News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc., a renowned coastal seafood processor and retailer, has formally transitioned to Indigenous ownership. This transition brings together the Kwakiutl Nation Development Corporation (KNDC), Upper Fraser Indigenous Sustainable Harvesters, and Authentic Indigenous Seafood as General Partners.
Qualified contractors and flooring professionals are invited to submit quotations for the removal, renovation, and installation of new flooring in the Municipal Hall by the District of Port Hardy. The District will accept quotations for municipal hall flooring under RFQ 1220-20-622 until April 27, 2026.
The annual Spring Festival on April 18 marks the beginning of Port Hardy’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Ashley Stawski
Ashley Stawski celebrates 10 years with REMAX Check Realty.
The Musical Instrument Lending Program of the Oceanside Classical Concerts Society has been extended to Campbell River, where it matches students with instruments that have been generously donated by members of the mid-Island community.
The Clothesline Project, an exhibition of decorated T-shirts crafted by individuals who have experienced abuse, will be on display at the Spirit Square on Thursday, April 23. T
COMOX VALLEY
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural Nine & Dine Golf Social on May 1 at Comox Golf Club. Presented by Ginetz Private Wealth, the event will bring together local business professionals for a 9-hole tournament and networking dinner.
The fourth annual Drive-Thru Shredding Day will be held at North Island College in Courtenay on Saturday, May 2, by the Rotary Club of Comox.
Evolution Equestrian Co., located at 5352 C North Island Hwy, Courtenay, is celebrating its third anniversary.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM BEACH
Karim Mohammadi has been elected Vice Chair for a second term of the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association.
ECHO Players will host the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting at the Village Theatre on April 21.
The Parksville Beach Festival Society, in collaboration with Collective Entertainment & Events Group Ltd., is thrilled to announce that Blue Rodeo will be performing at the Outdoor Theatre in the Parksville Community Park on Friday, August 21, 2026. Experience one of Canada’s most renowned ensembles at the largest live music event in Parksville’s history.
PORT ALBERNI
The Wild Tide Discovery Centre will be opening in Port Alberni later this year.
The Echo Aquatic Centre & Fitness Studio has reopened after renovations.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Alberni Arts is set for Monday, May 11 at Char’s Landing.
TOFINO/UCLUELET
Tofino Chamber of Commerce‘s Culinary Connections & Conversations will be held on April 17 at the Arts and Commerce Hub, where David Lang from Camosun College will be presenting on the topic of “Navigating Community Culinary Opportunities and Stability.”
The Vancouver Island Purpose & Business Collaborative, a new initiative from the Tofino Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Canadian Purpose Economy Project, is intended to help companies increase their impact and bottom line while fostering employee engagement, trust, and resilience in a changing economy.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes Ascabyte and Shorewood as its newest members.
NANAIMO
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2026 Board of Directors, following the Annual General Meeting April 9. The Board includes: Interim CEO Liette Masse, Chair Janice Krall, Vice Chair Jason Yochim, and Treasurer Aaron Surkan. Directors are: Amy Pye, Catharine Brittain, Gerald Halabura, Malcolm Rush, Mike Hrabowych, Signy Madden, Stacie Chappell, Sungchul Choi, Virginia Coverdale, and Erralyn Joseph and City of Nanaimo CAO Dale Lindsay as a Non-Voting, Ex-Officio Director.
The Nanaimo Chamber is in search of a Chief Executive Officer who can guide the organization into its next phase of growth, influence, and impact.
The Nanaimo Chamber Members’ Open Golf Tournament, which will be held at Nanaimo Golf Club on Friday, July 10, is accepting registrations.
Portside Market is set to debut on April 24 at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, next to the Bastion. This new seaside destination will feature local artisans and handcrafted goods, providing a vibrant space for exploration and relaxation.
Commissionaires have moved to its new office location at Unit 6 – 1611 Bowen Road.
The BC Hotel Association Summit will take place at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre April 14-15, where hospitality industry executives from across the province will meet.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce‘s April Business After Business is scheduled on April 16, 2026 at COCO Cafe at 1840 Cedar Road in Cedar.
On April 25, 2026, Expedia Cruises will host a client appreciation and community travel event at 106, 6750 N Island Highway.
Nanaimo Seniors Village has marked its 25th anniversary.
Ay Lelum-The Good House of Design is celebrating its 10 year anniversary.
One of Nanaimo’s most anticipated community events of the year, the Commercial Street Night Market, will be held every Thursday from June 18 to August 27 in Downtown Nanaimo and is sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS
The Province has announced funding for a new school and a significant expansion to support students and families in Ladysmith. Ladysmith Intermediate School will be replaced with a fully accessible, prefabricated K–7 elementary school on the former École Davis Road site. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and once completed, will be the first fully prefabricated seismic replacement school in BC. In addition, Ladysmith Primary School will be expanded with a two-storey addition featuring 10 new classrooms and 250 additional student spaces.
Cooper’s Antiques recently opened at 10858 Chemainus Road.
The Ladysmith LIONS CLUB is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year.
WorkBC Centre is hosting the Ladysmith Job Fair on April 15 at the Ladysmith Eagle Hall.
COWICHAN VALLEY
Keith Granbois has joined Destination Canada as their Executive Director – Finance.
Treefrog Tropicals is celebrating its 4th anniversary.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District has received a Gold MUSE Creative Award in the Government Web category for its new website, highlighting its dedication to creating a more accessible and user-friendly digital experience for residents in southern Vancouver Island.
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board‘s Chief Executive Officer Jason Yochim will speak at the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce‘s next Speaker Series Luncheon April 19.
The Duncan Fire Department at 468 Duncan Street will host the Downtown Duncan BIA’s annual general meeting April 23.
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