News Impacting Southern Vancouver Island Business
VICTORIA
Beverly Carter
Beverly Carter, the founder of Carter Notary, is the new president of Think Local First (TLF), which supports and strengthens local companies in Greater Victoria and the province.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been named the #1 Hotel in Western Canada in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
BC Transit is currently in the process of expanding its digital payment options for passengers in transit systems that utilize the Umo fare payment system. This system will allow fixed-route transit riders to pay their fares by tapping a debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet.
A recently completed rental complex called Samuel Flats, located next to the boutique grocery store Market Garden, will shortly house the Victoria coffee shop chain Hide + Seek on Catherine Street.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Boom + Batten, OMG Social Media Agency, Parametric Properties Inc., and Flynn Digital Plus.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria‘s 17th annual Gingerbread Showcase fundraiser will be held at the Hotel Grand Pacific from November 21 to January 4, 2026. Peninsula Co-op is the presenting sponsor.
TELUS announced the winners of its sixth #StandWithOwners – Canada’s largest small business contest – celebrating the owners who have made it in Canada.
Victor Nicolov
Sepura Home Ltd, owned by Victor Nicolov was one of five grand prize winners of TELUS‘ sixth #StandWithOwners – celebrating the owners who have made it in Canada. Nicolov developed an IoT-enabled composting garbage disposal system that is a clean, compact, and hands-free solution that seamlessly integrates into modern kitchens. The five grand prize winners each receive a $200,000 prize package, including $75,000 in direct funding, $80,000 in advertising and business exposure, $35,000 in TELUS and Samsung technology, and $10,000 in TELUS Health wellbeing support.
The full rebrand of Iris Properties Real Estate was officially launched, marking the company’s transition from a property management company to a comprehensive real estate firm that serves Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Joni, a Victoria-based menstrual care business that makes organic and sustainable period products accessible to all, recently accomplished two milestones: was ranked #19 out of 400 on The Globe & Mail’s 2025 Top Growing Companies list and donated 1 million period care products to Canadian communities.
The Next Level Child Care Society in Esquimalt and the Burnside Child Care Centre in Burnside are launching 175 and 59 new childcare spaces respectively.
An apartment complex near Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt has been acquired and will offer housing for military personnel beginning in January 2026.
Caledonia Place, which was previously known as Tiny Town, will be closing its doors on March 31, 2026.
Westshore Pet Clinic, located at 111-1057 Langford Parkway, Victoria, is now open on Saturdays.
Murder on Paper Street, the Paper Street Theatre Co.’s improvised blockbuster, returns to Craigdarroch Castle for six nights, eight performances from November 6 to 15.
The Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC announced the 3rd annual Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recipients including: Kenneth Butler, Bonnie Gee, Dr. Francis Juanes, Joe Martin, and the Royal Canadian Search & Rescue (RCMSAR).
Nigel House, the initial completed building in the Nigel Valley multi-project affordable housing community located along Vernon Avenue in Saanich, is now open to residents, which comprises 88 suites for seniors and veterans.
The Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC) is going to manage the new municipal services complex and recreation center for the District of Central Saanich, which will be constructed on Hovey Road, directly across from Centennial Park. The facility was designed by HCMA.
A breakfast and spelling contest are being organized by the Rotary Clubs of Victoria-Saanich and Oak Bay to raise funds for the Victoria Literacy Connection on November 19 at the Victoria Marriott Hotel, located at 728 Humbolt St.
ReImagine West Shore is pleased to announce the 2025/2026 Board of Directors, which includes Cindy Moyer (President), Shannon Carman (VP & Secretary), Mary Allen (Treasurer), Jeff Byam (Director-at-Large), and Kimberleigh Doyle (Director-at-Large).
Dog Grooming by Renata is reopening on October 23rd.
Western Financial Group‘s 2025 Community Infrastructure Grant is currently accepting applications, with a deadline of November 3.
Pizza Hut will soon open a new location at 6686 Sooke Rd., unit 3A, in Sooke.
Kurry King now uses Uber Eats to deliver residents of Sooke with real Indian cuisine.
The Sooke Choo Choo Let’s Go child care centre will add 37 spaces.
3C Yacht Services is proud to announce its appointment as the newest authorized dealer for Smart Gyro, becoming Canada’s first dealer. This partnership will bring Smart Gyro’s innovative marine stabilization technology to boat owners across the region, enhancing comfort and safety on the water.
Pizza & Professionals – A Youth Networking Event will be hosted at WorkBC Sidney, 9860 Third Street, on November 5.
The 2025 BC Municipal Safety Association annual conference this October awarded the Town of Sidney with the Organization Safety Excellence Award.
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