News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
Rodrigo Morales has begun a new business venture, Pikhoyo Jewellery, which specializes in the production of jewelry from specialized local wood.
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. has officially transitioned to new ownership under the Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Limited Partnership after 32 years in business. This transition represents a significant advancement as an Indigenous-owned enterprise.
Port Hardy is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
CAMPBELL RIVER
The City has acquired a vacant property located at 251 Dogwood Street, previously owned by the Campbell River Curling Club.
Executive Aviation has initiated operations at the 24th airport location, Campbell River Airport.
Immersion Spa + Wellness at Naturally Pacific Resort has been recognized in the 2026 Spa Collection by Spas of America.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, Estrea Solutions.
New Boston Pizza signage for the recent renovation in Campbell River was installed by Grant Illuminated Signs Ltd.
The Anchor Inn & Suites announced that after 15 months of renovations, they are near completion.
COMOX VALLEY
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Bites & Insights series will be hosted by TKS Business Consulting Inc. on Thursday, April 16th.
Euspira is hosting its second annual Silent Auction from April 1-3, with all proceeds going to the Emerging Indigenous Leaders Bursary.
Coastal North Clothing & Lifestyle Company will have its kids selection back starting this week.
BC Eco Seed Co-op welcomes its newest retail partner, Edible Island Whole Foods Market in Courtenay.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members Vardo Vintage and Valuables and Bristles Dental Inc.
The registration for the Summer by the Sea Market in Parksville is opening on April 1.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Lunch and Learn event on April 2nd at the Parksville Visitor Centre.
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is providing 10 scholarships for Vancouver Island students studying wildlife-related fields.
The Town of Qualicum Beach announced that Extreme Eatz Restaurants Inc. has been selected to operate the Eaglecrest Golf Course restaurant. “The Shack Taphouse” is set to open this year for both golf course users and the general public.
PORT ALBERNI
Blue Fish Collective has a new owner, Emilie Taylor.
The Roger Street Bistro is now open. The North Island College culinary students will be operating the bistro for 12 weeks.
Skysong Choir has made a donation of $503 to ADAPS.
Alberni Valley Foo Security Society have launched the Farm-Fish-Forage producers directory.
A partnership between Vancouver Island University, sd70 and the Alberni Valley Salvation Army brought 4th year Nursing students to A.D.S.S. to deliver the Before P.A.R.T.Y. program teaching grade 8 students the health effects around chemical drugs, prescription drugs and marijuana and mental health.
TOFINO-UCLUELET
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, Timberwolf Tree Service and Nootka Tofino.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce held its AGM in conjunction with Tourism Tofino, introducing the new Board Members for 2026-2027.
- President Myles: Beeby- Hotel Zed
- Vice President: Jennifer Heckert -Storm Surf Shop
- Treasurer: Karen Debi – Shelter/Shed
- Brent Baker – Ahous Adventures
- Marianne Boom – Pacific Sands Beach Resort
- Jeannette Embury – Lovecraft Gallery
- Eric Jensen – Vista Hermosa
- Jason Watts – Stay Tofino
- Nik Vischschraper – Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation
NANAIMO
Camosun Innovates and FireBozz, a wildfire equipment firm based in Nanaimo, are collaborating to develop a compact wildfire-protection system that can be quickly deployed and provides dependable structure protection in towns that are at risk.
Kidovate Nanaimo, Youth Entrepreneurship experience market day will take place April 18 at Nanaimo North Town Centre Mall.
Megan Eyre is celebrating one-year work anniversary at Barkley Project Group Ltd.
The Golden Shoe Hunt is celebrating its 20th year of hunting for the Golden Shoe in Regional District of Nanaimo.
The BC Food & Beverage Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for open director positions, which will open on June 25, 2026.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Harbour City Computers, Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary, and Vancouver Island Internet TV.
LADYSMITH-CHEMAINUS
Howson Homes has officially established its new office at 516 1st Ave, Ladysmith.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce‘s 17th Annual Chamber Golf Classic is being sponsored by the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, YCD Nanaimo Airport, and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay, which will be held on June 12, 2026.
COWICHAN VALLEY-DUNCAN
An official inventory of properties recognized for their heritage value or character has been established by the City of Duncan, known as the community heritage register.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District’s (CVRD) new website, designed and developed by Nanaimo-based marketing agency Array, has earned a Gold MUSE Creative Award in the Government Web category, recognizing the region’s commitment to building a more accessible and intuitive digital experience for residents across southern Vancouver Island. The website serves more than 85,000 residents as the primary access point for essential services including parks, permits, water systems, and emergency information.
At its meeting on March 18, the North Cowichan council approved a tax increase of 8.42 per cent for 2026 without any additional discussion.
On White Road in Duncan, a new supportive-housing development with a budget of $27.4 million has finally opened its doors to those who are homeless or at danger of becoming homeless in the Cowichan area.
Lakeside Dig N Haul is now offering bin truck & delivery services.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE
