News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
The Wild Roots Plant Shop, Marny Graham and Holly Aldis‘ new business, will open at the Port Alice Petroleum Products location.
The leadership team of Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. has been expanded to include the following individuals: Andrea Zaradic, M.A.S.c, P. Eng., as Vice President of Project Development; Kate Mueller, P.Eng., as Vice President of Sustainability; and Dr. John Thompson, technical advisor.
The Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary Society has provided Port Hardy and Port McNeill Hospitals with new ventilators.
The third annual Kwakwak’wakw Fashion Show will be held in the Port Hardy Civic Centre on Saturday, April 11, under the direction of Aurellia Nelson.
CAMPBELL RIVER
DeLuca Veale Investment Counsel celebrates its 20th anniversary as CEO Richard DeLuca announces the opening of a new office in Campbell River, servicing the North Island.
The Greenways Land Trust collaborated with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) to provide design choices and celebrates the completion of the Mill Pond Restoration project with funding from the Canadian Environmental Damages Fund.
A collaboration between the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and Kwiakah Nations, the Ligွdaxň (LKT) Health Society has incorporated mental health advantages to Campbell River’s physical health youth programs.
The North Island Survivors’ Healing Society (NISHS) is having its annual online auction from April 13th to April 15th, 2026. The money raised helps pay for professional counselling services for people in the community who have been through trauma or abuse.
A full house of 144 participants attended the inaugural Housing Symposium, hosted by the Strathcona Housing Alliance on March 6. The event explored the need of diversifying funding streams while continuing to advocate for a more substantial investment in affordable and non-market housing from the provincial government. The symposium also explored the potential for advancing regional housing projects.
The Foundation Rehab, Campbell River’s Sports and Injury Clinic, is now located 2780 S Island Hwy.
A $1 million grant from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program is helping to revitalize the restaurant at the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, which is located on Cortes Island’s shores of Desolation Sound. The project’s goal is to update the Klahoose First Nation-owned establishment.
COMOX VALLEY
QE Home will host its grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 11, at 430 5th St in Courtenay.
The Comox Valley Spring Home Show is set to take place at the Comox Valley Sports Centre from April 17 to 19, bringing together local businesses and homeowners for spring home and garden projects.
An additional 270 seats have been added to Aspen Park Elementary as part of a $16.5 million project funded by the province of British Columbia’s $85 million pledge to improve and expand schools in the Comox Valley School District.
CUPE 556 members of Comox Valley Regional District voted to ratify a new collective agreement that includes a $2 per hour pay increase for the first year, a 4 per cent increase in the second year, and a 5 per cent increase in the third year, as well as increased paramedical coverage, updated contract language, and discretionary leave.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM
Kaelen Henders
Kaelen Henders has been named Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce‘s new Visitor Centre Coordinator.
The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomes All Canadian Bin Rentals & Mini Excavation and Jessica Reed – CR Lawyers as new members.
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region is celebrating 35 years of connecting people with nature at the Brant Wildlife Festival, from April 10 – 13.
Oceanside BMX, located at 354 Park Rd, Qualicum Beach, is hosting an open house on April 12.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce‘s Business Excellence Awards Gala, will be at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort on April 9, 2026.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Tournament is on May 29 at Fairwinds Golf Club.
PORT ALBERNI
Wild Tide has secured a 14,000-square-foot space in Uptown Port Alberni to create a coastal-inspired hub designed for learning, gathering, and discovery. The project, aimed at providing family-friendly activities and community space, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026
Port Alberni is set to undergo major redevelopment on Argyle Street, stretching from Harbour Road to 3rd Avenue, with construction slated to start in September 2026.
The 83-metre icebreaker, Sir Wilfrid Laurier coast guard ship, is being refitted by Canadian Maritime Engineering at the Port Authority docks in Port Alberni.
TOFINO/UCLUELET
The Evergreen Hospitality Group purchased the Little Beach Resort in Ucluelet, bringing its total number of properties to 28 in some of British Columbia’s most beautiful areas.
Maa-nulth Treaty Nations commemorate 15 years since the federal and provincial governments signed the historic Maa-nulth Treaty.
Nuchatlaht has successfully won an appeal against British Columbia, securing title over 210 square kilometres of Nootka Island.
Tofino is cancelling its request for $6 million of a $16 million loan for the wastewater treatment project.
NANAIMO
Diana Jolly
Diana Jolly has been named Relationship Manager for Island Good, supporting members, strengthening partnerships, and growing awareness of locally made and grown products across Vancouver Island and the rural islands. Island Good continues to build momentum, connecting consumers with products made, grown, and manufactured right here.
Ben Boudreau celebrates his fourth anniversary with Barkley Project Group.
The AGM 2026 of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the Meet & Greet the Board session will take place on April 9 at the Grand Hotel.
COCO Cafe, 1840 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, will host the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce‘s April Business After Business on April 16.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members, Simply The Best Cleaning Solutions, Cognitive Business Solutions, and Fineline Road Marking Ltd.
The Golden Shoe Hunt is celebrating 20 years of hunting for the Golden Shoe in RDN parks and trails from April 3 through to May 18.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS
Crafty Chick has moved to its new location at 9772 Willow Street, Chemainus.
COWICHAN VALLEY/DUNCAN
The new Island Health Cowichan District Hospital, designed by ZGF Architects, will be the first hospital in the province to be completely electrified and the first in Canada to meet the CaGBC Net Zero Carbon Building Design Standard.
The Vancouver Island Outdoor Show will be held from April 10 – 12, at the Cowichan Exhibition Ground.
On March 31, BC Transit unveiled a revamped website that makes it simpler for clients to arrange their travels and reach their destinations.
A Mix & Mingle event put on by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce will take place at the Cowichan Valley’s Ohmzome on April 22.
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