Business Examiner Vancouver Island - May, 2020 by Business Examiner News Group

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MAY 2020

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Challenging times present opportunity. With a significant shift towards a Work From Home culture, we at the Business Examiner have taken the time to update our layout for more straightforward online consumption. On the top right of all odd numbered pages you will see a House icon. Clicking this will take you directly to the “nside This Issue section. Clicking on stories will take you directly to them. You, our readers, now have the ability to interact with nearly all elements of the publication. You can connect directly to the websites and social media channels from advertisers and the companies featured, as well as view videos within each issue. Videos are marked with a red Play icon. This transition towards an interactive digital magazine will evolve in the coming months, and we welcome feedback. Please reach out to John at info@businessexaminer.ca,, with the subject line “Feedback” to give us your thoughts. Best of luck in the coming months as we press forward together. John MacDonald, Director, Business Development

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7 BUSINESS IN BRIEF

10 GREATER VICTORIA

15 TOURISM VICTORIA

17 NANAIMO

MAY 2020

ASTRA BAY CONSTRUCTION FOCUSES ON WATERFRONT HOMES COWICHAN VALLEY

34 WHO IS SUING WHOM?

37 WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

PORT ALBERNI

38 6

D&D SERVICES WELDING & FABRICATING BUILD COMMUNITY TIES AS TOUGH AS STEEL

42 MOVERS & SHAKERS

40 OPINION

MAY 2020

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

BRUCE WILLIAMS NAMED NEW CEO OF THE CHAMBER

HELIJET PARTNERS WITH BC CANCER

VICTORIA

The Board of Directors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has selected Bruce Williams to become the organization’s next CEO, effective June 15. John Wilson, chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors, says Williams was chosen after a rigorous process that examined an extensive list of candidates from across Canada. Williams had been serving as interim CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, which evolved from an economic development committee that originated with The Chamber. He is co-owner of the Spark Strategic Group and has served as a business executive with Bell Media and as a broadcast producer, on-air host and television anchor with CTV. Williams will take over from current Chamber CEO Catherine Holt, who announced she was moving on from the role in January.

A new partnership has formed between BC Cancer, Helijet International and TForce Logistics, to provide patients on Vancouver Island with faster access to PET (Positron Emission Tomography) radioisotopes, a critical component of cancer care. One radioisotope, called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), is currently used for clinical PET/CT scanning. A small, safe amount is injected into the patient as part of the PET/CT scanning procedure. The PET/CT scan provides precise images of abnormal or cancerous cells which can help physicians diagnose cancer at an early stage or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments by determining if a patient’s cancer tumours have shrunk, spread, or returned. Within 24 hours of having completed a PET/CT scan, there is no measurable amount of radioactivity left in the body. This radioisotope has a half-life of 110 minutes. Within two hours, it will decay to less than half its starting amount. The new partnership means that FDG can get to BC Cancer – Victoria faster than the current mode using ground and ferry. Pictured is Danny Sitnam, President and CEO of Helijet.

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BUSINESS IN BRIEF

CEBA CRITERIA EXPANDED VANCOUVER ISLAND

The expansion as to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses was recently announced. The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. Expenses will be subject to verification and audit by the Government of Canada. Funding will be delivered in partnership with financial institutions. More details, including the launch date for applications under the new criteria, will follow in the days to come. Will soon be announced. To date, over 600,000 small businesses have accessed the CEBA. CEBA provides zero-interest, partially forgivable loans up to $40,000 to small businesses that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19, but face ongoing non-deferrable costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, taxes, and employment costs. Twenty-five per cent of this loan is forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022.

SAN GROUP CONTINUES TO EXPAND PORT ALBERNI The Surrey based San Group has purchased the former Chalwood Forest Products mill, which had been shut down for more than a year and rehired all the former staff. It has been renamed the San Forest Specialty Mill. They have invested into the reconfiguration of the mill with new machinery and technology that will help optimize its operations. The mill is now strategically positioned as a value-added specialty mill designed to seamlessly flow into the San Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vertically integrated business model. The Group had previously purchased the Coulson Sawmill site which is used for large logs and are currently building a second mill for smaller logs at the same location. The new San Forest Specialty Mill will deal with the longer and lower grade wood and now be able to use more of the fibre for the remanufacturing plant on Stamp Avenue once completed. The new site can produce short pieces of lumber and chips out of low-quality logs. They currently supply the former Catalyst Paper mill, now Paper Excellence Canada with chips. MAY 2020

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VANCOUVER ISLAND The Nanaimo Foundation recently announced it will provide $167,310 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a new partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The United Way Greater Victoria and Victoria Foundation will also be taking part with $1.635 Million in available funding. This vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. “This is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19,” says Nanaimo Foundation executive director Laurie Bienert. “Local charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding is a much-needed boost to their efforts.” Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020.

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GREATER VICTORIA

STAY LOCAL TO HELP RESTART VANCOUVER ISLAND ECONOMY

10 CATHERINE HOLT

Thank you to everyone on Vancouver Island who has helped us get where we are. Thank you to the front-line workers in our health care system, and a special standing ovation for all the front-line workers who have been there to stock our shelves, handle our payments and deliver our goods. Your professionalism has kept COVID-19 from overwhelming our hospitals, as it has in many other places. In the days and weeks ahead, all of us will need to live up to your dedication. We also, of course, are thankful for the clear and calm leadership of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. Her words are memorable and provide the right direction for British Columbians to take responsibility for their actions. Her advice to “be calm,

be kind, be safe” resonated deeply, and we heeded her urgent request to “Flatten the curve” and to “stay home”. These words became mantras that helped us ensure the safety of ourselves and each other. Reminders to “stay home” have even become public service announcements and personal declarations on social media. So we stayed home, cocooning alone or with immediate family, long enough for our province to get a handle on COVID-19. The process was unnerving. We couldn’t visit friends and relatives, and simple tasks like doing a grocery run were fraught with anxiety for many people. But we did it. We are doing it. We avoided the worst-case scenarios and deserve to remember our effort with pride as we move on to the work ahead. However, we also forced many businesses into hibernation. Many, many of the services, restaurants, hotels and shops that have helped define our region are in serious trouble. We’re thankful for what government relief we’ve had, but the months ahead will be nerve racking for businesses, non-profits and other organizations that serve us, provide jobs and create healthy communities. They need us now. Thankfully, the province has unveiled a multi-phase plan for restarting BC. By midMay, with full consideration of the risks that exist, we can expand our social circles slowly and with purpose. We will have to live with physical distancing until a vaccine or sufficient treatment become widely available. This is a challenge that will take ingenuity on the part of business owners and patience on the part of customers. We’re already seeing sectors working on new ways to do businesses. Restaurants presented provincial authorities with a playbook to reopen safely and create MAY 2020

GREATER VICTORIA

Reminders to “stay home” have even become public service announcements and personal declarations on social media. So we stayed home, cocooning alone or with immediate family, long enough for our province to get a handle on COVID-19.

— especially those in the hospitality sector who may be facing up to a year without international tourists. We can be there for them. We need to take these next steps together. Go to Victoriachamber.ca for a complete list of upcoming virtual events. Catherine Holt is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber

entirely new experiences to enjoy. We’re seeing similar initiatives from retailers and others. Let’s keep the virus in check by staying local, and showing love to local businesses

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ILLUMINATIONS SHUTTING OFF THE LIGHTS AFTER 45 YEARS Sponsored by home of the Bird of Paradise Pub and its still-operating Bird Liquor Store. Development and construction firm Mike Geric Construction has submitted a rezoning application to the District for over 250 residences, plus 11,000 square feet of light industrial and 17,000 square feet of retail spaces within three buildings rising as high as ten-storeys at 750760 Enterprise Crescent and 4291 Glanford Avenue. From street level along the primary (western) frontage, given the land’s slope towards the Highway 17 corridor east of the properties, building heights will appear to rise to four and eight-storeys. At the centre of the project lands a public amenity area will serve as a community gathering space. The unit make-up under the current design would include a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom suites while parking would be situated below grade. Of the 251 total residential units, 38 are targeted as rentals, with 19 managed by CRD Housing alongside 15% below-market rental rates.

LANGFORD

A pair of rental buildings in have sold to a Halifax-based real-estate investment trust. Killam Apartment REIT acquired Ledcor Property Development’s newly completed Crossing at Belmont rental complexes along Reunion Avenue comprised of 156 one and two-bedroom homes. $60 million was paid for the two buildings. A 20,000 square foot office complex with a ground floor retail component is coming to the corner of Leigh Road and Goldstream Avenue. The two-storey building at 1112 Goldstream Avenue will feature modern spaces for professional services and what is likely to be a café-style tenant at the building’s southeast corner overlooking the intersection. West Shore-based developer Keycorp Developments intends to begin demolition of the single storey building currently on the property as early as this June, followed by land remediation necessitated by the site’s former use as a gas station.

SAANICH & NANAIMO SAANICH

After 45 years in business, owner-operator Bob MacRitchie of Illuminations Lighting will be switching off the lights at the company’s two

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MAY 2020

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A rendering of 1112 Goldstream Avenue, a two-storey oﬃce project with a ground ﬂoor retail component coming to Goldstream Avenue at Leigh Road in Langford on Victoria’s West Shore. © Keycorp Developments

locations, in Saanich along the 600-block of Boleskine Road near Uptown Shopping Centre, and in Nanaimo along the 4300-block of Wellington Road. Shoppers will still get a chance to tour the Illuminations showrooms and find bargains for their homes or work spaces at upcoming closing out sales. VICTORIA

The City of Victoria has purchased a high-profile set of properties along the 900-block of Pandora Avenue. The municipal government is said to be the new owner of two parcels at 926 and 932 Pandora Avenue sold by development firm Kang & Gill, which had been in the process of securing approvals for a ten-storey residential complex containing some 150-units and approximately 5,500 square feet of retail space adjacent to the avenue’s McDonald’s restaurant, and across from the Our Place Society social services centre and shelter. A mixed-use rental and commercial project in the Quadra-Hillside neighbourhood is garnering attention for its ties to a pop culture phenomenon. Ross Terrace, a five-storey rental complex now rising along the 2500-block of Fifth Street between Bay and King streets, is perhaps the only project of its kind, anywhere, based on the Friends television show that aired between 1994 to 2004.

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Aryze Developments confirms Ross Terrace will feature interior design elements in-keeping with the program’s sets, and aspects of the build will tie in with several key characters. Developer Le Fevre & Company has submitted a fourth revision to the City for what will become the final phase of the Railyards project in the Vic West neighbourhood. The new site plan calls for a four-storey building, known as Building 2, on the eastern half of the development site overlooking the Galloping Goose Regional Trail that runs below the Bay Street Bridge and along the eastern perimeter of the Railyards community. 42-units will be situated in Building 2. Building 1, rising to six-storeys along the Tyee Road frontage near the intersection of Bay Street, will encompass 53 homes. A proposal for a rental complex in Fairfield is back before the City with a third design revision and a new development partnership. Empresa Properties has been pursuing approvals for a residential building at 1120-1128 Burdett Avenue for several years, with plans initially calling for a 36-unit, four-storey condominium before switching gears in favour of a 44-unit, four-storey rental building. In early 2020 the direction shifted once more with a new architectural firm (Cascadia Architects) at the helm having unveiled a five-storey concept encompassing 42-units, and Victoria-based Curate Developments teaming up with Empresa.

WEST SHORE

CREATING OUR NEW NORMAL

JULIE LAWLOR

On May 6th, Premier John Horgan, with Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced the plan to restart BC’s economy. In it was very welcome news on how and when sectors which had been completely shut down would be able to reopen. While some details were still being worked out, one aspect has remained constant: we will not be able to return to our previous ways of interacting until there is a vaccine and/or effective treatments. Physical distancing and regular hand washing are still the best ways of keeping the spread of COVID-19 under control. Well before this announcement, some businesses had already adapted with these guidelines in mind. The Brown’s The Florist team adjusted their store lay out so you could easily shop with your eyes and not your hands while visiting one of their locations, in addition to the website that was already part of their business model. Other businesses not significantly online moved swiftly to get there. WIN Resale Shops moved their stores online, creating a beautiful gallery

and virtual personal shopper experience. Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana created a blended model of shopping online via a new website and introduced consignment by appointment instead of drop-off. A blended model is becoming the “new normal” for many businesses as we all come to terms with having to be more patient as we access our goods and services. Of course, in the middle of change there are also some constants. On May 5th we launched registration for our annual Best of the WestShore Awards (BOWSA). I have to confess that I wasn’t entirely sure what the response would be given that we are in the middle of a pandemic. I was therefore surprised and pleased that the first registration form arrived in my inbox three minutes after our e-news went out, with many more to follow. Feedback has told me that the Best of the WestShore Awards can be a great way to engage with customers and clients and it seems that as we work to rebuild our economy, this is the case now more than ever before. If you own or manage a business or non-profit organisation in Colwood, the Highlands, Langford, Metchosin or View Royal, I invite you to get involved! Registration on the voting platform provides you with promotion, and at no cost to you. To register or find out more, please go to https://www.westshore.bc.ca/bowsaregistration.html Registration is open until May 31st. Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.

MAY 2020

VICTORIA TOURISM

TOURISM FORMS AN INDUSTRY-LED RESCUE AND RECOVERY TASK FORCE

PAUL NURSEY The visitor economy is among the sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Greater Victoria, as public health officials discourage non-essential travel and promote physical distancing, hotels sit almost vacant, restaurants have been forced to adjust their service model and many attractions are either closed or reopened recently with limited operations. This has been a very difficult time for owners and operators. Survival of many businesses is uncertain, and the sad reality is some businesses will be forced to close permanently. Destination Greater Victoria recently released figures outlining the breadth and depth of COVID-19’s impact to Greater Victoria’s economy as well as foregone tax revenues. Both the degree and immediacy of economic decline is startling in a region where tourism plays such a dominant and pivotal role in our local economy and for households across the South Island. The seasonal timing of the COVID-19 pandemic has hit tourism businesses particularly hard. Most tourism businesses receive almost two-thirds of their annual revenue from May to September, which

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will be adversely affected by travel restrictions in the months ahead. Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council indicates more than 130 million job losses due to the pandemic. Locally this means potentially 20,000 job losses in the tourism sector in Greater Victoria – and more given the hundreds of other businesses who provide goods and services to our sector. Tourism is built around human capital. Our sector generates jobs at all levels for people of all ages, and we are a major employer of young adults and people with disabilities. This economic crisis has been devasting for an industry that employs two in five of Greater Victoria’s working citizens and supports livelihoods for local families. To aid and inform recovery efforts in these unprecedented times, Destination Greater Victoria has convened some of the most deeply invested community leaders in tourism to form an industry-led rescue and recovery task force. Its purpose is to create a responsive and responsible 12 - 18-month roadmap to help guide our industry forward. Our goal is very local, to ensure our unique island location, our distinctive sector and tourism’s value to Greater Victoria’s economy are considered in government strategies and achieve real benefit from their vital supports. We are committed to recovery – working with government partners and stakeholders to support the hardworking, entrepreneurial and innovative people in the Greater Victoria visitor economy. Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria

OFF THE COVER

PARKSVILLE COMPANY CREATING INNOVATIVE PRODUCT FOR SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS

PARKSVILLE – Some swift thinking by Eco Space Dividers is providing innovative solutions that could help schools and restaurant increase seating capacity, while providing protection from the COVID-19 virus. Jason Howlett is General Manager of the new start-up company, and he notes that they have been working on a line of products that includes wood dividers with shoulder-height plexiglas tops to keep students and diners in their own units while studying and eating. “My kids and teacher friends have concerns about going back to school, and it got me thinking about how to solve that problem,” says Howlett. “My business partner and our production team had some great input. I’m excited to get in front of the school groups to see what kind of input they might have.” Howlett says response to the new product has been very positive thus far. “The design is simple and easy to understand,” he observes. “It meets the needs of today’s community. There is a lot of uncertainty in the community right now, and physical changes

will help to ease those concerns.” At the moment, the focus is on schools, but restaurants are a natural consideration for other uses. With the Eco Safe dividers, restaurant seating capacity can be increased, while accommodating physical distancing. Anticipated government restrictions on the number of customers allowed in an eating establishment at one time could seriously inhibit the restaurant’s ability to be profitable, and Eco Safe could be one solution that will help restaurateurs, while protecting customers. “My thought is that kids will need some additional support to help them follow the physical distancing guidelines as we adapt to the new normal,” Howlett says. “Kids need to feel safe and secure at school so parents can go back to work and help kick start our economy. “We are planning to reach out to retail outlets, grocery stores as well as restaurants and see if we can adapt our product to meet their needs,” he adds, stating the products are ready for sale immediately. www.ecospacedividers.com

MAY 2020

NANAIMO

RIDE HAILING SERVICES APPROVED FOR VANCOUVER ISLAND

MARK MACDONALD LTG Technologies Ltd. and Ripe Holdings Inc. (dba Ripe Rides) have been granted approvals for their applications to provide ride hailing services on Vancouver Island. LTG was also approved for the Lower Mainland, Capital Regional District, Okanagan-Kootenays-Cariboo, and North Central BC. Ripe Rides was approved for Vancouver Island excluding the Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria). ••• Dr. Michelle Corfield has been appointed as director of Fortis BC. Michelle, former Chair of the Port of Nanaimo, was the Liberal candidate in the most recent federal election. ••• John Hirst, who was the Conservative candidate in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding in 2019, is still with Sun Life, but he’s opened his own practice to offer insurance and investment services at 161 Jubilee Street in Duncan. John was the manager of the Nanaimo Sun Life office at Nanaimo North Town Centre. ••• Naturopathic physician Dr. Riley Anderson has joined the team at Reed Family Wellness. Dr. Glen Reed and Dr. Jessica Reed own the practice, at 101-3150 Island Highway North. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

••• The new Wajax building is nearing completion on Schoolhouse Road in south Nanaimo. Dave McNaught of Burbank Developments is the developer of the project, which will see Wajax move across the Island Highway from its current location in the near future. ••• Janet Dyck is now the Customer Care Manager at Communication Connection. Janet, who returned to Vancouver Island from a stint in Prince George a few years ago, was working with Telus and prior to leaving for the interior, worked at the Nanaimo News Bulletin. ••• Congratulations to Alvin Tan of RE/MAX of Nanaimo for placing number 42 in the list of Top 100 individual residential realtors for Re/ MAX of Western Canada in March. ••• Former Nanaimo Clippers partner Bill Gallacher has put the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks up for sale. The parent company of the Winterhawks, one of the league’s premier franchises, is Portland Winterhawks Inc., which has filed for bankruptcy, along with several of the companies owned by Gallacher, a Calgary-based oil man, that are now under a court-appointed receiver, according to the Vancouver Province and Oregonian newspaper. Gallacher was partners with former Clippers owner Ken Wagner with the BC Hockey League club, and attempted to buy the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars in 2010. ••• Former Clippers head coach Mike Vandekamp, most recently with the Cowichan Valley Capitals, has left the BC Hockey League to join the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League as their new head coach

NANAIMO

Hats off to Slava Govorov, and General Manager. Vanwho owns Panago locations in dekamp had been coach of the Ladysmith and South Nanaimo, Storm from 2007-2011. for offering free small pizzas to ••• first responders during April. Brad Knight, the original coach ••• for the first two Vancouver IsDonna Hais, Chair of the Naland Junior Hockey League’s naimo Port Authority and head Nanaimo Buccaneers, is back of R.W. (Bob) Wall Contracting with the Junior B club as its DirLtd., and James Byrne, Regional ector of Hockey Operations, Managing Partner of MNP LLP, General Manager and Head have been appointed to The Coach. Mayor’s Task Force on RecovBrad, who is well-known in ery and Resilience for Nanaimo Nanaimo hockey circles, has in response to the COVID-19 been selling commercial real pandemic. estate with NAI Commercial. ••• Clayton Robinson remains as Kudos to Milner Trucking for owner of the Bucs, and is also giving two yards of free soil to starting a new Pacific Junior DAVE DEVANA locals on April 11 to help during Hockey League franchise in the COVID crisis. General Manager Craig CookChilliwack for next year. Carl Ollech, owner of man said the response was terrific, far beyond Duncan Iron Works, was to be the new owner expectations. of the Bucs, but he remains owner of the Kerry ••• Park Islanders after the sale of that team to Canadian Western Bank and VMAC have been Clippers ownership failed to gain approval recognized as two of the Best Workplaces in from the VIJHL. Canada, joining the top 50 organizations in the ••• country. Kudos to Optometrists Vikramjit Panesar and VMAC is also crafting parts that are being Gurinder Jassal of Eye Plus Optometry and tested in a prototype ventilator created by the Optical at 1650 Terminal Avenue North, for University of Minnesota. offering free repairs for people with broken ••• spectacles for those who can’t function withHerold Engineering Ltd. has four new princiout them during the COVID 19 pandemic. pals for its firm, with offices in Nanaimo, Vic••• toria, Ucluelet and Fort Nelson. Former Nanaimo Daily News reporter Darrell They are: Kate Ulmer, P. Eng., Principal StrucBellaart, owner of Misguided Spirits Distillery tural Engineer, Buildings; Jarrod Koster, P. Eng., at 1343 Alberni Highway in Parksville, has the Principal Structural/Building Enclosure Engincompany making hand sanitizer to help dureer; Craig Work, P. Eng., Principal Industrial, ing the COVID-19 pandemic. They also make Bridge & Marine Engineer; and Patrick Ryan, Brother XII small-batch vodka. P. Eng., Principal Civil Engineer. ••• ••• Nanaimo-based Ay Lelum – The Good House Former Nanaimo television personality Bruce of Design, held its first online fashion show Williams has been named CEO of the Greater recently, says designer Aunalee Boyd-Good. Victoria Chamber of Commerce, effective June •••

MAY 2020

NANAIMO 15. He has been serving as interim CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, and is co-owner of Spark Strategic Group. ••• Dave Devana is now in place as the new President and CEO of Nanaimo Airport, taking the helm from the retiring Mike Hooper. He was previously CAO for the District of North Cowichan., and is a Certified Professional Accountant. ••• Beth Hendry-Yim is the host and producer for her husband, Dr. John Yim’s new

podcast called “Vital Moments in Naturopathic Medicine”. They’ve been accepted on Apple, Spotify and Stitcher. ••• Congratulations to Grieg Seafood BC’s first ever Best Aquaculture Practices certification from the Global Aquaculture Alliance. Grieg’s Director of Indigenous & Community Relations is former Nanaimo Economic Development Officer Marilyn Hutchinson. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationInk.ca

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1,422 Sq. Ft. I-3 Industrial Zoned Space - Northfield Industrial Park, high 2nd Bldg undergoing extensive Reno’s visibility, 11 ft. ceilings, 3 Washrooms, Ample Parking for Clients $14/SF + TN Information Portfolio Available $1,195,000 4,306 Sq. Ft. Medium Industrial Office Building & Land - Near Cassidy DAKOVA SQUARE - DUNCAN Airport, .75 of an Acre, Great Exposure, Heat Pump, Vacant $9/SF + TN 2,033 Sq. Ft. 2nd Floor Office Space – Downtown Nanaimo, T.N. includes Suite 102 is 2,987 Sq. Ft. Main Level Unit 12 Ft Ceilings, Residential Above HVAC, Hydro & Utilities. Available for Immediate Occupancy $9.50/SF + TN $719,900 Gateway Entrance to Downtown 2 Second Level Offices Available - Downtown core on Commercial Street, CENTRAL NANAIMO INVESTMENT PROPERTY Nanaimo. Approx 350 Sq. Ft. each with Tall ceilings, HVAC & 2 separate offices per unit. Access to washroom from common hallway. Can be combined for a 18,000 Sq. Ft. Building on High Visibility Corner discounted monthly rent, otherwise each space is $550/Month Gross + GST 5 Bed Residence on 2nd Level Plus Multiple Commercial Tenants $2,995,000 506 Sq. Ft. Space Downtown Nanaimo - Includes an Operating Kitchen & Office/Meeting Room perfect for Club, Lodge, Catering etc. $800/Month + GST NEW COMMERCIAL STRATA UNIT - DUNCAN Huge 1, 900 Sq. Ft. Unit with 1,300 Sq. Ft. Bonus Storage area - Large open Suite 103 is 3,250 Sq Ft Main Level Unit-Dakova Square 2nd level space downtown Nanaimo. Incl. Hydro/HVAC - $2,200/Month + GST Great Visibility, Close to Downtown Residential Suites above $769,900 800 Sq. Ft. Office Space in Metral Centre - Great Exposure & Fully Accessible Unit, Private Office, Open Configuration 2-piece Washroom $14/SF + TN MULTI-TENANTED INDUSTRIAL REVENUE PROPERTY 1,644 Sq. Ft. First Class Corner Office Space - Metral Centre - Available Approx. 13,000 Sq. Ft of Leasable Area - Central Nanaimo March 1/20 - 3 Private Offices, Boardroom, Reception, Storage, 2 Washrooms & Fully Tenanted, Plenty of Parking $1,729,000 Highly Visible Corner Location large Open Office. Good Location in a great Complex $18/SF + TN Light Industrial Space in Diver Lake Area 1,380 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level, Gross MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY - NANAIMO Lease + GST, Tenant pays own Hydro. Available Now! $950/Month + GST 6 Unit Apartment Bldg & 3 Bed Fully Renovated Home 849 Sq. Ft. Space in Dorchester Hotel – Across from Waterfront, Downtown with Basement and Shop, 1/2 Acre Lot $1,229,000 Information Portfolio Available Nanaimo w/Good visibility, Available Now $1,250/Month + Hydro & Taxes 1,340 Sq. Ft. in Gallery Row - Currently configured as 2 Separate Units. 840 NEW COMMERCIAL SUITE - DAKOVA SQUARE Sq. Ft. Retail & Showroom space plus 500 Sq. Ft. back room Storage & Suite 101 is 2,111 Sq. Ft. Main Level in Duncan Assembly Area. Is Easily converted back to one contiguous space. Unique 12 Ft. Ceilings, Vacant and Ready Decorated Interior, Located in Old City Quarter, $2,500/Month + GST $569,900 Parking Avail. for Commercial Suites

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SPOTLIGHT

ASTRA BAY CONSTRUCTION FOCUSES ON WATERFRONT HOMES COMOX COMPANY HAS SPECIALIZED IN NEW HOMES AND RENOVATIONS SINCE 2012 COMOX- Dave Peardon’s love for the ocean is reflected throughout his work at Astra Bay Construction. Peardon, manager and owner, says the ideal project for his Comox-based company remains building and renovating waterfront homes, since that’s one of the first jobs he did after

starting the business in 2012. “I got into value-added building and did a large waterfront renovation that was quite extensive,” he recalls. “I really enjoy dealing with the challenges of building a home that experiences extreme weather. We love the ocean and living on Vancouver Island, I like sailing and being

MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT on the water, and building on the waterfront. That’s where my interests lie, and that’s where I generally build.” “One of our first, larger projects was an extensive custom renovation along Point Holmes in Comox. Some of the most extreme weather conditions along the entire Vancouver Island coast are experienced here. Even to the extent that during our build scientists from UBC were studying weather in this location. Winter winds achieve hurricane levels and salt water ocean spray blasts the homes here during each storm. “We rebuilt the home using the most advanced building technology to achieve a watertight, durable home with quiet and comfort inside. We’re really waterfront renovation specialists, and we always have at least one waterfront home on the go at any time.” Peardon has been in the construction industry for over 30 years, and has always focused on finding out what each customer wants, and builds it for them. “I really like clients to be involved in the design process.” he notes. “I want the client’s vision to be in the forefront. If they want it, they can have it. “The clients are always welcome on site, free to ask questions and suggest changes on-the-fly, and we are willing to try almost anything,” he says. “We do highly customized work, and give the absolute best value we can for everyone. We believe the client should enjoy and be part of the process of building their home.” Peardon is enthusiastic about design himself, and offers his expertise with each project. “I like to study design and architecture,” he states. “During our travels in Europe, my wife Lynne and I spent a great deal of our time visiting and learning from architecture.”

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He notes the Astra Bay style is h igh ly i n f luenced by the ideals of west coast living, blurring the line between the outdoors and the indoors. “We work painstakingly during the design process to map the contours of the land, record how the sun traverses the property, and we try to incorporate design elements that compliment nature, rather than impose upon it. We believe in homes that are low in maintenance and high in enduring beauty.” Peardon grew up in Comox. After studying management in college, and watching the transformation that accompanied Expo ‘86, he started in the construction industry by working with a team building higher-end Vancouver homes, and commercial renovations. Commercial projects included renovating the Chinese Embassy, and working on very large custom homes and mansions in the south Granville area. In 1992, Peardon moved back to Vancouver Island and began working on larger projects such as the CFB Comox Aquatic Center, Quality Foods, malls and schools in Nanaimo, Ladysmith and Duncan. Peardon’s interest in custom homes had never diminished, and he launched his company, Astra Bay Construction in 2012. He has been building in waterfront communities and woodland areas ever since. “I really enjoy work with the clients and the creativity involved in design build, directly for clients,” he says. The company has already built several homes to the 2036 level of future building codes, and Peardon states “We love to learn, and put into practice our constantly developing knowledge.” www.astrabay.com

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SPOTLIGHT

MCPHERSON CABINETRY CONTINUES TO SERVE BC IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY DUNCAN - Global pandemic has forced many businesses to rethink everything from staffing and production, to safety protocols and growth. Companies have adapted on the fly to keep themselves and employees working. This was true of McPherson Cabinetry, founded in 2014 by cabinet-maker veteran Arlene

McPherson with business partner Alister Frayling. Luckily, they were prepared. “Within the first few days of the pandemic declaration, we had protocols in place,” Says Arlene. Seven members of our staff decided to self-isolate, a decision we fully support. This left us with a core team, diligent about MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT

Located at 5141 Polkey Road in Duncan, McPherson Cabinetry has the largest showroom in the Cowichan Valley

“As it has for many, business slowed, but we are resilient and versatile. Our talent has turned their hand to whatever work has come our way.”

keeping the business running with strict safety guidelines.” Like many businesses, the key to maintaining momentum was flexibility and adaptation.

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SPOTLIGHT

McPherson Cabinetry maintains the largest showroom in the Cowichan Valley with an 8,000 square foot shop

Elaborates Arlene, “As it has for many, business slowed, but we are resilient and versatile. Our talent has turned their hand to whatever work has come our way. We built bee houses, cabinetry for schools, made signs, cut pre-assembled cabinets and continue to serve customers and contractors to the best of our ability with the constraints placed upon us by COVID-19.” A component of their adaptation strategy was a new production line of anti-bacterial cabinet and door material to make homes safer. “We hope to continue to innovate as we all return to the “new” normal,” says Arlene. This innovation and drive comes from humble beginnings, in a one-bay space in an industrial building south of Duncan in 2014, conceptualized at a local pub with Alister. “Alister challenged me to start my own cabinet shop. In my 50’s, it wasn’t something I thought I could do at first, but we worked out the costs on a napkin,” explains Arlene. “We

From modern to rustic, Arlene McPherson’s staff have the tools and experience to produce quality cabinetry for kitchens, island, bars, bathrooms and more MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT

Serving a diverse clientele, McPherson Cabinetry delivers on-time, on-budget projects

figured out how many kitchens we’d need to sell per month to break even. I could do this, I felt empowered.” Three decades as a journeyman, coupled with a strong reputation from spending eight years plying her trade in the Cowichan Valley, provided McPherson Cabinetry a strong starting point. They bought used tools, contacted suppliers and contractors and hired a finisher and sawyer before opening their doors. The result was several contractors immediately onboard, and a business that grew exponentially over the following six months. They have continued to grow since. “By 2015 we outgrew our space. We moved out and tripled our square footage, purchased new equipment and hired more people, including in WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA

sales and admin. As we grew, I learned more about delegating responsibility and scaling a business, which was great,” says Arlene. In 2017 they expanded to their current location at 5141 Polkey Road in Duncan, an 8,000 square foot shop, and the largest showroom in the Cowichan Valley, with space to meet growing needs. In spite of these difficult times, their future appears bright. “We continue to serve our contractor and developer clients while building on our success to add more,” concludes Arlene. “We’ll continue to provide excellent service to homeowners and the renovation market. We see the next few years as a period of growth in residential and multi-family homes on the island.” www.mcphersoncabinetry.ca

COWICHAN VALLEY

#COWICHAN STRONG EXPANDS AND LAUNCHES A NEW BUY LOCAL COWICHAN WEBSITE

he #CowichanStrong initiative, founded by Economic Development Cowichan, Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Cowichan, continues to grow and adapt to the changing emerging of Cowichan businesses. In May, the partnership welcomed several new partners that now magnify the reach and impact the partnership’s collective actions are having. New members include Tourism Cowichan, Chemainus BIA, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Lake Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Chemainus Chamber of Commerce. The expanded #CowichanStrong team meets regularly to ensure that the group is working effectively and coherently on a series of COVID-19 response, resiliency, and recovery projects that meet the core needs of Cowichan businesses.

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BARRY O’RIORDAN The survival of locally owned businesses is of course top of mind. Local businesses need to survive now so that they can thrive later. With each business that stays operational comes a myriad of economic and social benefits to the community at large. The community recognizes this. To support these efforts, #CowihanStrong recently launched a new website, buylocalcowichan.ca, to support residents’ efforts to sustain local businesses. People are being especially thoughtful in how they spend their money right now and this new tool makes it a little easier to buy local. More initiatives are on the way from #cowichanstrong as we transition from response to early recovery mode. Barry O’Riordan is Manager of Economic Development Cowichan

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MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT

DESIGNED TO THRIVE - NANAIMO BASED ALAIR HOMES BUILDS A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

ANAIMO - Who remembers the story of the “Three Little Pigs”? The one where three little pigs try and hide from the Big Bad Wolf in the shelters they make. The Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house down. Except for the house built with an exceptional foundation.

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It stays standing and protects the Three Little Pigs. This childhood story is reminiscent of the foundation built by Alair Homes, a leading North American construction management company with roots and its head office in Nanaimo.

SPOTLIGHT

The key to any home surviving a storm is being built on a solid foundation. And in this uncertain time, Alair Homes’ business model is the concrete that can uphold any structure. Stu Hopewell, Chief Operating Officer and Regional Officer of Alair Homes, says “We’re built for this.” Hopewell is not only referring to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has affected brands big and small globally. He is also referring to nearly any threat that could be similar to the Big Bad Wolf trying to huff and puff and blow the house down. “The Alair Homes model is unique in that it’s designed to not only enable our team across North America to build or renovate premium projects while giving the client the best experience possible, but also comes with many safeguards that we implement right here from Nanaimo to support and protect our 120 locations,” says Hopewell. While many construction businesses are deemed essential and still allowed to remain working, Hopewell says that Alair has seen impressive growth during this uncertain time, and he attributes the growth to the model he helped create, and the approximately 600 people across North America who make up “Team Alair”. Alair Homes grew by 19 per cent in 2019, and the company has become the largest custom home contractor and renovator in North

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MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT

2730 Fairbanks St, Nanaimo P: 250.758.3818 E: blake@phoenixsiding.ca www.phoenixsiding.ca

Congratulations to Alair Homes on being recognized as one of Vancouver Island’s leading businesses!

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Congratulations to Alair Homes on being recognized as one of Vancouver Island’s leading businesses! This Alair Homes house in Nanoose features multiple large sliding glass doors used in lieu of traditional windows offering inside/outside living

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

America with 120 locations serving five Canadian provinces and 14 states in the U.S. over the last six years. Hopewell says that although the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact, as it is everywhere, Alair is still busy building new homes and consulting with prospective homeowners about their plans. “For decades, the construction industry has done

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Congratulations to Alair Homes on your recognition as one of Vancouver Island’s leading businesses!

SPOTLIGHT

things the same way: take a deposit, start the project, finish the project,” Hopewell remarks. “Our focus, however, is on getting the consulting side of the project done before we even start. This means that a lot of the challenges and surprises that emerge during a typical construction process are dealt with ahead of time.” It’s this proprietary system that has enabled the company to continue its growth during a time when many other construction companies have had to take a step back. Hopewell says while construction is still taking place, he suggests there is no better time than right now to plan a home improvement project or build a new home. “An entire Alair project is broken into multiple phases and the majority of the work is decided and done before a shovel hits the ground,” he says. “The first phase is complimentary. In this phase we determine all of the constraints and what will be required, ie. plans, interior design, projected budget, timeline and permit documentation to execute your vision. Our second phase we call Project Planning and is where we dive deep into each aspect of the project. This segment of the process requires small financial investments as required.” He says this situation has also opened a big door to opportunity for those looking to build or renovate their homes now, or in the near future.

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MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT

“Not only can we start planning now, we can leverage the fact that our trades and suppliers are working from home-based offices and can

provide education and pricing more efficiently. Finalizing plans now will help streamline projects into construction as soon as restrictions are lifted,” adds Hopewell. The Alair model is also designed to help those who are looking to save or conserve during this time while still accomplishing their home improvement goals. Every aspect of the Alair planning and construction phases are broken down into small financial milestones. “For decades, the construction industry has done things the same way: take a deposit, start the project, finish the project,” Hopewell remarks. “Our focus, however, is on getting the consulting side of the project done before we even start. This means that a lot of the challenges and surprises that emerge during a typical construction process are dealt with ahead of time.” This approach reduces risk, provides more certainty and can mitigate expensive errors that are often dramatized on home improvement reality TV shows. However, even with their established and proven systems and process, Alair Homes has adapted to social distancing like most everyone else, and virtual planning or design meetings has replaced the typical face-to-face meetings. Hopewell says the ability for Team Alair to connect with clients, market partners and trades has helped increase productivity in the planning and design stages, and has opened

Congratulations to Stu and the team at Alair Homes on your success!

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Proud supporter of Alair Homes, congratulations on your success! 732 Caledonia Avenue, Victoria

P 250.370.2191

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SPOTLIGHT

The Alair model is also designed to help those who are looking to save or conserve during this time while still accomplishing their home improvement goals.

LTD

up more time for Alair partners across North America to help educate people and help them while they are spending more time at home. “It’s incredible to see our team step up and invest more time in educating people in their respective cities, and really take a lead on getting people through a situation most of us have never been in before. The situation changes daily, and affects each of our regions in different ways, and with that comes a lot of questions from not only our stakeholders, but the average person who is spending a lot more time at home right now,” he says. Hopewell says social media is chock full of educational and inspiration videos right now designed to help others as they are trying to navigate a whole new world. From the “Alair

at Home” Show in Alberta—a social media series designed to help people with their small DIY projects, to a handmade charcutier board online auction in Belleville, Ontario raising money for local charities, Hopewell is proud to see his team living and breathing their core value—help others. Alair Homes is well known for its community support even before the COVID-19 situation. For example, in Nanaimo, Hopewell states “whether it’s Silly Boats, The Great Pumpkin Toss, The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive or the various other events we participate in, we have fun with the community while lending a helping hand. “We have the best staff, and without their dedication, we couldn’t do what we do both from a business, industry leadership and/or a community contribution perspective,” he says. Hopewell is pleased that Nanaimo remains ground zero for Alair Homes. “We’re proud to tell people that Alair was born in Nanaimo,” he adds. “Albeit we have offices across North America our headquarters is here in Nanaimo. We’re a Nanaimo business through and through.” A foundation built to last and built on excellence, and it all started right here in Nanaimo. If the Big Bad Wolf ever comes to pay a visit, you may want to place your bet on Alair Homes. www.alairhomes.com

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Congratulations to Alair Homes on being recognized as one of Vancouver Island’s leading businesses!

Proud supporter of Alair Homes, congratulations on your success! 3090 Barons Road, Nanaimo P: 250.729.0504 admin@crossandco.ca www.crossandco.ca

MAY 2020

VICTORIA REAL ESTSTAE

VICTORIA REAL ESTATE CONTINUES TOÂ REACT TO PANDEMIC

ICTORIA - A total of 287 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this April, 58.8 per cent fewer than the 696 properties sold in April 2019 and 52.8 per cent fewer than the previous month of March 2020. Sales of condominiums were down 64 per cent from April 2019 with 73 units sold. Sales of single family homes were down 55.8 per cent from April 2019 with 163 sold. There were 2,305 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service at the end of April 2020, 16.2 percent fewer properties than the total available at the end of April 2019 but a 2.4 per cent increase

from the 2,252 active listings for sale at the end of March 2020. The Multiple Listing Service Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in April 2019 was $843,500. The benchmark value for the same home in April 2020 increased by 4.6 per cent to $882,700, 0.6 per cent more than Marchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value of $877,700. The MLS HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in April 2019 was $512,700 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in April 2020 increased by 3.5 per cent to $530,700, 0.2 per cent less than the March value of $531,900.

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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 Blue & Grey Property Services 957 Lloyd Rd, Comox, BC PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT DEFENDANT Small, Andrew J 0782484 BC Ltd 1177378 BC Ltd CLAIM 4 9 7A G a r b a l l y R d , 101-1029 View St, Victoria, $7,311 Victoria, BC BC PLAINTIFF PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT Federation Des Caisses Huber, Bonnie Chandigarh Immigration Desjardins Du Quebec CLAIM Services CLAIM $60,000 102-9385 Scott Rd, Delta, $797,691 BC DEFENDANT PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT Banner Maintenance Ltd Mann, Jasvir Singh 1131131 BC Ltd 2 4 6 0 K e l l e y R d , CLAIM 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, Courtenay, BC $15,441 BC PLAINTIFF PLAINTIFF Central Builders Supply DEFENDANT Tri X Excavating Ltd Limited Core (Island) Insurance CLAIM CLAIM Services $15,750 $12,610 1600-925 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC

PLAINTIFF Western Coast Insurance Services Ltd CLAIM $10,209 DEFENDANT Eyeflex Vision Centre Inc 1-2 8 3 8 G a r d e n S t , Abbotsford, BC PLAINTIFF Kering Eyewear USA Inc CLAIM $14,853 DEFENDANT Harbour City POS 467 Downey Rd, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Scansource Inc CLAIM $9,599

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MAY 2020

WHO IS SUING WHOM DEFENDANT Homewood Construction (1979) Ltd 202-3750 Shelbourne St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Tri X Excavating Ltd CLAIM $15,750 DEFENDANT Jones Flooring Ltd 1626 Garnet Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Super Save Disposal Inc CLAIM $12,829 DEFENDANT Journey Appliance Ltd 201-2377 Bevan Ave, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Ng, Don

CLAIM $35,286 DEFENDANT McGrath Contracting Ltd 201-909 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Black Creek Farm & Feed Supply Ltd CLAIM $17,278 DEFENDANT MGM Holdings 4 9 7A G a r b a l l y R d , Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Federation Des Caisses Desjardins Du Quebec CLAIM $797,691 DEFENDANT Natural Glacial Waters Inc 8430 Berray Rd Site 21 C9,

Fanny Bay, BC PLAINTIFF Cascade Canada ULC CLAIM $37,740 DEFENDANT Parent Siding & Soffits 5611 Bates Rd, Courtenay, BC PLAINTIFF Canadian Community Housing Ltd CLAIM $15,216 DEFENDANT Pure Engineering Ltd 723 Cordova Bay Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Loop Funding Inc CLAIM $93,119

DEFENDANT WCGP Nova Scotia Co 1200-200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Ng, Don CLAIM $ 35,286 DEFENDANT Whirlpool Canada Co 1200-200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Ng, Don CLAIM $ 35,286 DEFENDANT Whirlpool Canada LP 1200-200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Ng, Don CLAIM $ 35,286

Keeping projects on time and on budget

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NANAIMO REAL ESTATE

IMPACT OF COVID-19 HITS HOME IN APRIL

NANAIMO – The anticipated impact of COVID-19 on VIREB’s housing market became a reality in April, with sales of single-family homes dropping by 54 per cent year over year. Last month, 189 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) System compared to 333 in March 2020 and 412 in April 2019. Apartment and townhouse sales decreased by 82 and 69 per cent, respectively. Inventory of single-family homes last month dipped by nine per cent year over year (1,293 to 1,173). Active listings of apartments rose by 33 per cent (303 to 403) year over year, while townhouse inventory dropped by 19 per cent (197 to 160). The benchmark price of a single-family home board-wide was $523,700 in April, an increase of three per cent from the previous year and marginally higher than in March. In the apartment category, the year-over-year

benchmark price rose by 5 per cent, hitting $313,300, which is slightly lower than the previous month. The benchmark price of a townhouse in April rose by 2 per cent year over year and was somewhat higher than in March, climbing to $421,400. Regionally, the benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area last month was $438,500, an increase of 4 per cent over last year. In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price reached $521,300, up by 2 per cent from one year ago. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $482,800, slightly higher than in April 2019. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose by two per cent to $572,200 in April, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by two per cent to $588,800. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni reached $336,200 in April, an 11 per cent increase from one year ago.

MAY 2020

PORT ALBERNI

SUPPORTING THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN PORT ALBERNI into the aforementioned straOur small business community tegic objectives, deliverables and has been hammered over the initiatives. past year…the sport fishing conWe were amazed at the optistraints of last summer, the long mism most of our businesses deforest industry strike, an interclared in the phone survey but ruption in our paper mill’s opernot surprised. After all many of ations, and then the COVID-19 them have been in existence for measures hit. more than 50 years and know When the pandemic was dehow to weather a business inclared, a small Port Alberni team terruption. Several businesses sprang into action. We developed figured out ways of supporting a set of questions, phoned over themselves in the situation, pro600 businesses, found 300 willviding the services and proding to answer a survey, analyzed ucts we value while observing the responses, then published a the precautions necessary for two-page spread of the results PAT DEAKIN protecting the health of themalong with sources of assistance selves, their employees, their customers and for our businesses. The Alberni Valley Chamber their suppliers. of Commerce did the calls and summarized the Whether the optimism will sustain, the support results; the Port Alberni Port Authority promeasures we are implementing and the pivot we vided analysis and the Great BC Business Sale are prepared to make will be enough remains to developed the insert. Before the results were be seen. In his ‘Devotions on Emergent Occafully known, Community Futures Alberni-Claysions’ John Donne penned ‘No Man is an Island’. oquot announced a $1 million Emergency Loan With this is mind, we end with thanks to the Fund and began consulting free of charge with senior levels of government, Island organizations, businesses. provincial associations, our colleagues in other Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) precommunities and above all, our health care staff pared, among others, strategic objectives to and first responders who are working with us Encourage the Financial Recovery of Businesses through these times. and Residents. Community Futures created a Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Man‘Holistic Economic Development Project’ listing ager for the City of Port Alberni. deliverables it was prepared to commit to. The City identified a number of additional initiatives needing attention: labour force issues, shovel ready grant applications, municipal economic stimulus measures, empty storefronts and evolution of the economy. Port Alberni’s City Council has now accepted a recommendation to redirect $140,000 of the economic development allocation (virtually the entire amount of the budget beyond staff costs)

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SPOTLIGHT

D&D SERVICES WELDING & FABRICATING BUILD COMMUNITY TIES AS TOUGH AS STEEL MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT Courtenay - Dan Dilks, owner of D&D Services Welding & Fabricating, brings a do-it-yourself entrepreneurship and drive to his work, qualities instilled in him by the rugged stock from which he came. Dan’s family arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia December 10th, 1948 aboard the SS Walnut, a ship his grandfather both captained and helped build. Immigrants from Estonia seeking refuge from Soviet occupation during World War II, they eventually settled in Vancouver’s North Shore, where Dan was born. A lifelong passion for seamanship was instilled in Dan by his father and grandfather. Raised in the Comox Valley, Dan worked as a commercial fisherman through high school, and as a deckhand on a barge. He joined the family sandblasting business, before eventually turning to welding, working in structural steel. “I built bridges on the Inland Island Highway, and helped build the new Finning Building in Alberta,” Details Dan. “I also ran my own tow truck business, North Island Towing, something I’d wanted to do since I was a boy.”

Hands on in every way, D&D owner Dan Dilks (left) brings decades of welding and fabricating experience to BC residents in need of his services.

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Dan and his crew do everything from preexisting boat repair, to custom builds.

A custom truck bed with built-in cabinetry courtesy of D&D.

In 2014 Dan and wife Amanda Dilks took the leap and launched D&D as a portable welding business, after the company he’d previously worked shuttered its doors. Word-of-mouth and a steadily growing customer base meant moving to a permanent location in 2016, a 10,000 square foot shop located at 6433 Island Highway North, just outside of Courtenay. With three large bays, a fenced yard, covered sandblasting tent and industrial paint area, the CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) certified shop became a full-service destination for jobs big and small. “We are very well-equipped. With a CNC table, rolls, shear, lathe, press break, drill press, milling machine and more. D&D can fabricate most anything,” Says Dan. Dan sees versatility and quality as D&D’s calling card, welding and fabricating everything from custom boats, rod holders, gates, trailers, fuel tanks, offices, generator sheds and much more, as well as performing repairs on existing structures and equipment. D&D is also known for providing emergency repairs for trucking and landscaping companies, as well as for farm equipment, a vital service for

MAY 2020

Dan and his team offer a number of container modiﬁcations for Sea-Cans.

always-on-the-clock industries, whose finances are tied to productivity. As with many companies, Dan has had to navigate D&D through the troubled waters of global pandemic. They’ve scaled down employee numbers, and put together new protocols to protect themselves and their customers. Dan explains,” With such a large shop and yard, we have been able to abide by social distancing rules. Customers are not allowed to enter shop bays, but can wait in the yard or office doorway, which is covered. We’ve

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given customers the option to email inquiries for jobs, and send whatever attachments they need, or they can phone or text me directly.” “We are also open for drive-in customers once they’ve reported to the office, “Dan continues. “After each transaction, all surfaces are cleaned for our safety, and that of future visitors.” With a grit to persevere in his personal history book, Dan sees the family-owned-and-operated business continuing to adapt, grow and serve BC communities now and in the future. d-dservices-welding-fabricating.com

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OPINION

THIS IS SOCIALISM: HOW DO YOU LIKE IT SO FAR?

MARK MACDONALD

For governments, particularly those of the socialist persuasion, the current situation must be a dream come true. Not COVID-19 and its impact on human lives, of course. But the government’s opportunity to wield unchecked power and impose freedom-limiting regulations, with the unchallenged ability to introduce incomprehensible deficits, and further intrusion into individual freedoms. Yes, all of it is presented as well-intentioned. The government has to do something in times like these, right? Of course they do – that’s part of their mandate. The citizenry even nods approvingly as Ottawa literally mortgages their future with, to date, over $200 billion in added deficit spending during the pandemic alone. “Nodders” should remember that when taxation rates hit 60 per cent in years to come to pay for today’s expenditures. As it sits, here’s what socialist Canada looks like. Unlimited government funding. Almost everybody and everything is receiving cheques from the federal government to help get through the pandemic. That is fair, considering the many fiscal contributions individuals and businesses pay in taxation, and the government has eliminated opportunities for many businesses to conduct commerce profitably, if at all. But the deficits? Make no mistake, these are

deferred payments. The generations to come will pay, and pay dearly, for today’s largesse. The federal government alone has spent money it does not have during the crisis. And watch out for this: BC’s NDP government is said to be considering a province-wide “living wage” policy after the pandemic. The problem with the funding levels that have been set now is that some people won’t go back to work until they will be able to make more money at work than being paid by the government to stay home and not work. That has some businesses legitimately worried, especially within the service industry. Government intrusion and over policing. In the name of enforcing physical distancing, police are quick to demand that people keep six feet away from each other, and have closed public facilities and parks to limit crowds and assemblies. It’s an interesting spectacle to observe how law enforcement officials step in immediately in cases to enforce government mandates, compared to the length of time it takes them to help victims of crime and enforce the regular rule of law. Regulations that hinder business. The government has prohibited many businesses from operating during the lockdown, while designating certain sectors as essential services. Understandable, again, but what is troubling is suggestions of future government regulations concerning crowd sizes. For example, take restaurants, 85 per cent of which fail during a regular economy. An 80 seat restaurant that needs 80 seats, and steady turnover, in order to turn a profit and keeps their doors open. If the government only allows 3050 per cent capacity, those operations become instantly unprofitable, and not worth the effort to re-open. Besides providing tasty food, restaurants are also social centres where people get together to visit and socialize. And without restaurants, where would tourists eat? Why would they even come and visit? Sports and entertainment, which survives on

MAY 2020

OPINION non-essential expenditures from customers, is an important part of the country’s social infrastructure. It gives people something to look forward to, enjoy, and blow off steam. If the government limits crowd sizes, it might just crash gate-driven amateur sports leagues, particularly junior hockey. Most junior operations are marginal at best financially, and the prospect of even more losses will drive many owners to the sidelines. If the result is unworkable numbers for team owners, those businesses simply will not open, as they would be guaranteed to fail. What will be the effect on our youth? Supply shortages and lineups. This is a stark visual of socialist government policy. There is increasing concern about possible meat shortages, largely due to the fact there are only three major meat processing companies in Canada. There have been numerous instances of hoarding and panicked people packing away vital supplies in anticipation of future shortages. Empty shelves – something we’ve rarely witnessed in this country – are in many stores. State controlled media. The federal government has subsidized mainstream media with billions of dollars, and owners continue to hold their hands out for more. Will those news outlets bite the hand that feeds them? Not likely, although they may nibble from time to time. They seldom disagree with current governments and their policies, and repeat their messaging, verbatim. Shocking. . . We will know how bad the COVID-19 crisis really was in retrospect, as we look backwards after the fact and assess how many deaths Coronavirus caused in relation to other mortality rates. A Global News article titled ”5 things more likely to kill you in Canada than coronavirus” noted that in 2018, 80,000 people died from cancer, 53,000 from heart disease, 13,300 from car accidents, and 8,511 from various forms of flu. Considering we’re all going to die eventually, the question that will need to be asked is: “Was it all worth it?” Especially if the life we’ve come to enjoy in North America is permanently altered, and socialist policies and enforcement remain. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Social Media

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

NORTH ISLAND The Village of Sayward has appointed Councillor Bill Ives as the acting mayor after John MacDonald resigned on March 13 and the then appointed acting mayor Joyce Ellis resigned on March 19. Sayward is also looking at appointing a temporary corporate officer/ chief administrative officer to replace Chief Administrative Officer

CAMPBELL RIVER Erica Benson has begun her role as the new Health coordinator for the Strathcona Community Health Network. She began the role on March 30th and previously served as a public health and community home care nurse on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

••• North Island College (NIC) is one of the first post-secondary institutions to earn approval to offer certified marine training courses digitally. The courses cover key subjects including boat safety, emergency response, identifying hazards, survival, rescue and more. Transport Canada has approved NIC to offer courses required for deckhands and other entry level certifications: Small Vessel Proficiency and Restricted Operators Certificate-Maritime. NIC is in discussion with Transport Canada on other courses that may be able to transition to alternative delivery. ••• Cascadia Air, a new commuter airline in BC, has opted to forego its commercial airtaxi flights and instead provide emergency delivery services to remote regions of the province. The new airline’s Rapid Emergency Air Delivery (READY) services comprise aircraft dedicated to carrying personnel and cargo supplies to capable of landing in remote communities and smaller unpaved airstrips. Flights transporting essential personnel are maximized at 60 percent of the aircraft’s seating capacity to allow for continued safe distancing between passengers.

COMOX VALLEY The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) announced the appointment o f C o m o x Va lley Chamber of Commerce nom i nee Bill Anglin, to the boa rd for a three-year term. Anglin is a partner of the Courtney and

MAY 2020

MOVERS & SHAKERS roles. Before joining Edward Jones, Dube most recently served as the director development for Our Place Society. She can be reached at her home office at 250-217-7329.

TOFINO-UCLUELET Ucluelet Harbour Seafoods (UHS) has over 100 positions to fill for the 2020 season in their fish processing plant. Due to labour shortages the company applied and has been accepted to hire Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) under the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program. The federal government program allows the company to hire 40 TFW’s during the COVID-19 crisis. UHS reopened its facility on April 22 with strict health and safety protocols.

Anglin Real Estate Group who had a 25year career in the Canadian Air Force as a flight engineer which he retired from in 2008. He has previously held elected positions as a councillor for the City of Courtenay and director for the Comox Valley Regional District. ••• North Island College is debuting a new Craft Brewing and Malting program this fall. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the brewing industry. Some of the skills students are expected to pick up include developing and mastering brew recipes, operating commercial brewing equipment and learning the business of operating a successful brewery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the initial three fall semester courses including Recipe Development and Quality Control, Beer and Brewing Basics and The Business of Craft Brewing will all be taught online.

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Kevin Osberg opened Bike Wizard by Ozz on Gertrude Street at the beginning of April. Osberg provides repairs and bicycle restoration services and is planning on carrying new bicycles in the future. ••• Independent Seafoods Canada Corporation (ISCC) announced it plans to operate its 56-metre freezer trawler Sunderoey at the Port Alberni Port Authority. The ISCC already moors another vessel Raw Spirit at the local port authority and the new ship is expected to double the local employment created by the company. ••• Suzanne Dube has opened an Edward Jones office in Port Alberni. Dube holds a master’s degree from Royal Roads University and has 23 years of experience in fundraising executive

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MOVERS & SHAKERS ••• Coastal Animal Rescue and Education Network co-founder James Rodgers was recently presented with a Volunteer Recognition Award by the District of Tofino.

collections. The local clothing design and production company decided to launch the show after COVID-19 halted their plans for the fall 2020 fashion season. Ay Lelum put out a call for past and present customers to submit videos and pictures of them modelling their Ay Lelum garments and drew submissions from as far as Newfoundland. The clips have been edited into a nine-minute video found on the companies Facebook page. ••• Island Roots Market Co-op has launched a digital farmer’s market. Online ordering is open from Wednesday at 6 pm to Saturday at midnight and order pickups can be made the following Wednesday. The online market includes products like freshly grown vegetables from local producers to preserves and meats. Find out more here. •••

PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM Arrowsmith Gold and Country Club and Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach have both reopened their courses. Both courses have detailed guidelines for play that adhere to directions from the Provincial Government.

NANAIMO Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design held their first ever online fashion show featuring garments from many of their recent and past

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MOVERS & SHAKERS The City of Nanaimo has approved a building permit with a height variance, for more than 100 residential units at 6117 Uplands Drive. ••• DENCITI Development Corporation received unanimous approval from council to build a structure with 51 one-bedroom units and 57 two-bedroom units on the currently empty plot of land. The structure will reach five storey’s, with the height variance permitting the building height to extend to 15.85 metres, up from 14 metres.

LADYSMITH-CHEMAINUS Chris Geiger has been appointed the new chief of Ladysmith Fire Rescue. Gieger takes over from longtime fire chief Ray Delcourt who has been with the department since February 2007. Ladysmith Fire chief’s server for a two-year term and officers are elected by local department membership.

COWICHAN VALLEY Work on a new weir in Cowichan Lake to control water flows into Cowichan River has begun. The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) announced on April 22 that a contract was awarded to Stantec Engineering Services to design, engineer and conduct studies needed to build the new weir. The CVRD appointed Leroy Van Wieren as project manager. Wieren is a local who has extensive experience in managing projects big and small. ••• The Malahat Nation opened a cannabis dispensary on their lands at 1800 Trowsse Road in Mill Bay on April 20. The shop is opened in partnership with Indigenous Bloom and retails medicinal and recreational cannabis products. The shop is open and following physical distancing and other cleanliness protocols to provide service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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••• Cowichan Valley Capitals play-by-play radio host Justis Doucet has been named the BCHL 2019-20 Broadcaster of the Year. Justis calls Capitals games for 89.7 Juice FM and is a graduate of the BCIT Broadcast and Online Journalism program.

VICTORIA New Ventures BC announced its list of companies that have been accepted into the second round of their 20th Annual New Ventures BC Competition. Second round picks from Victoria include Vitamin Lab, VINN Automotive, Shift, Rootd, LetHub, Inqli and DivDot. ••• Victoria-based Shift has been selected as one of C100’s early-stage Canadian-led technology startups for its annual 48Hrs in the Valley program. The program gives a select group of Canadian entrepreneur’s unique access to networking, mentoring and business growth

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

opportunities in the San Francisco Bay area. The event will be held from October 6-7th and will include 25 other startups from across Canada. C100 is a non-profit organization that helps Canadian tech entrepreneurs get mentorship, partnerships and investment and talent acquisition. ••• Roper Greyell LLP is creating informative news bulletins to help employers understand what resources are available to them during the COVID-19 crisis. ••• Thomas Homer-Dixon has been appointed the inaugural executive director of the Cascade Institute at ••• Royal Roads University (RRU). The new institute has been created to research ways to g uide policy makers trough crises like the current COVID-19 pandemic. Homer-Dixon joins RRU from the University of Waterloo, where he is the University Research Chair in the Faculty of Environment and professor at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. The Cascade Institute will include a scientific advisory board of 30 to 40 complexity researchers to guide its work, including faculty from Royal Roads, as well as researchers from across Canada and around the world. ••• Butchart Gardens has reopened after closing temporarily due to the coronavirus pandemic on March 26. Visitors of the 22-hectare attraction must maintain physical distancing of two meters from other groups and restaurant services will be closed excepting takeout service at the Gelateria and coffee shop. Onsite

amenities including the carousal, all seating, washrooms except ones near the parking lot and drinking fountains have are all unavailable. Butchart Gardens is at 800 Benvenuto Avenue and features 900 varieties of bedding plants. ••• The Passenger Transportation Board announced that Lucky To Go has been approved to operate in all areas of the province including the Greater Victoria region. Lucky To Go is based in Victoria and is planning on putting drivers on the road in the capital region at the end of May or in early June. ••• The board of directors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce have selected Bruce Williams to become the organization’s next CEO effective June 15. Williams had been serving as interim CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, which evolved from an economic development committee that originated with The Chamber. He is co-owner of the Spark Strategic Group and has served as a business executive with Bell Media and as a broadcast producer, on-air host and television anchor with CTV. ••• SG Power recently celebrated its 55 th anniversary at 730 Hillside Avenue. The shop sells new and used motorcycles, dirt bikes, boats and scooters. To ensure the health and safety of staff and customers, the company’s sales and parts departments are operating via phone and email contact. To find out more about their offerings visit sgpower.com. ••• The Goldstream Farmers Market has received approval from the City of Langford to operate this summer with a few extra precautions. Council agreed to support the market by providing barricades that encourage shoppers at the market to practice social distancing. The market will be held every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm starting June 6th. The market will

MAY 2020

MOVERS & SHAKERS have an attendance limit of 50 people, will have a one-way entrance and exit and social distancing will be enforced with markers placed on the ground. ••• Community Micro Lending has launched the first phase of their Community Support Fund. This phase plans to raise $50,000 for small enterprises in Greater Victoria and the Capital Regional District. The fund is designed to support the independent business community in the form of small, community sourced no fee, no interest loans between $250 and $2,500. ••• Peter Wood is preparing to open Bear & Joey Café at 1025 Cook Street. Wood has been preparing to open the restaurant since December

and has modified the opening plan to provide service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its 2,500-square-feet of space with a 70-seat dining room as well as additional outdoor patio space, the restaurant will be open strictly for takeout. The restaurant is set to open in a few weeks. ••• Just Matcha Tea Shop has been forced to close their doors for business permanently at 2021 Oak Bay Avenue after not being able to make rent for April or May. Tiffanie and Kim Home are still hoping to reopen their shop at 544 Pandora Avenue and are filling online orders in the meantime. The shop sells traditional handmade ceramic matcha bowls, matcha tea’s, and tea accessories like uniquely designed frothers and bamboo whisks.

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