News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Tula Foundation is transferring 55 acres of land on Calvert Island to the BC Parks Foundation for future incorporation into the Hakai Lúxvbálís Conservancy, which is collaboratively managed by the Province and the Heiltsuk and Wuikinuxv First Nations.
Brandon Lepine, regional manager of production services for INFilm’s Vancouver Island North Film Commission, presented a brief overview of the organization’s work and asked for a grant at the February board meeting of the Regional District of Mount Waddington.
Rexall Port Hardy, located at 8925 Granville St. in Port Hardy, is having a renovation celebration sale until March 21.
Jennifer Willson and Trish Sullivan have teamed up to introduce Wild North Freeze Dried Candy.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Dr. Amanda Sigouin
Dr. Amanda Sigouin has joined Corus as an associate orthodontist at Shoreline Orthodontics, serving the communities of Campbell River and Courtenay.
The Homalco First Nation is constructing four 650 square foot homes using Rohe Homes’ innovative technology, which enables the buildings to be erected 75% faster than traditional construction methods. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of housing shortage.
A donation of approximately $92 million has been made by Eric Peterson and Christina Munck, the founders of the Tula Foundation. This donation aims to support Tula’s ongoing efforts in promoting scientific-based innovation and facilitating its transition towards achieving independent sustainability.
Campbell River Council received a presentation from Island Health staff, Lesley Howie, Director, North Island Mental Health and Substance Use (NIMHSU), Shelley Garneau and Dr. Marcus Greatheart, also with NIMHSU, about a new community medical detox facility that Island Health will be opening in the fall at 731 Nicholls Road. They shared a presentation with information about how the six-bed facility would operate and answered questions from Council.
Campbell River City Council approved $162,000 in Operating Grants to the following: Greenways Land Trust — Parks Maintenance and Beautification Grants for Baikie Island maintenance and invasive plant control; INFilm and Creative Industries – Economic Development Grants; Business improvement areas, including the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association, Downtown Campbell River Business Improvement Association and Willow Point Business Improvement Area Society—Beautification Grants and Seniors Info Hub.
COMOX VALLEY
The Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground was presented with the “Leading the Way in Business Development” award by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Additionally, Ahousaht’s Ahous Adventures was recognized as the “New Operator or Business that Launched a New Experience” recipient at the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Award ceremony.
The after-hours urgent care clinic at 615 10th St. in Courtenay, which is run by Island Health, has expanded its opening hours to 34 hours per week and added staff and services.
The CVRD Board of Directors has just approved the revised CVRD Building Bylaw 681, which brings it in line with the most recent updates to the BC Building Code, the BC Building Act, and industry standards in the construction sector. For properties being developed within the electoral areas, the new bylaw also includes revisions to the penalties and fees for building permits.
The PropertyGuys.com is hosting the Comox Valley Home Show from April 19-21, located at the Comox Valley Sports Centre, 3001 Vanier Dr, Courtenay.
Eclipse Stores Inc., a woman’s clothing retailer with over 80 stores across Canada, is looking to hire an assistant manager in Courtenay location.
PORT ALBERNI
The Island Coastal Economic Trust‘s Investment Readiness Program will support the Ahousaht First Nation‘s Traditional Food Gathering, a major gathering of 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations in Port Alberni on March 21-22, 2024.
A Foundry centre, funded by $1.5 million from the province, will be opened by ADAPS Youth and Family Services in Port Alberni.
The remediation of the Port Pub, owned by Peter Wang, is set to be taken over by the City of Port Alberni.
The Port Alberni Gymnastics Academy is looking to hire a full-time coach.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) is seeking community-oriented individuals to join the Bamfield Parks Commission
On Tuesday April 02, 2024, a new regional public transportation service is launching on the West Coast. Connecting the communities of Ucluelet, Tofino, hitacu, ̓Esowista, and Ty-Histanis the West Coast Transit service will run seven days a week, except for statutory holidays..
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The Ucluelet Aquarium is now open for the season.
On April 2nd, a new regional public transportation service called West Coast Transit will begin operations on the West Coast.
Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations have recently made progress in their land use negotiations with the provincial government. The agreements outline designated areas for conservation as well as industrial forestry in Clayoquot Sound.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
The Parksville-Qualicum Beach Home-Share program is a joint effort between the District 69 Society of Organized Services, the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness – The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (OTFH-HPS)b Happipad. Its goal is to alleviate the housing crisis in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area by connecting verified homeowners with screened, compatible renters.
The Parksville Qualicum Beach Region will be hosting a brand new Self Guided Artisan Tour from May 12th through September 8th, 2024.
The Annual Golf Tournament of Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay on May 9, 2024.
This summer, Revelstoke, Squamish, and Parksville Qualicum Beach will host three initiatives in support of regenerative tourism, put on by Re:BC and Destination BC. The goal is to encourage and inspire people to travel with greater care and engagement.
NANAIMO
Colin Stansfield
Colin Stansfield has been named the first Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation.
The District of Lantzville is pleased to announce the promotion of Delcy Wells from Deputy Director of Corporate Administration to Director of Corporate Administration, replacing retiring Director Trudy Coates. Ms. Wells will begin her new role on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Kristie Dewald, a VIU Accounting Professor and Chartered Professional Accountant, accepted the opportunity to co-author a textbook in 2022 and is currently dedicated to creating a second edition.
Kerilie McDowall receives Women of Influence Creative Innovator Award for Documentary ‘In the Zone: Rick Kilburn’ at WIN Awards Gala.
Paid parking will be implemented in the vicinity of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on April 1. From Monday to Friday, parking will cost $1.25 per hour on Dufferin Crescent and Boundary Avenue, which border the hospital, and will be free on weekends and evenings. This initiative aims to increase vehicle turnover in the vicinity of the hospital.
A collaboration between Help Fill A Dream Foundation and Code Brew is working to provide support to Island Families at NRGH whose children are facing life-threatening illnesses. In the upcoming year, they have pledged to contribute $1000.00 to enhance the lives of families and provide them with some relief.
Beginning on April 1st, BC Ferries plans to roll out more discounted fares, which will give passengers more options and flexibility. These include bigger discounts and lower cancellation fees.
ECNG Energy Group has partnered with the British Columbia Hotel Association to bring an exclusive Natural Gas program to its members. Additionally, a free virtual event webinar will be hosted on March 20th to roll our the program.
The 36-unit supportive housing building at 355 Nicol St. is being proposed to the council in collaboration between B.C. Housing and Snuneymuxw First Nation.
A revised financial plan for the years 2024–2028 was approved by the RDN board of directors at their meeting on March 12, which calls for a 11.4 percent increase in tax requests in 2024. During the budget discussions, a 13.5% increase to the tax request was proposed.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
49th Parallel Printers now offers Passport Photos Locally! Canadian or International Passport photos, Citizenship and work I.D. photos and digital photo file upon request.
Osborne Bay Pub, one of the most popular live music venues on Vancouver Island, celebrates seven years in business.
The Chemainus Business Improvement Association (CBIA) has been granted a renewal by the Municipality of North Cowichan for another three years, extending until 2026.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Pacific Industrial and Marine Ltd. of Duncan has begun work on the first phase of the $303.9-million Belleville Terminal redevelopment, which includes creating a temporary terminal by modifying and expanding the CPR Steamship building wharf for the FRS Clipper, which transports passengers between Victoria and the U.S. via the Coho ferry.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund will provide the Town of Lake Cowichan with $885,750 to assist in the development of affordable housing projects in the community.
Megan Northey and Simon Vreeswijk have launched Nyübu Nordic Spa, the first West Coast Nordic spa in Cowichan Valley. The spa is located at 2795 Meadowview Rd in Shawnigan Lake.
The members of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce will be gathering at The Oak Taphouse on March 21 for the Dine & Sip Cowichan festival’s grand finale.
The province is contributing $286,000 to Creative Woodcraft in Cobble Hill for the purpose of expanding its cabinet and millwork facility.
Level Up Hub, a group-fitness studio in Duncan owned by Rebekah Triggerson, is organizing a major workout event called Mega Fit Camp. The event will be held in collaboration with the Cowichan Sportsplex on March 24.
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