Business Examiner Victoria - May 2019 by Business Examiner News Group

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MAY2019

VICTORIA Flashhouse stands out with exclusively modern design-builds

Victoria

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New Brewers On The Block Take Home National Award Sooke Brewing Company Rewarded for Partnership with Burnaby’s Dageraad

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VANCOUVER ISLAND National Construction Services finds industry niche in demanding field

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This isn’t the company’s first award at the national level. Last year, Sooke Brewing took hom another bronze for their Gin Bourbon Barrel Aged Saison, which was aged in barrels provided by Wayward Distillation House. The relationship between Sooke Brewing company and Dageraad began after last year’s BC Beer Awards. “Both companies won awards in the Belgian category,” says Schill. “They won a gold and a bronze, and we won silver. After that point, our brewers started talking.” The companies’ brewers corresponded over email before meeting up at the Burnaby facility to create the beer. “They wanted to put their minds together and come up with a really unique beer,” Schill remarks. “It’s quite a process, and requires lots of collaboration.”

Yari, Kris and Trevor of Sooke Brewing Company SEE SOOKE BREWING | PAGE 10

PHOTO CREDIT: BC ALE TRAIL

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OOKE - It hasn’t even been two years since Sooke Brewing Company opened its doors, and it’s already garnering national acclaim. Just six months ago, Sooke Brewing Company cleaned up at the BC Beer Awards, taking home the Rookie of the Year and Best Tasting Room awards, plus three silvers and a bronze in individual beer categories. This year, the company won a bronze in the American Belgo-Style ale category at the 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards for Sextuple, a beer made in partnership with Dageraad Brewing in Burnaby. “Wi n n i ng th is awa rd w ith Dageraad was very exciting for us,” says Sooke Brewing’s General Manager Kris Schill. “We were honored to collaborate with them, as both our breweries specialize in the Belgian style. We are very happy with the way the beer came together.”

Recognized Aboriginal Business Shines in Victoria Harbour Project Ship Point Re-Opens After Extensive Repairs

ICTORIA - Salish Sea Industrial Services Inc. has successfully completed work on the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) and the City of Victoria $1.8 Million Ship Point Repair project. The GVHA and the City shared the cost for the project, with work beginning in late October of last year. The Registered Aboriginal Business officially completed work on the project on May 10, maintaining the agreed-upon budget.

“The project involved a lot of demolition, including the removal and disposal of 400 tonnes of asphalt,” says Rob Menzies, Estimator and Project Manager for Salish Sea. “Once the dock was opened up, we exposed the structural beams underneath. We then put in 38 new steel pipe pilings to depths of up to 108 feet.” “Ship Point is an integral part of the Inner Harbour, providing a platform for dozens of community events, celebrations, and fundraisers each year,” said

Ian Robertson, CEO of GVHA in a recent press release. “We are pleased to have Ship Point back in service prior to the busy summer season, in time for events such as the Victoria Cool Aid Society Homecoming Gala, Northwest Deuce Days, the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, and weekend artisan marketplace.” The old pier and north apron of Ship Point form the project’s original structure, with pier extension construction occurring in 1979. In 2017, a detailed

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structural analysis of Ship Point was u nder ta ken, a nd it was determined that the structure needed critical repair work. The request for a bid came out in September, 2018, which is when Menzies put together an estimate on behalf of Salish Sea. The much-needed repair work focussed on replacing components of a structure originally built in 1949. Launched in 2012, Salish Sea SEE GVHA | PAGE 11

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NEWS UPDATE

MAY 2019

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Carmanah Technologies Corporation has received a non-binding proposal from two major shareholders to purchase all outstanding shares, effectively taking the corporation private. James Meekison and Terry Holland are both directors of Carmanah Technologies and together control a total of 5,709,904 common shares, representing approximately 30.3% of the currently issued and outs t a nd i n g sh a re s of Carmanah. In response to the proposal, Carmanah has established a special committee of its board of directors, consisting of Sara Elford, who is a fully independent director. The special committee’s mandate is to consider the proposal and any potential alternative transactions and make a recommendation regarding the course of action which it considers to be in the best interest of the corporation. The committee has retained Capital West Partners as its financial advisor. Once the special committee completes its work and analysis, a decision will be made whether a definitive transaction will take place and under what conditions. Carmanah designs, develops a nd d ist r ibutes a portfol io of products focused on energy optimized LED solutions for infrastructure.

VICTORIA Victoria Airport Continues Expansion The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) held their Annual General Meeting on May 9th at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. At the AGM the community was updated on the past year and was presented with plans for the future. Some of the key accomplishments of 2018 included welcoming the two millionth passenger to Victoria International Airport (YYJ), posting strong financial results, receiving the Silver Wings Award from BC Aviation Council for environmental responsibility efforts and investing $15-million in capital investments including the ongoing construction of the

Lower Passenger Departure Lounge. 2019 will see the completion of the expanded portion of the lower passenger departure lounge and the start of renovations to the existing space, expansion of the main aircraft apron for commercial operations, Apron IV, the extension of Taxiway Echo East and pla n n i ng for cu rb-side improvements for better utilization and passenger experience. “Continuing to keep costs low for our air carriers while providing a first-class airport for our region will always be our focus,” said Geoff Dickson, President and CEO. Victoria International A irport (A irport Code: YYJ) is the 11th busiest airport in Canada with over 2.04 million passengers per year. Victoria is well served with more than 100 daily flights throughout North America. YYJ was rated among one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel and was twice named ‘Best Regional Airport in North America’ by Airports Council International (ACI).

VICTORIA Echosec Systems Gets Capital Investment TIMIA Capital Corporation announced it has entered into a three year, $2-million investment facility with Echosec Systems Inc. The investment will allow Echosec to increase their marketing and sales efforts to expand within their existing market and explore new opportunities. Under the agreement, there will be an initial disbursement of $1-million to be advanced by an additional $1-million given that Echosec is able to meet certain milestones over the term of the agreement. TIMIA Capital Corporation is a specialty finance company that provides growth capital to technology companies in exchange for payments based on monthly revenue. Echosec is a web-based data discovery platform that helps organizations d ete ct on l i ne d at a for threat intelligence. Aggregating and mapping content from hundreds of sources including social media, blogs, news, and the Dark Web (with Beacon), Echosec gives users instant visibility into any

place on earth through a digital window.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Northern Sea Wolf Resuming Service The Northern Sea Wolf, which services the island to central coast route, resumed service on May 18th for the final two weeks of its winter connector schedule. BC Ferries acquired the former Greek ferry for $12.6-million in 2017, with plans to bring it into service in the summer of 2018. The ship was ultimately not ready in time and the final cost of the project came in $20.3-million over-budget, though a federal grant brought the overbudget costs to BC Ferries down to only $5.3-million. The original total budget for the ship was $55.7-million. A replacement vessel was used during a shortened season last year as work at shipyards in Victoria and Richmond were underway. Now, the 19-year-old vessel has comfortable seating, new floors, galley, heating, sound insulation, ventilation and air conditioning systems. It can carry 35 vehicles and 150 passengers. The ship will run a direct service on June 3rd until October 10th between Port Hardy and Bella Coola. To make up for the shorter season in 2018, the direct service is starting three weeks earlier and will end three weeks earlier. During the winter, the route is a connector service serving Bella Bella, Port Hardy, Ocean Falls, Shearwater and Bella Coola. BC Ferries spent $10-million to upgrade berths at Bella Coola, Ocean Falls, Shearwater and Bella Bella, a figure that is included in the ferry budget.

VICTORIA Victoria Real Estate Market Stalemate Continues A total of 696 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this April, 10 per cent fewer than the 774 properties sold in April 2018 but an 8.8 per cent increase from March 2019. Sales of condominiums were down 9.8 per cent from April 2018 SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

NEWS UPDATE

MAY 2019

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

with 203 units sold but were up from March 2019 by 3.6 per cent. Sales of single-family homes were down 12 per cent from April 2018 with 369 sold. “Spring has been a non-traditional real estate market thus far,” says Victoria Real Estate Board President Cheryl Woolley. “Consumer purchasing power continues to be negatively impacted by the B20 mortgage stress test, causing many buyers to step back while they save more money for a down payment.” There were 2,751 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service at the end of April 2019, an increase of 13 per cent compared to the month of March and a 37.4 per cent increase from the 2,002 active listings for sale at the end of April 2018. The Multiple Listing Service Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core in April 2018 was $874,800. The benchmark value for the same home in April 2019 decreased by 3.4 per cent to $845,100, higher than March’s value of $843,600. T he MLS HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in April 2018 was $506,900, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in April 2019 increased by 1 per cent to $511,700, higher than March’s value of $506,500. “Prices have remained reasonably flat across the region and are expected to stay that way,” adds President Woolley. Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. The Victoria Real Estate Board represents 1,383 local Realtors.

SOOKE Cannabis Park Underway T he ow ners of the 50-acre Sooke Industrial Park have set aside just under a third of the land to construct buildings to house a production facility and micro-cultivators. T he por t ion of t he pa rk i s branded the BC Canna Park which offers small growers a considerable head-start in the growing industry. The site is already zoned for growing and production and offers the necessary power supply, security and partnership with the landlord for marketing and packaging. The facility will also offer growers the chance to come in and design their own grow space. The first phase of the project is a si x-u n it bu i ld i ng offering around 4,500-square-feet of space to each grower. Each micro-grower is limited to just

over 650-square-feet of growing space. T he first building is slated for completion in six or seven months, while a following building with 28 units should be completed within the next 14 months. Meanwhile, a 20,000-squarefoot production facility is also being established on the site. The first phase has already sold out and the company is currently selling space in the second 28unit phase.

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VICTORIA Victoria Tech Company Earns Spotlight Victoria-based Locelle has been selected as a ‘Featured Startup’ at Collision in Toronto. Locelle is a platform for women in the workplaces that focuses on retention and empowerment through social connections. Collision attracts CEOs from the world’s largest companies, founders of startups, leading investors and media from more than 120 countries. This year’s event is expected to host over 25,000 attendees. Locelle is taking this opportunity to open up its public beta to the Toronto audience and start to grow in the east. The company is currently seeing a monthly user growth of 20% in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. Collision is now in its sixth year and was founded by the team behind Web Summit, a worldwide, influential technology summit.

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SAANICH Mixed-Use Complex Proposed for Cordova Bay A new complex with ground floor commercial space and above residential quarters has been proposed for the site of a former gas station in Saanich’s Cordova Bay neighborhood. The project is proposed for the vacant 5200-block of Cordova Bay Road at Fern Avenue. The property which was once home to an Esso gas station would feature a 24-unit, four-storey condominium with room for two retail spaces. The gas station was demolished a decade ago. The development would include 31 parking stalls on the southern and eastern parts of the properties with access off either adjacent roads, while bicycle parking is planned for the ground floor next to the retail space. Curate Developments is dealing with the municipal planning on behalf of the property’s ownership group. The project has been designed by Victoria-based Cascadia Architects and features light-colored, modern façade SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

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with large windows and recessed balconies. Saanich’s Cordova Bay Road strip has seen a number of development proposals in the past few years including the now approved redevelopment of a strip mall along the 5100-block and a 25-unit condominium building on Doumac Road at Cordova Bay Road.

VICTORIA Ocean Networks Gets $7.2M Boost Ocean Networks Canada, a University of Victoria initiative, received a $7.2-m i l l ion boost i n federa l f u nd i ng f rom the Canada Foundation for Innovation Major Science Initiative. Funding will be designated for allowing the agency to d evelop c omp ut i n g tools to enhance their data analysis and collection methods. The grant is part of a new $160-million commitment announced by the Ministry of Science to fund scientific

infrastructure across the country. Ocean Networks Canada operates observatories on the east, west and Arctic coasts of Canada. The organization’s instruments and observatories are connected by cables to onshore research stations and generate data around the clock in real time for ocean scientists. The company also operates safety systems to warn about potential threats like tsunamis. The funding allocated to the organization will be used to develop computing tools to better analyze and filter the huge stream of data pouring in from the observatories.

SOOKE $86M in Sooke Road Improvements Announced T h e p r o v i n c i a l go ve r n m e nt h a s u nve i l e d $86-million of Highway 14 improvements along two portions of the road in order to accommodate higher volumes of traffic and increase safety. The expansion is planned to get underway later this

year and will see the widening of 1.5-kilometres of Sooke Road from two lanes to four lanes between Glintz Lake Road and Connie Road. A new road alignment will loosely follow the existing road. A park-and-ride for commuters will also be built to the north of a new Highway 14 and Gillespie Road intersection which will see the access road to East Sooke pushed further east toward an area northeast of 17 Mile Pub. Additionally, further down the highway, an 11-kilometre stretch between Otter Point Road and Woodhaven Road will see shoulder improvements. The re-route and expansion of Highway 14 follows i mprovements a l ready completed along the corridor including better road markings, the installation of six bus pull-outs and the installation of a traffic light cornering Sooke Road and Sooke River Road. Over $30-million of the $86-million budget for the highway improvements will be contributed by the federal government. Sooke is on of British Columbia’s fastest growing communities thanks to its desirable seaside location and lower real-estate valuation.

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MAY 2019

DIGITAL PROCESS INTEGRATION PRESENTS BIG OPPORTUNITY

DIGITAL MARKETING JOHN MACDONALD

on’t waste my time! How can I make the most of it? How can I stretch it out and make more money with the 24 hours I’m given every day? A client was talking to me recently about his company’s internal discussions around growing their Google reviews. It is becoming one of their best lead sources and has rapidly evolved into a form of 3rd party validation for prospective customers. In their case, as a healthcare provider dealing with physical rehabilitation, WorkSafeBC claims, ICBC claims, and athletes, the lifetime value of a customer is tremendous. Once they’re in the

New process integration can seem daunting, especially when it’s out of a company’s area of expertise door, they’re often with them for life. As valuable as new clients are, between servicing them and

operating the business, they were having problems finding time to invest in this newly found business development opportunity.

New process integration can seem daunting, especially when it’s out of a company’s area of expertise. Just because someone is a great physiotherapist doesn’t mean they’re a great marketer, or operations specialist. The client ended up overthinking the opportunity and gave up on pursuing it until recently. The solution was a lot easier than they thought. All invoices are sent via email, and all they needed to do was add a review request link to those invoices. They integrated retention, business development and accounts receivable processes to take advantage of an opportunity they thought they didn’t have time to implement. One dashboard in their office captures all review sources, from Google, Yelp, and other major review websites. It allows them to request reviews from customers via text and email, see who hasn’t responded, and incentivize reviews. Process integration aside, the big “so what?” is that this business has added a major referral

source without reinventing the wheel. They’ve done more with the same 24 hours that you and I have and it’s already paying off. Nearly 3 in 4 people trust online reviews as much as a personal referral. 88 per cent of consumers consult some sort of online review before making a purchase. The client has hired several new employees and their schedules are filling up largely due to new business that’s coming in online. They’re being regularly validated by the steady stream of new Google reviews. A nd if that wasn’t enough, those reviews are helping them get found online easier. Google just so happens to take reviews into consideration for their page rankings. Add SEO to the list of efficiencies gained from this relatively simple process change. John MacDonald is the Director of Business Development with the Business Examiner News Group. Connect with him directly at john@ businessexaminer.ca, by calling 866.758.2684 ext. 130. or online at: www.bedigitalmarketing.ca

MUNICIPALITIES NEED TO MIND THE GAP ON BUSINESS PROPERTY TAXES CHAMBER EVENTS FOR JUNE

GREATER VICTORIA

• Tuesday, June 4 Fifth Annual YYJ Eats 5:0 0 to 7:0 0 p. m . @ S t. A n n’s A c a d emy Nat ion a l Historic Site (835 Humboldt St.) • Thursday, June 13 Prodigy Group Mingle 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ Whole Foods Ma rket (3587 Bla nshard St.)

• Tuesday, June 18 Business Mixer with HarbourCats 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park (1014 Caledonia St.) • Wednesday, July 3 Summer Social Series: Distillers Dinner at the Farm Bilston Creek Farm (4185 Metchosin Rd.)

CATHERINE HOLT

o c a l go v e r n m e n t s s e t their annual budgets by determ in ing how much they need to spend to deliver services to their citizens. After accounting for revenue from sources such as user fees, municipalities use property taxes to generate most of the cash needed to ensure they can balance their budgets. T he two la rgest classes of properties are residential and business (commercial). Councils must balance the need to keep taxes affordable for citizens with the need to encourage investment and commercial development by not overburdening businesses. For several years, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has called on all 13 municipalities to mind the gap between residential and business property tax rates. This means that councils must consider the multiple they

apply to business property tax rates and the percentage of revenue that businesses contribute to municipal budgets. “I’m relieved that many municipalities have at least acknowledged that pressures to raise revenue has resulted in the tax burden creeping more and more onto the backs of business,” says Catherine Holt, CEO of The Chamber. “Business continues to pay much higher tax for the same service that residents get. We need to keep working with municipalities so they remember to ‘mind the gap’ on property taxes and instead support initiatives that increase revenue by attracting businesses and encouraging investment and growth in their communities.” Earlier this year, Esquimalt cou nci l e a r ne d k udos f rom The Chamber for freezing the mu n icipa l ity’s busi ness ta x rate to send a message t h at

the municipality is “open for business.” Saanich, however, has some rebalancing to do. Business pays 23% of the budget from 6.7% of the land value. Residents pay 76% of the budget from 93.3% of the land value. In comparison, business in Victoria pays 47% of the budget from 20.4% of the land value. Not perfect but much more balanced. A 2018 report found that Saanich ranked 20th out of the 20 largest BC municipalities in terms of tax fairness ratio, while Victoria ranked ninth. One of the many complicating factors is that, in many cities, the value of business properties increased more than residential property values in 2018. There are many reasons for this, including the controversial method used by BC Assessment of determining “highest and best use.” We encourage Greater Victoria

municipalities to look to Vancouver Council, which has shown g reat leadersh ip by actively choosing to shift 2% of the property tax burden to residential properties in order to protect vulnerable businesses. The Chamber encourages all Greater Victoria councils to be aware of the burden they are

placing on businesses through property taxes, and ensure they don’t create ha rdsh ips t hat drive away investment in their community. Catherine Holt is the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

MAY 2019

FLASHHOUSE COMMITMENT TO MODERN DESIGN-BUILD PAYS OFF Local Construction Firm Shines in Niche Architecture Style

ICTORIA - Design-builder Flashhouse is shamelessly modern. Founded six years ago by Ian Roberts M.Arch, LEED-AP, the firm began with the vision to focus on creating stunning modern homes in the Greater Victoria Area. “When I first started, I was very strict about doing only modern homes,” says Roberts. “We had opportunities to design-build homes that would have been major contracts for us, but we turned them down because they weren’t modern.” Today, that initial rigidity is paying off. While the industry standard conversion rate from query to job is about 10 per cent, the Flashhouse conversion rate sits around 70 per cent. The company’s success is primarily due to Roberts’ passion for modern architecture and eye for detail. His homes have been featured in magazines and books, and some have already established themselves as iconic structures in prominent Victoria neighbourhoods.

Ian Roberts M.Arch, LEED-AP is the founder of Flashhouse PHOTO CREDIT: LIA CROWE

When asked why his company has decided to focus on modern design-builds, Roberts responded, “It’s hard enough to do what we do without being passionate about it. When it came to design-builds, I needed to be true to what I believed in.” Roberts completed his Masters degree in Architecture in 2006 and received his LEED AP (accredited professional) designation about a decade ago. After working in several architecture firms, he decided to leave his desk job and pursue a more hands-on approach to his field.

Modern architecture aims to create a machine-like living space, containing everything needed for functioning and nothing more

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FLASHHOUSE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

In the spring of 2013, he founded Flashhouse, allowing him build the type of homes that he is so passionate about. “There’s a lot of technical academic discourse about what modern architecture is, but ultimately, modern isn’t a style; it’s a way of being and a way of thinking,’ says Roberts. “Early modernists characterized modern buildings as being a ‘machine for living.’ Like a machine, a modern structure has just the right amount of parts. You don’t go to a machine and cover it in decorations. It has everything it needs to function and nothing that it doesn’t.” This minimalist philosophy attracts homeowners from a variety of age ranges. Owners of Flashhouse homes include everyone from young families to retirees. “I built a house for a one couple who moved from a large mansion-type home to one of our projects,” says Roberts. “They had never lived in modern before, and they instantly fell in love. I find that people often don’t realize how much they want this kind of living until they have a chance to experience it.” Though it fluxuates, the company will typically work on four projects per year, with two jobs in the ground and two on the board at any given time. In addition to Roberts, Flashhouse has three core employees who specialize in carpentry. Each project also relies on reliable

sub-trades who are uniquely qualified to work on modern-style homes. “We have put a lot of effort into educating our tradespeople,” says Roberts. “This type of building requires a lot of details that are outside the norm, so it’s important that our sub trades understand our expectations. We typically work with the same guys, and we have good relationships with them.” Over the last six years, the company has focussed on custom home builds. The first conversation with a client will involve a visit to the worksite where they Roberts will learn about their intentions for the project. This is followed by a questionnaire, asking them about what they love or hate about their current living arrangement, how many rooms they want, general size of the house, etc. “Most clients give me carte blanche to design a house that fits those parameters,” he says. “I then present designs to the client and tweak them until they are happy. This is followed by a budgeting phase and permitting phase before ground is broken on the project.” In addition to these custom home design-builds, Roberts does some design work for other builders on the side. “That’s something I’d like to expand: doing more design, including for projects in other places where I don’t typically build,” he says. “I like to be building what I design, but I’d like to expand this other side of my business as well.” www.flashhouse.ca

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A N C O U V E R I SL A N D - Nea rly one year in, Debbie Beach is loving her job as the Nespresso Professional Territory Manager for Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast/Gulf Islands. Beach joined the company March of last year, bringing nearly 2 decades of food service industry and hospitality experience with her. “The main aspects that attracted me to Nespresso are its core values of prov id i ng a perfect cup of coffee time after time with 100 per cent recyclable capsules and their commitment to unapparelled customer care,” she says. “The company’s commitments to farmers, female empowerment and progressive machinery are extremely impressive, and it’s progress towards reaching 100 per cent sustainability by the end of 2020. To be able to bring an exemplary product to my fellow Islanders is one thing; to do it with a commitment to environmental care is another.” T he Nespresso bra nd began in 1996, providing prem iu m products a nd customer service to worldclass hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Served by over 750 of the world’s top chefs, Nespresso has formed important partnerships with associations of renowned gastronomists, Chefs and Sommeliers around the world. These include Relais & Chateaux, Le Bocuse d’Or (a prest ig ious bia n nual international culinary competition in France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon), and the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe association, which connects passionate young restaurateurs. Additionally, Nespresso is the proud partner of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and the world’s best Sommelier, Paolo Basso. In addition to its reputation as a fine dining product, the brand describes its’ history as “steeped in sustainability.” In 2003, they collaborated with the Rainforest Alliance to launch the

Debbie Beach is the Nespresso Professional Territory Manager for Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast/Gulf Islands Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program, a unique responsible coffee sourcing standard. This was eventually followed by the launch of Positive Cup in 2014. Since then, Nespresso has been increasingly sourcing top-tier coffee from AAA farms, enabling and encouraging the recycling of all Nespresso capsules, and working to reduce the carbon footprint of every cup of coffee. The Nespresso Ecolabo r a t o n P r o g r a m™ i s committed to continuous improvement in sustainability. At Nespresso we know that ensuring future supply h ig hest qua l ity coffee means protecting t hey env i ron ment a nd supporting farming communities. They Nespresso Ecolaboration Program bri ngs together NG Os, consultants, academics, technical experts and business partners to improve our sustainability performance from Cherry to cup. Since 2003, Nespresso has partnered with rainforest Alliance to build the Innovative AAA sustainable quality program. The program ensures highest quality coffee cultivation methods that are environmentally sound and beneficial to farming communities. Through rear tack Network, R&D teams, machine suppliers, designers and sustainability experts, they are designing green machines for the future to achieve our goal by reducing CO2 emissions. They are examining new energy supplies and ways of recycling waste materials. For example, their latest machines are equipped with automatic power save and power off functions. Nespresso uses

aluminium for their capsules because of its infinite use, Maarten G. Labberton of the European Aluminium Association describes the metal as “a sustainable and even permanent material - it is produced, used and endlessly recycled without losing its intrinsic and valuable properties.” “We follow a zero waste re cycl i n g prog ra m for our used capsules,” says Beach. “The recycling is free for our Professional customers .Thanks to our streamlined process, many amazing companies around the world are using our recycled aluminium for their products.” Ne s pre sso i s f i nd i n g growing demand in office spaces where the product serves both the employees and customers of these businesses. “We’re seeing more businesses looking for commercial machines that can produce high quality coffee in easy to use and care-for machines”, Beach continues. “We have brilliant machines that can create flawless milk-based espresso drinks in seconds. This is very appealing for businesses like car dealerships, resorts, client care establishments and busy restaurants.” As a local representative for Nespresso Professional, Debbie Beach uses her extensive knowledge in food service and customer care to bring premium coffee solutions to all Island businesses and prides herself on knowing her client base, their needs and has become a valued business partner. Find out more at www. n e s pre s so.c om , w w w. evspro.ca, or by emailing debbie.beach@evs-pro. com

SAANICH PENINSULA

MAY 2019

WE ARE BLIND TO OUR OWN BLINDNESS

SAANICH PENINSULA DENNY WARNER

r e c e n t l y c o l l a b o rated with a group of Cha mber members to develop a member recruitment brochure. And while I don’t recommend design by committee as a method for getting things done quickly, it was an illuminating and rewarding experience. One of the components of the collateral we created, was to list the member benefits we offer that are most meaningful to our members. Our biggest challenge initially was in narrowing the list down to the number of benefits that could

fit on the brochure. O ne of t he rea son s it is challenging for me to answer the question of why people might want to join our organization is because every one of ou r members has thei r own reason(s) for participating. W hen we asked some members the question recently about why they a re members, the answers were as varied as I expected, and, more surprising than I anticipated. W hether it’s our staff and board thinking about our organization or our self-awareness as human beings, we are mostly blind to our faults, and to our brilliance. I h ave w r it ten a b out the power of testimonials before. They can be compelling stories that speak to potential clients, or in our case, members. I was reminded of that, after making the difficult request of members to provide them for us. We are not wired to ask others to speak positively of us. And yet, what we

received was so genuinely and generously provided, that I am beyond glad I asked. It can be an incredibly hu mbl i ng, i n st r uct ive ex perience to hea r the unvarnished truth from someone whose intent it is to be both honest and k i nd. T he truth ca n be the juice that sparks you to continue what you are already successfully doing and it can send you in new and potentially more fulfilling directions. Give it a try. Find someone who has a useful frame of reference, whom you trust, to tell you the truth. Be prepared to hear that which might be difficult to hear. You might also receive surprising, wond er f u l ly upl i f t i n g feedback that reaffirms your worth and the path you have chosen. Either will be a gift! Denny Warner is the Executive Director at the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

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MAY 2019

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The result was an Abbey T ripel beer made from three different hop types (originating in Australia, Germany, and New Zealand). “There were a lot of hops - I would compare it to an IPA,” Schill continues. “Both breweries are very good at ma k i ng heav ier-h itti ng beers pretty smooth, so the result was incredible. It blew everyone’s mind how smoothe the beer was for a nine per cent.” After its release in January, Schill remarks that the company sold out of Sextuple in a matter of week. In addition to its acclaim from peers and the Canadian Brewing Awards, the beer was extremely well-received by Sooke Brewing patrons. “I’m not sure if we’ll be m a k i n g a not her batch of the Sextuple, but we would love to do another beer with these guys,” she says. “It might be the same, or maybe something new. Either way, we’re super happy with the first one.” Sooke Brew i ng was founded by five multi-generational Sooke locals, each of whom have deep roots in the area. The company has been embraced by the community, becoming one of its most popular watering holes, and a source of pride for craft beer enthusiasts. Winning multiple awards on both a provincial and

very exciting for us. We were honored to collaborate with them, as both our breweries specialize in the Belgian style. We are very happy with the way the The 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards bronze trophy for Sextuple national level is not it’s only accomplishment. The company has also created a special community atmosphere for locals. “O u r T hu rsd ay n ig ht open mics started last year, and they have really taken off,” Schill says. “We’ve become very well-known for these events, and the level of talent that performs here is incredible.” This summer will mark the launch of Sooke Brewing’s new food truck. “T his will be a gamechanger for us,” comments Schill. “Who doesn’t love great food to go with a great beer? T he food truck is currently being built, and will be on-site full-time.” This month, the company also announced the lau nch of the SBC Saw Club. This new initiative

beer came together.” KRIS SCHILL SOOKE BREWING GENERAL MANAGER

w i l l recog n ize patrons who attend the company’s regular beer release events. A recent social med ia post states, “Once you’ve attended 10 different beer releases, you’ll receive a saw blade plaque with your name on it, which will be mounted on the wall in our brewery.” The first release event was held earlier this month. With many more events to follow, the race is on to become the first member of the SBC Saw Club. www.sookebrewing.com

WEST SHORE/OFF THE COVER

MAY 2019

BUSINESS IN THE WESTSHORE: SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

WEST SHORE JULIE LAWLOR

n May 3rd and in co-operation with our sponsors including Title Sponsor Hemminger Law Group Westshore, the WestShore Chamber of Commerce h e l d V i v a L a We s t S h o re a t Olympic View Golf Club. Each

year this event raises funds to support the work of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce and a local charity. In previous years our recipients were the Goldstream Food Bank and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association. This year, we raised $500 for our member the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. This would not have been possible without the generous donations of live and silent auction prizes by many WestShore organizations. To all who donated, sponsored and participated – thank you! The WestShore Chamber would not exist without the robust support of our community. I continue to be

grateful for the generosity of people who own and work in businesses in our region. The reason I like to talk about charitable giving in a business column is because I’m passionate about the huge impact businesses make in the community through their contributions in volunteer hours, in-kind donations and money. When it works best, this is all part of a virtuous circle where community supports business and business supports community. A nd some things that happen resonate across all sectors. The WestShore community as a whole, was shocked and saddened when we learned that Constable Sarah Beckett of the

West Shore RCM P had been killed in the line of duty on April 5th, 2016. After consultation with Constable Beckett’s family and in her honour, the Sarah Beckett Memorial Playground is being created next to Westhills Stadium in Langford. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to support the Playground through the Rotary Club of West Shore’s “Buy A Brick” campaign. For $200, a brick can be purchased for the playground engraved with a company or individual name or message. You’ll find more information on both the City of Langford a nd Rotary Club of West Shore’s websites. To conclude my observations

on the intersection between business and community, I’d like to give a shout-out to Orbus Business Networks. A business networking organization which supports non-profits, the Westshore chapter meets on the third Thursday of every month for a non-host luncheon at White Spot in Langford. The meeting is informal and friendly, and if you’d like to learn more please reach out to Richard Toop at orbusmembership@gmail.com

to be a part of, as these boats have been an issue for many years. “These boats often end up in small municipalities or townships that don’t have the resources to remove them. The townships were looking to the province, who were looking to the federal government, and eventually, the issue was addressed through this program.” Last November, Menzies priced a project to remove 17 boats in the Gulf Islands. Through the project, $400,000 was provided by

the federal government, and the boats were brought to a disposal site in Victoria. “We’re lucky to be a part of The Ralmax Group,” says Menzies. “After we remove the boats from the location, they are transported back to a Ralmax-owned containment facility. Demolition crews and a hazmat division test the vessels, recycling what they can, and disposing of the rest. It’s amazing that we can play such a key role in cleaning up our coast.” www.salishseaind.com

Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at jlawlor@ westshore.bc.ca

Ship Point Re-Opens After Extensive Repairs GVHA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Industrial Services Ltd. (SSIS) is a marine construction business owned jointly by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in partnership with The Ralmax Group, the parent company of 11 integrated industrial businesses all with a connection to Victoria harbour. “ We a re a lo c a l, I nd i genous-owned enterprise and we proudly bring to this project a well-earned reputation for quality work and professionalism,” said Karen Tunkara, Director at Salish Sea Industrial Services Ltd. and Councillor Songhees Nation in a press release. “It’s heartening to see the City of Victoria, GVHA and our two Lekwungen Nations – Songhees and Esquimalt – come together in the best interests of the harbour and all its citizens to refurbish this pier and in doing so, revitalize this public space for all to enjoy. The harbour was once the transportation highway of our ancestors; It was our food basket, the heart of our share-economy and our sheltered village site.

“It’s heartening to see the City of Victoria, GVHA and our two Lekwungen Nations – Songhees and Esquimalt – come together in the best interests of the harbour and all its citizens to refurbish this pier and in doing so, revitalize this public space for all to enjoy.” KAREN TUNKARA DIRECTOR AT SALISH SEA INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD.

Returning to the harbour with our own enterprise to earn our livelihoods once again today as colleagues and equals feels very good indeed.” Salish Sea specializes in marine construction, but has worked on a variety of jobs, including foundation work and civil construction. The company owns and operates a fleet of barges

that are docked and maintained in the Victoria Harbour. When they’re not being used for a Salish Sea project, these craft are often chartered by interested parties for other important projects. Recently, Salish Sea has been making headlines after winning a federal government contract as part of the Abandoned Boat Program. “We have been very active in the removal and disposal of derelict boats all over the coast,” says Menzies. “It’s a really great thing

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MAY 2019

NATIONAL CONTRACTING SOLUTIONS: COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS Nanaimo-Based Firm Takes on Jobs Throughout North America

ANAIMO - Out of their h e a d q u a r te rs i n Nanaimo, National Contracting Solutions Ltd. (NCS) has established itself as a full-service team for retail franchises all over North America. The company was created in 2008 as a response to industry trends. Its founders identified a key need in commercial construction: the need for a professional, skilled general contractor for national clients with multiple locations. “With a small team of well-rounded, dedicated professionals and tradespeople, as well as a modest fleet, our team began building partnerships with major franchises such as 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and others,” says Felicia Mark, Operations Coordinator. “Since then, we have expanded our labour force, fleet, contracts, and offices to meet the growing demands of our repeat customers.” Today, the company fields a team of over 50 employees, including management, estimating teams, projects teams, and a diverse team of tradespeople. “NCS has a skilled group of inhouse tradespeople including, but not limited to, carpenters, electricians, and HVAC crew members,” says Ma rk. “Ou r vast in-house trades allow us to achieve the demanding schedules requested by our clients with ease. Furthermore, it allows NCS to manage safety and quality, which are its highest priorities. As an NCS employee, all crew members share a common dedication to provide high-quality construction that fulfills or exceeds client expectations.”

Byron Tarby, Managing Director of National Contracting Solutions Ltd. With its team of skilled tradespeople, NCS is able to complete projects under extreme time constraints and at times, challenging site conditions. “Our schedules can range anywhere from 24 hour turnarounds to several months,” says Mark. Referring to a recent project, Managing Director Byron Tarby comments, “We just finished renovating eight 7-Eleven locations in downtown Vancouver. We originally had over 20 days to complete the renovations, but at the last-minute, our schedule was compressed by our customer to 14 days, with additions to the scope of the project. In spite of this, our team was still able to complete the project within the time restrictions with minimal interruptions to business activities in each location as the stores remained open for business.” 7-Eleven has been one of NCS’s largest clients. Since 2008, they have been chosen to work with 7-Eleven in stores throughout Canada and the United States. A project highlight was, “In July 2016, NCS was awarded a major contract working in partnership with 7-Eleven on the Imperial

NCS has built strong relationships with major franchises like 7-Eleven, Starbucks, and Tim Hortons

Thanks to its in-house team of tradespeople, NCS is able to maintain a high level of quality in spite of heavy time constraints Oil Acquisition Remodel Project,” says Mark. “NCS took on the role as general contractor for this three-phase project involving 139 Esso stores across Western Canada. “Phase one, change in control, involved replacement of point of sales equipment at each store. Phase two, design and

engineering, involved creating as-builts of each store using sophisticated 3D scanners and collaboration with clients to identify remodeling needs. Phase three, construction execution, involved remodeling interiors of each store to align with modern 7-Eleven branding.” In addition to 7-Eleven, NCS

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has worked with other major retail brands, including Starbucks, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, Wendy’s, and Tim Hortons. The company specializes in food service, petroleum, commercial projects, and institutional work. To add, they have also worked closely with the Stz’uminus First Nation to support their maintenance and upgrade needs. “When working on projects, we try to use as many of our own tradespeople as possible,” says Tarby. “T his helps us maintain our high level of safety and quality, and helps us to ensure that we meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. In addition, when working with compressed timeframes, we aren’t restricted by the schedules of outside subtrades.” Over the last three years, the Nanaimo-based company has been doing more work in the United States. Their combination of experience, efficiency, and competitive pricing makes them a strong candidate for retail renovation projects throughout the continent. According to Mark, the growing demand is largely thanks to its tight-knit team and strong relationships with repeat customers. “NCS has a core group of employees who have transformed and grown with us through the ebbs and flows of our organization,” she says. “As a team, and as a family, we share losses and victories with a growth mindset and poise. Our ongoing success is attributed to the dedication, adaptability and hard work of these employees.” The company has already completed several projects on Vancouver Island, and is looking to take on more local projects in the coming years. www.ncs-projects.com

MAY 2019

VICTORIA COMPANY OFFERS EXPERTISE IN FAMILY BUSINESS TRANSITIONS ReGeneration Family Business Transitions Meets Growing Need in Small Business Community

ICTORIA - In Canada, 60 per cent of all small business ow ners (u nder 100 employees) are over the age of 50. Of these, roughly 40 per cent are not prepared to transition their company, a process that typically takes five years. Victoria’s ReGeneration Family Business Transitions Inc. was created to address the needs of these owners, offering programs that allow for a smooth transition into the next generation of leadership. “We have two primary offerings,” says Founder and Principal Gary Linford. “First, I work with owners to structure their business and leadership team in order to prepare themselves for transition into retirement. This includes identifying a successor, who could be

their second-in-command or a family member. We work with the company on a regular basis, and are highly involved in coaching and guiding the process. “The second step is all about training,” he continues. “When the company has identified the successor, we take this individual through a specialized training process to prepare them for the new position.” This second step is called the Leadership Transition Training Program. As a first component of the training program, successors are immersed in a series of courses delivered by “Professors of Practice” - experts in various fields who are closely aligned with small business. “A l l ou r P rofessors of Practice are either operating their own, or working closely with a small business,” says Linford. Course subject matter includes topics such as, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Market Research, Human Resource Management, Successful Leadersh ip, a nd P ro du c t ion / Operations. T hese cou rses w i l l be

followed by a monthly seminar, which is a four-hour round-table forum where the successors discuss implementing what they are learning. This helps participants apply the information gleaned from the educational settings. As a third component, Linford will individually coach each program participant, giving personalized assistance as they grow into their new role. “Among the many outcomes of this program, our graduates build lifelong peer relationships,” says Linford. “Additionally, they develop a network of 10 to 12 experts who they can phone up at any time. We do everything we can to set the company up for decades of future success.” Program participants have included Island companies such as Victoria’s Bauco Access Panel Solutions, Duncan’s Live Edge Design, and the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. To stay updated on upcoming announcements, including dates and new programs, visit www.regenerationfamilybiz.com

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DEFENDANT Canadian Playhouse Factory Ltd 2062 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC PLAINTIFF Smart Warehouse Llc CLAIM $12,881

DEFENDANT 0089159 BC LTD 2700-700 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Cockerell, Michael Henry CLAIM $8,276 DEFENDANT Abstract Projects Inc 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF AAA Rebar Only Ltd CLAIM $117,612 DEFENDANT Arrowsmith Roofing Ltd 2767 Powder Point Rd, Nanoose Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Limited CLAIM $26,375 DEFENDANT Brookes Education Group Inc 2371 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC

DEFENDANT Custom Building 2658 Ruby Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Lumberworld Operations Ltd CLAIM $10,305 DEFENDANT D F M Holdings Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Cloutier Matthews LLP CLAIM $6,425 DEFENDANT D K I Services Ltd Po Box 282, Merville, BC PLAINTIFF Woodland, Jody CLAIM $5,908 DEFENDANT EMCON Services 300-180 Seymour St, Kamloops, BC PLAINTIFF

Wilson, Colin CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Grand Vista Tours Inc 588 Maple St, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Holoboff, Fiona Anne CLAIM $30,296

MAY 2019

CLAIM $9,006 DEFENDANT Oasis Mangement 588 Maple St, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Holoboff, Fiona Anne CLAIM $30,296

DEFENDANT Green Oasis Foods Ltd 960 Furber Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Ame Consulting Group Ltd CLAIM $20,710

DEFENDANT Seabrook Developments Ltd 723a Vanalman Ave, BC Victoria PLAINTIFF Lumberworld Operations Ltd CLAIM $35,216

DEFENDANT Independent Diesel Sales Ltd 6826 Metro Rd, Lantzville, BC PLAINTIFF Cockerell, Michael Henry CLAIM $8,276

DEFENDANT Seaflora Skincare Inc 1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Caorda Solutions Inc CLAIM $33,691

DEFENDANT Island Freightliner Truck Centre 6826 Metro Rd, Lantzville, BC PLAINTIFF Cockerell, Michael Henry CLAIM $8,276

DEFENDANT Sure Haul Transportation Ltd 320-351 Hudson Ave Ne, Salmon Arm, BC PLAINTIFF HMTQ Prov Of BC CLAIM $232,340

DEFENDANT K & G Installations Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Cloutier Matthews LLP

DEFENDANT Tiger Trends Consulting Inc 527 Phelps Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank Of

Canada CLAIM $111,081 DEFENDANT Titus Infrastructure Services Limited 215-737 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank Of Canada CLAIM $111,081 DEFENDANT Victoria Stonescape Ltd 837 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF SCS Steel Container Systems Inc CLAIM $20,876 DEFENDANT Windcrest Developments Ltd 204-655 Tyee Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Victoria Stonescape Ltd CLAIM $29,505 DEFENDANT Woodland Flats Ltd 4th Flr 1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yen, Pui Wen CLAIM $67,500

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MAY 2019

Business Examiner Gold Event Sponsors

Erin Athene The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATeC) is preparing to hold its annual award gala on June 14th at the Royal Theatre. Ahead of the awards, they announce that Erin Athene will be this year’s recipient of the Colin Lennox Award in the Technology Champion category. Erin founded Purpose Five Social as a local startup and started the local Ladies Learning Code chapter. Other winners announced ahead of the awards are Women’s Equity Lab as Angel of the year; Sang KietLy of KPMG as Member of the year; and Ring Partner as Community Champion. NW Explorations, a B el l i ng h a m, Wa sh i ngton-based yacht charter and brokerage firm, is preparing to open a service facility in North Saanich’s Canoe Cove and another at Port of Sidney Marina. Both operations will be able to provide onsite and mobile maintenance services to yachts from the stations. The firm is owned by Ross and Evelyn Tennant.

congratulates their sales leaders for the month of April. The top performers include Ron Neal, Jason Leslie, Karen Love, Layne Britton, Chantelle Lysyk, Alex Burns, Manpreet Kandola, Ruth Hopkinson, Dallas King and April Spackman. Re/ Max Alliance Victoria is at 770B Hillside Avenue. Smart Dolphins IT Solutions was recently named the 21st Best Workplace in Canada in the Less than 100 Employees category by Great Place to Work Canada. Re/Max Camosun congratulates its top performs for April from across the Greater Victoria region. From Victoria they are Lynne Sager, Jane Johnston, Cheryl Barnes, Geoff McLean, Nicole Pelan, Blair Veenstra, Roxanne Brass, Andrew Holenchuk, Scott Marchant, Guy Crozier, April Prinz and Deanna Noyce. Marlene Arden was the top producer from the Sooke region, Dale Sheppard and Mick Thandi from the Westshore, Jeff Meyer from Sidney and Kyle Kerr from Oak Bay.

Worklink Employment Society has added Lisa Jorgensen to its team as a wage subsidy specialist at Unit 202 - 3179 Jacklin Road. Maycock Eyecare is celebrating its 70th anniversary at 1318 Blanshard Street. Re/Max Alliance Victoria

Badinotti Group announces the addition of Simon Proctor to the company’s Nor t h A mer ica n tea m. Simon will assume the role of general manager responsible for company operations throughout North America. The Badinotti Group is a global producer of netting and containment equipment for the aquaculture and fishing industry. T he Victoria HarbourCats have signed a deal with Duncan-based Red Arrow brewery that see the brewery be the primary beer provider at Wilson’s Group Stadium.

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The deal will also take HarbourCats Ballpark Blonde into liquor stores on the Island. The deal will see Red Arrow’s Piggy Pale Ale, HarbourCats Ballpark Blonde a nd the Kustom Kolsch featured at all HarbourCats games. Fans will also be able to find the brews in stores and at select restaurants and pubs.

Island Outfitters celebrates its 25th anniversary at 3319 Douglas Street.

No allenge is too great. “Chemistry made a demanding and challenging recruitment process so very easy.”

Red Barn Market celebrated its 10th anniversary recently at their locations across the Victoria region. The company prides itself on being a provider of fresh, locally-sourced groceries that support the local community and food economy.

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Baggins Shoes celebrates its 50th year in business at 580 Johnson Street. The shop has expanded considerably since it’s humble beginnings as a head shop when it opened

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

in 1969. T he store now sees annual sales of nearly $5-million and sells more than 50,000 pairs of shoes, 45 per cent of which are sold online.

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The first Vancouver Island Construction Association awards were handed out on April 23 at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort. The night celebrated winners in 13 categories including Rob Tournour Masonry, which was the recipient of the Member of the Year award. The other winners and categories were: Kinetic Construction for Yello on Yates in General Contractor $10M+; Saywell Contracting for Nuutsumuut Lelum (Nanaimo Passive Housing) in General Contractor $10M; Olde Country Masonry for Union Club reno in Trade Contractor; Houle Electric for Comox Valley Hospital in Electrical Contractor; Trotter & Morton Group for Vancouver Island University Health and Sciences Centre in Mechanical Contractor $3M+; Erb Technical Contracting for Brentwood College Foote Centre in Mechanical Contractor; Longhouse Forest Products for Pacific Entre Family Service in Manufacturer and Supplier; and Houle Electric for construction site security video monitoring in Innovation and Productivity. Kate Ulmer of Herold Engineering was presented with the Outstanding Woman in Construction Award, Daniel Behrens of Knappett Projects won out in the U40 Excellence in Construction Category, Sarah Jayne-Roe of Camosun College in Education Leadership. Safety Awards were presented to Houle Electric, Cumberland Ready-Mix, K5 Contracting and Casman Projects. ™

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Cloud Nine Collective at 778 Fort Street and The Original FARM at 1402 Douglas Street were the first legally opened pot shops in Victoria. The shops join the list of BC cities officially selling legal cannabis products, along with Kamloops, Vancouver, Port Hardy and Kimberly. Stores that are expected to open shortly once they get their municipal business license include Clarity Cannabis locations at 603 Gorge Road East and 851 Johnson Street and The Original FARM’s location at 3055A Scott Street. The Celebrity Eclipse was the first cruise ship of the season to dock at Victoria’s

MAY 2019

harbour for the season. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is preparing for a busy season – expecting 260 cruise ship calls and around 700,000 passengers. Alongside the passengers will be an additional 280,000 crew members, ushering in the busiest year so far. Dockside Realty congratulates Colin Denton, Suzi Jack, Sam Boyte and Sherrie Boyte on each earning an MLS Bronze Award for representing the top 30% of all realtors in the Victoria Real Estate Board for property sales. Mary’s Bleue Moon Café will celebrate its 80th anniversary on July 27th at 9535 Canora Road in Sidney. Mary’s opened in 1939 in the midst of World War II and is now owned by Ross and Valerie Clark along with their daughter and son-inlaw Nicola and Mike Politano and Chef Adam Hill. The family purchased the diner 22 years ago. Eagle Creek Village Dental is now open on Saturdays at 130 – 31 Helmcken Road. Re/Max Camosun a nnounced the top producers of the month for their team at 101 – 791 Goldstream Avenue. The top producers are Jordan Campeau, Don Burnham, Jennifer Bruce, Deborah Coburn, Dale Sheppard and Lorne Tuplin. Crease Harman LLP welcomes David Aujla to its team. David will lead the firm’s Immigration and Citizenship Group and brings with him over 40 years of experience in immigration law. Crease Harman LLP is the longest-established firm in British Columbia, with a continuous presence in Victoria since 1866 and is at 800 – 1070 Douglas Street. Wendy’s is now open with a new look at 1800 Old Island Highway in Colwood. The space now has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen tv’s, a fireplace and comfortable seating. The Verve rental housing project on the corner of Boleskine Road and Whittier Avenue received a silver certification from Built Green Canada. Abstract Developments is behind the development which consists of a commercial ground floor and 95 rental units spread across five storey’s. Built Green Canada is a national non-profit organization that promotes sustainability practices in the residential building sector.

Lifetime Eyecare recently celebrated their grand opening at 2401 Beacon Avenue in Sidney. Pemberton Holmes announce their top performing agents for the first 2019 quarter in Sidney. They are Patrick Achtzner, Walt Burgess, Harry Fowler, Inez Louden, Stephen Postings and Ann Watley. The Sidney office is at #107 – 2360 Beacon Avenue. Brandon a nd h is pa rents Darren and Beth Laur were the recipients of the BC Medal of Good Citizenship for their work with the family company The White Hatter. The company and Brandon himself have travelled across North America, presenting privacy and cybersecurity advice to students, parents and law enforcement. The 15th Annual Victoria Community Leadership Awards will be presented on May 23rd at the Government House. Among this year’s recipients are Elysia Glover the executive director of Community Micro Lending (CML) in the Healthy Standard of Living category; Rebecca Hass, community engagement coordinator at Pacific Opera Victoria in Arts and Culture; Samarth Mod, co-founder and CEO of Freshworks Studio in Innovative Science and Technology; and Angela Adamson in Outstanding Leadership. Meanwhile, Peggy Wilmot will be presented with the Lifelong Learning Award; Lee Fuge the Health and Wellness Award; Rebecca Wolfe-Gage the Healthy Safe Environments Award; Ruth Mojeed the Getting Started in our Community Award; Jacquelin Green the Thriving Children and Youth Award; and Annette Wall the Belonging and Engagement Award. The Community Leadership Awards are the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s premier awards event to celebrate community leadership and lasting contributions to the Greater Victoria area. Thrifty Foods celebrated the grand opening of their new location in the Belmont Market at 3011 Merchant Way in Langford recently. T his marks the first Thrifty’s to open in the Capital Regional District since 2007. The grocery store will also have a pharmacy, dedicated florist, baker, butcher and deli person running its departments. SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS| PAGE 17

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MAY 2019

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

T he City of Colwood’s Sustainable Infrastructure R epl ac ement Pl a n h a s earned the city an Award of Excellence in government finance. The Sustainable Infrastructure Replacement Plan provides Colwood council and the public with a comprehensive outline of city infrastructure like parks, roads, natural assets, sewer and storm systems, vehicles and buildings. It also outlines the annual cost of maintaining infrastructure.

Ian Powell

The Inn at Laurel Point’s managing director, Reverend Ian Powell, has been awarded the BC Hotelier of the Year Award. Reverend Powell has over 40 years of experience in the international hospitality industry and is a priest with the Anglican Church of Canada.

The British Columbia Hotel Association recognized Powell with the award during the BC Hospitality Summit in Kelowna, BC. Franchise owner Ken Taylor was present for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the McDonald’s on the corner of Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road after the restaurant underwent a major renovation. A new permanent Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) station has broken ground near Dallas Road and Simcoe Street. Once complete the station will be staffed with highly-trained crews, available to respond to incidents in the Victoria harbor and the Eastern and Central parts of the Juan de Fuca Strait. The new station will include office and meeting spaces as well as living quarters. Mini Price, a popular dollar store on Sooke Road next to Colwood Corners is closing and a new outlet will be opening on Port Alberni. The shop has been at the Colwood Corners location for about 10 years. The University of Victoria (UVic) unveiled the

n e w B l a c k I n k C l a s sroom in the David Strong Building. The building is named in honor of Black Press owner and president David Black for his contributions to the school over the years. The room serves as the primary instruction space for Bachelor of Commerce students at UVic’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps was appointed to the BC Transit board of directors. She joins three new board members including Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott, Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall and Blair Redlin. The board is responsible for supervising the management of BC Transit and for appointing the chief executive officer. The Victoria Heart Institute Foundation moved from their location at 1900 Richmond Avenue to an office at 300 – 1640 Oak Bay Avenue where they have taken up a 27-month sublease. The Richmond Avenue site was purchased by Milliken Developers and is now slated to become a private assisted-living facility for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald SALES | Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, John MacDonald - john@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Beth Hendry-Yim, Kristin Van Vloten, Val Lennox, Robert MacDonald

ALBERTA IS ANGRY WITH BRITISH COLUMBIA, AND IT’S GOING TO COST THIS PROVINCE

MARK MACDONALD

ason Kenney is the new Premier in Alberta, and things are about to get very interesting here in British Columbia. W hen BC Premier John Horgan decided to placate the Green contingent propping up his NDP government by clogging up the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline through the courts, it strained relations with Alberta, then being run by media darling, the NDP’s Rachel Notley. It was interesting but predictable that an NDP-NDP feud would result in nothing substantial in terms of change. The Notley government introduced legislation that could allow Alberta to restrict the flow of tar sands product to their western neighbors, but it was not implemented. The United Conservative Party’s Kenney promised repeatedly to do exactly that, and it is almost

certain he will. To which Horgan has signaled that BC will protest via the courts, under the premise that doing that is unconstitutional. So let’s summarize: Horgan’s NDP has used the courts to stop any increased flow of oil to BC. Now he’s threatening to use the courts to stop Alberta’s possible decrease in the flow of oil to BC Talk about hypocrisy – all the while Horgan’s political schemes are paid for by taxpayers covering the cost of lawyers involved in the debacle. And the price of gas goes through the roof in BC, with more increases on the horizon. For the record, the carbon tax – which now goes into general revenues – hits not just consumers at the pumps, but it will eventually manifest itself in price hikes for anything and everything that needs to be transported from Point A to Point B. The cost of fuel will be covered by consumers, as always. So much for making BC “more affordable”. If anyone is failing to understand the strong sense of anger that Albertans now have towards BC for their obstructionism, and Trudeau II’s all-out assault on the province’s energy sector, they’re not paying attention. Albertans are outraged. The smolderi ng embers of Pierre

Trudeau’s National Energy Plan that kneecapped the province’s economy instantly in the early 1980’s have been fanned into a blaze by Justin Trudeau’s ambiguous waffling on building a pipeline, therefore keeping Alberta’s resources from reaching either coast for export to non-U.S. markets. It is crippling Alberta, and Kenney has saddled up his entourage to do something about it. And they will. Remember “The West Wants In” chants of decades ago, as westerners decried Ottawa’s negligence of the prairie provinces that led to the foundation of the Reform Party, which became the Canadian Alliance and ultimately a merger partner in the Conservative Party of Canada? Now you’re hearing the vocalization of separation from Canada if Alberta continues to be stymied in its attempts to get its product to market. They are real. Just think of that for a minute. While portions of Quebec have repeatedly pushed for separatism, one could scarcely believe that Alberta would be the province making the most noise about leaving Confederation. Yes, Albertans are mad. And the rest of Canada better start paying attention. What options are available for

Kenney, who has already been rebu ffed by T rudeau a nd the Premiers of BC and Quebec? Crimp the delivery hose to BC, which will drive the cost of gas even higher than the record levels now seen? What about the Keystone Pipeline, which U.S. President Donald Trump has recently green-lighted. When former President Barack Obama repeatedly blocked the Keystone project, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated publicly that it wasn’t a question of whether the Keystone would be built, but when. It had/has to be built, and it will. That is one option, although it only provides better access to one market - the U.S. – which already enjoys a 35 per cent discount on Canadian supply. The other is a united First Nations push to build the pipeline, which could prove to be the positive deal maker in making it become reality. Religious fervor has so gripped the climate crowd that any reasonable question of their tactics or government-paid-for facts is immediately and forcefully publicly shamed, and those asking the question are labeled as “deniers”. National columnist Rex Murphy has somehow escaped the wrath of climateers, even as he continues to question the zeal and methods of

the theory’s proponents. Flooding in Eastern Canada? The media is quick to conclude this is, again, a by-product of global warming, conveniently forgetting to mention that spring flooding is often the direct result of a larger than normal snow pack that melts and runs into tributaries and rivers. And while this goes on, California, hundreds of miles to the south, has “officially” come out of its years-long drought. Reservoirs that had reached perilously low levels are now almost at full capacity, and important ground water tables have been replenished, alleviating concerns that siphoning of underground water could lead to a collapse of the land above. None of this matters to U.S. funded organizations and our own governments who have demonized the Alberta oil industry, and use their narrative to add the resource to the list of other “sin taxes” like tobacco and alcohol. Kenney says Alberta will fight back, and his record as a federal cabinet minister suggests he keeps his promises. Suffice it to say that Albertans have had enough, and they’re not going to take it anymore. It will be more than interesting – and expensive – to see how this all plays out.

first, for its economic and symbolic impact. Now peas and soybeans are among the commodities affected by harsher Chinese rules. Wheat could be next, or even lobster, if China can’t settle its differences with the Americans and, by extension, Canada. On the livestock front, there is some good news. China needs our pork and beef after it reportedly had to cull over one million pigs because of African swine fever. But that highly-infectious and lethal disease could reach Canada’s shores in a matter of months. Pork prices could climb in Canada if China, the world’s largest consumer of pork, continues to buy more Canadian products. Inventories are getting low for the summer. So, your favourite bacon, pork chops or ribs could cost more at the retail level. CFIA is taking proper precautions, along with the United States Department of Agriculture. But a disease can spread quickly. If the swine fever reaches Canada or the Unites States, all bets are off. Borders could shut down to our pork industry instantly, as the

cattle industry discovered during the mad cow crisis of 2003. This would be devastating for Canada’s hog industry. The trade situation with China also points to a much larger issue. Shipping commodities abroad and having other countries process our raw materials is a missed opportunity. Peas, for example, are the main ingredient in Beyond Meat’s patties, which are being sold in over 27,000 restaurants around the world. Some peas used by the California-based company are from Canada, which is the world’s largest producer and exporter of field peas. If we continue to stick to this traditional game plan of shipping off our raw materials, however, we’ll continue to go from crisis to crisis without learning much.

CANADA CAN ONLY LOSE IN A TRADE WAR WITH CHINA

ATLANTIC INSTITUTE FOR MARKET STUDIES SYLVAIN CHARLEBOIS

anola was first, and now peas and soybeans. It was highly predictable. And given how things have progressed over the last five months, the situation can only escalate. The Canadian government has pledged to help farmers affected by our epic spat with China. But other than offering cash or support to develop new markets for canola, peas and soybeans, it’s challenging to see what else the Liberal government can do.

Unlike the United States, Canada is not a trade powerhouse. The federal government should stop insinuating that China’s issue is related to food safety. It’s not. Using this science-based rhetoric has run its course and now some real political mediation is needed behind the scenes. To simply send a contingent from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to China would be pointless. China is no Japan. China has historically entangled foreign policy with trade. When the food safety narrative is used by Japanese authorities, they mean it. They have no space and since 80 per cent of the food consumed in Japan is imported, importers need to protect the public from irresponsible choices. Food safety is paramount and importers are willing to pay a premium. China is different. Food security remains a challenge as the country’s centralized economy has miraculously made the country an agri-food powerhouse. China has options and will go for the affordable choice most of the time. Running a coordinated economy

is beneficial when it comes to trading. China knows its people will stick with it no matter what the costs. But the governments of other trading partners – like Canada and the U.S. – could be toppled due to internal dissatisfaction. Trade wars serve China better in the long run, especially now that the country’s agriculture has gained efficiencies. Canada needs to keep all of this in mind. Meng Wanzhou’s arrest in Vancouver triggered a trade war between the two countries. She was arrested on an extradition request by the Americans, on suspicion of violating sanctions against Iran. Ottawa still claims it was never involved. But the SNC-Lavalin scandal shows that the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is very much capable of political interference. And a dear price can be paid at the polls: support lost and even governments losing power. Ottawa’s diplomatic juveniles have made our agri-food industry more vulnerable than ever. Unsurprisingly, canola was targeted

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, and a senior fellow with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies.

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