News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Jeanne James-Hory has been appointed as the Food Literacy Program Coordinator for the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society.
The ‘Namgis First Nation and Island Health have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in promoting health services on Cormorant Island and in the their community.
With the help of a new investment from Island Coastal Economic Trust, Tlatlasikwala First Nation is spearheading a public-private collaboration with Coastal Rainforest Safaris to launch an ecotourism business on Hope Island, off the north coast of Vancouver Island.
Two new members are almost ready to join the North Island Community Forest Limited Partnership (NICFLP). The Kwakiutl and Quatsino First Nations have been offered full equity stakeholder positions with ownership and all dividends to be divided equally among the five partners in the future, according to NICFLP Chairperson Ione Brown, who made the announcement during an open house held on April 3 at the Seven Hills Golf and Country Club.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Emilie St. Pierre
Emilie St. Pierre will be joining the Marketing team at Broadstreet Properties as a graphic designer.
RavenSong Soap & Candle announced its partnership with Well.ca, the first Indigenous-owned soap company to be featured on the platform.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, is hosting the All Candidates Debate at the Tidemark Theatre on April 22, 2025, at 4:30 PM.
School District 72 has secured $1,378,966 for various projects at Carihi Secondary School, including roof repairs for Ocean Grove and Cortes Island, as well as electrical upgrades at Phoenix.
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours is looking for a fulltime experienced Operations Manager to join their team.
Campbell River City Council is supporting the installation of a commemorative art installation, The Blue Hat Memorial Project: 50,000 Flags, at ʔUxstalis (Tyee Spit) to recognize the ongoing impacts of the opioid crisis across Canada. The installation is a Council initiative created by artist and Councillor Ron Kerr.
Naturally Pacific Resort officially opened, bringing a new luxury resort experience with 100 guest rooms.
As per City Council Minutes on April 14th: Council gave Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3989, 2025, which provides a site-specific text amendment to permit ‘apartment’ as a use at 375 2nd Avenue, first, second and third reading. This amendment would permit a development on the hospital grounds of up to two stories that would provide residential accommodation for healthcare professionals and accommodation for families that need lodging while staying with a family member in hospital.
Campbell River Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business Transition Workshop on May 15th with speakers, Rebecca Domovitch of Swift Datoo LLP, Shawn Fetter of Alitis Investment Counsel, Myriah Foort of MNP and Ramon Ramirez of Chinook Business Advisory.
COMOX VALLEY
Melanie Robillard
Melanie Robillard has joined Penny Lane Property Management as a Licensed Strata Manager.
Comox Valley Airport has teamed up with #NotInMyCity, a national initiative focused on eliminating human trafficking in Canada.
First Credit Union is set to host the Business After Business event on April 24, partnering with the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber Business Hub.
The first Wellness Expo will be held at the Florence Filberg Centre on April 26.
The Crown Isle Fish Compost at 595 Silver Dale Crescent, Courtenay, is now officially open.
Comox Valley McDonald’s Drive-Thru is officially open at its 1799 Cliffe Ave location.
“Material Matters,” the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s upcoming show at the Chamber Business Hub in partnership with Comox Valley Arts, will open on May 1 and continue until the end of July.
The upcoming Comox BIA AGM is happening on May 12th at RAD Brewing Compnay with doors open at 5 pm.
Anchor Chiropractic is opening at 362A 10th Street in Courtenay.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The Tofino Co-op Grocery is expanding its hours, and will now be open every day from 8 am to 10 pm starting on April 18.
The Tlaoquiaht Development Corporation (TDC) and Bad Dog Tofino have joined the Tofino Chamber of Commerce as its newest members.
Voting is open, now until Friday April 18th for the 2025 Tofino Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
Santosha Spa has introduced its new retail space offering beautifully designed, sustainable, and wellness-focused Tofino Towels.
The Pacific Floral has reopened for the 2025 season.
PORT ALBERNI
The City of Port Alberni and Matthews West Developments Ltd., a private Canadian development company based in Squamish, BC. have signed the Somass Lands master development agreement.
The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley has issued a call-out for young artists to join the DOCK+ Mural project.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) received $113,300 for its Emergency Support Services program through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund’s Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training funding stream, administered by the Union of BC Municipalities. The application was submitted in partnership with the District of Ucluelet and the City of Port Alberni.
Atwood Catering is now offering free delivery within Port Alberni.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is currently accepting Grant-in-Aid (GIA) applications.
North Island College’s Port Alberni campus at the Tebo Vocational Centre is offering Forklift Operator Training.
An art exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Tseshaht artist, writer, and cultural leader George Clutesi officially opens April 16 at the University of Victoria’s Legacy Art Gallery. The exhibit includes pieces from the Alberni Valley Museum’s collection. Participating artists include Huu-ay-aht artist Dr. Tommy Happynook.
Alberni District Co-op is celebrating its 100 years anniversary, and their Community Investment Fund is open for applications. In 2024, the Co-op fund distributed approximately $38,000 to community organizations including the Port Alberni Backpack Program Society, Wholesome Meals on Wheels, the Port Alberni Shelter Society, the Literacy Alberni Society, Ku Kulus Crisis Line Society, Special Olympics Alberni, and the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad.
The City of Port Alberni is accepting bids for surplus equipment until April 25.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach will host the Oceanside Repair Café on April 26.
The JUNE ROCK FEST presented by JDR Entertainments is coming to Parksville on June 7th at Parksville Outdoor Theatre, 193 Island Highway East.
A proposal for the distribution of $2,500 to the Arrowsmith Health Care Foundation ($800), Friends of Foster Park ($350), Haven Society ($500), Mount Arrowsmith Pipe Band ($500), and Parksville and District Historical Society ($350) had been approved by the Parksville council.
A Class B estimate, with a projected cost of around $330,000, has been approved by the Parksville council, marking an early step toward the renovation and expansion of the fire hall at 160 Jensen Ave W.
Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services is hiring new Vets and Techs in Parksville.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce‘s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at Morningstar Golf Club.
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, The Bradley Centre (Mid Island Pensioners & Hobbyist Association).
NANAIMO
Fatburger Nanaimo is now officially open at 4890 Rutherford Road.
Trade & Invest British Columbia, in partnership with the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation, the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, is hosting a special event with the Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on April 23, 2025, to discuss how businesses can respond to American tariffs on Canadian goods.
F&M Installations Ltd. hired GREENFIELD Logistics as an internal consultant to design, coordinate, and manage the risk of moving a 140-foot fully dressed conveyor from Annacis Island to a coal export terminal in Vancouver.
The Duke Point Terminal on Vancouver Island has been expanded by DP World to increase its capacity to 280,000 TEU.
The Plate, which was briefly closed for repairs, is now open again at 19-1406 Jingle Pot Rd, Nanaimo.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newly elected Board of Directors and Executive Officers: Chair: Janice Krall, CFRE – Nanaimo Hospital Foundation,Vice Chair: Jason Yochim, CAE, CRAE – Vancouver Island Real Estate Board; Treasurer: Aaron Surkan – MNP, Executive Secretary: Stacie Chappell – Stacie Chappell Consulting and Officer at Large: Signy Madden, CFRE – United Way BC – Central and Northern. Vancouver Island Directors: Erralyn Joseph – Snuneymuxw First Nation,Dale Lindsay– City of Nanaimo, Sungchul Choi – Vancouver Island University, Arlene Rolston – Nanaimo Port Authority, Mike Hrabowych – Integral Wealth Management; Amy Pye – Pye Design; Catharine Brittain – Coast Bastion Hotel; Gerald Halabura – Literacy Central Vancouver Island; Malcolm Rush – Norm’s Plumbing and Virginia Coverdale – My Undies.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
On April 11, the Chemainus Theatre Festival hosted the 25th Annual Black Tie Awards, which honoured local business owners and others on a red carpet.
The Ladysmith Job Fair will be held on April 16th at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall at 921 1st Avenue.
Two No Frills stores will be opened on Vancouver Island by Loblaw as part of their $2.2 billion expansion plan for their cheap brands in 2025. In the beginning of 2026, a No Frills will open in Chemainus, and a second No Frills will open in downtown Victoria at the Victoria Public Market.
The Chemainus Library‘s seed library is now available!
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Adam Mackenzie has officially launched the Pacific Industrial Testing and Inspection, a Visual Inspection and Non-destructive Testing company based in Cowichan Valley
Island Coastal Economic Trust is supporting a Ts’uubaa-asatx-led initiative to construct a waterfront cultural meeting place on Cowichan Lake. The project will feature a marketplace, two pavilions with stages, and other amenities.
This year, the BC Bike Race will make a comeback to the Cowichan Valley at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds.
Duncan Supermarket, formerly known as Canco Supermarket, is currently located at 550 Cairnsmore St.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE
