News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members of the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce will be held on Tuesday, May 27,2025, at 11am at the Kwa’lilas Hotel.
The long-term care facility Eagle Ridge Manor in Port Hardy is holding a bottle drive to collect money for recreational activities including trips, arts and crafts, and baking days for the residents.
Ready Solar‘s inaugural campaign in partnership with Goparity Canada has been launched in Port Hardy. The initiative will be used for Gw’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation‘s school gymnasium’s rooftop solar system.
The Airport Inn-Port Hardy is officially challenging all hotels and businesses on Vancouver Island to donate to the new End2endcancer Relay. The event will take place from June 17th to 19th, and will involve eight cyclists cycling from Victoria to Port Hardy and back in under two days. The goal of the event is to increase awareness. 100 per cent of the funds will be allocated to families on Vancouver Island who are affected by pediatric cancer.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Stuart Wise
Stuart Wise has been appointed to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.
Bryton Marine Group has acquired Freshwater Marina in Campbell River.
Save-On-Foods Pharmacy is hiring a Pharmacist to join its team in Campbell River.
Squamish-based FireSwarm Solutions Inc. and Campbell River-based Strategic Natural Resource Group are collaborating to introduce drone-powered wildfire suppression to Canada. These drones, which were first created in Sweden, are being modified to quickly and precisely carry 200–400 liters of water to fire areas.
COMOX VALLEY
James Rice is starting a new position as Internal and Warranty Service Advisor at Comox Valley Toyota.
The Seascape Apartments, a 74-unit rental property located at 2187 Comox Avenue in Comox, have been sold by Dan Schulz and Chris Winkers of Macdonald Commercial.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Annual General Meeting on April 23, 2025 at 40 Knots Winery.
The Comox Valley Chamber welcomes its newest member, Cleanlite Cleaning.
The MNP Trade Impact Navigator provides current updates on tariffs, trade policy, and global economic trends affecting Canadian firms. A trustworthy resource, it helps firms stay informed and prepared in a quickly changing landscape. MNP’s fast Tariff Exposure Risk Assessment can help businesses assess their risk and choose next moves.
Eric Girard has launched Portside Counselling, a private practice in the Comox Valley, providing mental health therapy, support, and intervention counselling services.
Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with #NotInMyCity, a nationwide initiative aimed at stopping human trafficking in Canada.
A traffic pattern modification on Comox Avenue must be implemented by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) as part of the Comox Valley Sewer Conveyance Project and Town of Comox infrastructure enhancements. Comox Avenue will be partially converted to one-way traffic starting in mid-April at Rodello Street, with traffic moving westward toward Glacier View Drive. It is anticipated that Comox Avenue will be under construction from April until October of 2025.
The Sustainable Procurement 101 webinar will be presented by BC Green Business on Thursday, April 24th!
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Joshua Welsh has been named the new Manager of Planning Services with the District of Tofino.
Pablo Castro Fuentes has been named the most recent Team Member of the Month at Wickaninnish Inn.
The Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation CEO Nik Vischschraper was recently appointed to the Tofino Chamber of Commerce‘s board of directors and Tin Wis’ AGM Maria Clark was appointed to Tourism Tofino‘s board.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce unveils its new logo – a symbol of of its deep connection to community, culture, and coast.
PORT ALBERNI
The City of Port Alberni is accepting bids for surplus equipment until April 25.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is now accepting Grant-in-Aid (GIA) applications.
Alberni District Co-op is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Atwood Catering is now offering free delivery within Port Alberni.
The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley is calling for young artists to participate in the DOCK+ Mural Project.
The City of Port Alberni and Matthews West Developments Ltd. have signed the Somass Lands master development agreement.
The Book Wyrm bookstore is now open 7 days a week.
The Uchucklesaht Tribe Government announced the acquisition of Pete’s Mountain Meats.
Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot announced the re-launch of myCommunityFutures.
Hupačasath First Nation is now the official owner of Gill Elementary School.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Alexandra Eady has joined the team at Synergy Foundation as Regional Business Advisor with BC Green Business.
Ari Greekas is starting a new position as Retail Specialist at Health and Wellness in Parksville.
Sherrin Western has begun a new role as a Member at the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce.
Chef Lucas Exelby of the Treetop Tapas and Grill at the Grotto Spa, has been recognized as a finalist in the Culinary Excellence Category of the BCHA Awards of Excellence.
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce’s Business after Business will be held on April 24th at Harris Oceanside GM, 512 East Island Hwy, Parksville.
NANAIMO
Courtenay Ndiaye
Courtenay Ndiaye celebrates her fifteenth anniversary at BDC.
Daniel Alonso Torres, a Geothermal Exploration Specialist, celebrates his 3rd year anniversary with Barkley Project Group.
Lee Pow’s Mobalign Franchising Inc. is celebrating 25 years in business.
Amy Pye has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.
Arash Davari, CAPM is starting a new position as Project Coordinator at DP World, and will be working on the Duke Point Terminal Expansion Project in Nanaimo.
Victor Foca has begun a new role as Property Agent at City of Nanaimo.
The Port of Nanaimo is teaming up with Shift Coastal Technologies Ltd. to use their Incident Reconnaissance and Intelligence (IRI) drone for monitoring air quality in the harbour.
Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation announced that the new Trauma Inpatient Unit is now operational on Floor 3 of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Roberts Street Sweets owned by Cheyanne Pasanen, opens right next door to Roberts Street Pizza, in downtown Ladysmith.
First Nations Health Authority is hiring a new Director, Family Based Programs and Services, Kwakwaka’wakw Cultural Family in Ladysmith.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Canco Supermarket, located at 550 Cairnsmore St. in Duncan, has changed its name to Duncan Supermarket.
Business groups in British Columbia are urging BC Ferries to purchase five new large vessels promptly to accommodate the province’s expanding population, tourist industry, supply chains, and local economies. This move comes after demands from groups like the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Victoria Chamber, and the Tourism Industry Association of BC.
On April 24, Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce president David van Deventer will host a “Ask the Expert” session at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre to discuss how businesses can connect with their community in today’s fast-moving media landscape.
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