Business Examiner Victoria - March 2017 by Business Examiner Media Group

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MARCH 2017

– PAGE 13

VICTORIA Complete Residential Property Management opened for business in 2001

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PAGE 16

NANAIMO 2017 BE Awards celebrating the best on the Island

Spirit Of Entrepreneurship Drives Business Owner To Give Back Local Business Owner And Mentor Advises Strong Work Ethic and Getting to the ‘Yes’ Is Secret to Entrepreneurial Success BETH HENDRY-YIM

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INDEX News Update

Saanich Peninsula

Greater Victoria

Esquimalt 7 West Shore

Who is Suing Whom 25 Movers and Shakers 27 Opinion 30 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 30TH YEAR

ICTORIA – Al Hasham is a man on the go. Up by 4 am, at his office by 5 and then home by 10 at night. Driven and passionate about business, he doesn’t see running his three companies as work. “I look forward to every day,” he said. “When you love what you do it doesn’t feel like a job.” His life isn’t all work though, a big part of his business philosophy is to give back whenever and wherever he can: currently he is the Chair of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, helps out at fund raising events for other organizations and regularly mentors budding new entrepreneurs. Hasham started his career in business in 1987 when he and his brother began their first courier company in Victoria. They ran

DanFoss together for 15 years and then sold it in 2001. Hasham moved to the States for a few years and then back to Vancouver. But having a strong understanding of the courier business and its customer needs, in 2004 Hasham and his brother founded their second courier company, Maximum Express, with offices in both Vancouver and Victoria. “That year we also founded Max Holdings and purchased a building to house the courier offices and vehicles,” he explained. Since then, Hasham has also opened Max Furniture, and more recently Cambria College. Opening a school seems like an odd segue from owning a courier company and even a furniture store. But Hasham has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and when SEE AL HASHAM | PAGE 20

Al Hasham went from being a mentor of Rahim Khudabux to business partner of Max Furniture CREDIT:MAXIMUM EXPRESS COURIER

Leveling The Ground In Business And Trade Recent Business Excellence Award Winner Sees Steady Growth as a Fair Trade Organization

Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

ICTORIA - At the recent Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, Level Ground Trading Company’s acceptance speech given by Grant Kratofil for the Business of the Year Award was gracious,

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heartfelt and inspiring. In it he shared a business model and corporate culture that is successful at all levels, from the ground up. “We have one goal, to alleviate poverty through trade,” said Stacey Toews, co-founder and

communication catalyst. “As a young man, traveling and living in different places around the world, I saw agricultural and business practices that, I felt, encouraged impoverishment and an oppositional mentality. I asked

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who is being harmed and how can we respond thoughtfully and compassionately to those most marginalized in global trade?” The result was four families SEE LEVEL GROUND | PAGE 9

NEWS UPDATE

Hans Hans Van Van de de Kamp Kamp

Business Business Broker, Broker, Commercial Commercial Sales Sales & & Leasing Leasing

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MARCH 2017

VICTORIA New Ferry Begins Journey from Poland BC Ferries’ Salish Eagle, the second of three new Salish Class vessels, is on its way. The vessel departed Gdansk, Poland on February 11, 2017, for a 10,440 nautical mile journey bound for its new home in British Columbia. The Transatlantic voyage will take approximately 45 to 55 days, depending on weather. The journey will include stops for refuelling in Santa Cruz, Canary Islands and Panama City, Panama, after transiting the Panama Canal and sailing up the west coast of North America to British Columbia. For those who want to join the voyage virtually, you can track the ship’s progress including course, position and speed at www. vesselfinder.com. Salish Eagle, BC Ferries’ second dual-fuel vessel, is scheduled to arrive in BC in April for crew training and familiarization. The ship is scheduled to start service in the Southern Gulf Islands in the summer. “We are looking forward to introducing all three new Salish Class vessels into service this year, which will serve British Columbians for decades to come.” says Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “We plan to operate these ships on natural gas, which will improve our environmental footprint and reduce our operating costs.” The artwork created to adorn Salish Eagle, designed by Stz’uminus First Nation’s John Marston, will be applied on the ship when it arrives in BC. BC Ferries will take final acceptance and ownership of Salish Eagle upon fina l inspection once the vessel arrives in B C . R e m o ntowa Sh ipbuilding S.A. is responsible to deliver the ship to BC and has contracted with a professional international ship delivery specialist. Some of BC Ferries’ crew members are on various legs of the voyage for training and familiarization.

VICTORIA Victoria Sees Growth in Tourism in 2016 Greater Victoria’s tourism industry experienced a terrific year in 2016, with

major indicators recording significant growth in this vital economic sector. “We know that tourism has been very strong and these numbers match our expectations,” said Bill Lewis, Chair of Tourism Victoria. “All the fundamentals are in place for another strong year as we look to build on the momentum of the last two years.” Greater Victoria benefited from positive international coverage, gaining tremendous exposure after being spotlighted as a “must visit” destination in Vogue, and featuring prominently as the backdrop for stories about the Royal Visit. The city also earned the No. 7 spot on a list of Best Cities in the World (outside the US) by Conde Nast’s 2016 Readers’ Choice survey. Remarkably, Victoria was ranked one spot behind Vancouver and ahead of world-class cities such as Paris and Barcelona. Greater Victoria’s accom modation sector reported an average occupancy of 74.23 per cent i n 2016, up more t h a n fou r per cent f rom t he average of 70.16 per cent in 2015, according to statistics recently released by Chemistry Consulting. The average daily room rate was $159.55 in 2016, up $11.81 from $147.74 in 2015. Revenue per available room was also up, jumping $14.78 to reach $118.43 in 2016. Tourism Victoria will h o l d i t s a n n u a l B u s iness Plan Launch in early March, marking the third year of a three-year strategic plan implemented in 2015. Statistics compiled by Chemistry Consulting a lso show more people travelled to Greater Victoria in 2016 compared to the year before. Victoria International Airport reported 1,856,099 people arrived in 2016, the most ever recorded. A n d B C Fer r ie s h a d increases in the number of vehicles (1,924,872), passengers (6,131,210) and buses (22,539) in 2016. It was also a banner year for the Victoria Conference Centre. T he VCC had a double-digit increase in the number of delegate days, recording 106,808 in 2016 compared to 96,590 i n 2015 . “ T he tou r i s m sector is key to Victoria’s economy and we will work with our partners at Tourism Victoria to ensure future success,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

VICTORIA New Science Centres The federal and provincial governments have partnered up to invest $70-million in a new health-science centre at Camosun College and a Centre for Environmental Science and International Partnership at Royal Roads University (RRU). The federal and provincial governments are investing $43.5-million in the new Health Science Centre at Camosun College’s Interurban campus. This funding includes $12.5-million from the Government of Canada, $31-million from the Province of BC, and $5-million from Camosun College. The two levels of government are also contributing $15-million in the Centre for Environmental Science and International Partnership at RRU. This funding includes $9.3-million from the feds, $5.7-million from the province and $6.5-million from the combination of Royal Roads University and private donors. Camosun’s new health sciences centre will be a four-storey, 8,300-squaremetre centre that will house 18 health science programs, such as community mental health, athletic and exercise therapy, nursing and university-transfer health programs. Camosun health science students will have access to a better learning environment, where they will be able to learn in a clinic-like setting. The new facility will also allow programs to better share assets, such as simulation labs, and reduce energy use and operating costs. The Centre for Environmental Science and International Partnership at Royal Roads University includes major renovations and upgrades to the Mews building, a century-old, heritage structure, and the construction of an adjoining two-storey addition. The total scope of the project is 4,800 square metres, includ ing 3,100 square metres of renovated space, and 1,700 square metres of new space. Approximately 179 direct and 117 indirect jobs are expected to be created as a result of the investment at Camosun, while approximately 73 direct and 52 indirect jobs are expected to be created as a result of the investment in RRU. Both projects are expected to be completed in spring 2018.

NEWS UPDATE

MARCH 2017

VICTORIA

Tourism Partnership

BC’s Tech Sector Employs Over 100,000

Destination St. John’s, Tourism Saskatoon and Tourism Victoria have launched a landmark new initiative that provides a simple and effective way for meeting planners to book their meetings and conferences. “Cities in Sync” was announced in Ottawa at the Tête-à-Tête Tradeshow, Canada’s largest annual gathering of association executives, businesses and government agencies that procure or service the meetings and conference industry. “This initiative gives planners peace of mind because they can work through Cities in Sync to book three consecutive events, knowing each one will meet their standards and expectations,” said Miranda Ji, Tourism Victoria’s Director of Sales for the Victoria Conference Centre and Business Events Victoria. “This is a competitive business space and any edge we can create to bring meetings business to our cities is a win for our regions.” The agreement allows meeting planners to book all three cities to support a natural rotation through Eastern, Central and Western Canada. Importantly, it allows each destination to know they have future business on the books. Victoria, Saskatoon and St. John’s are popular destinations with vibrant conference tourism sectors. As meetings and conferences are often booked years in advance, having business under contract provides some predictability for the tourism sector. The Cities in Sync initiative also has a marketing component t h at w i l l b e f u n d e d b y t h e th ree cities’ desti nation marketing organizations, and includes incentives designed to appeal to planners. T here i s a l so con siderat ion g iven to associations w ith bylaws requiring an additional province in the mix, thus creating a fouryear cycle.

A report produced by BC Statistics confirms that jobs and wages in the province’s technology sector have broken a new record. The report shows BC’s technology sector remains a top provincial performer, employing 101,700 people earning a weekly average salary $1,590. That figure is 75 per cent higher than the average wage in BC, and higher than the Canadian technology sector average of $1,480 per week. BC also led the country in tech job growth. Employment in the tech sector rose 2.9 per cent, surpassing BC’s overall employment growth of 2.5 per cent and national tech sector employment growth of 1.1 per cent. The sector now employs approximately 4.9 per cent of BC’s workforce and is the third-largest tech workforce in Canada. BC’s technology sector employs more people than the mining, oil and gas, and forestry sectors combined. The gross domestic product (GDP) of British Columbia’s tech sector expanded 2.4 per cent in 2015, contributing $14.1 billion to BC’s overall economic output. Tech revenue climbed 5 per cent to approximately $26.3 billion – the highest level ever recorded.

ESQUIMALT Preliminary Work Begins on Esquimalt Town Square Preliminary development work on the new Esquimalt Town Square is slated to begin this month. “After several years of planning, public consultation, site preparation and procurement, we are excited that the shovel will be in the ground on the project this month,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “This is a historic moment for the Township and represents an enormous step

forward in the revitalization of the community.” Preliminary work will include the relocation of existing electrical services, storm/sanitary services and surface amenities (playground equipment, light standards and recreation furniture) currently located on the site. Once this relocation stage is completed, environmental remediation will be undertaken and development partner Aragon Properties Ltd. will begin constr uction of the squa re, located adjacent to Esquimalt Municipal Hall. The architectural firm D’Ambrosio architecture + urbanism has designed a concept plan for the project that includes civic, residential and commercial uses. Esquimalt Town Square will feature a public square and a through-block art walk, as well as the proposed relocation of the Esquimalt Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library. The square will also include a number of sustainable and progressive initiatives including alternative management methods for rainwater and energy; bicycle and pedestrian-friendly spaces, with easy access to transit; maintaining heritage trees on-site; and green building concepts in all buildings and infrastructure.

VICTORIA Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel to be Sold to Investors The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa is among a group of 26 hotels in the process of being sold to a private investment group under an agreement that has yet to be finalized. BC Investment Management Corporation is selling their hotel portfolio which has properties in areas ranging from Victoria to St John’s, Newfoundland. The Victoria-based investment corporation invests money on behalf of public sector pension funds. The Ocean Pointe is one of two British Columbia hotels owned by the corporation, the other

being the Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown Vancouver. The assets included in the deal are full-service, focused-service and extended-stay properties that operate under major international franchise brands. Seventeen of the hotels are licensed with Marriott International and include 13 Delta by Marriott branded properties. The purchaser of the hotels is a private investor group incorporated in Canada. The transaction is currently subject to certain closing conditions and approvals which have not yet been completed.

VICTORIA Ocean Networks Relocation The University of Victoria has received support from the federal government to the tune of $3.1-million in order to relocate Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) from its base on the main campus to the Queenswood location on Arbutus Road. The new funding combined with UVIC’s contribution of $3.9-million could see ONC in a renovated space on the site by March 2018. Plans for the new facility call for the existing building – a former residential complex – to be turned into offices and research space. The land was bought by the University in 2010 from the Sisters of St. Ann. The concept for the building has other programs moving the Queenswood site as well, to create an ocean and climate research hub. The plan that has been put forward does not involve an increased building footprint or any new structures. The plan to move to the new location is currently undergoing a public review process. The University has begun having conversations with Saanich council and neighbours. The announced funding follows a $46-million contribution made to ONC recently by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, money that will cover 40 per cent of ONC’s operating funds over

3 five years. Ocean Networks Canada operates systems of sensor cables on the ocean floor, gathering data on the marine environment.

VICTORIA Real Estate Market Begins Year with Fewer Listings The Victoria region real estate market began the year with above average activity and fewer listings. A total of 478 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this January, 11.3 per cent fewer than the 539 properties sold in January last year. Inventory levels edged lower, with 1,516 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service at the end of January 2017, 38.6 per cent fewer than the 2,471 active listings at the end of January 2016. “The numbers we saw last year are not the new normal. We know that we are not going to see sales volumes this year that meet or beat last year’s record breaking numbers,” notes 2017 Board President Ara Balabanian. “When compared to the month of January’s ten year average, which is 384 transactions, sales in January 2017 are nearly 25 per cent higher than average. The least active January we saw in the past ten years was in 2009 with 247 sales, and the most active was last year.” The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in January 2016 was $616,700. The benchmark value for the same home in January 2017 has increased by 24.4 per cent to $767,000. “It’s early in the year to make predictions,” adds President Balabanian. “Over the last few decades, the historic cycle in Victoria is longer periods of stable activity and price followed by a rapid rise in activity and property values over a relatively short period of time. The coming months will provide us with a better idea of where we are in this cycle.”

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SAANICH PENINSULA

MARCH 2017

Fresh View Events Strives To Create Unforgettable Experiences

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AANICH – Making life’s special events even more spectacular is the goal of Victoria area based event planning firm Fresh View Events. A recent winner of a Crystal Award (in the Entrepreneurial Spirit category) from the Saanich Peninsu la Cha mb er of Commerce, Fresh View Events has successfully identif ied a u n ique busi ness niche, and has developed an equally unique venue to showcase its skills and talents. “Graduating from UVic (University of Victoria) in 2010 with a degree in English I was a little uncertain what sort of career I wanted,” explained company founder Sarah Hughes. “I had started out to get a degree in Business and Economics later switched to Psychology and finally finished with English so that was the route I had taken. But my whole life I had worked in service,

as I like to make people happy. Going above and beyond sounds cliché but it’s something I’ve always striven for.” Sett l i ng on t he event planning field she opened Fresh View Events in 2011. Growing up on a Saanich Peninsula family farm, the certi fied orga n ic Kildara Farms, she realized the location’s idyllic setting could provide the perfect venue to host special events such as wedd i ngs a nd business meeti ngs. A f ter a great deal of planning, bureaucratic wrangling for approval and detailed construction she had developed a unique and distinctive special events location. While frequently organizing events for clients hosted elsewhere, much of her recent activities (as much as 60 percent) involve the Kildara Farms’ site. “When I started I did a lot of off-site things such as organizing flowers for

weddings. Growing up on an organic farm I realized it was a very beautiful spot so I asked my Dad if I could renovate the original cattle barn on the property. I had resea rched other farm weddings and special events and realized this site would make a great location. As I rent the space from my Dad it helps to provide another source of income to keep the farm in business,” she said. Now more than six years i n, Fresh View Events, w ith its m in imal staff, access to a unique location and with boundless enthusiasm, look forward to a bright and positive future – helping to make special events even more m e m o r a b l e . “ We a r e available to do all kinds of events such as charity fundraisers, conferences, private parties and more - and that we travel,” she said. To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www.freshviewevents.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

SAANICH PENINSULA DENNY WARNER

e w ra p p e d u p a not her s ucc e s s f u l To u r of Industry at the end of January. The Tour is important for many reasons, one of which is because it strengthens the relationship between businesses and the community. T h e b u s i n e s s /c o m mu n ity relat ionsh ip is not one-sided. The most obvious benefit for the community is that businesses create jobs. T he business and employee tax revenue funds essential government programs such as health, education and infrastructure. We would not enjoy a healthy

community absent thriving businesses. The kinds of businesses that locate in our area help establish our community identity and sense of place. It is difficult to measure the ROI of community investment but businesses that expend their time and financial resources for this purpose stand to reap many benefits when they make it a core focus of their overall business philosophy. Companies who have made this investment report the networking has assisted them to find new markets, customers, and potential investors, they have had an easier time attracting employees and retention rates are higher, their customers view them as being more trustworthy, honest and stable and they experience increased familiarity with their brand. Perhaps most importantly, over time, this investment w i l l i ncrease revenue. Wit h resp ect to the businesses on the Saanich Peninsula operating internationally, your community members may

not be purchasing your product but they will be interested in your opinions, perspectives a nd ex per t ise a nd you w i l l benefit from community feedback a nd suppor t. Competitors can imitate your product or service but they cannot replicate your community. How can you invest in your community? I have a few suggestions: take out or renew your Chamber membership, sponsor an event, establish an employee volunteer program, participate in our Tour of Industry, nominate your business for a Crystal Award for Business Excellence, support a local charity or share your expertise with new entrepreneurs. Being a good community member is not something that can be done sporadically but rather is something that needs to be done consistently and visibly. Denny Warner is Executive Director of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-656-3616 or execdir@peninsulachamber.ca

MARCH 2017

Award Winning Firm Offers A True Taste Of Mexico Arriba Mexico Food Company: A Combined Import Company & Restaurant BY DAVID HOLMES

SQUIMALT – What do you do when you arrive in Canada and you’re a former banker and professor of business administration at a leading university in Mexico? If you’re Juan Navarro, the co-owner of Esquimalt’s award-winning Arriba Mexico Food Company, you open a food import firm. “In reality it’s two businesses – the International Trade Company through which we import and distribute authentic Mexican foods across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and as of last October a small restaurant and store, Arriba Mexico Tacos & More,” Navarro explained. Coming to Canada in 2013 Navarro and his wife and business partner Liliana Perez, realized that there was a need and a ready market for authentic Mexican foods. They made their plans and officially opened their business in January 2014. “In addition to using the foods we import in our restaurant we also work with a number of local suppliers to create authentic Mexican dishes,” he said. Located at 522 Admirals Road in Esquimalt the Arriba Mexico

“Obviously we were very happy to be nominated and then to win this award.” JUAN NAVARRO CO-OWNER, ARRIBA MEXICO FOOD COMPANY

Food Company is housed in a two storey building with its warehouse and distribution center on the top floor and the 30 seat restaurant on the lower level. With a staff of only three, Navarro and his wife Liliana have managed to position this company as one of the best in the region, thanks to its client-oriented service. Last year the Arriba Mexico Food Company was the winner of a Top 5 Award at the Small Business BC Awards (SBBC) in the Best International Trade Category, and just some days ago they were selected as one of the best small companies in the Business Excellence Awards; all these achievements are a particular source of pride and motivation for Navarro. “We have been selected as one of the best companies both in the province and Vancouver Island region, so we feel very grateful and committed to contribute to our

Liliana Perez and Juan Navarro are the co-owners of the award winning Arriba Mexico Food Company society,” he explained. Arriba Mexico is the exclusive representative for a wide range of Mexican food products and currently distributes across Vancouver Island and beyond to clients ranging from Fairway Market, to the Root Cellar, the Market Stores and others, including a few on the Lower Mainland. “We carry a range of canned and packaged goods like salsas, coffee, hot chocolate, a number of different seasonings and spices and we are starting to plan the importing of fresh produce,” he said.

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The restaurant portion of the business offers a distinctive and authentic menu featuring tacos, burritos and quesadillas with signature fillings such as pastor, cochinita, chicken mole, chorizo, beef fajitas, veggie fajitas, Baja fish and more. Having learned her culinary skills from her mother and grandmother Perez brings her passion for quality and authenticity to every dish she prepares. For the future Arriba Mexico anticipates continuing to grow the import side of the business and to continue introducing the

The Arriba Mexico Food Company has been located at 522 Admirals Road in Esquimalt since January 2014 Mexican cuisine and products to the very receptive Vancouver Island marketplace and to start exporting products from Canada to Mexico. “We’re a family owned and operated business and are very pleased to be able to introduce the taste of Mexico to the local market and to help local entrepreneurs trying to make business connections in Mexico,” he said. To lea r n more please v isit the company’s website: www. arribamexico.ca

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GREATER VICTORIA

MARCH 2017

STAYING IN THE HOME YOU LOVE Renovations help provide stability in the housing market, create jobs, add to tax revenues,

SEAFIRST INSURANCE BROKERS WELCOMES STEVE PEARCE TO ITS TEAM! SeaFirst Insurance Brokers, a locally-owned group of insurance agencies, is pleased to announce that Steve Pearce has joined their team of professional insurance brokers. Steve has had a very successful career in sales management, leadership, and mentoring, working most recently as an Insurance Broker specializing in commercial insurance coverages. His experience as a business owner for over 17 years has greatly assisted him in understanding his clients’ requirements, and the ability to explain and relate to their unique needs. Steve has given back many hours to the community as a coach and volunteer for Minor Hockey, a coach facilitator for BC Hockey, a Board Member of Volunteer Victoria, and a member of the Planning and Agricultural Commission. Steve will be based in the Westshore office at 2244 Sooke Road, and can be reached at (250) 478-9110, or via email at spearce@seafirstinsurance.com SeaFirst Insurance Brokers has offices in Sidney, Salt Spring, Brentwood Bay, Oak Bay, Pender Island, Saanichton, and the Westshore.

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support local businesses, even contribute to local and higher

GREATER VICTORIA

governments’ climate change goals

CATHERINE HOLT

ll homeowners will eventually find their current home no longer meets their needs due to factors such as space, cost, and accessibility. Faced with a shortage of homes available for purchase and strong competition for that short supply, homeowners may decide to renovate rather than move, keeping them in the home/area they love. This is good for our community and economy. Renovations help provide stability in the housing market, create jobs, add to tax revenues, support local businesses, even contribute to local and higher governments’ climate change goals. Greater Victoria has lots of homes that may benefit from renovations. According to recent Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data, 87 percent of the housing stock in Greater Victoria was built before the year 2000, when higher standards were added to the building code. Of that number, CMHC estimates there are 84,550 occupied private dwellings that are in need of repair. In addition, Victoria Residential Builders Association says retrofitting older homes could help maximize a community’s overall reduction to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “CMHC studies demonstrate that older homes may undergo up to 40 air changes per hour, while a new Built Green home will have 3 air changes or less,” said Casey Edge, Executive Director of the Victoria Residential Builders Association. “Reducing air changes in the majority of our older housing stock would have the greatest impact on greenhouse gas reduction.” There are two home renovation tax credits currently available to BC homeowners, both of which are about improving accessibility for seniors and those with mobility needs. The Chamber believes the provincial and federal governments can build on these programs by introducing similar renovation tax credits focused on areas of policy interest, such as encouraging first-time homebuyers to renovate “fixer uppers” and improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock. Such a tax credit can have a range of benefits over and above those flowing

from the renovations alone. For example, home renovation tax credit programs: • encourage use of professional contractors for abatement of hazardous materials such as lead or asbestos found in insulation, stucco, drywall mud, roof shingles, floor tiles, electrical wires, cement, • are an effective method for combatting underground “cash” operators, as homeowners require receipts to qualify, which helps keep both the contract value and revenue in the legitimate economy, and • on older homes are the most affordable, effective way to increase energy efficiency in the overall housing stock and to reduce GHG emissions, allowing governments to demonstrate climate leadership. With the election looming in May, candidates are busy identifying the issues that resonate with their electoral base. And British Columbians are eager to see who is going to say - and do - what. This means there are opportunities to speak up, to make change. With our strong economy, growing population, and soaring home prices, this is an opportunity worth considering. Catherine Holt is the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. 250-3837191, CEO@victoriachamber.ca, www. victoriachamber.ca

MARCH CHAMBER EVENTS • Tuesday, March 7 Social Media Series: Online Lead Generation for Small Business 2 to 4 pm The Chamber (852 Fort St.) • Thursday, March 9 Prodigy Group Mingle 5 to 7 pm

Sign of the Times Enterprises Inc. (614 Garbally Rd.) • Thursday, March 16 Marketplace Mixer 4 to 7 pm • Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa (100 Harbour Rd.)

ESQUIMALT/WEST SHORE

MARCH 2017

CRD’S GROWTH STRATEGY

ESQUIMALT RJ SENKO

eg u l a r readers of t h i s c ol u m n w i l l k now that I of ten use this space to question the decisions of Council and to suggest the need for a g reater deg ree of transparency in their decision-making process. That’s because a vital part of our democratic process is to hold elected officials and bureaucrats to account for the decisions they make on behalf of taxpayers. It is also part of the Chamber’s mandate to advocate on behalf of its members. Questioning Council and staff actions should not be taken as criticism but

instead a legitimate means of ensuring our employees are properly serving the taxpayers of the community. In the case of the Esquimalt Council and staff, I believe the answer is generally yes but like any organization, there are always improvements that can and should be made. Over my time writing this column I have identified many issues where Council should provide greater transparency around the reasons for its decisions. However, one area where I believe Council has done a good job of making and explaining its decision is on its rejection of the CRD’s Regional Growth Strategy. On this issue Council has squarely stood up for the future aspirations of our community to decide for itself how it wishes to develop. This decision also clearly illustrates the dysfunctional nature of the CRD governance model as evidenced by the numerous other communities that have also said no to the Regional Growth Strategy on behalf of their citizens.

P rop onents of a m a lgamation will say this is yet another example of why the current system of independent fiefdoms needs to be eliminated in favour of a unified governance model. And while there is definitely merit in exploring how the various municipalities of the CRD can work together, we at the Esquimalt Chamber are only too aware of the complexities of merging governing entities given all the competing interests at play. That said, we look forward to the consultants’ report on the Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative, which is expected shortly. In the meantime, we are thankful that Esquimalt Council is protecting our ability to make our own decisions as it relates to future development in our community.

WEST SHORE JULIE LAWLOR

n February 8th, Statistics Canada released its first data from the 2016 census, reporting on population and dwelling counts. While we always have an anecdotal sense of how things are developing, having the hard numbers is key to planning over the next five years. Across the Victoria “census metropolitan area” population has risen by 6.7 per cent from 344,580 in 2011 to 367,770 in 2016. It comes as no great surprise that the West Shore is leading the increase in population growth. The highest growth across the Victoria region has been taking place in Langford, whose 35,342 residents represent a 20.9 per cent increase on 2011. The second

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RJ Senko is a Vice-President at the Esquimalt Chamber and President of RJStrategies. He can be reached at 250-888-3534.

REGION LEADS IN GROWTH largest growth in the region took place in Sooke, which increased by 13.7 per cent and third is View Royal with a 10.9 per cent increase. Colwood and the Highlands showed a modest increase while Metchosin’s population decreased slightly. Given housing development in the West Shore, we can anticipate that this trend of increased growth will continue for the foreseeable future. More and more, we are seeing this translate into increased congestion on the roads, especially at the standard “rush hour” times. However, rush hour times are getting longer and longer, as anyone attempting to leave Victoria at 3 pm on a Friday will know. Some companies are addressing this by moving their offices to better suit their customers and staff, while others are opening satellite offices in the West Shore because there is a clear business case for doing so. Chamber members Raymond James Ltd. and Collins Barrow Victoria Ltd. are two examples of companies that have recently expanded into the West Shore. For those who would like to test the West Shore

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market without committing to a permanent office, Prosperity Business Centre in Langford and Coastal Offices in Colwood have beautiful office and board room spaces available for rent, with reception and administration services available at both properties. We will continue to see increased conversation and actions developing around transportation, school availability and amenities in the West Shore. If you are interested in getting a better sense of the West Shore community and the business options available on the West Shore, you are very welcome to come out to one of our WestShore Chamber events which are open to both members and non-members. For further information on what is going on at the WestShore Chamber, please go to westshore.bc.ca or give us a call on 250-478-1130. If you’d like the link to the population statistics across the region, you are very welcome to get in touch at jlawlor@westshore.bc.ca as the link directions are too long to put into print!

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MARCH 2017

COMPANY FOCUSES ON SUPPORTING ISLAND ENTREPRENEURS “We eventually knew this was the right thing for us

Liquid Capital West Coast Financing: A Resource For Small Business

as we love living on this Island.”

BY DAVID HOLMES

STEPHEN ISON

PRINCIPAL, LIQUID CAPITAL WEST COAST

ICTORIA – In a very real sense the fundamental strength of the Canadian economy is driven by the success of small to medium sized business. But for many business leaders, despite expertise in their chosen fields, the issue of finding liquid capital to keep their enterprise functioning smoothly is something that can be alien and frightening. That’s where the skills, knowledge and business sense of the Liquid Capital West Coast Financing Corp. comes into play. “Small businesses in general, especially those involved in B2B (Business to Business) which is really our sweet spot, are often finding themselves dealing with transactions or situations where they could do more business if only they had a little more leverage, that’s where we come in,” explained Stephen Ison, a Principal with Liquid Capital. A unique operation focused on assisting small business with

FINANCING CORP.

Business and Life partners Stephen Ison & Rebekah Hutchison opened Liquid Capital in February 2016 securing the funding it needs to operate, grow and to meet ongoing challenges, Ison and his life and business partner Rebekah Hutchison opened the local Capital West Coast Financing Corp. office in February 2016. “The reason we decided to go into this is that I used to lead western Canada for a brokerage

firm, retiring in 2015. Rebekah and I kicked around some ideas about what we could then do, based on what we like to do, what we know how to do and on the resources that we have. We eventually knew this was the right thing for us as we love living on this Island and wanted to do what we can to help it prosper by bringing

big business experience to the Island,” he said. The firm’s business model was designed from the outset to handle the needs of small, medium and emerging middle-market businesses, while delivering the resources, expertise and service capabilities of a much larger financial services company. This

flexibility has allowed Liquid Capital to provide unmatched client service that is uniquely local, reliable and scalable. “Many small businesses have great ideas if only they could get their product to a wider market. But they often lack the resources to enable themselves to do that, which could be business skills but more often is capital,” Hutchison explained. “What we bring is a different approach, it means more leg work but it helps to find ways for our clients to locate the financing they need.” For the future, while the pair currently services all of Vancouver Island from their home office, the long term plan is to expand to include other strategically placed representatives or the possible opening of a satellite office further north. A business resource, a conduit to funding solutions for small business, Liquid Capital is in the business of supporting the Vancouver Island entrepreneurial spirit. “If you’re a small business with a need for financing, if you’re successful and you’re growing, and even if you’re not we would want to know about it – because if we can help we will,” Ison said. To lea r n more plea se v i sit the company’s website: www. lcwestcoastfinancing.com

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2017-01-13 4:19 PM

OFF THE COVER

MARCH 2017

Hugo Ciro, Laurie Klassen and Stacey Toews have created a successful business model that honours small scale farmers CREDIT:LEVEL GROUND TRADING

604-301-3700 1-800-661-3377

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Laurie Klassen one of Level Grounds owners visits the company’s farmer friends around the world CREDIT:LEVEL GROUND TRADING

LEVEL GROUND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

joining together, twenty years ago, to create a Fair Trade company going well beyond selling fair trade products. L evel G rou nd t ra d e s in 10 countries, sourcing products like coffee, tea, heirloom rice, spices and dried fruit, grown by small-scale farmers who, in many cases, own small one to three acre plots of land and have worked the same land for generations. “Sma l l sca le fa rmers have the potential to grow som e t h i n g t h at c o u ld provide them dignified, day-to-day income. We pay the farmer first and we pay them fairly. They are treated as equals and with dignity.” Toews emphasized that Level Ground looks at fairness and equality at every level within its organization and follows nine key principles of a Fair Trade Organization as laid out by the Fair Trade Federation.

“We pay the farmer first and we pay them fairly. They are treated as equals and with dignity.” STACEY TOEWS CO-FOUNDER, LEVEL GROUND TRADING

“Everything with our name on it is sourced under these principles. These are all worthy principles that, when put together, make a company ethical and fair and continually look for ways to improve.” Part of the owners’ desire to see consistent improvement can be seen not just at the farm level, but also at the company’s home in Victoria. The entire operation has been ‘zero to landfill’ for 13 years. It has a ‘zero to landfill’ policy for the office and its roasting facility. Staff also buy into the philosophy, getting paid to bike or carpool or bus to

work, and are encouraged to bring recyclables that are beyond the curbside program to work. “Our everyday choices h a v e t h e p o te n t i a l to move things in a certain direction. Any purchase we make is supporting the business model that brought us that product. We’re supporting transparency, thoughtfulness and integrity through our supply chain so that we can create a product that fosters the possibility for positive change.” He added that being recognized with the business award demonstrates the success of Level Ground’s business model; so does t he steady g row t h t he company has seen. In 2017 they’ll be opening a brand new 20,000 square foot, $4.5 million dollar facility that will house a production facility, offices, store, café and slow bar. Level Ground Trading Company is at Unit B-1970 Keati ng Cross Road i n Victoria www.levelground.com

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MARCH 2017

CITY CONTRACTOR HAS LEARNED THE ART OF READING CONCRETE ACT Concrete Placing & Finishing: Helping To Build Victoria Since 1986

ICTORIA – Concrete has built the modern world. But as a medium of construction it can be demanding, time consuming and at times even infuriating – and Terry Robinson loves working with it. The owner of Victoria’s ACT Concrete Placing & Finishing Ltd., Robinson and his team have been instrumental in building and reconstructing some of the city’s core structures over the past three decades. “You have to learn how to read the concrete, if you don’t get the mix right or the pour correct then you’ve wasted your day and that costs you money,” Robinson explained. “It certainly can be a demanding you know what, and when the pour is underway there’s no stopping, but when it all comes together just right you have a real feeling of accomplishment. There are no words for that sense of satisfaction.” Operating out of 18-755 Vanalma n Avenue, ACT Concrete opened in 1986 and currently has a staff of about 20. “We’ve been involved in a lot of jobs around

ACT Concrete Placing & Finishing is located at 18-755 Vanalman Avenue in a 3,000 square foot facility town. We did the Johnston Street Bridge, the Memorial Arena, the arena in Langford, the Mayfair Mall, you name it we’ve probably had some part in its construction,” Robinson said. Concrete is the heart of any major construction project and ACT Concrete’s role is not to provide the concrete itself, but to serve as Placer and Finisher on the project, one of the most hands on and delicate parts of the operation. “We’re concrete placer and finishers. We supply the labour and skills to put down the concrete once the pump and the mix arrives at the worksite,” he explained. As Robinson explains, concrete can be a misunderstood construction medium, as its successful application requires a level of timing and precision that would be the envy of a dance choreographer on Broadway. “It’s not just us involved. You have the Ready Mix companies who

We are proud to be a partner of ACT Concrete & Tool Repair (250) 475-1130 Victoria, BC www.cityzenresidences.ca www.homewoodconstructors.com

Working on the Somerset House senior’s residence in 1987 was one of ACT Concrete’s first big commercial jobs deliver the concrete – and of course you have to provide the right specs for them to do that. Then you have the pump that comes and delivers the concrete to the specific place on the site where you need it. For it all to come together just the right way requires a lot of logistics and communication, it’s practically a military operation,” he said. Once the details have been worked out and the concrete has arrived at the site, as many as a dozen workers have to be ready to work non-stop during the actual pour to ensure the mixture is spread and tamped down to the specifications required. A delay or foul up at any stage of the procedure could prove to be costly, and directly detrimental to Robinson’s business. ACT Concrete has been involved in a wide range of concrete themed assignments, from working on the largest structures to laying down a driveway for a homeowner. “The driver will bring the concrete to the site. What you need then are the guys who will spread it out and finish it off. That’s what we do,” he said.

Thanks ACT Concrete & T.R. for 30 years of great work and support!

37 Cadillac Avenue Victoria, BC V8Z 1T3 250-475-2595

ACT Concrete has helped to construct many major commercial projects such as the Canadian Tire at Hillside Mall Another unique aspect of ACT Concrete’s operations is its warehouse and workshop facility. The company employs a full time mechanic to repair and maintain not only its own equipment, but the equipment used by other regional concrete contractors. The workshop is part of the 3,000 square foot office and warehouse facility the company is currently based in. “We have begun catering to

contractor’s tools around town because I see a need for that. You can’t get this type of equipment just anywhere. It’s expensive and needs to be maintained. So we provide a repair and maintenance service for other contractors,” he said. While he once had dreams of a career in professional sports, Robinson began working with concrete in the Comox Valley when he was only 18, and has

alongside 3 concrete batch plants, with a large fleet of concrete trucks for prompt delivery.

Victoria Sooke Duncan

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MARCH 2017

“He demanded nothing less than quality and that’s still the way we do business.” TERRY ROBINSON OWNER, ACT CONCRETE PLACING & FINISHING LTD.

The Pattison Toyota Lexus Dealership in Victoria is another ACT project, working with the Ledcor Group

Terry Robinson says he’s proud to be an integral part of such an iconic local landmark as the Save On Foods Memorial Centre spent a lifetime learning to read the mystery and the often demanding and unforgiving Mistress that is concrete. For Robinson his long standing love affair with concrete began when he went to work for Marty Peterson, a concrete contractor based in Courtenay as a cement finisher. “In reality he turned out to be the very best guy I could ever work for if I wanted to learn about this business. In many ways you’d have to describe him as my mentor and the one who helped me to get to where we are today,” he said.

Robinson had been a serious rep hockey player in the Comox Valley, and even had some fleeting visions of pursuing sports as a potential career before Peterson, who was his hockey coach, introduced him to the art and business of concrete. “He taught me that when you get to the job, scope the job out and get ready to go because when the truck’s there you only have so long to get the job done. You’ll have time for your fun, which could even be just stopping for lunch, only after the job is complete. His driving home that lesson has

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helped me throughout my career, stressing the idea that by doing the job right the first time you’ll always succeed,” he said. “Marty taught me that if you respect concrete and the people you work with and for, then things should work out alright. To become a good cement finisher you have to throw your watch away because time doesn’t matter. You can’t stop and say I’m going to have coffee now, because concrete doesn’t wait for you, it’s always the boss.” Another key influencer in Robinson’s life and career is his now

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ex-wife, Carol Robinson. Coming from an accounting background she helped to set the fledgling business up 30 years ago, creati ng systems a nd busi ness practices that continue to serve Robinson and his firm well to the present day. “We got married in 1984 in Comox, but construction sort of died out there at the time so we moved to Victoria that year so I could go to school,” he remembers. Surprisingly Robinson had enrolled in carpentry school as he had developed a desire to leave the concrete side of the construction industry to become a carpenter. A Certified General Accountant (CGA) Carol found employment with Peat Marwick Thorne Inc. in Victoria while Terry continued his carpentry classes. In 1986 Robinson elected to drop out of carpentry school to go to work for a local concrete contractor as the Victoria area’s building sector began to experience significant growth. Then serendipity appeared as his employer, who had just been hired by the City of Victoria, offered to sell him his concrete business for a token $2,000. “So I went to my wife and I said ‘Carol I’m a hard worker, but you’re the business person of the family, should we do this?’ she said it seemed like a good idea. We took over the company May 1, 1986 and have been going strong ever since,” Robinson said. The decision to become a business owner proved successful right out of the gate, with the new firm paying off that initial investment in the first week. “We took our first job in a large project in the Uplands area, made some good money out of that first project and have essentially never looked back,” he said.

The other key player in the development of today’s ACT Concrete was Wayne Knight of Knight Contracting Ltd., who was one of the general contractors he first worked for when launching the business three decades ago. “He required that I had to produce quality work every time, even where it didn’t necessarily need to be quality he would be on me if it wasn’t the best that I could do. That was a habit of success that I have learned and taken to every job since,” Robinson stated. “He taught me a simple but important lesson: if you don’t do it right you’re going to be fixing it for free. That’s where you learn to do it right the first time. He demanded nothing less than quality and that’s still the way we do business. I certainly can’t call myself a self-made man, I’m who I am because of the people I’ve been lucky enough to have encountered and worked with.” For Robinson, there’s still another group that have made a major and ongoing contribution to his company’s success – his employees. “I’d also like to acknowledge that the past and present employees have been a major contribution to the business. Without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.” At his heart still an athlete, Robinson has never lost his love for either sports or concrete and brings that sportsman’s vision to every project he takes on. “Working with concrete is almost like a sport. It’s a job but it’s also a sport because we’re dealing with a product that can only remain plastic and moveable for a little over two hours. You have to get it right the first time or it’s going to be expensive,” Robinson stated. “I call it a sport because if you’ve ever seen a big pour going on you’re going to see a whole team of people working together to make the thing come together successfully.” For the future Robinson expects to continue focusing his energies on the Capital Region and its ongoing appetite for his services. “There really is no plan for the future, there’s plenty of work, so I intend to keep on until I don’t want to do it anymore.”

MARCH 2017

BAYSHORE HEALTHCARE: CREATED TO AID QUALITY OF LIFE “Our service model is private care which is

Local Health Care Services Provider Winner Of Business Excellence Award

much more holistic in nature.”

STASIA HARTLEY

ICTORIA – This year’s winner of the Healthcare Company of the Year Award at the recent Business Excellence Awards, Bayshore HealthCare began as an idea that took shape more than 50 years ago. That vision was to provide the services needed to enhance the dignity,

Congratulations to Bayshore Home Health on your Business Excellence Award!

www.coastalhvac.ca 250.656.6868 Victoria, BC

AREA DIRECTOR, BAYSHORE HEALTHCARE

Bayshore HealthCare has a team of more than 130 working for clients located all across Vancouver Island independence and quality of life of all Canadians by allowing citizens to remain comfortable in their own homes longer. That idea, developed in Ontario in 1966, eventually saw the creation of a network of support services that now stretches from coast to coast. In the Victoria area, under the guidance of Bayshore’s Area Director Stasia Hartley, the organization (with more than 130 health care employees on Vancouver Island) services the needs of seniors and

those with health issues with the opportunity to personalize their home care service. “Bayshore is a national home care agency. We don’t physically operate facilities such as senior’s residences, but bring health care services directly to people’s homes – tailoring those services to meet the individual’s needs and budget,” she explained. Hartley looks after the operation of offices in Victoria, Sidney and in Nanaimo as part of her Area

Director’s responsibilities. “In terms of emphasis the Vancouver Island Bayshore branch primarily serves as a care provider for seniors but we’re also approved providers for WorkSafe BC, ICBC and others. Almost 50 per cent of our revenue comes via funded contracts from agencies,” she explained. “The other 50 per cent comes from private individuals and that segment of the market is definitely growing as the Canadian population in general ages.”

Registered Nurse (RN) Deb Short is the Manager of Bayshore’s clinical team, which is one of the group’s key service assets. Members of Short’s team would visit potential clients in their homes to assess the individual’s health and to help develop a health care plan that works. “Our service model is private care which is much more holistic in nature. We would interact much longer and for extended periods with the client which allow for the building of relationships not possible in a publicly funded model,” Hartley said. For the future, with an ever growing need for Bayshore’s specialized and customized health care services, Hartley is anticipating her group’s workload to continue to expand. “For me it’s all about providing great care. It’s about providing high quality care to every client, every time,” she said. To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www.bayshore.ca

MILLENNIAL MARKETING REQUIRES A MORE FOCUSED APPROACH “So if you want to attract under 30 consumers you’re

Professional Food Photographer Stresses The Importance Of Social Media

going to have to make use of things like Social Media

ANAIMO – Marketing for the increasingly important millennial marketplace means a major readjustment in thinking, according to professional photographer and marketing consultant Tim McGrath. The owner of ITS-Foods.ca, a company specializing in the production of food themed photography, McGrath said the efforts that appealed to earlier generations will simply not have the same impact on contemporary buyers. “When you go into a restaurant the clientele are typically going to be either over 50, or under 30 years of age. The 30 to 50 age range people are typically too busy in life to be spending too much time in restaurants,” he said. “They’re going to be driving kids to hockey or soccer. They’re going here, they’re going there. They simply don’t have the time to be dragging the kids to restaurants on a regular basis. So if you want to attract under 30 consumers

more effectively.” TIM MCGRATH OWNER, ITS-FOOD.CA

McGrath states that a timely use of Social Media is an excellent way to reach the younger consumers you’re going to have to make use of things like Social Media more effectively than ever before.” While it’s important for any business to have an online presence, such as a website, a regularly updated and maintained Social Media presence is the key to attracting the attention of a millennial consumer. “While there are a number of different online platforms to choose from Twitter, Instagram and Facebook continue to be the most effective for marketing a business – but again only if regularly updated,” McGrath explained. While a website with a page spelling out the daily specials

being offered might attract a more senior viewer, the key to drawing a consumer on the go would be uploading a lunch time special at 11:30, when the hungry Millennial is thinking about taking a break from work. “Social Media gives good value for the business owner as it’s essentially free, except for the effort it takes to make use of it,” he said. “When you look at successful restaurants you find that they make the effort to do the job right, including with their marketing. It all comes down to getting the word out. You can have the best food in the world but if no one knows you’re there you’ll not succeed. To reach the younger audience, tailor your message using the right messenger and you will succeed.” For more information visit the firm’s website at: www.its-food.ca

MARCH 2017

BOATING & MARINE BC Marine Tourism Sailing Toward Record Year In 2017 Operators, Organizations & Government Optimistic About The Coming Season

The BC coastline was seemingly blessed by Nature, with communities like Telegraph Cove sought after destinations BY DAVID HOLMES

ased on pre-bookings and on the weight of inquiries, both online and by telephone, the 2017 British Columbia tourist season is going to be a great one. One sector of this multi-billion dollar industry that is expecting record levels of activity is the marine tourism industry, both the coastal and inland varieties where the Okanagan, Schuswap and other lakes beckon visitors and inhabitant alike by the millions. Destination British Columbia, a wholly owned government corporation created to promote and support the provincial tourism sector, recently reported that the value to jobs, business and the BC economy in general that tourism provides is wide spread. In 2016 the corporation reported that one in every 15 jobs, employing about 127,500 citizens came from the tourism industry. That represents an increase of 18.4 per cent from 2004 to 2014. In addition more than 18,000 tourism

businesses currently operate in British Columbia. In 2014 alone the tourism industry generated $14.6 billion in revenue, a 37.7 per cent increase over levels set a decade earlier. “I think it’s going to be a really strong year. Of course in January we had the Vancouver International Boat Show which was a great show, which was sold out as far as exhibitors go. We had an increase in attendance over last year and the floating boat show was much improved and it all goes to show that people are getting serious about boating,” explained Don Prittie, the President of Boating BC, the organizers of the boat show and a supporter of the boating industry as a whole. One unexpected factor that is positively impacting the province’s boating industry, according to Prittie, is the astronomic rise in property values in the Lower Mainland. “In some cases the high cost of real estate hurts recreational spending and in SEE BOATING & MARINE | PAGE 15

BOATING & MARINE

MARCH 2017

OAK BAY MARINE GROUP CELEBRATING ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY Firm’s Ventures Include Marinas, Restaurants, Resorts & Boathouse Construction

ICTORIA – As reliable as the turning of the tides, the warming of the weather is the sign that the boating season is nearly here – and the Oak Bay Marine Group (OBMG) is ready for what could be a record breaking year. Founded 55 years ago, this Victoria based enterprise has consistently been an industry leader in the expanding world of marine tourism and the 2017 season promises to be one of its best yet. “This year we’re celebrating our 55th year in business, serving the marine tourism sector and essentially anyone who loves to get out on or near the ocean,” explained Brook Castelsky, the Oak Bay Marine Group’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Founded in 1962 by legendary entrepreneur Bob Wright, the multi-tiered organization includes the operation of four marinas on Vancouver Island, a trio of exceptional 100 per cent ocean wise restaurants, a recreational vehicle (RV) park, a boathouse manufacturing division, the Mariner Square

Founded in 1962, the Oak Bay Marine Group currently operates a number of marine tourism based ventures

tourist destination in Newport, Oregon and a beach resort on Long Island in the Bahamas. “The air is warmer, the sun is out longer and now’s the time to go boating. Our locations are all strategically placed near fabulous cruising grounds, while our Pedder

Bay Marina is a prime location for fishing – where we have a fleet of rental boats as well as guided and self-guided fishing charters available,” he explained. “The marina is located near the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve where you can often see Orca

whales and other wild inhabitants of British Columbia’s unique marine environment.” OBMG currently operates four marinas; Oak Bay (their first marina which opened in 1962), North Saanich, Ladysmith and Pedder Bay. The distinctive Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina is unique in that it also includes a companion RV park that often serves as a home away from home for visiting boating enthusiasts. “It’s only 40 minutes out of Victoria yet you feel like you’re a world away from everything. Many people actually take their RVs and stay for part of the summer, using it as a home base for boating and fishing,” Castelsky explained.

More than a leader in the marine industry, the Oak Bay Marine Group is also a noted community supporter, offering assistance to numerous non-profit organizations in every community in which it does business, including direct support of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, a respected organization created to conserve and restore BC’s wild Pacific Salmon stocks. Throughout the year the OBMG also hosts fishing derbies and other events as a means of raising money for salmon enhancement. After more than five decades in business the Oak Bay Marine Group has countless clients who return year after year to experience new adventures and to capture new memories. For Castelsky the company’s future is as bright as morning sunlight on a rippled surface. “Currently we’re heavily re-investing in our existing properties. We have acres of docks and numerous facilities in many different areas and we’re ensuring they not only meet but exceed the expectations and standards of today’s boating community. Our ongoing goal is to make certain the customer experience is the best that it can be, and we’re looking forward to the next 55 years.” To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www. obmg.com

TAKING CARE OF THOSE YOU LOVE SINCE 1962.

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OAK BAY MARINA

NORTH SAANICH MARINA

PEDDER BAY RV RESORT & MARINA

LADYSMITH MARINA

MARCH 2017

BOATING & MARINE “Viewing the prospects of marine tourism this year we’re anticipating that 2017 will be a great year.” DAVID MAILLOUX DIRECTOR, AHOY BC

There are few thrills more memorable than a Vancouver Island cruise that leads to a meeting with the local residents

BOATING & MARINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

other situations it helps. As people move from a more expensive area to a less expensive one they usually have some extra cash that they might want to do something recreationally with,” he said. From paddle boats to luxury yachts and everything in between boating is a huge business across Canada and in British Columbia in particular. In its Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Analysis for 2015 (the most recent statistics available) the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reported that more than $2 billion worth of new boats and outboard motors were sold in Canada, an increase of nearly four percent from the year previous. The NMMA is about to release its 2016 stats, which are expected to show a continuation of this upward trend. Almost 38,000 recreational boats were sold in Canada in 2015. But that figure only reflects actual new boat sales. The economic impact of boating goes far beyond that as boaters need to purchase equipment, insurance, fuel, pay for moorage and other necessities to fully enjoy their vessel. The NMMA says that as far back as 2012 boaters generated nearly $9 billion in revenue in Canada, with BC responsible for about $3 billion of the total. For the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) marine tourism is an increasingly important part of the overall economic mix for the province. Walt Judas, the Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the TIABC is especially enthusiastic about the prospects offered by the 2017 tourist season. “All indications point to this being another good year for tourism. Whether it sets a new record is difficult to say at this point. We’ve had three straight years of record setting results in many parts of the province whether that’s overnight visitors, international visitors, wheeled or by water,” he said. “It’s unprecedented to see three straight years of record setting results so to anticipate a fourth I think the industry is currently cautiously optimistic. However there are lots of good signs of advanced bookings, with the patterns and trends that we’re seeing pointing toward a very positive year.” Judas pointed out that many leaders in the marine industry, such as the Oak Bay Marine Group, are investing heavily in upgrading existing facilities and developing new ones in anticipation of an increased demand. “It’s a really good sign when you see companies investing in infrastructure. We’re hearing about and seeing that occurring in different places in the province for sure.”

In an earlier interview Michael McLaughlin, the Project Manager for AHOY BC said seagoing tourists have become a significant part of the industry’s overall economic mix. “We did a 100 per cent survey of marinas on the coast in 2014 and determined that boater spending, the money spent by marine tourists during that season reached $275 million, and that’s just the people out and about on their boats, the people that were physically touring around,” he said AHOY BC also operates an interactive website created by the BC Ocean Boating Tourism Association (BCOBTA) a non-profit society created to help promote and support sea going tourism on British Columbia’s coast. The website provides a wealth of information specifically keyed to the needs of ocean going visitors. “While the direct tourism revenue generated by marine tourism is about $275 million that doesn’t count the indirect revenue, the money that goes into the communities as a result of these tourists,” McLaughlin said. While there are no hard and fast numbers it’s estimated that there are literally hundreds of marinas dotting the BC coast, from established mega marinas with acres of moorage to private resorts with exclusive facilities for its elite guests. Just some of the reasons for the expansion of the province’s marine tourism sector that have been suggested include attractive exchange rates, especially for American visitors, world class facilities, unmatched natural beauty and access to unparalleled support services such as boatyards, marine mechanics and naval engineering services. An area that’s not often recognized is the province’s boat building and maintenance industries which are considered among the best in the world. Patrick Bray, a Naval Architect and the owner of Bray Yacht Design and Research, a leading BC yacht builder, says luxury vessels constructed by provincial boat builders are by and large not sold locally, but primarily to offshore customers. Yacht building in BC by a wide margin is an export industry, and an industry with tremendous growth potential. “The attraction of the Canadian dollar is one reason Canadian yachts are sought after, but we also have labour skills in the province that are not found anywhere else. There are a lot of reasons for BC being such a centre for building vessels of this type,” Bray said. “Because of the forest industry we have a recognized expertise in hydraulics and other mechanical components. Because of the commercial fishing industry there is an established commercial vessel design capability that is ideal for this sort of craft.

Yachts designed and built in BC tend to be those designed for deep water use - we build excellent sea boats that are sought after by buyers worldwide.” In addition to building yachts himself, Bray is also President of the British Columbia Yacht Building Association (BCYBA), an industry umbrella group that aids with the support and marketing of this specialized industry. “Just consider what’s involved with building a 110 foot yacht,” Bray said. “That’s a job that could create as many as 100 well paying jobs for as long as two years to see a vessel of that class completed. That’s the sort of long term jobs we want to see in the province.” For BCOBTA’s Chairman and Director of AHOY BC David Mailloux the waters of BC are a unique and inviting attraction for

visitors, and one he anticipates will be very active this summer. “Viewing the prospects of marine tourism this year we’re anticipating that 2017 will be a great year. We attended the boat show in Vancouver this year and while we were there many people told us they were anticipating using our Ahoy BC website after recognizing its value and ease of use. The amount of use of the website is increasing and people are more comfortable with it,” he said. “For a marine tourist BC is one of the best destinations in the world and that was the whole point of us setting up the website. Boating BC’s new slogan is: “BC Looks Better On A Boat” – and it really does. The boaters who come in just love how our communities look, which is just one of the many appeals for them.” He also said marinas and other facilities in the province are key parts of the sector’s success. “The skill required to run a marina effectively - what with the services they have and the amenities that they have - are directly transferred into many different economic avenues. It definitely takes a specific kind of skill set to operate a marina, but those are skill sets that people on Vancouver Island understand as they live and breathe it all the time.” For Prittie the combination of energized interest, low Canadian dollar, enthusiasm of the sector’s operators and an unchallenged wealth of resources and natural wonders will, he believes, combine to make 2017 a record setting year for tourism. “It looks very promising, we’re looking for a strong year and if the weather cooperates just a little bit they’ll be out there in droves!” To learn more visit: www.ahoybc.com and www.boatingbc.ca

Specializing in Custom Aluminum Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats

MARCH 2017

SERENDIPITY HELPED TO LAUNCH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FIRM Complete Residential Property Management Opened For Business In 2001

ICT OR I A – O f a l l t he many functions and services provided by a qualified property management company, removing stress from the owners of strata and rental properties is probably among its most important. Opening in 2001, Victoria-based Complete Residential Property Management Ltd. (CRPM) is among the city’s top providers of property management services looking after a portfolio of properties that numbers in the hundreds. But the existence of the company and its significant impact on the capital region’s strata and rental community wouldn’t even have occurred had it not been for a series of serendipitous events. “I’m a prairie girl so when I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992 my then husband and I moved to Victoria almost on a whim to get away from the snow and cold. We loaded up all of our belongings

Launched in 2001 Complete Residential Property Management maintains a portfolio of hundreds of properties

SEE COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL | PAGE 17

Proud to provide our services to Complete Residential Property Management

250.652.4414 2240 Keating X Road | Saanichton, BC

www.progressivewaste.ca

While some commercial properties are looked after by the firm the bulk of its work involves residential units.

Proud to send our very best wishes to Complete Residen�al Property Management Ltd as you celebrate 15 years.

(250) 388-6554

1803 Douglas St #701, Victoria, BC V8T 5C3 www.hcwca.net

MARCH 2017

Property management firms look after all of the day to day operations of the properties in its portfolio. Management approached Linkert (who was still working at the Royal Bank), asking her to become his firm’s new Rental Manager. “So I told him yes, left my job at the bank, got my Renta l Ma nagement l icense through the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) who offers training through the Sauder School of Business at the University of BC (UBC) and have never looked back,” she said. Adding to her credentials and industry training she also went on to acquire her Real Estate Sales license, Strata Management license and Broker’s license. With growing skills and expanding experience she quickly moved

up the ranks at CA M adding the duties of an Office Manager and Strata Manager to those of her existing Rental Manager responsibilities – learning even more about the intricacies of the world of property management. “They wanted me to look after the residential portfolio that they maintained,” she said. The company operated two offices at the time, one located in downtown Victoria focused on the commercial side of the industry with a second office located on Shelbourne Street specializing in residential properties. “So essentially I went from SEE COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL | PAGE 18

Complete Residential Property Management looks after properties located across the Greater Victoria area

COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

in a U-Haul and told our families that we’re out of here,” recalled Dennie Linkert, the President of Complete Residential Property Management. Almost from the moment of arriving on the West Coast destiny seemed to play a hand in guiding the new arrivals to their new vocation. “The first company that we rented from was called Complete Asset Management (CAM). When we arrived we found a rental unit through

them and settled into our new city,” she said. “My then husband went to work for them right away and I went to work for the Royal Bank. I had just received my Bachelor of Commerce degree and decided that I wanted to be a banker. Then, less than a month after we had arrived, Complete Asset Management asked us to become the managers of an apartment building.” That experience of working in the literal trenches of the property management field, answering emergency calls at 3:00

We are proud to say we have worked with Dennie and her staff at Complete since they started 15 years ago and I would say that there is not another Residential Management Company that could beat their standard of caring for their clients. I have been in the business for 37 years. Marilyn and Vern Cann

250-477-3621 victoriarealestate@vmcann.com

AM, dealing with locating and vetting tenants and occasionally having to evict one, was the sort of fundamental training that supremely prepared the duo for the ongoing challenges of working in property management. “It really was a case of starting from the ground up. Cleaning the laundry rooms and renting suites to tenants, being the janitor and being the gardener and everything else that goes with being an onsite manager. That’s really how it all started,” Linkert said. Sometime later, John Hopper the owner of Complete Asset

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Proud supporters of Complete Residential Property Management 450 Dupplin Road, Victoria, BC

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Congratulations to Dennie and the Team at Complete!

MARCH 2017

COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

being a resident manager onsite to managing an office for Complete Asset Management. After about 10 years of doing that, the owners (John Hopper and Bev Highton) decided they wanted to concentrate solely on the commercial side of their business,” she remembers. “So my husband and I decided to essentially buy ourselves a job by purchasing the residential side of the business from them, starting Complete Residential Property Management with just he and I as the sole shareholders. We purchased their residential portfolio and elected to keep the company name somewhat similar to what it had been for name recognition purposes and to ensure the clients were okay with the change.” The transition of administration of the residential property portfolio, holdings that had been the responsibility of CAM proceeded effortlessly, without a single property electing not to continue on with the newly minted firm. While a number of property management firms currently operate within the Greater Victoria area, what has helped to set Complete Residential Property Management apart is its decision from day one to specialize solely on residential properties. CRPM is currently located at 3267 B Tennyson Avenue in Victoria.

Properties administered by Complete Residential Property Management include condominiums and townhouses While other firms might have a residential / commercial mix of holdings, and offer a range of

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ancillary services that could include everything from insurance sales to the marketing of real estate, CRPM has devoted itself and the skills of its expanding staff to satisfying the distinctive needs of residential property owners and their real estate investments. “We decided that what would be unique in the market would be our specializing in residential property management. We don’t sell real estate, we don’t sell insurance, we don’t do brokerages of any kind – I still think that focus is one of the most unique things about our business.” There is one small caveat to the existing CR PM business model. W h i le the hea rt a nd soul of the company remains the management of residential strata and rental properties such as apartments, condominiums,

townhouses and others, the company now carries a small mixed use portfolio as well. “It’s not that we won’t do commercial if it’s in a mixed used building, say a strata that has a number of condos with a small commercial space on the ground floor or other situations like that. We will handle a building like that but our specialty is definitely the residential side of things,” Linkert said. The trend of developing mixed use properties, where businesses and residences co-exist within the same structure has become increasingly common and popular among Victoria area property owners as they seek to maximize the utilization of their holdings. W hen a compa ny has the responsibility of looking after hundreds of properties, and

literally thousands of residents, it’s important to have the resources available to handle any situation or emergency whenever they occur. These problems could include everything from a resident’s toilet backing up in the middle of the night to the disruption of electrical services at a downtown business in the middle of the day. While Complete Residential Property Management has their own staff, it also has a number of trusted experts available to call upon in the event an issue occurs. “If I have to don the hip waders to deal with a problem I will, and have done so in the past. I still carry tools in my car if called upon to fix something. My Dad was a journeyman carpenter so SEE COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL | PAGE 19

Happy 15 year anniversary!

We are proud to work with Complete Residential Property Management.

Happy 15 year anniversary!

250-743-2913 | 665 Butterfield Road, Mill Bay, BC

MARCH 2017

“So my husband and I decided to essentially buy ourselves a job by purchasing the residential side of the business.” DENNIE LINKERT PRESIDENT, COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.

One of the main functions of a property management company is to remove stress from its property owner clients

COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

“Education is so important. I want to be smarter than everybody, I want to be the best in the industry and the way you do that is to take advantage of every educational opportunity that you can.” Linkert also serves on the Board of Directors of SPABC (Strata Property Agents of BC) and is one of only 30 some in BC to hold the RCM (Registered Condominium Manager) designation, which is a national designation out of Ontario. For the future Complete Residential Property Management, which has grown dramatically over the years, often by acquiring the portfolio of smaller property management firms that have decided to exit the business, has no immediate desire to expand its operations beyond the Victoria

area. T:1.8”see that hap“I can’t really pening, I honestly think we have

Congratulations Complete Residential Property Management 15 years of serving your clients.

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I grew up in a household where if something is broken you fix it. But if there is a major problem we do have a list of people we can call upon,” she explained. “Whether it’s a plumber, electrician, realtor, lawyer, or engineer, we greatly rely on the advice of many other experts to help with our day to day operations and meeting the needs of our clients.” The real appeal of having a property management firm look after the day to day maintenance of a rental property, especially for an absentee owner, is peace of mind. For a monthly fee the owner essentially does nothing but receive their rental payments, with CRPM and its team looking

after the myriad details that are the hallmark of this specialized industry. “As property managers we literally touch on a wide range of legislation and interpersonal issues including psychology,” she said. A believer in being an industry leader Linkert is diligent in ensuring she and her staff are trained and well versed in the latest cha nges to prov i ncia l rental laws and a host of other factors. “One of the many organizations we belong to is CHOA (Condominium Home Owners Association of BC) so every one of my property managers and assistants attend every seminar the organization sets up. These seminars are mainly set up for the homeowners themselves but we ensure that we’re there with them,” she said.

enough on our plate right now. The industry is always changing. They’re always upgrading legislation, especially regarding the Strata Property Act, so keeping up with that and providing the sort of personal service that we do for our clients keeps us busy enough, without worrying about opening an office in Nanaimo or something,” Linkert said. “Generally I think we’re pretty happy the way we are. We keep growing by acquiring new strata and rental clients so I think for the time being that’s the way it will continue. But, then again I’m always looking for new things so you never know.” To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www. completeresidential.ca

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MARCH 2017

STRENGTHENING LOCAL BUSINESS

AL HASHAM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

introduced to a good idea the excitement of creating a new service and learning about a new industry was too enticing. “I have a lot of connections through the Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “It’s been invaluable for support and networking. While speaking with the owner of Academy of Learning College Victoria, I got interested in exploring another type of business.” At the beginning of March, Cambria College will see its second intake of students for the Health Care Assistant Diploma Program. It even has an incentive program to encourage referrals for students to get to know the campus and its course offerings. “Victoria is a vibrant community that is very encouraging for entrepreneurs,” Hasham said adding that, it is why he regularly mentors others looking to start or grow a business. His first was a young man named Rahim Khudabux. “I invested $25,000 in a business for him because I saw potential. He has a great work ethic and while going to school, he worked the job and paid me back, without interest, $1000 a month.” Today Hasham is mentoring two individuals, and sharing his advice and experience in creating and building a successful business, by following one of his most important maxims: Always find the ‘Yes’.

THINK LOCAL FIRST PETER CAVIN

C Finding solutions and giving customers options is one of Al Hasham’s most important pieces of advice for creating success in business CREDIT:MAXIMUM EXPRESS COURIER

More than 10 years ago he said yes to a young man trying to find his way in business, today that young man is a partner at Max Furniture. “It’s easy to say ‘no’ but if you

take the time to say ‘yes’, whether it generates revenue or not, you find solutions and give people options. People appreciate that.” Maximum Express is at www. maxcourier.com

ountry Grocer is celebrat i n g 33 s u c c e ssf u l years on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. We are proud to say we are 100 per cent Island owned and operated with 7 locations. We feel it’s important to keep business here on the island. We can invest more in our community and we are the ‘local guys’ and one of just a ha nd f u l of isla nd owned grocery chains left on the island. O u r tea m is f riend ly a nd helpful; we offer competitive pricing, great customer service, convenient locations and a wide variety of locally sourced products. Our customers are also our friends. Teaming up with Think Local

First made sense. Think Local First is a not for profit organization that is committed to strengthening local, independent businesses and helping consumers understand the huge beneficial impact they can make on our community by shopping at them. Think Local First educates and encourages local customers to shift 10 per cent of their spending directly to locally owned businesses. It goes a long way. The better local businesses do, the more they can help build and sustain our community. I admire the amazing group of talented and hardworking local business owners and employees who truly want to make a difference in our community. Embrace and nu rtu re what makes our community unique a nd ma ke g reater Victoria a destination. T h a n k you for suppor t i ng Country Grocer over the last 33 years. We truly appreciate your business and being part of your community. Visit thinklocalvictoria.com to see a list of members, find out about their reward program or to join! Peter Cavin is a director at Country Grocer.

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MARCH 2017

COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ROOFING Proline Roofing & Gutters Has Served The Victoria Area Since 2000

ICTORIA – Sloped or flat, commercial or residential, Proline Roofing & Gutters Ltd. has been providing the Greater Victoria area (and beyond) with a full line of roofing and gutter installation services for nearly 17 years. This exceptional firm is never content to rest on its laurels, but has built its success on its REST business model – Reliable, Ethical, Service and Trustworthy. By providing exceptional products and unparalleled personal service, Proline has become a local leader in this sector of the regional building community. “It can get a little confusing as there is a Proline Construction Material and a Proline Property Management, but neither firm is related to what we do. Our focus has always been roofing and gutters,” explained Kevin Spahn, Proline’s Office Manager. Opened in 2000 by company owner and President Mauricio Reyes, Proline Roofing & Gutters is headquartered at 3578 Quadra Street in the city’s downtown core, with an impressive staff count of more than 30. “This is our sole physical office and we do not operate any crews outside of the Greater Victoria area. That’s not to say we haven’t completed projects outside of the Victoria area, as we have successfully done on numerous occasions, but we normally stay within the region,” he explained. In many ways the launching of Proline Roofing is a genuine example of the ‘Canadian Dream’ in action. Originally founded by a three person partnership, gentlemen who had all recently emigrated, Reyes is now the company’s sole owner having bought out his other partners over the years. “While there are a number of

CONGRATULATIONS PROLINE ROOFING ON YOUR RECENT 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Mauricio Reyes is the founder of Proline Roofing & Gutters, a company he launched in 2000

“Mauricio takes great pride in having served the city for nearly 17 years” KEVIN SPAHN OFFICE MANAGER, PROLINE ROOFING & GUTTERS

reputable roofing companies that have been around a long time, there have been many fly by night operations in the city as well. Mauricio takes great pride in having served the city for nearly 17 years,” Spahn (who has been with the company since early 2008) explained. Created to provide the best in roofing installation services, Proline Roofing & Gutters is fairly unique among roofing companies in that the bulk of its work is carried out by its own in-house technicians rather than by using sub-contractors. In the company’s early days it had relied quite heavily on these to carry out the installation work, a situation that had the potential for problems to occur. “As the roofing industry sees the company having to provide a 10 year labour warranty it can be very costly if repairs have to be made once the job is done. As the company is responsible for the roof we end up looking after any and all work that has been done by the subs. So the early days were a definite learning and a growing phase for Mauricio and the company as a whole,” he said

Your Island Source for Quality Building Products

The staff at Proline Roofing & Gutters is one of the key reasons the company has become an industry leader Today virtually all of the installation work carried out by Proline Roofing is completed by its team of trained in-house installers, ensuring a consistent level of quality on every project. With the current building boom underway in the Victoria area the company has occasionally added temporary labourers from reputable establishments to its worksites to keep up with the demand, but only under the direct supervision of Proline’s own authorized expert installers. An active member of the local business community, Proline Roofing & Gutters is a part of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and proud of its 15 year accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (it won the BBB Torch Award in 2014). Proline has donated to the Extreme Outreach program for many years, and more recently supported the local HeroWork Program assisting with Rainbow Kitchen renovation, an entity set up to assist the city’s less fortunate and other regional projects. The company also actively funds and supports missionary aid that assist the underprivileged in Mexico and other select parts of the globe, and even corporately sponsor

Proline has extensive experience in all styles of roofing, from commercial to this residential flat roof project a child in need through Metro World. While focused primarily on the installation of a full range of roofing and gutter systems, Proline Roofing also employs a mason who provides services such as re-pointing and replacing chimneys. “He’s really our one true sub-contractor, and has been with us for about four years and done really well,” Spahn said. Experienced, service driven and customer oriented, Proline Roofing & Gutters has been a leading Victoria roofing contractor for nearly

17 years, and anticipates continuing to serve the greater Victoria marketplace for the foreseeable future. “We have done a couple of jobs as far away as Port Alberni, but the Victoria market has been so active we’ve not been able to go after the growing demand beyond the region,” he stated. To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www.prolineroofing.com, or stop by the office to meet their friendly office personnel.

Providing quality construction service for over 30 years Roll Off Bins • Temporary Fencing • Porta-Potties Storage Containers • Slinger Services

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Congratulations on your 15 + years of rooﬁng service on Vancouver Island!

Alpine Group would like to congratulate Proline Roofing & Gutters on your many years of success and service to the community. We look forward to working with you in the future. Local business supporting local business.

BE AWARDS

MARCH 2017

BE Awards Celebrate Best Of The Best Of Island Business BY MARK MACDONALD

BUSINESS EXAMINER

ICTORIA – Quality Foods, which has 2 of its 13 locations in Greater Victoria, was announced as the Business of the Year the 17 th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, honouring the best of the best in Island business at the end of January at the sold-out Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. Quality Foods was joined a finalist in the Business of the Year category with Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress and Chemistry Consulting of Victoria, and The Coulson Group of Port Alberni. Bruce Williams of CTV Vancouver Island served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which had Black Press as a Platinum Medium Sponsor this year. RBC Royal Bank and Grant Thornton LLP as Gold Sponsors. Category sponsors were CIBC, Coastal Community Credit Union, Helijet, Grieg Seafood, Top 20 Under 40, Liquid Capital West Coast Financing Corporation and Invest Comox Valley. Typically, winners of the 17 categories are fairly distributed throughout Vancouver Island, and this year was no exception. Following are details of the Greater Victoria award winners at the Gala. Quality Foods has stores across the island and started as Qualicum Foods in a very small store in downtown Qualicum Beach, and the small group of founders

Jordan Schley, Store Manager of Quality Foods View Royal, left, receives the Business of the Year Award from Dan Little of Grant Thornton LLP PHOTO CREDIT: ITS-PHOTOGRAPHY.CA

Empire Hydrogen Energy Systems was the winner of Green Business of the Year. The award was presented by Stephen Ison of sponsor Liquid Capital PHOTO CREDIT: ITS-PHOTOGRAPHY.CA

felt that if they could provide exceptional service, they would be successful in that community, and in others against larger competitors. Now heading into its 35 th year in business, it’s more comfortable to

When growing your business and your personal financial wealth, the most useful financial advice is specialized financial advice. RBC is proud to be a sponsor of the Business Examiner Awards.

To start a conversation today, please contact a local RBC Advisor at 1-800-769-2520 or visit rbcadvicecentre.com TM

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SEE BE AWARDS | PAGE 23

INVESTING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS – TIME TO MAKE IT PERSONAL

Business growth starts with a conversation.

look back at the store’s beginnings, when owners faced 20-plus per cent interest – believing if they could survive and thrive in that environment, they would make it anywhere. RingPartner was named Entrepreneur of the Year. RingPartner generates inbound phone calls that connect customers to businesses big and small. Through RingPartner’s network of global digital

publishing partners, consumer calls are delivered to advertising clients at the exact moment that they are ready to buy. Empire Hydrogen Energy Systems was Green Business of the Year. Empire Hydrogen has developed a system to inject a minute amount of hydrogen and oxygen gasses into a diesel engine’s air intake. This causes the diesel fuel to burn faster and much more completely, resulting in a 16-25 per cent reduction in fuel use and greenhouse gasses, an 85 per cent reduction in diesel particulates and a 3 per cent

Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. 30060 (02/2010)

ou’ve always had a strong focus on financial goals for your business. Now it’s time to ensure that the personal side of your finances gets the same care and attention. Prior to implementing any strategies individuals should consult with a qualified tax advisor, accountant, legal professional or other professional to discuss implications specific to their situation. You may have a number of good reasons to expect t hat t he va lue of you r b u s i n e s s c a n p ro v i d e the funds you need for a comfortable retirement. But in business, as in life, nothing is ever certain. For example, economic changes or an unforeseen event – such as a lawsuit, loss of a key client or a key supplier – could have an adverse impact on the value of your business. W hen you’re re ady to retire, depending on the economy, you may not

get the price you need, or b e able to see you r business, to support the retirement you envision. You cou ld conti nue to work for your company, or sell your business to fa m i ly, b ut s i nc e yo u m ay n o lon ge r h ave a direct decision-making role, even these options may not ensure a lasting income. That’s why an important part of your personal risk management strategy should be to establish a sou rce for ret i rement funding that’s independent of you r busi ness wealth. A personal investment and savings plan can help ensure the longterm financial security of you and your family. A s a n e nt re pre n e u r, you have invested a considerable amount of time in your business to make it successful. A n R BC advisor can help you put the sa me emphasis on your personal investing strategies.

Ease into personal investing Separating your business goals from your long-term personal goals is an important step toward ensuring that you are well positioned to live the life you want to live when your business days are over. Focusing on the financial side of your personal life is a key part of the planning process. And just as your business skills grew incrementally over time, so can your approach to personal savings and investing. Consider these strategies: • Succession Planning • RRSP and Spousal RRSP’s • Ta x Fe e S a v i n g s Accounts • Individual Pension Plans For adv ice on a ny of these strategies for building and individualizing a retirement plan please contact an RBC Advisor. www.rbc.com

BE AWARDS

MARCH 2017

Grant Thornton LLP Committed To Clients And Communities

Coastal Heat Pumps of Sidney earned the Trades Business of the Year Crystal Award at the Vancouver Island Excellence Awards.

BE AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Year (Less than 50 employees). Level Ground Tradingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to trade fairly and directly with small-scale farmers in

developing countries. The company has grown to import the

increase in horsepower. SEE BE AWARDS |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; PAGE 24 Bayshore Home Health of Sidney was Health Care Business of the Year. Bayshore Home Health delivers private home care service to the residents of south Vancouver Island. A proudly Canadian company since 1966, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence to all Canadians. We go above and beyond to deliver a positive experience to the lives of individuals in our communities. Victoria Eye was Professional Business of the Year. VICTORIA EYE was the first eye care medical center on Vancouver Island to implant the state-of-the-art intraocular lenses. It is a leading multi-physician practice equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical technology to offer patients the highest level of ocular care. Coastal Heat Pumps of Sidney was Trades Business of the Year. Coastal Heat Pumps has beenCare in Home Designed Especially for You: business since 2005 with their t 'SFF "TTFTTNFOUT t /VSTJOH primary focus on providing yearround indoor comfort to resident /VSTF 4VQFSWJTFE 4UBGG t 1FSTPOBM $BSF tial customers. They believe that t )PVS comfort isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just at )PNF 4VQQPSU setting on a %BZ 4FSWJDF thermostat - but that it encomt $PNQBOJPOTIJQ passes the many aspects it takes t 'PPUDBSF t 1BMMJBUJWF $BSF to design a heat pump system. t $PNNVOJUZ 3FTPVSDF Registration details online Level Ground Trading of Sidt 3FJLJ $FOUSF GPS )FBMUI $BSF ney as Small Business of the

t Grant Thornton LLP, we are committed to our clients, our colleagues and our communities and firmly believe that when community businesses succeed, we succeed. We help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, actionable advice through a broad range of services and a focus on personal attention. Dan Little, Managing Partner of the firm on Vancouver Island recognizes the importance of supporting the annual Business Excellence Awards through sponsorship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These awards recognize, validate and celebrate business success stories in our community, and inspire others to reach new heights and experience new growth. We congratulate all of the nominees, finalists and winners on this achievement,â&#x20AC;? These awards celebrate the best of Vancouver Island business with other business and community

leaders. It is a distinguished award that pays tribute to the integral role that business plays in creating thriving communities. Grant Thornton LLP also suppor ts m a ny com mu n ity organizations across Vancouver Island, including United Way, The Festival of Trees, the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the University of Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. With offices in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Port A lberni, and communities across the country, they provide a wide range of services including: corporate restructuring, succession and estate planning, insolvency and bankruptcy, valuations, as well as core services such as auditing, accounting and tax. www.grantthornton.ca

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BE AWARDS

Left, Stasia Hartley of Bayshore Home Health in Sidney received the award for Health Care Business of the Year. The award was presented by Allison Morgan of RBC

BE AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

annual harvest of 5,000 farmers from 10 countries in South America, East Africa and South Asia and is a direct importer and wholesaler of coffee, tea, dried fruit, cane sugar, heirloom rice, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, coconut oil and spices. Inn at Laurel Point shared the Hospitality award with Telegraph Cove Resort of Telegraph Cove near Port McNeill, as they were tied on the judges’ ballots. Inn at Laurel Point has a steadfast commitment and status as

a social enterprise. The Inn uses profits to maximize investment in human and environmental well-being, creating a lasting impact on the staff and the surrounding community. Other award winners were: Salish Sea Foods of the Comox Valley as Aquaculture Business of the Year, Bailey Western Star Trucks as Automotive Business of the Year, GNB Builders of Ladysmith as Construction/Development Business of the Year, The Nest Bistro of Nanaimo as Food Establishment of the Year, Woodland Flooring of the Comox Valley as Wood Products/

MARCH 2017

There were two winners for the Hospitality Business of the Year Award. From left: Avril Matthews of Inn at Laurel Point, presenter Dan Little of Grant Thornton LLP, and Gordie and Marilyn Graham of Telegraph Cove Resort PHOTO CREDIT: ITS-PHOTOGRAPHY.CA

Forestry Business of the Year, Westholme Tea Company of the Cowichan Valley as Manufacturing Business of the Year, NYLA Fresh Thread of Nanaimo as Retail Business of the Year, SEAMOR Marine as Technology Business of the Year, and Living Forest Oceanside Campground of Nanaimo as Tourism Business of the Year. The Official Booklet for the awards, which includes profiles on each of the finalist companies, can be viewed at https:// issuu.com/markmacdonald36/ docs/be_awards_2017_booklr www.businessexaminer.ca

Left, Ryan Gerhardt, co-founder of Ring Partners, receives the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from sponsor Roger McKinnon of 20 Under 40, right is Ring Partners company president, Mike Williams PHOTO CREDIT: ITS-PHOTOGRAPHY.CA

to our QF people to be named

VANCOUVER ISLAND BUSINESS OF THE YEAR! “To everyone working in the stores and behind the scenes, you are the only reason we can do what we do. Thank you.” - John Briuolo “This award reflects the hard work and dedication that our QF’ers show every day. We sincerely appreciate you!” - Ken Schley “When you put amazing people and remarkable communities together, you get quality results every time. Thanks so much for your efforts” - Noel Hayward

WHO IS SUING WHOM

MARCH 2017

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 Ahad Nourriture Inc 5986 Cody Pl, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF 1053657 C LTD CLAIM $19,495 DEFENDANT CNA CANADA 225-701 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Granacher, Joseph CLAIM $16,699 DEFENDANT CNA CONTINENTAL COMPANY 225-701 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Granacher, Joseph CLAIM $16,699 DEFENDANT Coast Claims Services LTD 1202 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Granacher, Joseph CLAIM $ 16,699 DEFENDANT

Coast Salish Development Corporation 12611A Trans Canada Hwy, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF AYPQ Architecture CLAIM $ 22,812 DEFENDANT Fernwood Urban Village Development Corporation 1850 Chambers St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Keay Cecco Architecture Ltd CLAIM $ 23,216 DEFENDANT Frank Simpson Roofing 162-1751 Northgate Rd, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Roofmart Pacific Ltd CLAIM $ 12,665 DEFENDANT Home Depot Canada 1000-840 Howe St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Peleshaty, Dwayne CLAIM $ 24,156

PLAINTIFF K&S Railings Ltd CLAIM $ 6,749

PLAINTIFF RONA Inc CLAIM $ 5,278

DEFENDANT Mercury Service 89 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Croucher, Jason BH CLAIM $ 8,371

DEFENDANT Rock Steady Contracting Ltd PO Box 1124, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF Hyland Precast Inc CLAIM $ 8,455

DEFENDANT Pacific Marine Underwriting Managers Ltd 800-885 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Granacher, Joseph CLAIM $ 16,699

DEFENDANT S&I Hardwood Floors Ltd 1885 Feltham Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Jordans Rugs Limited CLAIM $ 7,459

DEFENDANT RGF Construction Ltd 9524 120th St, Surrey, BC PLAINTIFF STM Contracting LTD CLAIM $ 146,267

DEFENDANT Humboldt Investments Ltd 1850 Chambers St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Keay Cecco Architecture Ltd CLAIM $ 23,216

DEFENDANT Richard Packaging Inc 1800-401 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Loghouse Brewing Co CLAIM $ 14,558

DEFENDANT MacLennan Construction Ltd 856 Gaetjen St, Parksville, BC

DEFENDANT Rock Steady Contracting Ltd 1181 Rocky Creek Rd, Ladysmith, BC

DEFENDANT Snowcap Lumber Ltd 31180 Peardonville Rd, Abbotsford, BC PLAINTIFF Bluelinx Corporation CLAIM $ 49,525 DEFENDANT South Coast Fibre Inc 400-110 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Johansen, Leonard William CLAIM $ 17,249 DEFENDANT Thuyshenum Property Management 12611A Trans Canada Hwy, Ladysmith, BC PLAINTIFF AYPQ Architecture

25 CLAIM $ 22,812 DEFENDANT Triple R Construction Inc 4599 Chatterton Way, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Paragon Remediation Group Ltd CLAIM $ 18,820 DEFENDANT Upland Contracting Ltd 101-990 Cedar St, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF PGH Consulting Services Ltd CLAIM $ 15,977 DEFENDANT Verico Andrychuk Mortgage Company Inc 1984 Comox Ave, Comox, BC PLAINTIFF McBride, Andrew CLAIM $ 10,242 DEFENDANT Whites Diesel Power & Marine 3-275 North Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Clellamin, Glenn CLAIM $ 11,716 DEFENDANT Wise Buys 4092 Interurban Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Stadnek, Gary Nicholas CLAIM $ 89,250

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Dan Dagg of Hot House Marketing

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce announces that Dan Dagg of Hot House Marketing will be the first recipient of the Chamber’s Member of the Year award. He will receive this recognition for his years of volunteer service on behalf of the Chamber and his leadership in building the regional coalition that launched the South Island Prosperity Project in 2016. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce annual Business Awards will be held April 20. Victoria’s Valla Tinney, FCPA, FCGA is one of the eight fellows named by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC). Valla is the director of finance for the District of Saanich. Under her leadership, Saanich continues to receive awards from the Government Finance Officers Association in the US and Canada for financial reporting and budgeting presentation. The fellowship (FCPA) designation recognizes CPAs who have provided exceptional services to the accounting profession and whose achievements in their careers or in the community have brought honour to the profession. The Vancouver Island Top 20 under 40 Awards will be held in Nanaimo April 2 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. The awards honour the best of the best of young professionals from across Vancouver Island. Sweenie Moving has relocated to a new warehouse facility at 6776 Oldfield Road. Additionally, the company announces that as of March 1, they will be joining North American Van Lines as an agent in the Victoria area. North American Van Lines is a worldwide company and a leader in relocations with over eighty years of experience in the industry. Osborn Watts & Co. and Collins Barrow Victoria have been in the historic Yarrow Building for over 20 years, providing accounting, assurance, tax and advisory solutions to their respective clients. Effective January 1, OWC has merged with Collins Barrow Victoria, allowing these firms to provide their brand of services together. Al Hasham, the owner of Maximum Express Courier, Freight Logistics and Max Furniture is celebrating 30 years of being an entrepreneur in Victoria. Al and his brother moved to Victoria in 1987 to start their first business DanFoss Courier. Now, Al has been involved in a variety of different businesses – the most recent being Cambria College Victoria. Tim North has been named as supervisor of maintenance for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. Tim will manage the day-to-day maintenance as well as planning and improving safety protocols. The University of Victoria’s Department of Theatre is celebrating their 50th anniversary. Re/MAX Camosun announces that Karen Jensen has completed 25 years with the Re/MAX organization.

Bois and Cuir is a new furniture, lighting and décor store open at 1323 Government Street. Johnny Rockets is expected to open two locations in Victoria in May of this year at The Bay Centre and Hillside Centre. The Californiabased chain is known for their cooked-to-order hamburgers and shakes. The company signed a 40-restaurant master agreement in Canada last fall with franchising partner Lewis Gelmon. Victoria-based Vecima Networks is selling their Saskatchewan-based YourLink business to Xplornet Communications for $28.75-million. The sales agreement is part of Vecima’s priority to monetize non-core assets and focus on their core technology business. Century 21 Queenswood Realty announces the addition of Patricia Mamic to their team. For the past five years Patricia has worked as a real estate professional exclusively with Bosa Properties and residential condominium developments in SONGHEES. Century 21 Queenswood is at 1845 Fort Street. Departures Travel welcomes Pamela MacDonald and Alex Yates to their team of travel agents and advisors at 1889 Oak Bay Avenue. Great Smiles Denture Clinic at 100C Burnside Avenue West is celebrating their 25th anniversary. Low-cost airline NewLeaf, has removed Victoria from the list of cities it services. NewLeaf pulled service from Victoria late last year and was initially planning a return in the late spring and then throughout the summer. The company did not include Victoria in their recently updated summer schedule, noting that they are focusing on increasing flight frequency on their major routes. Paladin Security Group has acquired Victoriabased KC Security Services. This marks Paladin’s second acquisition on the Island within the last year. Last April they acquired Security Group’s operations. Grant Turner and Dan Lau, owners of the Yates Street Taphouse, are preparing to open a new brewing and distilling operation. The brewpub is expected to open in early 2018 on the ground floor of Hudson Walk Two, a residential tower currently under construction. Aaron Siwiec is joining Scotia Wealth Management’s Victoria office as their new branch manager. Aaron takes over from Dean Freeman who is moving to the firm’s Edmonton division. Scotia Wealth Management is at Suite #400 - 1803 Douglas Street.

Blair Dwyer of Dwyer Tax Law

Victoria-based Dwyer Tax Law was the recipient of one of five honourable mentions in a report listing the top tax-law boutiques in Canada. The report, based on a survey of lawyers and clients was published in the January issue of Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Dwyer Tax Law is at Suite #900 1175 Douglas Street. Uomo Barber has moved to 108-240 Cook Street. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) announced that Premier Christy Clark and Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction for BC have been named the winners of the Golden Scissors award. The winners of the award are recognized for leadership in producing meaningful results in cutting red tape for small business. Victoria Distillers announces their master distiller, Peter Hunt has been named president of the company while Leon Webb takes over the role of master distiller. The distillery is at 9891 Seaport Place in Sidney. Bin 4 Burger Lounge restaurant at 180-911 Yates Street closed their doors for renovations on January 31. The renovation will include a full facelift, with the restaurant getting new flooring, refinished tabletops, new chairs, new granite countertops, wall coverings and other

Terry Johal President, VRBA

touches. The restaurant will be announcing their reopening date on bin4burgerlounge.com. Peninsula Dental welcomes Dr. Andrew Sweet to their team of professionals at Suite #205 – 1931 Mount Newton X Road in Saanichton. Dr. Sweet has been practicing in Victoria since 2010.. The 500-member Vancouver Island Construction Association has named Rory Kulmala as their new CEO. Rory will assume the role on February 27 and will take over from Greg Baynton, who has held the role for the past 10 years. He brings 25 years of experience in the construction industry and strong relationships with stakeholders within the Vancouver Island construction community. Erica McMonnies and Erin Lee of Hutcheson and Co. Chartered Professional Accountants LLP recently passed their CFE exams. Hutcheson and Co. is at Suite #200 – 1137 Yates Street. Successful Visions Group Inc. at 2550 Rocky Bay Avenue, a local custom kitchen manufacturer, celebrates their 30th anniversary. The University of Victoria is pleased to announce the addition of Beverly Van Ruyven, Michael Mitchell and Daphne Corbett to their Board of Governors. Beverly assumes the role of ViceChair and will serve in her role until July 2018. Michael was appointed to the board effective December 2016 until December 2018. Ms. Corbett was appointed to the role of Chair of the Board of Governors and has been with the board since July 2015. Victoria-based Carmanah Technologies recently acquired marine navigation products under the EKTA brand from Cybernetica AS, a company based in Estonia. Carmanah paid 1.35 million euros for the products. Victoria International Running Society, the operators of the TC10K, has named The Running Room Canada as the official retail partner for the SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS| PAGE 29

STEP CODE OUT-OF-STEP WITH PUBLIC

A recent national housing survey showed Canadians rank affordability as the #1 priority. This was true for British Columbians as well, which is not surprising, considering our home prices are $100,000 above the national average. The survey also revealed their last priority is “green housing” coinciding with our view that new homes are already very energy efficient. VRBA’s Built Green contractors are building new energy efficient homes in the West Shore that are affordable for the average family income. However, the BC government plans to introduce a new energy Step Code that will marginally increase efficiency in these new homes at an additional cost of $40k to $100k, not including mortgage interest. The regulations will reduce a new home’s air changes from 3 to 1, while older homes’ air changes continue at 25 or more - a far greater contributor to GHG’s. The BC government’s proposed Step Code is a classic case of diminishing returns, offering little impact on GHG’s,

and only serving to eliminate families from the housing market. Real climate leadership would be a Renovation Tax Credit reducing air changes from 25 to 3.5 in BC’s older housing stock. The province should be listening to British Columbians and pursue affordability, rather than a Step Code offering very expensive efficiency designed to score “green” points. The Step Code policy is clearly out-of-step with the public’s wishes. We will achieve very efficient Net Zero homes in the future, supported first by affordability, education, and proven practice. Today, affordable, reasonably energy efficient homes are what the public needs and expects.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MARCH 2017

MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

race on April 30. The Running Room will set up at the TC10K exposition and package pickup at Crystal Garden on race weekend. The Running Room will also provide support to running clinics leading up to race day. Mike Grover and daughter Kyla Novak have teamed up to obtain the franchise rights to Greater Victoria for Homeward Bound Pet Food Delivery. The franchise offers free delivery of premium grain-free cat and dog food that is made in British Columbia. Novak is a licensed veterinary assistant and runs the day-to-day operations for the company. Mandy Parker has been named the new director of development at Broadmead Care. Mandy will be responsible for building the organization’s fundraising campaign and focusing on a $2-million capital plan to replace Nigel House with a residential care home. Pacifica Housing announces Colleen Cybulski is their new director of property services. Cybulski has 12 years of experience in property management, including work in the private sector, non-profit housing sector and in the housing department for the City of Guelph. Don Mattrick is the recipient of the 2017 Gustavson School of Business distinguished entrepreneur of the year award. The award recognizes a business leader who has achieved success through their acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. Mattrick is a BC-based investment leader who once led gaming company Zynga and helped bring Microsoft to Victoria. V2V Vacations is expecting to launch its passenger ferry service between downtown Victoria and downtown Vancouver on May 1. The ferry service will be a luxury cruise service and will offer three tiers of service, costing $120, $199 and $240 one way. The sailings will be aboard the V2V Empress, a 254-seat, 126-foot catamaran that will make the trip in three and a half hours. Daily sailings will leave Vancouver at 8 am and Vancouver at 2 pm, travelling from beside the Steamship Terminal Building in Victoria to the convention centre docks in Vancouver. Our Place Society is pleased to welcome six new community members to their Board of Directors. Joining the board are Karen Adams, Rev. Bill Cantelon, Jill Cater, Brett Hayward, Andrea Jakeman-Brown and Linda Ryder. The board currently includes Diana Butler, chair; Cairine Green, vice chair; Scott Daly, secretary; Andrea Jakeman-Brown, treasurer; Susan Haddon, past chair; Susan Abells; Kristina D’Sa; Geoffrey Huggett and Larry Pedersen. Along with the new board members, Our Place announces that Frank Bourree has been appointed chair of the advisory cabinet. Air Canada has introduced a Boeing 767-300ER to the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) for direct flights between Victoria and Toronto. The new airline will be the largest aircraft on YYJ’s regular schedule and will be operated by Air Canada Rouge, a wholly owned subsidiary. The introduction of the new plane means YYJ will be increasing their capacity on the popular route by up to 65 per cent in the peak July travel period. Galaxy Motors announces Shayne Stewart is their salesperson of the month for January at 1772 Island Highway. Saanich-based Don Mann Excavating was awarded the contract to install a high-pressure pipe and drain from the Rithet Reservoir. Don Mann’s bid was $577,124. De Vine Vineyards and Distillery received a silver medal for their Glen Saanich Single Malt at the recent Canadian Whisky Awards. De Vine is at 6181B Old West Saanich Road. The Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB) has named Ara Balabanian as their new president.

Ara is an instructor for the BC Real Estate Association post-licensing and ethics course and has been active in all facets of real estate since 1986. This year’s board also includes is president-elect Kyle Kerr, past-president Mike Nugent, secretary-treasury Bill Ethier and directors Sandi-Jo Ayers, Karen Dinnie-Smyth, Andrew Plank, Tony Wick and Cheryl Woolley. VREB was recently honoured by HeroWork with the organization’s Golden Hammer Award for their contributions to the charitable cause.

Gary Bearham, architect with Moore Wilson Architects Inc Moore Wilson Architects Inc. has added architect Gary Bearham and technologist George Gogoulis to their team of professionals.

George Gogoulis, Architect technologist with Moore Wilson Architects Inc The Royal British Columbia Museum announces the addition of Tewanee Joseph and Gordon Fitzpatrick to their board of directors. Tewanee is a member of the Squamish First Nations and is the CEO of Tewanee Consulting Group Inc. Gordon is the president of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards. After 35 years in business, the Rathskeller Restaurant at 1205 Quadra Street is changing hands and owner Andrea Sims is moving on. The restaurant has been purchased by a Torontobased property conglomerate that intends to lease the restaurant out for the time being. Dr. Keven Elder is retiring after 12 years serving as superintendent for School District 63 in July. Dave Everwein, who currently serves as the deputy superintendent at School District 45 (West Vancouver) will take over from Elder. Paterson Henn CPA welcomes Sandra Boyd, CPA, CGA to their team of professionals at 9710 2 Street in Sidney. Oceanographer and professor at the University of Victoria, Jay Cullen is currently competing to become one of two new Canadian astronauts. Cullen is currently competing against 71 other candidates, a reduction from the 4,000 applications the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) originally received. The CSA expects to make a decision on the final two candidates in the spring. The Silver Cross Victoria superstore recently celebrated their grand opening at Unit 204 2657 Wilfert Road. The new store carries a full range of mobility products including stair and porch lifts, accessible vans and aids to daily living. Anytime Fitness has opened a new location at 1095 Mckenzie Avenue. Arbutus RV and Marine Sales’ Sidney location has named Bruce Ziprick their top salesperson overall for 2016. Arbutus RV and Marine is at 10040 Galaran Road. SEE MOVERS & SHAKERS| PAGE 31

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MARCH 2017 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Head Office 200-3060 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria V8T 3J5 Ph: 1.250.204.7678 Fax: 1.250.642.2870 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

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

EUROPEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT RATIFICATION IS GREAT NEWS

MARK MACDONALD

he European Union’s ratification of their free trade agreement with Canada is great news for Canadians. What is called the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is a landmark for this country, which will result in much easier access for our companies to the massive European market, and vice versa. With EU firms enjoying the same removal of prohibitive tariffs, that opens doors for them in Canada, although our market of 35 million people is relatively small, considering the EU’s population of 508 million. CE TA wa s t he crow n i ng achievement of the former Conservative government, with the finishing touches applied just prior to the 2015 federal election. Conservative governments are

those that have introduced almost all free trade agreements for this country, including the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, North A merica n Free T rad e A g re ement ( NA F TA , featuring Canada, the U.S. and Mexico), and the Trans Pacific Partnership with 12 mostly Asian countries. Federa l Libera ls have been known to express their dislike for such agreements, much to the delight of a sliver of the electorate, but have never undone one of the deals thus far. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even hailed the CETA ratification. Taking potshots at free trade may be effective campaign fodder, but the realities of governance dictates that these deals are good for Canadian business, which means jobs, and, of course, increased government revenue. Once in power, that simply cannot be ignored. One cannot stress enough how important free trade agreements are with nations other than our cu rrent nu mber one trad ing partner, our closest neighbour, the United States. W hen any business has one major customer, it is subject to the whims and wants of that client – and if the company changes its buying plans, then it’s certain economic

disaster. Canada has traditionally inhaled the exhale of the American economy, and overall, has certainly benefited. The last economic downturn was a rare exception as Ca nada skated through very well compared to most nations, and some of that success was due to our country’s diversification in trade. BC’s forest industry, in particular, would have been completely ravaged if it was solely tied into the U.S. economy as it traditionally has been. However, strong demand from Japan and China produced a spike in exports in that sector, which benefited us immensely. With A mer ica n housi ng sta r ts at record lows a nd the bu l k of building material comprised of Canadian softwood lumber, that industry would have been decimated. Oil and gas is another issue. Americans have enjoyed a sizeable discount on Canadian petroleum exports. When the price of a barrel of oil was over $100, it ran as much as $35 U.S. per barrel, so it would be safe to say that still runs in the neighbourhood of 30 per cent. If there is any way Canada can get that most valuable resource out to other markets, it would provide

a tremendous boost to employment, as well as government revenues. Looking at a map showing U.S. pipelines, it looks like a spider web covers t hei r por t ion of the continent. That American monies are used to bolster Canadian anti-pipeline protesters is hypocritical at best, although some people recognize these funds help protect U.S. interests and the discounts they currently enjoy. It also protects the railway traffic that carries Canadian oil to southern U.S. refineries. S o, i f Ca n a d a c a n ge t t h e Energy East pipeline underway, then completed, that would give us access to the vast European market. The twinning of the Kinder Morgan pipeline gives us more potential export potential for Asia, although it would have been more lucrative if the Enbridge proposal was allowed to proceed. Anything we can do to lessen our reliance on one market – the U.S. – is good for our long-term economic health, and hedges us against the inevitable dips that occur. To the horror of T rudeau’s green supporters, he approved the twinning of Kinder Morgan, which to some, was another

broken campaign promise and betrayal of trust. But like free trade agreements, t h e re a l i t i e s o f b e i n g “ t h e man” overseeing the national budget clearly demonstrates that vague, populist campaign prom ises ca n’t be kept once reaching office. There are too many jobs and too much government revenue tied to the oil and gas sector to simply turn it off, as extremists would like. It is sha mefu l to pa nder to such interests disingenuously, but that’s what it’s come down to – say whatever you have to in order to gain power, and do what you have to do and what t he e c onomy d ic t ate s onc e you’re in. The numbers show that only provinces with oil and gas economies are showing black on their ledgers. Take that out, and the country’s economy is in tatters. It’s not just the direct jobs and revenues from the oil patch – it’s the ancillary businesses that emerge to service that sector, and everything else that results. Free trade is good and necessary for Canada, and the federal government is right to applaud Europe’s approval of a document that could go a long ways towards lessening our reliance on the U.S. market.

FEDS MUST REVERSE COURSE ON MORE CAMPAIGN PROMISES

THE FRASER INSTITUTE CHARLES LAMMAM & JASON CLEMENS

he federal government’s economic advisory council led by the managing director of global consulting giant McKinsey and Company has called on the federal government to reverse several of its most high-profile policies. Many of the policy recommendations submitted by the council would

likely lead to improved economic growth. It is, therefore, political barriers rather than economic concerns that would impede such policies. One of the highest profile recommendations is the raising of the age of eligibility for retirement benefits from public programs to 67 from 65. While in opposition as well as during the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals heavily and consistently chastised the governing Tories for raising the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS). The proposal from the council calls for a much broader reform, which is raising the age of eligibility for all public programs including OAS as well as the Canada Pension Plan and other senior benefits. Such a reversal would be politically costly, particularly given the government’s recent high profile reversal on its electoral reform promise. But raising the age of eligibility makes eminent sense when one considers the aging of our population. As the council noted, Canada needs stronger incentives for

Abandoning Their Promise on Electoral Reform Was Only a Start

people to remain active in the labour force as they age. Increasing the age at which they can access public benefits make sense in this context. Strangely, though, given the council’s focus on labour market participation, it did not mention or recommend one of the most obvious policy reversals needed to improve the incentives for workers to remain in the labour force: taxes. One of the principal reasons to remain in the labour force, work extra hours, and/ or invest in one’s skills through job training and education is the monetary gain. The monetary gains from such activities are limited by the applicable income and payroll taxes borne by workers. For almost all Canadian workers, the marginal tax rate - that is, the tax rate that applies to an extra dollar of income - has risen under the Liberal government. The combination of a higher personal income tax rate on upper-income earners and the expansion of the Canada Pension Plan means that almost all

workers will experience a reduction in the share of extra income they keep compared to what the government gets. Lowering these tax rates would improve the incentives for workers to work. Again, though, such a policy would require the governing Liberals to reverse course on major election commitments that led to higher taxes. The Trudeau government seems to be in a place where they’re increasingly being forced to recognize the difference between governing and campaigning (and being in opposition). Governing requires difficult decisions that are in the best interests of the population at large. As evidenced by the reversal on electoral reform, the governing Liberals have shown their ability to lead. The question now is whether they will accept the analysis of their own advisory council and reverse course on yet more policies. Jason Clemens and Charles Lammam are economists with the Fraser Institute.

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MARCH 2017

2017 LOOKS GREAT THANKS TO A STRONG FOUNDATION OF CONFIRMED BUSINESS

TOURISM VICTORIA PAUL NURSEY

t’s still early in 2017 but one of our key areas of strategic focus is starting to pay dividends. A couple of years ago, our organization shifted focus to make sure every initiative had a hard ROI. We have embedded rigorous research, target setting and accountability for business results in everything we do There have been hard decisions, but, by placing scrutiny on investments and ensuring we are driving measurable hotel room-nights, we have a strong sense of where our industry is going. Consider the following: • This year is shaping up to be very strong for city-wide conferences (at least 400 delegates, requiring multiple hotels over multiple days). In fact, we expect this to be the strongest since 2007, and possibly set the record for city-wide conferences in Victoria. We’re also booking conference into 2020 as well. • We have won major sports tourism events, including the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in partnership with Vancouver. The event runs from December 2018 through to January 2019 and will result in tens of thousands of hotel roomnights. As well, Tourism Victoria is playing a major

MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their 2017 Board of Directors. They are Kerry Cavers (The Uncommon Carrot) as President; Steve Grundy (Royal Roads University) as 1st Vice-President; Patrick Allen (The Competency Group Inc.) as 2nd VicePresident; Lorna Danylchuk (Your Perfect Gift) as Treasurer; Nicholas Gakena as Secretary; and Alayne MacIsaac (Sheringham Distillery). This year’s board also includes Alison Forster (OOMPHATICO), Beth Cougler Blom (Beth Cougler Blom Facilitation), Dan Houle (Prestige Oceanfront Resort), Gillian Dixon (Point No Point

role in the return of the PGA Champions Tour at Westin Bear Mountain Resort. Here are some of the bookings so far: • Canadian Housing Renewal Association will host its 51st annual conference in April 2019. This will bring 600 people over three days, and result in 1,000 room nights • Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada is booked for May 2018, bringing 800 people over four days and filling 1,200 room nights • College and Institutes Canada has confirmed for April 2018, with 700 people staying three days and filling 1,600 room nights. We a re d o u bl i n g d ow n on our investment in our team to make sure our sales pipeline is always full. Tourism Victoria now has dedicated in-market sales reps based in three geographic areas: • Vancouver: An ideal location to serve our key markets in BC, Washington State and Alberta. • Ottawa: The nation’s capital is the headquarters for 5,600 associations and 60 sports associations; nearby Toronto has Canada’s greatest concentration of corporate headquarters, while Montreal has a vibrant cluster of pharmaceutical corporations. • San Francisco: T h i s i s where we need to be to tap into the technology and biotech meetings pipeline, as well as the broader California market. It’s also a strategic location to cultivate the growing Texas market, which has shown strength for us. Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Tourism Victoria. Resort), Les Haddad (Sooke Delivery Guy), Linda Ferguson (Linda Ferguson SKIN), Shandra Collins (Focus Driving School) and Nick Callanan (Callanan Photography). Cathy’s Corner Cafe has reopened for business at their previous location at 6697 Sooke Road in Sooke. TD Canada Trust’s Sooke branch welcomes Erich Salk to their team as the new branch manager. The branch is at 6670 Sooke Road. The Reading Room Bookstore and Cafe in Sooke is seeking a new location in the area for their business. RBC Royal Bank’s Sooke branch announces Elke Paone is their new interim branch manager while Chelsea Ramsay is on parental leave. RBC Sooke is at 6639 Sooke Road.

Protecting Personal Assets from a Business Disaster

f you are a business owner t here a re steps you ca n take for protecting your personal assets from a business disaster. It is best if these steps are taken when the business is started. Most people th i n k it w i l l never happen to them. However, business disasters do happen! In my practice, I have seen many disastrous results of business owners who did not exercise even the simplest of some of these tips, only to lose their home or retirement funds or their life savings. One of the first considerations in protecting your personal assets from a business disaster is whether the business is incorporated or not. Incorporating the business offers various protections for a business owner. G et p rofe s sion a l a dv ic e. An accountant and a lawyer can give you advice to get the business off to a good start

and for protecting your personal assets from a business disaster. Only one spouse should be a director. Limit family exposure to risk. Directors are responsible for any outstanding source deductions, GST and provincial tax. Be loyal to the business’s statutory creditors. Always pay statutory debt on time. Statutory debt owing is a personal liability of directors. Don’t have significant assets in your personal name. You c a n h ave a l l you r si g n i f icant personal assets in your spouse’s name for protecting your personal assets from a business disaster. This works b e s t i f y o u h a v e a s t ro n g marriage. Avoid giving personal guarantees to suppliers or a landlord. In some cases such as dealing with a bank you must give a personal guarantee or you will not get the loan. In

many cases simply stating that a personal guarantee in not available will suffice. Have only the corporation borrow funds from the bank. Don’t allow the bank to lend t he money to you p ersona l ly. St r uct u r i ng t he debt this way will mean that if the business fails the bank will be paid funds from the sale of the business assets first and will only look to your personal assets if there is a shortfall after liquidating the business assets. If a fa m ily member lends money to the business that person should take back secu rity for the loans. T he security documents and the registration of the documents must be done by a lawyer. This way, if the business fails the family member will get paid ahead of unsecured creditors thus protecting persona l a s s e t s f ro m a b u s i n e s s disaster.

Earl Sands, MBA, CGA, CPA, CIRP, LIT - is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. He wrote the Personal Insolvency Guide, which was published by Self Counsel Press and has been sold in stores across Canada. He currently operates one of the best bankruptcy resources on the Internet; https:// bankruptcycanada.com/.

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