Business Examiner Victoria - November 2018 by Business Examiner Media Group

NOVEMBER 2018

» CONSTRUCTION

– PAGE 15

VICTORIA W & J Construction, Woodsmere Holdings Team Up On Vital Multi-Family Projects

Victoria

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Locals Win at BC Indigenous Business Awards T’Sou-ke First Nation Chief and Van-Isle Auto Brokers Receive Honours BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

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SIDNEY Liquid Metal Marine is Creating West Coast Vessels

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INDEX News Update

West Shore

Saanich Peninsula

Esquimalt 53 Who is Suing Whom 54 Movers and Shakers 55 Opinion 59

iCTOR I A – Vancouver Island was well represented at the 10th Annual BC Indigenous Business Awards October 15 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Mathew Morfitt of Van-Isle Auto Brokers was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious event, attended by over 650 people from across the province. Chief Gordon Planes of the T’Souke First Nation received the evening’s final presentation, the Individual Achievement Award. Business of the Year (1-2 person enterprise) went to Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design clothing designers from Nanaimo, and the Business Partnership of the Year went to the Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Limited Partnership based in Port Alberni, which is partnered with the St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse in Nanaimo. T he pa rtnersh ip i ncludes Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ditidaht First Nation, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ SEE T’SOU-KE FIRST NATION | PAGE 48

Nominations Sought for Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

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From left: Jacob Beaton, Mathew Morfitt of Van-Isle Auto Brokers and Chief David Jimmie - Vice Chair, New Relationship Trust

Gala Event Organizers Searching For Nominations For Successful Companies To Nominate Ahead Of December 1 Deadline

ICTORIA – Organizers of the 19 th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards are looking forward to a large number of ent r ies f rom awa rd-wor t hy businesses this year as the December 1 nomination deadline

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is now around the corner on the calendar. “It’s been another good year for business on Vancouver Island, and we expect that to be ref lected in the number and quality of the entries this year for the Gala, which will be held

in Nanaimo on January 2 4,” notes Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner, which coordinates the event. “These awards always bring out new, exciting ventures that make our judges’ job a little tougher each year as they decide who wins each

award. Black Press i s a Pl a t i nu m Sponsor of the BE Awards this year, and RBC Royal Bank and Grant T hornton LLP a re the event’s Gold Sponsors. SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 53

NEWS UPDATE

NOVEMBER 2018

VANCOUVER ISLAND Continued Diversification Of BC Exports Key To Economic Growth

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According to the BC Check-Up, an annual economic report released by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), despite recent trade uncertainties, BC’s exports to international markets increased by 12.7 per cent to reach $43.7 billion in 2017. “BC continues to see growth in our export sector. The value of our exports reached $26.6 billion by the end of July 2018, compa red to $25.3 bi l l ion t he same time last year. We have a solid export foundation in our province,” said Lori Mathison, FCPA, FCGA, LLB, president a nd CEO of CPA BC. “T he United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement and the approval of the LNG Canada project should improve trade conditions in the near future.” BC’s export destinations are diversified when compared to the rest of the country. Just over half of BC’s exported goods in 2017 were destined for the United States. Destinations in the Asia Pacific, including China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, make up over one-third of the total value of exports. “Having a diverse trade portfolio and close distance to the Asia Pacific give us a solid footing in trade. Both the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Port of Prince Rupert are on track to see a record volume this year,” said Mathison. BC’s economy is largely dependent on the export of commodities. According to the BC Check-Up, BC’s exports account for 38 per cent of provincial GDP.

SIDNEY Victoria Airport Authority Receives Award for TenTen Creek Remediation

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British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) announced winners of the Environmental Achievement Award. Each year BCAC recognizes an outstanding environmental initiative, program or accomplishment in one or more areas of protection, rejuvenation and awareness. Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) was selected as this year’s recipient of the BCAC Env i ron menta l Ach ievement Award for the TenTen Creek Sediment Reduction Project. The official presentation was made to VAA at the Annual Silver Wings Awards celebration held yesterday evening in Vancouver. About the TenTen Creek Remediation Project: Historic activities on Airport lands had reduced the aquatic ecosystems in TenTen Creek to the point that fish and other aquatic life were rarely observed. Lands adjacent to the stream contain a federal dump site which contributed to poor water quality in the stream. Near TenTen Creek, VAA constructed a wetlands complex to provide much needed treatment for nutrient-heavy water from nearby farming operations. In 2012, discovery of juvenile sea-run cutthroat trout and three-spined stickleback fish

highlighted the importance to continue to reduce harmful pollutants and revitalize creek habitat. In 2013, a twophase project was completed to enhance existing facilities and create a diversion channel to direct pond overflow into a retention area, reducing sediment and limiting nutrient-rich stormwater from entering TenTen Creek. T h i s m o s t-re c e n t p h a s e o f w o rk completed in 2017 was a self-funded $540,000 capital project. It included re-profiling and armouring two large over-steepened banks, constructing two large sediment traps to reduce sediment load into Patricia Bay, improving creek plantings, removing visible garbage and modifying the water flow in sections to reduce future erosion. All efforts to encourage future aquatic life and reduce the downstream impacts into Patricia Bay. The TenTen Creek Remediation proje ct i ncluded t he i nvolvement a nd support of a number of stakeholders i nclud i ng Depa r t ment of Fi sher ies and Oceans, Peninsula Streams, Shore Keepers, Transport Canada, Tseycum First Nation and environmental consu lta nts Kerr Wood Liedel a nd SLR Environmental.

VICTORIA VIATEC releases Economic Impact Study T he Victoria Innovation, Advanced Te ch nology a n d E nt re p ren e u rsh ip Council (VIATEC), has surveyed local technology companies and commissioned an independent researcher (Alan Chaffe, senior economics lecturer at the University of Victoria), to collect and analyze the data - releasing a brand-new Economic Impact Study. T he study shows t here has been a grow th of 30 per cent since the last study was released in 2013. The technology sector in Greater Victoria has a total economic impact of $5.22 billion and employs 16,775 people. The tech sector contributes significantly to employment and economic output in both the local community, as well as throughout the Province of BC. Growth in revenue and the number of technology firms for Greater Victoria outpaces the national average. Greater Victoria is home to a vibrant, d iverse, a nd successf u l tech nolog y sector that has been a major d river of innovation and economic grow th for the BC economy. The technology sector in Greater Victoria has experienced significant growth over the past decade—with industry revenues (direct impact) increasing from $1.0 billion in 2004 to $4.06 in 2017. This represents a more than fourfold increase over this period. The combined direct ($4.06 billion) and indirect ($1.16 billion) economic impact of the technology sector in Greater Victoria for 2017 was $5.22 billion—a 30 per cent increase from the $4.03 billion estimated in 2013. The technology sector is responsible for a substantial portion of the region’s employment. In 2017, there were 16,775 employees in the sector. The technology sector in Greater Victoria is expected to continue to grow. SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

NEWS UPDATE

NOVEMBER 2018

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

T h e n u m b e r of te c h n olo g y f i r m s i n Greater Victor i a is expected to increase, reachi ng over 1,000 before 2020. V I AT EC recent ly adopted a strategic plan focused on supporting the region’s tech sector in growing to $10 billion in annual revenues by 2030. Based on the findings of this study, it is expected that this goal will be achieved if not surpassed in that time frame. Viatec

LANGFORD The Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre Will Open Located on the Langford Colwood border, the Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre is a Primary Health Care Centre designed to provide a range of services in one central location. The goal of the centre is to provide same-day access to team-based primary care delivered by physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses, with access to mental health and substance use clinicians. The centre will have a team of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other health-care professionals, including a mental health and substance use clinician who will be an integral part of the centre’s care team. The clinician, working collaboratively with the broader care team, will offer same-day services for people living with mild to moderate mental health and/or substance use disorders. “T he West Shore i s one of Va nc o uver I s l a nd’s l a rge s t growing populations, and many people are struggling to find a primary care provider,” said Leah Hollins, chair of Island Hea lth’s boa rd of d i rectors. “T he new West Shore centre will connect people to a multidisciplinary team, and is the foundation of our plans to improve care across the western communities.”

VICTORIA Vecima Networks Receives Diamond Rating Ve ci m a Network s I nc ., a n experienced designer and ma nu factu rer of i n novative t e c h n o l o g y s o l u t i o n s , a nnounced that its Entra Remote PH Y Mon itor has been honou re d w it h a fou r d i a mond rating in the BTR (Broadband Technology Report) 2018 Diamond Technology Reviews. The award was announced at the cable telecommunications industry’s biggest event, SCTE’s

Cable-Tec E x po i n At l a nta, Georgia. “One of the biggest missing pieces of the DAA use cases is how to monitor and manage the physical equipment,” stated one of the judges. “The Entra Remote PHY Monitor fills this gap and should be of great interest to anyone moving into the RPHY deployment world.” “We’re delighted that Vecima’s deep commitment to developing powerful solutions for the distributed access ecosystem continues to be recognized by our industry peers,” said Sumit Kumar, President and CEO of Vecima Networks.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND Tourism Vancouver Island Announces New Board Tourism Vancouver Island’s 55th A nnual Conference and AGM was held from September 25-27 in Port Hardy. T he business meeting concluded the event on September 27 with the announcement of the incoming Board of Directors for the 2018 – 2019 term. At the first meeting of the new Board of Directors, Ian MacPhee of Prince of Whales Whale Watching was re-elected to the position of Board Chair. Returning to the board and elected by acclamation for twoyear terms are: Andrew Jones of Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures; Corene Inouye of Jamie’s Whaling Station Ltd.; and Lara Greasley of Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism. Serving out their second year of a two-year term are Ian MacPhee of Prince of Whales Whale Watching, Janet Docherty of Merridale Cidery & Distillery, and Arthur Wong of The Beach Club Resort. Raymond Chan of RCA Consulting a nd L eif Bogwald of Vancouver Island Expeditions have been re-appointed to the b oa rd for a t wo-ye a r ter m, while Jim Owens of JTO Hospitality Group has been re-appointed for a one-year term. Dean Prentice of Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Lillian Hunt of Indigenous Tourism BC will serve out their second year of a two-year term. A vacancy exists for a representative in the Gulf Islands region with the recent resignation of Janet Clouston of the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce as she moves to the east coast to start a new adventure. The officers include Ian MacPhee as Chair; Arthur Won g a s V ic e Ch a i r (Ch a i r Elect); Raymond Chan as Governance Chair; Andrew Jones as Marketing Chair; and Leif Bogwald as Secretary-Treasurer. Carol Ann Terreberry continues as Past Chair.

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of my Chamber of Commerce colleagues across the province, I have watched with interest as decisions about resource development have been announced over the last couple of months. On August 30th, the Federal Court of Appeal overturned federal approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline extension on the basis that the Energy Board’s assessment of the proposal was sufficiently flawed that the federal government could not use the review as a basis for making a decision. Then on October 2 nd, there was a joint provincial-federal announcement that a $40 billion liquefied natural

gas project running between Dawson Creek and Kitimat had been approved and would be going ahead immediately. T he BC Chamber of Commerce is in support of both of these projects going ahead, and was particularly concerned about the uncertainty for investment created by the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision. Why would investors want to put their money into Canada if unclear decision making processes will put investments at risk? It’s a fair question, as arguably the greatest impediment to business growth and development is uncertainty. Which is why we should all be concerned about the message of the recently released UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius. The report states that unless we drastically decrease our carbon emissions now, by 2040 we are likely to surpass the 1.5 degrees of global warming. T his matters because the impact will include “food shortages, droughts, extreme weather [and] vanishing coastlines

. . .” to name but a few of the points listed. (Huffington Post October 15 2018: UN Climate Change Report Spurs Emergency Debate in House of Commons) This is a road map for uncertainty. This report tells us that what we’re doi ng right now to reduce our carbon footprint is not enough. Circling back to my opening paragraph, resource development is welcome for its accompanying job creation a nd econom ic benefit, and it has to come hand in glove with a robust and achievable plan for mitigating the increase in carbon emissions. This is clearly only one area of many to which we will have to turn our attention if we are to make a substantial difference. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said in the past that economic development does not have to come at the cost of environmental impact. How are we going to do both? Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at jlawlor@ westshore.bc.ca

BRAND REFRESH

TOURISM VICTORIA PAUL NURSEY

n ea rly September Tourism Victoria announced its brand refresh and trading name ch a n ge to Desti nation Greater Victoria. This announcement was the result of a lot of hard work by Tourism Victoria (now Destination Greater Victoria) staff, who worked closely with our board and the public at large. The previous brand had been in place since 2005. It served our destination and our organization well. But both Victoria and the world of

marketing and communications has changed since 2005. It was ti me for a brand refresh. Tou rism Victoria engaged Destination Think!, an international agency specializing in destination promotion and development. Over the course of six months Destination T hink! led engagement workshops with Greater Victoria residents and businesses, as well as conducted sentiment analyses and consumer surveys in target markets. The work created a brand story centred on Greater Victoria’s timeless beauty, built environment and connections to the Salish Sea. The decision to update the company trading name from Tourism Victoria to Destination Greater Victoria is due to the evolving nature of the organization’s business. Most tourism boards have incorporated a destination management function and their names reference this responsibility. Examples include Destination Canada and

Destination BC. Over one quarter of our members are located outside the City of Victoria and District of Saanich as well. It was time for a name that reflected the regional nature of our membership and our marketing campaigns. I am proud of the brand refresh. Greater Victoria is a wonderful place to live and work. As residents we all know it. Having a brand in place that reflects the qualities that we know and love will serve our community for years to come. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/ Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria

SAANICH PENINSULA

NOVEMBER 2018

A REASON TO CELEBRATE

SAANICH PENINSULA DENNY WARNER

he Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and title sponsor partner Island Savings were thrilled to recognize these businesses recently at our 12th Annual Crystal Awards for Business Excellence: Entrepreneurial Spirit Urban Bee Honey Farm; Green Business of the Year - Focus Hair Design; Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year - Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank; Contribution to the Community - Hughesman Morris CPA; Outstanding Customer Service - All Care Canada (Sidney); Employer of the Year - Bayshore Home Health; Lifetime Achievement Award - Michell

Family; New Business, Product or Service - Trich Analytics; Newsmaker of the Year - McTavish Academy of Art; Business of the Year 1-15 - Pacific Ridge Landscapes and Business of the Year 16+ - Titan Boats. Those of you who have never attended the Crystal Awards are missing out on a stellar event. It is inspirational to hear the stories of the people who have invested incredible amounts of time and energy into their businesses, to witness their passion, and to recognize their efforts. There are many, many businesses operating on the Peninsula that you have never heard of and that is unfortunate, because they are doing amazing things. The networking is fabulous and people are unbelievably supportive of each other. The guests enjoy the wonderfully-prepared locally-sourced dinner in a beautiful setting. Those reasons are compelling enough to attend, but it is the greatest honour to attend as a finalist for an award. Winning awards can have unforeseen benefits for your company. It gives you an opportunity to legitimately brag about how

amazing you are. It can benefit your hiring and retention efforts. Winning an award builds credibility, enhances your reputation as a trustworthy brand, and can lead to increased sales. It’s free publicity! The award goes to… You won! Now what? Take advantage of the opportunity. Consider using press releases, social media, emails, and other platforms to spread the word. Make sure your suppliers and customers know you are an award-winning organization. Put it on your business cards and website. Find a prominent location in your office to display your award. Leverage this community stamp of approval and share the news loudly and proudly. And if you weren’t nominated this year, get thinking about the possibility for next year. We look forward to recognizing a whole new batch of exemplary companies and you could be one of them. Denny Warner is the Executive Director at the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at execdir@ peninsulachamber.ca

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GREATER VICTORIA

NOVEMBER 2018

CHAMBER BUSINESSES HELPED CREATE WWI MEMORIAL LANE Businesses provide leadership for communities in many ways. We employ people,

GREATER VICTORIA

pay taxes and provide services as the market demands.

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CATHERINE HOLT

lmost 100 years ago in Greater Victoria, business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce decided to help memorialize the fallen soldiers of World War One. The city must have been reeling after the end of the Great War in 1918. So much sorrow and yet so much hope for a better future. Of the 600,000 Canadians who fought in WWI, about 65,000 were killed in battle and a further 172,000 injured. Among the dead were 600 soldiers and nurses who never returned home to Greater Victoria. Businesses provide leadership for communities in many ways. We employ people, pay taxes and provide services as the market demands. A c e nt u r y a go, it wa s t h e

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

business community that stepped up to help find a way to heal and carry on. The armistice of Nov. 11, 1918 brought an end to unimaginable misery, and the sacrifices of Canadians fundamentally changed the way the

world thought of us. At home, a growing sense of nationhood would manifest in many ways. In 1921, H.B. Thomson pitched an idea to The Chamber. The vision was to create a Memorial Avenue that might rival the Champs-Elysées. The plan was to create an avenue lined on each side with majestic trees, each bearing a small plaque with the name of a BC soldier lost to war. Shelbourne Street was chosen as it offered enough space to commemorate every soldier from the province who died. Chamber members went to work, planning the project. Business owners dug holes and planted trees along with members of the community and workers from Saanich and Victoria.

• Tuesday, November 20 2019 Business Awards Information Session Noon – 1 pm @ The Chamber • Wednesday, November 21 Industry Tour: BC Cancer - Victoria BC Cancer Foundation On Oct. 2, 1921, Canada’s first Road of Remembrance opened on Shelbou rne Street. More than 7,000 people turned out. A symbolic tree was planted by the Lt.-Gov. of the day, with subsequent trees planted by the Prince of Wales, Lord Byng of Vimy, Sir Arthur Currie and Field-Marshall Haig, among others. Former Chamber president James H. Beatty, who served from 1921-22, wrote about the project in 1963, as part of The Chamber’s 100th anniversary book. Beatty noted that London planetrees were chosen for their longevity. Trees were planted 60 feet apart with “quick-growing Mountain Ash between.” About 600 trees were originally planted, less than half of the original grand plan. Over

the decades, development along the route and changing social priorities resulted in the loss of hundreds more. Today, there are about 200 trees along Shelbourne that offer a glimpse of what H.B. Thomson envisioned. Thankfully, there is a renewed interest in preserving and enhancing this historic Road of Remembrance. Through the effort of the tireless Ray Travers, chair of the Memorial Avenue Committee, a new generation is learning about this tribute to WWI. Along the route, the District of Saanich has placed 30 signs depicting poppies, the leaf of a London planetree and the words “Lest We Forget.” On Sept. 29, a rededication ceremony was held. Dignitaries included BC Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, as well as representatives from First Nations, Saanich Council and the provincial and federal governments. Through the efforts of volunteers like Ray, and the leadership of our region’s business community, Greater Victoria continues to shine as place we are proud to call a home. Catherine Holt is the CEO of the greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

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NOVEMBER 2018

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: IT TAKES A PRO “A general photographer Specialized Food Photographers Make Good Food Look Great

hy hire a professional food photographer? “If I’m having heart issues, I go to a cardiologist,” says Tim McGrath, owner of fo o d photog raphy bu si ness ITS-Food.ca. “I’m not going to a general practitioner. I want to work with the person who specializes in the treatment I need.” According to McGrath, the same principle applies to food photography. Food photography requires unique considerations that are not involved in portrait, wedding, or construction photography. “Styl i ng is requ i red i n the world of food photog raphy, and specialists like myself are familiar with the styling techniques that help create excellent photos,” he continues. “A general photographer may do an ‘okay job’ with a food photo shoot, but do you really want you r restau ra nt, you r food, your beverages, and your whole marketing campaign based on ‘okay’ photos?”

may do an ‘okay job’ with a food photo shoot, but do you really want your restaurant, your food, your beverages, and your whole marketing campaign based on ‘okay photos’?” TIM MCGRATH OWNER OF ITS-FOOD.CA

In photography, the ‘hero’ of the image needs to be in perfect focus to draw the eye

Tim McGrath has been working as a professional food photographer and marketing consultant for the last ten years

I TS-Food.ca specializes in food photography, taking pictures for cookbooks, food suppliers, restaurants, and other areas of the food world. “One of the best ways to promote any business is through images, and the quality of the image makes a huge difference,” says McGrath. “Given the choice, is a customer going to go to the place with really good looking food, or the place where the server took a pictu re w it h t hei r iPhone? In this industry, the quality of photos can make or

break a business.” For the last ten years, McGrath has learned the ins and outs of food industry shoots, styling dishes, choosing the best angles, and using photos to create a narrative that appeals to the target audience. “When taking a picture, you want to have your ‘hero’ in perfect focus,” he says. “In food photography, your food is the hero.” “The rest of the image adds to the story, but it will often be intentionally out of focus, drawing the eye to the central

part of the photo.” McGrath uses several high-quality lenses to capture perfect photos of food, and has portable and studio lighting to control shadows. “As a professional, the type of equipment and type of lighting makes a big difference,” he continues. “If you use a cell phone, everything is in focus all the time and you have no control over the lighting. If you’re dealing with a professional food photographer, they can control every aspect of the shoot.” McGrath pulls on his

knowledge of colour compatibility, human psychology, and camera equipment to ensure that each photo looks good up close and at a distance. “If you want a picture of a burger for your full page ad, something taken on a cell phone just won’t do,” he says. “I can take photos that will look great in print, on social media, on TV anywhere you want to advertise your food. When you are introducing people to your business, you don’t want ‘okay’ photos. You want great photos.” www.ITS-Food.ca

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NOVEMBER 2018

W & J CONSTRUCTION, WOODSMERE HOLDINGS TEAM UP ON VITAL MULTI-FAMILY PROJECTS “The goal of Woodsmere Well Positioned to Expand Across Canada and Europe

ICTOR I A – It was the worst of times, and it was the best of times. In 1999, Danny Jadresko, President of W& J Construction Ltd., had a choice to make: Continue staring at a stalled development project in Comox as the economy stalled, or look elsewhere for opportunities. He jumped in his truck and went throughout BC, looking for business. “I went to 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Prince George, and then I reached Fort St. John and asked around: ‘Is anything happening here?’ There was, as the oil and gas industry was perking along, so Jadresko bought a site and built a 36 unit townhome development, which he completed and sold in less than a year. He hasn’t looked back since. “That was probably the worst time in my life, but it turned out to be the best thing I ever did,” he says. “Because it was so bad, it forced me to go somewhere else

Holdings Corp. is to provide affordable accommodation for thousands of residents. The long term goals of Woodsmere are to continue to manage its real estate holdings and to develop additional multi-family rental projects throughout Western Canada.” DANNY JADRESKO PRESIDENT, W & J CONSTRUCTION LTD.

to survive.” Danny and his wife and partner Sandy took note of the Fort St. John success and continued to build multi-family projects throughout BC and A lberta. They formed Woodsmere Holdings Corp. in 1999 to manage the projects they built and owned,

The Woodsmere Holdings Corp. and W & J Construction Ltd. head office in Victoria and then followed with an expansion to Europe in his ancestral homeland Croatia in 2007, where their Jadresko Nekretnine d.o.o.

operates a number of hospitality businesses, including a restaurant, hostel and award winning boutique hotel. All together, the companies have over 100 employees. Danny, as President and Sandy as Comptroller, have been joined by their three children, Misty, Jacine and Cody, to create a global family enterprise. “These family businesses are well positioned to expand our real-estate portfolio across Canada and Europe in the coming years,” says Danny. “All of our children have post-secondary educations in business. We are proud that all three of our children work closely with us in our companies.” Woodsmere currently has 14 offices with its head office in Victoria, a spectacular one-year old structure at 779 Blackberry Road. The three-storey, 6,000 square foot wood and glass structure has

many striking features in its West Coast design look. It includes an elevator, bike racks, lockers and a shower for employees who walk or bike to work, and it is wheelchair accessible. “We’re really proud of it,” he says, noting that the boardroom includes an 80-inch in-wall computer screen, cameras and full surround-sound and a 10-foot boat-shaped burl and glass table built by Live Edge Design of the Cowichan Valley. Woodsmere is responsible for the management and all financial responsibilities of its properties. The company is registered in BC and Alberta, and is poised for expansion into Saskatchewan in the near future. The firm’s main focus is the rental of multi-family residential apartments, as it also owns and manages townhome SEE W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. | PAGE 9

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NOVEMBER 2018

Danny and Sandy Jadresko in front of their head office in Victoria

W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

style housing projects. “The goal of Woodsmere Holdings Corp. is to provide affordable accommodation for thousands of residents,” says Danny. “The long term goals of Woodsmere are to continue to manage its real estate holdings and to develop additional multi-family rental projects throughout Western Canada.” Woodsmere owns and manages over 1,400 residential units in BC and Alberta, including in 25 separate apartment and townhome buildings in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Sylvan Lake, Leduc, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie, Fort St. John and Victoria. “Woodsmere undertakes extensive market research studies throughout Canada and has identified and focused on communities with a critical shortage of multi-family apartment style housing units available for rent,” notes Danny. “Our market research

includes discussions and correspondence with CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), various financial institutions, municipal planning and development staff, realtors, apartment managers, apartment owners and residents in many localities.” Woodsmere’s professiona l engineers and architects work closely with planning staff to bring developments to completion. Through its contacts, including discussions with Mayor Stew Young and owners of local businesses, as well as research, the company has identified Langford as a place to build, as there is a shortage of rental housing. “Over the past years the Mayor Stew Young has repeatedly approached Woodsmere to invest in the thriving City of Langford,” Danny notes. “After extensive market research Woodsmere identified and ultimately agreed with the mayor that Langford had a shortage of multi-family apartment-style housing units available for rent as well as being one of the top growth communities in BC.

We are proud to support W&J Construc on and Woodsmere Holdings.

The boardroom at the W & J Construction and Woodsmere Holdings head office includes outstanding technological features and a spectacular Live Edge Design boardroom table “It did not take long for Woodsmere to acquire some key locations within Langford to develop into purpose built rental apartments. With the suppor t of Langford’s mayor and council, Woodsmere’s professional engineers and architects have worked closely with Langford’s planning

and engineering staff to rezone and redevelop these sites into rental housing. Woodsmere’s current rental apartment projects being built in Langford include: Belmont Place Apartments - 222 Units at 3142, 3144, 3148 Jacklin Road. This project consists of

1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment units with underground and surface parking as well as bicycle parking for each unit. All units have 5 appliances including insuite washer and dryer, air conditioning, on-site management SEE W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. | PAGE 10

Wishing you continued success on Vancouver Island and beyond!

We are proud to support W&J Construction here on Vancouver Island Brett Pachenski, Business Development, Vancouver Island C: 250-418-5670 | E: Brett.Pachenski@Jameshardie.com

www.jameshardie.ca

NOVEMBER 2018

W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

with fully secured buildings including video surveillance. It is located directly across from the new Belmont Market, bordering the Galloping Goose trail and Glen Lake that provides a fantastic location and access to shopping, entertainment, parks and recreation for our residence. Orono Place Apartments – 120 Units – Located at 852 – 860 Orono Avenue. This project consists of bachelor, 1 and 2-bedroom apartment units with underground parking as well as bicycle parking for each unit. All units have 5 appliances including in-suite washer and dryer, and air conditioning with fully secured buildings including video surveillance. This project is located within the city center with pedestrian access to all amenities. Glenshire Development – Currently in the design stages – 1297 Glenshire Drive and 2929 Sooke Road. “Woodsmere’s long term goals are to own and manage its developments in Langford as rental projects and to manage them to the highest standards,” notes Danny. “Woodsmere’s properties are recognized as among the most professional and well managed residential rental properties throughout Western Canada, and we look forward to working with

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Langford’s Mayor and Council as well as the Planning and Engineering staff to continue to develop rental apartment projects in the thriving city.” W&J Construction Ltd. W&J Construction Ltd. is an industry leader in developing and constructing purpose built multi-family rental apartment buildings across western Canada. “We have been setting high goals for ourselves for more than three decades,” says Sandy. W&J Construction Ltd. has a team of dedicated professionals with over 33 years of experience in land development and construction of residential and multi-family housing. The company’s head office is also located

“We have been setting high goals for ourselves for more than three decades.” SANDY JADRESKO

in Victoria. W&J is currently developing 342 multi-family purpose built apartment buildings in Langford, working closely with Woodsmere Holdings Corp. to develop additional multi family rental housing units in Langford. “W&J is committed to providing a safe environment for our employees, sub-trades, clients and members of the public,” says Danny. “Our comprehensive safety program is designed to provide all staff with the required training and education. “W&J is proud of our commitment to delivering quality and excellence at every opportunity. SEE W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. | PAGE 11

We are proud to provide our services to Danny and the team at W&J Construction. We look forward to working together with you in the future. Capital Electrical Systems (2013) Ltd | Box 6, Brentwood Bay, BC | 250.652.2127 | capitalelectric@shaw.ca | Andy Thomson, President

NOVEMBER 2018

Orono Place will include 120 apartment units at 860 Orono Avenue

W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Our dedicated teams work hard to ensure our projects are completed on time, on budget and to the highest standards possible,” he adds. Danny was born in Victoria in 1961 and graduated from Reynolds High School. After high school he moved to Vancouver and attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and graduated in the SEE W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. | PAGE 12

W & J Construction crews on site at one of the company’s recent projects

Congratulations to Danny and Sandy on your many years of success! W&J/Woodsmere’s future looks bright!!

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W& J CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Forestry Engineering program. His father and mother immigrated to Victoria from Croatia in 1956. “My father worked as a landscaper and stone mason, and my mother worked as a housekeeper and homemaker,” Danny recalls. “As a youth I worked with my father in the landscaping and masonry trade. My father is an avid outdoorsman and taught me fishing and hunting both of which I still enjoy.” After BCIT he moved back to Victoria and started his career as a Forestry Technician working along the west coast. He soon became a ticketed faller, toiling throughout different logging camps along the BC coastline. In 1984 during a logging camp summer shutdown due to fire safety reasons, he built his first home in Nanaimo. “While under construction, I decided to list the home for sale and sold the home prior to completion,” he notes. “It was at that time that I decided with my wife, Sandy, to start a construction company in Victoria and not return to logging. In 1985 they started W&J Construction and he became a full time contractor. “ D u r i n g t h e e a rly ye a rs I worked long hours at the construction site while Sandy, my wife, raised our family while doing all of the company bookkeeping at our kitchen table,” he says. “Today W&J Construction Ltd. specializes in developing and constructing multi-family residential apartment and townhome housing projects across Western Canada providing affordable accommodations for thousands of residents.” During his career, Danny has been very involved with continuing education in the construction industry, as well as providing countless hours in industry-related volunteer positions. He has sat on numerous housing related committees, such as City of Victoria Housing Committee, Affordable Housing Committee, Bylaw Committee, and BC

Belmont Place will feature 222 units on Jacklin Road in Langford

In 1999 Danny and Sandy incorporated Woodsmere Holdings Corp., which specializes in owning, managing and maintaining a real-estate portfolio of over 1,400 multi-family rental units across Western Canada

Building Code Committees. He has also received formal recognition from the City of Victoria for dedication to the Housing Advisory Committee for his vision, commitment and participation in helping shape the community.

After many years as a board member of the Canadian Home Builders Association – Victoria, in 1994-1995 he was elected President. During his time as President, CHBA Victoria received the “Local Association Of The Year Award”. In 1996 he was awarded the “Presidents Award” for outstanding contribution to the association. Da n ny i s a l so a ”L icen sed Residential Builder” with HPO (Homeowners Protection Office Branch Of BC Housing) and is currently in good standing with his CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements and credits. In 1999 Danny and Sandy incorporated Woodsmere Holdings Corp., which specializes in owning, managing and maintaining a real-estate portfolio of over 1,400 multi-family rental units across Western Canada. I n 2007 t he Jad reskos expanded into Europe by incorporating Jadresko Nekretnine d.o.o. (Properties Ltd.) in Split, Croatia, with properties located on the Adriatic coast within the tourist center of the 1,711 year old Diocletian Palace. The area had once been the home of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and the massive 40foot walls that encompassed his compound remain today and

surround the Jadresko properties and others. “Our properties include a high end boutique hotel named Palace Suites Heritage Hotel, a 42-bed hostel named Adriatic Hostel and La Grotta Restaurant,” he states. “We are currently renovating two separate locations in Split, and preparing to open another restaurant. We own, operate, and manage all the day to day operations of these businesses.” Palace Suites Heritage Hotel was awarded the Luxury Accommodation of the Year Award for Eastern Europe by Luxury Travel Guide. Danny notes that he and Sandy have a special place in their hearts when it comes to our community and being involved with charities. “We have been long time supporters of the BC Cancer Foundation and in 2012 we established the ‘Danny and Sandy Jadresko Cancer Research Fund’,” Danny says. “We are proud to have the ‘Danny and Sandy Jadresko Education Room’ at the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Center (Hospital) named in our recognition. We also support many other charities such as BC Children’s Hospital, BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, Our Place Society, The War Amps, Victoria Shriners, and Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary to name

a few.” Danny adds that the company is always looking for new opportunities, and is drawing up plans for a 26.61 acre parcel in downtown Tofino that could be home to 446 residential units, and perhaps a 48-room hotel. Other projects include 94 purpose-built apartment units being built in Cold Lake, Alberta, another project in Courtenay that is proposing 94 purpose-built apartment units, and a 3.09 acre parcel of land that will become Glenshore Properties. “There is no doubt in my mind that future housing needs are going to be met by apartments and not single family homes,” he says. “More and more people are retiring and I believe there will be fewer people who will be able to afford to buy their own homes. That’s consistent with what’s happening in Europe. We’re pretty spoiled here now, but more and more people will be renters in the future.” Danny believes the Jadresko companies are well positioned to help meet that expected need. “We are well positioned to contribute to building and managing rental units that people need now, and will need more of in the future,” he adds. www.wjconstruction.ca www.woodsmere.ca

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NOVEMBER 2018

PREMIER CLOSETS OFFERS CUSTOM SPACE-SAVING FIXES FOR CLOSETS AND MORE “We make sure every inch Grandfather’s Creative Legacy Lasts 25 Years

ICTORIA - Over-clothed and under-closeted? Victoria’s Premier Closets has the space-saving fix. For 25 years Premier Closets has helped area residents bring order to their wardrobes and other spaces with intelligently designed, good-looking cabinets, drawers, rods, shelves, wire baskets and more. Although their focus is closets, their cabinet and storage systems can also be used in laundry rooms, for home bars and entertainment spaces, for children’s toy-laden play areas, for workshops and for craft rooms. Owner Bryan Joanisse says the company strives to make every inch of potential storage space count. “We make everything so it is custom-fitted. We make sure every inch is completely utilized,” Joa n isse sa id. One of their tricks-of-the-trade is to custom-cut pieces to mask any flaws in construction. Very few closets are perfectly square or rectangular but the flaws vanish once a Premier Closet system is installed. Closet systems can be designed for any space, from three feet wide reach-in closets to walk in closets that are small rooms, measuring up to eight by 10 feet or more. Sometimes the company will use the components to create an ‘instant’ armoire in the centre of a room. The company was founded by Joanisse’s grandfather, a contract builder who designed his own line of unique brackets for his closet systems. The brackets were especially useful since they could be used to correct the many closets that were out-of-square. At first, all the closet systems were white. Then the company added wood finishes and the option of custom colours. Joannisse joined the company 14 years ago and learned the business from his grandfather. “He was very smart and taught me all he knew.” One of his grandfather’s principles was to always provide excellent service. This meant showing up as scheduled; completing installations on time; not damaging walls; and cleaning up the work site after the installation. Premier Closets are often called in by contractors or by clients who visit the company website (premierclosets.com) and then ask for an installation, either on their own or through their contractor. One of the strengths of Premier Closets is spending time at the

is completely utilized.” BRYAN JOANISSE PREMIER CLOSETS, OWNER

beginning of the project to determine exactly what the client needs, wants, and can fit within their budget. Premier Closets has both a standard line of white cabinets, shelves and drawers and a deluxe line with wood finishes, ranging from a deep cherry to natural birch. Both standard and deluxe lines feature the unique bracket system and chrome rods. Even the simplest transformation can have a huge impact. Joannise says the simplest change is adding custom-fitted storage to replace the typical hanging rod and single shelf in a four-footwide reach-in closet. “Anything we do dramatically increases the flexibility and space in the closet and in the room.” Most installations are larger. Joannise will discuss options and prices with the client and then creates a 3D view of the planned project, so the owner can see how it all fits together. An important element is ensuring enough access to all the storage, especially storage that pulls out or pulls down. Current popular options are: • Shaker-style drawer fronts; • Tip out laundry baskets; • Ch rome w i re p u l l-out

This Premier Closet installation shows how the floating construction keeps the floor clear for easier cleaning baskets; Valet rods and tie racks; Pant racks; Pull-down closet rods; Swing-out mirrors; Velvet-l i ned jewel ler y drawers; and • Deep drawers that can be fully pulled out to access contents. There is also increased interest in soft-close drawers and doors that will slide into place at a light touch. Vendors constantly add new options and clients bring Joannise discoveries from the Internet. The deluxe line has floating components which hang instead of resting on the floor. This makes it easier to vacuum/clean floors. Prices for a system start at $500 and can grow into thousands of dollars. Because the closet systems are custom-built components, anything can be added. “You’re only limited by space and imagination,” Joanisse said. Custom installations mean homeowners can get exactly what they want. If they want every • • • • •

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rod, drawer, and shelf of a walkin closet concealed, so all items are neatly tucked out-of-sight, Joanisse can create it. I f they wa nt open shelves, open rods and open wire baskets so everything can be seen at a glance, Joanisse can create that. Many clients also appreciate being able to support a Canadian

made closet system. Joanisse builds each system piece-bypiece in his 3,500 square foot shop. He also has two part-time employees. “We have a four-week turnaround,” he says. Once the 3D model is approved, the client often walks into the real installation a month later.

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330 Wray Ave, Victoria, BC, V9E 2H5 Main: 250-361-5359 | waynedavis@shaw.ca

NOVEMBER 2018

PATERSON MAKES GREEN KITCHENS TOP PRIORITY Local Eco-Friendly Countertop Company Up for Torch Award

I C T O R I A - P a te r s o n Countertops is qu ickly becoming one of the province’s greenest countertop providers. Recently named as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau’s 2018 Torch Awards, the company is committed to investing in green products and manufacturing methods, making Vancouver Island kitchens more eco-friendly than ever. “We’re trying to do everything in our power to put ourselves on top of the industry when it comes to environmentally conscious construction,” says owner and president Becki Paterson. “More and more people are wanting to go green, and there’s a g row i ng m a rket for g reen countertops.” I n re c e nt ye a rs, Pate rs on Countertops invested in a new set of machines, allowing the company to switch to a water-based adhesive on all of its post-formable laminate countertops, which are its most frequently-made product.

The skilled staff at Paterson Countertops T he water-based glue cuts out harmful off-gassing of the countertops once they are installed in homes or businesses, and reduces the harmful environmental contaminants that the company’s workers come in contact with. “Since we value our workers and customers as members of our family, their health is important to us and we want to do what we can to limit exposure to harmful chemicals,” says Becki. “We are the only company on the Island that offers this product right now, and a majority of the companies on the Mainland are still using the old glue. It costs a

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lot of money to switch over to this machinery, but we found it makes a big difference for our consumer. It is a big deal to know that all the adhesive being used is safe for everybody to breathe in.” Becki and her team are always looking for ways to practice sustainability in the industry, including ensuring the paper materials they source are certified to contain recycled content and their wood products suppliers offer Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified products. Additionally, the quartz products are obtained responsibly and polished with 100 per cent recycled water to lower the impact felt on the environment. The company also ensures that any old building materials removed from job sites are disposed of at appropriate recycling depots, and whenever possible tries to reuse these materials or donate them to charities such as the ReStore for Habitat for Humanity. Paterson Cou nter tops was founded by Becki’s grandfather Harvey Paterson in 1980, operating out of his garage. “He had a sma l l cabi netr y operation, but saw the need for a countertop shop on the Island, as there was only one other store at the time,” she says. “After working with his son and a few employees for a couple of years, he purchased the property we are at now, and we eventually expanded

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Becki Paterson is the owner and president of Paterson Countertops, founded by her grandfather, Harvey Paterson to our current size of over 10,000 feet.” Becki helped her father and grandfather build and install kitchen surfaces from a young age, and after attending Camosun College for the Business program, worked in several other industries before returning to the family business. “Since I joined the company, I have worked in almost every position including cleaning, sales, bookkeeping, working on the floor

in the shop, manager, and now, owner,” she says. “I have made close relationships with all of my employees by working side by side with them, and I have no problem picking up a broom or loading up a customer to help our productivity. I regard my employees as part of our family and treat them as such.” Becki’s father is now one of her customers, running his own cabinet company, Aura Cabinet Works, and one of her uncles still works in the shop. “We stick to our family business roots,” says Becki. “When a customer comes in the door, it doesn’t matter if they’re ordering one vanity countertop, an entire kitchen, or tops for an apartment complex. We don’t treat them any different.” www.patersoncountertops.com

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NOVEMBER 2018

CONSTRUCTION Kitimat, Continued Labour Shortages, Community Benefits Agreement BC Construction Industry Experiences Major Victories and Challenges Throughout 2018

BY ROBERT MACDONALD

he success of the construction sector has an enormous bearing on the welfare of the entire province. Contributing about 8.6 per cent of the province’s GDP and employing over 251,000 residents in over 24,000 companies, the industry has a ripple effect on almost every other sector in BC. Projections and statistics prov ided by BuildForce Canada indicate that BC’s construction growth has begun to slow, but will soon experience an almost unprecedented boom in early 2019 as several major projects get underway. This expected growth is largely thanks to proposed LNG facilities, pipelines, and infrastructure projects, especially the upcoming Kitimat export facility. This project is will anchor the largest swell in engineering construction

The Kitimat LNG export facility is the largest private project in Canadian history and will greatly impact BC’s construction industry

SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 17

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

requirements in recent history, as several additional major projects are scheduled to start in 2019. T he rep or t showe d a record year of construction employment growth throughout 2017, which has also contributed to the industry’s growing labour shortage. Statistics Canada data shows evidence of both record high job vacancy rates, coupled with low rates of unemployment in the industry. In the coming years, the report anticipates a decline in residential construction demands, following a declining rate of population growth and lower levels of new housing activities. During the same period, industrial, commercial, and institutional building construction is expected to experience continued growth. By the year 2021, the residential sector is expected to lose nearly 11,000 workers (nearly a 10 per cent decline from the record highs reported in 2017), while major mining, public transportation, LNG, and pipeline projects (slated to start in 2019 and 2020)

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

Belmont Market Latest Big Project for Island West Coast Developments BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

ANGFORD – Strong relationships and repeat customers have been keys to the success of Island West Coast Developments. “It’s all about repeat clients a nd customers,” says I WCD President Greg Constable. “All of what we are working on now are client-based projects.” IWCD is working on another project w it h Crombie R EIT, constructing a large portion of the $93 million, 160,000 square foot Belmont Market. Built on the former Belmont Secondary School site, IWCD is currently working on seven buildings of various sizes. Quinton Bugiera is the project manager, and other tenants include Fatburger, A&W Restaurant, Anytime Fitness, KFC, Westland Insurance, Great Clips and Scotiabank. Also part of the overall development is a new Thrifty Foods grocery store, and a multi-residential tower. Phase 1 of the project is slated to have tenants opening in December. Constable says it’s the biggest mall currently under construction on Vancouver Island, and “it’s on time, and on budget. We started in February, and we expect construction to be completed by next May.” His main contact with Crombie REIT was formerly with First Capital, which owns a number of shopping centres on Vancouver Island, including Port Place Mall in Nanaimo, which was a major undertaking for IWCD. The award winning company has of f ices i n Na na i mo a nd Victoria, and has been busy in Greater Victoria recently. It is in the final stages of completing town house and luxury villa projects at Bear Mountain. “It is straightforward to build in Langford,” Constable says. “We work really well with city staff and Mayor Stew Young, and if we ever need anything in regards to permits, they’ll get it done right away.”

Shelly Square in Parksville is another IWCD project completed recently

“We have experienced 100 per cent growth in IWC Excavation year over year for the last four or Greg and Troy-Anne Constable own and operate Island West Coast Developments IWCD is a medium sized commercial construction company based in both Nanaimo and Victoria, providing construction management/general contracting services to a wide range of business types both on and off the Island. A large portion of their projects are design-build projects, which allows them to work closely with clients in developing a unique finished product that meets with their individual wants and needs. IWCD started in 1986 as Island West Coast Homes and expanded into the commercial market in 1992. IWCD has continued to g row th roug h its conti nued com m it ment to employees, clients and the environment. IWCD has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2013. Greg and his wife Troy-Anne Constable co-own the company, which is also a multi-generational family business as the c ouple’s d au g hter Sava n na

Brandreth and her husband Patrick Brandreth are now key parts of the operation. I WCD is t he cont ractor of choice for cou ntless cl ients across the Island and beyond. In addition to being a member of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (V ICA), the company has earned a Certificate of Recognition (COR) from the British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) Constable says the company has over 100 employees, and a sister company, IWC Excavation Ltd., has close to 80 on the payroll. “We have experienced 100 per cent growth in IWC Excavation year over year for the last four or five years,” says Constable. That includes site preparation in Phase 3 of the Green Rock Industrial Business Park in central Nanaimo which is ready for building, and work on the Madill site at the corner of Kenworth and Bowen Roads which will be

An aerial view of the massive Belmont Market project in Langford. Photo by Island Imagery

five years.” GREG CONSTABLE OWNER, ISLAND WEST COAST DEVELOPMENTS

called Madill City Centre. W hen completed, it will be home to three car dealerships, a care facility and residential apartments on a 1.5 acre portion of the site, as well as a commercial/residential building on another 1 acre piece of land. IWCD completed the Shelly Square project on the Island Highway in Parksville adjacent to Parksville Chrysler earlier this year. The residential apartment component was finished at the end of 2017, and the commercial/ retail buildings bordering on the highway earlier this year. I WC D i s r e c o g n i z e d a s a ‘G re e n’ b u i l d i n g c o m p a n y as almost all of their recently

completed projects follow env i ron menta l sta nd a rd s a nd practices accessed and certified by environmental groups such as Green Globes, Built Green and LEED. Their head office in Nanaimo is a showcase for their green building capabilities, and won a major Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Award. A fter starting out building houses, IWCD began focusing on commercial structures in the 1990’s and hasn’t looked back. “We started to move primarily into commercial construction and in the development of mu lt i-fa m i ly resident i a l developments.” IWCD has also carved out a niche in automobile dealership construction. “I think to date we’ve done somet h i ng l i ke 32 d i f ferent car dealerships on Vancouver Island, and even some on the Mainland, such as in Squamish,” says Constable. “I’d have to classify the construction industry as a whole as one of the bright spots in Vancouver Island’s economy,” he adds. “The construction industry has become a leading employer and economic engine, so we feel very proud to be part of such a necessary and vibrant industry.” www.iwcd.ca

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

significant if they proceed as scheduled. The divergence between residential and non-residential labour markets may present some recruitment opportunities between sectors, but mobility may be impeded by specific skills and experience requirements.” In the coming five-toten years, BC’s construction industry is poised to experience some of the strongest growth in Western Canada.

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By far, the non-residential project with the biggest impact is the upcoming liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility. On October 1, LNG Canada announced that its joint venture participants, Shell, PETRONAS, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation,and KOGAS, made the final investment decision to build the LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat. A report from the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) described the project as “a great milestone” for both the province and the nation. “BC has been given the opportunity of a generation with the announcement of LNG Canada’s project in the Northwest, specifically in Kitimat,” says Chris Atchison, president of the BCCA. “This project has significant implications t h rou g hout t he ent i re provincial construction workforce. “The investment decision presents a tremend o u s o p p o r t u n i t y fo r BC’s skilled tradespeople, from safety training and apprenticesh ip to sustainable employment and career development. Even

Chris Atchison is president of the British Columbia Construction Association

“Our number one priority is safety, and we are unwavering in our recommitment to the wellbeing of the workforce, both physically and mentally. It’s clear to us that personnel

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if you’re not working in the north, the draw to the north will open opportunities in other regions. All the industry is excited, and we’re excited.” This is the single largest private sector construction project in Canadian history, at $40 billion: in one announcement, the value of projects underway in BC jumped 53 per cent, from $75 billion to $115 billion.

“Though there are some nervous pangs as the industry faces the workforce development challenges that come along with the LNG Canada project, the overall benefits and longterm econom ic i mpact c a n not b e overstated . BCCA has been collaborating with LNG Canada for several years on workforce

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

APEX STEEL AND GAS INSTALLATIONS WARM THE LIVES OF ISLANDERS Mechanical contractor has served island for 35 years

ICTORIA - Apex Steel and Gas give islanders a warm feeling – literally. For more than three decades the company has installed mechanical systems, primarily for heating, throughout Vancouver Island. It is their work that will be keeping thousands of islanders warm this winter. As a mechanical contractor, they serve an impressive list of commercial and industrial clients. On their list are School Districts 61, 62 and 63; Department of National Defense, University of Victoria and Camosun College, airports, apartment buildings, mills, bulk residential hookups, and all the large property management firms, including Brown Brothers Agencies, Cornerstone Properties, Proline Management, Gateway Property Management, Groupe Denux, and EY Properties Ltd. Services provided by the company include mechanical, plumbing, heating, industrial applications, and boilers. Apex provides ongoing maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Apex owner Jerry Zakreski says many companies are now opting for heating system upgrades. Fortis is offering grants to support conversions to high efficiency boilers and companies are seizing the opportunity to cut their future heating

The dramatic difference between old boilers and new energy efficient boilers is shown in these photos, which show the “before” and “after” of an upgrade by Apex Steel and Gas. Grants are currently available from Fortis Gas to support upgrades costs. The high efficiency technology is a huge leap. Zakreski remembers oil furnaces that lost 20 per cent or more of the heat generated. Oil was cheap so clients didn’t care. But as the price of oil climbed and natural gas arrived on the island, many institutions, businesses, and homes switched to natural gas. Gas boasted a recovery of 90% in heat. New high efficiency boilers developed over the past decade have improved that figure to almost 100% efficiency. “Instead of 25 per cent of every dollar you

“Instead of 25 per cent of every dollar you spend going up the chimney, only 2 to 3 per cent goes up the chimney.” JERRY ZAKRESKI APEX STEEL AND GAS, OWNER

spend going up the chimney, only 2 to 3 per cent goes up the chimney,” Zakreski said. In addition to the popular upgrades, he offers ongoing maintenance and repairs to keep mechanical systems working efficiently. His shop is one of only four Grade A boiler repair shops on the island. Among his 17 employees are five Grade A gas fitters who are able to work on any size of boiler. The company has handled boilers as large as 100 million BTU. “We work with some pretty big stuff,” Zakreski said, an understatement given that the 100 million BTU boiler installed

at the Crofton Mill is seven stories tall. Zakreski’s accredited crew also includes welders and 10 plumbers, which ensures the company is able to tackle any job. “We have a lot of long-term, experienced staff which is what is needed for this type of work.” Zakreski started with the company in 1983. Apex Steel was founded in the late 1970s but changed the name to Apex Steel and Gas when gas services were added in the 1980s. In 1989 natural gas came to Vancouver Island. Working with Centra Gas, Apex Steel and Gas converted every single Victoria residence, business, and institution that wanted to switch over to gas. In 1991 the company performed the same service in Nanaimo. Whistler was upgraded from 2009 to 2010 in preparation for the 2010 Olympics. The company holds two provincial licenses, a Class A boiler license and a gas contractor license. They install for natural gas, oil, and propane, specializing in commercial and light industrial jobs. They are on-call 24/7. Zakreski first bought into the company as a partner in 1991. In 2010, when the company’s original founder was ready to retire, he bought the remainder of the company. Over the decades, the company has built a solid reputation. “We’re not some fly-bynight outfit,” Zakreski quipped, another understatement given the company’s long history. They rarely advertise: most of their work comes via referrals from longterm, satisfied clients. “We’re still getting a lot more new customers,” Zakreski. “We keep coming out on top of people’s preferred contractor list.” Providing quality installations and quality service is all the company has needed to flourish, Zakreski said. Some clients have been with the company for more than 30 years. Zakreski is happy with the size of the company. He feels he has a good crew that work together well. He never wants to get so large that he can’t provide personalized service to meet the needs of his clients. “The quality of the service is important so we’re better to stay a comfortable size. I don’t want to get too large. I don’t want to be the McDonalds of boilers.” www.apexsteel.ca

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

5TH GENERATION OWNER LEADS E.B. HORSMAN & SON INTO THE FUTURE “The company has E.B. Horsman & Son One of Canada’s Largest Independently Owned Electrical Distributors

ICTORIA - After over a century in business, E.B. Horsman & Son boasts the largest branch network in the province for an electrical distributor. The family-owned enterprise was founded in 1900 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan by Edward B. Horsman and his son, George. After visiting British Columbia in 1907, Edward and George decided to move its operation to Vancouver, where the business began to grow and flourish. E.B. Horsman & Son ran as a hardware store in the Lower Mainland until 1923, when they started focusing on electrical products. The business is now exclusively a full line electrical distributor, with over 50,000 electrical products to choose from and supported by the staff’s technical expertise. “The company has remained family-owned to this day, and our current president and CEO Tim Horsman is a fifth generation owner,” says Wayne Zabel, branch manager for E.B. Horsman Victoria. “We’re currently one of the largest

remained family-owned to this day, and our current president and CEO Tim Horsman is a fifth generation owner. We’re currently one of the largest independently owned electrical distributors in Canada and have been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for nine consecutive years.” WAYNE ZABEL BRANCH MANAGER FOR E.B. HORSMAN VICTORIA

independently owned electrical distributors in Canada and have been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for nine consecutive years.” With 21 branches across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, the company has the resources to meet a

E.B. Horsman & Son achieved Platinum Club status with the Canada's Best Managed Companies program by retaining its Best Managed designation for nine consecutive years wide range of needs in the industry. The 21 branches, five of which are on Vancouver Island, serve industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential markets. The primary distribution center in South Surrey manages about 20,000 SKU’s using one of the latest technologies in warehouse management systems to ensure customers receive the right products on time. “One of our greatest strengths is our operational excellence and logistics expertise,” says Zabel. “Our distribution centre sends shipments every single day to every single branch. That means that all branches essentially share inventory and have access to an

enormous selection of products that can be shipped overnight for most branches. Additionally, we have several specialty divisions within the organization that support the branches and customers with technical applications. We are the only full line electrical supplier to have Process Instrumentation, Automation, and Controls (PAC) divisions in Western Canada.” According to Zabel, PAC, Data Communications, Lighting and Project Management specialty divisions provide the technical support and expertise required for industrial and commercial applications, bringing in knowledge to supplement the day-to-day operations as

well as large projects. Its Vancouver Island branches include Victoria, Duncan, Parksville, Courtenay, and Campbell River. “The Victoria branch is the Island’s newest full-line electrical branch as of February of 2018,” says Zabel. “Because of the way our locations are spread out, we can serve the entire Island from top to bottom.” From the branches, the company has been providing electrical supplies to the best electrical contractors, industrial integrators, large industrial companies, schools, hospitals and utilities that make up the fabric of our Vancouver Island communities. As a company that’s deeply rooted in communities around the province, E.B. Horsman & Son prioritizes generosity, especially when it comes to the BC Children’s Hospital and proud of its staff engagement. “The Children’s Hospital is the main beneficiary of our donations,” says Zabel. “It’s on the radar at every single event we put on, including golf tournaments, hockey pools, and barbeques. “Giving back to our community is part of the company’s core values and culture. We also help support some important scholarship programs that will ensure the next generation is equipped to enter the workforce.” www.ebhorsman.com

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

Kinetic Construction Lean Focus Reaps Dividends BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

ICTORIA – An evolutionary cultural change within Kinetic Construction is starting to pay big dividends inside and outside the company. When majority shareholder Tom Plumb became President and CEO three years ago, he brought in a new way of doing business: Lean Construction methodology which was adapted for the construction sector in 1997. The concepts were originally introduced decades ago by Toyota Japan. “Lean is a system of targeting and delivering value through constant improvement while eliminating waste in our processes,” he states. “Waste, in all its forms, is the largest component of any process and it applies to every aspect or a business from office to site. “Lean is primarily a culture of continuous improvement, collaborative problem solving, and the application of management tools designed to deliver better experiences and outcomes.” It can really be boiled down to helping people find their passion, and it’s resulting in increases in employee efficiency within Kinetic, and across the industry. Started in 1984, Kinetic Construction is an award winning, fully employee owned organization that has built hundreds of institutional, commercial, civil, and multi-unit residential projects on Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. Kinetic now has over 150 employees throughout its three branches: head office in Victoria, Courtenay and Richmond. They are currently involved in 39 projects, including 18 in Victoria, 14 in the Vancouver area, and 7 based in the Comox Valley. Kinetic is working on the $200 million Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton in Esquimalt, and the largest project ever built at the University of Victoria, a $135 million, 780 unit student housing and food services building. “We’re trying to make a better working environment, and Lean is helping us do that,” he says. “It’s like saying the customer doesn’t come first - employees do. When you take this approach the customers’ experience is better from

Camosun College in Victoria is a Kinetic Construction project

“Lean is primarily a culture of continuous improvement, collaborative problem solving, and the application of management tools designed to deliver better experiences and Tom Plumb is President and CEO of Kinetic Construction, which has offices in Victoria, Richmond and Courtenay interacting with engaged people who care. “We’re creating a healthy culture by empowering people. That is our purpose as an organization and mine as CEO,” he says. “We want purpose-driven problem solvers, not just mechanical processors.” Health and Safety Manager Matt Goffinett has been tasked with implementing a culture of safety in the company, and the statement “See It, Say It, Fix It” has been emblazoned on company t-shirts and hard hats. “We’re investing in people to teach them to think differently,” he notes. “Here’s the basic rule for every management person here. ‘Your employees don’t work for you. . .your job is to take care of them’. That’s the arrangement.” The response has been overwhelmingly positive, Plumb says, noting that employees have seen

first-hand they can actually play a hands-on role in improving the way things are done, and giving them a whole new lease on their career. It’s also helped Kinetic Construction in recruiting new employees, even with the lack of skilled workers challenging the entire industry. “I’m actually trying a different angle now, and I’m two for two so far,” Plumb notes. “I’m trying to convince young people with university degrees that have not been able to connect into a job, that construction and what we’re doing is going to be an exciting place for them to be. “I’m basically telling them ‘If you have a university degree and are working in a coffee shop, come and see me’,” Plumb says, invitingly. “Very few people have found out what their purpose in life is, and I ask them that question directly,” he adds. “It’s really good to

outcomes.” TOM PLUMB PRESIDENT AND CEO OF KINETIC CONSTRUCTION

connect with people that way. It makes them ask the question: ‘Am I a part of something bigger than just this job?’ That’s what we want our employees to see when they work with us.” Plumb says Kinetic Construction will be offering budgeting advice to employees so they can take advantage of the company’s RRSP contribution plan to help them handle their finances and prepare for the future. By doing so, the company is demonstrating its concern for the whole person, not just the employee who shows up on the job site from 9 to 5, 5 days a week. Plumb was working in the forest industry as a faller when he had three close calls in a three week stretch that caused him to go back

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to school to earn drafting and Building Technologist Diplomas from BCIT, and he later obtained his Red Seal trade certificate in carpentry. He has done virtually every job in the company, which he believes has helped him immensely as CEO. “My time in the field, in the wind and the snow and the rain and the hot sun helped me as CEO, because I understand what our employees are doing,” he says. “It also gave me a great deal of empathy for our staff, because I know what they do is not easy.” It has helped prepare him to manage people the Lean way. “The old construction way was you used a hammer to get your way, and if you had a hard job, you used a bigger hammer,” he says. “I think a paint brush is a better tool, because working with humans is an art form. People respond better that way. “Amazingly, people do appreciate that you actually do care about them.” The result? Not just better ways to deliver projects including IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) and TVD (Target Value Design), which requires Lean thinking and methods where the entire construction team is created early in the process to collaboratively design, plan, cost, and deliver the project with the trifecta of Cost/Quality/and Time. But happier, more fulfilled employees who do their jobs with a true sense of purpose, and are encouraged to think of better ways to better serve the company’s clients and deliver more value. www.kineticconstruction.com

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

MANDATORY UNIONIZATION THREATENS BC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS “We’re a formidable industry, BCCA Speaks Out Against New Provincial Government Policy

and to put such an onerous

C - “This is easily one of the biggest issues to face the construction industry in decades.” Chris Atchison, president of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) is referring to the mandatory union requirement inside the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), a new BC government policy with consequences that are worrying a majority of construction professionals. The CBA creates a new Crown Corporation, called “BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc.” (BCIB), that will hire only union workers from a designated union for construction of major public projects. This new Crown will replace contractors as the employer of all tradespeople working under the scope of the CBA. Open-shop companies can still bid on projects, but if they are successful their employees will be required to join a designated union. “The BC construction industry employs over 251,000 workers, and contributes about 8.6 per cent of the province’s GDP,” remarks Atchison. “We’re a formidable industry, and to put such an onerous condition on construction employers sends the wrong message about the provincial government’s priorities. Skilled tradespeople are a contractor’s most valuable asset: limiting their ability to manage their own workers introduces risk. And contractors don’t like risk.” According to recent data, there are over 24,000 construction companies in the province, and 92 per cent of these have under 20 employees. Of the industry’s 251,000 plus workforce, only 13 per cent of industry employees are unionized. The BCCA believes that there was inadequate industry consultation prior to the introduction of the policy, and has conducted live polls at a series of town hall discussions attended by leading representatives from BC’s leading industrial, commercial, and institutional construction employers. Of those polled, which included a representative mix of union and open shop contractors, 94 per cent said the negative financial impacts of the CBA on project costs will be extremely significant, and 96 per cent said they are less likely to bid on a public project that falls under a CBA with required unionization. At one of these discussions, a contractor commented “The CBA union requirement makes government an owner to avoid, not an owner of choice.” T he B CC A i s a non-pa r t i s a n , mixed-membership (both unionized and open shop) organization. “Our organization and the vast majority of the professionals we represent believe this policy isn’t good for our industry, communities, or economy,” says Atchison. “We have recommendations for Minister Trevena and the Premier that can productively achieve the local hiring goals without the need for conscription into a specific union. We are looking for a productive platform where our voices can be heard before the CBA negatively affects public

employers sends the wrong

condition on construction message about the provincial government’s priorities. Skilled tradespeople are a contractor’s most valuable asset: limiting their ability to manage their own workers introduces risk. And contractors don’t like risk.” CHRIS ATCHISON PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION (BCCA)

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project procurement.” Construction employers and tradespeople are invited to participate in a letter writing campaign to express their concerns about mandatory unionization. “We encourage people to engage with their MLAs and let them know: this policy is not only bad for the industry and for the future of infrastructure projects, it is a breach of the constitutional rights of construction workers to freedom of thought and assembly,” he continues. To participate in the BCCA letter writing campaign, visit voices.bccassn.com

P: 250-475-8882 C: 250-883-5718

FALL 2018 If you’re an employer or skilled tradesperson working in BC’s industrial, commercial, or institutional construction industry, you are well aware that there are many opportunities and challenges in front of you right now. The BC Construction Association and the four Regional Construction Associations are here representing you provincially and locally. We are non-partisan and non-proﬁt, and we’re working on behalf of union and open shop employers to ensure a productive and resilient construction industry that works for everyone in BC.

Make sure your government and industry leaders know the real story: we want to hear from you. WORRIED ABOUT FORCED UNIONIZATION?

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK:

VOICES.BCCASSN.COM

BIT.LY/BCCA2018

WORKFORCE TRENDS

5 YEAR TREND

24,347 251,707 $57,647 11,700 1 in 45 95% 13% #1 $254B

Number of construction companies in BC (92% have less than 20 employees)

12%

Number of employees in BC’s construction sector

12%

Average yearly wage of BC construction employees ($14.5B cumulative yearly wage)

Number of construction jobs in BC that will be unﬁlled due to labour shortages by 2027*

53%

BC high school grads enter construction trades programs within 1 year of graduation

89%

Percentage of the construction workforce in BC that is male

Percentage of the construction workforce in BC that is unionized (10 year trend)

Construction’s Rank as an Employer in BC’s Goods Sector

Value of Proposed Construction Projects in British Columbia

$115B

Value of Current Construction Projects in British Columbia

Get up to speed on key issues...

0% 33%

8.6%

BC Construction Industry Contribution to BC’s GDP

BCCASSN.COM/ADVOCACY

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

MAZZEI ELECTRIC CONTINUES TO SURGE “A majority of our Nanaimo-Based Company Seeks New Hires to Keep Up With Explosive Growth

managers have grown as the business has, working up from being

ICTORIA - With a staff now approach i ng 200 e m p l o y e e s , f a m i l yowned Mazzei Electric Ltd. is continuing to break into new markets. Since it was founded nearly 25 years ago, the Nanaimo-based company has grown from a local start-up into a major electrical contracting business, impacting the whole province with key offices in Victoria and Fort St. John. “ We’ve got a prog ressive, young, energetic management team right now, which makes this company an exciting place to be,” says company president Ben Mazzei, a third-generation electrician. “ My fat her, Fra n k Ma zzei started the business in 1994, doing primarily commercial c ont ra c t s er v ic e s. We s t i l l work for many of his original customers.” When Ben took over the company about six years ago, there were approximately 25 employees. As the company has experienced explosive growth, many of the key employees have stayed on, evolving with the company and becoming key pillars in the business. “A majority of our managers have grown as the business has, working up from being journeymen out in the field,” he continues. “That means there’s a lot of mobility potential for new hires. We’re constantly evolving and new supervisory roles on-site and in the office are constantly coming up.” A ccord i n g to B en, M a zz ei Electric is currently in hiring mode, looking for “any eager, enthusiastic trades person early-term apprentice, journeyman, site supervisor, project manager - anybody interested

journeymen out in the field. That means there’s a lot of mobility potential for new hires. We’re constantly evolving and new supervisory roles onsite and in the office are constantly coming up.” BEN MAZZEI PRESIDENT OF MAZZEI ELECTRIC

Ben Mazzei is the President of Mazzei Electric

Mazzei Electric was founded in 1994 and currently serves Vancouver Island and Northern BC in joining an exciting team with lots of opportunity for growth. “We’re a little different from many of our industry peers, especially because of the age of the leaders. Of our entire ma nagement tea m, we have three who are over the age of 40.” Mazzei is always working to

ensure the safety of its workers, and is CORE Certified, which is Worksafe BC’s highest safety standard certification. The company is hoping to hire another 20-30 employees in its various regions over the next 3-4 months. “We’ve been pretty aggressive about looking into new markets

and new opportunities,” says Ben. “I think that’s part of why we’ve grown so quickly.” Additionally, Mazzei has been enjoying the benefits of strong relationships with other growing companies, who continue to provide the business with more diverse and more large-scale projects. “We’ve made sure that our team is capable of doing almost any job that’s brought to us, no matter how big or small,” he continues. “Our service department will do everything from changing a receptacle or a light fixture at your parents house, to maintenance and add-ons, to manufacturing and light industrial plants, to commercial tenant improvement in a mall. “B eyond t h at, we’ve got a team in our Projects Division that will do condos and apartments, institutional projects, commercial projects, light industrial projects, and morer. It’s a pretty wide spectrum of capability.” If there’s anything to thank for the company’s astronomical

growth, Ben believes it’s this willingness to embrace the industry’s enormous diversity, coupled w it h con sta nt networking and reaching out to new clients. Recently, Ma zzei has been cont racted for a nu mb er of major projects across various sectors. They were involved in GAIN’s new Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in the Cowichan Valley and will be working on the company’s new Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati dealership in Victoria. “Right now, we have about 25 low-to-mid-rise condominium projects either waiting to start or in a different stage of construction between Vancouver Island and Northern BC,” says Ben. “We’re doing the Northern Lights College Trades Training Facility in Dawson Creek right now, which is a really big job. About a year and a half ago, we worked on Malaspina Gardens, which is a 143-unit care home.” T hey are also working on a large number of multi-family projects in the Victoria area, and have been contracted by Axiom Builders to do electrical work for 207 units on Pandora Avenue. They’ve worked on new grocer y stores, pu mp stations, warehouses, and even the helicopter pads at the North Island Hospitals. “You name it, we do it,” Ben remarks. T he company’s growth and diversity of projects wouldn’t h ave been possible w it hout an investment in the proper infrastructure. “As we’ve grown, we’ve centralized all estimating, purchasing, administration, and accounting in Nanaimo, and we have the same core group as we continue to go into more markets,” he concludes. “We’ve i nvested i n strong systems, and our strong organizational structure allows us to sustain this growth.” www.mazzeielectric.com

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

DONATION OVERFLOW POURED INTO NEW TILLICUM RESTORE Generosity Supports Housing Charity and Encourages Re-Use

ICTORIA - ReStore Victoria just resolved a del ig htf u l problem w ith the opening of its third ReStore location on October 27. “The donors around Victoria have been so generous that we have more stuff than space,” says Kelly King, ReStore Donor Relations. Although too many donations is a desirable difficulty, King admits that finding a new space was challenging. What they needed was a large space suitable for the storage, sorting, and retail display of donated building materials. After a search, they acquired 11,500 square feet at 50 Burnside Road West, which opened as ReStore Tillicum. The new location will offer the same bargain prices on home renovation products, quality f u rn itu re a nd u n ique fi nds. Customers and donors will appreciate the easy access off main roads and ample parking. The construction industry and building supply retailers provide

a great many donations, King said. Donating to ReStore is a feel-good and environmentally responsible alternative to storing or throwing out. ReStore customers get access to quality renovation materials, many of them new. The store also sells donated furniture. Money raised from sales supports Habitat for Humanity and helps families gain affordable homes. It’s a win-win for everyone. ReStore also accepts donations from individuals, who may be renovati ng or empty i ng the “one-day-I’ll-use-this” collection storage. Such collections can yield unexpected finds, adding to ReStore’s appeal for those seeking unique accents for their homes. “It’s a bit like a treasure hunt,” King said. “You never know what you will find.” Especially prized are kitchens, major appliances, and antique/ vintage furniture. For those with large or bulky items, free pickup can be arranged by calling 250-386-7867. For donors and buyers, the newest ‘reuse and recycle’ home improvement store will be open from 9:30 to 5:30 Monday to Saturday and from 11 until 5 on Sundays.

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Questions? We'd be happy to answer them.

reception@thepropertymanagers.ca

(L to R)

Claire Flewelling-Wyatt: Managing Broker Gail McClymont: Managing Director, Commercial Tara Paddon: Managing Director, Strata

thepropertymanagers.ca 101-891 Attree Ave

Victoria, BC.

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

THE FINISHING STORE & MILLWORKS LTD. IS ALL ABOUT LOCAL They Offer In-home Consulting BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

ICTORIA – Ask CEO Colin Gloeckler what the three most important words are at The Finishing Store & Millworks Ltd., and he’s likely to say: “Local, Local and Local”. That’s because the company has local owners, two Island based retail stores as well as a manufacturing plant in Victoria employing over 50 staff as a group. The Finishing Store & Millworks Ltd. is the legal company name for two divisions: The retail stores under that name at 780 Topaz Avenue in Victoria and 4128 Mostar Road in Nanaimo, and the manufacturing division at 486 Cecelia Road in Victoria operating as FS Millworks. The Finishing Store joined the TIM-BR Mart buying group in 2000 to ensure they could purchase retail products with volume discounts. Today, TIM-BR Mart has over 740 retail store members across Canada, and Gloeckler notes “even though we are known as a specialty store, we can compete with the big box stores.” T I M-B R-M a r t i s a m e mber-owned organization serving building material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers and manufacturers and exists to help Canadian entrepreneurs involved in the sale of building materials and hardware be more competitive. Over the years they have worked hard to develop relationships with suppliers and offer products to customers that have excellent quality and value. Their first preference is to promote Vancouver Island and Canadian made products, however that is not always possible, so they also import products from Europe, the United States, Chile and Asia. FS Millworks manufactures a wide variety of products, including custom and industry standard mouldings, both softwood and hardwoods for the commerTFSM – PRINT ADGloeckler – PRICE cial millwork industry. notes project ever was 9.8” ×his 2”largest 10/26/18 the two-year long renovation of The Empress Hotel in the early 1990’s. Owners George and Suzette

Colin Gloeckler is the CEO of The Finishing Store & Millworks Ltd. Linger have been in the building supply industry since 1965, and retired last February. In 1990 the Lingers moved from Whitecourt, Alberta to Nanaimo, where they built custom homes and were involved in the restaurant business. Team members at FS Millworks in Victoria When the opportunity arose to buy what was then called The Finish- “Customers who come ing Touch, they did so in 1996 and moved to Victoria. In 1999 they in today have already purchased another outlet of that researched the products, business in Nanaimo. They purchased what was previously known as Artisan Mouldings, so our staff has adapted and asked Gloeckler, who had been managing the manufacturing plant to offer advice that adds since 1996, to run both operations. “It’s nice to see them retire and to what they already enjoying life together outside the business walls,” says Gloeckler, know. That level of service who has his journeyman ticket in Benchwork and Joinery. “Coming separates us from our from the retail building supply industry, it was a natural fit for the competitors.” Lingers to buy the manufacturing COLIN GLOECKLER operation. “They felt that it was a retail store CEO that offered a unique product assortment and presented a good opportunity to expand and grow services they use.” the business,” he adds. “They added T h e y a l s o o f f e r i n-h o m e Staff at The Finishing Store & Millworks Ltd.’s retail store milling facilities that helped offer consulting. customized products specific to “As our world becomes more plans designed we can help them Seed, the Salvation Army, Santa’s the market on Vancouver Island. globalized and customers are able to with their budget. We can also per- Anonymous and the Society for the Gloeckler notes it’s still a niche shop abroad on any continent, it is form the work that is required for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals business. important for the Finishing Store & flooring, staircases, closets, man- (SPCA). “We love people to come in, feel Millworks to continue to adapt and tels, doors, and mouldings. Groups include the Belfry Theand touch the products, and ask bring products to customers that Gloeckler adds that interior prod- atre, Victoria Cougars Junior B our staff questions,” he adds. “Cus- meet their needs in functionality, ucts have become a fashion busi- hockey team, Victoria Racquet Club tomers who come in today have durability and economics,” he says. ness as architects and designers aim and Peninsula Baseball. already researched the products, The Finishing Store & Millworks to give their customers a look that “We are a truly local company, so our staff has adapted to offer also offers in-home consulting. best suits their lifestyles. and we like to support worthy local advice that adds to what they al“We have trained associates that The list of organizations they causes,” Gloeckler says. “We are MATCH GUARANTEE – BUSINESS ready know. That level of service can go to EXAMINER an home, office, or place donate to is extensive, including part of the community and have separates us from our competitors. of business to help with planning the Women Sexual Assault Center, to earn their support by offering “It is our goal to have custom- home renovations or new home BC Children’s Hospital, Victoria quality products or something a ers become as knowledgeable as build projects,” Gloeckler says. Police Association, Greater Victoria little different than the next guy.” possible about the products and “Even if someone already has their Firefighters Charity Fund, Mustard www.finishingstore.com

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CONSTRUCTION

Assessment Ensures The Perfect Office For Your Culture And Needs

A division of Michelle Matte Interiors Inc.

“Continue growing your business while we take care of your interior project.” AWARD-WINNING

Commercial Interior Design | General Contracting

p. 778.433.6504 www.mmi.team

NOVEMBER 2018

Move Into The Perfect Fit For Your Business

MMi

ICTORIA - Identify the right office space for your business by knowing its true potential before you sign the lease or the purchase contract. MMI is applying their design and construction expertise to provide an enhanced “Test Fit” service to help clients pick the right office space for their business. “The cost of leasing or buying an office space, combined with the cost of renovating and moving, means choosing the wrong location can be disastrous,” Michelle Matte said. The MMI Test Fit service helps businesses avoid that. Matte and partner John Wolfe lead their experienced team in assessing and space planning for the potential location. Their clients can then make a better informed decision when selecting a location. Their service includes meeting with a business client to review the client’s operational needs along with the furnishings and equipment required. When a space appears to be a contender, the team does a generalized space plan which shows the client the potential for the office. When they assess a location, they consider many variables. Will the space work long-term, especially if the business grows? Will the layout be conducive to both independent and collaborative work? Will clients and employees feel welcome? Will

An innovative boardroom design for this local tech office. any required renovation of the space work within the business budget and time frame? Will the space meet all the specific needs of the business? If the space works financially and is a good fit, the client can confidently commit to leasing or purchasing the space. At that point, the MMI team takes care of the design, construction and furnishing of the space, ready for the business to move in and start work. “What we do for a business is like an executive dressing for success – we use the design and layout of the space to convey the quality, expertise, and culture of the business,”

Victoria: 905 Fort St., Victoria BC V8V 3K3 Tel: 250-385-9786 Sidney: 2455 Beacon Ave., Sidney BC V8L 1X7 Tel: 250-656-1233

www.islandblue.com

Matte explained. MMI is the recipient of multiple Care Awards, including this year’s Gold and Silver for “Best Commercial Interior”. The company’s design style is innovative and timeless - clean, modern and tasteful - avoiding fads. Their continued success is built on a long list of very satisfied clients, who confidently refer other businesses to MMI. “From start to finish - we look after all the design and construction for your space, so you can focus on your business,” Matte says. MMI is a division of Michelle Matte Interiors Inc.

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

DEMAND FOR 4REFUEL SERVICES SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN Mobile Refueling Service Saves Companies Time and Money

ICTORIA - 4Refuel Vancouver Isla nd i s c ontinuing to grow as more commercial and industrial operators are attracted to the company’s convenience, cost savings, ongoing data collection, and worry-free benefits. Jeff Lumley acquired the franchise rights to service Greater Victoria about seven years ago, and has since expanded his operation to serve the rest of Vancouver Island. “Sometimes it’s challenging to keep up, but that’s a good thing!” he says. “We purchased our fifth fuel truck last year to meet the growing needs, and we’ve gone from using it part time to having it on the road for 20 hours a day. The concept has really taken off.” 4Refuel’s main focus is to provide ‘wheel to wheel’ diesel fueling service for a wide range of clients, including construction companies, trucking companies, home heating, boats, and generators. In essence, any firm

that requires diesel fuel delivered directly to their fleet or worksite can benefit from the company’s services. “Our goal is to give personalized service,” says Lumley. “Talk to any of our customers, and I am sure they would tell you the same thing. “For example, we fuel an excavating company in Victoria, and many of the company’s machines are constantly floating around from site to site. We are constantly checking in with the owner to make sure we know where his equipment is so there is no disruption to their work day.” According to Lumley, customers typically use his company’s service for its convenience, its accountability, and its financial benefits. “It’s a pretty basic business philosophy, but it works,” he says. “When you factor in the lost productivity time (companies are paying their employees to fuel their vehicles), you can see the real cost saving of having us look after the fueling of trucks and equipment.” On the corporate level, 4Refuel launched in 1995, quickly becoming a national leader in the mobile on-site refueling industry. Today, its franchises service over 900

cities, delivering over 3.5 million fueling transactions to over 6,000 clients every year. Each truck is equipped with stateof-the-art metering to provide precise reports that help keep accounting processes accurate and transparent. “Our Fuel Management Online (FMO) service allows our clients to have 24/7 access to their records, giving them even the most minute data,” he says. “They will know exactly how much fuel is used, where it has gone, and what it cost. It ensures accuracy and simplifies the invoicing.” A s more Va ncouver Isla nd companies embrace 4Refuel’s services, Lumley anticipates continued expansion in the coming years. “Convenience is part of the story certainly, but this concept has been embraced by so many because of the cost savings and accountability involved,” he says. “Because 4Refuel operates on a national scale, our buying power is huge. This saves on fuel prices, and those savings are passed on to the customer. That’s a big part of why this service has become so successful.” To contact Jeff Lumley, call 250-893-0810 www.4refuel.com

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

SASCO BUILDS REPUTATION AS ELECTRICIAN SPECIALISTS “We pride ourselves on Respected VancouverBased Company Approaches Second Anniversary for Victoria Branch

quality installations and providing solutions for complex and technical problems. We want to be

ICTORIA - Sasco Contractors Ltd. is here to stay. For nearly two years, the Vancouver-based company has been establishing a strong Va ncouver Isla nd presence, bringing its unique set of services to the growing region. Sasco is a full service electrical cont ractor t h at sp eci a l i zes in all facets of electrical and com mu n icat ion s work for commercial construction projects (both new and improvements). They are considered one of the go-to companies for fire alarms, elevator upg rades a nd lowvoltage work such as datacom or telecom. T he family-based business was established in 1985, and in December 2016, opened its first Vancouver Island location, which is run by long-time Islander Ian Bartlett. “I’m an Island guy,” he says. “I was born and raised in Shawnigan Lake and graduated high school in Cowichan. All my family and connections are here.” The company was founded 30 years ago by Hank Paquin and his business partner, Brian Hirakida. For the last ten years, Hank’s son, Craig Paquin has been a part owner, being promoted to President seven years ago. “We put a big emphasis on family at Sasco,” says Craig. “It’s a family business and we treat everybody like family. We’re proud that it’s part of our culture.” From the beginning, Sasco has invested in industry rel at ion s h ip s, w it h a l a rge portion of clients working with the company 20-plus years. “We pride ourselves on quality i nsta l lations a nd prov id i ng s o l u t i o n s fo r c o m p l e x a n d tech n ic a l problem s,” Cra ig continues. “We want to be known as a contractor who can add value and provide solutions to more complicated projects. “W hether it would be a tena nt i mprovement fit-out with an aggressive schedule,

known as a contractor who can add value and provide solutions to more complicated projects.” CRAIG PAQUIN OWNER AT SASCO CONTRACTORS LTD.

infrastructure upgrades for major property or building owners in Vancouver, or working w ith a service department to tackle issues and provide solutions, our quality work and skilled workforce are among the best in the province.” For t he l a st si x yea rs, t he company has been looking into new markets across the province, expanding into Kamloops, then to Victoria. “Because of our relationships w ith ou r customers, we got tired of saying no to clients who were asking us to do work on the Island,” says Craig. “Our business model involves investing in our clients and growing as they grow, so we’ve been expanding to follow our customers as they take on more opportunities.” Secondarily, Craig and Hirakida noticed a g row i ng fi na ncia l relationship between Vancouver and the Island. After the success of the Kamloops expansion, the company decided to launch the Vancouver Island operation. Bartlett was hand-picked for the job, as a skilled electrician with a strong emphasis on relationshipbuilding, and has been key to the success of the Island branch. “Our company thrives in a very specific niche, but we are also a full-service contractor,” says Bartlett. “As we’re getting established on the Island, we’re taking on a broad range of jobs ranging from new builds to fire alarm jobs and telecom work.” Accord i ng to Ba r tlett, the branch’s number one goal is bringing Sasco’s reputation and service model over to Vancouver

Based in Vancouver, Sasco has developed a reputation as go-to electricians for tenant improvements with a team that specializes in fire alarms, elevator upgrades, datacom, and power distribution upgrades

Craig Paquin is a second-generation owner at Sasco Contractors Ltd. Island. “It’s of utmost importance to us,” he says. “The niche market of fire alarms, elevator upgrades (we have a lot of expertise in that market), low-voltage Datacom work and power distribution upgrades are the areas we want to lean into over here.” Sasco is currently the electrical contractor for a new M’akola Housing Society development in Langford, set to begin in the next month. The multi-residential project will include two tenant improvements underneath the condominiums, preparing a new office space that will be utilized

by the M’akola staff. Sasco will be providing all electrical work for the project. Bartlett and his team have recently completed several other jobs, including a few with the University of Victoria, a new classroom building project for Royal Roads University, and three complex fire alarm upgrades and a number of tenant improvements in downtown Victoria. “Right now, our plans for the f utu re i nvolve establ ish i ng building blocks on Vancouver Island, replicating what we’ve done on the mainland,” says Craig. “We want to build more relationships, grow them, and be

Contact Ian Bartlett, Regional Manager 101 - 2785 Leigh Road Victoria, BC V9B 4G4

250.940.4000

vanisle@sascocontractors.com

www.sascocontractors.com

The Victoria office opened in December, 2016 in response to a growing economic relationship between Vancouver and the Island known as one of the top electrical contractors on the Island, just like we are elsewhere in the province.” Bartlett is up for the challenge, and is making significant headway. “The Island marketplace is a little different from Vancouver,” he says. “However, we’re focussed on what Sasco wants to be in this region: focusing on niche markets and service. That’s where our company shines, and that’s what has built Sasco.” www.sascocontractors.com

Sasco Contractors Ltd. is the trusted electrical contractor for many of BC’s premier contractors, property management companies, facilities, and building owners. Now with an oﬃce on Vancouver Island, we challenge ourselves with each new project or service call to build upon our solid reputation within the industry.

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

HANDYMAN CONNECTION COMPLETES TO-DO LISTS FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES Skilled contractors and trades invited to join roster

ICTORIA - Do you have a get-round-to-it list for your home or workplace? Are you realizing that you may never get-round to any of it? Wouldn’t it be great to hand all those tasks off to a project manager and finally get them done? Meet the Handyman Connection, the service that fixes todo lists for busy businesses and homeowners. Handyman Connection acts as a “project manager” for even the smallest jobs, handling the paperwork, hiring, monitoring, and inspection. “Some of these jobs are so small it would cost the client more to buy the tools required – which they would probably only use once,” says owner Alex Campbell. Handyman Connection is a onestop solution. The company has a roster of experienced professionals who can be assigned as needed to a project. For example, if a bathroom renovation needs a plumber, a tile-setter, a painter, and a floor installer, Handyman Connection will line up the required expertise.

Owners Alex and Christina Campbell have four Handyman Connection outlets, one each in Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, and Red Deer They will make sure the work gets done to the client’s specifications and ensure the tradespeople are paid when the job is complete. They will also look after WorkSafeBC requirements, maintain liability insurance, post bonds, and obtain any required licenses. Only tradespeople with proven experience, good references, and able to pass a criminal background check are added to their roster. Just as people need to maintain their vehicle, they also need to maintain their home or commercial space, Campbell says. The jobs he handles tend to last a day or two and fall in the hundreds of dollars, not in the thousands. “You need to service your house

and your business. A little maintenance over the course of the years goes a long way.” In addition to providing repairs and renovations to homeowners and commercial businesses, the company also gives tradespeople the opportunity to pick up work that utilizes their skills. Campbell notes that many of the workers on his roster often have full-time work or ongoing contracts but want supplemental jobs or are between projects. “We’re always looking for talented, skilled, and responsible construction professionals,” he said. “We give our contractors the opportunity to work for themselves but not by themselves.” For clients, the company is a flexible alternative that gives them convenience and project control, including being able to purchase their own materials. The company also offers free quotes. Potential clients and trades people can contact Victoria office manager Kelly LeBlanc by calling 250-384-4969. “From carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, tiling, painting, doors, windows, fences, decks, flooring, counter tops, or just basic handyman services, one call gets the things you want done, done,” Campbell said.

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Handyman Connection 250-384-4969

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Unsafe asbestos abatement: It’s not worth the risk Asbestos exposure remains the leading cause of occupational disease in the province; those with the highest risk of exposure are maintenance, custodial, and contract workers hired for repairs or renovations in and around commercial buildings. Under the Workers Compensation Act, commercial property owners are required to maintain any land “being used as a workplace in a manner that ensures the health and safety of persons at or near the workplace.” If your work disturbs asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), you and your workers face a risk of exposure to asbestos. That’s why WorkSafeBC’s prevention officers are conducting planned inspections of commercial demolition and renovation worksites to ensure prime contractors, hazardous-materials consultants, abatement contractors, and demolition contractors are properly informed and equipped to safely remove ACMs. The officers are ensuring that the whole process, from start to finish, is done in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. What are the risks? From a professional standpoint, the consequences of

improper handling and disposal of asbestos are serious. Not dealing with asbestos properly can result in WorkSafeBC fines or Stop Work Orders, which will harm your business through lost hours, blown deadlines, and cancelled projects. And if word gets out that you cut corners and don’t take asbestos seriously, it could harm your professional reputation. Professional reputation aside, what about the health of you and your workers? Exposure to asbestos is the number one cause of death for workers in the construction industry. It can lead to devastating health complications later in life including: mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and more. If you’re an employer, you’re responsible for your workers’ health and safety, and that includes protecting them from asbestos exposure. Follow the protocols to identify asbestos properly and remove it safely, and comply with required work procedures. You have a responsibility to do your job, do it right and protect everyone from the dangers of asbestos. We’re here to help You can find the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Guideline and a variety of resources to help you learn more about how to prevent occupational asbestos exposure at worksafebc.com/asbestos.

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CHAMPIONED BY WAYMARK ARCHITECTURE Award for Sustainable Practices goes to Cutting Edge Company

ICTORIA - To save even a small segment of the world, the first step is an eco-friendly plan. Making those eco-friendly plans is the mission of Waymark Architecture of Victoria, which was chosen as Sustainable Business Practices winner in the 2018 Greater Victoria Business Awards.

The company also won the 2017 EcoStar Award. Architecture doesn’t immediately come to mind as a key environmental player but it should, says Will King, who co-founded Waymark with Graeme Verhulst in 2015. King notes one-third of society’s carbon debt impact comes from structures. Only transportation has a larger impact. With smart design, Waymark Architecture can minimize environmental impact. “You have to think about it differently,” King says. “What it takes is consciousness.” Thinking differently includes recognizing cement’s

Will King The award-winning Waymark Architecture Team

“Most of the buildings that will be here for the next century are already built,

Another quality development by

so we need affordable ways to reduce their carbon footprint.” WILL KING CO-FOUNDER

carbon footprint; using local sources; and ensuring wood was sustainably harvested. By thinking about the carbon footprint at the design stage, the energy consumption of a project can be reduced by 90 per cent. King and Verhulst were working for a large architectural firm when they decided to set up their own office. “Rather than try to turn a big ship in a different direction, we launched our own firm,” King said. Sustainable design is still cutting edge

in architecture. Waymark A rchitecture has constructed the first registered Living Building office project in Western Canada; the first Passive House office building in Western Canada; and the first Cross Laminated timber office building on Vancouver Island. Waymark seeks out projects that match their commitment to environmentally friendly, sustainable structures. Most of their projects have been large but they are also open to smaller eco-friendly builds. New buildings are only a tiny part of the environmental load. Waymark Architecture is working with the University of Victoria on a study into upgrading existing buildings to reduce energy costs and provide seismic protection. “Most of the buildings that will be here for the next century are already built, so we need affordable ways to reduce their carbon footprint,” King said. www.waymarkarchitecture.com

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

Bright Future For Talon Signs Local Company Stands Out With Illuminated Sign Services

ICTOR I A - Talon Signs is lighting up city streets with its custom illuminated signs. “Custom i l lu m i nated signs are what we do best,” says co-owner Renee Eastman. “We’ve done some pretty la rge-sca le jobs recently.” “We have installed several LED displays, including the recent replacement of two 14 foot by 17.5 foot digital displays. We also manufacture custom channel shapes and sign cabinets at our shop.” O p en i n g i n 2013, t he company has become an industry leader in the design a nd fabrication of a n ex pa nd i ng ra nge of illuminated and non-ill u m i n a t e d , l a s e r- c u t architectural, directional, digitally printed, and vinyl signs, as well as vehiclewrapped signage. Owner Joe Eastman has been working with signage since his high school days, acquiring his journeyman

Talon Signs manufactures and installs the pylon sign for the Sandown Park development

sign painter certification early on. “Joe has over 30 years of experience in the sign industry, while our electrician/fabricator has nearly 18 years of experience,” says Renee. Along with the design tea m, wh ich itsel f h a s

decades of combined experience, the team at Talon Signs have established a reputation as one of the area’s leading sign experts. The company is celebrating its five-year anniversary by offering a five-year warranty on Talon-manufactured LED signs. “If we build it, we’ll stand behind it, and it will stay lit,” says Renee. “We build a really good product. We don’t personally manufacture our LED displays, but we had to undergo an ex tensive vetti ng process before our supplier would trust us with their product.” “We know how to install LED Digital Displays, repair them, and keep them running. We can troubleshoot anything that goes wrong with these things. They’re a unique product. Not a lot of people know how to work on these things, but our team has the experience and training to do so.” talonsigns.com

Since 1985, Alliance Engineering Works has been a leading provider of structural steel and miscellaneous metals to Vancouver Island’s residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors.

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

The Council of Construction Associations (COCA) represents all major construction associations in BC, acting as a liaison with WorkSafeBC

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

development strategies: they are a great partner and have proven their long term to commitment to the people of BC. Current stats indicate the facility will need about 10,000 skilled tradespeople at the peak of construction, and LNG Canada is aiming for a workforce comprised of 25 per cent apprentices (2,500). The BCCA is currently

administering a $1.5 million LNG Canada Trades Training fund, which is designed to support industry and apprenticeship training for construction and related trades in BC. So far, over 1,200 apprentices have been funded, a nd $130,000 rem a i n s in the fund. These funds are available to small and medium-sized employers, who can apply online through www.bccasn.com.

BuildForce Canada’s annual report included the fol low i ng su m m a r y of BC’s construction industry: “British Columbia’s near-term growth outlook is strong relative to other Western provinces, but much of the available surplus workforce released from Alberta when the oil price fell in 2015 and major project activity declined, has already been absorbed in British Columbia or by

LABOUR SHORTAGE

SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 37

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

other provinces. Relying on the supply of out-of-province workers may become increasingly difficult going forward. Meeting ongoing labour demands will be contingent on the industry’s ability to continue attracting and training workers from outside construction or from outside the province as many of the province’s major projects reach pea k dema nd requirements.“ This report showed that the next decade will likely see the exit of nearly 41,000 skilled workers to due retirement or mortality (about 22 per cent of the current

labour force). This is contrasted with an estimated 33,000 firsttime new entrants expected to be drawn from the local 30 and younger population. “Construction in BC is undoubtedly facing a skilled worker shortage, even though we’re making tremendous strides in appealing to youth, women, Indigenous populations, and new Ca nad ia ns,” says Atch ison. “We must stay committed to a progressive culture shift in construction and embrace necessary changes. This includes ensuring a safe and productive workplace for everyone. “In essence, we’re reaching out to non-traditional sources of labou r a nd construction,

especially targeting youth. The aging construction workforce, where two-thirds are 45 or older, simply won’t be able to fill all of the job opportunities. We want to embrace all labour sources, a nd need to ensu re that the safety standards and measures of productivity endure no matter how the face of construction changes.” In the coming decade, the province’s population growth is expected to average about 1 percent per year, and migration is poised to become the key driver of BC’s aging population. With the gap between births and deaths continuing to narrow, SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 38

Of the industry’s 251,000 plus workforce, about 13 per cent of employees are currently unionized

built, 1948

Tidman Construction marks 70 years of building excellence

Roy Tidman

Tidman Construction Founder

Building quality is in everything the Tidman family does. Ever since Roy Tidman poured his �irst concrete footings in 1948, Tidman Construction has been building remarkable custom homes, giving new life to older homes and improving the lives of families by making larger spaces out of small ones.

Roy’s sons, Ron and John, second-generation craftsmen, both completed their carpentry apprentices under the careful eye of their father and they expanded the company to encompass quality commercial developments throughout greater Victoria.

When Tidman Construction created and built The Peninsula and Norgarden retirement communities in Sidney, Roy lent his perspective to the design—not only that of a carpenter but as a senior. In Roy’s later years, Norgarden became his very own retirement community.

tidmangroup.com 250.652.1101

Now the third generation of the Tidman family continues to oversee the level of excellence crafted by their grandfather and upheld by Ron and John; John’s son Andrew Tidman at the helm of Tidman Construction, overseeing new construction and renovations in Greater Victoria, and Ron’s daughter Denise Tidman, managing daily operations at The Peninsula and Norgarden in Sidney BC. Both are carrying on the family tradition of ensuring quality and unsurpassable service.

Now celebrating 70 years, Tidman Construction carries on Roy’s lifetime legacy of building excellence, integrity and customer service: cornerstones of the Tidman Construction business.

John, Ron, Andrew and Denise

38 CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

the recruitment of non-traditional sources of labour and construction is crucial to ensure the well-being and continued growth of the industry. For this reason, many industry professionals are campaigning to create more inclusive workplaces to accommodate a growing number of female tradespeople. Information compiled by the federal government suggests that women comprise approximately 54 per cent of the nation’s workforce, but represent less than 10 per cent of Canadian construction industry employees – a statistic that may actually inflate a more disheartening percentage. “I believe the statistics include women who work in the office and in administrative capacities in those numbers, and essentially lump all ticketed trades not just construction trades under the

CONSTRUCTION overall umbrella of construction. This would include persons such as hairdressers, which are certainly not part of construction,” explained Katy Fairley, a Director with the Canadian Construction Association (CAA). “If we were to drill down into those numbers, and from what I know through personal experience, the actual percentage of women directly working in the industry in an active role would likely be closer to five to seven per cent, so obviously there’s lots of room for improvement.” In its recently released National Summary covering the years 2018 to 2027, BuildForce projected that the present skilled labour shortage that is impacting companies across the nation will continue to worsen. In the summary of the BuildFo r c e C a n a d a r e p o r t , B i l l Ferreira, the group’s Executive Director said the industry has to take steps to head off a potential

NOVEMBER 2018

The construction industry contributes about 8.6 of BC’s GDP labour crisis. “This decade, Canada needs as many as 277,000 construction workers to meet labour demands

and counter rising retirements,” he said. “With these challenges in mind, the industry will need to step up recruitment efforts and do all it can to encourage far more new Canadians, women, and Indigenous people to join Canada’s construction workforce.” For Fairley, while progress has been made, the present small percentage of female involvement is an obvious sign that there’s still plenty of room for improvement. “There’s no escaping the fact that the older segment of our industry is leaving which creates a real potential for women,” she concludes. We’re now acutely feeling what a labour shortage does to construction and it’s not a problem you’re going to fix by looking at only 50 per cent of the population, you simply have to put it on the table for the other 50 per cent as well, make it an option and women will recognize it and take it.”

WORKPLACE SAFETY

In order to ensure that the industry remains an attractive field to new hires, construction associations and government bodies are always working to ensure the work site is as safe as possible. ““There’s so much going on in the realm of workplace safety, including questions regarding COR requirements and the legalization of recreational cannabis,” comments Atchison. “With these issues and more, we have tremendous resources in WorkSafeBC, the BC Construction Safety Alliance, and COCA to make sure the needs of construction owners and

“BC has been given the opportunity of a generation with the announcement of LNG Canada’s project in the Northwest, specifically in Kitimat. This project has massive implications throughout the entire workforce. The investment decision comes with a tremendous opportunity for the entire province to become elevated. All the industry is excited, and we’re excited.” CHRIS ATCHISON PRESIDENT OF THE BCCA

employees are met.” The Council of Construction Associations (COCA) represents all major construction associations in BC, acting as a liaison between the sector and WorkSafeBC on all workplace safety matters. SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 41

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CONSTRUCTION

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Temporary Or Full-Time: TLC Victoria Puts Workers Into Jobs 10 Years’ Experience Matching Industry with Workers

ICTOR I A - Match i ng workers w it h jobs or careers has kept Trades Labour Corporation Victoria (TLC Victoria) hard at work themselves for the last decade. Founded by Barclay Ellis, the business celebrated its 10th anniversary in October. They offer a multi-faceted service which connects qualified blue collar workers with openings in construction, landscaping, warehousing, and trades. “We offer a great opportunity. We’re trying to help people move forward in their careers,” Ellis said. They provide temporary labour, with immediate payment at industry-standard rates every day. They offer training resources. They match-make between workers and employers, to send qualified people to jobs. They can help workers advance their careers by giving them a foot-in-the-door that often leads to full-time employment. TLC has some clients who have been with the company for the past decade and have been placed in several successive

f u l l-t i me jobs a s open i ngs appeared. For workers who are just starting out, TLC Victoria offers a chance to work with and be assessed by many of the area’s top employers. TLC will also loan out equipment, like steel-toed boots, so workers arrive at the job ready to work. The company delivers workers to sites and arranges with the employer to ensure the worker can return to the TLC office at the end of the day. At times, Ellis has advanced lunch money and bus fare.

TLC also does screening and skills assessments as employees come in and then checks in with the employers and work sites for a further assessment. CORE certified, they offer Occupational Health and Safety training, Traffic Control Training, and Asbestos Awareness. “We work with people to build on their strengths. We have work available every day, Monday to Saturday.” His office opens at 5:30 a.m. every weekday. Potential workers show up and are assigned

between 6 and 9 a.m. Starting at 3 p.m., workers return to the office to be paid. For many workers, the huge advantages of temporary labour are the immediate payment and the flexibility. Examples of potential temporary workers could include construction workers with a gap between projects; a roofer laid off for a day due to weather; students; tradesmen seeking to supplement their income; workers who only want part-time work due to family or other job commitments; and those new to the community looking to make employment contacts.

“We’re trying to help people move forward in their careers.” BARCLAY ELLIS FOUNDER

“Employers know we provide a full-time calibre of worker and workers know we can be a source of full-time employment.” Ellis has a strong belief in giving back to the community as well as serving on the Vancouver Island Construction Association.

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CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

ENERHEAT BOAST TOP-TIER WINDOW UNIT WARRANTIES Victoria Company Uses High Quality Sealed Units to Maximize Energy Effiency in Island Homes

ICTORIA - For the third consecutive year, Enerheat Windows, Doors and Renovations is up for another Better Business Bureau Torch Award. Enerheat was the 2016 Torch Award winner for the Renovations category, and is a finalist in this year’s Installation Services category. While the family business is being recognized for excellence in its industry, it’s also celebrating 40 years in business. Founded in 1978 by Bill Gibson, the home improvement company is now comprised of two main divisions: a window division and Cornerstone Renovation, which does home renovations and additions, as well as kitchen, bathroom, and basement

renovations. This year, the window division is getting all the attention, as Bill and his son/ business partner Justin continue to install ThermoProof Vinyl Windows throughout Greater Victoria. Manufactured on Vancouver Island, these Thermoproof windows use Low E 272 glass to provide clients with maximum energy efficiency in their home. The glass is a special neutral-coloured, high-performance coated glass that helps reduce heat transference. This can decrease heat loss from inside a home during cold weather, or decrease heat gain from outside a home during warm or hot weather. “Our facility used to make the sealed units by hand, but the engineers discovered that germs and oils from our hands were causing the super spacer bars to fail,” says Bill. “Handmade windows have a high failure rate, and most companies that use them will only do up to a five year warranty on the labour.”

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Justin Gibson (Right) Receiving the 2016 Torch Award for Renovation The machine that makes the Thermoproof sealed glass units the first of its kind in Canada. This state-of-the-art LiSEC 96” x 140” vertical automated insulated glass processing machine is equipped with comprehensive IO/DI water treatment for washing, robotic super spacer application, automatic argon gas filling and robotic secondary sealing, providing clients with the highest quality units available. Readers can see photos of this cutting edge technology at the company website, www. enerheatwindows.ca. The Thermal Glass units are Double Sealed with Super Spacer Premium warm edge technology that will give homeowners the longest lasting thermal seal in the industry. For extra strength, Thermoproof windows have steel in the frame on the vertical locking mullion bar, and when needed, in the horizontal framework of the larger windows. This provides extremely high-quality frame reinforcement, giving the windows more strength than those that rely on extra air chambers. When installing a new Thermoproof Window, Enerheat uses low pressure Enerfoam (which contains no formaldehyde and will not bow the windows) to seal the windows. ‘Enerfoam’ expands 100 per cent to fill all cracks and holes, providing no air leakage and a quiet installation. In addition, the windows are rated to meet or exceed energy zone and North A m e r ic a n Fe n e s t rat ion S t a n d a rd s requirements. Justin Gibson said in a recent statement, “The Thermoproof window factory is located right here on the Island (in Chemainus), so if we ever need parts

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quickly, we can get them the same day. The guarantee is for as long as you occupy the home and is automatically converted to a 15 year fully transferable warranty if you sell or rent. All commercial rental properties come with a full 15 year labour and materials warranty.” “We aren’t making a big deal out of our 40th anniversary,” he says. “We’re more proud of the work we do and the products we offer than any milestone like that.” Justin concludes, “Since 1978, our reputation has been built on quality workmanship, materials, and a superior warranty. “My grandfather always said, ‘If you’re going to do a job, do it right or don’t do it.’ That is our promise to you, from our family to yours.” www.enerheatwindows.ca

Congratulations! Electrical Contracting TEL: 250-883-0238 Email: texelelectric@shaw.ca www.texelelectric.com 1879 SAN MIGUEL ROAD VICTORIA, ВС • V8N 2G9

CONSTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 2018

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

Currently, the industry contributes about $240 million in assessments to WorkSafeBC, which comprises about 20 per cent of the organization’s total assessment revenue. The primary role of COCA is focused in three main areas: developing consensus on construction policy positions; addressing legislative, regulatory policy and practice issues within the workers’ compensation system in BC; and assisting individual employers, contractors and associations with their WorkSafeBC concerns. COCA is governed by an independent Board of Directors, drawn from member/partner associations, which are comprised of construction and trade associations operating in BC. The BC Construction Association provides administrative support and acts in capacity of secretariat. “Our number one priority is safety, and we are unwavering in our commitment to the wellbeing of the workforce, both physically and mentally,” Atchison continues. “It’s clear to us that personnel are the most valuable asset. Our goal is to ensure that safety remains a priority on site so workers can return home happy and return to a safe work site the next day.”

WorkSafeBC and the Council of Construction Associations area always working to ensure construction workers are as safe as possible COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT In the midst of the excitement surrounding new projects in Northern BC and elsewhere, the industry is facing a major challenge, brought on by a provincial government legislation. The government’s new Community Benefits Agreement includes a clause that is worrying a vast majority of industry professionals. This portion of the agreement creates a new Crown Corporation, called “BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc.” (BCIB), that will hire only union workers from a designated union for construction of major public projects.

“This is easily one of the biggest issues to face the construction industry in decades,” says Atchison. Open-shop compa n ies ca n still bid on projects, but if they are successful their employees will be required to join a designated union. Of the sector’s 251,000 plus workforce, only 13 per cent of industry employees are currently unionized. The BCCA believes that there was inadequate industry consu ltation prior to the i ntroduction of the policy, and has conducted live polls at a series of town hall discussions attended b y l e a d i n g repre s ent at ive s from BC’s leading industrial,

While residential construction is projected to decline over the next decade, non-residential construction is poised for rapid growth commercial, and institutional construction employers. According to Atchison, the vast majority of professionals represented by the BCCA oppose this forced unionization policy. On behalf of industry stakeholders, the organization has put together recommendations for Minister Trevena and the Premier that will contribute to the goal of achieving local hiring goals without the need for conscription to a specific union. “We are looking for a productive platform where our voices can be heard before the CBA

negatively affects public project procurement,” he says. “We encourage people to engage with their MLAs and let them know: this policy is not only bad for the industry and for the future of infrastructure projects, it is a breach of the constitutional rights of construction workers to freedom of thought and assembly.” Construction employers and tradespeople are invited to participate in a letter writing campaign to express their concerns about mandatory unionization. To pa rticipate i n the ca mpaign, visit voices.bccassn.com

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NOVEMBER 2018

RAVEN METAL PRODUCTS BRING ARTISAN APPROACH TO METAL WORK Cobble Hill Company Creates Industry-Changing Products

OBBLE HILL - It’s been 20 years since Raven Metal Products Ltd. opened its doors, and the company has left a major impact on the construction world. Thanks to its inventive owner, Randy Sewell, the company has come up with solutions that have permanently changed the industry. Raven’s team includes some of the leading architectural sheet metal designers and installers on Vancouver Island. With its dedicated crew of sheet metal artisans, and expert installers, the company offers competitive pricing and an industry-leading 25 year warranty on its work. The company supplies contractors and retailers, and performs custom installation and custom copper work. “I started my sheet metal apprenticeship in 1980, working with a roofing company in Toronto,” says Sewell. “I learned to do architectural metalwork there, working under an experienced journeyman who taught me to do cornice (the intricate metal

Raven offers competitive pricing and an industry-leading 25 year warranty on its work

Randy Sewell, owner of Raven Metal Products, learned architectural metalwork during his sheet metal apprenticeship in the 1980s molding work that decorates the top of old buildings).” Upon completing his schooling at George Brown College, Sewell started his own operation, working with heating and ventilation systems, eventually installing and maintaining ground source heat pumps. “I moved to BC in 1994 and worked for a roofing company for a couple of years before going back into architectural sheet metal,” he continues. “After the company closed its doors in 1998, I started Raven Metal Products with a partner and two other employees.” After immediately experiencing rapid growth, Sewell bought out his partner, becoming the sole owner of the company. “I started the business right around the start of the leaky condo crisis, so I ended up working closely with wall system and stucco contractors and engineers, to redesign all the exterior metal products,” he reflects. During this time, Sewell met with several business owners and an engineering firm to create products that would address the leaky condos. Together, they

developed new vents and saddles, including the innovative Mach 4 Vent, which includes an extra plate soldered to the pipe, allowing the vent to be properly sealed to the wall. “Graham Besant, who worked for RDH Engineering at the time, called me up one day and said, ‘we’ll need some of those vents,’” Sewell remarks. “At the time, we didn’t have a name for them, but the Mach series razors were all the rage. Graham called the vent a Mach 4 as a joke, and the name just stuck.” This isn’t the only innovative product created by Sewell and his team. “I was working on a leaky condo job on the inner harbour, and we had done a two-storey mock-up of what the whole building would probably look like,” he says. “When I arrived on the site after it was all done, I looked up and saw an issue with some window screening material right above the flashing.” “W hen the superintendent asked what I could do, I remembered a product I had at my house - some material with a bunch of holes in it. He thought it was

Congratulations to Raven Metal Products on 20 years in business. Good job Randy and Team! 250.474.7725 | Victoria, BC | www.customproexteriors.com

The company operates out of a 12,000 square foot space, one of the biggest on the Island brilliant, showed the engineer, and three days later, he had plans on my desk specifying that this product be used on the job.” Two years after this job, the material, called Perforated J Vent Strip, was worked into the building code. Raven Metal Products now sells around two million feet of the product every year. These and other materials can be found at Slegg Lumber, Central Builders, Home Hardware, Ken’s Roofing and other retailers across the Island. A large number of Island homes built over the last twenty years will feature a piece of metal on the roof or elsewhere in the home that was manufactured by Raven Metal Products. Raven currently provides a complete array of flashing, wall and exhaust vents, perforated

aluminum, soffit, panels and many more products that are used on a large percentage of west coast homes. “I think we stand out in the industry for several key reasons,” says Sewell. “First, we carry a large stock of metal so we can have quick turnarounds.” “We probably have an average of $150,000 worth of raw material sitting on our shelf at any given time, and we carry just about every size and colour of sheet metal in stock.” Second, Sewell brings decades of experience to the table, and acts as a consultant on many unique and challenging projects. “When people don’t know what to do when it comes to sheet metal, I’m the guy they call,” he says. “I go out to the site and tell

20 years is a great achievement! Congratulations and all the best for the next 20!

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NOVEMBER 2018

Working on the face of the Tamura Building

The team at Raven Metal Products them what they need to do, and since I’ve been involved with engineers for many years, I can pretty much tell you what needs to be done on any wall or roof application.” Third, Raven specializes in architectural metal work, and is one of only a handful of metal fabricators that is recommended by the Vancouver Historical Society and building inspectors to work on historical buildings. “When I arrived in Victoria back in 1994, I remember looking at the Janion building on Pandora thinking, ‘what a shame all this beautiful metal work is going to waste,’ says Sewell. “I really hoped I’d get to work on it someday.” 20 years later, the building was undergoing extensive renovations, and Sewell was called in as a consultant. “A week after I gave my recommendations, they sent me a list and asked us to do the metal work,” he continues. “We did such a good job with it that the architects, Merrick Architecture, told one of its Vancouver cohorts

about us. “They called us up and asked us to work on a project in Vancouver, dangling a big, beautiful bit of architecture in front of me. I eventually gave in, and we’ve done about a half dozen buildings over there so far.” Thanks to Sewell’s unique trade experiences in Toronto, Raven Metal Products is able to provide beautiful cornice and decorative metal work to its clients, a skill set that is increasingly rare in the industry. Recently, Raven completed a series of tasks on the Tamura Building project, located at Powell and Dunlevy in Vancouver. This included: completing the metal restoration, manufacturing copies of components from longgone pieces from photographs, and providing top-of-the-line i nsta l lation on the complex decorative metal. “Becau se we speci a l i ze i n architectural sheet metal, we have all the architectural equipment,” says Sewell. “Other companies may dabble in this type of work, but not many specialize

like we do. “The old guys who used to do that work have all retired, and most didn’t teach the younger generation how to do what they did. Very few of us now know how to do this architectural end of the work.” Sewell is now endeavouring to keep the tradition alive, running a government-approved apprenticeship program. “Our apprentices have really good training from manufacturing all the way up to installation,” he says. “We operate in a 12,000 square foot space, which is one of the biggest sheet metal shops on the Island.” Raven has now grown from four employees in 1998 to about 25, including architectural sheet metal workers, installers, journeymen, and apprentices, along with 3 office staff. “Some of my old apprentices have gone on to bigger and better things,” he continues. “One of my apprentices is now running the sheet metal show for one of my customers, and one is now working for the school board doing

all their sheet metal repairs.” Many of Randy’s employees have been with him for the long-haul, with Melissa, who Sewell calls his “right hand girl,” being with the company for 19 years, and many others working with the team for over a decade. Thanks to the size of its shop and staff, Raven Metal Products is able to diversify its offerings. “We manufacture vents that go into the wholesale divisions, selling to companies like Slegg, Ken’s Roofing, or Home Hardware,” he says. “We also do custom manufacturing for clients such as Farmer, Kinetic Construction, Custom Pro Exteriors, H&R Exteriors, Frenette Exteriors, Brytar, and others. Additionally, we help all of those customers when a product requires a challenging installation. This type of work involves going on-site and measuring and installing. “Finally, we do contract work, from consulting to figuring out what needs to be done to restore historic metal work, all the way to manufacturing and installing

the finished product.” Thanks to its unique specializations, innovation, adding new products, and commitment to quality work, Raven Metal Products has built an excellent reputation in the community, relying on word-of-mouth, an outside sales representative, and social media awareness to grow the business. “If you treat your customers right, they keep coming back,” Sewell concludes. “We’re not perfect, but we always make sure we finish the job right, no matter what happens.” Visit the Raven Metal Website for an in depth look at what they do. www.ravenmetal.ca

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NOVEMBER 2018

SUCCESSFUL COMPANY MAKES A BIG IMPACT THROUGH LUV OF RUGS AND PASSION FOR COMMUNITY Seeking To Serve, Small Company Finds Multiple Ways To Give Back

ICTORIA - Luv-A-Rug Victoria proves that a company doesn’t need to be big to make a big difference. The secret of success for this triple BC Better Business Bureau Torch Award Nominee for Community Service & for Carpet Cleaning is Luv-A-Rug’s passion for giving back to the community: cleaning donated rugs for refugee families, Women In Need, and charitable Thrift Stores; scrubbing horse blankets by donation to the BC Horse Council; washing dog beds by donation to the SPCA; and offering half-price rug cleaning to non-profit organizations. The company’s well-established core business is their love of cleaning and restoring area rugs, including exquisite Persian carpets. They are often able to salvage these treasures, thanks to experts from Iran who are able to re-weave damaged rugs, rebind rugs, and repair fringe. On the surface, the link between area rug cleaning and community service isn’t obvious. But owner Steve “Dusty” Roberts said the company actively seeks ways to contribute. “We asked ourselves: what can we contribute as a small company?” Once the question was asked, Dusty said answers became obvious. “It’s interesting how the subconscious can see possibilities when they appear.” Their biggest community impact started with a teacher who brought in a classroom rug for clea n i ng. Dusty noticed the teacher paying the bill herself and waived the fee. He then learned there was no provision in school budgets for rug-cleaning although many classrooms had teaching rugs for young

Dusty and the Luv-A-Rug crew load up some of the 400 carpets the company cleaned free-of-charge for Victoria classrooms, after Dusty discovered there was no funding allocated to keep the rugs clean PHOTO CREDIT: ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST

“We asked ourselves: what can we contribute as a small company?” STEVE “DUSTY” ROBERTS LUV-A-RUG, OWNER

Donated carpets are washed free-of-charge by Luv-A-Rug, which then donates them to local charities and charitable thrift stores for sale. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is one of the recipients. children. “At that age, children sprawl on these rugs when reading or listening or working on projects,” he said. “They don’t sit at desks.” In the fall of 2017, the school district directed custodians to

skip vacuuming classroom area rugs. Knowing what he did about potential contamination via unclean rugs, Dusty was shocked. He offered free cleaning to his local district schools. Initially a few rugs trickled into the LuvA-Rug shop.

T hen the school d istrict seized the opportunity, loaded up trucks, and delivered approximately 400 rugs to Dusty’s shop shortly before Christmas. Luv-A-Rug staff stepped up. During what would have been their Christmas holidays, they

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passionately worked long hours to get all the rugs cleaned before classrooms re-opened in January. The only day they didn’t work was Christmas Day. Dusty estimates the rug-cleaning marathon was a $90,000 donation. Schools also received certificates for an additional free rug cleaning during the year. “We need to keep these rugs clean so children don’t get sick,” Dusty said. He also started an online petition to emphasize the importance of classroom rug cleaning province-wide. Luv-A-Rug’s reward was stacks of hand-drawn thank-you cards from students and a reversal of school district policy to support resumption of regular rug cleaning. “Maybe kindness does work in this world after all,” he says. “We luv rugs but we also love our community.”

Congratulations on your nomination for THREE Torch Awards! www.unitedfloors.ca 3335C Oak Street Victoria, BC, V8X 1R2

NOVEMBER 2018

GALAXY MOTORS NOMINATED FOR BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TORCH AWARD Finalist For A Better Business Bureau Torch Award

ICTOR I A – Colby Perkins sees Galaxy Motors as a “one-stop shop” for vehicles. The General Sales Manager of Galaxy Motors’ Victoria Mega Centre at 1772 Island Highway points to a vast inventory of vehicles throughout their four locations, including the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and Comox Valley. He’s also very pleased that Galaxy Motors has been named a finalist for a Better Business Bureau Torch Award. “It’s a measure that I think shows we are doing things right,” he says. “Customers that we have dealt with in the past have taken the time to nominate us, and we are very grateful for that.” “It’s a great honour,” he notes, adding that Galaxy consistently earns top rankings on Google and Facebook from customers. “We have anywhere from 600 to 800 vehicles in at any one time including all of our four dealerships on Vancouver Island,” he says. “We have a good selection of vehicles, and we’re really a one-stop shop. Customers can come in and drive a Honda, a Toyota, a Ford, a Chrysler. . .any type of car, and get a good perspective on what’s available.” Galaxy Motors has vehicles ranging everywhere from 2002 models to cu rrent versions, priced anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. “We recondition our vehicles better than anybody,” he notes. “And we’re completely transparent with our customers regarding the history of the vehicles. We show them receipts and explain the repairs done on the vehicle, and we’re very highly rated because of that.” “All of our used cars have been through a thorough 155 point mechanical inspection, had a complete Carproof report, and are guaranteed lien free,” Perkins

adds. “If Galaxy Motors doesn’t have the vehicle you’re looking for, ask us, and we will find it for you!” Perkins has been at the Victoria dealership for nine years. Victoria’s branch has 40 employees, and there are 80 in total throughout the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and Comox Valley stores. Both the Cowichan Valley and Comox Valley buildings have earned recognition from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s prestigious annual Commercial Building Awards. Galaxy Motors also has a Recreational Vehicle dealership in Duncan. “We’re always trying to do better,” he notes. “We have a very high level of loyalty from our customers, as people keep coming back to purchase vehicles.” Galaxy Motors offers financing services, sourcing out 18 different lenders for customers. “We also have our own leasing program,” he says, explaining “Our in-house program is for those who have a tougher time with financing, perhaps for credit issues or not being in the country long enough to establish credit.” For three years running, Galaxy Motors has been one of the highest volume dealers in the country with TD Auto Finance and have earned their Elite Dealer partner award. “With some of the most competitive interest rates available, we are able to assist anyone looking to purchase a used car or truck,” he says, adding banks that Galaxy commonly deals with are RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and the General Bank of Canada, along with Scotia Dealer Advantage, Carfinco and Credit Unions throughout BC. Perkins is noticing that Galaxy Motors is selling more and more electric cars. “Today, we probably have 12 electric vehicles on the lot, and there’s an increasing number of customers who take them out for a drive, and want to buy them.” “We’re going to be the industry leader in sales volume, as we keep growing year in and year out,” he says.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GALAXY MOTORS ON YOUR SUCCESS! 800-567-2557

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Galaxy Motors’ award winning building in Courtenay in the Comox Valley

“We’re completely transparent with our customers regarding the history of the vehicles. We show them receipts and explain the repairs done on the vehicle, and we’re very highly rated because of that.” COLBY PERKINS GALAXY MOTORS, GENERAL SALES MANAGER

Colby Perkins is General Sales Manager of Galaxy Motors’ Victoria Mega Centre at 1772 Island Highway Galaxy Motors also has its own service departments, either at the location itself, or with service bays nearby. Technicians can do everything from wheel alignments and brakes to engine replacements and oil changes. “Our customers can get full ser v ic e automot ive repa i rs and mechanical service for all makes and models,” says Perkins. “Customers needing automotive service can come to their

nearest Galaxy Motors location on Vancouver Island to get vehicle repairs and maintenance from fully equipped professional mechanics. Galaxy Motors contributes substantially to various non-profit organizations in the communities it serves. “O ver t he yea rs we’ve expressed our deep gratitude by giving back to our communities and hosting regular charity based

events including, but not limited to, food drives and holiday hampers, partnering with A&W for the MS Cruising for Cause, sponsoring many children through World Vision Canada. They have also donated two vehicles to local needy families. “We are so very grateful to our customers for making us Vancouver Island’s largest independent used car dealer,” he adds. www.galaxymotors.net

NOVEMBER 2018

LIQUID METAL MARINE CREATES WEST COAST VESSELS “Clients can ask for just about anything they can

Local Aluminum Boat Builders Fueled by Love of Ocean Exploration

imagine, and the team can come up with a 3-D model

IDNEY - Kristi Benwell’s passion for ex ploration has fueled her love of boat building. Her company, Liquid Metal Marine, is a custom aluminum boat manufacturer that tailors its products for the West Coast’s unique sea-scape and esthetic. “There have always been a lot of talented boat builders on Vancouver Island, but all of a sudden, American companies began to dominate the local market,” says Benwell. “They often have high quality products, but none of these companies are building boats specifically for the west coast.” For the team at Liquid Metal Marine, a good boat needs to be more than functional. It needs to be built with attention to detail, blending esthetic details with a custom-tailored design to create a product that perfectly suits its clients’ needs. “We’re high quality builders, and our products are available for a huge range of applications,” says Benwell. “We want people

of what they’re going to get, including detailed data analysis of floatation and stability. This way, the customer can know exactly what they’re going to get before we begin building, giving them a lot of confidence in our product before it ever touches the water.” KRISTI BENWELL

The team at Liquid Metal, which includes an ABYC Certified Marine Electrical Technician

OWNER OF LIQUID METAL MARINE

Congratulations to Liquid Metal Marine on your continued success!

Ship’s Agents/Customs Brokers

to take advantage of living where we do. That’s the core of what this company is based on: passion for the outdoors and passion for the beautiful area we live in.” Working out of a nearly 7,000 square foot shop on 2057 Mills Road, Sidney, Benwell and her team have built vessels as large as a 65 foot catamaran for a local whale watching company. “We are exclusively custom boat builders,” she says. “We use a fantastic team of naval architects from around the Island with outstanding design skills.” “Clients can ask for just about anything they can imagine, and the team can come up with a 3-D model of what they’re going to get, including detailed data analysis of floatation and stability. This way, the customer can know exactly what they’re going to get before we begin building, giving them a lot of confidence in our product before it ever touches the water.” Once the model is approved,

the metal cutting for various components is outsourced to another shop, to help keep the final cost as low as possible. “We assemble the pieces from the metal cutters like a giant jigsaw puzzle,” she continues. “In the end, people are always happy with the result.” T he team has more than 50 years of combined experience a nd bu i ld a l l the compa ny’s b oats to T ra n sp or t Ca n ad a TP1332 regulations. The shop is certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau and all wiring is completed to ABYC standards by its ABYC Certified Marine Electrical Technician. The company has experienced slow, steady growth over nearly 20 years to get to this point. “I g rew up on t he Sa a n ich Peninsula and I always loved being on the water,” says Benwell. “There are so many opportunities to explore here, with beaches and islands, so when I began to look at getting into the

Kristi Benwell founded Liquid Metal Marine in 2000, shortly after completing her apprenticeship trades, I wanted to look at boat building.” Upon completing her apprenticeship in 2000, she started Liquid Metal Marine with business

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NOVEMBER 2018

A boat in the Knight Series, Rigid Hull Inflatable work boats that feature rugged hulls and heavy-duty inflatable tube sets and are designed specifically for rescue operations

A Salish Cabin Cruiser, manufactured by Liquid Metal. Salish boats are what the company calls “weekender style vessels,” focussed on meeting more recreational needs

a slow and steady progression since I started the company, and it’s taken time to get our name out there in the industry. “When I look back, we’ve been building our knowledge, our skills, and our team from the beginning, getting bigger and bigger. There were two of us to start with, and now our staff will average about 10, fluctuating depending on the size of a project.” Through investing in her employees and listening to her clients’ needs, Benwell believes Liquid Metal Marine will be one of the West Coast’s highest quality aluminum boat builders for years to come. www.liquidmetalmarine.com

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The Salish Express Cruiser partner Bill Chipper, becoming the company’s sole owner in 2002. “ We i n it i a l ly fo c u sse d on building small private boats for reaching the little islands in the area,” she reflects. “Back then, aluminum boats were generally rough-looking vessels, and that didn’t suit me at the time. We started by building boats that were more than just function-based products.”

Since then, the business has grown to serve a more diverse clientele. Though the core of Liquid Metal’s work is still in building boats in the 20-25 foot range, they have been contracted by the provincial government for enforcement, research, and search and rescue vessels, whale watchers, and various private sector companies. “Our team is very versatile, and each year will have a unique

As the insurance provider for Liquid Metal Marine, we would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them great things for the future.

mix of vessel types,” she says. Additionally, the shop is capable of working on other metal fabrication projects, including ramps and gangways for commercial and private customers, radar arches, boat or truck accessories, outboard brackets, or any custom project that is brought to the team. “Moving forward, we’re going to continue to grow with the market,” says Benwell. “It’s been

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OFF THE COVER

NOVEMBER 2018

T’Sou-ke First Nation Chief and Van-Isle Auto Brokers Receive Honours T’SOU-KE FIRST NATION

“There is an appetite

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

First Nations, Uchucklesaht Tribe, Yuułu ił ath ̣ Government (Ucluelet First Nation) and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation. At age 17, Morfitt bought a Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an $8,000 loan and sold it a month later for $2,000 more – and an entrepreneur was born. It was 13 years later, in 2015, that he opened Van-Isle Auto Brokers at 510 Gorge Road East. The operation now has 60 cars in its inventory, employs four staff, and generates up to $5 million in annual sales. “We provide popular imports including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Lexus and more,” Morfitt states on his website (vanisleautobrokers.ca). “We provide a industry leading CarProof history report with each vehicle, extensive mechanical inspection, wide range of financing options, warranties and broker services.” Chief Planes has been the Chief of the T’Sou-ke First Nation (Sooke) since 2007. He boldly embarked on a 100 year process to build a new community vision, one that fosters a healthy Indigenous population with a focus on four pillars:

for change and I really

ʔʔ

believe that the next generation is the one that is going to make positive changes." CHIEF PLANES T'SOU-KE FIRST NATION

T-Sou-ke First Nation Chief Gordon Planes received the Individual Achievement Award

Autonomy, food security, cultural renaissance and economic development. Under Chief Planes’ leadership the T’Sou-ke Nation is emerging as a leader in renewable and green energy. In the last few years they have launched a solar micro-grid demonstration project that includes 440 rooftop photovoltaic solar panels, along with solar hot water panels on many of its homes. On wasteland near the nation’s Ladybug garden and nursery,

three 35-by-150-foot greenhouses are being built to grow wasabi, a plant best known as a spicy condiment for sushi. The Nation has also signed a $750 million wind power partnership, and they operate oyster farms. Chief Planes recently told a group of politicians at a gathering in their community hall that “We are setting the table for future generations.” “There is an appetite for change and I really believe that the next generation is the one that is going to make positive changes. The Creator provided the resources for us to take care of ourselves. We are doing that a lot. . .I see huge opportunity for all of us and I encourage others to get in the canoe with us to build a stronger, sustainable economy. All of us can prosper together.” “The BC Indigenous Business Awards’ program has elevated over 170 outstanding businesses from throughout the province for the past 10 years,” said Scott McIntyre, Foundation Chair. “As we mark this important decade of excellence and look to the future, the 2018 cohort of awardees lead the way as examples of entrepreneurship, commitment and extraordinary vision, all of which play a key role in the strength of our provincial economy.”

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NOVEMBER 2018

V2V Brings Luxury to Vancouver Connection

Cruise Service Offers Eco-Tourism Approach to Mainland Travel

ICTORIA - Family-owned V2V Vacations is more than just a commuting service. “There are lots of other ways to travel between Victoria and Vancouver, but we really want to show off the coastal passage between the two cities,” says general manager and vice-president Julian Wright. The premium cruise service runs between the harbours in downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria, featuring concierge services, high-quality catering, and a unique focus on eco-tourism. V2V Vacations is a subsidiary of The Riverside Coal Transport Company, which was founded in 1926 by Wright’s great grandfather, Captain Kenneth C. Campbell in 1926. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, the company is now under the leadership of third generation CEO Hume Campbell, who owns the company with his sisters, Marian and Fiona, Wright’s mother. “We have had tourism operations on the east coast of Australia for the last five years, and Hume had been looking at some international opportunities,” says Wright. “During one of his trips to Canada, he traveled to and from Victoria, and saw an opportunity to create a unique harbour-to-harbour, downtown-to-downtown adventure.” This led Hume to incorporate V2V Vacations in 2015, eventually purchasing the company’s first vessel from Quebec City. “We floated the ship all the way from Quebec to Victoria, taking it through the Panama Canal, all the way to Point Hope Maritime to conduct a complete refit of the vessel,” says Wright. Once the ship was ready, the V2V Empress, a 242-passenger highspeed catamaran began service between the harbours. The journey takes under three and a half hours, taking a route through the Gulf Islands, educating passengers about the history and wildlife of the region. Passengers travel in two classes: Premium and Royal. “Both classes enjoy a stylish experience, with meals served to their seats,” Wright continues. “In the Royal class, the seats are all-leather, with some reclining, and others with a table featuring a hand-crafted wooden map of either the Vancouver or Victoria harbour, or one of Vancouver Island.” According to Wright, customer feedback and online reviews indicate that passengers describe the experience as “intimate.” The vessel features a top sundeck, where passengers can take pristine photos of their surroundings during an ‘active pass’ - when the ship slows down to immerse travelers in the most scenic parts

Hume Campbell, CEO of The Riverside Coal Transport Company (Left) and Julian Wright, General Manager of V2V Vacations (Right)

of the route. Passengers can also enjoy beer, wine, and cider on board, as well as a strong WiFi connection and international power outlets and USB connections on each seat. V2V also offers charter services, giving business a unique venue for meetings and parties. “We typically offer two-hour harbour cruises, with food from Victoria’s Truffles Catering,” says Wright. “Our standard offering is a two-hour cruise, but we are always tailoring the service to each client’s needs. Some clients may want the cruise to stay around the harbour, and some may want it to be a bit longer. We try to be flexible whenever possible.” According to Wright, the company is getting ready for some significant expansions in the coming years.

“The business is V2V Vacations, so we’re wanting to offer more than just the transportation service,” he says. “Starting next year, we will begin to offer vacation packages to guests so they’ll be able to travel using our vessel, and organize a hotel stay or tour in Victoria in the process.” Over the next two or three years, the company is looking at purchasing a second vessel to travel in the opposite direction, increasing the number of sailings per day. “After we get a second vessel, we’ll start looking at new routes to new locations, but that will probably be a little further off maybe in the 5-10 year horizon,” says Wright. “We’re here for the long-haul. There’s no sign of stopping, and we’re excited about what the future has in store.” www.v2vvacations.com

We’ll be celebrating the very best in 2018 business on Vancouver Island in January

And we’re now receiving nominations! Self-nominations encouraged!

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NOVEMBER 2018

BCHAZMAT RECOGNIZED FOR GIVING BACK Company Shortlisted for Community Services Category at Torch Awards

ICTORIA - BCHAZMAT Management Ltd. has been shortlisted for the Community Services Category at the Better Business Bureau Torch Awards. Owned by former fire chief Dave Rogers and his wife Rebecca, the company specializes in hazardous materials management, safety training, emergency spill response, and consulting and support services throughout Western Canada. In addition to offering an array of services that help keep Greater Victoria healthy and clean, BCHAZMAT works hard to give back to its community any way it can. “BCHAZMAT has been giving back to the community for all 20 plus years we’ve been in business,” says Dave. “For the past 10 years at least, my wife and I have run the Tom Thumb safety program.” “We took pedal cars that used to be set up at the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, and work with the Vancouver Island Safety Council, taking these cars to all kinds of community events for six months out of the year, teaching children traffic safety.” BCHAZMAT pays for the maintenance, transportation and insurance of these pedal cars, donating two of them for the use of families staying at Jeneece Place next to the Victoria General Hospital. “We also do a lot of work with the Women in Need Society, offering training services at no charge to them,” continues Dave. “We also help out at the Children’s Health Foundation.” The team at BCHAZMAT can be found at most major community events, especially open houses at fire halls. They support Brentwood Bay Days, and participate in the Emergency Services Display at Juan de Fuca. “It’s not just about putting money in the bank,” Dave says. “It’s about putting money back into the community that supports you.” “We enjoy giving back. We’re usually pretty tired at the end of the day, with a few hundred kids running around, but it’s a good tired.” BCHAZMAT has been serving Greater Victoria for over 20 years, and has a portable lab that can test over 11,000 different chemicals in as little as 20 seconds. Working from a million-dollar mobile command centre, the company has established itself as one of the area’s go-to spill response service providers. The company works not only to clean toxic spills after they happen, but to help develop a safer workplace culture so businesses

Owners Dave and Rebecca Rogers with a Tom Thumb pedal car, which is used to teach children about road safety

The BCHAZMAT team can be seen at many major community events, and is involved with most fire hall open houses

The Tom Thumb pedal car course at a recent community event

“It’s not just about putting money in the bank. It’s about putting money back into the community that supports you. We enjoy giving back. We’re usually pretty tired at the end of the day, with a few hundred kids running around, but it’s a good tired.” DAVE ROGERS OWNER OF BCHAZMAT MANAGEMENT LTD.

can avoid spills in the first place. This is done through offering level 1-3 training in hazardous materials management.

Torch Award winners will be announced at a gala on November 2 at the Union Club of BC. www.bchazmat.com

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NOVEMBER 2018

THE KITCHEN TECHNICIAN UPGRADES THE HEART OF THE HOME – AND MORE! Custom Made Cabinetry or Re-Facing for Kitchens, Bathrooms, or Built-In Storage

ICTORIA - As the heart of the home, kitchens are probably the most viewed room i n the home. So ever y kitchen deserves to look its best. Enter The Kitchen Technician, a Victoria company that has been giving kitchens and other spaces affordable ‘facelifts’ for almost 20 years. The company just earned its third consecutive Better Business Bureau Torch Award nomination. Based on Better Business consumer surveys, the nominations are an unsolicited endorsement of the company. “We are very proud of our repeat nominations,” says Janet Forseth, part of the K itchen Techn ician team. “It mea ns more to u s t h at ou r cl ients choose to nominate us because it is their choice – we have not solicited them.” The nominations also reflect the i ncreasi ng streng th a nd depth of the company. “We have grown, become stronger and more skilled in all areas of our services. We are not only leaders in re-facing, we are kitchen designers who custom-build kitchens and other cabinetry in our Victoria workshop.” Although based in Victoria, the company serves homeowners from Victoria north to Campbell River. They also work with restoration companies and property management companies. For homeowners, the Kitchen Technician offers a range of options. They can upgrade kitchens through custom cabinetry or re-facing or a combination of both. They can transform bathrooms and laundry rooms. They can construct stand-alone cabinetry for every room from living room to craft room to entertainment centre/bar to workshop. The start of every project is a free in-home consultation, with a representative taking the time to listen to customers’ needs and developing different options for homeowners to consider. Budget, space, and the current cabinetry are considered. For example, an older kitchen may have cabinets that do not offer easy-to-access storage or that are too small or incorrectly sized for modern appliances. Re-facing will not resolve those issues. “If the bones of the kitchen don’t work, in the end it is not going to be a happy situation, It may be better for the homeowners to increase their budget enough to invest in new cabinets because the kitchen will be much

This kitchen displays a striking combination of bamboo plywood with maple shaker doors inlaid with black walnut

The Kitchen Technician can work beyond the kitchen, as illustrated by this living room built-in unit with stained alder shaker doors more functional or to do a melded project, a mix of re-facing and custom cabinets.” T he compa ny g ives homeowners an honest evaluation before sta r t i ng t he work. A re-facing can look like brand new cabinetry at a lower cost. Custom-built cabinets can do even more, adding unexpected space and functionality. When giving homeowners a quote, team members include advice to help home owners’ match their cabinet choice to their lifestyle. “We don’t want a job just to get a job – we’re very service oriented and want to give the client what they need.” T h e c o m p a ny ’s b i g ge s t strengths are a combination of providing exactly what customers need, the provision of a quality product, custom-built in their local workshop, and exemplary customer service. “Everybody wants the champag ne version but may on ly

“They’re usually thrilled by the end of the process because the kitchen is so much better.” JANET FORSETH SALES TEAM

have the beer budget.” For that reason, the Kitchen Technician frequently follows the free inhome consultation with multiple quotes giving different options at different price points. Amongst the options – which may include re-facing, newbuilt custom cabinets or a mix of both, there is usually a solution that matches the homeowners’ needs and budget. Since having a kitchen o ut-of-c om m i s s ion du r i n g re-building can be difficult for some homeowners, establishing a good relationship helps smooth out the process. “Because we work so closely with people, we have to talk them ‘off the ledge’ when they see their kitchen ripped apart. But they’re usually thrilled by the end of the process because the kitchen, bathroom, or custom project is so much better. Sharing their excitement is the best part of the job.”

Sometimes the changes also improve accessibility. Popular options include: Soft close on doors and drawers, so bot h close at a l ig ht touch; Roll outs, especially pantry units, which provide easily accessible storage; Replacing shelves with deep drawers, that offer better and more accessible storage; Replacing hard-to-reach blind corner cabinets with pull-out units; and Installing upper cabinets that can be pulled down. A range of colours, finishes and materials are available. White is a popular choice as is soft gray. Also high on the list are natural wood or the rich burgundy hues of cherry. Upgrades are often combined with other improvements, including new major appliances or new countertops in kitchen or bathroom. The Kitchen Technician coordinates with companies like Colonial Countertops so the installation of a new granite or quartz countertop fits seamlessly into the renovation schedule. To investigate the possibilities, visit thekitchentechnician. ca or call 250-658-1313

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NOVEMBER 2018

CHRISTOPHER DEVELOPMENTS CLEANS UP AT CARE AWARDS Chris Walker Takes Home 12 Gold and Silver Awards for Beachside ProjectServices Category at Torch Awards

ICTORIA - Chris Walker won big at the Victoria Residential Builders Association CARE Awards this year, taking home six gold awards. Held on September 29 at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the 2018 Construction Achievements Renovation of Excellence (CARE) Awards recognized his company, Christopher Developments with the prestigious Project of the Year - Single Family award for its Beachside project. T he business also won five other Gold awards, including Best Single Family Detached Custom Home 2,500 - 3,500 sq. ft., Best Accessory Building / Garden Suite / Micro-house, Best New Home Design under $1,000,000, Best Master Suite 351 - 600 sq. ft., and Best Interior - Residential 2,800 - 3,499 sq. ft. With an additional six Silver prizes, Walker and his team went home with a staggering 12 awards. The winning project, Beachside, was bu i lt on a na rrow, sloping lot with neighbouring homes in close proximity. The principal rooms are both visually and functionally connected to patios that overlook a stunning beachfront setting and a private courtyard. Among the projects special features included: a theatre room with an LED-lit coffered ceiling, triple pane windows and doors, a 10KW solar PV system producing energy equal to a Net Zero home, in-floor heating with an energy efficient boiler and HRV system, “longboard” aluminium siding and soffits, and passive home design concepts including solar blocking glass and large overhangs to minimize excessive heat gain. Walker founded Christopher

The living room at the Beachside project

The deck of the Beachside project, which won six Gold awards at the VRBA CARE Awards Developments in 1992, after working as a commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic. “ My i n i t i a l fo c u s w a s o n

smaller developments,” he says. “I would purchase a home on a duplex lot and develop a duplex property.” Only a few years in, Walker branched out, creating a 14-unit townhome project called the Burleith. The project was later recognized as project of the year by the Victoria Real Estate Board. Since about 2008, the company has focused in on the high-end custom home market, offering a unique approach to design-build construction. “I have always been interested in the design aspect of this work, and that has since become one of the main focuses of our business,” he says. “I’m a self-taught designer, and started working on a drafting board early in the company’s history. For the last seven years we’ve been working with a 3-D rendering program. “A client will come to us with some ideas, we’ll flesh them out as best as possible, and from there, we develop a preliminary plan. It will be fairly detailed, including rooms, square footage, locations, etc.”

Walker and his team always focus their preliminary designs to both meet clients’ expectations and meet their budgets. “I can give them a general estimate before we get started,” he continues. “We try to tailor the design to their budget, and because we’re builders, we understand the cost implications of almost every design decision. “That’s one of the main advantages of our service. We are able to ensure a home stays within a client’s budget from the very beginning. Experience has shown that we’re very accurate with the pricing we give, and that really matters to us. We respect our customers’ budgets and treat their money as if it were our own.” After the plans are in place, the construction process begins with Walker sending transparent bi-weekly statements, updating the client on the progress of their home. “We hire very good tradespeople, and we’re consistently on time and on budget,” he says. “We have a very strong focus on customer service, and if you talk to

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any of our former customers, you won’t find a single bad review. We have no unhappy customers.” When building a home, Walker brings a trademark attention to detail to the building process. “I’m so completely focussed on trying to make things perfect to the point where sometimes all I see is faults,” he continues. “At the end of the day, when you go to a client’s house for a glass of wine, it all fades away because our projects are so close to perfection.” Because of this attention to detail and involved design-build process, Walker limits his work to three homes per year, keeping the company small and well-managed. Christopher Developments typically works with the same group of sub-contractors, and aims to provide the best value for the customer’s money. “Clients are very happy with our work, and that’s been very rewarding,” says Walker. “When you meet up with the homeowner after a job is finished, and they express to you how happy they are, it’s an amazing feeling.” www.christopherdevelopments.com

ESQUIMALT/OFF THE COVER

NOVEMBER 2018

ESQUIMALT WELCOMES NEW COUNCIL AND NEW CHAMBER BOARD

ESQUIMALT CHRIS EDLEY

here are lots of changes ta k i ng place i n Esqu imalt this fall! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the folks that ran for Mayor and Council. It takes a lot of courage to put oneself out there to serve the public in this capacity, so thank you to those that ran, and congratulations to those that made it through the election process – we’ll be seeing lots more of you in the near future! At the same time, I would like to thank the folks that have volunteered to support the Esquimalt business community by serving on the board of the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce. I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly

introduce our new board. This year our board consists of me (Chris Edley) as president – I am a managing partner of the Sharkz store, a graphic design company in Esquimalt. Ron Sandor is our Vice President and owns Music is Way Cool piano school. Ron has an extensive background in community development as well as professional background in visual art and music. Ash Knightly, our treasurer, owns West Bay Landing - a mixed residential/ com merci a l bu i ld i ng. Mark Brandle is our secretary and the new-to-Esquimalt Business Account Manager at RBC. Kiki Fox is also new to the board. Kiki coowns Keekz Coffee House at the corner of Viewfield and Aldbury and brings a fresh perspective to the Chamber – we’re looking forward to tapping into her expertise. Last but not least is Helen Edley, Helen is the other Managing Partner in the Sharkz Store and brings a wealth of professional input to the Chamber – this is her third term on the board. Esqu i ma lt is g row i ng fast; there are lots of things happening and lots more to come in the next few years! Our new board is looking forward to working

with our existing businesses, our developers, and our future businesses to create an environment that supports prosperity in our community. This includes working with council to create a business-supportive municipality, and helping businesses connect to their own community of resources and peers. We look forward to an exciting year! Chris Edly, CD P.Eng is President of the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at chris@edley.ca

Gala Event Organizers Searching For Nominations For Successful Companies To Nominate Ahead Of December 1 Deadline BE AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

This year, winners of each of the 17 Categories will be invited to a special “Breakfast For Champions” round-table the following morning, hosted by RBC Royal Bank, Grant T hornton LLP a nd Busi ness Examiner. Categories this year are: • Automotive (car and truck dealerships & fleet sales); • Construction/ Development/ Real Estate; • Entrepreneur; • Fo o d & Fo o d P ro du c t ion (agriculture, seafood, food products); • Green & Technology; • Health Care; • Hospitality; • Industrial Manufacturer; • M a n u f a c t u re d Wo o d Products; • Ocean Products; • Professional (legal, accounting, insurance, coaching); • Construction/Development/ Real Estate; • Retail;

• Small Business (under 20 employees & under $1 million in sales); • Tourism; • Trades (automotive repair, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.; • Business of the Year (over 50 employees & over $1 million in sales). “Each year, nominations are generally evenly split between companies south of the Malahat, and those from north of the Malahat,” says MacDonald. “That’s not surprising, as the population of both areas are very close, but it also shows the strength of the economy on Vancouver Island is spread out.” T h e n o m i n at io n d e a d l i n e is December 1 this year, and companies can self-nominate. There is no charge to participate. Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.businessexaminer.ca/events. For more information on the event contact MacDonald at 1-866-758-268 4 ex t. 1 20 or email: mark@businessexaminer.ca

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WHO IS SUING WHOM

1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Campbell Construction Ltd CLAIM $373,705

Abbotsford, BC PLAINTIFF Raappana, Jennifer CLAIM $ 17,630

The contents of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suing Whom is provided by a thirdparty resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT Axe Music Inc 12116 67th St, Edmonton, AB PLAINTIFF Morin, Matthew CLAIM $ 34,579

DEFENDANT 1090580 BC Ltd PO Box 636, Errington, BC PLAINTIFF Oliwa, Mike CLAIM $34,854

DEFENDANT Black Sky Developers 600-303 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City, CA CBRE Limited CLAIM $9,545

DEFENDANT Gorge Ous Coffee Ltd 303-1111 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Knight Leasing Ltd CLAIM $ 9,403

DEFENDANT 1123983 BC Limited 1500 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF First Island Financial Services Ltd CLAIM $711,642

DEFENDANT Earthwise Contracting Ltd 7038 Grant Rd, Sooke, BC PLAINTIFF Catteral, Cathy CLAIM $ 5,254

DEFENDANT Abstract Construction Inc 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC Campbell Construction Ltd CLAIM $373,705 DEFENDANT Abstract Ventures Inc

DEFENDANT Fluent Home Ltd 7319 104th St NW, Edmonton, AB PLAINTIFF Nagra Holdings Ltd CLAIM $ 15,820 DEFENDANT Fraser Valley Plumbing Services Inc 308-33695 South Fraser Way,

DEFENDANT House Of Boateng Food Inc 406 Gamble Pl, Colwood, BC PLAINTIFF Charles, Maxwell Owusu CLAIM $ 33,026 DEFENDANT Kgl Freight Services Ltd 326-198 East Island Hwy, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Walker, Cliff CLAIM $ 11,580 DEFENDANT Made To Last Custom Homes Ltd 2-177 4th St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Krikke, Thomas Gary CLAIM $ 9,360 DEFENDANT

Malaspina Enterprises Ltd 4766 Michigan Ave, Powell River, BC PLAINTIFF Inlet Navigation (1985) Ltd CLAIM $ 27,086 DEFENDANT Mr Rooter Plumbing Of Victoria BC 308-33695 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC PLAINTIFF Raappana, Jennifer CLAIM $ 17,630 DEFENDANT Potlatch Properties Ltd 30 Front St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Telus Communications Inc CLAIM $ 12,268 DEFENDANT PW Mccallum Roofing 2116 Renfrew Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC PLAINTIFF Oliwa, Mike CLAIM $ 29,512 DEFENDANT Rayn Properties Ltd 1500 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC First Island Financial Services Ltd CLAIM

NOVEMBER 2018

$ 711,642 DEFENDANT Rona Inc 1800-510 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Brown, Peter Thomas CLAIM $ 34,806 DEFENDANT Southpaw Standards Ltd 2510b Kenworth Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Zwynenburg, Derek CLAIM $ 35,176 DEFENDANT Toronto Dominion Bank 2900-550 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Fandsen, John CLAIM $ 30,756 DEFENDANT Vietnam Canada Trading Ltd 6460 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Admiralty Leasing Inc CLAIM $ 35,177 DEFENDANT Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company 400-1985 West Broadway,

Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Mccormick, Jennifer Eileen CLAIM $ 18,709 DEFENDANT Western Turf Farms Ltd 201-20353 64th Ave, Langley, BC PLAINTIFF Crown Isle Homes Ltd CLAIM $ 6,307 DEFENDANT WOM Mastercraft Construction Ltd 201-19 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF RCS CLAIM $ 23,844

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

NOVEMBER 2018

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Comox-based investment firm Deluca Veale Investment Counsel opened an office in Victoria at 302 – 3645 Tillicum Road in the King Professional Building. Founders Richard Deluca and Jonathan Veale have 42 years of combined experience in investment management and together with their team offer investment portfolios that include stocks, bond s a nd com merci a l rea l estate. Sooke Brewing, which opened in the fall of 2017, took home four awards at the annual BC Beer Awards. The brewery received the Rookie of the Year award, an award for Best Tasting Room and four awards for their beer. Sooke Oceanside Brewery won first place awards for their Renfrew Red Ale and Bear Beach Baltic Porter and a third-place award for the Wiffen Wizen. Meanwhile, Axe & Barrel won first place for their Langford Lager, Spinnakers took home third for their Black Lager and Two Dogs Brewery placed second for the Mistress of My Soul Saison and a third-place for their Parting Kiss Bourbon Barrel Ale. Salish Sea Industrial Services has been awarded a $1.8-million contract to repair Ship Point. The company will replace the existing timber-piling pier structure that was originally built in 1949 with new steel pilings. Work is underway and is anticipated for completion by March 2019. Salish Sea is a marine construction business owned by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in partnership with Ralmax. The project will employ five full-time staff and local subcontractors on the site for the duration of the project. The Victoria Hospice Society has appointed Kevin Harter as their new chief executive. Harter has worked in long-term care for 18 years and will step away from his role as chief executive of York Care Centre in New Brunswick to step into the new role on November 13. The Vancouver Island Regional Library has selected CCM

Construction to renovate their Sidney branch. Renovations are underway and expected to be completed in May 2019. The library has moved to a temporary location at 1A – 2353 Bevan Avenue during renovations. The University of Victoria will present four honorary degrees to people at their November convocation ceremony. The inductees include former lieutenant-governor Judy Guichon; McGill University Professor of Social Work and Director of the First Nations Children’s Action Research and Education Centre at the University of Alberta and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada Cindy Blackstock; Professor Emeritus at University College in London, England Peter Moss will receive an honorary doctorate in education; and Mitsuko Shirai who is widely regarded as one of the world’s great interpreters of German lied, a form of poetry, will be made an honorary doctor of music.

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the professional growth of others, manage a successful practice and are also actively involved in the community. DFH Real Estate congratulates their office leaders of the month.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Arlin Baillie was the top performer for Victoria, Duncan Berndt in Shawnigan Lake and Peter Miller in Cowichan Bay.

Watts Plumbing & Drains celebrated their grand opening at #415 – 3277 Quadra Street. The company specializes in drainage inspections, drain cleaning, maintenance and drainage system repairs.

Visions Electronics recently celebrated the grand opening of their outlet at 2401D Millstream Road in Langford.

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Browne Associates Full Service Law Firm announces that Crystal Buchan has joined their firm at 109 – 1633 Hillside Avenue. BC Ferries is beginning a twomonth trial to add debit card payment processing to their major routes. The company is accepting debits cards on the Spirit of British Columbia and is expected to expand the offering shortly afterward. The ships have been unable to accept debit cards because they do not have a cellular system that provides a reliable connection. In addition to adding a cellular system, the crown-corporation is installing terminals to allow customers to tap cards or type in PINS. BC Ferries is also expected to launch a new website early next year that will have a cleaner user interface, more flexible discount options and mobile friendly.

RE/MAX Alliance Victoria congratulates their top performers of the month. They are Ron Neal, Laura McCollom, Karen Love, Lynnell Sarkilahti, Jason Leslie, Mark Salter, Laura Godbeer, Manpreet Kandola, April Spackman and Claude Delmaire. Macdonald Realty, founded in Vancouver and with offices serving Saanich, Victoria and the Gulf Islands, is celebrating their 75th year of business. Kate Lindsay, the vice-president for sustainability and environmental partnerships with the Forest Products Association of Canada, has been included in Canadian Forest Magazine’s Top 10 under 40. Lindsay was selected for her commitment to excellence and for the leadership role she has in supporting and protecting the forest. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa has been named No. 6 on the list of Canada’s top hotels, accordi ng to Conde Naste Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Courtney Room, the hotel’s

Kate Lindsay dining destination, received a coveted place in enRoute’s 2018 Best New Restaurant contender list, and the hotel celebrated their 20th anniversary on October 15th. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel placed 12th while the Fairmont Empress was 19th on the list. The Courteny Room has also been selected by Air Canada’s enroute magazine as one of the top 10 restaurants in Canada. The top 10 were selected from 30 that were anonymously dined at and ranked based on their ingredients, service, locations, and the vision of the chef. Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa ranked number 7 by Condé Nast Traveler: Reader’s Choice Awards. 10 of the 12 resorts on the list are located in BC and 2 of them on SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS| PAGE 57

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NOVEMBER 2018

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the island. Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino was awarded first spot. Jawl Bundon LLP, Barristers and Solicitors adds Raya MacKenzie to their firm as an articling student. Raya holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature and her Juris Doctor in Law from the University of Victoria. She is the recipient of the Law Society of British Columbia’s Gold Medal, having attained the highest academic standing in her 2018 graduating class. The firm has a 4 th f loor space at 1007 Fort Street. RE/MAX Camosun congratulates their top realtors of the month from across the Victoria region. They are Geoff McLean, Marlene Arden, Dan Juricic, Kevin Koetke, Tony Joe, Ju l i a A b ra h a m , K r i s t a Voitchovsky, Bonnie Johnston, Cheryl Barnes, Miles Takacs, Curtis Singh, Bruce Hatter, Shane King, Blair Veenstra, Michael McMullen, Andrew Holenchuk and Whitney Garside. Congratulations to the to p p e r fo r m e r s o f t h e month for dealerships in the Victoria region. They are Ali with Harris Auto, Jay Dick with Jim Pattison Toyota, Franklin Foo with Jim Pattison Lexus, Srdjan Tovirac with Pacific Mazda, Ted Sakousky with Wheaton, Graham Clarke with Audi Autohaus, Allan Collins with Volkswagen Victoria, Graham Simons with Victoria Hyundai, Matt Kennard with Porsche Centre Victoria, Nick Chang of Three Point Motors, Riley Johnson of BMW Victoria, Nick Satonin of Jim Pattison Volvo, Frank Burgaretta of Wille Dodge, Connie Wilde with Jenner, Olaf Nyhus with Campus Honda, Rome Tewelde of Campus Infiniti, Tamer Feitah of Graham KIA, Frank Percorelli of Campus Nissan, Mike Delmaire with Jim Pattison Subaru and Nick Lee of Campus Acura. The Bay Centre in downtown Victoria has received the International Council of Shopping Centres’ Foundation Community Support Award as a result of their partnership with United Way Greater Victoria. The partnership program saw the Bay Centre raise awareness of mental health by showcasing United Way’s bc211 program. The bc211

program is a free, 24-hour, confidential telephone, texting and online referral service that connects individuals to community, social and government services.

Nassaji of DoubleJump; Ashton Scordo of BCI Private Equity; Erin Skillen of FamilySparks; Mike Williams and Justin Young of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Bill Gaston B i l l G a s to n a n d M o nique Gray Smith received awards at the 15 th annual Victoria book Prize gala recently held at the Union Club. Gaston received the Victoria Butler Book Prize for his short story collection – A Mariner’s Guide to Self-Sabotage. Smith took home the Bolen Books C h i ld re n’s B o ok P r i z e for her work – Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation. Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty congratulates their top performers of the month from across the Victoria region. They are Sarah West, Todd Mahovlich, Tammi Dimock, Rick Hoogendoorn, Pat Meadows, R ick H u m p h r ie s, Paul Holland, Pat Foster, Maurice Connor, Jacob Dimock, Ross Breckon, Neil Rawnsley, Tara Lynn, Mike Hartshorne, Cheryl Laidlaw, Brenda Russell, Sharen Warde, Craig Toker, Mary Brookes, Kathryn Alexander, Tasha Medve, Charlie DePape, Jackie Adkins, Dean Innes, Brendan Phillips and Jenn Raappana. The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATec) recently appointed their board of directors for the year. Bobbi Leach of Revenue Wire Inc. was re-elected chair; Brad Williams of Flytographer was named vice-chair; Rasool Rayani was renamed pastchair; Robert Bowness of BC Pensions Corp. w i l l chair the finance committee; and Owen Matthews of Wesley Clover is the chair of the governance com m ittee. T he d i rectors include Jim Balcom of Redlen Technologies Inc.; Robert Cooper of PlusROI Online Marketing Inc.; Scott Dewis of RaceRocks 3D Inc.; Christina Berow of Workday; Justin Love of Limbic Media, Masoud

Mark Breslauer Mark Breslauer, the former president and chief exe c ut ive of Mon k Office, has been appoi nted execut ive d i rector of Un ite d Way Greater Victoria. In addition to working with Monk Office, Breslauer has served as senior vice-president of marketing and operations for Princess Auto and president and CEO of Jazz Sports Limited, both based on Winnipeg. He succeeds Patricia Jelinski who left the organization in May to become the general manager of BC Place in Vancouver. T he fou nders of Very Good Butchers are set to air on an episode of Dragon’s Den on November 29th at 8:00 pm. The company, founded by James Davison a nd Mitchell Scott, sel ls pl a nt-based meat alternatives and meals. More than 1,000 people showed up on the shop’s opening day less than a year and a half ago, causing them to close down for a week in order to restock. They have expanded their online presence, now offering monthly delivery subscriptions of a selection of their vegan goods. Disney Channel T V i s filming a new series called ‘P up A c ad emy’ i n Oa k Bay. The series consists of a cast of talking puppies that attend a secret school where they become dogs by lea rn i ng every th i ng they need to know about being man’s best friend. Disney Channel has ordered 22 half-hour episodes debuting summer 2019. Hotel-Addict.com n a m e d t h e Fa i r m o n t SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS| PAGE 58

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Local Victoria photographer Regina Akhankina received eight merit awa rds at T he Portra it M a s ters Comp et it ion . E ve r y aw a rd-w i n n i n g photo was created locally w ith loca l models, ha i rstyl ists a nd ma keup artist Ali Loughton. T he Por tra it Masters Competition awards are an international educational platform and conv e n t i o n i n t h e Un i te d States for professiona l photographers. The Esquimalt and Victoria West communities will have fewer doctors in 2019 as the Esquimalt Treatment Centre at 918 Esquimalt Road is closi ng dow n at the end of December. Dr. Jim Laing retired from the practice in August, Dr. Allan Leslie retires on December 21 st, and Dr. Stuart Marshall will relocate to Moss Rock Medical Clinic at the beginning of the new year. Abstract Developments announced that their Bowker Avenue development in Oak Bay will have a 50-seat restaurant as an anchor business for the 43-u n it d e ve lop m e nt. The new restaurant called Sedona Café and Lounge, owned and operated by Yvonne Janzen, w i l l be goi ng i nto com mercia l space on the ground-floor of the development. The project is slated for completion toward the end of 2019. Star Cinema, owned by Sandy Oliver, is moving to the site of a former furniture store at 9824 Fifth Street du ri ng the construction of their permanent home. The temporary space will require renovations and additions, including air conditioning, new heating, a washroom a nd d a rker pa i nt. T he permanent home will be a six-storey building by Casman Properties on the same site of their existing cinema. Demolition of the former building is expected to take place in December. Windsor Café is a new

NOVEMBER 2018

family owned and operated restaurant in Oak Bay at 2540 Windsor Road. The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa re c e n t l y h e l d a g ra n d opening for their fourcourt tennis bubble which began construction in March. The dome is climate-controlled and has LED energy efficient lighting and seating. It will remain up until late April when it will come d o w n fo r t h e o u td o o r season. Bear Mountain is planning on having the other four courts covered by a dome for the winter, though that is contingent on reaching 200 members. Brian Young joins Scotiabank in Victoria as an investment specialist. He has over 15 years of experience in the financial s e r v ic e s i ndu s t r y a nd looks forward to serving clients with customized reti rement a nd i nvestment services. Onni Group broke g rou nd on thei r mu ltiph a sed development Colwood Corners. T he Va n c o u v e r-b a s e d d eveloper received the building permit for the o v e ra l l s i te , c i v i l a n d l a nd scape prepa rat ion last w i nter. Constr uction will start on the first m i xed-u se bu i ld i ng at the corner of Jerome and Sooke Road and will be followed by two mixeduse residential buildings. The first phase which is expected to be completed by 2020 includes six new buildings with over 400 apartments and roughly 15,000 square meters of commercial space. Habitat for Humanity op en e d a n e w ReStore location on October 27 th at 50 Bu rnside Road i n Saanich. The ReStore sells new and used furniture, appliances, building supplies and home goods at a significant discount, with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. Dockside Rea lty welcomes Leslie Duncan to their team of real estate professiona ls at 9713 A Second Street in Sidney. Cou nt r y Grocer c ongratulates their employees on reach i ng ca reer landmarks. Kim Lewis, a grocery supervisor has been with the company for five years at the Esquimalt store, while Marie Kajak, deli manager of the Royal

Leslie Duncan Oak store, is celebrating her 10th anniversary with the company. Canadian Tire celebrated their grand opening recently at 10300 Mcdonald Park Road in North Saanich. The Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was recently inducted at the Westin Bear Mountain. T he i nductees i nclude former MLB pitcher Rich H a r d e n , f i e l d-h o c k e y O l y m p i a n D e b W h i tten, Yeiji Inouye, fou rt i m e Ca n a d i a n s e n i o r women’s golf champion Alison Murdoch, Olympic-medalist rower Dave Calder, former SportHost Victoria executive d i rector Hugh MacDonald, swim coach Ron Jacks and former MLB umpire Ian Lamplugh. The Victoria Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1991. Our Place Society‘s T herap eut ic R e cover y C o m m u n it y of f i c i a l ly opened i n View Roya l. The centre located at 94 Talcott Road is the former youth custody centre. Engineers and Geoscient ists Br it ish Columbia has elected a new P resident a nd Cou nci l for the 2018/2019 term. Victoria’s Katherina Tarnai-Lokhorst was elected as President and Susan M acD o uga l l a s 2-Ye a r Term Councillor. L u lu l e m o n A t h l e t i c a has opened up a second Victoria location at Uptown Shopping Centre in Saanich. It is the largest Lu lu lemon i n t he region and occupies 4,000 squ a re fe et. T he store features the brand’s sign atu re yoga /r u n n i ng / fitness clothing. T here are over 400 stores world wide.

OPINION

NOVEMBER 2018 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. 200-3060 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria V8T 3J5 Fax: 1.250.642.2870 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald SALES | Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Alex@businessexaminer.ca John MacDonald - john@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Beth Hendry-Yim, Kristin Van Vloten, Val Lennox, Robert MacDonald

AMERICAN SYSTEM NOT THE ONLY ANSWER TO CANADIAN HEALTH CARE PROBLEMS

MARK MACDONLD

“W

e don’t want American health care.” That refrain is repeated ad infinitum whenever a suggestion is made to tweak – and improve – Canada’s universal health care. Clearly, the system is creaking and groaning and in dire need of efficiency improvements, as wait times continue to increase and expenditures climb. We have been warned that within a few short years, if health care spending isn’t reined in, it could technically consume 100 per cent of the provincial finance budget. Change is necessary, like most every where. But nowhere is change more vehemently opposed than health care. It’s not

just the powerful unions that thunder against adjustments, it is the average Canadian who cries out to maintain the status quo. Somehow Canadians believe our health care is free. It is not. Far from it. The Fraser Institute released studies earlier this year that the average Canadian pays over $6,000 a year for health care, and the average family of four over $13,000 per annum. That’s over $1,100 a month. We don’t realize the pain in the pocketbook because it’s hidden in our taxes. Emergency care in Canada is arguably without peer. If you need urgent medical attention, you’re ushered in and taken care of in exemplary fashion. Flash your health care card and you’re in. It’s everything else that needs to be adjusted. Wait times for selective, non-threatening surgeries are obscene, causing some people to head elsewhere – including the United States – for procedures that give them back their quality of life. Want a family doctor? Take a number and wait in line. The blame for the scarcity of doctors can be partly laid at the

feet of the College of Physicians and Surgeons for crimping the pipeline and making it so difficult for doctors in other countries to gain accreditation here. I have a nephew who is in his early 20’s who is already a doctor and practicing in England after taking his medical education in the U.K., which allowed him to skip the undergraduate degree process required in the process to be licensed in Canada. Need to jump the queue? Forget it. This is Canada, after all. If you can somehow stand the pain, wait your turn. Even if you have the wherewithal to pay for quicker, pain relieving measures. Still, it’s almost impossible to start an intelligent conversation regarding fixing Canada’s obvious health care crisis because those determined to keep the status quo quickly run up the red flag: “We don’t want American health care!” As if that’s the only alternative, and it’s not. There are, in fact, 27 other countries in the world that offer some form of universal health care, and many of those vastly outperform our Canadian system.

Out of those 27 nations, Canada spends the 11th most on health care as a percentage of GDP. We have the 4th least amount of physicians, and are 8th in terms of MRI units per million. In terms of hospital activity per hundred thousand, Canada is dead last. We have the worst wait times in the emergency department of all of them. W h i le the Fraser I nstitute points out that the Canadian system is financially unsustainable, clearly the answer is not simply putting more money in the system. The point is, there are other countries that spend similarly but have much faster treatment times. Australia, for example, is doing a better job and spending less than Canada. Take Holland, for example. Germany. Switzerland. New Zealand. They all have universal health care systems that perform much better than Canada’s. Canadian health care could receive a much-needed shot in the arm if it were ever subjected to a competitive environment. That’s why when Westbank First Nation in West Kelowna floated

their idea for building a health care facility on their territory in a partnership with renowned Johns Hopkins University held such intrigue. Because it would be on First Nations land, it technically could circumvent the Canadian Health Act. While providing economic stimulus and employment for the Nation, it would also offer an alternative to the Canadian system. Waiting in line for a knee replacement? Go there, instead of to Arizona, or. . . The competition would undoubtedly snap those running our public system to attention, as they would surely recognize their need to change and keep up. Westbank hasn’t established their centre yet, but other First Nations are now talking about the possibilities their own system would mean from not just a health perspective, but financially. Yes, there are alternatives to our clunky, costly Canadian health care system if we really want to look, and stop using the perception of the U.S. system as the bogeyman to scare Canadians away from the precipice of necessary change.

RUNAWAY TRAINS OF DEFICITS AND DEMOGRAPHICS PUT ECONOMY IN PERIL Growing Federal Deficits And Aging Population Put Extraordinary Pressure On Canada’s Growth Potential BY JASON CLEMENS, MILAGROS PALACIOS AND JAKE FUSS THE FRASER INSTITUTE

wo fiscal freight trains are hurtling towards the finances of the federal government, threatening the country’s economic well-being and thus the economic prospects of average Canadians. One of these freight trains deficits - was purposeful. The other - demographics - has been known for decades with little action. The consequences of both will a ffect Ca nad ia ns across the country. As has been well-documented, the Liberal Party ran on a platform of purposefully spending more than it planned to collect in revenues for three years from

2016-17 to 2018-19, before returning to budget balance. The intent was to spend more to improve the economy. After winning the fall election in 2015, the new government immediately increased program spending before the fiscal year even ended. The former Conservative government originally budgeted to spend $263.2 billion in 2015-16, but spending actually reached $270.9 billion due largely to changes introduced after the Liberal election win. The spring 2016 budget, the

first of the new government, showed a deficit in 2015-16 rather than a small surplus (as originally planned), along with projected deficits for the next five years that cumulatively totalled more than $110 billion. In addition, that budget showed no path or goal for returning to a balanced budget. The federal government’s latest annual report pegged last year’s deficit at $19 billion. The 2018 budget, like its predecessors, has no plan to return to a balanced budget, and indeed the most recent long-term projection from the federal Department of Finance (released in December 2017) doesn’t show the federal government returning to a balanced budget until 2045. The freight train of this fiscal policy is that the federal govern ment is ru n n i ng deficits purposefully during a time of economic expansion, albeit weak expansion. When the inevitable recession arrives, revenues will decline and certain spending such as Employment Insurance will automatically increase as the economy slows. A recent analysis examined past recessions and concluded that the

annual deficit from a recession, depending on how severe and how the government responds, could easily increase from the current level of $19 billion to almost $50 billion. (A deep recession like 2008, coupled with similar government responses, would bring the annual deficit to $120.5 billion.) The second freight train relates to changing demographics. We’re at the front end of a demographic shift that industrialized countries haven’t experienced before. More of our citizens will retire, drawing on government resources, while less of a share of the population will work to provide the resources for those programs and transfers. A plethora of reports, including by noted McGill economist Christopher Ragan, the Department of Finance, the Parliamentary Budget Office and our own work, all indicate that the aging of the population will lead to a structural imbalance between spending and revenues. Our estimate based on what we know today about the future, including a likely slowdown in revenues and increased spending on transfers to seniors and

health care, indicates that the deficit in 2045 will reach $107 billion in 2016 dollars due to demographics. These two freight trains combine to pose significant fiscal risks for the federal government and thus on our economy and well-being. But these results are not unavoidable. The sound policies of what we coined the Chretien Consensus, which dominated Canada throughout the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, are exactly the prescription. Balanced budgets and declining debts based on reduced but better focused spending, coupled with incentive-based tax relief, served Canada well. And it’s telling that such policies were the standard for parties of all political stripes across the country. Introducing such policies now would position the country to withstand the fiscal strains of demographics and halt the deficit freight train before it collides into the Canadian economy with full force. Jason Clemens, Jake Fuss and Milagros Palacios are economists with the Fraser Institute

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