In-Flight Review

lIFR

FlyingHigh

Helijet Celebrates 25 Years of Scheduled Service

Scholars & Cents

Financing a Private School Education

Workplace Workout

The Proﬁ table Side of Employee Fitness

· No fixed term contracts

· 24/7 emergency support

· Always reach your personal Travel manager

· Best product knowledge, fare construction and customer service

· Competitive credit terms You’ll never be left stranded with an expert on

Travel plans can change, our consistent service offer will not.

As your dedicated Travel Manager, Alexandra Massarsky provides you with:

As your dedicated Travel Manager, [insert TM name] and his/her team provide you with:

A vast knowledge and understanding of a business traveller’s needs focusing on the most convenient and comfortable airline routings, top business hotels, airline seating configurations, frequent flyer programs and change policies. Every Corporate Traveller client receives 24 hour World Wide emergency assistance and personal service from a dedicated Travel Manager, like Alexandra, who knows her client’s travel needs inside and out. Alexandra also provides personalized leisure product solutions all with the same perks as booking as a business client. Benefit from our all-inclusive flat booking fee which means you’re never charged for extras - a great way to manage your costs per booking. Personalized, one-on-one service levels are what we are known for –that’s why they call us the experts!

As a Business Development Manager, Mitch Jarvi provides you with:

As a Business Development Manager, [insert BDMs name] provide you with:

A strategic evaluation of your current travel booking methods partnered with expert advice and the backing of our global negotiating strength; I partner with my clients to develop a travel program to realize true results tailored to fit the needs of the company.

Whether it be cost savings, travel policy formation, or streamlining the booking process, solutions are always geared around impassioned and educated people who proactively manage every facet of your corporate travel. You don’t need to be a multi-national company to get the lowest possible travel rates – you just need to bring an expert on board!

Publisher/Editor Garth Eichel

Art Director Jacalin Jefferson

Account Manager Garth Eichel

Contributors

Sue Denham

Garth Eichel

Sue Kernaghan

Maureen Licata

Bob Loblaw

Heath Moffat

Danny Sitnam

For information on display advertising opportunities, contact Garth Eichel at: garth@archipelagomedia.com

Published by

DEPARTMENTS

Helijet celebrates 25 years in

Above: A Helijet S76C+ air ambulance helicopter returns to YVR airport after a patient transfer.

140 Government Street

Victoria, BC V8V 2K7

Tel 250.380.3961

Fax 250.380.3962 www.archipelagomedia.com

Please send comments and suggestions to Garth Eichel, Publisher: garth @ archipelagomedia.com

In-Flight Review (IFR) is a quarterly magazine published by Archipelago Media Ltd. for Helijet International Inc. All published material is the copyright of Archipelago Media Ltd. No part of this publication, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The written and photographic material published in In-Flight Review does not necessarily reﬂect the views of the air carrier or the publisher. Information and images produced in the magazine are believed to be accurate and truthful, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors.

Advertising in In-Flight Review magazine does not indicate an endorsement by Helijet International Inc. or Archipelago Media Ltd. ISSN 1916-5080

FEATURE ARTICLES

TURNS SILVER

Helijet celebrates 25 years in business BY GARTH EICHEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATH MOFFAT

Financing a private school education on a budget BY MAUREEN LICATA

The proﬁ table side of employee ﬁ tness BY SUE KERNAGHAN

Pairing for your palate BY GARTH EICHEL

HEATH MOFFAT

BY ALISTAIR MACLENNAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, HELIJET

Sore Losers Make Winners

The value of people, perseverance and sound principles

I’VE LEARNED A FEW THINGS over the years working in a range of industries, from technology to mining, but my involvement with Helijet and the aviation industry for the past 25 years has been a tremendous education experience, underscoring the value of recruiting good people, persevering against the odds, and adhering to sound business principles.

When Danny Sitnam, Helijet’s President and CEO, first approached me with the exotic idea of investing in a scheduled helicopter service between Vancouver and Victoria I should have turned on my heel and walked away. Thing is, I liked what I saw in Danny: he’s a forceful personality and a quick study who balances intelligence with a clear appreciation for those he works with. Moreover, he has optimism and determination to spare. Such entrepreneurial qualities are attractive to investors. Sometimes too attractive. We took a fi nancial thrashing in Helijet’s first few years of operation and more than once I seriously considered cutting my losses. Luckily for Danny, I hate losing and I have to be hit over the head before I’m

convinced a good business model is doomed to fail. In for a penny, in for a pound, as they say.

Danny didn’t disappoint. He drew a number of talented people into the company who shared our belief that Helijet could provide better customer service and operating standards than what was available.

At the same time, we remained steadfast in our belief that professionals will always need to meet face-to-face to do business. Honestly, how many signiﬁ cant agreements are reached by email or teleconferencing? The only way you can truly get a read on someone and show you’re serious about doing business together is to press ﬂesh.

Helijet’s passengers get that better than most. Over the years, they’ve come to appreciate that Helijet is the safest and most reliable way to commute quickly between Vancouver and Victoria. As professionals they also recognize that Helijet offers a superior and consistent customer experience. For that reason, many are regular customers and familiar faces on our ﬂights.

We’ve got a lot to show for 25 years in business and I’m very proud of my relationship with Danny and the people of Helijet. We’ve overcome every difﬁ culty we’ve been faced with and we’ve raised the bar for providing air service in this province. Along the way we’ve expanded into the air ambulance, tourism and utility markets, and we’ve done so with an emphasis on safety and operational standards. What is more, we’ve made lasting friendships and worthwhile achievements while earning a paycheque.

I look forward to participating in the company’s evolution in the years ahead, and if ever I need a reminder of the value of my initial investment, well, I just have to count the number of children at our annual staff Christmas party: when we ﬁrst began this journey together everyone was single and there were no kids; now we’re a family with a new generation in the wings. And that’s perhaps the best legacy of all.

Alistair MacLennan, Chairman of the Board, Helijet.

Rich Harvey, CGA Hockey Finance Manager Bauer Canada

Certiﬁed General Accountants see more than numbers. When it comes to leadership, we see the impact and opportunity behind those numbers. That’s because, in this fast changing economic climate, innovative leadership is seeing how numbers impact our business – before they do.

CGA-more.org

DONNA EICHEL

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Organic, vegan and nut-free isn’t just about food anymore. What you put on your body matters, too. The folks at Crazy Rumors make their lip balms and colours with organic, vegan, gluten- and nut-free products, including organic shea butter and jojoba oil. The ﬂ avours, inspired by tea, coffee, ice cream and other favourites, are fun too. crazyrumors.com

THE WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE

You too can slide headﬁrst down a mountain at 90 km per hour. Just book a spot at the Whistler Sliding Centre, an Olympic Games legacy now open to speed-loving members of the public. Join three teammates and a professional pilot for a taste of high-velocity bobsledding, or take that dare and try the head-ﬁ rst skeleton run; it’s a truncated version of the professional route, but still whips through six corners and reaches speeds that would otherwise get you a ticket. whistlerslidingcentre.com

THE BEDOL WATER CLOCK

Drip drip, tick tock: keep perfect time and divert a few batteries from the landﬁll with this nifty timepiece. The Bedol Water-Powered Clock works on nothing but ordinary tap water. No batteries, outlets, or Perrier required. Just top up the tank every three or four months and this little ticker will get the electrical current it needs from ions in the water. And, if you ever need to, the whole thing is completely recyclable. bedol.com

PACKIT

Brown-bagging it (or schlepping snacks on a plane) will never be the same again. This nifty invention, developed by two sandwich packing moms, skips the need for coolers and ice blocks because this bag is the cooler. Pop it in the freezer, unfold it, ﬁ ll it, and your goodies are good to go for up to ten hours. PackIt can be a lifesaver on longﬂights, road trips, commuting, and other nutritional wastelands. packit.com

OKANAGAN VINEGAR BREWERY

There’s vinegar, there’s balsamic vinegar, and then there’s Okanagan Vinegar Brewery’s line of luscious balsamics. Brewed and barrel-aged in Summerland, it just might change your ideas about salad. Try the Aceto Toscano, the Raspberry Balsamic, or the thick and rich Solera 2000 Pinot Noir. Available at Village VQA wine shops and the Edible Canada shop on Granville Island.

SAUL GOOD GIFT BASKETS

What’s better than buying local? Giving local, of course.

Saul Good Gift Baskets are ﬁlled with eco-friendly B.C.-made products. Food gifts, like CocoaNymph’s candied Agassiz hazelnuts and Denman Island Chocolate, are as organic, sustainable and fair-traded as they come. Choose a ready-made kit, or create your own. Top sellers include the Ofﬁ ce Party in a Box and the Hard Day’s Night: six local microbrews in a carved wooden box. www.itsaulgood.com

IFISH BC

The iFish series, from Edmontonbased AppDoor, is stocked with information about thousands of lakes, streams and ﬁ shing holes across the country. Versions for B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, plus a newly launched iFish USA, detail regulations, real-time weather, species references, maps, depth charts, and more, plus feedback from fellow ﬁ shers about almost anywhere you’d care to cast a line. $4.99 from AppsForAnglers. com or the iTunes store.

EVERY TRAIL

Trailblazers rejoice. This fastgrowing trip-sharing app lets you upload route details and photos from your favourite walks, hikes or bike rides, and search for great trips posted by others. The options cover the planet and include cultural and city walks, ATV, skiing, bird watching, boating, skating, riding and even hang-gliding routes. It’s available free from the iTunes store.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB LIVE

Heading for the hills? You’ll need this. Whistler’s ofﬁ cial app has real-time mountain information direct from the source: lift status, trail conditions, weather, maps, webcams and more. You can track your vertical with the GPS and, if you really want to rub it in, post your stats on Facebook or Twitter for you deskbound buddies to enjoy. It’s free from iTunes and Google’s Android Market.

HISTORY PIN

This charming app was initially designed to encourage people of different generations to spend time together. It also adds a timeless dimension to a walk around your local town. As you stroll through pretty much any neighbourhood on the planet, click on History Pin to see historic photos taken near the same spot. You can even layer the old photos over the current scene. Upload your own photos, or explore thousands of historic photos and stories from around the world.

BEHR COLORSMART

White, eggshell or ﬂ aming magenta? Use this app to snap a photo of your room and see how it would look in a new colour. It can even ﬁnd a colour match for your favourite vase or sofa, calculate how much paint you’ll need, store your ideas, and see what your Facebook and Twitter friends think of your decorating plans. You still have to paint, but this does make it more fun. Download for free from the iTunes store.

MEAL SNAP

If healthy eating is on your 2012 resolution list, this clever app can help. Just snap a photo of what’s on your plate and Meal Snap will calculate the nutritional breakdown, including an estimate of calories. You may want to take the totals with a grain of salt, but all that snapping will help keep you honest, and you can use the time saved counting calories to hit the gym.

2012® Dyna Switchback™

WorkplaceWorkouts

THE PROFITABLE SIDE OF SHAPING UP

DO YOU REALLY WANT your employees doing yoga in the conference room, hitting the gym between meetings, or even rolling those annoying ﬁ tness balls around the ofﬁ ce?

Well, you might.

Even in these austere times, plenty of organizations see an array of tangible, bottom-line beneﬁ ts to investing in the health and wellness of their staff.

“When you feel better about yourself you are a happier, healthier and more productive employee,” says Lloyd Richards, President and CEO of Aloyd Fitness, a Vancouver Island-based provider of ﬁ tness equipment. In keeping with

that, he says, “there is plenty of research that proves the overall health of employees is important for so many reasons, including improved productivity and workplace morale, as well as reductions in sick leave, absenteeism, workplace injuries and extended health claims.”

To that end, many British Columbian businesses and government organizations are installing impressive on-site fi tness facilities, or providing gym memberships, personal fi tness trainers and lunchtime nutrition seminars and other fi tness incentives to employee perks packages.

At the same time, many gyms and rec centres are responding to the needs of employers and their employees.

“It’s not all about getting people to the gym. Sometimes it’s about helping people ﬁ t ﬁ tness into their lives, however they can,” says Lee Cassells, Regional Corporate Director at Steve Nash Fitness Clubs.

Steve Nash Fitness World and Sports Clubs, which operates 17 ﬁ tness facilities in Metro Vancouver and Victoria, has worked with such major employers as London Drugs, Coca Cola, and KPMG.

Cassells says corporate memberships have grown to account for 40 per cent of the group’s business in recent years, and he expects that trend to

BY SUE KERNAGHAN

continue. In response to that, the ﬁ tness company offers a two-pronged approach: corporate memberships to help employees get onto those treadmills, and workplace seminars to encourage them to do so.

Of course, we all know we should get ﬁ tness into our lives. The personal beneﬁ ts, from increased health and productivity to reduced stress and injury, are well documented. But is it a workplace issue?

In short, yes.

“Coca Cola, for example, calculates that for every dollar spent on employee ﬁ tness, they get ﬁ ve bucks back in increased productivity and other savings,” says Cassells.

Not surprisingly, a majority of B.C.’s Top Employers of 2011 (an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers) offer fi tness perks of one kind or another. Witness the on-site fi tness facilities at Vancouver’s Great Little Box Company, whose offices also boast a nap room, a sand volleyball court, and a dock for kayak commuters. Then there is HP Advanced Solutions in Victoria, which boasts its own gym and meditation room. Several employers, including the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and Sophos Inc., offer secure lockups and shower facilities for bike commuters, and who can beat the indoor bouldering cave at North Vancouver’s Arc’Teryx Equipment?

If all this sounds a bit, well, frilly, consider the perks offered by an organization that knows a thing or two about cost benefi t analysis. The Certifi ed General Accountants’ Association of Canada (CGA Canada), named one of Canada’s Top Employers for the last four years running, has an on-site fi tness facility as well as access to a fl eet of communal bicycles.

Their 800-square-foot ﬁ tness facility, built as part of CGA Canada’s new Burnaby headquarters in 2008, is used regularly by about 70 per cent of employees. The bikes,

Stay Fit

Aloyd Fitness has the largest selection of ﬁtness equipment in Western Canada, offering everything from entry-level equipment to high-performance training machines for the home and the workplace.

Visit our website at www.aloyd.com or visit any one of our three locations to learn what we can provide you and your employees.

In every city there is one club that distinguishes itself from the rest - one club where the facilities, service and tradition combine to offer an unparalleled membership experience. In Vancouver, it is Terminal City Club.

– 5,000 sq.ft. newly renovated Fitness Centre – 25-metre indoor ozone treated pool

– award winning culinary team

– 10,000 sq.ft. of state-of-the-art meeting space

– complimentary early morning, evening and weekend parking

– social networking opportunities

– luxurious 60 room boutique hotel worldwide

– wireless internet service

supplied to help staff — many of whom commute by transit — are also hugely popular.

“Being accountants, we said, ‘how are we going to measure our success?’”, observes Baldev Gill, CGA Canada’s Vice President, Finance and Human Resources. “When I joined CGA Canada in 2005 we had an outside fi rm measure our engagement scores — how involved staff feel with the organization — and they were very low. In 2010, in the latest survey by an independent firm, our scores were substantially higher than the national average. One of the big factors in that was the fi tness facility we installed,” says Gill, who notes that a gym was high on employee focus group wish lists.

In addition to having healthier and happier employees, Gill says an on-site workout room helps build relationships across departments in their organization: “Connections are made and networking takes place. That helps foster a more positive work environment and culture and ultimately better morale.” He adds, “on a qualitative basis, employees seem more relaxed; there’s a lot of respect in the ofﬁce, and a lot of trust. We had a good culture to begin with, but it’s really elevated in the last few years. People just feel more alive.”

The numbers look good, too. Since 2009 full-time permanent staff turnover at GCA Canada has dropped from 18 to 10 per cent, while sick days have seen a 25 per cent reduction, trending downward.

Gill acknowledges that it is tricky to calculate a return on investment for something like an on-site ﬁ tness facility, but, as far as he is concerned, such an investment is central to attracting and retaining high quality employees.

But what if an on-site gym isn’t practical for a particular business, which may not have the necessary budget resources or workplace environment?

No matter: there are plenty of personal fi tness trainers and yoga instructors who specialize in providing on-site training sessions for employees, and leasing fi tness equipment is also an option. As well, many companies organize fi tness teams outside the workplace, be it running groups or dragon boat teams. At the same time, there are several free resources from non-profi t organizations, as well as national and provincial agencies, that can provide assistance developing workplace health and wellness programs.

With so much to gain and so little to lose, one might think every organization would be racing to introduce its own ﬁ tness program. Still, human nature, such as it is, sometimes means people procrastinate and take a while before committing and taking that all-important ﬁrst step.

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BOTOX® is the most commonly known product used to relax muscles that cause wrinkling like the frown or crows’ feet. Treatments take just a few minutes and patients return immediately to regular activities. Two to four treatments per year are performed to maintain results and provide a more relaxed look.

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Thermage

CPT®

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Peels

Fraxel DUAL®Healthy skin is happy skin. While Fraxel DUAL® laser treatments help improve the quality of the skin by treating brown spots, sun damage and scars, this laser has also been shown to reduce precancerous lesions, leading to healthier and more radiant skin.

Products like Juvederm® and Restylane®, derived from natural hyaluronan, are eased into deep folds to restore more youthful volume to the skin. Time will hollow out areas such as under the eyes and around the mouth. Dermal ﬁllers, applied properly, help support, lift and offer very natural results. Touch-up treatments at recommended intervals help prolong results for up to three years.

- A single treatment with this newest version of Thermage® gently and naturally stimulates new collagen with no downtime and minimal discomfort. Tightening lax skin of the face and neck, as well as firming up the tummy are common areas that can benefit.

Fractionated Resurfacing

Leading this category is Fraxel® laser resurfacing –FDA approved for numerous

SkinCeuticals’ pure medical-grade peels allow us to refresh the complexion and gently address concerns like irregular pigment, ﬁ ne lines and/or blemishes. A variety of gentle peel formulas are available for speciﬁ c issues or to help maintain or maximize the above treatments. Best of all, these peels have advanced to offer quick treatments while being tailored to your particular needs.

These four fundamental treatments are synergistic. Botox® and dermal fillers work hand-in-hand to restore lost volume while lifting and supporting the skin. Thermage® and Fraxel DUAL® treatments help to rebuild collagen and improve the skin’s quality and tone. Healthier, happier, more radiant skin.

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SUITE 207- 1990 FORT STREET, VICTORIA , BC, V8R 6V4 WWW.COSMEDICA.CA

BLUE &WHITE TURNS SILVER

Helijet celebrates 25 years of success in a tough marketplace

A pair of Helijet S76C+ air ambulance helicopters bank over Stanley Park in Vancouver. Helijet operates three dedicated air ambulance helicopters and a Lear 31 jet on contract to the BC Ambulance Service.

BY GARTH EICHEL

AS IN MARRIAGE , a 25th anniversary in business is a milestone worth celebrating. That said, surviving for 25 years and succeeding are two different things; there are plenty of marriages and businesses that make it to a silver anniversary with nothing to show for it but misery.

At the risk of stretching the matrimonial metaphor, Helijet’s ﬁrst few years were no honeymoon. To many, the idea of a scheduled helicopter service between Vancouver and Victoria, seemed foolhardy, if not reckless. Making matters worse, ﬁnanciers showed Helijet all the warmth of disapproving in-laws.

“We were really ‘out there’ as a company doing something totally different,” says Danny Sitnam, Helijet President and CEO. “A lot of operators just stood back and waited for us to take a monster fall.” With a knowing smile, he adds, “You deﬁnitely wouldn’t want to pitch a business idea like this on [CBC Television’s] Dragons’ Den.”

PHOTOS BY HEATH MOFFAT

Nevertheless, a combination of determination, superior service, and market agility allowed Helijet to ﬁnd its feet and ultimately prosper where so many expected it to fail.

FLEDGLING SERVICE: The dismal history of scheduled helicopter services suggested Helijet’s chances of success were slim from the outset. Indeed, there are now fewer than a dozen carriers worldwide providing scheduled service with helicopters, and every attempt in U.S. cities, such as New York and San Francisco, faltered for a variety of reasons. How then could Helijet presume to succeed where others stumbled?

That question might have been on the minds of Sitnam and his founding partners, Alistair MacLennan and Stewart Vorberg, on November 27, 1986, when Helijet’s inaugural ﬂight lifted off from Vancouver Harbour bound for Victoria with only one advance booking.

“We didn’t know what we had gotten ourselves into; we were totally unrealistic in our expectations and how much it would cost,” says Sitnam. Still, Sitnam persevered because he believed in the program: “I knew we could succeed by doing better in terms of sales, marketing, service and operational standards. That’s what got me out of bed in the morning.”

Faith and determination eventually paid off. Helijet became a familiar sight in the Vancouver-Victoria corridor, which had previously been dominated by seaplanes. Word-of-mouth eventually spread among inﬂ uential customers in B.C.’s business community and provincial government. These highly mobile executives were quick to appreciate the enhanced safety and reliability offered by Helijet’s multi-crew, multiengine helicopters, which, unlike seaplanes, were not limited by daylight hours and the dreadful weather the Paciﬁc Northwest is infamous for.

“We were able to provide uneventful ﬂights and a better overall customer experience,” says Sitnam. “Once people experienced the comfortable ride it became one of our biggest sales tool.”

And while a few vocal critics regularly complain about helicopter travel as a decadent perk for politicians and senior executives, Sitnam says the reality is that Helijet “provides gloriﬁ ed bus service for the province’s business community.”

CUSTOMERS, CO-WORKERS & COMMUNITY: Shuttle bus, perhaps, but the Helijet brand is synonymous with superior service. Be it the complimentary coffee bar, the hotel shuttle, or the tireless professionalism of front-counter staff, Helijet continually strives to meet and exceed the level of comfort and convenience expected by executive travellers.

“We’ve succeeded for 25 years because of the standard of service we provide,” says Carla Kovacs, Helijet’s Director, Passenger Services. “We make a point of noticing minor details and addressing them before they become a problem to make sure customer experience is top-notch.”

Of course, a lot of companies talk about service, but Helijet’s reputation depends on being able to walk the talk every single day. As such, the company espouses a corporate philosophy that puts a premium on the treatment of people in general, be they customers, co-workers or community residents.

Indeed, Helijet’s management team recognizes that employees who feel respected and appreciated will be more committed to the company’s success.

This explains, in part, why Helijet has so many long-term employees. Like Kovacs, who was hired in 1989, many employees have chosen to make careers with the company, several serving 20 years, plus.

Above left: Carla Kovacs, Helijet’s Director, Passenger Services, is the woman tasked with maintaining the company’s standards of service.

Above right: Aircrew and paramedics transfer a patient from a Helijet Lear 31 at YVR Airport.

It is also worth noting that Helijet’s commitment to treating people with respect extends beyond customers and staff to the communities its aircraft ﬂ y into and over.

Helicopters are inherently noisy machines and the company knows there is no shortage of people in Victoria, Vancouver, and the Gulf Islands in between, who would just as soon see them gone altogether. This is, after all, the birthplace of Greenpeace.

Nevertheless, in an effort to be sensitive to residents and minimize irritation, Helijet has a fl y neighbourly policy that sees scheduled flights operate at higher altitudes and along more than a dozen different flight routes on any given day. What’s more, they’ve constructed a noise-attenuating burm at the Victoria heliport, and the last flight of the day touches down at 19:05 in both cities. Going a step further, the company installed engine exhaust scrubbers on its S76 fleet in 2010, and that same year it went carbon neutral when it partnered with Pacifi c Carbon Trust, a non-profi t B.C. Government organization that buys and sells carbon offsets.

Taken together, these environmental measures add signiﬁ cant costs each year, but Sitnam considers each an investment in the company’s future, as well as the right thing to do.

MARKET MINDFULNESS: Reacting and adapting to the needs of the marketplace is another hallmark of Helijet’s success. As Sitnam is careful to note, “You can never underestimate the market, the communities you serve, or the power of the consumer.”

With that in mind, the company continued adding additional helicopters to its ﬂ eet and began exploring other scheduled routes with ﬁ xed-wing aircraft. In keeping with that, Helijet

introduced commuter service between Abbotsford, Victoria and Campbell River, as well as to Seattle, but abandoned the B.C. routes due to weaker load factors, and the U.S. route after 9/11 when trans-border issues became too onerous.

Around that time Helijet recognized scheduled service was increasingly becoming economically challenging on its core market between Vancouver and Victoria. As such, the company diversiﬁ ed into new sectors.

AIR MEDICAL MARKET: Looking to its own backyard, Helijet began exploring the air ambulance market, promoting its S76A as a suitable choice for government air medical contracts in B.C.

As a result of its efforts, Helijet secured the company’s first air medical contract with the B.C. government in 1998, operating one S76A helicopter for a fi ve-year term. Since then, the company has been awarded additional B.C. Ambulance Service (BCAS) contracts for both rotary- and fi xed-wing aircraft — the most recent of which saw the company acquire three state-of-the-art S76C+ helicopters for dedicated air ambulance service in Vancouver and Prince Rupert as part of an eight-year contract, with an extension for four years.

With three helicopters and a Lear 31 jet dedicated to BCAS contracts, air ambulance work now accounts for more than 50 per cent of Helijet’s business. Not surprisingly, the company is pursuing additional air ambulance contracts in the province and possibly seeking to expand outside B.C. as provincial government attitudes towards joint ventures with the private sector change across the country.

“We have a real strong understanding and appreciation of the mission — what the paramedic and the patient need,” says Sitnam. “Our crews have depth of experience and

Above: Helijet attributes much of its success to its employees. From lef:t Mike Nyiri, aircraft maintenance engineer, Danny Sit nam, President and CEO, and Bob Neve, aircraft captain. Above right: Passengers board a Helijet S76A at Kamel Point in Victoria, bound for Vancouver.

knowledge: they understand operational standards, ﬂ ying in varied environmental conditions, and the importance of the relationship between ﬂight crew and paramedics.”

HAIDA GWAII ON HIGH: Helijet is not content to rest on its laurels. Having established itself as a scheduled carrier and an air ambulance provider, the company began developing new markets in the tourism and utility sectors.

Because summertime sees demand soften on Helijet’s scheduled service, the company sought to redeploy its extra capacity between June and early September. To that end, the company negotiated a couple of contracts in 2006 to ﬂ y guests and supplies into sport ﬁ shing lodges in Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), a remote archipelago of some 150 islands located 200 km off B.C.’s northwest coast.

The weather in Haida Gwaii can be ferocious even in summer (trees grow at an angle on the windward side) and sport fi shing lodge operators can’t afford to have guests stranded by high winds and bad weather. As with its Vancouver-Victoria scheduled service, Helijet demonstrated it could provide a more capable and reliable alternative to fl oat planes. Other fi shing resorts took notice and soon began hiring Helijet to support their own operations.

In 2010 Helijet went a step further and consolidated its position in Haida Gwaii with the purchase of Vancouver Island

You

Helicopters’ assets there, acquiring a B206L helicopter and fi xed base facilities in Masset and Sandspit. As a result, Helijet is now the single source helicopter provider in Haida Gwaii, serving most all sport fi shing lodge operators, while also extending into the utility market to support an array of industries, including forestry, mining and fisheries, as well as environmental and hydroelectric projects.

While Helijet’s work in the utility market is rather limited right now, it will surprise no one that the company sees potential to grow these services and expand its capabilities into new markets, particularly large construction and mining projects in B.C., as well as other parts of the country.

“We’re interested in looking for joint venture partners in oil and gas, mining and construction projects,” says Sitnam. “We can already provide transportation services . . . and we’re also considering heavier lift markets.”

Who knows what the next 25 years will hold for Helijet, but the fundamental principles of grit faith, superior service, and an ability to adapt to new and existing markets has served it well thus far. And like any solid marriage, the company’s experience suggests that those who truly believe, work hard, don’t take people for granted, and are able to adapt to circumstances — good and bad — stand to succeed. And with a bit of luck, the love affair never ends.

could be here for the Holidays

Every day is a great day at Amica, yet when the holiday season is upon us there is a stronger feeling of warmth and friendship that only this season can bring. We invite you to consider making your move before the holidays, so you can settle in and enjoy the wonderful services, amenities and events. Make Amica your new home for the Holidays.

Call and book your personal tour today and join us for lunch, compliments of our Executive Chefs! Amica at Somerset House 540 Dallas Road

BLUE,WHITE & GOLD

THANKS FOR THE LIFT!

Rugby Canada would like to congratulate Helijet on 25 years of service.

Our organization is very proud of its relationship with Helijet: the ongoing support the air service provider offers of our men and women athletes makes it easier for them to travel for training and competition, which in turn contributes to player development and welfare. Our recent success at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, where Canada won its first ever gold medal in rugby sevens, demonstrates the success our athletes are capable of achieving with support from organizations like Helijet.

SCHOLARS & CENTS

Financing a private school education on a budget

BY MAUREEN LICATA and GARTH EICHEL

THERE WAS A TIME not too long ago when most parents invested only for their children’s university education. Increasingly, though, parents are also investing earlier in the formative schooling years, providing them with the fundamentals necessary for success at the post-secondary level, and in life.

To that end, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland are home to some of the best independent schools in Canada. From day and boarding schools, to single-gender, special needs or religious institutions, families have plenty of choices to ponder.

And while public school education is free, many parents are enticed by what independent schools offer in the way of small class sizes, individual attention, post-secondary planning, character development, and other enhanced programs.

Granted, private schooling can be costly, but more and more families are ﬁnding creative ways to make it happen. At the same time, schools are ﬁ nding ways to help.

FINANCIAL PLANNING: Independent school education is a big ﬁnancial commitment. Even with two working parents, and support from extended family, private schooling can tax a family’s resources — especially so when it starts in kindergarten and carries through to Grade 12.

The pain doubles or triples with more than one child.

“Parents should look carefully at their situation when deciding on a private school,” says Susan Hazell, Executive Director of Advancement at Collingwood School in Vancouver. “They need a ﬁnancial plan — one that also takes into account annual tuition increases each year for inﬂ ation.”

To that end, it is worth consulting a ﬁ nancial advisor or accountant to determine the best course to follow. And while tuition payments won’t yield any deductions or direct tax relief, indirect measures may be employed in some instances. For example, if grandparents want to kick in a tuition contribution it won’t trigger a gift tax. And students with a learning disability, or people who fund someone with

a learning disability, may also be able to claim a tax credit for their special needs, including private education costs.

Parents also need to take a longitudinal view in any ﬁnancial plan: some enrol kids in independent school at kindergarten; others opt for private school only in the ﬁnal high school years.

With a plan and budget in place, parents should then consider schools with tuitions that resonate with their incomes and resources. For example, St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Victoria costs just $4,704 for the current year (parents who support their parish pay just $3,768), while Glenlyon Norfolk School’s fees range from $13,575 to $16,785, depending on what grade a child is enrolled in. As for boarding schools, fees can be upwards of $40,000 per year at many institutions.

Of course, tuition shouldn’t be the lone deciding factor. The culture and philosophy of each school should be factored into any decision as well.

“Parents are recognizing that students need a good educational foundation and are searching for the institutions that can provide this in a values-based setting,” says Sherri Ko, Principal at Discovery School in Victoria, which specializes in teaching students with learning disabilities and special needs. One of only six designated special education schools in B.C., Discovery is the most affordable, with tuition fees of $6,900 per year. “We make huge efforts to[ﬁ nancially] ‘hold the line’ in every way possible,” says Ko. Whatever the cost, most parents value private education and believe the investment is worth it.

“Once parents make the decision to put a child in an independent school it’s pretty rare for them to go back to the public system for ﬁnancial reasons. Once they recognize the value, it’s the last thing they will cut from their budget,” says Paul Silk, Interim Director of Advancement at St. John’s School in Vancouver. We haven’t seen a decline in enrolment even during economic downturns.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Once considered accessible only to wealthy families, private schools are now populated more and more by students from families of varied financial backgrounds. That is owed in part to more double-income families making sacrifi ces for their children, as well as the financial and physical support provided by extended family members. Indeed, many parents choose to sacrifi ce discretionary spending on things like vacations and home renovations, while some parents take part-time jobs, get bank loans, dip into RRSPs, or re-mortgage their home to supplement tuition fees.

Grandparents are also an increasingly important part of the equation. For many, the decision to invest in a grandchild’s education is more rewarding and lasting in importance than a future inheritance. What’s more, they get to witness a return on their investment.

Beyond writing cheques, many grandparents also participate in day-to-day school affairs, such as fundraising, volunteering and driving kids to and from school.

“Grandparents are working within the Parents Association at a level we’ve never seen before,” says Rebecca McKay, associate director, admissions, at Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan. “They have hopes for their grandchildren and

want to invest in their grandchild’s education earlier, rather than bequeath an inheritance later.” To that, she adds, “The reality is that whole family support is critical.”

BRIDGING THE GAP: Notwithstanding the best efforts of parents and grandparents, sometimes the cost of independent school education is simply not within reach for some families. Yet there are still ways to realize the goal, thanks largely to various forms of assistance from schools.

“There’s a perception that [private school] is just for the rich, and that it’s unattainable,” says Lindsay Thierry, director of admissions at St. George’s School in Vancouver.

From left to right: students at St. John’s school in Vancouver; Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan; St. Michaels University Scho ol

in Victoria; and Collingwood School in West Vancouver.

“Our primary objective is to meet the needs of as many families as possible. There are opportunities, no matter what the family’s socio-economic level.”

Thierry notes that, in addition to entrance and leadership scholarships, St. George’s offers assistance for the high school years, with 15 to 20 per cent of the student body receiving ﬁ nancial aid each year.

Financial aid isn’t just about altruism, though: “Fifteen years ago we had little ﬁ nancial aid,” says Bob Snowden, head of school at St. Michaels University School (SMUS) in Victoria. “We made the observation that that this resulted in a very restricted band of children from a small segment

of society, which was not positive for the school. We made a philosophical decision to broaden ﬁnancial aid as a way of diversifying our student body.” The extent of that philosophical decision is impressive. SMUS’s ﬁnancial aid program is approximately $1.8 million a year, drawing from a combination of operating fees, endowment and the school’s annual fund.

It’s not just for the asking, though. Like many such schools, SMUS offers bursaries and scholarships to students who demonstrate a combination of academic performance, character and willingness to get involved in school life and extracurricular activities. What’s more, most independent

Transforming disability into ability.

At Discovery School, learning disabilities are transformed into valuable skills and abilities. Students work at their own pace in small classes, with focused, individualized instruction.

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca

schools channel requests for fi nancial assistance through a third-party organization, usually Toronto-based Financial Aid for Canadian Schools, which assesses a family’s fi nances (parents are required to complete a comprehensive and confi dential financial disclosure) and then makes recommendations to schools. While the maximum award is 60 per cent of fees, 40 per cent is more commonly allocated.

For example, if a family applying to Collingwood School can demonstrate need, amounts ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 may be awarded. And next year, the school plans to introduce merit-based entrance scholarships for students in grades 8 to 12.

Of course, endowments vary from school to school, with some enjoying signiﬁ cantly greater resources than others.

As such, parents should interview admission directors about ﬁnancial aid, payment plans and cost saving possibilities, such as discounts for alumni families or sibling groups.

Church organizations and service groups, such as Kiwanis or Rotary Club, also have a reputation for helping students requiring assistance, especially those with special needs.

(A 2010-11 Federation of Independent School Associations B.C survey revealed that 15 per cent of independent school enrolment in B.C. consisted of special needs students.)

St. John’s School

There are also some novel savings to be had. Collingwood School allows parents to pay using credit cards so they can accumulate travel rewards while paying down tuition (no need to sacriﬁ ce that vacation after all), while Discovery School in Victoria allows parents to save $200 a year by doing volunteer assistance in -kind. Taking volunteerism further, Discovery actually has a few parents each year who pay zero tuition due to their proactive approach to seeking community support for the school.

It goes without saying that most parents want to provide their children with the best education possible. Many are prepared to go to signiﬁcant lengths to realize that, but so to are a growing number of private schools that believe socio-economic status shouldn’t be a barrier.

“If you’re really interested in an independent school education for your child you should talk to admissions at each and ask about scholarships, bursaries and ways to contribute through service,” says Graham Brown, Chairman of the Board at Dwight International School in Shawnigan Lake. “We try to be creative. If a student wants to come here we’ll do what we can to help them. It’s not always possible, but motivation and desire of the student and the family is important. If you believe in our philosophy we want you to be part of our community.”

Dwight International School

The Dwight Philosophy

Dwight always puts the student - and their strengths and interests - first. No two students are alike, and the School will go out of its way to find and nurture each child’s unique “spark of genius”. One may be a budding photographer, another a future architect or engineer, and still another a great comedian in the making. At Dwight we recognize that no two journeys are the same.

Why Choose Dwight for Your Child?

Personalized learning – our teachers help each student find their own ‘spark of genius’

Small class sizes (average 10 per class) 125 years of tradition and excellence

Choice to pursue world renowned IB Program or BC dogwood diploma. The IB program is the preferred choice for university. Graduates of the Dwight IB program are guaranteed entrance to university.

2371 Shawnigan Lake Road Shawnigan Lake, BC 250-929-0506

admissions@dwightinternational.org

www.dwightinternational.com

our purchasers are saying...

Unwavering belief and conﬁdence that the Oak Bay Beach Hotel will emerge as a premier, extraordinary holiday destination was the reason for my desire to invest. Having known the hotel for many years, I have no doubt that the beauty of Oak Bay and the west coast will be well represented and received by this new icon. It’s exciting to be involved in a small way with this venture.

Grant F., Vancouver, B.C.

Pairing for Your Palate

BY GARTH EICHEL

WINE PAIRING IS A BLACK ART. Sometimes even seasoned sommeliers struggle with recommendations. So what is a mere mortal to do when trying to match wine to food?

With so many varieties and styles of wine, and so many variations of cooking — to say nothing of people’s individual palates — the permutations are limitless. Still, there are some basic rules that can help reduce, if not eliminate, wine pairing stress.

The ﬁrst rule is that there are no rules. For that reason, many high-end restaurants carry White Zinfandel (shudder) on their wine lists for the simple reason that if a customer wants it with their meal they should not feel obliged or embarrassed about what to order.

Even so, there is something to be said for going beyond White Zin. Wine properly matched with food is a yin and yang relationship that can greatly enhance (or diminish) the experience of both. Done right, it can give extra meaning to life.

With Rule #1 in mind, don’t attach too much signiﬁcance to the perfect pairing. Focus instead on basic principles to guide your selection.

First, consider the balance between a given food and a wine in a particular meal. Put simply, complex food should be paired with simpler wines, and vice versa. You don’t want a complex wine competing with a complex meal. In the same vein, match the weight of the wine to the food, pairing light foods with lighter wines and heavy foods with full-bodied wines. An example of this is matching a light Sauvignon Blanc with salad, or a complex Syrah with boeuf en daube.

The next thing to keep in mind is the acidity of a wine. Acid actually cleans and refreshes the palate, making it an essential component for matching wine with dishes high in fat, sweetness or salt. Acidic wines also pair well with foods that are naturally high in acidity because the acid in the wine actually reduces our perception of acid in food. In keeping with that, an acidic Pinot Gris will stand up well to oysters on the half-shell, or a tomato-based pasta dish.

Likewise, wines with sweetness, acidity, or a combination of both, pair best with salty foods. But when it comes to sweet foods, the wine should have levels of sweetness equal to the food it is paired with. For that reason, a sweet ruby Port can pair equally well with a salty Stilton cheese or a chocolate-covered berry dessert.

Then there is the matter of tannins and bitterness. Tannins are polyphenols in red wine that cause an astringent drying of the upper cheek and gums. Protein binds with tannin thus reducing a wine’s apparent bitterness. Accordingly, tannic wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, are a good match with foods high in fat and protein, particularly grilled red meats.

Finally, consider a wine’s alcohol content. Those with high alcohol content create a burning sensation in the throat — a perception exacerbated by spicy food. As such, pair low alcohol and sweeter wines with spicy hot foods. An off-dry Riesling is often a safe bet with spicy Indian or hot Thai dishes.

Another, and perhaps simpler, approach to pairing food and wine is what’s called “Classical” or “Regional” matching. Prior to the 20 th Century, most people lived and died within ﬁ ve miles of the place where they were born. They ate and drank what was produced locally. Over several centuries, regional food and wine inﬂuenced the development of one another with basic food and wine matching principles evolving along the way.

This explains why a Burgundian Pinot Noir pairs well with coq au vin, a Rheingau Riesling matches bratwurst, and a full-bodied Barolo from Piedmont pairs magniﬁ cently with osso bucco.

While many of these matching traditions evolved in Europe, the New World has been quick to develop its own regional pairing principles. Notable among these is California where “fusion” cuisine combines inﬂuences from Mexico, Asia and Europe, paired with popular Napa and Sonoma Valley wines.

Closer to home, many B.C. wineries offer products that are well suited to local cuisine. There are plenty of home-grown Cabernet Sauvignons to suit Saltspring Island grilled lamb, Pinot Noirs to go with barbecued salmon, and Chardonnays to mate with Dungeness crab dipped in butter.

In any event, pairing wine should be a source of enjoyment, not angst. And if you’re ever in doubt about what to pair with dinner, just opt for your personal favourite wine — even if it’s a White Zin.

Bringing them back, stream by stream

Rocky Mountaineer President & CEO Randy Powell (far right) and his team doing their part.

Photo: Jeremy Lim

SO CLOSE

AND GO SO FAR.

In so many different ways. Studies in Conflict and Disaster Management, Business, Communication, Education or Leadership. Or programs that especially resonate with West Coasters – Tourism and Hospitality, or Environment and Sustainability. So close to home, Royal Roads University’s innovative, renowned programs, degrees and certificates offer learning you can’t get anywhere else in the country.

Through our blended face-to-face and online programs, follow your passion and continue to work while you do it. And see how our ﬂexible admissions value your work and life experience, just as much as your previous education.

Visit us, at www.royalroads.ca. Our Enrolment Advisors are happy to meet you, learn.more@royalroads.ca, or call us 1-877-778-6227.