News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Chris Callanan
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce President, Chris Callanan has just been elected Vice Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
A huge congratulations to Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish, on their 30th Anniversary. Founded by Bruce & Carol Dirom, Hardy Buoys opened its doors for the first time on June 4, 1994, and they have operated non stop since then, providing quality products for visitors and locals alike, significant employment, and meaningful support for our community.
A massive new garden has been created on the site of Copper & Kelp at Storey’s Beach.
Motion Stairlifts based in the Comox Valley, now offers and installs straight stairlifts in Port Alice, Port Hardy, and Port McNeill.
Foundry Port Hardy recently celebrated its 1 year anniversary.
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation recently marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of The Baymont by Wyndham Hotel.
Gordie’s Restaurant & Lounge is now open seven days a week as summer approaches.
North Island’s Careers in Community Hiring Event in Port Hardy and surrounding area is scheduled on June 18th at the Thunderbird Mall, 8950 Granville Street, Port Hardy.
The Port McNeill Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee wants to hear from you! Complete Survey here.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Beach Fire Brewing Company in the City of Campbell River has just joined with BetterTable.ca to conduct a food audit, made possible by the support of Destination British Columbia and the BC Tourism Sustainability Network.
Communitas is celebrating 50 years of serving people with diverse abilities on June 6th at Communitas Supportive Care Society, Unit A—1423 16th Avenue, in Campbell River.
The Campbell River Visitor Info Centre will be re-opening at the Maritime Heritage Centre, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
A $75 million deal has been secured by BC Ferries and the Canada Infrastructure Bank/ Banque de l’infrastructure du Canada to electrify BC Ferries’ fleet and establish charging infrastructure.
The City of Campbell River is seeking an Accountant I to join their Financial Services team.
Mayor Kermit Dahl and members of Council joined the Wei Wai Kum Nation at ʔuxstalis (Tyee Spit) for the unveiling of an arch carved by Junior Henderson and Ernie Puglas of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and Karver Everson of K’omoks First Nation.
Campbell River City Council received correspondence from Pam Mann, Nurse Administrator, Campbell River & District Adult Care Society, requesting that development and building permit fees be waived for a proposed development at 1201 Cedar Street. Campbell River & District Adult Care Society provides services and programs for vulnerable seniors. They recently submitted a development application for a proposed development at their property at 1201 Cedar Street. Council directed staff to report back with options for funding.
COMOX VALLEY
Ian Langmann
Ian Langmann has joined the Comox team at Coast Claims Insurance Services.
Barb Mehlhorn has been hired as Director at Island Health – Vancouver Island Health Authority.
The Town of Comox is currently seeking a qualified individual to join the town’s senior management leadership team as the Director of Development Services.
The Federal Housing Accelerator Fund has awarded the Town of Comox up to $5.2 million in funding. The Town will use this money to help execute the suggestions made during a recent evaluation of development applications and transition to a digital permitting system.
The Comox Valley Regional District is hosting two open houses on June 18 to 19 at the CVRD Civic Room (770 Harmston Ave. Courtenay), to learn more about traffic plans for Sewer Conveyance Project.
Drop-in swimming at the Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor Pool will be FREE all summer long to celebrate the pool’s 75th year!
Ride share has arrived in Downtown Courtenay! Managed by BCAA, this program will have spaces throughout Comox Valley where you can rent a bike and get to where you are going in style.
Downtown Comox, Business in Action is ready to kick off the summer season with the annual Comox Summer Fest event on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce invites proposals from qualified professional consultants to undertake polling work as part of our Business Retention and Expansion Program. Find more information here.
Business After Business will be hosted by RLR Law at #211-1978 Cliffe Aveneue on Thurday June 27 at 5:30.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The Ucluelet Wildwood Inn has undergone some interior renovations.
The Orange Door Gallery of the Pacific Rim Arts Society was filled with works by Shannon McWhinney and Peggy Arnett titled Moments of Serene, Vitality, Tranquilly, Movement. The exhibition will be on display at 250 Main Street, Ucluelet, until June 23.
Cedar & Salt has decided not to move forward with its plan to open a coffee shop at the home of the old Amphitrite Point lighthouse keeper.
PORT ALBERNI
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s Chamber Breakfast is scheduled on June 7th at the Barclay Hotel Best Western Plus.
The Gyros of the Albernis generously contributed $10,000 towards the proposed Adventure Sport Park in Port Alberni.
Gaia Grocery Tofino announced a renovation project. They identified a need by local fisheries, commercial gardeners, and non-profits specializing in food security for a dedicated retail space to support the resale of their production. Gaia Grocery announced their plan to transform the current deli space into a functional retail area for their local partners.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Worthy Events will be hosting a one day of business workshops, on August 12th at Tigh-Na-Mara Parksille. Keynote speaker is LInda Biggs, one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Women of 2023. Find more information here.
District Group has finished building the second phase of the Merewood Apartments in Parksville. This multifamily rental apartment complex’s new expansion invites tenants seeking a pleasant neighbourhood and active lifestyle in a thriving beachside town.
A 142 dwelling unit development by the Vancouver-based Molnar Group, located on undeveloped land across from the Quality Foods development on the Alberni Hwy., was approved by the Parksville City Council.
The open house at the Qualicum Beach Airport, previously planned for June 19th, will now be held on July 10, 2024, at the Council Chamber (660 Primrose St).
NANAIMO
Shane Simpson has been chosen as the new chair of the Community Living BC (CLBC) board of directors, taking over from Michael J. Prince, who will be completing his second full term at the end of June 2024. Simpson held the position of minister of social development and poverty reduction from August 2017 to December 2020. He has been selected for a three-year tenure.
Megan Ruddell is celebrating one year work anniversary with the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD) as an Advocacy Strategy Coordinator.
Craig Richardson has been appointed as Agency Development Coordinator at the Pro Board.
The Nanaimo Hiring and Post-Secondary Education Expo is scheduled on June 6th at the Country Club Centre Mall, 3200 North Island Hwy, Nanaimo.
The Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians gave the lifetime achievement award to Dr. Robin Love, who had previously served as medical director of the palliative care program at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
A development permit for the construction of a 1.5-storey automatic car wash at 3109 Island Hwy. North, next to Dairy Queen, was unanimously approved by city council members.
A new online employment board called Builders Life TalentCentral was introduced by the BC Construction Association (BCCA) to help companies more effectively connect employers with applicants.
Array was recently honoured for its expertise in design with three awards from the MUSE Creative and Design Awards. These awards came from Array partnerships with Vancouver Island North Tourism, Pacific Modular, and Shift Energy. The awards included Corporate Identity – Brand Identity Gold, Corporate Identity – Logos Silver, and Marketing & Promotional – Brochure Silver.
Just Delish, located at the Nanaimo North Centre is now officially open.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) invites qualified and experienced firms to submit Statements of Qualifications to develop a Fleet Electrification/Decarbonization Plan for on and off-road fleet vehicles owned by the RDN, and options for contracted waste haulage.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
The Town of Ladysmith envisions borrowing $13.5 million to construct a new municipal hall at 401 Esplanade, which will replace the existing structure. The project will be jointly developed by the Catalyst Community Developments Society and the province under the B.C. Builds program.
Thanks A Latte has relocated to a new building at the same address: 10862 Chemainus Rd, Ladysmith.
Van Isle Sailing Coop is hosting an open house on June 15th at the Stones Marina and RV Park.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Todd Litman, the CEO of Better Island Transit, presented a proposal to the Cowichan Valley Regional District‘s board meeting that would result in expanded bus service and reduced fares between Duncan and Victoria.
Gibbins Road Holdings Inc. is proposing a four-story structure at 3096 Gibbins Rd. The upper three floors will contain 100 rental units, while the ground floor will be occupied by commercial and office space.
Isabelle Hammer, president of Malahat Legion, Branch #134, and treasurer Virginia Bauder were recently presented with a $1,000 cheque by Allen Corby, the owner of the Tire Exchange in Cobble Hill, to assist with the maintenance of the Cobble Hill Cenotap.
The Drinkwater Road location of Bings Creek Recycling Centre came in at number eight out of thirty British Columbian companies recognized by Interchange Recycling for their exceptional 2023 performance in the collection of used oil and antifreeze.
Cowichan’s newest wine event, the Toast to the Tides dinner, will take place on June 6th at Unsworth Vineyards and Blue Grouse Estate Winery.
On June 6, the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre will host a the Lunch & Learn event featuring Spencer Schmidt from Stonebridge Law for members of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.
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