News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Boyan Lesov
Boyan Lesov from the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour has been honored as the May winner of the Victoria Hospitality Awards.
Sahil Sharma is starting a new position as a Personal Lines Executive with HUB International.
Craig Beaucamp will take over as head coach of the Chargers‘ men’s basketball team, Camosun College Athletics announced.
Barnacle Systems Inc., an award-winning vehicle and vessel monitoring technology manufacturer, will exhibit BRNKL Green at CANSEC 2026, Canada’s largest defence and security trade event. At the Babcock Canada booth #113 at the Cohere Centre (previously EY Centre) in Ottawa, Ontario, on May 27-28, 2026, BRNKL Green will be displayed atop a Cambli BlackWolf tactical armoured vehicle with fully operational iSupport360™ components for hands-on demos.
The City has decided to waive permit fees until January 29, 2027, aiming to promote housing and development while reducing construction costs in Victoria.
Pacific Economic Development Canada has announced an investment of over $7.9M in three Greater Victoria-based defence projects through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative. These projects include the University of Victoria’s Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems Lab, which will receive $1.43M+, the University of Victoria Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR), which will receive $4M, and Atreides, which will receive $2.48M.
Dustin Holland
Dustin Holland is starting a new position as Project Analyst with Island Health.
Westridge Painting & Coating Ltd. started work at Constance House in Victoria.
Raven & Cedar LTD. is now open for trade partnerships.
The Greater Victoria Housing Society has teamed up with BC Builds for a new affordable rental project in the capital region.
Novarc has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Ocean to collaborate on advanced naval and commercial shipbuilding applications, utilizing their leading industrial Physical AI platform and Enterprise Welding Intelligence.
The new housing complex located behind Victoria High School, spanning multiple properties from Gladstone to Grant Street in Fernwood, has officially opened its doors.
The Verdier, located at 1183 Verdier Ave. in Brentwood Bay, will shortly begin construction. The project is scheduled to be finished in 2028 and will provide 110 rental houses for individuals with low and moderate incomes. The demolition of old buildings is already ongoing.
The City of Victoria and the Downtown Victoria Business Association are organizing World Cup viewing parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Anglican Diocese has received approval to rezone the Christ Church Cathedral block for a variety of purposes, including the possible construction of over 300 additional housing units, businesses, and public areas.
The YWCA of Vancouver Island is launching it’s The Gift of Camp campaign, part of a nation-wide initiative to help ensure no child or youth misses out on Y camp experiences due to financial barriers.
This summer, the Victoria Conservatory will be welcoming a diverse array of music programs and workshops for all ages, as well as aspiring musicians, young creators, and lifelong learners. The Summer Strings Faculty in Concert will commence the summer concert season on July 7 at 4:30 p.m.
The internationally renowned team behind Wind Cries Mary and Rudi, Cottage Hospitality Group, based in Victoria, opens Birdman, their third and most unabashedly acclaimed restaurant to date. Birdman, which is located in downtown Victoria at the historic 537 Johnson Street was to the public on May 22.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria‘s exhibition, “As waters merge—swaying waves beckoning us closer,” will open on June 6 and feature two free public events.
Saanich has granted a building permit for a $158 million housing project that would feature 210 affordable housing units and a contemporary Nellie McClung Library that is twice as large as the previous one.
The Peninsula Country Market returns June 6 at the Saanich Fairgrounds, 1521 Stelly’s Cross Rd.
The local government of Central Saanich sent a reminder that property tax notices are in the mail and are due July 2, 2026.
The BC Lions are partnering with Coulson Aviation to promote fire safety awareness.
The annual Sooke Secret Garden and Artisans Tour is set to return on June 6 and 7 at 1775 Connie Rd.
The Marakai in Colwood, developed by Traine Construction and managed by Mainline Living, in now open.
Arbutus Landing in Colwood, developed by Astria Properties is moving through the final stages of construction.
The Sooke Crabfest is returning on September 19, 2026.
Quadrant Marine Institute is celebrating 30 years of Marine Service Excellence in BC.
Cascadia Seaweed has officially opened its advanced seaweed processing facility in Port Edward.
The Sidney Lions Club Community Dinner will take place on June 5 at 5:00 PM at Sidney Elementary School.
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