News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce awards nominations are now open. The awards gala dinner is on Friday, October 25th.
A new primary care centre led by First Nations is set to open in the North Vancouver Island region, providing residents with access to essential health services through the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations Primary Care Centre (FNPCC).
Airport Inn Port Hardy has been named the No.#1 hotel in Port Hardy by Expedia.
The Port Hardy Fire Rescue is hosting an open house on October 5th at 8890 Central Street, Port Hardy.
CAMPBELL RIVER
An all-candidates forum is scheduled for October 3 at the Campbell River Seniors Centre, starting at 1:30 p.m. So far, only Dr. Anna Kindy from the Conservative party and Michele Babchuk from the BC NDP have confirmed they will be attending. Nic Dedeluk from the BC Green Party has yet to respond.
A $26,250 grant from Coastal Community Credit Union was awarded to the North Island College Foundation (NICF) to provide more student support.
The City of Campbell River is inviting community feedback on the five-year strategic plan for the Campbell River Airport. The next session is scheduled for Oct. 3 at the Campbell River Community Centre.
North Island College’s Continuing Education department hosted a lively community event on September 20th in collaboration with Campbell River ElderCollege (CREC), welcoming 80 attendees.
COMOX VALLEY
Bob Chamberlin and Meaghan Cursons have been appointed to the board of directors of Island Coastal Economic Trust.
Philanthropist Helga has given a substantial donation of $200,000 to the Comox Valley Transition Society. The funds will go toward supporting the Girls Group program and making necessary repairs to the Amethyst House building.
The Courtenay Kiwanis Club is gearing up for its annual Fall Trivia Night, set to take place on Oct. 18, to benefit the Kiwanis Children’s Cancer Fund at B.C. Children’s Hospital.
Nominations are open for outstanding youth! #YouRock YOUTH AWARD (Youth Leadership Award) brought to you by the North Island College Department of Business Administration honours an individual or organization that are under 25, have made significant contributions to the community and demonstrate leadership.
Design Therapy Home‘s storefront is currently closed for renovations.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce‘s Mixer event will be co-hosted by Heartwood Kitchen and Ucluelet Brewing Company at Heartwood on October 3.
Out of a total goal of $150,000, the Food Bank on the Edge Society has raised around $77,000 to construct a new food bank at Tugwell Fields, replacing its present location at Seaplane Base Field.
Toquaht Nation is building a Secret Beach Trail to connect its campground and harbour at Macoah, which will be funded by the Island Coastal Economic Trust. The marina and campsite are run by the Toquaht Business Development Corporation.
The Ucluelet Brewing Company is hosting its 2nd Annual OKTOBERFEST on October 11th.
PORT ALBERNI
Port Alberni Association for Community Living is hosting the Fun Fair celebration Community Inclusion Month. It will be held on October 17th from 4-6pm at the Glenwood Centre.
Nearly $2,000 was raised for cancer research during the 44th Terry Fox Run in Port Alberni.
Spice 7 Authentic East Indian Restaurant and Bar has opened at its new location at B-4065 6th Ave., Port Alberni.
The West Coast Dragon Boat Society is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
M&N MATTRESS AND SOFA in Parksville is completing its Phase 3 of renovations at the end of September for a newer, brighter showroom.
Pathfinder Camp Resorts Parksville is currently offering a fall special: Reserve three nights and pay for only two!
The Tour de Rock Golf Tournament is set for October 3rd at the Fairwinds Golf Club.
The Viewing Platform & Walkway will be inaugurated with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 3, at 1:30 p.m., in the vicinity of the Tourist Information Centre.
NANAIMO
Abbie Vomacka has been promoted to Marketing Coordinator at MNP.
David Prescesky has joined 460 Realty in Nanaimo, after spending over 20 years in sales for Labatt Breweries of Canada.
Rob Cecil has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Alair, taking over from Founder Blair McDaniel, who will now serve as Chairman, offering ongoing strategic guidance and support for the company.
Alair, North America’s largest privately owned custom home building and renovation firm, is celebrating 17 years in business.
Grant Thornton LLP has officially rebranded as Doane Grant Thornton LLP. The Firm is honouring its Canadian roots and the values that have driven its success for over 85 years by reintroducing Doane, the founding partner, to their name.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Vancouver Island has announced the finalists for the 2024 Torch Award. See the full list here.
Eldercare Foundation, a charitable organization that is committed to assisting seniors throughout Vancouver Island, has made a generous donation of over $46,500 to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) in support of its Long-Term Care campaign.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care is investing $133.5 million to build 89 new classrooms in 10 school districts, including West Kelowna, Langley, Surrey, Delta, Richmond, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Fort St. John, Nanaimo, and Terrace.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is looking for volunteers to join various advisory committees, with terms typically lasting between one and three years. Individuals with experience or interest in parks, recreation, culture, agriculture, waste management, planning, climate, or drinking water and watershed protection are invited to submit their applications by November 8, 2024.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is seeking a passionate and committed professional to join its team as a Payroll & Benefits Specialist.
WorkBC Centre Ladysmith office is hosting an open house on October 9th at 11 – 740 First Ave.
The Ladysmith Golf Club will be closed on October 5th from 9 AM – 1 PM for the final round of club championship.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
BC Hydro has finished installing two new 180-kilowatt chargers at the Lake Cowichan town office, 39 South Shore Rd.
Change Fitness‘ Stephanie Denny will be speaking at the Morning Member Meetup of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce on October 4th. Denny will be discussing the advantages of an employee health and wellness program.
In preparation for the provincial election on October 19, an All-Candidates Forum is scheduled for October 7. Katherine Divine, executive director of the Downtown Duncan BIA, will serve as moderator.
To celebrate the bountiful fruits of the season and Cow-op‘s tenth anniversary, the Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace (Cow-op) is extending an invitation to the public to attend its Harvest Feast fundraiser on October 5.
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