SOUTH VANCOUVER ISLAND MOVERS & SHAKERS JANUARY 28, 2025

Samantha Freeman officially started  full-time role as an Articling Accountant at MNP in Victoria.

Rechelle Effendy has been promoted to SVP Finance & CFO at BCI and is now seeking a new Vice President of Finance.

Sophie McIntyre has been hired as an Employment Programs Facilitator with Bridges for Women Society in Victoria.

Carlton Lopez has begun a new role as Finance Co-op with the Accounting and Reporting team at BC Assessment in Victoria.

Simon Fraser University has teamed up with Mitacs, 13 universities, and health research institutes nationwide, along with 57 collaborating organizations, to enhance Canada’s research to innovation continuum. This initiative is backed by 5 years of funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The Invention to Innovation (i2I) network in BC is set to grow, welcoming new delivery partners and co-applicants from the University of Victoria, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), University of the Fraser Valley, Providence Healthcare, and Fraser Healthcare.

TRADEX FOODS is looking to add two full time sales professional to join its growing team in Victoria.

Liv McMahon

Liv McMahon has joined M3 Development Management as a Senior Project Manager, Non-Profit Housing and will be based out of Victoria.

Coast Hotels has received the 2024 Changemaker Award from Fill it Forward, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and waste reduction

Peckish Cafe in Fairfield has expanded its location to include indoor seating.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has unveiled the $4.5M Forecast AI Project, spearheaded by Victoria’s MarineLabs. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance operational efficiencies, bolster marine safety, and advance ocean AI technology.

Heron Media is launching Local Socials YYJ, a Saturday morning newsletter that focuses on Social Media in Victoria.

Dynamic Diesel Solutions has formed a new partnership with VIETECH Training, aimed at equipping technicians with the latest knowledge and practical skills to address contemporary diesel technology challenges. 

Aryze Developments and ESL Group – Electrical Solutions Ltd. are working together on the 450 Dallas Road demolition project.

Macaloney’s Island Distillery was named Canadian Whisky of the Year at the annual Canadian Whisky Awards, which honour the best whiskies in the country. 

Villamar Construction Ltd. in Victoria has received Canada’s first RIZON electric dump truck.

Blue Gentian Capital is pleased to announce the completion of framing on Frame Properties’ Emerson development in Victoria.

Thom Klos

Thom Klos of Thom Klos Creative has been announced as the newest member of the Linda Mackie Creative collective team.

Through the Indigenous Priorities Fund, a pilot program created by the Indigenous Granting Advisory, which is comprised of Indigenous members from the region, the Victoria Foundation will distribute $681,656 to 21 organizations. This money will help fund social, cultural, and legal infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the capital region.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is on a search for a new Chief Executive Officer.

 Jeneece Place celebrates its 13th anniversary.

The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) presents home-grown musical sensation, Ride The Cyclone, performed by the College’s Studio Ensemble with direction by award-winner Jordan Laffrenier, working together with CCPA alumni, Laura Ross as choreographer and Stephanie Sartore as music director. The production features eight performances and runs from February 7 to February 15, 2025, at CCPA’s Performance Hall, located at 1701 Elgin Rd. in Oak Bay.

Pacific Opera Victoria in partnership with Vancouver Opera is launching The Opera Sprouts Initiative, a pilot project exploring the world of creating new opera for youth in BC schools. This initiative is focused working with up and coming composer and librettist teams who are interested in writing an opera for school touring on Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. Teams interested in mentorship, process and building collaborative relationships as the core of developing new work for schools, within the setting of a professional opera company are encouraged to apply.

The District of Saanich has been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for 2024.

Celebrity East Coast chef Devan Rajkumar will be visiting Saanich to perform a unique pop-up at Kinu, an Uptown tapas restaurant with an Indian influence, on February 4.  

Mom’s Cake Cafe, run by Jellica Ann Lasat and Jeraldine Reyes from the Philippines, officially opened its doors on January 18 at 2060 Oak Bay Ave.

Epicure announced that it will cease operations as a result of financial difficulties.

A 122-unit proposal, divided between two buildings on the 900 block of McKenzie Avenue and Annie Street, was advanced by the council as Saanich strives to fulfill this year’s housing target.

Residents of Saanich will now have the final say over whether to accept or reject the municipality’s request after a unanimous decision to adopt an alternative approval process (AAP) to borrow $9.6 million for five infrastructure projects. 

A new cell, scales and a kitchen scraps transfer station are among the improvements scheduled to begin in 2025 at the Hartland Landfill in Saanich. 

Repair Café North Saanich in collaboration with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria are offering a fun, educational, and environmentally friendly solution om February 6th, 2025, at the ICA Office.

Pacific FC announced the signing of forward Marco Bustos to a guaranteed contract through 2026.

The WestShore Chamber is pleased to announce the first in a multi-year series of celebrations starting with The 29+ Party, taking place on March 7, 2025  at Olympic View Golf Club.

The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is currently in the process of finding a new date for the first Spotlight Gala.

The 2025 Sooke Job Fair, hosted by the WorkBC Centre Westshore Sooke, will be held at the Edward Milne Community School on March 20th, from 1 to 5 pm.

The Sooke Shelter Society‘s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser on February 22 seeks to raise $30K.

Costco Wholesale Canada has purchased the property and building at 789 McCallum Road, which is presently occupied by Staples, a supplier of office supplies, for $14 million.

Good Decade Fabric + Heirloom Gifts, owned by  Laine Coopsie, has opened at 2449 Beacon Ave.

Sidney will host an Employment Expo on March 12, 2025, at the Mary Winspear Centre.

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