News impacting Fraser Valley businesses
DELTA
The province is providing a substantial amount of funding, up to $8.6 million, through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) to support eight capital projects including: San Industries Ltd. in Port Alberni, Richmond Plywood Corp. Ltd., Coast Tsimshian Resources LP in Prince Rupert, Downie Timber Ltd in Revelstoke, Sunrise Engineering & Manufacturing Inc. in Delta, Access Precision Machining Ltd. In Salmon Arm, Yarrow Wood (2012) Inc. in Chiliwack, and C.W. Creative Woodcraft Ltd. In Cobble Hill. These projects aim to assist manufacturers in expanding and diversifying their operations by incorporating new production lines, equipment, and innovative technology.
The ‘Coming Home’ Campaign of the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation (DHCH Foundation) received a record-breaking $3 million donation from members of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society (DHAS).
The Delta Council has given their approval for increased moorage fees at the Ladner Harbour boat basin to provide support to the local fishing industry.
A new proposal for a high-density residential complex has been filed with the city for a vacant lot in North Delta, at the intersection of 75A Avenue and Scott Road.
WHITE ROCK
The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members, Beyond Braces, Canada Volumes Import/Export Inc., Counterpart Inc., Creo Art Studio, Crystal Vision & Better Hearing, Curry Lounge, Douglas College, DTech IT Services Inc., Kal Tire, Kedden Business Services Corporation, Margarett Lange, Newbridge Academy, Shoppers Drug Mart, SKI Immigration Inc., Surrey Crime Prevention Society, Tax Mee Less Accounting Inc., Trendzone Barbershop Ltd., and Qualicare Homecare Delta Surrey.
The South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lunar New Year gathering on Feb 7 at the Bund Shanghai Cuisine & Bar, 15057 Marine Drive, White Rock.
SURREY
RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. has announced that Zarko Meseldzija is resigning from his positions as both CEO and board member of the company.
Two more 100-kilowatt charging units have been added to BC Hydro‘s Real Canadian Superstore at 2332 160 Street, increasing the number of chargers at the company’s electric vehicle fast charging site in South Surrey by double.
In light of its plans to “carefully allow” 12 cannabis stores—two in each of Surrey’s six communities—in Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, South Surrey, and Whalley—the City of Surrey is requesting input from all citizens through a Retail Cannabis Framework Survey.
India’s Most Wanted Restaurant, located at Unit #100, 26827 Fraser Hwy, Langley, has extended its operating hours for dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.
New-Line Hose & Fittings, in Surrey, is branching out to Edmonton with the launch of an additional location at Unit 5304 – 68 Avenue NW.
Anderson College has launched its Medical Radiography Technology (MRT) program aimed at addressing critical industry shortages. The program is made possible by partnering with the dedicated teams at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Fraser Health (FH), Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and Providence Health Care (PHC). Anderson College’s new MRT program will run out of its Surrey campus, is full-time, 78 weeks, and includes three clinical placements.
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network offers tourism operators personalised support and resources regardless of sustainability expertise. The program pairs each business with an experienced advisor to guide its sustainability journey and will carefully assess the organization’s needs. Thus, businesses receive a customized sustainability roadmap with resource guides, videos, workshops, audits, and funding information.
The BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative will accept Project Two: Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation applications starting January 29, 2024. Tourism businesses and non-profit organizations eligible under the Program Guidelines can receive micro-grant funding of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain a sustainability certification in this second project stream. Two new projects, Project Three and Project Four, are set to launch later this year. Project Three focuses on sustainability and climate adaptation data framework, while Project Four aims to promote community destination stewardship.
The Government of Canada remains committed to providing ongoing support to small businesses, enabling them to contribute to the strength and resilience of our communities through the provision of essential goods and services. Find out which Government Grants are available to small businesses here.
LANGLEY
Stacy Fournier, a former member of the PacificSport Fraser Valley team, has been honoured with the 2023 Bobbie Steen Foundation Legacy Award.
The Metalworking & Manufacturing Expo will be returning to Langley in April 24th at the Langley Events Centre, 7888-200 Street.
ABBOTSFORD
Moyra Cameron of Hallmark on the Park was named the 2023 BC Care Provider of the Year in Assisted Living.
Cory Cassel
Cory Cassel has been appointed as the new manager for Abbotsford’s annual Agrifair.
Leading a new collaboration between the University of Guelph and the University of Fraser Valley, Dr. Lenore Newman aims to increase the $140 billion Canadian food and agriculture sector’s profitability, competitiveness, and national food security.
Anderson College has recently launched the Medical Radiography Technology (MRT) program. This program aims to address the industry’s demand for skilled professionals and provide opportunities for students to pursue rewarding careers. Through a collaborative effort involving VCH, Fraser Health, the Provincial Health Services Authority, and Providence Health Care, students can gain hands-on experience through clinical training as part of this comprehensive program.
Maia Farms and Insporos Technologies Inc. were named as the first champions of Farmer’s Den, a competition presented by the Abbotsford Tech District.
Two new Freshslice Pizza restaurants will shortly open in Abbotsford: one on Essendene Avenue in the downtown area of the city, and the other at the Highstreet Shopping Centre, next to Purdy’s Chocolatier in the centre of the shopping centre.
The Tourism Abbotsford Society and the City of Abbotsford renewed their tourism marketing and visitor engagement agreement, which will allow Tourism Abbotsford to lead tourism programs, services, and destination marketing to attract new and returning visitors. Tourism Abbotsford will also produce the City’s Canada Day event, construct an Abbotsford Ambassador program, and host a robust online community arts and culture program and events calendar.
Modern Mix Art Gallery joins the Downtown Abbotsford neighborhood! No tickets are required for regular gallery visits.
Breakfast High Tea is back by popular demand at Tracycakes Bakery Cafe!
Champagne & Lace‘s is celebrating their 38th Birthday.
CHILLIWACK
Peter Cowan
Peter Cowan has been named the next chief executive officer and president of Innovate BC. Tomica Divic, who has been Innovate BC’s interim president and CEO for the last eight months, will now be the VP of operations, and Cowan will take over from her on February 5.
Jessie Ramsay has been named Business Leader of the Year at The Chilliwack Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards.
Sierra Johns has been named the Top Sales Advisor of the Year 2023 at Bannister Kia Chilliwack.
Candice Quesnel has been named the new Palliative Services Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society.
A brand-new Marriott hotel is planned for Chilliwack, and will be constructed alongside Denciti, P.R. Hotels, and Meridian Development on Highway 1 near Lickman Road.
The Wellington Avenue branch of Prospera Credit Union in downtown Chilliwack is closing for good.
Business Examiner Staff
