News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Munro’s Books, the oldest bookstore in Victoria, has announced that four of its longtime employees, Jessica Paul, Kirsten Larmon, Sarah Mead-Willis, and Megan Ames, had joined Jessica Walker to its ownership group.
The Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations and the Maritime Museum of BC are proposing a $40 million floating cultural and educational museum in the Inner Harbour at the foot of the Steamship Building and in the former Undersea Gardens.
Tilley is opening a new location in Victoria in March 2026.
Burger King has recently opened its new location at Odyssey, located at 3400 Tillicum Road.
Terry Johal Developments celebrates 25 years in business.
Belfry Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Ron McQuarrie of Victoria was appointed the Western Lacrosse Association‘s executive director.
Const. Sean Millard, who left a year ago after 30 years with the Victoria police and RCMP, was sworn in by Chief Fiona Wilson as part of the new Experienced Officer Program.
Princess Anne has been named as the new royal patron of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
Yashar Samim, an alumnus of the University of Victoria, has introduced Baski, an application designed to help individuals save money on groceries.
The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) Chick Evans Scholarship has awarded two young caddies from Victoria Golf Club, Sean Enwright of Victoria and Elizabeth Zielinski of Creston, a four-year accommodation and tuition grant valued at approximately $125,000.
BFL CANADA has opened its new Vancouver Island office located at 320-3795 Carey Road, Victoria.
Victoria council unanimously approved a multi-block renovation of downtown Victoria’s Capital Iron sites, which may house the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Reliance Properties plans 500 units, numerous 14-story towers, and a marina on Chatham Street between Government Street and the harbourfront.
DP World is building the CAD$22 million “Salish Sea Gateway” short-sea shipping facility in Vancouver for coastal freight services between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland to launch in mid-2026.
BC Transit has inked a contract with Vancouver-based Spare to deliver $6 million online and app-based solutions to improve the user experience for more than 20,000 handyDART customers as it goes digital.
Heart Work Therapy and Yoga has expanded its offerings to include clinical therapy sessions as well as nutritious yoga classes.
The Mearns Centre for Learning at UVic’s McPherson Library received recognition for its innovative design from the American Library Association.
The City of Victoria is supporting Cenote Restaurant and Lounge‘s application to the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for “patron participation” every night of the week.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, KRC Holdings Inc, Blackfin Doors & Gates, Hansenbuilt, and Christopher J. Ramsay | Law.
Meat & Bread has become the first tenant at BroadView Block, 1205 Broad Street.
KIT + ACE is seeking retail executives to join its team as it opens a new store at 1221 Government Street in Victoria in March 2026.
Passive House Canada | Maison Passive Canada is offering a tradesperson certification in person in Victoria, in collaboration with the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA).
Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to join its national legal team.
Horizon Drywall has successfully completed Spencer Block – Victoria, Building A, which features 116 residential units.
The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce will host the Lunch & Learn: De-escalation, Conflict Resolution & High-Performing Teams on January 15.
The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce‘s January Business Mixer is on January 29 at Saxe Point Pub.
Celebrate the New Year at the AGGV’s Winter Exhibition Celebration on Friday, January 16 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. This free event launches the Gallery’s new exhibition season: Fifty Shades of Ink: Ink Paintings from the AGGV Collection, curated by Dr. Heng Wu, AGGV Curator of Asian Art; Dangerous Beauty: Albrecht Dürer’s Prints, curated by Steven McNeil, AGGV Chief Curator & Director of Exhibitions; and a crack in the mirror, organized and circulated by The Reach Gallery Museum and guest curated by Sajdeep Soomal.
The Business Roundtable, an informal discussion with the City of Langford on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, invites managers and owners of businesses in Langford to share their ideas, issues, and opinions on conducting business in the city. For more info and to register please visit: Langford Business Roundtable
The WestShore Chamber of Commerce opens up additional spots for its next Mix N’ Mingle on January 14, at Emporia Westshore. This event is open for members of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. For more information and to register, please visit Mix & Mingle at Emporia
Muse Mind & Body Studio is celebrating its 2nd anniversary.
The Royal Canadian Legion #91 has been awarded Favourite Non Profit at the 2025 Best of the WestShore Awards.
CONNECT welcomes applications for an Occupational Therapist (Independence Coach) at its new CONNECT Saanich location in Victoria.
Sooke School District will be holding an informational session regarding the process on how to become an Education Assistant in 2026, scheduled for January 14 at the EMCS Library.
The Royal BC Museum is almost finished constructing its collections and research facility on Metchosin Road in Colwood.
Harringtons Auctioneers and Appraisers are coming to Colwood at Four Points By Sheraton Victoria Gateway on February 1st.
After a Christmas Night fire damaged a strip mall that housed Barb’s Barber Shop, a cleanup procedure is already underway in Sooke’s town centre. The company has temporarily moved to a nearby Pharmasave facility to conduct business.
Scoop and Waffle will be closed from January 12 – February 3 for annual maintenance.
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has announced the formation of the Marine Sector Committee, aimed at supporting and advocating for the local industrial marine sector.
The Sidney Breakfast Club will hold its first meeting of the year on January 14th at the SHOAL Centre, located at 10030 Resthaven Dr. in Sidney. The panel will discuss “Leadership Insights 2026.”
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