News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. has announced the slate of directors for its upcoming 2026. AGM including Hume Kyle, Alex Davidson, Jill Donaldson, Kevin O’Kane, and Sam Lee.
The $241 million investment in skilled trades, first announced in Budget 2026 in February, will help thousands of people benefit from training, expand access to good-paying jobs, and ensure employers have workers to deliver major projects. Premier David Eby has announced up to 5,000 new trades training seats for 2026 at public post-secondary institutions and non-profit union trainers.
Community Futures BC announced that its Entrepreneurs Disabilities Program received a National Community Impact Award.
The Town of Port McNeill celebrated their 60th birthday.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Josien Bakker
Josien Bakker, CFA, has joined the Board of Directors of Poseidon Ocean Systems.
Dave Hartnoll has received Seymour Pacific Development‘s Golden Hammer Award.
STAG + BOAR Cabinets, owned and run by Jamie Craig and Luka Biela, is now serving more of Northern Vancouver Island.
Quadra Island is gearing up for the 2026 Quadra Island Studio Tour, celebrating its 23rd year of showcasing art, creativity, and community on June 6.
The Centennial Outdoor Pool in Campbell River is now open for the summer season this year.
COMOX VALLEY
Mania Qumarsy
Mania Qumarsy has joined the team of Partners at MNP.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) announced that it has achieved a tentative collective agreement with United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937 that would meet employee demands while upholding fiscal responsibility for its members.
St. George’s United Church in Courtenay is accepting proposals for the use of its 2,300 square foot Fellowship Hall on weekdays. A 380 square foot kitchen and well-maintained washrooms are situated adjacent to the hall. St. George’s is situated at the intersection of 6th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue.
The Planning Fees, Procedures and Delegation Bylaw No. 899, 2026, has been adopted by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). This bylaw updates the planning application fees, public notice requirements, delegated approvals, and planning and development application procedures across the electoral areas of the regional district.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM
The 2026 Board of Directors for the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce has been announced: Rebecca Clark – Moments Hospitality; Launie Elves – QB Farmers Market; Stephanie Benedict – Coastal Community Credit Union; Tim O’Connor – Sabo Jang; Matt Hill – Fern and Cedar; Lyndsey Eden – Quality Foods; Lesley Reed – Iskwew Air and Slava Govorov – Shady Rest.
The Nanoose Place Community Centre, which the late George Holme and the Nanoose Bay Lions Club, of which he was President, helped construct in the early 1990s, hosted the second annual George Holme Memorial Car Wash on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The Nanoose Place Community Center’s amenities will be improved for future generations thanks to the nearly $5,500 in community donations garnered by this year’s three-hour vehicle wash.
Summer by the Sea Street Market 2026 opens on June 9th.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new member, Griffin Refrigeration Ltd.
The annual general meeting of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce will take place on June 11 at The Bradley Centre, with Extreme Eatery providing the food.
PORT ALBERNI
Skytec Contracting Canada Ltd is relocating will soon open its Argyle Street location.
Finishing Touches celebrates 47 years in business in Alberni Valley.
5040 Strength Co is opening in Port Alberni on July 1st.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library celebrates its 90th anniversary.
TOFINO/UCLUELET
Layla Martinez is now offering evening acupuncture appointments through Tidal Rhythms.
Elmer Frank was re-elected chief councillor of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
Randi-Leigh Macnutt, a member of the Hupacasath First Nation, launched Routes Driving Academy, which formally opened earlier this spring.
NANAIMO
The Salvation Army New Hope Centre’s four-storey modular building at 19 Nicol Street is nearing completion.
Proposal requests are now open for qualified firms to create and lead a workshop focused on rural land economics and housing feasibility in the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). Additionally, firms will be tasked with developing a Rural Housing Strategy aimed at providing the RDN with a clear and actionable framework to enhance viable housing options in rural Electoral Areas.
Grooms by Meg, offering dog grooming services in Nanaimo has officially opened.
Sandstone Counselling is currently accepting new clients in Nanaimo and virtually across BC.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sarah Jesse as one of the newest chamber members.
Coast Bastion Hotel is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Island Clinical Counselling is currently welcoming new clients in Nanaimo for in-person and virtual counselling.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members, Waste Management Canada and Island Corridor Foundation.
Bound to Be, owned by Amy Hughes has opened its new Willow Street location.
COWICHAN VALLEY/DUNCAN
Jacob Hall, Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce Director, will be offering a free 2-hour workshop on Cybersecurity , on June 22nd at Brewberry Books.
The building of the new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, at which point Island Health operations personnel will take over to prepare the facility. This week, the hospital reached 90 per cent completion.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Mix and Mingle will be hosted at the new location of Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Louis J Bazinet, at Unit 304-2900 Drinkwater Rd.
Matisse Day Spa is celebrating its 25th year in business.
Valley Vines to Wines has moved and reopened at its new location at #202-5301 Chaster Rd, Duncan.
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