News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Jennifer Lash, a long-time resident of Sointula who most recently served as a Senior Advisor to the Minister of the Environment, has been named the Liberal Candidate for North Island Powell River by the Liberal Party of Canada.
Positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) results have been reported by Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. The PEA is based on a two-phase development plan that includes the Hushamu deposit, which will be developed in tandem with a plant expansion, and the company’s wholly-owned Northwest Expo and Red Dog resources.
A Canadian affiliate of the Eastwood Climate Smart Forestry Fund I LP acquired over 14,500 hectares of property on the North Island from Western Forest Products for $69.2 million.
Clean up started in Telegraph Cove on Friday, March 7. The crews are working tirelessly to remove debris resulting from the fire from December 31, 2024. This marks a positive step forward in the rebuilding process of both Telegraph Cove and the Whale Interpretive Centre.
Community Futures Mount Waddington provides service for the North Island, starting in Zeballos and stretching over to the coast up to Bella Bella and Klemtu. In the past 5 years Community Futures has lent close to $10 million, which has helped start or expand over 100 businesses in the Tourism, Forestry, Marine, Retail and Service sectors.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Brian Dybwad
Brian Dybwad has been named a judge of the Provincial Court, with a sworn in ceremony scheduled for March 21, 2025. He will serve in the Vancouver Island area, operating from chambers in Campbell River.
Dylan Baker of Campbell River Search and Rescue Society has been honoured with the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award by the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce.
Seymour Pacific Developments, located in Campbell River, has secured the development permit for Cassette Commons. This project is positioned on Ryan Reynolds Way in Ottawa’s Orleans community, just minutes from their other development, Trinity Crossing.
Qualified developers are being sought after by the City of Campbell River in an effort to redevelop four properties on the 1300 block of Shoppers Row, a cultural centre in downtown Campbell River, and to invest in and collaborate on the project.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce offers members significant savings on shipping via the Chamber Shipping Program in partnership with Freightcom.
The amended budget for the 2024-25 school year, totaling $95,265,816, was approved by the School District 72.
The Campbell River & District Coalition to End Homelessness has undergone a rebranding and will now be recognized as the Strathcona Housing Alliance.
COMOX VALLEY
Resolute North Holdings Ltd. donated 4.51 acres to the CVRD through the federal Ecological Gifts Program. This contribution borders Maris Nature Park, which is undergoing management planning with public involvement in 2025 to incorporate community feedback.
Mackenzie Gartside & Associates has receive the Ambassador’s Club Diamond Award from Mortgage Centre Canada.
On March 8, Comox Valley local governments and K’ómoks First Nation celebrated the ratification of the Treaty and Constitution by members. This historic move advances self-governance and improved partnerships with all levels of government.
The 2025 Bites and Insights: Simplify Work with AI with Hufnagel Consulting, is set for Thursday, March 20, at the CV Chamber Business Hub in Downtown Courtenay.
Members of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce are invited to the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the 40 Knots Winery.
Manatee Holdings Ltd., a leader in sustainable shellfish aquaculture, announces its position as the first company in the industry to establish a Bitcoin Treasury Reserve alongside a unique Geoduck Inventory Reserve, marking a revolutionary step in financial strategy and aquaculture investment.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Coastal Rides is celebrating its 5th anniversary in business.
The seventh dialogue for the impact investment community will be held by the Forum for Impact in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Tofino, from June 25 to 27, 2025.
Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation is selected as a recipient of PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Fund.
Duane Bell and Donny Collins celebrate 25 years of dedicated service with the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department.
PORT ALBERNI
Atwood Catering has officially opened for business in Port Alberni.
CG Hair Studio in Port Alberni has moved to a new location on Adelaide Street.
Arbutus RV is celebrating their 37-year anniversary.
Mobius Books is celebrating their 4-year anniversary.
The City of Port Alberni has now adopted the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan (the Plan), with the rate for the average single-family residential home set at 13.98 per cent.
Port Alberni City Council Council directed staff to proceed with exterior modification to the Train Station to improve access to a commercial kitchen on-site as per the Waymark Architect.
The City of Port Alberni recently installed a new Welcome sign along Pacific Rim Highway #4. The initial design for the sign came from Alberni Valley resident Susan Roth. Connie Watts — a mixed media artist, interior designer, and project manager — was selected in consultation with both Tseshaht First Nation and Hupacasath First Nation to incorporate Indigenous art to the sign.
Huu-ay-aht Guardians announced the successful expansion of the year-round Huu-ay-aht Guardian program to other First Nations working in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This announcement was made during a gathering in Nanaimo, which included the leadership of Parks Canada and the Indigenous Leadership Initiative.
Nook Baked Goods celebrated its 1-year anniversary of being in business.
The Jumping Slug Community Cyclery is hosting a grand opening March 25 at their new location in the Port Alberni Industrial Block. They have expanded the size of their showroom and workshop.
The Ridge View Health & Performance is hosting the McLean Mill 10k run on April 6th. Registrations are open.
Bosley’s by Pet Valu is now offering products in support of Port Alberni’s Furever Endeavor dog rescue non-profit.
Local artist Kama Dawn received the People’s Choice award in the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley’s “Iconic Alberni” art show. Her image will be reproduced as a puzzle and sold as a fundraiser for Arrowsmith Rotary, the sponsor of the art exhibit.
Uniqlo foods is now offering freshly made treats on Wednesdays.
The department of Economic Development is surveying residents of Upper and Lower Anacla on the topics of tourism, business opportunities, and the future of the communities. Input is being collected by the Huu-ay-aht Guardians.
The Port Alberni Port Authority has issued a callout to artists for photographs and paintings to be featured as digital reproductions in the Studio Cabins at China Creek.
Port Alberni outreach worker Daphne Hopkins was recently awarded a King Charles III Coronation medal recognizing her 30+ years of being a volunteer and public servant. The ceremony took place at the Bread of Life and the award was presented by Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns.
Foxy Box Laser and Wax Bar is celebrating their 3-year anniversary.
Submissions are open for the 4th year of the Alberni District Co-op Investment fund.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
David Muncaster has been hired as the new Operations Manager for the Parksville location of Enterprise Paper Co Ltd.
The Galaxy RV Parksville will shortly be home to the Bigfoot RV.
Oceanside Physiotherapy has launched joint replacement services in collaboration with Island Health.
Inclusion Parksville Society is partnering with Donate A Car Canada to accept vehicle donation.
Kandy Golf will soon be available at the Brigadoon Golf Course in Parksville.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce is looking for people who would like to serve on its board of directors. On or before Monday, March 17, qualified candidates are urged to apply by sending a nomination to info@parksvillechamber.com.
Discover ways to optimize your email and calendar management, identify marketing opportunities, and create tailored, AI-enhanced workflows at the upcoming AI WORKSHOP on March 29, 2025, at 1:30 pm.
The VIU Gymnasium (Building 190) will host the Spring Career Fair on March 28, 2025.
NANAIMO
Courtenay Ndiaye
Courtenay Ndiaye is starting a new position as Client Partner, Western Canada at BDC.
Erin Hemmens has been appointed as the Board Chair of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, while Jonathan Lerner serves as the Vice Chair.
A new cancer treatment facility in Nanaimo will receive all proceeds from the sale of potted Gerbera, Cyclamen, Violets, and Begonia that takes place from February 26th to March 20th, according to an announcement made by the Fairways Markets.
From February 28 to March 20, 2025, Vancouver Island’s grocers including Red Barn Market, Country Grocer, Thrifty Foods, Fairway Market and Tru Value Foods, will collaborate on a special fundraising campaign to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation.
IWCD announced the successful completion of the new Galaxy Motors dealership in the downtown area of Nanaimo.
Hullo Ferries is looking to hire a Marketing Manager based in Nanaimo or Vancouver and has also announced a new partnership with BCAA, offering exclusive fare savings to BCAA Members across the province.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) invites qualified and experienced firms to submit Statements of Qualifications to strip, brighten and refinish the external glulam beams and posts of the RDN Administration Building located at 6300 Hammond Bay Road.
Array is celebrating its 16th anniversary.
Leadership Vancouver Island is marking its 20th anniversary.
Nanaimo Port Authority has announced the following appointments: Barbara Coe has been reappointed as a user director for a three-year term; Frederick William Denning has been reappointed as a user director for a three-year term and Shiva Dean has been reappointed as a user director for a three-year term.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
No Frills will be opening a new store later this year at Chemainus Marketplace, becoming its latest anchor tenant.
An Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award has been presented to the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) station in Ladysmith in recognition of their contributions to emergency response and marine safety.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce held an open house at its office at 33 Roberts St. to celebrate Chamber of Commerce Week and its 95th anniversary.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Goldstream widening project has officially started, aiming to enhance safety and reliability for the route connecting Victoria and Duncan.
More than 40 establishments will be participating in the ninth annual Dine & Sip Cowichan, hosted by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, from February 28th to March 23rd.
Victoria’s Conjure Hand and Duncan’s Hellstones and Arbutus Roots will perform at Duncan’s Jac’s on Queens Sports Bar on April 12.
The Cowichan District Hospital‘s auxiliary just acquired the structure at 138 Craig St., where their Thrift Store is located.
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