News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
Thomas Wamiss
Thomas Wamiss, the skipper and guide at Coastal Rainforest Safaris, has been named finalist for the ITAC Indigenous Tourism Awards in the Outstanding Staff Person category.
Anthony Bucci, a Port McNeill photographer, was just named Canadian Photographer of the Year.
Port McNeill will be the site of a Foundry satellite centre for adolescent mental health and addictions.
The North Shore Lodge will be taking over Wicked Salmon Fishing Charter.
The Annual Port Hardy Job Fair, presented by WorkBC Centre-North Island, will return to the Port Hardy Civic Centre on March 3.
CAMPBELL RIVER
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, Nine Peaks Tree Care.
Mowi Canada West’s attempt to have the Discovery Islands aquaculture moratorium reinstated, which would have allowed open-net pen salmon farms to remain operating, was unsuccessful.
Registration for the upcoming spring semester at Campbell River ElderCollege, which will take place online or at the Student Services office (1685 S. Dogwood St.), opens on February 17th.
Foundation Rehab is set to open a new, larger clinic in Campbell River on February 9, located at 2780 South Island Hwy.
Latitude 49N, a new shop offering hiking, kayaking, and mountaineering apparel and equipment, opens at 320 5th St. in downtown Courtenay.
COMOX VALLEY
Scott Gregor
Scott Gregor has been appointed as the new Executive Chef of Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community.
LUSH Valley Food Action Society is opening on February 2nd in the campus cafeteria at North Island College in Courtenay.
Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community is participating in the Coldest Night of the Year event, aiming to raise funds for the Comox Valley Transition Society and Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness.
The Comox Valley Chocolate Festival is on until Feb 28.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM
The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara is excited to introduce a new outdoor wellness feature this season, the Coastal Cold Rinse. Designed to complement their hot and cold spa experience, this nature-connected ritual invites guests to refresh, reset and awaken their senses through the benefits of contrast bathing.
A new building permit was given for a lot at 440 Island Hwy W, in Parksville, to build a five-story apartment building with 79 units.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund is now accepting applications, until March 12, for grant funding aimed at small-scale construction and communication technology projects designed to enhance accessibility in communities and workplaces. Funding opportunities reach as high as $200,000 for each project.
Parksville’s newest Thai restaurant is now open in Parksville downtown! You’ll find Tha Phae ThaiRestaurant next to Pioneer Plaza on Island Highway.
PORT ALBERNI
Rob Dalton, Lions Club President was presented with the Diamond Level Judge Brian Stevenson award.
Leave Her Wild Container Design and House of Dahlie are collaborating for Valentines Day at the Leave her Wild Container Design Victoria Quay location.
Colyn’s Nursery & Florist has reopened for the season.
The 4th annual McLean Mill 10K will be taking place on March 29.
Trails and Tails Photo has opened for business.
Ty Watson House received a donation of $3,350 from the Best Western Barclay Hotel, Festival of Trees.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Alberni Septic Tank Service and Pathways Leadership Coaching.
TOFINO/UCLUELET
Graydon Clerk has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Tofino Chamber of Commerce.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, Touchstone Dog Training.
NANAIMO
Violet Hayes, who served as the executive director of the Island Crisis Care Society for fifteen years, has announced her retirement.
Loaves & Fishes‘ new regional food-recovery facility is currently under construction, with the Province contributing $7 million to the project.
The Regional District of Nanaimo is actively seeking funds from private donors and local organizations to acquire Hamilton Marsh from its current owner, Mosaic Forest Management.
The Bee’s Knees Cafe’ and Catering is celebrating 10 years in business.
Wolf Brewing Company marks its seventh anniversary in business.
Egan Electrical Systems has launched its new website.
The Pacific Arts Market‘s brand new gallery will open at #1 Commercial St. in Nanaimo this spring.
Infinity Rush is set to perform in Canada, the home of the iconic band RUSH, on March 28th at the Port Theatre, located at 125 Front Street, Nanaimo.
The City Council unanimously agreed to let TELUS use 1151 Nanaimo Lakes Rd, which is City-owned land. They also agreed to put up two smaller towers on a City right-of-way at the corner of Turner Rd. and Island Hwy.
New electric vehicle (EV) chargers—two 400 kilowatt and two 180 kilowatt Level 2—have been unveiled by BC Hydro in Nanaimo, at Rock City Centre on the Island Hwy.
From now until February 18th, residents of Nanaimo can weigh in on an online survey that asks for their thoughts on what should be included in a tenant relocation and compensation policy to assist renters who are forced out of their homes during construction projects.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS
The Town of Ladysmith is set to undergo accessibility enhancements following the approval of their inaugural Accessibility Plan by Council.
Valley Roots Farm Market and Garden Centre is now open under new ownership.
COWICHAN VALLEY/DUNCAN
A $2.5 million contract for the installation of a 1.8-meter-tall pedestrian-exclusion fence along a 700-meter section of Highway 1 between Beverly Street and James Street/York Road has been awarded to Hazelwood Construction Services Inc.
Best Western Duncan, CVI Lounge, and Kalisi Cafe will be hosting the Vendor market on February 8th at the lobby of the Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn, located at 6457 Norcross Rd, Duncan.
The third reading of an application from Oak & Vine Estate on Lakes Road to accommodate weddings and other events has been carried out by North Cowichan’s council.
North Cowichan awarded initial construction contracts for the new 44-space child-care facilities in Crofton to Archie Johnson Plumbing and Heating for the facility’s mechanical services at $590,000 (excluding taxes), and Stone Pacific Contracting for site services at $508,000 (excluding taxes).
Duncan Plants & Ponics Ltd., situated at 6512 Bell McKinnon Rd., is shutting its doors and hosting a major clearance sale.
The Cowichan Writers’ Group has relocated to The Learning Centre at Queen Margaret’s School.
Fabricland Duncan is closing at 180 Trunk Rd in Duncan Mall and negotiating a move to a smaller space next door.
The Rotary Club of Duncan is set to host its Heart of Gold Gala and auction on February 14, taking place in the lobby of the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.
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