News Impacting Central and North Vancouver Island
NORTH ISLAND
The Retail and Customer Service Confidence training certificate project, which aims to assist local residents in entering the workforce and supplying businesses with qualified workers, has been granted $491,800 by the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Programme (REDIP) to the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce.
A new gasoline station, planned to open in 2025, held a ground breaking ceremony on May 8th, by the Quatsino First Nation’s Economic Development Limited Partnership.
The North Island Farmers and Artisans Market Annual AGM is scheduled on May 29th at 7pm, via Zoom.
On May 11, Hoyolas Restaurant, based in Coal Harbour, celebrated its official grand opening.
CAMPBELL RIVER
As part of the BC Hydro Remote Community Electrification Programme, the Strathcona Regional District is bringing back interest in electrifying residences and properties along Upper Campbell Lake in the area of Strathcona Park Lodge, between Campbell River and Gold River.
The Campbell River Spring Home Show at the Strathcona Gardens Arena is scheduled on May 24 – 26.
The Maritime Heritage Centre, led by the Daybreak Rotary Club, celebrates its 20th anniversary on June 1st.
COMOX VALLEY
Dr. Jonathan Kerr has been honourned with the My Family Doctor Award for his dedication and contributions to the community.
The WeCan Shelter Society in Comox Valley has opened two new sea can homes, with prices ranging from $25,000 to $30,000.
On May 3, Comox Valley Family Services Association celebrated its 50th anniversary with a first-ever fundraiser that raised about $6,000—far more than its initial target.
Calais Leisure Escapes, which has locations in Courtenay and Nanaimo, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
A new e-bike share programme pilot is now available in Courtenay and Comox. It was initiated on May 16 and is being entirely sponsored by BCAA.
Comox Rotary Club celebrates the Comox Rotary Ducky 500’s 37th anniversary.
Hundreds of signatures have been gathered for a petition started by Petra Chambers, expressing support for an alternative location for the planned expansion of Tribune Bay Campground on Hornby Island.
Comox Valley Schools has announced that on May 23, Airport Elementary School will celebrate its 70th anniversary.
TOFINO – UCLUELET
Jordan White
Jordan White just announced his retirement from Naas Foods to pursue a new adventure. Stephen Dennis, Jordan White’s business partner, has acquired 100 per cent of Naas Foods and will serve as the company’s sole managing partner.
The Beacon of Warmth Award was presented to the Pacific Rim Rotary Club at the Rotary International District 5020 Conference, which took place at the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington.
The inaugural Vancouver Island Longboard Classic, organized by Jay Rosene and David Schiaffino, is scheduled to take place at Wickaninnish Beach from May 31st to June 1st. This event is being held in collaboration with the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation).
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre has reached a key milestone in its construction thanks to a substantial investment of over $7.17 million from the Federal Government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
PORT ALBERNI
The Shoe Co. has officially opened in April in the former Warehouse One unit at the Pacific Rim Shopping Centre on Johnston Road. Jordan Simister is the store manager.
The Grill & Chill Shack, an 80s-themed cafe, will open on Friday, May 24 on the Alberni Highway, close to the Alberni Liquor Store.
Warwick Patterson
Located on lower Johnston Road behind the Blue Marlin Inn, Mag’s 99 Fried Chicken and Mexican Cantina opened their patio on Victoria Day, just in time for the patio season in the Alberni Valley.
The Vancouver Island Soaring Centre has been acquired by Warwick Patterson.
The Campbell River-based Quinsam Communications Group has a new location in Port Alberni at 4730 Roger St., behind Jal Design.
The Alberni District Co-op will be hosting its annual Co-op Community Day at the Johnston Road facility on Wednesday, June 26.
Melissa Scott‘s Witch’s Brew Cafe & Bakeshop, located on the Alberni Highway in the plaza adjacent to Alberni Liquor Store, formally opened to the public on Thursday, May 16.
This year marks Jack’s Tire’s 60th anniversary in business.
Pita Pit opened theri
Galen Daumont‘s Northwest Tree Services, based in the Alberni Valley, has recently marked two years in operation.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH
Wayne Paquin and Peggy Logan will host the Central Island Studio Tour in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region on June 1 and 2.
The former owner of Cascadia Martial Arts Parksville, Brett Fee, has declared his campaign for the Ladysmith-Oceanside Riding office.
The Nanaimo Regional District is the driving force behind the Town of Qualicum Beach‘s proposal to extend the Rupert Road watermain to the Qualicum Beach Airport. The project will build five new fire hydrants, a new pressure-reducing valve kiosk at Sparrow Road, and around 1.4 km of 250mm PVC watermain. The RDN has contributed $720,000 toward the project’s $1.5 million cost.
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Summer by the Sea Market will be held every Tuesday from June 4 to August 20 on Craig Street in Parksville for its twenty-first year.
Significant projects in Parksville were funded by $2.97 million in grants in 2023, with $1,677,000 coming from the Canada Community-Building Fund Community Works Fund. Parksville Community Park accessible trails and pathways, roads, equipment, and furniture, Blower Road culvert removal and naturalization, Moss Avenue roads, storm, and water infrastructure, the Transportation Master Plan, and sports court resurfacing and skateboard park refurbishment were all funded.
NANAIMO
Kelly O’Dwyer
Kelly O’Dwyer back as a licensed realtor at RE/MAX of Nanaimo.
Sandy Sjolie has joined the Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Peloton Technologies, an end-to-end payments company, has formally merged with KIS Payments and changed its name to Peloton Technologies.
As part of the annual conference of the BC Aviation Council, YCD – Nanaimo Airport is excited to welcome Zara Rutherford to Nanaimo for a Signature Dinner event on May 28 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
The RDN board has recently approved its ‘Shaping Our Future 2040’ regional growth strategy during a meeting on May 14. This strategy aims to address the expected 25% per cent increase in population over the next 20 years.
The American Association of Suicidology recognized Elizabeth Newcombe, the executive director of Vancouver Island Crisis Society (VICS), for her contributions to the organization.
The City of Nanaimo gears up for a grand winter celebration to mark its 150th anniversary.
The Nanaimo Ukulele Festival returns to the Beban Park Social Centre on May 24-25 with live performances and seminars.
Kinsu Chocolates will be opening a retail front and kitchen at 4851 Cedar Ridge Place, Unit 202. Their permit to begin the build has been approved.
LADYSMITH – CHEMAINUS
Thomas Bevan, a Registered Professional Planner, is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Island Corridor Foundation.
Beautiful Denture Clinic has opened a second location in Chemainus at 101-2592 Legion St.
In Ladysmith, Grey Wolf Communications has been constructing fiber-optic cable in areas, which will soon allow locals to enjoy improved internet and phone service, which is being provided by Telus and contracted by F3 Networks Canada Inc.
The Town of Ladysmith plans to borrow $13.5 million to build a new city hall and institutional space on Buller Street. On Friday, May 24, Ladysmith will begin the alternative-approval process to seek elector support.
COWICHAN – DUNCAN
The Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada has presented the top award to Cowichan Woodwork Ltd. of Cobble Hill for the finest millwork project under half a million dollars.
The first establishment in British Columbia to sell the well-known Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream is the Big Scoop ice cream shop at Berkey’s Corner.
Bosley’s Duncan has moved to 3000 Drinkwater Road in Duncan.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber welcomes new members: PlumbX Plumbing and Mechanical, Forge Technical Solution Inc., Canadian Box and Paper and Claire Brown Personal Real Estate Corporation.
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