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NANAIMO New name, same focus for Melody Wood’s recruiting company

Vancouver Island

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AGS

MAY 2014

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CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell River chamber announces new board

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INDEX News update 2 Nanaimo 7 Port Alberni 17 Port McNeill 38 Campbell River 39 Comox Valley 40 Movers & Shakers 42 Opinion 46 Law 47 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 10TH YEAR

Commercial Building Awards Above Par Nanaimo Golf Club hits right stroke at annual VIREB Gala

anaimo Golf Club’s new clubhouse was the toast of the 7th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards April 24. A sell-out crowd jammed into the Coast Bastion Inn gala event, and the Nanaimo Golf Club was named the Judges Choice, best overall winner, as well as the Excellence Award winner in the Hospitality category. A record number of nominations entered this year’s version of the Commercial Building Awards, which celebrates the best in commercial and industrial construction north of the Malahat. Re/MAX Commercial is the Title Sponsor of the event, with Gold Sponsors Colliers International and Coastal Community Credit Union. Category sponsors are Canadian Western Bank, Meyers Norris Penny, the Business Development Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, Invest Comox Valley, and DTZ Barnicke. The Commercial Building Awards media sponsor the Vancouver Island News Media Group, the Green sponsor is BC

Left, Ian Lindsay of Remax Commercial presenter of the Judges Choice Award, received by Daryl Krepps, John Salem, Ash Chadha, R.J. Whyte and Dave Yule. | PHOTO BY CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY Hydro, and photos were taken by Concept Photography. “It was a great award for our club, and our members at the club,” says Ash Chadha, General

Manager of the Nanaimo Golf Club. “We want to thank our membersh ip for suppor ti ng our club through this process, but want people to know this

building is not just for the club, but is also something for the whole community.” SEE BUILDING AWARS | PAGE 21

COWICHAN VALLEY

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MERRIDALE CIDER CAPTURES GOLD FOR BRANDY

erridale Ciderworks from Cobble Hill has consistently won awards for its craft ciders made from the apples they grow in the Cowichan Valley. Now, that high standard has been recognized for the brandies they make. At the American Distilling Association 8th

Annual competition, Merridale Artisan Distillery brandies were awarded Best in Class, Gold and Silver against competition from all over North America. Merridale Stair’s Pear Brandy was judged Best of Class – Certified Craft Distilled Spirits in the Brandy category. The pear brandy

was also awarded a Gold medal in the Aged Brandy Category. This brandy is made from BC Bartlett pears distilled in 2007 and aged in new French Oak barrels for more than 6 years. “We think this is North America’s oldest barrel aged pear brandy. Each sip reminds you of biting into a fresh

pear just picked from the tree, followed by that smooth warmth of a fine brandy” says Rick Pipes, the head distiller. “This is such a special recognition after waiting so long to release this first batch of pear brandy”. SEE CIDER FROM COWICHAN | PAGE 4

2 LADYSMITH Ladysmith names one of Canada’s ‘Greenest Employers’

best practices,” sa id Mayor Rob Hutchins. “Council, staff and our citizens work together to build a strong and resilient community in terms of overall quality of life and respect for our environment, for today and tomorrow.” T he Tow n’s pa rtnersh ip to establish a residential cooking oil recycling program, two electric vehicle charging stations, LEED Gold certification of the new Community Services Centre, Green Team employee committee and donating vegetables grown in City Hall flower beds to the Ladysmith Food Bank are just some of the reasons.

the greatest loss with a 7.28 per cent decline in vehicle traffic, and a loss of six per cent in overall passenger occupancy. Although the overall tourism declined throughout the month, Nanaimo Airport’s traffic continued its steady incline with a 32 per cent increase in passenger rates. Citizens have attributed the decline to a number of factors, including harsh weather conditions, the newly implemented Family Day holiday and rising ferry costs.

NANAIMO Company proposes tidal energy testing

NANAIMO Tourism down in February With declining tourism rates on the Island in February, BC Ferries took the hardest hit. Chemistry Consulting estimated between a 4 and 7.2 per cent decline in traffic throughout the month between the two major ferry routes. Other Island industries felt the decline as well; hotel rates dropped throughout the month, and activity at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre declined from its February 2013 numbers. The Departure BayHorseshoe Bay ferry run suffered

AGS

For the third year in a row, the Town of Ladysmith has been named one of “Canada’s Greenest Employers”. The award recognizes the Town’s organizationwide commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and to sustainability in all its current and future operations. The “Canada’s Greenest Employers” Award is part of the Ca n ad a’s Top 100 E mployers competition conducted by Mediacorp Canada. The list of Green Employers award-winners was published on Earth Day in The Globe and Mail and online. Now entering its 8th year, Canada’s Greenest Employers recognizes employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness. These leading Canadian employers have developed exceptional earth-friendly initiatives and are attracting people because of their environmental leadership. This award grew out of two remarkable speeches by Al Gore and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the annual conference on the Top 100 project in 2006 and 2007. “Our Town is committed to developing a culture of green

NEWS UPDATE

Nanaimo-based Western Tidal Holdings has applied to BC to research the possibility of installing underwater turbines near Trial Island and Race Rocks that would generate power. The company has thus far proposed 14 of the tidal-power projects along the province’s coast, and though the projects are far from development, the proposal is i ntended to i nvest igate t he possibility. Applications for testing on other sites near Race Rocks and Mayne and Pender Islands were brought forth last year by the Western Tidal, and have yet to receive a response.

MAY 2014

The test is designed to determine how much power can be produced by observing what is in the water and how it flows in each area. The public has been assured that marine life will not be interrupted during the testing process, as the company aims to support the environment through its project. The projects as a whole have been estimated to generate up to 330 megawatts of power upon approval. Before the government considers giving approval to Western Tidal, First Nations, municipal governments, agencies and the public feedback will be taken into account. Should the company gain approval, testing would begin in the summer and last for between three to six months.

NANAIMO New energy agreement to help power Nanaimo BC Hydro and the City of Nanaimo announced an agreement to provide locally-generated power to the community. The city will generate electricity from the new city water system and feed it into BC Hydro’s grid. The energy will be produced using Nanaimo’s new water facility, Reservoir Number 1, on Nanaimo Lakes Road. Energy recovery equipment

has been installed in the reservoir’s control building. When fully functional in April this year, the power generation facility will provide enough electricity to power up to 70 homes. The agreement follows two years of study, design and construction planning between the partners. The 300 kilowatt project is made possible through BC Hydro’s Standing Offer Program, which allows power producers with small power projects – up to 15 megawatts of capacity – to sell power to BC Hydro under a streamlined, simplified process. The energy produced will reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and the revenue earned by selling the power back into the system will help recoup operating costs of the water supply system.

COMOX VALLEY Housing development approved Courtenay City Council approved a permit for 18 homes with garages next to the Crown Isle entrance. The development will be called The Grove, and will feature nine duplexes built by Monterra Builders Ltd. Many of the houses will be geared toward

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MAY 2014

matu re residents, i nclud i ng wider doors and level entryways for easier access. The houses will be located in a new cul-de-sac between the Crown Isle Shopping Centre and Crown Isle Drive, and are to be built in three phases; six houses at a time. At the recommendation of a local arborist, some of the trees surrounding the development were removed due to sa fety concerns, and though options were explored to plant new trees as replacement, it was decided that Monterra would replace the loss of greenery with extensive landscaping, as per a design proposed by the company. Monterra assured City Council that the development would be a success given its design and proximity to the new shopping centre.

PORT ALBERNI City exploring other revenue opportunities T he City of Port Alberni is con sider i ng t he p ossi bi l ity of pursuing sponsorships as an additional form of income for the municipality. The city would partner with The Partnership Group, which determines how much revenue can be gained the use of community advertising and naming publ ic places. T he orga n ization specializes in helping municipalities gain revenue from s p on sors h ip s. T he tow n of Taber, Alberta has gained an estimated $100,000 annually from sponsorship deals with the help of T he Pa r tnersh ip Group. City council is discussing this venue as an alternative to raising municipal property taxes, as citizens currently contribute to 59 per cent of the A lberni Valley’s total tax revenue. By 2018, it is pla n ned that th is contribution will rise to 65 per cent, as part of the city’s financial plan. The sponsorships provide the city with non-tax income, taking a portion of the tax burden off of the citizens.

TOFINO Tourism Tofino Wins Prestigious Canadian e-Tourism Award Tourism Tofino has been recognized by Canadian e-Tourism Awards Council and Online Revealed Canada with the 2014 d ig ita l ma rketi ng awa rd for “Best Innovative Use of Technology” for the organization’s w e b s i t e a n d t h e “ Yo u r Tofino” user-generated content initiative. T h e Ca n a d i a n eTo u r i s m Awards honour the Canadian travel brands that have successfully met the digital chall e n ge, p ro d u c i n g e f fe c t i v e and creative digital and social media marketing campaigns for the contemporary online travel consumer. The Awards are judged by a volunteer group of tourism marketing professionals, and led by the Canadian eTourism Council, a national for u m of Ca n ad ia n tou r ism marketing executives specializing in online communications. Kirsten Soder, General Manager of Tourism Tofino, accepted the award at the 5th annual Canadian eTourism awards, presented in association with the Online Revealed Conference April 7-9 in Toronto. Other winners at the awards included TravelZoo for best mobile app and WestJet for best social media campaign.

NORTH ISLAND Safeway first to carry Kuterra salmon Kuterra LP, owned by Namgis First Nation, brought Canada’s first land-raised Atlantic salmon to market in celebration of Earth Day. The company offers a new, sustainable alternative to farmed salmon as North A mer ic a’s f i rs t l a nd-ba se d s a l m o n f a r m . A lbion F i sheries Ltd., a leader in fishing sustainability, is in charge of

ma rketi ng for Kuterra’s Atlantic salmon, aiming to make t he compa ny com merci a l ly successful. Kuterra LP aims to eliminate m isconceptions about l a n d-r a i s e d s a l m o n , g a i n profit and provide a sustainable business model for other companies while providing a sustainable approach to salmon aquaculture. T he f i rst sa l mon a re bei n g s o l d i n S a feway s to re s throughout British Columbia and Alberta.

CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell River chosen to participate in Smart Oceans BC program Federal minister of state for Western Economic Diversification, Michelle Rempel, announced that Ocean Network Canada’s Smart Oceans BC program will be setting up high frequency radars, underwater obser vator ies a nd a n automatic identi fication system near com munities along the coast of BC. More than $20 million will be invested in the project in total, with $9.1 million being contributed by the federal government’s Western Economic Diversification fund, and $12 million coming from IBC Canada. T he project i s i ntended to suppor t t he economy wh i le i ncreasi ng ma ri ne sa fety throughout the province, as pa r t of t he fe d era l gover nment’s attempts to responsibly develop resources. T he globa l ma rket for the Sma rt Oceans technology is expected to expand from $4 billion to a n e s t i m a te d $ 6 b i l l i o n b y 2020, according to the federal government. Ocean Networks Canada will add this project to its repertoire of ocea n observatories across the province, including areas such as Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Port Metro Vancouver and the Douglas Channel waterway.

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4 CIDER FROM COWICHAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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OFF THE COVER joined our team a few years ago and has been instrumental in helping us to continually push ourselves to greater heights.

Janet Docherty and Rick Pipes of Merridale Ciderworks

MAY 2014

“ We a re e x t re m e ly bl e s s e d with dedicated people in the cellar and distillery. The passion a nd sk i l l of ou r tea m is

one of our strengths” boasts Pipes. Merrida le Cow icha n Cider Brandy was also recognized in the Aged Apple Brandy Category with a Silver Medal. This cider brandy has been aged in new French Oak Barrels since 2007. It is the first brandy released by Merridale. Co-owner Janet Docherty exclaims “it is so exciting to receive such prestigious awards for our first two releases of aged bra ndy. We have waited more than 6 years for these to be ready for release and we are thrilled with the result. Customers that have had the opportunity to try these brandies have noted the complex flavours that linger after each sip – perfect at the end of the meal or an evening drink.” Merridale Ciderworks Corp.

has been producing all natural apple ciders in Cobble Hill since 1989 and started making craft spirits in 2007. In June 2013 Merridale was accredited by the Province as BC’s first Craft Distillery under the new rules. All of Merridale’s cider and spirits are made from 100% BC grown fruits, fermented and distilled on the farm without the addition of sulfites. Janet Docherty and Rick Pipes have owned Merridale since 2000. The apples used in Merridale’s 6 different ciders are predominantly grown in their orchard in the Cowichan Valley without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The apples are vintage varieties of cider apples originally grown in England and France for their superior cider characteristics.

CONTAINER TRUCKING RATES INCREASE U.S. Customs export changes for used self-propelled vehicles

SL Customs Brokers in Nanaimo closely follows changes that affect its clients. Recently the issue of container truckers’ rates has finished disrupting container movements in and out of Port Metro Vancouver, and here are the results: the importer or exporter of containers is about to pay more. The average increase will add approximately $100 to $150 per container move. After years that saw truckers racing each other to the cheapest rate and back-room deals, the heyday is over. Truckers finally realized that they could no longer make their truck payments, let alone pay a wage. New rules imposed by the provincial government and Port Metro Vancouver will subject trucking firms to strict audits to ensure compliance. As there have been little terminal improvements to increase available appointments, this means truckers will have to make use of both night gates and weekend gates to remove containers. Use of these gate times will again increase costs to importers and exporters.

New rules imposed by the provincial government and Port Metro Vancouver will subject trucking firms to strict audits to ensure compliance T h e r e ’s m o r e n e w s . A s o f September 5, 2014, U.S. Customs w ill no longer accept “paper export reporting.” U.S. Customs has always required that used selfpropelled vehicles such as cars, trucks and machinery be reported not less than 72 hours prior to the goods being exported. Until September 5, U.S. Customs will be on an informed compliance period, but after that date all exports must be filed by their automated export service. Only U.S. companies are able to register for this portal, so if you plan to purchase a used self-propelled vehicle in the U.S., the sellerexporter must find a U.S.-approved company to file the export notice. Failure to properly report the export will result in monetary penalties for the exporter. ISL Customs Brokers is located at 75 Front Street in Nanaimo. Visit www.islbroker.com.

VANCOUVER ISLAND

MAY 2014

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Black Ball lease extension marks new partnership

he Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has signed a three-year lease extension with Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho) to ensure this valuable ferry service between Victoria and Port Angeles continues. Extending the lease to 2016 will allow the ministry and Black Ball time to develop a long-term plan for the wharves. The ministry is also working with the Clipper Ferry to extend its lease. The ministry will carry out an engineering assessment of the wharves used by these ferries to determine their condition, remaining lifespan and what repairs are needed. This information will be used to develop a plan for these assets, based on the scope and cost of repairs. Effective today, the ministry will take responsibility of the Belleville Ferry Terminal properties, as part of the dissolution of the Provincial Capital Commission. This will ensure the Government of B.C. can continue to provide the best possible use of these resources while respecting the interests of taxpayers. The Belleville Ferry Terminal properties will be considered in the Vancouver Island Transportation Strategy, which will

“We are committed to providing residents, commercial operators and tourists with safe, affordable and reliable transportation from Victoria’s Inner Harbour for decades to come” RYAN BURLES PRESIDENT AND COO, BLACK BALL FERRY LINE

work to improve the safe and reliable movement of goods and people by land, rail, air and sea on the Island. The properties will also be part of the province wide 10year transportation plan, which will outline the government’s vision and priorities for the next decade. “Black Ball Ferry Line is pleased to take this first step in partnership with government toward a long-term solution for this important facility. We are committed to providing residents, commercial operators and tourists with safe, affordable and reliable transportation

The MV Coho from Victoria’s Inner Harbour for decades to come,”said president and COO of Black Ball Ferry Line Ryan Burles. The MV Coho provides almost

400,000 passenger trips and carries more than $200 million in commercial goods every year. It generates more than $120 million in economic

activity on Vancouver Island each year and expected to generate more than $1.2 billion in economic activity over the next decade.

MONK OFFICE IS “HOUSE OF YES” Company introduces the new Samsung Pro tablet

eople have trusted Monk Office Supply Ltd. for 62 years for all their office needs. That hasn’t changed, but it has expanded to include IT service and the very latest technology the high-tech world has to offer. One of those “latest and greatest” items is the Samsung Pro tablet. IT category manager Frank Baker calls it the “largest form factor in the market.” With a 12.2-inch screen, it’s bigger than some laptops. “You can travel anywhere and see anything on it,” he said, adding that the Samsung Pro can do more with the S Pen. Instead of clicking through data and documents using a finger click or swipe, the mere tap of the S Pen allows the user to click and integrate a document. “It allows the consumer and the business professional to multitask to a much higher degree,” Baker said. “The Samsung Pro tablets have Hancom Office, which allows them to work in basic documents that are compatible with Microsoft Office. So, instead of dragging that laptop and keyboard around, you have the ability to create and edit documents at the touch of your S Pen.” A s new technolog y like the Samsung Pro becomes available,

“It allows the consumer and the business professional to multitask to a much higher degree”

At Last...

FRANK BAKER IT CATEGORY MANAGER

businesspeople are choosing to purchase from Monk Office. After more than six decades, Monk Office is still the place where they can get everything they need to run their office, including tutorials and firstclass servicing. Whether it’s technology, interiors or Post-it notes, Monk Office does it all. “But the thing that we have and do better than anyone else, is that we do it with the expectation that we provide a service that makes your life easier,” Baker said. “And we have that personal connection that others don’t. We service what we sell. We want to become the ‘House of Yes.’ If you need it, we can do it. And in technology, we can set it all up for you and we can scour our vendors for the unique widgets that you may need to make this the perfect thing for you. We tailor solutions just for you, not for the masses.” Monk Office Supply is located at 800 Viewfield Road in Victoria. Visit www.monk.ca.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND

MAY 2014

Local group puts the focus on families “I know that it has helped me grow personally and it has helped me become a better leader – and I think a lot of people in my group would tell you the same thing”

BY GOODY NIOSI

ndy Spurling joined the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) in 2007 after leaving his job as a lawyer in Toronto to work for his family’s Proline Management Ltd. business in Victoria. Though Spurling jokes t hat he joined CAFE because he was “forced to” by his father, it turned out to be a good thing. “[ My dad] w a nt ed t o ma ke sure that we had all the tools to succeed both on the family side and the business side,” Spurling said, adding that his reservations about joining CAFÉ only subsided after he attended a meeting and heard members of the group, including James McKenzie, president of Monk Office Supply Ltd., speak. “Right away I understood the sort of issues people were talking about and the kind of advice they were getting from people who’d been in family businesses for a long time,” he said. “I immediately knew this would a crucial element in our success, and it’s proven to be that.” Today Spurling is president of CAFE, leading the organization with an aim to see it grow. He says that not-for-profit group was established in 1983 to promote the well-being, understanding and success of families in business.

MIKE BLACK

Mike Black (left) is president of the family-run Capital Iron. With Mike are his wife, Eveline, and children, Nick and Kylie Through 12 Canadian chapters, CAFE provides services, resources and support to those involved in family enterprise, including both extended business families and the advisers that counsel them. By participating in peer groups, seminars and conferences, CAFE provides a forum to share ideas, learn best practices and build collective skills – in other words, it offers an outsider’s perspective with an insider understanding of family business. Every year, the organization honours one Island business with a regional Family Enterprise of the Year Award, putting it in the

running for a national Family Enterprise of the Year Award. This year’s local winner is Capital Iron in Victoria, putting the 80-year-old family firm on par with previous winners like Rogers Communications, the Jim Pattison Group and the Bentall Group of Companies “We have a great team of people from management through to our sales staff. We all buy into the idea that we are a family business and we’re different than corporate Canada,” said Capital Iron president Mike Black, adding it’s that difference that makes CAFE such a valuable organization.

Andy Spurling says CAFE has been crucial to the success of his family business

PRESIDENT, CAPITAL IRON

Black, who’s been a member of CAFE for 19 years, said, “It’s a great opportunity to be involved in discussions and networking with people in similar situations – people in family businesses. It’s great to be around like-minded people.” CAFE, he says, has helped him enormously, particularly through his personal advisory group (PAG), which includes eight to 12 CAFE members from non-competing family businesses who meet monthly to share personal and business experiences in a confidential and supportive environment. “We’re able to talk in there in a confidential setting. It’s all nonjudgmental,” Black explained. “It’s helped me grow personally and … become a better leader

– and I think a lot of people in my group would tell you the same thing.” Capital Iron will share its family business story with 200-plus leaders of family firms from across Canada at the CAFE national awards gala May 21 to 23 in Vancouver. “What CAFE does well is celebrate successes of family businesses in our local economy. It brings together family business members in a constructive way,” Spurling said. “I’d love to expand our membership and … to see at least one family member in a PAG. The ability to work with a family and create and grow together offers so many wonderful opportunities that are to be embraced.”

NANAIMO

MAY 2014

BC SUMMER GAMES A WINNER FOR NANAIMO

NANAIMO KIM SMYTHE

his summer, Nanaimo will be hit by a tsunami of athletic energy when the 2014 BC Summer Games lands on July 17. Residents are warned not to take cover, but to come out in droves and welcome this wave of visitors with their special brand of Nanaimo hospitality. The local economic impact has been estimated to reach as high as $2.6 million. That’s inclusive of the goods and services purchased in the lead-up to the Games and the money spent on hospitality services like hotel rooms, restaurants, souvenirs and all those extra items people buy when on holidays. It’s anticipated that families of the athletes, officials and coaches will spend at least a couple extra days in the area as tourists. It’s up to Nanaimo to encourage these stays and to make them as memorable as possible. In addition, there’s also a ‘Legacy Fund’ which represents the difference between the amount

the Friends of the Games group receives in contributions from the local business community and the amount spent to stage the Games. In 2002, Nanaimo set a provincial record for the Fund and the obvious goal in 2014 is to beat our past record. The Games provide an opportunity for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition. There are 19 sports represented this year involving up to 3,900 athletes, coaches and officials from all over the province. Organizers are seeking around 3,200 volunteers with a wide range of skills and talents to ensure success. There is an incred-

The local economic impact has been estimated to reach as high as $2.6 million ible variety of volunteer needs, from office assistance to security and photography to chaperones with time commitments ranging from a few hours during the Games to the planning and preparation going on now. The easiest and fastest way to become part of this success is to sign up as a volunteer online at www.bcgames.org and include yourself in this phenomenal event which will prove to enrich our community in many ways.

NANAIMO

Nanaimo approves hotel tax to boost tourism

he City of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Hospitality Association (NHA) and the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (Tourism Nanaimo) are working to secure a new source of funding for developing Nanaimo as a tourism destination. Nanaimo will be taking another step toward developing the potential of its tourism industry by applying for approval from the Provincial Ministries of Finance and Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training to implement the 2% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). “I am very pleased that the new hotel tax has now been finalized”, said Nanaimo Mayor, John Ruttan. “The revenue collected will be used to help develop Nanaimo as a tourism destination and will include the creation of several new multi-day festivals while also supporting the Snuneymuxw First Nation with their plans to enhance the cultural and educational experience of Newcastle Island”. “Snuneymuxw is very grateful for the opportunity to make Newcastle Island a world class destination for tourism, the collaborative approach

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between the City, Nanaimo Hospitality Association and Snuneymuxw will enhance the adventure of Newcastle Island for locals along with the global sector,” said Chief John Wesley “The accommodation operators in Nanaimo strongly believe that we must give people a reason to stop and visit the city that we all know and love. We must increase overnight stays”, said Dan Brady, Chair of the NHA. “The monies generated by the MRDT will help support Snuneymuxw First Nation in the work to enhance the cultural and educational experience of Newcastle (Saysutshun) and will augment the great work currently being done by Tourism Nanaimo and the NEDC.” “Supporting a host of industries, the tourism sector is an important economic engine. This important new investment will help bring new visitors to our region to have a great tourism experience, and will create household sustaining jobs in our community,” said Sasha Angus, CEO of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation.

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NANAIMO

MAY 2014

NANAIMO

NASA uses Nanaimo technology for important research Nanaimo’s Seamor Marine is on cutting edge BY GOODY NIOSI

team of scientists from NASA’s Ames Research Centre and Vancouver’s Nuytco Research Ltd., a world leader in the development and operation of undersea technology, was in Nanaimo the week of April 14, conducting tests of Seamor Marine’s ROV technology in the Nanaimo harbour.

“Seamor is the ultimate ROV in the world. It’s been called by some experts, the RollsRoyce of ROVs. TERRY KNIGHT MARKETING ASSOCIATE, SEAMOR MARINE

Terry Knight, marketing associate with Seamor Marine and founder of Inuktun Services that pioneered the Seamor technology, says that the research team paid its first visit a year ago on the way to its research centre at Pavilion Lake in the province’s interior. “They stopped by our place and asked if they could borrow a Seamor,” Knight said. “The research project has to do with studying microbialites.” Fossil microbialites represent some of the earliest remnants of life on Earth, and

Terry Knight says the Seamor is the ultimate ROV three of the ongoing research to explain the origin of freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake and adjacent Kelly’s Lake. She said NASA has determined that Seamor’s ROVs are “very maneuverable and efficient” for the work required, and the technicians from Seamor that are working with the NASA team have proven themselves to be “highly professional.” She said that the role of the ROV is to help with that exploration and that the team was happy to partner with Seamor on the project. Seamor’s ROVs will be transported to Pavilion Lake in June where the NASA scientists intend to once again attach

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were common from approximately 2.5 billion to 540 million years ago. NASA team leader Darlene Lim says the research has “direct applications” for looking for life on other worlds because it allows scientists to learn how to operate robotics in alien and extreme environments. This year the team came back to Seamor Marine, this time adding its own sensors and tracking systems to the ROV. After bolting its equipment on to the Seamor, the team, which worked in conjunction with researchers from Seamor and the Nanaimo Port Authority, tested it in the area where the Rivtow Lion was sunk many years ago to form an artificial reef off the northwest end of Newcastle Island. Lim says the tests in the Nanaimo harbour are the “dress rehearsal” for phase

their own sensory and tracking devices to the equipment for the test trials to begin. The labour and the equipment for the project are being donated by Seamor. Knight says the company sees the chance to work with NASA as a great opportunity. He also says that he wasn’t surprised that Seamor was their choice for an underwater ROV. “Seamor is the ultimate ROV in the world. It’s been called by some experts, the Rolls-Royce of ROVs. But actually, one of the primary reasons they came to us was because Seamor has a built a good reputation in the industry over the years. Seamor is actually the technology that we founded Inuktun Services on.” www.seamormarine.com

MAY 2014

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NEW LISTING - Mul�ple units available in a highly visible loca�on. Sizes range from 985 to 1,365 sq �. For Sale | Prices starƟng at $199,000

Ideal loca�on to operate your business from. High-tech industrial zoning, high visibility, central Nanaimo loca�on. For Sale l $460,000 l $620,000

CAYET, Comox Valley

4901 & 4951 Jordan Ave, Nanaimo

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Opportunity to posi�on your business in the new industrial development in central Nanaimo. 1 acre lots available. For Sale | Prices StarƟng at $529,000

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Island Hwy, Beachfront Parksville

Superb 7 acre oceanfront site with a development permit for 81 detached resort units. For Sale | $4,975,000

75 Acre Development Property

Comox Valley opportunity for pa�o home or mul�-family development. Development plans available. For Sale | $6,600,000

430 developable acres of zoned commercial/mixed use/residen�al land, various lot sizes available. Contact LisƟng Broker for pricing

HIGH VISIBILITY 10 light industrial and commercial zoned lots ranging from 1,500 to 10,000 sq �. For Sale or For Lease

RETAIL/OFFICE D - 2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

RARE OPPORTUNITY to posi�on your business in the Co-op Centre. Approx 18,550 sq � commercial space. For Lease | $11.75 per sq Ō

425 Madsen Rd, Nanaimo

16,000 sq � of prime light industrial space. Comprised of a warehouse, 6 oﬃces, showroom etc. For Lease | $9.25 per sq Ō

1450 Waddington Rd, Nanaimo

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Ideally located near NRGH. Medical themed complex. For Lease l $15.00 per sq Ō

2160 & 2190 Island Hwy

Prime commercial zoned corner lot in the Willow Point region in Campbell River. Redevelopment opportunity. For Sale l $1,190,000

Information contained herein has been obtained from the owners or sources deemed reliable by DTZ Nanaimo Real Estate Ltd. While we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, we regret we cannot guarantee such information. All measurements and other information herein should be independently verified by the reader or prospective user and is subject to the user’s own inspection of the premises and due diligence work and to the user’s satisfaction with the results of such review.

DTZ Nanaimo Real Estate Ltd. | TF: 800 769 5757 | T: 250 753 5757 | www.dtznanaimo.com

NANAIMO

MAY 2014

NANAIMO

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taffQuest Placement Group is back in Nanaimo. In all fairness, it actually never left: it had a name change for four yeas while it existed as an Express Employment Professionals franchise, but as of mid-April it is once again a wholly locally owned employment and recruitment centre. StaffQuest Placement Group was founded by president and CEO Melodi Wood in September 1995. She and her husband, a lawyer, had moved to Nanaimo from Vancouver and when he looked for a recruitment agency because he needed to hire a conveyancer, he couldn’t find one. Wood was immediately inspired to say, “I’m going to open one of those.” She admits that her husband was skeptical, but she set up her office and started sending a temp office worker out every now and then. In other

Nanaimo’s IT experts Your IT department

words, business was not exactly booming. But that changed quickly once word got out that StaffQuest was a professional, dedicated agency that had a knack for finding the right person for the job. “The business grew markedly year after year,” Wood said. “We provide everything: we pay them, we do all the employee remittals, we do WCB – we do all that stuff. And the companies don’t have to worry about any liability either – we take all that on. They can just call us for flexible staffing, and then if they want to hire them permanently, we also have an option for that.” By 2009, the company was billing $1.2 million annually. Most of the positions StaffQuest is asked to fill are office jobs, However, the company was also the first in Nanaimo to own a labour division, which it sold in 2006. Recently, it once again created a department for labour employees. Wood stresses that StaffQuest is a full hiring and recruitment firm. It has supplied companies with controllers, engineers, accountants and other professionals, including the general manager for the Nanaimo Golf Club from New York.

“We’d never recruited for a golf course at that point,” Wood said. “But we figured out how to.” How-to is what has made StaffQuest so successful. Woods says she has resources on and off-line that help her perform what may sometimes appear to be daunting tasks, like the time the former Nanaimo call centre, NCO requested 175 employees for three months. “That was the biggest order we ever had,” Wood said. “We did everything. We pulled out all the stops. Apart from going downtown and saying to people, ‘Do you have a job? – we did it all.” At the office, the staff had a white board where the numbers were totted up day by day. It took three weeks to hit 175 – and at the end of the three-month period, quite a number of those temporary workers became permanent staff. It was an intense time, Wood says, but even finding the one perfect candidate for a job can require concentrated focus. The company posts on all its resources and when candidates begin to make inquiries, interviews start, often through Skype. “From Nanaimo, we’ve recruited right across Canada,” Wood said, noting that she currently manages a large project in Sarnia, Ontario for a BC client. “They knew we could do it,” Wood said. “We’ve done work for this client all over BC.” In 2009, Wood decided to become a member of a franchise because she believed the move could help her grow and serve her clients better. Today, more than four years later, she has returned to her roots. She says that she has seen other recruitment firms in the area rise and fall, while StaffQuest remained strong. “I think one of the reasons for that is providing quality service and quality candidates to my clients and quality jobs to my candidates,” she said. “It is so important to me. I love what I do. I have such a passion for this work. And I love people. It’s so exciting and so rewarding, when I go into an office five years later and I see three of my people still sitting there, where we placed them.” She says that with the recent uptick in the economy, her agency is seeing more movement and hearing from clients who have been absent for quite some time. It’s an exciting time to be in business, she says. “I’m so fortunate to work with so many incredible businesses here. I love it and my clients have made it all possible for me. I think the relationship speaks for itself. They have confidence that we will do what we say we will do.” StaffQuest Placement Group i s at 3-2025 B owen Road i n Nanaimo. www.staffquest.ca

NANAIMO

MAY 2014

NANAIMO

Balanced Market Conditions Good News New Chair Named for Buyers and Sellers at Nanaimo Airport “We are coming off of Commission

om e s a l e s a c ro s s t h e Vancouver Island region have remained relatively steady over the past four months, indicating stability and renewed confidence in the residential housing market. A total of 360 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service system in the VIREB coverage area in April 2014. This represents a 1.1% increase over unit sales recorded last month, and a 12% decrease in unit sales over April of last year. According to VIREB president, Blair Herbert, although unit sales have edged down slightly from this time last year, when looking at the 12 month-to-date comparative figures, the Board is actually reporting a 15% increase. “We are coming off of four months of strong sales activity in 2014, compared to a slow market in the first quarter of 2013, so we are not concerned by the slight dip in activity this month,” said Herbert. Total active listings on the MLS in the VIREB coverage area currently sit at 2,654, a 4.26% decline from April 2013. “While our inventory levels are still lagging a bit from last year, our sales to listing ratio is

still fairly typical,” said Herbert. “This is helping to keep us in balanced market territory, with pricing remaining relatively stable overall.” In April 2014, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the VIREB coverage area was $314,500 with an MLS HPI index value of 147.8. (This represents a 47.8 per cent increase since January 2005, when the index was 100). The benchmark price is up 0.54 per cent from last month and increased 1.51 per cent over last year. The average price of a single-family home in the VIREB area was $343,353 which is up 6% over this time last year. “Low interest rates continue to underpin demand in the spring market,” noted BCREA’s chief economist, Cameron Muir. “We anticipate a seasonal influx of listing activity, and anticipate the second half of the year will be stronger in terms of sales activity as the economy begins to pick up.” The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $268,000, up 4.78 per cent over this time last year; in the Comox Valley the benchmark price was $319,600 marking a slight increase of 0.46 per cent

four months of strong sales activity in 2014, compared to a slow market in the first quarter of 2013, so we are not concerned by the slight dip in activity this month”

ohn Craig took over the Chair position at the Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) at the Commission’s Annual General Meeting on April 8. Craig is succeeding Chair, Russ Burke, who has been in the role since 2012. Craig has been a member of the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors since 2010 and was nominated to the Board by the Cowichan Valley Regional District. His career spanned more than 25 years with major development companies and as president of his own company. John’s experience in commercial development and his background as Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Regional Airport Authority are valuable assets to the NAC. “It’s a great time to be stepping into this role”, shares Craig. “With passenger numbers growing and the attraction of additional air carriers in the works, we are in a unique position to increase our revenue stream from responsible land development. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to Chair the board for the next chapter at the Nanaimo Airport.” In addition to the new Chair,

BLAIR HERBERT VIREB PRESIDENT

over last year; Duncan reports a benchmark price of $283,100 which is virtually unchanged from last year, increasing a mere .07 per cent; Nanaimo’s benchmark price was $335,700 up 2.86 per cent over last year; Parksville/Qualicum has a benchmark price of $349,500, rising 1.58 per cent from last year; and the price for a benchmark home in Port Alberni is listed at $183,600, an increase of 3.17 per cent over last year.

“It’s a great time to be stepping into this role” JOHN CRAIG NAC’S NEW CHAIR

Lucie Gosselin has been appointed as Vice Chair and Director Ray Gauthier was also reappointed for another three-year term. The Commission is comprised of up to nine Directors and a past Chair, all appointed by the Commission. Of the nine directors, four are selected by the Commission to represent the community at large and the remaining five appointments represent these entities as indicated by the NAC bylaws: The City of Nanaimo, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Town of Ladysmith and the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

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VICTORIA

MAY 2014

RESPONDING ONLINE... to customer complaints Consumers are taking their complaints online and BBB believes that promptly and effectively responding to complaints is necessary if a company wants to maintain a reputation for great customer service.

Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO

The old adage is that a satisﬁed customer will tell three people and an unsatisﬁed customer will tell ten. However, with the advent of blogs, Twitter, and YouTube, disgruntled customers can now share their rant about a company for the whole world to hear.

The Internet empowers customers to air their grievances like a megaphone to the world which can be a scary prospect for a business owner. Instead of being scared, companies should view the Internet as a great tool to work directly with disgruntled customers, ﬁx the issue and hopefully turn them into a repeat customer.

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In the same way that an online rant can damage a company’s reputation, successfully handling complaints online can showcase a company’s dedication to customer service, setting it apart from the competition. Customer complaints can be found on customer review sites like Yelp.com, TripAdvisor, blogs, Twitter, YouTube and in the comment sections of newspapers online. Regardless of where the complaint is found online, BBB offers the following advice to small business owners on responding to customer rants: Continually monitor the online conversation. Google Alerts will send you e-mail messages when people post comments online or if your company is mentioned in the news. One of the easiest ways to monitor the conversation, however, is to simply do an Internet search of your company’s name every couple days, keeping an eye out for new results. Offer full disclosure. When defending your company online, don’t pretend to be an unbiased consumer. Tech savvy individuals can easily deduce who is behind comments so it’s best to be honest and admit up-front that you represent the company. Take the conversation offline. Some companies have made the mistake of hashing out disputes online for everyone to see. Instead, keep online responses polite and direct and ask the customer if you can contact them directly by e-mail or phone to discuss the speciﬁc details of their complaint. Don’t say anything privately that you wouldn’t want public. Just because you’ve taken the conversation offline, it doesn’t mean that your e-mails and phone conversations won’t end up on the Internet, so always remain polite and professional. Follow through. Don’t drop the conversation when resolving a dispute and always follow through on promises. Consider providing a little extra perk, such as coupons, after the issue has been resolved. Know when to walk away. There’s no satisfying some angry customers and at times a small business owner can only offer a sincere apology and walk away from the conversation. For more BBB advice on providing great customer service both on and off-line visit www.bbb.org/vancouver-island.

*Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus used under license.

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A&R Homes (Victoria) Excalibur Custom Homes Ltd. (Nanaimo) Bridge Strata Planning Ltd. (Victoria) City Centre Chiropractic Clinic (Victoria) Excel Hardwood Floor Reﬁnishing (Victoria) Moore's Cleaning & Maintenance Service (Comox) MobiMaps (Victoria) Buy the Yard (Victoria) Wolf Creek Survival Tech Inc. (Victoria) Dean's Marine Ltd. (Duncan)

MAY 2014

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE BRITISH COLUMBIA

CHOOSING THE RIGHT INVESTMENT ADVISОR IS KEY Investment advisers build strategies based on client needs BY GOODY NIOSI

hen it comes to i nvesting, Jason Flint, an investment adviser with Ivory Wealth Management in Langley, B.C., has an important piece of advice: get help. In other words, people should get recom mend at ion s f rom friends when looking for an investment adviser and, very importantly, sit down with them and talk. “It’s kind of like a first blind date,” he said. “Get to know them. When you work with an investment adviser you’re not buying a product, you’re buying that investment adviser. You’re putting your trust in that person to guide you through the coming years.” Finding the cheapest adviser is not necessarily the best strategy, either; rather, it’s about finding someone aligned with your interests. Once you’ve selected your adviser, Flint recommends you answer the following questions with that person: What am I investing the money for (e.g., retirement, buying a house, an exotic vacation) and where do I invest (e.g., RRSPs, TFSAs, stocks, bonds)? “There are many great investments out there but what’s the best investment for you in your situation?” he said. “Then we have to look at what’s going on in the economic landscape. Where are interest rates? What’s going on in the stock market? Are there any big political issues? These

things determine where we invest and we have to respect that.” For Flint, the best way to invest is to first consider all the facts. Frank Allen, financial adviser and president of the Frank Allen Financial Group Inc. in Nanaimo, agrees that a competent financial adviser asks questions, and plenty of them.

Last year, the U.S. and other markets outperformed Canada – and that’s another reason to have a diversified portfolio. Allen says some people, who make it their business to be well i n formed, ca n ma nage thei r own portfolios, but most don’t have the time or inclination to do that. “Just make sure you deal with someone who asks a lot of questions rather than telling you what to do,” he said.

RICHARD HOBBS SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISER, INVESTORS GROUP, VICTORIA

Frank Allen says that financial advisers must ask questions first “If you’re coming to me with money, my job is to ask lots of questions first,” Allen said, noting that he recently saw an episode of Marketplace on CBC that featured a number of financial advisers telling a client where to put her dollars. “And they hadn’t even asked any questions,” he said. “It’s ludicrous. Depending on your age and situation and whether you

have a pension income – all of those are factors as to where you should be putting money today.” Overall, Allen says it still makes sense to implement a balanced approach to investing, especially since, without a doubt, interest rates will rise at some point. He adds that a large percentage of Canadians are burdened with mortgages and have the majority of their income tied up in real estate. It doesn’t really matter whether you buy or rent (though Allen favours owning a home) – the key is to live in it rather than count on it as a sole investment and a hedge against the future, because having all the money tied up in real estate is not a balanced approach.

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Richard Hobbs says that finding the right adviser is a big job Richard Hobbs, senior financial consultant at Investors Group in Victoria agrees that the first job of a financial adviser is to ask questions. SEE INVESTMENT | PAGE 14

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14 INVESTMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

“There is no one perfect solution. Every person … lives with a different set of circumstances and one of the things I really try to encourage people to do is understand, first of all, what they are trying to achieve with their money. Money needs have to have purpose and direction.” The choices people have for saving and growing their money include TFSAs, RRSPs and even insurance solutions. After that, investment decisions usually come down to what to put your money into. Hobbs says one of the problems with today’s low inflationary times are low interest rates on deposits, and that means people have to accept some monetary risk if they want higher returns. “What I’ve learned in the last 20 to 25 years is that most people have learned to build some risk tolerance into their investment habits,” he explained. “They’re quite willing to take a small amount of risk to increase their investment return but then that return is something that needs to be thought about as a long-term commitment.”

Jason Flint believes smart investment requires the help of a professional Hobbs points out that pension plans are almost always managed with risk but, because people don’t see how they are managed, they don’t worry about the risk. “The long-term statistical history of investments in general suggest that taking risks will end up providing rewards,” he said, adding that one of his missions is to educate people when it comes to managing their finances. To that end, Hobbs teaches seminars at Camosun College several times a year and has even written a book: W hen Money Hurts: 10 Prescriptions for LongTerm Financial Health. He also takes the time to get to get to know potential clients before making a commitment to them – after all, finding the right adviser is a big job. “Some of that gets into understanding the educational background of the adviser, what their qualifications are, what designations they carry and, beyond that

INVESTMENT FOCUS

MAY 2014

… what level of conversation can I get into with this individual?” Hobbs explained, adding, “Instinct, I think, is a pretty good gage.”

Rob Oleksyn says people have to do their due diligence when selecting a financial adviser Rob Oleksyn, investment adviser with Valley First Investment Services i n Penticton, agrees that people searching for someone to help them with their finances need to research a potential adviser’s education and credentials first, but they also need to know how that adviser is getting paid. Oleksyn explains that, if a financial adviser’s income derives from a mutual fund, odds are that he or she is a seller and not a genu i ne adv iser. A lso, once you’ve settled on an adviser, you must be honest with that person about your situation and clear about your financial goals. “You have to pinpoint what is your biggest priority and go from there,” he said. “Sometimes you get lucky and get a two for one, as I call them. You can make an RRSP contribution and fund your retirement but, with the income tax that you get back, you can pay down your mortgage. That’s where people struggle, I think – every th i ng seems equa l ly important.” And that, he says, is where a good, experienced investment adviser can help sort through what is really important and where an investment can have the biggest payoff. Oleksyn likes to use the follow i ng a na log y: ver y few people build a house with their own hands. They hire an expert. The same should hold true when it comes to your money. And, just like you would take great care in choosing the right contractor, you must do your due diligence in selecting a financial adviser. “Are they adding value to your life or are they just selling products?” he asked. “Simple tools like retirement calculators and mortgage calculators – if they can’t use those sorts of tools or show them to you, then run to someone who can.”

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CELEBRATING SUCCESS

MAY 2014

MCCULLOUGH TEAM PRESENTS MAXIMUM VALUE HOME AUDIT

YEARS

rian McCullough and his son Myles McCullough of McCullough Marketing Services have one overriding goal: to bring as much value to their home-selling and home-buying clients as possible. For sellers that means a thorough assessment of their home and property. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to get an understanding of what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to achieve,â&#x20AC;? Brian McCullough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is their end goal? The analysis we do is done not only in relationship to the general market, but to the market in their neighbourhood as well: they are two different things.â&#x20AC;? With 35 years experience in the business and more than 100 awards to his credit, McCullough knows how to compare a home with others in the area. He knows the details that go into making it better â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and what needs to be done to make it comparable. Right pricing is essential in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tight market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you price it too high, the property will just sit,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And it will reduce and reduce, usually lower than what it should have been to start with. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very crucial that it comes on the market priced right; and the first two or three weeks are the most critical.â&#x20AC;? One of the tools the McCullough Team offers free of charge to potential clients is a unique customized Maximum Home Value Audit offered solely by Brian and Myles in Nanaimo, which shows people how to get the absolute highest price the market will pay for their home. It demonstrates the difference between functional and cosmetic issues, how inexpensive problems may be costing the client thousands of dollars and how to stage their home so that it looks its best. McCullough also works with a professional home stager, professional photographer and narrated virtual tour expert at no additional cost to the seller.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The home audit will pinpoint a lot of different things that need to be done. If we can get those things handled, people will see the house at its bestâ&#x20AC;? BRIAN MCCULLOUGH MCCULLOUGH MARKETING SERVICES

Brian and Myles McCullough are the award-winning McCullough Team â&#x20AC;&#x153;The home audit will pinpoint a lot of different things that need to be done,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we can get those things handled, people will see the house at its best.â&#x20AC;? The McCullough Team takes just as much time with buyers, analyzing what they are looking for and making sure they are pre-qualified. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have mortgage brokers we work with,â&#x20AC;? McCullough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get

buyers qualified for a mortgage that best suits their needs and lifestyle.â&#x20AC;? He notes that people who are prequalified for a mortgage in advance can negotiate an offer with more credibility. One of the biggest frustrations for sellers is going through the process of dealing with an offer only to have it collapse when the buyer is turned down for a mortgage.

The McCullough Team has the advantage of working with the top real estate brokerage in the world. In Nanaimo, RE/MAX of Nanaimo maintains a 52% market share compared with other real estate companies and 65% of its listings are sold by its own brokers. Because RE/MAX has a global presence, potential buyers around the world can view local properties and choose from a drop-down menu to read about them in the language of their choice. Many factors give the McCullough Team an edge, but the most important one is personal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that you have nothing in life if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trust and respect,â&#x20AC;? McCullough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that if you concentrate your business on doing good things for people, good things come to you.â&#x20AC;? He recalls a conversation by Ron Toigo of White Spot who shared wisdom from his own father: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You only have one name and it takes a lifetime to build it, and one mistake to ruin it.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think one of the reasons that 70% of our business each year comes by referral from past clients themselves is because of this simple philosophy,â&#x20AC;? McCullough said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that if you treat your clients the way they deserve to be treated, they will recommend you to others.â&#x20AC;?

AWARD-WINNING TEAM HAS BEEN SELLING HOMES FOR 35 YEARS McCullough Marketing Team is located at RE/MAX of Nanaimo at 1-5140 Metral Drive in Nanaimo. Visit www.mmshomes.com.

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MAY 2014

Campbell & Fairweather in new location at Portsmouth Professional Centre SPOTLIGHT

Psychology Group is integral part of health care on Vancouver Island Campbell & Fair weather Psychology Group, one of the largest psychological health-care providers on Vancouver Island, has recently m ove d to n ew pr emis e s in th e Portsmouth Professional Centre in Nanaimo. Partner Leanne Campbell says the practice had simply outgrown its space on Brickyard Road. In the new location, the practice has grown from seven to 12 offices with six staff and 12 clinicians including nine registered psychologists and three registered clinical counsellors, with another psychologist joining in June. Campbell & Fairweather Psychology Group offers comprehensive and accessible psychological services to the ent ire Vancouver I sland community. Its range of psychological ser vices includes individual p s ych oth er apy, a s s e s sm ent , consultation, neuropsychology, child and family therapy and workshops. The practice works with various agencies including rehabilitation companies, insurance companies, schools, universities, treatment centres, First Nations groups, childprotection services and the criminal justice system. Campbell & Fairweather is also known for its specialty services that are not readily available with other agencies such as Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), autism

The Campbell & Fairweather staff participates regularly in educational opportunities assessments and neuropsychology and forensic psychology assessments. Partner David Fairweather notes that both he and Campbell are also EFT trainers who do training across Canada, the United States and even in Europe. Campbell says that EFT is a remarkable approach with scientific outcome data showing that 90% of couples report increased relationship satisfaction after a course of EFT for couples. “It’s so rewarding,” Campbell said about psychotherapy work. “It’s wonderful to witness and experience the transformations that occur and that provide a foundation for ongoing growth and development.” Fairweather said that the work is a genuine pleasure: “To be able to participate in a process where people share and explore the most important thoughts and feelings they have and to have the opportunity to

LEANNE CAMPBELL PARTNER, CAMPBELL & FAIRWEATHER PSYCHOLOGY GROUP

Leanne Campbell and David Fairweather recently moved their offices to new premises on Portsmouth Road

It was a privilege to be your General Contractor

Congrats Campbell Fairweather 250 729 7540

Congratulations to Campbell & Fairweather on your milestone. 2980-103rd Street, Nanaimo, BC

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Leanne Campbell and David Fairweather

“It’s wonderful to witness and experience the transformations that occur and that provide a foundation for ongoing growth and development”

Congratulations Campbell & Fairweather

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help them move forward to a better place is a real privilege.” The founding of Campbell & Fa i r w e a t h e r i n 2 0 0 6 w a s t h e fulfillment of a long-held goal. The partners met when they were both studying at the University of Ottawa in the early 1990s. Speaking about their growing group of clinicians, Campbell said, “We all have a strong work ethic. Each member of the practice shares a strong commitment to quality service and to working and growing together. As a consequence of increasing referrals over the years, what started with maybe seven professionals with specialty areas, became teams. For example, our child and family team grew from one to five. The same is true of other areas of expertise that we have in our practice.”

(250) 591-0933 www.kwumut.org

Twice each month the practice closes its doors for two hours so that every member of the practice, including the front desk and accounting staff, can engage in continuing education opportunities. Professionals from the community are invited to speak and share their expertise. The team of clinicians also meets regularly to discuss professional and ethical issues. This is also a time to train and share information gleaned from conferences and seminars. Regular gather ings and team competitions that include family and the sought-after C & F trophy are also a central part of the practice philosophy. “We see ourselves as an integral part of the health-care system on the Island and are committed to working with our clients and other health-care providers to help our clients move forward and reach their unique potential,”

Campbell said. “An anchoring belief is that a team-oriented, collaborative approach and communication with other community professionals leads to enhanced service quality and continuity of care.” Fairweather said, “In a nutshell, I think we’re tr y ing to build cohesiveness and collaboration and a strong unit in terms of being dedicated to high-quality service.” He says that the front-end staff knows the areas of expertise of each clinician and can help match potential clients with therapists and services. “I think there’s a real breadth and depth we can provide that also makes us a unique clinic in the area.” Campbell added that a central goal of the practice is to continue to provide top-quality service to the community “and to work with other professionals within Portsmouth Professional Centre as it grows as well.” Campbell & Fairweather Psychology Group is located at 2016543 Portsmouth Road in Nanaimo. Visit www.cfpsych.ca.

Proud to Support Campbell Fairweather Ted Boe Esq.,Bsc.,LLB. 5758 Broadway Road Nanaimo,B.C. V9V 1E9

Tel: 250-758-5810 • Fax: 250-758-5814 Email: tedboelawco@shaw.ca

250 751 6722

PORT ALBERNI

MAY 2014

EXCELLENCE AWARDS CELEBRATES BEST OF THE ALBERNI VALLEY

PORT ALBERNI BILL COLLETTE

he Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed 175 guests including 36 finalists to our Community Excellence Awards Ceremony held on April 25th at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. From all accounts this was a wonderful event as quoted by one individual “Wow, this was a big city event!” We of course must acknowledge all of our supporters of the event including our Title Sponsor; The See Group of Companies. Mr. See and his team operate several local businesses including Alberni Toyota, Alberni Chrysler, Beaver Creek Home Centre, and others. Many other local companies stepped up in our Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsor levels and

others yet contributed via ‘in kind’ donations. Our 36 finalists came from a nominee pool of nearly 200 individuals and businesses and from those, our Selection Committee determined the eventual 12 winners. Our Social Media Award went to Louise Pearson of Finishing Touches, a business embracing new marketing strategies complementing her 35+ years of business. The Tourism and Hospitality award went to Mike Surrell and his team at Lady Rose Marine Services. We are all familiar with Lady Rose Marine but upon investigation we learned that his crew have impressed many through the summaries received via Trip Advisor. The Customer Service Award went to second year finalist - Ms. Dani Hovind, a 17+ year Manager with the local Tim Hortons franchise. A new award this year dubbed “Image Enhancement” found finalists from all corners of the area with the eventual winner a n nou nced as - Sproat Lake Landing. That organization welcomed another award some 24 hours earlier so clearly they are on the right track! The Green Award went to the local Salvation Army, a group that is often easy to overlook and ignore. Ms. Esther Kaiser

Our 36 finalists came from a nominee pool of nearly 200 individuals and businesses and from those, our Selection Committee determined the eventual 12 winners.

Left, Morgan Kennah of Island Timberlands (sponsor) presenting the Image Enhancement award to Jeff Stephenson of Sproat Lake Landing. accepted the award for the Salvation Army. Kim Heeks owner of the local Jiffy Mart took home the Rising Star Award which honored him and his business for their impressive start as a ‘young’ local operation. T he Special Recognition Award went to Linda Bowers a nd tea m at Boutique Belles Amies. Linda’s store works hard with Breast Cancer Survivors

and two of them have specialized training in that area. Our Volu nteer of the yea r awa rd went to Ms. Gareth Flostrand, a most impressive woman who always gives back. The Youth of the Year award went to Nathaniel Wynans who wowed all of us with his resume including a new video that he has developed for the Alberni Ca na l Dow nw i nd Cha l lenge

set for Satu rday, Ju ne 14th. T he Ch a mber of Com merce awa rd went to Di rector Bob Kanngiesser, a most worthy recipient. The Business Excellence Award, sponsored by our new Save-On-Foods, was picked up by our well known ‘German Gem’ the Little Bavaria Restaurant. And finally, the Citizen of the Year award went to our very own Shaw TV host Ms. Nancy Wilmot. Nancy is well known, very much admired, and like everyone listed here, is a most deserving winner. Bill Collette is executive director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach him at 250-7246535 or bill@albernichamber.ca. •

PORT ALBERNI

CROWDFUNDING MAY LAUNCH LOCAL CRAFT BREWERY Twin City Brewing Company culmination of a dream BY GOODY NIOSI

pening a craft brewery doesn’t just require a vision a nd a passion for beer: it also costs a considerable amount of money. So Aaron Colyn, an Alberni District Secondary School g raduate a nd ow ner of Twin City Brewing Company, has turned to crowdfunding via the website indigogo. com in an attempt to raise $6,800 to pu rchase a pi lot brew i ng system. The 25-year-old graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science from Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo two years ago. It was there that he was first exposed to craft beer, an event that altered his original plan of attending medial school. “I did a whole course in fermentation and the biology behind that – and that was what really sparked my passion,” he said. “And then I realized that most of the people I went to school with were a lot more passionate about working in the medical field than I was. I decided to go with what was really appealing to me.” After graduating, Colyn started brewing beer at home. At the same time he investigated other craft breweries and what made them successful. He decided that Port Alberni was the

“The people here are hard-working people in the forestry and mill industries. They drink beer so I want to provide a really good product, and a company that the town can really be proud of.” AARON COLYN OWNER, TWIN CITY BREWING COMPANY

perfect location for his brewery. “There’s a lot of stuff going on here. There are mountains, lakes, rivers – there’s everything. It’s kind of this quintessential small town on the island, which I really love. And the people here are hard-working people in the forestry and mill industries. They drink beer so I want to provide a really good product, and a company that the town can really be proud of.” As of April 28, Colyn had raised $2,175 in a 39-day campaign with about 26 days to go. Donations include about 10 - $100 contributions and many in lesser amounts.

Meanwhile, he has been brewing many different batches of beer. At the same time, he holds down a full-time job and works on updating and honing his business plan. The all-grain pilot brewing system he is crowdfunding for is one that most breweries would use to test new recipes and new styles of beer. “I’m really passionate about this idea,” he said. “The main thing I’m trying to do is gauge interest in Port Alberni and see what people think of this idea.” Once he has the equipment, he still won’t be able to brew and sell beer. For that he needs a provincial license. “I’m going to be focusing on recipe formulation and narrowing down exactly the kind of beer I want to make in my brewery. Once I have a really high quality product that I can stand behind and I’m consistent with, I’m going to be presenting that and getting more people behind me and the product.” It’s a question of attracting investors and setting up a brewery in town, he says. “It’s the first step. I want to make sure the beer is good.” To donate to the crowdfunding campaign, check out Twin City Brewing’s Indigogo.com page at (igg.me») and follow along with its progress at its Facebook page.

Aaron Conlyn is using crowdfunding to launch his craft brewery

MAY 2014

AGS Business Systems Inc. is in a new location in Nanaimo. “We’re dedicated to Vancouver Island and we’re always looking for other opportunities to expand the business into other locations on the Island,”

SPOTLIGHT

Company has long history of success

GS Business Systems Inc. has a new home in Nanaimo The business system sales and service company, which is now in its 38th year, recently moved into its new location at 1850 Northfield Road. Owners Bill and Jackie Millar and Peter Moss had been searching for a building to purchase for years, and the new site, on one of the busiest streets in Nanaimo, is equally visible as their former office on Bowen Road, where they’d been for the past seven years. “We’re dedicated to Vancouver Island and we’re always looking for other opportunities to expand the business into other locations on the Island,” said Millar, president of the company which also has locations in Parksville, on Stanford Avenue, and Courtenay, on Cliffe Avenue. “We’ve worked hard to make the business what it is today.” AGS offers sales and service for Ricoh copiers, printers, faxes, computers and business machines, and covers the Island from the Cowichan Valley to Port Hardy with 20 staff members. “Our sales and service teams a re on t he road con sta nt ly,

Congratulations AGS, from your friends at Invest Northwest Publishing www.businessvi.ca

250 758 2684

BILL MILLAR OWNER AND PRESIDENT, AGS BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC.

The new AGS location at 1850 Northfield Road offers high visibility meeting with existing and potentially new customers and introducing them to the newest ways of printing, scanning, copying and other office requirements that are currently available in a field where technological advances move quickly,” Millar said. “When customers call us requiring service, they usually need assistance right away in a busy office environment, so we’d be nowhere without our service teams and their hard work.” The Millars welcomed Moss as a partner four years ago, and the arrangement has worked wonderfully for the company. Bill Millar, as President, oversees the office; Jackie looks after several key accounts, and Moss, who joined AGS after a lengthy and successful tenure as a dealer-owner, then Ricoh branch sales manager in Edmonton, is the company’s Vice President of Sales Vancouver Island. “We’ve been able to grow a solid business on the Island, and we’re

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very glad to have Peter join us and help us keep the momentum going,” said Millar, who bought the business on January 1, 1993 with his wife and partner Jackie from Allen Smallenberg, who founded the business. Jackie first met Peter when they golfed together at a Ricoh golf tournament, and Moss has family on the Island. “I planned to come here anyway,” said Moss. “Our plan was to come here, but talking to Bill and Jackie accelerated our plans.

MAY 2014

AGS offers sales and service for Ricoh copiers, printers, faxes, computers and business machines We found we had a very similar ideology of doing business, in the way we treat employees and our customer-comes-first attitude.” Joining the Millars at AGS was a perfect fit for Moss. “This is more what I feel comfortable with. I understand how small, medium and large businesses operate, and I know what

customers’ office.” Being owner-operators is an advantage, and Millar believes that gives AGS an extra level of understanding that helps them understand their clients. “We’re at the same level of understanding as our customers because we’re in business ourselves,” he said. ”There’s a big

Peter Moss, left and Bill Millar say that being owner-operators gives them an advantage and Edmonton. The Millars have worked hard and made several key advancements over the years. The

first was in 1999, when they moved from Hirst Avenue in Parksville to a location across from the Coastal Community Credit Union next to the Island Highway, which gave them more visibility. Coastal Community also became one of their best clients, solidifying their customer base, and injecting added confidence into the company. “That gave us a new lease on life,” Millar recalled. “We felt good about ourselves, and we hit $1 million in sales for the first time. That was a very big year for us, and it’s been all uphill from there.” Adding Moss as a partner has enabled AGS to climb to a new level.

AGS covers the Island from the Cowichan Valley to Port Hardy they need. I understand their cost and cash f low efficiencies - that’s what I like to do,” Moss said. “That’s what we want AGS to market. AGS offers total document management solutions through the implementation of electronic work flow to help reduce our customers’ pay per usage, and ultimately reduce their costs. That’s the strategy we share when we walk into a

difference between which side of the cheque you sign. That makes all the difference.” Moss added: “We understand the realities of business, as we’ve gone through what other business owners have. We’re in the trenches, too.” Prior to coming to the Island to buy AGS, Millar had a lengthy, distinguished career in sales and management with 3M in Toronto

AGS machines are ready for delivery

“Every day, he’s out there with sales people making calls, and he’s a first class person. There’s not a day goes by that we’re not thankful for having Peter come and join us.” Moss added: “I never have to wake up in the morning and say ‘I have to go to work’, because I love what I do. I like being out there in front of the customers.” Millar believes “the difference between AGS and the multinationals is we’re here to stay, and we deal with all the changes in the marketplace. We’re a part of Vancouver Island. Working for ourselves, we sign the front of the cheques. But we’ve also had the experience of working for the corporations where we signed the back of the cheque. “We’ll continue to plough the field we’ve always ploughed, concent rat i ng 100 p er cent on Vancouver Island. There’s not an area on the Island that we’ve not fou nd, or have i n ou r sight,” said M illar. “We say that AGS stands for A Great Store, and Always Great Service,” stated Millar. “We’ve outlasted a lot of companies in this business that have come and gone, and we’ll continue to concentrate 100 per cent on Vancouver Island.” www.agscanada.com

MAKING IT EASIER FOR YOU TO DO BUSINESS

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YOUR BUSINESS

MAY 2014

SETTING THE COURSE When personal visions and goals are in alignment with team visions and goals as well as company visions and goals, a

SALES JOHN GLENNON

ou may not realize it but, as a sales leader, you must often serve as a navigator.Â You set the course for your sales team or for your department. You set a course for yourself. You help your staff members set their courses individually and within the team context. You are constantly navigating. You map out territories, chart steps to take, test the conditions, correct others who have strayed off course and try to reach the destinations determined for you, in large, by the company. The course the company takes is largely determined by its vision, just as the course we take in life as individuals is determined by our personal vision. When personal visions and goals are in alignment with team visions and goals as well as company visions and goals, a powerful synergy is created throughout the company. Part of what you have the power

powerful synergy is created to do as a manager is to work to shape your vision, the vision of those on your staff and the vision of the company in a way that gives meaning to the goals you work to set.Â Know your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision. A vision is different from goals or a mission. It expresses a view of what could be. The vision, and sharing in the vision, can motivate and inspire us to reach our goals.Â Determine your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision and share that vision with your staff. This creates a context in which company goals make personal sense to employees, which in turn is a powerful motivating dynamic.Â Involve everyone who might be affected. A leader with a vision needs to share that vision with everyone who will be affected by it. The navigator informs the crew. The crew knows the destination. Members of the crew are then empowered with the capacity to share in the pursuit of the vision and the attainment of the goals. Establish a plan of action to achieve the

PATENTING AND THE BUSINESS PLAN Unfortunately, many companies leave building a patent portfolio until the owners are thinking about retiring and are looking for

INVENTING

an exit strategy

would happen if the vision of each team member coalesced with your vision for the team? What if their goals led to attainment of your goals?Â If you were to set out to make some or all of your visions become a reality, what goals would you set to get there, in the real world? John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc., the authorized Sandler Training licensee for the Interior of B.C. Reach him at toll-free 1-866-645-2047 or jglennon@ sandler.com Visit www.glennon.sandler.com â&#x20AC;˘

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(includes GST) the current technology. This takes time and money and therefore needs to be part of the business plan. This should be done when the company is years from wanting a buyout. Unfortunately, many companies leave building a patent portfolio until the owners are thinking about retiring and are looking for an exit strategy. If it can be done at that late stage, it will impact negatively on the company profits, which of course could lead to an undervaluing of the company. The take-home message for companies is to consider adding value to their business by protecting their intellectual property. If this becomes part of the business plan, the company may have licensing opportunities that will provide additional revenue streams. At the very least, it will provide the basis for a solid exit strategy.

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ANNE FLANAGAN ast month I discussed two business models: one was a company that springs up around an invention and the other was a patented invention that a company was built around. The third model to discuss is the company that has been in existence for some time and offers a product or a service that has not been patented. Unlike the two early-stage companies, this third company is looking for a buyout. The business plan may need to include provisions for patenting in order to add value to the company. In some instances, the company has maintained trade secrets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are most often related to manufacturing or processing. As long as the trade secret has truly remained secret, it can then be patented. It will become public knowledge 18 months after the patent application is filed, so the company must be sure that the value in patenting is greater than the value of maintaining the trade secret. In many cases there are no trade secrets and the company has been providing a product or service that has been disclosed to the public. In order to build a patent portfolio, it is often necessary to build on

vision. It is possible to move â&#x20AC;&#x153;what isâ&#x20AC;? closer to â&#x20AC;&#x153;what could beâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but not alone and not without a plan. The last step in visioning is to establish a plan of action. Develop the goals that give life and action to the vision. Here is where leader and follower are joined in their commitment to the vision.Â Think about how your personal vision and goals fit with the vision and goals of your company. Is it a good fit or a forced fit? The best fit is when your vision coalesces with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision. When you achieving your goals helps the company achieve its goals, synergy is created. Imagine what

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MAY 2014

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

BUILDING AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Island Westcoast Developments of Nanaimo built the Port Place Shopping Centre, Building D, which won the Excellence Award in Retail. “It’s great to see VIREB continue to recognize the improvements down at Port Place. It has been an exciting thing for IWCD to be a part of the changes to Nanaimo’s downtown core, and we’ve enjoyed working with First Capital and their design team to make their

vision for the mall a reality,” said Greg Constable, IWCD President. Constable’s company has won Excellence Awards in the last several Commercial Building Awards, including the Judges’ Choice for his own eco-friendly office building. “The GAIN Auto Group has very high standards and we are happy to have built these truly phenomenal dealerships,” says Chris Erb of C&M Developments, which built the Mercedes Benz/Smart, BMW/Mini, Subaru dealership i n Na na i mo, wh ich won the

Excellence Award in the Retail Auto category. “It has been a pleasure working with the principals of the GAIN Auto Group, the consultants and the sub-trades and suppliers,” he adds. “We look forward to continued success as we complete the Victoria Porsche and start the major renovations on the Victoria Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz/ Smart.” Award of Excellence Category winners are: Multi-Family Townhouse – The Waterfront at Mill Bay

The Award of Excellence was presented Port Place Shopping Centre – Retail Winner. Left to right, Reid Longstaffe, Greg Constable, Jason Winton, Bob Moss, Ralph Huizinga, Ana Kraft, Cheryl Fu, Gerry Boutin.

Multi-Family Apartment – Madrona Green of Nanaimo Community Institutional – Cowichan Lake Library and Cumberland Library (two winners) Community Institutional – Fire Halls – Nanoose Bay Fire Hall Office – Island Oral Facial & Implant Surgery of Parksville Retail – Port Place Shopping Centre, Building D of Nanaimo Retail – Auto – Mercedes-Benz/

21 “It was a great award for our club, and our members at the club” ASH CHADHA GENERAL MANAGER OF THE NANAIMO GOLF CLUB.

SEE BUILDING AWARS | PAGE 23

Left, Ted Olynyk of BC Hydro, sponsor of the Green Award presented to Albert Reed representing the Gabriola Island Fire Hall.

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

MAY 2014

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MAY 2014

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

BUILDING AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Smart, BMW/Mini, Subaru of Nanaimo Specialty Housing – Great-West Student Residences of Nanaimo Hospitality – Nanaimo Golf Club Industrial – Archie Johnstone Plumbing & Heating of Nanaimo Industrial/Service Commercial – Reno – Andrew Sheret Ltd. Of Courtenay Office/Retail – Reno – Target Renovation of Campbell River Heritage Reno – The Rowe House of Nanaimo BC Hydro Green Award – Gabriola Island Fire Hall Awards of Merit went to: Mixed Use - Sproat Lake Landing of Port Alberni Multi-Family Townhouse – Heritage Views of Nanaimo Multi-Family Apartment – Sage Manor of Qualicum Beach Community Institutional – Oceanside Health Centre of Parksville Community Institutional – Fire Halls – Gabriola Island Firer Hall and Mill Bay Fire Hall Office – Pacific Station of Nanaimo and North Cowichan Municipal Hall Addition of Duncan R e t a i l – C h e m a i n u s V i llage Square of Chemainus and Timberline Village Shopping Centre of Campbell River Retail – Auto – Laird Wheaton GM of Nanaimo Sp eci a lt y Hou si n g – Rose

Gabriola Island Fire Hall winner of BC Hydro Green Award Harbour of Campbell River Hospitality – Whiskey Landing Lodge of Ucluelet Industrial – Office of Hazelwood Construction, Nanaimo

Office/Retail – Reno – Estevan Professional Centre (North Park Plaza) of Nanaimo Honorable Mentions went to: Multi-Family Townhouse – The

Ridge of Nanaimo Retail – Crown Isle Shopping Centre, Building E, F & G of Courtenay Specialty Housing – Edgewood

of Nanaimo Hospitality – Seamark Restaurant of Qualicum Beach SEE BUILDING AWARS | PAGE 24

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VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

Colliers offers full service

Colliers International Mid Island is proud to once again be a gold sponsor of the VIREB Commercial Building Awards highlighting the best in commercial building throughout the midisland region. Colliers International’s commercial real estate professionals are committed to accelerating your success. With 485 offices in 63 countries, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver commercial real estate services

with exceptional results. We are a full-service commercial real estate firm servicing the Mid Island and qualified to provide services including brokerage, consulting, real estate management, and research. We add value through our specialization, service excellence, and local expertise within a global platform. With over $175 Million in completed sale and lease transactions in the past three years alone, the Colliers Mid Island office is a leader in commercial real estate brokerage. Managing Broker, Jason Winton, Associate Vice President, Brad Bailey and Sales Associate, Brad Archibald service all areas of the island, north of the Malahat and have over 31 years of experience specializing in all commercial real estate asset classes.

Rob Conway, left, of Invest Comox Valley presenting the Award of Excellence in Community Institutional for the Cumberland Library to Christine and Wayne Rideout of Rideout Construction and Christopher Rowe of Chow Low Hammond Rowe Architects.

MAY 2014

BUILDING AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Industrial – Gregg Distributors Warehouse of Nanaimo Industrial/Service Commercial Reno – Midland Tools Exterior Renovation, Nanaimo Office/Retail – Reno – Cowicha n Hea lth & Wea lth Centre of Duncan and La-z-Boy of Courtenay Robert MacDonald, organizer of the event said, “It was our most successful event to date. We were very pleased with the response this year, and had some topquality entries to deal with. The Judges had a challenge deciding the winners this year.” “We’re very happy with the quantity and quality of the entries,” says Dave Hammond of VIREB’s Commercial Division, who emceed the event with Derek Costantino. “They exhibit that the commercial building industry in central and northern Vancouver Island is doing well. It was a sellout event this year. “As the commercial division of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, we’re pleased to showcase the skills of the developers and builders of the projects up and down the Island.” “This event continues to grow in stature each year,” says Mark MacDonald of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd., which coordinates the event for VIREB. “The sponsors continued support makes it easier to put on successful events like this, and this one sold out two weeks in advance.”

Joe Newell, left, of Joe Newell Architects receiving the Award of Excellence from Moira Jenkins of RBC, sponsor of the MultiFamily Townhouse category for their project The Waterfront at Mill Bay.

Colliers International Mid-Island Office Leaders in Vancouver Island Commercial Real Estate Jason Winton Managing Broker

Brad Bailey

Associate Vice President

Brad Archibald Associate Broker

250 740 1060 www.collierscanada.com/nanaimo

Accelerating success.

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

MAY 2014

Congratulations to all nominees and winners of this year’s VIREB Commercial Building Awards!

e were honoured to participate in this event as a Gold level sponsor and celebrate the success of everyone in this industry. Coastal Community exists for our valued members and clients. To help them confidently move forward in their finances, our experts in banking, insurance and

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wealth management work hard to understand the needs, goals and priorities of our members and clients – and meet them with the right options and solutions. Guiding our efforts is our passion for building stronger relationships to improve financial health, enrich people’s lives and build healthier communities.

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Ian Lindsay of Remax Commercial presenting the Award of Excellence in Industrial/Service Commercial - Reno to Ralph Burton, Tom Plumb, Brian Findlay and Scott Starkey of the Andrew Sheret project.

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Left, Greg Constable of Island West Coast Developments, Debbie Johnstone of Archie Johnstone Plumbing & Heating receiving the Award of Excellence in Industrial from Jason Winton of Colliers International.

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MAY 2014

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

Leaders Stand Apart

Congratulations to all of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nominees! MNP proudly recognizes the nominees and award winners of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commercial Building Awards. Your contributions to communities across Vancouver Island demonstrate your commitment to excellence in commercial development. As advisors to the construction and real estate sector, our team looks forward to delivering tax and business strategies that keep you at the forefront of your industry. Contact Doug Tyce, CPA, CA, Regional Leader, Construction & Real Estate Services at 250.734.4368 or doug.tyce@mnp.ca

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

Michael O’Connor representing the Target Renovation project, winner of the Award of Excellence presented by Joel Scobie of Coastal Community Credit Union.

MAY 2014

Congratulations

Nanaimo Youth Services Association Left, Dr. Bob Sorochan and Donna Hais of RW Wall Contracting receiving the Award of Excellence in the Office category, from sponsor Joel Scobie of Coastal Community Credit Union.

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“At Canadian Western Bank our focus has always been to build solid relationships with our clients by offering great service and reliable knowledge. Canadian Western Bank has been a constant lender in real estate development and has provided strong industry expertise in this field. Being Western based we understand the western economy. Our turn-around time is among the fastest in the

banking industry, supported by local decision-making, which best serves the client. This philosophy allows us to maintain the values of honesty, openness and respect upon which we were built. In addition to a full array of traditional personal banking services, CWB specializes in commercial financing, commercial real estate and construction financing, equipment financing and leasing, and energy lending. Our account managers recognize the busy corporate world and are available to meet with clients at their place of business. With no voice mail or call centres your call will be answered at the branch office. We would be delighted to give a no cost, second opinion on your banking needs. Nanaimo 101-6475 Metral Drive Ph. 250-390-0088 Courtenay 470 Puntledge Road Ph. 250-334-8888 www.theworkingbank.ca Member CDIC

MAY 2014

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

Working in commercial real estate takes foresight. G

limpsing the future and recognizing that an empty office building will become a location of choice for businesses in your city - or understanding that the next big thing will happen right where you’re standing - is all part of the game. You understand the rewards and are willing to take the risks. And your real estate agent should be focused. Focused on your goals, your business - your vision. Your agent should not only know the risks, but advise you on how to avoid or minimize them. Re/Max Commercial practitioners have the background. Commercial agents typically join Re/Max upon entering the strongest phase of their careers. They have the experience, knowledge and independence that translates into client relationships built on trust. Whether you’re looking at a straightforward local transaction or for a top-notch team when it’s time for you to buy, sell, lease or restructure your property interests, Re/Max Commercial practitioners are some of the most responsive and results oriented agents in commercial real estate. That’s why Re/Max commercial agents close billions of dollars in transactions annually.

Left, Brent Brownsell and Chris Erb of C&M Construction, centre, presenter Doug Tyce of MNP Accounting and Peter Trzewik of Mercedes-Benz/Smart, BMW/Mini, Subaru, winner of the Retail Auto category.

is proud to be a sponsor of this event – we have been supporting Businesses in Nanaimo for 140 years

Congratulations to all the winners!

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

MAY 2014

Nanaimo Youth Services Association

ROWE HOUSE

Left to right, Lee Lively, Bruce Jolliffe, presenter Rob Conway of Invest Comox Valley, Adrian Maas, Rosemary Bonanno, Bob Day, Kristen Rumohr, Jamie Anderson and Christopher Rowe.

The Rowe House was the winner in the Heritage Category. It was presented by Jason Winton of Colliers International to the team at Nanaimo Youth Services and Tectonica Management

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MAY 2014

VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS

Safety • Quality • Integrity

Proud Mechanical Contractor to the award winning Nanoose Bay Fire Hall Project

Left, Ian Niamath, Kanwaljit Bal, Manjit Bal, centre, presenter Blair Hiebert of VIREB on behalf of BDC, Jim Johnson and Lindsay Johnson. The Great-West Student Residences project was winner of the Award of Excellence in Specialty Housing

NEDC presented the Award of Excellence in Community Institutional – Fire Halls to Joe Stanhope, right, of the Nanoose Bay Fire Hall

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COMMUNITY IN FOCUS

MAY 2014

WEST COAST

West Coast communities watching increases in tourism Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet experiencing a healthy economy BY GOODY NIOSI

ew communities on Vancouver Island are more dependent on tourism than the District of Tofino. Mayor Josie Osborne said that there is a delicate balance between increasing tourism numbers and maintaining the quaint “end of the road” village feel that residents and visitors appreciate. To that end, Tofino is focused on improving its current infrastructure and increasing visitor numbers during the shoulder seasons, rather than attracting more destination resorts. In 2013 Tofino embarked on its downtown improvement project, replacing a block of downtown with new water pipes and storm sewers, and at the same time, making the road much more pedestrian friendly. “And we put in a bike lane,” Osborne said. “We have the world’s shortest bike lane. It’s basically one block long right now.” However, it won’t hold the honour for long, she said, noting that work began on a second block at the end of March. “It’s always difficult when you disrupt the flow of traffic,

Port Alberni’s Uptown area is becoming a major attraction

especially in your main business area,” she said. “But the feedback from local business owners has been nothing but positive. The way that people are using the street and sidewalks is so much better – it’s been a great project.” The village is also adding to its trail system, offering alternative ways to get downtown. At the same time, Tofino is installing more parking and other facilities like changing rooms and washrooms at the beaches. Osborne said that Tofino instituted a 2% room tax in 2007: that money has been earmarked for destination tourism marketing, and it also gives the district a way to determine tourism numbers. Osborne noted that 2013 saw the highest tourist numbers since the institution of the tax – and she expects even better numbers in 2014. June, September and November 2013 saw the highest tourism numbers ever for those months. “We’re a lot more focused on building out the shoulder season and helping the businesses that are here now,” Osborne said. “As a small town of 2,000 people, we’re critically aware that our infrastructure needs to be able to support

“As a small town of 2,000 people, we’re critically aware that our infrastructure needs to be able to support new development, so we’re taking a close look at what we have in the ground and how much more we can support so that we make informed decisions as the town grows.” JOSIE OSBORNE MAYOR, DISTRICT OF TOFINO

new development, so we’re taking a close look at what we have in the ground and how much more we can support so that we make informed decisions as the town grows.” Just a few kilometres down the road lies the District of Ucluelet; and while that town too depends WEST COAST TOURISM | PAGE 33

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MAY 2014

and remarkable convention centre that there is, partly because it’s new and partly because of the panorama in front.” In addition, he noted that smaller specialty

33 stores are springing up and finding themselves even busier that expected. The local First Nations WEST COAST TOURISM | PAGE 34

Tonquin beach is one of several pristine beaches in the District of Tofino | TONQUIN POINT RETREAT

WEST COAST TOURISM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

on tourism, its economy is more diversified. Mayor Bill Irving noted that Ucluelet is the largest or second largest port for landed seafood in Canada. In the past year, Pacific Seafoods in Portland Oregon, one of the largest seafood processors in the world, purchased the two processing plants in the town and has upgraded them extensively in order to swing into full operation. One plant is doing custom filleting, which Irving describes as a high-end market. “The good thing is that they’ve indicated that they want to be community-based rather than industry-based,” Irving said. “They said they want to make Ucluelet an example of a new relationship between industry

and the community.” What that means, he said, is stable, longterm jobs for local people. A third plant has been leased for a value added eel fishery, a niche industry with a big market in Korea. In February, Irving met with the Minster of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to discuss a number of issues, particularly the upgrade of Ucluelet’s harbor services under the government’s small craft harbor program. ”We believe we’re shovel ready to proceed,” Irving said. “We got some very good encouragement from the Minister. She directed her staff to be more hands-on involved, so that was very good.” Ucluelet is also in the process of reviving its forestry industry in partnership with the Toquaht Frist Nations. The resort sector is also a

growing part of the district’s economy. Irving said that the town’s job is to put in place the infrastructure that makes Ucluelet an attractive place to develop tourism facilities. He noted that the local aquarium has been recognized as unique in that it releases all its exhibits after one year. Presenters are also knowledgeable and hands-on. The Wild Pacific Trail is recognized as the number one Ucluelet attraction by Trip Advisor and is also highly ranked as a North American attraction by the New York Times. Irving noted that the new community centre that can hold conferences of up to 400 people, is also popular with resorts. “I would venture to say, as my own bias, that on the north part of the island, from Nanaimo up, it’s probably the most useable

Mayor Josie Osborne believes tourism numbers for Tofino will continue to rise

ALBERNI TOYOTA: WINNING AWARDS FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS Dealership receives high points for customer satisfaction

lberni Toyota has been selling new Toyota vehicles and certified pre-owned cars and trucks for almost 40 years. The dealership has won many awards over the years; the most recent (this past April), Alberni Toyota received the 2013 Pinnacle Award, which is given by Toyota very few dealerships across the country. General manager Jim Pelk says the award hinges on customer satisfaction and excellence in all departments including sales, service, parts, accounting, financing and leasing. “Each department has a criteria to meet and it’s measured throughout the year,” he said. “The difference with our dealership is that some people tell you about how wonderful their customer service is. There’s two ways of looking at that – one way is that you mean it and you walk the talk. The other way, it’s a commercial. We’re the ‘walk the talk’ group.”

The dealership was purchased in 2008 by the See Group of Companies, which also owns the Chrysler dealership in town. Pelk says the owners believe in the quality and integrity of Toyota and its product. Not only are the vehicles quality built, they are also known for holding their resale value. Alberni Toyota gets high praise from its customers when it comes to service and sales. “Are we always number one in the province? No,” Pelk said. “But are we always in the top five in the province? Yes.” In fact, Alberni Toyota has made the chore of bringing in a vehicle for servicing a pleasure. It has a hair salon on-site as well as a deli with free Wi-Fi – and even a computer for the customers’ use. At the beginning of the year Alberni Toyota expanded its territory to include Qualicum – and for people travelling from that area, the dealership’s amenities are a welcome boon. “We try extremely hard,” Pelk said. “If we have a problem, we don’t run away from it. We meet if head-on. We’re very transparent.” Alberni Toyota is located at 2555 Alberni Highway in Port Alberni. Visit www.albernitoyota.com.

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COMMUNITY IN FOCUS

Ucluelet is one of the largest ports for landed fish in Canada

WEST COAST TOURISM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

owns land that it is about to develop so growth is very much the forward direction for the district. Port Alberni is generally known as the gateway to the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. It is a city that is undergoing tremendous changes as it moves from a one-industry town (forestry) to a diversified community. Mayor John Douglas said that today, other pillars of the economy include health care, seniors, and education, particularly post-secondary and international students. “And small business is becoming big business in Port Alberni,” he said, noting that the city has introduced a tax revitalization exemption in the

uptown area, which is the oldest part of the city. Investors can apply for different levels of tax exemptions depending on the amount of money they invest. Several investors have taken advantage including the Coulson Group of Companies and the Uchucklesaht First Nation, which is investing $2.5 million into the renovation of a local hotel. “What we’ve emphasized is to become more of a solution-based staff so that developers who come to Port Alberni, whatever challenges they face, we’ll find solutions for them to move forward,” Douglas said. Rather than being a community that people drive through to reach the beaches of the West Coast, Port Alberni is becoming a place to stop and spend time along the way. Uptown is drawing

MAY 2014

people with its unique shops and so is the new beach that opened to the public Jan 1 with a Polar Bear Swim that drew a crowd of 800. Douglas said that the land was reclaimed and replaced with sand and gravel. Plans are also going forward for a pier beside the beach for small watercraft. Investors are definitely taking notice of the happenings in the city, Douglas said. That includes plans from Island Health to offer more services – and that, said Douglas, means that more seniors will feel confident in moving to Port Alberni. Combined with an excellent infrastructure of parks, recreation and libraries, Port Alberni is rapidly becoming a highly desirable place to live and invest.

The view from the Wild Pacific Trail is awe-inspiring

Mayor Bill Irving says Ucluelet is ready for more growth

Port Alberni mayor John Douglas says the city’s economy is diversifying

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS l LOCAL EXPERIENCE l TRUSTED RESULTS Coﬀee Shop Busy coﬀee shop in Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Nanaimo l $78,000

Greenhouse Opera�on Successful seasonal wholesale opera�on, established in 2005. Lantzville l $350,000

Specialized Retail Shop Premium Performer. Specializing in equipment rental & sales. Port Alberni l $1,965,000 l L&B

News Stand Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, steady year round traﬃc. Nanaimo l $295,000

Welding & Fabrica�on Business Reputable business established in 2006. Loyal client base. Nanaimo l $350,000

Moving & Storage Na�onal aﬃliated 31 unit storage facility situated on 1.96 acres. Parksville l $2,550,000 l L&B

Speciality Meats Shop Reputable premiere meats shop, established in 1976. Nanaimo l $330,000

Powder Coa�ng Business Well-established powder coa�ng business situated on 2 acres. Nanaimo l $819,000 l L&B

Very Protable 41 Room Motel Situated on 2 acres. Separate owners suite. Campbell River l $3,195,000 l L&B

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Travelodge Courtenay 90 room hotel situated on 2.28 acres in the heart of Courtenay. Courtenay l $7,400,000 l L&B

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MAY 2014

COASTLAND WOOD IS KNOWN FOR QUALITY AND INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

Company also works hard at being a good neighbour in Nanaimo

Hans de Visser took over as president in 2009

ince 1988 Coastland Wood Industries Ltd. in Nanaimo has held a unique position in veneer manufacturing. Founder Don McKay’s goal was to be the lowestcost North American producer of premium-quality veneer utilizing the latest technology available. Hans de Visser, who became president in 2009, said, “Our specialty is peeling the smallest-diameter logs in the Georgia Basin, so we’re known for peeling them into a very high-quality veneer.”

He adds that, in the beginning, this gave Coastland Wood Industries a big advantage. Small logs are cheaper than large logs and when McKay founded the company he saw a resource that was underutilized. “Back in the 1980s the coast was still primarily an old-growth industry,” de Visser said. “Coastland was one of the first companies to specialize in utilizing the second growth; they built a business on logs that were typically left in the bush.” He says that in the early days, like many other small business, Coastland struggled to establish itself. However, in the 1990s, when engineered wood began to be used in North American housing construction, Coastland Wood Industries began to thrive. It continued to ride a wave of success until the market crashed in 2007. After the crash, the company limped along for several years; de Visser became president in July 2009. “It was clear that we had to rethink the business,” he said “The old model worked great but the world was fundamentally going to change, so we sat down and asked, ‘Now what do we do?’” That question was asked in all sincerity. Management started with the basics: who is Coastland? What are the company values? Management went through the exercise of identifying the essence of the company to its employees and shareholders. The core values identified were people, quality, innovation and profitability. “You have to start with the right people in the right spot,” de Visser said. “You have to be innovative

Coastland peels the smallest-diameter logs in the Georgia Basin

“You have to start with the right people in the right spot. You have to be innovative about what you do. You have to create a high-value product” HANS DE VISSER PRESIDENT, COASTLAND WOOD INDUSTRIES

Coastland Wood has been a Nanaimo fixture since 1988 about what you do. You have to create a high-value product. And at the end of the day you have to be successful so that you can start all over again.” Management’s next job was getting its employees on board and getting feedback. “We then embarked on an ambitious plan to add another lathe to the business because we felt at some point the world would return to normal and we wanted to be ready,” de Visser said. After analyzing the equipment available, Coastland purchased a Japanese machine that was installed in 2013. At the same time, the company focused on quality. “Our business was typically in the construction side,” de Visser said. “We wanted to have access to the Asian market and the higher-end panel products in our market area, and that meant quality. So we went on a very intensive campaign through the organization to make sure we were doing the best job we could in all areas.” Looking back de Visser says it all worked out as planned. The company is doing well with a presence throughout Asia and a reputation for top-quality veneer on the West Coast. Coastland also branched into new business by upgrading the value of its byproducts. “The timing worked out well,” de Visser said. “We’re climbing back up, approaching a million new housing starts this year. The timing for the new lathe line was good.”

Precision Machine Ltd. SINCE 1976

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With the new lathe producing considerably more veneer, de Visser says he’s pleased that all the mill’s products are sold. “In essence we had to reinvent and rewire the business,” he said. “The traditional business model served the company really well and the people who ran it did a great job, but the world changed. We had to re-\think it and that’s what we did.” Today Coastland’s operations include the Nanaimo veneer mill, Nanaimo log sorting yard and custom log chipper, the Annacis Island veneer drying facility, the Vancouver and Nanaimobargereloadyardsandthree other custom log sorting operations – one in Howe Sound (Port Mellon), one

inCampbellRiverandtheother,ajoint venture, in Union Bay. Over the years Coastland, which employs 230 people, has been nominated for and received numerous awards from the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, including the innovation award. The company is also well known for its contributions to the community, especially the local schools. “We’re a boisterous neighbour,” de Visser said. “And we truly appreciate the support we have from the community. It’s important to us to continue to support the community, particularly the neighbourhood we’re located in but also the larger community in many different ways. We work very hard to maintain our social licence.” Coastland Wood Industries Ltd. Is located at 84 Robarts Street in Nanaimo. Visit www.coastlandwood.com.

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CAMPBELL RIVER

MAY 2014

CAMPBELL RIVER

Inland Kenworth moves to new facility Inland Kenworth has relocated its Campbell River dealership to a new full-service facility with twice the space of its previous location and a building design with improved lighting and state-of-the-art equipment to speed parts and service support The new 20,000 square-foot facility is located at 2900 North Island Highway about 1 kilometer north of its previous site. “Our new facility features a parts inventory control system that helps the parts department stay well-stocked with quality Kenworth proprietary and TRP all-makes parts,” said Falko Heuser, branch manager of Inland Kenworth - Campbell River. “Desktop computers and wireless notebook s designated for each service bay help service department technicians improve service work scheduling and tracking. The service department also has a new lighting system that provides technicians a bright work environment allowing them to see more clearly when working on customer’s trucks and equipment. These updated features and added capacity improve our customers’ experience.” The new building features a 6,000 square-foot parts department with a large parts w arehouse and a 10,0 0 0 square-foot service department optimally designed with 5 drive-throughs and 10 service bays for work on commercial

Serving all of Vancouver Island Inland Kenworth - Campbell River trucks and trailers and offroad equipment. This allows technicians to move trucks and equipment in and out of each bay more efficiently without disrupting service work in the other service bay. One of the drive-throughs can also be used as an indoor wash bay to wash a full truck and trailer combination. “Because of their efficiency, the drive-throughs allow us to get trucks back on the road making money faster than we did at our previous location,” Heuser said. Inland Kenworth - Campbell River has two parts delivery trucks that make regular trips to truck fleets and operators, particularly logging companies with timber harvesting operations in more remote parts of Vancouver Island and in the Powell River area. And the dealership has four remote service trucks that provide logging companies, contractors and other truck operators service

work on their trucks and other equipment. During the economic slowdown several years ago, Inland Kenworth kept its prior Campbell River dealership -which has been in business for more than 35 years - open while other dealers closed their local facilities and waited for the recovery before reopening them. “After we moved to our new facility, community leaders thanked me on behalf of our company not only for the decision to keep this dealership open, but also for making such a large investment in the community’s future,” Heuser added. “They told me how important our company’s business is to the Campbell River economy, particularly to the forestry, mining and construction industries. It’s a good feeling knowing that our neighbors appreciate and value us for being an integral part of this community.”

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ISLAND ROUNDUP

MAY 2014

PORT ALBERNI

Airport expansion possible Coulson Group wants longer runway

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he Coulson Group of Companies in Port Alberni may be instrumental in creating more prosperity for the AlberniClayquot Regional District (ACRD). The Coulson Group is currently in discussions with the ACRD to expand the runway at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport (AVRA) by 1,000 feet. Coulson Group CEO Wayne Coulson says that if completed, and coupled with an airport GPS approach that is currently in the works, the local airport could be a busier place and better prepared for further expansion in coming years. A longer runway would allow the Coulson Group, which leases property at the airport, to bring its larger aircraft, such as the C-130 Hercules, one of which it converted to fight forest fires with the US Forest Service, to come in for maintenance. “We’re now being approached by several countries looking to convert their existing military aircraft to put in our tanking system,” Coulson said. “If we want to do that business here, versus the US, we would need an expansion of some sort.” He notes that converting just one plane involves 14,000 man-hours. The company then would also have to invest at least $1 million to build a hangar to house the aircraft at the airport. The airport is owned by the ACRD. Coulson is in talks with regional district staff about what the cost will be for a runway expansion, and what can be worked out between the two parties to make it happen. He noted that having an extended runway would allow for larger tourism-based airlines to enter the valley as well. According to ACRD manager of environmental services Andy Daniel, the regional district has not budgeted any funds to contribute to the costs to help this project come to fruition, although it supports Coulson in doing the investigative work. The ACRD is also supplying the Coulson Group with relevant information including geotechnical reports from when the

“Probably the ball is in our court where we have to make a business decision as these opportunities come. If we’re not ready, we’ll do it somewhere else.”

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Call Us Today for a Free Consultation. airport was built, and historic information. Coulson says that one of the challenges in the Alberni Valley is the lack of scheduled flights, which means a lack of federal funding for a runway extension. “So we’re trying to problem solve about what we could do around that,” he said. “Probably the ball is in our court where we have to make a business decision as these opportunities come. If we’re not ready, we’ll do it somewhere else.” As part of its five-year financial plan, ACRD directors have decided to invest $50,000 in a published GPS approach that will allow pilots to fly into the Valley on days with a low cloud cover, something that is not allowed without the approach under instrument flight rules. Alberni Valley Flying Club president Chris Duncan says that having the approach could attract an airline company to bring scheduled flight service to the AVRA. Currently, the Coulson Group is running its operations form Reno, Nevada. “That’s most likely where the conversions would take place,” Coulson said. “We’re just trying to get ahead of the opportunity as we’re talking to customers about our system and they’re talking about bringing the aircraft from another country here.” www.coulsongroup.com

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NORTH ISLAND

MAY 2014

RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS Business of the Year was well earned by Jon Lok and Strategic Natural Resources Consultants.

PORT MCNEILL CHERYL JORGENSON

he Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce’s 8th annual Recognition of Excellence Business and Community Awards was a sold out success! Thanks to the creative use of social media and Survey Monkey, an online survey development website, the event celebrated seven categories of business and community.

Service Club of the Year. Verbruggee and team headed the wildly popular “Victor’s Secret” fundraiser for local cancer patients. High school principal Jay Dixon was the recipient of the Professional Merit Award, while Jenni-Lynn Noel took home the Customer Service Excellence Award. The Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce was happy to lend its support with the Town of Port McNeill’s 2014 Community Economic Development Planning, hosting a general membership meeting that featured Zethof Consulting. The planning process assisted with

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Business of the Year was well earned by Jonathan Lok of Strategic Natural Resources Consultants. Strategic Consultants is a homegrown endeavor that continues to develop and evolve, consistently providing employment within its field and successful promotion of Port McNeill as a community of choice on the North Island. New Business of the Year was presented to local Dentist Dr. Brian Bostrom. Bostrom has been a welcome addition to the Port McNeill landscape. New categories in the lineup were “Employee of the Year” and “Youth of the Year”; won by Consultant Shannon Cadwallader of Strategic Natural Resources, and Andrew Mitchell, a North Island Secondary student respectively. Cheryl Verbruggee claimed Volunteer/

networking and facilitating the communication of the project with Port McNeill. The Chamber community will continue to support the town as it moves forward with the project outcomes. www.portmcneill.ca Venture Connect continues to be a source of information for business in Port McNeill. The Chamber co-hosted a Succession Planning workshop with its fellow Chamber in Port Hardy. Your retirement starts now…not when you’re ready to lock the door and leave. www.ventureconnect.ca Cheryl Jorgenson is Executive Director at Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce. •

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CAMPBELL RIVER

MAY 2014

CHAMBER MEMBERS ELECT 2014-15 BOARD, CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF 2013

CAMPBELL RIVER COLLEEN EVANS

t the chamber AGM April 17, members elected the boa rd of d i rectors for 2014-15, celebrated last year’s successes and went over plans to customize chamber membership and introduce a new tiered-dues

approved by members at the AGM. This structure is still in the final stage of development but it is a direct response from our chamber to our members that will provide “choice” for each member. The new tiered-dues structure means members can: > choose services and benefits based on their individual needs; > customize their level of engagement based on what they need and not on the number of employees they have; > understand what they are suppor ti ng th roug h thei r membership; > expect their tangible benefits will grow with their investment; > be recognized for their membership investment; > receive the value and benefits of membership without ever having to show up at an event;

and keep you updated on the rollout leading to the new tiered-membership implementation in 2015.

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The highly anticipated Food Map was released on April 16 to coincide with the annual Earth Week Film Festival. Also available online at www.foodmap.campbellriver.ca, the Food Map was developed by the city in partnership with the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce and funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC to encourage the growing, sale, production and consumption of local food products. The map will help strengthen the local economy and support a positive business climate by promoting local businesses that offer unique agriculture and food

tiered-dues model for approved by members at the AGM. This structure is still in the final stage of development but it is a direct response from our chamber to our members that will provide “choice” for each member held on May 14 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the Enterprise Centre boardroom. Learn how to get the most from your chamber membership, network with other members, meet members of the board and staff and

learn firsthand the benefits available to you as a member. Both new members and renewing members who want to learn more about the chamber are welcome. The cost is free for chamber members and $10 for future members, and a continental breakfast is included. RSVP at the chamber’s website. On May 27 the chamber is holding a WorldHost Fundamentals workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Oyster Bay Resort for businesses in the hospitality, tourism or retail sector that want to build customer loyalty with great service. With a busy and competitive season ahead for tourism, hospitality and retail, the workshop will focus on improving your bottom line by building new skills in attitude, empowerment and teamwork to improve a customer’s experience in any business. Visit the chamber’s website to register. Colleen Evans is executive director of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce. •

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> feel welcomed and a part of their chamber; and > know that their investment is appreciated. Over the next few months we will finalize the tiered-dues structure

A Think Local, Eat Local logo has been created to identify businesses that have listed products on the Food Map

products grown and produced in the community. The project builds on the chamber’s “Think Local” campaign, which is designed to strengthen the local economy by increasing awareness about local businesses as well as the products and services that they offer. A Think Local, Eat Local logo has been created as part of the map promotion, which will identify businesses that have listed products on the map. A wide range of local retailers, restaurants, cafés and farms have already put themselves on the map, collectively listing hundreds of locally grown and produced products. The map contains an interactive inventory of local products, which will allow users to search for items based on location, seasonal availability, organic certification, pesticide use and more. This inventory can be updated by the retailers listed on the map in order to help ensure that the information remains current. SAVE THE DATE!

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CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY PICKS UP IN COMOX VALLEY AND CAMPBELL RIVER IN FIRST QUARTER

BUILDING LINKS CLARICE COTY

onstruction activity has picked up during the first quarter of 2014 in the Comox Valley and Campbell River regions. During the first three months of th is yea r, 71 new homes sta rted construction compared to 58 during the same time period last year representing an increase of 22%. In the Town of Comox, three separate permits were issued for townhomes and duplexes to build 18 units for a total of $3,330,220. The construction values in Comox are $5.5 million compared to last year, when there was only $1million in

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construction values, an increase of $4.5 million. Construction of single family homes rema i ned t he sa me i n Cou r tenay a nd the Comox Valley Regional District and went from one home built in Cumberland to six. Construction of si ng le fa m i ly homes a lso continued its trend upwards in Campbell River; they reported 32 new home starts compared to 28 during the same time period last year. Their total construction values were down by 24% due to slower activity in commercial construction. The combined construction values for both Campbell RIver and Courtenay continue their upward trend by 6% for a total of $29.7 million. During the upcoming months, we can expect to see more multiresidential projects start construction. T here are several projects that are being proposed for Comox and Courtenay. Two of these projects are proposed to bring a total of 114 new rental apartments to the Comox Valley. One project will include 96 units on Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay and the other proposes to build 18 townhome units in Comox.

These new apartment complexes are slated to start construction in the next few months, once all approvals are in place. New subd iv isions a re a lso planned for Campbell River and the Comox Valley region, and numerous applications are under review by the different municipalities. Once approved, approximately 200 new lots could be coming onto the market in 2014. We expect to see an increase in overall construction activity in residential, multi-family and in commercial and institutional for the Campbell River and Comox Valley regions in 2014. Construction is scheduled to begin on the two new hospitals and on the John Hart Dam this year which will kick start other building starts in the area. The first quarter of 2014 looks promising and we expect that the trend upwards will continue throughout the year in all sectors. Clarice Coty is the editor of Building Links, contact her at clarice@ buildinglinks.ca or go to www. buildinglinks.ca to sign up for four free issues. •

COMOX VALLEY

The Comox Valley Airport marks a decade of growth

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MAY 2014

en years ago, the Comox Valley Airport opened the doors to a brand new terminal building and made the transition to the full service, modern facility that now accommodates hundreds of thousands of passengers per year. With a lean staff of 10 operating the building and the help of 53 dedicated volunteers, three airlines, two rental car agencies, a gift shop and coffee shop, the airport welcomed in a new era of air travel and economic development for the Comox Valley. “Our grand opening marked the day when passengers would no longer have to stand in the rain waiting to check-in for their flights. That was the day we left our small, temporary structure behind to become the second largest terminal on Vancouver Island,” explained Comox Valley Airport CEO, Fred Bigelow. “In the next decade, we saw continued growth in our passenger numbers and the direct benefit of economic spin-offs that come with a community supported airport expansion.” The F/O C. Cottingham Terminal was officially opened by Lieutenant Governor Iona Campanola on April 16, 2004, followed by YQQ’s customs facility a few months later, which enabled the first charter flight to Mexico from the Comox Valley Airport in December of that year. In the ten years that followed, annual traffic at the airport grew by

68 per cent with approximately 2.8 million passengers making YQQ part of their journey. “We are grateful for the community support that made the construction of our terminal building possible and continues to keep our airport thriving to this day,” said Frank van Gisbergen, Chair of the Comox Valley Airport Commission. “Each time a plane lands at YQQ, it generates employment and revenue right here at the airport and for tourism and local businesses throughout the North Island.” “The Comox Valley Airport terminal of today was constructed on-time and on-budget,” said Bob Mortimer, former Chair of the Comox Valley Airport Commission. “This was an extremely complex project that succeeded because of contributions made by so many committed individuals, including our dedicated CVAC staff, the volunteers who served on the board of directors, 19 Wing Comox, local governments and especially the taxpayers of the Comox Valley.” The original YQQ terminal building was constructed by the Department of National Defence and opened in 1956. Transport Canada operated the terminal until 1995 when it withdrew financial and/or operational involvement in Canadian airports. The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) was formed in 1996 and in May 1997, CVAC purchased the terminal from

Transport Canada for one dollar. In January 2001, WestJet announced it would begin offering flights at YQQ and CVAC added temporary portables to the original terminal building to accommodate increased traffic. Lengthy negotiations with DND for lease of the land began, and at the same time, a business case was being developed for the terminal YQQ passengers use today. In February 2003, an overwhelming 87.5 per cent of municipal taxpayers voted in favour of providing a $4 million capital grant to the Comox Valley Airport Commission, to help construct the new airport terminal. The Commission was then able to leverage the grant, along with its own investment in the project, to obtain the additional funds from the provincial and federal governments that made construction of a new facility possible. The building opened just over a year later and was named for Cyril Cottingham, a local pilot who enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1942. On November 22, 1943, during his 19th mission, he and his crew of six others were shot down over Hasephorst, Germany. He was 25 years old. The Comox Valley Airport Commission will celebrate the anniversary of the terminal’s opening day with a reception to be held in conjunction with its Annual Public Meeting on August 20, 2014.

COMOX VALLEY

MAY 2014

CHAMBER INSTALLS HELEN FURGALE AS CHAIR FOR 2014-15 At this time the task force is in the process of gathering information in order to be able to

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

he chamber’s AGM was held April 24. Those in attendance heard from the chamber of commerce’s Comox Valley Governance Review Task Force, the goal of which is to initiate an independent study to determine if the governance of the Comox Valley is structured in a manner that best satisfies the political, cultural and public services the community needs in order to meet the challenges that growth brings. At this time the task force is in the process of gathering information in order to be able to determine if there is a desire among the general population and levels of government to investigate fully whether it is necessary – or even possible

determine if there is a desire among the general population and levels of government to investigate fully whether it is necessary – or even possible – to restructure the provision of services and/or the governance of the Comox Valley – to restructure the provision of services and/or the governance of the Comox Valley. If there is indeed a desire then the primary objective of the task force would be to initiate a request for a study and have a joint committee established to oversee the review process as outlined in the Ministry of

Municipal Affair’s review and program guide entitled, Managing Changes to Local Government Structure. This initiative is in line with the BC Chamber of Commerce policy statement that has been approved by all member chambers throughout the province. The task force presentation was very well received by those in attendance at the AGM. Those interested in signing a petition or businesses interested in placing a petition at their location may contact the chamber office at 250-334-3234. The AGM also featured keynote speaker Marty Douglas, managing broker of Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty, who offered an educational and entertaining look at the real estate market in the Comox Valley along with his observations on past and recent happenings in the area. The community’s future needs were discussed in an optimistic manner that set the tone for the evening. Five new directors were installed to the 2014-15 chamber of commerce board of directors by Mayor Leslie Baird: Andrew MacMillan, Bill Girard, Allison Bligh, Glenn Watters and Bill Ransom were elected in March and have now begun serving on our vibrant and energetic board. We are pleased to have them!

2014-15 board of directors Incoming chair Helen Furgale noted that the chamber has many exciting plans for 2014-15, including the inaugural Great Valley Rally, the return of the Comox Valley Top 40 Under 40 Awards and continued relationshipbuilding with various community leaders in the Comox

Valley. To view all of the chamber’s upcoming events, visit www.comoxvalleychamber.com. Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@ comoxvalleychamber.com. •

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

the industry standard of 6. The transition has also created four island jobs.

COWICHAN VALLEY

Johnston, Johnston & Associates Ltd. has welcomed the addition of Erin Gjelsvik and Carla Boehm as partners in the firm.

Marigold Nursuries Ltd., located at 7030 McKinnon Road, is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The new location of Aladdin’s Café is set to open soon in downtown Nanaimo.

Ace Autosports is now open at Unit B, 3031 Allenby Road. Royal LePage Duncan Realty congratulated the winners of the Royal LePage Awards Event for their outstanding achievements in 2013. The Diamond Award was given to Elizabeth Biberger, the Master Sales Awards were given to Kenton McNutt, Laura Leppard, Harvey Osborne, Meredith Hood and Jeff Quinton, and the Sales Achievement Awards were given to Wendy Mitton, Brad Taylor and Brian Hebbert. The Cowichan Valley Regional District achieved recognition for remaining carbon neutral for all of 2013. Flagship Ford congratulated David Faithfull on achieving top sales for the month of March. Peter Baljet GM congratulated Sam Wilson, Morgan Harrison and Steve Aydon on achieving the top sales for the month of March. The dealership also congratulated Morgan Harrison, Sam Wilson and Steve Aydon on their top sales for the month of April. Longevity John Falkner is moving operations to a new location at 133 Station Street after a four-month hiatus. ReMax Duncan/Mill Bay congratulated its top performing associates for the month of March, which included Dennis Robertson, Pierre Campagne and Doug Irving as the top individuals, and Kim Johannsen’s Team, Cal

MAY 2014

The Express Employment Professionals on Bowen Road has changed its name back to the StaffQuest Placement Group. Kaiser’s Team and Debbie Meiner’s Team as the top teams. ReMax is also in the midst of celebrating its 25th anniversary in the region.

Discovery Honda congratulated Trevor Sheck on achieving Salesperson of the Month for April.

Chris Gale is the new manager of the 50-yearold BC Forest Discovery Centre.

Randall North Real Estate Services Inc. has announced the opening of its Cowichan Valley office.

The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2014 Black Tie Awards. Winners include: MaryAnn Deacon of the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society for the Volunteer award, Jeff Downie of The Old Firehouse Wine Bar for the Customer Service award, Andrea and Daniel Hudson of Hudson’s on First for the Young Entrepreneur award, Andrew Higginson of Higginson Consulting for Business Achievement, under 10 employees, Ivo Zanatta of Matrix Marble & Stone for Business Achievement, 11-19 employees, Kelvin McCulloch, Robert Anderson and Allen Boer of Buckerfield’s for Business Achievement, 20 or more employees, Dan Armstrong and Karen Hallquist of Velocal Delivery for the Green Business Award, Gordon Smith of Cowichan Woodwork for Art in Business, Michael Coleman, Q.C., of Coleman Fraser Whittome Lehan for Lifetime Achievement. Duncan’s Sean Nyhan has purchased Bronson Muffler from former owner Chris Moore.

Bob McDonald, Cowichan Valley Regional District’s recycling and waste boss, has departed from his position, making him the fifth senior employee to leave within the past two months. Pots & Paraphernalia is celebrating its 33rd anniversary, located at 863 Canada Avenue. Sutton Group - West Coast Realty congratulated the winners of its 2013 Sutton Awards. Winners include: Constantin Popa and Toni Blitterswyk for the Diamond Award, Mike Eddy, Grant Clement, Marvin Wood, Debra Christianson, Deb Wilson, Vanessa Rocchio and Shellie Balliet for the Platinum Award, Cliff Moberg, Shirley Van Dyke and Lisa Rush for the President’s Award, Janet Abbott, Hugo Boschman, Janice Pearson and Ben Werbski for the Director’s Award. Gone Fishin’ is celebrating its 13th anniversary, located at 600-2980 N. Island Highway.

NANAIMO The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board has awarded Susan McGougan with one of the industry’s highest honors – the VIREB Realtor of the Year Award – at the REALTOR Awards gala. Panago Pizza’s Fourth Street location has reopened after undergoing renovations to upgrade the restaurant. Industrial Plastics & Paints has moved from Northfield Road to its new location at 2052 Boxwood Road. 460 Realty Inc. has moved to a new location in the Estevan Professional Centre on the Island Highway. Melissa Burke of Vancouver Island Kidz Kompany has been appointed to the Provincial Childcare Council. Amrikko’s Indian Cuisine is set to re-open soon after undergoing renovations at its Departure Bay location. Subaru of Nanaimo is celebrating its second anniversary at 2476 Kenworth Road. Home Hardware’s Applecross location is closing its doors. Erickson Roofing has welcomed Ellis Pheaton to its team as an estimator. Calais Spas and Billiards is celebrating its 20th anniversary, located at 4000 Corunna Avenue. AGS Business Systems has moved into a new location at 1850 Northfield Road. Shannon Orr has opened ORRiginal Hair & Art Studio at 1645 Bay Street. Studio Kitchens & Design has switched its major cabinet suppliers to an Island firm, taking its lead time to 3 weeks, compared to

The new Canadian Tire location celebrated its grand opening in its Nanaimo North Town Centre location. The Nanaimo & District SPCA is making preparations to build a new animal shelter facility. Parkway Driving Academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The Neighbourhood Book Store is now open at 621 Townsite Road. Baby Salsa is opening a new location in the former Kentucky Fried Chicken location on Terminal Avenue. Nanaimo Centre Stage at 25 Victoria Road is in search of a new operator for its facility. Tourism Vancouver Island has unveiled its new website. Charlie’s Closet has opened its doors at 427 Fitzwilliam Street, selling women’s new and gently used clothes. Pinpoint Physiotherapy has opened its doors at 161 Selby Street. Lavender and Lime Natural Body Essentials has recently opened at 6-321 Wesley Street. Man Lee Oriental Food and Gift Shop is open at 385 Terminal Avenue. McLean’s Specialty Foods is celebrating its 22nd anniversary. The new Board of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has been announced. Members include: Marianne Turley as Chair, and Board members Don Bonner, Mike Delves, Sean Herold, Dan Hurley, Sarah Lane, David Littlejohn, Adrian Legin, James MacIntyre, Greg Phillips, Justin Schley, Hilde Schlosar, Mike Thompson, Wally Wells and Kelly Whitton. The Nanaimo Timerman Sr. A & Jr. A Lacrosse Clubs have moved their offices to 2290 Bowen Road. The Nanaimo Port Authority has appointed Captain Edward Dahlgren as its new Director of Operations & Harbour Master, and Mike Davidson as its new Director of Property and Environment. Purdy’s Chocolates in Woodgrove Mall is undergoing renovations by Bricar Industries. The Tim Hortons, located across from Woodgrove Mall, is undergoing renovations. Harbourside Motel on Terminal Avenue is scheduled for demolition. Bent Tree Wellness Centre is opening its doors on Nicol Street. The Blue Ginger Restaurant in Longwood Plaza is for sale. Binngs Auto Service on Fremont Road is closing its doors. Smokin’ George’s will be putting a mobile food trailer outside of Rona during the summer. Ross Burke is retiring from his position as Canadian Western Bank manager effecting June 30. Island Natural Markets is celebrating 22 years in the community by launching a new logo. The store will be holding celebrations June 13 and 14.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MAY 2014

PARKSVILLE/ QUALICUM BEACH The Qualicum Beach Downtown Business Association has welcomed its new Board of Directors for the 201415 term, including: Lilo Kallai of Fresh N Fabulous Flowers and Gifts as the new chair, Patrick Simpson of What’s Cooking in charge of events, Joan SmithHodgson of Lefty’s Fresh Food in charge of membership, Kelly Bleau of BMO in Qualicum Beach as Treasurer, and Dave Wood of ReMax Anchor and ReMax First Realty as Vice Chair and Secretary. The Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society has developed a new logo in honor of the museum’s 30th anniversary. Mystic Lotus at 152 Morison Avenue is celebrating its second anniversary May 1. Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek and Salvation Army Major Norm Hamelin have agreed to donate $1,000 each to build a new Kiwanis Village. Parksville City Council has issued a permit for Village Gates Mews, an eight-unit townhouse development. Qualicum Beach Digital Arts Studio has opened in the old train station as part of town council’s effort to make the town a digital arts hub. The studio provides space in which individual or small groups of digital media professionals can work and network together. Bayview Motorcycle has received a fleet of iconic British bikes called Royal Enfield’s Continental GT “Café” Racers - a style of bike that has been around since the late 1800’s. Bayview Motorcycle is located at 1480 Industrial Way. Julie Edwards opened Pedego Electric Bikes last month and will be hosting its grand opening May 10. The business rents out and hosts tours on its electric bikes, which claim benefits for both the environment and one’s self. The store is located at 744A Memorial Avenue. Pharmacist John Schulmeister has recently joined the Parksville Pharmasave team. The Parksville Qualicum Beach Mac Users Group has recently elected Dan LaRoque as its new president. Parksville’s Chuffin Café is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year.

PORT ALBERNI The local Alberni Toyota received the brand’s top performing dealership award for providing customer satisfaction in vehicle sales and servicing from Regional Toyota. Harold Norlund is the newest addition to the Catalyst Paper facility, replacing former general manager Fred Chinn, who recently transferred to Powell River. The Port Alberni Fundraising Co-op has donated $60,000 to the community since its opening in 2011 through its social enterprise, Pot Luck Ceramics. Port Alberni’s Canadian Tire has completed its halfmillion-dollar renovation, allowing the company to expand its products, under the recent ownership of Kevin Smith. The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2014 Alberni Valley Community Excellence Awards, which includes: Nancy Wilmot and Ryan Dvorak for Citizen of the Year, Pat Deakin and Bob Kanngeisser for the Chamber of Commerce Award, Browns General Excavation, Little Bavaria, Gayle’s Fashions, Will Pulford (Van Isle Ford/ Pacific Chevrolet) and Valley Vision Optometry for the Business Excellence Award, Lady Rose Marine Services, McLean Mill and Best Western Barclay Hotel for the Tourism and Hospitality Award, The Medicine Shop, Blue Fish Gallery and Jiffy Lube for the Rising Star Award, Boutique Belles Amies, Hertel’s Meats and Jowsey’s Furniture for the Special Recognition Award, Aaron Vissia Financial, Blue Fish Gallery and Sproat Lake Landing for the Image Enhancement Award, The

Funk Trunk, Finishing Touches and Serious Coffee for the Social Media Award, Marilyn Gibson, Carol Cutforth and Gareth Flostrand for the Volunteer of the Year Award, Alberni charters, Naesgaard Farm Market and Salvation Army for the Green Award, Nathaniel Wynans, Rhylie Lee and Rachele VanZoren for the Youth of the Year Award, Gord Groves of Quality Foods, the staff at Boutique Belles Amies and Dani Hovind of Tim Hortons for the Customer Service Award. WorSafe BC has announced several inspections that have been planned for Port Alberni Sawmills in an effort to crack down on the enforcement of safety regulations. Western Forest Products’ two mills, the Franklin Forest Products mill and the Coulson Manufacturing sawmill are all to be investigated in the upcoming inspections.

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Peter Wienold, co-owner of Graphics Factory, is celebrating his 25th anniversary of business in Port Alberni. Kelly Fines has opened his new business, Advantage Mobile RV Repair in the Alberni Valley.

COMOX VALLEY

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Galaxy Motors is expanding its operations in the Comox Valley, joining Toyota, Nissan and Mazda at Crown Isle. The Comox Valley has been chosen to host next year’s Island Agriculture Show. Lazo Sandwich Express has opened at 19 Wing’s Canex Mall. Brian McLean GM congratulated Malinda Cottingham on being its top salesperson for the month of March. The Courtenay Fish and Game Club has been recognized by Ducks Unlimited Canada with a Community Conservation Award. Mosaic Vision Care celebrated its grand opening in the Crown Isle Shopping Centre. Island Health has named Tandem Health Partners as the preferred proponent for establishing the new 153bed hospital in Courtenay, which is expected to open in 2017. Finnerton Hyundai congratulated Eugene van Anrooy on achieving top sales for the month of February. Courtenay 1-Hour Optical has closed its downtown location to merge with Mosaic Vision Care. Keith Gibson was a recipient of the BC Community Achievement Award. The Comox Valley Regional District has announced that Kevin Lorette, General Manager of Property Services, is leaving to take a position with Victoria’s Capital Regional District.

CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell River RCMP Inspector Lyle Gelinas has accepted a position as the Assistant District Commander of the Western Alberta District in Grand Prairie. Construction is underway of the Berwick By The Sea Campbell River retirement community, and is set to open by Fall of 2014. The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce has elected a new Board of Directors for the 2014-15 term. Members include: Mike Boulet as Board Chair, Corby Lamb as Vice-Chair, Kim Jarvis as Second Vice-Chair, Charlene Brown as Secretary/Treasurer, Gary Thulin as Past Board Chair, and Directors Robert Behrendt, Debra Cunningham, Keith Davidson, Andy Leitch, Pierre Pelletier, David Minato, Cheryl O’Connell and Curtis Wilson. Bill Howich Chrysler, RV and Marine congratulated Ron May on achieving top sales for the month of March. The Top Drawer Romance Boutique celebrated the pre grand opening of its new location at 594 C 11th Avenue.

The Campbell River Economic Development Corporation has announced the new members of the Tourism Leadership Committee. Members include: Jodi Simkin,

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MAY 2014

COMOX VALLEY

Entrepreneurs Honoured At Annual Awards Reception

Greg Fossen, Carmen Amberson, Kerry Amos, Rachel Wiley, Jack Springer and Mariana Gabilondo. The Sport Fishing Advisory Board is celebrating its 50th anniversary, making it the longest advisory and consultation process between any Canadian fishery and the DFO. Strathcona Toyota congratulated Joe Tremblay on ranking in the top 20% of all Toyota Product Advisors across Canada. The dealership also welcomed Bob Gauthier to the position of Fixed Operations Manager, and James Emery to the Toyota Sales Team. North Island Nissan has welcomed Mary Kine to its team as IT Manager and Receptionist. Seaworthy Marine Recycler, at 2865 Vigar Road, has welcomed Chris O’Brien to its team. Westview Ford has welcomed Dyson Hunt to its sales team. The Dairy Queen at 1362-16th Avenue is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Coastal Community Credit Union has closed branches and ATM’s in Alert Bay, Cortes Island and Sointula. Alitis Investment Counsel has welcomed Rod Burylo to its team. Boyd’s Funeral Services Ltd. has welcomed Danny Munroe to its team.

NORTH ISLAND Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. of Port Hardy is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Port McNeill’s Sportsman’s Steakhouse is set to reopen in May after undergoing extensive renovations. The Shelter Restaurant in Tofino is undergoing major renovations.

he Comox Valley Small Business Association (SBA) hosted its annual awards reception last week to honour some of the association’s members in various categories. The recipients were chosen from nominations submitted by other members of the organization. The recipients of the 2014 HBSBA awards include: Angela Zumbo of The Mortgage Center – Business of the year; Nancy Farey of The Mustard Lady- New Business of the year; Donna Clairmont of Clairmont Custom Draperies & Décor – Members choice award; Janet Martyn of PartyLite, Lawrence Belfrage Memorial award; Russell Ball of AudioXcellence DJ Systems – Merit award; Nina Andersen of Orca Marketing Group – Inspiration award; Sarah Brune of Inner Harmony Healing – Innovation award; Steve and Carolyn Touhey of Two Eagles Lodge – Comox Valley Ambassador award. The SBA, which started in 1998 as the Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association, provides networking

Left to right, Janet Martyn, Nina Andersen, Lori & Russ Ball, Carolyn & Steve Touhey, Sarah Brune and kneeling is Donna Clairmont. and educational opportunities for small and home-based businesses that operate in the Comox Valley or neighboring areas. The association, which meets monthly (Sept-June), encourages and assists members in their personal and professional growth, acts as an advocate to promote the growth and acceptance of home-based business in the

Comox Valley, and participates in decision-making about economic development that affects the Valley. There are more than 50 association members representing a wide variety of businesses— from bookkeeping and marketing to interior design and travel services. Membership is $95 each and is open to any small business. www.CVEntrepreneurs.com.

COWICHAN VALLEY

MAY 2014

BUSINESS SUCCESSION ACCELERATES AS POPULATION AGES Over the next few years about one-quarter of all B.C. businesses will go on the market for

COWICHAN VALLEY KATHY LACHMAN Many businesses in the Cowichan region do not have succession plans. Succession plans outline how the business will be passed on to the next generation of entrepreneurs. Whether the business is to be handed down to a family member or sold on the open market, business owners need to be prepared. Over the next few years about one-quarter of all B.C. businesses will go on the market for sale. Who will buy those businesses? In the past, population growth supported new buyers, but this is no longer the case. There is a shortage of entrepreneurs and this trend is expected to last for the next 20 years, putting our rural communities at risk. The Province of B.C. is aware of the issue of business succession and has developed solutions to fill some of those gaps. The provincial nominee program (PNP) is an economic immigration program designed to help B.C. meet its evolving labour-market needs. It also selects entrepreneurs ready to invest in B.C.’s economy and create jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The program helps employers attract and retain qualified foreign workers who have the skills and experience to contribute to B.C.’s economy. There are a number of categories available through the PNP, however, many potential immigrants are looking to immigrate through the regional business succession program (RBSP). This program is targeting B.C. businesses where the owner is looking to retire. Immigrants that apply under this category receive priority processing.

sale. Who will buy those businesses? In the past 12 months Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) has seen a substantial increase in the number of potential immigrants that are interested in locating in the Cowichan region and coming through the PNP – RBSP. This creates a high demand for businesses that qualify under this category. EDC and Community Futures Cowichan are both addressing the businesssuccession issue in different ways. EDC hosted an information session for service providers – that is, those businesses that provide services to other businesses such as realtors, accountants and lawyers. As a service provider to the business community, these may have clients that are getting ready to retire and wish to sell their business. The information session provided an overview of the PNP and strategies to work with EDC to help businesses find PNP buyers. Community Futures Cowichan is hosting a business owner succession strategies workshop on May 22, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 135 Third Street in Duncan. This workshop is for businesses that are looking to retire. Participants will learn the different exit options, exposure to the right target market and achieving the maximum value for their business. For more information or to register, call 250-746-1004 or visit www. ventureconnect.ca. Kathy Lachman is the business development officer for Economic Development Cowichan, a division of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. •

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DUNCAN

Hatton Insurance makes top 30 LOCAL COUPLE OFFERS HANDS-ON SERVICE

atton Insurance Agency Ltd. was recently selected by Insurance Business magazine as one of the Top 30 Elite Brokers in the country: quite an accomplishment for a twoyear-old business. Don Hatton, owner of Hatton Insurance Agency in Duncan, with his wife Natalie Hatton, believes in hands-on service. “That’s our big thing,” he said. “We’re one of the only brokers in the province that didn’t take on an Autoplan license; we chose this in order to focus on hands-on customer service and risk management.” In fact, Hatton says that he works closely with his cli-

Hatton is well known as an adventure motorcyclist who has raced in the famous Dakar Rally. He has also appeared frequently on television and offers his services as a motivational speaker. Insurance, however, is one of his great loves. “I like helping people solve their problems,” he said. “If your business burns down, everybody will tell you, ‘I’m sorry to hear about it.’ I’m the only guy working to get you a cheque to get your life back to the way it was.” Hatton is also pro-active in dealing with insurance companies to make sure his clients get the maximum on their claims.

“The goal is to reduce exposures to loss, which in turns keeps your insurance costs down.” DON HATTON OWNER, HATTON INSURANCE AGENCY LTD.

place of business to understand what he or she does and to know the risks involved. Something an online provider can not do.

Natalie and Don Hatton opened Hatton Insurance Agency in 2012 ents at loss prevention to ensure they don’t spend unnecessarily on insurance premiums. “A lot of small to medium size businesses can’t afford a fulltime risk manager. We offer risk management services for our clients. We research HR issues and safety issues – we help set up a good risk management program. The goal is to reduce exposures to loss, which in turns keeps your insurance costs down.” Hatton Insurance Agency serves a broad range of clients with 60% of those being commercial clients ranging from contractors and wineries to retail stores. It also offer coverages and risk management advice for personal coverages such as homeowners, tenants, condos, travel, boats and RVs. “We are also very strong in officers’ and directors’ liability for both profit and non-profit organizations and contractor bonding,” Hatton said. “Plus some unique specialties like collector cars and particularly, motorcycles.”

He a nd h is w i fe have been working in insurance for more than 30 years. In 1999, they purchased Van Isle Insurance and sold it in 2007. They then took a five-year hiatus, during which time he did insurance consulting and participated in international motorcycle races, Hatton made a name for himself in the motorcycling world. In 2012, they started Hatton Insurance Agency. “Despite technology and all it offers, I feel there is still a group of people who want hands-on, face-to-face customer service,” Hatton said. “For me, the definition of customer service is sitting down in front of my client and explaining their policy to them. It’s asking, ‘What do you do?’ and taking this information to design a program to best protect them. Insurance is one of the most important purchases you will make and it should not be taken lightly.” He says that on-line insurance companies can’t do that. It requires a visit to the customer’s

“We’re a boutique agency,” he said. “We give hands-on service: that’s our specialty.” “We are a little agency offering big service.” Hatton Insurance Agency is at 495 Trans Canada Highway in Duncan www.hattoninsurance.ca

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OPINION

MAY 2014 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 2A-2575 McCullough Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W5 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.250.758.2668 Email: info@businessvi.ca Website: www.businessvi.ca

PUBLISHER | Mark A. MacDonald, mark@businessexaminer.net EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessvi.ca SALES | Shawn Bishop, shawn@businessvi.ca; Joanne Iormetti, joanne@businessvi.ca WRITERS | Goody Niosi

RIGHT OUT OF A MONTY PYTHON MOVIE: GOVERNMENT UNIONS AND PENSION CLAIMS

MARK MILKE

f Canadians ever wonder why it is so difficult to reform government spending, there’s a simple reason: government employee unions. A good example (if one can call it that) is the issue of growing government-sector pension costs and the outright resistance from the unions to address the problem. Some specifics: In January, Newfoundland and Labrador’s auditor general Terry Paddon noted how unfunded employee pension benefits make up more than 60% of that province’s net debt and amounted to a $5.6 billion liability. As the auditor general also noted, that $5.6 billion unfunded pension liability exists despite a $2 billion payment put toward the Teachers’ Pension Plan in 200506 and a further $1.6 billion in taxpayer bailouts since 2006. “The total unfunded liability is now greater than it was at March 31, 2005, despite in excess of $3.6

billion in special payments over that period,” wrote Paddon in his report on Newfoundland and Labrador’s finances. On the other side of the country, Alberta’s public-sector pension liabilities are also substantial. The most recent budget pegged just the provincial government’s share of pension liabilities – repeat, just the government’s share – at $10.7 billion in 2014. That high number persists even though Alberta’s taxpayers paid ever-higher contribution rates and also made special contributions into these pension plans over the past decade. T he govern ment u n ion responses to these pension problems have ranged from denial and diversion to attacks on the messenger. They have also supplied “average” pension payout numbers that are disingenuous. Denial comes in the form of producing union-funded studies on pensions that claim that no problem exists. This is akin to the Black Knight in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, who loses his arms but keeps insisting he’s fine. But governments and government unions are often unrealistically optimistic, as actuary Malcolm Hamilton noted in a recent report. The result: when governments and “optimistic” government unions get it wrong,

Denial comes in the form of producing union-funded studies on pensions that claim that no problem exists. This is akin to the Black Knight in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, who loses his arms but keeps insisting he’s fine those who do not work for government (most of us) pay for the contribution increases and/or bailouts necessary to make pension guarantees whole. Diversion is ev ident when government unions attack politicians for their pensions. That is fair game in some cases, although some political pensions have been reformed. But in reality, the pension totals for a few thousand federal and provincial politicians pale in comparison to the total compensation costs for 3.6 million government workers across Canada.

Then there are the “averages” that unions promote in public debate. For example, Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, has said the average government-sector pension is just $1,200 (or $14,400 annually). But that average statistic contains all the short-term employees that have ever worked for a government-sector organization and were briefly part of a government employee pension plan. That is why it is more useful to look a real example of projected pension payouts. For example, in Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial government has a calculator that estimates annual pensions. For a government employee who worked 35 years and whose average annual salary (calculated from the highest five years) was $60,000, the annual pension is estimated at $42,000. Thus, any suggestion that an “average” pension is indicative of what a long-serving government employee will receive is misleading. Lastly, government employee unions often spread the fib that pension reform means a dramatic attack on retirement provisions or even the abolishment of pensions one day. Rubbish. Saskatchewan’s NDP government moved the entire public sector to defined

contribution pension plans in 1977. Government employees still receive a pension that’s based on contributions plus investment returns. Such plans are fair both for employees and taxpayers at large. In some instances, where investment returns on defined contribution plans exceed expectations, such returns may even trump the defined benefit plan payouts. That was a point the Saskatchewan NDP minister who introduced that province’s 1970s-era reforms noted. Most government-sector employees do a fine job and are a critical part of a civilized society. But pension liabilities are ultimately paid for by taxpayers, either through special payments or increased contribution rates. The sheer size of the government sector means it is in everyone’s interest to ensure compensation is fair and affordable for all. Advocates for the status quo on government pensions are not exactly helping achieve that goal. Worse, the misleading rhetoric from government union leaders to union members is part of the problem. Mark Milke is senior fellow at the Fraser Institute. Published by Troy Media. Visit www.troymedia.com. •

PROPOSAL GOOD NEWS FOR CONTEMPORARY ‘NATIONAL DREAM’

MARK A. MACDONALD Enbridge has been plodding away, promoting its Northern Gateway pipeline proposal to everyone who will listen. It‚s a costly exercise, but the rewards for its investment will be well worth it, if and when the pipeline to deliver Canadian oil through B.C. to the west coast is built. All of a sudden, almost out of nowhere, Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings, which states it has the support of the majority of 30 First Nations groups in B.C., has come up with its own $18 billlion proposal in partnership with the Aquilini Group, which owns the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. If that doesn‚t send shivers dow n the backs of Enbridge

executives, it should. First Nations opposition has remained a concern for the federal government‚s plans to have a pipeline help Canada‚s crude escape the market suppression exerted by the United States‚ oil interests, resulting in a $35 per barrel discount. It will be an interesting situation to monitor on many fronts: > if the Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings proposal eventually becomes the choice to build the pipeline, Enbridge would undoubtedly want to be reimbursed for the sizeable investment it has made thus far; > E nbr id ge‚s prop osa l h a s been met with scorn by lobby groups, some of which are being not-so-secretly subsidized by U.S. companies. Would an Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings project receive the same negative reaction? Environmentalists have thus far demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle First Nations groups or interests on development issues. Would a First Nations pipeline receive

an easier, quieter ride through the process? > because Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings is a First Nations group, will the federal government be able or allowed to tax the pipeline‚s construction and operation to the same degree as it would an Enbridge pipeline to the benefit of all Canadians, due to the fact First Nations have differing tax regulations on aboriginal land? > if Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings is somehow successful in its pursuit, what measures would the Canadian government be able to introduce to guarantee longevity, protection and uninterrupted service in perpetuity? > would Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings be able to flex its collective muscles to guarantee construction if the federal government goes with their project and, at the same time, refuse to endorse or co-operate with the Enbridge proposal because it doesn‚t have the same degree of First Nations support? and > w i l l Enbridge move proactively to strike deals with First

The federal government is determined to push the pipeline through in the national interest but, with the possibility of two bidders, one of which appears to have addressed the concerns of First Nations interests, the project‚s prospects look even brighter

Nations organizations to galvanize its own pipeline plans? O n e t h i n g t h at t h e em ergence of the Eagle Spirit plans v i rtua l ly g ua ra ntees is that this pipeline will be built. The

federal government is determ i ned to pu sh t he pip el i ne through in the national interest but, with the possibility of two bidders, one of which appears to have addressed the concerns of First Nations interests, the project‚s prospects look even brighter. It still boggles the mind how a large number of Canadians fail to recognize how much our economy is already oil dependent, and the fact that revenues generated from our tarsands already pay for ˆ and will pay for ˆ the health and education services and lifestyle we expect, and need. The pipeline is the new National Dream, a contemporary version of the national railway that provided transportation from coast to coast, united the country and paved the way for future prosperity. Similarly, the new pipeline will transport our resources to new markets, ushering in an unprecedented level of wea lth creation u nlike anything Canada has ever seen. •

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LAW PAGE

MAY 2014

THE BLINDFOLD IS OFF Changes to charitable donation rules are positive

n February, the federal government delivered its 2014 budget. Starting in 2016, new rules will apply for charitable donations made on death. These changes create more flexibility and allow taxpayers to focus more on the gift itself and less on trying to determine if they are making the gift in the most tax-efficient way. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assume that Mr. Sid Crosby wants to leave $100,000 to his favourite charity when he dies. His will specifically provides for the donation. Under the current rules, the donation would be treated as having been made by Mr. Crosby immediately before his death. This means that the donation tax credit can be claimed only in the year that Mr. Crosby dies or, to the extent that the amount is not deducted in the year he dies, in the year immediately prior to his death. The tax credit cannot be carried

Young, Dwyer Tax Lawyers forward for use by Mr. Crosbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate. In most cases, using the credit in the year of death is the best use of the credit because Mr. Crosby is deemed to dispose of all his assets immediately before death. As this can give rise to a significant capital gain in the year of death, it is usually good to be able to use the donation deduction to offset the tax on the capital gain.

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But what if Mr. Crosby is not sure how much money will be in his estate on his death? In that case, his will might let his executor choose the amount that goes to the charity. There might be an understanding that the executor will make sure that Mr. Crosbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children receive a specific amount and that the executor is to make the donation to the charity only if the children receive that amount. While this might be prudent, it means that the donation is made by Mr. Crosbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executor and, as a result, the tax credit cannot be used against the capital gain that arises on Mr. Crosbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death. Currently, taxpayers have to guess whether it is better to specifically provide for the donation in their will or give their executor the discretion to make a donation from the estate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like trying to score a goal with a blindfold on. Starting in January 2016, the federal government proposes to remove the blindfold. Under the proposed changes, any donation made in a will is deemed to be made by the deceasedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate at the time the property is actually transferred

Currently, taxpayers have to guess whether it is better to specifically provide for the donation in their will or give their executor the discretion to make a donation from the estate.

to the charity. The executor, however, will have the option to use the tax credit in the most tax-efficient way. The executor can allocate the credit among any of (i) the taxation year of the estate in which the donation is made; (ii) an earlier taxation year of the estate; and (iii) the

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last two taxation years of the deceased individual. These new rules will apply only to donations made within the first 36 months after the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death. In some cases, however, it may not be possible to transfer the property to the charity in the first 36 months. For example, a beneficiary might contest the will because it gives too much to charity. In that case, the estate may be bogged down in court proceedings for years. Mr. Crosby could have used an alter ego trust to avoid that court fight, but this article does not have room to discuss that planning technique. Suffice it to say, if the donation is not made within 36 months of death, the new rules will allow the estate to claim a tax credit in the year that the donation is finally made or in any of the five following years. There is still a lot to consider when preparing your estate plan but, starting in 2016, it will be easier to donate to charity and not waste the tax credit. Craig Young specializes in tax and estate planning at Dwyer Tax Lawyers in Victoria. Call 250-360-2110 and visit www. dwyertaxlaw.com.

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MAY 2014