Business Examiner Vancouver Island - December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

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DECEMBER 2018

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QUALICUM BEACH Bayview Strata Services is Changing the Property Management Industry

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Major Port Projects Moving Forward Vehicle Processing Centre Construction Underway, Marina Plans Unveiled PAGE 21

BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

COURTENAY Temprite Climate Solutions Celebrates 5 Years In The Comox Valley

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INDEX News Update

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Cowichan Valley

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Campbell River

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Nanaimo

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Comox Valley

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ANAIMO - Design plans have been completed for the Port of Nanaimo’s new downtown boat basin marina that will increase available moorage by 50 per cent, using the same footprint.

A request for funding has been provided to the federal government for the $15 million project, and once the funding is in place, construction will follow. The marina will be built in phases over a five-year period, beginning with the outside northerly floats.

After a plan was announced several years ago to have a private company revamp the marina, the public outcry against it was deafening.

“The Port got the message loud

and clear that citizens wanted to have their say about what our downtown waterfront might look like,” says Port of Nanaimo Chair Michelle Corfield, who was re-appointed by the City of Nanaimo to the Port Board this week. “We haven’t rushed the information gathering process, and we’ve really gone the extra mile to make sure everyone who may be affected had a chance to provide their input.”

This time, the Port of Nanaimo initiated extensive public consultation. The Port of Nanaimo made it a priority in 2018 to hear from everyone who wanted to be heard.

“We held numerous meetings with stakeholder groups, which included commercial fishermen, tug operators, seaplane operators, marina tenants, food operators, SEE PORT OF NANAIMO | PAGE 25

Mike Davidson, left, and Ian Marr, Co-CEO’s of the Port of Nanaimo in front of the B.C. Vehicle Processing Centre building

Nominations flood in for Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Nominations coming in from all over the Island for 19th Annual event ahead of December 8 deadline

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ANAIMO – Organizers of the 19th Annual Grant Thornton LLP Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards are pleased to see a large number of entries from awardworthy businesses this year as the December 8 nom i nation deadline approaches.

“We a re a lways pleasa ntly surprised at the number and d iversity of busi nesses that

have been nominated for these awards, which this year will be held January 24 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo,” notes Mark MacDonald of the Business Examiner, which coordinates the event.

“There are always some great companies that get involved that we know little about, with amazing stories.

Grant Thornton LLP is now the

Title Sponsor of the Awards, and along with Gold Sponsor RBC Royal Bank and Business Examiner, will host a morning-after “Breakfast For Champions” business round table for winners of the event’s 17 categories.

B l a c k P re s s i s a P l a t i n u m Me d iu m S p on sor of t he BE Awa rd s t h i s yea r, a nd Elite Promo Marketing is also a Gold Sponsor. Category sponsors

i nclude Helijet a nd Country Grocer, so far. RBC Royal Bank and Grant Thornton LLP are the event’s Gold Sponsors.

Categories this year are: ■ Automotive (car and truck dealerships & fleet sales) ■ Construction / Development/Real Estate ■ Entrepreneur SEE AWARDS | PAGE 11

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NEWS UPDATE

2 VANCOUVER ISLAND Long-Running Sellers’ Market Transitioning to Balanced One Sales of single-family homes in November dropped by 28 per cent from one year ago and were 21 per cent lower than in October.

Last month, 305 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) System compared to 384 in October and 426 one year ago. Apartment and townhouse sales dipped by 14 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively.

Decreased demand and modest i nventor y i ncrea ses a re helping V IREB’s housing market transition from one favouring sellers to a balanced or near-balanced market. Inventory of single-family homes last month rose by seven per cent from one year ago but dipped by nine per cent from October 2018. Active listings of single-family properties have dropped each month since hitting this year’s high of 1,418, which occurred in July. However, active listings of apartments rose by 11 per cent (287 to 319) and townhouses by 74 per cent (102 to 177).

This year’s housing market has behaved as expected, moderating after the record-setting pace set in 2016 and 2017. Government policy-side measures introduced

to cool the market, such as the mortgage stress test (Guideline B-20) and higher interest rates, are taking their toll on housing sales throughout the country.

Despite lower demand, however, year-over-year benchmark prices of single-family homes continue to rise board-wide, up 12 per cent from November 2017.

Price increases in individual markets ranged from nine per cent in the Comox Valley to 23 per cent in Port Alberni. Slight price reductions from October to November were posted in the Comox Valley and Duncan while modest increases were seen in Campbell River, Nanaimo, and Parksville-Qualicum. Port Alberni posted the highest monthover-month increase, up 3.69 per cent from October. The benchmark price of an apartment rose by 15 per cent year over year as did the cost of a townhouse.

An interesting observation, one made earlier this year, is that VIREB’s market has split i nto two i n some com mu nities: one that favours sellers for properties around $425,000 and under and one favouring buyers for higher-end homes. Overall, however, realtors are reporting that multiple offers have slowed, and buyers are taking more of a wait-and-see approach, which means sellers need to curb their expectations.

“Realistically pricing your home is important in any market, but when fewer buyers are competing

DECEMBER 2018

for a property, sellers need to be far more strategic,” says Don McClintock, 2018 V IREB President.

The benchmark price of a single-family home board-wide was $509,500 in November, a 12 per cent increase from one year ago.

(Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area.) In the apartment category, the benchmark price climbed to $314,800, up 15 per cent from last year. The benchmark price of a townhouse hit $415,900 last month, up 15 per cent over November 2017. Boardwide benchmark prices of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses also rose slightly from October.

Last month, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area hit $409,000, an increase of 15 per cent over November 2017. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price reached $500,000, up nine per cent from last year but down slightly from October.

Duncan reported a benchmark price of $473,600, up 12 per cent from November 2017 and a bit lower than in October. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 10 per cent to $550,200 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by nine per cent to $571,500. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni reached $311,300 in November, up 23 per cent from one year ago and four per cent from October.

PORT ALBERNI City Hires New Manager of Planning The City of Port Alberni is happy to announce the hiring of Katelyn McDougall, M. Urb as the new manager of planning.

Ms. McDougall holds a Masters of Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University and has an extensive background in public engagement as the principal and managing director with OfCity Consulting and more recently as the public engagement specialist with the City of New Westminster.

“With her expertise in planning and public engagement, Ms. McDougall is ideally suited for this position,” said Tim Pley, City of Port Alberni CAO. “We are seeing a tremendous spike in interest among developers and investors for our region and Ms. McDougall’s background in public engagement, land use planning and regional planning will serve this community well as we look to support responsible and responsive community developments,” concluded Mr. Pley.

In this role, Ms. McDougall will direct the operations and programs of the Planning Department including land use planning, land development and building code regulation.

Ms. McDougall will begin her work with the City on January 2,

Katelyn McDougall 2019, and takes over from Scott Smith, director of development services, who left the position earlier this year.

COWICHAN VALLEY North Cowichan Welcomes Electric Ice Resurfacer North Cowichan’s Fuller Lake Arena welcomed a new piece of equipment last week. The new Olympia electric ice resurfacer, nicknamed the “Ice Bear,” has replaced the 12-year old propane Zamboni machine.

Ice resurfacers are a critical piece of equipment for arenas, smoothing out the ice surface to make it safer and more stable for users.

Each year, the ice resurfacer at Fuller Lake Arena operates for SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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DECEMBER 2018

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approximately 700 hours, delivering about 2800 ice cleans.

The now-retired propane Zamboni consumed just under 5500 litres of propane per year, amounting to 8.39 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The newly purchased elect r ic m ach i ne w i l l complete the same amount of work without any CO2e emissions.

“Investing in machinery like this allows us to work smarter,” says Don Steward, Director of Parks and Recreation.

“Working with our Environmenta l Coord i nator, we a re pursuing ways to reduce our corporate emissions simply through ou r pu rch a si ng deci sion s.”

While the electric machine was $60,000 more expensive than the propane machine, with reduced annual maintenance and fuel costs, the electric machine is projected to save $40,000 o v e r i t s 10 -y e a r l i f e s p a n .

This purchase was supported by a $60,000 investment from North Cowichan’s Climate Action and Energy Plan reserve fund, in recognition of the emissions that the machine will save.

COURTENAY Funding For ‘Last-Mile’ Broadband Connections Internet connectivity - and especially high-speed broadband – has become a key requirement for business and residents in communities of all sizes, including rural and remote communities.

A new project supported by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) will build on previous work done in the Strathcona Regional District to address the digital divide that exists in the Island and Coast region.

There is a significant gap between broadband service levels in urban and rural areas in BC. Many communities within the Strathcona Regional District are identified by the federal government as not meeting basic service targets, if they have any service at all.

In 2017, the SRD developed a

broadband strategy to address this issue and received more than $30M in senior government funding to place subsea fibre optic cable around Vancouver Island and the south coast. This subsea fibre optic cable will create the opportunity for dozens of rural, remote and Indigenous communities to build out the last mile connections required to service business, organizations and individuals.

“We’re about to launch a project in eight of our communities that will assess their digital aspirations, economic development activities tied to broadband, and technical infrastructure solutions for those ‘last mile’ connections,” said Michele Babchuk, Chair of the Strathcona Regional District.

“Those reports will then give us the information we need to attract service providers and greater infrastructure investment in last-mile connectivity, helping to create a more even playing field for rural and remote communities.”

The project will support community-based planning sessions in eight SRD communities (Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Area A, Area D, Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos and Sayward). This will include the deployment of a team of experts to each community, to assist with the determination of the optimal infrastructure requirements. The resulting strategies and action plans will ensure that new broadband connectivity is fully optimized for community development and economic diversification and growth.

The project is supported with $30,000 in matching funding provided through the Economic Development Readiness Program (Broadband strategy funding stream). Work is expected to get underway shortly, with completion forecast for summer 2019.

Whale critical habitat (CH) zone off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, 17 Island Chambers of Commerce have united to protect the marine-based tourism on which they depend. They urge the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to carefully weigh potential management measures that could harm their coastal communities, destroy thousands of business and jobs, and impact tourism revenue across Vancouver Island.

The new critical habitat zone is an extension of the zone in the Juan de Fuca Strait. Recreational fishing restrictions placed on portions of that zone this spring seriously impacted marine-based tourism and associated land-based

economic activities, including employment, in Sooke. It is now feared that the extension of the zone northward past Ucluelet and 60 km out to sea could lead to a closure of recreational fishing at the La Perouse and Swiftsure banks on which several Vancouver Island communities depend.

In an effort to protect their communities, the Chambers of Alberni Valley, Bamfield, Campbell River, Chemainus & District, Comox Valley, Duncan-Cowichan, Ladysmith, Greater Nanaimo, Parksville & District, Port Hardy, Port McNeill & District, Port Renfrew, Qualicum Beach, Sooke, Tofino-Long Beach, Ucluelet and WestShore have united to form a coalition called Thriving Orcas,

Thriving Coastal Communities.

Collectively, the Chambers’ coalition represents more than three thousand businesses across Vancouver Island that depend directly or indirectly on marine-based tourism and the induced spending around these activities. As communities that have only recently battled back from forestry and commercial fishing closures to reach a level of economic viability, primarily through marine-based tourism, they now see themselves as critical habitats.

“Marine-based tourism and activity is the lifeblood of our communities,” said Karl Ablack, Vice President of the Port Renfrew SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 5

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VANCOUVER ISLAND Chambers Unite To Protect Marine-Based Tourism Follow ing the federal gover n ment’s desig n at ion of a 5,025-square kilometer Northern and Southern Resident Killer

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NEW ACTIVITIES ARE BUBBLING UP FROM COWICHANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEVERAGE SECTOR STUDY

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conomic Development Cowichan is ready to release the results of a study it conducted this past summer with local wine, craft beer and spirit producers to gain insights into their challenges and opportunities for the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beverage sector.

Between May and August 2019, EDC staff Amy Melmock and Janae Enns visited Cowichan producers to identify issues of mutual concern and opportunities for strategic collaboration. EDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal in conducting the study was to build on the social and economic benefits the wine, craft brewing and distilling industries provide within the region.

Cowichan is the second largest wine reg ion i n BC a nd home to 14 u n ique wineries. Craft breweries, cideries and

distilleries are also in growth mode in the region, with the emergence of new players in the sector. The beverage sector has strong ties with the future of agriculture and tourism in Cowichan. It is playing an increasingly important role in positioning our region as a desirable place to live, work, visit and invest in.

Severa l recom mendations that emerged as part of the study are already gaining traction. EDC has collaborated with wineries throughout the region to conduct the technical documentation necessary for developing a Cowichan Valley sub-geographical indication application to the BC Wine Authority. EDC is also hoping to garner provincial resources to assist with marketing various beverage festivals in Cowichan in 2019.

The results of the study will be released at a January 24 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sip and Shareâ&#x20AC;? event at Cowichanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blue Grouse Winery from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. For more information on the event, contact edc@cvrd.bc.ca Contact Amy Melmock at amelmock@ cvrd.bc.ca or visit the Economic Development Cowichan website at www. ecdevcowichan.com Amy Melmock is the Manager of the Economic Development Cowichan Valley Regional District. She can be reached at amelmock@ cvrd.bc.ca

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DECEMBER 2018

CULTURAL TRADITIONS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

CHEMISTRY CONSULTING DAWN ROBSON

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multi-cultural employee base is a common reality within Canada. According to a recent Statistics Canada report, 22.3 per cent of the population of Canada, or 7.7 million people, are visible minorities.

D u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s e ason, and throughout the year,

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Chamber of Commerce.

“Recreational fishing alone generates nearly a billion dollars in direct revenue to the BC economy and employs more than 8,400 people. Thousands more jobs are supported by other m a r i ne-ba sed tou r i sm sectors, such as accommodations, travel, transportation, suppliers, fuel and others.

PORT ALBERNI Construction Underway At Rainbow Gardens Seniors Facility Alberni Valley News Construction has begun on the ex pa nsion to Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens in Westporte, which me a n s new a f ford able rental housing and longterm care beds will soon be available for Alberni Valley seniors.

organizations should recognize that their team members may have different religious and cultural traditions. This may play out in their willingness to participate in different activities within the office or in their requests for different holidays or time off. In order to provide a culturally sensitive environment, it is important to encourage learning about and respecting individual customs and traditions. Respecting diversity means understanding, accepting and celebrating differences versus trying to ignore them or trying to make everyone fit into one homogenous culture.

If you are responsible for planning events for your organization, you should ensure that you

The two projects are part of a partnership between the provincial government, Island Health, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Westcoast Native Health Care Society, the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation and the City of Port Alberni.

The first project is a new independent living building with 20 one-bedroom units for low-income seniors, being built next to the existing Tsawaayuus Care Facility.

The independent living building will incorporate scooter parking, programming space, common areas and a community kitchen for residents.

The second project is a new extension to the Tsawaayuus Care Facility, which will create an additional 13 longterm care beds, 12 of which will be subsidized by Island Health. The care facility and new independent living building will be connected by a pedestrian pathway to ensure mobility within the campus for residents and patients.

The new beds are part of

respect these cultural and individual differences. It is a good rule of thumb to check a multifaith calendar when you are planning an event to ensure that it does not fall on a religious holiday that you may not be aware of. If you are planning a full or multiday event and have observant Muslims or Jews in attendance, you may want to check to see if there are mosques or synagogues nearby or provide for a designated prayer room.

You will also need to consider your menu, for, in addition to dietary restrictions, some individuals may choose not to

the Ministry of Health’s commitment to seniors’ care in the province, which will see $240 million invested over three years to increase staffing levels in residential care homes.

“With an aging and diversifying population, seniors’ housing in Port Alberni has become a growing issue that is in need of action. By partnering on this project, the City of Port Alberni is sending a strong message that safe and affordable housing is a priority,” Port Alberni mayor Sharie Minions said in a prepared statement.

T he Tsawaay uus Care Facility is operated by the Westcoast Native Health Ca re Society. T he ca re facility currently has 30 publicly subsidized beds and one privately funded complex-care bed. T he new beds w i l l en ha nce capacity and provide 24hour professional care and supervision to adults in a supportive and secure environment.

Both developments are expected to be ready for occupancy by late 2019.

eat certain foods for religious reasons (i.e., Jews and Muslims don’t eat pork, and there may be a requirement for Kosher or Halaal food.) It is important to ensure that you have lots of food alternatives, so that everyone can find options that align with their needs, don’t feel left out, or that they have to “bring their own” food.

It is also a good idea to do some research into the customs and traditions of your team members as you won’t want to unknowingly offend anyone. If you are organizing entertainment or activities, be aware of the potential

impact and try to find something that will appeal to people of all cultural ethnicities.

Being as inclusive as possible in organizing your events will reflect well on your organization.

As members of a multi-cultural country, we have a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the variety of interests and customs from around the world.

Dawn Robson is an HR Consultant with Chemistry Consulting Group.

She has over 25 years of Human Resources experience.

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6

DECEMBER 2018

GRASSROOTS DRILLING GOES WHERE NO DRILL HAS GONE BEFORE Extreme Access Drilling Specialists Use Most Mobile Rigs in the Province

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OWICHAN BAY - Grassroots Drilling are Vancouver Island’s ‘extreme access drilling’ specialists.

Coined by owner Todd Mabbott, the term ‘extreme access drilling’ describes a drilling service that can meet some of the region’s most difficult demands. In addition to extreme access situations, they are many contractors’ go-to company for limited access and every day drilling projects.

With two full time crews and four drill rigs, Grassroots offers Solid Stem, Hollow Stem, ODEX, Concrete Coring, Vapour Probes, eSPT , SPT, DCPT, and Test Pitting services to clients throughout the Island.

The team built its first customized limited access rig with a company in Campbell River, which opened up new possibilities for hard-to-reach drilling projects. These machines can be freestanding or fit on a bobcat or excavator, making them the most versatile rigs in the province.

“When we put these machines

‘Extreme access drilling’ is a term coined by Mabbott, describing a drilling service that can meet some of the region’s most difficult demands Owner Todd Mabbott with the company’s new sonic rig on an excavator, you can literally go anywhere with them,” says Mabbott. “Most tracked rigs are limited to the truck that carries them, but you can get these into some of the most hard-to-reach places.”

In addition to meeting unique drilling needs on the Island, Mabbott keeps customer service as a foundational part of his company’s operations.

“I’m involved on the ground every day, talking to clients while we’re working on-site,” he says. “If they need anything, we’re all over it. A high level of customer service is a big part of our business.”

Mabbott has been a self-employed tradesman for about 15 years. After meeting the previous owner of Grassroots, he was given an opportunity to come on as a partner and eventually bought the entire company.

Today, he is the brains behind the operation, coordinating his teams, researching new technology and trends, and liaising with clients and trades.

“Since coming into the business, it’s been a sig n i fica nt lea rn i ng cu rve,” he says. “I have some incredible experienced crews, and my head guys have 30 plus years of experience each, so I’ve learned a lot about

the industry from them.

“I do a lot of research, looking up new tech and trends, talking to suppliers, learning how each new machine works. To this day, every other day has a few hours of dedicated research time so I can offer clients the best possible solutions.”

The company is currently in the process of pu rchasi ng a new sonic rig. These machines are extremely compact (smaller than a pickup truck), and pack a powerful punch. This allows Grassroots to retrieve high-quality samples in even the tightest spaces.

With limited competition on the Island, Grassroots’ services are in high demand.

“There’s so much work in the industry right now, and drilling companies on the Island and Lower Mainland almost can’t keep up with it,” says Mabbott.

“Because our rigs are so compact and maneuverable, we are able to do all kinds of jobs that others can’t. We do a lot of drilling in parking lots, inside buildings, or in tight spaces.”

Already, contacts in the Okanagan are reaching out to Grassroots to work on some jobs in the region.

“We’re looking at expanding into the Interior, possibly as early as next year,” he says. “The more we grow, the more we see a need for a company like ours.” www.grassrootsdrilling.com

SMILE ESSENTIALS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS Third-Generation Denturist Barry Lewis Stays at the Forefront of His Industry

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ANAIMO - Barry Lewis R.D. is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his business, Smile Essentials Denture Clinic Inc. The third generation denturist has been at the helm of the practice since he moved to Nanaimo in 1988. As the industry

Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary! ~ from your friends at Straumann Larson Bauch TF: 1.800.363.4024 E: feedback.nam@straumann.com www.straumann.ca

has evolved, L ew is has embraced innovation, giving clients access to the latest denture and implant technology.

Today, the clinic is thriving, opening a second location in the Ladysmith area earlier this year.

“My father and grandfather were denturists before me, relentlessly in the pursuit of what could be done better and were industry leaders,” says Lewis.

When his grandfather began, denturists were using plaster of paris for impressions, creating dentures out of rubber with porcelain teeth.

“It’s incredible to see how far the industry has come now,” he continues. “Dentures today are more stable and appear much more natural. With the i ntroduction of i mpla nt-retained dentures, the process has become extremely advanced, evolving into a real specialty in the dentistry world.”

Because of the industry’s constant innovation, Smile Essentials is always staying on top of the latest and best ways to serve thei r cl ients. I n 2013, Ba rry and his team designed a state of the art clinic in Nanaimo.

Embracing the highest quality tools and top shelf materials to create their dentures, they are often pushing the limits of

“High quality care can change peoples lives.

I’ve surrounded myself with the best staff, those who are the best in each discipline – this includes lab techs, receptionists and assistants. They’re all great with patients and top performers in their areas of expertise.”

BARRY LEWIS R.D. OWNER OF SMILE ESSENTIALS DENTURE CLINIC INC.

what is possible in the denture industry.

“Recently, we’ve been using scan technology with digital pressure sensors to measure bite force between teeth,” he says. “Previously no one had thought to bring this technology over to the denture realm.

It’s allowing us to create a product with a higher level of precision than ever before.

According to Lewis, the company wouldn’t be successful without a commitment to look after its patients.

“High quality care can change peoples lives,” he says. “I’ve su rrou nded mysel f w ith the best staff, those who are the best in each discipline – this includes lab techs, receptionists and assistants. They’re all great with patients and top performers in their areas of expertise.”

A s t he cl i n ic’s rep utat ion g rew, L ew i s not iced a h ig h nu mber of cl ients travel i ng from Ladysmith and the surrounding area. In order to cut down on their travel time, he decided to open a second location. Two days a week, several staff members from the Nanaimo location travel to Ladysmith to serve its growing client base.

As the new office gains traction, he plans on meeting the

coming influx of patients, by potentially adding days and increasing staffing in the coming years.

In addition to serving their clientele, Smile Essentials’ staff can be seen around the community, helping out wherever possible. The company actively participates in various fundraisers, making donations to a wide range of local charities.

In the denture and dental implant industry, there are some clients who don’t have access to the finances needed to receive essential care. In these cases, Smile Essentials works in conjunction with a number of other organizations to offer its services pro bono.

“W hen clients are working t hei r way t h rou g h t he syste m a n d n e e d a l it t l e h e l p, we do what we can to ensure they get the care they need,” says Lew is. “T he difference is amazing. People come into the clinic looking beat down with their heads low, but once we get them through our program, it’s incredible to see the transformation. Many of these clients are able to get back into the employment game, and a lot of their confidence comes back.

It’s pretty incredible to see that kind of change in people.” www.dentureclinic.com

7

DECEMBER 2018

BEER, WINE, AND SPIRIT PRODUCERS NEED GOOD IMAGES TO THRIVE ITS-Food.ca - Professional Photography to Beverage Industry

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A NA I MO - T he cra f t beverage industry has been launched into the mainstream over the past couple of years, with many new breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries popping up all over British Columbia.

With the growing competition, these establishments are turning their marketing in new directions, and Tim McGrath of ITS-Food.ca is paying attention.

“With the introduction of initiatives like the BC Ale Trail, wineries, craft breweries, and craft distillers are finding new ways to grow their business,” says McGrath. “With these new directions, it is imperative that these operations have high-quality images that represent their products well.”

ITS-Food.ca specializes in food photography, creating images for cookbooks, food suppliers, restaurants, and other areas of the food world.

“Shooting bottles in particular is very difficult,” McGrath continues.

“Getting the correct lighting and angle is no easy task, and there are many mistakes that amateurs tend to make.”

Professionals need to consider a variety of factors to take good photos of bottles Imagery in the craft beer and cider world has been changing dramatically over the past five to 10 years, especially with the rise in the product’s popularity. Only a professional is able to stay on top of these trends and take the most effective photos.

“Because of the shape of the bottle, it takes a lot of skill to get the label looking right,” he says. “If you light it incorrectly, the back label can bleed, tarnishing the image.

Every shadow has an effect on the image, and it’s difficult to ensure the label is well articulated.

“Many of these business owners are excellent at what they do, but just because you can make a good

With the recent explosion in the craft beverage industry comes a new demand for high-quality images that help companies stand out drink, it doesn’t follow that you know how to take a good photo of the product. If you wouldn’t trust an amateur to create your product, why would you trust an amateur to take your images?”

According to McGrath, the rise of social media means that high-quality photos of food and beverage products are more

important now than they’ve ever been before.

“People will tell you they sell the sizzle, not the steak, but in reality, the eyes communicate with the brain faster than the nose or taste buds,” he says. “Customers may remember the smell or taste for a longer period of time, but if it doesn’t look good, they don’t care

what it smells like.

“Most people aren’t very good at taking pictures,” he continues. “Go through the last 30 pictures on your phone. How many have something off putting in the background, or have poor lighting with a shadow in the wrong place? I know what to look for and what to portray.” www.ITS-Food.ca

CAMPBELL RIVER

8

DECEMBER 2018

A YEAR OF COLLABORATION FOR 2018

CAMPBELL RIVERÂ COLLEEN EVANSÂ

2

018 was a year of collaboration for the Campbell River Chamber as we worked with community partners like Community

Futures Strathcona and the City of Campbell River Economic Development to co-present a series of workshops including the Expand Your Market workshop in November that helped Campbell River businesses improve chances for long lasting business success, diversify revenue sources and sales channels and develop new markets. This is a foundation we will continue to build on in 2019.

New ways of doing business was another trend we saw in 2018. The new Campbell River Coworking space, a new venture developed by Desiree Ross and Matthew Fox, is a model for how our community is evolving with a storefront in Tyee

like no other.

Plaza where local entrepreneurs, start-ups, sole-proprietors and anyone else who needs a space to work can come together to do their work for a few hours, a few days, a whole month, or longer if they need it.

Campbell River as a community where employers can attract and retain the workforce they need saw major residential development taking place to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. 2018 was a year of exceptional opportunities in housing, as we near year-end, those include Jubilee Heights in Campbell River with 31 lots in Phase 1 that have just been listed. The project is 166 acres in size and expected to be developed over the next ten

years with mixed-used residential and commercial development. YTD building permits for residential are up 17 per cent and housing completions up 194 per cent for Q3 2018.

Campbell River continues to be an affordable community with average home price at $485,033 and average 2 bedrooms at $869, however the 0.6 per cent vacancy rate continues into 2019.

A strong year of successfully advocating on behalf of industries that included forestry, aquaculture, construction and small business to support our key industry sectors and help grow the people who are powering Campbell River is a direction that will see even greater impact as

we move forward into 2019.

This was also a year when our Chamber supported new community initiatives like 100 Women Who Care Campbell River to build increased community awareness around the key role that our not for profit sector plays in contributing to a strong, healthy, community.

On behalf of the Campbell River Chamber, we wish all our members, businesses and community the very best of the holiday season and a successful and prosperous 2019.

Colleen Evans is President and CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce

NANAIMO

DECEMBER 2018

9

MASSIVE 726 ACRE SITE PURCHASED IN SOUTH NANAIMO

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

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olliers’ Mid Island and Vancouver offices have brokered arguably the largest real estate deal in the Central Island in recent memory, as the 726 acre Sandstone site beside the Island Highway on the hill coming out of Chase River has been sold.

The purchaser is the SeaCliff Group that also owns Fairwinds in Nanoose and Royal Bay in Colwood. The purchase price has not been disclosed.

Zoning allows for a centralized business and industrial park, retail and single and multi-family housing.

The Master Plan document was negotiated and developed over several years and was approved by the City of Nanaimo in 2009 and adopted as an amendment to the Official Community Plan. Multiuse trail networks will connect all major areas of the project.

■■■ Congratulations to VMAC upon being named a finalist in Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the second year in a row.

VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors) is on Biggs Road in south Nanaimo, and company president Tod Gilbert is thrilled with the announcement. Winners of the national competition will be announced in March.

VMAC also just celebrated the second anniversary of its inhouse foundry.

■■■ Tommy Guns Barbershop is opening another location in BC, this time in Nanaimo at Woodgrove Centre.

■■■ It’s coming. . .Papa John’s Pizza

has delayed its opening on Rutherford Road near Patty’s Party Palace, but will now be open in early December.

■■■ H u b B a r to n I n s u r a n c e i s changing locations within Nanaimo North Town Centre, as they will now have outside access and be near London Drugs.

■■■ Richard Wiefelspuett is the new Executive Director of the Ladysmith Maritime Society.

■■■ Investors Group has rebranded itself as IG Wealth Management Group.

■■■ Mikiko Britton will be opening a day care facility at 5178 Maureen Way. Boehm Construction Ltd. is doing the construction work on the premises.

■■■ More development for downtown Nanaimo: a 109 suite mixed use building of 24 storeys on Chapel Street. Commercial space will be at street level, and apartments above, and the project will be built on the pie-shaped piece of land near Gina’s Mexican Café between Chapel and Skinner Street.

■■■ 70 Church Street will soon be home to a new restaurant, called Romans.

■■■ Footprints Security has moved next to Jordan’s Carpets on Rutherford Road.

■■■ Construction continues on the Nanoose First Nation’s new gas station and Tim Horton’s outlet next to the Island Highway just north of Lantzville.

■■■ There’s a new virtual reality business open at the corner of Pryde Street and Bowen Road called VRKade.

■■■ Congratulations to Scott Littlejohn, who has retired from Living Forest Campground. Scott is well known and much respected for his work in promoting tourism in Nanaimo.

■■■

The Coffee Pot at 366 Selby Street has re-opened as The Breakfast Nook.

■■■ Tali Campbell has signed on to be the new Director of Business Operations for the BC Hockey League’s Nanaimo Clippers. Tali has deep Nanaimo roots, and has worked in a similar capacity for the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs for the past 16 months in Port Alberni. The community-owned Bulldogs recently announced the team is for sale.

■■■ Ramsay Lampman Rhodes is

open i ng a new law office i n Courtenay in early 2019.

■■■ Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Corfield on being re-appointed by the City of Nanaimo as a Director to the Nanaimo Port Authority until June 30, 2021.

Michelle is currently Chair of the Board that overseas the Port of Nanaimo.

■■■ Purely Hemp is the name of a new bakery that has opened at 2231 McGarrigle Road.

■■■ A special thanks to the panel

Senior Financial Consultant

that imparted wisdom to the large crowd that showed up for the launch of “It Worked For Them, It Will Work For Me: The 8 Secrets of Small Business I Learned From Successful Friends” Oct. 26 at the Nanaimo Golf Club.

Copies of the book are $20 or $25 if mailed, and available through www.businessexaminer.ca Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your news by emailing him at mark@ businessexaminer.ca

10

DECEMBER 2018

AWARD-WINNING DAKOVA SQUARE BUILT TO HIGH STANDARDS Commercial Building Awards Validates Developer’s Vision

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U NCA N - T h is Apr i l, the Dakova Square project was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the Mixed-Use category at the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) Commercial Building Awards.

After a lengthy due diligence process, the mixed-use structure began construction in 2015, taking about a year and a half to complete. “ We sp ent ex t ra t i me a nd money to make this building a valuable addition to the Duncan community,” says project owner, general contractor, and developer Vlado Brcic. “It took a bit longer to get our message out and we faced some adversity, however overcame these.

“My word is my bond, and it is the only way I do business. Integrity and honesty that is who I am. that is what my company and the employees of Dakova represent. Winning this award validated this project, validated our vision, and hopefully proved to the community that we aren’t interested in just building something and leaving. We are interested in partnering with the

Dakova Square was granted a Silver rating with Built Green Canada community and creating a valuable, sustainable contribution that all of us can be proud of for years to come.”

Da kova squa re is a 42,000 square foot mixed residential and commercial use building in downtown Duncan. With five storeys, the structure includes 36 one and two bedroom condos with nine-foot ceilings, open floor plans, in-suite laundry, private balconies, and stainless steel appliances. It is a certified Built Green Project that includes a Bioswale and Rain Garden. It also features 8,300 square feet of high profile Commercial space and a 36-car underground heated and secure parkade.

I t s l o c a t i o n a t 15 C a n a d a Avenue i s a key gateway to D u n c a n’s d o w n to w n a n d

“Thank-you for giving Duncan Paving the opportunity to work on the Dakova Square Condominium Project.

We wish you much success in the future and hope to work with Dakova Group again soon.”

6357 Cowichan Valley Highway, PO Box 815, Duncan, B.C. V9L 3Y2 250 748 2531 (T) 250-748-3627 (F)

7337 Trans Canada Hwy Duncan, BC

250-746-0988 www.millstoneheating.com

ongoing revitalization, having been a parking lot for more than 20 years after the historic Tzouhalem Hotel was torn down in 1990. Highly recycled content, products sourced within a short distance of the Cowichan Valley, and sustainable-forested materials are some of the structure’s many highlights. Additionally, many energy efficient components were added, with all LED lighting, high quality exterior materials, and more.

T he project features totem poles on the exteriors of each floor and three in front of the commercial area (to represent the City of Totems theme in the design). The brick hardie board and corrugated metal contributes to a dramatic architectural presence in the community,

Vlado Brcic (Right) receiving an Award of Excellence for Dakova Square at the 2018 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards complementing Duncan’s revitalized downtown area.

The property has been built to a level where it was awarded a Silver rating with Built Green Canada. Some of the other features are secure underground parking with time sensored lighting, a large common activity room for owners and guests to enjoy, pet friendly. The condos feature views of the City Hall, Mount Prevost, the downtown area, Cowichan Valley museum and Charles Hoey Park.

“We took extra care and spent the extra money in design and energy efficiency to create a structure we could be proud of,” says Brcic. “By adding a parkade, using higher quality building materials, installing triple-pane windows, extra insulation, higher-quality cabinets, and higher-quality flooring, we were able to create a more sustainable, higher quality building. We’ve found that if you provide a good product, people will appreciate it. By winning this award, we’ve had our vision validated.”

Brcic is the President and CEO of the Dakova Group, an A lberta-based real estate management compa ny w it h fa m i ly roots on the Island that has built throughout BC, Alberta, and

Saskatchewan. The business is named after Dakovo, Croatia, the city where Brcic was born.

Dakova Group specializes in the areas of property management, facility management, full-service construction management and technical advice, financial analysis, and lease administration and analysis.

Since founding the company in 2000, Brcic has been building mixed-use structures throughout Western Canada, including a 14unit condominium complex in Nanaimo several years ago.

He has about 35 years of development experience in the industry, working as a real estate analyst and Real Estate manager for the Canadian Federal Government for a number of years.

He possesses an MBA from Athabasca University, and is a Certified Property Manager CPM and Certified Leasing Officer CLO. He has worked as an Certified Appraiser for approximately 20 years, and is a designated Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate.

Find out more about Brcic’s D u n c a n p r o j e c t a t w w w. dakovasquare.com

Proud to have provided local HVAC services to the Dakova Square Project.

OFF THE COVER

DECEMBER 2018

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

■ Food & Food Production (agriculture, seafood, food products) ■ Green & Technology ■ Health Care ■ Hospitality ■ I n d u s t r i a l Manufacturer ■ Manufactured Wood Products ■ Ocean Products ■ Professional (legal, accounting, insurance, coaching) ■ Con st r uct ion / D evelopment/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 MacDona ld.

“We’d be very surprised if that isn’t the case again this year, as it looks like it will so far.”

The nomination deadline is December 8 this year, and companies can self-nominate. There is no charge to participate.

Nom i nation forms ca n be downloaded at www. businessexaminer.ca/ events.

For more information on the event contact MacDonald at 1-866-758-2684 ext. 120 or email: mark@ businessexaminer.ca

11

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12

DECEMBER 2018

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS First Nations Economic Development Offers Many Opportunities

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conom ic development w ith i n Fi rst Nations is the land of opportunity for the private sector in British Columbia.

As First Nations continue to move forward in varying degrees toward full treaty status and ownership of land and resources, as well as economic self-sustainability, it creates a beacon of light for companies faced with multiplied decades of federal, provincial, regional district and municipal government bureaucracy and red tape.

Aggressive First Nations will be able to offer entrepreneurs and investors a chance to build and develop projects within a relatively unencumbered environment. As any jurisdiction could do, a First Nation could provide prospective investors competitive tax benefits and faster than typical development periods to kick start investment on their land.

As they’re just getting started, relatively speaking, First Nations economic development drivers can take advantage of the slower pace of other government bureaucracies to give them an upper hand and make their opportunities even more attractive for i nvestors a nd partners.

There are an increasing number of First Nation economic development success stories in BC, in virtually every area of the province.

One of the most successful has

From left, Ucluelet First Nation President Les Doiron with Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie been the well-chronicled effort of the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose office is in Oliver, and

the Westbank First Nation in Kelowna.

Anyone driving on Highway 17

in the lower mainland can witness the enormous Tsawwassen Commons and Tsawwassen Mills shopping centres built by the Tsawwassen Indian Band, which is transforming lower mainland retail shopping.

The malls include many of the major names in restaurant and retail operations, and construction is ongoing on new residential housing units.

The Chemainus (Stz’uminus) First Nation’s Oyster Bay development conti nues to rise next to the Island Highway just north of Ladysmith.

The Coast Salish Development Corporation is the economic development arm of Stz’uminus and is guiding the Oyster Bay community, which recently opened a new 81-unit Microtel by Wyndham Hotel, beside a branch of the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, a liquor store, and a Tim Horton’s/Esso gas station, across the highway from the existing Husky/A&W Restaurant.

The entire development spans 65 acres, and includes a substantial residential component.

Campbell River Indian Band, now Wei Wai Kum First Nation, was one of the first native groups to aggressively move into economic development.

Their transformation of the north Campbell River waterfront resu lted i n a qua ntu m shift in the city’s retail sector, SEE ABORIGINAL BUSINESS | PAGE 13

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2018

13

The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is a stateof-the-art interpretive centre is an architectural marvel sensitively constructed into a hillside

Discovery Harbour Centre of Campbell River was developed and is managed by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation

PHOTO CREDIT: NK'MIP DESERT CULTURAL CENTRE

PHOTO CREDIT: NWPROPERTIES.CA

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

as several big box retail stores anchored the new development, leaving other areas, including downtown, to do so.

Their list of companies is impressive, starting with the game changing Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre, and a number of other operations including Discovery Harbour Marina, CRIBCO Forest Products Ltd, Thunderbird RV Park & Resort,

and retail stores.

Ch ief Clarence Louie leads Osoyoos Indian Band, which runs a number of successful businesses under the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation banner.

They include NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre, NK’MIP Campground & RV Park, NK’MIP Cellars, NK’MIP Resort, NK’MIP Gas and Convenience Store, NK’MIP Corner, NK’MIP Vineyards, NK’MIP Conference Centre, NK’MIP Canyon Desert Golf

Course, Spirit Ridge at NK’MIP Resort, Canyon Desert Resort, Senkulmen Business Park, and Oliver Readi-Mix LP. A luxury car race track, Area 27 Motorsports Park, is also located on NK’MIP Road in Oliver.

Westban k First Nation has made quantum leaps forward, sta r ti ng when former Ch ief Robert Louie negotiated water a nd sewer serv ices w ith the prov i ncia l govern ment that wanted to upgrade Highway 97 through their territory.

Louie also introduced legislation that ensured investment decisions on First Nations land would be guaranteed not to be able to overturned by subsequent govern ment. T h is i nsurance preceded much of the substantial retail development that runs on both sides of the highway in West Kelowna.

T his is, really, the time for Fi rst Nations econom ic development. Many nations have watched their own young people go off to university and

post-secondary institutions, earning valuable educations that help them identify opportunities, and equip them with the tools to make things happen.

Once a First Nation achieves f u l l treaty status, they a re, effectively, their own “new” country, with a clean slate upon which they can create their future. It’s an exciting prospect for the First Nations, and for those who choose to invest in the many opportunities that are available.

CASCARA CONSULTING FINDS NICHE WITH FIRST NATIONS “We are working on important infrastructure projects Local Engineering Firm Brings Decades of Combined Experience to Island Communities

with a number of Nations, including municipal servicing, subdivisions, boat launches and marinas. Cascara’s diverse range of skills allows our firm to meet a lot of needs in a

CASCARA CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED

community. I typically focus on the marine side, and Keith

N

ANAIMO - The team at Cascara Consulting Engineers Limited is honoured to work with First Nations communities.

Celebrating its two year anniversary this past November, Cascara was founded by Charles Ramos, Keith Davies, and Matthew Rosenthal when they recognized a need for fast, accurate, and efficient engineering service that emphasizes quality and client satisfaction. They now have a team of six full-time staff.

Cascara’s specialties include civil infrastructure and shoreside marine design. Though the company serves a broad range of clientele, it has found a unique niche with First Nations, building strong relationships with a number of governments.

“Keith has been working with local Nations for over a decade, and has a long, professional rapport with his clients,” says Ramos.

“We are working on important infrastructure projects with a number of Nations, including municipal servicing, subdivisions,

focusses on subdivisions and infrastructure.”

CHARLES RAMOS CO-FOUNDER OF CASCARA CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED

boat lau nches a nd ma ri nas.

Cascara’s diverse range of skills allows our firm to meet a lot of needs in a community. I typically focus on the marine side, and Keith focusses on subdivisions and infrastructure.”

“We really enjoy working with the communities to identify exactly what is needed, and then help to put first-class facilities in place,” continues Ramos.“In many communities, previously undeveloped land is being opened up, and it’s rewarding to meet the communities’ needs using topnotch workmanship, materials and finishes. There is satisfaction on all sides with a job well done.”

Currently, the team is focussed on continuing its existing relationships, building on them, and giving the best service they can to their current clients. Although not actively marketing their services,

they attract many new clients through word of mouth.

Ramos emphasizes that quality comes first for the firm, and they sometimes need to postpone taking on new projects in order to maintain their high standards.

The company’s small size ensures clients work directly with a senior professional, ensuring clear lines of communication.

The team strives to meet all their commitments and does everything in their power to provide a professional product that fulfills clients’ needs.

The team has over 40 years of combined engineering experience working on projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. They maintain professional registration in both Canada and the US, and can provide direction on most facets of civil engineering design work. www.cascara.ca

#206-335 Wesley Street, Nanaimo, BC P: 250.591.7364 (PENG) www.cascara.ca

14

DECEMBER 2018

CONSTRUCTION Vancouver Island Builders Meet Growing Needs in Spite of Labour Shortages Recent Years Show Record-Breaking Building Permit Numbers

Projects like the recent Nanaimo Airport Expansion are indicators of the region’s significant growth

BY ROBERT MACDONALD

F

or Vancouver Island, 2018 has been a yea r of record-setting building permit numbers for a construction industry that is struggling to find workers.

A s costs r ise i n t he L ower

Mainland, Vancouver Island is seeing more traffic than ever, and it’s having a massive impact on the region’s contractors.

“We have a strong economy and a strong presence on the Island,” says Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). “The region continues to

be an attractive place to live, and we’re continuing to see investment. By default, construction activity is reflecting the regional attractiveness.

“Over the last three to four years, we’ve seen record numbers of building permits. These permits are an indicator of the type of activity that’s going on,

particularly with residential permits. So far, the action in Vancouver has made its way to Victoria and is gradually making its way up Island.”

A s t he re sid ent i a l m a rket grows, municipalities are investing to meet the population SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 16

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growth. Over the last four years, communities throughout the Island have instigated several major projects, including bridge replacements, sewage treatment plants, and significant investment at universities and airports.

“We’ve been ma k i ng g reat strides and contributions to respond to an optimistic economic climate on the Island,” says Kulmala. “In the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional sector, we’ve seen unprecedented growth, especially in Greater

DECEMBER 2018

“The construction industry on the Island has really been punching above its weight, but it’s been delivering, and

SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 17

responding well to the growing demand.”

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Victoria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With less than one per cent vacancy in the region, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been an increase in demand for development in several sectors.

Right now, downtown Victoria has as many as 12 high rise projects in progress. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen that level of activity before.â&#x20AC;?

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numbers, new infrastructure projects are now required. The last few years have already seen the completion of several major projects including the mammoth North Island Hospitals project in Courtenay and Campbell River.

In addition to these municipal projects, the region has seen billions of dollars of investment in sites like the John Hart Dam and the Kwispaa LNG project.

While the Island is experiencing a period of unprecedented

growth, the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing labour shortage remains a concern for many contractors, BuildForce Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual report included the following summary of BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction industry: â&#x20AC;&#x153;British Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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 industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to continue attracting and training workers from outside construction or from outside the

17 province as many of the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major projects reach peak demand requirements.â&#x20AC;?

This report showed that the next decade will likely see the exit of nearly 41,000 skilled workers due to retirement or mortality (about 22 per cent of SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 19

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ARE YOU READY TO INCREASE YOUR PROFIT MARGINS? The North Island Hospital project is just one example of major infrastructure projects completed over the past few years

“With less than one per cent vacancy in the region, there’s been an increase in demand for development in several sectors. Right now,

We help general and trade contractors across Vancouver Island, providing consulting services that

downtown Victoria has as many as 12 high rise projects in progress.

give them effective strategies to

We’ve never seen that level of activity before.”

boost the profitability of both their

RORY KULMALA

individual projects and overall business.

CEO OF THE VANCOUVER ISLAND CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

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.

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 BuildForce Canada report, Bill Ferreira, the group’s Executive Director said the industry has to take steps to head off a potential 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 sti l l 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

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The Island’s construction industry has remained resilient in the face of several major challenges 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.”

According to Kulmala, Vancouver Island will be significantly affected by the shortage, especially due to a decrease in SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 20

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CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

worker migration.

“We’re busy across the country, and areas like Victoria are b e c om i n g i n c re a s i n g ly restrictive and unaffordable for workers,” he says. “Because the labour shortages are province-wide, many tradespeople are able to find work in their own regions without moving, so its making migration more of a challenge.

“For that reason, we are supportive of initiatives that look at growing our real estate market, making it more accessible, especially with this one per cent vacancy rate in Victoria. We are

With as many as a dozen new highrise projects underway in Victoria, builders are working to keep up with increased demand for commercial and residential space

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also voicing our opinion on how recent provincial legislations are impacting the industry, and we’re always looking to create streamlined processes that create more efficient processes for industry professionals.”

Currently, the organization, alongside the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), is fighting issues like the mandatory unionization clause in the Community Benefits Agreement and steel tariffs to help the industry maintain efficiency.

“The construction industry on the Island has really been punching above its weight, but it’s been delivering, and responding well to the growing

demand,” says Kulmala, who has been with the organization since March 1, 2017. He has been working in the construction industry throughout Canada for the last 25 years, primarily in the West as a general contractor and owner for both public and private sectors.

“My predecessor was here for almost 11 years, and since assuming this role, my goal has been to continue to drive positive member value,” he says.

“We’re continuing to engage our membership to create an association that meets their needs though education, advocacy, and promoting the trades.” www.vicabc.ca

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DECEMBER 2018

BAYVIEW STRATA SERVICES CHANGES MID & NORTH ISLAND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY Recent Merger Brings New Levels of Professionalism to Property Owners

Q

UA L ICU M BE ACH Thanks to a recent merger, Bayview Strata Services is changing the property management industry for the entire Mid and North Island.

Over the last year, company president Allan Landa successfully amalgamated, and transformed Bayview Management, The Kerr Group Management Corp., Blackbrant Management 1995 Inc., and Realty Executives North Island, bringing it all under the Bay view Strata Services umbrella.

“Our company has consolidated the market place here, from the Mid-Island to Campbell River,” says Landa. “We saw that a majority of property management services were more-or-less mom and pop operations, so we were looking for ways to make the business more professional and more beneficial to clients.”

Several of the services offered

by Bayview are completely new to the region, and have been extremely well-received by property owners.

“We have a bla n ket i nsu rance program that has literally changed the insurance landscape for the Mid and North-Island,” Landa remarks. “Our program is more comprehensive than any other broker offerings for strata clients, and includes coverage for building appraisals, and reduced costs for the building depreciation reports.

“Additionally, we offer 130 per cent guaranteed replacement instead of the standard 90 per cent co-insurance clause. Our costs for last year and going into next year have remained stable, and the program consistently comes in below the competition.”

As the group worked to amalgamate the four companies, it consolidated all stratas into a single bank. Thanks to the preferred relationship with this bank, clients utilizing Bayview’s services receive 2.3 per cent (at current rates) on their daily reserve accounts which for many Corporations has resulted in thousands of dollars in interest each year, ultimately reducing the overall cost to have Bayview provide their services to the Corporation. The system also sees interest paid on the daily operating account.

Bayview also utilizes a specialized accounting program specifically designed for Property

President Allan Landa (Left) and CEO Terry Kerr (Right)

“Our company has consolidated the market place here, from the Mid-Island to Campbell River. We saw that a majority of property management services were more-or-less mom and pop operations, so we were looking for ways to make the business more professional and more beneficial to clients.”

ALLAN LANDA PRESIDENT OF BAYVIEW STRATA SERVICES

The head office at Bayview Strata Services

Management Companies. The program is cloud-based, and clients will soon be able to check their accounts, connect with property managers, view properties that are in their owners area, letters that have been sent, repair records for buildings or units, and more all on their personal computer.

“All the records are kept in an online portal, which is fully integrated into the accounting system, so owners can go online and look at information no matter where they are,” says Landa.

In addition to the banking, accounting, and insurance benefits afforded by the merger, Bayview has been able to leverage its relationship with Realty Executives to offer their clients even more perks. They own the rights to three Realty Executives franchises, with one office in Courtenay and a Parksville location that will open in the coming months.

They are hoping to open a Campbell River location in the coming years.

To meet the Real Estate Board requirements, Realty Executives North Island now operates as Realty Executives - Bayview.

Landa and CEO Terry Kerr have been able to find ways to integrate the two operations. The SEE BAYVIEW STRATA SERVICES | PAGE 22

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DECEMBER 2018

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BAYVIEW STRATA SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

realtors rely on Bayview’s wealth of information to help sell strata homes, and clients will get a valuable discount off Realty Executives – Bayview, commissions, if they decide to list with Realty Executives – Bayview.

In order to ensure a high degree

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of professionalism in the company, Bayview offers a mentoring program to help transition new employees into the strata/property management business. This program helps new hires through the education process, licensing process, and puts them into a portfolio that they can operate on their own.

A c c o rd i n g to L a n d a , t h i s high degree of professionalism wouldn’t have been possible without the merger.

“The companies had all been talking between themselves for a few years about merging into one group,” he says. “Two of the owners wanted to retire, but for a variety of reasons, they couldn’t make a deal.

“I had been talking to Brian Moran, the former owner of Bayview, for about two years, and he was firm on his price. We figured out that if we reached a successful deal, Blackbrant would sell, and the rest of the dominoes would fall into place.”

Landa had also been in talks with Terry Kerr, the owner of The Kerr Group who is now Landa’s

business partner and the CEO of the company.

“The conditions were perfect for a merger, but it was going to take someone who knew how to break the deadlock,” Landa continued. “When you have four different companies with four offices, four banks, and four receptionists, it’s hard to see the 40,000 foot view of what’s possible when you combine the operations. These entities can be more profitable as a merged group than as a single operation, and they can provide better service than ever before.”

Landa was successful in his ef for ts to pu rch ase a l l fou r businesses in about 6 months, spending the following year and a half to make them run as a single company.

“It’s been working very well so far, and we’re happy with what we’re seeing,” he says. “Clients are happy with the professionalism and the fact that we have a larger more accessible staff. With a one-man show, if a guy gets sick or worse, there’s nothing you can do. Nobody can cover for him or

Allan Landa has extensive experience in the world of strata management, including a history of facilitating successful mergers ensure that people are getting served. With a larger organization like ours, there’s support and backup in case anything happens, and our clients love that.”

This new level of service has been especially welcomed in the North Island.

“In Campbell River, clients loved the fact that we answer

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Terry Kerr received his Managing Broker license through the Sauder School of Business in 2012, making him one of the youngest to successfully complete the course in BC the phones a nd retu rn ca l ls and produce accurate financial statements – on time,” he says.

“I’ve worked in a lot of different markets, and Vancouver Island demands a totally different business model for a company like ours.

SEE BAYVIEW STRATA SERVICES | PAGE 23

Congratulations to the team at Bayview Strata & Rental Services on all your success!

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23

DECEMBER 2018

Bayview offers a mentoring program that helps new hires through the education process, licensing process, and puts them into a portfolio that they can operate on their own

Operating out of a large, central location, Bayview is able to offer a level of professionalism to its clients that was previously unheard-of in the region

BAYVIEW STRATA SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

According to Landa, customers love the fact that there’s always somebody to answer the phone

Proud partner of Bayview Strata & Rental Services!

“ Wit h a m ajor cent re l i ke Vancouver, if you have a great relationship with a 400-unit building somewhere, you can go off and start your own business out of it. Over here, it’s mostly 20-30-unit buildings, so you make your money off the smaller stuff. That’s what I like about this. I like to reinvent the way we do things.”

Landa has extensive experience in the world of strata management, including a history of facilitating successful mergers.

During the last 25 years he has owned/built and operated several major strata management

companies in British Columbia.

After three years working as a property manager, he formed a brand-new strata management company called Pacific Property Management Ltd. in May, 1996. Four years later, he merged Pacific Property Management Ltd. with ColyVan Properties Ltd. and formed ColyVan Pacific Real Estate Management Services Ltd. ColyVan started in 1989 as Coopers Lybrand Vancouver, when three of Cooper’s partners took the management portfolio private. Ten years later, they partnered with Allan to build a much bigger business.

After 20 years, Landa successfully sold the entire business to his senior Management team on September 30, 2016 before initiating the Bayview merger process. The transition was seamless for both the business and the clients, consisting of the ColyVan Pacific offices in both Vancouver and Surrey and another management practice in Nanaimo called Concise Strata Management Ltd. In total, the company was managing over 10,000 client suites in over 200 Strata Corporations throughout the lower mainland and all of Vancouver Island.

Companies Landa has personally (through his company) purchased/acquired and merged together since 1996 include:

ColyVan Properties Ltd., Goddard and Smith Property Management, Avalon Properties, Roberts Projects, IPM Strata Management Inc., Urban Properties ltd., Concise Strata Management, and VI Strata Financial.

In addition to purchasing and merging companies, Landa has worked to develop ma nagement systems and integrate new technologies to better serve his clients.

Landa is joined by Terry Kerr, who has been living on Vancouver Island since 2009. Terry successfully completed his Strata Management licensing through University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, and obtained his Strata Management license in January 2010. In 2012,

he received his Managing Broker license through the Sauder School of Business, making him one of the youngest to successfully complete the course in BC. Together, Landa and Kerr are working to expand Bayview’s Island footprint, hoping to eventually offer its services to the rest of Vancouver Island.

“We are in a people-centred communication business,” says Landa. “Our job is to be available and have the right people in place who are able to communicate with our clients. We have those people, and with our current team, we’re changing the entire industry in the Mid and North Island.” www.bayviewstrataservices. com

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here are a number of new seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; facilities being proposed for the North Isla nd region, includ ing the areas of Comox Valley, Bowser, Powell R iver, Quadra Island and Port Hardy.

T h e Nor t h Isl a n d S e n iors Housing Foundation is moving forward to create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Supportive Seniors Housing Complexâ&#x20AC;? in Port Hardy. The proponents have presented a vision to create a Seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Activity and Residential Place.

This project is envisioned to be completed in two phases. The Foundation will be looking for building plan proposals that would accommodate two phases of construction. The second phase would add an additional

25 apartments. The project will consist of 25 apartments in the first phase, a communal dining room, activity/meeting room a nd support serv ices a menities. A lso proposed is additional rental or lease support facilities and office and administrative space. Gordon Patterson, the contact for this project is seeking input with regards to this new facility. Email: gord@ kelticseafoods.com Altiveris Group of Companies out of Calgary have submitted s zon i ng byl aw a mend ment for a n i ndependent sen iorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; facility to be located on Braidwood Road in Courtenay. This application is scheduled to go before Courtenay council for f i rst a nd second read i ng on December 17. A public hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Ja nua ry 7, 2019. A s proposed, the facility will include 143 u n its i nclud i ng st ud io, one- and two-bedroom suites for i ndependent l iv i ng. T he bu i ld i ng is a lso ex pected to include an atrium on the main floor, along with dining area, activity room and other common areas.

The Bowser Seniors Housing

COMOX VALLEY CHAMBER DIANNE HAWKINS

T

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Society (BSHS) subm itted a Request for Proposa ls to BC H o u s i n g i n S e p t e m b e r r ega rd i ng f u nd i ng. BSH S h a s been working with BC Housi ng th rough 2018 to develop a s h o v e l-r e a d y i n d e p e n dent-supportive housing proj e c t . E a rl i e r t h i s y e a r, B C Hou si ng encou ra ged a n i ncrease in units from 10 to 22 for the 17,500 sq. ft. facility to be built behind Magnolia Court in Bowser. A construction schedule will be established when funding is secured.

Quadra Island Seniors Housing Society has started work on a new residence in Quathiaski Cove. The project will provide 15 apartment units for Quadra Isl a nd sen iors. Fu nd i ng for t h e e s t i m a te d $3 .5 m i l l i o n project has come largely from BC Housing. The new Senior Housing building is expected to be ready for tenants by the fall of 2019.

he Comox Valley Chamber works in dynamic ways to engage Chamber members and the community. The Chamber is the Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest business association with three full time staff members. Our job is to serve Chamber members and assist them in elevating their businesses.

Throughout the month of November, the Chamber tackled some big issues. There were two separate but equally important workshops on Cannabis. The first focused on the Business of Cannabis. Speaker Luke Biles from MNP showed us the lay of the land and the key corporations and regulations surrounding the legalization. The second workshop focused on Cannabis in the workplace. Policy and human resource focused; this workshop was led by Jon Pascoe of Pascoe Management.

Chamber members joined MP Rachel Blaney on the annual MP Business walk in Comox. It

is always great to get out of the office and talk with businesses.

Thanks to everyone who graciously answered the questions and to MP Rachel Blaney for taking the time.

The Comox Valley Chamber finalized nominations for its annual Chamber Awards celebrating community achievements in fourteen categories. Each year the chamber receives up to 100 entries for a wide-variety of nominees.

Finalists for the awards are listed on the Chamber site and the celebration Gala is January 26, 2019.

Congratulations to all!

At the chamber we have a local procurement policy and we encourage all members to do the same. This holiday season support the local creatives, brick & mortar shops, and local producers and suppliers. Shop local!

The Chamber welcomed new members this past month: The Inner Fire with Heather Evans, Badrin Bookkeeping, Francine Legault â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RE/Max Ocean Pacific Realty, Your move games & puzzles, Rhodos CafĂŠ & Bistro, and HUB International Insurance Brokers. For more new members visit the Chamber Directory with over 500 members listed.

Dianne Hawkins, CEO, The Comox Valley Chamber: Building Good Business.

For more information on the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit: www.comoxvalleychamber.com or call 250-334-3234

OFF THE COVER

DECEMBER 2018

PORT OF NANAIMO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

floating restaurants, fuel dock operators, the Protection Island Neighbourhood Association and Snuneymuxw First Nation,” says Co-CEO Mike Davidson.

Co-CEO Ian Marr adds “Other users that were included in the desig n rev iew process were Protection and Newcastle Island ferry operators, long-term pleasure boaters, transient boaters, the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Society, Adventure Outfitters, operators of SuperYacht, kayak users, Canada Border Security and the RCMP Marine Division,” he states. “We also considered residents and visitors access from the Harbourside Walkway. Marinas are assets for the community and attract people from both the water and the land.”

Hugh Tuttle and Kristin Tuttle of InterTidal Design have prepared the concept plans for the marina, and an environmental assessment - along with bathymetry and subsurface investigations - are nearly completed. This will allow the Port to commence with detailed construction plans.

It’s the latest in a string of announcements for the Port of Nanaimo, as construction is well underway at the Port site that will be home to the new B.C. Vehicle Processing Centre (BCVPC).

A key component of Phase 1 of the project includes renovating an existing 60,000 square foot building, is expected to be

completed January 1 in time for the first shipment carrying approximately 400 new vehicles slated for arrival to begin the detailing process later that month.

“This exciting project is the result of a lot of discussions and hard work that is going to result in economic stimulus for Nanaimo, and a lot of good jobs – at least 50 to start with,” says Corfield.

“Projects like this don’t happen overnight, and we are grateful for the persistence and vision demonstrated by our Port team and our new tenants.”

The Terminal will be the initial offloading terminus and

preparation area for the new European automobiles that will be sent to vehicle dealerships throughout Vancouver Island and the lower mainland, eventually expanding throughout western Canada.

The Port of Nanaimo is partnering with Western Stevedoring and their affiliate organization, the Auto Division of SSA Marine, to design, build, finance and operate the terminal.

The existing pier is being upgraded to allow for berthing of a modern Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), a specialized cargo vessel used to transport

vehicles and equipment. Nanaimo was chosen as it provides direct short-sea connections to the Lower Mainland, and European Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are experiencing significant capacity constraints and other issues elsewhere.

Davidson notes “Phase 1 will see the complete exterior of the building refinished, and 30,000 square feet of the interior retrofit be a fully functional Vehicle Processing Centre.”

Marr adds that following the arrival of the first vessel in the first week of January, “vehicles will

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25 arrive every two weeks for the first year, totaling approximately 10,000 within year one.”

“At this point we are seeing 2025 people daily working in the warehouse, and another 4-5 on the marine works,” Marr notes.

“We anticipate another 10 more starting this week for the civil and electrical works.”

“This project is a $19 million investment overall,” says Corfield.

“We are grateful that the federal government has contributed $6.3 million towards it as well, which indicates they are as optimistic about this project and its positive impact on the region as we are at the Port.”

Not only that, but guiding deep sea vessels through busy, narrow local waterways during the recent gill net fishery has earned the Port of Nanaimo a letter of commendation from the British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd. (BCCPL).

Dave Willows, Licensed Pilot, Master Mariner with the BCCPL, was the pilot on the Panamax bulk carrier Efraim A on October 24, and thanked Coxswain Luke Letham and Seaman Cam Ferguson for their work on the NPA Osprey. “After delivering me to the ship, Luke and Cam continued to help by keeping fishing vessels from setting their nets close to the Efraim A while we heaved anchor,” said Willows.

“Once under way, they ran ahead and provided an escort both talking to vessels to ensure they knew we were coming, and assisting in spotting the end of nets.”

26

DECEMBER 2018

TEMPRITE SEES EXPLOSIVE GROWTH DURING FIFTH YEAR IN BUSINESS Courtenay-Based Company Gets Exclusive North Island Daikin Comfort Pro Designation

C

O U R T E N AY – Temprite Climate Solutions is celebrating five years of keeping the Comox Valley comfortable.

Fou nded by Lance Petty i n 2013, the HVAC company installs heat pumps, gas and electric furnaces, tankless water heaters, a i r cond ition i ng, thermostats, ventilation, and more.

The company is distinguished as the North Island’s only cert i f i e d D a i k i n C o m fo r t P ro company, a designation that holds companies to high standards and requires specialized training.

In a recent article, Petty described the certification process: “When Daikin launched their residential unitary line across North America they set out in search of companies that utilize high quality and certified technicians.

“The fact that Temprite uses only Red Seal certified refrigeration mechanics, Red Seal certified sheet metal technicians and

Only five years after opening, the company boasts a fleet of 12 vehicles

“We have a very strong reputation as an employer, and we do several things that make it attractive to work here.

We have our employees on a four day work week, but operate for five days.

We also offer weekly yoga sessions each Wednesday to all staff and spouses.”

LANCE PETTY OWNER OF TEMPRITE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

ŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƟŽŶƐ to Temprite Climate ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ on your ϱƚŚ ŶŶŝǀĞƌƐĂƌLJ͊

P: 250.897.8153 E: kyleshort@blackwaterplumbingco.com Serving the Comox Valley

In addition to running his company, Petty is a volunteer fire fighter qualified gas fitters when installing and maintaining equipment made it easy for Daikin to award Temprite as the only Daikin Comfort Pro from Fanny Bay to Port Hardy.”

The company has come a long

way since Petty founded the company.

“My previous employer filed for bankruptcy, and I found myself unemployed, firing resumes off to the oil patch,” he says.

“While I was looking around, several contractors approached me, saying that if I went out on my own, I’d be their go-to HVAC company. I bit the bullet and started Temprite with just myself working out of my pickup truck.”

In the last year, after four years of steady growth, the company jumped from nine employees to 21 to keep up with the growing demand. They now operate out of a 3,000 square foot full service sheet metal shop, and field a fleet of 12 vehicles.

“Over the last year, we hired a business advisor, and he really pushed us out of our comfort zone,” says Petty. “We were

SEE TEMPRITE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS | PAGE 27

Congratulations Temprite Climate Solutions on your 5th anniversary!

www.delcofireplaces.com 250.756.6122

Over the last year, the team at Temprite has more-than-doubled in size

Proud supporter of Lance and the team at Temprite Climate Solutions,

Congratulations on your 5th anniversary!

P: 250.702.4952 e: rfthompson@shaw.ca Courtenay, BC

nervous to go beyond the nine employee mark, and he helped us immensely.”

In an industry with a growing labour shortage, Petty didn’t find it difficult to attract the employees he needed.

“We have a very strong reputation as an employer, and we do several things that make it attractive to work here,” he says.

“We have our employees on a four day work week, but operate for five days. We also offer weekly yoga sessions each Wednesday to all staff and spouses.

“We have a family-first attitude here, which makes a big difference. Everybody’s always w i l l i ng to ju mp i n a nd help others if they need to take a bit of time for personal reasons.

We understand that home life and family life is the number

Congratulations to Lance and the Temprite team on your 5th Anniversary!

27

DECEMBER 2018

NEW OWNER WORKS WAY TO THE TOP OF ERICKSON ROOFING Gaetan Connelly Brings Fresh Vision to Established Business

N

Lance Petty Founded Temprite Climate Solutions in 2013

TEMPRITE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

one priority a nd work is the number two priority. Our entire team buys into the culture and respects it, so it doesn’t get abused.”

T he compa ny conti nues to grow, thanks to its commitment to honesty, integrity, and customer satisfaction.

“We are trained tradesmen, not trained salesmen,” he says.

“We try to view every project as if it were our own, and that means shooting straight with people. Sometimes that means we don’t get the highest sale, but the customer always gets what they need.”

In the coming year, Temprite will be branching out, expanding to serve a larger area. This will include the area between Parksville and Port Hardy, with services being offered as far as Tofino and Ucluelet.

“We’ve found that there is a strong demand for a high-quality HVAC company in the region, and we’re working to keep

up w ith that dema nd,” says Petty.

In addition to providing toplevel HVAC services, Temprite has made a concerted effort to give back to its community. It currently helps sponsor local minor hockey, the Georges P. Vanier Secondary Boys Basketball, and a cat rescue charity called Kitty Cat P.A.L.S. “We’re big supporters of Habitat for Hu ma n ity,” he says. “ We’ve b een i nvolved w it h bu i ld i ng 10 new duplexes i n Courtenay and several in Campbell river, assisting in one way or another on each project. We have also donated and installed an entire HVAC system for free in one of the homes.”

Additionally, several Temprite employees, including Petty himself, are active volunteer firefighters. They have donated to the FireFit competition coming up next spring, and work to ensure the volunteer firefighters are afforded the flexibility necessary to respond to a call during the day. www.tempriteclimatesolutions.com

ANAIMO - After working his way up the ranks, Erickson Roofing’s new owner, Gaetan Connelly is taking the company higher than it has ever been before.

Fou nded i n 2001, Erickson Roofing has grown from a oneman operation to one of central Vancouver Island’s leading roofing contractors for commercial, residential, and industrial projects.

“Blake Erickson founded the company, and I started worki ng w ith h i m i n 2005,” says Connelly. “I’m originally from Quebec, and learned the trade in Montreal. After spending a year in Red Deer, I decided to move to the Island and started working with Blake.”

The company was much smaller at the time, with Erickson running the operation out of his house.

“When I came on, we were a team of about 15,” continues Connelly. “Today we’re sitting around 50 employees, and operate out of our own shop with an office and showroom.”

Through the years, Connelly worked his way up the company, moving from journeyman to foreman, and eventually began estimating in 2015.

“From here, I started to run a large portion of the business,” he says. “I had a lot of constructive criticism regarding the way we were doing things and how it was structured, and I approached Blake with all my ideas.

“He was getting ready to retire, so he gave me an opportunity to run things. He was taking some longer holidays, and when he came back, the numbers were g re at, a n d c u s tom e rs we re happy.”

Owner Gaetan Connelly officially took ownership of the company on April 1, 2018 Shortly after, Erickson asked Con nel ly to meet for lu nch, where he offered an opportunity to purchase the company.

“He had been approached many times from many other companies to buy, but he always wanted to leave a legacy behind,” says Connelly. “He wanted to hand it off to somebody who would maintain the relationships with strata management companies, contractors, and suppliers.

“He wasn’t interested in selling to somebody from the outside who would buy it, put their name on it, and run it as they saw fit.

At that point, he believed I was the only person who could take the company in the direction he wanted and give him an opportunity to retire.”

After considering the offer, Connelly agreed, officially taking ownership on April 1, 2018.

Over the past few years, he has been building a company that is poised for continued expansion, changing staff structures and optimizing his crews.

“Today, we have a lot of young, energetic guys that are apprentices or journeyman, but we also have some older guys with years of experience knowledge,” he says. “We have the best of both worlds.”

T hou g h t he c ompa ny wa s

built with a focus on residential roofing, it has recently begun working on some industrial jobs, doing work for mills including Catalyst in Port A lberni and Harmac in Nanaimo.

Of all Connelly’s recent accomplishments, he is perhaps most proud of the company’s recent COR Certification from WorkSafe BC. “We put a lot of time and effort into this, and we just got the Award in October of this year,” he says. “It was one of my biggest goals for this year, and it’s a big accomplishment for us. It took us about a year and a half of work to build up a file and put everything in place.

“I think this is especially significant for me because it wasn’t so long ago that I was regularly on the tools. I’ve been in the industry a long time, and am very familiar with the potential safety issues. On top of that, I used to work side by side with these guys. They’re my good friends, and I know their wives and kids and have dinners with them on the weekend. The thought of not being able to send them home safe at the end of the day would be traumatic.”

In addition to these changes, the company is opening a new service division, and will soon have dedicated staff meeting clients’ service needs.

Erickson Roofing is always working to utilize new tech, and is one of the few central Island roofers that does satellite takeoffs on roofs.

“We work closely with a few of our manufacturers, and as soon as they have new cutting-edge products, we’re usua l ly the first ones to hear about it and be certified,” says Connelly.

“Innovation is a major value for us, and we’re currently looking into bringing some green roofing alternatives to our clients. We’ll be making some key announcements regarding a few of these options some time next year.” www.ericksonroofing.com

2549 Kenworth Road, Nanaimo

P: 250.758.7606 WWW.

R O O F M A R T. CA

28

DECEMBER 2018

Nanaimo’s Hirst Adds Federal Politics To His Resume Sun Life Financial Manager Earns Federal Nanaimo-Ladysmith Conservative Nomination

N

ANAIMO – John Hirst h a s ju s t b e en n a me d Manager of the Sun Life Financial office in Nanaimo.

He has a young family. He is president of the local Gyro Club.

Life is good.

N o w h e i s t h e C o n s e r v at i v e c a n d i d a te fo r t h e Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding and gearing up for the 2019 federal election, and possibly a by-election early in the New Year.

Some would ask: Why? “We’ve been raised here, and will raise our family here,” he notes. “The Nanaimo-Ladysmith area is a great place to live, but it’s not all it could be.

“We have been left behind, and I have had enough. We need a seat at the table in Ottawa.”

Hirst has been a member of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Conservative Electoral District Association, the board that oversees party activities in the riding, and decided to throw his hat in the ring for the nomination last spring. He decisively won the nomination contest, which culminated in a November 17 vote at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Getting involved in politics at this level has been a steep learning curve, and he’s enjoyed meeting the challenges of a different level of public life.

“It seems like the natural continuation of how I have already been involved in the community and wanting to give back,” he says. “Politics is something that’s always interested me,

John Hirst is Manager of Sun Life Financial’s Nanaimo office PHOTOS BY LANCE SULLIVAN, CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY

and I thought I’d want to do it someday, and yet ‘someday’ never comes for some people.

I just felt the timing was right for me to do this now.”

John Hirst graduated from Vancouver Island University with a degree in Business Administration and a major in Finance

Hirst would prioritize focusing on obtaining significant federa l f u nd i ng for t he Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding. Projects like a foot passenger ferry to Nanaimo, and helping create an eco-tourism experience for Mt. Benson would be at the top of his list.

“Prior to the last federal election, the Conservative government had pledged $15 million to help build and launch a foot passenger ferry terminal in Nanaimo,” Hirst states. “Since then, the federal government has introduced record deficits to pay for ‘infrastructure’, and what have we seen here in Nanaimo-Ladysmith? Nothing.”

T h e fo o t p a s s e n ge r fe r r y would make Nanaimo an even more attractive place for people work i ng i n dow ntow n Va ncouver to earn lower mainland sa l a r ies a nd sp end t hem i n Nanaimo.

“I f you look at the cu rrent situation in Nanaimo where we have a $32,352 a year median pre-tax income, that’s not an income you can raise families and buy houses with,” he says.

“People who would be able to take advantage of a foot passenger ferry commute and live and play here would have the same economic impact of bringing another industry to the city.”

The fact that having a non-govern ment side Member of Pa rl ia ment sitti ng i n opposition typically means no mea n i ng f u l federa l government programs or funding for the riding frustrates Hirst and others. Ruling parties usually direct revenue and projects to the ridings they hold.

“And we will continue to see noth i ng, as long as we send virtue-signaling, self-serving politicians to Ottawa,” he adds.

“That’s not me.

“The story of my life has been one of hard work and sacrifice to improve the lives of those I ca re about: My fa m i ly, my friends, and my community.

This opportunity would be a continuation of that story and allow me to do more to make Nanaimo and Ladysmith a better place for everyone.”

He recognizes the challenges he would face with a young family, as he and Chrystal have thought long and hard about what this new level of public service would mean to everyone i n thei r household. Not only that, but there would be the long-commute to and from Ottawa should he be elected MP, but he’s already done that.

From 2007-2013, Hirst was a derrick hand for Ensign Canadian Drilling, commuting to

work in Alberta while completing his Business Administration degree with a major in Finance at Vancouver Island University.

After graduating from VIU, he joined Sun Life Financial.

Hirst started at Sun Life Financial in 2013, and has moved steadily upwards from Advisor to Sales Manager to Associate Manager to Financial Centre Ma nager, a new position he earned in October, and earned several awards along the way.

Sun Life offers insurance and financial products to clients, as well as employee benefits such as medical, dental, group RRSPs and pension plans.

“Sun Life is known for insurance, as those are our roots,” he says. “We’re getting better known in the investment world, and we are the third largest investment company in Canada.

T here’s only one bank that’s bigger than us.”

Hirst has been successful at Sun Life because “I like to help people, and the atmosphere at Sun Life is that you get out of it what you put into it. I was raised to give it my all, and an environment like this company has, where merit and effort are rewarded, is something I can thrive in.”

SEE JOHN HIRST | PAGE 29

29

DECEMBER 2018

John, Chrystal and their daughter Harper at Swy-a-lana Lagoon in downtown Nanaimo

JOHN HIRST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

For several years, Hirst has b een a memb er of t he Gy ro Club, a service club focused on city parks and scholarships. He is also a member of the Young Professionals of Nanaimo, an organization for up and coming business and community leaders.

Chrystal currently works at the employee-owned Harmac Pacific pu lp m i l l a nd i s expecting their second child in 2019, joining their daughter, Harper in the family.

C h r y s t a l’s f a t h e r, D a r r yl Kleisinger, is a long-time B.C. Fe r r i e s e m p l o y e e a n d w e l l known in local sporting circles.

His brother, Terry Kleisinger, w a s a s t a n d o u t go a lte n d e r for the B.C. Hockey League’s Nanaimo Clippers in the late 1970’s, followed by four years at the University of Wisconsin and several games with the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers.

T hei r mot her, Joyce Kleisinger, was the long-time manager of the earlier edition of Smitty’s Pancake House, that was beside the former Husky gas station on Terminal Avenue.

Hirst’s own family also has deep roots in the area. Hirst Avenue in Parksville is named a f te r h i s f a m i l y, w h o w e re ranchers in the area when they a r r ive d . T here i s some d ebate amongst family members whether or not John is related to one of the very first Nanaimo

city council members, a man named John Hirst.

So as he’s pondered getting involved in politics, why park h i msel f i n the Conservative party?

“I see the Conservatives as the party of freedom,” he explains. “Freedom from big government that tells us what to do or believe and how to live our lives. Conservatives are for free enterprise and free trade, that bring prosperity to our country.

“We believe we should be able to live with freedom from fear, and that we have the right to safe, peaceful lives protected by our laws and law enforcement. And we believe in free speech – d iv isive a nd identity-based politics and speech have no place in the Conservative party.”

Hirst also aligns with former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s summation of conservatism: “Stay off my back, and get out of my wallet,” he notes, adding he finds the recent federal government’s intrusive search into private bank accounts of citizens particularly concerning, especially with being in the financial services sector.

Hirst also attended the national Conservative convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in August, and was impressed with what he saw and heard.

“I loved seeing how people from all different backgrounds and walks of life came together for a common purpose,” he notes. “I like how the policy workshops hammered out what

John Hirst believes Nanaimo has plenty of economic growth opportunity, particularly through the Port we thought was the best course on certain issues, and that we could debate it as adults, and move for wa rd toget her as a party.

“I can bring together all Conservatives under our ‘big blue tent’ to build a team to win.

I have the support of the local Conservative board, and I am involved in the business community and well-known organizations, and have relationships with other levels of government.”

And he is ready to roll up his

sleeves and get to work.

“It will take hard work and a strong voice in Ottawa to help Nanaimo-Ladysmith reach its full potential, and I believe I can be that voice,” Hirst says. www.nanaimoladysmithconservatives.ca

30 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT 0935171 BC Ltd 206-501 4th St, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF 0734912 BC Ltd CLAIM $14,338 DEFENDANT 1003708 BC Ltd 201-64 Station St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Gordon N Gordon Interiors Ltd CLAIM $52,340 DEFENDANT 888JUNK Ltd 6130 Patricia Bay Hwy, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Kiewiet, Andrew Martin CLAIM $31,842 DEFENDANT B&D Lift Truck Service Ltd 813 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF 10000787 Manitoba Ltd CLAIM $31,019

WHO IS SUING WHOM DEFENDANT Banner Maintenance Ltd 2460 Kelley Road, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Limited CLAIM $ 11,260 DEFENDANT Brunnell Construction Ltd 7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC Mcintosh, Donald CLAIM $6,716 DEFENDANT Dakova Group 108-50 St Thomas St, St. Albert, AB PLAINTIFF Gordon N Gordon Interiors Ltd CLAIM $ 52,340 DEFENDANT Dakova Management Group Ltd 108-50 St Thomas St, St. Albert, AB PLAINTIFF Gordon N Gordon Interiors Ltd CLAIM $ 52,340 DEFENDANT Designhome Concepts Ltd 301-830 Shamrock St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Karandy Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $ 11,695 DEFENDANT Enterprise Business & Tax Services 206-501 4th St, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF

0734912 BC Ltd CLAIM $ 14,338 DEFENDANT Jacob Bros Construction Inc 2900-595 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Mcintosh, Donald CLAIM $ 6,716 DEFENDANT Jaxoncraft Marine Ltd 301-910 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Warren, Reid CLAIM $ 35,236 DEFENDANT Mak Logging Ltd 9295 Carnarvon Rd, Port Hardy BC PLAINTIFF Da Le Falling Ltd CLAIM $ 35,176

DECEMBER 2018

CLAIM $ 22,464

CLAIM $ 86,949

DEFENDANT One World Lithium Inc 615-800 West Pender, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Unitywest Capital Markets Ltd CLAIM $ 26,466

DEFENDANT Samsung Electronics Canada Inc 20th Flr 250 Howe St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Moorthy, Komal Priya Karuna CLAIM $ 26,518

DEFENDANT Realm Structures Inc 4410 Glenwood, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Tilleys Plumbing & Heating Ltd CLAIM $ 17,553

DEFENDANT Sitka Inspection Services Ltd 4th Flr 931 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Bloomfield, S Lee E CLAIM $ 7,820

DEFENDANT Resolution Construction Systems 14-555 Ravenswood Dr, North Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Cooke Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $ 24,122

DEFENDANT Urban Wine Cellar 165 Fraser St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Algunn Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $ 15,416

DEFENDANT MKE Canada 4545 Tipperary Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Maclennan, Gary CLAIM $ 20,451

DEFENDANT Resolution Construction Systems 1800-510 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Calibre Mechanical Ltd CLAIM $ 44,730

DEFENDANT Norwood Island Holdings Ltd 200-931 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Rogers, Joanne

DEFENDANT Ridgix Building Solutions Inc 219 Fort St, Winnipeg, MB PLAINTIFF Monashee Ridge Construction

DEFENDANT West Coast Marine Diesel 9761 Ardmore Dr, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Burns, Gary CLAIM $ 35,166

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2018

NORTH ISLAND Port McNeill’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sue Harvey is retiring near the end of the month. Deputy Administrator Pete Nelson-Smith has been promoted to acting administrator until December 17 th , at which point a decision will be made regarding a full-time appointment to the role.

Rainbow Country Daycare in Port Hardy was selected to take part in a new BC-wide universal child care initiative. The daycare was selected among 260 applicants for BC’s Universal Child Care Prototype Site, a government subsidized daycare program. The daycare is one of 50 low-cost spaces from across the province that will take part in the program.

BC Ferries and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council recently held an unveiling ceremony for the Indigenous artistic designs that will be featured on the Northern Sea Wolf. The artwork was designed by the Kwakiutl First Nation’s Richard Hunt and the Nuxalk Nation’s Danika Naccarella and will be featured on the interior and exterior of the vessel. The Northern Sea Wolf is a new BC Ferries vessel that will provide summer service between northern Vancouver

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Island and BC’s Central Coast.

Steelhead Enterprises has been awarded the contract for operating 7 Mile Landfill and Recycling from 2019 to 2021 with an option for a two-year extension.

Bangles Hair Studio welcomes Naomi to their team in Port McNeill at 1705 Campbell Way in Port McNeill.

CAMPBELL RIVER Matthew Fox of Beachfire Brewing and Nosh House and Desiree Ross of Modlux Interiors have started Campbell River Coworking, a co-work space in Tyee Plaza. A co-work space is where local entrepreneurs, startups and professionals can rent a desk for anywhere from a few hours to months.

FYidoctors announces Dr. Hanif Paroo and Terry Storey have joined their team of eyecare and

eyewear professionals. FYidoctors also has a new downtown location at Unit 710 – 1400 Dogwood Street.

Bill Howich Chrysler RV & Marine congratulates Ron May and Ryan Howich on being their top salespeople of the month for their dealership.

Lee Stone is no longer general manager and head coach of the Junior B Campbell River Storm.

Cam Basarab and Bill Brett will continue as coaches with Basarab assuming the title of head coach and Brett the title of General Manager.

COMOX VALLEY Pure Integrative Pharmacy is a new pharmacy that integrates modern pharmacy and natural remedies for their customers at 104 – 382 Lerwick Road in SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 32

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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DECEMBER 2018

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

filled out.

Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty welcomes Leesa Vreugde to their team of real estate professionals at 2230A Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Vreudge has been a licensed realtor since 2007 and received her broker’s license in 2015. She spent the past three years as the Directory of Agent Development and Assistant Manager for Re/ Max in Vancouver.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Courtenay.

Invis Mortgage’s west coast team adds Ken Grant to their team at 201 – 1530 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Grant brings 13 years of real estate experience and 14 years as a Town of Comox Councillor to the team.

A Royston home is the finalist in two categories of the 2019 Georgie Awards. Courtenay’s J. Zsiros Contracting is in the running for the best master suite up to $100,000 and custom home valued $500,000 - $899,999 for its Rustic Modern project in Royston.

12 Eagles Lodge was recently recognized as the Best Outdoor Wedding Reception Venue by the Vancouver Island Wedding Awards, an annual awards ceremony recognizing the best of the Island’s wedding industry.

Sunwest RV Centre announces that Gary Hollinger and Rick Sharples are the top salespeople of the month for their dealership at 2800 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

The NIC Foundation Board of Directors announced their new executive team that included the addition of two new directors. Ilona Horgen was elected chair while Garry Griffin, CIBC’s senior manager and team lead

Ken Grant in commercial banking was appointed vice-chair. Meanwhile Mary Lovely CPA was named treasurer while lawyer Brett Woodside was appointed secretary. Additions to the board include Dianne Hawkins, CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce and Jay Dixon, principal of North Island Secondary School in Port McNeill.

The Pharmasave at 102 – 1350 England Avenue in Courtenay celebrated their grand re-opening on November 29th. The pharmacy received an update and is under new ownership.

Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC announces that Malinda Mazzocchi is their top salesperson of the month for their dealership at 2145 Cliffe Avenue.

Whistle Stop Pub owner Barry Van Dusen is looking to completely rebuild the pub and liquor store with a renewed interior and increased seating while maintaining the site’s motif. The rebuild won’t take place for another two years, though planning is already underway.

Jim’s Clothes Closet recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

The company has outlets in Port Alberni, Courtenay and Campbell River on the Island and opened a new shop in Prince George in 2016.

Cumberland has chosen Beaufort Botanicals and TRUGreen Solutions Inc. as their top picks for potential cannabis retailors in the Village. At a recent meeting council directed staff to approach the two companies about fulfilling a Temporary Use Permit.

The permits last three years with the possibility of a three-year extension and must be brought back to council for review once

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) celebrated the grand opening of the Comox Valley Autism Centre on December 5th. The new facility at 237 – 3rd Street in Courtenay is a 2,000-square-foot addition to existing buildings at the CVCDA, designed and equipped specifically to service the needs of children with autism.

Mike Ruttan The Auxiliary Thrift Shop reopened in its new location in the Views at St. Joseph’s and celebrated with a grand opening ceremony. The shop is completely volunteer run and all money raised goes to the Auxiliary for Comox Valley Healthcare.

PORT ALBERNI Bosley’s by Pet Value at 3555 Johnston Road celebrate their grand reopening on December 8th.

Former Port Alberni Mayor Mike Ruttan has been hired by San Group Inc. to be their Vice President of government and Aboriginal Affairs. San Group is a Canadian lumber producer that announced an $60 to $70-million investment into a trio of mills in Port Alberni.

Robin Miles and Andy Richards have purchased the former Valley Wines & Water building on Third

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Avenue and are converting into Dog Mountain Brewing, a new microbrewery. The spot will be complete with a kitchen, lounge and rooftop patio and is expected to be open in 2019. The building still needs to be rezoned and the duo need to apply for a manufacturing license with a lounge endorsement in order to sell liquor on site.

The City of Port Alberni hired Katelyn McDougall as their new manager of planning. McDougall holds a Master of Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University and has an extensive background in public engagement.

After 20 years in the same location, The Attic Thrift Store has moved to a larger space in Adelaide Plaza. The Attic is a volunteer run organization that also operates the gift shop at the hospital.

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 33

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DECEMBER 2018

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

The Uchucklesaht Tribe Government recently purchased the former Redford School and plan to transform the property into a multi-use services building to provide services and programs to members of the Nation. The space currently consists of offices, a daycare center area, a playground, gymnasium, multipurpose room, industrial kitchen and over two acres of land.

Sheenagh Walker h a s acquired Boutique Belles Amies from Linda Bowers.

The shop is on the corner of Argyle and Kingsway.

A n d r ew P e rk i n s a n d Elizabeth Matthews have opened Portal Curios & Oddities at 104 – 5405 Argyle Street.

Jennifer Anderson has joined AV Financial as a financial advisor. Anderson previously worked for the provincial government and can help clients with retirement investment and insurance planning. AV Financial is at 4855 Johnston Road.

Chef Ana Sumecki celebrated her 35th year of working for Little Bavaria at 3035 4th Avenue.

Wynita Jaworksi is now the sales manager for Alberni Toyota while Chris Tessier is the new service manager. Alberni Toyota i s at 2555 Por t A lber n i Highway.

and review their operations at that point. Both bus companies have been expanding their routes in the wake of Greyhound closing most of their routes in BC. 460 Realty opened a new office in Ucluelet at 108 – 1917 Peninsula Road. Operating out of the office are Krista Prior, Mieke Dusseldorp and Sandy Rantz.

Pioneer Boatworks closed for the season on November 30th and plans to return to business on February 1, 2019. They are at 166 Fraser Lane in Ucluelet.

Parksville-Qualicum HollisWealth celebrated their grand opening at 166 East Island Highway in Parksville.

Nom i nations a re now open for the Parksville & Dist r ict Cha mb er of Commerce annual Business Achievement Awards until February 7, 2019. The awards celebrate business success in the area and nominations can be made in six different categories.

A member of the Eaglecrest Ladies Golf Club, Irene Creally, was recently presented with the BC Golf Volunteer Recognition Award. T he award is presented annually to volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to the sport of golf at the club or zone level.

NANAIMO

TOFINOUCLUELET

Westcoast Solid Wood Furniture has moved to a new location at 6461 Metral Drive. The store has a new layout and a more accessible location.

Tofino Bus Company has been acquired by Saanich-based Wilson’s Group, the pa rent compa ny of Wilson’s Transportation.

The acquisition officially took place on November 15th and there are no plans to rebrand Tofino Bus. Wilson’s will monitor Tofino Bus over the next 12 months

T he Vancouver Island Construction Association elected three new industry members to their 2018-19 board of directors. They are Barclay Ellis of Trades Labour Corp. Victoria, Paul Gray of Farmer Construction and Dave Lewis of Alpine Insulation. Roger Yager will move to the role

of cha i r m a n a nd Keith Parsonage w i l l become vice-chairman. Departing members include Yosef Suna, Keith Tatton, Gerrit Vink and Anthony Minnitti.

Meanwhile, Roger Yager of Knappett Projects, Keith Parsonage of Houle Electric and Marnie Pringle of Starline Windows were all re-elected to the board.

The Better Business Bureau serving Vancouver Island announced the 2018 Torch Award Winners at the annual award’s gala celebration on November 2 nd at the Union Club of BC. Luv-a-Rug Services Inc. won out in the Community Service and Carpet Cleaners categories, Dial-a-Geek Consulting in the Computer & Internet Services category, Victoria Drain Services Ltd. in Contractors, Act Together Moving Services in Customer Service, Auxilium Mortgage Corporation in Financial Services, Gaslight Heat Services in Heating & Electrical, X 2 Lewis-Modern Home Renovations in Home Improvement, Van Isle Windows Ltd. in Installation Services and Island Dream Kitchens in Kitchen Renovations. Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd. took home top honors in the Moving & Hauling category, Royal Bay Plumbing in Plumbing Services, High Definition Roofing Ltd. in Roofers, M&N Mattress Shop Ltd. in Sales & Service, Pro Sweep Plus in Specialty Cleaning and Shane Casey of Luv-a-Rug Services was presented with the Outstanding Employee Award.

Foundation have entered a new partnership to generate donations to fund wild salmon restoration projects. The partnership will generate an annual donation based on the amount of one-way flights sold on Helijet’s scheduled passenger service routes between Nanaimo and Vancouver harbours. T he program could see annual donations reach up to $24,000.

Buy-Low Foods is now open for business at the former Quality Foods location in University Village at #100 – 530 Fifth Street.

The Vancouver Island R a iders h a s p ro m o te d Curtis Vizza from his role as offensive line coach to head coach. Vizza takes over from Doug Hocking who is stepping down to spend more time with his family.

Josh Williams takes over as general manager and former GM Glenn Cook is now vice-president and director of football operations.

The seasonal Global Village Nanaimo fair trade store is now open at 111 Ter m i n a l Avenue. T he shop is stocked with foods, accessories, housewares, baskets and more that are largely imported from small producers.

Mike Woodworth i s a f i na l ist for the second year in a row in the World Photographic Cup. Woodworth photographs people around the world in their natu ra l cu ltu ra l ly rich environments.

David Price is the top salesperson of the month for Harbourview Volkswagen at 4921 Wellington Road.

Vancouver Island University English professor Kathy Page is the recipient of the annual $50,000 Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize for her latest book, Dear Evelyn. The award recognizes the year’s best Canadian novel or short story collection and was p re s e n te d re c e n t l y i n Toronto.

Paul Debron is the top salesperson of the month for Nanaimo Toyota at 2555 Bowen Road.

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OPINION

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DECEMBER 2018

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POLITICIANS NEGLECTING WORKERS TO LOOK AFTER THOSE WHO DON’T WORK

MARK MACDONLD

“T

he New Democrats and federal Liberals used to look after working people. Now they look after those who don’t work.”

A good friend of mine shared that with me recently. True statement?

Sounds a little harsh, no? But let’s look at some of the evidence staring us in the face.

“Professional” protesters, most of which, one suspects, are not working, rotate from job site to job site throughout the province to stop one form of employment or economic development or another.

The U.S. dollars that fuel anti-pipeline and petroleum protesters - exposed by researchers like Vivian Krause - are gobbled up by environmental extremists who must view the money as manna from heaven to support their “righteous” cause.

Meanwhile, American oil production reaches all-time highs, and they’ve neutered their North American

competition through Canadian government legislation and regulations that keep Alberta oil landlocked and away from thirsty markets, and drive production costs through the roof.

Uncle Sam gets it both ways – they employ more of their own people in a much-in-demand industry, and still get the massive $35 per barrel discount for taking our oil. Plus, the cost of buying our own products, mainly gasoline, goes through the roof.

It’s an ingenious, cost-effective investment, really. Americans contributing to the cause of choking off Alberta’s oil sands can pat themselves on the back for helping the environment, while they continue to expand their consumption and create more jobs at home.

So now we have people that either can’t, or won’t, work, spending their days – which could be spent working for companies that desperately need more workers – choking off industries that employs taxpayers, and is really paying for the welfare and social services of the willfully unemployed. It is utter madness.

Left leaning parties are capitalizing politically on what the public education system, by and large, has created – a wave of new, younger voters programmed to believe that the single biggest economic driver is the environment – a so-called “reality” that exists nowhere in the real world.

All these parties have to do, then, is create policies and platforms that support what the new wave of voters believes, and they’re guaranteed their votes.

Combine that with an ever increasing sense of entitlement, where the socialist-minded look to government for everything they need, and that as Canadians, it is well within “our rights” to demand free health care (which is NOT free) and other government services, including a “living wage” – political speak for higher welfare payments.

These parties – as all do - cater to their supporters in order to gain and maintain power. They give those that want more from government, more. But who is paying for it all?

Private sector companies and their employees.

We are, by and large, living in a false economy of taxpayer-funded citizens and employees. Somebody, somewhere, needs to pay for the services we’ve come to expect.

Really, the only real contributors to our Gross Domestic Product are those that get people to purchase goods or services in the private sector. Products and services that we export as a community, province and country are the real, true economic drivers.

We’re getting conditioned otherwise. Communities gloat that their local government workers make X amount of dollars and that money

is redistributed in the region. Okay.

But where do those jobs come from?

Tax dollars.

We received a press release recently that boasted about how much the nonprofit sector contributes to the economy, noting the amount of wages it pays out and products/ services it buys. But where does all that come from? Benevolent contributions from others, most notably companies and employees. Oh yes, and tax dollars.

Government and nonprofit organization services are important, and contribute to our overall standard of living. But it is also important to remember that these jobs aren’t “created” per se. They are the result of other people working and contributing, either through taxes or their own commitment to philanthropy.

I don’t laugh when I hear about job growth in Alberta, as the NDP government there boasts about how many more jobs are created. That’s because what the NDP does everywhere they manage to grasp power is bloat the public sector, increasing the number of taxpayer funded jobs that join the NDP supporting unions with all their ancillary benefits, and call that job creation.

Meanwhile, the private sector either gets pummeled, or strangled, through excessive government payrolls and onerous legislation that cynics might view as the workers’ opportunity to “pay back” the

greedy bosses they once served.

Jobs lost in the private sector are replaced by positions created in the public sector, and the NDP calls that growth. That’s really shrinkage, because the taxes that taxpayer funded jobs produce is recycling the same tax dollar.

The hard truth is, we’re in an economy in transition. There are plenty of jobs available, and most businesses can’t find enough people to work.

On the surface, that is a good thing.

The problem is, it’s artificial job growth. What is really happening is the reliable Baby Boomers are now officially moving out of the workforce and on to collecting the pension and health care benefits they’ve contributed to all their working lives.

These are not “new” jobs. These are replacement jobs, which will be saddled with paying for more retired people who will be rightfully collecting what they’ve contributed to for so many years.

What is the next generation of Canadians going to do when the combination of taxes has them paying close to three quarters of their total income? It’s already over 50 per cent. Who in their right mind would think that is a fair deal? Right now, politicians don’t need to curry the favour of this group to get elected. Only when they do will they be forced to change their policies and try to look after those who actually do work.

AS CAPITAL FLEES, OTTAWA CONTINUES TO PUSH UNATTRACTIVE POLICIES

THE FRASER INSTITUTE

BY ELMIRA ALIAKBARI AND ASHLEY STEDMAN

T

he federal government’s fall fiscal update, one of the most anticipated in years, didn’t include the wide-ranging regulatory and tax reforms many hoped would increase Canada’s waning competitiveness relative to the United States.

The government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems willfully ignorant that investment dollars in the energy industry – and the related jobs and economic opportunities – are moving south of the border. In reality, capital will flow

to jurisdictions with attractive policies and, frankly, Canada’s investment climate is dismal.

Recently, Enerplus CEO Ian Dundas announced his company’s dramatic pivot to the U.S. “This year and next, we will spend 90 per cent of our capital in the United States,” he said.

He added that the company’s capital budget was originally more weighted toward Canada, but started shifting to the U.S. in 2015 due to more predictable and streamlined regulations.

Enerplus is not the only Canadian oil and gas company shifting focus and capital to the U.S. Encana CEO Doug Suttles recently said his company would move aggressively to U.S. shale basins by acquiring Houston-based Newfield Exploration Co. for about $5.5 billion.

In response, Encana founder Gwyn Morgan blamed the move on “disastrous Trudeau policies,” which he said have made the country irrelevant in the global energy industry.

Clearly, Canada’s energy sector is struggling to remain competitive, primarily because of poor government policies. In recent years, the federal government and several

provinces have made it very expensive and, in some cases, simply inhospitable to do business in Canada.

Most provinces and the federal government have increased personal income tax rates on professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners. The top personal income tax rate now exceeds 50 per cent in seven provinces, with the remaining three provinces within a hair of 50 per cent. Meanwhile, the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump has moved in the opposite direction, enacting sweeping business tax reforms and reducing personal income tax rates.

In addition, the Canadian government imposed a national tax on carbon despite many countries (including the U.S.) moving away from carbon pricing.

On the regulatory front, governments in the U.S. have rescinded or scaled back many regulations that impede resource development. For example, Washington eased federal vehicle emissions standards, rolled back controls on power-plant emissions and repealed a regulation on hydraulic fracturing (or fracking)

on federal lands.

Meanwhile, our federal government is making the approval process for major energy projects more complex and uncertain, which will further discourage investment in Canada. In particular, Bill C-69, under review in the Senate, includes many subjective criteria – namely the social impact of energy investment and its “gender” implications – which will likely increase uncertainty, further politicize the process and increase approval wait times.

And Ottawa is also largely to blame for insufficient pipeline capacity in Canada. The government cancelled Enbridge’s previously-approved Northern Gateway pipeline that would have delivered oil to the West Coast. In addition, TransCanada Corp. abandoned its cross-country Energy East pipeline weeks after a new regulatory review process was announced.

The government was also forced to nationalize Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline in a last-ditch effort to add pipeline capacity. But even that plan is in limbo due to a recent federal court ruling, which

said the federal government did not adequately consult First Nations and address marine tanker traffic concerns.

The lack of adequate pipeline capacity has resulted in staggering price discounts for Canadian crude oil in recent months, underscoring Canada’s problem in attracting energy investors.

To make matters worse, a recent World Competitiveness Forum report, which ranks countries based on a Global Competitiveness Index, also reflects Canada’s competitive disadvantage relative to the U.S. Canada ranks 12th out of 140 countries while the U.S. ranks first.

Canada’s energy sector has a serious competitiveness problem.

Policy-makers must enact comprehensive tax and regulatory reforms to restore investor confidence and get the country’s energy industry rolling again.

Elmira Aliakbari is associate director of natural resource studies and Ashley Stedman is a senior policy analyst at the Fraser Institute.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: SECOND WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Vancouver Island, 2017. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DECEMBER 2018

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

2018 Golden Brush Business Excellence Award’s and announced this year’s winners. Thai Pinto took home top honours in the Outstanding Customer Service category; Cowichan Neighborhood House Association i n Not for Profit of the Year; Celebrations by Hummingbird Hill in Business of the Year 1-10; Riot Brewing Co. in Business of the Year 11-19 and 49th Parallel Grocery in Business of the Year 20+.

Brittany Pickard-Brown was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year while Ellen Lavender was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.

I n add ition to thei r G o l d e n B r u s h Aw a r d , Riot Brewing took home top honours in the Best Dark Mild Beer category at the first annual Speaker’s Choice Beer competition. The competition put Riot’s beer against 12 other breweries in the region at an event held in the Hall of Honour at the Legislature in Victoria. The event was judged by attendants of the event who voted for their favorite beer.

Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty welcomes MaryA n n e Fa s k e n t o t h e i r Ladysmith branch. Fasken hails from Mississauga Ontario and studied marketing at Sheridan College in Oakville.

Cowichan Valley Denture Centre welcomes back Travis Dalquist to their team at 2592 Legion Street in Chemainus.

COWICHAN VALLEY The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting was held on November 20th and elected a new board of directors. Among the directors are Ruth Hartmann of Hartmann Interior Design, Vince Avery of Thrive Now Physiotherapy, Karen Bresler of KBL Law Corporation, Don Hatton of Hatton Insurance Agency, Christopher Schmerk of TD Canada Trust and Pamela Stover of PD Stover Professional Corporation. Directors continuing their terms are Lynn Clark of Maple Bay Manor, Chris Duncan of MNP LLP, Arlene Johnson of G3 Mechatronics, Danielle Killam of Grant

T h o r n to n L L P, P e n n y Lehan of Coleman Fraser Whittome Lehan Schmid and Carol Messier of Maple Bay Marina.

The Cowichan Regiona l Vi sitor Cent re recently celebrated its 5 th anniversary.

Discovery Honda a nnounced their top three stars of the month for their dealership at 6466 Bell McKinnon Road. They are Trevor Sheck, Dave Pears and Lloyd Jones. reFRESH Cowichan and the Cowichan Green Community Food Recovery Project have teamed up with Small Block Brewery and True Grain Bakery to develop a series of beers with grains that would have otherwise been discarded.

The partnership released their inaugural brew, the “Rye-PA”, in early October and released their second brew, UpCycle Nut Brown Ale, on November 30th.

Mark Ruttan, North Cowichan’s long-time director of corporate affairs is no longer with the municipality and will be taking an early retirement. Karen Robertson has been appointed to replace him.

All the best this Holiday Season.

From our Innov8 family to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and all the best in the year to come!

Visit Victoria’s Festival of Trees and donate to help BC Kids or text TREE024 to 45678.

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