News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
CAMPBELL RIVER
Shannon Baikie
Shannon Baikie, the Executive Director of NIEFS, has been recognized as the Leader of the Year (Workforce Development) – British Columbia 2025 by C-Suite Insider.
North Island College Foundation (NICF) will distribute over one million dollars in student awards this year.
Campbell River council has approved Le Gers Properties Inc.’s proposals to construct a four-story, 52-unit rental apartment building at 1308 Island Highway.
I-Wok Food Bar Ltd’s Campbell River location, at #191a Dogwood St., recently launched fresh items.
Wilson Family Drivers Ltd. is now offering the graduated licensing program (GLP).
The Beauty Bus Mobile Spa has added classic lash extensions to its list of services.
The 2026 Destination Campbell River Annual Tactical Plan was approved by the Campbell River Council. This plan is consistent with the City’s 5-Year Tourism Strategic Plan (2022–2027) and serves as a framework for marketing, destination development, and visitor services. The proposal will be submitted to Destination British Columbia by the staff by November 30, 2025.
COMOX VALLEY
Jazz Parmar, a local business owner who has been operating Ashley HomeStore, is rebranding his business as Coastal Roots Furniture. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for January 2026, and the business will officially launch on November 15.
Willy van Kemenade, a member of the Comox Strathcona PROBUS club, was honoured with the PROBUS National Citation Award for his 18 years of hard work and commitment to the local club.
The Filberg Centre in Comox Valley will host the 33rd annual Fiesta Bazaar on November 15 and 16.
Mid Island Tools is celebrating their Renovation Grand Opening, from November 12 – 21.
Plans are underway by the City of Courtenay to construct a new satellite fire centre for East Courtenay on the 3.36-acre property situated at 220 Waters Place in East Courtenay.
PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM BEACH
Better Business Bureau (BBB)* Vancouver Island announced the following recipients of the 2025 BBB Torch Awards.
- Customer Service & Sales – M&N Mattress Shop Ltd. (Parksville)
- Community Service – Waterworks Irrigation (Victoria)
- Customer Service & Sales – M&N Mattress Shop Ltd. (Parksville)
- General Contractor – Birch Bark Builders Inc. (Victoria)
- Heating & Air Conditioning – Marmot Heating & Cooling (Ladysmith)
- Home Renovation & Finishing Services – Clark Brothers Flooring (Victoria)
- Landscape & Irrigation – Waterworks Irrigation (Victoria)
- Masonry & Stucco – Stucco Doctor Victoria (Victoria)
- Moving – ABE Moving & Storage & Delivery (Victoria)
- Painting Contractor – White Knight Painting Ltd. (Victoria)
- Plumbing Contractor – Drain Pro Plumbing & Drainage Ltd. (Victoria)
- Professional Services – Tellwell Talent Inc. (Victoria)
- Roofing Contractors – High Definition Roofing Ltd. (Duncan)
- Senior Health & Wellness – Kathleen’s Yoga-in-a-Chair (Victoria)
- Specialty Cleaning – Prioritas Property Services Ltd. (Victoria)
- Windows, Doors & Sunrooms – Enerheat Windows (Victoria)
At its last meeting of 2025, the 100+ Men of Oceanside awarded $19,000 to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre on 05 November. The meeting was sponsored by the Morningstar Golf Club, Isle Golf Cars, and the Motiontide Digital Agency and the award to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre was made by majority vote by the 100+ Men attendees.
The Chamber Dinner and Networking Night at the Morningstar Golf Club, hosted by the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for November 13.
The Strategic Planning: Your Roadmap to Business Growth workshop by the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for November 25.
PORT ALBERNI
Alberni Valley Tourism is pleased to announce that the The Tourism Exchange: Winter Kick-off & Networking Event will be held at RimRock Casino on November 20. The event will feature Darcie Guarderas, Co-Founder of Tansi Solutions, as a guest speaker.
Leave Her Wild Container Design has just opened up a storefront at Victoria Quay in Port Alberni.
The Save-on-Foods parking lot in Port Alberni has recently opened four double-sided electric vehicle charging stations.
The City of Port Alberni has declared that it will not be renewing leases with the Port Alberni Port Authority. As of now, the city will assume responsibility for the administration of the affected properties, which include Parcel C at Harbour Quay and Clutesi Haven Marina.
Solstice Farm, located in the Alberni Valley (Port Alberni) at the foot of the Beaufort Mountains, is now recognized as one of Vancouver Island’s hottest wedding venues.
TOFINO-UCLUELET
Long Beach Lodge Resort has been named B.C.’s Leading Boutique Hotel in 2025 by the World Travel Awards.
Harbour Air has launched a new flight service for 19 passengers from Vancouver to Tofino this winter. The route connects Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) with Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ), featuring four departures each week.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, Fred Tibbs Strata Accommodation.
NANAIMO
Trevor Topping, Aaron Dovell
Trevor Topping, Aaron Dovell, and their team from the Smythe LLP Nanaimo office were welcomed by Doane Grant Thornton LLP, at 25 Cavan Street downtown November 1.
Effective November 1, 2025, Navacord Corp., one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing multi-line insurance brokerages and financial services firms, has officially rebranded six of its Broker Partners under the Navacord banner. The six brokerages are as follows: Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers and Lloyd Sadd Consulting, Iridium Risk Services, Ives Insurance Brokers, Insurance Store, and Waypoint Insurance Services and Waypoint Benefits & Financial Services.
Jenn Thorkelson
Jenn Thorkelson has been promoted to Manager of Training, Education & Workforce Development at Vancouver Island Construction Association.
Chinook Business Advisory’s Dan Kucherka guided the successful sale of White Sails Brewing, helping ensure this downtown Nanaimo favourite continues to thrive under new ownership.
The BC Vehicle Processing Centre has received the first direct shipment of Isuzu Commercial Truck Of Canada, Inc. vehicles to Canada at the Port of Nanaimo.
West Coast Fresh Food Concession and Food Truck Supply will be opening its showroom- distribution facility at 702 Haliburton St. in Nanaimo on November 14, 2025.
LADYSMITH-CHEMAINUS
Little Town Pizza Chemainus has officially reopened at its new location at 9780 Willow Street, Chemainus.
Yellow House Food Co will soon be opening in Chemainus, sharing location with Island Pastry Haus.
COWICHAN VALLEY – DUNCAN
Ed’s Coffee House received the Business of the Year award at the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Community Awards recently.
JETT Auction announced the opening of its brand new, second location in Duncan at Whippletree Junction.
Kind Healing Cancer has opened its doors at the SOL Centre offering holistic support for those navigating cancer and recovery.
Seniors101.ca announced that the new Cowichan Valley Seniors’ Directory will go to print on January 15th 2026.
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