News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
The Whale Interpretive Centre has made its return to Telegraph Cove, now operating in a temporary setup known as The Whale Shed.
Joyce Wilby from Alert Bay is set to receive a Medal of Good Citizenship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the community.
Port Hardy’s Evening Street Market will be on August 22 .
CAMPBELL RIVER
The annual Poker Run, organized by the Campbell River Eagle Riders, brought in a respectable $16,500 for three important local causes: the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, the Campbell River Hospital Foundation, and the Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society.
Naturally Pacific Resort is now proudly part of the Tablet Hotels x The MICHELIN Guide.
The Campbell River Hospice Society raised $84,780 at their recent golf tournament.
COMOX VALLEY
The Immigrant Welcome Centre at 407A 5th Street in Downtown Courtenay is celebrating their open house on September 18th.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is honoured to share the next installation in their rotating art exhibition. ‘Contemporary Voices From the Coast’ artists include Trevor Hunt, Richard Baker, Rod Smith, Alano Edzerza, Kiri Green, and April White. With carvings and prints from Spirits of The West Coast Gallery, the exhibit runs in the Chamber Business Hub until the end of October.
A new accessibility widget has been implemented on the Town of Comox website, enabling users to modify the website’s contrast, lighting, and design features to enhance their experience. This feature was made possible by a generous grant from The Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC).
The Town of Comox is proud to be recognized as a Bee City by Bee City Canada.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), in partnership with K’ómoks First Nation, announced a grant of $275,580 received for the Pélxwikw/Goose Spit Climate Resiliency project. This project will complete coastal, archeological, and ecological assessments of Goose Spit to protect residential areas and critical infrastructure from flood, sea-level rise, storm surge and erosion, and to help identify mitigation options.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Joshua Hunt’s Ucluelet-based construction company, IGV Housing Ltd., disclosed plans to develop 228 condos and 11 single-family homes along the coast.
The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce is inviting designers to create the official logo for the Ucluelet Edge 2 Edge Marathon 2025, capturing the wild spirit of Ucluelet and the West Coast.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, OCN Garden Center.
PORT ALBERNI
Little Wisp Kitchen is open for Business.
Bigfoot Gutter Co. recently opened in Port Alberni.
Kick Butt Lawns and Home Maintenance is now operating in Port Alberni.
Get Kelp has announced a collaboration with the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA).
BC Corrections and Huu-ay-aht First Nations met at the Port Alberni Government office on Friday, July 18, 2025, to join in partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Supported Community Integration.
Huu-ay-aht celebrated the House of Huu-ay-aht 25th Anniversary on July 26.
Clarity & Co. has opened for business.
Surfside Karate had relocated to Port Alberni and is due to open September 1.
An upcoming film being shot on Vancouver Island is using locations in and around Port Alberni, including Smitty’s restaurant and the McLean Mill National Historic Site.
The Alberni District Co-op presented community organizations with $38,550 from its community investment fund on Monday, July 28. Abbeyfield Houses, an independent living facility for seniors, received $5,000. Alberni Valley Rescue Squad accepted a donation of $2,500. The Alberni Valley Hospice Society received a donation of $2,850. The Highland Dancers Association received $700. The Backpack Program received $7,000. The West Coast General Hospital Foundation received $5,000. Port Alberni Salmon Festival accepted a $5,000 donation. A $10,000 cheque went to Wholesome Meals on Wheels.
The annual Tlu-piich games hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, celebrates it’s 40th anniversary this week in Port Alberni, Aug. 11 to 14.
On July 31 the Tseshaht First Nation celebrated the opening of its new Somass Hall. The new Somass Hall provides approximately 7,000 square feet of space in the middle of the Tseshaht’s main reserve and was built with $3.45 million from the federal and provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, plus another $6.3 million from Indigenous Services Canada.
Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a chamber members BBQ August 22 2025 at McLean Mill.
Spirit Square Farmers Market is hosting Spirited Kids Market August 23. The event is in partnership with Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Sharon Welch has been appointed as the Resource Development Manager at the SOS in Parksville.
The 22nd annual Summer by the Sea Street Market, hosted by the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, has officially started and will take place on Tuesdays.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, Nanoose Bay Dental – Sonya Friend, C.O.O.
The Parksville Beach Festival activities and entertainment will take place in Parksville Community Park during the final week, from August 15 – 17, brought by Coastal Community Credit Union.
The Parksville Museum will host Railway Day on Sunday, August 24.
Oceanside Hospice Society‘s tea and silent auction will take place on September 18 at The Gardens in Qualicum Beach.
NANAIMO
Carolyn Fraser has joined HUB as the newest member of its Commercial Team in Nanaimo.
The new Nissan dealership in Nanaimo is officially under construction, according to IWCD Ltd.
The September Monthly Networking Luncheon of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Nanaimo Golf Club on September 11, 2025, and will be presented by the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, The Digital Crew.
Breakfast and Brunch held its ribbon cutting and grand opening on August 9th at 5281 Rutherford Rd. Nanaimo.
Marina McDonald has been elected President of the Women’s Hiking Club at Vancouver Island University.
Vancouver Island University has partnered with BorderPass to help international students obtain a Canadian study permit by providing one year of free premium immigration services.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Kristie Anne and Sterling Aurel’s By the Bay Lavender has reopened in Chemainus at a new storefront located at 9756B Willow St.
The Island Hotel in Ladysmith is currently undergoing a renovation, and it is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2027.
The new brewpub Serious Brewing, located in the former Riot Brewing building in Chemainus Village Square, opened its doors on July 28.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Kevin Smith and Tom Silva have officially taken charge of operations at SB Windows and Doors, succeeding Scott Belton as of July 1.
The Red Barn Antique Gallery at Henry Road and the Trans-Canada Highway opened on August 1.
The A&W in Mill Bay, owned by Jason Kelland, is set to officially reopen on August 16.
Thompson Trading at 121 Station St. in Duncan has officially closed its doors .
Tourism Cowichan has been granted the Biosphere Certified designation, thereby becoming a member of the global Biosphere community of sustainable destinations.
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