Business in Calgary - March 2019

MARCH 2019 | $3.50 BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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CALGARY’S FUTURE

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FRANK LONARDELLI ON THE CITY HE’S WORKING TO SHAPE

B OMA CALGARY NEWS - SPRING 2019

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“We just want to get good beer to the good people.”

Hans has five kids if you count his business, Blindman Brewing—an idea sparked between friends and self-professed beer nerds. They brought their idea to ATB and we helped them get it off the ground. Three years later, Blindman is considered a veteran of Alberta’s brewing industry. We raise a frosty pint of River Session Ale to their continued success! See his story at atb.com/hans

Hans, Blindman Brewing

STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 28 | Number 3

REGULAR COLUMNS

7 9

Election Fever

By Brad Field

Policy Flaws Hit Our Energy Sector

By Cody Battershill

10

An Election Platform Proposal

By Frank Atkins

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

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65 73 106

BOMA Calgary News Spring 2019 Calgary Chamber of Commerce The Calgary Report

Building Calgary’s Future Frank Lonardelli on the city he’s working to shape

By Melanie Darbyshire

110

Current developments for Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Innovate Calgary

Marketing Matters

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: FRANK LONARDELLI, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ARLINGTON STREET INVESTMENTS (ASI) PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

FIND US ONLINE! B US I N E SS I NCALGARY.COM BUSINESS IN CALGARY

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MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

By David Parker

STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 28 | Number 3

79

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

18 32

CONTENTS 41 COMPANY PROFILES

79 97 101

CMD CARSTAR Group

Celebrates 15 Years

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The Business Threat Epidemic New (and urgent) risk management

By John Hardy

The New Home Market: 2019 What lies ahead

By John Hardy

Alberta’s Wind Energy Industry Renewable energy source blowing at full tilt

By Danyael Halprin

The Greatest Game Ever Played Swing into golf season with tips from the pros

By Jamie Zachary

Devitt & Forand Contractors Inc

Celebrates 55 Years

Spindle, Stairs & Railings

Celebrates 20 Years

101 41 6

MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ELECTION FEVER // BRAD FIELD

Election Fever

BY BRAD FIELD

TIMES, AS WE ALL KNOW, HAVE

E

lection fever is in the air. The provincial parties are jockeying for position in the eyes of the electorate.

Slings and arrows are flying in all directions.

For decades, elections in Alberta seemed like a formality more than a competition. That all changed in 2015 with the election of the NDP. Voters were fed up. They wanted change.

The question this election is whether that was the change they were looking for.

In fairness to the NDP, the province’s fortunes can’t be laid entirely at its feet. Oil prices collapsed as they took office, and the federal government has failed to deliver on its lofty promise of balancing environmental protection and economic growth. Time and again, the Liberals have undermined Canada’s critical energy sector with such ill-considered legislation as Bill C-69, which will radically rewrite the rules for reviewing resource projects.

Our province is at a crossroads. For a decade and a half, up until the summer of 2014, we could count on growth. Oil prices were high, exports were up and there was a seemingly endless supply of jobs. Times, as we all know, have changed.

We need a provincial government that can build on our strengths while creating the conditions necessary to grow new industries.

The upcoming election could prove to be one of the most important in our lifetimes, so my advice to Calgarians is this: get engaged. Try to meet your candidates, both where you live and where you work, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They’re running for the privilege of representing you, so it’s only fair you know where they stand on the issues that matter to you, your family and your business.

CHANGED. WE NEED A PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT THAT CAN BUILD ON OUR STRENGTHS WHILE CREATING THE CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO GROW NEW INDUSTRIES. Also, get informed. Understand the issues at play, and read the parties’ platforms to see the solutions they propose (or see on what issues they’re lacking solutions). There are a number of respected non-partisan, business-friendly sources you can also turn to. The Calgary Chamber, for instance, has released its wish list for the next election. Titled 2019 Alberta Election Platform, the document makes nine specific recommendations under five principles, which it encourages all provincial parties to adopt. I’d highly recommend taking some time to give it a read.

The Chamber’s call to drive productivity through regulatory and tax reform particularly resonated with me. As I’ve said before, we have everything we need to succeed. We have one of the most dynamic, educated, entrepreneurial populations in the world. What we need to do is start removing the impediments (e.g. burdensome taxes and regulations) governments at all levels have thrown in the way. It’s high time that all serious political parties recognize what we as working people already know: when it comes to creating jobs and generating prosperity, business is the solution, not the problem.

It’s our future that’s at play this election, so know your issues and interests, and vote your principles.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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PUBLISHERS

OUR VIEW, TOO.

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Just like you, we know the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Alberta.

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Brad Field Frank Atkins David Parker Cody Battershill

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Melanie Darbyshire Rennay Craats John Hardy Danyael Halprin Jamie Zachary

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POLICY FLAWS HIT OUR ENERGY SECTOR // CODY BATTERSHILL

Policy Flaws Hit Our Energy Sector

BY CODY BATTERSHILL

I

t takes real effort to stay up to date with issues around the competitive position of Canadian energy in comparison to the U.S. Once you put in that effort, you soon learn we’re not in great shape.

We already know our economy loses up to $100 million per day due to a lack of pipeline capacity, forcing Canadian producers to sell all our Canadian oil and gas to the U.S. at heavily-discounted prices and that, without pipelines, Canada will forfeit a projected $92 billion in economic activity by 2020. That’s bad for families.

Now comes an editorial from Fraser Institute authors Elmira Aliakbari and Ashley Stedman in which they describe how foreign energy imports today enjoy yet a new competitive edge over Canadian producers, since our federal carbon tax plan includes no import tariff.

The authors remind us that economists generally agree an efficient carbon tax can work if: 1) it’s revenue neutral, with all revenues used to reduce more costly harmful taxes, 2) it substitutes (but doesn’t add to) existing regulations and 3) it prohibits subsidies to energy alternatives including renewables. The authors conclude that, on each of these points, our federal carbon plan falls short.

What’s worse, the authors add, is that any exporter unable to pass its extra carbon costs to world markets will likely see its competiveness diminish further because Canada’s plan fails to include export rebates.

THE AUTHORS REMIND US THAT ECONOMISTS GENERALLY AGREE AN EFFICIENT CARBON TAX CAN WORK IF: 1) IT’S REVENUE NEUTRAL, WITH ALL REVENUES USED TO REDUCE MORE COSTLY HARMFUL TAXES, 2) IT SUBSTITUTES (BUT DOESN’T ADD TO) EXISTING REGULATIONS AND 3) IT PROHIBITS SUBSIDIES TO ENERGY ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING RENEWABLES. THE AUTHORS CONCLUDE THAT, ON EACH OF THESE POINTS, OUR FEDERAL CARBON PLAN FALLS SHORT. For the sake of Canadians who rely on the jobs and revenues generated by our energy sector, let’s fix the policies that hurt our competiveness and that prevent us from increasing our country’s pipeline capacity. We need action!

The bottom line is that fair-trade Canadian oil and gas suffers further under the plan, while imports from the U.S. and other supplier countries remain unaffected.

Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder/spokesperson for CanadaAction. ca, a volunteer organization that supports Canadian energy development and the environmental, social and economic benefits that come with it.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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AN ELECTION PLATFORM PROPOSAL // FRANK ATKINS

An Election Platform Proposal

BY FRANK ATKINS

S

everal years ago, I sat on a panel that was convened by the Wildrose Party of Alberta. The panel produced the document Equalization Fairness Report, which basically outlined the unfairness embedded in Canada’s system of transfers. The document received a fair amount of press and started a conversation about changes to the system. However, similar to any conversation concerning fiscal changes, the conversation quickly died, and the status quo prevailed.

The reason I mention this is that in late January 2019, Jack Mintz wrote an article in the Financial Post which basically repeated and augmented some of the arguments the above panel had made (although Jack Mintz is much better at this than I am). Dr. Mintz was commenting on a presentation

by Tim Hearn and Robert Mansell of the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy which updated the relevant numbers to show nothing much has changed over the last several years.

As Dr. Mintz pointed out once again, here is an issue that is undeniably grossly unfair to Alberta and is crying out for change. Further, this is an issue the federal government is careful to avoid publicly. Of course they do not mind addressing the issue privately, as they just recently quietly renewed the old system. According to Dr. Mintz, this renewed program will now pour another $1.4 billion into Quebec next year, which, once again, will be financed disproportionately by Albertans.

the campaigns. One way to do this is to tie it to another issue that rankles Albertans. That is, why in the world can we not get a pipeline built in this country? Why is Eastern Canada, which is the main recipient of federal transfers, so reluctant to admit that Canada prospers by having a vibrant oil and gas industry?

I am proposing to both Mr. Kenney and Mr. Scheer that they start making this an election issue. Voters have to understand where the money comes from. It comes primarily from Alberta, and this money comes from the oil and gas industry. You need to not be afraid to state the obvious reality that there is a disconnect in Eastern Canada. They call Alberta oil “dirty” and do not want any pipelines, but they do not mind taking oil that is shipped in tankers up the St. Lawrence from countries that have questionable human rights records. The disconnect extends further, as the transfers are funded by the dirty oil they want nothing to do with.

Mr. Kenney and Mr. Scheer should also tie the above issue to the following obvious fact. Separation sentiment is boiling just under the radar in Alberta, and it is being fuelled by, not only the lack of action on transfers and pipelines, but also by carbon taxes and regulatory policies that are detrimental to the development of the oil and gas industry in Alberta. We need political change, or the separatist movement will just continue to grow.

Now, this is an election year both in Alberta and federally.

We need to find a manner in which to make this issue part of

Frank Atkins is a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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WEBBER ACADEMY IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF

JOAN E. DUNNE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joan E. Dunne graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (major: Accounting) in 1979.

She articled with orne Riddell (a predecessor to KPMG), and received the Chartered Accountant designation from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (now CPA Canada) in 1983 and was granted the CPA designation in 2015. In 2016 she received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Ms. Dunne is a professional director, currently serving on the board of directors of several publicly-traded and private organizations, specifically: PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD, SPROTT RESOURCE HOLDINGS INC, and TUNDRA OIL & GAS LIMITED. She is also a member of the board of the CAPITAL MARKETS AUTHORITY IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION, established to assist in the transition to and implementation of a single operationally independent capital markets regulatory authority.

Ms. Dunne has volunteered since 2012 on CPA Canada’s Canadian Performance Reporting Board, and currently chairs the committee. Prior to becoming a professional director in 2014, Ms. Dunne spent over 30 years as a senior C-suite financial executive focusing on TSX-listed Canadian junior and intermediate energy companies.

LEARN MORE AT WEBBERACADEMY.CA

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT EMERGING AS VIBRANT LIVABLE COMMUNITY Moving into a new home in a developing community can be a lonely experience. There is little in the way of amenities and residents often wait years for a coffee shop or grocery store to open.

Calgary’s University District is turning a new page in community development. Located on 200 acres of land, the master plan calls for 40 acres of parks and open spaces, a variety of housing types, 300,000 square feet of retail and 1.5 million square feet of office space. Upon completion, University District will be home to approximately 15,000 people.

Initially vacant land formerly part of the University of Calgary, West Campus Development Trust was created to oversee development of the urban mixed-use community. All profits will be directed back to the university to support its academic mission. Construction is well underway with many amenities in place before residents occupy their new homes.

“We are particular about who we are bringing into each space in order to maintain the right mix and quality of shops and services long term for residents and locals working in the area.”

With a nine-block pedestrian-friendly main street – running east and west along University Avenue between McLaurin Street and Collegiate Boulevard – University District has commitments for a Save-On-Foods and 14 additional retailers slated to open in early 2020. “It’s rare for a community to have so many key retail tenants secured at this stage of development,” says Leo Scarcello, VP retail development for West Campus Development Trust “It demonstrates their confidence in our project, and the appeal of being part of a leading Calgary community. We are particular about who we are bringing into each space in order to maintain the right mix and quality of shops and services long term for residents and locals working in the area.”

Concept rendering for Rhapsody building at University District.

Across from the grocery store is a 15-storey, 150-room Alt Hotel

by Group Germain Hotels. Built in partnership with Homes

by Avi, the hotel is a welcome addition in the northwest, as the rooms will provide accommodation for those visiting the university, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre and neighbouring communities.

Part of the second stage of retail development, the restaurant and entertainment district will offer an exciting lineup of merchants including Cineplex VIP Cinemas. The south side of this development will border an impressive three-acre central park and plaza currently under design by Civitas Consultants LLC and Gibbs Gage Architects and scheduled to break ground by fall 2019. It will be the perfect compliment for the existing 12 kilometres of interconnected pathways, two spectacular ponds and dedicated urban dog park.

University District has over 1,000 residential units currently under construction and features sophisticated condominiums, architecturally-progressive townhomes, executive brownstones, integrated seniors housing and stylish apartment rentals. With a reputable cohort of builder partners, retail tenants and soonto-be commercial occupants, the district offers a re-imagined urban lifestyle in close proximity to transit and downtown.

It is a place residents will move in and feel right at home.

THE HEART OF EVERY GREAT COMMUNITY IS ITS PEOPLE. WHEN PEOPLE COME TOGETHER FOR ANY AND EVERY REASON, THE EXPERIENCE IS ELECTRIC.

EAT, SIP & GET SOCIAL

HOME & FASHION

For families taking the whole gang out for a meal. For business owners entertaining clients.

For a ladies’ night, a night out with the guys, or to celebrate a birthday. No matter your reason for coming together, find food, drink and entertainment options to satisfy your every event, and choice in coffee shops to fuel your mornings and compliment your relaxed weekend schedule.

Because no two seasons, and no two shoppers, are alike, we’ve gone to great lengths to make sure your diverse needs, no matter the nature, are fulfilled with the retailers opening their doors in University District. Updating your style is as easy as walking out your front door.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE DISTRICT While shopping and getting social are high on the list, having the services within walking distance that keep you healthy and balanced makes a huge difference. Get your movement fill in at boutique fitness studios. Attend galleries and cultural events and let your creativity soar. Going out for the evening is easy in University District with a variety of entertainment options.

EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE Imagine being able to access all the things that make you love your life in one community. Take care of your fur baby’s or your real baby’s needs or just treat yourself. Tackle both your wine list and your grocery list. With everyday staples right in University District, we’ve got a shop for the daily needs of your busy life.

wcdt.ca

OFF

THE

Webber Academy President’s Breakfast Club ATB Speaker Series Welcomes Andrew Coyne One of Canada’s most acclaimed journalists, Andrew Coyne, returns to Calgary on March 19 and 20 as a keynote presenter for the ATB Speaker Series at Webber Academy.

A graduate of the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics, Andrew Coyne is a political columnist for the Postmedia chain of newspapers. He has written previously for Maclean’s and the Globe and Mail, contributing as well to a number of other publications in Canada and abroad, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, National Review and the Walrus. He is the winner of two National Newspaper Awards and the Hyman Solomon Award for Excellence in Public Policy Journalism.

To learn more, visit www.webberacademy.ca.

ABOVE: ANDREW COYNE PHOTO SOURCE: WEBBER ACADEMY

CORRECTION NOTICE THE NEW CANALTA LODGE IS A SPECTACULAR ADDITION TO BANFF! In our February issue we mistakenly stated that the Canalta Lodge will open in 2019, however it officially opened in the fall of 2018. Canalta, the family-owned and fast-growing hotel chain based in Drumheller with a portfolio of 44 hotels across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, purchased the former Spruce Grove Inn two years ago and completed $6-million renovations for the 112 rooms and lofts with The Rockies as breathtaking backdrop, a glacier plunge pool, hot tub, sauna, a fabulous collection of Canadian art, an outdoor campfire and an evening s’more service.

Canalta Lodge opened last Fall and is already a much talked about Banff success story.

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25th Anniversary PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala Raises Record-Breaking Amount

On Saturday, January 19, 2019, a recordbreaking more than $1.4 million was raised for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) at the 25th Anniversary PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala.

Hosted by the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) since inception, the gala – STARS’ single largest fundraising event – has raised more than $17 million over the past quarter-century.

“I am so humbled by and grateful for the community who has supported the PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala over the past 25 years, especially our generous partner, PSAC, and its members,” says Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS. “Albertan’s philanthropic spirit continues to amaze me even through times of change and uncertainty. When you see a red helicopter in the sky, know that your support has helped STARS continue to help the critically ill and injured and provide emergency care across the province.”

Over 1,500 guests attended the western-themed gala, which was held at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park. The evening featured a champagne reception, delicious food, live and silent auctions, raffles and a virtual reality experience where guests had a first-hand look into what it’s like to be on board a STARS mission. Country music stars Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett provided lively entertainment for guests who danced the night away.

The night also featured a salute to families of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.

Since 1985, STARS has provided safe, rapid, highlyspecialized emergency medical transport systems and care for the critically ill and injured. Operating from 24-7 bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon

and Winnipeg, STARS also offers hands-on training to rural medical providers. Its mandate is to save lives through partnership, leadership and innovation.

As the gala’s host, PSAC – the national trade association representing the service, supply and manufacturing sectors within the upstream petroleum industry – draws attention to the important role STARS plays in ensuring industry workers have access to emergency care, even when working in remote locations.

“I am so proud of the oilfield services sector in Alberta who has opened their hearts and wallets to support STARS,” says Gary Mar, president and CEO, PSAC. “The STARS & Spurs Gala is integral to bringing community members together to fuel STARS’ mandate of saving lives, and we are thrilled to be a part of this steadfast partnership.”

ABOVE: STARS CREW IN FRONT OF HELICOPTER (LEFT TO RIGHT) RON PASIEKA, FLIGHT PARAMEDIC AND JOHN CARSON, PILOT. PHOTO SOURCE: STARS

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THE BUSINESS THREAT EPIDEMIC // CYBERSECURITY

THE BUSINESS THREAT EPIDEMIC NEW (AND URGENT) RISK MANAGEMENT

I

t’s undisputable and double-edged contradiction.

Technology is a vital and invaluable fact of business life. It is also a colossal risk with threats almost everywhere.

Connectivity through the Internet has redefined business with tremendous efficiency, productivity and profitability.

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MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

BY JOHN HARDY

However, that transformational technology is also redefining the focus of risk management.

“Cybersecurity may be the top risk for most organizations today,” warns Alberta-based Dom Amyotte, security sales specialist at Scalar Decisions, Canada’s leading IT

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solutions integrator. “The combination of our dependence on technology with the increased prevalence and immediate impact of cyber-threats makes this a challenge that cannot be ignored.”

The most recent Global Risks Report from the World Economic Forum shows cybersecurity as a top-three likelihood and a top-five impact, behind extreme

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THE BUSINESS THREAT EPIDEMIC // CYBERSECURITY

the scary reality. “In Scalar’s 2018 security study, we found that 87 per cent of Canadian companies had suffered a cybersecurity breach. Sadly, this continues to grow, to the point where virtually every company has had a breach of one type or another.

“It’s a documented fact that cybersecurity is one of the top risks that SMB organizations are dealing with. A dramatic increase of cybercrime and related threats such as cryptoware and email fraud have brought the problem to the forefront, regardless of an organization’s size or industry,” he cautions.

“Cybercrime does not discriminate according to size.”

“IN SCALAR’S 2018 SECURITY STUDY, WE FOUND THAT 87 PER CENT OF CANADIAN COMPANIES HAD SUFFERED A CYBERSECURITY BREACH. SADLY, THIS CONTINUES TO GROW, TO THE POINT WHERE VIRTUALLY EVERY COMPANY HAS HAD A BREACH OF ONE TYPE OR ANOTHER.” ~ DOM AMYOTTE

weather and natural disasters. IT experts are not discouraged but agree that since there is little direct control over the natural environment, cybersecurity is today’s top risk that can actually be managed.

News headlines about high-profile cyberattacks like Target, Marriott, Equifax and Sony create the mistaken impression that cyber breaches target giant organizations.

Amyotte underscores that, in the real world, the opposite is

Trac Bo is the technology risk services leader with MNP, one of the largest full-service chartered accountancy and business advisory firms in Canada, and he emphasizes the vital business reality that as cybersecurity evolves, it is no longer a threat targeting solely large corporations. “Attackers are expanding their scope to include organizations of all sizes and industries. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) often do not have the resources and budget to focus on cybersecurity, potentially leaving this range of organizations more vulnerable to emerging cyber-threats.

“As the threat landscape continues to grow and evolve, SMBs will see a higher frequency of cybersecurity incidents, especially if the focus on cybersecurity continues to be neglected.”

Bo continues, “Technology brings risk to all businesses, regardless of size. From email phishing to ransomware, we have seen more and more clients reach out for help responding to a breach. Some have even started proactively planning their incident response so that they will be prepared to act whenever it does happen.”

As more and more SMBs consider their vulnerability and confront the critical need for cybersecurity as a key aspect of their risk management toolkit, they are jolted to understand the real reasons (versus Hollywood versions) for the business epidemic of cybercrime.

And the real details are not nearly as juicy or simplistic as the exciting espionage clichés about stealing company secrets.

“Regardless of the size of an organization, cybercriminals are generally looking to steal confidential information, such as personal/customer, financial and proprietary information,”

ABOVE: DOM AMYOTTE, SECURITY SALES SPECIALIST AT SCALAR DECISIONS.

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Bo explains. “An attacker can manipulate companies in a few ways to profit. Cybercriminals will try to exploit weaknesses in a SMB’s weak IT practices by locking or encrypting their data and demanding a monetary ransom to unlock the information.

“Or, a criminal may breach an organization, steal confidential information and sell it on the black market for profit. Similarly, through social engineering techniques, a cybercriminal may deceive employees into sending money to the attacker via email phishing, posing as a vendor or client demanding payment.”

The unavoidable and challenging fact of cybercrime is that today’s hackers are sophisticated criminals who are perfecting the art and science of monetizing their cyber theft. In a state-of-the-art, hightech way, the theft is like the curse of retail shoplifting, with the basic purpose of making money by selling stolen loot.

“Current estimates show that the annual profits for cybercrime top $1.5 trillion U.S.,” Amyotte points out. “It is eclipsing the sale of illegal drugs. In the 2018 Scalar cybersecurity study, we found that most attacks focused on immediate financial gain by the attacker.

They generate money by stealing information and selling it on the black market.

“Credit card numbers go for between $5 and $110 each. Driver’s licences and loyalty accounts are

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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// CYBERSECURITY

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about $20 each. There is the common cybercrime weapon of holding a business’ data ransom. The typical price to get the business’ data back is $500 to $5,000. Or the hackers can trick the business into issuing a payment to a fraudulent account.

It can be anywhere from $5,000 to $20 million and is typically tailored to what is normal for the organization.”

Why

There are volumes of reports and pages of Google links detailing and documenting incidents and aspects of cyberattacks and breaches of cybersecurity.

Particularly SMBs, who invariably don’t have the luxury or budget of in-house IT staff and expertise, anxiously ask consultants for help to detect common warning signs of possible cyberattacks.

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“As cybersecurity threats persist and evolve, so do cybersecurity defence strategies and technologies,” Bo adds with an important warning. “The crucial fact is that technology can only do so much for an organization. The compelling and bottom line fact is the evolution of cyber-threats focuses on the weakest link of an organization’s security – typically the end user.

SMWL.CoM 22

MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ABOVE: TRAC BO, TECHNOLOGY RISK SERVICES LEADER WITH MNP.

THE BUSINESS THREAT EPIDEMIC // CYBERSECURITY

“Social engineering – such as email and phone phishing – attempts to coerce employees and executives to provide attackers with confidential information, credentials or transfer funds. And social engineering doesn’t end at the keyboard,” he points out.

“Attackers may also go to extremes such as attempts to tailgate employees into company buildings and offices, preying on a person’s natural tendency to be polite. These common attack techniques are more likely to succeed against people, rather than technological attacks, as defences become more difficult to breach.”

According to IT and cybersecurity experts, SMBs should be vigilant about: - Unusual behaviour on the business’ system, like suddenly being very busy and things happening without anyone doing anything.

a comprehensive threat risk assessment (TRA) – using the findings to develop and implement a security plan.

• Establish strong IT security controls to prevent as many attacks as possible.

• Build detection capabilities, including training staff how to identify threats and malicious activity.

• Respond as efficiently as possible. Similar to fire drills, preparation and practice allows the organization to quickly respond, avoid mistakes and reduce the impact of an attack.

As technology continues its warp-speed evolution – and as the cloud increasingly becomes a part of every IT environment – 2019 will be a key year for reskilling the workforce, educating new talent and making the right moves to face cyber-threats and challenges.

- Files, emails and other items that “go missing” without explanation.

- Phishing emails trying to trick users into clicking links that run software.

- Focused and/or tailored phishing emails from external users that are highly focused to the specific organization.

Understanding a business’ vulnerabilities and how cyberattacks happen is, of course, half of the risk management challenge. What to do about it is key. “We encourage businesses, regardless of size, to develop cyber-resilience within the organization,” urges Scalar’s Dom Amyotte, “to develop the ability to prevent, detect and recover from an attack.” He emphasizes that, particularly, SMBs should: • Prepare for attacks by assessing the business’ exposure and conduct

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE // COVER

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BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE // COVER

BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE FRANK LONARDELLI ON THE CITY HE’S WORKING TO SHAPE

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

A

mbitious entrepreneur. Bold visionary. Resolute leader. Passionate philanthropist.

These are just some of the ways to describe Frank Lonardelli. The outspoken, larger-than-life founder, president and CEO of Arlington Street Investments (ASI) – a Calgary investment firm focused on real estate development – has done much to earn these descriptions: built, grown and sold multiple businesses in different industries across North America; established and funded a life-changing scholarship for underprivileged students; and, today, is a vocal proponent for a better Calgary.

“Our city is probably the best in Canada to live in, for so many reasons,” he asserts from ASI’s head office in the newly-converted National Block on 17th Avenue SW. “We’re set up to be very successful, but we have a serious risk around the entrepreneurial spirit these days, because we don’t celebrate it anymore. This protracted down cycle has done some very bad things to people.”

ABOVE: FRANK LONARDELLI, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ARLINGTON STREET INVESTMENTS (ASI).

PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE // COVER

“HUNGER CREATES A LOT OF DESIRE, Indeed Calgary’s market has, Lonardelli attests, varied greatly over the years he’s been here. He moved to Calgary in 2000; his flourishing food services business – which he founded in 1997 and has since become one of the largest privately-owned food service companies in Western Canada – beckoned him west. Once here, he began investing in Calgary real estate.

“In 2000, a barrel of oil was $40 to $50 dollars, capitalization rates were eight to 10 per cent, and the vacancy rate was 10 to 13 per cent,” he reminisces. “Within three years, oil went to $146, office vacancy rates went to zero and capitalization rates compressed by 100 per cent.”

It’s these “peak-to-trough” cycles, as Lonardelli calls them, which have shaped his business perspective within his unique Calgary portfolio.

His real estate thesis has been to buy non-assembled assets in the path of growth. In Calgary, he started with properties on 17th Avenue SE, in the beltline, Ogden and Ramsay. Today, ASI (which he founded in 2012) has 13 real estate projects, nine of which are along the 17th Avenue SE corridor.

“One of our key strategies is to try and secure an entire intersection,” Lonardelli explains, “create an ecosystem where the buildings feed off each other. So when we’re thinking of a retail client for one building, we’re actually thinking about how it plays into the balance of the tenants within that intersection.”

For example, ASI owns three developments (made up of eight properties) at the intersection of 17th Avenue and 5th Street SW. Having completed the conversion of the National Block on the northeast corner, its next development is The Fifth, a five-storey retail and residential rental development on the northwest corner. Across the street, at the intersection of 17th Avenue and 5A Street, Fishman’s will be a 180-apartment unit and retail anchored development.

Lonardelli’s ability to envision what can be derives from his childhood. Born the youngest of four (he has three older sisters) to Italian immigrant parents, he grew up on Arlington Street in Winnipeg – the murder capital of Canada at that time. After his father passed away when he was three, Lonardelli’s mother Elena worked day and night at an Italian restaurant to support the family.

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AND IN TERMS OF COVETING THINGS, I ALWAYS COVETED BUSINESS PEOPLE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. I KNEW I WOULD NEVER WORK LONG TERM SWAPPING HOURS FOR DOLLARS.” ~ FRANK LONARDELLI “I don’t think I had a childhood, I had to grow up very quickly,” Lonardelli reflects. “And that caused me to make decisions at a very young age. I learned to see around corners before the bend showed up.”

While attending Gordon Bell High School he was a sports star. “I had scholarships to play three separate sports in university,” he says, “but I didn’t have the grades to get into university. My focus wasn’t school, it was what I had to do to get through the day.”

With the support and mentorship of a teacher, Lonardelli eventually graduated with sufficient grades for university. He completed his undergraduate degree in political science on an athletic scholarship and was accepted into law school.

“Hunger creates a lot of desire,” he reasons, “and in terms of coveting things, I always coveted business people and entrepreneurship. I knew I would never work long term swapping hours for dollars.”

Lonardelli started his food services business fresh out of university. Originally a cafeteria business, he expanded into coffee services, retail coffee, vending and other services.

“That little company, which I started in the back of my friend’s fur salon in downtown Winnipeg, grew to several hundred employees across Western Canada,” he recalls. “We were managing 700-800 contracts including some very large corporations.” Lonardelli was 32 years old.

“But from the day I started driving cash flow into the company, I started investing into real estate,” Lonardelli admits. “I had very little strategy, but I was intrigued by all facets of it. I was involved with land, resorts, apartments, commercial, residential – you name it – in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Phoenix, Vancouver and Ottawa.”

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BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE // COVER

FLUSH WITH CASH AND UNENCUMBERED BY CALGARY ASSETS, LONARDELLI TRAVELLED TO PHOENIX, WHERE HE PURCHASED A NUMBER OF BROKEN CONDOS. HE ALSO BECAME INVOLVED IN RESTRUCTURING BROKEN REAL ESTATE PROJECTS. After moving to Calgary, Lonardelli continued acquiring real estate as a part-time hobby when not running his full-time food business, which he eventually sold in 2003. Between 2000 and 2005, he acquired 12 C-class buildings in Calgary, and became more involved with developments and conversions.

And in 2007, he sold all his Calgary assets. “It was zero per cent vacancy and $146 barrel of oil,” he recalls.

“I’d never seen a market like that and I thought we were at the height of it. So we went to market and got tremendous offers.”

Flush with cash and unencumbered by Calgary assets, Lonardelli travelled to Phoenix, where he purchased a number of broken condos. He also became involved in restructuring broken real estate projects.

“I then became very clear about what I wanted to do for the next 15 years of my life,” he explains. “Start ASI as my full-time company, bring on a team that could take it from zero to a billion dollars within a seven- to 10-year period of time, and focus on developing urban mixed-use assets.”

That team today comprises 10 people. “They’ve all bought into the vision,” Lonardelli says. “We want to create legacy assets up and down a corridor that we think is ripe for it. We want to influence the city in a positive way; leave it better than we found it.”

ABOVE: THE WINDSOR MIDDLE: THE SENTINEL BOTTOM: THE FIFTH

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BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE // COVER

ASI has four divisions: investment, development, brokerage and tenant services. “We only deal with highnet worth accredited investors and family offices,” Lonardelli says.

ASI always takes the single largest position in every project.

When it comes to 17th Avenue, Lonardelli envisions a place where every Calgarian – no matter who they are – wants to be. “We need greater cultural interaction,” he says. “We need a really friendly pedestrian interface that has all the day parts: breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, entertainment. It has to be something for everybody.”

One of his ideas: close the street to vehicle traffic on weekends during the warmer months. “Make it pedestrian friendly,” he proposes.

“As bad of a market we’re in, that street would be packed every single weekend if you shut it down and treated it as a destination location.”

He’s open about his frustration with the city’s development and planning process. “We dedicated $300 million into the East Village and are doing some very interesting deals with developers there, while the 17th Avenue property owners are under tremendous pressure from disproportionate property taxes and increased minimum wage. I can tell you that the [17th Avenue Retail & Entertainment District owners and operators] asked the city for relief but the city hasn’t provided any. When you consider how much money has gone toward city-led real estate initiatives, serious scrutiny is warranted.

ABOVE: FRANK LONARDELLI, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ARLINGTON STREET INVESTMENTS (ASI) PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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BUILDING CALGARY’S FUTURE // COVER

“These are entrepreneurs who’ve been on 17th Avenue for two decades, paying into the tax base, employing people, offering services, and nobody offered them relief,” he continues. “I think it’s extremely short sighted.”

East Village, he acknowledges, needed to be developed.

“And I absolutely think that the arena district needs to be developed. But we can’t do it the same way we did East Village. There are some things we did right and others we did wrong. I would suggest the development be critically reviewed by a non-arm’s-length third party.”

A multiplex arena, he believes, could help transform 17th Avenue and the entire southeast and Victoria Park corridor for the better. “We can’t lose the hockey team. It feels like it’s a coin toss as to whether it stays at this point.”

While he’s hopeful the parties involved will ensure an arena happens, he’s discouraged by the Olympic 2026 bid process.

“People from all over Canada used to come to Calgary for one reason: it didn’t matter who you were, if you had a good idea and the shoulders to move it forward, you’d be successful,” he says. “But now it’s more of a win/lose disposition. We went from an abundance-based city to a city of scarcity. Greed with scarcity is a bad combination. It’s a real psychological issue we have to deal with.”

Had the Olympic question occurred seven years ago, he submits, there would have been no debate. “But now people are scared, and the worst time to make a good decision is when you’re scared, especially financially,” he says.

The benefits of hosting the Olympics – in addition to the long-term financial boon and the chance to showcase Calgary to the world – were lost on many, he says. “One of the catalysts for Vancouver becoming an investment destination was Expo 86. The same can be said about Calgary’s 1988 Olympics. No mathematical equation can quantify returns – experience and time does that. And what comes after no?

What is the good news that our city is going to have after four years of nothing but bad news?

“We’re in a lost decade,” he concludes. “And I think it could be longer if we don’t figure it out. Success begets

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success, and we have to start winning in Calgary – at every single level.”

He points to Winnipeg’s experience for guidance. “Only in the last decade, since the [NHL hockey] team and the downtown revitalization, is money staying in Winnipeg,” he explains. “I want Calgary to be a place where Calgarians want to invest and, more importantly, reinvest. Right now it’s not.”

Lonardelli returns to his hometown every year to visit friends and run the Arlington Street Foundation Scholarship (ASFS), which he established and funded 10 years ago. Awarded each year to one graduating student from Gordon Bell, the ASFS pays for the university tuition, books and incidentals of the recipient throughout their undergraduate degree.

“I had a story about what happened when I was a kid,” he explains. “And I could have easily gone in a very bad direction. I believe that mentorship, with investments, creates tremendous opportunities. I just wanted to give back what I could have benefited from.”

Every year, Lonardelli presents his life story to the entire school. The Grade 12 students are then invited to write essays about their own lives for submission from which a recipient is chosen by Lonardelli and the board of mentors.

“Our first recipient, Lin Ruttan, is now a teacher and on our board as a member and mentor,” he smiles.

Lonardelli and ASI have supported several charities and are now deeply involved with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada (CWF) in Calgary. “We have an internal 100 wishes campaign where we’ll grant 100 wishes over the next 10 years,” he says. Some wishes ASI has granted: a trip to Disney World for a boy named Rayan and his family, and a swim spa that allows a girl named Colleen, who suffers from severe limitations, to move freely.

Notwithstanding his concerns, Lonardelli’s outlook for Calgary remains optimistic. “Everyone feels the pain in this marketplace. Now, more than ever, we need the highest level of leadership. We’ve got some uphill climbing to do, but I’m positively disposed to the long-term future of our city and this great province.”

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THE NEW HOME MARKET: 2019 // REAL ESTATE

THE NEW HOME MARKET:

WHAT LIES AHEAD

BY JOHN HARDY

A

s real estate analysts crunch numbers and calculate projections, it’s difficult to accurately gauge Calgary housing starts – and the new home sector mood and outlook – because most recovery trends and stats are invariably impacted by rear-view mirror comparisons to the red-hot boom years of 2013 and 2014.

That was then. This is now. And one consensus among new home market insiders is: despite the encouraging momentum and recovery, Calgary’s per capita housing starts are not likely to return to pre-recession boom levels.

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THE NEW HOME MARKET: 2019 // REAL ESTATE

DEVELOPERS AND NEW HOME BUILDERS CRINGE AT ANY REFERENCE TO “NORMAL TIMES” BECAUSE (IN THE BEST OF TIMES) IT IS TOUGH AND RISKY TO DEFINE WHAT’S NORMAL IN THE NEW HOME MARKET, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE UNIQUE FLUX OF THE CALGARY MARKET. Developers and new home builders cringe at any reference to “normal times” because (in the best of times) it is tough and risky to define what’s normal in the new home market, particularly when it comes to the unique flux of the Calgary market.

A 2018 report by ATB underscored the economy and consumer confidence as the key factors impacting housing starts and the new home market. “Housing starts are a great economic barometer. As more people are working, earning money and feeling confident about their jobs, they are purchasing new houses and condominiums,” the report says.

The numbers show that Alberta saw a massive boom in 2013 and 2014, building at times over 100 new homes per 10,000 people annually, nearly double the national average.

By comparison, during the oil-price downturn and resulting recession, Alberta’s per capita housing starts dropped dramatically but still managed to remain just above the national average. Since its low point near the end of 2016, housing starts in Alberta have rebounded to around 65 new homes per 10,000 people.

In the Calgary new home market, the double whammy of economy and consumer confidence continues.

“Consumer confidence plays an important role in the health of any sector, much like in the new home industry,” says Sam Hudson, marketing director with Morrison Homes.

“If buyers are feeling uncertain about employment or the economy, there can be a tendency to delay purchasing a new home. But Calgarians have a lot to be optimistic about, so we don’t see consumer confidence declining in 2019.”

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// REAL ESTATE

NEW HOME MARKET ANALYSTS AND CMHC’S HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK FOR 2019-20 ATTRIBUTE THE LINGERING HOUSING START SLUMP TO A HIGH INVENTORY OF COMPLETED BUT UNSOLD NEW HOMES IN THE CALGARY AREA.

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Shane Wenzel, president of Shane Homes, shares the guarded optimism about the 2019 new home market. “Like in any industry, people have to feel comfortable making a purchase and moving forward. With the uncertainty they felt over 2018, I don’t think consumer confidence is where it should be. But there’s hope on the horizon. We have a provincial election this year which I think will bring a change in government which will make a difference in Alberta. There is also a federal election which will let Albertan voices be heard loud and clear.”

Calgary new home builders share the market’s various positives but also deal with the bumpy-ride realities of housing starts.

“We anticipate growth in housing starts to be relatively flat in 2019,” Hudson says. “But early indications have shown that new communities with a strong value proposition to Calgarians will continue to enjoy strong demand and experience growth. Builders in these areas will be less impacted by our province’s economic challenges.”

New home market analysts and CMHC’s Housing Market Outlook for 2019-20 attribute the lingering housing start slump to a high inventory of completed but unsold new homes in the Calgary area.

“There is an issue with unabsorbed inventory out there but there was also an oversupply in 2018,” Wenzel notes. “That supply has diminished substantially and will be done adjusting to our new economy during 2019. Prices will likely remain low for this year.”

New home builders consider the “new” Canadian mortgage rules an added factor affecting new home sales. “While I understand the reasoning for the mortgage changes, I don’t agree with them,” Wenzel says. “Rising interest rates have offset the issue in the two cities that needed to be slowed. Either the federal government backs off the changes shortly or this will become an election issue in 2019.

“But developers, builders and suppliers are at their bottom and the only thing that will take pricing up is a change in building code and the exchange rate on products coming from the USA. So, prices will be relatively stable in 2019.”

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THE NEW HOME MARKET: 2019 // REAL ESTATE

Hudson agrees. “Oversupply in the market always produces challenges and downward pressure on pricing. Since this appears to be a relatively short-term issue, we believe now is actually the best time to buy, especially a quick possession home.”

Considering the various factors impacting Calgary housing starts for 2019, Shane Wenzel is cautiously encouraged. “I feel that the economy is stabilizing. Is it at what we consider a normal economic level? No. Municipally, our city council is making some bold investments to help ignite the economy and get people working. And 2019 will be slightly better than 2018, but not by much.”

“While there are certainly challenges in the short term, we feel optimistic about the opportunities ahead,” Hudson says with positivity. “Calgary’s new home industry is creative and resilient. Developers and builders that find new ways to offer value to prospective buyers will continue to find success, despite periods of market uncertainty.”

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The Staffing Challenge Finding the perfect fit

T

here’s a well-worn but popular management cliché that finding good staff is as difficult as keeping good staff.

Some clichés stand the test of time.

“The importance of fit with the personality and culture of the hiring firm can’t be emphasized enough,” says Tim O’Connor, an EO Calgary member and the CEO of Results Canada, the Calgarybased business consulting firm that offers a unique focus on helping companies ensure great execution. “It is one thing to have the requisite skills and experience, but without a good connection to co-workers, there can be all sorts of negative impacts.

“An employee that doesn’t fit can negatively impact overall team productivity at best, but at worst that employee can become toxic and potentially even undermine the work of others.”

Leslie Kraatz, owner of Federal Metals and an EO Calgary member, agrees about the importance of a good employee fit. “Customer care and productivity are key to our company’s success. To achieve high standards in both of those aspects, we look for new recruits that mesh well with the existing staff through shared values and attitudes to create team cohesion, as well as traits like enthusiasm and accountability to ensure good relations with customers.”

More and more, employers underscore the importance of attitude and personality, trumping sacred factors like workload and productivity.

“We look for a good fit,” explains Margarita de Guzman, director and principal archaeologist at Circle CRM Group and an EO Calgary member. “Technical abilities are necessary but ensuring hard work ethic and a positive attitude are more important. We are always looking for A-players who can get the job done well but also be good at teamwork and mentorship.

Staff want more from their jobs. It’s not enough that they have

Contributing Members:

a well-paying job, they want more flexibility, more time off and more perks; more good times. The times of hunkering down and getting the job done seem to be behind us. Workplace satisfaction seems to be a harder thing to achieve.”

Achieving effective staff motivation and desired focus is now a vital management function. “Being enthusiastic for staff ideas and hanging back, as opposed to micromanaging, and encouraging staff to take leadership roles in their various departments has been great to keep our staff motivated and focused,” Kraatz points out.

O’Connor emphasizes the importance of company culture.

“Many firms take the time to define things like company vision, values and purpose. And for most that’s where it ends – the plaque on the wall and some nice text on the website. The most engaging companies not only define, but live their values and purpose by operationalizing them into day-to-day operations.

“In order to hire for culture fit, a company needs to know what its culture is. Some companies are high risk, while others more conservative. Some value collaboration, while others embody a more competitive approach. Some companies need people who are self-directed, while other organizations have more direction coming from leadership. All of these are elements of an explicit, defined culture.”

As Margarita de Guzman points out, staff morale is much more than a cliché. “In our line of work, we are away from home a lot, and the work is very physically and mentally demanding. To keep staff motivated and focused, we ensure more than adequate days off between shifts. Most importantly, management is always leading by example by having a positive attitude, showing they care, and showing that morale and workplace happiness come first. The job is second.”

Upcoming Events:

Leslie Kraatz

Margarita de Guzman

Tim O’Connor

owner of Federal Metals

director and principal archaeologist at Circle CRM Group

CEO of Results Canada

Mar 6

• Dan Quiggle

Mar 13

• Leadership Breakfast

Mar 15

• EO Spousal Event

Mar 20-22 • Regional Leadership Retreat

The international Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is the respected, world-wide business networking group — with more than 10,000 members in 35 countries — where business leaders meet informally to brainstorm, compare notes, learn and share relevant discussions about business.

EO has 122 chapters around the world, including the Calgary chapter which is the fifth largest and one of the most active EO chapters in the world.

www.eocalgary.com

|

For membership inquiries: membership@eocalgary.com

ALBERTA’S WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY // ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Alberta’s WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE BLOWING AT FULL TILT

BY DANYAEL HALPRIN

W

hile China, the United States and Germany have been among the top wind-generating countries for several decades, wind energy is a relatively new contributor to the power mix in Canada.

Alberta’s wind energy industry finds itself in the sweet spot of its evolution as the lowest cost option for new electricity generation, with green-light support from the provincial government, technological advances, millions of dollars in domestic and international investment, and indigenous partnerships.

Recognizing wind energy’s myriad environmental and economic benefits, the Alberta government has created instrumental programs for its advancement. The November 2015 announcement of its Climate Leadership Plan committed to phasing out two-thirds of coal-generated electricity and transitioning to renewables, primarily wind power, by 2030. These renewable energy sources – wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass, solar – are expected to comprise 30 per cent of Alberta’s electricity production, tripling today’s number.

One of the first commercial wind farms in the country was installed in 1993 on Cowley Ridge in southern Alberta, the province’s windiest quadrant. Today, Alberta ranks third in Canada with, according to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) that manages and operates the power grid, an installed wind energy capacity of 1,445 MW with 19 wind farms. These wind farms produce enough electricity annually to power 625,000 homes, about nine per cent of Alberta’s electricity demand.

To support the government’s target, AESO held competitive electricity supply auctions; the first round of procurements were awarded in December 2017, and the second and third rounds announced in December 2018, as part of Alberta’s Renewable Electricity Program (REP). Previously, wind energy projects competed in the Alberta power pool bidding in on an hourly basis; the lowest cost bid that fulfilled the demand requirements were directed by AESO to provide electricity to the grid.

ABOVE: BULL CREEK WIND FACILITY IN CHAUVIN, AB. PHOTO SOURCE: BLUEARTH RENEWABLES INC.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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ALBERTA’S WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY // ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

“IT’S A WELL-DESIGNED POLICY, IT PROVIDES CERTAINTY FOR INVESTORS BY PROVIDING A 20-YEAR CONTRACT, AND IT PROTECTS THE CONSUMERS AGAINST RISK IF THE ELECTRICITY PRICES WERE TO INCREASE.” ~ BINNU JEYAKUMAR last two competition rounds, compared to an average price of $50 per Mwh in the 2018 power pool. By comparison, the average price for Ontario’s Large Renewable Procurement in 2016 was $85 per Mwh.

“The trouble with that was the volatility, because of the different prices bouncing around an awful lot throughout the day,” says Evan Wilson, the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) regional director for the Prairies. So although wind is affordable, “financiers were risk averse to lending hundred of millions of dollars to the projects because the market was too unpredictable,” says Wilson.

As a result, both the auction and the structure of the contract were revamped to deliver the lowest cost of renewable electricity to the province at a predetermined capacity at a fixed price. “It’s a well-designed policy,” says Binnu Jeyakumar, director of clean energy at the Pembina Institute. “It provides certainty for investors by providing a 20-year contract, and it protects the consumers against risk if the electricity prices were to increase.”

The successful companies in Round 1 will develop 600 MW of renewable electricity to power 255,000 homes; this is 200 MW more than planned due to exceeded expectations of developers’ bid prices. It set a pricing record in Canada, with an average price of $37 per Mwh, and $39 per Mwh in the

The first round attracted $1 billion of investment from a majority of international companies and is expected to create about 740 jobs. Wind farms are a tremendous economic injection into the hosting rural communities through the creation of construction jobs, permanent positions in operations and maintenance, and revenue sharing with landowners, among other benefits. Portugal’s EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. will build a wind project 50 kilometres north of Oyen; Italy’s Enel Green Power North America Inc. will build two wind projects outside of Pincher Creek; and, Edmonton’s Capital Power will build 60 kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat. Projects will be operational by the end of 2019.

Noteworthy in the second round was that each of the three projects required a minimum of 25 per cent indigenous equity ownership, with France’s EDF Renewables Canada Inc. partnering with the Kainai First Nation, and Ontario’s Capstone Infrastructure Corporation with the Sawridge First Nation. “It was really interesting to see the geographic diversity of where the wind farms will be developed and where these different communities are located,” says Wilson.

So successful were the bids that the earmarked 300 MW of capacity grew to 360 MW, to power 150,000 homes. The projects will be operational by mid-2021.

ABOVE: BINNU JEYAKUMAR, DIRECTOR OF CLEAN ENERGY AT THE PEMBINA INSTITUTE.

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MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

// ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Says Wilson, “These projects allowed entrepreneurial communities with the financial resources to develop and bid them in. The intention is that the partnership stake leads to significant economic development, job training and employment over the 20-year contract and beyond that will show dividends well into the future.”

READY TO TAKE YOUR BOARD MEETING TO NEW HEIGHTS?

With the Paul First Nation, Ontario’s Potentia Renewables Inc. will build the 113 MW Stirling Wind Project near Lethbridge in partnership with Calgary’s independent renewable energy company Greengate Power Corporation.

Founded in 2007, Greengate is a formidable example of the Albertan entrepreneurial spirit operating successfully in this sector.

This isn’t Greengate’s first rodeo. Stirling is its third wind energy project in development. In fact, of the 1,445 MW of installed wind energy capacity in Alberta, Greengate contributed one-third, or 450 MW, with the 300 MW Blackspring Ridge in Vulcan – the largest operating wind energy project in Canada at the time of its completion in 2014 – and the 150 MW Halkirk in the County of Paintearth, 40 kilometres southeast of Stettler. These two projects represent approximately $1 billion of investment and provide power to more than 200,000 homes.

ABOVE: GREENGATE POWER CORPORATION.

SKIBANFF.COM 1.877.542.2633

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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2019-01-07 12:30:58 PM

ALBERTA’S WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY // ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

“ALBERTA HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED RENEWABLES TO COMPETE FOR THE LOWEST COST OUTCOME, MAKING THE PROVINCE, ARGUABLY, ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN THE WORLD TO INVEST IN RENEWABLES.” ~ DAN BALABAN

With the growth of renewable energy projects, landowners and environmentalists have expressed concern about their impact on habitat and wildlife, such as the protection of native prairie grasslands and wetlands, and birds’ migratory patterns. Alberta Environment and Parks finalized the Conservation and Reclamation Directive for Renewable Energy Operations in September 2018, ensuring development proceeds in an environmentally-responsible manner. Its reclamation requirements also outline what’s needed to restore the area at the end of a wind farm’s life.

Says Jeyakumar, “Many of these issues are already protected under different acts and this directive was specifically created because there was no explicit standard for renewables. The standard is stringent and closes the gaps and makes it really clear what the implications are.”

Technological advances have made wind energy one of the lowest cost options available. In fact, U.S. financing advisory and assessment management firm Lazard reports the cost of wind has fallen by 67 per cent since 2009 due to technological improvements. And when it comes to wind, the technological advances are straightforward – taller towers allow for longer turbine blades. By lengthening the blades, there’s an exponential increase in the kinetic energy

they can extract from the wind, thus significantly increasing energy output.

“There’s also better ice-handling, which in a hockey country is a good thing,” says Wilson, referring to improved methods of ice removal to optimize the turbines’ operational abilities.

The Round 3 projects, won by TransAlta and Potentia, will produce 400 MW of renewable energy, to power about 170,000 homes. AESO has begun consultations on upcoming REP competitions but the future of the wind energy industry is uncertain until after the provincial election in May 2019; a changing of the guard is a concern.

“Growth in renewables used to be primarily driven by environmental considerations but that has changed. Like computers, the technology continues to significantly improve and renewables are now the lowest cost source of new electricity. With our world-class solar and wind resources, supporting renewables in Alberta simply makes sense,” says Dan Balaban, Greengate founder, president and CEO. “Alberta has always required renewables to compete for the lowest cost outcome, making the province, arguably, one of the most exciting places in the world to invest in renewables.”

ABOVE: DAN BALABAN, FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF GREENGATE POWER CORPORATION.

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MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED // GOLF

Greatest

THE GAME EVER PLAYED SWING INTO GOLF SEASON WITH TIPS FROM THE PROS

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

R

enowned sports psychologist and performance coach Dr. Bob Rotella once said, “A golfer has to train his swing on the practice tee, then trust it on the course.”

Calgarians and beyond will soon be dusting off their clubs in anticipation of warmer temps and praying to the almighty golf gods for a better handicap than last year. If they’re lucky, they’ve already taken some swings in warmer climes south of the border. And if they’re smart, they’ve been chipping away at indoor practice facilities in the city.

Practice makes perfect may be an overused adage, yet in the game of golf it can be the difference between the greatest game ever played and 18 holes of horror. After all, would you expect to be successful at your job without working at it first, asks Tom Greiner, head professional at the Calgary Golf & Country Club.

“If people ran their businesses like they ran their approach to golf, their businesses would probably go bankrupt in no time,” he says. “Start by asking, what are your expectations?

ABOVE: TOM GREINER, HEAD PROFESSIONAL AT THE CALGARY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

45

THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED // GOLF

Where do you want to see your golf game go? Are you being realistic? Most people have one-, two- and five-year business plans. Golf is no different.”

While some golfers are fixated on straighter putts or getting a few more yards out of their drive, Greiner says most people should focus on improving the consistency of their overall game.

“Everyone has hit that miraculous golf shot, whether it’s a 250-yard drive or a shot that never leaves the flagstick and ends up six feet,” he says. “They feel that they’ve done it once, and now they want to be able to do it all the time. Consistency is that elusive thing that everyone wants to achieve so they’re not shooting 95 one game and 79 the next.”

Terry Carter, who has been a PGA pro for the past 28 years and is currently director of the Calgary-based National Golf Academy, says the key to consistency is not just practice, but practising the right things. He highlights what he calls the fundamentals such as proper grip, posture, ball position and rotation.

“Once you know what to work on, you can be more productive. It’s about practising with a purpose,” says Carter, whose academy employs six PGA pros year-round and handles upwards of 10,000 lessons per year.

“The most common shot for 90 per cent of golfers is the slice … yet most people don’t understand ball flight laws. So, they don’t know why a ball went to the right or left. If you understand the path the club travels and where the club face is – for example, if you swing to the left, the ball goes to the right – then it’s just simple physics and you can correct it.”

Greiner suggests using block practice as a habit when looking to change a technique – that is, performing a single skill over and over where repetition is the focus. For example, if you make a grip change, then hit 50 balls and it’s going to start feeling more comfortable.

He also suggests aids such as the TrackMan Golf app that allows golfers to get visual feedback on their swing and avoid practising the wrong techniques. For example, he likes the app because it allows golfers to

better analyze their attack angles – whether they are connecting with the ball as the club head is ascending or descending. (To maximize the distance, golfers need to hit the ball on an upswing.)

“Without that information, it would be very difficult to measure. Technology takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation,” says Greiner.

Carter also recommends golfers practise the way they play.

While repetition will help to create muscle memory and enforce good habits, it will only go so far in improving other aspects of the game.

“How many times have you heard people talk about how they can hit their driver great on the range, but can’t on the course?” he asks. “Well, on a range, you’re hitting the same shot 30 to 40 times. But in a game, you’re teeing up your driver, then pulling out your seven iron, then maybe ABOVE: TERRY CARTER, PGA PRO FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS AND CURRENT DIRECTOR OF THE CALGARY-BASED NATIONAL GOLF ACADEMY. BELOW: TODD HALPEN, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION AT THE GOLF CANADA CALGARY CENTRE.

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MARCH 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED // GOLF

you’re pitching.… I always tell people that after their swing is somewhat consistent, they have to play the game.

There’s a difference between hitting the ball and playing the game.”

Todd Halpen, director of instruction at the Golf Canada Calgary Centre, suggests golfers take the added step of asking themselves after each shot: what went right and what went wrong? And: what about that is objective or subjective?

For example, an objective analysis might factor in the club face angle. That can be measured as the launch angle of the ball. Subjective, on the other hand, might be that your grip was too tight. Perception, in that case, might not be reality.

He goes on to say that any change to a golfer’s game is going to feel awkward at first – not unlike being asked to brush your teeth with your opposite hand. But if you work at it over time, those nuances will eventually disappear.

“Golf is a power game. You might need to swing fast. You’re probably swinging too slow. If someone swings slow on the backswing and fast on the upswing, they don’t have a rhythm,” says Halpen, adding the notion of a slow backswing being a good thing is actually a myth.

Greiner also brings up the advice of keeping your head down or risk topping the ball. In practice, however, a golfer’s head should always come up during a swing. Hindering your head from moving will limit your hands from rotating, which will impact when you shift your weight and minimize any chance of making solid impact with the ball – not to mention, it can also put a lot of stress on your neck.

Let your head move, he says.

“Keeping your head down is so far from the truth, yet it’s very prevalent,” says Greiner.

Yet that doesn’t make breaking bad habits any easier.

“Everyone’s going to have nuances to their swing. What I try to figure out is what they’re trying to do with the golf ball as opposed to what their body is doing,” says Halpen, bringing up the example of trying to curve every shot.

“In that case, the golfer needs to choose a swing direction that’s slightly right or left of where the club face is to create the tilted spin of a golf ball. If they’re not already doing that, they need to be encouraged to try to curve the shot, not discouraged. It’s about providing clarity.”

And on the flip side, don’t buy too much into folk tales that take you down the wrong path – like slowing down your backswing.

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Nominations are now closed. Thank you to all who have nominated and to the nominees who are part of this year’s program. We look forward to assembling another group of influential people from our business community who will be honoured for their contributions towards making Calgary a great place to live and work!

Business in Calgary will celebrate the 2019 winners at our 12th Annual Awards Gala, and our July issue will feature the Leaders and their companies.

Save the Date Wednesday, June 26th | 6pm To stay informed on details for our event, visit www.businessincalgary.com/leaders or email leaders@businessincalgary.com

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BEARSPAW ELBOW PARK | $4,900,000 | $2,395,000

3001

E LBOW DRIVE SW

Modern Industrial Chic - With exposed brick details, industrial finishings, and large windows throughout, this home is truly the epitome of New York loft inspired style; built by Mission Homes. The large living room flows past brick pillars into the kitchen where the focal point is an oversized island offering seating for six. This space is also equipped with high end appliances and plenty of built in storage, while the dining area offers access out to the yard. A private patio, expansive lawn, and an adorable playhouse make this a space everyone can enjoy. A breathtaking stairway encased by two storey windows leads upstairs to the roomy master suite with a serene ensuite. Two more sizeable bedrooms, a 5 piece bathroom, and a fantastically dreamy office complete this level. Meanwhile, the basement is home to a recreation room, fourth bedroom, large laundry room, and a 4 piece bathroom. A welcoming family home with every inch exuding clean, minimalistic style. A true slice of the big apple!

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BEARSPAW | $4,900,000 SILVERHORN | $3,999,000

129

S I LV E R H O R N R I D G E

Best of both worlds - Combining cosmopolitan lifestyle with country living, this custom built home by Maillot Homes is a luxurious alternative to city life. Located in one of Bearspaw’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, this impeccably crafted, one-of-a-kind home offers 6,137 sf of exquisite living space. White oak hardwood, a stunning curved staircase, and a sprawling floor plan are just the beginning of the high end finishings and details that make this home so wonderful. The gourmet kitchen is built to entertain with oversized quartzite island, full prep kitchen, and butlers pantry; while the dramatic dining room is perfect for hosting culinary experiences. Upstairs offers 4 bedrooms, including the spectacular master retreat that is a serene escape with a spa inspired ensuite, and massive walk-in closet.

The walkout basement offers even more gorgeous entertaining space with a family room, full bar, and games area. Two private guest rooms, with ensuite’s complete this level. Outside you’ll be able to enjoy the vibrant scenery that surrounds you, sitting on your patio or deck. Welcome to where nature meets luxury.

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BEARSPAW ASPEN WOODS | $4,900,000 | $1,695,000

9

ASPEN RIDGE GREEN SW

Ravine Views! Imagine starting your morning with a view of a serene wooded area from your kitchen table.

This home has a stunning location and impeccable design. Up to date design details like brick walls, herringbone patterned flooring, dove grey cabinets and light-toned hardwood have been incorporated throughout. Savour moments in the state of the art farmhouse kitchen. The Miele appliances include a double oven gas range with 6 burners and a grill and a steam oven. There’s an apron front sink, a pot filler and an urban cultivator to grow your own herbs and microgreens indoors. The butler’s pantry and mudroom are straight from the pages of a magazine. The private office with double height windows is ideal for working from home. Upstairs a bonus room separates the ensuite from two bedrooms each with their own bathroom.

The peaceful master has its own balcony. Downstairs, a recreation room and four additional bedrooms are light and bright thanks to a walkout basement. This home was built to impress!

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BEARSPAW | $1,450,000 HILLHURST $4,900,000

1801

B ROA DV I E W ROA D N W

Perfectly at home in Hillhurst! Step inside this warm and welcoming home, with radiant in-floor heat throughout. Make your way past the office into the modern, fully-equipped kitchen, with stainless steel appliances including a gas range, a Miele coffee machine, beverage fridge, and expansive island, this is a fantastic space for entertaining. From here the floorplan opens to the dining area and the bright living room. Upstairs, the serene master suite shares a two-sided fireplace with the tranquil ensuite, which includes dual sinks, a soaker tub, and a rain shower.

Two additional bedrooms, both with their own 3 piece ensuite complete this level. The basement is also set up for entertaining, with a large recreation space, bar area, and a media room. Movie and games nights never looked so good! On warmer days spend time in the lovely yard with a spacious patio and gas fireplace. This home is in a wonderful location on a corner lot within walking distance to the Bow River.

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BEARSPAW || $1,395,000 ALTADORE $4,900,000

1947

F O RT Y- S I X T H AV E N U E S W

Altadore home seeking family! This inviting two story is just steps from the park. Light pours through the large family room windows bathing the open floor plan in sunshine. The grand kitchen has chef ’s grade appliances, cabinets stretching to the 9’ ceilings and an ample pantry. Two prep sinks and an expanse of granite counter on the island and peninsula allow for multiple cooks. It’s easy to entertain a crowd in the dining area while prepping dinner. An office with double glass doors is a quiet place to work from home. Upstairs, the hardwood continues into three bedrooms, including a spacious master suite. Double sinks, a vanity, a large shower and a walk in closet make it easy for parents to start their day. In the evening the whole family will enjoy hanging out around the fireplace of the basement playroom. The built in storage is an organizers dream!

Closets and bins fit every toy and the desk is the perfect spot for art projects. Outside a sunny south facing patio provides a safe place to play.

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BEARSPAW WOODS GARRISON | $4,900,000 | $1,395,000

32

M O R E U I L CO U RT S W

Park perfection! A fantastic combination of luxurious inner city living, with the airiness of being on a culde-sac that backs onto a park. With over $500,000 in improvements you’ll be in amazed from the moment you step into the foyer, while just off the front entrance you’ll find a formal dining area. The impressive kitchen is fully equipped with top-of-the-line appliances including a Wolf steam oven, and the oversized island spans almost the entire length of the space, the perfect place for a culinary spread. Guests can mingle in the living room with a view of the park, or make their way out to the spacious deck. Kids will love the easy access out to the park and playground, while still being under the watchful eye of parents. Upstairs, the master suite is a relaxing retreat with a spa-like ensuite and enviable closet. The second bedroom also has its own ensuite and walk-in closet. The basement begins with a family room, while a third bedroom and a bathroom are great for older children or visitors.

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BEARSPAW COUGAR RIDGE | $4,900,000 | $1,388,800

63

C O U G A R P L AT E A U C I R C L E S W

Updated custom built marvel! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac this home sits on a large pie lot with an unbelievable back yard overlooking a vast secluded green space and the city skyline. The home has been updated with a clean, modern style, with new paint, flooring, and extensive upgrades to the kitchen and master ensuite. With custom millwork throughout, as well as a solarium, hot tub room, and an oversized triple garage (tandem) this home’s expansive living space set it apart from other homes in the area. Six generously sized bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, offer space for everyone. The master bedroom is a spacious retreat with a three sided fireplace partitioning the bedroom and sitting area, as well as a luxurious master ensuite with dual vanities separated by a large corner tub. The basement also features a bar, media room, and steam shower; while the show stopping backyard’s low maintenance landscaping presents layered terraces, an outdoor cooking space, and a putting green!

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BEARSPAW | $1,250,000 HILLHURST $4,900,000

NEST

426 OR 428 ELEVENTH STREET NW

Two units to choose from, offering luxury in the heart of Kensington! this incredible, architecturally designed new executive tri-plex features outstanding, highend fixtures & fittings, spectacular interior design (by Monica Stevens Interior Design) and a location second to none, perfect for those who appreciate walkability/ pedestrian friendly living it is set on a quiet, tree-lined street just steps away from trendy shops & restaurants, Riley Park, c-train & Bow River. Walk/bike to nearby SAIT, Jubilee auditorium for a concert, ballet or opera or to downtown from this inner city retreat with bedrooms (2 master suites) & 4 bathrooms, rooftop deck, city views & developed basement. Showcasing exceptional finishes thru-out if offers: Wolf & SubZero appliances, Empire kitchen & bath millwork, Ann Sacks designer backsplash, Caesarstone counters, site-finished white oak hardwood, European plumbing fixtures, 10� baseboards, 9 & 10’ ceilings, Legrand electrical outlets, ICF party-walls & foundation, heated garage & basement floor.

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SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,098,000

168

S P R I N G B L U F F B O U L E VA R D S W

Sought After Spring Bluff! The last three houses we sold on this ridge were snapped up within hours and at full price. Buyers adore the striking unobstructed mountain vistas from this elevated street. In addition to the location, this home has a smart open plan layout with generous sized rooms and great flow. Perfect for a family! Easy to maintain hardwood floors run throughout the main and second level. The kitchen offers loads of storage, large expanses of granite countertops, a pantry and a big island to gather around. Break bread in the sun filled nook or entertain formally in the dining room. Bring everyone together in the large, bright living area.

The den provides a quiet room to work or study. The walkout basement recreation room is an ideal teen zone, with big windows, laminate floors a fireplace and a snack bar. The whole crowd could easily hang out here. Find solitude upstairs in the grand master bedroom sitting area. Or soak in the tub after a long day. We expect this one to go quickly!

CAMBRIAN HEIGHTS | $1,095,000

76

CARDIFF DRIVE NW

We know the story. He wants a huge garage and she wants stunning interiors.

Why compromise? This newly renovated bungalow has been beautified and modernized. Quality is everywhere. A cast concrete fireplace and chic light fixtures accent the open concept living and dining room. Cook up a storm at the generous island in the classic white kitchen with sparkling marble backsplash and quartz counters. A smart addition extends the master suite allowing for his and hers closets and a serene white designer ensuite complete with heated jetted tub. The massive 4 car (tandem) attached heated garage with oversized door and high ceilings to accommodate car lifts will appeal to car enthusiasts. Store your collection, boat, ATVs, trailer, or set up a workshop. Come into the house through the attached mudroom and secondary laundry room without tracking dirt upstairs. Enjoy quiet evenings around the outdoor gas fireplace on your private backyard patio.

This extensively renovated home is the solution for both of you! c

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DICSCOVERY RIDGE | $999,000

75

D I S CO V E R Y R I D G E C R E S C E N T S W

Best Value Per Square Foot! This home nestled among the intricate pathways of Griffith Woods embodies old world charm.

It has been immaculately maintained, was custom built with loads of hand crafted millwork and thoughtfully laid out to accommodate a busy family. Welcome guests in one of several living spaces, feed a crowd in the formal dining area or snuggle around one of five fireplaces on cold winter nights. Gather around the large kitchen island for casual meals. Keep everything organized in the ample pantry and mudroom. Work from home in the den while the kids study in the library.

Watch the game, play pool, serve a cocktail and entertain friends in the walkout basement recreation room and bar. End your day in the peaceful master suite by soaking in the jacuzzi tub. There are three additional upstairs bedrooms with walk in closets and a Jack and Jill bathroom for your little ones. This has the potential of being your forever home. At this price per square foot is the best value in the neighbourhood!

PATTERSON | $859,000

58

PAT R I C K V I E W S W

Fresh Updates! Be the first to enjoy the new light toned hardwood floor, plush carpet and neutral paint in this newly renovated home. There’s not a thing to do but move in! A pleasant living room greets you at the front entry. Light streams through the double height windows bathing the kitchen island in sun. Be dazzled by the new marble backsplash, quartz counters, stainless appliances and white cabinets. Keep an eye on the kids while they do their homework in the adjacent home office. Store everything with ease in the mudroom walk in closet. Downstairs there’s plenty of room to spread out in the recreation room. Take in the Bow River views from the master bedroom windows. There will be no more bickering over closet space with two separate walk in closets. The romantic master bath features a soaker tub made for two. This home backs on to a sloped meadow providing privacy from neighbours. Watch deer graze and the lovely changing colours of the seasons in this protected yard with a glass of rosé at hand.

ALTADORE | $799,000

2040

F O R T Y- N I N T H AV E N U E S W

Inner City Showstopper! Minutes from Downtown, this trendy infill boasts a highly sought-after location. Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate being in walking distance to: Flames arena, Glenmore Athletic park, The Tennis Academy, Glenmore Aquatic Centre, Sandy Beach, and Lakeview Golf course. The open concept and stunning two storey front windows fill the home with plenty of natural light, while open riser staircase is a stunning focal point of the home.

A fireplace separates the living room from the dining area and sleek kitchen, with stainless steel appliances and bar fridge.

Out the back door you’ll find a low maintenance oasis and sizeable deck. Upstairs the master bedroom features a stone faced 2 sided fireplace between the bedroom and ensuite. Two more well sized bedrooms, a 4 piece bath, and the laundry room complete this floor. Downstairs the fully developed basement offers a family room with tons of built in storage, as well as a fourth bedroom, and a 4 piece bath. A must see home!

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STRATHCONA PARK | $769,000

138

S T R AT H R I D G E P L AC E S W

Cul-de-sac perfection - With easy access to the whole city from 17th Avenue or Bow Trail, this home is perfectly situated in lovely Strathcona Park. The bright, welcoming living room, opens into the formal dining space where big family meals and celebrations can be enjoyed. The open concept kitchen offers plenty of storage and counterspace, as well as a functional island overlooking the family room with corner fireplace. Access the deck and generous yard from the cozy breakfast nook just off the kitchen. This level also includes an office, laundry/mudroom, and powder room. Upstairs, there is enough room for everyone to spread out. The master bedroom includes a full 4 piece ensuite bathroom with jetted tub, as well as a walk-in closet. Three more bedrooms and a 4 piece main bathroom complete the upper level. Downstairs you will find a bedroom, large recreation room with wet bar, hobby room, and 4 piece bathroom. You’ll also love the pathways, parks and amenities that this Westhills community has to offer.

SIGNAL HILL | $649,000

412

S I E R R A M A D R E CO U R T S W

Mint Condition! Located within the desirable pocket of the Estates of Richmond Hill. This pristine and impeccably maintained home is move in ready. Step inside and be impressed with the vaulted ceilings and high windows. Picture hosting lively dinners in the living and dining room. Wander down the hall to the relaxed family room, kitchen and nook.

Kick off your shoes, snuggle around the gas fireplace and watch TV while the kids play. Dinner prep is easy in this efficient kitchen layout. The granite counters and stainless steel appliances are worry free! Upstairs the hardwood continues into the bedrooms and a flex space overlooking the living area that could be used as a reading nook or study. The master suite includes a good sized walk in closet and a jetted tub in the ensuite. Outside, you’ll find a beautifully landscaped back yard and deck. There’s a green space and a pathway behind the house providing extra space to roam and distance from neighbours. Opportunities at this price don’t come often!

DISCOVERY RIDGE | $609,000

62

D I S CO V E R Y R I D G E G A R D E N S S W

Parkland Panorama! Take in the views of the rolling hills and meadow parkland throughout the changing seasons from this welcoming property. Beyond the back gate you’ll find direct access to the extensive park and trails of Discovery Ridge.

Imagine watching the little ones bike or play in the green space right behind your home. Take a short stroll to the nearby pond and waterfall or explore picturesque Griffith Woods. The private backyard, large brick patio and raised deck offer ample space to enjoy the outdoors or entertain friends. But the desirable parklike location and yard are not the only reasons to see this home. The main floor is open and bright with large windows and maple hardwood floors. Envision gathering the family around the kitchen island for casual meals. Hang out or watch TV in the spacious upstairs bonus room. Stay cozy in the lower level recreation room with the electric floor heating in the winter. This home’s location, features and price are all reasons to make it your new home today!

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

HIDDEN VALLEY | $575,000

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HIDDEN CREEK HEIGHTS NW

Idylic location, on the ridge, backing onto a 150 acre environmental reserve. This gorgeous home offers panoramic views overlooking the river and twinkling city lights from all three levels. In excess of 4300 SF of luxurious living space plus a 3 car tandem garage.The home offers extensive use of natural stone, Rundle exterior, stone wall fireplace, travertine and granite countertops thorough out. Custom millwork, coffered ceilings, cove moldings. Main level offers a den, formal dining room, vaulted living rm & chef ’s kitchen w/ a huge hidden walk-in pantry, Viking & Bosch professional series appliances (incl. gas stove). An exquisite custom, curved, open-string stairway leads you to 3 generous size bdrms and bonus/flex rm. The Master boasts the most sought-after view, luxurious ensuite w/ in-floor heating, 3-sided fireplace, jetted tub, his/her sinks, and spa like steam-shower. The walkout has a full-service bar, home theatre, gym, 4th bdrm & 3pc bath.

Fully landscaped with a SwimSpa and fire pit.

WEST SPRINGS | $565,000

9053

W E N T W O R T H AV E N U E S W

Worry-Free in Wentworth! From first glance you’ll see this townhouse is unlike the rest. A mansard roof, stone work and classical architecture set it apart. Inside, the sunbathed living room with south facing windows and soaring ceiling invites you to sit around the fireplace. The kitchen overlooks this room and the picturesque view of the park. Stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, granite counters and a generous pantry make this an efficient and attractive space. Use the large dining area for casual dinners or formal parties. There is plenty of space to entertain with 2267 sq ft! Upstairs a central laundry area makes doing chores easy. The master has a big closet and a 5 piece bath. Watch TV in the lower level or use this room as a home office. This end unit is located on a natural park with pathways and space to play or walk the dog. Watch the sunset from your patio. Stroll to local markets and cafes. The school is just steps away. Live worry free with no yard work or snow removal!

WINDSOR PARK | $560,000

#3

5115 - 4 A S T R E E T S W

Welcome to The Winston - With 19 modern and luxurious townhouses to choose from, and the opportunity to pick the finishings that suit your style, these brand new 3 storey homes, built by Brava Development Corp, are a dream come true. Conveniently located in Windsor Park with quick access to Elbow Drive and MacLeod Trail getting around the city has never been easier. You are also just a short walk to the shops and restaurants of Britannia Plaza. Each unit has been thoughtfully designed with exceptional finishings throughout, with the main floor housing the garage and a bedroom that could also be used as an office space. Up on the second level the main living space is a sprawling open plan beginning with the high-end kitchen which separates the dining room and spacious deck, from the living room. The top floor is home to the peaceful master bedroom, with walk-in closet and 3 piece ensuite, as well as a second bedroom, 4 piece bathroom, and laundry. Space and luxury without the cost and maintenance.

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WORTH ®

FOR ALL IT’S

DOWNTOWN EAST VILLAGE | $259,900

#303

325 THIRD STREET SE

River views over up-and-coming East Village! You’ll be instantly in love with this 1 BED + DEN, located in the Riverfront Pointe, offering walkability, access to transit, and proximity to the Riverwalk pathways, Eau Claire, and the rest of the downtown core. Perched on the 3rd floor, with an unobstructed view over the river, this unit truly is urban living at its best. With modern finishings and floor to ceiling windows, all this space needs is your personal design touch! The unit features stainless steel kitchen appliances, an open floor plan to the dining area and living room, a master bedroom, 4 piece bathroom, and in-suite laundry. Access your balcony from the living room to enjoy the views over the bustling energy of the city. In addition to all of this, the unit also comes with a titled heated, underground parking stall. The building also offers some fantastic amenities including a gym, common outdoor patio on the 19th floor, full-time concierge/security, and bike storage. Welcome to downtown life!

BELTLINE | $225,000

#304

1312 T H I R T E E N T H AV E N U E S W

Live near lively 17th Avenue! The location of this third floor one bedroom apartment condo couldn’t be more desirable for someone wanting to be near the action of this dynamic retail and restaurant district. Catch up with friends for a coffee at a cafe. Savour the flavours of the many excellent eating establishments. Sip a crafted cocktail at a local lounge. Peruse the boutiques and specialty shops of the area. Bike the nearby river pathways to Edworthy Park. Take in a festival at Prince’s Island or Shaw Park. Walk or ride to the city centre. Get around easily with the close-at-hand LRT station and transit routes. The unit itself in this quiet concrete constructed building has an efficient kitchen, in-suite laundry, hardwood floors, plush carpet and ample bedroom storage closets. The balcony faces a tree-lined street. One assigned parking stall is included. This unit is priced to sell and ideal for a first time buyer or a rental property investor.

WESTGATE | $219,000

#107

550 WEST WOOD DRIVE SW

Convenience at a great value! Welcome to this main floor unit in the Sandhurst Village complex. Located just a short walk to the 45 street C-Train station the location of this condo could not be better for those looking for easy access to downtown, the U of C, SAIT, or ACAD. This 2 bedroom suite features a sleek kitchen with modern white appliances and cabinets, as well as light grey subway tile backsplash. While the floor plan opens to the dining area and living room, both great places to gather with friends or family. From the bright living room you have access out to the generously sized south facing patio, with trees and greenery offering privacy from the street and neighbours. This space has more than enough room to host guests for an outdoor BBQ fiesta. Both bedrooms are a good size, while the master offers a walk-in closet. A well run property with a gym, party room, and shared laundry facilities, although this unit also has in-suite laundry which is rare for units in this building.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

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TOC

Page 1 - The Hub for Industry Knowledge, Advocacy, Education and Networking Page 6 - BOMA Insider Page 7 - BOMA BEST® Corner

NEWS SPRING 2019

By Lloyd Suchet, Executive Director, BOMA Calgary

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The Hub for Industry Knowledge, Advocacy, Education and Networking

n its 55th year of existence, 2019 doesn’t just signify a new year for BOMA Calgary, it also marks the beginning of a three-year cycle for the strategic plan that forms the foundation of BOMA Calgary.

An organization like ours relies on the commercial real estate sector believing in the mandate of BOMA Calgary, and seeing value for membership each and every year.

Delivering value means prioritizing the things that you as commercial real estate professionals value the most – from speakers and educational session topics to advocacy initiatives and promoting sustainability in the industry, we look to our membership for guidance.

With that in mind, in late 2018 BOMA Calgary’s board, staff and committee chairs sat down for two facilitated workshops where there were robust discussions on BOMA Calgary’s priorities and key objectives, as well as how we can best implement them. From these workshops a prudent and measurable plan was developed to guide our organization’s actions over the next three years.

While the plan includes plenty of internal objectives to help us deliver our mandate more effectively, there are also industry-facing priorities where success means a tangible and positive impact on the day-to-day lives of industry professionals.

With that in mind, in late 2018 BOMA Calgary’s board, staff and committee chairs sat down for two facilitated workshops where there were robust discussions on BOMA Calgary’s priorities and key objectives, as well as how we can best implement them.

The first of these relates to maximizing the adoption of the BOMA BEST certification program for buildings across Calgary and southern Alberta. As governments – including our municipal and provincial partners – bring in new environmental requirements, the benefit of BOMA BEST certification only grows. It is a full-spectrum

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BOMA Calgary News is a co-publication of BOMA Calgary and Business in Calgary.

Business in Calgary

1025, 101 - 6 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 Tel: 403.264.3270 • Fax: 403.264.3276 info@businessincalgary.com www.businessincalgary.com

BOMA Calgary

Suite 225, 550 11th Avenue SW, Calgary AB, T2R 1M7 Email: info@boma.ca • Web: www.boma.ca Tel: 403.237.0559 • Fax: 403.266.5876

Communications Committee Christine White, Chair, Oxford Properties Group Rita Borrow, Brookfield Lance Merrifield, Epic Roofing Enam Islam, Hines Jon Holmes, Camfil Aydan Aslan, BOMA Calgary Lucy Skjarstad, Artopex

Board of Directors

CHAIR Lee Thiessen, MNP LLP CHAIR-ELECT Richard Morden, QuadReal Property Group SECRETARY TREASURER Rob Blackwell, Aspen Properties PAST CHAIR Chris Nasim, GWL Realty Advisors EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lloyd Suchet, BOMA Calgary

Directors

Jay de Nance, RioCan Management Inc. Todd Throndson, Avison Young Art Skow, Bentall Kennedy Canada LP Laura Newcombe, GWL Realty Advisors Irene Au, 51 North Productions Ltd. Candace Walker, Brookfield Blair Carbert, Carbert Waite LLP

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Calgary publishes BOMA Calgary News quarterly. For advertising rates and information contact Business in Calgary.

Publication of advertising should not be deemed as endorsement by BOMA Calgary. The publisher reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to reject any advertising at any time submitted by any party. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of BOMA Calgary, its members or its staff.

management tool that helps drive environmental performance, health and safety, all while saving costs and maximizing the value of the building. It will also make it easier for companies to comply with anticipated regulatory requirements.

We have also heard from the industry of the importance of attracting young people to not just replace aging boomers, but to help build tech-savvy teams that can navigate the ever-changing world of smart buildings. By supporting BOMA Calgary’s NextGen Committee, the plan gives us a clear mandate to increase the engagement of students and young professionals in all aspects of our programming. We have made significant steps on this front in the past four years by building relationships with post-secondary institutions and hosting events tailored to young professionals, and with this objective embedded in the plan I know the next four years will be even more fruitful.

Advocacy is always front of mind and another key pillar of our organization, so it should come as no surprise that it is a strategic priority for the next three years. What came out of the workshops was that BOMA Calgary spends impressive amounts of time and effort on advocacy and can claim important wins every single year, but we are less effective at telling the industry this story. So, while we will continue to serve as the industry’s voice at city hall and at the legislature, we will also have regular touch points to tell you what we’ve been doing, and to solicit your feedback.

But more than just advocacy, we want to be “the hub” for industry knowledge, education and networking. This doesn’t mean BOMA Calgary delivers every educational platform, but that industry can reliably look to us as the gatekeeper to relevant information and thought leadership on the issues affecting the industry in Calgary and southern Alberta. A crucial part of this will be a more effective mechanism to ask you, the industry professional, what issues keep you and your colleagues up at night, and how BOMA can help.

Staying relevant and delivering value to members is the key metric that measures the health of BOMA Calgary. While sharing the plan with you is important, we know what you expect is results. We will deliver.

Client: SERV

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BOMA Calgary News

But more than just advocacy, we want to be “the hub” for industry knowledge, education and networking. This doesn’t mean BOMA Calgary delivers every educational platform, but that industry can reliably look to us as the gatekeeper to relevant information and thought leadership on the issues affecting the industry in Calgary and southern Alberta.

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FOR EVERYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG UNDER YOUR ROOF, THERE’S THE NUMBER THAT LIVES UNDER OURS. Fifty percent of businesses may never re-open after a disaster. That’s why knowing the easiest way to contact SERVPRO® is so important. Because the sooner you get in touch with us, the quicker we can start to minimize the damage, as well as the cost. Just contact SERVPRO of Calgary South or SERVPRO of Edmonton Southside to activate the cleanup team that’s faster to any-sized disaster. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water and fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – it’s your decision to call on the very best. Your trusted, local SERVPRO professional.

Services in Canada provided by independently owned & operated franchises of SERVPRO International, LLC.

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4

BOMA Insider The BOMA Calgary members got to explore the library with a private tour and learn all about the process of building this beautiful building. Special thanks to the library staff & volunteers!

Welcome New BOMA Member Companies!

Enercare Connections - Derrick Newman Artopex - Lucy Skjarstad Aurora Industries - Jyllis McLean Tower Engineering Group - Travis Waterman Leaf Environmental Products Inc. - Jerry Gao Stoughton Fire Protection Ltd. - Sarah Purdy AES Engineering Ltd. - Amir Tavakoli Silverback Steel Refinishing Inc. - Kyle Chiasson

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BOMA BEST® Corner Rainwater Collection and Organics at Work

W

elcome back to the BOMA Environmental Corner! Today, we are discussing the rainwater collection system and organics program that Cadillac Fairview, CF Chinook Centre, has implemented.

In January 2016, a rainwater cistern system was installed at CF Chinook Centre. This rainwater collection system gathers storm water from four roof drains. The system diverts water to a filter canister which drains the storm water into a large holding tank.

The photo below depicts the mesh filter located within the canister to remove leaves and other large natural substances.

The treated water is then diverted into the cooling tower and used for cooling the tower makeup. Since the beginning of this project, CF Chinook Centre has collected approximately 3,743.231 m3 of water, with about 1,607.99 m3 collected since January 2018 alone. Over time, the program has been adjusted to offer more rainwater collection, such as the connection of additional roof drains, where storm water would have otherwise gone into the storm-water drainage system.

This project was developed through the Cadillac Fairview Green at Work program. This is a team of employees who collaborate to discuss corporate social responsibility, sustainability, green projects, and how to implement them.

Another project that has come out from this team is the very successful organics program. CF Chinook Centre has two composters on site to compost all organic waste generated from the dining hall and numerous food vendors throughout the centre. The property increased organic collection from 12 per cent in 2017 to 16 per cent in 2018, all of which was composted on site.

Waste assessments are completed annually and in 2018, 70 per cent of all waste was diverted from the landfill into organics, standard recycling and specialty recycling.

Cadillac Fairview’s commitment to sustainability underscores its commitment to reducing environmental impact, seeking new ideas to improving current issues, increasing operational efficiencies, and making the constant choice to do the right thing on a local and global level.

Between both of these projects, Cadillac Fairview, CF Chinook Centre, is demonstrating how commitment to sustainable operations can reduce costs, earn client loyalty and provide a healthier working environment for everyone.

Submitted on behalf of the BOMA Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Committee.

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During our 18 week program, over 700 Calgary and area youth develop business ideas, write business plans, elect executives, and market and sell their own products. Students would not be able to participate in this entrepreneurial experience without the mentorship of volunteers and the support of organizations dedicated to seeing young Albertans succeed.

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Chamber members champion Calgary, powering the growth that drives our city. Thousands of members work together to help make Calgary one of the best places to live and work in the world.

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T

he Calgary Chamber kicked off an important part of its efforts to double down on policy advocacy with the launch of our policy platform recommendations for the 2019 Alberta provincial election. Titled Businesses Drive Cities That Thrive, our platform is all about bringing business-forward policies to the forefront in order to drive business, market and community growth in the province.

Our policy platform identifies five key areas where the provincial government must focus to build a better business environment.

Our platform puts forward nine tangible recommendations in these areas and we are not only asking all parties to adopt these recommendations, but we are also asking all citizens to vote for businesses when it comes to the election. You can read the full platform online at www.calgarychamber.com/ABelection.

Look for the Chamber to be in the game during the election campaign as we do our part to ensure all parties adopt the policy recommendations that will bring back a competitive business environment that will help stimulate investment and opportunity for Calgarians.

Another of the Chamber’s current projects is to make the economy, energy and the importance of getting oil and gas to market at world prices a topic of conversation at dinner tables across Canada. In October, we will see the whole country head to the polls to elect the next federal government. In partnership with several other large metropolitan chambers of commerce and boards of trade, the Calgary Chamber will shortly be launching a new communication initiative that will work to get Canadians voting for the balanced energy economy and the holistic benefits of bringing Canadian resources to global markets and energy transition in the next federal election.

We got a head start on advocacy in a late January meeting in Ottawa with the federal minister of Environment and Climate Change and the federal minister of Natural Resources, where we emphasized the importance of the federal government’s role in advocating on behalf of Canada’s energy sector. However, this is a conversation we all need to be having, so keep your eyes open for the next steps on how you can support this conversation and read ahead to learn more about Bill C-69, a political decision that is having a significant impact on a wide range of Canadian businesses and households.

Locally, watch for us as we ramp up efforts to advocate assertively for a more equitable tax policy for businesses.

Also, in the Chamber section of Business in Calgary this month is an overview of the events for the rest of the year. Chamber events are always a great opportunity for you to connect with new people, learn about new and dynamic ideas and industries, and get inspired by some of our local and national thought leaders. Get in touch to learn more about our events and, if you’re not already, about how to join to access special member pricing. We all need to be active in nourishing, powering and inspiring the world.

It’s grow time!

Sandip Lalli President & CEO Calgary Chamber

Update on Bill C-69

T

he Calgary Chamber is continuing its efforts to ensure the federal government is aware of concerns with Bill C-69, which has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources for review following its second reading. The bill, first introduced in February 2018, will establish two new regulatory bodies responsible for completing environmental impact assessments. The first will be the new Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the second, the Canadian Energy Regulator, with the latter replacing the National Energy Board.

The federal government’s stated intention of the bill was to create a regulatory environment where the approval of major projects in Canada is streamlined. However, the bill in its current form threatens to have the opposite effect by creating uncertainty around timelines, assessment factors and removing predictability. In its current form, it will also leave the final decision in the hands of the federal cabinet leading to a further politicization of the regulatory system.

The current uncertainty around building major projects in Canada is resulting in a chill on foreign investment as international companies divest from Canada, contributing to the lack of competitiveness in Canada’s business environment.

The Chamber along with other industry groups have been vocal in their advocacy about the need to amend Bill C-69.

The Calgary Chamber had the opportunity to voice its concern with the bill directly to the federal government in late January when president and CEO Sandip Lalli met with the minister of Environment and Climate Change and the minister of Natural Resources. The meeting was attended with five other big-city chambers and boards of trade across the country with similar concerns.

The meeting follows a submission to the Senate Committee that the Chamber filed in October last year with recommendations to improve the bill.

The Calgary Chamber also combined efforts with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) in December to increase advocacy capacity for this issue. Together the recommendations include: 1. Increase certainty around review timelines.

2. Emphasize science-based decision-making.

3. Ensure those most impacted by a project are heard.

4. Create confidence with a federal backstop (reduce financial risk).

5. Clarify the project criteria and eligible projects.

The Calgary and Alberta Chambers are not the only groups concerned with Bill C-69. The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, other business associations and companies across the country have also been vocal in their concerns around the effects of the bill. These groups have expressed similar concerns to the federal government. All parties are aligned on one glaring concern: Bill C-69 erodes Canada’s global competitiveness and reduces investor confidence in our country. In fact, many companies have stated publicly that they would not be able to invest in major infrastructure projects in Canada if the bill passes in its current form.

Advocacy for the importance of Canada’s energy industry will be on full display in the Chamber’s upcoming campaign to get Canadians voting for the energy economy and the holistic benefits of bringing Canadian resources to global markets in the next federal election.

Meet our Purpose Partner Nutrien

D

ay in and day out, farmers across Canada work hard to produce high-quality crop to feed a growing global population.

Agriculture is the foundation for life, and as the industry continues to adapt and innovate, consumers are becoming more aware of where products come from and how they are produced. As Nutrien strives to feed a growing population, they are working to better connect farmers, who are passionate about growing food, with consumers, who want to know more about where their food comes from.

Crop inputs and technology are playing an increasingly large role in food production and ensuring sustainability in the industry.

Nutrien is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs, services and solutions and works with farmers around the world to maximize crop yields. Delivering potash, nitrogen, phosphate and innovative technology, Nutrien prides itself on growing with its customer partners.

Producing 13 million tonnes of potash annually, Nutrien is the world’s largest producer of potash and the third largest producer of nitrogen. Nutrien also produces phosphate from seven facilities across North America. Nutrien’s products are sold through a global network of 1,700 retailers with 3,300 crop advisers and agronomists supporting farmers in the field.

As with most industries, Nutrien is currently leveraging the power of technology to innovate and develop products that have a positive impact across the entire agriculture sector. Much of this innovation is focused on continuing to improve crop yields and quality while minimizing crop input application rates.

By working with farmers, Nutrien has been able to leverage massive amounts of in-field data to better understand growing conditions, environmental impacts and the utilization of crop inputs. Farmers are also driving the move for more automation on farms, looking for simple, easy-to-use solutions that are tailored to their business.

One example of this is a digital offering Nutrien introduced last year providing growers with an all-in-one digital service hub. Farmers have access to data and analysis they need

Nutrien’s Patience Lake Potash Mine

for cropping decisions, while the integrated platform allows agronomists and field service representatives to provide solutions to optimize yields and financial results. This increases the relationships with farmers and provides Nutrien with an opportunity to adapt and respond in real time.

Community involvement is of the Calgary Chamber. Nutrien believes that by investing in people and community they can create core to Nutrien’s business, which is why in 2018 Nutrien became a Purpose Partner growth opportunities in Calgary, Western Canada and around the world. Nutrien is aligned with the Chamber’s values and believes that building a strong business community will build vibrancy in our communities.

With a corporate office located in Calgary along with four nitrogen facilities and 106 retail locations across Alberta, Nutrien continues to thrive in Calgary. Having access to an international airport allows Nutrien to build key connections in different global cities while staying connected to farmers in Canada.

Like farmers, everything Nutrien does is built from the ground up. Nutrien strives to become the leading integrated agricultural solutions provider, supporting farmers across the country and around the globe as they tend to their crops day in and day out.

Get your own Department of Healthy Living.

Chamber members have exclusive access to Canada’s #1 plan for health and dental beneďŹ ts for companies with 1-50 employees

Cissy Chen, owner of Rumble Boxing, nourishes Calgary as a Chamber member since 2011.

Calgary Chamber Upcoming Events At the Chamber, our business is connections, and it’s at our Calgary business events that the most personal and most meaningful connections are made. Because in the digital age, there’s just no substitute for actual face time.

From government leaders and policy-makers to industry-leading CEOs and business leaders, Chamber events bring together some of the world’s brightest minds to keep you current with the latest business trends and fresh ideas needed to overcome the challenges of running a business.

The 403 series The 403 is an event series designed to bring Calgary’s top entrepreneurs together to discuss topics relevant to their businesses.

Through an evening of structured networking, beverages and appetizers, business leaders connect and discuss topics in a relaxed setting.

403 events in 2019: • May 28: Money • August 27: Community • November 26: Trends To learn more about the 403 and get specific information on each event, visit calgarychamber.com/403.

Lemonade Day - June 9, 2019 Introducing Lemonade Day, a joint initiative brought to Calgary by the Calgary Chamber and Junior Achievement Southern Alberta. Lemonade Day is an event that teaches kids the skills needed to be successful in life and inspire an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. Through the process of selling lemonade, children learn how to write a business plan, finance the build of a stand, get investors and turn a profit. Lemonade Day is open to children ages 9-12. To learn more, go to lemonadeday.org/Calgary.

Leaders Classic Golf tournament - June 2019 The Chamber’s annual golf tournament is back! Spend the entire day networking with Calgary’s top executives and influential leaders. Unrivalled in its fantastic food, prizes and superior golf, the Leaders Classic is all about escaping the confines of the office, having some fun and making connections on and off the green. More details will be released on calgarychamber.com closer to the event.

Small Business Week - October 21-25, 2019 Every year, the Calgary Chamber hosts the largest celebration of small businesses in Canada. Broken up into two sections, Small Business Week Calgary involves an all-day expo and workshop sessions, and an awards gala.

The all-day expo is Canada’s only expo designed specifically for small and medium businesses, packed with resources and tools to help you grow your business. The awards gala is the culmination of the Calgary Small Business Awards, where the winners are named and the trophies are presented. For more information about Small Business Week, go to SBWyyc.com.

To learn more about all of the Chamber events or to inquire about event sponsorship, visit calgarychamber.com/events.

Photo by Riverwood Photography

Servicing

THE CARS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW CMD CARSTAR Group celebrates 15 years of success

By Nikki Gouthro

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS ||

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Left to right, Lori Lacza, Carl Newton, Sheldon Fedechko, Crystin Bulai, Matthew Stathonikos, Chris Stathonikos Dave Stretz, Colleen Schiffner, Jim Dawson, Tony Kaminski, Arun Mehta, Joel Stretz. CMD Leadership team. Photo by Riverwood Photography.

O

h how the times have changed. In the early days of motorized vehicles, they were considered a more environmentally-friendly option than the alternative – horses. It was a dirty story, so to speak, one about how the clean up and impact of horse waste weighed against the innovation of clean cars.

As automobiles were introduced to the market in the early years of the 20th century, it was a given that if you owned one, you had to learn to fix it. Repair shops simply didn’t exist.

Fast forward to the 1920s. Motorized vehicles had become commonplace. Manufacturers started using standardized parts giving rise to a sector we so heavily rely on today – the auto repair industry. With the increased complexity of modern-day CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 2

Congratulations to CMD CARSTAR Group on your 15th Anniversary!

We value our relationship and we wish you continued success.

vehicles, performing do-it-yourself repairs is no longer an option for the average Joe. Enter CARSTAR. The North American company offers some of the highest-quality repairs and customer satisfaction in the collision industry for all makes and models of vehicles. The shops feature state-of-the-art unibody and frame repair equipment, quality parts replacement, expert colour matching and thorough quality post-repair inspection.

Chris, Matthew and Dave are the trio behind the CMD portion of Calgary’s CARSTAR CMD Group. The industry aces know a thing or two about the technology and the importance of looking to the future. They’re forward-thinkers CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 3

“What we’re proudest of building is our reputation”

403.720.8001 Visit mermac.ca for more info on current projects and services.

David Stretz at his first office job.

when it comes to refining their business strategy, and ensuring the business is evolving with modern customers and new technologies. It’s safe to say that without technology, cars would still be primitive, motorized boxes on top of steel frames.

David Stretz, the D in the Group, got his start in the industry more than four decades ago. Shortly after high school, the self-proclaimed “army brat” got his feet wet and his head under the hood. He was naturally disciplined and determined.

As his friends all flocked to the construction industry, Dave went straight to the auto repair trade. It was during his 18 years of wearing a variety of hats and learning the ins and outs at Jack Carter Chevrolet Olds that he was given the opportunity to run a body shop.

Congratulations on celebrating 15 years in business!

Your BDC team applauds the success of CMD CARSTAR Group over the past 15 years, and we are very pleased to have been a partner in your story. We wish you much continued achievement and growth in the future.

Call us at 1-888-INFO-BDC or go to bdc.ca BDCad_Carstar_Calgary_6.875x3.0825_en.indd 1

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 4

2019-01-23 4:12 PM

AS HIS FRIENDS ALL FLOCKED TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, DAVE WENT STRAIGHT TO THE AUTO REPAIR TRADE. “I knew nothing about it, so I learned on my own with the help of my assistant manager at the time,” says Dave. “I stayed with that for about six years until I was actually headhunted by CARSTAR to run their flagship downtown shop in 2001.”

In addition to thanking his brother-in-law Alex Connolly, Dave acknowledges Peter McKeen of Jack Carter’s fame for playing a role in his entrepreneurial success. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for him,” he says. “When I decided to go out into the auto-body world, Peter was 100 per cent supportive.

He said, ‘If it doesn’t work out, give me a call.’”

With a lot of hard work and perseverance, it did work out. A few years later, Dave was propositioned with an offer to buy the very shop he was running. But admittedly, he wasn’t a natural-born entrepreneur or risk taker. “I straight up said ‘No,’” Dave says. “And then I was introduced to two guys who wanted to be a part of the deal – Chris and Matthew.”

The father-and-son team were no strangers to auto body. Chris Stathonikos had been in the industry for more than 30 years. At the age of 15, he started working in an auto body shop during the day and attending high school at night.

“The reason I got into the trade is because I needed a job,” Chris chuckles. “But from the moment I started, all I thought about was opening my own shop.”

After apprenticing at SAIT, Chris got a job at Custom Auto Body Shop in Inglewood. A handful of years later, in 1978, he purchased the building that housed Custom Auto Body and opened Arrow Auto Body with a partner.

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 5

CHRIS SAYS HE SAW THAT THE INDUSTRY WAS GOING TO CHANGE, AND KNEW HIS BUSINESS WOULD THRIVE BY JOINING THE CARSTAR NETWORK. “When we first got the business going, neither my partner nor I knew how to estimate,” says Chris. “We only knew how to fix cars. I remember the first customer who came in and asked for a quote to fix his fender. After considering a couple of factors, I told him it would cost $21. It should have been more like $55!”

In 2014, Chris was honoured with the Matthew Ohrnstein Lifetime Achievement Award. It acknowledged his entrepreneurship, his business leadership and his dedication to the industry. He says one of the most pivotal moves he made was joining the CARSTAR network in 1999.

CONGRATULATIONS CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 years of business excellence!

• FAMILY OWNED AND OPPERATED FOR OVER 35 YEARS! •

We are proud to be a part of your success and wish you many more years to come.

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PRECISION HYUNDAI IS A PROUD PARTNER WITH THE CMD CARSTAR GROUP AND WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON 15 YEARS OF SUCCESS! CALL TODAY! 403-262-4713 1920 Pumphouse Road SW Calgary, AB T3C 3N4

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LOCATED IN THE CALGARY AUTOMALL 130 GLENDEER CIRCLE SE, CALGARY, AB.

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 6

403.243.8344 - PRECISIONHYUNDAI.COM

Chris getting the Matthew Ohrnstein Lifetime Achievement Award.

After nearly selling his location at the time, he is thankful he decided to persevere.

Chris says he saw that the industry was going to change, and knew his business would thrive by joining the CARSTAR network.

The change he predicted can be attributed to technology, manufacturing, safety and the environment. Even in the last 10 years, there’s been significant advancements and improvements in the way car troubles are diagnosed. The cars of today

Your Compressed Air Partner Since 1965 3647 Blackburn Road SE Calgary, AB Phone: 403-252-1177 Toll Free: 800-665-9725 http://cfmair.com/

Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary!

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 7

can tell you when a tire’s pressure is low, how much gas you have in the tank or if you left your trunk open. Some can parallel park themselves. Bluetooth allows you to pair your phone and contact list so you can communicate hands-free while driving. Voice commands mean you can give directions to your car, and your car will respond to them. Ten years ago, it was a luxury if your vehicle was equipped with an auxiliary port to plug in your iPod. With the evolution of computerized vehicles, today’s mechanics diagnose problems and estimate electronically. That’s the side of the business Matthew Stathonikos took the helm on. When he graduated from high school, Matthew started washing and prepping cars at his father’s shop. “My father approached me and asked if I wanted to work in the business – learn how to estimate, do the office stuff, etc.,” says Matthew. “I ended up going to Mount Royal College to do business administration and SAIT to study estimating.

“Coming into it, I really knew nothing about the business side of things even though I grew up in it,” says Matthew. “My first years were very focused on watching my father. I believe the best classroom is in the body shop where you can see what’s going on and ask questions to understand.”

Having been born into the industry, he’s witnessed significant changes in how cars are controlled. From the steering wheel to the seats to the brakes, it’s no wonder mechanics are now more aptly referred to as “technicians.”

With his feet firmly planted in the operations side of things, Matthew and his father Chris made the decision to partner up with Dave and purchase the CARSTAR downtown store. The father-and son-team continued to run Arrow Auto Body while Dave held the fort at CARSTAR. Then in 2007, the dynamic trio bought their third store and moved Arrow into that company. Back in those days, with minimal staff at each of the three locations, everybody did most things on their own.

Congratulates

CMD CARSTAR Group

on 15 years of successfully making “accidents unhappen.”

MHK HAS PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH ALBERTA BUSINESSES SINCE 1913 CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 8

Eastlake shop

“After we bought our third store, I realized that each of us were doing our own thing in three separate locations,” Matthew says. “And that wasn’t congruent to growing the business.”

So in 2009, Chris, Matthew and Dave stepped out of daily operations. They put store managers in each location and started focusing on growth. And grow they did. The CMD CARSTAR Group now operates its head office out of a 10,800-square-foot production area in Calgary East Lake. It’s one of the largest CARSTAR Collision centres in the network.

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CREATING TOGETHER Congratulations to CMD CARSTAR Group for their 15 year anniversary – Sikkens looks forward to continuing this partnership for the coming years!

For Sikkens, creating partnership goes beyond solving business challenges and developing new products, it is a core value that is shared by the Sikkens team around the globe. Backed by Sikkens and powered by AkzoNobel, our customers can deliver outstanding results, creating a strong foundation for future growth and business sustainability.

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 9

CARSTAR Royal Oak. Photo by Courtney Lovgren.

In a span of five years, the CMD Group opened the CARSTAR Meridian store, their mechanical shop in Ramsay and the newly-opened location in Royal Oak. As they continue to grow, work-life balance becomes increasingly important. Matthew camps with his wife and three kids, skis, quads, fishes and hits the links from time to time.

Dave devotes his free time to golfing and biking. “There’s Work Dave, Golf Dave and Biker Dave,” he laughs. “I golf every weekend in Sylvan Lake during the summer months, play with a men’s league here in Calgary and take trips to my place in Phoenix to golf in the winter. Last year, I got my second hole-in-one!”

Congratulations to the team at CMD CARSTAR Group on your 15 year anniversary.

1.800.661.1483 info@wdcoauto.com www.wdcoauto.com

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 10

WITH LONG-TERM, DEDICATED STAFF, THE CMD GROUP HAS BUILT AN ALLINCLUSIVE TEAM CULTURE.

Congratulations To CMD CARSTAR Group On Your 15th Anniversary And Thank You For Our Many Years Of Successful Partnership!

He also spends a lot of time road tripping on his Harley-Davidson and enjoying family time with his wife of 39 years, Pat, their two kids and their two grandkids.

403.250.4930 parts@lexusofcalgary.com www.lexusofcalgary.com

Chris goes hunting every November. He and his wife Penny travel to different countries, sail on river cruises, tour the Okanagan wineries every year and take regular trips to visit family in Greece and their oldest son in Vancouver.

“With the CMD Group, my plan was to get out and let Matthew and Dave run it,” says Chris. “But it’s now 15 years later and I’m still involved!”

The CMD Group has driven their business through the highs and lows in the last 15 years and have come out on the other side, clearly making a mark in the industry. With long-term, dedicated staff, the CMD Group has built an all-inclusive team culture.

“We’ve just opened our sixth collision shop and we have about 100 staff now,” says Dave. “But the culture is very much the same as a family business. Our shops aren’t open to the public on the weekends, so staff get that work-life balance too.”

CARSTAR puts an emphasis on promoting within and growing their own people. What they look for when hiring is attitude and trainability, first and foremost.

“We have guys who started out as detailers who are now journeymen technicians,” he adds. “My son Joel has been with us for more than a decade. He started as a detailer and has worked his way up through the company to his role as an operations manager looking after all the shops.”

www.topmade.com Phone: 403.291.3683 4027 - 11th ST SE Calgary, AB

Congratulations CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 Years!

1040 Westridge road, Strathmore, AB T1P 1H8 Sales:(403) 934-2100 | Toll-Free:(855) 313-7732 www.strathmoreford.com

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 11

Ramsay Auto Select Mechanical shop. Standalone servicing all CMD CARSTAR shops as well as the Inglewood and Ramsay areas.

ONE BOLD DECISION THEY MADE DECADES AGO HAS CERTAINLY PAID OFF – THE DECISION TO BRING CARSTAR TO CALGARY. One bold decision they made decades ago has certainly paid off – the decision to bring CARSTAR to Calgary. Since then, the CMD Group has been doing their thing and developing a strong following while they’re at it. Not an easy feat in this industry. With seemingly unlimited choices, vehicle owners have a lot of options when selecting an auto repair shop. They are typically not going to frequent an establishment where mechanics or “technicians” do not conduct themselves in a professional and friendly manner. That’s just one of the things CMD has mastered over the years.

“We’ve always had a customer-first approach,” Matthew says. “When a person trusts you with their vehicle, you have to deliver and live up to their expectation.

They’re the reason you’re in business.”

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 12

PASSION MEETS PERFECTION

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR

15

Würth Canada offers a complete range of products

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and systems for the Body Shop industry.

ANNIVERSARY

Congratulations on 15 years of business and the Grand Opening of your Royal Oak Carstar location.

PROUD PARTNERS

Würth Canada is proud to be a partner of

CMD CARSTAR GROUP TOLL FREE: 1 800 263 5002

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Congratulations to CMD CARSTAR Group

on 15 Years of Service to Calgary

WE DON’T JUST REPAIR CARS. WE REPAIR YOUR CAR.

Congratulations CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 Years of Success CARSTAR Canada CARSTAR.ca

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 13

2019-01-24 10:23 AM

Chris & Matthew Stathonikos - 1997

In a 1997 profile featured in Business in Calgary magazine, Chris’s advice to his son: “Be honest. And care about the customer; if you aren’t honest and you don’t care about the customer, people can see through that. Ninety per cent of my business is repeat and referral business.”

The CMD CARSTAR Group invests in the latest repair equipment and uses environmentally-friendly business practices, body paint and recycling practices, as well as many “lean” principles to improve performance and efficiency.

When you choose CARSTAR for your vehicle repair, you’re choosing North America’s largest network collision repair facilities. That means you benefit from national training, quality standards and resources of the network, along with the personal service and community involvement of local owners like the CMD CARSTAR Group. That unique combination provides you the highest-quality vehicle repair possible and supports a vibrant locally-owned and operated business in the community.

CARSTAR and local franchisees have partnered with the Calgary Flames Foundation to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis. On a national level, CARSTAR has raised more than $3 million for research and care.

Together, the group of three owns and operates six CARSTAR Collision Repair centres, as well as a mobile glass team, an Auto Select location for mechanical repair and a mobile paint protection business (Premium Paint Protection – known to some as 3M).

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 14

Fire Safety Services Protecting CMD CARSTAR Group’s Equipment.

Congratulations on 15 Years! www.firesafetyservices.ca | 403-692-0270

www.zone-3.ca

CONGRATULATIONS CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 Years!

Congratulations CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 years!

CALGARY UNIFORM SERVICE

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY CMD CARSTAR GROUP.

HYATT INFINITI THE ORIGINAL CALGARY INFINITI DEALER

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SINCE 1991

46 Heritage Meadows Rd S.E Calgary, AB T2H 3C1 Phone: (403) 258-2255 • www.hyattinfiniticalgary.com

1235 23 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 5S5 Call us at 403-536-0605 or visit www.cintas.com

Congratulations CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 years of excellence!

Congratulations to the CMD Carstar Group 2019 Bumper Recycling Program Member 2018 Platinum BRP Environmental Stewardship Award www.friendlyearthenvironmental.com 403.243.1151 info@friendlyearth.com

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130 Bowness Centre NW • 1-800-267-7501 www.econo-chem.com

3364 32ND ST. NE CALGARY, AB T1Y 6B9 Phone: (403) 992-1270 • www.hailrepair.ca

Congratulations

to CMD CARSTAR Group

We wish you many more years of continued success!

Congratulations on 15 years CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service!

We’re proud to be partners for the road ahead. from your friends at

Collision & Glass Service All other logos are the property of their respective owners. ©2019 Enterprise Rent-A-Car.J02628_E_Carstar Ad

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 15

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIENDS AT CMD CARSTAR GROUP ON YOUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY

2508 24th Avenue NE Calgary, AB T1Y-6R8 Tel: 587.316.8174 | www.2toyota.com

THE PARTNERSHIP HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF EACH OF THEIR LOCATIONS. The partnership has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of each of their locations. They continue to work on succession planning and are taking necessary steps to ensure their success sustains over the long term.

Congrats CMD CARSTAR Group on your 15th Anniversary.

We wish you many more years of continued success.

unipartsoem.com

Congratulations to CMD CARSTAR Group on 15 years!

7727 110 Ave NW Calgary, AB T3R 1R8 Sales: (403) 705-4040 | www.stoneytrailmazda.com

The CMD Group is also committed to manufacturer specific certifications which raise the industry’s technical capability and business operating standards.

Each manufacturer has different requirements, and some use third parties such as Certified Collision Care (CCC) which manages Fiat Chrysler and Kia. A separate body, the Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP), accredits collision repair facilities against a collection of industry standards taken from leading OEs and other stakeholders.

To meet these certifications, the CMD Group invests in collision repair training, industry-related training and CARSTAR University for their staff.

They are committed to growing within the Calgary area and continue to develop their teams to be committed to providing the best service which is best summed up in the tag line, “Every job we do well makes us the collision repairer of choice.”

At CARSTAR, certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models and participate in ongoing education programs on the latest vehicle technologies and materials. They have been COR certified as an employer who has developed health and safety programs that meet the Alberta audit standard for health and safety systems.

“You can get your car fixed anywhere,” says Dave.

“But with CARSTAR, there’s a nationwide warranty. So if you happen move to Miami, you can go to CARSTAR there and you’re covered.”

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 16

CARSTAR Cares

CMD Carstar Group on your 15 year Anniversary!

CARSTAR has always done so much more than just repairing cars. We want to make the world a better place, one car, one person and one community at time.

Our vision for sustainability is to be the social, environmental and economic leader in our industry and within the local communities we serve. We give 10% of our pre-tax net profits towards programs and initiatives that support our Sustainability Plan.

Congratulations CMD CARSTAR group!

Our guiding principles:

B.D.W. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS LTD. 424 Manitou Road SE • Phone: (403) 243-8353 • Fax: (403) 287-8606

www.bdwelectric.com

CONGRATULATIONS

Make great things happen socially, environmentally and economically

CMD Carstar Group on your 15th Anniversary

From your friends at Best Canadian Security est.1989 Intrusion, Video and Access Control Systems

security@best-cdn.ca

Respect, honour and listen to our customers, partners and employees

CONGRATULATIONS on 15 years CMD CARSTAR Group Ensure ethics, integrity and transparency in everything we do The CARSTAR Promise • Quality Repairs • Nationwide Warranty • Insurance Partnerships

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 17

EMERGENCY TOWING AND MORE

403-265-0440

CMD CARSTAR Group Locations CARSTAR Downtown 1407 - 9th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0H9 (403) 261-3717

CARSTAR Meridian 2520 Centre Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2A 2L2 (403) 248-1485

CARSTAR East Lake 4600 - 112th Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2C 2K2 (403) 264-7926

CARSTAR Burnsland Rd 3648 Burnsland Road SE Calgary, AB T2G 3Z2 (403) 265-6122

CARSTAR Sunridge 2601 - 29th Street NE Calgary, AB T1Y 7B5 (403) 250-7576

CARSTAR Royal Oak 35 Royal Vista Dr. NW Calgary, AB T3R 1R8 (403) 265-6123

www.cmdcarstar.ca

Congratulations Chris, Dave and Mathew on your 15 year anniversary.

We have really enjoyed watching you grow, thoroughly appreciate the business relationship we have together and look forward to many more fantastic years.

CARL BRITTAIN VICE PRESIDENT CARUK & ASSOCIATES

CMD CARSTAR Group || 15 YEARS || 18

Calgary Police Service District 1

MacPhersen Place

Changing of the Guard at Devitt & Forand Contractors Douglas Glen Emergency Station

by Rennay Craats

S

hakespeare asked “what’s in a name?” and it turns out there’s a lot. The names Devitt & Forand have become synonymous with integrity, quality and leadership over the last 55 years, establishing the benchmark for commercial general contracting and project management companies in Alberta and Western Canada.

Co-Op Sierra Springs Liquor Store

Norm Devitt and Lorne Forand founded the contracting company in 1964 and built it into a successful firm. In 1991, the founders sold the company and the new owner sought a strong field guy with vast experience, and found that in Al Brunette. Brunette joined Devitt & Forand Contractors as a part owner and a few years later became the sole owner of the thriving company.

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Crowfoot Public Library

“When Al came in it was doing a million dollars a year; that was it,” says Brenda Brunette, CFO of Devitt & Forand. “Then it grew and the best year, when oil was booming, was $98 million.

You can go through town and point at buildings and say ‘we did that one, and this one, and that one.’”

When Al passed in 2013, his wife Brenda took over as president and leaned heavily on son Blake, who was very involved in the business. This transitional time was difficult but Devitt & Forand emerged a stronger, more vital entity.

And over the past five years, the Brunettes have continued to do what Al did best – providing the best service in everything from pre-construction consultation to full construction services and management – all the while adapting to an everchanging construction industry and market with Blake leading the charge as president.

Blake Brunette. Photo by Riverwood Photography.

Since he was 16 years old, Blake has been learning the ins and outs of construction and has experience and training in everything from carpentry to pouring concrete. As his father was before him, Blake is a hands-on leader who continues to roll up his sleeves on the job site despite his title.

He is building on his father’s legacy to create something even better. Devitt & Forand takes good care of its longtime repeat clients while attracting new customers as well as younger, innovative staff to move the company forward.

“I pride myself on supporting the guys in the field and being there for them. I need them to believe in themselves and in the team, and at the end of the day we’ll get everything done on time and on budget,” says Blake.

“Blake is evolving the company into something that is more dynamic and youthful. We are still capable of doing large projects and re-establishing connections but also making new ones,” says Brenda.

2

SAIT Gym

Blake is focused on living up to the slogan emblazoned on their trucks: Expect More. He expects more from the team working for him and also appreciates that clients expect more from them too. Devitt & Forand crews are organized, clean, well trained and professional to ensure they deliver the company’s high standards of service and quality. There is little that is subcontracted to ensure quality standards are met on every project. The company’s clientfirst philosophy means Devitt & Forand is shoulder-to-shoulder with clients from the start of a project to its finish – and beyond – to ensure all expectations are being satisfied.

Congratulations to Devitt & Forand on 55 years in business!

The attention to detail and quality is what makes Devitt & Forand a top choice for clients looking for a new build or renovation. The firm enjoys doing it all, with projects ranging from building the El Furniture Warehouse Stephen Avenue restaurant to renovating six city fire halls; from customizing its own new 7,000-square-foot office space to building the Airdrie Co-op liquor store from the ground up; from a renovation and facelift of Deerfoot Meadows Precision Hyundai reflecting its new branding to security upgrades to the emergency department at Peter Lougheed hospital.

Devitt & Forand is also a go-to for the school boards, with projects including a science lab and gym renovation at William Aberhart High School and a complete gut of St. Anthony School. St Anthony was a complicated build given the age and condition of the building and surrounding area.

CALGARY | EDMONTON | VANCOUVER

“We ran into a lot of unforeseen conditions including soil replacement,” says Orlando Galan, senior project manager.

s2architecture.com 3

Sage Hill Building #9

But with out-of-the-box problem solving and the expertise provided by 55 years in the business, Devitt & Forand delivered. There is no project or challenge that Devitt & Forand won’t tackle.

“I don’t like to stay in a niche. I don’t want to be classified as industrial, commercial, car dealership. I want to be a wellrounded construction company that can build anything that anyone needs built,” Blake says.

Blake Brunette and superintendent, Jordan Roach.

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

That’s the next-generation Devitt & Forand – attending to clients, old and new, in every sector, with the same quality standards, creativity and customer service that have defined the firm since the beginning. When customers Expect More, they aren’t disappointed at Devitt & Forand Contractors.

“And it required a lot of coordination to accommodate the requirements of the principal and the special needs population of the school and to comply with building codes.”

110 - 4129 8th Street SE Calgary, Alberta Phone 403.255.8565 • Fax 403.255.8501 info@devitt-forand.com devitt-forand.com 4

Photos by Riverwood Photography

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The most innovative defies gravity. The grandest sweeps and soars. Even the simplest is more than a functional addition.

A beautifully-designed staircase is an instant focal point that represents the status, quality and creativity of a home.

Kevin Halliday, the man at the top of Calgary’s iconic Spindle, Stairs & Railings, is at the forefront of the stair industry. In the past two decades, he’s seen trends come and go – from wood and iron spindle to the glass, mesh and cable railings of today.

“People are looking for things that are cooler and faster these days,” says Kevin Halliday. “The trend is not your average cookie cutter anymore. When it comes to the wow factor, we are seeing a lot of 3D textured and glass walls. Basically, if you can imagine it, we can create it.”

Fun, functional walls are an easy way to update or enhance a plain bedroom, living space or basement. A 3D wood wall or glass of different shapes and depths adds a sculptural and dimensional element to plain vanilla walls, and can be designed and manufactured at Spindle, Stairs & Railings.

“We are vertically and horizontally integrated in manufacturing, supply and installation in the stair and railing industry,” says Kevin. “Because we also manufacture right here, we can accommodate any design and any budget, whether it’s one foot of rail or a lot more.”

The industry leader is innovative in more ways than one. In today’s marketplace, people don’t have to leave their home to buy the products and services they desire. So, Spindle, Stairs & Railings changed the game for homebuyers by providing quotes with a simple click of a button. It’s as simple as submitting a photo of a design through the website – no hassle and no measurements required.

Within 24 hours, a quote is issued.

Kevin’s entrepreneurial prowess was shaped at a young age. His parents own and operate Spindle Factory, an Edmonton stair manufacturer that’s been around since 1983. It’s where he got his feet wet and segued into the industry.

“I was at home with a one-year-old when we started out,” says Kevin’s wife Kim, controller at Spindle, Stairs & Railings.

“We understood that starting a new business required ingenuity and perseverance to build clientele. Family time with our one year old would include driving in our truck to New Construction areas to keep on top of the market. There was no Google or Google Maps- we physically had to be on site”.

Photos by Riverwood Photography

The Hallidays were bound and determined.

“Let’s say there are two horses in a race. The one that won the race did so by a nose, but he got 10 times the winnings,” says Kevin. “That doesn’t mean he’s worth 10 times more. It just means that he pushed a little harder. At the beginning, I pushed a little harder, even if that meant just making one extra phone call at the end of the night.

“We both agreed that there was no exit,” Kevin says. “We were going to succeed no matter what. Before we even started, we invested in a website and a landline. We still have that phone number 20 years later.”

The business was a success from the first month in. While Kevin had never installed a railing, he knew that understanding the market and having a skilled team (big or small) was the key to success.

“One of the things that set us apart 20 years ago and still does today is that all our staff members are great at what they do,” says Kevin. “We recognize the greatness in people and we only hire the best. We don’t settle for mediocrity.”

Congratulations On Your 20th Anniversary!

We are proud to share a strong relationship with you and look forward to many more years ahead!

Congratulations Spindle, Stairs & Railings On Your 20th Anniversary!

We wish you many more years of continued success.

Photos by Riverwood Photography

The Hallidays believe that it’s harder to be a small business than a big one. It was a struggle to find qualified talent in the beginning, so they started an installation school. By doing this, Spindle, Stairs & Railings created the rules and guidelines for the stair industry.

“We saw that the institutions were teaching ‘old school’ installation techniques,” says Kevin.

“We wanted to do it differently, so in 2004 we opened the school and started bringing in students who we’d train, set up with vehicles and tools, and help get established as contractors.”

“It’s easy to just continue doing what you’re doing when it works, but we are always thinking of ways to be the very best at what we do,” says Kim. “We are open to change and are constantly evolving to diversify our products and the people we hire. If an employee or a customer has a great idea, we’re all ears and ready to take on a new design.”

That philosophy has earned Spindle, Stairs & Railings many accolades and awards throughout its 20 years – Calgary’s Best Railing Company, Most Innovative Company, Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies and Small Business of

the Year. Kevin himself was among the Top 40 Under 40 and an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. So, it’s no small wonder that real estate’s dynamic duo, Property Brothers, sought them out to be the exclusive supplier for the upcoming season of their reality TV series Buying and Selling.

When it comes to the “life” side of work-life balance, Kevin and Kim devote their out-of-office time to things such as minor football and HomeFront, an organization with a mission to eliminate domestic violence through direct client services, justice coordination and facilitated community action. Kevin is also a dedicated fitness buff and entrepreneur, committed to extreme obstacle course training and competition. He owns the COR.FIT (Canadas obstacle race) fitness facilities.

Since 1999, Spindle, Stairs & Railings has been committed to impeccable quality and providing the market with a vast range of styles and designs from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.

“We don’t go with the market, we try to be ahead of it,” adds Kim. 6423 - 30th Street SE Calgary, Alberta (403) 294-0555 | info@greatstairs.com

Serving Calgarians for 30 Years

C

algary is a city of extremes, and with hot summers paired with bitterly cold and snowy winters, those extremes can do a number on a roof. For 30 years, Sunik Roofing has been battling the city’s challenging environment to help extend the life of its customers’ roofs.

“If Sunik shingle’s your roof then we have a deal where we come back at no charge between year two and three to do a visual inspection – a roofing tune-up. We’d recommend this for all roofs,” says Nick Sims, Sunik Roofing president.

Whether it’s an aging roof or a new one, homeowners should have a professional come out for annual or biennial visits to ensure there aren’t issues after a tough winter. Sunik’s trained professionals know what damage can occur from heavy snow loads, ice, wind and the effects of thawing and refreezing so they can identify and repair trouble spots to avoid costly repairs later.

The team examines the roof thoroughly, looking for everything from exposed nails to curled or buckled shingles. As part of the maintenance package, Sunik re-tars plumbing collars and vents, checks the chimney, flashings and valleys, examines skylights to ensure they are sealed, and keeps an eye out for envelope

issues like condensation buildup in the attic from plugged or faulty vents.

Sunik’s roofers evaluate the general condition of the roof during this inspection, offering advice on what needs repair and how homeowners can limit wear on the shingles to prolong the roof’s life. They recommend caution when going out on roofs to clean or hang Christmas lights.

“I’ve seen homeowners get up on their roof and ruin a whole section from washing windows, so minimizing foot traffic is helpful,” he says.

Older or damaged roofs may need to be replaced, and the nine-time Consumer Choice Award-winning roofer is available to offer the best solutions. Sims recommends products that are more forgiving in this punishing climate, including rubber shingles and class-4 shingles that hold up against the elements, including hail, better.

A roof’s best defence against the ravages of weather is maintenance and prevention, and Sunik Roofing’s spring package offers homeowners peace of mind while saving them money down the road.

Consistency, Quality, Craftsmanship

Come in and talk to us about your project!

Our showroom is open from Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm | www.prestigerailings.com “We’re passionate about bringing spaces to life. Together with you.”

2777 Hopewell Place NE Calgary (403) 250-1020 • Toll Free: 1-800-382-8502

30 years in Business

www.sunik.com 403.280.2803

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MARCH 2019

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THE RIGHT SPACE TO ENHANCE SHARING, COLLABORATION AND CELEBRATION. One truth in business, regardless of industry or sector, is that business is about people. It’s about the interaction among individuals and teams to create value. Sometimes it’s a celebration where organizations bring together their teams to recognize collective and individual accomplishments. Sometimes it’s bringing together diverse groups focused on finding innovative solutions to the grandest corporate problems. Sometimes it’s bringing together shareholders and stakeholders to share information about the organization and the progress being made. In all of these situations, the common element is the interaction among people to accomplish more together than anyone could alone.

Finding the right space and the perfect experience to enhance that interaction has proven to be a critical challenge facing business leaders today. According to one study that looked across 38 organizations

supporting more than 300,000 employees, “There is a gap between the most important collaborative behaviors and employees’ abilities to engage in those collaborative behaviors.” For most organizations, a critical element behind those behaviours is the experience people have in the space where they meet.

At Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, solving this issue is at the centre of what we do. Our focus in 2018 was to augment our large event venues with “specialty spaces” that help teams deliver on a mix of creative and process work. Since doing so, we’ve been able to create an exceptional environment and personalized experience for those organizations looking to share, collaborate and celebrate. From corporate galas and celebrations to AGMs we’ve become a centre for organizations looking to move from collaboration to cooperation and community.

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Why Hubs, Clusters and Ecosystems Matter

BY COURT ELLINGSON

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ubs, clusters, and ecosystems are more than buzzwords in economic development, they are engines of growth for cities and regions that accelerate innovation.

When the economic strategy Calgary in the New Economy was developed in 2018, we purposely focused on the drivers of long-term prosperity – talent, innovation, place, business environment – and identified clusters as a critical element to realizing our ambitions.

If you are confused by all the jargon, you’re hardly alone.

Words and phrases like hub, cluster, ecosystem and centres of excellence are used interchangeably and their definitions can be far-reaching and fluid. What they have in common is that they all foster stronger connections among leading companies, entrepreneurial startups, post-secondaries and governments to commercialize research, spur innovation and develop talent.

Ultimately, they drive economic growth by sparking innovation, building knowledge creation, unlocking opportunities for collaboration and enhancing competition.

In the simplest of terms, I tend to consider “hubs” as physical locations, “clusters” as industry groupings, and “ecosystems” as the overall environment they exist in. There are few better examples globally of a successful ecosystem than the energy sector in downtown Calgary. It drove innovation for decades and Alberta is today one of the largest energy producers on the planet.

In addition to well-established industries like energy, transportation and logistics, and agribusiness, life sciences and health is one of the emerging sectors identified for growth and economic diversification in Calgary in the New Economy.

In fact, the strategy envisions Calgary as “the city of choice in Canada for the world’s best entrepreneurs as

we embrace innovation and create solutions to meet the world’s most fundamental needs in food, energy and transportation and health.”

The Life Sciences Innovation Hub that was unveiled recently at the University of Calgary is an example of the economic strategy coming to life. Infrastructure is a key factor in economic development and the “hub” provides an environment and a workspace where companies will want to gather.

The relationship between a city and its research universities is a critical factor in economic development and establishing ecosystems. Think Stanford University and Silicon Valley in California.

A significant portion of the $100-million Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund is earmarked to support the development of clusters, hubs and centres of excellence. It is funding the specialized programming for entrepreneurs and innovators at the hub to commercialize the advanced technology and research developed at UCalgary.

The hub is forecast to incubate 20 to 40 companies a year.

The next groundbreaking company in life sciences could well emerge from the growing number of companies in Calgary taking on global challenges in health and wellness.

The fund agreement requires a steering committee be established for the Life Sciences Innovation Hub to ensure the facility is a catalyst for innovation that drives investment attraction, job creation and a more diverse economy.

There isn’t a cookie-cutter formula to create successful ecosystems. It involves harnessing your best attributes – for Calgary a highly-skilled workforce, an entrepreneurial mindset and a business-friendly ethos – but when done right, it creates a competitive advantage for the sector and the city.

Court Ellingson is vice president of research and strategy for Calgary Economic Development.

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The New York Times and KAYAK Recognize Calgary as a Top Travel Destination for 2019 CALGARY RANKS AMONG TOP 52 PLACES TO GO AND TOP 10 MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS AMONG CANADIAN TRAVELLERS

BY BRIDGETTE SLATER

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TOURISM CALGARY IS FOCUSED

algary is a city worthy of international eyes, and after receiving recognition from influential outlets like the New York Times and KAYAK, international visitors are bound to take notice.

ON INCREASING INTERNATIONAL

In January, the New York Times listed Calgary among the Top 52 Places to Go in 2019. This prestigious profile featured Tourism Calgary partners and stakeholders including the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village; Calgary Municipal Land Corporation; the new Central Library; and Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Specifically, the article noted how these organizations have helped transform Calgary’s East Village into a vibrant neighbourhood full of parks, attractions, highrises and architectural marvels.

TRAVELLERS TO VISIT CALGARY

The inspiration for this feature can be traced back to October 2018 when Tourism Calgary, Travel Alberta and Destination Canada hosted GoMedia 2018 – an international travel media event. As part of the GoMedia experience, New York Times journalist Elaine Glusac received a private tour of the new Central Library and East Village; planting the seed for this article, which strengthens Calgary’s reputation as the Ultimate Host City and inspires visitation among international audiences.

Building on this momentum, Calgary was ranked among the Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for Canadian Travellers in KAYAK’s 2019 Travel Trend Forecast. Data also shows that Canada is becoming a more affordable travel destination,

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VISITATION, AND ON INCREASING INTENTIONS OF CANADIAN WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. with Calgary scoring among the top spots on this year’s wallet-friendly list.

Tourism Calgary is focused on increasing international visitation, and on increasing intentions of Canadian travellers to visit Calgary within the next two years. This recognition is expected to contribute to the achievement of these goals by inspiring even more visitors to add Calgary to their bucket lists. More importantly, this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of Calgary’s growing tourism industry.

Calgary’s tourism industry is also expected to benefit from increased air capacity from overseas markets and from hosting both the Canadian Country Music Awards and the 107th Grey Cup Championship and Festival in 2019. Based on these factors, the Conference Board of Canada estimates overnight visits to Calgary will grow by 2.5 per cent in 2019.

To learn more about Tourism Calgary, see visitcalgary.com.

A simple pen, perfectly placed in waiting. Ready for the moment needed to capture your breakthrough idea and record your brilliance. At Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, we specialize in creating the right experience that enhances your sharing, celebration and collaboration.

calgary-convention.com

MARKETING MATTERS // DAVID PARKER

Marketing Matters

BY DAVID PARKER

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wo of our well-known city builders, Gisele Danis and Susan Veres, worked together on the Calgary 2026 Olympic bid process and got along so well they decided to continue their relationship by forming a new consulting company.

Honeycomb Solutions has a business philosophy like hardworking bees – you’re only as good as the other links in your organization, collaboration being the key.

Launched with a focus on brand/marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement, Honeycomb is specializing in the land development and travel and leisure industries.

Danis started her career with CBC and has since held senior executive positions with Brookfield Residential, Walt Disney, Destination Canada, Tourism Calgary and Parks Canada.

Veres spent the past 10 years helping to transform Calgary’s East Village as executive lead for CMLC’s developer, brand and retail programs. Prior to that position, she worked with such notable brands as Coca-Cola, West Edmonton Mall, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

In her 15 years since she launched Momentum Communications, Lisa Rushka has served a number of not-for-profit organizations, most recently with the announcement that Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta and Gracewood Housing Group have consolidated operations.

Rushka has also been enjoying collaborating with her sister Tanya Anand and colleague Colleen Killingsworth on other projects.

Anand came to Calgary from Vancouver to open the Edelman office here but after 13 years with that company launched her own Covalent Communications. Killingsworth

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of CKCommunications worked alongside Rushka at National and they have been working together ever since.

The threesome joined forces with the City of Calgary CPMC project, University of Calgary faculty of arts strategic plan launch and on a communications strategy for the Resource Diversification Council.

Momentum and Covalent recently helped Kanas Corporation announce the launching of its Lumino C affordable housing tower in the Manchester district.

Rita Sasges has produced and published another Frank Design Strategy book called What’s In Your Pantry, a cookbook collaboration with HomeSpace featuring recipes compiled with ingredients found in the average food bank hamper to draw attention to their important work with affordable housing.

The recipes are great and so are the illustrations by ACAD grad Lauren Tamaki, who is enjoying a successful career as an independent illustrator in Brooklyn, NY.

Sharie Hunter of Arthur/Hunter has been busy as a proud supporter of the arts, continuing to work with organizations such as Honens, Calgary Opera, JazzYYC and others including as design partner for the recent Creative Calgary campaign. The most recent high-profile project was the branding, marketing and recruitment campaign for Inter Pipeline’s Heartland Petrochemical Complex.

Parker’s Pick Brookline Public Relations award of new account Alberta Central, helping to promote Alberta’s credit union system.