News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
A recent tax auction in Port Alice resulted in the acquisition of the Quatsino Hotel and parking lot.
Cafe Guido & Co is hosting its 18th annual Costume Crawl on October 31st.
The pre-release launch and reading of Vancouver Island author Sylvia Bourgeois‘ most recent historical fiction book, Here, Now, will take place at the Book Shelf at ShopRite at Home in Port McNeill on November 15.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Seymour Pacific Developments has officially received the development permit for Fairmont Views Phase 3 in Lethbridge, AB.
Value Village has officially opened its doors at Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre in Campbell River.
Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours has achieved a milestone by becoming the first whale watching company in Canada to earn the esteemed Rainbow Registered certification from Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC).
On October 31, 2024, the Campbell River Sportsplex, located at 1800 South Alder Street, will host the annual Halloween Fireworks event, which has been supported by the City Fire Department and sponsored by the Willow Point Firefighters Association.
The Campbell River Council is invested in ensuring adequate power supply for residential, commercial and new industrial development opportunities as they arise. Council directed staff to partner with the University of British Columbia to assess power supply and demands on the North Island and to explore options for providing funding of up to $5,500 for this initiative.
Campbell River Council referred a request from Jan Wade, Executive Director, Campbell River Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA), for $15,500 of funding for their Deck the Downtown event. Taking place from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, 2024, Deck the Downtown is a new event that will include the annual BIA Big Truck Parade and a variety of other activities in downtown Campbell River. In addition to providing financial support, the City is providing support through participation.
COMOX VALLEY
Nearly New Books in downtown Comox has rebranded as Castaway Used Books after 29 years in business. The store now features a new website and online catalogue while maintaining its popular trading policy for previously read books.
The Walmart in Courtney has reopened after a fire that occurred inside the store on October 10.
The Comox Valley Schools Board Office has moved to 2488 Idiens Way, Courtenay.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Mike Bruch
Mike Bruch has been named the new General Manager of the Ucluelet Co-op.
ERIF Sustainable Solutions has put forward a plan to develop a new neighbourhood on a 25-acre site along Minato Road, featuring both commercial and residential units in Ucluelet.
Monday Night Movies in Tofino will be back in November following an extensive renovation.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, Treat Yourself Massage.
PORT ALBERNI
The Ocean Marina Hotel located at 4850 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni, is now under new management.
The Salty Woodsman will be opening its new store at 4691 Dundalk Ave. S.
Several local organizations and non-profits received $37,000 from the recent annual charity event hosted by the Port Alberni Funtastic Sports Society. These organizations and groups include: the Zattzoo Project, the Read & Feed Breakfast Program, the Backpack Program, the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey, the John Howitt School Sports, the Navy League, the U19 Ladies Fastpitch, the ADSS Athletic Fund, the Community First Aid Trailer, the Port Alberni Scouts, the Alberni Valley Junior Baseball, Port Alberni Special Olympics, the Port Alberni Kinsmen, the Port Alberni Toy Run, Pathways, and the CMHA Port Alberni.
The Holiday Winter Market featuring over 75 tables will take place in Port Alberni on November 2 and 3 at the Glenwood Centre.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
A development application to construct a five-story mixed-use building on First Avenue West, including a medical clinic, has been discussed by the Qualicum Beach council. According to architect Chris Gower, and investor, Bruce McLay, two subsidized suites for doctors who choose to practice in Qualicum Beach are being offered.
The Parksville council was briefed by Telus representatives Shaye Draper and Darin Wong on the topic of increased internet speeds due to the 5 Gigabit network that is set to be installed this fall.
A new assisted-living home for those with brain impairments has been approved by the Parksville council which would be located at 365 Moilliet St.
If granted approval, the Parksville Lions Housing Society‘s plan to construct a non-market rental apartment building on city-owned land at the intersection of Franklin’s Gull Road and the old Island Highway will have four stories and thirty-six units.
The Parksville Fire Rescue team is hosting a Fill the Boots for Food drive on November 16 and 17 to collect new, unwrapped toys for the Society of Organized Services (SOS) and cash donations for the Salvation Army.
NANAIMO
Jesse Torry
Jesse Torry has been promoted to the position of Team Lead with Avalon Mechanical. Jesse has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Vancouver Office.
Andrew Melville has been instrumental in establishing the Avalon Mechanical Building Performance Team. This diligent work and ongoing leadership makes his promotion to Technical Lead a natural progression.
The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant from WorkBC.ca is now open for various professional programs, including offerings at Vancouver Island University, providing up to $3,500 to assist with your skills training.
On November 6th, Aislinn Bissenden, CFP®, from Coastal Community Private Wealth Group, will be present at the Gala Auction Fundraiser held at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre, in support of Nanoose Community Services.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) announced the purchase of Gabriola Island’s 78-acre (31.5 hectares) undeveloped forested property, known as ‘Wilkinson Woods’. This land purchase next to 707 Community Park enhances the protected area and provides recreational and emergency access from South Road. This purchase added 171 hectares to the 707 Community Park since 2018, including 136 in 2018 and 3.64 in 2020.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
The Chocolate Pearl has officially opened its first store in Chemainus, located at 9756 B Willow St.
Aquastar Canada will now be offering Private Swim Lessons at the Best Western Plus in Chemainus.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The first Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen location in the Cowichan Valley opened on October 12 at 5832 Trans-Canada Hwy., located at the intersection of James Street and the TCH.
Rocky Creek Winery in Cowichan Bay has permanently closed its doors as of October 13, concluding two decades of operation.
Raconteur Whisky and Barrel-aged Gin are two new spirits that will be launched soon as part of Ampersand Distilling‘s celebration of their historic 10-year anniversary this month in the Cowichan Valley.
Kim Wau Restaurant has moved to a new location at 1759 Cowichan Bay Rd., previously home to the Rock Cod Café.
Through the province’s Community Prosperity Fund, three Cowichan Valley organizations will each receive $200,000 from the Nanaimo Foundation and the Kwu’mut Lelum Foundation. Nearly $107,000 will go to Nourish Cowichan to help with staffing needs, $70,000 will go to the Chemainus Harvest House for general operating and staffing costs, and $23,280 will go to the Cowichan Hospice Society to help with grief support training for youth and children’s service providers.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE