Tag Archive for: kelowna

Maintaining B.C. Liquor Stores

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The British Columbia Liquor Board is an establishment that stretches all across our beautiful province.  The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is a part of everyday life for BC residents, whether you need supplies for a party, for cooking, or for relaxing at the end of a long week. As they are an integral part of life, we are proud to say that the B.C. Liquor Stores are one of our many satisfied clients.

About British Columbia Liquor Stores

In addition to being licensed by the government to distribute and retail alcohol all across British Columbia, the LBD brings in a healthy source of revenue to the province – namely 935 million dollars’ worth of net income on BC Liquor Store retail sales of $1.2 billion. The LDB operates a province-wide, retail/wholesale beverage alcohol business, within a mixed public – private model. This means that in addition to being their own private business, they have a connection with the provincial government and contribute to how much the province earns, which in turn is given back to the taxpayers in many different ways.

The LDB also employs approximately 3,600 full- time and part-time employees and operates 196 BC Liquor Stores across the province. Its Head Office facility is in Vancouver, and its network includes 2 wholesale customer centres, 2 distribution centres in Vancouver and Kamloops and various small offices. They are a huge part of the financial life of our province and we are proud to be their supplier.

What We Do for the LDB

Evergreen Building Maintenance has recently been awarded maintenance contracts for several of the BC Liquor Stores in the interior of the province, as well as Southern British Columbia. That means we have the honour and the responsibility of maintaining multiple retail locations for the BC Liquor Board, which is no small feat. Consistent and reliable work is crucial to such a widespread and reputable business like the British Columbia Liquor Board because they need to maintain the highest level of professionalism, cleanliness, and organization in their buildings in order to operate successfully.

Providing maintenance services for multiple LDB buildings adds to our already extensive experience in handling projects of this magnitude. We are very comfortable and confident with clients that feature multiple storefronts and locations that require regular maintenance. Contact us today to see what Evergreen Building Maintenance can do for you.

How Technology Helps Us Serve You Better

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At Evergreen Building Maintenance, we believe in constantly evolving with the times. One of the ways that we have changed our cleaning practice over the years is through the use of technology. Technology has helped us refine our routine and ensure a consistency in cleaning standards, from office cleaning to retail cleaning to custodial services. With over 28 years in the business, we’ve had plenty of time to find the technological advances that are best suited to our company.

Technology for Growth

Technology has allowed us to become the premier cleaning service provider in Western Canada. From Calgary to Vancouver, we guarantee the same high standard of service. Our swift and critical adoption of technology is what has kept our cleaning standards high even as we grow bigger. By using technology, we are able to stay in constant contact with our clients, our local supervisors, and every employee at Evergreen Building Maintenance.

Work Order Management

We use technology to ensure that every client is served to the same high standard. You will notice the difference from the beginning to the end of your service request with Evergreen Building Maintenance.

How it works:

  • First, we’ll take your service request through an email or a phone call. You will love how efficient and instantaneous you’ll find this service ordering process. (We can collect detailed information about your request for our records, allowing us to ensure that we understand all the nuances of your maintenance needs.)
  • Next, we’ll make sure that we schedule staff, supplies and equipment. This will all be done through tracking technology, ensuring that we have an accurate idea of inventory and employee availability.
  • Now we’ll submit the key information about your service request to a local supervisor, complete with a mandatory quality control checklist. This will allow the local supervisor to take a hands-on approach to the service request and to truly understand what you requested.
  • After all the work has been completed and our local supervisor has submitted the quality control report, we’ll get in touch with you. By contacting you through phone or email, we will be able to ensure that we have satisfied your request and that you are completely happy with our level of service.

Time Tracking

Our employees use a Smartphone application that allows us (and our clients) to track how much time was spent at each job site and when. This allows for a more transparent billing process and a clear understanding of job site requirements and scheduling needs.

At Evergreen Cleaning, we seek out new technology to help us fine-tune our business model. Every year, we grow more efficient and interconnected. As we grow, our communication needs expand. We are committed to providing you with the highest standards in all our cleaning and janitorial services, and technology is just one of the ways that we work towards that goal.

Green Seal Certified and Ecologo logos

Evergreen ‘Smart’ Green Cleaning Policy In Name and in Practice

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Here at Evergreen Maintenance, we have taken the initiative to be green in more than name. We know that our clients want to minimize their environmental footprint, and that’s what we want too. That’s why we have a Smart Green Cleaning Policy.

What is Our ‘Smart’ Green Cleaning Policy?

Our Green Clean Policy is a commitment to only using green products that reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment. Our Green Clean policy doesn’t only affect what cleaning produces we use; it also influences our choice of paper products and equipment. We will only stock recycled products unless a client specifically requests a non-recycled version. We also purchase energy-efficient equipment that allows us to reduce our energy consumption.

Our Green Staff

At Evergreen, we are committed to giving our staff the education they need to do the best job possible. This includes their work in helping to lead the way in sustainable cleaning. We hire certified experts to educate our staff on the most current sustainable methods in environmental cleaning. We keep abreast of the research available to ensure that we are not missing any opportunity to be more sustainable as a company.

What Kinds of Products Do We Use?

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We use products that are Green Seal or Ecologo certified. You can recognize these products by the following logos:

 

Where Will I Notice the Green Difference in My Cleaning Service?

  1. You’ll notice that we utilize products that emit zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
  2. When we finish cleaning, your space will be a fragrance and scent-free environment.
  3. Our floor-finishing procedure is zinc-free.
  4. We conduct interior building air quality reports.
  5. We will use paperless systems to give you your invoice.
  6. You will notice that we do not use fuel powered equipment.
  7. We adapt our disposal/recycling programs according to your needs.
  8. We have developed low-impact solutions for graffiti removal.

As a business owner or manager, you know that you want to be as sustainable as possible. Your cleaning service is one of the major factors in deciding the sustainability of your company.  Let us lower your ecological footprint – one green clean at a time.

A Question of Clarity – 10 Questions to Ask Your Cleaning Company

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You’ve answered the first question – Do I want to hire a professional cleaning company to save time and money on all of my cleaning requirements? – with a resounding ‘Yes.’ Good choice. But now comes the task of choosing a cleaning company. There are many out there, but finding the right one for you and your business requires gathering information and doing research. You want to find a professional cleaning company with the skilled staff, ample resources and dedication to the task at hand. In order to help make your job that much easier, here is a list of 10 important questions to ask any prospective cleaning company.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ESTABLISHED?

Look for a cleaning company that has been in business a minimum of 10 years and has grown throughout those years. Look for a company that invests in its staff and training, owns and operates the latest cleaning equipment, who cares about their clients’ needs and has the experience and reputation to back up any claims they make.

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF CLIENT SATISFACTION?

Research the cleaning company you are thinking of hiring and find out what their clients have to say about them. Look for a company whose clients are very satisfied with the services provided and that the commercial cleaning company can handle your specific needs.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

Does the cleaning company have the staff, skill, and capability to do what you need them to do? You may need just a general clean, or a specific clean with specialist equipment. A professional cleaning company will ensure they remain up-to-date on all the latest procedures and products to ensure complete client satisfaction.

WHAT IS YOUR CAPABILITY?

Does the cleaning company have the capacity to handle the work you need them to do? Different buildings, different requirements; so look for a cleaning company that can handle a wide variety of diverse industries, whether it’s retail, financial, healthcare, real estate, commercial office or government.

WHAT IS YOUR AVAILABILITY?

Make sure the cleaning company you choose can modify their supply to your demand. They need to meet your requirements and scope of work, and adapt their cleaning schedule – daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly – to your bespoke requirements.

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?

Just as in any other business transaction, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for every dollar you spend. Ask your prospective cleaning company their rates and compare them to their competitors. Ask whether the rates are all-inclusive or whether there any extra fees for additional cleaning (E.g. emergency clean-ups).

ARE YOU INSURED?

This is important to protect your business and ensure your financial security. All professional cleaning companies will have the requisite liability and workers compensation insurance needed to conduct their operations safely and securely. If there is damage to any flooring, furniture, or equipment, it is the cleaning company who will foot the bill, not you.

WHO DOES THE CLEANING?

The larger the company the higher the chances of multiple cleaners entering your business throughout the year. Every cleaner must be trained, certified, background-checked, and equipped to handle all of your requirements, and be familiar with your workspace. You may not often interact with your cleaners, or you may prefer a regular cleaner (or team of cleaners) you can build a working relationship with.

WHAT TRAINING DO YOU GIVE YOUR EMPLOYEES?

A professional cleaning company must ensure that every member of their staff is consistent in their delivery of top quality cleaning services. All employees must be held to the same high standard, and the company dedicated to comprehensive and continuous training for all of their staff. A professional cleaning company will implement ‘green cleaning practices’ and refrain from using harmful chemicals such as bleach in order to keep your workplace healthy and safe. They will also make sure that their staff has been properly instructed in the use of the latest green cleaning products.

WHAT IS YOUR QUALITY ASSURANCE POLICY?

Ask the cleaning company what quality assurance policies they have in effect. How do they guarantee their work, and what happens if you have query regarding their work? The right cleaning company will ensure that all of the work they do for you meets with your complete satisfaction. Any concerns you may have must be dealt with swiftly and efficiently so that, come rain or shine, your workplace looks spotless.

Asking the right questions will get you the answers you need. Or, if you want to save even more time and money, you can skip these 10 questions entirely and call Evergreen Building Maintenance directly.

You can rest assured that you will be pleased with our answers to all of the above questions. Locally owned and operated, EBM has been a leader in the janitorial industry for more than 28 years. We specialize in commercial buildings and service 2.5 million square feet every day. We have the skills and expertise to guarantee only the very highest standards of cleanliness.

Please make the call; we’d love to show you what we can do.

Keeping It Clean.. Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Janitorial Company

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Hiring a professional cleaning company to service all of your custodial requirements is the cost-effective and intelligent choice. All businesses, whether large or small, require regular and thorough cleaning of their premises to ensure they maintain a presentable image, as well as a tidy and germ-free working environment for their staff. Leaving the cleaning in the hands of experts allows you the time to focus on growing and running your own business. In a world of many responsibilities, it’s one more thing off your mind. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should hire a professional janitorial company:

ADVANCED SKILL SET

An established commercial cleaning company has the necessary experience, tools and resources to provide the appropriate cleaning duties that your business requires. They also provide specialized cleaning services, not just everyday maintenance. From floors, furniture and entrance glass to countertops, washrooms and garbage/recycling removal. A professional janitorial company will keep it clean, so you and your staff don’t have to.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

You do what you do best, and custodians do what they do best. You have the expertise to excel at your job, as do the cleaners at theirs. Professional building service workers have the training and knowledge of what products to use when, where and on what surfaces. It’s peace of mind; trusting trained professionals will guarantee that the work you want done is done right the first time.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY

A healthy employee is a productive employee. Keeping the workplace clean and getting rid of germs as well as clutter, is the purpose of a professional cleaning company. Germs thrive where cleanliness is absent, and germs lead to a rise in sickness and a fall in workforce productivity. A neat and orderly work environment with no distractions will increase focus in your workplace.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS

With in-house cleaning staff, all of the maintenance expenses are yours to bear. In addition, in-house cleaning staff do not possess specialized training. It makes sense to Hire a professional cleaning company since they provide all of the equipment, qualified personnel, and eco-friendly cleaning products necessary to create a spotless finish. As a business owner, you are relieved of any extra costs including benefits, equipment, insurance, supplies, training, wages, and holiday/sick pay if you choose to contract out the cleaning services.

GREEN CLEANING PRACTICES

A modern cleaning company will implement ‘green cleaning practices’ and refrain from using harmful chemicals such as bleach in order to keep your workplace healthy and safe. All professional janitorial companies should guarantee that any chemicals used in your building will be volatile organic compound (VOC) free, and also make sure that their staff has been properly instructed in the use of the latest green cleaning products. You can be both business-savvy and environmentally friendly.

Don’t waste your money, resources, stress, and time on setting up your own cleaning department. Hire the experts to do it for you. Professional cleaners will adapt to many situations and make sure there is a replacement employee in case somebody calls in sick; their consistent availability and guarantee of quality work is what you can expect.

Evergreen Building Maintenance has been one of British Columbia’s most trusted janitorial service providers for the last 28 years and is a recognized industry leader that provides dynamic and high standard services to more than 120 commercial facilities. No matter the nature or size of the environment to be cleaned, we have the knowledge to ensure a superior job.

Call us today. We guarantee it’s the first and last call regarding cleaning that you will ever have to make!

Kelowna Janitorial Services – 5 Great Reasons To Hire Our Professional Cleaning Company!

Kelowna Commercial Cleaning Services – Specializing In Daily And Weekly Cleaning Services

The Evergreen Building Maintenance Advantage

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Life can be fickle, so it’s important to take advantage of the good things life has to offer. As for commercial cleaning and superior janitorial services, the advantage is with Evergreen Building Maintenance. EBM has the experience, expertise and resources for contracts of any duration and specification. This includes buildings of all shapes and sizes. Our portfolio includes everything from airports and educational institutions to hospitals and office spaces. So what makes Evergreen’s services the best?

EXPERIENCE

Evergreen has been one of Western Canada’s most trusted janitorial service providers for the last 28 years. EBM currently provides commercial cleaning to more than 120 different facilities and we expect the same high standards from our premier team at each location we maintain. On average, we service 2.5 million square feet per day.

CAPABILITY

Whatever the size or use of your building, we have trained staff who are capable of handling it. We bring the same unwavering commitment and value to a wide variety of diverse industries including: retail, financial, healthcare, real estate, commercial office and government.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Our cleaning specialists have a meticulous eye for detail, which is important when cleaning spaces that require a special set of commercial cleaning equipment and products. With Evergreen, you get a spotless clean today and every other day. Trust us; we do this for a living.

QUALITY CONTROL

Maintaining the highest standards of health, hygiene and professionalism is our most important consideration. We spend our time and resources to effectively train our staff ensuring that optimal standards of cleanliness, safety and quality are met at all times.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

At Evergreen, we are dedicated to comprehensive and continuous training for all of our staff. In addition, all of our employees are WHMIS certified. We make it our business (because it is our business) to stay up-to-date on all the latest procedures and products to provide our clients with an unparalleled experience.

ADAPTABILITY

EBM’s managerial team will always try their best to accommodate your needs. We modify our cleaning schedule to suit the scope of work and can clean exactly when you need us to (E.g. daily, weekly, bi-weekly, etc.). Our service is bespoke to suit your unique requirements. 

The Evergreen Advantage isn’t just a set of words; it is a statement. It’s also a commitment and a promise to all of our clients that their cleaning requirements are being met and wherever possible, exceeded. The Evergreen Advantage is a guarantee of our consummate professionalism and quality service. Call us today to receive a free quote or read more about our services.

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8 Benefits of Outsourcing Commercial Cleaning Services

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Outsourcing commercial cleaning services is not a decision that should be taken without having conducted the proper research. Outsourcing your office’s cleaning services is an important strategic decision for your business. Doing so saves you time and resources, enabling you to grow your company and outperform your competition. All businesses, regardless of industry or size, have to ensure that their workplace is clean and presentable. This is not only to maintain an image of professionalism, but also to keep the workplace healthy and productive for employees.

CLEANLINESS

As the saying goes, ‘cleanliness is next to godliness,’ so a clean work environment is the primary focus of reputable cleaning companies. Since commercial cleaning employees are put through comprehensive training, they are able to perform cleaning tasks in less time with better results than an unskilled staff.  Outsourcing commercial cleaning services allows you to take advantage of their extensive investment of time and money in their employees.

EXPERTISE

Janitorial specialists are trained in their field and have a razor-sharp attention to detail, which is important when cleaning spaces that entail carpets, floors, furniture, horizontal surfaces, glass, washrooms and problem areas that require a special set of professional cleaning equipment and products. If you want a spotless clean with proper disinfection, go with the people who do this for a living.

FLEXIBILITY

Outsourcing commercial cleaning services to a professional cleaning company means being able to modify the cleaning schedule to suit your needs. You can customize the schedule to have the contractor come in and clean exactly when you need them to (E.g. daily, weekly, bi-weekly, etc.) This kind of flexibility is very beneficial when it comes to keeping your operational costs low, but still keeping your office space clean and tidy.

SCALABILITY

You can scale the amount of cleaning that you require to suit your budget requirements and time concerns. For example, you can keep the costs down by adjusting the frequency of the cleaning schedule. If you ever need emergency or spot cleaning, your cleaning professionals are only a phone call away.

COST-EFFECTIVE

When you have an in-house cleaning staff, all the necessary expenses – from employee training to the purchase of cleaning equipment/supplies and overhead – are your responsibility. These costs can be substantial; however, if you choose to outsource your janitorial services, they will be covered by your commercial cleaning company.

STANDARDS

Maintaining the highest standards of health, hygiene and professionalism is our number 1 priority. We spend our time and resources to effectively train our staff to ensure that optimal standards of cleanliness, safety, and quality are met at all times.  By outsourcing commercial cleaning services you will have a clean, fresh-smelling place to work and entertain clients.

AVAILABILITY

Outsourcing to a cleaning company means never having to worry about your cleaners calling in sick. The issues of holidays or leaves of absence are replaced with the consistent availability of professional cleaning staff. You are also saved from liability and other concerns with managing additional employees.

ECO-FRIENDLY

Protect the environment by outsourcing commercial cleaning services to a company that is eco-friendly. A contemporary cleaning company will implement ‘green cleaning practices’ and refrain from using harmful chemicals such as bleach in order to keep your workplace healthy and safe.

Hiring a commercial cleaning company saves you time and money while keeping your workplace looking consistently presentable. You’re a specialist in your industry, so please allow the professionals in the janitorial field to take care of your cleaning requirements.

Call Evergreen Building Maintenance – when unsatisfactory service is not an option.

Kelowna Commercial Cleaning Services – Specializing In Daily And Weekly Cleaning Services

Kelowna Janitorial Services – Get Better Results With The Same Budget!

How to Keep Your Facility Germ and Bacteria Free During Flu Season

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Clean and hygienic workplaces are healthy workplaces. Thorough, regular cleaning is vital to ensuring this, because even when an office or building that looks clean, bacteria can still be lying in wait, ready to infect the next person who wanders through. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and retirement residences, require particular cleaning methods and treatment to avoid the spread of germs that cause infection or illness. The same thing goes for schools and universities, as these are the places where germs spread fastest. Regular cleaning, especially the continuous sterilization of germ ‘hot spots’, is essential to maintaining productive study environments. Follow these important suggestions to keep your building healthy and safe during flu season:

GERM HOT SPOTS

Cleaning isn’t just for some people or some places; it’s for everyone and every workplace. Reducing the incidence and spread of workplace illness has a real bottom line impact on productivity, and limits the number of sick days employees need to take. Regular cleaning is important, especially for contact surfaces, which are areas in your building most often touched or handled by people passing through. Examples include: stair railings, door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, phones, and virtually any item or surface in the bathroom. These hot spots are prime mingling locations for bacteria and germs, and it is essential that they are cleaned thoroughly and regularly to stop the spread of infection and illness, especially during the fall and winter months when cold and flu infections are more prevalent and most likely to affect workplace productivity. As of 2015, Evergreen Building Maintenance maintains six municipal halls, three libraries, a 347 student educational facility, and fifty-eight public restrooms. This kind of experience has taught us how to handle high traffic areas while upholding immaculate levels of cleanliness.

HYGIENIC HABITS

Good hygienic habits contribute to cleanliness, and hand washing is perhaps the most essential habit to stop the spread of germs. In schools, teachers and parents teach children proper hygienic habits to keep them from getting sick at school. Regular hand washing – especially after a cough or sneeze, can significantly cut back on the spread of germs. It’s a simple but essential practice to stay healthy and productive. Employers and facility managers may also consider installing hands-free appliances that make it easier to keep hands clean, such as automatic toilet flushers and sensor-activated hand dryers and soap dispensers. By eliminating these high traffic touch points, you immediately reduce the chances of cross-contamination. Another good idea is to provide regulated hand sanitizer dispensers for when employees, patients or students are unable to get to a sink to wash up with soap and water. Making sure the restrooms in your building are maintained and stocked with the necessary sanitary products (such as soap, hand sanitizer, hand towels, etc.) enables people to maintain proper hygienic habits.

BREATHING IN THE CLEAN AIR

As we spend the vast majority of our day inside, it is essential that any building or office maintains good air quality. Air pollutants that linger indoors include bacteria, dust, and even mold. Clean air is essential in the maintenance of good health, and this goes even further for indoor air where it is usually warmer and where there is less ventilation. Therefore, keep all of your vents clear of any blockages, encourage a more scent-free environment, vacuum regularly with approved HEPA filters and maintain your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

HIRE THE PROFESSIONALS

When something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right, so hire a professional and reputable cleaning company that is specially trained to understand and follow all procedures and requirements for the work that you assign them. Ensure that all cleaning techniques, equipment and products used by the company serve to provide the cleanest environment possible. Look for detailed safety standards and the continuous training of employees in best practices.

A healthy workplace will help your staff be at their best all year round by reducing the spread of infection and decreasing the impact of flu season on their health and productivity. Evergreen Building Maintenance is qualified to undertake any type of cleaning contract, regardless of the size or unique requirements. Our goal is to create a janitorial program that is seamless for our clients. Contact us today to learn more.

Top 3 Reasons to Choose Evergreen’s Commercial Cleaning Services

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Everyone prefers to live in a well kept city and there is a reason that Evergreen Building Maintenance Inc. has been one of British Columbia’s most trusted janitorial service providers for over 27 years. Thanks to our commitment to excellence, we’ve grown to become a recognized industry leader that provides dynamic and high standard services to more than 120 commercial facilities. We are proud of the fact that we have a first-class team of cleaners, including outstanding supervisors who help us transform new employees and into leaders. Above all that, we present three important reasons that set us apart from the competition:

1) OUR GREEN CLEANING POLICY

It is no surprise that most organizations are jumping on board the eco-friendly bandwagon, however, Evergreen took the initiative to start using green products years ago. Putting your personal health and the sustainability of our environment first, we choose cleaning methods that will reduce harmful effects on the environment. Only products that are GREEN SEAL or ECOLOGO certified are utilized by our company. Evergreen Building Maintenance guarantees that any chemicals used in your building will be volatile organic compound (VOC) free. We also make sure that our staff has substantial training and a wealthy knowledge of the latest green cleaning practices.

2) OUR CREDENTIALS

Wouldn’t you feel more confident hiring a company that has WHMIS certified employees and meets WorkSafeBC’s requirements over one that does not? Evergreen has developed and implemented a comprehensive training program that all of our staff and supervisors go through in order to obtain employment with our company. We are proud to say that our staff members are instructed well enough so that you won’t have to worry about micromanaging them on the job. Together, we will make sure your building stays presentable at all times.

3) OUR TEAM & SERVICE AREA

It only makes sense that if we claim to have an exemplary team, we provide you with the evidence to back it up. Being that our managers have over 50 years of combined experience in the janitorial industry, we have ensured that those years of professionalism have been passed down to all of our other employees. Our staff is provided with company identification such as uniforms and photo identification, rigorous safety training and a PROactive mindset (because avoiding workplace problems before they occur is key). You will find our service members are providing quality results that span throughout cities, districts and towns in and around the Okanagan Valley. As you can see, we like to cover our bases.

Whether you represent a retail spot, health care establishment, educational institute or more – at the end of the day, Evergreen Building Maintenance is here to meet and exceed your expectations. If you’re interested in hearing more about our services and would like a free quote, you can contact us on our website.

Remember, we are committed to getting the job done right – the first time.