Business Examiner Vancouver Island - October 2016

Page 1

OCTOBER 2016

» XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

–PAGE –PAGE XX 25

DUNCAN Made To Last Building and Renovation has a team dedicated to quality

Vancouver Island WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA

PAGE 16

PARKSVILLE/ QUALICUM Tony MacAulay takes over the reins of McLane & MacAulay Notary Corp

Marriott, Other Hotel Chains Exploring Howard Johnson Site In Nanaimo New Downtown Hotel And Entertainment/Sports Complex Could Entice Whl To The Central Island BY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER VANCOUVER ISLAND

N PAGE 36

INDEX News Update Nanaimo Cowichan Valley Comox Valley Sales Port Alberni Campbell River Who is Suing Whom Movers and Shakers Opinion Law

2 10 14 21 23 31 39 41 45 46 47

Contact us: 1-866-758-2684

OUR 10TH YEAR

ANAIMO – A new hotel in downtown Nanaimo is becoming a very real possibility. It’s looking more likely that it won’t be in the site that most have been expecting: next to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Dan Brady of the Howard Johnson Hotel says his investment team is in serious discussions with a number of major companies about having their flag flown at their waterfront site next to the Millstone River, a stone’s throw from Maffeo Sutton Park. “In regards to the hotel component on our property. we are having franchise discussions with Marriott, Hyatt, Clarion, Wyndham and Hilton,” Brady says.

SEE MULTIPLEX | PAGE 29

Dan Brady pours over plans and ideas for redevelopment of the Howard Johnson site, which includes a hotel and entertainment and sports complex.

Accounting firm to merge with National company Grant Thornton creates seamless merge with Hayes Stewart Little & Co. BETH HENDRY-YIM

H Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

Most major hotel chains don’t actually build hotel properties themselves, he adds. “They simply provide franchise opportunities. I think that there is some confusion in regards to this.” A major component to the Howard Johnson team’s $100-million plans to redevelop the property is a 5,500 seat entertainment and sports complex, which has already piqued the interest of the Western Hockey League, which would love to move a franchise to Nanaimo to complement their lone Vancouver Island club, the Victoria Royals. “Having a major hotel f lag flown over the new property, a n d a n e n te r t a i n m e n t a n d sports complex would be fantastic,” Brady said. “It’s those types of brands that represent a

ayes, Stewart, Little & Co., with offices in Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo is merging with Grant Thornton LLP, a national accounting firm. “In the past few years, the firm has more than doubled in size with a growing need for expertise

in areas like cross border issues,” said Dan Little, FCPA, FCA and managing partner at Hayes, Stewart, Little & Co. “The merger provides a greater depth of service, access to more resources and more opportunities for clients and staff.” Hayes & Co. cu rrently has 14 partners in their Victoria

office, 27 in Duncan and 10 in the Nanaimo location. Formed in 1974, over the years it has earned a reputation for its work with private, not for profit, local government and specialty work. It also has a strong practice in chartered business evaluations, insolvency, and specialized tax issues.

Norm Raynard, CPA, CA, CBV, regional managing partner for Grant Thornton, said that the depth of skills, knowledge and experience Hayes & Co. brings will complement Grant Thornton’s current service offerings a nd provide better service for SEE GRANT THORNTON LLP | PAGE 15

2

NEWS UPDATE

NORTH ISLAND CAMPBELL RIVER

The new development will deliver power to 80,000 homes, up from the current 74,000, once completed.

Ferry service restored

The BC government and BC Ferries announced there will be seasonal direct ferry service between Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island and Bella Coola on the Central Coast by 2018. Premier Christy Clark made the announcement recently in Vancouver and noted the route will support Aboriginal tourism and the mid-island economy. The provincial government discarded the seasonal route two years ago, prompting criticism from tourism officials on northern Vancouver Island and in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. The West Chilcotin Tourism Association commissioned a study showing that the closing led to a massive decline in visitors and a loss of $3.9-million in gross tourism revenue in 2014. Transportation Minister Todd Stone stated at the time that Route 40 lost $7-million in 2013, despite operating for only 13 weeks. It was replaced with a two-vessel journey from Port Hardy to Bella Bella to Bella Coola. The second leg featured a nine-hour trip on a 16-vehicle ferry that tourist operators and travellers ridiculed for its size and lack of amenities. A search is currently underway to find a ferry for the restored route.

John Hart replacement hits half way point

BC

The John Hart Generating Station replacement project is on budget and on time, expected to be complete in the fall of 2018. Since January 2015 workers have been digging out long massive tunnels deep underground. The tunnels will eventually feed water to turbines straight from the John Hart Dam. The centrepiece of the project is a cavern where the power will be generated. It has taken around 13 months, 485 blasts and 60,000 cubic-metres of rock to create the massive underground space. A total of 60,000 cubic metres of rock were hauled away during the process of creating this tunnel. Now that the cavern has been dug out, work is under way preparing for the three turbine generators and other hydro equipment. InPower BC (SNC-Lavalin) was hired as general contractor on the site and began in July 2014. It is a $1.1-billion project and around 350 people are working on it right now. The majority of the workers live within 90 kilometres of the site. The project is replacing the current John Hart generating station built in 1947 which would not be able to withstand even a moderate earthquake.

BC Government invests in resort communities The Government of British Columbia is investing $10.5-million in 14 resort communities for projects that enhance local tourism infrastructure and amenities. The funding comes from the government’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) which helps growth in the tourism sector in the eligible municipalities of Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Sprints, Invermere, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount and Whistler. Over $108.6-million in RMI funding has been invested since 2006 to support resort-oriented municipalities. Projects range from trail and boardwalk improvements to venue development and tourist information services. The Province has invested over $98-million last year in the tourism sector throughout British Columbia. Tourism is one of the sectors identified in the BC Jobs Plan, which continues to build on the strengths of the province’s most competitive sectors.

OCTOBER 2016

NANAIMO Plans submitted for new senior’s facility Development and rezoning applications have been submitted to the District of Lantzville for a large-scale senior’s facility. The application proposes the construction of a multi-phased senior living development on 3.6-hectares of land along the Nanaimo-Lantzville border. The proposed development, called Ryeland Properties, would see as many as four buildings constructed that would serve as assisted living apartments, rental condominiums, and a full-time residential care facility. The application submitted a letter to the District indicating that they would pay for the construction of an $800,000 water pipeline from the Lantzville border to the border of Nanaimo. Lantzville councillors voted in favour of constructing the proposed pipeline recently. If completed, the proposed development would offer various care services to seniors and would be constructed in phases. The site of the planned development needs to be rezoned first and the development will have to be approved by council before construction can begin. The first phase of the development would consist of a 150-175

bed care facility according to the presented plans. The exact sizes of the proposed buildings will not be known until the owners apply for a development permit.

CAMPBELL RIVER Marina Harvest invest in salmon spa Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) – the leading salmon aquaculture company in British Columbia is investing $35-million in a wellboat. The well-boat is a state-ofthe-art environmentally friendly vessel that will deliver fish health treatments for its salmon farms in BC. The 75-metre ship, is expected to arrive in Canada in late 2017. The new vessel will allow MHC to provide freshwater therapy regularly to all their salmon stock. A new aquaculture division that partners Marine Harvest and Deep Sea Supply will build the ship. The ship will be built with an onboard reverse osmosis system to turn saltwater into freshwater. The freshwater immersion of saltwater fish has been shown to help cure a fish of unwanted marine parasites and microbes, such as sea lice, that cannot survive in low salinity. The new boat is part of Marine Harvest’s initiative to continually reduce medicinal use at its salmon farming operations.

NEWS UPDATE

OCTOBER 2016

COMOX VALLEY Mount Washington prepares for reopening Mount Washington Alpine Resort has put their season’s passes on sale for the upcoming winter following significant renovations. Over $2-million of improvements have been made on the resort in preparation for this season including: 10 new snowmaking guns, three new snow cat grooming machines, a new restaurant, retail store, demo centre and 500 new pairs of rental skis and snowboards. Peter Gibson, the General Manger at Mount Washington noted, “The resort is going through a rejuvenation, and all of the changes are designed to improve the guest experience. For example, with the purchase of three new snow cats, our pass-holders will see more consistency on our groomed runs. One of the machines is a winch cat which allows us to get to some of those spots that are hard to reach on steeper terrain with a regular groomer.” With over 1,000 cm’s of snow in the winter of 2015-16, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located just 30 minutes from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and hosts over 300,000 visits per year. After a closed season last year, the resort has reintroduced its mid-week season pass and will return a popular product to the line-up, the six-pack of tickets.

PORT ALBERNI Raylec Power to install lights at Alberni Airport The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) has awarded a contract for lighting at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport to Raylec Power LP. Local company, Bowerman Excavating came in with the lowest bid, but the ACRD board decided on Raylec Power because of their past experiences with the company. Raylec Power LP has offices in Nanaimo, Victoria and Cumberland in BC, and Calgary, Alberta. Raylec has completed a number of runway electrical and airport lighting installations at Nanaimo Airport, Victoria Airport, Canadian Forces Base Comox

and Port Hardy Airport over the past few years. The lighting project is part of a runway expansion at the Alberni Valley airport and is funded in part with $730,000 from the BC Air Access Program (BCAAP). The medium intensity lighting that will be used at the airport is similar to a system that was installed at the Tofino Airport. The ACRD received BCAAP funding in 2015 for that project which cost $1.27-million. The new lighting will reduce the minimum cloud ceiling for pilots and improve access to the airport. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2017, although an official date has not yet been released.

Thank You to our Community Partners! 2016–2017 SEASON SPONSOR

SERIES SPONSORS

www.vancouverislandsymphony.com

LADYSMITH Town of Ladysmith announces reorganization of town staff The Town of Ladysmith announced major changes to the organization’s structure of town staff that includes the elimination of one position, the addition of two new positions and a change in responsibilities for several others. As of September 29, the position of Director of Corporate Services, left vacant with the recent retirement of previous director Sandy Bowden, will not be filled. A new exempt position to support council and the City Manager’s office will be created. The title of the Manager of Administrative Services position held by Joanna Winter will be changed to Manager of Legislative Services and will now report directly to the City Manager. In this, position Ms. Winter will also take on the statutory role of Corporate Officer. A new part-time Communications Advisor position or contract will be created to provide the majority of the communications work previously carried out by the Manager of Administrative Services, and will report to the Manager of Legislative Services. Details of the position are still being finalized. The Human Resources Department, previously under the Director of Corporate Services, will now be under the Director of Financial Services. Council approved these changes at its September 19th Council meeting. The new structure has also been endorsed by the Town’s Labour-Management Committee.

BUSINESS BANKING IS ABOUT A SHARED PERSPECTIVE. Being headquartered in the West has its advantages. We know your business environment better, understand local markets and make timely decisions. More importantly, we can work closely with you to find solutions perfectly suited to your business banking needs.

Looking for a better fit for your business banking? Call Mark Marcil, Senior Manager, Commercial Banking at 250.390.6415 today! .FUSBM %SJWF /BOBJNP t Learn more at cwbank.com

3

4

OCTOBER 2016

Smythe LLP Accounting Opens Combined Services Office Firm To Build On Professional Legacy Developed By Joyce Smith BY DAVID HOLMES

“We’re all one firm

N

operating under the same

ANAIMO – One era of regional commercial accounting has come to an end, while an exciting new era has just begun. On September 30 Joyce Smith, who has been a fixture in the Nanaimo commercial and public accounting field for more than 45 years officially retired. To continue that legacy of success her staff and extensive client list are now being served by Smythe LLP out of a brand new office located at 201-1825 Bowen Road. Founded in 1980 Smythe LLP is one of the largest chartered professional accounting (CPA) firms in British Columbia, an enterprise offering a full range of services for clients ranging from individuals

roof now and are hoping to expand on the good work she’s done over the years.� MIKE BERRIS OFFICE MANAGER, SMYTHE LLP

to major corporations. With more than 180 staff and partners the firm currently has offices in Vancouver, Langley and now in Nanaimo. “Smythe has purchased Joyce Smith’s accounting practice, taking on her nine employees and her client portfolio,� explained Mike Berris, Smythe LLP’s Office Managing

The new Smythe LLP office in Nanaimo is located at 201-1825 Bowen Road and was opened in July

Staff at Smythe LLP’s Nanaimo office represents both the accounting and insolvency elements of the business Partner at the Nanaimo office. Berris and two other senior managers moved from Vancouver to Nanaimo to become part of the new and expanded team. The opening of the new office allowed Smythe to combine the accounting practice with its existing Smythe Insolvency office (Smythe Ratcliffe Insolvency Inc.) under one roof. “For the past 25 years Smythe has had an insolvency practice in Nanaimo so we took this opportunity to combine the two offices in one location. The current staff count in Nanaimo now is about 18 employees,

divided pretty evenly between the accounting and the insolvency sides of the business,� Berris said. Smythe hopes to expand on Joyce Smith’s original client base by offering new products such as a chartered business valuation and sell-side advisory service. “We’re adding specialty advisory services and specialty tax services that would not have been available previously to Joyce’s clients, and hopefully to our new clients,� he said. “While we have many individual clients our focus has always been on corporations and non-profit

-D\ &RXVLQV

groups. T he insolvency service in contrast is focused solely on individuals and individual bankruptcies.� With the opening of the new combined office in July Smythe LLP has geared up to expand on the foundation of success Smith had built during the past four and half decades. “We’re all one firm operating under the same roof now and are hoping to expand on the good work she’s done over the years,� he said. For more information visit the company’s website at: www. smythecpa.com

Š

MD\ FRXVLQV UHDOW\ #P +PFGRGPFGPV /GODGT $TQMGT

3+ 7) ( MD\#MD\FRXVLQV FRP : MD\FRXVLQV FRP )($785( 3523(57,(6

9$1&289(5 ,6/$1' &200(5&,$/ ,19(670(17 3523(57,(6 )8//< 7(1$17(' &200(5&,$/ 3523(57< ‚ /RFDWHG LQ 1DQDLPRªV 'RZQWRZQ &RUH ‚ 8QLWV :HOO 0DLQWDLQHG +HULWDJH %OGJ ‚ 6ROLG 5HYHQXH 6WUHDP

$&5( '(9 3523(57< /$'<60,7+ 1HLJKERXUKRRG 6WULS 0DOO *DEULROD ,VODQG x $FUH 3URSHUW\ ZLWK 0XOWL 7HQDQWHG

&RPPHUFLDO 6WULS 0DOO x ,QFOXGHV $FUHV RI 8QGHYHORSHG /DQG DYDLODEOH IRU IXWXUH H[SDQVLRQ x 8S 'RZQ 'XSOH[ RQ 6LWH IRU 2ZQHU 0DQDJHU RU 5HQWDO ,QFRPH x ,QIRUPDWLRQ 3RUWIROLR $YDLODEOH

‚ 3/$ RI 5HV /RWV DQG 0RELOH +RPH 3DUN ‚ 3HUIHFW IRU 3KDVHG %XLOG RXW 2S ‚ *RRG ([SRVXUH ZLWK +Z\ $FFHVV

6287+ 1$1$,02 ,19(670(17 3523(57<

327(17,$/ 81,7 '(9(/230(17 3523(57< ‚ *RRG ([SRVXUH RQ RI DQ $FUH &RUQHU /RW ‚ $UFKLWHFWXUDO 'UDZLQJV FRPSOHWHG ‚ 1HZ 3HUPLW LQ 3ODFH 5('8&('

$&5( *5((1+286( )$50 6$/7$,5 ‚ 9DULRXV %XLOGLQJV 5HVLGHQFH %DUQV (TXLSPHQW HWF ‚ 1DWXUDO *DV 0XQLFLSDO :DWHU ‚ $VVHW 6DOH FDQ LQFO $JUL %XVLQHVV

)$17$67,& 9,(: 3523(57< 1($5 9,&725,$

&200(5&,$/ /276 21 %86< 675((7

$&5( &200(5&,$/ /27 3$5.69,//( ‚ 6LWXDWHG DW HQWUDQFH WR 3DUNVYLOOH /HYHO )HQFHG 3URSHUW\ ‚ &7; =RQLQJ ZLOO DOORZ EURDG XVHV ‚ ,QWHUVHFWLRQ /RFDWLRQ IRU HDV\ DFFHVV

$*5,&8/785$/ *5((1+286( %86,1(66

‚ 6T )W /HYHO %XLOGLQJ ‚ /RFDWHG QHDU &DVVLG\ $LUSRUW RQ +LJKZD\ ‚ ([FHSWLRQDO ([SRVXUH DQG 9LVLELOLW\ ‚ 3KDVH 3RZHU 6KRS 2IILFHV ‚ 6T )W 6KRS :DVK DUHD ‚ 3ODQV IRU QHZ %XLOGLQJV DYDLODEOH

‚ /DUJH /HYHO %XLOGLQJ RQ 6T )W /HYHO /RW ‚ 8QLWV IRU /HDVH # 6) 6) ‚ +LJKO\ 9LVLEOH /RWV RI 3DUNLQJ

‚ 6T )W RYHU /HYHOV 6HS 6T )W 8QLWV ‚ ,QGLYLGXDOO\ 0HWHUHG )ODW 5RRI ‚ $PSOH 3RZHU )XOO\ )HQFHG

‚ ,QFOXGHV 8QLW 0RWHO 6XLWHV Z 6HS 5HVLGHQFH ‚ *DV 6WDWLRQ 3RVW 2IILFH 2FHDQ 9LHZV ‚ %XV\ <HDU 5RXQG %XVLQHVV 5('8&('

$FUH /LJKW ,QGXVWULDO 3URSHUW\ 6RXWK 1DQDLPR

)25 6$/( RU )25 /($6( %2:(1 52$'

‚ 6) RI *UHHQKRXVHV 5HVLGHQFH $FUHV ‚ 7XUQNH\ Z 3URGXFWLRQ )DFLOLW\ RQVLWH ‚ $PSOH :DWHU *UHDW 5HSXWDWLRQ

'2:172:1 1$1$,02 ,1&20( 3523(57<

‚ /RQJ 7HUP 7HQDQW ZLWK <U 7ULSOH 1HW /HDVH LQ 3ODFH ‚ 6) %OGJ Z FXVWRP IHDWXUHV ‚ 6KRZV &$3 # DVNLQJ SULFH

%86,1(66(6

5LFN\ÂŞ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

/($6(6

('

/LJKW ,QGXVWULDO %XLOGLQJ ZLWK $PSOH <DUG 6WRUDJH ¼ 6) RQ /HYHOV IXOO\ FRQILJXUHG DV RIILFH VSDFH SHUIHFW IRU KLJK WHFK XVHU 6) 71 4XDOLW\ 2IILFH 8QLWV ¼ $LU &RQGLWLRQHG 3DUNLQJ 6) 6) 71 'RZQWRZQ 2IILFH %XLOGLQJ ¼ 6XLWHV DYDLODEOH 6) WR 6) 6) 71 352)(66,21$/ 2)),&( %8,/',1* 1DQDLPR 'RUFKHVWHU +RWHO /HDVH 6SDFH 2SSRUWXQLWLHV 'RZQWRZQ 1DQDLPR 6L]HV UDQJH ‚ 6) RYHU /HYHOV 2QVLWH 3DUNLQJ 1HZ 5RRI IURP 6) WR 6) &DOO / 6 IRU 3ULFLQJ ‚ &ORVH WR 'RZQWRZQ 4XDOLW\ 7HQDQWV 'HSDUWXUH %D\ 5RDG QG /HYHO 6SDFH ¼ 6) &RUQHU /RFDWLRQ 0R *U ‚ RI DQ $FUH /RW 5('8&(' ,VODQG +LJKZD\ )UHHVWDQGLQJ %XLOGLQJ ¼ &HQWUDO 1DQDLPR ¼ $LU &RQGLWLRQHG /RWV RI 3DUNLQJ )RUPHU 5HVWDXUDQW 6) 71 ([SHQVH 672&.,1* &5((. 23(1 0$5.(7 1RUWKILHOG ,QGXVWULDO 3DUN 1DQDLPR ¼ 6HYHUDO /HDVH 6SDFHV UDQJH IURP 6) ‚ 385&+$6( 25 /($6( \RXU RZQ VSDFH 1HZ &RPPHUFLDO XS WR 6) SOXV VHSDUDWH IHQFHG DUHD RI 6) DYDLODEOH IRU VWRUDJH RU 5HWDLO &RQFHSW /RWV RI 3DUNLQJ 9$5,286 ‚ 6 /DG\VPLWK 6) 8QLWV LQGHSHQGHQW XVHU &DOO / 6 IRU ,QIRUPDWLRQ 3DFNDJH 6WRFNLQJ &UHHN 2SHQ 0DUNHW ¼ /DG\VPLWK 3KDVH 2QH 1HZ 6) 8QLW IRU 6DOH 632576 )$&,/,7< :(67:22' /$.( RU /HDVH 6) 71 ([SHQVH &DOO / 6 IRU ,QIRUPDWLRQ 3DFNDJH ‚ :HVWZRRG 7HQQLV &OXE %LVWUR /DNHIURQW /RFDWLRQ 3DUNVYLOOH 6WUDWD 8QLW ¼ 6) ,QGXVWULDO =RQLQJ /HYHOV ZLWK RIILFHV SDUWLDO ‚ 7HQQLV &RXUWV &OXEKRXVH 3UR 6KRS RSHQ :DUHKRXVH RQ PDLQ (DV\ $FFHVV 3KDVH 3RZHU 6) 71 ([SHQVH ‚ /HJDO 5HQWDO 6XLWHV ‚ 7RWDO RI 6T )W ZLWK , =RQLQJ ‚ 8VHV LQFOXGH $XWRPRWLYH 2IILFH ‚ 5HWDLO HWF +LJKO\ 9LVLEOH /RFDWLRQ

/($6

5

OCTOBER 2016

SYMPHONY SOUNDBITES PROMISES TASTY MUSICAL SAMPLINGS “It’s been exciting Chamber orchestra and guest soprano bring French Spirit to Nanaimo

to launch a new, fresh concept for Symphony in Nanaimo.”

N

ANAIMO - Keeping music live, accessible and appealing to all audiences is Vancouver Island Symphony’s (VIS) vision behind their new Thursday night series, SoundBites. One hour long, the new program incorporates either appetizers before the early show, or dessert before the later showing. French Spirit, the inaugural performance opening on October 27, revolves around the French themes of love, loss and revolution and serves up a selection of music for both new and seasoned symphony-goers. “ We wa nted to m a ke it possible for a broader demographic to experience the show, enjoying it before heading home after work or later in the evening after dinner,” said Margot Holmes, VIS executive director. Pierre Simard, artistic

MARGOT HOLMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY

director said that because its season is shorter compared to other symphonies it can be difficult to build a sense of style. “By using this format to feature our Principal Players, our musicians rehearse together in a smaller setting and get to create the prog ra m together. T he musicians don’t only rely on the conductor but have to listen to each other.” Performed by a 15-member cha mber orchestra and Catherine Fern Lewis, as guest soprano, French Spirit, features music by th ree trad itiona l composers, Debussy, Ravel a nd Strav i nsky as wel l as two of Simard’s own

compositions that combine voice and orchestra. “’Gaspard de la Nuit’, by Ravel is one of the most difficult pieces for piano ever written – pianists freeze in fear at the mention of it,” said Simard. Holmes explained that t he Sy mphony Sou ndBite Series has been in the works for more than four years and is being sponsored by the Coast Bastion Hotel. “It’s been exciti ng to launch a new, fresh concept for Symphony in Nanaimo,” she explained. “Especially when it incorporates delicious food from Nanoose’s Smoke ‘N Water Restaurant, with a cross section of classic and contemporary music.” Now that the wait is over, Simard said he is excited for audiences to see and connect with these musicians. “This show really features the virtuosity, expertise and excellence of our musicians in a fun and intimate environment.” Tickets for Symphony SoundBites can be purchased at www.vancouverislandsymphony.com

More than just office supplies. We’re office outfitters. Think Monk... BUSINESS | RETAIL | INTERIORS | TECHNOLOGY

250.384.0565 | monk.ca | sales@monk.ca

6

OCTOBER 2016

PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER BUSINESS STARTS WITH A CLEAR VISION

I

t’s one of t he i ron ie s of b ei n g a business owner: once you’ve made the decision to get into business, it becomes you r job to determ ine how you will get out of business. For many busi ness ow ners, however, day-today operational demands make it hard to sit down and engage in a planning process that takes life after business into consideration. As the regional leader for succession services with MNP, Wendy Lewis has worked with business owners for more t h a n 15 yea rs a nd h a s g u ided m a ny clients through the exit planning process. She notes it’s often the spouse of a successful business owner – not the business owner themselves – who sta rts the conversation about when and how to begin stepping back from the business. “ T he f u n t h i n g a b out s u c c e ssion planning is it’s all about you,” Lewis ex pl a i n s. “ You get to look i nto t he f utu re a nd say, ‘W hat do I wa nt my l i fe to lo ok l i ke a f ter I’m f i n i she d with my business?’ This often evolves i nto a fa m i ly d i scu ssion ab out t he possibilities.” Once you have a clear vision, the next step is to assess t he rea l ity of you r current situation and create a process to help you get from where you are to where you want to go. How can you tell if your business is ready to transition? L ew i s adv i ses: “A sk you rsel f one simple question, or if you want a true answer, ask your spouse: ‘Am I so vital to the operations of my business that I can’t step away?’ If the answer is yes, then you have some planning to do.” “I n genera l, t he more va lu able a n ow ner is to t hei r busi ness, t he less valuable the business is to a potential buyer. In order to sell, we need to take the owner out of the equation so the buyer can step in and successfully run the company on their own.” Whether your goal is to sell the business to a third party, transfer it to a family member or sell to an employee group, there are many steps that need to be taken to prepare the business for a transfer of ownership. T hat’s why Lewis recommends you start planning for business succession three to five years before you think you’ll want out.

“A well thought-out exit plan will make your business more manageable and profitable today, while increasing the value of the business and decreasing your taxes when it’s time to sell.”

Wendy Lewis

Michael Hughes

“To determine if your business is

“The good news is the time and energy you put into your exit plan will actually make your business more profitable and operate more smoothly today, while also making the business more valuable and putting more money in your pocket when it’s time to walk away.” Among the many aspects of a sound succession plan, ta x considerations are critical – especially if you want to maximize the proceeds of your sale. “Depending on how your business is structured and exactly what you sell, taxes could account for upwards of 40 per cent of the value you have built,” cautions Mike Hughes, a taxation specia l ist w ith M N P. “Fitti ng i nto the Canada Revenue Agency’s rules is key and some rules require your company to be onside for a few yea rs prior to exiting the business.” Hughes offers these questions as a starting point: When you look at your company, are there assets such as a building or an investment portfolio that you do not want to sell with the business? If so, there is some tax planning to be done. Is your company able to sell its shares rather than its assets? Accessing the capital gains exemption on the sale of

ready to transition, ask yourself: ‘Am I so vital to the operations of my business that I can’t step away?’ If the answer is yes, you have some planning to do.”

qualifying business shares can provide up to $824,176 of value for each shareholder tax-free – if you meet the criteria. Do you need you r money out a l l at once or can you fund your retirement over time? There may be options to use multiple years of marginal personal tax rates to save taxes. “Any tax strategy will be unique to your situation, and good tax planning usually requires time so it’s important to start early,” Hughes advises. Lewis says a good exit plan must be f lex ible enough to dea l w ith u ncertainties, while providing you with a clear path to the future. And having a plan doesn’t mean you have to sell the company tomorrow. “If you’ve done a really good job and made yourself less central to the dayto-day operations, you may find you can take the time off your spouse really wants and still have a business that is building in value and working for you,” she concludes. “Then, when you decide you want out, or if something unexpected happens and you need to get out, you are ready. The work is done and you get to exit on your own terms.”

Succession planning isn’t just about what you’re leaving behind — it’s about what lies ahead. An ExitSMART™ succession plan can help you take care of your family, finances and stakeholders when you’re ready to move on from your business. MNP’s succession professionals work closely with you to create the peace of mind and financial security you need to enjoy the next phase of your life. To ExitSMART™, contact Wendy Lewis, CPA, CA, Business Advisor, ExitSMARTTM Services at 250.338.5464 or wendy.lewis@mnp.ca

7

OCTOBER 2016

Family businesses need different model to succeed As a family owned company grows so must its vision BETH HENDRY-YIM

“When we first started

N

the company I really

A NA IMO – For Bruce Pletsch, owner of Complete Vending Services (CVS), running a successful family business means being willing and able to change your vision. “W hen we first started the company I really wanted my children to learn the value of a dollar by working for their money. I felt that being involved in the business would help them develop good life skills.” Twenty years later, Pletsch realizes that the lessons learned turned out to be bigger than he expected and that visions change as children grow up. CVS prov ides conven ience food services from Victoria to Nanaimo with a food service in Qualicum Beach at the Oceanside Place. Pletsch’s five children now range in age from 18 to 32. “The kids have been involved in the business off and on over the years, sometimes full time during summers and part time on weekends. It was a great education in working with money and understanding the mechanics of the machines.” He sa id t h at sett i ng dow n

wanted my children to learn the value of a dollar by working for their money.” BRUCE PLETSCH OWNER, COMPLETE VENDING SERVICES

expectations and keeping communication channels open were the key to navigating what could have been a rocky road. “A family business follows a different model because kids get older and develop their own interests and emotions, and relationships must be considered.” He stressed that, when family is involved, having clear goals is a priority and reassessing the business vision on a regular basis, imperative. “I had great parents; they let me explore my own interests. I want the same for my children,”

he said, adding that the whole family, including him and his wife, have to feel safe in saying what they want, especially when it comes to ideas for the business and differing visions of the future. For Pletsch, succession planning is an ongoing thought process. The family has had the discussion often, but he notes t h at t he t i mel i ne h a s to b e realistic. “It’s important that the children know they can be involved. The opportunities are there. I also want them to be able to look back and appreciate what they learned and take those skills into whatever they want to pursue.” At this point, CVS is running like a well-oiled machine, Pletsch said. It has a loyal base of clients, some of whom have watched the Pletsch kids grow up sorting candy bars and fixing machines. Although the original vision has changed, it has naturally evolved with the business and the family. And for Pletsch, ultimately it has been better to work at building a family than to have only worked at building a family business. Complete Vending Services is at Unit C, 2345 Delinea Place in Nanaimo

Search is on for Island’s Best Family Business Nanaimo News Bulletin hey’re the ones who keep ou r veh icles running, help bring the food to our table and even find that table for us all to sit around. And now Island residents have a chance to honour those fa m i ly busi nesses that make a difference in our communities. T h e Fa m i ly B u si ne ss Association Vancouver Island is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Family Business Excellence Award. The award is presented annually to recognize, celebrate and promote achievements of Canadian family businesses and the considerable contribution they make to both their local communities and our national economy. “In BC, 80 per cent of b u s i n e s s e s a re f a m i ly owned or operated. This is our opportunity to pay tribute to all the great work they’re doing for our community and our economy,” said Stewart Story, president of the Family Business Association Vancouver Island. Nominations are being

T

accepted u ntil Oct. 14, w i t h t h e w i n n e r a nnou nced i n November. The award finalists will be honoured at a celebration gala Feb. 9 at Saanich’s Beach House Restaurant. To nom i nate a fa m i ly business, please visit www. familybusinessassociationvi.ca or contact executive director Bernadine Rudichuk at 250-532-2402 or e-mail info@f bavancouverisland.ca. Businesses must be family-owned, defined as an organization with one of the following characteristics: It has been owned and operated by different generations of a family; the potential exists for ownership to be passed on to a younger generation; more than one family member has active employment in an organization owned by a family. The award – sponsored by Black Press, Hot House Marketing, Reed Pope Law and Country Grocer – has been presented in the past to such organizations as W i l s o n’s T r a n s p o r t ation, Canada Homestay Network, Capital Iron, Country Grocer, McCall

Brothers Funeral Directors, Pacific Sands Resort, Robinson’s Outdoor Store, Monk Office and Accent Inns. “We have a love affair with our community and we realized quite early in our business life that giving back is important,” said Wilson. “I’m very excited and honoured to be able to accept the award on behalf of my family and extended family here at Wilson’s,” Wilson’s Transportation chief executive officer John Wilson said upon receiving last year’s award. For over 15 ye a rs t he Family Business Association Vancouver Island has focused on providing relevant educational events and a framework for peer support groups for family businesses. Story said being able to mix and engage with other family businesses is often exactly what is needed to overcome the cha l lenges of running a family business. “It’s a way to find inspiration, ideas and energy from like-minded people who appreciate the opportunity to learn from each other,” he said.

Mike Pletsch grew up in the family business, sorting candy bars and learning how to fix vending machines CREDIT:COMPLETE VENDING SERVICES

Bruce Pletsch wanted all his children to learn the value of working for their money CREDIT:COMPLETE VENDING SERVICES

Benefits Made Easy Need a Benefits Plan with Stable Rates & Better Service? Tap into 35 years of Benefits Plan experience! Dental-Extended Health-LTD-Critical Illness

THE

Frank Allen

FINANCIAL GROUP INC.

frank@frankallenÀnancial.com

(250) 753-2101

8

OCTOBER 2016

A LOOK AT VALUATION FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS Our advice to new start-

W

ups is to go as far as possible without raising any capital

Mike Berris, CPA, CA, CBV and Partner Smythe LLP

keeping the costs down; and ■ Put the profits back into product development and sales. At some point the business will look and be viable. That might be when you reach annual revenues of $300,000 or, say, 50,000 identifiable users of you r sof twa re. O nce you have some sale momentum you will need additional skills to

ACTUAL STICKER FROM PARKSVILLE CHRYSLER

ACTUAL STICKER FROM “OTHER GUYS”

➤

will be significantly cheaper if you can do the following first: ■ Bor row a sm a l l su m of money f rom fa m i ly or friends to g ive you the t i me a nd s pace to l ive wh i le you chase you r dream; ■ Incorporate a company; ■ L ook for i ntel lectua l ly capable people that will s h a re yo u r d re a m a nd work for equity or a bonus arrangement; ■ Create the sof twa re or service that someone will buy; ■ Start selling, while

get to the next level. This might include marketing, sales and/ or financial management. T here is a big difference in creditability and negotiating power when trying to raise, say $1 million, if you have a viable and growing business, compared to raising the money for something unproven. Assu m i ng you a re ready to fundraise, you will first have to f i nd i nvestors, develop a pitch and then determine an appropriate valuation. There are a number of organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, that can provide guidance and support during this process. On Vancouver Island, organizations such as Innovation Island can be a tremendous resource to help both start-up and early stage technology companies. One aspect of the process that is important to understand is the valuation of your company. If you are raising equity, then you will have to give up a percentage of the ow nersh ip i n exchange for the investment. Therefore, there will have to be an agreement between you and the investor on the valuation of the company and underlying IP. While there are many rules of thumb for valuation of software companies, it ultimately comes dow n to hav i ng both willing parties agree on a

➤

e h ave a l l re ad t he stories about young software developers selling their companies for tens of millions of dollars. I can attest that these stories are true, as we have had a number of our clients do the same. Sometimes it is hard to understand exactly what is being sold, but ultimately it comes down to the sale of an intellectual property (“IP”). T he nex t obv ious question is why wou ld someone wa nt to buy or invest in your software company and the related IP? T he a nswer has to do with future cash f low, either from reselling the IP once it is further developed or the profit that it might generate in the future. If you have a great idea for developing software, and you want to raise capital, it is important that you understand that potential investors or acquirers are first and foremost interested in understanding how you r product ca n ma ke money for them. Our advice to new start-ups is to go as far as possible without raising any capital. Investors that are willing to take a chance on an unproven product do exist, but the price of the investment in terms of loss of control and ownership can be steep. The cost of that capital

valuation. The three general approaches in the valuation of IP are: T he Cost Approach – T h i s looks at the cost that wou ld be i ncu rred to reproduce or replace the tech nolog y w ith someth i ng of si m i la r functionality. Market Approach – This determines value based on recent valuations of similar companies or software. I ncome Based Approach – Theoretically, the income approach is the soundest method of valuation. It determines the value based on future expected cash flow from the IP. There are a number of methodologies, including discounted cash flow, relief from royalty and excess earnings. At the end of the day, you r product could be anything from software to coal, but what is important to understand is that investors are ultimately looking for a return commensurate with the risk they are taking. Smythe is a team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees with more than 35 years of experience providing debt counselling, consumer proposals, bankruptcy and other debt solution services to individuals, families and business. They can be reached at (778) 762-0800.

SAME TRUCK LESS THE MADE UP PRICE INCREASES LIKE

Base Price: $54,395 Base Price: $54,395

“DEALER MARKUPS”

TOTAL PRICE: $65,380 DEALER INSTALLED $ ACCESSORIES & MARKUP

6,865

TOTAL PRICE: $74,455

OUR FOCUS... HONEST DEALS AND GREAT SERVICE NOT MADE UP PRICES!

Parksville *** & '"()!## '+(# ' %$ ,

9

OCTOBER 2016

‘I’M MAXED OUT’ – LOOKING BEYOND RRSPS

F

or years, you’ve invested i n a Reg istered Reti rement Sav i ngs Pla n (R R SP) – good for you, an RRSP is the best tax-saving, income-bu i ld i ng i nvestment veh icle for mos t Canadians. And to get the most i n i m med iate ta x savings and to maximize the potential long-term growth of your RRSPs, always make your maximum allowable contribution. But with all of that taken care of, what do you do now? Contribute to investments held in a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA): It complements your RRSP because investments within a TFSA grow tax-free. You can currently contribute up to $5,500 in new money to a TFSA each year and get your contributions and accumulated income out at any time, for any purpose, tax-free. However, there is no deduction against your taxable income for TFSA contributions. Add to your non-registered investments: With you r R R SP a nd T FSA topped up, consider adding your tax refund to you r non-reg istered

investments. T he most tax-efficient strategy is to hold your fixed-income i nvestments i n a R R SP or TFSA, and stocks and equity mutual funds in a non-registered account (to the extent your investments exceed your RRSP and T FSA contribution room). T h is is because R R SP w it hd rawa l s a re included in your taxable income in the year of the withdrawal and are taxed at your marginal tax rate, b ut s to c k s a n d e q u it y mutua l f u nds held i n a non-registered account are taxed at a more favourable capital gains inclusion rate when you dispose of them. As well, dividends from most Canadian corporations are eligible for the dividend tax credit. Pay down debt: It’s a fact: Simply paying down debt delivers a risk-free, after-tax return which may be comparable to many investments. Start with costly, high-interest credit card debt and then pay down non-deductible debt such as your home mortgage. For parents and grandpa rents: Establ ish a nd contribute to a Registered Education Savings Plan

(RESP) for your children or grandchildren. Fo r (s o m e) b u s i n e s s owners: It can make sense to build a retirement investment portfolio inside your company instead of paying out that corporate income to a shareholder. The company can also fund an Individual Pension Plan (IPP), which has the potential for greater tax-assisted savings than through RRSPs or Defined Contribution pension plans. Be aware, however, that these busi ness-related options require careful planning and the guidance of financial and legal professionals. T here a re ta x a nd i ncome-building advantages and disadvantages to each of these “beyond RRSP” options. You need to look at them in relation to your overall tax situation and financial objectives. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. and Investors Group Securities Inc. presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments.

Nominations sought for Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Companies from Sidney to Port Hardy eligible for Gala set for January 26 in Victoria

V

ICTORIA – Manufact u r i ng f i r m s, resorts, high tech compa n ies, forest a nd aquaculture businesses. And more. They’re all welcome to participate in the nomination process for the 17 th A n nu a l Va ncouver I sland Business Excellence Awards, with the winners to be unveiled at the Jan. 26, 2017 in Victoria. “T he Business Excellenc e Awa rd s honou rs t he b est of t he b est i n Vancouver Island business, and there are new and innovative companies that should be celebrated for what they’ve accomplished this year,” notes Mark MacDonald

of the Business E x aminer, which coordinates the event. “There are so many wonderful stories out there on the Island, and it is clear that 2016 has been a very good year i n bu si ness for m a ny companies.” RBC Royal Bank, Hayes St ew a r t L it t le & Co. Chartered Professional Accountants, Coastal Community Credit Union a n d A i r C a n a d a w e re G old S p on sors for t he event last year. Category sponsors were Helijet, Thompson Cooper LLP, CIBC, Invest Comox Valley and Grieg Seafood. C a t e go r i e s t h i s y e a r i nclude: Ag ricu ltu re, Automotive, Construction/Development, Entrepreneur, Forestry/ Wood Products, Green, H e a l t h , H o s p i t a l i t y/ Tourism, Manufacturer, Ocean Products, Professional (legal, accounting, insurance), Real Estate, Reta i l, Sm a l l Busi ness (u nd er 50 employe e s),

Technology, Trades and Business of the Year (over 50 employees). “ E a c h y e a r, i t s e e m s that the nominations are nea rly even ly spl it between companies south of the Malahat, and those from north of the Malahat, and this year is no different,” says MacDonald . “That’s not surprisi n g, a s t he p op u l at ion of b ot h a re a s a re ver y close, but it also shows the strength of the economy on Vancouver Island is spread out.” The nomination deadl i ne is December 1 th is year, and companies can self-nominate. There is no charge to participate. Nom i nat ion forms ca n be downloaded at www. businessexaminer.ca/ events, and click through Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards. For more information on the event contact MacDonald at 1-866-758-2684 ext. 120 or email: mark@ businessexaminer.ca

10

NANAIMO

OCTOBER 2016

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH CELEBRATED AT BUSINESS EXPO s All Types of Custom Fabrication s 3TAINLESS AND Aluminum WELDING s 3HEET -ETAL &LASHING -aterials s #OMPUTERIZED WaTERJET #UTTING s 3TRUCTURAL 3TEEL FabircaTION -aterials s 2ETAIL -ETAL 3ALES sTank Fabrication

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 TO 4:30

TOLL FREE 1-888-754-9711

NANAIMO Fax: 250-754-8913

KIM SMYTH

A

n amazing array of panel ists have con f i rmed their presentations on government and private sector support for entrepreneurs and small businesses at Nanaimo’s 9th Annual Business Expo at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on October 20th. Panelists will address issues and answer questions on topics and programs providing insight and tips on how to grow your business. Interested in selling to the public sector? One panel on ‘Sel l i ng to G over n ment’ brings together purchasing specialists from different levels of government who will help you understand the processes around

government contracting in order to prepare your business to start bidding. Maybe you have an awesome idea for a business you’d like to start? Our ‘Pillars of Startup’ panel will bring together experts who can help you navigate the complexities of starting a business and provide you with information on government programs available to help you get started today on this discussion around entrepreneurialism. Who isn’t looking for the best sources of capital? We’ve got a panel that absolutely shows you the money? ‘Access to Finance’ brings together government, banking and private sector representatives with information on a variety of financing resources. These breakout sessions are in addition to over 100 exhibitor booths featuring local innovators, entrepreneurs and business veterans of many sectors ready to meet you face-toface. Over 20 of those booths are focused on Public Works Canada’s presentation of the ‘Small Business Info Expo’ – government agencies, programs and support groups for small business.

This year, Business Expo also celebrates National Manufacturing Month. Exports are becoming a bigger focus of mid-Island businesses -- software developers, educators, agri-food producers and processors, craft distillers, wineries and others will benefit from the support of experts in the field. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association will present a luncheon (sponsored by VIU) with a keynote speaker on the subject of “Enhancing International Trade & Export from Vancouver Island”. This event is popular for its great business draws and special deals too. This year, London Drugs holds the premier spot in door prizes with a $4,000 prize package including a 49” 4K LG SmartTV, Blu-Ray, Tech Package and an Outdoor Living Set. Mark October 20 in your calendar for Business Expo. Admission is free (except for the luncheon) and only happens once a year, www.nanaimochamber. bc.ca for more information. Kim Smythe is CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at ceo@ nanaimochamber.bc.ca

Home Sellers Still in The Driver’s Seat We’re Moving! (Not to worry, we won’t ask you to help)

NOV 1st to 2110 Northfield Nanaimo

www.concise.ca U 250-756-1604 U info@concise.ca

N

ANAIMO - Sales of single-family homes in September were lower than in August but rose significantly over September 2015. In September 2016, 531 single-family homes sold on the MLS System compared to 431 last September, an increase of 23 per cent. Month over month, sales decreased by 14 per cent from August, which saw 623 unit sales. Inventory also dropped to a new historic low, dipping to 1,265, a nine per cent decrease from the previous month and down 40 per cent from one year ago. The last time inventory was this low occurred in 2005 when the supply of single-family homes

Providing Choice and Convenience to Island Businesses for Over 20 Years No Cost ... Easily Installed ✤ 250.754.9653 ✤ Yourvendinggroup.ca

for sale dropped to 1,629 units. VIREB began tracking inventory levels in 1999. Robust sales in the VIREB area and throughout much of BC are being driven by a combination of economic factors that are creating a sound foundation for housing sales. “This is the third year that British Columbia’s GDP and employment growth have been above three per cent, and GDP is currently tracking at 3.5 per cent,” says Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Yearover-year retail sales are at six per cent, so consumer confidence is obviously high.” Although a moderating trend in activity and prices is occurring in the Vancouver market, that slowdown is not affecting the VIREB area thus far. Prices in Vancouver and on the Lower Mainland have not dropped by much, but sales have taken a hit. This moderation might have been accelerated slightly by the Foreign Buyer Tax introduced at the beginning of August, but it is still too early to say whether this is a temporary cooling in sales activity or indicative of a larger trend. However, foreign buyers are not turning to Vancouver Island in lieu of the Lower Mainland and are not the impetus behind VIREB’s robust housing market. As shown in our 2015 Buyer Profile, 54 per cent of purchasers were from Vancouver Island, 22 per cent from

elsewhere in BC, 22 per cent from elsewhere in Canada, and only two per cent were international buyers. Those demographics have likely not changed in 2016. In September 2016, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the VIREB area was $388,800, up 14 per cent from one year ago. Prices increased in every zone, ranging from 11 per cent in Campbell River to 17 per cent in Nanaimo and the Parksville-Qualicum area. As in August, the benchmark price of an apartment rose approximately 15 per cent board-wide, with Duncan and Parksville-Qualicum reporting 21 and 29 per cent increases, respectively. The townhouse market also strengthened, posting an 11 per cent increase board-wide. The September 2016 benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell R iver area was $305,200, an increase of 10.51 per cent over September 2015. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price was $385,000, up 13 per cent from 2015. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $340,300, an increase of 12.19 per cent compared to September 2015. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 17.31 per cent to $420,300 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price rise by 17.29 per cent to $446,700. The price of a benchmark home in Port Alberni hit $215,600, up 13.16 per cent from one year ago.

12

OCTOBER 2016

TOUR BUS OPERATOR FILLS GAP IN NICHE MARKET An idea for connecting locals to the food and wine industry turns seasoned entrepreneur into successful businesswoman

D

UNCAN - Susan Quackenbush makes you believe that anything is possible, not just from her boundless enthusiasm and energy, but because of what she has managed to accomplish in three years, taking an idea from the drawing board to an in-demand service in a growing niche market. It all started about five years ago when she felt her two sons were old enough for her to start looking for a job. “I hadn’t worked for 12 years and told myself I couldn’t be too picky” she said. “But being out of the workforce for several years I wasn’t sure where to begin so

Cheers Cowichan bought the bus from a seniors home in Victoria CREDIT:SUSAN QUACKENBUSH

An Argentinian magazine chartered the bus to take their models, photographers and equipment to a variety of locations in the Cowichan Valley CREDIT:SUSAN QUACKENBUSH

I started by looking at the help wanted ads in our paper. A local vineyard was seeking to hire grape pickers.” Coming from a farm in Pennsylvania, Quackenbush was no stranger to harvesting or to hard work. Undaunted and eager to try her hand at picking grapes for

Fun is the theme of every tour CREDIT: SUSAN QUACKENBUSH

Tour Blue Grouse Estate Winery with Cheers Cowichan

Only 20 minutes drive from Victoria Tasting Room open 7 days a week. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm everiday WWW.ENRICOWINERY.COM 3280 Telegraph Road, Mill Bay

250-733-2350

bluegrouse.ca @BlueGrouseWines 2182 LAKESIDE ROAD, DUNCAN, BC

wine, she called in at Blue Grouse Estate Winery. She drove away with the keys to the store! “When I got there they said the winery really needed a wine tasting manager. I was hired on the spot and started training the next day.” “I fell in love with the vineyard, pouring wine for tasting and meeting people from all over the world.” In the year she was with Blue Grouse she learned about wine, tourism, her community and what might be a missed opportunity in the food and wine tourism industry. “Tour buses were bringing people in from Victoria, Nanaimo, the North Island, BC, the rest of Canada and the world, but no one was bringing tours from the Cowichan Valley to the Cowichan Valley. Locals had to make their own way to the vineyards and events.” She explained that growing up on a farm, she and her siblings were always looking for creative ways to make money.

13

OCTOBER 2016

“I figured if the idea didn’t fly, I could always sell the bus.� SUSAN QUACKENBUSH OWNER, CHEERSCOWICHAN

Corporate groups charter the bus for combining team building with wine tours CREDIT:SUSAN QUACKENBUSH

“We used to make hard candy and I was always looking at how I could sell more candy. I guess I’ve a lways been a bit of a n entrepreneur.� With the germ of an idea, she went looking for what it would take to create a local tour company, and that led her to purchase a bus from a senior’s home in Victoria. She hasn’t had time to look back since. “I figured if the idea didn’t fly, I could always sell the bus.� It was a great move and one that created a thriving business for the mom and seasoned entrepreneur. “I think one of the main reasons CheersCowichan has been so successful is because of the size of the bus,� she explained. “It holds 18 people comfortably, with an aisle to walk up the middle and plenty of leg room. A van doesn’t make it as easy to get in and out and for some of our seniors that’s important. We also have Bluetooth and lots of overhead storage.�

Once she purchased the bus, it was a matter of getting the word out through a website, flyers and decals at the Visitor Center. What followed far exceeded Quackenbush’s expectations.

CHEERS

“O u r f i rst season we were completely booked and every year since has seen us growing with new and repeat customers. We’re now open year-round, have seven drivers, are looking to buy

another bus and are hiring more guides.� With the area’s rich heritage of farming and food production, Cheers offers A Taste of Cowichan, a tour that has visitors enjoying a meal at a local vineyard, a visit to the Pacific Northwest Raptor Center and TeaFarm or cheesemaker, as well as enjoying a locally made craft brew or cider. She said that although the majority of the tours involve food, wine and craft breweries, the company has also played host to corporate staff events, seniors tours and recently a photo shoot for an Argentinian magazine from the Mimo group of companies which specialize in kids’ and babies’ clothing. “The magazine was looking at either Whistler or the Cowichan Valley for the photo shoot. They chose the island, did a google search and found us. We picked the crew up at Vancouver airport

and drove the models, photographers and equipment to different locations around the valley.� Quackenbush is quick to applaud the efforts of Tourism Cowichan for their work on billing the Valley as a destination for the food and wine connoisseur. “They’ve done a great job in marketing the Cowichan Valley and it’s paying off, helping to create businesses around a lucrative industry.� For Quackenbush’s family, her success is no surprise. She said her husband, a computer engineer, is proud of her success; her parents, who spend quite a bit of time in France and are wine enthusiasts, are impressed with the quality of wine coming from the Valley, and her boys reap the benefits of having a large bus at their disposal. “When I first brought the bus home, the boys asked to have a sleep over in it with friends. In the morning we opened the doors and they told us to let them be because they didn’t want to leave!� The most exciting discovery Quackenbush has made through this entrepreneurial adventure comes from the collaborative efforts of the companies and wineries using her service. “This can be a very competitive industry, with vineyards vying for visitors and tourists, but we don’t get that here. All the wineries are happy to see clientele coming and going safely, and we share ideas about how we can all support the food and wine industry.� Recently, Cheers earned a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, spurring Quackenbush to look at expanding her brand and producing some value added products. Who knows, it might even include some valley-made hard candy. Cheers Cowichan is located in the Cowichan Valley www.cheerscowichan.com

Winery & Craft Brewery Tours Daily

250-710-7391 250 710 10 0 7391

WWW.CHEERSCOWICHAN.COM Staff Reward & Team Building Touring Wineries & Breweries Event Transportation *LIW &HUWLĂ€FDWHV

Visit local wineries, eat gourmet meals, take in a show at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, play a round of golf, do some cycling, walking...and so much more! TASTING ROOM OPEN 11AM TO 5PM DAILY Premium Estate Wines Tasting Room & Wine Shop Ocean View Patio Picnic Area

OPERATING DAILY & YEAR-ROUND

250.709.9986 6552 North Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6K9

www.averillcreek.ca

Preferred rates for theatre goers

Reservations: 1-877-246-4181 chemainushotel.com Each Best WesternÂŽ branded hotel is independently owned and operated

COWICHAN VALLEY

14

OCTOBER 2016

LOCAL CHARITIES BENEFIT FROM GENEROUS COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

T

he Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce joi n s Chambers across the province in celebrating Small Business Month. Small businesses power our local economy and play a vital role in creating jobs at home. Small Business Month is the perfect time to buy local, and celebrate these hard-working businesses that spark innovation and entrepreneurial spirit on Vancouver Island. Our Chamber celebrates Small Business Month with the 4th annual Business Showcase on October 21. It’s an all-day event that opens with morning seminars, followed by a luncheon presentation with John Hankins, of Nanaimo

COWICHAN VALLEY SONJA NAGEL

S. McInnes & Associates Ltd.

Economic Development. The Showcase runs all afternoon. Admission is free; there are draw prizes, a live radio broadcast, and opportunities to connect, in person, with 25+ Cowichan businesses. ■■■ September was a lucrative fundraising month for Island charities: The Vancouver Island Motor Gathering at the new Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit drew more than 10,000 people and showcased 600 vehicles. The event raised more than $150,000 for the David Foster Foundation and the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. We are pleased to learn that the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit will be the permanent home of the Motor Gathering, and there are plans to grow the excitement with more attendees and vehicles.

■■■ The Savour Cowichan Festival lau nched w ith two marquee events. More than 800 people attended Barge on In and Oktoberfest events, enjoying local wine, beer, cider, spirits and culinary delights on a tented barge at Mill Bay Marina. Proceeds from both events go to the Canucks Autism Network’s 2017 summer camp for Island families and children living with autism. ■■■ The Chamber had its largest luncheon yet, at the new Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, with 130 members in attendance. Brent Evans, Track Operations Manager, presented an overview of the Circuit’s vision, design, and future plans. Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch, draw prizes, and

sunny views over the fabulous 250-acre facility. The Motorsport Circuit is owned by the GAIN Dealer Group that recently refurbished and reopened the Villa Eyrie Resort (formerly Aerie Resort). The Villa Eyrie is open to Circuit members and the public and features the Summit Restaurant and Tuscan Spa. ■■■ The Chamber welcomes new members: MKE Canada, Veritas Counseling Services and the Tire Exchange. Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at manager@duncancc.bc.ca or 250-748-1111

Nurse Next Door Takes Top Prize Cowichan Valley Citizen UNCAN - There seems to be no end to accolades Chris Wilkinson, Tawnya Ketch and their business have earned since they began operations nine years ago. The Duncan-based Central Vancouver Island Nurse Next Door Home Care Services was named the 2016 Nurse Next Door franchise of the year from almost 100 franchises across North America at the organization’s

D CPA,CGA

Fixed Agreements...because Fixed Price Price Agreements...because Accounting isn’tabout aboutSurprises Surprises Accounting isn’t

Ingram St. Duncan

250 597 1649

annual conference last week. It’s the third time the business has won the award, the first Nurse Next Door franchise to be so honoured. Wilkinson said the business’s approximately 85 staff members across the central Island are still abuzz from the achievement. “Our caregivers, who work closely with people in their homes, are great at their jobs and that’s one of the main reasons we are being recognized,” he said.

Chris Wilkinson and Tawnya Ketch, co-owners of the Central Vancouver Island Nurse Next Door Home Care Services

OFF THE COVER

OCTOBER 2016

15 “We’re now able to grow more business here, not growth for growth sake only, but because we are looking for firms with a similar focus on clients, privately held businesses and owner managed companies.” NORM RAYNARD REGIONAL MANAGING PARTNER, GRANT THORNTON

Hayes Stewart Little & Co. team members are looking forward to their new partnership

GRANT THORNTON LLP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

all clients. “We’ve been talking to Hayes Stewart Little & Co. for at least six months, with closing completed last week,” he said adding that the acquisition went smoothly because of like-mindedness between the two firms and a similar culture. It’s a lso leng t hened Gra nt Thornton’s reach on Vancouver Island, extending its offices from

Victoria to the central region. “The acquisition is bringing a critical mass to the Island. We’re now able to grow more business here, not growth for growth sake only, but because we are looking for firms with a similar focus on clients, privately held businesses and owner managed companies. Areas where we believe we excel.” For Little, the move created better positioning not only for his firm’s clients who are exploring and tapping into the global

economy, but also for its staff. “An important element for our firm was that Grant Thornton brought more opportunities to the table for our partners and employees, in terms of career growth and in specialization. They are engaged and excited about the potential and in the resources they will now be able to access.” Raynard said that it is exciting to have additional members on the Island and that he sees his role as Regional Managing

P a r t n e r a s e n s u r i n g G ra n t Thornton’s national strategy is consistent throughout the Western region. “This is a significant time as we just came out with a new firm strategy and we’re in the process of rolling it out to all our people across the country,” he said. “I’ll be working with all the managing partners in each business unit to ensure they are able to execute on that strategy, taking into account the local market and what will work best and how

it will work best. He added that the strategy of growth and expansion will be repeated in other areas of BC. “We care about our clients, colleagues and communities. And our firm is in a great number of communities across Canada. We make a real commitment to them so are excited to look for other opportunities for growth in different regions across BC.”

Global Connections | Local Experience | Trusted Results Door Manufacturer

Moving & Storage

Gas Station

Well-established door manufacturing operation in leased premises. Nanaimo l $210,000

31 unit storage facility and moving company on 1.96 acres.

Business and leasehold interest; prime location.

Parksville l $2,495,000 l L&B

Campbell River l $625,000

Custom Framing & Art Supply

Floral Shop

Coffee & Tea Specialty Bar

Bright mall location in busy central location; tools and fixtures included in price.

Successful flower shop, established clientele. Nanaimo | $850,000

Nanaimo l $219,000 Wine Kitz

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR BUSINESS?

Wine kits & supplies; U-Vin on-site; central location with lots of traffic. Nanaimo l $189,000

Contact Gerry - one of the most successful commercial brokers on the Island!

Well established, profitable coffee/tea bar in great location. Light meals & more! Includes 2 strata lots. Parksville l $350,000

Cabinet Shop Thriving woodworking operation inclusive of land and buildings. Specializing in cabinetry and countertops. Port McNeill | $395,000

16

OCTOBER 2016

EXCEPTIONAL CABINETRY COMMERCIAL MILLWORK CAMBRIA QUARTZ KITCHENS & CABINETRY

COWICHANWOODWORK.COM

Our Compliments to Made To Last Building & RenovaÆ&#x;ons Ltd

17

OCTOBER 2016

BUILDER STRIVES FOR EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY IN EVERY PROJECT “From foundation to Made To Last: Custom Home Builder & Renovation Specialist

finish we look to make sure every detail works out the best that it can.�

D

UNCAN – Dictionary.com defines quality as: producing or providing products or services of high quality or merit. For home builder Steven Fitzpatrick the co-owner of Made To Last Building & Renovations Ltd. that definition does double duty as his firm’s primary business philosophy. “The one thing I want to make sure that comes across in this article is that we do quality work. My team and I always take care of the little details. From foundation to finish we look to make sure every detail works out the best that it can. We start perfectly square and level and we finish perfectly square and level, every time,� he explained. Opened in 2010 Made To Last has in the past six years earned a reputation for quality and an Old World attention to detail that is second to none in the Cowichan Valley, from the smallest renovation project to the most sophisticated custom built home. “For example we adjust our floor heights during framing to make sure the finished flooring products have a nice smooth transition from one product to another. Another example would be where a heated tile floor in a bathroom meets up with a hardwood product in the hallway. We adjust the heights of the subfloors and even the floor joists to make su re every th i ng tra nsitions smoothly,� he stated. “We also make sure during the framing stage that there is enough room for full trims around every door and window when we get to that part of the project. These little details can give a home a ‘wow factor’ when the final details all come together. In every project whether a large executive custom home or a smaller renovation we strive for quality workmanship and a

STEVEN FITZGERALD OWNER, MADE TO LAST BUILDING & RENOVATIONS

quality final product.� Fitzpatrick began his construction career in his native Alberta, coming by his skills naturally as his Grandfather was also a carpenter. Working for various builders he and his wife (and company co-owner) Nicole Fitzpatrick had long discussed moving to British Columbia but couldn’t decide between the province’s Interior and Vancouver Island. The answer came to him when he was offered a chance to undertake major construction projects at Crofton’s Camp Qwanoes, a youth-focused residential camp situated on an idyllic 55acre waterfront site. “We moved to the area at the end of 2008 from Calgary where I was also building custom homes. I had worked for about six years in Alberta as a custom builder before my wife and I moved to the Island,� Fitzpatrick explained. The second largest children’s camp in Canada, Fitzpatrick spent two years at Camp Qwanoes constructing a number of different structures from large wash houses to a series of cabins intended to serve as residences for the facility’s attendees. “We also carried out a lot of renovation work at the camp, so it was a great experience and offered a lot of variety,� he said. Fitzpatrick met his wife to be while volunteering at a children’s camp in Alberta so there was an almost inevitable quality to his decision to take on the Qwanoes construction assignment. “My wife was looking online and discovered there was a camp on Vancouver Island that was looking for a builder. She sent them an e-mail and the next day they gave me a phone call and said they’d

One of the keys to Made To Last’s success is the dedication to quality demonstrated by its team

Made To Last has worked on projects throughout the central Island area, including in Maple Bay like to fly me out for an interview. A few weeks later I was in a U-Haul driving out here,� he said. A builder for nearly 15 years, Fitzpatrick took the knowledge and connections he made while working at Camp Qwanoes and launched Made To Last in 2010, once the camp’s construction project had wrapped up. Today with its handpicked team of skilled and highly experienced journeymen carpenters Made To Last Building & Renovations has been responsible for constructing several custom homes and has completed countless residential and commercial renovation projects all across the Cowichan

Congratulations on your endeavours in the Cowichan Valley Coast Environmental congratulates Made To Last on their great success.

H. GODEFROY & ASSOCIATES INC.

Herman Godefroy, CPA-CGA Victor Gamble, CPA-CA

coastenvironmental.ca

250.380.1166

201-281 Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C., V9L 1T6 Phone: (250)746-6311 | Fax: (250)746-4227 E-mail: admin@hgtcpa.ca

Valley. But when Fitz patrick f i rst struck out on his own he quickly discovered that launching a fledgling business on Vancouver Island wasn’t an easy challenge to take on. It was an undertaking that required faith in the quality of the work and great deal of persistence. “When I left Camp Qwanoes I wanted to stay on the Island and do my own thing again, but it was slow and kind of tough to get started, I was literally going door to door looking for construction jobs,� he said. Thanks to that dedicated initial SEE MADE TO LAST | PAGE 18

Building success with amazing quality service. ÂŽÂŽ ‘ˆ —• ƒ– Ž–‡”Â?ƒ–‹˜‡ ……‘—Â?–‹Â?‰ ƒ’’Žƒ—† ›‘—Ǥ Ž–‡”Â?ƒ–‹˜‡ ……‘—Â?–‹Â?‰ ‡”˜‹…‡• Â?‹– ʹͳͳnjͳͲ͚ ˜ƒÂ?• –”‡‡– —Â?…ƒÂ?ÇĄ Íť Íł ͡ ʹ͡Ͳnj͚Ͳ͝nj;͸͸Ͳ

18

OCTOBER 2016

Made To Last Building & Renovations stresses quality materials and workmanship in every project

This extraordinary kitchen is from a home that has been nominated for a 2016 CARE Award

MADE TO LAST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Congratulations to Steve and all the team at Made To Last! 3527 Cowichan Lake Rd, Duncan, BC 250.709.2361 www.cgrs.ca

effort that’s now all changed. Today, with an established track record of satisfied customers located across the region, the firm has a team of seven staff and is booked with construction projects until the middle of 2017. “There certainly has been a steady progression of growth since we got started but our big thing, the thing that sets us apart has never changed, which is quality and customer service,” he stated. “I ran into a client of mine last week, we built a house for him two years ago. He told me that despite how hot this past summer was his air conditioner didn’t kick in, even once. That’s because the house was so efficient the air conditioner wasn’t needed. For me that is real satisfaction; knowing we did the job right and that the customer continues to be satisfied.”

This custom Made To Last waterfront home is located on Thetis Island and features an open floor plan Environmental awareness is another factor that has influenced Fitzpatrick and his customers when constructing a home. “We provide many options when it comes to energy efficiency. From what the building code requires to way above

the building code for maximum efficiency. Whatever meets our client’s wants and needs. We also maintain contact with our clients after we are finished the project. They welcome us in with open arms, and call us back if they have future projects.”

For all your residential and commercial needs

Congratulations Steven. We have enjoyed working with you on many fine projects

- The Sundeck Centre Crew

250-748-1418

bryan.sundeckcentre@shaw.ca

WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU SINCE THE BEGINNING AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU IN THE FUTURE. 3136 Highfield Road | Duncan, BC 250.710.2267 www.kurtiselectric.com

This focus on quality in all aspects of construction has not gone unnoticed by the local construction industry, as Made To Last Building & Renovation has been nominated for a 2016 CARE (Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence)

We are proud to provide our services to Made To Last Building & Renovations

250.746.5484 www.livingstonesinc.com Duncan, BC

19

OCTOBER 2016

This home in Ladysmith was extensively renovated by Made To Last PHOTO BY TRACEY AYTON

This exceptional Ladysmith property is an example of Made To Last’s focus on quality PHOTO BY TRACEY AYTON

Award, the premier industry accolade for exceptional design and construction. Managed by the Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA), the CARE Awards are among the highest honours the industry can bestow on its peers. “We feel honoured to be nominated for a CARE award for the category of “Best Custom Millwork” as this was our first year entering a project for the CARE awards. Over the last six years we have put together a handpicked tea m w ith some very talented men, and I believe our quality, integrity and customer service sets us apart, and it is nice to be recognized for it,” he said.

“I can walk through some of the homes I visit in preparation for some renovation projects and I can’t help but think to myself ‘how did they (the original builder) get away with doing this?’ when I see some of the work that’s done. Our level of finishing and our standard of building are simply superior, which is something I’ve worked hard for, and am proud of.” Prior to receiving its CAR E Award nomination Made To Last won the “Best of Houzz” Customer Service Award in both 2015 and 2016. Houzz is an online resource that is considered among the best industry platforms for home remodeling and design. The web-based organization has

a membership of more than one million home building, remodeling and design industry professionals – a virtual Who’s Who of the industry’s best. “One of the reasons for choosing the name we did is that we really are doing projects that are Made To Last. They’re high quality and they’re done right at every stage. We simply don’t get call backs to fix a problem that’s come up as we strive to do it right the first time,” he said. Into its sixth year in business, with a catalog of finished projects and a list of satisfied customers behind it, the award winning (and award nominated) firm of Made To Last Building & Renovations looks forward to the challenges and achievements awaiting it in the years to come. While company owner Fitzpatrick would like to see his firm grow (and envisions his enterprise taking on more new custom home construction projects) he’ll never sacrifice quality for corporate expansion. “We love it here so I’m certainly intending to stay in the Cowichan Valley. The goal is simple, to keep on growing our company’s solid reputation by building high quality custom homes and doing quality renovations.”

For Fitzpatrick the company’s future growth is linked to the amount of work it can complete without surrendering quality or the personal level of service his clients have come to expect. “We have the right team in place to maintain the quality workmanship and customer service we provide while growing our company and taking on more custom home builds and renovation projects,” he said. “Find ing the right tea m of people hasn’t been easy. It’s hard to come by quality guys with a

vast skill set and integrity. However, we have such a talented and highly skilled team of which I am very thankful for.” Quality in all aspects, from design right through to the handing over of the keys, is the hallmark of any Made To Last project. That’s the philosophy the company was founded on, and it’s the foundation on which Fitzpatrick and his team hope to build for the future. The company can be found on Facebook and online at: www. madetolast.ca G. T. BURDGE DESIGNS

Always proud to work with Made to Last

250-709-9643 www.acebobcat.com

Congratulations C i to Steve and the team on all of your success.

Gordon T. Burdge AScT. RBD 4350 Kingscote Road Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N2

250-743-5044

CONGRATULATIONS

Made To Last Building & Renovations on your reputation for excellence.

Congratulations on all your success from the FBM Plumbing team

DĂƐƚĞƌ ƌĂŌ &ůŽŽƌŝŶŐ ĂŶĂĚĂ ŝƐ Ă ƉƌŽƵĚ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ DĂĚĞ dŽ >ĂƐƚ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ Θ ZĞŶŽǀĂƟŽŶƐ

2358 Seine Road Duncan, BC V9L 3B1

250-709-5663

fbmplumbing@gmail.com

250.597.2653 | www.360comfortsystems.com 1059 Canada Ave, Duncan, BC V9L 1V2

ϮϳϮϳ :ĂŵĞƐ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ƵŶĐĂŶ͕ sϵ> Ϯzϭ WŚ͗ ϮϱϬͲϳϰϴͲϵϵϳϳ ŝŶĨŽΛŵĂƐƚĞƌĐƌĂŌŇŽŽƌŝŶŐ͘ĐĂ

Midas has been helping motorists on the island for over 45 years and in Nanaimo for over 40 years. The 7 Midas locations on the Island service more than 40,000 vehicles every year.

TRUST THE MIDAS TOUCH 7 LOCATIONS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND www.midas.com

COMOX VALLEY

OCTOBER 2016

TAKE THE FLOOR SPEAKER PROMOTES CHAMBER VISION

COMOX VALLEY DIANNE HAWKINS

O

ctober is small business month in British Columbia and the Comox Valley Chamber is celebrating with five events planned to inspire, motivate, facilitate, and grow business in our community. The first Wednesday of each month The Chamber is hosting a Coffee Talk for Chamber members to learn more about Chamber benefits and how we can help your business thrive. All Chamber members are welcome. The first in the Chamber’s Speaker series on October 6 –Take the Floor -was a huge success with Eric Termuende speaking about optimizing workplace culture and energizing the audience with inspiring ideas. Eric’s talk shifted perspective for most business owners and had people rethinking how to better

engage employees and attract future employees. More Take the Floor speaker series events are planned for 2017. Each Take the Floor will focus on the Chamber’s Vision which is Community and Business Leadership through Excellence, Innovation and Sustainability by championing best practices in business. ■■■ MP Gord Johns is working with the Chamber hosting a Business Walk in Courtenay and Cumberland on October 13 to hear from local entrepreneurs about the challenges facing local business. The Chamber is thrilled to have members participate in the Business walk and round table discussion. ■■■ The Chamber is hosting a new business night for members and non-members to network with other new business owners for collaboration and information. Thanks to Nicole Cahoon CGA for sponsoring this worthwhile night at Local’s Restaurant on October 20. If you are a new business in the Comox Valley and would like to learn more contact 250-334-3234 or email events@comoxvalleychamber.com ■■■ To round out Small Business month is the October Member Mixer at Signature Oil & Vinegar

BUILDING LINKS CLARICE COTY

T

he Comox Mall, located on Comox Avenue and Port Augusta Street will be getting a makeover. A development permit application has been submitted to the Town of Comox and the owner is waiting to begin construction. The renovation includes a demolition of part of the mall that will be turned into parking and upgrades to all three floors of the building. The top floor is currently comprised of office space and will be renovated. Some office space on this level is available to lease to new tenants. A separate one-storey building will be constructed facing Comox Avenue - these units will be

available for lease. Once all approvals are in place, the owner is expected to begin construction. ■■■ The construction of new homes in the Comox Valley and Campbell River region is increasing at a pace that we have not seen for some time. Builders are getting offers on homes, almost as soon as they have started digging the hole for the foundation. We have heard from many developers who are bringing on new phases of their projects, which include about 15-30 lots per phase; almost 100 per cent of the lots are being sold to builders. Lots are being purchased as soon as the registration has been completed, and construction of the houses begin almost immediately. ■■■ According to the latest VIREB stats strong results are being recorded for the Comox Valley and Campbell River region. The 12 month rolling statistics point to increases of 36 per cent and 39 per cent respectively in the dollar volume of sales. These stats were pushed by significant increases in sales volumes in September; both

NORTHERN ROPES & Industrial Supply Ltd.

at Crown Isle Plaza on October 25. Member mixers are always fun and this mixer will definitely be delicious! Make Comox Valley Chamber events a priority and expand your network. ■■■ The Chamber wishes to acknowledge our long-term members: West-Haven Homes (24 years), Art Knapp Plantland and St. John Ambulance (23 years), OnDeck Systems (22 years); and White Spot (21 years). Congratulations to these long-standing businesses and organizations in the Comox Valley. #ChamberStrong ■■■ Welcome new members: Pacific Employee Benefits, Hanson Endeavours Inc, Deeton Consulting, Habitat for Humanity North Island and Hothouse Marketing. Serving over 500 member businesses totalling over 9000 employees; the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic resource for business. Become a Comox Valley Chamber Member today! Dianne Hawkins is president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber.com or 250-334-3234. www.comoxvalleychamber.com

THE COMOX MALL IS GETTING A MAKEOVER communities were up over 40 per cent. This level of demand and low inventories continues to drive prices up. Under these conditions, the market offers excellent liquidity; the days to sell is down to 41 in the Comox Valley, and 38 in Campbell River. ■■■ Acreages and a rural lifestyle is back in demand. The dollar volume of improved acreage sales is up over 65 per cent for the past 12 months over the previous 12 months. With a 26 per cent increase, the average price of an acreage hovers close to $640,000. The sales volume of unimproved acreages is up 50 per cent. Vancouver Island is one of the hot spots in BC where buyers are coming to live or invest, and prices are going up in almost every region. With historic low inventories and eager purchasers, we can expect prices to continue going up

21

Industrial & Safety Supplies Fire Ext. Charging & Testing, Complete Wire Rope Rigging Shop Campbell River, B.C.

Courtenay, B.C.

Ph: 250-286-1027 Fx: 250-286-1024

Ph: 250-334-3707 Fx: 250-334-3721

Installing Peace of Mind Since 1980

" , ÊUÊ 1-/, ÊUÊ, - / ÜÊ- «iÊ, vÊ-ÞÃÌi ÃÊ Ê/Þ«iÃÊUÊ iÌ> Ê*> i Ê, vÊEÊ7> Ê-ÞÃÌi à iV > V> ÊEÊ 6 Ê-ÞÃÌi ÃÊUÊ Ã« > ÌÊEÊ i`>ÀÊ- } iÃÊUÊ ÕÃÌ Ê- iiÌÊ iÌ> ÊEÊ >à }

, Ê -/ / “A Guarantee is Only as Good as the Company Behind It”

www.nelsonroofing.com

250-336-8088 Comox Valley, Campbell River, Powell River, Vancouver

Intraworks RɝFLDOO\ ODXQFKHV

Familiar with Dropbox, Sugarsync, etc? :H QRZ KDYH D &$1$'Ζ$1 VROXWLRQ EDVHG RXW RI RXU 1DQDLPR 'DWDFHQWHU • Business ready • Fully customizable • Multi-platform support • White label & private server opportunities

ȏ :RUOG FODVV WHFKQLFDO VWD΍ • Full IT services (networking, servers, computers) • Class ‘A’ Co-location Datacenter ȏ ΖQWUD%$& VHFXUHG R΍ VLWH EDFNXS

Clarice Coty is the editor of Building Links. Contact: clarice@buildinglinks.ca or find Building Links on Facebook at www.facebook. com/BuildingLinks

ȏ :HE &ORXG VROXWLRQV

Technology... we make I.T. work!

Nanaimo: 250.729.8624 • Victoria: 250.384.8624 • Courtenay: 250.898.8624 1DQDLPR 2ɝFH %REDQ 'U DFURVV IURP 6KDZ EXLOGLQJ

intraworks.ca

22

OCTOBER 2016

BRANDING & MARKETING ARE TWO VERY DIFFERENT TASKS Professional Photographer Uses Imagery To Promote His Clients

N

A NA IMO – W hile related, professional photographer Tim McGrath emphasizes to his clients that there is a real difference between marketing and branding. “Branding tells your customers and your suppliers what to expect from you. Marketing is essentially pushing the goods and services that you produce and sell, it’s pretty straight forward,� he explained. “Branding is far more than the difference between fast food and fine dining, branding is created from within you as the business owner – who you are, what you want to be and how you want your customers to perceive you. It’s far more personal, it’s more like the restaurant’s or company’s personality, reflected in all aspects of the business.� T h e o w n e r o f I T S -Fo o d . ca, McGrath is a professional photographer who has focused on the n iche ma rket of food photography for the past decade. Working for a wide range of clients McGrath’s work is routinely used in many different marketing mediums including

This portrait of beef tenderloin typifies fine dining; customers would expect to find top flight service newspaper advertising and in online promotion, as well as in everything from menus to illustrating cookbooks. “Branding has to be an integral part of all aspects of a business and is found in everything related to that business, from the logo, to the uniforms worn, to the menu, to the website and on and on. Branding is essentially how the restaurant is perceived.� McGrath describes branding as the experience portion of the phrase: The Dining Experience. “In reality that dining experience is at least pa r tly composed of branding, the image your customers have formulated about you based on your promoted image. If reality falls short of the expectations of the

customers you might never see them again.� Marketing, McGrath explains, is a push technique, pushing a product while branding is not. “Branding is what makes you want to come back time and time again. Branding never stops, you don’t just do it once and then let it slide. It has to be employed across all venues, including in Social Media and it will touch all aspects of the business including the people you hire,� he said. “It has to permeate throughout the business, it’s like a personality. You just can’t be honest once, you have to maintain that integrity all the way through.� For more i n formation v isit the firm’s website at: www. its-food.ca

The quality of this handmade cheese cake is showcased by the details – fresh berries, not canned

Not just any pasta, but an elegant high end pasta dish, not an image for a fast food restaurant chain

$ &$ $$ # *!& ' & %! !. # $%& %$ "#! # ! %!# %! $ #% # % $%& % % # $ # $ ! ! " $ % ! # , ) $ $%& %$ # ! &$ ! + % # $% % !. # % * *!&# &$ $$ ' #! %

! % % ( * !. ' & !

- -

SALES

OCTOBER 2016

23

TROUBLE GENERATING REFERRALS? LOOK TO YOUR INNER CIRCLE Don’t overlook existing clients and customers as valuable sources for new business. If you

SALES

are providing them with exceptional (or even just

JOHN GLENNON Take Advantage of Existing Relationships If salespeople took full advantage of the relationships they have with their existing clients, most, if not all, would find cold-call prospecting to be unnecessary. Don’t overlook existing clients and customers as valuable sources for new business. If you are providing them with exceptional (or even just very good) service, they should be comfortable referring you to others…assuming that you take the initiative to ask for the referral, and assuming that you ask in the right way.

very good) service, they should be comfortable referring you to others...

Avo i d P r e-P r o g r a m m e d Responses Making a generic referral request such as, “W ho do you know that might be interested in _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _?” will likely prompt a pre-programmed answer that sounds something

like, “I can’t think of anyone at the moment.” To avoid triggering a pre-programmed response, you should frame your question in a manner that is relevant to the client’s sphere of influence—his “inner circle.” If you know that your client is an avid golfer, for instance, and his golfing foursome typically includes other local business owners, you might frame your request as follows: Tom, I’m wondering which of your golfing buddies could benefit from an inventory control system similar to the one we implemented for your Westbrook facility. Who is the most likely candidate? Ask Why If your client comes up with a name, ask why he selected that person. Then find out as much as you can about the new prospect. The more you know about the prospect, the warmer the subsequent call will be. Next, ask your client for permission to use his name when you make the referral call. For example: Tom, would you be OK if I tell Art that his name came up during our conversation? Ideally, you want Tom to not only give you permission to use his name, but offer to let Art know that you’ll be calling…or perhaps make the introduction.

Use the ‘Inner Circle’ Strategy Even i f Tom doesn’t set up the call, think about how much easier it will be to make. This is no longer a “cold” call. You know something about Art, his business and why he might be interested in your inventory control software. What’s more, Art is likely to be more comfortable and receptive to taking the call when he discovers that his golfing buddy, Tom—someone of equal business stature, another business owner—referred you. Last but not least, think about how easy it will be to get past the gatekeeper. When he asks, “What’s it about?” you simply reply, “Art’s golfing buddy, Tom Beale, asked me to give him a call this morning.” This “inner circle” strategy will also work with other potential referral sources, not just clients—even prospects with whom there is not a cu rrent need for what you have to offer. In that situation, you can still frame the request around a likely inner circle. Here’s an example: Jef f, based on ou r conversation, it doesn’t appear that I’m going to be able to help you this afternoon. Perhaps you can help me. Now that you better understand what I do, I suspect that you know another business ow ner, even a f riend ly

competitor, perhaps, who could benefit from my company’s design services. To whom should I be talking? This powerful referral strategy can be used with anyone whose sphere of influence encompasses people who fit your ideal prospect profile. You have nothing to lose by asking…and everything to gain. The Bottom Line By usi ng a n “i n ner ci rcle” strategy, Juan was able to rely far less on “cold” prospecting calls, which he didn’t like making, and far more on calls generated via referrals from happy customers. These were much easier for him to make, and far more productive in terms of opportunity development. As a result, his personal bottom line improved, and he managed to hit his quota for the quarter … a goal that had seemed all but unattainable a few weeks earlier. John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, an authorized Sandler Training Licensee. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler.com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or visit www. glennon.sandler.com. Copyright 2013 Sandler Training and Insight Sales Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.

Island roots + global resources + personal service. A formula for success.

Hayes Stewart Little & Co. (HSL)—a well-respected and established accounting firm on Vancouver Island—and its insolvency practice Hayes McNeill & Partners Ltd. (HMP) have joined forces with Grant Thornton LLP. Grant Thornton is a leading national firm and a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd., offering a tremendous range of resources, both locally and globally. This combination of leadership, experience and services will offer expanded opportunities for all of our clients. With their focus on client service and commitment to the communities of Vancouver Island, HSL and HMP are an invaluable resource for all of our clients. You’ll have access to an extensive selection of audit, tax and business advisory services, and you can expect the same personal attention that you’ve always received. Give us a call at any of our Island locations. © Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

Duncan T +1 250 746 4406

Victoria T +1 250 383 8994 T +1 250 383 4191

Nanaimo T+1 250 753 2544

a

ble

NOW PROUD TO CALL

auctions.ca

Vancouver Island

HOME!

WE HELP BUSINESSES SELL THEIR ASSETS/INVENTORIES QUICKLY & EASILY

1 888 599 2253

TH RD TH AUCTION SAT. JUNE 25 AUCTION SAT.29 JULY AUCTION SAT. OCT. @23 10:30 am 10:30am PREVIEW STARTS 9am PREVIEW ATStore 9:00AT am Over 60 Pallets ofSTARTS Hardware Inventory

1721 NANAIMO 1721Fleet FleetPlace, Place, Nanaimo 1721 Fleet Place, NANAIMO

BC Firstand Nations Art & Carvings including: New Furniture Mattress Inventory including: Totems, Masks, Original Paintings & Framed Limited Edition Dining Tables, Accent Pieces and Bedroom Suites LIGHT REFLECTORS, BALLASTS, LIGHTS, COMMERCIAL POWER TRIMMER, HEATERS, FILTERSPrints & POWER BOX

250-753-0383 or 1-844-753-0383

Mike@aubleauctions.ca www.ableauctions.ca mike@ableauctions.ca t• www.ableauctions.ca

25

OCTOBER 2016

ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS British Columbia Engineers & Architects Are Designing Tomorrow Engineers & Architects Play Integral Roles In All Aspects Of Modern Life BY DAVID HOLMES

I

t’s not an exaggeration to say that modern society, or even human civilization itself, could not have occurred without the work of architects and engineers. From the simplest lever used to pry up a stone somewhere in the ancient mists of time, to the high definition images beamed from a rover on the surface of Mars, someone had to develop the means for either of those accomplishments to occur. In a similar way the homes we live in, the buildings where our businesses are located, and all of the structures that compose our modern world owe their existence to someone coming up with an idea and then turning that concept into a practical and functioning structure. In British Columbia thousands of engineers and architects, working in hundreds of different companies and representing my riad categories of desig n

Structural Engineers are the professionals who envision and design systems that make society function

SEE ENGINEERS | PAGE 26

#1 RE/MAX TEAM ON VANCOUVER ISLAND ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE (*YTD According to RE/MAX Western Canadian Top 100 Statistics)

We are a team of educated, professionals dedicated to raising thenot bar work Most real estate agents strategic charge the same rate therefore why in our industry. Every team member is motivated to add value to our clients, with a team that produces outstanding results & superior value? beyond what is typically expected from a real estate transaction.

As us ofshow Juneyou 2016 our team the #1 we RE/MAX Team onshould Vancouver Let whatYTD, real estate can be,isand what believe it always be. Island. Educated, energetic & entrepreneurial, we’re driven to John Cooper & Sean McLintock Personal Corporation provide value in every phase ofReal the Estate process.

1 - 800 - 372 - 0 3 0 4

|

CO O P E R M C L I N TO C K . CO M

26

ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

OCTOBER 2016

ENGINEERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Both Engineers and Architects try to strike a balance between nature and society’s needs

RETIREMENT TAX STRATEGIES AND SUCCESSION PLANNING SOLUTIONS THAT PUT YOU FIRST

250-758-5557 Business Services

www.kmacpa.ca

Personal Taxes

U.S. Taxes

keep the province working, active, sheltered and progressive. Part art, part science, part human imagination either of these two related professions play pivotal roles in keeping society functioning. “In a way an engineer’s work goes unnoticed. You turn on the tap and water comes out. But in reality a great deal of engineering went into making that seemingly simple thing happen,� explained Michael Wrinch, the current President of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC). “Everyone runs water into the sink or flushes the toilet. The dirty water is gone and fresh clean water comes in. But when you think about the piping system that has brought the water in, the water treatment plants to prevent illness, the distribution systems required to bring water into the home, it’s an amazing amount of engineering and it all happens behind the scenes without anyone really thinking about it.� The APEGBC is the organization that oversees the licensing and serves as the regulatory body for the province’s professional engineers and geoscientists. Created in 1920, the Association is charged with protecting the public interest by setting and maintaining high academic,

experience and professional practice standards for all of its 33,000 plus members in BC. Those individuals licensed by the APEGBC are the only persons permitted by law to undertake and assume responsibility for engineering and geoscience projects in BC. Engineers falling under its administration include electrical engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, computer engineers, biological engineers, nanotechnology engineers and more. Essentially anyone working in an engineering field in the province falls under the egis of the Association. For architects in British Columbia the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) regulates the profession on behalf of the general public. Much like with the APEGBC, the Architectural Institute looks after professional development by offering training courses and offering other resources for practitioners of this complex and multi-faceted profession. The Architects Act, introduced in British Columbia in 1920, is the leg islation that governs the architectural profession throughout the province. Its underlying purpose is to protect the public interest. While it is specific to architects and architecture, it affects everyone including related professions, government officials, clients and the public. SEE ENGINEERS | PAGE 27

VRUHQVHQ 75,/2*<

6758&785$/ (1*,1((5,1* 62/87,216

6RUHQVHQ 7ULORJ\ (QJLQHHULQJ LV DERXW UHODWLRQVKLSV )RFXVLQJ RQ RXU UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK RXU FOLHQWV DOORZV XV WR XQGHUVWDQG WKHLU YLVLRQ QHHGV DQG WLPHOLQHV 7KH ¿UVW VWHS LV WR /,67(1 WR ZKDW RXU FOLHQW LV VD\LQJ 7KH VHFRQG VWHS LV WR '(9(/23 D GHVLJQ WKDW PHHWV WKHLU VWDWHG JRDOV )LQDOO\ ZH HQVXUH WKDW WKH GHVLJQ LV ,03/(0(17(' VXFK WKDW WKH FOLHQW V JRDOV DUH DFKLHYHG 'HVLJQV DUH GRQH WR PHHW WKHVH UHTXLUHPHQWV EDVHG RQ H[WHQVLYH LQGXVWU\ H[SHULHQFH DQG DQ LQQRYDWLYH VSLULW $Q RSHQ UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK WKH FOLHQW DQG FRQWUDFWRU GXULQJ FRQVWUXFWLRQ DOORZV IRU ÀH[LELOLW\ DQG HFRQRPL]DWLRQ RI GHWDLOV 6RUHQVHQ 7ULORJ\ (QJLQHHULQJ LV D VPDOO GHVLJQ ¿UP :H WDNH SULGH LQ GHYHORSLQJ UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK RXU FOLHQWV DQG WKHLU FKRVHQ FRQWUDFWRU 7KHVH UHODWLRQVKLSV DOORZ XV WR FOHDUO\ XQGHUVWDQG RXU FOLHQW V QHHGV DQG ZDQWV DQG WKH FRQWUDFWRU V VWUHQJWKV DQG SUHIHUHQFHV 7KHVH UHODWLRQVKLSV DOVR DOORZ XV WR PHHW VLWH FKDOOHQJHV ZLWK ÀH[LELOLW\ DQG LQQRYDWLRQ ¹ HQVXULQJ WKH PRVW HFRQRPLFDO FRQVWUXFWLRQ WKDW PHHWV WKH FOLHQW V UHTXLUHPHQWV

ZZZ VRUHQVHQ75,/2*< FD VRUHQVHQ 75,/2*< HQJLQHHULQJ OWG

'XEOLQ :D\ 1DQDLPR %& 9 7 + WHO ID[

ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

OCTOBER 2016

ENGINEERS

“Engineering really

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

does touch all aspects The act specifies the legal responsibilities for those who practice architecture, including qualifications, professional conduct standards, liability, and certificates of practice. It also establishes the authority and mandate of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, the regulatory body for the profession. In addition to providing training and accreditation the AIBC is also charged with protecting the public against problems associated with all aspects of architecture including health and safety. The Institute has created a code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that all licensed architects must adhere to and also handles complaints and enforces disciplinary action against those who have violated its strict rules of conduct. A good exa mple of a n architectural firm is Alora Griffin Architect, which operates out of Prince Rupert in Northern British Columbia. This small firm collaborates with clients to develop the budget, site and program requirements for the numerous projects it undertakes. In its literature it states: “We are committed to affordable sustainable architecture and endeavor to incorporate energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials into every design.” A partial list of the practice’s completed projects include the Kondolas furniture store in Terrace and an addition made to the Prince Rupert RCMP detachment. This company specializes in projects such as multi-family residences, commercial projects and places of worship. One example of a Mechanical Engineering firm is Sidney-based Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd. part of a truly international

of society, whether people realize it or not.” MICHAEL WRINCH PRESIDENT, APEGBC

enterprise Nicholson has been serving clients worldwide for more than 60 yea rs. T he Victoria area operation is a self-described Ring Debarker Specialist, creating products for the forest industry; the company has developed a range of debarker models to suit any application. The APEGBC’s Wrinch, himself is an electrical engineer and the owner of Vancouver-based Hedgehog Technologies Inc., a firm specializing in all aspects of electrical design, primarily for industrial clients. “One exciting part of our profession are the people I like to call Frontier Engineers, these are the people lucky enough to be working on pure research, the people who are in essence creating tomorrow,” he said. “All engineers are in reality working on new and i n novative th i ngs, but these individuals are really on the leading edge of engineering. Engineers for example developed the stents that are used to unclog blood vessels, which in a way is a mechanical engineering problem. Engineering really does touch all aspects of society, whether people realize it or not.” Courtenay-based Tsolum

& Tsable Environmental Ltd. is a good example of an environmental consultancy firm. The company specializes in areas as diverse as indoor air quality, hazardous and occupational hygiene services, grow op and drug lab environmental testing and other ecologically-based services. Kamloops based Artek Architecture is a diversified practice with an extensive experience working with an extensive experience working with government clientele, Heritage Restoration and First Nations Bands. Established in 1978 the firm specializes in industrial, institutional and commercial work, but has completed m any single family and multi-family residential projects as well. For Wrinch the aging of the profession has motivated it to make professional promotion and recruitment an increasingly important pa rt of the work of the A ssociation. “We v isit schools, we reach out to universities, and we offer an educational program to teachers to allow them to get the word out about the profession. We’ve made the job of bri ng i ng the next generation of engineers along a top priority,” he said. “The future of the profession is bright. Engineering in British Columbia is part of a growing global community of professionals who are leading the creation of the world around us every day in unimaginable ways. Engineers are an essential part of the economic engine of this province.” For more i n formation about engineering as a career choice please visit the Association’s website at: www.apeg.bc.ca To learn more about the profession of architecture as a potential career option check out the AIBC website at: www.aibc.ca

27

ISLANDER E N G I N E E R I N G

Recognized as a world leader in the craft beverage industry Proud to be supporting BC's beverage industry for over 30 years Full turnkey Distillery equipment design & manufacture

S PECIFIC

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS LTD. VICTORIA, B.C. CAN.

Complete Brewing systems Winery & Cidery equipment 3-300+ barrel tanks: fermentation, brights, serving, storage, indoor & outdoor

Specializing in Stainless & Copper Equipment Complete automation control Design & Fabrication for Breweries, Distilleries, Food Processing, Oil and Gas, ASME ASME pressure vessels Processing equipment Water treatment systems Food & beverage Custom fabrication

6848 Kirkpatrick Crescent Victoria, BC V8M 1Z9

250.652.2111 Civil Engineering’s influence can be seen and felt in all areas of urban life including its infrastructure

specificmechanical.com

ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS

28

Continuing

E D U C AT I O N IF YOU HAVE A PASSION WE’VE GOT A CLASS FOR IT.

ca mo su n. ca /ce

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL & WINTER COURSES camosun.ca/ce

250-370-3550

OCTOBER 2016

Engineering Firm Provides A True Turnkey Service Islander Engineering Specializes In Environmental & Civil Engineering

V

ICTORIA – While Islander Engineering has only existed as a separate company a short time, it brings with it decades of combined experience and engineering expertise. Specialists in civil and environmental engineering, the company is actively involved in a number of key projects across Vancouver Island. “My partner Mike Achtem, P. Eng. has been working on the Island for more than 25 years, and has been instrumental in developing successful engineering companies on Vancouver Island. He has been involved in a broad array of interesting projects including being the design lead and Program Manager at Bear Mountain,” explained Josh Bartley, P. Eng, the firm’s co-owner. Bartley, with more than a decade of civil and environmental engineering experience behind him, joined forces with Achtem to create Islander Engineering which officially launched September 1, assembling an impressive team of engineers, technologists and specialized sub consultants which provides the firm with the skills and experience needed to handle any sized civil or environmental engineering assignment. With a focus on designing municipal infrastructure a nd la nd development, Islander Engineering is a turnkey provider of engineering solutions for private and public sector clients. Trained as an engineer at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Bartley is also trained in environmental engineering, adding to the credibility and service range the company can provide. “Hav i ng tra i n i ng i n both elements provides our clients with a more multi-layered service, as environmental engineering allows us to come into a project at a much earlier stage to identify any potential environmental issues. This in turn provides real value for the client as we can offer a broader range of services and planning recommendations at the project start up phase,” he said. Wearing its two distinctive but interrelated engineering hats, Islander Engineering

Josh Bartley (right) and Mike Achtem are the coowners of the recently formed Islander Engineering

Drilling is often one step employed when conducting a preliminary site inspection of a property can offer a full menu of civil engineering services such as developing conceptual feasibility plans, subdivision and site development concepts, development proformas, and other services. In its environmental engineering capacity the company will carry out Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigations, the first step required to identify potential environmental concerns. “We will review a site’s history for example and then we wou ld prov ide our professional opinion if additional investigation is warranted. This is especially important if the site had been used for some other purpose in the past,” Bartley explained. “If necessary, we would move on to more detailed phases of the environmental investigation, such as coordinating the installation of monitoring wells. These are the sorts of functions

that would determine if site remediation is required.” New in name but experienced in the profession, Islander Engineering is excited about the future opportunities this new enterprise will take on in the years to come. Located at 485C Garbally Road, Islander Engineering is in many ways a one stop shop for professional engineering services. “As a new company we can focus on personal customer service with an emphasis on Vancouver Island based projects,” he said. “We offer a diverse range of services which really does allow us to deliver turnkey development solutions to our clients. We can take a project from raw land to a finished subdivision all inhouse. This range is one of our greatest strengths.” For more information visit the firm’s website at: www. islanderengineering.com

OFF THE COVER

OCTOBER 2016

MULTIPLEX CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

cosmopolitan city. It’ll get Nanaimo to that next level. If you want to play in the big leagues, you need big names.” The first step has already been taken, with the opening of the a liquor store at Brooks Landing owned by the Howard Johnson team, allow ing them to move their existing liquor store license from the Comox Road site in anticipation of redevelopment. W hat has given Brady and other Nanaimoites legitimate cause for optim ism rega rd i ng a n entertainment and sports complex this time has been the fact that city council and staff are on the same page in terms of recognizing the need for such social infrastructure. Now, the political will is there, unlike others, where overtures and opportunities from possible investors tu r ned t hei r attent ion elsewhere following tepid, lukewarm interest from city staff and politicians. Brady says their company currently has enlisted the services of architect Bob Richeleau of Praxis Victoria to design spaces on the property that would accommodate an entertainment and sports complex, a hotel a nd other buildings. Geotechnical work is also underway. “Bob has met with senior staff at the City, and they’ve been extremely helpful regarding relocation of some of the city services for the site. Staff h a s b een g re at to de a l with. There’s a new environment of cooperation and enthusiasm at the city,

which is very noticeable,” Brady adds. Brady says ownership is putting together a pro-forma business plan for the site, and they are optimistic that council has placed an entertainment and sports complex as one of their top five priorities. “We need to know what that means, exactly,” he adds. A WHL franchise would be a welcome tenant for such a facility, providing 40-plus dates for games, drawing spectators from across the island. W H L P resident Ron Robison says the league has had its eye on moving a WHL franchise to Nanaimo for years, providing a second team to complement the Victoria Royals that would help defray the added expense of traveling to Vancouver Island. “It’s exciting, and great to hear what’s going on,” s a y s R o b i s o n . “ We’v e been expressing interest for many years as to what the plans could be, so this is good to see.” “We’ve always been interested in exploring new opportunities for future markets,” he adds. “Nanaimo has always been at the top of the list. Being on the Island already, I think Nanaimo has potential to be an excellent WHL market.” Robison suggested Nanaimo wouldn’t be an expansion team, but rather a relocated, existing club. With a population closi ng i n on 100,000 a nd immediate market area of over 250,000, Nanaimo would be a market that is more promising than several WHL teams in much smaller markets. Having a viable arena

with a minimum 4,000 seats, is imperative for any chance of having a WHL team in Nanaimo. Robison says the league averages 4,500 spectators per game. Is the possibility of an entertainment and sports complex on the horizon enough to entice the WHL to move a franchise to Nanaimo in a similar fashion to what transpired in Kelowna? I n 19 9 5 , t h e Ta c o m a Rockets moved to Kelowna and played in Memorial Arena until the new Prospera Place was ready after the 1998-99 season. Kelowna has become a major WHL success story, and the rink became a catalyst to transforming a rundown, industrial area into the now dynamic downtown Kelowna waterfront. Nanaimo’s Frank Crane Arena is undersized and outd ate d , b ut it cou ld technically serve as a temporary home for a WHL team if a new arena was guaranteed. “We know there’s interest,” Robison said regarding Nanaimo, adding that the Kelowna situation is “not ideal, but it’s a possibility. We deal with these on a case-by-case basis. As long as there’s a guarantee that a facility would be ready by a certain date.” Brady suggests that an entertainment and sports complex, which would also attract major entertainment and concerts, and a new hotel could theoretically be ready for the start of the 2019 hockey season. Brady is pleased that “the WHL is very excited about Nanaimo. So are we, and we’re taking some important steps that could make this all happen.”

Off-road and right at home.

Nanaimo Vintner Simplifies Wine Making News Bulletin ANAIMO - A Nanaimo winemaker has a new approach to making wine, beer and cider. Mark Reheis, who co-owns Off the Vine Winemaking with his wife Cindy, has invented a device that simplifies winemaking and is now manufacturing his new product. The Vintner 225L stands about one-metre tall, is about one-metre wide and, at first glance, looks like a kitchen cabinet, but with a stainless steel front panel, hose connections and a stainless steel spout. Its outwardly simple appearance is the culmination of 12 years of refining the design.

N

Reheis, originally from the Okanagan, has been making wine for 37 years and was looking for a simpler and less labour intensive way for customers to make wine at home. “For every person that comes in here, there’s four people doing it at home,” Reheis said. “There’s quite a market out there. That’s what I want to reach.” Reheis says the Vintner 225L is the only system of its kind anywhere and requires no lifting or racking of heavy carboys. The system employs two, 25-litre, stainless steel fermenters, which once loaded with the wine, beer or cider kit of the user’s choice, are sealed to limit oxygen and light exposure to produce

better product and cleaning of its internal tubing and pump system takes only a few seconds. “That thing will make wine better than I can with the old system,” Reheis said. The system makes about 25 litres at a time in four to six weeks depending on whether it’s producing beer, cider or wine and will accept any of the wine and beer kits on the market. Each unit is hand-built and incorporates components and materials from as many local suppliers and fabricators as possible. Reheis has applied for a patent on the device and is now filling orders for the units, which sell for about $1,000 to $1,100 per copy depending on the finish requested by the customer.

29

European model shown.

When it comes to adventure, all roads lead to rough roads – and that’s exactly where this wagon shines. With 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive for traction when you need it, and off-road features that’ll make even the most gravelly rides smooth, the Golf Alltrack will give you your fill of the outdoors without emptying your pockets. Visit us and test drive one today.

The Golf Alltrack. From just $35,295.* Exceptional exists for less than you think.

Harbourview Autohaus Ltd. 4921 Wellington Road, Nanaimo, 250-751-1221,

* All prices are in Canadian dollars. Specifications, equipment, options and prices are subject to change without notice. Some items, such as wheels, may be unavailable on some trim levels when vehicle is built or may not be available in Canada. MSRP is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and excludes taxes, freight and PDI ($1,625/$1,760), levies, fees, optional equipment, license, insurance, registration, and any dealer or other charges, where applicable. Environmental or related levies and taxes may vary by juris-diction. Dealer may sell for less. “Volkswagen”, the Volkswagen logo, “Golf” and “4MOTION” are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. © 2016 Volkswagen Canada.

2016 TORCH AWARDS ...the finalists! On Friday, November 4, 2016 the most ethical and trustworthy companies in our region will be recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments, at our annual Torch Award event. The following 56 businesses are in the running to win this prestigous award!

Rosalind Scott, BBBVI President & CEO

Category: Contractors – General Classic Home Improvements (Victoria) Seabrook Developments Ltd. (Victoria) Three Guys Construction (Ladysmith) X 2 Lewis Modern Home Renovations (Qualicum Beach)

Category: Health & Wellness Comfort Keepers (Victoria) Helping Hands PSS Ltd. (Sidney) Kathleen's Yoga in a Chair (Victoria) Luxcare Lifestyle Inc. (Victoria)

Category: Plumbing Contractors Andrew Scott Plumbing & Heating (Victoria) HomeWise Plumbing & Drainage Services (Victoria) The Super Plumber (Duncan) Wade Roberts Plumbing Ltd. (Victoria)

Category: Home Improvement Bath Fitter (Victoria) Big City Glass (Victoria) Enerheat (Victoria) The Kitchen Technician (Victoria)

Category: Professional Services 4 Pillars Consulting (Victoria) Auxilium Mortgage Corporation (Victoria) Pain Free Tax & Bookkeeping Service (Victoria) The Resume Hut® (Victoria)

Category: Auto Sales & Service Alpine Auto Repair & Tirecraft (Victoria) Galaxy Motors (Victoria) Tri City Collision and Repairs Ltd. (Sooke) Victoria Mitsubishi (Victoria)

Category: Roofing Contractors High Definition Roofing Ltd. (Victoria) Oceanside Roofing Ltd. (Parksville) Proline Roofing & Gutters (Victoria) Soare Contracting Inc. (Victoria)

Category: Drainage Contractors Drainscope.net of Victoria (Victoria) Raintek Drainage & Waterproofing (Victoria) Victoria Drain Services Ltd. (Victoria) Wet Coast Drainage Solutions (Victoria)

Category: Technical Services Blackapple Cellular (Victoria) devEdge Internet Marketing (Victoria) Mid Island Computer Enterprises (Nanoose Bay) Priority 1 Computer Service Ltd. (Victoria)

Category: Heating & Electrical Contractors Gaslight Heat Services (Victoria) 4 Seasons Heating & Cooling Ltd. (Victoria) EM Electrical Contracting (Victoria) Servicexcel (Nanaimo)

Category: Customer Service Expedia CruiseShipCenters – Victoria (Victoria) Kgeez Cycle (Victoria) Momease Baby Boutique (Victoria) Spice of Life Catering (Lantzville)

Category: Movers A to B Moving (Victoria) On Line Moving and Delivery (Victoria) Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria) Stocker's Security Storage & Warehouse Ltd. (Victoria)

Category: Exterior Home Improvements & Services CBS Masonry (Victoria) CBS Stoneworks (Victoria) Friendly Giant Window & Gutter Cleaning (Victoria) Fuller Landscapes (Victoria)

Category: Cleaning Services For more information about the Torch Awards or to Balance Home Cleaning (Victoria) nominate a business for next year go to: Dri-Way Carpet & Upholstery Care (Victoria) bbb.org/vancouver-island. Luv-A-Rug Services Inc. (Victoria) Select Janitorial Inc. (Victoria)

a special thanks to our

Community Partners

*Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus used under license.

NOMINATED BY THEIR CUSTOMERS... choosen by their peers. BBB announces the 2016 Torch Awards on November 4, 2016 Visit bbb.org/vancouver-island

for more information.

WELCOME OUR NEWEST ACCREDITED BUSINESSES For more information on becoming a BBB Accredited Business call: 250.386.6348 ext. 115.

Become an Accredited Business

Archie Johnstone

Mid Island Cabinets

Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

(Parksville)

(Nanaimo)

Miss GreenClean's Cleaning

City Discount Tires (Victoria)

Service (Victoria)

DM Contact Management Ltd.

Nicholson Ventures Ltd.

(Victoria)

(Crofton)

Esso Car Clinic (Victoria)

R&R Projectz (Victoria)

Garage Door Doctor

StrongBack (Victoria)

Canada Ltd. (Ladysmith)

Terra Nova Plumbing

Leading Edge Marketing

(Courtenay)

(Victoria)

Vic City Moving (Victoria)

PORT ALBERNI

OCTOBER 2016

31

PORT ALBERNI’S ‘I GET IT’ CAMPAIGN The Alberni Valley is well-known for water sports and trails for running, hiking, climbing and mountain biking,

PORT ALBERNI

however kiteboarding and fly boarding are

PAT DEAKIN

relatively new

P

ort Alberni has launched a television advertising campaign and is getting terrific feedback on the visuals and theme. The theme acknowledges that some people don’t ‘get Port Alberni yet’ but that is all changing because more and more people do. Thanks go out to my co-collaborator Dave McCormick at the Port Alberni Port Authority for landing on the theme after several were considered then rejected by our Rebranding Team and the Mayor’s Business Advisory Council. The 30-second commercial features drone shots of some of our waterfront areas, followed by video of young people running, mountain-biking, kiteboarding and fly boarding here. Two 15-second true testimonials show young women who are new residents enjoying a fun

lifestyle, their work and friends and explaining why they ‘get’ Port Alberni. The city worked with CTV’s creative department to film the campaign which has begun airing on their channels and moves into a full online phase soon. T he A lberni Valley is wellknown for water sports and trails for running, hiking, climbing and mountain biking, however kiteboarding and fly boarding are relatively new and we welcome two businesses who are focused on those pursuits.

G i rlo n a b o a r d K ite S ch o ol opened this Spring at China Creek on t he A lber n i I n let. Girlonaboard have a quick and easy approach to learning how to kiteboard that starts with dryland training and features an all-female team. The company also astutely offers yoga and daycare services. They operate here May 1 to August 31st then move to La Ventana (Baja, Mexico) for the rest of the year. See more about them at girlonaboard.org. Aquaf light opened their f ly board operation at Klehkoot Marina on Sproat Lake this summer. Aquaflight operates here from April 1st to October 15th and there are hundreds in our community and who holiday at Sproat Lake who will testify it is also a fun and easy sport to learn. In a sma rt ma rketi ng move, Aquaflight will also bring their excitement directly to waterfront homes on Sproat Lake. See more about them on facebook.com/ aquaflightcanada. Many thanks to all those who assisted the City and CT V in t he product ion of t he commercial and testimonials including West Coast Edge ATV Adventures (westcoastedge.com), Todd MacSween Photography (toddmacsweenphotography. com), PEAK Radio (933thepeak. com), Island Health (viha.ca),

Fall Furnishing Event

Thrive Design & Apparel (thrivedesignand apparel.com), Ozzie’s Cycle (facebook.com/ozzies. cycle), Starboard Grill (starboardgrill.com), 5 Star Media Group (starboardgrill.com), Shaw Cable, Swept Away Inn and the young children and families at

our own ‘Our Town’ program. Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni. He can be reached at 250-720-2527 or Patrick_ deakin@portalberni.ca

ToREDUCE Increase Productivity & Decrease Risk - FRUSTRATION

RENT

INCREASE - PRODUCTIVITY Service your Forklifts & Pallet Forklifts & Pallet JacksJacks

3000-14,000lb Capacity ONSITE SERVICE & INSPECTION Forklift Rentals/Sales & Service * Aerial Equipment Repair 250 758 5722 * 1 866 758 5725 * www.PacificWestForklift.com

715 Finlayson St. Victoria 250.388.6663 6421 Applecross Rd. Nanaimo 250.390.1125

www.doddsfurniture.com

32

OCTOBER 2016

ADAPTABILITY AND HARD WORK SEES COMPANY THROUGH HARD TIMES Tub liner company evolves and expands to make a name in the commercial plumbing industry

A

fter working at the Victoria General Hospital for almost 30 years as its in-house plumber you’d think Wayne Fenwick would be looking forward to retirement, especially as for most of those years he was also moonlighting for his own company, Lunar Plumbing. But Fenwick was only getting; started, he wasn’t happy working for someone else, he wanted to be working full time for himself so, when he saw a new concept in bathtub repair, he began investigating further. “At the time, if your bathtub was chipped or the enamel worn off, the only choice was to re-glaze or replace,” said Wayne’s son, Terry Fenwick. “Then you’d have to hire a tile guy, get the drywall replaced and maybe even have a carpenter come in to restructure the walls. Dad found Bathsmith in 1990, a high quality bathtub refitting franchise out of England, and bought in.” Meanwhile, Terry’s path was just beginning to converge with the company’s. After graduating in

Wayne Fenwick worked for almost thirty years at the Victoria General Hospital before purchasing the Bathsmith franchise

Terry and his brother Todd with their collection of kids

CREDIT:TERRY FENWICK

CREDIT:FENWICK BATH

1988, he said, that his idea was to pursue a certificate in business administration. His dad said a plumbing course would get him a job faster. He opted for plumbing and gas fitting. “I think dad’s long term goal was to get one of his kids involved with the business so they could eventually take it over. I wasn’t sure I wanted to work for family. While getting my ticket, I worked for nine

years in commercial building, and installing gas fittings and sprinkler systems as well as taking care of plumbing needs at mills like Crofton until in 1996 I joined dad at the company.” But installing tub liners is a competitive market especially when shipping a product from out of country. When Bathsmith pulled out of Canada, Fenwick went looking for a Canadian supplier.

He found one and purchased the rights to become BC Tub Liners and a Master Dealer for Vancouver Island and then Western Canada. “We really started growing with this new supplier. As the Master Dealer, products and training would be purchased through us and then we got a percentage of any supplies needed.” Business took off and the company expanded with five installers

and five trucks. Wayne semi-retired leaving Terry to run more and more of the day to day operations. In 2005 he finally did retire, but a year later in May of 2006 he was diagnosed with cancer. “By October Dad had passed. It was overwhelming; not just losing my father, mentor and friend, but also now officially taking over a business our family was depending on. It wasn’t easy. Fortunately, we

Over the past five years Fenwick has seen dramatic growth and expansion into commercial installation CREDIT:FENWICK BATH

C

L

A

S

S

I

C

S

Congratulations Fenwick On Your

Congratulations Fenwick Bath, from your Friends at Field & Company

250-384-9301

www.fieldandcompany.ca

Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Saturday 9:00-5:00

Successful Business

250-388-4457 www.coxtaylor.ca

250.888.7446 www.rustyneon.com

840 Cloverdale, Victoria 250.475.1120 kitchenandbathclassics.com

33

OCTOBER 2016

“At the time, if your bathtub was chipped or the enamel worn off, the only choice was to reglaze or replace.” TERRY FENWICK OWNER, FENWICK BATH

With almost thirty years of experience installing tub liners, Fenwick Bath gets it done quickly and efficiently CREDIT:FENWICK BATH

Restoring and updating a bathroom takes skill, experience and a good dose of imagination CREDIT:FENWICK BATH

Congratulations to Fenwick Bath on your success!

Well Wishes to our friends at Fenwick Bath 355 Catherine St. Victoria, BC V9A 3S9

4248 Glanford Avenue Saanich 250-727-9976

120-265 Wallace St. Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B3

had key employees who knew the business and were able to help us get through.” To add to the turmoil, product for the tub liners’ franchise suddenly stopped being shipped to his company and to his affiliates. He immediately hopped on a plane and flew back to Ontario to find out why. “I couldn’t believe how poorly run the company was; the two owners were trying to devalue the company so they could buy the other partner out and clients were desperate for product. Right then I bought all the stock they had on the floor and had it shipped back home.” After making sure his dealers got

the supplies they needed, it was time to take a look at the business and in 2008 Fenwick hired a business advisor. Terry felt that as BC Tub Liners, the business was too vulnerable; his advisor suggested a name that was more general and encompassed more than just replacement tubs. “The business advisor gave us the advice to solidify our brand because it was the perfect time. We were in transition, going through so many changes already, it seemed the timing was right to take a step back and restructure the company. That’s when we became Fenwick Bath.” For several years as BC Tub Liners the company had been renting a small warehouse owned by a neighbouring builder and electrician. When he downsized, Fenwick opted to take over the entire space by offering to buy the building. “I went to the owner and told him I didn’t want to pay rent anymore, I wanted to own it; I threw him a price and he immediately put his hand out with a big grin on his face. At the time it felt great owning our building, working at creating systems and protocols and growing the business.” But in 2011, the bottom fell out of the market. “There was no work but I still had all the costs and the mortgage to cover every month. I thought we were going to lose everything. We survived though, but only with the help of a lot of dedicated people and hard work. We downsized, looked at where every dime was going, and did whatever we had to for finding business, even walking the neighbourhood putting brochures at people’s doors.” But this is not a tale of defeat and failure, it’s one of adaptability and

Island grit. Today the company has grown to six trucks with two others getting ready to hit the road. While installing safe and adaptable bathroom spaces for the city’s aging population, the company has also branched out into commercial work, winning contracts up and down the Island for places like the Ramada Duncan, Chateau Victoria, Tally Ho, Best Western, Royal Scott Inn, Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria Regent, Empress Hotel and Salty Towers. “We’re earning a strong reputation,” Fenwick proudly said. “We put together 28 rooms in eight days for the Ramada. They were very impressed and have helped us grow our name in the commercial industry.” For Fenwick, having the right people standing beside him during the ups and downs has been the backbone of the company’s growth. “Our general manager, Shawn Henry, is a friend I’ve known for nearly fifteen years. He’s been my right hand man, always there and always doing well by the company.” It has also been invaluable having an advisor help with putting ideas on paper, creating a strong vision and developing systems to make every job more efficient and cost effective. For Fenwick it’s why the business has survived and adapted over the years and it’s why this company is dedicated to helping people renew the joy of bathing! www.fenwickbath.ca

Happy to be working with the exceptional team at Fenwick Bath

www.shodor.ca

604.940.5562

34

OCTOBER 2016

Laird Wheaton Excited About New 2017 Vehicle Lineup General Motors Dealership Has Operated At Its Present Location Since 2009 BY DAVID HOLMES

N

Warmth {for the whole family} Home Heating Oil Get a

$500 Credit

For New Automatic Delivery Customers Duncan Area: 250.652.3212 Comox Valley Area: 250.338.8181 peninsulaco-op.com

A N A I MO – T h e new 2017 models are rolling in, and there are great deals to be had on the full range of 2016 General Motors products still on the lot at Laird Wheaton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac. That’s one of the key messages Mike Lax, one of Laird Wheaton’s sales, leasing and fleet team wants the car shopping public to know. “One of the products we’re really excited about is the brand new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, new for 2017,” Lax explained. A mainstay of the Chevrolet product l i ne, t he fa m i ly-f r iend ly Cr u z e sedan underwent a major redesign for the 2017 model year, introducing a sporty hatchback version for the very first time. “We received our first example in the past couple of days and we’re really excited about it. This is the first time a hatchback model has been available in this very popular car.” While a car dealership

Mike Lax is part of Laird Wheaton’s professional sales, leasing and fleet team has been a fixture at the corner of Bowen Road and the Island Highway for decades, the present Laird Wheaton GM dealership has successfully operated under that banner only si nce 2009. Located at 2590 Bowen Road, Laird Wheaton is one of the key residents of Nanaimo’s automot ive dea lersh ip corridor. “Another exciting product is the Chevrolet Volt, which combines an electric engine with a gasoline

engine so you never have to worry about being stranded. It’s such a popu la r vehicle that it’s virtually impossible for us to keep them on the lot,” he said. The 2017 model year also reflects a significant overhaul of the Cadillac luxury line with new vehicles coming on the market and updated versions of its proven products now on display. For L a x a nd t he L a i rd Wheaton sales team, there are exciting times ahead for the dealership and for the automotive loving public. “There are some huge incentives right now on our remaining 2016’s so there is a real opportunity to get a great deal on some really great cars and trucks,” he said. “We have absolutely the most used vehicles around, Laird Wheaton has the right vehicle for you. Like we say; Unbeatable Deals Every Day. See you soon under the big Canadian flag.” For more information visit the dealership’s website at: www.lairdwheaton.com

A sweet way to say ‘thanks for the business’

N

ANAIMO – Jean Farnsworth has a sweet idea for businesses to say thank you to customers. As a representative of SendOut Cards, she offers an easy-to-use on-line App that allows clients to have personalized greeting cards with sweet treats and gifts delivered (including stuffing envelopes and stamping) to friends, family members and customers. One of the most popular deliveries is a card with a decorative box of brownies, which for around $10 is delivered, postage and shipping included, to unsuspecting clients, a few days after being ordered. International deliveries are guaranteed within a week, from order to delivery. Jennie Potter is based in Port Alberni and works with Farnsworth. She got involved in the business after her husband, Dave, who operates a tree service, received one of the gifts himself. He started sending them out to his customers, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Farnsworth says “clients can design their cards however they want,” adding there are 20,000 cards to choose from, including popular Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and birthday cards. “I’m excited about it,” says Farnsworth. “I think it’s a phenomenal concept, and it’s such a great way to show gratitude, and it can be very helpful for building business. It’s great for personalized use, too. The best part is people can do all their birthday and

From left: Jennie Potter and Jean Farnsworth of SendOut Cards Christmas cards ahead of time, set to go out when they need them to. “What I really like is the compassion-side of the business,” she adds. “People don’t seem to take the time to say ‘thanks’ that much anymore, and the motto of this company is to change the world with kindness, one card at a time.” Farnsworth’s customers can do their ordering via the App, as they go through a choice of cards, messages and gifts, then clicking “send”. Farnsworth can be contacted through her website: www.sendoutcards.com/jeanfarnsworth

35

OCTOBER 2016

TRADING PLACES PAYS OFF FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE Native son returns to West Coast and creates successful business washing windows

L

ADYSMITH – Ray Hawkins started on his career path in Ontario fresh out of high school, but not the way his family might have thought. “I wasn’t interested in joining my family’s landscaping business and my friend wasn’t interested in joining his family’s window cleaning business. So we switched.� He explained that his friend worked at landscaping for the Hawkins family, while he went on to work and learn everything he could about window cleaning. He’s never looked back, eventually purchasing the window washing company. After owning the company for a couple of years, he sold it and moved to the Island, where he created and built another successful company. “I was born in Powell River and grew up in Port Alberni,� he explained. “In high school I moved to Ontario with my dad, but my grandparents and aunts and uncles were still back on the West Coast so over the years my family and I made regular visits back and forth.� But one summer, after Hawkins was married, he brought his wife for a visit and she fell in love with the Island. “As we boarded the plane to head back home, she turned to me and asked why we weren’t living here.� It took a couple of years, but eventually, in 2006, he and his wife moved to Ladysmith where he formed his company, T he Window Guy For Professional Window Cleaning. It was a good move. The window cleaning business is weather sensitive and working in Ontario meant some days Hawkins couldn’t work. “I have a new philosophy now. If there’s snow, there’s no work. It just isn’t safe.� Being that snow

For Professional Window Cleaning t $PNNFSDJBM t 3FTJEFOUJBM t 1SFTTVSF 8BTIJOH t (VUUFST

Pressure washing removes mildew and extends the life of your deck CREDIT:RAY HAWKINS

“As we boarded the plane to head back home, she

ÂŤ Put a little sun in your life!Âť the-window-guy.ca

CREDIT:RAY HAWKINS

turned to me and asked why we weren’t living here.� RAY HAWKINS OWNER, THE WINDOW GUY

Year round maintenance packages ensures clients can always enjoy their beautiful views CREDIT:RAY HAWKINS

days are few and far between on the Island means Hawkins works most days and he’s happy with that. It keeps him and his two employees busy. It wasn’t an easy start though. Creating a business from scratch in a community where no one knows you was challenging. “Basically, I started knocking on doors, handing out cards, sending out flyers and investing in some paid advertising. I had experience running a business so I knew what I needed to do to get it going; get my name out there and meet people.� Once Hawkins built his reputation and developed regular customers though, he began to notice a need for additional maintenance services. “In Ontario, I just washed windows, but my clients here were

Congratulations on a Job Well Done

(250) 591-6877 UIFXJOEPXHVZ!TIBX DB

Ray Hawkins started his career path fresh out of high school when he switched places with his friend.

800-867-1831 info@squeegees.net www.canadacleaningsupplies.com

Some of the Window Guy’s clients book four years in advance. CREDIT:RAY HAWKINS

also requesting things like gutter cleaning and power washing driveways and decks and properly hand washing vinyl siding.� He added that though cleaning siding is intensive work, it needs to be done by hand and not with the pressure washer which damages the finish. Not everyone has time or desire to do that so Hawkins now provides that service. The process eliminates mildew

Wishing you continued success (250) 245-8803

laymangroup.com info@laymangroup.com

build up, while the chemicals used are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Hawkins said that business is booming. He’s in an industry where clients book regular maintenance well in advance. With over 100 commercial buildings to maintain and his regular homeowner clients, he and his crew are always busy. “We have year round maintenance packages our commercial clients use so they don’t have to worry about getting us in at the last minute.� He said it’s a good feeling knowing you have work in the present and into the future and are providing a service that people need and appreciate. “Not everyone likes cleaning windows,� he said. “I enjoy it

and it’s provided my family with a good living.� Even after 20 years, Hawkins said he likes his job, for the variety, the different places he’s seen, and the unique situations. “Our clients range from the small store front to four story high apartments to the front of a house perched over the ocean. There’s never a dull day.� His business is aptly named. He explained that over his years of window washing he got called ‘that window guy’ quite often so it was a short journey to calling the company the same name. “We’re recognizable and easy to remember,� he said and after all, it’s who he is. The Window Guy is at 250-591-6877. www.the-window-guy.ca

36

OCTOBER 2016

MACAULAY CONTINUES NOTARY LEGACY Tony MacAulay takes over the reins of McLane & MacAulay Notary Corp

P

ARKSVILLE - The story of Parksville based McLane & MacAulay Notary Corp office is one of stability, trust, and friendship. It’s also a story of a new owner, of long-term professional employees and of a continuing legacy of community trust and confidence. Originally launched by Dudley Wickett, the company was sold to Daryl McLane in 1986 who then served clients in Parksville and area for the next thirty years. It was several years ago (ca. 2012) that McLane approached Roland Wickett, the son of Dudley, to ask for ideas as to who might be a good fit as his successor. Besides the professional qualifications required, McLane was looking for someone who would live out the commitment and dedication his clients have come to expect and enjoy. Without hesitation, Roland recommended approaching Tony MacAulay. One of the major questions to be addressed before making a final decision, however, was McLane’s concern that any new owner would be willing to stick

Tony MacAulay

“Just taking care of peoples’ questions and issues and helping them through life is what intrigued me.” ANTHONY (TONY) MACAULAY

Daryl McLane (L) and Tony MacAulay (R) in front of company logo

OWNER, ANTHONY MACAULAY NOTARY CORP.

with the business even if other opportunities presented themselves; willingness to put down roots on Vancouver Island was also important to McLane. Those concerns were quickly addressed and resolved. “He was young and smart and he had the ambition to become successful. Also, he looked at Parksville and saw that it was a nice place to raise his family. I was pleased to meet him,” McLane told Business Examiner Vancouver Island. MacAulay, his wife and son (“my second son was born here, on Vancouver Island, in Nanaimo in the Spring of 2015”, MacAulay noted) were living in the Lower Mainland at the time but a call to move to Vancouver Island was a welcome one. His wife already had roots in the Parksville community and he was ready and happy to leave the crowds and traffic of the Fraser Valley life. Things were looking positive for both McLane and

MacAulay. It took little time before MacAulay accepted the offer with enthusiasm but also with the realization that this would entail a major transition for him and for his family. Following his formal acceptance of McLane’s offer, the hard work began, beginning with the gruelling regime of returning to school to achieve the academic qualifications needed for this major shift in his life’s work. Though years of education were just the beginning, MacAulay faced them with enthusiasm. “I hadn’t been thinking about a change [of career] because I was satisfied with what I was doing; when the invitation came, however, it opened new doors of opportunity,” MacAulay said. New doors, new opportunities and a dramatic change of career perfectly described the next several years. Prior to returning to school to prepare himself for his new profession as a notary public

Buying or Selling a Home? Visit Your BC Notary!

and his new position as a business owner, MacAulay was employed at a dispatch manager at a trucking company in the Lower Mainland, he’d worked on a commercial fishing boat and at a sawmill as well at several other positions in the timber industry. Now, instead of the great outdoors, he was seated in a classroom. “Although I hadn’t anticipated the change, I could see myself in the legal field. Just taking care of peoples’ questions and issues and helping them through life is what intrigued me,” he continued. The transition wasn’t quick or simple, though. At MacAulay’s request, McLane’s delayed his retirement by a year in order to allow MacAulay to earn his acceptance into the Society of Notaries Public of B.C. and to complete his Master’s of Applied Legal Studies from Simon Fraser University. Throughout that time, he benefited from McLane’s mentorship and the support of the company’s

Todd Sjogren Investment Advisor

Trusted

#1-220 West Island Highway Parksville, BC V9P 2W3 Tel: 250-248-2489 Toll Free: 1-800-330-1644 todd.sjogren@nbpcd.com www.toddsjogren.ca

Legal Advice & Services

Dorothy Clarkstone NOTARY PUBLIC

Congratulations Tony & Staff 23 Years of Serving the Valley!

www.notaries.bc.ca 1-800-663-0343

250.723.9747

4679 Elizabeth St.

MEMBER

dorothy@dclarkstone.ca

BMO Wealth Management is the brand name for a business group consisting of Bank of Montreal and certain of its affiliates, including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., in providing wealth management products and services. ® “BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal.

37

OCTOBER 2016

Company logo

Staff members, Left to Right: Cynthia, Katja, Brenda and Claudia employees. “The transition went very well. Tony and I partnered up, or you could say that I mentored him, as did our staff. What was really important was that Tony wanted to learn the ways of the legal field. He picked up on the unique style and language of the profession easily,” McLane added. McLane noted that a new person may be qualified but without experience. During those two years of practical experience MacAulay learned to deal with different people, different situations and their expectations. Part of the learned transition, McLane noted, was given by the “excellent staff.” One of the company’s long time employees is Claudia. She had worked for the firm since the early 1990s and continues to work for the company. She recalls the transition as going very smoothly. “There is always some hesitation after you’ve worked for one person for such a long time but the

AGS AGS & RICOH Are Proud to Support Anthony MacAulay

1.866.248.4251

www.agscanada.com

two-year transition went quickly and everything went very well. From what I’ve seen and from what’s going on, Tony is doing very well,” she noted in a conversation with Business Examiner Vancouver Island. As in any major change in life, it’s important that some things do not change and for MacAulay, his goal of helping others has remained a priority and a guiding principle in his life. Even in a major decision to change careers there was no wavering. Now that he finds himself in the position of owner and employer, his personal and professional standards and his obligation to keep his word as well as his desire to continue to helping others has been unwavering. His commitment to uphold the reputation and customer service earned by his predecessors has added new and welcomed layers of opportunity to his life. One i mpor ta nt element i n

maintaining the same level of service to clients was the decision by three staff members to remain with the firm; another has been added to the roster of employees. Current staff members include: Katja, Brenda, Cynthia and Claudia. “Katja is the receptionist and she’s the initial point of contact for all conveyancing files. Brenda works on wills, power of attorney files and representation agreements. She works with me on that and she does a lot of the communication with clients,” MacAulay said. Cynthia is the newest conveyancer at the office with responsibilities to care for client files. “She started here while taking the legal secretary course,” he added. Claudia, with her approximately twenty-five years of experience in the notary public has been invaluable in the ownership transition. “She has been a key ingredient to

Sandra John Commercial Account Manager-Small Business Parksville, Qualicum & North Nanaimo Area

220 W Island Hwy Parksville,BC V9P 2G9 sandra.john@bmo.com 250-951-6158 Visit us at www.bmo.com

From all of us here at HollisWealth in Parksville, we would like to congratulate and welcome Anthony MacAulay to the Oceanside Area! Carol Plaisier, Chris Mohr, ƌŝĂŶ ,ĂŐĞĚŽƌŶ Θ ^ƚĂī 250-248-2399 www.holliswealth.com

my success and that of the office. I have and had great staff to help me out. It’s been a tremendous asset, stepping into ownership and not having to figure it all out on your own,” MacAulay added with appreciation. Upholding the firm’s reputation, combined with the recent surge in the property sales and the everchanging laws concerning wills and power of attorney, have all contributed to the on-going success of the firm. “There is a large volume of work being generated by the current real estate market. A lot of work is being done by realtors in the area and we work closely with them to process sales and mortgages. Also, because of new laws regarding wills and power of attorney, both these areas of work have skyrocketed,” Claudia noted. But no matter how active the

external markets, it’s the integrity and consistent service of the company that has made the difference. From the company launch by Dudley Wickett all those years ago to McLane’s exemplary thirtyyear record of service to the community and now to this next step in the company’s journey, Parksville and area clients have come to know and trust the knowledge and service of the company now known as Anthony MacAulay Notary Corp. “Advertising focuses on what we do but I want to emphasize what we are. Our goal is to maintain the trust and tradition of service that Daryl was known for in the community,” he repeated. A nthony MacAulay Notary Corp. is located at #1 - 141 Memorial Ave in Parksville. Visit www.parksvillenotarypublic.com

A proud supporter of the legal community.

parksvilledowntown.ca

Thank you, Tony, for choosing Parksville Downtown!

www.stewart.ca

McGORMAN MacLEAN

Chartered Professional Accountants

Congratulates Anthony MacAulay Notary Corporation mcgormanmaclean.com

250 248 3211

85% SOLD

FEATURE PROPERTY

ONLY 2 UNITS LEFT! For Sale or For Lease 1825 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo Quality Strata Office/Retail Building

i High traffic, central location i 1388, 1769 or 3157 sq ft (combined)

INDUSTRIAL Green Rock Industrial Park

7478 Island Hwy, Merville

4 - 2525 McCullough Rd

1900 Griffiths Road

95% SOLD

Opportunity to position your business in this new industrial development in central Nanaimo. 1 acre lots available. For Sale | Prices Starting at $499,000

Approx. 8 acres Heavy Industrial zoned property; includes small home and 2,500 sq ft shop. Great potential!

1441 Island Hwy E, Nanoose

Island Hwy S, Union Bay

For Sale | $589,000

Well-finished 2,521 sq ft strata unit with 3 offices, reception, washroom and mezzanine. Zoned I-3 High Tech Industrial. For Sale | $429,000

3645 Tralee Road, Qualicum

9.6 acre development site with possible subdivision potential. Prime central location. Zoned I-1 Light Industrial. For Sale l $2,945,000

INVESTMENT 102-1811 Comox Ave, Comox

Opportunity to purchase unique 2.56 acre Industrial 1 zoned property in Nanoose Bay. Great Potential!. For Sale | $1,329,000

APPROX. 66 ACRES WATERFRONT & 35 ACRES FORESHORE LEASE

Highway access; multi-zoned Rural & Industrial Marine; partially developed.

Approx. 6 acres near Hilliers; includes home and 2 industrial buildings; zoned MU-1 Mixed Use.

For Sale | $2,995,000

For Sale | $998,000

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 600 Hellesen Drive, Tofino

2414 & 2430 Island Hwy E, Nanoose

Rare Opportunity - In popular tourist destination community, this 10 acre property has approx. 400 feet of oceanfront; zoned Tourist Commercial.

Excellent 5.7 acre development opportunity, 3 parcels with a long-term tenant in place on one parcel. Commercial zoning.

For Sale | $4,250,000

.For Sale | $2,500,000

COMMERCIAL STRATA UNIT Approx. 5,381 sq ft quality strata unit in prime location with plenty of parking, tenanted by Scotiabank. For Sale | $1,495,000

COMMERCIAL

2601 Mission Rd, Courtenay

Retail, Commercial & Warehouse

Highly visible 2.8 acre development site adjacent to the newly constructed Comox Valley Hospital. For Sale | $1,960,000

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL MIX 20,000 sq ft building on .65 acre in Coombs. Ideal for owner-occupier &/or lease a portion of the premises. For Sale | $998,000

Information contained herein has been obtained from the owners or sources deemed reliable by NAI Commercial Central Vancouver Island Ltd. While we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, we regret we cannot guarantee such information. All measurements and other information herein should be independently verified by the reader or prospective user and is subject to the user’s own inspection of the premises and due diligence work and to the user’s satisfaction with the results of such review.

39

OCTOBER 2016

AIRBNB VACATION RENTALS – ARE THEY PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE?

ROGER MCKINNON

T

here are approximately 4,700 A i rB N B u n i t s i n Vancouver, with an estimated 3,800 on Vancouver Island. T he rea l ity is these rental u n its avoid paying a variety of taxes and fees that a hotel or Bed & B re a k fa s t op erat ion would pay. These include higher commercial property tax rates, as well as sa les a nd room ta xes – which represent up to 30 per cent of the costs of a regular room rate. At the moment, A irBnB hosts, in many cases, do not pay a ny th i ng i n regards to municipal or provincial ta xes or any of t he nu merou s ex t ra

fe e s p a i d b y t h e h o te l industry. C o m m u n i t i e s a c ro s s Vancouver Island have all, to some degree, started to begin grappling with how to respond. In some cases, they are facing resistance from local BNB operators, who want to keep earning that extra money. Tofino Council is cracking down on illegal bed and breakfast accommodations and short-term nightly rentals through websites like AirBnB. The issue has come to the fore over concerns that Tofino does not have enough a f ford able hou si ng for either its seasonal workforce, or its year-round residents living on more modest incomes. Other cities, such as Kelowna a nd K a m loops a re a lso consideri ng some ty pe of action. Free enterprise a nd competition is g reat. However, I say: Let’s all play on a fa i r a nd level play i ng field. Hotels and B&B’s, for example c ol l e c t a t wo p e r c e nt tax that goes to further promote their respective

com mu n ities, a nd help tourism. They also have business licenses, and inspections for health and f i re protect ion, wh ich adds costs and of course, is needed for the safety of their guests. There is also insurance, s e c u r i t y, a n d b u i l d i ng costs t h at a l l need to be factored i nto t he equation. I believe AirBnB operators need to be held to the sa me reg u lations and standards as hoteliers and Bed & Breakfast operators. Take a closer look at AirNB hosts: Inspect them, license them, and tax them the same as a hotel or a B&B. M a k e Va n c o u v e r I sla nd the sta nda rd that the rest of the world can use as an example of how new emerging businesses should be run. Roger McKinnon is a wellknown Vancouver Island businessman, who owns and operates the Old House Hotel & Spa in the Comox Valley. He can be reached at rogermckinnon@shaw.ca.

BUSINESS WALK COMING OCTOBER 20TH

CAMPBELL RIVER COLLEEN EVANS

T

he Cha mber’s second annual business walk is taking place on October 20th. W hat is a Business Walk? A “Bu si ness Wa l k” is a day dedicated to taking the pulse of our local businesses by conducting face-to-face surveys with ow ners a nd m a n agers. Local leaders visit each bu si ness to gat her t he knowledge they need to help bu si nesses t h r ive and prosper. Reasons for conducting the Business Walk: ■ To understand the

success a nd obstacles to doi ng business in Campbell River; ■ To c on n e c t fa c e to face w ith local businesses and lea rn from each other; ■ To celebrate, promote and retain local businesses; ■ To p r o v i d e l o c a l businesses with i n for m at ion a nd access to resources and services to help their businesses prosper; ■ Identi f y common themes and key i nd icators for business action and advocacy. What will we do w i t h t h e i n fo r m a t i o n collected? A n i mp or t a nt s tep i s ta k i ng ti me to a na lyze the survey information gathered to identify common themes for action. The Chamber will create a simple report that will convey highlights of the walk and an action plan that will allow the business com mu n ity to see where their input is being

applied. You c a n get i nvolve d by becoming a business walker. T here are multiple volunteer teams of no more than two to three people walk from business to business, asking five questions. T h e p r e p a r e d q u e stions are meant to keep the visit casual. The visits are short, 10 minutes or less, to respect business ow ners’ t i me a nd shifts are 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. We a s k o w n e r s a n d managers to please welcome Business Walkers i n to yo u r b u s i n e s s o n October 20th and take a few minutes to share your insights. If you would like to become a B u si ness Wa l k Volu nte er ple a se c ontact t he A sh leig h Wi lson, Member Serv ices, M a rket i n g a nd Event s Coordinator by email or phone: 250-914-1144 Colleen Evans is CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at colleen.evans@ campbellriverchamber.ca

Regional Real Estate Market In A Transition State Lower Housing Inventories Could Put Upward Pressure On Prices

N

A NA I MO – O ne inescapable part of life is that nothing stays the same, and real estate is no exception. On Vancouver Island, the real estate market is currently undergoing the kind of unpredictable change that leaves buyers uncertain about the price they can expect to pay for a future home. At t h e fo u nd at ion of any successful business lies supply and demand. When a healthy demand for a product meets an equally healthy supply of that product, the marketplace remains in balance. When supply exceeds or fails to meet demand, an imbalance occurs and price fluctuations typically result. On Vancouver Island, the supply of available properties is diminishing while the demand for high-quality, sharply priced properties shows no sign of abating any time soon. Statistics released by the Vancouver Island Real E s t a te B o a rd ( V I R E B)

“In other words, the local market is hot and increasingly dynamic, with little sign of slowing in the near future.” JOHN COOPER CO-OWNER, COOPER | MCLINTOCK & ASSOCIATES

indicates that the inventory of single family homes for sale has decreased by a full 38 per cent compared to a year ago. Statistics show that this year there are 235 fewer homes for sale within the VIREB coverage area. These shrinking inventory levels are reflected right across the board with 39 per cent fewer apartments and 32 per cent fewer townhomes available for sale as well. W hat does this mean?

Quite simply, the buyer’s market that has existed on the Island for the past few years is transitioning into a seller’s market. If demand for Island properties continues, the gradual reduction in supply can’t help but encourage a rise in prices as more buyers contend for fewer homes. It’s unlikely that prices will skyrocket like in the Lower Mainland, but there could be some definite upward pressure in the coming months. If you’re a buyer, there is no better time than now to secure your dream property as prices are not likely to decline in the near future. As a seller, you are in a position to receive more positive attention as there is greater demand for your product. In other words, the local market is hot and increasingly dynamic, with little sign of slowing in the near future. For more information, Joh n ca n be reached at 250-751-1223 or by e-mail at john@coopermclintock. com.

75%

of employers rate workers with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder as GOOD TO VERY GOOD on performance Inclusive Hiring Works www.readywillingable.ca

40

OCTOBER 2016

CHANCE ENCOUNTER LEADS TO UNEXPECTED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Enriched elder care gives residents a family feel in a home like atmosphere

L

ADYSMITH - Serendipity happens in the most unexpected ways. For Jamie Looten, it was through the government census. “It started while I was working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at the hospital,” he explained. “The long hours didn’t leave me much time with my kids.” He and his partner, dietary specialist, Amanda Fox, pondered owning their own residential care facility, researched what it entailed and realized it would suit their lifestyle well. But how to find the right fit? Enter the census lady. “She phoned collecting general information for the government census, asking me what I did for work and what my future plans were,” he said. “I mentioned we were thinking about doing home care at home and she said she knew a guy who knew a guy who was selling his residential care home.” Needless to say, they got the house and are now living and working at Arbour Cottage, a home catering to seniors at any level of health from independent to palliative care, for long term or respite. The couple lives on site with Fox preparing food, and Looten and three, part-time care aids providing personal and medical care. “We installed a walk-in jetted tub to make it easier for our residents to get in and out of the bath and did some touching up throughout the house and garden.” Between Fox and Looten, they have a blended family of four with the 6, 7 and 12 year olds sharing time with their other parent and the one-year old baby living onsite with mum and dad. “T he k ids a re a h it w ith the residents,” sa id Looten,

Jamie and Amanda’s now oneyear-old baby is a hit with the residents CREDIT:JAMIE LOOTEN

“especially the baby. Its handy living where you work as when it gets a bit busy, the kids just head downstairs into our suite.” The Cottage has five rooms that are used for seniors. Up till a few months ago it was home to four occupants but a couple recently passed away and now there are two in their 80’s and 90’s. One room is kept for respite care which can range from one or two day stays to as much as a month. “We have one gentleman who comes for a couple of weeks each month. It gives his main caregiver a chance to relax and take a break.” Looten said that he and Fox put a lot of time and effort into providing activities that support independence. “One of the ladies helps with the veggies for dinner and because we live in the house, there is always someone around to engage in conversation or to participate in outside activities.” Licensed through Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Cottage provides the full spectrum of care from giving injections, dispensing medication and communicating with doctors. An exoil patch worker, Looten became

Residents with family enjoy a meal prepared by Amanda in the cottages kitchen CREDIT:JAMIE LOOTEN

“I love my work. I come from a very different industry, but I followed the path I needed to and am now doing something worthwhile.” JAIMIE LOOTEN, LPN OWNER AND MANAGER, ARBOUR COTTAGE, LADYSMITH

Arbour Cottage has five rooms used by seniors with one of the rooms dedicated for respite care CREDIT:JAMIE LOOTEN

an LPN in 2014 after first earning is Registered Care Aide (RCA) certification. “I love my work,” he said. “I come from a very different industry, but I followed the path I needed to and am now doing something worthwhile.”

(250) 245-8803

laymangroup.com info@laymangroup.com

Congratulations Arbour Cottage!

Respite & Long-Term Care Professional Care Services In a Place that feels like Home

Mon. to Fri. 9 to 8, Sat. 9 to 6, Sun. & Holidays 12 to 5 www.ladysmithpharmasave.com Locally Owned & Operated

T here are no restrictions on family visits and a hairdresser and foot care nurse are available for regular home sessions. Looten said that running this kind of home, at home does have its challenges, when it gets busy they don’t get as much time off, and they are always on call. In the long run however, they both feel strongly about the service and care they provide and the experience it provides for both the seniors and their kids. A rb o u r Cot t a ge i s at 17 B a d en-Powel l S t re et i n Ladysmith www.arbourcottage.ca

ARBOUR COTTAGE

RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Proud to support Arbour Cottage

His partner feels the same, she’s been a dietary specialist for more than 10 years, with experience working in a hospital setting. “Amanda loves to cook and is trained for a wide variety of special dietary needs, including diabetic and cardiovascular and the different types of textured meals.” He added that Fox cooks everything from scratch with many products purchased from local farm markets. Fully secure with locked doors and an alarm system, families can be assured that wanderers won’t be able to leave unattended.

Book an Appointment to Visit

Ladysmith

250-245-2700

info@arbourcottage.ca

WHO IS SUING WHOM

OCTOBER 2016

WHO IS SUING WHOM The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a third-party resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT 0978794 BC Ltd 3-4488 Wellington Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank of Canada CLAIM $132,296 DEFENDANT 0978796 BC Ltd 3-4488 Wellington Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Business Development Bank Of Canada CLAIM $ 132,296 DEFENDANT 331399 Alberta Ltd 141 Summit Dr, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF All Island Equity Mortgage Investment Corp CLAIM $ 555,925 DEFENDANT Akros Holdings Ltd 2961 Adye Rd, Victoria, BC

PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply Parksville Limited CLAIM $ 25,241 DEFENDANT Bayside Mechanical Ltd 204-655 Tyee Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Olympic International Sales Ltd CLAIM $ 10,612 DEFENDANT Belmont Meat Products Ltd 230 Signet Dr, Toronto, ON PLAINTIFF Spence, Mike CLAIM $ 17,251

PLAINTIFF Nagra Holdings Ltd CLAIM $ 21,534

PLAINTIFF Kahn, Larry CLAIM $ 12,750

Triton Automotive and Industrial Ltd CLAIM $ 188,827

DEFENDANT Evans Bay Contracting Ltd PO Box 596, Heriot Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Inlet Navigation (1985) Ltd CLAIM $ 40,201

DEFENDANT Group3 Homes and Developments Ltd 102-1497 Admirals Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF BG Granite Ltd CLAIM $ 7,192

DEFENDANT Sea Power Marine Centre Ltd 602-732 Broughton St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Wiseman & Mills CLAIM $ 5,639

DEFENDANT Executive House Ltd 837 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yap Chung, Edwina CLAIM $ 12,483

DEFENDANT Joe The Bartender Ltd 301-1321 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF 382786 BC Ltd CLAIM $ 25,216

DEFENDANT Garden City Developments Corp 4654 Boulderwood Dr, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority CLAIM $ 24,670

DEFENDANT Living Forest GP Ltd 21-21 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Corix Water Products (GP) Inc CLAIM $ 69,358

DEFENDANT Clear Marine Inc 602-732 Broughton St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Wiseman & Mills CLAIM $ 5,639

DEFENDANT Garden City Tree & Landscape Ltd 104-9717 3rd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority CLAIM $ 24,670

DEFENDANT Mark Hanna Holdings Ltd 3816 Island Hwy West, Qualicum Beach, BC PLAINTIFF Coast Outdoor Advertising Ltd CLAIM $ 6,170

DEFENDANT Dicks Fish and Chips 660B Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC

DEFENDANT Green Estates Ltd 966 Eaglecrest Dr, Qualicum Beach, BC

DEFENDANT Mountain Lake Construction Ltd 210-737 Yates St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF

DEFENDANT Best Rate Movers 3082 Albina St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Yellow Pages Digital & Media Solutions Ltd CLAIM $ 11,337

41

DEFENDANT Twenty Ten Developments Ltd 7045 Aulds Rd, Lantzville, BC PLAINTIFF Armtec LP CLAIM $ 6,313 DEFENDANT Viberg Boot Manufacturing Ltd 4th FLR 1007 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF GAO, QI CLAIM $ 8,296

height adjustable desks encourage frequent posture changes to provide healthier and more productive work environments. www.graphicoffice.com

R

GRAPHC I OFFICE INTERIORS

Š2013 Steelcase Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks used herein are the property of Steelcase Inc. or of their respective owners.

1751 Sean Heights Saanichton BC V8M 0B3 P. 250.544.3500 #104-335 Wesley St Nanaimo BC V9R 2T5 P. 250.741.8996 E. info@graphicoffice.com www.graphicoffice.com

OCTOBER 2016

NORTH ISLAND Port McNeill Municipal Airport at 1001 Airport Road has been awarded the BC Aviation Council’s 2016 William Templeton Trophy. The Port McNeill and District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Chamber Awards Gala on October 21 at 6:30 at the Lion’s Hall on Mine Road. The Chamber welcomes new members Your Garden Angel/ The Garden Shack, Sonya Strang and Kids in Motion. Jonathan Paquin has been named the North Island’s new Conservation Officer. Prior to this position Paquin worked as a Fish and Wildlife Officer in Alberta. He is originally from Campbell River.

CAMPBELL RIVER

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

a First Nation Consultation Specialist for the Province. Grieg Seafood ASA announces the appointment of Rocky Boschman as the new Managing Director of Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. in Canada. Grieg Seafood’s office in Campbell river is at 1180 Ironwood Road. Sushi House recently celebrated their grand opening at 1342 Shoppers Row. Saratoga Beach Golf Club at 2084 Saratoga Road in Black Creek is under new management, led by General Manager Norm McLaren. Willow Point Dental Clinic welcomes Dr. Neel Minhas to the practice at 200-2116 South Island Highway. A tip of the hat to Tyee Marine upon celebrating their 70th anniversary in business. They’re at 880 Island Highway. Rehabilitation in Motion welcomes Krysta Wark to their team of physiotherapists at 1371 Greenwood Street. Campbell River Council has awarded a $436,500 contract to Corix Water Products for the design, supply, manufacture, assembly, testing, delivery, supervision of installation, start-up and commissioning of three vertical turbine pumps to supply raw water from John Hart Lake to the new water treatment building and Campbell River’s water distribution system.

Barcadium Amusements is now open at 2703 Dunsmuir Avenue. Ski Tak Hut is celebrating their 40th anniversary. The local business opened at 267 Sixth Street recently for this year’s ski season. Top Shelf Feeds has opened a new location in Courtenay at 2901 Moray Avenue. Laura Bomback is the owner of Bomback and Company, previously Stanfield and Co., at 104389 12th Street. Rally Co, Practical Goods for the Heart is now open for business at 338 Fifth Street. The store mainly features Canadian-made smallbatch handmade items. Courtenay Kia‘s top saleperson of the month is Nick Copeland. Courtenay Kia is at 1025A Comox Road. Keith Parry, a music professional who recently returned to the Comox Valley from Vancouver, will be assuming a role teaching business music courses at North Island. Kindermusik with Carol Anne has expanded to include a new location operating out of the Comox Valley Presbyterian Church at 725 Aspen Road. Premier Skin Laser and Bodysculpting Clinic celebrated their grand opening at 105-501 4th Street recently. The Comox Valley Small Business Association presented Kathy Sekulich with its New Business of the Year award at the organization’s annual awards reception. North Island College’s online science and technology lab won a silver medal at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Awards of Excellence in Vitoria, Brazil. NIC’s Remote Web-Based Science Lab (RWSL) placed second in the Access to Learning and Employment category – beating out a vocational college in China, which places third.

43

PARKSVILLEQUALICUM The Nurture Collective recently held their grand opening at 124 Alberni Highway. The store is focused on the health and well-being of families. Pharmasave Qualicum Beach owners Sandy Conn and Briana Barker celebrated their 35th anniversary on September 23 at 720 Memorial Avenue. Hilliers Gourmet Foods reopened for business following closure over the summer holidays at 3065 Van Horne Road. Chinook Scaffold is aiming to open their new location at 1152 Herring Gull Way in Parksville before the end of October. They’ll keep their head office at 10th Street in Nanaimo. The new Trails End Diner is opening soon across from the Errington General Store. Debbie Jarvis has opened Iris and June Floral Boutique at 155 Morison Avenue. In addition to selling flowers, Iris and June offers gelato, jewelry, vases and more. Jarvis is formerly from Fort St. John. Foundation’s Clinic has opened their multidisciplinary health clinic at 172 Weld Street in Parksville. Ortho Depot shoe store has moved back to Parksville at 3-162 Harrison Avenue.

PORT ALBERNI Doug and Sandi Smith are the new owners of Port Alberni Marine Fuel and Services Ltd. on Tyee Pier, at the new Tyee Landing. The area has been without a fuel dock since 2008 when Columbia Fuels shut down their dock at Harbour Quay. SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 44

COMOX VALLEY Craig Willett of Bailey Western Star Trucks Ltd. The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce held their annual Business Excellence Awards October 1. This year’s recipients are: Craig Willett of Bailey Western Star Trucks Inc.: Board of Governors Award; Campbell River Mirror: Community Spirit Award; School District 72 Campbell River: Diversity Leadership Award; Holly Hill Farm: New Business of the Year Award; Skye Avionics Ltd.: International Export Award; ASAP Geomatix: Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award; Strategic Natural Resource Consultants Inc.: Excellence in Workforce Development (over 50 employees) and Business of the Year (over 50 employees) Award; Chan Nowosad Boates CPA: Excellence in Workforce Development (under 50 employees) Award; Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North: Not-for-Profit of the Year and Social Enterprise Award; Kelsey Anglin: Young Professional of the Year Award; Balance Equestrian Centre: Business of the Year (1-5 employees); Bailey Western Star Trucks Inc.: Business of the Year (6-25 employees); Dolphins Resort: Business of the Year (26-49 employees) Award. Oak Bay Marine Group (OBMG), which owns and operates Painter’s Lodge in North Campbell River and April Point Resort on Quadra Island, has announced that a sale is pending on both properties that is expected to be finalized in December. Kevin Simonett Law Corporation at 103-300 St. Ann’s Road welcomes Gary McLelan to the law firm as a Designated Paralegal. Gary is a former Campbell River lawyer who practiced law for a number of years and then worked as

Jim’s Clothes Closet will be doubling their presence in downtown Courtenay this fall, with a newly renovated space next door to their current location at 235 5th Street. The store has also expanded off of Vancouver Island and opened a location in downtown Prince George. Murphy Beds by Inspired Spaces, which manufactures Murphy Beds and a complete line of custom furniture, has moved to a new location at 2703 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay. Robbins & Co. Chartered Accountants is expanding their Courtenay office to accommodate additional staff. Brent Haines and Scott Willie have opened t The Tool Shed at 561 East Island Highway. Comox Valley Airport communications and marketing manager Christianne Wile is taking over communications at the Comox Valley Regional District. The Glacier Greens Pro Shop on Knight Road has been awarded the Golf Shop of the Year Award for Vancouver Island for the third consecutive year. Assistant pro Brian Wise has been named a PGA of BC candidate for membership for Vancouver Island. The Fireplace Gallery at Rainforest Outdoor Living celebrated their grand opening at 241 Puntledge Road in Courtenay recently. The Comox Strathcona Waste Management board voted to award a $7.4-million contract to Maple Reinders Inc for the design and construction of the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre leachate treatment facility. Eyes on the Harbour Optometry is celebrating their 30th anniversary at 1805 Comox Avenue.

ÊÝã Ê ÝãÊÄ ÊÄ Ä W®þþþ ^ Ä® « « ͮ s® ãÊ ÊÙ®®

> Ù ®Ä ÖÙÊò® ®Ä¦ Ý®¦ÄͲ 箽 ͕ ' Ä Ù ½ ÊÄãÙ ã®Ä¦ Ä ÊÄÝãÙç ã®ÊÄ D Ä ¦ à Äã ^ Ùò® Ý ÊÄ s Ä Êçò Ù /ݽ Ä Ä ã« >Êó Ù D ®Ä½ Ä ͘

ÊÃà ٠® ½ ■ çãÊÃÊã®ò ■ Z ã ®½ /ÄÝã®ãçã®ÊÄ ½ ■ /Ä¥Ù ÝãÙç ãçÙ ■ /Ä çÝãÙ® ½

ŶLJƚŚŝŶŐ ŝƐ WŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘ EĂŶĂŝŵŽ ϮϱϬ͘ϳϱϲ͘ϵϲϲϱ ■ sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ ϮϱϬ͘ϱϵϬ͘ϳϴϮϬ ǁǁǁ͘ŝǁĐĚ͘ĐĂ

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

44 MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

Beaver Creek Home Centre recently completed their renovations at 4643 Gertrude Street. AV Financial recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. This year, owner Aaron Vissia rebranded the business at 4855 Johnston Road as AV Financial with a new look and new website. Rosemarie Buchanan is retiring and will be selling Alberni Valley Clean Team at 5281 Wilkinson Road to Beccie Brennan of West Coast Cleaning. Kathy Anderson has returned to the Wizard of Paws following a five year hiatus. Kitsa Tutoring is celebrating their fifth anniversary at 5100-E Tebo

Avenue in Literacy Alberni. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Port Alberni Salmon Festival and Derby. The family-friendly event celebrates the heritage of the Port Alberni community and their world famous salmon run.

TOFINOUCLUELET John Robertson is the new General Manager at the Tin Wis Resort in Tofino. Greyhound Canada is transitioning operations of the current terminal in Campbell River to Tofino Bus All Island Express at 346 Campbell Street. Tofino Bus All Island will

continue to provide connecting service to Greyhound. The local company took over Greyhound Canada’s North Island routes last fall. Westcoast Inland Search and Rescue’s president Tim Webb was recently the recipient of the Volunteer Service Award. The award was granted by the City of Tofino. Tofino council launched the Volunteer Recognition Award program in April 2013 as part of an effort to recognize and reward locals who spend time bettering the community. Ucluelet RE/MAX real estate agent Bruce Johnson recently finished his trip motorcycling across Canada raising funds and awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network. He began August 1 at St. John’s Janeway Children’s Hospital and visited all 14 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Canada through the month, raising $100,000 in the process.

PHOTO CREDIT HEYDEMANN ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

NANAIMO Join Conductor Pierre Simard & the Vancouver Island Symphony for our NEW Thursday Series, Symphony SoundBites! 5 pm Appealing Appetizer Bites and 5:30–6:30 Concert OR 7:15–8:15 Concert followed by Delicious Dessert Bites! No Host Bar.

SERIES SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSOR

Thursday October 27, 2016

French Spirit

...funny, elegant & very French!

www.vancouverislandsymphony.com

Andrea Van Rossum of Coastal Community Credit Union Andrea Van Rossum is moving on from Coastal Community Credit Union to a position as an Advertising and Promotions Specialist at 460 Communications. BCAA recently celebrated the grand opening for its first auto service centre on Vancouver Island at 6581 Aulds Road. The District of Lantzville has hired Jeannie Beauchamp to be their permanent full-time director of financial services. The Vancouver Island Conference Centre will be hosting Nanaimo’s 9th Annual Business Expo October 20. An array of panelists will present on government and private sector support for small businesses providing insight and tips on how to grow business. Dean Philpott at RE/MAX of Nanaimo is pleased to welcome his daughter Kate as the newest member

OCTOBER 2016

of “The Bald Guy Real Estate Team”. The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has named Mayfair Shopping Centre and Woodgrove Centre as a Silver Award winner in the multi-centre channel marketing category for their “Gift the Island” campaign. In partnership with Mayfair, Woodgrove rolled out a co-branded gift card pilot program to stimulate sales, entitled “Gift the Island” in Dec., 2015. The ICSC announced the winners of the 2016 Shopping Centre Awards in Toronto in September. Neon Nail, Salon and Spa celebrated their grand opening at 105-1825 Bowen Road recently. COCO Café is one of 18 North American winners of the Ruderman Best in Business Award for their support of people with disabilities. The award, presented by the Ruderman Family Foundation, recognizes business’ in North America that have a history of employing people with disabilities, supporting and training them and developing approaches to maximizing employee’s abilities. COCO Café is at 4A-1840 Cedar Road in Cedar. AC Taxi is celebrating their 50th anniversary in business. Their office is at 835 Old Victoria Road. Sears celebrated the grand opening of their parts depot in midSeptember at 4750 Rutherford Road in Nanaimo North Town Centre. The Thinking Garden Early Childhood Centre opened Sept. 12 operating out of Woodgrove Christian Community Church. Thinking Garden offers full-day, half-day, kindergarten preparation classes and morning and afternoon preschool classes for children between the ages of three and six. Phyllis Carlyle has been hired as new chief administrative officer of the Regional District of Nanaimo. Most recently, Carlyle served as general manager of law and community safety for the City of Richmond. Jessica Dawe is the new manager of the Island Roots Market Co-operative’s Winter Farmer’s Market. The City of Nanaimo has named Brad McRae as their first chief operations officer. Brad left a position as the District of Lantzville’s chief administrative officer to take on the new responsibilities. The District

of Lantzville has hired Fred Manson as interim chief administrative officer. Local cyber-security firm Hyas was awarded the Best Startup Award in a competitive field at the 2016 Banff Venture Forum. Hyas is at 320-256 Wallace Street. Nanaimo lawyer Sandra Dick has been appointed to the position of BC Supreme Court master. Waffle Magic is now open at Unit B – 427 Fitzwilliam Street. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Vancouver Island (CHBA-VI) recently held its AGM and elected a new board. The Board of Directors has announced that Jason Schmidt of Pheasant Hill Homes is the new president, taking over from Past-President Byron Gallant from B.Gallant Homes. New directors are: John Drazic, Peter Schultze, Mike Delves, Blaise MacDonald, Jason Schmidt, Ron Bickford, Anu Mayer, Greg Martin, Byron Gallant, Michelle Woodruff, Kelsey Botting (executive officer) and Sean Mahon. Indulge Hair and Esthetics has moved from Fourth Street to 21-1406 Jingle Pot Road. Cheryl Lynn Densky notes that Monarchy Boutique is opening at A1-418 Fitzwilliam Street. Bert King and Kelly Bradshaw have a new law firm at 155 Commercial Street called King and Bradshaw. Julia and Daniel House are opening Maison Cookware & Bakeware in the former Herbal Magic location beside Mark’s Warehouse in north Nanaimo. Vancouver Island Insurance Centres has re-branded as Waypoint Insurance Services Inc., with an eye towards expanding their business model and services outside their current geographical boundaries. Global Village is setting up again at Longwood Station next to MVP Modern Barbers. Jerry Zimmerman notes that Car Brite is opening at 2000 Boxwood Road. There are new owners at Pipers Pub, which is expected to open soon. Commercial heavy duty truck dealer PNR Western Star is opening on Boxwood Road beside Bartle & Gibson. The Edge Barber Shop is now open at #4-2220 Bowen Road next to Sports Card Alley across from Quality SEE MOVER’S AND SHAKERS | PAGE 45

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

OCTOBER 2016

MOVERS AND SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

Foods at Beban Plaza. Arbutus Distillery has opened The Arbutus Lounge - Nanaimo Craft Cocktail Lounge on Boxwood Road. Classic Care Carpet will be moving to Northfield Road by November. A&M Marine Inc., a marine canvas manufacturing business, has opened at 1690 Stewart Avenue. Paul Robson has been appointed General Manager at Nanaimo Honda, and Bruce Newton is the new Sales Manager at the Bowen Road car dealership. Faye Drope and Brad Rembold are pleased to note that Sand Dollar Mortgage has moved from 406 Harwell Place to 101-1801 Bowen Road. The Matthew J Vanden Hooven law office has opened at at 120-256 Wallace Street. Simon Rado is the new owner West Coast Daily Deals. Indulge Hair and Esthetics held their grand opening in Hawthorne Corner recently. Peter Moss is pleased to note that AGS Business Systems has opened their fourth office on Vancouver Island, and first in Victoria, at 132 Blanshard Street. Lordco Auto Parts Ltd. is expanding their retail/wholesale store at 6580 Island Highway North. New Line Products Ltd. on McCullough Road is moving to Wilfert Road. Holdfast Metalworks Ltd. is constructing a new building at 1061 Maughan Road. Monk Office is celebrating their 65th anniversary. The company has nine locations across Vancouver Island. The Snuneymuxw First Nation’s celebrated the official grand opening of the Snuneymuxw Community Building recently. The 1,400-square-metre building includes a gymnasium, multi-purpose room, commercial kitchen and meeting space. The Community Centre is at 1145 Totem Road. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will host the annual Green Building Series October 28-29 at Oliver Woods Community Centre. The Series will kick off with a one-day training course on Passive House Design and Construction.

LADYSMITHCHEMAINUS Old Town Bakery recently took over the space next door in the same building at 510 1st Avenue to expand their services. The local bakery has added a coffee bar, additional seating and another cash register to better serve their clients. Owners Kate and Geoff Cram are also in the process of adding a kitchen in the space next door and plan to offer an expanded menu by November. Canvas Plus is moving to 428 1st Avenue from 11 Buller Street. John Surtees personal real estate corporation is celebrating his 10th Anniversary with RE/MAX Ocean Pointe. B&H Tire at 9351 Trans Canada Highway in Chemainus marked their 60th anniversary September 29-30, as owner Tim Hollett invited customers and friends of the dealership to celebrate. Triple T Flooring has opened at #9-1156 Rocky Creek Road in Ladysmith, featuring laminates, hardwoods, tile and natural stone. Sassa’s Home and Garden Care is a new business in Ladysmith. Chakalaka Grill will be opening soon just north of Ladysmith. Anne Manning is pleased to note there is a new Mexican Restaurant opening in Ladysmith in March.

45

Riot Brewing Co. will be opening in Chemainus by November. A new fitness centre is opening beside the Sawmill Taphouse in Chemainus.

COWICHAN VALLEY Vancouver Island’s Hayes Stewart Little and Co, is merging with Grant Thornton LLP. Hayes Stewart Little and Co, a professional advisory and accounting firm, has locations in Duncan, Victoria, Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Local chef Dan Hudson recently celebrated winning $10,000 on an episode of Chopped Canada. Hudson was one of the original owners of Hudson’s on First restaurant in Duncan, and he is currently working temporarily as a chef at the Malahat’s newly opened Villa Eyrie Resort. He is expected to soon begin working with Liz and Lance Steward, owners of Duncan’s Craig Street Brew Pub, Just Jake’s restaurant and Jakes at the Lake. Simply Smiles Denture Clinic is now open for business at the Valleyview Centre. The clinic is owned and operated by denturist Charity Wararuk, who recently took over the practice from the retiring Edi Wragg. Encore Limousine Service is celebrating their 10th anniversary. They’re at 895 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Road in Mill Bay. The Family Business Association for Vancouver Island (FBAVI) announces that nominations will be accepted for the 2017 Family Business Excellence Award (FBE Award) until October 14. The celebration gala will take place on February 9, 2017 at the Beach House Restaurant in Victoria, BC. Don Hatton from the Hatton Insurance Agency, has been included in Insurance Business magazine’s Elite Broker’s list, which recognizes 57 brokers leading in the Canadian insurance market. This marks Hatton’s third year making the prestigious list in his four years running his agency at 495 Trans-Canada Highway. Denise Augustine, the Cowichan Valley school district’s district principal of aboriginal education has been awarded this year’s Indspire award for Leadership. The Indspire Awards were created in 1993 in conjunction with the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own achievers. The Duncan Wellness Centre has hired acupuncturist, Jet Li. Jet Li is a registered acupuncturist in BC and is also a philosopher and Tai Chi teacher. Duncan Wellness Centre is at 80 Station Street. Footwear Centre owner Dot Lungal has finalized the sale details of the business to Denise Allan, who owned and operated the Bottle Depot until its sale and closure in August. Footwear Centre is at 42 South Shore Road in Lake Cowichan. Duncan-based Central Vancouver Island Nurse Next Door Home Care Services was named the 2016 Nurse Next Door franchise of the year from nearly 100 franchises across North America at the organization’s annual conference in mid-September. Duncan Tailors has moved from 161 Jubilee Street to 5858 Kinch Avenue, near the Cowichan District Hospital. Madman McKay’s Audio Shack celebrated their grand opening at 5275 Trans-Canada Highway recently. Lombard Pre-cast has announced plans to open a facility at 4315 Hillbank Road, just south of Duncan. There will be a Pacemart Convenience Store opening at 216-80 Station Street in Duncan in October.

Locally Owned & Operated since 1993 We Service what We Sell 951 A Canada Avenue Duncan (250) 748-4847

Cowichan Commons (250) 715-1599

Now Open Thursday & Friday until 7 pm

Serving all of Vancouver Island

Email: Info@FinelineMarking.com Phone:

1 888 227 5043

Website: www.finelinemarking.com

OPINION

46

OCTOBER 2016 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Vancouver Island Office 25 Cavan Street,Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 1.778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca

PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Lise MacDonald SALES | Shawn Bishop – shawn@businessexaminer.ca, Josh Higgins – josh@businessexaminer.ca, Joanne Iormetti – joanne@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Julia MacDonald, John MacDonald, Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Linda Wenger WEBSITE | John MacDonald – john@businessexaminer.ca

CANADA NEEDS PRIVATE HEALTH CARE. YES, WE REALLY DO

MARK MACDONALD

C

a nad a needs to have a p r i v a te h e a l t h c a re system. Not a private-only system, where it’s user-pay all the way, and the worst horrors of U.S.style hospital visits are inflicted on the under-insured. Not one that eliminates public health care. But one that complements the existing Canadian health system. You know, the one that ensures lengthy waiting lists for those who can endure pain. The one that somehow, incredibly, many Canadians believe is “free”. T he reason Canada needs a private alternative is that the a i l i ng publ ic hea lt h system needs competition. Competition is good. It is a necessary challenge that causes everyone to look within for improvement, to hone existing operations and search for efficiencies. It needs assistance in

reducing and eliminating wait lists for treatment and surgery. It is with great interest that we watch Vancouver’s Cambie Surgery Centre’s lawsuit in BC Supreme Court, challenging current restrictions on private health insurance and allowing doctors to bill for additional services. Make no mistake: This is an important court case. You can tell by the level of vitriol and rhetoric being spewed by opponents and high-priced lawyers. They rightfully recognize th is cou ld be the proverbia l thin edge of the wedge to allow greater private sector health care opportunities. Their over-the-top arguments pronouncing that a favourable jud g ment by t he cou r t w i l l result in the annihilation of “free” public health care is predictable. And in some corners, effective. When public sector unions empty their coffers, set their hair on fire and threaten what has become this most basic of Canadian necessities, a lot of citizens take notice. Except perhaps now, enough Canadians realize that we’re long past the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” stage. Canadian he a lt h c a re i s broke, a nd it needs fixing. And no, the answer to Canada’s health woes is not more f u n d i n g . T h a t’s t h e o n l y

solution floated by any institution a nchored by a publ ic sector union: More money will cure all. It’s a self-serving and naïve notion, at best. T here i sn’t enoug h money to fix Canada’s public health industry. T here are systemic problems that more dollars can’t fix. W h e re d o w e s t a r t? W i t h the fact we don’t have enough doctors, and those who receive t hei r educat ion a l accred itation abroad fi nd roadblock after roadblock awaits them for obtaining the green light to practice in Canada? Or the fact that the College of Physicians and Surgeons – representing the cu rrent med ica l practitioners, is often fingered as the biggest obstacle newcomers face. Something doesn’t look right, when a professional association representing doctors is the sole overseer to decide whether or not to allow more doctors in – who could become their competitors. Yes, even the current public health care system needs a private alternative for ailing Canadians. Competition is necessary to keep it on its toes, a nd lo ok for i mprovements within. Can we finally lay to rest the my th that our health care is “free”? Our burgeoning Canad i a n he a lt h c a re costs a re

covered by high taxes and fees from other aspects of the federal budget, and topped-up if necessary from provincial coffers. T h e fa c t of t h e m at ter i s, if something isn’t done, and done quickly, 100 per cent of a province’s budget could be consumed by health care funding alone, leaving nothing else for anyone or anything else. Sewer, water, highways, income assistance for those in need. Operating the government, period. P r ivate he a lt h c a re won’t “skim” off the top of the public system, as opponents accuse. Looking at it from a business perspective, the first priority of a private operation would be to address the immediate need: Those on waiting lists. People are on waiting lists because someone deemed them a bl e to w it h s t a n d t h e p a i n and discomfort for a certain amou nt of ti me. Otherw ise, t hey wou ld b e lo oke d a f ter immediately. The truth is, plenty of people on those waiting lists are already look i ng elsewhere for solutions to their pain. They’re looking at alternative methods for health improvement, or heading to the United States – and other countries - for joint repl acement su rger y. T hei r i nvestment of thousa nds of dol la rs that were otherw ise

sitting in their bank account means they are now pain free, and able to enjoy life. If they have the means, why prohibit them from finding a healthy solution? Isn’t that what health care is supposed to be all about? On severa l occasions, I’ve written about the possibility of First Nations health care becoming an alternative to the nationa l prog ra m. I f a Fi rst Na t io n d e c i d e d to p ro c e e d with becoming an alternative health care provider, with their newly established treaties in hand, they could tell the federal government to butt out of their business and stop trying to hinder this move towards economic self-sustainability, and recognizing the opportunity that sits there in front of them, waiting for a solution. T hey cou ld ci rcu mvent t he Canada Health Act, plain and simple. Until that happens, we await with anticipation the court’s ju d g ment on c a se s l i ke t he Cambie Surgery Centre. If the CSC is successful, a solution is on the way. I f i t i s n o t, t h e n t h e p rescription is longer wait lists, incessant cries for increased funding. And more trips abroad - and money leaving Canada for those seeking private health help – wh ich is ava i lable i n other countries.

SMALL BUSINESS DISAPPOINTED AS BC SIGNS ON TO DEAL TO HIKE CPP PREMIUMS 70 per cent of business owners forced to freeze or reduce wages; announcement comes as BC kicks off Small Business Month

CFIB DAN KELLY

T

he Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) was disappointed by the recent announcement by the BC government that it has signed on to a mandatory expansion of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which comes with significant costs for small businesses and their workers. BC now joins the

federal and provincial governments – outside of Quebec – in giving the green light to CPP expansion across Canada. “Given t he federa l budget commitment to consult before expanding CPP, small business owners expected an opportunity to express their views prior to a final decision. Unfortunately, only the governments of British Columbia and Quebec gave their residents that opportunity,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly. Most Canadians don’t know how the CPP works or what proposed expansion would mean. When presented with the details about the size of the proposed CPP tax increase, more than 70 per cent of business owners said they will need to freeze salaries and benefits to accommodate the hike, and more than a third said they may have to eliminate jobs. According to an Ipsos poll of more than 2,000 employed or retired Canadians conducted in

late August, 40 per cent of Canadians falsely believe the government pays for part of their CPP, only 26 per cent know it will take approximately 40 years to fully phase in expanded benefits, and 71 per cent do not realize current retirees get nothing. “While we fully appreciate that Canadians support the concept of additional CPP benefits, no one has informed them that there is likely to be a secondary effect on their wages,” Kelly added. The Ipsos poll reveals Canadians overwhelmingly oppose CPP expansion if it results in a cut – or even a freeze – in their wages. “With a flat economy and yesterday’s announcement of five years of increasing carbon taxes/ pricing, I’m not sure where our governments think small business owners and employees will find the money to pay for seven years of CPP hikes,” Kelly concluded. “T he announcement today is even more d isappoi nt i ng

considering it is Small Business Month in BC. These new payroll costs are anything but small business friendly,” added Richard Truscott, Vice-President, BC and Alberta. CFIB is calling on the federal government to reinstate its promise to cut the small business corporate tax rate to nine per cent and is asking the federal and provincial governments for further actions, including a freeze in the minimum wage and lower payroll taxes like Employment Insurance and workers’ compensation premiums. Dan Kelly serves as President, CEO and Chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). In this capacity, Dan is the lead spokesperson and advocate for the views of the Federation’s 109,000 small and medium-sized member businesses.

SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: SECOND WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Vancouver Island, 2016. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240

LAW

OCTOBER 2016

47

LEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO USE SOCIAL MEDIA LAW

This also means that some

Stick to the facts

reviews are harmful to the reputation of a business, as

Y

E L P i s a n on l i ne service that was founded in 2004 to help people find local businesses. People can establish a YELP account for free. Similarly, businesses can setup an account for free, post photos and send messages of special offers to their customers. YELP makes money by selling ads to local businesses, such as dentists, pet sitters and moving companies. A feature of YELP is the ability of a customer to post a review of a business after he or she has used the serv ices or products of the business. Each review ref lects a customer’s personal experience and “tells it l i k e it wa s”. T h i s m e a n s that some of the reviews are beneficial to the reputation of a business, as they are “glowing” reviews that describe a positive experience. This also means that some reviews are harmful to the reputation of a business, as they are “critical” reviews that describe a negative experience. Y ELP does not permit paying advertisers to cha nge or

they are “critical” reviews that describe a negative experience

Michael Cooper and Doug Thompson of ThompsonCooper LLP re-order the reviews they receive. YELP recently advised that some customers have received legal threats from businesses after posting critical reviews. In some cases, legal proceedings have actually been com menced. One exa mple g iven was a dentist, who on five d i fferent occasions has initiated legal actions against customers (former patients) who posted critical reviews. Another example given was that of a professional pet sitting company who sued a customer after a critical review suggested that the pet sitter had killed their fish. Another

exa mple g iven was that of a moving company who sued a customer after a critical rev iew awa rded them just one star. The objective of such legal actions is to get the critical reviews taken down. YELP has ex pressed concer n t h at t he threat of legal action will silence customers who wou ld otherwise post critical reviews. In order to combat this activity, YELP has tagged certain business accounts with a “Consumer Alert” which is reproduced below: Consumer Alert: Questionable Legal Threats This business may be trying

to abuse the legal system in an effort to stifle free speech, including issuing questionable legal threats against reviewers. As a reminder, reviewers who share their experiences have a First Amendment right to express their opinions on YELP. F re e d o m of s p e e c h i s e nshrined in United States law as part of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. In Canada, our equivalent is “T he Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms”, which lists “fundamental freedoms, including “freedom of thought, bel ief, opi n ion a nd ex pression”. Unlike their American counterparts, Canadian judges have given more weight to the value of personal reputation than to free speech. I recommend that Canadian customers posting critical YELP reviews stick to the facts. Any embellishment that goes beyond the facts may give the business or an individual from the business a n open i ng to sue u nder the laws of libel.

ISLA OWNEND OPER D & SINCE ATED 1968

If your Company is considering Office Technology changes in 2016 be sure to call Bob or Laura for a no obligation consultation. Whether you’re looking to replace an aging printer/copier or would like to learn how your existing technology can integrate document workflows to increase productivity, we can help!

GOT AN IDEA?

Multi-Functional Systems Managed Print Services Document Management Solutions

Let us help you protect it.

Wide Format Plotters

Thompson Cooper is Victoria’s leading source for legal advice focused on intellectual property.

Scanning Systems Network Printers NANAIMO 33-1925 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1

VICTORIA Bob Janes Managing Partner

104-3375 Whittier Ave. Victoria,BC V8Z 3R1

Laura Bauder Account Executive DTHOMPSON@TCLLP.CA | 250 389 0387 | WWW.TCLLP.CA

w w w. i s l a n d o f f i ce. c a | 1 - 8 7 7 - 7 1 6 - 3 5 7 7

When in Campbell River stay at the Coast

DI Restaurant Open Everyday - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Happy Hour 4-6pm - $4 drinks & Half Price Appetizers The Coast Discovery Offers; • Meeting/Catering for groups of 2-150 • Free Parking, Wi-Fi, Workout Facilities & Breakfast • Special Island Saver Rates for those Residing on Vancouver Island • Marine Wing Newly Renovated 975 Shoppers Row, Campbell River For reservations call

250.287.7155 or visit www.coasthotels.com

After a Long Stressful Workday Connect with Friends at Coast Minnoz Lounge

Minnoz Lounge Open Everyday Happy Hour 4-6pm Minnoz the Place to Connect; • Half Price Appetizers 4-6pm weekdays • Delicious Food & Drink Specials • 3 Course Prime Rib Feature Friday/Saturday Night $35 11 Bastion St, Nanaimo For reservations call

250.824.0167 Special Island Saver Rates for Those Residing on Vancouver Island - Phone Direct for Rates

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.