The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department is a composite career and volunteer service consisting of three career and approximately 40 volunteer firefighters. Emergency services including fire suppression, rescue, hazardous material mitigation (limited) and backup emergency medical aid are provided for the citizens of and visitors to Parksville, and the outlying Fire Protection District, from the fire hall located at 160 Jensen Avenue West. Construction on the $3 million fire hall renovation was started in spring 2010 and officially opened in October 2011. It includes include three new bays, consolidated storage of firefighting equipment, improved administration and training areas and improvements to shower facilities for member clean up and decontamination.

Product safety is in everyone's best interest. With the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), industry and government are partnering together to improve the safety of products made available to Canadians.

Effective June 20, 2011, the CCPSA will introduce new requirements for industry that will help protect Canadians from unsafe consumer products.

The CCPSA will cover a wide variety of consumer products including children's toys and equipment; children's jewellery; textiles; household products; and sporting goods. Items such as natural health products, food, cosmetics and drugs will not be covered under this new Act.

In March 2011, Council was presented with a variety of options on water rates which included a staff proposal to leave the Residential rates at Stage 1 and move the Commercial rates to Stage 2. The proposed increase in Commercial rates was based on a staff assumption that because there had been a 23% reduction in residential consumption following a City water conservation campaign targeting residential customers and no correlating reduction in commercial consumption, that commercial users were not conserving water.

Following the March meeting, the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce appeared at Council and made a presentation which asserted that commercial water users have always been water conservationists as water use is a cost and business is always conscious of costs and look for ways to minimize while continuing to provide excellent service to their customers. Subsequent to this presentation The Chamber President and Executive Director met with City Staff and Acting Mayor, Chris Burger to further discuss the issue and highlight our concerns.
At the June 20, 2011 Council Meeting the City of Parksville Acting Mayor and Councilors received a staff report regarding water rates in the City. In this case City Council and Staff have listened and will be retaining the status quo for the 2011/2012 billing cycle with an overall 3% increase in rates applied to both Residential and Commercial water users.

In order to continue to prove our point I would ask, and encourage, all business owners to look for opportunities to further conserve water wherever possible, without impacting customers.

To the City’s credit they are looking at all opportunities to conserve water to delay significant infrastructure upgrades. This demonstrates prudent fiscal management.

As the “Voice of Business” the Chamber will continue to monitor this issue and ask for your support in proving to the City that Business is a partner in Water Conservation and prudent fiscal policy.

Sincerely,
Rudi Widdershoven
President

A new Executive and Board of Directors was elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce on April 14, 2011. Working on behalf of the membership for 2011 & 2012 will be_:

President - Rudi Widdershoven

1st Vice President - Peter Morrison

2nd Vice President - Doug Riederer

Secretary/Treasurer - Robynne Shaw

Director - Shawna Broekhuizen

Director - Bruce Cownden

Director - Jason Granger

Director - Lisa Leger

Director - Al McLean

Director - Arlene Sandeman-Allan

Directors Rhiannon Whitney and Dave Willie will be completing their 2-year term.

I have spoken often in this space in the past about the benefits of managed growth. Since it is a new year, I thought I would put a new spin on the same subject.

One of the concerns I hear as I speak to my neighbours and friends is that growth is inconsistent with retaining our current need to improve the environment and the services that contribute to our current lifestyle.

Let me begin by saying how honoured I am to have an opportunity to address the people of Oceanside each month.  This forum has provided me an opportunity to express the will of the business community on a number of issues.  I want to thank the Oceanside Star for being such a strong and valuable partner to the Chamber.

As this year comes to a close, I find myself looking back.  As with every year, I find joy, kindness, triumph, innovation, love, laughter and music.  As with every other year, I find sadness, tragedy, struggles, hardship and fear.  After sifting through it all, I find myself very optimistic about the future of Parksville.

I know there have been many differing opinions over the past few months, and some of the debate has become quite heated.  It demonstrates our passion and commitment for our community.  Few other places have this level of involvement from the citizens, and it couldn’t come at a better time.

These are pivotal times for our community, our province, our country and our planet.  As our societies, economies and governments emerge from their infancy, it is incumbent upon each of us to make sure that we stake our claim on how we see the future.  In Parksville, we are doing just that, and I am proud to be a part of it.

I recently attended an OCP Community Advisory Committee meeting, and I was so pleased to hear views emerge from a variety of positions.  I believe that the broadest possible spectrum of views are represented in that committee, yet every member of the committee behaved in a professional and respectful manner that leaves me filled with optimism and enthusiasm for this process going forward.  We are united by our common interest, to help shape the best community possible.

2011 is going to be a great year for Parksville as we begin to shape a future.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a joyous and prosperous New Year.

Gary Child
President
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce

The tree is up, the outside lights are on and I have even managed to do some shopping. As we head full tilt into the festive season, and brace ourselves for another festive onslaught, it can be a good time of year to pause and enjoy some perspective on how far we’ve come. Perhaps take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and then turn your thoughts to things other than work, such as friends and family, and Christmas giving.

Reflection starts at home and I would be remiss if I did not start by giving our Board of Directors my sincere thanks for their faith and support.

To the fine group of Chamber staffers I work with, their patience and ability to both educate me, and learn from me, has made such a difference, a difference that has translated into a fun and efficient workplace.

To The City of Parksville, a pat on the back for getting the boardwalk started (hopefully there is a phase II & III), installing some excellent signage; beautifying the entrance to the Visitor Centre with the treed boulevard of Exit 46 and doing a spectacular job of maintaining our parks and streets.
To the residents of Parksville who have finally become involved in the decision making process. Well done. Respectful open communication is the only way we can work together to accomplish all the things that get talked about but rarely acted on.

To all the great volunteers in our community that enhance our quality of life. Thank You. Without you it wouldn’t be Parksville.

To the business community that gives and gives and gives; without you our community would not have the great events; sports teams and social organizations that are the lifeblood of this community.

During this Christmas season, May you be blessed
With the spirit of the season, which is peace
The gladness of the season, which is hope
And the heart of the season, which is love

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year.

Kim Burden

Executive Director

Autumn's magnificent gifts are all around us. It's not surprising a great number of people we see in our centre are newcomers who have decided to make Oceanside their home. It is a growing trend over the past few years. Here are a few questions newcomer’s frequently ask:

Q.  I've sent out dozens of resumes since I moved here in May, and I haven't had one call for an interview. Are the employers here biased against applicants from other provinces?
A.  Absolutely not! Many of our clients from out of the area have successfully found work here. Employers welcome the skills and experience of these individuals. Most importantly, they want someone who is a good fit. There could be several reasons for the lack of response. Have you had a career professional in this area review your cover letter and resume? The style you used in the past may not work for your job search here and now. Have you researched the companies before writing the cover letter so you can catch the employer's attention? Are the skills you highlight transferable to the type of business you are applying to? Can the employer easily see the value you would bring to the company? Employers value people who can describe their ability to save time and money or increase the organization's “bottom line.” Companies are hiring now, so if you aren't getting interviews it's time to change your resume and cover letter.

Q.  Many of the jobs here are part-time or casual, and I want full-time work. What should I do?
A.   Do your best to get an interview and see what happens. Sometimes employers hire staff on a part-time or casual basis to start. They know they need to fill a position, but they may not be clear on what they really need. Your job as a potential employee is to convince the employer you will contribute to the objectives of the organization. Then, when you start the job, demonstrate the unique strengths you bring. We have countless stories of people who have started this way, and before they know it, they are working more hours. Consider it your opportunity to show your dedication, work ethic, new approaches, creative problem solving, or your unique skills.

Q.  My family is advising me to take training to work as a care-aid because there are so many seniors here. Should I do that?
A.  Yes, but only if you are clear about the duties of that job, you sincerely enjoy the type of work, and you can work through the process of being a student. However, if you don't like the duties of the job, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. This is setting yourself up for disappointment. We strive to support our clients to find work that is both interesting and satisfying. The labour market needs people who thrive in “helping” occupations and people who thrive in many other occupations. Stay focused on your goal. Let us help you find the right job for you.

Submitted by: Janet Kimmel, Career Centre, Parksville

Starting a new business? Go west
Entrepreneurs go to where the money is, Western Canada
By Eric Lam, Financial Post October 19, 2010
It is not easy starting a business at the best of times, but Benjamin Dalziel and Joseph Facciola picked just about the worst time possible when they left Ontario to open up a food-and-wine tour business in the ritzy resort town of Whistler in September 2008.

The concept, a guided three-hour walking tour that includes a four-course dinner spread across four restaurants, seems like a good one, but a risky tourism venture from two guys with little business experience at the apex of global economic armageddon? Seriously?

"Well, I was looking for work in Toronto right as the economy was starting to crumble, and nobody was hiring," Dalziel said. "Definitely, we were worried [about things like financing and people not vacationing] but we figured if we couldn't pull it off when we're young and motivated, we wouldn't be able to do it later in life."

The enthusiasm and optimism of Dalziel and other independent business owners for their prospects moving forward is a major reason why cities and regions in Western Canada continue to hold most of the top spots of the third annual FP/CFIB ranking of Canada's top 100 entrepreneurial cities.

Coastal Colour Printing takes another huge step forward by expanding their digital printing capability. After considerable research, AGS Business Systems (Nanaimo, Parksville) assisted and installed a state-of-the-art digital print press made by Ricoh Equipment, Model 720. Only 1 of 7 now in use across B.C.

These are stationary colour reproduction systems that in some cases improve print quality most often found through Offset print processes only. This print system is particularly affordable and rated as fast or faster than any competitor equipment. The advancement makes short run colour printing and booklet work far more accessible and realistic for many more customers. Another unique aspect is the enviro-friendliness that supports Coastal Colour's recent commitment to become FSC Certified.

Coastal Colour Printing is Oceanside's largest and complete general print operation. They offer full offset and digital printing services, along with graphic design support, to many Island customers requiring simple reproduction work or more complicated company presentation materials. 

I am excited about the future of Parksville!  A few nights ago I had the opportunity to listen to Michael von Hausen speak about the development of downtown.  It was not anything tangible; it was just a discussion about what might be.  Michael took us on a virtual tour of a number of projects he has done around the world and painted a beautiful view of a vibrant and welcoming downtown.  This view included high residential density, open promenades, and significant commercial offerings for consumers.  Parks, trees, markets, wide sidewalks, beautiful new buildings with one story commercial and 2 stories residential… Ah, but wait, we first must complete an OCP review.  Could there be a more critical time for business to make its case?

I have heard discussion recently about denying business its voice in this process.  I have heard it in the media, in the council chamber and in the community.  I have heard suggestion that the business community is acting solely in its own self interest, and therefore is not eligible to sit at the table.  I thought it was time to remind everybody the importance of business to our community.

• Ensuring our elected officials are not beholden to a party apparatus that got them elected, and are not subject to restrictions on how they vote.
• Ensuring the character of our candidates is being evaluated by the electorate as a whole, and not by a single interest group or party.
• Increase the potential of the emergence of traditionally-overlooked candidates.
•  Mitigating polarization and divisiveness in our municipality, as the officials are empowered to consider the merits of the issue without consideration to the reaction of a single interest group or party.

The recent tenor of Parksville politics seems to me to be  moving away from this tried-and-true form of government to one more driven by single issue and interest groups. The PRA (Parksville Residents Association) recently released a position statement in regards to the OCP review that seems very partisan to me. They have clearly articulated their mandates and positions as curbing economic growth, and establishing a carbon-neutral municipality in the next 10 years. They further articulated as part of this position the exclusion of opinions and individuals that don't share these basic ideals. Given their growing political power in our community, and the tendency of some councillors to tailor their positions to in response to this growing power, we should all be concerned that the result is the worst possible government structure; a one-party partisan government.