News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Jacqueline Lotzkar
Jacqueline Lotzkar has been appointed as the new President & CEO of the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI), effective February 3.
Carolyn Rondeau has launched a new occupational therapy private practice, Pacific Coastal Therapy, in Victoria.
Greg Martin, Chief Operations Officer, celebrates 5 years with Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands & Yukon.
Sarah Powell has joined the BC Indigenous Housing Society Board of Directors.
Tristan Marshall has been promoted to General Manager at Victoria Hyundai.
Amy Pye has launched Otter Half Event Bartending, a new wedding and event bartending service in Victoria.
Carole Taylor, a veteran journalist and politician, will discuss the advantages and obstacles of establishing a province-wide continuum of care alongside three top addiction experts at the Save Our Streets Communities Driving Change Forum on January 23. Dr. Pouya Azar, Head of Complex Pain Coastal Health Service at Vancouver Coastal Health, will join Taylor on the panel discussing a continuum of care for addictions and mental illnesses. Also participating are Dr. Nickie Mathew, an addiction and forensic psychiatrist, and Marshall Smith, Vice President of Rubicon Strategy and former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Alberta.
Louise Elsey
Louise Elsey has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Devon Properties.
Tourism Industry Association of BC introduced the newest members of its board: Erin Cassels, Heather MacDonald, and Meghan Tabor.
Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) has been recognized as the latest pre-qualified non-profit organization for the Rental Protection Fund.
Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) in Victoria, Founders Factory, and Blue Action have launched Blue Action Canada, a Canadian chapter of the oceantech-focused Blue Action Accelerator. Eight British Columbia blue economy startups in offshore energy, ocean monitoring and data collecting, aquaculture, and coastal resilience will be supported by the accelerator’s pilot cohort.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Nicola Wealth, McElvaine Value Fund, Alpha Select Production and Services, and Scooait Solutions Ltd!
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2025 Board of Directors: Christina Clarke, Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, takes on the role of Board Chair, while James Gatsi, Business Development Manager with Tecnet Canada Inc., becomes the new Vice-Chair. Kris Wirk, Partner at Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., assumes the role of Past Chair after serving for two years as Chair. Joining the board for their first term, are Ashka Wirk, Principal of Wirk Consulting; Corey Gillon, CEO of Peninsula Co-op; Elizabeth Brown, C.M., President and CEO of the YYJ Victoria International Airport operated by Victoria Airport Authority; Mary Lou Newbold, Chief Eyewear Officer of Mayfair Optometric Clinic; and Spencer Walker, Director and Team Lead at CIBC Commercial Banking.
Andrew Pike
Andrew Pike, founder of Pike Law & Private Client Services, has joined Beacon Law Centre.
Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island announced the addition of Madison Yule, Haden Campbell, and Matthew Davis to its team.
Camosun Engineering Transfer students can now transfer to Simon Fraser University, Thompson River University, University of British Columbia (Vancouver and Okanagan locations), and the University of Northern British Columbia following the signing of the BC Common First Year Engineering Curriculum (BC CFYEC).
SPacific Print, a company specializing in custom printing, signage, promotional products, and laser cutting/engraving, is set to launch soon in Victoria.
Victoria City Council has given the green light for a new development permit, paving the way for the demolition of the Admiral Inn at 257 Belleville Street, which will be replaced by a 35-unit residential project.
From January 17th to February 1st, BC Ferries will be performing maintenance at the Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay ferry terminals.
Victoria Grizzlies announced a $5,000 donation to BC Special Olympics – Victoria through their Hometown Heroes program in collaboration with Keycorp Developments. Funds will be allocated to assist athletes and acquire necessary equipment.
Ed Cunningham, one of the original partners, has acquired Little June Cafe, bringing it under new management.
The old Little Jumbo location will soon be home to Cera Korean Tapas.
Victoria Whisky Festival returns from January 16–19.
Applications for the Wine Development Legacy Scholarships from the BC Hospitality Foundation close on January 24.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is excited to share the successful conclusion of the 16th Annual Gingerbread Showcase, held in collaboration with Peninsula Co-op and hosted for the second consecutive year by the Hotel Grand Pacific, significantly contributed to their mission of promoting affordable homeownership. This year’s event exceeded all expectations, achieving a remarkable total of $125,235.00 and attracting more than 18,300 votes for the People’s Choice Award, awarded to first-time entrant Amy Rice. Additional winners include:
- Best First Impression: The Power of Imagination by Jessica Hoehne
- Best Use of Skill and Technique: Christmas at Home by Amy Rice
- Best Interpretation of the Theme: Can’t See the Tree for the Presents by Elspeth Rodger, Pamela Parton, Deb & Lily Alfawicki, Patricia & Elizabeth Hardcastle
- Most Creative and Original: Green Thumbs from Outer Space by Jude Somers
- Most Diverse Use of Ingredients: Boundless Imagination by Sarah Rachel Hoffman
VRBA‘s 2025 Crystal Ball Housing Forecast will be held on Wednesday, January 15 at the Gorge Vale Golf Club, 1005 Craigflower Road, from 11:30 am to 2 pm. The following presenters will provide their perspectives to assist contractors, realtors, designers, trades, and suppliers in making critical decisions for 2025.
- Dirk Vanderwal, Chair, Victoria Real Estate Board
- Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist, British Columbia Real Estate Association
- Shiva Moshtari Doust, Lead Economist, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- Casey Edge, Executive Director, Victoria Residential Builders Association
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Vancouver Island has announced the Board of Directors for the 2025 calendar year. 2025 Board of Directors, Executive Committee
- Chair: Ian Taylor, Maxx Mortgages
- Vice Chair: Gary Eisenstein, Falcon-Software
- Past Chair: Richard Michaels, Maccrim Solutions
- Secretary: Mike Regimbal, Consultant
- Treasurer: Robyn Walle, Baker Tilly
Member at Large
- Walter J. Donald, The Executive Network
Directors
- Mark Breslauer, Commissionaires
- Mike Darling, Staff Sergeant, Victoria Police Department
- Derek Ballman, FloFORM Countertops for Life
- Gregg Meiklejohn, Consultant
- Steve Gaskin, Lighthouse Wealth
- Robert Bain, BainDoM
Greg Martin, COO of Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands & Yukon, marks five years of service.
Lisa Anderson has been named the new General Manager of Operations for the Westshore Rebels.
Aryze Developments will hold a meeting regarding the updated housing project at 1934 Hovey Rd. in Saanichton. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary’s Anglican Church.
Two specific areas have been designated for expropriation procedures in Saanich. One area is a small portion of 2543 Richmond Rd., which is less than 50 square meters, located at the intersection of Richmond Road and Haultain Street. The other area is nearly 430 square meters, and it includes multiple commercially owned plots at the intersection of Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road.
The development of a multi-story apartment building with 384 units, retail space, and one level of underground parking was approved by the Saanich council at Nicola MPC‘s request to postpone the start of the project at 1555-1595 McKenzie Ave.
The City of Langford has spent $9.8 million to acquire Woodlands Park, located at 848 Hockley Ave. and will bring more than six acres of greenery to the downtown area.
Expedia Cruises is hosting the Sale Like A Celebrity Event, an Exclusive In-Person Cruise Event on January 30. Visit 748 Goldstream Avenue for reservations.
The City of Langford Council will hold a New Year’s Open House on Saturday, January 25th at the Indigenous Perspectives Society, located at 664 Granderson Road.
Bev Petrow has been honoured as the member of the month by the Sooke Chamber of Commerce.
Integrated Benefit Solutions Inc. has joined the People Corporation group of companies.
Sooke has awarded a construction contract worth $1.944 million to Regehr Contracting for a new pedestrian bridge over DeMamiel Creek/Little River. This bridge will connect the Sunriver community to two school campuses off Throup Road, enhancing direct pedestrian access for Sunriver residents to Sooke’s town centre.
Mary’s Bleue Moon Cafe at 9535 Canora Rd. in Sidney is set to reopen soon following the completion of renovation work.
The Victoria Film Festival is set to take place in Sidney from February 7th to 16th.
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