News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
The Community Futures Mount Waddington has revealed its newly upgraded sign, created in collaboration with Love Local Marketing and Reaper Signs Killer Designs.
Port Hardy Recreation is hosting the GoByBike Scavenger Hunt on October 4th at the Port Hardy Recreation Centre.
At the Civic Centre in Port Hardy on Thursday, Sept. 12, elected chief Leslie Walkus of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations, along with members of the council and hereditary chiefs, signed a coordination agreement outlining the duties and responsibilities of all parties involved in reestablishing and affirming jurisdiction over families and children. Through the Galgapothla Family Services Society, this agreement strengthens a shared dedication to guaranteeing efficient service coordination for families, children, and youth.
Nic Dedeluk has been announced as the BC Green Party candidate for the North Island riding.
The Port Hardy Leisure Center’s public swims and skates will remain free of charge until June 2025, courtesy of a generous grant from the BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society.
CAMPBELL RIVER
Campbell River Art Gallery marks its 30th anniversary with an art gala on October 19 at the Maritime Heritage Centre.
The Stonehouse Tea and Coffee Bar located at 605-11th Ave, Campbell River, will have a Grand Re-opening Party on October 3rd.
An environmentally friendly hydrogen manufacturing facility in Campbell River will be co-developed by NTE Discovery Park Ltd. and Quantum Technology Corp. of Squamish. Quantum received $2,547,500 to improve the manufacture of their environmentally friendly hydrogen technology in February from federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan.
The course catalogue of Campbell River ElderCollege has recently been updated.
The public is being asked to provide feedback on the proposed five-year strategic plan for Campbell River Airport by the City of Campbell River.
COMOX VALLEY
Jonathan MacDonald
Jonathan Macdonald, a Michelin-trained chef, has been appointed as the new Executive Chef at Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro Wine & Bar, located in Kingfisher Pacific Resort and Spa.
Randy Houle has been appointed as the new Director of Development Services by the Town of Comox, effective October 1, 2024.
The 5th Annual Cumberland Fungus Fest is set for October 3-5. For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit Cumberland Forest‘s website: https://cumberlandforest.tickit.ca/
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was awarded to two residents of the Comox Valley, Ron Webber and Bruce Curtis.
Using the Umo enable alternatives, BC Transit in the Comox Valley Regional Transit System (CVRTS) will no longer sell the following fare products for fixed route transit services: legacy 10 single ride tickets, adult, student/senior, post-secondary monthly passes, and semester passes starting October 1, 2024.
Pulse on the Plaza is taking place this Friday, September 28 starting at 5 p.m., in front of the Comox Valley Art Gallery (Duncan & 6th Street).
The Strathcona Nordic Ski Club (SNSC) has announced Bertrand Hamoumraoui as their new head coach for the racing team.
The Strathcona Regional District has marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the REC-REATE New Aquatic and Wellness Centre Project on September 10th.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Island Coastal Economic Trust is working in partnership with Sanala Planning, an Indigenous-owned planning company, to begin engagements with First Nations across Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast about the future of the region’s Trust.
The Toquaht First Nation and the provincial government are working together to improve Maggie Lake Forest Service Road. This road links the Macoah settlement of the Nation to Highway 4 close to the Tofino-Ucluelet intersection.
Canada Post is hosting a job fair at the Tofino Post Office on October 9.
The Legacy of Hope Foundation, Tourism Tofino, and Patrimoine canadien — Canadian Heritage are teaming up to host the annual exhibit at Ucluelet Secondary School (USS) in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
PORT ALBERNI
The City of Port Alberni is the recipient of $248,000 in funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada to create a vibrant market with an Indigenous focus and outdoor performance space at the Clutesi Haven Marina Uplands. In partnership with the Hupačasath and Tseshaht First Nations, the City of Port Alberni will transform the site into a unique cultural experience that encourages visitors to extend their stay in the region and creates business opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Council and staff of the City of Port Alberni, along with survivors, elders and Chief Councillors from the Tseshaht and Hupacacath First Nations raised a flag at City Hall in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day. A community walk is scheduled for the 30th starting at Alberni District Secondary School and finishing at Maht Mahs.
The City of Port Alberni’s Engineering and Public Works Department is hosting a Connect With your City Open House on September 25th where they will share information about capital projects such as the Quay to Quay Pathway, the Somass Site demolition, Burde Street Redevelopment and more.
Port Alberni’s David Wiwchar has received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for community service, presented during the 40th anniversary of the Port Alberni Toy Run. Wiwchar has served 14 years as chair of the Toy Run.
Tseshaht First Nation has received a major boost towards its economic endeavours with a $16.45 million agreement with the provincial government. The Incremental Economic Reconciliation Agreement entails over $16 million in provincial funding, spread out in annual payments until 2027. The funding is “for economic development interests and negotiations” undertaken by the First Nation.
The City of Port Alberni is hosting an open house regarding the City’s first Parks, Recreation & Culture (PRC) Master Plan on September 25th at Echo Centre. The new plan will guide decision-making and investment in Parks, Recreation & Culture services over the next seven years.
The Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Society is hosting the annual Bamfield Fungus Festival September 27th & 28th.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Chamber Breakfast on October 4th 8am to 10am at Smitty’s restaurant.
Nominations are open until October 6th for the Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, taking place November 29th at the Italian Hall in Port Alberni.
The first Annual Equinox Garlic Festival took place at the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market on Saturday 21st Sept.
The Alberni Valley Classical Concert Series is back with four concerts. Sunday October 6th, Friday November 8th, Saturday January 25th, Saturday March 8th at Arrowsmith Baptist Church.
The City of Port Alberni invited the community to a special walk from Harbour Quay to Victoria Quay on September 23rd to mark the opening of the new Quay to Quay Pathway along the newly constructed Quay to Quay Pathway. A grand opening is planned for a future date once additional site details such as nodes, signage and lighting have been finalized.
Futurpreneur BC is hosting an #OwnersWanted event at the Best Western Barclay Hotel in Port Alberni on September 25th and 26th to promote a free program for those interested in buying or selling a small business.
Staff and volunteers from Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot recently attended the annual Community Futures British Columbia conference held in Chilliwack.
The Port Alberni Port Authority hosted this year’s annual national conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities on September 18-19. The event welcomed over 200 delegates.
A fundraiser for the Cops for Cancer Tour De Rock riders is planned for September 27th at Port Alberni’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 293.
City of Port Alberni Mayor and Council attended the Union of BC Municipalities convention Sept 16-20 in Vancouver.
The City of Port Alberni’s Community Safety & Social Development Department held a Connect With Your City Open House on September 25th.
The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Port Alberni recently visited Squamish, where they were hosted by development partners, Matthews West, a tour of the potential development of Port Alberni’s Somass Lands.
On Friday, September 20, the Hawaii Mars water bomber was formally moved into its permanent location at the B.C. Aviation Museum. Leading the celebration was Tourism Minister Lana Popham, accompanied by Wayne Coulson of Coulson Aviation and BCAM President Steve Nichol in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
The Regional District of Nanaimo is seeking Tenders for the rework of Buildings 1 and 2 at the Church Road Transfer Station, situated at 860 Church Road, Parksville. Tenderers are required to submit each Tender Form along with a verifiable digital E-Bid Bond amounting to ten per cent of the total tender amount, as well as a verifiable digital Consent of Surety, as outlined by the Surety Association of Canada. For any submissions or inquiries, please reach out to Kevin Guizzetti, the Superintendent of Solid Waste Operations at the Regional District of Nanaimo.
On September 26, the Tour de Rock team will be raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society as they travel around the Island, stopping in Qualicum Beach and Parksville along the way.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Qualicum Beach Waterfront Walkway and Viewing Platform is set to take place on October 3rd, marking its completion.
Two additional daycare centres, one at Bowser Elementary and one at Errington Elementary, with 75 spots each, were approved by the Qualicum School District.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has secured a funding boost of $686,369 for upgrades to the Oceanside Place Arena. This funding comes from the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the Province of BC’s CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) Program.
NANAIMO
Bob Chamberlin
Bob Chamberlin and Meaghan Cursons have been appointed to the board of directors of Island Coastal Economic Trust by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia through Order in Council and will serve a three-year term.
Harbour Air announced the upcoming rollout of their first-ever wheeled flight service between Vancouver International Airport‘s (YVR) South Terminal and YYJ Victoria International Airport from November 4th, 2024.
Meaghan Cursons
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is pleased to announce that a contribution of $686,369 for the Oceanside Place Arena Heat Recovery and Energy Upgrades project has been approved under the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) and the Province of BC’s CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) Program.
The Huxley Community Park Storage Building project, which involves the demolition and dismantling of the current storage building in the park and the construction of a new storage building, is being invited for tenders by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Submissions and enquiries should be addressed to Jordan Vander Klok, Parks Planner, Recreation & Parks, Regional District of Nanaimo.
The Nanaimo and District Museum Society will receive $230,000 for new cultural programs and outreach from Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage Taleeb Noormohamed. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Westcoast Solid Wood Furniture will have a Grand Opening sale at its new location at the Country Club Mall, Unit 8 – 3200 North Island Hwy, Nanaimo.
The first annual Creating Hope Art Gala hosted by Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) is on October 5th at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre! This event is set to be an incredible evening filled with live music from talented local artists, including Nanaimo’s own From the Earth and the energetic six-piece band from Victoria, The New Groovement.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary (CHCA) is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
A Provincial Candidates Forum will be hosted by the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce on October 2 at Aggie Hall, 1111 1st Avenue, Ladysmith.
The Ladysmith Chemainus Orcas Swim Club is now accepting registrations.
Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre welcomes its newest member, All Renos Construction.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
Two new 180-kilowatt chargers have been installed at the Lake Cowichan Town Office, 39 S Shore Road, as part of BC Hydro’s continued expansion and improvement of its electric vehicle fast charging network.
The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation marks 40 years of community impact! Join them on Wednesday, October 2nd, anytime between 10am to 2pm at their new office located at 7233 Trans-Canada Highway, across the highway from the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. They’ll have tours of their new office, a barbecue, plus 897 Sun FM will be broadcasting live from their location. RSVP by September 27
Art supplies will be available for purchase for the first time by late September at The Excellent Frameworks – EJ Hughes Gallery, located at 115 Kenneth St. in downtown Duncan.
Reel Alternatives marks 20 years of bringing cinema to Duncan, with a special focus on fundraising for Cowichan Hospice and providing enjoyable film experiences. Over the years, they have raised $55,000 to support the hospice through their fall and spring film programs, showing movies from the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Cowitan tanning shop on Kenneth Street has reopened after a brief shutdown, now owned by Danielle Schmidt.
Fresh Kenny’s Casual Eats has officially shut down for good.
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