News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Heather Nelson-Smith
Heather Nelson-Smith, the CAO and corporate officer for the District of Port Hardy, has received a nomination for the Inspiring Wonder Woman Vancouver Isl award.and 2024. With 20 years in local government, Heather’s leadership has driven key community projects like the Port Clements Multiplex and poverty reduction initiatives.
Lt. Lionel Gunson of the Port Hardy Fire Rescue has been honoured with a municipal long service award for 30 years of dedicated service.
Karen Stewart, a native of Port McNeill, will be reading from and signing copies of her debut novel, Sunset Bay, on February 22 at The Book Shelf in Shop-Rite at Home.
Matt Hopewell celebrates 10 years with Alair Van Isle, a partner at the North Island and Parksville-Qualicum Beach locations. Matt also welcomes his new business partner Chiris Gulliver.
Airport Inn-Port Hardy is celebrating 3 years in business.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Chef Dennis Vaughan
Dennis Vaughan, an award-winning executive chef, is the newest addition to the Anchor Waterfront Restaurant.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Business Transition Workshop on March 6, 2025, at the Enterprise Centre.
The store at 915 Island Hwy., Campbell River, known as Zwina’s Closet, will reopen in March with a new name.
Campbell River City Council endorsed the Campbell River Airport (YBL) tactical plan and strategic goals and is moving forward with some updates to fees and charges.
Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of BC Salmon Farmers Association, updated Council on the BC salmon farming sector and the impacts of the Draft Transition Plan and process. Kingzett’s presentation highlighted that in 2022, aquaculture generated approximately $1.3 billion in sales and 7,000 jobs in BC. It offers over 400 jobs in Campbell River and supports many others.
Habital for Humanity Escape Room Fundraiser is happening until Feb 28 on Wednesdays to Sundays at 100-1260 Shoppers Row (Next to RBC Bank) @ the cost of $20 per player (4 players per team). Get your tickets here.
Meera Bakery Cafe is now open at 970 Shoppers Row. They serve specialty coffees, healthy breakfast sanwiches, freshly house baked treats and a delicious light Lunch.
COMOX VALLEY
Jeraldine Marshall
Jeraldine Marshall and Colleen Evans have been appointed to the ICET’s board by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
Arzeena Hamir joins Comox Valley Horticulture, and is set to speak at the Society’s Zoom meeting on Monday, Feb. 24.
Uranus, a store located at 356-5th Street and owned by Sherry Bruce-Marshall, is marking its 30th anniversary.
Coastal Community Credit Union has completely transformed and modernized their building at 291 – 4th Street and are offering more services and financial advice for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The transformation was completed January 2025. Courtenay residents can look forward to bike racks and an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in the parking lot later this year.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Jill Salter is starting a new position as Marine Division Manager at Tofino Resort + Marina.
Tin Wis Resort has been awarded 4 GREEN KEYS by Green Key Global as part of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. and is also a finalist for the prestigious Indigenous Destination Development Award at the 2025 Indigenous Tourism Awards.
The Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation has made a transformative $1.2M investment in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. Of this amount, $1M will be allocated to the construction of the Centre, while the remaining $200K will be used to support impactful programming for community health, environmental stewardship, and reconciliation.
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust‘s Education Awards are currently accepting applications until April 3rd.
PORT ALBERNI
Daphne Irene received the King Charles III coronation medal in recognition for her work with those experiencing homelessness in Port Alberni.
Star Convenience & Smoke Shop recently opened at 3473 3rd Ave, across Smitty’s and next to DQ.
The Next Level Dance & Night Club located at 4963 Angus St, Port Alberni, will be having its grand opening on Feb 21.
The Alberni Valley Community Foundation grant application intake is open until February 28.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Hupačasath First Nation, and North Island College are excited to partner to deliver a Greenhouse Propagation and Production course.
Mudge Barber Co. has opened at 3092 3rd Ave, Port Alberni.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Tabitha Mckenzie has returned to the Ohs Marketing Team at Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach Realty.
The 2025 Brant Wildlife Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 4th to Monday, April 7th.
The GLA:D™ Knee/Hip Arthritis Exercise Program will be available at the Advanced Health + Sports Clinic in Parksville on Mondays and Wednesdays from March 31st to May 21st, 2025.
Comfort Keepers Parksville has been recognized on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® for 2025.
Milner Gardens & Woodland will reopen on Friday, February 21st.
Join Sandy McLary @ The Travel Agent Next Door at Qualicum Beach Inn on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM to learn all about this incredible group departure!
BeTouched Wellness Studio in Parksville celebrated 4 years in business.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks has been nominated for BC & Yukon’s Outstanding Young Farmer.
NANAIMO
Louise Turch
Louise Turch has been hired as Preconstruction Manager at Momentum Design Build.
Monica McAlduff has been named by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Board of Directors as the organization’s next CEO, with effect from March 1, 2025.
The BC Chamber of Commerce has announced that President and CEO Fiona Famulak will be leaving the organization on June 13, 2025, after four years in leadership, to pursue the next chapter of her career.
Construction is set to commence this month for a new $289-million cancer centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, next to the ambulatory care building, with completion expected in 2028.
Pacifica Housing is launching a new transitional housing program at 1298 Nelson Street in Nanaimo. This initiative aims to support individuals looking to reduce their exposure to alcohol and substances.
An expanded downtown centre for Salvation Army Nanaimo is currently under construction, which includes the installation of new supportive beds for men.
Island Healing is proud to extend a special invitation to be part of the Nanaimo Wellness & Spirit Fair indoor and outdoor event on Saturday, May 10, at the Cavallotti Hall 2060 E. Wellington Rd.
Jason Yochim, CEO of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board will be speaking at the Nanaimo Chamber luncheon at the Nanaimo Golf Club on March 13th.
Nominations are now live for the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce‘s Business Awards.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Valley Roots Farm Market & Garden Centre, run by Jordan and Bri Dirom, have taken over Russell Farm Market and Garden Centre, on Mt. Sicker Road in Chemainus.
Chemainus Lodge‘s VWB Terry van Seters presented Marley Bohmer with a $700 bursary cheque, recognizing her as a recipient of The Slim Pritchard Memorial Bursary.
The Hive Fitness and Yoga Studio celebrated its 3rd anniversary on February 3rd.
Dawn Deschamps is the operations manager and Chelsie Griffeth, the manager, at the new Serious Coffee Plus in Lake Cowichan.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Vanessa Daether will succeed Judy Stafford, who has been the executive director of Cowichan Green Community for 17 years, as the new executive director.
Joe Fernandez, Chief Administrative Officer of Lake Cowichan, has officially stepped down after a remarkable 27-year career.
Serious Coffee Plus, a joint venture between Serious Coffee and the historic River Café on North Shore Road, has opened in Lake Cowichan. Dawn Deschamps is the operations manager and Chelsie Griffeth is the manager.
Located at 486 Trans Canada Highway, Options Salad & Subs Meal Prep will open to the public on March 1st as part of a project spearheaded by Doug MacKenzie.
Following a four-hour budget meeting on February 11, the North Cowichan council has reduced the anticipated tax increase for 2025 to 8.87 percent.
Cowichan Canvas Upholstery has recently opened at 205 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan.
PhysioHarder Therapy Clinic has opened in Duncan at 1-3296 Renita Ridge Road.
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