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November 25, 2020

Q3 Building Permits rebound, Island-wide

The total value of building permits issued on Vancouver Island during the third quarter of 2020 rebounded to $681.6 million, or 40 per cent above the second quarter of 2020.

This gain came mainly from non-residential permits which rose 252 per cent to $254.5 million with commercial permits jumping 416 per cent to $210.5 million. Institutional-government permits rose by 66 per cent to $28 million in the quarter, while industrial permits fell 31 per cent.

Residential building permits edged three per cent higher over the second quarter but decreased 13 per cent compared to the third quarter of 2019.

“Interest in communities across the Island has been strong during the last number of years, and despite the coronavirus pandemic, shows signs of continuing,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association.

The Island’s construction rebound was evident in all regional districts and was broadly based in most instances. The Comox Valley surged 123 per cent, Strathcona was 52 per cent higher and the Capital Regional District saw a 42 per cent jump.

Leading in residential building activity was the Powell River Regional District with a 363 per cent increase, followed Mount Waddington Regional District with a 216 per cent increase and the Comox Regional Valley with a 123 per cent increase.

“Smaller communities continue to experience a significant amount of residential building as demand for housing increases, said Kulmala. “We suspect retirees are continuing to come here in search of affordable housing options. As well, as more employees in urban areas shift to working from home, rural towns and villages are becoming more popular because of their lower home prices and increased livability.”

In Victoria investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area rose in the three months ending in September due to a rebound in commercial and public permits.

“Building permits are a leading indicator of activity in the construction industry,” said Kulmala. “Construction – both residential and non-residential continues to weather the pandemic despite continued uncertainty,”

Construction activities will continue to play a significant role in Vancouver Island’s economy recovery during and following this pandemic.

The outlook depends on the pandemic’s path. If the second wave doesn’t cause further movement restrictions, the 2021 outlook becomes brighter and construction would likely increase over this year. Overall, the pandemic will result in less construction activity on the island this compared to last year.

Click here to view entire report.

Arrange an interview with VICA CEO Rory Kulmala:

Owen O’Rourke, Communications Specialist | 250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca | www.vicabc.ca

November 17, 2020

Five Industry Leaders Elected to VICA Board

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and its membership elected five industry leaders to its 2020-2021 Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting on November 13, 2020. There were six nominees from across Vancouver Island.

Incumbents, Stuart Cuthbert, Mazzei Electric (Nanaimo & Victoria), Mark Liudzius, Kinetic Construction Ltd. (Victoria), Chris Lyons, Omicron Construction Ltd. (Victoria), and Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering (Victoria), were re-elected. Former Director Morley Wilkins, Campbell Construction (Victoria) will also be making his return to the VICA Board.  James Clapp, Wilson M Beck Insurance, is poised to Chair the Board and Roger Yager, Knappett Projects Inc., will become Past Chair. Chris Lyons is poised to be appointed Vice Chair at the first board meeting of 2020 after serving as Board Treasurer.

In accordance with Provincial Health recommendations, the 2020 AGM pivoted to an online platform with industry and non-industry members joining virtually from across the Island. For the second year, VICA utilized an online voting platform for the election of the 2020/2021 VICA Board of Directors, enabling members to cast a vote for their elected industry leaders from office, jobsite, or home — giving everyone a voice in this busy industry where time is hard to come by.

Outgoing director David Flint (former Past Chair), Flynn Canada, was recognized for 12 years of service on the VICA Board. During his tenure David was involved in numerous initiatives, including the amalgamation of the North Vancouver Island Construction Association, Mid-Island Construction Association and the South Island Construction Association in 2011.

CEO / Chair / Director Quotes

“In a year which has been plagued with such uncertainly, the Vancouver Island Construction Association and it’s members can be confident in our board to steward the Association in a direction which benefits current members and the industry at large. Our industry has shown it’s resiliency in the face of COVID-19, and we will continue to champion safe policy and procedure to allow construction to continue on Vancouver Island.”   

  •  Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Island Construction Association

“I am very excited to be elected back to the VICA Board of Directors to serve the association and membership for another term. I look forward to continuing to provide a voice for sub-contractors across the Island.”

  • Stuart Cuthbert, Mazzei Electric

 “It’s an honour to be re-elected back to the VICA Board of Directors for another term. I look forward to working with this great team and helping VICA continue to provide excellent value to its members”

  • Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering

“As I return to the VICA Board of Directors, I look forward to lending my expertise to my fellow board members as well as supporting initiatives which will benefit our membership.”

  • Morley Wilkins, Campbell Construction

“It is a great honor to be re-elected to the Vancouver Island Construction Association’s Board of Directors. I look forward to working with this great group of industry leaders and continuing the excellent work for our members and the industry on Vancouver Island.”

  • Chris Lyons, Omicron Construction Ltd.

“This year has shown that our industry can unite under a common goal, and I am honored to return to the VICA Board for another term to help our members endure this pandemic as well as continuing to support progression in the construction community.”

  •  Mark Liudzius, Kinetic Construction Ltd.

 “I am very proud to be a member of this industry as we continue to take on challenges that the future will bring. VICA’s Board, highlighted by its experience, diversity and flexibility will afford our members success in the years to come. I am thankful to both current and former board members who have given me their support during my time as Board Chair.”

  • Roger Yager, Outgoing VICA Board of Director Chair, Knappett Projects

Media & Interview Inquiries

Owen O’Rourke, Communications Specialist
Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)
owen@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722

About VICA

As the Vancouver Island Construction Association, we serve our construction community: the institutional, commercial, industrial, civil, and multi-family residential construction sectors on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. VICA members come from all areas of our industry from owners, designers, and contractors to purchasers of construction services. With roots that date back to 1912, we are one of the oldest not-for-profit construction associations in Canada.

October 5, 2020

CCA: Growth plan must include strategy for swift flow of funds to be effective, says Canadian Construction Association

CCA members – 70 per cent of which are small and medium-sized, family-run businesses – have been asking for a clear, balanced, fair and flexible infrastructure stimulus plan as Canadians focus on pandemic recovery.

The growth plan announced on October 1 by the federal government and Canada Infrastructure Bank is a promising step towards securing jobs and boosting economic growth through infrastructure investment. In order for the plan to have the intended impact, there must be urgency in tendering the projects and a swift flow of funds.

The announced details of the plan do not mention support for certain essential parts of our infrastructure, like roads and bridges, which are in need of attention (as detailed in our Canadian Infrastructure Report Card). This infrastructure enables the flow of trade and, especially important at this time, the distribution of health and safety materials. Also, regions hard hit by the downturn in oil and gas also appear to be left out of the plan. We hope these oversights will be addressed.

We encourage the federal government to remain focused on getting tenders out, reducing red tape, and working with other levels of government on important infrastructure projects in all regions of Canada.

Our industry can help. We are committed to working with the federal government and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to make these investments a success.

Link to release: https://www.cca-acc.com/press-release/growth-plan-must-include-strategy-for-swift-flow-of-funds-to-be-effective-says-canadian-construction-association/

About CCA

Across Canada, CCA represents more than 20,000 member firms drawn from 63 local and provincial integrated partner associations. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada’s institutional, commercial and industrial (ICI) construction industry.

The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major contributor to the country’s economic success. The industry, 70 per cent of which is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.5 million Canadians and contributes 7 per cent towards Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Websites

www.cca-acc.com

Contact

Rodrigue Gilbert
Vice-President, Public Affairs
613-236-9455, ext. 432
rgilbert@cca-acc.com

October 1, 2020

VICA Members win big at VIREB Commercial Building Awards

The Vancouver Island Construction Association would like to congratulate its 10 members who were recognized at the 13th Annual VIREB Commercial Building Awards on September 30th. Out of the 10 VICA Members recognized, 6 were named winners of their respective categories with Westmark Construction Ltd.MKM Projects Ltd., and Island West Coast Developments taking home multiple awards. 

Tourism Tofino was named the Judges’ Choice best overall entry this year. MKM Projects Ltd. was the General Contractor.

A team of independent judges chose the winners in the 11 categories of these awards: Apartments, Hospitality, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Office, Retail, Retail-Renovation, Seniors, Social-Community and Townhouse.

The winners of each category received an Award of Excellence, with runners-ups receiving an Award of Merit. 

  • Apartments –  Award of Excellence: Village on Third, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Westmark Construction Ltd. Merit: The Arbutus, Nanaimo. General Contractor: WestUrban Developments Ltd.; The Hub at Pacific Station, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Westmark Construction Ltd.; 575 Residences, Campbell River. General Contractor: Crowne Pacific Development Corp.
  • Hospitality – Award of Excellence: Ucluelet Brewing Company, Ucluelet. General Contractors: Woodenworks Construction and Tidewater Timber Frames.
  • Industrial – Award of Excellence: 1851 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Windley Contracting Ltd. Merit: Island Pacific Transport, Ladysmith. General Contractor: Island West Coast Developments; P & R Truck Centre, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Windley Contracting Ltd.
  • Institutional – Award of Excellence: Tourism Tofino. General Contractor: MKM Projects Ltd. Merit: Tofino RCMP. General Contractor: Island West Coast Developments; Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Kinetic Construction Ltd.
  • Mixed-Use – Award of Excellence: Cardea, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Tectonica. Merit: 91 Chapel, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Island West Coast Developments.
  • Office – Award of Excellence: Portsmouth Professional Centre, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Westmark Construction Ltd. Merit: The Learning Clinic, Lantzville. General Contractor: R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd.
  • Retail – Award of Excellence: Snaw-Naw-As Market, Lantzville/Nanoose. General Contractor: Ecklundson Construction Group.
  • Retail Renovation – Award of Excellence: RE/MAX Mid Island Realty, Port Alberni. General Contractor: CANBuild Smart Solutions.
  • Seniors – Award of Excellence: Berwick, Qualicum Beach. General Contractor: Denford Construction Management.
  • Social-Community – Award of Excellence: Braidwood Supportive Housing, Courtenay. General Contractor: AFC Construction Inc.
  • Townhouse – Award of Excellence: Azalea, Courtenay. General Contractor: Saywell Contracting Ltd.

The Official Souvenir Award Book for the 2020 VIREB awards, which includes photos and descriptions of every finalist building, is available for viewing at: https://issuu.com/businessexaminer/docs/2020_vireb_book​

The video of the event is also viewable through the www.vireb.com and www.businessexaminer.ca websites.

August 13, 2020

Construction activity recovering from pandemic low in second quarter

The dollar value of building permits on Vancouver Island fell by 14 per cent to $506.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter, largely the result of an industry slowdown due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. However, permits issued began to increase each month through to June indicating the worst was over.

Residential permits held steady at $434 million in the first two quarters of 2020, though the number of dwelling units declined 21 per cent from the first quarter. Non-residential permits dropped overall by 54 per cent led by a 72 per cent drop in institutional-government permits and a 37 per cent decline in commercial permits. Industrial permits were down 28 per cent.

“On the positive side, permits did increase during the quarter and Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May 2020 to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association.

Investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area decreased nearly five per cent in May 2020 from the prior month, continuing a declining trend. Building construction cost increases were higher in residential than in the non-residential sector, and construction industry employment declined across the Island, with the largest decreases outside the Victoria metro area. 

“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery” said Kulmala.

While record-low interest and mortgage rates are positive for the residential sector and investment spending, investment in commercial and industrial buildings looks to remain low until there is more clarity about future demand.

“We expect total building permits could post a small gain in 2020 and a larger one in 2021. However, if a second wave occurs or pandemic restrictions extend well into next year, large surges in construction activity will likely remain low this year and possibly next year,” Kulmala said.

Click here to download the entire report.

Arrange an interview with VICA CEO Rory Kulmala:

Owen O’Rourke, Communications Coordinator
Vancouver Island Construction Association
250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca

June 8, 2020

VICA Supports Employer’s Forum submission to WSBC

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has submitted a letter of support (below) to Employers’ Forum’s submission to WorkSafeBC’s proposal to add COVID-19 to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act. 

We courage both VICA members and non-members to also signal their support of the letter, found here, by writing to WorkSafe regarding this proposed change. 

March 20, 2020

VICA and VIHA partner for PPE Donation

In support of Island Health and front-line healthcare staff, working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from COVID-19, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has put a call out to their membership for donations of new, unopened N95 masks, sanitizer solution and wipes,  or other personal protection equipment suitable for their work.

“Right now, there is a desperate need for support of our front-line medical workers. We understand that both the Federal and Provincial governments have made recent announcements that industry is going to increase supply, but we at the Vancouver Island Construction Association would like to help out wherever possible”, states Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association.   

As of March 19, there have been 271 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia with 22 confirmed cases on Vancouver Island.

“We believe this initiative, regardless of how many donations we receive, will underline the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for all members of our community to come together if we’re going to stop the spread of the coronavirus”

The Vancouver Island Construction Association has made arrangements to turn over all donations to the Vancouver Island Health Authority for them to distribute as necessary.

In Victoria, donations can be dropped off at VICA’s Victoria Office, 1075 Alston Street, by appointment between 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday. To schedule an appointment please call 250-388-6471 or email, Owen@vicabc.ca.

Donations for the VICA Nanaimo office can be arranged by calling 250-388-6471 or emailing Dawn@vicabc.ca.

Available for Interviews

Rory Kulmala
Chief Executive Officer
Vancouver Island Construction Association

Media Contact

Owen O’Rourke , Communications, VICA
comms.events@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722

About VICA

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has served the construction community since 1912 and is one of Canada’s oldest not-for-profit, industry associations. With offices in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the Island’s institutional, commercial, and multi-family residential sectors with skilled labour, education, and networking opportunities. 

March 13, 2020

Important updates from VICA regarding COVID-19

Starting March 18, 2020, our Nanaimo office (map) will be closed until further notice. 

Our Victoria office (map) will still be operating, however, it will be closed to the public. The Victoria office will be offering members statutory declaration service, copy order services, and will have staff answering phones during our regular hours of operation.

All statutory declarations and copy order pick-ups must be made by appointment, by either calling 250-999-8942 or emailing Lauren.  


During this time of unprecedented concern as we collectively navigate the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) takes the safety and well-being of our community, members and colleagues very seriously.

In the wake of recent announcements from federal and provincial health officials surrounding COVID-19, we would like to provide you with an update on the actions we, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is taking in response to the direction set out by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).

As we consider the safety and health of our community paramount, it is our duty to support and reflect the intentions and efforts of our governments as it addresses COVID-19. As a result, we have canceled our annual Vancouver Island Construction Conference scheduled for April 16, 2020 and we have deferred our 2020 Annual Awards Gala of May 8, 2020 to a later date. If you have purchased tickets, we will be providing full refunds.

In addition, we have suspended all VICA member events and activities, including those of both our Women in Construction and Under 40 networks.  Further, we will also be reviewing our scheduled in-person training and education programming and possibly deferring those as well. We will notify registrants immediately of any changes or cancellations.
 
For the most part, we will continue to conduct business as usual as the circumstances dictate. We are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of our Victoria and Nanaimo staff members; including working from home when necessary and asking staff members to self-isolate if they do feel ill.  We will continue to work to serve our members.

HealthLinkBC’s website has information about COVID-19, including how it is transmitted, symptoms and precautions individuals can take to prevent infection. Each of us can help slow the spread of this virus by washing our hands often, by practicing “social distancing” and by staying home when sick.

Of course, safety is always a priority on job sites, and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. While many companies are re-evaluating their work-from-home policies in preparation for what might come, it’s recognized that tradespeople can’t work from home. As such, employers are strongly encouraged to have a clear policy regarding when workers should stay home, enforce sanitary standards in portable washrooms, and keep hand sanitizer stocked when running water isn’t available.

Employers should also provide common-sense advice about the simple actions that employees can take to reduce the risk. The most important thing individuals can do to prevent infection is to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their face.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as we can.


Available for Interviews

Rory Kulmala
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Vancouver Island Construction Association

Media Contact

Vancouver Island Construction Association
Owen O’Rourke
Communications Coordinator 
(250) 800-1722
comms.events@vicabc.ca

About VICA

VICA is a member-based, industry-led association serving the industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-family residential construction sectors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and coastal British Columbia, including Powell River. With bases in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the industry with skilled labour, training and education, and business development opportunities.

March 4, 2020

COVID-19 & Construction: 7 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crew Healthy On Site & In The Office

In light of the 13th case of the coronovirus disease (COVID-19) being reported in British Columbia, the first phase of a redevelopment in Burnaby being halted after an on-site worker was found to have consistent symptoms, and architectural conferences being cancelled in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Italy, and Germany, we would like to share a healthy and safety notice on behalf of our provincial partner, the BC Construction Association. 

“Safety is always a priority on job sites and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. Simply from a human resources perspective, tradespeople can’t work from home, so we strongly encourage employers to provide common sense advice about the simple actions employees are expected to take to reduce the risk. We also suggest they have a clear policy regarding when workers should stay home, enforce sanitary standards in portable washrooms, and keep hand sanitizer stocked when running water isn’t available. BCCA is keeping a close watch on this issue and how it may affect BC’s construction sector.”

7 Simple Steps To Protect Your Health

  • Wash your hands often and well, using hand sanitizer if necessary. Read HealthLink BC’s handwashing guide
  • Avoid touching common surfaces like handles with your bare hands.
  • Do not share your tools or your PPE.
  • Do not touch your hands, nose, or mouth.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Do your part to keep the portable toilets clean.
  • If you experience symptoms of cold or flu, stay home.

You do not need to rush out to buy a N95 respirator or face mask — CDC recommends against it if you have not contracted the virus — but you and your crew do need to practice good hygiene and take precautionary measures at home, in the office, and on your job sites.


As of March 5, 2020, 34 cases of COVD-19 have been reported across the nation, according to the Government of Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure and include fever, cough, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. 

Click the image to read McKinsey & Company’s COVID-19 Report, February 28, 2020

February 27, 2020

Loud and Proud in Pink Shirts: VICA Members spread the word that it’s cool to be kind

On Wednesday, February 26, the local construction community supported children across British Columbia as they stood vibrantly in solidarity for a bully-free world. While the Pink Shirt Day initiative is focused on youth, bullying certainly happens at all ages and in all stages of our lives. This day symbolizes a stand against such behaviour and encourages individuals to recognize that it’s cool to be kind, and that we should lift each other up.

We were thrilled to see so many VICA Members donning “safety pink” in the office and on site for Pink Shirt Day this year. A special thanks to those members who took part in VICA’s Pink Shirt Day initiative.

  • Alpine Insulation
  • BCCA Employee Benefits Trust
  • CGI Constructors
  • Dalcon Construction
  • Don Mann Excavating
  • Durwest Construction Management
  • Current Millwork
  • Edgar & Miner Floor Coverings
  • Farmer Construction
  • F&M Installations
  • Gordon ‘N’ Gordon Interiors
  • Hazelwood Construction
  • Houle Electric – Victoria
  • Island Aggregates
  • Kinetic Construction
  • Lewis Sheet Metal
  • Method Engineering
  • MT Construction Advisory Services
  • National Contracting Solutions
  • Northridge Excavating
  • PD Stover
  • RC Roofing
  • Saywell Contracting
  • SupERB Construction
  • Western Grater
  • Western Interior Design Group
  • VICA U40
  • VICA Women in Construction

Click the photo to the side to see photos of VICA Members in their loud and proud garb. You can also check out our Instagram feed @viconstruction or the soon-to-be-posted album on our Facebook page and LinkedIn.

Together, on top of the positive message we shared with our 560 pink shirts, we raised nearly $6,000 for the CKNW Kids’ Fund: a BC-based charity that helps fund anti-bullying programs across the province that support children’s healthy self-esteem, both with their peers and themselves. Youth programs that have benefitted from the CKNW Kids’ Fund include the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Canada, the Kids Help Phone, Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC, and the Stigma-Free Society, among others.

#PinkShirtDay #VICAMembers #CDNConstructionGives #ItsCoolToBeKind

February 25, 2020

BC Construction Association’s take on the recently announced Budget 2020

The 2020 BC Budget released on February 18th is essentially a continuation of the budget the NDP introduced three years ago when they first came into power in British Columbia. Predominately focused on health and human services, the 2020 Budget brings no relief for small businesses facing increased tax and administrative burdens such as the new Employer’s Health Tax, an increase in carbon and corporate taxes, and a rising minimum wage.

We continue to see a “tax and spend” approach that raises concern for the stability of the BC economy as a whole and our industry in particular. BC is still facing a skilled workforce shortage, and we do not see an appropriate corresponding budgetary commitment from this government.

While $7 billion spend in social housing remains on the table, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) continues to work with BC Housing in an ongoing effort to ensure fair, open, and transparent procurement methods.

The 2020 Budget did not include any new CBA/PLA projects but we continue to watch this topic with concern: in this economic climate with our workforce development challenges, adding new barriers is not conducive to the outcomes we all need.

In August 2019 BCCA was advised that its recommendations regarding Prompt Payment legislation were adopted by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and included in their unanimous report on the 2020 Budget. The recommendations made were given during this presentation on June 13, 2019 as part of the 2020 Budget Consultations. A previous presentation was given by BCCA President Chris Atchison on September 25, 2018 to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of their 2019 Budget consultations.

Read more about provincial advocacy initiatives from BCCA here: bccassn.com/resources/advocacy-&-issues/

February 20, 2020

City of Powell River: Developers update progress on airport investment

An update on Gaoshi Holdings’ (Canada) proposed Powell River Airport development was presented at the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, February 18. The committee approved sending to Council a Development Permit (DP) to facilitate construction of the first phase of a mixed-use aviation park.

“Planning Services is in support of this DP for two main reasons, the quality design work we’re seeing, and because what they’re proposing for our airport is going to give us another ‘new sense of arrival’ to the City with this state-of-the art building,” said Planning Services Director, Thomas Knight.

In September 2019, the City accepted an offer from Gaoshi of $600,000 in exchange for a 99-year lease and a revitalization bylaw to create an aviation centre at the airport on 4.65 hectares of land, east of the existing terminal building.

“The development of this industrial land is to bring more jobs and businesses to Powell River, by focusing on aircraft storage, maintenance, pilot training, retail shops, hospitality services, and more,” said Gaoshi director and vice-president Victor Gao, who was appearing before the committee for the first time since the deal was announced. “We hope this facility can create an attractive entry point for those who come into the City by air looking to do business here.”

Gao showed architectural renderings for the design of Phase 1 of a 4 Phase development. A 20,000 square-foot aircraft hanger is planned for maintenance and service for mid-size jets to small propeller aircraft. The 11,000 square foot multi-purpose building is the central feature of the development, and Gao said it was crucial to the success of the airport project.

“Whether hosting a conference, a community event or an expo or trade show, the idea for this building is to accommodate the demand for different functions and amenities, with coffee shops, restaurant, souvenir shop, and meeting spaces,” said Gao.

The building design is a spit-level, open layout, west coast concept with wood, rock, glass walls, and vaulted ceilings.

Pending Council’s approval of the DP and staff’s approval of the building permit, Gao said the development of Phase l could begin as early as summer 2020.

Architectural rendering of proposed Powell River Airport multi-purpose building [City of Powell River graphic]

Media Contact

City of Powell River
Dave Brindle
Communications Coordinator
(604) 223-7868
dbrindle@powellriver.ca