News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
The Kwakiutl First Nation‘s new Food Hub in Tsaxis and throughout Northern Vancouver Island are the beneficiaries of a $1 million investment from United Way British Columbia, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction of the Government of British Columbia. The investment is intended to enhance food security and Indigenous food sovereignty.
Ha’me’, the fine dining restaurant at Kwa’lilas Hotel, officially reopened on June 20, 2025, with a cultural blessing and ceremonial event that celebrates Indigenous cuisine, identity, and self-determination. The restaurant is wholly owned by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nation.
A new Mini 5 Basket Disc Golf Course has been constructed by the Rotary Club of Port Hardy and the District of Port Hardy, located behind the Recreation Centre, by the tennis courts.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Tiičma Enterprises is proud to announce the acquisition of the building located at 1250 Ironwood Street, which has served as the Campbell River administrative office of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) and Tiicma Enterprises for the past five years and three years, respectively.
New businesses joining Island Good in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), the City of Campbell River, and the City of Port Alberni will receive a 50 per cent discount on their first-year licensing fees.
Golin Cinemas has officially acquired the movie theatre in Campbell River, located at 489 South Dogwood St. Formerly known as Caprice and previously owned by Landmark Cinemas, the venue is set to reopen on June 27.
The School District 72‘s 2025/2026 capital plan request has been approved by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, which will provide funding for the purchase of a new bus with four disability spaces.
Julie Sperber, President & CEO of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) will be speaking at the Indigenous Economic Summit 2025 on Juuly 8-9.
Seawise Innovative Packaging was recently recognized by the Province for their leadership in sustainable manufacturing. They were presented with a certificate to acknowledge their commitment to industry leadership and environmental stewardship.
The Rail Yard Market was awarded a BC Economic Development Association Community Project Award (for a community population of more than 25,000). The honour recognizes the creative vision and collaboration behind the innovative micro-unit marketplace.
COMOX VALLEY
Mike Manara
Mike Manara has been appointed the new General Manager of Mount Washington Alpine Resort, effective July 1, 2025.
The CVCDA Annual Children’s Telethon is set for November 2, 2025, marking its 50th event. This milestone will be broadcast live from noon to 8 p.m. at the Sid Williams Theatre and streamed online via Rogers TV and the CVCDA website. Amy Baudais will serve as this year’s Telethon Ambassador.
Isfeld Secondary’s Life Skills class and Lake Park Society were able to secure a grant from the Youth Innovation Component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund. Cumberland Lake Park and Campground made use of the funds to buy a floating water wheelchair.
The City of Courtenay has awarded the construction contract for the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge project to Surespan Group, with construction set to begin in September.
The Beaufort Association for Inclusion in Action is celebrating 65 years.
Comx Valley Chamber Executive Director, Tracey Clarke, has been appointed to the Board of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA).
Danny Cave has joined the sales team at Comox Valley Dodge.
All Island REIT has successfully closed on the acquisition of 2187 Comox Avenue, a 74-unit apartment complex in Comox.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The service from Tofino and Ucluelet to Port Alberni has been discontinued by IslandLinkBus.
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust’s inaugural biosphere facility on the West Coast has been expedited by the provincial government’s $1 million investment from its Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The Best Western Tin Wis Resort, owned by the
PORT ALBERNI
Mike Carter & Knezevic Zoran
Mike Carter will take on the role of Co-CEO at the Port Alberni Port Authority, partnering with current President & CEO Knezevic Zoran in a collaborative leadership structure beginning July 1, 2025.
The Hupacasath First Nation completed the purchase of the former Gill Elementary School and surrounding lands.
Canadian Maritime Engineering is expanding with a new 450-tonne marine travel lift, which is expected to operational by late August or early September. The installation of the new equipment will create 40-60 new positions to meet the anticipated demand.
Fraserview, a Surrey-based company known for its manufactured wood products since 1994, has acquired the Coulson Mill, situated a few kilometres up the Alberni Inlet, for an undisclosed amount.
The City of Port Alberni, Hupacasath First Nation and Tseshaht First Nations have won two 2025 B.C. Economic Development Awards for their collaboration with Clutesi Haven Marina Uplands Improvements.
The Alberni Valley Fibre Guild recently received a grant of $4,000 from the Alberni Valley Community Foundation for its 100-kilometre Wardrobe Challenge.
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has received $117,790 in grant funding to enhance the capacity of their Emergency Operations Centre and support emergency response training across the region.
Coulson Aviation Canada has secured a 70-day contract by the BC Wildfire Service to provide one of its state-of-the-art Sikorsky S-61 Type 1 Helitankers equipped for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations. This partnership marks the first time Coulson will conduct live-fire NVG aerial firefighting missions on Canadian soil.
Quesada Mexican Burritos & Tacos Restaurant has opened on 10th Avenue.
Twin City Cycles is set to open in July at 5344 Argyle Street.
The Special Olympics Awards banquet for Port Alberni Athletes will be held on June 28 at Echo Centre.
The Sproat Lake Regatta 2025 will take place July 12 – 13.
Vancouver Island Soaring Centre plans to start a winter ground school class in 2025.
New benches and trees have been installed at the Harbour Quay.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Nanoose Place President, Eve Flynn, has announced that CRM Excavation of Nanoose Bay has been awarded the contract for a complete replacement of the septic system infrastructure at Nanoose Place Community Centre, with work set to begin and continue over the next 6 weeks.
Seacliff Properties has announced the launch of Gracewood, a new neighbourhood in the Fairwinds community. This area features 51 thoughtfully designed single-family lots and is located just 20 minutes north of Nanaimo on beautiful Vancouver Island. Gracewood marks a notable development as the first new neighborhood at Fairwinds in over a decade, highlighting a key moment in the growth of the Fairwinds master-planned community.
A lease arrangement has been reached by the Qualicum School District and the Town of Qualicum Beach that allows the Qualicum Commons, previously Qualicum Beach Elementary School, to continue operating.
The City of Parksville celebrated its 80th anniversary on June 19 at the Atrium of the Civic and Technology Centre.
The Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department marked a significant milestone on June 21, celebrating 60 years of commitment and service to the local community.
NANAIMO
Damsels Fashion Collections is celebrating 51 years in business.
A total of $825,000 was raised by the Tom Harris Community Foundation at the annual golf tournament, which took place at the Nanaimo Golf Club on Friday, June 20.
Debra Doucette has been appointed as the Chair of Odlum Brown, an investment firm headquartered in Vancouver. Doucette has been with Odlum Brown since 1991 and served as President and CEO for 17 years before becoming Executive Chair and CEO a year ago.
The city council approved the re-zoning application submitted by Placemark Design Studio for Rutherford Crestview Developments on Monday, June 16. The application applies to properties located at the roundabout at the top of Rutherford Hill.
Connective, in partnership with BC Housing, has opened its new temporary housing program at 1300 Island Highway in Nanaimo.
Vancouver Island Economic Alliance strengthened regional connections by collaborating with the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities, Vancouver Island Coast Economic Development Association, local Chambers, and the expansion of Island Good, enhancing VIEA’s role as a key connector.
The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance announce the appointment of its 2025-2026 Board of Directors, including:
- Chair: Janet Bonaguro – Chief Executive Officer, ThinkSpace Performance Inc.
- Chair-Elect: Brad McRae – Director, Western Forest Products
- Past Chair: Nicole Vaugeois – Associate Vice-President, Research & Graduate Studies, Vancouver Island University
- Treasurer: Caroline Read – Vice President, Finance, Port of Nanaimo
Directors:
- Tracey Clarke – Executive Director, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Kristi Fairholm Mader – Director of Innovation & Initiatives, Scale Collaborative & Managing Director, Thrive Impact Fund
- Keith Grandbois – Owner, Granbois Management Consulting
- Dirk Heydemann – Principal Photographer, Image Consultant & CEO, HA Cyan Creative Inc. & HA Photography
- Kear Porttris – Owner Founder, Porttris Consulting Group
- Kelsey Pringle – Owner, Motivation Monday Marketing| Co-founder, EMPOWER Women Canada
- Taurean Seib – Senior Manager, Coastal Community Credit Union
- Sean Smyth – General Manager/Pilot, West Coast Helicopters | Councillor, City of Campbell River
- Aaron Stone – CEO, South Island Prosperity Partnership
- Nik Vischschraper, Chief Executive Officer, Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation
- Gary Wilson (Ǧṇísḷaǧy̓ḷís) – Chief Executive Officer, Tiičma Enterprises/Management Services LP
- Outgoing Board Members: Katie Bishop, Andrea Thomas and Joel Thompson
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
A new five-story building with ground-floor business space, 22 residential units, and a rooftop patio will replace the Island Hotel in downtown Ladysmith, located at 440 1st Ave. Construction is scheduled to start this month.
A community food garden will be set up at 9800 Willow Street in Chemainus, between the library and Cowichan Neighbourhood House, through to a one-year agreement between the North Cowichan council and the Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
David Van Deventer, president of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, will represent Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands on the BC Chamber board.
An exhibition of Jennifer Lawson’s vibrant figure drawings, created in the Cowichan Valley, will be on display at Duncan’s Old Firehouse Wine and Cocktail Bar this summer.
A development permit has been issued by North Cowichan for the construction of a four-story, 46-unit rental apartment building at 2557 Alexander St. The building will consist of a diverse mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. The site is presently occupied by two single-family homes.
The province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program is funding Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures Central Island to create a new Business Continuity Planning Program to help small businesses build resilience.
PartyGo Packs, a start up company by young entrepreneur Chris Stone from Shawnigan Lake, is set to host a drop-in laser tag event in Cobble Hill on June 27.
A new financial assistance program called the Vandalism Recovery Grant Program has been launched by the Downtown Duncan BIA to assist businesses in recovering from the negative impacts of vandalism.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE
