Business Examiner Peace Cariboo December 2017/January 2018

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018

» NORTHERN CONSTRUCTION

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New WestJet Link Service links Cranbrook and Prince George to Calgary

Agreement Between Pacific Coastal Airlines And Westjet Fuels New Routes

BC 5 Point Operations

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INDEX News Update

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Prince George

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Prince Rupert

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C - Ready to take-off? Cranbrook and Prince George residents will enjoy increased access to Calgary starting this March, thanks to a new WestJet Link service connecting Crankbrook, Prince George, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, and Medicine Hat with Calgary.

The new routes are supported by a capacity purchase agreement between BC-based Pacific Coastal Airlines and Calgary-based WestJet. Pacific Coastal Airlines will use three of the company’s 34-seat Saab 340B a i rcra ft, branded in WestJet colours, to service the new destinations.

All the planes will be operated

by Pacific Coastal Airlines. The daily service will be offered yearround and will allow residents of these communities to connect with cross-Canada and international flights through Calgary’s International Airport.

Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice President, said the new service upholds WestJet’s commitment to giving more Canadians access

The 34-seat Saab 340B Aircraft that will be flying the new route, currently branded with Pacific Coastal Airlines’ colours to the airline’s low fares and growing network. The additional routes cement WestJet’s position as the service leader flying out of Calgary, with more destinations

than any other airline.

Each of the f lights will include six seats dedicated to the premium “WestJet Plus” service, which includes advanced

boarding, no charge for two checked bags, and front-of-aircraft seating.

SEE WESTJET LINK | PAGE 16

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Nominations Open For Northern BC Commercial Building Awards

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RINCE GEORGE – Who has built the best commercial, industrial and revenueproducing buildings in Northern B.C. in 2016 and 2017?

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Northern BC Commercial Building Awards, set for Thursday, March 8 at the Ramada Inn in Prince George.

The bi-annual celebration of the best in commercial and industrial construction is for buildings

completed between Jan. 1, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2017 from Fort St. John and Dawson Creek to Prince Rupert, and from 100 Mile House to Prince George.

The Northern BC Commercial Building Awards were held in 2010, 2012 and 2014 and 2016, and the Judges’ Choice Award for Best Overall Entry in the 2016 event went to the Calvin Kruk Centre for the Arts in Dawson Creek.

Gold Sponsors for the 2018

event are RE/MAX Commercial and MNP LLP. Black Press is the Platinum Media Sponsor.

“This event is all about celebrating what these individuals and companies have built, which make our Northern BC communities so vibrant,” says Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner Peace Cariboo Skeena, which stages the event. “Builders and owners can also nominate their own projects if they would like,

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“This event celebrates the best revenue-producing buildings in Northern BC, although it does include Mixed Use (commercial/ residential) and Multi Family (townhouses, row houses and apartment buildings.)

There are 14 categories for these awards: • Retail/Shopping Centres SEE AWARDS | PAGE 14

NEWS UPDATE

2 FORT ST JOHN Fort St. John Receives Community Of The Year Award The City of Fort St. John has been awarded Community of the Year by Clean Energy BC. This award recognizes excellence by a community engaged in the development of clean energy in British Columbia. The award acknowledges excellence in any or all aspects of community engagement, including but not limited to education, awareness, and involvement in a clean energy project.

The City was recognized for three of its major initiatives. The City built a house that is certified LEED Platinum and Passive as a demonstration project that is used to provide education on energy conservation.

And in 2015 the City launched a micro hydro project that put a turbine on effluent discharge to generate power. This project generates enough energy to power 70 homes.

The third initiative is the City’s Energy Literacy Program. This Council program provides educational opportunities to Fort St. John citizens on energy conservation and it provides energy education to the citizens of BC. Education is provided locally through annual programs with tips and contests on energy and

water conservation, reg u lar tours of the passive house and support of programs offered by local community groups. Education on where our energy comes from is provided to our provincial citizens by way of strategically placed advertisements and advertorials in provincial publications.

“I am very pleased that our city has been recognized for the work we do. In Fort St. John we understand what is behind that light switch and thermostat. We know what it takes to make and deliver energy safely everyday; so we have to work hard to conserve it and set an example for others,” said Mayor Ackerman.

Clean Energy BC (CEBC) is the voice of BC’s clean energy industry representing 150 operators, developers, suppliers, contractors, service providers, and First Nations.

NORTHERN BC Passive House Training Reaches Northeastern BC Communities Passive House Canada About 125 people took part in the northeastern BC outreach and training events in November for Passive House Training.

People participated in the introductory courses in Prince George and Fort St. John to learn about better ways to build. The City of

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DEC 2017/JAN 2018

Prince George sent a municipal planner seeking information on how to make the city’s planned fire station Passive House.

In addition, about 50 people showed up at the Passive House Café events held the evening before each course. Marcel Studer, principal of The Econ Group and Passive House Canada instructor, presented briefly about the Passive House Standard. Terry Dunn, Housing and Capital Asset Manager of the West Moberly First Nation, introduced the West Moberly Fi rst Nations Hea lt h Ca re Cent re at bot h events. As well, at the Prince George outreach event, University of Northern British Columbia instructor Guido Wimmers talked about the university’s new Passive House lab building, while Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman spoke at the event in her city. Many questions were asked about Passive House, and lively discussions ensued.

Passive House Café in Fort St. John took place in the Fort St. John Passive House.

A similar event series is being planned for the Smithers area in the new year.

Dozens of Passive House buildings are currently in design or construction in British Columbia. Passive House projects in northeastern BC include the Fort St. John Passive House, the Doig River Community Church, and the West Moberly First Nations Health Station. In addition,

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mu lt iple h ig h-per for m a nce buildings are being planned to provide rental and subsidized housing units in the Fraser–Fort George Region.

BC Excellence In Transportation And Infrastructure Projects Recognized Contractors responsible for BC’s transportation and infrastructure projects were recognized at the Deputy Minister’s Contractor of the Year Awards ceremony.

The categories for this year’s awards included Maintenance, Bridges and Structures, Paving, Grading and Community Service. The awards were handed out on Dec. 8th at the Victoria Conference Centre.

Maintenance Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd., based in Fort St. John, won this year’s Award of Excellence for its outstanding maintenance work in Service Area 22 (North Peace). Its proactive approach to maintaining the province’s roads and bridges, combined with a high level of stakeholder and community engagement on projects, led to the company winning the maintenance category this year.

Bridge and Structures K n ap p ett I ndu st r ie s Ltd .,

HELI FALLING

based in Nanaimo, took home the Award of Excellence for its work on the Rees Bridge Replacement and North Courtenay Connector. The project included a new, 58-metre, two-lane bridge across the Tsolum River to improve the Comox Valley’s north connection to the Island Highway, which was completed on time and under budget.

Paving Selkirk Paving Ltd. won the Awa rd of Excel lence for resurfacing approximately 55 kilometres of highways and roads surrounding Slocan, Silverton, New Denver and Nakusp. Selkirk Paving developed excellent relationships within those communities, and despite the large project scope and challenges with flooding in the areas, the work was completed on time and on budget.

Grading Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) Inc. was presented the Award of Excellence for its work on widening the Trans-Canada Highway to four lanes, from Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff, east of Kamloops. Local First Nations were employed as part of the workforce to complete the project and were consulted extensively in the culturally sensitive areas where work was being done.

Community Service Emil Anderson Construction SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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(EAC) Inc. and Emil Anderson Maintenance Co. Ltd. were presented the Award of Excellence for their outstanding community service this year. Key projects included the Rotary Trail Extension in Chilliwack and the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. They were also recognized for their Community Give-back Programs i n the Fraser a nd Oka naga n Valleys.

NORTHERN BC BCNREB

Real Estate Rule Changes Don’t Work For Smaller Offices The BC Northern Real Estate Board supports many of the rule changes recently announced by the Superintendent of Real Estate, but is disappointed in the banning of limited dual agency without clear practice guidelines for small offices.

“The new rules are a response to problems arising in the very l a rge a nd ver y bu sy lowermainland market,” notes BC Northern President John Evans.

“Unfortunately, with limited dual agency gone, what is left are agency rules designed for larger offices and we are a board of small offices.”

BC Northern Vice-President,

Court Smith, notes, “I broker a small office in Williams Lake and have real concerns going forward. According to lawyers and instructors contacted by the Board, the type of agency meant for larger offices just cannot be properly practised in smaller offices. Will I have to close my office and lay off my licensees? I am hopeful that the Superintendent will find a solution soon.”

“What will replace limited dual agency for the smaller office remains unclear at this point,” adds Mr. Evans. “We have asked the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate to consider the issue and we hope to receive some guidance.”

The BC Northern Real Estate Board strongly supports the rule changes clarifying licensee disclosure requirements to consumers. In fact, the new rules largely codify information realtors provide now.

Stronger licensee education is also supported by the Board.

BC Northern already requires members to take more education than is currently required by the Real Estate Council of British Columbia and believes additional Superintendent-mandated courses will benefit the profession.

The members of the BC Northern Real Estate Board are committed to improving the Quality of Life in their communities.

The BC Northern Real Estate

Board supports growth which encourages economic vitality, provides housing opportunities and builds communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods. The realtor members of the BC Northern Real Estate Board serve the real estate needs of the communities from Fort Nelson in the north to 70 Mile House in the south and from the Alberta border to Haida Gwaii.

BC “Best Bid” Named Construction Phrase Of The Year T he British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) n a me d “B e s t Bid” t he mos t important two words in construction this year.

In construction, the success or failure of a project begins with the procurement process. The definition of “best bid” is potentially the most important definition for BC’s economy: it will determine which contractors are successful in making their bids for government projects totalling in the billions of dollars.

“The go-forward decision for Site C is an important example of why the definition of “best bid” matters,” says BCCA President Chris Atchison. “The Premier has stated that low bid is no longer BC Hydro’s most important consideration, referring to new

priorities such as local benefit and the hiring of Indigenous workers. When subjective criteria enter the award process, we risk compromising the integrity of the final product and add risk for the taxpayers.”

At the very basic level, a “best bid” would be defined as an offer to do work at a stated price of the most excellent, effective, and desirable quality. The BCCA provides this industry-specific definition: In a construction bid, desirable qualities are defined by a set of non-subjective criteria which the owner uses to identify the proponent w ith the opti ma l combination of relevant experience, skills, competencies, and price. Ideally (to insure a fair, open and transparent process) this is a two stage process, with the second stage focusing on the price.

“The industry fully supports i n itiatives wh ich encou rage equity seeking groups to participate in construction,” assures Atchison. “However, when construction procurement requirements in the public sector indicate preference for employment based on subjective criteria this gets in the way of the fair, open, and transparent processes that are the responsibility of government to all citizens.”

The most productive and positive way for a public owner to encourage employment from equ ity seek i ng g roups i s to

3 continue to support industryled employment and business development programs. These programs reach into BC’s communities to provide the training and supports that assist underrepresented British Columbians to find, qualify for, and succeed in construction careers with integrity of process and outcome.

“We ack nowledge that the Premier recognizes that it’s not all about low bid, but if we don’t go to quality and experience first, then we are on a slippery slope”, cautions Warren Perks, BCCA VP of Industry Practises.

PRINCE GEORGE Enhanced City Development Partnership Stimulates Downtown Development Prince George City Council is revitalizing the downtown area with recently approved changes to the Downtown Incentives Program.

Cha nges to the pa rtneri ng agreement between the City and Northern Development Initiative Trust (Northern Development) will improve the existing program by providing further incentives for developers to invest in downtown housing. This SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

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will attract residents to the city centre.

Northern Development’s board of directors approved the allocation of $1.8 million and an amended agreement in October to support development of residential housing downtown, a City priority for the city centre.

With Council’s approval, the amended agreement now increases the total funding available, v ia a $10,000 per door grant, in order to provide financial support towards the development of targeted projects such as affordable housing, seniors and student housing, mixed-use (residential and retail), market rental housing, and market condominiums.

I n tota l, t he prog ra m w i l l provide just over $2.5 Million in funding over six years. Full utilization of the program would result in about 250 new residential units in downtown Prince George.

“The Downtown Incentives Program is a critical tool for the City of Prince George’s on-going efforts to revitalize downtown, efforts that are now starting to pay off,” says Mayor Lyn Hall.

“Northern Development’s role in this has been vital and they have been a great partner in providing this innovative program. On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Northern Development for

continuing to help the City to accomplish its development goals.”

One of the first developers eligible to benefit from the enhanced Incentives Program will be A&T Project Developments.

Council has also approved a pa r t ner i ng a g reement w it h that company, which allows its proposed four-phase condo development to be built downtown next to City Hall.

“This enhanced partnership with the City of Prince George is a great example of what the Trust was created to do. Supporting community-led initiatives that make a real difference is at the foundation of Northern Development’s mandate,” says Evan Saugstad, Northern Development board chair. “We’ve already seen success with the program and we’re excited for the new opportunities that it can result in for downtown Prince George.”

Three projects have already benefitted from the Downtown Incentives Program: Townhomes at 192-198 Victoria Street; Crescent Townhomes at 1699 – 7th Avenue; and Ketso Yoh at 140 Quebec Street.

L a st mont h, con st r uct ion began on a new, nine-unit condo development at 1694 7th Avenue downtown, which is also eligible for the City’s Downtown Incentives Program and will bring more multi-family housing to the city centre.

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

PRINCE RUPERT Port Proving To Be An Engine Of Growth Prince Rupert Port Authority The Port of Prince Rupert generated more than $1 billion in economic output for Northern British Columbia’s economy last year, according to a study commissioned by the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Marine, terminal, rail, truck and logistics activities in the region directly supported the work of more than 3,100 people. Earnings associated with that work totaled more than $260 million, revealing an average annual wage of more than $80,000.

An analysis of Port employment revealed that half of the direct jobs were located in the Prince Rupert area, but also noted that hundreds of workers in communities throughout Northern BC were responsible for moving over $35 billion worth of international trade through the Port’s rail, trucking and logistics supply chain.

In addition to employment benefits, Port activity also created an estimated $112 million in returns for all levels of government through personal, corporate and property tax revenues.

The study also provided a 10year review of the Port’s growth

to coincide with the 10 th anniversary of intermodal services through Fairview Container Terminal. During the last decade: ▪ Port employment has grown by more than 1800 jobs ▪ Annual economic output has increased by more than 260 per cent ▪ Annual government revenues have more than tripled “The Port of Prince Rupert’s success is built on the hard work of the women and men that contribute to safely moving cargo through the Gateway every day,” said Joe Rektor, Interim President and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert. “We’re proud of the economic contribution we’ve been able to make over the past decade. We know we need to keep working hard to stay competitive and sustain that into the future.”

“The expansion of the Port over the last 10 years has been felt in Prince George,” said Lyn Hall, Mayor of Prince George. “Not only has it been a vital trade connection to Asia for businesses in BC’s interior, it has led to highpaying jobs from supply-chain companies such as CN.” “Our community has benefitted greatly from the Port’s growth, and we look forward to our continued participation in its bright future,” said Harold Leighton, Chief Councillor of the Metlakatla First Nation.

“The last decade reflects our shared vision to become a truly global port city,” said Lee Brain,

Mayor of the City of Prince Rupert. “Prince Rupert is playing a key role in Canada’s growth as a trading nation in the Asia Pacific, and we look forward to what the future has in store.”

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DEC 2017/JAN 2018

MEASURING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PRINCE GEORGE CONFERENCE AND CIVIC CENTRE

PRINCE GEORGE MELISSA BARCELLOS

O

ver the course of June 2016 to June 2017, the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre staff, with the expertise of Sentis Research, conducted an economic impact study which measured the impact of the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. In generating the study, 507 in-person surveys were conducted with nonlocal delegates and exhibitors attending events at the centre.

Between June 2016 and June 2017, the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre hosted 101 events that drew in non-local attendance. These events brought in 8,246 non-local delegates and an additional 739 exhibitors which resulted in 18,416 total estimated hotel room nights; this amounts to nearly $2.7 million

of paid accommodations at local hotels.

T he tota l average delegate spending was $673 per person and the total average exhibitor spending was $1,586 per exhibitor. This spending resulted in over $6.9 million of total direct

spending by non-locals which included over $5.55 million total delegate spending, $668,780 total exhibitor spending and $697,758 in event production spending.

T he Prince George Conference and Civic Centre is a key

econom ic d r iver for P r i nce George and had a substantial impact on the local economy during the period examined for the study. It contributed $4.7 million to GDP and supported 84 jobs including 63 direct jobs and 11 indirect or induced. These

jobs accounted to $3.3 million in household income.

Melissa Barcellos is the Manager of Economic Development Prince George

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The Gala Celebration will be held in Prince George March 8, 2018.

The Nomination Deadline for the 2018 Northern B.C. Commercial Building Awards is January 19. For Nomination Forms, email: mark@businessexaminer.ca

7

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

NORTHERN CONSTRUCTION Site C Announcement Welcomed

By Construction Association Promoting Construction As A Career Choice A Priority Task For The NRCA

A major employer in Northern British Columbia, more than $2 billion has already been spent on the Site C project

BY DAVID HOLMES

P

RINCE GEORGE – There was more than a little relief among members of the construction industry in Northern British Columbia December 11, when BC Premier John Horgan announced the province would complete construction of the Site C hydro electric dam currently taking shape near Fort St. John.

Few in the construction sector

were more pleased w ith the decision than Scott Bone, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA), who just prior to the announcement f rom t he P rem ier wa s optimistic the $10 billion project would proceed as planned.

“We are pleased that a decision has been made and this review was inevitable as it was part of the election campaign in the spring of 2017,” he said.

“We applaud the Premier’s commitment to create a Project Assurance Board that will provide enhanced oversight to multiple aspects of the project, including the procurement and ma nagement of f utu re contracts, quality assurance and environmental integrity.”

Continued employment on the project for his membership was one of Bone’s biggest concerns.

“The project going forward will mean jobs and opportunities

for our members and the greater constr uction com mu n ity throughout BC. Projects like Site C will continue to showcase BC as a hub for world class standards in major construction projects w ith attention to safety, craftsmanship and innovation.”

It is estimated that had the government decided to cancel the project it would have been SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 8

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CONSTRUCTION

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

Employment in the construction sector is forecast to increase between 20 and 30 per cent by the year 2021

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

BC Regional Council of Carpenters

required to take on a debt of $3.9 billion, composed of the $2.1 billion already spent on the development and at least another $1.8 bi l l ion i n remed i at ion costs. A s a publ ic debt the costs would have become the responsibility of BC Hydro’s customers

or the taxpayers of British Columbia.

Fou nded i n 1970, t he NRCA is a non-profit industry association that is the avowed advocate for and the champion of Nor t her n B r it i sh Colu m b i a’s c o n s t r u c t i o n industry. The Northern Reg iona l Construction Association is responsible for the largest geographic

area in the province, and is in essence the voice of construction for its membership, which includes about 275 member firms located all across the reg ion. N RCA’s coverage area extends from Williams Lake in the south to the Yukon border and from Haidi Gwaii in the SEE CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 10

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9

METAL STRUCTURE CONCEPTS HAS OPERATED SINCE 2002 Three Generations Of Family Involved With Constructing Steel Buildings

Y

ou’d have to say that steel has a real appeal for the Ivanitz family, as three generations of the clan have been involved in the construction of pre-engineered steel buildings.

In addition to Steven Ivanitz the president of Metal Structure Concepts (MSC), his father Jim Ivanitz and his grandfather Sam Ivanitz were pioneers in the steel building industry in their native Saskatchewan – having clearly passed a passion for this specialized technology to the family’s latest generation.

“Grandpa certainly got us interested in this form of construction back on the Prairies but the business and the industry itself has changed dramatically since he first got into it back in the ‘60’s,” explained Ivanitz.

While three generations of the Ivanitz family have worked with clients designing and building pre-engineered steel buildings, Metal Structure Concepts itself was founded by Steven Ivanitz in 2002, and is not the latest incarnation of the preexisting firm.

MSC has been involved with the design and erection of a myriad of pre-engineered steel buildings for clients all across Western Canada – from the Manitoba border to the Northwest Territories, with literally hundreds of completed projects to its credit.

The company has been the provider of a diverse range of quality steel structures, from basic sheds and barns for agricultural purposes to fully finished retail outlets and everything in between. MSC creates unique and distinctive steel building plans to suit virtually any industry or application, including: commercial, industrial, mini-storage, retail, farm and community/multi-purpose, with its portfolio including everything from 1,000 square foot barns to massive industrial projects in excess of 100,000 square feet in size.

“It’s certainly fair to say that I eventually gravitated toward steel buildings but that wasn’t necessarily the way it started.

I went to college to study forestry and did a few other things

Metal Structure Concepts has built hundreds of structures including this project for Grohman Mini Storage in Nelson

Another of the company’s Fort St. John assignments is a large repair shop at the nearby Preston Ranch

One of the projects MSC is working on in Fort St. John is a large shop space for Great Northern Bridgeworks Ltd.

Rite-Way Fencing in Kamloops is another of the hundreds of satisfied MSC customers from across Western Canada

but eventually returned to steel buildings,” he explained.

“We’re really a steel family as many members of the family have been in it in some form or other including uncles and cousins.

Some members of the family are involved in selling steel buildings, while others are into erecting structures, actually building the steel buildings, so it’s definitely the family business.”

Metal Structure Concepts currently has a staff of about 30 who spearhead projects across the province and beyond. One of the benefits clients have when working with MSC is the range of customizable products the company has access to. Not restricted to the models produced by a single manufacturer, Metal Structure Concepts primarily works with three different industry leading providers of steel buildings, firms that collectively produce models suitable for virtually any end use or location.

“Steel buildings essentially come as a package from the

projects in place all across Northern BC, including two we’re working on right now near Fort St. John. One is a large scale shop on the Preston Ranch, as well as a shop we’re building for Great Northern Bridgeworks Ltd.” By work i ng w it h d i f ferent ma nu factu rers MSC cl ients have the best of both worlds as some firms specialize in producing specific classes or styles of buildings, individual models that are better suited to the specific needs of the company’s customers. Regardless of the assignment the customer also benefits from the years of experience and technical expertise that the MSC field crews bring to the job, an experience that includes everything from erecting an aircraft hanger to building a customized retail store.

“The real benefit steel buildings provide, aside from obvious things like its strength and longevity is the sheer variety of styles and options available. You can have everything from a basic

“We’re really a steel family as many members of the family have been in it in some form or other including uncles and cousins.”

STEVEN IVANITZ PRESIDENT, METAL STRUCTURE CONCEPTS

manufacturers who actually make the building – all the parts and pieces come from whichever manufacturer we’ve purchased the building from and my crews in the field then physically build the building for the client,” he explained.

“We have office staff in Kelowna who supports the field crews, and then we have the field crews who put it all together. We have

PR E - E N G I N E E R E D S TE E L BU I LD I N G S

steel box, like a hangar or barn, to a high end commercial building that really doesn’t even look like a steel building once its completed.

A finished commercial building will have stucco and dress-up facades that can dramatically enhance the appearance of the structure,” Ivanitz explained.

For the future MSC’s owner sees the world of pre-engineered steel structures increasing focusing on improved levels of energy efficiency and producing ever more sophisticated exteriors.

“Increased levels of insulation in steel buildings is certainly a major trend we’re seeing right now, thanks in part to increased building code requirements. Buildings are being held to a high standard in terms of insulation,” he said.

“Even the look is also changing.

People don’t want to just see a steel box anymore. They want it to be dressed up and simply look nicer. Those are certainly two areas that we will be focusing on in the years to come.” www.mscsteel.com

BUILDING TYPES: Commercial, Farm, Industrial, Storage, Retail, and Community/Multi-Purpose.

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CONSTRUCTION

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DEC 2017/JAN 2018

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

west to the Alberta border.

T he N RCA operates as the r e g i o n a l c o m p a n i o n o rga n i zat ion to its prov i ncia l counterpart, the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA). This construction industry umbrella group in turn liaises with the industry’s national entity – the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) to present a unified voice and a common platform across the nation.

“Discounting the big ticket items like Site C the general health of the northern BC constr uction i ndustry is pretty good right now. We continue to look at what we call the level of construction investment taking place. Of the key projects that ma ke up the constr uction investment taking place in British Columbia right now there’s about $44 billion worth of investment out there,” Bone explained.

“These projects are located all across the province not only in the north, covering a timeframe encompassing 2017 to about 2024. What’s interesting is that of that $44 billion at least $30 billion will be taking place in the north. As a result of all this there is still optimism in the sector that regardless of things like LNG there is still a great deal of activity taking place all

Scott Bone is the Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Regional Construction Association

A looming labour shortage, especially among skilled trade workers, is a major concern for the NRCA

“The project going forward will mean jobs and opportunities for our members and the greater construction community.”

SCOTT BONE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NORTHERN REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

across the region.”

Another catalyst for development in northern British Columbia are rising prices for raw materials such as copper and gold – commodities that have helped to re-energize the province’s mining sector. The effort needed to update and expand existing mines and to open new ones will also positively impact the region’s construction industry.

But the skills and range of services provided by the NRCA’s membership extends far beyond the resource frontiers, and reach right into the downtown cores of communities across the region. Municipal infrastructure

Pembina New Capital Projects

P

RINCE RUPERT - Pembina Pipeline Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has approved approximately $400 million of new capital projects, as well as a capital program of approximately $1.3 billion for 2018. Included are the Prince Rupert LPG Export Terminal and the North Central Liquids Hub. The Board of Directors has approved the development of the company’s previously proposed liquefied petroleum gas export terminal.

The Prince Rupert Terminal will be located on Watson Island on lands leased from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of Prince Rupert.

Through site assessments and engagement with key stakeholders, the company has confirmed Watson Island as the ideal location for the Project to be developed and has executed definitive commercial agreements with the city.

“Since our initial announcement of potentially developing the Prince Rupert Terminal, we’ve worked diligently with municipal and other stakeholders and are now able to move forward with our final investment decision,” said Stuart Taylor, Pembi n a’s Senior Vice President, NGL &

Natural Gas Facilities.

The Prince Rupert Terminal is expected to have a permitted capacity of approximately 25,000 barrels per day of LPG and is expected to be in service mid-2020, subject to Pembina receiving necessary regulatory and environmental approvals.

“We are very excited to progress the Prince Rupert Terminal and continue working with the local communities, stakeholders, First Nations and governments in the area,” continued Mr. Taylor. “This Project will provide significant economic benefits to the Prince Rupert area including 150 to 200 construction positions and, once operational, it will create between 20 to 30 full-time positions in addition to generating annual property tax revenue and lease payments.”

“We are thrilled to work with Pembina to finally get Watson Island back in business,” commented Lee Brain, the Mayor of Prince Rupert. “What was once the story of economic downfall and hardship is now the story of prosperity and renewal. Getting Watson Island back on the tax roll has been the key priority of this council, and receiving this final investment decision from Pembina

will provide us with additional lease and tax revenues to support community services and infrastructure.”

In addition to the Prince Rupert Terminal, the Board of Directors have sanctioned the development of the North Central Liquids Hub, which supports operations for the Cutbank Ridge Partnership within the world class Montney formation. This project is being advanced through Pembina’s midstream limited partnership with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., in which the Company owns approximately a 46 per cent interest.

The estimated capital cost for this project is $320 million ($150 million net to Pembina) and is expected to be placed into service in late 2018. The North Central Liquids Hub will provide separation and stabilization of increased condensate volumes from CRP to support the recently in-service Sunrise and Saturn gas plants.

The North Central Liquids Hub can also be further expanded to serve the future requirements of the CRP as well as other potential third-party producers. Additionally, the North Centrals Liquids Hub will be connected into Pembina’s pipeline systems.

projects, bridges, institutional a nd i ndustria l development among others also helping to keep the association’s membership busy.

“Based on the level of projects announced we’re forecasting an increase in employment in our sector of between 20 and 30 per cent between 2019 and about 2021 so there will be an ongoing need for new people to enter the workforce and to join the trades,” Bone explained.

Filling the ranks of soon to retire tradespersons is an ongoing challenge for the industry, as a result promoting the sector as a career choice is an important function of the NRCA. “We

know that one out of 75 high school students are going into the trades after graduation. But what we’ll need to meet the demand in the future, based on the amount of projects on tap between now and 2024 is one in five,” he said.

“So obviously there will be a significant gap between the numbers of young people entering the trades, compared to what the demand is going to be over the next five to seven years.

A huge focus we have right now is to help fill that employment shortfall. That is a major challenge as well as opportunity for us as we move forward.” www.nrca.ca

BC Northern Home Sales Rise To Six-Year High For November

T

he number of homes sold through the MLS System of the BC Northern Real Estate Board totaled 306 units in November 2017. This was an increase of 14.6 per cent from the previous November and was the highest level for that month since 2011.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totalled 4,064 units over the first 11 months of the year. This was up 3.9 per cent from the same period in 2016.

“Home sa les have rema i ned at stronger levels ever since September, with the last three months marking the best three-month stretch for activity in more than two years on a seasonally adjusted basis,” said John Evans, President of the BC Northern Real Estate Board. “Given somewhat tighter market conditions and lower inventory this year, prices are set to rise by about 4 per cent in 2017 after remaining stable in the previous two years.”

The average price of homes sold in November 2017 was $265,040, edging down 0.9 per cent from November 2016. The less volatile year-to-date average price was up 4.1 per cent from the first 11 months of 2016 to reach $274,787.

The Board cautions that the average residential price is a useful figure only for establishing trends and comparisons over a period of time. It does not indicate an actual price for a home due to the wide selection of housing available over a vast geographic area (the Board serves an area covering over

600,000 square kilometers or 72 per cent of the province).

The dollar value of all home sales in November 2017 was $81.1 million, climbing 13.6 per cent from the same month in 2016. This was a record for the month of November.

There were 355 new listings on the Board’s MLS System in November 2017, edging up 1.4 per cent from November 2016.

Active residential listings on the Board’s MLS System numbered 2,005 units at the end of November, a decline of 8.7 per cent from the end of November 2016. This was the lowest level for active listings in the month of November in a decade.

There were 6.6 months of inventory at the end of November 2017, down from 8.2 months at the end of November 2016 and below the long-run average for this time of year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

Sales of all property types numbered 363 units in November, up 18.6 per cent from November 2016. The total value of all properties sold was $96.8 million, up 15.2 per cent from November 2016.

The BC Northern Real Estate Board covers the northern part of British Columbia, including Bulkley Nechako, Cariboo, Fraser Fort George, Peace River/Fort Nelson, and Skeena/Queen Charlottes.

11

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

CYBER ATTACKS A GROWING RISK FOR VIRTUALLY EVERY COMPANY Hackers Don’t Discriminate

I

t’s estimated that 55 per cent of orga n i zat ion s ex per ienced a cyber attack in the past year, many of which went undetected.

Not on ly a re the th reats of cyber attacks rising, but so is the level of disruption and damage they cause. In addition to direct financial losses, the adverse impacts on an organization’s reputation and operations can be even more severe and long lasting.

And it’s not just large corporations being targeted.

“If you think it can’t happen to you r orga n i zation, th i n k twice,” cautions Ron Borsholm, B C L e a d e r, C y b e r S e c u r i t y Services for MNP. “Successful attacks have been made on small businesses, retail chains, post-secondary educational i n st itut ion s, not-for-prof it organizations and even minor hockey associations. Hackers don’t discriminate.”

According to Borsholm, spear phishing and ransomware are two of the most common cyber threats.

Spear phishing is an emailspoofing attack that targets a specific organization or individual, seeking unauthorized access to sensitive information.

In one recent case, an organization lost significant money when the accounts payable clerk was targeted and asked by email to change a vendor’s banking i n fo r m a t i o n . T h e c r i m i nals then sent fake invoices to the organization, which were paid using the altered banking information.

I n a not her c a se, t he ch ief financial officer at a not-forprofit received an email that looked like it was from a bank the organization used. It asked her to update her user ID and password and in the rush of a busy day she quickly complied.

A few days later, it was discovered that hundreds of thousands of dollars had been stolen

Cyber Security

“If you think it can’t happen to your organization, think twice. Hackers don’t discriminate.”

RON BORSHOLM BC LEADER, CYBER SECURITY SERVICES, MNP

Peter Guo, BC Leader, Enterprise Risk Services, MNP

and wired out of their account.

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their computer system unless a ransom is paid. In most cases, users either click a n attach ment i n a n ema i l or a link on a webpage which leads to their systems being compromised.

Borsholm recalls a small liquor store that recently fel l v icti m to such ra nsomwa re.

While the company was only asked for a ransom of $500 in bitcoin (which they paid), it cost more than 10 times the ransom amount to fully restore their computers to a secure state. To add insult to injury, the perpetrator sent the business owner an unofficial receipt thanking them for thei r “i nvolu nta ry purchase.”

“Many of these organizations did not have sufficient internal controls in place such as policies, procedures and training to prevent this from happening,” says Borsholm. “Other organizations put controls in place, but then fail to test them to ensure they are working correctly.”

For example, in another ransomware attack in BC the company discovered their computer backups had not been working.

“Without any backups, the company was essentially left crippled w ith a tota l loss of over six months of operational and financial information until the ransom was paid,” says Borsholm.

Orga n i zat ions who accept c re d i t c a rd p a y m e n t s f a c e

Ron Borsholm leads MNP’s Cyber Security practice in BC

another concern. Under their merchant agreement, they are required to be compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS).

“The PCI-DSS is a standard which requires a basic level of security and a lot of organizations aren’t aware of it,” Borsholm explains. “As a result, they don’t follow common security practices, which leads to potential credit card breaches.”

Peter Guo has been working in IT security and audit since 1999 and is MNP’s BC Leader for Enterprise Risk Services. He says the first step in protecting your organization is to fully understand your specific situation.

“Do you k now what you r critica l data is a nd whether that type of data is being targeted? Do you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your technology? What are the threats and what internal controls do you currently have in place?”

Guo recommends a Maturity and Threat Analysis as a good starting point. This analysis provides the information you need to prioritize your risks and appropriately protect your organization.

Education across the organization is also critical through a formal and recurring awareness campaign.

“G ood cyber secu rity isn’t just a matter of putting protective technology in place,” Guo emphasizes. “Threats and technologies constantly shift a nd p eople need to b e constantly reminded to stay vigilant. As organizations change, people enter new roles and have access to d ifferent systems, i n for m at ion a nd d ata, t hey need to know what’s expected of them when it comes to cyber security.”

M NP offers a wide range of cyb er secu r it y ser v ices i ncluding Maturity and Threat A na lysis, PCI Compl ia nce consulting and audit, network vulnerability and penetration testing, and internal control assessments.

In our increasingly connected world, cyber attacks are happen i ng w ith i ncreasi ng frequency and present very real risk for businesses of all sizes.

If you’re not sure about your organization’s ability to withstand one, take action today to avoid a crisis and protect your company’s assets.

are you FUTURE READY? In our increasingly connected world, security has become an urgent issue for virtually every company. How prepared is your organization to handle a cyber attack or data breach? Find out what you need to do to protect your revenue – and reputation – with MNP’s Cyber Security Health Check.

Contact your local MNP Business Advisor or Ron Borsholm, B.C. Leader, Cyber Security Services at 778.350.3562 or ron.borsholm@mnp.ca

12

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

ADMIRAL ROOFING & WALL SYSTEMS HAS BEEN SERVING THE NORTH SINCE THE 1980S Commercial Roofing Company A Family-Owned Enterprise

P

RINCE GEORGE – Quality begins at the top for Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems Ltd., a second generation family-owned and operated business that has been working with commercial and industrial clients all across the north for decades. The largest flat roofing contractor in central and northern British Columbia, Admiral Roofing and its team of expert installers have worked with clients across the north since the 1980s – being acquired by its present owners 20 years ago.

“My parents Alex and Beth Goldie bought Admiral Roofing from the original owner in 1997, having worked here previously as a project manager for a couple of years,” explained the company’s manager Scott Goldie.

“I’ve always had an interest in construction, with my father being involved in the industry as I was growing up, but I hadn’t really planned on being part of the business, that just sort of happened.”

Coming from a background in general contracting, the ownership of Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems are specialists in providing its commercial and industrial clients with high quality torch-on roofing, as its website states: The roof is the most important and expensive part of the building you own. Our expertise can help you extend the life of your building by installing and maintaining the right product. We employ the most qualified workers and use only the best roofing and metal wall systems for your projects.

Work i ng w ith ma ny of the leading industrial, retail and commercial clients in the region, including Canfor, the Lakeland Saw m i l l, t he RCM P, Prince George Toyota and many others, Admiral Roofing and its team of more than 25 have the experience

“I’ve always had an interest in construction, with my father being involved in the industry as I was growing up.”

SCOTT GOLDIE MANAGER, ADMIRAL ROOFING & WALL SYSTEMS LTD.

Replacing the dome on the Prince George courthouse was a high profile assignment for Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems

Admiral worked on the College of New Caledonia’s new $15 million Heavy Mechanical Trades Facility in Prince George

We are proud to be a supplier of Admiral Roofing.

Congratulations on 20 years in business!

Toll Free: 1.888.738.9677 www.cmetals.com

Proud parter of Admiral Roofing, congratulations on 20 years in business!

Phone: 250.564.1288 Toll Free: 877.846.7505 1706 Ogilvie Street, Prince George ca.brockwhite.com

13

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

Members of Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems team are seen here working on the new Marriott Courtyard hotel

Another recent commercial client for Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems is the Prince George Montana’s Restaurant

and the expertise to do the job right every time.

“With a focus on industrial and commercial clients we work with many of the pulp mills for example, such as the one in Quesnel. We’ll work as far west as Burns Lake and have even been involved in jobs as far away as Fort McMurray where we had a crew working on a project for more than a year. We’ve worked on a number of projects in Fort Nelson as well, such as the Rec Centre up there so you’d have to say that we work all across the north, not just in Prince George,” Goldie explained.

But as the name implies Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems does more than build commercial

and industrial roofs, increasingly its workload also includes the walls of the structures it builds. “Adding the wall cladding, the wall system is part of the company’s expansion. This is a segment of the market that is becoming increasingly important to us and is an area that will continue to grow in the future,” he explained.

The architectural wall systems Admiral Roofing installs provide an exterior building structure with the correct R-values for the client’s needs, while adding the finishing touch that makes a building both efficient and appealing.

A partial list of the wall systems the company installs includes preformed metal cladding, insulated metal panels, aluminum composite (ACM) panel systems and others. “While we have three or four staff members who specialize in walls, we don’t really operate that as a separate division, everything comes out of the same location,” Goldie said.

Located in a 6,000 square foot production facility and administrative center at 4214 Cowart Road in Prince George, Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems has been involved in any number of high profile projects in recent years including replacing the dome on the roof of the Prince George courthouse.

“One big project we just completed this year was the replacement of the courthouse dome with some copper material. It was certainly one of our highlight projects this year and one that we’re especially proud of.

While we work on many different industrial projects, it’s very satisfying to be involved in one that prominent, and in the public’s eye,” he said.

For the future Admiral Roofing anticipates continuing to grow as it takes on increasing numbers of commercial projects such as providing both the roofing and the walls for car dealerships, retail outlets and others. “In time it would be great to have the equipment in our shop to fabricate the panels we install in our own facility, but that’s still to come,” Goldie said. www.admiralroofing.ca

Congratulations to

Admiral Roofing on 20 years in business!

Congratulations to Admiral Roofing on reaching 20 years in business!

250.563.4704

Over the years Admiral Roofing & Wall Systems has worked for many regional clients including the BCGEU

Phone: 2261 Quinn Street S, Prince George Email: pg@convoy-supply.com

Head Office: 1088 Great Street Prince George, BC Canada V2N 2K8

Ph. 250.649.0561 Fax 250.649.0581 www.idlprojects.com info@idlprojects.com

OFF THE COVER

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DEC 2017/JAN 2018

AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

• • • • • • • •

Office Community Recreational Wood Design Seniors’ Housing Industrial Multi Family Hospitality Commercial Renovation/ Restoration • Green • Recreational • Mixed Use (Commercial/ Residential) • Community Institutional (government buildings, churches, schools) • Civil (roads, bridges and infrastructure) A team of independent judges will adjudicate the entries based on seven questions: • Does it complement the surrounding properties and area?

• Is it esthetically pleasing?

• Are there unique architectural features?

• What is the level of finish (choice in construction materials)?

• Does it answer a specific development need within the community?

• D o e s i t c o n t r i b u t e t o a he a lt hy, s u sta i n able community?

Calvin Kruk Centre for the Arts in Dawson Creek was the Judges’ Choice Best Overall Entry in the 2016 Northern BC Commercial Building Awards • Does it have any environmentally friendly or green e l e m e n t s fo r p o s s i b l e

consideration?

Nom i n at ion for m s c a n b e d o w n l o a d e d f r o m w w w.

businessexaminer.ca/events, or contact Mark MacDonald at mark@businessexaminer.ca for

a copy of the submission form.

The deadline for submissions is January 19, 2018.

Property assessments can be appealed before January 31 Property taxes too high? ✦ Is your 2018 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?

Deadline for appeal is January 31, 2018 With over 29 years of property assessment appeal experience, PacWest Commercial Real Estate Advisors specializes in the annual Review and Appeal of property assessments, property tax minimization strategies as well as Property Transfer Tax appeals throughout British Columbia.

Proactive Service, Proven Results

Tim Down, AACI, P. App, CAE, RI Property Tax Services PacWest Commercial Real Estate Advisors E-mail: tim@pacwestrealestate.ca Web: www.pacwestrealestate.ca

250-864-9140

I

t’s that time of year when the annual property assessment notice envelope appears in the mailbox or by e-mail, displaying your 2018 property assessment values and classification.

This year’s notices are especially important and deserve close inspection given the record increases in property assessment values over the past year in most areas of British Columbia. It is from this estimation of commercial or industrial property assessment values that local governments and the Province will determine how much overall property tax will be paid this year.

The BC Assessment Authority is responsible in the annual valuation of over two million properties in B.C. with less than 700 employees, but it remains the property owners’ responsibility to review and appeal annual property assessment notices.

And what if someone doesn’t agree with either the assessment value or classification?

Perhaps it’s too high, or in some cases, too low. Can anything be done about it?

Yes. But an appeal must be filed on or before January 31, 2018. There is no fee to file an appeal at this first level of review.

Tim Down, President of PacWest Commercial Real Estate Advisors (www.pacwestrealestate.ca), specializes in annual property assessment and tax appeal consulting 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 value, or the equitable assessment 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.

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 mixeduse developments and agricultural lands.

BC Assessment Authority continues their trend to aggressively pursue assessment valuation policies and property tax classification initiatives through legal challenges that will have long lasting impacts on all non-residential taxpayers.

Down says it’s best for property owners to stay informed and remain vigilant these days. Especially since 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, and Down notes that property taxes go straight to the bottom line performance of all real estate assets. www.pacwestrealestate.ca

15

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

5 Point Operations: Providing Snow Removal & So Much More

I

f you work anywhere in Western Canada, and you arrive at your job one snowy morning this winter to find your parking lot clean, and your walkways ice-free and safe – you could very well have 5 Point Operations Inc. to thank for it. Serving hundreds of clients, from federal and provincial government agencies to private corporations, 5 Point Operations delivers a vast array of site management and property maintenance services for customers from Saskatchewan to the Pacific coast and up into the Yukon.

“We really started off primarily as a snow removal company, which remains a large part of the services we offer our growing number of clients, now just over 75 companies,” explained Gord J. Oliver, one of the firm’s five founding partners (hence the ‘5 Point’ in the company’s name).

“We carry out our own operations here in the Okanagan Valley, while maintaining offices and internal operations in both Edmonton and Calgary, with direct company employees in all three locations.”

Where it’s impractical for 5 Point to open and operate its own offices, the company establishes partnerships with local firms to provide a complete range of site maintenance services, under the 5 Point banner and employing the same environmentally friendly products, state of the art technologies and innovative billing and tracking systems that 5 Point Operations uses wherever it works.

“The partnerships we establish, and we currently work with approximately 200 different local companies, are typically the local companies that can‘t afford to wait 90 days to get paid, which can be typical with the sort of government or large corporate contracts that we take on. We pay our local partners much quicker than the frequent 90 days it takes to get paid from our clients,” Oliver explained.

“These are the small business owners who need to pay the mortgage or put food on the table who simply can’t afford to wait. They are our representatives, our ambassadors across the west, and we want to see them succeed and prosper while working with us.

They may not be working exclusively with us all of the time, but when they are we want to treat them fairly.”

The 5 Point Operations business model has proven so successful the company was recently ranked 12th out of the top 50 fastest growing start-up companies in Canada by Canadian Business Magazine. Only founded in 2013, 5 Point Operations recorded unprecedented growth during the past 12 months – solid proof of the wisdom of its operational systems.

“5 Point Operations Inc. is honoured to be on the Start-up 50 ranking. The strength of

“They are our representatives, our ambassadors across the west, and we want to see them succeed and prosper.”

GORD J. OLIVER PARTNER, 5 POINT OPERATIONS INC.

5 Point Operations partners include (l to r) Terry Jackson, Jason Ritchie, Gord J. Oliver, Gordon H. Oliver & Kevin Bosch our business is in our people. We know that what we have accomplished in a few short years in business is just the beginning for our group. Since last year’s review, 5 Point has continued to grow at an exponential rate.

Our common goal for next year is to make the Top 10,” Oliver explained in a recent media release.

In addition to Gord J. Oliver the other four founding partners of 5 Point Operations include Kevin Bosch, Jason Ritchie, Terry Jackson and Gordon H. Oliver – a multitalented group of business owners with decades of collective experience between them. It’s a group that has pooled their skills and experience to make 5 Point the property maintenance powerhouse it has become.

While providing property maintenance and snow removal services represents much of the workload for 5 Point Operations, the company also provides a number of different inter-related services, including facility and project management duties, landscaping design and construction, a full gamut of asphalt and concrete services, consulting services as well as functioning as a general contractor.

“We don’t build the buildings themselves, but look after all of aspects of the site the building has been constructed on,” he explained.

“While many of the partners have been involved in construction in the past, and that is something we could branch into in the future, we haven’t built any buildings at 5 Point, at least not yet.”

To look after hundreds of companies and individuals all across the West, to successfully satisfy the needs of clients as diverse as corporations, municipalities and government agencies, while orchestrating assignments and delivering timely billing requires a logistical system the envy of a modern army. 5 Point Operations, working in concert with Edmonton-based information management firm Genicoll Inc., has

created a unique and proprietary Smartphone accessible application called ‘5 Pop’ that has helped to facilitate the company’s phenomenal growth.

“We knew from our previous experience that we were going to need a system to keep track of everything, so we began working with Genicoll very early in our corporate life to develop this system. Our slogan has always been: ‘Confident in Management’ – and this system allow us to deliver to our clients, from BGIS across Western Canada to the Alberta Government to Home Depot and many others, confidence from knowing that by working with us they will have professional grade data and real time reporting on every job we do for them,” Oliver said.

“We serve our clients right by not merely managing the people we have in the field, whether our own staff or our local partners, but also by being equipped to manage the data that they require. That’s where we have a significant strategic advantage over other

providers of these services. Our custom application streamlines the invoicing and billing process – making data accessible whenever they need it.”

5 Point Operations has, in a very short term, become one of Western Canada’s leading, multi-faceted property management firms. From its environmentally-friendly snow removal liquids (provided through a partnership with Premium Canada) to its state of the art data distribution system, to its expanding network of safety-focused COR™ (Certificate of Recognition) approved regional partners, 5 Point Operations looks forward to continuing its meteoric growth, while providing the best in year round site maintenance services.

“Our organizational culture is based on the principle that the old school way of doing business with respect to trust honesty and ethics can be integrated with the new focus on safety, social impact, innovative growth and creative problem solving,” Oliver said.

“We’re always looking for great human capital, finding the right people who share our vision for the future. That’s always going to be a key part of any future we envision.” www.5point.ca

CONDITIONS CHANGE. SO SHOULD YOUR SPEED. The safety of your drivers is your responsibility. Help keep them safe in winter conditions by using the free toolkit at ShiftIntoWinter.ca.

ShiftIntoWinter.ca #ShiftIntoWinter DriveBC.ca

5 Point Operations maintains a fleet of equipment for looking after its core business, snow removal

16

OFF THE COVER

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

Agreement Between Pacific Coastal Airlines And Westjet Fuels New Routes

Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice President

WESTJET LINK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“All of us at Pacific Coastal Airlines are excited and proud to be entering this relationship with WestJet, said Pacific Coastal Airlines President Quentin Smith.

“Our two airlines, both based in Western Canada, share many similar corporate and guest service values. We feel this CPA is the perfect partnership to link many new communities into the WestJet network.”

T he service starts March 7 with service between Calgary and Cranbrook three times a day.

Three flights a day will also be offered between Lethbridge and Calgary, also starting March 7.

T he nex t sta rt day, a week

Artist rendering of new WestJet Link colours which will be applied to Pacific Coastal Airlines’ Saab 340B Aircraft later on March 14, will initiate one flight a day between Calgary and Prince George and one daily flight between Calgary and Lloydminster.

T h e f i n a l a d d i t i o n to t h e

schedule will start May 31 with three flights a day between Calgary and Medicine Hat. The company also projected the following fares, with taxes, fees and charges included:

• P r i nc e G e orge to Ca lgary for $118.78; return is $124.03 • Cranbrook to Calgary for $98.83; return is $118.78 • Lethbridge to Calgary for

$98.83; return is $114.58 • L l o y d m i n s t e r to C a lgary for $111.43; return is $142.93 • Medicine Hat to Calgary for $98.83; return is $130.33 The mayors of the newly served communities and airports all welcomed the service.

“Residents from the East and West Kootenay have been waiting for years for WestJet connections to Calgary, giving access to destinations around the world,” said Cranbook Mayor Lee Pratt. The new service will also give visitors from around the world more access to the many attractions in the Kootenays.

Founded almost 40 years ago by CEO Daryl Smith, Pacific Coastal Airlines is the sixth largest airline operating out of Vancouver International Airport. The company is based at the South Terminal in Richmond. Pacific Coastal’s seaplanes fly out of Port Hardy.

Pacific Coastal employs more than 300 people and connects to more than 65 destinations, ranging as far east as Cranbrook in the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Prince George and Masset on the legendary island of Haida Gwaii. Current President Quentin Smith is the founder’s son. www.westjet.com/en-ca/index www.pacificcoastal.com/

Mazzei Electric Serving Vancouver Island And The North Youthful Management Team Guiding The Company Toward An Expanding Future

S

ince it was founded more than 20 years ago, familyowned Mazzei Electric Ltd. has grown from a local start-up into a major electrical contracting business with an impact felt province-wide. Headquartered in Nanaimo, the company now has a staff count of more than 130 and operates offices in Victoria and in Fort St. John, working with everyone from homeowners to the premiere builders and developers in the province.

Third generation electrician and current company President Ben Mazzei credits much of his company’s growth and success on both its willingness to work on projects of any size, and on the expertise and vision of his staff and management team.

“My father Frank Mazzei started the business in 1994, doing primarily commercial service contracts. We still work for many of his original customers,” he said.

Mazzei Electric is the electrical contractor of choice for many of BC’s top builders and has extensive experience working on residential projects such as housing developments and multi-family residential projects as well as on commercial and light industrial assignments.

The current company President

“I like to think of us as an energetic, progressive company with a strong customer service focus” BEN MAZZEI PRESIDENT, MAZZEI ELECTRIC LTD.

(whose grandfather was also an electrician) began working for the firm in 2002, having completed his electrical apprenticeship first in Saskatchewan and later in Victoria.

“We expanded into both the Victoria and the Fort St. John markets about five years ago, which has kept us very busy, and has led to some major growth for us. Finding good people can be a challenge and we want to keep those we do find, so we put a lot of effort into making Mazzei a good place to work,” Mazzei said.

One key to the vibrancy of the firm is the youthful nature of its management team, a grouping of young professionals with a vision that includes long careers and a willingness to embrace new business approaches

Ben Mazzei is the President of Mazzei Electric, taking over the reins from his father and company founder Frank Mazzei while recognizing the value of the emerging technologies.

“Most of our key employees have grown as the company has, so we have a number of long term employees. When I took it over from my Dad five or six years ago there were approximately 25 employees. So most of my key employees have grown and evolved as the business has,” he said.

Serving clients all across Vancouver Island and throughout Northern British Columbia from its Fort St. John office, Mazzei Electric has grown by providing

a full spectrum of services. “We have fully functioning service departments, we work for homebuilders, we’ll do condominiums for developers, we’ll do infrastructure projects, institutional projects and we even work for a number of property management firms. Being willing to work with a variety of clients, on projects of any size – large or small – that’s what has helped us grow and will allow us to continue to grow,” Mazzei explained.

For its President and his management team, the company’s

past and ongoing success is directly linked to its stated corporate Mission Statement: Mazzei Electric is committed to building long-term relationships based on integrity, performance and value. We strive to provide exceptional service and quality electrical work that surpasses your expectations.

That adherence to delivering excellence regardless of the size of the project, and a dedication to innovation and ongoing skills training for its team will ensure continued success for the company as it approaches its first quarter century in business and beyond.

“I like to think of us as an energetic, progressive company with a strong customer service focus.

We always put the customer first.

If something should go wrong we’ll be right there to fix it,” he said.

“Another very important part of the company, from our employee’s perspective is our safety program. Safety is a huge thing for us so our goal is to always maintain an accident-free workplace.

We’re committed to the health, safety and well being of both our staff and our customers. That’s a big part of our success.” www.mazzeielectric.com

17

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

Chair in Remote Sensing, and his students have partnered with BC-based drone company, FYBR, to serve the needs of the forestry industry.

Terrace

Local company, Technicon Industries, which also has offices in Prince Rupert and Kitimat, has advanced from the second round of this year’s Small Business BC Awards nom i nation process. The company is now among the top ten contenders for the Premier’s People’s Choice and the Best Apprentice Training awards. The awards winners will be announced at the annual Small Business BC Awards Gala on February 23rd, in Vancouver.

This year’s Terrace City Councillors have received their new committee appointments for 2018. Michael Prevost will sit on the Housing Committee, and will be a liaison for the Skeena Diversity Society, the RCMP, and the Northern Medical Programs Trust. Stacey Tyers will sit on the Kermodei Tourism Society strategic committee, and will be a liaison for the Educational Services, the City of Terrace Finance, and the Rio Tinto Kitimat Public Advisory Committee. Brian Downie will be on the Housing Committee, and will be a liaison for the Fire Department, the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, and the Riverboat Days Committee.

Lynne Christiansen will be on the Terrace and District Museum Society (Heritage Park), and will be the liaison for Public Works, and the Terrace Downtown Improvement Area. James Cordeiro will serve on the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine board, and will be the liaison for Leisure Services. Sean Bujtas will be on the Regional District of KitimatStikine board, the Greater Terrace Beautification Society, and the Terrace Public Library, and will be a departmental liaison for Development Services. Mayor Carol Leclerc will be on the Northern Development Initiative Trust, and the Terrace Community Foundation, and will be the liaison for the Healthy Communities Committee, and City Administration.

The City of Terrace is pursuing plans to conduct a feasibility study for a transload facility.

Recently, the City asked the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) to partner in drafting a request for a $100,000 grant from the Rural Dividend Fund. If approved and funded, the study will analyze and find the most appropriate site for the facility in Terrace. The study will also examine the business side for economic, commercial, managerial and financial aspects. The RDKS has joined with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Rio Tinto, CN Rail, Skeena Sawmills, and Chinese developer Taisheng in supporting the study that takes a step towards construction of an in-land port.

Local teen, Ariadna Sullivan, was named as the junior winner of the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Queen’s Commonwealth

Essay Writing Competition. Her poem entitled, “What is in Your Toolbox for Peace? A New Perspective” was written to be read both forward and backward, and her prize was a trip to London, England with her family to attend the awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Terrace Search and Rescue (SAR) has announced that the property at 4455 Greig Avenue has been purchased as the building site for their new location.

The SAR has outgrown their current location, and continues to move forward with fundraising efforts and plans for their new location.

Prince Rupert Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain announced that the City has completed 90 per cent of the land decommissioning promised for Watson Island. All pulp chemicals have now been removed from the former pulp mill site, which has been pitched as a possible location for a small liquid propane operation.

The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert and the North Coast Transition Society have partnered together to offer a bus service between Prince Rupert and Terrace. The service will be up and running in the middle of January 2018, charging $5 per ride and running twice per week. The Friendship House has received funding through the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan, using that $90,000 to purchase the 15-passenger van for the bus service. In addition to providing safe, affordable transportation through this service, the Friendship House has acquired the Pioneer Guesthouse in Cow Bay, adding that to their social enterprise.

Chef Blake Flann and his partners, Braden Etzerza and Jessica Pedersen, all originally from Prince Rupert, won gold at the Calgary region of the Canadian Culinary Championships. In the new year, Flann plans to compete in the national competition in Kelowna, vying for the title of Best Chef in Canada.

BC Housing has announced that it will begin looking for a new homeless shelter location, after the Raffles Inn hosted homeless residents for the past 12 years. Both the current state of the inn and a drop in occupancy rates have enabled BC Housing to consider a new location for the initiative. The North Coast

Transition Society and the City of Prince Rupert will also collaborate to help BC Housing find their new property. In the meantime, the inn has been put up for sale, listing for $2 million.

Joy Thorkelson, a Prince Rupert city councilor, has been appointed as the new president for the United Fishermen and Workers Union UNIFOR (UFAWU-UNIFOR).

T he staff at Northern View Prince Rupert welcome Meaghan Proteau as their new Digital Content Producer and Account Representative.

Williams Lake Thompson Rivers University’s Applied Sustainable Ranching Program (ASUR), based in the Williams Lake campus, celebrated its first graduating class this year. The celebration featured a Beef and Beer pairing, with food and beer provided by local ranches and businesses.

Volunteer organization, Samaritan’s Purse Canada, will be returning to Williams Lake to help those who have been affected by the w ildfires. T he organization will be setting up shop in Williams Lake, and is scheduled to be operational by January. T he operation aims to reach communities beyond Williams Lake, extending to 100 Mile House, Quesnel, and the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

December 14th marked the grand opening of the Sam Ketcham Pool at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, on 525 Proctor Street. The celebration featured a ribbon cutting and free swim to commemorate the occasion.

Central Cariboo Search and Rescue (CCSAR) has acquired two snowmobiles in response to an increase in searches during the winter season. The CCSAR has often relied on assistance from the Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club for searches, and will continue to partner with them in the future.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have employed the use of drone technology to survey areas of the province affected by this year’s wildfires. The drones connect to forestry applications, one in particular being fire burn assessment. Nicholas Coops, Professor of Forest Resources Management at UBC and the Canada Research

The Historic Chilcotin Lodge has joined the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce as a new member, along with Cariboo Orthotics, Cariboo Truck Terminal Co. Ltd., Soul Syrup Massage and Wellness, and Cogenica Media Inc.

Department of First Nations Studies, and Coordinator of the Northern Studies Program.

Another UNBC professor, Dr. Thomas Tannert, an Engineering Associate Professor, has been named as the Canada Research Chair. Dr. Tannert will now serve as the new Canada Research Chair in Hybrid Wood Structures Engineering.

Chris Douglas-Fish has joined the 100 Mile House team at HUB International as a commercial insurance specialist.

Prince George The City of Prince George has placed their stamp of approval on a partnership agreement with A&T Project Developments, who will construct a sizeable condominium and parkade development project in the city’s downtown core. The project is currently valued at $37 million and features 151 units, which w i l l b e con st r ucted i n fou r phases along the stretch between Queensway Street and City Hall. The parkade portion of the project will feature 290 underground parking spots, as well as 64 above-ground parking spaces. Construction is scheduled to start in 2018.

T he University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) celebrates two new significant appointments on staff. Dr. Gary Wilson, Professor of Political Science at U N BC, h a s been named as President of the Asso ciat ion of Ca nad ia n Un iversities for Northern Studies (ACUNS). Dr. Wilson also serves as the Acting Chair for UNBC’s

Dr. Gary Wilson, President of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies

Dr. Thomas Tannert, Canada Research Chair The Prince George Chamber of SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS | PAGE 19

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OPINION

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NEW BRUNSWICK PROVING – AGAIN - THAT “TAX THE RICH” SCHEMES DO NOT WORK

MARK MACDONLD

D

espite its populist appeal, the “tax the rich” classwa rfa re tactic is once again proving to not work.

T he most recent statistical proof that it simply does not work comes from New Brunswick. Patrick Webber, a research associate for the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, notes in a recent article that the province introduced two new tax brackets in 2015 they believed would raise $30 million in additional revenue annually.

“A new report released by Statistics Canada suggests that the combined federal and provincial tax bill for the richest 600 New Brunswickers in 2015 was $5.8 million less than in 2014, despite the spike in tax rates,” Webber writes.

Webber adds that the measures have impeded and hurt the

province’s economy, and notes this: “As the evidence from 2015 shows, the top one per cent will simply reduce their activity, find a cooler tax climate and pay less. . .And as revenues decline from highest income earners, the tax burden will shift to mid-and low-income earners.”

T h e “ r i c h”, or “s o-c a l l e d rich”, are those who, in most cases, invest their money into businesses and investments in hopes of earning a return. And by so doing, they create jobs, which helps people raise families and buy homes, vehicles and vacations.

A very strong argument could be made that they already pay far more than their “fair share” of taxes, from their own paycheques, and through what they do. Any business owner can look at their payroll – and the federal and provincial taxes that are deducted from employees – in addition to the GST, PST, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC levies that are covered by gross income, and ask: Isn’t that enough?

It’s never enough for greedy governments, who view it as their right to tax and tax some more, instead of the obvious ot her a lter n at ive – cutt i ng back. As more and more people become government dependent, there becomes more public

outcry for more services, paid for by someone else.

Incredulously, one citizen recently cried aloud for more from their government, stating “this doesn’t come from taxpayers”.

Somehow, there’s a total disconnect when someone can passionately make such an ignorant statement. Have people forgotten that governments don’t have money – they take it from citizens? That in Canada, we didn’t even have income tax until the dire circumstances of the First World War? Those taxes have never disappeared. . .they’ve only increased.

••• There seems to be a prevailing attitude these days that if one repeats something often enough that it becomes true.

Consider this one statement that politicians bleat passionately with a straight face: “economic growth comes from strong environmental policy,” or something that sounds similar.

Really? T hen how does one explain the economy of China?

Their environmental standards pale in comparison with ours, yet that country, along with I nd ia, conti nues to lead the world in economic growth.

An argument could be made that, due to its sheer size, population and non-environmental standards, anything that Canada

m ig ht do towa rd s reduci ng carbon emissions in a year is counterbalanced by China’s exhale in a day.

We rightly realize that protecting the environment is good for our health and well-being, and that is not to be understated.

We need and enjoy clean air and water, without question.

But the claim that it is good for the economy directly? That doesn’t make any logical sense.

How? Where? In what instance?

That claim is made ad infinitum for one purpose: To justify punitive taxes in the eyes of voters on one of wealthiest resource sector – oil and gas.

Despite what people might believe, very little of any carbon tax actually does anything to help the environment. Those taxes are pumped into general revenue. Don’t believe it? Don’t look any further than British Columbia.

The federal government’s recent “measures” are expected to result in a 17 cent per liter increase in the price of gas. How does that help the economy?

Forget the federal and provincial government’s claims of support for small business. The gigantic increases in fuel and the yet-to-come minimum wage are far more than a measly one per cent shaving of the small business tax rate for most companies.

A healthy environment? Yes, we all want that. But tell the truth. Or produce the truth, that protecting the environment boosts the economy.

••• There is some concern that now that the Green portion of GreeNDP failed in its bid to stop Premier John Horgan’s approval to continue Site C dam construction to completion, and that the National Energy Board has overturned a Burnaby city appeal of the decision to allow the twinning of the Kinder Morgan Pipeline, that they will turn their sights to another resource sector: Aquaculture.

One-sided, fact-void, antifish farm rhetoric is on the rise, which has to make the 5,000 people employed in this valuable industry nervous.

There is no way to pacify ecofanatics. Their goal seems to be the shutdown of any and all resource-based industries. Last week’s announcement that the provincial government won’t issue an environmental certificate for the Ajax mine near Kamloops is yet another example of its war on resources, and the hundreds of jobs – many of them well-paying union jobs – that won’t be created.

It ma kes one wonder what exactly the GreeNDP envisions for the BC economy.

INVESTOR CONFIDENCE PLUMMETS FOR BC ENERGY SECTOR

KENNETH P. GREEN AND ASHLEY STEDMAN

THE FRASER INSTITU­TE

I

nvestor confidence in BC’s energy sector is crucial, since the province is rich with vast natural gas resources. But according to this year’s Fraser Institute Global Petroleum Survey, BC ranks dead last among Canadian provinces in investment attractiveness in the oil and gas sector.

With tanker moratoriums, liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant cancellations, calls for a fracking review and a government dedicated to pipeline obstructionism,

it’s not surprising that investors are deeply wary of putting more assets into the province’s energy sector.

Indeed, this was reflected in this year’s survey, which tracks the perceptions of investors eyeing jurisdictions worldwide.

The survey spotlights policies (royalties and taxes, duplicative regulations, etc.) that govern the oil and gas industry, and make a jurisdiction attractive or unattractive to investment.

This year, BC saw its global ra n ki ng deteriorate rapid ly, dropping out of the top 50 per cent to the bottom 25 per cent.

It now ranks 76th of 97 jurisdictions. Survey respondents cited political instability, fiscal terms and the high cost of regulatory compliance as significant deterrents to investment.

The percentage of negative responses due to BC’s protected areas and disputed land claims also remains high. In fact, most survey respondents - nearly 80 per cent for disputed land claims and 65 per cent for protected

Tanker Moratoriums, LNG Plant Cancellations, Fracking Reviews, Government Pipeline Obstructionism Are All Taking Their Toll

areas - said these factors deter investment.

BC’s significant decline in this year’s survey can be blamed on a wide array of policy changes. In particular, the recently-elected New Democratic government (supported by the Green Party) has promised to raise the carbon tax by 66 per cent and it opposes the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline System expansion.

The Green Party also opposes

LNG production and export.

While BC becomes less attractive to investment, other Canadian provinces continue to fare better. This year, Newfoundland and Labrador (fourth) and Saskatchewan (seventh) ranked in the global top 10. Neighbouring Alberta (33 rd) saw its score increase slightly this year (although the province remains the second least attractive jurisdiction to invest in Canada).

Me a nwh i le, i n t he Un ited States, LNG terminals are opening and President Donald Trump is implementing sweeping energy sector reforms that cut taxes and regulations. Trump’s administration is opening additional lands, suspending onerous regulations, dropping international greenhouse gas obligations, allowing oil exports and promising to cut taxes on business. Ultimately, Trump’s policy decisions pose competitiveness challenges north of the border.

B C ’s p o l i c i e s r a i s e c o ncerns about whether the province’s energy sector is open for

business. Why would investors put their money into BC, as opposed to other provinces or U.S. states, if the government insists on increasing taxes and regulatory uncertainty?

BC’s drop in the eyes of investors should concern policymakers in Victoria. Petronas has already pulled the plug on a multibillion-dollar LNG project. With low commodity prices and variable market conditions, policy decisions matter. Adding costs and uncertainty moves the province in the wrong direction and only pushes future investment - and the potential prosperity it carries -away from BC To improve BC’s image in the eyes of investors, the government of Premier John Horgan should pursue competitive and stable policies, for the benefit of British Columbians and their families.

Kenneth P. Green and Ashley Stedman are the co-authors of the Fraser Institute’s annual Global Petroleum Survey.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DEC 2017/JAN 2018

MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Commerce and the BC Chamber of Commerce have collaborated to host the 2018 #TrueNorth Business Development Forum, on Tuesday, January 16th. This y e a r ’s e v e n t w i l l fe a t u re a speaker lineup of prominent business leaders including, Dr. Mark Colgate, economist Jim Allworth of RBC Dominion Securities, Joel McKay, CEO of Northern Development Initiative Trust, and Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination BC. T he Aboriginal Business Development Centre i s now participating in CN’s Carbon Reduction Project for Business.

The centre will be working with UNBC students to first assess their carbon footprint, and then make changes to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Prince George City Council has approved changes to the Downtown Incentives Program, in an effort to help revitalize the downtown core. The partnersh ip ag reement between Northern Development Initiatives Trust (Northern Development) and the City will undergo changes that will add incentive for developers to make investments in housing downtown.

Local business, Pathfinder

Endeavou rs, h a s m ade it to the top ten semi-finalists for Best Employer in the 15 th Annual Small Business BC Awards.

Awa rd w i n ners w i l l b e a nnounced at an awards gala in Vancouver on February 23 rd.

Dawson Creek The City of Dawson Creek has announced the winners of this year’s 2018 Community Awards.

T h is yea r’s awa rds featu re: Dawson Creek Co-op – Business of the Year; Jessica Holland – Entrepreneur of the Year; Jayden Mayoh – Youth of the Year; and Jacqueline Janssen – Citizen of the Year.

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has elected a new Board Chair and Vice Chair for the 2017-18 year. Brad Sperling, of Electoral Area “C”, will serve as the PRRD Chair, Dan Rose, Electoral Area “E” Director, will serve as the PRRD Vice Chair, and both have been acclaimed respectively as Chair and Vice Chair of the Hospital Board.

Fort St. John BC Business magazine named Fort St. John as the Best Place to Work in 2018, as part of a list of 36 cities across BC containing populations above 10,000. Last

year, the city ranked second on the list, after being named the best in category in 2015. Despite the downward trend in fossil fuel prices and the cancellation of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project, FSJ continues to lead in other metrics including: low unemployment rates, fiveyear income growth, housing costs, leisure spending, average household income for primary earners under 35, and average household income.

Gemini Corporation, based in Calgary, AB, has begun a corporate restructuring process in response to challenges in the business climate of Western Canada. Although restructuring is taking place, Gemini’s Fort St. John environmental office will remain open, operating for profit as a stand-alone operation.

Lorraine Isenbecker, owner of t he Ha i r Bi n, i s work i n g through the approval process to obtain a liquor license for her business, HB Health and Wellness Spa. The City of Fort St. John has approved the application, which has moved on to the Liquor Control and Licensing Board for final approval.

The application may take six to eight months before receiving official approval from the LCLB. Beard’s Brewing, founded by

Stephen Beard, is now open for business in Fort St. John. The brewery is located at 10408 Alaska Road North, and serves several other brands including Black Beard Milk Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, Fireside IPA, and Red Beard Light Red Ale.

Quesnel Mike and Denise, of CJ Directory attended the CIDA (Canadian Independent Directory Association) Awards in Vernon this past November and placed 2nd Overall for the Directory. T heir staff members include Jorleen Russell, Ashley Schmidt, Angie Braconnier and Tammy Melnyk. They have been in business over 20 years.

Owner Jason Bell of ChemoRV Sales and Services Ltd. received the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award from the RV Dealersh ip A ssociat ion of Ca nad a (RVDA) And have also embarked on the construction of a 20,000 sq ft sales and service facility.

They are currently operating in 8,000 sq ft and have another location in 150 Mile House.

Andre Blanleil, ow ner of A nd re’s E le ct ron ic E x p er ts and Blanleil Cranbrook Holdings has increased his holdings to include a home to a larger D o l l a r a m a , a M a rk’s Wo rk

19 We a rho u s e a n d St a rb u ck s .

Blanleil Cranbrook Holdings h a s 25 Telus a nd E lect ron ic stores in BC.

Smithers Barries’s Furniture is now open in the former Sears location.

They have the latest in f u rn itu re, matt resses a nd appliances arriving daily and located at 3490 Highway 16E.

E n e r g y c o m p a n y E ge n o l f A lter n at ive E n ergy I n c h a s received a research and development grant to develop a compact Zeolite thermal energy storage system in collaboration with the College of New Caledonia Clean Tech Department.

The second tunnel construction to secu re the long term security of the power supply to the Kitimat smelter was approved by the Rio Tinto board.

The US-$473 million, 8km Kemano Second Tunnel Project is set to begin in spring of 2018 and completed in 2020. The original tunnel was built over 60 years ago.

A study for a 12,000 sq ft Arts and Culture Centre has been approved by Smithers Council.

The space would be a combined art gallery and library the end of Main Street, the current library’s location.

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