www.BusinessExaminer.ca
JULY 2020
AGS
Business Systems
(866) 248-4251 AGScanada.com
LIVING STONES DELIVERS THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE BC LANDSCAPE - 19 HOMES BY CROWN ISLE: HOMEGROWN HOMEBUILDER MAKES DREAMS COMES TRUE - 14 Innov8 the way you work.
Innovation goes beyond products; it’s the processes and support services that help a business prepare for growth and long-term success. We can help automate some of your company’s tasks, so your team can spend more time doing what they do best.
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION LEAD INDUSTRY GROWTH - 24
Did you know? Managed Print Services from Innov8 can save your company as much as 50% each year. Call us for a free Office Assessment
®
myinnov8.ca . 250.384.7243
Printers . Copiers . Software
Macdonald Commercial’s team of outstanding professionals are here to assist you with all of your apartment real estate needs.
604.736.5611
2
At Macdonald Commercial we‘ve built our reputation by providing our clients with the very best in full service commercial real estate services PERFORMANCE, TRUST & PROVEN RESULTS - ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
macdonaldcommercial.com JULY 2020
Summer is finally starting to look like summer, and the Island’s beauty is on full display right now! We hope you have time to spend taking advantage of all it has to offer, and support local businesses who are struggling right now. Please enjoy this edition of the Business Examiner. This month we have a follow up to last month’s Women in Construction feawture, alongside stories on 360 Comfort Systems, BC Regional Council of Carpenters, StoneCroft Engineering and many more. Our Who Is Suing Whom, Movers and Shakers, and regional updates from Chambers of Commerce will provide your business with valuable information to help you make decisions going forward. Let us know of any feedback you have, and look for our BC Seafood and Aquaculture focused edition coming next month. John MacDonald, Director, Business Development
3 When your employees have Benefits Questions,
Do You Have The Answers?
We do! Call us today Take advantage of the team that combines 110 years of Employee benefits experience. Dental, Extended Health, Disability, Critical Illness frank@frankallenfinancial.com
(250) 753-2101
www.frankallenfinancial.com
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
7
NEWS UPDATE
13 COMOX VALLEY
9
12
NANAIMO COLUMN
CAMPBELL RIVER
JUNE 2020
14 CROWN ISLE
19 LIVING STONES DELIVERS THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
22 360 COMFORT SYSTEMS WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
21 COWICHAN VALLEY
24 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
32
28
CHEMAINUS LOCAL
WHO IS SUING WHOM
34
43
STONECROFT
OPINION
37 MOVERS & SHAKERS
JULY 2020
NEWS UPDATE
CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMITIST ABOUT REAL ESTATE MARKET BRITISH COLUMBIA - The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 8,166 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in 2020, an increase of 16.9 per cent from June 2019. The average MLS residential price in BC was $748,155, a 9.1 per cent increase from $685,968 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume in June was $6.1 billion, a 27.5 per cent increase over 2019. Although listings activity has normalized along with sales, active listings are still down close to 20 per cent year-over-year and, as a result, many markets are seeing upward pressure on prices. Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 0.6 per cent to $24.7 billion, compared with the same period in 2019. Residential unit sales were down 8 per cent to 32,875 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 9.4 per cent to $751,722. www.bcrea.ca
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
COWICHAN VALLEY NOW RECOGNIZED AS WINE PRODUCING REGION DUNCAN – British Columbians shopping for a bottle of BC wine will see a new area recognized for their grape-growing and winemaking on the label – the Cowichan Valley. The Cowichan Valley is being recognized as a new sub-geographical indication (sub-GI), an official and protected term under BC law used to help consumers identify BC wines’ origins. The Cowichan Valley sub-GI is roughly defined as the area between the Cowichan watershed, the eastern coastline from Mill Bay to Maple Bay and the western area of Cowichan Lake. Wines labelled with geographical indications and/or sub-GIs commit to consumers that the wine was produced with a minimum of 95 per cent of grapes grown from the specified region. There are nine official geographical indications in the province and five sub-geographical indications. The Cowichan Valley is the first sub-GI outside of the Okanagan and joins the Golden Mile Bench, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls and Skaha Bench in the Okanagan Valley. www.bcvqa.ca
7
8
NANAIMO TO GET 120 AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOMES
PORT ALBERNI FOOD HUB OPENS TO SEAFOOD PROCESSORS
NANAIMO – Middle-income families and individuals in Nanaimo will soon have access to 120 new, affordable rental homes in their community as construction gets underway on two new apartment buildings. Construction is set to start in August on two apartment buildings at 4745 Ledgerwood Rd., which will provide 120 rental homes for people in Nanaimo, thanks to a partnership between the Province and WestUrban Developments. The project is being built through BC Housing’s HousingHub, which was created by the Province in 2018. The HousingHub works with community, government, non-profit and private-sector partners to help create new affordable rental housing and home-ownership options for middle-income British Columbians. The new rental homes are designed to be affordable for households with annual incomes between $44,000 and $76,000. The projects will have studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes. Monthly rents will range from $1,100 for a studio to $1,900 for a three-bedroom unit. Residents are expected to move in spring 2022. The Province, through the Housing Hub, is providing interim construction financing of up to $24.8 million for this project in Nanaimo. www.westurban.ca
In partnership with the City of Port Alberni, with funding support from the Province of BC and Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), the Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is pleased to announce the opening of the new Port Alberni Food Hub to its seafood processors. Following months of renovations to the Port’s owned former fish processing plant, thanks to the dedication and diligence by the construction contractors through COVID-19, the new food hub facility is open to its anchor tenants who process seafood. Flurer Smokery, Cascadia Seaweed, Nova Harvest Oysters and Canadian Seafood Processing (Effingham Oysters) are excited to move into their own respective areas within the food hub to start processing. A fifth anchor tenant, Forest For Dinner, which processes land-based wild grown food products, is expected to move in soon. These sentiments are echoed by the City of Port Alberni’s Manager of Economic Development, Pat Deakin, “This is a legacy project in that it will address food safety, security and supply matters for many years to come and we are exceedingly grateful to the agencies and organizations who have worked together to make this a reality.” Work continues towards completion of the shared commercial kitchen space that will further support local food security, sustainability, growth, processing and incubator opportunities for individuals, small businesses and community organizations. www.islandcoastaltrust.ca
JULY 2020
NANAIMO
WHEATCROFT BECOMES OWNER/ BROKER AT RE/MAX CAMOSUN Nanaimo native Braden Wheatcroft is now an Owner/Broker at RE/MAX Camosun, as he is a minority partner with Graeme and Charlie Parker, who also own R E/M A X of Nanaimo. MARK MACDONALD • • • Nanaimo’s F&M Installations has a new project, as they are proposing building a six-storey apartment building at 201 Dogwood Drive in Ladysmith, the site of the former Dalby’s Automotive shop. The building would be targeted for residents older than 55 years, and would include a commercial retail unit on the ground level, as well as 30 residential units. • • • Nanaimo’s new entry in the West Coast League will be called the NightOwls, and will play its home baseball games at Serauxmen Stadium, which recently had lights installed costing $1.1 million at the Third Street facility to allow for night games. General Manager Jim Swanson made the announcement. A secondary uniform set will be modeled after the Nanaimo Bar. ••• Congratulations to Byron Horner, who has been appointed President of Hold It All Inc., a holding company for the business and philanthropic interests of Shannon and Chip Wilson, the founders of lululemon. Byron, raised in Nanaimo whose parents were WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
VitaCare Natural Health Clinic Welcomes Chiropractor, Dr. Megan Yim To Family Firm long-time physicians, was the Conservative candidate in the Courtenay-Alberni riding in the 2019 federal election. He has been a financial and strategic advisor for CopperLion Capital for the Washington family which owns Seaspan International, and formerly worked for CIBC World Markets and Merrill Lynch in New York and Vancouver. He and his family will move to Vancouver in September for the new position. • • • Wellington Film Studio is opening at 4900 Wellington Road. Former temporary location of Dodd’s Furniture, next to the old Island Highway. The Vancouver Island North Film Commission made the announcement. • • • Proud papa Dr. John Yim is pleased to announce that his daughter Megan Yim, Doctor of Chiropractic, is joining the team at VitaCare Natural Health Clinic at 2147 Bowen Road, which he owns and operates with his wife Beth Yim. Megan most recently worked with BackFit in Victoria. • • • The new owners of the Nanaimo Buccaneers Junior B team have a new coach: James Gaertner, who is the new Head Coach and Assistant General
9
NANAIMO
Our team of professional, resourceful designers and fabricators ensure you stand out by...
Making your first impressons count.
TM
Canada’s Award Wining Sign and Display Company
10
signsofthetimes.ca
Manager. He coached the Kerry Park Islanders in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League last year, which the new Bucs owner, Duncan Iron Works owner Carl Ollech of Nanaimo, owned. MEGAN YIM Brad Knight, the original Bucs coach, resigned as the Bucs coach in June. • • • Justin Sketchley has been appointed Site Supervisor for THL Contracting. • • • Andrew Nixon is the new Communications and Marketing Assistant for the United Way Central & North Vancouver Island. • • • Coastal Community Credit Union continues to make significant investments in Vancouver Island people and organizations, including announcing eight $2,000 scholarships to Island high school graduates to help them with their post-secondary education. Gerry Weaver of CCCU is also pleased to note that the institution has made the 2020 list of “Best Workplaces in British Columbia”, through Great Place To Work Institute Canada. The list is based on direct feedback from employees. CCCU is the largest Vancouver Island-based financial services organization. • • • Congratulations to Chris Duncan, CPA, CA on his recent promotion to a national leadership role with MNP LLP, where he will build the accounting and consulting firm’s forestry practice across Canada.
JULY 2020
NANAIMO Chris was a CA student in the Nanaimo office and a partner and leader in MNP LLP’s Duncan office. • • • A tip of the hat to Lance Bergeron for being named Systems Engineer & TechBRADEN WHEATCROFT nical Manager at The Communication Connection BC Inc. • • • Congratulations to Dan Grubac, General Manager at Berk’s Intertruck Ltd., who has now been with the company for 20 years. • • • WestUrban Developments Ltd. has made a development permit application for an 87 unit apartment building at 550 Brechin Road. The four-storey structure would include three studio apartments, 40 two-bedroom units and 44 one-bedroom units. • • • Vancouver company Numinus Wellness Inc., which merged with Salvation Botanicals of Nanaimo last year, has received federal approval from Health Canada to conduct psychedelic drug research on “magic” mushrooms. Numinus CEO Payton Nyquvest indicated in a press release that the firm can “proceed with the production of naturally-sourced, sustainable psilocybin for research purposes that will support the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research.” Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationInk.ca
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Installing Peace of Mind since 1980 Call today for your free estimate Torch-on and Low Slope Roof Systems Metal Roof & Wall Systems Shingle Roof Systems HVAC
Reach The Masses Words and Images are what Communication Ink Social Media & Public Relations is all about - getting your message out to the masses clearly, concisely and powerfully. Whether it be press releases for your nelsonroofing.com 250-336-8088 company, writing for your website, photography and videos, or communication through Social Media, our team of writers and strategists is ready to get to work!
Reach The Masses Words and Images are what Communication Social Media Ink Social Media & Public Relations is all Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and about - getting your message out to the other Social Media application masses clearly, concisely and powerfully. communication strategies that work Whether it be press releases for your company, Public writingRelations for your website, photography and videos, communication Get your messageor out professionally through Social Media, our team of writers and accurately, with our writers, and strategists is ready and to get to work! photographers Videographers
Crisis Management Social Trouble Media brewing in your company or
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram organization? Put the fire outand and fix other Social Media application the problem with our assistance communication strategies that work
Book Writing Public Relations Have you ever thought of writing a
Get your message professionally book? We can helpout from start to finish: and accurately, with our writers, Writing, editing and publishing photographers and Videographers
ContactCrisis us for a FREE consultation Management Trouble brewing in your company or www.communicationink.ca
organization? Put the fire out and fix E: info@communicationink.ca the problem with our assistance
Book Writing
Have you ever thought of writing a book? We can help from start to finish: Writing, editing and publishing
Contact us for a
FREE consultation
www.communicationink.ca
11
CAMPBELL RIVER
RELATIONSHIPS HELP WEATHER THE STORM
12
Our existence has been forever ch a n ged by COVID-19. Most people acknowledge we will not be returning to our ‘life’ pre-COVID. There are many quotes from Mother Teresa to MARY RUTH SNYDER Mahatma Gandhi about improving our world by starting with ourselves, our family and our neighbourhood. Early last autumn, we renewed our focus with a new executive director and a new board who together, with defined intention, embarked on a path to cement the foundations of our community partnerships. We took steps internally to ensure we were walking our talk. We began a relationship with Kubera from Vancouver utilizing their payment processing system Bambora based in Victoria. Not only is it cost effective, it’s Canadian and right here on the island. As we ventured into the community we engaged with our local secondary schools and discovered a grade twelve student who’s brilliant with computer science — he’s building us a new website that will launch next month. A website that will be hosted by a Vancouver Island company. What better way to expand our future as a community than to provide opportunities to the next generation? North Island College was next on our list. Their post degree diploma in Global Business Management is where we found a student volunteer
who has been invaluable. NIC’s array of work experience opportunities is an excellent way for students to gain real world work experience and for businesses to gain youthful insight, enthusiasm and a new perspective. We also began meeting regularly with our Volunteer Centre as well as the Immigrant Welcome Centre. This led to yet another amazing addition to our small but mighty team. Our relationship with the other non-profits in our community has broadened our reach but more importantly it has expanded our understanding how intricately we are all entwined — stronger together than apart. Our renewed focus led us to also examine our outward appearance. Next month we will be unveiling our new logo designed by a local First Nations artist. Reconciliation begins with each one of us individually and organizationally. Business cannot exist in a vacuum. It needs people. It needs community. It needs relationships. Our path over the last ten months — the enrichment of all our community relationships, the engagement of the younger generations — will help all of us weather whatever comes next. Mary Ruth Snyder is Executive Director of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce.
JULY 2020
COMOX VALLEY
CHAMBER PARTNER – ECOFISH RESEARCH Ecofish Research (Ecofish) is a recognized leader in environmental assessment and monitoring, offering key services to industry, government, and First Nations. Their success is founded on four DIANNE HAWKINS guiding principles: scientific excellence, professional environmental ethics, business discipline, and social responsibility. In 2019, Ecofish’s founder, Adam Lewis, was recognized as the Association of Clean Energy BC’s 2019 recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award. He accepted the award on behalf of all his employees, recognizing that the Ecofish team was instrumental in this achievement. Ecofish employs more than 110 skilled professionals, including biologists, engineers, hydrologists, foresters, chemists, environmental technicians, and support staff working as one firm in a distributed office model with 9 locations across BC, and offices in Toronto and Halifax. At Ecofish, social responsibility is a key pillar of their business and building their local networks helps to identify areas where they can contribute and work with others to create positive change for the environment and the economy. This include supporting local environmental groups and initiatives to taking on pro-bono projects and generously supporting charitable activities such as food banks, medical research, and local interest groups. Ecofish directly supports economic development in the Comox Valley by employing 30 scientists and support staff, and using local contractors for day to day services including
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
cleaning, construction, and real estate. Becoming a Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce corporate partner has been a great opportunity for them to get to know the businesses in the community. With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, our communities have faced unprecedented challenges. Throughout the transition, Ecofish has taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of their staff, colleagues, and clients. Ecofish’s distributed model allowed them to quickly transition their team to work remotely. Their Emergency Response Team (ERT), part of their Safety Department, regularly monitors information from Federal and Provincial Health Authorities as they assess work hazards to identify additional effective mitigation. Through these proactive measures, they have been able to remain fully operational to meet their client’s needs and are working diligently with their staff and suppliers to continue to provide high-quality service. Welcome New Chamber Members: Runge’s Deli, Salish Sea Foods, Tourism Café and Willow Medical Esthetics. Dianne Hawkins is CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber.
13
A championship 18-hole golf course is part and parcel to the Homes by Crown Isle experience, with shopping and dining available to residents as well
HOMES BY CROWN ISLE GIVE LUXURY LIVING NEW LUSTER IN THE COMOX VALLEY 14
A HOMEGROWN HOUSEBUILDER MAKES RESIDENTIAL DREAMS COME TRUE ON COURTENAY’S GREEN LINKS COURTENAY - Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Jayson Welsh has an intimate connection to and appreciation for the stunning beauty Eastern Vancouver Island offers, and the draw visitors feel to put down roots there. He’s built a career making that desire a reality as Vice President of Construction at the Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community in Courtenay. Crown Isle is an 831-acre residential golf community, a unique combination of full-service resort and championship 18-hole golf course surrounded by residential real estate lots, condos, resale single family houses, patio homes
and commercial services meeting the needs of its community. Jayson began his relationship with Crown Isle twenty-seven years ago, apprenticing with a custom builder, staying on until earning his Red Seal as a carpenter (the national standard for skilled trades in Canada) before striking out on his own. “I owned my own business before joining Crown Isle in 2009
Proud partner of Homes by Crown Isle. Go solar, beautifully. www.ergosun.com
JULY 2020
“We install or build whatever the customer desires, from the ground up to renovations of existing residences. Crown Isle gives customer control of spending, letting them steer the ship when it comes to a large variety of build options.”
Proud supporter of Jayson and the team at Homes by Crown Isle! • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
Proud to supply
Congratulations to Homes by Warm Valley Crown Isle Contracting on all your success! Victoria: 250.388.9975 250.388.9975 Cobble Hill: Hill: 250.743.9922 250.743.9922 Cumberland: 250.400.3830 Cumberland: 250.400.3830 E:E:chris@victoriatrussltd.ca lui@victoriatrussltd.ca www.victoriatrussltd.ca www.victoriatrussltd.ca
We are proud of our relationship with Homes by Crown Isle and we congratulate you on many years of success.
Please visit us at our Vancouver Island locations:
7425 Industrial Road, Lantzville 2920 Ed Nixon Terrace, Victoria
Congratulat ons to Crown Isle Homes! In our years of bus ness together we truly respect the r profess onal sm, workmansh p and pr de n all of the r bu ld ng endeavours.
Built by Jayson’s team and open to the public July 19th, this 2,333 square foot luxury rancher is a potential grand prize in theHometown Heroes Lottery
to get Homes by Crown Isle up and running,” explains Jayson. “We built and designed a show home at 533 Crown Isle Drive that was very well-received, so much so that we still design houses using interior products and room designs from that house. Our work resonates with people.” A key to Jayson and his seventeen-strong team’s success is skilled, expert hires, and a customization philosophy giving customers as much control as possible creating their dream homes. On his team Jayson states, “We have four Red Seal certified carpenters, and five talented apprentices learning their craft through practical, on-site instruction and in-class theory. This maintains a high-level of skill when building a custom house.” A highly-customized build is a cornerstone of Jayson’s work. Any options or material selections that can be
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Wishing Jayson and the team at Homes by Crowne Isle continued success!
Proud supporter of Jayson and the team at Homes By Crown Isle! Serving Qualicum Beach to Campbell River 250.339.8613 info@courtenayplumbing.ca www.courtenayplumbing.ca
#50 - 2960 Moray Ave, Courtenay P: 250.465.2490 E: office@trcs.ca
www.tempriteclimatesolutions.com
15
16 A multitude of design options and materials selections are at client’s fingertips, making each Crown Isle home unique to its owners
conceptualized, safely used and are within the customer’s budget are on the table. “We install or build whatever the customer desires, from the ground up to renovations of existing residences,” Jayson explains. “Crown Isle Homes provides the best value based on providing clients with the most allowances in a fixed contract, giving customer control of spending, and
VP of Construction for Homes by Crown Isle and a Comox Valley-native, Jayson Welsh takes pride in creating unique residences in Courtenay
Proud supplier of custom window coverings for Crown Isle Homes! FREE In-Home Consultations 250-338-8564 budgetblinds.com
"Congratulations are in order for the Crown Isle team! It is such a pleasure to work with you on your beautiful projects!"
-Rebeccah Stefina
Budget Blinds Design Consultant
JULY 2020
17 Some of Jayson’s crew, a team including master carpenters and talented apprentices ready to build homes at the Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community
letting them steer the ship when it comes to a large variety of build options.� From steam rooms and wine cellars, to outdoor kitchens and custom woodworking, Jayson offers clients a unique home reflecting their specific wants and needs. Meeting these desires has Proud partner omes, of Crown Isle H ns! Congratulatio
50+ Brands To Fit Any Budget! Congratulations to Jayson and Homes by Crown Isle on all your success! 416 A Puntledge Road, Courtenay P: 250.334.3666 E: info@courtenayappliances.ca www.courtenayappliances.ca
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
870 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay P: 250.871.8453 www.theshowroomflooring.ca
made Jayson and company a popular go-to for those wishing to make Crown Isle their luxury home destination. To keep up with the demand of managing employees, sub trades and new customers, Jayson hired office manager Kristina Fox and promoted
Proud supporter of Jayson and the team at Homes by Crown Isle!
On Budget... On Time
Serving the Comox Valley & North Island for over 25 Years
18
Chris McGrath to Const r uct ion M a n a ger. “K ristina and Chris are incredible,” Jayson dotes. “Chris oversees our employees and sub trades on each job, and Kristina keeps us running like a well-oiled machine. They’ve freed me up to work extensively in the office and more closely with clients. I may need to find a way to duplicate the both of them.” In the future, Homes by Crown Isle is opening a new show home to the public on July 19th. A 2,333 square foot rancher packed to the brim with luxury fixtures, high-ceilings, beautiful
Custom interiors are built by some of the finest carpenters in BC, including these striking hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings
hardwood floors, and 535 eco-friendly mini-solar panels, the home is conditionally one of the grand prizes in the Hometown Heroes Lottery. Jayson also has big developments on his plate, including the building of a multi-residential site with roughly thirty units within the next year, a project currently in the planning stages. Jayson Welsh is making luxury living experiences a reality in his beloved Comox Valley. If life amongst the greens and fairways of Homes by Crown Isle is calling you, Jayson is ready and willing to make it happen. crownislehomes.com
Congratulations to Homes by Crown Isle on all your success!
Your Overhead Door Specialist Serving the Comox Valley P: 250.338.9678 E: contact@marinerdoors.ca www.marinerdoors.ca
A deep soaking tub and beautiful tilework in a custom-built Crown Isle home JULY 2020
OFF THE COVER
LIVING STONES DELIVERS THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE BC LANDSCAPE
WITH AN ABOVE-AND-BEYOND MISSION, LIVING STONES THINKS LOCALLY AND ACTS GLOBALLY CROFTON - Beginning in 2006 as the tenacious two-man operation of Ryan Politano and Ken Pesch, Living Stones focused on the basics, and doing them well, installing paving stone driveways, patios and stairs. In the beginning, steady work was hard to come by. “Our first two years were tough, but our skill and determination helped us build a strong reputation,”Says Ryan. “We were able to grow our team, purchase top-of-the-line equipment, including multiple excavators, and add to our repertoire.” That included excavation, masonry, turf, and ponds and plant installation. Ryan brings a multidisciplinary skillset to Living Stones, with thirteen years of hardscaping experience and certifications in Aqua Pave, Paving Stones, and Segmental Block Retaining Systems. His team is equally impressive, with mechanical engineers, landscape designers, master masons, skilled foremen, experts in soil health and plant production, and veteran machine operators amongst its ranks. Together, they have helped support Ryan’s vision to positively impact BC locals, even beyond their standard fare, like offering snow removal services in the Cowichan Valley. They also support Ryan’s other passion; provide relief for global communities in great need. “We recently sent a group to Acul, Guatemala
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
19 Ryan Politano, President of Living Stones, brings thirteen years of hardscaping experience to the table, and a passion for serving BC businesses and residents.
in February with food to help impoverished children and their families, “Ryan explains.” In addition to food, we brought gifts, and members of our team were able to spend time with some of the children they have been sponsoring.” Living Stones is a certified installer of paving stones and retaining walls. Ryan puts a strong emphasis on the value of choosing installers with similar certifications, even if Living Stones isn’t the company a prospective client ultimately chooses. “I strongly recommend customers work with companies certified in the projects they do. The procedures learned in certification courses are designed to make certain work is done at
OFF THE COVER
20
the highest quality, with long-lasting results every time.” Due to their collective expertise and stated work ethic, Living Stones embraces large-scale commercial construction projects and challenging design-build installations, with services delivered on time, and on budget. Ryan elaborates, “Our goal is to help customers create their vision, providing spaces that are unique, high-quality, and most importSkilled foremen, soil health experts, master masons and more make antly, that will stand the test of time.” up Living Stones’ highly-qualified, dedicated team Whether large or small, Ryan and team hold themselves to the same credo; to businesses, offering a plethora of landscaping work to the highest possible standards in everyservices, from quaint to extravagant. thing they do. Of course, Living Stones doesn’t Living Stones can be found at 8300 Crofton just service the commercial sphere, providing Road, Crofton, BC. the same care and quality to homes and small livingstonesinc.com
BUSINESS MOVES IN
A FLASH! DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND BOOK NOW helijet.com |
INCREASED FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE VANCOUVER – NANAIMO IN 18 MINUTES VANCOUVER – VICTORIA IN 35 MINUTES
helijet | 1.800.665.4354
JULY 2020
COWICHAN VALLEY
COWICHAN BUSINESSES MAKING LOCAL PRODUCTS CAN GET A FREE MARKETING BOOST
BARRY O’RIORDAN Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures have partnered with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) to offer local producers a free Island Good licence. VIEA developed the Island Good brand program as a way for shoppers to easily identify local food products on grocery shelves. “There is a growing demand for locally made food and products, and we know it can be hard for small producers to stand-out. To help them be seen, and hopefully increase their sales, we will support these businesses to take advantage of the successful Island Good program,” says Cathy Robertson, General Manager of Community Futures Cowichan. Barry O’Riordan, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan added, “Awareness of the need to support Cowichan and Vancouver Island businesses has come into sharp focus, but identifying Island produced or grown products is no easy task. Economic Development Cowichan is delighted to support Cowichan businesses leverage the Island
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Good branding to boost sales and support economic recovery in the region.” According to BC Buy Local, for every $100 spent at a local business, $63 is re-circulated back into the BC economy. VIEA notes that every one per cent increase in sales of local products equals 50 jobs. Cowichan businesses that generate products on Vancouver Island or sell their products from the island may qualify for this free licensing opportunity – available on a first-come-first-served basis until the funding is spent. To fill out an application form, please visit the Island Good website at islandgood.ca “More and more Island producers, manufacturers, and retailers are using the power of the Island Good brand, and it’s now available to all products made on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Everything from potatoes to airplane parts!” said VIEA President George Hansen. After launching the pilot program, the Island Good branding led to increased sales of food and beverage products by an average of 16 per cent in 45 grocery stores over a six-month period. The success of the brand has translated into an expansion from food to now include all Vancouver Island made products. Barry O’Riordan is Manager of Economic Development Cowichan
21
SERVICE COMMITMENT DRIVES 360 COMFORT SYSTEMS GROWTH HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS COMPANY ONE OF THE COWICHAN VALLEY’S FASTEST GROWING BUSINESSES
22
DUNCAN – A solid commitment to customer service has helped 360 Comfort Systems become one of the fastest growing businesses in the Cowichan Valley. Reed Gary is General Manager and owner of the company he founded in 2011 to provide heating and cooling systems and service, meaning year-round comfort for commercial and residential clients. “We’re one of the fastest growing companies because we really do take care of our customers,” he notes. “A large amount of our business comes from referrals from customers who are very happy with us and tell their friends.” Heating repair and installation, regular and ductless heat pumps, central air conditioning installation and repair, HVAC maintenance, gas furnace repair and installation. Brand name products include their own brand, 360 Comfort Systems, York,
Proud supporter of 360 Comfort Systems! 5237 Polkey Rd, Duncan P: 250.746.4652 E: dicksonfraserauto@shaw.ca www.dicksonandfraserautorepair.ca
Reed and Erika Gary at 360 Comfort Systems
Amana, Fujitsu and Daikin. “We sell a lot of heat pumps, as that’s the main thing we do,” he notes. “We do duct work and gas fitting, but heat pumps is our specialty.” Ductless heat pumps have become increasingly popular. “Ductless heat pumps don’t use duct work. They have an indoor head that mounts on the wall and heats or cools the air in your home,” Reed states. “The ductless heat pumps are essentially the same idea for heating and cooling the air, but it’s a unit that mounts on the wall or on the floor, brings air in and out of the home. People who don’t have ductwork can easily use these systems, and they work very, very well. “Homeowners who have them are very very happy to have lower heating bills and higher comfort,” he adds. “There are lots of people with electric baseboard heat that is very expensive, but it doesn’t supply any sort of cooling option. Heat pumps are
JULY 2020
Members of the 360 Comfort Systems team
a less expensive source of heat and also provides cooling for the summer.” Reed had worked for another company in the same industry for six years before starting 360 Comfort Systems. “Both of my parents were entrepreneurs,” he observes. “My dad was a serial entrepreneur, and he started and ran many businesses throughout Canada. That’s where I got the bug.” Like many companies, the COVID-19 crisis has hit hard, but their 16 employees are all back at work.
360 Comfort Systems moved to their current location at 1059 Canada Avenue in 2014 and the business has tripled in size since. “It all comes down to how we serve our customer service,” he says, pointing to the reasons for the firm’s success. “We have some of the best customer service software, we get lots of comments on how great it is. Our customer service advisors can find out what the customers need and get them responses and quotes right away.” www.360comfortsystems.com
Equip your Business with the Latest Technology Contact us Today (866) 248-4251 40 years of trusted service on Vancouver Island
AGS
Business Systems
Nanaimo Parksville Courtenay Victoria
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
(866) 248-4251
AGScanada.com
23
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
THE SKILLED TRADES ARE BETTER WITH WOMEN AMONGST THE RANKS A CHANGING WIND IN CONSTRUCTION CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR TALENTED TRADESWOMEN
24
BRITISH COLUMBIA - Whether actively or subconsciously, through decades of entrenched systemic exclusion and lack of opportunity, women have largely been on the outside looking in when it comes to making headway in skilled trades in construction. This rings as true in BC as the rest of North America. Thankfully an increasing shift is occurring, the industry beginning to participate in creating a more egalitarian, welcoming playing field for talented women. But, there is much work to do. “Women are still barely five-percent of tradespeople in BC and that is not changing quickly enough,” explains Lisa Stevens, Chief Strategy Officer of the BC Construction Association. “A big part of the barrier is the culture of the construction industry, not just in regard to tradeswomen but overall. Programs like the Builders Code are starting to have a positive impact, because by signing on employers and owners are publicly stating their commitment to psychological as well as physical safety on the worksite. Tradespeople are beginning to look for Builders Code employers when job hunting, because it represents a more modern employer and healthy culture. But there is still a long way to go.” Builders Code Project Manager Rishi Sharma describes, “The builders Code is a holistic, larger
v ision for t h e i n d u stry, making it more comfortable and healthier for all workers. For women, we care about retention. T here is a high perc e n t a g e o f Lisa Stevens is Chief Strategy Office with the BC Construction women who Association get into the trades, finish school, their apprenticeship, then shortly leave, perhaps because of entrenched attitudes and behaviors in the workplace. The training programs and policy guides we offer, from the foreman and owners, to on-site workers is designed to create environments where everyone feels safe and welcomed. This hopefully leads to women remaining in their trade.” A growing number of construction employers large and small have embraced the Builders Code credo, including Metro Vancouver, Mazzei Electric in Nanaimo and LNG Canada, the latter having specific thoughts on women’s place in construction.
JULY 2020
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
WITT program students at Camosun College are sponsored for trade sampling and pre-apprenticeship programs for women, with a support system designed to secure their futures in construction.
With a growing shortfall of skilled workers to fill roles in the decade to come, LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz understands the deep necessity of growing the number of women amongst tradesfolk ranks. Speaking to Royal Bank of Canada’s John Stackhouse about the slim number of women in the construction labor force (fewer than four-percent), Andy says, “This lack of diversity is not a women’s issue, it is a workplace issue. We are missing out on a talented demographic. We want women to know there is a place for them on our projects.” In November of last year, LNG launched a fourweek training program co-helmed by Women Building Futures, a non-profit established in 1998 to support women through trades training and mentorship. Together, they provide travel costs, lodging tuition and equipment for women looking to establish their careers in the skilled trades. LNG is also dedicated to increasing the number of women working on their various projects. The Vancouver Island Construction Association is also doing its part in building momentum for tradeswomen, particularly via their Women in Construction (WiC) members. Victoria Chapter Chair Kathy Price of Knappett Projects Inc. describes their focus on promoting and supporting female participation in the construction industry.
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
“Throughout our events we have been fortunate in hosting a diverse group of women, from accountants to engineers. Each event is bigger and better than the last thanks to all the support from our sponsors, tour guides, event hosts and especially our members. Our Victoria Chapter currently has 552 members, and we average about 40 attendees at our events. Although intended to be educational and informative, with a focus on personal growth, it is the social interactions with like-minded women which feels just as valuable.” There is also a Nanaimo Chapter for Women in Construction chaired by Anu Mayer of Island Aggregates. Women are a needed force in construction, and the industry is indeed waking up to this immutable fact. Women-led organizations are most certainly building inroads into and creating a new, healthier skilled trades ecosystem. The other half of that momentum requires the allyship of male leaders and colleagues in construction to secure this more inclusive, mutually beneficial future. States Rory Kulmala, Vancouver Island Construction Association CEO,” Women are, and will continue to be, a vital component of our workforce and I want to see it grow and improve so that women are welcomed, valued and treated respectfully and equally.”
25
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
THE BC REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS CREATE A HOME FOR FEMALE INGENUITY
26
VICTORIA - Kristine Byers was in middle school when she asked her parents for a scroll saw for her birthday. It was the first power tool she ever owned. “My passion for woodworking began as a kid, when it was mandatory in school to try different trades,” remembers Kristine who has been adding to that power-tool collection since becoming a carpenter thirteen years ago. Today, she’s a representative and instructor for the BC Regional Council of Carpenters, servicing members across BC and the Yukon. She also sits as a trustee on the executive board for Local 1907, Metro Vancouver, and heads the council’s Sisters in the Brotherhood women’s committee. Despite loving the trade from a young age, she took a different career path after high school, attending the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, on track to becoming a military officer. Kristine soon realized it wasn’t the right career for her and enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship carpentry and joinery class. Her story of career change is all too familiar for women in construction, who account for just four percent of the skilled construction trades. Based on this, young women leaving high school might not consider it a viable career, no matter how much they excelled in shop class. Yuka Yoshino of Local 1598, Victoria, a soon-tobe journey-person, changed careers from retail to carpentry after taking an aptitude test. Yuka, who immigrated to Canada from Japan in 2008, had been struggling to support her two young children
after the passing of her husband. “I sought help from an immigrant settlement organization,” she reca l ls. “They had me take a test, and it showed I should be in the trades. I didn’t know Kristine Byers, an instructor women could be for the BC Regional Council of Carpenters, has maintained a in the trades!” deep passion for woodworking since childhood. Back in Japan, Yuka’s relatives were surprised. “It’s a very different culture here in Canada. Women in carpentry are rare in Japan, but my family knows I’m able to support my family because of the good union wage I earn.” Still, with women comprising such a small percentage of construction workers, there are challenges, including harassment, bullying and discrimination. Hearteningly, times are changing, thanks to everything from financial incentives for tuition to the BC NDP government’s Community Benefits Agreement, providing opportunities for women on public infrastructure projects, something supported by most British Columbians. Says Kristine, “In many ways, women are the future of skilled construction trades, and that’s pretty fantastic.” www.bcrcc.ca JULY 2020
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
27 We want to welcome back the Restaurant and Hosp tal ty ndustry - We have m ssed you! We look forward to del ver ng eggs to all of our return ng customers and welcome any and all new customers n grocery, restaurant and the hotel and hosp tal ty ndustry. We pr de ourselves n be ng able to oer you fresh, LOCAL eggs now more than ever t's truly mportant that we support one another.
Buy Local, Support Local now more than ever.
ISLAND FRESH
1994
FA M I LY OWNED
1711 Herd Rd, Duncan | P: 250.746.6110 | E: farmerbenseggs@shaw.ca | www.farmerbenseggs.ca
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 1187581 BC Ltd 120-256 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Phillips, Trevor CLAIM $43,000
28
DEFENDANT Abstract Construction Inc 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF PML Professional Mechanical Ltd CLAIM $894,971
DEFENDANT Abstract Projects Inc 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF PML Professional Mechanical Ltd CLAIM $894,971
DEFENDANT Black & McDonald Limited 1331 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Musfelt Excavating Ltd CLAIM $93,825 DEFENDANT Chilliwack Hop Farms Ltd 6575 Unsworth Rd, Chilliwack, BC PLAINTIFF Mitchell, Richard Bruce CLAIM $183,750
DEFENDANT Aragon Esquimalt TC Properties Ltd 201-1628 West 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Skyway Canada Limited DEFENDANT Dobosala Restaurant CLAIM 1-699 Beach Rd, $128,744
Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Jawl Properties Ltd CLAIM $311,764 DEFENDANT Domcor Traffic Control International Inc 1275h Cypress St, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Attridge Contracting Ltd CLAIM $66,203
CLAIM $43,000 DEFENDANT Farm Edible Restaurant Ltd 1-699 Beach Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Jawl Properties Ltd CLAIM $311,764
DEFENDANT FAS Trucking Ltd 200-911 Yates St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT HMQ-Province Of BC EZ BTC 120-256 Wallace St, Na- CLAIM naimo, BC $39,404 PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT Phillips, Trevor Hummingbird Cove
Keeping projects on time and on budget
JULY 2020
WHO IS SUING WHOM Lifestyles Ltd 14839 Hwy 101, Powell River, BC PLAINTIFF SD United Aquaculture Inc CLAIM $63,920 DEFENDANT Merridale Ciderworks Corp 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC PLAINTIFF Barber, Robin CLAIM $20,000 DEFENDANT National Courier Service 951 Tattersall Dr, Victoria, BC
PLAINTIFF HMQ-Province Of BC CLAIM $39,404 DEFENDANT Owners Strata Plan 740 103-2220 Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC PLAINTIFF Russo, Marlene CLAIM $23,292 DEFENDANT Owners Strata Plan Vis 740 103-2220 Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC PLAINTIFF Russo, Marlene CLAIM $23,292
DEFENDANT Park Isle Marine Ltd 7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Saxer, Janet CLAIM $37,436 DEFENDANT Ridley Bros Development Co Ltd 3rd Flr 26 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc CLAIM $270,000 DEFENDANT Ridley Bros Development Co Ltd 3rd Flr 26 Bastion
Square, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc CLAIM $347,250 DEFENDANT Sooke Harbour House Inc 1212-1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Alsco Canada Corporation CLAIM $160,437 DEFENDANT Specialty Crop Management Ltd 6575 Unsworth Rd, Chilliwack, BC PLAINTIFF
Mitchell, Richard Bruce CLAIM $40,000 DEFENDANT Tri X Excavating Ltd 1107 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF 420393 BC Ltd CLAIM $45,603 DEFENDANT Westcoast Industrial Maintenance Ltd 4520 Franklin Ave, Powell River, BC PLAINTIFF Pacific Rim Industrial Insulations Inc CLAIM $141,696
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
LARGE QUALITY SPACE Pleasant Valley - $14.00/Sq. Ft. High Visibility 2,100 Sq. Ft. Space Great Open Layout with 2 Entrances 2 Private Office, 1 Large Office/Boardroom 2 Washrooms, Storage & Kitchenette Former Learning Centre Fully Accessible Ground Level Unit
Information Portfolio Available
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING W/LAND South Nanaimo - FOR LEASE
Approx. 7,665 Sq. Ft. Building including
Mezzanine on .65 of an Acre
Office Portion approx. 1,500 Sq. Ft. Three 2-piece Washrooms, Electric Heat 400 AMP 3 Phase Service, Full Fenced 3 Overhead Grade Level Doors $12.50/Sq. Ft. plus TN
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
1,422 Sq. Ft. I-3 Industrial Zoned Space - Northfield Industrial Park, high visibility, 11 ft. ceilings, 3 Washrooms, Ample Parking for Clients $14/SF + TN 4,306 Sq. Ft. Medium Industrial Office Building & Land - Near Cassidy Airport, .75 of an Acre, Great Exposure, Heat Pump, Vacant $9/SF + TN 2,033 Sq. Ft. 2nd Floor Office Space – Downtown Nanaimo, T.N. includes HVAC, Hydro & Utilities. Available for Immediate Occupancy $9.50/SF + TN 2 Second Level Offices Available - 350 Sq. Ft. each w/Tall ceilings, HVAC, 2 separate offices/unit. Access to washroom from common hallway. Can be combined for discounted rent, otherwise each space is $550/Month Gross + GST 506 Sq. Ft. Space Downtown Nanaimo - Includes an Operating Kitchen & Office/Meeting Room perfect for Club, Lodge, Catering etc. $800/Month + 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 1 Acre High Tech Industrial Land - Property is Fenced, gated, level, easy access of side road, Long Term Lease preferred $5,500/Month Gross + GST Light Industrial Space in Diver Lake Area 1,380 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level, Gross Lease + GST, Tenant pays own Hydro. Available Now! $950/Month + GST 849 Sq. Ft. Space in Dorchester Hotel – Across from Waterfront, Downtown Nanaimo w/Good visibility, Available Now! $1,250/Month + Hydro & Taxes 1,340 Sq. Ft. Gallery Row - Currently configured as 2 Separate Units. 840 Sq. Ft. Retail & Showroom space + 500 Sq. Ft. Storage Area. $2,500/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 Metral Centre Newly Demised Space – 1,125 Sq. Ft. Open Plan, Bright windows, Rough-In Washroom, Blank Canvas awaiting your ideas $18.00/Sq. Ft. plus T.N.
ESTABLISHED FLOORING BUSINESS - MID-ISLAND - $179,900 Healthy Financial Statements-Turn Key Operation-Asset Purchase-Plus Inventory-Info Portfolio Available
FEATURED PROPERTIES
POPULAR NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB - NANAIMO Busy High Volume Operation, 175 Seats incl. Patio Full Kitchen, Price includes Inventory $349,000 Information Portfolio Available
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
NEW COMMERCIAL STRATA UNIT - DUNCAN Suite 103 is 3,250 Sq Ft Main Level Unit-Dakova Square Great Visibility, Close to Downtown $769,900 Residential Suites above
MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY - NANAIMO
SOUTH NANAIMO STRIP MALL Sub-Lease Space Available High Visibility Corner Location Approx. 1,100 Sq. Ft. Space currently
configured as a Retail Grocery Store Front and Rear Entrances Shared Washroom Gross Lease is $1,800/Month plus GST Information Portfolio Available
6 Unit Apartment Bldg & 3 Bed Fully Renovated Home
with Basement and Shop, 1/2 Acre Lot
Information Portfolio Available
$1,229,000
NEW COMMERCIAL SUITE - DAKOVA SQUARE Suite 101 is 2,111 Sq. Ft. Main Level in Duncan 12 Ft. Ceilings, Vacant and Ready Parking Avail. for Commercial Suites
$569,900
BAKERY & CONFECTIONARY BUSINESS - NANAIMO Bakery & Coffee Shop with a Terrific Reputation Highly Visible Corner Location $249,000 Information Portfolio Available
FLOORING RETAIL/WAREHOUSE BUSINESS Well Known Successful Nanaimo Flooring Business Broad Range of Product Offerings $175,000 Information Portfolio Available
HIGH EXPOSURE BUILDINGS & LAND Central Nanaimo - $1,195,000
2 Buildings on 3/4 of an Acre Property Paved Parking for 50 Vehicles
Existing Restaurant Tenant in 1,800 Sq. Ft.
Building has Long Term Lease
Large 4,200 Sq. Ft. Bldg is Vacant Zoned Community Corridor 3 (COR3) Information Portfolio Available
29
FEATURE STORY
A COOL NEW IDEA FOR SHIPPING VICTORIA-BASED CRYOLOGISTICS USING CARBON DIOXIDE TO DRIVE SNOWSHIP CONTAINERS
30
VICTORIA – CryoLogistics has facilities. Altogether, SnowSHIP come up with a cool idea for a has had two stationary and eight product. mobile applications. SnowSHIP is a super-insulated, “It’s getting a lot of interest,” refrigerated shipping container Evans allows. “There’s a bit of a that uses liquid carbon dioxide ‘wow’ factor for the companies to keep goods cool without the that have used it, as it addresses need for electricity. It enables a number of concerns they deal the transporting of high value, with while shipping perishable temperature-sensitive food and product. biopharma products throughout “We’re getting requests from the global supply chain. industry for various sizes, from President and CEO Peter Evans air cargo companies, the biostarted the company in 2013 and CryoLogistics President and CEO pharmaceutical sector that ships Peter Evans small quantities of high value has been concentrating on research and development, and vaccines, and even some interest obtaining patents for the innovation. The product in the recreational vehicle area from RVers who idea came from his late father-in-law, Ivan Thomare looking for a cooler they can put in the back sen in the late 1980’s, and Evans, retired after 25 of an RV or in a boat.” years in the RCMP, picked up the mantle. Peter was a career RCMP officer and after retirement “We are in the final design optimization phase held leadership positions in commercial aviation, now, and the units will be produced and comtelecommunications, critical infrastructure protecmercially manufactured beginning in October,” tion, and community non-profits. Peter holds a MasEvans states. “We’ve had six prototypes in demter’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management. onstration in the last year in BC and Alberta. It’s He spent the first two years of CryoLogistics a process that has taken us three and a half years assessing the market possibilities, and design to get to the commercial ready product stage.” development began in 2017. Two of the units have been used in in Kamloops It’s been a longer process than software developand two have been parked at a Victoria-area groment, due to the different layers of testing and cery store during the early phases of the COVID-19 evaluation that are necessary, and securing the crisis to supplement their existing cold storage patents. JULY 2020
FEATURE STORY
A CryoLogistics employee moves a SnowSHIP container with a forklift
“Our liquid carbon dioxide heat exchange system is the first of its kind, and it’s taken a longer period of time to develop,” he adds. “It’s pure and sanitary, low maintenance and has no moving parts. It doesn’t use combustibles, and is virtually silent, which is perfect for sensitive noise environments. “It locks and isolates the load within a container, and is designed for less than load trucking. You can segregate the load, so you don’t have to refrigerate the entire transport truck.” To date, Evans has raised $6.5 million in equity and non-diluted financing, including a recently announced $3.5 million through the federal Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and the provincial BC Innovative Clean Energy Fund. He self-funded the company for the first five years, and was early in the research and
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
development phase, their efforts were assisted through the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). They’ve also produced the CryoRamp, a separate device developed in response to a need identified by transport companies that solves the problem of inserting a pallet jack into and out of the SnowSHIP. “Users typically have to push pallets up and over curbs, so we built a custom designed ramp for them,” he notes. Evans is very optimistic about the SnowSHIP’s prospects. “We survived phase one of COVID-19, which is a feat in itself for any start-up company, and we’ve been able to retain all our 15 employees and kept them working throughout it,” he notes. www.cryologistics.ca
31
FEATURE STORY
FORMER CHEMAINUS RESIDENT HAS BIG VISION FOR BLAINE, WA EX-CHEMAINUS THEATRE MARKETING DIRECTOR MULDER HELPING TRANSFORM BORDER TOWN BLAINE, WA – Chemainus is known as “The Little Town That Did”. Mike Mulder, the original Marketing Director at the Chemainus Theatre, helped put the popular community landmark on the map. Mulder is at it again, aiming to raise the profile of Blaine, Washington as another success story of making a small town a big deal for tourists and investors. Mulder and several friends have purchased
32
Mike Mulder in downtown Blaine, Washington
commercial properties on Salashan Parkway, Blaine’s main street, a stone’s throw from the U.S. border crossing, and he envisions big things while making it a “must stop” destination and on the first Interstate 5 exit in Washington state. “This town is so ready for an economic revival,” Mulder says of the town of 5,000, adding that his company owns several properties along Peace Portal Drive, the strip of old town Blaine that boasts westerly sunsets over the marina and Drayton Harbor. Mulder has been busy since leaving Canada over 20 years ago, joining his father (who has since passed away) at the Grandview Industrial Park in nearby Ferndale, and building and expanding COPAC Properties into several other businesses, including COPAC Self Storage and COPAC (now Nimbus) Real Estate. The company developed the 75-lot Pine Creek Estates subdivision in Mt. Vernon, WA, and Mulder, with Andrew Littlejohn, owns Skunky’s, a clean-up and waste removal company that started in Phoenix, Arizona. “We thought, let’s try and capture the public’s imagination,” Mulder notes. “We have a skunk painted on the side of every truck – people laugh. Everybody loves the brand.”
JULY 2020
FEATURE STORY
Former Chemainus resident Mike Mulder sees plenty of potential in Blaine, Washington
Mulder is also an accomplished musician, and recently wrote and recorded his latest CD at the state-of-the-art studio of Seattle Seahawk owner Paul Allen, overlooking Lake Washington near Seattle. In an earlier life, one of his tunes he wrote with Canadian producer Roy Salmond, was “The Turkey Song.” The song eventually found its way onto television’s landmark Tonight Show anchored by Johnny Carson. Mulder laughs when he recalls the huge royalty cheques that would show up in his mailbox years after, when re-runs of the show would play their song. One of Mulder’s Blaine buildings is home to Wildbird, a second-hand consignment store which has “having fun helping others” as its
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
motto and has donated as much as $100,000 a year to numerous charitable causes in the area. “We’re a boots on the ground charity,” Mulder states, adding Wildbird helps fund the ‘Backpack Program’, which fills backpacks with nutritious, kid-friendly and easy-to-prepare food that can be picked up anonymously by needy students at area schools for the weekend. “We don’t want to shame kids who need help,” Mulder points out. “All of the administration costs are covered by the business, and all the profits after expenses goes directly to the kids.” As Mulder and his business colleagues chart a possible new vision for the community, Mulder would like others to join them. “Canadian business people can come down and join the other investors in Blaine,” he adds. “There is plenty of room here.” www.wildbirdcharity.com
Do you know where YOUR DATA is? Visit our Co-Location Datacenter in Nanaimo
• World class technical staff • Full IT services (networking, servers, computers) • Class ‘A’ Co-location Datacenter • IntraBAC Secured Offsite Backup • Web/Cloud Solutions
33
34
Block Bay “Live” A-Frame Reload on Powell Lake for Western Forest Products - Stillwater Forest Operation
STONECROFT ENGINEERING EXPAND THEIR REPERTOIRE WITH BC-BRED TALENT TALENTED FIRM ADDS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING TO ALREADY EXPANSIVE LIST OF SERVICES CAMPBELL RIVER - For over thirty years, StoneCroft Engineering Ltd. has served BC as a specialist consulting engineering firm. In that time, they have designed, installed and assured over 3,500 engineered structures. Founded in 1989 by G. Glen Beaton, a civil engineer who began his work in the BC forestry industry in the early seventies, StoneCroft has built a reputation on practicality, professionalism, ethics and maintaining the best professional and technical staff on
the Island. One of those professionals is StoneCroft Principal and Managing Engineer Lee Deslauriers. Born in Port Alice, Lee graduated from UBC as a Forest Engineer in 2001 after spending summers doing forest engineering layout of roads and cutblocks. He spent his first several years working with MacMillan Bloedel, Weyerhaeuser and BC Timber Sales in Port McNeill and Powell River before finally joining StoneCroft in 2006.
JULY 2020
“I was mentored by Glen, who is an incomparable expertise by offercivil engineering talent,” explains Lee. “Glen sold ing detailed strucStoneCroft to myself and his daughter-in-law Casey tural engineering Beaton in 2008. Glen’s son, Brad Beaton, also works in support of our for StoneCroft and is a one-of-a-kind senior civil traditional work technologist and specialist bridge builder. Currently, in the resource we have fifteen total full-time employees.” sector, as well as Lee notes that while they’ve grown over the years, diversifying into StoneCroft maintains a small, family business culture other sectors. We and prefer to hire locally. This highly-experienced were fortunate to Lee Deslauriers (pictured with team has grown a reputation for a hands-on approach hire a senior PhD daughter, Isla), took the reins of to construction in the coastal resource sector, with structural engin- StoneCroft Engineering Ltd. from mentor G. Glen Beaton in 2011. practical, safe, innovative designs that are simple to eer, who mentored implement. our existing team to take on technical and innovative “Our crew includes civil, structural, mechanical structural projects, which is leading us into other and forest engineers, civil engineering technolosectors including parks, highways, commercial, ingists, drafting and survey technicians, foresters and dustrial and First Nations infrastructure.” an accountant, most of whom are originally from While StoneCroft has expanded their work across Campbell River and the Comox Valley. This diverse BC, Lee will always call Vancouver Island homebase crew background helps us achieve the specialization for his company. that is required to meet our clients needs.” “I believe in having a strong local business, hiring StoneCroft endeavors to provide the highest quality from our own backyard, servicing long-term cliengineering services in their market, teaming with ents first, instead of chasing the latest boom. BC is industry-leading specialist sub-consultants on proa beautiful place to live, work, and play and we are jects, providing a more valuable product to clients very fortunate to be here.” than larger consulting firms who may be fully-instonecroftengineering.ca tegrated without specializing in any particular area of practice. Gemma Simonett Recently, StoneCroft has added another fold to their repertoire, expanding into structural engineering. Lee elaborates, “We have excellent young talent at our office that have taken our practice from being primarily focused on resource roads, bridges and I would like to thank Lee and the team at related infrastructure, and built on that StoneCroft Engineering for their business! WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
35
BE SMART ABOUT GOAL SETTING Setting goals and objectives for your business is incredibly important for success. Goals enable you to decide the direction of your business, provide motivation towards a goal/image and is an excellent measure of your progress. Ideally long-term goals are set for three to five years to accomplish, using a timeline to keep on track. Objectives are more like milestones which help to make your long-term goals achievable. Goal setting is often looked at in three main areas of your business; service, sales and profitability. Service based goals which focus on your customers can lead to better customer service and increased revenue. You’re in business to make a profit, so revenue driven goals are important. Goals set to make more money from your business is often accompanied increasing sales and by steps on how to decrease expenses. Depending on the stage of your business, growth and expansion should become a
36
2020 CARE Awards Call For Entry
All entrants must be members of VRBA Deadline: September 1, 2020 For more information, visit vrba.ca Gold Sponsors
JOLYNN GREEN
prominent goal. To be effective, your goals must specifically state what it is you want to accomplish. The achievement of the goal should be clear; “increase sales by 2 per cent monthly by introducing a new service.” The achievement of the goal should be measurable. While, “get involved in the community” is vague, “create a volunteer team to help with the annual community fair” is easily understood. Action-oriented goals, enabling you to create concrete steps, don’t always have to be physical. “Instructing the entire team on how to operate the new CRM software is as important as the investment in the new CRM system.” Lastly, its essential to make sure that all your small goals are relevant to your big goals and that a realistic amount of time is set to achieve your goals. Adding a deadline to your SMART goals in vital to success. So gather ALL of your staff and get them involved in creating the goals to emphasize how success is a collective effort. Remember to take some time to celebrate and reward your employees as goals are achieved. Jolynn Green is Executive Director of Community Futures Central Island. Jolynn can be reached at ed@cfnanaimo.org or 250-591-7499. JULY 2020
MOVERS AND SHAKERS NORTH ISLAND Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation (KHFN) has acquired Pierre’s Lodge and Marina located in Echo Bay on Gilford Island from retiring owner Pierre Landry. The sale includes a full-service marina, grocery store, post office and lodge. The acquisition was supported with funding from BC’s Strategic Forest Initiative, a program meant to strengthen the forestry industry, given that the lodging is used by forestry field crews. CAMPBELL RIVER Mowi Canada West achieved 100 per cent Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification on all their farms off the coast of British Columbia. ASC is an independent non-profit organization the establishes and certifies environmental standards for aquaculture. The organizations standards were developed in line with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines and ISEAL’s (International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling) Codes of Good Practice. The Pier Street Farmer’s Market is open for the season at a new location in the parking lot on Cedar Street, across from the Community Centre. The farmer’s market will run on Sundays from 10 am to 1:30 pm from July 5 to September 20. Shoppers can expect to purchase fresh local produce, meats, wine, liquor (no tasters) as well as products like soaps, hand sanitizers, masks and some artisan products. Westerra Equipment was awarded a contract valued at $106,881.23 to supply and deliver one utility vehicle to replace the City of Campbell River’s existing Bobcat Toolcat 5600. The new utility vehicle is able to use the City’s existing attachments for both the old machine and its skid steer. North Island College’s Campbell River campus recently unveiled the Mailman Family Foundation Student Commons in honour of a $1 million donation the school received from the Mailman family. The Mailman family owns Seymour Pacific Developments, Broadstreet Properties WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
and the Campbell River Golf and Country Club. Century 21 Arbutus Realty is celebrating its 10th anniversary at its locations in the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Gold River. Dr. Amelia Stegeman and Dr. George Halse have joined the family practice at Seawatch Medical Clinic at Suite #203 – 2276 South Island Highway. Dr. Halse takes over Dr. Salem’s practice on August 31. The City of Campbell River has agreed to assist with funding for the Children’s Health Foundation’s Qwalayu House / Home Away from Home project. The City will cover the building permit fee costs and fund approximately $50,000 for servicing, plus $10,000 to cover development cost charges. The funding assistance will help the Children’s Health Foundation meet their budget requirements. The project will provide accommodation for children, their families, and expectant parents from the outer region of the health district while accessing health care in the community. The Qwalayu House will be located on Island Health property near Yuculta Lodge. Council gave first and second reading to a rezoning application to permit an affordable housing complex at 850 Dogwood St. The five-storey building would be constructed in partnership with BC Housing and include 79 affordable-ownership units. An online public hearing for the application will be held. COMOX VALLEY Mt. Washington’s summer operations opened on Saturday, June 27 with a new zip line. The new ZipTour is Vancouver Island’s longest zip line, spanning 2,313 metres and taking riders more than 100 feet above the ground. The zipline tour includes two parallel zip lines, which allows friends and family to ride alongside each other. Van Isle Windows, which has locations in Courtenay, Nanaimo and Victoria, has donated $42,150 to food banks across the island. The company recently reopened their stores and are adhering to strict health and safety guidelines while serving customers.
37
MOVERS AND SHAKERS 2355 Mansfield Drive. The Pub would be on the ground floor of the five-storey structure which would also include 30 condominium units. A public hearing on the project will be held before council considers third reading. Graham’s Jewellers is celebrating its 50 th anniversary on July 1st at 261 – 5th Street in Courtenay. Inspired Cannabis has opened for business on the corner of 6th Street and Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay Mall.
DEWALD DIEDERICKS
38
David De Silva is retiring from his physiotherapy practice operating out of the Courtenay Health Sciences Centre at 1350 England Avenue. The practice is now run by new owner Dewald Diedericks and Sue Bloxsome and has been renamed Comox Valley Physiotherapy. Both Dewald and Sue are registered physiotherapists and the rebranded practice continues to operate out of the Courtenay Health Sciences Centre. Courtenay city council approved a development permit for a five-storey seniors residence called The Atrium at Braidwood at 925 Braidwood Road. The facility will contain 161 suites that include a mix of independent, assisted and memory care units. The development plan includes a wandering garden for memory care units and a public path connecting Braidwood Road with Ryan Road. Courtenay council gave second reading to a development application for a five-storey mixed-use building near the Air Park at 2355 Mansfield Drive. The plan would see Whistle Stop Neighbourhood Pub increase its seating capacity to 250, expand its outdoor patio and add a new liquor store on the ground level at
PORT ALBERNI The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held its virtual annual general meeting and elected a new executive and board of directors. Sarah Jones of Walk the Coast/Coast Orthotics was elected President, Carol-Anne Phillips of Steampunk Café as Vice President, Terry Deakin of INEO Employment was elected 2 nd Vice President, Dave Heinrichs of Alberni District Co-op was named Treasurer and Peter Wienold of The Graphics Factory/Portal Players Dramatic Society was appointed to the role of Secretary. The incoming board of directors includes Crystal Knudson of Scotiabank, Gail Horvath of Port Posh Wash, Daniel Savard of Swept Away Inn, Teresa Bird of Alberni Valley News, Lori Kerr of Coastal Community Credit Union, Michael Moore of IT Specialist and Krista McKitrick of Belles Hair Care. The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) announced the re-appointment of Dennis Jonsson and Allan Haggard to its board of directors effective June 25, 2020 for a two-year term. Dennis owned Port Alberni General Motors for 27 years and has also served as a director of the GM BC Marketing Advisory Board and the GM Goodwrench Service Marketing Advisory Board. Allan is a building technologist who has owned a civil construction management company specializing in major waterfront development and improvement projects for over 30 years. Javen Simon Roofing Ltd has expanded its service offerings to include insulation. The Wildflower Bakery and Café is preparing JULY 2020
MOVERS AND SHAKERS for a mid-July opening on Argyle Street in the recently renovated building next to Brie & Barrel. The new shop is opened by Joel Ashmore and partner Katrina Sungquist along with Dylan Ashwood and partner Allie Lee who will be offering patrons coffee, fresh juices, bread, pastries and more. Ashmore is a red seal chef specializing in baking and pastry and both he and Lee met while working at Wolf in the Fog in Tofino. PARSVILLE/QUALICUM BEACH Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach Realty welcomes Miranda Scott to its team of realtors. Ocean C Weed has opened at #3 – 154 Middleton Avenue in Parksville, making it Parksville’s first legal recreational cannabis retail store. Waypoint Insurance welcomes Stefanie White, CAIB, BA to its team of insurance professionals at 146 Alberni Highway in Parksville. Stefanie has called the Parksville area home for the past decade and specializes in high value homes, umbrella liability, condos, pleasure craft and private auto insurance. Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge reopened for lunch, dinner and cocktails with a newly renovated dining room. Pacific Prime is safely serving customers at the Beach Club Resort at 181 Beachside Drive in Parksville. Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce announced the installation of a new board of directors at its recently held annual general meeting. The board’s executive includes Jean Maltesen of Vancouver Island University as President; Meghan Walker of Royal LePage as President Elect; Brian McLean of Core Insurance Solutions as Vice-President; Charmaine Smith of Coastal Community Credit Union as Treasurer; and Dave Willie of Black & White Event Rentals as Past President. Two new directors were appointed to the chamber board including Jodie Lucas of Rusted Rake Farm and Cindy Walker of D-Stress Fitness. Tyler Cody of Osprey Electric was also appointed mid-term to fill a board vacancy. Speedy Glass Parksville moved to a new space towards the beginning of the month at 555 Island WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Highway East. Peter Bratton and Faye Hansen have opened The Music Café at 631 Island Highway East in Parksville. The new café provides a venue for local artists to perform and has space to fit 20 people while maintaining social distancing though they are licensed for 46 people. The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce held its Business Achievement Awards on June 18 and announced this year’s winner’s in a virtual ceremony. This year’s winners were M&N Mattress & Sofa in the Service Excellence category; Tablet Pharmacy in Small Business of the Year; Cascadia Martial Arts in Large Business of the Year; Sarina Tryon, Paradise Child Care Centre in Outstanding Workplace, Employer of the Year; Breanna Quinney of Lavida Lashes & Boutique in Young Professional of the Year; Arrowsmith
39
D I G I TA L Your Local Marketing Partner Strategy • Search • Social Web Design • Pay-Per-Click P: 250.758.2684 ext. 130 E: bedigital@businessexaminer.ca www.BEDigitalMarketing.ca
MOVERS AND SHAKERS Health Care Society in Not for Profit of the Year; and North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in the Tourism & Hospitality category.
40
NANAIMO The District of Lantzville and Vancouver Island University’s Master of Community Planning received an award from the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) for creating 30+ illustrations to improve the legibility and accessibility of the District’s zoning bylaw for residents and developers. The project earned the collaboration a silver award in the rural areas planning practice category at the PIBC’s annual awards ceremony. Wellington Film Studios is a new 43,236 squarefoot film production space open at 4900 Wellington Road. Intraworks I.T. Management has completed the build out of its Private Cloud platform in Calgary and finalized details as a Nutanix Service provider. The expansion into Calgary allows the company to provide seamless private cloud
services between Nanaimo and Calgary in addition to the company’s public cloud offerings on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. Coastal Community Credit Union has been placed on the 2020 List of Best Workplaces in BC by the Greater Place to Work Institute of Canada. Construction has begun on a new $2.9 million endoscopy suite at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The project was made possible thanks to $1.75 million from the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation and $1.17 million from regional hospital district taxpayers. The project is expected to be completed in early 2021 and the operating costs will be supported by the provincial government. Dan Kucherka, CPA, CMA joined Renaissance Mergers & Acquisitions as a Lead Advisor at the beginning of the year. Dan was previously a business broker at NAI Commercial Central Vancouver Island and has years of experience in finance leadership roles. Beyond Beauty Spa has added Lucinda Lacouvee
JULY 2020
MOVERS AND SHAKERS spaces. Council authorized the application to be referred to the Community Planning Advisory Committee for comment and forwarded the application to the Town’s local agency partners for feedback.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS Boydel Wastewater Technologies Inc. was recently recognized as a 2020 Innovation Showcase company by Bluetech Research, a global water research company based in Ireland. Boydel is a wastewater treatment technology company that was incorporated in 2008 in Ladysmith. Ladysmith Council directed staff to proceed with an application to amend the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw in order to build a commercial plaza at 1130 Rocky Creek Road. Plans for the site located across from Home Hardware include 23,478 square-feet of commercial space that will contain two retail spaces, two spaces for restaurants and office WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
! D E T N E C -S D R A W
to their team at #101 – 6359 Hammond Bay Road. Lucinda specializes in hairstyling and waxing. Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation’s campaign to raise $5 million to help construct Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s new intensive care unit received a $100,000 donation from the Shields Foundation. The foundation is a charitable initiative of Nanaimo-based Coastland Wood Industries.
A
DAN KUCHERKA, CPA, CMA
COWICHAN VALLEY Michelle Lancaster, a member at large on the Cowichan Valley Public Art Gallery Society board of directors, has been appointed Vice President a t t h e s o c i e t y. She has 25 years of experience in reta i l ba n k i ng, serving 18 years with Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, a nd becoming a regional MICHELLE LANCASTER operations leader.
™
Geeks on the Beach WEB DESIGN-ONLINE MARKETING-SEO
778.432.2600 - GEEKSONTHEBEACH.CA
41
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
42
Michelle takes over from former VP Cindy Clark, who stepped down in order to move. A Kona Ice franchise has opened in the Cowichan Valley just in time for the summer season. The franchise is a mobile shaved ice truck that operates in Duncan, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Mill Bay, Nanaimo and surrounding areas. CSN Collision Cowichan has been officially certified by Certified Collision Care, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization for maintaining the right tools, equipment, training and facilities necessary to repair vehicles according to manufacturer’s specifications. CSN Collision Cowichan is at 5194 Mearns Road in Duncan. Valley Carpet One Duncan is on the lookout for bright individuals to join its sales team at 230 Kenneth Street. Key skills they are looking for in a new sales hire is customer focus, dedication to delivering high quality service and self-starting with a high degree of self-confidence and motivation.
The federal government announced approximately $2 million in funding for an Island Health project that will provide pharmaceutical-grade medication as an alternative to illegal drug supply. The medication will be given to people in the Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder. The project will run as a four-year pilot that will provide evidence to determine best practices for safe supply programs. Construction is expected to begin in the fall on about 100 supportive housing units in the Cowichan Valley. BC Housing is planning on developing the units on its recently acquired sites at 260 White Road in Duncan and 2983 Drinkwater Road in North Cowichan. Both facilities will include about 50 self-contained studio units and will have 24-hour on-site staff and support services, including life and employment skills training, health and wellness services, meal programs and volunteer work opportunities.
Find serenity in comfort.
Want to win a $5,000 Home Office Makeover? Start the new year off by revamping your home office to be fun, fresh and functional. Enter to win a fabulous furniture home office makeover with one of our Monk Furniture Specialists and work from home in the space of your dreams. Head over to monk.ca for full details and to enter. Authorized Dealer
One-line Lock Up
JULY 2020
OPINION
RAMIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 POLICY ON THE FREE ENTERPRISE WAY OF LIFE
MARK MACDONALD
Don’t we live in interesting times? I h ave never b e e n a c o nspiracist, and I’m not about to sta r t now. But it is truly difficult, if not impossible, to deter m i ne what exactly is going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, es-
pecially in British Columbia. With our internationally renowned “approach” to supress the virus, it could be viewed as almost sacrilegious to question BC’s path over the past several months, particularly compared to other jurisdictions. At least according to infection and mortality numbers released by the government, and amply supported by the mainstream media. If it is the goal to have the public in a constant state of unease and near-hysteria, in order to maintain the tight lockdown they believe will protect everyone from COVID-19, then the current leadership has been successful. We are told the number of infections, but not where. Vancouver Island, for example, has been without a COVID-19 case for almost two solid months, yet restrictions remain as if everyone in the neighborhood has it. Only just this weekend have we had a few new cases announced. Rarely do we hear about the number of deaths, or whom. If it is announced that well-known people have contracted the virus, it is broadcast far and wide for everyone to hear. When they WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
recover – as 95 to 99 per cent of people do – we have to find that out for ourselves. Nor does anyone dare say out loud that COVID-19 could possibly have “peaked” in B.C. around the beginning of the year. Remember that terrible “flu” that was going around from late fall 2019 to February/March 2020? The one that affected many people, that included nausea, headaches, physical weakness and heavy congestion? Sound like it could have been what is described as COVID-19? Nah, it couldn’t be. Was it? No. Wait a minute. . . When everyone is singing from the same song sheet, it’s a pretty compelling argument, no matter what the message is. What we don’t realize on the surface is that most of the messaging is paid for by the government. The message itself comes from the government, and the government has paid for the dissemination of that information through advertisements and direct subsidies to news media organizations. So then, of course, it must be true, because everyone is saying the same thing, right? And, of course, everyone on social media is an expert, and they post and re-post the same statements as if they conducted the research themselves and are holders of Doctorates from Johns Hopkins University. I have said for years that the departure of the mainstream media from “truth telling” to storytelling is extremely troubling and problematic for everyone in democracy. The departure from the unstated, primary mission of the so-called “fifth estate”, which is to inform the public with unbiased information, dissolves public trust. Surely we know by now that we cannot trust the media, as reporters can’t or won’t keep their own personal opinions and biases out of their stories. Every piece, it seems, is a “sell job”, aimed at persuading readers,
43
OPINION
44
watchers and listeners to see things exactly the way they do. Someone recently asked me where they could obtain unbiased news, and I told them they couldn’t. They’d have to listen to “both sides”, and determine that somewhere in the middle is the truth. To determine what that is, they’d have to think for themselves. I now refuse to talk politics with people whose sole source of news is CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox in the United States. If they only follow the first four, their “conclusion” is right in line with the fomenting “reporters” who seem more intent about enforcing their narrative than providing the “straight goods” about any topic. Perhaps they don’t remember that CNN was created by Ted Turner as a voice for the Democrats. Fox-only viewers/listeners may not recall that the network has been the voice of Republicanism for decades. Middle ground? Objectivity? Anyone? We don’t experience the rancour that is on full display in the U.S. here in Canada for good reason. The federal government “owns” the media. The CBC is generously funded by Ottawa and stuffed with Liberal and left-wing operatives that likely wouldn’t find employment in the private sector. The government creates policy, and the CBC promotes it on radio and television. Other groups typically follow their “lead”. In print, the major Canadian daily newspapers feature unionized Unifor reporters, with that organization openly campaigning for non-conservative/anti-free enterprise parties during elections. The messaging is always strangely similar. That’s not surprising, considering that reporters are often victims of “pack journalism”, where they dare not jump out of the conversation queue started by a few leaders, fearful of retribution from peers for having a “different” message. Add to all of this the fact that public schools
have largely become indoctrination institutions where unionized teachers “instruct” students about the things that are most important to them. No, we’re not talking reading, writing and arithmetic. The “really key” issues, like global warming/climate change, environmentalism and the plague of corporate greed. Once the students graduate after a dozen years in the classroom, they are automatic left-wing voters. Politicians proclaim the same message and promises that students have been programmed with, and it’s a perfect match at the ballot box. When I see anti-free enterprise, public sector union-supported political leaders concocting public policy and wielding unlimited power as they maintain a vice-grip on business and commerce, something smells. The colossal provincial and federal government deficits are not free money, and these bills must be paid. Not if, but when. The fawning public continues to applaud government action regarding COVID-19, viewing it as “saving lives”, a noble effort indeed. However, the fall-out will inevitably result in other dire, negative consequences: Mental health struggles, depression, domestic abuse and likely suicide due to a lack of finances, coming from job losses as a direct result of these policies. More people could eventually die from these than from COVID-19. Whether people will still applaud when the government bills come in, with well over half of their income going towards tax and other income siphoning, remains to be seen. That day is surely coming. And without a thriving private sector, voila: a socialist state has been created – where people receive more money for staying home than working a real job. Which is happening right now. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationInk.ca
JULY 2020