Thunder Bay Business May 2013

May 2013

Tearing down walls to build a dream is key in Club Residence Condominium Development See Inside Pages 5-12!

THE BOOM CONTINUES It’s Back! Shoes & Champagne 2 Storm Warning by Norm Foster: Magus Theatre’s Last Play of the Season ACCURASSAY AUTOMATES WITH A FIRST-OF-ITSKIND SYSTEM IN THE AMERICAS It’s “business as usual” with the right insurance protection

Decorative, safety and energy saving window film solutions for your building

New Thunder Bay Entrepreneur Likes Thunder Bay: George Contracting

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MAY 2013

It’s Back! Shoes & Champagne 2 Back by popular demand, Shoes & Champagne 2 is coming to the waterfront this summer. Touted the best event of the year back in 2010, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is thrilled to announce the gala event on June 20th at Bight Restaurant & Bar and the Mariner’s Hall.

Highlighting the event is the chance for attendees to purchase shoes from international designers and right off the foot of high-profile celebrities.

“If you’ve ever wanted to walk in your favourite celebrity's shoes- this event will provide you with that opportunity;” said Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay CEO, Diane Mitchell. Several pairs of shoes from major celebrities will be up for grabs.

Those in attendance will be able to bid on shoes from the likes of Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, the Kardashians, Lisa Vanderpump of Dancing with the Stars and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the Trudeau Family, and Taylor Swift.

“You will actually have the chance to meet

a celebrity as well,” continues Mitchell.

New to the event this time around is a Celebrity VIP Guest. Leaving the drama and her friends behind in B.C., Jody Claman of the Real Housewives of Vancouver is attending the event. She will provide a keynote address at the event and give 50 lucky fans a chance to rub shoulders with one of the countries most elite housewives at a special VIP cocktail party.

Claman admits that sometimes stars can easily get wrapped up in the small things in life that don’t really matter. But she never forgets that there are real women across Canada who are struggling everyday to afford a decent home for their families. “Providing a safe and decent place to live is truly what every housewife wants to give to her children. We are ecstatic that everyone’s favourite real housewife will be joining us for Shoes & Champagne 2;” says Mitchell. “We know that she will bring the right mix of celebrity chic and empowerment to everyone in attendance through her presence and story.”

Along with the celebrity shoe auction, high-end designers shoes will also be available to bid on. Popular designers such as Prada, Gucci, Michael Kors, and Dior will be featured in the silent auction.

Tickets for Shoes & Champagne 2 are available at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 660 Squier St., by calling (807)345-5520, or online at www.habitattbay.com.

Claman is a successful, self-made business woman with an empire that includes an upscale boutique, a fashion line, a tea house and a catering company, As Claman’s career and success has grown, she tries to give back to communities as much as possible. Claman has established an organization called Larry Lunch Bucket to help fight hunger in Vancouver’s Eastside. She will share this story along with some others during her talk. Claman will also hand out the best-dressed awards at the event.

All funding raised will contribute to next year’s home builds in the city of Thunder Bay. Since its inception on 1994, the notfor-profit organization has provided 23 homes for families in need.

We will see you on the red carpet!

Storm Warning by Norm Foster Jack Forrester, a Second World War army vet, is spending his summer at a serene lakeside retreat until Emma Currie; a brassy big-city girl involved in the music scene, shows up to disrupt his life.

Debra Hale plays Emma and Scott Maudsley Jack in this funny and thought provoking Norm Foster play that focuses on the relationship between Jack and Emma who are brought together by chance. They both have issues going on in their lives which many of us do. The play takes us through each character with conversations between them that cover all

Scott Maudsley as Jack and Debra Hale plays Emma aspects of their lives.

Emma is a brash outgoing girl who reminded me very much of someone I knew personally. She probed Jack eventually finding out even his most innermost thoughts. Jack is a reserved military guy who really doesn’t want to spend much time in conversation but has little choice with the outgoing Emma. Emma is a beer drinking, pot smoking and pill popping girl who works all night, sleeps in til noon and needs to change her life really hoping, I think, for a long term relationship. Jack is troubled by his war experience that involved the death of a friend and resulted in him spending months in the hospital for mental reasons. The play is set in a remote location on a lake with cabins and as usual Magnus creates a beautiful set.

I really enjoyed the sincere revelations between the characters that cut to the most important aspects of their lives. It showed true emotions ranging from humour to sadness and made the playgoer think about life in a real way. Storm Warning was an excellent close to the year and look forward to attending more Magnus plays next season!

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MAY 2013

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner The snow was falling, temperatures were cool and we had new direct jet service with United from Thunder Bay to Chicago.

It seemed like a good opportunity for me to travel to Orlando, see the Arnold Palmer Invitation PGA Tour event and Tiger Woods as well as play some golf and check out Disney!

The new United service to Chicago is really good for Thunder Bay as it offers a much quicker gateway to the US than we have had for awhile. You leave here at 6am and arrive in Chicago’s O’Hare airport at 6:30 am when this large airport isn’t totally busy, which makes for easy movement in the terminal.It even gave me time to have brekfast at McDonalds, which is where the iconic fast food brand began. My flight to Orlando landed at 1pm and it was off to start this adventure.

My first stop the next day in Orlando was to the famed Bay Hill course owned by Arnold Palmer. Ironically as soon as I hit the media centre Arnold had just begun his press conference event. It was fun to see him up close and personal and hear his comments on the game today from the perspective of a golf icon!

Some of the thoughts of Arnold Palmer. “ I give Tiger the chance to get the record of 18 majors but he will have to keep himself up mentally and physically. I think Tiger can beat his overall record of 82 wins as well. “ “ In the 1960’s I had a wooden club and it was totally different than it is today. I am still playing golf now because of the equipment coming out on the market. The game will advance and continue to advance. I would like to see them slow the ball down. Somewhere you will run out of room and the golf courses will not be able to handle it.” “ The Masters starts our year and is the highlite of our year. We do need to take a look at the international aspects of golf and we may see other events come along.”

After a quick lunch I made my way to the range to see my golf hero, Tiger Woods, warming up. Tiger was the subject of most

Robbyn Stajkowski

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Orlando Offers So Much To Do of the fan attention and watching him all week and win the event was fun.

The theme parks of Orlando always interest me because of their magnitude and the large numbers of people there enjoying themselves. This time in Orlando it was a treat to spend time at Disney at their Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Disney is a must visit for everyone while in Orlando.

As a Canadian you just have to play golf when you are down south during our winter months. It was great to play the Shingle Creek Golf Club during my trip.

Shingle Creek Golf Club at Rosen is a large hotel property of over 1500 rooms, 450,000 square feet of convention space , 8 places to eat on property, pools, a spa

and fitness centre and golf academy. It is largely a convention hotel but they do a lot of leisure business on the weekends and this time of year have many golf packages because of the weather in Canada.

“ We opened December 1st, 2003 and were designed by David Harman who was at one time the lead designer for Arnold Palmer. He has also done courses in the area such as Orange Country National and

Red Tail,” said David Scott, Director of Golf at Shingle Creek Golf Club. “ We are 10 minutes from the airport, 1 mile from the 2 million square foot Orange County Convention Centre, within a mile of Universal Studios, 3 miles away from Seaworld as well as 15 to 20 minutes from Disney. There are 50,000 hotel rooms right in this area.” “ The Bay Hill week is the busiest of the year for us with the PGA Equipment Week the second busiest. We have a local program where you can join and get discounted fees, food and beverage. We get a lot of convention and non resident business,” said Scott. “ I like the course conditions here number 1 here. The course has matured. It isn’t very hilly, sort of Doralish without the palm trees but with big greens and a lot of water and sand. We have 5 sets of tees you can play from 5800 yards to 7200 yards. The fairways are generally wide so if you can get the ball in the fair-

way you can reach the green.”

In the summer the green fees at Shingle Creek can get down to $75 and include cart and range balls. This time of the year it is $135. They do about 48,000 rounds paid which is pretty good in this market as

there are way too many golf courses in Orlando according to Scott. “ Our location and course conditions along with our hotel mean we do OK. We can get some pretty nice weather in January. Cold for us is a high of 60 degrees. In the summer time you can do a

stay and play package for $159 per night which includes 1 room accommodation and two rounds of golf. It is hot in the summer in the low 90’s but very humid.

Some people like the heat such as the UK people. The morning starts may still be good then. We’d love to have you play and stay at our property” said David Scott.

Orlando was a fun destination fro me.

There are lots of activities for all ages here and it is a great winter getaway from the winter time in Canada!

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MAY 2013

ACCURASSAY AUTOMATES WITH A FIRST-OF-ITSKIND SYSTEM IN THE AMERICAS

By Leon Vainer, Marketing Consultant to Accurassay Laboratories April 2, 2013 Thunder Bay, ON – Accurassay Laboratories, with the support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is pleased to announce the commissioning of a state-ofthe-art, fully integrated sample crushing system at its Thunder Bay facility. This system, engineered by Australia’s IMP Group, features German Herzog technology and delivers enhanced accuracy and precision, superior process control, and improved occupational health and safety.

Accurassay unveiled this equipment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 2nd, 2013 at their Gorham Road facility after the conclusion of that day’s proceedings of the Northwestern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium (NWOMMS) at the Valhalla Inn. Rob Duncan, President of Accurassay stated that “While we have been investing in the automation of our laboratory for many

years now, this new crushing system is our largest investment to date, and represents a significant milestone on our path to full automation. Improved process control, worker health and safety and productivity are all benefits that we will achieve, and we are excited about what this technology means for us, the customers we serve and the community of Thunder Bay.” The ribbon-cutting ceremony included an address from Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines who had said that: “Key investments are essential to growing Ontario’s mining and mineral exploration industry. I am delighted that, with NOHFC support, Accurassay Laboratories is expanding its services. The installation of their new automated crushing system is certainly a welcome addition that will create new jobs for Thunder Bay.” This system is the first if its kind for any commercial lab in the Americas and Accurassay is proud to be the lab that is putting Thunder Bay into the spotlight of automation excellence. This system repre-

sents a fundamental shift in the technology that is used in sample processing as well as the skill development of its operators.

About Accurassay Accurassay Laboratories is an independent, privately owned laboratory with 30 years of experience in the mineral

analysis business in Canada. The company serves the North and South American mining and exploration industry with accredited fire assay and geochemical analysis for precious and base metals, as well as turnkey on-site prep and mine lab installations.

THE BOOM CONTINUES We are very fortunate indeed that the construction boom shows no signs of abating.

Just today I was advised that another full hangar has the green light for the Airport and that is only one more of ongoing or planned serious buildings slated for this year and next.

It is easy to say that the run will end eventually as if that is something that can be permanently avoided. If we haven't come to grips with economic cycles and the way other international and national cycles have

the audacity to interfere with us then we are being naive.

What we are now enjoying is long overdue so I want you to savour it and hopefully consider your own expansion or refurbishing. In spite of the complications coming from the hail storm and the flood our City and Region clearly has some years of work to come. We are also blessed with yuppies by the bunch who have decided to stay in their homes and upgrade them to enjoy the comforts even more.

This upturn is much better than the years we suffered. The results of perseverance by those who believe in our City is showing results. This is really a fundamental attitudinal shift brought out in part by newcomers pointing out the benefits to living here and the positive approach by the investment community who came to an eureka

Ontario Municipal Association, the Labour Council, the Development Network, and countless others, including your Council and Civic Administration who have the wheels and the brains to promote, encourage, and showcase our City.

I offer this because once in a while you hear some folks asking why "someone" isn't doing "something" about "it". Let me say that I meet people daily who just want our City to grow and foster. Directing them to the right group to see ideas come to fruition means that seizing opportunities can be made into an accepted practice and a trait our community is known for.

moment. It was this-we can complain and surely things will get worse or we can extoll our strengths and make it easier to see investments flourish.

When you consider the number of groups and organizations focused on making our community more attractive it really tallies up impressively. The Chamber of Commerce, the Ambassadors Group, SHIFT (the dynamic youth movement), PARO (the dynamic women's movement), the Innovation Centre, Ventures, the CEDC, the College, the University, the Airport Authority,the Nishawbe-Aski Nation, the Port Authority, Fort William First Nation, the Thunder Bay District Municipal League, the Northwestern

The key here is for any of you to adopt what I call "Becoming a Catalyst". In other words the link, the connection, the fusion of people and ideas. To be this kind of facilitator you must firstly care passionately about this place. You have to believe in its potential and know its many assets to be convincing. You have to display your energy and your enthusiasm on your sleeve so that people immediately see you are making a credible argument.

As a case study let us use Bombardier as an example. And please feel free to go back to the organizations listed above. So many came to the table that it truly confirms the term "team effort". Over a period of years politicians of all stripes, business types from all over the Province, "Canadian Content" advocates from labour and manufacturing sectors were all there when needed. For me getting to play a role municipally and federally was particularly gratifying and I know with certitude that all who contributed to growing the workforce from 157 to 1400 deserve applause and should take a bow.

We thank a great company like Bombardier for investing in us, our community and our people.

Respectfully submitted, Ken Boshcoff Director of Business Strategies Crupi Consulting Group

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MAY 2013

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Tearing down walls to build a dream is key in Club Residence Condominium Development It used to be that a project the size and scope of The Club Residence was handled by one developer who would in turn contract out to trades on an as-needed basis.

However, with Thunder Bay’s most ambitious condominium project entering the major construction stage, it’s clear that the management team has embraced modernity not only in the design of the luxury residence, but also in the way project contributors are coming together.

Indeed, there are many partners involved in the development of the 109 suite condominium. Each partner has been strategically chosen to execute its core competencies, leading to an approach that has transcended the antiquated notion of simply ‘hiring’ subtrades. Instead, the project allows for a controlled, collaborative atmosphere where experts in differing fields are able to contribute to the build.

Initially, the dream of The Club Residence was hatched when Thunder Bay’s premiere Condo developer, Robert Zanette, began brainstorming with the executive membership of Thunder Bay Country Club – now known simply as ‘The Club’ – about a development that could transform their outdated clubhouse while simultaneously building an exclusive Country Club Residence in the heart of Thunder Bay.

While the golf course has had some unanticipated setbacks, optimism with the board increases as the framework is reaching ground level and above. There currently remains a fully functioning temporary clubhouse with bar and pro shop, and the course is expected to be in top shape heading into the 2013 golf season. Bob Swan, the The Club president, has noted that the new clubhouse, which will make up much of the ground floor of The Club Residence, provides a state-of-the-art experience for its members and act as a multi-functional restaurant, clubhouse, and conference centre.

Robert Zanette, the lead developer of this project certainly appreciates the patience and partnership exhibited by The Club membership. “When we started this development, there was a leap of faith demonstrated by the Club’s Board of Directors.

Their clubhouse was over 100 years old and needed to be replaced, and we’re on track to build them something amazing. It will not only be Thunder Bay’s most modern Clubhouse, but will simultaneously add value to the fortunate residents on the upper stories of the Condominium, by providing them with a modern facility for meeting, dining, and relaxing. We’re building something that both members and residents can call home and we couldn’t do it without the cooperation of our partners at

The Club.”

Of course, a project of this scope does follow certain traditional tenets of building development. There remains a hierarchy to the construction management, with Dowland leading the team. Don Wing, who is one of Thunder Bay’s most experi-

enced large-scale project development managers, leads the local operations of Dowland, and is enthusiastic that the Club Residence project will meet the highest possible standards regarding safety, efficiency and building quality.

Continued Next Page

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Continued From Previous Page “Dowland has accomplished safe and expedient builds of major scope throughout Canada, and our local business operations have quickly grown to become a top player in the construction management field” notes Wing. “That said, with all of the projects that we have achieved, the Club Residence exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury. I’m proud of what our team is undertaking, and expect fortunate buyers will be equally proud to call The Club home.”

Joining the team is designer, Jim Peterson, who is one of Thunder Bay’s top engineers. Peterson plays an active role in the development of the project, working closely with other project contributors to ensure the highest standards of design are met.

Another key player, Magest Building Systems, of Stratford, Ontario is providing the steel frames for the building, which are already manufactured for Phase 1 and will be shipped within weeks to the build site, where the 6 story condominium will soon take shape. As is the case in other facets of the project, Magest is not just a subtrade or simple supplier, but rather a partner in the process. Gary Martin, president of Magest is excited about the build, and plans to bring his unique process of cold form steel construction to other regional projects with the Dowland team in the future.

Finally, adding to the local collaborative approach to this development project are a number of Thunder Bay’s top consumer suppliers. Businesses like Bob’s Woodburners, Design Build Centre, and even the Power Centre are working with their own suppliers to provide cost effective, yet luxurious and modern options to outfit each suite with top-of-the-line customizations, as per the owners’ requests.

Ultimately, this atmosphere of collaboration among the development team will make for a unique and luxurious Condominium and Clubhouse. The Club Residence construction is being phased with the 10,088 square foot Clubhouse and 37 suites comprising the entire west and clubhouse wings are being constructed as Phase One. A very limited amount of suites remain available in the exclusive first phase of the project with construction well underway and steel framing slated to be erected this spring. Completion of Phase One is on track for early 2014.

Phase Two will comprise the entire south wing, consisting of 72 suites, and is slated to be ready for occupancy starting in Autumn 2014.

The Club Residence management team is excited to announce that moving forward, there are now many more suites available to meet consumer demand. With suites starting at just over $330,000, the Club Residence simultaneously becomes Thunder Bay’s most luxurious condominium development as well as one of the best values in the market.

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Congratulations To The Team On This Exciting New Project For Thunder Bay at

The Club From

North Superior Publishing Inc.

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New Thunder Bay Entrepreneur Likes Thunder Bay: George Contracting

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Larry and Michelle George have been successful entrepreneurs in Fort Frances since 1998 . They recently decided to make Thunder Bay home. The young business owners have purchased an existing Thunder Bay company, brought in their equipment and management skills and are ready to grow their business, employing many more people in the process.

Larry George is the CEO of George Contracting Group and was born and raised in Fort Frances. In 1996 he got involved with operating equipment in the

with his expertise. At that time we did a lot of work on the road to the mine site.

Additionally we were involved with Rainy River Resources in both site development and diamond drilling opportunities. At the peak of our business cycle then we had about 175 people working directly and indirectly. Our sales were incredible. It was about developing relationships. We delivered on what we said we would deliver and came through with what we promised. That opened other opportunities for us.”

After the great success of the new company, RLTC, the partners approached Larry and Michelle and wanted to buy out

“ Orbit Garant is one of the largest drilling companies in North America. They are young, aggressive and have similar ambitions as we do. They do have a branch in Sudbury but can't service this region as well as they should so needed to expand their presence in NW Ontario. We are now officially partners and they will set up shop here in Thunder Bay at our facility,” said Larry George. “ We will store diamond drills here including surface as well as underground rigs that will be available with all the supporting equipbush as a 26 year old. Before that he worked in sawmills and went to school in Southern Ontario. “ I started with my Dad and Uncle John at Wayne George Grading. In 1998 my wife Michelle and I took over the business and between 1998 to 2006 expanded on the road maintenance my Dad had done to include building water crossings and the harvesting operation of timber. We grew the business from 3 to 45 people, having some good years but also some difficult ones when the forestry industry dropped,” said Larry George. “ We had made large investments with big hopes to expand the market but it crashed in 2008 and we had to lay off staff and divest ourselves of quite a bit of equipment that ended up going all over Canada. We were able to keep going and survive by taking a look at things and evaluating where were at and would go in the future. We shifted more to mining but would still do some forestry on a smaller scale, focusing on road construction contracts. The mining became an opportunity.”

Larry and Michelle eventually founded a partnership with an economic development organization in Fort Frances called RLTC- Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting. In 2009 they formed and founded this company as a relationship between themselves and the 6 first Nations communities that made up the economic development organization. “ We were able to bring in our assets, including our staff and equipment, to further pursue opportunities primarily in the mining but still a little bit in forestry. Our new company also became involved in the diamond drilling business. Previously we had some experience in mining by providing equipment to mining contractors and helping with camp mobilization,” said Larry George. “We got into diamond drilling in an large way with Osisko Hammond Reef Golf previously known as Brett Resources. Bud Dixon, from Atikokan, really helped us out a lot then

grow our business. We understand there are bumps in the road and setbacks but also moving forward. We had a bump in 2008 but found our way through that.” “ Thunder Bay has been good to us.

We have done business here since 2004 and have found Thunder Bay to be a very business friendly place and have been well received here. We have a lot of connections, contacts and feel it is a very progressive community. It is a hub; a gateway and we have an international airport. You can fly to Toronto for meetings and be home

their shares, so they sold out and relocated to Thunder Bay. “ We had planned to relocate to Thunder Bay anyway to expand our former business but once we sold our shares we bought an existing business in Thunder Bay called RM Durand Welding Enterprises, which is a welding fabrication shop that has been operating for many years. The previous owner and staff had worked for Superior trailers and came with a wealth of experience and are very capable. We have a 10,000 square foot shop and 3 acres of land at the Twin City Crossroads. We took over December 1, 2012 and have 10 to 15 people working here now.” said Larry George. “ The company is now George Contracting but we are going to maintain RM Durand as a subsidiary and will continue to do logging trailer repair and manufacturing. The customer base we have treat us well. We also have an interest in mining and construction with our heavy equipment that includes excavator, bulldozer’s, rock trucks and grader. We will put them to work operated or unoperated- dry bed.”

ment. Our shop will look after all the repairs of equipment as well as provide support equipment and manpower. It is a nice fit and will allow Orbit Garant to have a presence in NW Ontario.”

There is a lot of enthusiasm for mining in NW Ontario according to George. “ There has been a blip on the radar and things have slowed down with some jun-

the same day,” notes Larry George. “ It is also a great lifestyle for the family. Our kids have lots to do here. The school and education system we have found to be fantastic. People are friendly and you are able to get out and network with the business community, which is important. You have to surround yourself with others in business because opportunity breeds opportuni-

iors having a tough time raising money. In order to secure contacts in this environment you have to be very aggressive with your bidding. Partnering with the large organization Orbit Garant allows us to accommodate an economy of scale and bid aggressively. They have the resources to take on any project. Our intension is to

ty. I think Thunder Bay is a good place to be in the middle of that opportunity.

Working in this business is fun for me.I like building things and working with people.”

One of the objectives of the new company is to get involved with the mining companies like North American Palladium or Musslewhite rebuilding their scoop buckets or any repairs modifications.

They have also partnered with the Legros Brothers, based in Thunder Bay to team up to build new logging trailers. “ There are a number of new regulations out there surrounding trailers. We have secured two new trailers to manufacture with the new technology. It is important to team up with people who have expertise in this area. We will build them in our facility with the Legros staff working here as well.” said Larry George.

George Contracting also have recently announced a new partnership with a major North American diamond drilling company.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MAY 2013

PROTECT YOUR RIGHT OF WAY THE RIGHT WAY © 2013 Brian Babcock A series of recent cases have reminded us that relying on an unregistered easement is a recipe for disaster. Many of us also enjoy the benefit of easements, more commonly known as a “right of way”, ranging from a shared driveway to an access road to a path to the beach. Most

Legal Matters of us have utilities easements crossing our property and never give them a thought. An easement is the right to use somebody else’s real estate without actually taking possession of it.

The right of way problem usually starts with friendly neighbours. Often, the one benefiting from the easement buys property subdivided by the neighbour. Perhaps several generations ago. Nothing is put in writing, and everybody lives happily. Just not ever after.

Sooner or later, that friendly neighbour sells, subdivides further, or dies and their heirs take over the property. Frequently, this is when disputes arise. Barriers are built, fences erected. The new neighbours having bought with no notice of such an easement say “tough luck” to their now formerly friendly neighbours.

Many people are familiar with the term “adverse possession” and think that it should protect them. Historically, that

may have been so, but adverse possession has always been hard to prove as the nest witnesses are often dead.

words, that verbal agreement with your friendly neighbour twenty years ago will defeat your rights today!

Two developments, often working together, make it even more risky to rely on adverse possession: • Since 1999, all land in Ontario has been transferred from the land registry system to an electronic Land Titles system. Under the Land Titles Act, no new claims of adverse possession can arise (except in perhaps extreme rare examples).

• Pre-existing rights of adverse possession can still be enforced, BUT, here is what most people miss about the concept - adverse possession, to create a right, must be adverse - that means, without permission from the owner of the land being used. In other

The solution is to lock in your rights by entering into an easement agreement now, while that neighbour is still friendly, and registering the easement on title. This will give purchasers notice of your rights, and they will buy the neighbour’s property subject to those rights.

We at Weilers have been drafting easements for over 65 years, and helping solve neighbour disputes as efficiently as possible, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation.

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It’s “business as usual” with the right insurance protection You know that owning and running your own business has its advantages. But if you’re responsible for all aspects of your business, you’ll need to put some of that “entrepreneurial spirit” to work to protect what’s important to you.

As a small business owner, risk management is an important part of your financial security. You need to know your risks and cover them, to ensure business continuation and to protect your family’s current and future financial security.

If you become ill, disabled, or if you died, your business would lose a key person and your family’s income source would be affected. That means your savings or retirement plans could be at risk.

And if you died, your estate would still be responsible for your business liabilities. Would your family lose the business or be forced to sell all that you’ve worked for?

Some key consideration for you, as a small business owner, include: Life insurance Do you know if you have enough life

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insurance to protect your business and your family if you died? Have you also considered the financial impact if the caregiver in your family died?

Personal health insurance Without a plan for you and your family, your out-of-pocket expenses can really add up. Did you know that your health insurance premiums may also have tax advantages?

Disability insurance Have you considered what would happen to your business and your family if you were disabled and couldn’t work?

Disability insurance can replace lost income.

Critical illness insurance (CII) If you became seriously ill, a CII policy would pay a lump sum benefit, following your diagnosis* of a covered illness.

And you could spend the money any way you want. Whether you put it into your business, or use it to hire someone to run the business for you, you’ll be able to concentrate on your treatment and recovery.

Long term care insurance (LTCI) If you needed substantial physical assistance from another person to perform

two or more of the six activities of daily living (e.g. bathing and dressing), or you required continual supervision because of deteriorated mental abilities, LTCI would provide a weekly income benefit to help pay for the care you need. The money could be used for professional help, or you could pay a family member to care for you.

You’ve worked hard to run a successful business. You need to make sure you, your business and your family are well protected. Having the right financial

plan in place can help guarantee “business as usual” no matter what happens.

We can help. *The insured must survive the amount of time specified in the policy Northwestern Ontario Financial Centre 1139 Alloy Drive, Suite 100 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6M8 Tel 807-346-8880 Fax 807-346-8885

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MAY 2013