News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
North Island Employment (NIEFS) has officially relocated to its new office space in the former Monk Office storefront located at 102- 7160 Rupert Street.
The Kwakiutl Health Centre will lead the Mount Waddington United Way Food Hub, according to the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS). MWFLS will support the Food Hub as a spoke while focusing on literacy under Kwakiutl Health Centre’s new leadership.
A new pizza spot has opened in Port Hardy at Tandoori Junction 2 Restaurant.
WorkBC Centre–Port Hardy will host an In-Person Job Fair on Tuesday, March 4th, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. A sensory-friendly hour for job seekers is scheduled from 9:30 am to 10:15 am.
Port Hardy Recreation now has a movie license for an entire year, sponsored by Nimmo Bay, Rotary, Keltic, K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation and Pacific Seafood.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Rob Shaw
Rob Shaw officially made the move to eXp Realty and joined the EPIC Group.
Compass Dental‘s next Smiles from the Hearts event will be hosted on January 25th 2025 at 150 Dogwood St. Campbell River.
Beginning on January 7, the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre and Campbell River Waste Management Centre will both have improved system functionality with the installation of new software.
A Secondary Suite Grant Program, which would be funded by the $10.4 million the city received from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, is being considered by the City of Campbell River on January 9.
COMOX VALLEY
Dianne Hawkins
Dianne Hawkins serves as the Program Coordinator for the Skills Bridge initiative aimed at supporting Internationally Trained Workers at North Island Employment Foundations Society.
Waypoint has appointed Julia Farina as its new Director of Branch Operations, Auto.
Waypoint has relocated to its new office location at 101 – 841 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay.
Valley Vibe, Sweet Salvage Courtenay & Comox, Repeat Boutique, Isla Consignment, Selkie Sisters Collective, Wolf Shed, and West & Co. are participating in the second year of the Comox Valley Consignment Crawl, which takes place from January 15th to February 15th.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Wickaninnish Inn‘s facilities, including The Pointe Restaurant, On The Rocks Bar, Driftwood Café, and Ancient Cedars Spa, are closed to prepare for the 2025 season. The Inn will re-open on Friday, February 7th.
The Tofino Chamber announce that Myles Beeby has been appointed the new President of the Board of Directors, replacing Laura McDonald.
The District of Tofino is now accepting applications for the 2025 Council Grant program. 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Up to a maximum of $3900 per application for eligible applicants. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲:Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
The District of Tofino recorded net revenue from pay parking surpassed $555,000 in 2024. These funds are directed into the District’s Pay Parking Reserve Fund, Recreation Facilities Reserve Fund and Road Infrastructure Reserve Fund, which supports a range of community initiatives.
PORT ALBERNI
Tilly Mint Studios, hair salon, has opened for business.
The Jumping Slug Community Cyclery is moving locations to the Port Alberni Industrial Block.
Port Alberni Port Authority has issued a request for proposals for Real Estate Appraisal Services.
Alberni-Clayoquot Transit Service handyDART is expanding, changes will be effective January 5th HandyDART weekday service will be increased, and a Saturday service will be introduced, with two additional buses to support the expansion. This expansion was made possible with funding from the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Government and the Province.
The introduction of an advanced X-ray system at West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) is significantly enhancing medical imaging capabilities. This cutting-edge technology, replaces the existing X-ray system, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care. The $1,833,000 project was cost shared between Island Health ($1,244,388), the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Hospital District (ACRHD) ($500,000), and the Ministry of Health ($88,612). In addition to technological upgrades, WCGH is expanding its X-ray room to allow more room to deliver care to patients.
The Grove Gallery is launching 2025 with a retrospective exhibit in celebration of the Community Arts Council’s 60th anniversary. This special exhibition, “60 Years of Alberni Arts,” runs from January 6 through February 1 and will explore the Arts Council of the Alberni Valley’s enduring legacy and impact on the arts community.
Witch’s Brew Café & Bakeshop officially opened at its new location.
Second Chance Used Books celebrates their one-year anniversary.
Kismet Quilts will be closing their physical store front, with the last day of business January 25, they will continue to operate online.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
A new appointment-based medical clinic, Care2Talk Health-plus, is set to open in Qualicum Beach in March 2025.
IWC Excavation has completed construction of the Rupert Road Watermain Extension project in Qualicum Beach, supported by a $720,000 contribution from the RDN’s Electoral Area G Community Works Fund.
The Parksville Beach Festival will be accepting sculptor applications for the 2025 competition from July 10 to July 13 in Parksville Community Park. The festival continues until August 17.
Inclusion Parksville will be hosting the January Business After Business on January 16 from 5-7 pm at 249 Hirst Avenue..
NANAIMO
Michael Hopp
Ashdown Capital has named Michael Hopp, managing broker on Vancouver Island, its 2024 Broker of the Year. Ashdown Capital Vancouver Island has been recognized as the Top Team of 2024.
Vanessa Savoie has been hired as the new Program Manager at lululemon.
BC Construction Safety Alliance announced the launch of its new First Aid Assessment App to support construction employers in BC.
The BC Hydro Peace Agriculture Compensation Fund is now accepting applications for its first intake of 2025.
Vancouver Island has been recognized as a leading travel destination for 2025.
Farmers are invited to apply for financial support via the Buy BC Partnership program. This initiative aims to assist producers, processors, and associations in enhancing food security and boosting sales, with a total funding pool of $2 million available.
As of December 31, pay rates for farm workers involved in produce picking saw an increase of approximately four percent.
On January 7, Wine Growers BC and Premier David Eby celebrated the launch of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) program. This initiative is designed to regulate direct sales from B.C. wineries to consumers in Alberta, addressing key concerns in the industry.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island are holding their Eco Elegance Fashion Show on April 5, 2025.
Nanaimo Chamber‘s January Business After Business is being held at Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic Inc, on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 5-7 pm at 3034 Ross Rd.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce first Business Mixer of 2025 will be held on January 21st at at the Ladysmith Museum (721 1st Avenue) from 5-7 pm.
CDN Calculations Ltd. has been recognized as the Accountant of Ladysmith, winning the Canadian Choice Award 2025.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Municipality of North Cowichan sold the 2.9-acre plot of land at 6060 Canada Ave., the location of the former North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP post, to Cowichan Tribes for $1.2 million.
Cowichan Valley Regional District will hold its annual election on January 9, where new leadership may be elected, potentially replacing current chair Tom Duncan and vice chair Hilary Abbott, or they may retain their positions.
A new BarBurrito restaurant has opened its doors in Duncan, located on Trans Canada Hwy., marking a first for the Cowichan Valley.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE