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AUGUST 2020
CAPITAL IRON TAKES PRIDE IN FAMILY LEGACY - 20
ARCADIA ELEVATING SERVICES OFFERS MOBILITY FREEDOM - 22 Innov8 the way you work.
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HOYNE BREWING TAKES VICTORY DRINK IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC - 25
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It feels a little like we’re living in the “Upside Down” right now. (Stranger Things on Netflix will illuminate this reference if it’s drawing dead). Corona cases are up, deaths and hospitalizations are down. Canada’s housing market is way up, reaching the highest transaction volume on record in July, but many other sectors are nowhere near recovery. Despite the government scandals, the flakey economy, trouble south of the border, and a whole lot of unknown, the show must go on. Fortunately for you and I, there are a lot of local businesses proving that no matter what gets thrown their way, they’re going to find a way to survive, and even thrive while facing incredible challenges. From our lead story on Capital Iron, to legendary beverage crafter Hoyne Brewing, Innovior Construction, Arcadia Elevating Services, and our own curated Movers and Shakers and Who Is Suing Whom, we hope our content inspires you to keep pushing forward, and helps your business improve in some way. 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 Publisher: Mark MacDonald (mark@businessexaminer.ca) Editor: Lise MacDonald (lise@businessexaminer.ca) Press Releases & Story Ideas: (media@businessexaminer.ca) Sales: John MacDonald (john@businessexaminer.ca)
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7 NEWS UPDATE
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10 GREATER VICTORIA
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CITIFIED
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WEST SHORE
SAANICH PENINSULA
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TOURISM
TERRAWEST ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
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ARCADIA ELEVATING SERVICES
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
OPINION
NEWS UPDATE
Macdonald Commercial’s team of outstanding professionals are here to assist you with all of your apartment real estate needs.
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SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN DEMAND IN VICTORIA A total of 979 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this July, 38.7 per cent more than the 706 properties sold in July 2019 and 21.2 per cent more than the previous month of June 2020. Sales of condominiums were up 11.2 per cent from July 2019 with 239 units sold. Sales of single-family homes were up 61.1 per cent from July 2019 with 559 sold. There were 2,653 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service at the end of July 2020, 10 percent fewer properties than the total available at the end of July 2019 and a 1.7 per cent decrease from the 2,698 active listings for sale at the end of June 2020. The Multiple Listing Service Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core in July 2019 was $861,100. The benchmark value for the same home in July 2020 increased by 5.7 per cent to $910,400, 1.6 per cent more than June’s value of $896,200. The MLS HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in July 2019 was $520,900, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in July 2020 increased by 1.7 per cent to $529,900, 0.8 per cent more than the June value of $525,600. vrba WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
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NEWS UPDATE
LLAMAZOO SIGNS HISTORIC DEAL
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LlamaZOO, a Spatial Business Intelligence provider with a SaaS platform, has signed an agreement with Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, enabling them as the first-ever First Nation to use digital twinning software technology for improving land management and stewardship. Leveraging LlamaZOO’s TimberOps software, Mowachaht/Muchalaht will use a digital twin of the nation’s 350,000+ hectares of territory (land and water) on Vancouver Island to facilitate meaningful reconciliation through shared decision-making as well as provide greater certainty for responsible development proposals of the land with industry (forestry and mining), and government. LlamaZOO’s TimberOps software visualizing tree canopy height on Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation territory (CNW Group/LlamaZOO Interactive Inc.) With the most data layers ever seen in a digital twin at LlamaZOO and over 100 years of historical BC logging data, the technology will replace previously used tools such as Google Earth and physical maps, and turn large amounts of complex landscape-level data into an intuitive, 3D digital twin. Mowachaht/Muchalaht will use the materials that are stored in their Cultural Resource Center; such as the recorded Culturally Modified Trees, places of sacred significance, named Places, places to gather food/seafood and other cultural information to complement the new technology.
VIKING RENEWS SUPPORT CONTRACT WITH PERU AIR FORCE SIDNEY – Viking Air Limited and the Fuerza Aerea del Peru (FAP) have renewed their comprehensive Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft support contract originally initiated in 2016 for a further five years under Viking’s Maintenance Plus (M+) Program. The FAP operates twelve Series 400 Twin Otters that provide civil protection, environmental monitoring, critical infrastructure support and emergency medevac services in the remote Amazonian regions of northeast Peru. Viking specifically developed the M+ program to meet FAP’s requirements for a single-contract instrument that provides budget predictability, a streamlined procurement process for continuous flow of factory-new spare parts, up-to-date technical publications, on-site technical training, and digital tools for monitoring scheduled maintenance events. Since implementing the initial Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) support contract in 2016, Viking’s M+ program has helped the FAP maintain spare part inventory levels with minimal bureaucracy, maximize its Series 400 Twin Otter fleet utilization, and increase dispatch reliability rates to further enable the organization’s critical operational and training requirements. Vikingair.com
AUGUST 2020
NEWS UPDATE
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NEW CLIMATE PROGRAM FOR CAPITAL REGION HOMEOWNERS Homeowners in the capital region have a new opportunity to take action and make their homes more climate friendly through the new Bring It Home 4 The Climate program. Led by City Green Solutions, the program will engage and support homeowners who are interested in improving the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of their homes as well as motivate other homeowners to do the same. Through the program, homeowners will have access to free virtual home energy check-ups with a Bring It Home Energy Expert, up to a $250 subsidy for COVID-safe EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation, supplies to reduce the air leakage in their homes, learning opportunities to increase home energy literacy and support doit-yourself projects. They will also have access to existing provincial and municipal retrofit incentives offered through the Better Homes BC program, making retrofits more affordable.
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GREATER VICTORIA
SAFE COMMUNITIES REQUIRE COLLABORATIVE APPROACH It’s time for all levels of government to work together with businesses as well as residents to solve this problem before it gets worse.
BRUCE WILLIAMS
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It’s time for everyone who believes in the value of safe communities to put our differences aside and work together. As we learn to live with COVID-19, we need to address the disruptions affecting the ability for all of us to feel safe in the places we work, live and enjoy. We are hearing from many Chamber members about the serious impact on businesses caused by temporary housing solutions. The pandemic forced the closure of shelters and required an emergency response to prevent the virus from spreading through our region’s homeless population and beyond. The City of Victoria stepped up by offering space in parks where tents could be set up with appropriate physical distancing. This moved people away from overcrowded encampments along Pandora Avenue and other areas. However, shuffling this population to different neighbourhoods forces those areas to deal with the accompanying concerns around crime, safety, mental health and addictions. When BC Housing spent tens of millions to purchase Victoria hotels to provide homes, they
thankfully included some support services. Clearly, more are needed. We’ve heard many stories from people who live and work near these former hotels who were not given a chance to prepare for the change to their neighbourhood. They simply were not ready for the sudden increase in property crime, disturbances and medical emergencies that are hurting their efforts to restart their businesses — including some who are renowned for helping people in need. Let’s work together on next steps in managing these challenges. It’s time for all levels of government to work together with businesses as well as residents to solve this problem before it gets worse. First, we need to agree that, as a community, we can’t accept people living on our streets. Everyone deserves a home. We also need to agree that many people who are at risk of homelessness need more than housing. Their healthcare issues are often complex but we can’t ignore the fact that these individuals face specific challenges. They can be helped but we need the political will to acknowledge it will take time and resources. There are no quick or easy fixes but there are proven solutions that can work if we’re willing to invest in people over the long term. And, of course, we also need to keep businesses and their property safe. We need to ensure police have the capacity to enforce the law, and to protect citizens — all citizens. Unfortunately, homeless populations are targeted by predators who try to capitalize on people with mental health issues or addictions.
AUGUST 2020
D E T N E C -S D R A W A
I’ve had conversations with decision makers on all sides — from business owners to government, to social service agencies and the police. All of us want the same thing and we know we need to keep working together. COVID-19 has created challenges, but we can do better when it comes to helping the homeless and vulnerable, and in protecting business to make sure all have a safe community in which to live and work. Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
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SUPPORTING BUSINESSES NATIONALLY BY SUPPORTING THEM LOCALLY
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JULIE LAWLOR
Pandemic fatigue. There’s a lot of it about at the moment. We see it in the choices people make and the fact that tempers overheat very quickly in a climate of uncertainty. Keeping our economy healthy is inextricably linked with keeping our population healthy. To ensure both, we all must continue to “bend the curve, not the rules” to quote Health Minister Adrian Dix. While the feeling of fatigue can be overwhelming, there are actions we can take to make a positive impact. When you support your local businesses – in person or by shopping at their online stores – you are making a difference. Businesses provide cash and in-kind donations to charities and non-profits, are employers, and pay the taxes that directly contribute to our quality of life. And if you are one of many Canadians for whom money is tight right now, you can meaningfully support small business by taking part in the Canada United campaign. RBC in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, regional chambers including the BC Chamber, and associations and businesses from
across the country have joined together to support small business through the Canada United campaign. Canada United “gives every Canadian the chance to show their support through actions big and small. Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30, 2020.” For every small action you take to support local business until August 31st, such as watching Canada United videos online or using #CanadaUnited on Twitter, RBC will contribute 5 cents (up to a maximum of $2 million) to a Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. “The Fund will provide small Canadian businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities.” Small actions can make a big difference. To find out more, please go to GoCanadaUnited.ca Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.
AUGUST 2020
SAANICH PENINSULA
AND THE AWARD FOR ULTIMATE DISRUPTOR GOES TO: COVID-19 – THE GAME CHANGING VIRUS!
DENNY WARNER
As its effects began to be felt in our part of the world, we determined our organizational resources should be focused on supporting the entire business community, members or not. The slogan “a rising tide lifts all boats” was appropriately coined by a chamber of commerce and that sentiment seems to fit scenarios like this, and our marine environment, perfectly. People were looking to us to solve problems. Initially we were fielding many questions, and had precious few answers. There were many days we went home feeling the weight of this community’s economic survival on our shoulders. As time went on, we were no less busy, but became more comfortable in our role as a champion for our community, as a conduit for current and correct information, and as a catalyst for business change and growth. Now that we are all more knowledgeable about the changes Covid-19 has wrought in every aspect of our lives, our board and staff are considering how our organization will adapt. This wholesale examination of purpose and the value we bring to members will be conducted in consultation with our members. Initially, business owners were concerned about surviving the pandemic but the rude nudge WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
prompted many of them to examine their operations critically and they made changes that have increased profitability. The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce turned 108 this year and you can rest assured we will make adjustments so we can continue to provide comprehensive value to members well into the future. What we discovered in the compulsory crash course in Coronavirus was that we are resilient, we are adaptive, and we are strong. Those who didn’t understand the value of a chamber of commerce bore witness to our ability to mobilize resources to protect companies so owners could stay focused on keeping their business afloat. While our neighbours to the east and south have been dealing with instability and uncertainty, we had steady hands at the helm in our community, province, and our country. I could not be more proud of the work our chamber network has done in the last few months and of my colleagues across the Saanich Peninsula who work, arm in arm, with the rising tide, to lift all boats. Denny Warner is the Executive Director at the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
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Citified.ca
SOOKE OCEANFRONT SALES HAVE SURGED AMID COVID Sponsored by
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REGIONAL
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The Capital’s active inventory of rental projects totals nearly 14,000-units of new housing, according to Citified’s tracking of development activity on southern Vancouver Island. The figure includes projects proceeding through the municipal approvals process, already in the post-approvals phase, and under construction. Split between the Capital’s urban core and downtown Victoria, the West Shore and the Saanich Peninsula, the core is leading the way with over 8,000-units proposed and approved, while a further 2,300 are under construction. On the West Shore approximately 1,800-units are in various stages of the approvals process and in post-approvals, while just under 1,400-units are under construction. The Saanich Peninsula has 266-units planned and some 200 in active construction.
Townhome sales at an oceanfront community in Sooke have surged in recent months as the impacts of COVID-19 leave homebuyers with a renewed appetite for semi-rural and small town real-estate offerings, according to a developer of a large project near Sooke’s town centre. The master-planned, 91-residence Heron View development is entering its second-to-last phase of construction to keep up with demand for its bi-level townhomes overlooking Sooke Harbour. Bob Vaughan of Silvercreek Development says that as purchasers fan out in search of new-build or pre-sale offerings outside of the Capital’s urban core, the final build-out of Heron View’s remaining homes has been fast-tracked several years ahead of schedule.
SAANICH
A 90-unit residential complex has been proposed for Torquay Drive at Shelbourne Street in Saanich’s Gordon Head neighbourhood. Number 10 Architecture has envisioned a four and five-storey C-shaped design for a land parcel currently home to a collection of eight townhouses.
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The second phase of a Friends television show-inspired rental complex in the Quadra-Hillside neighbourhood has been proposed by Aryze Developments. Aryze, currently building the sitcom-themed Ross Terrace along the 2500-block of Fifth Street just south of Kings Road, is seeking approvals for a nearly 60-unit, six-storey design at 1025 Kings Road that would rise adjacent to Ross Terrace. The concept is envisioned for a property 2&3-601 Boleskine Road Victoria, BC FLEX COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSES Two separate owner occupier opportunities within a high profile strata complex minutes to Uptown Shopping Centre. $3,500,000 & $2,800,000
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AUGUST 2020
Citified.ca
A rendering of TELUS Ocean, a 53 meter tall, 10-storey office complex proposed for Douglas Street at Humboldt Street in downtown Victoria. The concept, by TELUS and local development partner Aryze Developments, will feature 155,000 square feet of multi-use space and rooftop gathering areas. 250 TELUS employees will occupy two office levels. © TELUS/Aryze Developments
currently home to a 15-unit, four-storey apartment building constructed in the 1970s that is approaching replacement age. TELUS Ocean’s design has been officially revealed for a high-profile property in downtown Victoria. The collaborative effort between telecommunications giant TELUS and Aryze Developments is targeted for the City of Victoria-owned Apex Site, a triangular property at the nexus of Douglas and Humboldt streets immediately north of the Crystal Gardens complex. TELUS Ocean, rising to ten-storeys, will incorporate over 117,000 square feet of office space – two levels of which will be occupied by TELUS and six by other tenants – while just under 5,000 square feet of retail space will be available at ground level. The building’s rooftop will serve as a gathering and event space, with several floors also featuring outdoor components made possible by terraced massing. Designed by New York City and Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects, TELUS Ocean’s wedge-shaped footprint, with its large glass cladding and iceberg-like dominance, will act as a beacon for the south end of downtown Victoria, the proponents say. A proposal for a 20-storey hotel along the 700-block of Fort Street at Blanshard Street unveiled in January has been formally submitted to the municipality. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
The 128-room wedge-shaped highrise is envisioned for a trio of properties at the northwest corner of the intersection currently occupied by retailers that include a Monk’s Office outlet, Ditch Records and a surface parking lot. Developer Merchant House Capital believes their concept, attractive to longer-term clients amid a changing travel market, will fill a niche in the Capital. VIEW ROYAL
A high-profile corner lot in View Royal is the focus of a mixed-use residential and retail development effort that may include a boutique grocery store. Represented by Vancouver-based Ankenman Marchand Architects on behalf of an unnamed real-estate development firm, the proposal includes what proponents hope will be a Red Barn Market, along with over 50 condominiums within a six-storey building. Preliminary plans identify the proposal as rising on a parcel currently occupied by Namaste Indian Restaurant at 298 Island Highway and Helmcken Road. T he popular dining spot may be better known to Victorians as the former Amrikko’s Indian cuisine diner, which ten years ago overtook operations from the longtime View Royal landmark Sammy’s Chinese Food.
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Founders Karen Roosen (top row center) and Nick Trahan (top row, fourth from right), takes pride in serving BC, with a, “We build better together,” philosophy driving every project the Innovior Construction team undertakes.
INNOVIOR CONSTRUCTION USES CUTTING-EDGE TECH TO SUPPORT LOCAL BC BUSINESSES 16
THEIR BETTER WAY TO BUILD OFFERS CLINICS, SCHOOLS AND MORE A FASTER, CLEANER MEANS TO CREATE FUNCTIONAL SPACES VANCOUVER ISLAND - “We build better together.” That’s the mantra Innovior Construction founders Nick Trahan and Karen Roosen apply to every project they undertake. It’s a philosophy of resiliency and adaptability born of collaboration and commitment to community. Innovior has made their mark providing highly customizable manufactured interiors across BC, embracing technology, and a modern, sustainable approach to building in an industry that has often been slow to change. They’ve done this using custom DIRTT Solutions, empowered by ICE® software to disrupt the conventional delivery model for interior construction. “Using DIRTT’s Agile Architectural Solutions allows us to replace standard constr uction materia ls a nd reduce on-site
construction activity, and ICE integrates a variety of processes including manufacturing specs, sales, ordering, design and more,” explains Karen. “We’re able to adapt quickly,
The Westshore Urgent primary Care Centre supports thousands of Islanders in their urgent care and mental health needs, a service Karen Roosen and the Innovior team were proud to help support.
AUGUST 2020
save space and bring economic and environmental sustainability much further than the conventional construction methods.” Innovior has used this innovative technology and a talented team to serve their local community, providing manufactured interior solutions and offsite construction for the likes of Vancouver Island Health Authority, Burnside School, University of Victoria and many more. Most recently, Innovior has taken on a project for Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre in Langford, in partnership with Victoria’s Century Group Inc. Seeing more than 25,000 urgent primary care patients in its first year, Westshore is also home to the CARES mental-health clinic, handling thousands of counseling visits since opening in 2018. With such a volume of patients, their need for modern, improved working and patient spaces put them in immediate crunch to get the project completed as fast as possible, on budget. Elaborates Nick, “Because our solutions are pre-manufactured, off-site and our technology is so speed and efficiency-centric, we were able to meet the extremely tight deadlines required to meet Westshore Urgent Care’s needs. We’re very proud we can offer this type of service to our community.” Offsite construction has become more prevalent in Canada due to increased efficiency
Using DIRTT Solutions and ICE® software technology, Innovior and partner Century Group in Victoria were able to take care of every facet of the project, from specs, ordering, design and more.
on job-sites, skilled labor shortages, and increasingly tight project timelines. The market for prefab construction systems is booming, and expected to continue doing so as sustainable building standards increase in demand, and a call for less waste and energy use becomes the industry norm. Innovior Construction plans to remain at the forefront of this movement for years to come, supporting BC, from local business and health clinics, to schools and much more. www.innovior.ca
The Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre in Langford was under tight deadlines, ideal for Innovior’s fast, efficient premanufactured, off-site construction and technology solutions.
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VICTORIA TOURISM
IT’S TIME FOR THE PROVINCE TO ACT ON BEHALF OF TOURISM
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I h a v e w r i tte n i n p re v ious colu m ns about the prec a r io u s s t a te of the Greater Victoria visitor economy. T he COVID-19 pa ndem ic has h a d a d e v a stati ng i mpact on our indust r y. T h e d i scouragement PAUL NURSEY of travel by government and health officials, as well as closure of the Canada/US border as meant fewer visitors and travelers to our destination. The financial situation for many businesses is dire. Greater Victoria has amazing hotels, restaurants and attractions that need to remain solvent as we move into the shoulder and off-peak season, and into the 2021 high season. On a positive note, the British Columbia visitor economy has shown tremendous cooperation and collaboration as we push provincial and federal governments for help. The result of this hard work was the Tourism Industry Association of BC’s submission to the provincial government on July 21, 2020. The proposal was for $680 million - immediate and vital assistance for the sector hardest hit by COVID-19 and travel restrictions. The long-term economic outlook for the sector is the bleak. Best-case projections would still see a $14.8 billion (69 per cent) province-wide decline in tourism revenue from $20.4 billion in 2018 to $6.7 billion in 2020. This severe loss in revenue, which could be significantly greater, will have
reverberating impacts on jobs, government revenues through taxes, and the ability to re-invest in the sector for a more resilient, sustainable future. In Greater Victoria, our Tourism Rescue and Recovery Task Force has worked hard on concrete policy proposals to help local business operators. These proposals included extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, measures to prevent insolvency, and addressing shortfalls of the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (RRRF) program. Destination Greater Victoria is foursquare behind Tourism Industry Association of BC’s submission to the provincial government. I hear daily what tourism businesses are facing – the lack of customers, worries about revenue and the need for help from provincial and federal governments. The COVID-19 health and safety policy response were necessary. But is has had negative economic effects as well. And tourism – with its need for movement of people and open borders – has borne the brunt of the economic downturn. Now is the time for the Province to act on the roadmap for rescue and recovery provided by Tourism Industry Association of BC. Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria
AUGUST 2020
TERRAWEST BRINGS BIG BUSINESS RESULTS WITH A LOCAL FEEL TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING A SERIOUS FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS AND TOP-OF-THE-LINE WORK MAKE TERRAWEST A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY STANDOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA - Alister Frayling began working in forestry consultation on BC’s west coast in the mid-eighties. As he added to his repertoire and consulting skills, it was clear he could do more. TerraWest was born in 1997 in a basement office in Duncan, an environmental consultation company with a goal of providing industry-leading service and support for clients, with strong relationships and exceptional results in every project. To realize this, Alister needed a partner. Adam Mabbott, Terra West’s now VP of Operations, was that missing piece. “I was in Calgary working as an environmental consultant, and returned to BC to help Alister manage the new Nanaimo office in 2008,” describes Adam. “Over time we’ve grown to four regional locations in Victoria, Nanaimo, Prince George and Kelowna. Today, we have twenty-five employees working in everything from contaminated site remediation and construction monitoring, to emergency spill response and waste management.” TerraWest’s focus on industry leading service, reasonable prices and practical results have helped them stand apart in a competitive field. Their dedicated care for clients creates a personal, local feel from the very beginning of the relationship, starting with what they call, ‘Karma Consulting’. “We provide free consultations, allowing clients to understand how their project will be executed, our decision-making, and expected outcomes, so everyone is comfortable moving forward,” explains Adam. “We believe this, along with our internal philosophy of daily, continuous improvement will bring us lasting success.” WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Adam Mabbott joined TerraWest in 2008 as VP of Operations, helping grow the environmental consulting business from a single office in Duncan, to a powerhouse with offices in Victoria, Nanaimo, Prince George and Kelowna.
TerraWest are proudly local, working, living and playing in the communities they serve. They also value a healthy work/life balance, supporting workloads between offices and offering flexibility with employee’s professional time, and more. This has created a unique longevity in their teams. “Erich Bell, our first employee, began as a Junior Technician,” notes Adam. “Today, he’s Operations Manager of our largest location in Nanaimo.” Looking forward, TerraWest plans to expand their hazardous material department and emergency spill response services, as well as making improvements on their workspace infrastructure in the coming years. Today, TerraWest is focused on maintaining a lean, efficient business model, while continuing to offer clients the excellent service they’ve come to expect. terrawest.ca
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OFF THE COVER
Proud members of the Victoria community, the Capital Iron team support local events, such as this past June’s Pride Week.
CAPITAL IRON TAKES PRIDE IN FAMILY LEGACY IN HISTORIC VICTORIA LOCATION
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FOURTH-GENERATION MAINSTAY GIVES VISITORS UNFORGETTABLE RETAIL EXPERIENCES IN VICTORIA’S INNER HARBOUR
The Capital Iron building has been a part of Victoria’s Inner Harbour landscape since 1863, and is a Heritage Canada historic building.
VICTORIA - Since 1934, Capital Iron has been a family-owned-and-operated mainstay in Victoria, occupying one of the oldest buildings in the city’s Inner Harbour. Founded by Morris Greene as a scrap business specializing in ship decommissioning, Capital Iron transformed across the decades into one of the most unique one-stop general stores in all of Canada.
Built in 1863 and recognized as a Heritage Canada historical building, their landmark location is one of two, with an additional store in Langford. Today, a Fourth generation has continued Morris’ legacy, with CEO Mike Black at the helm, and daughter Kylie Black as COO. Together, they offer a dizzying variety of outdoors, gardening, home, houseware and hardware products, to name just a very few categories they supply. Their family-centric nature and success has not gone unnoticed, with the Black’s earning the National Family Enterprise Achievement of the Year Award in 2014 from the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise. “Having grown up around the business and starting to work at quite a young age, I really picked up a passion for retail as an industry,” notes Kylie. “This early exposure set me on a course to focus my educational and work experience to pursue a career in retail with the family business. I was born and raised AUGUST 2020
OFF THE COVER shop-from-home options, taking orders via phone and email, and increased deliveries. The Blacks are proud to be BC retailers, and of their ability to contribute to the local communities and visitors they serve.
Concludes Kylie, “We are so fortunate and feel incredibly grateful to have had the support of the local community across all these years, and are so happy to continue to serve them.” www.capitaliron.net
Reach The Masses From gardening to hot tubs, camping and fishing, the Capital Iron staff are experts in each of their departments.
in Victoria, and moved to Toronto to get a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Retail. I stayed for several years working at Target and Canadian Tire in their head offices before returning home.” Capital Iron’s longstanding history was built on a high-level of focus on customer service, ensuring their staff are experts in their fields, and an emphasis on quality goods. They are also known for carrying unique items that cannot be found anywhere else, in addition to their toppling assortment of retail offerings. There have been challenges, however. “The shift in the retail industry to eCommerce was definitely tough, “Kylie elaborates. “So far we have navigated this challenge by diversifying our assortment to focus more on products that customers are more interested in seeing in person first. In addition to continuing to offer high levels of customer service. We’re also implementing a new point of sale system and a revamped website.” Capital Iron has also had to navigate a post-COVID world, implementing the variety of safety protocols and enhanced cleaning measures a retail business requires to maintain safety for themselves and their customers. Mike and Kylie are working to build a solid plan for the coming year to maintain the agile response required to run a business during a pandemic. These include but are not limited to carrying more PPE at customer requests, a larger emphasis on
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FEATURE STORY
22
Andrew Hardgrave (left) and Robert Sands partnered to form Arcadia Elevating Services in 2017.
ARCADIA ELEVATING SERVICES OFFERS FREEDOM OF MOBILITY TO CANADIANS IN NEED A LIFELONG BUILDER SERVICES THE HOME AND BUSINESS NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED WITH TAILORED RENOVATIONS VICTORIA - Andrew Hardgrave has always maintained a passion for making and fixing things; a passion he felt drawn to turn into a career. A Vancouver transplant by way of the UK in the early nineties, Andrew took a Business Victoria program for new entrepreneurs after
a temporary layoff, eventually leading to his formation of One on One Improvements in 1996, specializing in accessibility renovations for those dealing with mobility issues. On this Andrew says, “I wanted to cater to the elderly and those struggling with mobility. This is a demographic already facing unique
AUGUST 2020
FEATURE STORY challenges, one of which is often limited funding. One on One Improvements was created to meet these customer’s needs with the financial means they have available.” One on One builds and installs ramps, grab bars, handrails, renovates bathrooms for accessibility with roll-in showers, builds sinks created to accommodate wheelchairs, and much more. The service Andrew’s team provides goes beyond accessibility, however, offering everything from painting and decorating, plumbing and electrical work, to yard maintenance and deck and fencing construction. In 2017, One on One took yet another step in offering those in need freedom of movement within their own homes and businesses, launching Arcadia Elevating Services, supplying high-quality stairlifts and home elevators. “One on One Improvements subcontracted for the former Angel Accessibility Solutions, doing site prep work for vertical platform lifts and some residential ceiling lift installations, “explains Andrew on their new division. “Angel Accessibility had been acquired by a large corporation, and a decision was made to get out of elevating and focus on patient transfer. It was at that moment we saw the opportunity to expand into elevating on Vancouver Island.” Robert Sands, an A-class certified mechanic at Angel with over 30 years of experience became Andrew’s partner in this venture, thus turning One on One and Arcadia into a one-stop-shop for elevating and home renovation needs. Says Robert of their work, “We build residential elevators to the same standard as commercial elevators, and we are able to do the site preparation work for elevating ourselves. The customer will not need to hire a separate contractor for any of the work that’s required on their home or business, and that includes future maintenance.” Andrew and Robert are dedicated to keeping their business Canadian-grown and operated, supporting local contractors for every construction job, and using a national and regional
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
network of elevating suppliers and tech support. They’re also committed to addressing the safety and unique needs of each of their clients. A specialized industry, with each person having their own set of circumstances, Arcadia custom tailors every service package to suit customers’ needs and safety. Andrew finds the result of their work the most edifying experience of his career. Providing an example Andrew describes, “When you complete a new bathroom for a veteran for instance, tailored to their individual needs, it’s really cool to see how happy they are knowing they’ll not need to struggle to use their sink, or get out of the shower. It feels good.” oneononeimprovements.com / arcadiaelevatorservices.com
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Arcadia tailors every service package to the needs of customers to ensure they can use their installation safely
Proud supporter of Andrew and the team at Arcadia Elevating Services! Residential Commercial Home Automation Serving all of Southern Vancouver Island
250.514.2027 jason@titanelectric.ca
VANCOUVER ISLAND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY RECOVERING FROM PANDEMIC LOW IN SECOND QUARTER contraction in April,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association. Investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area decreased nearly five per cent in May 2020 from the prior month, continuing a declining trend. Building construction cost increases were higher in residential than in the non-residential sector, and construction industry employment declined across the Island, with the largest decreases outside the Victoria metro area. “Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery” said Kulmala.
24 Rory Kulmala
VICTORIA – The dollar value of building permits on Vancouver Island fell by 14 per cent to $506.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter, largely the result of an industry slowdown due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. However, permits issued began to increase each month through to June indicating the worst was over. The Construction sector is key in our economic recovery
Residential permits held steady at $434 million in the first two quarters of 2020, though the number of dwelling units declined 21 per cent from the first quarter. Non-residential permits dropped overall by 54 per cent led by a 72 per cent drop in institutional-government permits and a 37 per cent decline in commercial permits. Industrial permits were down 28 per cent. “On the positive side, permits did increase during the quarter and Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May 2020 to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related
While record low interest and mortgage rates are positive for the residential sector and investment spending, investment in commercial and industrial buildings looks to remain low until there is more clarity about future demand. “We expect total building permits could post a small gain in 2020 and a larger one in 2021. However, if a second wave occurs or pandemic restrictions extend well into next year, large surges in construction activity will likely remain low this year and possibly next year,” Kulmala said. AUGUST 2020
HOYNE BREWING CO. TAKE A VICTORY DRINK IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC For almost a decade, Sean and Chantal have grown their company from a humble but hungry start-up, to become one of the largest craft breweries in British Columbia, with no sign of slowing on their successful path as proud members of the BC brewing community. But then, COVID-19 arrived on Canada’s West Coast, and with it a massive change to the business landscape. Sean’s was no different. Overnight, fifty-percent of Hoyne Brewing’s sales vanished, a nightmare scenario in even the best of circumstances. Sean had some difficult decisions to make. Prior to the pandemic, Sean had invested in a substantial, sophisticated, and quite expensive canning line. He had just put down deposits on the equipment when COVID-19 hit. Explains Sean, “I had to decide whether to hold off on completing the payments for the equipment, and ride this thing out, or to complete the payments in a
Unwilling to lose employees without a fight, brewmaster Sean Hoyne transitioned to a 70/30 packaging to draft sales ratio with his new canning line, keeping homebound BC residents buying. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Based in Victoria, Hoyne Brewing has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in the province since opening its doors in 2011.
very uncertain time. I decided to move forward with the plans to can our beer.” Sean also had to grapple with what to do with fortyplus employees in a time of lockdown, and an uncertain future with brick-and-mortar customers. “I gathered our entire team and explained the situation, emphasizing that I didn’t want to lay anyone off. We put together a strategy to stay safe, implementing all of the suggested protocols. Since the technicians who would normally help set up and commission the equipment couldn’t travel, we rolled up our sleeves, learned the intricacies of the canning machinery as we worked, and built the line ourselves.” with minimal resources, some bull-headedness and determination, Hoyne Brewing is now canning two of their most popular brands, Hoyne Pilsner and Dark Matter. With his dedicated team, Sean and Chantal found a way to maintain success in the most difficult of timelines. “Our sales ratio between packaged and draft beer has gone from 50/50 to 70/30. We are almost at the same numbers we did last year at this time, off only by around five-percent.” Many BC businesses have found ways to navigate the intricacies of functioning and succeeding in a global pandemic. Like them, Hoyne Brewing’s resilience should be seen as a beacon to struggling companies that there is a bright path back to better days. https://hoynebrewing.ca
25
WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.
PLAINTIFF
PLAINTIFF
Meraki Construction Inc
Owners Strata Plan Vis 3782
CLAIM
DEFENDANT
$170,246
Hillside Centre Holdings Inc
DEFENDANT JBR Construction Ltd
DEFENDANT
1022666 BC Ltd
0968445 BC Ltd
CLAIM
PO Box 138, Qualicum Beach, BC
$27,826
PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
2600-595 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Bardick, Brigitte Annette
Andrew Sheret Ltd
PLAINTIFF
CLAIM
401-740 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC
Naraghi, Kathleen Ann
$160,653 DEFENDANT 10451967 Canada Inc 3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Meraki Construction Inc DEFENDANT 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd 950-777 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
26
toria, BC
PLAINTIFF
PLAINTIFF Brighter Mechanical Limited DEFENDANT Bard & Banker Pub Company Ltd 25th Flr 700 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Tainui, Soloman DEFENDANT Hedgehog Garden Service Ltd 3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Vic-
DEFENDANT Hummingbird Cove Lifestyles Ltd
2700-700 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Kasjac Contracting Ltd CLAIM
14839 Hwy 101, Powell River, BC
$97,582
PLAINTIFF
M Cubed Holdings Ltd
Cai, Sun Guo CLAIM
210-3260 Norwell Dr, Nanaimo, BC
$1,206,247
PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
Nath, Mina Devi
Ironclad Developments Inc
DEFENDANT
2500-10303 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, BC
Mid Island Consumer Services Cooperative
DEFENDANT
AUGUST 2020
WHO IS SUING WHOM Nido Developments Inc
DEFENDANT
PLAINTIFF
PLAINTIFF
4250 Nottingham Rd, North Vancouver, BC
Pedre Contractors Ltd
Cheeke, Elizabeth Odessa
Toews, Timothy
PLAINTIFF
316-2800 East 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC
DEFENDANT
DEFENDANT
Medi Dent Developments Ltd
PLAINTIFF
National Importers Canada Ltd
CLAIM
Cooney, Russell William
4250 Nottingham Rd, North Vancouver, BC
1130-400 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
$40,615
DEFENDANT
PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
PLAINTIFF
Medi Dent Developments Ltd
Our Ecovillage Cooperative
Salt Spring Marina
CLAIM
Andre Prost Inc
1565 Baldy Mountain Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC
3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
Popp Plumbing
WAD Holdings Ltd
DEFENDANT Ss Marina Ltd
25th Flr 700 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC
Tainui, Soloman
Pacific Home Warranty Insurance Services Inc
PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
Popp Plumbing
Westworks Construction Inc
CLAIM
1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
DEFENDANT
1359 St PatricksSt, Victoria, BC
$247,858
PLAINTIFF
University Of Victoria
PLAINTIFF
DEFENDANT
Zou, Xiao Xiu
3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC
Rebmann Huber, Zelma
103-2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC
CLAIM
PLAINTIFF
$247,858
Murakami, Yuri
DEFENDANT National Importers Inc 1130-400 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Andre Prost Inc
CLAIM $241,000
VSO Contracting
$40,615
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REGION
PROJECT ADDRESS
PROJECT TYPE
PROJECT DETAILS
LOW BIDDERS / AWARDS
APPROX. BUDGET
Victoria
Various locations
R oads & bridges
AAA Cycling Network - Harbour - Vancouver
R almax Contracting
4,250,000
Esquimalt
1070 Tillicum R d
Institution new
Gorge Park Pavilion
Knappett Projects Inc
9,900,000
Saanich
UVic
Institution add/alter
Fine Arts Virtual Filmmaking Studio
Cascadia West Contracting
Sidney
2071 Malaview Ave
Institution add/alter
College - Feasibility Studies - R elocation of Laboratories
Zeidler Architecture
View R oyal
View R oyal Ave
Civil work
Thetis Cove Sanitary Lift Station Upgrade
G and E Contracting
Colwood
3500 R yder Hesjedal Way
Institution add/alter
School - Fieldhouse Addition - R oyal Bay Secondary
School District 62
Langford
Florence Lake R d
R oads & bridges
R oad Improvements
Hazelwood Construction
Capital R egional District
Various locations
services
Gravel Crushing 14G and 10S Quarries
Milner Group Ventures
Capital R egional District
Hwy 14
R oads & bridges
Upgrades
Hazelwood Construction
11,300,000
Cowichan Valley R D
Cypress R d, Youbou
Civil work
Watermain R eplacement
David Stalker Excavating
235,000
Nanaimo
2020 Labieux R d
Supply
Supply and Deliver Municipal Waterworks Parts
Andrew Sheret Ltd
770,000
Nanaimo
900 Fifth St
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing
University - Electrical - Air Handling Unit for B130 - VIU
Canem Systems Ltd
Nanaimo
Metral Dr
R oads & bridges
Complete Street - Utility and Corridor Upgrades
David Stalker Excavating
Bowen Island
Miller R d & Honeymoon Creek
Civil work
Culvert R epairs
PW Trenchless Construction
Qualicum Beach
650 Bennett R d
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing
School - Boiler Plant Upgrade - Arrowview Elementary
Mount Benson Mechanical
Qualicum Beach
Various Locations
Institution add/alter
School Improvements
Alpha R oofing and Sheet Metal
Port Alberni
4000 R oger St
Institution add/alter
School - Change R oom R eno - Alberni District Secondary
Copcan Civil Ltd
Comox
CFB Comox
Civil work
Lift Station Upgrade
Knappett Industries
915,000
Courtenay
Various locations
Institutional add/alter
Elevator Modernization - CV Art Gallery & Filberg Centre
R ichmond Elevator
Not available
Campbell R iver
Kainum R d
R oads & bridges
R oad R econstruction
R ocksteady R oad Building
Campbell R iver
1685 South Dogwood St
Institution add/alter
Construction Manager
Island West Coast Developments
165,000 Not available 415,000 Not available 760,000 Not available
45,000 3,600,000 345,000 Not available 1,240,000 Not available
390,000 Not available
Port Hardy
Various locations
Consulting services
Boatyard & Haul-Out Facility Study & R eport
CitySpaces - Strongitharm Consulting
Not available
Mt Waddington R D
4506 MacR ae Dr
Institution new
VIR L - Library - Woss Branch - Prime Contractor
National Contracting Solutions
Not available
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
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
28
Allysa Hawes has been promoted to General Manager at Fastrac. The company is also celebrating its 30th year in business. Allysa will also be taking on responsibility for developing Fastrac’s social and online presence. With additional capacity from the acquisition of new equipment, Fastrac is poised to expand its “one-stop-shop” solutions for Direct mail. The CRD recently sold their Viewfield Road property for $3.7 Million profit. It was originally purchased in 2013 as a possible site for the Core Area Wasterwater Treatment Project. Esquimalt will see a temporary urgent and primary care centre in late spring of 2021 according to Island Health. Langford City Council approved a foundation permit for a 12-storey building that will cover an entire block of Peatt Road between Goldstream and Hockley Avenue. Design Build Services is behind the new project dubbed Tallwood 1 that will include 124 residential units and groundfloor commercial space. The project is expected to be completed in late 2021. Victoria-resident Dale Drysdale was recently presented with an award from Governor General Julie Payette in honour of his volunteer work with the Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum. Drysdale received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, an
award that recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a range of fields. According to DoorDash. burritos followed by chicken lettuce wraps and miso soup were the most popular three food ordered by British Columbians over the past 6 months. Who knew? Save On Foods celebrates their first year at the 1010 Pandora Ave location. SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort was the recipient of several provincial awards at the Canadian Home Builder’s Association of British Columbia’s recently held Georgie Awards. SookePoint won awards in three categories including Best Single-Family Home, Best Townhome Development and Best Innovative Feature. Resonance Hearing Clinic welcomes Registered Audiologist Chelsea Burdge, RAUD, RHIP to its team of professionals at 2401 Beacon Avenue in Sidney. The Sidney Spit campground and ferry have reopened for summer service. The ferry service is operated by Sidney Whale Watching and runs several times a day and travelers are required to make a reservation. Summer service will continue until September 7. To make a ferry reservation or find out more visit sidneyspitferry.com. AUGUST 2020
MOVERS AND SHAKERS Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island welcomes Chris Mann to its team of Victoria real estate professionals at 735 Humboldt Street.
Dr. Emma Thomson joins Drs. Glynis Newman, Sylvie Abrioux, Jennifer Chan and Associates at Hillside Veterinary Hospital at 1700 Kings Road.
Cindy Pendergast and Brad Styles hope to open Happy Buddha Cannabis in Sidney next month, pending approval from Sidney city council.
Ray Dahl has retired and transferred his patients to the care of Dr. Samantha Bourdeau and the Ray Dhal Optical & Optometrist team.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) was recently presented with an international award for its efficiency. YYJ was recognized as the most efficient airport with less than five million passengers annually in North America in the 2020 Global Airport Performance Benchmarking Report. The report is published by the Air Transport Research Society, based in Maryland, and the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. The report covered 204 airports and 24 airport groups in the Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.
Christine Stangeland joins the audiology team at Oak Bay Hearing Clinic at 1932 Oak Bay Ave, while Lewis Smith has relocated to Kamloops.
GableCraft Homes is proposing an “urban village” for the south side of Latoria Boulevard in Colwood with a mixture of housing types and commercial amenities as well as new parks and trails. Transit and transportation connections, an elementary school, a fire hall and a civic precinct are also part of the plans. Colwood has approved plans for the Royal Bay development expansion following a public hearing that saw residents both for and against the development.
CRD’s new wastewater treatment project, costing $775-million, is set to be completed in less than six months. The water will be treated at the new facility, the McLouglin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it will go through one of the highest levels of contaminant reduction processes. The CRD plans to send biosolids to a cement manufacturer on the mainland. The project is currently $10-million over budget.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) has been ranked as the most efficient airport in its size category showing in the 2020 Global Airport Performance Benchmarking Report. The Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University announced the winners for the 2020 ATRS Global Airport Efficiency Awards at the ATRS virtual conference and general assembly held in early July. Dr. Emma Thomson WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Sooke Harbourhouse new owners are planning on a fall reopening following some updates that need to be done. New owners, Vancouver real estate company IAG Enterprises Ltd hope to keep the historic charm and West Coast feel that the 28 room 1929 building offers. The site was purchased for $5.632 -million.
The District of Saanich has selected nine residents to join the Resilient Saanich Technical Committee, chosen by Council to advise and share their expertise. Committee members are: Kevin Brown, Claudia Copley, Tim Ennis, Purnima Govindarajulu, Stewart Guy, Jeremy Gye, Tory Stevens, Brian Wilkes and Bev Windjack. The group will be joined by a First Nations representative. Mark’s has been serving the Sidney community for 30 years at 9764 5th Street. Hey Happy Coffee owner Rob Kettner, has expanded into a neighbouring space and have brand new kitchen. They employed Bidgood & Co Interiors for the design. MD Charlton Co. in Central Saanich, which specializes in law enforcement supply, military gear,
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS security equipment and clothing for first responders, is celebrating their 40th year in business. Alec Rossa bought the business in 2002 and has grown it from 15 to 60 people. HearingLife welcome Heidi Lange as their new registered hearing practitioner. They are located at 2537 Beacon Avenue, Suite 201 in Sidney. Pet Connection opened in Sidney on July 4th. Owner Leslie Kennedy offers natural, raw pet food sourced from Canada and New Zealand, as well as pet supplies. Sooke residents will be enjoying a new weight room and fitness studio expansion at the Leisure Complex made possible by a $1.24 million grant from the Federal Gas Tax Fund.
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United Way of Greater Victoria is launching their Hi Neighbour program in Esquimalt, with funding from a donation made by Seaspan and Southern Railway of British Columbia. This program will provide support and critical services to vulnerable population groups in Esquimalt; namely seniors, people living with a disability, people in poverty, single parents and people with mental health concerns. Rob Ekstrom and Darren Cole, have opened The Palms restaurant at the former Veneto space in the Rialto Hotel. Kyle Dampsy will be chef and has previously worked at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Blue Water Café and Hawksworth in Vancouver. Their menu will revolve around regional ingredients and changing local art and cocktails. The Lakehouse at Shawnigan is now open at 2460 Renfrew Road. Owners Shane Clarke and Jill Tulloch come from a hospitality background and previously Shane Clarke and Jill opened Clarke & Co in Tulloch downtown Victoria in 2016. Executive Chef Ryan Bissell has held executive level positions with Whistler/Backcomb, The
Boathouse Restaurants and The Villa Eyrie. Their goal is to support local farmers and businesses. Our Clive’s Classic Lounge at the Chateau Victoria reopened on July 9th with legendary Executive Bar Keep, Shawn Soole returning after many years. Shawn originally started in 2009. Clive’s has won many international awards including the 2020 Tales Shawn Soole of the Cocktail Spirited award for top 10 international hotel bars in the Americas. Clive’s is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 11 pm and up to date menus and safety protocols can be found at clivesclassiclounge.com. Vista 18 is expanding its service as of July 11 with a platted brunch service on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am to 12:30pm. Menu details and protocols are available at vista18.com. Pacheedaht First Nation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the federal government to build and co-manage a $22-million Coast Guard facility on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The facility will provide search and rescue and environmental response services to the Strait of Juan de Fuca in response to safety and environmental concerns over the Trans-Mountain Expansion Project (TMX). The project is expected to be completed in 2022. The T’Sou-ke Nation received $3.8-million for a community complex and health centre from Infrastructure Canada as part of a package 22 projects for Vancouver Island communities. Once complete the project will include a community hall, kitchen, outdoor patio, offices, washrooms and an elevator. Victoria and the Okanagan are collaborating on a three-month program designed to support women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. W Venture is a pilot accelerator program collaboratively run by the University of Victoria, Victoria Innovation,
AUGUST 2020
MOVERS AND SHAKERS Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurial Council (VIATEC), Accelerate Okanagan, Digital Technology Supercluster, Communitech and Purpose Five. The program will be delivered remotely and is accessible to women entrepreneurs across British Columbia. Applications are open until July 31st and the program begins in early September. To find out more visit wventure.ca. Saanich City Council recently approved a rezoning application for the four-storey senior’s housing complex proposed at 3200 Linwood Avenue. Once complete the building will include 97 units near Mayfair Shopping Centre and will include patios and balconies, a shared laundry facility and a guest suite for friends and family of residents. The complex is owned by Baptist Housing Society and will replace Linwood Court, an existing 29-suite walk-up complex. 19 residents from Linwood Court have already been moved to other Baptist Housing properties, while the rest will be given four month’s notice, with
the last month being rent-free. Once construction is complete, these residents will be invited to return to the new complex. Clipper Navigation has suspended service between Victoria and Seattle until next spring. The company cited the extension of the closed border between Canada and the United States, coronavirus uncertainty and the continuation of a 14-day quarantine policy for those returning to Canada as the reason for the suspension. At its peak, Clipper Navigation employs about 200 people. Three film productions are expected to get underway in Victoria by late this month including the latest Air Bud/Super Pups film franchise for Netflix, the Hallmark movie Deliver By Christmas and a Lifetime series based on V.C. Andrews’s Ruby Landry novels. The number of productions has not yet reached pre-pandemic estimates on Vancouver Island, though an additional two films are scheduled to begin in August.
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OPINION
PROVINCE’S PANDEMIC POLICIES MURDERING OUR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
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MARK MACDONALD A pair of conversations with restaurant owners makes it clear that the BC government’s COVID-19 total-society-quarantine strategy is inducing unsustainable bleeding of the bottom line of hospitality industry owners. One eatery owner has had its maximum amount of seats limited to 50, from over 100. “If we fill all of our seats, we should be able to pay our rent,” was their response to my question of how business was going since reopening. Another smaller, non-franchise restaurant – aka Mom and Pop breakfast, lunch and coffee shop – is allowed to host a maximum of 15 patrons at one time. I asked them how they were doing, and the owner replied: “We’re hanging on with our fingernails.” Memo to the government: There is a reason why restaurants have a certain amount of seats. It’s called Math. They need those seats filled, and customers turned, during a day in order to keep the doors open, pay employees and, yes, make a profit.
Statistics have shown that 85 percent of restaurants fail – during normal business cycles. The BC government’s crowd size limits make operating a restaurant almost certainly impossible economically. There is no chance for survival with these limitations. . .the ones that still have their doors open are already clinging to life rafts. Before someone claps back with the “don’t you care that some people may die of COVID-19?” argument - to which the obvious reply is a resounding YES! - does anybody care about families that have put everything they have into a restaurant who are being driven towards a financial cliff ? Heavy-handed government is applauded by those who are not affected, or have proclaimed themselves government dependent for economic reasons. “They’re keeping us safe,” the masses cry. Well, they’re killing small business, and the livelihoods, dreams, and life savings of thousands of other British Columbians. Remove the limits and let the marketplace decide if they want to frequent an establishment. Only then can restaurants possibly hope to survive. An announcement that the BC Hockey League will hold an Island Cup tournament for its franchises in Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Powell River notes that the event, which will start in October and feature 12 round robin games, sounds noble. But as a former part-owner in a junior hockey club (with Phil and Brenda Levesque with the Vancouver Island Hockey League’s Junior B Nanaimo Buccaneers), I can speak first-hand of junior hockey economics. There is exactly NOBODY who owns a junior hockey club that is in it for the money. Junior B leagues on Vancouver Island and the Lower
AUGUST 2020
OPINION Mainland are sustainable because the players pay to play, there are no overnight hotel stays and ferry rides, and crowds of around 200 are sufficient enough to pay the bills. The BCHL is completely another story. In its quest to compete with the comparably affluent Western Hockey League, the lower-tier BCHL has allowed its expenses to push through the roof and become, in most of the cities in which it operates, money-losing entities. Some estimate that maybe 3 members of the 17-teams in the league last season made money last year. Losing the playoff gates was a crushing economic blow to teams that managed to stay close to break even by the regular season’s end. Most amateur sports leagues are gate-driven, relying heavily on receipts from the ticket buying public. Take that away, and advertising/ sponsorship remains. Except that will disappear as well. Why? Because advertisers are paying to have their names and messages read by many hundreds of people in the stands during games, not 50. We haven’t even started talking about how junior hockey offers young men, full of testosterone and a tad rambunctious, an opportunity to better themselves in hopes of possible college scholarships – all while keeping them busy, and yes, out of trouble. With crowds of 50, owners simply can’t afford to open the doors. Quarantining an entire society – an unbelievably backwards strategy if there ever was one – is killing our way of life, hopes and dreams. It is resulting in hardship and yes, death, in other strange ways. Let people live and choose as they see fit, as one would expect in democracy. It’s time the government realizes hiding in the closet from COVID-19 isn’t a realistic, longterm solution. It needs to be met head-on. The vulnerable of our society need to be protected, and they should quarantine. Let the others live as they so choose.
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DIGITAL Your Local Marketing Partner Strategy • Search • Social Web Design • Pay-Per-Click P: 250.758.2684 ext. 130 E: bedigital@businessexaminer.ca www.BEDigitalMarketing.ca
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Get your business looking ‘Fantastic’ Superior quality cleaning with accountable customer service Combat Covid-19 with one of our comprehensive disinfection or Clorox Total 360 electrostatic fogging programs ph: 250-391-0435 web: www.fantastic-cleaning.com email: info@fantastic-cleaning.com sms: 250-661-0970
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Working together, staying apart. Reconfiguring the office setup doesn’t have to be complicated. Panel dividers, glass panels and stackers can all be easily employed to separate your workers’ physical space.
• Enable collaboration with low panels & full glass panels • Create privacy with tall panels, stackers & sliding door option • Simple product design allows for quick adds & changes to keep your space functional and safe. It’s how you’ll work, today.
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