Business Examiner Thompson/Okanagan - August 2017

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AUGUST 2017

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Iron Road Brewing Open For Business PAGE 16

KAMLOOPS City of Kamloops inaugural Tournament Capital Games runs September 8-10

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INDEX News Update Summerland Kelowna Penticton Salmon Arm Vernon Kamloops Movers Opinion Green Sheet

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OUR 8TH YEAR

New Brewery Will Initially Feature Three Core Brands & Seasonal Favourites

BY DAVID HOLMES

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A M L O O P S – A f te r 18 months of dreaming, designing and construction craft brewer Iron Road Brewing is on track for an August grand opening. “We began construction of the craft brewery last September and are just putting the finishing touches to the Tap Room now. The brewery side is done, so now we’re just getting ready to officially open,” explained Iron Road co-owner Richard Phillips.

Located in a state of the art, 6,500 square foot brewing facility at 980 Camosun Crescent in Kamloops, Iron Road Brewing is jointed owned by Jared Tarswell. Trained geologists by profession, the pair met while attending classes at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna, making the opening of a brewery a definite shift from their original career goals.

SEE IRON ROAD BREWING | PAGE 12

Spotless Service For 70 Years Commercial Laundry & Uniform Rental Firm Undergoing A $1 Million Upgrade

BY DAVID HOLMES

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

Iron Road Brewing’s driving force includes (left to right) Jared Tarswell, Aaron MacInnis and Richard Phillips

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ELOWNA/PRINCE GEORGE – For the past 70 years thousands of restaurant patrons have enjoyed clean linen, countless industrial workers have gone to their shops looking sharp, while crews working in northern work camps have gone to sleep on sheets

that were fresh and clean – and family–owned Spotless Uniform and Linen Service has been the reason.

Now, with a fleet of delivery vehicles travelling the province (and beyond) and with a client list that extends from the Saskatchewan border to the Pacific coast, the company is looking at an expansion just to keep up with the rising demand. Spotless

Uniform is on the road to becoming the number one independent provider of uniform rentals and commercial laundering in Western Canada.

“Currently, we’re in the process of installing approximately $1 million worth of new equipment at our Prince George processing plant just to keep up with the demand. But ultimately, we’re looking at opening a second plant

to allow us to better serve our Okanagan and Lower Mainland customers,” explained company President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaun Heighington.

“Once we have this equipment in place to handle the anticipated influx of work, thanks to Site C and other major projects, we’ll have the ability to process an even SEE SPOTLESS UNIFORM| PAGE 14

NEWS UPDATE

2 KELOWNA Downtown Kelowna Condo Project ELLA Receives Official Green Light Mission Group announced that it has received final approvals from Kelowna City Council on its newest project, ELLA, located in downtown Kelowna on Ellis Street and Lawrence Avenue.

With final approvals Mission Group is preparing its construction plan and will be opening its sales center this fall.

ELLA’s approvals come at a time as condominium sales continue to rise in the Okanagan. According to the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB). In June 2017, there were 261 condo apartment sales, a 10 per cent increase from 237 sales in June 2016.

“This is a proud moment for us,” says Jonathan Friesen, CEO, Mission Group. “ELLA has it all: every home will have a view, its contemporary concrete design features innovative living spaces, a greened roof terrace and it’s located in the highly desirable Bernard District.”

ELLA, features 116 condominiums within a 20-storey high-rise concrete building. Mission Group plans to open its Presentation Centre and begin sales this fall.

Construction on the building itself is expected to begin in early 2018.

According to Statistics Canada’s 2016 Census, fewer Canadians are occupying single detached homes and the demand for multi-family homes is on the rise. The decline is especially prominent in BC where the number of single-family homes fell to 44 per cent in 2016 from 60 per cent in the 1980’s.

With residential homes starting on the 6th floor, every home will have a view. From the southwest to the northwest homeowners will receive views of the lake and to the east will be mountain and city views.

ELLA’s distinctive draw is its highly central location in the Bernard District. ELLA is within close walking distance to a broad range of goods and services. Bernard Avenue’s $13 million revitalization, has transformed the area into a vibrant destination with trend setting local cuisine, creative social houses, boutiques, culture and entertainment destinations. ELLA will add to this with the retail outlets it will provide at street level.

ELL A is ta rgeti ng LEED®Certified construction, which would be a first in Kelowna for market concrete condominiums.

The construction follows Mission Group’s “Inspired Green®” approach, which aims to lessen environmental footprint in five areas – energy, water, air quality, recycling and climate change.

BC Petronas-Led LNG Decision Is BC’s Loss, But “LNG Window” Not Closed

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critical to ensure BC can realize the thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in benefits that will come from a sustainable LNG industry.

Premier Horgan’s “four conditions” that all LNG proposals must meet, as laid out in the recent mandate letter to the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources, are supported by the BC Chamber. Indeed, the BC Chamber sees the conditions as essential guidelines, not obstacles on our way to creating a world-class LNG industry.

“The decision to not proceed with the Pacific NorthWest LNG terminal is a loss for BC, but there is still a window of opportunity to build a world-leading LNG industry,” said Val Litwin, President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “A LNG industry would not only help to secure a strong economic future of our province, but it would also provide a boost to the Canadian economy as we look to export clean energy to global markets.”

The BC Chamber will continue to keep its focus on ensuring British Columbian’s understand the benefits that will come from a sustainable LNG industry that meets only the highest standards.

PENTICTON Penticton Vees and EZ Rock Penticton Announce Agreement Bell Media Radio’s EZ Rock Penticton and the Penticton Vees of the BC Hockey League (BCHL) announced an exclusive radio broadcast rights agreement that sees EZ Rock Penticton deliver live radio broadcast coverage of every Penticton Vees game th rough to the 2022-23 season. Live coverage is available on AM 800 in the Penticton area, as well as via live streaming through the station’s official website and the iHeartRadio app.

As part of the new agreement, E Z Rock Pent icton del ivers every Penticton Vees game, including all regular season and playoff games, as well as daily reports and comprehensive news coverage focusing on the team.

Live game broadcasts are led

by Penticton Vees radio voice Craig Beauchemin, alongside EZ Rock’s Scott Austin, who provides analysis.

“This new agreement further solidifies our strong relationship with the Penticton Vees, a team with a passionate fan base and a rich history in the community of Penticton,” said Ken Kilcullen, General Manager, BC Interior, Bell Media Radio. “The Vees are a key part of EZ Rock Penticton’s programming lineup, and we are proud to be the team’s exclusive radio home. We look forward to sharing all the excitement surrounding the team for years to come.”

“We are thrilled to extend and

AUGUST 2017

grow our great partnership with Bell Media,” said David Michaud, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Penticton Vees. “With live broadcasts of every game in addition to wide-ranging news coverage on EZ Rock Penticton, Vees fans will be able to follow the team’s every move, all season long.”

The Penticton Vees kick off their 2017-18 season on Sept. 8 when they take on the Merritt Centennials.

OKANAGAN June Okanagan Home Sales Brisk Residential sales stayed constant across the Okanagan region of Revelstoke to Peachland, with 1018 homes sold, just 10 per cent lower than May, but 24 per cent fewer sales than this time last year, reports the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).

“We are generally quite busy this time of year and, with continued upward pressure on the market due to a lack of inventory, sales activity is brisk,” comments OMREB President and active Central Okanagan realtor Tanis Read.

Read notes that, while sales volume is down from this time last year, average pricing is 8 per cent higher and the average time it takes to sell a home was 73 days in June, consistent with May, but a shorter period than last June’s 81 days.

A robust economy, rising employment and construction activity, and newcomers to the region are all contributing to a strong demand for housing.

However, a general lack of homes for sale means supply is not keeping pace with demand, resulting in competition for available housing in many neighbourhoods and across most property types.

“In ma rket cond itions like these, buyers can be advantaged by engaging a local realtor who can stay abreast of new listings and advise on how best to approach making an offer in highly competitive situations. There are a number of strategies that can be employed to ensure your offer gets appropriate consideration,” comments Read.

Sellers can also benefit. “Those wanting to capitalize on a seller’s market need to price carefully so as to not miss out. Likewise, managing multiple offers can be challenging and a professional’s assistance can be invaluable to ensure the best possible outcome while mitigating associated risks,” Read adds.

Turning to buyers of homes in the region, those moving to similar type properties continue to head the list at 22 per cent of the buying population, closely followed by first time buyers and those moving up, according to an OMREB May Buyers Survey. Revenue property investors were 13 per cent of the total

buyer group. Two-parent families comprise the largest group of buyers at 26 per cent, closely followed by couples without children and empty nesters/retired folk. Those already living in the region continue to be the majority of buyers at 53 per cent, followed by those from Lower Mainland/ Vancouver Island at 21 per cent and Alberta at 10 per cent.

“Buyer profiles, month over month, continue to remain relatively constant, with no new trends emerging at this time,” says Read. “Our buyers are primarily families with children who already live in the region, with some influx from the Lower Mainland, likely due to our relative affordability, and from Alberta, although Alberta buyers have declined in numbers since 2014.”

OKANAGAN Canadian Pacific Rail Corridor Between Sicamous And Armstrong Purchased T he Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) have both successfully concluded an Alter n at ive Approva l P rocess (AAP), providing them with the necessary public assent to borrow for the purchase of sections of the CP Rail Corridor property between Sicamous and Armstrong, excluding a number of sections owned by the Splatsin.

The AAP required that 10 per cent of eligible voters formally indicate their opposition, by signature, in order for the process to fail without proceeding to referendum. In CSRD, 2,918 eligible voters would have had to indicate their opposition to reach 10 percent, and only 141 valid petitions were received.

In RDNO, 1,658 signatures were requ i red to ach ieve 10 percent opposition, and only 91 valid petitions were received.

In partnership with Splatsin and their segments of the CP rail corridor, this proposed land acquisition is intended to ensure public ownership of a key linear corridor to be used for recreational opportunities, including walking and cycling, while retaining the corridor for future transportation and economic development needs. There is also long-term potential to connect this corridor to the Okanagan Rail Trail, which is currently under development and connects the City of Kelowna to the District of Coldstream.

CSR D Chair Rhona Martin is thrilled with the news of overwhelming support for this project. “Acquiring the rail corridor will be a long lasting legacy for residents, visitors and the communities in our region” said Martin. “We expect this project to be another tremendous tourism opportunity that will contribute greatly to our local economy.”

NEWS UPDATE

AUGUST 2017

RDNO Board Vice-Chair, Juliette Cunningham is excited about the regional impact that this project could have: “the successful public assent process for the CP rail corridor brings us one step closer to securing yet another section of trail, building on the CN rail corridor purchase between Coldstream and Kelowna� said Cunningham. “These trails will undoubtedly result in increased tourism activity, and be a tremendous asset to local residents.�

The total cost of the purchase is $6.5 million dollars, and with the Provincial Government’s contribution of $2.17 million dollars announced in March 2017, the RDNO and the CSRD have agreed to split the remaining cost on a 50:50 basis, each paying $2.17 million dollars. The final purchase is still subject to a satisfactory legal and environmental examination of the property by the Regional District partners.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF OKANAGANSIMILKAMEEN RDOS Wins Canada Wide ‘Water’s Next’ Award Water Canada, Water’s Next is the only nation-wide, peer nominated award program of its kind. And, it appears the RDOS for its innovative programming, water conservation outreach, and customer service caught the award committee’s attention in the ‘Government – People’ category. The RDOS was pleased to be informed that Zoe Kirk, RDOS Public Works Projects Coordinator was one of 60 nominations, with winners announced at the Canada Water Summit in Toronto late June.

The RDOS conducts a variety of water stewardship projects and workshops, many times with partnerships and grants from funders such as the RBC Blue Water Project Grant and the Okanagan Basin Water Board. But, it was an in-house program that might have tipped the scales for this prestigious award. “The West Bench Homeowner Leak Detection Program, identifying and assisting homeowners to fix leaks on their side of the water meter before volume based pricing was implemented, is very innovative� according to Water’s Next. “I a m hu mbled, a nd qu ite frankly, didn’t really believe it at first� says Kirk, “I am honoured to be the one named on the award, but these programs and outreach initiatives would not be possible without the support of the RDOS Board, funders and dedicated fellow workers in the Public Works and Engineering Department.�

Recent floods and now drought c on d it ion s m e a n t h at K i rk will not be idle anytime soon.

Drought and flood workshops and debriefings, acting as liaison with the BC Climate Adaptation for Agriculture and the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Make Water Work Campaign, continuing and broadening the leak detection program and a riparian ‘cottonwood’ restoration collaboration project with local First Nations are just a few items on the ‘to do’ list for the remainder of 2017.

LAKE COUNTRY Pelmewash Parkway Ownership Transferred to Lake Country The District of Lake Country and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure have signed an agreement for the transfer of ownership of Pelmewash Parkway. “Although we’ve had our share of challenging natural disasters and emergencies that have impacted many in our community lately,� said Mayor James Baker, “everyone agrees that the Pelmewash Parkway corridor will be a significant public asset which will really define Lake Country.

We appreciate the support from Norm Letnick in helping us to work through the transfer agreement process with the province.�

It was four years ago when the new alignment of Highway 97 was opened; and we’ve had since 2012 to get used to the name “Pelmewash Parkway� chosen

by Council from among the 160 unique names submitted for the old highway alignment along Wood Lake. In November 2013 Council endorsed a concept plan developed by a consulting team after a year of significant local public input. Finally, the long anticipated transfer of ownership of the roadway is happening in 2018. “Council and staff have been working for quite a while to secure access to this corridor along Wood Lake and we are pleased that an agreement has now been signed and we can move on with the detail design phase,� said Alberto De Feo, Chief Administrative Officer. “It will be great to see some of the community’s ideas given some real definition.

Recreation opportunities and active transportation concepts like bike paths and walkways were key themes that emerged in the public consultation. The Pelmewash Parkway amenity will be a very good complement to the section of Okanagan Rail Trail corridor through our community.�

Through Official Community Plan surveying it was determined that one of the highest community issues was to increase access points to the waterfront for public use and parkland (84.4 per cent of respondents). “The initial work will involve roadway resurfacing and active transportation initiatives as the first phase of a multi-year project,� said Matt Vader, Strategic & Support Services Manager.

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AUGUST 2017

WAGE SUBSIDY CONNECTS EMPLOYERS WITH SKILLED YOUTH

YOU’LL NEVER ELIMINATE REJECTION

Extension of the Career Focus Program Helps Potential Workers Aged 15-30 Get the Experience They Need for Success in Their Field

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ELOWNA - The federal government has injected its Career Focus program with new funding, but it won’t be available for long.

Ramona Clark, program manager at Bowman Employment Services, said that placements are limited, so employers and youth between the ages of 15 and 30 in BC’s Southern Interior Region need to get connecting soon.

“Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment strategy, this program assists skilled youth to gain access to the labour market and the experience they need to get a job in their field.”

She added that youth often face a ‘Catch 22’ - they have the education but not the experience that employers are looking for.

“This program offers employers a wage subsidy for bringing these qualified youths into the workplace for mentoring and training.

The vast majority end up staying with the employer because they have gained what is needed to fill the job and have become invaluable.”

Utilizing this program helps youths get their foot in the door. For employers, it provides funding to help bridge the training-and-experience gap TERRY IGEL VICE PRESIDENT BOWMAN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

“Utilizing this program helps yout h s get t hei r foot i n t he door. For employers, it provides funding to help bridge the training-and-experience gap,” said Terry Igel, vice president, Bowman Employment Services.

The process for both youth and employer is straightforward and the program has a website for free job postings for employers.

“We’ve had great success with the program in the past, connecting more than 50 employers with youth seeking to further their careers. It is a proven successful program with a no cost, streamlined application process and minimal paperwork in order to get the youth working as quickly as possible.”

Clark said that the program extension has limited placements and is based on a first come, first served policy. Wage subsidies can be in the $5,000 range over a 26-week period, but both youth and employers should access it as soon as possible.

To f i nd out more go to www.career-focus.ca or call 866-941-3100

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SALES JOHN GLENNON

T

here’s no getting around it…rejection is pa rt of the selling experience.

Not every prospect you contact will want to talk to you.

Not all of those who do talk to you will have enough interest in your product or service to grant you an appointment. Not all of those who do grant you an appointment will buy from you.

There’s nothing you can do about it.

While you can’t eliminate experiencing rejection, you can learn to deal with it. And, you can learn to overcome your fear of it. But first, you must identify what it is that you’re afraid of. Is it failure?

E v e r y b o d y f a i l s a t s o m ething…at many things. Failure is simply part of the human experience.

A nd, success ra rely comes without accompanying failu res. Of ten, the g reater the success, the greater the number of fa i lu res encou ntered along the way. Record-setting homerun hitters, for example, also have their share of strikeouts. Super Bowl Cha mpion quarterbacks throw more incompleted passes than completed ones. Grammy winning s o n g w r i t e r s w r i t e n u m e rous songs before one hits the charts, much less makes it into the top 10. In almost any endeavor, including professional sales, failure is just another stepping stone on the path to success.

You may never completely eliminate your fear of rejection, but, you ca n certa i n ly learn to deal with it and minimize its negative effects.

How? Put it in perspective. Rejection lasts but a moment, and then it’s over. Let it go! Dwelling on the disappointing exper ience ser ves no pu r pose ot her t h a n to d a mp en you r enthusiasm for meeti ng the next challenge. If a cold call uncovered a prospect who was interested in your service and was eager to meet with you, you would likely be enthusiastic about making your next cold ca l l. Shou ld you be a ny less enthusiastic about making a subsequent call if the prospect had no interest? Of course not.

There is no causal relationship between the two events. Each new challenge is just that…a new challenge.

Examine your self-talk. What do you tell yourself when you experience rejection? Are you tel l i n g you rsel f somet h i n g l i ke, “Nobody w i l l l isten to me” or “I’ll never be any good at this”? Blaming yourself for someone else’s thoughts and actions—lack of interest or inability to see the value in what you have to offer, for example— is counterproductive. Before you start “talking to yourself,” take a step back and analyze the situation from an objective position. Then, reframe your self-talk to something more positive. After an unsuccessful attempt to stimulate a prospect’s interest, for instance, rather than telling yourself, “ P ro s p e c t i n g i s a w a s te o f time,” tell yourself, “I’m glad I d id n’t waste my ti me w ith someone who isn’t qualified to become a customer.”

Analyze your actions. Rejection may be unpleasant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something from it. Sometimes, the rejection you’re experiencing is a warning sign… an indicator of your need to cha nge you r approach, perhaps. Make sure that you are thoroughly prepared when you call on prospects and customers. Being thoroughly knowledgeable about how you r product or service addresses their challenges, needs, and goals will reduce the chances of being rejected.

Understand your needs. David Sandler warned against using “selling” as an activity for getting your emotional needs met.

You are much more susceptible to the fear of rejection if the objective of your interaction with your prospects and customers is to obtain their approval rather than their business. You must recognize that your selfesteem is not tied to your sales performance. It’s not tied to the number of appointments you schedu le or the nu mber of sales you close. You’ll have some good days; you’ll have some not-so-good days. Regardless, at the end of the day, your self-esteem is still intact.

Rejection is si mply pa rt of the sales game. Sometimes you have good experiences, sometimes you don’t. It’s not the experience that’s important. It’s how you think about it and how you react to it that determines if rejection holds you back or pushes you toward success.

John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales ConsulƟng Inc, an authorized Sandler Training Licensee. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler.com, toll free at λ-ςππ-πξο-μκξρ or visit www. glennon.sandler.com. Copyright 2013 Sandler Training and Insight Sales Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.

SUMMERLAND

AUGUST 2017

BEING POLITE WITH CUSTOMERS

CUSTOMER SERVICE LUCY GLENNON

W

hat is polite and what is impolite these days? Does i t d e p e n d o n c i rc u msta nces? Does it depend on who you’re talking to?

W hat is the standard for com mon cou r tesy these days? Are they my mother’s standards, my grandmother’s? Or are there new standards today that don’t require the formality found years ago? Politeness can be defined as having good manners, or showing respect for other people. Politeness is alive and well among good customer service providers everywhere.

In my mother’s eyes my grandmother was the old world sta nd a rd when it came to how to behave and

speak in polite company.

She was a true lady, never failing to be welcoming, w i t h i m p e c c a b l e m a nners, genuine and warm.

My mother used to say: if you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandmother, then don’t say it at all. Is this level of pol iteness even possible to emulate in tod ay’s world of te x t i n g, tiny attention spans, and tweeting? Do people expect that, or even want that? My answer to that question is . . . it depends.

Here’s what I mean.

If I’m at a football game a nd decide I wa nt a hot dog and a beer, I go out to the concession stands and join the throng of people waiting there. Do I care if they give me a warm welcome? No. I’m thrilled if the man behind the counter p oi nt s at m e a n d ye l l s, “WHAT CAN I GET YA?” Shor t a nd to t he p oi nt, just what I wanted in that circumstance.

But, if I walked into my lawyer’s office and someone g reet i ng me i n t h at abrupt, direct way, I would probably b e of fended. I expect a, “Good morning and welcome. Can I take

your coat? Are you here to see Mr. Smith? I’ll let him know you’ve arrived. Can I get you tea? Water? Coffee?” That’s what I would ex pect at a more forma l circumstance.

But those two are extreme ends of the spectrum.

Often we live somewhere in between the sports stadium and the law office where customers have problems or needs and they’re looking for solutions. Or they don’t know what they are looking for at all and can only describe their situation to us a nd hope that we can find a solution for them quickly. Our world is order fulfillment or solution provider. So what level of formality is appropriate for your business? The answer to this question is a balance between formality and expediency. Use client feedback to cater your level of politeness to match customer desires.

Lucy Glennon specializes in customer service training and recruitment and hiring. She can be reached at 866-645-2047 or lucyg@hireguru.com. www. hireguru.ca.

SUMMERLAND BUSINESSES DISCUSS HOUSING SHORTAGE

SUMMERLAND CHRISTINE PETKAU

L

ast week, a number of Summerland Chamber business members along with our largest community partners, met with the team from Cherie Enns Consulting to discuss affordable housing in Summerland. The consulting firm has recently been hired by the District of Summerland to conduct a housing study in our community.

Housing challenges have long been a hot point in Summerland and were raised repeatedly in the Business Walks the Chamber and District conducted in October of 2016. The consulting firm was interested in engaging with our business members as key stakeholders in employment, development and sustainability of our community.

The discussion was excellent and covered why the issue is so important to local businesses and what opportunities we might have for innovative solutions.

Affordable housing and economic development certainly go hand in hand. The

group recognized that in recent years, manufacturers have struggled to retain staff due to lack of reasonably priced housing, hospitality employers struggle to find staff that can afford to live in the community throughout an expanded tourism season, and young families have been prevented from moving to the community because they can’t find an affordable home. A lack of young families has had a domino effect in that one elementary school was in danger of closing because of reduced enrollment.

It’s clear that this issue is having a real impact on the local workforce.

The group also made suggestions of what types of housing options are most needed. In the spectrum of affordability, the most pressing needs expressed focused on rental units and entry level home ownership that could be achieved on a manufacturing wage. Suggestions for entry level home ownership included modest town homes, micro homes and even floating homes that could be developed in a marina type environment.

Creativity will be required to address our community’s housing needs and this report will be an excellent step toward measuring and addressing the challenge.

Christine Petkau is Executive Director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Summerland. The Chamber is also responsible for business retention, expansion and attraction (economic development services) on behalf of the District of Summerland.

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AUGUST 2017

WORK ETHIC HEATS UP SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS FLOODS, FIRES AND

BUSINESS CONTINUITY

A strong belief in building a strong, loyal customer base is a legacy passed from father to son

W

hen Alex Swan arrived in Kelowna from Winnipeg with his family all he brought was a solid background and knowledge of the plumbing and heating industry and an incredible work and service ethic. As soon as he got settled in his new hometown he founded Kelowna Heating Service and put in almost 50 years of business ownership.

It doesn’t matter what time of the year or day, when our customers need heating or cooling, we will accommodate as quickly as possible REG SWAN MANAGER KELOWNA HEATING SERVICE

“Dad only just retired a couple of years ago,” his son Reg said.

“At that time, he was 82 years old.”

Growing up in the industry Reg saw first-hand the effort, care and service his father put into each customer call, and he maintains that same philosophy. “ I n 19 8 9, I w a s l i v i n g i n Vancouver and working for a company running their mini

Congratulations to Kelowna Heating Service Ltd. on their 50 successful years in business!

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KELOWNA Alex Swan, owner of Kelowna Heating retired a year and a half ago at the age of 82, after 50 years of owning Kelowna Heating

Reg Swan said that Kelowna Heating is a personal family business focused on building and maintaining a regular clientele

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computer system and doing a bit of bookkeeping. One year I brought a computer up to my dad so he could use it at the office and he asked me if I wanted to take care of the office and bookkeeping for the business.

I said sure.”

At the time, Swan’s two brothers were also working for their father.

“It is very much a small and very personal family business that was a nd is ser v ice oriented,” Swan said.

Over the years, Kelowna Heating has focused, not so much on new builds, but rather on building and maintaining a regular clientele.

“We’ve gradually phased out of plumbing and really focus on taking care of our heating and cooling customers. Some of them have been with the company for many years and they’ve come to expect that we will be there when they need us. It doesn’t matter what time of the year or day, when our customers need heating or cooling, we will accommodate as quickly as possible. There were times when dad would have to get up from the Christmas dinner table so he could take care of a customer.”

Swan said that the feedback

the company has received is the most satisfying part of his job.

“Both dad and I have a stubbornness and extreme pride in our work. We both like to push to resolve issues quickly and in the best way possible. That’s why our focus is on responding to emergencies and taking maintenance of our customers heating and cooling units seriously. Our customers appreciate that.”

Swa n noted t h at a lt houg h working with family has its inherent challenges, it’s also been highly rewarding.

“Working for your father is different from a boss-employee relationship, there are family ties involved that never go away.

We’ve had differing opinions and perspectives on the business as each of us sees things differently and may have a unique way of doi ng th i ngs, but we have always been able to work together.”

But Swan also emphasized how the family business has given him an opportunity to explore his mechanical side as well as the business side.

“My goal over the next couple of years is to continue to maintain our existing clientele base with regular maintenance and emergency care as well as growing the business. I like getting out of the office,” he emphasized. “I enjoy ta l k i ng w ith people, many of whom end up asking about our family, kids a nd dad, a nd I wa nt to hea r about their families as well because we’ve both watched our families grow up. That brings a real sincerity and a bond that is based on trust and history.”

Servicing Peachland, Winfield, Oyama and other Central Okanagan towns and cities, Kelowna Heating and Cooling provides inspection, cleaning and regular maintenance on all heating and cooling and HVAC systems and gas fitting.

Kelowna Heating Service is at 1305 Dehart Road in Kelowna www.kelownaheatingservice.ca

DAN ROGERS The fires in BC along with the spring flooding that impacted the Okanagan, certainly and importantly draw our attention to the dedication and many times, to the bravery of those who are charged with responding to those dangerous situations. It should also remind us of the importance of maintaining a vibrant economy through both the crisis and after it subsides.

From week to week, we don’t know what the weather, or the changing fire patterns are bringing us. Chambers of Commerce in many communities are filling an important role in getting information to their members, communities and residents as everyone struggles to stay up-to-date on their local situation.

As far away as Queenstown, New Zealand, and as near as Bend, Oregon, Chambers of Commerce are among the first groups to help spread information during natural disasters. Closer to home, the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce has posted extensive links on their website for all site visitors: links to air quality, emergency services, fire map updates, and resources for evacuees. Emergency Services in Kamloops is set up to host thousands of evacuees: a vital service.

As Adam Legge, the President and CEO with the Calgary Chamber noted in his summary report following the massive floods in Calgary a few years ago, one aspect of emergency preparedness and management that is easy to overlook is business preparedness and continuity. Immediate needs are for safety, shelter, food and health care. But as a community begins to deal with those issues, there is something that everyone needs to rebuild and recover – that is a job.

How a community responds to businesses affected by natural disasters greatly determines how the business community will recover. There are lots of statistics on business recovery after natural disasters: The Institute for Business and Home Safety estimates that of businesses affected by natural disaster, 25 per cent never re-open; The Strategic Research Institute found that of those businesses affected by a natural disaster, 43 per cent never re-open, and of those that do, 29 per cent fail within two years

The Calgary Chamber report suggested that business recovery efforts can be structured around three phases with local chambers playing a major role in partnership with other economic development agencies and government officials: Analyze – the situation and the impacts; Mobilize – information, resources, support to affected business, as well as advocacy to government and media relations; and, Energize – getting the business community re-energized with customers and cash flow The lessons learned in Calgary and elsewhere will be invaluable as communities in BC look to recover once the flames die down. We can all play a role in ensuring a strong economy first by reminding friends and our networks that aside from the communities directly impacted by the fires, that the rest of beautiful BC remains open for business!

BC: Aftermath of the Spring of Floods At its July 11 Council meeting, the District of West Kelowna’s Council unanimously agreed to request that the Province of BC conduct a review of all possible factors leading to the flooding and mitigation efforts after this spring’s flooding event. Among other things, Council is requesting that the review include the timing of the spring freshet in relation to the release of water from the Okanagan Lake system at various dams, the need for additional data collection stations related to weather, snowpack and streamflow, the banning of power boats during times of declared state of emergency and the capacity of municipalities and first nations to respond to emergencies given limited financial resources and authority. The Regional District of the Central Okanagan has also joined in the call for a review.

■■■

Japan Delegation comes for a visit - The Kelowna Chamber is hosting an Agri-Expo on Wednesday August 23 at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. Check out our website for more information at kelownachamber.org/events. The Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association is once again partnering with the Kelowna Chamber to help educate, entertain and exchange business and cultural information.

■■■

Welcome to our newest members - July saw us welcoming more new members. Among our newest businesses are Happipad; Sanga Living; Brandnetic Studios Ltd.; Apple Grove Auto Sales; WestCabs; Airtika Heating & Cooling; Girls Gone Green; Lemonade Bungalow Interiors; Normandeau Window Coverings and Flooring Canada Kelowna. Welcome all!

Dan Rogers is the Executive Director of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

To find out more information about the organization please visit www.kelownachamber.org.

7

AUGUST 2017

AVALON EVENT RENTALS TRIPLES IN SIZE AND EXPANDS TO CITY OF VERNON Changing From the Food Industry to Event Rentals was a Quality of Life Decision

K

ELOWNA - After Brad Buchanan resigned from his position of Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at SunRype he was looking for a job in the food industry that didn’t have him on the road most of the year and wasn’t based out of Toronto.

“My wife and I love Kelowna and didn’t want to leave. Deciding to stay here was a real quality of life decision. But I also wanted to continue to work. My father-in-law had done well as an entrepreneur so my wife and I started looking for a business to buy.”

As fate would have it, Buchanan stumbled on one needing an infusion of energy and enthusiasm.

“A skiing friend knew that the owner of Avalon Event Rentals was considering selling to explore other options. We started talks in March and I took over the business in June.

That was 10 years ago.”

Since that time, Avalon has tripled in size with the acquisition of three other local businesses, one that was a third the size of Avalon at the time, and the other at 10 per cent the size and the most recent acquisition was a third of its current sales.

“It’s a small industry and I got to know the competition. It also helps Avalon to grow its inventory. The owner of one of the companies that Avalon bought works for us part time in the summers as warehouse manager. He liked the business, knows it well and wanted to maintain connections with his customers. It’s a win-win for both of us.”

Last year saw Avalon acquiring the assets of Norval Event Rentals out of Vernon. With Norval came a significant inventory and client contact list.

“In November, we rebranded Norval to Avalon and now have a showroom and warehouse in Vernon to cater to our Shuswap and Northern Okanagan clientele.

SEE AVALON EVENT | PAGE 8

Tripling Avalon’s inventory has ensured it has the products needed for all types of special occasions and events AVALON EVENT RENTALS

Avalon regularly participates in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by donating tents and other event products helping to raise awareness and funds AVALON EVENT RENTALS

Congratulations, Avalon Event Rentals on your 25th anniversary. We are proud to work with you and wish you continued success.

250-448-7359 | www.connectswireless.ca

Ideal Canopy Tent and Structure Limited # 102-13137 82A Avenue, Surrey 604-946-2410 info@idealcanopy.com | www.idealcanopy.com

8

AUGUST 2017

AVALON EVENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

The manager stayed with the company and is still working there in that position.”

Although the business continues to expand and is doing well, Buchanan is quick to point out that it is unique and very different from the food industry that he knew well. It has been both surprising and very satisfying.

“Our business is not only time sensitive; it can be emotional and at times logistically challenging.

We can have more than 30 events taking place on a weekend, from

There is great satisfaction when your hard work, planning and the overall look of the set-up comes together BRAD BUCHANAN OWNER AVALON EVENT RENTALS

weddings to golf tournaments, and each one is reliant on our tents and other products to make it a success.”

He added that the best part of the business is the smiles his company gets from very happy customers.

“There is great satisfaction when your hard work, planning and the overall look of the set-up comes together. In this industry, the show must go on no matter what, and we make sure it does and exactly as the client wants it to.”

While expanding and growing the event rental part of the business, Buchanan also began looking at acquiring a business that

Brad Buchanan (top left) feels strongly about supporting the Walk for the Cure as his youngest daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when she was 11 months old AVALON EVENT RENTALS

would supply a steady cash flow.

“Event rentals is a seasonal business. Winters can be lean.

I wanted a business that would be consistent throughout the year and not require too much involvement to operate, so I bought a portable sign business called Effective Portable Signs and renamed it Okanagan Portable Signs. The roadside signs with changeable lettering provide a cost-effective means of advertising for small business and are in high demand

throughout the year.”

A lt hou g h Ava lon h a s seen successful growth, Buchanan also makes sure it is involved in giving back to the community with a special focus on the Juven i le Diab ete s Re sea rch Foundation.

“My daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 11 months which is unusual. I’ve been very involved with the National Board of the Juven i le D i ab etes Resea rch Fou ndation a nd its Walk for

the Cure fund raiser for several years.”

The event hosts 30 walks in cities across Canada. Buchanan was the National Walk and local Kelowna Walk Chair for a number of years. He is committed to helping raise funds and awareness for connecting people dealing with Juvenile Diabetes through the event. His wife, Angela, is also involved, as the local Gala chair, as well as being involved in the “outreach” programs, helping newly

diagnosed families.

“T he walk usually attracts about 700-800 people for each city w it h a tota l a mou nt of about $7 to $8 million raised each yea r. Ava lon helps out loca l ly by supply i ng equ ipment, tenti ng a nd fi na ncia l donations.”

He added that as a business owner he has more autonomy when it comes to being philanthropic and it gives him a great feeling knowing he is contributing to his community. Other

Congratulations

Avalon Event Rentals

on your 25th Anniversary!

We’re proud to be part of the Avalon marketing team.

Cheers to continued success!

TheWebAdvisors.ca

Congratulations on 25 years of successful business!

The team at Pushor Mitchell wishes you many more.

250-762-2108

www.pushormitchell.com 301-1665 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2B3

9

AUGUST 2017

Brad Buchanan is very involved with the Walk for the Cure as National Chair and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation National group AVALON EVENT RENTALS

Avalon can be contracted to rent, set up and deliver tents of a variety of looks and material or will store and maintain individual company-owned tents AVALON EVENT RENTALS

Avalon rents equipment for diverse events from weddings to golf tournaments, casino parties and barbecues AVALON EVENT RENTALS

Avalon prides itself on making sure the delivery and set up runs smoothly and is exactly as the clients envisioned.

AVALON EVENT RENTALS

For Avalon’s casino parties, it provides all-new “Vegas” grade tables, professional dealers and room décor AVALON EVENT RENTALS

charities that are close to home include the Variety Children’s Charity events and Fat Cat Children’s Festival event where he

provides tenting as well as deep discounts.

“T his is a business where a lot of the time you are working

with families putting on events and parties. It’s a real positive t i me a nd one where cl ients tru ly appreciate how th i ngs a l l come together to ma ke a successful event. Having this business is like I’ve won the lottery and it’s because of our

TOP SHELF SYSTEMS ®

Pallet Racking & Shelving

Serving the BC Interior since 1981

Congratulations on your 25 th Anniversary!

1685 Powick Road Kelowna, BC V1X 4L1 Phone/Fax: 250-762-5949

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great clientele.”

H is customers have responded in kind. For the past th ree years in a row, Avalon has been awarded ‘gold’ and recog n ized for its customer satisfaction through the Best of Kelowna Awards. It’s an honour

Buchanan doesn’t take lightly and he plans on continuing to expand Avalon’s service reach a nd its com mu n it y m i nded philosophy.

Avalon Event Rentals is at #2 1660 Powick Road in Kelowna www.avalonrents.com

10

AUGUST 2017

AIRPORTS Airports Successfully Linking BC To The Rest Of The World Aviation Hubs An Increasing Important Regional Economic Engine

BY DAVID HOLMES

A

viation has played a massive role in the development of British Columbia, as an invaluable tool for industry, as a popular recreational activity and as a conduit for travelers from around the world. Even today there are some regions of the province so remote they can only be reached by air. An area as vast as British Columbia, covering nearly 945,000 square kilometers, has needed aviation and the complex infrastructure required to support the industry for it to grow and prosper.

Airports, as with other transportation hubs such as harbours or rail terminals, are much like small communities in their own right - as well as being significant regional economic engines.

Airports are landlords, employers, purchasers of services and products, taxpayers and direct links to the world beyond.

The Kelowna International Airport is currently undergoing a $92 million development program slated to complete in 2019

Sam Samaddar is the Airport Director of the Kelowna International Airport which is the third busiest in BC Aviation has played a major role in the development of British Columbia, a role that’s increasing in importance “I think that we’re the third fastest growing airport in the country among NAS (National Airport System) airports. Last year our traffic was up eight and half per cent and year to date six a half per cent. So we’re certainly on track to surpass where we were last year,” explained Geoff Dickson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA).

The largest airport on Vancouver Island and the second busiest in British Columbia after the Vancouver International Airport,

the Victoria International Airport began life as a wartime air station and has evolved over the years to become a leader in the provincial aviation community. One of 39 provincially certified airports in BC, the Victoria International Airport is an excellent example of how airports in the province have evolved to meet increased traffic demand, embraced new technology and have recognized business opportunities to remain economically viable.

According to the national umbrella organization, the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), Canada’s airports served 133 million passengers in 2015 (the most recent year the group has statistics), contributed $34.9 billion to the Canadian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and paid more than $7 billion in federal taxes. In addition 141,000 direct jobs and another 405,000 support jobs are linked to the operation of the nation’s airports.

A not her key pl ayer i n t he

provincial airport community is the Kelowna International Airport, which was ranked the 11th busiest in Canada by Transport Canada in 2016, just behind the Victoria International Airport which finished in 10th spot. During 2016 more than 1.7 million passengers traversed the terminal building - a number the City of Kelowna (operators of the airport) anticipates will grow to 3.5 million by 2045.

“We’re really in quite a big

AIRPORTS

AUGUST 2017

growth bubble right now having grown by just under nine per cent last year, with traffic up 14 per cent so far this year. In fact March 2017 was the busiest single month in the airport’s history, with more than 173,000 passengers passing through our doors,” Sam Samaddar, the Airport Director recently said.

City of Kelowna statistics show that in 2016 the airport provided $789 million in total economic output to the province and was responsible for more than 4,500 jobs in the region. An ongoing $92 million development program (slated for completion in 2019) will further enhance the airports ability to handle increasing traffic flows and will help prepare it for expected future growth.

All across the province airports of all sizes serve as links in the complex chain that is modern air transportation. In addition to the three major international airports, a host of smaller regional air hubs provide an invaluable service as feeder connectors to the major terminals. Airports in Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Kitimat / Terrace, Prince George and Kamloops are among the leading regional centers – links to a global community and powerhouses of regional industry.

For example the Prince George Airport saw more than 460,000 passengers pass through its terminal in 2016, topping its traffic estimates by 1.5 per cent. “Coming off of a big year like 2015 where

The Victoria International Airport is the largest on Vancouver Island and the second busiest in British Columbia Prince George hosted the Canada Winter Games and the economy slowed down, we were anticipating 455,000 passengers. We beat expectations by 1.5 per cent and beat 2014 passenger numbers by 3.5 per cent,” explained President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA), John Gibson in a media release.

By its very nature airports are major property owners, as modern

AGRITOURISM IN THE OKANAGAN TAKES OFF WITH NEW PROGRAM AT KELOWNA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport’s Farm to Flight program offered at YLW will provide travellers with the opportunity to take fresh, inseason fruit on the airplane to anywhere in Canada

K

ELOWNA - Last year, Kelowna International Airport, in a partnership with Skyway Group, Sysco Kelowna and De Simone Farms Ltd, launched a new program to connect domestic travellers returning home, with a unique and delicious piece of the Okanagan.

Farm to Flight is a collaborative effort highlighting the best of the region’s fruit and its deep roots with the agritourism industry.

“Travellers can purchase a cleverly designed box of fruit right in the departure room,” said Sam Samaddar, airport director. “The boxes fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in the aircraft.”

For Samaddar, the idea came from seeing other signature food products traveling across the country.

“If lobster can get shipped across the country, why not Okanagan fruit? People come from across Canada and the world to experience our local produce. The Farm to Flight program allows domestic travellers to take a bite of the Okanagan back with them.”

Designed to preserve the quality of the fruit at every level, the package’s storage and transport has been carefully considered to ensure an undamaged and gift-ready product, whether its cherries, peaches, pears or apples.

“Nothing beats opening up a box of fresh, ready-to-eat cherries at a board meeting or receiving a fresh box of peaches as a business gift,” he said.

Emphasizing that the fruit is of premium quality, Samaddar said that what the farming community brings to tourism in the Okanagan is vitally important and the program is how the airport can be a part of promoting it.

“We are committed to supporting the role of agriculture and agritourism in our region. Farm to Flight provides a unique opportunity to promote the Okanagan across the country.” https://ylw.kelowna.ca

aviation requires expansive areas of land to conduct its business.

One unique exception to this is in the world of helicopter aviation.

Like with its fixed wing cousins, rotary wing aviation is also experiencing an increase in interest and traffic from the traveling public.

Pacific Heliport Services, the operator of heliports in Nanaimo, Vancouver and Victoria Harbour

has also recorded significant spikes in traffic, specifically at its Nanaimo heliport which is used by Helijet International Inc. “Since opening, two years ago, Pacific Heliport Services has noted that the passenger traffic through Nanaimo Harbour Heliport has doubled,” explained Jay Minter, Helijet’s Director of Marketing.

“Since expanding the apron at Nanaimo Harbour Heliport in

11 November 2016, the Heliport has received 100+ Air Medical flights that, due to the temporary closure of the helipad at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, would have had to land at Nanaimo Airport or elsewhere and be transported that additional distance by ground transportation. At this time Pacific Heliport Services do not have any plans for other Heliport expansions or additions.”

At the Victoria International Airport passenger traffic nearly reached the two million mark last years, a source of pride for its operators. “We’re bumping 1.9 million last year which is very exciting. We currently have something like 2,300 people connected with the Airport in terms of employment and the airport is certainly a big economic engine for the Capital Region,” Dickson explained.

“We cover an area of 1,200 acres so there room to expand for future airport development. We certainly have a lot of room to grow and also have a lot of interesting land development opportunities for tenants as well.”

From a pr ivate a i rst r ip i n Northern British Columbia or on some remote Cariboo ranch, to a glittering International Airport connecting to points around the world, the BC airport sector is an increasingly important economic engine for regional growth and local employment, a role that will become increasingly important in the decades to come.

12

OFF THE COVER

AUGUST 2017

IRON ROAD BREWING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“We both have a passion for craft beer and as R ichard and I are both geologists by training we bring that scientific curiosity to the products we produce,” Tarswell said.

Finishing touches were being put to Iron Road Brewing last month

Using state of the art equipment the new craft brewery will focus initially on different brands of ales and lagers “Brewing is very much a scientific undertaking, much like chemistry. We found ourselves both working in Vancouver but wanted to return to the Interior for a variety of reasons. As we had

both grown up in the region we began to look for a place to move back to. We both had a love for craft beer so we decided to work on this together, settling on Kamloops as it is centrally located and is not an over saturated market for craft beer.”

T he heart of the operation is its 15 hectoliter (1,500 liters) Brewhouse where the fledgling firm’s range of ales and lagers will be produced. Under the stewardship of Head Brewer Aaron MacInnis, the company will be producing three key products initially, supplemented by seasonal samplings that could be added to the final beer lines if they prove popular. “We are producing beers in 1,500 liter batches, which will be distributed either directly from the brewery at our Tap Room and through local cold beer and wine stores,” Phillips said.

The inaugural product line will feature three primary core brands: a lager, pale ale and an IPA (India Pale Ale). Initially

The company’s Head Brewer Aaron MacInnis looks after Iron Road’s 15 hectoliter Brewhouse

customers will be able to make purchases in kegs, bombers (a 22 ounce bottle) and in cans.

For the pair the location and the time were rig ht to ma ke th is rig ht a ng le shift into an entirely different profession. “We toured around to decide if we wanted to live in Kamloops, visited other places in the area but in the end we fell in love with the city. It was the right mix, the right time and the right opportunity,” Tarswell said.

T he name Iron Road is a tribute to the pioneering railway companies who helped to open up the region more than a

century ago – with their own enterprise a form of corporate pioneering of their own. Once open, in addition to the Tap Room there will also be a small Mexican themed restaurant producing foods that would complement the firm’s beer lines.

A dream brought to fruition, a career shift with positive results Iron Road Brewing has built up a head of steam as it begins its new journey. “We’re local and we plan to support the local market.

Our goal is simple, to produce the kinds of beers that people in Kamloops are going to want to drink,” Phillips said. www.ironroadbrewing.ca

OKANAGAN COLLEGE PROVIDES DAYCARE FOR STUDENTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC

PENTICTON BRANDY MASLOWSKI

I

n response to the need for children and families in the South Okanagan region to have greater access to high quality child care, Okanagan College is building a child care centre at the Penticton campus, which is scheduled to open in September 2017.

Okanagan College has partnered with the Penticton and District Community Resources Society (PDCRS), who will be operating the facility. The Centre will provide 64 spaces for infants and toddlers, ages 3-5 daycare, preschool programs and after school care. The Centre will allow the College to better support its students, employees and the local community in addressing their child care needs. It features a unique extended hours operating model ensuring that students and College employees in daytime and

nighttime classes will have access to licensed child care.

It will also support families in the community who work extended hours or shift work.

Building on the College’s standards of environmental excellence achieved in the Jim Pattison Centre for Excellence, the centre is already piquing interest for its innovation in sustainable construction. Penticton builder Ritchie Custom Homes is constructing the new 4,000 square foot facility which will be the first certified Passive House child care centre in Canada using 80-90 per cent less energy than a standard child care facility, decreasing annual operating costs.

The building is designed to LEED Platinum standards and has the goal of meeting net zero energy by including solar technology and monitoring systems. The Centre also includes a 4,000 square foot outdoor play space to encourage children to explore the outdoors in a learning environment constructed of natural materials.

The project provides opportunities for college students to be involved in the design and construction of the facility and will serve as a practicum site for students in the Early Childhood Education program at the College.

The construction cost of the facility is $1.2 million. As announced in the fall of 2016, the Ministry of Children and

Family Development has provided $500,000 through its Child Care Major Capital Funding program towards the building. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” has never been more true in the South Okanagan for the College’s Bright from the Start: Building for the Future campaign seeks support from individuals and organizations in the community to reach the fundraising goal of $700,000.

The campaign has inspired brother-and-sister Quentin and Allison Markin to issue a unique donation-matching challenge to alumni of Okanagan College and Okanagan University College. The Markin twins attended the College for the first year of their post-secondary education and are prepared to match alumni donations to the child care centre campaign, up to a collective total of $10,000, to help raise $20,000 toward the campaign goal. Alumni have until the centre opens this fall to have their donation matched and can make a contribution at www.okanagan.bc.ca/alumni.

Donate today or learn more about the centre at www. okanagan.bc.ca/give Brandy Maslowski is the Executive Director at the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 778.476.3111 or director@penticton.org.

13

AUGUST 2017

Canada’s Tournament Capital Gearing Up For First Ever Event City Of Kamloops Inaugural Tournament Capital Games Runs September 8 To 10

K

AMLOOPS – Having hosted everything from multiple hockey tournaments to the BC Seniors Games, the City of Kamloops has become known as a city of tournaments. Now, taking that designation to heart, this September the city will present the inaugural staging of the Tournament Capital Games (TC Games), a multi-sport event drawing adult athletes to the community from across the province.

“They hold an event down in St. George, Utah each year called the Huntsman Games. It’s a major sporting event that has been going since the late 1980’s. The games were developed to generate activity in the community, to invite a large number of people to town and to have some fun – an event so successful it’s being going on now for more than 30 years,” explained Sean Smith, the City of Kamloops’ Tournament Capital and Special Events Supervisor.

“We believe we put on the best tournaments anywhere in North

America. We have some of the best facilities, a core of great volunteers, have easy access, terrific weather and have spent a lot of money on new and improved sporting venues – facilities that are rare in a community our size.

Our motto is Canada’s Tournament Capital, so this upcoming event is a further development of that concept.”

The hosting of annual sporting challenges such as these games has proven very successful elsewhere.

During the most recent Huntsman Games for example more than 10,000 people converged on this comparably sized American city – generating a great deal of positive promotional value while boosting the local business community.

Running from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10, the TC Games will feature a variety of different athletic activities including track and field, women’s mountain biking, women’s hockey, pickleball, slo-pitch, soccer, squash, swimming, volleyball, and tennis.

A number of different athletic events will take place during the TC Games, including various swimming challenges “The City plays a supporting role to a number of different sporting events over the course of the year.

Such as minor hockey, youth soccer, TRU (Thompson River University) volleyball, basketball and we’ll have

SUNNYBRAE WINS GOLD

SALMON ARM CORRYN GRAYSTON

T

he Prestige Harbourfront Resort is very pleased to announce some exciting changes to their beautiful lakefront resort. Don Cherry’s Sports Grill is their newest lounge where you can watch the big game or enjoy a casual dining experience with friends. For a finer cuisine experience check out the Sandbar Restaurant. The Sandbar Restaurant is also thrilled to present “Taste of the Shuswap”, a five course culinary extravaganza offering the very best pairings of locally sourced food and wines from the Shuswap region. Hosted every Wednesday evening this delicious experience showcases the talents of Chef Dan and local winemakers.

Wednesday on the Wharf talent adds a musical background to this delicious experience. Seating is limited for each dinner – contact the Sandbar Restaurant directly at (250) 833-1154 to make reservations.

■■■ Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery are extremely proud to share their recent success at the All Canadian Wine Championships – 2017. Winning gold in the category of single red hybrids, was Redneck Red 2015 - a full, fruit forward and very approachable red wine made with 100 per cent Marechal Foch, grown at the winery. Turner Road 2015 also took home gold at the same event - a versatile estate blend with a medley of fresh fruit, citrus and hints of apple - a blend of Kerner and Schonburger, 100

a national men’s soccer tournament happening here in November – so this is one of many events that the community will host this year. But it will be unique in the fact that it is wholly City-driven,” he said.

CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW GM

per cent grown at Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery. Located at 3849 SunnybraeCanoe Point Road, you are invited to relax and enjoy wine tastings on their beautiful deck overlooking Shuswap Lake. Go to www.sunnybraewinery.com for winery hours.

■■■ Everyone is busy getting ready for our incredibly popular 3-day musical event – Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival - taking place from August 18 – 20. Celebrating its 25th year as a world renowned musical celebration, this year will once again offer an event that ties incredible music with culinary delights from an international food village, a fun zone for children and an artisan market place featuring handcrafted Canadian made originals. With four day-time stages and two evening stages, festival goers will be surrounded at all times by amazing music and talented artists! Go to www.rootsandblues. ca to check out the extraordinary lineup of performers.

■■■ Something to Crow About is the theme of the 2017 Salmon Arm Fair which happens September 8 -10 at the Salmon Arm Fall Fairgrounds. Committee members are excited to share their own milestone of 120 years as a Fair along with the 150th birthday of Canada. This year the President’s Choice SuperDogs are here to help celebrate Canada’s birthday and as always the Fair showcases a multitude of agricultural and artisan exhibits, antique farming equipment, livestock and the Shooting Star Midway. The Fair Parade takes place Saturday starting at 10:45 am. Go to www. salmonarmfair.com for all the details.

Corryn Grayston is the General Manager at the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at (250) 832-6247 or admin@ sachamber.bc.ca.

The event isn’t exclusively about competition either, as there is a definite social and entertainment element to the weekend celebration. A ‘Saturday Night Social’ will take place September 9 at the City’s Riverside Park. Activities at the Social are open to the public and games registrants alike and will include live music at the Park’s bandshell, a range of tempting food trucks, an adult beverage garden and other fun activities. The weekend event is supported by Tourism Kamloops, the Kamloops Sports Council, and multiple local sport organizations.

“We’re hoping for between 800 and 1,000 people to participate in our first year, with the Games really intended for adult participants,” Smith said.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun so we invite everyone to come to Kamloops, enjoy yourself, enjoy our community and keep us in mind the next time you’re planning a vacation.” www.tournamentcapitalgames. com

VERNON DIONE CHAMBERS

W

it h on ly a few d ays at t he Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce u nder my belt, t here has been much i n t he way of news, that business should be watchi n g closely. W it h w i ld f i re s b u r ni ng t h roug h m a ny a reas of BC a nd the ongoing threat of wildfires imm i nent, we w i l l be mon itori ng not on ly t he i mpacts to bu si ness over the norma l ly busy su m mer season but on how business should prepare i n t he event of a n at u ra l d i sa ster.

This is a time to check business insurance policies and ensure proper documentation has been backed up o n p o r t a b l e d e v i c e s a n d i m p o r tant documentation moved to cloud tech nolog y. Ta ke cu rrent pictu res of your place of business, prepare an emergency plan with your staff. BC Economic Development Association has a very comprehensive list of how to prepare your business in case of an emergency.

I n other news from the P rov i nce, with the swearing in of Premier John Horgan in July and his new cabinet u nvei led, notable ch a nges a re t he creation of a new Ministry of Menta l Hea lt h a nd Add ict ion s, a s wa s

promised in the NDP platform. Some o t h e r n o te wo r t h y c h a n ge s to t h e Ministries included reconstituting a stand-alone Ministry of Labour and removing a stand-alone Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction wh i le col lapsi ng the M i n istry of I nter n at ion a l T rade i nto a new economic development ministry, the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technolog y. T he Greater Vernon Cha mber of Com merce is looking forward to working with the Provincial Government on behalf of business.

Noteworthy news is the cancellation of the mu ltibi l l ion dol la r LNG Pet rona s proje c t. I wa s for t u n ate to travel with a number of Chamber of Commerce delegates from across Canada in the fall of 2016 to see the LNG site and to speak with many of the stakeholders within the region.

The federal government had set goals of increasing investment in Canada and reducing the barriers to investment. It is u nclear what all factors h ave pl aye d i nto t he L NG proje c t cancellation, however with a competitive global market, the importance of relieving regulatory burdens and tax reductions to encourage inve s t ment i s cr it ic a l to P rov i nci a l economic stability as well as Federal stability.

F i n a l l y, w e l c o m e t o t h e n e w est members of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce; Don Cherry’s Sports Grill, BX Creek Bar and Grill, Kalwest Farms, Boostraps Lifeskills a nd Graph ic E nter pr ise Sig n s a nd Designs Ltd.

Dione Chambers is the General Manager at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

She can be reached at (250) 545-0771 or manager@vernonchamber.ca

OFF THE COVER

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AUGUST 2017

SPOTLESS UNIFORM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

higher volume of camp laundry.

We’ll be the only company capable of processing this volume while still providing a high level of quality, in BC or Alberta.

Serving a client base of more than 2,500, Spotless Uniform

Spotless Uniform and Linen Service operates a fleet of trucks to service its clients across BC and Northern Alberta

Based in Prince George, Spotless Uniform’s main facility is a 22,000 square foot state of the art facility

The company has a client list of more than 2,500, providing a commercial laundry service and uniform rentals works for a huge list of industrial and commercial customers ranging from metal fabrication shops to auto repair businesses, and firms such as restaurants and hotels. “Our market area is all of BC and northern Alberta,” Heighington said.

Fou nd e d i n 19 47 b y Norm Heighington, the current owner’s

This industrial laundry company has been serving clients across the province for more than seven decades Grandfather, Spotless Uniform began life as Superior Laundry and Cleaners, the first commercial and industrial steam laundry in Prince George. After the

founder moved to Terrace his son Ken Heighington opened Plaza-4 Dry Cleaners, continuing the tradition of providing excellence in laundry service. Rebranded

Spotless Uniform the company, under the guidance of current owner Shaun Heighington, has expanded dramatically in both services and market area.

Operati ng i n a state of the art 22,000 square foot facility, Spotless Uniform operates a fleet of 14 delivery vehicles, has a staff count of 65 and provides a range of services that include selling uniforms, coveralls and customized welcome mats, a product that is regularly changed to keep entranceways clean. The uniforms and coveralls provided by the company can also be custom embroidered

with company logos. The company currently operates service depots in the Okanagan and in Vancouver.

“The future looks good. We have the facilities in place, we can offer very competitive prices and a level of service to our customers our larger competitors just can’t provide. We’re investing in the future and look forward to what lies ahead,” he said.

“We’re always adding to the business with new equipment and we’re on the lookout for good people so we’re definitely in a growth mode.” www.spotlessuniform.com

chefs are looking for work and more than willing to relocate to our region, however finding a place to live is the number one drawback to this possible solution. Solving high season housing concerns needs our attention and any possible options should not be ruled out.

Some h ave ta l ked ab out a program to have seniors host workers for the summer in their homes, options for tiny housing or old school conversions, transportation support from larger centers to smaller ones…there are no “bad ideas” as we work through this process.

Our food and beverage industry is a vital part of the region, our story, our brand and our success. It is not impossible to turn this situation around but it does

require innovative thinking for the short term and the collective efforts of strategic planning for the future. If you are looking for employees this summer or anytime year round don’t forget our colleagues at go2HR offer a “free” job board where employers can post all of their job listings.

We invite your comments and ideas on helping to keep our kitchens cooking! I don’t know about you but if I didn’t eat out… well…I likely wouldn’t eat much at all!

NOT ENOUGH COOKS IN THE KITCHEN

THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM GLENN MANDZUIK

W

hat is keeping me up at night is not a new story for our industry

but it is one that requires, careful thought, immediate attention and creative solutions. Tourism operators have been experiencing labour shortages for many years now, it was something we were warned would occur and something that has and will continue to cause challenges in a wide variety of industry positions.

Initially shortages were apparent in areas such as housekeeping, front desk and front line serving staff however more recently it is ou r restau ra nt kitchens that are being seriously affected. Line cooks, sous chefs, chefs de cuisine, “the Chefs” are missing in our kitchens and that actually means something is not cooking!

I n spea k i ng w it h i nd iv iduals such as Jonathon Rouse at

Okanagan College, there are a number of factors that need to be considered as we work together to solve this alarming situation.

One key for the longer term is training and education which will assist in expanding the pool of talent but that requires employers to work with our various institutes allowing/encouraging employees to enroll in apprentice courses; something that is not happening currently. Classes are being cancelled and student’s seats lost to other faculties, seats that will be harder and harder to get back if we don’t work together to fill them.

More immediately some of our shortages could be addressed by our neighbours to the east, in Alberta, where an abundance of food and beverage staff including

SPECIAL FEATURE | SEPTEMBER ISSUE MEETING PLACES The September issue of Business Examiner will be shining the spotlight on Meeting Places & Convention Centres.

Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to highlight your company to our business readers across your region!

Glenn Mandziuk is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region. He can be reached at ceo@ totabc.com

AN IDEAL ADYERTISING OPPORTUNITY FOR: CONVENTION & CONFERENCE CENTRES TOURISM • HOTELS CATERERS TRADE SHOWS • EVENTS • CONFERENCES CONFEREN CES MEETENG & EVENT PLANNERS TRADE SHOW SERVICES & SUPPLIERS and more!

Deadline for booking is August 18th.

KAMLOOPS

AUGUST 2017

15

NINE TIPS FOR BUSINESS GIVING BACK THE RIGHT THING TO DO OWNERS FORCED TO EVACUATE FOR ZIMMER AUTOGROUP

KAMLOOPS DEB MCLELLAND

A

s I write this month’s column we have been facing a significant crisis in BC. 40,000 residents have been displaced and are arriving on the doorsteps of those communities which are fortunate enough to not be experiencing wildfires.

In trying times, we see the best in people, residents, businesses and even evacuees. Our reception centres are staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by volunteers who put their lives on hold to care for strangers. As a community we rally around those affected, to support each other.

We all step up our donations to food banks, charities and nonprofits. We do this not because we have to; because we are united in our belief that strong communities stand together in the tough times. As we work our way through this particularly challenging summer, I am so proud of our members and citizens who give so much.

Here are nine tips for Business Owners forced to evacuate: 1. Turn off and unplug all non-essential appliances and equipment. Fires can cause brownouts, outages or power spikes. Unplugging your equipment will save the equipment from fa i l i ng a nd potentia l ly costly repairs when you return.

2. Let your insurance company know you are shuttering your business and evacuating. It’s a good idea to start a claim even if you have to stop it later, to get the process started.

3. Have an alternate phone number and stop as much letter mail as possible until the crisis has ended. If you can set up online accounts do so, as it makes all your

NE

WS

account information accessible no matter where you are.

4. Keep all essential information handy, such as account numbers, insurance contacts, passports, and statements. This allows you to have core information if and when you need it.

5. Think about privacy. When you are registering for assistance ask about how your information will be used and who will have access. Protect all nonessential information.

6. Have a plan to contact staff and contractors. This includes a lternate phone numbers and contacts. As soon as you close, contact all employees and advise them of your longer term plan.

7. Have a longer term plan. If an incident were to occur, what will you need to have, know and do? Then, when we are allowed back in to reopen, what process will you follow to get the doors re-opened?

8. Take care of yourself and your business first. A rule of first responders is to take care of yourself, so you are able to help others.

9. Save only the important things. It’s tempting to try and save everything.

Instead assess what is difficult to replace; what will you really need to re-open.

Take these items before anything else.

■■■ Finally, on a more positive note: the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards are coming up on October 21st. This year we received 722 nominations for 181 businesses in the Kamloops area.

Coming up on September 7th, we will be making the nominee announcement for the Awards.

Tickets for this premier business event go on sale on September 8th and sell out every year. Watch our website for more information: www.kamloopschamber.ca Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached email at deb@kamloopschamber.ca.

Visit

BusinessExaminer.ca

Today!

Evacuees get a break from their current reality with Cineplex movie passes

R

o b Z i m m e r, o w n e r o f Zimmer Autogroup and father of four knew that recent evacuee families were having a tough go of it. Not just with fear of the unknown, but

well as the Furball Campaign for the SPCA. M a rket i ng M a n ager, Samantha Hayes said that Zimmer Autogroup particularly likes providing sponsorships as they are more about relationships and aligning values with the organization and fundraising priorities.

“We provide sponsorships to the Royal Inland Hospital, the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, Minor Hockey and baseball. Recently, we purchased a

jerseys,” he said. “Last year we donated a Mercedes-Benz to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation and ended up raising $130,000.”

T h is strong con nection to t he c om mu n it y a c t u a l ly h e l p e d Z i m m e r A u to g ro u p w in a prestigious Com muni t y D r i v e r Aw a rd f ro m t h e New Car Dealers Association of BC. But for Zimmer, it isn’t so much about winning awards or even gaining recognition.

It’s mostly about doing what

Samantha Hayes hands out Cineplex movie passes to wildfire evacuees

Rob Zimmer and Zimmer Autogroup regularly supports the Furball campaign for the SPCA

ZIMMER AUTOGROUP

ZIMMER AUTOGROUP

also in trying to keep kids from goi ng st i r cra z y at reg ion a l evacuation centres.

“I figured parents would be having a hard time keeping kids occupied, so I went out and got some pre-paid Cineplex movie passes. It would be a chance for people to have a bit of family fun and a break from their current reality.”

Zi m mer ex pla i ned that h is dad and past business partner strongly believed in supporting the local community.

“Dad a lways sa id t h at you have to be good to your community. I call it the Circle of Life, it comes around. If you give help, everybody is better off because of it. All of us, at one time or another will need the services of our local hospital. Supporting it keeps those valuable dollars in town.”

There aren’t that many charities that Zimmer Autogroup won’t support, especially if it positively impacts children. He is a long-time supporter of 4H through the annual purchase of a couple steers and lambs as

new furnace for the Kamloops Hospice Association.”

Zimmer pointed out that part of the success of the Autogroup has come from its community minded spirit.

“Go to most sporting events i n to w n a n d yo u’ l l u s u a l ly se e t h e Z i m m er Autog roup logo and sign on t-shirts and

is right for people in need and helping youth grow strong and successful.

“We need to stick together,” he said, because helping one person ripples outward and ultimately ends up helping many.

Zimmer Autogroup is at 685 Notre Dame Drive in Kamloops www.zimmerwheatongm.com

Proud support Proud to support ZimmerDesign Auto and Evolve Group. their Foundry project. #404- 235 1st Avenue 100 395 -Penno Road Kamloops, V2C 3J4 Kelowna,BC V1X 7W5 Phone: (250) (250) 765-1150 Phone: 765-1150 Fax: (250) (250) 765-7115 Fax: 765-7115 info@heritageoffice.com info@heritageoffice.com

16

AUGUST 2017

BATHS BY DESIGN: CHANCE JOB OFFER LEADS TO LIFELONG PROFESSION Returning Home Girl Creates a Niche Market for Unique, High Quality Local Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories

K

ELOWNA - Twenty-five years ago, when stay-athome mom Mary Ann Gill, was asked to help out at a friend’s retail store, she wasn’t expecting it to lead to a full-time career and business. Living in Toronto while her husband worked in high end surveillance van conversions, the Kelowna native, enjoyed being at home with her two children. But when opportunity came knocking, she felt she had to at least listen!

“A couple, that a friend of mine knew, owned a bath boutique and were having a baby soon and needed someone to help out for a day or two a week. I said I would help. But the baby came early and I ended up running the store a day after starting. I was only 21 with babies of my own at home and knew nothing about the industry,” she said.

She recounts that, after her first two weeks, she fell in love with

the job and hasn’t looked back.

“I ran the store for two years until my husband got transferred back to Vancouver. After a few months there however, we decided we wanted to live in the Okanagan.”

W hen they arrived, as luck would have it, Andrew Sheret’s, Splashes division was looking for a retail associate; she applied and worked there for two years.

“What I learned at the store back east, is that I like the freedom of choosing what I sell. I want customers to be able to pick from more than just A or B and be able to choose higher quality and specialty designs. I saw a niche for a unique retail store supplying competitively priced high-end bath and kitchen fixtures and opened Baths By Design. It’s been 25 years and I’ve seen some fascinating changes in the industry as well as some beautiful bathrooms and kitchens.”

For Gill, the best changes are in bathtubs and not just in how they are made but also in how they are used.

“We’ve come a long way from sharing bathwater once a week or even filling up a small enamel tub with hot water. Now you can find tubs in a variety of material

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Mary Ann Gill saw a niche market for a unique retail store for plumbing supplies and with husband Ron, opened Baths By Design BATHS BY DESIGN

THE MADE TO MEASURE COLLECTION

CREATE YOUR MOMENT momenti.riobel.ca

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17

AUGUST 2017

Jade Cuddihy joined the Baths

By Design team one year ago BATHS BY DESIGN

For Mary Ann Gill the biggest change in bath fixtures and accessories has been in the bathtub itself and in its design

After 15 years with Baths By Design Amanda has a loyal following of designers and repeat customers BATHS BY DESIGN

not be the cheapest but they will last the longest, and they have a warranty to prove it.

“Ninety-eight per cent of the products I sell in the store are from Canada, the US and Europe and boasts a manufacturers lifetime warranty,” she stated.

“People will come in years later and say a part needs replacing a nd t hey a re su r pr i sed a nd pleased when there is no charge.

Plus, only two per cent of our suppliers are not in business after 25 years!”

Bei ng a bath boutique a nd catering to a niche market, Baths

By Design has had some strange requests. One of the most interesting for Gill was a request for a

movie shot.

“They came into the shop and saw one of ou r ha nd-blow n glass sink/countertops. It has bubbles embedded in the glass and chrome legs. It’s quite stunning. They felt it was perfect for a specific scene. We got a cheque for it and when they finished filming it was returned to the store. I went to give back the cheque but they said no need.”

The business has definitely become a family affair for the Gills.

Mary Ann’s husband, Ron, is coowner and the mechanical and glass side of the business success equation.

SEE BATHS BY DESIGN | PAGE 18

BATHS BY DESIGN

from copper to marble, rock and wood. And having a bath can now be a nightly and opulent event with aromatherapy, candles and a glass of wine.”

The focus of Baths By Design is on first using local Canadian made quality products, from the tub to the tap. From there, anything goes.

“People are very creative with what they are thinking to explore for their bathrooms that hasn’t been done before,” Gill said. “Over the years, we’ve done quite a few National Hockey League players’ homes and they like phenomenal bathrooms and kitchens. One such tub was made of stone, picked direct

from the quarry, designed and hand sculpted in California, with sinks to match, and then shipped and craned into the home. It was beautiful and a work of art.”

Baths By Design also has First Nations artists hand hammering copper and nickel bathtubs and sinks with unique Native artistry.

“Toilets haven’t changed technology much; you either pull a chain or push a lever and water flushes waste out. But with the bathtub, we even had one with the sides made of sheets of glass.”

Gill said that the accessories Baths By Design carries, from heated towel bars to make-up mirrors and everything in between, focus on local Canadian

dealers and manufacturers.

“My philosophy is to sell as local as possible because this is where we live. When I first started, instead of selling the standard faucets you see at every outlet store, I wanted to bring in Canadian made high quality products from people who really cared about their trade and craft. One of these products I started with is Riobel out of Quebec, originally called Selection 25.

She added that with the public becoming more aware of the importance of buying local there is a shift in thinking and purchase habits. They are also looking at how things are made as well as where. For Gill, her products may

25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

NOW THAT’S SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT (OR TOWEL) ON

CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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BATHS BY DESIGN

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18

AUGUST 2017

BATHS BY DESIGN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

“At the end of the day, we respect each other,” said Gill concerning how she and her husband cope with living, playing and working together. “We know when we need to be quiet and let the other person speak. Ron is more mechanical and can dissect and trouble shoot a problem and will keep going until he finds a solution. I’m more the internal and customer service person that works directly with suppliers, contractors and homeowners.”

Their daughter, 31-year-old Karla, also works for the company as its custom glass installer.

“She’s a great asset to the company,” said Gill. “She can heft 100 pounds of glass and climb stairs to the tenth floor if need be and is very good at her job. Now that we have developed the glass division with glass components that include railings and frameless showers, it’s great that we have her working with us.”

With its local roots through Gill, Baths By Design regularly gives back to its community in various forms, whether it’s the form of a cheque or products or making a wish come true. “ We h a d t he Ma ke a Wish

Karla Gill, head installer and her assistant Dylan Basso put finishing touches on a frameless glass shower

After 12 years with Baths By Design, Melissa is strong technically and has a dedicated following of builders

BATHS BY DESIGN

BATHS BY DESIGN

Derek has been with the company for 15 years and has a large clientele base from the UK

Taking a bath has become an opulent event that can include aromatherapy, candles relaxing music and wine

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BATHS BY DESIGN

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AUGUST 2017

I want customers to be able to pick from more than just A or B and be able to choose higher quality and specialty designs MARY ANN GILL OWNER BATHS BY DESIGN

Over the years, Baths By Design has created bathrooms for National Hockey League players’ homes and as Gill said, they like phenomenal bathrooms BATHS BY DESIGN

Foundation contact us with a request from a child. He didn’t want the usual trip to Disneyland, he wanted a bathtub, one he could get in and out of easily. We donated the tub and made a lovely young man very happy. That felt really good.”

Although Gill fell into the bathroom industry by an off-chance

request, it certainly was serendipitous for her and her family.

Not only have they been able to live and grow in the city of choice, Kelowna, but they have also been able to give something back to the community in which they, as a family, have grown up.

“We have staff that have been with us long term that are like family, Amanda and Derek have been with us for 15 years, Melissa for 12 years and Jade joined the team one year ago,” Gill said. “It’s a fun place to work, not just for the unique requests, but also for the everyday joy of helping a customer put together their dream bathroom and kitchen, putting their own stamp on it and making it a stand-out room they want to spend time in.”

Baths By Design is at 451 Banks Road in Kelowna www.bathsbydesign.net

Many of the unique designs Mary Ann sees are driven by her customers creativity and imagination BATHS BY DESIGN

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20

MOVERS AND SHAKERS to services and products in the area.

Nearly the whole cost of the Maple Pass goes toward the Let’s Go Together Program, which benefits people in the community.

AUGUST 2017

Kelowna Chamber, Baziuk helped to develop the Top 40 program, Women’s Leadership Network, and Young People in Business.

Jesse Clipperton is the new manager of Long Drugs.

KELOWNA ELLA, a development project by Mission Group, was named as the first Kelowna condo tower to receive a Walk Score® of 97 out of 100 for its ease of access to local social, cultural, entertainment, dining and transportation amenities.

The high rise, located on Lawrence Avenue and Ellis Stre et, is the first LEED® concrete tower in the surrounding area, and the first concrete high rise in the Bernard District. The 20-storey development features 116 condo units and unobstructed views on all sides.

The 2013 ‘Small Lot’ Semillon Icewine from Summerhill Pyramid Winery received a perfect 100-point score and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Surej Dhillon, has opened Dhillon Notary Public, at 102-2041 Harvey Avenue in the Main Street Centre. Surej previously worked at TD Bank for 10 years and has lived in Kelowna for the past 26 years. He is also fluent in Punjabi.

A Vista Villa Couples Retreat, located at 962 Ryder Drive, has received a

the giveaway, each customer that purchased a vehicle in June became eligible to win one of 10 consolation prizes and a grand prize of $10,000. Chances were 1 in 182, and customers Rickie and Melissa Donnelly were this year’s winners.

Marty Berman, owner of Amber Millwork Ltd, at 110 – 842 McCurdy Place, has been named to the Woodworking Networks 2017 Wood Industry 40 Under 40. The award acknowledges innovators in the industry.

Berman was among almost 100 names submitted from around the world. The awards took place in Las Vegas on July 18th.

Total Interiors, a company that provides design and furniture for homes, businesses, offices, health care providers, educational facilities, and hospitality professionals, has been acquired by new owner, Abhinav Kanti.

Turner Volkswagen has been named to the 2017 Wolfsburg Crest Club, an honour recognizing the best Volkswagen dealerships in Canada. Only 12 other VW dealerships in the country received this designation this year. To qualify, dealerships must meet “exemplary benchmarks” in the categories of vehicle sales, customer satisfaction, service excellence, and parts sales.

Bliss Bakery, operated by Barry and Darci Yeo, has opened a new location at 272 Bernard Avenue. Their other locations include Peachland, Ellis Street and Carrington Road in West Kelowna. They use locally grown ingredients.

Floral Designs by Lee owned and operated

by Lee Barber has opened at 180 Asher Road.

EZ Bins Ltd of Penticton has expanded into Kelowna. The waste management company supplies construction and demolition bins from Kelowna to the US border for residential and commercial use.

Vincent Stufano is the new executive chef at the Hotel Eldorado. He was formerly the Executive Chef for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Stephanie Baziuk

QB Gelato, operated by Victor Laderoute and Kevin Bojda opened its doors at 1884 Dayton Street in Landmark 6. Both Laderoute and Bojda attended the Italy Gelato University. Madeleine Saikaley is head gelato maker.

The Okanagan Centre for Innovation was named as the recipient of the Stan Rogers Memorial Award at this year’s British Columbia Economic Development Association Summit. The award recognizes a specific project in either the public or private sector that has made a marked impact on a local economy.

Samantha Barker has joined Farris, Vaughn, Wills & Murphy LLP as an associate. She practices in the areas of corporate and commercial law, residential and commercial real estate, and wills and estates.

Krystina Rossworm, has opened Beach Bum Tours.

Glow Juicery has opened a second location in downtown Kelowna in the new Okanagan Centre for Innovation on Ellis Street. The franchise is owned by Kathleen Treadgold and has provided fresh plant based food and pressed juices since first opening in 2015.

Okanagan Strata Management has changed their name to Pacific Quorum (Okanagan) Properties Inc. in an effort to better align the brand of its Okanagan operations with the PQ Group of Companies.

Turner Volkswagen receives a 2017 Wolfsburg Crest Club award Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for their exemplary service and earning great reviews from travelers.

Lifeworks Family Chiropractic celebrated their 10th anniversary in business on July 29th with a party that included a family BBQ, entertainment, and live music.

Additionally, the business is offering a $10 wellness check-up with all of the proceeds going to the food bank.

July 5th marked the fourth annual $10,000 cash giveaway at Kelowna Hyundai & Buy Direct Truck Centre. For

Arrowleaf Academics and Outdoor Education, started in January 2017 has expanded their program to include Kindergarten and grade 1 as well as grades 2-6. www.arrowleaf.ca The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce recently held a Commerce ConneX event at The Vibrant Vine to showcase the Maple Pass, a value card partnership with Let’s Go Transportation. The pass will support and promote local businesses and tourist attractions by providing discounts and added value

Pushor Mitchell LLP welcomes Patrick Bobyn and Justin Dalton as associate lawyers. Bobyn will be practicing primarily in the area of business law, real estate, wills, estates and trusts while Dalton will work primarily in the areas of First Nations Law, commercial litigation and real estate litigation.

Patrick Bobyn has joined the firm of Pushor Mitchell LLP as an associate lawyer. He will be practicing primarily in the area of business law and real estate as well as wills, estates and trusts. bobyn@ pushormitchell.com. Justin Dalton has also joined the firm as an associate lawyer. He will be practicing primarily in the areas of First Nation Law, commercial litigation and real estate litigation.

After almost three years with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Stephanie Baziuk will be departing her position as Program Director for new opportunities with UBC Okanagan. During her time with the

Inspired Cooking is presented by 21 of Canada’s greatest celebrity chefs from across the country, including Kelowna Chef Rod Butters and former Kelowna Chef Ned Bell. The cookbook benefits InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care with locations in Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria.

LAKE COUNTRY Feel Good Fridays (FGF) events are in full swing at the Gatzke Orchard in Lake Country. FGF events began on June 30th with 240 guests in attendance to enjoy live music, pizza, drinks, face-painting and games, and will continue to take place on Fridays throughout the summer.

The Lake Country Chamber of Commerce will have a new website available in August which will include a variety of improved online services. New website features include: online payment for Chamber events, online membership services, advertising, a new business show case service to promote your business, a streamlined business directory and more.

SALMON ARM The Montebello Museum is now open to visitors; in celebration of its grand opening and in commemoration of Canada’s 150th, the R.J. Haney Heritage Village opened its doors to the public for free admission for their Pioneer Day on July 9th. The day featured interactive exhibits with interpreters and historical figures from Salmon Arm’s history.

The management at Hilltop Toyota congratulate employee Robert MacDermott on earning Product Advisor of the Month through his hard work and exceptional service. Hilltop Toyota is located at 2350 Trans Canada Highway NE.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

AUGUST 2017

Fabricland Salmon Arm, located at 181 Okanagan Avenue NE, celebrates its 25th anniversary in business this year.

The Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, taking place this year on August 17-20th, celebrates its 25th anniversary. This year’s lineup includes Booker T’s Stax Revue, Alex Cuba, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Five Alarm Funk and many more.

KAMLOOPS Trevor and Janice Tapp of Copper-T Ranch were presented with the 2017 Ranch Sustainability Award from the BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA). The Tapps were selected for the award for their commitment to protecting water quality for Perry Creek and Stern Creek which run through the ranch property, and for developing a sustainable future plan for the ranch. Their plan for sustainability features a partnership with Bill Lloyd, Jamie Richardson, and their son with the anticipation that they will take over operating the ranch. Copper-T Ranch is a purebred, registered Polled Hereford operation with 80 hands, and is located near the Village of Fraser Lake.

work for two more, separate Marriott facilities on the same property. While zoning is in place, the design and related approvals still need to be completed by the city. The fall of 2018 is anticipated for construction of the new buildings.

Access Countertops Ltd have moved to 912A Laval Crescent.

Maritime Travel Kamloops welcomes Michelle Brezina, formerly of Sears Travel, to their team.

Cates Ford Oien Epp welcomes Simon Walter as their newest associate. He practices in family law, estate planning and civil litigation matters.

Highland Valley Foods, serving Logan Lake and surrounding community, celebrated their 10th anniversary.

Norm Langlois was salesman of the month in June at MercedesBenz Kamloops, while Gaetano Briglio achieved the honour at Zimmer Wheaton. Kevin Coles was top achiever at Kamloops Hyundai and Stan Boone at Smith Chevrolet for June. John Misera was tops at Kamloops Dodge Chrysler Jeep.

The Kamloops Innovation Centre received 40 applications from

more durable than rooftop solar panels and designed to be walked on. The panels should produce enough power each year to run the building. Another 64 panels will be installed in front of the Art and Education building and expected to produce enough electricity to power 40 computers for eight hours a day.

PENTICTON Mavco Plumbing & Heating Ltd. welcomes Primal Electric as they move into their brand new building addition, located at 2040 Government Street, Penticton.

The business is owned by Chad and Marni Wolstenholme, and offers electrical services for new construction, maintenance, renovations and repairs for commercial, industrial and residential projects.

The team at Penticton Toyota, located at 2405 Skaha Lake Road, congratulate Chris Wood on achieving Top Producer for the month of June 2017.

Athens Creek Retirement Lodge, located at 170 West Warren Avenue, celebrates its 20th anniversary in the community this year.

The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce prepares to bid farewell to their Executive Director, Brandy Maslowski, as she moves on to other opportunities. Maslowski will stay until August 21st, and the Chamber board has begun seeking her replacement.

The Slumber Lodge Motel located on Lakeshore Drive has been sold.

PEACHLAND Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards is now open after 16 months of construction. The winery is owned by Ross, Linda, Gordon and Lesley Fitzpatrick.

FITZBistro is also open 7 days a week and features Chef Tony de Luca.

21 SUMMERLAND The Summerland Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members last month: Wine Glasswriter Inc., a business offering products to help guests keep track of their wine glasses; Tru-remote Industrial Welding Equipment Ltd. offers products to meet the needs of any welder, including installation services; JSR Electric provides electrical contracting services; The Last Stand Food Co. Ltd., a new mobile food trailer; and Man Vs. Yard Landscaping, a landscaping services venture.

Matt Dumayne of Okanagan Crush Pad has been named one of 10 ‘Foodies of the Year’ by Western Living Magazine for 2017. Deemed ‘The Visionary’, they commend him for his success in evolving the Haywire and Narrative wine spirits and championing natural winemaking practices.

SEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS | PAGE 23

We’re Looking For The Best of the Best in Commercial Buildings in 2016-17

Trevor and Janice Tapp of Copper-T Ranch receive an award from the BCCA The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members this month: KamloopsBC Now, Global Goddess Aromatherapy, Amplify Consulting Inc., Tara Caffelle Relationship Coaching, and Andre’s Electronic Experts.

Gillespie & Company LLP Lawyers announced Erin Hunter and Samantha Kampman as new associates. Hunter practices all areas of civil litigation, including personal injury claims and Kampman mainly in the area of land transfers, mortgages and subdivisions.

Fairfield Inn & Suites, on Pacific Way and Hugh Allan Drive, plans to begin construction on additional buildings next year in the same location. PHI Hotel Group has begun preliminary design

eight different countries for their Built in Kamloops prize competition. Jonathan Natavio of Vancouver was named as the winner, receiving a prize of $10,000 cash, office space, accommodations, mentorship, etc. and will spend the upcoming months developing his new company, Porter, in Kamloops.

Dentist, Dr. Michael Peng has recently relocated from London Ontario to Kamloops. He joins Dr. Della Summers Dental Solutions at 435-546 St. Paul Street.

Jubilee RV Centre celebrates their 25th anniversary.

TRU will have 16 solar panels installed on a 40-foot stretch of sidewalk next to the sustainability office. The panels were produced by Vancouver-based Solar Earth Technologies, are

New institutional, commercial, industrial building, multi/single family, recreational or renovation projects located in the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions completed between July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2017 are eligible for a Commercial Building Award.

There is No Cost to enter.

The Gala Celebration will be held September 28 in Kelowna.

The Nomination Deadline for the 2017 Thompson Okanagan Kootenay Commercial Building Awards is August 11. For Nomination Forms, email: mark@businessexaminer.ca

OPINION

22

AUGUST 2017 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Thompson Okanagan Office #210-347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8C7 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca SALES | Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Kristin van Vloten WEBSITE | John MacDonald

FIRST STEPS OF GREENDP GOVERNMENT SOUNDS LIKE RETURN OF WAR ON RESOURCE INDUSTRIES

MARK MACDONALD

F

irst impressions count, and for that reason, the initial steps of the GreeNDP government make clear they intend to carry out their threats towards BC’s resource-based industries.

Kinder Morgan has announced it is on target for starting construction of the twinning of its pipeline in September. It has to go, and must get started.

Yet the GreenDP government is signaling loud and long they will do anything and everything within its power to stop it. If they are ultimately successful, it would be a triumph for anarchy, as government decisions will prove to be undermine-able by vocal, minority special interest groups.

Not that it will do any good, as the federal Liberal government has given the project the green light. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau changing from the lane he drove during the 2015 election

to okay the much-needed project, that will speed up delivery of this valuable resource to port for export.

Politically, it looks like the Greens are banking on their opposition to Kinder Morgan being enough to appease supporters, while the NDP can bleat about fighting the project, knowing it can’t and won’t win, yet keeping the jobs because the pipeline will still be built.

Premier John Horgan has initiated his promised review of the Site C dam, and it’s anyone’s guess whether or not he has the courage to scrap the project and issue pink slips to 2,200 workers. Whether or not he does, the political decision is bad for business, and expensive.

Delaying the dam means builders will miss out on critical construction time in a season when the northern BC weather isn’t prohibitive. The companies involved thus far have to be nervous, awaiting a “will he/won’t he” decision that will impact their bottom lines. If the project is scrapped, these companies will demand restitution, through the courts if necessary.

If this is the end of Site C, then all the work done thus far is utterly wasted. As is the opportunity to add more affordable electricity to the provincial power grid. As demand increases, supply must also. If supply doesn’t increase,

then prices will go up. Either way it goes, taxpayers will foot the bill – for construction delays, settlements with companies, or higher electricity bills.

Now that the Greens are part of an actual government, everyone sees what they’ve been about all along. The Green’s veiled goal is to stop resource-based economy.

Period. They may use platitudes like “studies”, etc., but make no mistake, they believe resource extraction is evil, and believe it is their “moral duty” to stop such actions, regardless of how many people who make their livings that way it will hurt. They don’t care.

They’ve learned how to stop everything. Delay, delay, delay.

Whether it’s Kinder Morgan, Site C, or local development. Delaying projects causes cash flow problems for companies, and only the deep pocketed and stubbornly committed endure to completion. It’s financial death by a thousand cuts, or studies and regulations.

It’s puzzling to watch Green leader Andrew Weaver acquiesce to every NDP demand, settling only for electoral reform, particularly if it’s proportional representation, ensuring the party seats in perpetuity. That one plank is perhaps the most troubling of all, as they could be positioned to grind every major project to a screeching halt.

What the NDP did to win as

many seats as they did in May was concentrate on the lower mainland, using what they dubbed the “housing crisis” as their main message. They didn’t pay attention to the regions of the province that are less populated and resource-dependent. Northern BC and the Interior aren’t as MLArich as the Greater Vancouver region, so they basically ignored them. To all of BC’s peril, really, including the lower mainland.

In the GreeNDP’s anti-resource push is the misunderstanding that the head offices of the mining and forestry companies are largely based in Vancouver. There are many, many jobs that pay far north of six figures in the province’s financial centre that are a direct result of the operations that take place in the “industrial parks”, aka the mines and sawmills around the province.

So, how ex act ly w i l l t he GreeNDP carry out their mandate for more affordable housing?

That’s where the electorate just doesn’t pay attention. The issue is supply and demand. There isn’t enough supply, so demand – and prices – goes up.

It’s not the provincial government that allows subdivisions – it’s cities and municipalities.

Ma ny of these govern ments stonewall development wherever possible, under the guise of controlling growth. What they

are unwittingly doing, though, is limiting supply, which drives up prices.

And non-free enterprisers never seem to understand that.

The answer to ever increasing housing prices is not provincially legislated taxation or regulation, because it is municipal governments that decide whether buildings or developments can be built.

If voters are upset at housing prices, they should be vocalizing that against their local governments that prohibit growth.

Yet the GreeNDP did an effective brainwashing of the electorate to lay the “blame” for rising house prices on Christy Clark and the BC Liberals. It worked, but what now happens is that the NDP suggested solution – provincial involvement – is about to be put on full display.

We will find out soon enough that the NDP – which is at constant loggerheads with builders and developers – needs that sector to help them carry out their campaign promises and wishes.

They will get that assistance if builders and developers can identify true opportunities for success and profits. Which, if their answer is building affordable housing, will come directly from the taxpayers’ purse. And watch out for rent controls, another market manipulation for which socialists clamor.

The NDP is back in power, BC Get ready to pay.

BC GOVERNMENT’S PIPELINE PARANOIA PUTTING SAFETY AT RISK Real World Data Shows That Oil Can be Moved Safely and Less Expensively

by Pipeline, While Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

KEN GREEN THE FRASER INSTITUTE

P

ipeline opponents are lining up again in British Columbia, but their case is off-point and exaggerates pipeline risks.

The last several weeks have seen new, if somewhat contradictory, developments on the Trans Mountain pipeline file.

Kinder Morgan received approval last year to twin the existing Trans Mountain pipeline, which

runs from Edmonton to Burnaby, BC. The approval was immediately supported by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Prime Minister Trudeau.

But attitudes have hardened in British Columbia. In a July 18 letter to George Heyman, BC’s new minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, just-elected BC Premier John Horgan instructed him to “employ every tool available to defend BC’s interests in the face of the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, and the threat of a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic on our coast.”

BC’s attorney general clarified somewhat, pointing out that the province faces lawsuits if it delays the pipeline by stalling on permits.

But he said the province can “ensure that permits require that construction be done in a way that minimizes spills, protects the environment and ensures appropriate cleanup.”

BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver wants the NDP government to “use every legally available tool to stop the pipeline from going ahead.” And Weaver’s party has leverage, since its three MLAs give the minority NDP government its voting majority in the legislature.

So it’s appropriate to review the question of pipeline and tanker safety.

A new study by the Fraser Institute uses the latest data to provide some context about the safety of transporting oil and gas. The study found that (based on data from 2004 to 2015) when moving a million barrels of oil, pipelines were 2.5 times less likely to have a release of product compared to rail transport.

And even then, most spills are small and don’t harm the environment. Seventy per cent of pipeline occurrences (breaks or malfunctions) result in spills of less than one cubic metre of oil. Seventeen per

cent of occurrences don’t release any oil. And only 17 per cent of occurrences take place in the actual line pipe - the vast majority happen in facilities where oil is handled.

And those facilities often have secondary containment mechanisms and procedures.

But what about that seven-fold increase in tanker traffic off BC? Isn’t that risky?

Surprisingly, despite the fact that oil transported by marine tankers has about doubled from 1975 to 2016, the number of spills declined by 98 per cent.

In fact, when comparing the amount of spills for marine tankers in the decades from 1970s to the 2010s (up to 2016), the number of spills between seven and 700 tonnes has dropped from 543 to 35 while the number of large spills in this period dropped from 245 to 12. And there has not been a major spill in Canadian waters since the mid-1990s.

One oil spill is too many, of course, and further work should be done to bring the number of leaks, spills and accidents down further.

But unlike the scary rhetoric of pipeline opponents, real-world data shows that oil can be moved safely, and less expensively, by pipeline.

Rail will have its place and it, too, is very safe. But driving more oil to rail slightly increases the risk to people and the environment. The rail transport process also leads to more greenhouse gas emissions.

Pipeline opponents may have reasons for their opposition, such as trying to prevent oilsands development. But exaggerating risks to Canada’s environment runs afoul of Canada’s own data and experience with moving oil safely.

Kenneth Green is senior director of the Centre for Natural Resource Studies at the Fraser Institute.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS/GREEN SHEET

AUGUST 2017

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

their 3 Year Anniversary last month. Long time resident, Kari Harding is the owner.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

BC Hydro is proposing to develop the Revelstoke Generating Station Unit 6. The proposed development plan includes a new capacitor station built on an existing transmission line approximately 19 kilometres West of Summerland.

The Board of the Ryga Festival Society has announced the appointment of Heather Davies as the Festival’s first Artistic Director. Heather has many years of experience working with local groups and major professional festivals to develop teaching and leadership skills in the arts. She has a proven commitment and passion for George Ryga’s work and values, and is excited to bring her expertise to the event.

The Ryga Festival takes place at various venues in Summerland from August 30 to September 3rd. Full details can be found on the Festival website.

Rock Star District Premium Apparel & Accessories celebrated

SIMONE SUNDERLAND

Bottleneck Drive Winery Association has hosted another successful Grand Sommelier Express event. The event raised $2,508 for the Kettle Valley Railway Station. The ongoing support for this popular local and visitor attraction has ensured its continued success in the community.

Thousands of athletes from across the world will come to Penticton for the 2017 Multisport Festival from August 17-27 to compete for the gold. Up to 50 countries will be competing in 6 different World Championship Races.

The Parkdale Place Housing Society and BC Housing Corporation have announced the commencement of the Parkdale Lodge - Building Envelope Remediation Project.

The main scope of the work will include low-sloped roof replacement, full window and

GREEN SHEET BUILDING BRIEFS

KAMLOOPS LOCATION 900 McGill Rd - Thompson Rivers University Village - The Reach PROJECT TYPE Institutional add/alter PROJECT Redevelopment of Thompson Rivers University - multi family building, commercial and retail space, market, student and family housing, academic buildings, daycare centre, gym, open spaces, walkways, underground and above ground parking areas - to be developed in 4 Phases PROJECT STATUS Development permit application for Phase 1 submitted - approval anticipated summer/17 ARCHITECT Raymond Letkeman Architects Inc - 200 970 Homer St, Vancouver V6B 2W7 604-6693339 GENERAL CONTRACTOR Cape Construction Development & Management - 633 5960 No 6 Road, Richmond V6V 1Z1 604278-0912 OWNER Thompson Rivers University - Box 3010 900 McGill Rd, Kamloops V2C 5N3 250-8285000

THOMPSON NICOLA REGIONAL DISTRICT LOCATION 1799 Nicola Ave, Merritt Addition to Merritt Fire Hall PROJECT TYPE Institutional add/alter PROJECT Addition to the existing Fire Hall - 2 storeys - 12,000 sf - offices residential wing PROJECT STATUS Development permit application approval contingent on funding approval - construction start anticipated 2018 ARCHITECT Richard Cordner Architect Ltd 1045 19 Ave SE, Calgary T2G 1M1 403-261-3888 OWNER City of Merritt - 2185 Voght St Box 189, Merritt V1K 1B8 250378-4224

KELOWNA LOCATION 1187 Sunset Dr - Commercial Townhouses - Condominiums

balcony door replacement, deck retrofits and wood/stucco exterior finish replacement with horizontal cementitious siding.

Evolve Cellars has unveiled a new Picnic Bar, which is open daily from 11-5pm until Canadian Thanksgiving. The Picnic Bar features selections of cheese and charcuterie, wraps, paninis and salads, which patrons can enjoy on the vineyard grounds or on the patio.

VERNON Ingrid Dilschneider, formerly the Director of business development at Predator Ridge, has started Matrix Marketing. Matrix offers services in marketing and event planning.

Nixon Wenger LLP welcomed Cody Walker to their family law team. He comes from Surrey and handles everything from property division agreements to parenting disputes involving t health and substance abuse.

PROJECT TYPE Mixed-use dev PROJECT New mixed use development - 2 residential towers, North Tower 29 storeys, South Tower 36 storeys - total 399 units - 6 townhouse units - ground level commercial - daycare on 3rd floor - amenities including, sports courts, pools, BBQ area, dog park - 2 levels u/g parking PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application submitted ARCHITECT BlueGreen Architecture Inc (Kelowna) - 202 110 Highway 33 West, Kelowna V1X 1X7 778-7532650 GENERAL CONTRACTOR CDN Framing & Development Box 399, Salmon Arm V1E 4N5 250-832-1503

KELOWNA LOCATION 1287 1297 Findlay Rd Townhomes - Findlay Road

A 60-unit apartment building by Ironclad Developments has been approved for Vernon’s Centennial Drive.

On July 15th and 16th, Liquidity Winery and Bistro co-hosted an Art and Wine in the Vines summer event with Noble Ridge Winery and The Federation of Canadian Artists in Okanagan Falls. The event featured wine tastings, local artwork and interactive tutorials with the artists, as well as a shuttle between vineyards. The event served to showcase talent and connect guests with culinary experts, vintners and artists from the Okanagan Valley. This fall, Liquidity will also be displaying the work of artist Tim Okamura, as part of their Canada 150 celebration. On September 9th, Okamura will unveil his exhibit at Liquidity, and will feature a walk-and-talk session with the display.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is hosting its third annual “Swing Fore Fall” Chamber Golf Classic will be held

KELOWNA

Bannister Honda General Manager, Pat Loehndorf, congratulates employee Wayne Marriott on achieving Salesperson of the Month for June. Jesse Savoie was tops at Vernon Hyudai while Watkin Motors Ford announced Dean Hutter as salesperson for the month of June. Robert McLaren was congratulated by General Manager Darryl Payeur at Bannister GM. Coral Winfrey was top salesperson at Vernon Kia while Marty Taylor earned top honours at Vernon Toyota.

Askews recently completed their renovations at Smith Drive in Armstrong.

Enderby and District Financial celebrated 70 of serving its community.

LOCATION 170 230 Nickel Rd - Townhouses - Nickel Road

LOCATION

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New rental townhouse development - 2 structures - 2 storeys with basements - 15 units - 2 and 3 bedrooms - 1,133 sf to 2,006 sf units - surface parking - cement fiber siding - cambridge shingles

2446 & 2422 Reece Rd Townhouses and SFDs PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New townhouses and compact SFDs - 70 townhouse units - 32 SFDs

PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at final reading - development permit application submitted

PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application approved with conditions

ARCHITECT Hugh J Bitz Architect - 4583 Anhalt Rd, Kelowna V1W 1P7 250-878-5744

CONSULTANT Arda Consultants - 7 3304 Appaloosa Rd, Kelowna V1V 2W5 250-807-7903

KELOWNA

PENTICTON

LOCATION

LOCATION

600 Boynton Pl - Townhouses

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New townhouses - 4 structures - 3 storeys - 20 units - tandem double car garages - 14,296 sf total - fiberlgass laminate shingles - vinyl siding

PROJECT New townhouse development - 1 structure - 7 units - 2 storeys - 2 and 3 bedrooms - approx 1,659 sf to 1,695 sf units - vertical fiber cement planking exterior with smart board trim and cultured stone accents - asphalt shingles enclosed garages

ARCHITECT Patrick McCuster Architecture Inc - 3034 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna V1W 4M5 778-4840223

on Thursday, Sept 28th, 2017 at the Vernon Golf & Country Club.

It is an opportunity for the business community to network while competing for prizes and sharing some laughs. Both individuals and teams can register early by calling the office at 250.545.0771.

CITY OF WEST KELOWNA

PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New

PROJECT STATUS Rezoning application at final reading - development permit application submitted

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PROJECT STATUS Foundations commenced July/17 ARCHITECT Architecturally Distinct Solutions - 501 1630 Pandosy St, Kelowna V1Y 1P7 250-448-7801

175 Kinney Ave – Condominiums PROJECT TYPE Multi-Family New PROJECT New rental condominium development - 2 structures - 6 storeys - 119 units - 1 to 3 bedrooms - u/g parking PROJECT STATUS Foundation and forming commenced July/17 for building 1, 60 units ARCHITECT Abele Architecture - 2001 1755 Haro St, Vancouver V6G 1H2 604 682 6818

24

AUGUST 2017

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