VICTORIA – Owners of the land at West Shore Parks & Recreation (WSPR) next to the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre—the cities of Colwood, Langford, the District of Highlands, the District of Metchosin, and the town of View Royal—have pledged a total of $459,600 toward the construction of a 13,000 square foot skatepark in the park’s lower section.
Barbara Quinn
Barbara Quinn, the owner of 22c Partner Inc., has been named the new Executive Director of the Family Business Association Vancouver Island.
The 24-hour fast-food business Hi Five Chicken has signed contracts for at least six additional locations across British Columbia, including ones in Vancouver, Langley, Surrey, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Victoria.
The 35th annual Conde Nast reader awards named Victoria the second finest small city in the world to visit, ahead of cities like San Sebastian, Spain, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and Salzberg, Austria.
Victoria will soon be home to one of the world’s first vegan fast-food businesses, Odd Burger. The exact location will be announced shortly.
The Merger Agreement between Flexible Solutions International, Inc. and Lygos Inc. has been terminated by mutual consent.
E.B Horsman & Son has moved to its new location in Victoria at 3250 Tennyson Avenue.
Laura Main
Laura Main has been appointed the new managing director of Certn in North America.
Sidney’s Beacon Books, a used bookshop located at 2372 Beacon Avenue and owned by Tanner’s Books, is for sale.
The Seedling Growth Journal, created by Seedling Art Co. founder Jesika Kula, is crowdfunded on Kickstarter to address the problems of expensive counselling costs and lengthy public system waitlists.
From October 16 to November 13, OnSite Restorations, a mobile auto repair company, will host a pop-up shop in Victoria.
Feisty Ferdy Organic Skincare Canada made an appearance on Chef Heidi’s TV show Cookin’ On The Coast Chek on October 15.
The presidents of Camosun College and Miriam College inked a five-year partnership agreement in September, increasing the already diverse student body by bringing in more students from the Philippines.
Waterstone Human Capital presented StarFish Medical with the Growth category award for Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2021.
Richmond-based KABU-Ride Inc. began its ride-hailing services in Victoria on Thanksgiving, October 10th.
The District of Saanich is pleased to announce the addition of Lindsay Chase as director of planning and Paul Arslan as director of finance.
The Jones BBQ restaurant at 731 Goldstream Avenue in Langford, opened on October 5.
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation has launched a new campaign to raise $2 million in order to enhance primary and emergency care.
Charters Road Corridor, which runs from Golledge Avenue to Highway 14, is in need of an upgrade, and the Sooke district council has applied for a provincial grant of $500,000.
BC Achievement Foundation honoured eight BC enterprises and changemakers with its 14th Indigenous Business Award (IBA), to be recognized at a black-tie ceremony to be hosted at Vancouver’s Fairmont Hotel on November 29.
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Dustin & Ashley Kucher – Dark Arc Welding Inc., Dawson Creek
- Business of the Year – one-to-two-person enterprise: DK Architecture, North Vancouver
- Business of the Year – three-to-ten-person enterprise: Culture Shock Interactive Gallery, Alert Bay
- Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise: Warrior Plumbing, North Vancouver
- Community-owned Business of the Year – one entity: M’i nuw’ilum Marina Inc., Sooke
- Community-owned Business of the Year – two or more entities: Sasuchan Development Corporation, Takla Lake
- Business Partnership of the Year: Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd., Williams Lake
- Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement: Chief David Jimmie, Chilliwack.
Stuart Cuthbert has been hired as the General Manager of Slegg Building Materials.
Salt Legacy, a Victoria company founded by Meaghan McDonald, is preparing to launch its adventure backpack and other products made from recycled sailcloth this fall.
Ted Robbins
Ted Robbins will be the new Chief Administrative Officer of the Capital Regional District (CRD), as announced by CRD Board Chair Colin Plant.
William Wright Commercial has earned a spot on The Globe and Mail‘s Canada’s Top Growing Companies list, coming in at number 167. You can view the other companies here.
The board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology, and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) for the years 2022 and 2023 was elected during the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held both in-person and online on September 29, 2022. Armon Arani, Cognito Health (Newly Elected); Jim Balcom, Redlen Technologies (Returning); Darren Beckwith, Barnacle Systems (Re-Elected); Robert Bowness, BC Pension Corporation (Returning); Maria Davidson, Udutu (Returning); Scott Dewis, Avato (Newly Elected); Christina Jones, RaceRocks 3D (Re-Elected); Corina Ludwig, FunctionFox Systems (Re-Elected); Sachen Macdonald, Workday (Returning); Casey Milone, Generative Marketing (Newly Elected); Scott Phillips, StarFish Medical (Returning); Rasool Rayani, Heart Pharmacy (Returning); Scott Roberts, National Research Council (Returning) and Brad Williams, Echosec Systems (Re-Elected).
The Compensation Committee of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for autoimmune diseases, has awarded new hires stock options to buy a total of 20,800 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.52 per share, the price at which Aurinia’s stock closed on September 30, 2022, and inducement restricted stock units to buy a total of 12,500 shares of stock (RSUs).
After a three-year absence, farmers, chefs, and food service professionals are reuniting at the third Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef networking event in Victoria on November 7, 2022
The rollout of BC Transit’s new tap payment system, Umo, has been pushed back until spring 2023.
Outway, a fast rising athletic lifestyle brand, is currently paving the way for a paradigm change in the athleisure sector with its cutting-edge performance socks.
Jason Cridge, the owner of Cridge Family Pharmacies, a Victoria-based pharmacy franchise, gives guidance to the industry’s up-and-coming pharmacists through Cognito Health.
Victoria-based coastal intelligence firm MarineLabs Software is providing its knowledge to hurricane researchers on the east coast as they track Hurricane Fiona.
Season 6 of The Great Canadian Baking Show features a brand fresh batch of competitors, including Langford’s John Fowler and Victoria’s Zoya Thawer.
Royal Roads University has partnered with local organizations like Iye Creative and Upbeet Garden to turn the former walled kitchen garden at the Dunsmuir into the “Giving Garden,” to provide fresh food boxes to those in need.
The province invested $80,000 in Victoria’s Solid Outreach Society to help persons experiencing or in danger of homelessness.
Centennial Court, a new Langford condo property built by Ironclad Developments Inc., combines great amenities with easy access to the city’s attractions.
BC Knowledge Development Fund grants totalling $30 million have been distributed to eight universities in British Columbia, funding 120 post-secondary research projects. Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of British Columbia Okanagan, the University of Northern British Columbia, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Vancouver Island University and the University of Victoria are just a few of the schools that will benefit from the funding.
The Shark Club, which has been operating at the Sandman Hotel on Douglas Street in Victoria since 1993, announced its permanent closure.
Camosun University is commemorating ten years of offering courses and activities for women that encourage them to consider careers in the trades.
Jim Carter’s Incendiary Tattoos, located at 880 Esquimalt Rd., Suite D, has benefited from the popularity of reality television and has pushed tattooing into the mainstream.
Floyd’s Diner, owned by Petr Prusa, has replaced Sassy’s Restaurant at 6719 West Saanich Road in Brentwood Bay, which is set to open this fall.
North Saanich’s new research facility, the Centre for Plant Health (also known as the Sidney Laboratory), began construction on September 22nd. Its completion is projected for 2025.
Arleen Davidson
Arleen Davidson has been hired to join the expanding team of travel professionals at Sidney’s Departures Travel.
The Howard Johnson Hotel is rebranding as the Elk Lake Inn & Suites, and a six-story Holiday Inn Hotel is planned for a portion of the property.
Richard Gao is the new Events and Graphics Assistant for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Robert Cooper, the creator of PlusROI, has launched What Works Marketing, a consultancy that aims to assist local small service businesses in competing with their larger, more established counterparts.
Phillips Brewing & Malting has won three titles at the World Beer Awards: Cold Snap Kolsch obtained the world’s best Kolsch award, Glitterbomb Hazy Pale Ale won Canada Gold for American Style Pale Ale, and popular Blue Buck won Canada Bronze for Altbier.
The Ohana Academy Childcare Center, located at 2325 Central Avenue in Victoria’s Oak Bay neighbourhood, will open to the public on October 3.
The CIX Canadian Innovation Exchange has recognized Solaires Entreprises, based in Victoria and led by CEO Fabian de La Fuente, as one of the best startup companies in Canada.
The City of Victoria has installed its first neighborhood 50-kilowatt Direct Current Fast Charger in the Bay Street parking lot at Vic West Park as part of a campaign to expand the city’s green infrastructure.
Victoria, Saanich, West Vancouver, Kamloops, the Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation, and the First Nations Leadership Council were all honoured at this year’s Climate & Energy Action Awards, which are marking their silver anniversary. The Community Energy Association presented the awards on behalf of the event’s many sponsors, which included the Provincial Government of British Columbia, BC Hydro, FortisBC, the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia and UBCM.
The long-term care facility Gorge Road Hospital at 63 Gorge Rd. East, Victoria, recently inaugurated a new urgent and primary care center (UPCC).
The BC Construction Association‘s Building Builders program is accepting applications for its statewide mentorship program. The Government of Canada’s Employment and Social Development Ministry has supported Building Builders financially. At least 300 early-career tradespeople will benefit from the mentorship program, which launched on September 20.
Provisional financial plans for a senior dementia care center on Metchosin Road in Colwood’s Royal Bay neighbourhood, close to the planned location of the Royal BC Museum Collections and Archives Building, were approved by the Capital Regional District Board.
The Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria will be installing a commemorative entrance gate at Victoria’s historic Ross Bay Cemetery in honor of the cemetery’s 150th anniversary in 2023.
As part of their Many a Mile tour, Blue Rodeo will play at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on November 24.
More than $5.5 million in new provincial financing has been announced by the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) for disaster recovery and economic adjustment.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board said that it had agreed to buy 23.5 hectares of Otter Point land for a new park in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.
The Strathcona Hotel has opened a new nightclub in the former Distrikt location, which was closed during the epidemic for substantial renovations.
The results of an online survey asking for feedback on proposed improvements to the Belleville Terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour have raised hopes for a significant overhaul of the facility.
Avenir Senior Living has submitted an application for a development permit for Hythe Pointe, an eight-story, 92-unit senior multifamily residential project at 819, 821, and 823 Esquimalt.
The Centre for Plant Health (also known as the Sidney Laboratory), a new research facility in North Saanich, had its groundbreaking ceremony on September 22 attended by federal government representatives and three local First Nations (Tsartlip, Tseycum, and Tsawout).
SD62 schools (Crystal View Elementary School, Millstream Elementary School, Ruth King Elementary School, Willway Elementary School, Spencer Middle School, Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School, and Belmont Secondary School) will share in a $50,000 environmental stewardship grant established by the City of Langford and the Sooke School District.
On October 1, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the Edward Milne Community School Society will host a civil election forum to introduce up to twenty-three council candidates running for mayor.
Emilie de Rosenroll, CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, is one of the finalists for the social change with regional impact category at this year’s RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
Deborah Harmacy is now serving as a Junior Conference Manager at Podium Conference & Assn Specialists.
Beth Reid is celebrating her 5th year anniversary with Megson FitzPatrick Insurance Services.
Gwaii Engineering hosted a Community Beach Clean-Up at the Clover Point Park on September 24th.
Startup company Solaires Entreprises, based in Victoria and led by CEO Fabian de La Fuente, has been recognized as a leading Canadian early-stage company by the CIX Canadian Innovation Exchange.
Mazzei Electric Ltd. was voted Victoria’s #1 Best Electrician, in the annual Best of the City competition.
Certn announced its background screening product is now on SAP® Store. Certn interacts with SAP® SuccessFactors® Recruiting to streamline background checks.
There are eight local authors among the eight finalists for the 2022 Victoria Book Prizes: the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize. Read on here.
Victoria start-up MeepMeep‘s disc golf tracker intends to expand the sport and eliminate player frustration with its unique design. MeepMeep wants to be a values-driven organization by utilizing eco-friendly materials and hiring entry-level employees.
New multi-use walkways, protected bike lanes, crosswalks, accessibility modifications, landscaping, and lighting will link the existing E&N Regional Trail to the downtown core via the Kimta E&N Cycling Connector, is now under construction. The province’s 2021/2022 Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program and the federal government’s Canada Community-Building Fund are providing funding for the project.
Eliza, the first condominium in the Royal Bay development on Colwood’s Salish Sea beachfront, is part of a shift toward higher-density living in the area. Several shops, including a Quality Foods supermarket, a Cascadia Liquor store, and others, are set to open in the new commercial section of Royal Bay.
Kitchen Connect and the South Island Farm Hub celebrated the launch of its new food processing facility in Esquimalt on September 22 at Unit B 808 Viewfield Rd. in Esquimalt. The facility will benefit local farmers and the food supply chain.
Approximately $3.5 million worth of land in the Blenkinsop Valley was donated by Joan Alston-Stewart to The Land Conservancy of British Columbia.
Titan Boats is providing the first stop on FBA VI‘s inaugural Family Business Tour 2023, where attendees will gain insight into the fascinating world of boats.
Capital City Comic Con returned to Victoria Conference Centre & Crystal Garden on September 23rd to September 25th.
The Ears to You Mobile Hearing Clinic, founded by Candice May and Jeff Campbell, has grown with the addition of the Ears to You Van-2.0.
Cameron Young and David Mathieson, two new firefighters, joined the Monterey Avenue Station following Labor Day.
Local governments in Oak Bay, Victoria, and Saanich were honoured during the 2022 UBCM convention with Community Excellence Awards. Oak Bay’s Sustainable Infrastructure Replacement Plan was recognized with an Award for Excellence in Asset Management, and the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria were honoured for their climate and energy action plans in the category of Community Planning & Development.
Beth Cougler Blom, a facilitator and learning designer with her own business, Beth Cougler Blom Facilitation, announced the release of her podcast, Facilitating on Purpose.
