Business Examiner Vancouver Island - August 2017

AUGUST 2017

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AUGUST 2017

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PARKSVILLE Harris Parksville Chevrolet Buick GMC is the only dealership on Vancouver Island approved for General Motors’ Elite program

Vancouver Island WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

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NANAIMO

Atlas Manufacturing Acquires Rights To Weldco Product Line Merville Equipment Fabricator Produces Extensive Line Of Drilling Systems

Three generations of Halsalls Make Ajac’s Equipment sales and service a success

BY DAVID HOLMES

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INDEX News Update

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Port Alberni

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Cowichan Valley

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Campbell River

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Nanaimo

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Comox Valley

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Who is Suing Whom 42 Movers and Shakers 43 Opinion

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Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 10TH YEAR

ERVILLE – It all comes down to a case of if you can’t beat them, sell it to them, for the Merville-based metal fabrication business Atlas Manufacturing Ltd. “Out of the blue in April 2017 we received a call from Darren Lunt, the president of Weldco-Beales Manufacturing in Edmonton who asked if we would be interested in acquiring their casing hammer division, as it just didn’t fit with their company’s business model anymore,” explained David Freeman, one of the owners of Atlas Manufacturing.

“After a number of meetings we realized the offer was fair so in June we struck a deal to manufacture Weldco-Beales casing hammers under a product partnership. Essentially we’ve bought the rights to the name, the patents and the technology.”

SEE ATLAS MANUFACTURING | PAGE 28

Second Running Of Business PitchFest Set For September 28 LIFT Comox Valley: Organizer Of The Entrepreneurial Information & Social Event

BY DAVID HOLMES

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

David Freeman is one of the owners of Atlas Manufacturing, a Merville-based fabricator of drilling equipment

C

OURTENAY – Small business champion and grassroots motivator Hans Peter Meyer has learned through hard experience that the entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t grow or flourish in a vacuum. For him collaboration, a shared focus and

a healthy dash of fun is the winning formula for building a small business in the 21st Century.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LIFT Comox Valley, Meyer is the force behind PitchFest 2017 an opportunity for budding and established entrepreneurs to sharpen their presentation skills, collect some

valuable prizes and to mix and mingle with other like minded individuals. To be held Thursday, September 28, this year’s session will be the second running of this now sought-after event.

“Last year we had about 120 attend our first ever PitchFest so obviously we’re hoping to be doing even better this year. LIFT

organizes four or five special events each year to help grow an entrepreneurial community in the Comox Valley,” he said.

This year’s PitchFest will be held at the Prime Chophouse and Wine Bar located at 1089 Braidwood Road in Courtenay.

SEE PITCHFEST | PAGE 19

2 VANCOUVER ISLAND Vancouver Island and Gulf Island Recognized as Top Destinations Readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have named Vancouver Island “The Best Island in Canada,” in the magazine’s annual World’s Best Awards published in the August 2017 issue. Reader comments praised the destination as “Remote, yet worth the effort, the scenery is spectacular.

Whether you just want to look, or explore the island on foot, kayak, or boat, you will be delighted.”

Vancouver Island continues to maintain the #1 spot as Best Island in Canada, followed closely by the Gulf Islands at #2. ‘Rugged beauty, friendly people, and still waters that run deep’ are some of the reasons Vancouver Island - North America’s largest Pacific island - continues to be selected as one of the world’s leading island destinations.

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards feature top hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, airports, and more. “This is always an exciting time of year for us as we await the results of the annual survey,” said Dave Petryk, President and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island. “We are doubly thrilled that the Gulf Islands are

NEWS UPDATE also recognized by readers of this prestigious travel magazine.”

“The Gulf Islands are thrilled to make the Top 3 Islands in Canada,” said Janet Clouston, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Salt Spring Tourism. “Our communities have much to offer including nature, wildlife, arts, farm-to-table bounty, first-nations heritage, and welcoming, eco-conscious people. This recognition is wonderful news!”

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria was voted #1 City Hotel in Canada up from the #7 spot last year. The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino was voted #4 Resort Hotel in Canada, and the City of Victoria garnered #3 Best City in Canada.

COWICHAN VALLEY Site Selected for New Cowichan Valley Facility I nvest i ng i n publ ic i n f rastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help British Columbians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the Cowichan Valley Regional District and BC Transit announced that a

site has been selected for the new BC Transit operations and maintenance facility in the Cowichan Valley, in the Koksilah Industrial Park at the corner of Polkey Road and Boal Road. The proposed new building will include safety features to support the future introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) technology.

The centrality of the new location provides excellent access to key transportation corridors for BC Transit vehicles, while the 4.5-acre lot, almost double that of the existing facility land, will help provide capacity for future expansion of transit services.

The new facility will help support the increasing popularity of sustainable public transportation in the region. Since 2000, Cowichan Valley Transit System ridership has risen over 140 per cent, increasing from 195,000 to 470,000 trips taken annually.

The fleet size has also increased over 180 per cent from 11 buses in 2000 to 31 currently, and it is projected the fleet size will grow to 50 buses by 2033.

The project represents a $15 million commitment in the Cowichan Valley Transit System, and will position the region to meet future demands for transportation, in addition to improving operational efficiency. The new facility is part of the almost $160 million in federal and provincial funding for BC Transit projects that was first announced in June 2016.

AUGUST 2017

COWICHAN VALLEY Tourism Cowichan Announces a New Executive Director Tou r ism Cow ich a n a nnounced Karen Elgersma as its new Executive Director. Elgersma has more than 25 years’ experience in communications and has successfully marketed the people, places, and events of the Cowichan Valley through her work in media and tourism.

Elgersma brings a unique blend of experience, education and a comprehensive perspective on the industry from her work in media and most recently with Tourism Victoria.

Karen’s experience with Tourism Victoria has given her a wealth of knowledge on earned media, social media and marketing. “I was unbelievably lucky to work with such an incredible team at Tourism Victoria, says Karen. “Led

by CEO Paul Nursey, I learned a tremendous amount about creating effective marketing campaigns and the power of having a strategic plan that supports the vision of creating a destination that is successful and profitable in all seasons.”

Before working at Tourism Victoria Karen was the producer and host of Shaw TV’s Go Island, and

was a full time journalist for Shaw Media for over 18 years. As a local media personality Karen did stories on the whole of South Vancouver Island, including the Cowichan Valley, and has a genuine interest in sharing the stories of the people, places, and events of this area with a wider audience. “There are so many amazing stories in the Valley to tell – the farms, wineries, distilleries, craft beer and cider,” says Elgersma. “But it doesn’t end there, there is also an incredible art, music and performing arts scene. Add in the beautiful trails, world class marinas, and natural beauty and you have a destination that is unlike no other in Canada.”

“We are so excited to have Karen join our team at Cowichan Tourism,” says Janet Docherty, the President of Tourism Cowichan.

“We are confident she will play a key role helping us attract media coverage, and create events and opportunities that will increase tourism year round, including our shoulder season, and help tell the stories of our stakeholders to the world.”

NANAIMO Weather Dampens Visitation in June Ra i ny cond itions conti nuing into early June dampened SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

NEWS UPDATE

AUGUST 2017

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

hotel occupancies compared to 2016. Hotel occupancy, room rate and RevPAR are all still up yearto-date and we still expect a record year for Nanaimo’s tourism industry. However, operators are reporting severe labour shortages for cooks, chefs and housekeeping staff which may impact their ability to fully leverage the potential of this year’s tourism activity.

Average occupancy for the month of June was down slightly at 77 per cent from 83 per cent this time last year while Nanaimo Airport traffic was up 4.4 per cent.

The labour shortage in BC has claimed another victim in the height of the tourist season.

North 48 restaurant, in Victoria, announced that it will close for the month of August due to lack of kitchen staff. The restaurant had only three “real” candidates apply for open positions in the last three months – two never showed up for their trial shifts and the third declined the job offer for a position outside the industry. Chemistry is fielding calls and inquiries daily from foodservice businesses looking for kitchen staff.

NANAIMO IKEA Canada Announces New Collection Points for BC Residents Shopping at IKEA just got more convenient for customers in Victoria, Kelowna, and Nanaimo with the launch of three Collection Points.

Customers can now shop online for IKEA home furnishings and have them delivered to their selected Collection Point for only $79, regardless of the size and value of their purchase. This means they will be able to ship as little as a single sofa or as much as an entire kitchen for a flat rate and represents significant savings over the average home delivery fee of $170. Customers who wish to take advantage of home delivery can still do so, with the delivery fees remaining the same.

“Our ambition is to become

more accessible to as many Canadians as possible,” said IKEA Canada President Marsha Smith.

“The launch of three Collection Points for British Columbia is a great way to provide our customers with a more convenient shopping experience.”

The Collection Points are not IKEA stores and are owned by third party service provider XPO. While they do not have any products available for purchase, Collection Points allow IKEA to make shopping easier in markets that have been identified as having potential.

It is IKEA’s aim to make the brand more accessible and convenient for the many Canadians, through increased service offerings like Collection Points, Pick-up and order points, Click & Collect, improvements in eCommerce and customer-focused distribution. IKEA hopes to provide its customers with a positive IKEA experience in every touchpoint.

I n 2015, I K E A Ca n ad a a nnounced an ambitious plan to double in size by 2025. To achieve this goal, the retailer will open new stores in new locations and also introduce some new formats over the next 10 years. The first new store on this expansion journey will be IKEA Halifax, set to open in fall 2017, followed by Quebec City in late summer 2018.

painting, small sections of paving and downtown tree re-planting, took place in spring 2017.

“We are all glad to have our main street refurbished,” said Mayor Leslie Baird. “We appreciate the patience of our residents and businesses, and are pleased that Dunsmuir business owners and community members came to celebrate this successful project.”

The Dunsmuir Avenue upgrades are part of a long-term Village commitment to improve Cumberland’s infrastructure. The total project cost was $2.76 million, with of $1.85 million contributed by the provincial and federal governments through the New Building Canada Small Communities Fund.

COMOX VALLEY Community Legacy Fund Established for the Comox Valley Comox Valley Record Comox Valley Community Foundation has announced the establishment of a new community legacy fund by First Credit Union for the Comox Valley.

The First Credit Union Fund forms part of the foundation’s permanently endowed Community Fund, through which it supports charities with annual grants to enrich the quality of life of the Comox Valley.

CUMBERLAND Dunsmuir Avenue Storm Water Project Now Complete The Dunsmuir Avenue portion of the Village Upgrades project is now complete. The Village of Cumberland celebrated the project completion during a community ribbon-cutting ceremony in Village Square on July 26.

The work on Dunsmuir Avenue was largely completed last fall and involved improving six blocks of Dunsmuir Avenue downtown by replacing aging underground services, installing new storm sewer infrastructure, repaving road surfaces and improving sidewalks. Final wrap-up on the Dunsmuir work, including line

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3 “At First Credit Union we believe that when our communities are strong, we all benefit,” said Craig Keeping, Comox Valley branch manager. “The Comox Valley Community Foundation works to ensure the long-term vitality of the community; with purposes and values that are so closely aligned, it makes sense for us to support the foundation as a community partner by setting up the First Credit Union Fund.”

Established in 1996, CVCF is an independent, philanthropic organization created by and for the residents of the Comox Valley. Donors have placed their trust in the foundation to invest SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 41

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AUGUST 2017

Magnolia Hotel & Spa Voted Canada’s Best City Hotel Travel + Leisure Magazine Survey Involved Hotels All Across Canada

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ICTORIA – The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a distinctively elegant boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Victoria is the very best – and it has the certification to prove it. Readers of the prestigious Travel + Leisure Magazine, one of the world’s top travel and hospitability publications, has rated the Magnolia the number one city hotel in Canada, beating out such industry giants as the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in, Quebec City and the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver. “We were really honoured to get the award and honoured to be ranked number one among that list of truly exceptional hotels,â€? explained Magnolia Hotel’s General Manager Bill Lewis. “We strive to get on the award’s list every year - it’s an internal benchmark we want to attain.

Our goal is to be considered one of Canada’s top small hotels. That’s our niche, we know we’re a small building so to make that happen the first thing we need to do is to deliver exceptional service and an exceptional hotel experience for our guests.�

The Travel + Leisure Magazine recognition came via an annual reader survey. Literally hundreds of accolades submitted by former

“It’s all about delivering exceptional service day in and day out with no off-days.�

BILL LEWIS GENERAL MANAGER, MAGNOLIA HOTEL & SPA

guests were received to arrive at the ranking, with the Magnolia Hotel finishing with an overall score of 93.69 out of 100.

For Lewis a boutique hotel is a very specialized form of visitor accommodation. “My definition of a boutique hotel is a small upscale hotel with a definitive sense of style. Typically hotels of this type have less than 100 rooms (the Magnolia has 64) so the staffing levels, the ratio of staff to patrons is quite high, which allows for the sort of personal service not possible in a larger hotel,� he explained.

Lewis believes that commitment to service excellence is what sets a boutique hotel apart from its larger competitors. “Looking at the ‘Four Star’ hotels in town, you need a certain staffing level to just have your Four Star award. Being 64 rooms I have to run a similar staffing level for a quarter or even

Bill Lewis is the General Manager of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a position he’s held for the past eight years a fifth the number of customers found in some of the larger hotels in town. All of that means the guests are going to have a lot more time to spend with our staff then would occur at a larger property,� he said.

Having worked at the Magnolia Hotel for the past eight years he says the attainment of the recognition is a tribute to the skills and dedication his staff of 55 provide year round. Located at 623 Courtney Street the Magnolia Hotel & Spa encompasses seven

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is conveniently located at 623 Courtney Street in the city’s downtown core stately floors and is ideally located in proximity to some of the city’s prime visitor destinations, which has played role in its ongoing success. “It’s a terrific honour as the award came from a reader’s survey of our own customers. These are people who have taken the time to write in and provide feedback, no one forced them to it was strictly voluntary so we must be doing something right,� Lewis said.

No stranger to customer-generated recognition, the Magnolia Hotel has also earned its place amongst the Top Hotels in

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Canada and as a Top Luxury Hotel Traveler’s Choice awards from TripAdvisor for the past five consecutive years. “It’s all about delivering exceptional service day in and day out with no off-days. One bad review could put the idea in people’s heads that we’re not trying as hard as we used to and that’s not what we’re about. Our goal is simple; we want to keep the hotel operating at the top of its game which is very important to the owners who are local to Victoria and to the management team,� he said. www.magnoliahotel.com

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AUGUST 2017

Northern Biomass Arrival Brings 45 Jobs To Nanaimo Prince George company announces move to Island, planning $20M Duke Point plant

BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

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A NA I MO – Northern B i o m a s s C o n s u lt i n g Ltd. is moving its renewable resou rce operation and 45 full-time employees to Nanaimo from Prince George.

“This is the perfect location for our five-year-old firm given our need to engage Island resources and to access the global market, an ideal setting for our renewable-resource services,” says Talby McKay, President and owner of Northern Biomass Consulting Ltd. “Plans are in the works for a $20 million plant at Duke Point with a $50 million annual operating budget,” he adds. “We definitely want to be part of the community and are looking forward to developing our connections with local businesses and residents.”

The company office will be at 104 Front Street, in the Nanaimo Port Authority’s original administration building “O u r new ten a nt i s a n exceptional catch for Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island.

Northern Biomass Consulting prov ides new renewable resource benefits to our Island’s

forestry industry and utilizes port services to access global markets,” states Bernie Dumas, P resident & CEO of the Nana i mo Por t Author ity. T h is for wa rd-t h i n k i ng env i ronmenta l ly-f riend ly compa ny will add 45 full-time employees to the loca l labou r force and will utilize another 200 contractors to boost our local economy – a win - win – win.”

McKay has over 19 years of experience in the biomass indust r y as a n operator a nd a manager.

He a rrived i n the i ndustr y through part of a family based compa ny i n A lberta. With grinding, shredding and trucking being the industry standard in the biomass industry Talby has vast ex perience from operating to full mechanical repairs. Along with a welding and Class One operator’s licenses he managed three companies and all aspects of the business from field to office.

McK ay’s ex perience i n the A lb er t a oi l patch a s a n environmental engineer, crane o p e ra to r a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n supervisor provided a clear vision for the future in renewable resources. McKay quickly saw that the biomass industry is

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one with a bright future especially with companies applying a value on environmental concerns along with a more cost effective way of managing excess fibre.

Northern Biomass Consulting has an international connection working with an affiliate in Denver, Colorado.

Dumas adds “T he Port Authority sees Northern Biomass Consulting as one of the ways to the future for development in the local forestry industry that includes new renewable resou rce opt ion s combi ned with positive impacts on the Island’s economy, the environment and on port services.

“This a significant step for our community as we continue to advance the Port’s mandate for diversity and to establish new business for the west coast economy.”

The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authorities across Ca n ad a, establ i shed under the Canada Marine Act, to promote a nd suppor t the nationa l, reg iona l a nd loca l economy and to ensure a safe and secure harbour for cargo operations. www.northernbiomassconsulting.com

Talby McKay is President and owner of Northern Biomass Consulting Ltd.

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PORT ALBERNI

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HIGHLIGHTS OF TRI-CONIC CHALLENGE

PORT ALBERNI BILL COLLETTE

T

he Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the Tri-Conic Challenge in Port Alberni â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 4-day weekend with a total of 14 different events to host and manage.

Funded in part by Canada 150, the weekend was a huge success for all! Highlights included our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Race the Trainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on Canada Day followed by waterfront activities all day long at our beautiful Harbour Quay area where many merchants reported having their best day EVER in sales. Awesome!

Day two of the Challenge included two amazing bike rides with the shorter distance out to China Creek Campground and Marina where our cyclists enjoyed some down time after the grueling ride out there on the Bamfield Road. They then were treated to a

beautiful ride back on the Alberni Inlet by Action Packed Charters in their 12 passenger water-craft.

The bigger event that day was the ultra-grueling #gravelgrind up to Bamfield covering a full 90 k of dust, bumps, rocks and hills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many of them! Those folks came back to Port Alberni â&#x20AC;&#x201C; also by water with most jumping on board the MV Frances Barkley. A few chose to use Action Packed Charters as they too helped us on that leg of the journey.

The final events happened on Monday, July 3 with four different swims in the fresh clear waters of Sproat Lake. We were thrilled to include 11 people from the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association eight of whom won a free trip over to Port Alberni courtesy of Pacific Seaplanes. One woman who did the 4000m swim, exited the water telling all around her that it was the best open water swim sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ever done in her 30 years of swimming! The events wrapped up at the beautiful lake front setting at Sproat Lake Landing and Resort where many awards and prizes were handed out.

The Chamber of Commerce thanks its many sponsors of the event and of course we acknowledge the support of Canada 150 who believed in our concept from the start.

AUGUST 2017

GREAT CENTRAL HOLDINGS, GREAT CENTRAL LAKE SALES, TRESTLE RV PARK AND VI ROLLING HOMES Out of town buyers have been from Victoria, Calgary and Parksville

PORT ALBERNI PAT DEAKIN

M

ark and Danielle Marley are real go-getters. After they saw 100 acres of property for sale at the east end of Great Central Lake 14 years ago, they formed Great Central Holdings Ltd. and bought the land. Then they set about transforming it and have provided considerable economic benefit and exposure to Port Alberni in the process.

One of their many initiatives has been the Trestle RV Park.

Using an original train trestle over Boot Lagoon as a centerpiece for a small marina and common pier, they created 40 residential-size recreation lots on a six-acre portion of the property. Most are waterfront and the buyers of those have often gone on to install a private dock. Only

two lots remain to be sold and both are waterfront.

Prices for the lots have ranged between $69,900 and $139,000.

The development includes a full sewage-treatment system and an amenities building with washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

Out of town buyers have been f rom Victor i a, Ca lga r y a nd Parksville. Some of these have gone on to support the local economy by buying a vehicle here as well as household amenities and supplies.

The interest from potential buyers and the ensuing discussions about trailers, 5th wheels and mobile homes showed the Marleys another business op p or t u n it y, so V I R ol l i n g Homes was born last year. This business, employing three fulltime employees, has now built si x CSA Z2 41 Certified Park

Model homes all of which feature R20 ceilings, R14 walls and Milgard windows. Construction begins on a 7th home for a site elsewhere on Vancouver Island in September.

In the course of their work, Mark and Danielle have contracted services or bought materials in the seven-figure dollar range from almost two dozen local businesses.

In addition to the RV Park, the Marleys operate a large campground and marina on Great Cent ra l L a ke. A nu m b er of privately-owned float homes are also on the lake so Danielle thought about ways of building a community from among the diverse population and settled on establishing Marleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joint which sells Jamaican-style food on Friday nights throughout the summer.

Trestle RV Park might be the jewel in the crown at the moment but there is a second phase coming which will raise the bar for excitement again. For more, Google â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greatcentrallake.caâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni. He can be reached at 250-720-2527 or Patrick_ deakin@portalberni.ca

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AUGUST 2017

BEACON TECHNOLOGY RESHAPING HOW BUSINESSES CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS Proximity Marketing attracts customers with beacons that send information, coupons and offers direct to their smartphones

N

A NA I MO - BCM recently launched beacon tech nology that will dramatically change how businesses connect with potential customers by giving them a way to interact with inert advertising.

“It’s known as Proximity Marketing,” said Tim Smith, chief technology officer for BCM Beacons.

“Google calls it ‘the Physical Web,’ but it’s also known as the ‘Internet of Things’.”

Already popular in the United States, it’s now available on the Island for businesses looking at ways of presenting their product in new, unique and user-friendly ways.

Smith explained that the tiny, waterproof and reusable ‘beacons’ can be placed anywhere. They emit a shortrange Bluetooth signal that

Tim Smith, Chief Technology Officer of BCM Beacons nearby smartphones can receive along with a brief message and URL. “When a beacon is set at a property listing for example, it can directly transmit all the information about the property direct to anyone nearby. Suddenly a simple ‘for sale’ sign is able to ‘talk’ to interested house hunters.”

In retail outlets it can be used to hold detailed information, coupons, or offers that smartphones can pick up from beacons located throughout the store. And for the car dealership, a beacon on a ‘car of the week’ can provide details even if the lot is closed.

“Anyone who has premises where customers frequent,

or an area where customers may have a need to know specific information at that moment, is a good candidate for utilizing this technology.

If the user is interested, they simply tap on the message and it opens up a page of specific information or may offer other actions such as sending a message or making a call. If the user is not interested, they can ‘mute’ the beacon and the message will not show again, unless they allow it.”

Smith emphasized that with its own secure network, hosted in Canada, the beacons are fully configured and secured against hacking.

BCM is a certified developer with Google, Apple and Microsoft; has an approved a nd accred ited network and software, and provides a security certificate so the website message does not get blocked and no personal information is collected.

As Smith points out, it’s a very hip way of transmitting information to clients and taking advertising to the next level.

BCM Beacons is at www. bcmbc.ca

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AUGUST 2017

COWICHAN REGION EMBARKS ON NEW TECH STRATEGY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COWICHAN AMY MELMOCK

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s technology jobs rise to record numbers in British Columbia, Economic Development Cowichan is working with regional government partners and industry stakeholders to create a Cowichan Tech

The Cowichan Tech Strategy emerged as a priority for Economic Development Cowichan during roundtable discussions

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Strategy. The study is aimed creating a tech environment in the region that will help established firms in the region grow and prosper – while also attracting new tech innovators to the Cowichan Valley.

The strategy is being funded in collaboration with Island Coastal Economic Trust and is being developed by the Vancouver based consulting firm Goss Gilroy under the guidance of a local Project Task Force.

In recent years, Goss Gilroy has played a significant role in determining the tech and innovation investment agenda for the federal government. In the coming months, the company will be reaching out to local tech firms and to community, government, business and academic leaders to help lay the groundwork for new tech development in Cowichan.

Key to the project’s success will be defining the best ways innovators and influencers can work together to build on Cowichan’s strengths as a tech savvy region. W hile tech software developers, digital animation companies, and other technology firms already have a toehold in Cowichan, an overall strategy is needed to build on collective strengths, celebrate successes and attract new players to the region.

The Cowichan Tech Strategy emerged as a priority for Economic Development Cowichan during roundtable discussions that took place with the sector this past November. As the strategy is completed in early 2018, Economic Development Cowichan is already looking ahead at ways it can be integrated with opportunities in emerging sectors and priorities in Cowichan. And at the municipal and the Cowichan Valley Regional District level, the strategy is a building block for realizing shared goals in creating tech friendly, accessible, networked communities.

This year, municipalities in Cowichan jointly adopted the on l i ne plat for m PlaceSpeak as a community engagement tool. So far, more than 600 local residents have signed up for PlaceSpeak in order to weigh in on regional issues. For more i n formation on PlaceSpea k, visit w w w.placespeak.com / Cowichan Amy Melmock is the Manager at Economic Development Cowichan. She can be reached at 250.746.7880 or amelmock@ cvrd.bc.ca

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AUGUST 2017

EXPERIENCE & EQUIPMENT: KEYS TO PRODUCING PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS ITS-Food Has Served The Professional Food Photography Market For 10 Years

N

ANAIMO – Technology and the advent of the digital age has changed every profession including that of commercial photography. But for Tim McGrath the owner of ITS-Food. ca the skills of the technician will deliver superior results, regardless of the technology used.

“Certainly Smartphones are capable of taking some very impressive photos, thanks to some equally impressive technology that essentially does all the work for the photographer. But if an amateur and a professional were to take the same photo, with the same camera, you’d see the difference. A practiced eye and a skilled hand will be evident in the results,” he explained.

For more than a decade McGrath has focused on the specialized field of food photography in his business, working for everyone from restaurants and breweries to grocery stores. A professional photographer and marketing expert, his work has appeared in everything from restaurant menus to magazine advertisements, cookbooks and on various online venues.

“The reason most professional

Using professional photographic equipment can produce results that simply cannot be captured using Smartphones Professional photographer Tim McGrath has focused on the food photography business for the past 10 years

“But then that’s the difference between a snapshot and a professional image.”

TIM MCGRATH OWNER, ITS-FOOD.CA

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photographers don’t use Smartphones for their work is partly based on tradition, a long term comfort and familiarity with their cameras.

But really it’s because the expensive tools can simply do a lot more than a Smartphone. Being able to control every aspect of the job provides the photographer with a level of creativity that isn’t available if you merely allow the camera to do all of the thinking for you,” McGrath said.

W hile the convenience of a Smartphone is likely part of any professional photographer’s creative toolkit, most continue to produce the bulk of their work using traditional DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras, systems that allow for changeable lenses and attachments such as flashes. The

new mirror–less digital cameras are something of a bridge between the world of Smartphones and DSLRs in that they are smaller and lighter, but deliver professional level performance while allowing for lens changes.

“Even the difference between a consumer lens and a professional grade lens can make a huge difference. Different materials, more stringent tolerances in the manufacture, simply better grade glass in the lens can create a better photo,” he said.

While working on location or in a studio setting, a professional photographer will also use tools not typically part of a Smartphone user’s kit – such as tripods, professional grade photographic lighting, reflectors,

One of the purposes of a professional food photograph is to elicit a response from the viewer, typically that of hunger colored gels and other systems. In the final analysis the difference between a good photo and a great photo is the patience, planning and vision of the photographer.

“When taking photos with a Smartphone you are being controlled by the phone rather than you controlling the tools. But then that’s the difference between a snapshot and a professional image. There’s a huge difference, and that is what will continue to separate the two for the foreseeable future,” McGrath said. www.its-food.ca

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AUGUST 2017

TROJAN COLLISION ATTAINS CERTIFIED COLLISION CARE CANADA STAMP OF APPROVAL Nanaimo body shop earns certification for multiple vehicle manufacturers

N

ANAIMO – Emile Houle is certifiably pleased that his Trojan Collision is certified.

The 3601 Shenton Road auto body shop was recently certified by Certified Collision Care, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that means they’re a Factory Certified Facility, officially approved to repair Ford, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Scion, Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Nissan vehicles.

It’s been a long road to get there, requiring significant investment

by Houle, and he believes it will take the business to another level.

“Achieving Original Equipment Manufacturer standards is what the manufacturers want – that everyone working on the vehicles now have the right training and equipment to fix it to their standards,” he notes. “In one vehicle alone there could be 12-15 different materials that need to be attended to exactly to ensure the safety of the vehicle.”

Certified Collision Care Canada states their purpose: “To help ensure the next generation of vehicles are properly and safely repaired, leading automakers are working through Assured Performance Collision Care to certify and recognize collision repair providers that have the right tools, equipment, training and facility modification.

“These requirements are essential to repair vehicles to manufacturer specifications, helping to ensure the fit, finish, durability, value and safety of the vehicle.

Collision repair providers can become Certified Collision Care providers, officially recognized by leading automakers, and use these powerful credentials to make a distinction in their respective marketplaces.”

Houle states Trojan Collision, which is also I-CAR Gold Class

From left, Emile Houle owner and General Manager Damien Houle at Trojan Collision certified, has invested heavily in equipment in the past year and a half, including special welders, riveting guns and other high-tech tools – and for training staff on how to use them.

“Everyone of our technicians take the required courses, and they have to keep their training up and maintain it,” he adds. “To work here, our employees have to be going for that goal. Our technicians are factory-trained and Red Seal certified.”

It’s an arduous procedure to obtain certification and requires numerous inspections. Houle adds that any approved facility will also be subject to surprise audits from manufacturers from time to time, to ensure the quality of the work is to the highest standards.

Having repairs conducted by a certified facility means peace of mind for customers and maintains warranties, Houle states. It also helps maintain the vehicles’ value, as purchasers of the vehicle can be assured of the quality of the repairs.

Houle notes they have also made significant investments in the building.

“We wanted to upgrade it,” he notes. “We made a huge renovation to get two NovaVerta spray booths from Italy, one 28 feet and the other 32 feet, and we

computerized the business from top to bottom.”

Today, the 25,000 square foot, two-storey building includes 23 bays and an upstairs parts storage area. Trojan Collision is kept meticulously clean, no small task for an industry where dust and paint are frequent.

The 18 employees work in teams through a coordinated, computerized workflow that demands constant communication throughout

the team, and Houle notes “The building is meant to be a factory.”

Trojan Collision’s building won the Excellence Award for Industrial Renovation in the 2015 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards.

Houle’s daughter Desiree designed the interior of the building with a Roman Coliseum theme, complete with curved walls, columns and sightlines, with the feature wall painted a Mediterranean-sea coloured blue. She also designed the company logo.

Trojan Collision has installed a pre-entrance hoist to allow estimators to inspect incoming vehicles inside, out and underneath.

“We analyze the car before it comes in, and after, and we check on the vehicle’s history,” he says.

Much of the work involves insurance companies, who allot a certain amount of budget per job, so Houle put wheel alignment and tire repair equipment into Trojan to make sure employees can complete vehicle work on time and on budget.

Houle explains that a simple fender bender could have bigger implications due to the highly sensitive sensors in new vehicles. If the sensors aren’t reset to manufacturers’ specifications,

they won’t function as intended and could become unsafe to drive – even though it doesn’t appear to be so to the naked eye.

“Cars are totally different now,” he says. “If the sensors aren’t corrected and taken care of and recalibrated and the vehicle is put back on the road, you’re really sending customers out in unsafe vehicles.”

Some manufacturers won’t allow non-certified facilities to work on their vehicles, period.

“If you don’t have their approved equipment, you can’t work on the car,” Houle notes, adding he believes that all brands could very well insist on the same rules in the future.

“Certified Collision Care certification is a big deal for the auto body industry,” he says. “We’re the first on Vancouver Island.”

Houle also credits the success of Trojan Collision to the ability to think ahead of the curve, which has resulted in them making these significant investments in technology and staff training he believed would be necessary to meet the manufacturers requirements.

“We take a lot of pride in the way our business looks, and how we do business,” he says. www.trojancollision.com

Trojan Collision’s building on Shenton Road won a Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Award for Industrial Renovation in 2015

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AUGUST 2017

BERK’S INTERTRUCK OPENING SECOND SERVICE FACILITY AT DUKE POINT

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

D

an Grubac, General Manager of Berk’s Intertruck Ltd., is pleased to note that the company is expanding, by opening a second service facility in Duke Point at 850 Maughan Road for heavy truck and trailer repairs. The opening was slated for August 1.

■■■ Chief Operating Officer Terry Burns and Chief Executive Officer Chris Forbes are pleased to announce a new addition to the McKay’s Electronic Experts family, as Norm Ross, formerly of Mitek Canada, has joined the company as Director of Business Development. Norm will be based out of McKays Victoria store.

■■■ Tali Campbell has joined the Alberni Valley Bulldogs as the new Business Manager of the B.C.

Hockey League team.

■■■ David Ransom notes that Verified Network Inc. has moved from 5-4180 Island Highway North to 5-55 Front Street in downtown Nanaimo.

■■■ Dr. Ivan Zolotco has joined the Lantzville Dental Group, which will now offer extended hours in evenings and Saturdays.

■■■ Georgia View Health and Wellness is moving into 6439A Portsmouth Road.

■■■ Mint Face Body Soul is a new business that has opened at 11699 Chapel Street.

■■■

Smythe LLP is pleased to have welcomed Daniel Lai, CPA, CA to the partnership effective July 1.

■■■

There is a new Tesla charging station beside Chapters at Woodgrove Centre. It is the only one on Vancouver Island, and the largest in BC, as there are eight stations in the province now.

■■■ Adrian Kempter is pleased to announce that Adrian’s RV Parts and Accessories has opened at 6315 Metral Drive.

■■■ Matthew J Van den Hooven has opened a new law office at 120256 Wallace Street.

■■■ KMA Chartered Professional Accountants at 5107 Somerset Drive has moved and amalgamated w ith Barber and Haime Chartered Accountants at 7190 Lantzville Road in Lantzville.

■■■ Wayland Sports, a gymnastic facility offering recreational classes for youth, is moving in beside Wholesale Sports on Wellington Road ■■■ STS Cabinets is moving from Northfield Road into a retail location beside The Brick at the corner of Hammond Bay Road and the Island Highway, where they will have a showroom.

■■■ Horizon Telecom has moved from Dufferin Crescent to 1985 Bollinger.

■■■

Bruce Munro has taken over as president from Denis Munro at Roc-Tech Contracting. The office is located at 96 Wallace Street.

■■■ T he celebrat ion of l i fe for

Nanaimo businessman Tom Harris was a fitting tribute to a man who made tremendous contributions in so many areas to Nanaimo and all across Vancouver Island.

Close to 2,000 friends and family attended the event at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

■■■ Xtend Rentals, which has been operating as a mobile tool and equ ipment renta l bu si ness, will be opening a fixed location at 101 - 1030 Oyster Bay Road in Ladysmith.

Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your story by emailing him at mark@ businessexaminer.ca

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AUGUST 2017

Meat Craft Island Butchery: Shop Features Locally Sourced Products New Custom Butcher & Sausage Maker Opens For Business in North Nanaimo

N

ANAIMO – Despite having only opened for business in July, Jamie and Kerry Martini, the co-owners of Meat Craft Island Butchery, have acquired a loyal and boisterous following, with glowing reports from satisfied customers filling the firm’s Social Media pages.

“It’s not a fra nch ise, it’s a family-owned business and this is our second location – with the first store located in Port Moody (called Meat Craft Urban Butchery),” explained co-owner and company President Kerry Martini.

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“It was started by my husband and I, a friend of ours on the Lower Mainland (Greg McFetridge) and another friend who’s a butcher (Sean Austin). We’re collectively the owners of the two stores. We started the first store in 2015 and as I’m a Nanaimo girl and wanted to come back to the Island this seemed like the perfect opportunity and considering the response so far I guess we were right.”

Meat Craft Island Butchery (with an emphasis on the word ‘craft’) has been founded on the belief that customers want quality in their meat purchases. “We do everything by hand. We make our own sausages in-house, we make our own marinades in-house, we create everything by hand,” she said.

All of the products sold by Meat Craft Island Butchery are locally sourced and humanely processed, with items on display bearing the name of the farm that it originated from. “You’ll notice when you come in that the farms are always changing. We go out and meet the farmers, we feed the pigs, we learn about how the animal was raised.

We have an excellent relationship with our suppliers,” Martini explained.

The successful Meat Craft business model has been developed with the belief that the modern

“We go out and meet the farmers, we feed the pigs, we learn about how the animal was raised.”

KERRY MARTINI OWNER, MEAT CRAFT ISLAND BUTCHERY

buying public wants quality, flavour and peace of mind when making a meat purchase – and that they’re willing to pay a little extra to get it. No item sold through either store has been medicated or chemically treated in any way. “You never have to ask if one of our pieces of meat has been medicated. None of it has been in a cage. All of them have been fed clean feeds. You can be assured of quality at every step of the process,” she said.

Located at 6461 Metral Drive in North Nanaimo, Meat Craft Island Butchery has five full time and two part time staff members and is open for business from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. The key to the success of Meat Craft Island Butchery is that everything sold through the store is ethically raised and locally sourced.

Kerry Martini, one of the owners of Meat Craft Island Butchery, helps James Murray make fresh sausages in her store “That our meat is not medicated is a huge thing, no one wants that junk in their food anymore. But customers also want high quality which is something we strive for with everything we sell,” she said.

“Even the grocery items we sell

in the store are sourced locally if at all possible. We want to support local businesses, small businesses. We don’t sell things with junk in them, why would we? After all, our kids eat here to.” www.meatcraftbutchery.ca

13

AUGUST 2017

AIRPORTS Sponsored By

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

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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.

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The Victoria International Airport is the largest on Vancouver Island and the second busiest in British Columbia to surpass where we were last year,” explained Geoff Dickson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA).

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14

AIRPORTS

AUGUST 2017

AIRPORTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

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.

Another key player in the 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 A irport 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 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 passi ng th rough our doors,” Sam Samaddar, the

Geoff Dickson is the President and CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority which oversees the Victoria Airport

“Last year our traffic was up eight and half per cent and year to date six a half per cent.”

GEOFF DICKSON PRESIDENT & CEO, VICTORIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY

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

Pacific Heliport Services opened its Nanaimo Heliport about two years ago and has seen a marked increase in traffic 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 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 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 SEE AIRPORTS | PAGE 15

VICTORIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY UNDERTOOK CREATION OF DISTINCTIVE ARTWORK Victoria Airport Monument Commemorates The Sacrifices Of World War II Aircrews

V Visit the Lost Airmen of the Empire Memorial Sculpture at Hospital Hill

www.victoriaairport.com

ICTORIA – A monument to the fallen, a tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for what is today the Victoria International Airport, a symbol for the spirit of freedom that only flight can provide – the Hospital Hill Commemorative Sculpture is a tangible metaphor for the sacrifices made by Allied air crews during the Second World War. “What’s interesting about our airport is that it was started in 1939 as the Patricia Bay Air Station, a facility created as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Program,” explained James Bogusz, Vice-President Operations and Development, Victoria Airport Authority.

While the major commercial air hub on Vancouver Island, the Victoria International Airport continues to function as a military air base, specifically for the Royal Canadian Navy. As part of the effort to complete a $150 million military helicopter maintenance

facility at the airport, the Canadian Armed Forces demolished an older brick headquarters building. The decision serendipitously provided the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) and other lovers of local aviation history, with a unique opportunity to honour those who paid the ultimate price for Allied victory during World War II – in the form of a distinctive sculpture.

“We were able to salvage about 1,000 bricks from the old headquarters building which were used in constructing the sculpture, which is entitled: Lost Airmen of the Empire. Designed by Victoria Sculptor Illarion Gallant, work on this $160,000 project began last Spring with it being finished in the Fall of 2016,” Bogusz said.

Made of a corten steel structure adorned with brick, the expansive artwork consists of 25 standing forms representing the feathers of a Coopers Hawk, which is an agile and fearless airborne predator – a creature symbolic of the bravery demonstrated by the wartime Commonwealth aviators.

Each feather is 12 feet tall, with the names, ages and rank of lost airmen waterjet engraved into the bricks. During the Second World War 179 perished while posted to or working at RCAF Station

Patricia Bay, or who were aboard aircraft from that base.

“The overall monument consists of the feathers, a lushly landscaped and irrigated area and bench seating also made from the recycled brick, which creates a very touching setting for people to visit and think about those who came before,” he said.

“What we have here is not only an amazing piece of artwork but a monument that can really take your breath away. It’s a beautiful representation that not only respected the history of this particular brick building but of the Commonwealth Air Station as a whole and in particular those who lost their lives in the effort,” explained Bogusz.

A large community undertaking, the poignant Hospital Hill Commemorative Sculpture is the end result of the tireless efforts over an extended period of time of a host of individuals, organizations, government entities and the VAA who formed the Hospital Hill Working Group to guide the project. “In many ways it’s a lasting legacy of our airport’s military history, and a tribute to the sacrifices made for freedom,” he said.

To learn more please visit the airport’s website at: www.victoriaairport.com

AIRPORTS

AUGUST 2017

15

NETWORKING ON THE FLY VICTORIA - VANCOUVER - NANAIMO

Then known as the Patricia Bay Air Station, the Victoria International Airport began life as a military installation

AIRPORTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

doubled,” explained Jay Minter, Helijet’s Director of Marketing.

“Since ex pa nd ing the apron at Nanaimo Harbour Heliport in 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 a n a rea 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 private airstrip in 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.

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OMOX - Air Canada adds two more flights at Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) providing late evening return and an early morning departure. It’s a move that helps connect returning passengers back through Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at an in-demand time of day and targets business commuters working in YVR and living on the Island.

“We saw an underserved market for early flights to Vancouver. We built a business plan and presented it to Air Canada. They came back quickly with an adjusted schedule and the two extra flights,” said Fred Bigelow, chief executive officer of the airport. “It’s great to see Air Canada making this kind of investment in our market.”

Bigelow points out that, with the five per cent increase in passenger traffic in 2016, the added flights give more choices and opportunities for the business community.

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ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS TAKE OFF AT COMOX AIRPORT take upwards of five hours out of your work day. The flight from YQQ takes about 30 minutes plus our airport is easy to get in and out of. For those folks working in Vancouver it’s a dramatic cut in transit time.”

He added that YQQ is well served to major hubs with Air Canada’s flights to Vancouver, and WestJet’s service to Calgary and Edmonton. Seasonal non-stop service to Puerto Vallarta with WestJet offers a great get-away for the winter season.

“We now have more options as well as more seats,” Bigelow said, adding that, combined with Pacific Coastal’s flights the south terminal, YQQ can cater to a wider business and world-travelling community.

“This is huge,” Bigelow said.

“YQQ draws from the North Island and offers people the opportunity to live the Island lifestyle and work in the big city as well as travel the world.”

Operating daily except Saturday, the additional Comox-Vancouver flights by Air Canada Express will use a 50-seat, Bombardier Dash 8-300 aircraft and leave YQQ at 6:10 am and arrive at 9:17 pm.

Comox Valley Airport is 1250 Knight Road in Comox www.comoxairport.com

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AUGUST 2017

AJAC’S EQUIPMENT INC. CELEBRATING FIVE DECADES OF FAMILY BUSINESS “The family aspect of the Three Generations of Halsalls Make Power Equipment Sales and Service Company a Success

business has been great,” he adds. “We’ve worked side-by-side for years, and there has never been

N

ANAIMO – Tom Halsall has not only grown up in Ajac’s Equipment Inc. – he has grown the family business.

Tom’s father, Jack, started the company 50 years ago, two doors down from its location at 160 Cliff Street. Tom, who became owner/ operator in 1982, has continued to expand the product line to where it now includes a wide variety of lawn and garden power equipment. While they still offer chainsaws and forest industry related machinery, and repair virtually every gas powered tool on the market, Ajac’s now offers STIHL chainsaws, Tohatsu outboards, John Deere law n and garden equipment, and names like Toro, Echo, Shindaiwa and Husqvarna.

“We added John Deere 30 years ago, which has been a great asset to the business,” says Tom. “Today, we are the only John Deere retailer for lawn and garden equipment and parts on Vancouver Island.”

They also sell used push and self-propelled mowers, snow blowers, lawn and garden tractors and attachments, chippers and shredders, rototillers, chainsaws and grass trimmers.

“We’re not tied to logging as much as we were at the start,” Tom notes. “We’ve diversified into all different types of lawn and garden equipment products.”

A three generation family company, Tom’s wife, Corri, and their two sons, Robert and Aaron, work in the business. Grandpa Jack still comes in to work in the parts department a couple of times a week. “ Mos t d ay s, my c omplete family is here,” Tom notes, “Corri works in sales and parts, Robert manages ordering and parts and sales, and Aaron works in service, but they do a bit of everything. I

an issue at all. We all do different things. Everyone has found their own little niche that they like to do, and they help each other when needed.”

TOM HALSALL

do mostly repairs and oversee the company.”

Tom marked his 35th year with Ajac’s last year.

“The family aspect of the business has been great,” he adds.

“We’ve worked side-by-side for SEE AJAC’S EQUIPMENT INC. | PAGE 17

Owner Tom Halsall with some of the name brand products Ajac’s Equipment offers customers

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ECHO POWER EQUIPMENT (CANADA) congratulates

Ajac’s Equipment Inc on

50 Years in Business

We are proud to be a supplier partner and celebrate this business milestone with you !

17

AUGUST 2017

“Our staff (there are 10 employees) has a lot of experience and expertise that customers can rely on. They have answers and can solve most any problem that thei r mach i ner y is experiencing.”

Business is busier depending on the season.

“Spring is the busiest time, from March until mid-summer, when the weather dries up,” says Tom. “We have equipment for every different type of weather.

Fire pumps and outboards sell in hotter weather and chainsaws all year round. When weather gets soggy, everything is growing so fiercely that we do a lot of repair work, because, for example, lawnmowers that have sat idle for months in the shed can’t handle the tall grass and customers need them fixed.”

Tom is also excited about expanding lines of electric powered products. Advanced technology has meant that battery powered equipment is becoming increasingly lighter in weight, since they don’t require gas or power cords. Robert observes that Ajac’s clientele has grown from “mostly middle-aged men” to include more female customers.

“Our growth has been slow and steady,” Tom notes. “We’ve had peaks and valleys like everyone else, but it’s been consistent growth. We are very proud that we have been a family business for 50 years now.” www.ajacsequipment.com

The Halsalls at Ajac’s Equipment, from left: Jack, Tom, Robert and Aaron

AJAC’S EQUIPMENT INC. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

years, and there has never been an issue at all. We all do different things. Everyone has found their own little niche that they like to do, and they help each other when needed.”

Perhaps nobody is as proud as Jack, who started in 1967 when he bought Shoreline Service and strategically moved it from Albert Street to Cliff Street, across from the Stewart and Hudson lumberyard. He came up with the company name, a derivative of his own and the fact that “the ‘A’ was for

‘air-cooled engines’, and to be first in the phone book,” he says.

Once he obtained the rights to sell and service STIHL products, the company was on its way. In the early years, they would send lawnmowers elsewhere for repairs. These days Ajac’s handles all repairs in their service department.

“Tom came in and added products for landscaping and surveying,” Jack recalls. “Thank God for him and Corri. She’s the best parts person around. And you should hear the boys on the phone, they’re so good with customers,” he smiles. “It’s such a

treat having all the kids around.”

Robert is following in Tom’s footsteps. He started working at Ajac’s in 2013 after graduating from Vancouver Island University, saying “I said I’d give Dad a year, and see how it goes,” adding the transition to ownership is now underway. He also is a specialist on green roofs, and is a frequent lecturer at VIU and works for the University of British Columbia.

Tom started full time at Ajac’s in 1980 after high school.

“While I was going to school, I worked part time and was helping out,” he says. “I learned how

to repair machines on the job, which is a very good way to do it, because you learn exactly what’s needed for each application.”

Tom believes growing up in the business and knowing it inside and out gives the Halsalls and Ajac’s an edge over big box stores.

“When the big box stores came, we specialized in servicing what the big box stores sold. We still provide service and repairs, but we also provide customers with product knowledge and the option of buying higher-end products at competitive prices,” he recalls.

Congratulations to Tom & the Team at Ajac’s Equipment Inc Contact Us for your Commercial Banking Needs 250-390-8963 | Val_carver@hsbc.ca

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PITCHFEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Lau nched nea rly th ree years ago LIFT (Leading, Inspiring & Fuelling Talent) Comox Valley was created to help local start-up companies grow by offering business workshops, collaborative opportunities and other information necessary for business success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved in g rassroots com mu n ity economic development works in the region for the past 25 years, and during that time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the nature of the Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy shift dramatically. Where once we were resource driven weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve now created a great place for retirement and recreation but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a thriving entrepreneurial sector,â&#x20AC;?

Meyer explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had worked w ith sta r t-up compa n ies i n the Lower Mainland and wanted to bring some of that excitement, some of that juice to the Comox Valley. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what LIFT is all about.â&#x20AC;?

During PitchFest up to seven entrepreneurs will be given three minutes to deliver what is essentially a mini sales pitch to the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s panel of judges.

Hans Peter Meyer is the CEO of LIFT Comox Valley, a group created to help energize the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrepreneurial spirit

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want people to start their own

Meyer believes that for entrepreneurs to flourish they need to meet and mingle with other like minded individuals

businesses so they can remain in the Comox Valley, but not just to survive but to thrive.â&#x20AC;?

HANS PETER MEYER CEO, LIFT COMOX VALLEY

The presentation is then critiqued. The presenters will be given some useful feedback, business advice and some valuable prizes. The evening will also include a keynote speaker, business information as well as a social component. The judges this year include Sue Finneron (Finneron Hyundai), Mina Haghighi (Futurpreneur

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AUGUST 2017

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE UNDERWAY AT TIGH-NA-MARA “The work that’s Rebuilding Of ‘The Gabriola’ Latest Phase In Ongoing Enhancement Project

underway adds a whole new level of rustic charm to such an iconic

P

ARKSVILLE – With its eye squarely on providing its guests with the best experience possible, the independently owned Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre has invested more than $7 million in upgrades during the past few years – and the effort is still ongoing.

The most recent component of this enhancement effort was the complete upgrading of the Gabriola building that wrapped up in June – just one part of the ongoing multi-million dollar development program at the iconic regional resort. “In reality we actually started the renovation work at Tigh-Na-Mara nearly five years ago, in terms of major renovations at the property,” explained the resort’s General Manager Paul Drummond.

“It all began when we fully renovated the spa side of the resort, a process that took about a year and a half. We have about 50 units over there so it was a major undertaking and the start of what is still an ongoing effort. It’s all about enhancing the overall property to make our guest’s stay

Vancouver Island property.”

LUBA PLOTNIKOFF MARKETING MANAGER, TIGH-NA-MARA SEASIDE SPA RESORT

even better.”

That initial work was followed by a complete overhaul of the resort’s Cedars Restaurant & Lounge – work completed by TS Williams Construction Ltd., a noted builder of exceptional single family homes based in nearby Nanoose Bay. The relationship with TS Williams continued with a number of other upgrades including a complete rebuild of the Ballenas building which wrapped up last year.

“While TS Williams normally focuses on custom single family homes we’re starting to branch out into what I call lighter commercial projects. We don’t do the heavy duty projects, we aren’t going to be building strip malls but lighter commercial like TighNa-Mara, which in many ways is like building a custom home, just on a much larger scale,” explained

Work on the Gabriola building wrapped up in July, last year the Ballenas building next door was renovated Taran Williams, the owner of TS Williams Construction.

“We normally do a lot of timber and log structures so the style of the Tigh-Na-Mara project really fits in with our normal forte.

We’ve had an opportunity to work on their ocean front rooms before. Last year we completed renovation work on a nine unit structure called the Ballenas building and that was the start of this series of renovations along the ocean front. Now we’ve just completed the renovation of the 27 unit Gabriola building.”

The renovation project essentially involved the stripping of the structure down to its bare bones and then rebuilding it with improved insulation, sound proofing and energy efficiency – all while enhancing the views and

other visitor amenities. “We were involved in both the design and the construction for the project, working with designer Ashley Campbell of Studio AE Interior SEE TIGH-NA-MARA | PAGE 21

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The Ballenas building was upgraded inside and out in 2015 as part of the overall Tigh-Na-Mara renovation effort

Part of the Gabriola building upgrading involved improved sound proofing and more energy efficient technology

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Design in Nanaimo. She certainly played a key role and has worked with us previously,â&#x20AC;? Williams explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The buildings we worked on were probably built in the mid1980s so it was time for a major overhaul. The Ballenas and Gabriola buildings are certainly more energy efficient now as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve upgraded the insulation, improved sound control, installed LED lighting to save on energy costs and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve even incorporated some smart technology that essentially powers the room down when not in use â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the exception of the roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appliances. Once someone uses the key card to open the room it automatically powers back up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; much like waking up a sleeping computer.â&#x20AC;?

In recent years TS Williams has essentially become TighNa-Maraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go to renovation expert, as the firm has worked on a number of different components of the resort including upgrading its famous Grotto Spa and a complete overhaul of the

exterior of the Gabriola building in 2015. This was followed by the complete exterior and interior upgrade of the Ballenas building in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taran has an incredible eye for detail and creativity so it has been a pleasure to work with both him and his designer, Ashley.â&#x20AC;?

Drummond explained.

Dating back to the late 1940s, Tigh-Na-Mara has gradually expanded and enhanced both its facilities and its reputation as an extraordinary visitor destination.

Encompassing some 22 wooded seaside acres, the complex of 192 ocean view rooms, log cottages, spa bungalows and guest rooms in the Jedediah Lodge have drawn visitors from across Canada and around the world. The ongoing commitment to enhancing the facility is part of a long term plan to keep the resort at the leading edge of the regional hospitality sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The work thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underway adds a whole new level of rustic charm to such an iconic Vancouver Island property. In many ways it is enhancing the Tigh-Na-Mara experience while bringing the facility into the 21st Century in

terms of energy efficiency and technology,â&#x20AC;? explained Luba Plotnikoff, T ig h-Na-Ma raâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketing and Media Relations Manager.

For Drummond the investment in renovation work the resort has undertaken is money well spent as it will help ensure the future appeal and viability of the resort. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent close to $7 million between the guest rooms weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done so far and some of the

marketing and improvement efforts, the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre continues to be a major player in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitality sector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and its story is far from complete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a great location which has always been a big part of Tigh-Na-Maraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a good central spoke if you like for exploring the whole Island,â&#x20AC;?

Drummond said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The visitors can be based here and head off anywhere. They can do Victoria in a day, over to Tofino in a day or up to Campbell River but be able to return here at night. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really central in that respect and now with our upgrading efforts the experience is even better.â&#x20AC;? www.tigh-na-mara.com

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other ongoing renovations,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just spent more than $1 million upgrading our spa for example which was just in January. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now in the planning and discussion stages for another building to enhance the spa experience. It will be a separate building from the current Grotto but it will enhance what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to do in our Grotto Spa, it will give people a lot more to do in terms of a true spa experience.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just part of the ongoing vision for Tigh-Na-Mara,â&#x20AC;? he said.

While still in the preliminary stages, work on this large scale enhancement effort could begin within the next couple of years. With more than 70 years of history, and with its ongoing

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LOCAL BUSINESSES BEWARE ...of overpayment scam BBB serving Vancouver Island is warning the local business community to be on high alert for an overpayment scam that could result in the loss of thousands of dollars.

BBB has received reports from local Accredited Businesses that are being targeted with a sophisticated email scam. It all begins when the business receives an email from a supposed customer requesting the purchase of a specific product or service. Sometimes the email comes directly from the fake customer, other times the email looks as if it has come Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO through a contact form from an online directory webpage.

Through an ongoing email dialogue with the business, the scammer requests the ordering of a detailed and very specific product offering provided by the company.

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When it comes time for a deposit or partial pre-payment of the product, the “customer” creates some sort of elaborate story or situation in which a third business is involved that cannot accept credit card payment. The local business is asked if they could take a larger lump sum payment from the customer’s credit card. The business is then asked to use the money to pay for the ordered product or service, and to e-transfer the difference to the third-party business.

BBB is warning local businesses not to fall for this classic overpayment scam.

In reality, the credit card being used is likely stolen or fake, and the money that is being e-transferred will be lost to the business and virtually untraceable once sent.

Protect Your Business • Ensure all your staff understand how overpayment scams work. Whether the fraudster is using fake cheques or credit cards and requesting wire transfers or electronic transfers, the scam still works the same.

*Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus used under license.

• Never accept an overpayment for a product or service.

• Ensure you have systems in place to make sure fees, deposits and payments have legitimately cleared through your financial institution before purchasing products or providing refunds etc. Speak to your financial institutions about the best practices for protecting your business from overpayment fraud, and fake payments.

• Don’t fall victim to sad or dramatic stories, with high pressure circumstances, under which you must act urgently. Scam artists are great at pulling on your heart strings to try to rip you off.

• Report all incidents of fraud to your BBB and local police.

For information on protecting yourself from fraud visit bbb.org/vancouver-island.

Nominate a Business for a Torch Award BBB serving Vancouver Island is currently accepting nominations for the 2017 Torch Awards. The deadline for nominations to be submitted is August 25, 2017.

For more information about BBB serving Vancouver Island and the Torch Awards go to: bbb.org/vancouver-island.

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CAMPBELL RIVER

AUGUST 2017

Campbell River Golf and Country Club Unveils a Grand Plan

23

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Campbell River Mirror The Campbell River Golf and Country Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; formerly Sequoia Springs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has postponed their initial plan to have a golf shortened season this year in order to focus on what they are calling The Grand Plan 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expert team has s p ent t he l a s t mont h s thoroughly assessing the course and planning for its 2017 revitalization,â&#x20AC;? says the announcement on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly-revitalized website. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have come to the conclusion that in order to offer our va lued g uests t he best possible golf experience, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best we refocus our efforts on completing the full course redesign early. As such, we have decided not to open the course for 2017, but rather aim for a grand re-opening in early 2018.â&#x20AC;?

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And the plan is certainly grand.

The course redesign is underway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; being undertaken by one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading golf course design firms, Graham Cooke and Associates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but General Manager Amanda Raleigh and her crew say they are also aiming to â&#x20AC;&#x153;add to the golf experience through an extensive new practice facility,â&#x20AC;? according to the announcement.

T hat practice faci l ity will include a full-length, heated driving range with lounge chair seating, TVs, automatic ball dispensers and food and beverage service operating year-round.

They say they practice area will also include a shortgame area where golfers can work on their putting, chipping and bunker play.

And if golfers need a little help with their game, the

faci l ity is a lso lau nching a golf academy in the afternoons that will offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;advanced teaching and training opportunities to improve golfersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; game at any level.â&#x20AC;?

On top of all that, they are also constructing a brand new clubhouse and pro shop on the property, complete w it h â&#x20AC;&#x153;menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; locker rooms, underground power cart storage and on-site golf club repairs.â&#x20AC;?

The announcement also offers the public the chance to come in and talk about the plan, with staff available in the current pro shop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which remains open through this season, as well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to answer questions about the project.

See their facebook page for pro shop hours and follow it for periodic updates on their progress.

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AUGUST 2017

BUSINESS ELITE LEASE PROGRAM GIVES HARRIS PARKSVILLE DEALERSHIP AN EDGE Chevrolet Buick GMC operation is only one on Vancouver Island with GM program

BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER VANCOUVER ISLAND

P

A R KSV ILLE – Harris Parksville Chevrolet Buick GMC is the only dealership on Vancouver Island that has been approved for General Motors’ Business Elite program.

Fleet and Small Business Manager Richard Allan notes “This is a GM factory program that dealers have to sign up to be authorized to use it. And we’re the only dealer on Vancouver Island to have it.”

The purpose of Business Elite is to put business owners first, he adds. “We have dedicated sales and service staff for this program,” adding that Sheila Hopkins is in charge of service for the program.

“The program gives exclusive loaner vehicles to customers who have their vehicles in for service,” he adds. “If a customer needs a vehicle for their business, we can loan one to them to allow them to continue to do their jobs as they wait to get their own vehicle back.”

Managing Partner Andy Lankester says the fleet division has been a g reat add ition to the dealership, adding “it is a very attractive option for businesses.

“R ichard is a star. He’s our man, and we’re very pleased with what he’s doing for us,” Lankester says. “He worked his way up from detailing to service to parts to sales,” he says, adding he promoted Allan to oversee the fleet division in 2010.

Allan says GM has developed a special priority parts program within Business Elite, so that parts sourced from across the

country can be shipped to the dealership by the end of the next day of business.

“We have a 30,000 pound hoist that allows us to work on commercial vehicles, motor homes and campers,” he adds. “We’ve made this decision to go with Business Elite with a view towards the long term. It’s taken a lot of work to get here by Andy, Mike and myself.”

Allan describes a fleet as three or more vehicles for a company, although fleets generally run from 20-40 vehicles.

“We service fleets for everyth i ng from computer repa i r companies to forestry industry firms,” he says, adding.

To buy or to lease – that is the question.

Allan sees benefits to both, noting that for smaller fleets, leases may prove beneficial due to monthly payments and after a three-year lease is completed the company can turn the vehicles in and get new ones on a lease.

“T here are reduced service costs for repairs within the first three years as well, because the car is under warranty.”

“A lot of people go for leasing being part of a business, because it allows businesses to offset costs and allows them to drive the latest and greatest vehicles.”

Allan, a native of Scotland, has been with the Harris Auto Group since 2006, when Tom Harris heard him say in an interview that “I just wanted to work and be the best hire they’ve ever made. Tom sa id ‘He’s f low n 4,000 miles to get here, so let’s give him a shot’, and hired me right then.”

“This is something I really enjoy,” he says. “Every day is enjoyable for me. If you work hard, this is the best industry to be in.”

A l l a n obser ves t h at much of t he l a rger f leet bu si ness SEE HARRIS PARKSVILLE | PAGE 25

Managing Partner Andy Lankester, right, and Fleet and Small Business Manager Richard Allan

505 EAST ISLAND HIGHWAY PARKSVILLE, B C V9P 2G9 (250) 248-5718

25

AUGUST 2017

The dealershipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service department has a wide assortment of tires on hand

HARRIS PARKSVILLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

The showroom at Harris Parksville Chevrolet Buick GMC has several new vehicles on display

concerns trucks, as the Silverado/Sierra 1500 and 3500 models are much in demand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Chevrolet Express and GM Savana vans are very popular,â&#x20AC;? he adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because the models have their bodies on a frame instead of a uni-body, it allows them to have a larger payload capacity and makes it easier for trailering because the proper frame underneath enables the truck to take the payload capacity better.â&#x20AC;?

Lankester has been in the automotive business for 30 years, the past three years as Managing

Partner, and he works closely with Partner Mike Harris.

Ha rris a nd h is father, Tom Harris, who sadly passed away last month, purchased what was then Woodgrove Chevrolet, from Bill Taylor 15 years ago. Just two years later the Harris Group did a total transformation of the building.

Lankester started with Totem Mercury in Vancouver in 1987, and has moved from business manager to sales manager, to general sales manager and then General Manager. For the 19 years prior to coming to Parksville, he was with Preston Chevrolet Cadillac in Langley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2009, Mike called me and

asked if I wanted to come and work on the Island,â&#x20AC;? Lankester recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met with Mike and Tom and we all said it looked like a good fit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I liked the fact it was a family business with family values, and that there was some room for upward mobility. They had promised me an opportunity as a partner would come, and they kept their word. Their word was solid, just like going to the bank.â&#x20AC;?

The passing of Tom Harris has understandably been very hard for staff, especially considering Tom was so well liked and knew SEE HARRIS PARKSVILLE | PAGE 26

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Ĺ&#x153;Ĺ&#x;Ĺ&#x161;ſťĹ&#x;Ĺ?ĹżĹ&#x17E;Ĺ&#x203A;Ĺ ĹŁĆ&#x2018;ŨĆ&#x2018;Ĺ&#x203A;ſŢĹ&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;ſŠŠĹ?ĹżĹ&#x153;Ĺ&#x203A;ŢŢĆ&#x2018;ŨĆ&#x2018;Hubinternational.com General Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Property, Home, Personal & Commercial Auto, Marine, and Travel Insurance Proud suppliers to Harris Oceanside GM with the industry leading:

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AUGUST 2017

The Harris Auto Group has built a solid reputation for its service department

HARRIS PARKSVILLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

everybody by name.

“Tom would want us to carry on in the same fashion, and we need to make him proud.”

Business-wise, it’s been a great

ride, Lankester says, adding he is also a partner with Mike and Tom i n Parksville Qualicum Self Storage, which features

Congratulations to Harrison Oceanside GM on all your e excited to see where this new business success. We are expansion takes you.

888-368-7368 www.bcbudget.com

367 units in the Parksville Industrial Park at 1480 Industrial Way. Also in Harris Oceanside RV Sales, which Lankester added on the lot next door to the dealership.

“I’ve been really busy because these are all my babies,” he says.

“All RVs on the lot are consignment, and we’ve added a service department to look after the units and prepare them for sale.

We got off to a great start and the business has been growing every year.”

There are 45 staff members on the tea m, a nd La n kester still rolls up his sleeves to do whatever needs to be done at the dealership.

He is pleased with not just the solid work ethic of staff, but their willingness to pitch in with new ideas and go the extra mile for customers.

“We have introduced things like ‘Ladies Night’ to educate ladies about vehicles, and it’s hosted by the women in our service department at the dealership,” he notes. Paula Szabo has been promoted to Service Manager, and Lankester adds “we have a lot of women in key roles here. Paula excels because she’s very knowledgeable and has empathy. It’s all about putting yourself in the customer’s shoes, and she’s really excited about what she does.”

Teri Wilson i s Pa r ts M a nager, and Wendy Gamble the Controller.

“Our employees are happy to be here and it shows. Having happy staff that are happy to work here translates into better business,” he says. “We have SEE HARRIS PARKSVILLE | PAGE 27

In Memoriam

Patrick E. Bion

Michael O’Connor Q.C.

Michael Mark

Charlotte Salomon Q.C.

Suite 420 – 880 Douglas Street Victoria, BC 250.385.1383 Toll free 1.888.385.1383 www.mcbop.com

“The partners, our associate lawyers and our staff wish to acknowledge the passing of our great friend and client Tom Harris of Nanaimo.

He was a true leader of our community of Vancouver Island and indeed the Province.

He will be sorely missed by all.

A donation will be made to the family’s chosen charity in Tom’s honour. Our condolences to his dear family and friends.”

Congratulations from All of Us Tom Harris

1460 Springhill Road Parksville / Coombs BC Phone: 250 668 9135 www.fasttimegrandprix.ca

Congratulations on your success and expansion!

1175 Douglas St., Victoria, BC, V8W 2E1 250-365-4439 www.cibc.com

27

AUGUST 2017

There are 45 staff members on the team, and Lankester still rolls up his sleeves to do whatever needs to be done at the dealership

Harris Parksville Chevrolet Buick GMC underwent a major renovation a few years ago

HARRIS PARKSVILLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

very low turnover of staff here, which is excellent.â&#x20AC;?

Lankester is pleased to note

that GM has bounced back very strongly from 2008 when a federal government bailout enabled the company to make it through some rough financial waters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The company never deviated from investing in research and development,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though the company went bankrupt, they had all their new plans for vehicles ready to go. Once the government got involved with financial assistance, the company got everything turned around and the government got a return on their investment, too. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked out well.â&#x20AC;?

Today, Lankester says that all of GMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brands have received top-10 rankings from independent analysts like J.D. Power & Associates, for example. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier buying into a GM dealership, because the brand is so strong,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ou r ca rs, trucks, va ns a nd SUVs are all widely popular.â&#x20AC;?

Lankester adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a very healthy family business with many, many regular clients who buy vehicles here, get their service here, and are happy coming here.â&#x20AC;? www.harrisoceansidegm.com

Harris Parksville Chevrolet Buick GMC from the sky

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28

OFF THE COVER

Proud Winner of the 2016, 2015 & 2013 BBB Torch Awards!

AUGUST 2017

ATLAS MANUFACTURING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

While Atlas Manufactu r i ng wa s fou nded i n 1989, its origins actually go back to the 1960s, when Anderson’s Well Drilling Ltd. was launched to provide water well drilling services for municipal, commercial and residential clients throughout the Comox Valley and beyond.

Co-founded by father and son, Vaughn Anderson and Kenneth Anderson, the pair learned through trial and error that while well drilling technology worked well enough, better results could be achieved by adding their own customized improvements.

That talent for innovation, for invention and for in-house fabrication of add-ons and other mechanical improvements to existing systems, led to the creation of the casing ham mer, a core part of the company’s production, now rebranded Atlas Manufacturing Ltd. A casing hammer is in essence a large weight that drives pipe into the ground as the drill bores its way through the soil. This rigid pipe structure provides solid shoring that prevents the hole from collapsing in on itself allowing water to be pumped to the surface.

“Ken essentially built the first casing hammer for himself to make his life easier, but the other drillers in the company saw it, wanted one for their rigs and it sort of snowballed from there. Eventually the dema nd for the system grew so great they switched full time into manufacturing casing hammers, shutting down the well drilling company entirely,” Freeman said.

At l a s M a nu fact u r i ng builds equipment for the water well industry, the oil and gas sector and others.

“Basically we design and

The casing hammer system is the first and still most important product produced by Atlas Manufacturing build equipment used by anyone who puts pipe into t he g rou nd. We create things that puts casing into the ground and the tools that extract that casing.

We have five basic products that we’ve designed and patented over the years that we manufacture here in Merville,” he explained.

Weldco-Beales produced its own version of the casing hammer at its Seattle, Washington plant. But this product wasn’t considered a key part of the firm’s output or corporate focus, as the company is primarily a manufacturer of heavy equipment attachments and truck-mounted cranes.

It was that level of reduced corporate interest that led to the company making its product partnership offer to Atlas.

Rather than competing for the same market (more than

90 percent of Atlas’s sales takes place outside of Canada) Weldco-Beales casing hammers will now be built side by side with the Atlas products at the Merville plant. All future customer support and sales for both lines will now be provided by Atlas. The purchase agreement provides Atlas the rights to build Weldco-Beales casing hammer products under the Atlas brand.

“As we work with something like 130 different companies, from sub contractors to suppliers this is a big boost for all of Vancouver Island. It’s also a tribute to the sustainability of the product, which is now used by clients around the world. It was just one of those things, the timing was right and everything fell into place,” Freeman said. www.casinghammer.com

The Atlas Reverse Circulation Cyclone is constructed with the aid of 20 companies across Vancouver Island

29

AUGUST 2017

CAMPBELL RIVER AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOUNDED IN 1981 Sealand Aviation An Industry Leader In Aircraft Maintenance & Customization

C

AMPBELL RIVER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; What began nearly four decades ago as the vision of an aviation entrepreneur, has evolved into one of Western Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading and most innovative aircraft maintenance and customization enterprises.

Campbell Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sealand Aviation Ltd. is not only a major provider of aircraft maintenance services, it is also a pioneer in the art of designing, fabricating and installing after market aircraft modifications â&#x20AC;&#x201C; systems currently used on countless aircraft around the globe. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no pun to suggest that the sky really is the limit when it comes to the future success of this expanding firm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder Bill Alder came to Campbell River in 1980 as a freelance aircraft maintenance engineer. Once he was here, he saw a good opportunity to branch out and start his own business,â&#x20AC;? explained Aaron Spetifore, Sealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Maintenance.

Responsible for all of the aircraft maintenance activities of Sealand Aviation, Spetifore operates under strict Transport Canada guidelines, ensuring that every task completed by the company, from routine maintenance to a complete aircraft rebuild or restoration, meets or exceeds the quality standards dictated by the federal government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to Bill, those were especially busy days for aircraft maintenance as Campbell River was essentially viewed as one of the floatplane capitals of the world. At that time, many of the major logging companies and road building companies operated their own aircraft, and as very little aircraft maintenance occurred in Campbell River many of these firms had to send their aircraft to Vancouver for repairs

Company founder Bill Adler had a chance recently to check out a classic World War II B-25 Mitchell bomber and maintenance,â&#x20AC;? Spetifore explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bill recognized that as a golden opportunity and officially started Sealand Aviation in 1981. Launched solely to provide aircraft maintenance, Sealand quickly grew as the quality of the work, and the convenience of bringing local aircraft to a local facility appealed to many regional operators.â&#x20AC;?

To service and repair all classes of private and commercial aircraft, from land based units including multi engine transports to the classically West Coast floatplane community, Sealand Aviation operates out of two distinctly different locations in Campbell River.

Headquartered at the Campbell River Airport, Sealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main office and land based repair and maintenance facility is located at 2300 Airside Drive. To service the water-borne aviation sector the company operates a second facility at 3050 Spit Road, which is found on a finger of land jutting into Discovery Passage referred to locally as The Spit. This expansive man made peninsula has served as the home base for floatplane equipped airlines and aviation

A very busy hangar: Sealand Aviation is an industry leading specialist in aircraft maintenance and upgrading enthusiasts for decades.

But being an established aircraft maintenance service provider is only part of the Sealand Aviation story. The company operates three separate but interrelated businesses, providing a full range of services and expertise to its expanding client base. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sealand

Group includes three different divisions. Sealand Aviation, which is a Transport Canada approved maintenance organization, is the company Bill originally started in 1981,â&#x20AC;? Spetifore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then in 2014 we branched off and started Sealand Aerospace, a firm that does contract

manufacturing for Victoria-based Viking Air Ltd. In essence Sealand Aerospace is a sub-contractor for Viking Air Ltd, assembling elevators, rudders and ailerons used in constructing the new 400-series generation Twin Otter.â&#x20AC;?

SEE SEALAND AVIATION | PAGE 30

We appreciate your business over the years, wishing you continued success and prosperity!

-%%#*+&#**)) Â&#x2DC; ^c[d5VZgdgZX^e#Xdb lll#\gZ\dgVh]Vk^Vi^dc#Xdb 540 Marjorie Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 0S9

We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier to see your company grow and prosper!

$POHSBUVMBUJPOT UP 4FBMBOE "WJBUJPO PO ZPVS TVDDFTT GSPN UIF 3PUPS .BYY UFBN 1IPOF BENJO!SPUPSNBYY DPN XXX SPUPSNBYY DPN 4QSJOHIJMM 3E 1BSLTWJMMF #$ 7 1 5

Phone: 250.286.0744 Email: cnb@cnbcpa.ca

www.cnbcpa.ca 980 Alder St, Campbell River #201-1532 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay

30

AUGUST 2017

Taking a break from working on their latest project the crew at Sealand Aviation is central to the company’s success

SEALAND AVIATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Sealand Aerospace operates out of the company’s 2880 Spit Road location, while its newest division, Sealand Flight, an aviation charter service and flight training centre is based at the Campbell River Airport. Launched in 2015 Sealand Flight has two instructors on the payroll to conduct certified flight training courses, while its small fleet of aircraft is available for air charter.

“Sealand Flight operates four designated aircraft, three landbased and one float-equipped to provide floatplane instruction. We currently operate three Cessna 172 aircraft, which are a great training airplane and a Cessna 180 floatplane. Between the three divisions the Sealand Group has a total staff

count of about 50,” Spetifore said.

Joining Sealand Aviation in 2012, Spetifore brought with him a background in helicopter maintenance, providing him with an extensive and mixed training in servicing aircraft. Other key players in the company’s growth and ongoing success include Bill Alder, President, Greg Koopman, President of Sealand Aerospace and the firm’s Director of Manufacturing, Controller Mandi Willis and General Manager Nancy Marshall.

The development of successful after-market modifications, as well as specialized kits to enhance performance or to add convenience for aircraft owners, is just one of the many services Sealand Aviation is known for.

Certified by Transport Canada to work on all types of aircraft structures, maintenance, welding and

manufacturing, Sealand has over the years designed and fabricated dozens of distinctive modifications that have been embraced by both commercial and private aircraft operators.

A partial list of the aircraft customization the company has performed include interior cabin extensions, wing tip fuel tanks, specialized seating, the ‘Alaska Door’ – which provides easier cargo access to the iconic de Havilland Beaver floatplane, and many others. In all, the company has designed and manufactured different modifications for a wide variety of aircraft types.

“All of our modifications have been approved by Transport Canada, of which there are more than 50. Our modifications are

Two classics: a Grumman Goose flying boat and a rare de Havilland Dragon Rapide (center) one of only 12 in the world

SEE SEALAND AVIATION | PAGE 31

Campbell River Airport Strategic advantages.

Room for growth.

Contact us to discuss opportunities!

www.crairport.ca www.CampbellRiver.ca

Here is a de Havilland Beaver being worked on for an American customer, much of the company’s work is for US customers

HELICOPTERS LTD

Congratulations on your success, we’re proud supporters of Sealand Aviation

Phone: 250.287.2900 • Email: richard.short@sunlife.com

www.sunlife.ca

Thanks to Sealand Aviation for launching NIC student careers in aviation.

1-800-715-0914 www.nic.bc.ca

Congratulations on your continued success!

Phone: 250.287.4421 Email: info@ebhelicopters.com www.ebhelicopters.com 2595 Island Hwy North, Campbell River, BC V9W 2H2

31

AUGUST 2017

A true lover of classic aircraft, Bill Alder (left) checks out a vintage P-51 Mustang fighter with its pilot John Sessions

SEALAND AVIATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

approved by Transport Canada and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the United States for our American customers.

Thanks to a combination of our reputation for customer service, the skills of our team and certainly in part to the low Canadian dollar, we are increasingly performing work for US customers. Frequently, as much as 60 per cent of our maintenance and overhaul work is for clients in the United States,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after market success is very much a tribute to the vision of company founder Bill Alder who

realized, as he was working on different aircraft, that a few simple modifications could go a long way toward making an already good system even better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He would listen to what the customers were saying about their aircraft and with the help of some engineers he would design whatever the customer needed. Over 40 per cent of all Beaver aircraft flying today has some form of Sealand Aviation modification installed. The Beaver is still probably the best floatplane in the world.

Not bad for a plane they stopped building in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? he said.

For the future Sealand Aviation anticipates continuing to do what it has become known and trusted

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in the details as Sealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chris Coon tapes a section of aircraft in preparation for painting

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed watching you grow over the years, wishing you nothing but the best!

tĘ&#x201D;JOGP!ĂŹZXJMEFSOFTT DB XXX XJMEFSOFTTTFBQMBOFT DPN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over 40 per cent of all Beaver aircraft flying today has some form of Sealand Aviation

The de Havilland Beaver is an adaptable machine - this example has been converted to a gas turbine engine

modification installed.â&#x20AC;?

AARON SPETIFORE DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE, SEALAND AVIATION

for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing aircraft maintenance and repair services, while striving to produce innovative products that help to make the sector even more efficient and enjoyable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since Day one Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company motto is: Take care of the customer and the rest will fall into place. So providing extraordinary customer service, delivering industry leading maintenance technology and developing improvements to make the experience even better are all part of the Sealand Aviation mission,â&#x20AC;? Spetifore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This includes investing in our youth by promoting aviation maintenance as a career option.

The Teen Flight program was launched by Bill in 2014, where high school students receive hands on experience building a Vans RV12 kit plane under guidance from the local aviation community.â&#x20AC;?

Sealand Aviation also works

with North Island College in its current aviation program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also work very closely with North Island College to help train the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers. The College has a Transport Canada approved aircraft structures program, and we work with them to provide

some real-world experience,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over 70 per cent of our structures staff has graduated from that program. Remembering where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come from while looking toward tomorrow, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the future of Sealand Aviation.â&#x20AC;? www.sealandaviation.com

Thank you for your support over the years, congratulations on your growth and success!

250.286.1533

campbellriverglass@telus.net www.campbellriverglass.ca 1081 Ironwood St. Campbell River, BC V9W 5L6

32

AUGUST 2017

NANAIMO Opportunities For Growth Attract New Investment To Nanaimo From Filming Of The Popular Chesapeake Shores On Downtown’s Front Street To Creating A Sports Corridor, Nanaimo Is Moving Forward Despite Its Nuances

1 Port Place is a 26-acre property owned by the city and located on Nanaimo’s downtown waterfront CREDIT:CITY OF NANAIMO

BETH HENDRY-YIM

N

ANAIMO – According to Jolynn Green, executive director of Community

Futures, business owners and investors alike are seeing the growth potential in Nanaimo.

“There isn’t a lot of competition for certain businesses,” she said,

“and entrepreneurs and owners of existing companies are seeing that as a window of opportunity.”

She explained that Meat Craft Island Butchery, with an existing

and successful market in Vancouver, has expanded its operation to North Nanaimo next to Cobb’s Bakery.

SEE NANAIMO | PAGE 32

NANAIMO

AUGUST 2017

NANAIMO

33 “New people need

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

services and amenities.

Vancouver Island quarried marble processed in BC rivals that found in Italy CREDIT:COMMUNITY FUTURES NANAIMO

“They saw it as a nice match and a good location.”

A home-grown company is also moving to the area. BC Marble products, which quarries marble outside of Port Alberni, is setting up a processing plant in Ladysmith.

“The quality of the marble rivals that of the high quality Italian product, and it is totally Island produced.”

Janice Stromar, president of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, says the housing market also shows that optimism in Island living, with numbers reflecting a seller’s market and a high demand for property in Nanaimo.

“Unfortunately, the city just doesn’t have the inventory to meet the demand,” she said. “Prices are rising, but they are still affordable, in 2016, 51 per cent of homes sold for under $350,000 and 68 per cent sold for under $500,000.”

A large portion of the houses sold are being bought from people coming from elsewhere, Stromar added.

“The Buyer Profile shows that 32 per cent came from Vancouver Island, 42 per cent came from elsewhere in BC, 24 per cent from elsewhere in Canada and 2 per cent from China, with the average price increasing by $12,000 over last year.”

Green emphasized that a lthoug h the city has seen its

They’re coming from larger city centres and have different expectations of services and products.”

JOLYNN GREEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY FUTURES, NANAIMO

SEE NANAIMO | PAGE 35

MAZZEI ELECTRIC SEES EXPANSION INTO TWO NEW MARKETS “We are a young, Offices in Fort St. John and Victoria energize company’s vision for continued growth

progressive and highly energized company with strong managers and local workers.”

T

he president of Mazzei Electric, a family owned and operated electrical contracting business with more than 25 years of service in the Nanaimo area, says his company has seen dramatic growth over the past five years and expansion into two new markets; Fort St. John and Victoria.

President Ben Mazzei said that the company has increased revenue by more than 400 per cent and increased its staffing from 25 employees to over 100.

“We are a young, progressive and highly energized company with strong managers and local workers.”

He added that key positions within the company are held by long term employees who are able and willing to think outside the box, build relationships and work hard. It’s made a significant difference in the company’s ability to expand.

“The company had opportunities arise for taking on projects in both Victoria and in Fort St. John.

In the process, our management

BEN MAZZEI PRESIDENT, MAZZEI ELECTRIC

team found quality local labour and saw the potential for pursuing more contracts.”

He noted that his team brings a variety of skills to the table with each individual offering unique perspectives. This in turn creates a collaborative culture that is reflected in the high level of customer satisfaction and success.

“In this industry, steady work isn’t always easy to find. It’s nice to know our long-term employees always have 40 hours a week of work.”

Mazzei points out that diversifying the company’s market is another key to its continued success.

“We aren’t dependent on Nanaimo and the surrounding area.

Branching out into Fort St. John and Victoria, creating an office in each center, and building a solid network, helps balance the ups and downs in the market and in the different communities.”

It also helps to be well rounded in the industries it serves. Mazzei explained that the company’s first project in Victoria, Porsche, led to the completion of a number of commercial and multi-residential projects. In Fort St. John it completed both condo and townhome complexes and a subdivision of single family homes, as well as, commercial projects that included Burger King and ESSO and major tenant improvement for Canadian Brewhouse and Save-on-Foods.

“Providing electrical services for commercial, industrial and residential installations keeps us busy and with our expanding crew we are able to take on a variety of projects from maintenance, repair and renovations to large-scale commercial projects.”

Though Mazzei’s father and founder of the company, Frank, has retired, the company holds true to the values of integrity, quality, honesty and hard work he originally put in place. It’s a value system the current president fosters at all levels within the company.

“Our goal is to continually improve by providing high value products and services that we stand behind, ensuring customer satisfaction, profitability, and a future for our employees through continued growth.”

Mazzei Electric is at www.mazzeielectric.com

✹ Residential ✹ Commercial ✹ Industrial

mazzeielectric.com 250.751.1727 Serving Victoria to Campbell River

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NANAIMO

AUGUST 2017

35 NANAIMO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

share of nuances, it is moving forward.

“New people need services and amenities and when they are coming from larger city centres they have different expectations of services and products. That brings opportunities for entrepreneurs to start businesses that cater to those needs.”

Keeping pace with this growth and opportunity, the downtown core is seeing renewed investment.

“More people are interested in the downtown core,” said Bill Corsan, manager of real estate SEE NANAIMO | PAGE 36

WANT TO START A NEW BUSINESS? The City of Nanaimo has the tools and resources to help get you started ensuring that Nanaimo is home to a thriving business community.

Call us or see our website for all the details.

www.nanaimo.ca 250.754.4251 Nanaimo’s walkway extension is well underway and will connect with the existing path CREDIT:CITY OF NANAIMO

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NANAIMO

AUGUST 2017

NANAIMO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

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for the City of Nanaimo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen la rge employers like TimberWest relocate from Rutherford Mall to Port Place Mall, Western Forest Products a n d R e a l E s t a te We b m a s te r s h a v e l o c a t e d downtown and grow in their current location.â&#x20AC;?

He explained that with the addition of these businesses downtown comes the need for places to eat, shop and live and investors are seeing that potential. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have another residential project going in downtown and the potential of a hotel project next to the convention centre. We are also working at creating a master plan for the large property at 1 Port Drive.â&#x20AC;?

The 26-acre property located on Nanaimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown waterfront is owned by the City, adjacent to the Nanaimo Port Authority Assembly Wharves. The city is looking for input from the community to determine what the next step should be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A master plan is being compiled and open houses w ill be held to show residents options for its SEE NANAIMO | PAGE 37

Janice Stromar pointed out that inventory does traditionally dip in the summer and should pick up again in the fall CREDIT:JANICE STROMAR

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I

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n 2012 the Nanaimo Port Authority forged a partnership with DP World to provide options to importers and exporters for this increasingly important gateway to Vancouver Island. It proved to be an astute business move if one considers the impressive increases in cargo movement since the partnership was solidified. In fact, Nanaimo is the top growth port across Canada in total tonnage from 2010 to 2016.

DP World is part of a global network of 77 terminals in six continents and 110 countries. And clients continue to discover DP World advantages in Nanaimo.

Whether you are a trucker, a retailer, a wholesaler, a manufacturer, or a distributor the Deep Sea Terminals at Duke Point and the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf probably have advantages you should know about.

Advantages are uncovered if you answer yes to: â&#x2013; Do you have cargo coming from the mainland? â&#x2013; Are you interested in alternative options to make your supply chain more cost efficient? â&#x2013; Can you reduce the risk of failures in your supply chain by adding another port of entry to the island?

â&#x2013;

Will I avoid congestion and delays on existing options and save money? â&#x2013; Are you a container importer from the Pacific Rim? There are so many advantages that people are just realizing and the word is spreading. Clients who took advantage of new services saw major increases in cargo movement since 2012. Growth continues; 2017 first two quarters trend upwards with a 7 per cent increase in tonnage over the same period in 2016.

Clients are motivated for various reasons and some utilize a combination of benefits. Twice weekly sailings for containers from Vancouver to Nanaimo fit well for some clients while others like cargo that is intact to the island with reduced costs and transit time, others favour their direct access to cargo in Nanaimo. For those with green priorities, a growing value in our industry, time is saved through reduced truck kilometres and CO2 emissions. Clients can have direct B/L from the Ocean Carrier to Nanaimo rather than Vancouver, another competitive advantage.

Discover g reat sh ippi ng adva ntages i n Na na i mo > https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=A5sIz_s90L4

NANAIMO

AUGUST 2017

37

2017 Vancouver Island Building Excellence Winners

Home Builder of the Year Best Environmental Initiative

Renovator of the Year BC Marble Products, with the financial assistance of Community Futures, begins processing its Island quarried marble in Ladysmith CREDIT:COMMUNITY FUTURES NANAIMO

NANAIMO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

development.â&#x20AC;?

For Councillor Bill Bestwick, however, the major achievement the city has seen has been in creating the foundation and infrastructure for attracting visitors and residents alike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The extension of the waterfront walkway is well under way,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The community will definitely benefit as the addition will be contiguous with the existing walkway.â&#x20AC;?

He added that the city has also seen work undertaken by the Snuneymuxw First Nations to make a stronger, more vibrant ferry service to Newcastle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a significant accomplishment to be working together and establishing a relationship with the First Nations to improve our city. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting to be moving forward as a community that is collaborative with our Snuneymuxw First Nationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; partners.

SEE NANAIMO | PAGE 38

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NANAIMO

AUGUST 2017

NANAIMO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

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The economic and tourism benefits of this initiative have never been brighter.â&#x20AC;?

Part of the city and councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to attract more events and visitors to the city involves creating a sports corridor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making progress,â&#x20AC;?

Bestwick pointed out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The city has purchased the Rotary Bowl and Serauxmen Stadium and is expanding its usage with lights to extend play and expand to higher level tournaments and leagues.â&#x20AC;?

He feels retaining the property and structures created a significant sports asset that combined with the neighbouring Vancouver Island University and Aquatic Center, and with collaboration between the city, school board and Nanaimo District Secondary School, will ensure the corridor is preserved for sports events.

Nanaimo is also making a name for itself in the movie industry. InFilm Film Commission for Vancouver Island North is working hard at presenting Nanaimo as a film friendly location.

Season 1 of a Netflix original, Chesapeake Shores had 14 episodes quietly filmed in the city last year.

Bill Bestwick, councillor for the City of Nanaimo says that the creation of a sports corridor will draw more leagues and events to Nanaimo CREDIT:CITY OF NANAIMO

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first season brought m i l l ion s to Na n a i moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy,â&#x20AC;? said Bestwick. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2016, it saw 8,000 to 9,000 room nights and this year, as it starts filming Season 2, its slated to see 10,000 to 11,000 room

nights. When you combine that with the 2 per cent hotel tax, money spent on services, food and leisure, equipment rentals, extras and scouting locations, it is a significant boost to our economy.â&#x20AC;?

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COMOX VALLEY

AUGUST 2017

39

NEW CONDOMINIUM PROJECT IN COURTENAY READY FOR OCCUPANCY IN AUGUST 2017

BUILDING LINKS CLARICE COTY

M

ore and more seniors a re s e e k i n g a p l a c e to transition to, and t here a re severa l projects u nder way to me et t he h i g h demand on Vancouver Island.

I n th is monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colu m n, we give a summary of the types of projects that are being proposed which have current applications in place within their municipalities. There is a total of 345 new seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; units that will be built within the next

24 - 36 months in this region. â&#x2013; â&#x2013; â&#x2013; In Courtenay, a public hearing for the proposed seniors housing complex on five properties located near the intersection of Cliffe Avenue and 29th Street in Courtenay will be held in August. Each of the properties fronts onto Cliffe Avenue and have views of the Courtenay Riverway and the ocean. The appl ica nts a re proposi ng to rezone two properties and to add a care facility and complementary uses as a permitted uses in the R-4A zone. The proposed seniors housing complex is comprised of approximately 78 independent living units in a four storey building, and a 76 bed assisted care facility a two storey building. â&#x2013; â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Also in Courtenay, Phases 1 and 2 of a renovation project for the Westerly Hotel is underway to move forward to convert existing hotel suites into 48 seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residences for Phase 1. Fu r ther en ha ncements i n

â&#x2013; â&#x2013; â&#x2013; P o w e l l R i v e r - T h e C o mmittee of the W hole has recommended the approval of a development permit for a seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing project known as Coastal Winds a nd a Zon i ng Bylaw A mend ment received f i rst a nd second read i ng i n April. Inclusion Powell River and Golden Life Management are proposing to build a 75-unit seniors housing complex next to Powell River General Hospital. The intention is to build the project on a 3.5-acre parcel located on Joyce Avenue. The

Phase II will include the addition of amenities, such as a new dining room and media room.

The decommissioning of hotel units is underway now and the renovation of the independent studio and one bedroom units are expected to be completed in Feb. of 2018. Phase 3 is in the planning stages and will include an additional 48 units in a four storey building located alongside the river. Upon complet ion of t h i s proje ct, which is expected to take 24 months, the hotel will continue to operate alongside the seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residences. â&#x2013; â&#x2013; â&#x2013; P o r t A l b e r n i - Fo l l o w i n g a public hearing, city council has taken another step in the proposed development to Westporte Park, a seniors development. The proposed development includes 20 units of one-bed housing, which will accommodate either couples or single seniors. If approved, c on s t r u c t ion i s pl a n ne d to begin in the fall of 2017.

rezoning application requested a change from R-1 to Comprehensive Development Zone, paving the way for a mi xeduse facility that could include businesses on the main level and living units on the upper levels. Once all approvals are in place, this project is expected to begin construction.

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

Installing Peace of Mind Since 1980

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October is small business month and the

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Comox Valley Chamber is pulling out all the

Comox Valley, Campbell River, Powell River, Vancouver

stops for its members with many workshops, networking opportunities, and a business expo

COMOX VALLEY

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u m m e r i s i n f u l ls w i n g i n t h e C omox Valley and the Chamber is enjoying catching up on overdue projects a nd work i ng on programming for the Fall.

Berwick Comox is hosting a business after business mixer on September 12. Construction of the next phase of Berwick is mov i ng a long wel l. We a re excited to see what they have planned in their future.

October is small business month and the Comox Va l ley Cha mber is pulling out all the stops for its members w it h m a ny work shops, networking opportunities, a nd a busi ness ex po. If you are a business in the Comox Va l ley, either a small business or a large bu si ness t h at ser v ices S M E â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s , T h e C h a m b e r

would love to hear from you.

Tables for the Comox Valley Business Expo on October 11 are available on the website. The Expo is ta ki ng place at the Florence Filberg Centre in downtown Courtenay.

Maximize your business reach, connect with customers, and perfect your pitch with a table at the Expo.

T h e C o m o x Va l l e y Chamber welcomed these wide-ranging dynam ic businesses and orga n izations to the C h a m b e r i n Ju l y : T r imara Service Ltd., Ocean E s t ate s D evelo p m e nt s a n d Va n c o uve r I sl a n d Mountain Sports Society.

L o n g-t e r m m e m b e r s that deserve a mention, not on ly for thei r cont i nu i ng Ch a mber supp or t b ut a l so for t hei r long t i me success a re: Excel Career College celebrating 27 years as a

Chamber member, Driftwood Self Storage joined t h e C h a m b e r i n 2 0 01 , and Berwick Comox Valley joined the Chamber family in 2006.

The Chamber is the Comox Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most influential business association; your Business Champion. Our goal i s to p ower t he p eople who p ower t he Comox Valley and beyond. The Chamber is listening to what Busi nesses wa nt: More exposure for their business, highly focused networking, professional learning opportunities, business leadership, and solid connections.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in your region? Make sure you find out by subscribing to:

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40

AUGUST 2017

Farm Cycle Tour Returns with New Stops and Experiences

C

OMOX VALLEY - The Comox Valley continues to build a reputation for not only its culinary and agritourism experiences, but also as a cycling destination. The two worlds will come together for the perfect pairing of education & cycling, in celebration of the regions food and beverage producers, during the 7th annual Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour, Sunday, September 24th.

The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition partnered with Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism, the Comox Valley Farmers Market and area farms to develop this unique cycling experience as a way to drive awareness around the Comox Valley’s cycling beauty and agricultural bounty, and increase visitation and local product sales.

T he event has changed and g row n over the yea rs to not only involve incredible farms, but also craft wineries, breweries and distilleries, and much more. The list of participating tour stops is growing daily and currently features: 40 Knots V i n eya rd & E s t ate W i n e r y, Blue Moon Winery and Ciderworx, Berry Best Organic Farm, Amara Farm, Clever Crow Herbs Spices and Sea Salt, Coastal Black Estate Winery, Courtenay Country Market, Coastal

Rainforest Far m, Forbidden Brewing, Garry Oak/Willow Works Courtenay, Gladstone Brewing Co, Glen Alwin Farm, Innisfree Farm, Kehler Vegetable Co, and Wayward Distillation House. Coastal Rainforest Farm, Garry Oak/Willow Works Courtenay, Willovic Farm, Blue Haven Farm and Outback Nursery are new additions to the 2017 tour thus far!

Cyclists are able to pick their pleasure and choose to visit whichever stops they wish, creating their own tour route, meaning cyclists of every level can enjoy the Tour at their own pace. Each tour stop will be offering a unique experience to cyclists ranging from local product tastings, farm tours, demonstrations and more.

Early bird registration for $10 is available online until September 1, and participating Courtenay accommodation providers are offering free registration for guests who stay with them on the Farm Cycle weekend.

The Farm Cycle Tour weekend has more culinary activities taking place including the Comox Valley Farmers Market, September 23; Town Tour: Trails and Tastes of Courtenay, offered by Island Joy Rides, September 23; and Sip & Savour dining experience, offered by Ambassador Tours, September 24.

Celebrating cycling, agriculture and food & beverage producers!

Members of the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition celebrate the coming Farm Cycle Tour (Sunday, September 24) with Brenda Hetman-Craig, owner of 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery, one of over 25 expected stops on tour FMI visit CVFarmCycleTour. com or call the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre 1-855-400-2882.

In addition to the Farm Cycle

Tour, September has other great bike events including the Royal LePage Petite Fondo, September 10; Cross on the Rock, September

17; and Steve Smith Memorial BC Cup Finals at Mount Washington Bike Park, September 17. FMI visit DiscoverComoxValley.com

Myra Falls Mine to Resume Operations, Create Local Jobs

C

A MPBELL R I V ER - Nyrstar, a global multi-metals business, will resume work at its Myra Falls mine after a 20-month operational suspension. The restart will create more than 375 local jobs once the mine is at full capacity. Nyrstar’s Board of Directors met recently and noted positive progress mine staff has made aga i nst key cond itions deemed imperative for successful future operations.

These conditions include: Satisfying the permitting requirements needed in order to implement new and improved work practices; Negotiating positive commercial relationships, including future poly-metal sales agreements and contracts; Recruiting the right kind of skilled workers and reaching a satisfactory collective agreement with the mine’s unionized labour force.

Last month, Unifor Local Union 3019 members voted to ratify a new contract, with nearly 80 per cent in favour.

“Our members are pleased to have an opportunity to return to work,” sa id Un i for L oca l 3019 President John Humphrey.

“Our goal now is to work together to achieve a successful restart to mining and milling operations.”

During the period of suspended operations, Nyrstar invested heavily in environmental improvement and site maintenance, and established a core, onsite tea m respon sible for transformation strategy development.

“Our job now is to implement new, world-class standards which will help Myra Falls safely and responsibly operate at its full potential,” said Myra Falls General Manager Randy McMahon.

The Myra Falls mine has a long history of reserve placement and promising exploration potential.

There have been over 100 years of mineral exploration activity in the area, and mining has been carried out at Myra Falls since 1966. A n u nderg rou nd

m ulti-metal mine, Myra Falls produces zinc, copper and lead concentrates, as well as silver and gold as by-products. In June 2015 mining and milling ceased, and operations were fully suspended in October 2015.

In February 2017, Nyrstar announced that it would review options to restart operations, and on August 1, 2017, Nyrstar approved a resta r t, a f ter h av i ng satisfied a number of key conditions.

41

AUGUST 2017

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

in permanent endowment funds worth over $11.5 million. Earnings from these legacy gifts have resulted in more than $2 million granted back to the community over the past 20 years to help build a strong, vibrant, healthy and productive community.

Applications for the Community Enrichment Grants will open Aug. 4 and remain open until Oct. 31.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Low Inventory and High Demand Creating Seller’s Market The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) reports that single-family home sales dipped slightly in July, down to 558 from last year’s 605, a decrease of eight per cent. Sales were also down by approximately 10 per cent from June, which saw 618 sales. Despite fewer units moving, however, lack of inventory means homes are selling faster and for more money.

Inventory of single-family homes declined by 13 per cent from July 2016, with 1,367 active listings available last month compared to 1,575 one year ago. The number of single-family homes for sale has steadily increased each month since VIREB hit a historic low of 859 in December 2016, but demand continues to exceed supply.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that the supply of homes for sale in the province has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade. This dynamic has created significant upward pressure on home prices and created sellers’ markets in many areas, including Vancouver Island.

Don McClintock, 2017 VIREB President-Elect, confirms that the VIREB area has been a sellers’ market for several months now.

“Consumer demand is high, and buyers are snapping up well-priced properties quickly once they hit the market,” says McClintock.

“Multiple offers are commonplace, which is frustrating for buyers and their agents. In fact, we’re now seeing multiple offers on condominiums and townhouses, which is virtually unprecedented for the VIREB area.”

In July 2017, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the VIREB area rose to $457,100, up 20 per cent from one year ago. The benchmark price of an apartment in July rose 29 per cent board-wide from the previous year, while the townhouse market also strengthened, up 25 per cent overall and hitting 43 per cent in Duncan.

The July 2017 benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $361,800, an increase of 20 per cent over July 2016. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price hit $453,300, up 23 per cent from last year.

Duncan reported a benchmark price of $407,700, an increase of 18 per cent compared to July 2016.

Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 19 per cent to $490,500 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price break the $500,000 mark, rising by 14 per cent to $506,700. The price of a benchmark home in Port Alberni hit $250,000, up 19 per cent from one year ago.

PORT ALBERNI Alberni’s Airport Project Over-Budget Alberni Valley News Construction on the Northwest OLS Road at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport will put the $6 million runway expansion project over budget by $535,000.

The Northwest OLS Road, a forest access road, is being relocated as the current location is height restricted due to the expanded runway length. Construction is needed in order to provide full utilization of the runway expansion and lighting, according to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

Bowerman Excavating was awarded the tender for the road at a price of $1,154,610 after GST. Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) staff have suggested using funds from the AVRA capital reserve, which is sitting at $80,000, or apply for funds from the Alberni Valley Community Forest Legacy Fund to finish the project.

“This is one of the final projects that we have on the airport expansion and we’ve been fortunate throughout the whole process that the cost has come on target, or less than on target, based on our original estimates that we saw in 2014,” said Andrew McGifford, manager of environmental services with the ACRD at a special board meeting on July 12.

A motion was passed to support the building of the road using capital reserve funds.

Road construction will begin within a week and is planned to be completed by September.

BC BC Ferries Traffic Rises to Highest Level since Before Recession BC Ferries released its year-end results today for fiscal 2017 and for the second consecutive year, BC Ferries’ positive results have allowed the company to hold the cost of travel for passengers and vehicles at 2015 rates on the majority of its routes. Consolidated net earnings were $77.4 million for fiscal 2017.

“This strong financial performance will be essential in helping us renew the fleet, pay down debt, as well as reduce our future borrowing and associated costs. As a more sustainable ferry service provider, we will be better able to deliver

fare stability, and continue to provide safe and reliable service to our customers,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “BC’s coastal ferry network needs about a ship each year for the next 12 years at an average cost of $70 million. Solid earnings from the growth in traffic is helping build a strong system for the communities we serve.”

In fiscal 2017, BC Ferries experienced a 2.9 per cent increase in vehicle traffic and a 1.7 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to fiscal 2016.

These traffic levels are the highest BC Ferries has experienced since fiscal 2008. The general increase in travel and tourism experienced in BC has a positive economic effect on coastal

communities and BC Ferries.

Revenues for the year increased $24.7 million, from $834.6 million to $859.3 million, primarily due to higher traffic levels and retail sales, partially offset by an additional $11.7 million in fuel rebates provided to customers.

Higher traffic levels also affected operating expenses, which increased $17.2 million, from $709.0 million to $726.2 million, compared to the year prior. The main increases were in labour costs, contracted services, training activities, and parts and supplies, partially offset by lower fuel costs.

“A significant step forward this year is the introduction of the Salish Class natural gas-fuelled vessels which are cleaner and less costly to operate. We are well on

our way to building a standardized, interoperable fleet which will reduce costs, improve our environmental footprint and further increase safety,” said Collins.

“Starting later this year, we will convert the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island – the largest vessels in our fleet – to cleaner, less expensive natural gas.”

Capital expenditures in the 12 months ended March 31, 2017 were $243.7 million. For fiscal 2017, these expenditures include: $177.1 million in vessel acquisitions, upgrades and modifications; $30.9 million in information technology; $22.9 million in terminal marine structures; and $12.8 million in terminal and building upgrades and equipment.

42 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT 0813188 BC Ltd 5400 Island Hwy North, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Cloutier Matthews LLP CLAIM $8,679 DEFENDANT 1003708 BC Ltd 321 St Julian St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Mazzei Electric Ltd CLAIM $52,952 DEFENDANT ARAMARK CANADA Ltd 1055 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Nichola J W Reid Law Corporation CLAIM $21,018 DEFENDANT BCIS BC Integrated Solutions Inc 1800-355 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Richlock Rentals Ltd CLAIM

WHO IS SUING WHOM $ 10,825 DEFENDANT Better Choice Exterior Maintenance 3096 Paisley Pl, Colwood, BC PLAINTIFF Patterson, Leslie CLAIM $ 25,166 DEFENDANT Brunnell Construction Ltd 7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF BC Concrete Curb & Gutter Inc CLAIM $ 115,306 DEFENDANT HMCS Alberni Museum & Memorial 5-625 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Planidin, Paul Wilfred CLAIM $ 6,366 DEFENDANT Home Depot of Canada Inc 400-725 Granville St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Davis, Rosalie Emilie CLAIM $ 25,156 DEFENDANT Jas Tar Trucking Ltd 13550 64th Ave, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF SFJ Inc CLAIM $ 48,586 DEFENDANT

Mid Island Bobcat 5400 Island Hwy North, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Cloutier Matthews LLP CLAIM $ 8,679 DEFENDANT Miles Plumbing Services Ltd 2519 Ludgate St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Cosby, Cheri Charlene CLAIM $ 21,082 DEFENDANT Mr Reg Butcher Cabinet Master 103-3500 Quadra St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Krawczynski, Janusz CLAIM $ 5,176 DEFENDANT Nanaimo Cold Storage Trucking Ltd 4-125 Bowlsby St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Island Reefer Service & Repair CLAIM $ 22,968 DEFENDANT Nanaimo Realty Company Ltd 40 Cavan St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Brooks Landing Centre Inc CLAIM $ 25,236 DEFENDANT Pedre Contractors Ltd 101-26620 56th Ave, Langley, BC

AUGUST 2017

PLAINTIFF Great Pacific Consulting Ltd CLAIM $ 7,867 DEFENDANT Salt Spring Events 360-1070 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Richlock Rentals Ltd CLAIM $ 6,119 DEFENDANT Serengeti Wholesalers Ltd 8-8358 121a St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF Lah Sourcing Ltd CLAIM $ 60,000 DEFENDANT Sunny Hill Development Ltd 1400 Dogwood Ave, Comox, BC PLAINTIFF Stolting, Walter Rolf CLAIM $ 24,429 DEFENDANT T & T Construction Management 4690 Otter Point Pl, Sooke, BC PLAINTIFF Matrix Marble Corporation CLAIM $ 11,981 DEFENDANT Toronto Dominion Bank 307-888 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Mr Fertilizer

CLAIM $ 22,103 DEFENDANT University Heights Shopping Centre Ltd 400-725 Granville St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Davis, Rosalie Emilie CLAIM $ 25,156 DEFENDANT Valley Tech Contracting 5820 Gabourie Pl, DUNCAN, BC PLAINTIFF Dodds Lumber & Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $ 6,493 DEFENDANT Van Isle Paint Inc 250 Prospect Lake Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Sherwin-Williams Canada Inc CLAIM $ 23,203 DEFENDANT Vic 1 Holding Ltd 6090 Wisteria Way, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Marks Restaurant Service Inc CLAIM $ 5,875

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

AUGUST 2017

NORTH ISLAND Stubbs Island Whale Watching has handed over ownership to Waivin Flags Taxis. The company offers a daily shuttle bus service between Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove and is at 24 Boardwalk in Telegraph Cove.

Café Guido & Co. opened a pop up shop in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of Vancouver from July 11-17. The shop was designed to create awareness in a new area with new potential customers.

The local business is at 7135 Market Street in Port Hardy.

The Kwa’lilas Hotel’s Nax’id Bar opened for business on July 19 at 9040 Granville Street in Port Hardy.

North Island Trail Guide App is a new phone application that was released by Vancouver Island North Tourism. The application provides tourists and hikers with information on trails around the North Island. The app was created by Strategic Natural Resources in Port McNeill, the GPS information was provided by the Regional District of Mount Waddington and the effort was led by Vancouver Island North Tourism.

The North Island Gazette has moved into a new office at #3 – 7053 Market Street in Port Hardy.

CAMPBELL RIVER After a 20-month operational suspension, global multi-metals business Nyrstar has approved resumption of work at its Myra Falls mine near Campbell River, notes General Manager Randy McMahon. The re-opening comes after Unifor Local Union 3019 members voted at the end of July to ratify a new contract. While the Myra Falls site will undergo a period of transition, operations are expected to eventually create more than 375 jobs in the Campbell River area.

Campbell River Dairy Queen

Grill & Chill has moved to 1250 Dogwood Street.

Seawatch Medical Clinic welcomes Dr. Steve Lebeuf to their team as of August 8 at Suite #203 – 2276 South Island Highway.

Island Funeral Services/Elk Falls Crematorium announces that Danny Munroe has joined their team of licensed Funeral Directors at 909 Island Highway.

Doug Cox, the Producer and Artistic Director of Vancouver Island MusicFest, is among nine inductees into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. The inductees will join 275-plus previous inductees recognized for their contribution to the province’s culture and entertainment.

The Vancouver Island Mental Health Society has opened a new sobering and assessment centre at 1330 Dogwood Street. The facility has opened after renovations, collaboration with social service agencies and notification to nearby businesses.

The City of Campbell River recently celebrated their 70th anniversary of officially becoming an incorporated city.

Campbell River will have its brand new 95-bed, 32,316-square-metre, $274.5-million hospital in September.

Black Press has appointed Artur Ciastkowski as the new publisher of the Campbell River Mirror. Artur previously worked in the sales and marketing department at the Comox Valley Echo for nine years.

Strathcona Park Lodge’s Wilderness Youth Leadership Development summer camp was named as one of North America’s top 60 summer camps according to Flight Network’s rankings.

COMOX VALLEY Atlas Manufacturing of Merville and Edmonton-based

Weldco Companies have announced a product partnership. Under the agreement, Weldco Beales Casing Hammer Products and Atlas Manufacturing Casing Hammer Products will be built side by side at the Atlas facility. All future customer support and sales will also be provided by Atlas. The purchase agreement provides Atlas the rights to build Weldco Beales Casing Hammer Products under the Atlas brand.

43

Serving all of Vancouver Island

Your Island Mortgage Team moved to a new office at 272 Anderton Road in Comox.

Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro and Wine Bar at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa has been honoured with the People’s Choice Award for ‘Best Seafood on Your Plate’. The award was presented at the 11th annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, the largest seafood festival in Western Canada.

The restaurant formerly known as Mad Chef Café has reopened under the new name Vibe at 444 5th Street in Courtenay. Vibe features a new look and new menu.

The Union Bay Bed and Breakfast at Two Eagles Lodge has been featured in one of Flight Network’s blog stories ’13 Bed and Breakfasts to Take You Off the Beaten Path’.

The local company was also featured in an article entitled ’23 Best Romantic Spring Getaways in British Columbia’ published in Vacation Idea’s online newsletter. Two Eagles Lodge is at 6409 Old Island Highway in Union Bay. Murphy Wall Beds by Inspired Spaces has moved to #J – 2703 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay.

Yiamas Greek Taverna has expanded to include patio service at their restaurant at 275 8th Street in Courtenay.

At a recent ceremony, the Rotary Club of Comox presented the 2016-17 Community Paul Harris Fellow awards to three community leaders. The awards were SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 44

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44 presented to Norm Carruthers, president of the Comox Valley Community Foundation; Roger McKinnon, founder of the Comox Valley Mayors Golf Tournament and the Vancouver Island Top 20 Under 40; and Steven Smith, co-founder of the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre. The awards recognize behaviour that exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.

The first phase of the new landfill at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre opens this month and will start to receive waste. The centre is at 3699 Bevan Road in Cumberland.

FrankieJo’s has opened for business at Orchard Gate at Unit 107 – 501 4th Street in Courtenay. The company is a small café featuring coffee, baked goods, and an assortment of meals.

The Comox Valley is the fifth highest participant in BC’s 2017 Commuter Challenge, registering 125 participants to take transit, cycle walk, car pool, or telecommute to work. Congratulations to the winning Commuter Challenge organizations in the following categories: London Drugs Courtenay in Large Organization Category (over 30 employees), BC Assessment in Medium Organization Category (11-29 employees), Green Valley Aromatherapy in Small Organization Category and Pod Creative in Mini Organization Category (1-2 employees). The Commuter Challenge is a national initiative to raise

MOVERS AND SHAKERS awareness about sustainable modes of transportation for commuters.

Joanne Schroeder, the Executive Director of the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA), has been awarded a $100,000 per year fellowship from the Max Bell Foundation to help address child services issues in BC. The fellowship will be based at the University of British Columbia and will begin in September.

The Crown Isle Clinic announces Dr. Lucia Ma will be starting with the clinic on September 6 at #300 – 444 Lerwick Road in Courtenay.

The Comox Valley Record has added Scott Strasser to their team of reporters. Strasser joins the staff from Calgary where he graduated from the University of Calgary’s communications studies program.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM BEACH Berwick Retirement Communities has begun construction on a new facility in Qualicum Beach that is expected to be completed between January and March of 2019. The building will have 94 units consisting of studio units, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom units. The site, located at 120 West First Avenue is next to Qualicum Beach town hall.

Chefs Brendan Duggin and William Bennett have rejoined the staff at Giovanni’s Ristorante which was acquired by Dee Owen and Trent Belcourt in December. Giovanni’s Ristorante is at 180 West 2nd Avenue in Qualicum.

AUGUST 2017

PORT ALBERNI

Kenneth McCracken to their practice at 101 – 4115 Sixth Avenue.

Erica Watson has moved her business Stirling Images from Klista School to 10th Avenue.

Arbutus Dental Clinic welcomes Dr. Simon Gooch to their practice at Suite 101 – 183 Fern Road West in Qualicum.

Wait You Restaurant has reopened following renovations at the mall on 10th and Redford. The restaurant was forced to close following damage the occurred during a fire a few months ago.

Bodyworks Fitness has expanded into the former Blue Door Audio and Video space at 124 Middleton Avenue. The expansion created more parking space for Bodyworks customers as well as room for new equipment.

A recent initiative by the City of Port Alberni called the “Façade Improvement” has allowed Victoria Quay businesses to get a new coat of paint on their buildings.

Mike and Kristi Bellis have opened Haida Gold Ocean Adventures, a Nanoose-based business offering ocean and fishing tours from their boat moored in Schooner Cove.

Castle Carpet One has moved to a new location at 253 Finholm Street in Parksville.

Robert Held Art Glass is celebrating their 40th anniversary at 708 East Island Highway in Parksville.

Wembley Dental Clinic announces the addition of Dr. Hany Hanna to their dental team at 101 – 148 Weld Street.

Waypoint Insurance announces the retirement of Jim Lynch from their Parksville-Qualicum Beach team.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have added Tali Campbell to their team, who will take on the role of Director of Business Operations. Campbell will be responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the hockey club including financial management, sales and marketing, promotions and gameday events.

Dan and Cathy Neubauer and Dave Beecroft have opened Pacific West Home Solutions at 3540 3rd Avenue in Port Alberni.

Twin City Brewing has applied to the Liquor Control and Licensing Board (LCLB) for a structural alteration at their facility at 4503 Margaret Street to accommodate an outdoor seating area on the sidewalk adjacent to their building. Council unanimously supported the motion on July 10 and the LCLB approval is the next step in the process.

Alberni Valley Dental welcomes Dr.

Bijan Mahmoudi reopened the Canada Post outlet in Shoppers Drug Mart on July 22.

The 7-Eleven on the corner of Third Avenue and Market Street has closed permanently.

Tofino-Ucluelet The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce has named local business Image West Gallery and Gifts the Business of the Year. Image West Gifts is at 1932 Peninsula Road in Ucluelet.

Ucluelet Co-op is currently undergoing renovations that will see the store on Peninsula Road get a new roof. The store will remain open during construction.

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 45

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

AUGUST 2017

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

Mark and Kristi Udell and their three sons: Percy, Tucker and Sebastian were the recipients of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 Citizen of the Year award. The family was presented with the award during the Ukee Days closing ceremonies.

NANAIMO

Manager for the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Woodgrove Chrysler congratulates Nickolas Rivers on his fifth year anniversary working as an automotive technician with the dealership at 6800 Island Highway North.

Graham Hope is the top salesman of the month at Harbourview Volkswagen at 4921 Wellington Road.

David Gray is the top salesperson of the month at Steve Marshall Ford at 3851 Shenton Road.

Nanaimo chef Ryan Zuvich is one of 10 chefs from across BC invited to compete in Gold Medal Plates in October. The competition tests culinary skills in front of up to 600 attendants and is a fundraising event for the Canadian Olympic Foundation.

Zuvich is the owner and executive chef of Nanaimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s La Stella Trattoria and Hilltop Bistro.

Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty is pleased to announce the addition of Colin Caryk and Jason Minter to their team of realtors at 4200 Island Highway. The local real estate agency is also celebrating their 70th anniversary.

Congratulations to Paul Debron on being the top salesman of the month at Nanaimo Toyota at 2555 Bowen Road.

Island Top Team has moved to a new location at Unit 7 - 2525 McCullough Road. Island Top Team offers Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts training.

Adrianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RV Parts and Accessories is now open at a new retail location at 6315 Metral Drive.

Chuck Loewen Chuck Loewen is the new General

Kerry Martini and Sean Austin are the co-owners of Meat Craft Island Butchery, a new butcher shop at 102

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6461 Metral Drive.

Active Solutions Health and Sport has expanded to a new location at the Frank Jameson Community Centre (FJCC).

Shoreline Orthodontic Group announces the opening of their Nanaimo office (formerly Pappel Orthodontics) at Unit 2 - 1500 Waddington Road. Shoreline is an Island wide group of orthodontists led by Dr. Paul Helpard.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS Bill Robinson opened Xtend Rental Services on August 10 in Ladysmith at 1030 Oyster Bay Road. Xtend offers mobile construction equipment rental services to contractors and DIY homeowners to help maximize worktime.

Casper Patel recently acquired Gringoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Burrito and changed the name to Gringoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Grill at 9752 Willow Street in Chemainus.

Gringoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Grill offers burritos, hot dogs and hamburgers and is focusing on incorporating health ingredients and alternatives.

business that will close during the first week of September and reopen in June.

COWICHAN VALLEY

Nanaimo Child Development Centre is celebrating their 50th anniversary at 1135 Nelson Street.

BC Marble Products in Chemainus held their grand opening celebration on July 22-23. The company manufactures marble products from its own quarry on the west coast of Vancouver Island. BC Marble is at 9401 TransCanada Highway.

45

The Lake Cowichan First Nation hosted the opening ceremonies for their first business venture on July 28. The business, called Kaatza Adventures, is a rental company that deals paddle boards and boats, kayaks and other water crafts. The store at 8570 North Shore Road also has a gift shop specializing in First Nations jewellery, clothing and souvenirs. Kaatza is a seasonal

Ryan Isherwood Dickson & Fraser Auto Repairs celebrated their 60th anniversary on July 28 at 5237 Polkey Road.

Ryan Isherwood bought the business last year from former SEE MOVERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 47

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46

AUGUST 2017 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

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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 MLA-rich 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 exactly will the 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. Many of these governments 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.

JULY 18: A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY FOR CANADIAN PRIVATE CORPORATION OWNERS

DOUG JOHNSTON

O

n July 18th federal Minister of Finance Bill Morneau released proposed changes to the taxation of private corporations.

Although these changes have received remarkably little coverage, they have created shockwaves with CPA’s and tax lawyers that deal with the taxation of small businesses and their owners.

Justin Trudeau stated in 2015 “that a large percentage of small businesses are used by wealthy people to shield income from taxation.” In this writer’s opinion, and I have largely practiced in this area of taxation for 45 years, since 1972, these comments and tax proposals indicate a fundamental ignorance by Trudeau

of how the economy of Canada works and what comprises the vast majority of small businesses.

In 1972, the Carter Commission made substantial changes to Canadian tax law. For Small Business, it recognized that it was necessary to defer a portion of tax on income, based on the fact that income was rarely in the form of cash: It was represented by financing receivables, inventory, property, plants and equipment.

The Carter Commission however was clear that “a buck was a buck” which resulted in the concept of “integration”. That concept essentially says that the total tax the small businessperson pays first at the corporate level and then later on the dividends they withdraw from the small business should be approximately the same as the tax paid by an individual.

This has been the basic philosophy of the Canadian tax system since 1972. I have rarely seen anyone starting a small business that I would describe as “rich” or “wealthy”.

Indeed, if these entrepreneurs have a common character trait , it

is the willingness to work incredibly hard and risk everything for not just themselves but also their families.

As these small businesses mature, the ones that have been able to survive are able to pay off liabilities of their active business and start to invest in what is called “passive” income such as commercial or residential rental properties and investments in the stock market.

In the proposals, the Liberals indicate that they think that it is “unfair” that this active income can be invested in these passive investments without further immediate tax being paid - despite the fact that the integration concept still results in overall income tax being the same.

In the example that the Minister gave, he suggested that an individual earning over $200,000 per year would pay approximate 50% of immediate tax while the small business corporation would only pay 15% .

To “fix this” and make it “fair”, the thrust of his proposal would be to increase the immediate tax from 15% to 50% which would TRIPLE the amount of tax paid. According to the government, they hope to raise

an additional $250 million per year from Small Business.

The concept of “fairness”, in my experience, “is in the eye of the beholder”. Let’s compare a government employee, for example, and a small business person who are now both earning $200,000 per year.

The government employee has had his employer, the government, i.e.: us, paying into his pension plan from day one. The small business person in most cases is unable to contribute to an RRSP until later in life, as he has been putting all of his income into paying off the business.

The government employee receives vacation pay, pay for statutory holidays, pay for when he is sick or needs a “mental health day”. They are entitled to a “basket” of benefits such as medical, extended medical and insurance premiums. The small businessperson has received none of these benefits and their only ability to avoid retirement risk is simply to work harder and smarter now.

The reality is, for small business people, their corporation is their retirement vehicle and the Liberals propose to take it away.

The Liberals’ other proposal is to essentially eliminate family trusts through punitive taxation at the highest rates of tax for trust beneficiaries. This is based on the premise that “the reason for the existence of family trusts is to save tax”.

The true principal purpose of a trust is to facilitate the orderly transfer of an individual’s estate.

Trudeau, as a “trust fund baby”, should recognize this more than anyone.

Fundamentally, the Liberals are running $30 billion annual deficits and must have determined that since they are not likely to get many votes from the entrepreneurs that actually create wealth and jobs in Canada, they may as well tax them.

It will only be later, when these entrepreneurs, having lost all incentive to continue to build, simply give up. Then we will see the true cost of these misguided proposals.

Doug Johnston is a Certified Professional Accountant and founder of Johnston Johnston & Associates Ltd. in Nanaimo.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

AUGUST 2017

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

at 360 Duncan Street.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

owners Ben Marrs and Frank Fraser and has renovated and rebranded the shop since. Isherwood is also the owner of Isherwood Body & Fender Shop.

Cowichan Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rocky Creek Winery has taken home one gold, two silver and one bronze medal so far this year for their Wild Blackberry, Katherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sparkle and On the Mark wines at the Northwest Wine Summit and the All Canadian Wine Championships.

Tourism Cowichan has named Karen Elgersma as their new Executive Director. Karen has more than 25 years of experience in communications and marketing, most recently with Tourism Victoria.

isition Audiam, tly lity to be tifying the ect

Cow-op.ca, a Cowichan based digital local produce ordering service, has expanded their services to Victoria by partnering with Olive the Senses. The company offers Cowichangrown seasonal produce to shoppers that place their orders online and pick them up at their locations. In Cowichan they are at the Cowichan Green Community

rooms by 22, for a total of 64. The entire hotel, apart from the Pub will see renovations, including the addition of an elevator. The hotel will be open during renovations which are expected to be completed in March. The outdoor pool will be closed during construction.

Congratulations to Cowichan Valley Preschool on celebrating their 40th anniversary at 820 Wharncliffe Road in Duncan.

Brian Passmore Brian Passmore, the former coach at Shawnigan Lake School is taking over as the new head coach and general manager of the Cowichan Valley Capitals hockey team.

Congratulations to Shawnigan Lake Museum on celebrating their 40th anniversary at 1775 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road.

Eamonn Carter is the top salesperson of the month at Bowmel Chrysler at 461 Trans Canada Highway.

47

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The EcoStar Awards is now accepting applications from businesses, organizations and individuals on Vancouver Island for the 2017 awards. The awards recognize environmental achievements and leadership from participants that are green and contribute to sustainability in the area. The deadline for nominations and applications in September 15 at 4 pm. The awards ceremony will take place at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria on November 16.

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