Business & Trade Magazine Issue Q4 2009

Port of Thunder Bay Dimensional Cargo

Seed Hawk Inc. Seeding Success

Westcana Electric Inc. Aggressive Growth

Business & Trade Vol. 3

No. 4

Magazine速

Q4 2009

Prince George Airport

Publication Mail Agreement #40606022

Going the Distance

City of Prince George Hosting the World

Fort Nelson Wilderness Retreat

Town of Smithers Building the Economy

City of Terrace Logistics Hub, Playground

WITNESS THE HEIGHT OF PRECISON SEEDING INNOVATION

ORDER yOuR SCT ™ SySTEm AND SAVE uP TO 15% ON INPuTS THIS SPRING! Sectional Control Technology™ (SCT) is an innovative way to eliminate overlaps and save on input costs. SCT works in conjunction with GPS to lift openers and shut down metering of seed and fertilizer when seeded ground is encountered, which reduces disturbance and doubling up of inputs.

SCT can reduce costs by up to 15% and results in a more uniform harvest. Sectional Control Technology makes large machines as versatile as small machines. Don’t miss out—see your dealer about SCT today.

T He Glo b a l l ea Der I n P reCISIo n S eeDInG Sy ST em S For further information visit your local Seed Hawk dealer or seedhawk.com.

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1. GPS maps the field and Sectional Control Technology senses when to shut down sections of the tank meter and lift sections of openers to stop over-application and disturbance of seeded ground.

2. Openers and shut-offs are activated when a section of the drill overlaps seeded ground. No levers to flip or buttons to hit at headlands increasing operator ease and resulting in worry free seeding.

Seed Hawk is a registered trademark and ™Sectional Control Technology and SCT are trademarks of Seed Hawk Inc. 9023

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Business & Trade Magazine® Publisher Wilson Wong E-mail: wwong@lesterpublications.com

Features

Managing Editor Gloria Taylor

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Writers Bernard Kruchak Gloria Taylor

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Design & Layout John Lyttle Myles O’Reilly Advertising Production Coordinator Vicki Friesen Published by: Lester Communications Inc. 701 Henry Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 1T9 Toll Free: 866-953-2189 Phone: 204-953-2189 Fax: 204-953-2199 www.lesterpublications.com President Jeff Lester

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Vice President Sean Davis E-mail News Releases to: newswire@lesterpublications.com © 2009 Lester Communications Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior consent of the publisher.

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On the cover: Prince George Airport expands runway to accommodate large jets.

See the feature on page 39.

Vol. 3 No. 4 Q4 2009

Tracking new cargo Dimensional cargo new revenue stream for Port of Thunder Bay.

At one with the land Rugged wilderness beauty and abundant wildlife mark the diverse economy of BC’s Fort Nelson. Another marker is its identity as the seat of the government for the region.

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On the grow Beautiful setting, recreation mecca and service centre, the Town of Smithers is capitalizing on its assets.

Asian investment Prince George puts out the welcome mat to Asian investment in Northern BC.

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Wooing the Far East Prince George Airport turns its focus to the Far East, expanding its runway and encouraging Asian investment in Northern BC.

Expanding with the times Stellar portfolio, diverse skills provide solid base for expansion of BC’s Westcana Electric Inc.

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Strength in diversity World-class fishing, hunting, skiing and mountain biking provide awesome backdrop to City of Terrace’s efficient transportation and logistics systems.

Growing through innovation From the family farm to manufacturer and global exporter of reducedtillage seeders, Seed Hawk relies on innovation, research and development.

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Also in this Issue: 2

From the Editor’s Desk

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Olympic Update

92 Around the World

Around Canada

Business & Trade Magazine®

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From the editor’s desk

T

he Port of Thunder Bay is without question one of Canada’s jewels when it comes to import/export facilities.

Like other business ventures across Canada, the St. Lawrence Seaway port must make money, and in the interest of new revenue, the seaport is always on the lookout for new business opportunities. That occurred when the well-connected port experimented with a new form of cargo: dimensional cargo, or the huge oversized pieces of equipment that were historically too large to be routinely shipped through the port.

In this case, the shipments consisted of the bulky huge windmill parts being used in wind farms across Canada and large heavy pressure vessels being used in the oil sands.

The dimensional cargo proved to be a welcome new source of revenue for the port, a story worth profiling, which we have done in this issue of Business & Trade Magazine.

At the other side of the country, Westcana Electric Inc., a 19-year-old family business has also moved comfortably into new niche opportunities when they have presented themselves. As a result, the company has expanded aggressively in northern BC, thanks to its diversified skills and experience.

Seed Hawk Inc. prides itself on its R&D and innovative ways, which has helped the company to grow to where it exports its own proprietary reduced-tillage seeders to countries around the world.

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Company president Pat Beaujot is a strong believer that having grown up on a farm in Saskatchewan has make folks like himself self sufficient, a trait that definitely helped when he and others had to re-design a seeder he inherited to work better under reduced till conditions. The specialized ag equipment was just the implement that other countries needed as it turned out, and a lucrative thriving business was born.

We are also proud to present stories of some Canadian towns and cities of modest size that are making a name for themselves in the international community. Prince George, Smithers, Terrace and Fort Nelson are proactive in their strategies for growth, and are reaching out to the world.

The Prince George Airport meantime has just expanded its runway and is marketing the airport’s world-class capabilities.

It can now handle some of the largest cargo jets.

What a great way for the airport to celebrate its 70th anniversary, and what a great way for all the companies to start 2010!

GLORIA TAYLOR Editor

Canada’s Gateway to the West

Port of Thunder Bay

The Port of Thunder Bay Canada’s Gateway to the West

By Gloria Taylor

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estern Canadian Grain. Coal and Potash. These are just some of the bulk commodities and goods exported through The Port of Thunder Bay that have helped to power Canada’s economy.

These cargos are as important as ever at the Seaway port at the western edge of Lake Superior. But today, there is a new form of cargo making its way to Western Canada on the rails of Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as well as trucks: project cargo. And it promises to be one of the most exciting new developments for the Port of Thunder Bay in years.

As many Canadian ports felt the bite of the worldwide recession last year in reduced shipments of goods and commodities,

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Thunder Bay’s port welcomed to its shipping lanes and facilities huge heavy pieces of equipment bound for oil sands projects in Alberta’s Fort McMurray or wind farms proliferating across Western Canada, cargo that at one time would have been too large or too heavy to move through the port.

The large heavy pressure vessels help the oil companies in the oil sands refine the rich crude that comes from the earth, while the windmill components build the large windmills that generate alternate energy in the green economy. Oversized equipment bound for Saskatchewan’s potash mines and other mines in the Prairie provinces is another important category for project cargo.

Port of Thunder Bay

Tim Heney, CEO of The Thunder Bay Port Authority which administers the port, is delighted with the new stream of revenue.

“We have been working for the last four or five years on a Gateway to the West for large oversized or heavy equipment,” says Heney.

CN Rail can transport the oversized cargo directly to the oil sands in about two weeks, thanks in large part to physical adjustments the railway has made to remove rock outcroppings and other impediments to the non-traditional cargo.

The CPR transcontinental runs from Vancouver through Thunder Bay to Montreal, offering a second rail advantage to port customers. Well developed highways, including connections to the Trans-Canada Highway, also allow trucking companies to deliver the same cargo cross-country by truck.

As a result of the dimensional and heavy lift WesternCanadian corridor, the Port of Thunder Bay accepted a cargo of pressure vessels for the oil sands in 2009 and five major shiploads of wind turbines from Europe, chalking up some amazing firsts along the way. It has also stored some oil sands vessels in Thunder Bay until economic conditions improve and the equipment can be sent west.

Residents living along the western corridor might have been intrigued to see the Port’s own rail caboose which it operates to promote the movement of the dimensional cargo as it travels west on the rails.

“The thing that’s different with Thunder Bay over other ports, and certainly Great Lakes ports, is that we have direct access by both major Canadian railways right to our docks.”

– CEO Tim Heney Business & Trade Magazine®

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Port of Thunder Bay

Wind turbines.

Record shipments “In 2009, we did the largest (windmill) blades ever moved by CN in North America,” Heney says. “Those are 148 feet long.” This year’s shipments of windmill equipment consisted mainly of wind turbines.

“In terms of the oil sands equipment, we also set some records, moving pieces that were 500 short tons (over 1,000,000 pounds) through Thunder Bay,” added the CEO. Rohde & Liesenfeld Canada Inc., a Calgary-based international freight forwarding company, arranged for and unloaded 34 heavy-pressure tanks from the cargo holds of the the heavy-lift vessel Jumbo Vision to make up the shipment.

The tanks came from manufacturers in Japan and Korea.

Jan Beringer, President and CEO of Rohde & Liesenfeld Canada, said his company, which works for clients in the oil and gas sectors, was looking for 6

Business & Trade Magazine®

a less costly alternative to traditional US routes when it focused on the Thunder Bay port.

“Some of the traditional entry points in the past were Houston and Duluth, and we wanted to find a more direct routing into Western Canada and one that did not involve necessarily crossing the United States and dealing with some of the increased costs and liability issues with the US railroads.”

One of the port’s challenges has been to increase business despite some extra charges it must absorb compared with some other Canadian and US coastal ports.

“In Thunder Bay, you have to pay a compulsory pilotage, marine service fees, seaway tolls, and those kinds of things that hurt the competitiveness of the seaway. But we still can be competitive with other ports, depending on the cargo,” says the CEO.

Port of Thunder Bay CN continues to actively build traffic in Canada with numerous initiatives across the country and partnered with the Port of Thunder Bay to rail dimensional cargo to the oil sands.

What CN undertook was a painstaking foot by foot evaluation of the rail clearances between Thunder Bay and Edmonton, says Beringer. “They found that there were obstacles that could easily be removed, for instance rock croppings and trees. And by removing those obstacles, and by doing laser-based measurements of their rail line, they were actually able to increase substantially the envelope from Thunder Bay to Edmonton last year.”

Roger Dudley, President of Project Transport and Trading Ltd., exclusive agent for Jumbo Shipping, said the large heavy pressure vessels that Jumbo Shipping moved through the port could not have been moved without CN’s western rail connection to the oil sands.

“It is essential for the present cargo,” said Dudley.

Project Transport and Trading arranged for the heavy vessel shipping line to move three separate shipments of reactors to the oil sands over the last three years.

Storing the heavy pressure vessels in Thunder Bay resulted in a nice economic spin-off for the port, notes Beringer.

“The Port of Thunder Bay is capturing a lot of revenue by storing these heavy wall vessels at the port, because there’s a slowdown in the oil and gas sectors, and that revenue stayed at source. Normally, these would have been stored in Japan or Korea. By working with the port, we were able to give a convincing argument to store them in Thunder Bay, so they are now in Thunder Bay and creating revenue for the port.”

For his part, Heney is delighted with the emergence of this new opportunity and looks for further growth.

“We are building a Gateway to the West for project cargo,” said the CEO. “The thing that’s different with Thunder Bay over other ports, and certainly Great Lakes ports, is that we have direct access by both major Canadian railways right to our docks,” he adds.

“Thunder Bay has been a grain port for over 100 years, so because of that history, the railways in Canada were built

“Thunder Bay has always been an export port. Most grain that the port handles is Canadian wheat to markets in Europe, North Africa and South America.

The trick is to get inbound cargo to balance the outbound.” – CEO Tim Heney

PROUD GENERAL AGENTS – U.S. GREAT LAKES & CANADA FOR JUMBO SHIPPING

PROJECT TRANSPORT & TRADING LTD. 145 Lakeshore Road East, Suite 310 OAKVILLE, ONTARIO L6J 1H3

TEL FAX E-MAIL WEB

(905) 339 2526 / (416) 410 0334 (416) 946 1195 JUMBO@PTTSHIP.COM WWW.JUMBOSHIP.NL

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Port of Thunder Bay

to go to the port in order to bring the Prairie grain crops for export. We’re really trying to take advantage of that service to move cargo west,” says the CEO. Grain crops include wheat, canola and oats. They are augmented by shipments of coal, potash, salt and stone in addition to liquid bulk petroleum, forest products and the dimensional and project cargos.

The port, which is open about nine months, experienced a defining moment last year that augers well for future shipments.

“The key to it was last Christmas,” says the CEO. “We moved a train load of reactors up to Fort McMurray and that really proved the capability of the corridor. It gave us the reputation as being a capable gateway for that type of equipment.”

In 2009, the windmill market became more predominant, while demand for oil sands equipment softened. (Windmill) components went to two different projects: one in Alberta and one in British Columbia, says the CEO. The equipment came from Denmark and Germany.

Thunder Bay, Ontario Keefer Terminal 100 Main St. P.O. Box 29070 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6P9

Tel: (807) 346-5700 Fax: (807) 346-6838 email: empstev@tbaytel.net

w w w. e m p i re s t e v e d o r i n g . c o m 8

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Port of Thunder Bay

Strong 2009

By August of 2009, five months into this year’s shipping season, the Thunder Bay port was doing well in both project cargo and grain shipments. The grain crops, which had not managed to entirely escape the effects of the recession, had also recovered dramatically during the first few months of this year’s shipping season.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan grain crops constitute the greatest volume of shipments through the port. In fact, while it may surprise some Manitoba residents, Heney

says 75 per cent of the grain exported by Manitoba farmers moves through the Port of Thunder Bay. While some Manitobans would be hard pressed to consider Thunder Bay as a part of Western Canada, Heney argues that the port is actually located in Central Canada rather than the east.

Despite the upswing in grain exports this year, the CEO candidly reports that total shipments at the port were down seven per cent in October, when increased grain shipments were offset by lower coal and potash exports.

Business & Trade Magazine®

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Port of Thunder Bay Nevertheless, Heney is able to look at the numbers philosophically. “The port is faring better than most other Great Lakes ports through the recession,” sums up Heney, who is optimistic about continued improvement.

World-class facilities A world-class port needs world-class facilities, and the Port of Thunder Bay has some of the best.

Keefer Terminal is a 90-acre site including the 10-acre rail intermodal yard, which handles much of the general cargo at the port.

Administered by the Thunder Bay Port Authority, Keefer Terminal also features a 200-car rail-car marshalling yard to build trains; a paved intermodal yard complete with a container toplifter, and four warehouses with a combined 550,000 - square-feet of storage space, 60,000-square-feet of which is heated as well as 10 acres of outside cargo staging and lay down areas.

“It is a world-class facility with first-class rail infrastructure,” says Heney, crediting the railways and the large grain storage facilities for much of the port’s success.

In addition, the port has the largest grain storage in North America, says the CEO. The port has eight privately-owned and managed grain terminals with a combined storage capacity of 1.2-million tonnes.

Cargo Shipments 2008 Total: 8.1 million tonnes 2% Dry Bulk 4% Potash

3% Liquid Bulk 1% General Cargo

70 %Grain

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Photo by richard Ogima Graphic courtesy Thunder Bay Port Authority.

20% Coal

Port of Thunder Bay

“Thunder Bay has been a grain port for over 100 years. Because of that history, the railways in Canada were built to the port to bring the Prairie grain crops for export. We’re trying to take advantage of that service to move cargo west” – CEO Tim Heney

Logistec is proactive in the development and maintenance of professional and supportive partnerships in the marine industry.

THE COMPANY WE KEEP tionship our successful working rela At Logistec, we are proud of hority. with the Thunder Bay Port Aut

www.logistec.com Business & Trade Magazine®

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Port of Thunder Bay

The Port of Thunder Bay has its own rail caboose which it operates to promote the movement of the dimensional cargo.

Proud supporter of Thunder Bay Port Authority – Marine Port Gateway to the West BDO Canada LLP Chartered Accountants and Advisors

For more information contact us at: 807-625-4444 800-465-6868 www.bdo.ca

Assurance | Accounting | Taxation | Advisory Services | Business Technology Solutions

Wishing our client, Thunder Bay Port Authority, a bright future and continued success.

715 Hewitson St. – Suite 2000 – P.O. Box 10429 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T8 Phone: 807-622-6821 Fax: 807-623-3892 www.cheadles.com 12

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Wheat, durum, canola, oilseeds, feed grains, pulse crops and products processed from the grains are exported through the elevators owned by Canadian Malting Co. Ltd.; Cargill Limited; Mission Terminal Inc.; Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd.; Richardson International; Viterra Inc. and Western Grain By-Products.

Gerry Heinrichs, Regional Manager for Richardson International, says the Richardson terminal, originally built in 1918, cleans, stores and processes all the grains grown in Western Canada including wheat, oats, canola, flax, lentils, peas and soybeans.

It features a capacity of 210,000 tonnes, making it one of largest terminals in Thunder Bay, and a location that offers numerous advantages.

“There is a tremendous amount of storage capacity so we can store and amass many commodities, and there is an ability to very quickly load the grain going out,” says Heinrichs.

Another modern bulk handling facility, Thunder Bay Terminals handles coal from British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan destined for Ontario steel mills.

Port of Thunder Bay

The Thunder Bay Port Authority has recently purchased an elevator. This facility could potentially be used for agricultural products or commodities related to biofuels’ production as well as wood pellets.

Thirty acres of waterfront property is also a new acquisition for the Authority. The property is adjacent to Keefer Terminal and the site can handle dimensional and heavy-lift cargos.

Also adjacent to Keefer Terminal is Harbour Park, a 45-acre transportation-related industrial park. Businesses that want to locate in Harbour Park can do so by negotiating with the Port Authority.

Thunder Bay Harbor Improvements Ltd. CRANE RENTALS Professional Consulting

Est. 1903

Mobiles – Rough Terrain

Full steam ahead Heney fully expected 2009’s strong economic performance to continue to year’s end, and beyond.

“I think the wind turbines are going to continue for at least the next three years in the Western Canadian provinces,” he says. “And we do see some of the oil sands business revitalizing itself in the next year or two as the oil prices increase.”

Grain exports meanwhile are expected to outstrip last year’s shipments.

Some other initiatives are being explored that could also bode well for the future. Trans Canada Pipe has indicated it could ship massive pipes through the port for the Alaska Pipe Line in 2010. This would allow the port to ship grain out on those same vessels, potentially lowering export costs.

Working with others to develop the port has been gratifying for Heney.

Capacities to 130 Ton Boom Trucks to 25 Tons Boom Lengths to 230 ft Movers of Heavy Equipment

Phone: 807-344-7294 Toll Free: 1-888-527-6664 Fax: 807-344-2730 Email: tbhicranerental@tbaytel.net

Wishing the Thunder Bay Port Authority continued growth and success

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Port of Thunder Bay

“The capability we understood and we knew we had, but raising that awareness and partnering with some of the oil sands companies to really use the route, by accomplishing this, we also provide ships into the system for grain export,” he adds.

“Thunder Bay has always been an export port, so most grain that goes through the port is Canadian export wheat to markets in Europe, North Africa and South America. The trick to it is to get inbound ships to balance that carrying of cargo both inbound and outbound.”

Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, said he is very excited about the opportunities through the Thunder Bay port, which could grow and diversify thanks in part to a business organization that markets local products and services.

The Thunder Bay Oil Sands Consortium represents 23 different companies such as equipment and parts suppliers and visits oil sands interests to build awareness of its offerings.

Gravelle says the port has a reserve of untapped potential which will play out in future years. “We are really well positioned in regard to our port facilities. What we’re able to feature certainly is our waterfront area that is available for development, and we know that the Keefer Terminal itself, has dock-side lifting, intermodal yard and storage facilities, so the potential is enormous.”

One thing that Heney fully intends to do is continue to diversify.

“It is the 50th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway this year, and what we’re trying to do now is to bring in new types of cargo.

It is the biggest inland waterway in the world, and it has world class capabilities and we’re aiming to capitalize on those.”

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Business & Trade Magazine®

A Suncor vessel.

Port of Thunder Bay

As for Beringer, he is convinced that Thunder Bay will prove a long-term alternative to US ports. “I think Thunder Bay is now already known as a viable alternative to Duluth and Houston.”

Turbine parts being transported by trucks.

Quality ingredients, start to finish.

Providing quality ingredients to the world’s leading food manufacturers.

By partnering with producers and maintaining superior logistics and market access, Viterra is able to assure a consistent supply of quality ingredients. These ingredients are an essential part of nutritional food and companies all over the globe rely on our top quality so they can guarantee theirs. To find out more, visit viterra.ca

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Port of Thunder Bay

Grain terminals key part of facilities at Port of Thunder Bay Viterra

Richardson International

Positioned on the northwest shore of lake Superior, Viterra’s Thunder Bay terminals are an impressive part of this global company’s value chain. Viterra’s two licensed terminals are comprised of three elevators each equipped with a separate shipping berth. Combined, they load an average of 250 lake and ocean vessels annually.

richardson international ltd.’s grain terminal at the Port of Thunder Bay was built by the company in the early 1900s and has been steadily expanded over the years to where it today boasts a licenced storage capacity of 210,000 tonnes.

Viterra’s port presence in Thunder Bay dates back to the early 1900s through the history of its former companies.

Today, its terminals have a combined capacity of approximately 590,000 tonnes, representing 52 per cent of the Port’s total capacity. Operating ten months of the year, these facilities currently handle an annual volume of approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes (mmt), a significant portion of the average five mmt of grain that moves through the Port of Thunder Bay annually.

Viterra handles a full range of cereals, oilseeds, and specialty grains at Thunder Bay, with red spring wheat and durum accounting for nearly two thirds of overall shipments. The facilities are equipped with modern unloading, grain cleaning, drying, conveying and elevating equipment.

Once cleaned and inspected, food ingredients are loaded onto freight vessels and shipped to destination customers in Europe, Africa, mexico and the United States.

With full iSO registration, Viterra can assure its end use customers that its grain handling processes comply with internationally recognized food safety standards, enabling the company to deliver only the highest quality ingredients.

richardson international is one of eight high profile grain companies that own and operate their own grain storage facilities at the busy port. “it is one of the largest export terminals in Thunder Bay,” says richardson international Terminal manager Gerry heinrichs. “All the grains grown in Western Canada, including wheat, durum, oats, canola, flax, lentils, peas and barley pass through our facilities. About six million tonnes go through Thunder Bay each year.”

Grains can be dried, processed, cleaned and stored at the port until there are sufficient quantities to load onto ocean-going vessels. heinrichs said the Port of Thunder Bay offers richardson international several major advantages when it comes to grain exports: The richardson Terminal provides a tremendous amount of storage capacity; facilities allow workers to very quickly load grain onto outbound vessels and facilities can store and amass a number of different commodities at the same time. in January of 1912, founder James richardson walked 25 miles of shoreline to locate potential grain terminal sites. land was purchased near the north end of Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay, on Nov. 22, 1916.

This is the very same site that the expanded richardson Terminal occupies today.

Viterra…Essential ingredients. Global success. richardson international Thunder Bay is the furthest inland port terminal and connects Western Canada to the Atlantic Ocean.

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Richardson International would like to take this opportunity to thank their employees, customers and the Thunder Bay Port Authority on their many years of commitment to the success of the Richardson Thunder Bay terminal.

www.richardson.ca

Canada’s Gateway to the West • Best Choice for Project Cargo • Direct Rail Access by CN and CP to Western Canada • Minimize Shipment Handling, Time and Cost

Phone: 807-345-6400 www.portofthunderbay.ca

Olympic Update

On-line ticket marketplace VANCOUVER, BC – Ticket holders in Canada who want to sell their tickets for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will now be able to post them for sale to winter sport fans around the world at www.vancouver2010.com, or donate them to community groups in Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky region.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released details in a news release on the fan-to-fan marketplace reselling initiative and other exciting ticketing options for Games’ fans, including: ticket donations through the Celebrate 2010 program, auctions for some great seats at high-demand events, and single event luxury suites at Canada Hockey Place for select ice hockey sessions.

Along with these new additional ticketing options, VANOC confirmed that it has exceeded its goal of ensuring at least 30 per cent of the seats at high-demand events are available to the public for purchase, the highest ratio in recent Winter Games history, and is now targeting 40 per cent.

Overall, the Organizing Committee estimates 75 per cent of all 2010 Winter Games tickets will be available to the public instead of the originally estimated 70 per cent.

The fan-to-fan marketplace, which is now live, enables ticket holders to simply sign into their existing Vancouver 2010 ticketing account and click the “sell my tickets” option for the seats they want to sell. Ticket holders can set their selling price and buyers can browse for available tickets in the same location as other tickets sold at www.vancouver2010.com.

Not only does this system help ensure there will be full venues at Games times, it also guarantees all tickets sold through this official channel are valid.

This marks the first time both Canadian and international clients can purchase tickets at www.vancouver2010.com, a transaction they can make knowing tickets are valid and legitimate because the website is operated by the Organizing Committee in partnership with tickets.com, the official ticketing services supplier for the 2010 Winter Games.

It is also the first time customers can donate their tickets to local community groups.

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Photo © VANOC/COVAN

Cypress Mountain: the halfpipe at the FIS Snowboard World Cup in 2009.

Photo © VANOC/COVAN

Olympic Update

The Whistler Sliding Centre

“We know that well over 90 per cent of Canadian ticket account holders plan to use all their tickets for the Games but a secondary market will exist where people will want to buy, sell and donate tickets,” explained Caley Denton, VANOC’s vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing.

“The fan-to-fan marketplace will be the safest and most secure way for Games’ fans in Canada and worldwide to purchase Vancouver 2010 tickets from fellow fans in Canada as we guarantee the tickets purchased through our fan-to-fan marketplace have valid bar codes and are legitimate,” said Denton.

“In the first few days initial prices will likely be high as people test to see what the fan-to-fan marketplace will bear.

We encourage people to check back often as the lowest priced tickets usually sell quickly,” he added.

“Our ticket auction, single event luxury suite sale and donation options also give Games’ fans another opportunity to purchase their dream tickets, or give to others the experience of a lifetime at Canada’s Games,” he said.

“We’re especially pleased to confirm that we’re closing in on making 40 per cent of all seats at high-demand events accessible to the public to purchase and that overall 75 per cent of all 2010 Winter Games’ tickets will be in the hands of the public, a much higher number than previous Winter Games.”

SNC-Lavalin Inc. named 64th sponsor

underpins our continued commitment to sustainability and embodies SNC-Lavalin’s key corporate values and beliefs which make up the cornerstones of our WE CARE culture. We wish the very best Games in history for Canada, VANOC, the athletes, and our community.”

John Furlong, VANOC’s CEO, added: “We’re delighted to welcome a dynamic company like SNC-Lavalin to our sponsor family, a company that has deep roots in Canada and has always demonstrated excellence in their projects both here at home and around the world. Their partnership helps us exceed our domestic sponsorship goals for delivering great Games in 2010.”

VANCOUVER, BC – SNC-Lavalin Inc. and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has announced that the Canadian engineering company has been named an Official Supplier for the upcoming Games.

Under the agreement, SNC-Lavalin Inc. will have rights to market and promote within the engineering services and construction services product category for the 2010 Winter Games and rights to associate with the Canadian Olympic Teams competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games. In return, SNC-Lavalin Inc. will make a financial investment in the Games.

“SNC-Lavalin is pleased to partner with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Jim Burke, Executive Vice President of SNC-Lavalin Inc. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to support the 2010 Winter Games and the athletes in achieving their goals for the Games. SNC-Lavalin’s role as an Official Supplier 20

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About SNC-Lavalin Inc. SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC) is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure, and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 35 other countries around the world, and is currently working in some 100 countries.

Fort Nelson

PhotoS BY JF Bergeron Enviro Foto, John Turner, Enterprise Northern Rockies and Jack Stevenson

Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson

Natural gas exploration revs economy

Hunting in the Northern Rockies.

Photo BY Bill Dolan

T

he thriving northern BC community of Fort Nelson has long been a tourist mecca, but these days, the town of 5,000 is on the way to becoming a hotbed of natural gas exploration and production.

Some of the world’s largest oil and gas producers are doing extensive exploration work to determine the extent and potential of natural gas deposits in the shale rock formations that cover a massive area in northeast BC between Fort Nelson and the southern border of the Northwest Territories. Fort Nelson is also situated at the southwest edge of the Greater Sierra oil and gas field.

In order to facilitate responsible development, producers in the area have come together to form the Horn River Basin Producers Group (‘Producers Group’). Its members include Apache Canada Ltd., Devon Canada Corporation, EnCana Corporation, EOG Resources Ltd., Nexen Inc., Quicksilver Resources, Stone Mountain Resources, Imperial Oil/ ExxonMobil Canada, ConocoPhillips Canada, Suncor Energy and Pengrowth.

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Business & Trade Magazine®

“The area being explored is about 110 miles long and 60 miles wide, an enormous area,” explains Mayor Bill Streeper, adding the production phase will fuel an economic resurgence the likes of which the area has never seen before.

Once the precise areas to be targeted are pinpointed (The deposits have already been proven) and the size of the deposits have been identified, Streeper says activity and employment in the area will only intensify, starting with local hiring to build the surface plants to process and send the natural gas on to major pipelines.

The economic spinoffs are already significant and the work is only beginning, says the mayor.

“The spinoffs for Fort Nelson already are tremendous in the exploration stage and will continue,” said Streeper. “It’s making us a service centre for the people working for the oil companies.” The exploration activities will also help the companies determine what size pipes they will need for the infrastructure and what size plants will need to be built.

A raft of specialized supplies and services are available in the town located 892 kilometres (554 miles) north of Prince George on

Hwy. 97. Companies supply everything from food and equipment to geological services and expediting to the exploration teams.

Fort Nelson is also the administrative heart of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, and the region is governed by the Regional Council.

With all this activity, there is little surprise that Central Mountain Air and two local charter companies have also enjoyed the economic benefits of funnelling people and supplies back and forth to the camps.

The bounty of the land has not gone unnoticed by people in the Northwest Territories either, according to the mayor. “(The Producers Group members) are going to start working in the Northwest Territories too once they get some agreements with First Nations,” says Streeper.

New technology The area under exploration is one of the largest in North America, but it was only recently that the technology was available to extract the natural gas trapped in the earth. “In the

Rig on rig mats.

“We’re a very big area for big game hunting. That’s a million dollar industry in this area.”

– Mayor Bill Streeper past, the technology was not perfected to get the shale to give up the gas,” explains the mayor.

The shale was formed over millions of years by compressed clay, which trapped the natural gas within its rock croppings.

The companies “frack” the shale to release the gas. It’s a procedure done with water and sand that causes the rock formations to crack, giving up the gas. “Without fracking, they have no production,” explains Streeper.

From there, the gas goes into a processing plant that prepares it for its journey through the natural gas pipelines and its ultimate destination: the end user.

Business & Trade Magazine®

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Photo Credit Enterprise Northern Rockies

Hiking in the Northern Rockies.

Photo BY JF Bergeron Enviro Foto

Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson As the town straddles the Alaska Highway and is situated on one of the best places in Canada to go big game hunting, it is the beneficiary of tourist dollars when motorists pass through the area on their way to Alaska or take advantage of the many hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities the area has to offer.

“We are right on the Alaska Highway, and you virtually have to drive right through the town to get to Alaska,” says Streeper. Of course, many come to Fort Nelson to stay and hunt. Moose, bear, mountain sheep, caribou, elk, lynx and wolves roam the area, which is also home to bald and golden eagles, great horned owls and peregrine falcons.

“We’re a very big area for big game hunting,” says the mayor. “That’s a million dollar industry in this area.” The population swells significantly during certain times of the year. One is in winter when local drilling activity brings in from 2,000 to 5,000 additional residents and the other the summer tourist season when about 140,000 visitors travel through the municipality.

Steamboat Lookout, Alaska Highway.

Photo BY JF Bergeron Enviro Foto

Million dollar industry

The region has also become a back-country recreation playground for hiking, white-water rafting and other pursuits.

Streeper sums up by rattling off the names of at least four other North America-wide natural gas sites but notes none have the potential and size of deposits found in the Fort Nelson area.

The mayor welcomes companies that want to set down roots in Fort Nelson saying there is opportunity for all.

Unemployment is at zero in the area, and there is still a need for many new businesses, home builders among them, that would like to cash in on the natural gas bonanza.

Streeper has owned at least three different companies over the years and his children also make a living by operating their own business ventures. At a time when he originally planned to retire, Streeper is nowhere near ready to head for the sun in a tropical oasis. Instead, the economy is thriving and he is staying put.

If the town has one over-riding challenge in the new year, it will be to keep up with growth: accommodating the influx of people and activity. Streeper would have it no other way.

24 24

Business & Trade Magazine® Business & Trade Magazine®

Photo by Enterprise Northern Rockies

Fort Nelson Museum and Marl Brown.

Photo BY JF Bergeron Enviro Foto

Stone Mountain Resources multi-pad drilling site in the Horn River Basin.

FORT NELSON:

Heart of the Horn River Basin!

N Bo R R M un da ry

Fort Liard

Ho r Sha n Riv Res le Ga er erv s es Fort Nelson

The regional service centre for the Northern Rockies and the Horn River Basin, Fort Nelson is characterized by an abundance of natural resources: lush mixed forests, exciting natural gas development, an emerging agricultural sector, and a tourism sector anchored by the Alaska Highway.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

• Diversified Service Sector

FORT NELSON’S OIL & GAS SERVICE SECTOR IS READY FOR BUSINESS From frac sand and fabrication to hot shot services and retail opportunities, you can depend on Fort Nelson businesses to deliver. Today’s diversified businesses are increasingly attracted to the outstanding entrepreneurial and lifestyle opportunities in our magnificent natural setting.

Find out more!

From oil and gas drilling, completion, and production services through to accommodation, transportation, and retail opportunities, Fort Nelson Businesses are ready for you.

• Fixed and Fair Industrial Tax Rates Supported by CAPP, CEPA, and Canfor.

• Northern Rockies Partnership By working collaboratively with First Nations, the Province of BC, and Industry, our community will grow successfully.

www.NorthernRockies.ca

Phone: 250-774-2541 Email: ecdev@northernrockies.ca

Smithers

Town of Smithers

Building for the future

By GlOriA TAylOr

PhOTO By DAN mESEC, THE INTERIOR NEWS

T

he Town of Smithers already has some of the best recreational and outdoor opportunities available in northern British Columbia, but the community is experiencing a mini renaissance in infrastructure development these days.

Located in the Bulkley Valley of northwest British Columbia, halfway between the cities of Prince Rupert and Prince George on the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway (Route 16), Smithers is a mecca for tourists and local people who enjoy some of the best scenic views, hiking, skiing, fishing and biking around.

Situated at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain, 25 kilometres from Smithers, residents have already learned to make the most of the mountain by creating everything from ski facilities to mountain trails, but a recent project is so unique, it allows people to take a vehicle up the mountain to the ski area and ski back down to the town.

It’s the 8.5-kilometre, $230,000 Trail to Town, built by the Smithers Rotary clubs. The trail allows people to ski down the mountain to the base of the town, and it has proven wildly popular.

“Ninety-five per cent of the bus tickets sold are one way,” says Jos Konst, chairman of the Smithers Rotary community, adding it is not unusual to see people walking through town with their skis on their backs these days. Anyone staying at the Aspen Inn & Suites in Smithers could ski to within one kilometre of the inn.

Another project on the mountain will see $400,000 worth of mountain biking trails developed. “The bike paths are being planned at this time,” says Coun. Mark Bandstra. “We have a huge network on Hudson Bay Mountain.” A cross-country ski

Residents enjoy skiing down Smithers’ Trail to town.

lodge and network of trails round out the recreation assets of the mountain.

The town recently extended the community’s airport runway to 7,500 feet, allowing the airport to accommodate jet aircraft. The new infrastructure will prove valuable as mountain facilities are developed to the point where more tourists visit the community.

“If the ski hill could develop to the point where we could have jet service here from abroad, we could accommodate the one-hour flights,” says Bandstra.

Tourists also come for the prime hunting and fishing opportunities. Smithers is home to numerous rivers and lakes that feature world class fishing. In addition to fishing, the network of waterways provides excellent recreation opportunities such as canoeing and kayaking.

“You can fish, ski, snowmobile, all 25 minutes from your door, so it’s a great place to work and raise a family in addition to the low cost of living.”

– Coun. Mark Bandstra

Airport expansion opening.

“You can fish, ski, snowmobile, all 25 minutes from your door, so it’s a great place to work and raise a family in addition to the low cost of living,” sums up Bandstra.

Meantime, a community that is steeped in the mining and forestry industries, Smithers is also a regional service hub, offering many businesses dedicated to servicing the commodity sectors.

Food and clothing stores, expeditors, trucking companies, drilling companies, financial institutions and consultants, equipment providers and others provide a range of goods and services.

Business & Trade Magazine®

27

Town of Smithers

Piledriving for the addition at Northwest Community College.

Jolting the economy A major project that has the potential to generate a lot of added revenue for the business sector is the Northwest Transmission Line or so-called electrification of Hwy. 37. The $400-million project would see hydro power extended 335 kilometres from Terrace to Meziadin Junction and north to Bob Quinn Lake, carried by hydro lines and transmission poles.

Currently, the electrical power grid along Hwy.37 ends at Meziadin Junction to the north and Stewart to the west. The hydro power would replace diesel power that is being used in many of the communities up north at present, says Bandstra.

Work could begin next year.

“The project is huge for us,” says Bandstra. It could generate capital investment dollars and new jobs once completed.

Mayor Cress Farrow says the line will allow some pending mining projects to go ahead. Both mining and forestry suffered the effects of the recent recession but are beginning to bounce back.

“This hydro line will prove to be invaluable to the viability of mining operations,” says Farrow. “Right now, with diesel, project costs are much higher and have a more negative impact on the environment,” he adds.

“This will open up significant opportunities, many already realized just knowing it is going forward. It has really sparked an amazing amount of interest,” comments Farrow.

The line will also modernize some First Nation communities in the north and provide work. “First Nation communities 28

Business & Trade Magazine®

Mayor Cress Farrow.

“This will open up significant opportunities, many already realized just knowing it is going forward. It has really sparked an amazing amount of interest.”

– Mayor Cress Farrow

Town of Smithers Stork Nest Inn

T

he Stork Nest Inn, in the Town of Smithers, provides an atmosphere that is quiet and tranquil, says Kym Putnam, who owns the Inn with Brian Hall. Explore the surrounding mountains during the day and drift off to sleep under a comfy duvet at night.

“Our goal is to provide guests with the finest personal service and a good night’s sleep,” says Putnam: “We sell sleep.”

After a refreshing night in the cozy, smoke-free bed and breakfast style Inn, enjoy a complimentary full menu breakfast in the morning and plan the day’s activities.

Explore the farmers market and the boutique shops in the beautiful town center or set out on a recreational adventure. The Inn offers weekend mountain hiking packages during the summer months and the area is a world-class mecca for the majestic and beautiful steelhead fish that begin their run up the rivers September to December. The town is home to no fewer than six free-running steelhead rivers within driving distance of Smithers where anglers, who come from around the world, can experience the excitement and challenge of landing one of the silver-skinned beauties.

There are 23 non-smoking rooms with private baths, and guests enjoy air-conditioned premises, in-room fridges, telephones with voice mail, high speed Internet connections, a steam room and ski storage room.

There is also complimentary coffee and tea, and guests can request transportation to and from the airport. Restaurants, shopping and nightly entertainment are found within walking distance, and 20 minutes from town, visitors can enjoy some of the best deep powder downhill and groomed cross-country skiing around. n

Stork Nest

will be involved with the clearing of right-of-ways and in the construction,” he added.

The mayor said the project is in the environmental phase and line clearing will begin this year. “Within three years, we should be able to see hydro in those areas.”

Another capital project underway will also increase opportunities for Smithers residents. Northwest Community College is doing a $14-million renovation and addition to the facilities that will more than double its space for program offerings.

The expansion will sustain 107 local jobs and give thousands of students access to educations in their local communities. The new facilities will accommodate additional mining and exploration programs, one of which is an expediting program through the School of Exploration and Mining.

Graduates will learn to set up temporary mining camps and gain environmental skills that they can use when they go on to work for expediting companies.

Smithers, like much of northwest British Columbia, is building for the future, developing infrastructure that can only encourage mining and a growing economy. With the expansion of Northwest Community College, numerous shopping opportunities and the beautiful setting, Smithers is also an ideal community in which to live and work. n

INN 1485 Main St. Smithers, BC

Great Rates • Free Full Breakfast • 6 minutes from airport • Walk to great restaurants & movie theatres •Quiet, comfy sleep under our duvets • Free Internet

Phone: 250-847-3831 Toll-free: 877-647-3831 info@storknestinn.com www.storknestinn.com Business & Trade Magazine®

29

Spotlight on Local Business

Nugget Expediting Sophisticated camp services for mining exploration companies that want to concentrate on exploration

N

ugget Expediting Ltd. is a privately owned company offering quality and detail oriented service in Canada. Founder Jana Bruns, has been part of the mining exploration industry for 30 years with a solid background in fixed and rotary wing aviation, ground transport, expediting and logistics. In 1988 she founded Dease Lake Expediters which was subsequently sold. In 1995 Bruns started Nugget Expediting Ltd. business in Smithers.

Nugget is highly committed to and maintains an excellent reputation for due diligence and cost effective solutions in the process of exploration. Understanding flexibility is essential when operating within demanding environments.

Nugget provides extensive knowledge and experience in all exploration processes and logistics, strong negotiating skills on behalf of the client, superior accounting practices, and excellent program and time management skills. From camp

construction to demobilization the focus is on safety, green solutions and zero foot-print.

Nugget has expanded the sophisticated practice for the use of web management software directly within the camp environment.

Together with Georeference Online Ltd., www.campcontrol.com was developed and now provides the worldwide mining community with an unprecedented method of control.

Real time capability with regard to geological information, accounting practices, ordering, shipping and receiving, and every other facet important to remote operations allows clients to maintain efficient levels of organization from ordering supplies to communicating results.

Having enjoyed the association of both Major and Junior companies, Nugget has had the privilege of working with some of the best managers in the business. From initial planning to camp equipment storage – Nugget Expediting solves problems.

Explore • Discover • Advance Your focus is on the project

We take care of the details - all the details • web based management system • Pre-emptive logistics • Camp and personnel management • Kitchen and First Aid management • Expediting services

• Camp design and construction • Project accounting • Full line of exploration & field supplies

info@nuggetexpediting.com T. 250.847.6069 • F. 250.847.3136 • C. 250.847.1140 30

Business & Trade Magazine®

Bush pilots delivered the freight, oftentimes under dangerous conditions in the early days of mineral exploration in remote regions of the Canadian North.

Expediting: Logistical and relationship support for mining camps Smoothing the way to better camps and experiences for clients

By Jana Asmussen, Nugget Expediting

S

ome people think expediters are the people who buy groceries and equipment; in fact the buying of groceries is a small, and vital, part of what we do. The reality is that expediters are managers of complex logistics and relationships; a bridge between remote operations and suppliers to a project. They enable the smooth delivery of goods and services in a manner that could not be achieved without them.

In the early days of mineral exploration in remote regions of the Canadian North, there was a swashbuckling air of adventure and frontier mentality. WWII aircraft and the contrasting slick helicopters flown by savvy well worn bush pilots delivered the freight, oftentimes under dangerous conditions.

Dedicated, feisty professionals headed out to face down some of the harshest conditions the North could throw at them. Camp conditions were rudimentary at best, but at season’s end there was always pride involved for those that

survived it. Through it all one thing was certain: an expediter at one end of the HF radio communication had their heart and soul into what was happening out in “their” camps.

For 15 years I sat beside an HF radio as emergencies, successes and tragedies were broadcast with both sides of a conversation bare for all to hear. It was entertainment, comedic relief, and vital information all rolled together, in a daily spate of competition for recognition on Channel 4441.

Things have changed dramatically from those early days.

While professionalism hasn’t changed and a sense of adventure still prevails, the work of mining exploration is incredibly more sophisticated. The HF radio, once such a mainstay of any remote camp, took a dusty backseat to stylish satellite systems and the Internet. Many more roads have been built, and hydro lines continue to poke their way into the wilderness. There is less an air of isolated frontierism, replaced by a vast infrastrucBusiness & Trade Magazine®

31

ture of technology. Camps today consist of many amenities that help to make workers feel right at home.

I was inspired by the progress made within the field of exploration and I desired to push the level of sophistication of the logistics involved. Thanks to collaboration with Clinton Smyth who has been a driving force, I followed through with an idea that had chased me for years, and www.CampControl. com was developed; an unprecedented method of monitoring supply orders and inventories, drill logs, time sheets, helicopter time, and every other piece of information crucial to the wellbeing of a program. Now, with mere keystrokes, data can

Another primary responsibility of a state-of-the-art expediter is to develop and cultivate relationships with the best suppliers to the project. To this end, the top expediting companies promote the relationships of qualified, experienced and dedicated professionals in every arena necessary. They consider their suppliers partners to the benefit of all concerned.

Once a program is initiated, they will work closely with their suppliers throughout to ensure a positive result.

As any good company manager is aware, a thriving local economy is vital to the success of exploration concerns working in any region. An essential responsibility of a good expediter

Expediters are on the front lines to maintain an ongoing effort to involve communities wherever possible. be shared in real time between a CFO in a head office and a project manager a world away on-site. This virtual method of control obliterates costly delays caused by the remote disconnect between principles, expensive errors, and loss of management ability. We are not your father’s expediter.

But expediters do more than monitor the sophisticated technology. They play a vital role from initial planning to completion of project. Maintaining due diligence and integration of elements of exploration, such as travel and transfer of samples can make the difference between a cost effective and disaster project. The grace with which an expediter can bring these processes can make or break a project. From commissary to drill equipment, they manage an overview of the concerns of each of the individuals working.

Camps today combine frontierism with high-tech infrastructure.

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Business & Trade Magazine®

is to maximize relationships between their employer and the local populace. The implementation of good corporate citizenship involving concern for training programs for employment is often primary to long term viability of a mining property.

Expediters are on the front lines to maintain an ongoing effort to involve communities wherever possible. In concert with project managers, an expediter helps to orchestrate the most efficient use of the exploration dollar as a means to long term economic success of First Nations and communities most local to the exploration region.

A sophisticated project manager will recognize and utilize all the elements that an expediting company offers. The savings through efficiency developed by a competent expediting professional greatly offset the cost of inefficiency borne without one.

Prince George On the move!

City of Prince George

On the move!

New facilities, trans-Pacific marketing strategy aim to increase Asian investment in Prince George, Prince Rupert

By Gloria Taylor

P

rince George and its regional partners are putting out the welcome mat to companies in Asia to work and do business with the northern BC communities of Prince George and Prince Rupert.

In an intensive building/marketing campaign, Initiatives Prince George, the Prince George Airport Authority, the Prince George Global Logistics Park and the Prince Rupert Port Authority have joined forces to lay the groundwork for trans-Pacific partnerships that could significantly build the economies of the northern communities through Asian investment.

A recent marketing forum in September was well attended by 18 Chinese delegates who were intrigued to see the top notch export facilities in the communities, said Katherine Scouten, Vice-President, Economic Development for Initiatives Prince George.

“We heard over and over again from people who came here, mostly high level executives and decision makers from logistics and freight forwarding companies, that they had no idea that this infrastructure existed,” says Scouten.

Coming from a country of 1.3 billion with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the Chinese delegates were treated to ship, air and rail cargo-handling facilities with world-class capabilities despite the modest-sized communities in northern BC. A tour of the region’s facilities included Prince Rupert’s deep water berths complete with container handling facilities, Prince George’s CN Worldwide Intermodal and Distribution

34

Business & Trade Magazine®

Tim McEwan, President and CEO of Initiatives Prince George.

facility; Prince George’s expanded air cargo handling capabilities at the Prince George Airport, and CN, which ties the facilities together through daily rail service between Prince Rupert and Prince George.

City of Prince George As a result of the market forum, some good business relationships were formed between Canada and Asia that the partners have been able to capitalize on in building its Northern Gateway and Corridor from Canada to Asia, says Scouten.

“We have had some good interest,” said Scouten. “Since the end of September, several of the people who were here have come back with other people in their industry or their company and it’s actually stimulated other interests as well.”

John Gibson, CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority, said following the forum that Prince George delegates attended two aviation forums in Hong Kong, and that the authority continued talking to freight forwarders and air carriers that work with Chinese companies, again with promising results.

“We have had some follow-up interest from Asia, so it’s very hands-on right now, and we are at the point of closing some deals,” said Gibson in November.

Scouten said the visitors also expressed interest in the area’s natural resource-based industries and commodities such as mining and pulp and paper.

Facilities first The September forum was an important next step to yearslong efforts that began with planning and building top-notch infrastructure.

The first critical component to the venture was the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s construction of the $170-million Fairview Terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert. The two-yearold terminal permitted the port for the first time to handle containers filled with products from China, Japan and Korea for burgeoning markets in the American Midwest and Canada.

Today, the port authority is planning to expand Fairview Container Terminal, increasing capacity from 500,000 to two million TEUs. Planned changes include extending the wharf;

“The biggest impacts are on our manufacturing and shipping sectors in northern BC, by being able to directly load containers, the shippers will be able to achieve greater efficiency.”

– Katherine Scouten, Vice-President, Economic Development for Initiatives Prince George expanding the terminal and improving rail infrastructure.

Work is expected to begin next year.

Shipments through Fairview Terminal rose 124 per cent the first six months of 2009 compared with the same time period last year.

The biggest opportunities for local companies will come on CN’s backhaul or the return trip from Prince George to the Prince Rupert Port, said Tim McEwan, President and CEO of Initiatives Prince George.

CN maintains a $20-million, two-year-old Intermodal Terminal and Distribution Centre in Prince George, offering Canadian companies an opportunity to stuff the empty containers going back to the port with Canadian exports. The majority of the region’s exports are related to the forestry industry.

The Distribution Centre has an 84,000-square-foot warehouse and 10 acres of outside storage. Operated by CN

UNBC Business & Trade Magazine®

35

City of Prince George

CN Rail aerial view.

WorldWide North America, the facility offers services such as product transfer, inspection, consolidation/deconsolidation, inventory control and transportation.

The intermodal rail yard features two, 2,400-foot pad tracks, trucking capabilities and an automated gate system.

“What the facility does is give us a place where we can aggregate demand,” said McEwan. “The opportunity in China is enormous.”

A variety of commodities and hard goods are shipped through Prince George by rail, truck and air, including coal and minerals from BC mines, but it is only containerized traffic that is handled at the intermodal facility.

“The biggest impacts are on our manufacturing and shipping sectors in northern BC, by being able to directly load containers, the shippers will be able to achieve greater efficiency. Before, pulp would get shipped down by truck or boxcar to Vancouver where it would be exported. It could be handled three or four times before it actually gets put into a container,” says Scouten.

“So, basically a local facility could load directly and have confidence in the product’s condition when it arrives. It takes handling steps out of the process and creates efficiencies that should allow for re-investment in plants and equipment, more employment and expansion of market development. It’s really about making those supply chains more efficient for our local shipping and manufacturing sector,” she explains.

Prince George Population Estimates 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Prince George 75,568

75,288

76,641

77,826

77,148

74,810

75,375

Northern BC

340,747

336,603

334,114

337,972

334,531

333,196

334,166

BC

4,078,447

4,115,413

4,154,591

4,201,867

4,254,522

4,320,255

4,380,256

Prince George Average Labour Force Income* Average Income

Annual % change

2001

$33,466

2.52%

2002

$34,646

3.53%

2003

$35,228

1.68%

2004

$36,271

2.96%

2005

$37,597

3.65%

2006

$39,891

6.10%

Average Annual Employment Rate Prince George

BC

2000

61.9%

60.2%

2001

61.9%

59.0%

2002

61.9%

59.6%

2003

63.5%

60.3%

2004

65.8%

60.9%

2005

66.3%

61.8%

2006

67.4%

62.5%

2007

69.9%

63.5%

2008

68.8%

63.5%

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Business & Trade Magazine®

Source: BC Stats; Statistics Canada labour Force Survey

* Employment income, wages and salaries, self employment income and employment insurance benefits, as reported by taxfilers

City of Prince George

A rendering of the YXS Logistics Park overview.

An aerial shot of the extended airport runway.

Soaring aspirations Major facility upgrades to the Prince George Airport have also made the airport a major player in import and export opportunities by air.

The Prince George Airport Authority has recently completed a runway expansion to 11,451 feet, making it the third longest commercial runway among Canadian airports. The significance is that the airport can now handle wide-bodied aircraft. “It allows us to accept long-range aircraft from Europe or Asia,” says John Gibson, CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority.

The $36-million first phase of a three-phase planned project, the runway extension was accompanied by an expansion of the apron, new refuelling facilities and an upgraded navigation system for the Prince George Airport. This will allow the airport authority to go after some of the lucrative international refuelling traffic that now goes to Alaska in addition to any new air cargo stopovers it may generate through intensive marketing efforts in Asia.

McEwan said the airport is on a circumpolar route that includes eight northern countries including Canada, making a stopover in Prince George no more costly than Anchorage, Alaska.

A private owner is also building a new logistics park adjacent to the airport that will provide an ideal setting for both domestic and international companies that want to locate near to the airport and the intermodal facility.

Trucking companies and their clients also enjoy strategic highway connections. Two major highways, the north-south Hwy. 97 and the east-west Hwy. 16, meet at Prince George.

There are also plans to build a $30-million road connecting both highways through the logistics park.

“There is some very significant interest by Chinese investors in northern BC generally,” sums up McEwan. “We’re focused on building and deepening our relationships with China.

We’ve come a long way in two years!”

Business & Trade Magazine®

37

P RINCE GEORGE AIRP ORT

Canada’s newest gateway

images courtesy of mgb arCHiTECTUrE + DESiGN inc.

Business & Trade Magazine® —— Special Supplement ——

Prince George Airport Authority

Prince George

Airport New infrastructure positions airport as international refuelling centre, cargo hub

By Gloria Taylor

C2

Prince George Airport Authority

“We now have facilities capable of handling refuelling and cargo from anywhere in the world.” – CEO John Gibson

T

hanks to new and upgraded facilities, the Prince George Airport has a refocused mission these days: to make the airport a major refuelling and cargo handling centre on the international aviation map.

On the airport’s 70th birthday, the Prince George Airport Authority has stepped up to the plate to meet international standards by developing top-calibre infrastructure. It has extended the airport’s runway, put in a new refuelling infrastructure, expanded the apron and taken its message worldwide: that the Prince George Airport is open for new business and has the infrastructure to do a great job.

image courtesy of mgb arCHiTECTUrE + DESiGN inc.

Business & Trade Magazine®

C3

Prince George Airport Authority

Image courtesy of mgb ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN Inc.

“How we can differentiate ourselves is with our transportation system through roads and CN Rail to Midwest Canada and the US and work with developers and logistics companies to put together the tech stops, the cargo stops and the logistics park.… It will be capitalizing on our natural and geographic advantages.”

– CEO John Gibson C4

With the growing trade ties between Asia and North America and the new facilities, not only at the airport but in the region, the developments all spell opportunity for the airport authority’s CEO John Gibson, who would like to make this birthday one to remember.

“We now have facilities capable of handling refuelling and cargo from anywhere in the world,” says Gibson. “With the longer runway and the international standards, we can now handle wide-bodied aircraft, which allows us to accept longrange aircraft from Europe or Asia,” adds Director of Marketing and Business Development Todd Doherty.

Being able to accommodate the long-range aircraft means the authority can go after some of the lucrative refuelling business now being handled by airports in Alaska, the main impetus behind the runway expansion.

Refuelling centre Anchorage, Alaska, has become a major refuelling centre for international air traffic, with Fairbanks, Alaska, getting some of the overflow. But with Prince George’s longer runway and new refuelling facilities, the airport authority is now able to go after some of that international refuelling business, which it is doing by talking with carriers around the globe.

Prince George Airport Authority Being one of the eight countries on the Arctic Circumpolar Route (ACR) which includes Russia, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland and the USA (Alaska), means Prince George Airport can take advantage of its proximity to the other northern countries to attract jets for refuelling, since it will not cost carriers more to land in Prince George than Alaska. Prince George is the first Canadian airport on the circle route.

Flights carrying cargo to the American Midwest could also refuel in Prince George then carry on to Chicago or other US destinations.

But the authority is also banking on another strength to attract the so-called tech stops.

“One of the advantages we have over Alaska is we have the road feeder system,” says Gibson. “We can bring traffic from the coast, from the interior of BC, even from Alberta to top up flights here. Anchorage can’t do that, because they are just so far away from any other ground network,” he continues.

“How we can differentiate ourselves is with our transportation system through roads and CN Rail to Midwest Canada and the US and work with developers and logistics companies to put together the tech stops, the cargo stops and the logistics park,” Gibson emphasizes. “It will be capitalizing on our natural and geographic advantages.”

The Prince Rupert Port Authority works with Prince George to promote its top notch container handling facilities at the port, while Prince George is also home to CN Worldwide Intermodal and Distribution facility, and both communities are connected through daily rail service.

Full-service ground support available.

Congratulations on the past 70 years — we wish you continued success in the future!

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Prince George Airport Authority

Prince George Airport Authority CEO John Gibson

Director of Marketing and Business Development Todd Doherty

The port is handling increasing volumes of container traffic from Asia, while the intermodal facility is well equipped to handle increased cargo exports from Canadian companies to Asia on the empty vessels at the port. The communities work together to promote the facilities and develop new tech stop and cargo business through marketing efforts in Asia and Europe.

Phase two of a three-year airport plan is to expand the apron again, and phase three involves the development of an adjacent 3,000-acre logistics park. Three levels of government and a private owner plan to the build the park which will be ideal for companies in transportationrelated businesses and local offices for foreign firms doing business in North America.

“With Port of Prince Rupert on one end, and with us on the other, you have a 1,000-kilometre corridor and a very exciting transportation project,” comments

Gibson. While Prince Rupert does have its own airport, it is a smaller airport on an island that does not allow for large cargo flights.

Gibson lauds the joint marketing efforts of Initiatives Prince George, the Prince George Airport Authority and the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

“Singly, we may be a success, but with all of us together, we’ll be a resounding success,” says Gibson.

“We are changing the mindset of the industry and government – internationally and within our own country,” says Doherty. “With the sustained efforts of the Port of Prince Rupert, the Prince George Airport Authority and Initiatives Prince George – our corridor and its advantages are garnering international attention.”

Building for the future When the authority did lengthen the airport’s runway, it did so with a solid plan that would ensure the runway would be

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able to handle the large planes not only now but in the future.

“The runway has been expanded to be Canada’s third longest runway at 11,451 feet long and 200 feet wide,” says Gibson proudly.

Asked whether the extended runway also helps current carriers that use the airport, Gibson agreed, saying it results in greater reliability in terms of operational procedures. A longer runway is operationally easier on aircraft and during those times when weather is playing a role, a carrier’s “go or no go” decisions are made easier with a longer runway. Size matters.

“Because of the added infrastructure – it allows for greater accessibility,” says Doherty. “We have centreline lighting with a new generation of lighting technology,” he adds.

“The runway expansion and supporting infrastructure – centerline lighting etc. has given YXS an enhanced CAT 1 navigational system, CAT II lite,” says Gibson.

Another major focus of the renovations was expanding the apron or deicing refuelling pad. The cost-shared apron upgrade, funded by the two senior levels of government and the Northern Development Initiative Trust, is only the first phase of apron development. IDL/Sharp Joint Venture won the contract for the first phase of the runway project, which included drainage and site preparation for the next phase of the two-year project.

“The apron has the capability of holding three wide-body aircraft currently.

Our plans, however, are to expand the area to accommodate 21 wide-body aircraft as our business and capacity grow,” says Doherty. The significance is that it will allow numerous aircraft to wait for refuelling or cargo handling.

Steady efforts by the authority to market the airport in conjunction with other northern communities have begun to pay off, according to Gibson, who says the authority is on the verge of closing some deals.

People and companies that do business with Prince George Airport and city services will find a vibrant community of 77,000 focused on the major industries of forestry and wood products. The city is also a major service centre for northern BC and a staging centre for the mining industry.

Young people can stay in Prince George for their post-secondary educations and

Prince George Airport Authority to live and work. Northern BC’s largest city also includes the regional College of New Caledonia (CNC), the nationally top ranked University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), a diversified range of businesses and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

“The steps we take today, in creating a cost effective solution for the global supply chain will ensure Prince George’s and our corridor’s critical role for the future,” explains Doherty. “Our region and its intermodal operational advantages are second to none, our strength is our entire regional product – we need to ensure continued, sustained development and promotion.” airport’s runway lengthened to 11,450 feet or the third-longest in Canada.

A 747 cargo aircraft, operated by US-based Southern Air Inc., touched down long enough to refuel on its way to Caracas, Venezuela, from Shanghai, China. t was a moment to celebrate.

It was a satisfying and significant On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Prince development for Prince George Airport George Airport welcomed its first tech Authority CEO John Gibson who has been stop following renovations that saw the working diligently to attract international

Airport lands first tech stop

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refuelling, or tech stops, to the new and expanded facilities at the northern BC airport.

“This is a critical first step,” John Gibson, CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority, told assembled guests.

The authority has built facilities that could be eventually be expanded to accommodate up to 21 wide-bodied aircraft at any one time.

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Prince George Airport Authority

70 years of history

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Congratulations to Prince George Airport on their 70th anniversary!

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he Second World War was underway and early computers were being developed when the Prince George City Council selected the current location in 1940 to build the Prince George Airport. The following year, the main runway was completed.

Pan American Airways operated flights between Seattle, Washington, to Fairbanks, Alaska, by way of Prince George BC, Juneau, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon, establishing the airport’s connection to the world.

Canadian Pacific Airlines added six weekly stops to Prince George Airport in 1942.

Construction of the airport was completed in 1945. Pan American Airways, Canadian Pacific Airlines, The Royal Canadian Airforce and the US Air Force used the new airport.

The 1950s were a time of growth.

In 1953, the first approach lights were installed on runway 14-32. In 1956, the runways and apron were all resurfaced and strengthened.

The years 1963 to 1967 saw more changes. An aircraft parking area was completed; the runway resurfaced and extended to 6,400 feet.

In 1972 Northern Thunderbird Airlines commenced scheduled fights to Edmonton, Alberta, and in 1973 a $2.7 million air terminal complex and control tower were officially opened on Oct. 20.

The terminal covered 20,340 square feet and had an enclosed baggage area, eight check-in counters, a baggage racetrack, a 70 seat restaurant, a 70 seat bar, 4 car rental counters and parking for 215 vehicles.

In 1975, runway 14-32 was resurfaced and extended another 1,000 ft. to 7,400 ft. in length, at a cost of $1.7 million.

The 80s saw continued improvements starting in 1981 with all the taxiways being resurfaced.

In 1985, security awareness was heightened due to increased terrorism internationally. Upgrades included high intensity lighting for runway 15-33, upgraded terminal access roads, and a new parking meter system, allowing meters to be paid from within the terminal building.

Prince George Airport Authority

A Southern Air jet refuels at the Prince George Airport.

1987 was another historic year, as an economic impact study showed that the airport contributed over $32 million in Gross Domestic Product to the provincial economy. The airport was ranked as the 12th largest employer in the area with over 320 persons employed.

In 1991, the airport celebrated its 50th birthday, attracting 5,000 people.

A well earned accolade was presented to the airport in 1992: the “Best Overall Airport” award in Airport Excellence Program for Pacific Region for 1991. A $2 million Instrument Landing System was also under construction.

The Prince George Airport Authority was incorporated on July 27, 2000.

An aggressive business plan was set into motion by the authority focusing on improving airport infrastructure and services to attract trans-border and international air services.

The airport received almost $3 million in new Rollins stock from the federal government, something that no other airport achieved. As well, in 2003 the provincial government provided $4 million towards Phase 1 of the airport terminal building construction which focused on the expansion of the security hold room and baggage check-in services.

In 2004, construction was completed on the new security hold room and baggage check-in services.

Phase 2 of the airport terminal building was completed in 2005, and Premier Gordon Campbell participated in the ceremony opening the new International Arrivals and Canada Border Services Facilities.

Winning ways!

T

he Prince George Airport has pursued lofty goals on the ground too.

In recognition of marketing excellence, the Prince George Airport Authority was named a winner this August in the Airports Council International – North America’s 2009 Excellence in Marketing & Communications Contest.

The airport authority captured first place in the Annual Report category by showcasing real life stories of important moments in the lives of ordinary travellers through photographs displayed on the Internet and marketing materials.

The campaign, using a “What’s your story?” theme, focused on relationships, love and family and highlighted such scenarios as a newly-married couple heading out on a plane for a honeymoon and a family vacation that involved flight. Splash Media Group and Alex Zander Photography were

recognized for their roles in the awardwinning campaign.

Every day, thousands of personal stories unfold within the terminal and the Annual Report helps highlight how the airport plays an integral role in people’s lives and our community, according to the airport authority.

The airport’s winning ways extended to firms that have worked with the authority.

In May of this year, McfarlaneGreen Architecture and Design won an award of excellence for innovation in architecture from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for design related to airport expansion of some facilities.

In 2005 and 2006, the same firm received Canadian Wood Council B.C. wood design awards for the use of wood and wood products in design. The design awards capped a number of other awards to companies for use of wood in design at the airport. n

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Congratulations YXS on 70 years of service to Prince George and area. We are proud to have been a part of your building expansion.

C9

Prince George Airport Authority

70 great years of building a world-class airport

T

he Prince George Airport today is a modern facility with an extended runway long enough to accommodate the largest international jets – for plane loads of cargo or refuelling purposes.

The Prince George Airport Authority is working hard to increase traffic for both purposes.

Thanks to a recent runway extension, the runway at the Northern BC airport now measures a respectable 11,451 feet, a world-class standard by any yardstick. It is Canada’s third-longest runway with a long and distinguished history.

Many developments have occurred over the years to make the facility what it is today. Along the way:

In 1940, the Prince George City Council selected the site for the airport, the same place it is situated today. In 1941, the main runway was constructed. Pan American Airways began operating flights from Seattle, Washington, to Fairbanks, Alaska by way of Prince George, Juneau, and Whitehorse. The airport’s connection to the world was established.

who during his career contributed a lot to aviation in the region.

Aug. 9, 1945, was a banner year for the aiport when construction was finished.

It had three 5,000-foot runways at the time. The old city airport was closed, and Pan American Airways, Canadian Pacific Airlines, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force used the new airport.

Canadian Pacific Airlines added Prince George Airport to its schedule, making In 1951, Canadian Pacific Airlines six weekly stops in 1942. The first flight reverted back to the use of DC-3s from was in a Lockheed Fourteen piloted by DC-4s because of weight restrictions Sheldon buscards.qxp_buscards Luck, CP Air’s first Chief Pilot as a result of runway damage from 10/12/09 10:09 AM Page 2

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heavier planes. It was felt that wartime construction had been rushed, thus compromising the integrity of the runway. Central BC Air (known later as Pacific Western Airlines) also began to serve Prince George with scheduled flights.

Improvements marked the following years. In 1953, the first approach lights were installed. In 1956, the runways and apron were resurfaced and strengthened.

In 1959, the Prince George Flying Club was established. The airport also expanded its services by adding car rentals, vending machines and direct lines to hotels. In the same year, Northern Mountain Helicopters puchased Hangar 1.

From 1963 to 1967 was a time of continual change both to the airport and the city. The first coffee shop/restaurant was opened in the terminal by owner Mrs. P. Richadson. An aircraft parking area was completed on the west side of Apron 1, and in 1946, the continuous growth caused the airport to resurface and extend a runway to 6,400 feet.

On the city side, Prince George boomed as three pulp mills opened within a five-mile radius. In 1967, the existing maintenace/fire hall was constructed.

Shell and Imperial Oil also opened refuelling services at the airport at that time.

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Prince George Airport Authority

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rental outlets as well as other facilities.

Because of increasing concern about international terrorism, a seven-foothigh chain link fence was installed.

In 1975, runway 14-32 was resurfaced and extended to 7,400 feet at a cost of $1,7 million. During the same year, the airport lost its former manager, Sandy Sanderson, who died shortly after retirement.

In 1988, the Airport Advisory Committee was formed to pursue airport developments.

In 1991, the Prince George Airport celebrated its 50th anniversary to the background of an art exhibit.

Improvements were made. These included modifications to guard against fuel spills; the addition of an airside sprinkler system; repairs to the main apron; a material storage building being built;

The 1980s were marked by more continuous growth. Taxiways were resurfaced; the fire hall was expanded; and the United Way opened up a gift shop.

In 1992, the airport received the Best Overall Airport award in the Airport Excellence Program for the Pacific Region for 1991; a $2-million Instrument Landing System was under construction; Forster Food Services took over the restaurant/lounge operation and Transport Canada committed to the first landing bridge.

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In 1985, airport security was heightened due to increased terrorism around the world.

In 1987, it was another historic year for the airport. The airport was able to contribute more than $32-million to the province’s gross domestic product.

The airport was then the 12th largest employer with 320 people.

modifications to the Service Building and mobile equipment purchases.

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Prince George Airport Authority

A baggage carousel at the Prince George Airport.

In 1997, the Prince George Region Development Committee formed a planning committee whose role was to determine whether Prince George should accept transfer of the airport to its management.

On July 27, 2000, the Prince George Airport Authority was incorporated. The following year, the airport began its transformation to become part of the airport authority.

On March 31, 2003, the airport’s operations were transferred to the Prince George Airport Authority. Since that time, the authority has embarked upon aggressive improvements to infrastructure and services in order to C12

build an airport that services tourists, businesses and residents.

In 2004, construction was completed on the new security hold room and baggage check-in services. The Prince George Airport Authority and the City of Prince George agreed to work together for mutual benefit.

In 2005, phase two of the Airport Terminal Building was completed and the new International Arrivals and Canada Border Services facilities were formally opened.

This was also an award-winning year with the airport and its architect, McFarlane Green, being recognized with three major awards: 2005 Lieutenant Governor of BC Medal, 2005 North America Wood

Design Award Citation and the 2005 BC Wood Award. In addition, the PGAA was recognized by the British Columbia Aviation Council as “Airport of the Year.”

The federal government waived a debt of close to $4.2 million.

In 2006, there was a $33-million runway expansion, which increased the runway length from 7,400 ft to 11,400 ft. The expansion would facilitate the larger cargo and passenger aircraft that PGAA was aggressively pursuing. Construction for this project was proposed for 2007.

Also in 2007, the authority approved the construction of a new parking lot with increased parking capacity as well as improved safety measures. n

Prince George Airport Authority

Prince George Airport tenants Airlines Air Canada Jazz This airline is the regional partner of Air Canada, the largest full-service airline and provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market and in the international market. Together with Jazz, Air Canada serves more than 32 million customers yearly.

WestJet WestJet was founded in 1996 by Calgary entrepreneurs Clive Beddoe, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan and Donald Bell. The airline began service in February of 1996 to five cities in Western Canada. Over the years, the airline has won recognition from various sources. In 2002, WestJet was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers; in 2003, Canada’s second most-respected corporation by Ipsos Reid, and one of Canada’s most admired corporate cultures for several years.

Guardian Aerospace Holdings Inc. This company is the premier provider of a number of services. These include air charter services, flight training, maintenance and repair.

Central Mountain Air This airline was founded in 1987. It is a private company operating scheduled and charter flights to more than 17 British Columbia and Alberta communities. The company’s headquarters is in Smithers, BC. » Continued on page C14

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Prince George Airport Authority

Prince George Airport tenants (cont’d from page 51) Northern Thunderbird Air Northern Thunderbird Air was developed as a result of the amalgamation of Northern Mountain and Thunderbird airlines. Northern Mountain began in Fort St. James in 1959 and was one of the larger airlines in BC in 1971.

Aberdeen Helicopters Aberdeen Helicopters operates a charter fleet of Bell Helicopter turbine-powered Jet Ranger helicopters. The company has operated in Central BC for about a dozen years and lists as its motto: 1st in Safety & Service.

Hill Aircraft Service Ltd. Hill Aircraft Service offers helicopter and fixed wing operators a wide range of products and services from oil changes to complete overhauls.

Vancouver Island Helicopters Pacific Western Helicopters Guardian Aerospace Flight Training/Air Charter Services

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Westcana Electric Inc. Broad-based portfolio and diverse skills fuel aggressive growth of Northern BC electrical contractor

By Gloria Taylor

W

estcana Electric Inc. has managed to pack a lot of punch into its company over the last 19 years.

Started by Peter Sherba Sr. and sons Peter and Scott Sherba, the innovative electrical contractor has the kind of portfolio today that has helped the family company expand aggressively to become one of the most dominant players in each of the Northern BC markets it now commands.

From its Prince George base, Westcana has expanded to Fort St. John, Terrace, Kelowna, Nelson, Kamloops and most recently, Calgary, bringing broad-based skills in electrical design and installation, specialty services such as generator installations, commercial, industrial, institutional and (as a strong sign of the company’s diversity) highway electrical or traffic services.

“We have a contract with the Ministry of Transportation for BC,” says President Peter Sherba, Jr. “We maintain all the traffic signals currently on the highways,” explains Vice-President Scott Sherba, who runs the highways division of the company.

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Business & Trade Magazine®

“If anything should happen to a traffic signal or it doesn’t work properly, we’re on call 24 hours a day to go fix it.”

The contract includes all the highways in Northern BC outside of Hope, BC, including the Kootenays and the Okanagan Valley. Westcana also adds value by working with various contractors in new highway construction throughout BC. The strong services are augmented by a 24/7 service department that maintains all the commercial, industrial and institutional projects that the company does.

What accounts for Westcana’s strong growth and success?

Ask the President, and he is convinced it’s the all-round package of skilled work, great service and pricing that has helped to leverage the company. “We are known for completing projects on time and on budget,” he states simply of the company’s winning philosophy.

From design-build projects, public tenders and prevention control using thermal-imaging (taking infra-red photos to

Westcana Electric Inc.

UNBC: one of the projects in the portfolio of this innovative electrical contractor.

determine the integrity of structures), all are within the purview of the dynamic versatile company that lists its employees as one of its greatest assets.

“You can take a picture of electrical equipment, and it shows you where the hot spots are,” says Peter, explaining how thermal imaging works. “It prevents a problem. Instead of letting it blow up and shutting down a project for a day or two, it allows you to do repair work in time.”

Besides the company’s standard electrical contracting work, Westcana can take care of all a customer’s needs including highway lights for commercial, highway, and industrial use, data installations, motor repair, lighting retrofits, thermal imaging and fire alarm inspections. “Visit our web page for a complete overview,” advises the president.

Whatever the challenges the company faces, Peter and Scott Sherba began from a position of strength, thanks to the expertise and experience of their father and co-founder Peter Sr. “My father has years of experience (as an electrical contractor) that he brings to the company,” says Scott. The elder Sherba ran his own electrical contracting company for years before starting Westcana.

Building a strong name in the construction industry has also helped Westcana to increase its clout with both general contractors and lending institutions. Only some of its projects come through tendering; at other times, a contractor or owner will just approach the company for a price on a job and award the job directly to Westcana. And, as the company’s bottom line increases, so does its financial standing with lending institutions.

A wi nni ng p hi l o soph y:

“We are known for completing projects on time and on budget.”

– President Peter Sherba, Jr. “Currently, our name is well known in BC,” says Scott, who also envisions the Calgary office becoming an important player in Alberta’s construction landscape. “We have worked with some of the general contractors in Alberta for years. We have also worked in Saskatchewan, the Yukon and as a far east as Ontario.”

Outside the country, Westcana has taken on projects as far away as the Caribbean, and in early 2010, the firm was busy tendering on projects in Ontario in order to build a presence across the country.

Business & Trade Magazine®

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Subsidiaries

Peter Sherba Sr and Vice-President Scott Sherba.

Lumisave Technologies Ltd. Westcana is not the kind of company to deliberately pass up a good opportunity for growth, so as energy efficient buildings became more and more commonplace around the world, it only made sense for Westcana to take part in the revolution.

Out of its 30,000-square-foot plant in Prince George, the company created Lumisave Technologies, a subsidiary that assembles a wide variety of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights for commercial and industrial uses and sells them through agents across Canada and the United States.

Of course, many of the company’s lights have, and will find their way into the electrical contractor’s projects. Westcana is one of the approved seller/installers of LED lighting to Western Canadian companies and the Territories.

The company is proud of its technology, which uses the patented ceramic Multi-ChipTM Technology. “(The technology) is far more efficient and durable than conventional LED designs,” according to the president.

“We can save up to 70 per cent less power over conventional lighting,” says Peter. “For example, we can replace a current 400-watt hibay light with a 140-watt LED hibay.”

“Lumisave sells outside flood lights, parking lot lights, hibay lighting, industrial lighting, a line of fixtures and cobra head street lighting, and Westcana does all the installation work for the LED lighting,” says Peter. “We’re not only a company that makes LED lights; we install LED lights. Just recently, we created a certified explosion-proof industrial light, Class 1, Div 2, and we are very excited about this new product,” says Peter.

Lumisave also offers complete financing and leasing for projects over 50,000 on approved credit.

Norway Signs & Lighting Maintenance Ltd. Norway Signs & Lighting Maintenance in Prince George sells, leases, manufactures and services signs of all kinds. They include illuminated signs and awnings, moulded letters, fleet graphics, custom vinyl decals, full colour graphics, plastic, aluminum and neon signs. The company also installs exterior lighting and provides logo design services.

Clients are those from Prince George and Northern BC, including Vanderhoof and Quesnel to towns as far as Prince

Rupert, Terrace, Chetwynd, Mackenzie, 100 Mile House, McBride and Valemount.

Norway Signs can also design signs for clients in line with their concepts. The company maintains its own designers, manufacturers, electricians and office staff, and its signs can be found at some of the province’s largest enterprises including retail chains, government agencies and construction companies.

All-Pro Plumbing & Heating All-Pro Plumbing & Heating is another Westcana affiliate. The firm is a stand alone plumbing contractor that is responsible for plumbing and heating contracts that it secures. All Pro specializes in specializes in plumbing, heating, sprinklers, bid projects, design builds and 24-hour service.

The subsidiary also operates out of the Westcana headquarters in Prince George.

Advantages of Lumisave lighting 1. Multi-ChipTM LED Technology 2. Uses 70 per cent less energy than conventional lights 3. Instant cold weather start 4. 50,000 Hour minimum life span 5. Rugged, outdoor, weather proof design 6. Maintenance-free 7. Hydro PowerSmart approved 8. Huge rebates 9. Five-year warranty 10. No mercury – No pollution!

Courtesy: Westcana Electric Inc.

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Business & Trade Magazine®

Westcana Electric Inc.

Featured projects Gateway Complex and Retirement Centre This $50-million development in Prince George consists of 94 complex care beds and 81 assisted living units over three two-storey wings, and the project represents one of Westcana’s more complex and challenging projects. The company did all the electrical installation for this assisted living residence, which it completed at the end of 2009.

“Because this was a Level 3 care home with critical care, there were all the hospital systems to put in, and everything had to be tied in together: fire alarm, nurse call, patient wandering system, emergency and door control,” explains Peter.

“We had to design it all together to make it work in the end. It was just very complicated.” The company also worked through a difficult winter to complete the project.

The $5-million commercial/institutional project (for Westcana) is owned by the Northern Health Authority and was put up by general contractor Western Industrial Contractors of BC.

Treasure Cove Casino The Treasure Cove Casino, a 32,000-square-foot, privatelyowned gaming centre in Prince George, represented a challenge to Westcana, which did the $2-million electrical installation, simply because of the tight time frame the company had to work under.

“It had to be done very quickly, in three months’ time,” says Peter. “We worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week on this one.”

Overseen by general contractor WIC Projects Inc. of BC, the casino was completed four years ago, but the company still maintains and services the electrical components today and does ongoing renovations when needed.

“iDl Construction inc. has worked with Westcana for 30 years. They have always done very good work and are professional in their dealings. in the Domano intersection in Prince George, probably one of the most dangerous intersections in Northern BC, we worked around the clock to completely rebuild the intersection. it was completed in just two months, and it’s a project that would take a construction season to do normally. We offered Westcana the electrical highways work without tendering it because we know that the company does good work. it is just one of many projects they’ve worked on with us.” – President Dennis Schwab, iDl Construction inc.

Business & Trade Magazine®

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Fort St. John Hospital generator

Northwood Pulp Mill

This $5-million installation of a large generator at the Fort St. John Hospital in Fort St. John represents a good example of Westcana’s range of skills.

The company not only installed the generator for the owner, the Northern Health Authority, but contracted out the civil work as well for the separate building used to house the generator. “We were also responsible for the concrete work and the mechanical,” says Peter.

The company has done at least a dozen generator installs, says the president, but notes that it is one of the more demanding projects for an electrical contractor.

“You have to have the right kind of people to do that kind of work because you have to connect to the other power lines and electrical systems in the building and keep the hospital running at the same time,” he comments.

This $150,000 industrial project saw Westcana do an upgrade of the current electrical systems in the mill and add new cabling – all while the mill was operating.

“It was very hot and dangerous work and conditions were difficult,” says Peter, explaining that the mill was one of the more complicated and dangerous environments to work in.

“To their credit, they have designed and implemented one of the best safety requirements of any mill in BC,” adds the president. “Part of the stipulation for us receiving the contract was proof we had an outstanding safety record and system in place. In the end, the job was a success!”

Sherba is proud of Westcana’s commitment to safety training. “We take training seriously; we actively pursue new programs rather than wait for them to be administered by the government. We are proud to have the lowest Workers Compensation Board rates available in the industry,” he says.

The pulp mill project was completed on time and on budget like many of Westcana’s other projects.

Vanderhoof High School This is a 30,000-square-foot addition and renovation to a school in the village municipality of Vanderhood in central BC. The commercial project was started in October of 2009 and the company was planning to work through the summer to fall completion on this project.

Westcana was contracted to install all the electrical systems in the school which it has done in numerous other commercial projects.

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“Because this was a Level 3 care home with critical care, there were all the hospital systems to put in, and everything had to be tied in together: fire alarm, nurse call, patient wandering system, emergency and door control.”

– President Peter Sherba, Jr.

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Hwy. 16 & Domano/Tyner Intersection Improvements This $12-million widening of Hwy. 16 in Prince George was completed at the end of last year with Westcana onboard to supply and install all the traffic lights.

“It was one of the most dangerous intersections in northern BC,” says Scott, who worked with general contractor IDL Construction Inc. on the project worth $500,000 to Westcana. The highways

project was just one of numerous ongoing projects for the minister of transportation under Westcana’s maintenance and construction contract with the government.

“We maintain all the traffic signals currently on the northern highways,” says Scott. “If anything should happen to a traffic signal or it doesn’t work properly, we’re on call 24 hours a day to go fix it.”

             

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Teck Cominco Lead-Zinc Smelter

“We worked closely with Westcana on the Treasure Cove Casino in Prince George for the last six years.

They have been here ever since doing maintenance and renovation work on the electrical systems. The company always completes the work on time. We just opened up a new building downtown and Westcana did all the electrical work for that as well.”

– General Manager Jerry Earles, Treasure Cove Casino

Another mill project, the Teck Cominco Lead-Zinc smelter in Trail, BC, saw Westcana put in a brand new and necessary piece of equipment: a motor control centre.

The company hooked up the MCC and did other upgrades to the 1950s smelter, once again while the smelter was operating full tilt.

“Safety was a big issue,” says Peter, adding there were constant meetings on how to conduct the upgrade while work was in progress.

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Employees & community

Professional affiliations

Safety is a major consideration for any contractor, and when employees are working with something as volatile as electricity, safety issues are paramount. Westcana takes its obligations to employees seriously and provides ongoing training, not only for seasoned workers, but for the numerous apprentices it has trained over the years.

Community involvement is practised in many ways, including team sponsorship of the Axemen Baseball Team and the Westcana Womens Soccer Team.

With an economy that is slowly pulling out of a global recession, a dominant market share and an aggressive spirit, Westcana can look forward to the future with pride and confidence.

• Prince George Construction Association • Electrical Contractors Association of BC • International Municipal Signal Association

WISHING WESTCANA ELECTRIC CONTINUED GROWTH AND SUCCESS Valid Manufacturing specializes in

» Custom Power Distribution » Ministry of Transportation Cabinets » UPS Cabinets » Medium Voltage Kiosks

» Signs and Luminairs » Power Pedestal Solutions » Control Cabinets » Engineered Electrical Products

SERVING WESTERN CANADA SINCE 1991 64

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5320-B 48th Avenue SE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1X2

Toll Free: 888-632-6477

www.validmanufacturing.com sales@validmanufacturing.com

Westcana Electric Inc.

Service all year round Whatever the time of day or year, Westcana can be counted on to supply service whenever the need is there.

With 24/7/365-day availability and reasonable rates, Westcana’s service department is always on call for clients.

Services Include: 24-hour service available

Data and telephone wiring

Reasonable rates

Heat thermal imaging

Prompt and friendly service

Generator testing and installations

Highly trained electricians to handle all service needs

Camp set ups

Bucket trucks and crane trucks available upon request

Data, telephone and fibre optics wiring, testing

Manlift rentals

Fire alarm installation, testing, and verification

Motor repairs Business & Trade MagazineÂŽ

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Westcana projects Industrial Projects Atlin Power Water Co-gen Owner/Client: Taku Land Corporation Potash Mine, Saskatchewan Owner/Client: Potash Corp, Norweld Mechanical Contact: Scott Houghton Teck Cominco, Trestle Lighting, MCC Change outs, Misc Owner/Client: Teck Cominco Contact: Ritchie Robertson

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Bella Coola Water Treatment Owner/Client: QQR Industrial Contact: Scott McDonald MCC Change out Machine Room Owner/Client: Northwood Contact: Terry Edmonds Steam Plant Lighting Owner/Client: Northwood Contact: Mike Romano

Westcana Electric Inc.

Institutional Projects Gateway Complex Care & Retirement Owner/Client: Western Industrial Contractors Contact: Brian Savage Rotary Manor, Complex Care – Dawson Creek Owner/Client: Vector Projects Contact: Rob Roy NHA Fort St. John 500kw Generator Owner/Client: Genivar Engineering Contact: Andy Arink Fort St. John Hospital Renovation Owner/Client: WL construction Contact: Bruce Reid

Heather Park Middle School Owner: SD 57 Contact: Nino Maletta

Northern Health Authority 4 Hospital Generator Replacements Owner/Client: RFA Consulting Contact: Andy Arink

Commercial Residential Auto glass 24-Hour Emergency Service

Congratulations to Westcana Electric on your continued success 1971 South Ogilvie St., Prince George, BC V2N 1X2 Phone: 250-563-9933 Fax: 250-563-9932 Business & Trade Magazine®

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Westcana Electric Inc.

Westcana projects

Commercial Treasure Cove Casino Expansion (yr 2009) Contact: Jerry Earles Telus Call Centre Owner/Client: Viking Construction Ltd. Contact: Ron Skuggedal

Prince George Airport Parking Lot Owner/Client: Western Industrial Contracting Contact: Brian Savage Fort St John City Hall Owner/Client: WL Construction Contact: Darren Lockheart

Wishing Westcana Electric continued growth and success.

Phone: 250-562-6159 Fax: 250-563-1695 200-2700 Queensway St., Prince George, BC V2L 1N1 68

Business & Trade Magazine®

Mighty Peace Oil – Shop Owner/Client: WL Construction Contact: Darren Lockhart Mighty Peace Oil – Office Owner/Client: WL Construction Contact: Darren Lockhart

Westcana Electric Inc.

Specialty Services

Design/ Build

Treasure Cove Casino Expansion (yr 2009) Contact: Jerry Earles

Gateway Retirement Center Owner/Client: Western Industrial Contracting Contact: Rod Cryderman

Totem Mall – Fort St. John Owner/Client: Totem Projects Ltd. Contact: Richard Jordens

Gaming Center Owner/Client: IDL Construction Contact: Sheldon Boyes

Treasure Cove Casino Owner/Client: Western Industrial Contracting Contact: Brian Savage

Fort Nelson – Turning Lanes Owner/Client: IDL Construction Contact: Dennis Schwab Treasure Cove Casino – Roadway Lighting Owner/Client: IDL Construction Contact: Dennis Schwab

CNRL Owner/Client: W.L. Construction Contact: Darren Lockheart

ACS Call Center

Hospital Service – Fort St. John Hospital Owner/Client: Northern Health Authority Data Service – Fort St. John Hospital Owner/Client: Northern Health Authority Contact: Jason Roberts

Canfor UPS – Prince George Owner/Client: Canfor / Viking Construction Ltd. Contact: Ron Skuggedal

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Commercial Industrial Design and Build Lighting Traffic

Westcana’s mission: Our mission is to provide and maintain electrical products and services that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations.

Westcana believes that commitment to ongoing training and education allows us to improve and expand our services by using the knowledge and expertise of professional employees.

Westcana strives for excellence and is committed to providing a safe workplace where all our employees are treated with equality and respect.

Corporate Office: 1643 Ogilvie St. Prince George, BC V2N 1W7 Phone: 250-564-5800 Fax: 250-564-1830 www.westcana.com

Core CerTIfIeD & goLD LeeD

Connecting to the world Terrace a mecca for tourists, exporters

Terrace aerial view.

Courtesy CaMbria Gordon Ltd.

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City of Terrace

. i trails Totem pole carving in Ki tselas Canyon Historic Site. .

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by GLoria tayLor

T

alk about Terrace, British Columbia, these days, and chances are you will be speaking about tourism or transportation or the great shopping and services that the city offers.

The northern BC city of 11,320 (Statistics Canada 2006) is a modern community in a picturesque setting, offering some of the best recreational opportunities in Canada.

“We have world-class fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking,” comments Mayor David Pernarowski.

“Tourism is a major economic driver and will continue to grow,” agrees Economic Development Officer Sam Harling.

Situated at the heart of major transportation systems, Terrace is also a prime location for manufacturers, logistics companies and other firms that need efficient and accessible modes of transportation for exporting or importing.

It is a big city in its own right when it comes to supplying goods and services, not only to Terrace residents, but to people in a catchment area of 80,000.

Year-round playground, an active regional service centre and an oasis for companies that need to settle close to major transportation systems, Terrace is not only a great place for residents and visitors to play and work but a staging centre to the rest of the world.

Northern playground Terrace and area represents great sightseeing, sports and recreation opportunities 12 months a year.

Pristine lakes minutes from the city support some of the best steelhead, chinook, coho, sockeye, chum and pink salmon fishing in the world. Some are also home to rainbow trout, kokanee, lake trout, dolly varden, mountain whitefish, lake whitefish and burbot. Anglers who don’t mind a taste of winter can also fish during the cold months once conditions permit the ice to freeze.

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PMent auth

ority.

development officer Sam Harling, economic Pernarowski with the (left), and Mayor David p.

Cu lle yvi 2009 Hocke

The waters have yielded some amazing catches. In 2001, a German woman on her first fishing expedition picked a 99-pound chinook salmon from the Skeena River. It was a world record that still stands today.

Skiing is another major draw.

“Our hidden gem is Shames Mountain with a ski hill 30 minutes to the west of Terrace that has probably the best powder in the world,” says the mayor.

Cross-country trails cut across the landscape, and the mountain is home to a variety of winter sports including snowboarding. For a change of pace, visitors and residents also enjoy hiking, camping, golfing, biking, kayaking and the exciting experience of white water rafting.

First Nations Any story of Terrace and area would be lacking without mention of the efforts and contributions of the First Nation communities in the region.

Visitors can take in the unique building housing the office of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, which operates out of the village of New Aiyansh, north of Terrace, or tour Lakalzap, or Greenville, a community of 800 people and one of the four villages of the Nisga’a Nation.

There is also Gitwinksihlkw, or Canyon City, located on the Nass River across from the Nisga’a Lava Bed Memorial Park, about 100 kilometres northwest of Terrace. About 270 years ago, a volcanic eruption left a bed of volcanic rock that has become a popular tourist destination. See the 25-foot totem poles and the 400-foot suspension bridge in the tiny village.

Another must-see area is the Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site just outside Terrace. This is the heart of the Kitselas First Nation’s culture, one of seven Tsimshian communities in BC. There, three longhouses and an interpretive trail offer glimpses into the ancient legends and stories of the area.

City of Terrace

per River with

Whitewater rafting on the Cop Skeena Valley Expeditions.

Heli-skiing is just one of the sports tourists enjoy in the Terrace area.

Courtesy northern

esCaPe heLi-sKiinG oF

Photo saM harLinG.

terraCe.

World-class transportation Terrace’s location is also a major key to the city’s economic success. Local facilities have access to transportation systems that rival those found anywhere in the world.

The Port of Prince Rupert handles containers from Asia and other parts of the world, allowing companies to import a wide variety of goods. There are important opportunities for Canadian companies that want to export their own goods on the backhaul, or when the vessels are emptied and leave the port.

CN Rail meanwhile operates rail services across the country and to the United States both from British Columbia along the west coast and from mid-Canada to major markets in the United States. Top notch trucking services and intermodal facilities in northern BC augment the rail service, and modern air cargo facilities at the Prince George Airport can handle the largest cargo jets. Good road connections meanwhile speed traffic flow in and out of the northwest logistical hub.

Cities, towns and organizations have found strength in numbers by working together to market the benefits of the area, including the Skeena Industrial Development Park that the town is building. The mayor was talking to several potential tenants of the park at the end of ’09.

“There are 2,000-plus acres available in the park,” says Harling, noting that the community will attempt to get a rail spur into the park for even greater convenience. “We are an ideal opportunity for companies that want to move goods; we’re very very well situated for that. From Prince Rupert to Chicago in the US Mid-west, it’s less than 100 hours for the container trains.”

Shopping and services are first class.

Big Box stores such as Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart have already made Terrace home in order to serve the region. The city has also become a great resource for mining and exploration companies that need their camps outfitted and numerous mining services.

“Terrace has become a nexus point for the northwest,” adds Harling.

u can city limits. Yo River within na k. ee ea Sk br e h th Fishing on on your lunc thority.

-record salmon VeLoPMent au catch a world de iC oM on eC rraCe

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While mining and forestry have both suffered the effects of the recession, mining is expected to rebound, particularly after the Northwest Transmission line is built. The so-called electrification of Hwy. 37 is expected to begin next year. The $400-million project will see hydro extended to many northern areas that now operate solely with diesel power.

“It’s quite dramatic the number of people we could bring in because of that power and the projects that could be generated by that transmission,” added the mayor.

With all the activity in the city, educators in Terrace are also making it possible for students to stay and live and work in Terrace. One initiative by Northwest Community College at its Terrace satellite facility is expansion through building longhouses, or communal areas.

“With our reasonable land costs, availability of land and access to reliable power and good water resources, working and living in Terrace is becoming more and more appealing as some of the major centres become congested,” sums up the mayor.

The momentum bodes well for the year ahead.

Lakelse Lake pro vides re both in cre winter a nd summ ational opportu nities er.

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Skeena Rent-A-Car Ltd. does more than rent vehicles

S

keena Rent A Car Ltd. has been doing business in Northern British Columbia for more than 40 years under the names of National Car and Truck Rentals, National Tilden Car & Truck Rentals and Tilden Car & Truck Rentals.

Today, Skeena Rent-A-Car Ltd. operating as National Car & Truck Rentals can be found in the communities of Prince Rupert, Terrace, Smithers, and Prince George in Northern BC, in addition to numerous other cities throughout the province, making it the premier vehicle rental agency in BC. The company rents everything from Economy cars up to Premium Full size cars, minivans, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, panel vans and one ton moving trucks to companies and individuals. The company also has a great network allowing one way rentals, picking up in one city and returning the vehicle in another city for those needing to travel one way only.

Customers renting from National are choosing to make their rides and their lives more safe and fun. “We offer snow tires on many of our vehicles,” says Vice-President Kelly Gingles, “And for the logging and mining industries we offer

stronger 10 ply tires on our SUV’s as well as the trucks and 15 Passenger Vehicles, when requested.” When winds whip up the snow and ice covers the roads, the snow tires could be a lifesaver.

For Air Miles collectors, Skeena Rent A Car does supply the coveted Air Miles, and customers who want a replacement vehicle when their own vehicle is damaged in an accident can book directly through National Car Rentals.

Speaking of travel, the company does offer some great packaged deals on combined hotel and vehicle rentals and special rates on weekly, weekend and longer-term rentals. “Be sure to join up with our Emerald Club program and enjoy the expedited service, the automatic electronic invoicing straight to your inbox, free car days or air travel points, free upgrades, and the superior customer service we are famous for,” says Gingles.

Finally, anyone looking for a quality used vehicle to buy or lease might find just the ideal car or truck for themselves at one of the company’s many lots or online at www.skeenarentacar.com.

Clients can call their nearest location or reserve online at www.nationalcar.ca for more information.

PRINCE RUPERT

SMITHERS TERRACE

PRINCE GEORGE QUESNEL WILLIAMS LAKE

KAMLOOPS KELOWNA

Convenient. Affordable. We’re from here!

TERRACE: 250-635-6855 Prince Rupert: 250-624-5318 Kitimat: 250-635-6855 Smithers: 250-847-2216 Prince George: 250-963-7473

Quesnel: 250-992-8555 Williams Lake: 250-392-2976 Kamloops: 250-374-5737 Kelowna: 250-765-2800

Phone: 1-800-CAR-RENT (1-800-226-7368) 74

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VANCOUVER

• One way rentals • Special weekend packages • Insurance replacement vehicle programs • Competitive daily, weekly & monthly rentals • Convenient locations throughout B.C.

Book online: www.nationalcar.ca

around Canada Real estate market continues strong TORONTO (CNW) – Canada’s residential real estate market is forecast to remain unusually strong through the first half of 2010 as economic conditions across the country improve and the stimulus impact of low interest rates continues to stoke demand, according to Royal LePage Market Survey Forecast and House Price Survey.

As confidence in the recovery builds in early 2010, increases in average house price levels and overall market activity are expected to continue. The gradual erosion of affordability driven by higher house prices and the expected late-year modest upward movement of interest rates, together with an improvement in listings supply as confidence improves, are expected to bring the market back into balance in the second half of the year, when home price increases are expected to moderate.

“The Canadian real estate market enters 2010 with considerable momentum from an unusually strong finish to the previous year,” stated Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services in a news release.

“The stimulus effect of low borrowing costs has contributed to a sharp rise in demand that has driven activity levels to new highs. This demand, coupled with a typical seasonal undersupply of homes for sale, should cause home prices to continue to appreciate significantly during the early months of the year. Improving supply as the year unfolds and easing demand as the cost of home ownership rises should moderate home price increases in the second half of 2010.”

In contrast to the difficult months during the worst of the recession, house prices appreciated during the later part of 2009, with fourth quarter price averages surpassing averages from the fourth quarter 2008. The average price of detached bungalows rose to $315,055 (up 6 per cent), the price of standard two-storey homes rose to $353,026 (up 5.2 per cent), and the price of a standard condominium rose to $205,756 (up 6.4 per cent).

The first two quarters of 2009 saw significant year-overyear price declines across the housing types surveyed and

the third quarter provided the first signs and saw a strong rebound in Canadian home values.

Regions that saw the strongest declines during the recession are now showing marked gains. Those regions include Toronto and the Lower Mainland, B.C. Vancouver in particular experienced a robust quarter, with home prices rising across all housing types surveyed.

Recession over; uncertainty begins TORONTO (CNW) – A recent report by TD Economics states there is strong evidence that the Great Recession has ended and that the world economy will expand by 3.8 per cent in 2010; the recovery will likely be neither quick nor easy and there can be no certainty regarding the course it will take. “The global economy and recovery remain fraught with risk,” notes TD’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Don Drummond.

The real signal that the world was emerging from recession came when North America posted growth in the third quarter following rebounds in Asia, France, and Germany in the second quarter. Although Canada’s economy grew by the slimmest of Business & Trade Magazine®

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Around Canada margins in the third quarter, the recovery will become much more evident when growth of around 4 per cent is recorded for the fourth quarter.

“So far, the global recovery has been underpinned by strengthening financial markets as well as rebounding housing markets, industrial production and consumer spending,” states Drummond. “To this point, it’s been a well-synchronized dance.”

While the recovery is underway, the report suggests that it will not develop the “head of stream” that was typical of past recoveries. As a rule of thumb, growth in real economic output during the first year of a recovery is generally two to three times greater than the decline in output was over the course of the recession.

But when a recession is driven by a banking crisis, as was the recent global recession, an economy’s output grows more slowly for a number of years after the recovery has taken hold than is typically the case.

A number of factors are responsible for this slow recovery, particularly in the U.S., from protracted employment losses, deep reductions in household income and wealth, the destruction of credit flow, and risk aversion among financial institutions. In taking these factors into account, the TD Economics report forecasts growth for the U.S. at 2.7 per cent in 2010. Canada is also forecast to grow at 2.7 per cent next year.

These projections are predicated on a number of conditions unfolding, including continuing, albeit slow, progress in the U.S. housing market and the coincidental rebuilding of household balance sheets, and thus savings, within developed economies.

“The road to recovery for the global financial system will not be free and clear of further pain,” says Drummond, “but, ultimately, additional disturbances will be absorbed.” For example, the U.S. commercial real estate market will contract through 2010, likely placing a number of small financial institutions in distress. However, the effect on global, systematically important financial institutions and the broader economy will be far more limited than the recent residential mortgage market debacle.

WINNIPEG – Donald Benson, President & CEO of Nordic Oil and Gas Ltd., has announced in a news release that drilling and casing of its new 15B-22-50-2-W4 and 4D-2450-2-W4 heavy oil wells at Lloydminster, Alberta, have been completed. This brings to four the number of successful wells the company has drilled in over the past two weeks as part of its 10-well drilling program at Lloydminster.

Each of the wells has shown good pay levels in the Sparky zones and further testing is being done to determine the viability of possible production from the Dina zone, according to the statement.

“It is anticipated that we could see production levels from the Sparky zone of approximately 15 and 20 barrels of oil per day at each well,” Mr. Benson stated. “This means the possibility of an additional 60 to 80 BOEs from these four wells alone.”

The fifth well in the drilling program, 15B-6-50-1-W4, was spudded on Dec. 9 and is expected to be completed

by Dec. 12. The rig will then move to the sixth location at 10B-6-50-1-W4 where drilling is expected to begin by Dec. 13.

“When these two wells are completed, we will then have 14 wells primed for production at Lloydminster, with the likelihood of four more by the end the year or early in 2010,” Mr. Benson added. “If all 10 of the newly drilled wells are placed on production in the New Year, we could conceivably see our production at Lloydminster reach approximately 275 to 300 BOEs per day.”

In addition, the Company is also considering drilling a horizontal well and is currently investigating the possibility of shooting 3-D seismic over the quarter section target lands.

“As we stated in the past, these new wells will most assuredly add substantially to our 2010 reserves report, which will be undertaken in the New Year,” added Mr. Benson.

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Photo by Christine Bain

Heavy oil wells drilled

Around Canada Lowe’s moves into Calgary TORONTO – Lowe’s Companies Canada, a subsidiary of Lowe’s Companies, Inc.(NYSE: LOW), has announced plans for continuing its growth in the Canadian marketplace by expanding into Western Canada in 2010.

As part of the company’s previously announced plans to open 35 to 45 stores in North America in fiscal 2010, Lowe’s plans to open three stores in the Calgary region (one located at CrossIron Mills in the County of Rocky View, one located in the Shepard Industrial Area/McKenzie Town and one located in the Sunridge Industrial Area), it stated in a news release.

There are also further plans to expand into Edmonton, British Columbia and Saskatchewan in future years. Lowe’s first opened Canadian stores in December 2007 and now operates 15 stores in Ontario.

“Lowe’s has been warmly welcomed by Canadian consumers over the past two years, and our research shows that our innovative products and passion for superior customer service will appeal to home improvement enthusiasts across Western Canada, as well,” said Alan Huggins, president, Lowe’s Canada.

“This week, Lowe’s celebrates our second anniversary in Ontario, and we remain on track with our goals to bring great products and outstanding customer service to homeowners and commercial customers across Canada.”

In 2005, Lowe’s announced plans to open its first stores in the Greater Toronto Area, with as many as 100 stores across Canada over time. Each new store creates more than

100 local jobs and represents an average investment of $19.4 million.

“Based on our experience, we know Canadians want to both protect their investment in their homes and make home improvements that will enhance their quality of life for years to come,” Huggins added. “We look forward to making that process convenient for our Calgary customers while we also pursue additional opportunities in Edmonton, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.”

Lowe’s opened its Canadian headquarters in Toronto in 2006 and now has more than 2,300 employees in the Canadian office and stores.

Caribou Wind Park

CanWel acquires Broadleaf Logistics

BATHURST (CNW) – GDF SUEZ has completed construction and achieved commercial operation at Caribou Wind Park, located 70 kilometers northwest of Bathurst, New Brunswick. The largest wind operation in the province, the 99 MW facility will provide all of its power to New Brunswick Power to fulfill a 20-year power purchase agreement with the utility, according to a news release.

“We have developed a strong partnership with GDF SUEZ, and all New Brunswickers will enjoy the benefits now that the facility is up and running,” stated David Hay, president & CEO of NB Power. “NB Power is focused on minimizing its environmental footprint through a number of initiatives such as diversifying our renewable portfolio.”

Achieving commercial operation of Caribou Wind Park, which is GDF SUEZ’s first generation facility in New Brunswick, boosts the company’s North American renewable energy portfolio to 509 MW, more than 40 per cent of which is wind powered generation.

The company also owns and operates two wind farms, which hug the west and north capes of Prince Edward Island: West Cape Wind Farm, with a generation capacity of 99 MW, and Norway Wind Farm, which generates 9 MW. More than one third of GDF SUEZ’s power operations in North America are carbon-free or carbon-neutral facilities.

VANCOUVER – CanWel Building Materials Income Fund has struck an $81-million agreement to acquire Broadleaf Logistics Company.

The deal positions CanWel for future growth.

“The Fund also expects that the combined business will achieve significant synergies by, among other things, rationalizing the existing distribution networks of the Fund and Broadleaf,” according to the company.

The deal expands CanWel’s range of building materials and lumber products by adding Broadleaf’s brand-name building materials. Broadleaf has more than a dozen distribution centres across the country.

Broadleaf Logistics started out as MacMillan Bloedel and has been known by different names over the years. In June 2007, the company was renamed Broadleaf when Platinum Equity, a private equity firm, purchased the Canadian operations of Weyerhaeuser’s building materials distribution division.

The company is committed to innovation in order to meet new challenges and continue growing.

Calgary, Alberta

Business & Trade Magazine®

77

Around Canada

A photograph used on the cover page and page 5 of the Vol. 3 No. 3 Q3 2009 issue of the Business & Trade Magazine mistakenly failed to identify Consumers’ Co-operative Refineries Limited (CCRL), located in Regina, Saskatchewan, as the subject of the photograph.

A $1.9 billion expansion is now underway at CCRL, which will initially increase the company’s crude processing capacity from its current level of 100,000 barrels per day to 130,000 barrels per day by 2012 and is expected to eventually mature to 145,000 barrels per day by 2015. The project will allow CCRL to continue to meet the growing petroleum product needs of the Cooperative Retailing System (CRS) in western Canada.

The photographs used above are courtesy of CCRL. 78

Business & Trade Magazine®

Designing and manufacturing reduced-tillage seeders for the international market

Seed Hawk

Pat Beaujot

Seed Hawk soars Innovative company designs, manufactures reduced-tillage seeders for the international market

By Bernard Kruchak

P

at Beaujot is convinced there’s something deep-rooted in the Saskatchewan Prairie that inspires fresh thinking.

With its vast landscape endowed with rich and challenging soils, tempered by extreme climatic conditions and transformed by tough European agriculturists, Saskatchewan has been a crucible of innovation for more than a century.

“The province has a large land base – over 64 million acres – but it’s always had a small population of taxpayers,” Beaujot says. “It’s a challenging place with a pioneer spirit that demands that farmers solve problems on their own, without government subsidies.”

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Business & Trade Magazine®

Beaujot should know something about innovation. As president of Seed Hawk Inc., the agrologist and part-time farmer has overseen the development of a world-class direct seeding system that delivers precise placement of seed and fertilizer for swift and consistent emergence. It’s a technology spurred by a local challenge but fine-tuned and engineered for the global marketplace.

“In the late 1980s, my brother and I inherited our parents’ farm and along with it an old air seeder that didn’t conform to the emerging trend of reduced tillage,” he remembers. “We set out to design a direct seeder that would seed precisely, place

Seed Hawk fertilizer in the proper place and pack evenly.”

In 1993, after several months of tinkering and tweaking, Seed Hawk (named after the ever-present raptors that follow seeders looking for field mice) sold its first six seed drills.

Today, the firm has 1,200 seeding systems – openers, toolbars and tanks – in fields across the western Canadian Prairies, the United States Midwest and parts of eastern Europe and Australia.

Seed Hawk employs more than 110 people at its 45,000-square-foot factory and office just outside the tiny hamlet of Langbank, Saskatchewan, 200 kilometres southeast of Regina and 116 kilometres north of the United States border.

Being situated in the heart of the Canadian Prairie is a major factor in the company’s continued success, says Beaujot.

“We’ve never felt the need to move. We’re the largest employer in the region and we’ve had no trouble hiring rural-minded people who understand the product from our perspective.

If our systems work here in southern Saskatchewan, they’re likely to work anywhere else in the world.”

Helping Beaujot steer Seed Hawk through the international marketplace is his partner Brian Dean, Vice President of Product Development, and Gordon Wyatt, Vice President of Operations. In 2006, Beaujot and Dean welcomed Swedish manufacturer, Väderstad-Verken AB, as a minority shareholder and the partner’s international clout has boosted Seed Hawk’s presence globally.

“I’m proud of our approach to innovation and our ability to tap into the worldwide marketplace,” remarks Beaujot.

“Seed Hawk is the fastest growing manufacturer of seeding equipment in Canada and we’ve recently introduced Sectional Control Technology, or SCT, which works with GPS and

“Seed Hawk is the fastest growing manufacturer of seeding equipment in Canada…”

– President Pat Beaujot

Aerial view of the Seed Hawk factory.

The Seed Hawk R&D Team.

Business & Trade Magazine®

81

Seed Hawk

autosteer technology to eliminate seeding overlaps and save on input costs. It’s the type of innovation that’s changing the industry.”

Precision-oriented success The concept of direct seeding got its start in agriculture in the 1980s and ‘90s when farmers were searching for ways to achieve more sustainability in their operations. A method of one-pass seeding, known as direct seeding or zero tillage, was developed and this innovation resulted in significant soil moisture conservation, the virtual elimination of water and wind erosion on stubble-filled land, and increased productivity. Further benefits were achieved by a drop in fuel costs brought about by one-pass seeding, as well as reductions in labour and time.

This period of discovery and development proved to be fertile ground for entrepreneurs and Pat Beaujot unearthed his own opportunity to further the field of direct dryland seeding. With his professional background in agronomy and hands-on farming experience, he set out to design a seeding system that focused 82

Business & Trade Magazine®

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©2009 Raven Industries, Inc.

Seed Hawk

Soil, seed & success When Pat beaujot and his brother took over the family farm in 1986, little did he know that his interest in improving the farmstead’s operational sustainability would also lead him to develop one of the world’s leading seeding systems.

With a professional background in agronomy and practical desire to reduce tillage, beaujot and his brother began tinkering with an inherited air seeder. the old unit was reset to attain proper separation between seed and fertilizer and a packer was added. because shallow seeding, however, was still unavailable in commercial seeders, beaujot asked brian Kent to help him develop a new air seeder. by 1992, prototypes were being tested on the family farm and brian dean was brought on-board the emerging company. after successfully seeding the beaujot’s 1,000-acre farm, seed hawk inc. was established and six seeders were produced and sold.

With steady growth and successful north american sales, seed hawk partnered with swedish manufacturer Väderstad-Verken ab in 2006. as a result, the firm’s technology and exports expanded significantly. a year later, seed hawk introduced an 84-foot toolbar, that when combined with an 800-bushel air tank, constituted the world’s largest seeding system. today, seed hawk works out of its expansive production facility in Langbank, saskatchewan. While the company continues to grow, Pat beaujot still maintains his original vision of building the best seeding systems to meet the changing needs of growers.

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Business & Trade Magazine®

Field in Germany seeded with a Seed Hawk.

on solving the problems encountered by early developers of seeding equipment – precise seed and fertilizer placement, residue clearance and adequate seed row packing.

“It took some time to perfect our designs but our seeding systems are now the industry leaders in seed and fertilizer placement,” notes Beaujot. “Seed Hawk delivers size, flexibility and precision, the three key benefits that allow our customers to cover more ground, more quickly.”

The cornerstone component of Seed Hawk’s system is the opener. The opener’s unique, easy to use design gauges depth individually for both fertilizer and seed and can be adjusted quickly and accurately. Placing seed closer to the surface, says Brian Dean, VP of Product Development, promotes fast, uniform germination that boosts crop yield and grade.

“Quick, even emergence delivers a crop that can contend with weeds, makes easy crop staging for spraying, and promotes even maturity across the field,” he states. “The furrow effect places the seed in the optimum position for access to fertilizer and moisture.”

The openers’ precision placement ability also extends to fertilizer, which is set down close to the seed but far enough away to avoid seed damage. Such accuracy provides nutri-

Seed Hawk

ents to plants and not weeds for the duration of the growing season.

To place the seed and fertilizer, the Seed Hawk system utilizes two independent, narrow knives in separate bands to ensure the best possible separation. As well, the openers’ four-inch packer wheels leave behind blackened furrows that provide the perfect foundation for seeding.

“The furrow means that the soil warms faster and the crop emerges quicker, even in wet, cool soil,” Dean says.

Toolbars, tanks & technology The openers are attached to toolbars, the workhorses of the Seed Hawk system. The toolbars provide row spacing in three widths – 10 inches, 12 inches and 15 inches. Toolbar widths are available from 20 feet to 85 feet.

“Our toolbars are built strong enough to be 85 feet wide and still tough enough to pull an 800 bushel tank,” states Dean. “Our frame design is unparalleled and carries a five-year warranty, the best in the industry.”

Business & Trade Magazine®

85

Seed Hawk A major feature of Seed Hawk’s toolbars is the firm’s own Seed Between the Rows (SBR) technology which allows openers to seed between last year’s stubble rows.

A paddle sensor rides above the ground, sensing stubble and not furrows.

“Stubble that’s left standing acts as a barrier to help prevent openers from throwing soil onto a neighbouring row,” says Dean. “This also permits somewhat faster and safer seeding speeds.”

To complete the Seed Hawk system, the company offers a wide range of heavy-duty, high-performance tanks. For granular products, Seed Hawk sells a twotank 400-bushel model and the three-tank 500, 600 and 800-bushel models. And for liquid commodities, the firm offers three options, the 1600-L, 2100-L and 2650-L models.

Gordon Wyatt, VP of Operations, says Seed Hawk’s metering and air distribution system is one of the seeding industry’s most advanced. With two separate lines stemming from each tank, flexibility is maximized. As Wyatt notes, seed or fertilizer can be placed in any tank and

directed to either knife, or product flow can be customized to suit a customer’s specific needs.

“With Seed Hawk’s innovative tank configurations, a farmer can overcome any product placement challenges they might have,” he explains.

Seed Hawk also offers farmers optional computerized monitoring with the Raven Viper Pro, the market’s first wireless field computer. The technology provides comprehensive data integration with desktop and laptop computers. It is also at the heart of Seed Hawk’s latest innovation, Sectional Control Technology (SCT), which utilizes GPS and autosteer to lift openers and shut off seed and fertilizer metering when seeded ground is encountered.

“I’m very proud of our SCT technology; it’s going to have a huge impact on the seeding industry,” President Pat Beaujot states. “GPS helps eliminate most seeding misses but there may still be overlaps around potholes, sloughs and bush.

What SCT does is automatically starts and stops the system when an overlap is encountered.”

Aon Congratulates Seed Hawk Inc. on Your Success!

Aon is proud proud to to be be Seed Seed Hawk’s Hawk’s provider of choice choice for for its its risk risk management and insurance insurance requirements. We Welook lookforward forward to assisting you reaching you in reach your your strategic goals in in the the future. future.

Regina 1-800-667-9950 Saskatoon 1-800-667-8718

www.aon.ca ,

the strength of the world s leading broker on your side

Congratulations to Seed Hawk on your continued success.

2301 Industrial Drive, Box 1727, Regina, SK S4P 3C6 www.hitecprofiles.com Phone: 306-721-3800 Fax: 306-721-3805 86

Business & Trade Magazine®

Seed Hawk

Vaderstad Seed Hawk preparing to seed in a field in Russia.

P W &M

arkland elding achine Ltd.

Supplying OEMs & other customers with over 50 years of cylinder manufacturing experience

Quality Manufacturing Reliable Service,

Wishing Seed Hawk continued growth & success

Prompt Delivery, Dependable Product

= Our Custom Built

Hydraulic Cylinders “It took some time to perfect our designs but our seeding systems are now the Member industry leaders inPIMAseed and fertilizer placement.” – President Pat Beaujot 377 5th Ave. North Yorkton, SK S3N 4E8 Phone: 306-783-8690 Fax: 306-783-8609

Business & Trade Magazine®

87

Seed Hawk

FASTENER WAREHOUSE LTD. The Fastener Specialists

Solutions for today’s lean manufacturing environment

Congratulations to Seed Hawk on many years of success 820 – 46th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7K 3V7 Tel: 306-374-1199 Fax: 306-374-1159 Toll Free: 1-877-374-1199 www.fastenerwarehouse.ca 88

Business & Trade Magazine®

Sectional Control Technology can save as much as 15 per cent in input costs (depending on toolbar width and the variability of farmland) and it provides more uniform fields because misses and overlaps are effectively removed from the seeding equation. The technology is compatible with granular, liquid and anhydrous ammonia fertilizers.

“There’s great versatility in the SCT package because it provides easy, hands-free control of seed and fertilizer application,” Beaujot clarifies. “An operator doesn’t have to move levers or flip switches because the system stops and starts when turning.”

If the best ideas about agriculture are born from the workaday world of actual farmers, then the global success of Seed Hawk Inc. is a testament to the focus the company puts on research and development. Headed by Brian Dean, Seed Hawk’s R and D group is stocked with active and former farmers who understand the challenges of dryland farming. Together, the team brings experience and offers perspective that enables Seed Hawk to develop new innovations that will help farmers farm easier, better and more profitably.

“They give us the true farmer test,” Dean states. “It helps focus us on developing new products and systems that will truly help farmers.”

For Pat Beaujot, the spirit of innovation lies deep in the Prairie landscape. It’s the synergy of soil and seed that nurtures a successful crop and it’s the inspiration as well for his successful company.

WITNESS THE HEIGHT OF PRECISON SEEDING INNOVATION

ORDER yOuR SCT ™ SySTEm AND SAVE uP TO 15% ON INPuTS THIS SPRING! Sectional Control Technology™ (SCT) is an innovative way to eliminate overlaps and save on input costs. SCT works in conjunction with GPS to lift openers and shut down metering of seed and fertilizer when seeded ground is encountered, which reduces disturbance and doubling up of inputs.

SCT can reduce costs by up to 15% and results in a more uniform harvest. Sectional Control Technology makes large machines as versatile as small machines. Don’t miss out—see your dealer about SCT today.

T He Glo b a l l ea Der I n P reCISIo n S eeDInG Sy ST em S For further information visit your local Seed Hawk dealer or seedhawk.com.

1

2

1. GPS maps the field and Sectional Control Technology senses when to shut down sections of the tank meter and lift sections of openers to stop over-application and disturbance of seeded ground.

2. Openers and shut-offs are activated when a section of the drill overlaps seeded ground. No levers to flip or buttons to hit at headlands increasing operator ease and resulting in worry free seeding.

Seed Hawk is a registered trademark and ™Sectional Control Technology and SCT are trademarks of Seed Hawk Inc. 9023

®

Index to Advertisers Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.................................................86

Northern Electric............................................................53

BDO Dunwoody LLP......................................................12

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality........................25

Canadian Tool & Die (The CTD Group)........................89

Northlands Water & Sewer Supplies..............................49

Central Installations Ltd.................................................46

Northway Glass..............................................................67

Cheadles LLP..................................................................12

Nugget Expediting Ltd...................................................30

E.B. Horsman & Son......................................................61

Pacific Conveyors Ltd.....................................................52

EBA Engineering ...........................................................45

Parkland Welding...............................................................

Empire Stevedoring Company Ltd...................................8

Prince George Airport Authority.....................................54

Equity Plumbing & Heating Ltd.....................................47

Project Transport & Trading Ltd.......................................7

Fastener Warehouse Ltd.................................................88

Raven Industries.............................................................83

Fort Nelson.....................................................................25

Richardson International................................................17

Fowlie & Co...................................................................68

Rohde & Liesenfeld..........................................................9

Geonorth Engineering Ltd..............................................45

Seed Hawk...................................... Inside Front Cover, 90

Heather Salder Jenkins LLP............................................63

Simson Maxwell.............................................................62

Hi-Tec Profiles Inc..........................................................86

Stork Nest Inn................................................................29

Hill Aviation Centre Inc..................................................43

Team Eagle Ltd...............................................................44

Hodgson Custom Rolling Inc............. Outside Back Cover

Thunder Bay Harbour Improvements Ltd......................13

Initiatives Prince George.................................................38

Thunder Bay Port Authority............18, Inside Back Cover

Interior Warehousing Ltd...............................................48

Valid Manufacturing.......................................................64

Kinecor...........................................................................85

Viterra.............................................................................15

Logistec Corporation......................................................11

Wesco Distribution.........................................................69

National Car Rental................................................. 52, 74

Westcana Electric............................................................70

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Around the World SNC-Lavalin acquires engineering firm MONTREAL (CNW) – SNC-Lavalin is pleased to announce the acquisition of Marte Engenharia Ltda., a leading Brazilian engineering firm with approximately 1,000 employees. The firm serves the power industry in Brazil and Latin America, with particular expertise in the design of high voltage transmission lines and electrical substations.

The firm was founded more than 20 years ago, and is well known for delivering studies, engineering, inspection, construction supervision and maintenance services to electric

utilities, hydro and nuclear generators, and private companies.

“We are very pleased to welcome Marte to the team,” stated Cindy Andrew, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of SNC-Lavalin’s Transmission & Distribution division, in a news release.

“With the additional expertise of our Brazilian personnel, we have further strengthened our team of transmission and distribution experts, and our position in Brazil’s strong and growing economy. We look forward to continuing to deliver major transmission line and substation projects worldwide.”

LAS VEGAS (CNW) – Located at the heart of CityCenter, Las Vegas’ new 67-acre urban center, ARIA Resort & Casino is the latest work by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. The 4,000-room ARIA is the first hotel-casino designed by the firm, known for such buildings as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong, and the World Financial Center in New York. The project, opened Dec. 16, is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE and Infinity World Development Corp. and includes buildings designed by several internationally renowned architecture firms.

“With ARIA, there was an interchange of ideas,” stated Cesar Pelli, Senior Principal of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, in a news release. “The gathering of so many creative people energized us and made us reach for higher goals.”

The tallest structure in CityCenter, ARIA Resort & Casino redefines the Las Vegas skyline and creates a strong sense of space.

The 3.8 million-square-foot hotel-casino complex is comprised of two counterpoising, curvilinear towers joining to form an open center. Constructed of steel and glass, the towers transform as they reflect the changing sky and the lights of Las Vegas.

“Our buildings are a composition of shimmering glass surfaces shaded from the sun, enclosing concentrations of activities in an exciting urban place,” said Fred Clarke, Senior Principal.

Consistent with CityCenter’s scale and commitment to

Sony capitalizes on 3-D technology Sony has announced plans to accelerate initiatives to deliver an array of 3D entertainment for the home in 2010, leveraging all its diverse business assets to create a 3D world encompassing electronics and games, to movie content. Sony also unveiled the first of its ground-breaking lineup of 3D entertainment products for the home at 92

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PHOTO COURTESY PELLI CLARKE PELLI ARCHITECTS

Hotel-casino shines in Las Vegas

sustainable design, ARIA is the world’s largest hotel to achieve a LEED Gold rating. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has had a long involvement with sustainable design, with such credits as one of the earliest LEED-rated office towers and the country’s first LEED Gold and LEED Platinum residential towers.

The complex includes a 150,000-square-foot casino; 45,000 square feet of retail space; 125,000 square feet of dining, bar, and lounge space; a 300,000-square-foot, threelevel conference center; an 80,000-square-foot, two-level spa building; a 215,000-square-foot pool deck; and an 1,800-seat theatre for Cirque du Soleil.

“International CES 2010,” held in Las Vegas, U.S., according to a company news release.

Consumer Electronics Sony is introducing the following 3D compatible consumer electronics products, enabling users to enjoy an array of immersive 3D content in the home: • 3D compatible BRAVIA® LCD TVs, 3D compatible Blu-ray disc players,

and 3D compatible Blu-ray disc players with built in theatre systems to be introduced worldwide from summer 2010.

• 3D compatible VAIO PCs, 3D compatible digital still cameras are also scheduled to be introduced during 2010 (plans for 3D compatible VAIO PCs previously announced on Sept. 3, 2009).

Canada’s Gateway to the West • Best Choice for Project Cargo • Direct Rail Access by CN and CP to Western Canada • Minimize Shipment Handling, Time and Cost

Phone: 807-345-6400 www.portofthunderbay.ca

Hodgson Custom Rolling Inc. services a wide variety of industries in the ENERGY SECTORS of hydro, petro chemical, atomic, gas, oil, wind, etc. in addition to those in heavy manufacturing, steel, pulp & paper, mining, marine, forestry, etc. Hodgson’s commitment to providing customers superior products and personalized professional service has earned itself a reputation for excellence, making the name HODGSON synonymous with “paramount quality and workmanship”.

HSS 16x8x1/2”

Hodgson Custom Rolling Inc. is one of North America’s largest plate rolling, forming, section rolling and fabricating companies.

STRUCTURAL SECTION ROLLING HCR has the expertise to roll curved structural sections into a wide range of shapes and sizes (angle, wide flange beam, I-beam, channel, bar, tee section, pipe, tubing, rail, etc.), including flanges, support beams, gear blanks, etc.

We specialize in Spiral Staircase Stringers.

PRESS BRAKE FORMING & HOT FORMING Hodgson Custom Rolling’s brake department processes all types of steel sections and plate up to 18” thick. Developed shapes such as cones, trapezoids, parabolas, reducers (round to round, square to round) etc.

PLATE ROLLING & FLATTENING Hodgson Custom Rolling specializes in the rolling and flattening of heavy plate up to 10”+ thick and up to 12 feet wide. Cylinders and segments can be rolled to diameters ranging from 10” to over 20 feet. Products made include ASME pressure vessel sections. Crane Hoist Drums, thick walled pipe, etc.

FABRICATING Hodgson Custom Rolling combines expertise in rolling, forming, assembly and welding to produce various fabrications including kiln sections, rope drums, heavy weldments, ladles, pressure vessel parts, multiple Components for Heavy Equipment applications etc.

Hodgson

Custom Rolling Inc.

5580 Kalar Road Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada L2H 3L1

Telephone: (905) 356-8132 Toll-free: (800) 263-2547 Fax: (905) 356-6025 E-mail: hodgson@hodgsoncustomrolling.com Website: www.hodgsoncustomrolling.com

HODGSON CAN HELP SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS

ASME ISO9001:2000 U.S. Address: M.P.O. Box 1526 Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14302 - 1526