Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Castlegar-based CCS Awarded the Horton CBI Tank Coating project in Mt Hayes on Vancouver Island.

Artist’s rendering of Mt. Hayes natural gas storage facility.

Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) has been awarded the surface preparation and application of specialized protective coatings to three new tanks at the Mt. Hayes Gas Peak Shaving Facility in Ladysmith, British Columbia, owned and operated by Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc.

Hired by Horton CBI, a subsidiary of CB&I, CCS is required to blast the facility’s new Firewater Tank, Diesel Tank, and an 110 ft high LNG (liquefied natural gas) Tank to the SSPC (the Society for Protective Coatings) SP10 surface preparation standards and to provide the clean up, removal and disposal of the bulk blast waste material from the project. Any fuel burning equipment will be placed within containments to prevent fuel or oil spills and risk to the property. “We have made a commitment to minimize any environmental impact associated with the application of coatings while meeting the needs of our clients”

says Randy Tilley, CCS Operations Manager. CCS has an Environmental Stewardship Policy supported by a $2 million dollar pollution liability insurance. “We’ve executed many tank coating and lining projects in the past…” says Tilley, “we look forward to working with Horton CBI and are confident the job will be seamless.” The project is scheduled to commence in August 2009 and complete by the spring of 2010. www.ccscoatings.ca

Lake View Village progressing nicely on Nelson’s waterfront

This photo, taken earlier this spring, shows Lake View Village construction is progressing nicely.

Cranbrook-based, Golden Life Management newest development in the Kootenays is taking shape along Nelson’s waterfront. The massive project is being headed up by their construction company Pacesetter Construction and is keeping a number of tradespeople busy in the Nelson area.

Golden Life Management prides themselves in providing innovative, attractive and comfortable seniors housing communities that offer a range of housing options and convenient services for people with various needs.

The new project will be a 90-unit, four story development on Nelson’s Kootenay Lake waterfront appropriately called Lake View Village.

Other Golden Life seniors developments include Joseph Creek in Cranbrook, Garden View in Kimberley, Castle Wood in Castlegar, Columbia Garden in Invermere, Crest View in Creston, Rocky Mountain in Fernie and Rose Wood in Trail.

Castle Wood in Castlegar recently announced a 30-unit expansion as well.

Aaron’s Comes to Cranbrook

Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership is comming to Cranbrook.

Cranbrook’s newest retailer is set to open shop on Slater Road across from the Brick. The 5,000 square foot building, which used to house Strongco, is the new home of Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership.

The retail outlet sells brand name furniture, electronics, appliances and computers. There are over 1,600 Aaron stores in North America and the Cranbrook location is the 27th store to open in Canada. Aaron’s is famous for offering guaranteed low prices; everyone's pre-approved and there is never a credit check done. Aaron’s also claims to beat any competitor’s advertised price or they’ll give you $100 cash.

The new Cranbrook outlet will be run by store manager Phil Amato. www.shopaarons.ca

Endowment Established at Selkirk

Mr. Wilf Sweeney (right) of Castlegar recently established an endowment at Selkirk College in the name of his late wife, Doris Sweeney. —Photo courtesy: Carrie Voysey

Mr. Wilf Sweeney (right) of Castlegar recently established an endowment at Selkirk College in the name of his late wife, Doris Sweeney. The couple have been long-time residents of Castlegar and supporters of the college. Revenue from the investment of the endowment will be put towards a yearly scholarship for a student enroled in the Nursing or Forest Technology program. Donor Services Coordinator, Joyce Buckler (left), received a plaque from Mr. Sweeney where recipients’ names will be engraved on a yearly basis.

Groundbreaking event at COTR

Construction on the new front entrance of the College of the Rockies. —Photo courtesy: College of the Rockies

Construction is finally underway on the new front entrance of the College of the Rockies.

It is the start of an undergoing $12m project to give the main COTR Cranbrook campus a more efficient front entrance, expand classroom space, and improve access to services for students and the general public.

The official construction kickoff took place on Tuesday, August 11th, with MLA and Minister of Community Development Bill Bennett and Minister of Advanced Education Moira Stillwell in attendance.

You’ll find information about the expansion, including architect’s conceptual drawings, links to press releases, and projected floorplans at the COTR website: www.cotr.bc.ca/expansion. Completion is slated for early 2011.

Bellstar Hotels and Resorts Takes Over Management of Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa in Kimberley

Mountain Spirit Resort is now under the management of Bellstar Hotels and Resorts. —Photo courtesy: www.bellstar.ca/resorts

Allyson Hunter of Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa at the base of Kimberley Alpine Resort tells us that the luxury resort is now under the management of Bellstar Hotels and Resorts.

“Professional Resort Management with Bellstar Hotels & Resorts. We’re proud to be the latest resort to be added to Bellstar’s portfolio of luxury boutique hotels and resorts across Western Canada, said Allyson Hunter, sales and marketing director.

Bellstar develops and operates boutique resorts in Western Canada. Our objective is to be the leading developer and operator of resort properties in the region. We create exceptional resort experiences. We support the operation of these properties with a highly trained and dedicated team of hospitality professionals.

Bellstar is about the unique experience of each place and of each destination, not generic cookie-cutter hotels. Each property is unique, with its own name, flavour and personality. What is consistent between each resort is our love for helping our guests explore the destination, a genuine commitment to service, and our passion for delivering exceptional resort experiences.

For more information visit www.bellstar.ca/resorts

Cranbrook’s Shoppers Drug Mart Begins Expansion

Pharmacist and owner, Michelle Gray, of the Cranbrook Shoppers Drug Mart in the Tamarack Centre celebrates the beginning of renovations that will see the store triple in size over next few months. —Photo by Keith Powell

The Shoppers Drug Mart in the Tamarack Centre in Cranbrook is undergoing a major expansion. Michelle Gray, the owner and operator, of the Cranbrook pharmacy and retail outlet, says that the expansion will see the current store triple in size to over 17,000 square feet.

With the relocation of the neighbouring Investors Group, Shoppers Drug Mart will takeover the vacated space and gain valuable front-of-the-mall exposure. It is anticipated that the expansion program which is just underway will be completed later this fall in time for the busy December retail period.

The store also is home to a Canada Post outlet which will gain more presence through the expansion as well.

Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation was founded in 1962 by Toronto pharmacist Murray Koffler, who believed that it was possible to build a national organization of pharmacies without sacrificing the personalized service of the local community pharmacist. This vision is the cornerstone of the Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix Associate Concept and has helped build a brand that is synonymous with exceptional service, value and trust.

Today, there are more than 1,191 Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix retail drug stores owned and operated by the Company’s licensed Associates, incorporating a strong sense of pride, professionalism and community spirit at each location. With fiscal 2008 sales of $9.4 billion, the Shoppers Drug Mart is the leading player in Canada’s retail drugstore marketplace and is the number one provider of pharmacy products and services.

Bicyclists Invited to join the new WaCanId international bike ride

Just as autumn colors are coming into their peak, bicyclists will take to the quiet byways of the renowned International Selkirk Loop for an inaugural five-day bike tour dubbed the WaCanId Ride.

The ride, slated for Oct. 1-5, traverses the states of Washington and Idaho, and the Canadian province of British Columbia, offering bicyclists a scenic ride along lakes and rivers amid the towering Selkirk Mountain range, dotted with charming towns along the way. It’s a benefit ride, with monies raised going to participating Rotary Clubs of District 5080 in communities along the route.

The WaCanId ride covers 340 miles (550 kilometers), and bicyclists may either partake in free camping, or choose the comforts of quality lodging. To top it off, cyclists’ gear will be transported by local Rotary groups during the ride, making the hassle of "what to pack" that much easier.

The International Selkirk Loop is one of the "Top 10 Scenic Destinations in the Northern Rockies" named by the U.S. Department of Transportation, one of five "Best of the Roads" named by Rand McNally 2009, and the "West's Best Scenic Drive" by Sunset Magazine.

Riders will also receive a WaCanId Ride Pass, good for discounts at participating businesses, plus a just-published “Cyclist’s Guide to the International Selkirk Loop,” with route maps and detailed elevation profiles for each segment of the Loop printed on all-weather paper.

Riders may choose to begin at any one of seven starting points: Newport, Washington; Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry in Idaho; or Creston, Nelson, Fruitvale or Castlegar in British Columbia.

Get more information and register online at www.WaCanId.org or call 1-866-732-1194.

Nelson Chamber of Commerce to study viability of CPR station

The Nelson Chamber of Commerce has received a $100,000 grant from the Government of Canada through the Western Economic Diversification Canada program. The Nelson Chamber is studying the possibly of revitalizing the former CPR station to house the Chamber, new office space and even a 125 performance theatre.

The study will look into the architectural and engineering integrity of the structure and the cost of renovating the heritage building. It is projected that the project could be valued at upwards of $5 million providing a new home for the Chamber and Visitors Centre as well as other enterprises.

The heritage building certainly ties in with the character and heritage feel of the City of Nelson and would make for a natural extension or connection to the rest of Baker Street in the Queen City.

The Nelson CPR station was original built in 1899 and has been shuttered from over 20 years.

Crown Corporation Tourism BC, taken back into Government

Tourism BC will be brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, reducing administrative costs and better co-ordinating all of the Province’s marketing initiatives, Minister Kevin Krueger announced today.

“While Tourism BC has served British Columbia well, in these difficult economic times it is critical that we maximize every tourism dollar for marketing B.C. to the world,” said Krueger. “Consolidating tourism operations in the ministry will allow for co-ordinated marketing campaigns, while ensuring resources are focused on getting the best results for British Columbia’s tourism sector.”

Bringing Tourism BC into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts next year will reduce administrative costs and allow these funds to be re-invested into marketing initiatives. The integration of Tourism BC, effective April 1, 2010, will result in a new program under the leadership of the ministry with a renewed focus on marketing the regions of British Columbia.

The minister will be replacing Tourism BC’s board of directors with a new Minister’s Advisory Council, which will continue seeking input and advice on marketing plans from the tourism industry. The council will report directly to the minister. Mike Smith, chair of Kootenay Rockies Tourism and owner of Angus McToogle's Restaurant in Invermere, was a director of Tourism BC.

New Internet Provider in Nelson makes Security a priority

Secure by Design is based in Nelson and took over from Net Idea

Here is one business story that slipped under our radar. Late last year in December, Kirk Ismay, formerly of Net Idea took over the company and renamed it Secure by Design.

A new company in the region, Secure By Design is owned and operated by one of the Kootenay’s premier network security experts, Kirk Ismay, formerly of Net Idea: “We know there is a need for a local Internet provider and want to offer something better while giving our customers peace of mind regarding their Internet connection.” In addition to security services, Secure By Design offers secured service for all of its email, as well as several layers of security for business clients’ web sites. The value of the data being transferred over the Internet is priceless. Most hosting providers and ISP’s offer open servers for ease of use. Secure By Design is different. With a stronger focus on security, customers can rest assured their data is safe.

Secure By Design Technology Inc, is not your ordinary ISP. The company’s goal is to provide quality Internet services with a focus on Customer Security. “The Internet is a powerful communications medium but is also one that can create security breaches for home and business networks.” says Kirk Ismay. “Unprotected wireless networks are everywhere. We will offer services to help customers to lock them up and secure their personal information.”

With the void left by one of Canada’s longest running independent ISP’s, Net Idea, Secure By Design hopes to keep previous Net Idea customers happy under this new company as well as attract those customers who are interested in their own data security needs. In fact, Secure By Design is committed to providing the same quality, and personal service you have come to depend on.

For more information, contact Kirk Ismay at 877-373-6121

New Owners Take Over at Pizza Hut

After over 20 years of owning and operating Pizza Hut in Cranbrook, Bruce Hall has sold the popular eatery to new owners. Dan Patel and his brother Sam took for the Pizza Hut franchise earlier this summer. Dan Patel is also of the owner of the Subway restaurant franchises in Cranbrook as well.

Both Dan and Sam Patek have many years of experience in the foodservice business.mAnd they both look forward to continuing the excellent reputation of Pizza Hut and Wing Street in Cranbrook.

"Our commitment to quality and excellent service is second-to-none," said Dan Patek. "Pizza Hut in Cranbrook is a great opportunity for us and we look forward to serving the residents of Cranbrook and area with the finest in pizza and wings for many years to come."

Pizza Hut has over 320 franchised restaurants across Canada offering dine-in, delivery and online ordering. With more than 12,800 locations in 100 countries, Pizza Hut is the world’s largest pizza restaurant company.

Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). The company's 50-year legacy of leadership and innovation has made it the recognized leader in the $37 billion pizza category. Those hungry for more information can go to the official Canadian Pizza Hut Website.

Airport Managing Director Lands in Kelowna

YXC Managing Director Phillip Elchitz (center) is headed for Kelowna

The Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook is losing its managing director, Phillip Elchitz. He is currently an employee of YVR which manages the airport for the City of Cranbrook. He will be moving to the Kelowna (YLW) airport in the Okanagan, to become its managing director.

Kelowna International Airport is one of the top ten airports in Canada, serving over one million passengers annually and is located along highway 97 at the north end of the City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport is a gateway into B.C.’s southern interior and a vital part of the economic prosperity of the Okanagan Valley.

Along with aerospace businesses and world class education facilities, Kelowna International Airport represents an employment cluster of nearly 2,000 jobs and $310 million in economic activity annually.

Phillip Elchitz, oversaw the recent expansion of the Canadian Rockies International Airport and worked to bring in new airlines including Pacific Coastal and Delta to Cranbrook.

We tip our flight crew hat to Phillip and wish him the best in Kelowna.

CBT announces support to 44 environmental projects

Rick Allen, CBT Environment Manager and Brian Passeyat, Jim Smith Lake Community Association take a water clarity reading at Jim Smith Lake as part of a Watershed Baseline Assessment project which received an $8,000 grant from CBT's Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP). To view all the successful EIP projects visit www.cbt.org/environment.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has awarded $450,000 to support 44 community-based environmental projects across the Basin through its Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP).

"This year CBT increased funding by $100,000 to support more aquatic, terrestrial, educational and sustainability projects that residents have identified as important to their community," said Rick Allen, CBT Program Manager, Environment. "There were many impressive projects brought forward this year by residents and groups who are helping to maintain or enhance the environmental condition in and around their communities."

Allen joined CBT in March and acts as the single point of contact for all project applicants. This change in program implementation was a recommendation from a 2008 evaluation of the EIP and is designed to streamline the application process to ensure proponents are getting the support they need.

"We've made a few changes to the program this year to make it easier for some of the smaller groups, whether they are hunting and fishing, recreational or environmental education groups, to submit applications," said Allen. "Our stewardship advisors are an important resource for project applicants, and CBT is looking to extend that support to help build capacity across the Basin, specifically in those smaller groups that are keen, but lack the organizational structure to get involved in the EIP."

The EIP provides support to community-initiated and supported projects that aim to reduce human impacts on the local and regional ecosystems and includes a small grants stream, geared at projects under $5,000 and a large grants stream for projects up to $20,000. The small grants comprised over 30 per cent of the successful projects funded this year and the large grants represent projects from Revelstoke to Fernie, Invermere to Rossland and all points in between. See the attached list of projects funded.

CBT has provided nearly $3 million in funding over the past five years for environmental conservation, restoration, stewardship and education projects across the Basin. To learn more about CBT's environmental priorities, visit www.cbt.org/environment.

Boston Pizza starts construction of new Cranbrook restaurant

It didn’t take long for the popular Boston Pizza chain of restaurants to head back into the foodservice business in Cranbrook. Initial excavating work has started for the foundation of the new restaurant which will be located along the busy Cranbrook "Strip", in the front parking lot of Tamarack Centre.

Of course Boston Pizza had a longtime presence in Cranbrook at the location that is now an Eastside Mario’s restaurant.

There are more than 325 Boston Pizza restaurants across Canada, system-wide gross sales exceeded $830 million in 2008, the chain employs more than 16,000 people which serves 38 million customers annually.

This is part of an ongoing re-development taking place at Tamarack Centre, which will soon see Investor Group move to the back of the mall and Shopper’s Drug Mart do a major expansion.

www.bostonpizza.com

Selkirk Saints golf camp on par with success

The 5th Annual Selkirk Saints Golf Camp, which ran from July 6-10, hosted the most kids ever with help from sponsors such as Nelson Ford’s Russell Stock.

Over 60 individuals aged 7-17 participated in the golf camp this year, with kids coming from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Reno, Salmon Arm, Kelowna and of course, the East and West Kootenay Regions.

Two of the youth attending the camp were given the opportunity to participate in the Selkirk Saints Golf Camp through the Nelson Ford Golf Camp Sponsorship Bursaries. “The cost of participating in some organized sports can be a financial challenge and barrier to some families,” explained Kim Verigin, Athletics and Recreation Coordinator at Selkirk College. “Thanks to Russell Stock’s (Nelson Ford) commitment, a couple of the kids had an opportunity to partake in a positive, skill-building, fun experience—one that would otherwise be unavailable to them.”

Early bird fees for the camp were $320 or $520, with the latter including lodging, 24-hour supervision and evening activities. Each individual was provided with meals, signature golf balls, tees and a golf shirt.

The camp focused on skill development for every ability level. It included instruction on the history of the game, etiquette, course management, specialty shots, penalties and rules. A video analysis was included and students were able to bring home a CD and frame by frame printout of their swings. Students also benefited from a new grass top virtual swing analyzer that provided technical feedback, including stats such as swing speed and club face angle.

Other sponsors included Kootenay Savings, the Castlegar Golf Club and Selkirk Beverages. Their in-kind donations contributed significantly to the camp’s success. “I feel elated with the response to the camp and the support of our sponsors!” said Verigin. “Now that we have the numbers, we can refine the structure to maximize one-on-one instruction from the beginners to the more advanced, providing even more opportunities for the youth. I am really looking forward to next year!”

Individuals and companies interested in becoming sponsors for the Saints Summer Camps (which include Volleyball in late August) are invited to contact Kim Verigin at 250.365.1304 or email foundation@selkirk.ca.

Taking the LEED on innovation

HERE COMES THE SUN: Solar panels are installed on the roof of the Whitewater Amenity Hub, a Town of Golden-led construction initiative that is using alternative energy. Photo by Tanya Laing

The new Whitewater Amenity Hub, located in Golden’s municipal campground, is providing the community with an example of what new developments will deliver in terms of alternative energy and green design concepts.

The LEED-certified building—which is a laundry facility and general store, and will eventually be the base for a whitewater kayak park—is creating a lot of discussion amongst Golden residents, particularly as the town does not use natural gas for heating, and power disruptions are not uncommon.

Tim Suddaby and Todd Wickenheiser are partners in two companies, Suddwick Homes and Golden Renewable Resources, which are responsible for the geothermal and solar energy systems that have been installed in the Amenity Hub, as well as several other homes and businesses in the Golden area.

“Geothermal is taking the place of fossil fuels,” said Suddaby on the importance of alternative energy. “Geothermal … picks up the energy of the earth and brings it into your home.”

Wickenheiser said geothermal installation has a high initial cost but pays for itself in a few years—without increasing the carbon footprint of a home or business.

“People always strive to … build equity in their home,” said Wickenheiser, “but they don’t change the way they pay energy bills. People who use geothermal early are the ones who are really going to benefit.”

Island living - Savour the delicious views

FAMILY RECIPE: (L to R) Julia and Aaron Cundliffe and Petra Nott are promising Island cuisine. Photo credit: Tanya Laing

Julia Cundliffe has owned the log building next to the main bridge that crosses the Kicking Horse River in Golden since 1980. She used the building for her own business and rented it out to others for commercial and residential purposes. Throughout those years, she had a notion that her son, Aaron Cundliffe, would be a part of the building’s future.

“When Aaron became interested in cooking, I said, ‘One day, Aaron, this will be your restaurant,” said Julia. “It’s funny how you say that and not really know if you mean it, but here it is—29 years later—and it’s evolved to that point.”

Aaron and his wife, Petra Nott, have partnered with Julia in the creation of Golden’s newest dining spot, Island Restaurant, set to open late this summer. The menu promises to feature delicious fusion cuisine but the tastiest dish right now is the building and the views that surround it. It is ideally situated on 10th Avenue South, and provides gorgeous views of the river. And reconstruction has brought new life to the log building.

“It’s always been a building that attracts people,” said Julia.

A clever young businessman who works for a great cause

Assisting animals: Parker Crawford with a four-legged friend. Photo courtesy: Rita Sheloff

If you live in Castlegar, you may already have heard of Parker Crawford and the bottle business that he started back in the summer of 2006. What began as a way to earn some extra summer spending money has turned into an exciting and profitable business for the young man.

Crawford has flyers tacked up all around Castelgar advertising Parker’s Bottle Business, and has created a dedicated e-mail address—bottlebiz@shaw.ca—for anyone who wishes to leave him a message for bottle pickup. Crawford says he is all about convenience for his customers.

At the age of 14, the budding entrepreneur has built up a regular clientele that calls upon him regularly to take away their empty beverage bottles. He has turned the family carport into a sophisticated bottle sorting area where he expertly sorts everything into the proper bags and bins before taking the material in for refunds.

Crawford donates 10 per cent of his earnings to the local SPCA. He has donated a total of $266 since his venture began two and a half years ago.

Crawford offers his service free of charge to anyone in the local area who wishes to have their empties taken away. Send him an e-mail or call 250-365-2006.

A South African treat - Comfort food from overseas

Mal and Rod Paterson use traditional South African recipes in their sausages and dried beef. Photo by: kris Lindblad

The meat products that Mal and Rod Paterson produce from their home-based business in Cranbrook go by such names as boerewors, droewors and biltong. The company is called Biltong Canada. But Mal likes to call their products “South African comfort food.”

Mal said, “Being South African, we missed the South African food.” The Patersons, who were farmers in the eastern Transvaal region of South Africa, use traditional South African recipes in their sausages and dried beef. They are marketing the tasty treats at the Cranbrook farmer’s market in Spirit Square, and also do a thriving business with their dried beef over the Internet.

“When people find us on the Internet, they go, ‘Ahhhh, a taste of home’—the memories flood back,” Mal said.

Last February, they supplied Biltong products to Yukon Ultra Marathon runners.

Biltong Canada is now four years old, sells all across Canada, and plans to enter the U.S. market next. For more info, go to www.biltongcanada.com.