News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Rebecca Mackenzie
Rebecca Mackenzie, CEO and President of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, recently presented British Columbia’s first-ever Culinary & Agritourism Award to Maple Leaf Adventures at the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) Conference.
Nancy Noble, Director/CEO of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria announced that Justin MacDonald has accepted the position of Director of Finance and Administration at the Gallery, he will join the AGGV on March 25, 2025.
Tricia Balwin has been named the newly appointed dean of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Maria’s Cakerie and Desserts recently opened its first location at Hillside Mall.
The Stz’uminus (Chemainus) First Nation artist Luke Marston has been selected by Saanich to create public art for the $44.6-million Fire Station No. 2 redevelopment project.
StoreWest Bluebird Partners has acquired the Bluebird Quadra Storage, a brand new storage facility located on Quadra Street in downtown Victoria.
Greater Victoria property owners will see an average increase in property taxes of $22.83 this year following the unanimous approval of a $723 million budget for 2025 by Capital Regional District directors on Wednesday.
Sooke Council has directed staff to prepare an updated Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw for readings at the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025. The proposed update reflects a municipal service tax increase of $19.68 per month ($236.22 per year or 15.29%) for the average residential property, based on a home value of $770,284 (BC Assessment, 2025).
The Dog Gone Mortgage Guy is gaining attention in Victoria, enhancing its brand presence and ensuring it remains top of mind for consumers, shaping consumer views and positioning itself as the leading expert in mortgage services.
Free Spirit Victoria, a unique local event featuring non-alcoholic wine, craft beer, spirits, and cocktails is set for Friday, March 21 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
Kudos to The Farmer’s Daughter in Sidney for having the most amazing take-out grilled cheese sandwiches. They offer an incredibly diverse array of cheese and for those wanting an alternative to ferry food – they have a take out charcuterie box. Worth the visit!
To restore damaged salt-marsh and eelgrass habitat, the Port Renfrew-based Pacheedaht First Nation is getting $2.3 million over three years. This will involve restoring habitat at three locations in the Gordon and San Juan River estuaries to restore near-shore ecosystems.
Crystal Pool will be replaced on the same site by the City of Victoria with a new facility costing $209.2 million.
Fol Epi Bakery, located near Dockside Green, has been acquired by Caffe Fantastico‘s owners, Ryan and Kristy Taylor.
Red Fish Blue Fish has reopened for the season and is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Comfort Keepers Victoria is hosting Connie Jorsvik at Trillium Communities West Shore Village. Connie is an educator, author and independent healthcare navigator-patient advocate.
Phase 1 of the new Belleville Terminal project in Victoria’s Inner Harbour has been completed, according to the Ministry of Transportation’s announcement on March 13. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in spring of 2025.
Sam Harris and Vincent Vanderheide, co-owners of Cafe Brio, will shortly take over Brasserie L’Ecole, a much-loved French restaurant in downtown Victoria that has been around for 23 years. They are part of the Vinuel Restaurant Group.
A new apartment complex called The Grand and Fir is currently being constructed at 4 Mile Pub in View Royal. It is expected to be finished in the summer of 2026.
The Victoria Hand Project, led by CEO Michael Peirone, has received the Zero Project Award for 2025, acknowledging its worldwide initiatives to enhance accessibility and eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Cera Korean Tapas has reopened at a new location, previously occupied by Little Jumbo. The restaurant now features a fresh concept centred around tapas and shareable plates, blending the lively Korean drinking culture with high-quality, fresh food and cocktails.
The city’s Sustainable Development Advisory Committee has advised council to refrain from approving the proposed 13- and 22-story residential towers on the land at Peatt and Sunderland roads for two mixed-use buildings until the Official Community Plan (OCP) is updated.
The Wain Park pickleball courts will be replaced by a new community meeting area, maybe with a basketball court and covered picnic tables, according to a vote by the North Saanich council.
Saanich welcomes Niloo, a new Persian restaurant, which debuted in December at the Royal Oak Shopping Centre on West Saanich Road.
Saxe Point Public House will host the March Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce Mixer on March 18 at 5:30 pm.
The Prestige Oceanfront Resort is hosting its first annual Hops and Grapes Festival on March 29th. Tickets are available at West Coast Grill.
Give Pizza Chance will celebrate its grand opening on March 19th at 6631 Sooke Rd.
Holly Courtright
The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce has announced its Board of Directors for 2025. The leadership team includes President Holly Courtright, Vice President Mark Eraut, Treasurer John Marshall, and Secretary Meagan Brame. The board also features Directors James Rogers, Jay Smith, Paul McGroarty, Murray Boyce, Jamie Ferguson, Martin Drews, and Danielle Smith.
The Township of Esquimalt is thinking of withdrawing the Phase 2 Bike Lane project from the 2025 Capital Spending list in order to pause its construction due to concerns expressed by the Chamber and Town Centre Businesses.
Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria announced the April 3rd opening of the Pizza Season 2025.
A property tax increase of 10.67% has been approved by the Sidney council this year.
Biju’s Indian Cuisine, owned by Brijesh Poddar, opened for business on Sunday, March 9, at 10153 Resthaven Dr.
Amanda Coe‘s Scoop and Waffle is now open at 2423 Beacon Ave.
SMOR Scandinavian Bakery located at 104-2376 Bevan Avenue, is now open seven days a week.
Residents are invited to an online education session regarding the proposed Regional Transportation Service and the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) launched next month by the Capital Regional District (CRD). This session explains the CRD’s transportation role and the planned bylaw and service, which will cover service establishment, funding, and next actions.
The Boards of the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) have given the green light to the 2025 financial plans during their meeting on March 12, 2025.
Ash Refillery and Co. opens in Colwood at 5 – 310 Goldstream Avenue.
CBRE National Apartment Group has just listed a 24-suite rental apartment building, in Esquimalt, just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Victoria.
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