www.BusinessExaminer.ca
September 2021
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UPLAND GROUP TAKING THE HIGH ROAD - 16
Mark Stuart, President of Upland Contracting on the left and Graham Knutson, Controller on the right.
COWICHAN FOOD COMMUNITY MAKING MORNINGSTAR GOLF CLUB SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY – 24 RISES OUT OF RECEIVERSHIP – 23
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September marks the return to school, a significant ramp-up in busyness for most organizations, and this year, a critically important federal election. If that wasn’t enough, most business owners and leaders are dealing with worker shortages, supply chain shortages, and continued uncertainty from all levels of government on COVID-19 legislation. The beauty of business and entrepreneurship is that you are placing your life in your own hands. Your career, finances, and future opportunities are all intertwined and most of the time in your control. Right now we’re in a time where much of that control is lost, some industries more than others. It’s a real challenge that can pull all fears and anxieties to the forefront of your mind. We do not know what the future holds, let alone next week. However, it’s a risk we’ve accepted, and must adapt to. I hope the content inside this month’s Business Examiner helps you, and encourages you to keep pressing on in the decision you have made to get into business. Keep battling, 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)
September 2021
6 NEWS UPDATE
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ADVISORY
NANAIMO
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PORT ALBERNI
COMOX VALLEY
16 OFF THE COVER
15 CAMPBELL RIVER
18 WHO IS SUING WHOM
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22
OPINION
23 MORNING STAR GOLF
REAL ESTATE
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COWICHAN VALLEY MOVERS & SHAKERS
NEWS UPDATE
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BC RENT INCREASE CAPPED AT 1.5%
SALES NORMALIZE BUT RECORD LOW INVENTORY
BRITISH COLUMBIA– BC’s maximum allowable rent increase amount for 2022 is being set at 1.5 per cent, based on inflation. This increase cannot take effect prior to Jan. 1, 2022. If landlords choose to increase rent, they must provide a full three months’ notice to tenants using the correct notice of rent increase form. To support British Columbians, the Province enacted a rent freeze at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The freeze has since been extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The 2022 maximum allowable rent increase is significantly less than what it would have been prior to changes made by the Province in 2018 that limited rent increases to inflation. Prior to that change, maximum rent increases could include an additional 2 per cent on top of inflation. This change has saved families hundreds of dollars. BC landlords can only increase rent once annually, if they choose to increase rent at all. The Province also recently banned illegal renovictions (evictions to complete renovations to a property) by requiring landlords to apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for pre-approval before ending a tenancy.
BRITISH COLUMBIA - The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total 9,507 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August 2021, a decrease of 7.1 per cent over August 2020. The average MLS® residential price in BC was $901,712, a 17.2 per cent increase from $769,691 recorded in August 2020. Total sales dollar volume was $8.6 billion, an 8.9 per cent increase from last year. “Home sales around the province have essentially returned to normal after a record setting spring,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “However, we continue to see a drought in the total supply of listings as well as downward trend in new listings activity.” Total active residential listings were down 37.9 per cent year-over-year in August and were 42 per cent below normal levels for the month of August. Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 102.2 per cent to $82 billion, compared with the same period in 2020. Residential unit sales were up 67.8 per cent to 89,980 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 20.5 per cent to $911,245. September 2021
NEWS UPDATE
FERRY PREPARES FOR FINAL LEG OF JOURNEY TO BC NANAIMO – BC Ferries’ newest hybrid electric ship transited the Panama Canal over the weekend and is now preparing for its trip home to BC. Island 5, as it is temporarily named, departed Romania on July 31 under its own power. BC Ferries expects the ship to be in BC by late-September, depending on weather. The Island Class are battery equipped ships designed for full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure becomes available. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emissions and improves customer service. To follow the ship’s journey and track its progress including course, position and speed, visit vesselfinder.com and search for Island 5. BC Ferries will take ownership of the new Island Class ferry upon final inspection at Point Hope Maritime in Victoria. BC Ferries looks forward to welcoming the vessel into service next year. Together, Island 5 and Island 6 will allow for two-ship service on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route starting in 2022. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
EXPLORATION BEGINS AT THE CALEDONIA COPPER - SILVER PROJECT PORT HARDY - Surge Battery Minerals Inc. has begun its fall exploration program at the Caledonia Copper – Silver Project in Northern Vancouver Island, 15 km southwest of Port Hardy. The claims are located in the Nanaimo Mining District of northern Vancouver Island. The Caledonia, Cascade and Bluebell claims are 7 km north-west of BHP’s past producing Island Copper mine which was responsible for extracting 345 million metric tonnes @ 0.41 per cent Cu, 0.017 per cent Mo, 0.19 g/t Au, and 1.4 g/t Ag. During its prime operating period the Island Copper mine was Canada’s third-largest copper producer. The Caledonia, Cascade and Bluebell claims area lies within a 50-kilometer-long copper belt northwest of the Island Copper mine. The following quotes contain historical estimates on the Property and has been obtained from The BC Ministry of Energy and Mines Minfile records for MINFILE No 092L 209 which states: “In 1929, 0.9 tonnes of ore was shipped from the property, grading 514.2 grams per tonne Silver and 7.3 per cent Copper (Malcolm, 1969). A chip sample collected across 1.8 metres in 1926 assayed trace gold, 418.2 grams per tonne Silver, 2.0 per cent Copper, 0.8 per cent lead and 10.0 per cent Zinc (Minister of Mines Annual Report 1926).” See Full Report here.
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NEWS UPDATE
DONATION ALLOWS PURCHASE OF ENGLISHMAN RIVER ESTUARY
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PARKSVILLE - The Wilson 5 Foundation has doubled down on its pledge to protect and conserve critical habitats of Southwestern British Columbia through its latest donation to The Nature Trust of BC. The $6 Million gift will allow The Nature Trust of BC to purchase Mariner Way in Parksville, a 2.8-hectare in-fill property at the mouth of the iconic Englishman River on Vancouver Island. “Conservation of land is important to us, not only as a family, but as British Columbians who care deeply about preserving land for all to enjoy for generations to come,” says Foundation CoFounder, Summer Wilson. “We are thrilled to partner with The Nature Trust of BC to support the Englishman River and Salish Sea and to create a dedicated park accessible to everyone to explore nature, birdwatch, and exercise.” The land acquisition is a critical step to re-naturalize and restore the tidal flow of the estuary and ultimately enhance the ecosystem function of the entire river. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Nature Trust of BC has secured 500 conservation properties, including nine properties along the Englishman River. The Nature Trust of BC now owns 67.4 hectares in the estuary and has successfully conserved 244.3 hectares along the Englishman River.
CONQORA SIGNS ON FOR FOOT PASSENGER SERVICE NANAIMO – A new partner has signed on to provide a fast foot passenger service from downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver. Conqora Capital Partners Inc. of Toronto has entered into an agreement with the Port of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation for a long-term lease to provide access to the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf for vessel berths, welcome terminals, parking and passenger areas. Details about when the service will begin will be announced in the near future. All parties acknowledge the project will bring jobs and future development to the Assembly Wharf. The Port of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo have been working towards having another downtown to downtown service for a number of years. The last agreement with the Port involved Island Ferries Services Ltd., but lapsed. Previous services included Royal Sealink Express and Harbourlynx, which ceased operation in 2006. Conqora is a Canadian private equity firm headquartered in Toronto that specializes in creating, developing and partnering with strong management teams in real-asset backed investments. Amin states Conqora had previous discussions with the group associated with Island Ferries, but noted “We do not have any relationship with them, and this is a completely new and exciting partnership with the Port of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation.” Full Report here September 2021
ADVISORY
5 WAYS TO GIVE YOUR EMPLOYEES A REASON TO STAY
TONYA HAVAS Identifying retention problems has never been more important to stay competitive. In Part II of our employee interview series, we’re interviewing Marketing Specialist Tonya Havas to find out why she’s about to celebrate her 25th anniversary with Coastal Community Credit Union in October. 1. Why have you stayed with CCCU all these years? TH: I love that Coastal Community feels like a family, and I believe that our leadership has the best interests of employees at heart. Most of all, I appreciate that the credit union recognized a natural ability and helped me grow and develop my skills, allowing me to reach my current position of Marketing Specialist. 2. Why should a company invest in retaining good employees? TH: Good long-term employees bring a lot of value to an organization. The corporate knowledge and perspective you gain year after year provides insight that new employees may not have. 3. What are the key things a company can do to build and retain loyalty? WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
TH: T reating your employees with care and understanding and being flexible when employees need it go a long way to building loyalty. Offering career mobility, continuing education and a good work/life balance are also good reasons for employees to stay. 4. What are the dealbreakers that could make you look elsewhere? TH: I’d say the usual kind of things. I want a competitive salary and benefits, as well as reasonable hours. And I want to enjoy what I do and the people I work with. A positive and supportive workplace culture and good team dynamics are pretty high on my list of must-haves. 5. On that note, what are the most important skills a manager needs to effectively lead? TH: I think respectful effective communication is key—and building a feeling of connection with and among your team (spoken as a remote worker). Tonya Havas is a Marketing Specialist with Coastal Community. For career opportunities, visit cccu.ca/about/careers. Coastal Community made the list for Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance in Canada, and was recogni zed among the Best Workplaces in British Columbia, a s dete r mined by Great Place to Work®
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NANAIMO
NEW DOCTOR JOINS VITACARE LONG-TIME NANAIMO RESIDENT RETURNS TO JOIN PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
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D r. Joh n Yi m i s p l e a s e d to a nn o u n c e t h a t D r. Katarine Holewa has joined the team at VitaCare Natural Health Clinic on Bowen Road. Katarine is a Natu ropat h ic Physician and Registered MARK MACDONALD Acupuncturist who has spent the past 10 years practicing in Victoria. She has three years training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical medications and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. After being denied two years ago, the former Malaspina Gardens property in the Old City Quarter has received a development permit for 133 seniors’ housing units. Council turned down an application for 175 units on the Machleary/Kennedy/Franklyn property in 2019. The building was once Nanaimo’s hospital, and former home of Malaspina College, the forerunner of Vancouver Island University. The Molnar Group project will include two five-storey residence wings with a three-storey amenity pavilion in E-shaped buildings, with two levels of underground parking. The
grounds will also include a putting g reen a nd bocce court.
Dr. Katarine Holewa
Coast Solar Solutions has completed installation of new solar panels at Aspengrove School.
Sian Mallett is the new Territory Manager at Frontline Process Solutions. General Manager Gordon Grossman has retired from Minute Men Moving & Storage at 1855 Boxwood Road. Gordon has been in the industry for over three decades. Sean McLintock announces that Cody Atter is now fully licensed after serving as an unlicensed Assistant on the RE/MAX of Nanaimo MAC Real Estate Group. Dr. Andrea Smilski is back working on Vancouver Island, in a new role as Primary Care Network Change Management Lead in Oceanside. PCN is an innovative care delivery model that enables health care professionals to do what they do best to promote excellence in health care by improving the quality and appropriate quantity of care.
September 2021
NANAIMO
Dr. Andrea Smilsky
The appointment comes a f ter A ndrea was working in Doha, Qatar as Dean, Health Sciences, w ith the College of North Atlantic (CNA), the publ ic col lege of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Andrea previously retired from Vancouver Island University, where she served as Interim Dean of the Health and Human Services Faculty. Andrea’s husband is George Hrabowych, long-time partner and principal at Herold Engineering. She is also a CEO at Empowered Organizations. Her role with PCN is to ensure that the key deliverables set out in the PCN Service Plan are completed. PCNs are currently being developed, approved and operationalized in Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Victoria. PCN is a clinical network of local primary care service providers located in a geographical area, with patient medical homes as the foundation. A PCN is enabled by a partnership between Divisions of Family Practice and health authorities, local First Nations, and community patient representatives. The City has approved a height variance for the 197-apartment Telus Living complex at 400 Fitzwilliam Street downtown. Omicron Architecture Engineering Construction Ltd. was issued the development permit on
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behalf of Telus Communications for the mixed use project in the Old City Quarter. Congratulations to Greg Tomkins, a chartered financial analyst and portfolio manager at Assante Capital Management, who has written a book titled: “Simple Money: Turn Your Dreams Into Reality.” Assante’s office in Nanaimo is at 1200 Princess Royal Avenue. A tip of the hat to Don Pigott, owner of Yellow Point Propagation on Quennell Road in Cedar, as the company collects coniferous and deciduous tree cones, shrubs and wild flowers and sells them in British Columbia, Asia and Europe.
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NANAIMO Tilray Inc. has announced it is closing its Nanaimo marijuana cultivation operations, although they will be consolidating its Vancouver Island operations at Broken Coast. The announcement was made three months after Tilray merged with Ontario-based Aphria Inc.
John, Ray and Kennedy were involved in the business. Clarke tragically died in a hiking accident in 2019 in Strathcona Park.
Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached jay An Ind at mark@communicationink.ca
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Up the road in Parksville, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks has been sold to Chelsea Enns and Albert Gorter of Manitoba. The Gourlay family founded the operation, which includes Morningstar Farm. The new owners arrived in July to work alongside the family and officially took over Sept. 1. Nancy and Clarke Gourlay started the operation in 2001 in French Creek, and their sons,
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Jay Cousins jay cousins realty
An Independent Member Broker
PH 250-751-1223 TF 1-877-335-4380 E jay@jaycousins.com W jaycousins.com VANCOUVER ISLAND INVESTMENT, BUSINESS & LEASING OPPORTUNITIES Po
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VACANT RESIDENTIAL LAND Lantzville, BC - $1,659,000
BUSINESS ASSET SALE Chemainus, BC - $79,000
UNDEVELOPED LAND Nanoose Bay - $1,750,000
PRIME INVESTMENT PROPERTY Nanaimo, BC - $1,500,000
6.62 Acres Vacant Land Zoned Single Family Residential in Upper Lantzville - just off Parkway Bypass Treed and Private Property Potential of Re-Zone and Subdivision Information Portfolio Available
Premier, Well Established Hair Salon for Sale in Downtown Chemainus Good Revenue w/Strong Growth Trend Sale includes Equipment List Plus Inventory Information Portfolio Available
High Exposure Corner Property 1.7 Acres + Registered Access & Parking
2 Buildings on .75 Acre Property Paved Parking for 50 Vehicles Existing Restaurant Tenant in 1,800 Sq. Ft. Building with Long Term Lease in Place Large 4,200 Sq. Ft. Building is Vacant with incomplete Retail Orientation Information Portfolio Available
LARGE DOWNTOWN OFFICE FOR LEASE - $12/Sq. Ft. + TN
OFFICE/RETAIL - CORNER UNIT FOR LEASE - $13.00/Sq. Ft. + TN
2ND LEVEL WALK-UP SPACE FOR LEASE - $1,600/Month + GST
Prominent Corner Location Close to Downtown Nanaimo Core Zoning Allows Broad Range of Uses Near Nanaimo’s Active Old City Quarter Available for Immediate Occupancy Information Portfolio Available
1,130 Sq. Ft. Office/Service/Retail Use Shared Washrooms with 2 Other Tenants High Traffic Area on the Corner of Commercial St. & Old Island Highway Across from Nanaimo Convention Centre Information Portfolio Available
Nicely Appointed 2nd Floor Office Space 3,948 Sq. Ft. in Quality Building Several Private Offices with City Views Large Open Area Separate Storage and Staff Room Information Portfolio Available
Lot Easement on Neighbouring Property Approved for Phase 1 Development of 30,000 SF Commercial Complex with a further 26,000 SF approved for Phase 2 Information Portfolio Available
2 COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL LOTS Crofton, BC - $430,000
SECOND LEVEL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE - $9.50/Sq. Ft. + TN
Two Side by Side Lots for Sale Total 10,600 Sq. Ft. (.25 Acre) High Visibility Corner Location Main Arterial Route into Crofton C2 Zoning Information Portfolio Available
Large Inside 2,033 Sq. Ft. Office Space Downtown Corner Location Configuration of Offices and Open Area plus Separate Storage Room Walk-in Level or Elevator Access Information Portfolio Available
1,712 Sq. Ft. CORNER UNIT FOR LEASE - $1,700/Month
.75 ACRE OF BARE LAND FOR LEASE - $2,000/Month + GST
VERSATILE SPACE WITH STORAGE FOR LEASE - $2,200/Month + GST
Located in the Dorchester Hotel Across from the Waterfront Zoning allows Artist Studio, Daycare, Commercial School, Office, Retail, etc. Great Visibility, Lots of Traffic Plus GST, Hydro & Taxes per Month Information Portfolio Available
Trans Canada Highway Location Situated across from the Cassidy Airport in South Nanaimo Easy Access, Industrial Zoned (IN-2) Best as outdoor Storage or Similar Use Information Portfolio Available
Former Seniors Club - Nanaimo City 1,900 SF plus Bonus of 1,300 SF Storage Price Includes Hydro & HVAC, but not
proportionate Share of Property Taxes Easy Access off Albert Street Information Portfolio Available
D L O S
September 2021
PORT ALBERNI
PORT ALBERNI’S OUTLOOK 2020 PORT ALBERNI - In 2004, groups of citizens began meeting in Port Alberni to create a Vision for the City. After 20 months of exploring many themes, the 440 people who had contributed to the discussions, dePat Deakin livered a 127-page document to the community. The document captured the conversations and ended with a Vision that has one major and five supporting themes as follows: The ALBERNI VALLEY is a Vibrant Waterfront Community at the Heart of the West Coast that: Is sustainable & environmentally responsible; Is safe, caring & healthy; has a robust & diverse economy; is welcoming, accessible & attractive; and is actively creating its future Each of the supporting themes has a fuller explanation of what is meant by the short phrase. For example, the sustainability theme goes on to say: The citizenry of the Alberni Valley is committed to becoming the pinnacle of sustainable communities, protecting its air quality, natural waterways, and recreational areas. Natural resources are seen as a community asset and the responsibility of all, to be managed in a sustainable manner. The Alberni Valley offers a wide range of transportation options. A network of paths and trails that link the community, make it possible and practical to get around without a vehicle. There is a zero-waste recycling program.
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Every Council since 2006 has maintained that Vision in their Strategic Plans. There were times when it seemed unachievable but enough of us believed it would happen and have worked to make it so, that it feels like the tipping point is being reached and we are starting to fulfill that Vision. It’s rare when a week goes by without a new project being announced. Usually those weeks bring news of a new citizen with an amazing background moving here. Some entrepreneurs are coming here because of business or family connections but all see opportunity and recognize the optimism and excitement about our future. A combination of affordable properties, a small friendly community, a central location on Vancouver Island, ease of access to outdoor activities and increasing amenities continue to attract millennials and retirees. Although it’s a year later than the Outlook 2020 document aimed for, and we still have work to do with respect to the Vision, it feels like a great time to acknowledge those who developed the Vision and those who held the space for it through all that has occurred in the intervening years. Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni. He can be reached at 250-720-2527 or Patrick_deakin@portalberni.ca
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COMOX VALLEY
INTRODUCING A CHAMBER CORPORATE PARTNER JACKSON AND ASSOCIATES
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COMOX VALLEY Jackson and Associates is a local appraisal firm that has been operating in the Comox Valley for over 40 years and is owned and managed by Dan Wilson. Dan purchased the business in 2000 with his wife from Bill Jackson after mentoring and working with Bill. DIANNE HAWKINS Today Dan’s, focus is on commercial/industrial investment property appraisals and managing a team of seven professional appraisers and three support staff who complete a variety of valuation and real estate consulting throughout the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, and Sunshine Coast. Jackson and Associates support a variety of local charities such as Habitat for Humanity and Dawn to Dawn. Along with this, staff are actively involved in leadership roles within their profession. Steve Blacklock serves on the National Board of Directors
of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. Rachelle Tink, as Chair, serves on the Nanaimo Chapter of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. Dan has volunteered for over 20 years in various roles ranging from Provincial President and National President of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. He is currently serving on the Professional Standards Committee, Peer Review Committee and is the Chair of the Verity Claims Management – AIC’s liability claims management company. Jackson and Associates, much like many other businesses has adjusted through the COVID-19 Pandemic. The office was initially closed to the public with staff working on a mixture of remote and in office work. As the economy reopened, the office has reopened and staff returned to the office. “We continue to closely monitor and follow the guidance of Heath Authorities and our professional associations. Everyone has a different level of comfort these days with having third parties in their homes and workplaces and we have the flexibility to provide both interior inspections of properties or exterior only inspections with interior details provided by our clients – depending on the level of comfort/preference of our clients,” says Dan. New Chamber members in August: DMF Contracting, JCT Creative Communications, St. Michaels University, Dencan Franchise, Eureka Support Society and Living Earth Pottery. Dianne Hawkins is CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber For more information on what’s happening locally and advocacy at the Chamber, give us a call or email our CEO at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber. com – We’re here for you! #Restart Comox Valley
September 2021
CAMPBELL RIVER
CREATING CONNECTIONS — BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY
MARY RUTH SNYDER ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO… CAMPBELL RIVER - 58.44 per cent of Canadians voted in our federal election. The result was a small variation on what we had before the election call. What is the message most are perceiving from the result? Get back to work — work together — compromise — and do what is right for the people of this great country as it has been an excruciating 18 months on all fronts. Our national chamber represents over 220,000 small and medium businesses from coast to coast to coast and are communicating at the very least weekly, the challenges faced by businesses and community organizations to the prime minister and the cabinet. You can see the impact of those conversations in the fluidity of the programs launched at the beginning of the pandemic to the continuation, with the wage subsidy currently extended to October 23rd. And while 58.44 per cent of eligible voters exercised their democratic right, it is not a great number. However, it is far better than our last municipal election numbers in 2018. Out of 251 locales throughout our province, only 21 broke through the 60 per cent mark and most of those by a hair. The majority of the 251 fell far short of that 60 per cent mark. And yet, it is the local municipal policies and bylaws that
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arguably have the most impact on us during our day to day. The next local municipal elections will occur October 15, 2022. This gives you roughly 12 ½ months to contemplate what direction you want to see your village, town, or city move in as we are faced with increasing crisis on our streets with homeless, underhoused, under-supported, illicit drug issues, vandalism, the list is seemingly endless and all impact the daily operation of businesses and citizens going about their day. But here’s the thing. You live in a democracy. You have the power to elect people that will work on your behalf to help solve some of these issues or stand for office yourself. Every single person over 18 has a voice and it matters if they use it. And, getting this age lowered to 16 is another worthwhile conversation. Talk to your family, talk to your friends, engage with your employees and fellow co-workers and get involved even if it is only to encourage everyone to vote. And in 24 ½ months on or before October 19, 2024, is the next provincial election. So, yes — one down, two to go. Please encourage everyone to vote, it will make a difference. Your voice matters. Democracy only works if you participate. For More Information contact Mary Ruth Snyder, Executive Director, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce @ 250.650.7575, or Stephen Watson, Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, BC Hydro @ 250.616.9888
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OFF THE COVER
Installation of an all weather synthetic sports field prevented further deterioration of the field
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UPLAND GROUP TAKING THE HIGH ROAD CAMPBELL RIVER – The team at Upland Contracting has taken the high road as they’ve served the Vancouver Island construction industry for over 50 years. “It’s our people that make the company successful, and we have a good, dedicated young staff and employees,” notes President Mark Stuart, who with his business partner and Company Controller Graham Knutson, purchased the business from his father, George Stuart, who founded the business in 1969. George and a group of investors bought Mt. Washington Alpine Resort in 1989, and sold it in 2015 to Pacific Group Resorts Inc. Mark literally grew up in the business, adding “I started sweeping the maintenance shop in 1982, operating equipment in 1988, and joined management in 2001.” Today, his responsibilities include business development, business planning and aggregate
sales. The Upland Group, which contains Upland Excavating Ltd., Upland Contracting Ltd., Strathcona Contracting Ltd. and Upland Ready-Mix Ltd., is committed to community building and development, and to protecting the environment. Upland is a preferred contractor to BC Hydro, Nyrstar Mine and Hillsborough Resources. Upland Contracting includes a large fleet of equipment, mechanical and technical support, and has participated in many prominent, high profile projects for both private and public sector clients such as the City of Campbell River, City of Courtenay, Comox Regional District, BC Hydro, Cermaq Canada, Grieg Seafoods, Trafigura Myra Falls, SNC Lavelin, Maryland Estates, Parkway Properties, Heltsuik First Nations, Department of National Defence Canada, Kinetic Construction, AFC Construction, Rio Tinto, and many others. Upland Contracting also performs Joint
September 2021
OFF THE COVER Venture projects for BC Hydro with their partners at We Wai Kai First Nations. Members of the B.C. Construction Safety Alliance, their head office is on the Gold River Highway (Highway 28) in Campbell River. Upland’s fleet includes large excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders and packers, enabling them to complete unique projects ranging from simple culvert replacements to complex projects like installing a sand/bentonite mixture in a vertical application – the first of its kind in North America. Their fleet of trucks includes 60, 40 and 30 ton off-highway rock trucks, end dump boxes, and tandem truck and pup combinations. They have civil contracting services that assist in all types of construction, from subdivisions and highways to pipeline construction and land reclamation. Upland also works on large projects as a General Contractor covering all aspects of construction. “We are also constantly striving to find new, more efficient methods and equipment to help clients achieve their goals on time and on budget,” says Stuart. Northwin Environmental Ltd is an affiliated Company to the ownership of Uplands. Northwin operates a brand-new, privately-owned landfill facility on the Pit property that receives impacted soils. This facility is the benchmark in modern landfill design and is the first of its kind in British Columbia. Aggregate services Upland offers includes drilling/blasting, primary and secondary custom crushing and aggregate supply. Stuart says the aggregate aspect of the company continues to grow in popularity. “We have the best quality raw materials, resulting in less than one half percent waste by-product,” he notes. People are the prime mover in the success of a business and the management at Uplands tends to see the employees as people building careers in addition to being part of a Team.
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The Pit property is the benchmark in modern landfill design and first of its kind in BC
Stuart notes that Uplands is committed to providing employees with a safe, diverse and supportive work environment. “Only through our employees can we provide our valued customers the guidance and expertise needed to carry their vision and requirements to completion,” he adds. “We know the most important part of our company is our employees. We have comprehensive policies in place to ensure that the safety of our work force is job number one.” Growth has continued at a steady pace over the years, due to the companies commitment to diversification and customer relations. The Upland Contracting is proud that its owners and top management are residents of Campbell River, and that they’ve made significant contributions in making the city an even better place to live. They’ve made donations to various local organizations, including the Campbell River Salmon Foundation, Special Olympics, Campbell River Water Park, the Rotary club, local sports teams and events, and the Campbell River Motor Cross Track, amongst others. www.uplandgroup.ca
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WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of W ho’s Suing W hom is provided by a third-party resource and is accu rate accord i ng to publ ic cou r t documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 0867188 BC Ltd 6550 Me t ra l D r, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Robinson, Penny Mildred CLAIM $10,186 DEFENDANT 0904649 BC Ltd 3-2025 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Va u g h a n , T y l e r James CLAIM $12,216
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DEFENDANT 1712318 Ontario Ltd
3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC Cortes, Johanna CLAIM $35,196 DEFENDANT Central Island Vet 6550 Me t ra l D r, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Robinson, Penny Mildred CLAIM $10,186 DEFENDANT Driftwood Design Ltd 906 Island Hw y, Campbell River, BC
PLAINTIFF Nagra Holdings Ltd CLAIM $27,553 DEFENDANT Jakes Roofing Ltd 2-707 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Nayda, David CLAIM $9,650 DEFENDANT K Star Home Improvement Ltd 1103 G oldstrea m Ave Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Argus Excavating Ltd CLAIM $135,074 DEFENDANT Kimoki Holdings
Ltd 1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Maracle, Shining Star CLAIM $14,560 DEFENDANT Lean Production Solutions 2847 Ashcroft Rd, Nanoose Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Sau n ders, T yler Jordan CLAIM $35,025 DEFENDANT Masthead Restaurant 1701 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Maracle, Shining
Star CLAIM $14,560 DEFENDANT Medi Dent Developments Ltd 403-495 Dunsmuir St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Dr Sabrina Longchamps Inc CLAIM $362,500 DEFENDANT Nagra Holdings Ltd 906 Island Hw y, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF St Amand, Pierre CLAIM $5,413 DEFENDANT Nanaimo Chrysler D o dge Je ep R a m Ltd
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September 2021
WHO IS SUING WHOM 420-880 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Stamm, Tania I CLAIM $22,777 DEFENDANT Osprey Construction Ltd 6263 Selkirk Terrace, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Double L Electric Ltd CLAIM $35,256 DEFENDANT Reflexology Experience 301-2220 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Mork, Michele CLAIM $30,000
DEFENDANT Rocky Mou nta in Chocolate Factory Canada Ltd 2600-595 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Fifth Avenue Holdings Ltd CLAIM $92,290 DEFENDANT Semiahmoo Golf Centre Ltd 19 East 52nd Ave, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Stewa r t, Way n e Alexander C LAIM $14,246 DEFENDANT Soltani Holdings Ltd 204-655 Tyee Rd, Victoria BC PLAINTIFF
Baker Tilly Victoria Ltd CLAIM $13,634 DEFENDANT Spotlight Academy Inc 3 2 25 Va n c o u v e r Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF McBride, Richard Alan CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Stirling Plaza Inc 1103 G oldstrea m Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Argus Excavating Ltd CLAIM $135,074 DEFENDANT Three Point Motors
7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Cortes, Johanna CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Truck It Delivery Inc 9495 Glenelg Ave, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Island Cruising Ltd CLAIM $35,276 DEFENDANT Van Isle Stucco 2741 Cedar Heights Cres, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF N ova k , P a t r i c i a Anne CLAIM $35,156 DEFENDANT
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Van Isle Vapes Ltd 182 Memorial Ave, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Biks Enterprises Inc CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Willowview Property Services 906 Island Hw y, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Nagra Holdings Ltd CLAIM $27,553
19
OPINION
CERB INTRODUCING CANADA TO A COMMUNIST/SOCIALIST ECONOMY
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CERB is crippling the Canadian economy. It’s a cl a ssic case of “the good being the enemy of the best”, where a shortterm, possibly well-intentioned solution becoming a long-term problem that is MARK MACDONALD doing damage that in some corners may never be undone. A case in point: One beleaguered business owner recently lamented the fact he can’t get his staff back on the job. Why? Because one of his employees is on the federal government’s CERB program, and receiving $2,000 a month to stay home and not work. Their partner also receives the $2,000 stipend, so between them, they are receiving what would amount to $48,000 over a full year. To do nothing. We are assured that CERB recipients will find out on their next tax returns that the $2,000 was/is not tax free, and it will be recorded as income upon which they will be taxed at the appropriate rate. But for now, it’s $2,000 up front – which is comparable to the $2,500 or more that individual would have to make working a job in the real world, in order to take that much home. Jobs paying those types of rates start in the service sector, and we’re increasingly seeing
signs on the doors of restaurants, in particular, which should send shivers down our collective spines. A popular Island diner advertises on its roadside sign that it is open until 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday – but a poster at the door states bluntly that the eatery is only open until 4 p.m. now because they can’t get enough staff to work. Normally that restaurant would be open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m., so CERB has already impacted the owners’ ability to provide its meals to hungry customers. Our supply chain is being seriously crimped in other sectors for the same CERB reason. Workers are still choosing to stay home and collect their CERB rather than going to their normal place of work. It is a micro-sample of full blown communism. Communist countries are not able to get enough workers interested in personal advancement to make goods and provide services that people will purchase. Nor does that environment provide any incentive for entrepreneurial minded individuals would take the risk to invest in their own futures by building businesses, or having their dreams realized in terms of new inventions or creations. We are now seeing that here in Canada. Yet much of the populace continues to waltz along, ambivalent to what they’re seeing happening, albeit in slow motion, around them. Why? Because they are partaking of the federal government’s prolonged “free” handouts, never stopping to realize they are mortgaging their very own future.
September 2021
OPINION Favourite brands of food and beverage are slowly disappearing from Canadian shelves. A combination of hoarding resulting in a lack of recyclable aluminum for cans has meant that major soda brands Coca Cola and Pepsi have altered their product offerings out of necessity. They just don’t have enough metal containers for some of their ancillary brands, even though they are worth producing and distributing in regular markets. Some brand name diet drinks are now on the sideline for those very reason. We recently went to a restaurant for lunch, only to find that the doors were closed because they couldn’t get supplies. They said they might get some that afternoon. We went next door, and similarly, the door was closed, with no promise to re-open, for the same reason. We tried a third establishment which was open, although a sign on the door explained that they wouldn’t be able to open to a full complement of seats because of a shortage of staff. A pub recently added wings to its menu, and noted that customers loved them. They then noted, sadly, that they couldn’t get wings until “next Thursday” due to a supply shortage – therefore missing most of a week of valuable sales for their new product. It’s not just food. A walk through an auto parts store revealed spaces on the shelves I’ve never, ever seen before. An electrical company owner notes that he has to be extra careful in his planning to make sure he has enough products to do the jobs he has lined up over the next four months. Reliable suppliers are running low on products, and he has to order four to six months in advance now to make sure his employees have the products they need when it’s time to do the job – instead of enjoying the WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
luxury of just going to the supplier and getting what they need, when they want it. This is what socialism/communism ultimately looks like. While some decry the vagaries of capitalism, they may want to revisit their ideologies if they will open their eyes and view the results of paying people to do nothing. Some of their favourite goods and services have been curtailed during the COVID catastrophe, and as long as CERB remains those shortages will continue to increase. Some of them may never return, as entrepreneurs decide it’s not worth their time and effort to start again. That would be a tragedy indeed. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@ communicationink.ca
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21
REAL ESTATE
SALES HAMPERED BY LOW INVENTORY
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VANCOUVER ISLAND – Histo r i c a l l y l o w i nventor y i n the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area continues to plague potential buyers and hamper sales. Active listings of single-family homes and row/ IAN MACKAY townhouses are 50 per cent lower than in August 2020, while VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments dropped by 61 per cent year over year. There were 891-unit sales in the VIREB area last month, down 18 per cent from one year ago. By category, 460 single-family homes sold in August, up by two per cent from July and down by 15 per cent year over year. August saw 101 condo apartment sales compared to 102 the previous year and 124 in July. In the row/townhouse category, there were 91 sales last month compared to 104 in August 2020 and 99 in July 2021. “Sales would undoubtedly be higher if there were adequate inventory,” says Ian Mackay, 2021 VIREB President. “Further, because the real estate sector is driven by supply and demand, we expect that prices will continue to rise unless demand drops or listings increase.” Mackay says that with a fall election on the horizon, VIREB is encouraged by the major parties’ focus on housing affordability. “However, without a tangible plan to build more homes, we’re concerned that election
promises will fall far short of what’s needed and do little to improve affordability,” adds Mackay. VIREB believes that the levers of delay developers face at the local level impede new construction and are significant barriers to increasing housing supply. BCREA, VIREB, and other real estate boards continue advocating with policymakers at the provincial and regional levels to speed up the development process so that municipalities can expand supply more quickly to meet demand. “Building more homes isn’t the easy solution, but it’s the key to making housing more affordable,” states Mackay. The board-wide benchmark price of a single-family home reached $740,900 in August, up 33 per cent year over year and slightly higher than in July. In the apartment category, the benchmark price hit $390,200 last month, a three per cent increase month over month and up by 27 per cent year over year. The benchmark price of a townhouse rose by 31 per cent from the previous August and by one per cent from July, climbing to $569,900. In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home hit $650,800 in August, up by 33 per cent from the previous year. In the Comox Valley, the year-over-year benchmark price rose by 32 per cent to $772,800. The Cowichan Valley reported a benchmark price of $733,600, an increase of 32 per cent from August 2020. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose by 29 per cent, hitting $741,900, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by 35 per cent to $863,800. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni reached $492,400, a 43 per cent year-over-year increase. The benchmark price for the North Island rose by 52 per cent, hitting $394,400 in August.
September 2021
FEATURE STORY
MORNINGSTAR GOLF CLUB RISES OUT OF RECEIVERSHIP PARKSVILLE – Morningstar Golf Club is no longer in receivership. The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) pension fund, which operates under the name Realcor Golf Inc., has been awarded ownership of the 18 hole course in Parksville, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. “We are excited about the future,” states General Manager Barrie McWha, who was hired along with business partner Ray Riva in 2019 to bring the course back into physical and financial shape. IUOE has retained McWha and Riva to continue with plans for the future of the development., and John Randle has joined the team as Director of Golf Upcoming improvements will include adding forward tee boxes which will appeal to juniors, seniors, women, and high handicappers, and creating innovative skills development programs under the banner of the Randle Golf Academy. “The past two years have seen significant improvements with Morningstar once again being highly regarded as a place golfers want to play,” says McWha. The club hosted a successful BC Golf Junior Championships in June and looks forward to getting back to hosting notable golf events. “With membership now at a full complement, there is a waiting list for those who would like to join the club,” he adds. “The course is open to the public with a good restaurant and great
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Morningstar Golf Club General Manager Barrie McWha
patio dining for everyone to enjoy.” Morningstar was originally the dream project of Vancouver Island real estate developer, Mladen Zorkin, was designed by renowned course architect Les Furber, and opened in July, 1991. Furber’s goal was to create a big, bold tournament-length course and the success of the course was immediate. In 1992, and for the following five years, Morningstar hosted the Canadian Professional Golfers Association’s Qualifying School, and the Morningstar Classic was a Canadian Tour event from 1994-1996.
COWICHAN VALLEY
COWICHAN FOOD COMMUNITY MAKING SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
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COWICHAN VA L L E Y - I n 2020, Economic Development Cowichan completed a Food Processing Feasibility Study in partnership with Small Scale Food Processor BARRY O’RIORDAN Association. The feasibility study contributes to the growing body of research supporting the food sector in Cowichan and assesses the opportunities for more local foods to be purchased by Cowichan food processors and institutional markets.
Since the study was published, the Cowichan community has made significant progress in implementing many of the recommendations from the report. Funding was announced in early 2021 for the Cowichan Food Hub, led by Cowichan Green Community. The Hub will increase the region’s capacity for food processing and distribution, and provide space for innovation and business support. Shortly after this announcement, the Cowichan Food Innovation Program was launched. The program helped 26 food and beverage entrepreneurs advance their goals to launch, pivot or grow their businesses. All along, the region continues to support the Island Good brand program, with new 2021 memberships sponsored by Economic Development Cowichan. There are now 37 Cowichan-based Island Good members, making it easier for consumers to choose local. Most recently, Cow-op Online Farmers’ Market, which facilitates online ordering of local food with delivery or pickup throughout the region, has launched a wholesale platform on their website, cow-op.ca. Chefs, caterers, retailers, and other wholesale buyers can now access fresh, local products at bulk prices.
September 2021
COWICHAN VALLEY Cow-op is a non-profit cooperatively-run food hub that provides convenient online access to the highest quality local products. They have over 60 local farm and food processor members selling products through the online farmers’ market. Buyers can choose from a range of premium salad greens, vegetables, fruits, eggs and meat, dairy, herbs, sauces, preserves, beverages, seeds, plants, soaps and more, all grown or made in the agriculture-rich Cowichan Valley and closely neighbouring regions. New items are always being added. With the expansion into wholesale, the organization aims to secure a predictable and viable market solution for their members (all local farms and food processors), while getting more fresh, BC-made, mindfully produced ingredients on diner’s plates and on retailer’s shelves. This is the next step in the Cow-op’s journey of becoming the regional leader in creating a vibrant, circular local food economy. Wholesale buyers are invited to create a free account here: https://shop.cow-op.ca/ Account/Register. When asked to select what kind of customer you are, choose, “A restaurant, grocery store &/or other institution that is interested in shopping wholesale.” Wholesale manager Rachel Horton reviews and approves all new wholesale accounts. Once approved, you will see larger sizes and wholesale prices in the online order system. Net 15 payment terms are also available. Horton urges anyone interested to send her an email directly at rachel@cow-op.ca. “It’s
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about starting new relationships,” she says. “We are real people - so much better than dealing with a faceless corporation!” With innovation on the rise and local food becoming more accessible than ever, Cowichan is poised to become a leader in food sustainability on Vancouver Island. Barry O’Riordan is Manager of Economic Development Cowichan and can be reached at 250.709.1119 or barry.oriordan@cvrd.bc.ca
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MOVERS & 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
NORTH ISLAND
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Port McNei l l w i l l receive $290,584 for the Hemlock Street Active Transportation Improvements project, while Port Hardy will receive $221,981 for the Granville Street to Trustee Sidewalk and Pathway Improvements project. Both projects will improve the active transportation infrastructure that connects neighborhoods to parks, schools, and town centers in both towns. Coastal Community Credit Union donated $3,000 from their Relief and Resiliency Fund to Victor’s Secret to assists North Island cancer patients with travel expenses for treatment. Mowi Canada West has established the Seagate Feed Control Centre in Port Hardy, which the company says is equipped with the latest fish feeding equipment.
Port McNeill council has approved the purchase of a new pumper truck from Fort Garry Fire Trucks. Theresa Charbonneau has been appointed as Service Advisor and Parts Person at OK Tire in Port Hardy, located at 8600 Wollason St. The Copper & Kelp Market, located in the Storey’s Beach area, is expected to open this fall. Tammy Lee and her daughter Amanda are scheduled to reopen Port Alice’s pizzeria October 1st. Michael Whitworth of Port McNeill has turned his passion to sculp dinosaurs into a business that ships all over the world. His kits are meant for collectors and range in price from $50 to $120 USD. He can be found on Facebook at Candid Sculpts.
September 2021
MOVERS & SHAKERS Guzzi Scott and Jessica Brown of Aussie Signs have sold their business to manager Tiffany Fischer who has renamed the company Reaper Signs Killer Designs. CAMPBELL RIVER Diane Morrison, Managing Director of Mowi Canada West, has been named to the BC500. Morrison is one of six individuals in the province’s fisheries a nd aqu acu ltu re sector recognized in the list, an initiative of Business In Diane Morrison Vancouver. Mowi also recently moved to a new location at 1046 Cedar St in Campbell River. A new agreement between the North Island College and VTC Academy – a pioneer in technology and digital content education in Vietnam – will enable students from that nation to continue their studies in digital design and development at NIC. Andre Marthinsen, Site Manager for Mowi Canada West’s Saltwater Department, is commemorating 30 years with the company.
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Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress, located at 825-12th Avenue, is celebrating its 44th anniversary this year. Campbell River’s municipal council has authorized a series of proposed BC Transit expansion plans aimed at increasing the city’s transit service by 2023. The proposed modifications include an increase of 930 service hours on the city’s eight conventional bus routes, estimated to cost $48,000. The RBC Wealth Management team gave a $1,000 donation to the BCSPCA – Campbell River Branch in support of the local branch and the animals it cares for. Chief Darren Blaney of the Homalco First Nat ion has been na med one of t he BI V TOP500 business leaders in British Columbia for his work in fisheries recovery and enhancement. The new Island Class ferries Island Nagalis and Island K’ulut’a, which were given their new names during a special ceremony at Victoria’s Point Hope Maritime, will join the BC Ferries fleet in 2022, allowing two-ship service on the Campbell River – Quadra Island route to commence.
Listen to Lee Rowley, Managing Principal of Herold Engineering on the latest episode.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS Vancouver Island Metal Sales, located at 2470 Island Highway, Campbell River, is now open. The City’s Highway 19A renovations project funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia’s New Building Canada – Small Communities Fund, which provided $6.43 million for work along the City’s waterfront, has been completed. COMOX VALLEY
Hornby Islands. Valley Home Check, founded and operated by Julie and Richard Watkins, has a new owner, Robert McLennan. The Vancouver Island Visitor Centre ownership has been transferred to the Comox Valley Regional District by the Comox Valley Economic Development Society. Tourism Vancouver Island will continue to manage the center at 3607 Small Road in Cumberland. The Comox Valley Regional District has announced a $70,000 grant to the Wachiay Friendship Centre, a new indigenous affordable housing development. The development project will be located at 17th Street and McPhee Avenue in Courtenay.
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Samantha McKieve has been appointed as the Comox Valley Social Planning Society’s new access and social planning assistant. Level 10 Eurospa has been sold to long-time managers Carrie McCrindle (left) and Crystal Rose (right), according to company founder Leanne Boyd (middle). Katharina Schulte-Bisping has been appoi nted as a new A ssista nt Ma nager at Coastal Community Credit Union, starting September 13th, 2021. LUSH Valley will take up permanent residence at 2342 Rosewall Crescent in Tin Town, according to Maurita Prato, the organization’s Executive Director. The Comox Valley Regional District’s board of directors is moving forward with plans to deploy high-speed internet on Denman and
The Comox Valley Food Bank, located at 1-1491 McPhee Avenue, is launching its new Home Delivery Program for clients with mobility issues. PORT ALBERNI San Cedar Direct, located at the corner of Roger Street and Victoria Quay, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this year. West Coast General Hospital’s emergency department expansion has started, a $6.25 million project announced by provincial health minister Adrian Dix earlier this year. The Port Alberni Port Authority has announced Rory Pluym as this year’s recipient
September 2021
MOVERS & SHAKERS
The San Group has proposed a billion-dollar housing complex in Port Alberni - Pacific Mayfair Estates. The master-planned community is intended for a vacant lot at the top of Burde Street, behind West Coast General Hospital. Billybeauty MKTG, a t-shirt printing business owned by Natasha and Bill Dennis, opened at 4567 Gertrude Street.
A W A
District Group announced the sale of a 2.5-acres to Vancouver Resource Society (VRS) Communities Society to construct a non-profit senior and disabled housing development, located at the intersection of Anderson Avenue and North Park Drive.
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The Flooring Depot has expanded with a new showroom, they are located at 2936 Third Avenue. TOFINO-UCLUELET The Ucluelet Public Market received a grant of $3,000 to revamp its logo and website from Coastal Community Credit Union through the Relief and Resiliency fund. Ucluelet council took decisions on a trio of significant development projects. Lot 6 at Marine Drive, a large housing development project across from Big Beach, received second reading, a suggestion to rezone ONNI Group Lands (previously Wyndansea) as a rural destination, and an application from The Cabins to create 13 short-term rental units at Terrace Beach.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS PARKSVILLE/QUALICUM BEACH Albert Gorter and Chelsea Enn have acquired Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Morningstar Farm. They took legal ownership of both the farm and processing operations on Sept. 1. Parksville Mayor Ed Mayne has sold his Parksville Tim Horton’s location, and he still owns the donut chain outlet at Nanaimo North Town Centre. Leuco Construction donated $10,000 to the Qualicum Beach Elementary School PAC to help fund the construction of a new outdoor shelter.
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Choices Markets will be taking over the 22,000-square-foot Quality Foods property
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at 319 Island Highway in Parksville in the fall of 2022. Construction on Hirst Avenue in Parksville broke ground recently in late August. Work on Memorial Avenue is expected to begin in December 2021. Adam McKillican, a former Parksville Royals pitcher, has signed a free-agent contract with Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers.
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NANAIMO Poky Page, a new restaurant, is now open in the former Quizno’s location next to the Mid Island Co-op gas station at Brooks Landing. Candice McKinnon is now the General Manager at La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor.
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Congratulations to Janet Dyck upon starting her new position as Sales and Event
September 2021
MOVERS & SHAKERS Coordinator at the Coast Bastion Hotel. Janet had previously worked with Communication Connection. A fourth Driftwood restaurant opened at Nanaimo North Town Centre in August 16. The new Chinese food outlet joins the Driftwood in Oyster Bay at 4329 South Island Highway south of Campbell River, the Golden Dragon at 5023 Johnston Road in Port Alberni and another in Parksville, as the owners have purchased the former Tan’s Kitchen in Parksville at 332 Island Highway West. The owners also own SimonHolt in Nanaimo. Jo-anne Freelund is now a Commercial Producer at Megson Fitzpatrick Insurance Services at its new Nanaimo office at 96 Wallace Street.
T here’s a nother Drip i n Na na i mo. T he owners/managers of the popular coffee shop in Departure Bay, Scott Marr and Jason Fortin, have opened their second location in the new development on Dufferin Crescent built by Donna Hais and her team at RW (Bob) Wall Contracting Ltd. The new building, which will include doctor’s offices on upper floors, is also home to a new location for Central Drugs. Joe Cristiano, C h i e f C o m m u nity and Marketing Officer at Coastal Community Credit Union, is celebrating 25 years at the organization. Joe Cristiano
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Region
Project Address
Project Type
Project Details
Owner/Contractor/Architect
Victoria
2730 Scott St
Residential new
SFD & Suite
Victech Construction Ltd
Oak Bay Applications
1307 Transit Rd
Residential new
SFD
Coast Prestige Homes Ltd
1,100,000
Oak Bay
3020 Lansdowne Rd
Residential new
SFD
GT Mann Contracting Ltd
1,500,000
Esquimalt
836 Viewfield Rd
Tenant improvements
Driftwood Brewery
836 Viewfield Holdings / Waburn Construction
350,000
Central Saanich
7246 Skyline Cres
Residential new
SFD
Right Angle Builders
477,000
Langford
2013 Pinehurst Terr
Residential new
SFD - 402 sm
Lida Homes Inc
996,000
Sooke
1100 Silver Spray Dr
Residential new
SFD - 299 sm
J McKendry Developments
421,000
Cowichan Valley RD
700 Shawnigan Lake Rd
Industrial new
Malahat Centre Industrial Park
Draycor Construction Ltd / StudioPA Architects
Nanaimo Applications
285 Prideaux St
Multi-family new
Supportive Housing - 51 units
NRB Modular Solution / S2 Architecture
Nanaimo RD
1254 Station Rd
Residential new
SFD
Falling Rocks Construction
Qualicum Beach
103 Railway St
Multi-family new
Condominiums - 17 units
Citta Construction Ltd / Continuum Architecture
4,700,000
Cumberland
3132 Grant Rd
Commercial new
Industrial Unit - 575 sm
Lacasse Construction / PHI Architecture
1,400,000
Courtenay
3388 Majestic Dr
Residential new
SFD
Benco Ventures BC
Strathcona RD
2713 Iron River Rd
Residential new
SFD - Unit H - 225 sm
Perspective Design Build Ltd
Campbell River
801 Island Hwy
Tenant improvements
Crowne Pacific Office - 1,277 sm
Crowne Pacific / Veyron Properties Group
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Amount 597,000
1,600,000 12,000,000 653,000
800,000 1,283,000 800,000
MOVERS & SHAKERS Dr. Katarine Holeway, ND RAc (Naturopathic Physician and Registered Acupuncturist) has joined VitaCare Natural Health Clinic.
Craig Palin, InPrint’s former owner, will remain on board for several months to ensure a seamless transition.
Yellow Point Propagation on Q uen nel l Road, owned by Don Pigott, is helping in the re-seeding of forests in BC as well as Europe and Asia.
VMAC has earned its position within Great Place To Work®’s Best Workplaces™ in Manufacturing list, for the third consecutive year, joining Canada’s top organizations in the manufacturing industry.
Tilray has announced the closure of its Nanaimo facilities, according to Berrin Noorata, Tilray’s chief corporate relations officer. The City of Nanaimo has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the province to assist with the completion of its Metral Drive ‘complete streets’ project.
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Nanoose First Nation (Snaw-Naw-As) will receive $441,144 for a multi-use trail connection project, including constructing a 450-meter multi-use walkway, lighting improvements, and the connection to the market and employment center, and link to a future regional trail network.
Motion, a mobility and accessibility solutions provider, has recently celebrated the grand opening of their Nanaimo office at 1925 Boxwood Road, Unit 114.
Catrina Elliott, founder of Elite Image, has announced the acquisition of InPrint Graphic Design and Printing. InPrint employee Dave Mcbride with join the Elite Image team, while
The City of Nanaimo wants public input on the Terminal Avenue and Commercial Street redevelopment. The city is evaluating plans for the 500 block of Terminal Avenue, known as The Hub, including an expanded plaza and park areas, enhanced bicycle and pedestrian linkages, and streetscape improvements. The City of Nanaimo has approved a proposal
September 2021
MOVERS & SHAKERS by Omicron for TELUS to build a 197-unit apartment at 400 Fitzwilliam St. Lafarge Canada, the country’s largest producer of concrete and cement, has been certified as a Living Wage Employer. It will assist their 1,000 direct employees and contracted service professionals in their British Columbia operations. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is pleased to announce that the Local Government Development Approvals Program, funded by the Province of BC and the Government of Canada under the Safe Restart Agreement, has approved $457,000 in grant funding to upgrade the RDN’s development application processing technology. T he Vancouver Island Regional Library
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(VIRL) and Vancouver Island University are collaborating to enhance early childhood literacy through the addition of the Family Space collection, according to Ben Hyman, Executive Director of VIRL. LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS Gunnell Borge has decided to close down the retail portion of Sandpiper Garden & Glass Inc as she scales down her business. Her desire to slow down has instigated the closure. The auto glass repair portion will continue at their 2891 Laurel Street location in Chemainus. Regency Fireplace Products celebrated the formal inauguration of their Ladysmith showroom at E&S Heating and Air Conditioning.
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Madill - The Office Company is constructing a new 22,000-square-foot office, warehouse, and distribution center on Ludlow Rd. in Ladysmith. The Town of Ladysmith is receiving a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $296,343 to improve pedestrian safety and expand our existing active transportation network. COWICHAN VALLEY Island Health’s Wellness and Recovery Centre at 5878 York Road is set to open this fall. Fallows Acupuncture, owned by Devorah Fallows, located at 330 Duncan St Suite 201A, Duncan, is now open. The Saltair water system has been awarded a $3.9 million grant to enhance its filtration system. The financing comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and accounts for approximately 70 per cent of the anticipated $5 million project cost. The Capsule, owned by Nick Mravunac, recently opened at 51 Trunk Rd., close to Charles Howey Park. The store sells vintage snacks, clothing and memorabilia. Electric-vehicle batteries, mattresses, single-use fuel canisters and fire extinguishers are among the products that will be eligible for provincewide recycling as part of a fiveyear plan to advance recycling in British Columbia. Other items to be added to British Columbia’s Recycling Regulation and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy include more electronic products
September 2021
MOVERS & SHAKERS such as solar panels, more types of lithium-ion batteries, electric-vehicle chargers and e-cigarettes. The Municipality of North Cowichan and the Quw’utsun Nation, which includes the Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Lyackson First Nation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the establishment of a Municipal Forest Reserve (MFR) Working Group to share information regarding the stewardship and use of the MFR for the benefit of the community. Cowichan Collision was presented with this year’s prestigious Priory Vote of Thanks Award by St. John Ambulance in recognition of their excellent dedication to the Order of St. John in Canada.
Cowichan Tribe expresses gratitude to Nexus, the principal contractor for the new $8.3 million affordable housing project on Boys Road currently under development. Dana Thorne, associate director of housing for the Cowichan Tribes, also recognizes the work of Porlier Pass Contractors, Matt T Excavating, Raven Stone Construction, HG Xcavating, Fran’s Trucking, Proframe and A-2-Z Traffic Control. Leslie Welin, Clements Center Society’s chairwoman of the board, presided over the grand opening of Stanko-Casswell Place on Princess Avenue in Cobble Hill. Emily Lavender, owner of The Fort has moved her retro video and board game cafe to 250 Jubilee St. The new site has a kitchen along with more than 100 board and card games.
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