CAMPBELL RIVER MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Salmon farm operation, Cermaq Canada, is investing around $14 million in a new mobile delousing technology built by Sea Farm Innovations (SFI), and a support vessel the Campbell River-based company said could treat up to 200 metric tonnes of fish for sea lice per hour. According to Brock Thomson, innovation director for Cermaq Canada, the system takes about 0.2 seconds per fish, while creating minimal stress.
Fin Crust Pizza has officially opened at 1011 Shoppers Row in Tyee Plaza. While dine-in seating is limited due to COVID-19, take-out is available, as well as online order via www.fincrustpizza.com. Fin Crust Pizza is Campbell River’s only wood-fired pizza restaurant.
Campbell River’s Art+Earth Festival is set to take place September 24th through 27th, with most of the events online, with limited in-person events and a handful of hybrid options. The festival is a fusion of art and environmentalism. For event info, visit www.crarts.ca/artandearth/
The New Bridge housing project installed in the former Rosebowl Restaurant in Campbell River is opening later this month. The Vancouver Island Mental Health Society will be running the facility. Staff have been selected, and training is expected to begin shortly.
Sara Lopez Assu has been named executive director of downtown community-based arts facility and non-profit, Campbell River Art Gallery. The Montreal-native has a long history of leadership and community-building.
Homalco First Nation’s tourism arm, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours, has been officially accredited as an Authentic Indigenous business by Indigenous Tourism B.C. (ITBC). The Campbell River-based tourism company was recognized by ITBC for its grizzly and salmon conservation efforts and low-impact tourism, as well as prioritizing the preservation of Homalco First Nation’s people and lands.
Construction will begin September 21st on the supportive housing unit at 580 Dogwood Street. The development will provide 50 new studio homes with support services. The Vancouver Island Mental Health Society will manage the property.
With the full support of the Campbell River Council, a new $14 million library is in the works for downtown Campbell River. The two-storey, 20,000 square foot facility, on the site of the current branch at 1240 Shoppers Row, will be designed by Victoria-based architectural firm, Low Hammond Rowe (LHR).
The Campbell River Rising Seas Project has selected the City of Campbell River as winner of the 2020 Sustainable Communities Award. The awards honours and celebrate the most innovative environmental initiatives in cities and communities across Canada.
Having sold her company, O.J. Property management, to Parallel 50 Realty and Property Management in 2019, O.J. Gorringe has finally decided to call it a career after decades of hard work in the Campbell River business community.
Kate O’Neill, founder and CEO of KO Insights will be a keynote speaker at the State of the Island Economic Summit this fall, hosted by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. Taking place October 27-29 in a digital format, the virtual session will cover indigenous economics and reconciliation, aquaculture and more.
COMOX VALLEY
Lonnie Tkach joins the IG Wealth Management team in their Courtenay office, bringing twenty-five years of business experience with him.
The Comox Valley Sports Centre at 3001 Vanier Drive in Courtenay re-opens September 8th, after being closed due to the pandemic since March 17th.
The Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association has requested the Courtenay city council amend what they feel are very restrictive zoning bylaws to make it easier for more people to operate businesses from home, particularly in the face of COVID-19.
Comox Valley ElderCollege and NIC have joined forces to upgrade sound system in the Stan Hagen Theatre to benefit students, ElderCollege members and the community. Comox Valley ElderCollege Chair Don Axtell said members were proud to fund the purchase and enhance one of the most well-used auditorium venues in the North Island.