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March 2021
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NIGHTOWLS READY TO FLY UNDER NEW SERAUXMEN LIGHTS
NightOwls Managing Partner Jim Swanson
VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS DEADLINE MARCH 31 - 8
CURRENT MILLWORK & CABINETRY: CUSTOM IS THEIR CUSTOM - 18
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Momentum is building across the province! Finally, after breaking the one-year anniversary of the initial lockdown, British Columbia is marching steadily towards re-opening. Real estate continues to buoy the economy on the Island and lower mainland, while other areas of the province have not recovered to the same levels. Throughout the COVID-19 induced challenges we have done our best to maintain a positive tone, looking for the bright spot amongst the craziness. This month is no different, with good news about the Nanaimo NightOwls, a new local sports team that will no doubt be a bright spot as we exit the pandemic. Alongside their story we have great features on Parksville’s Current Millwork, Nanaimo’s Westcore Electrical & Mechanical, and much more. W ho is Suing W hom, and the Movers & Shakers are also inside. Keep battling through! John MacDonald, Director, Business Development
Contact Us 25 Cavan Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T9 +1 866-758-2684 info@businessexaminer.ca www.BusinessExaminer.ca Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday: Closed Editor: Lise MacDonald (lise@businessexaminer.ca) Press Releases & Story Ideas: (media@businessexaminer.ca) Sales: John MacDonald (john@businessexaminer.ca)
NOVEMBER 2020
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VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARDS
NEWS UPDATE
9 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
10 NANAIMO COLUMN
13 COMOX VALLEY
14 CAMPBELL RIVER
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ADVISORY
NIGHTOWLS
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CURRENT MILLWORK
WHO IS SUING WHOM
24 PORT ALBERNI
25 COWICHAN VALLEY
26 WESTCORE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
28 OPINION
30 MOVERS AND SHAKERS
NEWS UPDATE
ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPANY RECEIVES FUNDING BOOST
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PARKSVILLE – Parksville-based Canadian Electric Vehicles (CanEV) is developing electric-powered industrial work trucks to support the transition to a low-carbon economy with funding from the CleanBC Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) program. The $294,000 for the CanEV project will help develop the third generation of the low-speed Might-E truck and a new medium-duty truck that will achieve Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to allow operation on any road. CanEV’s current Might-E Truck is a work vehicle designed for use by municipalities, campuses, malls, resorts, parks, airports and industries. A low-maintenance vehicle, the Might-E Truck is able to outperform combustion vehicles, both financially and mechanically. Eligible companies purchasing CanEV’s Might-E Truck can access rebates through the Province’s CleanBC Go Electric Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive program, including higher rebates for tourism companies announced in January 2021. Since 1995, CanEV has been one of the only companies in BC manufacturing EVs. Not only does its project support BC’s transition to a low-carbon future, it also helps create well-paying clean tech jobs on Vancouver Island. The company is expected to hire two to three new employees in the clean technology and engineering areas for this project, and hire additional employees when pilot scale manufacturing commences.
BC HOUSING MARKET CONTINUES AT A RECORD PACE BRITISH COLUMBIA - The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 10,918 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in February 2021, an increase of 89.1 per cent over February 2020 and over a thousand sales higher than the previous February record, set in 2016. The average MLS residential price in BC was $889,584, a 17.3 per cent increase from $758,382 recorded in February 2020. Total sales dollar volume was $9.7 billion, a 121.8 per cent increase from last year. “Near-record sales in Metro Vancouver, combined with unprecedented housing demand outside of Metro Vancouver, continues to drive a blistering pace of home sales in BC,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. Total active residential listings were down 28.7 per cent to 20,185 units in February, the lowest level of provincial active listings on record, going back to 2000. Fortunately, new listings have increased considerably, but given the pace of sales, total inventory of homes for sale remains severely depleted. “There is a drought of resale inventory across the province,” added Ogmundson. “With so few listings, and with so much demand for single-detached homes, average prices have increased dramatically.” March 2021
NEWS UPDATE
BC FERRIES’ FIFTH BATTERY HYBRID-ELECTRIC VESSEL LAUNCHES
620K PROVINCIAL GRANT AWARD TO ADDRESS SUPPLY CHAIN
NANAIMO – Another of BC Ferries’ Island Class ferries has launched, entering the water at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. The yet-to-be named ship is the fifth in a series of six Island Class vessels joining the BC Ferries fleet. When in operation, it will be one of two Island Class vessels assigned to the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route. Work will continue on the new ship until scheduled sea trials in June. Following successful sea trials, the vessel will be delivered to Point Hope Maritime in Victoria in late 2021 for final preparations. Two-ship service is scheduled to begin on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route by early 2022, replacing the Quinsam. Replacing one larger ship with two smaller vessels on the route will provide customers with increased capacity per hour and more frequent service. Customers will also notice reduced vehicle line-ups and congestion on local roads, and improved safety. It also eliminates the need to consume more greenspace to increase the size of terminal holding compounds by moving more traffic through the same amount of space. Island Class ferries have the capacity to carry at least 47 vehicles and up to 400 passengers and crew, and allow for fleet redeployments and retirements of existing diesel-fuelled vessels.
PARKSVILLE, QUALICUM BEACH - The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce (P&DCC) is pleased to announce it is the recipient a Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program grant in the amount of $620K, awarded by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development for the Mid Vancouver Island Micro-fulfillment Centre, a project developed by Oceanside Initiatives, the economic development division of the P&DCC. The Mid Vancouver Island Micro-Fulfillment Centre is a scalable, modular, configurable warehouse, and delivery solution for businesses in the Oceanside region, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands. It offers high storage density, immediate pick and pack capabilities, and low cost, same day, and next day delivery of goods. “The Chamber sees the huge potential for small and medium size businesses on Vancouver Island to grow their businesses. It is a perfect fit with the Support Local work we have been doing over the past several months. As a Chamber of Commerce, we want to ensure we serve and support our local businesses,” says Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce President Jeannie Maltesen. Oceanside Initiatives plans to partner with the Nanoose First Nation to build the facility, which will have the capacity to create 100’s of jobs in the region.
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VIREB AWARDS
VIREB COMMERCIAL BUILDING NOMINATIONS POURING IN 2021 EVENT PROMISES WIDE VARIETY OF ENTRIES FROM THE MALAHAT TO PORT HARDY
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NANAIMO – A large number of nominations have been coming in for the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Boards this year, despite the 2020 COVID pa ndem ic that slowed many sectors last year. Thankfully, construction was one of the industries that maintained its previous pace, and as a result, entries for the Awards look like they will approach last year’s record setting number. The event will be virtual again this year, and will be held in late April. “We’re not really surprised that it looks like we will have a good number of nominations again this year, says Mark MacDonald of Business Examiner, which coordinates the event. “It appears there will be a larger than usual amount of multifamily and apartment projects in this year, which reflects what has been happening in the market. The rental housing and condominium sectors were underserved, and builders and developers have been rushing to meet that need. It looks like they’re accomplishing their goals. Commercial, industrial and revenue-producing projects, including renovations, from the Malahat to Port Hardy are up for these awards,
and must have been completed between January 1 and December 31, 2020. • The nomination deadline is March 31. • There will be at least 11 commercial categories: • Mixed-Use (commercial/residential) • Seniors housing • Community institutional • Community recreational • Retail • Industrial • Multi-family • Hospitality • Commercial renovation/restoration • Office • Green There will also be a Judges’ Choice Award for the best overall entry. Last year’s winner were the Tourism Tofino buildings in Tofino. The event was bumped back to September last year due to the pandemic, with winners announced via a Zoom program. A select team of independent judges from the real estate industry will perform adjudication. Black Press is a Platinum Media Sponsor. Gold Sponsors of the Awards have been MNP LLP and Coastal Community Credit Union. Black Press is a Platinum Media Sponsor. Category sponsors have been Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Colliers, NAI Commercial, Canadian Western Bank, Canadian Western Bank, RE/MAX Commercial, Herold Engineering and Yellow Sheet Review. For nomination forms, contact Sue Lessard of VIREB at 250-390-4212 or visit www.vireb.com. For information about the event, contact MacDonald at mark@businessexaminer.ca. March 2021
CONSTRUCTION
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS REBOUND VICTORIA – T he tota l value of building perm its i ssued on Va ncouver Island slipped four p e r c e n t to $65 2.3 m i llion in the fourth quarte r of 2020 RORY KULMALA from $681.6 million the third quarter. Residential building permits jumped 26 per cent over the third quarter to $538.2 million but were four per cent lower compared to the same quarter in 2019. Non-residential permits dropped 55 per cent in the quarter to $114.1 million from $254.5 million following a large surge in commercial permits in the third quarter. Commercial permits plunged 73 per cent to $56.3 million while institutional-government permits posted a 32 per cent increase to $50.3 million to partially offset that drop. “Overall, building permit activity in Vancouver Island communities continues at a strong level, despite the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association. Notable performances during the fourth quarter of 2020 included a 60 per cent jump in residential permits issued in the Capital WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Regional District (RD) over the third quarter, a 20 per cent increase in total permits in the Strathcona RD, and a 14 per cent rise in the Alberni-Clayoquot RD. T he Nanaimo investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area rose for the fourth consecutive month ending in November to $37.2 million as a result of a rebound in commercial and public permits that occurred in the third quarter of 2020. Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending increased 8.1 per cent ending in November to $157 million on the strength of multi-unit dwellings, particularly apartments which increased 22.3 per cent to $88.08 million. Construction industry employment in Vancouver Island-Coast region dropped 14.4 per cent during the fourth quarter in Vancouver Island (excluding Victoria) and 1.4 per cent in the Victoria metro area. This result was not consistent with other indicators of construction activity at that time. “While total building permits issued in 2020 came in one per cent below 2019’s level, the 2021 outlook is somewhat uncertain as a result of the pandemic,” said Kulmala. “Overall, I expect total building permits issued in 2021 will increase about five per cent over 2020, led by residential construction activity as demand for housing increases due to low interest rates, affordable home prices and provincial in-migration.
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NANAIMO
FORMER MLA JOINS COVID 19 TESTING FIRM RECENTLY SOLD LAND-BASED SALMON OPERATION TO BECOME PUBLIC COMPANY Fo r m e r P a r k sv i l le-Nor t h Nanaimo MLA Michelle Stilwell is the newly appointed Director of Rapid Testing for CVM Medical Ltd.
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CVM is the first company in BC to MARK MACDONALD be approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia’s Diagnostic Accreditation Program for Rapid Antigen Testing. This allows the company to perform on-the-spot, pointof-care testing to detect COVID 19, with results available within 15 minutes. The company also recently reached an agreement with Vancouver International Airport and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to conduct rapid testing of all KLM passengers departing for Amsterdam. Graham Williamson is CEO of CVM Medical’s parent organization, Nanaimo-based LIFESUPPORT Group of Companies, which offers global air ambulance and medevac operations since it started in Errington in 2005.
Island Inkjet has a new location in Nanaimo, at Country Club Centre. G a r d e n Wo r k s Home and Garden Center is opening soon near Woodgrove Centre.
Wes Mussio
The BC Used Oil Management Association has announced its 2020 Top Collector Award winners. Included in the 30 businesses from across the province are Bings Creek Recycling Centre of Duncan and Peerless Road Recycling Centre of Ladysmith. Nanaimo Clippers owner Wes Mussio has put the BC Hockey League team up for sale. The Clippers owner also owns Mussio Goodman Law, which specializes in ICBC cases. Steve Atkinson notes that the BC Aquafarms land-based steelhead salmon operation based in Nanaimo that he recently sold to Blue Star Foods is going to take another big step forward. Shortly after releasing its annual financial report on March 31, Blue Star CEO John Keeler says the company is going to go public. March 2021
NANAIMO Wayne Procter continues to grow his Gas No Go fuel station and convenience store network throughout Vancouver Island, as his new sparkling new Lake Cowichan Gas N Go operation is now open for business. Island West Coast Developments continues to build at a torrid pace across Vancouver Island. They have numerous projects on the go, including building a new Colwood location for Harris Chrysler, part of the Nanaimo-based Harris Auto Group. They are also getting close to completing the new location for European Specialty Automotive on Kenworth Road, which has been extended through the former Madill property.
European Specialty has been bursting from the seams at its 1702 Northfield Road location, and is looking forward to its sparking new building. Saywell Contracting Ltd. is also very busy, as their vehicles and signs are evident on Old Victoria Road, doing some work in the former Caprice Theatre location just south of the Firehouse Grill. They’re also building a storage facility for clients on School House Road in south Nanaimo, which continues to get a major facelift with new buildings. Wajax is one of the newest tenants in recently built structures on the frontage road next to the Trans Canada Highway.
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NANAIMO Numinus has announced it will be expanding into Nanaimo with a 7,500 square foot laboratory to open by the end of 2021, which is about half the size of a hockey rink. The Vancouver-based organization supports safe, evidence-based and accessible use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies in addressing mental health. The new lab will continue research in Psilocybe mushroom cultivation and extraction. Lights, cameras, action – in Chemainus!
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Minute-Road Production Limited will be filming The Baker’s Sons, a Hallmark movie along Willow Street between Mill Street and Victoria Street. The “star” of the show will be the Willow Street Café, which will be central in the filming.
It is said we learn a lot about people when we walk in their shoes. Well, Central Vancouver Island citizens are going to learn about how generous Mohammad Shafi is, as the owner of Ortho Depot Inc. in Nanaimo at 4750 Rutherford Road and in Parksville at Wembley Mall has decided to donate his remaining shoe inventory to the Mt. Arrowsmith Salvation Army. Shafi, 91, has been in the shoe business for over 70 years. He opened his first store in Parksville’s Wembley Mall. Nanaimo ranked #14 with Expedia Travellers Friendliest Cities and Towns in Canada of 2021 according to users. Comments regarding dinner recommendations, friendly greetings, good energy and random act of kindest earned Nanaimo and the other 19 finalists their spot in the contest. Qualify Foods has opened a new store in Parksville, located on the corner of Moll ie t S t re e t a nd D e s p a r t Avenu e. T h e 40,000-square-foot store is more than double its previous size. and includes a 10,000-square-foot mezzanine as well as a Clean Cart machine that offers the the latest germ killing technology. The far-ultraviolet technology has been proven to kill COVID. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@communicationink.ca
March 2021
COMOX VALLEY
CELEBRATING COURTNEY & ANGLIN REAL ESTATE GROUP T he Chamber is pleased to showcase a nd celebrate one of its five Corporate Partners, the Courtney & Anglin Real Estate Group. When the opportunity arose to become a corporate partner, they realized that “getting behind DIANNE HAWKINS the work the Chamber does for local businesses here in the Valley was an excellent opportunity to support a professional organization that responds to the needs of its members just as we do for our clients.” Like many Realtors, Michele and Bill came to the real estate industry after successful careers in other fields. Bill served in the air force for 25 years as a flight engineer and Michele was an elementary teacher for 22 years. After working independently as Realtors for many years, Michele and Bill joined forces 5 years ago as the Courtney & Anglin Real Estate Group and haven’t looked back. Consistent placement in the Western Canada Remax Top 100 teams ranking, which includes all markets west of Ontario can attest to their success. They offer a full-service real estate team that provides both residential and commercial real estate services in the Comox Valley. They enjoy helping their clients navigate the process of buying or selling their homes or businesses. Michele and Bill are active in the community and believe that giving back is an important part of understanding the community they work live and play in. To learn more about Michele and Bill and the Courtney & Anglin Real Estate Group visit courtneyanglin.com or give Michele and Bill a call at 250-334-9900. Welcome new members - the Comox Valley Chamber continues to grow! Black & White Rentals, Comox Valley Food Bank Society, Valley Cannabis Co, Alpine First Aid Ltd, Comox Dental – Dr. Chris Becir, Cumberland WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
Business Association, Engrave It, Frist Credit Union – Courtenay Branch and Peninsula Cumberland Business Association. Dianne Hawkins is CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber For more information on what’s happening locally and advocacy at the Chamber, give us a call or email our CEO at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber.com – We’re here for you! #Restart Comox Valley
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CAMPBELL RIVER
ISLAND WIDE INTER-GENERATIONAL PROGRAM OFFERED
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One of the greatest resources a society can utilize is inter-generational education and experience. Getting older and wiser is great — but only if there is someone to share it with. Being young, full of newly learned knowledge MARY RUTH SNYDER and enthusiasm is terrific — but only if there is someone to encourage the new growth. We are so fortunate to have outstanding post-secondary institutions, not only in BC but here on Vancouver Island. And, they have fully capitalized on embracing new technologies and not just blending them with hands on training and experience but finding new avenues for the students to gain that experience while they are still studying. Vancouver Island Work-Integrated Learning (VIWIL) is a unique partnership of collaboration between North Island College (NIC) and Vancouver Island University (VIU). Their new platform or portal was created in the spirit of connecting employers with students on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat thus enhancing opportunities for work-integrated learning. As an employer on viwil.ca you will find every resource you may need from funding options to pre-hiring tips to writing job postings to onboarding. And, once you post the job to viwil.ca — it is then ‘pushed out’ to every campus north of the Malahat from Duncan to Powell River to Port Hardy and every campus in between. It allows you to tap directly into our unique market. And if you wanted to go a little farther afield — BC Chamber offers the Talent Forward Program. “By bringing a student into the workforce for short-term labour support, businesses can save costs, increase overall worker capacity, and drive productivity. This in turn helps to build a stronger
BC now, and in the future,” according to Dan Baxter, Director of Policy Development, Government and Stakeholder Relations, BC Chamber of Commerce. “Utilizing a student is a fantastic way to fill a business or organization’s need and at the same time provide that student with invaluable work experience that will strengthen their foundation as they begin their career. Engaging with students has literally been a lifesaver for myself being a one-employee organization. The students I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last six months have been exceptional. Two from NIC and one from VIU. I suspect I’ve learned just as much as them!” says Mary Ruth Snyder, Executive Director, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit https://www.viwil. ca or https://bcchamber.org/talent-forward and make the most of our inter-generational resource. Mary Ruth Snyder is Executive Director of the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce.
March 2021
ADVISORY
MANAGING RISK IN A SEA OF CHANGE
Alex Brown, BA The only constant to COVID has been change. Nearly a year into our new reality, I continue to be amazed by the resilience our clients and members show in adapting their business to meet the challenges of life in a global pandemic. Adding delivery, moving sales online, and changing service offerings have all been fantastic ways to adapt. What is sometimes forgotten is the impact these changes can have on your insurance. Making changes to your business model in these and similar ways can be considered a “material change” to your risk profile, and it may necessitate modifying your insurance program. In a worst-case scenario, failing to notify your insurer about changes to your operations can void your coverage altogether. A common misconception is that insurance policies can only be modified upon renewal, which is not true. Policies can and should be amended as the needs and operations of a business change. WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
With all the challenges that come with conducting business in a pandemic, insurance may not always be top of mind. Taking a few minutes to consult with your broker to review your adaptation strategy will be well worth your time. Adopting a pro-active approach and keeping lines of communication with your broker open is your best way to ensure that your insurance and your business are working in lock step. As risk management specialists, we can help you build and maintain an insurance program to protect your business—and work with you continuously to adjust that program as needed. We’re happy to offer our expertise in helping you navigate the challenges of maintaining your peace of mind and insurability. And just as our members and clients have, we too have adapted our business model to continue our service during COVID. We’re able to have all of these conversations over the phone, by email or by video—to meet you where you are, and get you where you need to be. While we all wait for these unprecedented and uncertain times to clear up, we’ll be here for you to help you adapt, grow and thrive. Alex Brown, BA is a Commercial Insurance Advisor with Coastal Community Insurance Services (2007) Ltd. For more information on business insurance services, call 1-877-811-3644 or book a call back appointment at cccu.ca
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OFF THE COVER
NIGHTOWLS READY TO FLY UNDER NEW SERAUXMEN LIGHTS WEST COAST LEAGUE BRINGING TOP LEVEL AMATEUR BASEBALL TO NANAIMO THIS SUMMER
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NANAIMO - They went to a community event, and a baseball game broke out. That’s what Central Vancouver Island is about to welcome at Serauxmen Stadium, as the Nanaimo NightOwls officially, finally, join the top-rung amateur baseball West Coast League this summer. It was a year ago, March 5, 2020, that the ownership group of the Victoria HarbourCats, a WCL franchise since 2013, announced to a packed room that they were bringing a rival team to Nanaimo. A year of COVID-19 later, the Nanaimo franchise is ready to go, and the city seems eager to see the first pitch. When restrictions lift and crowds can gather again, the NightOwls will aim to dominate the HarbourCats in every meeting. Current plans call for nine games between the clubs this coming summer, and perhaps even a playoff series. The West Coast League, around since 2005, showcases some of the best National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate/amateur players on the planet, and in 2019 the league had 90 players chosen in the Major League Baseball draft, including Adley Rutchman, first overall to the Baltimore Orioles, and Andrew Vaughn, third overall to the Chicago White Sox. Rutchman played for the WCL’s Corvallis Knights, one of the founding teams, while Vaughn was with the HarbourCats. The WCL has grown during the pandemic, too, adding teams in Nanaimo, Kamloops and
Jim Swanson
Edmonton, giving the league five Canadian entries along with Kelowna, one of the original clubs, and Victoria. The 10 Pacific Northwest U.S.-based teams are in Bellingham, Port Angeles, Portland, Corvallis, Bend, Yakima, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, Cowlitz and Ridgefield. Serauxmen Stadium is transitioning into a feature piece for the City of Nanaimo, as lights and a new scoreboard have already been added, with more amenities to come. “Anyone who has been to a HarbourCats game in Victoria, knows the baseball is outstanding but it takes a back seat to all the food trucks and the entertainment around the game,” said Jim
March 2021
OFF THE COVER Swanson, Managing Partner of the group that owns both clubs. “The mascot is having fun with kids, people are enjoying a traditional ballpark hot dog, or something more upscale through the other food offerings we’re working on. “Sipping a local craft beer at a ballgame is a near-religious experience on its own. And all the things going on between innings, the music, the smells and sights, make the game a rolling production. “And that will be the case at Serauxmen Stadium. It’s an atmosphere like no other, the hum of a crowd of 2,000 in the Nanaimo sunshine, in a city known for great baseball and strong community ties. This will be magical.” The NightOwls, who will do the minor-leaguebaseball-thing and be branded as the Nanaimo Bars for daytime games, already have a seasoned staff with Greg Frady as Head Coach, and Gorman
Heimueller leading the pitching staff. The outgoing Frady has 34 years of college coaching experience, while Heimueller is a former Major League Baseball lefthander with 34 years of professional coaching experience. “It’s been fun to have people signing up early for season tickets, and companies wanting to support jay cousin through the many corporate opportunities,” said An Independent Swanson. “Major local players have jumped on this, PH 250including Island Savings, Save On Foods, Panago on Fourth, Arbutus RV, Mid-Island Co-op and Liquor, Coca-Cola, Drip Coffee, Days Inn, Wilson’s Transportation, Western Timber, Lanson’s Drywall, Jones Coatings. It’s getting to be quite a list, and growing. “There’s a lot of room on the NightOwls bandwagon, and we can’t wait to see the Nanaimo-Victoria rivalry hit a new level.” www.nanaimonightowls.com
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Jay Cousins jay cousins realty
An Independent Member Broker
PH 250-751-1223 TF 1-877-335-4380 E jay@jaycousins.com W jaycousins.com FEATURED PROPERTIES
VANCOUVER ISLAND LEASE, BUSINESS & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LEASES
FOR SALE - Building & Land Nanaimo - $7,500,000 Re-Development Opportunity Former 90 Unit Senior Care Facility C C 5 Zoning will allow multiple uses
including Housing, Day Care, Office, etc. 1.87 Acre Property plus Rental House Approx. 43,195 Sq. Ft. Building Information Portfolio Available
FOR LEASE - 2,200 Sq. Ft. Nanaimo - $12/Sq. Ft. + TN
Great Exposure with Highway access 2nd Level Walk-up Unit
Large Open Layout with Several Private
Offices throughout 2 Washrooms, Plenty of Storage Space Vacant & Ready for Immediate Occupancy Information Portfolio Available
WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
2,100 Sq. Ft. Quality Office Space - North Nanaimo, high visibility, ground level access, 2 entrances, open layout, private offices, boardroom, kitchenette, storage, 2 Washrooms $14/SF + TN Downtown Nanaimo Commercial Space - 1,712 Sq. Ft. located in the Dorchester Hotel, fantastic location across from the Waterfront, Great visibility $1,700/Month + Hydro & Property Taxes 2,033 Sq. Ft. 2nd Floor Office Space – Downtown Nanaimo, T.N. includes HVAC, Hydro & Utilities. Available for Immediate Occupancy $9.50/SF + TN Industrial Property - Cassidy Area - 4,306 Sq. Ft. Quality Office space with heat pump plus .75 Acre of Land. Great Highway Exposure $9/SF + TN 1,100 Sq. Ft. Sub-Lease space available now - Currently configured as a Retail Store, 2 Entry/Exit Doors, shared Washroom CC1 Commercial Zoned in South Nanaimo - $1,800 Month + GST Huge 1, 900 Sq. Ft. Unit with 1,300 Sq. Ft. Bonus Storage area - Large open 2nd level space downtown Nanaimo. Incl. Hydro/HVAC - $2,200/Month + GST 800 Sq. Ft. Office Space in Metral Centre - Great Exposure & Fully Accessible Unit, Private Office, Open Configuration 2-piece Washroom $14/SF + TN 4,635 Sq. Ft. Building South Nanaimo Quality custom designed office space with Boardroom, Meeting area, Staff room w/Kitchen, Parking, Easy Access, Available NOW! $16/Sq. Ft. + TN Downtown Nanaimo D320 Sq. Ft. Store Front Unit - Desirable location across from waterfront ASE Dorchester Hotel, Available Jan 1, 2021 $805.00/Month + TN adjoining Best LEWestern 1,123 Sq. Ft. Newly Demised Space – Prime Nanaimo location, COR-3 Zoning allows multiple uses incl. Retail & Office, Main Level, Bright Open Interior, Highway Access $18.00/Sq. Ft. + TN 1,340 Sq. Ft. in Gallery Row - Currently configured as 2 Separate Units. 840 Sq. Ft. Retail & Showroom space + 500 Sq. Ft. Storage Area. $2,500/Month + GST Vacant Land Available for Lease – .75 of an Acre across from Cassidy Airport, Great for Storage of Vehicles, RV’s etc. $3,000/Month + GST Large Downtown Nanaimo Office Unit – 3,948 Sq. Ft. 2nd Level, Quality Building, Triple Net expense incl. HVAC, Hydro, Utilities, Available Immediately $12/Sq. Ft. plus T.N. 900 Sq. Ft. Corner Unit with Great Exposure – Near Old City Quarter, DT2 Zoning allows for a broad range of uses, Available immediately $13/Sq. Ft. plus T.N.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
POPULAR NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB - NANAIMO Busy High Volume Operation, 175 Seats incl. Patio Full Kitchen, Price includes Inventory $299,000 Information Portfolio- REDUCED TO-
SOL
CENTRAL NANAIMO INVESTMENT PROPERTY 18,000 Sq. Ft. Building on High Visibility Corner 5 Bed Residence on 2nd Level Plus Multiple Commercial Tenants $2,995,000
100% SHARE SALE - BUSINESS -MID-ISLAND Well established Toy & Teacher Resource Retail Store 28 Years in business, loyal clientele $199,000 Plus Inventory
RETAIL FLOORING BUSINESS - NANAIMO Exemplary Flooring Business with significant Inventory Know for discount pricing and great
Customer Service, Room to Expand
$175,000
FOR SALE - 100% Share Sale Nanaimo - $199,000 Well Established Toy & Teacher Resource
Retail Store
28 Years in Business with Loyal Clientele Amazing Selection of Classic Toys, Games
Puzzles, Science Kits, Workbooks, etc. Plus Inventory Information Portfolio Available
CED!
REDU
RE-DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY - NANAIMO Former Senior Care Facility close to Nan. General Hospital 1.87 Acres, 43,195 Sq. Ft. Building $7,500,000 Plus Residential Rental House
BAKERY & CONFECTIONARY BUSINESS - NANAIMO Bakery & Coffee Shop with a Terrific Reputation Highly Visible Corner Location $249,000 Information Portfolio Available
6 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING - NANAIMO 3 One Beds, 3 Two Beds, Close to Downtown Core Sep Meters, Some Long Term Tenants $1,189,000 Approx. 5% CAP at asking price
FOR SALE - Residential 6-Plex Nanaimo - $1,189,000
Located in Old City area of Nanaimo
Well Maintained 3 One Beds & 3 Two Beds Separate Hydro Meters electric Baseboard Heaters Several Long Term Tenants Approx. 5% CAP at asking price Information Portfolio Available
FEATURE STORY
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From left, Jason Howlett, Kayla MacKenzie, Darci Kachenko and Mouki Butt inspect plans
CURRENT MILLWORK & CABINETRY: CUSTOM IS THEIR CUSTOM PARKSVILLE BASED ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORKING CABINET SHOP SHOWS STRONG GROWTH PARKSVILLE – First impressions last a long time, and that is the custom at Current Millwork & Cabinetry. General Manager Jason Howlett says the architectural woodworking cabinet shop’s offering of custom designed services gives clients one-of-a-kind cabinetry for offices and homes. “We’re a one-stop shop for cabinetry,” notes Howlett, who adds the company is completing a new showroom at its 9,000 square foot location
at 101-1120 Industrial Way in the Parksville Industrial Park. “From curved custom reception desks to elaborate kitchen’s and signature paneling, we help define the look and supply products our clients need. “We can walk onto a job site, whether it be a commercial car dealership or high end residence and we’re able to perform with consistent quality and deliverables that keep our clients coming back.”
March 2021
FEATURE STORY
Current Millwork & Cabinetry General Manager Jason Howlett goes over a project with Krista Howlett
Ryann Cairney goes over plans in the workshop
Howlett arrived at the operation in 2013 and is now a partner in the business, which has 32 employees and has been growing steadily each year. “We have a modern team utilizing advanced technology, tools and equipment to develop our craft,” he notes. “We develop strong relationships with our vendors to stay on top of design trends and to offer the latest quality products and services while remaining traditionalists at heart in terms of our commitment to craftsmanship. “Our cabinet makers and millworkers are dedicated to creating modern and sophisticated
kitchen cabinetry, handcrafted vanities, custom arches, custom finished casework and more. From butlers’ pantries to home office nooks, we specialize in blending vintage textures with modern aesthetics.” Howlett is proud of the fact that the company focuses on, and supports, Vancouver Island communities and customers. Current Millwork & Cabinetry has done award winning work for Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy, at Parksville’s Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and at the University of Victoria. “The outcome for a multi-family project is a little different than a high-end waterfront
S&G Quartz and Granite look forward to our continued partnership with Current Millwork & Cabinetry! Scott: 250-668-2114 Greg: 250-816-0817 2120 Northfield Rd, Nanaimo www.sggranite.com
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FEATURE STORY
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The Kwalilas Hotel in Port Hardy is an example of Current Millwork’s commercial portfolio
Nick Brandstaetter works at his desk
home, but we’re able to adjust our game plan at a high level to ensure success for that project and client,” he observes. “At the end of the day it’s pretty simple: We do what we said we’d do, when we said we were going to do it.” In addition to their focus on custom work for clients, Current Millwork & Cabinetry has also developed a new line of products to help companies adjust to COVID-19 restrictions that includes wood dividers with shoulder-height Plexiglas tops to keep students and diners in their own units while studying and eating.
“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.” Howlett notes there are several reasons for the company’s growth and success. “Our team has a strong work ethic, and we have invested in technology that allows us to be efficient in what we do, so we can get the job in, done and move on to the next project.” The company’s culture and team members are an important part of the success.
�ngratulations ent MMlwwk!
Proud supporter of Current Millwork
Your total floring solution since 1986.
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March 2021
FEATURE STORY
Custom residential millwork provides customers with a near infinite number of options when building their dream home
“First and foremost it’s our culture,” he says. “We’re employing great people and training and investing in them to grow leaders as our company has grown. We’re quite happy to promote from within. “We have the right systems and foundation in place, and now we’re able to put some fuel to the fire and grow the business in a different way,” he adds. “It’s all been word of mouth to this point.” www.currentmillwork.com
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Nanaimo’s Holly Tree Dental project is a point of pride for Current Millwork
Windsor Plywood Parksville
QUALITY HOME FINISHING PRODUCTS SINCE 1969
• Doors • Panelling • Moulding /S4S Lumber • Outdoors • Live-Edge / Specialty Wood • Finishes / Adhesives • Plywood / Sheet Goods • Kitchen • Interior Stair Components • Tools /Hardware
IWCD Congratulates Current Millwork & Cabinetry on their success! Windsor Plywood Parksville 1580 Sunrise Drive • PARKSVILLE 250-752-3122 | www.windsorplywood.com
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2214 McCullough Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4M8 P 250.756.9665 | F 250.756.9615 | info@iwcd.ca www.iwcd.ca
WHO IS SUING WHOM
CLAIM $9,616
Ltd 830-800 West Pender St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF McKay, Howard CLAIM $33,206
Ltd 1010-736 Granville St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Power, Catherine Maureen CLAIM $35,276
DEFENDANT Breitray Developments Ltd 30980 Bl a c k lo c k R d , Abbotsford, BC PLAINTIFF Wi l nef f, Ch r i stopher Joseph CLAIM $9,010
DEFENDANT Central Island Powerline Ltd 202-58 Station St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Prior, Jill CLAIM $33,571
DEFENDANT Darcys Pub (2009) Ltd 1009 Cook St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Donovan, Michael Patrick CLAIM $35,181
DEFENDANT C and C West Contracting Ltd 906 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Shear Seismic Inc CLAIM $35,176
DEFENDANT Chevy Contracting 1552 Oceanspray Dr, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Watson, Kim Michelle CLAIM $7,418
DEFENDANT Can Sure Underwriting
DEFENDANT Cruiseplus Management
The contents of Who’s Suing Whom is provided by a thirdparty resource and is accurate according to public court documents. Some of these cases may have been resolved by publication date. DEFENDANT Aarons Lawn Care and Landscaping 4600 Callow St, Bowser, BC PLAINTIFF Braun, Mark Christianus CLAIM $30,156 DEFENDANT Avid Enterprises Inc 2-3302 30th Ave, Vernon, BC PLAINTIFF Royal Bank CLAIM $17,712
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DEFENDANT Bearlo Labour and Services 303-1207 Douglas Rd, Victoria, BC Fleming, William Dean
Dash Developments Ltd 200-1808 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Power, Catherine Maureen CLAIM $35,276 DEFENDANT Down To Earth Landscape Design and Nursery 1096 Derrien Pl, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF
Region
Project Address
Project Type
Project Details
Low Bidder / Award
Budget
Victoria
Various locations
Supply
Watermain Pipe
EMCO Corporation
Victoria
Various locations
Civil work
Utility Replacement
Complete Utility Contractors
2,906,940
Victoria
1952 Bay St
Institutional add/alter
High Acuity Units - VGH
Western Medical Contracting
N/A
Esquimalt
CFB Esquimalt
Mechanical, electrical & plumbing Generator Rationalization
Houle Electric
875,000
Esquimalt
CFB Esquimalt
Institutional add/alter
Detention Barracks Upgrade - Naden 2
Century Group
287,000
Esquimalt
1243 Esquimalt Rd
Institutional new
Public Safety Building - Construction Management
Kinetic Construction
N/A
Cowichan Valley RD
Douglas Hill
Civil work
Douglas Hill Watermain Replacement
Superior Excavating
70,000
North Cowichan
Smiley Rd
Civil work
Watermain & appurtenances
IWC Excavation Ltd
600,000
Nanaimo
6201 Dunbar Rd
Institutional add/alter
Cilaire & Pleasant Valley Elem - Seismic Upgrade - CM
Heatherbrae Builders
N/A
Nanaimo RD
1723 Cedar Rd
Civil work
Water Treatment Plant - Site Preparation
Hazelwood Construction
N/A
Nanaimo RD
Whiskey Creek
Institutional add/alter
Water Production Well Site Construction
Ridgeline Mechanical Ltd
403,955
Port Alberni
14 km South Taylor Main FSR
Roads & bridges
Snow Creek Recreation Site - Maintenance Project
Roc-Star Enterprises Ltd
80,881
Courtenay
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
Institutional add/alter
Nature House Upgrade
Copcan Civil Ltd
Courtenay
Various locations
Services
Elevator Inspection & Maintenance
Richmond Elevator
Comox
19 Wing, CFB Comox
Demolition/deconstruction
Demolition of Building 52
Edgett Excavating Ltd
143,265
277,000 N/A 124,098
March 2021
WHO IS SUING WHOM Waterworks Irrigation and Landscaping Inc CLAIM $13,932 DEFENDANT Errington Tree Service 1255 Englishman River Rd, Errington, BC PLAINTIFF Russell, Elizabeth CLAIM $35,306 DEFENDANT Fat Burger 201-1006 Fort St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Hesco Food Service (Calgary) Ltd CLAIM $6,676 DEFENDANT Hub City Hydroponics Ltd 105-50 10th St, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Cinnabar Valley Farms Ltd
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CLAIM $5,969 DEFENDANT Island Cruising Ltd 104-9710 2nd St, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Erika Macintyre Professional Corporation CLAIM $35,216
$11,374 DEFENDANT Nanaimo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ltd 4170 Wellington Rd, Nanaimo, BC PLAINTIFF Halt Holdings Ltd CLAIM $11,739
DEFENDANT Kent Laverdure Plumbing 464-1434 Ironwood Rd, Campbell River, BC PLAINTIFF Hartling, Tianna CLAIM $35,156
DEFENDANT Powerhouse Sheet Rock Ltd 201-19 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF Worldeco Ltd CLAIM $8,452
DEFENDANT Leaf Compassion Inc 7th Flr 1175 Douglas St, Victoria, BC PLAINTIFF GFX Graphic FX Signworks Inc CLAIM
DEFENDANT Save On Septic Services Inc 2-177 4th St, Duncan, BC PLAINTIFF Watson, Kim Michelle CLAIM $7,418
DEFENDANT Sea Power Marine Centre Ltd 2077 Amelia Ave, Sidney, BC PLAINTIFF Fleming, Allan CLAIM $12,497 DEFENDANT Stride Properties Ltd 112-9800 McDonald Park Rd, North Saanich, BC PLAINTIFF Watt Consulting Group Ltd CLAIM $25,238 DEFENDANT Victoria Contracting & Municipal Maintenance Corp 1600-925 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC PLAINTIFF Smith, Shane Darcy CLAIM $14,472
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PORT ALBERNI
PORT ALBERNI’S PATH FORWARD
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The BC Economic Development Association just hos te d it s 4 0 t h Annual Summit with a theme of Economic Revival – Charting a Path Forward for BC Communities. For Port Alberni that means a continued focus Pat Deakin on reconciliation, new economic sectors, addressing the climate change challenge, support for our SME’s and assistance for struggling citizens. Each is explained briefly below. One of the more visible reconciliation initiatives will be the conversion of our iconic clock tower in Harbour Quay to a story tower acknowledging, that in 1860, Tseshaht people were forced off their winter village and wolf ritual beach to make way for a sawmill. Our new economic sectors will stem from an increased leveraging of our food hub; a securing of the Cascadia Seaweed ‘beach-head’; attraction of remote tech workers in partnership with five other communities and the VICEDA ‘tech island’ initiative; and the cluster of value-added wood-fibre facilities the San Group is establishing here. We are also investing heavily in quality of life, creating multi-use trails and pathways, building commuter links between our neighbourhoods, schools, retail areas and workplaces. Like you, we are converting our fleet of vehicles to electric and hybrid models and investing in building retrofits and LED streetlights. This year we launch an organic waste collection in partnership with the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. Next year, our first net zero 46-unit affordable housing project will open its doors. During the pandemic, our partnership with
Community Futures Alberni Clayoquot, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Port Alberni Port Authority, the Alberni Valley Employment Centre and our Emergency Operations Centre resulted in a massive effort to ensure businesses survive and thrive with initiatives like a $1 million locally based loan program, a free consulting service, a gift-card e-commerce site with three-months free access, and full municipal support for business use of public spaces. Several projects addressing the complete continuum of housing needs have been completed or are in motion and several projects addressing other needs of our most vulnerable citizens are at work or being planned. These include a safe injection site, a treatment centre, a therapeutic centre, a Community Action Team, a modified ambulance to deliver hot food to several sites and more. In summary, our path forward is a matter of staying the course AND adjusting as circumstances require. The circumstances include an unprecedented residential development boom and increasing housing prices. 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
March 2021
COWICHAN VALLEY
NEW BUSINESS INCUBATION AND ACCELERATION PROGRAM TO STRENGTHEN COWICHAN FOOD ECOSYSTEM
BARRY O’RIORDAN Economic Development Cowichan has partnered with Spring Activator to launch the Cowichan Food Innovation Program to support food and beverage entrepreneurs across the region. The Cowichan Food Innovation Program was created in an effort to foster innovation in the community and support the development of a thriving food and beverage sector in Cowichan. The program will assist aspiring business owners to incubate new ideas, and help existing businesses to pivot in response to changing consumer demands. “We are excited to support the further development of local food and beverage businesses through this new program,” said Barry O’Riordan, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan. “The program will also
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identify and develop key players in the Cowichan food ecosystem, and thereby build capacity for continued growth and expansion of the sector.” The program will be delivered in two cohorts: an incubator for start-ups and those looking to launch a new venture, and an accelerator for established businesses looking to adapt through growth and expansion. Both cohorts will have access to weekly group e-learning sessions, an online resource portal, and a regional network of business mentors. The training is offered at no cost to participants. “I am excited to collaborate with Economic Development Cowichan and the program participants to curate and deliver an impactful program that truly supports and elevates the unique food entrepreneurs and food ecosystem in Cowichan alley,” said Allison Gibson, Program Manager of Food Innovation at Spring Activator. The Cowichan Food Innovation Program is accepting applications until March 31, with the program set to run from April to July 2021. Visit Economic Development Cowichan’s website at ecdevcowichan.com for more information on the program, eligibility criteria, and to submit your application. Barry O’Riordan is Manager of Economic Development Cowichan and can be reached at 250.709.1119 or barry.oriordan@cvrd.bc.ca
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FEATURE STORY
WESTCORE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL: A ONE STOP SHOP ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GAS, HVAC AND STRUCTURED INSTALLATION COMPANY NEARS 20 YEARS
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NANAIMO – When it comes to quality or affordability, customers shouldn’t have to choose. That’s how Carey Miller views it, as Owner and General Manager of Westcore Electrical and Mechanical, a Nanaimo-based Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, HVAC, Fire protection and Structured Cable installation company. “We have fully trained staff for each trade and some staff have multiple trade tickets,” he states. “The company has been structured to have division managers that are fully ticketed and knowledgeable about their trade, for every project that we have multiple trades involved in. “In our office, we can review each project to make sure they run smoothly for our customer, and we can pick up on any possible construction or installation problems and solve them before they become a costly issue. This helps in scheduling and reducing costs, instead of becoming a cost overrun later.” Westcore’s fully equipped professional team ensures that projects are delivered on time and on budget, Miller says.
Congratulations to Westcore Electrical and Mechanical on their new location at 1874 Boxwood Road!
Parksville: 250 248-1100 | Duncan: 250-748-1011 www.islandequipmentrentals.com
Westcore worked on the Tofino Post Office
“Our customers receive fair, competitive pricing paired with high-quality work that is scheduled to meet deadline requirements and is backed by our quality workmanship guarantee,” he adds. “Our certified tradespeople work for our customers’ satisfaction, and our managers oversee all work to confirm we reach these goals on every project.” Miller founded the company, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in October. “I received my journeyman electrical papers in 1982, and I have worked You’ve really outdone yourselves in construction since I Congratulations to Westcore Electrical & Mechanical. was 16,” he notes. “I’ve It is always a pleasure had the opportunity to doing business with you. be involved in almost all forms of construction, so I’ve acquired knowledge for all aspects involved in the building Nanaimo 2067 Boxwood Rd // 250.758.1771 process.” bartlegibson.com March 2021
FEATURE STORY
Kitchen renovations are also a Westcore specialty
Millers’ father had an electrical mechanical company that he had an opportunity to purchase, but he decided to purchase the assets before founding and rebranding as Westcore, which was incorporated in 2002. Miller believes that Westcore being a “one stop shop” provides an advantage, as the company offers full electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, refrigeration, and fire protection services. “We can reduce time for customers, so they don’t have to coordinate two, three or more trades in order to get their service call, renovation or even larger construction projects completed,” Miller says. “ The one-stop shop aspect also simplifies operations, since all trades are coordinated through one office. “This often helps simplify the scheduling and coordinating the trades, as well as helps reduce stress of schedule – and can lead to lower costs at the end,” he says.
Miller says no job is too small for Westcore, whether it be for heating, air conditioning repairs or seasonal maintenance, minor residential renovations electrical mechanical, new residential electrical mechanical work, commercial, and industrial construction. They also do new multi-million dollar residential, industrial, and commercial developments, along with troubleshooting and repairs in all the services the company provides with their ticketed tradespeople. Miller believes in steady, controlled growth for his company. “This way, we can make sure we are giving our customers the quality and service they deserve,” he states. “Westcore has the team and capability to do all sizes of work, from a small service call to residential, commercial and light industrial projects.” www.westcoreltd.com
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Congratulations to Westcore Electrical & Mechanical on their new location at 1874 Boxwood Road! 3090 Barons Road, Nanaimo P: 250.729.0504 admin@crossandco.ca www.crossandco.ca
Growing your business is our priority Congratulations to Westcore Electrical & Mechanical on the move to their new location! To find out how we work together to do great things, visit us at any location, online at cccu.ca or call 1.888.741.1010. NANAIMO BUSINESS CENTRE 2350 Labieux Rd | 1.888.741.1010
Bartle & Gibson’s new location in Nanaimo
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OPINION
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM MCDONALD’S MARKETING While driving recently, I couldn’t avoid seeing “Not Without Canadian Farmers” emblazoned on a McDonald’s delivery trucks, pointing out that the food they serve is made and grown in this country. I couldn’t help but admire, and take another look at, how and why the corporation’s marketing succeeds.
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MARK MACDONALD Two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun. Decades after McDonald’s Restaurants ran the ingredients of their popular Big Mac hamburger as their basic advertising text, those old enough to remember can still recite it all, in order. It became a competition amongst friends, to see who could recite it, with or without melody. McDonald’s maintains its hold as the gold standard for marketing and advertising, and because of that, stays at or near the top of the uber-competitive fast food industry. After a prolonged swoon about a decade or so ago, McDonald’s revamped its menu while maintaining solid standard bearers like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder and, of course, French Fries. It is back where stockholders and franchisees like it, providing solid returns on investment.
Consistency Does McDonald’s create the best hamburger you’ve ever eaten? Some might say so, but surely there are better tasting burgers out there. McDonald’s is, however, consistent in its quality and delivery times, with price-points that always make it a consideration for budget-conscious or “must eat now” consumers. Go to McDonald’s in Canada, the U.S., Mexico or China, and it’s always exactly the same. Their messages vary, but when they come up with a new campaign, they use it everywhere, for as long as it doesn’t remain stale and forgetful. The Big Mac recipe. There’s no tipping at McDonald’s. You deserve a break today. I’m lovin’ it. All hanging around just enough to earn storage in our memory banks. When it comes to marketing, McDonald’s just keeps at it. You know where to find them, and they know how to bring you in. It works, and they just don’t quit. Clarity One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to decipher what McDonald’s is trying to say in its March 2021
OPINION marketing. That doesn’t mean it isn’t clever – it just follows the tried and true method of getting an uncluttered, memorable message out to its target audience. Their basic messaging captures the imaginations and appetites of children, who have been known to hound their parents to take them to McDonald’s for something to eat, Now. They must have it, and will get it, dependent on volume and repetition. Changing Gears Some things work for awhile, but not forever, and McDonald’s is masterful at recognizing that. Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese once made a trip to the Golden Arches like a near-Disneyland experience. They’ve all gone into hiding. They introduce, re-introduce and take away menu items. Pizza and McRib have come and gone, and re-appeared from time to time. While staples remain, there always seems to be a new menu item or two to try. It shows they’re not stuck in the past, and not afraid to try new things – demonstrating they’re willing to change, if they must, to keep consumer interest high.
A cynic today might believe that some messages are introduced to start conversations and subsequent cycle of responsive editorial, which is free advertising of their brand. In a parallel universe, celebrity publicity machines recognize crises lift stars to the top of the conversational heap, particularly with social media. But we digress. The fact is, McDonald’s is always out there, sharing their story, in a variety of forms. And because they’re always at it, they’re able to even address issues that might arise, or could become problems, thus controlling the conversation to some degree. No wonder we’re still talking about them and how they conduct their business. Mark MacDonald is President of Communication Ink Media & Public Relations Ltd. and can be reached at mark@ communicationink.ca
Dig deep with the frontline leaders of our economy
PODCAST
Being Pro-Active Several times a year, stories are published attacking McDonald’s about something: Quality of ingredients. Caloric counts. Packaging. Wages. Almost immediately, the corporation responds to the issue, never allowing smoldering embers to become a forest fire of negative publicity. They’re on it, and their response time is impressive.
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From the Trenches British Columbia business stories and commentary
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
MOVERS & SHAKERS Announcements, business changes, celebrations and other hidden gems from around Central/North Vancouver Island. Curated just for you.
Submit your company’s announcement to: media@businessexaminer.ca
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most prestigious organizations in the region’s development sector, and paved the way for him to step out on his own in 2018. Currently he has five active projects in various stages.
Episode 12 of the Business Examiner podcast - From the trenches - is now live! Sam Ganong of Curate Developments talks about his path to becoming a real estate developer in Victoria. His local roots include working for some of the
The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance’s Island Good celebrates its third anniversary. The Island Good brand was launched in March 2018 with a 6-month pilot project in 45 grocery stores with four retail partners, achieving an average sales lift of 16.4% for Island-made products. Island Good has grown to include over 130 licensed businesses featuring everything from produce, textiles, cosmetics and more. COW ICH A N VA L L E Y + L A DYSM I T H / CHEMAINUS Based on information and updated flood maps March 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS provided by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, the CVRD will apply for a federal grant of up to $200,000 to support development of an asset management plan for the Cowichan River dike system. The floodplain maps presented by the engineering company represent a designated 200-year flood plan adjusted for a climate change and sea-level rise scenario in the year 2100. The Cowichan Valley has received a $30,000 grant to help vulnerable people from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach. The funding will help create a community-based team of front-line workers to deliver better, faster access to services. Ca rol-A n n Rolls i s t he new executive director of the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, replacing interim ED Susan Lake, who will return to her role as office manager. Carol-Ann Rolls
included the downtown core on Willow Street between Victoria and Mill Street. Work on Crofton Road by Windley Contracting from Chaplin Street to Chemainus Road is expected to be completed by July of 2021. Na n a i mo resident a nd business person Julie Sevens will soon open Canteen on the Green at Mount Brenton G ol f Cou rse i n Chemainus. Previous to her new venture, Julie could be found at the Maple Lane Cafe, where she had plied Julie Sevens her trade since 2012. The Mount Brenton board is giving the 25-year food and catering vet full control of the business,
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Ladysmith’s vaccination centre at Aggie Hall has opened. Vaccination appointments must be made through the Island Health call centre at 1-833-348-4787. Those 85 and over are the first eligible. Chemainus is standing in as Windward, Washington during the filming of romantic comedy, The Baker’s Son, a new Hallmark movie being filmed by Minute-Road Production Limited. Film locations have
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
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menu, and staffing.
and a children’s play boat.
T h e C o w i c h a n Va l l e y C a p i t a l s h a v e re c r u i te d fo r w a rd L u ke H ay m e s f ro m O t t a w a , d e fe n c e m a n S e b a st i a n H a mming from Edmonton, and defenceman Chase Ramsay from Granite Springs, New York. The team awaits word regarding the delayed 202021 BC Hockey League season.
NANAIMO Nanaimo city council voted to allocate $505,000 on pedestrian infrastructure projects, plus another $550,000 that was over and above staff’s recommendation. Some of the money has already been earmarked for pedestrian infrastructure improvements to eight intersections and one new stretch of sidewalk. The additional $554,000 will be taken from reserves to fast-track a separate sidewalk project on Haliburton Street.
Together with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Cowichan Green Community has partnered to secure up to $750,000 in funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Stronger BC economic recovery plan for the development of a food and innovation hub. The Cowichan Food Hub will allow small and medium-scale businesses to access shared food and beverage processing facilities and equipment. The business expansion will create jobs, support local farmers, and increase food security in Cowichan. The last phase of the patio-portal project at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre is expected to begin soon. Led by the Cowichan Bay Wooden Boat Society, the project is receiving almost $80,000 from the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program to improve public access to the community’s waterfront and provide more amenities for the community and visitors. Funding will be used to build a staircase from the 900-square-foot patio to the inter-tidal zone on the beach, and to provide picnic tables for the patio, as well as interpretative signage, a nautical shade shelter, cedar planter boxes,
Inspired Cannabis Co. at 5765 Turner Road, Longwood Station is open. Invis-Nanaimo’s Mortgage Experts won the 2021 ThreeBestRated® award for being one of the top-rated mortgage brokers in Nanaimo. Invis-Nanaimo’s Mortgage Experts has won the title since 2018. Alpine Roofs, located at 1548 Extension Road, has won the 2021 ThreeBestRated® award as the best roofing company in Nanaimo. www. alpineroofs.ca The Lighthouse Country Marine Rescue Society will get a funding increase from $7,500 to $17,500 from the Regional District of Nanaimo. The committee endorsed a motion by Electoral Area H (Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay) director Stuart McLean that the 2021-2025 financial plan be amended to increase the regular contribution to the society in the District 69 Marine Search and Rescue Service from $7,500
March 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS to $8,500 in 2021 and to increase the funding to $17,500 from 2022 to 2026. Wi nd ley Cont ract i ng w i l l so on b e g i n construction of a delu xe bike lane with waterfront in downtown Nanaimo. T he Front Street transportation improvement project, with a $1.2 million price tag, includes installation of a two-way cycle track, road rehabilitation, bus stops with bus pads, raised crosswalk, paving, electrical work, and more. The 45-room Quality Inn hotel at 440 Selby Street in Nanaimo is now open. It’s the first hotel to open in Nanaimo since 2008. PARKSVILLE & QUALICUM BEACH The Arrowsmith Search and Rescue Society has secured the financing it needs to finish construction of its new operations facility at the Qualicum Beach Airport thanks to the Coastal Community Credit Union, which approved financing for the balance of the construction cost. The society had raised $700,000, including a provincial gaming grant of $250,000, but due to rising material prices and the impact of the pandemic, the cost of the project had risen to $1.2 million. $40,000 in funding has been awarded to the Parksville Beach Festival Society via the BC Arts Council grant in support of an outdoor performance theatre in Parksville Community Park. The organization will use the funds to purchase a sound system, rollout dance floor, housing lighting, and choir risers. The society will continue to fundraise to complete this WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
purchase, given an approximately $17,000 remaining shortfall. To donate, visit www. parksvilleoutdoortheatre.ca The Haven Society in Parksville received $17,650.50 from Royal LePage ParksvilleQualicum Beach Realty to go toward programs and services the society provides in central Vancouver Island, including the Haven Society Victim Services in Parksville. The Parksville location runs and operates a safe house to shelter low to medium-risk clients who are fleeing gender-based violence. The City of Parksville has been rated the second most resilient city in the province in BC Business Magazine’s 2021 list, behind Langford and ahead of Sidney. BC Business applied
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
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12 indicators that touched on demographic, workforce composition, real estate, and employment trends.
for those unable to safely navigate conventional public transit without assistance. To register, visit this link.
Former MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and Canadian Paralympian gold medallist Michelle Stilwell has taken a job as Director of Rapid Testing for CVM Medical Ltd. The company is currently providing assistance for travelers departing Vancouver Airport to destinations that require rapid testing for entry.
Mohammad Shafi, 91, is retiring after more than 70 years in the shoe business, most recently between Parksville and Nanaimo. He is donating his remaining inventory to the Mt. Arrowsmith Salvation Army to support the community and help individuals walk in comfort. Born in Pakistan in 1929, he moved to Toronto in 1964, eventually relocating to Parksville in 2005.
T he RDN has commissioned CBI Health Group to serve as mobility coordinator to help Parksville Qualicum Beach residents wishing to use BC Transit’s HandyDART service undergo an assessment by a mobility coordinator to determine their eligibility. HandyDART is TransLink’s paratransit system, available
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The Qualicum Beach Museum was awarded $123,500 as part of the provincial Unique Heritage Infrastructure Grant. The money will go towards the museum’s Heritage Powerhouse Conservation and Adaptive Repurposing Project. The museum will work with contractors and the Town of Qualicum Beach on restoring the powerhouse to its original condition and appearance. The powerhouse is listed as one of Canada’s Historical Places. The owner of Qualicum Beach’s Eaglecrest Golf Club, Semiahmoo Golf Course Ltd., has signed a one-year lease to continue using town-owned land on the 17th fairway and 18th tee box. The lease, which expires on December 31, 2021, does not stipulate nor require the owners to continue to operate an 18-hole layout. Eaglecrest will transition into a nine-hole course facility on April 1st. Under the lease, the owners will pay the town $1,902 plus GST for use of the 17th fairway land and $376 plus GST for use of the area adjacent to the 18th tee. March 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS The Town of Qualicum Beach is selling a vacant, 962 square metre lot on 189 Sunningdale Road West for $600,000. The Residential 1 zoned property can be subdivided into two lots under the Official Community Plan designation, and is open to multi-family or single-family development. PORT ALBERNI A new BMO Bank of Montreal branch has opened in the A lberni Mall complex. The new bank features an open concept design without service lineups or teller counters, ATMs offering the choice of selecting different denominations of currency for withdrawal, and a drive-thru ATM. Razzle Dazzle Dental Hygiene Inc. at 4527 Gertrude Street in Port Alberni is accepting new patients. Give them a call at 778-421-1111 to make an appointment. Progress on Port Alberni’s low energy housing complex on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Maitland Street continues, with the third of four floors under development. Alberni Low Energy Housing Society, overseers of Maitland Street Village, note there will be 46 units in total. Although not a certified passive house, the complex is being built to those specifications by Island West Coast Development. Tenants are expected to move in around January 2022. King Edward Liquor Store located at 3684 3rd. Avenue in Port Alberni has returned to its normal hours of 9am to 11pm.
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Royal LePage welcomes its newest realtor, Dion Hopkins, to the Port Alberni team. The Huu-ay-aht First Nations have received more than $510,000 from the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program to expand its campground at Pachena Bay. The campground project is one of 38 receiving funding this year. The Huu-ay-aht will use the grant to build a new access road to the campground, add 20–40 campsites and new trails within the campground. Mosaic Forest Management and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) have entered into an agreement, in partnership with the province, to work together to prioritize and explore public access opportunities to areas
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within or adjacent Mosaic-managed private forest lands in the Alberni-Clayoquot region. The pilot project, expected to launch later this year, will allow increased public access on a trial basis to Scout Beach and Lowry Lake. Both of these are provincially-managed recreation sites that are accessed via Mosaic’s privately-owned roads. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, in partnership with the Tseshaht First Nation, Hupacasath First Nation, and the City of Port Alberni received nearly $82,000 to create an evacuation route plan for the region. The grant, from the Union of BC Municipalities, will enable the partners to identify major and alternate evacuation routes, as well as identifying assembly points and transportation methods of those impacted by an evacuation by foot, boat, bus, and vehicle. WEST COAST The ACRD has approved a pilot greenhouse project put forward by The Coastal Hive, a community food production initiative. Pre-disturbed land adjacent to the proposed agriculture site was also prepped for future development. The ACRD is also holding a five or six-acre piece of land for the West Coast Multiplex Society (WCMS). The WCMS announced that the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations applied for a Canada British Columbia Infrastructure Grant (community, culture and recreation stream) on behalf of Ucluelet, Tofino, Area C, Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Tla-oqui-aht, Toquaht and Ucluelet First Nations.
March 2021
MOVERS AND SHAKERS A 25-kilometre multi-use path through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve should be completed next year. The $51 million path will traverse the Park Reserve’s southern and northern boundaries. The last section of the path, an escarpment overlooking Long Beach, will be called the Wayii, a name chosen by the Elders Working Group. The project is being led by Hazelwood Construction Ltd.
Courtenay’s North Island College will resume in-person classes this coming September. NIC applications for fall 2021 are open and the college will release more details on specific program delivery in the coming weeks. NIC’s timetable, including which classes will be offered in-person, digitally, and in a blended format, will be released May 18th at w ww.nic. bc.ca.
Long-Beach Airport is getting a new $750,000 water main and is earmarked for a future agriculture site. The new plastic water main will replace the 80-year old original infrastructure and supply increased water pressure to users on the site, including a proposed hanger.
Comox Strathcona Waste Management’s board finalized its annual budget, the plan of which will charge area property owners $1 million less in taxes for the coming year. The body, which oversees solid waste for the Comox Valley and Strathcona regional district, presented a plan that includes a reduction of the tax requisition, from $6 million down to
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS $5 million, or $80 on a $500,000 home. There will be no new staff positions in 2021 and operating costs will be reduced by $447,000,
participants include Pendleton Farm, Kloverdalen Farm, Amara Farm, Wilder Floral Collective, Coastal Island Farm, and Blue
with savings being allocated to reserve funds. There is also a surplus of roughly $1.6 million from 2020.
Cottage Flower Co.
Local farmers have made it easier for consumers to buy vegetables, fruit, flowers, and sprouts by purchasing a weekly share from their harvests. The Community Supported Agriculture program enables farmers to get cash flow early in the season and plan for a stable market base. Consumers pay for the full season’s bounty in advance. The farms provide goods boxes to those signed up for the program via subscription. Some
The Comox Valley Project Watershed Society, K’omoks First Nation and the City of Courtenay, are dismantling and restoring Kuskus-sum, a former sawmill site on the Courtenay River, to its native estuary saltmarsh and riverside forest. The project was awarded $1 million in 2019 and $650,000 in 2020. Further funding of $700,000 through BC’s Economic Recovery Plan will help restore wetlands, create jobs and protect the natural environment for future generations.
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS The Town of Comox has received a Rural Economic Recovery (RER) g rant for a new Marine Services building at the Comox Marina. The RER funding is part of $1 million of restart money administered through the provincially funded Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP). NORTH ISLAND + CAMPBELL RIVER Downtown Campbell River will eventually be home to the offices of Crowne Pacific Developments and Veyron Properties along with 26 new apartments. The currently-vacant lot between the Government Wharf and Georgia Quay will have a four-storey, multi-use building with two floors of office space and residential units above pending the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy’s approval. Coho Books has relocated to Unit I-2092 South Island Highway, behind Club Fitness and across from Tim Horton’s. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 10amto 5pm. www.cohobooks.com Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the DFO base in Campbell River will take possession of a new De Havilland Dash-8-100 long-range surveillance aircraft sometime in April. The plane will handle a suite of missions up and down the coast and into the western Arctic, including patrols of BC waters for illegal fishing and infringements on marine protected areas. In 2019 DFO signed a five-year, $128-million contract with PAL Aerospace in St. John’s for a fleet of four new aerial surveillance aircraft. The other three are headed to the Atlantic WWW.BUSINESSEX AMINER.CA
provinces. Island Health employees will run the newly opened vaccination clinic at the Campbell River Community Centre gym, located at 401 11 Avenue. Those with appointments can enter from a covered area on the side of the Community Centre facing the Legion. The province’s COVID-19 vaccination program is currently in Phase 2, involving those born in 1936 or earlier (and are 85+) or Indigenous and born in 1956 or earlier (and are 65+). People born in 1941 or earlier (and are 80+), can begin booking their appointments in the week of March 22nd. The Truck Loggers Association (TLA) is look i ng to i ncrease med ica l hel icopter evacuation coverage around rural central and northern Vancouver Island by creating a flight program based out of Campbell River. The TLA received support from Campbell River City Council to create the program, including the airport commission and the city’s economic development department. We s te r n Fo r e s t P r o d u c t s ( W F P) h a s contributed five parcels of land for a proposed 25-kilometer Community Unity Trail that connects Zeballos and Tahsis. WFP’s contribution amounts to nearly three acres of land located within Zeballos’ municipal boundaries and provides an access point to the Community Unity Trial.
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