b'MODULAR HOUSINGwe refer to as standalone elements of cultural expressionopportunities for the Squamish arts community to create [work for the site].Several different types of traditional design, drawn from Squamish heritage, are being considered to embellish and animate the site, such as welcome figures, house posts, murals and woven pattern blankets. These were the opportuni-ties that we were exploring and still are exploring, says Douglas, emphasizing the significance of inviting the community to be part of the design process. These areA Village Home unit: NUQOs micro module that is designed to be constructed quickly and deployed not my designs; these are designs that areon an urgent basisgiving the membership an opportunity to be involved. International Union of Operating Engineers LOCAL 955Management consultant and business professor Lee Keple, executive director of Vancouver Pride, serves as an advisoryARE YOU LOOKING FOR A STABLE FUTURE?board member with NUQO, but their connection with Rory Richards goes backCOME WORK WITH USmuch further. We met in the strangest,TODAY!most Vancouver way possible, they say. I lived underneath her in an apartment in the West End, and one day a package of her gardening stakes fell off her deck. Instead of provoking a neighbourly dispute, the errant gardening equipment initiated a series of friendly communications that included notes lowered by string and even balloons.When the two finally met over tea, things moved to another level. We started talking, Keple says. She was an entre-preneur, I was a consultant, and that started a 20-plus-year relationshipall because she didnt kill me with her garden stakes!Keple expresses a profound professional admiration for Richards business acumen: Shes one of the strongest, just innate entrepreneurs Ive ever worked with.Our skilled members work on Rory saw a business opportunity ahead of others, to do modular housing of a typepipelines, operate cranes & that hadnt been done in America before.heavy equipment employed in the oilfield, construction, road Keple isnt especially surprised that NUQObuilding, mining & manufacturing started winning contracts almost as soonindustries. Local 955 also as it launched. Rory is really persistent,represents employees working in and when she goes into a room, shes verymechanic shops, school boards, convincing. They say what shes trying tocounties and municipalities do is so righteous. Its not condos andthroughout Alberta.second homes; its affordable housing.This was one of the most remarkable aspects of NUQOs mission: the companyVisit us at www.oe955.com or www.joinustoday.ca or email believesaffordablehousingshouldcareers@oe955.com or call the Union Hall at 780.483.0955come with many culturally appropriate Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT59'