Issuu

GATEWAY BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

Nanaimo's

Future

Life in the Harbour City in 2025

2015 ISSUE

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

Welcome from the CEO Last year in Gateway we looked back at the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce's 125-year history, contrasting the old times with the business landscape today. This year we wanted to look forward – beyond the context of where our community is in its 126th year. So we’ve picked the year 2025 – just 10 years down the road – to project our pondering toward. Some of the stories relate issues and ideas of today and some will relate our thoughts and prognostications about Nanaimo’s future based on what we know right now about Nanaimo’s future plans. The author relates these differences to help us understand what is ‘future-speak’ and what is being stated about our current situation. We hope you’ll enjoy the diverse content. Gateway Magazine helps express the many ways the Chamber of Commerce connects with every sector in the community – not just business. Because our branding states our goal is ‘Better Community Through Better Business’, everything we do at the Chamber of Commerce is viewed through the lens of ‘community’. In that way, we can speak of arts and culture, sports and recreation, housing, multiculturalism, education and our waterfront among other subjects. Overall, we speak to the five community pillars that support the driving principles of our Successful Cities program. Today, the Chamber of Commerce serves a community of about 6,000 licensed businesses and a regional population close to 100,000. We present monthly luncheons that regularly attract 150-plus guests to hear speakers of social and economic significance. We shine the spotlight on individual member businesses by helping them host networking events called “Business After Business” and “Business Before Business.” We also create special occasions like Nanaimo’s annual Business Achievement Awards, the Business Expo, our Christmas Luncheon and Auction with close to 500 guests and several other fun and entertaining events. Throughout the year, we offer unique and valuable low cost and no-cost professional development opportunities to members. The Chamber provides its members with optional group health insurance programs for businesses as small as one employee. It provides debit and credit card merchant programs that are among the lowest priced in the marketplace. Our “Member 2 Member” marketing program provides discounts on fuel purchases, travel, accommodations and dozens of other offers – all the time, year-round. We also focus energy on ‘government advocacy’ as we continually explore ways to break down barriers to business success by helping all levels of government understand that making it easier to do business helps the entire community in many ways. As it will be in 2025, today’s Chamber is an excellent venue to initiate business contacts, procure business development resources, engage in Nanaimo’s corporate social scene and expose your unique value proposition in a variety of environments.

Contents 3

CEO Report

Multicultural Mosaic: Programs making Nanaimo ideal for immigrants

Road to Reconciliation: University fostering healing with First Nations

Outdoor Opportunities: Recreational pursuits in mid-Island

On the Move: Safe and convenient transportation planning

Revitalizing the Waterfront: Heritage and new waterfront development

Housing: Development focusing on sustainability

Technology Hub: Nanaimo attracts high-tech innovators

Healthcare Hub: Nanaimo serving communities north of the Malahat

Creative Economy: Collaboration in arts and culture sector

Your input is essential to improving the Chamber’s performance. Please contact me at ceo@nanaimochamber.bc.ca with your comments and feedback.

GATEWAY

GATEWAY BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS | 2015 Publisher: Maurice Donn Production Supervisor: Darrell Summerfelt

Cutting Edge

Culture

Community In the heart of Nanaimo

Creative: Nanaimo News Bulletin Production Department Advertising Sales: Sean McCue Advertising and Editorial Inquiries: 250-753-3707 Gateway: Better Community through Better Business is published by Black Press for Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. ON THE COVER: Nanaimo's waterfront is a major attraction for residents and tourists alike. The image is courtesy of Mike Thompson, photographer and owner of Impact Digital Photography.

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BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

ALEXANDRIA STUART writes and edits feature articles, journalism, fiction, and promotional materials. She’s been published in newspapers, magazines, and a variety of online media. After five years as co-producer and host of Arts Now on Shaw Television, her interest in broadcast media shifted to radio. In 2013 Alexandria was awarded Vancouver Island University’s Barry Broadfoot Award for Journalism in Creative Non-Fiction, as well as the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspapers Association Award in 2014, given to post-secondary journalism students who plan to work in the industry. DIRK HEYDEMANN of Heydemann Art of Photography and HA Photography has his photo studio located in the beautiful Harbour City. He has been shooting professionally as a commercial and wedding photographer for more than 20 years. The best and most rewarding part of his job is seeing and hearing that his images have made an impact and difference in people’s lives. Dirk is thrilled to be apart of the Gateway magazine team.

Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce 2133 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H8 Phone: 250-756-1191 – Fax: 250-756-1584 info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca; www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca © Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, its Board of Directors, nor that of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. The publisher is not responsible for the content of any advertisement, or any representations made therein. No part of Gateway: Better Community through Better Business may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

Multicultural

Hilde Schlosar is executive director of Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Programs help make Nanaimo ideal destination for immigrants

B Â Â

C's STRONG IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS make it an attractive destination for investors and new Canadians. Its temperate climate and desirable lifestyle make it a popular choice for many continued on page 6

continued from page 5

immigrants. With a projected minus-threeper cent gap in the labour market, Nanaimo is well suited to attract skilled labour to fi ll that gap. Vancouver Island University’s international student enrollment numbers continue to climb, with many electing to make their homes here after graduation. As Nanaimo welcomes new immigrants, it embraces the entire family system to help ease the transition and ensure that new residents start off on the right foot in their new home.

As communities become more welcoming and embrace immigrants and integration, they enjoy the enrichment that multiculturalism brings – the mosaic, not the melting pot

The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), a community-based agency that works with individuals and organizations to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities for immigrants. By providing a variety of services to immigrants, from English language classes to employment assistance and more, it achieves its mission to promote a flourishing community of diversity. The city enjoys many benefits, social and economic, of its strong immigration programs and new residents enjoy the arts, culture, sports, recreation, and ample green spaces and trails that have become the hallmark of Nanaimo. The South Downtown Waterfront Initiative reflects the diversity in our community in its design, construction, cultural opportunities and restaurants. Statistics and projections indicate that many newcomers are needed in the workforce to replace retirees, says Hilde Schlosar, executive director for the society. The workforce issue is the driving force of immigration. Immigrant families arrive with ample funds, so fi nancial support isn’t needed – it’s policy and programing that remain key, she says. Family sponsorship and reunification continue to be priorities for new Canadians. Immigration policy continues to remain responsive to the changing landscape of the workforce, but while it remains in constant change,

organizations like CVIMS are vital to help new Canadians navigate their way through the system. When businesses become immigrant friendly, accept and recognize former work experience and training, theyâ€™re able to enjoy and benefit from the skills that new workers bring. Facilitating inclusion in the workplace helps new Canadians feel safe and welcome in a community. CVIMS works with and supports the whole family: documentation and applications, obtaining housing, accessing education and daycare, learning the language, preparing to find work, working. Information about the customs, systems, and cultural norms are particularly important when a family is working hard to join a community in a new country. Everyday activities (banking, transportation, medical access, CRA, workplace culture like watercooler talk)

are taught and supported. The more quickly new families make the adjustment, the quicker they can become fully participating and contributing citizens, paying taxes, volunteering in the community, and enjoying the arts and recreation opportunities that are so rich in Nanaimo, Schlosar says. When immigrants are comfortable they happily emerge from their homes and venture beyond their immediate communities. Immigrants feel safe as we welcome them by providing opportunities and spaces where they feel they can fit in. As communities become more welcoming and embrace immigrants and integration, they enjoy the enrichment that multiculturalism brings â€“ the mosaic, not the melting pot, Schlosar says. Embracing all cultures, Nanaimo enjoys a rich cultural mosaic and diversity across the population.

GATEWAY

Road to

Reconciliation University fosters healing through collaboration with First Nations

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ANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY has developed successful collaborations with the First Nations community to foster a relationship of healing, understanding and reconciliation. The Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation continues its strong leadership role. Through advancing research, understanding and public dialogue, communities have been able to come together in a place of understanding and work toward meaningful reconciliation. The development of the successful partnership between VIU and the area’s First Nations has also opened exciting opportunities in aboriginal education, removing barriers for many students who may have difficulty accessing education. VIU hosts more than 10 per cent self-declared aboriginal students, one of the highest numbers in any B.C. university, and their success rates keep climbing. A key to the success of VIU’s involvement in aboriginal education is the elders; they fi ll important faculty positions, imparting the wealth of their experience and knowledge of cultural heritage in VIU's programming and planning processes. Sylvia Scow, aboriginal projects coordinator and elder support at VIU, is proud of the Elders In Residence Program. Offering students and faculty the opportunity for authentic engagement in protocol matters, participating in convocation, in classrooms, asking questions, and supporting students’ needs are just some of the ways that the elders serve the VIU community. “They love to do the educational piece and have conversations, and they do it so well and so kindly,” Scow says. By imparting their knowledge of, and respect for, the protocols, the elders have helped the university and community to integrate these important traditions into the affairs that take place in these traditional territories. Scow is also pleased with the success of the Community Cousins Program. “We have returning students available for the new incoming students so they can have a sense of belonging when they arrive.” Th is type of aboriginal mentorship extends to practising the traditional protocols as well, acknowledging their importance and recognizing opportunities to apply them. By offering programs that are economically relevant to the First Nations' community and feeding the continuation of its rich cultural heritage, graduates create jobs and successful business opportunities that, in turn, employ future graduates. Where there is a strong demand for workers, VIU has partnered with

First Nations to design programs and curriculum that are most meaningful and applicable in their home communities. VIU’s program offerings in forestry, geology, fisheries and aquaculture allow First Nations students to study and maintain involvement in industries that have traditionally been economically important to their communities, and ensure that operations in these industries continue in a sustainable way, securing the health of the land for generations to come. Unique opportunities, such as the aboriginal ecotourism program, provide space for students to study in different communities and build business in new realms. Another success has been in outreach to the business community. “We have professional development offerings, aboriginal engagement course offerings,” that help educate business in, for example, the protocols of doing business with the Coast Salish peoples, Scow says. Traditional protocol and recognizing the traditional territories are important elements of successful business relationships. Continuing growth and understanding of the nature of fruitful connections between these sectors of business creates unique and exciting opportunities going forward. The continued rise of student success rates at VIU makes fully equitable access to education a reality for First Nations communities. VIU’s responsive approach to the unique needs of the aboriginal population, continuing to fi ne tune the curriculum, honouring the contributions of the elders, and student mentorship have all helped to create a culture of understanding and continued success. Scow is excited about opportunities in the future, “expanding some of those activities and really focusing on some of the things that are working now, building on that.” Vancouver Island University offers high quality education to students where they live, and all over the world, in a stunning and progressive institution. It also strives to provide access to affordable education on a timeline that suits every individual’s needs. Often, VIU graduates choose to remain in Nanaimo and build their careers and businesses here, contributing to their communities and keeping their money in the local economy.

GATEWAY

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BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

Outdoor

Opportunities Residents drawn to mid-Island for recreational pursuits

ANY OF NANAIMOâ€™S RESIDENTS were drawn to this part of Vancouver Island to enjoy a lifestyle rich in sports and recreation, both indoors and out. Sand, surf, green space, paddling, scuba diving, lush forested hiking trails, and ski hills are around every corner. High-quality facilities welcome swimming, baseball, volleyball, hockey, and more. The sport and outdoors enthusiast is never at a loss for an activity or adventure and is eager to share these experiences with likeminded locals and tourists alike. continued on page 12

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A Sport and Cultural Tourism Strategy was an important component of Nanaimoâ€™s 2005 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. With a variety of world class facilities to host these activities, the city brings a lot to the table for producers of sporting events from across the country. Special events, including sporting events, play an important role in fostering community spirit and identity. Nanaimoâ€™s sense of pride swells every time our national anthem rings out to open another tournament. The municipality provides assistance through the Sports Tournament Travel program that ensures that athletes of all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and represent the talent that the city has to offer. Hosting touring events, like the 2014 BC Summer Games, has put Nanaimo on the map as an ideal destination for sports tourism. Not only are our facilities top-of-the-line, but we have a rich talent pool of labour and support staff available, offering athletes and spectators the finest food and lodging for a variety of budgets. These traveling provincial tournaments expose athletes, their support people, and fans to a variety of communities. Nanaimo stands out from the crowd for the quality tournament experience it provides, in a setting of unparalleled beauty, with a wide variety of activities and resources to delight visitors in their off time. Many are eager to return to the city and enjoy even more of what it has to offer. Our growing university continues to contribute to the community with its Sports and Wellness Centre housing facilities for high performance sport

and student recreation. Vancouver Island University offers top notch facilities that attract high profi le athletes, sporting events and tours from around the province and country. The South Downtown Waterfront Initiative has also incorporated sports and recreation facilities into its development. Residents, downtown workers and all citizens of Nanaimo enjoy meeting their fitness needs on the waterfront â€“ the jewel of Nanaimo. Nanaimoâ€™s growth as a lifestyle destination based in outdoor recreation Thousands of athletes from across B.C. came to Nanaimo in July of 2014 to compete in the province's Summer Games. Nanaimo residents supported the event as volunteers and spectators.

and fitness opportunities are a cornerstone of the city, attracting likeminded residents, new businesses, and the attention of the sporting community across the country.

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GATEWAY

On the

Move

Planning allows safe and convenient access to all modes of transportation

ANAIMO’S OFFICIAL Community Plan has reshaped the city into a compact, sustainable place where residents work, shop, socialize, and enjoy recreation close to home within Mobility Hubs. Keen city planning and the reengineering of roadways has allowed all users safe and convenient access in all modes of transportation.

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In the year 2025, transit is high quality, accessible and convenient. Many residents have reduced their dependence on vehicles, enjoying their new power and safety as pedestrians on roadways. Nanaimo residents have a hard time remembering when transit wasn’t the most convenient and inexpensive way to move around the city.

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These Mobility Hubs are compact, self-contained neighbourhoods. Short trips on foot or bicycle have become the norm, safe and comfortable options to increase personal fitness levels and get around more

sustainably. Pedestrians are the priority on our trailways and streets. Where residents need to move further afield in the city, bikeways provide easy links between Mobility Hubs.

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

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As families reduce their dependence on vehicles, they are increasingly living without them. Ample car share cooperatives are available for occasional journeys, allowing them to reducing their carbon footprint and eliminate the monthly expenses of maintaining their own vehicle. Management of parking facilities has improved allowing for smaller spaces and more efficient use of that space. The South Downtown Waterfront Initiative, well underway, provides a transportation hub for transit, ferry and air service. And expansion plans at the airport

remain on track providing efficient and highly accessible links regionally, nationally, and internationally. By curtailing sprawl and concentrating development within existing urban boundaries, Nanaimoâ€™s city planners created an environment that was ripe for a forward-thinking transportation plan. With its implementation, Nanaimo has made great progress toward its goal by 2025, reducing dependence on vehicles and supporting neighbourhoods where half of new trips are taken on foot, bicycle or transit.

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GATEWAY

Revitalizing the

Waterfront Heritage celebrated with new waterfront development

HEN THE CITY of Nanaimo purchased 10 hectares of land on the downtown’s waterfront, the last piece of pioneer waterfront in North America, it realized that this space was critical to the future well being of Nanaimo. As the development of the Wellcox Property moves forward, those visions are coming to fruition, with many exciting elements still to come. The waterfront south of Cameron Island has been opened up for the first time for public enjoyment and to host residential, commercial and shopping uses, with services like restaurants and recreation, plus ample involvement and opportunities in the arts. Recognizing the historical significance of this site, the city has partnered with the Snuneymuxw First Nation to ensure that the full depth of the area’s cultural significance is honoured and celebrated. Consultation with the Snuneymuxw First Nation brought cultural elements, important considerations about the heritage of this land, to the table. Through their input we have a development that embraces and celebrates the heritage of this land. Nanaimo’s shared cultural heritage is proudly on display throughout with First Nations art and business activity. What began as a significant waterfront village site for the Snuneymuxw, providing important resources, was later used for marine transportation and heavy industrial activity, coming full circle back now and back into the hands of the residents of Nanaimo. The vision for this spectacular piece of property was developed through a transparent and communitybased process. Th is truly is a project built by the people of Nanaimo to provide a mixture of land use to maximize the number of people and jobs that are served by the site. The guiding principles set out by the South Downtown Waterfront Initiative have provided a framework – a vision – to inform decisions throughout the development process – something that will continue for decades to come. While there may be unforeseen changes to social, cultural, economic, environmental, political and technological circumstances, these principles will continue to light the path for full realization of the vision. continued on page 18

GATEWAY

continued from page 17

In its completed vision, this prime waterfront property provides an important transportation hub for the city with complimentary mixed land use for retail, restaurants, commercial and mixed residential housing. Most importantly, these uses still grant full public access to the space so that this jewel in our city may be enjoyed by all. The site has been designed to welcome and conveniently and safely accommodate foot traffic, bicycles and transit users. It represents a cornerstone and fully integrates with Nanaimo’s Transportation Master Plan. Travellers are awestruck by the beauty and efficiency of this regional gateway to Vancouver Island. As a working harbour, the site continues to provide important employment opportunities to the city’s residents. Through a comprehensive good neighbor agreement between the harbour and the site’s residents, considerations of everyone’s needs were taken into account in operational designs. The use of land on the waterfront is complimentary and harmonious, blending the needs of industry, community, business, and government. Through the restorative development process, decades of industrial damage is being remediated. Developers have incorporated ecologically restorative elements into the site to ensure that the land continues to regenerate over time. Sustainability is at the forefront of all building projects. Considerations of cultural and social service to the community are also included in all aspects of the development. Arts and culture live and work on the waterfront. Galleries and studios are open to the public and allow artists to create and sell their works in the middle of the action, downtown Nanaimo’s thriving cultural hub. Social opportunities and gathering places are also sprinkled throughout the development. The entire environment is designed to be welcoming and display the tremendous pride of place that Nanaimo offers. Community members are invited to stop and enjoy the beautiful views and connect with one another throughout the day. Those who visit the site for business, leave with an experience of pleasure. And 18

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

tourists are treated to some of the very best in retail, food, landscape and views that the city has to showcase. This piece of harbour and waterfront development has come to define the city of Nanaimo. In 2025 vision for the Downtown Waterfront Initiative is coming to fruition providing access and connectivity to the city and its communities. The mandate was to allow

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complementary land use that embrace and address the needs of the community satisfying social, cultural, economic and environmental interests. These goals are met and surpassed within the final implementation of the plan. This “community of communities” hosts industrial, mixed use, open space and parks, residential, and transportation-oriented uses in a harmonious way. It is truly the jewel of the city.

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Housing

Sustainability at the forefront of Nanaimo Development

guiding principal in planNanaimo, the Official Community Plan of 2008, sustainability has become the rule in new development, not the exception. A

Energy efficiency remains at the forefront of

lifestyle destination due to its temperate climate and

says Ken Connolly, owner and general manager of

homeowners’ priorities. “With rising energy costs it’s a lot more economical to reduce energy loss in the fi rst place, rather than produce more power,”

natural beauty, Nanaimo attracts residents with a

Pheasant Valley homes. “Tighter building codes

variety of needs in housing. Simplicity seems to be a

require better insulation and more air tight homes,”

common factor.

he says. New developments in products and practices,

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BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

and the workmanship to maximize their effectiveness, are being introduced all the time. Alternatives to tapping into B.C. Hydroâ€™s power grid have emerged. Photovoltaic panels that generate electricity directly from the sun will become highly affordable continued on page 22

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GATEWAY

continued from page 21

in the years to come. From what Connolly’s heard, “developments in fuel cell technology are likely to usurp solar power altogether.” It isn’t unlikely that, in the next 10 years, the costs of heating a home and hot water will be lower than powering electronics and lighting. As hydro rates rise, the costs of these alternatives become more affordable to install and run. Faced with the realities of climate change, citizens are motivated by more than low hydro bills – they are creating a world that they will be proud to leave behind for their children and grandchildren. Plumbing designed to recycle so-called “grey water” for flushing toilets and irrigation, and properties designed to accommodate rainwater collection and storage systems, reduce the strain of a growing population on our local watershed. As municipalities raise water user rates, the costs of installing these systems is quickly recovered, and the more common they are, the lower the startup costs become. More of Nanaimo’s contractors are now registered with Built Green B.C. Homes to help more homeowners 22

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

achieve their own sustainability targets. Nanaimo continues to offer good value for the money when it comes to West Coast real estate, with a variety of properties from condominium to estate acreages and walk-on waterfront luxury homes. What its residents have in common is a deep respect for the nature that surrounds them. That includes a strong motivation to reduce dependence on automobiles, maximizing efficiency and minimizing dependence. In-fill and increased density in housing has helped the city meet its target of sustainability. It’s also contributed to the successful implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, allowing residents to live and work in their communities. Managing urban growth has been a key to more sustainable communities and reduced dependence on single occupancy vehicles. The South Downtown Waterfront Initiative is providing a variety of housing types that attract a diverse array of family sizes and makeups. Sustainable design was a priority for the community’s developers who built the

quality of life. They’re looking for smaller homes to reduce their energy costs, reducing the time they spend cleaning and maintaining them. They’re driving less, and gravitating toward growing their own food. As clients embrace these visions for their lives, sustainable, energy efficient homes become an extension of that.

latest energy saving and waste management technology into every element of the property. The beauty of natural surroundings is one of the major attractions on the West Coast, so including natural elements like features of wood and stone help to bring the outdoors in. Sustainable design, for many new homeowners, includes incorporating those natural elements. Connolly says that his business is hearing from clients who are taking a holistic view of their lives and their

On the other hand of simplicity in design there are also those motivated by the new developments in automation and connectivity within homes. The latest in programmable technology works seamlessly to control all functions in the home. “The world of wireless connectivity is exploding,” Connolly says. Controlling the thermostat and lights from a mobile phone was the first phase; more advanced functions like door locks, security cameras, window blinds, monitoring and specialty tasks will be accessible in the future through Z-Wave wireless communication throughout the house. Through the use of sustainable design principles, Nanaimo remains a jewel on the Coast of Vancouver Island.

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Matthew Currie, left, and Keith Brown work on projects at Makerspace in Nanaimo

Technology Hub

Nanaimo attracts high-tech innovators with rich lifestyle offerings

highly desirable city, Nanaimo continues to build on its reputation as a lifestyle destination with its temperate climate and more. Rich offerings in the outdoors, recreation and culture attract the brightest minds to enjoy its mild winters and ease of accessibility as a transportation hub to other centres. According to Gallup, the top three drivers for cities are social comfort, acceptance and aesthetics â€“ all abundant in Nanaimo.

that keep residents busy and engaged in their community. Nanaimo is also a safe, welcoming city in which residents feel comfortable. The tree-lined streets, ample green spaces with parks and trails, and public art make it a desirable city to be in.

Nanaimo offers many opportunities for socializing, nightlife, access to the arts, and other entertainment

Th is

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

Vancouver Island University provides a rich incubator for ideas, and a field to manifest those ideas into reality, feeding Nanaimoâ€™s ever-growing technology ecosystem. creativity-nurturing

lifestyle,

coupled

with

continued on page 26

flying fish ...cooking flying fish ...cooking Peter Culley, 2010-2014, Digital colour prints from the exhibition Black Diamond Dust

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GATEWAY

continued from page 24

reasonable business costs, continue to make Nanaimo a desirable destination for thinkers who are seeking to collaborate with and support one another in what can, at times, be an isolating field.

developing ideas.

Hundreds of the finest minds in technology-related fields have flocked to the city, working quietly in home offices and other workspaces, realizing the ideas that incubate as they enjoy the breathtaking beauty and peace thatâ€™s only ever minutes from their doorways, no matter where in the area they are.

unique needs. Industrial parks specialized in hi-tech

Co-working spaces have opened in all corners of the city, providing an attractive option for business meetings. Early startups like SquareOne helped build the model for successful incubator spaces in the region. These spaces, including StartUp Nanaimo, help to battle the isolation that can sometimes plague creative thinkers. Simply working in a space with, and bouncing thoughts off of, others can be an important process in

serves the hi-tech sector through exciting live/work

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

Nanaimo also continues to support hi-tech pursuits by allowing for zoning and permits that meet sometime provide options and environments to suit any need. Innovation Island continues to play a vital role in strengthening and building our technical sector. The South Downtown Waterfront Initiative also opportunities in the heart of downtown. As a central transportation hub, frequent affordable access to Vancouver, Victoria, the Lower Mainland, and beyond is available, with frequent connections that can comfortably deposit residents back in their own beds after a day of meetings out of town.

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continued from page 29

ANAIMO CONTINUES TO GROW, and with growth comes changing demographics. When residents think about services that are a priority for them, health care remains foremost in their minds when they envision high quality of life for themselves, friends and families. A concentration of high-quality practitioners and facilities continues to draw newcomers to Nanaimo. Island Health provides a full range of progressive health programs and services: public and environmental health; maternal and family health; home care and supports; primary health care; residential care; hospital care; mental health and substance use services; rehabilitation; and end-of-life care. They meet virtually all of the health needs of people who live on Vancouver Island, minimizing the need to seek services elsewhere.

Island Health has looked at the population growth in the central Island and targeted Nanaimo as a logical place to implement supports and facilities to serve communities north of the Malahat through the North Island.

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Island Health identified collaboration with community resources and services as an important part of its strategic plan to meet the changing needs of the region. Vancouver Island University is one of the community partners meeting the health care needs of its students as well as the community. The Vancouver Island University Health and Science Centre has consolidated study and research in the sciences and technology, and hosts the university’s Bachelor of Science Nursing program. It also provides a full range of health-care resources right on campus for the benefit of students as well as the community. Coupled with the work VIU is doing at its Centre for Healthy Aging in Parksville, the institution has emerged as a leader in health sciences research and practice. Another important partner is the First Nations Health Authority. By working closely with the FNHA, coordinated planning and delivery of services will support our First Nations communities to enjoy health and wellness more effectively. Collaboration between these health-care services and more is a key part of maintaining accessible

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and sustainable health management to residents. Attracting a vibrant, active population that enjoys a healthy lifestyle and love of the outdoors includes providing proactive wellness resources as well as responsive services when healthcare needs arise. Supporting a patient and family-centred care model and encouraging innovation are two of the priorities that make this possible for Island Health. Access to innovations in technology also make the region attractive. Telehome devices help many people manage chronic conditions from the comfort of their own homes, through vital sign monitoring and data collection. With the entire region blanketed with reliable Internet service, every citizen is able to find the information they need at their fingertips night and day. Patients are able to

research their conditions and collaborate with their health-care providers, making informed choices and feeling more empowered about their situations. And the ease of electronic communication, including the use of social media, enables patients to stay connected with resources and practitioners at any time of night or day.

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Economy Collaboration key to flourishing success in arts and culture sector

ANAIMO IS A culturally rich and vibrant community,” says Suzanne Samborski, senior manager of the culture and heritage department for the City of Nanaimo. The seeds sown in the 2014 Cultural Master Plan grow over the next decade, bearing fruit both downtown and throughout the city’s neighbourhoods. The city and its residents reap both economic and social benefits from this rich creative economy.

Chris Kuderle displays one of the pieces in the exhibit Contemporary Coast Salish Art at the campus location of the Nanaimo Art Gallery.

cultural hub that recognizes and shares its heritage. The Nanaimo Museum bridges the city’s roots as a mining community with its First Nations roots. In collaboration with Vancouver Island University and the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the presence of First Peoples on the Island prior to colonization is respected as an important part of the region’s story.

Part of the plan, offering support to small-scale theatre producers, was realized with the addition of rehearsal space at the Port Theatre. Developing performers, writers and directors immediately embraced the opportunity to stage their works for local audiences craving a smallscale theatre experience. In the journey toward cultural vitality, this was a pivotal step.

At the Nanaimo Art Gallery, Class A exhibit space invites Canadian and International artists to showcase both contemporary and traditional works. The Gallery also provides connections and opportunities for collaboration between new and emerging creators, including Vancouver Island University’s BA Visual Arts students. The public art program, bringing innovative sculptural works from local artists into the out-of-doors, filling the streets with displays that remain a popular draw for locals and tourists. Children, in particular, seem intrigued by these forms and develop a natural curiosity toward art that will follow them throughout their lives. The South Downtown Waterfront Initiative’s housing, exhibition and studio space for artists welcomes even more creative minds into the heart of downtown to live and work.

Downtown proudly wears its status as Nanaimo’s

Outside of downtown, Nanaimo’s creative economy

“The transition into a cultural capital began in 2014 when the then-city council approved the city's first cultural master plan which set the direction for a decade of community collaboration and investment,” Samborski says.

BETTER COMMUNITY THROUGH BETTER BUSINESS

continues to play a vital part in making the city a desirable place to work and live. Residents enjoy the quality of life and feelings of quality of place that arts and culture imbue the city with. Cultural planning and cultural tourism are an important stimulus to our economic growth, and a rich, year-round schedule of festivals and events extends into the communities outside of downtown. “From pop-up events to annual celebrations, Nanaimo's neighbourhoods offer yearround opportunities for individuals and families to meet each other where they live,” Samborski says. “By creating multiple and diverse opportunities for Nanaimo residents and visitors to connect, learn and engage with each other, the sector makes a significant annual contribution to community building.” Nanaimo’s

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Nanaimo n moving to aimo d a wise decisiooving to Ninan e ad presse m I ow ap I kn sion m landsc g im sede, e .de Thcie beautiful adores aViwllaisge mni ighgat imdpr Hes gtere in ap I know ISe sc en I nd e la tim e first autif thul From The .be ane,d e. rat ay hg ee ag aw ig ch ill ht H V od d rig s go e re or n, iote Seni m mepaIssen tim te co lust fir so e ab th d ith an om w e Fr et on . y eer andas sm waay men,fro gomoddach me rightIaw at ho lt pa ssio vecofem s. Iluha te ts have es in so dl sid ab en re fri w ith felloday oneenand as dom ffean stam I was met w s gone by th eho fr d e, at ha er e I have felt ph s an tims. atmos haveeat food,w The fe sidentjo milyf’. an friendlinesco llo re a gr y d me myth‘fa en ly af al be ne st re e y. We ere, and go by l Top Qualitat time hasac mosph d living here to tivities are ’.alThe food, re ily uld commen joy a great am wo I ‘f d y an m , e re ene. ly lif alod becom lifestyle he e W y. es therego litiat prec apua all Top Q ing here to activitiesevarereyone who recommend liv

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residents enjoy a rich cultural life, and we remain a desirable tourist destination in the off-season. Nanaimo has become a desirable cultural tourism destination. Art experts flock to our galleries for the vibrant visual arts. Internationally renowned musicians continued on page 35

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continued from page 33

share the stage with home grown talent in our lively music scene. Rich local agricultural offerings and locally produced wine and spirits attract talented chefs to feed the culinary scene. Partnerships with local First Nations create compelling exhibitions and performances that share our unique heritage and shared cultural roots. In 2013, Nanaimo’s Economic Development Corporation studied the economic impact of the city’s cultural sector. At that time the sector’s contribution to the economy, directly and indirectly, was $154 million. In 2025 that number will have increased by more than 50 percent to $300 million. “With the new collaborative environment and its new creative successes, the sector matured,” Samborski says. The creative economy around Nanaimo continues to grow, embracing a variety of businesses and types of workers. From advertising and marketing to the visual arts, cultural facilities to software and video game producers, Nanaimo’s economy booms with the fruits of arts and culture related business. Samborski is optimistic: “The sector's future is even brighter.”

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PAGE 29

www.nanaimobulletin.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

VOL. 26, NO. 95

Activities issue

Lantzville’s top bureaucrat quitsChampionship after nine years series begins $

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BY TAMARA CUNNINGHAM THE NEWS BULLETIN

Lantzville’s chief administrative officer has quit amid staff concerns about tone and decorum at district council meetings. Twyla Graff, CAO, handed in her resignation April 1 after nine years as the top bureaucrat for the District of Lantzville. The move also comes on the heels of a memo to council, signed by all five of the district’s managers, that highlights concerns around decorum and tone 74 of council meetings, including 71-60 Ave 250-8 82-5269 4 ridicule and criticism of staff’s 250-3 Kilpatrick work in public and the “disrenay 2937 Saanich RoadHwy 250-756-411 spectful nature” and delivery of Courte 3501 Island comments made recently at an Victoria 3200 North open forum. Nanaimo Graff tin.com was unable to be reached obulle www.nanaim for comment and it’s unknown if the memo and her departure are Rebecca Kirk, Literacy Central Vancouver Island connected, but councillors call chief executive officer, and Ross Cameron, Junior the two issues unfortunate, horMakerspace coordinator, polish up on their Lego 2015 rifying and concerning. APRIL 9, building skills. Cameron, a retired teacher, will lead Two councillors are concerned THURSDAY, elementary school-age children through projects about additional staff turnover. that incorporate the toy blocks to teach science, “It appears council has created technology, engineering and math, but the program, unbearable working conditions scheduled to open in June, needs donations of Lego for staff and the CAO appears from the community. For the full story, please see to have resigned as a result. page 10. There’s a strong possibility that CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN we will lose other senior staff,” said Coun. Rod Negrave, who

advertised , even $ 599. andise merch purchaseprior sales l order sories. Min any specia Buys and ed with old. Hot be combin 13th, 2015. in-stock items & acces househ April s to all Applie ls, clearance Limit one perin store. Cannot Offer Ends ted prices. apply. specia presen ns conditio must be off the ticketed *Some d. Coupon $100 excludeoffers. We take other

has concerns about the relationships with other government agencies, business dealings with the district and costs to the district and its taxpayers as a result of staff losses and disruptions. Coun. Jennifer Millbank is also concerned about additional staff turnover and the impact in the broader community of Lantzville having a bad reputation. The business of the municipality since the election has more or less come to a halt, council is struggling to pass a budget, consensus at the council table is lacking and now there’s a staffing issue, said Millbank, who is “absolutely horrified” about the memo and Graff’s departure. “I am pretty distressed about the memo. It’s something that I’ve certainly witnessed and it’s not something I am part of,” she VOL. said. “I think council needs to take this seriously.” Coun. Graham Savage, who also worked as a consultant for a district in the past, said he has found Graff to be very professional, efficient and focused on trying to give good direction to council and while her resignation is “really unfortunate,” he doesn’t blame her. He says a negative environment has been created – beginning with some election campaigning – and considers the memo a reflection of what’s going on.

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There have hired in Wednesday plus pleasu spectators and finish issue for lly about acces ing a flaggerowner e more will startMaffeo Sutton Park includ cours al, bring the race the city annua vements, e Mengu front of contime since close to but JoannM&M Meat Shops some impro to safety for for the firstd in 1967. mastime, contribute so many boats at Christ grove Crossing’s ns a deterrentg left race starte spectators cerns whend in the haris turnin of Wood intersection remai It means to make their problemThere’s traffic are jamme said the the mall. The lex. diswon’t have ture Bay and into bour. the comp s too many Depar safety going of to out or, race g way Bob Smits, ions direct BULLETIN see the ends, there’ to watch, said and gettin HE NEWS and nges unicat Beach to Bill McGuire, lanes from both CHRIS BUSH/T left, comm biggest challe ocoming and too many accident zone traffinish, said the commodore, society comm the race tractions who calls it anlight would slow left. Society the 2015 Great said Bathtub changing maintaining Bathtub Mengual,a roundabout or a chance to turn, also Nanaimo dore, ring in news will start and to dore. inatwill, in fact, re, Loyal course were Race believes and give peopleABC Restaurant said and coord the Bill McGui Samson, vice commo Bathtub “Tubbers right underlength and with of ionship its down bell em time fic Champ owner as a probl 25 and Bruce ring the Frank Ney ing the raceof other users, it takes of International World Vojto Sinn, Sutton Park. neath the iconic symbol intersection know Christmas rs and there has schedules front of Maffeo sees the times like se people don’t air carrie ng popufinish in Statue, an former mayor as years, butthe need to busy for g such durin to get out becau avoidi ies Nanaimo’slargely responsiimpresalways been e between all activit ferries andspots. minutes to. a balanc length and under the but who was ing this crazy concentrateand to build lar diving sure that the e who to yield owners weredone this spring darea unity strike cours , of ng one ble for invent the in comm store accor be safety , “Maki said. then the level have is still Both to hing would landowners sport,” hessful marine festi- and streng between the maintaining course lengthse we want all up to sion somet tub racers A succe ing music, street partnerships y and the starts is race ing capichallengeexpect. same, becau societ mo Busiwhen it compare in provid eau. val, includ nt, the Sail Bathtub come to course covers negativelye be able to over year,” Nanai ing to Mousscity is interested e, t doesn’t entertainme Downtown vement AssoThe new32 nautical miles times year “Second, makWheels Parad While the ing the projec access to privat y said. Past on is nearly ness Impro ensur rks displaof all the r Nanaimo just over tres, Smits and issue with firewo tal l Greate the fits n, , kilome ” it /4 erce, annua ciatio or 59.5 distance as the g hundreds ing sure See ‘CITY’ of Comm affect traffic on the water. he said and keepin downtown to ChamberQuarter, the city, the same course. other users Marine Festiproperty, and finyear’s spectators Old City Port Authority previous is actually This the start seen as 23-26. s July witnes Nanaimo . “The race a more chalval runs photos@n anaimobu lletin.com race, is event a be ish of the and others said people g the going to for our tubg years. key to makin McGuire about startlenging one ire said. “The in comin success have asked , former ng the bers,” McGu race John Ruttan ing and finishi mayor and same place Nanaimo , said it makes race in the levels to commodore multiple sense on expires Coupon

2014

magazine

PAGE 28

DISTRICT STAFF send memo over tone and decorum at meetings.

NANAIMO WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK

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Life in the Harbour City in 2025

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