May 6, 2024
The Summer Tracker coincides with the onset of the busy season—probably the most satisfying time of the tire dealer’s year.
Speaking of busy, in this issue we shine a spotlight on one of the busiest people in the industry. Len Ritchot celebrates four decades at Market Tire—which itself has been in business for over 70 years.
Before the mercury climbs (coming very soon) Federated Insurance suggests there’s no time like the present to make sure your Wildfire Preparedness plan is up to date. (You do have one, right?). Plus, you can get to know ‘Our Man at Federated’, Chris Leahey.
Good weather also means that golf season is in full swing. If you’re in the area, plan to play in the ever popular WCTD Alberta Annual Charity Golf Tournament—June 23rd. at Stony Plain Golf Course. Find registration and sponsorship forms on pages 20-21.
There’s more, from making the most of ADAS servicing to maximizing the potential benefits of AI. All this and the latest TRAC survey, which shows fuel efficiency and EV range are top of mind for Canadian Consumers.
One last word, don’t forget that August 15th—this year’s Academic Scholarship Deadline—is fast approaching. Make sure your staff is aware of how to apply for this truly valuable WCTD benefit. Details in The Tracker!
Apr 22, 2024
Federated Insurance has issued a plan for effective wildfire preparedness, with several guidelines to help reduce risk in the face of an increasing number of fires.
Federated notes that as urban areas extend more into forested lands the risks increase. However, the insurer says there are several steps that may be taken to reduce potential damage to buildings and property overall.
Areas to consider range from having an effective plan in place for before, during and after a wildfire to ensuring that landscapes are properly cleared of fuel and proper access exists for safe exit.
Download the full Federated Wildfire Plan and Protection guide here.
In addition, you may download Federated’s helpful Firesmart at Home plan here.
Feb 21, 2024
With the crazy, wild to mild weather swings we’re having across Western Canada it may be hard to believe … but spring is in the air!
In this issue of The Tracker we’re looking ahead to New Horizons—to what 2024 has in store down the road.
The replacement tire market has never been a simple or homogenous entity. However, there’s no shortage of helpful commentary as to what the next few months might hold, especially with regard to the ‘on-again off-again’ impact of EVs.
Read up on the latest in ‘Gauging the EV Conundrum in 2024; and get some inventory tips from the TIA / GFK forum held late last year on how to plan for those all important ‘bread and butter’ sizes that account for 60 percent of the market.
Federated Insurance offers a wealth of ideas on how to ensure you have a viable business interruption plan in place, which spans everything from power outages to cyber attacks and theft. As Federated says, “Risk Management is Never Done.”
We bid farewell to one of the association’s earliest and most loyal supporters, Garry Dickinson, who shaped BC’s D&D Tire into a major player in the 1970’s and early ‘80s.
If you’re in the vicinity please plan to attend the WCTD Annual General Meeting: Friday, March 15th, 2 PM at Victoria’s Grande Pacific Hotel, 463 Belleville Street.
There’s plenty more, of course, from recycling news to registration forms (for players and sponsors) for the sequel to last year’s highly successful WCTD Charity Golf Tournament, scheduled for June 23rd, 2024.
Download your Spring Tracker today!
Jan 30, 2024
In collaboration with Tire Industry Association (TIA), Western Canada Tire Dealers (WCTD) will be holding a Commercial Tire Service Training Level 300 course in Edmonton February 13th to 15th
Training Location: The classroom portion will be held at the NTD warehouse at 14404 – 128 Avenue, Edmonton. The practical portion location is to be determined.
Attendees are to bring their own PPE equipment (Steel Toe shoes. Gloves, Hard Hats, Vests, Glasses etc.) for the hands-on practical portion of the training.
Training Materials (manuals), Lunches and Coffee Breaks will be provided. All other expenses are the student’s responsibility.
The cost of the course is $600.00.
Download the application form here.
For more information contact Ray Geleta, WCTD Executive Director: RayG at wctd.ca
Jan 23, 2024
Important Notice to WCTD Members
Re. Canadian Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead
One year ago, on Feb 3, 2023, The Canadian Minister of the Environment registered the Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead Regulation.
This new regulation prohibits the importing and manufacturing of lead wheel weights containing more than 0.1% lead by weight into Canada. The regulation comes into full effect on Feb 3, 2024.
The Government of Canada’s analysis assumes that lead wheel weights will be completely phased out. Lead-free products will become the only type of wheel weights manufactured, imported and distributed in the Canadian market by Feb 3, 2024.
It also assumes that 12 months was enough time for the current stock of lead wheel weights to be used. However, the sale and installation of the remaining stock of lead wheel weights already in Canada will be allowed after the regulations come into force.
The government’s analysis assumes that regulated parties will pass on the incremental costs of alternatives to their customers. They include: independently owned repair shops, car dealers and tire dealers who will, in turn, pass them on to vehicle owners.
WCTD encourages our members to speak with their supplier(s) about the upcoming regulation changes; and how this will affect your purchasing, supply and cost.
The new regulation, along with additional information, may be viewed here – Canada Gazette, Part 2, Volume 157, Number 4: Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead Regulations
Oct 27, 2023
With the snow about to fly across the west, the latest Tracker is ready for you to download. As always, you’ll find no shortage of pertinent news that touches on almost every aspect of the association’s wide range of activities.
First and foremost, we bring to your attention the resumption of in-person training, after a long hiatus thanks to the pandemic. Sessions are already gearing up—and there’ll be more to come. We expect plenty of demand so urge you to book promptly. Find registration info on page 13.
Are you charging enough for your skills and services? Regular contributor Paul McAlduff makes the case as to why “Great Service Should Always Be Paid For” in his latest ‘Just Sayin’’ column.
Ever wonder what happens to those scrap tires that get picked up? Over the years WCTD has played a key role in the evolution of our various recycling agencies. On that note, you can check out another of Tire Stewardship BC’s very successful playground projects on page 19.
No time like the present to remind you of the need to make sure that TPMS systems remain intact during during changeovers. Our good friends at Federated Insurance offer some helpful insights on TPMS liability on page 17, including a course of action if the customer refuses to have the work completed.
There’s more, of course, as we check in on Quebec’s ground-breaking Right to Repair legislation and get some helpful tips from Simply Safe on updating your in-house hearing conservation program—and making sure that workers PPE devices fit properly.
Last but not least, we are delighted to salute this year’s Scholarship Recipients!
Download the latest Tracker today!
