News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Lindsay Kearns
Lindsay Kearns, Coordinator for the BC Centre for Women in the Trades, has been elected as the new Chair of the Camosun College Board of Governors. She will assume the role on August 1, 2025, succeeding outgoing Board Chair Tanya Clarmont.
Michelle Matheson has joined the real estate sales team at Clover Residential in Fairfield.
Applus+ is celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Victoria office.
The Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic in Victoria, is welcoming Dr. Amanda Hauer, the newest member of the NVA Canada community, to their team.
UNIQLO, the Japanese global apparel retailer, has announced the opening of new stores in Canada this fall which includes its first location in Victoria. With the upcoming new store openings in fall 2025, UNIQLO will have a total of 37 locations across Canada.
Janis Rodriguez Shek
Janis Rodriguez Shek started a new position as a Tour and Sales Coordinator at Inn at Laurel Point Hotel in Victoria.
The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) has seen a considerable increase in membership, surpassing 10,000 members. In BC, 90 per cent of clinical counsellors and psychotherapists are currently Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), making the association the largest for the profession.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members Associated Financial Services Inc., Pacific Northwest Transportation Services (PNWTS), BMT Group Services, and Seair Seaplanes.
Nominations for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors are being accepted until August 28. The board will have four board positions up for election this year, and applications will be accepted for a two-year term with staggered renewal dates.
The Fairmont Empress was voted as the #1 City Hotel in Canada in the 2025 edition of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. These awards recognize the top hotels, resorts, and travel experiences worldwide, as voted by readers in the magazine’s annual survey.
Kevin Hall
Kevin Hall has announced his resignation as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Victoria, effective August 1, 2025
Puzzle Lab is relocating from a smaller store to a large, 2,832-square-foot flagship site on Government Street.
Fizz Non-Alc Bottle Shop has officially opened at 569 Johnson Street in Victoria.
The proposed Victoria Porsche store and Gain Group Head Office, situated at 202 Harbour Road in Vic West, has submitted its rezoning and development permit.
With the help of Meliorate Partners and Neglected Climate Opportunities, a division of the Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham Environmental Trust, Victoria-based Cellulotech has raised seed money to speed up the commercial rollout of its solvent-free cellulose functionalization technology, which provides a recyclable substitute for plastics and hazardous chemicals.
Imen Core Systems Ltd., which specializes in providing integrated safety and energy solutions tailored for commercial, industrial, and high-rise residential projects, has opened in Victoria.
Early Bird registration for the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance’s (VIEA) annual Economic Summit, which will take place in Nanaimo from October 28 to 30, is now open until August 28.
The New York Post’s list of Canada’s Best New Hotels for All Travellers includes the recently renovated Esquimalt hotel, Rosemead House.
As the digital home of the township’s place brand, “Esquimalt – The Place to Be,” the Township of Esquimalt has unveiled WhyEsquimalt.ca, a new website devoted to economic development and investment attraction that provides a central hub for existing businesses, potential investors, entrepreneurs, and community partners to explore Esquimalt’s economic landscape.
BC Strategy is opening a Melbourne office and seeking a star Principal to lead and build its Victorian offering.
OpenTable and KAYAK have recognized The Courtney Room and Tea at The Empress, two Victoria restaurants, as two of the top 50 hotel restaurants in Canada.
A local housekeeping company in Victoria, Merry Maids, donates more than 5,000 jars of peanut butter to Mustard Seed.
A ceremony will take place on August 5, 2025, at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt to mark the Change of Command of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). Authority will be transferred from Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson to Rear-Admiral David Patchell, with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, presiding over the event.
Murder Burger opens at a former Floyd’s Diner location at 332 Menzies St.
CRD is launching a search for a non-profit organization to operate at its new farm in Saanich.
Floyd’s Diner has closed its location at 6719 W. Saanich Rd. as of July 29.
Innov8 Digital Solutions has been named the number 1 Canon Dealer in Canada.
BCAA’s Evo Car Share is now operational in Langford.
On September 16th, the annual 5 Chambers Mixer will bring together businesses from the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Sooke Chamber of Commerce and WestShore Chamber of Commerce.
Koshin Sifu Moonfist has received the BC Medal of Good Citizenship.
The Sooke Arts and Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The Mill Bay Marine Group-owned and operated Drift Nordic Sauna has opened on the banks of San Juan Harbour, near to the Pacific Gateway Marina, at 17110 Parkinson Road.
Sooke School District 62 is hiring for a full-time Payroll Technician.
The Sooke Chamber of Commerce is inviting members for a Breakfast Brainstorming on Tuesday, August 5th, at West Coast Grill.
The Salish Sea Lantern Festival will be back in Sidney from August 17 to 23.
The Shoreline Medical Society has launched Linen for a Cause at Butik Naturals in Sidney, donating a portion of the proceeds to the Saanich Peninsula Youth Clinic.
The celebrated Sidney Bakery has been serving the community for over 100 years.
Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands & Yukon is celebrating 100 years of service to Canada.
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