News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Davide M. Cuzner
Davide M. Cuzner, M.Sc., a specialist in Climate Action and Carbon Solutions, is joining Gwaii Engineering team and Justin Eagle is celebrating 8 years with the firm.
Melanie Wendeler will be replacing David Hammonds as General Manager of the Union Club of British Columbia. Hammonds is set to retire after 15 years at the helm of the management team and staff.
Al Marston will assume the role of general manager of Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications Inc. after Gord Horth retires this autumn.
Chris Blainey of Blue Sky Clothing Co. has been honoured as the winner of the May Victoria Hospitality Awards.
Laurel Anne Stark and Darrell Brertton Jr. of Remarkable Communications, have teamed up with Communikit to offer a safe and centralized way for Indigenous communities to receive alert apps. This system can reach people both on and off reserves.
Mary Polak
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) has named Mary Polak as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 2, 2025.
The Victoria Airport Authority has replaced Island-based Robbins Parking with LAZ Parking Canada Inc. to oversee its 3,300 parking spaces.
Azure Pier Coastal Cafe opened its doors at 899 Marchant Road, Brentwood Bay.
A new lunch menu will be available at Cera Tapas from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning June 1.
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Miracle Gala successfully raised $1.76 million aimed at enhancing surgical access for women battling cancer at Victoria General Hospital.
10 new restaurants and food spots just opened in Victoria this spring including: Kinton Ramen in Downtown Victoria; Oso Café Dessert at Mayfair Shopping Centre; Liv Café Bistro in Oak Bay; Roast at Phillips in downtown; Parachute Ice Cream in Oak Bay; Kizuna Ramen and Good Filling Sankaku in Downtown; Gyrosa Greek in Royal Oak; Wairua Cafe in North Park; West Coast Grill in Sidney; and Bond Bond’s Bakery Café in Oak Bay.
The city is seeking over $113,000 in unpaid parking penalties from the past five years and has engaged a collections organization to work with staff on charges from 2019.
Michelle Le Sage
Michelle Le Sage, General Manager of the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, has been re-elected for a second term as President of SKÅL Victoria. The official ceremony took place at the Coast Hotel, reaffirming her leadership within the organization
Averill Creek will be hosting the Island Restaurant Collective, featuring top Island chefs from Pluvio, Wild Mountain, Fox and Monocle, Uchida, and De L’Île on June 8th from 5-7 pm.
On June 19, Shrawan Khanna from Cheeky Chalice Co. will host a wine sampling event at Gigi’s Italian Foods, featuring Italian-inspired canapés crafted by chef Vincent Capitano of Island Chef.
B.C. Housing is set to demolish the former supportive housing site, Queens Manor, located at 710 Queens Ave.
Floyd’s Diner will relocate to the Royal Scot Hotel in James Bay this summer.
Truffles Catering – Victoria is now the first catering company in North America to achieve Biosphere Certification.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens has achieved Biosphere Certification.
Whistle Buoy Brewing Company marks its 6th anniversary with plans to expand its patio, allowing for more guests during summer events.
The province has raised its annual minimum wage, increasing the lowest hourly rate from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, effective June 1st.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Larix Landscape, Viala Technologies (Michael Viala), Youth Climate Lab, and Cloud Produce Inc.
Michael Turner
Michael Turner, MMath, is joining Alitis Investment Counsel as a Client Operations Administrator.
Soap For Hope Canada, Greater Victoria Festival Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria, and Power To Be are collaborating on the brand-new Five Hearts One Purpose: UnGala on June 14th.
Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority will host the 11th annual World Ocean Day celebration on June 8th, running from 11am to 4pm at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Royal Jubilee Hospital‘s oncology and palliative care teams are using bispecific T-cell engagers, innovative drugs with great potential in treating various cancers, including lymphoma.
FED Urban Agriculture, an initiative by the Synergy Foundation, has kicked off a fundraising matching campaign aimed at enhancing inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability in the food system for everyone. The fundraising will run until August 21st.
Jones Lang LaSalle Real Estate Services Inc. listed the landmark building at 780 Yates St., that houses Cineplex’s Odeon Theatre, for $8.5 million in May. However, the Victoria council will look into potential solutions to preserve the cinema in the city.
The Pacific Institute for Sport Education, or PISE, has raised $500,000 for community health, inclusive programming, and young physical literacy projects through the conclusion of its Gift of Play and Potential fundraising campaign.
The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators presented the District of Saanich with the 2025 Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award.
Smart Dolphins IT Solutions is marking its 25th anniversary.
Devon Properties announced the sale of Inverness Manor, a 37-unit apartment complex in a prime location close to the Saanich Core, services, and transportation.
The Beachlands, a 134-acre master-planned development in Colwood, has officially opened its first building, featuring a spacious 15,000-square-foot Experience Centre.
On June 5, over 40 merchants will sell local vegetables, handmade crafts, baked goods, and hot cuisine at Sooke Night Market. A warm, forest-coast community vibe, live music, and food trucks make it a fantastic evening out.
Two new modular extensions at David Cameron Elementary and Ruth King Elementary in School District 62 have been completed by EXO Construction Group, which will be used in the start of the school year. EXO has worked with design partners studioHuB architects ltd. for the completion of the project
Woodside Farm Sooke is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The Halibut for Hounds derby has successfully raised $2000 for the Sooke-based non-profit Salish Paws rescue.
Sooke Harbour House is set to participate in the Sooke Secret Garden & Artisan Tour this weekend, June 7 & 8.
A new permissive tax exemption (PTE) policy is being introduced by the District of Sooke to update the process by which eligible not-for-profit organizations and houses of worship can have their property tax exemptions reviewed and approved.
Scoop and Waffle, which recently opened at 2423 Beacon Ave, Unit 106, Sidney, is extending hours of operation until 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays this June.
Maria’s Souvlaki, a Greek restaurant located at 9812 Second St., Sidney, celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The Ask a Local Kiosk in Sidney by the Sea has opened its doors for the summer season.
The Sidney Street Market kicks off its 2025 season this Thursday, June 5, and will continue every Thursday evening until September 11.
BGC South Vancouver Island is hosting BGC Club Day on June 6th, inviting community members and businesses from Sooke to Sidney to join in. This lively event focuses on celebrating and supporting the organization’s mission to empower young people and families throughout the region. This year’s event features “Turning the Town Green,” offering specially designed green BGC t-shirts for kids, youth, and adults.
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