A Cat Named Garfield
Our founder, Chad Belanger, moved to the West Coast in 2018 at the behest of his best friend, James Hawryluk, who helped him find work with Shamrock Heating and the late Larry Quentin, a Master Builder from Las Vegas, As work slowed down with them, he moved on as the carpenter for the relatively new VI Roofing on the Royal Links roofing project in Victoria.
While on that project, he was recruited by the industry respected Michael St. Pierre with Pacific Coast Roofing Systems as a sub-contracted carpenter & roofer, continuing to hone his abilities while expanding on his skill-set and knowledge-base. It was during this time that Chad's long time friend and brother James passed away, leaving his cat Garfield to Chad. Shortly there-after, Mr. St. Pierre decided to go into semi-retirement and Chad found work with Bill Ganner, working as a sub-contractor for B-Gan Home Improvements.
Through a series of unfortunate events following his new employment, Chad found himself homeless, with a cat, his tools, and a rusty Chevy. While still working 7 days a week for B-Gan and living out of that rusted out 1992 Chevy Blazer, Chad found himself in need of a home. Though many suggested Chad take Garfield to the shelter, he was determined not to let his furry family addition go. and was eventually introduced to Salt Spring's Exchange by a lifetime Salt Springer and friend,
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As luck would have it, he found a place to call home on Salt Spring Island. Chad continued to work for Bill, though the commute and cost of getting from Salt Spring to Sooke every day took its toll rather quickly, encouraging Chad to open up his weekends on the Island to taking on small local projects. Unfortunately this suggested a conflict of interests to his then, current employer, and Chad found himself in a rather precarious situation. Faced with a "sink or swim" scenario, Chad founded Great Raven Renovations Ltd. on January 18th, 2022, with a couple goals in mind:​
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provide impeccable customer service and communication to his clients
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provide this service in a reliable and timely manner
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and to utilize his attention to detail and quality craftsmanship to provide the best possible finished product
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So, Why the Raven?
Our name is derived from the raven in lore and mythology— a symbol of transformation, change, and wisdom. We believe that the renovation process should be about making something new out of the old, something better out of what might be dated or worn, and by using our knowledge and skills to attain the highest possible quality. At Great Raven Renovations Ltd. we are determined to make sure our work is always creative and innovative. Our team of experts is passionate about what they do and determined to give you the best possible outcome for your project.
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We have compiled some examples of how the raven appears across many diverse cultures and mythologies (such as the ), as well as how it has emerged as the captivating and multifaceted creature that inspires us:
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Messenger and Wisdom: In various traditions, ravens serve as messengers between realms. Their black plumage and keen intelligence symbolize wisdom and foresight. For instance:
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Norse Mythology: Odin’s ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), fly across the world, gathering knowledge and delivering it to the Allfather.
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Celtic Lore: The Morrigan, a goddess of war and fate, often appears in the form of a raven or crow, guiding warriors and foretelling events.
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Death and Transformation:
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Native American Beliefs: Many indigenous tribes view ravens as powerful spirit animals. They guide souls to the afterlife and facilitate transformation.
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Greek Mythology: Apollo turned the white crow into a raven after it brought him bad news. This transformation symbolizes the transition from innocence to knowledge.
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Trickster Archetype:
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Many Pacific Northwest Indigenous Cultures: The raven is both creator and trickster. It shapes the world, steals fire, and plays pranks. Its cunning nature mirrors life’s complexities.
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Norse Tradition: Loki, the trickster god, occasionally takes the form of a raven to cause mischief.
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Symbol of Magic and Mystery:
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Irish Folklore: The banshee, a supernatural being, often appears with a raven. Their eerie cries foretell death or significant events.
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Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”: This iconic poem immortalized the raven as a symbol of melancholy and the unknown.
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Dual Nature:
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Contrasts: Ravens embody light and darkness, life and death. Their glossy feathers reflect both shadow and brilliance.
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Universal Appeal: These enigmatic birds resonate across cultures, bridging ancient myths and contemporary fascination.
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In essence, the raven transcends borders, weaving its wings through the tapestry of human imagination—a timeless embodiment of mystery and magic. Much like our projects are only limited by your imagination, we strive to create timeless spaces that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
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Why Chose Great Raven?
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Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, our team of skilled tradesmen delivers high-quality workmanship and impeccable attention to detail.
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Comprehensive Solutions: We offer an extensive range of renovation services, making us your one-stop-shop for all your remodeling needs.
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Personalized Approach: We understand that every home and homeowner is unique. We work closely with you to understand your vision and deliver customized solutions that align with your preferences and budget.
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Quality Materials and Tools: We use only the finest quality materials and modern tools to ensure exceptional results that stand the test of time.
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Timely Completion: We adhere to strict timelines and strive to complete projects efficiently without compromising on quality, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life.
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Transform your home with our all-encompassing renovations contractor. Contact us today for a consultation and let us bring your renovation dreams to life!
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can so we can help make your renovation take flight.