Business in Calgary - May 2022

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THE DISRUPTER PM41126516

HOW BOB DHILLON AND MAINSTREET EQUITY CORP. ARE CHANGING THEIR INDUSTRY FOR THE BETTER

THE ULTIMATE HOST CITY

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CALGARY CHAMBER SECTION

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 32 | Number 5

REGULAR COLUMNS

9

How are You Going to Pay for That?

By Shane Wenzel

12

Climate Plan Must be Paired with a Focus on Competitiveness

By Cody Battershill

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

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55 67

Calgary Chamber of Commerce How do you measure up to the PGA and LPGA pros?

By Scott Orban

70

Parker’s Pen

By David Parker

The Disrupter How Bob Dhillon and Mainstreet Equity Corp. are changing their industry for the better

By Melanie Darbyshire

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: BOB DHILLON, PRESIDENT AND CEO, MAINSTREET EQUITY CORP. PHOTO SOURCE: RIVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

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STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 32 | Number 5

63 18 THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

CONTENTS 16 COMPANY PROFILES

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45

Avalanche Air Systems Ltd.

Celebrates 20 Years

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T he Ultimate Host City Bringing Calgary’s tourism industry back to life

By Natalie Noble

C algary 2.0 Tech wave continues to reshape local economy, and experts say we’re only getting started

By Jamie Zachary

I nfrastructure Construction Momentum Stimulating the Calgary economy

By John Hardy

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C anada’s Essential Service Rail is important, big business

By John Hardy

Family Owned, Local Business

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Shane Wenzel Cody Battershill David Parker

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Melanie Darbyshire Rennay Craats Jamie Zachary John Hardy Natalie Noble

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Business in Calgary magazine’s circulation is audited twice a year by BPA International.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PAY FOR THAT? // SHANE WENZEL

How are You Going to Pay for That?

BY SHANE WENZEL

W

hen you are poor or in debt – some ‘expert’ will say you should have made better decisions! I wonder why that ‘expert’ never visits Ottawa with the same advice.

Early in 2020 when Canadians were gripped by fear and forced to ‘hunker down’, and stop going to school, restaurants, movie theatres, gyms, coffee shops and bars. All sports were cancelled, travel was down 96 per cent and the stock market fell. All the while, government did what they do best – spend money.

In 2020 the Federal Budget Deficit was estimated to reach $350 billion. While this should have been a hint for prudence, fiscal discipline was instead discarded and led to rushed and poorly targeted programs adding to a larger deficit. The COVID CERB program was quickly introduced leading to a taxable $2,000 money benefit. That cost grew from $35.5B to $53B in a few months. An extension to the program took the cost to $73B. Young adults aged 15 to 24 living at home going to school or not going to school were better off on CERB than working. Income loss went to $118B in short order.

While income stability can be a sound policy in a recession the federal government threw caution to the wind resulting in unprecedented large transfers of money to groups whose needs were questionable. Billions of dollars went to small and large businesses and the GDP shrank.

The result of unqualified government spending and individual savings led to a near economic depression. When we all cut back on spending the economy ground to a halt.

All the while, government was spending and wasting more.

Already before COVID, Canada’s growth rate for business investment lagged other OECD countries for a 50-year low.

Ottawa’s talk of adding an NDP inspired wealth tax and higher capital gains taxes will only damage an already dismal investment climate. It is a fact that big spending reduces economic freedom. It appears the government prefers to increase taxes rather than reduce spending. Needless to say, our net government debt will increase.

Questions around “how will you pay for that?” are considered an old way of thinking. The pandemic created great cover for a lack of accountability with face-to-face meetings not considered ‘safe’ and no opportunity for tough question periods.

While government needs to prioritize economic growth with a plan on how to balance the budget, their ‘go to’ formula is to just increase taxes and continue to spend. The facts are, despite promises not to, Ottawa raised taxes and increased spending and borrowing over the prior years. Tax increases financed new spending and borrowing. And Canadians continue to pay a myriad of progressive taxes in addition to personal and payroll taxes, sales taxes property taxes, fuel taxes and others. Already, the top per cent of Canadian income earners pay more than half of all taxes before the proposed NDP/liberal wealth and enhanced capital gains taxes.

Ottawa’s plan for a $170 per ton Carbon tax by 2030 will undoubtedly result in the economy shrinking more and hundreds of thousands lost jobs.

There really is no plan other than through taxes on how to pay off this debt.

So, the Cole’s Notes answer to the question is: “you are going to be paying for that.”

Shane Wenzel is president of the Shane Homes Group of Companies. Follow him @shanewenzel on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.His column is written for the Alberta Enterprise Group, @AEG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

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Webber Academy Grade 10 students, Barry Gu and Summit Kawakami, travelled to the United Kingdom after qualifying for the World British Parliamentary Debate Championship. This event is run by Oxford Union, Oxford Schools’. This is the largest UK debate tournament and one of the world’s most prestigious. Our students were up against the best high school debaters from four continents. It is an impressive achievement to even qualify for this event and we are extremely proud to report that Barry and Summit finished in first place. These two astute debaters are the first Grade 10 students to ever win the Oxford Cup and the first Canadians to win in over a decade.

This day camp is intended to provide in-depth sessions for beginner and advanced debaters

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CLIMATE PLAN MUST BE PAIRED WITH A FOCUS ON COMPETITIVENESS // CODY BATTERSHILL

Climate Plan Must be Paired with a Focus on Competitiveness

BY CODY BATTERSHILL

S

ome months have an intensity all their own. These last several weeks of domestic and international developments in natural resources prove the point beyond any doubt.

The federal government recently released its climate plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent or more by the end of the decade and, as predicted, its details place a huge burden on the energy sector and, to a lesser extent, other natural resources like forestry, mining and agriculture.

Canada’s climate plan comes at a time of high inflation, a fear of rising interest rates, the tail end of a crippling pandemic and a brutal war in Europe that sees more European customers from Berlin to Brussels signalling their interest in blocking Russian energy purchases in a bid to find more progressive sources of supply.

How are these events – Canada’s climate plan, a tough economy and a war in Europe – related?

After dozens of explicit statements from the International Energy Agency and similar groups, it’s clear the global economy will need fossil fuels for decades for heating, transportation, electricity, healthcare and common products like computers, cosmetics, plastics and household appliances.

They form a huge part of our lives.

But Canadians are to take climate mitigation seriously – and generally they do – then it’s reasonable for the government’s climate plan to roll out while Canada pushes harder on competitiveness.

In other words, Canada’s public and private sector research and development organizations are making huge advancements in carbon emissions reductions and other

mitigating technologies across natural resource sectors. And that, in turn, advances Canadian trade. But it doesn’t happen by itself.

As Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said recently on the topic of producing oil and gas while also pushing wind and solar and managing emissions, “We can walk and chew gum at the same time.”

Minister Wilkinson was making the point that Canadians are perfectly able to support both oil and gas and new, clean tech. Why shouldn’t international customers be encouraged to do business with reliable, progressive, transparent suppliers like ours?

And yet Hollywood celebrities campaign against Canadian natural resources while failing to make the link to the alleviation of systemic Indigenous poverty.

Many Indigenous leaders are well-prepared to do it for them, as Haisla Nation Chief Councillor Crystal Smith did recently in response to another ill-informed onslaught by Hollywood stars: “…If they succeed in stopping these projects they will be stopping the hopes and aspirations of thousands of B.C. Aboriginal people for a future free from unemployment, welfare, hopelessness and despair.”

Always remember: Blocking Canadian pipelines has never kept a single barrel of oil in the ground. Another likely less progressive supplier always picks up the slack.

Is there a country more deserving of sustainable investment than Canada? Not that I can think of!

Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder / spokesperson for CanadaAction. ca, a volunteer-initiated group that supports Canadian energy development and the environmental, social and economic benefits that come with it.

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Webber Academy Students, Barry Gu and Summit Kawakami, are Crowned World Champion Debaters Webber Academy Grade 10 students, Barry Gu and Summit Kawakami, travelled to the United Kingdom last week after qualifying for the World British Parliamentary Debate Championship. This event, run by Oxford Union, Oxford Schools’ is the largest UK debate tournament and one of the world’s most prestigious. Gu and Kawakami were up against

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THE TWO DEBATERS BECAME NOT ONLY THE FIRST GRADE 10 STUDENTS TO WIN THE OXFORD CUP, BUT ALSO THE FIRST CANADIANS IN OVER A DECADE AND THE YOUNGEST INDIVIDUALS the best high school debaters from four continents. The two debaters became not only the first Grade 10 students to win the Oxford Cup, but also the first Canadians in over a decade and the youngest individuals

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As individual speakers, Barry Gu also tied for first place as the Champion Speaker, and Summit Kawakami ranked 9th of more than 200 participants.

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LEFT: SUMMIT KAWAKAMI AND BARRY GU WIN THE 2022 WORLD BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP. ABOVE: WEBBER ACADEMY DEBATERS BARRY GU AND SUMMIT KAWAKAMI ARE THE FIRST GRADE 10 STUDENTS TO EVER WIN THE OXFORD CUP AND THE FIRST CANADIANS TO WIN IN OVER A DECADE.

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THE ULTIMATE HOST CITY // TRAVEL & TOURISM

THE ULTIMATE HOST CITY BRINGING CALGARY’S TOURISM INDUSTRY BACK TO LIFE

BY NATALIE NOBLE

T

here’s nothing like summer in Calgary. Stampede spirit is in the air, patios erupt with energy and parks become city-wide festivals.

Propelling that vibrancy is the travel and tourism industry.

Coincidentally, it’s the sector hit hardest by two years of constantlychanging pandemic restrictions.

ABOVE: KANANASKIS LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING MORE VISITORS AGAIN THIS SUMMER. ALL THEIR FLAGSHIP EVENTS ARE SET TO RETURN AS SEVERAL NEW BUSINESSES ALSO OPEN THEIR DOORS. PHOTO SOURCE: TOURISM CANMORE

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THE ULTIMATE HOST CITY // TRAVEL & TOURISM

“I don’t think any of us anticipated what a worldwide pandemic stretching on this long would look like,” says Cindy Ady, CEO at Tourism Calgary. “This industry has shown incredible resilience and determination. One of the most impactful things throughout has been that fighting spirit to open our businesses’ doors and get our industry back.”

As COVID restrictions continue to ease, signs point to a livelier season. In early April, 96 per cent of Tourism Calgary partners had their doors open, albeit not at full strength or without challenge. Still, that number sat lower than 40 per cent in April 2021 and at 23 per cent in June 2021.

Traffic at the airport is increasing with domestic travel nearing 2019 levels and more international flights being restored and announced. Forty-six major sporting and culture events are already on the books and expected to generate $123 million in economic activity.

Business meetings and conventions are also rebounding with 39 events scheduled for this year. Other events continue to be delayed and will seek a hosting venue, perhaps just in time.

“In 2024 we’ll open the largest convention centre in Western Canada,” says Ady. “We’ll then have the TELUS Convention Centre and a brand-new BMO Centre. We’ve lost two years of selling cycle, but it’s a golden opportunity for our city and we just have to work faster now to return that business travel.”

All this promise comes off the heels of a wild ride for the travel and tourism industry.

Prior to the pandemic, Ady describes Calgary’s tourism industry as “banging on all cylinders.” In 2019, eight-million annual visitors generated approximately $2 billion into the city’s economy as one-in-10 Albertans made their living connected to the visitor economy.

An almost-overnight shutdown of non-essential travel changed everything. About 68,000 travellers passed through Calgary International Airport in April 2020. That’s a 95 per cent drop from April 2019. In December 2021, traffic was back up to 65 per cent of 2019 numbers.

Summer 2020 saw people leave their homes with trepidation after the lockdown. By summer 2021, Ady and her team evaluated strategies to support their 920 industry partners beyond “staycation” tactics. “If we consider

ourselves ‘the ultimate host city,’ what could we do to ride on that banner and get things going as restrictions kept coming and going?” she says.

A wide range of businesses – hotels, restaurants, event planners, caterers, florists, taxi services and small businesses – were in dire need of support. “There have been times our hotels were down to six per cent occupancy,” says Ady. “Supporting businesses like caterers and live entertainment were hammered throughout.”

TOP: LARGE EVENTS LIKE THE CALGARY STAMPEDE ARE CRITICAL TO THE VISITOR ECONOMY AND BENEFIT THE ENTIRE CITY. THEY FILL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND TAXIS WHILE GENERATING ACTIVITY AND SPENDING. PHOTO SOURCE: CALGARY STAMPEDE

BOTTOM: DURING THE PANDEMIC, SIDEWALK PATIOS POPPED UP EVERYWHERE. THEIR VIBRANCY IS EXPECTED TO BE PART OF THE DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPE AGAIN THIS SUMMER. PHOTO SOURCE: KELLY HOFER

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

TEC Canada is proud to honour Lori Ell with our most prestigious award, the Robert Nourse Award A decisive thought leader, Lori’s dedication to the business community continues to transform CEOs, entrepreneurs, and growth-oriented leaders alike.

So, Ady and her team explored the potential in a hosting bubble. With that, the Curling Canada bubble came to town holding seven events from mid-February into May 2021. When the International Ice Hockey Federation’s 2021 Women’s World Championship was postponed, they came to Calgary that August. The two events injected approximately $75 million into the local economy.

Calgarians continued to push ahead and the Stampede returned at partial capacity.

“One of the bravest things I ever saw was the Calgary Stampede stepping up into that space last summer,” says Ady. “They worked with us, AHS, performed extra cleaning and safety measures, while vaccinations were holding at the time. It wasn’t easy for them, trust me, and they took a lot of criticism.”

These larger events are critical to the industry and benefit the entire city. “[They] create compression that makes the city hum. Hotels fill up, restaurants are bustling, cab drivers are busy, people are buying flowers and food.” says Ady. A determined industry and the City of Calgary got creative and sidewalk patios popped up everywhere. Outdoor venues such as the Zoo and Heritage Park provided some relief and new events may be here to stay.

Chinook Blast kicked off in 2021 with 300,000 attendees despite temperatures dropping to -30

In her role as a TEC Canada Chair and executive coach, Lori challenges and develops Calgarybased CEOs and business leaders. Chairing is a combination of listening and coaching and a blend of pushing and waiting.

Her approach is supportive yet goal-oriented, positive yet decisive, humorous and forthright.

The Robert Nourse Award is the highest possible recognition for a TEC Canada Chair, and we are delighted to present this year’s to Lori Ell, our first female winner.

tec-canada.com |

TEC Canada

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Celsius. “The 2022 event helped catapult what we’re hoping can become a permanent winter festival each February juxtaposed against summer’s Calgary Stampede,” says Ady. New initiatives were also appreciated by Arts Commons as they stopped all performances, closing their doors from March 2020 until September 2021.

“Our building has traditionally been our main vehicle to connect artists and audiences,” says Josh Dalledonne, associate director of social impact at Arts Commons, adding that the pandemic brought the realization that intersection could happen anywhere.

To negate the impacts of isolation on people and reanimate communities, Arts Commons launched ArtsXpeditions. “When we couldn’t bring people in, we decided to bring live performances out into the communities,” says Dalledonne.

Calgarians were treated to almost 40 performances in 2020 and double that in 2021, including a partnership with Chinook Blast. “We saw Calgarians be tourists within our own city,” he adds.

This summer, ArtsXpeditions is partnering on larger events, including Canada Day celebrations and various outdoor concerts. “When the weather starts to turn again, we can properly welcome everyone back into our building,” says Dalledonne.

The sports industry, another connector, was probably the most resilient in their quicker return. “As we’ve moved into and endemic perspective, we’ve seen the restoration of hockey, concerts are being re-announced, and the Stampede is in preparation to return full-on. That signals the beginning of a great summer season,” says Ady. However, a remarkable season hinges on the international visitor. “Calgarians are the number one tourists in our own city, but spending increases the farther you ABOVE: ARTSXPEDITIONS’ PARTNERSHIP WITH CHINOOK BLAST BROUGHT COMMUNITIES TOGETHER. PHOTO SOURCE: KIANI EVANS

MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

// TRAVEL & TOURISM

ALL THE AREA’S FLAGSHIP EVENTS RETURN THIS SUMMER, INCLUDING CANADA DAY WITH THE PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND PARADE, AUGUST’S CANMORE FOLK FESTIVAL AND SEPTEMBER’S CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES. travel from home,” says Ady. In normal years, locals make up approximately 75 per cent of traffic and 25 per cent of spending; it’s vice versa for international guests.

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Kananaskis country is also anticipating more local and international visitors.

“Tourism is, and always has been, the largest driver of our economy in Canmore,” says Rachel Ludwig, CEO at Tourism Canmore-Kananaskis. “COVID’s impact on the tourism industry deeply impacted our area. We were grateful throughout the pandemic that Albertans stood behind us, continuing to visit and help keep our businesses afloat.”

Tourism Canmore-Kananaskis is happily in recovery mode. “We can move on and do what we do best – welcome visitors to Canmore and Kananaskis,” says Ludwig.

All the area’s flagship events return this summer, including Canada Day with the pancake breakfast and parade, August’s Canmore Folk Festival and September’s Canmore Highland Games. Main Street will again open to biking and walking traffic only, a move that brought vibrancy downtown throughout the pandemic.

Trail experiences will be enhanced thanks to Alberta Parks’ $4 million investment into the Grassi Lake and Goat Creek trail infrastructure and environmental protection. New attractions await, including CanGOLF indoor golf facility; The Anger Management Collective axe throwing facility; Pedego Electric Bikes sales and rentals; new restaurants; and a new ice cream parlour.

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Tourism Calgary has also shifted its focus from response to recovery mode and the visitor economy holds great potential.

Patios are expected to be bursting everywhere. Heritage Park, the Zoo, WinSport and TELUS Spark will continue to welcome visitors. In addition to the Stampede’s full return, Spruce Meadows is set to reopen, as are all the summer festivals, including Global Fest, Folk Fest and the International Blues Festival. Passes like the Calgary Beers & Cheers Pass will encourage people to explore Calgary’s robust craft beer scene.

In June, audiences can look forward to Ragtime: A Concert Performance, hosted at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. It’s the first time Arts Commons Presents, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Theatre Calgary will collaborate to bring a show to the stage. “It’s a historic collaboration led by Stafford Arima, who knows the piece inside and out,” says Dalledonne. “If you’re looking for quality music in one of the best concert halls in the country, this is it. It’s going to be a fantastic performance.”

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

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THE DISRUPTER // COVER

THE DISRUPTER HOW BOB DHILLON AND MAINSTREET EQUITY CORP. ARE CHANGING THEIR INDUSTRY FOR THE BETTER

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

T

he owner and manager of more than 15,598 rental apartment suites in Western Canada, Mainstreet Equity Corp. is not your average landlord. Nor is it your average real estate company. Rather Mainstreet, led by founder, president and CEO Bob Dhillon, is an altogether unique enterprise, one that has disrupted the real estate industry and carved out its own brand of radical social entrepreneurship. It’s a strategy that leaves both tenants and investors quite happy.

ABOVE: BOB DHILLON, PRESIDENT AND CEO, MAINSTREET EQUITY CORP. PHOTO SOURCE: RIVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

THE DISRUPTER // COVER

Need proof? Since inception in 1997, Mainstreet has enjoyed double-digit, organic, non-dilutive growth year-over-year.

For 22 years. This past March 18, the stock hit an all-time high of $153 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

“We are not a REIT,” says Dhillon proudly from Mainstreet’s head office in downtown Calgary. “We are an add-value creator. We take all our cashflow and reinvest it into our buildings. We create quality, affordable living while making lots of money for our shareholders. The product that we represent – mid-market apartment buildings – all need tender, loving care, which we give them. We improve the life of middle-class Canadians while making double-digit returns. It is unique.”

Mainstreet has implemented the model in apartment buildings from Vancouver Island to Winnipeg, the majority of which are in Alberta. “Eighty per cent of the product in the apartment building space are smaller buildings,” Dhillon explains. “And it’s where the majority of the workforce lives, including the tech workers. Our focus is on Millennials and Gen Z in the inner city.”

In Calgary’s inner city, for example, Mainstreet owns 73 locations (3,229 total units); in Edmonton’s ICE District and throughout the city it has 5,386 total units across 150 locations.

Middle-class Canadians, Dhillon notes, pay an average of $1,000 in rent. They comprise 50 per cent of working Canadians (or 70 per cent of the entire population) and make less than $50,000 per year. “So I’m focused on improving the life of that 50 to 70 per cent of Canadians,” he says. “And how do we do that? By renovating these buildings to a certain spec that is non-existent.”

Suites are renovated to match a company-specified model, which incorporates modern designs and open layouts.

Renovations include upgraded flooring, kitchen counters, cabinetry, energy-efficient appliances, bathrooms, window coverings and LED lighting.

“The secret sauce of the apartment building or multi-family business is that it trades below replacement cost,” Dhillon reveals. “This is very important. If you build a brand new apartment building, it’ll cost you $400,000 to $500,000

IN CALGARY’S INNER CITY, FOR EXAMPLE, MAINSTREET OWNS 73 LOCATIONS (3,229 TOTAL UNITS); IN EDMONTON’S ICE DISTRICT AND THROUGHOUT THE CITY IT HAS 5,386 TOTAL UNITS ACROSS 150 LOCATIONS. per door to build. But you can buy them all day long for significantly less, at let’s say $150,000 to $160,000. So that allows you to get more supply until rents go up considerably.

That’s the secret sauce to our business.”

There is a limited supply of apartment buildings, he adds, with local demand increasing from immigration, foreign students, interprovincial migration and local population growth, such that a supply/demand imbalance exists. Additional units won’t be produced until rents go up considerably.

Dhillon, who was born in Japan and grew up in Calgary, has spent his entire working career in real estate. “It’s the only job I ever had – flipping, wheeling and dealing, owning real estate from a very young age,” he reflects. “I saw this neglected segment of the market – improving and repositioning assets to make a sustainable profit – to be a

ABOVE: MAINSTREET’S AVENUE TOWER APARTMENTS ON THE HOTTEST PART OF 17TH AVE.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

23

THE DISRUPTER // COVER

social entrepreneur. Make a sustainable profit and reinvest it to compound the quality of life of middle class Canadians.”

After completing his MBA at the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in 1998, Dhillon devoted himself to Mainstreet. “I didn’t have a rich daddy or a social network,” he recalls. “I came from the hood. I went through the school of hard knocks and created this model. And it was through trial and error and years of cycles: the 2004 oil boom, 2009 financial crisis, 2015 oil price crash, COVID pandemic. We’ve seen it all and at every turn we learn.”

“And I think the next cycle is going to be the greatest cycle in Alberta,” he predicts with a smile.

A huge proponent of his hometown, Dhillon is bullish on Calgary’s future. He acknowledges the rough patch we’ve gone through – from the economy, COVID – over the last seven years, but that Mainstreet nonetheless flourished the entire time. “Because of our capital structure, our systems, our management team,” he says. “But the key thing was not Mainstreet – it was Calgary. This city’s a great place.”

His company was counter-cyclical, Dhillon explains, doubling down on Calgary at a time when many considered it a no-fly zone: “And finally now, Alberta is being recognized. Oil is not disappearing. The population is growing, the economy is diversifying. Energy is security. Agriculture is security. We have the youngest population, the most educated population, the best quality of life. And most of all, we’ve got affordability, which the rest of the big centres in Ontario and B.C. don’t have.”

Crucially, he says, Calgary has great people. “One of the most unique things about Calgary is the lack of a glass ceiling,” he points out. “It’s not about who your father is or which private school you went to. Here you can have access to everybody and anybody. Because of this open culture and the ability to create entrepreneurs.”

Today, Mainstreet has over 450 full-time team members, plus a couple hundred contract workers. The company is vertically integrated and encompasses an operating platform, quality control, human resources, supply chain logistics, software and the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge in Calgary.

ABOVE: THE MAINSTREET CALGARY TEAM GET OUTSIDE EVERY YEAR TO GIVE BACK AND CLEAN UP THE COMMUNITY.

24

MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Headquartered in Calgary Coast to coast, we are proudly Canadian - and here when you need us. With innovative strategies, clear financial reporting, and a plan that takes you and your business from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow.

Trevor Winkler, CPA, CA | 403.263.3385 | trevor.winkler@mnp.ca MNP.ca

THE DISRUPTER // COVER

IN 2018, DHILLON MADE A $10 MILLION DONATION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE – THE LARGEST IN THE INSTITUTION’S HISTORY. IT WAS, AS DHILLON DESCRIBED THEN, A WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS WAS NAMED IN HIS HONOUR. operational position 20 years ago. We take people from the ground up, from our school and they go into senior positions.

We don’t give them a job, we give them a career. Nobody’s a CEO and nobody’s a cleaner. We’re all equals. We are all transparent. And the greatest ideas come from the bottom.”

Dhillon also touts Mainstreet as being the most inclusive company in Canada: “Before inclusivity was a popular buzzword, and not because I’m a brown CEO, but because it’s something I believe passionately in. From religion, colour, LGBTQ+. We have badges and stickers showing a rainbow in every building we own. They represent inclusivity and a flat playing field.”

“We developed a supply chain logistics software system, from factory direct in Asia to warehouse, which manages our operating platform,” he explains. “We also have a school that trains people right out of college and university into our management system. We train them and work them through a co-op program. We also have a co-op program with the Dhillon School of Business.”

In 2018, Dhillon made a $10 million donation to the University of Lethbridge – the largest in the institution’s history. It was, as Dhillon described then, a way to give back to the greatest country in the world. The School of Business was named in his honour.

Reflecting Dhillon’s open and accessible style, Mainstreet is a flat organization, inclusive and without hierarchy.

“We symbolically only have glass doors and walls, for full transparency, so everybody has access to anybody,” he says.

“For example, our VP Operation started out at the lowest

And while he has built Mainstreet to be a social entrepreneurial enterprise, Dhillon personally, is a social entrepreneur too. He has been a board member of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) since 2015, a member of Premier Jason Kenney’s Alberta Economic Recovery Council since 2020, a board member of Invest Alberta since 2020, and on the Advisory Council for the Canada-India Business Council since 2021.

“One of my greatest passions is giving back,” he reflects. “I’m a global guy – so it’s a great opportunity to give an out-ofthe-box global perspective.”

In addition to his historical donation to the University of Lethbridge, he donated $10,000 towards the creation of Sikh Studies Program at the University of Calgary (2021), apartments to refugees from Syria and Afghanistan (2019), established a $10,000 business studies scholarship for Lakehead University (2017), and donated apartments to

TOP: YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A SUSTAINABLE BIRD SCOOTER NEAR A MAINSTREET BUILDING’S BIRD NEST THANKS TO THE MEQ-BIRD PARTNERSHIP. BOTTOM: THE EXTERIOR OF MAINSTREET’S SMARTHOME-EQUIPPED SUNALTA 1913 APARTMENTS.

26

MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

THE DISRUPTER // COVER

victims of the Fort McMurray (2016) and Slave Lake (2011) wildfires. In March, the company did the same again when it began housing refugees from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

investors. And we’ll continue to grow this portfolio because we believe in Western Canada and Calgary. Particularly in the inner city.”

Dhillon, a cancer survivor, is currently also developing 3,000 acres in Belize, intended to demonstrate a model of environmentally-friendly destination tourism to investors.

“Calgary has the greatest inner city,” he continues.

“Bridgeland, Sunnyside, East Village, Inglewood, 17th Avenue, First Street, Mission. Look at all our little inner city pockets. They’re all amazing. The only thing missing is another 100,000 people to make it thrive. And they’re coming now. We’ve built it, and they’re coming.”

In recognition of his many accomplishments, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2021 and received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2012, among many other awards and recognitions.

Looking forward, Dhillon will continue to grow Mainstreet, particularly in Calgary. “We’re at a crossroads. With inmigration and post-COVID population growth, our products are going to fill. Rents will show great returns for our

Disrupter. Radical social entrepreneur. Community leader.

Dhillon and Mainstreet have earned many good descriptions over the course of 22 years. With an inextinguishable passion for what he does and for where he does it, Dhillon will add much to his, Mainstreet’s and Calgary’s reputation in the future.

We’ve Evolved!

Qualico Properties now provides an elevated experience from development and leasing through to property management.

Grow your business at one of our high-quality properties across Western Canada.

qualicoproperties.com

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

27

MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT’S WORTH® THE

LUXURY EDITION

LUXURY MARKET PREDICTIONS more activity in higher price points

A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES

take a peek inside these properties

MOST WANTED

these houses are in demand MAY 2022

ASK SAM

FACTORS POINTING TO STRONG SALES IN THE LUXURY REAL ESTATE MARKET

Q

Robust Sales in Lower Price Points Strong sales in the price bracket between $800,000 and $1,000,000 is a very good indicator that luxury sales will also increase. Normally home owners sell their current home before moving up to a higher price point. This is why the luxury real estate market lags slightly behind in activity.

Since we have seen a thriving market in homes just below $1 Million, we can expect to see an increase in luxury homes selling over the next three months.

Oil and Gas Prices Consumer confidence increases when oil and gas prices go up. Many who work in this segment have been waiting to make a move until they feel more secure. They have been holding off for several years. Now they are feeling optimistic, seeing the upside of the industry and are ready to upgrade.

The Upsizing Trend Continues Over the last two years we have seen a trend of buyers purchasing homes with more square footage than they have in the past. Homes with gyms, multiple living areas, outdoor living spaces, and home offices are more and more popular.

We’ve seen an increased demand for pools, wine rooms and unique features as buyers focus on finding a home with

Why do you predict increased sales in luxury homes in the next 90 days?

indulgences that bring them pleasure and improve their well-being. This upsizing trend will continue to result in more sales in the luxury segment of the real estate market.

Increased Demand for Outlying Areas and Acreages Historically, luxury homes in the areas outside the city such as Springbank and Priddis take longer to sell. But recently there has been an increase in demand. Since inventory of luxury inner city homes remains low, buyers are widening their search to these districts. Accessibly has been improved by the construction of the ring road. And lastly, since many can work from home, the commute into the core is not an issue.

Travel and Holidays Many people are planning big trips this summer now that travel has become more accessible and attainable. But before they jump on that flight, they want to make sure they have found the house they will be moving into on their return.

Buyers usually prefer to be settled before the fall and the beginning of the school year. I expect that the market will slow down towards the end of the summer as more and more people take vacations. Therefore, my advice is to get your luxury home on the market before August.

THE MARKET IS CHANGING. DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

OUR EXPERIENCE IS YOUR ADVANTAGE. CALL US TODAY. Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale nor intended to cause a breach of any existing agency relationship.

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES FOR SALE

65

Unparalleled luxury and refinement! After a 2 year renovation by Gallagher Homes and with a beautifully designed interior by McIntyre Bills, this 5 bedroom seven bathroom home boasts over 7,000 SF of opulent living space. Any discerning buyer will appreciate the high quality finishings such as exotic marbles, semi precious stones, custom millwork detailing, ceiling coffering and antique lighting reproductions featuring raw crystals. You’ll find this home to be extremely inviting while still offering lots of intimate gathering spaces. In the luxurious French style kitchen there is everything you could ever need with two massive islands, marble counters & the ultimate appliance package. The enclosed patio is the spot for entertaining guests in front of the fireplace while you BBQ. Upstairs offers three bedrooms, including the stunning master retreat with a spa inspired ensuite and massive walk-in closet. The lower level features a spa-like heated indoor pool which helps make Calgary winters a breeze, exercise room, theatre room, bar and wine room. The level of detail and craftsmanship is second to none and truly is a must see!

MAJ E STIC P OI NT

SAM COREA RE/MAX HOUSE OF REAL ESTATE 403.870.8811 SAM@SAMCOREA.COM OCTOBER 17, 2019

65 MAJESTIC POINT, CALGARY

UPPER - 2320.52 Sq.ft. / 215.58 m2 RMS TOTAL - 5239.63 Sq.ft. / 486.76 m2

E L B OW VA L L E Y

DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY

*RECA RMS MEASUREMENTS TAKEN TO EXTERIOR FOUNDATION

$3 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0

SAM COREA RE/MAX HOUSE OF REAL ESTATE 403.870.8811 SAM@SAMCOREA.COM OCTOBER 17, 2019

65 MAJESTIC POINT, CALGARY

BASEMENT - 3234.91 Sq.ft. / 300.52 m2 *FINISHED TOTAL - 2671.42 Sq.ft. / 248.17 m2 DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY

SAM COREA RE/MAX HOUSE OF REAL ESTATE 403.870.8811 SAM@SAMCOREA.COM OCTOBER 17, 2019

65 MAJESTIC POINT, CALGARY MAIN - 2919.11 Sq.ft. / 271.19 m2 RMS TOTAL - 5239.63 Sq.ft. / 486.76 m2 DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY *RECA RMS MEASUREMENTS TAKEN TO EXTERIOR FOUNDATION

*BASEMENT MEASUREMENTS TAKEN TO INTERIOR PAINT

DECK 20'0" X 12'0"

KITCHEN NOOK 13'0" X 13'0"

MASTER BEDROOM 21'7" X 20'8"

ENCLOSED PATIO 22'3" X 18'8"

LIBRARY / DEN 13'0" X 11'0"

PATIO 31'6" X 19'6"

ENSUITE BATH POOL ROOM 23'9" X 18'6"

WALK IN CLOSET

KITCHEN 28'0" X 16'0"

LIVING ROOM 24'2" X 16'0"

PANTRY

BEDROOM FOUR 16'0" X 15'4"

ENSUITE BATH

WALK IN CLOSET

STORAGE ROOM

FOYER 12'0" X 9'10"

DINING ROOM 16'0" X 13'0"

MUD / LAUNDRY 16'3" X 10'5"

DOG WASH

BEDROOM FIVE 21'0" X 15'9"

W.I.C.

BATH

OFFICE 16'0" X 13'0"

EXERCISE ROOM 24'5" X 13'0"

ENSUITE BATH

GARAGE 26'0" X 21'10"

BEDROOM TWO 16'0" X 14'6"

ENSUITE BATH

BILLIARDS ROOM 19'6" X 16'0"

STORAGE / UTILITY

ENSUITE BATH

MEDIA ROOM 21'4" X 15'5"

UTILITY

BATH

PORCH 10'0" X 8'6"

W.I.C.

WH

WH

VAC

UTILITY ROOM 23'0" X 15'4"

WET BAR 16'2" X 11'5"

THEATRE ROOM 16'3" X 11'5"

GARAGE 24'2" X 22'3"

BEDROOM THREE 30'8" X 12'0"

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

122 ASPEN RIDGE PLACE SW

ASPEN WOODS $2 , 595 , 0 0 0

Modern design and sophisticated finishes make this home the epitome of streamlined elegance. The living room’s soaring ceiling, fireplace and double height windows beckon you inside. An expansive dining room is perfect for hosting special occasions. There is plenty of space to try out new recipes in the generous kitchen finished with sleek cabinets, marble counters and a walk-thru pantry into the luxe laundry room with heated floors. The private office is tucked away down the hall. A main floor bedroom and bathroom offers a quiet spot for guests. The sprawling owners suite has a double sided fireplace separating the dressing area from the bedroom, a sophisticated ensuite, walk-in closet and built-in cabinetry for fashionistas. Two additional bedrooms both with their own bathrooms complete the second floor. Downstairs is a dream bar, theatre room, family room and games area. There is also a 5th bedroom, bathroom, gym and large storage area with stairs up to the garage. Towering trees line the property providing a private, leafy backdrop for the multiple outdoor living areas. This contemporary home is very impressive and has space for everyone.

CONTACT US TO BOOK A PERSONAL TOUR

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES FOR SALE

SO LD AT TI M E O F PR I NT

129 A S PE N RI DG E PL AC E S W

ASPEN WOODS $2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0

This palatial home is an effortless mix of comfort and luxury. Rustic and refined elements such as limestone, bespoke wool carpeting, and masterfully crafted built-ins are are blended seamlessly throughout the 7400 SF of living spaces. An executive office adjacent to the foyer is perfect for working from home. Host celebrations in the formal dining area. Serve casual meals in the kitchen nook. Chefs will appreciate the huge kitchen, it’s top-of-the-line appliances, large island and walk-thru pantry. The second floor has three large bedrooms (one with its own ensuite) along with an elegantly appointed owner’s suite.

Above the garage is a gym that could easily be converted into a nanny’s room or large office. The basement is ideal for entertaining, with a family room, games area, theatre room, bar and wine cellar, plus a private guest bedroom and lots of storage. The backyard is beautifully landscaped and includes a hot tub, fire pit, covered patio and upper deck.

Located steps from Rundle College, the C-Train station and the shops and restaurants of Aspen Landing. This spectacular property is unlike anything else in the district.

DECK 32'0" X 10'10"

BREAKFAST NOOK

BALCONY

14'10" X 8'8"

BEDROOM TWO

11'0" X 5'0"

18'0" X 14'2"

WALK IN CLOSET

LIVING ROOM 19'8" X 16'6"

KITCHEN

ENSUITE

BATH

PRIMARY BEDROOM

20'6" X 16'4"

LAUNDRY

21'2" X 18'2"

15'8" X 7'0"

DINING ROOM 21'0" X 13'11"

BEDROOM THREE 14'0" X 13'0"

THEATRE ROOM

FAMILY ROOM

MUD ROOM

FOYER

22'10" X 20'0"

18'2" X 17'10"

14'0" X 8'4"

9'10" X 8'6"

GAMES AREA 12'10" X 9'6"

BATH

FITNESS ROOM

DEN/OFFICE

28'2" X 17'0"

ENSUITE

20'4" X 16'0"

ENSUITE

BAR AREA WINE CELLAR

15'4" X 10'0"

14'0" X 4'10"

BATH

MAIN LEVEL

BEDROOM FOUR

ENSUITE

WALK IN CLOSET

17'10" X 15'2"

BALCONY

UTILITY ROOM/STORAGE

GARAGE

BEDROOM FIVE

37'10" X 23'0"

27'0" X 20'0"

15'8" X 14'6"

UPPER LEVELS BASEMENT

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

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Country living within the city limits! This large home nestled into the hillside offers spectacular mountain views. The living room features a wood burning fireplace and plenty of space for large parties. The craftsman style kitchen has granite counters, double wall ovens, a 5 burner cooktop, breakfast bar and overlooks the cozy sitting room. A conveniently located mud/laundry room offers lots of pantry storage for busy families. The quiet home office with built-ins is located off the foyer. Up the curved staircase is an open library, ideal for homework. There are 3 spacious bedrooms and an owner’s suite upstairs with a fireplace, an ensuite and walk-in closet. The lower floor has an additional 1947 SF of living space that includes 2 bedrooms, a games area, family room, snack bar and media room. This home is in immaculate condition, has a new roof, furnaces and water tanks. Some of the city’s best private schools are steps away. This home has space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the peaceful setting.

ANATAPI LANE SW SPRINGBANK H I L L

$1, 8 0 0 , 0 0 0

WH

GARAGE 34'0" X 23'0"

BEDROOM TWO 17'2" X 11'0"

BATH

BEDROOM THREE 20'0" X 15'2"

BEDROOM SIX 13'3" X 10'3"

UTILITY ROOM 20'5" X 20'4"

BATH

WET BAR 8'8" X 6'0" VAC ENSUITE BATH

ENSUITE BATH

MUD ROOM 21'5" X 6'4"

STEAM

DECK 20'0" X 16'0"

KITCHEN 18'0" X 12'4"

MEDIA ROOM 23'3" X 16'6"

BATH

BREAKFAST NOOK 11'8" X 9'6"

LAUNDRY 11'2" X 6'6"

WALK IN CLOSET

LIBRARY 13'2" X 11'10"

FORMAL DINING 19'0" X 14'0"

SITTING ROOM 19'0" X 14'5"

BEDROOM FIVE 14'9" X 12'2"

PRIMARY BEDROOM 28'0" X 19'7"

BEDROOM FOUR 22'2" X 11'0"

GAMES AREA 18'3" X 12'0"

STORAGE ROOM 11'0" X 11'0"

FAMILY ROOM 20'6" X 19'2"

DEN/OFFICE 16'0" X 11'2" FOYER 11'5" X 9'0"

LIVING ROOM 28'2" X 20'3" WRAP-AROUND PORCH 100'0" X 6'0"

MAIN LEVEL

ASK US HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH

UPPER LEVEL

BASEMENT

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES FOR SALE

67

67 DISCOVERY VALLEY COVE SW

DISCOVERY RIDGE $1, 695 , 0 0 0

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Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, backing Griffith Woods, this sprawling home is an escape from city life. Enter into the foyer to take in the warm and inviting living area with vast windows and fireplace flanked by custom millwork. The spacious kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counters, a pot filler & large island. A casual dining nook overlooks a backdrop of trees. The formal dining area and quiet home office provide extra living space. Head upstairs to the serene primary bedroom with ensuite & generous walk-in closet. Three more bedrooms (one with its own ensuite) and a laundry room complete this floor. The walk-out level provides plenty of space for the kids to sprawl out in the large recreation room, family room, bar, den, and media room. The lush yard has multiple areas to enjoy the outdoors and space for the the kids to play. Access the park thru the back gate.

Dine al-fresco on the raised deck or sit around the fire-pit and gaze up at the stars. You will feel miles away from hectic city life.

403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

#501

201 QUARRY WAY SE DOUGLASDALE $1,495 , 0 0 0

A sophisticated penthouse overlooking the scenic banks of the Bow. This spacious, luxurious unit contains details you would expect to find in an estate home. A double sided French chateau inspired fireplace separates the generous living room from the dining area. There is plenty of space to host elegant dinner parties or special occasions.

The open concept kitchen allows conversation to flow while you prep meals. Highlights include custom cabinetry with carved corbels, Wolf and Subzero appliances, and high end finishes. The grand primary bedroom has access out to one of the two outdoor living areas both with river views, a luxe 5-piece ensuite, and a large closet any fashionista would envy.

Guests will appreciate the tucked away 2nd bedroom and bathroom. A laundry room, additional storage unit and 2 titled parking stalls are included. The concrete construction dampens noise between floors making it extra quiet. Communal gardens, access to the river paths and uncompromising quality make this the lap of luxury!

BALCONY

LIVING ROOM

46' 9" X 9' 0"

18' 0" X 14' 2" DOUBLE SIDED FIREPLACE

BALCONY

19' 6" X 6' 6"

DINING AREA 15' 2" X 12' 0"

PRIMARY BEDROOM 19' 10" X 14' 7"

W.I.C

KITCHEN

FOYER

20' 6" X 11' 9"

12' 0" X 7' 2"

PANTRY ENTRY

LAUNDRY

BEDROOM TWO 13' 6" X 11' 3"

4 PCS BATH

MAIN LEVEL

GET OUR MARKETING DOLLARS WORKING FOR YOU

5 PCS ENSUITE BATH

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES FOR SALE

BU ILD YOU R D RE AM HO ME HE RE

218 MYSTIC RIDGE PARK SW

SPRINGBANK HILL $1, 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

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A spectacular spot to build your dream home! This half acre lot backs on to a natural ravine lined by a grove of mature spruce trees. The unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains are absolutely breathtaking. It is an ideal lot for a home with a walk-out basement. The backyard would have sunny southern exposure and the reserved land behind offers a beautiful backdrop and privacy from neighbours. There is no building timeline or commitment so you are able to select the builder of your choice and take your time in the design phase. This affluent cul-de-sac is just moments from the Aspen Landing and Westhills shopping districts. Some of the best schools in Calgary are nearby. This is a rare piece of land where you can build a spectacular home to your own specifications. It’s country living within the city limits!

403 870 8811 |

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www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

24

S IG NAL H I LL WAY S W SIGNAL HILL $1,195 , 0 0 0

Sleek, contemporary living in Signal Hill. This completely renovated bungalow features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, large windows & an open concept floor plan. You will love cooking in the high end kitchen with granite island, oversized fridge, stainless steel appliances and kitchen nook. The formal dining room is perfect for entertaining guests. The highlights of the living room are the fabulous city views & a circular fireplace that you can also enjoy from the master suite. The master bedroom features a sliding closet & a luxurious five-piece ensuite with double sinks. A second bedroom with ensuite completes the main level. Enjoy the expansive living space of the walkout basement. Three bedrooms & two bathrooms are perfect for older children or guests. A den, laundry & flex room can also be found downstairs. A sunny recreation room gives you access to the patio and backyard. This home also comes with a heated triple car garage. Conveniently located to Westhills, LRT, & Westside Recreation Centre.

FIND OUT ABOUT OUR CONCIERGE SERVICE

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES FOR SALE

1411 2N D STRE E T N W

CRESCENT HEIGHTS $719, 0 0 0

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A tastefully updated home on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of desirable Crescent Heights. The open concept floor plan allows light to pour in from the west facing back yard. A brick fireplace in the living room adds charm and personality. The cheerful kitchen has lots of storage, quartz counters, stainless appliances, subway tile and seating for four at the island. Through the sliding bard door you’ll find a tucked away powder room and mudroom leading out to the double detached garage. The primary bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and 5-piece ensuite with a rain shower head. Two additional bedrooms are well-sized for kids or could be used as an office. Downstairs is a recreation room, kitchenette, 4th bedroom and bathroom with a secondary laundry area, perfect for guests or a teen that needs their own space. The beautifully landscaped yard and deck is ideal for grilling or hosting friends for a cocktail. Bike into the core, visit Kensington, or explore the paths of memorial drive. SAIT, Crescent Heights High School and the park are close by. This is excellent value for the location and in turn-key condition.

403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

DOUGLASDALE $ 695 , 0 0 0

BEDROOM TWO

DINING AREA

12' 7" X 10' 7"

11' 10" X 11' 9"

LIVING ROOM 19' 0" X 15' 3"

3 PCS BATH

KITCHEN 15' 0" X 11' 7"

FLEX AREA 10' 4" X 6' 3"

PRIMARY BEDROOM

5 PCS ENSUITE BATH

14' 8" X 12' 0"

LAUNDRY

W.I.C

FOYER 10' 0" X 6' 3"

MAIN LEVEL

ENTRY

CALL TODAY TO GET YOUR HOME IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

BALCONY

201 QUARRY WAY S E

14' 8" X 7' 8"

#406

An elegant pied-à-terre on the banks of the Bow. Step into the bright, spacious living room which flows seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen. Granite counters, plenty of storage, a large island with seating and stainless steel appliances make this open concept kitchen a dream for entertaining. Host friends and family for holiday celebrations in the dining room. A serene principal bedroom has a grand ensuite and walk-in closet.

The neutral, soothing finishes of the second bedroom and bathroom have broad appeal.

Hardwood floors, crown mouldings, stylish light fixtures, and top of the line tile are utilized throughout. A convenient in-suite laundry is tucked into a closet. An additional storage unit and two titled parking stalls are included. The concrete construction of this building dampens noise between floors making this a quiet, comfortable place to call home. Walk your dog in the communal garden or along the river valley pathways. This luxury condo is ideal for downsizers without compromising on quality.

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES FOR SALE

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C H RI STI E PARK TE RR AC E S W CHRISTIE PARK $ 475 , 0 0 0

This impeccably kept, bungalow villa in a quiet enclave offers convenient, low maintenance living in an exceptional location. You will be pleasantly surprised by the soaring ceilings and sun bathed living areas. A formal dining room provides plenty of space for big celebrations. The living and family room are separated by a 3-sided fireplace. A casual nook, stainless appliances and white cabinetry are features of the bright and airy kitchen. Enjoy a cup of coffee as you watch the sun rise from the covered balcony. The primary suite contains a walk-in closet and ensuite with jetted tub. The second bedroom is ideal for guests. A bonus of this property is that all the furniture is included. The undeveloped basement is ready to be designed to suit your needs. Come and go easily from the attached double garage. Updates including new appliances, carpet and paint were completed in 2016. The community paths running through the natural ravines, the LRT station, shops, restaurants and the Westside Rec Center are all steps from his pet-friendly complex. This spotless, spacious unit has everything you need on the main floor and right outside your doorstep.

DECK 14' 0" X 11' 9"

BEDROOM TWO 11' 10" X 9' 10"

REC AREA

PRIMARY BEDROOM 13' 3" X 12' 4"

12' 0" X 11' 4"

ED BL U D O E D SID EP

FIR E

C LA

4 PCS ENSUITE BATH

W.I.C LAUNDRY 4 PCS BATH

LIVING / DINING 24' 0" X 15' 2"

GARAGE 19' 3" X 19' 3"

DN FOYER/ MUD AREA

ENTRY

KITCHEN 10' 9" X 8' 0"

BREAKFAST NOOK

MAIN LEVEL

12' 0" X 9' 4"

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403 686 7800 |

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Jacqueline Corea

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The rapidly changing real estate market continues to bring new challenges at every turn. We are dedicated to getting our clients the results they seek quickly and easily.

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CALGARY 2.0 // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

CALGARY 2.0

Tech wave continues to reshape local economy, and experts say we’re only getting started

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

I

t’s an energy that Brad Parry says is almost palpable in Calgary these days. But it’s not the type of energy you’re used to talking about.

The newly minted president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development says an unprecedented digital transformation has quickly established Calgary as top-tier tech city – a “destination of choice.”

“It’s a hive effect. You’re starting to see companies like AWS (Amazon Web Services), RBC, EY (Ernst & Young) and Infosys show up here, and people are starting to notice,” he says.

“The reason they are coming here is because they see what’s happening. They’re seeing the talent, They’re seeing the opportunities. They’re seeing the potential in this city.”

In December, Calgary Economic Development and Edmonton Global released a joint Alberta Energy Transition Study that recognized half of the province’s 945 cleantech companies are now in Calgary. Parry, in fact, points to the goal of having 1,000 core tech companies in the next nine years.

Interestingly, he notes the tech companies calling Calgary come are becoming incredibly diverse – from fintech to clean tech and software to life sciences.

“At the end of the day, Calgary is always going to be the energy capital of Canada. But you’re starting to see other forms of energy take hold and grow,” he says. “Life sciences, agriculture, fintech, creative industries … you look at all these other sectors that are starting to build their own ecosystems, and that’s what is going to make us successful.”

BiohubX knows a thing or two about building ecosystems. The Calgary-based not-for-profit recently opened an innovative 9,100-square-foot shared lab facility in the city’s northwest

“IT’S A HIVE EFFECT. YOU’RE STARTING TO SEE COMPANIES LIKE AWS (AMAZON WEB SERVICES), RBC, EY (ERNST & YOUNG) AND INFOSYS SHOW UP HERE, AND PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO NOTICE,” SAYS PARRY. designed to support early-stage life science companies through vulnerable scale-up and expansion phases.

BiohubX co-founder and executive director Jeff Hopper says the facility was desperately needed here in Calgary to nurture, and often retain, many start-ups in the life sciences sector.

“The challenge for many of these companies is that when they go to make that shift from a university research lab to a

ABOVE: BRAD PARRY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

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// BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

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commercial space, it’s incredibly expensive. They are often faced with coming up with millions of dollars when they still don’t have any revenue,” he says.

“And what happens is a lot of these companies either get extracted from the Alberta economy and taken to other places in the world where they can get the support they need. Or even worse, they don’t survive.”

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The shared lab space, dubbed Biospace 1, is meant to de-risk some of the stepping stones these companies need to take when they are seeking to commercialize their respective technologies. Established out of a partnership with DynaLIFE Medical Laboratories, which is using a third of the space for its diagnostic operations, the facility was fully leased within four months of opening.

“We always knew this was going to be a resource that would be heavily sought after,” says Hopper. “The response so far as provided all the validation we needed to prove out the model and demonstrate there is this vibrant innovation community in the life sciences and bio technology sector in Alberta that needs options.”

BiohubX’s success story is becoming a common one.

In its recent Alberta Technology Deal Flow Study, the Alberta Enterprise Corporation revealed that the province’s technology industry is flourishing. It points to “exciting signs of maturity,” with almost 40 per cent of companies exceeding annual revenues of $1 million, a 66 per cent increase since 2018.

One of those companies, Helcim, took a giant leap forward earlier this year. In late March, the payments company raised $16 million in Series A funding.

Helcim founder and CEO Nic Beique, whose company employed just a handful of staff members several years ago, says they intend to use the funds to launch new products and add more than 150 employees over the next two years.

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“It’s accelerated a lot faster than we thought,” says Beique of his company, which allows business to accept credit, debit and bank payments.

Starting as what Beique describes as a simply bootstrap business limited to reselling merchant services, Helcim

CALGARY 2.0 // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

relaunched in June 2020 as independent payments company – and it’s never looked back. In 2021, the business saw a 400 per cent growth in its merchant base, and the team going from 50 to 115.

“We’ve been able to deliver a service that we feel … small businesses are looking for,” says Beique.

Helcim’s success story hasn’t been limited to its growth, either. While many tech companies have struggled to find, train and retain talent, Beique says Helcim has been fortunate in avoiding that so far – in part due to what he calls a unique approach to recruitment.

“We don’t have that hard of a time finding people, and the reason traces back to our bootstrap ways. We have traditionally focused on hiring junior grads straight out of school who were not being given many opportunities from

other companies,” says Beique, noting the median age of its staff is 29.

“It’s turned out to be our superpower. We’re able to very effectively turn our new hires into your professionals very quickly, it’s allowed us to scale-up very efficiently.”

As much as companies like Helcim are leaving their mark on the local economy, they are reshaping the downtown landscape, too.

In February 2020, Helcim left its tiny quarters in the Blackfoot Industrial Park and signed a lease for 20,000 square feet in Millennium Tower on 2nd Avenue S.W. in downtown Calgary. Beique says the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“For a long time in tech, it was about creating these campuses. And for people to stay in these campuses, they

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CALGARY 2.0 // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

“WE HAVE NO REGRETS TWO YEARS IN. THERE’S A CERTAIN ENERGY TO BEING DOWNTOWN, AND WE’RE SEEING THAT MORE NOW THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE RETURNING TO THE OFFICE.” Meanwhile, Symend, which creates a digital engagement platform for financially at-risk customers, took occupancy of 79,000 square feet at First Tower on First Street S.E. in January 2021.

had to create things like cafeterias and gyms,” he says. ”And when you think about it, downtown is just a giant campus.

There’s so much life here. So we thought, why not participate in it and be part of that big campus rather than try to build something on the edge of the city?

“We have no regrets two years in. There’s a certain energy to being downtown, and we’re seeing that more now that many people are returning to the office.”

Helcim is not alone, either. In January, fellow fintech Neo Financial expanded its footprint in Calgary’s downtown with 113,000 square feet of office space across The Edison office tower, and a converted empty retail floor at the Hudson’s Bay downtown.

After being hit hard by a downturn in the energy sector and the global pandemic, vacancy rates in the core have hovered around 30 per cent at what real estate experts are calling “watershed levels.” On the flip side, this has created onceunthought-of opportunities for companies like Helcim and Symend, notes Alexi Olcheski, Calgary-based executive vicepresident and principal with Avison Young Olcheski notes that it’s still a long road to recovery, with the tech sector accounting for only five to eight per cent of total downtown space. However, he says this latest wave is a positive sign, and has played a role in the first positive absorption numbers in the core in two years.

“It’s not significant enough now to make a major impact on vacancies yet. However, a lot of these organizations are scaling up, so the anticipation is that these numbers will grow over time,” he says.

“Overall, it’s nice to see some positivity surrounding Calgary’s downtown for the first time since pre-pandemic.

The sentiment is good, activity is strong, people are back.”

ABOVE: NIC BEIQUE, FOUNDER AND CEO OF HELCIM. LEFT: HELCIM’S OFFICE IN MILLENNIUM TOWER ON 2ND AVENUE S.W. IN DOWNTOWN CALGARY. PHOTO SOURCE: HELCIM

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INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION MOMENTUM // CONSTRUCTION

INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION MOMENTUM STIMULATING THE CALGARY ECONOMY

BY JOHN HARDY

T

he good news is that Calgary construction and infrastructure is rebounding from the two years of pandemic speedbumps and delays and is regaining its momentum.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek is on-record that, while there’s some good news for the city in the 2022 budget, Calgary did not get its fair share of municipal investment and only modest provincial funding for downtown revitalization.

The not-so-good news, now that the pandemic issues are mostly in the rearview mirror, is that moving forward into 2022 and 2023, Calgary construction and infrastructure is dealing with other speedbumps: from shrivelled provincial funding to a shortage of trades, craft workers and construction supervisors.

There’s no doubt about it. The past two years of pandemic lockdowns and disruptions directly or indirectly affected Calgary’s infrastructure construction. “There have been three main impacts of COVID,” says the knowledgeable Jayson Veldhoen, district manager, Civil Infrastructure at Graham Construction. With headquarters in Calgary and offices throughout North America and annual revenues exceeding $4 billion, Graham is one of the leading, fully-integrated construction companies in North America.

Overall, Alberta municipalities and infrastructure construction companies ranged from underwhelmed to disappointed by the recent Alberta budget’s infrastructure funding. The bottom line: Calgary and municipalities across Alberta will have less money to spend on their own capital projects this year, as the provincial government’s 2022 budget makes good on promised cuts to the grants cities and towns use to build and restore infrastructure.

“First, there was a reduction in spending in the first eight months of COVID caused by general uncertainty, and economic lockdowns reduced revenue for all levels of government. The low oil prices at the time also contributed to fewer royalty revenues. This slow-down abated as we moved

ABOVE: CALGARY’S BMO CENTRE WILL BE THE LARGEST CONVENTION CENTRE IN WESTERN CANADA.

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INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION MOMENTUM // CONSTRUCTION

“INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ENABLE BUSINESSES TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, BOTH DURING CONSTRUCTION BUT ALSO DURING THE INFRASTRUCTURES OPERATING LIFECYCLE,” NOTES MCKNIGHT. through 2021 and governments implemented infrastructure spending as a value-added way to stimulate the economy.

Unplanned funding from the province was injected into the large municipalities, and investment on highways was held relatively constant when the industry was anticipating a reduction” he says. “Municipal coffers are still in recovery across Alberta and there is a reduction in smaller projects typically funded on an annual basis – by municipalities.”

PCL is another major cog in Calgary infrastructure and construction development. “Infrastructure projects enable businesses to create employment opportunities, both during construction but also during the infrastructures operating lifecycle,” notes Alistair McKnight, PCL’s district manager for Southern Alberta. “They help support local communities, local businesses and, of course, offer opportunities in many cases for the public to enjoy the facility. There are many tangible gains with infrastructure, such as stimulating economic growth, the attraction of investment, and generation of positive community benefits.”

Graham’s Jayson Veldhoen is positive and enthusiastic about a rebound of infrastructure construction in Calgary. The market is actually fairly tight due to shortages of Alberta trade and craft workers and construction supervisors. Some of the shortages are due to many people going back to their home provinces during the early 2020 slow-downs and not yet returned to their construction careers in Alberta.

“Another reason for worker shortage is Alberta’s construction contractors are often geographically diversified with mobile employees and contractors have found busy markets for their staff and craft in the other provinces from B.C. to Ontario and places in between. While there is a return of infrastructure construction in Calgary, the market is actually fairly tight because of the Alberta worker shortages.”

Veldhoen highlights one COVID-related broadside for infrastructure construction. “The supply of construction materials and facility equipment has been significantly disrupted by the pandemic. And this challenge persists. With COVID-19 outbreaks still affecting production of goods in China, and the destabilization of global commodity prices due to Russia’s War on Ukraine, we are going to continue to face disruption to supply and heightened risk for the foreseeable future.”

Graham is vital in Calgary’s infrastructure construction sector and ‘building Calgary.’ Like the completion of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road project, the company is now working on the design and construction of the south portion of the West Calgary Ring Road – the final piece

ABOVE: ALISTAIR MCKNIGHT, PCL’S DISTRICT MANAGER FOR SOUTHERN ALBERTA.

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of Alberta Transportation’s ring road projects. Graham is building a new interchange on Stoney Trail in NE Calgary, to provide access to new land development activities for housing growth and continues work on the expansion of the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Calgary-based company recently completed the rehabilitation of the Fifth Avenue Flyover leading out of downtown Calgary and on to Memorial Drive/Edmonton Trail, as well as completion of the Shaganappi Pump Station, planning to engage in additional potable water opportunities with the City later this year. Graham is also currently working on the Downtown Flood Protection Barrier construction along the south bank of the Bow River and bidding the Deerfoot Trail upgrades for Alberta Transportation.

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In addition to the massive $1.4 billion Calgary Cancer Centre, the state-of-the-art facility at the Foothills Medical Centre scheduled for completion next year, PCL is working on the BMO Centre at Stampede Park (the $500-million, 560,000-sq.-ft. mega project expansion). Set for a 2024 completion, it will be a key component of the Rivers District Master Plan. A critical step establishing Calgary’s culture and entertainment district, the BMO Centre will be the largest convention centre in western Canada.

PCL’s Calgary schedule also includes the Travers Solar project.

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INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION MOMENTUM // CONSTRUCTION

“WHILE THERE WAS A DECREASE IN CONTRACTING ACTIVITY IN 2020 DUE TO COVID, CONTRACTING LEVELS HAVE BEEN RISING STEADILY OVER THE LAST 16 MONTHS. IT IS BUSIER THAN IT WAS PRE-COVID, PARTICULARLY IN THE CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR,” SAYS VELDHOEN.

Due for completion this year, it will be the largest solar project in Canada, having employed more than 830 people on site, covering 3,300 acres and providing clean renewable energy electricity for approximately 100,000 homes annually.

invest more in training, and it would drive lower construction costs, which is great for the consumer. With increasing construction costs comes the risk of projects being cancelled, deferred or reduced, which does not allow for the maximum benefit of infrastructure construction.”

The city’s To-Do List includes $29 million worth of various major paving projects (officially called “road rehabilitation”) including Shaganappi Trail NW from 40 Avenue to Northland Drive, Varsity Drive and Viscount Drive; Crowchild Trail SW from Bow Trail to 24 Street and 50 Avenue to 54 Avenue; 14 Street SW from Southland Drive to Anderson Road; as well as expansion joint replacements on several bridges and bridge rehabilitation at 6 Avenue/ University Drive, the Hextall Pedestrian Bridge and at McKnight Boulevard/1A Street pedestrian bridge.

Graham’s Veldhoen is upbeat and positive about Calgary infrastructure construction but also urges factors that would make things even better. “While there was a decrease in contracting activity in 2020 due to COVID, contracting levels have been rising steadily over the last 16 months. It is busier than it was pre-COVID, particularly in the civil infrastructure sector. Encouraging more people, particularly skilled trades, to move to the province would help alleviate some of the pressure caused by the shortage.

Despite the positivity and rebounding momentum, McKnight notes that Calgary’s infrastructure momentum is not smooth sailing. “One of the biggest challenges our industry faces can be the continuity of new projects for the supply chain.

In Calgary, the fluctuation of the various sectors within construction makes it difficult to plan the resources needed. If more infrastructure investment was consistent, the industry would have the ability to improve the use of innovation and

“As a North American company,” he says, Graham is fortunate in being able to level workloads by using employees from other geographical regions to manage its Alberta-based projects. Encouraging more women and secondary school students to explore careers in the trades will also help fill the pipeline as more Baby Boomers consider retirement. Graham supports numerous programs like Women Building Futures and Careers the Next Generation that do just that.

ABOVE: JAYSON VELDHOEN, DISTRICT MANAGER, CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE AT GRAHAM CONSTRUCTION.

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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World of Choices Every year, World of Choices brings students together with career mentors from a variety of fields to give youth the opportunity to discover the professions available to them and what it takes to chase their dreams.

The need to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and mentorship required to succeed is more critical than ever. The compounded effects of a global pandemic, rising inflation rates, and the current economic state in Alberta means that young people about to enter post-secondary education or the work world are up against major challenges.

That said, there is hope! Our provincial economy is predicted to make a full recovery this year. As Alberta ushers in a new season of momentum, renewed economic opportunity and boundless potential for growth and innovation, we must ensure that young people are positioned to capitalize on opportunities that exist right here at home.

Thank you to our generous supporters!

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification, and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization, we build on our 131year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, and across the city.

Changing the Channel on Canadian Oil and Gas

D

espite a very real growing demand for energy around the world, Canada’s energy production still lacks a global presence, held back by a combination of infrastructure challenges and complacency when it comes to accessing global markets.

Energy security has been something studied by readers of Daniel Yergin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, The Prize, but not a lived experience. But the events in Ukraine have shot energy security to the top of global consciousness with Yergin, S&P Global’s vice-chairman, declaring the world has not seen anything like this since the 1970s.

The combination of a lack of investment, rising demand and a major military conflict have lifted energy security off the pages of The Prize and landed them squarely into a stark reality.

While some might think this crisis would relegate the climate change and decarbonization agenda to the back seat, that’s not been the case.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

At CERAWeek in Houston last March, John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, began the conference by addressing the issues the world is facing, pointing to the need to continue efforts to decrease emissions while meeting global energy demand. Throughout the week, the three-legged stool of geopolitics, energy supply and climate change dominated virtually every panel and sidebar conversation.

But at this conference and in the discourse since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, Canada remains largely absent from the conversation.

And yet, given the challenges facing the world’s energy supply, it should be clear Canada’s oil and natural gas resources are critical to the world’s energy security, not to mention filling the gap created by President Joe Biden’s decision to ban Russian barrels from the United States.

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The world doesn’t see it that way. So why is that?

One answer could be that Canada, despite having the third-largest reserves on the planet, doesn’t have a global energy presence. Our only customer remains the U.S. and we have not been able to build a presence beyond the continental borders, due in part to challenges building infrastructure and complacency of having such a good customer right next door.

And we have let others tell a story that our energy doesn’t belong. It’s not good enough. Too expensive.

Too far. Too much carbon.

Now is the time to change that channel. Because the world needs Canada’s energy. Canada’s energy sector, with current production of 4.7 million barrels per day of oil and 15.7 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas, is poised to play an important role in meeting the world’s energy needs.

And our barrels should be chosen over others being produced in places where there is little in the way of environmental regulations, not to mention, attention paid to human rights and governance concerns.

With rising energy prices, and the sector returning to profitability after facing serious challenges for the better part of the last seven years, there is a perception that companies will now increase capital expenditures to boost production. But no one should hold their breath on that. The capital discipline that saw oil and gas

companies through these challenging times isn’t about to evaporate. The focus will remain on paying down debt, increasing dividends, buying back shares and – this is relatively new – investing to decrease emissions.

In fact, in recent years, a quantum shift has taken place in commitments to achieve net-zero targets.

And while many energy companies are eager to speak of their goals, there is nothing resembling the Pathways consortium.

The Pathways to Net Zero Initiative involving six oilsands producers and representing 95 per cent of production is the first of its kind in any industry and should be held up as an example of what’s possible when competitors decide collaboration is how this Gordian knot can be untangled. First on the list for Pathways is building a Carbon Capture and Storage network, linking 20 oilsands facilities and storing the carbon underground.

It will be one of the biggest on the planet.

And that’s the story we need to tell – from coast to coast and internationally – as we change Canada’s energy narrative.

While the processes and techniques uncovered, discovered and applied will support the decarbonization of the energy sector, it will also translate into decarbonizing the global industrial complex. The results from Pathways will speak for themselves and that narrative of “not good enough” will evaporate.

And, as the world seeks to decarbonize, there should be no question around the potential of Canada to grow its LNG presence. We must resurrect projects – on the east and west coasts. It is a moral imperative: from decreasing emissions by supporting countries to decrease dependence on coal, to sending LNG to Europe and ensuring a permanent separation from dependence on Russian natural gas.

More than a decade ago, Canada was in the pole position on the LNG front, as the U.S. was deciding whether it wanted to go ahead and build export capacity, because there were still concerns over adequacy of supply.

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The so-called “shale gale” changed that and, in 2016 the U.S. started exporting LNG. This year the U.S. is poised to be the world’s largest exporter of LNG, with its LNG exports to Europe in January exceeding the natural gas delivered by pipe from Russia. Canada doesn’t export any.

off the West Coast, such as tying the prolific Montney reserves to LNG export opportunities. If we really care about the social cost of climate change, LNG is one way to have impact.

It’s no secret that calls have been made to energy executives and bankers in Calgary, from Ottawa, asking what it would take to revive LNG projects that have been shelved. An expedited and certain regulatory process, with clear timelines, would be a good place to start. And it’s not too late.

The world is watching as companies from every sector have made the decision to walk away from their Russian operations. This, after billions of dollars of investment and decades of operations. It is unprecedented and sends a very strong signal that when it comes to ESG performance, all the letters matter. It’s not just the E for Environment. It’s about the Social and the Governance too.

As Charif Souki, who co-founded the LNG exporter Cheniere Energy, said at CERAWeek in March: “The best time to have built an LNG terminal was five years ago. And the second-best time is today. ” As demand grows, Canada has an opportunity to be part of the global LNG market and the time is now to up our game. the Saguenay project, which was officially killed in February, by the federal government, is a good place to start. And there is more to be done

In addition to energy security, the Russian conflict laid bare something else.

Canada scores high in each of those letters.

That is the story Canada’s energy sector needs to tell – along with all the innovation taking place – from coast to coast and around the world. The fact is, there were countries producing less oil and natural gas than what we produce, that seem to wield a bigger megaphone.

If they see themselves as part of the global energy matrix, so must we.

And the reason they see themselves on the global energy stage is that they are exporters around the world – not dependent on one customer. Nor have they let others control their narrative, even though they rank further down the chain on ESG metrics.

So, let’s make a commitment.

Let’s put in steps that see Canada as being actively in the global energy game, rather than on the sidelines. That means talking about Pathways, accelerating CCS and CCUS and showcasing innovation happening in Canada’s energy sector that has the potential to be game-changing. The time to change to that channel is now.

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

CANADA’S ESSENTIAL SERVICE // TRANSPORTATION & DISTRIBUTION

CANADA’S

ESSENTIAL SERVICE RAIL IS IMPORTANT, BIG BUSINESS

BY JOHN HARDY

D

espite recent supply chain speedbumps and broadsides, Canadian business continues to rely on the sophisticated science of logistics: the movement of goods from Point A to Point B and the two key logistics function of transportation and warehousing.

Of the four primary modes of transportation: truck, ship, train and plane (road, maritime, rail and air shipments) rail may not be in the glaring focus or in the news as much as trucking and cargo ships but, according to stats and revenues and shares of GDP, rail is the linchpin of Canada’s vital logistics sector.

The transportation bottom line is Canada’s economic growth and standard of living depend on the export and import of goods. The undisputed logistics fact is that freight railways ensure that goods make it to market as efficiently and costeffectively as possible. Stats show that Canada’s railways helped deliver more than $320 billion worth of Canadian exports to markets across North America and around the globe.

“Together, CN and CPR represent more than 95 per cent of Canada’s annual rail tonne-kilometres, more than 75 per cent of the industry’s tracks, and three-quarters of overall tonnage carried by the rail sector,” explains Stéphanie

PHOTO SOURCE: TIM STEVENS

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

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CANADA’S ESSENTIAL SERVICE // TRANSPORTATION & DISTRIBUTION

Montreuil, senior director of Communications with the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), representing some 60 freight and passenger railway companies that transport approximately the hundreds of billions worth of goods and tens of millions of passengers in Canada each year.

RAC facts and figures show that Canada has more than 46,000 kilometres of tracks and generates approximately $10 billion per year – 95 per cent from rail freight operations and approximately five per cent from commuter, intercity and tourist passenger rail services. As evidenced throughout the global pandemic, railways are central to Canada’s economy and interact with all facets of society: consumers, suppliers, shipping groups and communities from coast to coast to coast.

Freight railways support economic prosperity by connecting Canadian businesses to domestic and international markets and provide Canadians with the goods required to stay healthy and safe. Rail is an important supply chain link for Canada’s key trade corridors and gateways,” she adds.

Calgary is an important hub for Canadian freight rail.

According to CN spokesman Mathieu Gaudreault. “Alberta generates substantial volumes of agricultural and energy products. CN also handles growing amounts of intermodal container traffic through our Calgary and Edmonton terminals. In Calgary, CN has a logistics park, an automotive distribution facility, a forest products distribution centre and a CN CargoFlo bulk handling facility. Calgary and Edmonton are also home to major rail classification yards.”

With or without logistics bias, the numbers illustrate the proven transportation advantages of rail. Canadian railways offer some of the most competitive freight rates in the world, which helps to save customers (and ultimately, consumers) billions. Since 1988, rail freight rates have increased by 38.8 per cent, while consumer prices have increased by 91 per cent.

Although transportation of goods by rail is somewhat below the capacities offered by trucks, rail freight still accounts for a fairly substantial portion of supply chain movement.

Gaudreault points out that there are good reasons to send freight by rail. “It’s cost-effective and up to four times more

“THE COST OF MOVING BULK GOODS VIA RAIL VERSUS TRUCK IS ESTIMATED AT A 1:4 RATIO OR 75 PER CENT LESS COST,” SAYS RILEY. fuel-efficient than sending freight by truck, and that’s better for the environment. A rail freight shipment company transports can move nearly double the quantity of goods they could in ‘80s, for about the same price.”

There’s no doubt about it. Rail is key component of the logistics sector in Alberta, and particularly the Calgary area. “Rail is incredibly important to Canada, the Province of Alberta and subsequently Calgary,” emphasizes Jason Riley, instructor in supply chain management in the Faculty of Continuing Education at Calgary’s MRU. “For reasons such as robust local employment and both Provincial and National Strategic Import/Export Transportation Capability/Capacity Planning.

“Canadian Pacific is headquartered in Calgary, providing extensive local operational capacity and heavily soughtafter labour opportunities. Unionized positions such as conductors, engineers, trainpersons and yardmen in many cases earn twice the annual Canadian average.” He notes the

ABOVE: JASON RILEY, INSTRUCTOR IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE FACULTY OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AT CALGARY’S MRU

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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comparative and cost-efficient numbers crunching of freight rail. “The cost of moving bulk goods via rail versus truck is estimated at a 1:4 ratio or 75 per cent less cost.”

MRU’s Riley underscores that rail is only second only to pipelines when it comes to moving fossil fuel products both in cost and efficiency, and he underscores a valuable rail advantage. “When it comes to transportation capacity building/flexing rail has proven to be more adaptive in a time of need. In 2018 the Alberta government was able to increase crude oil export capacity by adding approximately 4,000 new railcars over a period of 24 months. Although the plan execution was nixed by the government (at a loss of 2.1 billion) the fact that rail capacity can be increased in short order compared to a multi-decade pipeline project.”

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LOGISTICS EXPERTS ACKNOWLEDGE THE MINIMAL PANDEMIC IMPACT ON FREIGHT RAIL TRANSPORTATION. INDUSTRY STATS SHOW THAT WHILE PASSENGER RAIL VOLUMES TOOK A MASSIVE HIT, THE PANDEMIC AND POST-PANDEMIC CONDITIONS MAY HAVE EVEN GIVEN FREIGHT RAIL A BIT OF AN EDGE.

RAC’s Montreuil also points out that “rail is one of Canada’s most capital-intensive industries. Canadian railways are vertically integrated, including ownership of the track, real estate and rolling stock, which illustrates the need for significant investments. On average, Canadian railways invest between 20 and 25 per cent of their revenues back into their networks each year – more than $20 billion in Canada over the past decade.”

“In 2021, during the peak of COVID, freight railways operated efficiently delivering essentials such as energy products, personal protective equipment, medicines, vaccines and agricultural and food products. For rail, there was very little change in key performance indicators such as gross weight shipped, operational cost and gross revenue.”

Calgary’s Riley highlights that, for now, Alberta is moving 150,000 barrels of crude via rail per day to the Gulf of Mexico with open capacity to move an additional 150,000 barrels daily. “If demand continues to grow and exceeds current rail constraints, we will need more railcars. The irony would be unpalatable for those who know the history. The Canadian Federal government recognizes approximate $5 billion per year over the last 10 years from Alberta crude exports.”

Logistics experts acknowledge the minimal pandemic impact on freight rail transportation. Industry stats show that while passenger rail volumes took a massive hit, the pandemic and post-pandemic conditions may have even given freight rail a bit of an edge. When it comes to the freight competition, recent numbers show that trucking rates are increasing, due primarily to driver shortages and regulatory changes. That also opens the door even further to a modal shift in favour of rail.

The rearview mirror blames many recent business problems on the two years of the pandemic, but COVID’s impact on the logistics sector was not as big as some assume. “Internally, Canada’s transportation industry has been acutely challenged with manpower constraints such as the availability of skilled transport truck drivers,” he adds. “COVID played a small role in what is perceived to be supply chain issues. Supply issues at the root have been the cause of COVID outbreaks within global manufacturing or assembly facilities.

Calgary’s Jason Riley cautions that “this will happen only if all parties involved enhance their collaboration, leverage digital technology and utilize data-driven analytics to make decisions. Railroads are capable of delivering at the right cost and competing successfully against truck freight, but it is necessary to forge tighter relationships based on open communication and collaboration, data visibility and longterm value creation.”

MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Growth and Innovation Keys

to Avalanche Air Systems Success

by Rennay Craats with photos by Riverwood Photography

R

ick Ball learned a lot about hard work and business from his father. When he graduated high school, he got a job at Buckwold Western where his dad worked, and the two also sold soil and gravel door-to-door as a side hustle for extra money.

This experience instilled the entrepreneurial bug in the young man as he set out to find his way in the world. He took a four-year sheet metal apprenticeship course at a tech school in Winnipeg and started his apprenticeship at an HVAC company there and finished it in Calgary where he worked on a variety of projects.

Belinda Swick, Rick Ball, Wade Willems and Jeff Fazekas.

In 2002, after five years in the business, he was eager to hang up an HVAC and sheet metal shingle and work for himself. His employer gave him a labour contract that launched Ball’s company, Avalanche Air Systems. After the contract lapsed two years later, he was on his own to find work but he was never alone. He surrounded himself with great people, made vital contacts in the industry, and slowly built his company from the ground up.

Avalanche Air Systems | 1

63

“I started out working from my kitchen table, quoting everything, doing all my own invoicing, setting up supplier accounts, and then slowly expanded, adding another person to the team and getting larger labour contract jobs,” says Rick Ball, president and founder of Avalanche Air Systems.

Ball’s wife, René, helped him build the business, doing anything from administrative duties to insulating on projects. She was Avalanche’s commissioner of oaths and safety officer and continues to support the company even as she pursues her own entrepreneurial endeavours.

“I’m grateful for the support of my wife from the very beginning, even when we were just dating through until we got married,” he says. “She helped me with everything.”

Avalanche Air shop.

In the early days, Avalanche was run by a twoperson team in the field (supplemented by René) and Ball worked 16-hour days six days a week to establish the solid reputation for quality and service required to grow in the industry. By 2006, the company was consistently awarded contracts and jobs, and it was finally time for Ball to move the Avalanche Air Systems headquarters out of his kitchen and into its first commercial space: a small office in the back of a retail store downtown.

As the company grew, Ball brought on additional staff to meet the increased demand. Avalanche soon outgrew its space, moving into an 800-squarefoot office and then to a commercial bay with a shop before moving into a 6,800-square-foot office and fabrication shop. He finally realized his dream of owning a building with the current 9,500-square-foot commercial space that includes a 4,600-square-foot shop to accommodate the workload and a staff that fluctuates between 20 and 30 employees. The employees are the best in the business, and with many having been with the company for 10 to 15 years, they know the business well and work together as a team to make every project a success.

“It’s not a matter of employees asking what their job description is. The job description is we do everything. We are all expected to know the different aspects of the job so everyone can step up and fill in. We do whatever it takes to get the job done,” Ball says.

This is facilitated by the fact that many of Avalanche’s staff started at the bottom as firstyear apprentices and worked hard over the years to become third- and fourth-year journeypeople, so everyone understands all aspects of the Avalanche Air Systems | 2

Carl and Kevin work in the Avalanche Air shop to rebuild a fan.

job. From Belinda Swick, whose hats include accounting, bookkeeping and administrative assistance, to Kevin Sernowsky, who has been a key member of the team for 15 years and Avalanche’s field supervisor, to estimator Jeff Fazekas and project manager Wade Willems, who keep projects running smoothly, the carefully assembled staff have been invaluable to Ball and have contributed to the company’s success.

“The whole group – we have a solid core of people who know how to get things done and are dedicated and loyal to the company,” he says.

In turn, Ball takes care of his employees. He takes the safety of his team seriously and Avalanche has become an industry leader in health and safety and environment management. With a NSCO safety officer and a fully COR-certified shop, safety is paramount. The company ensures staff is well trained to avoid accidents in the field or the

shop which serves to increase productivity and create a positive work environment.

That work environment is also a creative one, with the team customizing solutions for clients that are then realized in Avalanche’s impressive full fabrication shop. The team can create most custom products inhouse without the need to utilize third-party shops or materials. This gives Avalanche better control over its schedule as well as the materials it uses for clients’ projects, and as the business has grown, the shop capacity has grown along with it.

This growth has not gone unnoticed. In its first decade in business, Avalanche Air was ranked 48th on the PROFIT 100 fastest growing companies in Canada list in 2010, ranked 49th in the top 200 most profitable businesses in 2011, and was in the top 500 for growth in 2013. In 2011 it was also a finalists for the Merit “Contractor of the Year” award, in 2012 it was among the 50 fastest growing companies in Alberta and the following year was ranked 14th on PROFIT’s list of the fastest growing companies in Calgary.

“It’s hard to believe where we came from and where we are right now,” Ball says.

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Today, Avalanche is able to accommodate nearly any HVAC and sheet metal job. As an HVAC commercial contractor offering heating, ventilation, A/C installations, RTU and MUA installations, and custom sheet metal for industrial and commercial sites, Avalanche Air can provide clients with design-build products that perfectly fit a project and a budget. That can be air conditioning or make up air and exhaust for commercial projects, rooftop units or retro fits for industrial projects, or air filtration and furnace installs for commercial residential projects. Over the years, the company has earned its position as the go-to sheet metal and HVAC contractor in Calgary.

“We do anything from retail lease hold improvements, grocery stores, schools, condominium towers, restaurants and a lot of base building commercial bays,” he says.

“We specialize in multi-family, industrial and commercial projects.”

Large or small, Avalanche Air’s projects span the gamut of the industry. The team recently finished a K-9 school in Mahogany as well as all 17 buildings in the new Township Shopping Centre which included more than 100 rooftop units. Avalanche is currently part of building the Silvera for Seniors centre in the southwest while

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also doing work at the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant. It has the experience and knowledge to take on any major project that comes down the pike, from big box stores to retail developments to huge multi-family complexes.

“We do a bit of everything,” Ball says, and the team is always open to expanding its offerings.

The company has grown in expertise and scope to be able to do everything and anything, attracting clients from all sectors. Despite the meteoric growth that Avalanche has enjoyed, Ball and his team have maintained high service levels and personalized attention to detail to ensure their clients come back project after project. And clients have returned time and again. Ball is proud of the strong relationships he has fostered that have helped build his company while helping clients build theirs. From the beginning, he was committed to exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional customer service to ensure customers were happy. It’s a team game, and that team extends beyond the company to encompass the amazing long-time vendors, suppliers, mechanical companies and general contractors who have developed great relationships with Avalanche over the years and helped build the company.

Avalanche has also grown through the use of technology as it is always seeking to stay on the cutting edge and investing in new ways to move forward more efficiently. Ball created his own app that has helped organize the company’s projects and allowed the team to communicate with employees as well as contractors in the field in real time in order to work faster.

Rick Ball

“I pride myself on being organized, with technology especially, using any kind of software we can for estimating, project management and accounting to get the information out there quicker and more accurately,” he says.

Avalanche Air Systems is an innovative, progressive company in an industry in which that is somewhat unexpected. Even after two decades, Ball and his team continue to look for new opportunities to grow and evolve. One area for future opportunity for Avalanche is through HVAC service and maintenance programs, whereby technical professionals will repair, retrofit and upgrade existing HVAC and refrigeration equipment to help clients maintain peak performance for their equipment. In the meantime, Avalanche Air Systems will continue to provide innovative solutions for sheet metal, HVAC and ventilation clients with a high-quality product and top-notch customer service, just as it has for the past 20 years.

Avalanche Air Systems | 4

403-278-4567 19, 240059 Frontier Cres.

Rockyview, Alberta T1X-0W3 avalancheair.ca

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP TO THE PGA AND LPGA PROS? // SCOTT ORBAN

McKenzie Meadows Golf Tip: How do you measure up to the PGA and LPGA pros?

BY SCOTT ORBAN, PGA EXECUTIVE PROFESSIONAL, MCKENZIE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB

“T

his is the Year.” It’s time to pick a PGA of Canada golf coach, dedicate yourself to instruction, practice and play more. The USGA online suggests that amateur golfers’ average score (scores reported online handicapping) is 91, and it is estimated that a true average including non-reporting golfers would likely be 100.

When I ask golfers what they think the average score is on the PGA Tour the most common answer is 68. PGA (LPGA) Tour average score in 2021 was 71.3 (71.5). That should tell you how incredible a round of par golf is considering 72 is a quite common par for golf courses.

When setting your expectations for the coming year be optimistic. But when it comes to setting measurable goals, make sure you instill a dose of realism or you will likely end up disappointed. To help you do this I want to share some statistics from pgatour.com and lpgatour.com from the 2021 season. We will look at various aspects of the game which you may consider in your improvement plan. Improve your game in these areas and you will move your average score in the direction you desire.

Driving the ball – Tour players hit the fairway 65% (73%) of the time off the tee. It is critical to put your ball in play off the tee as this is often where many of our penalty shots occur. It sets up the hole for success. But don’t be too hard on yourself when you don’t hit every fairway, the pros are missing one-third of the fairways.

Greens in regulation (GIR) – Tour players hit the green with a chance of birdie 65% (LPGA 70%) of the time. Again, they are missing the green a third of the time. This means they hit 12 of 18 greens in a round of golf. Think about your

game and the level you are at. How many greens should you be hitting in a round to help you achieve the improvement you desire?

Scrambling – Shots from in and around the green. PGA tour players average 50% (LPGA 43%) on sand saves. Have you made greenside bunker play part of you practice routine / part of your pre-game warm up?

From inside 30 yards – The PGA tour percentage to get up and down is 28% (LPGA not available). Whenever I am doing a short game school, I encourage my students to challenge themselves with 18 holes scrambling in and around the green. Making your objective two shots on every hole. This gives you a quick barometer of how good you are in and around the green. And is also a fantastic way to practice all these crazy shots.

Putting – When you start to read the stats on pgatour.com, the volume of putting stats will blow your mind. The tour average putts in a game is 31.8 for the PGA and 30.3 for the LPGA. Just under two putts per hole. It’s not unrealistic for all golfers to practice and play with an expectation of no more than two putts per hole. Do better than that and you are as good as the pros!

Setting improvement for your average score can be met only with looking at all aspects of your game. Compare yourself with some of the pros. You might be surprised how good you are at certain things, but also identify the areas you need to work on the most. Don’t beat yourself up – pressing in an area where you are already at tour level.

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2022

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A golfer tees off on Springbank’s #9.

I

Fore the ’22 Season

n addition to the fairways and manicured greens of Calgary’s popular Springbank Links are the ‘behind the scenes’ details that are vital aspects of Springbank’s uniqueness: constant and impeccable maintenance and looking after golfenjoyment details, from large to subtle.

a drive through a narrow chute of trees and then another carry over a gully to make the green and two accurate shots. Heise adds that “Hole #14 is a great golf hole. A long par-4, wrapping around a lake with the green alongside an overhauled sandstone waterfall.”

“We invested in upgrades to make the entire golf experience even better,” says the positive and upbeat Kevin Heise, general manager of Calgary’s Springbank Links, operated by the Windmill Golf Group. “Like our hole #8 with a merge and an expansion of the back tee decks to increase distance and add more tee selection to make golfers happy.

While the Springbank Links crews were the usual seasonally-busy last fall, Kevin Heise explains that readying for the ’22 season didn’t stop when the Calgary snow hit. “We switched to working on the clubhouse – and the carts! The old timber rails were removed and replaced with custom half-inch thick glass wrapping the entire deck. And some people don’t realize what a sprawling deck it is – 202 lineal feet to be exact. We also brought in cool new leather chairs and high-top stools to even better enjoy après-golf. And new carts! The balance of our premium golf fleet will arrive in May or June, depending on the trucking, and these new carts are simply sharp and a dream to drive.”

“And hole #9 has new tees angled through a chute of trees, targeting the fairway left. Then, a complete overhaul to the first fairway for a larger, flatter landing area. The re-shaping focused on holding balls on the fairway, instead of kicking across the cart path and down the fescue hill of doom. This hole will remain a par-5. It’s not easier, just way better,” he laughs.

Golfers everywhere tend to be quirky about their personal favourites on a course. Without actual popularity surveys, some of the Springbank holes are raved about. The #5 hole, an incredible par-3 over a steep coulee and stunningly backdropped by the Bearspaw Reservoir and Bow River valley.

Calgary golfer consensus also notes that #7 is probably Springbank’s most challenging, requiring

He explains that the post-pandemic season is looking good at Springbank Links with a good pick-up of corporate and charity events as well as weddings.

“Golf courses across Alberta/Canada/North America benefitted again last year being an outdoor sport. Then other factor we saw was fantastic weather, again,” Kevin Heise beams. “That makes two years in a row, and we are hoping for a sunny hat trick this season.”

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PARKER’S PEN // DAVID PARKER

Parker’s Pen

BY DAVID PARKER

I

received a little flack over an earlier column in which I suggested we should give our mayor and council a little time to settle into their chairs before being concerned about the important things they were elected to tackle.

The responses suggested that I was way too optimistic.

Now I know that our mayor has suffered in the popularity polls but the rest are indeed making decisions to improve our way of life.

We can now keep hens in the backyard. Too bad it will mean hiring new staff to make sure keepers have taken the right training program, have the required license and are paid a visit to make sure the coops fit the standards to house two to four hens. Not one, because it might get lonely. And what a crime if someone was found to have five!

And by the time this column is read we might just have an official city bird. That’s got to be of prime importance.

Looking at the short list I would cross off the little nuthatch because I doubt if many people have watched one zipping around the garden. Blue Jay is a non-starter for those who are not fans of a Toronto baseball team. And for goodness’ sake, not a Flicker. A beautiful but also a very destructive bird.

It cost me a few hundred dollars to repair the hole in my siding made by its long, hard-as-steel beak, and a friend told me repairs to his chimney flashing cost close to a $1,000.

My choice is the ‘clean up the roadkill’ magpie – I like characters. And anyway, the Black Billed Magpie is a Western bird; doesn’t nest in Niagara.

Meanwhile I have senior friends who are very uncomfortable travelling on the LRT. Getting to the library at Lions Park station has become a scary venture.

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MAY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Property taxes are up, as expected, but council should perhaps look at the several thousand acres of industrial land in the city’s bank. There is a shortage of good sites and selling for new buildings would provide a huge amount of sales and tax revenues.

Rocky View County is enjoying the benefit of being able to house huge new warehouses.

The reception at Centini’s to launch this year’s Business in Calgary Leader Awards had me thinking that we are blessed with many who fit the bill. But where are the political leaders?

Civic, provincial and federal leaders are not matching up to so many we could name over the past decades.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Pat Carney recently, and thanked her for her courage and determination in ridding us of the NEP.

We all expect to get shorter as we age; so why when putting my socks on do my feet seem farther away?

It was a real pleasure to once again attend a splendidly organized Tourism Calgary Open House, and to chat with so many full-of-confidence people working in the hospitality industry. Let’s all do our best to support them as we welcome tourists back.

Final Words You can only draw on what you deposit.

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