News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
PORT HARDY/PORT MCNEILL
Rosaline Glynn, a resident of Port Hardy, has been awarded the BC Community Award.
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc., a renowned coastal seafood processor and retailer, has been officially transferred to new ownership under the Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Limited Partnership, which is comprised of Kwakiutl Nation Development Corporation, Authentic Indigenous Seafood, and UFISH.
The Town of Port McNeill has allocated $200,000 to back the BC Gaming Grant application.
The Quatsino Gas Station, located on the Quatsino First Nation, officially opened its doors on May 4.
A $100,000 grant has been awarded to the District of Port Hardy to enhance the capacity of its Safe Community Situation Table and train new collaborating partners.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Charlie HuberB, a Certified Personal Trainer, has joined the team at West Coast Muscle & Fitness.
The City of Campbell River Fire Department is hosting its Annual Open House on May 30, 2026 at #1 Fire Station at 675 13th Avenue.
Naturally Pacific Resort‘s Sunset Terrace Patio + Grill will be open to the public on May 13th.
Compass Gallery + Gifts at YQQ is expanding to offer additional services to the Passenger Experience at YBL Campbell River Airport.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members, Coffee News and ALPHA IT.
Stonehouse Teas is now open 7 days a week.
COMOX VALLEY
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s Business After Business will be hosted by 40 Knots Winery and The Old Farm Market on May 28th.
Two Communicator Awards of Distinction have been given to the City of Courtenay in the categories of General-Government and Features-Website Redesign.
The training exercise, which will take place at the Training Site at Seal Bay and at 19 Wing Comox from May 11 to 15, will be led by the 19 Wing Auxiliary Security Force.
Aurum Solar Ltd. is now an official member of the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA).
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce‘s New Members Breakfast is scheduled on May 20 at Ricky’s All Day Grill, 1480 Huntley Rd, Parksville and the Chamber will also be hosting a Business After Business event at Canadian Sleeping Barrels, located at 1401 Springhill Road, on May 21.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Breakwater Electric and Pacific Logo.
The 10th Annual Bulls, Broncs & Barrels is set for August 14–16, 2026 at Coombs Rodeo Grounds, 2601 Alberni Hwy, Parksville.
PORT ALBERNI
West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni will have a cancer clinic by 2028.
A new cancer care clinic is set to be established at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni, with officials projecting it will be open within 18 months of May 2026, aiming for full operation by 2028.
Following the approval of the first reading of a rezoning for 5750 Falls Street by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), a potential new campground could soon be established along the Somass River, which would include 100 campground spaces.
TOFINO/UCLUELET
Yasser Erraoui has started a new position as Front Office Supervisor at the Wickaninnish Inn.
The District of Tofino has made headlines as the first municipality in Canada to implement a ban on single-use plastic water bottles, taking a significant step to safeguard its coastlines and community.
The 2026 Advocacy Priorities, outlined by the Resort Chambers of Commerce Coalition—a group that speaks for mountain and resort towns in Alberta and British Columbia—declare immediate measures to ensure the continued prosperity of these industries, which are vital to the success of rural, community, and tourism-based economies in Canada.
NANAIMO
Mary-Anne Laverman
Mary-Anne Laverman, CPHR, has been appointed as the Manager of Human Resources at the Port of Nanaimo.
A Request for Proposal has been issued to invite submissions from qualified firms to expand the tennis court at Cedar Community Secondary School, located at 1640 MacMillan Road, Cedar, to include four pickleball courts. For any submissions or inquiries, please reach out to Keona Wiley, Park Planner at the Regional District of Nanaimo.
The current lease for Nikao, a temporary supportive housing facility located at 2060 Labieux Road in Nanaimo, has been extended by the City of Nanaimo and BC Housing.
The City of Nanaimo is seeking buildings for Building Benchmark BC 2026, a complimentary program available across the province. This initiative assists building owners in monitoring energy consumption and emissions, while also providing insights into how they stack up against other buildings in BC. Nearly 2,000 buildings took part last year.
Niik Steel, a Canadian Institute of Steel Construction member, hosted MLA George Anderson last week to announce a $900,000 investment through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. This investment will support the construction of a new facility in Nanaimo.
LADYSMITH/CHEMAINUS
The Nanoose Bay Recreation and Activities Society (NBARS), inked a contract with Leslie Sam (lessLIE), a local First Nations artist who was contracted to create artwork for the Nanoose Place Community Centre, on May 8, 2026.
Valley Carpet One, a Duncan-based company has acquired the rights to become an authorized dealer for serving customers from the Malahat to Ladysmith, including Salt Spring Island.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a musical comedy, is opening on June 12 and will run up to August 23 at the Chemainus Theatre.
The Chemainus Theatre Golf Tournament is set for June 6 at Mount Brenton Golf Course, located at 2816 Henry Rd., Chemainus. Participants will have the opportunity to win a 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid SE as the Hole-In-One prize, generously provided by Nanaimo Toyota.
COWICHAN VALLEY/DUNCAN
Nolan Thibedeau joins the ownership team of Valley Floor and Home, Duncan.
Health Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund is providing a significant boost of $1,041,474 to enhance and expand mental health services for youth aged 12-24 in Cowichan Valley.
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