Business Examiner Vancouver Island - October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019

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DUNCAN CARSTAR Collision And Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair Are Flagships Of Expanding Business

PAGE 21

CAMPBELL RIVER Integrated Forest Solutions Expands, Diversifies Throughout BC

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INDEX News Update 2 Digital Marketing 5 Cowichan Valley 6 Nanaimo 7 Comox Valley 14 Yellow Sheet 25 Who Is Suing Whom 30 Movers And Shakers 31 Opinion 34 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

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Local Fisherman Behind Ground-Breaking Eco-Friendly Machine Growing Demand for Ace Innovation Solutions Products

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ANAIMO - Bob Elliott tips a container of engine oil into a plastic container filled with water and black slick spreads to cover the surface.

“Watch this,” he says, as he places a small metal box with a small engine and six-inch disc into the water. He plugs the machine in, and the disc begins to spin, instantly pulling oil from the water.

When we return to the water container 20 minutes later, the water is completely clear, showing no trace of oil. Elliott, owner of Ace Innovation Solutions, demonstrated the most recent prototype of The OX, a specialized oil retrieval product that is in growing demand.

Contained in a small portable box, the OX just needs to be

SEE BOB ELLIOTT | PAGE 24

Bob Elliot, owner of Ace Innovation Solutions in front of one of his oil cleanup products

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Bright Ideas Take Campbell River’s Discovery Trekking Products Global

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AMPBELL RIVER - Being able to think on her feet has been a key to Leslie Hanes’ success at Discovery Trekking, her fabric and custom product design business.

Hanes has been in business for over 40 years, and is always thinking of new ways to use the unique fabric she carries in her store at 919 Ironwood Road. Innovation has enabled

her to roll with the punches, moving from traditional brick and mortar to an ever-growi n g o n l i n e b u s i n e s s n i c h e.

In 2002 she came up with the idea of creating a lightweight moisture-wicking towel. The Ultra-Fast Dry Sport & Travel Towel pulls the water from skin, and when moisture reaches the outside of the fabric, it spreads out to many times its original

surface area, enabling it to evaporate very quickly.

The towel was a hit and earned her a $10,000 Innovation Award from Scotia Bank.

Her daughter Laurie asked her to make a cover for her saddle to keep her dry in the rain while riding.

“I told her to go and buy one, but she soon found they didn’t exist - at least not what she had

been looking for,” she recalls. “ So the ‘Saddle Skirt’ was born.

The saddle cover keeps riders dry and warm all year long and protects those expensive saddles.”

Discovery Trekking makes and sells moisture-wicking pillowcases, travel robes and pool wraps as well as their biggest seller, Sosecure Swim Briefs.

SEE DISCOVERY TREKKING | PAGE 11

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NEWS UPDATE

Cross & Company is pleased to announce its newest members to the Canadian Professional Accountants of British Columbia!

Duncan Soproniuk, CPA Duncan moved to Vancouver Island from Alberta in 2007, and graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2014, starting with Cross & Company shortly after graduation.

James Cartwright, CPA James completed his post-secondary education at Vancouver Island University in 2014 and started working with Cross and Company in 2014.

3090 Barons Rd., Nanaimo | TF: 877.729.0504 E: admin@crossandco.ca | Website: www.crossandco.ca

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

PARKSVILLE

LADYSMITH

Quality Foods Breaks Ground

Plans in Motion for Traveller’s Hotel

Quality Foods broke ground on the construction of its new Parksville store on the corner of Despard Avenue and the Alberni Highway.

The outlet will include 40,000 square feet on the main floor, making it twice the size of the current Parksville store and similar to the new Harewood Quality Foods in Nanaimo. There are also plans for an upstairs lounge as well as boutique-style offerings like a smoothie/ juice bar and a sushi bar.

The main floor will include a stone oven, full-service deli, smokehouse, bakery, floral section, Chinese food and seafood options. Perk Avenue Café will be located downstairs with seating for 150 as well as an outdoor patio.

Upstairs will include a patio featuring Starbucks coffee, A Step Above Home Décor and Giftware, a large fully equipped conference room and a fully licensed lounge. The plaza the store will be located in will also include a liquor store and pharmacy.

The new facility will employ over 100 people and the building will include state-of-the-art refrigeration units that reduce energy consumption, a rainwater management system and multiple EV charging stations. The project is done in partnership between John Briuolo, Ken Schley and Jim Pattison Development Group. Windley Construction is the lead builder on the project. The store is expected to be completed towards the end of 2020.

Work is underway at the site of the former Traveller’s Hotel in Ladysmith to bring the hotel back to life.

Once complete the ground floor of the building will include a restaurant and bar with a hotel reception area. Upstairs will be a boutique hotel with about 20 rooms.

Hazmat abatement work was recently completed, which included removing asbestos from the building.

While the heritage aspects of the building, including the front façade will remain intact, the interior of the building has been completely gutted. The building is still required to be brought in line with BC Building Code standards which will require seismic upgrades, an elevator, wheelchair access, emergency exits and fire suppression installation. New windows will also be installed on the front of the building.

The hotel remained closed for year until a North Vancouver-based family put in an offer to restore the property. Michael Roethe, who has a background in hotel management and the hotel industry, is spearheading the project.

Since the abatement work and rezoning has been completed, the next stage is building permits. The Roethe’s are now consulting designers to come up with concepts before filing their application. They are hoping to break ground on the project in summer 2020 with construction estimated to take at least a year.

SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3

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NEWS UPDATE

OCTOBER 2019

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

CAMPBELL RIVER Local Tech Challenges Launched The City of Campbell River Economic Development and Campbell River Angel Group (CRAG) are launching four individual challenges with awards ranging from $45,000 to $100,000. The challenges include a call for developing a marine wildlife monitor, a portable renewable energy pod, a bladeless oyster shucker and a wildcard challenge.

Individuals, academic institutions and businesses with ideas at all stages of development are encouraged to explore the challenge statements and submit an expression of interest by Oct. 31. Successful contestants will be considered for seed capital investment and CRAG advisory support and mentorship.

An information session was held for those interested in participating in the competition on October 8 at the North Island College in Campbell River.

“Each challenge provides an opportunity to win a substantial cash prize that will support further development of these tech solutions. And there’s more: the competition process includes mentorship, skill building and networking opportunities as well. The goal is to make sure that even those who don’t win a prize, get real value from the process,” says Campbell River economic development officer Rose Klukas.

“The Campbell River Angel Group is sponsoring this contest to raise awareness about Campbell River’s TECHATCHERY program. As a TECHATCHERY initiative, the NexStream challenge will motivate entrepreneurs and innovators to solve challenges facing industries and communities of Vancouver Island and beyond,” says David Baar, Angel Investor and co-founder of CRAG.

VANCOUVER ISLAND Multi-Family Residences See Demand Spike The sale of single-family homes in September were virtually flat year over year despite falling 16 per cent from August according to statistics released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB).

Meanwhile, apartment and townhouse sales rose by 15 per cent and 11 per cent year

over year, respectively.

Last month, 345 single-family homes sold on VIREB’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) System compared to 413 the previous month and 347 in September 2018.

In the apartment category, 85 units sold last month, while 51 townhouses changed hands in September.

In the VIREB area, inventory of single-family homes in September rose by 14 per cent from one year ago (1,283 to 1,466).

Active listings of apartments increased by 43 per cent (293 to 419) year over year while townhouse inventory dropped by 18 per cent (171 to 140).

September statistics point to buyers turning to multi-family properties, though VIREB reports that it is too early to determine whether the numbers are an anomaly or the beginning of a trend.

Prices in the VIREB area are still rising year over year, but the magnitude is decreasing. The benchmark price of a single-family home board-wide was $523,100 in September, a four per cent increase from one year ago and up two per cent from August.

In the apartment category, the year-overyear benchmark price rose by two per cent, climbing to $298,900 but slightly lower than in August. The benchmark price of a townhouse rose by four per cent boardwide, hitting $411,100 last month, which was two per cent lower than August’s benchmark of $417,300.

Courtenay.

The application has been submitted to council for rezoning and a development permit. If the process proceeds, Wilson explained she would like to see construction begin in the spring, with a build-out period of around 12 months for the first building.

She noted rentals could ready for occupancy by fall 2021.

Wilson explained one of the goals of their company is to have 1,000 net-zero homes by 2024 and added, “we are well on our way.”

“We already have a better building envelope and have solar panels installed.

It’s really important for us to be energy efficient – we aim for ‘smart real estate’.”

In terms of parking, Wilson said there will more parking than the Town’s bylaw requires, along with chargers for electric vehicles.

She estimates rents will be at market

3

rate and noted a one-bedroom could be around $1,300, with a two-bedroom around $1,500.

COMOX VALLEY NIC Opens New Learning Centre North Island College (NIC) has opened a new learning centre at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox. The school will be using the former surgical day care space on the first floor to deliver health care assistant (HCA) and early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs for the 2019/20 academic year.

The Ministry for Advanced Education, Skills and Training provided the school SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4

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COMOX VALLEY Kelowna Developer Proposes Rental Complex Comox Valley Record A Kelowna-based development company is proposing a new complex that mixes both rental and condo units in Comox.

Highstreet Ventures said they have presented Comox council with a four-building development at 695 Aspen Rd., which features 208 rental units and with 24 condo units, along with mixed-use commercial on the ground floor.

“We recognize we need market rentals in Comox,” explained Christina Wilson, vice-president of development and sales for the company.

“We dialed into Comox because we have a piece of land that is large enough, and we realized one area in the Town’s OCP (official community plan) is that they wanted to densify.”

With buildings primarily in western Canada, Highstreet has built the Riverwalk Centre and Riverstone condo buildings in

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O C T O B E R 2 0 19

NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

A C C O U N T I N G • TA X • E S TAT E S

with $600,000 of funding to renovate, furnish and equip the space and will also assist with the annual leasing costs. The new space includes study areas, meeting rooms, two classrooms and labs, making it easy for students to remain in one community for both lab and theoretical lessons.

HCA students began their program in August while ECCE students will begin at the new space in winter 2020. A second HCA program begins in January – one of eight additional HCA certificate programs the school is offering in 2019/20.

Feasibility studies will also be conducted to determine if other programs can be delivered in the space in the future. Applications are open for the January starts for both ECCE and HCA certificates.

COWICHAN VALLEY Sportsplex Field House Gets Funding

Brandon Charlesworth BBA, CPA, CGA 10 Esplanade, Nanaimo V9R 4Y7

Phone 250 591 0360

w w w.ro b b i n s a n d co. c a

A new field house at the Cowichan Sportsplex has been approved to receive $1 million in funding from senior levels of government.

The entire project is expected to cost $1.5-million and would replace aging office space, which is being provided by a temporary portable building. About $400,000 of the remaining $500,000 budgeted for the project has been raised through fundraisers and local government grants. The remaining funds are expected to come from a capital contingency fund.

The new facility would add new change rooms, showers and a multi-purpose meeting room. The new amenities will position the Sportsplex to attract tournaments and other events from outside of the community.

Building a field house at the Cowichan Sportsplex was part of the original plans for the sports centre when it was first built about 15 years ago.

Si x recreation centres across British Columbia, including the Cowichan Sportsplex, are set to receive over $3-million in funding for upgrades and new construction via the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The Cowichan Sportsplex is a regional outdoor sports, recreation and fitness park that covers more than 26 acres in the Cowichan Valley and currently has over 200,000 visitors each year.

Work has already begun for the conceptual drawings and schematics for the layout of the building. Construction could begin as early as in the spring of 2020 and construction is expected to take about eight months to a year to complete.

COMOX VALLEY Water Treatment Project Breaks Ground Construction is moving ahead this month on the new Comox Valley Water Treatment Project.

Since AECON Water Infrastructure was awarded the construction contract in SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 13

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LEASES 849 Sq. Ft. Space in Dorchester Hotel – Across from Waterfront, Downtown Nanaimo. Available with 30 days notice for $1,250/Month + Hydro & Taxes 2,033 Sq. Ft. 2nd Floor Office Space – Downtown Nanaimo, T.N. includes HVAC, Hydro & Utilities. Available for Immediate Occupancy $9.50/SF + TN Light Industrial Space in Diver Lake Area 1,380 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level, Gross Lease + GST, Tenant pays own Hydro. Available Jan 1/19 $9.75/SF + GST 1,630 Sq. Ft. Main Level Unit - Downtown Nanaimo. Heat (HVAC) & Hydro are included, DT-4 Commercial Zoning $2,000/Mo + GST 1,570 Sq. Ft. Commercial Unit - Downtown Nanaimo - Corner Location, DT-2 Zoning uses within restaurant/retail/office/service industries $12/Sq. Ft. + TN Stand Alone 1,100 Sq. Ft. Bldg - Close to downtown, 18 Ft. Ceilings, Shop, Restroom & Office, Reception, Overhead Door, Parking $8/Sq. Ft. + TN 4,006 Sq. Ft. Industrial Zoned Space - Northfield Industrial Park, High Visibility Corner location, Plenty of Parking $12/Sq. Ft. + TN 755 Sq. Ft. Office Space - Madrona Bldg - Near Downtown Nanaimo w/3 offices, reception, staff kitchen & washroom $10/SF + TN 922 Sq. Ft. Quality Corner Office Space - Metral Centre - COR-3 Zoned Unit.

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DIGITAL MARKETING

OCTOBER 2019

5

MARKETING STRATEGY 101

BE DIGITAL JOHN MACDONALD

“W

e don’t have time for that.”

One of the biggest surprises I’ve encountered in my time at the Business Examiner has been the lack of a clearly defined marketing strategy for many businesses.

Big organizations and small alike, it doesn’t seem to matter.

A plan of action, aligned with annual revenue, profit, human resources and other primary strategic objectives is often nowhere to be found.

Marketing is an investment.

Typically made in monthly increments, and measurable on the monthly, quarterly and annual income statements.

Did my revenue increase relative to marketing spend as it changed from last year? Am I more profitable? Have I attracted enough quality employees to support my greater objectives?

Having a marketing plan with clear objectives can be the difference between a good year and a great one Often times companies overthink marketing. It can sometimes be intimidating, especially with the rapid evolution of digital tactics (EX: did you know you can target people based on their credit rating now?).

If you can relate to companies without a plan, or have been putting off looking at how to really construct one, I’ve included a brief overview on how to get the

ball rolling.

1. Awareness. Take a step back and think about how your potential customers indicate interest in your products and services, and how you will differentiate your company from your competitors. Important tactics: Digital, radio, TV, print etc.

2. Findability. A fter you r

customers have made the decision to buy, make sure you are easy to find. Now most buyers are looking you up online to establish a link between the ad’s promise and your business’s online presence.

If you’re not easy to find, then your competitors with better search strategies are going to take the very prospects you’ve worked to develop. Important tactics: SEO, SEM, social media.

3. Reputation. After the prospect has visited your website, most are going to look at reviews and testimonials on 3 rd party sites like your Google My Business, Facebook and Trip Advisor pages. Make sure what your customers say about you aligns with the promises in your advertising and website. Important tactics: reputation management software, social media.

4. Conversion. Now t h at you’ve done all this hard work to get a prospect interested in your company, it’s important that it be as easy as possible for them to buy or learn more. Make sure that you have a responsive, mobile friendly website with

readily available contact forms. You may also want to consider a live chat, or chatbot service to take a more proactive approach.

Important tactics: Conversation Rate Optimization, web development, social media.

5. Advocacy. Now the sale is complete, you’ve done a lot of hard work, and spent a lot of money to get that new customer th roug h y o u r d o o r. I n s te a d o f heading straight back to Step 1, take some of the pressure off and ask for a review, social media recommendation or referral.

Important tactics: reputation management software, social media.

If you’d like more information and a visual representation of how to further develop your marketing strategy, the team at BE Digital has a free resource available via email to help you move things forward. Send me a note at the address below for more information: John MacDonald is the Director of Business Development with the Business Examiner News Group.

Call him at 604.751.0819, or email BEDigital@businessexaminer.ca.

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SMALL BUSINESS BIG DAY IS BACK AGAIN

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

T

he Du ncan Cow ichan Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Scotiabank, is delighted to announce the return of Small Business BIG DAY. This one-day professional development and networking symposium launched in October 2018 to a capacity crowd at the Best Western CVI. This year’s symposium will take place on Tuesday, October 29 th and has moved to the Ramada by Wyndham Duncan Cowichan Valley to accommodate an expanded program and a greater number of attendees.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our Island communities and they make up the majority of our Chamber’s membership base” says Chamber President and MNP LLP Partner, Chris Duncan. “This symposium is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and small

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O C T O B E R 2 0 19

business operators to connect with one another and tap into the insights of dynamic presenters who are leaders in their respective fields of expertise.”

Kick-starting the day with a breakfast keynote address, is Isabelle Mercier-Turcotte of LeapZone Strategies. Back by popular demand, Isabelle brings her dynamic, unconventional and noBS approach, which has earned her global recognition as a go-to branding strategist. Isabelle’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Zero Tolerance, has over two million views and she’ll touch on some of this content in her symposium keynote, Get Into Your LeapZone.

“If you can’t say no to what you don’t want, you will never have the time and the energy for what you do want” Isabelle recites, speaking to a life-lesson learned from her Mother when she was 9 years old. “Successful people know that their performance is a direct result of their daily habits and their daily rituals. They truly know what they need to be and stay at their best.”

The breakfast will be followed by a 2-part panel series, hosted

by MNP, that will address the key considerations and framework needed to navigate the lifecycle of a business. David Greenfield from A. Spire by Nature will be making a luncheon presentation on the Malahat Skywalk Project.

Fol low i ng Lu nch, PD Stover Professional Corporation will be taking attendees through “an exciting (as possible) journey into the perils and pitfalls of WCB claims”. Rounding off the day of learning, SPIRO Creative will lead a fun and interactive workshop on how to create impactful video for your business using your smartphone or tablet.

Small Business BIG DAY will be held at the Ramada by Wyndham Duncan Cowichan Valley on Tuesday, October 29th, during Small Business Month. Each of the sessions can be booked individually. Full Day Passes, which include both breakfast and lunch, are also available at a discounted rate. Capacity is limited, advance registration is required, and ALL members of the business community are welcome.

• • • Welcome new Chamber Members: Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival, Sheer Essentials, Shoreline Orthodontics, Party Mood, Floral Bar by Party Mood, Cowichan Vllaey Public Art Gallery Society and Armadillo Surface Solutions.

Sonja Nagel is the Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-748-1111 or manager@ duncancc.bc.ca.

Nominations Sought For 20th Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Companies To Nominate Ahead Of November 22 Deadline

N

A NA I MO – O rga n izers of the 20 th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards a re looking forward to a large number of entries from award-worthy businesses this year as the November 22 nomination deadline is now around the corner on the calendar.

“Each yea r, nom i n ations are generally evenly split between companies south of the Malahat, and those from north of the Malahat,” says Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner, which coordinates the event. “That’s not surprising, as the population of both areas are very close, but it also shows the strength of the economy on Vancouver Island is spread out.”

“We expect that to be reflected in the number and quality of the entries th is yea r for the Ga la, which w ill be held in Victoria on January 30,” notes MacDonald. “These

awards always bring out new, exciting ventures that make our judges’ job a little tougher each year as they decide who wins each award.”

Black Press is a Platinum Sponsor of the BE Awards, and RBC Royal Bank and Grant Thornton LLP are the event’s Gold Sponsors.

Winners of each of the 17 Categories will be invited to a special “Breakf a s t Fo r C h a m p i o n s ” round-table the following morning, hosted by R BC Royal Bank, Grant Thornton LLP and Business Examiner.

Categories this year are: • Automotive (car and truck dealerships & fleet sales) • Construction / Development/Real Estate • Entrepreneur • Food & Food Production (agriculture, seafood, food products) • Green & Technology • Health Care • Hospitality • I n d u s t r i a l

Manufacturer • Manufactured Wood Products • Ocean Products • Professional (legal, accounting, insurance, coaching) • Con st r uct ion / Development/Real Estate • Retail • Small Business (under 20 employees & under $1 million in sales) • Tourism • Trades (automotive repair, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.

• Business of the Year (over 50 employees & over $1 million in sales).

The nomination deadline is November 22 this year, and companies can self-nominate. There is no charge to participate.

Nom i nation forms ca n be downloaded at www. businessexaminer.ca/ events.

For more information on the event contact MacDonald at 1-866-758-2684 ext. 120 or email: mark@ businessexaminer.ca

NANAIMO

OCTOBER 2019

7

ANDERSON GREENPLAN PLANNING GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD IN CEDAR

NANAIMO MARK MACDONALD

J

ack Anderson of Anderson Greenpla n i s behind a plan to transform a nine-acre site near Hemer Pa rk i n Ced a r into one of Canada’s first s e l f-s u s t a i n i n g g re e n neighborhoods.

Anderson’s partner in the project is “green neighbourhood champion” Chad Thiessen of Victoria, and the development is aimed at offering long-term cost sav i ngs to residents i n terms of water, heat, electrical, sewer and even food production.

An open house for the project is set for October 10 at the Cedar Community Hall at 5:30 pm.

• • • Pat O’Dwyer has left Harris Mazda and is now the new General Manager and Operations Manager with DSG Auto in Vancouver.

• • • A tip of the mug to Brad McCarthy and his team at White Sails Brewery, for capturing yet another provincial award for the beer they make. The White Sails team has been invited to an October event announcing the award.

• • • Congratulations to Heath Dennison, owner of Heath Dennison Powerskating, upon having his number 19 retired by the Powell River Kings of the BC Hockey

League at the team’s 201920 home owner in Powell R iver. Heath spent five years with the Kings, and is the second player to have his number retired.

Heath also is arguably the best Zamboni driver in Nanaimo, as he works at Frank Crane Arena and Cliff McNabb Arena for the City of Nanaimo as well.

• • • Cheryl Curkowskyj, Financial Services Advisor at Island Savings Credit Union at Woodgrove Centre, is pleased to announce that Alex Brocklebank is the new manager at the branch.

• • • Windsor Plywood’s generosity has resulted in the new Trades and Discovery Centre at Vancouver Island University now being known as the Windsor Plywood Trades Discovery Centre.

• • • Johnston Johnston & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants is moving their office from their long-time Wellington Road location to a new location behind Nanaimo North Town Centre on Uplands Drive. Michael Johnston sold his shares in the company in the summer.

• • • Kathy MacLellan tel ls us that Around The World Travel is celebrating 60 years in the travel industry. Their office is at 163 Commercial Street.

• • • Dodd’s Furniture is busy building its new location on Uplands Drive, and has moved temporarily into the former Sports Warehouse building at 4900 Wellington Road, next to the old Island Highway a nd a block away f rom Harbourview Volkswagen.

The Dodd’s new building opening is targeted for

December.

• • • Peter Van Dongen tells us that MNP LLP is expanding again, as the Chartered Professional Accounting firm has purchased the Deloitte office in Prince George.

• • • Brooklyn Belanger has opened the Coffee Shack at 11-10862 Chemainus Road, in Saltair. Brooklyn is a clinical holistic nutritionist.

• • • Albi Denardi is the ow ner of the new Gondola Italian Gelato outlet t h at h a s op ene d at 10862 Chemainus Road in Ladysmith.

• • • Brooks Landing will have a new restaurant opening soon, called Tidal Tacos.

• • • Former Nanaimo resident Owen Kelly has a new position as a sales merchandising representative at Lindt & Sprungli in Vancouver. Owen, son of Vancouver Island University professor George Kelly, played varsity baseball for the University of British Columbia before graduating.

• • • Fox y B ox Wa x B a r, which also has an outlet in Victoria, has opened a Nanaimo location at 241 Milton Street.

• • • D r. L u c i e n B e l l a m y Orthodontics is expanding their operations into Duncan, as they’ve purch a sed t he pract ice of Dr. Jay Philippson a nd changed the name to Cowichan Valley Orthodontics.

Their Nanaimo location is on Princess Royal Avenue.

• • • Pa rk sv i l le & D i st r ict Chamber of Com merce Executive Director Kim Burden has been named

the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada’s Executive of the Year. It was announced in September in Saint John, New Brunswick.

• • • Fresh Slice Pizza is opening a new outlet in Phase II of the University Village Mall, which will also see Easy Financial move over from Phase I. Big Wheel Burger is also opening in Phase II. • • • Caledonia Clinic is closing on Campbell Street.

T h e y ’re m o v i n g t h e i r

operations to Nanaimo North Town Centre, but are looking for their own permanent space for the future.

• • • Congratulations to Carson McPherson, former C E O o f I m p a ct Vi s u a l Communications, who has earned his PhD with Distinction from Royal Roads University. Carson is now the Managing Director of the Cedars at Cobble Hill treatment facility.

• • • Dueck Manufacturing i s op en i ng a new C NC

machining shop at 690 Comox Street.

• • • Wingren Floors h as changed its name to Nufloors. They’re still at 1612 Northfield Road.

• • • UPPAL Building Supplies will be opening next to the Soak House on Bowen Road.

Mark MacDonald writes about business in Nanaimo.

Tell him your story by emailing him at mark@ businessexaminer.ca

8

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

INTEGRATED OPERATIONS GROUP FOCUSING ON WOOD VALUE OVER VOLUME Campbell River-Based Forest Development Company Expands, Diversifies Throughout BC

C

AMPBELL RIVER – Value is more important than volume.

That’s the mindset that helps guide the owners of Integrated Operations Group (IOG) as they operate their rapidly growing forestry company, which serves customers throughout the province from their head office at 118-1720 14th Street.

IOG offers resource management and development solutions, and excels in extracting hidden value from development projects involving trees, while focusing on social and environmental responsibilities.

Owners Shawn Mandula, Crispin Coppock and Sig Kemmler recently made major investments in equipment: Log loaders, skidders and excavators.

Earlier this year, they acquired Alternative Forest Operations (AFO).

“The company was founded on like-minded strategy from my partners that value was more important than volume,” Mandula says. “We wanted to focus on smaller volume and higher value opportunities that maybe other competitors weren’t well suited for, or weren’t interested in. So we’ve worked on patches of isolated timber. What other companies would shy away from, we saw them as opportunities.”

Ma ndu la went to school to study forestry in Ontario, and after graduation in 2010, took a job with Strategic Natural Resource Consultants in 2016. IOG, which started in 2014, partnered with AFO, and Mandula joined IOG after that. The AFO purchase in 2018 solidified the compa ny’s core base for the partners.

IOG is Safety Accord Forestry Enterprise (SAFE) certified, and Mandula notes that while the

Shawn Mandula is the Managing Partner of Integrated Operations Group and specializes in project management, single-stem heli logging, danger tree and health assignments, and arborculture firm does conventional forest harvesting, it is one of only a few companies that performs single stem logging, which is where trees are selected individually and extracted with a helicopter.

The company is an industry leader in forest management, harvesting/yarding and tree hazard mitigation and abatement in the forest and resource sectors. T he tea m of 16 h as many years of experience in tree falling, climbing and harvesting, and includes Registered P rofession a l Foresters, ISA Certified Arborists and other professionals.

It can independently manage forest development projects from start to finish, and builds proje c t te a m s f rom a c omb i n a t io n of e m plo ye e s a n d a pool of long-term, trusted subcontractors.

“Our clients are often forest licensees or private land owners and have a vested interest in making sure their product gets to m a rket u nd a m a ged w it h the highest value possible,” he notes. “We often work in challenging areas with aggressive g rou nd a nd we have to f i nd unique ways to get the job done.

It’s our outside of box thinking

Integrated Operations Group workers with harvested trees. From left, Jason Eddleman, Shawn Mandula and Casey Nelson that gives us a competitive edge and sets us apart.”

A specia l i zed forestr y development company, IOG customers include companies in the utility and oil and gas industries, and they do some work for the government as well.

Another niche has been their focus on fire hazard abatement.

“That’s where we go into unhealthy or dense forest stands and remove excess forest fuels so we can make the stand less prone to wildfire hazard,” he explains. “That’s been a great way to keep ou r equ ipment working, as well as providing

diversity for our company away from just one industry.”

Mandula cites one job as being particularly memorable, and it also demonstrates the capabilities of the company. It was a fire hazard abatement job on the Burke Mountain Project in Coquitlam that involved removing select trees from a forested riparian reserve in the middle of a subdivision.

“The client wanted to move trees out that weren’t windfirm so the houses would be safe,” he recalls. “It was kind of like doing selective logging in an area that had really tough

access for our specialized logging equipment, in a subdivision with multi-million dollar homes and cars.

“We took out selected trees and removed debris to lower the fire risk. We did tree falling, hand falling, conventional logging, and we were also able to utilize some of the fibre from the job later to help offset the costs of the projects. It was a really neat project for us.”

Mandula is pleased to say the company serves a wide variety of customers for various needs.

SEE INTEGRATED OPERATIONS | PAGE 9

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Sig Kemmler is a co-owner of IOG and is the Ground-Based Logging Manager, and he has worked in the forest industry for nearly 40 years

Co-owner Crispin Coppock is a Project Manager, and is Certified Bullbucker and tree climber with a background in operations management and project supervision

Integrated Operations Group has invested heavily in equipment. From left, Clint Shigeoka, Sig Kemmler and Shawn Mandula.

SEE INTEGRATED OPERATIONS | PAGE 10

www.tigercat.com

10

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

IOG uses helicopters to get fallen trees out of difficult areas

Integrated Operations Group is earning a reputation for skillful extraction of trees in urban areas

INTEGRATED OPERATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

A skidder working out in the field for Integrated Operations Group

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“We’re forestry professionals, but we’re loggers. We do anything within the realm of managing, maintaining, buying, marketing and selling trees, or wood, including forest fuels. he says.

“We have long standing relationsh ips w ith ou r cl ients based on trust and past performance which speaks to the quality of our managers and employees,” he adds. “Someti mes we bri ng a n idea for a project to our clients, and ask them what they think. If we get the green light, it’s up to our team to execute from there.”

Ma ndu la says that works

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because of relationships the owners have built over the past 15-20 years. “ We’re a rel at ively you n g company as our average age is about 35, which contrasts to the rest of the industry, which is probably close to 60,” he says.

“And we’re really just getting going. With the pu rchase of AFO, we took on Sig’s business and 40 years of experience in the industry, which was invaluable for helping to guide the rest of our team as we grow.”

A s M a n a g i n g P a r t n e r, Mandula specializes in project management, operational planning, bidding, as well as professional forestry, heli-logging and arboriculture.

Coppock is a Project Ma nager, and is a Certified Bullbucker and tree climber with a strong background in operations management and project supervision. He has climbed, modified and removed some of the largest, most technical danger trees in the world, and has significant experience completing dangerous and technical projects efficiently and safely.

Kemmler is the Ground-Based Logging Manager, has worked in the forest industry for nearly 40 years, and is the backbone of IOG’s ground-based and conventional harvest programs.

The key to their success lies in its commitment to the serving all regions of BC, and diversifying its client base. While most of its work is for forest licensees,

tree companies and large operators like Western Forest Products, Island Timberlands and Interfor, they also serve utility companies, municipalities and Regional Districts.

“While the industry is being hit really hard, particularly in the Interior, we’ve kept busy because of our commitment to staying diverse. I’m sure glad we put the work in to diversify as we have.”

IOG averages around 15 employees on t he pay rol l, but that swells to upwards of 40 depending on which projects they’re involved in.

Mandula is excited about the company’s future. “ We’re here to stay, a nd I think everybody in the company believes we’re going to grow sustainably and continue to diversify into other sectors.

The key is growing sustainably, as we don’t want to get too big, too fast.”

He believes strongly in the future of wood as a product and as an industry.

“It’s more i mpor ta nt t ha n ever for people to understand how awesome a product wood is,” he says. “It locks up carbon and it stays in long after it becomes a building product, and when new trees are planted and grown, that helps to further reduce our carbon footprint in BC. “We’re very fortunate to have such an amazing resource here.” www.integratedops.ca

OFF THE COVER

OCTOBER 2019

11

Bright Ideas Take Campbell River’s Discovery Trekking Products Global DISCOVERY TREKKING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SOSecure Containment Swim Brief, perhaps Hanes’ most successful product, is also a testament to her desire and commitment to making a difference with those needing special products. Also known as a swim diaper, the brief’s innovative design focuses on comfort, durability and discretion. It is recommended by occupational therapists, physiotherapists and caregivers throughout the world and comes in all sizes.

“The idea for the briefs originated with my previous business partner, but I have changed the design and fabric to make it what it is today,” says Hanes.

Discovery Trekking carries the same highly technical fabric used by LuluLemon, Patagonia, Arc’teryx and others. Some of the fabrics are highly water repellent, breathable, windproof, moisture wicking or all of the above.

They also offer natural fabrics like bamboo, modal and Tencel.

Prior to Discovery Trekking, Leslie was a Bodily Injury Adjuster with ICBC for 18 years and was “the mom who always sewed”.

With a horse loving family, her focus was equestrian outerwear and costumes.

In 2001, she switched gears and became involved with Discovery Trekking, a business that made

custom clothing and specialty products. Hanes purchased the business outright about 10 years ago, incorporated, and has never looked back.

She also began creating other products to utilize excess fabric they were already making custom orders with.

“The custom-fitted outerwear is a local offering only,” says Hanes. “We want to make sure the sizing is all done in person to ensure a perfect fit. That’s why we don’t offer custom jackets online.”

As if that wasn’t enough, in 2003 Hanes purchased a Curves 30 Minute Fitness and in 2014 a Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center franchise, which continues to operate next to her Discovery Trekking business.

Recognizing a need in her own club, Hanes became a vendor to Curves, making protective covers for the exercise equipment at Curves, adding “I was sure other franchises could also make use of the washable covers. So I did some mass marketing and found that there was a lot of interest, primarily from Japan.”

Business took off and production and staff grew.

“We have kept everything local.

If we sent production overseas, we would have to commit to mass amounts of merchandise and that is risky,” she says.

“We are probably the largest supplier of technical performance fabrics in Canada, including Polartec, Goretex, Schoeller, and other sought-after brands.”

Discover Trekking owner, Leslie Hanes, is hands-on with her fabric and custom product design business Hanes’ choice was prudent as, after a few years, many of the Curves businesses chose to have their covers made in Ch ina.

Those that saw the quality was not the same have come back.

The Japanese market did not.

“In business, we have always tried to forecast our future. But then things just happen, like the machine cover orders drying up. You have to learn to reinvent yourself,” she says.

Flex ibi l ity has been key i n Hanes’ business career, as she is always thinking about what she can do that no one else has done yet. She shares there are times when she has gone to purchase

LESLIE HANES DISCOVERY TREKKING, OWNER

fabric with one use in mind, only to discover that there were even more niche products that could use the same fabric. “When we have more than one product line that can use the same components, it lessens the risk and reduces our costs. Some of our best improvements have been because we experimented with new technologies and fabrics.”

To Hanes’ surprise the part of the business that is moving forward the fastest is the direct sale of fabrics to the home sewist.

“We are probably the largest supplier of technical performance fabrics in Canada, including Polartec, Goretex, Schoeller, and other sought-after brands.” says Hanes, adding the U.S. dollar

differential has helped popularize sales with Americans. This part of the business has grown significantly with the use of instructional videos on their Facebook group and Instastories.

There she explains the intricacies of the fabrics, their use, their care and the possibilities.

“This has enabled a personal connection with buyers,” says Hanes. “We had several people this summer who vacationed close by just so they can visit our store.”

Videos have been especially effective, as she can show how the average person, who can sew a straight line with a domestic sewing machine, can make something amazing and functional with the high-tech fabrics they offer.

Their business is still brick and mortar-based, but the bulk of their orders are now online.

“I have partnered with many independent designers who are wanting to promote their patterns, and collaborations have been very helpful,” she says.

“When I sew up some leggings in our latest active wear or a jacket in a waterproof breathable shell, it might inspire someone to create something unique for their needs that is superior to what the big brands offer.” www.discoverytrekkingoutfitters.com

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O C T O B E R 2 0 19

A

W

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R

D

-S

C

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HOW THE 5 C’S HELP YOU QUALIFY FOR A BUSINESS LOAN

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here are many reasons why small businesses need funding such as start-up costs, equipment, inventory, staffing, among many other expenses. And there are many reasons the thought of securing funding seems discouraging and daunting.

Most lending institutions use the five C’s of lending to evaluate the strength of an application and understanding these five C’s will help you anticipate and address what’s needed to secure a business loan.

Character is a combination of your credit history, your training and work history,

and any proven experience you have at running a business. It’s all part of ensuring that you are set up for success in business – not just loan repayment!

Credit, also referred to as your credit score, credit report or credit history, is a critical component for lenders. If you are a start-up, your business may not have credit history; therefore, reviewing your personal credit would be necessary.

Capacity refers to your ability to take on and repay debt based on the earning potential and cash flow of the business. Lenders look at your business plan very carefully to determine the strength and marketability of your idea as well as the viability of the business.

When assessing a loan request, the conditions of the market in which you are planning to operate your business need to be assessed. Is the industry mature, or emerging? What are the current political, environmental, social, and technological issues affecting the industry?

Capital i ncludes you r personal and corporate net

worth, the “sweat” and real equity you have invested in the business and your ability to access other financial reserves. Do you have adequate capital to grow your business and to weather any unexpected emergencies or setbacks.

Collateral, known as security against a loan, are assets possessed by your business or you personally.

Often the management team, business capacity, ma rket cond itions a nd cash flow of a business are looked at to understand the ability for your business to succeed.

Your chances of obtaining a loan depends upon how you are assessed in each of these areas. By becoming familiar with these five criteria, you can ensure that your business plan addresses all the essential points and that you are prepared to answer any questions.

Jolynn Green is Executive Director of Community Futures Central Island and can be reached at ed@cfnanaimo. org or 250-591-7499.

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NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

July, the next steps have progressed quickly, including the project kick-off meeting, receipt of detail design drawings, confirmation of construction schedule and the finalizing of an important agreement with BC Hydro.

The August kick-off meeting between AECON, Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) staff and K’ómoks First Nation (KFN) paved the way for shovels to hit the ground this month.

“The plan for the overall site is to draw inspiration from the forest environment and from KFN traditions,” said Charlie Gore, Manager of Capital Projects.

“We look forward to working together on making this both the modern operational facility we need, as well as a meaningful one in terms of design and detail.”

The water use agreement with BC Hydro was signed in early-September confirming the long-term supply of water to the system and checking off another key milestone in preparation for work to begin.

An open house is being planned for early 2020 to keep the community informed about the construction work and design of the new system. Construction at the Water Treatment Plant is scheduled for completion in spring 2021 while a grand opening ceremony with KFN is expected in

the fall.

NANAIMO Port Authority Monitoring Demolition Demolition of the MV Sun Sea is underway at Nanaimo Shipyards and is being conducted by Victoria-based Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd (CME).

The vessel arrived at Nanaimo Shipyard at the end of August after Victoria-based CME was awarded a $4.1-million contract from Canada Border Services to dismantle and dispose of the vessel. T he vessel originally arrived on the coast of British

Columbia in 2010 carrying 492 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka via Thailand and has idled ever since.

The Port of Nanaimo toured the vessel shortly after its arrival and have continued to monitor activities regarding the ship’s dismantling since.

T he Port w i l l be prov id i ng advice regarding control of the ship-shore interface, removal or segregation of dangerous goods and hazardous materials, measures taken by yard workers to prevent safety or environmental irregularities, and the accessibility to Nanaimo Shipyard property by unauthorized persons.

T he City of Nanaimo’s Fire & Rescue department has also

13 been on site to inspect the operation and made recommendations that were immediately implemented by CME. Extra precautions are being taken to avoid any possible environmental intrusion, as any asbestos and lead-based paint are being safely removed. All other parts of the vessel will be recycled, and the vessel itself will be welded to a cradle before being trucked out for dismantling into scrap metal.

A precautionary boom has been placed around the vessel.

Work currently involves demolition of material on the vessel’s upper decks, and that CME has as many as 29 workers on site doing the work, which is only being conducted during regular daylight hours.

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DIANNE HAWKINS

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he Chamber has had the support of four corporate partners throughout the calendar year. This year the partners are CIBC, Comox Valley Airport, F12 and Chamber Group Insurance. Our Corporate Partners are ambassadors in the community and support advocacy efforts and building good business.

The Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan provides group benefits for more than 30,000 firms, making it Canada’s #1 employee benefits plan for small to midsize businesses.

As owner and operator of their Comox Valley office, Darren Kardynal takes pride in helping local companies meet their insurance needs.

“Between my business partner and I, we have over 40 years’

experience,” says Darren. “We have a great attitude towards business and will do anything to satisfy our customer.”

The Chamber Plan is a notfor-profit program that offers customizable benefit packages and competitive renewal rates typically under five percent.

Darren’s organization supports a variety of community events and initiatives through the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and this year they have teamed up with the Chamber as a corporate partner.

“We chose to become a Corporate Partner to become more connected to our community, to increase awareness of our brand and to network with other companies,” says Darren. “We had a publicity boost years ago when we first joined the Chamber as we were a small fish in a big pond and it thoroughly helped our organization get our name out into the community. The Chamber puts me in front of the business community, and I have made connections I may not have had the opportunity to make if I wasn’t a member.”

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employee benefits to match your organization’s needs. Visit the Chamber website for more information on all the 2019 Corporate Partners.

••• It is Chamber Awards season!

Nominations are open for 14 Chamber Awards that recognize great businesses, exceptional customer service, incredible lifetime achievements, amazing organizations, and more.

Chamber Award nominations are open until October 31 so be sure to nominate well! The Chamber Awards Gala is held on January 25, 2020 where the recipients are announced.

To learn more, visit the Chamber website.

Dianne Hawkins is CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber: Building Good Business since 1919.

For more information on the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit: www.comoxvalleychamber.com or call 250-334-3234.

15

OCTOBER 2019

MEETING PLACES Meeting Places Evolve to Keep Up With Rapid Changes Tourism Industry, Businesses, Not-For-Profits All Benefit From Thriving Meeting Space Industry

The Douglas Rispin Room at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre PHOTO FROM VICONFERENCE.COM

BY ROBERT MACDONALD

meetings, office parties, wedd i ngs, a nd more a l l rely on specialized spaces like board rooms, ball rooms, or restaurant patios. These spaces not only foster thriving communities,

I

t’s hard to find a person who hasn’t benefited from a local meeting place.

Conferences, business

but contribute significantly to local economies.

According to Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMB), the industry generates $30 billion annually in direct spending and

employs over 341,000 people in well-paying, full-time jobs (figures from 2012), and as much as $330 Billion annually in the SEE MEETING PLACES | PAGE 16

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MEETING PLACES

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United States.

In cities like Victoria, Nanaimo, and Courtenay, conference centres and halls boost the local tourism industry, hosting events that attract guests from all over BC and beyond.

Convention Centres Canada (CCC) works to continually enhance Canada’s convention centre industry by conducting research, educating, and advocating with government, industry, and community organizations.

“We’re relatively unique in the world by right of how much information we share with each other,” says Barry Smith, Executive Director of CCC. “In addition to holding an annual conference where we connect and learn about industry

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

trend, we work with a third-party consultant to share operating data and financial information. In the end, we get a detailed annual report that contains extremely valuable information.”

According to Smith, similar organizations around the world are following Canada’s lead, creating similar reporting programs to help enhance the industry.

According to 2016 Data from CCC, member convention centres offered over 3 million square feet of rentable function space.

A summary of the report states, “Collectively our members hosted some 8,000 meetings, conventions, exhibitions and related events per year….The overall revenues generated by events taking place in our centres each year is in excess of $255 SEE MEETING PLACES | PAGE 18

Meeting spaces play a crucial role in connecting members of local communities

MEETING PLACES

OCTOBER 2019

17

Pacific Shores Resort and Spa a Rest and Relaxation Destination Nanoose Bay Property Offers Oceanside Secluded Getaways, Activities and Aquaterre Spa

N

A N O O S E B AY – I ncreased dema nd on sta ff, executives a nd owners often means more stress and deadlines therefore more need for rest, rejuvenating and relaxation.

That’s how Paul Dodds, General Manager of Pacific Shores Resort and Spa sees it. “Corporate events, staff training and company retreats are a fantastic way to invest in an organizations’ most important resource - their employees,” says Dodds.

“It helps build teamwork and loyalty, and there are well documented benefits for recharged and singularly focused teams that understand the direction and vision of an organization when they leave a corporate retreat.”

Overlooking beautiful Craig Bay a nd on ly si x k i lometres from Parksville, the 143 room Pacific Shores Resort is an ideal place to reconnect, relax and unwind, with its on-site restaurant, walking paths, indoor pool, two jacu zz ies, sau n a, fitness centre, and Aquaterre Spa. The family and pet friendly property also gives guests access to bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, ping pong, pool table and more.

“Our beautiful secluded and tranquil location, fresh ocean air, beautiful gardens and natural surroundings allow for a restfu l and rela x ing ex perience,” says Dodds.

The property includes a variety of accommodation options, including one and two bedroom suites with washer/dryer, full kitchens, and they offer standard guest rooms with king or queen beds. Some rooms include a small sofa bed.

Pacific Shores has over 2,700 square feet of flexible, natural light meeting space. The ballroom holds up to 100 guests and the Garden room hold up to 50 guests for meetings, dinner and dancing.

Smoke N Water Restaurant features live entertainment on weekends

“Corporate events, staff training and company retreats are a fantastic way to invest in an organizations’ most important resource - their employees.”

PAUL DODDS PACIFIC SHORES RESORT AND SPA, GENERAL MANAGER

“We offer multiple indoor and outdoor meeting venues, (one of which is on the beach), for weddings, receptions, ceremonies, fundraisers and themed events,” Dodds says.

T he la rgest outdoor venue will hold up to 140 guests under tents, and there are two private barbecue areas for smaller groups of up to 30 people.

Weddings are very popular at Pacific Shores Resort and Spa, as guests view the manicured gardens, beachside ceremonies, ocean view and sunsets as the perfect venue for a memory-making experience. “We allow just wedding ceremonies and photographs on the beach overlooking beautiful Craig Bay for a small fee,” says Dodds.

Dodds notes the property has been undergoing renovations, including painting, roof replacement and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.

New additions include paddleboard (Pickle Ball) courts, new ga rdens, meeti ng space a nd lobby renovations. He adds that the 13 acres of lawn area offers guests a unique way to celebrate special events and activities.

“We can put up tents in the lawn area for outdoor events and we have an outdoor barbecue area with a pizza oven,” Dodds says. “We are partner/ spouse/family friendly and offer a multitude of ways for the whole family to retreat. Pacific Shores also has live entertainment on weekends.”

Their Aquaterre Spa is extremely popular due to its five-star

The peaceful surroundings at Pacific Shores make it a destination for meetings, retreats or vacations

Aqua Terra Spa offers the ultimate experience in relaxation and rejuvenation offering massage services, body treatments, facial esthetics, pedicures and manicures rating on Trip Advisor. They offer massage services, body treatments, facial esthetics, pedicures and manicures and more.

Packages are also available for couples, men and teens.

T he S pa h a s t wo l ic en se d rooms for clients who would like a glass of wine during their

A Place To Work And Play

treatment (advance notice is preferred for alcohol service).

Massages include relaxation massage, deep tissue, hot rock, couples and more which help increase circulation, provide joint release and flexibility to improve one’s overall wellbeing. www.pacificshoresbc.com

sales@pacificshoresbc.com pacificshoresbc.com

• Over 2700 square feet of meeting space • Outdoor space available with tents to accommodate up to 140 people • Free WIFI & parking • Flexible menu design & event set-up • Flexible meeting & event packages customized to your needs 1-1600 Stroulger Road Nanoose Bay, BC V9P 9B7 1.250.586.7262 @Pacificshoresresortandspa

MEETING PLACES

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O C T O B E R 2 0 19

The Florence Filberg Center was the location of the VIREB 2019 Awards and was transformed with lights, decorated tables and a sold out crowd

MEETING PLACES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

million. Our members directly employed almost 3000 full and part time staff with a total payroll of over $93 million.”

T h is doesn’t i nclude add itional economic benefits such as hotel, restaurant, and attraction-related revenues. The report estimates that the total economic impact of this additional activity could be as high as $2.5 billion annually.

“Our industry is impacted by general economic conditions, which have been positive recently,” says Smith. “Though we haven’t fully updated our data set, our data for our most recent year, compared to prior years, is very, very positive.”

According to Smith, there are four main trends that have been shaping the convention centre industry in recent years.

“First, is the use of technology,” he says. “People are no longer willing to patiently it in a room and listen to a speaker without interaction. They want apps that will help them communicate with both event organizers and with other delegates, or help them find their

way a rou nd t he bu i ld i ng or community.”

Second, Smith says that live streaming of events are becoming more commonplace. Though industry leaders were initially apprehensive about the concept, it has recently been embraced by organizers.

“We’re seeing a net benefit for larger events that decide to live stream,” he comments. “While there are some who will not attend the event, opting to participate remotely, many people will adopt a hybrid approach, attending some events physically and some online. It’s a net benefit, and it builds the overall awareness of the event.”

Third, newer convention centres are changing the architecture of the spaces to adapt to recent trends. T his includes creating more multi-functional spaces in the pre-function area (the space outside of the main meeting room) and including more natural light in the seign.

“Fou r t h, su sta i n abi l ity i s beginning to play a large role in convention centres,” Smith continues. “In Vancouver and Toronto, the convention centres SEE MEETING PLACES | PAGE 20

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In fairer weather, an outside venue with tents and heat lamps can make for a memorable event.

The BC Shellfish Festival held its 2019 event on the Filberg grounds in the Comox Valley with their wrap-up East Coast Kitchen Party held under a tent with the amazing ocean backdrop PHOTO CREDIT: BC SHELLFISH GROWERS ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

NEW NAME, SERVICES FOR BAYVIEW HOTEL

C

OU RT ENAY - T he Comox Valley Bayview Hotel has a new name and new amenities.

After 10 years operating under the Holiday Inn brand, the hotel has rebranded, expanding their services and amenities to better serve their guests.

“We have the same owners, the same great hotel, and the same great service,” says Alice Pifer, Director of Sales, Groups & Meetings. “We became independent so we could have the freedom to offer even better services to our guests. Since September 1, we’ve added premium movie channels to our rooms (including HBO and Crave), added extra options, like bacon and hash browns to our hot buffet breakfast, added a

higher-end body works line for our bath products, and more.”

“We’re classi ng it up!

There’s more opportunity for us. We worked with the franchise for 10 years, but we choose to move in a different direction, creating a better experience for our guests.”

Located right on the bay, the hotel is owned by local businessman Grant Smith, who has been in the hospitality business for 30 years. The Hotel features a pool, hot tub and waterslide, 24hour fitness room, 24-hour business centre, an onsite 24hour laundry facility, and two event spaces.

“We have a board room that seats 12-15 people and a breakfast room that can accommodate up to 55 people, which we rent out in the

evenings,” says Pifer.

Both spaces feature display boards, projectors, and DVD players to accommodate the various needs of businesses and community groups.

“In the coming months, we will be offering a ski package with Mount Washington,» c o m m e n t s P i fe r. “ T h e package will include one night in the hotel and two ski passes, starting at $139.99, based on double occupancy.”

Following the rebrand, Bayview will continue to support community groups, such as the Tour-de-Rock, V.I. Music Fest, V.I. Junior Hockey, Boys and Girls Club and many others through sponsorships and donations.

To find out more about our exciting changes visit www. bayviewvi.com

MEETING PLACES

OCTOBER 2019

19

FAIRWINDS BOASTS AFFORDABLE, PICTURESQUE MEETING VENUE Nanoose Bay Meeting Space Attracts Organizations from Nanaimo to Qualicum Beach

N

ANOOSE BAY - Parties of all kinds are finding a place at Fairwinds.

Located in the scenic Nanoose Bay area, this growing community is building a reputation as a go-to event venue for businesses, community organizations, and families.

“A majority of the events we put on take place in the Arbutus Room, which can hold up to 120 people,” says event coordinator Jeff Dinn. “The space features access to a beautiful patio and a private bar service. The patio overlooks our golf course, offering a breathtaking view of Fairwinds, including an impressive fountain.”

The Arbutus Room can be rented for $200 and includes tables, chairs, table dressing, and audio/ visual, with a sound system and large screen for presentations.

Bartender hours are offered free of charge and additional features can be booked through Dinn and his team for a modest fee.

“For me, the biggest highlight of holding an event at Fairwinds is the food,” says Dinn. “We always

“For me, the biggest highlight of holding an event at Fairwinds is the food. We always get rave reviews on the food.

We also get consistent feedback on our serving staff. We never really hear enough about how personable, professional, and hard working our

including fundraisers, weddings, and corporate functions.

“We serve a number of businesses and community organizations on a regular basis, hosting recurring meetings and special events over lunch and dinner, including company Christmas parties,” says Dinn. “We also host various golf tournaments, birthday parties, fa m ily reunions, and weddings.”

T he Fa i rw i nds com mu n ity allows residents to ‘Live Their

Passion’, boasting a reputable 18hole golf course, marina, wellness club, and restaurant, in addition to the community’s residential property.

“It’s a total community,» says Dinn. “Our golf club has nearly 300 members, and they are very social. We help to organize groups as large as 20 people, coordinating their tee-times.”

The staff at Fairwinds aim to create a close community through regular events for members,

including Sundays at Four, a bi-weekly meeting featuring guest speakers and a special dinner, and Friends of Fairwinds, a social club free-of-charge to join, with regular events and meet-ups.

Over the last few years, the community has attracted newcomers from all over Canada, including retirees from the prairie provinces.

To learn more about Fairwinds and its available venues, visit www.fairwinds.ca

CELEBRATE AT FAIRWINDS

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serving staff.”

JEFF DINN FAIRWINDS, EVENT COORDINATOR

get rave reviews on the food.”

“We also get consistent feedback on our serving staff. We never really hear enough about how personable, professional, and hard working our serving staff are. Elisabeth Robinson manages our front-of-house, and we hear so many good things about her. The service is fantastic and people leave happy and feel as though they’ve really been looked after.”

Fairwinds hosts a wide variety of community events each year,

Private holiday functions for groups of 30 to 130. Prices starting at $25 per person.

LUNCHEONS . BUFFET DINNERS . COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS Book your party today events@fairwinds.ca 250.468.7666 ext 224

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MICROTEL MAKES MEETINGS EASY FOR CENTRAL ISLAND BUSINESSES Recently-Built Microtel Oyster Bay Just Minutes Away From Nanaimo Airport

L

ADYSMITH - Microtel Inn & Suites Oyster Bay is providing a much-needed service to businesses in the Central Island.

With a unique location in the growing Oyster Bay development just outside of Ladysmith, the inn is in close proximity to the Nanaimo Airport, making it a desirable location for meetings and corporate retreats. “ We h ave a m a i n meet i ng room in the main part of the hotel that can accommodate up to 60 persons,” says General Manager Peter Watts. “The space is equipped with a 75” TV screen, with floor jacks for computers, making it ideal for powerpoint and other types of presentations. We also have a beautiful lobby area.

“Our newest addition is an outdoor meeti ng space that includes a gazebo and a built-in kitchen with a BBQ, fridge and gas fireplace. Guests who are using the main meeting room for their business, social group, sports team or other gathering, can finish

Microtel’s main meeting space can accommodate up to 60 persons off their event with a BBQ outside the hotel.”

The hotel is the closest facility of its kind to the Nanaimo Airport, which makes it ideal for events involving out-of-town visitors.

“It’s about a th ree-to-five minute drive from the airport, so we get a lot of guests who like to stay overnight while they attend an event,” says Watts.

“Many flights leave at five or six in the morning, so our guests can take a short cab to the airport, minimizing travel time. “ Yo u h ave to go to eit h e r Nanaimo or Duncan to find a space that’s comparable to what we have. In Nanaimo, parking can be an issue for a lot of people. Here, we have an abundance of parking space available.”

So far, the facility has played hos t to m a ny b u si ne ss a nd community groups, including Western Forest Products, the local chamber, the First Nations Health Authority and more.

“We also put together packages for our guests,” Watts remarks. “ We c a n d o p a c k a ge s t h a t involve team building exercises at Wild Play or golf packages with Cottonwood Golf Club. We can arrange catering with local catering companies, ranging from low-key dining options to upper-level options.”

Microtel Inn & Suites Oyster Bay b ega n a s a pa r t nersh ip between Master Built Hotels, the Coast Salish Development Corporation and Stz’uminus First Nation.

T he project was completed in May, 2018 and features 81 rooms, a pool w ith a th reestorey water slide, gymnasium and a Playstation for the kids (big or small). Guests receive a compl i menta ry hot bu ffet breakfast with their stay.

Attendees can earn Wyndham R e w a rd s w i t h e a c h s t a y a t Microtel, which can contribute to free stays in hundreds of hotels throughout North America.

To find out more, visit www. microtel.com

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MEETING PLACES

20 MEETING PLACES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

have actually hired sustainability offices, who spend all their time making the operations of the centre more sustainable.

This includes addressing food waste, monitoring energy use, water use, recycling programs, and more.”

In addition to convention centres, the hospitality industry plays a major role in meetings of all kinds. Throughout the Island, hotels rent out rooms of all sizes to meet various needs in their communities.

John Kearns, Chair of the British Columbia Hospitality Association, notes that there is a

strong economic link between meetings and events and the success of hotels.

“The hotel is often a central hub, integrated into the community itself,” he says. “Often, they will work with boards of trade and community associations to help host an event.

T hese events can be a major draw, not only in maximizing revenues for the hotel, but also in building a stronger sense of community.”

Hotels will often have board rooms or other spaces that are utilized for smaller community meetings and events. According to Kearns, recent trends point to the creation of more multi-purpose spaces for meetings.

“It’s not that the spaces are gett i ng sm a l ler, but i ndu stry leaders are making them capable of ha nd l i ng a nu mber of different purposes,” he rema rks. “For exa mple, you m ight have a meeti ng space that was once d iv isible i nto on ly t wo or t h re e bre a kout rooms. Now, you may be able to put a stage or add it ion a l audio-visual components, or further subdivide for having small breakout sessions.”

W hether it’s a major trade show or a sp eci a l i z ed sa les pre sent at ion, I sl a nd me eting spaces come in all shapes and sizes, and are able to meet the needs of each d isti nct community.

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

“In addition to holding an annual conference where we connect and learn about industry trend, we work with a third-party consultant to share operating data and financial information.

In the end, we get a detailed annual report that contains extremely valuable information.”

BARRY SMITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION CENTRES CANADA

Barry Smith, Executive Director of Convention Centres Canada (CCC)

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OCTOBER 2019

ISHERWOOD COMPANIES FIX OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF VEHICLES CARSTAR Collision and Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair are flagships of expanding business

D

U NCA N – Ryan Isherwood has worked on the outside of vehicles for most of his professional career in the auto body business. His companies now work under the hood as well.

Isherwood, who owns CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service operations in Duncan and Courtenay, purchased Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair in 2016, and added E & B Automotive Services Ltd. on September 1, amalgamating the mechanical operations at the Dickson & Fraser location at 5237 Polkey Road in Duncan.

Isherwood is celebrating his 10th year in business, as he started Isherwood Body & Fender in September, 2009. A body man a nd col l ision tech n ici a n by trade, he decided to start out on his own, and did all the estimating, parts ordering, body work, painting – everything.

“I kind of grew by ‘accident’,” Isherwood says, tongue in cheek.

“I booked in too much work and had to hire people to come and help out to get it done, and we grew just like that.”

The original location featured two service bays and a spray booth near the Cowichan Golf & Country Club.

In January, 2012, the operat ion joi ned C A R S TA R a nd moved to their current location at 5440 Trans Canada Highway in Duncan, starting with 1,600 square feet. Six expansions later, they fill 9,000 square feet and have 12 employees working out of the location, and a total of 25 through all three operations.

I s h e r wo o d p u rc h a s e d t h e CARSTAR operation at 2805 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay last November from retiring owner Terry Davies.

“I wanted to grow my initial location to a decent size, and it

Ryan Isherwood owns CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service in Duncan and Courtenay, as well as Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair in Duncan

“There are some insurance companies that will not deal with independent operations at all, if we didn’t have CARSTAR we wouldn’t get that business.”

RYAN ISHERWOOD OWNER, CARSTAR COLLISION & GLASS SERVICE

Proud supporter of the Integrated Operations Group, Congratulations on your Success!

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took a few years before I decided I wanted multiple locations,” Isherwood says. “In the early days, I was just focusing on paying my bills and paying my mortgage at home.”

T he purchase of Dickson & Fra ser Auto Repa i rs, wh ich began in 1957, was a natural progression, as they did plenty of referral work between the operations, and owner Ben Marrs, wanted to retire.

“It fits hand-in-hand,” Isherwood notes. “I was looking at opening a mechanic shop before I found Dickson & Fraser was for sale. We were sending a lot of business to them already, including the majority of wheel realignments and mechanical

repairs that needed to be done.

“I was always really impressed with them as one of their customers, so they were the first door I knocked on when I wanted to expand,” he recalls. “They’ve been around for 60 years, so they had to be doing something right to last this long. It’s allowed us to broaden our services to meet all the automotive needs of the Duncan market and it’s worked out really well.”

IBF Holdings is the holding company for the three automotive companies, and his wife and partner Marnie is the Office Manager.

“Marnie is a dental hygienist by profession, and she’d help me nights, weekends. . .whatever

Proud supporter of Ryan Isherwood and his team. Congratulations on your growth and success!

we needed, and then came on full time with us in the spring of 2018,” he says.

CA RSTA R is a collision industry franchise, and assists f ra nch i se es i n e a r n i n g a nd maintaining Original Equipm e n t M a n u f a c t u re r (OE M ) specifications and qualifications. The Duncan and Courtenay operations are certified for Ford, Chrysler, KIA and Nissan vehicle repairs, and they can work on all makes and models of vehicles.

“CARSTAR helps us develop those requirements to make sure our shops run as well as they possibly can,” he says. “They SEE CARSTAR COLLISION | PAGE 22

1-877-RONDEX2 (766-3392) @rondexautobodysupplies

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22

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

The CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service building in Duncan

CARSTAR COLLISION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

help lay out the path to get the necessary certifications.”

Isherwood adds that CA RS T A R ’s a f f i l i a t i o n a l l o w s franchisees to gain access to important relationships with insurance companies that would be very difficult to get as an independent body shop.

“T here are some insurance companies that will not deal with independent operations at

all,” he notes. “If we didn’t have CARSTAR we wouldn’t get that business.”

CARSTAR, which began franchising in Canada in 1994, also provides buying incentives for training and supplies, partnering with leading automotive companies on parts and products used to repair vehicles like 3M, Akzo, Norton, Axalta, LKQ and BASF. CARSTAR has since evolved and developed a nationwide network of high quality collision

Congratulations to

Ryan Isherwood

and his team on their expansion and success!

5829 Duncan St, Duncan P: 250.746.5431 www.bumpertobumper.ca

repair centres. In 2015, CARSTAR Automotive Inc. was acquired by Driven Brands, one of the largest automotive franchise organizations in North America. Today, CARSTAR has over 260 locations across the Canada and over 500 throughout North America, and has repaired over four million vehicles since 1989.

C A R S TA R fe at u re s s tateof-the-art unibody and frame repair equ ipment, painting, towing assistance, vehicle pickup and delivery and a nationwide

warranty. Certified technicians participate in ongoing education programs on the latest vehicle technologies and materials.

C A R S TA R h a s s u p p o r t e d Cystic Fibrosis research and in 20 years, has raised over $3 million for CF research, care and advocacy. For the past 10 years, CARSTAR has held its annual “Soaps It Up” National Car Wash Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis, with all proceeds going to local Cystic Fibrosis chapters and other charitable

organizations in the community.

In 2014, CARSTAR launched its first Shine Month, with the entire month of June filed with fundraising events across North America.

That’s important to Isherwood, who is also grateful for his local team of employees.

“You’re never going to grow beyond a certain point without good people, and we’ve always been fortunate here with that,” SEE CARSTAR COLLISION | PAGE 23

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OCTOBER 2019

“We’ve also been fortunate to develop a fantastic team of professionals, including accountants, lenders, bankers and lawyers – good strong partnerships.”

RYAN ISHERWOOD OWNER, CARSTAR COLLISION & GLASS SERVICE

Ryan Isherwood gets to all of the company operations, as well as working in the office

CARSTAR COLLISION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Scott Murray is a refinish technician in CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service in Duncan

he says. “We couldn’t be where we are today without our amazing staff, our customers and their referrals. That is a huge part of how we have gotten to where we are today. Our employees are like family to us, and it’s a great feeling to come to work, knowing they’re working so hard and taking care of our customers so well.

“We’ve also been fortunate to develop a fantastic team of professionals, including accounta nt s, lend ers, ba n kers a nd lawyers – good strong partnerships. We have good relationships with all the people we deal with, and have managed to develop a good network. When you’re starting out, it’s not that easy to do.”

The management team we’ve put in place, including Operations Manager Ty Dyrland, Nikki Hunt, Mike Blume, Susie Noble and Stewart Adams have demonstrated great commitment and dedication to their jobs,” Isherwood adds. “When

we are away from a store, I know I have left it in capable hands. I am only as strong as my team that supports me and my success is their success.”

The recent acquisition of E & B Automotive from Brian Mytts was also strategic, as it was located on the same piece of property on which CARSTAR sits.

Mytts has now joined the team at Dickson & Fraser and servicing customers there.

“The space where E & B was allows us to create a state of the art new downdraft spray booth and add the equipment that goes along with that,” he says. “We’re now expanding the auto body operation’s space for the seventh time.”

Accompanying the company’s growth is the industry’s continuous improvements in terms of health and safety to protect employees.

“It could be potentially as toxic as it used to be, but we’re all keenly aware of how everyone’s health can suffer if we’re not careful,” he says. “Our new systems pump fresh air throughout the paint rooms, which is clean, outside filtered clean air.”

A nd dow n the road, Isherwood already has his eyes at more expansion, likely in the central island area to bridge the gap between the Duncan and Courtenay operations. www.carstar.ca

CONGRATULATIONS

to Ryan and the team at Dickson & Fraser Auto Repairs on all your success! ~ from Tracy, Ken, Kevin, Chris, John & Will.

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24

OFF THE COVER Certified Net Zero Home Builder

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

Growing Demand for Ace Innovation Solutions Products BOB ELLIOTT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

plugged, standing on an easy-to-install bracket. Invented by Elliott himself, the machine is able to remove oil from water to under five parts per million, allowing the spilled oil to be recycled for later use.

Already being used for vessel bilges, storm drains, sumps, and catch basins, the OX is just one of several innovative products created by Elliott to clean up oil spills of all sizes.

Surprisingly, Elliott doesn’t come from an engineering background. Ace Innovation Solution’s owner and innovator started his professional life in the commercial fishing industry.

“I’ve been fishing my whole life, and started fishing commercially when I was 15,” he says. “I caught crab, prawns, salmon and halibut for a number of years before selling out in 1996.”

After exploring a number of business ventures, Elliott decided to create a new eco-friendly product.

“I had been wanting to create a green business for a while,” he continues. “It was important to find a solution to a common environmental problem that would also work to save companies time and money.

About eight years ago, I sold my previous business and began to create our product.”

Ace Innovation Solutions’ product line came out of years of trial and error as Elliott created and refined numerous prototypes.

“The first machines were small and used a rope to pick up the oil,” he says. “I played around with that for ab out t h re e ye a rs, then realized that the sa me materia l on a disc worked better and created special wipers that wipe off the disc as it rotates.”

After creating a machine that works, Elliott began working with an engineering company in Vancouver, who now manufacture the products.

Today, Ace Innovation Solutions offers eight d i fferent products, including a specialized barge and custom-built oil spill response vessel, which are equipped to deal Word class technical staff with spills of all sizes, in a variety of aquatic Full IT services (networking, environments. One servers, computers) of these products is a portable dam, which Class ‘A’ Co-location Datacenter can easily be set up in a river to contain IntraBAC Secured Offsite Backup spills. Currently, Elliott and his VancouWeb/Cloud Solutions ver team are working on an ultra-portable, six-inch cleanup machine, which will be even smaller than the OX.

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A late-stage prototype of the upcoming Mini Ox, an even more portable oil cleaning machine Momentum is now building for Elliott and his company, and Island businesses are rushing to get their hands on his products.

This September, a sawmill in the South Island spilled about 200 gallons of hydraulic oil when holes formed in one of its barges. Elliott brought in one of his machines, placing it in an optimal position to take advantage of the tides and wind.

The machine cleaned up the entire spill in just eight hours.

“If we didn’t use the machine, they would need to either use pads or phone up marine response,” says Elliott. “The costs for cleanup using those methods is enormous. If they use pads, it becomes hazardous waste, and they need to send them to Hazmat.”

“Now they have a machine on the trailer that will not only clean up the spill on its own, but will save the oil that was spilled.

After it goes through our machine, there’s less than two per cent water in the oil. We can spin it and take the carbon out, then we have clean oil again.”

As the products pick up steam, Elliott and his wife are looking forward to hitting the road, promoting and selling the product at trade shows and events throughout North America.

To find out more, visit www.aceInnovationsolutions.com

The OX hard at work cleaning a contained oil spill

25

OCTOBER 2019

NEXT GENERATION OF SERVICE UNDERWAY AT E & S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING “Our clientele today are typically the children

Offering 50 Years Of Combined Service

and grandchildren of the clients my parents

L

ADYSMITH – When Ron Howe returned to E & S Heating and Air Conditioning, it ‘officially’ started the next generation of the business his parents Susan and Ed Howe established in 1984.

Many of the company’s clients are also second generation. The firm serves an estimated 7,500 clients annually in the mid-island area, from Duncan to Nanaimo, including the Gulf Islands.

“Our clients today are typically the children and grandchildren of the clients my parents had when this company started,” Ron Howe says.

Technicians Ron Howe, Sean Durrell and Kayne MacDonald offer almost 50 years of combined experience. Between them, they can install and service everything from traditional oil furnaces to the most advanced energy efficient heat pumps.

A dealer for Lennox and American Standard products, E & S installs and maintains heating and cooling units, air quality systems

had when this company started.”

On the road and able to serve clients in the Central Vancouver Island area and on the Gulf Islands are co-owners (left to right) Sean Durrell and Ron Howe. Fall is a busy season for the company as property owners have their heating systems checked and serviced before winter and gas fireplaces.

Howe is one of two certified oil burner mechanics on the island.

Howe notes people still rely on oil heat and need repairs and servicing, although many homeowners choose to convert to natural gas or heat pumps.

To help clients building a new home make financially prudent and energy efficient decisions, E & S offers a free heat loss calculation that measures potential systems against the size of the building, desired use and temperature, and the owners’ budget.

Howe says the right answer for each property isn’t automatically

the most energy-efficient choice, but the one that offers the right balance of installation costs and future operation efficiency.

For example, a heat pump offers the highest level of energy efficiency, but it also requires an electrical back-up to ensure heat can still be generated during a cold snap. A natural gas system is slightly less efficient, but it does not require a back-up.

“We start with the design plans and give the owners advice on the most viable system for their property,” Howe says. “To do this, the heat loss calculation is absolutely critical.”

RON HOWE E&S HEATING, CO-OWNER

Durrell joined the company in 2011 and later bought Susan Howe’s shares. She now works part-time in the office. MacDonald joined the company in 2014. By the end of 2017, Ed Howe was ready to retire, so Ron Howe purchased his father’s shares.

Howe’s plans for the future include expanding to service new housing being constructed on the island, while also continuing to serve current clients. He would also like to expand into commercial work.

His goal is sustainable growth.

“Growing too fast is when you fail,” he says. “You can end up taking on more than you can handle and promising more than you can deliver.”

Howe handles the industry-wide shortage of technicians by creating a rewarding work environment.

He treats staff well, trusts in their abilities and skill, and encourages them to maintain a healthy worklife balance.

Outside work, Howe enjoys family time, going to the gym, plays guitar, and is a member of the Ladysmith Rotary Club. Durrell’s passion is competing with the Yellow Point Racing Group and Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club. www.esheating.ca

Innovation Never Felt So Good

Congratulations to E & S Heating and Air Conditioning on all your success!

www.lennox.com

26

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

PAUL DABBS MINIMIZES STRESS WITH UNIQUE CUSTOM HOME BUILD PROCESS Parksville Builder Draws on Previous Career Experience to Enhance Projects

P

ARKSVILLE - Paul Dabbs is taking the stress out of custom home builds.

Established over 10 years ago, Paul Dabbs Custom Homes combines close attention to detail with a customer-oriented building process to put together some of the Island’s most breathtaking homes on time and on budget.

The company sets itself apart with its commitment to transparency throughout the project, making the construction process as stress-free as possible for its clients.

Paul started the company after decades of working in a variety of fields, including logistics and transportation.

“I always excelled at whatever I did, but my previous jobs never gave me that internal sense of gratification that I craved,” he says. “In the early 2000s, I began to realize that I always loved the construction industry. From a very young age, I would be mesmerized by construction. Even as an adult, I would spend hours visiting construction sites, being amazed by the work that was being done.”

Eventually, Paul made the decision to pursue his dream and returned to school to complete a certificate in Construction Project Management. Once this was completed he and his wife Sue, decided to leave their Toronto home, moving to the Parksville area. Shortly thereafter, Paul Dabbs Custom Homes was born.

“Mentorship has been very important for my success,” he says.

“When I started out, I formed a relationship with another builder who helped me to find my footing. For the first few years, I rode on his coattails, learning the business and supply chain.

He helped me build relationships with some of the area’s top subcontractors, many of whom I still

The exterior of the Goodrich Drive project work with to this day.”

After about two years of mentorship, Paul moved out on his own, honing his own construction style and building a strong reputation in the region.

“On time, on budget; that’s our motto,” he says. “In logistics, you need to get the right product in the right condition at the right price at the right time. I bring that into everything I do. Creating the best possible conditions for success is at the centre of my business.”

“Paul is all about relationships,” says Sue, who handles most of the company’s office work. “He likes the one-on-one client interaction; building and fostering a relationship.”

Many of Paul’s clients move to the Island from the Lower Mainland, Interior, or even prairie provinces. In many cases, this distance would be a significant obstacle when building a custom SEE PAUL DABBS | PAGE 27

A west coast contemporary home built on Bonnington Drive in Nanoose Bay

Emerald Sea Engineering Jim Mitchell, PEng, MSc

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Parksville 1500 Springhill Rd, Parksville P: 250.954.1789

Nanaimo 2 – 4341 Boban Drive, Nanaimo P: 250.585.2118

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Box 493-Suite 202-177 Weld St., Parksville P: 250.248.7227 E: peterj@jorgensen-design.ca

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27

OCTOBER 2019

Paul Dabbs, owner of Paul Dabbs Custom Homes

“On time, on budget; that’s our motto. In logistics, you need to get the right product Paul Dabbs and his team build this breathtaking Seaview home on Dolphin Drive

The view from the bathroom in one of Paul’s custom homes

PAUL DABBS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

home.

“It can be really stressful for the client if we don’t communicate properly and stick to our agreements,” he says. “When we’re in these types of situations, I send photos almost daily to the homeowners, keeping them in the loop.

“Last year, we built a house in

Fanny Bay for a couple that was moving to the Island. The wife didn’t see the house at all, and the husband saw it once before it was finished. In the end, they were extremely happy with our work.”

Before starting construction, Pau l puts a deta i led budget together for the client, which he refers to throughout the building process. As the project progresses, he keeps his clients informed

on each step, letting them know if the cost is higher or lower than expected, and adjusting along the way.

“If we’re going down the wrong path with an aspect of the project, I have a conversation with the homeowner, giving them a couple of options for how to proceed,” he remarks. “I love coming up with creative solutions to big problems.”

Before the walls are put up, Paul covers the floor in chalk lines to give clients a visual representation of the home’s layout. They then walk through the home, and will often make changes on the spot, moving walls and adjusting spaces to optimize the final result.

In order to maintain this standard of care, Paul limits the number of projects to two per year.

The success of these projects would not be possible without Paul’s team of reliable sub trades.

“I’m all about respecting our tradespeople,” he says. “The people I work with are respected, and it comes back the other way. In my client contracts I include a stipulation that once

in the right condition a subtrade’s bill is submitted, I confirm the work is done and tell the client it’s ok to pay the bill. After that point, the agreement is that the homeowner will have five business days to pay the trade directly.

“I make a point of having two to three go-to sub contractors in each trade. We have a good relationship with all of them, and we try to balance our workload between each company.”

On each project, Paul’s approach to building is heavily influenced by his professional background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in business from Ryerson College, a two-year logistics certificate from George Brown College in Toronto, and a background as a pilot.

“All of my professional experience and training informs what I do,” he says.

For example, before going to business school, Paul spent three years in flight school training to become a pilot, learning about aerodynamics, temperature and wind.

“I apply that k nowledge to homes I’m bu i ld i ng,” he

at the right price at the right time. I bring that into everything I do.

Creating the best possible conditions for success is at the centre of my business.”

PAUL DABBS OWNER OF PAUL DABBS CUSTOM HOMES

continues. “Waterfront property is great, but it’s five degrees colder than lots that are farther from the ocean. You have to be careful about how many trees you take down in the building process, because you don’t want to freeze yourself out. Builders don’t tend to think about those things, but my background helps me to consider a wide array of variables on a build.” www.pauldabbs.ca

Paul Dabbs puts the homeowner needs rst, it’s a pleasure working with you.

Joining People With Wood With Respect

The kitchen at the Goodrich Drive custom home

P: 250.248.0717 www.greshampostandbeam.com

28

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

Indigenous Tourism BC Signs MOU with Tourism Vancouver Island

I

ndigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote growth and heightened awareness of Indigenous tourism across Vancouver Island.

The MOU was signed by Brenda Baptiste, Chair of ITBC, and Ian MacPhee, Chair of TVI, at the Tourism Vancouver Island Annual Conference in Nanaimo. Through the agreement, ITBC and TVI agree to establish a collaborative relationship in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes, including diversification of the regional tourism community and promotion of economic prosperity among Indigenous communities.

Both organizations pledge to equip Indigenous communities and businesses with necessary skills and resources that enable them to meet growing demand for authentic cultural experiences. They will also work with local tourism, business, educational and government organizations to create guiding principles and joint initiatives that support the development of Indigenous businesses and enhance the economic prosperity of Indigenous people.

“Thoughtful and respectful tourism development not only garners economic benefits through employment and entrepreneurship, but also provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn and share local Indigenous history and culture.

We are excited to work with Indigenous

Strategic agreement supports development and expansion of Indigenous tourism across the region

Tourism BC to ensure Vancouver Island’s Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities are granted the resources they need to elevate their tourism businesses or bring them to life,” said Ian MacPhee, Chair, Tourism Vancouver Island.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in BC, with Indigenous tourism businesses contributing $705 million each year to the provincial economy. The Vancouver Island region is home to more 50 First Nations communities, whose unique cultural adventures, products and service have the potential to significantly increase tourism dollars. The success of these communities and businesses relies heavily on partnerships such as ITBC and TVI’s to provide resources and funding.

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29

OCTOBER 2019

BRAN KIRKWOOD BRINGS BIG-CITY BUILDING SERVICE TO TOFINO AREA “We’re really thankful for BKC Contracting Builds Reputation as Go-To For Local Commercial Projects

T

OFINO - BKC Contracting is bringing big-city service to the small town construction scene.

As both a general contractor and subcontractor, the company has become a go-to for commercial projects in the Tofino area, offering professionalism and polish that is raising standards in the local construction community.

BKC offers planning phase, construction phase and construction management services, boasting a general contracting portfolio that includes the Tofino Brewing Company, Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Storm Surf Shop and more.

Owner Bran Kirkwood started his first company in in the Sea to Sky Corridor in 2001. During the early years, Kirkwood built a team of carpenters who specialized in high-end custom homes in Whistler and the surrounding region.

“I eventually took on some remediation projects and worked on condo and hotel projects,” he says. “We built a sizeable company over there before we eventually moved.”

Around 2011, Kirkwood and his wife began to look at relocating to Vancouver Island.

“I’ve been a surfer and water enthusiast for most of my life, and about eight years ago, I introduced my wife to Tofino,” he continues.

“Shortly after, we purchased a piece of land over here, planning to build a vacation cottage. We had some plans in place to buy a plane and fly back and forth between Whistler and Tofino when she got pregnant.”

With a growing family and an expensive Whistler housing market, Kirkwood decided to sell his tools and pack up his family, building a house on the Tofino property.

“I initially took about seven months off, helping out around the house and getting us set up

the town, for the warmth and welcome that we feel. We’re excited to be a part of the community and build infrastructure and amenities for our neighbours. We are very appreciative of this region and our clients and friends.”

BRAN KIRKWOOD OWNER OF BKC CONTRACTING

The BKC Contracting team is known for their positive attitude and professionalism

before I started to take on jobs in the new area,” he recalls.

A fter running a successful company in Whistler, Kirkwood started from scratch as a one-man operation.

“My first project came through my wife’s job at a local resort. I did a small renovation, then bid on a main project, which included 43 brand new units. I did a good job, got some referrals, and made some connections in the area, so more jobs started coming in.”

Today, Kirkwood fields a team as large as 15, focussing mainly on Tofino’s commercial projects.

BKC Contracting has been behind many of Tofino’s latest commercial projects, acting as both a subcontractor and general contractor.

“Coming from the Sea to Sky region, I’m used to a certain standard of quality,” says Kirkwood.

“We have maintained high standards in our quality and attention to detail in the residential world, and we bring that approach into the commercial space. Not many people paid this much attention to detail in the commercial space before we started.”

In addition to BKC Construction’s trademark attention to detail, Kirkwood and his team are known for their ability to deliver timelines.

“Our workmanship is above-average, and we aren’t scared to take on larger parcels or bigger demands,” he says. “We’re willing to work 10 hours a day, or work Saturdays and Sundays to get the job on time. Our clients know we’ll work on the weekend if we have to.

“Also, our team is known for its good attitude. Clients are always happy with the work ethic, general appearance, and upkeep of out staff.”

Over the last few years, Kirkwood and his family have made Tofino their permanent home.

“We’re really thankful for the town, for the warmth and welcome that we feel,” he says.

“We’re excited to be a part of the community and build infrastructure and amenities for our neighbours. We are very appreciative of this region and our clients and friends.”

BKC Construction is involved in various local charity endeavors, fundraising and providing auction items for various non-profit events. They recently donated time to build and improve the backyard space at a local daycare facility, and are always looking for new ways to give back to the community. www.bkccontracting.com

Commercial • Residential

The exterior of Storm Surf Shop, which Bran and his team completed as a general contractor

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30 WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date.

DEFENDANT 1053290 BC Ltd 2239 Ava Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Stone, Ronald Murrey CLAIM $6,921 DEFENDANT 2 Burley Men Moving Ltd 1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Endersby, Leonie M CLAIM $7,867 DEFENDANT A & J Specialty Seafood Inc 1200-805 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF RBS Seafood Harvesting Ltd CLAIM $32,707 DEFENDANT Aabacus Welding Inc 535 Bluecher Ave, Springfield, MB PLAINTIFF Admiralty Leasing Inc CLAIM

WHO IS SUING WHOM $31,558 DEFENDANT Bennefield Construction Ltd 921-4 Canada Ave, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF McArthur, Richard CLAIM $13,639 DEFENDANT Bowtie Transport 2239 Ava Ave, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Stone, Ronald Murrey CLAIM $6,921 DEFENDANT Coombs Classy Grass Inc 2412 Nanoose Beach Rd, Nanoose Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Richard, Lana Nicole CLAIM $5,331 DEFENDANT Cowichan Trading Company 1984 Ltd 4th Flr 1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Champken, Gwenda CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Dane Developments Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Rascal Trucking Ltd CLAIM $15,333

DEFENDANT Escents Body Products Inc 18 Fawcett Rd, Coquitlam, BC PLAINTIFF Market Square Investments Ltd CLAIM $15,342 DEFENDANT Highway 4 Cannabis 8-3125 Van Horne Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Richard, Lana Nicole CLAIM $5,331 DEFENDANT Kingfisher Ocean Resort & Spa Ltd 4330 South Island Hwy, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Hornby Island Soap CLAIM $14,553 DEFENDANT Lake Excavating Limited 5-123 Borland St, Williams Lake, BC PLAINTIFF Peninsula Rock Products Ltd CLAIM $129,273 DEFENDANT Limona Construction Ltd 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Mackay, Terrance Keith CLAIM $35,156 DEFENDANT North Coast Hotel Resorts Ltd

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

602-5811 Cooney Rd, Richmond, BC PLAINTIFF Braspenning, Patricius CLAIM $22,676 DEFENDANT Peterson Custom Woodwork Ltd 98 Burnside Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF LZ Ideal Eatery Ltd CLAIM $18,416 DEFENDANT Shoreline Resort Group Inc 800-1090 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Hunt, Alisen Roslin CLAIM $24,769 DEFENDANT Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc 2300-550 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Stevenson, Ronald CLAIM $16,002 DEFENDANT Start 2 Finish Concrete 2619 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC PLAINTIFF Mrychka, Shirley CLAIM $15,537 DEFENDANT Ridgeline Mechanical Ltd 102-635 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF

FortisBC Energy Inc CLAIM $19,160 DEFENDANT TZI Mechanical Ltd 3195 Balfour Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Salto Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $20,000 DEFENDANT TZI Mechanical Ltd 3195 Balfour Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Salto Enterprises Ltd CLAIM $35,236 DEFENDANT Visland Media Inc 209-1664 Richter St, Kelowna, BC PLAINTIFF Tara Hearn Personal Real Estate Corp CLAIM $15,156 DEFENDANT Visland Media Inc 209-1664 Richter St, Kelowna, BC PLAINTIFF Neil Bosdet Personal Real Estate Corp CLAIM $36,926 DEFENDANT Visland Media Inc 209-1664 Richter St, Kelowna, BC PLAINTIFF Langereis, Adrian CLAIM $36,750

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

OCTOBER 2019

NORTH ISLAND T he U’mista Cultural Society in Alert Bay was recently awarded $69,888 to undertake two heritage projects. Funding was provided through components of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) delivered by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. The society was awarded $40,000 for work on a collections database and policy upgrading and the remaining $29,888 for the BoasHunt Travelling Temporary Exhibition Project.

Port McNeill Council received ‘Level Three’ recognition (out of four) from the Green Commu n it ies Com m ittee (G CC) for its 2018 repor t i ng yea r.

The GCC is a joint committee formed by the provincial government and Union of British Columbia Municipalities that recognizes the progress of local governments on their commitments to reducing emissions.

The award was based on Port Mc Nei l l Co u nc i l’s Cl i m ate Action Revenue Incentive Prog ra m (CA R I P) repor t wh ich summarizes the actions taken by the Town of Port McNeill over the previous year to reduce emissions. The third level recognizes that Port McNeill demonstrated significant climate action to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions.

CAMPBELL RIVER Discovery Chiropractic welcomes Dr. Sarah Shepherd to its team at 1241 Dogwood Street.

Dr. Shepherd is a recent graduate and member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

T he first ever North Island Craft Beer Festival will be held at the Campbell River Community Centre on November 23 rd from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Currently there about 14 breweries from all over the Island registered to show off their brews at the event and Campbell River Golf and Country Club will be catering the event.

COMOX VALLEY The Holiday Inn & Suites at 2200 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay is now operating as Bayview Hotel Group Ltd. The hotel remains under the same ownership and management team.

Central Builders Home Hardware is celebrating its 95th anniversary at 610 Anderton Avenue in Courtenay.

Huckleberry’s Fabrics Inc held a celebration for its 25th birthday on September 30th at its store at 1930 Ryan Road East in Comox.

Beachcombers Academy is in its 10th year of operation and offers preschool to Grade 7 education. The academy is operated

by Beachcombers Education Society, a registered non-profit.

D r. L e o C Joh n s o n D e nt a l Health Centre announced that its sister office Comox Avenue Dental Centre will be joining the compa ny effective September 28 th . In addition, the practice will change its name to Comox Avenue Dental. Comox Avenue Dental Centre will be providing the same service in its new location at 1842 Comox Avenue.

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Paul Healey has stepped down a s ch a i r of t he boa rd of t he Union Bay Improvement District. A replacement has not yet been named for the post.

C o u r te n a y K i a w e l c o m e s Glenice Neal to its team at 1025A Comox Road in Courtenay.

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Roy Sakata

Beachcombers Academy has appointed Roy Sakata as the school’s new principal. Sakata has 40 years of experience in education as a teacher and principal and has served with the BC Ministry of Education inspection team for five years.

Natalee Rhodes has opened Generations Laser for business in downtown Courtenay at 255 6 t h Street. T he shop’s services include esthetics for skin health, brows and lashes and more, as well as laser for a range of skin conditions and hair removal.

SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 32

JEWELLERY… like no other

R ive r C it y M e d ic a l C l i n ic cong ratu lates Dr. Shiubong Wong on completing his residency with the UBC Strathcona Fa m i ly Med ici ne Residency Program. Dr. Wong joining the River City team as a full-time, full-service family physician.

River City Medical Clinic is at 1424 Island Highway.

B i l l H ow i c h C h r ysl e r a nnounces that Ron May is its top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 2777 North Island Highway. Norm Potoski was named top salesperson of the month for Bill Howich RV & Marine at 1632 Coulter Road.

Ca mpbel l R iver Fi re Ch ief Thomas Doherty was recently presented with a Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal by Campbell R iver Mayor Andy Adams in recognition of his 30 years of fire protection.

31

DOWNTOWN DUNCAN 211 Craig Street | IMPECCABLEJEWELLERY.COM

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

32 MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Congratulates to Richard Caissie on being the top salesperson of the month for Galaxy Motors Courtenay at 605 Crown Isle Boulevard.

congratulates Ryan Sykes on being the top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 2145 Cliffe Avenue.

RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty welcomes Andy Campbell to its team of real estate professionals at 2230A Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay.

Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC

Doug DeMarzo

A Big Thank You To Our Vancouver Island Investors.

Doug DeMarzo has been appointed the new general manager of community services at the Comox Valley Regional District. DeMarzo has over 10 years of experience leading teams in Victoria and has been managing the parks system at the CVRD since 2014.

Two Eagles Lodge Bed & Breakfast is the recipient of the 2019 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the ninth consecutive year. The award celebrates lodgings that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year.

A new BC Cannabis Store has opened for business at 2A – 759 Ryan Road in the Washington Park Shopping Centre in Courtenay. The shop offers dry bud and oils as well as vaporizers, pipes and other accessories.

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM BEACH F re n ch P re s s Cof fe e w a s re c e n tly awarded six medals at the Golden Bean North America, a world-renowned international coffee roasting competition. The company received a gold medal for its Ethiopia Kilenso Moconissa, a silver medal and four bronze medals for other coffees. French Press Coffee now has a second location at 2340 Alberni Highway in Coombs, which they use for roasting.

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Investing in the LP Units involves significant risks. There is currently no secondary market through which the LP Units may be sold and there can be no assurance that any such market will develop. The recovery of an initial investment is at risk, and the anticipated return on such an investment is based on many performance assumptions, many of which are described in the current Offering Memorandum. Although RealStream™ Income Properties LP intends to make regular distributions, such distributions may be reduced or suspended. The information is qualified entirely by reference to the Offering Memorandum.

Investors should consult their professional advisors prior to making an investment decision and are referred to the many risk factors and statutory rights referred to in the Offering Memorandum.

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing was recently presented w ith a World Beer Award for the second year in a row. The Parksville-based brewery won Canadian Silver at the awards for its Jagged Face IPA. This year the brewery is planning on releasing five or six new beers and launched its new Gran Fir Brute IPA on September 18th.

Kim Burden, Executive Director of the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce, is the recipient of the Executive of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada. The award recognizes excellence in chamber management and was presented on September 20 in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Developer Seacliff Properties recently held a ‘topping off’ celebration for the Westerly, its project located next to Schooner Cove Marina. The celebration marked the project reaching its highest point of construction for the 39-unit structure. The building is expected to be complete in the spring of 2020.

Hairstream Studio moved to a new space at 631 Island Highway East in Parksville.

Lisa McCormick

Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism announced the appointments of Lisa McCormick of Beach Club Resort and

O C T O B E R 2 0 19

Craig Dutton of Pheasant Glen Golf Resort to the association’s board of directors. The appointments were made to fill vacancies that resulted from the resignations of Robynne Shaw and Brett Standerwick.

Dark View Restaurant recently opened for business at 731 Island Highway East in Parksville. The new restaurant offers a unique dark dining room experience and its dining room staff are completely blind.

Family Ford welcomes Frank Pouliot back to its service team as a diesel technician at the dealership at 410 East Island Highway in Parksville.

The Qualicum Beach School of Dance is celebrating its 20 th anniversary at 744 Primrose Street. Studio owner and founder Shari Selva offers classes in classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, acro and musical theatre.

Phil Dwyer and wife Theresa Whiteley are taking over directing the music program at The Old School House of Arts Centre (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach, a role previously held by Ron Hadley.

Jodie Lucas and partner Will Gemmell have decided to close their popular Nanoose Bay eatery, Rusted Rake Farm. The duo decided to close up shop after being informed their application to operate a restaurant and brewery on the land was denied by the Agricultural Land Reserve. T he Rusted Rake is situated on a 7.2-hectare parcel of land on Northwest Bay Road that is otherwise used for farming barley, wheat, mixed vegetables, fruits and raising beef.

PORT ALBERNI Alberni Glass and Mirror on 3 rd Avenue moved to a new location at 5776 Strathcona Street. The company offers services including glass repairs and stocks window screens, doors, industrial equipment and all safety glass.

Scotiabank held a 60 th anniversary celebration for its Port Alberni branch at 3777 10 th Avenue on September 28th.

Literacy Alberni Society has appointed Rebecca Dixon Boer as its new literacy services coordinator. Rebecca holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina-Aiken and is an experienced teacher and tutor.

Karly Blats is the new wage subsidy coordinator at Alberni Valley Employment Centre. In her new role, Blats will be helping employers access Work BC’s Wage Subsidy Program, which can provide financial support to an employer as an incentive to hire and provide work experience and skill enhancement to job seekers.

Port Alberni North Island College is once again offering the Carpentry Foundation Harmonized certificate program in Port Alberni starting in February. The program teaches students carpentry skills for framing, site layout, footing and wall forming along with work site safety skills. Students may also earn SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 33

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

OCTOBER 2019

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

apprenticeship technical training credit toward Interprovincial (Red Seal) certification through the program.

The City of Port Alberni is planning on opening a new public safety building in Port Alberni’s Uptown area. The space will be home to the city’s bylaw services department and community policing services and will be managed by Gaylene Thorogood, who is currently the manager of police support services with the City.

T wo p ro v i n c i a l ly l icensed cannabis dispensaries opened in September in Port Alberni. The government-run BC Cannabis Store opened its doors to the public at the Pacific R i m Shop pi ng Cent re , making it the sixth government store overall and the third on the island.

Tseshaht First Nation has op e n e d O ra nge Br idge Cannabis along Highway 4 at the Tseshaht Market.

Orange Bridge Cannabis is one of the first BC licensed ca n nabis shops owned and operated by a First Nation. The shop

employs f ive Tsesh a ht members.

TOFINOUCLUELET Amorita and Scott Adair have signed a five-year l e a s e to t a k e o v e r t h e space previously occupied

by Green Soul Organics at 150 4 th Street in Tofino.

The married team are investing nearly $100,000 of their savings to transfo r m t h e s p a c e i n to a n e w h e a lt h fo o d s tore called Gaia Grocery. The new store will include a full-service deli, juice bar and on tap kombucha.

R E / M A X M i d-I s l a n d Realty welcomes Shannon Chase to its team of real estate professionals on the West Coast at 311 Neill Street in Tofino.

Coastal Animal Rescue a nd E ducation (C A R E) N e t w o r k w a s r e c e n tly presented with a $30,000 donation from Tofino-based adventure tour operator Ocean Outfitters. The funds will go towa rd s a new a n i m a l c a re faci l ity a nd shelter located near the Tofino-Long Beach Airport.

33

CARE launched a fundraising campaign for the new facility in April and has raised about $65,000 so far.

Bill McGinnis was recently presented with a Volu nteer Recog n ition Aw a r d f r o m To f i n o ’s mayor a nd cou nci l i n honour of his 15 years of service with the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD).

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NANAIMO Nanaimo-based Mood Cannabis Company is expecting to open at least one of its two proposed legal cannabis stores open by the end of this month.

The company is planning on opening one at 3923 V ic tor i a Avenu e, ne a r Country Club Centre and the other at 6404 Metral Drive. The shop on Victoria Avenue is awaiting a bu ild ing perm it from the city to renovate the store wh i le t he Met ra l Drive space still requires re-zoning approval before a permit application can be filed.

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SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 35

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OPINION

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O C T O B E R 2 0 19 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald SALES | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Val Lennox, Robert MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim WEBSITE | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HOW COMMUNITIES CAN DO IT WELL

MARK MACDONALD

D

eals. That’s the bottom line concerning economic development.

I was told that years ago by John Watson, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society (CVEDS), or Invest Comox Valley as it is also known. I have never forgotten that, nor have I doubted that it is, in fact, the single most important aspect and goal of economic development.

Attracting new companies and growing others is what good economic development offices do. The result is jobs – lots of family-raising, mortgage paying, vehicle buying ones that attract high-end talent to the community.

Whenever I hear an economic development type use the term “business retention”, I automatically know they’re missing the mark and misunderstand their function. That wording is a fundamental shift from “development” as the name suggests.

How many companies with dozens of employees that own their premises really have the option of leaving? They’re staying, unless excessive taxation and needless regulation drives them elsewhere.

Business retention is not development at a l l. It’s try i ng to hold companies back from leaving.

Our Business Examiner publications have covered almost every area of the province: All of Vancouver Island, the Thompson Okanagan (with some forays into the Kootenays), Northern BC from coast to border, and the Fraser Valley. We have observed economic development offices from border to border to border to coast, and I can say – and often do - with confidence that CVEDS is the best, most productive economic development office in British Columbia.

Watson has one of the hardest working teams out there, as Geoff Crawford and Lara Greasley and others are “all hands on deck” whenever there’s a project or festival to manage or create (see WinterFest or the world renowned B.C. Seafood Festival).

And with the added responsibility of overseeing the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre (VIVC) for the region’s tourism arm, Discover Comox Valley Tourism, there is always lots to do.

Utilizing his well-used Rolodex, Watson has an uncanny ability to wrestle funding out of federal

and provincial governments for various projects, including the VIVC welcoming centre at the entrance to Courtenay.

Watson was a protégé of predecessor Norm McLaren, who along with other Board members, business people and community members, was a major force to expand Comox Valley Airport that has transformed the area and the region’s economy. There are many other successful business arrivals, too many to list here, the latest of which is the Cannabis Innovation Centre by Aurora Cannabis Inc. in Comox.

It has been a team effort, as one of the reasons for CVEDS success has been the “can do” attitude of Courtenay and Comox in particular, and the structure of its board. Board members include some of the best and brightest business minds in the Comox Valley – proven professionals who know firsthand how to grow and manage their own companies.

Because they possess that experience, it helps them oversee the CVEDS operations and provide the private-enterprise expertise that is required for any city to attract private sector investment. In other words, they are “doers”.

The CVEDS board is not dissimilar to other agencies set up to ensure uninterrupted service to vital sectors of the economy. Port and Airport Authority Boards feature appointed representatives

from all three levels of government: federal, provincial and civic, to complement private sector and community individuals on the board and bypass political partisanship.

What this structure does is provide balance and limited interference, because rarely do the federal/provincial/civic governments come from the same political party. Thus their representatives are at the table, but don’t dominate and their opinions and assessments become part of the conversation – as opposed to completely dominating its direction.

CVEDS has largely been free from partisan, anti-business political interests because of this, and can concentrate on making deals happen. Despite its strong track record, however, there are some clouds on the horizon.

Anti-growth/development types that have apparently decided to set their sights on CVEDS with, some suggest, an eye towards shutting it down or severely clipping its wings.

One of the most ironic things about that push is that self-proclaimed ‘green’ individuals may be attempting to shut down the group that has pushed Comox Valley economy’s growth into non-industrial “growing” sectors: Agriculture and aquaculture. It was Watson who led the drive to emphasize expansion in those areas over a dozen years

ago, and it’s yielded much fruit.

CVEDS spearheaded moves toward making sure everyone in BC and beyond knew that the Comox Valley had fertile feeds and oceans to grow sustainable produce and seafood. The bevy of new agricultural activities and water-based operations that dot the local map are a direct result of that foresight.

Economic development offices that run into local political interference are typically shackled into ineffectiveness. That should not be allowed to happen in the Comox Valley, the gold standard for BC. If opponents are successful in their efforts to denigrate, alter or even and perhaps eliminate CVEDS, businesses, employees and families will feel the negative effects.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is always true, and pertains more than ever to CVEDS. CVEDS has the best possible structure that has proven its worth through many, many successes. It has the best Economic Development Officer in the province in John Watson, and strong leadership at the Board level.

It does what it does better than any other similar group in BC, and other communities would do well to clone its structure and performance. CVEDS is a living textbook for how economic development can and should be done.

“Oh, I thought you were trying to build a canal,” said Friedman.

“If it’s jobs you want, you should give these workers spoons, not shovels!”

Even if the extravagant claims about corporate welfare funds creating lots of jobs are accurate, it doesn’t follow that corporate welfare is a good idea. Taxpayers should keep in mind that whenever there are claims about governments ‘creating’ jobs through corporate welfare programs, there are two possible scenarios.

First, those jobs might have existed even without the corporate welfare, which means the handouts are simply a transfer of money from taxpayers to a few privileged rent-seekers, with the government taking some of the money off the top to pay for the bureaucracy.

Second, if those jobs wouldn’t have existed without the corporate welfare, then the jobs created

are actually an economic loss, because the economic costs of these new jobs exceed their economic value. If the opposite were true and the value of the goods and services produced exceeded the labour costs, the jobs would have existed in the absence of the subsidies.

In either case, corporate welfare causes an economic loss, which is exacerbated by the fact that it encourages businesses to devote large amounts of resources to chasing government funds, instead of producing useful goods and services.

So it’s unfortunate for Canadian taxpayers and consumers that there doesn’t seem to be any politicians likely to stop corporate welfare.

CORPORATE WELFARE DOESN’T CREATE JOBS

FRONTIER CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY MATTHEW LAU

C

orporate welfare handouts are a policy staple of politicians of all stripes – and they’re all wasting public money.

Liberals who mistakenly think govern ment spend i ng is the driver of economic growth love handing out free cash to claim they’re “creating jobs.”

Con ser vat ives say t hey’re

against corporate welfare – but only sometimes, and only if it’s the Liberals are in government.

In Ontario, the Conservatives decried wasteful Liberal corporate welfare from the opposition benches, but have now spent more than a year in government continuing to torch taxpayers’ money on business subsidies.

The federal Conservatives have similarly given lip service to free markets but have no plans to end corporate welfare if they defeat the Liberals on Oct. 21.

One problem with corporate welfare often pointed out by opponents of the policy is that the promised jobs don’t materialize. Take for example the current Liberal government’s Strategic Innovation Fund, which it said would create 56,000 jobs. Yet an access to information request from Blacklock’s Reporter found that only 6,600 jobs were created.

The larger problem with corporate welfare is that even if those handouts did create lots of jobs, the policy would still be a failure.

That’s because creating more jobs, in and of itself, is not an economic benefit. Labour is an economic cost, not a benefit. The benefit is the goods and services produced by labour.

This point is well illustrated in an often told but perhaps apocryphal story of a visit to China by economist Milton Friedman.

During the visit, he observed thousands of workers building a canal with shovels and asked the Chinese bureaucrat who was hosting him why they weren’t using tractors and other machinery instead.

The bureaucrat replied that using tractors would finish the work more quickly and with less labour, making those thousands of workers unemployed.

Matthew Lau is a research associate with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

OCTOBER 2019

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

is celebrating its 80 th anniversary at its Victoria and Nanaimo locations. The Nanaimo office is at #2 – 1200 Princess Royal Avenue.

Harris Nanaimo congratulates Travis Brown on being its top salesperson of the month at 2575 Bowen Road.

The Vancouver Island Symphony is celebrati ng its 25 t h a n n iversa r y t h i s ye a r. T he symphony kicked of its silver anniversary with a black-tie gala dinner and fundraiser that among other festivities featured music from mother-son duo Joëlle Rabu and Nico Rhodes.

The Regional District of Nanaimo received recog n it ion for “Achievement of Carbon Neutrality” for its corporate operations in the 2018 reporting year. The recognition is presented annually by the joint Provincial and Union of British Columbia Municipalities Green Com mu n ities Com m ittee to local governments that demonstrate progress on their Climate Action Charter commitments.

SafeCare BC announced that Na n a i mo’s Eden Gardens i s becoming Vancouver Island’s second satellite health and safety training centre. The training

centre will be designed to equip continuing care workers who work in long-term and home care and community health support with the proper tools to reduce workplace injuries and guard against staffing shortages.

Nanaimo Search and Rescue (SA R) is pla n n i ng to use the Harewood Activity Centre at 195 Fou rth Street as its new p er m a nent home. Na n a i mo council approved the issuance of a 25-year co-management ag reement w ith Na na i mo Search and Rescue for use of the space. SAR has $1.15 million to invest in a permanent faci l ity, l a rgely t h a n ks to a $1-m i l l l ion a nony mou s don at ion. T he orga n i zat ion is now in the process of planning renovations to the centre before making the move.

Nanaimo Toyota announces that Kirsten Michieli is its top salesperson of the month for the dealership at 2555 Bowen Road.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS LCU Insurance Agencies Ltd announces that Sandra Narduzzi has been appoint as the new a ssi sta nt m a n ager a nd commercial insurance expert for the agency. LCU Insurance is located on the second floor of

the Ladysmith & District Credit Union building at 330 1st Avenue in Ladysmith.

T h e B e s t We s te r n Plu s Chemainus Inn was recently presented with Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Chairman’s Award for outstanding quality standards. The award recognizes Best Western hotels that score in the top five per cent of over 2,100 North American locations for maintenance and cleanliness inspection scores. The hotel is at 9573 Chemainus Road and includes 75 suite rooms as well as a hot breakfast buffet.

Mary Marcotte

The CVRD has granted Area H director Mary Marcotte a sixmonth leave of absence from her position. Marcotte’s duties will be handled by her alternate, Colin Haime who was appointed as director under provincial legislation. Area H represents the Diamond District and North Oyster.

Nominations for the Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Brush Awards are open until October 11th. The

awards honours excellence and outstanding achievement in business and community participation within Chemainus, Crofton and Saltair. The awards celebration will take place on October 26 t h at the Sawmill Taphouse and Grill Events Centre.

COWICHAN VALLEY Greg’s RV Place recently celebrated its 20 th anniversary at 5267 Boal Road in Duncan.

Mission Thrift Store recently celebrated its 25 th anniversary at #9 – 5777 T ra ns-Ca nada Highway in Duncan.

CARSTAR Isherwood Autobody recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at Unit 1 - 5440 T ra n s-Ca n a d a H i g hw a y i n Duncan.

The Cowichan Valley School District has been appointed Richard Dyble as the new director of operations. Dyble comes the Cowichan Valley from BC Housing and takes over from Monroe Grobe who retired at the beg i n n i ng of September a f ter over 35 yea rs w ith the district.

Super Plumber of Shawnigan Lake has been nominated for a 2019 Torch Award presented by

35 the Better Business Bureau. The company was nominated alongside three other businesses in the plumbing category.

Must i mu hw I n for m at ion Solutions Inc (MIS) was one of the recipients at the 2019 BC Indigenous Business Awards.

MIS is fully owned by Cowichan Tribes and specializes in digital health technology for Indigenous health organizations across Canada. The company was the recipient of the Outstanding Business Achievement award in the Community-Owned Business category. The awards are presented by the BC Achievement Foundation.

T he bu i ld i ng at 435 T r u n k Road has been sold by Ed Will ia m s of NA I Com mercia l’s Cowichan Office. Major tenants in the building include the Canadian Bank Institute, T & H Nails, Scotiabank and Vapour Solutions. Medical offices, a popular pizza chain and other tenants are expected to be moving in soon. The new owner of the building is an investor from Vancouver.

Parents Legal Centre (PLC) has opened a new branch in Duncan at 301 – 238 Government Street.

The centre helps parents when a child is at risk of being removed from their family home or have been removed by social workers due to safety concerns.

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