News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Jackie Hildering
Jackie Hildering, a cofounder, Humpback Whale Researcher and Education and Communication Director for the Marine Education and Research Society, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation medal.
Ace Hardware in Port Hardy is closing as part of Peavey Mart‘s 96-store Canada-wide closure.
An Indigenous Justice Centre, established by the First Nations Council of BC to carry out the First Nations Justice Strategy, officially opened in Port Hardy on January 23 at 6990 Market Street.
The Province of British Columbia is launching a new short-term rental registry to help families find housing and prevent speculators from acquiring properties. By May 1, 2025, hosts, platforms, and strata hotel platforms must register online with the province.
BC Men’s Sheds, a community group for men to learn new skills, explore interests, and socialize, recently held presentations in Port Hardy and Port McNeill to share information about their organization.
The District of Port Hardy is requesting quotes for the installation of a water line on the Seagate Wharf. Work Required: Install 2’ Schedule 80 PVC pipe down Seagate Wharf Pipe to be wrapped in provided insulation Pipe to be hung from north side gussets or under dock.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Ronnie Chickite
Ronnie Chickite, chief of the We Wai Kai First Nation, has been elected for another four-year term.
Campbell River is set to celebrate its city centre on February 6 with an event called A Night Out Downtown.
BC Hydro has started seismic modifications at Ladore Dam in Campbell River, a major dam safety project on Vancouver Island. Ladore Dam will safely contain and pass water downstream after a significant earthquake or flood with this improvement.
The North Island College campus in Campbell River will host an information session on Friday, February 7th regarding the upcoming spring programs offered by Campbell River ElderCollege.
Quadra Island fire service district plans to construct a new fire hall at a cost of $2.9 million.
EB Horsman Campbell River has opened a new facility at 904 Ironwood Street.
Campbell River Downtown Business Improvement Area bylaw has been renewed for five years from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029. The renewed bylaw will reflect changes to expand the boundaries of the BIA. The Downtown BIA’s budget in 2024 was $85,277. Under the renewed bylaw, the Downtown BIA’s budget will increase year-over-year, from $103,430 in 2025 to $116,461 in 2029. All the money granted for the Downtown BIA’s budget under the renewed bylaw will be collected from property owners within the BIA; it is not funded through taxation.
Habitat for Humanity is holding an Escape Room fundraiser on February 12 at 4 pm at 1260 Shoppers Row.
COMOX VALLEY
The award-winning variety show from Victoria troupe is set to hit Courtenay on Friday, Feb. 14. According to co-founder and producer Champagne Sparkles, audiences can expect an unforgettable experience presented by the Sid Williams Theatre Society’s Blue Circle Series.
In celebration of their 25th year of paddling, Hope Afloat, the dragon boat team for cancer survivors in the Comox Valley, is currently accepting new members for the upcoming season.
Eight additional charging outlets for electric vehicles (EVs) will be available in Courtenay when BC Hydro opens a new fast-charging station at ICBC Claim Centre.
Burger Factory Courtenay will soon open at 2230 Cliffe Ave Unit 4.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The 37th anniversary celebration of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival is scheduled for March 15–22, 2025.
BC Transit and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Government (ACRD) have announced that starting March 1, 2025, the West Coast Transit System, which is currently operated by the ACRD, will be transitioned to a service run by BC Transit.
The Longboard Nationals event scheduled to be held on March 29, 2025 was approved by the District of Tofino.
PORT ALBERNI
The Huu-ay-aht, Tseshaht, and Hupacasath First Nations are entering into a partnership with hotel developer MasterBUILT to construct Microtel Inns and Suites by Wyndham with a goal to increase the number of hotel rooms in the Alberni Valley.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is gathering impact statements from local businesses to ensure their concerns are communicated to government officials about the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
BC Housing has announced new proposed housing for Port Alberni which would feature 55 new homes and be located on city-owned land at 3027 and 3037 2nd Ave.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members: Outdoor Lovers Bed & Breakfast; Sproat Studio; The Broken Bow; Timberwolf Tree Service; Port Alberni Community Action Team; and V9Y Culinary Services.
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling is set to make its return to Port Alberni on February 21st at Maht Mahs Gym.
Witch’s Brew Café & Bakeshopis hosting a grand reopening on Feb 15.
Colyn’s Nursery & Florist reopened on Monday, February 3rd.
The Jumping Slug Community Cyclery has moved to its new location at 4691 Dundalk Avenue, South, Port Alberni.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Ruby Youngman
Ruby Youngman from Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach Realty has been named the 2024 Royal LePage® Rookie of the Year™ in British Columbia and across the nation.
The board of trustees for the Qualicum School District have decided to close the Craig Street Commons in Parksville on January 1, 2026.
The Trees Restaurant and Bakery, owned by Ted Spence, recently opened at 1385 Alberni Hwy, in Whiskey Creek.
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Adriana Blanco Law Corporation and Geitzler’s Cutting Edge.
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Destination BC, announces the launch of the first Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey. The chamber is asking tourism businesses to participate in the survey here.
NANAIMO
Sarah Chahley is starting a new position as Registered Social Worker at Island Health in the Primary Care Network, joining the team at the Caledonian Clinic in Nanaimo.
Wyatt Faraday has been hired as Assistant Golf Professional & Junior Coordinator at Nanaimo Golf Club.
Around The World Travel in Nanaimo is celebrating 65 years of serving its community.
Longwood Brewery is giving $1 from every 4-pack of Telegraph Cove Project Pale Ale sold, to The Whale Interpretive Centre and Telegraph Cove Resort & Campground to support the rebuild after the recent fire. They have increased production and distribution of the ale which can be found in liquor stores across British Columbia.
The Vault Cafe is celebrating 11 years in business.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Shana Thomas (Laxele’wuts’aat) has been appointed as the new hereditary chief of the Lyackson First Nation, a community of over 200 members located in the central Coast Salish Hul’q’umi’num region.
Organizers from Cobble Hill, Jackie and Jim Barker are seeking a new group to assume responsibility for the annual Garden House book sale.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre will hold an Open House on February 12th to celebrate Chamber Week and its 95th anniversary at the Chamber’s office.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, Just Gardens.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Thea Hitchcock has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area (BIA), succeeding Katherine Devine, who has transitioned to the role of President at Warmland Strategies consulting firm.
The Literacy Circle Society has named Valerie Houle as their new executive director.
Cowichan Valley Fitness and Nutrition studio located at 9774 Willow St. celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Leah and Matt Wilkes are the new owners of the The Olive Station at #7-225 Canada Ave.
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