Business Examiner Vancouver Island - February 2018 by Business Examiner Media Group

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FEBRUARY 2018

PORT HARDY

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‘All-Star’ List Of Vancouver Island Companies Celebrated For Successful Years

COBBLE HILL No project is too big or too small for Dalcon Construction

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INDEX News Update

West Coast

Cowichan Valley

Parksville

Nanaimo

Comox Valley

Campbell River

Who is Suing Whom 30 Movers and Shakers 31 Opinion

Dodd’s, Balance Home Cleaning Top BE Awards ICTORIA – Dodd’s Furniture was named Business of the Year and Balance Home Cleaning Small Business of the Year at the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, celebrating the best of business on the island for the year, Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria. The sold-out event celebrated the best of the best of business on the island for the past year, and organizer Mark MacDonald, Publisher of Business Examiner Victoria, said it was a gathering of “all-stars” from across the region. “There were so many amazing companies represented, and brain power and creativity demonstrated by the people in the room was simply astounding,” he said. “There was a company represented that does sand blasting – with ice. A restaurant that has half of its staff with developmental disabilities. A firm that manufactures desalinated sea water. A

34 SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 18

OUR 15TH YEAR

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Mazzei Electric President Ben Mazzei was pleased his company was named Trades Business of the Year at the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Jan. 25 in Victoria

A R K S V I L L E – D o yo u love that new car smell? Do you adore the glisten of sunlight on the newly polished skin of your vehicle? Are you planning on selling an older vehicle and want it to look it’s very best? If you do then Parksville’s VIP Auto Shine is absolutely the place for you – since its inception it’s become a virtual Mecca for auto restoration

fanatics from one end of Vancouver Island to the other. “As an auto detailer, and one that’s been in business more than 20 years, we specialize in a number of things, including having the exclusive Vancouver Island license for the R ESTOR FX® system, wh ich is a product that is applied to veh icles that i n essence ca n m a ke t hem lo ok bra nd new

aga i n,” ex pla i ned V I P Auto Shine’s owner and founder Rick Johnson. “It’s a patented product out of the United States and by us having exclusive rights to this exceptional material it really does separate us from everyb ody el se r ig ht f rom out of the gate. Over the years we’ve worked for a vast variety of customers – from fleet owners and

auto dealerships, to individual car owners. Basically our customers are anyone who loves their vehicles and want them to look their best.” A partial list of the services VIP Auto Shine (located at # 8-531 Stanford Avenue. East in Parksville) provides its clients includes complete and partial SEE VIP AUTO SHINE | PAGE 9

NEWS UPDATE

2 VANCOUVER ISLAND Housing Sales Return to Seasonal Norms in January Coming off the busiest

December on record, sales in the VIREB area returned to seasonally normal levels in January. Last month, 290 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) System compared to 327 in December and 244 one year ago. T he number of apartments changing hands in January rose

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by 65 per cent while townhouse sales remained static from the previous year. Inventory of single-family homes dropped to 749 in January, a 16 per cent decrease from one year ago and a new low for the VIREB area. The supply of apartments and townhouses dipped by 19 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) noted that the housing market in B.C. is still thriving due to the province’s strong economy. However, some economic headwinds in the form of higher interest rates and Guideline B-20 – also known as the mortgage stress test – are forecast for 2018. B CR E A ex p e cts e conom ic growth in the province to slow this year, expanding at a respectable 2.8 per cent, but lower than we have seen in some time. Rising interest rates will erode affordability for some home buyers, and Guideline B-20 could reduce the purchasing power of conventional mortgagors by up to 20 per cent. However, demographics in the VIREB area could temper the effect of Guideline B-20 because many of our buyers are retirees who do not usually carry mortgages. Vancouver Island communities, particularly the Parksville-Qualicum area, have some of the highest concentrations of seniors in the province. In January 2018, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the VIREB area reached $471,200, up 17 per cent from one year ago.

(Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area.) The benchmark price of an apartment last month rose to $288,400, up 27 per cent board-wide from the previous year, while the benchmark price of a townhouse hit $376,200, a 25 per cent increase from January 2017. Last month, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area hit $379,600, an increase of 22 per cent from the previous January. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price was $463,700, up 17 per cent from last year and down slightly from December 2017. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $418,600, an increase of 15 per cent compared to January 2017. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 19 per cent to $514,400 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by 14 per cent to $519,700 from one year ago and dip slightly from December 2017. The cost of a benchmark home in Port Alberni reached $259,100, up 20 per cent from one year ago.

COMOX VALLEY Agreement Reached on Union Bay Development T he Comox Valley Regional District (CV R D) board has now approved revisions to the

Kensington Island Properties Master Development Agreement (MDA), which will bring almost 3,000 housing units to the area over the next 20 years. K e n s i n g to n I s l a n d P r o p e r t i e s ( K I P) i s a p r o p o s e d development within Union Bay. The CVRD’s Regional Growth Strategy identified Union Bay as a settlement node that would accommodate moderate growth over the next twenty years. As part of the development, the developer proposes to construct two golf courses plus a mixture of housing and commercial space which could ultimately include approximately 2,889 units once fully built out. As part of the updated MDA the developer will dedicate 51.3 hectares of parks and trails, provide a 1.62 hectare lot to Union Bay Improvement District (UBID) for the purposes of a new water treatment facility, a one hectare lot to UBID for construction of a new fire hall as well as the provision of 30 serviced lots for affordable housing, to be supplied by 2027. The developer will also provide sewage treatment infrastructure for the development which could be expanded to provide wastewater service to some of the surrounding area. “The revisions open the door for the community benefits associated with this project to come to SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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NEWS UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2018

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

fruition,” explains Ann MacDonald, General Manager of Planning and Development Services for the CVRD. “The community of Union Bay and residents of the Comox Valley w i l l benefit from the amenity contributions that the developer will be providing.” The revisions to the MDA includes permission for the development to proceed in phases with Union Bay Improvement District (UBID), the autonomous govern ment responsible for managing water, and KIP having a water agreement in place prior to each phase. Six affordable housing units will be donated by the developer within the first phase plus the remainder of 24 units to be provided by 2027. The developer will also donate $250,000 in cash by December 31, 2017 to the CVRD Homelessness Supports Service. The new agreement also mandates the removal of the density bonusing provision that previously provided for triple the density within the zoning in exchange for affordable housing multi-family lots. The developer will donate 16 per cent parks and trails (a total of 51.3 hectares) with 36.7 hectares being provided during the first phase of the development. Finally, the developer will donate a 1.62 hectare parcel to UBID for the purpose of a new water treatment facility and a one hectare parcel to UBID for a new Fire Hall.

COWICHAN VALLEY New Website Highlights Change-Makers in Cowichan Development Cow icha n, a division of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, has launched a new website that celebrates innovative community and business leaders in the region. T he website showcases the region as a dynamic location to both invest in and put down roots. This new resource offers tools for business, insights on

living in Cowichan, and a portfolio showcasing change-makers from across the region. The website launch was accompanied by a four-year strategic plan for Economic Development Cowichan. The strategic plan outlines five key goals including business retention, attraction and expansion, sector development, strengthening communities, communication and aligning with CVRD strategic activities. “These goals are the result of many people who generously shared their insights with Economic Development Cowichan,” says Chair Jon Lefebure. “As the website and strategic plan evolve, we will continue to welcome this input.” The website’s blog profiles the activities and partnerships currently engaged in by Economic Development Cowichan. Followers can sign up to be notified of these initiatives as well as receive updates to the community and sector profile sections of the site. “Economic Development chose a ‘change-makers’ theme for our website because of the vibrant people and places in Cowichan,” says Economic Development Cowichan Manager Amy Melmock. “As we embrace our change-makers, the website helps build a dialogue with our community.”

public’s support for the borrowing portion of the proposed financial plan. Those who do not support borrowing the $29 million in funds required to complete the project may submit an elector response form opposing the plan. The number of eligible electors has been determined to be 47,845. If fewer than 10 per cent (4,785) of electors submit forms opposing the project by the deadline, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) may proceed with borrowing the necessary funds. While all residents of the Comox Valley (except residents of Cumberland) are eligible to participate

in the AAP, only those connected to the Comox Valley Water System will be responsible for paying for the new system. The average impact to Comox Valley Water System users is estimated at $86 per household, per year, over a maximum of 25 years. Elector response forms are available online or at the CVRD’s office located at 600 Comox Road in Courtenay. The deadline for delivering the signed elector response forms to the CVRD is 4:30 pm on Friday, March 16, 2018. Forms must be received before the deadline to be counted.

COMOX VALLEY CVRD Launches Alternative Approval Process for Water Treatment An Alternative Approval Proc e s s ( A A P) i s u n d e r w a y to determine public support for the Comox Valley Water Treatment Project. Construction of the new water treatment system is estimated at $110 million. Under the proposed strategy, the project will be funded through a combination of: at least $55 million from grant funding; $26 million from reserve funds; and up to $29 million through long term borrowing. The AAP will determine the

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NANAIMO Island Ferries Announces Next Step in Bid to Dock at Seabus Terminal SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 11

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Apartment Idea For Alberni Shopping Mall Gets Nod From Advisory Planning Commission Alberni Valley News he City of Port Alberniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advisory Plann i ng Com m ission has endorsed a development application for the former Fairway Market site. Architect Raymond de Beeld a nd 10th Avenue Plaza property owners Marlowe-Yeoman Limited are applying to amend the â&#x20AC;&#x153;general commercialâ&#x20AC;? zoning of the site to allow four storeys of multi-family residential above a commercial space. Under its current zoning, the area is restricted to two storeys. The applicants are hoping to increase the height permitted in the zone to five storeys. De Beeld presented a draft to the Advisory Planning Commission on Jan. 18 that shows four new commercial spaces on the ground level, with 48 residential units above those. There will also be a covered rear parkade with 34 spaces. Director of development services Scott Smith described the area as one of the biggest commercial hubs within the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;T h is development is within the heart of the 10th

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A model by architect Raymond de Beeld shows the proposed apartment complex and rear parkade SUBMITTED PHOTO

and Redford commercial area,â&#x20AC;? said Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This [plan] is very compatible with the area.â&#x20AC;? The 10th Avenue Plaza is within proximity of Echo Centre, and is also attached to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;arterial roadsâ&#x20AC;? of 10th Avenue and Redford Street. Smith said a traffic study might need to be completed, and he also recommended that a sun study be completed to show what the shadow effect might be on adjacent properties. Sewer and water, he said, should not be an issue, as the area is already surrounded by sewer and water lines. The lines simply need connections within the mall, and this can be completed with the help of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

engineering department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is of benefit to the community to have that mixed use,â&#x20AC;? he said. De Beeld said that they have focused on one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as only four storeys, because of parking concerns and cost. There is also the challenge of adding storeys between two existing buildings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Generally, the taller it is, the more expensive it is,â&#x20AC;? he said. T he applicants do not have extensive plans for the development yet, but they are hoping to hold a public information session (date, time and location to be later announced) before a public hearing is held at council chambers.

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FEBRUARY 2018

Nomination Deadline Approaches For VIREB Commercial Building Awards Celebrating Commercial Buildings from the Malahat to Port Hardy

ANAIMO – Organizers are expecting a larger than normal number of nominations for the 11th A nnual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Com mercia l Bu i ld i ng Awards, set for April 19 at the Vancouver Island Con ference Centre i n Nanaimo. Commercial, industrial a n d r e v e n u e-p r o d uci ng projects, i ncludi ng renovations, from t he M a la hat to Por t Hardy are up for these awards, and must have been completed between January 1 and December 31, 2017. Nomination deadline is March 1. There will be at least 11 commercial categories: ■ Mixed-Use (commercial/ residential) ■ Seniors housing ■ Community institutional ■ Community recreational ■ Retail

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Industrial Multi-family Hospitality Commercial renovation/ restoration ■ Office ■ Green T here w i l l a l so b e a Judges’ Choice Awa rd for t he best overa l l entry. Last year’s winner was St. Paul’s Centre for Ministry and Community Service in Nanaimo. A select te a m of i ndependent judges from the real estate industry w i l l p e r for m a dj u d ication. Gold Sponsors of the Awards are MNP LLP, RE/MAX Commercial and Coastal Community Credit Union. Black Press is a Platinum

Media Sponsor. T ickets to the event, which is expected to be a sellout, are $125 plus tax, and are available at www.businessvexaminer.ca/events. For information about the Commercial Building Awards, and sponsorship, and to obtain a Nomination Form, go to www.businesseaminer. ca/events. O r contact Sue L essa rd of V IR EB at 250390-4212 or visit www. vireb.com.

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WEST COAST

FEBRUARY 2018

AIRLINE BEGINS PASSENGER FLIGHTS

TOFINO JEN DART

his month we have been hearing more from the Ministry of Driving and Transportation about their upcoming Kennedy Hill Improvement project. Although it covers only a 1.5km section of road on Hwy. 4, this is a $30 million project that involves widening the road and installing paved shoulders, eliminating sharp curves, lowering the grade of the road on Kennedy Hill significantly, putting in a rest area, and more. Because of the scope of the project (it requires substantial rock blasting), there will be timed closures of the road in both directions, mostly at night with some one-hour closures happening during the day. The Ministry conducted two public information sessions in Tofino

and Ucluelet at the end of January to share the project information with west coast communities and called for input by Feb. 4th. The project itself will last until 2020. From the Chamber, the Ministry heard that closure times should be consistent year-round so the visitor is well informed of optimum times to travel to and from the west coast. With shoulder seasons extending further and further, it’s important for all visitors to be assured of smooth travel to the area at various points during the year. Tourism Tofino and Tourism Ucluelet are partnering on a communications plan so that local businesses are well equipped to share information with visitors, as well as through Visitor’s Centres. While this project means smoother travel to the area is in the near future, there will be some patience required in the interim. Another option for travel to this area is set to start soon. Pacific Coastal Airlines, a new member to the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber, begins its daily passenger service between Vancouver and the West Coast on April 3, 2018. Pacific Coastal’s

well established network of destinations throughout BC and beyond gives travellers greater access to the west coast. Here at the Cha mber, we are looking forward to events in February, which include a free workshop for members and guests with Trevor Jurgens of Coffee Business Stimulus. This session on Feb. 7th is focused on Small Business marketing – how to get results on social media and find your business “superpower”. Thanks to Trevor for providing this service. We have welcomed quite a few new members recently in addition to Pacific Coastal Airlines, including Wild Bloom Floral Design, the Driftwood Café at the Wickaninnish Inn, MNDFL Rings Tofino, Blushing Bride Studio and Zoe’s Bakery and Café in Ucluelet. We thank all of our members new and old for their support for the work we do. Jen Dart is Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250.725.3153. www. tofinochamber.org

COLLABORATION PRODUCING RESULTS

PORT ALBERNI PAT DEAKIN

ebruary saw the 7 th Annual Islands Agricu ltu re Show ta ke place. This Show began with the Comox, Cowichan and Alberni Valleys and has been hosted in all three areas with continuity provided by Shari Paterson of the Cowichan Exhibition Society. Now the collaboration is growing as the 8th Show will be hosted by the North & South Saanich Agricultural Society. On February 2nd, the Island North Film Commission, North Island College and the Vancouver Island Film Studio hosted a ‘Wrap Party’ for 137 students from Port Alberni, Campbell River and elsewhere on Vancouver Island who had completed a pilot training program in

grip, set construction and lighting. Though competing with the Prime Minister’s Town Hall in Nanaimo, the event was well-attended and visitors enjoyed seeing the students apply their new skills in some actual filming. In January, seven communities (Port Alberni, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley) working together through the Vancouver Island Coast Economic Developers Association received word that their application for funding for a tech strategy had been approved by the Invest Canada Community Initiative program. The ask was inspired by Graham Truax, Executive in Residence at Innovation Island. Also in January, the same program approved an application from the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance towards a Foreign Direct Investment program that has been developed by a committee with representatives from communities and organizations all over Vancouver Island. In November, Alberni Valley Tourism, the Port Alberni Port Authority, the City

of Port Alberni, the McLean Mill Society, the Electoral Area of Bamfield, the Huuay-aht First Nation and Seekers Media collaborated on a Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program application for funds to share stories about the cultural, historical and adventurous experiences that can be enjoyed here. Many months ago, the City of Port Alberni received a Rural Dividend Program application to assist the realization of a ‘maximized value, wood biomass group of companies’ here. Recently, along with Catalyst Paper, we initiated a residual wood ‘chip trial’ to try and create more fibre for their Port Alberni mill. Island Timberlands volunteered a cut-block that was being logged while Port Alberni’s Brad Berry Enterprises and a Powell River company are working together to accomplish the debarking and chipping of the ‘waste’ wood. Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni. He can be reached at 250-720-2527 or Patrick_deakin@portalberni.ca

FESTIVAL NANAIMO: A SHOWCASE OF THE CITY’S BEST Annual Cavalcade of Entertainment Runs Throughout The Month Of March

ANAIMO – Should you ever tell Margot Holmes, the creator of the yearly Festival Nanaimo that there’s nothing to do in the Harbour City during March, you might have a disagreement on your hands. “Festival Nanaimo is a community project of the Vancouver Island Symphony, we put it together but it hasn’t been created to promote the Symphony but rather to celebrate the community and the vast amount of talent that exists within it,” she explained. Holmes, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vancouver Island Symphony, organized the first Festival Nanaimo four years ago, with the goal of showcasing the city and to encourage people to visit and to experience its unique and varied cultural landscape. “T he festiva l is very much about bringing the community together and bringing people to this city that we love - to show off its best and brightest. It has grown into a festival and really

taken on a life of its own over the years,” Holmes said. Festival Nanaimo has from its inception been envisioned as a multi-dimensional community event taking place in venues all across the City of Nanaimo, throughout the entire month of March. Highlights of the month-long extravaganza include a wide range of exceptional entertainment, music concerts, theatre activities, art and craft demonstrations, local culinary delights (including whiskey and beer tastings), Nanaimo’s Biggest Dog photo contest, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, activities to mesh with the School District’s March Break and so much more “It’s always a lot of fun, and includes things that appeal to people of all ages and interests. For example this year we’ll be hosting our 4th Annual PirateFest at Country Club Mall. There will be the yearly GeekCon (a one-day free convention offered by the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library celebrating comics, arts, cosplay, gaming and other geek cultures) there will be seasonal Easter Weekend events and more,” she explained. “Of course any Festival celebrating Nanaimo simply would not be complete without recognizing our namesake dessert - the Nanaimo Bar – so that

classically sweet confection will be prominent throughout.” Activities, concerts and other signature events will be staged at locations across the city, including at the Port Theatre, the Grand Hotel, Country Club Mall, Maffeo Sutton Park, the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC) and elsewhere. From professional musicians performing at the Port Theatre, to kid’s conference at the VICC, and the 17th Annual Wee Tipple Event hosted by Crimson Coast Dance and the Grand Hotel to the Nanaimo Bar Trail (a sort of self-guided pub crawl but for Nanaimo bars), Festival Nanaimo 2018 quite literally offers something to appeal to any age, taste, talent or inclination. “There are many events being held in addition to the 10 main signature events. There will be a wealth of activities being hosted by different community organizations and businesses all across the city,” Holmes said. “This Festival would not be possible without the support from our Title Sponsor: McDonald’s and PirateFest Sponsor: Country Club Centre and Signature Community Partners: T he Por t T heatre, Nanaimo Hospitality Association, Tourism Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Airport.” www.festivalnanaimo.com

COWICHAN VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2018

COWICHAN LOOKS TO ADDRESS “THE MISSING MIDDLE” IN HOUSING

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COWICHAN AMY MELMOCK

or a growing number of communities across Vancouver Island, the affordability and availability of attainable housing for new business hires, young professionals and working families is becoming a pressing issue. Housing workshops have recently been held in Tofino and Courtenay and in March 2018, Economic Development Cowichan will be hosting a dynamic speaker’s event and workshop aimed at exploring housing alternatives in the Cowichan Valley. On Thursday, March 8 at 7 pm internationally acclaimed architect Avi Friedman visits Cowichan as part of the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Island Speaker Series. Avi Friedman is known throughout the planning community in Canada for designing affordable homes and neighbourhoods that bring people together. His recent book Place in Mind: Cities for the 21st Century is about encouraging a sense of

place through innovative design. The magazine Wallpaper once named Avi Friedman as one of the ten people who will “most influence the way we live.” The following day, Economic Development Cowichan is bringing together community housing advocates, funding agencies, developers and local government representatives for a full-day workshop called The Missing Middle: Innovative Solutions to Cowichan’s Housing Needs. The 8 am to 2:30 pm workshop features panels on Inspiring Partnerships and Collaborations, the Zoning and Building Code Environment, and the Changing Financial Landscape for housing (and house buyers) in Cowichan. The Avi Friedman presentation and The Missing Middle event should be on the radar of local businesses and community members, realtors, developers, local government representatives and others interested in exploring housing and rental options in Cowichan. Tickets for Avi Friedman are complimentary and can be reserved in advance. The $25 workshop fee for The Missing Middle event includes a catered lunch, film screenings and a chance to visit information display booths set up by panel participants. Both events take place at the Ramada Inn in Duncan, located at 140 Trans-Canada Highway. For more information, please visit the Economic Development Cowichan website at www.ecdevcowichan.com or contact Amy Melmock at amelmock@cvrd.bc.ca Amy Melmock is the Manager of the Economic Development Cowichan Valley Regional District. She can be reache at amelmock@cvrd.bc.ca

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DriveWise Family Keeping Roads Safer for 40-plus Years â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our team is always

ANCOUVER ISLAND Vancouver Island roads have been safer for more than 40 years, thanks to the efforts of Arthur and Pat Harris, aided in later years by their daughter Kate Wells and son-inlaw Seann Wells. The family has developed the largest driving school in B.C. wh i le ensu ri ng new a nd renewing drivers are safe in traffic. Among their accomplishments was training 4500 drivers for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. This year their company, DriveWise, was named Family Business of the Year by the Family Business Association of Vancouver Island. The award was a surprise for the family since they had joined the association four months earlier. But their history qualified them as an outstanding example of family cohesion, business success, and community support over more than four decades. The DriveWise story started in 1975, when Arthur Harris turned 30 and decided it was time to leave his job as a motor vehicle branch driving examiner to start his own business. Having tested drivers for five years in Vancouver and Victoria, he recognized that driver training could be done better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt people needed more of a coaching and mentoring approach

looking for ways to increase good driving habits on our roads.â&#x20AC;? KATE WELLS

S o m e of t h e s e i n it i a t ive s include: A free workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SafeStart for Parents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to give them driver teaching skills before they begin co-driving with their teens; A free Learners Preparation Workshop to help new would-be drivers gain their learnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license on the first try; Volunteer participation in the Island Health P.A.R.T.Y. program to combat distracted and impaired driving; Support of the Cone Zone campaign to educate drivers about safe driving in construction zones and additional support of the Shift into Winter campaign to help drivers cope with winter driving conditions; and Free training for B.C. Cancer Society volunteer drivers. DriveWise BC also donates more than $15,000 in free driving lessons to support community and charitable fundraisers, including Cops for Cancer and Dry Grad. DriveWise has trained more than 50,000 drivers and given

A winning team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DriveWise training vehicle, company Director of Operations Kate Wells, and her father, company CEO Arthur Harris that was more learner-centered,â&#x20AC;? he said, explaining that at the time, driver training was based on classroom lectures. His instinct was right. A mentoring approach that taught drivers comprehensive understanding of driving skills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; instead of a series of rules â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was both popular and effective. More than 80 per cent of DriveWise students pass their provincial road test exam. Plus, the new drivers are safer. Driving a vehicle is commonplace but dangerous if done incorrectly. A 2013 study by the B.C. Coroners

Service into the 289 vehicle accident deaths that year attributed 71 per cent were attributed to driver behaviour, including inexperience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a vision of safe, confident drivers on our roads,â&#x20AC;? says Kate Wells, who serves as Director of Operations. Her husband is the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provincial trainer. Arthur is the CEO and Patricia Harris handles the accounting. The family have embraced the creation of safer drivers, continually updating their training methods and options.

more than 900,000 lessons. From their initial Victoria location, they have expanded to Langford/ West Shore, Nanaimo, Kelowna, and Kamloops. Classes are developed to meet different needs: new Canadians, seniors, commercial/fleet drivers, winter driving, and customized lessons. One option includes pick-up/drop off at home, so students without wheels can access training. Initially founded as Canada West Driving Training, they were part of the Young Drivers of Canada program for more than 30 years. Eight years ago they shifted to DriveWise in order to offer an interactive training system with driving simulators. With the simulators they can â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for example â&#x20AC;&#x201C; give drivers hands-on experience in skills like navigating black ice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our team is always looking for ways to increase good driving habits on our roads,â&#x20AC;? Kate said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We work very hard to educate the public about safe driving habits, how to teach teens to drive, and the consequences of highrisk behaviour behind the wheel.â&#x20AC;? The outcome is safer roads for everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a thriving family business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dad and mom have worked tirelessly to get where we are today,â&#x20AC;? Kate said.

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FEBRUARY 2018

Auto Detailing Operation Routinely Serves Clients From Victoria To Port Hardy

Rick Johnson (left) is the owner and founder of VIP Auto Shine, working alongside of his son Jackson Johnson

VIP AUTO SHINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

auto detailing (including vacuuming, carpet shampooing and more), undercoating and rust proofing protection, engine cleaning, Rhino Spray for coating truck boxes, FX headlight cleaning and protection for increased lighting efficiency and the application of RESTORFX®. “We’re not a car wash. Auto detailing is a whole new experience. It’s for someone who wants their car to last long and to look great. If someone is going to sell their car, and we often work w ith com mercia l auto brokers, we can make a car look like new which will enhance its sale price,” he explained. “Auto deta i l i ng a lso helps keep a car running longer and more efficiently, by keeping the engine clean and the interior healthier by removing mold, dirt and even rodent droppings if a car becomes infested. There are so many benefits to having a car professionally detailed.” Opening for business in 1997, and working with a staff of four including the owner’s son Jackson Johnson, VIP Auto Shine routinely attracts clients from Port Ha rdy to Victoria. T he company is so busy in fact the next stage for the firm is the potential opening of a second outlet, either in the Cowichan or Comox valleys.

Numerous car dealers, some from as far away as Victoria, regularly send their vehicles to VIP Auto Shine for detailing

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FEBRUARY 2018

KMA PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS COMPLETES MERGER WITH BARBER & HAIME PRACTICE Office Renovations Finishing Touch For Accountancy Merger

ANTZVILLE – Thanks to the completion of significant office renovations, the successful merger of two of the Nanaimo area’s leading Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA) firms that began last summer is now complete. Nearly two years ago KMA Chartered Professional Accountants and Barber & Haime Chartered Professional Accountants began discussing the possibility of melding the two like-minded practices, a discussion that turned into a reality last August. “I’ve known Colin Haime and Denise Haime the owners of Barber & Haime for years, we’ve sat on municipal council together, we’ve known each other for years and when the opportunity arose to combine our practices it just made a lot of sense,” explained Doug Parkhurst, a Partner in the new enterprise. “There are two ways to deal with other CPAs in town, you can either be friendly and helpful to each other or you can be confrontational and competitive. The approach I’ve always taken in the profession is that there’s more to be gained by being friendly, helpful and by working together with other members than there is to be confrontational.” That spirit of cooperative synergy led directly to the creation of the new practice which will operate under the KMA Chartered Professional Accountants banner, retaining the Barber & Haime name on the office’s window primarily for the benefit of that firm’s long-standing clients and for local name recognition.

Doug Parkhurst is one of three partners involved in the successful merger of two accountancy practices

Doug Parkhurst goes over some details with staff member Chessa Dykstra as long time employee Terry Moore looks on

Located at 7190 Lantzville Road in Lantzville, right next door to the District of Lantzville offices (where Haime serves as District Mayor), the amalgamated practice is home to a staff of 17, including six accountants. By pooling the client base of both firms the reimaged practise now has a client list that includes more than 600 corporate clients and in excess of 3,000 individual customers. “There were a lot of positives involved in merging the two practices, not least of which are the economies of scale that kick in when you get a little bit bigger. It’s also nice to have someone in the office that can cover for you when you go on holidays, or get sick. Colin and Denise were also at the point where they were starting to think about easing off their workload. As Denise said to me she’s been doing the tax time rush for 27 years now, so taking some of that pressure off had an appeal for them,” Parkhurst said. Doug a lso poi nted out t he change of venue offered him some tangible benefits as the

“There were a lot of positives involved in merging the two practices, not least of which are the economies of scale.” DOUG PARKHURST

Staff member Chessa Dykstra working on a file with Doug Parkhurst, she was recently hired to help with the increased workload Lantzville location has increased visibility and easier access than the offices his practice had formerly occupied. “I wanted to find somewhere more appropriate for my practice, more accessible and one better configured to the needs of an accountancy firm. Here, especially now that the renovations are complete, we have a better laid out footprint, and room to grow for the future,” he said.

PARTNER, KMA CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

While it’s often the case that corporate mergers can lead to layoffs the direct opposite has happened in this situation, with additional staff members having to be hired to help deal with the increased workload. In addition to Parkhurst the other principal Partner in the new venture is CPA Brent Rushton. “I’ve known Brent for about five years in fact I had worked with Brent when he was with another firm. I always enjoyed working with him so it was great

to have him part of this new and expanded practise. He’s a good person, very personable, very knowledgeable with the right kind of ambition. In other words a perfect fit,” he said. The new corporate entity is in essence a partnership involving KMA Chartered Professional Accountants Ltd. and Brent Rushton Inc., with the Haimes currently active participants in the venture in a diminishing capacity. “The two teams have merged very well together. We recognize the importance of retaining the existing staff, not least of which for the extensive client knowledge they have gained over the years. You just can’t buy that kind of experience, so our current staff members are a huge asset for us,” he said. “The merger is now essentially complete so it’s onward from here. We’re a full service firm and thanks to the merger we have the staff and resources to handle any type of assignment so the future for us looks very exciting.” www.kmacpa.ca

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PARKSVILLE

FEBRUARY 2018

Mid Island Co-Op Expands Into Liquor Sales Parksville Qualicum News arksville is now home to Mid Island Co-op’s first traditional liquor store. M id Isl a n d L iquor, w h i c h opened recently, is the company’s first foray into a standa lone l iquor store, sa id liquor operations manager Jared Brown. “Now that this (location) is up and running, the next step is looking for additional liquor licences and locations to grow the brand,” Brown said. Brown said Mid Island Coop has another store that sells liquor in Say ward, but it’s a combination of a gas station, convenience store and liquor store. Mid Island Liquor is located at 1401 Alberni Highway, adjacent to the Mid Island Co-op Parksville location gas bar and cardlock station. The liqour store is open seven days a week, from 9 am to 11 pm. T he store, Brow n said, has 2,700 different items “which gives us by far the most diverse selection of many of the stores in the area.” Mid Island Liquor also houses a 1,000-sq.-ft., walk-in beer room that features many mid-Island brands, including Parksville’s M o u n t A r r o w s m i t h B r e wing Company, and Nanaimo’s Wolf Brewing Company, Longwood Brewery and White Sails Brewing. Brown said the choice of the location resulted in part from BC Liquor Distribution Branch rules for distances between liquor

stores, combined with the fact that Mid Island Co-op already owned the property. “Obviously, this being one of our largest gas bars, it made sense to put a liquor store as close as we can to a Co-op gas station, just for convenience for our members to create an allin-one shopping experience,” Brown said. Despite the liquor store being open for less than a month, Brow n sa id, the com mu n ity response has been “very, very positive.” Brown said it’s a slow time of year, but he expects business “to be hopping” in the spring and summer months. “This is going to be a fantastic spot,” Brown said. “It’s a fantastic spot now considering all we’ve done at this point is unlock our doors (to the public).” He said the challenge right now is just breaking into the liquor retail industry. “There is a large amount of liquor stores in the area; there are many options. It’s obviously a different business from the gas stations. You drive by a gas station, and you see what their price is in order to get the best deal… The obstacle here will be to actually get people into the store.” Brown said there are plans to expand in the liquor store industry, but right now, he said, the focus is on growing the awareness of the brand. “Now that we have a brand out there, it should be easier for us to grow at the rate we’re hoping to in the coming years.”

NEWS UPDATE

process is now complete and there is no plan for a subsequent [request for proposal],” said Translink in an e-mail statement. “The next phase includes an invitational process to gather additional details of the offerings. We don’t have an established timeline, however, we do hope to move the process as quickly as possible.” David Marshall, Island Ferries’ director of operations, said Island Ferries was advised a few days ago that it was among proposals accepted and was told the next stage would be due-diligence questions on detailed operations and financials, “and that, that is essentially the start of the negotiation process.” He said Island Ferries is pleased, not surprised, TransLink has got to this stage and hopes the negotiation goes fairly quickly. Without a berth in Vancouver, he said there is no ferry service.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Nanaimo News Bulletin Island Ferries has announced it will enter the next phase of a process to get a berth at the Vancouver SeaBus terminal. The ferry company, which aims to start up a passenger service between Nanaimo and Vancouver this summer, posted on social media last week that TransLink has advised it has accepted a response to a request for information process and a negotiating phase will begin shortly. Island Ferries also said it has been authorized to expand work to include direct discussions with Port Metro Vancouver staff. TransLink previously said they were exploring the possibility of hosting private ferry and water taxi operators for service between its SeaBus terminal in downtown Vancouver and Victoria, Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast. TransLink has not confirmed that there are negotiations nor what vendors responded to its request for information on berth options for the South SeaBus Terminal that closed Jan. 5. “The [request for information]

PORT ALBERNI Kwispaa LNG Project SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 29

Mid Island Co-op has opened it first tradition liquor store at the corner of the Alberni Highway and Church Road LAUREN COLLINS PHOTO

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FEBRUARY 2018

OAK HILLS WOODCRAFT: CUSTOM CABINETRY & SO MUCH MORE Custom Woodworking Firm Has Been Serving Vancouver Island For 40 Years

OURTENAY - When you truly love doing something, a job ceases being work and becomes a passion; just ask Herb Robertson, founder and owner of Oak Hills Woodcraft. “I really am a person who can say I don’t have to go to work, I get to go to work,” he exclaimed. Established in 1978, Oak Hills Wo o dcra f t h a s b e come t he

go-to company for custom cabinetry, built-in furniture units and many other quality wood-crafted components for both residential and commercial clients throughout Central and Northern Vancouver Island regions. Operating out of a 10,000 square foot shop and showroom at 2754 O’Brien Road in Courtenay, Oak Hills works for many of the region’s top general contractors on projects ranging from high-end custom homes to medical and dental offices. “My interest in carpentry began when I was young and working out of my parent’s garage - a tiny space filled with my father’s

Congrats Oak Hills Woodcraft on 40 great years!

woodworking equipment. Basically, I started with a few hand tools and a desire to learn,” Robertson recalled, “Then went on to apprentice with my dad when I was about 18.” A hometown boy and son of a skilled woodworker, Herb learned his craft and found inspiration in his fledgling shop. Expanding on his knowledge and honing his practical skills in school, Herb quickly realized he had a desire to turn his love of woodworking into a lifelong vocation. His dream became reality when he founded Oak Hills Woodcraft a few years later. “Originally, I built pretty much everything, from houses to post and beam work to boat work and cabinetry before I decided to specialize in one area. Living on the coast, I got tired of working on outdoor job sites in the rain, so that really motivated me to focus on work I could produce inside a shop. I realized that cabinet making was something I could do year-round and it was also something that I really enjoyed,” Herb said. “Today, our business includes not only basic and high-end custom kitchens, but also bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoor kitchens, closets, wall-beds, entertainment centres and many other custom millwork projects. We work mainly from Duncan to Campbell River, and occasionally in other Island or Mainland locations,” Robertson said.

No longer limited to hand tools and a tiny garage, Oak Hills Woodcraft operates a production facility that relies on 21st century technology and technical expertise as much as it does on traditional craftsmanship. The company employs 3D modelling software and state of the art CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technologies where multiple items can be produced efficiently and with unerring accuracy. It also boasts a leading edge, 1,600 square foot finishing booth, and offers custom colours, stains, and eco-friendly finishes for its products. Oak Hills also carries an exciting line of high quality European appliances, which customers can view in the showroom at O’Brien Road. The company offers complete European appliance packages to complement its kitchen designs, creating yet another way to be of better service to its expanding client base. Recently, Oak Hills Woodcraft created a new service called “Decisive Dental Design”, which fills a unique market niche by designing and installing custom workstations for dental offices. Housing the technology, plumbing and wiring used by contemporary dentists, the workstations offer an elegant and timeless design, and at the same time, provide professional clients with both an efficient workspace and beautiful furniture.

“I’ve done work for dental offices before, but now our company is starting to make specialized dental units and many other dental-specific fixtures. A dental unit is more than just a storage cabinet because it serves multiple functions for the dentists and the dental team. The cabinets are very detailed and there are few companies that make them,” he continued. “Dental workstations that come ready-made from manufacturers are often expensive and may not fit well in the spaces available for them. By creating a custom unit, we can literally tailor its design to conform to its location in the dental office, and to suit the unique needs of the client,” he explained. Adding to Oak Hills’ experience in producing office reception areas and other business cabinetry for dentists and doctors, the creation of Decisive Dental Design opens a new market that provides limitless quality options for detailed clinical cabinetry in any professional office. “Service is a huge priority for our company as we are all about making sure our customers are taken care of the way they should be. With every job we do, we always learn something new. We’re learning all the time and we bring that new knowledge to the next job. This philosophy has helped to keep us moving forward as a company for the past 40 years,” Robertson concluded. www.oakhillswoodcraft.com

BUSINESS SUCCESS LINKED TO EFFECTIVE ONLINE PRESENCE Tim McGrath: Photographer Stresses Importance Of Website Functionality

ANAIMO – For professional food photographer and corporate marketing consultant Tim McGrath, a firm’s online presence is an increasingly vital part of any company’s marketing efforts. For McGrath, the owner of ITSFood.ca, a functioning website, one that is responsive and can be viewed on any Internet-friendly device, is a crucial first step for any enterprise, food-based or otherwise. “Any website today has to be mobile-friendly. In many cases the people who are going to check out a restaurant’s website might be out and about already so it’s important the website can be viewed on a Smartphone,” he explained. “Really there are two types of customers. The digitally-aware customers who will be exploring the online world and the traditional customer who wants the real world experience. You have to try and find the marketing balance between the two to ensure your marketing efforts reach the widest audience possible.”

The use of imagery that affects the senses, such as stimulating hunger, is a vital part of any online marketing Professional photographer and marketing consultant Tim McGrath says a modern website has to be responsive

“The pictures have to have emotional impact, have to compel the viewer to want to stop by.” TIM MCGRATH OWNER, ITS-FOOD.CA

The central purpose of any business marketing campaign is to attract new customers, especially for a restaurant For McGrath having a company website that is both elegant and functional is a key to any future growth. Amateurish, difficult to navigate or simply boring websites might have been acceptable a decade ago, but will be a genuine turn-off to today’s web-savvy audience. For him it’s more important than ever for a business to hire professionals to help design, build and host their corporate presence. “The days of letting your teenage daughter or your brother inlaw build your website for free are over if you want to get positive attention in today’s information-saturated world. There’s just too much other online competition out there to cheap-out

when it comes to acquiring a website,” McGrath said. In addition to being responsive, an effective website for a restaurant needs to have compelling content – making use of sparse but informative text to help entice customers through the business’s doorway. Using effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques when crafting the text is also essential, as being easily found is essential for any successful website Of course, having been a professional photographer for more than a decade McGrath also says the use of exciting, mouth-watering imagery is also vital. “The pictures have to have emotional impact, have to compel the viewer

to want to stop by. Basically the photos have to make you hungry. If the food you showcase online doesn’t get you salivating, then you’ve failed. Images have to draw the customers in, they must generate that positive emotional response to entice them to your business,” he said. B e i n g w i l l i n g to a d a p t to changing tastes and market conditions is another central tenant in McGrath’s vision for effective marketing. “If a neighbourhood that was once populated by seniors is now dominated by young families a restaurant has to be prepared to change its focus to match the needs of its potential audience. Marketplace awareness is yet another important tool in a business’s marketing toolkit,” he said. www.its-food.ca

NANAIMO

FEBRUARY 2018

LEGASEA CONDO PROJECT UNDERWAY IN DEPARTURE BAY

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

onstruction is u nder way on Leg a s e a , t h e To n y Harris Developments Inc. project in Departure Bay. The Layzell, Dreger, Walton & Associates team is ma rketi ng the project, which is being built by Chris Lundy and his team at Westmark Construction. A groundbreaking party for the development was held Feb. 7 at The Kin Hut. L e g a s e a fe a t u re s s i x homes and a coffee shop, next to the PetroCanada station across from Departure Bay. West m a rk i s keepi n g more than busy, as they are involved in a number of projects. A new tenant is coming to the buildings next to RE/ MAX of Nanaimo that are being built by Westmark: P e t r e m a n O p to m e t r y, which has been located in Country Club Centre. Dublin Way is the name of the street accessing the buildings off Metral Drive. Westmark is also building on Timbercrest Way off Hammond Bay Road, and expanding their own offices on McCullough Road. ■■■ Woodgrove Centre has a cool, new addition, as they’ve added an indoor skating rink to Vancouver Island’s largest shopping

centre. The rink opens Feb. 10 and will remain open until April 1. Julia Dow, General Manager of the ma l l, notes that provincial ice dance competitors Sarah Arnold and Thomas Williams will perform on the synthetic ice sheet, which will give visitors a chance to skate in the shopping centre. ■■■ Got milk? There’s a new way to get it, up the road in Parksville at Morningstar Farm. The dairy farm has added a milk dispensing machine, where customers can fill up their containers for $2 per litre. Co-ow ner Raymond Gourlay notes they purchased the pasteurizing dispenser from Switzerland and had it installed in August. The farm has 55 cows on-site, which are grass fed. ■■■ The Keg restaurants have been sold, as Cara Operations Ltd. has purchased the popular national chain. Nanaimo’s Keg is downtown at 350 Robson Street. Cara owns a number of other restaurant chains, including Swiss Chalet, Montana’s and Harvey’s. ■■■ Nanaimo G olf Club i s looking for a new General Manager, as Ash Chadha is on his way to Calgary to work at another golf course. ■■■ Modern Café on Commercial Street is now open for breakfast, as they have brought in 2 Chefs Affair to join their team. 2 Chefs is closing their current location at 123 Commercial. ■■■ Salvation Botanicals,

which engages in the production of cannabinoid products, is expanding its footprint on the ground floor of the building at 235 Bastion Street. ■■■ TD Auto Financing, which operates quietly in the former Coastal Community Credit Union location at 250 Albert Street, is undergoing major renovations. ■■■ A second Noodle Box for Nanaimo: There is a Noodle Box at Port Place Mall, and a new one is opening on Metral Station beside Brown’s Social House and Animal Magic. The location was formerly a bridal shop. ■■■ 49 t h Parallel Grocery, which has a store in Cedar, is growing again. They’ll be building a new store in Duncan at well-known Berkey’s Corner. Berkey’s is where Sherman Road, Cowichan Lake Road and Somenos Road meet. ■■■ A new Greek restaurant is now open in Nanaimo: The Greek House Restaurant, at 3026 Ross Road. ■■■ CPI Pumps and Irrigation has a new location, next to Big Boys Toys at 1441 East Island Highway. ■■■ Seadrift Seafood is shifti ng locat ion s i n Ch a se River, moving from their current location in Southgate Mall across the street to the former Serious Coffee outlet nea r Buckerfield’s and Country Grocer. Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your news by emailing him at mark@businessexaminer.ca

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FEBRUARY 2018

DALCON CONSTRUCTION: CORPORATE SUCCESS LINKED TO VARIED PRODUCT LINE No Project Too Big Or Too Small For Construction Firm

OBBLE HILL – When Dale Tataryn the Director of Dalcon Construction (2001) Ltd. put the word ‘construction’ into his company’s name, he wasn’t kidding. Launched in its present form 16 years ago, Dalcon Construction is involved in a vast range of construction jobs, from high end single family homes, to commercial projects to the erection of pre-engineered steel buildings – and that’s just part of the story. “We added pre-engineered steel buildings into the mix about a year and a half ago, basically to add another dimension to the company. As the local market can go up and down it’s important to offer a variety of services to keep the crew working, we don’t like to keep all of our eggs in one basket so to speak,” Tataryn explained. While Dalcon Construction has operated as an entity since 2001, Tataryn brings more than three decades of construction experience to the firm, starting as a young man in the 1970s working as a labourer for a variety of Lower Mainland construction companies where he worked on everything from single family homes to 10-storey office towers. Learning the construction business

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Dalcon Construction’s key employees include (l to r) Chris Sawrie, Barry Anderson, Dale Tataryn and Fred Steenbergen DIXIE SIMPSON PHOTO

quite literally from the ground up Tataryn launched his first construction company on Vancouver Island in 1988. Focusing on new home construction and custom residential renovation work Dale and Dan Construction Ltd. proved a worldclass training school for Tataryn, allowing him to add business administration skills to his existing list of construction sector expertise. This knowledge would lead directly to the formation of Dalcon Construction 13 years later. T he present compa ny was launched to take the firm in different directions, adding large scale commercial work, general contracting duties, project management services and other skills to its product portfolio – working for clients all across the South and Central Vancouver Island region. “By diversifying what we do we now have basically full employment for our crew, in fact like just about every other company we’re short of bodies. We could easily use another dozen people right now if we could get them, just to keep up with the workload,” he explained. While Dalcon Construction had

“As the local market can go up and down it’s important to offer a variety of services to keep the crew working.” DALE TATARYN DIRECTOR, DALCON CONSTRUCTION (2001) LTD.

been focusing on larger commercial projects and its newly acquired pre-engineered steel building divisions, it has recently re-launched a custom new home division to take advantage of the local demand for quality high end homes. Under the direction of Dan Urniezius, the custom home division adds yet another dimension to the range of products and services Dalcon Construction can provide its expanding client base. “We have just finished a house in Cowichan Bay, we just finished it up and it’s already been sold. That certainly shows you how active the local market is,” explained Dixie SEE DALCON CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 15

With more than three decades of experience Dalcon Construction’s Dale Tataryn operates a multi-faceted company

Congratulations on your recent 15 year anniversary. It has been our pleasure working with your company over the years. We look forward to many more successful projects in the future!

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FEBRUARY 2018

DALCON CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Dalcon Construction has been involved in many major construction projects, including the impressive Jim Pattison Toyota Victoria building

Another major project for Dalcon Construction was the large scale expansion effort at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s View Royal Casino

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Simpson, Dalconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senior Office Administrator (SOA). â&#x20AC;&#x153;We already have another lot ready to go for another home, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just another avenue for Dalcon to work on,â&#x20AC;? Tataryn explained. Unlike with many in the construction trades Tataryn did not come from a family of home builders, but instead found his way to the industry out of a personal interest when he was only a teenager. Working initially in the Vancouver marketplace he eventually moved to Vancouver Island, working as a labourer providing electrical services and performing other construction duties before launching his first company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once I incorporated Dalcon I really got serious about all of this and really put it together. My personal forte is concrete and framing, which is what I bring to the mix. But with our team of carpenters and framers we have the skills to take on just about any project,â&#x20AC;? he said. A key to Dalcon Constructionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success has always been its ability to provide a quality product while delivering personalized customer service every time. Not wanting to overtax his team Tataryn has in recent months been forced to turn away jobs to prevent any reduction in quality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The workload has never been like it is now. I literally turn down jobs every week because I simply donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the capacity and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to over extend myself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it happen before and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not good. Everything we do is focused on taking care of the clients I have,â&#x20AC;? he said. Tataryn estimates his firm has nearly five years of assignments already scheduled, particularly on its construction side. While the pre-engineered steel buildings are one of Dalcon Constructionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest product lines a lack of available workers has limited the number of these specialized projects the company can undertake. But as someone who has been in the construction business most of his life, Tataryn realizes that the marketplace moves in cycles and that by providing a diverse product

line Dalcon will be able to weather any future economic fluctuations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be like this forever. Eventually things will slow down and then everything else will come into play â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the steel buildings will be there if the commercial side slows, or the custom home work eases off. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to plan for the future and to have other options in place to keep things rolling,â&#x20AC;? he said. For Simpson the measured approach to business which is a hallmark of Dalcon Construction is what has kept the firm active and sought after by clients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re projecting to do two houses per year going forward, in addition to our other commercial assignments,â&#x20AC;? she explained. Another central tenant of the Dalcon business model is not limiting its market area. Over the past 15 years the company has worked primarily in the south and central Vancouver Island areas, but has occasionally taken on projects as far afield as Campbell River where the company constructed the new operations building at BC Hydroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hart Dam project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not afraid to take on jobs outside of our immediate area the bulk of our work really takes place between Nanaimo and Victoria. Being based in Cobble Hill weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re centrally located, we only need to travel an hour in either direction to reach anywhere in the region. We may not like to travel, but this is a business and you do SEE DALCON CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 16

Congratulations to Dalcon Construction Inc. on over 15 successful years in the construction industry.

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FEBRUARY 2018

Dalcon Construction has experience in residential construction as well as in commercial, such as this home on Mallard Way

DALCON CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

what you have to do,” he explained. Operati ng a successf u l, multi-disciplined construction company for more than 15 years couldn’t have occurred without delivering quality products and exemplary service on a consistent basis. For Tataryn a large part of his firm’s success is linked to delivering on promises and by being entirely upfront with the clients with clear communication. “Being on time and on budget and schedule is huge. We always try to meet those unless it is beyond our

control, there’s never any sticker shock for the customer. The price is what it is, so we are always clear with the client before we begin,” he said. “I guess what it all comes down to is that we always do our job. We just go in there and get on with it. Construction isn’t easy, but when we’re on site we perform. I’m the guy that builds the buildings, Dalcon builds the buildings. We put the structure up and everyone else comes in behind us to put in the drywall, the electrical or whatever.” As an active part of the local construction sector Dalcon Construction has developed strong and effective relationships with other local builders such Brentwood Bay’s Mastercraft Construction. “Mastercraft Construction over the past few years has formed a strong business relationship with Dalcon Construction and continues to do so as we build into the future,’ explained the company’s owner Earl Andrews. “Mastercraft Construction and Dalcon Construction work together creating a harmony between trades and suppliers to achieve quality workmanship and deliver projects on time and on budget.” Dalcon’s pre-engineered steel buildings division is expected to become increasingly important to the company moving forward.

Dalcon Construction is also involved in designing and constructing pre-engineered steel buildings

The crew from Dalcon Construction can be seen here working on the Jim Pattison Toyota Victoria building Working directly with the clients Tataryn can help select the ideal base model from the expansive list of options available, and then by working with the customer personalize the basic model to satisfy any specific need or application. “Steel buildings are very adaptable. We can build anything from an airplane hangar to just about anything you can imagine, right up

to a full blown retail outlet. Steel is a great choice for our region, it’s resistant to earthquakes and highly customizable,” he said. For Simpson one of Dalcon’s real impacts on the local region is its willingness to provide training and to help prepare the next generation of construction workers. “Dalcon Construction actively works with the ITA (Industry

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Trades Authority) program, the apprenticeship program. Dale is very good at finding people coming out of school, or just wanting to apprentice as a carpenter and then bringing them on. We support that 150 per cent! These are the people who will be leaders in the industry in the future, and so really we’re helping ourselves by providing this opportunity to young people,” she said. For the future Dalcon Construction anticipates continuing to provide a diverse range of quality projects for its equally diverse client base. For Tataryn the firm’s greatest strength is its team of skilled workers, foremen and technicians – the crew that will lead the company forward. “The big key to everything we have are the great leaders, the foremen that we have who run these jobs. Dixie runs the office, the crews work in the field, and the foremen look after everything. Really, the whole team is amazing,” he said. “This company is certainly not a one man band. We have depth in skills, and a tremendous amount of experience with our people. That’s what makes it all work. I’d have to say that we have a happy crew, everybody has a good attitude, is happy with what they’re doing and that allows us to maintain the level of production that we do.” www.dalconconstruction2001.ca

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COMOX VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2018

AND THE WINNERS AREâ&#x20AC;Ś.

CUMBERLAND SHOWING THE BIGGEST INCREASE IN HOUSING CONSTRUCTION Moving forward into 2018, we expect to see continued high prices for residential housing due to lack of supply

BUILDING LINKS

of zoned land and lots

CLARICE COTY Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; winner of Business of the Year presented by Wendy Lewis of MNP (fifth from the left)

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

he Comox Valley Chamber celebrated local business with the Chamber Awards Gala on January 27 at the Florence Filberg Centre in dow ntow n Cou rtenay. With over 90 individuals, organizations, and businesses nomi nated by the Comox Va l ley community fifteen amazing recipients were awarded throughout the sold-out evening. Business of the Year awa rd was received by the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa. S m a l l B u s i n e s s of t h e Ye a r awa rd went to Living Room Pharmacy. Grannies on the Go was awarded the New Business honou r. Cong ratu lat ions to all. For a comprehensive list of award recipients, nominees, and finalists visit the Chamber website. â&#x2013; â&#x2013; â&#x2013; The Chamber Tradeshow is coming to downtown Courtenay on Thursday, February 22 from 12 to 4 pm at the Native Sons Hall. Visit the Tradeshow to check out local Comox Valley vendors showcasing products and services available for you, your business and your home. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a business, enter to win a Marketing Prize Package with valuable services including a 97.3 the Eagle Ad Campaign and for everyone else, visit the tradeshow to enter to win exciting door pr i zes cou r tesy of Best Buy Courtenay! Admission is free. Support Local businesses and come see what the Valley has

Living Room Pharmacy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; winner of Small Business of the year presented by Lezlie Chasse of Peninsula Co-op to offer. Sponsored by OnDeck Solutions, a n F1 2 compa ny, Excel Career College and media sponsor: 97.3 the Eagle. For more information visit: www.comoxvalleychamber.com

Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber. com or 250-334-3234. www.comoxvalleychamber.com

uilding Links has recently tabulated the year to date construction statistics for the Comox Valley and Campbell River areas for 2017. Construction values in all areas total $217 million, up by $11 million from 2016 to 2017. Single-family home construction is also up slightly in Comox, Courtenay and Campbell River (6 per cent to 13 per cent) with Cumberland showing the biggest increase of 120 per cent and the CVRD coming in with an increase of 19 per cent. Secondary suite and carriage home construction have increased significantly by 159 per cent from 2016 to 2017. Moving forward into 2018, we expect to see continued high prices for residential housing due to lack of supply of zoned la nd a nd lots. I n the Comox Valley, the average sale price of a single family lot hovered around $240,000 and in Campbell River, the average sale price of a lot was $150,000. To purchase a lot in the Campbell River area is $90,000 less expensive than in the Comox Valley. In the Comox Valley, 889 single family homes were sold in 2017 and the average price was $491,428, an increase of 19 per cent in the past 12 months. In the Comox Valley, 613 single family homes were sold in 2017 and the average price was

$407,174, an increase of 18 per cent in the past 12 months. (Information courtesy of Kutyn Appraisals) What can we expect on Vancouver Island, moving forward into 2018? Higher prices in all areas of the residential sector. Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increase in prices for residential housing is affecting most markets on Vancouver Island. According to a report from the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation Metro, published in January, 2017, Victoria had historically high housing starts for 2017. Multifamily structures accounted for the majority of housing starts, w ith elevated renta l ma rket starts pushing the total starts to its highest level since 1976. December of 2017 reflected this trend, with a 70 per cent increase in multi-family starts compared to the previous year. Metro Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing market showed strong price growth and overheating throughout the year, giving builders and developers strong incentive to break ground on new projects. Clarice Coty is the editor of Building Links. Contact: clarice@ buildinglinks.ca or find Building Links on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BuildingLinks

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OFF THE COVER

FEBRUARY 2018

‘All-Star’ List Of Vancouver Island Companies Celebrated For Successful Years BE AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

construction company that has 102 locations across Canada and

the United States. A woman who runs a great plumbing company. A yogurt maker from Vancouver Island milk. And that’s just the start. . .

Black Press ǁĂƐ Ă WůĂƚŝŶƵŵ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĂƌĚƐ ƚŚŝƐ ǇĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ RBC Royal Bank, Grant Thornton LLP, Shaw and Liquid Capital West Coast Financing Corp. were the

event’s Gold Sponsors. Category sponsors were Coastal Community Credit Union, Helijet, Island Savings Credit Union, Grieg Seafood, Invest Comox Valley and BE Digital.

Dodd’s Furniture Ltd. has been selling quality furniture and mattresses to greater Victoria residents for over 40 years. This family SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 19 PHOTOS BY TIM MCGRATH OF ITS PHOTOGRAPHY

GRANT THORNTON LLP COMMITTED TO CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES

t Grant Thornton LLP, we are committed to our clients, our colleagues and our communities and firmly believe that when community businesses succeed, we succeed. We help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, actionable advice through a broad range of services and a focus on personal attention. Dan Little, Managing Partner of the firm on Vancouver Island recognizes the importance of supporting the annual Business Excellence Awards through sponsorship. “These awards recognize, validate and celebrate business success stories in our community, and inspire others to reach new heights and experience new growth. We congratulate all of the nominees, finalists and winners on this achievement,” says Little. These awards celebrate the best of Vancouver Island business with other business

and community leaders. It is a distinguished award that pays tribute to the integral role that business plays in creating thriving communities. Grant Thornton LLP also supports many community organizations across Vancouver Island, including United Way, The Festival of Trees, the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the University of Victoria. Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award organizations. With offices in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and communities across the country, they provide a wide range of services including: corporate restructuring, succession and estate planning, insolvency and bankruptcy, valuations, as well as core services such as auditing, accounting and tax. www.grantthornton.ca

Melanie Cadden, right, of Coco Café in Cedar, describes how it felt to win the Entrepreneur award, as MC Amber Schinkel of CTV Vancouver Island looks on

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Hearty congratulations to all of the finalists of this year’s Business Excellence Awards. Your hard work and perseverance are exemplary, and you’re an inspiration to everyone in the Vancouver Island business community.

Victoria | Duncan | Nanaimo T +1 888 746 4406 GrantThornton.ca © Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd

Rebekah Hutchison of Liquid Capital presents the Food & Food Production award to Riot Brewing of Chemainus, represented by Myles Kehoe

At Grant Thornton LLP, we’re proud to sponsor this prestigious event. We firmly believe that when private businesses succeed, we succeed. That’s why our dedicated team of professionals is committed to finding solutions that help private business unlock their potential for growth.

Pauline Stevenson, left, and Michelle Konkle of Excel Career College, based in the Comox Valley, were part of the team of independent judges that decided the winners of the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards. Derrold Norgaard of Norgaard Kratofil Professional Group of Victoria and Jolynn Green of Community Futures Central Vancouver Island in Nanaimo were the other judges

BE AWARDS

FEBRUARY 2018

A sold-out crowd packed the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort ballroom in Victoria for the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

BE AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

owned business started in 1977 and is well known for quirky advertising, great deals and extensive involvement in the community. The 35,000 square foot, flagship store, offers furniture, mattresses, rugs and accessories for all tastes and budgets. With the addition of 2 stores in Nanaimo and Campbell River, and a small fleet of trucks, they are currently capable of servicing the entire Vancouver Island and surrounding Island communities. Small Business of the Year

(Under 50 Employees) winner Balance Home Cleaning was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing a fresh alternative in the cleaning industry. Specializing in exceptional quality and personalized customer service, the company has developed a unique position within the market. Services include regularly scheduled home and commercial cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and post construction cleaning throughout Greater Victoria. There were 15 other categories, two of which had Award of Merit runner-up winners: Coulson Ice Blast

of Port Alberni in Industrial Manufacturer, and Kwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lilas Hotel i n Por t Ha rdy i n Hospitality. Other winners in the other 15 categories were: Automotive: Harris Mazda of Nanaimo. Harris Mazda is the longest standing car dealership in Nanaimo, having been in business for 43 years. Formerly Christensen Mazda the Harris Family purchased the dealership in 2007 and this year enjoyed their10 year anniversary. They are a new and used car dealership representing the Mazda SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 20

Investing For Business Owners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Time To Make It Personal

ouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve a lways had a strong focus on financial goals for your business. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to ensu re that the persona l side of your finances gets the same care and attention. P r i o r to i m p l e m e n t i n g any strategies individuals should consult with a qualified tax advisor, accountant, legal professional or other professional to discuss implications specific to their situation. You may have a number of good reasons to expect that the value of your business can provide the funds you need for a comfortable retirement. But in business, as in life, nothing is ever certain. For example, economic changes or an unforeseen event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as a lawsuit, loss of a key client or a key supplier â&#x20AC;&#x201C; could have an adverse impact on the value of your business. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to retire, depending on the economy, you may not get the price you need, or be able to see your business, to support the retirement you env ision. You cou ld continue to work for your

company, or sell your business to family, but since you may no longer have a direct decision-making role, even these options may not ensure a lasting income. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why an important part of your personal risk management strategy should be to establish a source for retirement funding thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independent of your business wealth. A personal investment and savings plan can help ensure the longterm financial security of you and your family. As an entrepreneur, you have invested a considerable amount of time in your business to make it successful. A n R BC adv isor ca n help you put the same emphasis on your personal investing strategies. Ease into personal investing Separating your business goals from your long-term personal goals is an important step toward ensuring that you are well positioned to live the life you want to live when your business days are over. Focusing on the financial

side of your personal life is a key part of the planning process. And just as your business skills grew incrementally over time, so can your approach to personal savings and investing. Consider these strategies: â&#x2013; Succession Planning â&#x2013; R RSP and Spousal RRSPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x2013; Ta x Fe e Sav i n g s Accounts â&#x2013; I nd iv idu a l Pen s ion Plans For advice on any of these strategies for building and individualizing a retirement plan please contact an RBC Advisor.

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Sandy Herle and Gil Herle of Close To You Ladies Fashion & Lingerie in Parksville, received the Retail Business of the Year award from John MacDonald of Business Examiner Vancouver Island

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Anne Fortin, left and Gordon Duval, right, of VMAC in Nanaimo were presented with the Industrial Manufacturer of the Year Award from Douglas Pascoe of Island Savings Credit Union

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brand and they service all makes and models. Construction/Development & Real Estate: Alair Homes of Nanaimo. Alair Homes was founded in Nanaimo in 2007, and over the 10 years since they have expanded across Canada and the United States, currently servicing 102 locations. They have successfully taken the good business practices they learned here on Vancouver Island to the construction market, growing to become the largest custom contracting company in North America based in Nanaimo. Entrepreneur: Coco CafÃ© of Cedar. Coco CafÃ© is a project of Cedar Opportunities Cooperative that serves the community as a revenue-neutral enterprise The cafÃ© makes almost everything they serve and employs 32 people, including 17 with developmental disabilities. They posted a 52 per cent increase in supported employment in 2017.

Dan Little of Gold Sponsor Grant Thornton Food & Food Production: Riot Brewing of Chemainus. Riot Brewing Co. is a production craft brewery located in Chemainus. They have an on-site lounge, an outdoor patio and retail store and their products are

available in 6-pack cans, 650ml. glass bomber bottles, 19 and 50 litre kegs, and growler-fills in their lounge. Health Care: Comfort Keepers of Victoria. SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 21

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FEBRUARY 2018

The team from M&N Mattress in Parksville enjoyed the festivities

BE AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Hospitality: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa of Brentwood Bay. Runner-up Kwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lilas Hotel is the first luxury First Nations property on the North end of Vancouver Island. The property sits within the town of Port Hardy which is the gateway to many outdoor adventures, and was formerly known as the Port Hardy Inn. Industrial Manufacturer: VMAC of Nanaimo. By leveraging its high value core technology, VMAC has grown to become a market leader for mobile air compressors in industries such

as construction, utilities, tire service, oil and gas and mining. VMAC designs and manufactures the most compact and powerful mobile air compressors and multipower systems available in Nanaimo. Runner-up Coulson Ice Blast is the only manufacturer of industrial cleaning equipment, in the world, that uses ice as a blast media. This newly developed technology is similar to sandblasting, but uses crushed ice instead of sand. Standard ice cubes, made with any freezer, ice cube maker or purchased and delivered from a worldwide network of suppliers, are loaded into

their machines. Manufactured Wood Products: Creative Woodcraft of Cobble Hill. Creative Woodcraft specializes in the design, build and installation of custom cabinetry for the home, office or commercial space. Their 11,000 square foot shop a nd show room i n Cobble Hill is where almost everything is made and finished by over 30 employees. Ocean Products: Saltwest Naturals of Sooke. Professional: Engaged HR of Victoria. Restaurant: Big Wheel Burger of Victoria. SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 22

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R e t a i l : Close To Yo u Ladies Fashion & Lingerie of Parksville. Close To You was started in 1991 as a small 700 square foot lingerie store and has evolved into a full store, occupying 4,300 square feet of women’s fashion, lingerie and footwear. With the increase in health issues they added providing breast prosthesis fittings and products to their services. Their clothing lines represent many recognized Canadian collections and designers. Technology: Freshworks Studio of Victoria. Tourism: Eagle Wing Tours of Victoria. Trades: Mazzei Electric of Nanaimo. Mazzei Electric Ltd. is a family owned and operated electrical contracting business that has been operating on Vancouver Island for 23 years. Company President Ben Mazzei is a thirdǦgeneration electrician who began working for the company in 2002. Mazzei Electric specializes in residential, commercial and industrial installations. A v id e o of t h e event is viewable at https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=z0tOqXc9Cn8

Josh Higgins of Business Examiner Victoria presented the Manufactured Wood Products Business of the Year Award to Will Duggan of Creative Woodcraft in Cobble Hill

Chuck Chandler of Grant Thornton presented the Hospitality Business of the Year award to Natasha Richardson of Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa The official event program, with profiles of all 88 finalists, can be viewed at: https://issuu.com/ markmacdonald36/docs/

be_awards_2018_booklr?e=24500915/57772959 PHOTOS BY TIM MCGRATH, ITS PHOTOGRAPHY

FEBRUARY 2018

First CMHC Expectations Survey Unearths Home Buyer Attitudes

f i rs t-ever s u r vey by Canada Mortgage a nd Hou si ng Corporation (CMHC) identifies home-buying intentions and understanding of the market for three groups: First Time Buyers, Previous Owners, and Current Owners. The 2018 Prospective Home Buyer Survey is the first time CMHC has explored the dynamics of home buying intentions for these three groups of future homebuyers, providing a comprehensive review of overall awareness and understanding of the home buying process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Survey findings prov ide i n sig hts a nd va lu able i n fo r m a t io n fo r m o r t g a ge p ro fe s s i o n a l s a b o u t t h e i r f utu re cl ients a nd thei r needs,â&#x20AC;? said Nathalie Fredette, Vice-President, Client Relationsh ip Ma nagement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It brings awareness amongst the industry and contributes to financial literacy by helping Canadians make informed and responsible home buying decisions.â&#x20AC;? Survey results showed: The top motivators for buyi n g a h o m e w a s i m p ro v e d accessibi l ity (less physica l obstacles a nd ba rriers) a nd as an investment opportunity;

0R U H W K D Q S H U F H Q W RI )LUVW 7LPH %X\HUV DQG 3UHYLRXV 2ZQHUV VD\ WKH\ ZRXOG GHOD\ WKHLU KRPH SXUFKDVH LI WKH\ ZHUH QRW DEOH WR ILQG WKHLU LGHDO KRPH ZLWK D IDLUO\ VLPLODU SURSRUWLRQ VD\LQJ WKH\ ZRXOG EH ZLOOLQJ WR FRPSURPLVH RQ WKH VL]H RI WKH KRPH DQG ORFDWLRQ An existing move-in-ready home was the top choice for all groups of prospective home buyers, followed by a newly constructed home, noted by approx i mately one-fi fth of First-Time Buyers and Previous Owners; Among all groups, the two most common actions completed one to two years prior to the purchase of a home are sav i ng for a dow n pay ment and determining what type of home to buy; A b o u t o n e -i n-f o u r p r o spective home buyers stated that they would be very likely to consider delaying their purchase in the event of an increase in interest rates; and T he majority of f utu re home buyers intend to obtain a mortgage to finance their home purchase, with FirstTime Buyers showing higher incidence compared to Prev iou s O w ners a nd Cu r rent Owners. Changes to mortgage

re g u l a t i o n s a n d c o n c e r n s about possible future interest rate i ncreases were not among the top motivators to pu rch a se, despite pend i ng cha nges i n both. Across a l l groups of future home buyers, more than sixty per cent say they are likely to have a financial buffer in case their expenses change in the future. F o r t h e s u r v e y, C M H C

surveyed 2,507 prospective home buyers online in October 2017. Respondents were a l l pr i m e hou s ehold d e cision-ma kers who i ntend to purchase a new home within the next two years, including 1,501 first-time buyers, 506 current owners, and 500 previous owners. Similar to the annual Mortgage Consumer Survey, the

Flexible Financing That Grows With You Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a growing, new, turnaround or seasonal business, we have a creative financing solution for you.

To learn more, contact Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchsion at 778.265.7990 or visit www.lcwestcoastfinancing.com.

P ro s p e c t i v e H o m e B u y e rs Su rvey is i ntended as a n education tool for mortgage professionals and to support mor tgage l iteracy a mong Ca nad ia n home buyers a nd homeowners. For more information: https://www.cmhc-schl. gc.ca/en/hoficlincl/moloin/ sure/prospective-home-buyers.cfm

A part of coastal communities griegseafoodcanada.com

FEBRUARY 2018

AQUACULTURE Sponsored By

Salmon Farming Means Jobs, Boost to BC Economy Association Speaks Up To Set The Record Straight On Industry Safety And Contributions BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER VANCOUVER ISLAND

AMPBELL RIVER – Defender of the farms. And jobs. Lots of jobs. That’s the major purpose of the BC Salmon Farmers Association, which represents 52 members, and last year, over 6,600 full-time equivalent jobs and $1,561.9 million worth of combi ned econom ic output into the provincial economy. Si nce 2014, it has been the responsibility of Executive Director Jeremy Dunn to promote the industry and help protect it against anti-fish farm activ ists who a re relentless i n their intentions to shutter the industry. Recent a ntagon istic statements by new prov i ncia l Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham sent shock waves throughout the BCFSA membership and coastal communities that have come to rely on salmon farming as a reliable

SEE AQUACULTURE | PAGE 25

#206 – 3400 Douglas St Victoria BC V9Z 3L5 Ph: 250.380.1570

#4 – 2350 Dorman Rd Nanaimo BC V9S 5G2 Ph: 250.751.2622

BC Salmon Farmers Association Executive Director Jeremy Dunn at a Marine Harvest Neptune 3 floating closed-containment unit in Norway

AQUACULTURE

FEBRUARY 2018

AQUACULTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

employer that makes significant economic impact in the communities they operate. “We have many of the same ch a l lenges t h at ot her resource-based industries do in BC, but we’re up to meeting it,” he states. “We must have sustainable practices, transparently show that these are met on an ongoing basis, and engage w ith a w ide ra nge of stakeholders to communicate how we do things. BCSFA plays a role here, as do our individual member organizations. “ T h e re i s a w i d e a r ra y o f opinions about our industry in BC, and our opponents play on people’s worst fears to drive attention to their cause. We se ek to b e solut ion s ba se d , bring people together, and create a greater understanding of our sector.” Dunn points out that salmon, and other marine life, are the last animals on earth that humans hunt for commercial purposes. Every other animal, and the vast majority of plants, that makes up part of the food supply is farmed. “ I n fa c t, over 50 p er c ent o f t h e w o r l d ’s s e a f o o d i s fa rmed a nd that percentage g rows ever y yea r,” he says. “Yet in this part of the world a pola rized debate rema i ns, a nd a n opp or t u n it y to pl ay a big ger role i n feed i ng t he world continues to be largely squandered.” And there is almost limitless potential for the sector. “Global projections for seafood consumption suggest that global production will need to rise substantially in the next 20 years,” Dunn states. “I n BC, we cu rrently fa rm in less than 1 per cent of our coastal waters (finfish, shellf ish, a nd pla nts), yet fa rmra ised sa l mon is ou r most v a l u a b l e s e a fo o d p ro d u c t . Norway is the world leader in salmon aquaculture and their pro du c t ion (over 1-m i l l ion tonnes annually) is more than 10 times higher than we produce in BC (about 80 thousand

tonnes).” Last September, MNP produced a document titled “Economic Impacts of the BC Farm-Raised Salmon Industry - 2017 Update”. It showed the industry provided $796.6 million in direct economic output in 2016, and combined with direct and indirect output, totaled $1,561.9 million. That’s an almost 40 per cent increase from 2013. Dunn was born in Tofino and

grew up in Ucluelet and Parksville. His career includes being a radio and television reporter in Vancouver and Terrace, and he led the development a nd operat ion s of t he BC I nternational Media Centre during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. He joi ned the BCFSA i n 2014, and will take a position within the public affairs division of Marine Harvest Canada this spring. “I would like to see BCSFA

cont i nue to bu i ld network s and platforms to bring people together for a greater understanding of aquaculture and f a r m-r a i s e d s e a f o o d ,” h e states. “That means bringing more chefs and leaders in the culinary community together, working with others in the food production sector – particularly our colleagues in terrestrial agriculture. Dunn believes the Association also has a key role to play in

25 bringing together the scientific community with industry, conservationists, First Nations a nd others to d rive a better understanding of salmon, the coastal environment and how industry can and does coexist sustainably. “T he m ission of the A ssociation has evolved over time as the industry has matured – overall, the sector is healthy in B.C. and has a bright future,” he adds.

We’re Looking For The Best of the Best In Commercial Buildings for 2017

Gold Sponsors

March 1 is the Nomination Deadline for the best new institutional, commercial, industrial buildings, renovations and multi-family projects located between from Malahat to Port Hardy, completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017 for the 11th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. There is No Charge to enter. Gala Celebration will be April 19 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Send nominations to Sue at slessard@vireb.com or download a nomination form at www.vireb.com BCFSA Executive Director Jeremy Dunn

For sponsorship information, email: mark@businessexaminer.ca

FEBRUARY 2018

DIVERSITY & VISION CENTRAL TO SUCCESS OF THE KEDC kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;awatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;si Economic Development Corporation Created With Careful Planning

ORT HARDY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The pioneer American environmentalist Aldo Leopold (1887 to 1948) is credited with saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.â&#x20AC;? The visionaries, professionals, planners and yes, dreamers who imagined the kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;awatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;si Economic Development General Partner Corporation (KEDC) and saw how it could become the catalyst for security, growth and future prosperity for the people of the Gwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sala-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nakwaxdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;xw (GNN) Nation of Northern Vancouver Island and Central Mainland coast, shared that laudable philosophy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t aware they were. It all began with a vision, to create a viable economic development structure that, according to its stated mandate is tasked to investigate and realize revenue, prosperity, skills and development to the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;awatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;si Economic Development Corporation came out of a comprehensive

Congratulations to the KEDC and the Kwa'lilas Hotel, we are proud to work with you.

Conrad Browne is the Chief Executive Officer of the kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;awatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;si Economic Development General Partner Corporation community planning process that the Gwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sala â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nakwaxdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;xw people (one the First Nations on the North Island) entered into back in 2005,â&#x20AC;? explained Conrad Browne, the KEDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). â&#x20AC;&#x153;It took nearly five years of meetings and pubic consultations to ensure everyone was properly involved in the process. A draft Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) was created in 2010 and, as luck would have it, was finished exactly when I was hired as the GNNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Development Officer.â&#x20AC;? Browne was uniquely suited for his new role, coming as he did from a forestry and hospitality sectors background. Before

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250-758-0738 www.bryansmechanical.com Nanaimo, BC

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having been a part of the process right from the

Throughout the Kwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lilas Hotel, a motif has been used that celebrates the artistry of the Gwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sala-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nakwaxdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;xw people

beginning is certainly an advantage from my point of view.â&#x20AC;? CONRAD BROWNE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AWATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

joining the KEDC he had served as the District Compliance Leader and Operations Manager for what was then known as the provincial governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Forests and Range. With his professional background, and his long standing roots and commitment to Northern Vancouver Island, Browne proved to be the ideal person to help helm the fledgling corporate entity through its earliest days. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spent a number of months reading all of the information that was available in the economic development office, much of which was out of date or simply wrong-minded. It was clear that for the community to proceed with its economic development plans what was needed was a focus,â&#x20AC;? he stated. That focus centered on creating a five-year economic development strategy for the Gwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sala â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nakwaxdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;xw people that aligned itself SEE Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AWATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SI | PAGE 27

From the Kwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lilas Hotel guest rooms visitors can enjoy views of the Town of Port Hardy and its beautiful bay

The modern yet traditional First Nation design theme is found throughout the Kwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lilas Hotel, including the guest rooms

Pro sp

ct pe

ity er

Re s

Community

Prosperity Opens the Door for Future Generations Spirit

Traditions

Congratulations kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;awatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;si Economic Development Corporation on the success of the Kwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lilas Hotel!

Contact Chris Hild, Senior Manager, Aboriginal Services, at 604.637.1562 or chris.hild@mnp.ca

it m

MNP is proud to help you build a prosperous future for your community.

Co O p p o rt u nit y

MNP.ca

FEBRUARY 2018

Very much the jewel in the KEDC’s Crown, the Kwa’lilas Hotel is a spectacular four star destination hotel

The spacious restaurant at the Kwa’lilas Hotel is noted for featuring a menu that celebrates the First Nation

K’AWAT’SI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

to the Community Development Plan. Working with community leaders and others Browne helped to develop a workable economic development strategy, with tourism being one of its central pillars. “The economic development strategy within the CPP is quite large with many ideas but no real direction. One of the things that had been clearly stated was a need to create a modern economic development corporation where the Chief and Council would be at arms-length,” Browne said. Economic development is a key role for any level of government, and many municipalities opt to operate their economic development office as a stand-alone entity, free from the control and constraints of the elected council rather than as an integrated component of government. The

k’awat’si Economic Development Corporation’s structure is a unique hybrid of both approaches. “Once you begin to work with First Nations communities you quickly realize that there’s no way to truly separate Chief and Council from anything to do with the community, they are such an integral part of the process that Chief and Council’s input is essential. So we crafted a mechanism where they can meet with the Board of Directors which is a stand-alone Board, provide their input, help with the planning, ask questions and all of those sorts of things but have no actual decision-making powers in regard to the day to day operation of the corporation,” he said. “The final decisions regarding the corporation come from the Board and are then communicated to the CEO, who then implements the plans among the various businesses. When we began to work on the five-year development strategy

the community made it clear this was the structure they wanted. As the Economic Development Officer it became my job to build the structure necessary to create the envisioned Economic Development Corporation.” Browne had a truly unique opportunity, as he had been handed a clean slate to create a corporation from the ground up, free of any past traditions, obligations or commitments. To be certain the proposed entity would be as effective as possible great pains were taken to ensure the enterprise’s structure was sound and realistic. MNP LLP, a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm was hired to help with the corporation’s financial elements. Woodward & Company LLP, a law firm with a lengthy track record successfully representing First Nations were brought on board to oversee the legal aspects of the structure while the leading marketing firm FleishmanHillard was added to help with communications and marketing. “It was important to have firms like this onside as their expertise was needed to help set up the corporation. FleishmanHillard was especially important as we knew that we would have to do as good a job as we could to communicate, not only to our on-reserve community but our off-reserve community as well as the North Island community as a whole, to keep people informed about what we were doing and how we were doing it,” Browne said. The KEDC’s organizers visualized the process as a three-legged

stool, with the finances, legalities and communication elements equally important – remove any of the legs and the entire process would collapse. Once the processes were in place the task of physically and legally setting up the corporation began with the k’awat’si Economic Development General Partner Corporation being formally launched in 2014. “The entire process took about four years to complete, with the corporation coming into being in December 2014, officially getting down to business in January 2015. At around the same time Chief and Council asked if I would stay on as the CEO and I said sure, which is basically how I rolled into my position,” Browne said. “Having been a part of the process right from the beginning is certainly an advantage from my point of view. It’s also a lot easier from an accountability perspective as I simply can’t said I didn’t know, as I was there when it was done.” Since its inception the KEDC has strived to evolve a diverse and varied portfolio, to ensure income from a number of disparate streams, to assist with community development, in generating employment within the local community, and to provide skills training for First Nations members. The population of the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw local First Nations is pegged at approximately 1,100, with nearly 900 of those currently living on the reserve. Diversity has become a central tenant of the corporation’s business philosophy, with the entity invested in about half a dozen different sectors including accommodation, construction, fisheries, forestry, tourism and transportation. A m o n g t h e c o r p o ra t i o n’s holdings is k’awat’si Construction, which is a Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw owned company that employs community members as red seal certified journeyman carpenters and laborers who specialize in wood and steel frame building construction and renovation. This general contracting firm looks after all of the new construction that takes place on the reserve, and is often contracted for building projects in the wider

community as well. Other elements of the corporation’s structural mix includes a pilot project focussing on the growing and harvesting of scallops and oysters, Gwanak Resources which is the KEDC’s forestry division, a tourism division with a strong emphasis on eco-tourism while providing visitors with an authentic aboriginal cultural experience and k’awat’si Marine, a sea-based transportation firm offering water taxi services and other ocean-based transport functions. Among all of the expansive holdings, possessions, enterprises and assets of the KEDC the jewel in the corporation’s crown has to be the spectacular Kwa’lilas Hotel (formerly the Port Hardy Inn), which has been constructed using contemporary building techniques but employing a traditional First Nation design ethos in both its appearance and spirit. An 80 room centrepiece to Port Hardy’s hospitality / tourism sector, the Kwa’lilas Hotel is strategically located at 9040 Granville Street, the perfect North Island welcome to visitors arriving in the community. “If a business idea made sense, and it fell within the mandate of the KEDC and it could be viable and profitable, then we would look at it on a case by case basis. Of all of the avenues we explored, and we had some fairly explosive growth as soon as the trigger was pulled at the beginning of 2015, the acquisition of the Port Hardy Inn was SEE K’AWAT’SI | PAGE 28

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K’AWAT’SI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

certainly one of the most visible, in your face projects that we’ve yet undertaken,” he explained. Far more than a cosmetic facelift, the conversion of the Port Hardy Inn into today’s Kwa’lilas Hotel involved a tremendous amount of planning, and the use of some extensive modern building techniques to turn the vintage structure into today’s four star destination hotel. “We didn’t actually tear down the old Port Hardy Inn, but we did take it back to the studs. Virtually every inch of the place was touched in one way or the other. It may be classified as a renovation but in reality it was very much a new build, it’s an entirely new hotel.” “We found a number of surprises as the work progressed. Of course when you first purchase a building and you anticipate doing a major renovation, you may not really realize just what you’re getting into until you start to tear apart the walls so there were a number of surprises for us.” These included a complete lack of a vapor barrier during its original construction that led to issues with mold and water damage. “It’s kind of an interesting concept in the middle of a rain forest to construct a major structure without a single piece of vapor barrier. Despite that, the actual bones of the place, the studs and all of that were actually composed of beautiful fir, the

kind of quality wood they would have used 30 or 40 years ago when the place was first constructed,” Browne explained. “So in essence when the rebuild began we literally started with the bones of the place and then worked out from there. By the time we were done the Kwa’lilas Hotel was for all intents and purposes a brand new building.” Part of the structure’s overhaul entailed lifting the hotel’s original banquet room roof up, making it open, bright and as dramatic as possible. Where the original room featured eight foot ceilings, the current facility boasts a 14 foot ceiling, providing visitors with an almost cathedral like effect as they enter the vaulted space. Bedecked with cedar, adorned with native art created by local artists (such as a spectacular copper art work) and finished with an authentic First Nation spirit (including on the restaurant’s menu), the Kwa’lilas Hotel really is the KEDC’s crown jewel. “This hotel is basically the first thing you see when you come to Port Hardy. It’s shiny, it’s bright, it’s beautiful, it’s everything our northern community would want when showcasing to the world what it means to be part of the North Island,” he said. The Kwa’lilas Hotel, while the most dramatic, was not the first tourism / hospitality venture pursued by the KEDC. The new enterprise’s inaugural hospitality venture was Pier Side Landing, a hotel complex formerly known

A magnificent native-themed artwork crafted out of copper is a central feature of the lobby at the Kwa’lilas Hotel as the Seagate which had served the local hospitality sector for decades. As with the Port Hardy Inn, the aging structure was extensively updated and renovated, resulting in a uniquely North Island hotel overlooking the town’s picturesque inner harbour. Today Pier Side Landing is a 55 room hotel that also features a contemporary meeting room that can comfortably accommodate 15 guests. The perfect spot for smaller scale business meetings, the meeting room offers modern convenience while presenting spectacular ocean views. “The acquisition of the Port Hardy Inn made a lot of sense for us, it ticked off all of the boxes we needed, such as potential profitability, local need, cultural significance and others. We also had the internal construction capability as our own k’awat’si Construction was tasked with carrying out the renovation work so the hotel really made a lot of sense,” he said. While the Kwa’lilas Hotel officially opened for business last spring it was actually pressed into service in a much reduced capacity during the height of the tourist season over the summer of 2016, to provide overflow accommodation once Pier Side Landing’s rooms became fully booked.

“The lobby wasn’t ready or anything, but we needed the rooms so we opened part of it for about six weeks over the summer just to cover the overbooking that had happened at our other hotel. We didn’t want to have to send visitors out of town, so we opened the rooms we could while we had to, then shut it all back down again in the fall to finish off the renovation effort,” Browne explained. Diversified, community-focused and always looking for new ventures, the k’awat’si Economic Development General Partner Corporation is a showcase for what can happen when clear vision, sound planning and community support all come together. “A real point of pride for the community is that all of the activities and achievements of the KEDC have occurred without government funding,” Browne proudly explained. “Not a cent and I mean not a cent of the money involved in any of our projects has come from provincial or federal coffers. We pay taxes just like any other corporation and operate the same as any other business, succeed or fail it’s all on us.” Overcoming stereotypical misunderstandings on how an aboriginal business operates has

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proven to be one of Browne’s ongoing efforts. “Chief and Council purposely chose not to go in what might be seen as the traditional First Nation manner of going to the government for the money. They chose to go it alone, to be self-sufficient, and it was ultimately a wise choice,” he said. For the future the KEDC continues to seek out new opportunities, and to explore other ventures – on the North Island or elsewhere – to help ensure the corporation continues to fulfill its mandate of profitability and community-improvement. “The over-riding mission of the KEDC is that we have 1,100 shareholders to think of. The corporation is owned exclusively by the members of the community, with the shares held in trust for them by the Chief and Council,” he said. “We’re always looking for investments, everywhere from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to quite literally anywhere in the world. We are coming to the end of a self-imposed slowdown period, because of all the activities we got into right out of the gate. We want to make certain all of our internal policies and procedures are in place, then we can begin to look into additional expansion.” www.kedc.ca

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FEBRUARY 2018

SELLING SEASHELL POTTERY BY THE SEA SHORE BRINGS SUCCESS TO ISLAND STUDIO

AMPBELL RIVER Dinnerware fit for King Neptune’s table, shelllike and glazed in pearly translucence, is the signature creation of Campbell River’s Mussels and More. Based on the artistic vision of artist Jan Sell, Mussels and More has distributed its unique ocean and nautical themed dinnerware to as many as 200 outlets across Canada and the U.S. The familyrun operation in an 11,000 square foot building is the largest production craft pottery in Canada. Their exquisite gift ware features shell-like bowls and serving pieces, accompanied by barnacle and starfish encrusted mugs, plates, platters and trays. Buyers can choose accent pieces or acquire a complete dinnerware set. T heir best-selling seashell bowls replicate the colours and graceful fluted shapes of west coast shellfish: mussels, bear claws, clam shells, and oysters in a range of sizes, from dip bowls to large serving dishes. Ocean lovers who want a show-stopping piece in their homes can choose a shell shaped bathroom sink, accurately shaped and glazed to replicate the natural look of a shell. “When we design our shells, we try to capture the shapes and colours as they are in nature – as if you found them on the

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Narrows List of Contractors Steelhead LNG and Huu-ay-aht First Nations announced that they have narrowed the field of bidders to complete front-end engineering and design (FEED) work on the proposed Kwispaa LNG project. T he project , located on the west coast of the island is licensed to export up to 24 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 25 years. Initial production of 12 mtpa is expected to begin in 2024. Following an Expression of Interest process; four Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors have been shortlisted. They include: Black & Veatch / Samsung Heavy Industries / PCL Industrial Management Inc.; CB&I / Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC); KBR; and TechnipFMC. Invitations to tender are expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2018. From there, two successful bidders will be selected to carryout FEED for Kwispaa LNG, including At-Shore LNG Topsides, Onshore Power Station, Pre-Treatment and Balance of Plant components, starting in Q3 2018. “Our Expression of Interest process attracted a number of

The family team gathers around the die press which is used to create the initial shapes of the pieces. They are (left to right) Erin Sell, Blair Holmes, Jan Sell and Mike Sell beach,” says daughter Erin Sell, who works in the family business as office manager, gift shop supervisor, glazer, and any other required tasks. The business employs 10 people, four of them family members, and six employees. With such a small team, Erin said everyone contributes where they can in addition to handling specific responsibilities. The production process starts with a design by Jan. A selftaught potter for more than 30 years, she was inspired to create a line of pottery based on seashells, starting with mussels. proposals from leaders in LNG facilities engineering, procurement and construction,” said Steelhead LNG Vice President, Technical Alex Brigden. “We are very pleased to have these internationally recognized EPC contractors compete to provide their expertise as we continue to progress the Kwispaa LNG project into FEED.” Brigden also noted that Hyundai Heavy Industries has been provisionally nominated as the hull fabrication contractor for EPC of two At-Shore LNG hulls— for a total value of approximately US$500 million—to support the initial production capacity of Kwispaa LNG. Hyundai Heavy Industries will collaborate with successful EPC contractors to execute FEED studies. Steel head L NG’s At-Shore L NG approach d r ives dow n costs by reconfiguring proven technology of an onshore LNG plant in the most cost-effective way for the West Coast of Canada. Each At-Shore LNG unit will have an LNG production capacity of up to 6 mtpa with approximately 280,000 m 3 of integrated LNG storage. Kw i s p a a L N G i s t h e o n l y Ca n a d i a n L NG p ro j e c t b ei ng developed th rough a co-management relationship between industry (Vancouver, British Columbia-based Steelhead LNG) and First Nations (Huu-ay-aht First Nations).

Appropriately, at the time her studio was on a floating barge. “I thought what fun it would be – to bake and serve food from a giant clay shell,” she says. It took years of work, the addition of husband Mike Sell to the team, and thousands of hours of development and miles logged attending gift shows to develop their product and develop the distribution network for their product. The work paid off with a thriving business turning out thousands of pieces annually and a distribution map that shows their products being sold coastto-coast in both Canada and the

U.S. As Jan originally envisioned, the shell dishes are both beautiful and functional. Almost all pieces are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. The only exceptions are the platters and dinner plates which are not recommended for baking. The family was also able to maintain the artisan aspect of the pieces. Despite their range of products and production volume, each piece is still one-of-a-kind, with hand-applied embellishments and hand-brushed glazes. Production blends high volume techniques and hand-work. Once Jan has created the initial design and a prototype, Erin’s fiancé Blair Holmes makes a die for a stamping press. The die stamps out the basic shape of each piece. The detailing, a mix of starfish, small clams, barnacles, and sea worms, is added by hand, ensuring each piece is unique. Then the pieces are fired overnight in a low-temperature electric kiln, to creating bisque ware for glazing. C u s t o m-m a d e g l a z e s a r e brushed on by ha nd a nd a re designed to mimic the natural shades of shells. Some glazes replicate the natural shell’s beautiful pearly opalescence. The final step is 11 hours of firing at 2285 degrees in an industrial-sized, 12-foot high gas kiln. In addition to the nautical ware,

Mussels and More carries glasswork by Jan’s son Gibson. His striking octopus-tentacle dotted serving spoons are a perfect accompaniment for the shellfish serving bowls. There are also art cards by Jan, by Erin’s future mother-in-law Catherine Holmes, and photo cards by Mike, plus artisan soaps, and jewellery. Mike handles promotion of the company, including the website. Mussels and More products can be ordered online at musselsandmore.com, giving everyone access to the magic of serving from a shell, just as Jan originally imagined it.

Congratulations On 20 years Mussels & more Pottery www.glbc.com 1-800-661-5100 748 Market St Tel: 250-384-3382

CAMPBELL RIVER SUPPORTS THE MODERN ENTREPRENEUR

CAMPBELL RIVER ROSE KLUKAS

he people spoke and the City is delivering. We’re open for business – supporting existing businesses, attracting new entrepreneurs and talent, and inspiring innovation in our community. Our cutting edge approach is getting noticed. The City is a recipient of the Smart 50 Award, an international award distinguishing municipal projects that exemplify innovation. The award showcases the City’s investment in a municipal broadband network. Aptly named CRadvantage, it was built to support the modern entrepreneur, creating new business opportunities for people in Campbell River. So, what does all of this mean?

The landscape of business and labour is changing and, with a large increase in new businesses, the City of Campbell River identified the need to support new and existing entrepreneurs to help ensure their success. The way people work is also changing, with the ability to work from anywhere resulting in an increasing number of distributed teams, freelancers, and co-working spaces. In response to these changes and community feedback, we implemented two new initiatives: the CRadvantage and the Modern Entrepreneur Series. What is CRadvantage? As the first municipally owned, fibre optic network on Vancouver Island, CRadvantage enables affordable internet services to business and residential customers. By providing this state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are fostering a marketplace in which internet service providers will compete for customers, thereby reducing the cost to the consumer. CRadvantage draws businesses that need access to enterprise level internet. It provides a fibre optic network with simultaneous upload and download speeds of 1 gigabyte per second at a fraction of the previous cost in Campbell River. Anyone who relies on internet

for video conferencing, streaming, uploading data-intensive files, or telecommuting can benefit from CRadvantage. CRadvantage is complemented by our Modern Entrepreneur Series, which invests in the community’s people. People are the vital component of successful business development. We’re helping Campbell River’s business people with mentorship to guide them through new challenges. This generates solid knowledge to help them make strong decisions, along with inspiration and motivation to continue the tough work of owning a business day in and day out. As champions for modern entrepreneurs, we’re leading the charge on energizing Campbell River’s economy and culture, connecting the people behind our businesses to each other and to the City’s investment in broadband fibre. And, with stunning waterfront, recreational opportunities, and affordable living, more and more people are discovering why Campbell River is the city for the modern entrepreneur. Here, you can love where you work and play. Rose Klukas is the Economic Development Officer for the City of Campbell River.

WHO IS SUING WHOM

30 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 0883935 BC LTD 300-145 West 17th Ave, North Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Pioneer West Mortgage Investments Corporation CLAIM $254,122 DEFENDANT 0883935 BC LTD 300-145 West 17th Ave, North Vancouver, Bc PLAINTIFF Pioneer West Mortgage Investments Corporation CLAIM $115,392 DEFENDANT 1005039 BC LTD 2-1240 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Harris, Thomas Linton CLAIM $485,163 DEFENDANT 1005275 BC LTD 201-1909 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC

PLAINTIFF Gaede, Mary CLAIM $ 35,196 DEFENDANT A Lakeside Bowling Ltd 1881 9th Ave NE, Salmon Arm, BC PLAINTIFF Striker Installations Inc CLAIM $ 16,183 DEFENDANT Allied Van Lines Canada 2160-925 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Donaldson, Donna CLAIM $ 14,186 DEFENDANT Alta Bering Management Technology Consultants Ltd 1500-1055 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Palette Ventures Inc CLAIM $ 76,665 DEFENDANT Beban Park Golf Course 2280 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Timothy McKay CLAIM $ 30,276 DEFENDANT Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company 1900-555 West Hasting St,

Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Gross, Patrick CLAIM $ 12,516 DEFENDANT City of Nanaimo 455 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Timothy McKay CLAIM $ 30,276 DEFENDANT D Taylor Excavating Ltd 10965 Heather Rd, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF P & R Truck Centre Ltd CLAIM $ 5,043 DEFENDANT Double H Holdings 455 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF McKay, Timothy CLAIM $ 30,276 DEFENDANT ER Homes 204-12 Baden Powel St, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Hoffmann, Andrew Steven CLAIM $ 14,682 DEFENDANT Frames N Panes Ltd 201-907 Baker St, Cranbrook, BC

PLAINTIFF Chinook Business Brokers Ltd CLAIM $ 7,906 DEFENDANT In And Out Drywall Inc 10717 205th St, Edmonton, AB PLAINTIFF Van De Ligt, Jerome CLAIM $ 19,978 DEFENDANT Island Home Furniture 1499 Island Highway, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Gaede, Mary CLAIM $ 35,196 DEFENDANT JR Homes Ltd PO BOX 38, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Limited CLAIM $ 14,958 DEFENDANT Kettle Creek Development Ltd 595 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Conway, Elizabeth Fay CLAIM $ 9,704 DEFENDANT Mar Kerr Enterprises LTD 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Terrace Sight And Sound LTD

FEBRUARY 2018

CLAIM $ 35,236 DEFENDANT Rayan Shoes 9600 93rd Ave, Fort St John, BC PLAINTIFF Romeo & Juliette INC CLAIM $ 13,934 DEFENDANT S I P Building Systems 1226 Kirkpatrick Rd, Tappen, BC PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Limited CLAIM $ 8,309 DEFENDANT Servicemaster Victoria 1075 Henry Eng Pl, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Gross, Patrick CLAIM $ 12,516 DEFENDANT Snap Self Storage Inc 2840 Roberts Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Tetlock, Dave CLAIM $ 5,716 DEFENDANT Western Watershed Designs INC 103A-8275 92nd St, Delta, BC PLAINTIFF Jenkin, Grant CLAIM $ 35,176

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2018

31 Business Examiner Gold Event Sponsors

NORTH ISLAND North Island College (NIC) celebrated the opening of their new $1.4-million Port Hardy campus recently. The 6,000-squarefoot campus is in Port Hardy’s Thunderbird Mall and is more accessible to students and community members in the region’s main transportation, service and shopping areas. Pacific Coastal Airlines has reinstated the cancelled early morning and late afternoon flights to Port Hardy. The airline announced they would cancel the flights as of February 2 due to low flight occupancy. Instead, they are opting to cancel some midday flights during the week in favour of the early morning and late afternoon flights. Willie Mitchell, a Port McNeill native, will join the 2018 class of inductees to the BC Hockey Hall of Fame alongside Scott Hannan, Gerry Sillers and the 1980 Burnaby Lakers. Mitchell is a former Vancouver Canucks defenseman.

CAMPBELL RIVER T he City of Campbell R iver is one of three finalists for

a provincial Open for Business award presented by Small Business BC. Campbell River is one of 15 nominees in the large community’s category (with populations greater than 25,000) and is a finalist alongside Penticton and Prince George. The award winners will be announced at the Open for Business Awards in Vancouver on February 23. The City of Campbell River has also been recognized recently with a Smart 50 Networks award for their CRadvantage municipal broadband network. The award which recognizes inf luential technology projects from around the world will be presented at the Smart Cities Connect Awards Gala in Kansas City, Missouri on March 26. Mike Richardson was elected president of the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) at their recent annual general meeting. R ich a rd son h a s 42 yea rs of

Jeremy Dunn will replace Ian Roberts as director of public relations for Marine Harvest Canada on May 1. Roberts will move on to take the role of communications and business development director for Marine Harvest Scotland. Dunn is the current executive director of the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) and has led the BCSFA’s team for the past four years. Construction is expected to begin in May, while the building has an anticipated ‘tenant ready’ date of April 2019.

Mike Richardson experience in the industry and is a partner in Tsibass Construction Ltd, a Campbell River logging contractor. Clair Zhang and William Shi have purchased the Driftwood Restaurant in Oyster River, south of Campbell River. The landmark eatery features Chinese cuisine.

A 16-unit senior housing facility in Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island has received a development permit from the Strathcona Regional District (SRD). The Quadra Island Housing Society received approval for the facility on Harper Road at a recent SRD board meeting. The Campbell River Art Gallery

has named Jenelle Pasiechnik as their new curator. Pasiechnik holds a Masters degree in Art History and Visual Studies from the University of Victoria and brings diverse experience in the art industry to her new role. The Campbell River branch office of the Canadian Cancer Society has moved to 1468 Ironwood Street. A fter serving five terms as Chief of the Wei Wai Kum Nation, Robert Pollard is stepping down due to health reasons. The Nation has declared Pollard’s seat vacant since he has been on leave for more than six months for medical reasons. A by-election will be held within 90 days to determine Pollard’s replacement. North Island College (NIC) has added David Johns as their new SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 32

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32 MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

electrical instructor. Johns will join NIC’s faculty to teach their popular Electrical Foundation certificate. Upper Island Counselling is celebrating their 30th year in business at 625C 11 Avenue. As

part of their celebration, the company has launched a new website and new branding in order to further reach out to members of the upper island community.

dealership.

Bill Howich Chrysler RV & Marine congratulates Rick Hansen and Ron May being the top salesmen of the month at the

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual awards. The winners are BMO in the Family First Award category, Pattison Farms in Food and Farm Business, The Update Company in Tech & Innovation, Grannies on the Go for New Business of the Year, YANA Comox Valley in Not for Profit, Waypoint Insurance in Heritage Recognition, West Coast Expeditions in Sustainability, Old House Hotel & Spa in Customer Service, Canadian Tire in Business Leadership, Adicus Bird for Youth Leadership, Peninsula Co-op in Small Business of the Year, Aaron Baxandall in Young Entrepreneur, The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa in Business of the Year, Robert Mulrooney of Mindset Wealth in President’s Merit and Jim Lin received the Citizen of the Year award.

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COMOX VALLEY

Air Canada announced they will offer seasonal direct flights between the Comox Valley (YQQ) and Calgary (YYC) airports this summer starting July 2 and running until fall. The flights from Comox are scheduled to depart every day at 11:30 PST and arrive in Calgary at 2:14 MST. Meanwhile, the flights from Calgary

FEBRUARY 2018

are scheduled to depart daily at 10:05 MST and arrive in Comox at 10:58 PST. The Black Creek Community Centre has reopened after expanding their fitness centre at 2001 Black Creek Road. Odlum Brown is celebrating their 20th anniversary in Courtenay at 1001 Fitzgerald Avenue. A new fully equipped wellness centre is opening in the Best Western Westerly Hotel in downtown Courtenay. The wellness centre will feature fitness equipment, fully furnished studios, consultation suites and a wide range of wellness services. Connect Hearing is celebrating 40 years of serving Vancouver Island. Their office in Comox is at 1771 Comox Avenue. The Makers, a new e-commerce platform that sells BC-based handmade goods, has added Comox businesses to their platform. These include RK Designs Jewelry, Bough & Antler Northwest Goods, Grassroots Design, Pressed Princess Chewllery and Snowy Tree Design. The Timber Room and all Resort food and beverage services at the Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community reopened January 26 following renovations.

The Kingfisher Resort & Spa will receive a complete overhaul of their grounds over the next few years. Renovations began with an overhaul of the spa’s two restaurants – the Ocean 7 and the Aqua Bistro last year. A remake of their spa is already underway and expected to be completed by the end of the month. They will also be completely renovating the underground steam cave, courtyard and their hotel. Forbidden Brewing Company has commissioned Innovative Stainless Solutions, a business also from Courtenay, to build their custom 1,000-litre boil kettle. The kettle upgrade will allow the brewery to upgrade from a nano-brewhouse to a micro-brewhouse. Forbidden Brewing Co. is at 1590 Cliffe Avenue. Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC announces that Ryan Sykes is their top salesperson of the month. The dealership is at 2145 Cliffe Avenue. The Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society has opened an office space they will share with the Comox Valley Multicultural Society at 202-576 England Avenue in Courtenay. Sunwest RV Centre welcomes Nikke De Winter-Brent to their SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 33

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FEBRUARY 2018

Manno Theos, City of Courtenay; Fred Robertson, District of Port Hardy; and Kerry Reay of Sooke. Newly appointed members to the board this year include Peter Wainright, Town of Sidney; John Coulson, Town of Lantzville; Cathy Thicke, Village of Tofino and Tom Walker, Municipality of North Cowichan.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

team at 2800 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Dave Hampshire was Sunwest’s salesperson of the month for December. Brazen Sportswear is celebrating their 30th anniversary at 479 4th Street in Courtenay. Finneron Hyundai congratulates Glenice Neal and John Mundy on recently being named top salespeople of the month. The dealership is at 250 Old Island Highway in Courtenay. Arbutus RV & Marine named Larry Epp their top salesperson for 2017 at their Courtenay location. The dealership is at 2603 Sackville Road. The Alberni Outpost in Courtenay and Nanaimo has closed after owner Richard Antonchuk notified the two stores’ staff on January 23 of the immediate closure.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM BEACH Parksville Pharmasave is celebrating their 15th anniversary at 1-281 East Island Highway in Parksville.

PORT ALBERNI Caitlin Woon

Shelley D’Amico

The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce adds Caitlin Woon to their team as their new events coordinator. Woon will co-ordinate the chamber’s events schedule and will assist with visitor services at the Parksville Visitors Centre.

Shelley D’Amico, founder of Namaskar Yoga Studios h a s launched ‘Broga’ classes at the studio, which includes positions that don’t require a great deal of flexibility and emphasizes strength movements and high intensity training. Namaskar Yoga is at 10-102 Island Highway East in Parksville.

Bluenose Motor Company has added a new rainwater collection system that can store over 6,800 liters of water for use on-site at their detailing shop and service centre. The location also has two oil/water separators and is expected to add charging stations for electric cars. Bluenose Motors’ detailing shop and service centre is at 1390 Industrial Way in Parksville. Mid Island Co-op has opened their first stand alone liquor store in Parksville at 1401 Alberni Highway.

The Vancouver Island Regional Library has re-elected Barry Avis of the Town of Qualicum Beach as chair of the board. Steve Arnett, from the Town of Ladysmith will join the board as vice-chair. The board’s executive includes: Gordon Waterman, Village of Gold River; Howard Houle, Regional District of Nanaimo; Brenda Leigh, Strathcona Regional District; Ron Kerr, City of Campbell River; Jay Dixon, Town of Port McNeill; Diane Brennan, City of Nanaimo; Jason Thompson, Village of Masset;

33 centre for aesthetics in March, 2015. Arbutus RV & Marine Sales has named Peter Munton as their top overall salesperson for 2017 in Port Alberni. Arbutus RV & Marine Sales is at 5540 Beaver Creek Road. Valley Dental welcomes Dr. Kenneth McCracken and Dr. Janet Carson to their practice at 1014115 6th Avenue. The City of Port Alberni has entered into a lease agreement with Starboard Grill for the location of the former Sweet Pea Café at Harbour Quay.

Robert Lindores RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty welcomes Robert Lindores to their team of professionals at 4213 Princess Road. Luxia Beauty Bar has added Kristine Jonasson to their team at 4521 Gertrude Street. Jonasson has been in the salon and spa industry since 2006 and graduated from the Blanche Macdonald

The City of Port Alberni’s Advisory Planning Commission has endorsed the development of an apartment complex on the former Fairway Market site. Architect Raymond de Beeld and the 10th Avenue Plaza property owners Marlowe-Yeoman Limited are applying to amend the site to allow four storeys of multi-family residential above a commercial space. The proposed building will be brought to council this month on Tuesday, February 13. The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for the 2018 Community Excellence Awards. The awards gala will be held in April and the SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 35

OPINION

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WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

MARK MACDONLD

hile the voting public may ingest placeboes when a government claims it is “open for business”, business just sits back and waits. Words mean little if there is no action, and investors and entrepreneurs tend to survey the situation in front of them before deciding to inject hard earned dollars into an environment. They vote with their feet, demonstrating their decisions by how they move, where they move, and how quickly. Or if they don’t. “Open for business” has become a political buzzword used by every politician these days, and we are witnessing the latest with Premier John Horgan touring Asia declaring that under his government, BC is, truly, “open for business”. Non-business people who don’t understand what that really should mean, seem puzzled if business

doesn’t respond appropriately to such cute words of flirtation. “What more do you want? Didn’t you hear what they said? They want business.” But what politicians say and what the business community needs are worlds apart. Open for business means making it easy to do business, and providing an opportunity for free enterprisers to see a profitable future from their hard work and investment. To simplify, what business wants is this: Eliminate unnecessary regulations and obstacles to getting ventures started, and favourable taxation. That’s it. That’s all. Anything outside of those boundaries is political-speak and isn’t what any business owner/investor is looking for. And if they don’t find it in one jurisdiction, they move elsewhere. That’s why certain communities in BC thrive and prosper, no matter what the larger economic forecast is. Langford and Surrey didn’t actually have a recession during the 2008 downturn because their political leadership decided to do something proactively and make their cities more welcoming. They eliminated costly, and unnecessary development cost charges, and builders moved their projects within those civic boundaries. When first elected in 1993, Langford

Mayor Stew Young promised building permits within a week – and delivered. He’s been re-elected ever since, and Langford continues to grow, and grow. Chopping DCC’s and introducing tax breaks for developers as the recession broke, kept developers investing – knowing that the cycle would eventually end – and people working. In Langford, and Surrey. Several years back, Langley produced a building permit for a highend automobile dealership in one week. As a result, there’s not just one, but several beautiful vehicle buildings in the east end of the city, bringing jobs and yielding long-term taxation into civic coffers. Communities that really want investment do what is necessary to get that investment. Those that don’t want investment put up barriers, red tape and, yes, excessive taxation to make sure it doesn’t happen. It’s a mystery why politicians and bureaucrats don’t get this: That these “customers” who inject millions just to get their buildings built, yield many thousands of dollars annually once they are built, for many years to come. Since commercial/industrial tax rates are higher than residential, it allows any city to function better fiscally, while avoiding having to reach out to their other main source of revenue – homeowners, who are also voters – for more money.

The public decries the ever-increasing cost of housing, and politicians wring their hands and promise to find a solution through regulation and subsidization. There is one simple solution to a situation that boils down to supply and demand. Increase supply. Build more homes and dwelling places. By increasing supply, demand will be satisfied and at some point satiated, and the result will be lower prices. That may not make sense to anti-development voices that pique the interest of candidates, or not what they want to hear. But it’s the truth. As reported in the Financial Post, on Jan. 17, Apple Inc. announced it will pay about $38 billion in taxes on hundreds of billions of overseas dollars, plus spend tens of billions on domestic jobs, manufacturing and data centers in the U.S. in the next few years. It will also create 20,000 new jobs and make capital expenditures of $30 billion over five years in the U.S. Jobs. Investment. Tax revenue. Why? Because the U.S. has drastically lowered its tax rates, thus demonstrating it is truly “open for business”. Speaking of Horgan’s overseas jaunt, one might view it as damage control. After not one but two major Liquid Natural Gas projects, one on Vancouver Island and the other major one in northwestern BC collapsed once the

GreeNDP stole power, Horgan is now saying they want it – but with new conditions. Conditions the industry and investors reject, by the way. There were two customers already here and ready to move forward with LNG. Why did they leave? Wouldn’t have anything to do with the GreeNDP’s incessant threats of increased regulation, taxation and general disdain for resource-based wealth, would it? Mark it down: There won’t be any further LNG development in BC while the GreeNDP forms government. Why? Because of the same reasons the other groups that were here left: Endless regulation and the “promise” of punitive taxation – clear signs these parties don’t want that industry here. And the political dance continues, with Green leader Andrew Weaver threatening to bring down the NDP government if LNG proceeds. Crocodile tears. He knows LNG isn’t going forward under this regime and their stipulations, and won’t bust up the coalition until the only evident thing Green wants is accomplished: Proportional representation. Open for business? Here’s the simple recipe for any government: Reduce taxation, strangulation by red tape regulations, and developmental delays. Anything else is just empty words.

UNPLUGGED FROM THE REALITY OF OUR ENERGY NEEDS

MARK MILKE

f you ever wonder how academics and activists combine to end up utopian, anti-poor and anti-middle class all at once, look no further than calls for savings and pension divestment from Canadian oil and gas companies. One academic from Toronto’s Ryerson University wrote of how “we are facing an impending disaster” from fossil fuels. The professor had several demands: That companies “reduce their carbon footprint to net zero” or be forcibly wound down. If they don’t voluntarily commit economic hara-kiri, towns and cities must even more massively subsidize green industries to put hydrocarbon industries out of business. Finally, a demand that the Canada Pension Plan drop its oil and natural

gas holdings. That last idea isn’t as unthinkable as it should be: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this month that he would direct the city’s five pension funds to dump US$5 billion worth of fossil fuel investments, which he boasted will be the biggest municipal divestment in the U.S. so far. Calls to kill off carbon-based energy investments are also pushed by the more extreme voices in some environmental groups. One duo claimed (incorrectly) that “The end of the fossil-fuel era is on the horizon.” Such woolly thinking, a perennial problem in human societies, is evident in the notion that Canadians can just cut off one of the country’s comparative economic advantages, oil and gas. And then replace it, and the many products for end-use consumers, with solar, wind and other costly alternatives. Reality check: Most alternative green energy, like wind and solar, is inconsistent in terms of power production, requiring conventional backups fuelled by fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Nor are other alternatives such as biofuels and batteries yet capable of replacing, for example, the jet fuel necessary to fly airplanes

or the diesel that trucks use to transport food, medicine and consumer goods. Anyone who believes the end of fossil fuels is near is not operating in the realm of reason. It’s why the International Energy Agency wants more renewable and other alternative energy, but is realistic that oil and natural gas consumption will rise for decades. The IEA forecasts a 30 per cent rise in energy demand between now and 2040, the equivalent of adding another China and India to the global demand curve. The IEA predicts the world will consume 105 million barrels of oil daily in 2040, up from an average of 96 million barrels daily in 2016. It also predicts natural gas consumption will rise dramatically. For instance, natural gas demand in China is forecast to triple between now and 2040. Even California Gov. Jerry Brown, a champion of green energy, has continued to encourage oil and natural gas development. That’s why California remains the third-largest oil-producing U.S. state. As 60 Minutes noted in a recent profile of Brown, “he refuses to curb oil production until there’s a viable alternative.” Sure, one could demand that governments just enlist consumers and

taxpayers in ever-more subsidies for alternative energy efforts. Yet most renewable energy, from wind to solar, is already heavily subsidized, and remains unreliable and expensive to end consumers. For example, Ontarians between 2006 and 2014 spent $37 billion on above-market-price subsidies to providers of wind, solar and other energy alternatives. To produce even more will be additionally costly. Also, as I detailed in my recent report Corporate Welfare Cash for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, alternative energy is already much more subsidized in Canada than is oil and gas. (That noted, oil, gas and renewable energy companies alike should be cut off from taxpayer-funded subsidies; that would help even the playing field among all potential energy suppliers.) Lastly, the notion that building subsidized wind turbines and solar panels in Canada can replace the jobs, incomes, exports and tax revenues of a long-profitable sector is folly. From Newfoundland to northern British Columbia, there are 300,000 people directly employed in the oil and gas business with 650,000 spinoff jobs. Oil and gas products represent $136 billion in exports to the United States and $22 billion in

annual tax revenues to governments. And that brings us back to advocacy against investment in the energy sector, the so-called divestment movement. In a rebuke to the divestment demands, Quebec credit union Desjardins Group recently ended its moratorium on pipeline project financing. Depending on where Desjardins goes on a more general social and environmental framework, that decision could be positive or merely a prelude to anti-energy investment decisions. Meanwhile, calls are growing for the Canada Pension Plan to be divested of energy investment. If that happened, a useful investment criteria - returns - would be sacrificed to anti-reality advocacy. Plus, Canadian employment and income would be reduced by such a decision. It would harm the middle class and the poor. That’s the problem with anti-consumer and anti-empirical advocacy dreamed up in academia and furthered by reality-blind activism. Ideas have consequences, especially bad ones. Mark Milke is an author, an independent policy analyst and contributing writer to Canadians for Affordable Energy.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

FEBRUARY 2018

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

deadline for nominations is February 24.

NANAIMO Rev y RV Va ncouver Island has opened a new location in Nanaimo at 3612 North Island Highway. At Vancouver Island University’s February Convocation Ceremon ies, the Un iversity awarded an honorary degree to Dr. Jennifer Wade in recognition of her human rights advocacy work. Na n a i mo cit y cou nci l approved a development application for a four-storey, 59-unit re n t a l a p a r t m e n t b u i l d i n g at 5085 Upl a nd s Dr ive. T he 1,417-square-metre building will feature one and two bedroom units, three studio units, bicycle s tora ge a nd u nd erg rou nd pa rk i ng. Westurban Holdings Group Ltd. is the developer on the project and no timeline has been established for construction. The BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the development of a 44-unit supportive-housing complex to be constructed on Cranberry Avenue through a partnership

with the City of Nanaimo. Construction on the $7.25-million project could begin as early as spring and will be operated by Pacifica Housing. Supportive housing is designed to assist people in transitioning toward more permanent housing by offering support services and infrastructure. Tilray Canada announces a deal that will see them provide medicinal marijuana to Shoppers Drug Mart. The deal which is subject to Health Canada approval will see Tilray-branded medical cannabis products supplied to the retail drug store. Lakeside Dental Clinic is celebrating their 30th year in business at 7-4800 Island Highway North. Woodgrove Centre is adding a pop-up 7-metre by 11-metre synthetic-ice rink from February 5 to April 1. All proceeds from rink admissions will be donated to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. Arbutus RV & Marine Sales has named Michelle Olson their top salesperson for 2017 in Nanaimo. The dealership is at 3350 Spitfire Way in Cassidy. H a rb o u r v iew Vol k swagen cong rat u l ates Steve A rnold as their top salesperson of the month at 4921 Wellington Road.

New Branch Media, a video production company that helps non-profit organizations connect with their audiences using video, has opened in the Cowichan Valley.

Nanaimo Toyota names Alan Miscavish as their top salesperson of the month at 2555 Bowen Road.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS Linda Skagen has acqu i red Shear Impressions at 9877 Maple Street and renamed it Studio 77 Salon. The Wildwood Collective, a shop that offers salon, spa and photography services, is celebrating their grand opening at 9740 Chemainus Road. Construction on a new library in Chemainus is expected to begin in June this year, while an opening date is expected at the end of March, 2019. The $2.25-million library will be 5,000-square-feet and will be located in downtown Chemainus on part of the old fire-hall site. The Municipality of North Cowichan, in partnership with the Community Land Trust Foundation of BC, will build a mixed-use affordable housing unit on the other portion of the old fire-hall property.

COWICHAN VALLEY Dr. Hiedi Postowski is joining

Ben Kotler, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, is providing psychological counselling and relationship counselling from his office at 202-111 Station Street.

Dr. Hiedi Postowski Dr. Michael Feist at 208 – 225 Canada Avenue. The Cowichan Valley division of the Canadian Cancer Society has moved its office to Unit 103 in the Canada Building in Duncan. An open house was held at the new location on February 6. The Duncan RC Hobby Shop moved to a larger location on February 1 at 5797 Duncan Street. The Home Depot location in Duncan is hiring 22 new associates this spring to support their busiest selling season. Ben and Margie van Boven and their son Matthew, are opening the Cowichan Milk Company this spring. The new company will allow the family to open up retail opportunities for their dairy farm. The farm currently produces most of their milk for Island Farms.

Bee Alive in the Hive is a new art studio open at 139 Station Street. Discovery Honda congratulates Trevor Sheck, Joe Graham and Lloyd Jones on being their top three stars for the month of December. The dealership is at 6466 Bell McKinnon Road. My Accountant CPA Ltd is now open at 149 First Street. Cocoa Love is a new chocolate shop open at 1059 Canada Avenue. Wilfit Training i s a new physical training centre open in Duncan at 3110 Gibbins Road. The shop is owned by Wilhelmina Toews, who has over 20 years of experience with personal and group health training in the Valley region. Galaxy RV Sales & Service is now open at 6854 TransCanada Highway.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

HR DAWN ROBSON

n today’s strong economy and tight labour market, the importance of a focus on your employees and succession planning becomes even more critical. Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing staff so that they can grow within your organization and take on key roles that become vacant in the future. Succession planning can be done on an in formal basis or through a more formal process and it provides a great safety net for the organization. To start, you need to identify the key roles in your business. Which positions are vital to your organization’s success? Which roles could

you not do without? Having a strong understanding of the key responsibilities and accountabilities of the role, as well as the skills and knowledge required to be successful is an important step in the process. The key roles addressed in succession planning efforts are often the more senior positions within the company. With succession planning, management will identify high potential employees and support their development in such a way that they get the exposure and experience required to make any transition easier. A frank discussion would be held in order for the employee to understand the confidence that the leadership has in their abilities and to collaborate on a career plan. If succession planning is done informally, a manager may take on this responsibility personally. A high performing individual may be given additional tasks or responsibilities, or provided with mentorship that allows for a greater understanding of the business. The challenge with an informal program is that other leaders in the organization may not be aware of the individual’s

potential and would not be in a position to support his/her development. If the compa ny is i mplementing a more formal program, there would be conversations about succession planning at the senior level, thus ensuring all members of the leadership group know about the employee’s potential and skills. Some of the ways that a company can support a high potential employee include mentoring, cross-training, project work, lateral moves and/or opportunities for training and education. Communication and feedback are also important to help the employee focus on the skills and knowledge development needed to succeed. At the end of the day, most people want to feel valued in their work and part of a bigger team, so many of these suggestions could also apply to all members of your team. At this time of low unemployment, it will serve you well to do whatever you can to support all of your team! Dawn Robson is an HR Consultant with Chemistry Consulting

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