News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
Naomi Heith
Naomi Heith has been named the new District of Port Hardy’s Recreation and Community Services Manager.
On April 18, 2024, a National Geographic expedition cruise ship made a stop at Alert Bay Government Dock and Harbour, thereby officially commencing the 2024 tourist season.
The Telegraph Cove Resort Lodgings and Killer Whale Cafe open on May 1st.
Hahn’s Hen Hatchery owned by Janice Hahn, and is located in Nimpkish Heights, now supplies live chicks to North Island residents.
Englewood Forest Operations (EFO), a division of Western Forest Products Inc., issues a notice and solicits feedback regarding Forest Operations Map (FOM) 646-001 in the North Island Natural Resource District.
Atli Chip LP, which processes wood chips and hog fuel for the pulp and paper sector, will receive up to $50,000 from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to help cover technical evaluation onsite costs.
CAMPBELL RIVER
The Canadian Tire store in Campbell River, located at the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre, will celebrate its grand re-opening on Many 2nd.
The economic development branch of Kyuquot and Checleseht First Nation, Tiima Management Services Limited Partnership, is awarded a maximum of $50,000 to conduct operational and technical assessments necessary for a prospective capital project involving the construction of an electric boat manufacturing facility.
Royal LePage Advance Realty has opened a second location, in Willow Point at 1 – 2204 Island Highway South Campbell River.
Engel & Völkers Campbell River and Islands is opening soon at 661 11th Avenue, Campbell River.
COMOX VALLEY
Ramon Ramirez
Ramon Ramirez has been appointed as the Chair of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce.
A new four-meter-wide river crossing, the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge, will be constructed with $6.8 million in funding. It is an initiative of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy, which seeks to develop and enhance pedestrian bridges, bike lanes and pathways nationwide.
The Comox Valley Writers Society is hosting a lecture by Margaret Atwood, a renowned Canadian author, at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay on June 2.
The Junction, a 46-unit supportive housing facility at 988 8th St. in Courtenay, will be taken over by a new operator once the John Howard Society of North Island (JHSNI) “stops operating” it in August 2024. BC Housing and the JHSNI are collaborating on this arrangement.
The Rotary Club of Comox recently donated $5,295.40 to the Eureka Support Society, located at 280 4th St.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
The BC Air Access Program, which is run by the provincial government, is providing Long Beach Airport with $271,700 grant.
Tofino Chamber‘s Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program is having a kick off event at Tofino Brewery May 8th from 4-6 pm.
Tofino Chamber of Commerce welcomes their newest members: Tofino Veterinarian Clinic, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65, Fox Fold, Joyride Branding, Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC, Tofino Foraging Tours, West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association, Tofino Lighthouse Inn, Oliwa Enterprises Ltd. and Little Beach Resort.
PORT ALBERNI
Dan Washington has been hired by the Alberni Industrial Marine as Sales Associate.
A ceremony was held at the PRVC on Tuesday, April 9, to mark the recent introduction of the West Coast Transit program by the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District. A symbolic ribbon was ceremoniously cut in front of one of the region’s recently acquired buses during the event.
Abell Pest Control is looking to hire a new Pest Technician in Port Alberni.
The City of Port Alberni has adopted its 2024 Financial Plan, with the rate for the average single family residential home set at 9.29%.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Professional roofing contractors are invited to bid for the Oceanside Place Arena 2024 Roofing Program by the Regional District of Nanaimo. A Tenderer must submit a verifiable digital E-Bid Bond for 10% of the tender amount and a digital Consent of Surety as stipulated by the Surety Association of Canada with each Tender Form.
The Regional District of Nanaimo is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to replace the current concrete bridge over Morningstar Creek at the French Creek Pollution Control Centre (FCPCC), 957 Lee Road, Parksville, BC, with a new corrugated steel plate arch culvert crossing.
Pacific Brimm Cafe is extending their hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 6 PM!
NANAIMO
Susie Grynol
Susie Grynol,who has been appointed vice president at Marriott International, submitted her resignation from the role of president and CEO, as announced by the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), effective June 3rd, 2024.
The 24th annual ‘Leaders and Achievers’ Awards Ceremony, which honours outstanding contributions to the thriving Nanaimo community by individuals, corporations, and non-profit organizations, has been announced by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, which will take place on May 4th, 2024, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC).
The Port of Nanaimo recently collaborated with Seaspan ULC to conduct bollard pull testing on their powerful tug, the HaiSea Kermode.
Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) and its partners from the Village of Masset and X̱aad Kíl Née (Haida Language Office) have recently commenced construction on the Masset Library and Haida Language Immersion Lab. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 30th.
The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation will receive donations from Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week, which will take place from April 29 to May 5, 2024.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island (BBBSCVI) is thrilled to announce Eco Elegance, a spring fundraiser celebrating sustainable fashion on June 8th, 2024, at Superior Farms 7995 Superior Rd, Lantzville.
On April 20, Tyson Whitney, a graduate of the Creative Writing and Journalism program at VIU, won gold at the Ma Murray awards dinner hosted by the British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspaper Association (BCYCNA).
Join the Nanaimo Chamber and Nanaimo Assisted Community Living (NACL) at the May luncheon next Thursday, May 9th at the Nanaimo Golf Club.
The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize ‘leaders and achievers’ in the 24th annual celebration. The awards presentation will be live at the VICC Saturday, May 4th, 2024. This event honours individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that have contributed to the fabric and growth of the Nanaimo community.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
The Canadian telecommunications provider F3 Networks Canada Inc. (F3) has partnered with TELUS Purefibre to provide its fibre optic network to Ladysmith. F3 is registered with the CRTC.
MKM Projects Ltd. is proud to have been chosen by the Town of Ladysmith to manage their upcoming renovations and improvements to the existing Machine Shop. The former Comox Logging and Railway Shop will be transformed into a truly unique Arts and Cultural Space, the 17,800 square feet will be one of the largest of its kind in the region. The finished space will offer indoor areas to support local artist, arts and cultural organizations and indigenous artists.
Certified Collision Care has granted official certification to Ladysmith’s Little Valley Restorations for maintaining the proper facilities, machinery, training, and instruments required to repair vehicles manufactured by participating automakers in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Social Planning Cowichan is taking the lead in forming a local transportation action committee for Ladysmith. The committee will focus on finding ways to enhance transportation options for residents in the area.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Duncan Farmers’ Market‘s executive director, Janice Roberts, announced at the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s meeting, that the market would open the third Thursday evening of each month from June to November at City Square with 39 slots for vendors.
The City of Duncan has granted a development permit for the construction of the new Duncan Manor on the property formerly occupied by St. John’s Anglican Church on Jubilee Street.
True Grain Organic Craft Bakery of Cowichan Bay is now celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Cowichan-based companies are being solicited by the Synergy Foundation to participate in the Project Zero Circular Economy Accelerator.
Purely Wellness welcomes Alysha Ondzik to the team! Alysha is a recent graduate of the West Coast College of Massage with plans to be registered this fall. She’s now on schedule and offering non-registered massage therapy at special introductory rates.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce welcomes: Viridian Energy Co-operative, The Mill Pizza & Grill, Cawdell Interiors & Construction, DSS Dynamic Shipwright ServicesServices, Combined Insurance – Ailis Niven, Claire Brown Personal Real Estate Corp, Forge Technical Solutions Inc. and Pillowtalk Solutions.
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