Special Features - Nanaimo Chamber Better Communities

Nanaimo

Industry and Economic Development Growth in shellfish aquaculture poised to take off

BETTER COMMUNITIEs through BETTER BUsINEss Fall/Winter 2012

Dispatches Nanaimo Lantzville

Business Development

Arts Scene Window into Vibrant Culture

Lifestyles Leif Bogwald, Building Legacies

BETTER COMMUNITIEs through BETTER BUsINEss2 BETTER COMMUNITIEs through BETTER BUsINEss2

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Contents

3 Letter from Chairman with Chair Mike Delves

4 Five fast facts about Nanaimo

5 Welcome from Susan Allen

6 Dispatches from Nanaimo paradise for bipeds and quadrupeds alike

8 Dispatches from Lantzville going local makes sense

10 City news successful cities project

12 Arts and culture a window into cultural world

14 Industry and economic development shellfish

15 Business development Sasha Angus; Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation has a new CEO

16 Industry and economy Port of Nanaimo expansion

19 Industry and economy Nanaimo Airport, record passenger growth

20 Health care facilities new facilities raise standards

22 Shopping and retail big name retailers and specialty shops

25 Construction update commercial projects lead the way

27 Lifestyle Leif Bogwald, building legacies

28 Lifestyle Barry Clark, bright future for city

It has been an exciting summer for the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce that began with significant changes in our organization earlier in the year and meant working shorthanded for several months.

Our office manager, Marsha Weaver, and her team did an amazing job carrying the workload and keeping things moving ahead.

Summer came and with it arrived our Chief Executive Officer Susan Allen. Sue returns to her Island roots, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.

One of her first accomplishments was adding Donna Mercier, our new membership and marketing coordinator, who is already making strides in adding strength to our membership and improving our communications.

We are grateful for such wonderful people and the efforts they continue to make.

Summer kicked off with us attending the B.C. Chamber Annual General Meeting and Conference in Penticton. This is a forum that allows us to connect with other communities and share our issues, solutions and best practices.

Nanaimo will host this event in 2013, so it was also an opportunity for us to promote our city. We look forward to hosting more than 250 delegates and guests next year.

There was no holiday for us as the summer progressed and our initiatives continued to move ahead. After an extensive community engagement process, City of Nanaimo councillors unanimously approved their strategic plan, which included a commitment to participate in our Successful Cities initiative to define our city’s vision and create action plans that value community well-being and provide a high quality of life for our citizens.

On a more direct business-side, we struck a committee jointly with the city to review the unintended consequences of the new city zoning bylaw. We hosted three very productive forums which included city representatives interacting directly with developers and businesses to help address their concerns. The outcome is recommended changes, which when passed, will improve the ability of businesses to develop and expand.

While initiating positive outward changes, we also looked inward to improve ourselves and our service to our members and the community.

We have a new mission statement: To enhance the quality of life in our community by providing opportunities for businesses to succeed.

To realize this mission, we continue to provide networking opportunities, information and education and advocacy for business. We hope you’ll enjoy this edition of the Nanaimo magazine and join us in keeping this mission moving forward.

Mike Delves, CGA Chairman, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

Letter fromthe Chamber

4 BETTER COMMUNITIEs through BETTER BUsINEss

Publisher: Maurice Donn

Editor: Melissa Fryer

Production Manager: Janice Marshall

Creative: Teresa Laird

Advertising Sales: Sean McCue

Advertising and Editorial Inquiries: 250-753-3707

Nanaimo - Better Communities Through Better Business is published by Black Press

for Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

ON THE COVER:

Cover photo by Roy Ostling

Cover design by Darren Bristol, Bristol Icon.

Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce 2133 Bowen Road Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H8 Phone: 250-756-1191 – Fax: 250-756-1584 [email protected]© Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, its Board of Directors, nor that of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. The publisher is not responsible for the content of any advertisement, or any representations made therein. No part of Nanaimo Better Communities through Better Business may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

ThE BASTIoN was the first permanent

structure to be built in the city. Today

it houses historical information and artifacts from the city’s past.

NANAImo AIrporT is a 10-minute drive

south of the city and recently

celebrated serving its millionth passenger. It’s also the third-largest airport on the Island.

NANAImo wAS rEprESENTED By four

oLympIANS at the 2012 Games in London, including swimmer Tommy Gossland, high jumper Mike Mason, rower Tony Theriault and wheelchair sprinter Michelle Stilwell, who won a gold medal in 200 metres and a silver medal in 100m.

wATErS ArouND NANAImo hAvE ThrEE

ArTIfIcIAL rEEfS, which are decommissioned and scuttled navy ships, attracting divers from across the globe.

ThE hArBourfroNT wALkwAy ExTENDS

four kILomETrES from the city’s downtown core to Departure Bay.

Five fast factsabout Nanaimo

1

2

3

4

5

Roy ostling is a writer and photographer who has lived in the downtown area of Nanaimo for the past six years.

Along with writing on environmental subjects for local government, Roy publishes an online magazine about Nanaimo’s outdoor recreation, food, art

and music scene called harbourcityheartbeat.com.

A former community newspaper reporter, he has written for magazines including BC Business, Westworld, Enterprise (BC Credit Union publication), and the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Tourism Guide. Roy is a co-founder of the Brant Wildlife Festival. He co-chaired the festival for several years, organized several wildlife art exhibits and wrote and published the festival’s souvenir programs.

After having resided in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria, Roy is passionate about living in Nanaimo. He never tires of exploring the city’s vibrant working harbour, its compact downtown with exciting music, restaurants and shops, and learning about Nanaimo’s history reflected in its diversity of residential and commercial architecture.

BETTER COMMUNITIEs through BETTER BUsINEss Fall/Winter 2012

Susan Allen enjoying a Nanaimo Bar on the waterfront.

5Nanaimo

SINCE my early days growing up in Kitimat, I have always loved B.C.’s coast and its blue ocean waters. When I was offered the position of CEO of the

Greater Nanaimo of Chamber of Commerce and the chance to relocate from the Interior to Nanaimo, it didn’t take me long to make a decision.

Born on the Island, I often passed through Nanaimo when visiting family in Qualicum Beach and

Victoria. When I arrived here in early June I couldn’t help but notice how much Nanaimo has grown and changed and what a vibrant, welcoming place the city has become.

For my first couple of weeks I stayed at the Coast Bastion Inn and I decided to explore Nanaimo from a tourist’s point of view. I’d open the curtains when I got up in the morning and see the sun shining on the harbour and Newcastle, Protection and Gabriola islands and I couldn’t wait to lace up my runners and go for a jog along the seawall.

Despite being adept with the GPS, like most newcomers I managed to get lost while house hunting, which resulted in my introduction to Nanaimo’s Finest. After being stymied by one particularly elusive address, I decided to pull a u-turn and backtrack. Wouldn’t you know it – a few seconds later flashing lights appear in my rearview mirror.

I pulled over and the RCMP officer walked over to my window and said, “You know why I stopped you, don’t you?”

My sheepish reply: “I did a u-turn.” His response: “And went through a stop sign.”

To make a long story short, he understood my frustrations, gave me a warning ticket and insisted on escorting me to my destination.

That kind of small town kindness in a medium-size city proved to be the rule rather than the exception with people I have met serving me in shops, at restaurants, or in the neighbourhood where I found my new home. While buying compostable bags at Canadian Tire to use in my new food waste recycling bin, the cashier took the time to ask about my experiences with changes in sorting and storing recycling and garbage, and offered some tips.

Along with being surprised by the variety of shopping experiences, from North Nanaimo’s malls to the Old City Quarter's locally owned specialty shops, I am constantly impressed by our restaurant scene and the choices usually found only in much larger cities. My most pleasant surprise was how easy it was to make friends here – something that took years in my hometown with a similar-size community.

B.C. used to market itself as the “best place on earth.” Nanaimoites already know that about their community. You can see them out there every day, biking the E&N Trail, taking in the views and fresh air at Neck Point and the city’s 100-plus parks, or creating their own fun and culture at Aboriginal Day, the Save-On-Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, and music in the park events.

So as a newcomer to Nanaimo and someone working with businesses to grow our economy in way that sustains the lifestyle we enjoy, I’m excited about the present and what our future holds.

Susan Allen CEO, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

WelcomeNewcomer takes a bite of the Harbour City and finds it very satisfying

Susan Allen enjoying a Nanaimo Bar on the waterfront.


WITH hundreds of kilometres of trails along its coastline, circuits around forested lakes, and gentle slopes through city parks, it’s no wonder

running and walking are among the most popular ways to keep fit and enjoy Nanaimo’s natural beauty. Add in a year-round temperate climate and the city is a perfect destination for runners and walkers who make the sport a regular part of their lifestyle.

Born to run

If Nanaimo had a running ambassador, Donna Melville would fit

the bill. She’s been running throughout the city since moving here

30 years ago, and for the past 13 years she helped fit aficionados of

the sport find the right gear at Frontrunners. More recently Melville

became a certified Chi Running instructor and leads workshops in

this approach to running throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Like many people, Melville got into running to improve her muscle

tone.

“I used to go to aerobics classes and a woman came in and I noticed

her legs,” she recalls. “I said to a friend, I have to start running and

I’ve been at it ever since.”

Nanaimo is well-known for its running trails and the popularity

among women is huge, Melville said. She points to the variety of

choices for her five times per week, 10-km one-hour outing: from the

circuits at Neck Point Park to Westwood Lake to the Parkway Trail.

“It’s fantastic – there’s nothing better. I can leave my doorstep on

Stewart Avenue, head up the seawall, run through Bowen Park,

see people who are part of the running community and come back

through the Old City Quarter.”

running the natural way

A day before a half-marathon run in Vancouver, Melville took a

workshop in Chi Running, a way of running that integrates the

principles of Tai Chi.

“Instead of working against the forces of gravity and the ground,

you work with them. You generate power from core muscles instead

of your legs,” she explains.

By starting with the proper alignment, Chi Running results in

meeting the ground with the mid-sole instead of the heel or

forefoot, reducing injuries and eliminating soreness.

The physical and mental health benefits of running and walking

are widely recognized. Along with burning calories and building

muscles, it grows collateral blood vessels around the heart,

reducing the risk of heart attacks and lowering blood pressure.

You’re never too young or too old to enjoy the experience of making

running or vigorous walking part of your life.

“How far you take it depends on your fitness level,” Melville says.

“A great way to start is to join a running group, working with

a personal trainer or learning about Chi Running by visiting

www.natural-pace.ca and taking a workshop offered through

Frontrunners.”

Scenic trails, mild climate make

the Harbour City a paradise for

runners and joggers

Dispatches from Nanaimo

7Nanaimo

Dispatches from Nanaimo

when the pacific herring spawn in march and April, thousands of gulls and pods of male california sea lions arrive to feast on nature’s bounty.

Go ahead: go a little wild this fall and winter

When summer ends and most pleasure boats have left Nanaimo’s coast and harbour for marinas and storage lofts, dozens of species of wintering water birds and sea lions migrate to our sheltered harbour and shorelines.

Along Nanaimo’s Harbour, dabbling ducks, such as mallards and widgeon, are attracted by the mix of fresh and salt water provided by the Millstone River estuary. Diving ducks scour the bottom for mussels, clams and marine worms. Loons, grebes and cormorants find small fish to feed on and black oyster catchers forage the foreshore with clockwork toy-like movements and trademark orange bills.

At the city’s two premier coastal parks – Neck Point and Piper’s Lagoon – wildlife spectacles abound. Harlequin ducks, horned grebes and black turnstones can be spotted. When the Pacific

herring spawn in March and April, thousands of gulls and pods of male California sea lions arrive to feast on nature’s bounty.

Most water birds can be identified with the naked eye, although a pair of binoculars is helpful. One essential is a good field guide, such as the Peterson Field Guides: Western Birds. For those who want to get close to nature and wildlife, renting a kayak to explore Newcastle Island and other waterfront parks will provide an unforgettable experience. Alberni Outpost’s rental location next to Brechin Point Marina is closed from mid-September to April but they’ll still offer full-day kayak rentals and deliver kayaks to the location of your choice.

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THE movement to grow and buy food from local sources is spreading throughout Vancouver Island and the community of Lantzville is a microcosm of

a trend that appears to be here to stay.

Dispatches from LantzvilleUrban agriculture taking hold: going local puts restaurant, farmers’ market and community on the map

Originally a coal mining and farming community, Lantzville developed into a rural/suburban area where residents work and shop in Nanaimo. Today, with growing awareness of food security and the benefits of buying fresh, healthy and local, the community

is seeing a shift back to its farming roots.

“We’re seeing small farms springing up on smaller parcels,” says District of Lantzville Mayor Jack de Jong. “Our community is like a snapshot of the province, with about five per cent of our land or 150 hectares in the Agricultural Land Reserve.”

He credits the Friends of Urban Agriculture Lantzville (FUAL) for starting the Lantzville Farmers’ Market last May and helping to revitalize local food production and create strong bonds between producers and buyers. “It’s good for farmers and it’s good for our community because it provides a place for people to meet and strengthens our local economy,” de Jong said.

Although increased truck traffic resulting from deliveries of fertilizer to one farm resulted in an ongoing debate about urban agriculture and how to manage negative impacts, de Jong says the issue has subsided. Residents have shown they’re willing to pay higher prices to buy locally produced food and a new soil deposit bylaw will provide assurances that neighbourhoods won’t be disrupted.

what we eat should come from as close to home as possible

When Lantzville’s upscale bakery and bistro Riso opened in December 2011, owner and chef Sarah Wallbank put her food philosophy into practice and has seen the approach make her restaurant into a destination for the region and the Island.

Sarah wallbank collecting herbs.

9Nanaimo

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“Food is a joyous thing, and I believe in supporting people who have a passion for their craft,” she said. Almost everything on her menu – from the flour used to make her pastries, the lettuce and goat cheese in her salads, to the proteins for her entrees – are locally sourced.

Before going to work, Wallbank picks blackberries, raspberries and tomatoes to bring to the restaurant. And every afternoon before prepping her main courses, she walks out to her restaurant’s patio herb garden to pick the fresh sorrel, basil, mint oregano and purple heritage beans she uses to flavour or garnish her dishes.

One of fall and winter menu specialty items – porchetta (rolled, stuffed rustic Italian roast pork) supplied from a farm in Duncan, served with a tangy plum agrodolce sauce, and accompanied by local cabbage and potatoes au gratin and baked in Riso’s wood-fired oven – would tempt any palate.

Surprisingly, using local ingredients doesn’t mean higher costs, with Riso’s menu prices similar to those at local chain restaurants but are made with better quality ingredients. It also attracts foodies who will travel to taste dishes with a local flavour.

“Recently a couple traveled all the way from Denman Island to have an anniversary dinner at our restaurant,” Wallbank says. “I’m so pleased that along with our regular customers, people are choosing to share their life events with us.”

10

BUSINESSES around the world today are moving away from focusing strictly on profits and cultivating relationships based on a culture of

collaboration, social responsibility and sustainability. The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s Successful Cities Initiative – Rethinking Nanaimo – reflects that evolution.

“Some people think the Nanaimo chamber is only focused on business and the economy,” says Dave Witty, Vancouver Island University provost and vice-president of academic, who led the Successful Cities project on behalf of the chamber. “You have to have all five pillars in place, a vibrant economy combined with strong social, cultural, environmental, and infrastructure elements for a successful community.”

The Nanaimo chamber launched the project before the 2011 civic elections to stimulate ideas and discussion around successful cities and why they’re important. After hosting a forum on the topic, the chamber produced its Successful Cities Action Plan that includes 12 key elements and 66 action items, which was incorporated into Nanaimo’s Corporate Strategic Plan.

“The project is a statement about how we define a successful community,” Witty says. “It’s about realizing a high quality of life for all residents.”

Improving quality of life by balancing the cultural, economic,

City NewsSuccessful Cities project builds on Nanaimo’s strengths

environmental and social needs of a community is critical to attracting people with the knowledge and skills crucial to Nanaimo’s future well-being.

“We’re competing with other cities for talented, educated, mobile professionals; they’re looking to move to places for quality of life reasons.”

In late fall 2012, the Chamber will be hosting workshops, displays in shopping malls, and holding public open houses to gauge the progress to date around the Successful Cities action plan.

BETTER COMMUNITIEs through BETTER BUsINEss

11Nanaimo

connectivity: the first building block in a successful city

As Nanaimo approaches a city of 100,000 people, the city’s first Transportation Master Plan is a critical step in effectively guiding transportation decisions and deciding how the community moves, grows and looks over the next 20 years.

“The plan will help develop a strategy for meeting community transportation goals as outlined in the Official Community Plan and recently completed Strategic Plan,” says traffic and transportation engineer Gordon Foy.

Preparation for the Transportation Plan started early this year with the collection of data on existing travel patterns and demand. A household travel survey contacted more than 1,500 households to learn about their travel patterns and trends while targeted surveys were conducted to learn more about the travel patterns of VIU students, transit and ferry riders. Information on more than 13,000 individual trips throughout the city was captured.

“Resident response to the surveys was very positive resulting in a successful survey process,” Foy says. “The city and its consultants are working to determine key results and findings. This information will be used to answer questions, assess options and inform discussion as we move forward with ongoing development of the Transportation Master Plan.”

Working with the RDN Transit and BC Transit the city started consultation on the plan in fall 2012. Please visit www.nanaimo.ca/transportationplan for more information.

The city’s first Transportation master plan is a critical step in effectively guiding transportation decisions and deciding how the community moves, grows and looks over the next 20 years.

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ANYONE seeking information about the Harbour City’s diverse art, music, theatre and dance scene will soon be able to access it through a single online

portal. Nanaimo’s Park, Recreation and Culture department compiled a detailed cultural inventory this past summer, and in 2013 plans to launch an online portal with information about and links to major events, organizations, heritage sites, facilities and venues throughout the city.

By Roy Ostling

Arts & CultureBuilding a window into Nanaimo’s vibrant cultural world

Snuneymuxw first Nation dancers.

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13Nanaimo

Students in Nanaimo-Ladysmith public schools are

fortunate to have a variety of learning opportunities, in different classroom settings, with the support

from staff, parents, volunteers, and the community at large to prepare youth

for the years to come.

Details about the school district, the Board of Education, useful information for parents, students, and staff, as

well as information about the district’s programs are available at www.sd68.bc.ca.

From the early years until graduation and beyond, School District 68 is proud to offer lifelong learning for all students.

Explore the range of opportunities public

education has to offer

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in the community...

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our schools are exciting places

for learning.

Success for All

Researching and building the database was the first step in creating a new Cultural Plan for Nanaimo. “The response to our survey of individuals and groups involved in cultural activities was quite good. We received 1,100 entries,” says Bob Kuhn, manager of recreation and culture services.

The Cultural Plan is part of Nanaimo’s new strategic plan that recognizes cultural vitality as one of the four pillars of sustainability essential to building a successful city. “The city wants to integrate cultural planning as part of its overall planning,” Kuhn says. “It’s important to have both pride of place and quality of life for residents and to attract young educated professionals who seek those aspects in choosing where to live and work.”

In fall 2012 the city will conduct visioning exercises and gather stakeholder input into the city’s cultural strengths and weaknesses.

“What we’re trying to do is to get people to connect their experiences with culture,” Kuhn says. “Who in Nanaimo hasn’t enjoyed live music or events such as the Dragon Boat and Marine Festivals or the beauty of our natural heritage in everyday life?”

The new Cultural Plan is expected to be adopted in spring 2013. It will guide the city’s future investment in cultural development.

Nanaimo’s parks, recreation and culture department plans to launch a single online portal with information about and links to major events, organizations, heritage sites, facilities and venues throughout the city.

An artist with her work at the Arts & culture Art walk.


“ we’re working on expanding our shellfish farming industry and developing new species that bring economic benefits to our region and the B.c. coast.” – Brian kingzett

VANCOUVER Island’s clean, undeveloped coastline is among the most productive marine environments in the world. Yet despite 100 years

of shellfish farming, B.C. accounts for barely one-half of one per cent of global shellfish production.

“We’re working on expanding our shellfish farming industry and developing new species that bring economic benefits to our region and the B.C. coast,” says Brian Kingzett, manager of Vancouver Island University’s Deep Bay Marine Station. The $10.8-million facility opened in July 2011 is an extension the Centre for Shellfish Research located on VIU’s Nanaimo campus.

The Centre for Shellfish Research focuses on higher level research activities. The Deep Bay Shellfish Marine Station is a self-supporting working research facility. Along with its own shellfish farming operation, the station gives students real life experience, provides public education through viewing tanks, and hosts corporate and private events where students from VIU’s Culinary Arts Program prepare menu items featuring local fresh seafood.

Roughly half the shellfish aquaculture in B.C. is produced in the area between Deep Bay and Courtenay, and is equivalent in quality to the VQA wines produced in the Okanagan. In 2010, B.C.’s shellfish farming operations generated products with a wholesale value of $22 million and the industry could easily grow by 20 per cent annually over the next five years.

Shellfish research, industry partnerships create sustainable local exports

Kingzett points out that to meet a growing world population global aquaculture production will need to double by 2030. At the same time, by 2020 more than half the world’s middle class will live in the Asia Pacific Region. The Deep Bay Shellfish Marine Station, in collaboration with local licensees, is helping the shellfish growers adapt to changes in the marine environment affecting their productivity and introducing new species to boost exports.

“We’re one of the first locations to successfully grow basket cockles, which has a large European market,” Kingzett says. “We’ve also raised sea cucumbers a valuable species in Asian cuisine that’s attractive to the area’s growing middle class.”

Work on successfully farming geoduck clams would deliver significant benefits for Nanaimo’s geoduck harvesting fleet of vessels. “That’s another Asian market,” Kingzett says. “It’s a $50 million per year fishery that can’t be expanded beyond its current quota without farming.”

Industry and Economic Development

15Nanaimo

Business DevelopmentNanaimo Economic Development Corporation’s CEO sees building community partnerships key to achieving development goals

THE new Chief Executive Officer of Nanaimo’s Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) has a clear vision and grasp of the priorities to fulfil his

organization’s mandate to make the city the place to visit, invest and do business.

Nanaimo Magazine interviewed Sasha Angus eight days into his new position as NEDC CEO, having previously fulfilled a business development role with the Greater Victoria Development Agency.

“Every community throughout B.C. has been going through a rough patch over the past three years,” Angus says. “Nanaimo has weathered the economic downturn better than most and as the global economy improves we want to see local companies are ready to take advantage of new market opportunities.”

Angus and his team are working to complete several projects started earlier in the year related to the NEDC’s tourism marketing role. A new tourist Visitor Centre located on the Nanaimo Parkway opened in mid-October. Meanwhile, the NEDC is working with Chemistry Consulting to examine the needs of the tourism sector and opportunities for new products.

Looking ahead, Angus says he is focused on three main priorities:

tourism marketing, reaching out to industry to improve the local economy, helping with business retention and expansion, and continuing to attract new businesses. “We have many new deals on the go in a number of sectors and that speaks to the breadth of opportunities in our city.”

The NEDC Board of Directors is tackling a new strategic plan for the corporation and will develop a business plan to execute the strategy’s goals and objectives.

“We’ll be seeking input into our business plan because economic development always works best if it’s done collaboratively.”

An important function of the NEDC is building business confidence and working with the sector to maintain and create sustainable jobs. That involves doing business expansion and retention visits and working with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Area, Mid Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council and Vancouver Island University.

“Economic development should always be done in partnership with the community,” Angus says. “That way we draw on those combined resources and foster a diverse and prosperous economy.”


“As a deep-water port, we see ourselves as the gateway to move

freight to and from Vancouver Island and the Asia Pacific region,”

says NPA President and CEO Bernie Dumas. As signs of the port’s

increasing diversification he points to recent developments at the

Duke Point Terminal, which is slated to become Nanaimo’s main

freight cargo handling location.

This past August, DP World started a container barge service,

which takes advantage of the Duke Point’s 40-tonne container

handling crane and is more efficient because it eliminates

transferring containers onto trucks. Currently operating on a

weekly basis, the short sea barge service moves empty containers

from Vancouver to Duke Point where they are loaded with Island

forest products for shipment to customers worldwide.

In October, the last of seven ships carrying 55 wind turbine

Industry and Economy Diversification drives expansion of Port of Nanaimo’s operations

The Port of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island’s largest port, serves as a key transportation hub and economic engine for the Harbour City and the Island.

Managed and operated by the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) and encompassing 50 kilometres of waterfront, it is one of Canada’s 18 designated national ports.

After starting out as a harbour commission in 1961, the port was established in 1999. The change enabled the new entity to better respond to local needs and operate the Nanaimo Harbour, Assembly Wharf, and Duke Point Terminal on a more commercial basis. In many ways, 2011 and 2012 proved a watershed years for the port and the city with a rebound in deep-sea vessel arrivals, opening of Nanaimo’s Cruise Ship Terminal, and the announcement that DP World Vancouver would operate the general cargo Duke Point facility and downtown Assembly Wharf.

17Nanaimo

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Industry and Economy Diversification drives expansion of Port of Nanaimo’s operations

towers with blades measuring 48.3 metres long arrived at the Duke Point Terminal for unloading and storage. An example of the Duke Point’s non-traditional cargo handling capabilities, the turbines are destined for a wind farm located near Cape Scott that will provide enough energy to supply the needs of 30,000 Vancouver Island homes.

With the movement of heavy cargo operations to the Duke Point Terminal, the focus of the port’s Assembly Wharf is changing, marked by the opening of the $24-million cruise ship facility, capable of handling the largest cruise ships operating. In 2012, five large cruise ships and two smaller pocket cruisers docked at the new terminal, bringing an estimated $700,000 into the local economy.

“Our business plan goal is to attract 30 cruise ship calls annually and we think that is very achievable,” Dumas says.

“ As a deep-water port, we see ourselves as the gateway to move freight to and from vancouver Island and the Asia pacific region.”

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The Port Theatre presents a wide range of entertainment from Canada and abroad and is home to the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Visit the Port Theatre at www.porttheatre.com for information on the symphony’s season Music is Life – Live it Here, featuring performances such as the Gaileo Project and Cirque de la Symphonie. The Port’s Spotlight Series features classical and popular music performances, live theatre and dance.

Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association

Santa’s Arrival By Seaplane: Saturday, Dec. 1, at Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal

Downtown horse-drawn trolley rides: Saturday, December 1, 8, 15, 22

Please visit www.dnbia.ca for details.

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Nanaimo Art Walk:

Dec. 1-2. View the works of artists in their studios or on display in downtown shops and restaurants. Visit the Nanaimo Artwalk Facebook page for details.

The Nanaimo Art Gallery, with locations at 150 Commercial St. and at Vancouver Island University, has exhibits with featured artists throughout the year. Please visit www.nanaimoartgallery.ca for details.

Arts, music and culture: mark your calendar

19Nanaimo

Industry and Economy Nanaimo Airport poised to build on record passenger growth

AFTER completing a five year program to improve flight reliability and expand its terminal facilities, the Nanaimo Airport celebrated a major milestone

in July 2012, the arrival of its one millionth passenger.

The two-phase airport $26.8-million expansion plan began in 2006. Completed in 2011, work included extending runways to accommodate commercial jets, an instrument landing system (ILS) to improve all-weather reliability and a larger terminal with more parking and faster passenger screening and baggage handling.

Passenger use of the airport is forecast to reach 175,000, a 28-per cent increase over the past six years. “Most of that growth took place after introducing the ILS system,” says Russ Burke, chairman of the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board.

“Our reliability has improved to 99 per cent,” he says. “One of our biggest market opportunities is recapturing those folks who remembered us with being an unreliable airport. If they avoided flying with us during winter weather months, they’ve likely forgotten about flying with us in the summer.”

The Nanaimo Airport is not a critical transportation link for the central Island region but a strong contributor to the local economy. In 2012 it generated $54 million in revenues and supported 700 direct and indirect full-time jobs.

Westjet recently announced plans for a short-haul regional airline to be launched by summer 2013 that would extend services to smaller communities and Air Canada has proposed creating a discount leisure airline. “We’re looking for carriers to take us into the Alberta and U.S. markets,” Burke says. “We want direct flights into Calgary and Edmonton and into the oil patch in northern B.C. and Alberta.”

While the Nanaimo Airport does co-marketing with Tourism Vancouver Island, most of its focus is directed at airlines, informing them of record passenger levels and airport improvements. “We spent a lot of time with our main carrier – Air Canada – on the millionth passenger campaign,” Burke says. “Westjet hasn’t told of its plans but we are working hard to see that Nanaimo is part of their decision.”

Another component of Nanaimo Airport’s business plan is developing its property to attract new businesses and tenants such as hangars, repair facilities and freight companies. “At this time we don’t anticipate any major expansion. We’re looking at compatible commercial development and working with the regional district to determine what is suitable and assess the costs and benefits.”

News Bulletin file photo

“ we want direct flights into calgary and Edmonton and into the oil patch in northern B.c. and Alberta.”

– russ Burke


AFTER five years of planning, consultation, and two years of construction, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s state-of-the-art emergency and

psychiatric services opened to the public on Oct. 1.

The new $37-million facility, featuring an entrance with warm timber frame accents and vastly improved patient care, is three times the size of the old building, which was built to serve 15,000 patients per year and was accommodating 58,000.

“People are going to be blown away,” says Dr. Drew Digney, medical director of emergency services. “The entire environment throughout the new building is very inviting and calming, from the entry way and check-in registration area on.”

More than 70 per cent of admissions at NRGH come through emergency services. The new facility, able to accept 85,000 visits annually, is built for the present and future needs of both patients and the 200 employees who work in the department.

The first impression is the clean flowing design, reflecting the input and guidance of four teams, including frontline staff such as nurses, cleaners, food services and pediatrics staff. The next most

noticeable difference from the old facility is the abundance of natural light from large windows and controlled by an automated blind system.

“There is natural light in all four main stations – acute care, trauma, ambulatory and psychiatric/addiction services – as well as courtyards with native plantings, enabling staff and psychiatric patients to get outdoors,” says Digney. Although creating the right atmosphere is important to reducing stress for patients and staff, timeliness and effectiveness in providing care and assuring privacy are equally important.

Health Care Facilities New Nanaimo emergency and psychiatric services building sets new standard

Nanaimo businesses benefit from emergency services building contracts

Construction of the new NRGH emergency services and psychiatric services building provided a boost for Nanaimo businesses with local firms completing most of the work on the site.

CMF Construction served as general contractor for the project and is now working to demolish the old emergency services building. The three largest Nanaimo firms they worked with included Houle Electric, Torry and Sons Plumbing, and ABC Precast & Ready Mix Ltd.

“It was a big part of our business for the past two years and a good project to work on,” says Carla Smith, CMF president. “Nanaimo needed something like this and it will benefit all communities north of the Malahat.”

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Digney points out that even before the new emergency services building opened, his department had achieved an average 45-minute wait time for patients from registration until seeing a physician. That time, among the best in Canada, will only improve with a combined patient registration/triage check-in area and an electronic record keeping system that will maintain information about returning patients on file.

Work design improvements for emergency doctors include having all basic assessment equipment, such as tongue depressors, in the same location in each treatment room. Patient privacy will be greatly enhanced by having separate treatment rooms fitted with glass doors incorporating a sealed film, enabling staff to observe patients but frost the glass when required with the flick of a switch.

The new emergency services building and patient care team recognized and has responded to the concerns of a growing old demographic profile in the region.

“We spent a lot of time ensuring our facility is elderly friendly,” says Digney. “We’ve dramatically reduced noise levels with

separate treatment rooms, new quieter ventilation system and the use of sound absorbing wood acoustic ceiling tiles.”

As well NRGH now has enhanced services team for patients over age 75, which provides at home follow-up to hospital visits.

Finally, the installation of new smooth, solid surface counters and fixtures means cleaning staff can maintain an enhanced level of hygiene reducing the risk of infection for patients and their families.

For Digney who has served as chief of emergency services for the past five years, the new facility was well worth the wait.

“There’s a purpose and a benefit to every change we’ve made – it’s all very exciting.”

Dr. Drew Digney and health minister margaret macDiarmid at the new health care facilities.

News Bulletin file photo


Shopping & RetailCity malls attract big-name retailers, downtown draws new specialty shops

NANAIMO’S reputation as central Vancouver Island’s premier shopping destination continues to grow with the opening of major retail and big box

stores, mall expansions and the addition of new boutiques in the city’s downtown core.

The Island’s largest shopping mall – Woodgrove Centre – added Old Navy to its mix of name brand stores in April. This past July saw the official opening of the renovated 150,000- square-foot Wal-Mart store, featuring an extensive fresh produce section. In September, the mall and its customers welcomed

23

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Culture, offering alternative apparel, a body jewelry bar, piercing and tattoos, reflecting a growing fashion trend.

Excitement about the redevelopment and expansion of Nanaimo North Town Centre, in the city’s fastest growing residential area, is building with the announcements of two major new stores and upgrading of one of its anchor tenants.

The U.S. retailing giant – Target – is scheduled to open one of its 125 new Canadian stores in Nanaimo North Town Centre in spring 2013. The store, known for its household products designed by the Michael Graves Design Group, will employ 200 people and have a full grocery section. Canadian Tire is also relocating to a 144,000-square-foot store in North Nanaimo and Sears is one of five stores across Canada slated for major upgrading.

In the city’s downtown, the first phase of the Port Place shopping centre was completed this summer that included a new roadway connecting Front and Commercial Streets. Future phases of the mall site will add a new building with retail stores and offices above.

Along Commercial Street, several boutique-type stores moved into heritage buildings. Very Vintage, offering “upcycled chic” such as antiques, collectibles and vintage costume jewelry opened in May. Just up the block, Pantina Home opened in April, with its lines of French inspired “shabby chic” furniture, home decor accessories, and designer decorative paints.

That unique shopping experience continues into the Old City Quarter, which features bistros and cafes, clothing and specialty food shops.

Excitement about the redevelopment and expansion of Nanaimo North Town centre, in the city’s fastest growing residential area, is building.

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25Nanaimo

BUILDING permit activity over the past two years tells a mixed story about construction activity in Nanaimo. Residential building permit applications

are down about 12 per cent from 2011 levels and the dollar value has dropped by almost 40 per cent, largely due to a large decline in multi-family units. Meanwhile the number of commercial building permits and values have remained steady.

“We’re seeing a lot of activity in commercial activity throughout the city right now,” says Andrew Tucker, director of planning for the City of Nanaimo. “It follows a number of years where residential development projects led the way.”

He points to the recent development in the corridor between Bowen Road and the Nanaimo Parkway, which incorporates three zones accommodating a mix of light industrial, high-tech and commercial. In the downtown core, the first phase of the Port Place Mall redevelopment is complete, with the next phase, construction of a stand-alone two-story complex with retail on the lower level and offices above, is slated to begin in fall 2012.

Green rock Industrial Business park

Green is the theme for the 28-acre Greenrock Industrial Business Park with the attention paid to storm water management, native species plantings and gardens at Nanaimo’s newest industrial area. A 65,000 square foot Country Grocer store and TD Bank opened mid-October 2012 on a five-acre portion of the site at the new intersection of Bowen Road and Dufferin Crescent.

The commercial development at Greenrock ties in with traffic improvements and a spate of new multi-family construction along Dufferin Crescent. Tucker notes that extension of Boxwood CONSTRUCTION continued on 26

Construction update Commercial projects lead the way in Nanaimo’s business development

Road to Northfield provides an alternative route to Bowen Road for industrial traffic to access the Nanaimo Parkway. Combined with the new Gablecraft Summerhill Village patio/townhome subdivision on Dufferin Crescent, the approach encourages greater densities and mixed use of commercial residential development.

Greg Constable, president of Island Westcoast Developments, acquired and developed the land for the Greenrock Business Park and his company built the TD Bank building and the Country Grocery store.

“We’ve sold off 80 per cent of the remaining lots and were now in design work.”

He’s now working on developing the lots on the other side of Dufferin Crescent that will include a liquor store and a Buzz Coffee House.

“There’s pent-up demand for higher-end industrial park land and we’re filling that demand,” Constable says. Another shift he says that many companies that leased industrial properties are now choosing to buy.

pacific Station introduces strata office concept

Chris Lundy, owner/manager of Westmark Construction, has a 20-year history building high-end commercial/residential projects

on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. His newest project, Pacific Station between Metral Drive and the Island Highway, is a multi-phase mixed use commercial/residential project featuring strata-titled professional office space.

“We just finished the first strata offices with occupancy for November 2012,” Lundy says. “There isn’t a lot of office space in north Nanaimo and this one of the few opportunities for professionals to own their office.”

While the commercial side of his business remains steady, Lundy says the residential market has softened, reflected in some price resistance from buyers. Still, the first phase of Westridge Homes, a community of architecturally-designed homes his company built on Westwood Road has sold out and six more homes are under construction.


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“Buyers are looking for exceptionally good value and the residential price point is under $400,000,” Lundy says. “If someone asks for advice I’ll tell them they won’t find a better time to buy. I see a great future for our area going forward; people just have to read the market and adjust accordingly.”

27Nanaimo

WHEN the Young Professionals of Nanaimo (YPN) was launched years ago, the group rose to the challenge of completing a project that

would have a lasting impact on their community: raising the funds to restore the city’s heritage train station that had been decimated by a fire.

“We wanted to make the community aware that young people aren’t apathetic and can work to make the city a better place to live,” says Leif Bogwald, who is starting his second term serving as YPN

president. “We didn’t know if we could succeed in our efforts to cover the shortfall in funds to rebuild the Nanaimo Train Station, especially during the economic downturn.”

After hosting a barbecue that raised $300, the YPN’s campaign raised $420,000 in just six months, exceeding its target by $30,000 and putting the $1.3-million Phase 1 Nanaimo Train Station on track. More recently, the YPN completed a smaller community building project: the transformation of two closed service stations into community gardens in the city’s north and south ends. “We

raised $50,000 for the materials to build 150 above ground containers to grow vegetables and fruit on the sites,” Bogwald says. Volunteers from the Nanaimo Community Gardens society tend the gardens with the majority of produce harvested going to the Loaves and Fishes food bank.

Bogwald, 32, grew up in Ladysmith, studied business accounting at Vancouver Island University, and is a senior manager and business advisor at the Nanaimo firm MNP. He says he got involved in the YNP for several reasons. “It’s good for business, I wanted Nanaimo to become the great city it can be, and be a stakeholder in the process.”

The YPN has grown to 140 members all under age 40, representing a cross section of Nanaimo’s 50 top companies interested in professional development and making a difference in their community. It’s a generation, Bogwald says, that instead of avoiding change embraces it, and with their affinity for new media technology no longer sees the need to separate work and life outside work.

Looking ahead the YPN is assessing the many requests for new projects it receives from community groups and is planning a follow-up to its successful Connect VI Conference held in June at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

LifestyleLeading by example: Young Professionals Organization builds legacy for Nanaimo


SOON after arriving Nanaimo in 1952 at the age of 16 from Southampton, England, Barry

Clark went to work for two iconic businesses in the city’s history: the Malaspina Hotel and Black Ball Ferries. But it was when he met the man who was to become a legendary figure in Nanaimo’s development and local politics that Clark found his calling in real estate and became one of the longest-serving members of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

“I started in real estate in 1965 working for Frank Ney,” Clark said. “He cared about Nanaimo and did a lot for the community. His company – Nanaimo Realty – joined the Nanaimo Chamber and I’ve belonged ever since through working for and managing the company. “

In 1997, Clark took over the reins of Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty. Before that, he opened offices in Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith and Chemainus and served as chairman of the Real Estate Council of B.C. and president of Nanaimo’s Toastmasters Club and Theatre Group. Over his 47 year career he’s seen dramatic changes in the real estate business and growth in the membership and programs delivered by the Nanaimo Chamber.

During his 47 years with the Nanaimo Chamber, Clark has seen B.C.’s second-oldest business organization grow to 700 members and expand its focus from representing its members economic interests to include broader quality of life matters for the community such as social, environmental and cultural.

“The main benefit of the chamber is being able to network and

LifestyleLong-serving Nanaimo Chamber member sees bright future for organization and city

communicate with other members,” Clarke said. “I try to deal

locally whenever possible because the members are our partners in

business and our success.”

New technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and

how real estate is bought and sold.

At the same time, Clark sees technology as no substitute for

face-to-face communication and enjoying the natural beauty of

Nanaimo.

“We’re living in a paradise. I love the harbour and seawalk. We have

more than 20 lakes and 100 parks within minutes of where we

live,” he said. “We shouldn’t take it for granted.”

29Nanaimo

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Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation102-1801 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1 250-755-7690

Th e Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundationwould like to say Th ank You

to our corporate community for your support of thenew Emergency Expansion at NRGH.

Please continue to give generously to complete this project.Donate Securely online at www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com


The Nanaimo Clippers are proud to host theCRESCENT POINT ENERGY

WESTERN CANADA CUPApril 26-May 5, 2013

The British Columbia Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League & Manitoba Junior Hockey League

will participate in a fi ve-team tournament & award the fi rst-ever Western Canada Cup beginning in 2013.

Tickets Package Now Available / Secure your seat for ALL 13 GAMES!! $159.00 plus taxFor more information and tickets: 250-751-0593 | Clipper Offi ce #1-2290 Bowen Road, Nanaimo | www.nanaimoclippers.com

We take care of you while you’re taking care of business! For over 35 years we have worked with Vancouver Island Business owners to provide:

• Buy-Sell Agreement Funding• Key Person Life & Disability Insurance• Retirement and Succession Planning• Employee Benefits• Estate Preservation Plans

1605 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

(250) 753-2101www.frankallenfinancial.com

Frank AllenTHE

F I N A N C I A L G R O U P I N C .

Building Financial Bridges for YOUR Life

A Food Lover’s Paradise• Exotic Cheese & Chutneys• Truffl es, Olives & Pates• Gourmet Oils & Vinegars• British, European & South African Imported Foods

426 Fitzwilliam Street • Nanaimo, BC250-754-0100

the [email protected]

www.thriftyfoods.com

Serving Nanaimo with 3 convenient locations

Jerry Jaggers,Store ManagerBrooks Landing

Dan Zapotichny,Store ManagerLongwood Station

Mikel Knuttsson,Store ManagerPort Place

We’re passionate about providing you with clean well stocked stores and delivering the best customer service possible.

Come in and see for yourself

our selection of fresh seafood,

meat, bakery, fl oral, produce

& delicious ready-to-eat meals.

Discover the difference

Serving Nanaimo with 3 convenient locations

& delicious ready-to-eat meals.

PORT PLACE650 South Terminal Ave • 250.729.2937

LONGWOOD STATION5801 Turner Rd • 250.729.4950

BROOKS LANDING2000 Island Hwy • 250.729.2933

“Easy to follow and good support” ~Randy

Randy of Nanaimo

lost 48 pounds and 50 inches!

OVER 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

“Best part of the program was the accountability and simple guidelines. Cheerful staff were good to work with. Take it one day at a time, follow the template and get back on the horse if you fall off!” ~ Carolyn

Carolyn of Nanaimo


A common sense system for weight loss that lasts:REAL FOOD | PERSONAL COACHING | NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

1 - 6332 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, B.C.250-390-0677 www.herbalmagic.ca

“Herbal Magic inspired me to live, not live to eat. It helped me to know what I was hungry for…healthy eating gave me happiness and engery. You brought me back to life! Great staff made it easy to keep on.” ~Estelle

Estelle of Nanaimo


CELEBRATES

Nanaimo is lighter by47,000 lbs. and 52,000 inches!

That’s Amazing!

91% Customer Satisfaction Rate Canada’s Largest Weight Loss Company(Over 270 Centres)

Katie, Laura, Shelley, Aileen

Special Features - Nanaimo Chamber Better Communities

Documents

Special Features - Nanaimo Chamber Better Communities