News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
On March 12, the Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy will host a hands-on learning session on systemic discrimination in collaboration with the Welcoming Communities Coalition of the Immigrant Welcome Centre and the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner of British Columbia.
The Port Alice Golf Club has been officially rebranded as the Port Alice Heritage Golf Club. Russell Murray, a councillor from Port Alice, has been elected as the club’s new president. Tyler Boese has been appointed as the vice president.
The Airport Inn-Port Hardy is currently offering a Spring Break Special that will be available until March 24th.
Port Hardy Chamber Luncheon: Industry Update from BHP. Hear all about what is happening at Island Copper on March 18th from 11:45 to 1 pm at Kwa’lilas Hotel.
The District of Port Hardy is now accepting applications from energetic students interested in summer employment with our Public Works and Parks Department.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Dylan Baker
Dylan Baker has been honoured with the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award from the Government of Canada in recognition of his commitment to emergency management. The Strathcona Regional District proudly celebrates Dylan who made an exceptional contribution to the field of search and rescue (SAR) with the creation of the SAR Command Assist (SCA), a groundbreaking tool that significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of the Incident Command System (ICS) paperwork during SAR operations.
Naturally Pacific Resort is hosting an Open House in Campbell River, on March 6th.
Aura Salon has officially opened at 2190 S Island Hwy, Campbell River.
The Merle Norman Cosmetics & Day Spa in Campbell River is permanently closing on March 31st.
Meera Bakery Cafe officially opens for business at 970 Shoppers Row, Campbell River.
COMOX VALLEY
Deb Jones
Deb Jones celebrates 18th anniversary of employment at Uniglobe Travel.
Island Inspirations Salon, located at 550 Comox Rd, Courtenay, recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary.
Freyja – The croissant story, recently opened its Courtenay location at 397 5th Street.
Budget Blinds has completed its move to a larger space at 4635 Madrona Place in Courtenay.
Comox Chamber of Commerce Bites and Insights Breakfast will feature Hufnagel Consulting on ‘Simplifying Work with AI’ on March 20th at 7:30 am. March 2025 Business After Business will be hosted by Nufloors Comox Valley Floor Centre on March 27th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at 2920 Moray Ave.
The creators of Dice Hockey, David and Anne Leverton (Leverton & Associates) attended the New York City Toy Fair this past weekend as one of almost 1,000 exhibitors and toy producers.
The CVRD received a 4.51 acre land donation from Resolute North Holdings Ltd. through the federal Ecological Gifts Program. This donation is located adjacent to Maris Nature Park.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Tanya Nestoruk is starting a new position as Education Coordinator and Senior Naturalist at Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet.
Poplar Grove Winery will be the featured winery at the Winemaker’s Dinner on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art is hosing TREEDOM – a curated group show featuring stunning paintings and photography on March 6, from 5-7 pm.
Tofino Chamber welcomes new member Venical Holdings Ltd.
PORT ALBERNI
Amix Group of Campbell River has taken ownership of the former Alberni Pacific Division (APD) Sawmill on Port Alberni’s waterfront. Amix purchased just over 18 hectares (45 acres) of the APD site to relocate the tug and barge business from Campbell River to the Alberni Inlet and is also leasing two lots on the water side for a new marine terminal.
Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar in Port Alberni is celebrating its 3rd anniversary with a Bundle Sale from March 14 – 16.
Inner Fire Studio, located at 4795 Gertrude St, Port Alberni, is celebrating 1 year anniversary.
Flandangles Kitchen & Gifts/Gibson’s Fine Linens celebrates its 45th anniversary by offering a 45 per cent discount on in-stock, regular-priced items.
Due to financial constraints, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Information Centre in Port Alberni will be closed for the month of March.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Milner Gardens & Woodland at 2179 Island Hwy West, Qualicum Beach, is open for the 2025 season.
A well-utilized green area near the Parksville and Civic Technology Centre, located at 250 Craig St., was recently designated as park land by the Parksville council.
As part of their Rescue Ready 2025 initiative, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue has acquired a Matrice 350 RTK drone, significantly enhancing their capabilities.
The Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville will submit an application for $80,000 from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which funds initiatives to increase local governments’ ability to respond to crises.
Qualicum Beach Chamber Business After Business is happening at Deez Bar & Grill on March 6th at 5 pm. RSVP needed.
Parksville Chamber Business After Business is at M&N Mattress & Sofa on March 20th at 5 pm. They also welcome new members: Bee Happy! Cleaning owned by Kirsten Scoffield and PQ Self Storage Ltd.
NANAIMO
Jacob Vey is starting a new position as Sales Manager at Nanaimo Chrysler Ltd.
Ondrea Ross has been hired as the new General Manager at Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will hold its AGM themed “Stronger Together: Building the Future of Business through Collaboration” from June 3-5, 2025, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, located at 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo.
Downs Construction, an associate of The Pro-Claim Group, is opening a new office in Nanaimo.
Sitework is about to begin for the new BC Cancer centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, with an expected completion date in 2028.
Superior Glove, Canadian-owned leading manufacturers of industrial safety gloves and sleeves, will be at the Make it Safe Vancouver Island Summit on March 13 at the Coast Bastion Nanaimo Hotel.
Tickets are now available for the Europa Super Circus, which will be performing under the Big Top at Nanaimo North Town Centre from April 17th to 27th.
Nominations are now open for the 25th Nanaimo Business Awards until March 15.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Vancouver Island, BC Hydro, and FortisBC to host Vancouver Island Housing Solutions. This full-day event, set for March 11 at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo, will bring together industry leaders to address housing challenges through collaborative discussions focused on gentle density, workforce development, affordability, and sustainability.
The Nanaimo Chamber will host a luncheon on March 13, at the Nanaimo Golf Club, located at 2800 Highland Blvd, featureing Jason Yochim who is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board.
Vendor applications are now open for the Commercial Street Night Market, which will be held every Thursday from June 19th to August 28th in downtown Nanaimo.
Rotary Nanaimo and Lantzville will host a business after hours networking event on March 20 at the 808 Wing RCAF Association Building, located at 719 Nanaimo Lakes Rd., Nanaimo.
April luncheon and annual general meeting of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce will be held at The Grand Hotel, 4898 Rutherford Road, and will feature a speech by Fiona Famulak, CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.
The BC Arts Council and Creative BC have announced the recipients of their Interactive Fund partnership, which includes VRCS (Virtual Reality Cafe Simulation) and Clip Through Interactive in Nanaimo, receiving $10,000.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is calling for qualified firms to submit proposals for a bypass pumping plan that will manage all incoming flows to the Nanoose Bay Pollution Control Centre (NBPCC).
Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW, 2025, the annual Spring Break event, will be held in Nanaimo in March. On March 17–21, VIBE Dance Studios will have a Hip Hop Dance workshop with Olivia Rockall, and on March 24–28, there will be a Forum Theatre workshop with Renae (Ra-Nye) Morriseau. On March 29, both groups will unite for a community performance where they will celebrate their efforts and share their stories.
Nanoose Fire Department received a new fire engine for the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD). The approximate cost of $1.1 million is funded by $661,450 in Growing Community Funds and $438,550 from reserves. The fire truck is specially designed to meet the unique challenges of rural firefighting in the community.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Deena Beeston
Deena Beeston has been elected as the mayor of Ladysmith.
On Feb. 7, 32 former MacMillan Bloedel and Western Forest Products employees who worked at the Chemainus sawmill celebrate its 25th anniversary with a breakfast.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is having their March Business Mixer on March 26th from 4-6 pm at Left Coast Fashion & Design.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Thea Hitchcock
Thea Hitchcock is the new Executive Director of the Downtown Duncan BIA. Thea brings nearly a decade of experience in Child and Family Services, with a focus on leadership, program development and implementation.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce welcomes news members: Spruced Up Landscaping, Kim Peters, Accounting Partners and BeeLuxe Painting.
Becky Hogg, a business owner, is officially running for North Cowichan Council in the By Election.
The Big Scoop, located at Berkey’s Corner 3301 Cowichan Lake Rd., has permanently closed.
Doom City Records is the newest member of the Downtown Duncan core.
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