Independent advice
Investment and insurance choices considered around your needs, with plain-language explanations of the options.
Nearly 40 years of independent advice.
Personal relationships that grow with your family.
I’m Dave Shortill. Since 1987, I’ve helped families and business owners make sense of their financial choices—starting with what matters to them.

Dave Shortill · Independent financial advice since 1987
Wealth means different things to different people: time with family, choices in retirement, a business you’ve built, or knowing the people you love are protected.
At Orca Wealth, the conversation comes before the recommendation. We take time to understand your priorities, explain the choices in plain language and keep reviewing your plan as life changes.
Dave’s background in economics and psychology, his independent approach and his decades of client relationships shape that personal way of working.
Investment and insurance choices considered around your needs, with plain-language explanations of the options.
Perspective built through changing markets, different life stages and decades of client relationships.
A conversation about the people you care for, the choices you want and the legacy you hope to leave.
Time to listen before making recommendations, followed by reviews as your priorities change.
Build a thoughtful foundation. Then consider where you want to go.
Your goals, a financial plan, appropriate protection and a diversified approach to long-term investing. The core is shaped around your life and your comfort with risk.
Once the foundation is in place, consider opportunities in the context of your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance—with the same discipline and care.
A planning philosophy, not a promise of returns. Investment decisions always involve risk.
Choose a time in the calendar below. Bring your questions about retirement, investments, insurance or the next step for your family.
Prefer another way to connect? Call 250-732-5355 or open the booking calendar in a separate page.
You don’t need to know which service to ask for. Begin with the part of life you’re thinking about.
Bring your savings, investments and family priorities into one practical plan.
Explore investment planningUnderstand the choices around pensions, savings and the income you may need next.
Explore retirement and pensionsReview your income, protection and wishes as your needs and priorities change.
Plan the next chapterStart a conversation about life, disability and critical illness protection.
Explore family protectionConnect employee benefits, personal planning and business succession decisions.
Explore business servicesFind a starting point for life, travel and no medical insurance options.
View insurance optionsNot sure where to begin? Start with a conversation.
In your first 30-minute conversation, tell us what matters to you and what you want help with. We can introduce the ten-minute Personal Viewpoint questionnaire as a useful next step. Together, we’ll identify your priorities, review the choices available and build recommendations you understand.
Investments, retirement, insurance, tax-aware planning and estate considerations belong in the same conversation. We coordinate with your accountant or lawyer when their advice is needed.
Start with your Personal ViewpointSome of Dave’s clients have worked with him for more than 30 years. Today, those relationships include the next generation of their families.
“Dave now works with all members of our family. After 30 years we are all satisfied clients!!”
Mark, Helena, Tainn and Jared Anderson
“He listens to what our goals and needs are and guides us in the right direction, with knowledge, care, and patience.”
Larry and Helga Halischuk · Clients for over 30 years
Excerpts from client testimonials published on our About page. Individual experiences vary and do not guarantee future investment results.
What would a lasting advice relationship look like for your family? Let’s talk.
Education is part of the relationship. Use Orca’s resources to prepare for a conversation and make financial decisions with greater understanding.
Hear Dave’s perspective on goals, protection, investing and planning for tomorrow.
Watch Dave’s videoExplore practical reading and planning tools, including TFSA, RRSP and loan resources.
Explore client resourcesLearn about employer pension transfers and locked-in retirement account choices.
Visit the Pension Hub
President and CEO. Independent financial advice since 1987, with a focus on families, business owners and professionals.

Raised in the Cowichan Valley, Gavin brings a finance degree, his British Columbia LLQP licence and a commitment to serving his home community.
Meet Gavin
Get to know Cassidy and the people who make Orca Wealth a personal experience.
Meet the Orca teamDave’s community involvement spans Winnipeg and Vancouver Island—from the Westland Foundation and Rotary to the South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and the Vancouver Island Raiders.
That’s what the conversation is for. Tell us what’s on your mind, and we’ll work out a useful next step together.