News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
The undeveloped field situated between Campbell Way and McNeill Road, just below the cenotaph, has been authorized by the Port McNeill Town Council as the designated site for a future skatepark.
Port McNeill is celebrating 60th anniversary in February 2026.
CAAMPBELL RIVER
North Island Employment Foundations Society (NIEFS) has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Ambassador Award by the Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Vancouver Island.
During Small Business Week, which takes place from October 19 to 25, the City of Campbell River is inviting entrepreneurs, managers, and business owners to contribute their feedback and insights during the business walk and meetings. The meetings will take place at the Tidemark Theatre on October 19, and at the City of Campbell River Airport terminal on October 21.
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board will host the Town Hall Meeting at at Royal LePage Advance Realty on October 16.
Discovery West Adventures in Campbell River now accepts the Access 2 Card.
Frank Joe, RFT, recently concluded his tenure as Forestry Manager with SDC subsidiary Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) LLP.
COMOX VALLEY
Jim Zsiros of J. Zsiros Contracting has been awarded the Maverick Award for sustainable building.
Frontrunners has opened a new story in Cumberland at 2699 Dunsmuir Ave.
Fiona McQuillan has been appointed as the new Rural Business Advisor for the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s Rural Business Retention and Expansion Project.
The Healing, an art collaborative healing exhibition by the Art Writers Ghost Collective, is on display at the Pearl Ellis Gallery from October 14 to November 8. The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday, October 18.
PARKSVILLE/QUALICUM
Marc Norris, the Fire Chief of Parksville, was awarded the 35-year Provincial Long Service Bar and the Office of the Fire Commissioner of British Columbia’s long service distinction in recognition of his exceptional commitment to community fire safety.
Parksville Fitness ETC has opened its new location at 164 Alberni Hwy Unit 105, Parksville.
The “Imagine Parksville Downtown” project, a groundbreaking community economic diversification initiative, has been launched by the Parksville Downtown Business Association. The Province of British Columbia has provided generous funding for this project through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The Parksville Beach Festival Society gave a record-breaking $88,201 to PQB-area charitable groups.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce will host a Business After Business event at their new location in the WestWave Building, #3 – 187 Bagshaw Street, on October 16.
Arrowsmith Archers, a division of the Parksville Fish & Game Association, will be hosting its annual Open House at 2531 Nanoose Beach Rd, Nanoose Pentecostal Camp, on October 19.
PORT ALBERNI
Lady Rose Marine Services has launched a new water taxi service.
A qualified partner is being sought by the Synergy Foundation to develop and implement a skills training program in the Port Alberni region. The program will be centred on supporting workers in transitioning into marine and blue economy professions or providing upskilling opportunities.
The Port Alberni Friendship Centre celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Ahousaht’s Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society is set to launch a 35-unit rental complex at 4210 Cedarwood Street in Port Alberni on October 17.
The president and vice-president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Judith Sayers and Les Doiron, have been elected to serve another term.
TOFINO/UCLUELET
Wickaninnish Inn was named the third-best resort in the United States and Canada category and the first-best resort in Canada in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards, as announced by Condé Nast Traveller.
NANAIMO
Ben Whyte celebrated his tenth anniversary with Barkley Project Group Ltd., while Andrew Medgyesi marked his third anniversary with the company.
Pomerleau has been chosen by DP World as the design-build contractor for Phase 2/3 of the Duke Point Terminal expansion project in Nanaimo. The project is being funded through a combination of public and private investments, including $46.2 million from the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and $15 million from the Province of British Columbia under the Regional Port Enhancement Program, a component of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan. The project is also supported by the Snuneymuxw First Nation and a 50-year lease agreement between DP World and the Port of Nanaimo.
Allegra Marketing Print Mail has announced a change in ownership, now led by local entrepreneurs and business partners Saurabh Patel and Hardik Patel.
Prompt Payment legislation has been implemented by the provincial government, a significant advancement for construction professionals. This legislation guarantees that they receive equitable and expeditious compensation, thereby maintaining the momentum of their projects and the stability of their businesses throughout the province.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia‘s police academy is receiving $4 million in funding from the province to add 96 new training seats per class for police recruits.
Cocktails & Connections, an event hosted by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, will take place at the Coast Bastion Hotel on December 4.
Secret Nail Bar Nanaimo has opened its newest location at Southgate Shopping Centre.
Mountain Equipment Company will open its second store at 2517 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo in December.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS
The Happy Hedgehog Childcare Centre, located at 205 Bayview Ave. in Ladysmith, opened its doors on October 1.
Food First Chemainus was presented with a check for $1,063.18 by the Rotary Club of Chemainus.
A development on Rocky Creek Road in Ladysmith, Marina View Estates, has been announced to include over 11,000 square feet of office and retail space. The design for the project is being provided by BJK Architecture, while FMC Holdings is the developer. It is anticipated that the initial building will be completed in Q2/Q3, 2026.
COWICHAN VALLEY/DUNCAN
Dr. Blossom de Bruin, Dr. Melissa Jung and Dr. Karyn Arthur have joined Duncan’s Kinsol Veterinary Clinic.
Deadhead Brew Co, located at 5301 Chaster Road #203, Duncan, celebrates its 1 year anniversary.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce will hold a Morning Member Meetup at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, located at 2896 Drinkwater Road, on October 17, 2025.
The next Chamber Mix & Mingle event hosted by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce will take place at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre on October 23.
Outlooks Menswear Duncan has closed after 14 years in business.
Approximately $4,700 has been raised by Duncan’s Dairy Queen for this year’s Tour de Rock.
The CVRD website and the new North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment have been recognized with Climate & Energy Action Awards for their contributions to the mitigation of climate change.
An ceremony will be held at the Oceanfront Hotel in Cowichan Bay on October 16th to announce the formal launch of the Cowichan Women’s Business Network.
Little Town Pizza is moving to 9780 Willow Street in Chemainus.
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