Business Examiner Vancouver Island - January - 2019

JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019

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NANAIMOCOMOX VALLEY Calais Spa Prepares To Celebrate 25 Years of Having All The Fun

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New Year, New Opportunities For Alberni Valley Economy

PAGE 10

DUNCAN Central Glass Is A One-Stop Company That Manufactures, Installs And Services Glass Products

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INDEX

News Update 2 Digital Marketing Nanaimo 9 Cowichan Valley 23 Campbell River 24 Comox Valley 25 Who is Suing Whom 26 Movers and Shakers 27 Opinion 30 Comox Valley 25 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 15TH YEAR

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Port Alberni Sees Unprecedented Demand For Property

P

ORT ALBERNI - More developers, more entrepreneurs, and more residents are moving into the Alberni Valley, and everybody is noticing.

This coming year, the Port Alberni Economic Development Department is working to keep momentum strong and continue to foster growth in the community and surrounding area.

“We have a number of significant events and initiatives coming up in 2019 that will help spur growth in a number of sectors,” says Economic Development Manager Pat Deakin.

“Recently, we’re noticing competition for property in the city, which is somewhat new to us.

There has been demand in the past, but at the present, competition is much more intense.

This year, we’re doing an industrial land inventory and action plan, as we’re finding it hard to accommodate all of the interest in light industrial opportunities.”

That involves setting out to identify properties throughout the Alberni Valley that could be rezoned to accommodate that activity. They are also building an action plan to allow for an easier transition for businesses wanting to use this property. The process of identifying, rezoning, and preparing this property will be helped by funding from the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET).

“We’re also thrilled that the San Group is moving forward with plans for three wood processing SEE PORT ALBERNI | PAGE 20

Pat Deakin, Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni PHOTO: BLACK PRESS

Nominations Rise For Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Veritable Harvest Of Nominations Entered For January 24 Gala Celebration

N

ANAIMO – Organizers of the 19th Annual Grant Thornton LLP Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards have announced there are 85 finalists for the annual celebration of the best of the best in Island business.

“2018 was another good year for business on Vancouver Island,” notes Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner, which coordinates the event, set for January 24 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. “Each year, the quality and quantity of companies

that take part in these awards is outstanding “As they do each year, these awards bring out new, exciting businesses that make the judges’ job a little tougher each year as they decide who wins each award.”

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.

Black Press is a Platinum Medium

Sponsor of the BE Awards this year, and Elite Promo Marketing is also a Gold Sponsor. Category sponsors include Helijet, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Country Grocer, Vancouver Island Coach Lines, Grieg Seafood, Invest Comox Valley, and Coastal Community Credit Union.

Categories this year are: • Automotive (car and truck dealerships & fleet sales); • Construction/ Development/ Real Estate; • Entrepreneur; • Food & Food Production

(a g r icu ltu re, sea food, food products); • Green & Technology; • Health Care; • Hospitality; • Industrial Manufacturer; • Manufactured Wood Products; • Ocean Products; • Professional (legal, accounting, insurance, coaching); • Construction/Development/ Real Estate; • Retail; • Small Business (under 20 SEE AWARDS | PAGE 12

NEWS UPDATE

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JANUARY 2019

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Ferry Refits to Cost $57M This Year BC Ferries announced they expect to spend $57-million in the current fiscal year in the province on refitting their fleet.

The $57-million planned for this year includes working on 17 vessels from September 2018 to March 2019. Contracts included in the estimate include Esquimalt Drydock Co. and Point Hope Maritime in Victoria as well as Seaspan’s Vancouver Drydock in North Vancouver. Work is also being done in Richmond at BC Ferries’ fleet maintenance unit.

Over the past decade, BC Ferries has spent over $1-billion at BC shipyards. Along with employing BC shipyards for refit work, the crown corporation also buys a range of services from companies within the province.

This includes steel fabrication, machinery supply, electrical work and more.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND Sellers Market Moving Towards Balance

Tilray Partners with Labatt

Coming Soon!

yet been named.

The companies have not yet established a timetable for when the joint venture will have drinks in store. Current federal laws allow non-medical use dried cannabis by adults, but other forms of marijuana remain illegal for recreational use.

Meanwhile, Molson Coors Canada announced a partnership with HEXO Corp, a Quebec-based cannabis producer, in August and Constellations Brands Inc, an alcohol producer, invested $5-billion in Canopy Growth Corp the same month.

Tilray and Labatt are looking at a broad spectrum of ready-to-mix and ready-todrink beverages to provide to a range of consumers. Tilray is a Nanaimo-based licensed producer of dried cannabis and cannabis extracts, including both bottled oil and capsules for medical purposes in Canada.

The parent company of Labatt Breweries Canada has made a research deal with Tilray Inc. that is expected to result in the creation of a variety of non-alcoholic beverages containing some of the active ingredients found in cannabis.

The companies will set up a joint venture to build on the expertise of their respective businesses and have committed to provide the equivalent of about $67.5-million of funding to the joint venture, which has not

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 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s (VIREB) 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 inventory SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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JANUARY 2019

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

increases are helping the regions 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.

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

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. Board-wide benchmark prices of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses also rose slightly from October.

NANAIMO Council Endorses Theatre Expansion Nanaimo city council unanimously chose to endorse a plan to expand the Port Theatre that will see the city apply to the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The plan is to create a community performing arts center consisting of a 50-240 seat performance space as well as two rehearsal spaces. The project budget is $21.2-million.

Council selected this expansion project out of three options for infrastructure funding requests that also included building a youth park at Harewood Centennial Park at an estimated cost of $780,000; or a new two-phase playground at Maffeo Sutton Park that came in at $1-million. Senior levels of government will provide a maximum of 73.3 per cent of funding for the total project.

The city will endorse a funding request through Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s, community, culture and recreation stream for the community performing arts center. The deadline for applications to the fund is January 23rd.

COWICHAN VALLEY Cowichan Green Lights Field House North Cowichan council unanimously approved a plan to construct a new $1.5-million field house at the Cowichan Sportsplex at a recent meeting.

Council decided to grant the request from the Chesterfield Sports Society which runs the administration of the Sportsplex, to apply to the Community, Cultural and Recreation Program for assistance in funding the new field house.

The program is a joint provincial/federal initiative aimed at prov id i ng f u nd s of up to $134-million for infrastructure projects around the province.

Local governments can qualify for up to 73 per cent of the funding for a project that meets eligibility guidelines.

Plans for the new space would replace aging washrooms and office space and provide an upgrade with new change rooms/ showers and a multi-purpose meeting room.

The society is also requesting that local governments contribute $194,000 towards the field house, which could be reduced if the society receives other funding for the project. North Cowichan will work with the society to help find other sources of funding for the field house.

The society has not yet asked the City of Duncan and the Cowichan Valley Regional District to

contribute. The Sportsplex would itself contribute $194,000 towards the project.

The Cowichan Sportsplex is a popular regional outdoor fitness, sports and recreation park that covers more than 26 acres in the Valley. The property is owned by the Municipality of North Cowichan though the Sportsplex is used by many others in the Valley and surrounding area.

COMOX VALLEY CVRD Issues RFP for Treatment Project On the heels of a $62 million

3 federal and provincial grant announcement, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a design-build contractor to deliver a new water s y s t e m f o r C o m o x Va l l e y residents.

The $62 million grant will support two projects. The Comox Valley Water Treatment Project, which will be operational in 2021, includes a new lake intake, raw water pump station, raw water pipeline, treated water pipeline and a new water treatment plant with filtration and disinfection. A second project announced in September 2018 will also benefit from the grant.

SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

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The Water Service (South) Extension Project will service K’ómoks First Nation (KFN) lands to the south of Royston. Funding for the project will be provided by KFN and other potential users of the future system.

The funding breakdown for the projects includes more than $34.3 million from the Government of Canada and $28.6 million from the province through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The CVRD will contribute $54.9 million to the Comox Valley Water Treatment Project and the K’ómoks First Nation and other potential users will commit $7.4 million to the Water Service (South) Extension Project.

The CVRD anticipates awarding the contract to the successful proponent in July.

Some construction-related activities, such as l a n d c l e a r i n g, a re e xpected to beg i n i n late 2019 while detailed design is finalized. Infrastructure construction will get underway in 2020 with project completion expected in May 2021.

Salmon Farms to Move Out of Migration Routes The provincial government announced a plan to s h u t d o w n u p to 17 net-pen salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago, starting in 2019 with a completion date set for 2023.

The 17 Atlantic salmon aquaculture sites are run by Cermaq Canada and Marine Harvest in the region between the Knight Inlet and Kingcome Inlet on the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

The plan allows for seven of the 17 sites to continue operations should the operators reach an agreement with the ‘Namgis, Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis and Mamlilikulla First Nations.

Three other salmon farms in the Broughton region are not impacted by the agreement which focuses on migrating routes for wild salmon. The Broughton group represents roughly a third of the province’s salmon aquaculture, with other operations around Tofino, Port Hardy and the Sunshine Coast.

Salmon farming in the Broughton region has been a target of protests for 30 years when salmon farming commenced in the region. BC Scientists have expressed different views regarding the impact of net-pen farms on wild salmon, including concentration of viruses and sea lice that occur naturally in the wild.

The plan prioritizes opening the migration route of young salmon from their streams of origin to the ocean. The first stage beginning this year will see the closure of Arrow, Massage, Potts Bay and Glacier Falls operated by Marine Harvest and Cliff Bay operated by Cermaq.

Marine Harvest has stated they plan on applying for new licenses in order to shift production to other sites in BC and seek out new sites where there is interest from Indigenous communities. Both companies plan on preserving most of the roughly 600 jobs associated with the Broughton-area operations.

Part of the federal gove r n m e n t ’s l a t e s t a nnouncement on new steps to protect wild salmon includes research into closed containment aquaculture, both at sea and on land.

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DIGITAL MARKETING

JANUARY 2019

5

ONLINE REPUTATION MANAGEMENT MATTERS

DIGITAL MARKETING JOHN MACDONALD

W

ord of Mouth is the most powerful and highest converting referral that a business can receive. In today’s constantly changing digital landscape it’s important to realize that Word of Mouth has expanded beyond personal conversations to nearly every digital platform.

With 74 per cent of consumers now trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations, it’s become critical for businesses to develop continual open lines of communication with their customers.

According to Google, 9 out of 10 of local searches lead to action, with more than 50 per cent leading to sales. If businesses have a good web presence, customers will go to them rather than the competitor.

Once they’re in the store, 79 per cent of customers use their smartphones inside to look at reviews or compare prices and 74 per cent of them end up making a purchase.

Those numbers alone make the opportunity clear: online reputation management is essential for your business to get consumers in the door to make the sale.

Today, consumers are pushing out a company’s reputation and image collectively by providing real-time feedback through online review websites, social media, forums and other platforms.

If there’s an online source and a consumer can say something about a business on it, then it is a platform where your business’s reputation should be monitored and managed.

74 per cent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations— this is a huge shift in thinking that is only going to continue Whether a business chooses to manage their reputation online or not, consumers are talking about their favourite and not-so-favourite places to purchase. If a company simply ignores their reputation online, the consequences can be detrimental.

Unmanaged negative responses can create an angry mob mentality and bad word of mouth spreads like wildfire.

While a business may not realize how exactly one instance can affect their online reputation, it is possible that only one negative post on a highly ranked site can actually be what shows up near the top of a search results page when a consumer searches for that business’s name.

Your business’s reputation can be affected at any time on just about any source across the web. You can use products (SaaS), services (outsource services) or people (outsource or hire a digital marketer) to cut down on your reputation management time expenditure.

Even if your business is regularly tracking feedback on social media, there may be sources that your business is unaware of such as a new review site from a listing that your business never knew that existed.

To learn how your organization can generate reviews from previous customers, manage existing reviews, induce new customers to review, and generate new sales from individuals looking at those reviews, email john@businessexaminer.ca for more information.

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JANUARY 2019

CENTRAL GLASS SHINES IN ISLAND CONSTRUCTION SCENE Duncan One-Stop Company Manufactures, Installs, and Services Glass Products

D

UNCAN - Central Glass is a clear leader in the Vancouver Island construction industry.

For t he l a s t 4 0 ye a rs, t he company has been manufacturing, selling, and installing customizable windows, doors, skylights, sunrooms and more for clients all over the Island.

The Duncan manufacturing

plant opened in 1976, and has been in its present location on 2856 Roberts Road since the mid-1990s.

“We’ve built a strong reputation over the years, offering high quality products and services that keep clients coming back,” says operations manager Travis Whitaker. “ We a r e t h e o n l y I s l a n d company that actually manufactures and installs its own double-pane thermoglass. We also have our own proprietary sunroom system, which means that we can easily customize this product to fit our customers’ needs. It was developed by our previous owner, Gordon Scott.”

The company recently underwent an ownership change, so Whitaker is now handling the day-to-day operations of the company, working with new owner Lily Xu. Whitaker has been working with the company since 1997, and has watched the business grow over the past two decades. Today, Central Glass offers a wide range of products and services, allowing the team to stay busy all-year-round, through each change in the region’s economic climate.

“Commercial jobs make up the most substantial part of our work,” says Whitaker. “We also

Operations Manager Travis Whitaker (Left) and Owner Lily Xu​ have our proprietary sunroom, skylight, and canopy system.

We work with showers, mirrors, glass railings, w indow replacements, and we do a lot of service and repair work related to doors and windows.”

According to Whitaker, Central Glass is the Island’s only

full-service glass shop, doing manufacturing, installation, and service work for large and small jobs alike.

As building codes continue to change, Central Glass adjusts its product lines to meet the new standards. Currently, the company, uses low-E glass

as a new code requ i rement, which helps keep heat in duri ng w i nter months a nd keep heat out du ri ng the su m mer months. All of their products are manufactured by a competent team that includes several Red Seal and life-long glazers.

Currently, the team at Cent ra l G l a s s i s k e e p i n g b u s y, working on a variety of projects. Recently, they manufactured and installed glazing for the Harbourview Volkswagen dea lersh ip i n Na n a i mo, t he Vancouver Island University Trades Building in Nanaimo, a n d a re c u r re n t l y w o rk i n g on five new buildings for the new Bel mont development Langford.

“More recently, we’ve been work i n g on a few h i g h-end houses, usi ng com mercia l systems for these large custom projects,” says Whitaker. “ Mo s t ho u s e s h ave t y pic a l v i nyl w i ndows, but because some of these homes have very large openings, they require a curtain wall system for a whole wall of glass. We’ve had a chance to work on a few enormous windows, as well as other custom windows, doors, and skylights for some of these houses. We’re starting to see more demand for it, and it really fits with our product lines.” www.centralglass.ca

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Huu-ay-aht Enters Into Partnership With Western Forest Products Alberni Valley News ORT ALBERNI - Western Forest Products has sold ownership interest in its Port Alberni forest operation to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

The announcement was made recently at Pacific Coast University in Port Alberni.

The purchase has been set up as a limited partnership for $7.2 million, representing a seven per cent share for Huu-ay-aht. Assets in the limited partnership will consist of some of Western’s assets in its Port Alberni forest operation, including TFL 44. The deal makes room for Western to sell incremental interest in the limited partnership to the Huu-ay-aht in the future.

Western will still access fibre from TFL 44 to support its BC manufacturing facilities.

The announcement “is the first step toward implementing an innovative new framework for the ownership, cooperative management and operation of forestry on TFL 44 and throughout the Alberni Valley,” Huu-ay-aht

P

lawyer Rob Botterell said.

Don Demens, president and CEO of Western Forest Products, said the deal “is a positive step towards increasing First Nations participation in the forest sector, which will benefit the Nation, local communities, Western and our employees.”

It will increase Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ participation in the forestry sector and create better stability for business.

It will allow both parties to better manage the resource and share infrastructure, Demens added.

“We want to mutually work with Western,” said Huu-ayaht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr. “What can we do to help generate wealth for Huu-ay-aht so we can do the things we need to do in our community…We have a rich forest; let’s make it work.”

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to expand across the land base. It makes for more efficient operations and will create more volume for Alberni,” Demens said.

“With the reduction of the land base here over the last 20 years there’s not enough

volume here to support full operations in Port Alberni.

In fact, only about 20 percent of the logs harvested in the Alberni Valley can actually fit into the mill. We import more logs into Port Alberni than go out of the mill.

“This creates a bigger land base to be able to get the right logs for the facility.”

Demens stopped short of saying WFP will have access to Huu-ay-aht treaty forest lands, saying they would have to work with the Huuay-aht on a standalone business agreement.

The deal builds on a Reconciliation Protocol Agreement the two parties signed earlier in 2018. “Huu-ay-aht and Western share the same goals, and together we have demonstrated a track record of cooperation and a willingness to work together to achieve reconciliation, and forestry revitalization,” the Huu-ay-aht noted in a prepared statement.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council called the agreement progressive and congratulated the Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

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DENTIST DR. CLAUDE SAVOIE RETIRING, DR. ANDRE SAVOIE STAYING Mackay CEO Forums Launching New Nanaimo Branch April 2

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O

n e h a l f of t h e brot her-brother dental team at Terminal Park Dental Clinic is retiring at the end of January: Dr. Claude Savoie.

Dr. Andre Savoie will remain in the practice, and will be joined by a new dentist after Claude retires.

Graduates of the University of Manitoba, they joined their father, Dr. Fern Savoie, in his practice and bought him out in 1991.

Claude is looking forward to traveling with his family and enjoying retirement.

Andre continues on in the practice, and says he enjoys dentistry as it gives him a creative and social outlet and he enjoys people.

He’s also famous for his “virtually painless needles”. A plug, you say? Well, their sister, Lise, is my wife!

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NANAIMO

JANUARY 2019

NANAIMO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

retirement, and to Andre in his new partnership!

••• MacKay CEO Forums will be starting a group featuring business owners and managers April 2, with a launch at the Coast Bastion Hotel.

MacK ay CEO Foru ms is a n organization that provides an opportunity for companies to advance and stay on course through regular meetings with peers in non-competitive industries.

Meetings focus on problem solving through successful personal experiences that have worked, as opposed to counseling sessions.

On-site consultation is also a benefit of membership.

I’ve been involved in something like this years ago, and they function somewhat like an unofficial “board of directors” for companies, and found it very worthwhile in providing direction and correction on a number of occasions that helped our business.

If you’d like to know more, email mark@businessexaminer.ca ••• Congratulations to Mike Carson on the successful move of his Sign Zone business to a new location at 3589 Shenton Road, next to Budget Brake & Auto Centre.

Mike has been in the sign business now for 15 years.

••• Ed Mayne has purchased the Tim Horton’s restaurant in the Rock City Plaza, adding to the Tim Horton’s outlets in Parksville and behind Nanaimo North Town Centre he already owned.

Ed is a busy guy these days, as he was elected Mayor of the City of Parksville in the fall, the second time he was voted into the city’s top elected position.

The new Tim Horton’s that is being built, along with a Shell gas station, in the Snaw-naw-as (Nanoose First Nation) development just north of Lantzville next to the Island Highway is owned by the same person who owns the Tim Horton’s near Cabella’s, across from Woodgrove Centre.

•••

Tourism Vancouver Island has signed a five-year contract to provide services to the City of Nanaimo from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2024.

TVI President and CEO Anthony Everett said he is looking forward to working with the many tourism operators, the Nanaimo Hospitality Association, and Snuneymuxw First Nation.

••• Congratulations to Ian Marr, who has been appointed as CEO of the Port of Nanaimo.

Port Chair Michelle Corfield m ade t he a n nou ncement i n January, as well as naming Mike Davidson as Chief Operating Officer of the organization.

Ian and Mike had been coCEO’s following the departure of former CEO Ewan Moir in the fall.

••• Q ua l ity Foo ds i s a d d i n g a new Chinese food kitchen at its Bowen Road location. QF has similar outlets at its Northridge Village store, and its sparkling new store in Harewood, on Bruce Avenue.

••• Randy Johnson is the manager of the new Buy-Low Foods store in University Village Shopping Centre. Randy is originally from Port Alberni and is well known in the sporting community.

The store is in the former Quality Foods location in the mall.

Both Quality Foods and Buy-Low Foods are owned by the Jimmy Pattison Group.

••• Tilray is teaming up with Labatt Breweries to research non-alcoholic drinks containing THC. The Nanaimo-based cannabis company issued a joint press release with AB InBev, the parent company of Labatt, Budweiser and others. Tilray CEO Brendan Kennedy is delighted with the new venture.

••• Real Estate Webmasters CEO and Founder Morgan Carey has been named a finalist in the prestigious Ernst & Young 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for the third year in a row.

••• Landing Liquor Store has a new general manager, and it’s

Yolanda Wicks.

••• Wish ing a fond fa rewell to long-time lawyer David Lobay upon his retirement at the end of the year. Well known for his political activities, David also served as President of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

••• Jingle Pot Pub is back up and running for business, on Jingle Pot Road.

••• A new restaurant is opening soon at 485 Franklyn Street, the former location of the Fiddlehead Café. It will be called Flavours of India.

••• A n application has been

submitted to the City of Nanaimo for a 21-lot subdivision at 857 Old Victoria Road, and at 507 Milton Street, a permit has been issued for a $4.6 million commercial, industrial and multi-family building.

That goes along with the application that is now in the city for a $64 million, 24-storey mixed tower at 77 Chapel Street.

Meanwhile, another 100 units of student housing residents has been added to the development at 525 Third Street.

••• Papa John’s pizza is now open in the plaza at the bottom of Rutherford Road, near the Island Highway.

•••

Senior Financial Consultant

9 Mahalo Veterinary w i l l b e opening in the near future in the former Frontrunners location in Longwood Station on Turner Road.

••• The Dorchester Hotel in downtow n Na na i mo is upg rad i ng some of its guest rooms.

••• A new coffee shop, called White Rabbit Coffee, is expected to open soon next to the Train Station Pub. Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your news by emailing him at mark@ businessexaminer.ca

10

JANUARY 2019

CALAIS SPAS, POOLS & BILLIARDS IS TURNING 25 “Because we’re able to keep busy year-round,

Owners Gary Barber and Murray Renner Continue to Keep Vancouver Island Fun

N

we’ve never had to lay off an employee throughout

ANAIMO/COMOX VALLEY - “Some stores have all the fun.”

This is how Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards co-owner Murray Renner describes his recreation-focused store, which is turning 25 this March.

Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards sells and services hot tubs, pools, and billiards to clients from Duncan to the North Island and beyond. The company boasts a team of certified pool and hot tub technicians and a fully stocked parts and accessories department, operating out of two 4,000 square foot showrooms (one in Nanaimo and one in Courtenay).

Renner and his business partner Gary Barber founded the company in March 1994, and they haven’t looked back since.

“Before we opened the business,

our company’s history.

Once we find good people, we keep them, by enabling them to create a quality life for themselves and their families.”

MURRAY RENNER CO-OWNER OF CALAIS SPAS, POOLS & BILLIARDS

Left to right: Murray Renner (owner - Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards), Dianne Hawkins (CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce), Larry Jangula (former mayor of Courtenay), and Gary Barber (owner - Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards) at the grand opening of the Courtenay store Gary was working for CN Rail and I was working in the commercial vehicle leasing business,” says Renner. “It was New Year’s Day, 1993, and we were sitting on

the floor in Gary’s living room, talking about how working for ourselves was the only way to give us the kind of lifestyle we both wanted.”

Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards sells leisure products suitable for every season

VÉNUS ÉVOLUTION

After the discussion, Renner and Barber started looking for a business ownership opportunity, investigating some options on Vancouver Island.

“We fell in love with the Island,” Renner continues. “Eventually, we ran into a business associate who was working in the hot tub industry, and it seemed to fit our skill sets very well. Gary is very mechanical, and I’m very administrative.”

In the beginning, Renner and Barber ran the business as a twoman operation. As the company grew, more employees joined the team, and Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards moved into its current building, a former fire hall on Corunna Avenue. Over two years ago, the company expanded by opening a second Courtenay location.

Today, Renner and Barber are joined by six staff members, and they’re looking to add more staff in both locations.

“Hot tubs, swim spas, in ground and above ground pools, and billiards are our seasonal products,” says Renner. “Because we’re able to keep busy year-round, we’ve never had to lay off an employee

throughout our company’s history. Once we find good people, we keep them, by enabling them to create a quality life for themselves and their families.”

The staff at Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards are well trained by trade organizations, such as the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC), the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and many others.

“The PHTCC deals with regulatory management and local issues, but they also supply strong educational and certification courses,” remarks Renner. “Both Gary and I have sat on the national board at different times. In fact, Gary just finished his four-year tenure.”

Today, Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards has four full-time PHTCC/APSP-certified technicians who service and install hot tubs and swimming pools throughout the island. Additionally, Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards offers free water testing to those using their products and services. This has proved to be an invaluable service to spa and pool owners all over the Island.

For the last 6-7 years, the company has been part of a buying

TRACK

PROUD SUPPORTER OF CALAIS SPAS POOLS & BILLIARDS

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 25 TH ANNIVERSARY !

SHUFFLEBOARD

CANADA BILLIARD & BOWLING INC. 4050 Industriel blvd, Laval, QC, H7L 6C3 450-963-5060 WWW.CANADABILLIARD.COM

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11

JANUARY 2019

The company offers free water testing to those using their products and services group called the Independent Pool Group (IPG)/Leisurescapes, allowing them to remain competitive with big box stores.

“We make a point of choosing suppliers that are British Columbia first, Canada second, and North America third,” he says.

“We try to stay away from offshore products. Local companies can supply their products faster, and we want to support the Canadian economy. All of our billiard tables, swimming pools, and hot tubs are high-quality, Canadian-made products.”

Though the company has grown in size over the years, Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards has maintained a family feel. In fact, Gary’s oldest daughter has been working as office administrator for the past 17 years.

Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards is always looking for exceptional people to add to its staff, and if any reader is interested in working with the company, resumes can be sent to sales@calaisspa.ca.

Gary and Murray and the entire staff of Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards would like to thank their loyal, long-term customers, letting them know how very much they appreciate their long-term business and friendships.

These relationships can even last long after customers move away from the Island. Thanks to a dealer network agreement with Coast Spas, Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards has sold to clients throughout Canada and beyond, as far as London, England and Palm Springs.

“It’s a great place to work, and we’re always having fun,” reflects Renner. “We’ve been trying to create a fun work space from day one.

“Shortly after our grand opening, we were goofing around with some people from the local radio station in our showroom.

One of them told us, ‘you guys have too much fun.’ I told them, ‘some stores have all the fun.’ We really try to enjoy ourselves when we’re at work. A lot of people will walk out of the store with a hot tub and their entertainment for the night.” www.calaisspa.ca

The team sells and services hot tubs, swim spas, in ground and above ground pools, and billiards

The company also sells and services in-ground pools

An above-ground pool installed by the Calais Spas, Pools & Billiards team

CO N G R AT U L AT I O NS TO

CALAIS SPAS POOLS & BILLIARDS O N YO U R

41 NICOL STREET, NANAIMO P: 250.591.1777 E: INFO@MOSAICIT.CA WWW.MOSAICIT.CA

25th ANNIVERSARY!

Congratulations to Calais Spas Pools & Billiards on your 25th Anniversary!

7190 Lantzville Road, Lantzville P: 250.390.4131 E: info@kmacpa.ca www.kmacpa.ca

All of the company’s hot tubs, billiard tables, and pools are made in Canada

OFF THE COVER

12 AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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).

“We have grown to expect that nominations are generally evenly split between companies south of the Malahat, and those from north of the Malahat,” says MacDonald. “It has happened again this year, which is no surprise, as the population of both areas are very close, but it also shows the strength of the economy on Vancouver Island is spread out.”

The finalists are, by city: Campbell River Beach Fire Brewing, VI Creature Teachers, Grey River Netting Inc., Island Fever Travel & Cruise and Waypoint Insurance.

Cobble Hill Merridale Cider & Distillery.

Coombs Coombs Junction Furniture.

Comox Valley Grannies on the Go, J. Zsiros Contracting, Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, Living Room Pharmacy and The Update Company.

Duncan Arbutus Farms, Cowichan Auto Repair, Fitstop Gym, Plante Custom Homes and Taiji Brand Group.

Langford/West Shore Fountain Tire Langford, Langford

Original, The Lab Yoga & Fitness, Serious Coffee – Millstream Village, Tumblebums Play Centre & Top Shop, Clark’s Taekwondo and Dr. Joslin & Dr. Morin Associates.

Nanaimo/Lantzville Pheasant Hill Homes, Get My Kit, 250 Plumber, Coco Café, Flying Fish, Good Life Juice, Island West Coast Developments, Ivory Design Company, J.E. Anderson, Longview Brew Pub, Mazzei Electric, Meat Craft Island Butchery, NYLA Fresh Thread, Quarterway Pub, St. Jean’s Cannery, Tectonica, Vancouver Island Expedition, VMAC. Parksville/Nanoose Sartori Custom Homes, M&N Mattress Shop, McGorman MacLean, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort.

Port Alberni

JANUARY 2019

Alberni Aquarium and Stewardship Centre, Electron Metalworks, Jim’s Clothes Closet, Naesgaard’s Farm Market and T win City Brewing.

Saanich Bayshore Home, Focus Hair Design and McTavish Academy of Art. Saanichton/Sidney Peninsula Co-op, Trich Analytics and All Care Canada.

Sooke D&H Woodworks, Sooke Brewing Company, Westcom Plumbing and Gas. Tofino Crystal Cove Beach Resort, Surf Sister Surf Shop, The Factory Tofino and Tofino Food Tours.

Victoria Reliable Controls Corporation,

Canadian Tire Hillside, Comfort Keepers, Compass Electric Ltd., Cornerstone Properties, Horizon Contracting, Il Covo Trattoria, Inn at Laurel Point, Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic, Linda Mackie Photography, Luv-A-Rug Services Inc., NZ Builders, Oakcrest Park Estates Ltd., Orian Construction,Pizzeria Prima Strada, Russell Books, The Truffles Group, Urban Bee Honey Farm, Urban Smiles Victoria, Vecima Networks, Inc. and Waymark Architecture.

For more information on the event contact MacDonald at 1-866-7582684 ext. 120 or email: mark@ businessexaminer.ca To book tickets ($125 each), visit www.businessexaminer.ca/events.

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13

JANUARY 2019

Anandia Laboratories Building Cannabis Innovation Centre In Comox $20 Million Being Invested To Create Science Research Centre And 25 Jobs

BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

C

OMOX – Anandia Laboratories wa s lo ok i n g outside the sky-high lower mainland real estate market for its new Cannabis Innovation Centre (CIC), and they found a perfect situation awaiting them in Comox.

While rezoning a parcel of land near Comox Valley Airport several years ago, forward thinking Town of Comox Council members added “cannabis” to the zoning allowances for possible future tenants, so when Vancouver-based Anandia came calling, they were ready. It was a perfect fit.

Construction is already underway on a 21,000 square foot building that is the first phase of the CIC, which will eventually be home to over 25 well paying jobs and a total investment cost of close to $20 million. Heatherbrae Builders is building the first building, which is targeted to open by mid-summer this year.

Besides the fortuitous opportunity, it’s a chance to “come home” for Dr. Jonathan Page, Aurora’s Chief Science Officer, who grew up in the Comox Valley, where his parents still live.

“The location is close to a good, regional airport (Comox Valley Airport – YQQ) that has regular flights to Calgary and Vancouver,” notes Dr. Page. “We’re recruiting science talent, and Vancouver is a great city, but it repels people with its high housing costs. We believe we can attract science talent to the Comox Valley because they can afford to buy homes.”

Having another major employer locate in the area is good news, says John Watson, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.

“We are very pleased to have Anandia make such a major investment in the Comox Valley,” said Watson, “It’s a great example of the range of companies that are investing or expanding here, and the type of lands available for various projects and businesses.”

CVEDS, with a local tech firm, developed an online interactive mapping system (viewable on www.investcomoxvalley.com) to feature current and proposed developments, available commercial leases, major projects and tax incentive zones with their boundaries, to focus on the promotion of opportunities in downtown Comox and Courtenay. It has proven to be very effective in demonstrating opportunities to companies like Anandia.

Dr. Page was not on ly i mpressed that Comox Council had the foresight to zone the property for cannabis use, but that subsequent meetings regarding

Dr. Jonathan Page storm water and other development-related issues revealed that “council overwhelmingly supports the whole project, as they see it brings good jobs and increases the tax base in Comox.

We’re certainly very encouraged to be in Comox.”

The CIC will focus on the development of new ca n n abis cultivars using modern plant breeding tools. This will equip Aurora and the broader cannabis industry with better knowledge of cannabis genetics, biology and biochemistry.

Leading the Comox management team is Greg Baute, Director of Plant Breeding and Genetics.

The Centre’s work will help develop cannabis cultivars with beneficial traits, improved yields, resistance to disease and pests, and optimized chemical profiles.

Unlike other agricultural crops with decades of breeding knowledge, cannabis hasn’t yet received the same attention from plant biologists and breeders because of the historic difficulties in obtaining the appropriate licenses. The work of the CIC will change all of that: crop improvement will be furthered through conventional breeding techniques that haven’t yet been maximized for cannabis The first phase of the Comox project will consist of a 21,000 square foot greenhouse and a 10,500 square foot header house that will have offices, lab space, meeting rooms, and the mechanical and electrical systems that support the greenhouse.

Future phases will likely include additional greenhouses, as well as support buildings for indoor propagation, labs, and offices.

The initial staffing complement will be between 8-15 people and will increase as the facility expands. The Centre’s design team of architects and engineers hails from Metro Vancouver, and includes support from local engineers and environmental staff.

Architectural renderings of the Cannabis Innovation Centre, from street level and aerial view, by Local Practice Architecture Last June, Aurora Cannabis Inc. acquired all of A nandia Laboratories Inc.’ outstanding shares for $115 million, and in November, Aurora announced t h at D r. Page, who wa s cofounder of Anandia, would assume the role of Chief Science Officer, where he would oversee all science-related projects at the company. The Aurora science team develops innovative products for the medical, wellness and adult consumer use markets, and focuses on delivering industry-leading cultivation results in terms of yields, consistency, quality and efficiency.

Dr. Page was a co-founder of Anandia, a leading cannabis science company that provides analytical testing services to licensed cannabis producers a nd patient-cu ltivators. Dr. Page is an adjunct professor in

the Botany Department at the University of British Columbia, where he received his PhD. He undertook post-doctoral training in Germany and for a decade directed a lab at the National Research Council.

Dr. Page is a lso a n accompl ished i nventor w ith eig ht issued patents or patent applications, and a frequent lecturer on cannabis science at international international symposiums.

“Anandia has amassed an extensive library of cannabis genetics coupled with in-depth genomic and chemical analysis,” notes Dr. Page. “Partnering with Aurora, with their expanded financial resources, scientific expertise and multiple cultivation sites, will enable us to accelerate our current breeding efforts to create the next-generation of cannabis genetics. Both Anandia and Aurora

are strong believers in research and science-based solutions.

“We are confident that joining forces will enable us to rapidly advance cannabis science for the benefit of consumers, patients and growers, and further establish Aurora as the global leader in the cannabis industry.”

Dr. John Coleman, Anandia’s co-founder and now President, states “It is the combination of strong science and client focus that has made Anandia a cannabis testing leader. We intend to continue supporting all of our clients. Anandia’s testing business will remain operationally independent, and we will be taking steps in the coming weeks to ensure that our independence is clear to our stakeholders.”

“We hold all client information private and confidential and will continue to do so. In the meantime, we are expanding our capacity to service the anticipated increase in sample volume associated with legalization through our new 12,700 square foot corporate head office, testing and product development laboratory in Vancouver.”

D r. P a g e a d d s “ O u r n e w Ca n n a bi s I n novat ion Centre in Comox will provide the infrastructure needed to serve a rapid ly g row i ng ca n n abis market. Leveraging Aurora’s capabilities, we will be able to accelerate the completion date of our new centre. Additionally, being integrated into Aurora’s international operations will enable us to rapidly broaden our reach beyond the domestic Canadian industry.” www.auroramj.com

Looking For Land & Investment Opportunities?

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14

JANUARY 2019

PRINT Strong Print and Signage Industry Crucial Business Success

Print and Signage Innovation Continues, Everyone Benefits

Digital printing system for printing a wide range of superwide-format applications. These printers are generally roll-to-roll and have a print bed that is 2m to 5m wide. Mostly used for printing billboards and generally have the capability of printing between 60 to 160 square metres per hour

P

r i nt a nd sig nage a re everywhere.

From t he colou r a nd logos on you r ta ke-out esp r e s s o c u p, t o t h e s h r i n k wrapped transit bus you went

to work on this morning, to the logos on the computer you worked on a l l d ay – somewhere down the line a designer and a printer played pivotal roles in making your day better

informed and more enjoyable.

T he i ndustry is one of the m o s t t e c h n o l o g i c a l l y a dva nced sectors i n Ca n ad a .

Under the umbrella of print we find digital printing, forms,

bank notes, magazines, newspapers, stationary and screen printing to name a few. There are also the sub sectors such SEE PRINT  |  PAGE 16

PRINT

JANUARY 2019

15

FASTRAC PRINT & MAIL OFFERS ONE-STOP DIRECT MARKETING SERVICE prove that clients are far more likely to read a targeted piece of Direct Mail, as opposed to an online ad or an email. Canada Post research reveals that Direct Mail gets a huge open rate of around 80 per cent.”

Fastrac uses multiple sources to help clients acquire the most effective mailing lists possible, enabling them to test and uncover new business outside of their

Victoria Company Combines Direct Marketing and Digital Printing Expertise to Offer Comprehensive Service

V

ICTORIA AND NANAIMO - Thanks to its unique blend of digital print and strategic marketing services, Fastrac Print & Mail is helping businesses gain customers and enhance profits with Direct Mail.

Established by Print and Direct Mail specialist Greg Hawes, Fastrac offers a comprehensive Direct Mail service, including strategy and planning, list and data management, creative and artwork production, printing and personalization, enclosing and mailing.

Additionally, the company offers supporting digital marketing services, often combining physical and digital components to maximize campaign reach and results.

Hawes is joined by Martin Hubbard, with over 26 years of experience working in Direct Marketing with major companies in the UK and Europe. Hubbard’s previous clients include British Telecom, Time Life Books, Fortune Magazine, Glenlivet Whisky and Black & Decker, together with well-known brands in the Banking and Insurance sectors, and more.

Effective use of Direct Mail campaigns is one of the best ways for many companies to reach and interest new customers “We ca n help cl ients better understand how to implement Direct Marketing, or improve their existing results,” he says.

“We bring a very down to earth view into our process. We plan carefully and work collaboratively.

In the end, you will understand exactly how much business our work has generated, and where it could lead you.”

T he Fastrac team work with an experienced network of Creative Design and Copywriting professionals to deliver a complete service for their customers.

According to Hubbard, effective use of Direct Mail is one of the best ways for many companies to reach and interest new customers.

“Marketing is in the midst of some major changes right now,” says Hubbard. “There’s been an awful lot of digital overload for people, and Direct Mail can be an extremely effective alternative or addition.

“When someone receives properly targeted Direct Mail, they get a different, tactile, engaging and personalized experience that is delivered in context with their needs and circumstances. Studies

existing customer base. Fastrac is also a fully accredited Canada Post Smartmail Marketing Partner.

Interested? - Fastrac offers a free consultation to help companies identify opportunities and efficient strategies to realize them.

To find out more, contact Martin at 250-882-2765 or martin@fastracprinting.com. www.fastracprinting.com

16

PRINT

JANUARY 2019

PRINT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

as pre-press, design, direct m a i l i ng, bi nder y work a nd delivery.

Those in the field has been challenged to be creative and attentive to emerging technologies, to move from standard one-dimensional print products to learning the world of digital, staying abreast of new printers which have changed from mammoth machinery to smallish specialized machines able to construct 3-d i mensional products.

The latter allows the creation of a 3D printed complex object from a digital file. Especially useful in prototypes, architectural models.

With the recent oversaturation of the digital advertising markets, many companies are finding it more and more difficult to get their message heard.

W it h a m ajor it y of Nor t h Americans using their phones for communication, information, direction, and more, the digital sphere is posing a challenge for companies seeking to attract new clientele and increase brand recognition.

Far from becoming obsolete, print marketing is proving itself as an important vehicle for companies who seek to stand out. More companies are turning back to flyers, brochures, and direct mail campaigns to seek out new business.

Additionally, improvements i n tech nolog y a re resu lti ng i n new ways of i nteg rat i ng print and digital marketing, allowing businesses to target new business more effectively, with greater precision.

T he Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPI A) describes its mission ‘as an association is to strengthen a nd s upp or t t he cont i nu a l advancement of the printing industry across Canada’. They provide a national voice and ‘a connection point for regional print associations, sector associations and print-focused post-secondary educational

programs’. This is increasingly important in an industry that is constantly changing.

CPI A restructured in 2018 that unified key industry stakeholders across Canada.

Members of the CPIA within this new structure consist of six regional print associations and one supplier association.

R ich a rd Ko uwen hoven o f Hemlock Printers, CPIA Board Chair says, “On behalf of the CPIA Board, I am excited to share this important step for a renewed CPIA. We have received many positive responses from industry stakeholders who support this new initiative and we will be taking careful steps to help build a foundation that enables the CPIA to carry out its mandate well into the future. We look forward to the work ahead and welcome ideas and input from industry stakeholders as we chart a new course for the Association.”

Recent employment statistics indicate that the nation’s print industry employs over 50,000 people in 6,000 different businesses, making it the fourth-largest manufacturing employer in Canada.

With over 6,000 British Columbians in the industry, organizations like PrintForward have been created to speak on their behalf.

PrintForward is a trade association that aims to promote and advance the best interests of the printing industry, particularly in BC and Western Canada.

It is described as “a recogn i zed voice of t he pri nt i ng i n d u s t r y a n d p ro v i d e s i t s members with one of the most dynamic partnership arrangements of any association in North America.”

T h is a rra ngement g ive members access to resou rce s i nclud i n g memb ersh ip i n Printing Industries of A m e r i c a , p r e m i u m m e mbersh ip i n W hatthey th i n k. com, and access to resources t h rou g h a ssoci at ion membership in the BC Alliance for Manufacturers. www.printforward.org

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JANUARY 2019

TERRATECH BUILDS ROCK-SOLID REPUTATION “Drilling is a booming Sub: Now In Its Second Year, Courtenay Company Stands Out in Island Drilling Industry

C

OURTENAY - Terratech Drilling is breaking new ground with its team of experts and its one-of-a-kind drill.

Formed over one year ago by Colin Robb (President, Health & Safety Manager), Steve McAllister (Vice-President), and Jon Piper (Vice-President), the company is making a name for itself, providing geotechnical, environmental, and construction drilling services to clients across the Island.

The company’s services include environmental drilling, geotechnical drilling, geothermal drilling, hollow & solid stem augers, split spoon sampling, monitoring wells, air rotary, vapor probes, diamond drilling, bedrock drilling, and more.

“I’ve been in the industry for years,” says Robb. “Jon, Steve, and myself met through work, and we have 35 years of combined experience. We believed we could do this job better, safer, and with greater efficiency, so we decided to form Terratech.”

industry right now, especially with a need for geotechnical drilling on dams, mines, and new developments. We have a very good rapport with clients, and I think we have a bright future ahead.”

STEVE MCALLISTER VICE-PRESIDENT AND CO-OWNER OF TERRATECH DRILLING

Each of the team members bring unique strengths to the table, with Robb’s background in health & safety, Piper’s background in sales, and McAllister’s versatility

Left to Right: Terratech owners Jon Piper, Colin Robb, and Steve McAllister with drilling work.

Their main rig is a brand new, state-of-the-art B29 Drill Investigator, which was custom-made

by Mobile Drill in Indianapolis.

“Between the three of us, we’ve worked all over the continent, and we have a lot of experience drilling throughout Canada,” says Robb. “We had a good idea of what we needed in a drill, and we worked with Mobile Drill for nearly nine months, discussing and fine-tuning. The result is a completely unique drill that is tailored to the specific work we

do. It’s the only rig of its kind in Canada.”

The rig sits on a Ford F550 4X4, which has taken it to work sites all over the Island. According to Piper, the company plans to continue acquiring the newest, latest equipment as it continues to grow.

“The Island is going to continue to grow over the next 10-20 years, and we want to be part of that growth,” says McAllister. “Drilling is a booming industry right now, especially with a need for geotechnical drilling on dams,

mines, and new developments.

We have a very good rapport with clients, and I think we have a bright future ahead.”

Though the owners plan on eventual expansion to the mainland, a majority of Terratech’s jobs are currently on Vancouver Island. All three of the founders have roots in the region, and both McAllister and Piper were born on the Island.

“We’ve been here a long time, and we plan to stay here a long time,” says Robb. www.terratechdrilling.net

18

JANUARY 2019

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JANUARY 2019

Nanaimo Business Owner to Appear on Dragon’s Den

N

ANAIMO - Local entrepreneur Jen Gibb brought her unique gardening multi-tool all the way to Toronto to face CBC’s Dragon’s Den. Gibb owns Beyond the Fence, a Nanaimo-based garden maintenance company that has been operating in the area for the last 15 years. Last year, she successfully auditioned for a chance to impressive the show’s panel in Toronto.

On February 7, she will appear on National television on Season 13, Episode 16, pitching her innovative Eazyway Garden Multi-Tool.

“I was in a car accident with a rubberized grip. some years ago, and afIt features removable imter my injuries, I started plements at both ends so using tools differently customers can customize at work,” says Gibb. “I their tool. sta rted to ma ke some “It’s a back saver,” says prototy pes of a tool I Gibb. “It’s ergonomic, could use at work, and it and great for people who took some time to perare downsizing. It’s easy fect. After some sketchto store and transport, ing and drawing, and a and great for those in lot of feedback from my urban communities who community, customers, Jenn Gibb pitched her Eazyway Garden Multitravel on subways or biand staff, we had a prod- Tool on Dragon’s Den, with her appearance set cycles. There’s also a lot uct that we were ready to to air on CBC on February 7 of room for brand expanpresent.” sion, as our product could Eazyway, which is currently kit comprised of a light-weight easily be outfitted to do things in the prototype phase, is a tool aluminium telescopic handle like windows.”

According to Gibb, the experience of pitching this product on Dragon’s Den was surreal.

“I was hoping to go first, so when they told me I would be going first, I was pretty excited,” she says. “It happened so quickly.

I was prepped a little bit and knew a little about what to expect, but then the camera was in my face.

In the end, I was happy with the whole experience, but there was a lot of adrenaline. You don’t have a lot of time to think about it while you’re in the room.”

To find out the results of Gibb’s presentation, tune into CBC on February 7th.

20

OFF THE COVER

JANUARY 2019

Port Alberni is beginning to attract new investment and a younger demographic

PORT ALBERNI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

facilities in Port Alberni,” says Deakin. “We worked hard to get that subdivision of the Catalyst property done so they could move on to it, and they’ve begun to develop it ahead of schedule” The community is also seeing growth in several other sectors.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been getting more proposals from business types that really assist in diversifying the economy,” continues Deakin. “We’ve had a few inquiries about food manufacturing businesses, which is quite new for us. We’re also getting proposals for integrated cannabis research

and development operations. A business plan for a floating drydock is being done in partnership with the Port Alberni Port Authority, Canadian Maritime Engineering and the provincial government.

“The city has also seen proposals for another brewpub and a wine bar, and we’re getting some more interest in clean technology businesses, driven largely by the success of the international award-winning Coulson Group’s Ice-Blast.”

Port Alberni is also working with seven other communities (Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Ucluelet), , to attract the tech industry to 2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR

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the central Island. ICET is lending some administrative assistance to this initiative.

The Port Alberni Economic Development Division will also be launching a new investment attraction website, separate from the city’s website, again with financial assistance from ICET. This will make it easier for people to access and understand where development opportunities exist in a mobile-friendly format.

“Other 2019 initiatives include: continuing to improve the business licence process and redoing the Business Licence and HomeBased Business Zoning bylaws; becoming a Pilot Community for the Provincial Nominee Program; investing in sport tourism; expanding our social media marketing alongside Alberni Valley Tourism; and continuing our facade improvement program with Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot,” says Deakin.

In the first quarter of this year, Port Alberni’s recently elected Council will be announcing a new strategic plan, which will have an economic development component.

“The new mayor and council have been great to work with,” says Deakin. “They are continuing to build on a good foundation left by the previous council. Our new mayor, Sharie Minions is young, entrepreneurial, seasoned, and very bright, and she appeals to the demographic that we’re wanting to attract to this community.”

Helping to attract more of this demographic, Port Alberni will have three cruise ships arriving in 2019, which are focused on an expedition segment.

“This means there will be more younger, active cruisers who will be able to experience the area’s natural beauty, which is exciting to us,” says Deakin.

The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has taken on the work of organizing for these cruise ship arrivals.

With unprecedented demand for property and an influx of new businesses and jobs coming to the community, Port Alberni’s future is looking bright. www.portalberni.ca

We’ll be celebrating the very best in 2018 business on Vancouver Island on January 24 And you’re invited to join us at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre!

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22

JANUARY 2019

DON’T LIKE THE PROPERTY ASSESSMENT? THEY CAN BE APPEALED

I

t’s that time of year when annual property assessment notice d isplaying 2019 property assessment values and classification arrive.

T h i s ye a r’s not ic e s a re e s p e c i a lly i mpor ta nt a nd deser ve close i ns p e c t ion g iven t he on goi n g re cord increases in com mercial, industrial

Property taxes too high? ✦ Is your 2019 Property Assessment value fair? ✦ Is your assessment value equitable? ✦ Is your property tax classification correct? ✦ Have you received all available property tax exemptions? ✦ Should you file an appeal?

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and investment property assessment values over the past year in most areas of the province. It is from this estimation of com mercia l or i ndustria l property assessment values that local govern ments a nd the P rov i nce w i l l determine how much overall property tax is paid this year.

The BC Assessment Authority is responsible for the annual valuation of almost 2,300,000 properties in B.C. with its 700 employees, but it remains the property owners’ responsibility to rev iew a nd appea l the notices to ensure they are fair and equitable.

And what if someone doesn’t agree with the assessment value or classification? Perhaps they believe it’s too high, or in some cases, too low. Can anything be done about it?

Yes, but appeals must be filed on or before January 31, 2019. T here is no fee to file an appeal at this first level of review.

T i m D ow n , P re s id e nt of PacWe st Com m erci a l Re a l E st ate A dv i s ors , which specializes in annual property assessment appeal services throughout B.C., notes, “If an assessment is incorrect, the owner will be paying more property tax now and into the future, so they need to ensure that they have been assessed fairly and consistently.

“Property taxpayers have a right to either the lower of the actual market va lue, or t he equ itable a ssessment value for their property,” Down adds.

“It should be no higher than a similar, competing property in their taxing jurisdiction. For example, a commercial

property in a downtown location should not be assessed at a higher rate than a similar neighboring property.”

Down believes the significant property assessment value increases this year will result in even larger inequitable increases for many property taxpayers if not carefully reviewed and challenged. Also, local governments are increasing property taxes to shore up funding for emerging social initiatives and strategies. These increases tend to place a higher burden of taxation on the non-residential taxpayer.

Development land values and classification will continue to be an issue for property taxpayers with the BC Assessment Authority taking aggressive valuation and taxation policy positions in the application of higher tax classifications for mixed use developments and agricultural lands.

BC Assessment Authority continues its trend to aggressively pursue assessment valuation policies and property tax classification initiatives through lega l cha l lenges that w i l l have long lasting impacts on all non-residential property taxpayers.

It’s better to stay informed and vigilant these days, Down says, pointing out that property taxes, after mortgage and lease costs, are the largest annual operating expenses for property owners. Once the appeal deadline has passed, property taxes cannot be appealed. He adds that property taxes go straight to the bottom line performance of all real estate assets. www.pacwestrealestate.ca

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COWICHAN VALLEY

JANUARY 2019

23

CHAMBER WELCOMES 2019 EXECUTIVE TEAM

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

F

ollowing the Chamber’s November AGM, a new Executive was elected at the December Board of Directors Meeting. Welcome new President Chris Duncan, MNP LLP. Julie Scurr, Coast Salish Insurance, is

now Past President, having served as Chamber President for four years.

Carol Messier, Maple Bay Marina steps into the 1st Vice President role, and Ruth Hartmann, Hartmann Interior Design continues as 2nd Vice President. Danielle Killam, Grant Thornton LLP remains the Secretary Treasurer.

Former President Julie Scurr told the members at the AGM, “It’s time for a new person to bring a fresh perspective to the Chamber and I’m confident that I’m leaving the organization in a good and stable position. I am proud of how successful the Chamber has been in developing and broadening partnerships and collaboration opportunities with local community organizers,

media, government and others.”

Julie will continue as Chair of the Business Advocacy Committee, advocating on behalf of Cowichan businesses on issues affecting their business.

The Chamber welcomed five new Directors to the 2019 Board: Vince Avery, Thrive Now Physiotherapy, Karen Bresler, KBL Law Corporation, Don Hatton, Hatton Insurance Agency, Christopher Schmerk, TD Canada Trust and Pamela Stover, PD Stover Professional Corporation. Directors continuing their term include: Lynn Clark, Maple Bay Manor, Arlene Johnson, G3 Mechatronics and Penny Lehan, Coleman Fraser Whittome Lehan Schmidt.

Welcome new Chamber members: Thoughtful Place Design,

White Pacific Services, Cowichan Brain Injury, Dairy Queen, Osborne Bay Pub, Barely North Entertainment, Enamelling on Steel, How to Communications, Cowichan River Lodge, Shawnigan Lake School, Island Savings/ Credential Securities and Holly

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Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-748-1111 or manager@ duncancc.bc.ca

24

CAMPBELL RIVER

JANUARY 2019

BUILDING ON 2018 SUCCESSES

2

CAMPBELL RIVER CHAMBER COLLEEN EVANS

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019 plans for the Chamb er a re wel l u nder way, building on the success of last year and supporting the p eople a nd b u si nesses who are powering Campbell River.

We look forward to welcoming many new Members this year, there’s no better time to become a Chamber Member! Join today online or contact Colleen Evans, Chamber CEO at www. campbellriverchamber.ca Our Chamber will continue to be an assertive and proactive advocate in 2019, representing the voice of our members and busi ness on i ndustry sector priorities including procurement, aquaculture, forestry, small business retention, succession pl a n n i n g, tou r i sm, work force development a nd skills training.

We w rapp e d up 2018 w it h t he a q u a c u lt u re p ol icy ou r Chamber developed and successfully delivered to the BC Chamber AGM and approved

by Chambers across BC. That policy was further developed for presentation to the Canad i a n Ch a mber AGM a nd aga i n, the Ca mpbel l R iver Chamber’s policy was approved

by Chambers across Canada, resulting in strong, viable recommendations for provincial and federal governments for a

sustainable aquaculture industry. Our procurement policy was also successfully received a nd approved, creati ng new opportunities to advocate for access to a skilled workforce for the construction industry, skills training and community benefit at a local level. For more information on both of these successful policies visit www.campbellriverchamber. ca. Our Chamber ended 2018 by joining with other Vancouver Island Chambers to oppose the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) critical habitat zone extension and we see the first quarter of 2019 to be a continuation of these discussions.

Some of the great 2019 events in development include an enha nced Cha mber’s Business Award s of D i st in ct ion , new opportunities to showcase our Members through Business After Business events, a new format for our Member Showcase.

Our highly successful industry focused luncheons will once a ga i n b e on t he key sectors driving Campbell River’s economy and issues that are directly i mpacti ng sma l l busi ness including access to a skilled work force a nd t he evolv i ng natural resource sectors.

Our Chamber launched Ins i g h t s & B u s i n e s s, o u r T V

Show on Shaw TV in 2018 and past episodes can be viewed at www.campbellriverchamber. ca f rom ou r homepage. T he success of t he ser ies has us p l a n n i n g a n d l o o k i n g fo rwa rd to Insights & Business 2019, featuring local business leaders and inf luencers discussing topics like Campbell R iver Connectivity for business; Supply Chain impacts; The Changing Face of Retail; the Creative Industries Impact on Small Business Growth and lots more.

Overall, Campbell River had a remarkable 2018 as a sought after community to run a business, work, raise a family and live in. Some of the best images and stories about adventu re a n d d i s c ove r y i n o u r c ommunity and region were shared th roug h Discover Ca mpbel l River’s Instagram at www.instagram.com/discovercampbellriver/ - check it out and see why Campbell River is a must do, on your 2019 ‘to do’ list.

Lots to look forward to in 2019 a nd for t he Cha mber, we’re here to help ma ke 2019 you r best year yet!

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

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COMOX VALLEY

JANUARY 2019

25

CHAMBER ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT IN REVIEW

COMOX VALLEY CHAMBER DIANNE HAWKINS

T

he Chamber works all year on advocacy issues that affect chamber members a nd b u si ness i n t he Comox Valley. Since we are working diligently on these issues, we sometimes forget to share the ‘wins’ and meaningful collaborations. So here are a few from 2018…

Construction Industry Collaboration: The Chamber hosted a workshop with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association to discuss the new BC Building Codes. A great spin off from this was a collaborative partnership with Buildinglinks allowing us to bring even more information to our members.

Comox Valley Regional District & Grease T raps: T he Chamber met with local restaurant owners and the CVRD to discuss

concerns around the proposed grease trap waste deadline for collection. T hrough discussions, we are pleased to report that the deadline has been extended to December 31, 2019. The CVRD will focus on effective ways of processing grease trap waste at the landfill site. This is a BIG win for the hundreds of restaurants in the Valley.

The Chamber holds a seat on the “get your poop in a group” advisory committee, aka CV Sewerage System Liquid Waste Management Planning Public Advisory Committee.

Vital Signs Report collaboration: This year the Chamber chose to sponsor the 2018 Vital Signs report. We see this report as a key resource. The report outlines many gaps and needs in the Valley and is a great tool for business and for promoting the well-being of our community.

We have copies in the office if you don’t have yours yet.

BC Employment Standards Act Reform & Business: Recently the provincial government introduced proposed changes to the Labour Standards Act that will greatly impact business. I n the new year we are hosting a round table discussion with key members and MLA Ronna Rae Leonard.

First Year of the Corporate

New Brewery Proposed In Courtenay Comox Valley Record OMOX VALLEY - A Courtenay-based company has applied to the City to open a new brewery in the vicinity of the Whistle Stop Neighbourhood Pub. The proponents of Ace Brewing Company hope to open an establishment at 150 Mansfield Dr., near the Courtenay Air Park.

The Whistle Stop is located at 2355 Mansfield.

At a recent meeting meeting, Coun. Doug Hillian questioned if off sales from neighboring pubs could create problems, in terms of regulations that limit the proximity of retail sales. Staff said the question is for the provincial government to determine.

C

Council directed staff to post notice on the City’s website to seek public input about the application for council consideration at its Jan. 21 meeting.

The proposed brewery would contain a lounge. Hours of operation would be 11 am to 11 pm daily, though the applicant expects to close earlier Sunday to Wednesday.

A car dealership had once operated in the building, which was constructed in 1966. It was renovated in the ’70s and ’80s, and divided with a demising wall in 2016. Care Automotive Service operates on one side of the property. The brewery applicant is leasing the other side.

Businessexaminer.ca Breaking Business News Previous Business Examiner Issues Brand & Link your Business

Partners Program – Its been great! 2018 was the first year we launched the corporate partners program. We are pleased to have corporate partners who are continuing their year-long partnership and support of the Chamber as well as introducing two new corporate partners in 2019. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profile in the community.

Vancouver Island Chamber Collaboration: On December 6 in Victoria, BC 18 Chambers u n ited to ask DFO to rev iew t hei r Sout h Resident K i l ler Whale critical habitat extension and to seek further input from business, indigenous peoples, and to invite citizen science to the table. Both provincial and national media were on hand and Dianne was on CBC on behalf of the Chambers.

Societies Act changes: T he cha mber hosted a “cha nges to the Societies Act” seminar with Martha Rans, a Vancouver lawyer who specializes in legal consulting to Not-for-Profits.

That’s just a sprinkling of the reach we’ve made this year and we’re pleased! Our advocacy efforts have affected local business, not-for-profits and citizens in the Valley.

Municipal, provincial and federal governments look to the

Chamber to check the pulse of our community. As well, they utilize Chamber resources when they need to connect with local business and issues.

T hank you and Happy New Year!

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.

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26 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’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 0795382 BC Ltd 2595 Napier St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Island Architectural Millwork Ltd CLAIM $34,308 DEFENDANT 0893730 BC Ltd 202-15388 24th Ave, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF J Robbins Construction Ltd CLAIM $30,230 DEFENDANT 1028462 BC Ltd 1250 Wharf St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Sysco Canada Inc CLAIM $22,699 DEFENDANT 1070648 BC Ltd 714 Sayward Rd, Sayward BC PLAINTIFF Super Save Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $35,236

WHO IS SUING WHOM DEFENDANT C&W Campbell Homes 7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Filippino, Tina CLAIM $22,176 DEFENDANT Brunnell Construction Ltd 7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC Mcintosh, Donald CLAIM $6,716 DEFENDANT CD Construction Drilling Inc 700-570 Granville St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Varsteel Ltd CLAIM $21,140 DEFENDANT Guild Freehouse 1250 Wharf St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Sysco Canada Inc CLAIM $22,699 DEFENDANT HTL Transport Ltd 205-17619 96 Ave, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Rush Canada Transport Ltd CLAIM $12,804 DEFENDANT Island View Tree Service And Stump Grinding Ltd

JANUARY 2019

3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Carr Harris, Brian Geoffrey CLAIM $34,455

2595 Napier St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Island Architectural Millwork Ltd CLAIM $34,308

DEFENDANT J Lealand Contracting Ltd 2955 Henry Rd, Chemainus, BC PLAINTIFF Morneau, Ian John Todd CLAIM $35,216

DEFENDANT Playtime Gaming Group 1600-925 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Island Architectural Millwork Ltd CLAIM $34,308

DEFENDANT Karandy Enterprises Ltd 1202 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Designhome Concepts Ltd CLAIM $21,555 DEFENDANT Lilyannas Hair Salon 215-440 Schley Pl, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Arbutus Mall Ventures Ltd CLAIM $7,586 DEFENDANT North Island Automotive Ltd 445 Crown Island Blvd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Sandulak, Bernard Mervin CLAIM $21,099 DEFENDANT Paramount Projects

DEFENDANT Quadra Management Ltd 200-1260 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Rogers, John CLAIM $8,341 DEFENDANT Resolution Construction Systems 14-555 Ravenwoods Dr, North Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Finnish Line Woodworking CLAIM $6,597 DEFENDANT Rodgers Fishing Lodge 200-1260 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Rogers, John CLAIM $8,341

DEFENDANT Rodgers Marine Adventures Ltd 200-1260 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Rogers, John CLAIM $8,341 DEFENDANT Sherwood MHP Inc 303-1001 Cloverdale Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Hebert, Calvin Leslie J CLAIM $30,847 DEFENDANT Tall Tree Festival Society 977 McBriar Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Richlock Rentals Ltd CLAIM $35,196 DEFENDANT Richlock Rentals Ltd 3342 Oak St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Frank Ryan Contracting Ltd CLAIM $19,191 DEFENDANT Wom Mastercraft Construction Ltd 201-19 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Baker, Toby CLAIM $24,122

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

JANUARY 2019

NORTH ISLAND

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Shelley Downey has been confirmed as the candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in the next federal election for the North Island – Powell River riding.

Shelley is no stranger to politics, and is currently a councilor for the Town of Port McNeill, and is treasurer for Mount Waddington Community Futures and for Rotary service club. Shelley and her husband Ron own and operate two People’s drug stores.

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Port Hardy council voted in favour to have an application for a new cannabis shop proceed to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) at a recent meeting. Pacificanna Holdings Ltd., a Victoria-based cannabis company is behind the application seeking to open a shop on Market Street. Once the application is approved by the LCRB, the application must return to council for them to decide whether or not to issue a business license.

27

Megan Hanacek has been appointed to the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET). Hanacek is a Port McNeill resident, CEO of the Private Forest Landowners Association and a longtime forester who has been appointed to the board for a three-year term. ICET has approved more than $50-million in funding for 190 economic infrastructure and development projects.

The Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre’s building on Market Street flooded due to failure of a hot water tank in the building’s storage loft. The organization has been asked to prepare for not being able to access the building until

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Victoria | Duncan | Nanaimo | Courtenay | Campbell River Kelsey White

Re/Max Check Realty welcomes Kelsey White to their real estate team at 950 Island Highway.

Marine Harvest has rebranded to Mowi effective January 1, a name that pays homage to one of the company’s founders Thor Mowinckel. The rebrand comes as the company prepares to launch a new line of Mowi-branded products. Mowi globally produces SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 28

28

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

one-fifth of the world’s farm-raised salmon and has an office in Campbell River at #124 – 1334 Island Highway.

The Surrey Eagles hired former Campbell R iver Storm head coach and general manager Lee Stone to be its new assistant coach.

The announcement came after Eagles head coach Peter Schaefer was relieved of his duties and Linden Saip was appointed interim head coach of the Junior A BCHL team.

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

Kendra Super R.M.T. is moving to a new space at 560 C 11th Avenue and is closed until February 6th.

Mountain View Medical is now open for business and accepting new patients at 111A Dogwood Street.

Call Mark Taylor P.Eng., G.S.C. Phone: 250.668.8050 www.mtcasl.com

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S ey m o u r Pa ci f i c D evelopments Ltd. donated $38,000 of equipment to North Island College that will be used to help train students in the joinery/ cabinetmaking and professiona l cook i ng programs. Seymour Pacific is a family-owned and operated construction company that builds cutting edge, multi-family apartment communities in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

T he City of Campbell River won a fifth MarCom G old Awa rd, t h i s t i me for their new watershed signs. The City received an award in the billboard category for eye-catching information signs posted at the entrance to McIvor Lake park. The signs are a reminder to visitors to protect the community’s drinking water source. The MarCom Awards honour excellence in marketing and communication, receiving about 6,000 print and digital entries from dozens of countries every year.

After over a decade since its initial conception, the new John Hart Generating station is now complete a nd f u l ly op erat ion a l.

Representatives from all levels of government involved in the project alongside chiefs of local First Nations and dignitaries from all contributors to the station’s construction

JANUARY 2019

were present at a recent celebration of the facilities completion. The project was undertaken by BC Hydro to replace the existing John Hart Dam which has been operational since 1947. The old facility was permanently shut down in October 2018 and will be removed by the summer of this year.

COMOX VALLEY Comox Valley RV welcomes Jan Vandebiggelaar and John Mundy to their team of sales professionals at 1608A Ryan Road in Comox. Wayne Grabowksi joins the dealership as sales manager.

an indoor capacity of 72.

New Tradition Brewing Company is also expected to open their doors in mid2019 in the Comox Centre Mall.

Sunwest RV Centre announces Rick Sharples is their top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 2800 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

Heather Tisdall is retiring from her role coordinating the annual Driftwood Mall Christmas Trees for the YANA (You Are Not Alone) auction. Tisdall has coordinated the event for the past 20 years and looks forward to spending more time with her family.

Fit Chiropractic & Sport Therapy has moved to 505 Fitzgerald Avenue.

The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa recently opened its redesigned Ocean Courtyard Wing as part of their major overhaul of the resort and spa. The $2-million renovated wing holds 14 315-square-foot rooms with their own deck or patio space and designed with a west coast style.

Rooms are equipped with speech-enabled devices similar to Google Home, allowing guests easy access to information and services. The next phase of the Kingfisher renovation will start in October 2019 and will see another wing completely remodeled and extended by 12 feet to provide bigger sitting areas and bedrooms.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort opened on December 15th for the season – a week later than originally scheduled due to limited snowfall.

Re/MA X Ocean Pacific Realty adds Catherine Worthy and Crystal Fehr to their team of real estate professionals. Worthy has been in real estate for over 16 years and holds an MBA. Crystal was raised on Vancouver Island and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Re/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty is at 2230A Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

Land & Sea Brewing Company is the newest addition to the Comox Valley’s craft brewery scene. The brewery, founded by Jason Walker, will offer six different beers crafted by head brewer Tessa Gabiniewicz.

T he brewery is open at 2040 Guthrie Road and has

Dr. Tom Diamond

Dr. Tom Diamond, who operates a Comox-based neurofeedback practice, has been approved to have his services fully funded through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

The approval is expected to help the practice assist First Nation individuals living with the effects of trauma. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback therapy that uses real-time analysis of brain activity to help regulate brain function. Research has shown that neurofeedback can help alleviate the effects of trauma and mental illness.

Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC announces Ryan Sykes is thei r top sa lesp erson of t he month for the dealership at 2145 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

Dr. Neil Cruickshank

Nor t h Isl a n d Col lege (NIC) has named Dr. Neil Cruickshank, a researcher and teacher in politics a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l relations, to lead its faculty of arts, science and technology this fall. Dr. Cruickshank joined NIC SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 29

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Pinnacle Family Wealth Advisory Group welcomes David Duquette to their team of investment professionals at Suite 224 at 444 Lerwick Road in Courtenay. David brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to the position including roles as a vice president, portfolio manager and investment advisor.

Nor t h I sl a n d Col lege English instructor Jordan Scott is the recipient of the 2018 Latner Writers’ Trust Poetry Prize, in recognition of his contributions to Canadian poetry.

Scott has published four poetry books including Slit, blert, Decomp a nd Night & Ox. T he Comox Valley Association of Bed & Breakfasts and Vacation Rentals has elected a new board of directors at the organization’s recent annual general meeting. Re-elected officers include: Carolyn Touhey (Two Eagles Lodge) as president; Lu Ismay (Red Roof Inn Cottage) as vice-president; Rebecca Kayfetz (Ellerslie B&B) as secretary; and Jenny Steel (Curtis Corner) as treasurer.

Allan Edie, owner of A.B. Edie Equities Inc, donated more than $273,000 in equipment to benefit trade students at North Island College. The equipment is top of the line and includes dozens of pieces of welding and pipe-fitting equipment, including a custom designed welding truck and trailer which will support several programs.

John Alan Jack

John Alan Jack, an elected councillor of the Huu-ayaht First Nations and chair of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, has joined the board of the First Nations LNG Alliance of BC. He succeeds Robert J. Dennis Sr., the elected chief councillor for Huu-ay-aht First Nations. John will lead planning for the Huu-ayaht on the Kwispaa LNG project in partnership with Vancouver-based Steelhead LNG. The project proposes an LNG processing and export terminal at Sarita Bay on Huu-ay-aht territory in the Bamfield area.

Kris Patterson, a Port A lbern i resident a nd long-standing volunteer in over a dozen organizations, is one of 19 people from across the province to receive a Medal of Good Citizenship from the provincial government. The medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of reward of remuneration. Patterson works at Pacific Chevrolet.

The Alberni Valley Hospice Society (AVHS) is moving to 2579 10th Avenue. The 3,300-square-foot building will undergo an extensive renovation before the organization moves thei r operations to the space. They are planning on selecting a contractor this month to renovate the space which adds nearly 1,000-square-feet of space relative to their current location. The AVHS provides support, education and advocacy to individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses, death and bereavement.

The City of Port Alberni has announced the hiring of Mike Owens as the Port Alberni Fire Department’s new fire chief. Owens replaces former fire chief Kel ly Gi lday, who wa s hired as manager of protective services for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District in June. Speaking of firefighters, Walt Fenske

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D E T N E C -S D

Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society is celebrated their 35th anniversary at 3100 Kingsway Avenue.

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from Algoma University in Ontario where he served as an associate professor of international relations, chair of the Department of Law and Politics and chair of the Faculty of Social Sciences. He has a PhD in international relations form the University of St. Andrews, an M.Sc. in politics by research from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Arts in political science and a BA with honours in political science from Wilfred Laurier University. North Island College recognized Sonia Warren, the college’s payroll and benefits reporting officer, on working for the college for 30 years.

Instructor Frank Lu received recognition for 25 years of teaching computer programming.

PORT ALBERNI

was recognized at a recent Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District meeting for 50 years of service with the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

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TOFINOUCLUELET Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey have received p e r m i t a p p ro v a l f ro m Ucluelet council to renovate and add to a one-storey accessory building at 1714 Peninsula Road. The permit received unanimous approval to create a two-storey, four-unit motel on the site.

Longtime Tofino volunteer Ruby Bernard has been recognized for 57 years of contributing to the Tofino community by municipal council. Ruby was presented with a volunteer award in recognition of her tireless contributions to charitable causes and organizations like Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Tofino Hospital Foundation and Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society.

Aaron Rodgers has been named Tofino’s 2018 firefighter of the year, an award that is voted on by all 30 members of the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department.

The award was launched in 1983 and recognizes a member who shows exemplary dedication and camaraderie within the department.

L ong B e ach h a s b een ranked as one of the best beaches in the world according to FlightNetwork.

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve beach came in at number 31 on FlightNetwo rk’s ra n k i n g of t h e world’s top 50 beaches.

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PARKSVILLEQUALICUM BEACH Qualicum Beach-based French Press Coffee Roasters took home a silver medal at the world’s largest coffee roasting competition – The Golden Bean. The competition held in Portland aims at finding the best coffee roasting business in North America and includes categories like espresso, filter SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 31

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OPINION

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JANUARY 2019 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

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GREENDP PROVES IT DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THE BASICS OF ECONOMICS

MARK MACDONLD

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upply and demand.

These are the two basic e s s e n t i a l s re q u i re d to understand economics.

If both supply and demand are up, the economy is brisk. If both are down, the economy slows.

If supply is up and demand is down, prices drop. If supply is down and demand is up, prices rise. It’s a real-life teeter-totter, something that even kids at the playground get before they jump on.

A l l pol iticia ns shou ld be m a nd ated to en rol l i n a requ i red cou rse that ma kes it crystal clear how fundamental these two words are when dealing with anything regarding the economy and government finances. It is painfully obvious that the current edit ion of gove r n m e nt i n t h i s province, the GreeNDP axis, just doesn’t get it.

The most glaring example is their shameful treatment of the real estate and development industry. They’ve crimped both ends of the hose, by introducing punitive taxes that have scared off foreign buyers and purchasers of second homes and artificially decreasing demand, while at the same time their municipal farm teams thwart development of new product at the civic level, decreasing supply. Sensing a slowdown in the market, otherwise eager sellers decide to stay put and keep what they have, further limiting the number of options for buyers.

The foreign buyers tax affects everyone in the real estate market, as sellers of properties to foreigners can downsize and purchase less expensive properties lower in the market, bank the rest and retire, and so on . . .

I t’s a n i n c r e d i b l y j u v e nile attempt for the GreeN DP to achieve their stated goal of making housing more affordable, and it has made absolutely zero impact. Thus far, it has only increased the cost of housing. Not only that, but housing that lower income individuals could normally afford, namely apartments, is slow coming to market, due to ever-increasi ng development reg u latory obstacles.

Developers who have the wherewithal to build such projects have been taking a hard second look at doing so, due to the GreeN DP’s introduction of the new “luxury taxes” that aim directly at individuals who might want to purchase units for rental and secondary income.

When the GreeNDP went ahead with its ill-advised secondary residence taxes in the fall, several larger rental-based projects were immediately shelved on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan.

To summarize, the GreeNDP policies have drastically reduced sales and simultaneously driven up prices. With no more affordable housing on the immediate horizon.

Another factor that must be i ncluded is the federa l gover n ment’s ch a n ge to mor tgage qualification rules that have made it much tougher for first-time buyers to get into the market. It has reduced their pu rchasi ng power by 20 per cent, and those buyers typically target the less expensive end of the market.

Call it a government trifecta: Ottawa targets first time buyers, Victoria takes aim at outof-prov i nce pu rchasers a nd investors, and municipal governments everywhere make it

increasingly difficult to increase the a mou nt of supply. Sa les numbers plummet.

The numbers don’t lie.

Victoria Real Estate Board figures show sales of properties dropped 20 per cent in 2018 from 2017 – to 7,150 properties sold from 8,994 the year before. In December 2018, 375 properties sold – 18.8 per cent less than the 462 sold in the same month in 2017, and 24.7 per cent less than November, 2018. The benchmark value for a single family home in Greater Victoria rose 3.2 per cent to $858,600, from December 2017 to December, 2018.

Year-end statistics from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board show sales decreased 19 per cent in 2018 from 2017, including a whopping 24 per cent in Nanaimo and Port Alberni/ West.

Single family home sales slid 48 per cent.

At the same time, prices rose 10 per cent year over year, jumping 26 per cent in Port Alberni West alone. The average sales price for 2018 was $512,005, up from $465,036 the year before.

The volume of sales and increase in prices took place in every city and region.

Whilst the GreeNDP bruised i t s e l f w i t h m u l t i p l e b a c kslaps wh ile trotting out

pre-Christmas budget results, surely there must be someone, somewhere in the government that recognizes that real estate and development has been the mainstay of the provincial economy for over a decade.

Obviously not.

While the NDP’s typical class warfare-style governance takes aim at those that “have”, i.e. rea ltors, developers a nd i nvestors, it really has its most negative impacts on those they feign to help – those at the lower end of the market and renters.

High income individuals and companies are better situated to ride out a downturn in the market, and besides, the hikes in taxation that adds to the cost of the end product is borne by the purchaser.

Even though the NDP’s policies are clearly misguided and ill-conceived, they have thus far only served to pump the brakes to slow the market, instead of bringing it to a screeching halt.

But it has carved some serious flesh from the province’s golden goose - the real estate and development industry - with its tinkering of supply and demand.

It’s a terrible pity that those on the government side of the leg islatu re appa rently ca n’t recognize the damage they’ve done yet.

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES SHOULD TAP INTO THE MEDICAL TOURISM MARKET The James Smith Cree Nation Could Create What Would Be Saskatchewan’s First Private-Pay MRI Facility JOSEPH QUESNEL FRONTIER CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY

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First Nation community about 70 kilometres southeast of Prince Albert, Sask., hopes to generate profit within five years from a private MRI clinic.

The James Smith Cree Nation could create what would be the province’s first private-pay MRI facility. This became possible when the Saskatchewan government passed legislation in 2016 allowing for such facilities as a way of decreasing wait times.

A Regina Leader-Post news

story from 2016 points out that the Saskatchewan Medical Association opposed private MRI facilities, while some doctors continued to refer patients to out-of-province MRI clinics for needed tests.

For Indigenous communities, such businesses could generate new revenue streams. While this would help medical patients of the communities and the province, it could also tap into the lucrative medical tourism industry.

The Medical Tourism Association says that “Medical tourism is where people who live in one country travel to another country to receive medical, dental and

surgical care while at the same time receiving equal to or greater care than they would have in their own country, and are travelling for medical care because of affordability, better access to care or a higher level of quality of care.”

First Nations could expand beyond MRI services into other diagnostic services and elective surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements.

Many First Nations are exploring the economic opportunities created by legal cannabis. However, some Indigenous communities aren’t as enthusiastic about this market or are concerned about the ill effects on their communities, which are already dealing with addiction problems.

Allowing for-profit medical services on reserves could also help First Nations develop economic opportunities outside of the problematic casinos and VLTs. The distinct legal situation of First Nations could make these opportunities possible.

James Smith isn’t the first Indigenous community to explore delivering private health services to Canadians. Westbank First Nation, near Kelowna, BC, planned a high-end private health-care facility of about 200,000 square feet and 100 beds in its first phase.

Chief Robert Louie told Windspea ker i n 201 2: “It w i l l be equivalent to a private hospital.

The centre will provide all the services of a typical health-care institution without the emergency department, obstetrics unit and psychiatric ward.

“The private clinic will provide major organ surgeries, joint replacements and cosmetic surgeries. It’s pretty wide open as far as a hospital goes,” Louie said.

Hea lth Ca nada sa id that such a private hospital would be allowed only if it catered to non-Canadians.

Some constitutional experts said the proposal would test Indigenous self-government.

Louie claimed the band didn’t require approval from Health Canada to build and operate a private hospital on their land.

Unfortunately, the hospital was never built. Louis, who was the driving force behind the project, was defeated in the 2016 election.

T he federa l a nd prov i ncia l governments need to work with Indigenous communities that want to provide medical services to other Canadians. The MRI clinic at James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan needs to be replicated across the country.

First Nations deserve more opportunities to develop revenue outside of gambling and cannabis.

At a minimum, Indigenous communities should be to allowed to take advantage of the medical tourism industry.

Joseph Quesnel is a research fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

JANUARY 2019

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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and milk-based beverages. The local roastery took home silver in the milk-based category for their Home blend roast. French Press Coffee Roasters is at 692 Primrose Street.

Qualicum Beach firefighter Mike Insley was recognized for 25 years of service as a firefighter at a recent Qualicum Beach council meeting.

VitaCare Natural Health Clinic welcomes Dr. Daniela Jesin to their team of professionals as a naturopathic physician. Dr. Jesin is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and is now accepting new patients.

VitaCare is at 2147 Bowen Road.

Nanaimo Toyota announces Paul Debron in their top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 2555 Bowen Road.

T he Parksville Probus Club recently celebrated its 25 th anniversary, the first Probus club on Vancouver Island to reach the milestone. The club is a group of semi-retired men and women who want to maintain a social network with others of similar interests.

Harbourview Volkswagen announces Sean Krepps is their top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 4921 Wellington Road.

Parksville Chrysler Dealer Principal Bruce Alexander welcomes Ken McLean to their dealership on the Island Highway at Shelly Road.

Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty has added Spencer Mengual to their royal service group. Spencer has a degree in Marketing, Management and Anthropology from VIU and looks forward to assisting clientele with their real estate needs. Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty is at 4200 Island Highway.

NANAIMO Dr. John M. Hunter has moved to Arc Clinic at #200 – 55 Victoria Road.

Woo dg rove Ch r ysler c ongratulates Darrol Poulin on celebrating his 5th anniversary with the dealership at 6800 Island Highway North. Darrol is the lot

Planet Fitness is now open for business at 6461 Metral Drive.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS Ladysmith and District Credit Un i o n ( L D C U ) F i n a n c i a l

Management welcomes Victor Malli CFP and Krista Hansen as the latest additions to their team of financial specialists.

Dr. Matthew McMillan has rebranded his practice known as High Street Dental to Ladysmith Dental and reopened for business at 710 First Avenue.

The new location adds space and visibility to the practice a nd is a component of the downtown renewal along First Avenue.

W hite Knuckle Pilot & Traffic Control is a new business at 12435 Arroyo Road in Ladysmith.

Toke Properties is proposing a 68 home subdivision in Ladysmith at Christie/Grouhel Roads and the Island Highway.

T here’s a new b u si ness i n Chemainus called Celebrations

by Hummingbird Hill, a meal planning for “take and bake” meals, located at 9806 Willow Street.

Rosemary Quinlan has sold By The Sea at the corner of High Street and 1 st Avenue in Ladysmith and the store will now be called Coral By The Sea. Plantitude is a new restaurant in Ladysmith featuring fresh organic local fare, and they’re in with WhiteSpace Living.

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COWICHAN VALLEY At a recent Duncan Cowich a n Ch a mb er of Com m erce board meeting, a new executive was voted in by the board of directors. The 2019 executive includes: Ruth Hartmann (Hartmann Interior Design) as vice-president; Danielle Killam (Grant Thornton LLP) as secretary treasurer; Chris Duncan (MNP LLP) as president; Carol Messier (Maple Bay Marina) as first vice president; and Julie S c u r r (Co a s t S a l i sh I n s u rance & Risk Management) as past-president.

Tom Walker

Tom Walker h as been presented with North Cowichan’s Freedom of the Municipality awa rd i n recog n it ion of h i s commitment to the community as a member of council for 20 years including three years as mayor. Walker worked in the forestry industry prior to joining council and serves on the

31 board of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Since North Cowichan was incorporated 145 years ago, only 10 other individuals have been awarded the Freedom of the Municipality award.

Discovery Honda welcomes Jerry Doel to their team as an independent sales consultant at 6466 Bell McKinnon Road in Duncan. The dealership announces their top three stars of the month which includes Joe Graham, Dave Pears and Trevor Sheck.

Duncan Dental is celebrating their 65 th year in business at #100 – 321 Festubert Street.

Four past and present members of the North Cowichan/ Duncan RCMP detachment were recognized for exemplary service at the 37 th annual Police Honours Night at the Government House in Victoria. Two members, R/Const. Jack MacNeill and another officer whose name has been withheld by the province received Awards of Valor for entering a burning home to search for a missing resident. Todd Bozak earned an Award of Meritorious Service for saving a distraught suicidal male and another officer, whose name has also been withheld earned an Award of Meritorious Service for apprehending a suicidal psychiatric patient armed with a knife.

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