News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Heather Nelson-Smith, CAO & Corporate Officer for the District of Port Hardy, has been nominated for the Inspiring Wonder Woman Awards – Vancouver Island 2024.
The North Island Employment Foundations Society has moved to its new location in the former Monk Office storefront located at 102- 7160 Rupert Street.
Port Hardy has launched its Indigenous Justice Centre, providing legal support based on First Nations law, located at 6990 Market Street next to Pacificus.
There will be a nationwide closure of Peavey Mart stores, including the Ace Hardware in Port Hardy. The Peavey Group operates across 94 store locations in six provinces and employs approximately 1,900 people. Their performance suffered due to reduced consumer demand for discretionary goods, inflationary pressures, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Colleen Evans
Colleen Evans has been appointed by the BC Government through an Order in Council, as a Director to Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET).
Pete Laing, RPF, from Campbell River, has been honoured as the Jim Rodney Memorial Volunteer of the Year for his exceptional volunteer contributions to FPBC.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce will host the B2B Mixer at the Coast Discovery Inn in Campbell River on February 27.
TRG Commercial and CBRE Limited are pleased to present the opportunity to acquire 100 per cent interest in the Painter’s Lodge Trademark Collection by Wyndham, an iconic 94 room waterfront hotel and fishing lodge on a fully serviced 8.25-acre complex in Campbell River.
Bageri Bakehouse has announced online ordering & weekly local delivery—so you can enjoy our slow-fermented, organic sourdough loaf and other delicious breads from the comfort of home!
COMOX VALLEY
Whitney Peardon
Whitney Peardon has started new job at Coastal Community Private Wealth Group as Senior Client Relations Assistant.
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund – Large Scale Projects is accepting applications until Feb. 28.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is set to host the 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community.
Honey Grove Bakery opens at its new location at 320B Old Island Highway, right across from the Rotary Water Park.
Comox Valley Dodge is hosting the Driven Women event, a celebration of women in the automotive industry, on March 8th at 278 N Island Hwy, Courtenay.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Ron GK Norman and Flynn Saunderson were named the recipients of the 2024 Lifelong Learner Award by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust.
The Ucluelet Brewing Company is celebrating its 5 years in business on Friday, February 15th.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sienna’s Vacation Rentals as a new Chamber member.
The Tofino Chamber & Tourism Tofino AGM will be held on March 25th at Tin Wis Resort.
PORT ALBERNI
Ken Mcrae
Ken Mcrae has been appointed to the Port Alberni Port Authority’s (PAPA) Board of Directors for a two-year term.
Winnk Salon is opening in Port Alberni at 4548 Adelaide St.
The Alberni District Fall Fair marks its 80th anniversary this year.
Flandangles Kitchen & Gifts/Gibson’s Fine Linens, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Mark Adelborg, fire captain of Parksville, was awarded the Fire Service BC Long Service Medal for his 25 years of dedicated service.
Bryn Johnson of Homelab Nanaimo has joined the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce as it’s newest member.
A new organization, the Meadowood Hall Recreation Association, will be in charge of running the Meadowood Community Centre.
Parksville council has approved the final adoption of an amendment to the official community plan, along with a zoning and development amendment bylaw for an affordable housing project at 1225 Franklin’s Gull Rd. This initiative aims to support workforce housing.
The Regional District of Nanaimo is seeking Tenders for the Oceanside Place Arena‘s Heat Recovery and Energy Upgrades Project. Tenderers must submit each Tender Form along with a verifiable digital E-Bid Bond amounting to ten per cent of the total tender amount, as well as a verifiable digital Consent of Surety, as outlined by the Surety Association of Canada.
Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Business event will be held at Deez Bar & Grill on March 6.
Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session on Chamber benefits on March 3, 2025.
The Chamber will hold a session titled “A.i. for Beginners” on February 18th. This event will cover various A.i. tools, their differences, and practical applications such as minute taking, image creation, and grant writing. The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region offices in Qualicum Beach served as the venue for the event.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board approved a referendum in October 2024 to borrow up to $30 million to expand the Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RAC) near Qualicum Beach. Residents and non-resident property voters of Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and RDN Electoral Areas E, F, G, and H can vote in the referendum on April 5, 2025. The RDN has organized seven information sessions for eligible voters to learn about the expansion, borrowing, and referendum. Attendance is open to everyone.
NANAIMO
Allison Lane has joined the team at Root Interiors Ltd in Nanaimo.
The Javawocky Coffee House in Nanaimo is back open.
Knappett Industries Ltd. is proud to support KidSport Nanaimo, Nanaimo Child Development Centre, Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation, and Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, at the 3rd Annual Dirt Cup, happening on March 21st at the Oceanside Arena.
The Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter has recently been recognized as one of Nanaimo’s Three Best Rated Plumbers.
NomNom Filipino Frozen Cookies is now available at Kapitbahay Parksville and Kapitbahay Nanaimo.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is inviting qualified firms to submit proposals for the provision and activation of devices that use cellular voice and data services. For any submissions or questions, please reach out to Robin Karim, Manager of Business Solutions at the Regional District of Nanaimo.
The Nanaimo-Lantzville Business Leaders Advisory Council was established by Lantzville MP George Anderson to look into opportunities, identify problems, and provide advice on projects that will improve the area’s economic development and standard of living. Yuho Okada, President of Barkley Project Group, chairs the council, which is made up of seasoned businesses with a strong commitment to the community: Donna Hais (R.W. [Bob] Wall Ltd.), Ashwak Sirri (The Grand Hotel), Andre Sullivan (Integral Wealth), and Tyler Large (Country Grocer).
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
No Frills is set to open in Chemainus, taking over the location that once housed the Chemainus Public Market.
The Chemainus Classic Car Club will have meets at Waterwheel Park’s parking lot from June 4 to Sept. 17.
Colour Wheel Salon, owned by Keirsten Tymko, will move to 9736 Chemainus Rd, next to Little Town Pizza.
Fogerty Design Studio, Paul Fogerty‘s stained glass business, has moved to a new location at 2873 Oak St. in Chemainus.
This year’s Chemainus Wednesday Market, which takes place from May 28 to September 17, will feature The Winning Touch Massage as one of its vendors.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Shana Thomas
Shana Thomas (Laxele’wuts’aat), has been appointed to lead the Lyackson First Nation, a Hul’q’umi’num village of almost 200 people in central Coast Salish territory.
Duncan welcomes the arrival of its fully automated garbage truck.
Following the opening of the new Cowichan District Hospital in 2027, the City of Duncan hopes to keep the current facility on Gibbins Road as a mental health or rehabilitation centre.
David Eguin‘s Brickitty-dooda, a Duncan specialty toy shop, has relocated to 303 Festubert St.
Kristie Anne and Sterling Aurel of By the Bay Lavender are set to open their lavender farm for tours in March, showcasing two acres of their beautiful property.
Royal Bistro, an Indian restaurant owned by Rahul Khokhar and Balwinder Dhaliwal, has opened at 111 Jubilee St.
The Wayne Procter Group has announced the opening of Serious Brewing Co., a new brew pub, in the Chemainus Village Square. The space was formerly occupied by Riot Brewing.
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