News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Roland Le Fort has been promoted from Utility Operator to Chief Utility Operator and Tony Defreitas has taken on the new role of Capital Project Manager with the District of Port Hardy.
The construction company k’awat’si Construction has been contracted by Island Health to construct ten staff flats with two bedrooms on Columbia Street in Port Hardy.
Peggy’s Kitchen, located at Seven Hills Golf and Country Club, is now open for breakfast.
The Foundry’s Work and Education programme is being expanded to more Foundry centres, as well as being maintained at 12 extant centres and through the provincial virtual service, by a $9-million provincial investment.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Island Joy Rides, Laurel Cronk‘s recently launched kayak rental business, allows visitors and locals alike to explore the Campbell River estuary at Tyee Spit playground.
Two of the four new hybrid Island Class battery-electric ferries owned by BC Ferries are officially under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati. The new Island Class ships will cover the routes from Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island and from Campbell River to Quadra Island. A fleet redeployment plan is in place to handle capacity issues on the routes from Crofton to Vesuvius, Quadra Island to Cortes Island, and Denman Island to Hornby Island.
North Island College’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) is collaborating with First Nations partners and industry on a project to collect environmental DNA, or eDNA, to detect species presence in areas with kelp and where they have done kelp restoration. This work includes kelp species, as well as fish and invertebrates.
North Island Nissan congratulates Parts Advisory Cory Pilloud on his one year anniversary.
COMOX VALLEY
Mark Herringer
Mark Herringer, Executive Director of North Island College, has been awarded the British Columbia Council for International Education’s Award for International Education Distinguished Leadership.
Terry Poucette has been appointed as the new Associate at Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building.
The Tsolum Veterinary Hospital located at 2624 Merville Rd., is now open on Saturdays.
The Fanny Bay Senior Society Hall, located at 418 Ships Point Road, has been acquired by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) to maintain its use as a community resource and to provide future service opportunities.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has acquired 418 Ships Point Road (the Fanny Bay Senior Society Hall) to allow for its continued use as a community facility and enable future service possibilities.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD)’s draft Agricultural Plan is now available for review and final feedback from the public.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Luke Lister and Darian Coull-Weir were awarded trophies designed by Marla Thirsk after placing first in their respective divisions in Sunday’s inaugural disc golf tournament held in Ucluelet.
The old bike park in Tofino is being converted into a parking lot to accommodate boat trailers and RVs that are having trouble finding space in town.
Tofino has been awarded a $623,500 grant by the provincial government’s Growing Community’s Fund to renovate the fields at Wickaninnish Community School.
The Public Art Advisory Committee, which contributes to beautifying the community through public art, is seeking a dedicated individual to join its committee as a Community Representative with the District of Tofino.
PORT ALBERNI
Thomas Senecal
Thomas Senecal, a partner at RLR Lawyers, has been elected as a Director on the Board of the Port Alberni Chamber of Commerce.
The Walk for Guide Dogs, which was held on May 26 at Blair Park in Port Alberni, has raised over $2,000. The Alberni Valley Lions Club organized the event, which was sponsored by Bosley’s Port Alberni.
The merchants of Uptown in South are hosting an Uptown Market July 17th from 5pm to 8pm.
No Big Dill Canning owner Amanda Price is hosting the All the Rage With No Big Dill Market July 18th at 7685 MacKenzie Road, with a monthly market scheduled until September
Port Alberni’s Rotary Club is hosting the Rotary Colourfest at Blair Park on July 20th. The event features a colour run and family events.
The City of Port Alberni is leasing the Alberni Valley Multiplex for the operations of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey team and Port Alberni Bombers jr. B Hockey Team for a 10-year term ending July 31st 2034.
Island Health is celebrating the launch of new locally-led wellness projects focused on community resilience, including a food security and cooking skills project for families in Port Alberni. Funded by Island Health’s Community Wellness Grant Program.
Trail maintenance is underway in the City of Port Alberni’s parks and major trail networks.
Tseshaht Enterprises Corporation is seeking a Full time Chief Executive Officer. The New Chief Executive Office will lead newly incorporated Tseshaht Enterprises Corporation to establish and grow existing and new business initiatives over a diverse portfolio of industries for the corporation and its community members.
Wildflower Bakeshop & Café will be opening their doors for dinner starting this week. The new dinner menu will be served Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm to 9pm.
Kackaamin Indigenous family treatment centre, led by Executive director Lisa Robinson celebrated its 50 year anniversary. Kackaamin is one of three Indigenous family treatment centres in Canada
The City of Port Alberni mourns the death of Councillor and former Mayor John Douglas. Douglas is remembered by many for his love of community and for his work towards the creation of Canal Beach/Waterfront Park. Those who wish to pay their respects can visit City Hall starting Monday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm where a book of condolences will be available for signing. Council Chambers will be open to the public for those who would like to stop in, gather and honour his passing.
The Broken Bow Restaurant is now open 7 days a week in the summer.
The Alberni Co-op recently is hosting a live music fundraiser at its 10th Avenue location for Tour de Rock – Cops for Cancer.
Island Off-Road Racing takes place at the Sproat Lake track this weekend.
West Coast Feed Co. has set up its food truck for the season at Clutesi Haven Marina.
A new coat of paint is being applied to the mixed use commercial/residential building that houses Ironworks Cafe, the Card Corner, Gayle’s Fashion, and Belle’s Hair Care.
The Community Arts Council’s Grove Gallery is exhibiting works by local musician and watercolour artist Guy Langlois.
Chims Motel recently celebrated its 6-year anniversary.
The music lineup for the Five Acre Shaker August 9-10 has been posted. The event by Five Acre Productions takes place at the Kinsmen Hall and Fall Fair Grounds.
Port Alberni Neighbourhood Welcome is hosting a family picnic at Blair Park on August 18.
Healthy Habits is offering a room rental for health and wellness practitioners.
Port Alberni’s Salmon Festival has returned and is scheduled for August 30 – September 3. Hosted by the Alberni Valley Tyee Club and taking place at Tyee Landing, sponsorship packages are available.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Nic Wassbauer is celebrating 3rd anniversary with the Ohs Marketing Team at Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach Realty.
Qualicum School District has granted access to Qualicum Commons for an adaptive fitness program run by Oceanside Integrated Fitness Society. The society is currently fundraising through a GoFundMe campaign to ensure the facility can continue operating.
The City of Parksville has openings for a watch clerk at the Parksville RCMP detachment, and a fleet technician at the City’s operations department.
Coastal Community‘s Sunset Cinema returns to Parksville on Saturday, July 20th at Kite Park.
Learn to salsa at Dance with Me at Memorial this Thursday, July 18 from 6-8 pm. DJ Dave Graham provides the dance music and Sara Raymond Dance Academy will help you learn how to salsa. Free community event.
NANAIMO
Candace Laing
Candace Laing has been appointed as the new president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Greg Robinson has been appointed as the new Vice President of Sales for Velocity Truck Centre, Canada.
Janet Watts is starting a new position as Director, People and Culture at Vancouver Island Regional Library.
WestJet Encore is celebrating its 11th anniversary.
Widsten Property Management Inc. is celebrating 25 years in business.
BC Hydro has recently announced new rebates for the installation of battery-storage systems and rooftop solar panels, which could save homeowners up to $10,000.
Through the Community Gaming Grants, the Nanaimo Riptides Swim Team will receive $80,000 for its pre-competitive swim programme to help cover the costs of coaching, training, pool rental, and travel throughout the province.
The City of Nanaimo has unanimously approved the rezoning of the most recent development on Bergen Op Zoom Drive by the District Group.
The 18th Annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit is scheduled on October 23 and 24, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.
Andrew Leduc
Andrew Leduc has joined Barkley Project Group Ltd. as a Senior Operations Technician.
The Port of Nanaimo is delighted to welcome cruise ships back this year after a hiatus since 2019. The arrival of the Oceania Regatta and its guests is eagerly anticipated at the port on August 26.
To aid provide safe and secure housing, BC Housing is leasing 78 units at the Travellers Lodge, a former care facility that is now vacant at 1298 Nelson St. Residences are anticipated to be occupied by the beginning of 2025.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
The shuttles for the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival has been officially launched.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Caprice movie theatre, located at 404 Duncan St, will shortly reopen under the new name Duncan Cinemas.
A five-year collaboration agreement has been inked by the University of Victoria and Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation, formerly Lake Cowichan First Nation, for joint initiatives involving educational programmes, research projects, and community engagement activities.
Ian Morrison, the director of the CVRD for Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls, is in favour of requiring business licences for B&Bs and short-term rentals to help with the housing crisis.
A complimentary cinema experience for families in Cowichan Valley will be provided by Sunset Cinema at the Cowichan Valley Sportsplex on July 18.