News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
Andrew Hory
Andrew Hory remains the chair of the Regional District of Mount Waddington board of Directors, with Michelle Pottage continuing in her role as vice-chair.
Hardy Hair and Skin Care, located at #3-7035 Market St., Port Hardy, is now open 6 days a week.
Port Hardy Building Supply Ltd. will be closed from December 21st to January 5th.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Seymour Pacific Developments and Broadstreet Properties have been selected the developer for the Reimagine the Row Project.
Skyview Village in Regina, SK is now under construction by Seymour Pacific Development.
Little Wildflowers opens at 62 Shoppers Row in Campbell River.
COMOX VALLEY
Jim Lariviere, Comox Fire Rescue‘s assistant fire chief, will retire at the end of December.
A major step toward putting the revised Comox Valley Agricultural Plan (CVAP) into action has been taken with the hiring of a new Agricultural Planning Coordinator by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD).
The establishment of the Comox Valley homes Authority (CVHA) to promote the development of additional affordable homes in the area has been authorized by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board.
The Town of Comox will be celebrating its 80th anniversary with an open house scheduled on January 14, 2026 at the Comox Archives and Museum and the Pearl Ellis Gallery.
The Comox Firefighters Association has donated another automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Core Exercise Studio.
Relish Blinds, Shades, and Awnings, together with Mod Lux Interiors will celebrate its Grand Opening on January 15, 2026 at the Comox Centre Mall.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM
Firefighter Ron Smith marks a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years with Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue. Smith has been honoured with the federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for two decades of dedicated service, along with the British Columbia Long Service Medal for his quarter-century in firefighting.
Team Susan Forrest of Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach is among the top 1 per cent performing real estate teams in Canada, having earned Royal LePage National Chairman‘s Club designation for 2025 for the 15th consecutive year.
Pacific Shores Wellness Spa recently celebrated its 1st anniversary.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members, Evoke Floral and Life Cycle Botanics Ltd.
SOS Community Services Centre located at 245 Hirst Ave. is hosting the Parksville Chamber Business After Business Event on Dec. 18.
PORT ALBERNI
Brian Carriere
Brian Carriere, CIP CAIB has joined Navacord Insurance Services British Columbia Inc. as a Risk Advisor, Commercial Lines in a hybrid role based in Port Alberni.
The City of Port Alberni announced the appointment of Andrew McGifford as Interim Chief Administrative Officer for a one year term, effective February 2, 2026.
Members of the community have started the “fair transit campaign” and are requesting a $1.5 million government subsidy to improve bus service for Port Alberni residents.
The Alberni District Secondary School has unveiled their new sports logo ahead of this year’s 70th Totem basketball tournament, designed by Indigenous artist Geena Powa Haiyupis.
Tseshaht First Nation Artist Aaron Angeli has won the logo design competition for the Alberni Valley Forestry Coalition.
The City of Port Alberni has extended the deadline of the Phase 2 of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan survey to January 9.
The Alberni Clayoquot Regional District has created an interactive platform for the 2026 – 2030 Financial Plan for public engagement and survey participation.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) and the City of Port Alberni are looking for public engagement to identify barriers in accessing ACRD & City programs, facilities, information, services, and support.
Licence to Grill has joined Island Good.
The Alberni Valley Museum’s 2026 Winter Film Fest will debut Sunday, Jan. 18 at the Savoy Theatre.
Island Off Road Racing have made a donation of $2,000 to Ty Watson House in memory of Carla Korman.
TOFINO-UCLUELT
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, Liv Beau Studio.
In partnership with Aeroplan, Air Canada‘s frequent flyer program, Harbour Air has launched a loyalty program that allows users to accrue and use Aeroplan points for travel.
NANAIMO
Susan McGougan
Susan McGougan celebrates 30 years with RE/MAX Professionals (formerly RE/MAX of Nanaimo).
Nanaimo Gymnastics has moved to its new home at 400-2980 Island Hwy N.
Bella Vista, IWCD‘s multi-family community built in partnership with Starlight Developments, received the Award of Excellence at the 2025 Capital Region Commercial Building Awards.
A resolution drafted by Lantzville Mayor Mark Swain to grant up to $50 million to develop the cardiac care program at the hospital was unanimously approved by the board of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD).
PacifiCan has announced the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII)—a federal program providing $63.1 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises in British Columbia that supply the defence sector or develop dual-use technologies.
JBM Custom Contracting now offers U-HAUL rentals.
The Spud Barn is now fully available through the DoorDash app.
The federal government has given the green light to Teck Resources Ltd.’s proposed merger of equals with Anglo American under the Investment Canada Act.
The much-needed cardiac catheterization (often known as “Cath Lab”) in Nanaimo will be fully funded by the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board (NRHD).
The Regional District of Nanaimo seeks request for proposals to find suitable and experienced companies to help update the DCC bylaws and finish the Development Cost Charge Summary Report and Checklist.
LADYSMITH-CHEMAINUS
The decades-old Ladysmith train station received a $1 million grant from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) are collaborating to turn the facility into a community hub, with the Chamber and its visitor centre serving as its focal point.
A year after voters rejected a financing proposal linked to a proposed redevelopment on Buller Street, Ladysmith Council has resumed talks for a new City Hall.
COWICHAN VALLEY/DUNCAN
Morgan Brayton
Morgan Brayton has been named the new executive director of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.
Reservations are currently being accepted at Royal Bistro for all events and occasions through December 25th.
Summer Haus tanning salon, owned by Danielle Schmidt, has moved to a new location at Whittome Mall, 58 Station St.
The Crofton pulp mill will continue operations until January 4, according to Domtar, the factory’s owner. A pulp and paper industry expert has been hired by the province to evaluate the Crofton mill site’s options.
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