News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Megan Hanacek
Megan Hanacek has been appointed for a second term to the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council.
The North Island Music Festival, presented by the Gate House Theater, is happening on August 24th at the Centennial Park.
BS Floors is now open at 7070 Market Street, Port Hardy.
The ‘Graveyards and Gardens’ performance by the BC Movement Arts Society will take place in Port Alice on September 5 at the Community Centre and on September 6 and 7 at the Sointula Athletic Hall.
Sajid Mahmud Shah is building a drive-through micro-mini mall on Marine Drive, next to FP Foods, and it will soon open for small businesses in Port Alice.
The provincial government announced on July 24 that Stronger BC funding will enable North Island College to provide up to $3,500 per student for qualified short-term skills training in the fall of 2024 and the winter of 2025.
CAMPBELL RIVER
The BC Salmon Farmers Association is hosting a Community Appreciation BBQ in Robert V. Ostler Park in Campbell River on August 22, 2024.
CAE Parc Aviation is currently seeking experienced Chief Pilots for the Legacy 500 / Praetor 500 aircraft. The positions will be based at CYBL Airport in Campbell River.
The City has decided to sell 1022 Cedar St to Alder Heights Holdings Ltd. (AHHL) at fair market value, to make way for a new 6-story mixed-use building that will include both commercial space and residential units.
The Government of British Columbia, in collaboration with North Island College, has provided funding for a pilot project in the seaweed industry. This initiative is being supported by the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
The City of Campbell River and the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) recently signed a service agreement that will see the City hire a full-time Deputy Fire Chief – Safety and Training, which will be fully funded by the SRD.
COMOX VALLEY
Coastal North Clothing & Lifestyle Company in Downtown Courtenay had their Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Party on August 10.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s mailing address is now changed to 103, 576 England Ave., Courtenay, BC V9N 2N3.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), the Town of Comox, the Government of Canada, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) announce the start of construction on the Lazo Greenway Multi-Use Path (MUP).
Seymour Pacific Developments‘ Glenhart Views in Courtenay, achieved its third and final occupancy permit.
BC Rent Bank is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.
The Comox Valley Project Watershed Society won the Fresh Water award for Kus-kus-sum: Unpave Paradise at the 2024 Land Awards Gala.
Did you know Eatmore Sprouts & Greens Ltd. grows over 9000 pounds of sprouts and greens weekly, year round?
Coast Courtenay Hotel celebrated their grand opening.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The designation of Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) was made public by the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation, and the Government of Canada. Designated as Canada’s largest marine protected area (MPA) under the Oceans Act by the Governor in Council, this vast ecologically distinct marine region is situated about 150 kilometres off the western coast of Vancouver Island.
The Vancouver Island Soaring Centre and A-Frame Guiding Co. have joined the Tofino Chamber of Commerce as members.
PORT ALBERNI
The City of Port Alberni in conjunction with Tseshaht First Nation have renamed Canal Waterfront Park to “John Douglas Park at t̓iipis” to honour the passing of the late John Douglas, Councillor and Former Mayor, as well as to recognize the park as traditional Tseshaht territory. “t̓iipis” means ‘thrown up beach’ or ‘Polly’s Point’.
From September 10-11 Port Alberni will host the First Annual Indigenous Forestry Conference (IFC) at the Best Western Barclay Hotel. The event will focus on sustainable forestry practices and Indigenous stewardship of the land; integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern forestry practices; sustainable logging, land and water management; and addressing the impacts of climate change. Speakers to include Robert Dennis, Chief Ken Watts, Dallas Smith and more. Conference hosts and partners are Tseshaht First Nation, Cootes Consulting and Advanced Business Match.
The historic Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber lifted off from Sproat Lake for the final time on August 11, heading to the B.C. Aviation Museum in North Saanich. The aircraft will be part of the museum’s new B.C. wildfire aviation exhibit, expected to open September 28.
The Port Alberni Backpack Program Society has received $8,200 in funding from Island Health’s Community Wellness Grant Program so that they can continue to program to provide fresh, nutritious food to local youth and their families. The Backpack Program recently partnered with the Port Alberni Shelter Society‘s Shelter Farm to source local fruit and produce.
More than a hundred participants attended the opening ceremony for the Tlu-piich games on Saturday, bringing back to life a long-held annual Nuu-chah-nulth event. Eight teams participated in the ceremonies, representing Ahousaht, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, Ditidaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Uchucklesaht, Huu-ay-aht and the Healing Hearts group.
Fir Park Village has purchased a new wheelchair-friendly bus with the results of a recent fundraising campaign. The former bus has in turn donated to the City of Port Alberni’s Parks and Recreation Department to be used primarily for children and youth programs.
The Province of BC has announced funding to improve road surfacing and build new bridges at Canal Main Forest Service Road between Port Alberni and Uchucklesaht lands, opening new opportunities for tourism and recreation.
Paving has been completed on the Roger Creek to Stampe Avenue section of the Connect the Quays pathway. Connect the Quays is a City of Port Alberni project connecting Victoria Quay and Harbour Quay via new multi-modal pathway.
Tattoo artist Matthew Medgyes hosted the grand opening of Cathedral Ink with a car show on August 1. The studio is located in Cherry Creek electoral area in the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District.
Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at Port Alberni’s Harbour Quay is hosting a ‘Spirited kids Market’ August 17. Their regular Farmers’ Market is welcoming the addition of a Kids’ Market for youth 17 and under who grow, make or bake their own products. This event is sponsored by the Alberni Farmers’ Institute.
Shannon Farms is hosting a Summer Market at their property August 20. There will be agriculture producers, foragers and artisans.
The Alberni Valley Lions Club are hosting their annual Kids Bullhead Fishing Derby on August 24 for children 12 and under.
Wayne Procter from Nanaimo has purchased the Westwind Pub & Liquor Store. New manager Rheana Lyons and chef Brendan Duggan have refreshed the menu and the space, which reopened July 13.
Britt Coulson, President and Chief Operating Officer for Coulson Aviation, has been named one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 40 by Wings Magazine. The award recognizes individuals showing leadership, innovation, influence and dedication to the Canadian aviation and aerospace industries.
The winners of Antidote Distilling Co.’s Coastal Cocktail Clash were: Raven Dales from Victoria (Gold: Sunbeams n’ Substance cocktail), Stacey Urquhart of Surrey (Silver: When the Clouds Break cocktail), Moses Towell of Port Alberni (Bronze: Barkley Breeze). Rounding out the top eight were Aaron Colyn and Luka Brown from Port Alberni, Melissa McKinney of Quadra Island, Dennis Virshilas and Chey Haima, both of Vancouver.
Wesco Food Society has opened their new community food centre at 2960 Third Avenue in Port Alberni’s Uptown, where they offer Vancouver Island and B.C.-produced foods. Pick-up and delivery services are available.
Owner/operator Josh Soucy has opened Alberni Valley Plumbing offering service to the Alberni Valley, Qualicum and Parksville areas.
Rachel Dalueg, a Red Seal certified hairdresser and barber with eight years of experience has opened The Dal Haus Salon and Barber inside the Madman’s Wife in Port Alberni’s Uptown.
Alberni Sushi at Victoria Quay recently celebrated its fourth anniversary.
Mountain View Bakery and Delicatessen celebrated its 19th anniversary.
Ball fans recently packed the grandstands at Port Alberni’s historic Rec Park Stadium on for “Bringing it Back to the Valley”, a weekend tournament of men’s fastball. The tournament was hosted by the Parksville Red Sox and featured eight teams from Nanaimo, Victoria, Lillooet, Chase, Prince George and California, USA.
Uu-a-thluk, the aquatic resource management department of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, recently trained 11 participants of Datum Marine’s Captain’s Bootcamp to become certified small vessel operators. The six days included the SVOP (small vessel operators’ proficiency), ROC-M (Restricted Operator Certificate Marine Radio License) and the SDV-BS/MED A3 (Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety – Marine Emergency Duties).
INEO Employment Services has been nominated for the ‘Business Impact Award’ at the Small Business BC Awards.
Construction is underway to refurbish 1,400sq ft of the Beaufort Convention Centre in Port Alberni’s Uptown to open The Next Level, a new Pub/Nightclub. The managers aim to launch in Fall 2024.
Five Acre Productions’ Five Acre Shaker music festival took place last weekend bringing locals and visitors to the Kinsmen Hall site at the Alberni Valley Fall Fairgrounds.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Donna Furneaux, one of the 18 people in the province to get a Medal of Good Citizenship in 2024, assisted in reviving the Coombs Fairgrounds after relocating to Qualicum Beach.
Parksville’s Indigenous COTA Aviation, which specializes in precision machining, welding, and fabrication for the aerospace industry, will get $13 million from Boeing as part of the $10 billion P-8A Poseidon contract with the Canadian government.
A Biosphere Certification has been awarded to Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre.
From August 11 to 18, 2024, Oceanside Goatscaping will commence the Goats Take on Alleyways in a Green Pilot Project. This project will involve the use of numerous goats to graze on the brambles in a 500-square-meter area.
Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce, Sherbo & Associates Ltd. and new owners of Pizza Pizza Parksville.
NANAIMO
Jessica Berglund
Jessica Berglund has been named the next chief civilian director of the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia.
Northam Beverages, the leading alcoholic beverage brand inventor in BC, has recently unveiled a bold and innovative collection of BC’s most beloved brands in non-alcoholic and de-alcoholized versions: Hey Y’all!, Lonetree dry cider, Cabrón tequila, and Lumette.
By November 1, 2024, businesses must have adopted the First Aid Regulation as amended by WorkSafeBC. Read on here.
The BIGGER Mid-Island Business Expo is scheduled to take place on September 27th at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce‘s Open Golf Tournament Silent Auction for members will be on August 16th.
The Nanaimo Child Development Centre recently received a generous $5,000 donation from Wilson Pro Painting. The donation was presented by owner-operators Dallas Kruszelnicki, Tara Stadnyk and Ken Young to Cheryl Booth, the executive director of the center, along with her staff.
A Vivid Edge Salon & Spa is moving to its new location on September 1st, at 186 Departure Bay Road.
The Nanoose Library Centre is hosting a community barbeque on August 17, to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Mark your calendars for August 17th because it’s going to be a day packed with excitement! Not only is it the much-loved Hug a Cow Day at Superiors Farms, but you can also enjoy all the festivities of the near by Lantzville Minetown Day.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
The 21st Ladysmith Show ‘n’ Shine is scheduled to take place on August 17th.
Dr. Suzanne Otterson‘s family dentistry practice is now located at 225 High Street, Ladysmith.
The Spirit of Ladysmith has put Ocean View Exteriors in the running for the Business of the Year (1–10 employees) category.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society, which will be used to construct a 70-meter boardwalk on the Cross Trail of Mount Tzouhalem. The boardwalk is designed to enhance navigation through wetland areas, reducing harm to the ecosystem and making the trails more accessible and safer for hikers.
The Town of Lake Cowichan has allocated a maximum of $50,995.23 (including of applicable taxes) for the installation of Promax Audio Visual Systems‘ new audio-visual system for the council chambers.
The Holocene Distilling Project is excited to announce its inaugural Cocktails & Courses event, taking place on Aug. 31 at 1134 Chapman Rd. in Cobble Hill.
The new Pooch Pool School has opened at 2202 Herd Rd. in North Cowichan.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE