/alter

Recycling and Transfer Station Upgrades

Upland Contracting

Comox

19 Wing, CFB Comox

Institutional add/alter

Barracks B24 and B25 Renovations

Luxton Construction

2,350,000

Comox

19 Wing, CFB Comox

Services

R&U Contaminated Soil Remediation

QM Environmental

1,894,000

Comox Valley RD

Schulz Rd

Civil work

Schulz Road Watermain

Leuco Construction Ltd

Campbell River

225 South Dogwood St

Consulting services

Strathcona Gardens Rec-reate Project

HCMA Architecture and Design

410,550 1,602,700 N/A 71,400

630,000

497,400 1,470,000

April 2021

WHO IS SUING WHOM Products Ltd CLAIM $130,657

$8,176

$35,256

DEFENDANT Lone Tree Bakery Limited 809 Craigflower Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Accutemp Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Heating CLAIM $8,176

DEFENDANT Royal Lepage Coast Capital Realty 1809 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF McEwen, Peter Douglas CLAIM $35,236

DEFENDANT Knappett Projects Inc 555 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Visionary Glass Inc CLAIM $35,216

DEFENDANT Nanaimo Athletic Club Ltd 1451 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Coastal Community Credit Union CLAIM $12,245

DEFENDANT Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa 9805 Seaport Pl, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Alsco Canada Corporation CLAIM $22,622

DEFENDANT Level Ideas Construction Inc 565 Ledsham Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Westerra Equipment LP CLAIM

DEFENDANT Pomerleau Inc 1700-666 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Gesslein, Tanya CLAIM

DEFENDANT Jivko Contracting 2699A Sahilton Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF 570952 BC Ltd CLAIM $21,707

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DEFENDANT Stride Properties GP Ltd 4th Flr 1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Watt Consulting Group Ltd CLAIM $25,238

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OPINION

CERB CREATING LESS WORKERS AND HIGHER PRICES

MARK MACDONALD While there may be no doubt that the introduction of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit during the COVID pandemic was well intentioned, the program’s long-term damage could outweigh any positive impact as a shortterm solution. CERB is becoming somewhat of a swear word for employers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to get workers to come back to their jobs, since they’re making $500 per week, or $2,000 per month, for staying home. Why wouldn’t people take advantage of a system that pays them more to do nothing, than to do something? Do the math. While governments introduce various measures to try and stem the tide of COVID, they inhibit the ability of businesses to do what they

do – create wealth through providing products and services. The typical environment in which they normally conduct commerce doesn’t exist, so extraordinary actions should be taken to replace those income opportunities. CERB is anesthetizing Canadians from the true economic pain and damage this pandemic is inflicting. Politicians and government workers have continued to receive their paycheques, unabated, during the pandemic. CERB is the main reason why most Canadians aren’t writhing in pain and rioting in the streets, since it enables them to cover their basic needs. But what happens when people won’t go back to work? The supply chain gets crimped, and it increasingly apparent that inflation is not only on its way, but has indeed arrived. The price of lumber has shot through the roof, with 2x4’s that went for just over $2 a year ago now costing upwards of $8 each. Check your restaurant receipt after purchasing a meal – yes, takeout included. It’s much higher than it was a year ago. To business people, this is not a surprise. Somehow, they must recoup the investment they’ve made in their people and premises. If their costs go up, the prices must rise also. Ultimately, the consumer pays, and if those increased costs can’t be passed along at the till, the company won’t survive. That’s what happens when the government hikes the minimum wage, making it more costly for restaurants to operate. It is reflected in their

April 2021

OPINION pricing. And when manufacturing plants can’t get workers to produce their products, scarcity results, meaning the firm must raise prices

Somebody has to work and produce goods and services, and, ultimately, pay taxes that gives government real money to spend.

on what it can get out the door to recoup their operating costs and maintain profitability. It is supply and demand in its most basic form. A recent article in Business in Vancouver noted an April 6 survey of farm workers conducted by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council found than 41 per cent of producers could not recruit a sufficient number of workers in 2020, and that “71 percent of employers (farmers) who reported labour shortages cited fewer Canadian applicants.” The study found that Canadians weren’t willing to do physical work on farms, even when they’re unemployed and jobs are available. Applicants that did inquire wanted to maintain low enough working hours to continue qualifying for CERB. For example, the BIV story noted that a vegetable grower from Quebec received 80 names of possible workers, 25 of which showed up and stayed for more than 24 hours. “All of the others basically did not want to work. . .did not want to work more than 19 hours (so that they could keep their CERB). They did not want to work early in the morning or late at night, and they did not want to work on weekends.” That’s a problem. Combine that with the difficulty that exists in getting migrant workers into this country through immigration hurdles, and there’s a serious problem brewing on our country’s farms. Which will manifest itself at grocery store tills with higher prices for fruit and vegetables.

CERB, and subsequent conversations about Guaranteed Incomes, regardless of their intentions, are really the manifestation of socialism, where people get paid to stay home and not work. A lot of voters will like that. We haven’t even broached the subject of Canada Pension Plan recipients receiving “just” $1,203.75 per month – after a lifetime of work. That’s almost $700 less than CERB recipients. These are real, long-term problems. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationink.ca

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21 Dig deep with the frontline leaders of our economy

PODCAST

From the Trenches British Columbia business stories and commentary

ADVISORY

MANAGING RISK IN A SEA OF CHANGE

Alex Brown, BA

The only constant to COVID has been change. Nearly a year into our new reality, I continue to be amazed by the resilience our clients and members show in adapting their business to meet the challenges of life in a global pandemic. Adding delivery, moving sales online, and changing service offerings have all been fantastic ways to adapt. What is sometimes forgotten is the impact these changes can have on your insurance. Making changes to your business model in these and similar ways can be considered a “material change” to your risk profile, and it may necessitate modifying your insurance program. In a worst-case scenario, failing to notify your insurer about changes to your operations can void your coverage altogether. A common misconception is that insurance policies can only be modified upon renewal, which is not true. Policies can and should be amended as the needs and operations of a business change.

With all the challenges that come with conducting business in a pandemic, insurance may not always be top of mind. Taking a few minutes to consult with your broker to review your adaptation strategy will be well worth your time. Adopting a pro-active approach and keeping lines of communication with your broker open is your best way to ensure that your insurance and your business are working in lock step. As risk management specialists, we can help you build and maintain an insurance program to protect your business — and work with you continuously to adjust that program as needed. We’re happy to offer our expertise in helping you navigate the challenges of maintaining your peace of mind and insurability. And just as our members and clients have, we too have adapted our business model to continue our service during COVID. We’re able to have all of these conversations over the phone, by email or by video—to meet you where you are, and get you where you need to be. While we all wait for these unprecedented and uncertain times to clear up, we’ll be here for you to help you adapt, grow and thrive. Alex Brown, BA is a Commercial Insurance Advisor with Coastal Community Insurance Services (2007) Ltd. For more information on business insurance services, call 1-877-811-3644 or book a call back appointment at cccu.ca

April 2021

TOURISM

DESTINATION VICTORIA A VOICE FOR VISITOR ECONOMY On March 29, the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer issued new public health restrictions that closed indoor dining, re-enforced discouragement of non-essential travel between communities and closed the Whistler BlackPAUL NURSEY comb ski resort. The reaction by Greater Victoria customers was immediate, with thousands of hotel room nights cancelled, restaurant staff layoffs and thousands of dollars in perishable food waste. The sudden notice took many by surprise, causing intense frustration and anger in our industry – already beleaguered for over a year from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the days that followed it became clear these restrictions were necessary from a public health perspective, as the COVID-19 case numbers in British Columbia rose. However, frustration remained due to the sudden nature of the closures and the lack of corresponding support for the visitor economy. To support our members and the industry, Destination Greater Victoria acted to ensure the voice of the visitor economy was heard: Engaged Mayor of Victoria Lisa Helps and her Business Support table. A letter was sent to Premier John Horgan, Minister Adrian Dix, Minister Ravi Khalon and Dr. Bonnie Henry requesting specific criteria for the removal of public health restrictions so that we have a pathway to reopening. The letter was co-signed by the Urban Development Institute (UDI), South Island Prosperity Partnership, Hotel Association of Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Destination Greater Victoria and Downtown Victoria Business Association. In collaboration with The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and The Downtown Victoria Business Association, we discussed various communications initiatives for the weeks ahead. The goal is to minimize negative impacts and improve lines of communication from those responsible for public health policy to those advocating for the visitor economy. Finalized a submission through the BC Coalition of Tourism Partners to Premier John Horgan requesting that government work with industry on a concrete tourism re-start strategy. This letter was signed by the Tourism Industry Association of BC, Hotel Association of BC, Tourism Vancouver, Tourism Richmond, Destination Greater Victoria and Indigenous Tourism Association of BC. Our industry has suffered so much. We will continue supporting recovery for our members and sharing their stories with officials at all levels of government - speaking to those with the ability to help the visitor economy. Vaccines continue to roll out and later this spring the situation will change for the better. However, the visitor economy will require support and encouragement from political leaders as we start our long road to recovery in earnest. Reopening will not mean immediate profitability and there is a very long road ahead for businesses in our sector. Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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

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

Thanks to a $3.6-million COVID-19 restart grant, projected shortfalls in Oak Bay’s parks, recreation and culture revenues aren’t expected to affect taxpayers in 2021. The district’s fiveyear financial plan shows forecasted revenues for the department to drop by $4.2 million due to the pandemic. Peninsula Co-op donated $100,000 to the United Way Greater Victoria (UWGV) for their Blue Love Campaign, designed to help individuals facing mental health challenges. Peninsula Co-op will also match every dollar raised up to $100,000 for the campaign. To donate, visit uwgv.ca/ bluelovecampaign. Victoria’s West Coast Trail Express and Wilson’s Transportation are two companies receiving funding to help inter-city bus operators recover from the impacts of the pandemic. West Coast Trail Express will get almost $705,000 and Wilson’s will receive just over $1,467,000. The province recently announced that cellular service is going to expand past Sooke to Port Renfrew along a 70-kilometre stretch of Highway 14. The project, part of the Connecting British Columbia program in BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, is anticipated to reach over 1,200 homes in the region. It will bring cellular service to

residents in Port Renfrew, Shirley, Otter Point, Jordan River and some Pacheedaht First Nation communities. Rogers Communications has been granted up to $4.9 million towards infrastructure costs. The project is expected to be complete by the end of October. Pauquachin First Nation has purchased the former Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club in North Saanich for $5.38 million. The sale will be their second large land acquisition following their 2020 purchase of Ardmore Golf Course, also in North Saanich. Victoria Foundation’s Community Recovery Program is open for applications from eligible organizations responding to impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the Community Recovery Program provided over $2.3 million for 126 organizations, from a variety of sectors. This year, applications are accepted until April 30th. To apply, donate, or view the full list of past supported organizations, visit www.victoriafoundation.ca. In December 2019, council unanimously approved a pilot project to have food trucks parked at several parks in March 2020, including Beckwith, Cadboro-Gyro, Gorge Waterway, Mount Douglas and Mount Tolmie. April 2021

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Blackfish Networks and Host 250 have built an online platform for restaurants and pubs on Vancouver Island to promote their patio spaces. Over 100 eateries from Victoria to Ladysmith are already listed on www.VictoriaPatios.ca. Restaurants can list descriptions about their food, links and contact information, number of patio seats, takeout options and a photo. The BC government is spending more than $4 million on 12 mass timber demonstration projects in an effort to accelerate the adoption of mass timber construction in BC. The province is also establishing a new advisory council on mass timber construction to research and highlight the potential of the all-wood construction process. Among the projects is the redevelopment of the Saanich #2 Fire Hall. Sooke District Council has given the green light to allow food trucks to set up shop in Ed Macgregor, Broomhill Playground, and John Phillips Memorial Park on weekends under a pilot project that would run through spring and summer. Whiffin Spit as also a potential future location.

Victoria businesses hit by vandalism and break-ins since January 1st can apply for reimbursements on the repairs. The Downtown Victoria Business Association said $60,000 is available through grants from the city. To be eligible, businesses must submit proof of the insurance deductible amount, receipts for completed repair work and the police file number associated with the incident. Businesses that want to apply can email info@downtownvictoria.ca. Victoria-based Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery’s Glenloy whisky won Canadian Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2021. Central Saanich Council signed off on funding for permanent, full-time climate action and natural environment coordinator. The budget impact of the position is $87,400 in 2021 and an additional $28,700 in 2022, or tax increases of 0.48 percent and an additional 0.16 percent tax increase in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The

25 Dig deep with the frontline leaders of our economy

Canadian Tire announced a $12 million commitment to the Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund to help support around 300 organizations nationally. So far $68,200 has gone towards funding the Victoria YMCA-YWCA, Victoria Synchro Swim Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and Area, Central Saanich Little League, Gorge Narrows Rowing and Paddling Club, and Salt Spring Island Rowing Club. Also, courtesy of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and local Canadian Tire dealers, a $1.2 million multi-sport court is planned for the Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich. It will include 13,200 square feet of outdoor hoops, nets, play areas and bleachers. The Victoria Gyro Club celebrated its 100th anniversary on April 5th. On May 7, 1921 thirtyseven Victoria men became charter members of the Victoria club, the fifteenth club chartered by the organization and the forth club chartered in Canada. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

PODCAST

From the Trenches British Columbia business stories and commentary

MOVERS AND SHAKERS municipality’s overall operating budget is dropping by 0.4 percent in 2021, despite the additional post.

will re-open in September with the Icelandic Connections to Canada exhibit from Articulation Textile Group.

Camosun College has announced its new electric vehicle (EV) maintenance training program which will be offered at the Camosun College Interurban campus in Saanich. The trades program, which will also be offered at the Okanagan College Kelowna campus and the College of New Caledonia Prince George campus, was established in partnership with Trades Training BC. The province’s CleanBC Go Electric program also contributed $440,000 to the new training courses.

Budget airline Swoop recently announced it will be adding flights into Victoria from Toronto and Edmonton beginning May 20th, offering six flights from Toronto to Victoria, along with seven flights from Edmonton every week.

Victoria Buyers Cannabis Club confirmed that their landlord, Skipper Properties Ltd., has agreed to renew their lease at 826 Johnson Street for four more years.

Sidney Museum will close to the public in June to refurbish its floor after securing a $57,000 grant from Heritage BC, part of the CERIP Unique Heritage Infrastructure. The museum

BC Housing has purchased a building at 225 Russell Street Victoria West to temporarily house 70 residents who are experiencing homelessness, before the end of April. The newly secured indoor shelter spaces come one month before Victoria prepares to reinstate a bylaw banning daytime public camping on May 1st. The shelter will be open for 18 months, with a possible extension of another six months. Our Place Society will operate the building and provide supports. Justo’s Craft Dips is a finalist in two Small Business BC Awards categor ies, Best Yout h Entrepreneur and Premier’s People’s Choice. The vegan craft dip company launched at the end of 2019. Photo: Justin Kopetzki (middle), CEO and co-owner, and co-owners Eric Taccogna (left) and Adam Conlin (right). justos.ca The Maritime Museum of BC has withdrawn from its planned involvement in the proposed Pacific Maritime Centre (PMC) development in Langford due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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The federal and provincial governments announced $9.4 million in funding for 15 new natural gas buses in Victoria and transit infrastructure improvements at the University of Victoria. Costa Canna cannabis store will soon open at 4-4144 Wilkinson Road in Saanich. Current locations include Colwood, Cowichan Commons and Duncan Village. Victoria City Council voted recently to keep the 1000-block of Broad Street closed to vehicle traffic through 2021. Part of the successful motion included calls to include the ongoing April 2021

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Habitat for Humanity Victoria is looking for artists, designers, and people from the community to re-imagine doors as part of Habitat for Humanity’s “Open a Door … to a brighter future” initiative. Registration is open, with the auction scheduled between May 28th and June 13th. Visit this link for details. Heathen Smokehouse at 3517 Honeycrisp Avenue in Langford is offering a multitude of smoked meats and cheeses, like hickory-smoked gouda, Bourbon and mesquite pork back ribs, and much more. Visit their e-shop at www.heathensmokehouse.com/shop. T he Capital Investment Network (CIN) and CINdicates have signed a 3.5-year lease agreement for the entire second floor of VIATEC’s Fort Tectoria at 777 Fort Street. They will be joined by a variety of companies they work with in the co-working space. CINdicates is a new Victoria-based Venture Capital Corporation fund focused on providing early funding to local startups and supporting the local tech economy. The Capital Investment Network is a nonprofit angel investor network connecting the local angel investor community in Victoria. Renovations continue at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Colwood. The rink floor has been fully excavated, and all of the bleachers have been removed. The arena floor surface will receive a full refurbish, the old spectator benches will be replaced by single seating stands, and the player boxes will be moved to the side of the rink closest to the dressing rooms. The $1.9 million project WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

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Dr. Janet McElhaney, who recently moved to the Island, received the Jonas Salk Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on immunization. Dr. McElhaney has dedicated the last 30 years to studying influenza and the role vaccinations play in preventing disability in older adults.

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pedestrianization of the block on city staff’s 2022 work plans, and to have investments in animation and infrastructure be part of future capital planning and budget discussions.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS is expected to be complete by June. Costs of the renovations were funded primarily by a federal grant, as well as a $700,000 contribution from the owners. Pearkes Recreation Centre’s Gold Arena is set to have a new ice slab ready for use by fall. Demolition and replacement of the arena’s 53-year-old ice slab is set to start in April. The $2.6 million project is among a series of upgrades planned for the Gold Arena, with the ice melt pit, rink boards and glass, elevator, nets and flooring slated to be replaced. Hockley House, a new six-storey rental building on Hockley Avenue in Langford, will be open to renters struggling to find a home in Greater Victoria’s housing market this coming April. The building is managed by the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), which is accepting applications for the affordable units.

A North Saanich resident has asked the municipality to consider purchasing the former Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club property to create further green space rather than additional residential development. 129 acres of the property lies inside the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) with 2.3 acres zoned residential. Devoncore Reality currently lists the property at $5.12 million as part of a court-ordered sale.

The BC government announced plans to bring 192 homes with 24/7 support for those dealing with homelessness to Victoria. The province, in partnership with the City of Victoria and BC Housing, is moving forward with four new supportive housing projects to provide permanent housing in the region. The plans include 45 homes at 865 Catherine Street, 50 homes at 1053 and 1075 Meares Street, and 37 homes at 1176 Yates Street. Construction is also set to begin for 60 homes at 953 and 959 Balmoral Road this winter. Sydney Council voted 6-1 to contract the City to Victoria for their tower crane rescue services. The municipality’s current arrangement with Saanich, which includes four other communities, expires on April 30th. The federal government is putting $13.1 million via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s rapid housing initiative into creating up to 91 affordable housing units in Saanich and Central Saanich. The funding will see 52 supportive units built in the 2900-block of Albina Street in Saanich and approximately 39 units at 1909 Prosser Road in Saanichton. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring in Central Saanich and this summer in Saanich. Sooke residents Joshua and Mela Perina have bought the historic, 34-hectare Woodside Farm, recently sold by the Wilford family. The farm, located at 7117 West Coast Road, had an asking price of $3.75 million. The buyers plan to maintain the farm legacy while also opening it up to the public. Peter Wilford, who’s operated the family farm for more than 40 years, will help the Perinas for the next six months. The farm was built in 1851 by pioneer John Muir and his wife, Anne.

April 2021

MOVERS AND SHAKERS The lower gallery of the Sidney Museum and Archives has been named the Peter Garnham Gallery, after long-time executive director Peter Garnham. Peter is retiring after more than 25 years with the museum, including more than two decades as its executive director. Dan Hayes (left) and Art Napolean, stars of Moosemeat & Marmalade, now in its third season, will soon film in the Greater Victoria region for a trio of shows. Shooting wrapped recently in Saanich and Sooke, with a third show planned for Port Renfrew in April. Moosemeat & Marmalade chronicles the food-centric adventures of Canadian bush cook, Art, and classically trained UK-born chef Dan while they hunt, forage and learn new cooking methods in unfamiliar places. Saanich council has voted unanimously in favour of bringing forward the district’s checkout bag regulation bylaw for final adoption, bringing the city one step closer to a ban on plastic bags at local stores. Once adopted, the bylaw would come into effect in 60 days. The provincial government announced the Launch Online Grant program will receive an additional $30 million. The program was launched in February with $12 million to help businesses build or expand e-commerce capabilities. The extra funds will support 4,000 more businesses, including the 1,500 that have already benefited from grants of up to $7,500. The program is being administered by Alacrity Canada and money is re-invested in BC-based website development companies. Victoria’s Elate Cosmetics has been featured in Forbes Magazine, highlighting their sustainable business practices. The article focuses on their innovation in reducing overconsumption, including moving away from bamboo packaging in favour of a Bento Box style palette. Elate was a finalist in the 2020 Business Awards for their sustainable business practices. elatebeauty.com. The Storage Room at 658 Redington Avenue opens in April. They’re offering the first four weeks free, and are also hiring. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

Bapu Ji Vegan Cuisine located at 810 Cormorant Street in Victoria is open. They offer salads, sandwiches, cookies, smoothies and more, including a vegan buffet. Mayor Fred Haynes and Councillor Susan Brice are looking to pursue a potential casino in Saanich. T he BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) reached out to Saanich council last March expressing interest in discussing options

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS to bring a gaming and entertainment facility to the municipality. A casino could increase the district’s economic resilience, as ten percent of the profits from the facility would go to Saanich, an amount that could range from $2.5 million to $3 million. Saanich will sell the roughly 10-hectare Willis Point Road property to the Capital Regional District (CRD) for $1.75 million, who plan to use it as a buffer for Hartland Landfill and ongoing operational work. Once Saanich receives payment, the funds will be placed in the land sales reserve fund for future use for land acquisition, building construction and improvements, and other capital assets. The BC Economic Development Association and FortisBC recently recognized the City of Langford with its inaugural Economic Recovery and Resiliency Award for communities with a population exceeding 20,000 for its “I am Langford” campaign.

Buds Cannabis is opening a second location in downtown Sydney at 9775 Second Street in April. They are currently located at 6765 Veyaness Road in Saanichton. Michael Barnes has joined Holmes Realty in Sydney. The Southern Alberta-native moved to Vancouver Island in 2008. Sidney-based Cascadia Seaweed has received $12,500 through a joint federal-provincial program to develop a traceability system for its business. The system will help document where the company grew, harvested and processed each variety as the food makes its way to consumers. Public health officials use this documentation to limit the spread of foodborne illness, raise brand reputation and help businesses become more efficient. Cascadia plans to expand its varieties as part of a larger push to popularize seaweed as a food.

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