News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Kwakiutl First Nation has been awarded $1 million to enhance Indigenous food sovereignty. This funding comes from United Way British Columbia’s Large Food Infrastructure Grant, in collaboration with the Government of British Columbia and the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction.
MP Aaron Gunn of Powell River, North Island, has been appointed to the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.
The grand reopening ceremony of the Kyle Scow Memorial Skatepark in Port Hardy is set for Sunday, July 27.
Strategic Natural Resource Group and Eastwood Forests, LLC have reached a management agreement for the company’s recently purchased forest assets on Northern Vancouver Island, which will be referred to as Portside Forests.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Tiičma Enterprises announced the acquisition of the building located at 1250 Ironwood Street, which has served as the Campbell River administrative office of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) and Tiicma Enterprises for the past five years and three years, respectively. This purchase reflects a deep investment in the future of the KCFN community and a strong commitment to supporting the spaces where essential services are delivered. The building has long served as a hub for KCFN leadership, services, businesses and community engagement. Tiičma Property Services LP, the property management arm of Tiicma Enterprises looks forward to continuing to provide a safe, accessible, and well-maintained space for both KCFN and Tiičma Enterprises operations.
Rod Brind’Amour, the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, has received the King Charles 111 Coronation Medal from Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Campbell River Chapter.
From July 10th to the 13th, Campbell River will play host to the Indigenous Multi-Sport Summer Camp, a collaborative effort of the Strathcona Regional District, the City of Campbell River, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council, and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
Burnin’ Stuff Meals and More, a new business located at 871 13th Ave in Campbell River, celebrates its successful opening.
Headz Up Campbell River will soon be opening at 2 938 Island Hwy, Campbell River.
More on The Shore, a new restaurant located at the pier of Coast Marina, is now officially open.
COMOX VALLEY
Nootka Marine Adventures announced the launch of the Nootka Sound Tuna Showdown, a new annual Albacore tuna fishing tournament taking place September 6–13, 2025 at Moutcha Bay Resort on Vancouver Island. Presented by Port Boathouse and Yamaha, this week-long event will bring together up to 40 teams and 160 anglers for a high-stakes competition in some of the Pacific’s most productive late-season tuna waters.
Joe Smith, an artist from Comox Valley, is set to host an open house at his gallery and studio located at 5867 Garvin Road in Union Bay, on June 21 and 22.
Monk Office is set to celebrate its Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting on July 2, 2025, at 208A 5th St. in Courtenay.
Project Watershed hosted their Volunteer Appreciation event at the Kus-Kus-sum site this past weekend with the support of Atlas Café and The Old Farm Market!
60 Minutes Toastmasters (TM) officially merged with Comox Valley TM on June 4, 2025.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes news members: North Island Students’ Union, Old House Notary and Charlie Shot That.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Short-term rental restrictions are no longer implemented in Tofino, as the province has granted an exemption.
The Roar restaurant at Hotel Zed in Tofino is currently seeking a Sous Chef to join its team.
PORT ALBERNI
Alberni Adventure Gear has opened for business in Port Alberni.
The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) announced a change in its leadership with the appointment of a Co-CEO structure, effective July 1, 2025. Current President and CEO Zoran Knezevic will be joined in executive leadership by Mike Carter, PAPA’s Vice President of Operations, who will assume the position of Co-CEO.
West Hump Gear Exchange is moving locations on July 1 to the Harbour Quay.
The Alberni Valley Visitor Centre reopened on June 2.
Celebrate PA! A community Canada day event will take place July 1 at the Harbour Quay.
Rotary Club of Port Alberni recently presented a donation to The Community Arts Council.
West Hump Gear Exchange is moving locations on July 1 to the Harbour Quay.
Paving work on 10th Avenue at Burde Street is complete.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District will be presenting their 2024 Statement of Financial Information on June 25.
Pacific Rim School District has announced the appointment of new individuals to the following positions:
- Vice-Principal Appointment – Haellie Kynoch at Tsuma-as Elementary School
- District Principal Appointment – Dave Maher at Eighth Avenue Learning Centre
- Vice-Principal Appointment – Lisa Trembley at Eighth Avenue Learning Centre
- District Vice Principal of Learning and Innovation – Stephanie Spring
- District Vice-Principal of Inclusive Education – Lisa Fryer
- Director of Operations – Alex Taylor
- Assistant Director of Operations – Jeffrey Goode
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Al Descoteau and the Descoteau Family mark 45 years of business at Terminal Autobody in Parksville.
Huijie (Jay) Xia is starting a new position as Banking Centre Leader CIBC Parksville at CIBC.
Basics & Beyond Wellness, a functional wellness clinic providing body contouring, facial treatments, skin rejuvenation, mind rejuvenation, and IV vitamin therapy by Judy Sparkes, is located at #4A – 220 Island Hwy W, Parksville.
The Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department is celebrating their 60th anniversary at the Coombs Fairgrounds on June 21.
Hatched Baby + Kids has opened in Qualicum Beach at #101 – 664 Beach Road.
NANAIMO
Jordan Place launched Marmot Heating & Cooling, an HVAC/R business owned and run on Vancouver Island.
The Nanaimo location of Prairie Coast Equipment, a John Deere dealership that consistently ranks among the best in the country, is expanding its sales team with the addition of a Turf Equipment Sales Representative.
4EVER Strategies has announced a strategic partnership with Destination Wayfinder, a global leader, to promote destination stewardship results in the Canadian travel and tourism industry.
The Nanaimo City Council has unanimously approved the re-zoning of 1850 Boxwood Rd in Green Rock Industrial Park to accommodate a complex care home.
The Seaspan Garibaldi has successfully carried out a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation at anchor in Lake Saint Anne. This LNG-powered car carrier is chartered by EUKOR and managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping Limited.
Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share is expanding in the region to include a greater number of neighbourhoods, including North Nanaimo, with the addition of 60 new e-scooters and 21 new parking zones.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Western Forest Products is set to temporarily halt operations at its Chemainus sawmill starting June 18.
The Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association has been granted a one-year license of use agreement by the North Cowichan council to establish a community food garden at 9800 Willow St. in Chemainus.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and the Island Corridor Foundation, backed by provincial support, have obtained $1 million in funding from B.C.’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program for the renovation of the historic Ladysmith train station.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Duncan Pharmacy, owned by Neel and Rupal Tanna, has relocated to a larger location at 101-725 Canada Ave.
Up to 300,000 tons of waste rock from the former Blue Grouse mining site, which is situated on the south side of Cowichan Lake, may be processed for residual minerals by Sasquatch Resources, a mining business based in Vancouver.
The new winery and tasting room at Unsworth Vineyard is close to completion after two years of planning and 15 months of construction.
Island Good, Vancouver Island’s premier shop-local branding initiative, will be jointly sponsored by Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures Cowichan to provide support to local businesses.
Interchange Recycling‘s sixth annual Top Collector Awards recognized Cowichan’s Bings Creek Recycling Centre and Ladysmith’s Peerless Road Recycling Centre as among 30 public recycling centres in B.C. for their outstanding performance and commitment to collecting used oil and antifreeze materials in 2024.
The Duncan location of Wiffle Games, 5795 Duncan St., is now open on Sundays.
Cowichan Search and Rescue is partnering with Duncan Daybreak Rotary Club to launch a major fundraising initiative to build a new $2.5-million hall.
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