THE POWER OF THE RIGHT GOVERNANCE
FROM GREATER VICTORIA TO THE WORLD
BUSINESS MATTERS
A CLEAR SOLUTION Wastewater treatment is coming down the pipe after decades of discussion.
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CONTENTS BUSINESS MATTERS
November 2016 Business Matters is a bi-monthly publication of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a key business resource targeted to 2,000 business leaders in our community. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a progressive, inclusive and dynamic community leader. It is a supportive resource for business people who wish to learn, grow and create a stronger business and a more robust and sustainable community.
To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 100-852 Fort St. Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 250-383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca
The End of Summer Soiree took place on September 21 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Turn to page 15 to see The Chamber's upcoming events.
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A Clear Solution
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The Power of the Right Governance
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Member News
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From Greater Victoria to the World
Wastewater treatment in Greater Victoria has been a 50 year project— with the last two months being pivotal. The Chair of the Core Area Wastewater Treatment Project Board talks about how she was able to get wastewater treatment moving forward. New appointments, openings, partnerships and awards. Keep up to date with what is happening in our community. The Chamber launched its export focused, three-year Trade and Investment Program April 14, 2014. Find out the results!
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Chamber Events: Something for Everyone!
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Introducing Our New Members!
Nothing can duplicate the moment when you meet face-to-face with the connections you need to do business. Welcome to those who’ve decided to join the people who get things done. Membership—it's about the company we keep.
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Member Snapshots
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Advocacy in Action
The strength of The Chamber is our members. This month get to know Darlene Hollstein, Mike Murphy and Brian Henry. An update on sewage treatment as well as regional transportation, climate change, and our work with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to advance local issues nationally.
Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319
BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
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An artist’s rendering of the Wastewater Treatment Project at McLoughlin Point. More community consultation will take place before a final design is selected.
A CLEAR SOLUTION Sewage treatment. Since the 1890s, we’ve pumped our sewage virtually untreated into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, relying on dilution and natural dispersion processes to treat our waste. The issue of whether or not to treat our wastewater has been on the Capital Regional District's (CRD) radar for decades, going back to 1966 at its formation. Fast forward 40 years, past numerous reports, studies, documents and letters to 2006, when the Federal government determined the contamination in the wastewater running through Clover Point and Macaulay Point facilities exceeded the established thresholds for environment protection, and ordered us to treat our wastewater by December 2020, or be subject to significant fines. Fast forward past even more debate, letters, open houses and reports to July 2012, when the federal and provincial governments announced they would match CRD funding—over $500 million—for the wastewater 4
BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
treatment program, provided the facility was built on time. Then there were more years of studies and reports. SeaTerra board and staff were hired. The debate continued about whether we need to treat our sewage and where to locate the facility(ies). A few years—and millions of dollars later—we had yet to make a decision, and risked losing hundreds of millions in public funding AND being subjected to fines. With the deadline of December 2020 looming, the pressure was mounting. Our reputation was at risk, jeopardizing tourism and external investment. But we simply could not get alignment between the CRD and effected local governments on a site and design. In March 2016, BC Minister of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development, Peter Fassbender, stepped in. The CRD moved quickly on his recommendations. In June, the CRD introduced the newly-formed Core Area Wastewater
Treatment Project Board (Project Board), comprised of six people with expertise in major capital project management, construction, engineering and governance in the private, non-profit and public sectors. The Project Board had the delegated authority to undertake all aspects of planning, site acquisition, project management and expenditures. On September 14, after a lengthy meeting, the CRD approved the Project Board’s business case, which included its recommendation for a single 108 megalitre/day plant for the tertiary treatment of wastewater at McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt, at an estimated cost of $765 million. In October, the federal and provincial governments are expected to confirm their funding, leaving us with a plan and the proverbial cash in the bank. Now it’s time to get this project on track and completed by December 31, 2020. Announcements confirming federal or provincial funding had not been made as of Oct 15, 2016
The Power of the Right Governance Jane Bird is Chair of the Core Area Wastewater Treatment Project Board. A lawyer by training, Jane is a seasoned leader in managing large, complex infrastructure projects. For this edition of Business Matters, Chamber CEO Catherine Holt asked Jane how she sees this project unfolding as well as her recommendations for future public infrastructure projects. You have a history of managing large public infrastructure projects. How does the CRD sewage treatment project compare? I think there are a lot of similarities because the big infrastructure projects are difficult to do, particularly those in urban areas. They almost always come with similar characteristics. First, there is usually more than one level of government involved. Second, there is an element of change, both during the construction period and with the longer term impacts. Finally, they cost a lot of money! With large amounts of money and the risk associated with it, there is a layer of complexity that makes these projects very difficult regardless of the circumstance. So in some respects, the CRD’s trials around sewage treatment are not completely out of sync with what other municipalities and provinces go through with large infrastructure projects.
The graveyard of infrastructure projects is littered with projects that started and didn’t get finished, didn’t get approved, or got approved and not started. —JANE BIRD
Are sewage treatment projects a particular challenge? Not really. In an advancing technological world, it can be difficult to know when to wait and when to pick. We did observe that in various communities, there
are lots of cases where people have made choices to move to newer technologies. But if the technology was simply not ready yet, the risk is borne by the taxpayers, which can be a very heavy burden to bear. Sewage is also similar to large transit projects, in that they have the age-old dilemma—you have to put them where people want to be, but the problem is that that’s where the people are. What is your role from now until the completion of the CRD sewage treatment project? The Project Board terms of reference contemplates the project board implementing the project. The first phase is to get the business case approved and confirmation of senior government funding. Then moving forward, we will implement the project. In terms of our role, we really didn’t have, and don’t have, a management team per se. With the business case approved and once senior governments’ funding is confirmed,
Jane Bird we will have to set about recruiting and establishing a team of people that can execute multiple aspects of this project. Once we have that team in place, the Project Board will act more as a typical board, with the management team reporting to it.
BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
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Jane Bird has experience managing infrastructure projects for government as well as private sector partners and stakeholders. These projects included: • Director with Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development in London, UK, overseeing the project management and financing of the Canada House consolidation and renewal project at Trafalgar Square; • Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Power Corporation, including development and construction of the Waneta hydro-electric generating station in SE British Columbia; and • Chief Executive Officer of Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc., responsible for the development and construction of the Canada Line from Richmond to Vancouver. Until then, we will have to advance the project while we’re concurrently building the management team. There will be heavy lifting for us; we’re prepared for that. What do you think has to be in place to complete the project on time and on budget? Timely decision making is critical, particularly during pre-construction. The governance, or who is making decisions, is now in place for this project. We need to go to the CRD Board for significant changes in
scope and budget but beyond that, all decisions are delegated to the Project Board. Cost estimates need to be robust, and I feel confident that we have been able to do that, particularly for the wastewater treatment because we poured over those cost estimates and are fortunate to have the proponent from the prior phase with a fixed price. The other things that are going to influence schedule and budget are the host of approvals and permits that need to be secured on a timely
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basis, such as from the Ministry of Environment, the Department of National Defence and others. Finally, I think it’s important to engage with the contractor in a way that allows sound decisions and resolution of issues to be done in a timely way. During construction, there will be risks, some of which we know and some we don’t. So what happens when we encounter the unknowns? We have to have the rigour provided by knowledgeable people, strong relationships with each other and the strong governance structure to deal with those issues in a timely way. That’s the key—how to respond to issues quickly and effectively. It comes down to the experience of the people, the relationship between the owner and the contractor, and the ability to make decisions. Many Greater Victoria employers are concerned about the lack of skilled workers. Do you envision any challenges? I had a discussion with the contractor on a general level about hiring, and they seem pretty confident that they will be able to hire locally.
Hiring local is always better. People know their community, they know the suppliers, they have the relationships, they have the history with their labour, so it almost always makes sense for the contractors to hire locally as long as the required skills and experiences are there and I suspect, to a large extent, that’s the case in the CRD. I think this project is unique and will attract people for longer terms. It also allows opportunities for junior labour—people who are into their apprenticeships, people who are learning a particular trade—to work alongside very experienced people for years. This project is a pretty exceptional opportunity to come along. Do you have any advice for future public infrastructure projects? First, take the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve. It sounds easy, but once you really unpack what you want from this investment, it gets complex. But that’s the very first thing to get straightened out. People have very different views of what they are trying to accomplish and until you arrive at a common view, it will be very hard to work together to achieve that. Second, get the governance right. It’s about understanding early on who’s going to make decisions and who’s going to implement. For example, you want to buy a van to get your kids to soccer. It has to have four doors and it has to have a diesel engine. If that’s what the shareholders want, fine. The implementation entity then goes out and gets the best van at the best price to do the job. Understanding who is doing what is very important.
Don’t underestimate how long it will take to sort out what you want to accomplish and who is going to make the decisions. If you don’t get both sorted out, your project will almost always end up getting in the glue. —JANE BIRD
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MEMBER NEWS Monk Office Turns 65! From humble roots in 1951 with one retail store in downtown Victoria, Monk Office has grown to a multifaceted business with 10 Vancouver Island retail locations in Victoria, Sidney, Duncan, Courtenay, Campbell River and Port Hardy. Employing over 140 Vancouver Island residents means jobs for local people who support the community. An award-winning company, Monk Office has received seven awards for environmental business practices and community leadership over the last 10 years—including Business of the Year 76+ at the Chamber Business Awards in 2007. Monk Office: member since 1976
Colleges to Work Together The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) has entered into a partnership with Camosun College to provide students with a block transfer of courses that would facilitate entry into the collaborative Bachelor of Performing Arts degree out of Capilano University, Langara College, Douglas College and Vancouver
Community College by fulfilling missing academic courses. CCPA Is a national performing arts training institution that strives for excellence. Students receive training in the key performance disciplines of acting, voice and dance and in a broad spectrum of skills to prepare them for local, national or international careers. CCPA: member since 2010 Camosun College: member since 1981
Exporting Light with a Green Flare Urban Solar has been awarded a contract to supply solar-powered LED lighting systems to Washington-based Intercity Transit, a provider of public transportation for people working or living in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm. "Urban Solar's technology, which adapts to our short, overcast winter days in the South Puget Sound area, offers a remarkable and reliable product that enhances the safety of our passengers and improves the visibility of our operators," said Jeff Brewster, Intercity Transit's
communications manager. Urban Solar has offices in Victoria and across North America. They manufacture solar power systems and LED lighting solutions for applications including transit, transportation, parking lots, pathway and general illumination applications. Urban Solar Corp: member since 2016
Sidney Boatbuilder Sells in Europe Two police vessels built by Sidney’s Titan Boats are on duty in Slovenian waters. The $1-million contract with the Port of Koper police force is a big boost for the local boat builder as it is aiming to increase sales and establish servicing links in Europe. Titan boats are custom-built for military, police, coast guard, search and rescue forces and other government agencies, as well as for recreational and commercial customers. The bulk of the orders go to government customers. Titan Boats: member since 2015
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BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
MEMBER NEWS New Space for Caorda Caorda Web Solutions has relocated to a new modern office just a few blocks from its previous location. The new office at 401-3795 Carey Road means improved client interaction, new amenities for employees (gym and squash court)—and room for growth. “The new space has been a big hit with staff and clients alike,” says Paul Johnston, President. “It’s bright and welcoming, with a modern feel that provides a hybrid work environment to balance the benefits of both an open work concept and private breakout rooms.” Caorda Web Solutions: member since 2007
Building Excellence in Victoria More than 50 awards were presented at the CARE Awards’ 25th anniversary celebration attended by almost 300 builders, renovators, designers, trades, suppliers—members of the Victoria Residential Builders Association. Chamber members Abstract Developments received
Abstract Developments won four Care Awards, including Best Single Family Detached Home $1,500,000 - $2,000,000, for work on Treeank
six awards, Jenny Martin Design received three awards and South Shore Cabinetry received one award. “Congratulations to the Gold CARE Award winners and finalists for their leadership in sustainable West Coast design and construction,” says Tim Schauerte, Chair of the 2016 CARE Awards.
Victoria Residential Builders Association: member since 1989 Abstract Developments: member since 2010 Jenny Martin Design: member since 2014 South Shore Cabinetry: member since 2013
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MEMBER NEWS Victoria Recognized for Support Hotelier Dons Navy Uniform— to Business and Role
Notary Public. Founded by Stephen and Laurie Gitzel in 1989, Wes-Tech Irrigation is a wholesale/retail supplier of irrigation products, landscape lighting and water features. "Wes-Tech is a company with a strong history and solid roots in the community," said Bruce. "Beverly and I look forward to working through the transition with Stephen and Laurie and continue to grow the business. I was focused on finding a strong business that matched my commitment to the community after leaving The Chamber, and Wes-Tech shows that commitment." Wes-Tech Irrigation: member since 2006 Beverly Carter Notary Public: member since 2013
The City of Victoria was one of five Accent Inns co-owner and CEO BC communities to receive a Small Mandy Farmer, is now one of the Royal Business Roundtable Open for Business Canadian Navy's (RCN) Honorary Award. The Chamber supported the Captains, who are appointed by the City's nomination for helping to make Minister of National Defence to act as it easier to do business in Victoria. RCN ambassadors. Honorary Captains Examples include: creation of the come from across the nation and are Business Hub and support to regional an integral part of the Navy family. economic development. "Mandy is such an energetic and "The City is also actively engaged with well-respected member of the Victoria The Chamber and its membership, business community that it truly is an attending our events and inviting our honour for the men and women of staff and volunteers to stakeholder CFB Esquimalt to have her represent meetings," said Chamber CEO us," said Base Commander Captain Catherine Holt. "This level of (Navy) Steve Waddell. "She has already interaction between the City and The taken a keen interest in our people, Chamber ensures the voice of our and their stories, and I know she is 1,400 members are part of municipal passionate about sharing the good In the May Business Matters article, "Greater decision-making." work our members do every single day Victoria: On the Move!" Sidney was credited as a major gateway for the movement of people in support of the people of Canada." "Mayor Lisa Helps has been steadily and services, which—although a common local gaining support from business leaders Accent Inns: member since 1992 reference—is not factually correct. BC Ferries for her straightforward, action-oriented, Swartz Bay is located in North Saanich, and— Waterways Clear while a small portion of its land is located in positive and collaborative approach," the Town of Sidney—the majority of the Victoria Wes-Tech Irrigation is pleased to concluded Catherine. "Congratulations International Airport is located in North Saanich. to Mayor Helps and her team, and keep announce it has new owners: former The updated magazine is online. Our thanks to CEO of The Chamber, Bruce Carter up the good work!" If you’re looking for help to grow your business, letMayor ourAlice Business North Saanich Finall for bringing this and his wife Beverly of Beverly Carter error to our attention. City of Victoria: member since 1962 Banking Specialists offer you solutions tailored to your needs.
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FROM GREATER VICTORIA TO THE
World
GREATER VICTORIA BUSINESSES NEED—AND DESERVE—A WORLD STAGE TO TRULY SHINE. THE CHAMBER, THROUGH A FEDERALLYFUNDED PROGRAM, HELPED THE REGION TO DO JUST THAT. The Chamber launched its Trade and Investment Program April 14, 2014. It aimed to expand international business activity and attract foreign investment. Over the past three years, The Chamber worked closely with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and stakeholders throughout the region, supported by $898,000 in WD funding and $600,000 in local matching funds. “The Chamber’s long-term vision for regional economic development
The Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA)—a Chamber committee— led regional economic development from 2007 to 2016. During nearly a decade of hard work, the GVDA attracted over a million dollars of investment to the region, creating jobs and supporting local business. Recognizing early on that more investment in economic development would be needed, The Chamber worked tirelessly to create a new, non-profit society dedicated to economic development. The South Island Prosperity Project launched in February 2016, assuming the mantle of regional economic development. The Chamber’s GVDA committee formally dissolved April 1, 2016, and its Trade and Investment Program ends March 31, 2017.
was the genesis of the Trade and Investment Program,” said Catherine Holt, CEO of The Chamber. “The influx of funding has been catalytic for Greater Victoria, supporting local businesses, attracting external investment, and creating jobs.” Here is a summary of outcomes in each of the six core areas of the Trade and Investment Program.
1. Export Expansion The Chamber championed a research project involving more than 120 local businesses who were already in various stages of global expansion. The research identified both current and future key markets, opportunities, challenges and the support they needed to achieve international business goals.
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Based on the findings, The Chamber presented eight export expansion events between February 2015 and March 2016: • An executive round-table with Gary Doer, Canadian Ambassador to the United States and local senior executives and decision-makers. • Five “Selling to the World” workshops featuring experts from the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, BC Ministry of International Trade, Export Development Canada, Small Business BC, international taxation, and the banking and intellectual property sector.
• Two intensive boot camps featuring international business specialists to help attendees develop market entry plans and prepare applications to access CanExport and Western Innovation Initiative funding.
2. Air Route Expansion The Chamber and Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) partnered on an air route study to examine the feasibility of a direct flight between LAX in Los Angeles and YYJ in North Saanich. The study enables VAA to illustrate the customer and cost benefits of the potential route during their semiannual meetings with airlines.
The Chamber also joined forces with VAA and Tourism Victoria to develop a marketing campaign promoting Delta Airlines’ three-times daily flight to Seattle, first introduced in April 2016. “Increased air travel connectivity is an important component in supporting international business development,” said Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO Geoff Dickson. “Simply put, connectivity is the key to economic prosperity."
3. Education Victoria The Chamber partnered with Greater Victoria’s private and public education sector as well as Tourism Victoria to develop Education Victoria—a regionwide marketing program. The campaign positions Greater Victoria internationally as a destination for world-class calibre education within a safe and vibrant setting. This collaborative approach leverages each institution’s resources towards the common goal of attracting international students as well as attracting faculty, researchers, and global partnerships. Education Victoria materials—including a high-quality video and marketing materials—have been taken around the globe in an effort to grow the community of international students. Final steps for the program include a magazine, an enhanced website and a tour for international recruiters in the spring.
4. Investment Attraction
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The Chamber helped attract investment to Greater Victoria primarily through two means: • We met with more than 300 investors seeking to buy, invest in or start a business in Greater Victoria, helping them with their decision to invest. • We sent Greater Victoria representatives on trade missions to Austin, Texas, San Francisco, California, South Korea, and China to showcase Greater Victoria’s technology, tourism, education and manufacturing sectors. These trade missions were so successful, the City of Victoria partnered with The Chamber as well as Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA), Tourism Victoria, University of Victoria, Urban Development Institute (UDI), Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC), and others to host a reverse trade mission to Greater Victoria.
An example of the geographic information system (GIS) map showing where employees from eight Greater Victoria companies live vs. work.
This February 2016 initiative—the Capital Mission—brought more than 30 potential investors from the United States and other parts of Canada to see Greater Victoria’s potential firsthand.
4. Regional Marketing Similar to Education Victoria, this coordinated regional marketing effort saw The Chamber partner with VIATEC and Tourism Victoria. This partnership resulted in dynamic and high-quality collateral and advertising, sending a strong message that Greater Victoria is the place to be. “The strategic approach enables the region to sing from the same song sheet and consistently reinforce key messages about what makes Greater Victoria a great place to live, learn, work and invest,” said VIATEC CEO Dan Gunn. “This partnership helped earn Greater Victoria international exposure and recognition, including Washington Post, Vogue and other high-profile publications.”
5. Mapping Greater Victoria The final component of the program is an evolving geographic information system (GIS) that maps Greater Victoria’s key assets and competitive advantages such as the Victoria International Airport, Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, industrial-zoned land, municipal and CRD boundaries, cyclelanes, and green spaces. This project also illustrates the dispersed nature of the workforce, showing that people often live in one municipality and work in another. The objective of this GIS project is to aid investors’ decision-making by providing them with geographic data that is pertinent to their specific investment decision, such as where to locate a distribution facility or a retail storefront.
Conclusion “We are immensely proud of these success stories and of bringing diverse stakeholders to the table to identify shared goals and work together,” concludes Catherine. BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
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BC Co-op Student of the Year
A Camosun College student is the BC College Co-op Education Student of the Year for nine years in a row. Human Resources Management Advanced Diploma student Maria Tepina is this year’s recipient of the prestigious award. Maria is an international student from Russia where she previously earned a PhD in Psychology.
Camosun student Maria Tepina has won the BC College Co-op Education Student of the Year Award.
Maria recently completed her co-op work term at the GSB Enterprises Ltd. as a Hiring Manager for three McDonald Restaurants. Company owner Grant Reid reported Maria increased recruiting by 133 per cent and reduced employee turnover from 38 per cent to 19 per cent in just six months. “As a direct result of Maria’s initiative and thoughtful decisionmaking our sales have grown by 11 per cent as a result of having fully staffed restaurants,” says Reid. For more information about co-operative education at Camosun, call 250.370.4410 or visit www.camosun.ca/cese
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Prodigy Group November Mingle November 10 | 5 to 7 p.m. Varsha, 1600 Government St.
34th Annual Dinner Auction Gala November 25 | 6 to 10:30 p.m. The Union Club of British Columbia 805 Gordon St.
November Business Mixer November 17 | 5 to 7 p.m. Sandman Hotel Victoria 2852 Douglas St.
Chair's Holiday Reception December 8 | 5 to 7 p.m. Max Furniture, 1-2745 Bridge St.
OFFICE CLOSURES
Remembrance Day November 11 Winter Holidays December 24-January 1
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE
FALL MARKETPLACE MIXER SEE I N M YO U ARC FOR H T MAR HE NE XT KET P M I X L AC E ER!
THANK YOU TO OUR DOOR PRIZE DONORS • Elite Sportswear & Awards • Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia • University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business DIGITAL PRINT & IMAGING
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BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
15
ing things, take charge of HEARING HEARINGLOSS LOSS IN IN THE WORKPLACE your health and give us a
THE WORKPLACE
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call for a comprehensive hearing assessment. It’s covered under your Chambers Insurance benefits. Your benefits may also help with the cost of a hearing aid. If a hearing loss is workplace related, testing and hearing aids are fully covered by WCB.
Dr. Erin Wright
M.Sc., Au.D, Audiologist
Dr. Erin Wright Broadmead Hearing Clinic M.Sc., Au.D, Audiologist
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BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
oakbayhearing.com
August 1 to September 28 Bernhardt Contracting Ltd.
Bernhardt Contracting Ltd. is a highperformance multi-family and commercial builder. Founded in 2007, Bernhardt Contracting aims to create buildings that are sustainable and efficient by design. 250-857-2432 www.bernhardtcontracting.com
NEW MEMBERS
CBS Electrical Contractors Ltd. CBS Electric offers the widest variety of services within the industry. From residential to commercial work, nothing is too big or too small for us to handle. 250-818-6755 www.cbselectric.ca
Cornerstone Seniors Advocacy Bob Cooper - Certified ActionCOACH Business Coach With years of successful experience that can provide valuable insight, Bob Cooper as your Business Coach will help you develop long-term and short-term goals and strategies, as well as improve your business in areas that you might have overlooked. 250-222-2667 www.actioncoach.com/robertcooper British Columbia Lottery Corporation BCLC conducts and manages gambling in a socially responsible manner for the benefit of British Columbians. 604-215-0649 www.bclc.com
Erito Sushi - Uptown A modern Japanese fast-food restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine such as grilled teriyaki meal, all-day bento boxes, veggie and prawn tempuras as well as inhouse fresh sushi (pre-made and made to order). (778) 433-3328
Assisting Seniors through life’s changes. Specializing in transitional moves, relocation, stay at home project management, estate clear out & sale of assets. Licenced, bonded & insured. 250-858-8560 www.cornerstoneadvocacy.com
Flying Otter Grill We’re a great place for lunch or dinner & are open seven days a week from 11am on. Come check out our great food features and incredible daily specials! 250-414-4220 www.flyingottergrill.com
D.H. Signs of the Times Enterprises Inc We create so much more than signs; our philosophy is based on the Environmental Graphic Design principle. Architects focus on the building, the interior designers focus on the interior, we bring all elements together in one discipline. 250-383-8380 www.signsofthetimes.ca
FunkyTown Photography FunkyTown Photography is Victoria’s highest rated portrait, event and wedding photography business, and has been ranked #2 and #3 in Canada with the PWPC. 250-813-0846 www.funkytownphotography.com
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Ask for your quote today at 1-866-296-0888 or visit group.tdinsurance.com/victoriachamber The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program is underwritten by PRIMMUM INSURANCE COMPANY. It is distributed by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. Our address: 50 Place Crémazie, Montreal (Quebec) H2P 1B6. Due to provincial legislation, our auto and recreational vehicle insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. ® The TD logo and other TD trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016 Project : Annonce TDI 2016
Province : BC
Proof # : 2
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NEW MEMBERS August 1 to September 28 La Fogata Latina Restaurants Latin American restaurant. Check out our gluten-free and vegetarian options! Our first mission is bringing to Vancouver Island, the Colombian, Mexican, Central and South America flavours with our different dishes. 250-381-2233 www.lafogatalatinarestaurants.ca MicroBrand Agency Helping small & medium-sized businesses do big things with their brand, online and off. 250-857-4746 microbrandagency.ca Nicholson Manufacturing Nicholson Manufacturing is a Ring Debarker Specialist and it’s been that way for over 60 years. Ring Debarkers are what we do & they are our passion. 250-656-3131 www.debarking.com Office Move Pro Victoria Proudly serving businesses in Greater Victoria, our Victoria movers are the only commercial moving specialists on the island. 250-208-1522 www.officemovepro.com/locations/victoria
Outlooks For Men Fine men’s clothier in downtown Victoria, B.C. 250-384-2848 www.outlooksformen.com PARC Communities Management Ltd PARC Retirement Living is a privately owned company specializing in building and managing seniors lifestyle residences in British Columbia. 604-408-5811 www.parcliving.ca Pegasus Recovery Solutions Supporting individuals, families, organizations and communities to overcome addiction and to reduce the harm associated with substance abuse by offering a range of accessible, recovery focussed treatment options. 250-514-1083 www.pegasusrecoverysolutions.com
Sacred Transitions Sacred Transitions is a breed of deep spirituality. Offering up education in the subject of dying well, saving money upon your death, and making the right choices around green burial. 250-951-1487 Sage Clinic At Sage Clinic our vision is to foster the emergence of naturopathic medicine and to elevate the health of the individual and our society. 250-590-7809 www.sageclinic.com/clinic/victoria Six Technologies Victoria Your Security, Investigation, and Surveillance Experts 250-661-9551 www.six-tech-victoria.com/
Suncatcher Memories & Treasures Len Johnson, owner of SUNCATCHER, helps RBC Mortgage Specialist - Darrell Wahl promote local artists/artisans by selling their Get the right advice and the right mortgage wares in Victoria and surrounding areas. with an RBC Mortgage Specialist. Offering Contact Len Johnson: lensun44@gmail.com personalized and expert advice for your 250-893-4988 home financing needs. 250-634-8948 16.VictoriaChamberAd2 2016-09-22 4:26 PM Page 1 www.rbc.com O DLU MB R OWN.CO M
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Returns are from June 18, 2008 to September 15, 2016. The Odlum Brown Model Portfolio was established by the Research Department in December 1994, with a hypothetical investment of $250,000. These are gross figures before fees. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Trades are made using the closing price on the day a change is announced.
1
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BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
S&P/TSX Total Return Index
August 1 to September 28 Taylor & Colt Modern men’s barber shop with spa amenities. (514) 947-1904 www.taylorandcolt.com Victoria Taxi When you are in Victoria, “Think Victoria!” Victoria Taxi has been serving the needs of Victorians since 1970. 250-383-7111 www.victoriataxi.com Wallace Jay Scott Practice includes intellectual property, technology law, financing/crowdfunding|/IPO, corporate law, commercial law, commercial leases, contracts, business law, client legal education and seminars. 250-886-8222 www.wallacescottlaw.ca Watershed Collaborative Workplace We provide a comfortable, creative and affordable work space that houses a diverse community with a variety of backgrounds and abilities and provides them with the tools used in the collaborative design process. 250-419-4321 www.thewatershed.io
NEW MEMBERS
Webmax Marketing Inc. We craft websites that work as hard as you do. Over-performance on all devices and flexible sites that you can update yourself. Small business affordable. 250-483-7518 www.webmax.ca Whole Foods Market We seek out the finest natural & organic foods available, maintain the strictest quality standards in the industry, and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture. Add to that the excitement and fun we bring to shopping for groceries. 250-382-9800 www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/victoria Rick Anderson (Freelancer) Rick Anderson is a former global executive available to company leaders seeking to leverage his experience and successful approach to business transformations. Can be engaged as a consultant, executive coach, guest speaker, or board candidate. 250-208-6777
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Co-operative Education and Student Employment camosun.ca/cese 250.370.4100 BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
19
MEMBER SNAPSHOTS DARLENE HOLLSTEIN
The strength of The Chamber is our members and the people that run these outstanding businesses. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity. To see the full interviews, or find out how you can be featured, visit our website www.victoriachamber.ca
General Manager of The Bay Centre – 20 Vic Management Inc. What is the best perk of your job? Working in a shopping centre! Need I say more? What’s your favourite thing about your job? The overall diversity of what I am exposed to in a day. Most people don’t even realize there is an administration office behind a shopping centre. It is like operating a small city every day. What’s your favourite Chamber event? The Business Awards as it highlights THE BAY CENTRE IS and rewards so many LOCATED IN THE CENTRE dynamic businesses OF VICTORIA'S SHOPPING AND and owners we have BUSINESS DISTRICT, AND HAS A in the region and it is MIX OF OVER 90 STREET FRONT a great networking AND INTERIOR SHOPS—IT’S NO event. Business lunch WONDER WHY OVER 7 MILLION or after work drinks? GUESTS VISIT THE BAY Anyone that knows CENTRE ANNUALLY. me, knows I prefer to work out at lunch. I always have time for a quick cocktail after work though. Best team-building moment or program you’ve ever experienced? Serving breakfast at Our
Place Society. What is the one thing no one understands or knows about your business? That I don’t have all of the keys to the stores nor can I go in after hours and shop when I want. Favourite place on Vancouver Island? Honestly is there a bad place on Vancouver Island? What do you think is the most important life lesson for someone to learn? The value of hard work, committing to bettering oneself in work and play and giving back to your community. I have found that any volunteering I have committed to is extremely fulfilling. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? To spend time doing what you are passionate about. Life is just too short. If you had a superpower what would it be? Not needing to sleep. Favourite social media for work/personal? Twitter and Facebook for business, Instagram to keep up with friends and family and Snapchat to see what my kids are up to.
THE BAY CENTRE – 20 VIC MANAGEMENT INC.: MEMBER SINCE 1990
Food Purveyor of 10 Acres Bistro | Commons | Kitchen | Farm What is your favourite thing about your job? That everyone can relate to my business through eating, drinking and entertaining. Ironically that can also be the most irritating thing! How is your business environmentally sustainable? We compost everything we possibly can from each of our restaurants and in turn use it to nurture our crops, ultimately providing the freshest organic produce available to our customers. Business lunch or after work drinks? I encourage both! What is one job you could never do? Wedding Coordinator. What is your company's greatest strength? The quality of young people our farm and kitchen attract who are passionate about the farm-totable and slow-cooking movement. Just yesterday eight of our cooks were at the farm learning how to butcher pigs ... and we sampled chèvre the farmers produced from our recently acquired goat herd! What is the one thing no one understands or knows about your business? My business’ success relies on the success of other restaurants and
shops in Victoria. Downtown businesses in general thrive, with both the locals and tourists, when we are all doing a great job. What was your first job? Morning newspaper delivery THE 10 ACRES GROUP boy for the Daily IS MADE UP OF THREE LEADING Colonist. What RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA INCLUDING 10 ACRES BISTRO, has been THE COMMONS AND THE KITCHEN your best life (FORMERLY KNOWN AS PESCATORES). lesson? My MUCH OF THE SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC first restaurant HARVEST SERVED AT EACH OF OUR job was when RESTAURANTS COMES STRAIGHT I was in high FROM OUR 10 ACRE FARM IN school and more NORTH SAANICH. or less thought I managed it. I felt I was indispensable, so imagine my shock when in a fit of pique I quit—fully expecting the restaurant to close—I saw that business you like to eat in Greater Victoria? carried on as usual! Apparently not Over the last several years the quality of absolutely indispensable! Where can food options—be it charcuterie shops, we find you on the weekend? Happily bakeries, restaurants, niche eateries and doing my crosswords. What is your bars—has improved so much it's hard to favourite event or festival in Greater pick just one! Victoria? Symphony Splash. Where do
10 ACRES BISTRO | COMMONS | KITCHEN | FARM: MEMBER SINCE 2003
20 BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
MIKE MURPHY
COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES Experts in Cleaning
BRIAN HENRY Owner of Ocean River Sports and Adventures OCEAN RIVER IS A PREMIER SPECIALTY KAYAK STORE IN VICTORIA AND HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 30 YEARS. OCEAN RIVER INCLUDES AN OUTSTANDING RETAIL STORE, KAYAKING SCHOOL, TOURS, RENTALS AND A BOAT STORAGE FACILITY ALL RIGHT ON THE GORGE WATERWAY.
What is the best perk of your job? Meeting amazing people who keep inspiring me to continue to get out there myself. What was your first job? I worked for my father’s trucking company. What is the best part about doing business in Greater Victoria? The community. There are so many wonderful and inspiring local businesses and it is our honour to be a part of such a supportive group. What’s your favourite thing about your job or company? The staff and the customers. My staff is the biggest asset to me because without them the store and the adventure centre would not be as successful as it is. How is your business environmentally sustainable? Our biggest environmentally friendly initiative is educating youth and the paddling community. By getting people out on the water we can grow a community of advocates towards the preservation of the wonderful area we call home. Favourite place on Vancouver Island? Kyuquot Sound. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “If you ask a question listen to the answer”. Where can we find you on the weekend? On Saturna Island. I love paddling and exploring the area and right now I am building a house there. What’s your favourite event or festival in Greater Victoria? The wooden boat festival—I just love old boats, actually I love all boats and anything that floats really. What’s your favourite mode of transportation to get around town? My Nissan Leaf, it is electric. OCEAN RIVER SPORTS AND ADVENTURES: MEMBER SINCE 2010
Offices
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BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION Despite the doldrums of summer, The Chamber was very active on behalf of the Greater Victoria business community. As the voice of business, it met with elected officials as well as helped shape informed dialogue through the media, events, print materials and more. Since our last Advocacy in Action report to the business community in September, The Chamber’s advocacy efforts has primarily focussed—not surprisingly—on sewage treatment, and included a joint opinion-editorial with Tourism Victoria CEO Paul Nursey. “For years, The Chamber has advocated for an effective solution that protects Greater Victoria’s reputation, is the lowest possible cost for taxpayers, and has the least impact possible on business,” said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. “The approved plan looks like it is the option that is best able to achieve these objectives. Our continuing concern is that the project remains focused and achieves the completion deadline of December 31, 2020.” Another longstanding Chamber priority is improving regional transportation, where Greater Victoria saw more good news. BC Transportation Minister Todd Stone, Mayor Richard Atwell and Chamber CEO Catherine Holt officially broke ground for the $85 million McKenzie interchange project on September 29. At the event, Catherine publicly thanked Minister Stone for the highprofile, thorough and transparent public consultation process, and for making decisions based on that consultation. “Fixing this intersection has been high on the Greater Victoria Chamber’s advocacy list for years—the bottleneck is untenable and dangerous,” said Catherine at the event. “We’re pleased to see the design take all modes of transportation into account—vehicle, pedestrian, public transit and cycling." The Chamber’s advocacy list includes a regional transportation
22 BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
system that: efficiently and economically moves goods on and off and within the island, moves workers between home to work in a timely and cost-effective manner, and provides alternatives to singlepassenger transport, helping to reduce our carbon footprint and promote healthier lifestyles. To achieve this, The Chamber has been advocating for a transportation authority with planning, decisionmaking, taxation and project delivery responsibility. Currently, transportation planning is a local government role. Regional projects require the cooperation of municipalities with varying—and often conflicting—interests and limited capacity. Climate change and its impact on the regulatory environment is rapidly becoming a focus for Greater Victoria businesses. Business leaders and owners are concerned about how governments' response to climate change—as well as climate change itself—may affect their businesses’ operations and bottom line. In September, Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, spoke to a sold-out Chamber luncheon sponsored by World Tree Carbon Offset Program. During his address, he described this coming year as an important one that will present great opportunities and challenges. Some of the most significant challenges will be related to the Government of Canada’s plan to introduce a carbon tax. Mr. Wilkinson outlined the federal government’s plan, stressing how addressing greenhouse gas emissions is an environmental and economic imperative for Canada. "The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved through changes to building standards, power generation, transportation as well as carbon pricing," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "The Chamber looks forward to—and expects—the Government of Canada supporting businesses' transition to a low-carbon economy."
At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's AGM and Convention, in Regina Sept 17 to 19, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce submitted two resolutions. The first resolution, Proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve—in the Strait of Georgia, dealt with the recognition of the Strait of Georgia as one of North America’s most important trading corridors, moving billions of dollars in trade goods. This resolution asks the federal government to establish predictable and transparent decisionmaking leading to the establishment of this proposed conservation area, as well as to ensure continued access to the existing and future marine trade corridors in the Strait of Georgia. The second, Filling the Labour Gap Through Economic Immigration, addresses the need for Canada to improve its immigration system so as to be competitive for global talent. This resolution asks the Federal government to eliminate the costly and time-intensive Labour Market Impact Assessment for those skilled applicants with permanent job offers who are applying via Express Entry. "We are pleased the importance of involving users in determining the future of the Strait and of immigration to fill our labour gap are both recognized as economic imperatives by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its network across Canada," said Chamber policy manager Peggy Kulmala, the conference delegate representing Greater Victoria. "Our resolution is now a policy position of the Canadian Chamber and its members, and will be pursued with the federal government over the coming months." The Chamber’s advocacy team remains hard at work, acting as the voice of business. Over the next two months, The Chamber will be presenting our region’s 2017 funding priorities to the B.C. Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, as well as working with our Policy and Government Relations Committee to refine our policy priority areas for 2017.
Building Healthy Communities. One Y at a Time.
The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island recently welcomed two new facilities to our region. The Westhills YMCAYWCA/Langford Aquatic Centre and the Eagle Creek YMCA-YWCA in View Royal. The recent expansion to the communities of Langford and View Royal are just the first stage in the long-term expansion strategy to deliver outcome-based growth through partnership development and innovation. The Westhills YMCA-YWCA/Langford Aquatic Centre offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility, fitness studios, multi-
purpose space, teen centre, licensed child care services and a remarkable Aquatic Centre with a lazy river, pool slide, lap pool, warm water therapy pool and wave pool. The Eagle Creek Y, View Royal will provide licensed child care with designated infant and toddler spaces as well as a health and fitness centre. The Y remains committed to its flagship Downtown Victoria location and will continue to offer the same extensive programs and services including Health, Fitness & Aquatics, Child Care, Youth and Young Mom’s Programs.
Victoria Downtown Y
Langford Westhills Y
View Royal Eagle Creek Y
250-386-7511
NOW OPEN
NOW OPEN
www.VancouverIslandY.com BUSINESSMATTERS | NOVEMBER 2016
23
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