News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Carmen Rempel
Carmen Rempel has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
A new operations and digital transformation consultancy has launched on Vancouver Island. Aiyarise Intelligence Inc., co-founded by Brayden Everton and Rachel Krayenhoff, is now accepting clients as of May 1st, offering tailored support to businesses navigating change in an increasingly digital world. Visit their website www.aiyarise.com, or contact rachel@aiyarise.com.
According to the National Day Calendar, April 15th celebrates National Laundry Day, Glazed Spiral Ham Day, Titanic Remebrance Day and Rubber Eraser Day. Who knew? Also celebrated is World Art Day!
Two No Frills stores will be opened on Vancouver Island by Loblaw as part of their $2.2 billion expansion plan for their cheap brands in 2025. In the beginning of 2026, a No Frills will open in Chemainus, and a second No Frills will open in downtown Victoria at the Victoria Public Market.
David Carere of Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites has been named the winner of the March Victoria Hospitality Awards.
The Koningsdam from Holland America Line has docked at the Breakwater District in Ogden Point, marking the start of the 2025 cruise season in Victoria.
White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., Ethos Capital, and BCI will purchase a co-control ownership stake in BroadStreet, joining Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan as a current stakeholder.
The Victoria Police Department has appointed Fiona Wilson, a senior member of the Vancouver Police Department, as its new chief constable.
BCI has been recognized for the sixth consecutive year as one of Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers.
Greater Victoria Chamber welcomes new members Clairmont Conditioning, Wilderly, Cook Roberts LLP and Lifetime Sheet Metal and Wall Systems.
Proline Management Ltd. recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The 23rd annual VIATEC awards finalists have been announced. The event is is being held on May 1st at the Victoria Conference Centre. Finalists and ticket information can be found here.
Brown Bros Property Management is offering 1 month free rent at three locations across Greater Victoria: Langford Walk at 2681 Claude Rd, Glendale Apartments at 945 Fairfield Rd, and Heritage Apartments at 2312 Wark St.
Economic development professionals in British Columbia will have access to first-rate training in investment recruitment thanks to a new relationship by ResearchFDI and the BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA).
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Clairmont Conditioning (Mylan Clairmont), Wilderly, Cook Roberts LLP, and Lifetime Sheet Metal and Wall Systems.
The Victoria Foundation is marking its 20th anniversary of the launch of Vital Signs in Greater Victoria.
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is set to mark its 70th anniversary on April 18, 2025.
The Victoria Conservatory of Music is excited to announce the 43rd Annual Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour, a treasured tradition that honors moms, music, and our City of Gardens’ thriving garden culture scheduled on May 10 and May 11, 2025.
The annual cannabis summit, organized by the BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC), will be held in Victoria on April 16, emphasizing the province’s economic potential and cannabis legacy.
Brunch buffet for Mother’s Day will be available at LURE Restaurant and Bar at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort on May 11.
The construction of a new daycare centre next to St. Joseph’s Elementary on Burnside Road West is underway, according to a recent announcement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria and the Catholic Independent Schools of the Diocese of Victoria.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria has announced that it will host a friendly rematch with the Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club at Royal Athletic Park during the 2025 season.
Swartz Bay Berth 5 has been reopened by BC Ferries after a renovation project that cost approximately $20 million. The project aims to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate larger vessels.
The new Saanich facility of Allius Counselling and Family Mediation Services, at 7819 E Saanich Road in Central Saanich, is now accepting clients.
Saanich has put forward a plan for redevelopment on district-owned land that could bring up to 400 new housing units near the Royal Oak Shopping Centre.
BC Transit is officially inaugurated its new Provincial Distribution Centre and will operate from the Wildcat Industrial Complex, which was recently constructed in Colwood.
The inauguration of Sooke.Live was celebrated by Sooke Radio at Cafe Vosino on April 13.
Sookarama, Sooke’s trade show, is set to return to the SEAPARC Recreation Centre on April 26.
The Sooke Shelter Society is currently in search of individuals who are community-minded to serving on its Board of Directors.
In an effort to improve the quality of life for elderly citizens at Ayre Manor Assisted Living, the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation (SJDFHF) started holding a series of 50/50 draws to generate money for supplies used by neighborhood health organizations.
Janet’s Special Teas has officially moved to a new location in downtown Sidney at 2367 Beacon Ave.
The AGM of the Sidney Museum and Archives Society is scheduled for April 22 in the Arbutus Room at Sidney Municipal Hall, and the organization is currently accepting nominations for its board of directors.
Cameron Rose has officially relocated to 2506 Beacon Ave., near its previous location.
Lanford Council has endorsed the Construction Impact Management Strategy at the recent meeting on April 7th. The framework aims to minimize neighbourhood disruptions and promote good neighbour practices among developers and contractors from the outset of construction across Langford.
Congratulations to Peter B. Gustavson School of Business students; Matt Thompson, Joe Nakabayashi, Camila Colcas Velasquez, Taylor Snelgrove and Carter Fawcett for winning first place at the 21st annual RBC Case Competition!
As of May 1, 2025, the Province has required that all Short Term Rentals in BC must be registered on the Provincial Short Term Rental Registry, or their listing will be taken down from online platform.
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