Business Examiner Vancouver Island - September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

» RENEWABLE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ENERGY

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COWICHAN VALLEY Agriculture, Tourism, Affordable Homes and Forest Industry all contribute to Cowichan Valley’s growth

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INDEX News Update

2

Campbell River

5

Port Alberni

6

Cowichan Valley

6

Nanaimo 9 Comox Valley

21

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Brian Danyliw Brings Luxury Real Estate Brand North of the Border OW ICH A N VA L L E Y “It’s cool. It’s hip. It’s more than just high-end real estate.”

That’s how Cowichan Valley realtor Brian Danyliw describes The Agency, one of the fastest growing luxury real estate brands in North America.

S t a r t i n g t h i s S e p te m b e r, Danyliw will join Victoria’s Jason Binab in launching the brand’s first Canadian franchise.

Founded in Los A ngeles by Mauricio Umansky and Billy Rose in 2011, The Agency has closed well over $12 Billion in real estate transactions, and has been named as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies in America for three consecutive years.

“These guys are heavy hitters in the industry,” says Danyliw.

“I’ve been watching the company for some time, and I love what they’re about. They’re people fi rst, a nd they have a rea l ly

progressive brand. It’s cool, it’s hip, and they have what it takes to shake up the industry.”

Danyliw is particularly attracted to the collaborative approach that the company brings to the industry.

“This business is a full-contact sport sometimes, and it can be really challenging to work together with other realtors,” he says. “The Agency isn’t interested in hiring just any realtor. They want to bring in the best people that have a good level of integrity and are open to the concept of working together. That’s the driving philosophy behind the brand.”

The company is the centre of attention in both the real estate world and pop culture, being prominently featured on shows like Million Dollar Listings and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

“T he Agency i ncor porates SEE THE AGENCY | PAGE 20

Brian Danyliw joins Jason Binab in bringing the first The Agency franchise to Canada

New Way to Learn Design Online Interior Design Group Prepares to Launch International Academy of Interior Design and Decorating

BY ROBERT MACDONALD

N

ANAIMO - 2019 will be a monumental year for Interior Design Group.

In the coming 12 months, the company will both celebrate its 25th Anniversary and launch the new International Academy of Interior Design and Decorating.

This new online school is set to open within the next year, allowing the company to both train new designers and offer professional development to industry veterans.

“We will be offering hands-on instruction for designers and people who would like to work in our industry,” says company founder Lana McIver. “We believe

in supporting young people as they pursue their careers and aspirations, and this school is another way we can help with that.”

The programs offered through the academy will not only teach students technical knowledge in the interior decorating and design industry, but will show them how to run an interior decorating

and design business.

The company is in the midst of gaining accreditation for their courses, which will count toward Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and will be an avenue for students to become certified Interior Decorators.

SEE INTERIOR DESIGN GROUP | PAGE 8

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Ferry Traffic Spikes while Earnings Decline BC Ferries saw a n i ncre a se i n t ra f f ic a nd a si mu lta neous decrease in earnings for their first quarter.

The ferry service saw the highest amount of vehicle traffic in their 58-year history in the first three months of their 2018 fiscal year. From April to June, more foot passengers used their services than recorded in more than 20 years.

Despite the grow th in traffic, the company reported a net i ncome of $6-million for the first quarter of 2018, compared with $17.3-million during the same period in 2017.

The decline in income resulted from a combination of rate reductions, ship upgrading expenditures and increased route service.

BC Fer r ies bega n a 15 per cent rate reduction on April 1 for all routes other than Metro Vancouver-Vancouver Island and increased their BC seniors discount they offer from Monday to Thursday from

50 per cent to 100 per cent.

The company provided 352 additional round trips to meet an increase in demands across their routes and had to make schedule adjustments for routes out of Horseshoe Bay terminal. Meanwhile, they upgraded the Spirit of British Columbia’s engine to allow it to run on liquified natural gas.

Upcoming expenses for the crown corporation will include the introduction of a new route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola beginning September 16. The company is also seeking Requests for Expressions of Interest to pu rchase fou r, 47-veh icle Isla nd Class vessels a nd one 138-vehicle Salish class vessel to replace ag i ng fleets.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Affiliation of TimberWest and Island Timberlands T h e e x i s t i n g o w n e rs o f T i m b e rWe s t Fo re s t Corporation and Island Timberlands Limited Partnership have entered into

an agreement to provide for shared use of facilities, align best practices and enhance forest stewardsh ip. British Colu mbia Investment Management Corporation and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board acquired TimberWest in 2011. BCI and investing entities managed

by A lber ta I nvestment Management Corporation have been limited partners in Island Timberlands since 2005.

TimberWest and Island T i mberla nds w i l l continue to be stand-alone companies with no change in control while sharing corporate serv ices. No significant changes are anticipated to sustainable harvest levels, contractor and field workforce employment as a result of this affiliation. Both companies will continue to process logs to meet the needs of domestic mills.

The affiliation will ena b l e T i m b e rWe s t a n d Island Timberlands to deliver a range of economic, social and environmental benefits by sharing facilities, forestry planning and best practices. The benef its i nclude: abi lity to optimize logistics SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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through the use of shared roads, sort yards and infrastructure; enhancing forest health through coordinated stewardship and si lv icu ltu re across adjacent private timberlands; integrated best practice approach to watershed, ecosystem, species at risk and visual quality management; a commitment to seek extension of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification; improving safety outcomes by applying best practices across both operations; expanded recreational access, trail connections and campsites; and ongoing investment in forestry research and innovation, including an existing commitment of up to $10m over five years to the Digital Technology SuperCluster.

“A s a f f i l i ated compa n ies, TimberWest and Island Timberlands can each do more to plan and invest for the future of a stable and competitive coast forest sector,” said TimberWest CEO, Jeff Zweig.

“This new affiliation will position both companies for long term success under strong Canadian ownership to the benefit of our many stakeholders and the communities where we live and work,” said Island Timberlands President, Darshan Sihota.

This affiliation is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval under the Competition Act (Canada).

VANCOUVER ISLAND Province Awards Road Maintenance Contracts T he prov i ncia l Ministry of Transportation has finalized a new contract with Mainroad Mid-Island Contracting LP to maintain provincial roadways in Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach and Port Alberni. An additional contract covering the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Port Hardy has been awarded to Mainroad North Island Contracting LP. Both of the contracts will run

for 10 years as of September 1, with the option for a five-year extension.

Mainroad South Island cont ract i ng h a s a l ready m a i ntained provincial roads from Chemainus to Greater Victoria since September 2004.

New road improvement stipulations in the contracts include returning Highway 19, Highway 4 and other Class A winter highways to bare pavement within 24 hours of a severe weather event.

The previous requirement was 48 hours at temperatures of -9 C or warmer.

Sweeping along cycling routes is expected to expand as well as com mu n ication w ith the public to changing road conditions during severe weather events and other travel related incidents.

Morgan WCMRC has continued solidifying with their plans for the spill response centers. The centers are required in order for the pipeline project to be completed.

WCM RC is responsible for cleaning up oil spills along the coast and has been operating since 1976.

COWICHAN VALLEY Up to $5.36M Approved for Business Plan Chemainus Valley Courier The Cowichan Valley Regional

Hospital District will spend up to $5.36 million to prepare a business plan for Cowichan Valley’s new hospital.

The CVRHD approved the expense at its meeting on Aug. 8, and the funding for the business plan will come from district’s reserves that have been set aside for the new hospital.

The CVRHD is responsible to pay for 40 per cent of the hospital, which is now estimated to cost approximately $600 million, and the province will pick up the rest of the tab.

Funding for the business plan will come from the 40 per cent of the project the district will pay.

CVRHD chairman Jon Lefebure said $5.36 million might seem

3 like a lot for a business plan, but board members have visited the new hospitals that have been built in Comox and Campbell River and realized the amount of work involved in planning and preparation.

Among the many objectives of the business plan is to plan the scope of the facility, its budget and procurement methods.

The construction of the new hospital, which will be const r ucted on B el l McK i n non Road, should begin soon after the business plan is complete.

Lefebure said the $600 million estimate for the hospital project is very preliminary at this stage, SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

NANAIMO Spill Response Centre Signs Lease Agreement A new proposed oil response station has signed a 25-year lease agreement with the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA).

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) signed an agreement with NPA to lease nearly 12,077-squaremetres of land and waterfront space near the Nanaimo harbour. WCMRC intends for the response station to become its main operations base for Vancouver Island.

T he new space is pa r t of a $150-million spill enhancement program mandated by the National Energy Board. Once completed, the Nanaimo base would be home to 15 vessels and have more than 20 employees. There are also plans to open additional spill response facilities in Port Alberni, Sidney, Ucluelet and Beecher Bay. WCMRC announced in April that the project would be on hold as a result of Kinder Morgan’s decision to suspend all non-essential spending related to the Trans Mountain pipeline. Since the federal government purchased the pipeline from Kinder

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and the business plan will produce a more accurate costing of the new facility when it is completed.

But he said, based on the $600 million estimate, the district would be responsible to come up with approximately $240 million for the construction of the new hospital.

Lefebure said the district has managed to place $43 million in reserves for the project du ri ng the last eight years.

He said the district plans to begin placing approximately $10 million a year, the most yet, into the reserves for hospital construction over the next few years, and, in theory, the district should be able to pay the interest for the rest of the funding, which will have to be borrowed, from reserves.

VANCOUVER ISLLAND Nominations Now Being Accepted The Family Business Association Vancouver Island (FBAVI)) is now accepting

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nominations for the 2019 Family Business Excellence (FBE) Awa rd a nd the Young Entrepreneur Award. The FBE Award is given annually by FBAVI to recognize, celebrate and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and the considerable cont ribut ion they make to both their loca l com mu n ities a nd ou r nationa l economy.

The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes an outsta nd i ng you ng leader in the family business.

The recognition for both awards from the Vancouver Island family business community is an honour and a privilege.

Pa s t F BE Awa rd s recipients include: DriveWise BC; Titan Boats; Tru Va lue Foo d s; Wi lson’s Transportation; Canada Homestay Network; Capital Iron; Country Grocer; McCall Gardens; Pacific Sands Resort; Robinson’s Outdoor Store; Monk Office and Accent Inns. The first Young Entrepreneur award was given to Daisy K l a i b e r t i n Fe b r u a r y 2018.

Nominations are being accepted until October 12, 2018. The celebration gala will take place on February 13, 2019 at the Union Club

in Victoria, BC. Family Business Excellence Award Eligibility: A n applicant must be a Vancouver Island-based “ f a m i l y-o w n e d b u s iness”. A “Family Business” is defi ned as a business that has one of the following characteristics: 1) has been owned and operated by different generations of a family, or 2) where the potential exists for ownership to be passed on to another family member, or 3) more t h a n one m em b er of a family has active employment in an organization owned by a family.

Yo u n g E n t re p re n e u r Award Eligibility: An applicant must be an individual 35 years of age or younger who has been involved in a family business on Vancouver Island for a minimum of three years.

Nom i nat i ng a Fa m i ly B u s i n e s s a n d a Yo u n g Entrepreneur: To nom i nate a fa m i ly business or young entrep r e n e u r , ( s e l f- n o m i n at ion s a re welcome) visit the FBAVI Website at www.familybusinessassociationvi.ca or contact Bernadine Rudichuk, Executive Director, at 250532-2402 ~ info@fbavancouverisland.ca.

CAMPBELL RIVER

SEPTEMBER 2018

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ALDER RECIPIENT OF BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S AWARD

CAMPBELL RIVER COLLEEN EVANS

W

e are very pleased to announce Bill Alder, President of Sealand Aviation as the recipient of the 2018 Campbell River Chamber Board of Governor’s award. This prestigious award honours an individual who displays a significant commitment to the success of both their business and community as a whole; demonstrates leadership and vision and serves as a positive role model or mentor for other businesspeople in the community. Bill exemplifies this through the international success of Sealand, that he founded in 1981 and is now known worldwide for the DHC extension kit and the Alaska door. He brought Teen Flight to Campbell R iver connecting teens to aviation

Bill Alder, Sealand Aviation recipient of the Board of Governors Award and giving back so generously of his time and talent to help them experience building their own plane. He established and operates the only fixed wing flight school in Campbell River. Bill will be honoured at the upcoming Chamber Business Awards of Distinction Saturday, September 29th at the tide mark theatre and tickets are available at www. campbellriverchamber.ca The Chamber is partnering with North Island College, the City of Campbell River and Community Futures Strathcona and presenting The Modern Entrepreneur

Series. More information can be found at www.campbellriver.ca ••• With October celebrating Small Business, we will be conducting our Business Walk on October 18th. Local leaders will be visiting owners and managers to gather information used to help businesses thrive and prosper. Walkers will conduct a short survey onsite. The Chamber will then create a simple report that will convey highlights of the walk and an action plan that will allow the business community to see where their input is being applied.

••• T he Cha mber is excited to introduce Colleen Maclagan to the Chamber team. Colleen has been busy with membership orientation and looking forward to connecting with Chamber members a nd prov id i ng excellent membership services.

Col leen ca n be contacted at 250-287-4636.

••• Welcome to our newest members Campbell River Home Minders and Nesbitt’s Island Coffee.

Colleen Evans is President and Executive Director of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce

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VANCOUVER ISLAND COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT PROPERTIES INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY - LANTZVILLE 1.3 Acres over 2 Lots in Upper Lantzville Industrial Park Ocean Views from Upper Bench $1,695,000 Good Phase 1 Environmental Report

DAKOVA SQUARE - DUNCAN ESTABLISHED FAMILY RUN BUSINESS NANAIMO, BC - $749,000 Business with Buildings and Land Livestock Service and Wrap Facility Situated on 4.9 Acres of Land Approximately 2,000 Sq. Ft. Building Government Certified and Inspected Information Portfolio Available

AUTO REPAIR SERVICE STATION CHEMAINUS - $1,299,000

ž High Visibility Family Business since 1960's ž Newer Block Building & Fibreglass Tanks ž 2 Additional Tenancies for Added Revenue ž Car Wash & Rental Suites Potential Dev. ž Strong & Loyal Business in Place ž Information Portfolio Available

Suite 102 is 2,890 Sq. Ft. Main Level Unit 12 Ft Ceilings, Residential Above $749,900 Gateway Entrance to Downtown

5 UNIT TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX Parksville Locale, Each Unit has 2 Beds, 1 1/2 Baths Outside Storage, Long-Term Tenants $839,900 Information Portfolio Available

HIGHLY VISIBLE CORNER LOCATION

LD O S

1/4 Acre Commercial Property w/approx 1,800 SF Bldg Long Term Month to Month Tenant $625,000 Security Fenced, Paved Parking

BUSINESS W/BUILDING & LAND 12 Yr Old Highly Successful Mid-Island Operation Sale incl/Truck Fleet, Warehouse,

Industrial Yard & Customer List

$3,600,000 $1,755,000

3/4 ACRE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

LD O S

Central Nanaimo Corner Location w/2 Buildings 1,800 SF Bldg w/Long Term Tenant $1,200,000 Paved Parking for 50 Vehicles

BUSINESSES

Ricky’s Family Restaurant - All Day Grill Franchise - Courtenay Delivery & Storage Business - Mid-Island Shoebiz Shoe Store - Courtenay Baan Do’s Stir Fry Restaurant - Duncan Baan Do’s Too Restaurant - Duncan Popular Family Restaurant - Duncan

$379,900 $705,000 $39,900 $169,900 $49,900 $595,000

LEASES

900 Sq. Ft. Space in Old City – Old City, Corner Location, Great Exposure, DT-2 Zoning uses within restaurant/retail/office & service industries - $12/Sq. Ft. + TN Suite 103 is 3,104 Sq Ft Main Level Unit-Dakova Square Highly Successful Franchise Restaurant, Fully Licenced Sub-Lease Opportunity – 24 Mon. Term, Separate power meters, space to be Great Visibility, Close to Downtown 20 Successful Years in Operation demised upon occupancy, 1,122 SF Office & 324 SF Warehouse - $11/Sq. Ft. + TN $379,900 $799,900 Residential Suites above 135 Seats, Loyal Clientele Dakova Square - Downtown Duncan - 3 Commercial Units for Lease – 12 COMMERCIAL HERITAGE BUILDING - NANAIMO Foot Ceilings, Main Level, 4 Floors of Residential Suites above, Designated Parking 2.7 ACRE PARCEL IN PARKSVILLE Prime Downtown Location, All 3 Units are Tenanted for Commercial Units - #101 - 2,287 Sq. Ft. #102 - 2,890 Sq. Ft. #103 - 3,104 High Visibility, Easy Access, Fenced & Level Property Excellent Holding Property Commercial Zoning allows Gasbar, Sq. Ft. Each $20/Sq. Ft. + TN $2,199,000 $1,199,000 Restaurant, Retail, Recreation etc.

Solid Revenue Stream/Info Package 7,600 Sq. Ft. 2 Levels in Old City - Nanaimo-Available now. Oil Fired Forced Air Furnace, Parking, Rear Loading Dock $2,950/Month + TN MIXED USE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FULL SERVICE HOTEL - PORT ALBERNI 1,199 Sq. Ft. Main Level Corner Unit - Parksville - Great Exposure in Shopping Ocean Marina Hotel on 1.75 Acre Property Main Thoroughfare in Ladysmith, 3 Commercial Tenants Centre Location close to Downtown $12/SF + TN 42 Rooms plus 8 Condo Style Suites 1 Res. Tenant up, Parking at Rear $379,000 $3,998,000 Information Portfolio Available Circa 1900's w/some Upgrades Operator Wanted for Restaurant/Lounge in Dorchester Hotel – Beautifully Renovated Prime Downtown Nanaimo Location near Waterfront, 150 Seats in COURT ORDERED SALE - PORT ALBERNI NEW COMMERCIAL SUITE - DAKOVA SQUARE Restaurant 24 in Lounge, $12.50/SF + TN 1.55 Acres of Highway Waterfront, Quality Location across Suite 101 is 2,287 Sq. Ft. Main Level in Duncan Commercial Street 2nd Level Space – 2,200 Sq. Ft. at Corner of Terminal & from Somass River, Potential Development 12 Ft. Ceilings, Vacant and Ready $594,900 $299,800 Mix of Multi/Single Family Housing Commercial, Great Visibility across from Convention Centre $2,900/Mo. Parking Avail. for Commercial Suites

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SEPTEMBER 2018

A

lmost every community on Vancouver Island is at risk of a fire with our wildland u rba n i nterfaces. Most of us are at risk of infrastructure damage from an earthquake. Many of us are at risk of flooding. A few of us are also at risk of a tsunami. A small number of us are downstream of dams.

Over the last five years, the BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) has become expert in assisting businesses cope w it h a nd recover f rom natural disasters. Based on their experience in the Burns Lake Mill Explosion, Southern Alberta and BC Floods, the Fort McMurray and BC Wildfires and a hurricane in the US Virgin Islands, they have initiated an Economic Disaster

Recovery Program and are also delivering a course to help busi nesses a nd com mu n ities be better p re p a re d to ove rc om e the economic impacts of Disasters.

At the request of the City of Port Alberni and the Port Alberni Port Authority, BCEDA is putting on their one-day workshop ‘Making Resilience & Recovery the New Norm’ in Port A lberni on T hursd ay O ctob er 11t h f rom 8:30 to 3:30 PM. Regist ra t i o n i s a t : h t t p s: // www.gifttool.com/ registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1740&EID=26107 The $50 charge also covers your lunch. The event is taking place in the City’s Council Chambers at 4850 Argyle Street. The workshop spea kers a re Dale Wheeldon, President & CEO of BCEDA; Colleen Bond, a Disaster Recovery Partner at BCEDA; and, John Johnstone, Manager Sta keholder E ngagement; Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, Public Services & Procurement Canada.

Those who attend will: • Get the templates needed to develop an effective continuity plan; • P r e p a r e a r i s k

assessment to identify vulnerabilities; • Learn about options for critical information storage; • Assess whether you have the appropriate insurance; • Learn examples of business continuity f rom va rious disasters; • G e t t h e i r b u s i ness recovery team organized; • Learn about provincial and other resou rces to help i n your recovery; • L e a r n h ow to ge t emergency government procurement contracts i n the event you a re not impacted.

Based on my personal experience as a volunteer for BCEDA’s work in the 2017 wildfires, I urge every business owner to invest in this workshop.

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

CHAMBER ON TOUR SERIES RETURNS A C C O U N T I N G • TA X • E S TAT E S

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

T Brandon Charlesworth BBA, CPA, CGA 10 Esplanade, Nanaimo V9R 4Y7

Phone 250 591 0360

w w w.ro b b i n s a n d co. c a

his summer the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce hailed the return of our popular Chamber on Tour series.

Chamber on Tour started as a means of familiarizing staff and volunteers with businesses across a variety of sectors within our membership. Businesses quickly lined up for the chance to showcase their operations and individual members soon began expressing interest in joining the Chamber team on the tours. Thus,

Chamber on Tour evolved into the robust program it is today.

During July and August, we visited over twentythree Cowichan businesses, with the most popular tours taking place within the manufacturing sector. Pacific Homes/Pacific Truss, Pro Mac Manufacturing, Arbutus Farms, Harlequin Nature Graphics, Raven Valley Kitchens and Seasonal Cedar Lumber and Salvage provided fascinating insights into their respective product a nd ser v ic e a re a s. We w e l c o m e d t h e o p p o rtu n ity to v isit some of our region’s many wineries, breweries and distilleries including Small Block Brewery, Stillhead Dist i l ler y, A mp ersa nd Distillery, Averill Creek Vineyard, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Rocky Creek Winery and Riot Brewing.

We were also met with the unique and unexpected

during visits to Woosterville Mini Llama Farm, Hea rtwood Stud io a nd Westholme Tea Farm. The common thread between this diverse cross section of businesses was their absolute commitment to excellence.

September marks a new fiscal year at the Chamber and the launch of a robust, fall line-up of networking events, luncheon speakers and professional development opportunities aimed at boosting return on i nve s t ment for ou r members. To keep up to speed on coming events, visit our online calendar at www.duncancc.bc.ca Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at manager@ duncancc.bc.ca or 250-748-1111

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEPTEMBER 2018

7

Pheasant Hill Works Toward Greener, More Comfortable Homes Residential Construction Firm Finds Affordable Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency

N

ANAIMO - For Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd., green building and comfort go hand in hand.

Fo r o v e r a d e c a d e , t h e Nanaimo-based construction firm has been staying on top of industry trends, learning how to build more comfortable and energy efficient houses.

“A l o t o f p e o p l e h a v e experienced drafts in their home and significant temperature differentials when their feet are two to three degrees colder than their head,” says co-owner Ken Connolly. “When we build more sustainable houses, we tackle these comfort issues in the process.”

I n 2007, Con nol ly a nd coowner Jason Schmidt visited a home built in the 1980s to R-2000 standards, which was the highest standard for comfort and energy efficiency in the world for its time.

“What we saw blew us away,” s a y s C o n n ol ly. “ T h e h o m e owner was actually accused of tampering with the energy meter

by BC Hydro. Monthly bills were typically in the six to nine dollar range.

“We looked at that and thought, ‘we can build homes like this today; better homes that are more

comfortable and use less energy.’

And that’s what we’ve been doing ever since.”

Pheasa nt H i l l pays specia l attention to some key aspects of the construction process when building a more comfortable, energy efficient home.

“In the sustainable building c o m m u n i t y, i t ’ s w i d e l y understood that the best value for home-owners comes from a welldesigned building envelope,” he says.

“Investing in high-quality insulation and air-tightness is a great financial decision, and never requires any replacement or maintenance.”

Additionally, it’s crucial to incorporate energy-efficient ventilation systems.

“It’s i mporta nt to sea l the house up, but you always need a certain amount of ventilation,” says Connolly. “We build in a way that allows people to benefit from heat recovery through their ventilation system.

“W hen exhausting stale air from inside the home and d raw i ng i n f resh a i r f rom outside, a good system will use the outgoing air to temper the incoming. Incoming air then recovers between 75 and 80 per cent of the outgoing warmth.

That’s 75 to 80 per cent better performance than opening a window for ventilation.”

I n order to create more comfortable, energy-efficient homes, Pheasant Hill designs projects to take advantage of free solar gains. They use a special software to chart the path of the sun across the building site, accounting for shade caused by overhanging trees, hills, or nearby buildings.

“Solar heat is very real, and very significant when it comes to creating a comfortable space,” Connolly remarks. “We work to optimize free solar gains so they provide as much heat as possible in the winter, while minimizing solar heat in the summer.”

B u i l d i n g c o d e s a re b e i n g updated on a regular basis with an eye to reducing the energy used in homes, and by the year 2032, Connolly estimates that every home in BC will likely need to be a net-zero energy home (a home that produces as much energy each year as it consumes).

“Some people recognize this now, and are investing in better built homes, so their house can remain competitive when they go to sell it in the future,” he says. “Building a more energy efficient home doesn’t mean

you ne e d a lot of h i g h-end mechanical equipment that will require annual maintenance and eventual replacement. Investing

in good windows, good heat recovery and ventilation, and solar gains really pays off.” www.buildbetterhomes.ca

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SEPTEMBER 2018

Interior Design Group Prepares to Launch International Academy of Interior Design and Decorating INTERIOR DESIGN GROUP

“We will be offering

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

hands-on instruction for

McIver has a history of developing professional interior designers, many of whom have gone on to establish their own successful firms throughout BC. “I experience a mix of emotions when I see someone I’ve trained move on,” she says. “It’s difficult to part with them, but when you’ve taken someone who knows very little about the industry and helped them build a strong career, it’s a good feeling. The online school is in the works because I love passing on my knowledge to others.”

T he Interior Desig n Group offers a diverse set of services, i nclud i ng a rch itectu re CA D drafting, event management, project management,home staging, and interior design services in residential, commercial, hospitality, health care, and other industries.

“First and foremost, customer service is the backbone of everything we do,” says McIver. “We want to satisfy our clients and stick to our budgets. But clients also choose our company because we’re so diverse and have so much capability.

“We have a great showroom with a diverse range of products, and we offer a wide array of services to all types of clientele.”

designers and people who would like to work in our industry. We believe in supporting young people as they pursue their careers and aspirations, and this school is another Lana McIver started the company in 1994, and will celebrate her company’s 25th anniversary next year McIver started the company in 1994, but she has been interested in interior design from a young age.

“I was always the type to be creative, doing sketches, drawing, and whatever painting or decorating my mom would let me do,” she says. “I’m inspired by my grandmother, who was an entrepreneur. She owned many businesses, and had always completed her own design work. I loved seeing what she would do in her own home and the businesses she helped build.”

After working as an interior designer for another company, McIver decided to start her own

compa ny, ta k i ng on severa l clients.

She grew the company, gradually hiring staff, and moved into Interior Design Group’s first location, creating a new showroom and evolving into the enterprise it is today.

“Our company is a turnkey service, so in other words, if you purchased a vacation home or home, we can do, not only the interior design work , but furnish it all the way down to the plates and dishes.”

The Nanaimo-based company has offered these services to clients across the globe, travelling great distances to meet the

way we can help with that.”

LANA MCIVER FOUNDER OF INTERIOR DESIGN GROUP

customer’s needs.

“We currently have projects all over Vancouver Island and Vancouver, but we also work in Alberta. We have completed interior design work throughout the US and as far as, China,” says McIver.

In some cases, The Interior Design Group takes on a project management role, managing budgets, spreadsheets, and trades on top of their design work.

“Some of our contractors have been in business for three or four

generations, so they’re trustworthy and knowledgeable,” she says. “They’re our A-team.”

McIver’s personal style emphasizes Modern West Coast or West Coast Transitional styles.

This involves choosing products and designs with natural colors, lots of light, and the use of wood, glass, stone, and natural fibres.

Though she specializes in this unique design trend, McIver is always open to her clients wishes and their suggestions.

“We know how to take their vision to the next level,” she says.

“We only need to see one or two images of what the client maybe thinking to start putting together a mental plan for their design project.”

The Interior Design Group’s work has not gone unnoticed.

McIver estimates the company has won nearly 100 different awa rds for thei r work, from regional awards like VIBE, CARE, and Georgie awards, to national recognition including SAM Awards and Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA) Awards.

“It’s so meaningful to be recognized by the public, your peers and others in the industry,” says McIver. “It helps us know we’re on the right track and we never give up learning and developing our work.” www.bcinteriordesigngroup.com

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9

PIONEER FIREPLACES PURCHASES CAMPBELL RIVER OUTLET Andre’s Electronic Experts Buys Madman McKay’s Vancouver Island Stores

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

P

ioneer Fireplaces has purchased Quality Stoves and Fireplaces at 1702 Petersen Road in Campbell River.

Pioneer owner Tim Struch says the deal for the Campbell River outlet closed in mid-August, and Chris Bowen has added the position of General Manager for the new store, as well as overseeing the Nanaimo store at 419 Terminal Avenue and Parksville outlet at 1499 Huntley Road.

••• Mike Hebert is pleased to note his Polaris Solutions Inc. insurance company has opened a new office in Nanaimo, in the former Woods Financial location in the Nanaimo Business Centre, next to Saigon Café on Dublin Way, just off Metral Drive near RE/MAX of Nanaimo.

Mike has been a fixture in the insurance industry for many years, and has insurance broker Joanne Freelund on the team. Polaris also has an office in Dawson Creek.

••• Madman McKay’s has been purchased by Kelowna-based A ndre’s Electronic Experts.

Madman McKay has outlets in Nanaimo, Victoria, Duncan, Courtenay and Campbell River, and the deal officially closed Sept. 1.

Prior to the deal, Andre’s had 25 outlets, stretching from Prince Rupert and Kitimat to Penticton and Cranbrook. Founder Andre Blanleil Sr. started the company as a TV and microwave repair shop in 1976.

••• Roger McKinnon is opening a second location of his SignAge operation, at the former Portuguese Joe’s Fish Market at 3025 Comox Road in Courtenay. SignAge’s Nanaimo outlet is on Boxwood Road.

Congratulations to Roger and his team that put on the extremely successful 10 th Annual Old House Hotel & Spa Mayor’s Golf Charity Classic Sept. 7 at Crown Isle Golf Resort and Golf Community. The event, which raises funds for a number of worthwhile Comox Valley causes, was sold out once again.

••• Dealer Principal Brian Sabourin notes there have been several staff additions and promotions at Berk’s Intertruck Ltd., which has moved their Duke Point branch a block and a half down the street

to 1041 Maughan Road. The new facility has three drive throughs and an additional two service bays.

In Duncan, Brian notes that Shawn Miller has joined their truck and equipment sales team at 2866 Roberts Road, and Andrew Mielty has been appointed manager of the branch.

In Port Alberni, branch manager Jesse Perry has hired four new employees, and in Langford, Craig Dyson is their new parts manager. And Brian says Berk’s is looking to hire more employees.

••• Heath Law LLP co-managing partner Chuck Blanaru is pleased to note that commercial lawyer Mike Brown has joined the firm at 200-1808 Bowen Road. Chuck notes Heath Law LLP has just hired its 50th employee.

Mike was formerly a partner in Geselbracht Brown with Will Geselbracht, on Wellington Road.

••• The new 81-unit Microtel Inn & Suites is now officially open in the Oyster Bay project north of Ladysmith. Developed by Stz’uminus First Nation a nd MasterBUILT Hotels, Microtel operates under the Wyndham banner.

••• Laurie Bienert, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Foundation, is pleased to note that $72,400 in grants were disbursed to local charitable organizations Sept. 5 at Harris Mazda.

Included in that total were the first grants disbursed from the Tom Harris Community Foundation, honouring Tom Harris’ vast contributions to Nanaimo and area. Tom’s sons Tony and Mike Harris did the honours, and some of the funds were raised through the inaugural Tom Harris Charity Classic golf tournament.

••• The former owners of Quality Foods have purchased a building from Foundation Building Materials on Delinea Place. There is now a Kelland Properties sign outside the property.

••• E d M ay n e , w h o o w n s t h e Tim Hortons franchise behind North Nanaimo Town Centre, is

running to become the Mayor of Parksville.

Ed also owns the Tim Hortons in Parksville, and previously served a partial term as Mayor of the town, stepping down to contest the BC Liberal nomination won by future Premier Christy Clark.

••• The Howard Johnson Hotel at the corner of the Island Highway and Comox Road will be shutting down by October 31 this year.

Other businesses in the property will remain open, as owners consider what to do with the waterfront piece.

The hotel site was one of several considered as a potential home for an Entertainment and Sports Centre, including the site next to Port Place Mall that is now home to the infamous “tent city” following the failed referendum to build the facility.

••• The Noodle Box is moving in next to Brown’s Social House.

••• West Coast Wellness, owned by Katie Littlejohn, is opening at 13 Kennedy Street downtown.

••• Randy Spensley has been a mainstay at Owen Business Systems for many years, and he’s now working with the Kidney Foundation and will remain in

Nanaimo.

••• Congratulations to Tanner Saywell for joining the team of real estate professionals at RE/MAX of Nanaimo.

••• A new beverage outlet has opened in Departure Bay called Drip, offering customers local beers, wine, coffee, ice cream and food. Sea Salt Catering Co. is creating the food.

••• Woo dg rove Cent re’s Fo o d Cou r t h a s a new ten a nt, i n Chachi’s, which features gourmet sandwiches.

••• Council has given third reading to the Marcielo mixed use condo project at 65 and 77 Chapel Street downtown. Wertman Development Corporation’s building will include 109 condos, five townhouses, commercial units on the ground floor and an athletic club that will be on two floors.

••• Trail Appliance Store is going in at 6334 Metral Drive.

••• Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, which owns The Wolf and The Wave and other stations on Vancouver Island, has purchased four new radio stations, including one in Chilliwack, and they are awaiting approval from the CRTC

on the deal.

••• It’s finally finished! My first business book, titled “It Worked For Them, It Will Work For Me” – The 8 Secrets of Small Business I Learned From Successful Friends, will be unveiled at a Book Launch Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Nanaimo Golf Club, sponsored by Community Futures Central Island.

The launch will feature a “fire side chat” format where I will interview several of the people profiled in the book, including Alex Dugan of Central Island Distributors, business coach Ron Berry and Johnston Johnston & Associates Ltd. Chartered Professional Accountants founder Doug Johnston.

Tickets are $35 each for the event, which includes a copy of the hard cover book that features a Foreword by motivational speaker and celebrated author Dr. Peter Legge. We expect a sellout, so make sure you book early through www.businessexaminer. ca/events. If you have any questions, please email me at mark@ businessexaminer.ca Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your news by emailing him at mark@ businessexaminer.ca

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SEPTEMBER 2018

COWICHAN VALLEY Cowichan Valley Boasts Beautiful Environment and Affordable Living Agriculture, Tourism, Affordable Homes, and Forestry Industry All Contribute To Cowichan Valley’s Growth

Affordability, coupled with a beautiful environment and growing job market, is making the Cowichan Valley an extremely attractive place to live

BY ROBERT MACDONALD

A

ffordable homes, plenty of jobs, healthy agricultural and tourism sectors, and a solid base in the forest industry has the Cowichan Valley economy firing on all cylinders.

With strong and growing tourism, forestry, agriculture, tech and industrial sectors, the region is quickly becoming one of Vancouver Island’s most attractive places to live and do business.

With the rising cost of home ownership in Vancouver and Victoria, and with the provincial government about to implement

a punitive Speculation Tax, the Cowichan Valley (which is exempt from the Tax) is attracting many new residents with its affordable housing.

“Affordability, coupled with a beautiful environment and growing job market, is making the Cow icha n Va l ley a n extremely attractive place to live,” says Julie Scurr, President of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve seen a real surge in s m a l l b u s i ne ss i nve s t m ent in the valley, and that’s a key to the vitality of the region’s economy.”

Early in the region’s history, the economy was tied to the forest sector and agriculture. In recent years, Cowichan’s forestry industry involvement has evolved and new industries have emerged.

Though the sawmill side of the forest industry has been largely consolidated, the Valley has seen the growth of support services for larger companies like Timberwest or Western Forest Products.

“The forestry sector has always been very important to our region,” says Amy Melmock, Manager of Economic Development

Senior Financial Consultant

Cowichan. “Additionally, agriculture continues to thrive in the Cowichan Valley.

“We still have crop farmers and dairy farmers in the region who make significant contributions, but we also have an increasing number of value-added enterprises emerging in the agriculture sector.”

Cow ich a n i s now home to a growing number of wineries, cheese-makers, and local restaurants.

“We’re becoming a foodie destination,” Melmock continues.

“There’s a real connection between agriculture and tourism

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The Valley also boasts an emerging design sector, represented by companies that specialize in high-end furniture design or home decor. This growth goes hand in hand with the strong residential growth the region has been seeing.

“We see a lot of potential in our tech sector, and we’re working to develop more partnerships in the tech community,” says Melmock. “We have a lot of diversity in this sector, ranging from specialized applications for the aeronautics industry to digital animation companies.”

On top of the growth in these sectors, Sunfest Music Festival continues to attract thousands of concert-goers to the region each year, headlined by Country Music’s biggest stars.

This festival brings millions of dollars to the region and exposes more people to the natural beauty and livability of the Cowichan Valley.

The region’s trajectory looks promising, but the Cowichan Valley business community “Right now, we’re working to keep up with our growth potential,” says Melmock. “We’re working with partners across local government to balance this growth with livability and accessibility.”

The development a new hospital will be the single most important economic development initiative of the next decade.

The development would impact the business community, allowing for a growth in sectors like medical technology and making the region even more attractive to prospective residents.

“With so much promise on the horizon, there are still several major challenges facing the business community,” says Scurr.

Julie Scurr is President of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce “Employer’s Health Tax and the continued layering of taxes are going to have a huge impact on our business communities in the coming years.

“The newest challenge, at least for the construction industry, is the recently-announced Community Benefits Agreement. Many of the construction business owners in the area are smaller and not tied to unions. This legislation will prohibit many of these companies from bidding on projects like a new hospital, high school, or police station.

“All of these projects should have local labour and businesses involved, but if the agreement stays in place, it will have a detrimental effect on our communities.”

Scurr notes that in the last five years, the Chamber has ballooned to 550 members, doubling its size.

“We’ve become very relevant to the business community,” says Scurr. “Right now, we’re hosting over 50 events each year, operating the visitors centre, putting on our bi-annual Black Tie Awards, advocating for our businesses, and so much more.”

The visitor centre has an average of 20,000 people come through per year and advises tourists on popular attractions and food experiences.

“We are also handing out about 150 relocation packages per year to people interested in moving to the region,” says Scurr.

“They have information about businesses, schools, financial institutions, etc. It gives them a really good snapshot of what’s available, and we’ve increased the number we’ve handed out by about 25 per cent over the past few years.” www.duncancc.bc.ca

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SEPTEMBER 2018

PENTA TRANSPORT LTD.: CARRYING CUSTOMERS LOADS THROUGHOUT THE WEST FOR 20 YEARS Vancouver Island-based company earns solid reputation for going the extra mile

N

ANAIMO – Quick, efficient and consistent service is what has driven Penta Transport Ltd. to success.

Celebrating their 20 th year in business, owners Ken Slawson and Gordon Putz have changed gears like any successful company does on a long journey, but one thing has remained the same: Keeping their customers happy, and making sure their goods get to their destinations on time and on budget.

“We believe that our commitment to these high standards has contributed to our continual growth, the expansion of our trucking routes and the constant addition of new customers,” says Putz. “Penta Transport is committed to providing on-time delivery, competitive rates and absolute professionalism by all our employees at all times, as we strive to set new standards for ourselves and the transportation industry.”

Penta T ra n sp or t prov ides transportation service throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Their specialty is moving goods between Vancouver Island and Greater Vancouver, including culverts, lumber, building materials, machinery, steel and other cargo through their fleet of 32 trucks and trailers.

T hei r equ ipment i ncludes Super ‘B’ Trains, step decks, and Tridem Expandos, Highboys and Tandem Highboys.

“We’re one of the only trucking companies on the Island that services the whole of western Canada and the western United States,” Slawson notes.

When Slawson and Putz started Penta Transport in 1998 from a

basement in Ladysmith, they had a few lease operators and took turns between driving trucks and working in the office. It wasn’t long before the customer base expanded, taking both of them off the road to guide the firm from the office. After a few changes in location, Penta Transport’s head office and service depot is on their own five-acre site at 1620 Harold Road in south Nanaimo, just a block off the Island Highway.

“Today, we employ a full office staff, mechanics, company drivers and lease operators who work together as a team to provide customers with first-rate service,” says Slawson, adding the company typically handles 1,000 loads a year.

The company has many longterm employees, some of whom have been with the company for 18 years. Cheryl Zmaeff, the controller, has been with Penta for the past 12 years, and Slawson says “She’s really good for us. . .she keeps us on the straight and narrow.”

While the company is busy, Slawson notes they’re always on the lookout for new drivers, as there is more business available.

“Trucking is a good occupation if somebody wants to get into it, work hard, they’ll do whatever needs to be done,” he says. “We provide good benefits and dental, and we’re always looking for good people. I wish more people wanted to take this on as a career.

It’s not just a job, it’s a career.”

“The transportation industry is a very vital part of the economy. Almost everything we have has been trucked in by a trucker somehow.”

“We’re the second largest customer of BC Ferries,” he notes, adding that long-time client Armtech has been instrumental in enabling the company to move forward.

“They were basically the ones that pushed us to get going.”

Slawson literally grew up in the trucking industry.

“I’ve been trucking all my life.

Penta Transport Ltd. Co-owner Ken Slawson has been in the trucking business for all his life

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SEPTEMBER 2018

“We have built our reputation by doing what we say we can do. We don’t promise things we can’t deliver. Customers really appreciate that.

That is what service is all about.”

KEN SLAWSON

Penta Transport Ltd. does much of the maintenance of its own equipment, and of other customers, on site . .my Dad was a trucker,” Slawson recalls. “My first job was working for him when I was 14 as a swamper (helper) back in the 1960’s in Estevan, Saskatchewan.

He broke his ankle and needed my help.”

Slawson moved to Nanaimo in 1973 and worked for Nanaimo Minuteman Moving & Storage, for Campbell River-based Haida Freightways and then Doman

T ra n s p o r t / We s te r n Fo r e s t Products.

“The economy went soft in 1982 and I was laid off,” he recalls. “I couldn’t believe it, because before that, I couldn’t get a day off.”

He worked for awhile for Cougar Cabs and cut firewood – “anything to make a buck”, he recalls, including driving truck for Utah Mines’ copper mine in Port Hardy.

I n 1984 he bought h is ow n truck, and contracted out to other compa n ies for severa l years, including working for grocery wholesaler Kelly Douglas, running groceries up and down the island. When Kelly Douglas closed in 1993, he drove for H.A. Davis before starting Penta in 1998 with Putz and three other partners (thus the “Penta” from pentagram, a five-sided object.

After two years, Putz and Slawson bought the other partners out).

“We went in with our eyes wide shut. We realized it wasn’t going to be easy,” Slawson says. “We’ve had to fight for everything we have, and we’ve had a good staff that has enabled us to do so well.”

Slawson estimates he’s driven two million miles on the road himself over the years.

“When I was on the road, I used to pull over twice a day and have a sleep, and keep on driving. I’d put in 70 hours a week in drive time,” he says. “Now, you can only put

in a maximum of 10 hours for every 24 hours, and you can’t split it up like you used to.

“I haven’t driven a truck now for 10 years,” he adds. “I do miss it, but I don’t get calls in the middle of the night anymore.”

The trucking industry is heavily regulated, requiring companies to constantly keep up with new requirements and changes. Penta Transport ships to the U.S., and is fully compliant with Customs and Border Protection regulations implemented by Canada Border Services and the U.S. Homeland Security.

“Penta Transport is proud to be a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approved carrier, as well as a partner in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Partners in Protection (PIP) programs, joining in the fight against terrorism,” says Putz. “We have been assisting all of our drivers that have pro-rated trucks to obtain FAST cards. We began using the

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) program while it was still in the testing phases to ensure that we were ready when the program became mandatory.”

Besides del iveri ng freight, Penta Transport also performs truck and trailer maintenance for not just their own vehicles, but for other companies, including Central Island Distributors, run

by Slawson’s good friend Alex Dugan.

“We are one of only a few companies on Vancouver Island that do service work, and we have cut our costs down by 60 per cent by doing the work ourselves,” he says.

Shop services for tractors and trailers include brake repairs, oil changing and grease, welding and fabrication, and commercial vehicle inspections. They also rebuild trailers for themselves.

What is the secret to Slawson’s success?

“Perseverance,” he says. “We never gave up. We’ve had some lean years, but the past number of years have been very good to us.

“We have built our reputation by doing what we say we can do,” Slawson adds. “We don’t promise things we can’t deliver. Customers really appreciate that. That is what service is all about, and if you don’t provide good service, you’re going to fail.”

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEPTEMBER 2018

RENEWABLE ENERGY Green Energy Makes Business Cents Decreasing Costs in Renewable Energy Tech Make Green Energy More Accessible Than Ever

Roofs in a parkade can be a great location to install a solar energy system PHOTO CREDIT: SWISS SOLAR TECH

I

nnovation abounds in the world of sustainable energy.

As renewable energy technology continually becomes more affordable, BC Hydro’s rates are increasing every year, prompting many businesses and homes to pursue greener options when powering their homes.

As a result, sustainable energy technology, particularly solar and geothermal systems, are becoming a viable option for many

in BC’s private sector.

Currently, solar energy is the dominant sustainable energy source in the private sector.

In the Okanagan, companies like Summerland’s Swiss Solar Tech have seen a dramatic increase in business over the past few years. Though the company has been installing photovoltaic generators since 2001, business has taken off in the past couple of years.

As the products become more affordable, the company’s clientele have grown to include hotels, wineries, manufacturing facilities, restaurants, stores, storage facilities, as well as institutional and government buildings.

“Currently the solar energy ma rket is the most exciti ng market to be working in,” says Swiss Solar Tech co-owner Susan Huber. “Energy prices will only go up and solar power is a

non-pollution energy source we can install on most buildings or properties as long as it is not shaded.”

On Vancouver Island, the solar energy sector is growing rapidly.

Parksville’s Osprey Electric recently expanded its solar energy services division, hiring Brian Pasquill as the new Director of Energy Services.

SEE RENEWABLE ENERGY | PAGE 16

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEPTEMBER 2018

15

HAKAI CREATES GROUNDBREAKING COMMERCIAL SOLAR TECH Jason Jackson Creates Canada’s First Commercially Scaled Hybrid Solar/Diesel Generating System

C

U M BER L A N D - Jason Jackson is a renewable energy pioneer.

His company, Hakai Energy Solutions, is paving new paths in power generation, finding innovative solutions for BC’s most remote communities.

W i t h a n e x t e n s i v e b a c kground as an electrician, Jackson has married his technical knowledge of the trade with cutting edge solar technology, producing Canada’s first commercially scaled hybrid solar/ diesel generating system.

In early 2010, his company was hired to work on a generator on Calvert Island for the Hakai Institute.

“When working on this proje ct, we u se d pro ducts a nd designs that had never been used in Canada, and had only been incorporated into a few re s e a rc h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t projects world-w ide,” says Jackson. “We were work i ng outside of industry norms. We had a product that was new, integrating power generation

Hakai’s hybrid system decreased the Hakai Institute’s solar consumption from 500 litres per day to 75 litres per day sou rces i nclud i ng sola r a nd diesel generators and battery storage in an expandable, modular fashion.”

Once this client, Eric Peterson, rea lized what was possible, he entered into business with Jackson, partnering with him to move the company into t h i s i n n ov at ive s id e of t h e industry.

“At this time, my long-time mentor, Ron Leigh, retired, and we had to create a new compa ny,” say s Jack son . “ T h i s moved us into a new phase of the company as we leveraged this job to get more business of this kind.”

Many of BC’s off-grid sites rely on diesel power generators for their energy needs, and continual generator operation comes at a high cost. These machines can consume between 500 and 1000 litres of diesel per day, and in some cases, much more.

By coupling the diesel systems with a solar power system, and integrating them with an energy storage system, Hakai’s installations have resulted in a dramatic decrease in fuel consumption for these sites.

“T he H a k a i I n st it ute, ou r first project, was using about 500 litres of diesel per day before we installed this hybrid

By coupling the diesel systems with a solar power system, and integrating them with an energy storage system, Hakai’s installations have resulted in a dramatic decrease in fuel consumption for these sites system,” says Jackson. “When we started tracking the site’s fuel consumption in 2011, about a year after we installed the system, it h ad decreased to about 75 litres per day.”

Even with the soaring cost of fuel and the proven efficiency of Hakai’s energy systems, they have little to no competition for this particular product.

“It’s a hard field to operate in,” says Jackson. “Being an expert in renewable energy doesn’t

automatically make you qualified to install these types of systems.

Neither does being a good trade contractor. There’s a lot of risk to take on.

“We see new market entrance in grid-tied solar installations all the time, but off-grid systems involve a lot more risk and require in-depth knowledge of new technology. For that reason, we see more people exiting this market than entering.”

Si nc e H a k a i s ta nd s at t he forefront of emerging off-grid energy system technology, they a re work i ng to produce upto-date resources to educate others about the industry.

“Because we’re operating in a field that is continually innovating, we’ve started compiling case studies of our projects,” says Jackson. “When researching solar technology and the options available, many people on ly h ave access to out-ofdate information, compiled by people who aren’t responsible for the end performance.

“We see the back end of these systems, and have compiled t he rea l f i na ncia l costs a nd benefits of our systems. These case studies are a great way to take a deep dive into the actual mechanics of the system and the economic pros and cons.” www.hakaienergysolutions.com

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND COMMUNITY FOCUS SETS BARKLEY PROJECT GROUP APART Nanaimo Project Management Firm Boasts Over 60 Clean Energy Projects

N

ANAIMO - Barkley Project Group (BPG) is a Nanaimo based project management firm specializing in renewable energy. Over 15 years the firm has managed the development, construction and operation of more than 60 clean energy projects.

Company president Iain Cuthbert says their success lies in their approach and expertise.

“Our goal is to add value to the organizations we work with,” he says. “Over the years we’ve learned so much about project challenges and risks, and how to identify and deal with these. Effective planning and hands-on management are essential at each stage of development, from concept to operations.”

While the steps and principles of the project management process are always the same, each project faces unique challenges and each client is different.

“It is important to understand each client’s needs, their capacity, vision and their culture,” says Cuthbert, “Getting to know our clients and being a part of their

success is the most rewarding part of our work. This is particularly true of our work with First Nations communities.”

One thing that sets BPG apart is their experience working with communities. BPG is working with 22 First Nation communities in BC, doing community energy planning, grid-connected and remote community hydropower facilities and solar power installations. BPG staff and management recently participated in the KAIROS Blanket Exercise and the company has drafted a Reconciliation Action Plan.

“This experience has been profound for all of us,” says Cuthbert.

“We hope that learning about the history and experience of Indigenous peoples will enable us to be more understanding and more effective in our work. We want to be a part of the important process of reconciliation.”

Effective project management reduces risks through the repetitive process of continuously collecting and evaluating information to solidify the project plan. This begins with studying feasibility and identifying opportunities and constraints.

As the project moves through technical studies, regulatory permitting, and design, the plan evolves and viability is checked in response to new information.

Construction is always the most challenging stage, as ground is opened up and unexpected conditions or events can come into play.

Changes and delays are costly, and this stage can make or break a project.

“Sometimes we are called in to get construction projects back on track where they lack a solid plan or adequate management,” says Cuthbert. “These are projects that are drifting sideways, with costs and schedules that have spiraled out of control. The key to avoid these issues is to develop and implement a comprehensive project plan with hands on management, good communications and responsive action.”

Recently, BPG has responded to a decline in BC’s clean energy industry by creating its Infrastructure Division, which is focused on infrastructure and development projects and asset management across a number of industries.

“Regardless of the type of project, the need for effective planning and management are the same,” says Cuthbert. “It’s about creating and implementing a sound project plan: managing risks and costs while maintaining the quality of the work to build a successful project that everyone is proud to be a part of.” www.barkley.ca

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

16

SEPTEMBER 2018

RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

“When I first started, a typical solar array had about a 20 year payback system,” says Pasquill.

“Now it’s closer to twelve years, or even less if we’re offsetting diesel generation. It’s a much more accessible technology now.”

In the Comox Valley, Cumberland’s Hakai Energy Solutions has been finding innovative solutions for off-grid communities and research centres, building Canada’s first commercially-scaled hybrid solar/diesel generating systems.

By doing so, they have been able to dramatically decrease fuel consumption at remote sites around BC’s coast.

These companies, and others like them, are growing rapidly in response to the recent pricedrops for solar energy arrays (which Pasquill estimates to be as much as 50 per cent of the last 10 years) and innovative applications for the technology.

However, Solar energy isn’t the only way to take a bite out of the hydro bill.

Doug Lockhart, owner of Lockhart Industries, believes he is working with technology that could revolutionize the industry.

Recent research shows that the average BC NetZeroPlus home will produce double its consumed energy every day. “ We ’ v e b e e n i n s t a l l i n g SEE RENEWABLE ENERGY | PAGE 17

Solar technology is steadily becoming more affordable, with the price of an array dropping by as much as 50 per cent over the last decade PHOTO CREDIT: OSPREYELECTRIC.COM

OSPREY GAINS NEW ENERGY

O Electrical Contractor

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sprey Electric is bringing new leadership to its growing solar energy services division.

T he compa ny recently a nnounced the appointment of Brian Pasquill, BComm., MBA, CEM to the newly created position, Director of Energy Services.

“Brian brings decades of experience in renewable energies and sustainability, as well as energy management,” says co-owner and General Manager Tyler Cody.

“We’re very excited to have him on board, and we believe he is the right person to take this side of our company to the next level.”

Cody founded the business five years ago with his partner, Wayne Rutherford, growing the company through multiple revenue streams, including commercial, residential, and service electrical contracting, as well as solar electrical work.

“Now, we have teams in nearly every major community on Vancouver Island,” says Cody. “We have one crew dedicated to solar, and with Brian on board, we are looking to eventually field multiple energy services crews.”

Before joining Osprey, Pasquill ran an energy consulting business, doing everything from off-grid design and micro hydro, to consulting for government agencies.

He is a Cer ti fied Energ y

Manager, designated under the Association of Energy Engineers.

“Since I started in the industry, the first goal for any client is to try to reduce energy costs,” says Pasquill. “I completed over 300 energy audits, and helped dozens of Vancouver Island companies access government programs to increase efficiency and implement energy conservation measures.”

According to Cody, Pasquill’s ability to provide an analysis of existing energy consumption will allow future Osprey clients to take advantage of the whole suite of products offered by the company.

“With Brian’s skills, we can now give clients a report showing what they currently use and what they can save by making changes to an existing facility,” says Cody.

“This doesn’t just apply to solar technology. This could be applied to diesel generators, power factor correction, LED upgrades, heating/cooling systems, or any other energy generation or saving program.”

Both Cody and Pasquill believe that many businesses are able to complete upgrades that will not only improve the facility’s energy performance and make it more enjoyable to use, but will also provide a strong ROI, improving profitability.

“With Osprey, we a re now able to implement full-service energy programs that can help any

business or home,” says Pasquill.

“This kind of service is quite rare.

I’ve been working in this business for some time, but the work typically required collaboration with several companies to complete the job.”

“Nobody else has this service,” says Cody. “We can provide energy analysis as well as engineering and design, all the way through to installation and commissioning of the system.”

More and more British Columbians are starting to consider these alternative energy solutions, as the price of solar technology becomes more affordable every year. In fact, Pasquill estimates that the price of a solar array has dropped as much as 50 per cent over the past decade.

“When I first started, a typical solar array had about a 20 year payback system,” he says. “Now it’s closer to twelve years, or even less if we’re offsetting diesel generation. It’s a much more accessible technology now.”

Many of Osprey’s clients are in the residential market, as solar energy is quickly increasing in popularity throughout the province. The company also provides services to remote off-grid clients, including First Nations communities, who often rely on high-cost diesel generators for their energy needs. www.ospreyelectric.ca

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEPTEMBER 2018

RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

NetZeroPlus technology for about 30 years now,” says Lockhart. “It’s extremely effective, but often falls in the shadow of wind and solar, so few people are aware of how efficient the system is.

“By utilizing indirect solar heat collected from the ground, the system can generate five units of energy for every one unit taken from BC Hydro.”

According to Lockhart, when all financial factors are properly considered (increase in mortgage rate and decrease in hydro bill), a home with a NetZeroPlus system can save as much as $60 dollars per month when compared to an average grid-tied home.

“You’re basically paid to put in geothermal,” he says. “Additionally, this system could work really well with solar and wind energy, especially in off-grid contexts.

“An off-grid home might need an hour and a half of energy in the winter time if there’s no solar and no wind. However, if you combine the different technologies with each other, you could use solar and wind energy to run our unit, that would take 83 per cent of its power from the ground.”

In the public sector, the provincial government has has committed to a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030 (based on 2007 levels). In order to stay on track with this plan, BC will need to continue to invest in electrification, utilizing sustainable energy sources.

“BC’s power grid is incredibly green, with about 93 per cent of our energy coming from renewable energy sources,” says Jae Mather, Executive Director at Clean Energy BC. “With Site C coming online in the next six to seven years, we’ll add about

Jae Mather is Executive Director at Clean Energy BC eight per cent to the total power generated in the province.

“However, if we’re serious about meeting our climate obligations, we’ll need to electrify a lot more. In order to meet our 2030 targets, we would need to add 50 per cent to our current infrastructure. By 2050, we may need as much as 100 per cent.”

According to Mather, wind and solar power is quickly becoming the most affordable way to meet these energy demands. In addition to the decreasing cost of susta i nable energ y tech nology, these systems can be built in close proximity to where the energy will be consumed, requiring less distribution infrastructure.

“Decentralizing our power sources also helps spread the economic benefit of these projects evenly throughout the province,” he says. “The benefit for a First Nations band or smaller community is significantly higher in this case.” www.cleanenergybc.org

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18

SEPTEMBER 2018

Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood to Receive Prestigious Indigenous Business Award Seafood Company Earns Business Partnership of the Year Category

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O R T A L B E R N I - Nuuchah-nulth Seafood Limited Partnership is getting some well-deserved recognition.

A recent announcement stated that Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood will be the recipient of one of this year’s BC Indigenous Business Awards. The company, owned by six Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, is being honoured via the Business Partnership of the Year category.

This marks the 10th consecutive year of the awards, presented by the BC Achievement Foundation.

All of the 2018 recipients will receive the commemoration at a

ceremony that will be held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on October 15.

Larry Johnson, who has served as the president of the Nuuchah-nulth Seafood company for the past 10 years, is thrilled the business is being recognized in this way.

“We’re very proud,” he told HaShilth-Sa newspaper. “It’s been a lot of hard work over the past decade to get to this point. We’ve been incrementally moving forward.”

N u u-c h a h-n u l t h S e a fo o d began as a shellfish development corporation in 2003, and is owned by

six Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations: Ditidaht First Nation, Huu-ayaht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, Yuułuʔiłʔath Government and the Uchucklesaht Tribe.

“They’re the ones that deserve credit,” Johnson said of the First Nations that are shareholders.

Now 15 years old, Nuu-chahnulth Seafood offers planning and management support to the First Nations stakeholders, as well as their community members in various areas surrounding fisheries and aquaculture. Johnson

said plenty of hard work and time was required to get Nuu-chahnulth Seafood to its current state.

Though there have been a number of other accomplishments along the way, November 2015 marked a significant moment in Nuu-chahnulth Seafood’s history. That’s when five of the First Nations that own the company (Mowachaht/ Muchalaht First Nation did not participate) purchased the majority shares of the St. Jean’s Cannery and Smokehouse in Nanaimo.

Moving forward, Nuu-chahnulth Seafood plans to continue seeking processing and industry

partnerships, seafood sales, aquaculture projects, and vessel purchases. It will also continue a s s i s t i n g it s F i rs t Na t io n s stakeholders in finding funding for creating business plans and undertaking feasibility studies.

A t o t a l o f 16 I n d i g e n o u s ent repreneu rs, bu si nesses, community-owned enterprises and partnership entities will be honoured at October’s awards ceremony. Scott McIntyre, the chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, said all are deserving recipients. www.ncnseafood.com

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REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 2018

19

Sales Bounce Back Slightly

S

ales of single-family homes in August were seven per cent higher than in July but dipped by 14 per cent from August 2017.

L a s t mont h , 4 67 si ngle-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service System compared to 438 in July and 540 one year ago.

The number of apartments changing hands last month dropped by 13 per cent while townhouse sales increased by 16 per cent.

Inventory of single-family homes in August was down slightly from one year ago (1,342 compared to 1,352), dropping five per cent from July but still significantly higher than the 749 properties available in January. The supply of apartments and townhouses dipped 14 per cent and 10 per cent from one year ago, respectively.

The weaker sales seen so far in 2018 were expected because 2016 and 2017 were exceptionally healthy years for real estate, setting record levels that could not be maintained indefinitely. However, VIREB’s housing market is still strong compared to where it sat four years ago.

“The broad demographic trend for the VIREB area continues to include baby

boomers and retirees, who are less affected by stricter mortgage qualification rules because they don’t typically need mortgages,” says Cameron Muir, chief economist for the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA).

“As a result, even when sales bottom out, they’re doing so at lower levels on Vancouver Island.”

In its 2018 Second-Quarter Housing Forecast, BCREA anticipates that MLS residential sales in the province will decline by nine per cent to 94,200 units this year from 103,700 in 2017.

“BC housing markets have benefited from the provincial economy expanding well above trend growth over the past four years,” says Muir.

“However, economic growth is expected to slow and reflect the long-term average this year.”

VIREB’s long-term sellers’ market does appear to be moving towards more balanced conditions, with modest price reductions occurring in Campbell River, Duncan, and Parksville-Qualicum Beach. Multiple offers are not as frequent, but for single-family homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 range, they are still more common

than not. That said, sellers still need to price their homes accordingly. Today’s buyers are savvy and well-informed when they arrive at the negotiating table.

The benchmark price of a single-family home boardwide was $505,800 in August, a 12 per cent increase from one year ago. (Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area.) In the apartment category, the benchmark price climbed to $317,700, up 20 per cent from last year. The benchmark price of a townhouse hit $413,600 last month, up 15 per cent over August 2017.

Last month, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $404,300, an increase of 12 per cent over August 2017. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price reached $509,200, up 13 per cent from last year.

Duncan reported a benchmark price of $455,100, up eight per cent from August 2017. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 10 per cent to $546,200 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by 13 per cent to $574,200. The cost of a benchmark home in Port Alberni reached $303,600, up 22 per cent from one year ago.

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OFF THE COVER

SEPTEMBER 2018

Brian Danyliw Brings Luxury Real Estate Brand North of the Border

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THE AGENCY

“These guys are heavy

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

hitters in the industry.

culture into real estate,” says Binab. “Everybody else in LA is watching them, noticing how they design promotional material, get TV exposure, and break industry stereotypes.

“Mauricio is very smart and strategic, and you can see that when you look at everything he did to get his company out there.”

Umansky has personally represented several of the world’s most iconic properties, including the Playboy Mansion, the Walt Disney Estate, and former residences of Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Prince. “[The Agency] also focuses on the mental, relational, and health and wellness side of the business,” says Binab. “Their meetings are fun, and they regularly have fun events like ping pong or foosball tournaments.”

The fun, innovative, strategic ethos of The Agency was a perfect fit for Danyliw and Binab, who plan on establishing the franchise on the Island before expanding into Vancouver, then Whistler, then Kelowna.

“I’m really excited to be in business with Jason,” remarks Danyliw. “He’s got such a high level of integrity, and he’s a great business partner. He’s a good ying to my yang. We’re quite different guys, but we work very well together. I’m super excited to have a guy of his quality to call my business partner.”

Right now, Danyliw and Binab are finding partners to start franchises in Nanaimo, Courtenay, and Qualicum Beach.

“We’re looking for realtors who know their markets well and fit with our collaborative value system,” says Danyliw.

“The Agency believes that you can’t provide top-level service if you don’t know the space you’re working in. I know the Cowichan Valley so well, I could basically tell you where sewer lines go, but I don’t have that same depth of knowledge with, say, Nanaimo or Courtenay.

“It’s easy for realtors to get in way over their head in an area they don’t know, so we are putting together a team of individuals who are experts in their communities. When we do that, we will be able to confidently send clients to other team members when they’re looking in other markets.”

Though he is selling franchises for other Island communities, Danyliw will continue to represent The Agency in the Cowichan Valley, where he has been working for the last ten years.

“I started in the real estate business in 2008, which is basically the worst time you could ever start,” he says. “I think I

I’ve been watching the company for some time, and I love what they’re about. They’re people first, and they have a really progressive brand.

It’s cool, it’s hip, and they have what it takes to shake up the industry.”

BRIAN DANYLIW MANAGING PARTNER AT THE AGENCY

made it work because I know so many people in the region. I was born in Victoria and grew up on the Island, so I know the area well, and have deep roots in the community.”

According to Danyliw, luxury real estate in the Central Island provides unique challenges when compared to regions like Victoria or Vancouver, and he has learned how to educate his clients about the benefits a luxury realtor can bring to the table.

“A lot of clients don’t realize that their $500,000-$700,000 home can be marketed right next to a multi-million dollar property,” he says. “It’s not just about the price tag. It’s about the experience.” www.theagencyre.com/bc

COMOX VALLEY

SEPTEMBER 2018

TOWNHOME CONSTRUCTION BOOMING IN THE COMOX VALLEY AND CAMPBELL RIVER REGION

BUILDING LINKS CLARICE COTY

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onterra Builders is constructing an 84 multifamily townhome project in Cumberland. Phase 1, consisting of 12 units is now occupied and Phase 2, which includes 11 townhomes, will be ready for occupancy in October. Construction is ongoing for Phase 3 through 5 for an additional 35 units. The project is EXPECTED to be completed in August of 2019. Prices of the units range from $381,900 to $399,900.

Sales have been brisk with 56 of the 84 units have been sold. The townhomes will range in size from

1,318 sq. ft. to 1,643 sq. ft. and will be built as duplexes, tri-plexes and four-plexes. A show home will be open in October. There are five floor plans available and two high end design packages to choose from.

••• Parkside Lifestyle Homes is a 33 unit townhome project centrally located in Courtenay. Construction is well underway for the 15 sold multi-family townhomes in Phases 1 and 2. The two-storey homes for sale are approximately 1,220 sq. ft. in size and will include the following features: three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, six appliances, a window covering package, two outdoor patios as well as additional features. Prices of these townhomes start at $379,900. This development has been built to the high standard of Built Green Silver Certification by Nicon Developments Ltd. an award winning builder of new homes on Vancouver Island for 40 years. A show home will be open in October.

••• In Campbell River, a 7 unit townhome project has been built at 796 South Island Highway and a 12 unit townhouse project has been approved to proceed at Hilchey

Road. Liberty Green is proceeding with construction with 25 units on Soderholm Road.

••• The story is the same in the Comox Valley. In Comox, there is a 42 townhome project proposed on Guthrie Road and a seven unit west coast style townhouse, duplex, single family project on Glacier View Drive. In Courtenay, a 24 unit townhouse project is proposed for Lewrick as well as 22 townhomes further down the road at Guthrie Road.

••• We are reporting on just a few of the projects that are under construction or close to receiving their approvals. In total, we have documented 249 townhome units that will be built in the next year.

We estimate there will be another +50 in the works in the next 6-12 months, bringing the total up to 300 townhome units during the past 18 months.

Clarice Coty is the founder of Building Links. Contact: clarice@ buildinglinks.ca or find Building Links on Facebook at www. facebook.com/BuildingLinks

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F

12.net is an industry leader in the world of Information Technology. They provide businesses with dependable, professional IT support and proactive services, including the sales and installation of business class servers, PCs and networking equipment.

As regional manager for OnDeck Systems, F12’s Vancouver Island branch, Naomi Carmichael is passionate about supporting the tech needs of local businesses.

“We endeavour to bring stability and predictability to our clients’ IT environments,” says Carmichael.

“From selecting quality computer equipment to monitoring systems for issues before they impact dayto-day work, our aim is to make IT something business owners don’t need to worry about.”

OnDeck / F12 also supports local businesses through the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. They have sponsored numerous Chamber initiatives since becoming

members in 1994, and this year OnDeck / F12 decided to become a Corporate Partner to further grow their public profile.

“It’s really about bringing an awareness of F12 to the local business community,” says Carmichael. “We started sponsoring the Chamber’s Tech & Innovation Award with its inaugural presentation back in 2016 to spotlight the innovative ways local companies are using technology as a business enabler. The Chamber has helped us get to know the community we live in and helped us make a presence for ourselves, so I think it’s very important for businesses to connect with their local Chamber.”

••• The Comox Valley Chamber is looking forward to the fall with an amazing variety of events. We kick off September with an after-business mixer at the gorgeous Filberg Lodge and Park in Comox. As the municipal elections are October 20 the Chamber is hosting multiple events to hear candidates’ views on business and advocacy issues affecting the Comox Valley. Visit www.ComoxValleyChamber.com to see the many events and to register.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2018

WARM VALLEY COMPLETES QUARTET OF TIM HORTONS “For these projects, Mike Cooper and Company Becoming Go-To Contractors for Island Tim’s Franchises

D

UNCAN - More donuts and double doubles are coming to the Cowichan Valley, thanks to Warm Valley Contracting.

The company recently completed their fourth Tim Hortons construction project on the Island, a new location south of Duncan.

With a h istory of bu i ld i ng high-quality residential and commercial structures, Warm Valley has quickly established itself as a go-to contractor for these new Tim Hortons franchises.

“We built a Tim Hortons in Lake Cowichan for a former partner, and he got us into that side of the construction world,” says owner Mike Cooper. “From there, we’ve built Tim Hortons franchises in Campbell River, Courtenay, and now south of Duncan.”

These jobs are a unique challenge for contractors, as the build cycle must be completed within a 120 day time frame.

“For these projects, organization on our side is key,” says Cooper. “We need to keep the sub-trades on schedule and do an excellent job of communicating and scheduling the trades.”

organization on our side is key. We need to keep the sub-trades on schedule and do an excellent job of communicating and scheduling the trades.”

MIKE COOPER OWNER OF WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING

Askew Creek is one of three Zenn Developments subdivisions Warm Valley is working on As the company has proven its ability to stick to the tight timelines, it has been called in for other restaurant chains, including recent White Spot and MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual projects in the Cowichan Valley.

“We have a great group of trades that work on these projects,” says Cooper. “They haven’t missed a deadline yet.”

The food service side of Warm Valley’s business has emerged in the past couple of years, and and is a welcome addition to the wide range of projects in the company’s portfolio.

“We’re d iverse for a sma l l company,” says Cooper. “We do single-family, multi-family, commercial, some light industrial, and a substantial amount of SEE WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING | PAGE 23

Mike Cooper (Right) with Tyler Forrest (Left). Tyler’s father, Mike Forrest, apprenticed Cooper when he entered the industry. Now, years later, Tyler is working for Cooper in a superintendent role

Congratulations!

To Mike and the team at Warm Valley Contracting

L U M B E R + B U I L D I N G S U P P LY

Congratulations to Mike and the team at Warm Valley Contracting Co (250) 743-4111 |

1340 Fisher Rd, Cobble Hill, BC

3302 Smiley Road, Chemainus P: 1-250-416-0416 - sales@talltreelumber.ca

23

SEPTEMBER 2018

Warm Valley’s Courtenay Tim Hortons project

Warm Valley’s Campbell River Tim Hortons project

WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

work for the Cowichan Tribes.”

Most of these projects are completed in the Cowichan Valley, where Cooper was born a nd raised.

SEE WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING | PAGE 24

Warm Valley Contracting recently completed this new Duncan Tim Hortons location

Congratulations to Mike Cooper and Warm Valley Contracting on all your success!

From your friends at:

Proud partner of Warm Valley Contracting, congratulations on all your success!

587 Bay Street, Victoria WINDOWS & DOORS

BUILT FOR LIFE ON THE ISLAND

Phone: 778.440.8240 E: northglass@shaw.ca www.northglassvi.com

24

SEPTEMBER 2018

The Victoria Truss second floor addition

The Cowichan Tribes Family Services Addition

WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING

tough on the family,” says Cooper. “I took an opportunity in Duncan, working for the company that eventually turned into Warm Valley, and have been doing this for the past 15 years.”

Last July, Mike and his wife M a rl a i n a b ec a me t he sole owners of the company, purchasing shares from his remaining partner.

“Since I’ve gained full control of the company, I’ve taken a business model from a good friend of mine, Chris Clement,” he says. “I’ve looked up to him for years. He’s probably completed over 300 houses in the Cowichan Valley, with most of them in Chemainus, and his

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

“When I was five or six years old, my family was living in Hon e y m o on B ay,” h e s ay s.

“There was a contractor that was building a garage next door to us, and I sat there for hours and hours, watching the man build this project.

“It’s funny how all these years later, after 30 years in the construction industry, I still remember this guy - I even remember his name. Watching him put the project together left a big impression on me, and I’ve been excited about construction from that day forward.”

After starting his apprenticeship at Forrest & Friday, a local firm based in Lake Cowichan, he completed his training with RW (Bob) Wall Ltd. in Nanaimo.

“Working with Bob Wall involved a lot more commercial than residential, which appealed to me,” he says.

Upon completing his apprenticeship, he moved into industrial construction, working all over western Canada from BC to Manitoba. For about six years, worked on OSB plants, sawmills, and other major industrial projects before getting an opportunity to work closer to home.

“I had young kids at that time, and working away was getting

customer satisfaction rate is off the charts. He’s someone I’ve tried to emulate, and his business model is working very well for us.”

Clement keeps the same group of sub-trades for each job, and they’re held to a high standard of performance. As these companies continue to deliver and keep customers happy, they are brought back for consecutive projects, ensuring top-quality builds on every contract.

Since Cooper has emulated this practice, he has received very positive feedback from both homeowners and developers.

“I think our strong focus on customer service has been the

We are proud of working closely with Mike and the team at Warm Valley Construction since 2006!

P: 250.748.2581 230 Kenneth Street, Duncan, BC www.valleycarpetoneduncan.com

key to our success,” says Cooper.

“We’re quite proud of the way we deal with our clients and the responses we get from them once the projects are finished.

“We are fortunate enough to have a great group of guys and office staff that work very hard for us to ensure we meet our goals.

We communicate well, and we’re transparent and straightforward.

That’s one of our key assets.

“Years ago, I heard someone say, ‘build every home like it’s your own.’ It’s resonated with me ever since, and that’s what we try to do with all of our projects.”

As the company’s reputation SEE WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING | PAGE 25

Congratulations to Warm Valley Contracting on all your success!

Victoria: 250.388.9975 Cobble Hill: 250.743.9922 Cumberland: 250.400.3830 E: lui@victoriatrussltd.ca www.victoriatrussltd.ca

25

SEPTEMBER 2018

Zenn Developments’ Stirling Creek in Ladysmith is one of three subdivisions involving Warm Valley Contracting

Warm Valley was hired to complete a Duncan White Spot location

“Years ago, I heard someone say, ‘build every home like it’s your own.’

It’s resonated with me ever since, and that’s what we try to do with all of our projects.”

Congratulations on your success!

We are proud to work alongside you.

(250) 709-8259 Duncan, BC

WARM VALLEY CONTRACTING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

continues to grow, Cooper has strengthened relationships with some of the area’s key developers.

“Recently, we’ve been working with John and Brian Bergland of Zenn Developments on a few projects,” he says. “They’re a very classy developer. They’re very professional, and they demand a good product from us. We seem to be able to supply that to them, and it’s been a great working relationship for us. They’ve been the best developer we’ve been involved with to date.”

C u r r e n t l y, Wa r m Va l l e y Constr uction is work i ng on three subdivisions with Zenn

Developments: Askew Creek Drive in Chemainus, comprised of 11 single-family homes; Stirling Drive in Ladysmith, where they are completing the last house of 10; and James Place in Ladysmith, where the crew is breaking new ground on the first three of 14 houses.

Cooper is optimistic that they will partner with Zenn Developments on future projects.

As a company that builds a mix of residential and commercial projects, Warm Valley has been able to weather economic storms with proficiency in various project types.

“When residential or multifamily markets slowed down in 2008, we moved further into the

Concrete Finishing Specialist

different part of the building.”

With such a wide variety of projects and a growing reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and reliable sub-trades, Cooper is looking at new ways to grow the company.

“I’ve just completed my first year of full ownership, and we’re on a good path,” he says. “We want to continue to lean into food service construction, and maybe expand that area a little.

“We will also continue to work in the areas of the industry that are strong, and we are looking at some other commercial opportunities.” www.warmvalleycontracting.com

Congratulations to Mike and the Warm Valley Contracting team on all your success!

3721 Drinkwater Road, Duncan P: 250.701.0045 E: info@surespanreadymix.com www.surespan.com

CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Cooper and Warm Valley Contracting on all your success!

Proud partner of Warm Valley Contracting, congratulations on all your success!

P: 250.709.2875 E: coastalconcrete@shaw.ca

commercial side of the industry for a while,” says Cooper.

Additionally, the company has been contracted to work on several buildings for the Cowichan Tribes, including 35 residential units. They are currently working on the second phase of renovating the Child Care Services building, which is continuing to serve the community while undergoing construction.

“Working in an active daycare can be very challenging,” says Cooper. “One of the things my trades and crew need to be careful of is nap time. From 11:00 to 1:00, we have to work on tasks that aren’t too noisy or move on to a

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26 WHO IS SUING WHOM

WHO IS SUING WHOM $1,192,757

The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT Canada Trust Company 12th Flr, 66 Wellingston St, Toronto, On PLAINTIFF Frandsen, John Torben CLAIM $ 30,756

DEFENDANT 606329 BC Ltd 303-1111 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Trevor Matthews Painting CLAIM $9,276

DEFENDANT Castera Properties Inc 3-772 Bay St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Duncan, John B CLAIM $25,576

DEFENDANT Bank Of Nova Scotia Trust Company 2900-550 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Warhurst, Michael David CLAIM $7,750

DEFENDANT Coching Mortgage Corp 200-931 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Warhurst, Michael David CLAIM $ 7,750

DEFENDANT BC Ferries 500-1321 Blanchard St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF King, Paul J CLAIM $35,216 DEFENDANT Bronte Heights Developments Ltd 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Cooper Pacific Ii Mortgage Investment Corporation CLAIM

DEFENDANT Cowichan Lake Holdings Ltd 485B Garbally Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Painters Plus Services CLAIM $ 10,291 DEFENDANT Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island 735 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Leard, Bonnie CLAIM $ 27,079

DEFENDANT FW Enterprises Ltd 3455 Fairwinds Dr, Nanoose Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Vallance, Grace CLAIM $ 35,236 DEFENDANT G Holland Painting PO Box 534, Croften, BC PLAINTIFF Stirling, David CLAIM $ 7,712 DEFENDANT Ginther Agencies Ltd 935 Spring Pl, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Ivanyi Investments Inc CLAIM $ 169,040 DEFENDANT Greens Excavating 411 Oak Ave, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Coast Environmental Ltd CLAIM $ 9,806 DEFENDANT Island Group Services Inc 735 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Leard, Bonnie CLAIM $ 27,079 DEFENDANT KB Grewal Construction Ltd 2170 Nicklaus Dr, Victoria, BC

SEPTEMBER 2018

PLAINTIFF Leard, Bonnie CLAIM $ 27,079 DEFENDANT Kodiak Cabinetry 600 Ridge Grove Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Derby, Byron CLAIM $ 29,656 DEFENDANT Loki Tiling 407-3206 Alder St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Avery, Hinda CLAIM $ 35,346 DEFENDANT Mortgage Centre Coching Mortgage 103-719 McCallum Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Warhurst, Michael David CLAIM $ 7,750 DEFENDANT Nancys Electrical Services Inc 40 Cavan St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Owners Strata Plan VIS3995 CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Nanoose Bay Services Ltd 4288 Delbrook Ave, North Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Tool Shed

CLAIM $ 17,832 DEFENDANT NU View Homes Ltd 202-3750 Shelbourne St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Coastal Heat Pumps Co Inc CLAIM $ 6,320 DEFENDANT RD Lightle Excavating Ltd 1143 Bellevue Rd, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Little Mountain Transport Ltd CLAIM $ 17,237 DEFENDANT RKE Enterprises Ltd 7-9843 2nd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Owners Strata Plan VIS5366 CLAIM $ 17,359 DEFENDANT Seacliff Properties Ltd 3455 Fairwinds Dr, Nanoose Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Vallance, Grace CLAIM $ 35,236 DEFENDANT Seba Construction Limited 1167 Jolivet Cres, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF New Heights Contracting CLAIM $ 32,216

MOVERS & SHAKERS

SEPTEMBER 2018

NORTH ISLAND

27

Business Examiner Gold Event Sponsors

Serena Neumerschitsky and Tristan Radzik are planning on opening their own cannabis-based business called Stellar Jay Organics in Port Hardy, once marijuana is legalized on October 17th.

The Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce is announcing the winners of their business excellence awards on September 28 at the Kwa’Lilas Hotel at their 46th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala. The 55th Annual Conference & AGM for Tourism Vancouver Island will also be held at the Kwa’lilas Hotel and the Port Hardy Civic Centre from September 25-27. The annual conference will attract over 150 attendees and will provide tourism businesses, suppliers, educators and government organizations with professional development and networking opportunities.

realtors at 950 Island Highway.

Hygro Gardening is celebrating their 15th year of business in the hydroponic supply industry at 1791 Tamarac Street.

The Campbell River Hospice Society has added Kathryn Schmidt to their team as a regular art therapist. Schmidt is a certified councillor with a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from Concordia University.

CAMPBELL RIVER

Bill Howich RV & Marine has added Justin Lynn and Jade Hotte to their sales team at 2777 North Island Highway.

Coastland Veterinary Hospital welcomes Dr. Kelsey Cunningham to their team at 181 Larwood Road. Kelsey began working with Coastland in high school and recently graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

Edwin Betinol, a local physiotherapist, has become the first physical therapist to be awarded a Clinical Educator Fellowship at the UBC Centre of Health Education Scholarship (CHES). Edwin is the owner of Joint Physiotherapy + Pain Treatment Centre in Campbell River at #107 – 250 Dogwood Street.

RE/MAX Check Realty has added Shawna Campbell to their team of

The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Coastal Community Credit Union received over 180 nominations for the 2018 Business Awards of Distinction. Winners of this year’s awards will be announced at the gala event taking place on September 29th at the Tidemark Theatre.

COMOX VALLEY

are you FUTURE READY?

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Make Technology Decisions With Confidence.

Pictured: Briana Gant

Briana Gant of Manatee Holdings was named the winner of a Gold Stevie Award in

Tomorrow’s technology is shaping business today.

To stay ahead, contact Elizabeth Vannan, B.C. Leader, Technology Consulting at 778.265.8893 or elizabeth.vannan@mnp.ca MNP.ca

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 28

MOVERS & SHAKERS

28 MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

the Maverick of the Year category at the 15 th Annual Intern at ion a l B u s i n e s s Aw a rd s.

Before working with Manatee Holdings, Gant had experience as a paramedic and member of the Whitewater Ski Resort Rescue Team. Last fishing season she was the only female diver working in the urchin and sea cucumber fisheries on the west coast. The awards will be presented to winners at a gala banquet on October 20th in London, England.

Port Augusta Family Practice is now open for business at Comox Centre Mall at 215 Port Augusta Street.

Odlum Brown Courtenay congratulates Kevin Pantuso on becoming a portfolio manager for the firm at 1001 Fitzgerald Avenue. Odlum Brown is celebrating their 20 th anniversary in the Comox Valley.

The Comox Valley Home Based Business Association is celebrating their 20 th anniversary.

The organization is one of the Valley’s longest-running networking groups and was established to help home-based a n d s m a l l b u s i n e s s e n t repreneurs find a place to connect with other like-minded professionals.

M a r t i na Polson , ow ner of Blue Heron Books in Comox, has been named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International in honour of her many years of selling event tickets on behalf of community organizations including Rotary.

Finneron Hyundai announces that Glenice Neal is their top salesperson of the month for their dealership at 250 Old Island Highway in Courtenay.

T he Comox Valley Regional District (CV R D) a n nou nced that Scott Smith will be the new general manager of Planning and Development Services beginning September 17 th. Smith brings over 20 years of experience in local government – 18 of which have been in senior management at the City of Port Alberni.

S u n w e s t R V C e n t r e c o ng rat u l ates Dave Ha mpsh ire on being their top salesperson of the month for their dealership at 2800 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

The management of Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC congratulates Malinda Mazzocchi on being their top salesperson of the month for their dealership at 2145 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM BEACH Kenneth a nd Audrey Cross h ave opened Back in Time Clocks at 7 – 281 Island Highway East in Parksville. The new shop sells and refurbishes antique clocks that date as far back as the 1800s.

Oceanside Dental welcomes Dr. Bler i na Mu zi na DM D to their dental team at 175 Corfield Street in Parksville.

The Town of Qualicum Beach is beginning a two year long pilot project for a retail cannabis store. The town is leasing a portion of the old fire hall building at 124 Harlech Road to host the store which will open when the federal government legalizes cannabis on October 17 th.

SEPTEMBER 2018

celebrating their 25 th anniversary at 101 – 148 Weld Street in Parksville.

SOS Medical Appointment Transportation service is celebrating its 50 th year of serving the community. SOS is a volunteer driven organization t h a t p ro v i d e s t r a n s p o r t ation services for community residents to and from medical appointments.

Parksville Qualicum Self Storage at Unit 7 - 1480 Industrial Way w i l l now of fer U-Hau l trucks, moving supplies, boxes and in-store pick-up for boxes.

Additionally, the company is adding 3.5 acres of boat and RV storage to the facility.

The Oceanside Animal Hospital recently became the first a nd on ly a n i ma l hospita l i n BC to become a Fear Free certified practice. The Fear Free initiative was founded in 2016 and provides education to veterinary professionals and pet owners on emotional well-being, reduction of fear, anxiety and stress in pets.

Pharmasave Parksville a nnounces that Ruby Lalonde has graduated from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and is now a Registered Pharmacist.

Pharmasave in Parksville and Qualicum have launched a personalized service that provides customers with online access to manage their health. The new program called eCare@Pharmasave allows patients to view their prescription history, view the numbers of refills available and order prescriptions or refills by taking a photo of it with their phone.

We m bley D e nt a l C l i n ic i s

Harris Oceanside welcomes

Eric Cullen to thei r tea m of automotive sales professionals at 512 East Island Highway in Parksville.

PORT ALBERNI Kenner Reite h a s acqu i red Alberni Valley Shredder from Rob and Monika Johnson. The couple founded the business 15 years ago in 2003 and have grown the business into a fulltime job for the family. Reite has moved the business to 4429 Victoria Quay and plans on acquiring a larger shredder in the future.

The Rollin Art Centre re-opens on September 11th after undergoing summer maintenance.

The centre houses a fine arts gallery, gift shop, classroom, office and storage facilities at 3061 8th Avenue.

Linda Bowers, owner of Boutique Belles Amies is retiring at the end of the year after working w ith the company for 21 years. Bowers has listed Boutique Belles Amies with Sandra Lamoureux of Re/Max Mid-Island Realty.

R ay ner a nd Bract, a wo o d by-product hauling company, SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 29

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

SEPTEMBER 2018

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

is celebrating their 70 th anniversary at 4442 – 10th Avenue.

Congratulations to Sugar Shak in Harbour Quay on celebrating their 10 th anniversary. The shop is owned by Karmyn Akerley and offers handmade chocolates and confections, ice cream, sorbet, f rozen yog u r t a nd g i f t items.

Blue Fish Gallery is celebrating their 5 th anniversary at 2907 2 nd Avenue.

The shop offers pottery, jewellery, glass, clothing and more from local and other artisans.

RE/MAX Mid-Island has moved to a temporary office in the Alberni Mall for around eight months while their office at Johnston and Ian undergoes construction. Once completed the space will be larger, include private officers for realtors and have an updated façade.

Kuu-us Crisis Service celebrated their 25 th anniversary recently at 4589 Adelaide Street. The organization provides crisis cou nsel l i ng, prog ra ms and housing for people in the Alberni Valley.

Launched by the provincial government in 2006, ICET is an independently governed body that has provided over $50-mill ion towa rds roug h ly 180 projects throughout Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Lorne Ayres has received a Volunteer Recognition Aw a r d f r o m To f i n o ’s municipal council for his tireless volunteering over the years. Ayres played a pivotal role in establishing the Tofino-Clayoquot Heritage Museum.

NANAIMO L a r r y Steve n s o n h a s been appointed CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). Stevenson bri ngs over 25 yea rs of experience in the railway industry to the new position and takes over from Graham Bruce. The ICF owns the 220-kilometre E&N rail line that stretches from Courtenay to Victoria and is committed to bringing rail service to the Island.

Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty h a s added t he Shannon Marin Marketing Team, Brandon Lawson and Anton Nikl to their roya l ser v ic e g roup at 4200 Island Highway.

TOFINOUCLUELET

Walker’s Saw Shop at 3653 Shenton Road is now offering U-Haul products and services

Ucluelet Co-op grocery s to re h a s a c q u i re d a n

Tilray has been selected to receive an initial purchase order for a range of their cannabis products to Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation’s customers. Tilray is one of 14 marijuana producers selected to supply the province and will fulfill the order via High Park Holdings, their Ontario-based distributor.

Eco-Growth Model 500 O rg a n i c R e a c to r. T h e new machine can process up to 500-pounds of organic waste per day, including items like coffee cups, wooden stir sticks, bamboo cutlery and even small bones and deep fryer grease. The new system dubbed ‘EGOR’ will reduce the waste stream of the store by up to 40 per cent. Ucluelet Co-op is at 2076 Peninsula Road.

Josie Osborne

Tofino mayor Josie Osb or ne h a s b e e n e l e c te d c h a i r o f t h e Isl a n d Coastal Economic Trust.

T he Port T heatre b egins their 20 th anniversary season on September 9th with a performance by Ontario roots-rock group Midnight Shine.

WestJet added a f light to Calgary and Vancouver from now until April 27, 2019. T he expanded f lights are seasonal and will be operated by the airline’s subsidiary WestJet Encore.

The 49 Parallel Grocery Store at Unit 3D - 182 4 Cedar Road is celebrating their 5 th anniversary. th

Harbourview

Volkswagen announces that Chris Rigby is their top sa lesp erson of t he month for their dealership at 4921 Wellington Road.

Jeffrey Kao is t he top salesperson of the month for Nanaimo Toyota at 2555 Bowen Road.

Jarrett Gerke, co-owner of Green Thumb Garden Cent re a n d Nu rs er ie s, con fi rmed that the recently sold garden centre will remain operating at its cu r rent lo c at ion for at least two decades.

T he new ow ners of the property are from within the family and they have no immediate plans for the property that would interfere with the day-today operations of the garden centre. Green Thumb Garden Centre and Nurseries is at 6261 Hammond Bay Road.

29

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T h e Howa rd Joh nson Harbourside Hotel at 1 Te r m i n a l Av e n u e w i l l close for bu si ness on October 31 after over 50 years in operation.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS

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

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Harman Manget is the n e w b a n k m a n a ge r a t CIBC in Chemainus.

Downtown Ladysmith i s prepa r i n g to h ave a movie featuring Jim Carrey shot there starting in September.

Andrea a nd Justin G a u l let te a re t h e n e w o w n e rs of Zack’s i n Ladysmith.

Work is expected to be underway this fall at the new Chemainus branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library (V IR L) on Willow Street. VIRL has received approval from the municipality and is now looking to secure a contractor for the project.

T he branch is expected to be open a yea r a f ter construction.

COWICHAN VALLEY Rachel Paish is opening Passion & Performance, an adult only dance studio that offers a variation of energetic dance classes at #102 – 5301 Chaster Way. Passion & Performance SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 31

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OPINION

30

SEPTEMBER 2018 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

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

IF DONALD TRUMP IS SURPRISING PEOPLE, THEY HAVEN’T READ HIS BOOK

MARK MACDONLD “The Art of the Deal” is the Magna Carta of Donald Trump.

If people are surprised by what they are seeing from this President of the United States, then they haven’t done their home work and read what is probably Trump’s signature piece. The book is an explanation of almost everything he’s done since gaining the White House in terms of foreign and domestic economic policy.

He makes deals. He lives to make them. He has a method, and it obviously works.

Having the most powerful person in the world – not a life-long, slick-talking, non-feather ruffling politician - negotiating in public is uncomfortable. Especially if one is riding the ebbs and flows of the stock market, which rises and falls sharply depending on which Trump’s negotiating

tactic-du-jour is trotted out, and against which country.

Trump did what any effective negotiator would do when negotiating his most recent joint dealings with Canada and Mexico: He divided. By taking Mexico into another room, so to speak, first, and getting a better deal for the U.S., he then had something he could take to Canada with words something like: “Here’s what I have from Mexico. I want something similar, or even more. . .”

He’s a New York City street fighter, who describes himself in interviews thusly: “I’m a counter puncher. . . I then respond by maybe 10. I respond pretty strongly.”

That echoes what his wife reportedly said, when asked what her husband was like: “If you punch him once, he will punch you 10 times.”

This is the man who is negotiating with Canada on arguably this generation’s most important trade deal. To keep NAFTA or dump NAFTA – that is the question. And he’s supremely overmatching Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

As political wag Newt Gingrich suggested following the completion of U.S. –Mexico negotiations, Trudeau’s backhanded swipe at Trump once the

American President left the G-7 summit wasn’t the best way to handle him. Trump has a good memory, wrote Gingrich.

Is that enough to further tilt the negotiating table and give Trump extra incentive to take Trudeau to task? One would think trade talks that will affect countless companies on both sides of the 49th wouldn’t come down to that.

But why take that risk in the first place? Oh, of course: The opportunity to score cheap political points with American hating Canadian voters.

Let’s face it, Trudeau hasn’t exactly been shining on the international stage of late. Historically speaking, the federal Liberals have not been propellants of free trade, and although they’ve lived with agreements made by Conservative parties led by Brian Mulroney and Stephen Harper, they have not been initiators.

Trudeau’s no-show at Trans Pacific Partnership talks and lecturing/insisting on non-business “values” have harmed trade relations with China and Saudi Arabia, not to mention his multiple faux pas that angered the Indian government.

Stakes in a trade deal with the U.S. are much, much higher.

Canada has much to lose, and is in a weakened negotiating

stance with the Mexico deal done and Trump on the other side of the table, this country best hope the Americans are feeling benevolent.

Trump’s actions are not surprising for many. He’s doing pretty much exactly what he said he would do if elected President, and keeping many of his promises. For those whose only media diet is the Democratic Press (CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS) that fans the flames of loathing and distrust, they see Trump as a menace.

But we’d be remiss if we didn’t note that Americans also tune in to Republican favourable FOX and that half of Americans who voted did so for Trump. There are many south of the border that actually like what he’s doing, even though they may not like how he says it.

Is Trump’s near dominance of U.S. media providing a smokescreen for what the Trudeau government is doing here at home?

The mishandling of the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion is the latest in a long line of bungling that holds dire, long-term consequences for this country.

When Trudeau swept to power in 2015, Canada’s economy was posting budget surpluses, provinces were getting along – even Quebec was happy – and we were

enjoying a re-emergence on the worldwide stage.

Today, we have inter-provincial drama, raised eyebrows and shrugging shoulders from nations that have historically been good friends, plus massive deficits.

Why should we be surprised?

This is the son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the author of federal deficit financing who, by the time he was finished, infuriated Canadians with ample dollops of arrogance and disdain from coast to coast.

His worst legacy of all? The National Energy Program, which brought Alberta to its collective economic knees overnight. He wanted a weaker West, which he got, but it also resulted in “the West wants in”, and we were.

Many were hoping this Trudeau’s earlier signs signaling a return to a weaker West weren’t mirror images in “Like father, like son” fashion. The pipeline? Does anyone really believe self-proclaimed ultra-green Trudeau will really be the one to push this project to completion, with Alberta being the beneficiary? It’s NEP II, most likely.

Surprised by Trump? Surprised

by Trudeau? We shouldn’t be.

The signs have been there for all to see.

AVERAGE WORKERS WILL ULTIMATELY PAY BC’S NEW PAYROLL TAX

THE FRASER INSTITUTE

BY CHARLES LAMMAM AND TAYLOR JACKSON

B

C Finance Minister Carole James ca l led Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums “unfair” and argued in a news release that her govern ment’s replacement Employer Health Tax (EHT) is a “much fairer and progressive approach.”

More broadly, Premier John Horgan government’s rhetoric about the new tax suggests it will

push the burden onto employers and away from workers.

In reality, the EHT, like the MSP premiums it’s supposed to replace, will cost average British Columbians in the form of reduced wages and job opportunities. And it will further erode the province’s investment climate.

Beginning in January 2019, the EHT will be levied on employers with payrolls over $500,000.

The tax, which increases with an employer’s payroll costs, is expected to generate almost $2 billion of annual revenue in 2019-20. It will replace the revenue from MSP premiums, which are being phased out (although for 2019, both the MSP and EHT will be in force, creating a taxation double whammy).

Just because employers will pay the tax on behalf of their employees, it doesn’t mean that employees won’t pay the tax.

They will and here’s why: Employers view payroll taxes as part of the overall compensation paid to workers. As these ta xes i ncre a se, t here’s less

money available for the wages and benefits for employees and investments in innovation, expansion and tools that improve worker productivity. Therefore, over time, wages will not grow as fast as they would without a payroll tax. So workers ultimately bear the cost of payroll taxes through reduced pay.

This logic has considerable empirical support. A recent Fraser Institute study analyzed data on payroll taxes and average wages and found that increasing the employer payroll tax rate reduces the average hourly wage of workers. Based on the results, just a one percentage point increase in the average payroll tax rate would reduce annual wages by between $137 and $605.

T h i s i s not t he on ly Ca nadian-based study to come to such a conclusion. Economists based at HEC Montréal similarly found that “payroll taxes are passed almost entirely to workers in the form of lower wages.”

Moreover, in a review entitled “Payroll taxes: Killers of jobs,

killers of wages,” leading labour economist and University of Toronto professor Morley Gunderson summarized the evidence on payroll taxes as follows: “much of the burden of the payroll tax evidence suggests approximately 80 per cent - is ultimately shifted to labour in the form of lower wages even if it initially is ‘paid for’ by employers. This is especially true for lower wage workers, who are less skilled and are not sufficiently mobile to ‘escape’ the tax. Thus, the appeal of taxing rich corporations through a payroll tax is based largely on a false image.”

Gunderson also notes that it takes time for employers to shift the tax burden to labour, so in the intervening period, they may respond to higher labour costs induced by the tax by reducing employment and output.

Another problem with the EHT is that it’s yet another tax hike by this government, on top of higher taxes on personal income, corporate income and the carbon tax. So the EHT is another blow

to BC’s competitiveness and will send more negative signals to investors and entrepreneurs that the province is not an attractive place to invest.

Even the government’s MSP task force warned against using a payroll tax to replace MSP premiums, noting that: “A payroll tax would reduce the competitiveness of BC businesses at a time when they are facing several competitiveness challenges, including expected increases to the minimum wage, CPP increases, and recent tax reform in the U.S., which improve the competitive position of many U.S. businesses.”

The bottom line is that when the EHT is implemented in January, BC’s competitiveness will take another hit and ordinary workers will ultimately foot the bill.

Charles Lammam is director of fiscal studies at the Fraser Institute and Taylor Jackson is an independent researcher.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

SEPTEMBER 2018

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

also has locations on Victoria and Sooke.

Sharon and David Chapm a n a re m o v i n g t h e i r cleaning business the Irish Mop from Vancouver to the Cowichan Valley.

The duo offers cleaning services to residences and businesses.

Jen n i fer Cleoug h h a s opened All Tied Up Yarn & Crafts for business at #7 – 5777 Trans-Canada Highway in Duncan.

Christina Hanson has opened Backwoods Soap & Candle Co. for business at 225 Canada Avenue.

Hom e To ol s i s a n e w shop open for business in Duncan on Trunk Road a c r o s s f r o m S ave-o nFoods. The store is owned and operated by Jessie Sui and Duo Han and sells a wide range of tools, kitchen utensils, carpets, lights and more.

T he Oak and Carriage Neighbourhood Pub has been rena med T he Oak and is now owned by Duncan Morrison. T he iconic carriage that was

displayed at the front of the pub has been sold to the original owners of the establishment.

Poochies Dog Grooming & Pet Food in Lake Cowichan moved from 53 North Shore Road to owner Gabr iela Melendez’s home at 102 2 1 Youbou Road.

Gabriela looks forwa rd to serving her more than 400 clients from her new location.

Shawnigan Lake Veterinary Wellness Practice i s a new sm a l l-a n i m a l practice open in Shawnigan Village focused on palliative/end of life care for senior and terminally ill patients. The practice has minor surgical capacity and is at 101 – 1760 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road.

Valley Medical Clinic announces that Dr. Matthew Paquette has joined their practice at 335 Jubilee Street.

Eric Edgar has opened Queen’s Cup Café for business at 60 Queens Road.

The new café sells baked goods made fresh every morn i ng a nd specia lty coffee made at Mustard Seed Coffee.

31

South Shore Cabinetry is a finalist in eight categories in the 2018 Construction Achievement and Renovations of Excellence Awards (CARE) of Vancouver Island, hosted by the Victoria Residential Builders Association.

The winners will be announced at the CA R E Awards gala on September 29 at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

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