Business in Calgary - May 2021

MAY 2021 | $3.50 BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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ON GOLD CALGARY’S RUSSELL STARR ON TRILLIUM GOLD’S PROSPECTS

5G LIFTOFF IN 3, 2, 1 . . .

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TRIMAC: OUR PEOPLE DRIVE OUR SUCCESS NORTH AMERICA’S BULK TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS COMPANY STEERS CONFIDENTLY INTO THE FUTURE

T

rimac provides bulk transportation and logistics across North America and as Scott Calver, CFO and VP Finance, explains, their business model is all about putting people first.

“At Trimac, we change lives,” says Calver. Internally, we build futures for our employees—who we believe are the backbone of everything that we do. Externally, we move the necessities and everyday products that we all take for granted, like fuel for a cross-country family vacation, paint for the kids’ bedroom, cleaners for sanitation, and cement for the driveway of your first home.”

The reach of Trimac is vast, which enables its seamless logistics across North America. Calver explains, “Trimac’s Canadian and United States operations are complemented by strategic partners in Mexico. With 3,400 employees including independent contractors and more than 140 branches located throughout North America, we are uniquely qualified to respond to most service demands in North America’s key bulk commodity shipping locations and traffic lanes.”

He continues, “We stand out because of our people. We are a transportation company specializing in bulk commodities.

Our drivers must also be expert product handlers as they work hands-on at complex facilities for loading and unloading. Our drivers handle many commodities like petrochemicals, cement, pressurized gasses, crude oil, sulphur, food products, etc. It’s not just learning how to drive a truck—there is comprehensive training involved. Our drivers and mechanics are the best out there. We were recognized as the safest tank trucking company in North America last year. We don’t just say we operate safely.

We prove it. And that is not possible unless you have the best drivers and mechanics on the road providing the best service to our customers.”

In 2016, Trimac amalgamated its Canadian and American branches under one banner and privatized the Canadian operations. The next step was a complete technology refresh, changing every system from the back office to the computers in the cab of the trucks to ensure greater efficiency and cohesion across the brand. This foresight enabled a seamless transition

to remote work for Trimac’s administration, and processes already in place for transporting goods during COVID-19.

Trimac was able to adapt and remain operational with no time lost, and no orders missed.

ABOVE: STAFF AT A TRIMAC NATIONAL TANK SERVICE LOCATION. BELOW: ANDRE WHEELER, TRIMAC DRIVER COACH.

Speaking to innovation, Calver says, “We are often one of the first trucking companies in the region to adopt new technology or practices. Currently, we are very excited to be working with the Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC) project. This project will be piloting hydrogen cell trucks on the Calgary to Edmonton corridor in late 2021.

They choose companies like Trimac because we can support R&D and also have an outstanding safety culture. We haul the maximum weights in the coldest climates, often in conditions like the Rocky Mountains, so AZETEC is able to test the trucks in extreme conditions.”

Trimac partnered with ATB, and the financial institution has been a large part of the company’s growth strategy.

“When we privatized our Canadian operations in 2016, ATB had flexible solutions that were best suited for us to maintain a lower cost of capital. ATB’s commercial lenders are close to Trimac. They spend a lot of time with our leadership and innovation team. They know our strategy, and they are supporting us in our execution. The amount of knowledge they have from spending time with our team is vast; they are comfortable in supporting us for long-term strategic planning, and that includes growth by acquisitions.”

Calver concludes, “It is important to treat your banker like a shareholder. We explained the vision of the company and the strategic plan; they understand in advance what we are trying to do. They understand the business, industry,

challenges, technology – you must have a strong relationship.

If your lender has total awareness of what you are trying to accomplish, when it is time, they already understand the initiatives and nothing comes as a surprise.”

As a vital part of the Alberta economy, Trimac continues to move the future with their drivers, mechanics and customers, providing essential bulk trucking services across North America. Learn more at www.trimac.com.

ATB is pleased to present a 2021 profile series on the businesses and people who are facing challenges head-on to build a strong Alberta.

ABOVE: TRIMAC OPERATES A FLEET OF APPROXIMATELY 2,200 TRACTORS AND 5,000 TRAILERS FROM A NETWORK OF MORE THAN 140 TERMINALS THROUGHOUT CANADA AND THE U.S., HAULING LIQUID AND DRY BULK PRODUCTS. INSET: SCOTT CALVER, CFO AND VP FINANCE.

STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 31 | Number 5

REGULAR COLUMNS

11 16

There Will be Oil

By Shane Wenzel

Canadians Deserve Balanced Energy Analysis and a Lot Less Bias

By Cody Battershill

79 110

Calgary Chamber of Commerce Parker’s Pen

CONTENTS

By David Parker

COVER FEATURE

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Betting on Gold Calgary’s Russell Starr on Trillium Gold’s Prospects

By Melanie Darbyshire

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: RUSSELL STARR, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TRILLIUM GOLD. PHOTO SOURCE: GREG PAUPST

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Volume 31 | Number 5

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THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

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CONTENTS

74

5G liftoff in 3, 2, 1 . . .

Calgary tourism is hot and getting hotter

By Jamie Zachary

Staycations Are Catching On Almost 99 per cent of Alberta’s tourism-related businesses are small businesses

By John Hardy

Calgary’s Resilient Construction Sector Cautious confidence builds momentum

By John Hardy

COMPANY PROFILES

33 83 89 94 97 8

ARCA

Celebrates 60 Years

Orion Plastics

Celebrates 20 Years

Bennett Glass

Celebrates 100 Years

CoolIT Systems

Celebrates 20 Years

Blue Grass Nursery

Celebrates 50 Years

MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENT Mark Komlenic, President and CEO of Alberta Blue Cross, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine McGinley as Chair of the Board of Directors of ABC Benefits Corporation.

Chris has served on the Board of ABC Benefits Corporation since 2013. She has 25 years of leadership experience, primarily in the broadcasting sector, and has been an independent corporate director since 2010.

Chris is passionate about health care and also serves on the board of Blue Cross Life, Mullen Group Ltd. and chairs the advisory committee for PrescribeIT®, a national e-prescribing initiative led by Canada Health Infoway. In the past, Chris has served on the board of Tbaytel Municipal Service Board, Northview Apartment REIT, DIRTT Environmental Solutions Ltd. and Canada Health Infoway.

As Alberta’s leading benefits provider, Alberta Blue Cross serves more than 1.8 million Albertans through employer group benefit plans, individual health plans, government-sponsored programs and wellness initiatives.

Alberta Blue Cross is also truly passionate about serving our communities. Through our employeeled Hearts of Blue charity, Alberta Blue Cross team members support dozens of grassroots nonprofit organizations across the province with their time and resources. And through a multitude of involvements and initiatives including our COVID Community Roots, Healthy Communities Grant and scholarship programs, Alberta Blue Cross provides support to positively impact the lives and wellness of the communities we serve.

ab.bluecross.ca

®* The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans.

Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan. ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ABC 81514 2021/03

PUBLISHERS

Pat Ottmann & Tim Ottmann

EDITOR

Melanie Darbyshire melanie@businessincalgary.com

COPY EDITOR Nikki Mullett

ART DIRECTOR

Jessi Evetts jessi@businessincalgary.com

ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Natasha Walz natasha@businessincalgary.com

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Shane Wenzel Cody Battershill David Parker Scott Orban

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover photo courtesy of Greg Paupst

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THERE WILL BE OIL // SHANE WENZEL

There Will be Oil

BY SHANE WENZEL

I

t is not easy being an Albertan! Once again Government has ‘knee capped’ our economy. Some will point out that it was the Supreme Court this time, but facts are it was initiated and influenced by the Federal Government with whom we appear to be in an abusive relationship. The writing is on the wall; we need to stop talking about it and take control of our destiny.

Petroleum is clearly the force behind our modern lifestyle including our healthcare system. Polls continuously rate Health Care as a top concern of Canadians. A point to remember is that ‘all’ of the sought-after PPE’s worldwide are either ‘made with or by petroleum’. This includes testing products, masks, gloves, endless hospital medical equipment and those vaccine syringes. It is also said that more than 5 per cent of the energy consumed by the entire commercial sector is used by hospitals, while little credit has been directed to the industry responsible for making this possible.

Yes, there is more to this story than the price of oil, or carbon emissions, it is the world’s lifeline being put at stake.

Politicians cannot tax that away. A carbon tax makes as much sense as the ‘fat tax’ they tried to introduce several years ago.

When diversity is discussed, the reference to expanding STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and math) skills are talked about as if it is something new. Many of those who work in the oil and gas industry already hold those skills and work in the STEM sector. In their instance, if there is a demand for workers to fill STEM jobs little training would be required. Oil & Gas however is just one industry that can benefit from improved understanding and implementation of STEM training to STEM employment.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS ENSURE THOSE INDUSTRIES ARE HERE, IDENTIFY THEIR NEEDS AND TAILOR THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING SPECIFICALLY TO THOSE NEEDS. What we need to do is ensure those industries are here, identify their needs and tailor the education and training specifically to those needs. Emphasis over the years has been on increasing four-year bachelor degree programs, while the role of occupational certifications and occupational licenses in the STEM economy has been largely ignored. This oversight has left an incomplete view of the linkage between schools and labour markets.

Business Groups and Governments are putting pressure on universities, college, and technical schools to develop programs tailored to specific STEM occupations with an eye towards preparing students for high-growth jobs. The predicted overall growth in STEM job opportunities, and an increasing need for skilled workers for jobs that do not require bachelor degrees, further suggests a need for new ideas and policies for supporting a new type of trade school.

It is worth noting that Deputy PM Freeland is ‘eyeing our unspent dollars’ that have accumulated during COVID-19 and has estimated that number to represent up to $100 Billion dollars across Canada. I do not know what percentage of that represents Alberta, but whatever the amount, before it ends up in the ‘bank of Ottawa, let’s get it invested in Alberta.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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ALUMNI ANNELISE LOCZY B.Eng, P.Eng. Design Engineer

Living a well-rounded lifestyle in Calgary, Annelise loves staying active, whether it is running half marathons, road biking, playing tennis or competitive soccer. She also enjoys spending as much time as possible in the mountains scrambling, backcountry skiing, and camping.

As a Webber Academy Alumni member, Annelise has remained involved in the school community. She has volunteered as a presenter in the annual Career and University Symposium and as a judge for Science Fairs at Webber Academy.

During her time as a student at Webber Academy Annelise was involved in numerous extra-curricular activities including track, soccer, and rugby.

Upon reflection of her senior school education, Annelise commented on her experience at Webber Academy;

WEBBER ACADEMY Learn more at www.webberacademy.ca

DARE TO DREAM

Prime Capital’s 20 year Entrepreneurial Celebration 20 is the old 90

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hen you turn 20 in human years, you’ve got a long life ahead. When you turn 20 in business years – according to research by McKinsey & Co – you’re an old dog. The average lifespan of a business is no longer 90 years, it’s just 18. Ouch!

Just for argument’s sake, let’s compromise the timeline and say that 20 is business’ midlife crisis.

For businesses there is no equivalent Little Red Corvette midlife “pickme-up.” Businesses need to be more pragmatic about re-energizing, and businesses (and economies) who aren’t looking more at the horizon ahead than at the one receding in the rearview mirror are apt to crash.

Other than a good set of brakes, willing driver and a road, in order to go places a Corvette also needs fuel. So, what’s the equivalent of fuel in a business?

It is innovation.

According to Merriam Webster, innovation is “the process of introducing something new” and it has fueled this winning economy over the last 80 years. Alberta’s an historical innovation hotbed.

Our roads are literally paved with gold – that is, black gold. The output of one of our innovations – bitumen from our oilsands, is a key component in asphalt supply across the west. This arose from research innovation back in 1927. Innovation brought the oilsands to life and spurred a tremendous amount of innovation across manufacturing, technology, fabrication and many other industries. Canada’s innovations lead the globe in innovative new energy technologies, including carbon capture, hydrogen innovations, and nuclear energy expertise.

We’ve Got Your Back

Prime Capital debuted during the baby boom of entrepreneurism in Alberta, when innovation fueled many entrepreneurial dreams Between 2000 and 2010, Alberta created the highest number of new businesses in the country. This is a prolific statistic in a country where about 70 per cent of all Canadian private sector jobs are in entrepreneurial organizations; in Alberta that rate was nearly 96 per cent in that formative decade.

The calculus of Innovation.

An economist once quipped, “Creativity is thinking up new things.

Innovation, is doing new things.” Prime is celebrating our 20th anniversary by sharing profiles of female entrepreneurs who are doing great things to continue Alberta’s legacy of innovation.

These include a business focused on food security, letting you grow your leafy greens, beets and strawberries in your home year round. Our profiles will also include a business focused on health security in the burgeoning North American cannabis space, and a company innovating in the Internet of Things (loT) to frame asset security for its industrial clients across the country.

But innovation isn’t solely the jurisdiction of new tech – why not bring a bright new energy into a really old school industry by emboldening it with a brave new culture? Or innovate wear-resistant product lines for global industrial companies?

These are real, Alberta-grown companies with brilliant entrepreneurs at their helm and innovation in their DNA. Prime is privileged to meet and work with entrepreneurs every day, supporting clients implementing innovations is our daily fuel. In our own business, we have a micro-innovation mandate – better tomorrow than yesterday – transforming daily processes through small iterations.

Angela Armstrong, President, Prime Capital.

Photo by Epic Photography Inc.

Prime’s innovation is every day and future looking. We have invested in digitization, machine learning and blockchain. We can’t effectively channel our core value of “we’ve got your back” without working to be a step ahead of our clients’ needs. Angela Armstrong, our founder, is an innovator herself, having implemented technology into her finance industry career starting over 30 years ago. Her inspiration comes from the great ecosystem of innovators we interact with every single day.

We know that innovation is still Alberta’s legacy. Full speed ahead, folks; the road is clear, the horizon is beckoning, and our fuel gauge is on full.

Twenty years of helping companies achieve their greatness through innovation is pretty awesome. If this is our mid-life crisis, we’re not going to need that red Corvette – we are already having fun every day.

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CANADIANS DESERVE BALANCED ENERGY ANALYSIS AND A LOT LESS BIAS // CODY BATTERSHILL

Canadians Deserve Balanced Energy Analysis and a Lot Less Bias

BY CODY BATTERSHILL

I

t seems like every couple of months, another shoddy study hits the street from anti-Canadian pipeline campaigners.

When it comes to carefully reviewed, approved and reapproved energy transmission infrastructure, long-time pipeline opponent Dr. Tom Gunton and his small team of academics at Simon Fraser University (SFU) have become the one-hit wonders of academic opposition.

Titled “Evaluation of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project,” the latest report of the research team at SFU’s School of Resource & Environmental Management offers no surprises in terms of its biased, negative findings.

For Tom Gunton, it’s par for the course, especially when it comes to this report’s faulty assumptions.

Let’s start with the fact the report double-counts pipeline projects, thereby calling into question the rest of the document.

Here’s how they do it: the report makes the claim that the economic viability of Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) has been hurt by market condition changes since the purchase of Trans Mountain by the federal government in August 2018.

But among the market changes Gunton et al cite are TMEP’s construction itself. That’s double-counting, and it’s a glaring flaw. But it’s not the only problem with the latest work.

The authors also claim “an additional factor adversely impacting Canadian oil production is the new International Maritime Organization shipping fuel standard to reduce sulphur emissions, which will put further downward pressure on Canadian oil production because Canadian heavy oil is high in sulphur.”

That’s simply false. The IMO shipping standard has been in effect for some 15 months and has produced absolutely no negative impact. The statement is scare mongering, apparently designed to promote an anti-pipeline result.

In fact, every reasonable forecast of world energy consumption anticipates oil will continue to play an important role in the global the energy supply mix for decades. Yet Gunton et al fail to acknowledge the need to replace long-term supply.

Canadians know it’s the lack of pipeline capacity that’s generated huge price differentials between Canadian and world markets. And they know it’s largely a result of those differentials that Canadians have lost jobs, investment and government revenues.

Contrary to Gunton and his team, it’s clear Canadian growth has struggled as a direct result of constraints on Canadian pipeline capacity, as the existing Trans Mountain pipeline is operating at maximum capacity.

I worry the communities that will suffer from such academic bias won’t simply be the long-standing resource towns we’ve all heard of, but the emerging Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities that have gradually built strong community legacies by participating in economic opportunities in energy.

That’s why, like most Canadians, I consider a project like TMEP to be absolutely central to Canada growing its exports, attracting more investment, increasing our energy supply and charting a path to greater community prosperity.

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

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Launch your 2021 business year with success by joining now!

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• Membership is open to ALL businesses • Transferable Corporate Memberships • 15 meeting & event spaces, with physical distancing capabilities • Exclusive Member networking events • Business Centre & Brew 319 workspaces to get you out of the office • Connected to the +15 for easy access to and from business towers • Award winning Chef and wine cellar • 70+ Affiliated clubs to access You Belong Here Why join the Club you might ask? Because Calgary’s brightest, most innovative professionals are joining the Club. The opportunity to meet and interact with some of the city’s most prominent leaders is an opportunity that is unique from any other in Calgary. Through formalized speaker series to casual conversations over a glass of wine, the club is a place where you can explore emerging business interests. The Petroleum Club is a vibrant, lively social club with highly regarded business community events and a facility that members are excited and proud to be a part of!

- Elysse Dalla-Longa, Senior Crude Oil Trader Tidal Energy Marketing Inc.

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS TO YOU BY CANADIAN

Jodi Scarlett, President ProStar Cleaning & Restoration

J

odi Scarlett is the founder and president of ProStar Cleaning & Restoration. She launched the business in 2002 as a residential maid service. Today that small cleaning company has grown into a large restoration and construction company tackling multi-million dollar projects.

“In the early days of cleaning I thought, ‘we should clean bigger things.’ Then I thought, ‘we can put things back together too!’ says Scarlett. “We add new product lines all the time from asbestos remediation to fentanyl cleanup to opening a Canmore office and the acquisition of another restoration firm.”

She continues, “We have integrated many parts of the business to an in-house format. For example, we employ a dozen full time carpenters on staff, and we started our own flooring and renovation company, Vibe Interiors. By managing all components of a project, we are able to achieve the best and most timely solution possible. We’re large enough to deal with disaster areas up to 1,000,000 square feet, but not so large that we’ve lost sight of what matters most: the people. My staff and I donate our time and expertise to support restoration education. As a forwardlooking industry leader, we enjoy helping to inspire the next generation of restoration specialists.”

Scarlett discusses her approach to innovating in her business.

“It really is an armchair approach. I look at the industry.

I think about the trends. I see things going on like market consolidation, rising deductibles and extreme weather. Then I think about those trends and how they impact us functionally and operationally. We are a small business compared to our competitors, and we are competing against national corporations. After I do a deep dive and understand what is coming down the pipe, I think about what my competitors are doing about the changing trends. Then I think about how ProStar can personalize those services.”

To expand on resources and capabilities without losing sight of personalized, customer-centric service, Scarlett innovated and evolved ProStar by partnering with a brand that would allow them to tender nationally and take on more insurance work. However, she did it in a very specialized way. The franchise group allowed her to retain ProStar’s local identity, name, system, and culture. Everything Scarlett had built was retained and elevated to a new level.

“By innovating our operations without compromising our identity, ProStar introduced the idea of being remote, but local,” Scarlett explains. “We built a new division called Remote Large Loss and under that branch have completed major projects from B.C. to Ontario, and in northern communities. We have rebuilt major structures worth several million dollars in remote environments. ProStar’s remote but local initiative operates by supporting local trades and vendors in our project areas. It’s about authentically participating in those communities by sourcing labour and materials from the community.”

She concludes, “Innovation to me is taking inspiration from what other, bigger companies are doing, but turning it around so it reflects the authentic and local sprit and culture of our company.”

LEADERS MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT BROUGHT WESTERN BANK AND PRIME CAPITAL GROUP

Ardyce Kouri, Partner Leaders International Executive Search

F

or more than 30 years, Leaders International Executive Search has transformed organizations and the leaders who work for them. Ardyce Kouri, Partner, has more than 15 years’ experience with this international search firm.

“Leadership creates opportunity and shapes organizations and their people. This has a profound impact on the communities in which we live,” says Kouri. “To be able to be a part of an organization’s leadership journey is rewarding. I like providing solutions to organizational leadership challenges and assisting leaders; in this business, I get to do both everyday.”

She discusses how her approach to innovation has helped Leaders International excel.

“Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) have become common phrases with respect to building teams and corporate culture.

This is something on which our firm prides itself. We continue to innovate around this space and for us, the key driver has always been building our own team. We take pride in creating an internal culture that fosters an environment of acceptance, while working with clients to ensure all aspects of EDI are embedded throughout the search process. This includes supporting gender-neutral language, diversity in the images that we use, and ensuring accessibility compliance.

We know the more diverse our team is, the better we are to provide inclusive and diverse perspectives to challenge our clients in their thinking on how they build their own teams.”

Leaders International’s innovation and creativity came to the forefront during the pandemic. Kouri explains, “When COVID-19 hit us, one thing that we knew we had done well was leverage our technology platforms to continue working seamlessly in a virtual world. More than 80 per cent of our work was able to be completed virtually; our team was able to continue supporting our clients and candidates without missing a beat.

“This is due to leveraging various proprietary technology platforms that have enabled us to share information seamlessly and enhance our research and marketing intelligence capabilities. The one thing we do know that is not usually done remotely is the connection of our candidates to our clients. We have innovated around virtual interviews, virtual self-assessments, and unique connections to ensure everyone feels confident when making a leadership decision (both for the candidate and the client). We have also been exceptionally creative in trying to find opportunities to connect in a physically distant way while still respecting public health guidelines.”

She continues, “One of my favourite recent work moments was hosting a set of interviews with a board of directors outside in a park, everyone sitting in camping chairs with bottles of water and blankets! No one ever thought we could meet in this way before, but it was a successful outcome and a positive experience. I think these creative solutions have only made our processes stronger, resulting in a better search process for all involved.”

Kouri concludes, “I think the word innovation can sometimes feel daunting. For me, it is the compilation of small micro innovations that lead to significant cultural and business process shifts in an organization, leading to new ways of thinking of doing things.”

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Passing the Wrench: Reflections on 30 Years of Business Ownership From a young age, John Bergen was interested in how things were made, how things worked and how to fix things when they didn’t work. This natural curiosity led to a fascination with cars, especially those he noticed broken down on the side of the road on family trips as a child – ‘kaputt car’ he would point out excitedly to his parents.

Bergen started an automotive service apprenticeship in 1976 and over the course of the next 10 years pursued his interprovincial red seal, taught small engine repair courses and became the service manager (and later the site manager) of the Grant Park Petro-Canada Certigard in Winnipeg.

In 1990, Petro-Canada presented Bergen with the opportunity to relocate to Calgary to manage their flagship location on Macleod Trail. A few years later, Bergen had the chance to buy into the Petro-Canada franchise model with the purchase of Westbrook Certigard and his journey as a business owner began in earnest. In 2009, when the City of Calgary expropriated that land for the LRT extension, Bergen, his team and his customers relocated to Montgomery Auto Service. Following Petro-Canada’s merger with Suncor, Bergen joined many former franchisees as part of the Auto-Select group Bergen would say he never had a formal mission statement guiding his business, but his principles of honesty, integrity and respect have served him well over the years. In an industry known for its bad reputation, that Bergen has served more than one generation of many families is a testament to his strong values.

Bergen credits his longevity in business to a number of factors – thoughtful mentors, loyal customers, dedicated employees and longstanding relationships with vendors and suppliers. Above all? The strong support system he found in his friends and family. “Though I was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, no strategic decision was made without the input and advice of my wife, Michelle.

It has been a team effort in every sense.”

Upon announcing his decision to retire, Bergen was thrilled when one of his own employees stepped up to buy the business. Dave Albas and his wife Renee took over as owner/ operators of Montgomery Auto Service in April. ”I am deeply grateful for the support of the Calgary community and am so pleased to know that after all these years, our customers can still count on the quality service our business has come to represent.”

ABOVE: JOHN BERGEN PHOTO SOURCE: RIVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY.

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OFF

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High Tech Show Biz in Calgary Lights! Camera! Bow Valley College action!

Calgary is about to become a dynamic and creative player in the warp speed world of sophisticated, high-tech entertainment. Innovative Bow Valley College is about launch its Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA).

Since Calgary is fast becoming a new hub for digital and creative industries, BVC is teaming up with the Vancouverbased Centre for Entertainment Arts to train Calgary students for careers in the exciting worlds of film, TV and animation.

“Calgary’s tech transformation is well underway, and BVC recognizes the urgent need to train artistic-minded students,” explains Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO of Bow Valley College. “The Centre for Entertainment Arts will provide them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming an animator or a visual effects artist.”

He emphasizes a suddenly huge demand for streaming content, films, and animation.”

According to Derek Lemieux, Bow Valley College’s director of International Education, “It’s very exciting and a timely great fit. The Calgary film sector is growing significantly and Bow Valley College is focused on delivering innovative high-quality programs with work integrated learning opportunities that lead to rewarding careers.”

BVC’s Centre for Entertainment Arts is launching three programs in January, 2022: Advanced Visual Effects (Virtual Production); Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling; and the Foundation in Entertainment Arts Certificate.

Lemieux points out that CEA will enhance Calgary’s established reputation as a tech hub. “The Centre for Entertainment Arts aligns well with the BVC growth in the tech sector, which we see as a growing sector for Alberta.

BVC launched its School of Technology in 2017 to prepare students for jobs in Alberta’s growing technology industries and it provided a solid foundation to build the BVC Centre for Entertainment Arts.”

It’s way beyond the cliché of “Hollywood north,” as Bow Valley college dedicates classrooms to prepare future CEA grads with high tech entertainment expertise—like the fundamentals of visual effects, modeling, sculpting,

texturing/surfacing, cinematography, virtual production software, data acquisition, lighting, compositing, 3D special effects and other high tech entertainment skills.

It is widely acknowledged that, whether it’s movies, television, video games and more, the virtual entertainment industry is booming. Bow Valley College is not only about to put students on the cutting edge, “CEA will prepare students to work on major Hollywood productions, many of which will be filmed in Calgary and Alberta,” he adds.

Recently, Calgary Economic Development announced that Calgary and Alberta expect more major Hollywood productions, following a decision by the Government of Alberta to remove its $10,000,000 Film and Television Tax Credit cap. The update to the tax credit is expected to bring in hundreds of long-term, good-paying jobs for Albertans in the Creative Industries sector.

Hollywood blockbusters filmed in Alberta have included The Revenant, Jumanji: The Next Level, Interstellar, Inception, Brokeback Mountain and three Superman movies.

Lemieux explains that the Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts will launch next January and gradually ramp-up with enrollment. “Initially we will be running small classes with students admitted based on submission of an artistic portfolio (sketches, renderings, design variations) for the Advanced Visual Effects (Virtual Production) and Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling Diploma programs.”

ABOVE: DEREK LEMIEUX, BOW VALLEY COLLEGE’S DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION.

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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Alberta Blue Cross® Does the Heavy Lifting for Group Businesses With COVID-19, many business’ daily operations have changed. What remains the same, however, is the care and priority of your employees. Alberta Blue Cross understands this and has you covered with digital services that provide employers with a stress-free experience when managing your employee benefit plan. Regardless of how your employees work—remotely from home, with different hours and varying degrees of interaction—or whatever your new reality is, the way your employees enrol for benefits should be different too.

Alberta Blue Cross’ latest online offering, the Member Self Enrolment platform, is just one of the brand’s digital innovations. With Member Self Enrolment, the intake process is completely paperless and contactless. It is faster than the traditional application and the completed enrolment is received instantly, giving the employee access to benefits sooner.

Automated elements also ensure a guided, error-free process.

The platform provides a safe way to onboard employees for benefits while simultaneously reducing inefficiencies.

Additional online tools further benefit both plan administrators and employees with a range of remote, self-serve options. Administrators can keep track of each employee’s enrolment; see a statement of account; add or remove employees right away and receive confirmation in real time; sign up for preauthorized payments for monthly fees; and view contracts, booklets and employee ID cards.

Employees can use the member website or the Alberta Blue Cross app to submit their health, dental, vision, drug or spending account claims; view the status of their claims; download or print ID cards; find the direct bill provider closest to them; check how much coverage they and their

dependents have; take advantage of Balance®(an online wellness program); sign up for direct deposit to have their claims paid in as little as a day and use the drug lookup to find out if a prescription is covered.

The Alberta Blue Cross Flex tool provides even more digital innovation as it provides a simple and personalized digital experience for employees. With a mobile-friendly platform and simple navigation, employees can find the information they’re looking for and select or view their benefits at any time, on any device. Training is provided for plan administrators and onboard support is always at hand.

As Alberta Blue Cross increases its digital services, it remains a people-first company. Employers and employees can always contact Alberta Blue Cross on the phone, read their blog for tips and the latest in benefit news and follow them on social media. Visit www.ab.bluecross.ca to learn more.

PHOTO SOURCE: ALBERTA BLUE CROSS

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

3003, 1111 10 STREET SW A1088621

$849,900

BELTLINE

2018A 26A STREET SW A1089013

$890,000

KILLARNEY/GLENGARRY Incomparable north, east & south views from this spacious 2 bedroom penthouse unit in the Luna building. This luxurious, modern unit hosts an open plan with hardwood floors, 9’ ceilings & an abundance of natural light from floor to ceiling windows, showcasing the living room with double sided feature fireplace, casual dining area & well-appointed kitchen finished with quartz counter tops, island/eating bar, an abundance of storage space & stainless steel appliance package.

Located in the mature community of Killarney, this 4 bedroom home on a quiet tree-lined street offers over 3,300 sq ft of developed living space! The open main floor presents hardwood floors, high ceilings & is illuminated with recessed lighting & stylish light fixtures, showcasing the casual front dining area that could comfortably seat up to 8 & is open to the well-appointed kitchen finished with large island/eating bar, an abundance of counter & storage space plus a stainless steel appliance package.

1728 32 AVENUE SW A1090497

$1,399,900

SOUTH CALGARY

1005 36 STREET NW A1044948

$1,849,000

PARKDALE

Lustrous, modern elegance embodies this 3+1 bedroom home with over 4,100 sq ft of living space located on a prime street in sought-after South Calgary. The main floor of this home is drenched in natural light & presents 10’ ceilings & wide plank white oak hardwood floors showcasing a formal front dining room with chic light fixture, private office with barn doors & living room with floor to ceiling feature wall with fireplace & builtins which is open to the well-appointed kitchen finished with quartz counter tops, huge island/ breakfast bar, an abundance of storage.

Built by Hudson Fine Homes, situated on a 32’x150’ lot & located in the long-established community of Parkdale, this home exudes modern elegance & meticulous attention to detail from top to bottom. With 3+1 bedrooms & over 3,325 sq ft of luxurious developed living space on the main, second & third levels, even the most discerning buyer will be impressed. The main level presents Canadian made Mirage white oak flooring, 10’ ceilings & is illuminated with an abundance of natural light, recessed lighting & stylish custom light fixtures showcasing the living room with access to a huge deck & featuring a floor to ceiling fireplace with built-ins.

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Each office is independently owned and operated.

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BETTING ON GOLD // COVER

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

BETTING ON GOLD // COVER

Betting

ON GOLD

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

CALGARY’S RUSSELL STARR ON TRILLIUM GOLD’S PROSPECTS

C

ommodity investing is nothing new to Calgary investors. Situated in one of the most resource-rich provinces in Canada, Calgarians have long sought to put their money into the raw materials extracted from the ground: oil and gas, coal, precious and base metals, wheat, limestone and sandstone are some well-known Albertabased examples.

However achieved – through the purchase of physical commodities, company stock, or investment in futures contracts or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) – the underlying investment strategy is always to benefit from the increase in demand for the commodity and hence its value. While this result doesn’t always materialize, commodity investments fulfil an important role in many investors’ portfolios, particularly when major indices drop.

Russell Starr, president and CEO of Trillium Gold, is betting on this reality. His gold company, headquartered in Vancouver and having the second largest land holdings (second only to Evolution Mining) in Ontario’s red hot Red Lake mining district, is positioning itself to be a winner in the commodity investment space. And it’s all about the staging and set-up.

“We’re effectively entering into a hyper-inflationary environment where all commodities are going up,” Starr, a born and raised Calgarian, says. “Every single commodity except gold is at a new decade high right now. The only reason gold isn’t also [at a record high] is because the U.S. is doing everything to protect the status of the almighty dollar as the reserve currency. But a wicked sell-off in the stock market is closer than many think.”

He likens it to the tech crash of 2000, when investors lost massive amounts of capital – everything in a matter of minutes.

A similar tech-focused bubble is currently in the making he says, with companies like Twitter, Uber and Google attracting a frenzy of buying like never before. These companies, he cautions, produce nothing physically tangible; rather they’re made up predominantly of computer code and user data, with users being the product. When the bubble eventually bursts, their investors will be left with virtually nothing.

“In my opinion one of the worst places to be right now is tech and high tech,” Starr advises, “and guess where everybody’s money is? They will be absolutely decimated and the only safe havens will be real estate and commodities which are relatively uncorrelated. If you’re

LEFT: RUSSELL STARR, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TRILLIUM GOLD. PHOTO SOURCE: GREG PAUPST

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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BETTING ON GOLD // COVER

IN THE LAST FEW YEARS A RENAISSANCE OF SORTS – A.K.A. A GOLD RUSH – HAS BEEN UNDERWAY AT RED LAKE, WITH AUSTRALIA’S EVOLUTION MINING AND OTHERS INVESTING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO DRILL, MODERNIZE AND EXPAND OPERATIONS. long a nickel company, you’ll be fine. If you own a copper company, you’ll be fine. If you’re long a gold company, you’ll be fine.”

His gold company, Trillium (TGM:TSXV), was formed in early 2020, and Starr took over as CEO in July. Since then it has been strategically increasing its foothold in one of Canada’s most prolific mining areas, the Red Lake mining district, and is now the second largest landholder in the district, following the recently announced acquisition of Battle North Gold Corp. by Evolution Mining, the large Australian company that bought the Red Lake complex from Newmont Goldcorp in late 2019.

“My view is, if you’re in a world-class jurisdiction, with gold found in great abundance, better to own as much land as you can,” he explains. “It’s like buying a row of houses on the poshest street in Calgary.

Imagine if, 100 years ago, you had bought the land under the five largest lots, what would they be worth now? That’s the analogy and why we’re one of the largest landholders in Red Lake.”

The Red Lake district earned its reputation in the mid-1920s, after gold was first discovered on the shores of Red Lake.

Within 15 years, 12 producing mines sprang up, including the Campbell and Red Lake mines. Campbell, which opened in 1949, produced more than 11 million ounces of gold in the span of 50 years. In the 1990s, Goldcorp (the new

owner of Campbell) discovered a new high-grade deposit and by 2002 the mine had produced more than a half million ounces, making Goldcorp one of the most valuable gold companies in the world.

In the last few years a renaissance of sorts – aka a gold rush – has been underway at Red Lake, with Australia’s Evolution ABOVE: GEOLOGIST SAMUEL LEWIS LOGGING NT ZONE CORE IN THE CORESHACK. BELOW: CAMP COOK PADDY SHAW WHIPS UP CULINARY DELIGHTS IN THE CAMP KITCHEN.

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

‘Know your client’ has new meaning in Canada Anti-money laundering compliance requirements for brokers and developers are growing. Greg Draper can help you meet those regulatory obligations and manage your financial crime risks.

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BETTING ON GOLD // COVER

Mining and others investing hundreds of millions of dollars to drill, modernize and expand operations.

Trillium is a major player on the scene. “Over the last year we’ve worked aggressively to grow from one flagship asset – the Newman Todd – to become a dominant landholder of highly prospective properties on trend with the prominent gold bearing deposits today,” Starr says. “We’ve grown our market cap from $20 million to $70 million and we’re still considerably undervalued when you look at proximity to the abundance of surrounding infrastructure.”

For example, the Newman Todd property is within 20 kilometres from the Red Lake mill and the Gold Centre property is just 350 metres from the high grade underground development of the Campbell/Red Lake mine. “With a highly skilled local workforce, including many ex-Goldcorp personnel experienced in Red Lake exploration, and strong community partnerships, we are on our way to making a significant mark,” he offers.

The company currently has a 40,000-metre drilling program underway. “Historic drilling at Newman Todd in 2013 revealed numerous untested gold exploration targets, with almost all drilling conducted to depths of less than 400 metres,” Starr continues. “If the Red Lake district is known for anything, it’s that high-grade gold mineralization is found at depths of a few thousand metres.”

Trillium’s Gold Centre property lies just one kilometre from Evolution’s Red Lake mine, which to date has produced 25.6 million ounces at 16.6 grams per ton. “Literally one of the biggest, richest mines in the world,” Starr says frankly. “And we think that Gold Centre may be the continuation of this geological structure at depth.” He also notes that Evolution is exploring and mining for gold just 350 metres from the Gold Centre property boundary.

So how did a guy from Calgary get into gold mining in Ontario? The route, like most folks’, wasn’t linear.

“I grew up in Elbow Park,” Starr says, “and went to Western Canada High School. I was a jock and an academic, a big nerd. I did very well in school, and played on all the teams.

But I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.”

He went to Queen’s University, following in the footsteps of

both his parents, and settled on an economics degree. “But I absolutely hated it,” he reveals. “When I graduated in 1990 nobody was hiring. I ended up in the hospitality industry.”

Realizing he’d need a Master’s Degree to get out of the hospitality industry, he pursued a degree at the University of Victoria and loved it. “I had always been a really good math student and I loved econometrics, it was my best course,” he says. While struggling to find a job on Bay Street after graduating, Starr began his PhD at McGill, and through

ABOVE: RODREN DRILLING DRILLER’S HELPER RETRIEVING AND WASHING CORE FROM THE NT ZONE.

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

BETTING ON GOLD // COVER

A CALGARIAN TO THE CORE, STARR IS FOND OF HIS HOMETOWN, RETURNING AS OFTEN AS HE CAN TO VISIT FAMILY AND FRIENDS – AND HIT THE SLOPES. “CALGARY IS A GREAT CITY,” HE SMILES. “AND FOR CALGARIAN INVESTORS, DIVERSIFICATION IS KEY. CANADIAN GOLD SHOULD A PART OF THAT STRATEGY.” a series of circuitous events ended up with a series of interviews at RBC Capital Markets for the exclusive dealer training program.

“I went through this program at RBC called Super Saturday,” he recalls. “Eight hours of interviews with groups of two interviewees who were all Managing Directors of the trading floors. In the end they hired me.” Starr started a rotational program across all of the different areas of trading at RBC before getting a job in foreign exchange.

“But I just loved equities,” he says. “So I eventually moved on and started a career in institutional sales and trading for numerous Bay Street banks and independent dealers.”

With time, Starr wanted to strike out on his own, and eventually started his own firm, Euro Pacific Canada, with two partners. It grew quickly and eventually bought Dundee Wealth Management, and is now known as Echelon Wealth Partners.

“The third or fourth largest independent broker dealer in Canada,” Starr says proudly. “And I still own a piece of it.”

A self-described serial entrepreneur, Starr, then an investment banker with clients in the gold mining industry, became interested in building a mining company. He joined Cayden Resources, one of his banking clients, and helped grow it from $25 million to its ultimate sale in 2014 for $205 million to Agnico Eagle.

Starr then joined his Cayden partners at Auryn which recently spun out into three companies, including a silver company, but the opportunity with Trillium fell into his lap. “I looked at it and I was blown away,” he says. “It had an extraordinary history of successful drilling, and there was high grade, even visual gold everywhere. Red Lake is becoming one of the hottest gold regions in the world so I had to be a part of it. I bought a large position in the company.”

He’s positioning the company for a home run, and loosely equates it to another Red Lake gold company, Great Bear

Resources – whose Dixie discovery (which some analysts estimate contains as much as 20 million ounces of gold) is one of the largest discoveries in decades – as an example of what’s possible: Great Bear’s stock price has risen to almost $15 this year, being under $1 just two years ago.

Gold mines in Canada, like all other natural resources here, warrant a premium for being in a safe jurisdiction and for the country’s established mining legislation: “All things being equal, would you rather own a gold company in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in Red Lake, Ontario?

Canadians know they can have confidence in natural resources and the annual percentage of GDP it contributes to Canada’s economy. Gold is a finite resource, there’s not a lot of it. We won’t be mining it forever. Why would you ever invest in a country where they can take your license away without any warning?”

Starr describes having raised millions of dollars for gold company Crystallex in Venezuela which, despite having fulfilled all mine permit requirements, saw President Hugo Chavez revoke the license and give it to the state: “And as easily as that, foreign investors lost everything.”

Canada’s extractive industry is known worldwide as one of the safest, most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the world.

With 10 employees in Vancouver and another 40 in the field in Red Lake, Starr is eager to lead Trillium to extraordinary heights. “We already have a discovery in Newman Todd and I’m hopeful for a sale within the next four to six years,” he says. “And with the price of gold suppressed and just a fraction of what it will be in a couple of decades, we have good reason to be optimistic.”

A Calgarian to the core, Starr is fond of his hometown, returning as often as he can to visit family and friends – and hit the slopes. “Calgary is a great city,” he smiles. “And for Calgarian investors, diversification is key. Canadian gold should a part of that strategy.”

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

31

The Importance of Environmental, Social and Governance Metrics for Real Estate Profitability

Securing a sustainable, improved future is a top priority shared by countless communities and economic stakeholders. That’s why environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics are increasingly important in today’s economy. Despite how ESG principles are integrated to address industry-speci�ic challenges, the general features remain the same.

The �irst feature — environmental — represents stewardship and sustainability. It ascertains climate change response, emissions reduction, water and natural resource use as well as management, pollution and waste management, and asset retirement and reclamation.

The second feature — social — recognizes workplace wellness and social responsibility. This includes employee health and safety, antiharassment and diversity policies, employee engagement, community relations, human rights protection and supply chain awareness and disclosure.

The third feature — governance — re�lects good corporate governance practices including managing con�licts of interest, protecting con�idential information, compliance with laws, and board independence (from the company or its auditor).

Ethics are apparent through increased gender and ethnic diversity in leadership, executive compensation evaluations/metrics, reporting illegal or unethical behavior, and reinforced antibribery and anti-corruption policies.

COVID-19 triggered a global health crisis that disrupted social and corporate networks, constrained local and global communities, and plunged �inancial and economic markets. It also underscored requirements to rebuild in our new environment: human capital, health and safety, good governance and leadership, digital data, and communications.

As corporate cultures evolve and socio-economic pressures increase, ESG and socially responsible investing has become a popular topic with companies and investors. With real estate investment and development costs on the rise, investors are seeking better performance from their real estate portfolios.

Bridging the gap between ESG integration and the real estate industry is a possible long-term performance driven answer that holds potential for unlocking reputational and �inancial bene�its, generating innovation, and providing �inancial stability and long-term value for communities and stakeholders.

We need more data to see if ESG initiatives will be ingrained into the real estate development business model, but evidence indicates that environmentally certi�ied buildings attract a premium to asset value, as rental rates and revenue from ‘greener’ buildings are observed to perform better. Increased government support, regulatory demands and investor attention in green and sustainable assets endorsed by industry certi�ications such as LEED, BREEAM, BOMA BEST and WELL also re�lect positive environmental and social accountability to investors, tenants and community stakeholders.

As ESG-focused investments become the norm, greener real estate portfolios will become increasingly advantageous. Real estate organizations will ultimately bene�it from aggregating and analyzing ESG data over time, but the current road ahead is looking bright and green.

Stikeman Elliott’s Real Estate Group provides practical real estate expertise and legal advice to real estate investors and key industry players. If you’re looking for ways to generate more value from your real estate and/or ESG pro�ile, contact Catherine Grygar of Stikeman Elliott Calgary at cgrygar@stikeman.com.

Pat Murphy, Freeze Maxwell Roofing

ARCA

Bob James, Tru-Craft Roofing

Leads the Way for Alberta Roofers

by Rennay Craats with Photos by Riverwood Photography Inc.

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years

33

Bev Jewan, Doug Rossum, Christine Kitchen and Hina Atif.

C

onstruction is a competitive market, and there can be fierce competition between trade contractors to get projects. Roofing is no different. But 60 years ago, a visionary group of Edmonton and Calgary roofing contractors put that all aside and came together with the goal of improving their industry. With the establishment of the Alberta Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) in 1961, these contractors sought to support and advance the roofing industry in Alberta through a system of high standards and education.

“The strength of the ARCA is that the foundation that the original members set, the vision they had, is held to this day,” says Bob James, ARCA Association president and owner of Tru-Craft Roofing (2005) Ltd. “The foundation of our standards, our training, our acceptance process for contractors, materials and inspectors hasn’t changed very much in 60 years.”

The goal of the Association, both then and now, was to improve the image and quality of roofing in the province, and every decision the 12-person board makes refers to this mandate. All too often, when people think of roofing, they envision truck-and-ladder storm chasers that flock to town after a disastrous weather event to slap up roofs. The 32 members of the ARCA are professional contractors dedicated to elevating the public’s image of roofing to better reflect the sophistication that these contractors apply to their operations.

Membership in an association that promotes professionalism and high-quality standards helps differentiate the elite roofers from all the rest.

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 2

“A benefit of membership is it elevates us above other roofing contractors because we are vetted to join. It’s not easy to become a member but once you are, the public knows that they are getting a quality contractor,” says Pat Murphy, ARCA Warranty Ltd. president and owner of Freeze Maxwell Roofing (Calgary). “Because we have to meet a certain standard, the quality of our company is that much better because we are members.”

ARCA members are leaders in their fields, and while some may accommodate residential roofing requests, members focus predominantly on low slope and architectural standing seam metal for commercial clientele. Each year, ARCA’s members perform about 80 per cent of Alberta’s industrial and commercial roofing projects, both new and re-roofing, and large contracts like schools, hospitals and downtown projects are almost entirely won by member contractors.

PATH TO MEMBERSHIP

Applying for membership is a complex, often year-long process that ensures only those contractors that mirror ARCA’s dedication to advancing the industry are accepted. The board reviews each application to ensure all requirements are in order before turning it over for site evaluations and peer review. ARCA performs a comprehensive audit of the prospective member, looking into its safety program and record, quality of roofing, and its strength of communication for policy implementation. The team inspects past roofing projects and shadows the roofer onsite for current projects. The committee looks at approximately 10 roofing projects to give a thorough picture of the contractor’s capabilities.

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 4

Don’t Delay. Request a Roof Condition Report Today.

Responsible building owners know that regular preventative maintenance is a crucial part of owning a building. The rooftop endures more abuse from the elements than any other part of a building’s exterior, so routine preventive maintenance is critical in prolonging the roof’s service life and saving money for building owners. When a roof system is maintained properly, it performs better, lasts longer, and provides more reliable protection of a building and its occupants.

Carlisle offers roof condition reports* performed by a trusted local Carlisle Manufacturer’s Representative or Authorized Applicator and include a thorough examination of: » Building exterior, interior ceiling and roof deck, roof perimeter and field of the roof » All details, penetrations, and flashings

» Overall roof condition » Identification of necessary repairs » Re-roofing options available » Recommended next steps

* Carlisle can refer a design professional when necessary.

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Carlisle is a trademark of Carlisle. © 2021 Carlisle.

For more information or to request your roof condition report, scan here or visit www.CarlisleSynTec.com/Education/Re-Roofing

Kevin Kramers and Karen Rutherford.

“Once you are in, it doesn’t mean you’ll stay. You still must qualify. It’s like a reapplication for your membership every three years,” says Murphy.

The Association members agreed to regular reviews and must maintain a passing mark. The process is referred to as Contractor Gauge. All members must participate in an independent third-party review every three years to ensure they meet and maintain the high service and quality levels to remain with the Association. If a member falls below a score of 80 per cent, the Association identifies where problems lie and provides courses that the contractor can take to fill a knowledge gap. Contractors with a poor showing have 90 days to get back on track or they will not be invited to renew their membership. Members unanimously approved this review process several years ago as a way to protect the reputation, professionalism and high standards that drew them to ARCA in the first place.

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS

Members are among the best in the business across the province. The rigorous application process all but ensures it. Once they are accepted, members have access to the incredible knowledge base of the board and other members, technical resources, related industry professionals and share in ARCA’s stellar reputation for quality. Member contractors are highly respected in the design community, within government agencies that bid out work, and with its business owner clients. ARCA creates an environment that facilitates this level of professionalism, and with it comes access to jobs that other roofing companies would not enjoy.

Many building owners and organizations, including Alberta Infrastructure, use ARCA as a pre-qualification tool for specific projects. They know that to become ARCA members the contractors were vetted and already meet or exceed industry benchmarks for safety, education, and training requirements.

This saves clients the trouble of vetting their roofing contractors – and knowing the reputation of the Association and its members, business owners enjoy peace of mind that the job will be done right.

That peace of mind is also backed by a best-in-class warranty that protects building owners with extended coverage. Members can offer clients five- 10or 15-year ARCA warranties which are often paired with manufacturer material warranties. The ARCA warranty program allows contractors to offer extended warranty coverage secured with a funded warranty program, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of their company. Building owners can rest

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 6

RAISE THE ROOF! All of us at SAIT congratulate the Alberta Roofing Contractors Association on 60 years of apprenticeship training.

Thanks for giving our graduates a high ceiling!

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Here’s to another 60 years, ARCA! Plasti-Fab helps create lasting communities by supplying Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) products to construction and civil infrastructure projects. As the only vertically-integrated EPS company in North America, we are leading the industry with solutions that are healthy for people, communities, and the planet.

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Helping create lasting communities

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 7

assured that their asset is protected with an industry-leading workmanship warranty provided through the Association.

“We stand behind our members. We vetted them carefully so we should be able to pay out any mistakes as it should not be very often if we keep the standards high. And we do,” says Karen Rutherford, ARCA Executive Director.

“At any point in time we have over $500-million worth of roofs under warranty with money in the bank to pay for a mistake if it happens.”

ARCA proudly represents members who go above and beyond to provide great service to clients. They strive to guarantee that their clients are satisfied that they received a quality roof, and ARCA is there to assist them. While ARCA members are all top-end, skilled roofers, they are still human and can make mistakes. The Association has a system of checks and balances in place to catch errors which includes the contractors’ foreman, superintendent and project manager overseeing the installation as well as an independent inspector to ensure approved products are installed in accordance with established application standards.

The Association also sends an ARCA-accepted inspector to the building at the two-year anniversary at no cost to the client to make sure there aren’t any application issues that need to be addressed. After two weather cycles in Alberta’s harsh climate, any problems would show up by this point and any deficiencies can be resolved to ensure the roof meets the client’s expectations.

“This gives that building owner 20 or 30 years of confidence in their roof,” says Kevin Kramers, ARCA Technical Officer.

Clients can be confident that ARCA members are up on the latest building codes and regulations, too. After all, it has members sitting on and chairing various construction and government boards in Alberta. In addition to provincial involvement, the ARCA is also represented at the CRCA National Technical Committee and sits on several National Research Council and CSA committees. The Association has a solid relationship with government agencies and organizations that impacts the roofing industry as well as playing an important advocacy role.

TOP GRADES IN EDUCATION

One main benefit of ARCA membership is access to the Association’s extensive educational and training offerings. It is important for the Association to keep the quality high so it does all it can to support members in maintaining the standards set at admission. For that reason, unlike many associations that use training and education to generate revenue, ARCA training is free for members. The Association works closely with the apprenticeship programs at NAIT and SAIT, and ARCA covers members’ tuition costs for apprenticeship training and offers cash awards for top-performing students to further incentivize professional development.

“It ties into the idea of making sure we’re promoting roofing to be more professional in the province, and you can’t do that without training,” says Bob James.

ARCA hosts onsite training in the Association office’s classrooms and shop.

There, members can train in any or all of ARCA’s three modules: safety training, technical and management. Module One includes critical safety

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 8

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HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE ALBERTA ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

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training including torch safety, fall protection, fire extinguisher training, leadership for safety excellence and first aid.

ARCA also recognized that some roofers may want to transition from the roof to another area of the industry, so it created a career path and training courses that facilitates that move. The program, Accredited Roofer of Alberta (ARA), teaches members about understanding blueprints and specifications, ARCA standards, sustainability and leak detection, basic estimating and Alberta’s construction codes and Acts. Taking it a step further, Module 3 introduces members to management areas including elements of human resources, communication and conflict resolution, financial literacy, contract law and risk management, and basic project management. Students successfully completing all classes in Module 2 and Module 3 earn the designation of Certified Roofing Professional (CRP).

“If you went through this you could go work for a manufacturer, you could become an inspector, you could work for the City helping them manage their projects. There are a lot of non-labour-intensive outcomes if you have avenues available in addition to the apprenticeship program,” says Karen Rutherford.

In addition to the ever-evolving education programs, ARCA also offers their centre to manufacturers free of charge, allowing them to introduce or showcase their products to the building community. Manufacturers can invite non-member contractors and professionals as well, extending the knowledge and expertise across the sector. ARCA further elevates the industry through its bi-annual Rooferama and Advanced Education Day. With Rooferama, ARCA creates interdisciplinary groups consisting of an architect, engineer, building owner, inspector and contractor, and the group moves as a unit through various manufacturer presentations. This introduces diverse perspectives into the discussions and makes for a richer learning experience for all participants.

The Advanced Education Day events are geared to senior professionals across the membership. These events showcase ARCA’s desire to be progressive and

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 10

ahead of the curve as it helps elevate and grow the industry; the Association identifies trends and products that are on the cusp and invites renowned speakers to present about them to ARCA’s diverse audience of architects, engineers, business owners and partners. Such topics of interest have included artificial intelligence, exoskeleton, block chain technology and the trend to build modularly.

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“We are always thinking about what we can give members that they don’t have the time or resources to find or get, and we get really positive feedback from people,” says Rutherford.

Education is a critical element of ARCA’s mandate to elevate the industry, and the Association has gotten creative with how best to reach members, especially the next generation of roofing leaders.

SAME INFORMATION, NEW DELIVERY

Younger members are not interested in reading tomes of standards and codes, so ARCA set out to present massive amounts of information in a more appealing way. The new building codes forced commercial buildings to adopt more resilient roofing options. One requirement is that some roof systems now must meet stringent wind uplift standards to withstand Alberta’s everchanging weather patterns. Each manufacturer tested their products and produced a mammoth number of reports with the results. Instead of having each member reading through thousands of pages of data, ARCA built a specialized content management system. This allows members and non-members alike to go onto the ARCA website and choose the wind pressure, product manufacturer, and method of affixing the roofing material and click submit; the system tells contractors if their chosen system will meet the required specifications.

ARCA also presents their application standards manual in a different, more engaging way. To keep current, the Association hired an animator and bought the technology required to bring the manual to life for today’s visual, technology-based contractors. Now members can click on a topic, from scuppers to control joints to fall arrest anchors and everything in between and watch while the animation demonstrates the content. This fully animated resource helps ARCA reach members and get information where it is needed.

“It gives people an option to see how a roof is installed without physically standing on the roof for days to see the different levels as it’s being assembled,” says Kevin Kramers.

The Association has also upped its technology game for virtual meetings and education sessions. In addition to the use of ZOOM and Teams, ARCA also established a television studio onsite to ensure the highest production quality for meetings and classes. This helps keep people engaged and connected virtually.

PRODUCT VETTING

ARCA provides members with the most comprehensive information they need to succeed. This includes vetting roofing products that can improve contractors’ performance. As is the case with membership application, product approval takes time. To be considered, a product must be installed for at least two years in Alberta to ensure it can stand up to the winds, chinooks and cold conditions found throughout the province. The Technical Committee does a physical assessment of the installed product after two years and is present when it is installed so they can ask the installers what they think about the product and if there are any concerns or negative feedback. Vetting a product requires a thorough review, and the rigorous process explains why the Association has a strong reputation for only accepting quality materials, something the design community acknowledges by only specifying ARCA-accepted materials.

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 12

“The Association has made a huge effort in approving products and systems that are not only quality products but that will work here in Alberta, too,” says Pat Murphy.

“We make sure they fit into what we as an association feel is the best we can provide our customers.”

BAXTER ROOF CONSULTING LTD. CONGRATULATES THE ARCA FOR THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY! Stephen Baxter, RRC, RRO, Registered Roof Consultant President of International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Canadian Prairies Chapter

For 60 years, ARCA has supported roofing professionals in the province through education, training and technical expertise. It is proud to be a leading force in North America, offering the best reference sources for specifiers, designers and building owners.

“There really is what I would consider to be the best roofing minds sitting around this table,” Bob James says of ARCA membership.

And those minds will continue to raise the bar for ARCA members and the industry at large.

403-248-4811 | info@baxterroofconsulting.ca www.baxterroofconsulting.ca

2380 Pegasus Road N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 8G8 Toll Free: 1-800-382-8515 Tel: 403-250-7055 • Fax: 403-250-1702 E-mail: info@arcaonline.ca www.arcaonline.ca

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association | Celebrating 60 Years | 13

MERIT CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

Launches Mental Health Initiative

M

erit Contractors Association (Merit) is a not-for-profit organization representing industry partners and open shop construction workers across Alberta. As a progressive association, Merit had noticed, even before the pandemic, that there was a stigma in male dominated industries like construction that created barriers for individuals to access the mental health support they needed. Merit is determined to change this for its members and their employees.

“It’s critical for company leaders in Alberta to not only recognize how mental health impacts their workplace, they also need to know what they can do to help their employees cope with the increased stresses we are currently living with,” said Malcolm D. Kirkland, president and chief executive officer of Merit. “This program is one of the tools we are adding to our mental health toolbox. We have supported our members and their families for more than 34 years and we will continue to do so, providing the resources they need, when they need them.”

Working collaboratively with LifeWorks, Merit has launched an innovative initiative that includes: the Merit Mental Health First Aid Kit, the LifeWorks Wellness app, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the Workplace Mental Health Leadership™ certificate program and a Building Blocks for Positive Mental Health course.

The Workplace Mental Health Leadership certificate program is comprised of modules designed to facilitate increased: • Awareness of the importance of a mentally healthy workplace • Accountability for a safe and healthy workplace • Recognition of the factors that influence a mentally healthy workplace

• Capacity to respond to potential health issues improving the likelihood of a positive outcome The course also discusses the impact of legal, ethical and business issues around mental health. To date, 75 members have engaged in this program.

The LifeWorks Wellness app is a solution that supports physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing along with motivation and inspirations for a happier, healthier life. Confidential access to EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is included, and the self-serve articles and interactive elements on the platform enable each user to move at their own pace.

The Merit Mental Health Kit comes in two versions: one for work, one for home. The kit includes a series of cards that can be accessed anytime help is needed. There is a signs and symptoms card, cards on how to approach others when worried about their mental health, cards with mental health exercises, a card with instructions on how to sign up for daily text affirmations, a reference card with contact information for support services, and two durable cards where personal health information can be recorded and stored. The kit is compact; easy to slip into a glove box, pocket, or purse.

The EAP is available to members and their immediate family 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can be used as a distress line as well as a place for short-term, non-crisis support. Sessions are conducted mainly by phone, email and video while COVID restrictions are in place. The EAP is bilingual (French and English), confidential and accessible (service for individuals with hearing impairments are available). Sessions are conducted by professionals that have a Master’s degree in social work, counselling or psychology.

In addition to relying on the EAP for mental health support, counsellors can help members address

Merit continues to evolve to address industry concerns not just through safe workplaces, government advocacy, training, and discounts on insurance/benefits, but to also be a strong voice for construction employers and employees when it comes to mental health awareness and solutions. a variety of other issues including conflict in couple and family relationships, burnout, workplace toxicity, etc. As the EAP is accessed through Merit’s benefit programs, there are no costs for members to use this service.

The Building Blocks for Positive Mental Health empowers employees to take care of their own mental health so they can recognize and offer bridge support to their co-workers. The course is gamified through six short interactive modules.

Quizzes and games allow the user to track their progress, but in the interest of privacy, scores are not retained in the program. The modules, which can be taken in any order, include: what is good for mental health, myths and realities of mental disorders, reducing stigma, exploring emotional intelligence, resilience and stress management, and assisting others and asking for help.

“As a leading association focused on the needs of our members, their employees and their families, it is imperative that we are instrumental in changing the narrative about mental health stigma in our industry,” stated Mr. Kirkland.

An Alberta Health Service Report, Addiction and Mental Health in Alberta’s Construction Industry, noted concerns ranging from phobias to feelings of hopelessness. Antisocial personality disorder (APD) rated higher (9.7 per cent) among construction workers than the average (5.1 per cent) across all industries. Those suffering from APD more frequently engage in self-destructive behaviours such as drinking and drug use to cope. The report was compiled before the pandemic; in addition to the issues already present, mental health disorders are on the rise

due to COVID-19 lockdowns and stress. Forty-two per cent of Albertans surveyed in a Canadian Mental Health Association study reported isolation to be the top driver of their mental health concerns due to the pandemic.

Merit continues to evolve to address industry concerns not just through safe workplaces, government advocacy, training, and discounts on insurance/benefits, but to also be a strong voice for construction employers, employees and their families when it comes to mental health awareness and solutions.

“If we do not focus on addressing mental health issues, learning how to recognize the signs and providing access to support, the Alberta workforce would be compromised by what is often seen as an invisible enemy,” said Mr. Kirkland. “When organizations like Merit take a strong, bold and visible stance in empowering employers and employees in support of their mental health, the resulting effect is positive across the province.“ Visit www.meritalberta.com for more information about the association.

103, 13025 St. Albert Trail Edmonton AB T5L 4H5 Phone: 780 455 5999 | Toll Free: 1 888 816 9991 Fax: 780 455 2109 | Email: membership@meritalberta.com

www.meritalberta.com

COMPANY PROGRAM JA Company Program empowers high school students to fill a need or solve a problem in their community and teaches them practical skills required to conceptualize, capitalize and manage their own business venture.

Throughout the process of building their own company, students collaborate, make crucial business decisions, communicate with multiple stakeholders, and develop entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. Community volunteers and mentors provide real-world guidance and experience to the student-led startups. Over the course of 15 weeks, over 300 students from Calgary and surrounding area participated in Company Program - completely virtually.

This year’s Company Program was made possible through the incredible support of our donors and volunteers. Thank you!

THANK YOU

THE LUXURY EDITION

PRICING STRATEGY

putting a price on luxury

SALES SUCCESS STORIES notable sales over $1Million

A GALLERY OF FINE HOMES

peek inside these luxury properties

MAY 2021

MARKETING YOUR HOME

FOR ALL IT’S WORTH®

ASK SAM

Q

LUXURY MARKET PREDICTIONS AND PRICING STRATEGIES FROM SAM COREA

Q: Is now a good time to put my luxury home on the market?

More Activity in Higher Price Points It’s the perfect time to get your luxury home on the market! Over the last month we have seen increased activity in this segment of the real estate market. This is due to a few factors. Firstly, many buyers are taking advantage the current low interest rates. Secondly, because fewer people are spending on travel some buyers have more to invest in larger homes with more luxuries. Lastly, the best indicator of increased activity in the luxury market is taking note of the rate of sales in homes under $1M. Why? Because typically when a home owner decides to move up to a higher price point they sell their current home first. We have seen very robust sales in homes under $1M. Since the luxury market lags slightly behind in activity, we can expect to see more luxury homes selling as the buyers in the lower price points are ready to move up. My advice is to get your luxury home on the market before the summer months!

Pricing Strategy In the luxury real estate market cost does not always equal value. What I mean by that is that not all buyers are willing to pay what your luxury home cost you to create. Certain elements of a luxury home will maintain their value like the location, size of lot, if there are views or if your home backs a lake or park. But when it comes to aesthetics, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because you spent $100K on a specific feature does not mean that a buyer will be willing to pay for it. There is no formula on coming up with a price. That’s why it’s incredibly important that you hire an agent who understands the luxury market, knows your potential buyer’s profile, has knowledge of architecture and design and can advise you on a pricing strategy. Choose someone who has connections in that market segment. Do your research and ensure you select a representative is the right fit for your home.

CONTACT US TO GET YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF

THE HOME SELLER’S 30 DAY ACTION PLAN. Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale nor intended to cause a breach of any existing agency relationship.

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

ELBOW VALLEY | $3,500,000

65

MAJ E STIC P OI NT

Unparalleled luxury and refinement! After a 2 year renovation by Gallagher Homes and with a beautifully designed interior by McIntyre Bills, this 5 bedroom seven bathroom home boasts over 7,000 SF of opulent living space. Any discerning buyer will appreciate the high quality finishings such as exotic marbles, semi precious stones, custom millwork detailing, ceiling coffering and antique lighting reproductions featuring raw crystals. You’ll find this home to be extremely inviting while still offering lots of intimate gathering spaces. In the luxurious French style kitchen there is everything you could ever need with two massive islands, marble counters & the ultimate appliance package. The enclosed patio is the spot for entertaining guests in front of the fireplace while you BBQ. Upstairs offers three bedrooms, including the stunning master retreat with a spa inspired ensuite and massive walk-in closet. The lower level features a spa-like heated indoor pool which helps make Calgary winters a breeze, exercise room, theatre room, bar and wine room. The level of detail and craftsmanship is second to none and truly is a must see!

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

BRITANNIA | $2,495,000

715

IMPERIAL WAY SW

Straight out of a design magazine! Quality craftsmanship, luxe finishes and impeccable details by Amanda Hamilton Interior Design make this modern home stand out. Absolutely perfect for entertaining thanks to the open concept plan. A skylight allows light to wash down the marble clad fireplace. Soaring ceilings and wide plank hardwood extend throughout. The gourmet kitchen features quartz counters, a 6-burner Wolf range, Subzero fridge, pot filler and walk-thru pantry. An office provides a quiet work zone. Up the glass encased architectural staircase are 2 bedrooms each with their own ensuite and a serene master retreat.

The jaw-dropping wardrobe has an island and glass fronted cabinets and the ensuite contains a sculptural freestanding tub. Downstairs, the media area/bar is ideal for movie marathons. Highlights of the yard include a fireplace, built-in BBQ and hot tub. Local cafes, shops and the river pathways are just steps away. This stunning property is made for design-lovers with discerning taste!

CALL TO BOOK YOUR PERSONAL TOUR

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

WEST SPRINGS | $2,195,000

21

WEXFORD GARDENS SW

A modern masterpiece in a coveted location backing the ravine! Ideal for those looking for large living spaces and contemporary details. A stunning living room fireplace is surrounded by French doors to the deck and soaring windows highlighting the vaulted ceiling and framing the woodland view. Chefs will adore the storage, quartz counters, 2nd sink and high-end appliances of the kitchen. Serve formal dinners from the dining room or use the nook for casual family meals. The main floor bedroom could be utilized as an office. Upstairs, the master retreat includes his/hers closets and ensuite with dual steam shower and striking freestanding tub. An intimate den is a quiet area to read or watch TV. Two of the upper bedrooms share a Jack/Jill bath while the 4th contains an ensuite. The walkout features a rec room with a games area, bar and media room is an ideal for watching the game. A gym, office, 6th bedroom with ensuite and storage room complete this floor. This is the home and location of your dreams.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

BEL AIRE | $2,150,000

1423

BEVERLEY PLACE SW

Rare Opportunity in Bel-Aire! Nestled along the ridge of the Glenmore Reservoir, perfectly situated at the tip of a secluded cul-de-sac sits this beautifully landscaped, oneof-a-kind half acre property. The completely overhauled grounds include a massive limestone patio, breathtaking perennial gardens, tiered lawns, a grove of towering spruce, a playground area and bonfire pit. The secluded park above the dam and the river pathway system is accessible through the back gate. Inside, tasteful updates include wide plank white oak hardwood, new plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and hardware. A grand walk in closet was added off the master suite. The existing home could be easily enlarged to create your dream property on one of the largest lots in the area. This property provides the ideal opportunity for a buyer looking for an extremely private, prime parcel of land in the most prestigious neighbourhood in Calgary. Imagine the endless possibilities this home provides.

CALL TODAY TO GET YOUR HOME IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

LAKE CHAPARRAL | $2,100,000

149

CHAPALA POINT SE

Indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly in this spectacular lakefront home. The welcoming dining room and open concept living room are amply proportioned. The chef ’s kitchen has high end appliances, walk thru pantry, and a large island to gather the family around while dinner is prepared. An office with built-in desks provides a quiet spot to work. The 2nd floor features a vaulted master suite with lake front vistas. A spa-like ensuite is finished with limestone and a steam shower with multiple heads.

3 additional bedrooms each contain their own ensuite.

A sound proof music room is the ideal space for the kids.

There’s a family room, rec room, bar, wine, media and exercise room in the walkout as well as a 5th bedroom, bathroom and a beach entry. The yard is beautifully landscaped with gardens and a hot tub. Spend evenings under the pergola around the fireplace. Launch your kayak from the dock on your own beach. Play garden chess or just sit back and enjoy the panorama. This is lakeside living at it’s best.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,995,000

45

SPRING WILLOW TERRACE SW

This stately home with 4641 SF of living space offers unobstructed mountain views, refined design and a tranquil setting. From the foyer, you’ll be immediately impressed with the spacious formal dining room. There is a welcoming living room with a grand fireplace and wood beamed ceiling. A large classic kitchen features granite, 6 burner gas cooktop and walk thru pantry.

The generous master suite has an elegantly appointed ensuite with a claw foot tub. In the upper loft an office with a fireplace and a library with built-ins provides the perfect place to work from home. Downstairs, the walk out basement contains 2 additional bedrooms. There is also a fitness room, home theatre, wine cellar and bar.

The family room is the perfect spot to gather around the fireplace or watch the game. Outside, the masterfully landscaped yard takes full advantage of the mature trees and serene surrounding. A remote controlled screened upper deck and protected lower patio allow for extended outdoor enjoyment. This refined property is spectacular.

GET OUR MARKETING DOLLARS WORKING FOR YOU

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

WEST HILLHURST | $1,995,000

2113

2ND AVENUE NW

Busy family life is effortless in this meticulously designed home. The kitchen is a gourmet’s dream with top of the line appliances, two sinks and a huge pantry with an additional full sized fridge and freezer. The entire family will gather around the island for casual meals or spread out into the dining nook. Host holiday parties in the dining room and set out a self serve bar in the adjoining butler’s pantry. The living room features hardwood, wainscotting, built-in cabinets and a fireplace. The den is tucked away providing an ideal spot to work from home. Upstairs, the master suite and ensuite provide respite from a hectic day. There is room for all the little ones in the 3 children’s bedrooms. Hang out in the basement which features a gym, snack bar and a huge recreation room with cabinets for all the toys and TV. Parents will appreciate the smartly laid out mudroom, kid’s powder room and huge laundry room. Gather around the outdoor fireplace in the evening. This is a home the entire family will love.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MOUNT PLEASANT | $1,795,000

539

28TH AVENUE NW

The graceful stone facade hints at the elegant interiors.

Hardwood floors, marble and crystal chandeliers enrich its refined design. A moody den/office is located across from the formal dining room. The bright, spacious open concept living room and nook is impressive, making this an ideal home for entertaining. Chefs will love the classically appointed kitchen featuring a 6-burner range, bar fridge, and true butler’s pantry connecting the dining room. Upstairs, the bonus room has a Juliette balcony. The master is a serene retreat with a Carrara clad ensuite, steam shower and huge closet. Two additional bedrooms have WICs and share a bathroom with dual sinks. The basement contains a large rec room with a bar, a gym, and a 4th bedroom with its own ensuite. Outside, a tiered deck and patio are edged with flower beds. The corner lot location offers privacy when grilling or enjoying a glass of wine on a warm evenings.

This spectacular property will appeal to a buyer who appreciates the finer things in life.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS, VIDEOS, FLOOR PLANS AND 3D TOURS

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

ROXBORO | $1,695,000

3024

2ND STREET SW

This elegantly updated craftsman bungalow is in pristine condition. It will appeal to a buyer with refined taste looking for convenient main floor living in the heart of the inner city. The welcoming foyer has vaulted ceilings and a sitting room that accommodates a grand piano.

An office provides a quiet work space. Entertain guests in the formal living and dining rooms while you prepare dinner in the adjacent open concept kitchen. Enjoy a casual meal in the breakfast nook or savour a cup of coffee in the sunny sitting room. The serene master retreat includes a large walk-in closet with laundry and a beautifully appointed ensuite with dual sinks, make-up vanity and tub. The entire basement has been remodelled to include a family room, 2 bedrooms, an additional office, bathroom and bar. Mature trees surround a tiered deck and patio offering plenty of outdoor living space.

Take a stroll along the river paths or down 4th Street.

This turn key home has class and character!

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,695,000

2783

77TH STREET SW On the crest of the hill sits this handsome home with spectacular views. The open concept living room features a gas fireplace and access to an expansive deck. It adjoins the massive kitchen and sunny nook, the perfect place for watching the sunset. The kitchen is both practical and beautiful with a generous island and double sinks allowing 2 cooks to work simultaneously. Celebrate special occasions in the dining room. Watch TV from the second floor bonus room. The generous master suite features a fireplace, a sitting area, an office nook and impressive ensuite. Two additional bedrooms each contain their own ensuite and walk in closets. The walk out recreation room contains a bar, media area and cozy sitting room. There’s space for everything in the triple oversized garage. Double air conditioners ensure this home is comfortable year round. A private backyard is edged with trees, gardens and stone boulders.

The mountain vista, the location and privacy make this a standout property in the neighbourhood.

PUMP HILL | $1,495,000

159

P U M P M E A D O W S P L AC E S W A hidden gem tucked away on a quiet crescent backing onto a treed park! The sprawling rooms and smart layout is ideal for raising a family or entertaining a crowd. The kitchen features windows overlooking the large backyard, granite counters and professional grade appliances. A sunny flex room accessible from the kitchen is perfect as a homework room, artist’s studio, or could be converted into a butler’s pantry.

Watch movies with the kids in the ample family room. Work quietly from home in the private office.

Upstairs, the huge master suite includes a fireplace, sitting area, ensuite, and his/hers closets. 2 additional bedrooms share a bathroom while the 3rd contains an ensuite. The walkout level is perfect for teens who need some space of their own with a snack bar, rec room and games area. A 5th bedroom provides privacy for a live in nanny or guest. Outside, the property is bordered by mature landscaping and a large yard. This home has lots of potential and will grow with your family over the years.

RICHMOND | $1,295,000

2122

2 8 T H AV E N U E S W This stunning modern home is distinctive because of the high quality finishes and attention to detail.

The living room features a streamlined linear fireplace and statement built-in cabinets. Chefs will love the bright kitchen with its high end appliances, huge pantry and island. But the showpiece is the chic wine storage cabinet and fridge! The 2nd floor includes a bonus room between 2 bedrooms, each with ensuites. The spectacular 3rd floor is dedicated to the master bedroom with sitting area, large ensuite, walk-in closet and balcony overlooking the city skyline. A recreation room (currently used as a gym) and a den/home office can be found in the basement. Access the house via the mudroom from the underdrive garage and take the elevator all the way up at the end of a long day! The deck features an area to grill, a sitting area in front of a fireplace and space for al fresco dining. This stylish property will appeal to a buyer with discerning tastes looking for convenient living steps from Marda Loop.

BOOK YOUR SHOWING TODAY

FEATURED PROPERTIES A GALLERY OF LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,250,000

218

M Y S T I C R I D G E PA R K S W A spectacular spot to build your dream home! This half acre lot backs on to a natural ravine lined by a grove of mature spruce trees. The unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains are absolutely breathtaking. It is an ideal lot for a home with a walk-out basement. The backyard would have sunny southern exposure and the reserved land behind offers a beautiful backdrop and privacy from neighbours. There is no building timeline or commitment so you are able to select the builder of your choice and take your time in the design phase. This affluent cul-de-sac is just moments from the Aspen Landing and Westhills shopping districts.

Some of the best schools in Calgary are nearby. This is a rare piece of land where you can build a spectacular home to your own specifications. It’s country living within the city limits!

RIDEAU PARK | $1,150,000

3011

5TH STREET SW This updated, inviting home with a modern farmhouse style sits on a tree-lined street next to a park.

The welcoming living room features soaring ceilings, a wood burning fireplace, and an arched window overlooking the street. A sunbathed dining room is crowned with an eye catching light fixture. The kitchen has been extensively renovated to include quartz counters, two-toned cabinets, brass hardware, farmhouse sink, stainless appliances, wine fridge and a charming antique pantry door. A cozy family room is ideal for watching TV. A stylish bathroom clad floor to ceiling in subway tiles and a bedroom complete the main floor. At the top of the modern glass staircase is a loft office area with a fireplace and built-ins. The master bedroom has a balcony, fireplace and ensuite with dual sinks and makeup vanity.

The fully developed basement would make a great playroom. Enjoy warm evenings on the tiered deck or under the pergola. This home offers a park-like location and outstanding value in this neighbourhood.

WINDSOR PARK | $1,079,000

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5 4T H AV E N U E S W Over 3800 SF contemporary inner city living! Sleek finishes and modern details give this family home a Scandinavian vibe. A den off the foyer can be utilized as an office or playroom. The kitchen features walnut cabinets, concrete counters and a wine bar and cooler. Supervise homework at the built in desks from the kitchen while you cook up a meal. A large mudroom with plenty of storage and a separate laundry room keeps everyone organized. The open concept living room and dining area are an entertainer’s dream. Upstairs, the large master suite features a dressing room/walk in closet fit for fashion lovers. Two additional upstairs bedrooms are perfectly sized for little ones. The basement is a great hang out area for the kids and features a bedroom and a flex room which can be used as a work out area or music room.

Savour summer evenings on the south facing patio overlooking the large backyard. The restaurants & shops of Chinook Centre and Britannia Plaza are nearby. This property checks all the boxes!

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SUCCESS STORIES OF 2021 Springbank Hill | $2,148,000

Saved our buyer $78,000 Kelvin Grove | $1,295,000

Sold at 98.1% of list price

Signal Hill | $1,195,000

Sold after 1 day on market

Bel Aire | $1,750,000

Sold at 98.6% of list price Aspen Woods | $1,268,000

Sold at 95.4% of list price Bel Aire | $1,195,000

Listed and sold to our buyer

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Sold at 100% list price Wildwood | $1,198,888

Sold at 98.4% of list price Richmond | $1,099,000

Sold at 97.8% of list price

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MOVING FORWARD

We are always on the move to make deals happen even during these unprecedented times. Things are constantly changing in the Calgary real estate market, but our commitment to your safety and well being is a constant. As our clients buy and sell homes we remain focused on their health and wellness and stay solution oriented. We are deeply grateful for your friendship, loyalty and trust, and recognize that our success is due to you.

Whenever you need us, We’re here to help.

Sam Corea, Chris Fullerton, Alison Kallstrom and Jacqueline Corea SAM Team Re/Max House of Real Estate

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5G LIFTOFF IN 3, 2, 1 . . . // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

5G LIFTOFF IN 3, 2, 1 . . .

FASTER, SMARTER NETWORKS ARE OPENING NEW WORLDS OF CONNECTIVITY

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

I

magine a future where a surgeon can remote operate on a patient from the other side of the province.

Or where a heavy equipment operator can safely navigate an excavator … without ever stepping foot onto the job site.

Or where city operations staff can anticipate, and then mitigate, when a pipe will burst.

Now imagine this isn’t science fiction.

5G has virtually every industry in the world on the edge of its collective seat with the key to unprecedented connectivity in the form of lightning-fast speeds, lower latency – defined as the time it takes to transmit and receive information – improved security and the ability to connect more devices.

“5G can fill the unlimited bandwidth of wanting to better connect people and open the door to a new world of applications,” says Steve Liang, professor and Rogers IoT Research Chair at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, as well as founder and CTO of SensorUp, an Internet of Things (IoT) location intelligence platform provider.

“This is more than just better video games and faster smartphones. Among many other things, it allows for people to collaborate in true real-time. A firefighter making missioncritical operational decisions … that’s 5G stuff.”

And when in combination with IoT, this potential for improved connectivity could drastically change the workforce of tomorrow.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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“In this scenario, every frontline worker could be fully connected, fully protected and fully aware,” says Liang.

“For example, they could have wearable smart glasses that delivers the contextually relevant information they need in real time. It could warn them if they’re about to operate a piece of machinery incorrectly, or monitor their health vitals and remind them when they need to get some fresh air.”

With the key to unlocking the potential of 5G on the horizon, the Canadian telecommunications industry continues to double down on the technology. The Canadian RadioTelevision and Telecommunication reports that in 2019 (the most recent available data), service providers spent a reported $11.9 billion on capital expenditures to upgrade networks, $8.9 billion of which was spent on wireline networks.

TELUS launched its 5G network in June 2020 with the selection of Samsung, Ericsson and Nokia as network infrastructure partners. The network is now available across Canada, including 17 communities in Alberta and 64 communities across the country.

Over the next three years, TELUS says it will invest an additional $40 billion to support the roll out of its 5G network in Canada.

“Before the promise of 5G becomes a reality, the adequate fibre infrastructure must be in place,” says Navin Arora, president of TELUS Business Solutions. “And to ensure we’re ready, TELUS and our partners have been laying the foundation for 5G by building TELUS PureFibre – our most advanced broadband network with virtually unlimited capacity and unparalleled reliability.”

Bell Canada similarly started building out its 5G network last June alongside Ericsson and Nokia, with the goal to doubling its 5G coverage by year’s end. Today, it’s offered in approximately 150 centres across Canada.

This past February, Bell announced it will invest upward of $1.2 billion in capital expenditure to expand its networks across the country by 2023.

“We’re going quickly. We’re excited to get at it,” says Claire Gillis, president of Bell Mobility. “The next big thing for us is what we’re referring to as early 5G service (in select Canadian centres for capable smartphones when they

become available), followed by what’s called a ‘spectrum auction’ in June for the higher-frequency 3,500 MHz spectrum – otherwise known as the golden band. That will take early 5G to the next level.”

Bell, TELUS and Rogers are utilizing spectrum primarily used for 4G networks to deliver their initial 5G service.

Bell and TELUS use the AWS-3 band (1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz), while Rogers uses 600MHz and 2,100 MHz, and where it has ownership, 2,500 MHz band.

The 3,500 MHz spectrum auction held by the Canadian government was previously delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, in mid-March, Rogers announced at $26-billion takeover of Calgary-headquartered Shaw Communications and its subsidiary Freedom Mobile that executives say will allow the companies to concentrate on building a new generation of networks.

In a press release, the combined company says it will invest $2.5 billion in 5G networks over the next five years across Western Canada. Company representatives were not available for additional comment by deadline.

The deal is currently being reviewed by the Competition Bureau. The combined company says it expects the review to be complete by mid-2022.

ABOVE: STEVE LIANG, PROFESSOR AND ROGERS IOT RESEARCH CHAIR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY’S SCHULICH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, AS WELL AS FOUNDER AND CTO OF SENSORUP.

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5G LIFTOFF IN 3, 2, 1 . . . // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

“IN THIS SCENARIO, EVERY FRONTLINE WORKER COULD BE FULLY CONNECTED, FULLY PROTECTED AND FULLY AWARE,” SAYS LIANG. The City of Calgary has similarly invested through its Digital and Fibre Infrastructure Strategies. Launched in 2015, it has led to the construction of a 550-kilometre fibre network extending to all quadrants of the city, as well as one of North America’s first municipally owned Long Range Low Power Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN).

Unique among Canadian cities, Calgary provides free access to City fibre and data servers through the local internet exchange point, the Calgary Internet Exchange (YYCIX).

According to Calgary Economic Development (CED), it is the fourth largest internet exchange in Canada.

A recent study commissioned by CED titled 5G and Connectivity found Calgary has an opportunity to become Canada’s most connected city.

Authored by Gregory Taylor, associate professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Film at the University of Calgary, the study notes Calgary has demonstrated “remarkable policy and process foresight” over the past two decades that makes it an attractive place to develop 5G technologies and applications.

In an interview, Taylor notes that 5G service offered in Canada in 2021 is still a combination of 5G and 4G systems.

A true universal 5G network is still on the horizon, pointing to the 3,500 MHz spectrum action as a pivotal point in the ongoing 5G story. “(5G) is something that has been building for some time. It is potentially a game-changer. I don’t want to downplay that.

But things are still unfolding,” he says. “A lot of the promise of 5G remains just that – promise. We’re not there yet.

“Yes, we have faster speeds. Yes, some of this is very real today, especially in the technology space. But it’s not life-changing yet. The real ‘wow’ stuff is probably two to three years away when we’ll start seeing those 100-times faster speeds.”

At which point, Taylor asks: What will we do with that?

“It won’t be just about speed. For example, 5G should bring IoT to reality because we’ll have a lot more things

connected,” he says, pointing, as an example, to their role in realizing autonomous and self-driving vehicles. With 5G-connected sensors and video analytics, cars will be able to communicate with everything on the road, reading traffic conditions or automatically yielding to an ambulance.

5G could also support the digital transformation of agriculture and farming – for example, supercharged drones with sensors that can monitor crops to assess fertilizer and pesticide applications for improved crop management and growth, thereby improving yields.

Meanwhile, Arora notes TELUS is already working with leading medical diagnostics companies to explore how mobile MRI and CT ultrasound scans can be taken in an ambulance, which are then shared with the hospital in realtime.

“In the near future, 5G will improve health experiences for Canadians with faster, more secure connections for video health consultations and remote health monitoring,” he adds. “Eventually, we’ll see remote surgeries made possible.

Imagine Canadians in Inuvik or Yellowknife being treated by a specialist surgeon in Calgary thanks to a technology that provides safe and reallife reaction time.”

Dramatically increased speeds and capacity, coupled with lower latency, will also support the rollout of new services.

Gillis notes quicker reaction times and robust high-quality graphics will encourage the further proliferation of cloud gaming, as well as change the way we interact with everyday content – even the “Good ‘Ol Hockey Game.”

Bell just launched a 5G in-app technology called TSN 5G View that allows fans to control how they watch a hockey game by zooming in and out and rewinding from various angles at any time during a live game. The technology is supported by 80+ in-game cameras broadcast live and would only be available through 5G technology. “(5G) is the next big growth engine because of what it allows us to do,” says Gilles. “Whether it’s autonomous cars or smart cities, remote medicine, cloud gaming or augmented reality, the list just goes on. That’s why we get excited.”

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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STAYCATIONS ARE CATCHING ON // TOURISM & TRAVEL

STAYCATIONS ARE CATCHING ON ALMOST 99 PERCENT OF ALBERTA’S TOURISM-RELATED BUSINESSES ARE SMALL BUSINESSES

BY JOHN HARDY

I

n any normal year, travel and tourism is rarely thought of as a business because it is so synonymous with enjoyment, relaxation, excitement and fun. By any measure, 2020 was no normal year but as life, the economy and business move forward into the light at the end of a very long and stressful tunnel, the badly battered business

of tourism is readying for the new normal, including the already popular trend of staycations.

It’s been a challenging year-and-a-half and, particularly in Alberta, dealing with COVID-19 has taken an enormous toll on everything from social and family life, workplaces, the

PHOTO SOURCE: TOURISM CALGARY

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STAYCATIONS ARE CATCHING ON // TOURISM & TRAVEL

economy and almost every business sector and industry. It’s no secret that Alberta travel and tourism has been hit hard.

“The pandemic has impacted businesses of all stripes but the numbers show that tourism has been disproportionately affected,” says the plugged-in David Goldstein, CEO of Travel Alberta. “There has been an unprecedented a nearly 10 per cent drop in active tourism businesses across the country, compared to the average national decline of five per cent for all business sectors.

Nationally there is a 91 per cent year-over-year decline in air passenger transport revenues and a 71 per cent yearover-year decline in accommodation revenues.”

He points out that most provinces, including tourism-rich Alberta, have been badly broadsided by a perfect storm of public health concerns and government-imposed travel restrictions and lockdowns. With an estimated $1.6 billion in lost international travel revenues, Alberta is the fourth hardest hit province behind Ontario ($5.2 billion), B.C. ($4.6 billion) and Quebec ($2.6 billion). “From last January to October, Alberta tourism business is down some 9.5 per cent.”

Goldstein emphasizes an important but sometimes overlooked aspect about the business of travel and tourism.

“Almost 99 per cent of Alberta’s tourism-related businesses are small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs. And although the recovery has begun, coping has been a long haul and a bridge too far for many small businesses.” Stats show the business bottom line that Alberta experienced a 33.5 per cent year-over-year decline in direct and indirect tourism employment.

The hardest hit tourism sub-sectors with the most significant 2020 losses included Food & Beverage (restaurants, banquet and convention centres) as well as Transportation and Accommodation. According to Travel Alberta’s recent COVID-19 impact survey, Alberta hotel revenues are down by as much as 58 per cent.

A surprising stat for some but the most recent tourism numbers show that 94 per cent of Alberta visitors were Canadian. Only six per cent were international. “Albertans have always been an important market for tourism, accounting for almost 52 per cent tourism revenues and 82 perncent of total person-visits before the pandemic.

“THE PANDEMIC HAS IMPACTED BUSINESSES OF ALL STRIPES BUT THE NUMBERS SHOW THAT TOURISM HAS BEEN DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED,” SAYS THE PLUGGED-IN DAVID GOLDSTEIN. Albertans have always been critically important to the health of Alberta’s tourism economy.

“While incredible tourism experiences are essential, and we are blessed with an embarrassment of riches here in Alberta,” he notes with pride and enthusiasm, “it takes visitors to ensure tourism destinations and experiences survive. With international travel restrictions still in place, most of the province’s experience-seekers right now are Albertans.”

The public and business morale and worry fog is lifting and the outlook (although gradual and slow) is encouraging.

ABOVE: DAVID GOLDSTEIN, CEO OF TRAVEL ALBERTA.

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STAYCATIONS ARE CATCHING ON // TOURISM & TRAVEL

The business of travel and tourism is scrambling to recover.

Undoubtedly jet-setter globetrotting, traditional favorites like Vegas and Disney and faraway beaches and resorts will likely continue as parts of the new travel and tourism normal.

For Alberta, and especially Calgary, there are bound to be altered vacation perspectives leaning toward staying home and relaxing, weekend and day trips and the industry insiders predict the trend of staycationing will likely continue to grow.

In Calgary, staycations have been steadily catching on for several years. Not only inner-city attractions like Olympic Park, rafting down the Bow River, the Calgary Zoo, Stampede, the rides at Calaway Park, the two-hour drive south to Lethbridge, west to Banff or staycationing to the west and southwest of Calgary in any of the many beautiful and scenic, provincial parks nestled in the foothills, the unique campsites and cabin options and hundreds of kilometres worth of staycation hiking and biking trails.

“Lethbridge is poised to increase visits to the city as travellers discover the convenience of staying in one spot while exploring the diverse landscapes of Southern Alberta,” says the upbeat Stephen Braund at Tourism Lethbridge.

“Many people have used this challenging time to rediscover the natural opportunities in our province and we have noticed an increase in RV traffic.

“Lethbridge is fortunate to be at the centre of both the Rocky Mountains, prairies and the badlands. So not only are we able to offer RVers a central place to refuel and shop, with our range of accommodations, we’re ready to host staycationers from Calgary, Edmonton and beyond.”

He highlights some popular Lethbridge attractions like “the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a real gem and has been a popular connection to Japanese culture for 50 years. And the Galt Museum, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the High Level Bridge at the heart of the city is the longest, high trestle train bridge of its kind in the world and our outdoors is extremely popular with more than 200 kilometres of walking and hiking trails within the city.”

For some, staycation is a state-of-mind, and an increasingly popular lifestyle option, especially for Calgary boomers and snowbirding boomers.

The enjoyable, “staycation state-of-mind” is a key feature of Lyric, the new leased residences at Calgary’s Westman Village. “The Lyric concept is a maintenance free resort lifestyle rental with a lakeside living feel, concierge service, lock and leave and other year-round staycation kinds of features,” explains Jayman’s Brittney Mack. “Lyric homes include exclusive access to the Village Centre, with over 20 rooms and 40,000 sq. ft. of amenities, from a swimming pool to a theatre and a golf simulator and includes the walkability of year-round lake access and the convenience of stores and restaurants in easy walking distance from home.”

It’s staycation-friendly.

“Before the lockdowns, many people compared our Lyric and Westman Village community to a cruise ship but on land,” adds Jayman’s Corilee Keryluk. “Now that restrictions are gradually lifting, there’s an even greater appreciation of the resort, staycation style of living. Of course summer is here but, even in Calgary winter, our amenities make Lyric residents feel like they are at a resort, particularly with features like our indoor pool, waterslide and hot tub!”

David Goldstein is revved and positive about the reboot of tourism. “The Alberta government has identified tourism as a priority industry sector to contribute to economic revival, growth and job creation. With an expanded mandate as a destination management organization responsible for tourism development and promotion, Travel Alberta will now have more tools in our toolbox to support economic recovery and sustainable growth that will provide meaningful jobs for Albertans and benefit businesses and communities for decades.”

He specifies that Travel Alberta is in the process of mapping out a new business plan that focuses on outpacing Alberta’s competitors to regain and grow market share post-crisis.

The plan will have a strategic focus on three critical areas – Access (enhancing air service partnerships to grow direct flights from domestic, U.S. and other target international destinations and attract higher-yield visitors), Place (building on iconic destinations through strategic product development) and Marketing (starting with an Albertan staycation focus and then other domestic markets to get Alberta tourism’s cash registers jingling).”

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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CALGARY’S RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR // CONSTRUCTION

CALGARY’S RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CAUTIOUS CONFIDENCE BUILDS MOMENTUM

BY JOHN HARDY

A

s in most major cities, the visuals of construction activity are constants and Calgary is no exception.

The dreaded cliché of orange plastic cones can be seen everywhere, and for many frustrated drivers, all of the time.

On the business side, it’s a positive sign as construction continues to be a major sector of the Canadian economy.

When the ancillary numbers are crunched – both directly and indirectly from things taxes, fees and salaries to residential, non-residential and engineering, repair and other

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construction services – it adds up to more than $73 billion.

The industry accounts for approximately six per cent of Canada’s GDP and employs millions of workers.

Despite industry and business speedbumps such as delays due to weather, pandemic-related lockdowns and slowdowns, and the Calgary economy, the construction sector remains sturdy and resilient. Calgary continues as one of Canada’s largest and most influential markets for commercial, residential and infrastructure construction.

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CALGARY’S RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR // CONSTRUCTION

The 2021 construction outlook for the city includes some high-profile and high-visibility projects like the colossal $1.4 billion Calgary Cancer Centre, the Peter Lougheed Centre (the 506,000 square foot hospital project by Ellis Don), office space and parks in the East Village and University District, the $500 million expansion of the BMO Centre (from 500K square feet to 1M square feet), the first leg of Calgary’s $4.9 billion Green Line LRT project and a 2021 total City budget of $660 million for other transportation, roads and transit infrastructure.

According to Bill Black, president and COO, Calgary Construction Association (CCA,) the professional association of more than 850-member companies throughout the Calgary region, an erratic 2020 has taken a toll on the Calgary construction sector. “Aside from the Cancer Centre, the Peter Lougheed Centre, and the new BMO centre, we do not have the list of signature projects that we have had in other years. Many contractors are getting used to more mid-sized projects and smaller scopes overall are the reality of the volumes that we are now seeing. Of course there will be some work coming out of the City based on some of the

stimulus money, but 2021 is likely another survival year for many and very tight margins for those who do have work.”

There is agreement across the sector that things will be slow as construction regains momentum. “There has been a significant reduction of new projects in the construction market compared to about five years ago,” notes Alistair McKnight, Calgary district manager with PCL. “The new projects that are progressing are generally smaller in value and have increased competition across all scopes of work.

“Our industry has the necessary design, engineer, project management and labour required to perform even the most complex projects and working with the CCA, a major focus needs to be on ensuring there is extra focus on payment timeliness as many companies in the industry need to ensure positive cash flow to run their business.”

Although the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector is not a part of the daily news coverage, and despite the fact that there have been no major outbreaks in Calgary’s construction sites, the pandemic has most definitely taken its toll.

ABOVE: COVID WORKERS ON-SITE AT THE $1.4 BILLION CALGARY CANCER CENTRE. PHOTO SOURCE: PCL

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CALGARY’S RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR // CONSTRUCTION

PCL’S ALISTAIR MCKNIGHT UNDERSCORES THE “ESSENTIAL SERVICE” DESIGNATION AS VITAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR.

“On March 27, 2020, the Alberta government declared construction to be an essential service,” points out Kerensa Swanson Fromherz, Calgary’s director of Transportation Infrastructure. “We are grateful that construction was allowed to continue and are appreciative of the innovation and resilience demonstrated by the industry throughout 2020.”

PCL’s Alistair McKnight underscores the “essential service” designation as vital for the construction sector. “Our industry focuses on safety risks each and every day, and so as an industry we were able to ensure appropriate safety measures were deployed immediately when the pandemic was first announced.

The resilience and adaptability of our industry was impressive in ensuring active projects were not impacted,” he says.

Bill Black adds that, with construction deemed an essential ABOVE: ALISTAIR MCKIGHT

service and on-site work continuing, it’s been about new safety measures, the adjustment to more remote office work and more virtual presence for meetings and interactions.

“The adjustment and the different ways of working have required a lot of effort and additional cost which most private owners are refusing to even discuss. This is an unfair burden placed on an already strapped industry.”

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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CALGARY’S RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR // CONSTRUCTION

McKnight enthusiastically highlights some of PCL’s postCOVID-19 workload. “With approximately 1,300 workers on site most days, we are on schedule and on budget to complete the Calgary Cancer Centre next year. We are also working on the preconstruction and construction services on the BMO Centre Expansion, the 17th Ave SE Stampede Crossing and 17th Ave SE Extension as part of the Rivers District masterplan. Late last year we started the exciting Minto Communities in Bridgeland, and PCL stays focused on ongoing solar projects in the Southern Alberta market as well as serving existing clients in the civil and commercial sectors.”

“WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT

It’s a basic fact of the construction industry that, like other major municipalities, the City is commercial and institutional construction’s biggest customer. Infrastructure projects and expenditures like the ring road related work, Green Line work, overpasses, and kilometres of road widenings, paving, interchanges and overpasses.

CONSTRUCTION WAS ALLOWED TO

While 2020 shutdowns and lockdowns did affect scheduling, the City’s infrastructure planning and investment is onschedule according to the detailed 2019 Citizen Satisfaction Survey masterplan. The $30 million annual budget for Calgary paving work continues and some major projects include Macleod Trail South, Blackfoot Trail, Metis Trail North East, and Crowchild Trail North West as well as pavement rehabilitation work in the communities of Silver Springs, Woodbine, Midnapore, and Sundance.

THROUGHOUT 2020,” SAYS FROMHERZ.

Alberta Transportation continues construction of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road and the West Calgary Ring Road, and while the City’s major project of Ring Road integration continues, an opening date for Phase 2 of the SW Ring Road has not yet been announced by the province.

“As part of the Tsuut’ina Trail Phase 1 opening that took place last October,” Swanson Fromherz explains, “the City coordinated with the province and simultaneously opened associated connections, specifically Westhills Way SW, 90 Avenue SW and the Southland Drive SW connection via 90 Avenue SW. Also, the widening of Anderson Road and Glenmore Trail, construction improvements at the intersection of Richmond Road and Sarcee Trail and several pathway improvements throughout the area to help manage increased traffic volumes.”

CONTINUE AND ARE APPRECIATIVE OF THE INNOVATION AND RESILIENCE DEMONSTRATED BY THE INDUSTRY

As with many aspects of life and business, the construction sector is prepping for (or already dealing with) a postCOVID-19 new normal.

The CCA’s Bill Black has a professional hunch that, despite the relief of those who are still working, there’s no doubt that disruptions to operations along with the stresses and concerns of the past year have had an impact. “There is definitely some fatigue, as this came on the heels of years of poor economic performance and, while there was the initial adrenaline rush of crisis response that has subsided, this new norm is hard work and there are at least two more tough years ahead.”

As Calgary life and business resoundingly says good riddance to last year’s COVID-19 commotion, PCL’s Alistair McKnight adds: “It’s critical that all contractors in the industry maintain extra vigilance in HSE protocols to combat COVID-19. The health and safety of our collective workforce remains a priority for all of us,” he says.

“Our market is resilient and adaptable, and we remain optimistic that with government stimulus spending and private sector confidence we will see increased positivity in our market in the coming years.”

ABOVE: KERENSA FROMHERZ, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE, CITY OF CALGARY.

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The Calgary Chamber is the voice of the business community.

We double down on commerce and work with businesses to create catalysts for growth.

Meeting the challenge: The future of transportation and logistics Produced in partnership with Calgary Economic Development

T

both challenges and opportunities through the pandemic.

Airlines were hit hard by restrictions to business and personal travel, but an increase in online shopping drove more activity for air cargo and e-commerce.

The transportation and logistics industry has been dealt

The dramatic shifts in transportation and logistics speak to the resilient and bright future for the industry in Alberta and Canada. Calgary is home to hundreds of companies that are innovating and driving state-of-the-art logistics, autonomous systems, machine learning and other technologies.

rucks, trains and planes arrive in Calgary each day – as a hub on the prairies, we play a crucial role in the movement and warehouse storage of both domestic and international goods. Calgary and Alberta’s role in moving goods across the province, the country and the world became even more important as the world grew concerned about ensuring supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Business expertise to elevate yours

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Critical for Calgary: Moving with impact •2,591 businesses in Calgary are in the transportation and warehousing industry.

•The number of Calgary businesses in the transportation and warehousing industry by 5.24% from 2019 to 2020.

•Transportation and warehousing contributed just over an estimate $6 billion to Calgary’s GDP in 2020. By 2023, that number is expected to reach $7.76 billion despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every industry needs to move products or people. The 2,500 Calgary companies in this space are involved across various sectors, including: A hub for everything: •Food manufacturing and logistics •Air cargo; Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and aerospace manufacturing, including small/medium aircraft and drones •Regional distribution and logistics •AI, network modelling and autonomous vehicles •Third-party integrated logistics providers (3PLs)

The innovation story Our Calgary business community is always innovating, and the transportation and logistics sector is at the forefront of that work. It is driven by companies and leaders who are constantly adapting and transforming to grow their business and improve performance. These companies are changing how we move, the problems we tackle and the technology we use.

Here are just a few examples of this innovation at work.

1. Lockheed Martin CDL Systems: Hydra Fusion Tools is a geospatial information system (GIS) that creates a 3D representation of an aerially surveyed landscape – from a construction zone to a farmer’s field – in real time and live on location. This eliminates the significant processing time currently needed after surveying a site with conventional drone systems.

2. SAIT + NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory: SAIT is currently working with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on a research project that looks to quantify methane emissions from oil and gas facilities using unmanned vehicles.

It also involves NASA’s Open Path Laser Spectrometer (OPLS), a sensor with methane detecting capabilities.

3. NovAtel + EasyMile’s “ELA” Autonomous Shuttle: Through a pilot project operated by the City of Calgary and Pacific Western Transportation, EasyMile designed an autonomous shuttle using a NovAtel GNSS receiver to position itself while driving. It autonomously drove passengers between the Calgary Zoo LRT and TELUS Spark during a one-month trial in September 2018.

4. Aerium Analytics: Calgary-based Aerium Analytics is working with Clear Flight Solutions on drones that are part of wildlife management systems to keep airport runways safe. The unmanned aerial vehicle looks like a female falcon and is used to guide birds safely away from air traffic, while discouraging nesting near airside operations and glide paths. The UAV is also able to help BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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control birds in other areas such as tailings ponds, waste management sites, wind energy projects and agriculture.

With the innovation we’re seeing in Calgary, industry analysts expect the next few years will bring advancements in urban mobility, last mile delivery, unmanned aerial systems and drone delivery. Another area of growth will be smart city technologies that include autonomous systems, and development of sustainable fuels and the required support infrastructure. Examples include aviation fuels, hydrogen fuel for EVs, battery technologies for EVs, charging infrastructure and hydrogen fill stations.

•A cap on net aviation CO2 emissions from 2020 (carbon-neutral growth)

Our net-zero future

•A reduction in net aviation CO2 emissions of 50 per cent by 2050, relative to 2005 levels

There is also a path to net-zero for the industry, with the sector well on its way to transitioning to a lowercarbon future. The innovation mentioned above, combined with energy efficiency improvements in rail and advancements in other parts of the sector are all contributing to meaningful change.

IATA intends to achieve this through development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels, efficient aircraft operations and design, infrastructure improvements through efficient air traffic management systems, and carbon offsets.

On the ground, in December 2020, CP announced a plan to develop North America’s first line-haul hydrogen powered locomotive, with hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology. Fuel development has also been a critical priority for the federal government through its Hydrogen Strategy and the provincial government through its Natural Gas Vision and Strategy.

Airlines, such as Calgary’s own WestJet, are members of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), and contributing to the following carbon emission reduction targets:

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• An average improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.5 per cent per year from 2009 to 2020

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ADAPT, OVERCOME, TRIUMPH: Orion Plastics Evolves to Change and Grow the Industry

By Nerissa McNaughton Orion Plastics | Celebrating 20 Years 83

Greg Makar, Stephen Moore and Nuno Branco.

Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt.

O

rion Plastics is a manufacturer of custom extruded plastic sheet products for the heavy gauge vacuum forming industry, and melt blown polypropylene non-woven fabric to produce N95, surgical masks, disposable masks and other PPE for the medical industry.

Orion’s on-site warehouse stocks product sheets in many different sizes, gauges, textures and colours.

Stephen Moore, president, explains, “Our most in-demand product is a co-extruded specialty engineered ABS and TPO sheet for use in the RV and aftermarket automotive industries. These products offer custom colours matched to paint colours, are durable, and feature decorative surfaces and textures for weight reduction, fuel economy and provide weight reduction on vehicles and heavy trucks. We have experience over the past 20 years exporting our products worldwide and have expertise in international trade, trade finance and have the fastest lead times in the industry.”

The company was founded by Douglas Wayne Minion, and his son Shayne Minion. Wayne was the former first chairman of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission; having run many businesses during his career he wanted to launch and run a business with his son. In 1999, Orion acquired the assets of RPC Manufacturing and opened for business. By 2000, the company was already growing fast, necessitating a relocation to a larger facility on the south side, along with the purchase of second sheet extrusion line.

A third extrusion line and an expansion into the coextruded ABS sheet market happened in 2003, followed by growth

across Canada and the United States from 2004-2009. In 2010, Orion purchased and commissioned a fourth sheet line, the largest of its kind in Canada. It is capable of running extruded plastic up to 120” wide. This sheet is used to run roof caps for John Deere and Case New Holland combines and tractors.

Between 2012 and 2014, ownership shifted to the current group: Stephen Moore, president; Greg Makar, VP sales and marketing; and Nuno Branco, VP operations.

The new owners revamped the business and the growth continued. Moore says, “We relocated to the St. Albert facility in 2017. In 2019 Orion, in partnership with Great Canadian Solar and Enmax, we installed the largest solar array in Edmonton and St. Albert. This array is capable of producing approximately 1.0MM kWh/yr, offsetting 20 per cent of our electrical consumption.”

Saving on electricity isn’t the only eco-conscious step Orion has taken. Moore points out, “The plastics industry has been given a bad rap in recent years, however Orion Plastics has embraced the circular economy and is a big proponent of recycling. We have closed loop recycling inline granulators on each of our lines. Whatever is not used gets captured and goes back into the process. When an extruded sheet goes to the customer, we work with them to set up a recycling program, and whatever they don’t use is picked up, brought back to our plant and converted back into finished products. We are big into environmental

Orion Plastics | Celebrating 20 Years | 2

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sustainability and finding ways to work with other companies to leverage resources. We want to be the first net zero plastic manufacturing company in North America and with the initiatives we’ve embarked on, we are well on our way to doing that.”

Not even the pandemic could slow down this progressive company.

“In April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government of Canada’s Call to Action, we purchased three melt blown polypropylene non-woven fabric extrusion lines to support the PPE and medical mask industry,” says Moore.

“COVID-19 brought to light the structural risks in our economy by showing how much of our strategic assets have been outsourced overseas. Globalization has given us the impression that the world is smaller than we think, however the pandemic has strained supply chains too far. We are currently a leading manufacturer of the woven fabric used in PPE in Canada and have recently been congratulated by the Hon. Dale Nally, Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, in celebration of how we are converting Alberta’s natural

Congratulations to Orion Plastics for 20 years in the business.

We look forward to continuing our work together in the future.

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TEC Canada congratulates the team at Orion Plastics and Stephen Moore, President and TEC Canada member, on 20 years in business!

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Nuno Branco, Founder & Mentor – Douglas Wayne Minion, Greg Makar and Stephen Moore.

resources into fabric to support the province’s health services. This is just one more way in which Orion is creative, innovative and an active participant in job creation. By entering the PPE market, we were able to hire more staff, even during the height of the pandemic.”

Moore takes time to reflect on how far Orion has come in just a few short years, saying, “The most rewarding thing for me about Orion Plastics is that I started my career as a plastics engineering technologist, but throughout my career I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, learn new things, and create that opportunity as well for the employees and families of the team at Orion Plastics too. Like many startup companies, it took time for Orion Plastics to find its footing. For the first 12 years Orion struggled to achieve profitability, and not until after restructuring the business and redefining its mission did we attain our goal. From that point the company has been a great success.

“During our restructuring, we focused our efforts on the top 20 per cent of our customer list. These partners were the best in their industry. Orion adopted the motto, ‘we don’t try to be everything to everyone.’ We focus on our core customers, exceed expectations, and providing remarkable customer service. Our challenge now is developing innovative ways to create new products and supply chain solutions for our partners and customers so we can solve their challenges.”

Orion is ISO 9001:2015 certified and COR® recognized.

The company practices lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to achieve unmatched quality and delivery industry wide while offering competitive pricing. In addition to being customer and culture focused, Orion is very active in the community, supporting causes such as Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, The Lung Association Alberta & NWT and Soccer Elite Academy/Northside United FC. Orion has been recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (Prairies), by the Grant Thornton Private Business Growth Awards as a top 10 finalist (Canada), as

Orion Plastics | Celebrating 20 Years | 4

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (Prairies).

a Lund Supplier of the Year, by the EEDC Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (Alberta) and as a CPSC Employer of Choice (Gold).

The ownership team thanks the staff, clients, and vendors, along with Master TEC Chair Emeritus Rick Harvey as well as the founding and present members of TEC Canada KEY545 (2009).

(carpe diem), looking to experienced mentors for guidance (Oh Captain! My Captain!) and most of all, in life, business, management, and giving back, he and the team at Orion strive to “make their lives extraordinary.” When always endeavoring to do better and to achieve the next goal and overcome the next challenge, Moore knows Orion can change the future of plastics.

“From here, the sky is the limit!” concludes Moore.

“Electrification of the automobile and transportation industries present new and exciting opportunities, and Orion Plastics looks forward to rising to the challenge.

Onward and upwards!”

“We want to tell our partner customers and clients that we are grateful to work with each and every one of them,” Moore adds. “They are the best of the best in the plastics industry, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to support them on producing their products and being a valuable part of their supply chain, creating the amazing products that consumers enjoy everyday.”

35 Calder Place, St. Albert Alberta T8N 5A6

Moore draws parallels between Orion Plastics and one of his favourite movies, Dead Poets Society, noting that Orion has overcome numerous challenges by seizing the day

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The 100-Year

LEGACY OF BENNETT GLASS

by Rennay Craats

T

The details about the company’s genesis are a bit murky, but what isn’t speculation is the success of Bennett Glass over the past century. Gus Peddlesden operated the residential glass company in those early days, providing the growing Calgary population with everything from

window sashes to single light glazing to silver mirrors. Later, Peddlesden’s daughter took over and ran the company for another 25 years before selling to Blake Bartel.

In the 1980s, Anders Poulsen joined the company and soon purchased Bennett Glass from Bartel. The company grew and evolved, and while it still served some residential clients, its focus turned predominantly to commercial project as Poulsen brought with him a new vision and direction for the 65-year-old business.

“Bennett Glass used to be a residential company similar to other retail glass shops around town. When Anders joined the company he saw an avenue into the interior commercial market, and he followed it,” says Rutherford.

Bennett Glass | 100 Years

he early days of Bennett Glass are a bit unknown.

That’s not surprising considering that when the company was first established in 1921 Calgary was home to only around 63,000 people, cars were not commonplace on the streets and the city was set to ignite a huge oil boom that would see great expansion in the province. While the company’s roots are not well documented, its managing partner Greg Rutherford can only guess about some of Bennett Glass’ origins.

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100 Years of Excellence Congratulations to our valued customer, Bennett Glass, on a century supporting the Calgary community and producing quality glass products.

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Bennett Glass | 100 Years | 2

That path built upon Bennett’s reputation for quality products and service. Instead of trying to compete with cut-rate residential truck-and-ladder companies operating out of their garages, Poulsen established the new Bennett standard in the commercial market with its inaugural PetroCanada head office project in the mid-90s. He capitalized on the booming economy in the ’90s and early 2000s, and these good economic times helped establish Bennett Glass as a leader in the commercial field. Throughout the transition, Poulsen encouraged a culture of quality, high standards and excellence and Greg Rutherford shares that philosophy and priority.

Over the past four decades, the team at Bennett Glass have worked hard to become the contractor’s first choice for both new builds and renovations. As a result, Bennett is proud to serve the diverse commercial interests of Calgary’s growing business community by providing such offerings as office front glazing, partitions and accent walls as well as elevator lobby doors and glassworks in downtown office buildings’ fitness centres.

“We are geared to commercial interiors, so frameless heavy glass doors, fixed sidelite glazing, back-painted glass feature walls, whiteboards, balustrade, and mirror and shower enclosures,” Rutherford says.

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On top of these products, Bennett has expertise in sealed unit replacements, small- to medium-sized aluminum projects and door servicing. A few years ago, Bennett Glass started offering clients a free program called Service Plus, which is a customized service program tailored to a building’s maintenance requirements. A Bennett Glass representative tours a building and catalogs the types of glass, doors and hardware that is installed throughout it.

Then if there is an issue, like a broken window, faulty door handle or a partition that needs replacing, the team can quickly identify what is needed from the documentation and get the repair or replacement started quickly.

“It’s a way to expedite our ability to help them service their own buildings. It’s also a time saver for us, which is a cost saver for them,” Rutherford says.

Congratulations to Bennett Glass on your 100th Anniversary. CANA is proud to work with you on projects including the Husky Energy Rejuvenation. www.cana.ca

Bennett Glass | 100 Years | 3

It’s important to Rutherford that the company offers the best value possible for its clientele, and the team of around 30 employees are enthusiastically on board to make that happen. The management team is careful and deliberate about hires, seeking positive attitudes and team focus above all else. Bennett Glass employees are dedicated to service and quality, take pride in their work, and are committed to realizing the vision that has made the company a success for 100 years. Many of the staff are long-tenured employees who love coming to work and go above and beyond for customers.

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Bennett has those types of people in abundance. Staff’s first priority is making sure that clients are completely

#14, 2305 52nd Ave. S.E. Phone: 403-244-3283 | Fax: 403-228-5215 bennettglass.com

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Greg Rutherford. Photo by Riverwood Photography.

satisfied and they stand behind their work to guarantee clients are happy. To safeguard its standards, Bennett doesn’t contract out any work. Instead, the company has an amazing group of skilled professionals on staff that work in areas ranging from estimating to safety, drafting to on-site installation.

“We at Bennett take pride in the fact that we’re contributing to the corporate fabric of Calgary,” Rutherford says.

For 100 years, Bennett Glass has helped build the city’s homes and office buildings, growing as the city grew. And both partners are sure that the company is well positioned for another 100 years of serving Calgary’s glass needs.

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Bennett Glass is an agile organization, and the team has the experience and expertise needed to allow it to pivot and problem solve to ensure they can deliver any request or requirement that arises during a job no matter how unusual. The high level of service along with the unparalleled craftsmanship has contributed to its portfolio of long-time clients, and over the years many client representatives have taken Bennett with them to a new company when they change jobs. The client base is diverse and Bennett provides glass needs for a number of oil and gas companies, law offices, financial institutions and technology companies. With the current glut of office space downtown, developers are using this time to refresh and renovate their spaces to include fitness areas, amenities spaces and upgraded food courts. New tenants have the luxury of being choosey and will look for higher rated buildings when shopping for leases. This is a great market for Bennett Glass, and the team looks forward to adding more buildings to its portfolio and being part of a rejuvenated downtown core.

CoolIT Systems Leads the Way with Liquid Cooling

by Rennay Craats

C

oolIT Systems is a high-tech Canadian Cinderella story: a couple of guys start tinkering with an idea in their basement and grow it into a global leader in computer liquid cooling solutions. The original idea would help their gaming buddies maximize computer system performance by introducing a way to cool the components efficiently. After 20 years of innovating and dedicating themselves to customer success, they have become the market leader in multiple industry segments and show no signs of slowing down. The company ended 2020 with a record $94 million in revenue and a historic level of open orders across both the data centre and desktop segments.

“We were just gearheads who liked to fix things,” says Brydon Gierl, co-founder and senior vice president. “Once gaming enthusiasts started to figure out what we could offer, we quickly realized the need to productize this, look at more financing and move into an actual office.”

Growth has been organic, first in high-end gaming desktop computers and then into high-performance data centres. For each, CoolIT created cutting-edge solutions for end-users who require stability, increased performance, quieter operations and efficient cooling.

An early relationship supplying local success story Voodoo PC with cooling systems brought attention to the fledgling IT company, and after Voodoo sold to HPE, a new relationship with the tech giant helped fully launch CoolIT. Around 2009, U.S. marketing machine Corsair contacted Gierl about adding CoolIT products to its offerings. At the time, CoolIT was manufacturing and distributing its own line of all-in-one desktop coolers to the market under the CoolIT brand and competing directly with Corsair. Corsair represents everything PC – chassis, speakers, keyboards, mice and all other periphery items geared toward gaming or higher-end systems – and with its large marketing budget and ability to distribute products around the world, it was a perfect fit to accelerate CoolIT’s revenue growth.

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Brydon Gierl. Photo by River Photography Inc.

“In collaboration with Corsair, we produced the products with their branding and they managed global distribution. It was an amazing ride that took our revenues from a few million per year to over $10 million almost instantly,” Gierl says.

CoolIT went from small-volume manufacturing on its own to filling thousands of product orders each month, making it Corsair’s top supplier for liquid cooling systems.

Not content staying static, the company identified a new market for its patented designs: data centres. In 2011, the team started showing prospective data centre clients the value of CoolIT’s products, manufacturing capabilities and commitment to quality which helped ease their apprehension about jumping on board with something new. CoolIT only had to point to its success with desktop systems to demonstrate the potential.

It took a few years for data centre clients to make the leap too but now CoolIT is blazing a trail in the sector as it solves the problem of heat dissipation in data centres. Previously, data centres would require the use of energy-intensive air conditioners to keep the room temperature low and provide servers with the cold air needed to cool their electronics. The cold air would rapidly heat up and be exhausted out of the rack, needing to be cooled down once again by air conditioning systems. The entire air-cooling process is unprecise and often leads to hotspots in the data centre which can lead to significant performance issues and reliability. Air-cooled rack densities were commonly as low as 5-10 kilowatts per rack as facilities couldn’t handle any more than that.

CoolIT’s direct liquid cooling solutions eliminate the need for air conditioning and increase the efficiency and lifespan of the servers by ensuring the servers can

10 – 2928 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, Ab • Tel: +1 403-235-4895 • www.coolitsystems.com

its exponential growth by better supporting R&D, production and testing.

CoolIT is always looking for growth opportunities and considering acquiring key technology companies in their space to accelerate their expansion and improve their current solutions.

“We’ve been flying under the radar as a Canadian tech success for several years as we grew,” says Brydon Griel.

“We’re excited to start showing off what our incredible team can do next.”

CoolIT Systems is on everyone’s radar now as it leads the charge of technology companies in Calgary.

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operate at their highest performance levels without risk of thermal shutdown or throttling. Direct Liquid Cooling takes advantage of the superior thermal conductivity of liquid and provides very effective and consistent cooling.

The system pumps the coolant from a centralized cooling distribution unit to the servers and transfers the heat away so it can be cooled down more efficiently elsewhere in the building using low-energy methods.

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“In a typical high-performance customer data centre, each rack is 50 - 80 kilowatts of capacity,” says Gierl.

“Compared to an air-cooled data centre in the same physical footprint, they can increase their density significantly and build much more powerful data centres. In the supercomputing world, customers often have an existing building they must work with and need to add significantly more computing capacity while still ensuring they have enough cooling capacity.”

Clients see the value too. CoolIT has attracted the attention of server OEMs over the years and now, rather than designing to try to fit a client’s existing system, CoolIT is consulted before the new server launches in order to integrate the cooling systems directly into the chassis. As data centres continue to grow with projections into the 10s of billions of dollars in revenue, CoolIT anticipates growing alongside it. Gierl projects surpassing $100 million in revenue in the near term with the opportunity to quadruple that in the next few years.

The company has matured out of the start-up phase and into a global tech leader with a strong foundation that will support its continued growth. The future holds new locations in the USA and in Taiwan to be close to Asian partners and OEM facilities. It is also expanding its Calgary operations to accommodate 10 – 2928 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, Ab • Tel: +1 403-235-4895 • www.coolitsystems.com

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Blue Grass

A GROWING BUSINESS Family owned and operated in Alberta for 50 years

by Rennay Craats

97

T

he McEwen brothers earned their green thumbs as kids in Winnipeg. Their grandfather started a sod business in the 1950s, and Bruce and Bill McEwen’s father and uncle expanded into landscape construction as well. The two boys contributed to the growth of the family business with shovels, digging up sod on the weekends and holidays and it was there that they learned the value of hard work, doing your best and standing by it, and building something from the ground up.

“Our parents taught us to work hard. If we wanted something, we had to work for it.

It was a good life lesson,” says Bill McEwen Jr., co-owner of Blue Grass Nursery, Sod & Garden Centre.

They learned the business early and watched it grow from the headquarters around the McEwen kitchen table. The founders were always looking for opportunities, and the growth of Calgary brought with it the need for sod for new developments. In 1971, the McEwens decided to expand the business into Alberta. Bill McEwen Sr. and his wife Gail purchased 155 acres of pastureland in Red Deer, established Blue Grass Sod Farms, and set out to perfect their own brand of nursery-grown turf. Within a few years the company was producing premium Blue Grass sod, which continues to be the gold standard for turf today.

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Blue Grass Sod Farms continued to grow, and in 2000 the McEwens expanded with the first retail location. They started Blue Grass Nursery, Sod & Garden Centre in Balzac in a 40 x 60-foot building and added onto it year after year. Today, it spans 17,000 square feet (with another 10,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space coming this fall) and the business includes a newly expanded location in Red Deer with acres of caliper trees, perennials and annuals, turf and cereal crops and a location in Edmonton dedicated to bulk products, trees and sod. They plan to recreate the Balzac location in Edmonton in the coming years.

The third-generation operation is much more than a purveyor of quality garden accessories, plants, trees, soils and mulch. Blue Grass also does large landscaping and design projects at commercial buildings, city parks and properties, provincial spaces, and golf courses.

The clientele enjoys the benefits of decades of service, experience and knowledge about all

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Blue Grass also does large landscaping and design projects at commercial buildings, city parks and properties, provincial spaces, and golf courses.

BLUE GRASS NURSERY | CELEBRATING 50 YEARS | 4

#200 – 1311 9 Avenue S.W., Calgary, T3C 0H9 • (403) 228-5888 www.wmbeck.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO BLUE GRASS NURSERY ON YOUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

professionalgardener.ca progar@telusplanet.net | Phone (403-263-4200) • Greenhouse Structures Covering, Controls, Heating & Ventilation, Lights • Watering, Environmental Monitors • Greenhouse Containers, Decorative Pots • Growing Media • Greenhouse Fertilizers • Greenhouse Chemicals & Equipment • Nursery Containers, Pruning, Tree Baskets, Landscape Tools • Turf Fertilizers, Spray Equipment • Seed & Reclamation • Golf Course Supplies

Congratulations Blue Grass on 50 years!

things garden-related. The around 300 peaktime staff across the province are eager to help customers find the best products for their project, whether customers are planting their first vegetable garden, trying to choose the right trees from a selection of thousands, purchasing potted plants, or growing microgreens or herbs to create their own windowsill garden. And with 50 years of operations in Alberta, Blue Grass professionals have determined through many trials the types of trees that will grow in the province’s harsh climate and which won’t.

While Blue Grass started only as a sod farm, year over year they have expanded their operations. Blue Grass is proud to put Alberta first when it comes to the products they carry.

Many of the trees customers find in the lot are grown locally at Blue Grass’ tree nursery.

The vast selection of perennials, annuals, and now even tropical plants are also being grown locally by Blue Grass’ dedicated team of horticulturalists. Providing landscaping supplies to southern and central Alberta, along with snow removal, commercial landscaping, and landscaping maintenance are some of the new areas the company has grown into in recent years.

BLUE GRASS NURSERY | CELEBRATING 50 YEARS | 5

Green Drop Rock Products Where quality and service come first Providing crushed and washed aggregates into the Calgary and surrounding districts.

Call us today to discuss your needs.

403-899-8556 403-369-5735

• EARTHWORKS & SITE PREPARATION • SEWER & WATER INFRASTRUCTURE • CONCRETE STRUCTURES

• ROAD & RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION • ACCESS

• RECLAMATION or email us at • COMMON SERVICES & MAINTENANCE dfield@greendrop.com | kwilson@greendrop.com

Blue Grass is proud to put Alberta first when it comes to the products they carry. Many of the trees customers find in the lot are grown locally at Blue Grass’ tree nursery. The vast selection of perennials, annuals, and now even tropical plants are also being grown locally by Blue Grass’ dedicated team of horticulturalists.

Congratulations Blue Grass Nursery!

Quality Products and Service since 1988

Wholesale suppliers of mulch products and birch firewood.

105 Hwy 97B Enderby, BC V0E 1V3 Ph: 250-838-0111 • Toll Free: 855-737-0110 Email: info@reimersfarmservice.com

www.reimerslandscapesupply.com

BLUE GRASS NURSERY | CELEBRATING 50 YEARS | 6

“Bulk products have become a huge part of our day-to-day — gravel, sand, mulches and decorative rocks. We also do a lot of custom-mix soil so you have a nice soil for your garden or pots,” says Bruce McEwen, co-owner of Blue Grass.

Customers love the convenience of delivery, whether that is a truck full of soil for a large job or Handy Cubes for smaller ones. These one-cubic-yard bags can be filled with gravel, soil or mulch and delivered mess-free to a customer’s driveway. There is no risk of the product washing away if it rains and if they don’t use it all, customers just close the bag and store it for use next year. Blue Grass has evolved with the times — especially these crazy times — to give customers what they want.

Blue Grass was a favourite destination last year when COVID-19 forced people to stay home. The staff noticed a surge in people, especially first-time gardeners, wanting to plant vegetable gardens, refresh their yards, and add beauty to quarantine with annuals and perennials. The company’s growing facility in Red Deer was filled to capacity with product last year. The product made its way to all the Blue Grass locations and throughout all of Alberta to ensure the company could meet customer’s needs.

“We went from being closed (at the beginning of the pandemic) to having one of the best years we’ve ever had,” says Bill. “It’s going to be another very busy year.”

COVID-19 changed how the company does business, and they developed Blue Grass’ online ordering system to accommodate that. It started 2020 with 17 products available online and now there are 500 products and growing. Bill and Bruce McEwen are making it as easy as possible for people to shop so Albertans can discover their green thumbs.

After 50 years, the brothers are still growing the business while helping their customers grow their businesses and gardens.

260130B Writing Creek Crescent Rocky View County (Balzac), AB T4A 0M9 Toll Free: 1-877-826-0468 • Phone: 403-226-0468 bluegrassnursery.com

BLUE GRASS NURSERY | CELEBRATING 50 YEARS | 5

Congratulations to the team at Blue Grass on 50 years!

See us for ALL your glass needs!

403 948 6625 • www.airdrieglass.com Jepson Petroleum (alberta) ltd.

Call us: (403) 215-1445 www.jepsonpetroleum.com

Congratulations on 50 years in business!

We thank you for being a part of our companies success over the years, and greatly value your presence in the community. Many wishes for future success.

From all of us at Airdrie Windshield & Glass.

Congratulations DAVID M. MANNING, Q.C.

Lawyers Serving Red Deer and Central Alberta for over 65 Years

Congratulations Blue Grass on 50 years!

We are proud to be a part of your success.

403-346-5591 | www.johnstonmingmanning.com

Congratulations

Phone: 1-250-442-2014 Toll free: 1-800-831-9611 www.bronandsons.com Grand Forks, BC

Industrial • Charge Air Coolers • Automotive

City Wide Radiator would like to offer Congratulations, on the first 50 years at Blue Grass Nursery and wish you many more successful ones to come !

Blue Grass on 50 years!

3666 - 224th Street, Langley BC Tel: (604) 533-8281 • Fax: (604) 533-8246 linnaea@telus.net • linnaeanurseries.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO BLUE GRASS NURSERY ON YOUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

403.243.5100

4420 - Blackfoot Trail S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 4E9 www.citywideradiator.com

Congratulations to Blue Grass on 50 great years!

We value our partnership and are looking forward to many more successful years together! ~ From your friends at Exemplar Horticulture

exemplarhorticulture.com Professional IT support when you need it most.

403-875-8810 • www.netpro.ab.ca

BLUE GRASS NURSERY | CELEBRATING 50 YEARS | 6

Be Be There There

from Telepresence robots from ns Z3 Network Solutions

www.z3networks.ca www.z3networks.ca (403)570-0241 (403)570-0241 innovations@z3networks.ca innovations@z3networks.ca

THE PERFECT SWING IS LESS THAN PERFECT // SCOTT ORBAN

McKenzie Meadows Golf Tip:

The Perfect Swing is Less than Perfect

BY SCOTT ORBAN, PGA EXECUTIVE PROFESSIONAL, MCKENZIE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB

A

s we prepare for our next golf shot, we examine our distance by using GPS or pacing off from distance markers. We then calculate which club will do the job before we turn our focus internally where we calculate the precise swing and gauge our velocity with a few practice swings. Wow, I’m tired just writing all of this. However, we have all seen this act before on the golf course contributing to slow play. I also think this is contributing to poor ball striking and scores.

We have tons of information and tools at our disposal to help us be more precise in our game today. GPS measures the correct distance of our next shot. We have 14 precisiontuned golf clubs in our bag (if we are following the rules, more if we are not). We have access to great instruction to help us make a more repeatable swing. You would think this would improve our game and speed things up. However, with all this available to us, the average golfer’s score for 18 holes continues to be 90 to 100 (depending on the source) and the average handicap of more avid golfers is not declining. Slow play also continues to be the number one complaint in golf.

All this information may be taking the feel and instinct out of your game. I grew up playing with a half set of seven clubs: a 3, 5, 7 and 9 iron, two woods and a putter. There weren’t any yardage markers when I started. I had to rely on my eyes.

I challenge you to play a couple rounds with a half set of clubs and no GPS or pacing out distances.

Fewer clubs in your bag would take the indecision out of your game. You would not be wondering if it was a five iron or a seven iron, because the gap between these clubs is just too big. You would decide and commit to it. Your feel would be better because you would not be counting on yourself to be a machine with a perfect repeating swing, to a precisely

calculated distance. You would need to hit the ball with varied swing speeds, making contact and thus developing great feel.

Many of us have heard this before; “If I could just shut off my brain, I would play better golf.”

Less information and fewer clubs in your bag may force you to be less than perfect, think less and rely on instinct. Try it and be surprised at how you score in these practice rounds.

When you return to your full set of clubs, you will do so with a newfound confidence and feel. And if it does not work, at least you have me as a scapegoat.

HTTPS://WWW.MCKENZIEMEADOWS.COM/ACADEMY/GOLF-TIPS

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

107

Inglewood Golf and curling club (1980)

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! F

ore Calgary golfers and tournament organizers, there is so much that makes Inglewood Golf Club special.

Not only is Inglewood one of the finest semi-private 18hole championship courses in western Canada but when it comes to important aspects of the game, the iconic Calgary golf course is an enjoyable par-71 walkable parkland layout. It features many large old trees that make accuracy a premium, some of the best putting surfaces in the city, a variety of practice facilities including a 31-stall driving range, two putting greens and a short-game area complete with a practice bunker.

To borrow the familiar real estate catch-phrase, “locationlocation-location” is a key aspect that also makes Inglewood Golf Course special and popular with Calgary golfers and tournaments. “It’s a superb and Calgary-unique location,” says the personable Jason Stanier, Inglewood’s general manager and executive professional. “Since we’re on the banks of the Bow River, adjacent to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, it’s not only terrifically scenic golf but there are stunning views of the Calgary skyline. And our picturesque log clubhouse is open year-round with an enjoyable outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green.”

He explains that, now more than ever, particularly for working people, time and distance are important factors to be considered about playing golf. “We’re just five minutes from downtown Calgary and that’s an important plus for convenient tee-off and play times. It makes Inglewood an excellent, time-efficient and extremely convenient venue for member and public play as well as corporate and charity golf tournaments.”

Jason Stanier

Maybe it’s the notoriously long Calgary winters or the surging popularity of golf but, Stanier points out that Calgary golfers are very active. Recent stats show that there are a higher percentage of Calgary golfers compared to other cities of similar size. Currently there are about 500 Certificate and Associate members golfing at Inglewood.

Jason Stanier smiles, pointing out that Inglewood is a scenic, enjoyable and demanding tree lined course, forcing the golfer to keep the ball in the fairway. “Ball placement is also important when approaching the greens because, with sloped greens, the golfer doesn’t want to short side themselves.”

Enthusiasm and pride in the entire Inglewood facility prevents him from having favourites but, under good-natured duress he admits that “hole #7 is a renovated par-3, with a beautiful water feature in the front of the green, forcing most golfers to carry the water and #9 is right along the bow river, with spectacular beautiful views. But I can’t deny it,” Stanier says. “It is challenging.”

19 Gosling Way SE, Calgary, Alberta T2B 3V7 • Phone: 403.272.9709 • www.inglewoodgolfclub.ca

CORPORATE GOLF // GOLF

Git yer Motor Runnin’...

Head out on the Fairway

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Get Away From It All Without Leaving The City

Summer Event Dates Now Available

Tournament Packages Starting At $139 / Person

30 Rounds Starting at $3,200 To see what else is new at Springbank Links visit: springbanklinks.com

Golf...with a smile

Corporate Golf Packages!

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Academy & Range Bar & Grill

Mckenziemeadows.com 403.257.BALL (2255)

MEMBERSHIP FOR TWO, PASSES FOR FORTY!

40 CORPORATE PASSES with cart and member privileges

$3,000 www.springbanklinks.com | 403.202.2000 kevin@springbanklinks.com

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2021

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PARKER’S PEN // DAVID PARKER

Parker’s Pen

BY DAVID PARKER

T

he April edition of Canadian Geographic not only contains a photo of a fashionable couple wearing masks to ward off the Spanish flu and an interesting article on the iconic schooner Bluenose, but also names our national bird.

Couldn’t help but notice that on the map, the range of the Canada Jay takes an upward swing from the southern areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to omit all of Southern Alberta. Our national bird doesn’t visit Calgary.

Wise men from the east strike again.

In another sleight to our provincial architecture professionals in ignoring their experience and creativity, Olds College has chosen a Toronto-based firm to provide it with a master plan for the institution’s future growth.

I’m not one for too many rules but isn’t it time that any project financed with government money be favoured towards local firms, especially in these tough times. There are certainly many across this province who are very capable.

And Olds College has certainly benefited from corporate Calgary. A full fleet of John Deere equipment is being used as part of a five-year agreement by Cervus Equipment to collaborate in the operation of the college’s Smart Farm.

Sticking with agriculture, despite exciting headlines all about technology being the new Alberta Advantage, oil and gas and agriculture are still VIPs in our economy.

Reading a very informative and rather exciting book called The Food Explorer, the adventures of David Fairchild, a globe-trotting botanist who transformed what America eats, I was struck by a quote from an 1887 copy of The Progressive Farmer.

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MAY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

‘There is a screw loose. The railroads have never been so prosperous, and yet agriculture languishes. Banks have never done better, yet agriculture languishes. Manufacturing enterprises never made more money, yet agriculture languishes. Salaries and fees were never so temptingly high and desirable, yet agriculture languishes’.

Our land is a wonderful resource that perhaps should draw more attention.

Interesting to note that a UK company has located its Canadian office and plant in Calgary to take advantage of our excellent transportation infrastructure and proximity to its raw product – yellow peas.

Like many others I’ve taking the opportunity to take a few drives to get out of the house and was very pleasantly surprised heading west out of town, to see the construction progress at the new Farmers’ Market in Greenwich Village.

You really have to concentrate to wind your way through the massive Stoney Trail lane changes past half completed bridges to join up somewhere – we trust – but you can’t miss the 50,000-square-foot indoor market. We all look forward to the northside Farmers’ Market that will be home to 70 local family businesses, creating some 200 jobs.

Conjures up memories of those colourful markets in Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence where freshness gives off a wonderful aroma.

Final Words With a good friend, no road seems too long.