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May 2021
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VILLAGE ON THIRD PLACES FIRST IN VIREB - 16 SAYWELL CONTRACTING NAILS THREE COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS - 28
TRIFECTA FOR NANAIMO’S WINDLEY CONTRACTING - 32
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Recovery is in the air. Our conversations with Central/North Island companies have been encouraging as the government and business community make slow steps toward moving the economy forward. While there is no playbook to deal with situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses of all sizes and industries are adapting on the fly to survive and grow in some of the most challenging economic conditions in our lifetime. Amongst these challenges, we continue telling the stories of businesses pressing forward, evolving and succeeding. Excellence in commercial building is the focus for this edition, with the winners of the 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards celebrated throughout the pages. Saywell Contracting, Crowne Pacific Development, Windley Contracting and many others major builders are covered. Our Central/ North Island Chambers of Commerce updates, alongside the Movers & Shakers, Who Is Suing Whom, and much more are inside. Keep battling, John MacDonald, Director, Business Development Contact Us 25 Cavan Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 +1 866-758-2684 info@businessexaminer.ca www.BusinessExaminer.ca Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday: Closed Editor: Lise MacDonald (lise@businessexaminer.ca) Press Releases & Story Ideas: (media@businessexaminer.ca) Sales: John MacDonald (john@businessexaminer.ca)
NOVEMBER 2020
6 NEWS UPDATE
10 NANAIMO COLUMN
14 CAMPBELL RIVER
9 KELTSMAHT KELP
13 COMOX VALLEY
15 ADVISORY
16 VIREB WINNERS
23 THE ARIA
28 SAYWELL CONTRACTING
22 PARKSIDE
26 CROWNE PACIFIC
34 WINDLEY CONTRACTING
38 CHIMS GUEST HOUSE
42 WHO IS SUING WHOM
46 OPINION
40 MINUTE MEN MOVING & STORAGE
44 NANAIMO AIRPORT
48 MOVERS AND SHAKERS
NEWS UPDATE
BCREA: APRIL INFLATION Canadian inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to a ten-year high of 3.4 per cent year-over-year in April, up from 2.2 per cent in March. Much of the increase in inflation was the result of base-year effects as prices posted a steep decline during April of last year during the
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first few months of the pandemic-induced shutdown. For example, gasoline prices were 62.5 per cent higher in April 2021 than in April 2020. On a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis, the CPI was up 0.6 per cent in April. In BC, consumer prices were up 0.2 per cent month-over-month and up 3 per cent compared to April 2020. While inflation is currently running higher than the Bank of Canada’s 2 per cent target, much of the increase looks to be temporary and should fade as base-year effects become less significant in coming months. Measures of core inflation, which strip out more volatile prices, are also up slightly. The Bank of Canada’s three preferred measures of core inflation were trending at 2.1 per cent or 0.2 points above inflation in March. How inflation evolves over the next 3 to 6 months will be very important for the stance of monetary policy over the next year.
LITTLE RELIEF FOR FRUSTRATED BUYERS NANAIMO – There was little relief for frustrated buyers in April despite an increase in active listings. Inventory of single-family homes and condo apartments rose by eight per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, but active listings of townhouses dropped by eight per cent. April saw sales of 590 single-family detached properties compared to 567 the previous month. In the condo apartment category, 133 units sold last month versus 136 in March 2021. As for townhouses, 106 units changed hands in April compared to 124 the previous month. (Since the pandemic began at this time last year, and the economic lockdown significantly slowed down the housing market – at least initially – yearover-year sales comparisons are not particularly helpful right now.) The benchmark price of a single-family home hit $659,300 last month, up by four per cent from March and 22 per cent higher than in April 2020. The benchmark price of an apartment reached $345,200, a year-over-year increase of 14 per cent and four per cent higher than in March. Full press release here. May 2021
NEWS UPDATE
COURTENAY ENTREPRENEURS BC LAUNCHES RESTART PLAN WIN SMALL BUSINESS AWARD With more than 60 per cent of adults vaccinCourtenay business, Bigfoot Donuts was announced winner of the Small Business BC Award for Premier’s People’s Choice, representing the best in entrepreneurship in our province. Family owned and operated, Bigfoot Donuts is on a mission to reinvent the humble donut. Lyndsey Bell and Jay Valeri launched Bigfoot Donuts, following their lifelong love of baking and desire to bring quality, handcrafted donuts to the Comox Valley. As winners of the Premier’s People’s Choice Award, Bigfoot Donuts garnered the unwavering and loyal support of their community by gaining the most votes in their award category. By calling out to the people who love their donuts and support their business, they came out on top and are the People’s Choice. The Small Business BC Awards are an annual awards contest that seeks nominations from the public, and from entrepreneurs themselves, in support of local businesses that have an impact on their community. This year, the Small Business BC Awards received a record-breaking 937 nominations, representing 558 small businesses in 88 communities across BC. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
ated with their first dose and COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations steadily declining, British Columbia is moving forward with the cautious first step of a four-step plan for a careful and safe restart. BC’s Restart – a four-step plan to bring BC back together will be a slow and gradual return to a more normal life, with safety and health protocols such as mask wearing and physical distancing remaining in place and mandatory during the initial two steps of the plan. The four-step plan was designed based on data and guidance from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer (PHO). Progressing through the steps will be measured by the number of adults vaccinated, COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations and deaths, taking into account clusters and outbreaks. While there are approximate dates, the plan will be guided by data, not dates, and will not proceed to the next step until it is safe to do so based on guidance from public health and the latest available data. The step-by-step plan will follow approximate timelines and will ease people and businesses slowly out of the pandemic. More information here.
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RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN LADYSMITH With the construction of a 36-unit rental housing project in the community of Ladysmith, families, seniors and people with disabilities will soon have more affordable housing options. Located at 314 Buller St., the four-storey building will provide studio, one- and two-bedroom homes for people with moderate and low incomes. The building also has main-floor office rental space. The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association will operate the new homes on land owned by the non-profit group. “The Buller Street project has been a labour of love for numerous Ladysmith Resources Centre Association volunteer committees and board of directors, past and present,” said Vicky Stickwood-Hislop, board president, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association. “With the generosity of our donors and funders, this project will meet a diverse range of housing needs in the community and will provide space for local organizations to deliver community-oriented services and programming.” The Province is providing a grant of approximately $3.8 million from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund for the project, and will provide approximately $227,000 in annual operating funding. People will be able to move into their new homes by fall 2022. May 2021
FEATURE STORY
KELTSMAHT KELP LAUNCHES IN TOFINO INDIGENOUS OWNED COMPANY RELEASES KELP PROBIOTIC PRODUCT TOFINO – Jordan White and Stevie Dennis have just released their first product, a kelp probiotic, under their Keltsmaht Kelp company banner. It’s plant food, and is available at eight different garden stores on Vancouver Island, including Kleijn Nurseries and Garden Centre in Nanaimo, and at Borden Mercantile Co. Ltd. in Victoria and Buckerfield’s in Langford. It’s the result of plenty of research and hard work by the business partners and best friends, who tested over 60 variations of the kelp probiotic before it was brought to market. They are using giant kelp and wild bull kelp found in the traditional Ahousaht territory near Tofino. One of their goals is to establish a kelp farm in Ritchie Bay. White and Dennis met while working at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in 2016, and reconnected in 2019 when White returned to Tofino as a co-op student through North Island College. Dennis was his boat driver while working for the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society as they were dropping kelp lines for Cermaq. “The possibilities are limitless,” Dennis told Melissa Renwick in an article in the Ha-ShilthSa publication. “You could turn it into food, you could turn it into fuel, you could turn it into a bioplastic, you could even grow it and let people pay for carbon [offset] credits.” The company has the potential create jobs to help the local economy. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Jordan White and Stevie Dennis are partners in Keltsmaht Kelp
“If we can create kelp farms here in Clayoquot Sound and give that opportunity to community members, it’s a win for everybody,” Dennis said in Ha-Shilth-Sa. “It’s a win for the people and it’s a win for the ecosystem.” The company website states its mission: To bring the natural benefits of kelp to everyday life. Dennis is of the Keltsmaht people. The Keltsmaht Hahouthlee (territory) once spread from Warn Bay out to Vargas Island and down past Long Beach to the neighbouring Toquaht Nation (Barkey Sound), and is now located on the eastern side of Vargas Island. The Keltsmaht and Quatsiaht nations remain recognized within the Ahousaht Nation. www.keltsmahtkelp.ca
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NANAIMO
NATIONAL AWARD FOR COUNTRY GROCER STORE ON BOWEN ROAD THE BUZZ COFFEE HOUSE RE-OPENS ON RUTHERFORD ROAD
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Congratulations to Country Grocer upon earning a national bronze award and regional gold award at the 2020 Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year Awards for its Bowen Road location. Tyler Large, North Island Operations Manager for Country Grocer, is delighted with the award, MARK MACDONALD which was for stores of over 25,000 square feet. The Bowen Road/Dufferin Crescent store opened in 2012, and also won regional recognition in 2014. They also have a store in Chase River. Country Grocer’s store at Royal Oak in Victoria won a silver and a gold award in the competition this year as well. Bastion Jewellers owners Jean and Bill Carter are retiring and closing their long-time Commercial Street location. The Carters have been friendly and active downtown Nanaimo business people for over three decades, and they will be missed. Bil Derby has stepped down as a Director and shareholder in Tectonica, and will continue to work with the construction and development company as a Senior Project Manager. The Buzz Coffee House has moved from Dufferin Crescent to a new location, in the former Haz Beans site at 4890 Rutherford Road, next to the Island Highway. Scott Forbes announces some changes at NAI Commercial, a 460 Group Company. Scott remains as President, with Marianne Stolz the new
Managing Broker at NAI. We s t m a r k C o nstruction is building a 100-unit apartment complex in the Holland Creek development in Ladysmith. Congratulations to Alvin Tan of RE/ M A X of Na n a i m o Mckenzie Lou Kelly upon earning a RE/ MAX Hall of Fame Award for 2021 for his sales achievements. Graphic artist Amy Pye is now working on her third children’s book, following the launch of her Bruce the Silly Goose and G is For Grizzly Bear. Amy has her own company Pye Design, and is Art Director for Real Estate Webmasters. Carter Turnbull, son of Chris Turnbull, coowner of DenMar Electric, and Trish Turnbull of RE/MAX of Nanaimo, has been named Captain of the University of Connecticut men’s ice hockey team for the upcoming season. Carter, who will be a Senior in the fall, played for the Nanaimo Buccaneers of the Vancouver Island Junior B Hockey League and the Powell River Kings of the BC Hockey League prior to heading south. Carter is studying to be a chiropractor. Congratulations to Vanessa Savoie, daughter of Nanaimo dentist Dr. Andre Savoie, upon being promoted to Account Executive at Crowd Content in Victoria. Mckenzie Lou Kelly is pleased with the growth of his own company, K-Lou Electric, which the Red Seal certified electrician started a couple of years ago. I coached him in Nanaimo Minor Baseball May 2021
NANAIMO along with his father George Kelly, a renowned baseball coach and long-time professor at Vancouver Island University. www.k-louelectric.a Caledonian Clinic has consolidated its medical operations at Nanaimo North Town Centre, and Alvin Tan its former downtown Nanaimo location on Wallace Street is being pitched by developers as a 163-unit, six-storey apartment building, featuring 1-3 bedroom units. Developers have the project at the corner of Campbell Street into the City of Nanaimo, awaiting approval their development permit. Dr. Steve Beerman has been honoured following his retirement from Anchor Family Medicine this spring. He received the Dr. David M. Bachop Gold Medal for Distinguished
Medical Service from the Doctors of B.C., as he helped established a family practice residency program in Nanaimo for the University of British Columbia. Queen Elizabeth also presented him with the King Edward VII Cup via Zoom on May 6, which is presented to Royal Life Saving Society members for outstanding contributions to drowning prevention. Community builder, mentor and inspiration Norm McNabb has passed away, five months after his wife Edna passed away. They were the founders of Nored Developments (from Norm and Edna). Norm was well known and loved in Nanaimo, and his business journey and generosity has inspired many people. Supported by former Nanaimo Mayor Frank Ney, Norm brought Sun-Glo Lumber out of bankruptcy at its Milton Street location and grew the family business to where it became one of Nanaimo’s biggest taxpayers through Nored and its other interests. A handshake deal and “contract” written on a napkin in the back of a friend’s pickup truck gave Norm ownership of the property at the corner of Hammond Bay Road
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NANAIMO and the old Island Highway, which became some of the most valuable real estate north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Norm was my coach on the Junior B hockey Nanaimo Buccaneers in 1978-79 along with his son Terry, and his family is well known and respected throughout the development, real estate and construction industries. Rod Milner of The Milner Group is Norm’s son-in-law, as he is married to Norm and Edna’s daughter Tanis. Son Lance McNabb has been a mainstay at Nored for many years. He is already greatly missed.
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It was Norm who encouraged Greg Constable to start his own construction company, and Island West Coast Developments’ (IWCD) first commercial building was Nored Plaza next to Costco. IWCD owners Greg and Troy-Anne Constable are proud to announce that IWCD has retained their Platinum Club Member status as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, sponsored by Deloitte. That makes it seven consecutive years. Also at IWCD: Chief Financial Officer Tayler Osmond is going to be featured in the Top 100 People in Finance magazine. VMAC has also earned its third consecutive appearance on the Best Managed Companies
list. That follows being recognized again as a Best Workplace in Canada for 2021, compiled by Great Place To Work, notes VMAC President Tod Gilbert. TRD Metral Developments Inc. has received rezoning approval from Nanaimo City Council for 5915 Metral Drive, which will allow them to build 28 housing units in three-storey clusters on the property. Plans to build a four-storey, 76-unit apartment building at 4961 Songbird Place have been upgraded, as developers have submitted an application to build 108 units over five storeys on the property, next to Nanaimo North Town Centre. Cannabis company Tilray has been named to Time Magazine’s first ever list of 100 Most Influential Companies. Tilray recently merged with Aphria to become the largest cannabis company in the world with over $685 million in annual revenue. Tilray CEO Brendan Kennedy and Aphria CEO Irwin Simon have joined the board of the merged company. The partnership is an important step in improving Tilray’s access to the United Kingdom, and distribution under the new agreement in the U.K. began in March. Sad news: The downtown Nanaimo White Spot restaurant has been permanently closed. The location suffered due to the location of a homeless centre across the street, but COVID-19 restrictions seriously curtailed business at the eatery. White Spot is still open at Woodgrove Centre in north Nanaimo. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@ communicationink.ca
May 2021
COMOX VALLEY
STUDENTS JOIN CHAMBER THROUGH SUMMER GRANT PROGRAM The Comox Valley Chamber has had the privilege of hiring three students this su m mer. We have 2 students through t he Ca n ad a Su mmer Grants program (t h a n k s M P G ord Johns for a l l you r support!) a nd one DIANNE HAWKINS student through the NIC Internship Program. We thought this would be a great opportunity to introduce our students to our community. Here’s a snapshot of Rowan’s first week at the Chamber: “My name is Rowan Harris, and I am the Student Advocacy Coordinator for the Comox Valley Chamber. In April 2021, I graduated from Vancouver Island University with my Bachelor’s in History and in the fall, I will be attending the University of Victoria to obtain my Master’s in Public Administration. In my first two weeks at the Chamber, I have been immersed in preparing for the BC Chamber 2021 Policy & Resolutions debate and Annual General Meeting being held May 28-29. To prepare, I have been reading the BC Chamber’s Policy and Positions Manual. Reading this manual has provided an excellent representation of issues the Provincial Chamber network advocates for and the formal process. These discussions, presented by Chambers across the province, have illuminated issues BC businesses and those who advocate for them, feel needs attention within the provincial and federal economy. Additionally, I am enjoying being privy to multiple discussions held by various Chambers regarding issues such as immigration, climate, marketing, and policy. My summer at the Comox Valley Chamber will provide me with excellent experiences for my future public service career and provide insight into the ongoing and future discussions WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
surrounding the viability of BC’s economy.” Our summer students are a great addition to the Chamber team. There is so much to learn from hiring students. They bring great insight, skills and a terrific work ethic. Not to mention fabulous energy! The Chamber wants to encourage local businesses to hire summer students and support them in pursuing their education goals. Stay tuned to hear more from our students on their perspective on day-to-day life at the Comox Valley Chamber! Welcome to our New Members! Pearlman Lindholm, Barristers & Solicitors, Coherence Counselling, Diamond Delivery and Island Inventory Control Systems. Dianne Hawkins is CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber For more information on what’s happening locally and advocacy at the Chamber, give us a call or email our CEO at dhawkins@ comoxvalleychamber.com – We’re here for you! #Restart Comox Valley
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CAMPBELL RIVER
LOCAL STUDENT COLLABORATION FOR NEW WEBSITE
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At the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce we feel strongly, almost a working mandate if you will, about providing opportunity with us and our greater community throughout the city and the regional district for students — either high MARY RUTH SNYDER school or college — to gain real world work experience. They are after all, our future. About a year ago we explained our intention of providing student work experience to Diana Camerin, a senior guidance councillor at Timberline Secondary, as well as our desperate need for a new website and that it be as local as possible. She connected us with their IT Instructor Tylere Couture who proceeded to introduce us to Isaac Morrow. At the time, a grade 12 student — primarily self-taught website developer and computer programmer. Isaac agreed to work with us on creating a new website. He graduated with honours, as the class Valedictorian, from Timberline June 2020 and is now attending the University of Victoria majoring in math and computer science. Isaac had this to say about his experience, “This was my first truly large-scale project and working with a client. I’ve learned a fair bit from this experience and can’t wait to learn more about this area of work, as well as creating more websites in the future.” Working with Isaac on this project was a dream! He was very eager to learn and expand his knowledge of website creation, both the back end as well as the creative side. We have a great new website hosted on Vancouver Island and built by a local student. Both our new chamber website campbellriverchamber.ca and our website collaboration with BC Hydro majorprojects. ca utilize the Vancouver Island based Bambora gateway for our e-commerce payments integration. Our payments consulting partner who helped
with our deployment is a BC Company — Kubera Payments, who are partnered with the BC Chamber of Commerce and specialize in payments systems, security, and solutions. Our experience with Isaac, and student interns from both North Island College (NIC) and Vancouver Island University (VIU) has been exceptional. Connect with your secondary schools and explore viwil.ca — Vancouver Island Work Integrated Learning portal — collaboratively created by NIC and VIU to connect employers and students, you’ll also find onboarding resources and potential funding sources. Much like our seniors (next month’s article), our youth are an untapped resource! Just imagine how transcendent your company can become with an injection of unbounding enthusiasm, insight, and a working knowledge of the latest technology! Just imagine… For More Information contact Mary Ruth Snyder, Executive Director, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce @ 250.650.7575, or Stephen Watson, Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, BC Hydro @ 250.616.9888
May 2021
ADVISORY
HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS ASSETS WORK FOR YOU IN RETIREMENT
Shawn Heidema, BBA CIM, CFP, CPCA The pandemic has caused many business owners to accelerate their transition plans. Once they’ve gone through the process of selling their business assets, the lump sum they’re left with should help fund their retirement dreams. When I assist clients in this situation, our discussions usually focus on how they can best convert these proceeds into a stable retirement income. I share with them that a well-designed retirement income plan should take into consideration many elements, including: – How can I ensure the safety of my principal? – How do I mitigate inflation, or of out-living my money? – How can I control my tax situation? As a start, here are some tips to consider if these thoughts are also weighing on your mind: • Just like with your business, solving complex problems probably never came down to one approach. Likewise, you’re going to have a difficult time making your corporate savings both 100% guaranteed, while also realizing some meaningful growth, if your
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strategy’s not diversified. When you plan, consider using a variety of investment types (term deposits but also things like blue-chip stocks) and then align them to specific time horizons. This will allow more control over risk and can also enhance your return potential. • Tax has been on your mind for years, but did you know there are some specific things you can do to control its impact on your savings? Consider using corporate-class investment funds, which are designed to be more tax-friendly inside your corporation. Also, using a fee-based investment program will allow you to use some of your expenses as deductions. If retiring’s on the horizon for you, find an experienced and trusted Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to help you make the most of your retirement income. But as the saying goes, teamwork makes the dreamwork—coordinating the financial planning, tax and legal professionals in your life will allow them to do a much better job for you. And that means more free time to enjoy the other things in retirement… Fore! Shawn Heidema, BBA CIM, CFP, CPCA is a Private Wealth Advisor / Investment Advisor at Coastal Community Private Wealth Group / Credential Securities For more info, call 250.268.4594 Mutual funds, other securities and securities related financial planning are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc.
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OFF THE COVER - VIREB
VILLAGE ON THIRD PLACES FIRST IN VIREB NANAIMO PROJECT WINS JUDGES CHOICE AWARD IN 14TH ANNUAL COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS
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NANAIMO – Village on Third Phase II of Nanaimo was named the Judges’ Choice, best overall entry in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards, announced Friday, May 7 virtually on a Zoom presentation. Village on Third Phase II, built by Westmark Construction and designed by Daryoush Firouzli Architecture Inc., also won the Award of Excellence in the Mixed Use category. A near record 45 finalists, comprised of commercial, industrial and revenue-producing projects, including renovations, from the Malahat to Port Hardy, completed between January 1 and December 31, 2020. A select team of independent judges from the real estate industry adjudicated the entries, including Dave Kirk of Cunningham & Rivard Appraisals, who noted “Reviewing the projects, I’m absolutely amazed how we keep raising the bar of products throughout central and northern Vancouver Island.” Gold Sponsors of the Awards are Coastal Community Credit Union. Category sponsors are NAI Commercial, RE/MAX Commercial, Herold Engineering, MNP LLP and Yellow Sheet Review. Black Press is a Platinum Media Sponsor. Westmark President Chris Lundy says Daryoush Firouzli, the project’s architect, took a
creative approach to the sloped property, strategically located on Third Street, one of the busiest corridors into downtown Nanaimo from the Island Highway. “These condominiums are very well received,” Lundy notes. “They have great views of the mountains and there seems to be a great community starting to unfold in the University district. We’re very proud of the team, and all the consultants that worked on the project. “The commercial space I believe is 80% occupied now,” Lundy adds. “There’s a drug store in there, a food vending shop and a chiropractic business. So it’s a very exciting area for Nanaimo that’s starting to develop.” This year’s award was for Phase II of the project, as Phase I also won an Award of Excellence in the 2020 version of the VIREB Commercial Building Awards, in the Apartment category. Island Westcoast Developments won two awards, including an Award of Merit for SPCA Nanaimo, and an Award of Excellence for the Retail category for VI Granite & Quartz. Of the VI Granite & Quartz project, IWCD President Greg Constable says the 9,000 square foot building on Boxwood Road “the showroom is specific to showing off the pieces they do. The shop is state-of-the-art, with all their CDC machines imported from Italy. That was May 2021
OFF THE COVER - VIREB
Chris Lundy of Westmark Construction at Village On Third with the Award of Excellence in Mixed Use and the Judges Choice Best Overall Entry Award
exciting. It’s a very unique building with a caretakers’ space above, and polished floors in the showroom. It’s a showpiece.” Award of Excellence Winners by category are: • Affordable Housing: Nanaimo Association for Community Living. Builder: Knappett Projects. • Community Institutional: Nanaimo Airport of Cassidy. Builder: Durwest Construction Management. • Hospitality: Hotel Zed of Tofino. Builder: Farmer Construction. • Industrial: Oakwood Business Park of Nanaimo. Builder: Windley Contracting. • Multi-Family Apartments: NEO Apartment Residences of Campbell River. Builder: Crowne Pacific.
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• Multi-Family Condominium: The Met of Nanaimo. Builder: Windley Contracting. • Multi-Family Townhouse: The Aria of Duncan. Builder: Blueprint Custom Homes. • Office: JRP Solutions Ltd. of Courtenay. Builder: Avril Homes. • Retail Renovation: Ladysmith Thrift Store of Ladysmith. Builder: MKM Projects. • Retail: VI Granite & Quartz of Nanaimo. Builder: Island Westcoast Developments (IWCD). • Awards of Merit, for runners-up in a category, went to: • Affordable Housing: The Virage of Nanaimo and VIMHS Rosehill of Nanaimo, built by Saywell Contracting Ltd. • Community Institutional: Port Hardy Airport built by Kinetic Construction; Nanaimo Innovation Academy Classroom built by Saywell Contracting Ltd.; SPCA Barn of Nanaimo by Island Westcoast Developments (IWCD). • Multi-Family Apartments: Cubes of Courtenay built by AFC Construction; Sandscapes Apartments of Parksville built by WestUrban Developments. • Retail: CRU Building of Parksville built by Windley Contracting. The link to view the video of the awards is: https://youtu.be/w_qqY7VgM9M The official Souvenir Book for the awards, featuring photos and descriptions of each Finalist, can be viewed at: https://issuu.com/ businessexaminer/docs/2021_vireb_book For further information about the awards, visit www.vireb.com or www.businessexaminer.ca
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VIREB
HEROLD ENGINEERING INVOLVED IN AWARD WINNING PROJECTS
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NANAIMO – There’s a common denominator underneath many of the finalists in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. Herold Engineering Limited. Herold provided engineering services for a number of Finalists and Award Winners in the 2021 Event. “We work on exciting, innovative projects with some of the leading companies on Vancouver Island, and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate along with them for winning awards like these,” says Principal George Hrabowych. “We have a highly skilled group of professionals and support staff who provide the expertise required to design and manage structural and municipal engineering projects from their initial concept to project completion.” HEROLD ENGINEERING LIMITED is proud a part HEROLD ENGINEERING LIMITED is proud to to bebe a part of of 2019 VIREB Commercial Building Awards. thethe 2019 VIREB Commercial Building Awards. Congratulations nominees! Congratulations to to allall thethe nominees!
HEROLD ENGINEERING LIMITED is Vancouver a Vancouver Island HEROLD ENGINEERING LIMITED is a Island based consulting, civil, structural, building enclosure, based consulting, civil, structural, building enclosure, marine bridge engineering company with offices marine andand bridge engineering company with offices in Nanaimo, Victoria Ucluelet. a dynamic in Nanaimo, Victoria andand Ucluelet. WeWe areare a dynamic diverse company with over employees involved andand diverse company with over 65 65 employees involved a wide variety of public private sector building, in ain wide variety of public andand private sector building, transportation, marine civil/municipal infrastructure transportation, marine andand civil/municipal infrastructure projects throughout British Columbiaandand beyond. projects throughout British Columbia beyond. WeWe a proud member of our community, supporting local areare a proud member of our community, supporting local businesses, organizations charities. businesses, organizations andand charities. www.heroldengineering.com www.heroldengineering.com
Herold Engineering Limited specializes in project management, civil/municipal infrastructure work, building structures and enclosures, industrial, marine and bridge projects. Projects include airports, educational and recreational facilities, fire halls, police stations, health care facilities, industrial projects, office buildings and multi-residential projects. Mike Herold founded Herold Engineering Limited in 1994, and the company became a well-respected structural engineering firm serving mid and north Vancouver Island. In 2000 the company expanded into civil engineering services to complement its structural and specialty engineering services. Herold Engineering Limited’s head office is at 3701 Shenton Road in Nanaimo, and in recent years, they’ve opened design offices in Victoria, the West Coast and Fort Nelson. “We are involved in a wide variety of building, municipal, transportation and marine projects throughout British Columbia with the majority of our work on Vancouver Island,” says Mike Herold. Hrabowych adds the company has extensive experience in municipal engineering, including project management, feasibility and conceptual design studies, detailed design, contract administration, site supervision and layout, and construction management for a wide range of clients. Herold Engineering Limited has captured a long-list of awards from numerous competitions over the years for projects they’ve been involved with on and off Vancouver Island, including several LEED Gold and Silver awards. The company is also recognized for making significant contributions to a large number of worthy causes and charities. www.heroldengineering.com May 2021
VIREB RE/MAX COMMERCIAL CONTINUES STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE RE/MAX Commercial is proud to once again sponsor the prestigious Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. Congratulations to the finalists and the many nominees. These awards reflect your commitment to a better community. It has been over 30 years since the RE/MAX Commercial brand was officially founded (1990); leveraging the influence of the RE/MAX name and reflecting a commitment specific to commercial real estate. Whatever the property and whatever the transaction, RE/MAX Commercial delivers a superior level of awareness, trust and confidence. RE/MAX Commercial Practitioners have access to the industry’s top training systems, corporate support services and a powerful referral network – more than 135,000 Sales Associates in over 110 countries and territories. Thank you for being part of this special evening!
ESTABLISHED & EVOLVED The RE/MAX® brand’s 46 years’ experience lends us the right resources to help guide you through commercial investing comprehensively—worldwide.
remaxcommercial.ca
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19
Region
Project Address
Project Type
Project Details
Low Bid / Award
Victoria
625 Fisgard St
Consulting services
Architectural CRD Headquarters Building
Low Hammond Rowe Architects Inc
130,500
Victoria
675 Belleville St
Services
Elevator and Escalator Maintenance
ThyssenKrupp Elevator Victoria
650,000
Saanich
Various locations
Civil work
Culduthel Storm Drain and Sewer Replacement
Michell Excavating
426,151
Saanich
1703 Keating Cross Rd
Supply
Rental of Bobcats
Sunbelt Rentals of Canada
N/A
Saanich
Various locations
Consulting services
Development Process Review
KPMG LLP
N/A
Saanich
1525 Cedar Hill X Rd
Institutional add/alter
Luther Court Alterations
Story Construction
North Saanich
Lochside Dr
Roads & bridges
Root Damage Repair and Repaving
Allterra Construction Ltd
Duncan
Canada Ave
Civil work
Sanitary Sewer Upgrade
Copcan Civil Ltd
Nanaimo
Metral Dr
Civil work
Complete Street Corridor - Phase 2
IWC Excavation Ltd
Nanaimo
2020 Labieux Rd
Institutional add/alter
Nanaimo Public Works Yard
Kasian Arch Interior Design & Planning
Nanaimo RD
585 N Rd, Gabriola Is
Institutional add/alter
Huxley Community Skatepark
Radius Contracting Inc
Parksville
385 Bay Ave
Civil work
Wastewater Pump Station Replacement
Coast Utility Contracting
4,594,348
Cumberland
Various Locations
Civil work
Wastewater Treatment Upgrade - CM / PM
Maple Reinders / Colliers Project Leaders
9,700,000
Courtenay
Hwy 19A
Roads & bridges
Asphalt Road Resurfacing
OK Industries Ltd
5,166,477
Campbell River
Various locations
Roads & bridges
Bridge Fabrication and Installation
Surespan Structures
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Amount
1,400,000 97,613 372,111 5,968,579 N/A 697,700
636,146
VIREB
YELLOW SHEET KEEPS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON TRACK
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Making sound development decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information is the most important ingredient in being a successful leader in Vancouver Island’s construction sector. All development projects and the resulting buildings – of every type – involve making a multitude of choices along every step of the development process. At Yellow Sheet Construction Data we equip the construction sector with the information tools needed for optimum decision-making. We know that consistent data, regularly updated and effectively presented over time, provides the best foundation on which to layer your own experience and knowledge, current anecdotes, insights, and other inputs, to arrive at the best choices for delivering on time, on budget and on profit projects.
Yellow Sheet Construction Data is proud to be Vancouver Island’s premier source of continuously updated information about construction activity here and adjacent areas including the Gulf Islands, Powell River and Haida Gwaii. Our coverage is unrivalled, delivering thoroughly researched and exceptionally accurate profiles of both public and private construction activity - from contemplation to completion. We have 40 years of experience providing superb business leads and powerful competitive market insights to our ever-expanding subscriber base. The quality of our data is assured thanks to skillful and methodical information gathering. Every council agenda, from every district, is reviewed, we have building permits from every region on the Island, and we track public and private tender data through to the bid result or award. YSCD also has an extensive portfolio of architects, consultants, and developers that we connect with regularly. Yellow Sheet’s subscription is an online platform that provides multi-dimensional search, profile and tracking functions to retrieve data with pinpoint accuracy. Every day our subscribers log into the Yellow Sheet to access continuously generated construction leads, identify emerging and waning markets, track and monitor competition and formulate winning bids. Yellow Sheet also offers an advertising service that puts our advertisers in front of hundreds of construction industry subscribers with rare 100 per cent targeting that stays in full view of readers 24/7/365. To learn more about Yellow Sheet Construction Data or sign-up for a free demonstration, visit us at www.yellowsheet.ca May 2021
VIREB COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION – HELPING TO BUILD VANCOUVER ISLAND Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU) has been helping Islanders for 75 years, particularly through its focus of improving financial health. CCCU is now the largest financial services co-operative based on Vancouver Island with 24 locations and over $3 billion in assets. Although most know us by our personal banking, insurance and investment services, CCCU is also in the business of financing local commercial and residential developments, which are key to growing the Island’s economy during these unprecedented times. At Coastal Community, our commercial lending experts put their trusted knowledge, experience and local insights into each project they’re a part of. Says one of our commercial members, “Over the years we have benefitted from a strong relationship with CCCU that has helped facilitate our growth and success.” Coastal Community continues to experience extraordinary growth in its commercial lending portfolio, demonstrating the company’s overall commitment to supporting local projects and local businesses here on Vancouver Island. Learn more at cccu.ca or follow us on social media.
21
Building the Island, together.
As a sponsor of the Vancouver Island Commercial Building Awards, MNP proudly congratulates all this year’s award winners and nominees. These awards are a chance to recognize all the parties involved – from the business owners, all the way to the sub-trade contractors who help to turn the initial vision into a reality. Beyond building great projects, it’s also important to acknowledge the role commercial construction companies play in building our communities. Successful commercial developments create employment and economic opportunity, while literally shaping our communities and making the Island a better place to live and work.
That’s why MNP is extremely proud to support these awards. We have a long history working as trusted advisors to the real estate and construction industry and we look forward to a great future ahead, continuing to work with you to build stronger businesses and even stronger communities across the Island. Again, on behalf MNP’s entire Vancouver Island team, congratulations on your achievements and best wishes on your continued success. Doug Tyce, CPA, CA Regional Leader, Real Estate and Construction
MNP.ca
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
VIREB
PARKSIDE LIFESTYLE HOMES MAKES LIST OF VIREB FINALISTS
22
COURTENAY – Parkside Lifestyle Homes earned Finalist recognition in the May 7 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards in the Multi-Family Townhouse category. It was the 14th annual event celebrating the best in commercial, industrial and revenue-producing construction from the Malahat to Port Hardy in 2020. A near record 45 properties participated in the competition. Owner and General Contractor for Parkside, at 2109 13th Street in Courtenay, was Nick Woywitka and his Nicon Developments Ltd. The Architect for Parkside was Jerry Ellins. Parkside Lifestyle Homes features professionally designed, 3-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhomes, built with quality craftsmanship, and offering a 2/5/10 new home warranty through Travelers Guarantee of Canada. Each townhome is Built Green Silver certified with extensive energy efficiencies. Phases 1 and 2 were sold during a pre-sales program and Phases 3 and 4 are completely sold out. Nicon Developments, an award-winning builder of new homes on Vancouver Island for over
We wish Nicon Homes the best in the 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards. Congratulations on being recognized for Parkside Townhomes!
250-743-9922
www.victoriatrussltd.ca
Parkside Lifestyle Homes in Courtenay
45 years, is known for providing innovative designs, quality workmanship, and environmentally responsible home construction practices. In the construction industry since 1976 in B.C. and Alberta, Nicon has gained significant expertise through the completion of numerous commercial projects, single and multi-family homes, and subdivision developments. Because each Parkside Lifestyle Home is Built Green Canada Certified, that means environmentally conscientious planning practices and construction techniques have been implemented in all stages of development to reduce pollution, lessen the depletion of natural resources, and ensure a healthy and energy efficient living space for your growing family. A Bu i lt Green home reduces We congratulate maintenance and repair costs and Nicon Homes on offers efficient heating and cooling their well-earned costs. Care is given to use materials success! that protect the air quality of the COMOX VALLEY home’s interior environment for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS years to come. 250-897-2997 www.progressivesystemsltd.com www.parksidelifestylehomes.ca May 2021
VIREB
THE ARIA WINS VIREB MULTIFAMILY TOWNHOUSE CATEGORY BLUEPRINT CUSTOM HOMES’ DUNCAN PROJECT EARNS COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARD DUNCAN – The Aria was named the Award of Excellence winner in the Multi-Family Townhouse category in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards May 7. The Aria, built by Scott Klippenstein’s Blueprint Custom Homes at 6122 Somenos Road, was one of 11 category winners in the prestigious event, which celebrated the best in commercial, industrial and revenue-producing buildings completed in 2020 from the Malahat to Port Hardy. It was designed by 3d Jens, and the building is owned by Lambert Everest Holdings. The Aria is part of an up-and-coming neighborhood with a new shopping centre being constructed on the adjacent block that’s home to a new 49th Parallel Grocery store, a Tim Horton’s, and other retailers. It has a modern look and feel that Duncan has never seen before, and features modern design, gas furnaces, barbecue fireplaces, plus bonus rooms with separate entrances on a main level. Blueprint is a builder and developer and works on projects from multi-family developments to luxury homes to cottages and everything in between. That includes cottages and micro homes, which are on the rise everywhere due to their smaller footprint and rental income potential. They also work with Indigenous clients to build homes and incorporate features that respect and honour their cultural heritage. Blueprint’s passion is helping clients build homes that meets their needs, while working creatively to provide their wants as well, on time and on budget. There are WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
The Aria of Duncan won the Multi-Family Townhouse Category in the 2021 VIREB Awards
practical benefits to building a custom home, as with the right team and the right planning, homes can be constructed at around 90% of the cost of the same home at retail. “We build the home to perfectly meet our client’s needs, and they won’t be paying for features they don’t want or need,” says Klippenstein. “Often, they’ll be getting more of the things on their ‘want’ list.” www.blueprintcustomhomes.ca Congratulations to Scott and the team at Blueprint Custom Homes on all of your success!
Blueprint Custom Homes
HVAC Contractor
23
VIREB
NAI COMMERCIAL CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL SOLUTIONS TO YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE NEEDS
24
NAI Commercial Central Vancouver Island is a full service commercial real estate brokerage providing personalized service to central Vancouver Island since 1993. Our team of dedicated professionals provide clients with market knowledge and insight for the region stretching from Duncan and Nanaimo to the Comox Valley and Tofino. Our transaction and advisory services include: Sales and leasing brokerage for property owners
• Buyer and tenant representation • Property and facility management • Business brokerage • Consulting Our partnership with the 460 Group of Companies enables us to provide our clients with additional services and expertise. The partnership is a natural fit as the 460 Group shares our values, team culture and commitment to clients. The NAI Commercial team, brand and core services will remain the same but we look forward to the opportunities this new partnership will bring our company and clients as we continue to grow on Vancouver Island. NAI Global is the single largest global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms, with 375 offices worldwide. NAI Global member firms, leaders in their local markets, are actively managed to work in unison and provide you with exceptional solutions to your commercial real estate needs. Our local team of experienced professionals combine their expertise to help our clients achieve their objectives. We are fortunate to work with a full range of clients including individual investors, local business owners, developers, international corporations and governments at all levels. We welcome an opportunity to discuss your commercial real estate needs. May 2021
FEATURE STORY
NEO PRESENTS ANOTHER CROWN FOR CROWNE PACIFIC CAMPBELL RIVER PROJECT WINS COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARD CATEGORY CAMPBELL RIVER – Another crown for Crowne Pacific Development Corp. Neo Apartment Residences of Campbell River won the Award of Excellence in the Multi-Family Apartments category in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards on May 7, celebrating the best in commercial, industrial and revenue-producing construction for projects completed in 2020 from the Malahat to Port Hardy. Another building built by Crowne Pacific, Enclave Residences in Courtenay, was a Finalist in the same category. Crowne Pacific Development Corp. is a Campbell River based development and construction company known for its expertise and integrity with a proven track record of award-winning design. President Brett Giese is a fourth generation family member working in construction,
Neo Apartment Residences: Award of Excellence In Multi-Family Apartments
design and development. Drawing on the expertise of those before him, then creating a unique style and maintaining dedication to construction excellence, have made Giese and Crowne Pacific widely recognized and respected in their field. From the planning stages to the placement of
Our team wishes to congratulate Crowne Pacific Development on being a Finalist for two 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards!
Congratulations to Crowne Pacific Development for being named a Finalist at the VIREB Commercial Building Awards!
Comox Valley's Heating and Cooling Experts info@ventairhvac.ca | 250-703-2580 www.ventairhvac.ca
www.DeniseMitchellInteriors.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
25
FEATURE STORY
26
the last tree in the landscape, Giese is involved in every aspect of each project, ensuring that Crowne Pacific is equally as proud of the completed residence as the new homeowner. Neo Apartment Residences has added Campbell River’s first micro suites to Veyron Properties’ luxury apartment portfolio. Neo’s vibrant green colors gives a new outlook on the Vancouver Island coastal landscape. With WA Architects, Crowne Pacific created a building that perfectly matched their goal of bringing a fresh take on a rental apartment building inside and out.
Enclave Residences, at 911 Braidwood Road in Courtenay, exemplifies Crowne Pacific’s mission to raise the bar for rental apartment offerings on Vancouver Island. Walking through the front doors, people feel as if they are walking into the lobby of a luxury hotel rather than a typical apartment building. With WA Architects, they created a building that perfectly matched their goals of bringing a fresh take on a rental apartment building. They went above and beyond to make this building as energy efficient as possible by
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Crowne Pacific! It’s been fantastic working with such a great Company! (778) 277-0565 | info@zelcopainting.ca | www.zelcopainting.ca
The C&C West team congratulates Crowne Pacific on their well-earned success!
Travelers Canada congratulates our friends at Crowne Pacific Development Corp. for being named a Finalist at the VIREB Commercial Building Awards. Well done!
Cthmsm@gmail.com 250-204-3300 corygrant@hotmail.com 250-830-7294 travelerscanada.ca
www.candcwestcontracting.ca
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (Canada Branch), and Travelers Insurance Company of Canada are the Canadian licensed insurers known as Travelers Canada. © 2020 Travelers Canada. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. TC-1057 New 10-20
May 2021
FEATURE STORY
Enclave Residences in Courtenay was a Finalist in Multi-Family Apartments
including high efficiency windows complete with integrated passive air vents, EIFs stucco with up to eight-inch insulated panel substrate, high efficiency exterior insulated roof system, LED lighting throughout all suites and common areas and high efficiency mini split heats pumps with inverter technology installed in each suite. In addition to these energy efficient offerings, all suites are well appointed with floor to ceiling cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, designer window coverings and
large private balconies. To build on Veyron’s “a community within” philosophy, this building includes an expansive roof top patio for all residents to take advantage of panoramic ocean views along with an attached fully furnished indoor community lounge. This property also boasts a community garden and secured bike storage within the immaculately kept grounds. www.crownepacific.com
OYOTE INSTALLATIONS
Our team wishes to congratulate Crowne Pacific on their hard work and success! 250.895.9085
parkswylie@gmail.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Well done to Crowne Pacific on earning two Finalist spots in the 2021 VIREB Awards!
778.420.5575
www.colleenmccluredesigns.com
Congratulations to everyone at Crowne Pacific!
Congratulations to Crowne Pacific on your hard work! Campbell River & Courtenay 250.202.9662 | www.coveglass.ca
27
FEATURE STORY
SAYWELL CONTRACTING NAILS THREE COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS THREE AWARDS OF MERIT FOR NANAIMO CONSTRUCTION FIRM
28 The experienced team at Saywell Contracting is made up of professional and personable leaders who have many years of experience in the construction industry and have helped contribute to economic growth on Vancouver Island, and throughout BC.
NANAIMO – Three out of three.
Commercial Building Awards this year, and
Saywell Contracting Ltd. entered three
won awards for each of them.
projects in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island
The Virage and VIMHS Rosehill in Affordable
Congratulat ons Saywell Contract ng, from the team at M llstone Heat ng & Sheet Metal! Custom Metal Fabrication, Trailer Manufacturing, Sheet Metal Sales...and MORE! (250) 746-0988 | www.millstoneheating.com
Proud partner of
Saywell Contracting,
congratulations on your success!
www.denmarelectric.com
May 2021
FEATURE STORY
29 The Virage
Housing and Nanaimo Innovation Academy
industrial and revenue-producing properties
Classroom in Community Institutional each
from the Malahat to Port Hardy in 2020.
won Awards of Merit in their categories,
Saywell Contracting Ltd. was founded in
continuing what has become a tradition:
1998 by Sheldon Saywell when he was ap-
Coming home with awards from the event,
proached by a client who asked him if he
which celebrates the best in commercial,
could tender the remediation of his very
Congratulations to Saywell Contracting on becoming VIREB 2021 Finalists!
Congratulations Saywell Contracting, on becoming a three time VIREB 2021 Finalist. Well done!
250-585-7277
admin@nanaimoflooringdepot.com www.nanaimoflooringdepot.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
www.fphmechanical.ca
FEATURE STORY
30
The Virage
first multi-family remediation project. Shel-
undertook their first new multi-residential
don’s efforts proved successful, and the
project, a 35-unit condominium in 2005.
firm experienced substantial growth per-
From there, the company increased their
iod between 1998 and 2005. The company
service base to incorporate Construction
Energy Modelling Professionals
Congratulations to Saywell Contracting on your much-deserved success! 250-758-4664 | info@nanaimofloors.com www.unitedfloors.ca/unitedfloorsnanaimobc
Congratulations to Saywell Contracting on being named a Finalist for the 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards!
Congratulations Saywell Contracting, finalist in three 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards!
Local, family-owned and operated for over 60 years Nanaimo | Victoria
It was a pleasure being on your team.
www.finishingstore.com
www.focaleng.com
May 2021
FEATURE STORY
31
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society (VIMHS) Rosehill
Management services. As the firm con-
substantial growth once again, and has now
tinued successfully building relationships
expanded into two locations, in Nanaimo,
with several sophisticated clients and valued
and Courtenay. Today, the firm houses a
trade partners, the company experienced
balanced team of Constructors, Project PARKING LOT, WAREHOUSE, HIGHWAY & AIRPORT LINE PAINTING
ROAD MARKING (Since 1994)
Serving all of Vancouver Island
Congratulations to Saywell Contracting on earning your place in the 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards! Info@FinelineMarking.com
1.888.227.5043 www.finelinemarking.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
FEATURE STORY Managers, and Project Coordinators dedi-
32
and a cap on increases for 10 years.
cated to the vision of focusing and serving
The building offers a total of 48 modern
client’s values and needs. The firm’s servi-
rental units from studio suites to two bed-
ces currently range from Preconstruction,
rooms and leased out in under 4 weeks.
Construction Management and General
A rain harvesting system comprised of a
Contracting skills that help clients fulfill
960-gallon cistern was installed for water to
the construction of their multi-residen-
be reused by tenants to wash their vehicles.
tial projects, commercial buildings, ten-
Six car charging stations and bike racks were
ant improvements, and building envelope
also installed underneath as an incentive for
remediations.
tenants to commute greener.
The Virage is a four-storey wood frame
VIMHS (Vancouver Island Mental Health)
structure at 1608 Bowen Road that features
Rosehill, at 285 Rosehill Street, is a modern
a distinct exterior configuration. The build-
affordable housing project provides housing
ing is curve-shaped and as the levels of the
and rehabilitative services for vulnerable
building increase, the floorplans shift from
adult citizens with mental health diagnoses,
one side to the other.
addiction, or cognitive challenges.
This was the first building in Nanaimo
Constructed to BC Energy Code Step 3 and
to be built under CMHC’s Flex Affordable
BC Housings most current energy guide-
Housing Program, with rents below market
lines, the Step 3 value and BC Housing Construction Guidelines targets were exceeded for the entire building as well as airtightness from suite to suite.
Congratulations to Saywell Contracting on all of your success. Well done!
The design and construction of the entire facility was meticulously thought out and applied to maximize the rehabilitative purposes of the space for the end user. Nanaimo Innovation
Congratulations Canadian Owned & Operated Serving Canadians for 50 years!
4441 BoBan Drive • NANAIMO Phone:250-758-5122 Fax: 250-758-5134
Mon - Fri: 7am-5:00pm Saturday: 8am-4:30pm
nanaimo@windsorplywood.com
Academy at 905 Hecate Street is a newly
to Saywell
c o n s t r u c t e d c l a s s-
Contracting!
room bu ild ing added
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
mail@sorensentrilogy.ca www.sorensentrilogy.ca
to the Nanaimo Innovat ion Academy Daycare that allowed for a May 2021
FEATURE STORY
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society (VIMHS) Rosehill
much-needed increased daycare capacity
cubbies and plenty of cabinet storage for
for Nanaimo.
supplies above the cubbies. For accessibility
The building is modern in character and features a 17’ high sloped roof with clerestory
purposes, a ramp was installed and designed in a way that provides a courtyard effect.
windows. The classroom features built-in
Congratulations to our friends at Saywell Contracting! 250-732-5599
www.athecon.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Congratulations to Saywell Contracting on your 2021 VIREB Commercial Building Awards success!
250-248-8355
randy@vikingreinforcing.com
Michael McNaught Architect AIBC MRAIC
em: michaelmcnaught@icloud.com me: 604.7247602 mail: 106-2893 West 41st. Ave. Vancouver, BC, V6N 3C5
www.saywellcontracting.com
Congratulations to the at Saywell Congratulations to Brad andteam the team at Athecon Contracting forall allyour of your success! Projects on success!
Ken Holtzman
Owner/Operator P: 250-735-7979 E: holtzmanconstruction@shaw.ca
33
FEATURE STORY
THREE COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS FOR WINDLEY CONTRACTING OAKWOOD, THE MET AND CRU BUILDING PROJECTS AT THE TOP OF THEIR CATEGORIES
34
NANAIMO – Windley Contracting Ltd. had a trifecta in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards May 7. The Nanaimo-based construction firm captured three awards: Two Awards of Excellence, for the Oakwood Business Park in the Industrial category and The Met in Multi-Family Condominium, both of Nanaimo, as well as an Award of Merit in Retail for Oakwood Business Park: Award of Excellence in Industrial the CRU Building in Parksville. Oakwood, at 1925 Boxwood Road, is owned by Met, at 6540 and 6544 Metral Drive. The CRU Camargue Properties Inc./The Denux Group building in Parksville is owned by Kelland of Victoria. Metral Projects Ltd. owns The Properties Inc.
Congrats to our friends at Windley Contracting for being a Finalist in the VIREB 2021 Commercial Building Awards!
MASONRY SERVICES SINCE 1975 250-741-4980 info@ablmasonry.ca www.ablmasonry.ca
May 2021
FEATURE STORY
CRU Building in Parksville: Award of Merit in Retail
open concept living and are surrounded by attractive area landscaping. The buildings also offer secured underground parking with unit and bicycle storage. Electrical Contracting Communications Security CCTV/CATV Telephone Service & Maintenance Fire Alarm Systems Wireless Systems Access Control Design Build
The Met consists of two upscale condo buildCongratulations to Windley Contracting on your success! ings in North Nanaimo, with the top floors www.canem.com offering expansive views of the surrounding area. The buildings are located within easy Congratulations on walking distance to pubyour continued success! lic transportation, WoodWe are proud to grove Centre, Home Depot, be part of it. Real Canadian Superstore and Metral Place Shop������������ ping Centre. The Met’s 98 doug.insulpro�shawbiz.ca residential units include ��������� �enworth Rd., Nanaimo modern interior designs, Your Insulation Professional NANAIMO | VICTORIA | VANCOUVER | LETHBRIDGE | CALGARY RED DEER | EDMONTON | SASKATOON | WINNIPEG | CAMBRIDGE NATIONAL SERVICES | NATIONAL SECURITY
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
35
FEATURE STORY
36
The CRU project is at the corner of Despard and Alberni Highway in Parksville, which features a new Quality Foods location. This finishes a strategic corner of the intersection which is the first intersection entering Parksville from the Island Highway. The open space between the two buildings allows pedestrian connection to the commercial center. It is a friendly landscaped plaza with stone/water and pergola features, and features modern design, and simple and clean lines. The pedestrian entry at the corner includes a stone
feature with water flowing over and around the stone and disappearing between the tiles below. This outdoor space at the corner with pergola and lighting features provides for outdoor gathering and special events like Christmas. Windley is a widely diverse development and general contracting company serving all of British Columbia and Alberta in the civil, commercial and residential sectors. With projects ranging in scope and size, the company prides itself in providing quality workmanship
G &G ROOFING LTD. Commercial and Industrial Roofing
Proudly Working With Windley Contracting 113 Gava Place Nanaimo, BC V9T 0H9
250-585-0041 info@ggroof.com
Mid Island Cabinets wishes to congratulate everyone at Windley Contracting on their success! 250-585-2118 micnanaimo@midislandcabinets.com www.midislandcabinets.com May 2021
FEATURE STORY
The Met: Award of Excellence in Multi-Family Condominium
and excellent service to all of its customers. Its foundation dates back to 1949 when Ed and Vi Windley started the family owned business in plumbing and heating. With steady growth, the company eventually evolved into providing full mechanical contracting services in the residential and commercial sectors. Alongside his father, Rick Windley continued to maintain the growing development of the
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Congratulations to the great team at Windley Contracting! 250-732-5599
www.athecon.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
WINDLEY CONTRACTING. WE'RE THRILLED FOR YOUR SUCCESS!
250-751-9694
karly@karlyparker.com www.karlyparker.com
company, and, in 1980, Windley Contracting Ltd. broadened its activities into land acquisition, subdivision, and constructional development. Continuing with the family’s tradition, Rick’s three sons became more involved within Windley Contracting Ltd. and are now active and integral members of the company. www.windleycontracting.com
From our team to Windley Contracting, congratulations on all of your success! 250-585-7277
admin@nanaimoflooringdepot.com www.nanaimoflooringdepot.com
Congratulations to Windley Contracting! HVAC Contractor nanaimoshelvingking@shaw.ca www.shelvingkingnanaimo.ca
37
FEATURE STORY
38
Chims Guest House in Port Alberni
CHIMS GUEST HOUSE A FINALIST IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS ISOLATION VOCATIONS PROJECT IN PORT ALBERNI EARNS VIREB RECOGNITION PORT ALBERNI - Naomi and Ed Nicholson are honoured to be among the Finalists for their project “Isolation Vacations by Chims Guest House” in this year’s Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. The couple own and operate Chims Guest House located on Highway 4. They were one of 45 buildings and the only Port Alberni business to be named a finalist in VIREB’s 14th annual
awards on May 7. “Ed and I are so thrilled that VIREB chose us as a finalist from the amazing list of projects,” explains Naomi. “We have worked really hard the past few years and faced many tribulations along the way. Small businesses face different challenges compared to corporations, so this recognition for our million dollar investment to the Alberni Valley means a lot.”
May 2021
FEATURE STORY The Nicholson’s three phase project was funded by personal funds, grants, and loans with the final phase completed in July. In 2020, 11 local businesses such as Tilley’s Trucking & Excavating Ltd., Tilley’s Heating and Plumbing Ltd., VCR Constructing, and material from McCoy Lake Excavating kept working and strengthened the Port Alberni economy when COVID-19 measures limited business operations. Naomi says they could not have completed the project without these incredible businesses by their side, and she shares her pride in being nominated with them. She also wants to acknowledge that the project was made possible because of funding support from Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corp. (NEDC), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Federal Government who offered the same $60,000 COVID-19 loan program to Indigenous people who don’t qualify for the non-Indigenous program. This business has faced hard times since COVID started. They were set to have the best year expanding the Indigenous Experience Series. Activities such as Indigenous Paint Night or Beading Workshop provide guests with their own artist
Congratulations to Naomi and Ed of Chims Guest House! 1-866-444-6332 | nedc@nedc.info
www.nedc.info
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to help them create masterpieces. Last year’s biggest hit was the in-house private chef who provided a locally sourced seafood dinner. The couple plan to continue building on their success. Currently offering short-term stays until the pandemic is finally a thing of the past, they will be well positioned to move forward with a successful business model that can survive the test of time. www.chims.ca
Congratulations to Naomi and Ed at Chims Guest House ȁȄǿţȆȁȂţȃȆǿǿŏ ÆÁØ ȁȄǿţȆȁȂţȃȆǿȀ
2501 Sherwood Road | Port Albeni, BC
2365 Old Nanaimo Hwy | Port Albeny BC V9Y 8P8
Congratulations to Chims Guest House on becoming a VIREB 2021 Awards Finalist!
Canadian Owned & Operated Serving Canadians for 50 years!
4441 BoBan Drive • NANAIMO Phone:250-758-5122 Fax: 250-758-5134
Mon - Fri: 7am-5:00pm Saturday: 8am-4:30pm
nanaimo@windsorplywood.com
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FEATURE STORY
40 Minute Men Moving & Storage Ltd. on Boxwood Road in Nanaimo
MINUTE MEN MOVING & STORAGE FINALIST IN 2021 VIREB AWARDS BUILDING ON BOXWOOD ROAD MAKES GRADE IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS NANAIMO – The Minute Men Moving & Storage Ltd. building at 1855 Boxwood Road was a Finalist in the Industrial category of the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards on May 7. A total of 45 buildings that were completed in 2020 between the Malahat and Port Hardy competed in the event, designed to celebrate
the best commercial, industrial and revenue-producing properties in the region. Herold Engineering was the designer and engineer of the building, which was built by Westmark Construction Ltd. Minute Men also has an office in Duncan. Gordon Grossman has been General Manager of Minute Men since 2016. May 2021
FEATURE STORY
The new Nanaimo location of Minute Men is a contemporary purpose-built household moving and storage facility. Set on just over two acres in the Boxwood Industrial Park, the building consists of a large open concept office space and a total of 19,600 square feet of secure indoor warehouse space for both storage vaults and 20-foot steel containers. Also included is a driver’s room with 24/7 access to shower and cooking facilities, an 8 bay loading dock and an integrated 80 foot government approved platform scale. This is the largest heated storage on Vancouver Island.
Congratulations to the team at Westmark!
Congratulations Westmark on your success! Always a pleasure working with you.
For all your Spray Foam & Insulation needs. Randy Perrin 250-883-7083 Email: randy@bcspray.ca www.bcspray.ca
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www.mazzeielectric.com
Westmark has been providing innovative construction solutions across Vancouver Island for over 30 years – including multifamily developments, commercial spaces, mixed-use developments, and everything in between. Westmark has built long-term relationships with some of the most skilled and talented people in the industry and have worked together to build a wide variety of sustainable construction projects that strengthen communities. www.westmarkconstruction.ca
7281 Trans-Canada Hwy (250) 748-1032 Congratulations Westmark Construction & Minute Men Moving & Storage
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WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a thirdparty resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 0775658 BC Ltd 2995 Moray Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Alsco Canada Corporation CLAIM $7,239 DEFENDANT 653440 BC Ltd 202-58 Station St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF DMC Westcoast Developments Ltd CLAIM $655,000
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DEFENDANT AFC Industries Ltd 201-467 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC
Powerhouse Sheet Rock Ltd CLAIM $118,466 DEFENDANT BC Moving and Storage Ltd 4th Flr 1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Island RTA Kitchens Ltd CLAIM $15,410 DEFENDANT BCBI Contracting 17 70 Ja y B e l l T ra i l , Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Limited CLAIM $7,069
DEFENDANT Cody Bird Construction 2393 I nvera rity Rd, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Limited CLAIM $19,555 DEFENDANT Courtenay Spring & Welding Inc 27 74 R e n n i s o n R d , Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Glacier Pipe Cleaning & Setting CLAIM $22,568 DEFENDANT Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada 2900-550 Bu rra rd St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF
Guy, Patrick CLAIM $17,791 DEFENDANT Ironclad Developments Inc 3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Image Pro Exterior Contracting Co. CLAIM $142,648 DEFENDANT Island Pallet Solutions Ltd 3501 Aqua Terra Rd, Cassidy, BC PLAINTIFF Westerra Equipment LP CLAIM $6,024 JBR Construction Ltd 2700-700 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF
Region
Project Address
Project Type
Project Details
Low Bid / Award
Amount
Victoria
625 Fisgard St
Consulting services
Architectural CRD Headquarters Building
Low Hammond Rowe Architects Inc
130,500
Victoria
675 Belleville St
Services
Elevator and Escalator Maintenance
ThyssenKrupp Elevator Victoria
650,000
Saanich
Various locations
Civil work
Culduthel Storm Drain and Sewer Replacement
Michell Excavating
426,151
Saanich
1703 Keating Cross Rd
Supply
Rental of Bobcats
Sunbelt Rentals of Canada
N/A
Saanich
Various locations
Consulting services
Development Process Review
KPMG LLP
N/A
Saanich
1525 Cedar Hill X Rd
Institutional add/alter
Luther Court Alterations
Story Construction
North Saanich
Lochside Dr
Roads & bridges
Root Damage Repair and Repaving
Allterra Construction Ltd
Duncan
Canada Ave
Civil work
Sanitary Sewer Upgrade
Copcan Civil Ltd
Nanaimo
Metral Dr
Civil work
Complete Street Corridor - Phase 2
IWC Excavation Ltd
Nanaimo
2020 Labieux Rd
Institutional add/alter
Nanaimo Public Works Yard
Kasian Arch Interior Design & Planning
Nanaimo RD
585 N Rd, Gabriola Is
Institutional add/alter
Huxley Community Skatepark
Radius Contracting Inc
Parksville
385 Bay Ave
Civil work
Wastewater Pump Station Replacement
Coast Utility Contracting
4,594,348
Cumberland
Various Locations
Civil work
Wastewater Treatment Upgrade - CM / PM
Maple Reinders / Colliers Project Leaders
9,700,000
Courtenay
Hwy 19A
Roads & bridges
Asphalt Road Resurfacing
OK Industries Ltd
5,166,477
Campbell River
Various locations
Roads & bridges
Bridge Fabrication and Installation
Surespan Structures
1,400,000 97,613 372,111 5,968,579 N/A 697,700
636,146
May 2021
WHO IS SUING WHOM Standard Building Supplies Ltd CLAIM $51,072 DEFENDANT Looten Healthcare Ltd 2300-550 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF B2B Marketing Inc CLAIM $13,701 DEFENDANT NAC Constructors Ltd 17 B a d e n P o w e l l S t , Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Global Masonry Ltd CLAIM $31,629 DEFENDANT OK Tire (Courtenay) 2995 Moray Ave, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF
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Alsco Canada Corporation CLAIM $7,239 DEFENDANT ORA Homes 3543 Falcon Dr, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Matrix Marble Corporation CLAIM $11,613 DEFENDANT Owners of Strata Plan Eps 3895 4215 Gellatly Rd South, West Kelowna, BC PLAINTIFF FX Insurance Brokers Ltd CLAIM $13,905 DEFENDANT PA Flooring Depot Inc 3290 3rd Ave, Port Alberni, BC
PLAINTIFF Island RTA Kitchens Ltd CLAIM $15,410 DEFENDANT Qualicum Bay Contracting Ltd 280 Fourneau Way, Parksville, BC PLAINTIFF Kirk, Aine CLAIM $16,269 DEFENDANT Sharples Contracting Ltd 2731 Green Vale Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Island Furnace & Fireplace Wholesale CLAIM $7,046 DEFENDANT Vancouver Island Traps Supply Ltd
3430 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Harris Rebar CLAIM $14,737 DEFENDANT Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club 826 Johnson St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF James, Siobhan Irony CLAIM $35,176 DEFENDANT Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company 400-1985 West Broadway, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Waite, Jack CLAIM $35,176
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONAL FOR NANAIMO AIRPORT DURWEST CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT BUILDS LATEST ADDITION TO EXPANDING AIRPORT
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NANAIMO – The latest phase of the expansion of Nanaimo Airport has been judged to be the best in its class. Nanaimo Airport’s new terminal building expansion won the Award of Excellence in the Community Institutional category in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. The event, which celebrated the best commercial, industrial and revenue-proNanaimo Airport’s new terminal building expansion ducing properties completed in 2020 from the Malahat to Port Hardy, was held via time construction management in 1983, and is Zoom May 7. owned by a group of active partners who are all actively involved in the day to day operations of Durwest Construction Management of Victoria the business built the project, and Checkwitch Poiron ArchiVirtually all their projects over the past 38 tects and OMB Architects were the architects/ years have been delivered under construcdesigners. tion management as they work exclusively in Durwest, established in 1979, evolved into full
Congratulat ons on an ncred ble job! | www.houle.ca 1.844.464.6853 | 250.758.3011 May 2021
construction and project management. The result is a thorough understanding and focus on the management principles necessary to successfully deliver projects under the common mandate of budget, schedule and program. Durwest clients include a mix of all levels of government, nonprofit societies and private developers. They bring a wealth of experience The interior of the new terminal building at Nanaimo Airport with not only the technical side of construction management but a project management ability, an elegant modular building design, while the and if clients so wish, to take the lead over the existing and new structures are connected and entire project to manage stakeholders, prounified by a wood slat ceiling. Glass walls allow grams, consultants, budgets and schedules with natural light to enhance sight lines and energy a clear understanding of necessary reporting savings through advanced mechanical and systems to management and boards. electrical systems. The Nanaimo Airport expansion project prowww.durwest.com vides passengers more room and comfort to enhance the travel experience in and out of the mid Vancouver Island area. The striking, modern building increases the terCongratulations on being named minal size by almost 60 per cent, as a Finalist for the 2021 VIREB enabling travelers to move faster Commercial Building Awards! and more efficiently through the Project and Construction Management airport. 250 881-7878 The expansion architecture was www.durwest.com inspired by the region’s landscape, geology, mining and forest industries. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls bathe the departure lounge in natural light, and modular and Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Suppression flexible design was incorporated to meet the current needs of the region while allowing for easy expansion into the future. The architecture solutions include
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45
OPINION
NDP MISSING THE BOAT – AGAIN – WITH HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
46
MARK MACDONALD With the United States Senate voting unanimously to allow cruise ships bound for Alaska to bypass Victoria and Vancouver, BC’s tourism industry is about to take another hellacious pounding. The government has mandated that Canada’s ports will remain closed to cruise ships until at least February 28, 2022. The Senate’s motion must get through the House of Representatives and at this stage, is only a temporary measure to resuscitate the Alaskan cruise industry, but still. Victoria in particular would be hard hit, as cruise ships departing from San Francisco and Seattle stop in the capital as part of their technical stops in a Canadian port enroute to their destination. Ian Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority,
is urging the provincial government to at least bend and require technical stops for refueling in BC. That won’t actually help the downtown Victoria businesses that depend on cruise ship tourist traffic in normal years, but it’s a stop. Robertson estimated last year’s closures would cost the Victoria economy $70 million. And the closures continue. So, while cruise ships are out and about throughout the world, Canada remains closed – until early next year. It’s another clear example of how the U.S. will do what is in their country’s best interests first – and proceed regardless of how it may affect other nations. With one-tenth of its population, Canada is, increasingly and glaringly, a rare consideration when Americans make major economic-based decisions. In this case, however, their autocratic tendencies will help the cruise industry float back towards the top – despite Canadian government closures. Let’s see if the NDP government can twist Ottawa’s arm to toss a life ring to the BC cruise industry – and all of the businesses that benefit from having boat tourists step onshore and spend. Meanwhile, Dr. Bonnie Henry’s erratic closed/ not closed/partial closed dictums to the hospitality industry must have restaurateurs apoplectic. Particularly on Vancouver Island, where, despite extremely low rates of COVID infections, we are still subjected to restrictions that address levels incurred in higher density jurisdictions like
May 2021
OPINION downtown Vancouver and the lower mainland. Opening and closing an establishment is not that simple, and every owner and manager knows that. There’s date-dependent inventory control and purchasing, as well as the difficulty of getting staff to come in for sporadic shifts – where their pre-tip remuneration is less than what they’ve been receiving at home, surviving (or thriving as some believe) on CERB benefits. No industry can operate without certainty and consistent operational conditions, and while some restaurants will survive the pandemic straightjacket, others undoubtedly will not. There are reports that some sectors of the restaurant industry are actually doing quite well, making decent profit margins due to increased take-out and delivery business. Much of that would be due to having less serving staff on hand. It will be interesting to see what happens to some of these eateries once restrictions are eliminated. Will they go back to being fullystaffed, or continue on with smaller payrolls to make a healthier bottom line. That’s the big question mark. Government propaganda and messaging is so pervasive that it has paralyzed people, imprisoning them in their own homes. I have yet to see or hear of any roadblocks or RCMP interrogations over vaccinations or masks – but we are told they are around every corner. Regarding restaurants, I’ve enjoyed some great meals in the past weeks and months. That, despite warnings that restaurants aren’t open for seating, and if you want to enjoy restaurant fare, pick it up or have it delivered. I won’t say when or where, but I’ve dined out
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fairly frequently at restaurants of my choosing. Be it on semi-covered tables or well-ventilated dining areas, it has been business as usual – for which I am thankful. So, are these establishments “breaking the law” or not? That probably depends on which day and which law – but who can keep up? The NDP’s inconsistency and unpredictability is once again wreaking havoc on the private sector, as they fail to recognize or acknowledge the plight of business owners and their need for stability and a level playing field. All business asks for is an environment in which they can conduct their affairs. Is that too much to ask? Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationink.ca
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From the Trenches British Columbia business stories and commentary
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
MOVERS & SHAKERS Announcements, business changes, celebrations and other hidden gems from around Central/North Vancouver Island. Curated just for you.
Submit your company’s announcement to: media@businessexaminer.ca
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Greg D’Avignon, President a nd CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia, talks to FROM THE TRENCHES about his organization’s new Economic Dashboard, ESG in BC, opportunities for economic growth in the province, innovation, sustainability and much more. Listen to Part 1.
The Tlowitsis Nation and Grieg Seafood BC have signed a contract that will see the Nation’s business, Chief’s Pride Aquaculture Corp., manage all net-cleaning operations at Grieg’s salmon farms in Clio Channel beginning in June. There are three Grieg farms in Tlowitsis territory.
NORTH ISLAND Foggy Mountain Coffee Co. will open this summer in the strip mall on Marine Drive in Port Alice.
Scottish Sea Farms, one of the UK’s leading salmon farming companies, has announced it will begin trials of Flowpressor, Poseidon Ocean Systems’ greener aeration system, designed to protect its salmon from potentially harmful plankton. The Campbell River company’s technology is already in operation along Canada’s west coast. Poseidon Ocean Systems Ltd. was recently awarded one of the two grand prizes of $150,000 in the BC Aquaculture Innovation Awards for their Flowpressor Technology Platform, which reduces diesel fuel consumption by 55 per cent in real-world testing.
Port McNeill council has voted to move ahead with the playground proposal put forwa rd by the Waterfront Com mu n ity Playgroup Project committee for a 30×30foot space of parkland for a site yet to be determined. CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell R iver Council approved Joyce Reid Troost Architecture’s permit for a 49unit, four-storey apartment building at 775 Petersen Road.
T he City of Campbell R iver h as issued a development perm it to create 55 new a f fo rd a b l e re n t a l h o u s i n g u n i t s . T h e
May 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS mi xed-use building, to be located close to Rose Harbour at 1180 Fir Street. BC Housing is providing approximately $19.7 million in capital costs for the project. Campbell R iver and North Island Transition Society will manage the new building. Kudo’s to UVIC student Isaac Morrow for building the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce website. He is currently majoring in math and computer science. H a bit at for Hu m a nity Nor t h Isl a nd’s nex t Campbell River project is Isaac Morrow still relatively early in the approval process, but is already raising questions surrounding densification on Hilchey Road. The next proposed build-out is for another 20 units of housing to go up on the property immediately adjacent to the 12 units that are currently being completed. In moving the project forward, Campbell River city council voted unanimously to give first and second reading to the property’s rezoning application and schedule a public hearing. The patio is open for customers to enjoy at R iptide Marine Pub, located at 1340 Island Highway. Check out their menu here. Healthway Natural Foods at 1121 Cedar Street is offering the convenience of delivery and curbside pickup for all of your healthy grocery needs. Click here to check out their inventory. COMOX VALLEY C o u r te n a y ’s B ig fo ot D o n ut s w o n t h e P rem ier’s People’s Choice c ategor y of t h e S m a l l B u s i n e s s B C Aw a r d s . B i gfoot was opened by co-ow ners Lyndsey Bell and Jay Valeri in 2017. Congrats! www. bigfootdonuts.com
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T h e C o m ox Va l l ey C h a m b e r of C o mmerce seeks to collaborate with the regional district to support a proposed Comox Valley Economic Collaborative to promote the Valley as a place to conduct business, create collaboration, and support a vibrant, prof itable economy. Nex t steps a re to secure support from the district to start the project, and to apply for additional funding. The chamber hopes to have an economic coordinator by August 1st, an Economic Collaborative established by September 1st, and an economic action plan in place by March 2022. Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal recently c omplete d a c omplete SB S rero of a nd HVAC upgrade of the HMCS Quadra Mess Ha l l. T hey a re a l so keepi ng bu sy w it h ongoi ng projects, l i ke t he CV R D Water Treatment Plant a nd La ke T ra i l M idd le School extension. www.nelsonroofing.com A request for proposals to build the region’s organics composting facility should go out this summer according to Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) staff. The targeted opening is fall 2022 and will be located at the current site of the Campbell River Waste Management Centre. Strathcona’s region waste will be sent to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, with the organic compost material from the Comox Valley sent back to Campbell River. Comox Valley-raised T hea Va n H e r w a a r d e n w a s s e c o n d r u n n e r-u p on MasterChef Canada’s 2 02 1 s e a s o n fe a t u r i n g a l l-sta rs from prev ious seasons of the CTV show. Cou rtenay cou nci l approve d se cond re ad i n g for a proposed multi-unit Thea development from RoseVanHerwaarden bery Investments of West @facebook
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS Vancouver to construct a 39-unit strata development at 2650 Copperfield Road. A public hearing will be held before a third reading is considered. Courtenay’s Blooming Barn at 3617 Dove Cre ek Road h a s reop ened a f ter ne a rly 20 y e a rs u n d e r o w n e rs h i p of t h e Va n Housen family. www.thebloomingbarn.com Environmental management firm, Ecofish Research, is celebrating its 20th a nniversary. Congrats! The Comox Valley Airport Commission is seek i ng a new Boa rd of Di rector. Cl ick here for details. Comox City Council has a $169,000 grant from the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program to use for replacing the boat launch docks at Comox Lake.
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Comox Strathcona Waste Management is looking to add a depot for the collection and recycling of ocean plastic, passing a motion to establish an Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF) ocean plastics depot at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre. If greenlit, it will likely start sometime in 2022.
Construction of Ocean Front Village on jay Cliffe Avenue, a long-term care facility for An Ind the Comox Valley, is underway. Golden Life P Management Corp. will operate the Courtenay facility, which will contain 126 publicly funded beds, including 120 care beds and two new hospice beds. Four hospice beds will move from The Views at St. Joseph’s to the new facility. Cumberland is considering a mini-urban bazaar as an incubator for very small businesses at 3274 Third Street in the heritage conservation area downtown. The plan is to construct the bazaar on an L-shaped site behind the existing T rugreen Cannabis store
Jay Cousins jay cousins realty
An Independent Member Broker
PH 250-751-1223 TF 1-877-335-4380 E jay@jaycousins.com W jaycousins.com FEATURED PROPERTIES
VANCOUVER ISLAND LEASE, BUSINESS & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LEASES
FOR SALE - 10 Unit Multi-Res Property Nanaimo - $899,000 3 - One Bedrooms, 7 Bachelor Suites 3 Storey Complex with stable Tenants 10 Yr Old Roof, Coin-Op Laundry Ocean Views from Top floor Well Priced Revenue Opportunity Close to Old City Quarter & Downtown Information Portfolio Available
FOR LEASE - 277 Sq. Ft.
Nanaimo - $800/Month + TN & GST Corner Retail/Office Unit on the main level
of the Dorchester Hotel Separate Church Street Access 2-Piece Washroom Zoned DT-1 allows for multiple uses Excellent Downtown Core Location Information Portfolio Available
2,100 Sq. Ft. Quality Office Space - North Nanaimo, high visibility, ground level access, 2 entries, open layout, private offices, boardroom, kitchenette, storage, 2 Washrooms $14/SF + TN Downtown Nanaimo Commercial Space - 1,712 Sq. Ft. located in the Dorchester Hotel, fantastic location across from the Waterfront, Great visibility $1,700/Month + Hydro & Property 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 Industrial Property - Cassidy Area - 4,306 Sq. Ft. Quality Office space with heat pump plus .75 Acre of Land. Great Highway Exposure $9/SF + TN 1,100 Sq. Ft. Sub-Lease space available now - Currently configured as a Retail Store, 2 Entry/Exit Doors, shared Washroom CC1 Commercial Zoned in South Nanaimo - $1,800 Mo + GST Huge 1, 900 Sq. Ft. Unit with 1,300 Sq. Ft. Bonus Storage area - Large open 2nd level space downtown Nanaimo. Incl. Hydro/HVAC - $2,200/Month + GST 800 Sq. Ft. Office Space in Metral Centre - Great Exposure & Fully Accessible Unit, Private Office, Open Configuration 2-piece Washroom $14/SF + TN 2,200 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level Downtown Office Space - Nanaimo - Corner of Terminal Ave & Commercial St. Large Open Layout, Private Offices, 2 Washrooms, Storage $12/Sq. Ft. + TN 1,123 Sq. Ft. Newly Demised Space – Prime Nanaimo location, COR-3 Zoning allows multiple uses incl. Retail & Office, Main Level, Bright Open Interior, Highway Access $18.00/Sq. Ft. + TN 2,500 Sq. Ft. Main Level Space with Yard - Errington/Parksville Area, Great Visibility, Paved Parking Lot, current use is Montessori School, Available July 2021 $3,000/Month + GST Vacant Land Available for Lease – .75 of an Acre across from Cassidy Airport, Great for Storage of Vehicles, RV’s etc. $3,000/Month + GST Large Downtown Nanaimo Office Unit – 3,948 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level, Quality Building, Triple Net expense incl. HVAC, Hydro, Utilities, Available Immediately $12/Sq. Ft. plus T.N. 900 Sq. Ft. Corner Unit with Great Exposure – Near Old City Quarter, DT2 Zoning allows for a broad range of uses, Available immediately $13/Sq. Ft. plus T.N.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
POPULAR NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB - NANAIMO Busy High Volume Operation, 175 Seats incl. Patio Full Kitchen, Price includes Inventory $299,000 Information Portfolio Available
S
CENTRAL NANAIMO INVESTMENT PROPERTY 18,000 Sq. Ft. Building on High Visibility Corner 5 Bed Residence on 2nd Level Plus Multiple Commercial Tenants $2,995,000
100% SHARE SALE - BUSINESS -MID-ISLAND Well established Toy & Teacher Resource Retail Store 28 Years in business, loyal clientele $199,000 Plus Inventory
RETAIL FLOORING BUSINESS - NANAIMO Exemplary Flooring Business with significant Inventory Know for discount pricing and great
Customer Service, Room to Expand
$175,000
RE-DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY - NANAIMO Former Senior Care Facility close to Nan. General Hospital 1.87 Acres, 43,195 Sq. Ft. Building $7,500,000 Plus Residential Rental House
BAKERY & CONFECTIONARY BUSINESS - NANAIMO Bakery & Coffee Shop with a Terrific Reputation Highly Visible Corner Location $249,000 Information Portfolio Available
6 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING - NANAIMO 3 One Beds, 3 Two Beds, Close to Downtown Core Sep Meters, Some Long Term Tenants $1,189,000 Approx. 5% CAP at asking price
FOR LEASE - 4,306 Sq. Ft. Cassidy, BC - $9.00/Sq. Ft. + TN Quality Office space plus .75 Acre of Land Industrial Use near Cassidy Airport Zoned IN-2 (Medium Industry) allows the
use of Land &/or Buildings for Assembling, Processing, Manufacture or Repair of Product, Article, Material, etc. Information Portfolio Available
Po
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Po
in
tR
d
y Rd st Ba hwe Nort FOR SALE - Undeveloped Land Nanoose Bay - $1,700,000 High Exposure Corner Property 1.7 Acres + Registered Access & Parking
Lot Easement on Neighbouring Property
Approved for Phase 1 Development of
30,000 SF Commercial Complex with a further 26,000 SF approved for Phase 2 Information Portfolio Available
May 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS and next to Randall’s Autobody. Colonel Bryn Elliott has assumed command of 19 Wing Comox from Colonel Dany Poitras. The ceremony was presided over virtually by Major General Eric Kenny, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. Colonel Elliott is an experienced Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) with more than 2,000 flying hours in North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. TOFINO-UCLUELET T h e To f i n o H o u s i n g C o r p o r a t i o n i s requesting 0.35 per cent of the district’s hotel room tax funds to put toward residential affordability. Tofino’s hotels and resorts currently collect a 3 per cent Municipal and Regional District Tax from visitors. If approved, it would boost the THC’s funding by an estimated $225,000 a year. Narcity.com, a n urban news a nd travel website, has listed Tofino’s Chesterman Beach as one of its BC beaches better than a tropical getaway. Tofino Resort + Marina recently distributed over 6,000 cans of local, individually caught Pacific Albacore Tuna to food banks and com mu n ities across Va ncouver Isla nd, i n pa r t nersh ip w it h St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust a nd the Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild. The initiative comes as a result of Tofino Resort + Marina’s Race for the Blue, Western Canada’s annual Pacific Albacore Tuna tournament. The District of Ucluelet, with help from the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, is allowing property owners to apply for fasttracked temporary-use permits that will allow people to live in RVs on a property for six months. Ucluelet Council approved an Official Community Plan (OCP) and rezoning amendment
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application for the L odge Property at 316 and 330 Reef Point Road. The Lodge Property is part of a subdivision created in 1997, originally zoned R-1 Single Residential. The land use designation of the lots will be changed to Tourist Commercial. PORT ALBERNI Work has begun at the corner of Johnston Road and Adelaide Street on Raymond de Beeld Architect’s three-unit, single-storey retail building. The City of Port Alberni has hired Chris Baker as the new Manager of Community Safety. T h e Ca n a d i a n Ment a l He a lt h A s s o ciation and Province of BC partnered to purchase the 41-unit K ing George Apartments on Fifth Avenue and Argyle Street in Port Alberni. The CMHA received a grant of $3 million and low-interest financing of $1.86 million to buy the building. Construction will soon begin on the City of Port Alberni’s public safety building. The lot and the building, located at 3075 Third Avenue, were purchased by the city in 2020. The city’s 2021-2025 financial plan set aside $325,000 from reserves to be used for renovations. Cla rkstone & Dea rin Nota r y Cor poration have opened a new location at F-5262 Argyle Street. www.portalberninotary.com Huu-ay-aht First Nations closed a deal with Western Forest Products giving the nation additional ownership of a tree farm licence on Huu-ay-aht traditional territory. Huumiis Ventures, a lim ited partnership owned by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, acquired an “incremental” 28 per cent ownership interest in TFL 44. Huumiis now owns a 35 per cent ownership interest in TFL 44. Western Forest Products owns the remaining 65 per cent.
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS The Alberni Valley Landfill and West Coast Landfill will introduce a six-month pilot project that will set reduced tipping fees for coastal debris. The Coastal Restoration Society, will receive $2.55 million to clean 200400 kilometres of shoreline on Vancouver Island’s west coast, including the removal of nine derelict vessels. The project will result in an estimated $35,000 to $40,000 in revenues at the landfills.
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PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM A proposed affordable housing development on Moilliet Street South and the Alberni Highway in Parksville that will provide 87 new units will be granted 100 per cent exemption from paying the Regional District of Nanaimo sewer development cost charges. The Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society plans to purchase and develop the properties, featuring eight three-bedroom townhouses and a 79-unit apartment building for low-to-moderate income seniors, persons with disabilities and multi-generational families. Ha llma rk Cha n nel ser ies ‘Ch e sap e a ke
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Shores’ is filming at Parksville’s Civic and Technology Centre until May 19th. Filming will take place outside, to the south and back of the building along the roadway and grassy hill. R ick Hannibal is new General Manager of junior “B” ice hockey tea m, the Oceanside Generals. R i c k h a s b e e n a b o a rd member with the Generals organization since the 2016-17 season. The Parksville-Qualicum Rick Hannibal Community Foundation (PQCF) is seeki ng community leaders to serve as board members. Applicants should be willing to serve for a minimum of two years. Email Resource@ ParksvilleQualicumFoundation.com. Big fo ot B u rgers i n W h i s k e y C re e k i s celebrating its third anniversary. Captain Mark Adelborg was awarded Fire Officer of the Year (2020) honours while firefighters Alan Pearce and Niels Bjornson were presented with Firefighter of the Year (2020) and Recruit of the Year (2020) plaques respectively by the Parksville Fire Department. T he Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce selected Matt Breedlove, Daniella Novak, Bonnie Cyre, Sarah Duncan, Robin Bruner, Andy Lee, Jay Norton, Krista Robins, Jean Young and Virginia Worcester as their board of directors for 2021/2022.
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NANAIMO Construction has begun to replace and upgrade the outfield fencing at Serauxmen Stadium, including a new 16-foot tall centre field fence. The project is estimated to cost $1.2 million, with partial funding via the provincial gas tax fund for community works
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS projects and $150,000 from the Serauxmen amateur baseball association. Nanaimo City Council approved the building of a new bridge at Bowen Park, intended to replace the Lenhart Bridge. City staff recommended that council direct staff to include $237,000 for the Lenhart Bridge replacement project next year as part of the draft 20222026 financial plan. John Horn is now the executive director of the John Howard Society in Nanaimo. The Country Grocer Bowen Road store earned a national bronze award and the regional gold award in the Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year Awards. The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, which presents the awards, is a non-profit trade association founded in 1962 that represents more than 6,900 retailers across Canada. Shawn Hall has opened Pearl and Dress Shop,
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both located at 76 Bastion Street. Pearl, on the ground floor, sells kimonos, jewelry, and plants, while Dress Shop, on the second, is a recording studio. Work has begun in Bowen Park to upgrade a one-kilometre-long section of the Millstone trunk sanitary sewer line. The sewer line will be increased to 900 millimetres in diameter from 600mm. Once the new line is in place trail upgrades will get underway. Naniamo’s Tilray, Inc., a global pioneer in cannabis research, cultivation, production, and distribution, has been included in the inaugural list of T IME’s 100 Most Influential Companies. The list highlights 100 businesses making an extraordinary impact around the world. To view the full list, click here. The Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District will roll out its two new electric buses by May 25th, which will service the Lantzville/north Nanaimo area and the Ladysmith/École
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North Oyster area. The 76-passenger Type C electrical buses, supplied by Western Canada Bus, were $350,000 each. The pilot project includes installation of two charging stations at a cost of $25,000.
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T he Reg iona l District of Na na i mo h a s endorsed bus service between Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley, with the goal of launching the new commuter line beginning March 2022. Nanaimo City Council received a development application from architect Daryoush Firouzli for an apartment building project near Nanaimo North Town Centre at 4961 Songbird Place for a five-storey, 108-unit apartment building on the property. The development permit application will come before Nanaimo city council at a later date. Sign installers from Monarch Structures in Richmond recently handled the installation of five-foot-tall letters spelling out ‘Nanaimo’ in Maffeo Sutton Park’s Sway’ A’ Lana Lagoon. The permanent art piece was one of many projects pitched to city council in 2019 with the goal to provide a positive attraction for people in the downtown core. The BC Ministry of Education announced last June that it would provide about Work on the $19 million seismic upgrades for both Cilaire and Pleasant Valley schools begin this June, along with work to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning at the school. Funding comes via the BC M i n ist r y of E ducat ion. Students a nd sta f f w i l l return to Cilaire for the 2022-2023 school year. Peter van Dongen, Senior Manager, Business Development at MNP in Nanaimo, is among the first Peter van 38 business development Dongen May 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS professionals in North America to complete the Business Development Fundamentals Certificate program through the A ssociation for Accounting Marketing. Nanaimo City Council voted unanimously to re-zone 5915 Metral Drive from single dwelling residential to residential corridor to build 28 residential units on a property that currently has one single home. TRD Metral Developments Inc. has indicated an intention to build a mix of two-bedroom townhouses and micro-units, less than 310 square feet, in three-storey clusters. Simonholt Restaurant at 6582 Applecross Road in Nanaimo has three, fully-heated patios for you to enjoy while you eat. Check out their excellent food and drink menu. https:// www.simonholt.ca LADYSMITH-CHEMAINUS ICET is offering the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce $50,000 in funding to hire an economic recovery specialist. The Stz’uminus First Nation will also receive $50,000 to hire a business recovery advisor. Plumbing work began on Ladysmith’s downtown public washroom to connect the facility to storm, sewer, and water services. The work is being carried out by David Stalker Excavating. The Rotary Club of Chemainus presented a $10,000 check to the Municipality of North Cowichan to go toward Chemainus boat ramp improvements. Chemainus Council awarded the electrical contract for the new RCMP facility to Houle Electric Ltd., in the amount of $4,370,808. The former St. Joseph’s School in Chemainus has been sold to the Cowichan Valley Intentional Recovery Community Society. Violet Wild Cannabis Co. at 9750 Chemainus
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Road is open. https://violetwild.ca The Yellow Sub Machine food truck, located at 3088 Henry Road in Chemainus is open. T he tr uck is r u n by the former ow ners of Odika Cafe. The truck serves gourmet subs. A fourth-storey for the 336 Belaire Street mixed-use project has been cleared after a public hearing. Town Council voted to proceed with third reading of a bylaw that will amend the comprehensive development 6 – Belaire Mixed-Use Zone, to allow for a fourth-storey, which would add four more units of housing to the project. COWICHAN VALLEY T he Cowichan Lake T rail Bla zers Society a nd Mosaic Forest Management have partnered to provide new recreational trails for non-motorized use. Mosaic, the timberlands manager for TimberWest and Island Timberlands, is providing the Trail Blazers with access to more than 1,000 hectares of private forest land in the Cowichan Lake area to build the trails. Duncan’s Blue Grouse Estate Winery donated $20,000 to the Nourish Cowichan Society, a charitable group offering meals and food hampers to families in need. Island Health’s Recovery Centre at 5878 York Road is scheduled to open sometime in the middle of the coming fall, instead of the midJune opening that was originally planned. For more info on the centre, click here. Econom ic Development Cowichan w i l l receive $70,000 from the Island Coastal Economic Trust to hire an analyst. The role is among 20 temporary positions in 17 rural communities on Vancouver Island hired under the second intake of ICET’s economic recovery program, thanks to funding from the province.
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The open-air food court in Duncan’s Station Street Common will return this summer. The Downtown Duncan BIA which operates the food court, is currently applying for additional grants to help pay for the venue this year after acquiring $10,000 from the City of Duncan’s COVID-19 grant program.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District, its partner municipalities and First Nations, have launched the Cowichan Alert app, an improved system to send emergency alerts and advisories to residents and visitors to the Cowichan region, covering everything from fires and floods to road closures.
The 22nd Black Tie Awards presented by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce was held virtually this year, featuring Duncan’s finest within the business community. Amongst the winners were Ignition Motorsports, Shamawood Fine Woodworking and KidSport Cowichan. For the full list of winners, click here.
From the Trenches Podcast Episode 19 Peter van Dongen: MNP
Aloha Bowls and Kahuna Burger, both owned by Robert Stutzman and Ajay Oppelaar, are opening in Duncan, with the former welcoming hungry guests May 10th, and the latter opening its doors June 1st. They will operate next door to one another at 177 Kenneth Street.
Peter va n Dongen is a Sen ior Ma nager of Business Development at MNP, a national accounting, tax and business consulting firm with 5 offices on Vancouver Island. Peter talks about how his firm and other organizations a re a d ap t i n g to d oi n g b u s i n e s s i n t h e midst of a pandemic, the local economy, the Vancouver Island Economic Summit, and much more. Listen here.
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