Business Examiner Vancouver Island - September 2017 by Business Examiner Media Group

SEPTEMBER 2017

» XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX MEETINGS AND EVENTS

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CAMPBELL RIVER Island Health’s North Island hospitals project revolutionizing health care

Vancouver Island WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

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Inuktun Services Rugged Underwater Camera Successfully Survives Shark Attack

COMOX VALLEY ‘Good enough’ – simply doesn’t exist in the vocabulary of custom home builder Jim Zsiros

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ward what an contributed on” IMO

Hungry Shark Proves No Match For Robotic Camera System

INDEX News Update

Cowichan Valley

Nanaimo

West Coast

Comox Valley

Campbell River

BY DAVID HOLMES

ANAIMO – For nearly 30 years Inuktun Services Limited has been a pioneer and an industry leader in the design, fabrication and deployment of industrial robotic systems. Today Inuktun robots are working in some of the harshest and most hostile environments on Earth. Able to explore the inner workings of a contaminated nuclear reactor, or prowling through a collapsed building seeking survivors, Inuktun robots have faced just about every challenge man or Nature could throw at them. Now the company can add shark attack to the expanding list of obstacles it has overcome. “Back in February, Gurney Productions, the creative producers of an episode of Shark Week for the Discovery Channel, contacted us looking for a high definition SEE INUKTUN SERVICES | PAGE 30

Inuktun Services Limited’s Priscilla Johnson shows off a camera similar to the one that proved mightier than Jaws

Who is Suing Whom 42 Movers and Shakers 43 Opinion

OUR 14 YEAR

Chief Louie: Economic Development Brings Opportunity To First Nations Celebrated Osoyoos Indian Band Leader Shares Inspirational Message With Ucluelet First Nation BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER

U Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

CLUELET – Money equals opportunity. That’s how Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos Indian Band sees it. One of Canada’s most successful Chiefs, Louie has earned accolades for his approach to economic development that has brought prosperity to the South Okanagan First Nation. He shared that inspirational message

with Ucluelet First Nation members on September 2. Economic development, he believes, is an irreplaceable part of any forward progress for any First Nation. “Economic development is your path to freedom. We can’t depend on the Department of Indian Affairs,” he states. “They’ve never properly funded one program on an Indian Reserve, and never will.” “We need to create our own

jobs, with our own money. It’s not all about money, but words without money have no legs.” O soyo o s F i rs t Nat ion h a s earned a reputation as one of the country’s most progressive and successful First Nations, owning and operating numerous profitable businesses that employ workers from 30 different nationalities. They include Senkulmen Business Park, Spirit Ridge NK’Mip Resort, NK’Mip (I n k a meep)

Cellars wine, NK’MIP RV Park, NK’MIp Desert Cultural Centre, N K’M ip Ca nyon Deser t Golf Course and Canyon Desert Resort. Osoyoos Indian Band leases 227 acres of land to Area 27 Motorsports Park in Oliver. Designed by famous Canadian Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve, is described as, “five kilometres of adrenaline and discipline. Built SEE CHIEF CLARENCE LOUIE | PAGE 25

2 NANAIMO Island Ferries and Port Authority Reach Lease Agreement The Nanaimo Port Authority and Island Ferry Services Ltd. (Island Ferries) announce that they have reached an agreement on an Offer to Lease certain facilities at 100 Port Drive that will support the operation of a fast, passenger-only ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. On December 6, 2016, a Tripartite Committee of the Nanaimo Port Authority, Snuneymuxw First Nation and City of Nanaimo concluded an extensive Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) and identified Island Ferries as the preliminary preferred proponent to operate the passenger-only service. Since that time, the Nanaimo Port Authority and Island Ferries have been working to confirm the operating and technical requirements, and negotiating the financial terms that will ultimately be embedded in a long-term lease. As required by the RFEOI, Island Ferries also engaged the Snuneymuxw First Nation to understand their perspectives and concerns, and to identify various opportunities. “I am very pleased to reach this initial agreement with Island Ferries to site their terminal facility on the Port’s lands. It will provide

NEWS UPDATE Island Ferries with a first-class base for its operations from which to deliver a dependable, passenger-only ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver” says Bernie Dumas, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. Next steps in Nanaimo include an environmental review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012), further discussions with the Snuneymuxw First Nation, continued engagement with the City of Nanaimo and the broader community, and completion of a long-term lease agreement to operate the passenger-only ferry service from the Port property. “This agreement is a key milestone in establishing a dependable, customer-focused fast passenger-only ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. Not only does it provide much of the needed infrastructure in Nanaimo but it allows us to focus our efforts on the remaining elements needed to start service by the summer of 2018.” Says Dr. C. Stewart Vinnels, President of Island Ferry Services Ltd.

VANCOUVER ISLAND VIREB Housing Market Stays Active The Vancouver Island Real Estate

Board (VIREB) reports that single-family home sales dipped in August, down to 540 from last year’s 622, a decrease of 13 per cent. Sales declined by three per cent from July, which saw 557 sales. However, although fewer units are moving, the board attributes it to lack of inventory, not a cooling market. There were only 1,349 single-family homes for sale in August compared to 1,395 last year, a decrease of three per cent. Not enough supply is coming onto the market to keep up with demand, which results in homes selling faster and for more money. Janice Stromar, 2017 VIREB President, says that the VIREB area has been a sellers’ market for several months now. “Our housing market shows no signs of slowing down, and there is little evidence of buyer fatigue,” says Stromar. “Multiple offers continue to be the norm, and we’re now receiving them on condominiums and townhouses, which is virtually unprecedented for the VIREB area.” Stromar adds that many properties are selling above list price, but sellers still need to price their homes correctly because consumers are savvy and will not purchase an overpriced home. She offers the following advice for buyers. “W hen you find a property you like, you need to act quickly, so make sure your financing is pre-approved,” says Stromar. “You should also decide beforehand on the price you’re willing to pay if you

SEPTEMBER 2017

find yourself in a multiple-offer situation.” In August 2017, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the VIREB area rose to $457,500, up 18 per cent from one year ago. (Benchmark pricing tracks the value of a typical home in the reported area.) The benchmark price of an apartment in August rose 28 per cent board-wide from the previous year, while the townhouse market also strengthened, up 27 per cent overall and hitting 51 per cent in Duncan. The August 2017 benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $367,000, an increase of 21 per cent over August 2016. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price hit $454,900, up 21 per cent from last year. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $408,300, an increase of 15 per cent compared to August 2016. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 18 per cent to $492,900 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by 15 per cent to $508,200. The price of a benchmark home in Port Alberni was $248,300, up 19 per cent from one year ago.

NORTH ISLAND North Island College Expands Course Offerings New courses offered at North Island College’s Campbell River and Port Alberni campuses aim to feed a

booming Vancouver Island film industry hungry for off-screen talent. NIC is accepting applications for the new television and film crew training program, which starts in October. It launches as Vancouver Island and BC’s local film industries are roaring. Joan Miller, commissioner of the Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INfilm), said NIC’s decision to offer the courses comes at a time when the industry needs qualified crew to attract productions like Chesapeake Shores. “We have so many productions that want to film here,” Miller said. But a shortage of local, trained crew “has been a barrier for years” to bringing more film and television production to the north Island, due to the additional costs of bringing crew from elsewhere to local sets, Miller said. The pilot program includes four separate training courses, including training to set up lighting and camera equipment, build and design sets and work as a production assistant. The province announced almost $500,000 in funding to develop the courses in March. NIC also relied on help and expertise from INfilm, which provides liaison and location services to film, television, commercial and media companies filming in communities from Nanaimo northwards. INfilm consulted with industry partners and urged the province SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

NEWS UPDATE

SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS UPDATE

COWICHAN VALLEY

help lay the groundwork for new tech development in Cowichan. The 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. While 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.

Cowichan Region Embarks on New Tech Strategy

NORTH ISLAND

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

to provide funding for the courses, pitching the idea as a way to invest in local tradespeople. “This opens up a whole new avenue to find work,” says Miller. “It’s also going to supply students with a few key certifications they need to get on set including the Motion Picture Industry Orientation ticket.” “N IC is very pleased to be working with our regional film commissioner and industry to develop customized, applied short term training aligned with film and television productions,” said Cheryl O’Connell, NIC’s dean of trades and technical programs. “The fact that these courses are being offered in response to industry demand is very significant to the region.” There are still vacancies in the program, but prospective students are urged to get their applications in before Sept. 15.

As 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 Strategy. The study is aimed at 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 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

primary areas. The first area of focus was to test the southeastern extension of the Hushamu deposit. “The mineralization looks similar to the main deposit, which is good news,” explained McClintock. The second focus was testing a 300-metre area within the Hushumu deposit, where widely spaced vertical historical drill holes previously indicated very low-grade or no mineralization was present. McClintock said it now “looks like there is mineralization between the dykes at the historical holes.” The third area of focus, a test drilling hole at the Red Dog resource, did not go according to plan. “At Red Dog, we didn’t get down deep enough,” McClintock said,

adding “we will have to go back and try again next year – what happened was the driller lost the hold and we collided into broken rock, so the top part of the hole became unstable and they couldn’t drill any deeper.” Despite the frustration at Red Dog, McClintock said Northisle is still on schedule.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM Work Begins on Fairwinds Landing Despite an active petition to stop the Fairwinds Landing development in Nanoose Bay, the Regional

Northisle Completes Test Drilling North Island Gazette Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. has completed test drilling on the North Island. The mining company tested six holes in their Hushamu and Redog Projects, located approximately 15-40 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy near the old Island Copper Mine. “To be absolutely sure how much copper comes back we have to wait for the analysis,” said Northisle President Jack McClintock. “But it’s all looking very encouraging.” Core samples from the test drilling have been sent to BVL Minerals’ laboratory in Vancouver. “If the results are positive, we’ll go back and do some infill drilling,” said McClintock, adding “we would have to drill 24 more holes at 8,000 metres of drilling.” The test drilling focused on three

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3 District of Nanaimo (RDN) has approved the development permit. Ian Porter, the Director of Real Estate for Seacliff praised the decision in a recent press release. “We can now move ahead with the project and deliver the community retail services and new housing residents have been waiting so long for,” Porter said. The press release from Seacliff also thanked the “almost 600 people who wrote letters in favour of the development and unprecedented show of support for a project in the Regional District of Nanaimo.” The meeting was held in order to address permit additions made by Seacliff. Seacliff proposed that SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

NEWS UPDATE

SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS UPDATE

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the alternative approval process to receive the go-ahead from Valley taxpayers for the proposed Civic Centre, to be situated in downtown Courtenay on Harmston Avenue between Sixth Street and Cumberland Road beside the current School District 71 administration building. In order for the CVRD to proceed with the final adoption of the Civic Centre loan authorization bylaw, less than 10 per cent of the electors in the Comox Valley Regional District had to submit an elector response form. The total number of electors for this AAP was determined to be 50,545. Therefore, 5,055 elector response forms were required to prevent the CVRD from adopting Bylaw No. 457 without going to referendum. At the close of the process, on Friday, August 18, 828 eligible elector response forms were received in the service area and the board may now consider the bylaw for adoption and next steps at its Aug. 29 board meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a very positive step for the community,â&#x20AC;? said CVRD acting chief administrative officer, Ann MacDonald. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look forward to the next steps towards the creation of a regional civic centre to serve residents of the Comox Valley.â&#x20AC;?

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Building A would have a height increase of 30 cm, and Building B would have an increase in the maximum number of storeys permitted to six storeys from five while not increasing the building height. The area for Building B allows a maximum height of 31 metres while Building B would come in below that at 30.8 metres. Seacliff proposed a 50-unit residential complex that will include additional commercial space at Schooner Cove. Building A will be the existing building at Schooner Cove, which is planned to include 11 dwelling units. Building B would be a new, six-storey residential building. At the meeting where the building was approved a number of attendants drew issue with the height and appearance of the building. While the meeting also brought to light letters that were written discouraging the projects approval, most people who spoke acknowledged that it is about time the site is developed. Other participants pointed out that the additional requests represented no substantial change to the originally approved proposal. A project timeline for the development for the project has not yet been provided.

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Night Vison Imaging Technology on Air Ambulance Helicopters

Comox Valley Civic Centre Gets Approval from Community

This winter, Helijet International Inc. and BC Ambulance Service will develop and install Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) into all three of its dedicated air

Comox Valley Record The Comox Valley Civic Centre has been approved. The Comox Valley Regional District used

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NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

ambulance helicopters. Helijet operates the specially-equipped Sikorsky S-76C+ medical helicopters on a 7/24 basis from its Vancouver International Airport and Prince Rupert/Seal Cove base facilities under long term contracts with BC Emergency Health Services (BCHES), which operates the BC Ambulance Service. NVIS is a proven technology used primarily by first responder flight operations such as air medical, search and rescue and law enforcement. NVIS, also referred to as night-vision goggles, is a system technology which uses image intensifier tubes to produce an enhanced image of a scene in light conditions too low for the normal human eye to identify clearly during navigation and pilotage. Under an agreement with BCEHS, Helijet will install NVIS into the three dedicated air ambulances, with the $1.6 million installation cost being financed by Helijet International. Once operational, NVIS will enhance cockpit flight operations to provide greater pilot situational awareness with the objective of achieving safer mission completion during night flight operations. To complete this complex aircraft installation, Helijet has partnered with Saanich, BC-based VIH Aerospace, along with Rebtech Technologies and Night Flight Concepts, both of which are leading industry-recognized NVIS technology installers and service providers to the global aviation community. Helijetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Flight Operations, Brendan McCormick stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This equipment will significantly enhance our current air ambulance service delivery, allowing

us to provide services where we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t before and dramatically increasing safety where we have.â&#x20AC;? Helijetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flight crew plan to be fully ground and flight trained on the use of this technology by early 2018.

TOFINO Tofino Blocks 27-Acre Housing Project Despite strong demand for affordable housing, Tofino has blocked a major housing development project from moving forward. Woodsmere Holdings had proposed building a residential development and hotel on its nearly 27-acre piece of land. The development consisted of 108 townhouse units, 240 apartment/condominium units, 24 duplex/four plex units, a 48-unit hotel/ motel and 16 single-family homes. The proposal required changes to the official community plan in order to double the density for the lot. Council rejected the proposal, citing concerns about the increased demand on water supply from the development, the location of tourist accommodations in a residential area and questioned whether or not the project fit with Tofinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community character. Council indicated they would be interested in considering a new proposal should the developer make a proposal that fit within the official community plan. Danny Jadresko, president of Woodsmere Holdings expressed his disappointment in councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision after two years of work. Tofino is currently experiencing challenges in meeting the demand for affordable housing.

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Canadian Maritime Engineering Refits Coast Guard Ship For Expedition Parksville Qualicum News ANAIMO - A former Canadian Coast Guard vessel has been brought out of mothballs and is being refurbished for a new life as a research vessel with Parks Canada. The RV David Thomspon, formerly the CCGS Arrow Post, has been in dry dock in Nanaimo since April where it has undergone its transformation from an unused coast guard vessel that served with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to a refitted and refurbished craft tailored to underwater archeological research. N a m e d fo r a f a m o u s Canadian explorer, the RV David Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first task will be to help conduct archeological studies of the remains of an exploration mission dating back more than 170 years, the wreck sites of the Royal Navy ships HMS Terror and HMS Erebus, which were lost with all hands du ri ng Si r Joh n Fra n klinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempt to navigate the Northwest Passage in 1845. The wrecks were located between 2014 and

Tony Stemler, project manager with Canadian Maritime Engineering PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS BUSH

2016 i n t he waters of f Nunavut. The RV David Thompson, which was formerly fisheries patrol vessel, is being refurbished by Canadian Maritime Engineering on Stewart Avenue where the plastic shrink wrap was recently removed to reveal its new Parks Canada green hull paint. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is some side scan son a r b ei n g i n sta l led , which is an integral piece of equipment to the Franklin Expedition [research],â&#x20AC;? said Tony Stempler, Canadian Maritime Engineering project manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything from main

engines, to [generator] rebuilds, exterior paintwork, piping, new sewage plant, steering overhaul top to bottom, pull the [drive] sha f t, r udder, gea rbox serviced, all that kind of stuff. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preparing it for its next phase of life.â&#x20AC;? The ship is currently surrounded by scaffolding, but its overhaul should be complete in September when it will sail to Victoria for the winter and prepare for the ship and crewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archeological work to be conducted in 2018, plus return to the wreck site of HMS Investigator, discovered in 2014. Candian Maritime Engineering has operated at the former Nanaimo Shipyard site on Stewart Avenue since August 2016. The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first job at the Stewart Avenue site was to dismantle the derelict vessel Viki Lyne II after it was towed from Ladysmith harbour in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153; We h a d s o m e g r e a t feedback from the marine industry that the facility was open, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re continuing work here,â&#x20AC;? Stemler said.

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5 REASONS WHY OUTSOURCING HR MAKES SENSE

HR WENDY FERGUSON

utsourcing HR is an option that makes sense for businesses of all sizes. In smaller organizations, business owners usually take on all HR tasks, managing these processes “off the corner of their desk”. Even large organizations that have HR departments are often stretched to absorb the many responsibilities. Outsourcing the HR function alleviates some of this pressure and frees up resources so your focus can remain on your core business. Here are five reasons why outsourcing HR makes sense: 1. Cost Savings – Employing an HR department is costly. By investing in exactly what you need out of an HR department you will greatly reduce your overhead costs. 2. Compliance - Your external HR department will work with you to ensure you are compliant with federal and provincial employment and human rights legislation and avoid costly business consequences. 3. Recruiting for Positive Corporate Image Recruiting top talent is not only a speciality, but also often a very time-consuming process. Organizations that do not have

the in-house expertise should turn this critical function over to a company that does. 4. Flexibility and Efficiency – Outsourcing HR will allow you to quickly respond to growing business demands. Aligning your business with an external HR department provides you with efficient turn around on projects. 5. Continue To Do What You Do Best - An external HR department will allow a business to focus on their business strategy instead of getting lost in the timely administrative tasks required to run the business. Continue to do what you do best and rely on a qualified HR team to do what they do best. It is time to consider outsourcing HR when… ■ the administrative processes begin slowing down productivity; ■ you don’t have access to the expertise you require; ■ your staff and management have taken on HR responsibilities for which they are not qualified or have time; ■ you are rebuilding the organization after downsizing. Outsourcing has the potential to make your organization leaner, more adaptive, smarter and more profitable. Ultimately, your external HR department’s goal should be to support your business by providing timely and honest advice, assisting with planned growth and preventing compliance issues. Wendy Ferguson is an Associate HR Consultant with Chemistry Consulting

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SEPTEMBER 2017

L.A. MARINE BEGAN ITS CORPORATE LIFE AS A MOBILE MARINE MAINTENANCE SERVICE Port Alberni Boat Sales & Service Centre Marks 30th Anniversary

ORT ALBERNI – L.A. Marine Ltd. is a multi-generational family-owned business that has been serving the needs of the recreational boating community of Port Alberni and beyond for more than three decades. Evolving from a simple maintenance service into a full range marine sales and service centre, L.A. Marine has the skills, the experience and the technology to keep its customer’s boating investment operating at peak performance. “If I were to describe what we do it would have to be that L.A. Marine is a full marine service shop. We also sell new and used boats, a wide range of parts, as well as motors. The company is an authorized Lund, Silver Streak and Cypress Cay boat retailer as well as a certified Mercury Premiere dealer, where we sell and service the full line of Mercury motors. Really you’d have to say we do a little bit of everything,” explained Colyn Audet, the son of the company’s founder and one of its two owners. Founded in 1987 by Larry and Sherry Audet, L.A. Marine began life as a mobile boat maintenance service that grew over time to become the multi-facetted sales and

Colyn Audet, the son of company founder Larry Audet, is one of two co-owners of this local marine service center service center it is today. “It’s certainly a multi-generational family business now, but it didn’t necessarily start out that way,” Audet explained. “I began working here in 1992, a couple of years out of high school, where I did a lot of things you might expect from someone just getting into this business – sweeping the lot and washing boats and that sort of thing. But in time, once my Dad started talking about retirement, he started talking to us (Colyn and Paul Kuxhaus – the company’s other co-owner) about whether we were interested in buying it. So we discussed it, went in as 50 / 50 partners and bought him out – that was in 2007.”

The experienced sales & service team at Port Alberni’s L.A. Marine is the operation’s greatest asset Kuxhaus, who joined the firm in 1996, had been L.A. Marine’s head marine mechanic, a role he continues to perform while Audet looks after much of the sales and administrative aspects of running the business. “I had known Larry before I ever began working for him, working on my father-inlaw’s boat, buying parts off of him and that sort of thing,” Kuxhaus said. “I had been in the Navy for seven and a half years before that. I had taken a marine small engine course in Saskatchewan then came out here with the Navy. My wife was originally from Port Alberni so when I got out of the service we decided to move here, and have been here ever since.” Located at 4453 10 th Avenue in Port Alberni, L.A. Marine

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currently consists of a compact showroom and service center where boats of all sizes can be worked on, with ample yard space to showcase its inventory of new and used boats. While Kuxhaus and his maintenance team have worked on commercial projects in the past, the vast majority of its efforts are devoted to keeping recreational vessels, local and transient, operating efficiently. “Like with everything else, technology has changed how boats are built and operate. To maintain our Mercury certification we have to be continually upgrading our skills to keep up with the changes – changes that make motors more efficient and reliable,” Kuxhaus explained. With 30 years of successful experience behind it, L.A. Marine is

a multi-generational business on more than one level, as the children and grandchildren of its original customers are now buying boats and coming to the company for its service needs. “More and more I’ve been noticing a lot of customers who are from out of town, with people telling me that because of our reputation for customer service and for doing the job right, they’re willing to make the trip over the hump to see us,” Audet explained. “Obviously that’s one of the keys to our having been in business so long. By offering a good range of products, delivering excellent customer service, and doing it right the first time we’re now seeing second and even third generation boat owners in some cases coming to us, which is a great source of pride.” For the future L.A. Marine anticipates expanding on the legacy of excellence that has kept it operating successfully despite any fluctuations in the regional economy, without any plan for a physical expansion. “Having generational customers is something that I think I’m most proud of. When my Dad retired we were able to keep those customers, and keep them coming back,” Audet said. “We don’t really anticipate moving to another location or expanding too dramatically. We wouldn’t want the customer service to suffer, that’s key, so for the immediate future I expect we’ll continue much as we are.” www.lamarine.ca

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SEPTEMBER 2017

SAVOUR COWICHAN FESTIVAL RETURNS

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

he Duncan Cowichan Chamber operates the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre servicing over 25,000 visitors annually from our facility at the BC Forest Discovery Centre and via mobile visitor servicing at community events throughout the region. Visitor Centres across the province that are affiliated with Destination BC’s Visitor Centre Network are obligated to track visitor statistics including visitor origins, number of nights in the community and community interests. As a result, Destination BC is able to collect substantial data on who is travelling to BC and to our communities. This is combined with airport arrival stats as well as border and

ferry numbers. The Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre is experiencing another great tourist season. This is a similar trend across BC with a significant increase in visitors from Germany, Europe and Australia. Destination BC indicates that international visitor numbers were up 5.3 per cent in June compared to June 2016 and a 4.1 per cent year to date. Visitors from the US continue to be strong as well as visitors from BC, many choosing to do a staycation this year. We did note many visitors from the wildfire areas who chose to spend their evacuation time on the island visiting friends and family. This summer the Visitor Centre also embraced Destination BC’s Social Media Program to connect with potential visitors to the Cowichan Valley via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TripAdvisor. We are amazed at how we can connect with visitors via social media convincing them to explore the island and spend more time in our region. We are expecting another busy September and excited about the return of the Savour Cowichan Festival from

September 29 to October 8. Over the ten-day festival span, two lavish marquee events will be held on a floating barge in Mill Bay, while the Cowichan Valley artisan food and beverage producers host a myriad of other community based and epicurean events. Come join us in the Cowichan! ■■■ On the Chamber side, we are gearing up for a busy season of events and programs to continue to deliver value to our 500 plus members and businesses in the Cowichan. We look forward to kicking off the event season with our Monthly Speaker Luncheon at the Villa Eyrie on September 28. It’s already sold out as it’s a great opportunity to experience one of Vancouver Island’s premiere resorts. ■■■ Welcome new members to the Duncan Cowichan Chamber: Warmland Garage Doors, LoyalT Vancouver Island and BNI Valley Voices.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Farm-to-Table Teaching Restaurant Now Open Year-Round

OW ICH A N VA L L EY – Marie Seitcher is taking her passion for cooking to the next level with the help of a unique fine dining teaching kitchen run through Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Culinary Arts

program. The 34-year-old from Songhese First Nation has spent the past six months learning at The Farm Table dining room, VIU’s teaching kitchen and fine dining restaurant at Providence Farm, a

non-profit, therapeutic community in the Cowichan Valley. Since 2013, the University has run the farm-to-table experience out of the farmhouse on-site, giving students the chance to experience all aspects of running a restaurant,

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Marie Seitcher plans to use the skills she’s learning at VIU Cowichan’s teaching kitchen and fine dining restaurant at Providence Farm to start her own restaurant. Starting this fall, VIU is adding a second cohort of 14 students, allowing the restaurant to stay open year-round from working in the kitchen to greeting, seating and serving customers. Another unique aspect of the program is that students work in the gardens and learn about growing and harvesting the food they use in the dishes. “It gives us a good, well-rounded experience in how to run and operate a restaurant,” says Seitcher, who drives up from Victoria to participate in the fourday-a-week program. “We learn firsthand how to be a hostess, server, dishwasher, prep cook, chef and baker. It’s unique for a post-secondary program, which is why I chose to come here. My end goal is to run my own restaurant, so this is great experience. And growing your own food is a lot easier than I thought – I’ve started my own garden at home now.” Starting this fall, VIU is adding a second cohort of 14 students, allowing the restaurant to stay open year-round. It will mean double the amount of students can get their Professional Cook Level 1

training in the Cowichan Valley. Each class will be seven months, allowing for some overlap. “This additional PC1 program will make all the difference in the restaurant operation,” says Keith Chicquen, Instructional Director for VIU Cowichan. “We can now have it open year-round, creating consistency and dependability. Everyone, including our partners at Providence Farm, is excited about the additional programming.” Jason Lloyd, a VIU Culinary Arts instructor who runs the Farm to Table program, says there’s a growing market for local food dining options across the Island and many of their patrons come to support not only the students, but also the local-first concept. “The Cowichan Valley is becoming a foodie destination and I think the popularity of the farmto-table restaurant model is only going to continue to grow,” he says. “The produce and proteins we use are very, very local – well within 100 miles.”

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SEPTEMBER 2017

COMPANY FABRICATES EARTH-FRIENDLY HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

Brenda and Doug Lockhart are the owners of Lockhart Industries, designers and builders of heat pump systems

“In reality I’ve been Lockhart Industries Is A Pioneering Leader In Modern Heat Pump Technology

involved, either wholly owned or partially owned, in the HVAC business

OBBLE HILL – For Doug Lockhart, the founder and owner of Lockhart Industries (Duncan) Ltd., the goal is fairly straightforward – to introduce residential, commercial and institutional clients to the economic and environmental benefits that can be attained by using GeoExchange technology for heating and cooling buildings of any size. It’s a technology that he has been a pioneer in developing and installing for more than 40 years. “GeoThermal heating and cooling, ocean loops, heat pumps and other systems have the ability to dramatically reduce the costs of heating or cooling buildings. It’s a proven technology, developed over the decades, but it’s still somehow less well known or as easily embraced by users than the more energy dependent alternatives - even though it offers some tremendous advantages,” he said. Launched in 1981 Lockhart Industries specializes in the fields of GeoExchange, air conditioning, sheet metal fabrication, refrigeration and indoor environment controlled systems – for clients ranging from single family homeowners to commercial customers of all sizes. The

since 1976.” DOUG LOCKHART FOUNDER / OWNER, LOCKHART INDUSTRIES

Brentwood College in Mill Bay is an excellent example of a local Lockhart Industries large scale customer

SEE LOCKHART INDUSTRIES | PAGE 12

Doug Lockhart, in the main mechanical room at Brentwood College, shows visitors the college’s main heating/cooling heat pumps

Daikin is proud to support Lockhart Industries and all the best for future success. 6741 Cariboo Road | Burnaby, BC | (604) 420-1331 | www.daikincomfort.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

LOCKHART INDUSTRIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

system has even been widely adopted by institutions including nearby Brentwood College. Designing, fabricating and installing a wide range of environmentally benign systems (many employing proprietary technology), Lockhart Industries has over the years devoted itself to developing and deploying the latest in heating and cooling technologies, all while devoting much of its energies into educating prospective clients on the boundless benefits of this Earth friendly option. The company has become a global leader in the development and installation of such exotic heating systems as ocean loops, horizontal / vertical ground loops, pond / lake loops in residential areas, schools, commercial and industrial applications. Lockhart Industries has also been involved in the installation of GeoExchange systems for commercial aquaculture users and numerous other industrial clients. Lockhart Industries has earned an outstanding reputation in the industry by producing the most efficient heat pumps, systems that last longer with lower operating costs. It does this by integrating all of its training coupled with an expertise more than 41 years in the making. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the company itself has operated since 1981 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve actually

been producing these sorts of systems much longer than that. I was originally in a partnership operating under a different name. That was back in 1976. But I ended up buying out my partner in 1981, which is when Lockhart Industries was launched,â&#x20AC;? Lockhart explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In reality Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved either wholly owned or part i a l l y o w n e d i n t h e H VAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) business since 1976. I guess you could sort of call me a pioneer in this industry. When I first got into it GeoThermal wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even considered Green, it was just considered a smart way of doing it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which to me is something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never changed.â&#x20AC;? Raised in the Cowichan Valley, Lockhart began his HVAC and GeoThermal career more than four decades ago when he graduated with top honours from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with a degree in Air Conditioning Engineering Technology. Earning his Interprovincial ticket from SAIT in 1981 he returned to the Cowichan Valley, launched Lockhart Industries and has never looked back. To stay at the forefront of such an innovative and leading edge industry requires ongoing training and certification. Over the years he has earned multiple industry certificates including joining the Society of Engineering Technologists (after passing its stringent exams); earning the professional title of Applied Science Technologist., successfully completing an environmental awareness course on ozone depleting substances and becoming certified by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). He is also the designer, builder and patent holder for a digital refrigeration analyzer, among many other achievements and accolades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By using these sorts of systems you achieve an energy usage referred to as a COP (Coefficient Of Performance) of six, as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re basically taking five units of energy out of the ground for free and adding one unit of energy SEE LOCKHART INDUSTRIES | PAGE 13

Large ocean GeoExchange / GeoThermal Loop Plate Heat Exchangers are being rigged for installation in Mill Bay

Brentwood Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GeoExchange / GeoThermal Ocean Loop header pipe system during the installation process

Congratulations to Lockhart Industries as you celebrate 40+ years of success!

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This GeoExchange / GeoThermal system was installed at a winery for storing and sourcing free energy & heat

LOCKHART INDUSTRIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

from BC Hydro. The best you can get from using only electric is a COP of .99 and the best you can get out of using gas or propane is maybe a COP of .95 so basically we’re six times more efficient than virtually any other heating or cooling method,” Lockhart said. A major component of Lockhart’s service commitment is to users of commercial and industrial refrigeration. The company has designed and fabricated numerous custom designs for walk-in or reach-in coolers and freezers used by clients across the continent. Lockhart systems can be found in such diverse applications as grocery stores, dairy farms, industrial abattoirs, restaurants, aquaculture, schools and hospitals. From its inception Lockhart Industries has been able to provide exactly the right option for its clients by being able to produce custom products, envisioned a n d c re a te d fo r i n d i v i d u a l

applications. This flexibility comes in large part due to the firm having operated its own sheet meta l fabricati ng a nd manufacturing shop. By being able to fabricate its systems in house the company can design systems that are tailored to the client’s site specific needs. The design and installation of smaller scale residential and commercial indoor environment systems are another key component of Lockhart Industries’ stock and trade. “Having installed, modified and updated heating, ventilation and air conditioning for clients ranging from residential, small business to heavy industrial we are always looking for ways to improve the indoor air control and quality for the indoor environment in all applications designs while doing it economically now and the long term. That has always been a core part of the business,” he said. While typically termed a heat pump when used for smaller scale users such as residential home owners, when the process and technology is scaled up to satisfy

the needs of a commercial or industrial client the technology is normally referred to as process heating. Keeping industrial clients operating economically and in an environmentally sensitive manner is a large part of Lockhart Industries workload. “While in one sense you could refer to what we do as providing systems that address the needs of t he i ndoor env i ron ment, we’ve also done a lot of work for industrial clients as well. We’ve built some very specialized heat pumps for the aquaculture industry for example which fall far beyond the capabilities of a residential system,” he explained. Lockhart’s involvement with Brentwood College in Mill Bay is an excellent example of how this innovative approach can be scaled up to meet the needs of a much more demanding consumer. Lockhart created a system that is centered on an ocean loop - which is a means of moving water through piping run into the nearby ocean, a system that effectively draws heat from the surrounding water which in turn

is used to heat, cool and provide hot water for the institution’s dining hall and other facilities. “Brentwood Col lege saves about $350,000 a year on their energy bill for the south half of the campus alone by using a system that essentially moves energy back and forth through the ocean loop. The only time they source heat from the ocean is in January and the only time they sink heat to the ocean is at the peak of summer when it’s the hottest,” Lockhart said. “With a water sou rce heat pump you have one side of the system heating the water while the other side cools it. The heat it removes from the cooling water goes into the heating water so you end up with 130° (Fahrenheit) on one side and something like 35° on the other side, with the two sides cooling and heating each other continually.” Despite the immediate economic and environmental benefits of heat pumps and other GeoThermal systems, marketing and the education of prospective clients continue to take up much of Lockhart’s time, especially as the initial installation costs involved with such systems may be higher than that of a more traditional but energy wasteful approach to heating and cooling. But as a visionary, and an innovative designer, he knows the efforts and resources a client of any scale expends today will pay off in the long term, thanks to a more comfortable indoor environment and to the much reduced energy costs. A champion for the technology, Lockhart has an almost evangelical faith in the value and future of the systems he and his team produce. “Another aspect of this industry that people don’t realize is the employment it generates which is certainly one of the cool parts about this. T he employment that comes out of GeoThermal is astronomical. When I put a system in I have to have excavators, I have to have electricians come and wire the system. I have sheet metal contractors, plumbers, refrigeration technicians, engineers – it takes a lot of people to design, build and install systems like this – which of course

is great for local employment,” he said. Capable of drawing what is essentially free energy from the land or sea, scalable to a wide variety of applications, an excellent source of employment for a wide assortment of technicians and tradespersons, for Lockhart Industries the world of heat pumps and Geothermal heating and cooling is a technology that is only now starting to receive the recognition it deserves. For Doug Lockhart the technology is now mature enough, and the marketplace enlightened enough to see an expanding and bright future for the systems he and his company produce. “This is a state of the art approach that’s available right here on Vancouver Island. Clients don’t have to go to Europe or to the States to get a state of the art system – we have them right here,” he said. Conti nu i ng w ith L ock ha rt Industries’ corporate culture of innovation is the company’s latest innovation, the “PH Compressor”. This compressor will bolt into any existing heat pump, air conditioner or even a process refrigeration system to run at a minimum of 30 per cent greater efficiency than any conventional HVAC/R compressor. All this while delivering quiet, seamless speed control as well as high temperature air or water medium to the conditioned spaces which enables any heat pump to now entirely replace fossil fuel heating systems. Not only does it accomplish these patentable tasks, but also it can be instantaneously switched into an electricity generation module to produce power from low grade waste heat using the PH Compressor as a turbine. Integrated into a ‘black box’ in the basement, with the aid of renewable energy, this new system would be able to take every home off grid while providing a life expectancy of over 60 years. Potential investors and other interested persons are encouraged to check out the company website for more information on this truly revolutionary technology, the latest development of Lockhart Industries. www.lockhart.ca

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NANAIMO

SEPTEMBER 2017

HAREWOOD HEATS UP WITH COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

H NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

arewood is heating up. A large plot of l a nd across f rom t he 7-Eleven gas/convenience store and University Town Centre at the corner of 5 th Street and Bruce Avenue has been cleared and is ready for commercial development. Persistent rumours indicate that will be the site of a new Tim Hortons outlet, as well as a financial institution, to start. Just down the road at the former Coop location on Bruce, construction on the new Quality Foods store continues. Residentia l bu i ld i ng conti nues at a feverish pace at the end of Bruce and

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10 th Street, with more land cleared for single family homes. O n t he ot her side of H a rewood, a block of Wakesiah Avenue, land has been cleared for the continuation of the popular Hawthorne development, featuring single family homes. With the continued growth of Vancouver Island University and the need for more student housing, Harewood is a busy, busy place these days. ■■■ Congratulations to Wayne Procter, who continues to expand his chain of Gas N Go locations with the recent purchase of the Buckley Bay Petro Canada at the Denman Island ferry terminal on the Old Island Highway. ■■■ Tali Campbell is pleased to note that Brittany Ellerby has joined the team at Indulge Hair and Esthetics. ■■■ Ron Chiovetti and good friend, the recently passed Tom Harris, were central partners in Guy Garages in Parksville, and Ron has just opened Mega Storage next door to the RV/car/truck / boat strata operation on Fairdowne Road. Mega Storage offers mid-sized space larger than conventional mini-storage, but smaller than Guy Garages. www. megastorage.ca ■■■ Cong rat u l at ion s to Brad “Deuce” McCarthy and his team at White Sails Brewing on Comox Road for earning the title of world’s best black IPA for its Snake Island CDA at the recent World Beer Awards 2017 in London. White Sails won another best-in-Canada award this year for its Mt. Benson IPA. Two mugs up! ■■■ A tip of the hat to Dealer Principal Anne Marie Clark and the team at Steve Marshall Ford for being the main drivers behind the Driven to Give program locally, which, along with Vancouver Island Real Estate Board staff and directors, presented a $7,500 cheque to Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers and Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services. ■■■ Dave Petryk is retiring as President and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island effective December 1. Dave has been at the helm for the past 17 years. ■■■ Congratulations to VMAC for being awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification, recognizing the company for outstanding attention to quality management and standardization. Sandra Amador is Director of Continuous Improvement for the south Nanaimo company, whose main product is air compressors mounted underneath the hood of trucks. Marketing Manager Mike Pettigrew adds that VMAC has just released the new G30 Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor, powered by a Honda GX390 gas engine. ■■■ Con g rat u l at ion s to Ca roly n Ha ncox-Barr of Northridge Health Performance Centre, for being selected as a 2018 PFP Trainer of the Year finalist. The winner will be announced in Chicago October 4, at Club Industry. ■■■ 91 Chapel held an open house for its new 61-unit downtown property, featuring one-and-two bedroom units in

August. www.91chapel.com ■■■ Chatime is a new restaurant owned by Alexandra Huang that is opening in Rock City Plaza. ■■■ F ra n k S. Wi l l ia m s L aw Cor p. h a s moved to 6-55 Front Street from 137 Bastion Street. ■■■ Pizza Mia is continuing to grow, as Mehrdad Khosraviani is opening a new outlet in Parksville to go with the two in Nanaimo. ■■■ Westrek Geotechnical Services has opened an office in The Network Hub at 120-256 Wallace, notes Tim Smith. ■■■ Sue Proulx h a s op ened Bubbles ‘n Brooms, a new cleaning business. She has been in the cleaning business in Surrey for the past 10 years. ■■■ Amanda’s Housecleaning Services is a company that Amanda Henson has opened at 276-9th Street which does residential and commercial cleaning. ■■■ Banged Hair Salon i s now open at 3-1559 Estevan Road. ■■■ Dr. Arthur Burrows of Becker, Burrows and Associates has taken over the psychiatrist practice of Dr. Larry Waterman at 12-1599 Dufferin Crescent. The office welcomes administrative staff Cheryl Toole and Marian Lucas. ■■■ A nother business is opening in the strip mall adjacent to Real Canadian Superstore on Metral Drive, joining Meat Craft and Cob’s Bread: Once Upon a Child, featuring kid’s clothing, toys, books and footwear, as well as baby needs. ■■■ The Royal Motel on Terminal Avenue is being renovated, and will become bachelor suites. ■■■ Lexitor Medical is moving to their new location at 102 - 1847 Dufferin Crescent in September, in the new building adjacent to The Buzz coffee shop. Lexitor’s location has been at 205-1808 Bowen Road. ■■■ Georgia View Health and Wellness is moving to 6439A Portsmouth Road. ■■■ Knappett Industries has been awarded an $8 million contract to establish waterlines, underground services, roads and build at 250,000 gallon reservoir at Lantzville Foothills by Lone Tree Properties. The Foothills is zoned for 730 homes on almost 1,900 acres, including a mixed-use village in upper Lantzville. Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo. Tell him your news by emailing him at mark@businessexaminer.ca

SEPTEMBER 2017

MEETINGS AND EVENTS Sponsored By

Meetings Industry: A Multi Billion Dollar Sector Coast To Coast British Columbia’s Meeting Places Come In A Variety of Styles, Sizes & Capabilities BY DAVID HOLMES

oi ng to a meet i ng i s a common enough phrase, in business or in everyday life. But when you think about it, what actually constitutes a meeting can be as diverse and as unique as the venues selected to host them. What hasn’t gone unnoticed is the fact that staging meetings, from intimate personal gatherings such as wedding receptions, to full blown conferences and expansive international trade shows, has become big business in Canada and around the world. Collectively referred to as the Meetings Industry, the construction and operation of meeting places in Canada has become an increasingly important part of the nation’s economic mix. SEE MEETINGS | PAGE 17

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DISTINCTIVE LAKESIDE HOTEL HAS SERVED REGION SINCE 1990 “After a rough day you can The Inn On Long Lake: Picturesque Retreat Minutes From Downtown Core

sit on your balcony and look at the water – it doesn’t get much better than that.”

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ANAIMO – Located with the curling waves of Long Lake gently lapping its shoreline, Nanaimo’s Inn On Long Lake has been the destination of choice for business professionals and global visitors for nearly 30 years. Minutes from the downtown core, yet a world away in terms of atmosphere, this iconic local hotel is an increasingly significant player in the region’s hospitality sector. “For us it’s all about the lake. Located as we are on the shores of Long Lake each room has a balcony or patio overlooking the lake to help maximize the view and to allow our visitors to enjoy the overall experience. It’s certainly a unique feature,” explained General Manager James Young. The Inn On Long Lake is a three storey facility featuring 62 guest rooms and a trio of small meeting rooms that have hosted everything from training sessions to business meetings over the years. Capable of seating groups of up to 40 the meeting rooms have become an especially attractive

JAMES YOUNG GENERAL MANAGER, INN ON LONG LAKE

bonus for the Inn’s business travelers. With a staff of 25 (including Young who has served as General Manager since 2010), the Inn On Long Lake doesn’t have a restaurant, but does provide its guests with an appetizing continental breakfast. Originally opened in 1990, the facility’s guest rooms were extensively upgraded in 2016, while front lobby and breakfast / café areas were updated in 2017 – as part of the owner’s ongoing improvement plans. Unlike most Vancouver Island hotels, the Inn On Long Lake is entirely privately owned and is not a chain or franchise facility. “During the summer our business is almost exclusively tourists, with business travelers a significant part of the client base in the off-season. After a rough day you can sit on your balcony and look at the water – it doesn’t get much better than that,” he said. www.innonlonglake.com

CORPORATE MEETINGS LOOKING FOR MORE THAN JUST SPACE Team Building, Extracurricular Activities and an Environment That Stimulates Creativity Are The Hallmark Of Long Beach Lodge Resort

OFINO - Over the past several years, Long Beach Lodge Resort has found that corporations hosting a meeting, seminar or conference are looking for more than just a room where employees can brainstorm or discuss policy. “Groups want to include team building activities in their itineraries,” said Megan Hall, events and group sales manager. “They want to have leisure time in addition to a work schedule.” She explained that a typical itinerary can include a variety of activities from wildlife viewing on one of the Resort’s Marine Adventure Tours to renting bikes for a ride along the Tofino bike path and beaches. “The itinerary can have guests arrive for a welcome reception with cocktails and canapes. The next day, they can enjoy yoga on the beach, a buffet breakfast, board room meetings and then lunch. In the afternoon, surf lessons, more meetings and a full dinner at the

restaurant. On the final day, groups can include a boat tour to popular wildlife viewing sites or a walk on our world-famous beaches.” Emphasizing the resort’s flexibility, Hall said that the Lodge’s group coordinators create unique experiences for every visiting group. “We have a medical groups, an auto association, government agencies, brand name clothing and beverage distributors and finance companies annually booking events at the Lodge because of its peaceful setting and memorable possibilities.” Located on Cox Bay Beach, Long Beach Lodge Resort provides plenty of opportunity for creating highly effective meetings, especially for creative brainstorming. Rooms at the resort have breathtaking views of the surf and sand, surrounding rock outcroppings, and rainforest, with access to hot pool, sauna and fitness rooms. “We have Surf Club Adventure Centre where participants can book lessons or rent equipment,” Hall explained. “Our meeting facility is ideal for groups of up to 35 people and provides all the necessary equipment and conveniences of a modern meeting facility, including audio visual equipment and WiFi.” Long Beach Lodge Resort is at 1441 Pacific Rim Highway in Tofino www.longbeachlodgeresort.com

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017

It all comes down to oice. Paul Nursey, President and CEO of Tourism Victoria

With nearly 53,000 square feet of functional space the Prince George Civic Centre is a favoured Northern BC destination

MEETINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

S t a t i s t i c s re l e a s e d b y the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, an industry-wide group of meeting organizers, indicates that in 2016 the staging of business meetings in Canada was responsible for 1.5 percent of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition the organization estimates that across the country more than 341,000 people are

directly employed in some facet of this increasingly important sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A conference centre is definitely an eco-system. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everything from the folks who actually work in the centre, such as the kitchen staff and the A/V (aud io-v isua l) g uys, to those that directly supply the industry, from the local taxi company and the outside meeting planners who have organized the events in the first place,â&#x20AC;? explained Danielle Russell,

the Executive Director of Convention Centres Canada (CCC). â&#x20AC;&#x153;People may not always realize it but there are a lot of jobs connected to the overall industry. Literally there are tens of thousands of people involved in the meetings industry from coast to coast and beyond. Often Canadian centres will also interact with international facilities in coordinating major

In the interest of meeting our objectives of marketing Victoria to the world, we need to ensure that we have the right information and strategic support. Chemistry Consulting provides tremendous insight through their expertise in research, their Tourism Bulletin and the provision of a full range of Human Resource consulting services.

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LEAPS & LESSONS Transitioning the Family Business

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events, so there is even a global component to the industry.” Convention Centres Canada serves as a national umbrella organization for 24 of the largest convention centres in the country, offering marketing services, lobbying on behalf of the member centres, providi ng network i ng opportunities for the operators and other services. CCC

has five member centres in British Columbia – including the largest purpose built convention centres in the province. These include the Vancouver Convention Centre (the busiest in BC), the Victoria Convention Centre, the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, the Prince George Civic Centre and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. Of course meetings and events can be staged anywhere there is sufficient

room, f rom f u l l blow n c o n fe re n c e c e n t re s to available space in a church basement. The hospitality sector is another central part of the meetings industry, with most major hotels having ballrooms, designated meeting rooms and even full sized convention space in some cases. Often, especially in medium sized centres such as P ri nce George or Victoria, conference centres and hotels SEE MEETINGS | PAGE 19

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OURTENAY - Crown Isle Resort a nd G ol f Commu n ity attracts association and corporate events from across BC and from Alberta, not only because of the its variety of facilities, but also its ease of travel. “We’re on ly a f ive-m i nute drive from the Comox Valley airport,” said Kristy Pedersen, marketing manager. “It makes the West Coast very accessible for corporate events out of Edmonton or Calgary and Vancouver or Victoria.” Crown Isle is well versed in hosting large events with many associations and organizations hold i ng a n nua l con ferences and charity golf tournaments, returning each year with the knowledge that the Resort can provide everything they need for a successful event. “Our 38,000-square foot Resort Centre offers a variety of facilities from small, intimate

meeting rooms for 10, to our grand ballroom that will accommodate up to 200 people.” She added that for corporate retreats, incentive programs, sem i n a rs, a nd gol f tou r n aments, Crown Isle is an ideal location. “Guests and participants can stay on site a nd u se Crow n Isle’s 18-hole cha mpionsh ip course, banquet and restaurant facilities. Our group sales department can also help arrange tee t i mes at ot her a rea gol f cou rses, a nd activ ities such as fishing, whale and wildlife viewing and helicopter tours.” The Resort Centre clubhouse, which houses the meeting ro om s, re s t au ra nt a nd gol f shop, is next door to the guest v i l l a s w i t h t h e c o n fe re n c e ro om s overlo ok i ng t he gol f course and practice facilities. “T he gol f cou rse w raps around the resort and offers lovely views,” Pedersen said, adding that with the region’s m i ld weather the resor ts’ amenities can be enjoyed yearround and there is easy access to a l l season recreation, i ncluding skiing. Crown Isle Resort and Golf Com mu n ity is at 399 Clubhouse Drive in Courtenay www.crownisle.com

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017

19 MEETINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

can work in concert, performing collaboratively to co-host large scale events that require more space than any single facility can provide. Located in Nanaimo the Vancouver Island Convention Centre (VICC) is the largest facility of its type on Vancouver Island, north of Victoria. With a lovely ocean side location overlooking the city’s inner harbour and featuring 38,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the centrally located VICC is a desirable location for hosting major events in the Central Island region. The Centre features full wireless access, digital way-finding, global broadcast capabilities, and will accommodate events for up to 1,300 people. T he V ICC has up to 35,000 square feet of total exhibition space, has a range of different sized meeting rooms available and is in close proximity to a 175 room hotel – Nanaimo’s largest. Major organizers of events, such as the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) is the source of many of the large scale events held in the Capital Region – taking place at different venues around the city. From training sessions to major awards nights, VIATEC is the

The Vancouver Convention Centre is the province’s busiest, playing host to more than 500 events each year

SEE MEETINGS | PAGE 20

FLEXIBILITY AND OPTIONS CREATE RIGHT SPACE FOR MEETINGS Fairwinds Golf Course with its large meeting room, world class golf course and marina add an exciting touch for meetings, weddings and golf tournaments

ANOOSE BAY - When corporations are looking to build team spirit or brainstorm new ideas, they look for a space that not only offers flexibility and options, but that boasts an environment that stimulates creativity. “The Arbutus room has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ninth green and fountain,” said Brett Standerwick, Director of Golf at Fairwinds Golf Club, adding that it can host up to 200 people as well as shrink the room to smaller size meeting rooms. “It gives a real feel of getting away, especially with the ocean views and wide-open spaces. It sets the stage for a unique experience.” Located on the ninth green, overlooking the property’s water fountain and flower drenched deck, the space is available with or without catering. “We have a very creative chef, Shawn Sannes, who ca n put together a varied menu. He steps

outside the standard buffet of a golf club and elevates it to the level of a quality resort.” Tied to the club is access to event coordination with Dan Vogt or Elizabeth Robinson. Both offer assistance for planning on and off-site events with Golf Pro, Jeff assisting with specific golf events. Standerwick emphasized that there are plenty of options, and not just on the golf course. “We have a 350-slip marina with kayaks and paddleboards and transient slips for those wanting to bring their own boats. Whether it’s for a corporate golf tournament or meeting, our planners can elevate the event with extra activities including time at Fairwinds Fitness Centre.” Standerwick added that for weddings the in-house horticulturist, Tanya grows her own creations in the Fairwind’s greenhouse and decks out the patio with a stunning array of flowers. “We’ve had brides cross flowers off their checklist when they see Tanya’s beautiful displays on the grounds.” Easily accessible from Nanaimo, Victoria or Vancouver, Fairwinds offers an easy getaway without traveling too far. Fairwinds Golf Club is at 3730 Fairwinds Drive in Nanoose Bay. www.fairwinds.ca

CORPORATE EVENTS WITH A VIEW! • Meetings, receptions, banquets • Team building, retreats • From 20 to 120 people

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MEETINGS AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017

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AMAZING BEER. The Victoria Conference Centre features 73,000 square feet of meeting space, including 19 separate meeting rooms

MEETINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Our private room is great for corporate meetings, with full service, a pull down screen and a TV.

force behind many of the top public happenings that occur in Victoria each year. Another major event held in the Greater Victoria area each year is the Rifflandia Music Festival, noted for bringing top entertainers and hordes of enthusiastic music lovers to the region. Again, thanks to the established infrastructure

available in Victoria the organizers of this four day spectacular have a variety of options and venues to choose from. “Being able to host major events, especially ones that draw a national or even international audience, are an excellent way for a community to get the word out about what it has to offer. That alone can help to encourage development and investment,” Russell

explained. “A nother interrelated element of the industry is the individual convention bureaus and the local destination marketing groups – organizations created to help promote their communities. For these groups having facilities in place are real assets when attempting to draw visitors to their region.” SEE MEETINGS | PAGE 21

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OURTENAY - Specializing in corporate retreats, The Old House Hotel and Spa capitalizes on its ability to add a ‘wow’ factor to business meetings and events. “We are an independent hotel with lots of f lexibility,” said Vanessa Metcalf, sales manager. “Our property is within walking distance to shopping, theatres a nd dow ntow n a nd can accommodate catered or non-catered events.” With a central Island location, and a 15-minute drive from the Comox Valley airport, The Old House offers high end amenities and rooms at a fraction of the cost of big city hotels. “We have beautifully laid out rooms,” Metca l f ex pla i ned, “most of which are like little apa r t ments w it h a k itchen, b e d ro om , sit t i n g ro om a nd extra bed.” She added that the meeting rooms offer affordable options from buffet style receptions to

formal plated dinners. “We work with a variety of restaurants in Courtenay, giving us plenty of options for any menu preferences or budget. We also are next door to the award-winning Locals Restaurant located in the original Old House building.” A s the Va l ley conti nues to see rapid growth in the housing market and in the business world, Metcalf said that the Old House has been booking more reg ion a l meet i ngs for companies looking to invest in the community, for training new employees or for t hose se ek i n g to g row awa rene ss of t hei r bra nd a nd good s or services. “ Fo r b u s i n e s s e s re g u l a rly traveling to the region for meetings, staying at the Old House is cost effective w ith great value in both the services and venue. It’s the perfect setting for 10-60 people with the estuary and river walk right outside our door, a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi as well as the spa.” The Old House Hotel and Spa has earned its Certificate of Excellence through Trip Advisor and a Green Key Eco Rating for environmental stewardship. www.oldhousehotel.com

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017

“No virtual workshop will ever take the place of a face to face meeting, or being able to handle the goods at a trade show.” DANIELLE RUSSELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONVENTION CENTRES CANADA

The principle facility of its kind in the British Columbia Interior is the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre

MEETINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

British Columbia is especially blessed, both by Nature and in having a solid conference space inventory in place to help attract events and revenues. The following are just some of the key conference / trade show destinations in the province. T he premier meeting place in the provincial capital is the

Victoria Con ference Centre (VCC) a sprawl i ng complex. Li n ked to the world fa mous Fairmont Empress Hotel, it features 73,000 square feet of magnificent meeting space, spread across no less than 19 separate multi-purpose meeting rooms. The VCC also includes a large exhibit hall if a companion trade show is part of an event and a 400 seat lecture theatre for formal training opportunities. Ample

parking space is also available for all of attendees, thanks to a large two-tiered underground parking lot located directly beneath the centre. Across the street from the Conference Centre is Victoria’s historic Crystal Garden, which serves as a companion meeting venue for the VCC. Considered one of the most beautiful meeting places in Western Canada, the Crystal Garden boast more than

25,000 square feet of meeting space, enough legroom to host exhibits or functions for up to 1,100 people. In the Interior of the province the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre is among the very best in BC. T he largest convention centre in the Interior of British Columbia and the only purpose-built convention centre in the Okanagan, the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre features over 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space. Located in the heart of wine country and only about five minutes from the Penticton Regional Airport, this is the ideal location to combine business and leisure. T he complex offers 13,700 square feet of exhibition space, features a 3,300 seat theatre, has 1,200 parking stalls in an attached space and is conveniently located in proximity to hotel rooms.

21 Further north the Prince George Civic Centre is Northern BC’s leading meeting, convention and events facility. Serving groups in sizes ranging from 20 to 2,000 it is utilized primarily for conventions, meetings, banquets, sporting events, trade and consumer shows, weddings, symposiums, receptions and more. The facility offers incredible versatility and flexibility, making it an ideal venue for any sized event. The complex has nearly 53,000 sq f t tota l f u nct iona l space (48,000 square feet of which can be used as exhibition space), and is adjacent to a 650 room hotel for added convenience. British Columbia is equipped to host trade shows, workshops and conferences of every size. For key players in the meetings industry those resources, when combined with the revenue potentials that major events create, will see these facilities become even more important in the years to come. “No virtual workshop will ever take the place of a face to face meeting, or being able to handle the goods at a trade show. That’s one of the real ongoing strengths of this industry,” Russell explained. “Not everything can be done in a webinar, there’s still very much a place for building trust and understanding – which really can only happen when meeting face to face.” www.conventioncentrescanada.com

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PARKSVILLE

SEPTEMBER 2017

West Coast Recreation Hopes To Fill Gap In Seniors Care Parksville Qualicum News

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A R K SV I LLE - A s more and more of the population grows older, and seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residences are filling up, a pair of caregivers are starting a program to keep seniors, fit, active and in their own homes longer. Mandy Truman is a care aide whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked in various group homes, complex care and assisted-living facilities, and in the last two years began working in seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities and recreation. Jeannine Krefting is a recreation therapist of 20 years, and a fitness instructor specializing in working with seniors. Together, they are starting West Coast Recreation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a day program that will offer various activities, from exercise to baking, gardening, art therapy, music programs and more for seniors who are still living at home, but are starting to need support. Truman said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen how seniors in medical facilities lose touch with or no longer have the opportunity to do some of the hobbies and interests that h ave g iven f l avou r to t hei r lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always like to compare it to dry toast,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any butter on your toast, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just flavourless.â&#x20AC;? While assisted living facilities often strive to provide recreation programming, this disconnect from activities can happen even earlier, said Truman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the community, a lot of times, when people are starting to have the signs of aging, whether it be cog n itively or physically, they isolate themselves for pride or whatever reason. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re living w ith fa m i ly, a nd the fa m i ly members work a l l day, then they are pretty much just waiting for someone to come home. Whereas we want to provide a place where not only can they be physically active and stimulated, but actually form a sense of community. Something that t hey actu a l ly get excited to come to, to share who they are. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want them to keep living, really.â&#x20AC;? Another benefit of the program would be to take pressure off of unpaid caregivers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; family, spouses and friends who are supporting their loved ones. Krefting cited an updated reported by BC seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie i ndicating that in 2015/2016, 31 per cent of clients had a primary caregiver in distress â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an increase of seven per cent from the 2015 report.

Truman said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen the effects firsthand â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the dark circles under the eyes, the irritability and impatience, and she adds itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the ca reg iverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fault that they feel that way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we can look at (seniors need i ng suppor t) i n a completely d i fferent way. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not related to them, so therefore we can look at them as a whole person, not get frustrated by their behaviours, and we have a strong background that a l lows us to be empathetic, understanding and extremely respectful,â&#x20AC;? said Truman. While there are existing programs that offer activities for seniors needing support, Truman said those can have wait lists of up to a year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way too long,â&#x20AC;? said Krefting. The pair are planning to start their business in early October, working out of St. Edmundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in Parksville. To start, they plan to offer sessions one day a week, with various activities available, and provide coffee, tea and a nutritious lunch. The activities offered to each sen ior c o u ld b e t a i lore d to them, with each client discussing their needs, interests and history to Krefting and Truman before their first day. Within a year, the pair hope to offer more days each week and more parts of the program, including baths and other health services. Ultimately, they want their program to run five or six days a week. And, though they are not currently subsidized (they are in contact with Vancouver Island Health Authority, they said), they plan to keep the program affordable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Seniors) are on a fixed income. We know that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough fo r t h e m , b u t o u r p ro g ra m is goi ng to of fer ser v ices at less tha n $10 a n hou r,â&#x20AC;? sa id Krefting. The pair also hopes to engage various other groups, instructors and program providers to see what more they can offer, and create a community that actively supports their clients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People that are involved with seniors, that know about the need, contact us, let us know. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work together to build the dream that we have,â&#x20AC;? said Truman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a small business, but we a re a sma l l busi ness with a non-profit philosophy. We just want to put a service out there thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affordable, and any subsidies, grants, any deals we can get will immediately transfer to the senior.â&#x20AC;? K ref t i n g a nd T r u m a n c a n b e c o n t a c te d a t w e s tc o a strecreat ion7@g ma i l.com or 250-240-0692.

TAX

SEPTEMBER 2017

MNP: Small Business Owners Face Big Impact From Proposed Tax Rules Federal Government Proposals Could Eliminate Incorporation Benefits: Tax Deferrals And Income Splitting

ANAIMO – Accounting firms are being inundated with calls from business owners following the Federal government’s proposed sweeping changes to the way private corporations are taxed in Canada. While the federal government is still accepting feedback on their proposal and changes to legislation are not yet finalized, small businesses and professionals across the country are very concerned about its potential impacts. The full 63-page paper is available on the Department of Finance website. “We are definitely getting a lot of calls on this,” says Jamie Kungel, regional tax leader for MNP on Vancouver Island. “The proposal reflects the most significant shift in tax policy for private corporations that we’ve seen in 45 years, so people are eager to understand how it could affect their business and their family, and what they can do to mitigate the impact if the changes go ahead.” The federal proposal addresses three main areas of tax planning using private corporations: Income sprinkling (also called income splitting); Investment income earned inside the corporation; and Capital gains and dividends.

members based on their contribution of labour or capital to the business. “Any dividends or capital gains realized by family members that do not meet the new criteria will be subject to what’s called the Tax on Split Income, and will be taxed at the highest marginal tax rate.”

Jamie Kungel Income Splitting Many business owners have benefitted by paying dividends to family members as shareholders of their corporations. This practice allows business owners to reduce their overall taxes, while supporting others in a tax-efficient manner. It is often used to help finance post-secondary education or to support aging parents. “The proposed changes lay out specific criteria that greatly reduce the opportunity for this type of income splitting,” Kungel explains. “Companies will only be able to pay what’s deemed to be a ‘reasonable’ amount to family

Capital Gains Exemption The government is also proposing new limitations on the ability of other family members to claim the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE). This deduction currently allows business owners to shelter up to $835,716 of capital gains on the sale of qualified small business corporation shares from tax. Through tax planning, the exemptions of more than one family member can sometimes be used to shelter gains on the family business. This is now subject to change. “If you are thinking of selling your business in the future, the new rules would restrict the number of capital gains exemptions family business owners may be able to access,” explains Mindy Wight, a taxation specialist with MNP based in Prince George. “This is a big deal because it could make it much more costly to sell the business or carry out a family

succession plan.” Investment income inside a corporation Under Canada’s existing tax system, corporate business income is generally taxed at a lower rate than personal income. If a company’s earnings are beyond what is needed to support the business owner’s personal income or to re-invest in the business, it’s common to leave the excess earnings in the corporation and invest in passive investments such as bonds, shares or rental properties. This allows a business owner to defer the tax that would otherwise be paid if the excess earnings were withdrawn from the corporation and subject to the higher personal tax rates. “Under the current rules, passive income that is distributed to shareholders through dividends could be taxed up to approximately 50 per cent for business owners in the top personal income bracket,” explains Brian Posthumus, regional tax leader for MNP’s Thompson-Okanagan region, adding that the ability to defer taxation is one of the major benefits of a private corporation. “Under the proposed rules, you could pay up to 70 per cent tax on that income.”

Converting income into capital gains The proposed tax changes could also prove troublesome for many estates. When a person dies, the individual is deemed to dispose of all their assets at fair market value and their estate acquires those assets at the same value. For a business owner who held shares of a private corporation, this will often result in a capital gain. A typical estate could end up paying tax on the capital gain, as well as on the dividend income paid out to his family members to liquidate the estate’s assets from within the corporation. As a result, the estate ends up paying double the tax on the private company shares, which significantly increases the tax liability to the estate. “Before July 18, 2017, there were tax strategies available to prevent this punitive taxation,” Posthumus notes. “However, that’s no longer the case.” Posthumus says it important to talk to your accountant to understand what all the proposed changes could mean for your situation. “There are a number of steps you can take to minimize the impact if the changes move forward,” he advises. “Some of these need to happen by the end of 2017.” 08-07-3112

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make sure everyone gets maximum benefit from their visit to Valley Vision. Dr. Golemba has also turned his focus to becoming a vision therapy clinic, and a practice that addresses low vision problems and dry-eye issues. This has attracted clients from all over Vancouver Island with some coming from elsewhere in western Canada. He derives a huge amount of satisfaction from helping someone who has been told they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be helped. He reminds one of a renaissance man. He is an accomplished businessman, speaker, an avid surfer, snowboarder, cyclist, runner, kayaker, soccer coach and piano player. His quest for better vision extends beyond the personal level into the community and his team approach to running a business is inspiring all of us in Port Alberni. 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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designed for the hospitality industry is probably rare. In fact, the business closes one afternoon each month for new training. Their employee recruitment is rigorous, a 10-stage process. He is an externship site for the University of Waterloo and a proponent of the delegation model of practicing optometry. He belongs to the Cleinman Performance Partners Mastermind Group and the Eye-Recommend Co-op which focuses on best business practices as well as competitive product pricing. He has presented at conferences in Spain and the Bahamas as one of the first test sites in Canada for new diagnostic equipment. Since taking over a clinic in Port Alberni 12 years ago, he and his team have done an award-winning remodeling of the building, grown the number of diagnostic rooms from 1 to 4, the exam lanes from 2 to 4, the staff from 9 to 12 and developed a collection of frames specifically for the west coast! He invests heavily in new diagnostic technology and training to

TOFINO JEN DART

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a bustling summer in Tofino, a busy time during which we suspend Chamber events. Right before we broke for the summer, just over 50 members had the opportunity to enjoy our June Member Luncheon at the Tofino Botanical Gardens. Thanks to George Patterson, Chef Dylan Tilston and the entire crew at Darwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ in the gardens for providing such an amazing venue, lunch and weather! Chef Dylan served a variety of delicious dishes from Darwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new lunch menu (the cafĂŠ also serves espresso, all day breakfast and lunch, as well as baked goods). This event was co-sponsored by the Nuu-chahnulth Tribal Council, and we are grateful to Evan Hauser, Norine Messer, Iris

Frank and Chris Seitcher for coming to speak to our member businesses about the opportunity for greater and meaningful employment of local Nuu-chahnulth. It is the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope that we can be a body to assist in engaging the business community more in this area. T hanks as well to our newly re-ele cte d N DP MLA and now Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Scott Fraser for attending and giving us an update on provincial matters as best he could at that time of some confusion following the provincial election. Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne was also in attendance and kind enough to address the members present. The Chamber and its members are fortunate to have the support of community sponsors and leaders to make our luncheon and other events useful and engaging. We look forward to a busy fall full of events! This fall will also see the launch of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Try Local Tofino program, developed with the support of the District of Tofinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C o m m u n i t y E c o n o mic Development Advisory

Committee. This program has the dual goal of emphasizing the importance of shifting purchasing locally, as well as highlighting locally made products under the Made in Tofino banner. A dedicated website will highlight discounts aimed at local residents and Made in Tofino products will be showcased on Tourism Tofinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. We are excited to roll out this program and get local businesses involved. Finally, a big welcome to our newest Chamber members: Askus 4 C Adventures, Tofino Mobile Massage, Tuff City Radio, Pacific Rim Chiropractor, Tofino Food Tours, On the Edge Roofing, Pope and Sons Refrigeration, Dwell Tofino Vacation Homes, Harbourfront Guest Suite, Mackenzie Beach Resort, The Francis, 1909 Kitchen, The Hatch Watefront Pub, Tofino Licks, Smallwood Guest House, Aauuknuk Lodge and the Wildside Trail. Jen Dart is Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250.725.3153. www. tofinochamber.org

OFF THE COVER

SEPTEMBER 2017

Celebrated Osoyoos Indian Band leader shares inspirational message with Ucluelet First Nation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“We need to create our

on a tradition of excellence, Area 27 is created as the ultimate driving playground.” “We get the spin-off, too,” notes Chief Louie. “The people that come to golf at our golf course, stay at our resort, eat at our restaurant, and buy our gas. And they buy a lot of gas.” Chief Louie stated that while money is not everything, it is necessary. “Ever y t h i ng - educat ion, health care, cultural programs – costs money,” he observes. “I don’t believe in a free lunch. The traditional food we’ve eaten here tonight is some of the best anywhere. But the food we have eaten wasn’t free. Fishing boats aren’t free, hunting rifles aren’t free. Guns aren’t free. We have to make our own money, even to do traditional ceremonies.” “If we want to educate our people, it costs money. Not Indians Affairs money – that’s not enough.”

own jobs, with our own money. It’s not all about money, but words without money have no legs.” CHIEF CLARENCE LOUIE OSOYOOS INDIAN BAND

Chief Louie was first elected in 1984, and has won 16 elections, including the last one in February. Although his list of accomplishments and awards is lengthy – including recently being named to the Order of Canada – he is quick to share credit for the success at Osoyoos Indian Band with a strong team inside and outside the Nation. “There’s not an ‘I’ in TEAM, which stands for Together Everyone Achieves More,” he said. Chief Louie notes the “original Treaty relationship between

tribes and the English and the French was a business relationship. The first business people in Canada were tribal people,” he says. “We had trade routes between each others’ tribes long before the others came. The original Treaty relationship between tribes and the English and the French was a business relationship. That’s what it needs to get back to. “It’s not just about business,” he adds. “It’s about building lifelong relationships. “In business, you can’t lie and stay in business,” he notes. “In politics, maybe you can, but not in business. You’ll be found out

very quickly.” Emblazoned on the outside wall of an Osoyoos Indian Band office are the words: ‘Indians Have Always Worked’. “I bel ieve we ca me f rom a working culture,” he continued. “None of them sat on their butts and put their hands out,” he states. “No First Nation, before the Europeans came, put their hands out and expected something. “I don’t like seeing my people in welfare lines,” he says. “Welfare is not Indian. . .We fed ourselves, clothed ourselves, sheltered ourselves. Today we do that through econom ic development a nd

business, and putting money into buying land.” Chief Louie said even if it means having to buy some land back, so be it. “It’s only money, and I want opportunity for my people,” he adds. “I’ve never seen a non-native come into our office and say ‘I just watched (the movie) Dances with Wolves and my conscience is bothering me, so here’s the title to this land’.” Chief Louie remains positive and expectant. “I have a ‘future is now’ mentality. Every time I get elected, I’m going to move the yard sticks,” he says.

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COMOX VALLEY

SEPTEMBER 2017

THE CHAMBER IS GETTING READY FOR SMALL BUSINESS MONTH IN OCTOBER

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

his fall the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to roll out a new event that shines a bright light on local business: The Comox Valley Business Expo on October 11. The Business Expo will highlight small to medium enterprises and those that service and grow small business. On October 11 workshops focusing on future proofing your business, E-commerce and exporting, as wel l a s cyb er se c u r it y will take place during the Expo. The Expo is free for the public to attend. Visit the Chamber booth and

say ‘Hello!’ and enter to win door prizes. 97.3 The Eagle will be live on location! Vendors and sponsors are still being accepted for t he B u si ne ss E x p o held at the Florence Filberg Centre in downtown Courtenay. A huge round of applause for premiere sponsor North Island College; Silver sponsor Blinds Bubbles Boutique; as well as Fr iends of t he E x po sponsors Investors Group Central Vancouver Island North, and Tracey Gard: Edward Jones. ■■■ In addition to the Business Expo the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present a curated calendar for October Sm a l l B u si ness Mont h 2017. The calendar – to be published in the local paper and on the Chamber website - will outline workshops, events, networking opportunities, and more to propel your business forward. If you have an event or workshop in October and would like to be part of the Chamber’s Sm a l l B u si ness mont h

calendar call Julie at the Cha mber of f ice tod ay: 250-334-3234. ■■■ The Comox Valley Chamber welcomed a wide-range of dynamic businesses and organizations to the Chamber in August: Tracey Gard – Edwa rd Jones, Houle Electric Limited and smarteyes! Vision Solutions Inc. Long-term members always deserve a mention, not only for their continuing Chamber support but also for their long time success: Best Western Plus – The Westerly and Coastal Community Credit Union – 4th Street Branch celebrating 33 years as Chamber members. The local community paper Comox Valley Record joined the Chamber in 1986, and Water Pure & Simple joined the Chamber family in 1992. Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@ comoxvalleychamber.com or 250-334-3234. www. comoxvalleychamber.com

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NEW BOUTIQUE ACCOUNTANCY OFFICE OPENS IN NANAIMO Robbins & Company Chartered Professional Accountants Have Three Branches

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ANAIMO – Serendipity played a significant role in the opening of Na na i mo’s newest boutique accountancy firm. The opening this month of the Harbour City branch of Robbins & Company Chartered Professional Accountants would likely not have occurred if Nanaimo native Brandon Charlesworth had not decided to join the firm. “T he first Robbins & Company office opened in Courtenay in 2012, then in 2014 we took over the accounts of a retiring accountant in Parksville and op ene d a n of f ic e t here a nd now we’re opening our newest branch in Nanaimo, with Brandon Charlesworth serving as the Branch Manager,” explained Jay Dzuba, the Parksville Branch Manager. Charlesworth joined the team at the Parksville office in January of this year, but as he lived in Nanaimo and already had strong links to the city and its business community, it was decided to open the new two-person Nanaimo office under Charlesworth’s supervision. Located at

10 Esplanade, in the heart of city centre, the new accountancy office will be a full service outlet created to serve both business and personal clients. “We have a very client-based approach to business, with a great emphasis on service, getting to know the clients and understanding their needs. Living in Nanaimo as I do, we felt that local connection would be better served by opening this office,” Charlesworth explained. “Over the years we’ve had a lot of very positive feedback by helping to turn what can be a very stressful situation into something much more positive. For many people going to an accountant can be very intimidating. While our approach is certainly professional, we go to lengths to provide a place that is comfortable and as stress-free as possible.” The opening of the third Robbins & Company Chartered Professional Accountants office will bring the company’s staff count up to 13. The firm, in the past five years, has developed a loyal following by working with everyone from individuals with simple tax returns, to larger companies requiring ongoing accountancy services. Operating a small office does not limit the services the firm can provide, as Robbins & Company

can offer the same products and level of professional expertise the larger firms do – with the added bonus of customized and personalized service. “We offer a wide variety of services, from business consulting to taxation, tax returns, planning, succession planning for business and much more. We certainly love small business owners but we don’t turn away clients, so the individual with a simple tax return is equally as welcome,” Charlesworth said. With the opening of the new Nanaimo office Robbins & Company will have established a significant presence throughout the Central Vancouver Island region, but certainly doesn’t rule out additional expansion in the future. “If the opportunity was right and it made good business sense we might consider opening new offices elsewhere on the Island. We had never really focused on Nanaimo before Brandon came, but now having him a part of it, being as great as he has been while already being in Nanaimo, it made complete sense,” Dzuba stated. “So any expansion we might make would have to make sense and fit in with our overall corporate vision.” www.robbinsandco.ca

BUYERS SNAP UP AFFORDABLE HOMES IN PORT ALBERNI “Port Alberni is a good choice for those

With Benchmark Home Prices Rising Across The Island, Port Alberni Weighs In At The Most Affordable

wanting to get away from the big city.” DAVE KOSZEGI

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ORT ALBERNI - Baby boomers looking to downsize and families needing to expand are finding affordable options in the Port Alberni housing market. With consumer demand high, David Koszegi, team leader of DaveTeam, said that buyers are snapping up well-priced homes throughout the Alberni Valley. “We have a highly desirable lifestyle,” he said. “With the amenities of a big city and easy access to l a rger com mu n it ies like Victoria and Vancouver, Port Alberni is a good choice for those wanting to get away from the big city.” L a st mont h t he Va ncouver Island Real Estate Board reported that home sales had dipped in July by eight per cent. But as Koszegi explained, fewer units mean that homes are selling faster, and though this

David Koszegi might be driving prices up in other locations across the Island, the Alberni Valley still has the lowest. “I was born and raised in the Alberni Valley. It has been a great place to raise a family. For those thinking of retiring here, we have every type of home from farms for a second career to c on d o m i n i u m s a n d townhouses for the easy get up and go lifestyle.” Benchmark prices across the Island demonstrate Port Alberni’s appeal. In Duncan, the benchmark pr ice h it t he $ 407,700 m a rk, wh i le i n Pa rk sville-Qualicum it rose by 14 per cent to $506,700. In Port Alberni, the price

of a benchmark home is $250,000. “T he cu r rent m a rket conditions mean that the process of buying a home must be st rea m l i ned,” Koszegi advised. “Multiple offers are becoming commonplace so it’s really important to have a p re-a p p ro v e d m o r tgage and a top buy price beforehand.” He added that homes in the valley, as well as on Sproat Lake, are of particular appeal as within both areas are higher end homes with waterfront or mountain views and larger properties. DaveTea m is at w w w. midislandhomes.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

Pemberton Holmes Opens Its Newest Island Outlet In Nanaimo Family Owned Firm Has Been Serving Vancouver Island Customers Since 1887 BY DAVID HOLMES

A N A I MO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; T h e oldest real estate sales company in Canada and one of the largest firms of its type on Vancouver Island, Pemberton Holmes Ltd. is now even bigger â&#x20AC;&#x201C; following the opening of its newest branch: Pemberton Holmes Nanaimo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not the first time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve opened an office outside of the Greater Victoria area, but it is the first time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had an office in Nanaimo,â&#x20AC;? explained Mike Holmes the company owner and manager. There was an almost serendipitous quality to the Pemberton Holmes move to the Harbour City when Peter and Kathy Koch, the owners of what was then Realty Executives Mid Island, approached Holmes with an offer to sell him their business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peter and Kathy were looking to get out of the owning a business mode and return to being REALTORSÂŽ so it happened to work out at a good time,â&#x20AC;? he explained. Founded in 1887 Pemberton Holmes (originally known as Pemberton & Son â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Engineers, Surveyors and Real Estate Agents) was launched by J.D. Pemberton who is the great, great grandfather of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current owner. Mike Holmesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; grandfather, Cuthbert Holmes joined the company in 1920, continuing a legacy of family ownership going back 130 years. With a staff count that includes approximately 320 R EA LTORSÂŽ a nd a support staff numbering more than 50, Pemberton Holmes is the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s l a rge s t f a m i ly-o w n e d real estate sales firm. The bulk of the non- REALTORÂŽ staff work with the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansive Property Ma nagement Division which administers a property portfol io of more than 1,000 properties all across the Island. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our management team of Karrie Brennan in real estate and Claire Flewelling-Wyatt i n proper ty management will be a key part of carrying the office forward,â&#x20AC;? Holmes said.

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É&#x160; É&#x160;| )(}É&#x160; #(É&#x160; . #&É&#x160; ,% .#(!K T he deal to merge the resources of Realty Executives M id Isla nd w ith Pemberton Holmes occurred quite quickly, with the pact being finalized in June. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want all of our clients to know that while the sign says Pemberton Holmes weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still big parts of the business,â&#x20AC;? explained Kathy Koch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still going to be pa r ts of t he compa ny, just not as its owners any longer. Peter and I have made the transition from Brokerage owners to focusing on our own personal Real Estate Sales b u si ne ss. We a re ver y pleased to be working with a brokerage that has such a long and successful local history serving clients on Vancouver Island.â&#x20AC;? For Holmes the time was right for his company to play a more significant role in the Central Vancouver Island real estate

marketplace. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very grateful for the support of the existing real estate agents in Nanaimo who have transferred to us. It has always been a long term goal of the firm to be a true Vancouver Island company so when this chance occurred we made the move,â&#x20AC;? he said. With the opening of Pemberton Holmes Nanaimo the company now operates 16 branches across Vancouver Island, but is exploring the possibility of opening even more in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the possibility of opening another in the Comox Valley, or even British Columbia wide if the opportunity presented. Right now our goal is Vancouver Island wide in the next 10 years and then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see what h a p p e n s f ro m t h e re ,â&#x20AC;? Holmes said. www.pembertonholmes. com

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drop camera that they could affix beneath their high tech raft. Located in the Gulf of Mexico the company needed the camera suspended below their platform to see everything that was happening subsea,â&#x20AC;? explained Priscilla Johnson, Inuktunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketing Manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153; We u s e d o n e o f o u r Spectrum 120HDâ&#x201E;˘ cameras, which is a full 1080p h igh defi n ition system equipped with high intensity LED lights and capable of a full 360Â° pan, 280Â° tilt and 120x zoom. Normally used as part of a robotic crawler system for remote visual inspection in confined spaces and hazardous environments we provided the Spectrum 120HD as a drop camera, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the shark found it.â&#x20AC;? In a totally unscripted moment a large and aggressive Mako shark seemingly took offence to the presence of the system (or thought it was a potential snack) and tried to eat it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unsuccessfully. While the cameraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tether line was partially shredded the camera survived the encounter with only a few nicks and scratches, a testament to the ruggedness of its design. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The camera crew wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really paying attention until all of a sudden this Mako comes out of nowhere and chomps right down on the camera, allowing them to catch everything on tape â&#x20AC;&#x201C; much to their delight. It was pretty cool as you got to see the inside of the sharkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth and everything. It was certainly an unexpected bonus for the camera team,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said.

While the camera itself suffered only scratches, the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tether did not fare as well, being shredded by the shark

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess the shark was shocked it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bite through the camera so it just took off as quickly as it had come.â&#x20AC;? PRISCILLA JOHNSON MARKETING MANAGER, INUKTUN SERVICES LIMITED

Founded in 1989 by Allen Robinson and Terry Knight, Inuktun Services focuses its energies on producing multi-mission modular robotic crawler and inspection camera systems used for such varied applications as pipe and tank inspection as well as exploring boreholes and other inaccessible or potentially

dangerous spots. Inuktun systems are used by a number of industrial clients around the world including in the mining industry, the marine sector, the nuclear industry and even the military. The company produces builtto-order and constructed systems, as well as rents out off-the-shelf models for clients around the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess the shark was shocked it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bite through the camera so it just took off as quickly as it had come. The crew brought it up right away. The tether did get a little bit trashed so they sent it back for a quick repair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; complete with a piece of shark tooth in the tether â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we sent it right back down to them. You could see where the camera had been bit, but it worked just fine,â&#x20AC;? she said. www.inuktun.com

CAMPBELL RIVER

SEPTEMBER 2017

Walcan Casts Its Line Into The Retail Market Campbell River Mirror ased on Quadra Island, Walcan Seafood Ltd. has been a producer and wholesaler of BC seafood products around the world since the 1970s. But as of a few weeks ago, they have started offering it on a smaller scale to the general public. While theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a couple of retail market aspects for some time, with the opening of their new storefront in downtown Campbell River, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re adding another dimension, according to sales manager Grant McNeil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had our SeaChange line of primarily smoked salmon and seafood patĂŠ products in retail settings across Canada since the mid â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s,â&#x20AC;? McNeil says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very new for us, that we have not dabbled into, is the frozen product.â&#x20AC;? So why now? McNeil says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ideal time to make this move to a Campbell River-based retail outlet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; located in the same plaza as Home Hardware, Thongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewellery and JKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meat Cave â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for a number of reasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that has been percolating for a long time, but the impetus to do it now was the tipping of our workforce towards people coming from Campbell River that made this just make sense now,â&#x20AC;? he says. Almost half of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approximately 100 employees come from this side of the water with the rest being local to Quadra. Combine that fact with what he calls, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a huge trend in food, certainly in the last five to 10 years, is that idea of eating local and supporting local business, and with a lot of our seafood products being caught right here in the Johnson Strait

Walcan sales manager, Grant McNeil PHOTO BY MIKE DAVIES/CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR

and all of it is from BC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for people.â&#x20AC;? McNeil says heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confident they will be able to offer a high-quality seafood product that people will appreciate out of the storefront â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at a competitive price. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our offerings are going to be very seasonal,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You might come in every other Monday and see a completely different selection, but as of right now we have BC sockeye fillets, frozen BC sockeye steaks, and BC spot prawns.â&#x20AC;? And having an administrative office on this side of the water is important for employee convenience and hiring, as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first touchpoint not have to be going across to Quadra Island and going out to the plant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; half of which is down a long dirt road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if we can have a meeting space here where we can showcase some of our product and showcase the West Coast vibe, especially for people who may be new to town, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really a huge advantage to us,â&#x20AC;? McNeil says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will be a big help in

terms of being a place we can do interviews and meetings. A lot of our full-time office staff will have the flexibility of being here, but even for, say, a part time employee working maybe three days a week to not have to go over to Quadra to get a paystub or any other correspondence, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a huge convenience to have an office on this side.â&#x20AC;? Speaking of employees, McNeil says thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a better time to apply. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The end of the super busy season will likely be October â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what projections look like right now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and starting a couple of weeks ago, we need to be hiring people every single week. If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be really behind the curve and we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be as flexible as we need to be.â&#x20AC;? McNeil says the first big splash the new location will make will be at Home Hardwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 80th anniversary parking lot event on Sept. 16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;T heyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been n ice enough to ask their partners here in the plaza to join them as part of the celebration, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to get a barbecue going out there on the day and be a part of the fun,â&#x20AC;? McNeil says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far, the response from the community has been great. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We opened the admin aspect here before we had any of our retail product here, and during that process, we had a lot of people poking their head in the door who recognized the logo on the door asking what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing. The interest level has been fantastic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really excited to be trying new product and bringing in new things. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say exactly what thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say you never know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around the corner.â&#x20AC;?

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SEPTEMBER 2017

OPENING OF CAMPBELL RIVER HOSPITAL A MAJOR MILESTONE

An artist’s rendering of the North Island Hospital Campbell River & District, a 95 bed hospital built on the site of the old hospital

Island Health’s North Island Hospitals Project Revolutionizing Health Care

ORT H ISL A N D – T he g ra nd open i ng of the new North Island Hospital Campbell River & District on September 10 was a critical milestone in an extensive upgrading of the health care resources of the North Island region – a visionary endeavour that first came into being nearly a decade ago. It’s not hyperbole to state that health care across the northern portions of Vancouver Island has now taken a massive step forward

– thanks to the progress made in Island Health’s ongoing North Island Hospitals Project. The far reaching and complex project was officially initiated in early 2010 (even though the initial need had been identified as early as 2006), and involved nothing less than the construction of two state of the art acute care hospitals to serve the health care needs of residents in the Comox Valley and in the greater Campbell River area. With an overall price tag of more than $600 million, and employing at times nearly 2,000 workers (with up to two thirds of that number being hired locally), the massive undertaking has led to the construction of two acute care facilities, one in Courtenay

and another in Campbell River. The North Island Hospitals Project includes the new $331.7 million, 153-bed Comox Valley Hospital in Courtenay on Lerwick Road near Ryan Road, as well as the new $274.5 million, 95-bed Campbell River Hospital, which was constructed on the site of the existing Campbell River Hospital, 375 – 2nd Avenue. Conceived and launched by the provincial Liberal government of Christy Clark, the original ground breaking took place in Courtenay in 2014, after the vast undertaking had gone through an extensive public interaction phase, while being singled out for several awards for its innovative and green-focused design. At the g rou nd brea k i ng

ceremony, then Health Minister Terry Lake stated the endeavour would dramatically improve health care across the region. “Two years ago, Premier Christy Clark championed the start of this great project and today we’ve reached a significant milestone in our commitment to improve access to quality patient care for patients and families in the Comox Valley and Campbell River,” he said at the time. “These new hospitals will provide residents and visitors with enhanced acute care delivery, more comfort and privacy for patients and world-class health care facilities.” The new 39,800 square metre (approximately 428,400 square foot) Comox Valley Hospital has

153 beds and replaces the aging 120-bed St. Joseph’s General Hospital (CJGH) which is located in Comox. The new 32,300 squaremetre (approximately 347,700 square foot) North Island Campbell River & District Hospital has 95 beds and was constructed to replace the smaller (79-bed) Campbell River Hospital which had served the city for decades. Both of these acute care facilities have been designed to enhance the patient experience at either of the hospitals, such as featuring enhanced patient rooms with large windows to maximize the amount of natural light while offering outside views that help provide for a calming SEE NORTH ISLAND HOSPITAL | PAGE 33

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NORTH ISLAND HOSPITAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Here’s a rendering of the new Comox Valley Hospital a 153 bed facility that will replace the aging St. Joseph’s General Hospital

The new Comox Valley Hospital is taking shape, and will be ready to receive patients by the end of the year

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environment. The majority of the rooms are single-patient with private bathrooms, helping to significantly reduce hospital-acquired infection rates, enhance patient privacy, improve quality of sleep and shorten recovery times. Patient comfort and privacy are integral design features of both facilities. The North Island Hospitals Project was cost-shared through a 60 / 40 division between the Province and the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District. The project helped to create approximately 1,900 direct jobs and over 1,400 indirect jobs over the construction period. The new hospitals have been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification as part of provincial government’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. Green hospital building design helps to create a healing environment for patients, staff and visitors. At the initial ground breaking ceremony in Courtenay Claire Moglove, chair of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District board stated the project is the end result of years of hard work and planning. “Today’s groundbreaking events are the culmination of many years of planning and effort both by Island Health and the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital board. It is another huge step forward in our goal of enhancing health care for individuals and families in our region,” she said. “As the region’s population grows and health service demands continue to change, these two new state-of the-art hospital facilities will deliver high-quality acute care for years to come.” Created from the outset to provide comfort as well as 21 st Century health care, the North Island Hospitals project was also designed to recognize the human element, while celebrating the cultural distinctiveness of the region. For example the North Island Hospital campuses in both SEE NORTH ISLAND HOSPITAL | PAGE 34

SEPTEMBER 2017

NORTH ISLAND HOSPITAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Comox Valley and Campbell River feature gardens of traditional plants and medicinal herbs, provided thanks to a multi-faceted effort including Island Health, First Nations and many local experts. In June a special planting ceremony took place near the main entrance to the North Island Hospital Comox Valley campus. Created to recognize the value of traditional and medical plants the ceremony included representatives from the K’ómoks First Nation, Island Health, the First Nations Health Authority, the Kwakiutl District Council (KDC), the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District, the North Island Hospital’s Aboriginal Working Group, the Traditional Plants and Medicines Working Group, the Wachiay Friendship Centre, local Elders and many other supporters. The Courtenay ceremony took place just outside The Gathering Place, a room for quiet reflection, sharing and spiritual ceremony for people of all cultures. Each hospital campus features a Gathering Place near each main entrance to provide patients and loved ones with a spot for quiet and personal contemplation. Each of the rooms features sound proofing and an independent ventilation system to accommodate music, and even drumming and smudging ceremonies for

In June First Nations members took part in a planting ceremony in Courtenay, part of the facility’s unique features First Nation users. The Gathering Place design includes an outdoor garden with traditional medicinal plants. At the June ceremony Chief

Nicole Rempel welcomed everyone to the traditional lands of the K’ómoks People, saying her people have lived in the Valley since time immemorial, and have learned

from and lived off the land and sea. “The World Health Organization has acknowledged the importance of traditional healing.

I’m pleased to see the recognition of traditional plants, here at the new Comox Valley Hospital. SEE NORTH ISLAND HOSPITAL | PAGE 35

Nelson Rooﬁng & Sheet Metal Ltd., the proud rooﬁng contractor for the North Island Hospital Project

SEPTEMBER 2017

NORTH ISLAND HOSPITAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

First Nations people have a strong connection to the land and have a great deal of knowledge from our land. Our ancestors have passed this knowledge down, generation to generation, and our Elders have longstanding knowledge about the relationship with plants, everything from circulatory, gastric and intestinal problems to even healing with cancer,” she said. The Gathering Place garden project was guided by the Traditional Plants and Medicines Working Group, comprised of knowledge-holders recommended by the First Nations and Aboriginal organizations from the North Island. The Gathering Place and other aspects of the new hospital were designed with input from a number of groups and individuals including elders, Sasamans Elder Group, Laichwiltach Language Group, Comox Valley Aboriginal Working Group, the local First Nation Health Authority’s Cultural Safety Steering Committee, the Wachiay Friendship Centre and others. But hospitals are much more than land, buildings and technology, and for the North Island Hospitals project one of the key resources for the success of either hospital is its trained, dedicated and compassionate staff. The exceptional staff at both the Campbell River and the Comox Valley hospital will make the North Island Hospital campuses truly great places to learn, work and receive care. After years of planning, construction and collaboration, the opening of the new North Island Hospital campuses in Campbell River and the Comox Valley is within sight and Susi Shelswell, for one, can’t wait. In a recent Island Health media release the 25 year veteran Registered Nurse and Clinical Coordinator, who has been caring for patients at Campbell River and District General Hospital, stated she can’t wait to move into the new Campbell River hospital this fall. “I’m absolutely excited. I can’t wait to get in there,” she said. While leaving familiar workplaces and moving to larger, more technologically complex facilities presents challenges, hundreds of staff at Comox Regional Hospital (CRH) and St. Joseph’s General Hospital are also training and preparing for the big move. “We have such a great work culture. We’re a family here,” explained Carol Tinga, a longtime Registered Nurse and Clinical Educator at SJGH. “Leaving St. Joseph’s will be bittersweet, but I’m really looking forward to working in the new hospital. It’s really exciting to bring our family to the larger team and have the opportunity to care for patients in the new facilities,” she said. The energy and expertise of staff in both communities has been important during the planning and

The new Campbell River Hospital has a price tag of nearly $275 million and will serve the entire North Island construction phases of the hospital project, and will be invaluable during and after the move into the new buildings. “There’s a person and a story behind every decision,” said Dr. Jeff Beselt, an Emergency Room Physician at Campbell River Hospital and also Island Health’s Executive Medical Director for the North Island and Comox Valley. From the height of wall partitions to planning how patients will flow through Emergency and other departments, leaders and staff from CRH and SJGH have been integral to designing facilities that make sense for both patients and care teams. “Our staff and physicians are the experts in their own work, and I think that the design of these new hospitals reflects that. The new hospitals won’t just support excellent patient care, they can also help us attract and retain medical staff members who want to work there and on teams that support collaboration and continuous learning,” he explained. From a recognized need, and a visionary concept, the two new hospitals are quickly taking shape and should both be in full operation by the end of the year. A plan for the future and a genuine asset for the entire region, the North Island Hospitals Project will energize health care across the region for decades to come. www.viha.ca

Proud supporter of the North Island Hospitals Project P: 250.287.8847 E: irmix@telus.net www.islandreadymix.ca

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SEPTEMBER 2017

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING SERVING THE COMOX VALLEY & BEYOND Quality, Integrity & Reliability - Pillars Of Company’s Success

OURTENAY – When you combine a European level of craftsmanship, with the latest building techniques and then add to the mix an unflinching dedication to integrity, community loyalty and customer service, you end up with a home built by award winning J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd. The often uttered phrase ‘Good enough’ – simply doesn’t exist in the vocabulary of company owner Jim Zsiros, or with any member of his team. While this entirely family owned and operated custom home building firm has only operated under that name since 2005, the origins of the firm can actually be traced to the early 1990s, when Zsiros first began to learn his craft. “When I grew up here in the Va l ley logg i ng was very active, there was a lot of money in it so that’s where I started my career. My Dad was European and a heavy duty mechanic and machinist and as he worked in the forest industry I started out

CongratulaƟons on building such a successful contracƟng business in the Comox Valley! Signature West Floor & Window Fashions Inc. Carpet One is very proud to have worked on many projects with J. Zsiros ContracƟng. All the Best for the Future! Wilf & Guy Facey & Staﬀ 821 Shamrock Place, Comox, BC

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following him into that field,” Zsiros explained. Working in forestry, including as a faller for a time, the changing nature of the industry in the region led to his taking another career path, one that has ultimately proven to have been a wise choice. “The industry started to fizzle out in the mid to late 1980’s, that’s when I got into construction. I had some uncles in Edmonton that were builders so that’s where everything sort of originated from,” he explained. Born in Victoria but having lived in the Comox Valley since he was less than a year old, Zsiros grew up in the region. Having that intimate knowledge and the connections that come from having grown and evolved with the area helped him as he began his career as a builder. At first he worked with others but eventually he branched out into his own venture. “When I started building here in town I started small, doing renovations initially, learning as I went. I worked with other companies at first, but knowing so many people as I had grown up here, I was able to start getting jobs on my own,” Zsiros said. As any business owner can testify the first few years are the hardest. It’s a story that is all too familiar to Zsiros. “I certainly can’t say it was easy for our company at the beginning. There were times when I didn’t know if we were going to make it. But I had good people around me and we made it through,” he said. “We’re in a good spot now, but it took a long time to get here. The company has grown to where it’s very exciting for me right now. I have my two boys working here, one of whom has been with me for 11 years. My oldest son was with me for several years, went to Alberta for a while but has now moved back and is a main part of my company. For me these are very exciting times.” While the company has built

Eager to give back to the community, J. Zsiros Contracting is an active supporter of Habitat for Humanity

“Maybe someday we’ll be building $3 million and $4 million dollar houses that take a year to build.” JIM ZSIROS OWNER, J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING LTD.

Lynn Harrison, the President of the CHBA of British Columbia, presented Jim Zsiros with his 2017 VIBE Award select smaller scale commercial projects, J. Zsiros Contracting’s main focus has always been on the construction of high end single family homes. The company has been responsible for some of the finest and best built single family residences in the Valley and beyond, and it has the

awards to prove it. J. Zsiros Contracting was the winner of the 2017 Vancouver Island Building Excellence (VIBE) Award for Best Residential Renovation under $100,000 – for the work it carried out for Knight SEE J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING | PAGE 37

Congratulations Jim, looking forward to working with you in the future. Congratulations to Jim and the team at J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd. I am proud to work with you. Main 250.338.1445 | Toll Free 800.335.8338 | Courtenay, BC

www.comoxvalleynotarypublic.ca

Courtenay/Comox 250-465-1100 Oceanside 250-951-4821 Nanaimo 250-327-2683 www.oceansidedoors.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

What it’s all about – J. Zsiros Contracting is known as the builder of energy efficient custom built family homes

J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

J. Zsiros Contracting homes are designed and built with an unwavering belief that quality is number one

Proud supporter of J.Zsiros Contracting LTD. 250-338-1012

reception@van-isle.com 2475 Cousins Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 3N6 www.van-isle.com

Congratulations to J. Zsiros Contracting on more than 15 years of success in building 5741 Island Highway, Courtenay, BC Plant: 250.338.1381 • Campbell River: 250.286.1800 www.islandtruss.ca

Residence. For his company to become an award winner is a special source of pride for Zsiros. “Last year we won the VIBE Award and that was a big thing for me. I’ve never entered contests in my life before. It was always a case of struggling to just pay the bills, to keep the lights on, to find the next job to keep my guys working. So getting to the point that we can take the time to enter contests like this, to me, is a real achievement,” he stated. Orga n ized a n nua l ly by the Canadian Home Builder’s Association – Vancouver Island (CHBAVI) the VIBE Award is Vancouver Island’s premier housing awards program, which has been created to highlight and celebrate excellence in home building on

Vancouver Island. The Awards are organized to showcase the commitment and dedication to the high standards CHBA-VI member companies strive to attain with every project they construct. J. Zsiros Contracting has prospered by always doing the job right, from the smallest renovation task, to the construction of the finest single family home. Maintaining that level of excellence means having a desire to learn, being flexible enough to adapt to changing market demands and being willing to embrace the newest techniques, technologies and building methods to deliver the products 21st Century customers deserve and demand. A certified ‘Built Green’ builder, J. Zsiros Contracting’s team SEE J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING | PAGE 38

Proud to support J. Zsiros Contracting. Best wishes for continued success. LUMBER, DRYWALL, SIDING, INSULATION, FLOORING, DOORS, WINDOWS, ROOFING, DELIVERY, TOOLS, PAINT, PLUS MORE!

SEPTEMBER 2017

J. ZSIROS CONTRACTING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

actively participate in all ongoing educational opportunities provided by the Canadian Home Builder’s Association to ensure it remains current with the latest developments and innovations in the construction industry. By staying ahead of the curve in terms of techniques and materials the company’s clients can be assured of getting homes that are as energy efficient and comfortable as they are beautiful. Cristi Sacht, a Certified Energy Advisor, and owner of Black Creek-based Elemental Energy Advisors Ltd. has known about J. Zsiros Contracting since moving back to BC in 2008. The two companies are currently working together on the firm’s local Green Built project. For her the dedication the company had shown to this form of quality construction is a tribute to the firm’s commitment to a sustainable future. “It has been a pleasure to work with a builder as forward thinking and conscientious as J. Zsiros Contracting. The homes that Jim and his team build are his legacy. He is a visionary and proves it every time by certifying his builds with Built Green Canada and the EnerGuide Rating System with Natural Resources Canada. I’m proud to have played a part by serving as his Certified Energy Advisor,” she said. “Jim’s passion for energy efficiency and sustainability can be matched only by the dedication to high quality craftsmanship that goes into the dream homes he and his team builds.” But success, accolades and industry recognition aside, the core to the success of J. Zsiros Contracting is a solid belief system that begins and ends with trust and integrity. “It may be an over simplification, but I think there are three key pillars that sum up Zsiros Contracting,” explained Steve Murray-Ford, one of the company’s key administrative personnel. “Quality, Integrity and Reliability – Jim believes in prov id ing a qua lity product for the money spent – every time. People know that what they’re

A true family run business, Jim Zsiros (center) proudly works daily with his sons Rob (left) and Ryan getting for their dollar is a quality project. Integrity is a huge part. If a client has an issue, even months later, Jim will be right there to correct it if a problem has occurred. In terms of reliability the products that they get are always going to be well built, homes that are built to last for generations.” A not her of t he compa ny’s strengths is its loyalty and commitment to the community it serves. As persons who have grown up in the Comox Valley, who have prospered because of the support shown by the community, J. Zsiros Contracting has become an active supporter of the community on a number of different levels. “Jim and all of his guys are very involved with Habitat for Humanity. He feels very strongly about giving back to the community, offering help to those who are struggling. He knows how ha rd th i ngs ca n be a nd is willing to help out those in need,” explained Murray-Ford. J. Z si ros Cont ract i n g wa s actively involved in a Habitat

housing project in Campbell River for example, an undertaking that required a considerable amount of hands on labour – sweat equity willingly provided by all members of the family. “Jim has imprinted that sense of caring on his sons as they volunteered for the project, he didn’t have to order them to participate they just automatically volunteered as it was the right thing to do,” he said. For Zsiros it’s all about giving back and for doing the job right – and he knows the job is being done right because despite the growth and success of the firm, he continues to strap on a toolbelt and work alongside of his crew. “I may be older but I’m still on the tools. I still frame, I still finish all while becoming more computer savvy to keep up with the changing nature of this business,” he said. “I’m doing what I can to become more computer literate and I’m taking courses every year to keep up with the changes taking place in the industry. I love what I do and want to remain relevant

Jim Zsiros began learning the craft of home building in the early 1990’s, opening J. Zsiros Contracting in 2005 and active with the firm. I can be on the job 90 per cent of the time – that’s what people hire me for.” For the future J. Zsiros Contracting envisions continuing to do what it does best, building quality homes. From simple

renovation projects the company has grown to the point where today its goal is to be building residences in the million dollar range – for Zsiros the goal is to see its company and its portfolio of finished projects expand even further. “Where my sons want to take the company will be totally up to them. Who knows, we might open an office in Campbell River or Nanaimo in the future, but for now it’s about working mainly in the Valley,” he said. “Would I like to see us grow, start to build $3 million homes someday? Absolutely! We’re definitely in a growth phase, and I want us to continue to grow, to continue to serve the high end residential market. I’d like to see up competing against quality builders like TS Williams and Pheasant Hill Homes in the future. That’s the direction I want us to go. Maybe someday we’ll be building $3 million and $4 million dollar houses that take a year to build – that’s where I can see us going.” www.zsiroscontracting.ca

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I have been working for Jim Zsiros for the last 6 years. He is a prolific Builder with an eye for perfecƟon, and I look forward to working with Jim on many future projects. Russ Rodriguez Classic Stairs & Fine Finishing 1962 Richardson Avenue Comox, BC V9M 2B4

250.650.0567

COMOX VALLEY

SEPTEMBER 2017

NEW HOSPITAL IN CAMPBELL RIVER AND THE COMOX VALLEY OPENING

BUILDING LINKS CLARICE COTY

esidents of the North Island will be visiting the new hospitals soon as both campuses in Campbell River and Courtenay are set to open in the next few weeks. The 153-bed Comox Valley campus in Courtenay will have an expanded emergency room, surgical care space and University of BC academic teaching space. In Campbell River, the 95bed campus will include larger single-patient rooms with more private space for patients and their families, a larger emergency department and a bigger maternity ward, with two large birthing rooms to accommodate extended family. The new

hospitals in Campbell River and Courtenay were open to the public for an open house in August and approximately 4,000 people turned out for self-guided tours of the North Island Hospital campuses. There is an excitement about the new hospitals for residents, staff and volunteers. The $606.2 million North Island Hospitals Project includes a $331.7 million, 153bed Comox Valley Hospital in Courtenay on Lerwick Road near Ryan Road, and a $274.5 million, 95-bed Campbell River Hospital on the existing hospital site. Construction of the new hospitals created an estimated 2,200 direct jobs and more than 1,400 indirect jobs over the life of the project. The economic and social benefits of the North Island Hospitals Project extend well beyond job numbers, said NIHP Chief Project Officer Tom Sparrow. He notes the project to date has purchased $165 million worth of equipment, products and services from a wide range of Island suppliers. The

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North Island Hospitals Project has been recognized as one of BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Champions of Apprenticeshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by the Industry Training Authority, which funds skilled trades training in BC. The North Island Hospitals Project won another award for innovation excellence. The projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design builder, Graham, won Gold in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Builder/General Contractor Commercial over $500 millionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; category at the Constructech Vision awards in Chicago August 18, 2016.The award is from Chicago-based Constructech Magazine, which celebrates the places â&#x20AC;&#x153;where construction and technology converge.â&#x20AC;? Â The North Island Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campbell River campus is projected to open on September 10, 2017 and the Comox Valley campus on October 1, 2017.

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

The new North Island Hospital Campbell River & District will open on September 10, 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017

SUNWEST RV CENTRE FOCUSED ON BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER Award Winning Dealer Has Served Island-Wide Customers From The Comox Valley For Over 30 Years

Sales Manager Kevin Kelly shows the living room of one of the units at Sunwest RV Centre â&#x20AC;&#x153;and they own it,â&#x20AC;? he adds. The family-owned company, which opened in 1986, has been in business for over 30 years, and won many awards along the way. It is the only Landmark dealer in British Columbia, and also the exclusive Vancouver Island dealer of Northwood, Catalina and Pleasureway. They also offer consignment sales at their 2800 Cliffe Avenue location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are exclusive on the Island for some of the most premium lines in travel trailers, including Arctic Fox and Landmark 365,â&#x20AC;? says Kelly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are currently ranked number one in Canada

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(604) 485-4477

Congratulations to everyone at Sunwest RV for reaching this significant milestone!

with some of our lines, and for a small dealership on Vancouver Island, this is no small achievement. We are really proud of that, and the last two years have been the most successful in the history of the dealership.â&#x20AC;? Kevin notes that the Sunwest RV teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to customer service is a big reason for their success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We make sure we go a long, long way for our customers,â&#x20AC;? says Kevin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that our stories are told around the campfire, and the stories our customers share with their friends about the experience and service we provide them with at Sunwest RV. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We work very hard to make sure that all of our customers have a good experience, and many of them become friends who come back over and over. We enjoy it when our customers drop by for a coffee and share their photos and camping experiences with us,â&#x20AC;? he adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want their business not just now but in the future, and we like to deal with the grandpas and grandmas, moms and dads, sons and daughters in the same family.â&#x20AC;? The company has made it a point to contribute to numerous Comox Valley charitable organizations, including Habit for Humanity and YANA (You Are Not Alone), as well as the

The Care-A-Van mobile outreach health unit that provides assistance throughout the Comox Valley is stored at Sunwest RV Centre Comox Bay Care Society Care-AVan mobile outreach health unit, also known as the Care-A-Van, which Sunwest RV owner Barry Willis donated, maintains and stores on the lot. The Care-A-Van is a phenomenal concept, â&#x20AC;&#x153;providing mobile health care to people in need,â&#x20AC;? notes Kevin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We took one of our motor homes and built it into a mobile hospital, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s served a lot of people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are over 40 volunteers who work on the program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists. . .and many people donate clothes and money. At its inception, it was the only one of its kind west of Calgary in Canada.â&#x20AC;? The Care-A-Van has served 1,388 people since beginning operation in 2009, and assisted 336 new clients in 2016 alone. Kevin points out that all units â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including used and consignment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are subjected to an in-depth inspection prior to being placed on the lot for sale. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our pre-delivery inspection is a superb, in-depth process performed by Red Seal technicians in our 10,000 square foot service centre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether the unit is brand new or lightly used, we offer the same inspection.â&#x20AC;? Kevin notes that the construction of trailers for the West Coast

must be rugged and tough, and able to deal with all-weather elements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is why we are a big fan of the Northwood chassis, which is certified by an independent company and built from the strongest components on the market today,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you couple this with the enclosed underbelly, being cambered and equiflex suspension, it can handle anything that the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logging roads can throw at it.â&#x20AC;? Su nwest RV h a s sh ipped Northwood trailers to customers in Alberta, and Kevin adds â&#x20AC;&#x153;we currently have some being used as cabins at Whistler, so you know these are warm coaches with a true four-season package.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our delivery process is completed by the salesperson that sold the coach and can take 1-6 hours, depending on customer knowledge,â&#x20AC;? he notes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When customers leave our dealership, they can essentially go camping immediately. We provide everything at point of sale that they are likely to need on their first camping trip, right down to the toilet roll.â&#x20AC;? Kevin said Sunwest RV helps arrange financing, as well as extended warranty packages and insurance services. www.sunwestsrv.com

3OHDVXUH :D\ Industries

congratulates Sunwest RV for

+Years in the Industry

We are proud to supply Sunwest RV and the Island Market with our premium quality small motorhomes.

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BBB COMPLAINT PROCESS ...understanding how it works

Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO

At BBB our goal is to help businesses and consumers maintain an ethical, trust based marketplace. We work to do this through a variety of programs and services such as: maintaining a database of BBB Business Proﬁles; screening & monitoring accredited businesses; providing educational information to consumers & businesses; and by helping consumers and businesses resolve difficult to manage disputes through our complaint process. The following are some questions we are commonly asked by both consumers and businesses about the BBB complaint process.

a special thanks to our

Community Partners

Q: How does a consumer go about filing a complaint with Better Business Bureau? A: Before we take any complaints at BBB we strongly encourage consumers to work directly with the business and try to resolve the dispute first. If you are at an impasse, the fastest way to file a complaint is by going online to bbb.org/vancouver-island. We require all complaints to be made in writing. Q: What action does BBB take after a complaint has been filed? A: When BBB receives a complaint we present it to the business and request the business’ assistance in resolving the problem. We present the complaint exactly as it is filed by the customer and ask the business to provide us with a written response to the matter, outlining their perspective on the situation. BBB acts as an independent third party to help the consumer and business reach a reasonable resolution of the problem. In some cases, mediation and/or arbitration is available to assist in the resolution of the dispute. Most businesses are happy to work with us. Many are grateful for the opportunity to redeem a customer relationship, and BBB Accredited Businesses must respond to complaints or risk losing their Accredited Business status. Q: If a customer files a complaint against my company, what is the best way to respond? A: Handling negative feedback in a positive way takes plenty of practice. Your BBB is here to help facilitate the discussion between you and your customer. Our service specialists are knowledgeable and can provide established advice on interacting with customers in less-than-ideal circumstances. One of the best pieces of advice that we can give is to be timely and genuine with your response. Q: As a business what should I NOT do when a customer files a complaint? A: Not responding to a complaint is something that would not only drastically impact your BBB rating, but it tells your potential customers that you are not a responsive company. In pursuit of building trust in the marketplace, your BBB promotes fair and honest communication between the parties, and that requires both the consumer and the business to communicate with each other. If a business is not willing to participate in an initial discussion, trust cannot be built, and the marketplace as a whole is harmed by reduced consumer confidence. If a customer files a complaint about your company with BBB, take a moment to respond and get the conversation started. And know that BBB is here to help if you have any questions or concerns.

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

Engage with Us! Have a favourite social media site? Join us and get real time updates on scams, business tips and local events. BBBVancouverIsland VIBBB Ros Scott

Q: How do I look up the complaint history on a business? A: You can call us at 250.386.6348 or email us at info@vi.bbb.org or visit us at: bbb.org/vancouver-island where you can search by company name, phone number or website address. Our online BBB Business Proﬁles contain the complaint details and more importantly, information on how those complaints were resolved.

Or BBB of Vancouver Island

WELCOME OUR NEWEST ACCREDITED BUSINESSES For more information on becoming a BBB Accredited Business call: 250.386.6348 ext. 115.

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Abstract Stone 2016 (Victoria)

Premier Auto Detail (Victoria)

Corner to Corner Hardwood Floors (Victoria)

Prestige Car Wash & Auto Spa (2015) Ltd. (Victoria)

Envision Designs & Development (Victoria)

Scotty Tree & Arborist Service (Sidney)

Island Snowbirds (Nanaimo)

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 Austia Holdings Limited 1569 Granada Cres, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Green, Richard CLAIM $25,567 DEFENDANT BC Alta Development Ltd 318-877 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Pure Engineering Ltd CLAIM $158,266 DEFENDANT Blenkinsop Valley Golf Centre 1569 Granada Cres, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Green, Richard CLAIM $25,567

WHO IS SUING WHOM DEFENDANT Capital Hill Developments Ltd 202-7545 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF McKibben, Maureen CLAIM $ 35,216 DEFENDANT DC Installations PO Box 1714, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Torbram Electric Supply Corporation CLAIM $ 26,253 DEFENDANT Dean Park Plumbing & Heating Ltd 6-7855 East Saanich Rd, Saanichton, BC PLAINTIFF Owners Strata Plan Vis 6467 CLAIM $ 35,176 DEFENDANT Devon Properties Ltd 201-2067 Cadboro Bay Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Killian, David CLAIM $ 5,197 DEFENDANT E S I Environmental Sensors Inc 510-580 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC

PLAINTIFF Beauchesne, Bernard Michael CLAIM $ 28,814 DEFENDANT Greater Victoria Harbour Authority 100-1019 Wharf St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Paren, Adelon CLAIM $ 35,176 DEFENDANT Home Depot of Canada Inc 426 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON PLAINTIFF Macdonald, Rob CLAIM $ 8,695 DEFENDANT Island Pallet Solutions Ltd 225 Vancouver Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF W R Addison Lumber Co Ltd CLAIM $ 223,920 DEFENDANT Jora Construction Ltd 7424 Dixon Dam Rd, Vernon, BC PLAINTIFF Kazakoff, Lyle John CLAIM $ 31,456

DEFENDANT Kettle Creek Development Ltd 300-162 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON PLAINTIFF Brock T Emberton Law Corporation CLAIM $ 21,293 DEFENDANT Marine Masters Holdings Ltd 89 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Paren, Adelon CLAIM $ 35,176 DEFENDANT Mid Island Aggregate 2013 Ltd 602-732 Broughton St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Western Grater Contracting Ltd CLAIM $ 181,132 DEFENDANT Mistytrails PO Box 343, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Krzywonos, Elaine CLAIM $ 12,349 DEFENDANT Parksville Bottle & Recycling Depot Ltd 611A Alberni Hwy, Parksville, BC

SEPTEMBER 2017

PLAINTIFF Mark, Barbara Janice CLAIM $ 26,236 DEFENDANT Romspen FC Homes Inc 300-162 Cumberland St,Toronto, ON PLAINTIFF Brock T Emberton Law Corporation CLAIM $ 21,293 DEFENDANT Romspen Investment Corporation 300-162 Cumberland St,Toronto, ON PLAINTIFF Brock T Emberton Law Corporation CLAIM $ 21,293 DEFENDANT Rugged Rooster Creations 556 Old Peterson Rd, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Lendified Inc CLAIM $ 29,066 DEFENDANT Skytech Enterprises Inc 4620 Sailor Rd, Pender Island, BC PLAINTIFF Davis, Carol Joan CLAIM $ 22,980

DEFENDANT TDL Group Corp 1600-925 Georgia St West, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF McKibben, Maureen CLAIM $ 35,216 DEFENDANT Tomko Sports Systems Inc 2-683 Dease Rd, Kelowna, BC PLAINTIFF Johnston, Terry CLAIM $ 35,176 DEFENDANT Vancouver Island Strata 4534 661 Seedtree Rd, Sooke, BC PLAINTIFF Deerenberg, Chloe CLAIM $ 7,843 DEFENDANT Westprop Developments Ltd 301-910 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Ennis Enterprises Inc CLAIM $ 942,578

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

SEPTEMBER 2017

ELAINE PELIGREN Commercial Mortgages Big or Small, We Do Them All!

NORTH ISLAND The Shed Bike and Outdoor Store has moved to a new location at 311 Hemlock Street. They continue to offer full-service bike repairs, as well as a large selection of bikes to suit all riders. The North Island College Mount Waddington regional campus in Port Hardy is re-locating to the Thunderbird Mall in order to increase accessibility for students and the community. The new campus is scheduled to open in January, 2018. Gloria Cranmer Webster is being honoured for her lifelong work promoting and preserving Kwakwaka’wkw culture by being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. Aussie Signs Decals & Design is expanding their store offerings by adding to their shelves t-shirts, wall decals, mugs and hats at their store in Port McNeill at 2233 Mine Road. The Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for their 45th Annual Business Excellence Awards. Nominations can be made on the chamber’s website and the awards gala will be held on September 30 at 5:30 pm at the Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy.

to support Campbell River’s transit infrastructure. Associated Tire and Auto has added Gerry Hannem to their staff at 1710 Island Highway. Island Funeral Services Elk Falls Crematorium & Reception Centre announces that Danny Munroe has joined their team of licensed funeral directors at 909 Island Highway. Seawatch Medical Clinic welcomes Dr. Aimen Salem to their practice at Suite #203 – 2276 South Island Highway. Dr. Salem joins the practice with a 10 year history of family practice with additional training and experience in emergency, anesthesia and intensive care. Donna Goodenough has opened Kalmar Cat Hotel at 748 Kalmar Road.

Accountants Karen Guinan and Janice Thorburn have joined the MNP team in their Courtenay office at 467 Cumberland Road. The Town of Comox has hired Ted Hagmeier to be their new Recreation Director. Hagmeier will move from his role as Recreation Supervisor which he has held with the Town of Comox since late 2014. Smart Eyes recently celebrated their grand opening at 310 8th Street in Courtenay. Finneron Hyundai has named Jan Vandenbiggelaar as their sales person of the month at 250 Old Island Highway in Courtenay.

Email: epeligren@dominionlending.ca

VA N I S L E

COMOX VALLEY Presley & Partners announces that Kathryn Jones has been promoted to the role of firm manager at 951 Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay. Jones is a CPA holder who has been with the firm since 2011 and has been honoured as one of the Top 20 Under 40 on Vancouver Island.

Cindy Eagles Business/Corporate Account Manager Direct: 250-701-1600 Email: cindy@cowichansound.com Store: 250-748-4847

Why Cowichan Sound & Cellular For Your Business? Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC congratulates Bret Walters on being the dealership’s top salesperson of the month at 2145 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

CAMPBELL RIVER Quadra Island-based Walcan Seafood Ltd. has opened a new storefront in Campbell River near Pioneer Home Hardware at 1270 Dogwood Street. The new store offers smoked salmon, seafood pate and frozen seafood products. BC Transit will open a new Campbell River operations and maintenance facility at 1150 Evergreen Road (the former BC Hydro operations centre). The facility is expected to be operational by March, 2019. The new facility is part of a $15-million investment by the federal and provincial governments

and small business from more than 60 countries. The awards will be presented to winners at a gala held at the W Hotel in Barcelona, Spain on October 21.

Contact Elaine for all Your Commercial Needs! Phone 250.816.3130

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM Lourdes Gant of Manatee Holdings Ltd was recently named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the Woman of the Year category in the 14th Annual International Business Awards. The awards are the world’s premier awards program for public, private, for-profit and non-profit, large

Ron Chiovetti of Guy Garages has a new option for clients next door to his Isle Golf Cars and Guy Garages on Fairdowne Road in Parksville. Mega Storage is a new large storage unit operation that complements Guy Garages, for people who need big space to store big things. www. megastorage.ca SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 44

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www.CowichanSound.com CELLULAR, SMART PHONES, TABLETS, TELUS PUREFIBRE & OPTIK TV, INTERNET & SATELLITE TV

44 MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

MOVERS AND SHAKERS closing his Beach Medical practice at 703 Beach Road in Qualicum Beach. Instead, Dr. Fletcher will be focusing his attention to long-term and residential care. Parksville Qualicum Beach News announces that Kelly Calberry and Rick McMorran have joined the company as Print and Digital Sales Representatives. Pharmasave is renovating and expanding their location at 281 East Island Highway in Parksville.

PORT ALBERNI Kelly Pitt is the new Director of Sales at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre.

Port Boat House has expanded their business by acquiring AV Boat Rentals, an on the water boat rental company located at both Tyee Landing and Sproat Lake Landing.

Fraser University and has his CPA designation. He has held a number of positions within various local governments since 1995, including Assistant City Manager of the City of Nanaimo, Chief Administrative Officer at the Regional District of North Okanagan and CAO of the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Holmes began his new position on August 14. The AV Learning Lab Preschool is a new early childhood centre opening at the Early Years Centre at EJ Dunn Elementary School. The program operates on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm and is run by preschool teacher Carrie Nahorney.

Dr. Hugh Fletcher announces he will be retiring from General Practice on November 10, 2017 and

Mid-Island Realty. Sharie is joining a newly formed team led and established by her mother Cathy Braiden. Re/Max Mid Island Realty is at 4213 Princess Road. Dorothy Clarkstone Notary Public announces that Matthew Dearin has been promoted to become a partner in the business at 4679 Elizabeth Street. Dorothy has added Matthew as a partner as part of her succession plan. Once she decides to retire in a few years, Matthew will take over the business. L.A. Marine recently celebrated their 30th anniversary at 4453 10th Avenue. L.A. Marine is a certified Mercury marine premier service dealer that employs five to six fulltime employees. Dave Heinrich is replacing Glenn Downton as the general manager of Alberni Co-op. Heinrich is originally from Saskatchewan and has worked for the Co-op brand for 17 years. Downton is leaving his post to retire.

The Comfort Zone has opened a small satellite store in Qualicum Beach on Second Avenue. The Comfort Zone supplies medical aids, accessible baths, stair lifts, electric scooters and hot tubs. Qualicum Beach-based Vancouver Island School of Early Childhood Education is expanding and opening an additional location in Nanaimo in the near future. The organization is in the process of getting licensed and will decide on a location for the education centre afterward.

SEPTEMBER 2017

Sharie Minions, a mortgage broker in Port Alberni is pleased to announce she is now a licensed realtor working with Re/Max

SteamPunk Café and Coffee House is celebrating their 5th anniversary at 3025 3rd Avenue. As part of the celebration, owner Kevin Wright has put some lightweight jewellery on display and local artist Shane Lloyd has added a Nautilus inspired carving to the café’s décor. Bistro Breizh, a mobile creperie business owned and operated by Marc Donovan has recently opened in Port Alberni. The eatery is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm next to Burdie Beans and on Thursdays at the West Coast General Hospital. The Blue Marlin Inn has recently renovated their rooms at 5022 Johnston Road.

TOFINOUCLUELET

Boutique Belles Amies announces that Linda Whiteman, Yvonne Rogers and Bridey Lien are now certified bra fitters at 5344 Argyle Street.

The Ucluelet First Nation held the grand opening for their satellite office in Port Alberni on August 26. The office is in the new Uchucklesaht Government Building on Argyle Street and is designed to provide services to the Nation’s urban citizens who live off Treaty Settlement lands in Hitacu.

Sharon Smith and Carol-Anne Phillips have opened Forever New,

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 45

Terry Dobson is expanding his pest control businesses services and renaming his business from the Bed Bug Expert to Ally Pest Control.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has appointed Douglas Holmes as their new Chief Administrative Officer. Holmes is a BBA graduate from Simon

a ladies consignment store at 4969 Argyle Street.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

SEPTEMBER 2017

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

Ontario. The second facility will allow Tilray to boost production to 51 metric tonnes by the end of 2018.

Ukee Cable announced they will be closing their business down permanently in November 2017, one year after Telus acquired the company. The Ucluelet company is encouraging their customers to transition to Telusbased services before Ukee’s services are decommissioned.

Island Ferries Services announced that it has secured an offer to lease with the Nanaimo Port Authority at 100 Port Drive. The facility will serve as a terminal for the company’s intended passenger-only ferry service between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. Island Ferries plans to begin passenger service in June, 2018.

Bright new ideas! ConƟnued dedicaƟon to your insurance and investment soluƟons

North Island College launched a robotics camp for kids between 9-12 years old this summer and welcomed about 200 of them to a week of learning experiences in Port Alberni, the Comox Valley, Ucluelet, Port Hardy and Campbell River. Students spent the week immersed in digital literacy training and had the opportunity to pick up skills in science, technology, engineering and math, while building and controlling Lego EV3 robots.

NANAIMO

Sarah Beyer has opened Sarah in Stitches Long Arm Quilting and Busting at 479 Hewgate Street. Jordan Perry is the top salesperson of the month at Steve Marshall Ford at 3851 Shenton Road. Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence recently held the grand opening for their new 136-bed, $27.4-million care facility. The new facility on 11th Street is replacing the 100 year old Malaspina Gardens building. Nanaimo Chrysler welcomes Ben Ani to their sales team at 4170 Wellington Road.

Dean Carto, PRP, RRC

Karen Fry has been named the new chief of Nanaimo Fire Rescue. Fry takes over from former chief Craig Richardson who retired in July. Harbourview Volkswagen has named David Price their top salesperson of the month at 4921 Wellington Road. Kirsten Michieli is the top salesperson of the month at Nanaimo Toyota at 2555 Bowen Road.

Pinpoint Physiotherapy welcomes Martin Davies to their team of physiotherapists at 161 Selby Street. Martin has extensive experience in both public and private practice, serving as both a Senior Physiotherapist and as a Clinic Tutor in outpatient orthopaedics in the UK. TimberWest and Vancouver Island University celebrate an opening celebration of the sevenweek TimberWest First Nation Cultural Art Showcase event – Identity: Art as Life. The event features three First Nation artists from the three major language groups on Vancouver Island and celebrates National Aboriginal Day.

Ladysmith-Chemainus Phil and Michelle Mavis have sold the iconic Willow Street Café in Chemainus to a group of five family members from the Lower Mainland. Naomi Sampson, who previously worked at the Café for three years, has been hired back to be the front of house manager. The Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton has named Kacia Scholz as their new executive chef at 1545 Joan Avenue.

Commercial Sales & Leasing Property & Asset Management Strata Management

604.736.5611

The Rexall at #1 – 370 Trans-Canada Highway in Ladysmith has changed its name to RX Drug Mart. Newlyweds Robert and Jessica MacDonald have joined the team at 49th Parallel Grocery in Ladysmith.

Innovation Island has moved into a new office at #13 – 327 Prideaux Street. Helijet International Inc recently announced the appointment of Michael Porter as Chief Pilot-Rotary Wing and Phil Sevensma as Assistant Chief Pilot-Rotary Wing. Together, the pilots have over 44 years of flying experience, 29 of which have been with Helijet. Nanaimo-based medical marijuana company Tilray announced they will build a second facility in Ontario in order to quintuple the company’s production. The company announced a $30-million investment in a cultivation and processing plant in Enniskillen,

COWICHAN VALLEY Ampersand Distilling Company received the Audience Favourite Award in both the gin and vodka categories at BC Distilled 2017, an annual BC spirits competition. This is the second year in a row that the distilleries Ampersand Gin and Per Se Vodka have taken home the top honours at the competition. Ampersand Distilling is a family-owned and operated company that makes craft spirits SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 47

Macdonald Commercial’s team of outstanding professionals are here to assist you with all of your BQBSUNFOU real estate needs At Macdonald Commercial we‘ve built our reputation by providing our clients with the very best in full service commercial real estate services – Sales, Leasing, Property Management, and Luxury Strata Management.

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OPINION

SEPTEMBER 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

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald SALES | Shawn Bishop – shawn@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Julia MacDonald, John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Kristin Van Vloten WEBSITE | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca

NDP WASTING NO TIME IN IMPLEMENTING RADICAL AGENDA

MARK MACDONALD

ith the sl i m mest of possible margins in the legislature, one would think the NDP and their Green sidekicks would tiptoe carefully in their first steps in government. Guess again. With a resounding thump, the NDP is back, sending tremors throughout the province, moving quickly to implement their anti-business, ideologically based concepts which aim to crush the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s the latest version of Shock and Awe. It’s like the NDP can’t help itself. The first time they became government, in 1972, Premier Dave Barrett was like a bull in a china shop, acting like the oneterm government it would be by introducing legislation and programs that to this day, remain headaches. The Agricultural Land Reserve was a document

more congruent with the NDP’s hidden manifesto, that suggests individuals should not have the right to own property. While the ALR has been effective in some areas by preserving precious farm land, it has often gone far over the line, making un-plantable and un-harvestable land undevelopable – even though the land itself is proven to be good for only development. ICBC was a Barrett government creation, and the NDP is flagging a BC Liberal-commissioned report citing vast funding inadequacies in the insurance corporation that could see rates jacked as high as 30 per cent. While the pronouncements are politically charged – as most governments slag their predecessors with such reports – the NDP is hardly the party that has proven itself capable of balancing any set of books. The best solution to ICBC is to open the market to private insurers, where competition would prove to be the great leveler of rates. But don’t count on the NDP giving any such opportunity to the private sector. That doesn’t fit their ideology. T h e ne x t t i me a rou nd , i n 1991, former Vancouver Mayor Mike Harcourt, a Socialist in a suit, looked more tame and seemed content to take his time

implementing NDP doctrine and dogma. He didn’t enrage the business community and, in fact, his more balanced approach gave the NDP a real shot at a successive term in office, although it wasn’t fast enough for the “Ides of March” backbenchers who pushed Harcourt out after the Bingogate charity-skimming scam orchestrated by Nanaimo NDP MLA Dave Stupich. In 1996, Glen Clark asked for some “wriggle room” prior to his defeat of BC Liberal leader Gordon Campbell, then introduced fudg-it budgets and doomed-from-thestart aluminum catamaran ferries before he was finally ousted by a deck-building scandal. By then, however, he enraged the B.C. business community to the point the BC Liberals swept to power with a 77-2 seat majority. The NDP’s extreme agenda drove the NDP to near annihilation in 2000. So what has the NDP learned from its own history? Obviously nothing. Petronas’ cancellation of their multi-billion dollar investment in Liquid Natural Gas meant they walked away from the $9 billion they’ve already spent in B.C. Why? They realized with the inflammatory anti-resource rhetoric of the GreeNDP and the

campaign promises of extra taxation that this project was not going to be possible under this jurisdiction. The GreeNDP then promises to fight with all their might the federally approved Kinder Morgan Pipeline, threatening jobs. They may yet cancel the Site C dam project, throwing 2,200 direct employees out of work. Steps towards a $15 minimum wage were announced recently, yet another massive move in the first few weeks of the government. It’s a blatant vote-pandering move, which always results in: Businesses trying to raise prices to pay for increased payroll. If the market can’t sustain that, they cut service and/or staff to keep costs at bay. Or, as McDonald’s is doing, companies introduce automation that will eliminate entry level, non-skilled jobs. And the employees who get the minimum wage raise? They will only enjoy that for a limited time, because the price of everything else rises to match those increased costs. If the NDP really was sincere about helping minimum wage earners, there’s a simple solution, but it takes more time: Training. That will enable people to make more money as they can fill skilled positions that pay more.

NDP ideology seems to reject the basic law of economics: Supply and demand. Maybe NDPers believe that by killing well-paying resource-based jobs they’ll decrease the ability for average citizens to have wealth to provide demand, thus making it unnecessary to create more supply, aka development. The Green Party would celebrate that. The NDP’s plan for affordable housing hasn’t been launched or even adequately explained, but perhaps it’s simply causing the housing market to cool due to a lack of demand, driving the price of homes down and making them more affordable. Let’s hope not. It’s a mystery that the NDP has seen the same scenario repeat itself, now the third time in B.C. alone, but still refuses to learn or accept the realities of democratic society. They’re stuck in an ideological time-warp, and the worst thing about it? They believe they’re right, and refuse to learn from history. Punishing entrepreneurs and business owners only causes them to pull back and stop moving forward with job-creating projects and companies. And without a thriving private sector, there isn’t money for social programs – or jobs for those who need them most.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PREPARING TO SWING A TAX SLEDGEHAMMER AT FAMILY TRUSTS, SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

DOUG JOHNSTON

inister of Finance Bill Morneau has released 27 pages of proposed legislation and 47 pages of explanatory notes to implement the proposals on top of the 63-page consultation “paper” to explain the proposals in detail. I am not sure what happened to “simplifying our tax code”. One of the three areas that “Finance“ wishes to address is “income sprinkling”, where income is spread between family members to achieve a lower overall tax rate than if it was paid to just one individual. One of the most common circumstances where this occurs is where a Family Trust becomes a shareholder in the corporation. The corporation pays dividends to the Family Trust and this income

is then allocated out to family members. Many years ago, a Tax on Split Income (TOSI), or “kiddie tax” was imposed on dividends paid to children under the age of 18 which essentially taxed these dividends at the highest tax rate – which meant that it made no sense to do so. The new proposals intend to extend the TOSI rules to all Trust beneficiaries over the ages of 18 and more broadly to any Canadian resident adult individual who receives split income, when the amount in question is unreasonable under the circumstances. These new rules will be especially punitive for split income recipients between the ages of 18 and 24, as not only will they result in paying the highest rate of tax on the income, they have also introduced the concept of paying tax on the “income of the income”. For example, the highest rate of tax on a dividend out of small business in BC is approximately 41%. So, if your corporation paid a $1,000 dividend to your 20-yearold daughter, they would pay the 40% in tax but they could invest the remaining $600. The Liberal

proposals would see that income from the $600 would also be taxed at the highest rate, despite the fact the 20-year-old could otherwise not be taxable or be in a lower tax bracket. If your eyes are beginning to glaze over right now, you have a lot of company, and the costs of tracking the income are going to be mind-boggling. The proposals have said that these provisions will not apply if the child’s contributions to the business are “reasonable” based upon both their labour and capital contributed to the business. A 20-year-old daughter is highly unlikely to have had any capital to invest, so from a practical point of view, we are talking about labour. “Labour” is an extremely subjective test in determining whether your daughter’s dividend is “reasonable” compared to all her labour. That labour might have included her coming into the family store at the age of 13 to sweep floors, operating the cash register at 16, doing clerical work at 18 and managing the store at 21. Can you imagine the discussion that you are going to have with a CRA auditor 10 years after the fact to determine if

the dividend was reasonable? The Liberals have also proposed that in general terms you will no longer be able to allocate a portion of a capital gain on the sale of the corporation’s shares that will be eligible for the lifetime capital gains exemption for small business to your under 18 “minor” children. The actual rules are much more complicated and anyone thinking of selling their business will have to contact their CPA to discuss the implications. One of the principal purposes of a Family Trust is to permit the orderly transfer of an individual’s estate. When most think of the traditional financial estate, they will often think of cash, stocks and bonds in RRSP’s and RRIF’s and cash accounts as well as perhaps, the family residence. When the surviving spouse dies, the house is sold, taxes are paid and the remaining cash is split generally between the children. For individuals with a small business corporation, their estate will often look quite different than the traditional model, in that the primary asset in the estate is the family business. The family trust

assists in the transition of a family business from one generation to the next without forcing a family to sell its business to pay the taxes for the deal, that are now deemed dispositions of all assets on the death of the surviving spouse. If there is no one in the family capable or willing to operate the family business, then the principals can cause the family trust to sell the company’s shares and reap the capital gains exemption reward promised by the government back in the mid 1980s. This will no longer be possible. The result that we will lose many family businesses that have become the backbone of both our economy and our culture because a taxable sale will be necessary – and forced – in order to pay the taxes. As small to medium businesses employ most of the private sector workforce, it will not be just the owners of small business that will suffer from these tax proposals. Doug Johnston is a Chartered Professional Accountant and founder of Johnston Johnston & Associates Ltd. in Nanaimo..

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

SEPTEMBER 2017

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

from organic BC wheat at 4077 Lanchaster Road. Valley Yoga Centre has moved from 1020 Islay Street, where it has operated for nine years, to Berkey’s Corner. Additionally, Kim MacLean will be brought in as a new co-owner to replace Sandy Dillabaugh. James Goreas has opened Crane Aikikai Aikido in Duncan at 2753 Charlotte Road. Goreas has taught aikido for a decade and has achieved third dan in the Japanese martial art. Tessy and Robin Mayo announce that the Sears Hometown Store in Duncan will be closing. The business will be liquidating its products and the Mayos will retire. The store closing comes weeks after Sears Canada announced the planned closure of 59 locations across Canada. Summit Restaurant at the Malahat’s Villa Eyrie Resort is honoured as being one of the 30 top nominees for enRoute’s 2018 Best Restaurants in Canada list. The restaurant is known for delivering Italian inspired cuisine with West Coast ingredients at a picturesque location that overlooks the Saanich Inlet. isition Audiam, tly lity to be tifying the ect

The Old Firehouse Wine + Cocktail Bar is a new restaurant at 40 Ingram Street.

Hudson’s on First has recently expanded to include a new patio out front of their location at 163 1 Street.

Former Forestry Equipment Manufacturing Facility Cleared For New Development

Daniel van den Wildenberg has moved Crepe Vine from Duncan to Cowichan Bay at 1765 Cowichan Bay Road and renamed the company to The Vine.

Nanaimo News Bulletin uildings at the former site of logging equipment manufacturer S. Madill are being demolished. Island West Coast Developments brought in heavy equipment recently to tear down the structures, which stood at the site between Bowen and Labieux roads since the early 1960s when company owner Charles Douglas Madill moved the manufacturing operation from its former location near downtown Nanaimo. The demolition operation clears the way for construction on the land, which is being subdivided into several lots. Three new automotive dealerships will face the Island Highway on three lots next to Laird Wheaton GM. The remaining lots next to Labieux Road will feature a seniors’ long-term care facility and a seniors-oriented condominium development with commercial outlets on what was the former Nanaimo SPCA site. “The name of the development is Madill City Centre. We wanted to pay tribute back to Chuck Madill and his legacy,” said Patrick Brandreth, business development manager for Island West Coast Developments, contractor to land owner Bowen Road Developments. The demolition represents the first physical step in creating the new development. The next phase will be to extend Kenworth Road to

A new $15-million transit operation and maintenance facility for Duncan will be constructed on a 1.82-hectare lot in the Koksilah Industrial Park. The federal government will contribute $6.5-million to the project, BC will contribute $4.29-million, Victoria will provide a contribution of $1.54-million to the project for land acquisition and the Cowichan Valley Regional District will be responsible for the remaining costs. Eamonn Carter was recently named the top salesperson of the month at Bowmel Chrysler at 461 Trans-Canada Highway. Former Cowichan Bay Fire Rescue Chief Dave Ferguson is the recipient of the 2017 Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is the highest honour a volunteer firefighter can receive and this is the first time a BC firefighter has received the award. Sandra Darjes is planning on opening a new studio for Cowichan Valley Piano Studio in the coming months.

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Demolition of the former S. Madill logging equipment manufacturing facility buildings PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS BUSH

Labieux Road, with a roundabout connecting the two roads. “We’re proposing, and in discussions with, certain care facility groups that are interested in putting up a 130-unit care facility there and complement that … it’s going to be a mixed-use type building, so it’s going to be a condo type project with some amenities … it’s basically going to be senior established living with complex care on lot five,” Brandreth said. Construction for the auto dealerships will likely start in April and the seniors’ care complex could start in early 2019. The developer is also making a community contribution to improve the Beban Park trail network to make it wheelchair accessible,

create new trail entrances, improve landscaping and create sports team meeting and picnic shelters. Former Madill employees stopped by to watch demolition Wednesday morning, including Jerry Mako, who joined the company in 1962 and worked in the Madill engineering department for more than 40 years. The facility had a complement of about 150 employees. “It was great, a great company,” Mako said. “They treated us very well. Even after we all retired, Chuck used to take us for breakfast every first Saturday of the month. It was pretty cool.” Madill died last October, but Mako said about 20 to 30 former S. Madill employees continue to gather for breakfast once a month.

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