News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Jenifer Chilcott
Jenifer Chilcott was awarded a lifetime membership by Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST) at the organization’s 2024 Annual General Meeting held at Hatley Castle. The award was presented by iWIST Chair Louise Wilkinson, recognizing Chilcott’s foundational work in building a supportive network for women in technology.
Chef Clark Park‘s Chobap Sushi Bar at Courtney and Gordon streets in Victoria delivers the Island’s first Omakase experience.
A proposal has been made for 1520 Blanshard Street, which, if approved, may result in the construction of the Island’s tallest structure at the intersection of Pandora Avenue and Blanshard Street.
Beginning March 1, the short-term parking fee at YYJ will be set at $4 for a duration of two hours, while long-term parking rates will stay unchanged.
The Royal British Columbia Museum is set to launch the Canadian Modern exhibit, running until January 12. Admission is by donation, and visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, featuring two newly updated spaces: the Jonathan Hunt House and Our Living Languages, created in collaboration with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.
MNP has announced a partnership with Surrey-based Nurmohamed & Associates Inc., set to take effect on February 1, 2025.
Stacy Mercier
Stacy Mercier has recently joined the Lakeland Centre for FASD as the Outreach Supervisor.
A web-based resource that offers users precise information about alcohol consumption with a personal touch, knowalcohol.ca was launched on Jan. 2 by the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria.
A new fire vehicle, the 2024 Striker 6×6, has been purchased by the Victoria Airport Authority to be added to its existing fleet. This new fire truck will serve to replace one of the four fire trucks that are already in use at the airport.
The Vancouver-based Reliance Properties has proposed a roughly one-acre plot at 1520 Blanshard Street, occupied by a 1981 36,000-square-foot office structure, for the island’s tallest building.
MarineLabs, a Hub tenant and COAST member, is expanding its forecast offering from 48 hours to 10 days.
The Victoria Real Estate Board reported $6.6 billion in Multiple Listings Service (MLS) sales across 6,900 transactions in 2024, making it the third strongest year for southern Vancouver Island real estate.
Charitable contributions made in 2024 will now be eligible for a tax deduction until February 28, 2025, according to an announcement by the Canadian government. Many national and local charities have reported a substantial decline in donations during the four-week long Canada Post strike, prompting this decision.
The BC Hydro Peace Agriculture Compensation Fund is now accepting applications for its first intake of 2025.
The inaugural Joint Business Mixer of 2025, organized by Oak Bay Tourism, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Destination Greater Victoria, will take place on January 9th at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
A half-day intensive workshop is being hosted by 10x Spring at The University Club of Victoria on February 12 to assist businesses in identifying critical strategies for sustainable success.
ENCORE by PAPARAZZI is set to open its doors in Victoria this year, taking over the former Victoria Event Centre space at 1415 Broad Street.
Café Zanzibar has officially closed its doors on December 31st.
Eyefinery Optical Studio, located at 2004b Fernwood Road, is starting 2025 with a big sale, starting January 7th, until supplies last.
Don Mee Seafood Restaurant in Victoria will be closed from January 6th for staff holidays and maintenance, and will reopen on January 22 in time for Chinese New Year.
The ULI BC‘s annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate is scheduled on January 22nd at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, with presenting sponsor, ITC Construction Group.
The Greater Victoria Hiring and Education Expo 2025 is scheduled on January 30th at the Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay Street, Victoria.
The longtime NDP MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, Randall Garrison, recently announced his intention to retire prior to the conclusion of the 44th Parliament of Canada’s current term.
Paula and Derk Wevers’s Cookie Corner, which closed in December, will be reopening this month under a new name, Cookie Corner Cookies.
Cendra Beaton is the new head of the Sooke School District (SD62) board of education, and Allison Watson is the new vice-chair as the district enters 2025.
The new website CastleLiquorStore.com has been launched by the family-run Castle Liquor Store, located on Highway 14 in Sooke.
Sooke Car Wash and Detailing announced that the current the owner is retiring, and the business would be closing at the end of January.
Forbes Pharmacy in Sooke & Eagle Creek is currently hiring Pharmacists.
Soul of a Gyspy, currently located at 2113 Otter Point Road, is moving to a new location.
Under a new pilot initiative, the City of Colwood is directly recruiting family physicians to provide primary care to thousands of residents. The initiative will commence in the new year with the recruitment of Dr. Cassandra Stiller-Moldovan from Ontario.
Odyssia Restaurant, owned by Bill Macris, which has been operating in Sidney for over 40 years, has reopened its dining room.
Barry and Buster’s Pet Grooming has moved to its new location in Sidney at 9710 Third Street.
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