Vancouver Island is seeing several exciting developments across health, housing, business, and community spaces.
Starting next month, Dr. Serag Elhendy will join the North Island Community Health Centre team as a full-time physician. This addition is expected to boost healthcare access for local residents.
In Port Hardy, the KSM Skate Park has officially opened its doors. The park provides a safe, fun space for youth to engage in skateboarding and outdoor activities.
Construction began on July 22 for a major Indigenous housing project at 8925 Park Drive in Port Hardy. Led by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Housing Society, this subsidized initiative will cost $18.4 million. The project aims to improve living conditions and support the local Indigenous community.
Hotel 19 in Port Hardy, formerly known as the North Shore Inn, has made a strong impression since reopening. The hotel is fully booked and earned a five-star review just three days after opening.
Looking ahead, the first-ever Evening Street Market event is scheduled for August 22. The market will run from 5 to 8 p.m. along Market Street in downtown Port Hardy. This event promises to bring together locals and visitors for a vibrant community experience.
Dylan Shaw Excavating Ltd recently celebrated 13 years of serving the Port Hardy area, marking over a decade of local business success.
The City Council has given preliminary approval to several projects aimed at enhancing public spaces. These include public art installations, programs in community areas, and beautification efforts tailored to specific neighborhoods. The Downtown Business Improvement Association will receive $17,566.06 in funding for 2025. Meanwhile, both the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association and Willow Point Business Improvement Association are set to get $10,000 each in matching funds.
In other news, the Airport Fuel Systems Expansion project received a budget increase of $170,000. Campbell River City Council approved the extra funds, which will come from the Airport and Financial Stabilization Reserves. This increase is needed because the winning bid from WS Nicholls Construction Group exceeded the initial budget.
IWC Excavation has secured a $1,289,989 contract to expand and upgrade the RCMP parking lot at 25-52. The work includes expanding the lot behind the Police and Public Safety Building, installing automatic entry gates, and replacing the perimeter fence.
For those looking for work, No Frills in Campbell River is hiring part-time staff in preparation for its opening in September.
Swim lessons are more accessible with Aquanauts Swim Academy’s recent expansion. They now offer private and semi-private lessons at two indoor pools in Campbell River.
The BC Chamber of Commerce announced its new Board of Directors for 2025–2026, with Chris Callanan as Chair. Other key members include Laura Thurnheer as Vice Chair, Julie Ziebart as Immediate Past Chair, and directors representing various regions such as Northwest BC, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the Kootenays.
