MBiz | November 2016

business is booming. B IZ MB

NOVEMBER 2016, VOL. 10

MBiz AWARD WINNERS We salute community builders at the 2016 gala PAGE 6 NEW DIRECTION Tapping into the North’s true economic potential PAGE 10

PEOPLE POWER Developing a strong workforce through education and training partnerships

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B IZ MB

Featured this Month:

MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

The buzz on urban bee hives. 20

WINNIPEG AND CAPITAL REGION Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce East St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Headingley Chamber of Commerce La Salle & District Chamber of Commerce Ritchot Chamber of Commerce Saint Boniface Chamber of Commerce Selkirk Chamber of Commerce Stonewall Chamber of Commerce The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce WESTERN

Saint-Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce St. Malo & District Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce CENTRAL

Carman & District Chamber of Commerce MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Notre Dame Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne and District Chamber of Commerce PEMBINA VALLEY Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Morden and District Chamber of Commerce Morris & District Chamber of Commerce Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce PARKLAND Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce Grandview & District Chamber of Commerce Roblin & District Chamber of Commerce Rossburn & District Chamber of Commerce Russell & District Chamber of Commerce

Boissevain Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce

Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Cypress River Chamber of Commerce Deloraine and District Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn and District Chamber of Commerce Melita & District Chamber of Commerce Shoal Lake & District Chamber of Commerce Souris and District Chamber of Commerce Virden and District Chamber of Commerce Waskada and District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST

Northern communities share challenges — and plans for the future.

Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce NORMAN Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Gillam Chamber of Commerce Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Thompson Chamber of Commerce

Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce

Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce INTERLAKE Arborg & District Chamber of Commerce Ashern & District Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Gimli & District Chamber of Commerce Riverton & District Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce EASTMAN Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Falcon - West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Grunthal & District Chamber of Commerce Lac Du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Landmark & District Chamber of Commerce

Selkirk's Homes for the Holidays boosts tourism and addresses shelter needs.

Estate brewery fulfills brothers' dream of saving the family farm.

Niverville Chamber of Commerce Pinawa Chamber of Commerce

MBiz | november 2016

A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

NOVEMBER 2016, VOL. 10 B IZ MB MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE mbchamber.mb.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS Cory Kolt WINNIPEG FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS Bob Armstrong Andrea Geary Sherry Kaniuga Cory Kolt Patrick Rediger David Schmeichel Pat St. Germain Lindsey Ward PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications

One of the privileges of this job is connecting with our local Chambers and meeting the businesses that are reinvigorating rural Manitoba. Whether it’s in Swan River’s Spruce Products Ltd. and Hudson Bay Railway, getting a sneak preview of the new Farmery Brewery plant in Neepawa, or a visit to the Buhler Industries – Versatile plant in Winnipeg, there are countless success stories throughout Manitoba. One of our hopes moving into 2017 is to be more boisterous and help tell these stories to Manitoba. Along with touting more Manitoba success stories, the road ahead for MCC will continue with a focus on advocacy, as we work with the new provincial government to bring a visionary approach to economic development for all of Manitoba and take a larger step towards making our province more competitive with other jurisdictions. MCC is also in the early stages of a branding exercise that, we hope, will better align our work and message to strengthen the entire Chamber network. On behalf of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, our 69 local Chambers, and close to 10,000 member businesses, we thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy the latest edition of MBiz magazine. Chuck Davidson

Meeting the challenges of leadership,

I t is hard to believe that we are already looking at the last few weeks of 2016! As the umbrella organization for 69 local Chambers, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) is often asked what are the greatest challenges we encounter. While we could look at any one of our major policy areas (economic competitiveness, workforce, northern economic development, and tourism), I often find the toughest challenge is telling the stories of the amazing businesses that make up the Manitoba business community. and celebrating business success

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MBiz | november 2016

33RD ANNUAL MBIZ AWARDS

Awards emcee, Steinbach radio personality Corny Rempel

STRONG COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS TAKE CENTRE STAGE MCC Recognize 33rd Annual MBiz Award Winners at Gala Dinner By Cory Kolt

B usiness and the dedicated people within businesses are the foundations of communities. This year, a record crowd, including the Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon, joined the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) to celebrate thriving businesses that strengthen their communities. On Friday, Oct. 28, Golden West Radio personality Corny Rempel hosted the 33rd Annual MBiz Awards, presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. With nominees representing all corners of the province, the awards celebrate our diverse businesses and recognize the contributions of businesses and individuals who make a lasting impact on Manitoba. We salute the class of 2016: Polly Craik (Lieutenant-Governor’s Award Recipient for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the Community) Polly Craik is a seasoned entrepreneur, a well-known community activist and a business leader who owned FineLine Communications for more than 25 years. Her many accomplishments have been recognized at the local and international level. In 2005, she was the first woman to be named Manitoba Business Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2007, she was named one of the most influential women in sport and physical activity by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. She also received an honorary diploma from

Red River College in 2010. Ms. Craik has a distinguished record of community service and volunteerism. She has served as chair of the 2007 Women’s World Hockey Championship, Centre Venture Development Corp, the Business Council of Manitoba and, most recently, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. While she sold the company in 2015, FineLine continues to employ more than 100 people in downtown Winnipeg. Bison Transport (Lieutenant-Governor’s Award Recipient for Outstanding Contribution by a Business to the Community) Bison Transport was incorporated in 1969 by owner Duncan M. Jessiman, who continues to provide leadership as Chairman and sole shareholder. Utilizing specialized equipment, Bison began providing local cartage services to the construction industry and was then awarded the catalogue business first for Eaton's and then Sears. Bison has received some of North America's most coveted awards, handed out by independent third parties who measure innovation, road and operational safety, and environmental sustainability, including the Truckload Carriers Association’s National Fleet Safety Award for carriers over 100 million miles. Winning this award once is an outstanding achievement. Winning it twice is even more spectacular. However, Bison has won in three consecutive years — 2005, 2006 and 2007 – a feat that is remarkable. Bison Transport also holds an enviable position as a Platinum Club Member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies.

6 MBiz | november 2016

RECRUIT TOP TALENT

Top: Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon. Above: From left: MCC Board Chair Kyle Romaniuk, Bison Transport CEO Don Streuber, Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon.

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Outstanding Small Business: Progressive Sanitation (Brandon)

Brandon’s leading supplier of sanitation supplies and equipment, Progressive Sanitation began in August of 2009 as Busy Bee Sanitary Supplies. The company recently moved to a new location in Brandon to accommodate Progressive Sanitation and a new Mats & Uniforms division. Satisfied and repeat customers are the key to any successful business, and the company’s foundation is built on a belief in putting the customer first, no matter what the circumstance. Nominated: Penner Waste Inc. (Winkler), Pure Anada (Morden) Outstanding Medium Business: NetSet Communications (Brandon) NetSet Communications is a privately held telecommunications company providing next-generation broadband services. It provides unprecedented performance and reliability at speeds never before available in rural Manitoba, and its network is engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern business operations. Connecting over 500 communities and rural municipalities to the world, the company is committed to providing the best service and experience. Nominated: Keystone Western Inc. (Grand Pointe),

Powerland Computers (Winnipeg) Outstanding Large Business: Canad Inns (Winnipeg)

Founded 46 years ago, Canad Inns is Manitoba owned, Manitoba grown, Manitoba proud, and the largest hotel chain in Manitoba. Its 15 facilities serve 9 million customers annually in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon and Grand Forks, N.D. Canad Inns

continued >>

MBiz | november 2016

Photos by David Moder Clockwise from top left: MCC Board Chair Kyle Romaniuk with Polly Craik (centre) and Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon. Canad Inns CEO Dan Lussier and David Scott, Vice President, HR, Workers Compensation Board (award sponsor). Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson. MCC Board Chair Kyle Romaniuk; Glenn Asham, CFO, New Flyer Industries; David Sachvie, Board Chair, CPA Manitoba (award sponsor). AVentPro’s Garry Hale (award sponsor) and Progressive Sanitation co-owners Spencer and Riley Day. MCC Board Kyle Romaniuk; Karen Holden, Rogers Communications Manager (award sponsor); the NetSet executive team.

8 MBiz | november 2016

<< continued from page 6

is proud to be Manitoba owned and operated, and that pride is reflected in its commitment to employees, customers, and the city and province it calls home. The Canad Inns "brand" is associated with service, quality, innovation and attention to detail. Its 3,500 family members challenge themselves daily to meet and exceed the Canad Certified Four Star Service. Nominated: Emergent BioSoultions (Winnipeg), Winnipeg Airports Authority (Winnipeg) Outstanding Not for Profit: Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Winnipeg) Habitat for Humanity was founded in Georgia in 1976 to address the housing needs of poor people in the southern U.S. Quickly expanded into an international organization, it moved into Canada in 1985 with a home built by volunteers in Winkler. Habitat for Humanity Manitoba incorporated in June 1987 and is the longest-standing affiliate in Canada. Almost 350 homes have been built in 18 communities. By using the same money over and over again — because it’s invested into a capital asset which produces a monthly return — it has accomplished something few charities can claim: It has developed a way to pay for itself. Nominated: St. Amant (Winnipeg), The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (Winnipeg) Long Term Achievement, Business in Manitoba: New Flyer Industries (Winnipeg) Founded in Winnipeg in 1930, New Flyer is the largest transit bus and motorcoach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, with fabrication, manufacturing, distribution and service centres in Canada and the U.S., and corporate headquarters in Transcona. New Flyer employs approximately 5,000 team members, half of whom are located here in Manitoba. New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and actively supports over 42,000 heavy-duty transit buses currently in service (approximately 50% of all active transit buses). Nominated: Winnipeg Free Press (Winnipeg), Gerdau Industries (Selkirk) The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce would like to thank all our dedicated sponsors, and partners for their continued belief in the Chamber movement. We also send our congratulations to all the nominees and look forward to what the 34th Annual MBiz Awards will bring.

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NORTHERN MANITOBA'S ECONOMY

Unlocking the North’s True Potential MCC CO-CHAIRS TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP LONG-TERM STRATEGY

By Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

T o say that the events of the last couple of months have tested the resolve and optimistic nature of northern Manitobans would be an understatement. The dominos began to fall this summer when Omnitrax announced that the Port of Churchill would not be utilized this shipping season, and dozens of employees were laid off. In addition, freight service on the rail line was reduced from twice a week to just once per week, limiting shipments of food and other essential products. On the heels of the Churchill announcement was news that Tolko Industries, which operated the pulp and paper mill in The Pas, would be closing its doors effective Dec. 2, eliminating over 300 jobs. Only days later, the Aseneskak Casino announced a desire to relocate from The Pas, which would put more residents out of work. The resource sector has been the dominant industry and employer in northern Manitoba for decades, and long-time residents will tell you there is always a sense of uncertainty and anxiety for the future of their communities as a result. This is an issue that various groups, organizations, communities and levels of government have been attempting to find a solution to for decades — but with no resolve. Earlier this month, Manitoba’s Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen announced the creation of a task force to lead the process of implementing the Manitoba government’s Northern Economic Development Strategy, and he asked the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to co-chair the task force. In a news release regarding the announcement, Cullen stated that the, “government recognizes the need for economic diversification and development in our province’s north.” He added that the province is, “undertaking an in-

depth process to engage communities and stakeholders in the partnerships necessary for the attraction of new businesses, the development of entrepreneurial opportunities and the expansion of existing expertise and investment.” The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) applauds the government for taking this proactive measure, which we have long been calling for to address the economic challenges facing the North. While many would like to see both the provincial and federal governments step in to provide short-term solutions to address the current situation, the MCC views this as a visionary opportunity to see the North fulfill its immense potential, especially in the areas of transportation and commerce, tourism and heritage, sustainable economic development, export, mining and health care for the Indigenous peoples. The Port of Churchill’s viability is more than Manitoba’s issue alone, and it’s about more than the movement of grain. It is the gateway to the central Arctic and its future is important to all of Canada. Part of this strategic direction would be to work on the enhancement of the Port and the surrounding areas, and to look for innovative solutions and opportunities together with a number of collaborative partnerships. MCC has long viewed northern Manitoba as a key asset and a region full of potential for growth and opportunity to support the provincial economy. Our hope is that through this process we will develop a forward-looking and proactive strategy that will unleash the North’s true potential and provide northern residents with optimism for the future rather than uncertainty. ■

MCC has long viewed northern Manitoba as a key asset and a region full of potential for growth and opportunity to support the provincial economy.

A TRIP TO NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

Chambers Combine Efforts to Learn from Northern Regions

By Cory Kolt A s the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) continue to look at ways to grow and develop Manitoba’s northern region, an invitation to see northern Saskatchewan provided an unexpected opportunity. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders, government representation, the Chamber network and media together for this unique trip during the last week of September. The whirlwind two-day itinerary included tours in the communities of Buffalo Narrows, Stony Rapids, Black Lake First Nation, Wollaston Lake and La Ronge. One of the more impactful stops was in Buffalo Narrows, a community of 1,153 people located at the Narrows between Little and Big Buffalo Lake and Churchill Lake. Resource extraction remains Buffalo Narrows’ main economic activity. A proud

community, residents are eager to show off the beautiful surroundings and stunning beachfront, and tout the recent opening of a Tim Hortons restaurant. The tour led to the K-12 school and a visit with the school’s principal, and Buffalo Narrows deputy mayor, Jackie Durocher. A life-long resident, Durocher spoke passionately about the future of the area and what is needed to prepare students for what comes after school — and in some cases, how to keep the significant First Nations population interested in staying in school. “It will include a better and deeper connection to community elders who can instill a sense of pride in youth. It will also include growing options to learn valuable skills in the community, instead of having to leave and travel to southern communities, where the culture shock can sometimes be detrimental to kids.” Culture shock was a constant theme

among educators who met with the tour group. A big fear for many families in remote areas is having their kids travel south. The majority are unaccustomed to larger centres, where more choices and little familiarity with urban environments can contribute to many of the social ills faced by Aboriginal people. Whether in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, the remote nature of many northern communities makes it difficult to bring in materials that we take for granted in the south. The problem of access became front and centre when we were told a horrifying story about a near-disaster at the school. Portions of the school were built in three different decades and with an aging school come repairs. During replacement of the HVAC system, critical for a school of 400 plus students, it was discovered the roof in the older sections was not built properly, and many areas lacked

The tour stopped in five northern Saskatchewan

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full structural support, in large part due to a lack of availability of material. School officials learned that a significant snowfall could have sent the roof crashing in on the young students below. In fact, the worst of the roof covered the kindergarten class. It is a miracle it had not collapsed years before. The roof is now being fixed, and the HVAC replacement is almost complete. It caused numerous disruptions to classes, and in the case of one group of 23 students, it meant using the staff room as a makeshift classroom for three weeks. Despite the disturbing news of the roof’s imminent collapse, and to Durocher’s credit, her goal was to keep the school running as usual during construction, and to provide the students with as normal an experience as possible. The term resilient came to mind as we saw the amount of work that’s been done — and

continues to be done — to keep the school year on track. Before leaving Buffalo Narrows, we also had the chance to hear how the community is working to capitalize on its limited assets. The provincial remand centre was recently closed, impacting 10 workers. While this is a blow to the community, the local economic development officer and town council are aggressively working to determine how the facility can be repurposed. One suggestion is to convert the centre into a senior living complex. Another idea gaining traction is to use the remand centre as a corrections training facility. Over the course of the trip, MCC was fortunate to engage in numerous conversations with northern Saskatchewan leaders interested in what is happening in northern Manitoba and what our communities are doing to

take advantage of potential opportunities. We also were lucky to talk to several First Nations leaders on how they work with their communities and government to identify opportunities. One such group was with the Fond du Lac First Nation. Fond du Lac’s chief and economic development staff are working on an economic plan focused on fisheries development and land assets that could include over $1 billion of investment if completed. While communities like Buffalo Narrows and Fond du Lac First Nation are considered remote, their aggressive plans for growth could soon put them on the map for all to see. Whether it is northern Manitoba or Saskatchewan, there is potential for growth. It will require strong leadership, a strong plan, and influential voices to move the conversation forward. ■

MBiz | november 2016

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS RED RIVER NORTH

Homes for the Holidays COMMUNITY EFFORT SUPPORTS TOURISM & SHELTER NEEDS By Sherry Kaniuga

H ow do you get hundreds of people excited about visiting an area beyond the Perimeter Highway over three days in dreary November? It’s not a riddle – it’s a success story. Homes for the Holidays Red River North is about to kick off its second annual Home and Heritage Tours, held this year on Nov. 24-26. The event was dreamed up by like-minded community members in Selkirk and the rural municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements, who were challenged to find ways to grow tourism in their region. At the round-table discussion hosted by Red River North Tourism and facilitated by the Interlake Tourism Association back in 2014, three women who had never met before all had the same thought — what about home and heritage tours to launch the winter and holiday season? As the trio — Harlequin House Bed and Breakfast owner Heather Hunter, Little Britain United Church Rev. Shelly Manley-Tanis and communications consultant Shirley Muir — shared their idea over the next few weeks, more and more people joined the team, including generous local businesses. Together, they decided that profits from the event would be donated to help build a new home for Nova House, a shelter for abused women and children in the Interlake. The team signed up nine locations — including modern

homes, historic dwellings and heritage buildings — to commit to decorating lavishly for the holidays and inviting tourists inside. And they came in droves. The 2015 weekend event sold 650 tickets in a month. After supporting the 2015 event and seeing all the good it did, Michael Buhr and Ron Knight of Investors Group Financial Services signed on as a premier sponsor for 2016. “Homes for the Holidays is so important not just because of the thousands of dollars it’s raising to help meet housing needs, but also because of how it draws attention to our community and brings people here to discover everything we have to offer. This project deserves all of our attention, and we encourage every business in our region to get involved in some way,” says Buhr. Local philanthropists Jim and Betty Anne Gaynor also joined this year as patron sponsors, offering to match sponsorship dollars at a $1-for-every-$2 rate, which helped the event drum up even more support. "Although many businesses are competitive we also know that a healthy and prosperous community requires that we work together on projects that matter. And this is one of those projects,” says Cyndi Typliski, Selkirk Chamber of Commerce past president and managing partner at Sunova Credit Union’s

14 MBiz | november 2016

Selkirk Branch, which signed on early as a sponsor and is involved again in 2016. While many ticket buyers in 2015 were locals excited to peek inside the homes and get some decorating inspiration, a full half were tourists who travelled from as far as 165 kilometres away, says tour co-chair Shirley Muir. “We were thrilled that so many others could see the value in some of the great assets we have in this area and want to spend time and money enjoying our community,” Muir says. The tours also attracted the attention of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection, which provided seed money to help the project with important tourism development start-up costs. Travel Manitoba also stepped in as a sponsor, and returned as a sponsor for the 2016 tour. This year, the Manitoba government began designating four per cent of all tourism dollars back to funding tourism initiatives in the province through Travel Manitoba — a sustainable funding model the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce lobbied hard for on behalf of the tourism industry for over a year. “The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce saw the direct connection between tourism and economic development early on. At Homes for the Holidays we also recognized that, and in addition to celebrating our community and sharing our history

and heritage, we added the extra value of philanthropy, raising money for safe and affordable housing in the community,” Muir explains. A whopping $25,000 was raised and dedicated to the construction of a new home for the Nova House Women’s Shelter. For 2016, another worthy cause has been added: A new Selkirk and District Community Foundation fund called Homes for All, which will help raise money for safe and affordable shelter- related needs in the area. Crafters located at many of the sites donated a portion of their sales back to Nova House, and the event also made thousands of dollars through a silent auction. Even more crafters are being added in 2016. Nearly 70 volunteers have been involved in preparing for the 2016 tour and getting all the sites ready to welcome visitors. ■

To learn more, visit www.homesfortheholidaysredrivernorth.ca

Lavishly decorated homes and heritage sites included St. Andrews Rectory, where volunteers gathered for a group photo (top and above left, photos by Donna Maxwell), and Perfect Scents (opposite page, above centre and top right, photographed by David Lipnowski). Philanthropists Jim and Betty Gaynor (at the Riverside Grill, above, photographed by Donna Maxwell) are patron sponsors.

MBiz | november 2016

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CENTRAL INTERLAKE TRAINING FACILITY

CAREERS in Community Care New Arborg training centre has multiple benefits By Bob Armstrong

I n the Interlake town of Arborg and the neighbouring RM of Bifrost-Riverton, creating opportunities for adult career education will stimulate the local economy and help to keep families close to home. That’s why the communities are developing the Central Interlake Training Facility, which is preparing to host its first class of students in a six-month Health Care Aide program. The facility, modelled after the Fieldstone Ventures education centre in Ashern, will offer a wide variety of community-driven courses, as well as a range of employment services such as resume writing, job search assistance, job skills and interview preparation. “We want a hub where people can go to, whether they be employers or people looking for jobs,” says Pat McCallum, community development officer with the Arborg Bifrost Community Development Corporation, which will partner with the Arborg and District Chamber of Commerce to manage the facility. The centre’s catchment area includes the municipalities of Armstrong, Fisher, Gimli, Bifrost-Riverton, Rockwood and nearby Peguis First Nation and Fisher River Cree Nation. It will focus on adult learning and literacy, continuing education and training, and post-secondary education. Some courses will be coordinated with other educational

institutions such as Red River College, Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University. Part of the impetus for the training centre was the need for a personal care home in Arborg. “We saw that the population was aging,” says Chamber president Owen Eyolfson. “The Baby Boomers were aging and getting to the point where they’ll need more and more care.” Access to care depends on individual needs and the availability of space, so some residents may end up going as far as Lac du Bonnet to find an available personal care home. “People can be driving an hour or two hours to see their loved ones,” notes Eyolfson. The community is working to get support for an 80-bed personal care home so that those needing greater care would be able to remain in the Interlake. The goal is to create what Eyolfson calls “an aging-in-place campus” with the new care home adjacent to the existing assisted-living residence. That way, as an individual’s care needs increase, they could just move next door instead of out of the community. Currently, the Arborg Senior Housing Corporation owns a 32-bed and a 16-bed facility, plus a three-plex, with supportive and assisted living spaces for seniors. A new personal care home will require a large number of health care aides and licensed practical nurses. Rather than

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recruit workers from other regions, it made sense to create training opportunities for people already in the area. Having the training centre in Arborg means Interlake residents won’t have to uproot themselves in order to qualify for the new jobs. “It is accepted that people who train in the area are more likely to remain in that area. A lot of times people don’t come back if they leave to train,” says McCallum. The first Health Care Aide course will begin in February, delivered by Red River College. The community is awaiting an announcement of funding for the personal care home before scheduling the first LPN class, although there are currently 70 prospective students on the waiting list. The community is also interested in developing pre-trades courses that would help prepare students to work in the large manufacturing industry in the Arborg area. Other programs under consideration include computer training, truck driver training, ESL, child-care worker, tourism and food-handling. The project has had widespread support from community groups, local governments and individuals, and Eyolfson says the new training centre and personal care home will have “huge economic spin-offs.” “There will be an extra 150 jobs. Every one of those jobs will be an economic driver.” ■

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MANAGEMENT Couple’s plan bee stirs up interest in urban hives By David Schmeichel A buzz-worthy local business venture took to the rooftops of the city skyline this summer, stirring up a swarm of new partnerships while seeding interest in an eco-friendly food movement. And while urban beekeeping is already a fixture had amassed 100-plus hives, many of them now housed at a farm outside Gimli. Until recently, the rest were kept at approved educational institutions throughout Winnipeg (plus a few, um, undisclosed sites in select neighbourhoods), but as of this spring, changes to city zoning bylaws allowed Beeproject to expand its operation downtown.

of many major centres, its emergence in downtown Winnipeg seems particularly well-timed, coinciding with increased support for sustainable practices and locally sourced food. Beeproject Apiaries was launched in 2009 by husband-and- wife team Chris Kirouac and Lindsay Nikkel, both of whom were working as nurses when a shared passion for DIY projects led them to explore urban agriculture. They’d soon progressed from small garden plots to a hobbyist beekeeping course at the University of Manitoba, and by 2014

Partnerships with area businesses and community organizations ensued, and from April to September, the couple tended to hives on the rooftops of Red River College, the Fairmont Winnipeg and the Manitoba Hydro building, among others. The pair say reaction to their urban pollination plan has been uniformly positive, noting they’re especially encouraged

BEEPROJECT APIARIES

Beekeeping is a family affair for Lindsay Nikkel and Chris Kirouac (seen here inspecting hives). The couple have expanded their operation to Winnipeg rooftops at Red River College, the

Fairmont Winnipeg and other locations. Honey harvested from downtown hives is flavoured by urban flowers the bees pollinate.

Photos courtesy of Beeproject Apiaries

by how many people have shown interest in the initiative, either by signing up for rooftop demonstrations or approaching them with questions as they go about their work. “I remember coming down from a workshop we did at the Fairmont, and a bunch of guests were in the lobby, like businessmen in suits,” says Nikkel. “I was holding an observation hive with a couple of frames of bees, and they stopped us and were so excited that there were bees on the roof. They wanted to know why they were up there, and what the bees would eat … how can they help, and what they should plant in their gardens.” The bees in question are European honeybees, a docile but industrious breed whose numbers start at 10,000 to 20,000

per hive in the spring, and grow to 40,000 or 50,000 at peak season. Each hive is capable of producing up to 25 kilograms of honey, which is harvested and bottled in a CFIA-inspected facility, but requires no further processing beyond that. “Honey is one of those amazing foods that’s better the less refined it is,” says Kirouac. “Right when you crack the hive and stick your finger in there, it’s good to go.” Both Nikkel and Kirouac hope the city makes further amendments to its bylaws, allowing beekeeping in industrial districts or even residential areas. For one, the move would result in increased varieties of honey, since as Nikkel points out, flavour profiles change based on the plant life that’s proximal to each hive. >>

MBiz | november 2016

The future looks a bit brighter for the bee population, and sweeter for humans, too, thanks to beekeepers who educate the public about the vital role pollinators play.

<< CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS “In the country — like near Gimli — you have only alfalfa or canola … so often you get this generic, mild, sweet-flavoured honey,” she says. “In the city, because there’s such a variety of flowers, you’re getting all these different tastes, and often the nectar will impart that flavour in the honey. We found that early- season honeys were really fruity and mild, with a lot more flavour than sweetness … whereas later-season honeys are a little bit sweeter and darker in colour.” Those concerned that city suburbs would soon be overtaken by angry swarms have nothing to worry about, says Kirouac, noting bees die after their first sting, and only get protective if someone enters or blocks the opening to their hive. “We need to remember that bees are much more docile than people believe, and that hobby beekeeping has been going on in the city — in many neighbourhoods, secretly — for decades, and hasn’t been an issue,” he explains. “Honeybees can dissipate very well into the environment, so even though they’re out pollinating plants and seeking nectar to turn into honey, they typically do not go after human food sources, and they are often barely noticed … It really is an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ thing.” The practice has mutual benefits, for consumers and the bees themselves. With an estimated third of our food source dependent on pollination — and global bee populations under constant threat — increased awareness

of urban hives translates to good publicity for the insects. In addition to the health and environmental benefits of non- refined honey, urban beekeeping promotes biodiversity within cities, provides opportunities for people to learn more about nature and food systems, and even serves as a way to bring neighbourhoods together. “For us, community building is a huge part of it,” says Kirouac.

Urban beekeeping promotes biodiversity within cities, provides

“Having neighbours work together to keep a beehive and do the extracting or harvesting together — it’s a really beautiful experience.

opportunities for people to learn more about nature and food systems, and even serves as a way to bring neighbourhoods together.

And a great way to learn about the circle of life, for kids and adults, is by observing bees and working with them throughout the seasons of the year.” Beeproject’s Gimli-sourced creamed honey is sold at retail outlets throughout the city, while its “neighbourhood” varieties (made from those secret hives in Silver Heights, Wolseley, Fort Rouge and Windsor Park) are available online, or at farmers markets and holiday pop-ups. For information on products

and availability, follow Beeproject on Twitter,

Instagram and Facebook (@ beeprojectca), or visit their website at beeproject.ca. ■

BRANDON SHOPPERS MALL - a proud member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Brandon gets a multimillion-dollar dose of retail therapy By Lindsey Ward F rom groceries and shoe-shopping to boot camp and Thai takeout, Brandonites will soon be able to tackle their entire to-do list at Shoppers Mall. Thanks to a $30-million transformation led by its owner, Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust, the 45-year-old mall will soon be home to the city’s first Sobeys Extra store and Manitoba’s largest co-ed fitness club – among many other exciting new businesses. “It’s going to be a big, one-stop shop,” says Shoppers Mall’s General Manager Kim James. “The whole development is all very exciting. It’s going to be great for the community.” James says locals are particularly excited about new anchoring store Sobeys, which is moving into the former Target location. The 62,500-square-foot marketplace will feature full-service departments, a community room for cooking classes, in-store chefs and wellbeing counsellors. “It will have all of the extras that we haven’t seen in Brandon before,” says James. Sobeys will take possession of the store at the end of November, and its doors will officially open in spring 2017. Around that same time, a first- class 24,670-square-foot co-ed GoodLife Fitness Centre will get up and running in the mall’s former Safeway location. The Great Mall

Along with a new anchor store, Sobeys Extra, and a GoodLife Fitness Centre, the Brandon Shoppers Mall is beefing up its restaurant and retail offerings. Photos courtesy of Shoppers Mall

new retailers. James says Morguard is currently negotiating with potential neighbours for existing stores like Coles, The Body Shop, Sport Chek and Aldo, and hopes to have the final phase of the mall completed in 2018. More businesses will be announced in the next few months. In the meantime, Shoppers Mall is open during renovations, “which are always fun,” jokes James, who has certainly seen a lot of construction over the 31 years she’s worked with the shopping centre. “I’ve seen (the anchor store) go from a Woolco to a Walmart to Zellers to Target and now a Sobeys,” she says. “In that space alone I’ve seen a lot of changes.” So far she’s heard only good things about Shoppers Mall’s latest tenants, which will not only serve the immediate area but also the rest of Brandon and its neighbouring towns. “It’s going to be a really positive change.” ■

Part of Canada’s largest health club company, GoodLife gyms are often open 24/7 to cater to everyone’s fitness schedules, and James says this location will likely be no exception. “Maybe not at first, but it’s looking that way.” There will also be plenty of fuel on site, courtesy of an East Side Mario’s – the popular restaurant chain’s only Manitoba location – a Swiss Chalet/Harvey’s combination, and a Fionn MacCool’s Irish pub, all pending approvals from the City of Brandon to occupy new freestanding pads along 18th Street. In the meantime, Thai Express will join the mall food court’s existing eateries, with plans to start serving up its authentic — and fast — cuisine by January. The mall’s renovation — which includes a modern facelift of the main entrance, with plenty of windows allowing for natural light — will leave an extra 40,000 square feet next to Sobeys for

MBiz | november 2016

FARMERY BREWERY

ALE in the

Brothers Lawrence and Chris Warwaruk are the Martha Stewarts of the beer word, making craft brews from hops and barley

they grow themselves. Photo courtesy of Farmery Brewing

family

Farmery estate brewery takes beer production from field to fridge By Bob Armstrong I f you’ve ever visited or sought out wine from an estate winery where vintners carefully craft their product with their own grapes, Chris Warwaruk would like to introduce you to the concept of an estate brewery.

At the same time as they were developing the brewery – the first in rural Manitoba – they expanded the hop yard from two to 10 acres, producing the fragrant vine-grown herbs used in flavouring beer. To expand their hop production, they bought a hops-picking machine from Poland, spent a couple of months assembling it, and used it to harvest this year’s hops. “It harvested more in two or three hours than we did all last year,” he says. “Now we can brew beer in our own brewery using our own ingredients.” They use those ingredients to make a premium lager and what

He and his brothers Lawrence and Eric – founders of Farmery Brewing – have created just that in Neepawa, where the family grows their own barley and hops and now brews beer in a brand-new facility in the scenic Yellowhead Highway town. “Since 2011 we’ve talked about the vision of starting an estate brewery,” he says. Though they’ve been producing Farmery beer for several years using their own barley and hops, originally they had their beer brewed for them

they call a Canadian Pale Ale, or CPA. The CPA is a “SMASH” beer, meaning it’s made from a single malt and a single kind of hops. In their hop yard, they grow 10 different kinds of hops, giving them plenty of flavour options. They’ve also started producing flavoured beers. The first of three is Prairie Berry, a beer infused with raspberry, sour cherry and Saskatoon berries. The Warwaruk brothers believe that the unique status of their estate brewery will open doors in the craft beer market. “Clearly hundreds of years ago there were concepts like ours, farmers who grew their own grain and made their own beer. Now we’ve come

by others – the lager in Ontario and the India Pale Ale in Alberta. But since they first got into the food and beverage business to create a market for the products grown on the family farm, they always had a strong desire to carry out all aspects of production themselves. So last spring and summer they took the plunge. They bought and renovated a former agricultural equipment dealership in Neepawa and brought in all the equipment needed for a brew

full circle.” Because they produce the barley

and hops themselves, they know exactly what’s going into each can. And they can grow specialized

house, including brewing and fermentation tanks, canning line and pasteurization equipment. Not only do they produce the beer on site; they also offer tastings and sell beer directly to customers. From Neepawa, they ship beer across Manitoba and into Alberta and Saskatchewan, and Warwaruk hopes to turn his sights on the American market next.

barley to provide just the right flavour profile. In fact, Warwaruk suspects that using special barleys could be an important trend in the beer business. In developing their brewery, they worked with seed growers and Manitoba Agriculture to identify heritage varieties of barley to grow on the family farm.

“It’s possible we could make a beer called Dirty Thirties and make it from the kind of barley they grew in the 1930s,” he says, explaining that research in the industry indicates that the flavour of a beer can be more influenced by the variety of barley than by the minerals in the water used in brewing. They have their barley malted for them in Winnipeg by Malt Europe, which processes Farmery barley in separate batches, so that only Farmery-grown barley ends up in the company’s beer. It’s been a long journey to get the company to this point. The brothers began in business with their Luxesole restaurant and Luxalune pub in Winnipeg as a way of saving the family farm. But they always wanted to return to their Western Manitoba roots and the brewery provided that opportunity. They pitched their idea on CBC’s Dragon’s Den a few years back and came close to making a deal with the show’s investors. Ultimately, though, they chose to keep control of their idea and do it themselves. Despite not making a deal, they recently had a crew from Dragon’s Den shoot a follow-up segment on their business, which will air early in 2017. The growing agritourism and eat locally trends are part of the appeal of the brewery.

To appeal to travellers on the Yellowhead, they offer tours of the farm, the hop yard and the brewery. Visitors can see different varieties of barley and see how the grain has been changed by a century of breeding. Those looking to take home a taste of the farm can also pick up packages of pancake, beer bread and cake mix made with the same malted barley as the company’s beer. “We wanted to go back to farming and we wanted to showcase what rural Manitoba has to offer,” Chris says. “We could have located the brewery in Winnipeg or Brandon or Portage, but we wanted to be in rural Manitoba.” When you think about it, he notes, it only makes sense to make beer on the Canadian prairies, since so much of the brew we drink originates there. “Canada sends shiploads of barley to Europe only for us to buy it back as beer,” he says. With its location in Neepawa, the brewery has room to expand as sales take off. There’s also a local labour pool with plenty of experience in food production plants. At the moment, the brewery has seven or eight full-time staff and takes on extra part-time workers on canning days. Both numbers could grow if drinkers are as inspired by the estate-brewery concept as the brothers expect. ■

“Clearly hundreds of years ago there were concepts like ours, farmers who grew their own grain and made their own beer. Now we’ve come full circle.”

MBiz | november 2016

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