Labour Market News

Want to find out more about local or provincial labour market history? The labour market news archive may be a good place to start.

In this section, you can browse archived news titles, whose links are no longer functional, for up to one year from the current date. The archived news can help you understand the labour market trends in geographic areas and industries that are of interest to you.

• Week of 2026-05-04 to 2026-05-08

  • Fiasco Bros. Recording Studios, located in New Westminster, will be closing after 48 years of operation.

    citynews.ca

  • The Regional District of the North Okanagan will be conducting erosion control work along the Okanagan Rail Trail near Vernon. Erosion prevention work will occur along 1km of the trail and will be ongoing from mid May until June.

    null

  • The Town of Osoyoos is undertaking plans to expand the Lakeview Cemetery. Upgrades will include the addition of a new columbarium as well as providing an additional $5,000 annually for the cemetery.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Vancouver is planning to open the Kitsilano pool for the summer season around mid-June.

    vancouversun.com

  • Telus Living has opened a 195-unit rental housing building in downtown Nanaimo. Residents can apply to the building with leases starting May 1. The project was supported by a $2.5M property tax exemption from the City of Nanaimo.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • The Government of Canada has announced $1.5B in support for industries impacted by tariffs. This includes $1B for the creation of a Business Development Bank of Canada program to support the country’s economic resilience as well as $500M through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to help finance small and medium sized enterprises.

    canada.ca

  • The City of Kelowna is launching its summer road renewal program, which will include repaving of 12 roads in the city. The $5.2M pavement management program will run throughout the summer with construction ending in the fall.

    castanet.net

  • The Vernon Hospital Foundation is providing $500,000 in funding for the development of Foundry North Okanagan, a new mental health centre for youth aged 12 to 24. Construction on the $8.5M facility is expected to begin soon with completion slated for summer 2027.

    castanet.net

  • The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has hired an additional 250 firefighters for the 2026 summer season. These new additions add to the existing 700 year-round firefighters on staff. Combined, BCWS will have over 2,000 personnel over the wildfire season.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • The City of Prince Rupert has reported that construction is ongoing on its wastewater pilot project at Moresby Pond Trail. The project looks to use a nature-based approach to wastewater treatment. According to the city, the approach is a lower-cost alternative to traditional infrastructure and requires less staffing.

    thenorthernview.com

  • Phony, a new television series for Hulu, is undertaking filming across Metro Vancouver. Filming began in March and is expected to last until May 22.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • A new 60-unit housing facility has opened in Surrey. Bentley Place, which will be operated by the Phoenix Society, features on site staffing, kitchen facilities and will offer skills and employment training programs. The Government of B.C. provided $18.5M for the project along with $2.4M in annual operating funding.

    citynews.ca

  • Kelowna's Lakeshore Road will be upgraded, with the project featuring new water management infrastructure, added bike lanes and new landscaping. The project is expected to be ongoing for the next month.

    castanet.net

  • BC Hydro is expecting to open three new boat launches on the Site C reservoir early in summer 2026. The boat launches include amenities for day-use and recreational purposes.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia and seven Treaty 8 First Nations have signed restoration agreements that will provide $283M to support project that provide local economic opportunities and enhance ecosystems. Projects include supporting at-risk species, post-disaster clean-up work, recovery of sensitive sites and developing cultural burn plans.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • As part of the Government of British Columbia’s $5M playground initiative, Lakeview Elementary in Quesnel, Sun Peaks Elementary in Sun Peaks and Mountview Elementary in Williams Lake are slated to receive funding to improve their playground infrastructure. The initiative was announced as part of the 2026 budget and includes $200K for each school.

    wltribune.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced nearly $2M for three Vancouver Island climate change mitigation projects as part of the larger Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program. These funds support projects from the Town of Qualicum Beach, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government and the Halalt First Nation.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Other Guise, a Victoria theatre company, has listed its downtown venue called The Scene for sale after an initial investor backed out of funding. The company hopes that another investor will provide funds to support the company.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Alberni Pacific Railway is extending its heritage train line on Vancouver Island from the Port Alberni Train Station to the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. Passengers will now have direct rail access to the hotel, increasing the accessibility of regional tourism activities.

    cheknews.ca

  • Esquimalt Nation has opened the $7.5M Esquimalt Nation Health Centre. The project received funding from the First Nations Health Authority and took eight years to be developed. The health centre will provide care for community members and cultural wellness programs.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing $900K through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund to help Niik Steel in Nanaimo grow its business and navigate U.S. tariffs. The funding will allow the company to create a new 750 sq. m. building to triple its production of steel and create 26 new jobs.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced through Budget 2026 that it will provide 25 school communities with $200K towards new playgrounds. The funds allow local organizations to focus spending on other pressing priorities.

    news.gov.bc.ca
• Week of 2026-05-11 to 2026-05-15

  • Fraser Health is providing $110,000 in grant funding to six communities to improve road safety in the region. Improvements include installing enhanced crosswalks and pedestrian safety improvements as well as undertaking feasibiltiy studies.

    fraserhealth.ca
• Week of 2026-05-04 to 2026-05-08

  • Humblebee, a Meadery located in Vancouver, has opened a new tasting room.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Patagonia, an outdoor clothing and accessory brand, is opening a new location in downtown Kelowna.

    castanet.net

  • The Village of Chase is spending up to $267,000 on the reconstruction of the Mill Park Boat Launch. The project will renew and extend the boat launch as well as install a dock. Work is expected to begin in November with dock installation slated for February 2027.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Salmon Arm is launching a new curbside waste collection program for garden waste and bundled sticks. The service will run once a month from May until October.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing $18M in funding for ten projects throughout B.C. through the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program. The projects will help to upgrade drainage capacity, protect water sources and aid in mitigating erosion to improve climate resiliency.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Sustainable Forestry Initiative, a forestry sector non-profit organization, has announced $2M of funding for eight Indigenous-led Climate projects across Canada. Five projects in British Columbia received funding, including studying harvesting impacts on plans and soil, restoring landslide areas, developing forest resource data, wildfire restoration and testing new harvesting tools.

    forests.org

  • As part of the Government of British Columbia’s announcement to accelerate major projects through its Look West plan, six projects were selected in B.C.’s Northeast. These projects include the Taylor Wind Project, Pembina NGL’s Birch-Taylor and Taylor-Gordondale Pipeline Expansions, the Northeast B.C. Connector Pipeline, Stewart Creek Wind in Fort St. John and the Enbridge T-North Expansion.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The Dadzi Wellness Centre has opened near Fort St. James and will provide primary care and traditional wellness services for families and Elders living in the Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en and Binche communities. The centre is expected to bring over 15 health care providers to the region and will be funded in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority and the Ministry of Health.

    mynechakovalleynow.com

  • PC Urban, a Vancouver-based developer, has announced that the Gateway project on Esquimalt Road has opened and is nearing full occupancy. The rental building cost $102M and has 198 rental units.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that forestry workers will be eligible for $20.8M in grants through the Canada-B.C. Workforce Tariff Response. These grants will support retention, upskilling and wages while creating jobs at local projects in partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust. Grants will support 1.4K workers, contractors and employers.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of Kelowna has begun work on upgrades to the Mission Recreation Transit Exchange. The project will feature bike lockers, five bus bays, new seating with protected shelters and improved road and sidewalk designs. The project is expected to finish in the fall and is part of a $16.5M program to upgrade transit infrastructure in the city.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Salmon Arm is undertaking work on Sixth Street NE and Eighth Avenue NE to upgrade storm drains, install new sidewalks and repave the roads. Work is expected to last until the end of May.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of Canada is providing $145M in funding to support the increased security costs associated with hosting the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver and Toronto.

    theglobeandmail.com

  • The Morrissey Pub, which has operated on downtown Vancouver's Granville street for 26 years, will close on May 23. The owner cited the increasing commercial lease costs as the reason for the closure.

    vancouversun.com

  • The province of British Columbia is providing $600,000 in funding for two manufacturing businesses in the Fraser Valley. Restwell Mattress will receive $400,000 to purchase new equipment to compress larger mattresses for shipping. Binquip MFG Solutions, a steel container manufacturer will receive $200,000 to purchase equipment that will aid in expanding production and adding 27 jobs to its facility.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Kozak, a restaurant serving Ukrainian cuisine, is opening a new location in North Vancouver.

    dailyhive.com
• Week of 2026-04-27 to 2026-04-01

  • FreshCo, a discount grocery chain, has opened a new location in Kamloops.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • B.C. Transit is installing 16 new charging stations to support ten new electric busses at its Applecross road transit facility in Nanaimo.

    timescolonist.com

  • Arts on View Society will be undertaking renovations at Hermann’s Jazz Club and View Street Social, two live music venues in Victoria. Work on the renovations is expected to take three to six months.

    timescolonist.com

  • Vancouver City Council has approved $2M in funding to support a one-night fireworks show to replace the previously cancelled Celebration of Light. The event will take place during the summer and will feature fireworks, a VIP lounge and food trucks.

    vancouversun.com

  • The Village of Lumby is developing a new 16-acre business park to aid in attracting businesses to the area. The city is currently undertaking work to pave the road and install utilities to each of the lots.

    castanet.net

  • Simons, a Quebec based department store chain, will be opening a new 92,000 sq. ft. location in downtown Vancouver. The new storefront will replace the former Nordstrom, which closed in 2023. A $55M renovation on the location is expected to begin soon with opening expected in Fall 2027.

    vancouversun.com
• Week of 2026-05-04 to 2026-05-08

  • Mosaic, a private forest land manager in British Columbia, is expanding wildfire detection and mitigation on Vancouver Island ahead of the 2026 season due to drier conditions. Actions include new monitoring systems, FireSmart work near infrastructure, and continued wildfire training with First Nations and local fire departments.

    mosaicforests.com
• Week of 2026-04-27 to 2026-04-01

  • Construction is underway on the $37M renovation project at The Aquatic Centre in Prince George. The project will undertake significant infrastructure upgrades to extend the life of the facility. Work began in January and is expected to take two years.

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • Pizza64, a new pizza restaurant in Oliver, has opened.

    castanet.net

  • Work has begun on a new $1.7M park enhancement project at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops. The project will consist of the installation of new play structures and a splash pad. Work is expected to be completed on the first phase this year.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • Work has begun on the demolition of a fire damaged building in downtown Kamloops. Crews will remove the existing structure and dispose of additional material.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • The Vancouver School Board is planning on building a new four-storey, 60,000 sq. ft. elementary school that will accommodate 630 students. The school will be located in Vancouver's Olympic Village and is expected to start construction in 2027, opening to students in 2029.

    vancouversun.com

  • The Royal Garden restaurant, located in Vernon, has reopened following renovations. The restaurant added two new robotic chefs to its kitchen to improve food consistency and speed of service.

    castanet.net

  • A new housing facility for healthcare workers has opened in Oliver. Eastside Avenue Housing, which consists of two modular homes will aid in attracting healthcare workers to the area. The project was made possible through $515,000 in funding from the Government of B.C. and the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

    castanet.net

  • Construction on Vernon’s new Active Living Centre (ALC) is well underway with completion scheduled for the end of October. The new recreation centre will feature a 50-metre pool, fitness centre and change rooms.

    castanet.net

  • Den of Destruction, a new business in Kitimat where patrons can use a "rage room" to break objects for entertainment, has opened.

    thenorthernview.com
• Week of 2026-05-04 to 2026-05-08

  • The Chief Leonard George building, a new 81-unit supportive housing project in Vancouver has opened. Operated by the BC Indigenous Housing Society, the building will house Indigenous Elders, families and individuals. It also features community gathering spaces and a child care facility for before and after school care.

    news.gov.bc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-27 to 2026-04-01

  • The Government of Canada has approved Enbridge's Sunrise Expansion Project. The project will create 2,500 jobs during peak construction and includes the installation of two powerlines, eleven pipeline loops totalling nearly 140 km of new pipe, and upgrades at some compressor stations between Chetwynd and Sumas.

    canada.ca

  • The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has opened the Secrest Hill Agriculture Worker’s Campsite for the 2026 growing season. The camp will provide accommodations for seasonal farm workers and will be open until October 31.

    castanet.net

  • FortisBC is undertaking an infrastructure mapping project via helicopter over the town of Oliver. The company has contracted Talon Helicopters to conduct the work which will last until May 8.

    castanet.net

  • The Village of New Denver is providing $8,760 in funding to expand composting capacity and curbside collection in the community.

    castanet.net

  • BC Hydro will be installing 24 electric vehicle chargers in two phases at the new Vernon Active Living Centre. The first phase will install eight chargers before the centre's opening in Fall 2026, with the remaining to be installed at a date in the future.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Vernon has completed the $8.96M Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization Phase 2 project. The project improved natural areas in the park and is adding new vegetation while also improving climate resiliency features.

    castanet.net

  • Rio Tinto has completed a $135M upgrade to its Kitimat smelter. A new 1.1-kilometre alumina conveyor system was installed as well as the replacement of aging infrastructure. The new system will move about 800,000 tonnes of alumina annually.

    thenorthernview.com

  • A $15.6M renovation and expansion project will soon be underway at Quw’utsun Smun’eem Elementary School located on Cowichan Tribes land. The project will add just over 18,000 sq. ft. in a two-story addition that will contain eight classrooms and a full-size gym. Renovations also include replacing the school's roof to better withstand earthquakes. Construction on the project is expected to last until September 2027.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Prince George Community Foundation is providing $20,000 in funding for The Ronald McDonald House Family Room in Prince George. Funding will be used to upgrade the kitchen to allow families to prepare meals during their stay.

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • Tumbler Ridge Health Centre has extended the hours of its emergency department due to staffing stability. The increased hours will allow better access for those seeking medical care.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The Port of Prince Rupert has begun their cruise season with the first ship calling at the port on April 22. The port is expecting to receive 54 cruise ships over the 170-day season.

    thenorthernview.com

  • Vancouver-based GeoComply, a geolocation firm that specializes in providing geofencing services to the financial and gambling industries, is cutting its workforce by around 18% globally. GeoComply, which had around 450 employees in 2023, has stated that they are laying off fewer than 80 employees. The company cited regulatory changes and advancements in AI for the layoffs. The locations of the laid‑off employees are not known, as the company operates offices not only at its Vancouver headquarters but also across Canada and internationally.

    techcouver.com

  • Salmon Arm has approved over $400,000 in funding for lighting upgrades at Rogers Rink. The upgrades will replace the arenas aging lighting system.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-04-20 to 2026-04-24

  • The Government of B.C. is providing $220,195 in funding to support emergency support services in the Regional District of Central Kootenay. Funding will support volunteer recruitment, training and group lodging equipment.

    nelsonstar.com

  • Nk’Mip Forestry, part of the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia, is leading a 40-hectare wildfire restoration project following the 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. The work received support through a Government of Canada Climate‑Smart Forestry grant and will include forest recovery and risk mitigation work involving Nk’Mip staff, forestry partners, local contractors and community members. Some wood will be used commercially, while the rest will be chipped locally or utilized as firewood.

    nkmipforestry.ca

  • The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has awarded a $1.3M mattress and car seat recycling contract to a Lumby based recycler. The agreement will support recycling for three years with the option to extend the agreement for an additional two years.

    castanet.net

  • Surrey Memorial Hospital has expanded its chemotherapy suite with six additional chairs to treat an additional 420 patients monthly. The $1.4M expansion will come with additional staffing and represents a 20% increase in treatment capacity.

    cbc.ca

  • The Town of Osoyoos is providing a combined $24,837 in funding through its Resort Municipality Initiative grant program and Community Services grant program to a number of community groups. Funding will be used to support a variety of events and capital expenses.

    castanet.net

  • Royal Roads University, located in Colwood, has opened its new business hub, Relationships, Entrepreneurship, Ventures (REV). REV will host workshops and help build community partnerships. The hub is supported by $1.5M in funding over 10 years from the City of Langford and nearly $678k from PacifiCan.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Hudson's Hope Health Centre has extended its closure by another week due to staffing challenges. The centre has been closed since April 10 and is currently expected to reopen on April 27. Northern Health is continuing to actively recruit health care professionals to aid in addressing gaps in staffing.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The City of Fort St. John has approved $1.16M in funding to replace a number of sidewalks and install streetlights throughout the city. Works are expected to be undertaken and completed in 2026.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Work has begun on the new $211M Kamloops Centre for the Arts. Excavation of the site is currently underway and total construction is expected to take three and a half years, with a planned opening occurring in 2029.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • The Government of British Columbia is opting into the temporary foreign workers expansion announced by the federal government. Rural employers will be allowed to retain existing TFWs for an additional year however they cannot have more than 10% of their workforce be low wage workers.

    cbc.ca

  • Minga, a Kelowna based technology company that develops a student behaviour and engagement platform, has received $65M in funding to support further growth and development.

    castanet.net

  • Paving operations have started along 37 kilometres of Highway 1 west of Revelstoke. Operations will take place overnight and run until June 20, 2026.

    castanet.net

  • Mangrove Lithium has opened North America's first electrochemical lithium refining facility in Delta. The facility will have a capacity to produce enough battery grade lithium for 25,000 vehicles per year. The plant currently employs 75 workers and will aid in supporting domestic critical mineral development and production.

    cbc.ca

  • The City of Victoria is providing $677,500 in funding to the Midtown Affordable Housing Society to aid in the operation of its new completed 179-unit co-op housing project.

    timescolonist.com

  • Tacofino will open a new location in Tofino this summer.

    timescolonist.com

  • The City of Delta is undertaking work to replace a major sewer line along 53rd Street in Ladner. Work on the project will begin this month and last until August.

    delta-optimist.com

  • The Penticton Farmers' Market has returned for the summer season. The market will feature a variety of stalls selling food, art, and other goods. The market will run every Saturday until the end of October.

    castanet.net

  • BC Hydro is undertaking work to support its infrastructure along Sooke Road in Metchosin. Work will include tree removal and is expected to last until May 4.

    timescolonist.com

  • The M4 Innovation Centre, a new 30,000-square-foot facility providing wet-lab space designed for small life-sciences companies has opened in Vancouver. The facility, operated by adMare BioInnovations’ provides a safe space for the handling of chemicals and contaminants to aid in research and development.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • NorthX Climate Tech is investing $2.2M in three wildfire technology companies in British Columbia. CRWN.ai, Nova, and Skyward Wildfire Technologies will use the funds to scale their wildfire detection and prevention technologies. Their systems support utilities and frontline teams across B.C.

    techcouver.com

  • Vanderhoof Specialty Wood Products, owned by the Brink Group of Companies, laid off its employees on March 6. The business said at the time that the curtailment would be temporary, but workers have received no updates in six weeks. The company said that the layoff was a result of operational challenges and that restructuring would take place.

    ckpgtoday.ca

  • Increased gold prices have boosted investments in mining exploration in the Southern Okanagan. $121.3 million was spent on mining exploration in 2025, up by $53.1 million year over year.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • The City of Armstrong is undertaking work to demolish its old city hall. Work will involve hazardous material abatement and the removal of the old structure to facilitate future development of the site.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing $18.6M in funding through the Canada-B.C. Workforce Development Agreement to expand services in 16 communities for those facing barriers to employment. Expanded services will provide outreach, coaching, training access and wraparound supports.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • A new affordable 58-unit housing complex has opened on the territory of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation. The project features a three story apartment building for Elders and individuals with disabilities and 28 townhouses for low-income families. The complex will be operated by the Yucwemínem ne Tsetsítcws‑kucw Society.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Lassonde Industries has announced that its subsidiary, Sun‑Rype, a food and beverage manufacturer, will lay off approximately 80 employees at its Kelowna facility. The company is relocating its beverage packing operations to other facilities in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. The layoffs will occur in phases through December 2026 and the company has stated that workers will be offered financial compensation and career transition support, where applicable. The Kelowna facility will retain 135 employees who will continue apple processing and snack production.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of British Columbia is spending about $42 million to expand R.E. Mountain Secondary School in Langley. The new expansion will create an additional 300 spaces and will also include special-education spaces and various specialized classrooms for technology, science, cooking and art. Construction on the expansion is anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and complete in late 2028.

    news.gov.bc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-13 to 2026-04-17

  • Mission Memorial Hospital's emergency department has extended its overnight closures until May 4 due to ongoing staffing challenges. The hospital requires an additional 2.5 full-time physicians to ensure stable staffing levels.

    cbc.ca

  • The City of Salmon Arm has awarded an approximately $1.5M contract for 4.75 km of paving in 2026. Work will include the supply and laying of asphalt concrete, pavement tack coat for asphalt, milling and asphalt pulverizing.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-04-20 to 2026-04-24

  • The District of Sicamous is undertaking work on the next phase of the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project. Crews will be installing girders for the new bridge, which will span the Sicamous narrows and carry four lanes of traffic.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-04-13 to 2026-04-17

  • The Central Okanagan School District is facing a funding shortage of $4.2M due to declining student enrollment. The district is considering reducing bus services and cutting 25 full-time equivalent teaching positions next year.

    castanet.net

  • Kaslo Jazz Etc. Fest, a major Kootenay music festival, has cancelled its 2026 event after accumulating $250,000 in debt and failing to turn a profit since 2019. Rising infrastructure and staffing costs, wildfire‑related losses, and the expense of staging large performances contributed to the decision, with organizers planning smaller events to reduce debt and aiming for a reworked return in 2027.

    null

  • Victoria is expanding its shelter capacity through a two‑year partnership with The Salvation Army, adding 13 new emergency beds at the Yates Street ARC facility. The funding supports day‑to‑day operations, resident services and minor capital needs under a sober‑living program, increasing total capacity to 66 beds as part of the city’s broader community safety and wellbeing priorities.

    victoria.ca

  • Northern Health’s neonatal specialty education program NHNEST has been accredited by the Canadian Nurses Association for its high‑quality training that prepares nurses to care for pre‑term and term infants. The program combines online coursework with hands‑on NICU practice, offering nurses advanced skills and clinical experience that support neonatal care across northern B.C.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Kelowna's Knox Mountain water main project is almost complete. The $9M upgrade project is installing a larger water pipe to aid in supplying drinking water to areas in the south and east of downtown.

    castanet.net

  • The Nechako‑Kitamaat Development Fund Society has awarded $127,412 to five community projects in Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake, supporting local events, recreation and training. Funding will help deliver the 2026 Vanderhoof International Airshow, expand supportive housing for people with disabilities, upgrade the Endako shooting range, maintain flight‑training operations, and revitalize local bike trails

    ominecaexpress.com

  • Orchard Maternity Vernon, a clinic specializing in providing prenatal care to low-risk pregnancies, has opened. The centre is operating in collaboration with Interior Health and a number of other healthcare associations in the region.

    castanet.net

  • Northern Health reported 115 hours of emergency‑department and health‑centre closures across northeast B.C. in March, driven by ongoing staffing shortages. Facilities in Fort Nelson, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and Hudson’s Hope experienced multiple temporary shutdowns, marking an increase from February and highlighting continued pressure on rural health‑care services in the region.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Northern Health has purchased UNBC’s former Terrace campus to convert it into a 10‑bed, Indigenous‑led substance‑use treatment and recovery centre. UNBC will temporarily relocate its northwest campus to the Thornhill training facility in May, while Northern Health seeks contractors to design and manage renovations for the new health facility.

    princegeorgecitizen.com

  • The City of Kelowna is seeking a concession operator for its new Parkinson Recreation Center. The food service space will be for quick food operation and will not have commercial cooking capability.

    castanet.net

  • Los Chavos, a Mexican restaurant in Vancouver, has closed.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Harrison Tulip Festival, Canada's largest tulip festival located in Agassiz, has returned for 2026. The festival will run until at least May 3.

    abbynews.com

  • The Pentastic Jazz Fest, an annual music festival in Penticton, will be cancelled in 2026. Organizers cited reduced grant funding and rising costs for the cancelation.

    cbc.ca

  • The Frank Flaman Foundation is providing $10,500 in funding to the Bridge Youth and Family Services to aid in creating a new wellness centre and gym at its Youth Recovery House in Kelowna. The new space will help promote fitness and wellness for those under 18 facing substance use and mental challenges.

    castanet.net

  • Construction has started on a new AI data centre, located at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. The centre is being built in collaboration with Bell and is expected to open in late 2027.

    castanetkamloops.net

  • CBC has undertook filming for its comedy-reality series, Still Standing, in the town of Armstrong. Filming took place from April 9 to 14.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Kelowna is undertaking upgrades to the playgrounds at Strathcona Beach Park. Work will include installing fencing and gates around the playground to provide a safer space for children. Work is expected to last approximately two weeks.

    castanet.net

  • B.C. is creating a centralized permitting hub to streamline approvals for heli‑skiing, cat‑skiing, heli‑assisted guiding and snowmobile tour operators, aiming to reduce delays caused by complex multi‑ministry reviews. Industry groups welcome the move as a practical way to support adventure‑tourism businesses

    thenorthernview.com

  • Two northeast B.C. schools have expanded their classroom capacity this year, with Wonowon Elementary opening a new building featuring a gym, library and additional learning space, and Dr. Kearney Middle School in Fort St. John adding a new wing with eight classrooms for Grade 7 students. The upgrades address growing enrolment, replace aging infrastructure and provide more functional learning environments

    cbc.ca

  • The B.C. government plans to ease industrial carbon pricing for pulp mills as the forestry sector faces ongoing mill closures, job losses and competitiveness challenges.

    ominecaexpress.com
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • Cutwater Brewery and Lounge, a new brewpub located along Highway 97 in Lake Country, has opened.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-04-13 to 2026-04-17

  • The Britannia Beach Volunteer Fire Department is establishing a full-time paid fire chief position. The position will aid in managing growth and maintaining service levels. The new position will also aid in supporting the opening of a second fire hall in Furry Creek.

    squamishchief.com

  • The Sunshine Coast Regional District is extending hours at its aquatic and fitness facilities through July 31. Facilities will see an 8.5 hour weekly increase to 74.5 operating hours per week.

    coastreporter.net

  • Rue 909 Sushi, located in Vancouver's downtown, has closed.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Netflix, an online streaming platform, has opened a new office in Vancouver. The office will employ 450 people and will house Netflix Animation Studios, which will produce a range of projects in support of the streaming platform.

    vancouversun.com

  • Air Canada will begin four new services from Vancouver International Airport. The carrier will fly three new routes to Mexico and one to Costa Rica starting in December 2026 and will run them until April 2027.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • IKEA has opened a new plan and order point store in Kelowna. The store is a smaller format to traditional IKEA stores where customers can receive home planning services and order goods.

    abbynews.com

  • Flower Day Wine, a new winery located in Richmond has begun operations. The winery specializes in using locally sourced grapes from the Lower Mainland to create unique wines.

    richmond-news.com

  • Light House, a construction materials remanufacturing organization, has received $400,000 in funding from the federal and provincial governments to launch a new remanufacturing pilot project. The project collects construction waste and produces new product at facilities in Langely and Delta.

    vancouversun.com

  • The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is providing $13,000 in funding to the Furry Creek Community Association to fund maintenance of public open spaces in Furry Creek. Funding will be used for tree branch clearing, trail, stair and beach access improvements.

    squamishchief.com

  • Prince George is reopening several outdoor recreation facilities for the spring season, including Masich Place Stadium, multisport courts, beach volleyball areas and key park amenities

    princegeorgecitizen.com

  • A recent economic impact report, prepared for the Council of Forest Industries convention, shows a steep decline in B.C.’s forestry sector, with investment, employment and provincial revenue all dropping sharply between 2024 and 2026. Union leaders describe widespread mill closures and job losses.

    ckpgtoday.ca
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • The Valley Voice, an independent newspaper serving several West Kootenay communities, will continue operating after being purchased by Winlaw resident Nikko Snyder. The sale prevents a potential closure as the longtime owners retire, and Snyder plans to maintain the paper’s community‑focused reporting despite financial pressures facing local media.

    null

  • A new non‑replaceable forest licence has been awarded to Box Lake Lumber Products, providing access to unlogged and salvageable timber for five years and supporting an annual harvest of roughly 445 truckloads. The licence is intended to strengthen the Kootenay region’s value‑added wood manufacturing sector, helping secure fibre supply, sustain mill operations, and support local forestry employment and economic growth.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Translink, Metro Vancouver's public transit provider, will be undertaking service changes on April 20 that will increase bus service on 42 routes across the region. Changes include boosting service on 10 seasonal routes that service outdoor recreation sites.

    dailyhive.com

  • With the recent completion of the stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge linking Surrey to New Westminster. Work is underway on the demolition of the old Pattullo Bridge. The $80M deconstruction project, which will employ around 200 workers, will be done in three phases and is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada is committing $412.9M in funding over five years to renew the Pacific Salmon Strategy. Funding will aid in protecting and rebuilding wild salmon populations along British Columbia's coast.

    www.biv.com

  • Kelowna Floating Sauna, a new sauna experience located on Okanagan Lake, has opened.

    castanet.net

  • The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is providing $3,238 in grant funding to the Baldy Mountain Community Association to enhance trail markings, signage, and mapping on east-side hiking and snowshoe trails on Baldy Mountain near Oliver.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Vancouver is providing $1.4M in funding to four projects that will upgrade single-room-occupancy (SRO) buildings in the city's Downtown Eastside. The projects will install heating and cooling upgrades in these buildings to lower the risk of heat-related illness and increase their climate resiliency.

    www.biv.com

  • The Government of Canada is providing $2.16M in funding for the new Marpole Community Centre in Vancouver through the Build Communities Strong Fund. The facility will include a 74-spot childcare centre and after-school care, along with a gymnasium, and multi-purpose spaces for sports, arts, and cultural activities. Construction is underway on the $94M facility and is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2026-04-20 to 2026-04-24

  • The District of Sicamous has awarded nearly $1 million in funding to expand the district's wastewater treatment plant. The $2.1M project will rehabilitate two rapid infiltration basins (RIB) and construct an additional RIB to increase filtration capacity.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • The Province and Government of Canada are investing more than $6M in 15 labour‑market training projects across B.C., expanding access to skills training for people facing employment barriers. The initiatives will help up to 329 participants gain practical training and work experience for in‑demand jobs in sectors such as construction, trades, social services, education support, health administration, transportation and facility maintenance.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Province has opened the 2026 intake of the Clean Industry Fund, which reinvests industrial carbon pricing revenue to help B.C. companies reduce emissions and adopt cleaner technologies. Funding is available through three streams: emissions performance, innovation accelerator and feasibility studies, with a new $10M project cap to support more initiatives.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Province is providing nearly $3.5M through Innovate BC’s early‑stage demonstration program to help 14 B.C. companies test new technologies in real industrial environments. The funding aims to support innovation across sectors such as marine, forestry, health, mining and emergency management, helping small and medium‑sized firms advance toward commercial adoption while creating skilled jobs and strengthening B.C.’s tech‑driven economy.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • A new 270‑seat addition has opened at Aspen Park Elementary in Comox, providing modern, accessible classrooms and dedicated space for diverse learning needs. The $16.5M project is part of the Province’s broader investment in expanded and upgraded schools across the Comox Valley, aimed at supporting long‑term enrolment growth and improved learning environments for students.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Bear and Pear Productions Inc. has begun filming for season three of 'The Last of Us' in Vancouver. Filming will take place in various locations and will run from March 2 until November 27.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The City of Surrey will undertake road works along 1km of 24th Avenue and its side streets. The project includes preparatory works and asphalt paving, new markings and signage, pedestrian and traffic signals, new streetlights, drainage works and around 1,200 metres of new watermain on 24th Avenue and around 820 metres of new watermain on 172nd Street.

    delta-optimist.com

  • The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is welcoming B.C.’s plan to set fixed permitting timelines and invest $3M to speed up mineral exploration approvals. The funding is meant to improve the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework, which has been slower than expected and has contributed to a drop in new mineral claims. AME states that better‑resourced permitting is essential for early‑stage exploration.

    quesnelobserver.com
• Week of 2026-04-13 to 2026-04-17

  • Low‑elevation areas in the Bulkley–Nechako region are facing another challenging year as drought conditions persist despite above‑average mountain snowpack. Local officials, farmers and environmental experts report that dry fields, rising input costs and ongoing water shortages are straining agricultural operations

    ckpgtoday.ca
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • The Regional District of Fraser‑Fort George (RDFFG) has begun providing fire‑dispatch services for the City of Nelson, bringing its total network to 100 fire and rescue agencies across several B.C. regions. The RDFFG says its staffing and technology allow it to support a large, diverse service area, with 9‑1‑1 calls first screened by E‑Comm before being routed to the appropriate dispatch centre.

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • Work has begun on the rehabilitation of the Queensborough Bridge in New Westminster. The project will undertake bridge deck resurfacing, replacement of deck joints, structural repairs and drainage upgrades. Work is anticipated to last until Fall 2027.

    dailyhive.com

  • The annual Richmond Night Market is returning on April 24 and will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and select Mondays until September 20. The market features retail and food stalls as well as activities and performances.

    dailyhive.com

  • Following a fire earlier this year, Penticton's J&C Bottle Depot has reopened at a new temporary location while repairs to the original location are underway.

    castanet.net

  • The Lakeline Gallery in Penticton is anticipated to open on May 1. The new gallery will feature modern work and street work, canvases and graffiti murals.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of Canada is allocating around $125M in funding to two Vancouver-based projects in the life sciences sector. Aspect Biosystem will receive $79M to aid the construction of their bioprinting facility. In addition, $48M will support a new innovation hub at the St. Paul’s Hospital, currently under construction. The two projects are expected to create 1,000 jobs and 850 student positions.

    www.biv.com

  • Oak and Thorne, a sports bar located in Langley, has closed.

    dailyhive.com

  • B.C.’s new Health Professions and Occupations Act has come into force, introducing major changes to how doctors, nurses, and other regulated health professionals are overseen. The updated framework replaces the long‑standing Health Professions Act and shifts to a more centralized model that includes a new oversight office, a discipline tribunal, and appointed college boards.

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • Home sales in Prince George slowed slightly in March, with 63 single‑detached homes sold at an average price of $527,830 — about $14,000 lower than the same month last year. Despite the modest dip in sales and inventory, local realtors describe the market as balanced, noting steady price growth and ongoing movement from buyers and sellers driven by job changes and family needs

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • B.C. has introduced legislation to align its electric‑vehicle rules with new federal standards, lowering the 2035 target for full EV adoption from 100 percent to 75 percent. The bill keeps sales quotas for automakers but removes the planned ban on gas‑powered vehicle sales, giving the province more flexibility to adjust targets through regulation. Industry groups say the change reflects ongoing challenges with EV availability and affordability.

    quesnelobserver.com

  • BC Hydro and its First Nations partners will repurpose most of the former Site C Dam worker accommodations for the North Coast Transmission Line, avoiding landfill disposal and supporting upcoming construction between Prince George and Terrace. BC Hydro states that dismantling and transport will begin immediately, with construction on the transmission line scheduled to start this summer.

    princegeorgecitizen.com

  • Quantum Technology Corp., a industrial helium and hydrogen systems manufacturer, located in Squamish is receiving $400,000 in funding from the province of B.C. Funding will be used to expand production capacity and create additional jobs.

    techcouver.com

  • Calowna Costume, a costume rental and supply store in Kelowna, is closing.

    castanet.net

  • The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen is offering $80,000 through 14 bursaries to support recent high school graduates, students undertaking post-secondary education, and those returning to school. Applications close on May 1.

    castanet.net

  • A new adult day center for those with dementia and other neurocognitive conditions has opened in West Vancouver. The center is located in Kiwanis Village West and is operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.

    nsnews.com
• Week of 2026-04-13 to 2026-04-17

  • Prince George council has approved bylaw changes to support a temporary overnight sheltering area on Lower Patricia Boulevard, establishing a 20‑site managed space with defined hours, safety measures and stricter fire‑prevention rules. The city has upgraded the site with drainage improvements, fencing, wildfire‑risk mitigation and clearer signage, while closing older encampment areas as former residents transition into housing.

    princegeorge.ca
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • B.C. is investing nearly $4M through the Community Preparedness Fund to support 86 projects in volunteer and composite fire departments across the province. Funding will help departments upgrade equipment, replace protective gear, and expand training to improve emergency response capacity.

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • According to the Government of B.C., more than 500 American‑trained workers hired across the province as of February, including 30 placed in Northern Health communities such as Prince George, Quesnel, Fort St. John, Terrace, and Prince Rupert. The province reports receiving nearly 3,000 applications from U.S. candidates over the past year, contributing to improved access to primary care, with 77% of British Columbians now attached to a provider.

    myprincegeorgenow.com

  • The Regional District of Central Kootenay will receive $480,000 from the provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to upgrade firefighter training, breathing apparatus, and equipment across its volunteer fire departments. The investment supports two regional training officer positions and improvements to training facilities, strengthening emergency response capacity in the Kootenays alongside additional funding awarded to the Castlegar Fire Department.

    null
• Week of 2026-03-30 to 2026-04-03

  • Spearhead, a Nelson, British Columbia–based timber fabricator, is spending $60M on a new mass‑timber production facility. The project will create over 60 full‑time jobs locally. The expansion received $7.5M from British Columbia’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

    globalwood.org

  • Camosun College researchers are using $40K in funding from the Government of Canada to work with Nanaimo‑based FireBozz to improve wildfire sprinkler systems used to protect homes and infrastructure in British Columbia. The project looks to use applied research to develop tools and solutions that can improve sprinkler effectiveness in remote environments.

    vicnews.com

  • The Government of British Columbia is spending nearly $4M in 2026 through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to equip and train volunteer firefighters across 86 fire departments. The funding will strengthen emergency response capacity in communities that rely on volunteer fire services.

    news.gov.bc.ca
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • The District of Mackenzie has temporarily closed the community pool from March 29 to April 28 to complete repairs on deteriorating flooring at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre.

    princegeorgecitizen.com

  • B.C. is updating its forestry legislation to expand the role of BC Timber Sales and improve access to fibre for mills, contractors, and value‑added manufacturers. The changes are expected to increase fibre supply by about 800,000 cubic metres and introduce new contract types for activities like thinning, wildfire‑risk reduction, and salvage work. Streamlined salvage licences could add another 500,000 cubic metres, helping mills secure needed material.

    princegeorgecitizen.com
• Week of 2026-03-30 to 2026-04-03

  • The Government of British Columbia has introduced amendments to the Forest Act and Forest and Range Practices Act to expand BC Timber Sales’ mandate through new types of contracts. The changes aim to increase the province’s fibre supply by up to 800K m³, create more contract opportunities for loggers and contractors, speed up salvage work, and strengthen partnerships with First Nations.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Burgoo Bistro, a comfort food restaurant, closed its Lonsdale location in North Vancouver on March 29.

    dailyhive.com

  • Oakberry, an acai chain, has opened a new location at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Chengdu Noodle, a Chinese restaurant, is opening on Ackroyd Road in Richmond. An opening date for the restaurant has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey, opened on March 30 at Surrey City Centre. The 189-suite hotel occupies nine floors of the newly completed 25-storey City Centre 4 tower. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, a gym and a rooftop gathering area.

    dailyhive.com

  • One Café, a Hong Kong-style cafe stall, has opened at Crystal Mall in Burnaby.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Five Guys, a burger chain, is opening a new location at the Arbutus Landing commercial development in Colwood. Arbutus Landing is scheduled for completion in summer 2026, with the restaurant expected to open shortly after.

    cowichanvalleycitizen.com

  • The Courts at Uptown at the Uptown Shopping Centre in Greater Victoria is closing on May 22. A new rental housing tower is expected to begin construction on the site in summer 2026.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Hype, a shoe store in Kelowna, has announced it will be closing its Bernard Avenue location on April 26. The store will continue to operate its online shop.

    castanet.net

  • 88 Supermarket is opening on Kingsway in Vancouver. The store replaces a recently closed London Drugs. An opening date has yet to be announced but the store is expected to open soon.

    nomsmagazine.com
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • The Professional Employees Association has ratified a new four‑year agreement with the B.C. Public Service Agency after 10 months of bargaining and an eight‑week strike. Backed by 95.8% of members, the deal covers more than 1,800 licensed professionals and includes annual 3% wage increases through March 2029, along with improvements to job security, benefits, and overtime.

    princegeorgecitizen.com

  • Tourism Kimberley discontinued its in‑person visitor information services on April 1 as more travellers rely on online tools. The Kimberley Chamber of Commerce is now exploring alternative models, including partnerships with local businesses, to maintain some level of visitor service as the community continues to grow as a tourism destination.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-30 to 2026-04-03

  • Mid-Town Station, a restaurant in Kelowna’s Landmark District, is closing on May 8.

    castanet.net

  • Handson, a Vancouver steak restaurant on Denman Street, has announced it will close soon. An official closing date has yet to be announced.

    dailyhive.com

  • Liu Yi Shou, a Chinese hot pot chain, has closed its Robson Street location in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has provided $1M to the Gorge Harbour Marina Restaurant on Cortes Island through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program grant. These funds will support a revitalization project aimed at modernizing the facility that will be completed in 2027. Klahoose First Nation, owners of the restaurant, expect the project will create local jobs.

    campbellrivermirror.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that Northern Health has purchased a site on Keith Avenue in Terrace for future withdrawal-management beds. The site still requires renovations before it can operate, but a renovation assessment process is currently underway. The province is also partnering with Northern First Nations Alliance to add 22 new beds and a new community resource hub.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that Kiwanis Village West has opened in West Vancouver. The development has 156 rental homes for middle income workers and families, as well as an adult day centre. The buildings are being operated by the Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Community Living BC, in partnership with the British Columbia Friendship Centres, has launched the Connections Through Inclusion pilot project aimed at bringing culturally grounded support to Indigenous people. As part of this initiative, Friendship Centres in Smithers, Surrey, Prince George, Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Kamloops will hire Community Connections workers.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Ovaro has opened a web design studio in Prince George.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced the launch of a new marine and coastal testbed through the Integrated Marketplace program that will support solving industry challenges with B.C. technologies. Initially, three projects from KOTUG Canada, the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation and VoltSafe will utilize the testbed and receive a total of over $1M through the Integrated Marketplace.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Creative BC has announced the recipients of 15 Amplify BC grants from the Record in BC program worth nearly $312K. These grants support out-of-province and international musicians to create music in British Columbia, helping to support jobs for local recording professionals.

    creativebc.com

  • pH7 Technologies has announced it is expanding its Vancouver operating metals processing facility to scale up its operations and strengthen its supply chain. The company is also receiving up to $4M in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program to advance its technologies.

    techcouver.com

  • BC Hydro has said that it will reuse the Site C accommodation facility for the North Coast Transmission Line project. About 85% of the camp will be relocated to sites between Prince George and Terrace to save time and money that would be spent to create new facilities. The line aims to double the amount of electricity flowing from Prince George to Terrace and is set to begin operating by 2034.

    globalnews.ca

  • Construction has begun on a new six-storey Hyatt House hotel on Highway 97 North in Kelowna. The building will include 125 rooms, a restaurant and meeting space. The project is expected to complete by spring 2027.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Surrey has launched the eCheck digital compliance system to speed up reviews of residential building permit applications. The tool provides home designers with rapid assessment reports to identify potential zoning deficiencies.

    www.biv.com

  • Raven Supply has partnered with Equity Plumbing and Heating Ltd on the new Providence Living project in Prince George to provide the project with high-efficiency Fulton Endura+ boilers and reliable Security Chimneys ventilation.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The British Columbia Wildfire Service and Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. are conducting fuel management activities at several recreation sites throughout the Kamloops area in April. The timing of the work may vary due to environmental conditions because it includes pile burning.

    wltribune.com

  • Mandy’s Salads, a salad shop, has announced that it will be opening two Vancouver locations. The new shops will be located on West 4th Avenue and West Cordova Street. The West 4th location is expected to open sometime in summer 2026. The West Cordova location will be the brand’s Vancouver flagship location and an opening date has yet to be announced.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Peace River Regional District is modifying its legislation around regional parks and recreational amenities to give the Regional Parks Service broader authority over trails and other recreation infrastructure.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing $1M to support expanded access to football in the Okanagan through Touchdown Kelowna. Touchdown Kelowna will host two BC Lions home games. The province estimates that the event will create $60M in economic benefits, with over 17K fans attending each of the games.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Lark Lagree & Social Wellness Club, a fitness studio, is opening on Main Street in Penticton in April 2026.

    castanet.net

  • Bell Canada’s new AI data centre in Merritt is opening soon, as part of the creation of six data centres in British Columbia. The facility will have 6.5 megawatts of gross capacity and will utilize a closed-loop water cooling system to conserve water usage.

    merrittherald.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that Estrella, an apartment building with 40 rental homes built through BC Builds, has opened in Prince Rupert. The project began construction in fall 2024.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Harbour Air has announced that the company will be expanding its services with new seasonal routes in the Pacific Northwest. New destinations include Ucluelet, Campbell River and Seattle.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing up to $400K to Quantum Technology Corp. through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund and the Look West strategy. These funds will support Quantum Technology to double its manufacturing space and purchase specialized equipment which will lead to the creation of 10 new jobs.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks has announced that its $1.6M upgrade project at Paul Lake campground near Kamloops is almost complete. Ninety campsites have been refurbished, and an upgraded trail has completed construction.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced it is providing $32M in funding to renovate the civil and mechanical engineering technology spaces at Camosun College’s Interurban campus. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and complete in spring 2029.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The BC Wildfire Service is working on three fuel reduction measures, two near Lytton and one in the Hat Creek Valley. Work near Lytton will take place in Botanie Valley and near Highway 1 north of the town. The cultural burns will take place in partnership with local First Nations and will present cross-training opportunities. The exact dates for the burns have yet to be determined.

    ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com

  • The Government of Canada has announced up to $94.5M in funding over the next five years to strengthen workforce development and improve labour market conditions across industries such as construction, manufacturing and forestry. The funding will support 14 organizations to produce labour market information and employer tools to address labour and skills shortages.

    woodindustry.ca

  • The British Columbia Agricultural Land Commission has laid off six of its 45 employees due to funding shortage of about $600K. According to some farmers, delays are already significant and the commission may be further impacted by these cuts.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Daydreamers by Cafe 33 is opening on Anderson Road in Richmond. An opening date has yet to be announced but renovations are currently ongoing.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Lumiere Café closed its location on West Broadway in Vancouver on March 28.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Valley Fish and Chips is opening a new location at Coombs Country Candy Retail Store.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Fort St. John Family Practice Associates Clinic has recruited two new physicians, adding capacity for 3K new patients.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of Lighthouse Villa, a 22 affordable rental home housing project for seniors in Bowser. The project received $3.5M from the Province through BC Housing. The provincial government will also provide $224K in operating funds each year.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia will launch a new 24/7 gambling support model through Telus Health on April 1, 2026. The new model will improve access to counselling and support services provincewide. The province is also working to strengthen Gambling Support BC’s Indigenous-specific supports for Indigenous communities.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The College of the Rockies and the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the outdoor recreation sector through workforce development, learning opportunities, research and community initiatives. The memorandum will last for three years and be reviewed annually.

    cotr.bc.ca

  • According to the British Columbia Federation of Students, Okanagan College has laid off 12 staff members and had 34 early retirements following a drop in international students due to changes in the Government of Canada’s study permit policies. The college has also cut its Modern Languages in Arts program and its Science in Nursing partnership program with UBC Okanagan.

    castanet.net

  • Miraterra, a Vancouver-based agriculture technology company, has raised $16M in funding from investors to scale its AI-powered soil intelligence platform. The platform will help bridge the gap between agriculture and climate markets using measurements of soil health and environmental impacts.

    techcouver.com

  • The Small Scale Meat Producers Association opened the Butcher Hub on March 26 to address meat production challenges for small scale farmers and to help get their products to market. The project received funding from the Government of British Columbia and was supported by the Township of Spallumcheen, the Regional District of North Okanagan, and the Agricultural Land Commission.

    interior-news.com

  • The City of Fort St. John has approved over $6.87M in roadwork projects for construction in summer 2026. The two large road construction projects will reconstruct roadways, improve sewers and construct sidewalks. An exact start date has yet to be announced for either project.

    energeticcity.ca

  • TC Energy has said that its Coastal GasLink pipeline project has signed commercial agreements with LNG Canada as part of its move to begin its second phase of construction. Phase two will still require a final investment decision by LNG Canada and its partners.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Prince Rupert has begun the next phase of its Big Infrastructure Gap Project to replace water and sewer lines. A contract for $1.3M was provided to Zulu Aggregates for this phase of the work, including curb, gutter and sidewalk construction.

    thenorthernview.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced over $19M in funding for projects to address flood hazards in B.C.’s East Kootenay region. Supported projects include dike upgrades, dam replacements and the construction of debris-flow barriers.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that construction has begun on major upgrades to the Highway 1 Columbia rest area west of Revelstoke. Okanagan Aggregates Ltd. received an over $11M contract to complete the work. Work is scheduled to be completed in late 2026.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of Port Moody has begun construction on the $13M Inlet Park Community Fieldhouse. The project received $750K from the Rotary Club of Port Moody and $1M from the Government of British Columbia. Construction will be led by Pro-Can Construction Group and is expected to take around 18 months.

    tricitiesdispatch.com
• Week of 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-10

  • Nanaimo service providers are seeking city support to establish a permanent, year‑round shelter to replace the temporary Hub, which is set to close at the end of March. The current facility serves about 82 people daily and has supported nearly 400 shelter users since opening in 2025. The proposed new sit, next to city hall and the existing overdose prevention service, would offer 30 to 35 beds and require $2.5M in annual operating funding plus $1.8M in capital costs.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-30 to 2026-04-03

  • Catloops Cat Café, a new café that pairs rescue cats with adopters, opened in Kamloops on March 23.

    castanet.net

  • Vancouver Pride, along with other Pride groups across the country, are calling for $9M in support from the Government of Canada over the next three years to support events. Last year, several major sponsors pulled out from the annual festival in Vancouver.

    mynechakovalleynow.com

  • Lucy’s Frozen Custard is opening on East Hastings Street in the Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver. An opening date has yet to be announced but the owners are aiming to open the shop by early summer 2026.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Noodle Arts, a Lanzhou-style noodle restaurant, closed its Robson Street location in Vancouver on March 16.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Eggstatic, a brunch chain, opened a new location on Main Street in Vancouver on March 28.

    dailyhive.com

  • Dao Field Noodle Shop is opening at Richmond Public Market. An opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Stackhouse Steak Sandwiches, a Vancouver sandwich shop, has opened on Abbott Street in the Gastown neighbourhood.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of 40 new affordable and supportive homes in partnership with Katzie First Nation. The new units are located on Salish Road in Pitt Meadows and will offer a variety of services for Katzie First Nation members.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • According to BC Emergency Health Services, 53 of the 101 full-time community paramedic positions in British Columbia are unfilled. These positions support 95 stations in 65 communities across the province.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced a new 200 seat addition is opening at Dr. Kearney Middle school in Fort St. John, along with a 20-seat expansion at Wonowon Elementary school. The province spent $29M for these projects. Construction in Fort St. John began in July 2025 and on Wonowon Elementary school in fall 2024.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Fintechwerx and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are partnering to improve the school’s Business Information Technology Management program. As part of the partnership, two groups of four BCIT students will undertake 10-week placements at Fintechwerx to receive hands-on learning.

    techcouver.com

  • The Government of Canada has provided $8M in funding towards eight British Columbia research teams working on health technology. This funding is part of $20M available through the Genomics Applications Partnership Program from Genome Canada.

    techcouver.com

  • Hasty Superette, a new convenience store, opened in downtown Williams Lake on March 23.

    wltribune.com

  • Keith Jack, a North Vancouver jewelry store, is closing its brick-and-mortar store at the end of May. The business said the closure was due to the impacts of U.S. tariffs. About 75% of the store’s sales came from the United States. While the shop will continue to operate online only, staff will be laid off in the transition.

    globalnews.ca

  • The Lhtako Dene Nation has announced that construction has begun on a new Fairfield Marriot Hotel development in South Quesnel. The hotel will have a total of 79 units, conference hosting amenities and an indoor pool. The hotel is expected to open in 2028.

    mycariboonow.com

  • Construction began on about 800 metres of Commonage Road in Lake Country on March 25. The project will include smoother grading, road alignment, drainage enhancements and utility work. The improvements are expected to complete in the middle of May.

    castanet.net

  • The Cowichan Valley Regional District has announced that Built Contracting Ltd. has begun construction on a new bandshell at Cobble Hill Commons. The district says that the project will expand opportunities for outdoor events and community gatherings. Construction is expected to complete by June 2026.

    cheknews.ca

  • Coeur Mining, the new owners of the New Afton mine in Kamloops, have announced plans to invest over US$200M into the mine for underground development over the next six years. The mine is currently expected to operate until about 2032, but Coeur says the development work may allow the mine to stay open longer.

    castanet.net

  • Pho Q&M, a Vancouver Vietnamese restaurant, has closed its location on Denman Street.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Younmi Rice Noodle, a Hong Kong-style noodle spot, opened on March 23 at the Continental Shopping Centre in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Rosie’s Burgers is opening a new restaurant on Mount Lehman Road in Abbotsford. An exact opening date has yet to be announced.

    dailyhive.com

  • The University of British Columbia (UBC) and InBC Investment Corp. have announced a partnership to create the UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund. This new fund will support upcoming companies that use UBC research in life sciences and deep tech to create new products and scale their operations. Both partners provided the fund with $10M.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • A Nova electric training bus for BC Transit arrived in Kelowna at the end of March. This bus allows BC Transit employees to train with the bus before a total of 22 electric buses begin service in the coming months.

    bctransit.com
• Week of 2026-03-23 to 2026-03-27

  • Bam Bam, a new restaurant and shop, will be opening on West Georgia in downtown Vancouver on April 1.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • DigiBC has partnered with Netflix to provide funding to Vancouver Community College to support creative technology in British Columbia. The funding will support six seats in the Production for Animation and VFX Award of Achievement micro-credential. The program will launch in May 2026 and applications are now open.

    techcouver.com

  • The City of West Kelowna has launched the Grow a Suite grant program, which will provide homeowners with up to $7.5K for the construction of a secondary suite or carriage house. The program is expected to support up to 42 new units by the end of 2027. The program has a total budget of $300K from Canada Mortgage and Housing’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

    kelownadailycourier.ca

  • The Village of Cache Creek has been approved for $4.2M in funding from the Government of British Columbia to build a permanent bridge across Cache Creek. The route was severed following flooding in 2023. A timeline for the project has yet to be announced.

    ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com

  • Green Basil Thai Restaurant on Kingsway in Burnaby has closed. The closure is due to the retirement of the owners. Yin Ji Chang Fen, a Cantonese chain restaurant, is taking over the location. An opening date has yet to be announced, but the business has already began hiring for kitchen staff.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Taoke, a Chinese restaurant, is opening at the Aberdeen Centre in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Toishan Fei Mui, a Cantonese food stall, has opened at Parker Place in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Arts on View Society announced that it would be closing two of its Victoria venues on April 30 due to financial hardships. Hermann’s Jazz Club and the View Street Social lounge had provided live music venues for local performers. In 2024, the City of Victoria bought the building to attempt to preserve it as a music venue. Staff members have received layoff notices related to the closure.

    timescolonist.com

  • Wolfie’s Campus Store opened at Thompson Rivers University on March 19. The shop offers course material pickup, sports gear, retail merchandise and printing services. The shop was constructed as part of a larger $780K renovation to the administrative services building.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Dawson Creek has opened its 2026 Business Facade Program to provide grant funding to businesses looking to improve their exteriors. The funding is aimed at refreshing the city’s downtown. Eligible businesses can receive up to $5K to support their projects.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Camosun College has begun site preparation work at its Lansdowne campus for the construction of a nearly $155M student housing complex. Construction on the project is expected to begin spring 2026. According to the college, students face a shortage of affordable housing options. The facility will have 423 beds and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2028-29 academic year.

    timescolonist.com
• Week of 2026-03-30 to 2026-04-03

  • S+S Industries has opened a new distribution centre in Surrey. The new centre will act as a logistics hub for the company and offer just-in-time delivery support.

    ssind.com
• Week of 2026-03-23 to 2026-03-27

  • The World Trade Centres Association has announced that a new World Trade Centre Okanagan will be opened in Kelowna. The facility will provide a location for conventions, development and international trade services.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced the 39 recipients of over $5.1M in capital project grants through the Community Gaming Grants program. These grants will support organizations to upgrade local infrastructure and technology and purchase new equipment.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of Pitt Meadows has announced construction of a new Pitt Meadows RCMP detachment building has completed. The new detachment is part of the city’s plan to move to an independent RCMP model. The facility is expected to begin operations by spring 2026.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Mr Mikes Steakhouse has announced that its location in Coquitlam will be closing on April 26.

    dailyhive.com

  • Hungry Zus, a Mediterranean restaurant, is opening a new location at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. An opening date has yet to be announced.

    dailyhive.com

  • YGF Malatang, a Chinese restaurant on Ackroyd Road in Richmond, has closed.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports has provided the Child Development Centre in Fort St. John and the South Peace Child Development Centre in Dawson Creek with a total of around $240K in grant funding. The grants will support the facilities to provide skills programs for children and to expand services.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Creative BC has announced $475K in funding across 23 grants through its Music Industry Initiatives program. The funding goes towards supporting British Columbia’s music industry through increasing capacity, supporting training and collaboration and creating business opportunities.

    creativebc.com

  • Northern Lights College has opened a new health lab at its Fort St. John campus. The training classroom has six beds and will be used to train local nursing and health-care students. Students previously had to travel to Dawson Creek for lab work. The college also has plans to add training beds at its Chetwynd and Fort Nelson campuses.

    cbc.ca

  • The University of the Fraser Valley recently laid off 45 faculty and staff members to address a $20 million deficit for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The layoffs included 10 faculty positions and 35 staff positions. The deficit is due in part to the Government of Canada’s cap on international students. The university has campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope.

    quesnelobserver.com

  • Construction on a new youth centre in the Wet’suwet’en First Nation is expected to begin in April 2026. Consultation for the project began in 2022. Funding for the project has been received from industry partners and grants. Other nearby projects include a playground starting construction in June and a clan house that is currently under construction.

    mybulkleylakesnow.com

  • Sunnyside Produce Ltd. has begun work on a new 20-acre greenhouse project in Delta. Prins Greenhouses is undertaking the project.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that $45M in upgrades to the Port Hardy Hospital will begin in summer 2026. The provincial government is providing $39M towards the project with the remainder coming from Island Health and the Regional District of Mount Waddington. Upgrades are expected to complete in late 2029.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Rosie’s Burgers is opening a new location on the University of British Columbia’s campus in Vancouver. An exact opening date has yet to be announced.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has partnered with viaSport and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC to provide a total of $13M for the construction of new mini soccer pitches. These pitches will increase access to sports for children in up to 20 communities.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Tamitik Status of Women Association has opened a 44-unit housing complex for women and children fleeing violence. The development was built through a partnership between BC Housing, the District of Kitimat and the Tamitik Status of Women Association.

    northernsentinel.com

  • Okanagan College has signed a memorandum of understanding with Niagara College to expand the availability of wine education and to expand opportunities in tourism training. The new curriculum will be available starting in fall 2027.

    castanet.net

  • The University of the Fraser Valley announced the opening of Lá:léms Ye EverGreen, a new student housing building, on March 17. The facility adds almost 400 new student beds and includes expansions to the Cascade Café dining hall. The project received funding from the Government of British Columbia.

    blogs.ufv.ca

  • Terrion recently completed a new cell tower to provide wireless service to northwestern Campbell River and the surrounding areas. Terrion is also planning wireless infrastructure upgrades in the Willow Point area of the city this year.

    campbellrivermirror.com

  • The City of Kamloops has launched a new rebate program to incentivize homeowners to make their properties more resilient to wildfires. The program is funded through $200K from Intact Financial Corporation and will support FireSmart work in 2026 and 2027. Eligible work could be 50% covered by the grant, up to a maximum of $1K per household each year.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Campbell River council has voted to approve $250K in improvements to the Campbell River Airport. Improvements include a new customer service kiosk, an expanded parking lot and additions to the departure lounge. The work is expected to complete before the end of spring 2026.

    campbellrivermirror.com

  • Chocolats Favoris, a Quebec-based chocolate company, is opening a new location in Kelowna.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Sunflower Ukrainian Café, a Summerland based café, is opening a new location on Main Street in Penticton in April 2026.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Archr, a Langley-based café, is opening a new location at the Mercato Plaza in Port Coquitlam by the end of 2026.

    dailyhive.com

  • TM Wander, a new Asian food hall, is opening at Tsawwassen Mills in Delta. The food hall will feature at least 14 vendors and is expected to open in April.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Ayo Eat, an Indonesian restaurant in Victoria, is closing at the end of March.

    cheknews.ca

  • The British Columbia Ministry of Health has announced that the $9M Port Coquitlam Urgent and Primary Care Centre will open on March 26. The project will be staffed by 20 full-time equivalent clinical workers, with plans to expand to more than 25 clinical staff and 10 administrative employees. The was funded by the province, Fraser Health and the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has provided a $32M contract to MDA Space through the Defence Investment Agency. MDA Space, a Richmond-based company, will deliver ground-based optical capability for the Surveillance of Space 2 project. The project is expected to create nearly 80 jobs each year. By 2028, the project will launch telescope sites in Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

    canada.ca

  • HIVE Digital Technologies LTD, a bitcoin miner, has launched a new five-megawatt colocation data centre in BC, through its subsidiary BUZZ High Performance Computing. This opening is part of an expansion to enhance its Canadian AI infrastructure capacity.

    yahoo.com

  • LittleFoot Shoe Co. has opened in Salmon Arm.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Kawartha Dairy, an Ontario-based dairy company, is opening a new store on Beaver Lake Drive in Kelowna.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • A new Salvation Army Thrift Store opened on Beacon Avenue in Sidney on March 19.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing almost $2M to Maple Ridge-based Jewel Welding Fabrication and Coatings through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. The funds support Jewel to increase its production capacity of hydroelectric and water-service piping, creating up to 45 new jobs. Twelve of those jobs are expected in the short term and up to 33 more within the next four years.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced it will provide $2.5M for a subsidized housing project on Babich Street near downtown Abbotsford. The project will provide 14 new affordable homes. The units are expected to open later in 2026.

    cbc.ca

  • Qualex-Landmark has begun construction on a new rental housing tower on the corner of Kingsway and Fraser Street in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant area. The project will have 200 rental homes and over 6K sq. ft. of retail space. Completion of the project is expected to take several years.

    dailyhive.com

  • Construction has begun on a project to extend the lifespan of BC Ferries’ terminal at Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island. Work includes berth life extension projects and the replacement of the apron structure. The enhancements will also support the operation of the new Island Class vessels scheduled to arrive in 2027. The work is expected to complete at the end of May 2026.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • Saanich council has voted to approve a six-storey condo on the corner of McKenzie Avenue and Saanich Road. The proposed project would have 60 units and would replace three single-family homes on the land.

    timescolonist.com

  • Kitimat council has approved a one-year pilot program to temporarily fill vacant downtown storefronts. This program would allow small businesses to test operating out of commercial space by connecting owners with vacant storefronts. The project is expected to cost between $10K and $15K and will be funded through the District of Kitimat’s operational budget.

    northernsentinel.com

  • The City of Vernon has announced the launch of its new $75K Community Event Partnership Grant on April 1. The grant intake will be open until April 30 and provides support to community groups planning to host events in the city.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • The Forest Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has opened on Winnipeg Street in Penticton.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Davie Social, a new Mexican Canadian fusion restaurant, has opened at Davie Village in Vancouver.

    dailyhive.com

  • Straight Outta Brooklyn, a pizza restaurant, is opening a new location on St. John Street in Port Moody.

    dailyhive.com

  • Trees Organic Coffee has closed its location on Davie Street in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • MeeT in Yaletown, a plant-based restaurant, is closing its Mainland Street location on March 28.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Smachno-Go, a Ukrainian restaurant, has opened on Admirals Road in Victoria.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Vancouver Park Board has cut lifeguard staffing at Spanish West, Spanish East, Sunset Beach, Third Beach and Trout Lake. These changes are not expected to result in layoffs, as lifeguard staff will be moved to other beaches and pools where demand is higher, although auxiliary summer staff will be reduced. The park board says it had to eliminate $11M worth of costs from its budget.

    cbc.ca

  • The City of Port Coquitlam council has approved changes to modernize film production permitting. The changes will raise parking fees due to filming and staff will begin working on a new draft filming policy to balance the needs of residents, businesses and the industry.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • Five Star Whale Watching, a Victoria whale watching company, has announced that it will be suspending its operations. A reason for the shutdown was not announced.

    cheknews.ca

  • Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation has announced plans to build the Little Knowledge Keepers Headstart Centre in 100 Mile House. Construction is expected to begin in mid-April and should complete before September 2026. The new centre will hire 13 staff to provide childcare.

    wltribune.com

  • Metchosin Wellness Collective has opened on Happy Valley Road in downtown Metchosin.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $2M in additional funding for organizations that support gender-based violence prevention projects across the country. This funding will support five projects in British Columbia, three in Vancouver and two in Victoria.

    citynews.ca

  • Moment Energy, a Vancouver-based battery business, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Simon Fraser University to support the university’s data centre needs and sustainability goals. The organizations will collaborate on the development of clean-energy infrastructure and student workforce development.

    techcouver.com

  • The Government of Canada has announced $6M in additional funding for the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream. A portion of these funds will support the Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society and the Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation in British Columbia. These funds will be used for to expand a cultural centre and resort infrastructure.

    canada.ca

  • Arpa Investments has begun construction on a new BC Builds attainable housing project on Tranquille Road in Kamloops. The property will be leased to the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides local attainable housing. The project is expected to cost $28.6M and open in fall 2027.

    castanet.net

  • The City Park revitalization project in Kelowna has reached phase 3 following significant progress since the work began in fall 2025. The project is expected to cost a total of $4.2M. Phases 4 and 5 of the project are expected to begin in fall 2026, with the entire project set to finish by summer 2027.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-03-16 to 2026-03-20

  • Siya Forestry, the forestry branch of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) in B.C., has partnered with Interfor to support long-term stewardship and responsible planning in OIB’s traditional territory. Under the partnership, Siya staff will work with Interfor’s Planning and Operations teams to review harvest areas, assess natural features and identify culturally important areas.

    siyaforestry.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia and the Columbia Basin Trust have partnered to provide $3M to 23 Columbia Basin organizations to support wildfire reduction projects. The funding comes from B.C.’s Community Resiliency Investment Program. The projects will use FireSmart principles to reduce risks and strengthen local resilience.

    ourtrust.org
• Week of 2026-03-23 to 2026-03-27

  • Café Lokal has opened a new location called Lokal Sekondo on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Taikoo Yummy Food, a Richmond food court stall, is shutting down its Pacific Plaza location on April 28. The closure is due to the owners retiring.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Tri-Cities Foundry, a provider of mental health services for youth, has opened in Port Coquitlam. The facility received funding from the Government of British Columbia. It will be operated by SHARE Family & Community Services Society.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that a new supportive housing building is opening in Duncan. The building has 48 homes that will be open to residents starting the week of March 23. The project received about $25M from the provincial government and around $2.4M from the Government of Canada. The Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund will provide $1.5M in annual operating funds.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Loblaws has announced that it will be opening a new 22K sq. ft. City Market location in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood. An opening date has yet to be announced.

    dailyhive.com

  • Campbell River city council has approved $5.78M to Windley Contracting for the Erickson Road Renewal project. This project will restore aging watermain and sewer infrastructure. Construction is expected to start in May and will finish later in 2026.

    campbellrivermirror.com
• Week of 2026-03-16 to 2026-03-20

  • Bacaro, an Italian restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver, has closed.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of 48 new supportive homes in Duncan for people experiencing homelessness in the Cowichan Valley. The homes received about $25M from the Government of British Columbia, and $2.4M from the Government of Canada. The B.C. Government will also provide about $1.5M in annual operating funds.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The HomeSave program has launched HomeSave Central Kootenays, an energy retrofit service. The program will provide rebates and financing to individuals in the region who are retrofitting their homes.

    castanet.net

  • Eldorado Resort has invited potential employees to a seasonal hiring fair on March 28. The resort is hiring for a variety of positions, including bell persons, guest services agents, housekeepers and attendants. The resort restaurant is also hiring for several positions.

    castanet.net

  • The Twin Cedars Veterinary Clinic in Gabriola will close on July 17 following the retirement of its owners. With the clinics closure, the community will be without a local veterinarian.

    timescolonist.com

  • MUJI, a Japanese lifestyle retailer, is opening a new 10K sq. ft. location at Tsawwassen Mills in Delta. The new store is expected to open on March 21.

    dailyhive.com

  • The City of Armstrong will begin construction around the beginning of April on improvements to Pleasant Valley Boulevard as part of the first phase of its downtown revitalization initiative.

    castanet.net

  • Construction of new children's play space has finished at Beban Park in the City of Nanaimo. An official opening event will be held on April 15.

    nanaimobulletin.com

  • Mitchie Matcha, a matcha café, opened its first permanent location on Main Street in Vancouver on March 12.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The City of Surrey has announced that it has finalized lease agreements with its first two community medical clinics in City Centre and Newton. Each clinic will accommodate about 10 physicians after they open in fall 2026.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of Canada has provided $15.2M through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation to researchers at the University of Victoria for equipment and instruments to advance research related to medical imaging, climate change and the deep-sea floor.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Kelowna International Airport Operations & Emergency Services Building opened on March 13. The $22.1M facility supports the airport’s operational capacity by ensuring that operations and emergency teams can respond quickly. The Government of Canada provided $7.1M to the project through the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Planning work has begun to construct new infrastructure at Shoal Point and the Institute of Ocean Sciences Canadian Coast Guard bases. The work will allow the bases to accommodate the Coast Guard’s new larger ships.

    timescolonist.com

  • Natalino’s Pizza has closed its South Surrey location on King George Boulevard.

    dailyhive.com

  • Field and Social, a salad shop, is opening a new location in East Vancouver. An exact opening date has yet to be announced but the business is expected to begin operating in spring 2026.

    dailyhive.com

  • Brandi’s Exotic Show Lounge has announced that it will be closing in the first week of May following unsuccessful negotiations with the landlord.

    dailyhive.com

  • Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund have announced the recipients of the second round of funding for the Video Games Business Development Program. This round provides $1M to five B.C.-based studios. The funds can support market research, product development and studio growth.

    creativebc.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced the opening of a 100-seat addition to Westview Elementary School. The project began construction in summer 2025 and was completed in February 2026. The Government of British Columbia provided over $6M to the project.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has approved a rezoning for land off the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke to allow for up to 60 campsites.

    nanaimobulletin.com

  • The Government of British Columbia is spending up to $24M through the Northern Development Initiative Trust for the construction of a new subsea fibre-optic cable to Haida Gwaii. The cable will improve the islands’ internet access and is set to begin construction in the spring.

    citynews.ca

  • Construction has begun on the 14K sq. ft. Ashcroft Indian Band Community Cultural Centre. The building will include a gymnasium and cultural hall, a fitness room, and a health wing.

    businessexaminer.ca
• Week of 2026-03-23 to 2026-03-27

  • The District by Starlight Investments, a new rental community in Langford, has announced the opening of its first two residences. When finished, the development will have 256 rental homes.

    starlightinvest.com
• Week of 2026-03-16 to 2026-03-20

  • Nomad Coffee has opened a new location on Yew Street in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. Nomad is also opening Nomad Espresso Bar and Bakery in North Vancouver later in 2026.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Plain Jane Ice Cream is opening a new standalone location in the Hastings Sunrise area of Vancouver. An opening date has yet to be announced but the shop expects to open around the end of March.

    scoutmagazine.ca

  • Manzo Izakaya, a Richmond Japanese restaurant, closed its location on Alexandra Road on March 12.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that Burnaby Hospital’s new health-care pavilion and expanded support facilities building opened on March 10. The new facilities add 83 beds to the hospital. The project will have an overall cost of $633M and will receive funds from the Government of British Columbia and the Burnaby Hospital and Community Foundation.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Nicola-Similkameen District School Board has voted to close Collettville Elementary on June 30. The school had hosted the Nicola Valley’s French immersion program.

    merrittherald.com

  • The Gallery and The Exchange, two new rental housing buildings, have opened in Langford, adding 256 units to the community. Two other residential buildings are set to open in this area later this year, for a total of 597 suites.

    vicnews.com

  • Gen7, an Indigenous-owned gas station, opened a new location in Enderby on March 17. The business will reinvest a portion of its profits to supporting local programs and infrastructure.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • The Government of British Columbia is providing $6.6M to 13 First Nations through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction Program. The program will help remote Nations build clean-energy systems and reduce energy costs.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of Port Moody updated its tree protection bylaw on March 10 to save more trees and to improve their health. The new rules follow urban forest management best practices, such as requiring a permit to cut certain trees, prohibiting harmful activities, lowering fees and lowering the number of required replacement trees.

    freshetnews.ca

  • The City of Coquitlam has opened its $500 Neighbourhood Small Grant program for 2026. The program provides up to $500 for projects that bring communities together to share skills or build connections. Events that receive funding must complete by November 30.

    coquitlam.ca

  • The City of Vancouver has approved funding for Car Free Days, a summertime event. The event hosts festivals on Main Street, Denman and Commercial Drive.

    dailyhive.com

  • The City of Vancouver has approved $387K to support the revitalization of Chinatown through the Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan. The money will support four organizations focused on graffiti removal, community safety and stewardship services.

    vancouver.ca

  • The City of Vancouver has approved $500K through the Renters Services Grant to over 16 non-profit organizations that support renters in need. Selected organizations provide legal support, advocacy and housing stability services.

    dailyhive.com

  • Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is hosting the Nexw7áỷstwaỷ Training and Trades Centre Open House on March 25. The event will allow job seekers and students to meet industry professionals and explore training opportunities.

    squamish.net

  • Snuneymuxw First Nation has announced that The Village at stlilnup will open this summer near the Departure Bay ferry terminal. The Village will be a community hub and will be operated by Petroglyph Development Group, the nation’s economic development arm.

    nanaimobulletin.com

  • The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has begun work on a new parks and recreation plan to plan the future of parks, trails and recreation spaces across the region. In spring 2026 feedback will be gathered from residents and organizations to guide the plan.

    castanet.net

  • Sushi Toki, a sushi spot on Beresford Street in Burnaby, has closed. It will be replaced by Fortune Katsu, which has already begun hiring staff.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Cowichan Links Bar & Grill has opened at the Cowichan Golf Club in Duncan.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • North Island College has cut several administrative positions and is currently planning to eliminate a further 10 full-time jobs as it faces financial challenges related to the decline in international student enrolment. The college, which has campuses in Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Alberni, and Port Hardy, expects to lose $8.5 million in international revenue by 2027.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Canadian Marketing Association has recognized five Okanagan College marketing programs for inclusion into its Accelerated Education Pathway. This allows students to fast-track their Canadian Marketing designation, reducing the total number of courses taken and the costs.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Invest Vancouver has completed its Invest Talent pilot project to train new workers in the medtech sector and engage regional employers. The pilot trained 136 learners and engaged more than 80 local employers.

    techcouver.com

  • GBL Architects has completed the construction of an 81-unit rental housing project in Vancouver for the BC Indigenous Housing Society. The building also includes a childcare facility.

    reminetwork.com

  • The Government of British Columbia and Simpcw First Nation have begun negotiations on a consent decision-making agreement for Taseko Mines’ proposed Yellowhead Copper mine project. If approved, the proposed mine could contribute over $900M to B.C.’s GDP and create 525 jobs over its 25-year lifespan.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The BC Wildfire Service is undertaking a prescribed burn in the area of Shackan Indian Reserve until the end of March. The work will treat over 30 hectares of land and is part of a three-year project that began in 2025. The burn aims to remove forest fuels and reduce the long-term risk of wildfire. It will also provide training opportunities with the local Shackan Indian Band community.

    merrittherald.com

  • The City of Vancouver has approved $5.1M in community services and social grants for 2026. These funds will support non-profit organizations with programs such as neighbourhood houses, childcare supports, youth programming and climate action initiatives.

    vancouver.ca

  • Violeté, a European-inspired bistro, is opening on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. An exact opening date has yet to be announced but the restaurant is expected to begin operating sometime in early April.

    dailyhive.com

  • Octave Cafe is opening in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood. An opening date has yet to be announced but the café is expected to open sometime in March.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Smokehouse Sandwich Co., a Richmond sandwich shop, closed its Westminster Highway location on February 14.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Between 2 Buns, a Vancouver burger spot, is opening a new location on Fraser Street on March 26.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Quayside Tiki Bar has opened in on Quayside Drive in New Westminster.

    dailyhive.com

  • UkeePoke, a new restaurant, is opening soon in Sooke.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The College of New Caledonia is closing its campus in Fort St. James on March 31. The college will still provide its programs in the community and through online learning.

    mynechakovalleynow.com

  • The City of Vernon has announced that the Foundry North Okanagan, a mental health hub, would begin construction in spring 2026. The 8K sq. ft. facility is expected to cost a total of around $8.5M.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • The Capital Regional District, in collaboration with Saanich and Victoria, has launched the Building Benchmarking Program to help building owners measure and reduce energy use. The program will offer building operators suggestions to improve energy efficiency and save money.

    vicnews.com
• Week of 2026-03-09 to 2026-03-13

  • The City of Port Alberni has cut funding for the Alberni SPCA and hired Coastal Animal Services to perform animal control tasks. This decision follows the city’s move to reduce its animal control budget to $82K. Three positions at the SPCA were affected by the change.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • Pho Goodness, a Vancouver restaurant, has opened a new location on Main Street in Vancouver.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • MACU Tea has announced it will be closing its Richmond location on March 10, just a two weeks after the closure of two of its other Metro Vancouver locations. No official reason was given for the closures.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The District of Fort St. James has announced that the Fort Forum Arena Revitalization Project has completed. The project received nearly $3M from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and involved a complete redesign of the arena’s foyer. This project has expanded the building’s expected lifespan and improved its safety.

    ominecaexpress.com

  • The Port of Vancouver processed 170.4M tonnes of cargo in 2025, a new record high. Exports of crude oil, grain and potash all hit record levels. China is the largest trading partner at the West Coast port and accounted for 52.6M tonnes of exported cargo, up 15% from 2024. Canada-U.S. trade was also up 12% to 11.6M tonnes.

    theglobeandmail.com

  • BC Housing has completed a $9.2M housing project on the Tk'emlups reserve for band members. The building has 30 units and includes an indoor amenity room and an outdoor common area. The Government of British Columbia will also contribute $411K each year to the building’s annual operating expenses.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Coquitlam has approved $200K for wildfire risk reduction work on Westwood Plateau. The city also received $163K from the Union of B.C. Municipalities for the work. The project is expected to take about two years to complete.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • Jamjar Canteen, a Lebanese restaurant on the University of British Columbia campus, closed on February 27. No official reason has been given for the closure.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Phoenix Society, a harm reduction hub operator, has announced that it will close the Abbotsford Community Hub Centre on South Fraser Way at the end of March. According to the operators, the hub cannot continue using its location and has been unable to find a new location.

    www.msn.com

  • Oakberry, an acai chain, is opening two new stores in Saanich and Victoria by early summer. The stores will open in Storefronts at Tuscany Village Shopping Centre in Saanich and downtown Victoria on Fort Street respectively. The brand also has plans to open additional locations in the future.

    vicnews.com

  • Next Clinic is expanding to a new space with triple the size in Westbank’s Governor’s Landing strip mall. The clinic brings together chiropracting, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, orthotics and medical aesthetics.

    castanet.net

  • Ricardo’s Kandy Korner, a candy store, is opening on Mainland Street in Vancouver. An official opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Thompson Rivers University has announced that two major capital projects at the university campus are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Low-Carbon District Energy System is expected to complete in November 2026, and the Indigenous Education Centre is expected to be completed by December 2026. Both projects began in 2024, and they had a total cost of $67M.

    castanet.net

  • The Regional District of Central Kootenay has approved nine conservation projects for support from the Local Conservation Fund. These projects will receive a total of nearly $140K to help support wildlife species in the region. Projects include grizzly bear coexistence, enhancing bat habitats, wetlands restoration and invasive species reduction.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of Canada has announced funding for several projects through the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. In British Columbia, the Rivershed Society of BC is receiving nearly $405K for a five-year riparian habitat restoration project. The project will partner with Cheam and Sqwá First Nations to undertake work in the Bell Slough area of Chilliwack.

    newswire.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that WorkBC Centres will now offer support to military families to find jobs and begin career planning or training as part of the Seamless Canada initiative from the Government of Canada. Previously, B.C. residency was required before WorkBC’s services could be accessed leading to a several month gap for families.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has approved two new satellite police training sites in Vancouver and Victoria for two years. The new sites are aimed at addressing a surge in municipal recruit training demand across the province. Starting in May 2026, the JIBC Police Academy in New Westminster will also expand its training capacity from 96 to 144 seats.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Raw Action Oyster Bar is opening a location on Kelowna’s downtown waterfront. An official opening date has yet to be announced.

    castanet.net

  • theVenti Coffee, a Korean coffee chain, has opened on Davie Street in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Cream Pony, a North Vancouver chicken and donut shop, opened a new location on Main Street in Vancouver on March 6.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced it has launched HealthIM, a new digital public-safety tool in the East Kootenays. The tool will support officers in Columbia Valley, Cranbrook, Creston, Elk Valley Regional, Golden and Kimberley RCMP detachments to respond to people in crisis.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Township of Esquimalt has announced the completion of the five-year Green Shores project at Esquimalt Gorge Park. The project was part of continued efforts to restore and protect the Gorge Waterway by returning it to its natural state. The work involved removing human-made structures and regrading the shoreline.

    vicnews.com

  • UniUni, a Richmond-based delivery company, has raised US$85M in capital funding to accelerate the use of automation across its network and to help it expand across North America. The company’s network covers about 65% of the United States and 80% of Canada.

    techcouver.com

  • Luup, a ride-sharing company, will begin operating in Metro Vancouver on March 5.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that the Rio Vista, an affordable rental building in Richmond, has now opened. The building provides 80 homes through a partnership with BC Housing, the City of Richmond and Pathways Clubhouse Society. Residents are expected to move in starting in May 2026.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Governments of Canada and British Columbia have partnered to launch the new Canada-British Columbia Workforce Tariff Response to provide $70.4M over three years to support tariff-impacted workers in the province. Over 8K eligible workers in softwood lumber, steel, or other directly and indirectly impacted industries will receive supports including new training, upskilling and retraining.

    canada.ca

  • Several Vancouver companies are hiring for hundreds of jobs in March. Hiring companies include Clio, Cineplex, Walmart, Parks Canada, PepsiCo, Netflix, the Vancouver International Airport, McDonald’s, Aquabus and False Creek Ferries, and Playland.

    dailyhive.com

  • Money Foods Ent., a Chinese BBQ shop, opened at Crystal Mall in Burnaby on March 6.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Yogen Fruz, a frozen yogurt shop, is opening at CF Richmond Centre. An official opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Trattoria Di Como, a new Italian restaurant, opened in Whistler on March 11.

    dailyhive.com

  • Seto Japanese Restaurant closed its Richmond location on Alexandra Road on March 5.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • OX Korean BBQ is opening by mid-March at the corner of Blanshard Street and Hillside Avenue in Victoria.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The City of Victoria council has voted to use $250K to create a community safety field hub in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood. The funding will be set aside for the project but will only be used once an evaluation of other field hubs is complete and the city has consulted with area residents.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Government of Canada has provided $10K through the Priority Places for Species at Risk fund to the District of Saanich to help create a stewardship plan for Rithet’s Bog Park. The funds will support the development and implementation of a wetland stewardship plan for Chatterton Marsh. The plan also makes recommendations to protect at-risk species in the area.

    saanich.ca

  • Kalesnikoff Mass Timber in Castlegar is receiving $5.5M from PacifiCan to help purchase new equipment to make prefabricated housing components. The Castlegar facility began operating last year and is currently operating at about 15 to 20% capacity. The funding is part of the Government of Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative.

    www.biv.com

  • BC Housing has announced that work is beginning on a new 48-unit supportive housing building on 24th Avenue in Vernon. The building is expected to open in 2028, and Turning Points Collaborative Society will operate the building.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Victoria council has approved a development application for a new 175-unit mixed-use building on the corner of Yates and Cook Streets. The proposed development would consist of two buildings, six and 19 storeys tall respectively, over a shared underground parking lot. The Affordable BC Housing Society will operate the units when they are completed.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Strathcona Regional District has announced that a concrete pour for the Just Like Home Lodge housing project has finished. This marks a major milestone for the project and once the foundation is in place, construction of the structure can begin. The project is expected to complete on time in summer 2026 and will provide a housing option for health professionals in the region.

    campbellrivermirror.com

  • My Coffee in Lansdowne Centre’s food court has closed. The business said that the closure was due to its lease not being renewed.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Governments of British Columbia and Alberta have partnered to allow residents of B.C. to cross the provincial border for surgeries. Out-of-province surgeries were temporarily restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced changes to the Residential Tenancy Act that will provide new health and safety tools in supportive housing. These changes will allow for supportive housing operators to take action to keep weapons out of supportive housing and restrict tenant access in some situations.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Summerland has begun phase two of its Victoria Road project. The nearly $3.9M project will improve roads from Dunham Cresent to Prairie Valley Road. The project will also include upgrades to the watermain system.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that construction has begun on an expansion of Mount Lehman Road at Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley. The expansion project adds two lanes to the road and includes other work such as seismic upgrades, additional multiuse paths and active transportation options.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of North Vancouver has announced that the new $230M Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre will open in late July 2026. The centre will become a hub for recreation in the area once it opens.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of Canada has provided $1.6M through PacifiCan to Selkirk College to expand the Selkirk Technology Access Centre in Trail. The funds support innovation and growth in the region by expanding advanced manufacturing services and building new particle acceleration capacity. PacifiCan also provided $1.9M to KC Recycling to expand its battery processing capacity.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada is providing over $2.1M to the Okanagan Indian Band to support Indigenous-led crime prevention and community safety. Funds will support the band’s youth council and go towards initiatives like summer cultural camps.

    castanet.net

  • Wet’suwet’en First Nation and Burns Lake have signed a five-year Fire Protection Services Agreement to share resources. Members of the Nation can now call 911 to access emergency fire services.

    mybulkleylakesnow.com

  • Kam Wai Legacy, a dim sum shop, has opened a new location on East Hastings Street.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Government of Canada has provided $15M through PacifiCan to Regeneration Enterprises to undertake cleanup and restoration work at the Hedley mine. The company will recover some leftover metals and use those funds to support the site restoration. The work is expected to create 30 to 35 direct jobs.

    castanet.net

  • Nano One Materials, a Burnaby-based cleantech company, has received $3M through the Government of Canada’s Energy Innovation Program. Nano One will use these funds to research, develop, and optimize methods to produce lithium iron phosphate using various forms of iron. This is part of a larger $165M for 22 Canadian minerals projects.

    techcouver.com

  • Sky Vapes is opening a new location in Kamloops on April 1st.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The City of West Kelowna has launched the new West Kelowna Builds program. The program is funded through $7.9M from the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund and will support a broad range of partnerships to develop affordable housing.

    castanet.net

  • The Strathcona Regional District has halted its plans to expand electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations due to Canada’s declining electric vehicle market. The region faces tourist season demand for charging stations but the district has said that a lack of government grants could slow efforts to expand the network.

    campbellrivermirror.com

  • The District of Oak Bay is beginning construction on two new cycling routes on Henderson Road and along the Haultain-Estevan corridor. These new routes will increase the options for safe, active transportation in the region. Construction is expected to complete by summer 2026.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $13M for ten Regional Tariff Response Initiative projects across B.C.'s Southern Interior. These funds will help businesses impacted by tariffs to boost productivity and cut costs while they expand their supply chains and transition sales to new markets. Funds will support businesses in the forestry, equipment manufacturing, and value-added wood manufacturing sectors that have been hard hit by tariffs.

    canada.ca

  • The University of British Columbia has announced that the new Gateway Health building will be opening as a hub for student health, collaboration and research. The building will house the school of nursing and several kinesiology programs.

    reminetwork.com

  • Ray’s, a new Vancouver restaurant, is opening on Mainland Street in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood. An exact opening date has yet to be announced but the restaurant has begun hiring.

    dailyhive.com

  • Hiyori Coffee is opening a store in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood on East 6th Avenue. An opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com
• Week of 2026-03-02 to 2026-03-06

  • Gringo, a Vancouver taco restaurant, has announced that it will be closing its three locations. Both its Davie and Lonsdale restaurants will close on March 7. Afterwards, its Gastown location will close on March 14.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Bridge Youth and Family Services in Rutland has given notice to Interior Health that it is ending its withdrawal management services contract. Without the operator, the Kelowna Withdrawal Management beds may shutdown. The Bridge says that ongoing nursing shortages have made the program impossible to run. Several dozen employees have received notice that they will be laid off.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-03-30 to 2026-04-03

  • The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia has announced the recipients of $335K in annual grants in the Kootenay region. Supported projects include signage upgrades, trail enhancement and bridge construction.

    trailtimes.ca
• Week of 2026-03-02 to 2026-03-06

  • WorkBC Centre Vernon is holding its WorkBC Spring Job Fair on April 16 at the Prestige Vernon Lodge. The event will help local businesses connect with job seekers.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • The Regional District of Nanaimo has announced it will be providing a total of $80K per year to Nanaimo Search and Rescue, double its previous contributions. Funds will go towards supporting training and operating costs.

    cheknews.ca

  • Crumbl Cookies has announced that its new location at Ironwood Plaza in Richmond will open on March 6.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Pizza Rubato, a Vancouver pizza shop, is opening a new pizza restaurant at Park Royal in West Vancouver. The new shop will be opening in March 2026. The brand is also renovating a location on Thurlow Street for another restaurant opening soon.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Skewers Souvlaki Pita Bar, a Greek restaurant, is opening a new location on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. The new restaurant is planned to open in March 2026.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Meiten Japanese Katsu & Bar has closed its location on in Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre. No reason for the closure was given.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District has approved over $3.1M in upgrades as part of its 2026 financial plan. Upgrades include renovations and replacements of equipment. The money will also support regional digital health initiatives.

    nelsonstar.com

  • Uber, a ride-sharing application, is expanding its services to 100 Mile House in spring 2026.

    wltribune.com

  • Construction of the 43rd Avenue Corridor Improvement Project in Vernon began on March 2. The project will help enhance road connections between the Alexis Park neighbourhood and Vernon’s downtown core. The work includes utility upgrades, a new multi-use pathway, intersection improvements and new traffic control features. Construction is expected to complete in summer 2026.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Little Karp, a restaurant on Alexandra Road in Richmond, has announced that it is closing on March 4.

    dailyhive.com

  • Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening a new location at the University Heights complex in Saanich on March 6. The new location will hire to fill about 30 jobs.

    cheknews.ca

  • A&W has opened a new location in Abbotsford.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Courtside Social, a new project from Wesgroup Properties, has been proposed for Vancouver’s River District. Courtside Social would be a temporary fitness centre focused on padel, a growing racket sport.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that Tomsett Elementary in Richmond is opening 225 new student seats. The project started in summer 2025 and construction completed in December 2025. The project received $13.5M of funding from the province.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Ocean Startup Project has opened applications for the 2026 Ocean Idea Challenge, a national program supporting Canadian entrepreneurs in the blue economy. Selected startups will receive up to $8K and receive support to guide early decision-making.

    techcouver.com

  • Fairchild Radio, a Chinese-language radio station in Richmond, will be shutting down its Vancouver AM channel and extending its FM channel broadcasting hours starting March 5. Fairchild says that its broadcasts have been economically unviable for several years and expects costs and interference to continue to increase in the future.

    castanet.net

  • Revelstoke Railway Museum is receiving nearly $108K from the Columbia Basin Trust to improve its exhibits, including increasing accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. Another $45.6K will go to the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre to improve its facility’s accessibility. The work is expected to begin on both projects by the end of March.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • The City of Vancouver has approved a rezoning application for a new Olympic Village Elementary School. The current plan for the school features 630 student spaces in a three-storey building. The Government of British Columbia will provide $150M to fund the project. The school is expected to open in 2029.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Department of National Defence has announced $3.7B in new spending, including investments in CFB Esquimalt and Comox, which will receive 412 new housing units. These units are in addition to a 244-unit project for CFB Esquimalt announced in October 2025.

    cheknews.ca

  • The qathet Regional District has launched new electric vehicle charging stations at the Shelter Point Regional Park and Campground on Texada Island and the Klah Ah Men Lund Gazebo Regional Park in Lund. The project cost a total of $80K and was covered through Aviva Canada and Earth Day Canada’s Charged for Change program. Any revenue will cover costs and support the parks’ budget.

    civicinfo.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced regulatory amendments to simplify natural‑resource permitting to speed up wildfire‑rebuilds, new home construction and ecosystem restoration projects. The changes will benefit local economies by shifting staff capacity to high‑risk reviews and reducing project timelines.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia is launching a new mining and critical minerals testbed through its Look West economic strategy. The testbed will allow B.C. companies to test, deploy and scale their technologies. EMP Metals and Saltworks Technologies will partner to create a demonstration chemical plant as the first project through the testbed. This project supports about 18 new jobs.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of Kelowna has launched a new Business Security Enhancement Rebate Program to provide up to $3K to local businesses that want to make security improvements. The total funding for the program is about $200K.

    kelownanow.com

  • Browns Socialhouse has announced that it is closing its Lonsdale Avenue location in North Vancouver on March 27.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Oak Bay-based 49 Below Ice Cream has announced plans to open a new location on Craigflower Road in Victoria. The new location is expected to begin operating by April.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Fraser Health Authority has announced that an $18M expansion for the Mission Memorial Hospital has begun construction. The project is expected to attract more physicians which will ease staffing issues. The work will also double the number of ER beds available. The project is expected to complete in spring 2027.

    citynews.ca

  • Aburi Market opened a new location on Granville Street in Vancouver on March 3. The store sells ready-to-eat items made in the kitchen and this location also adds a new bakery.

    dailyhive.com

  • The City of West Kelowna is spending $1.5M to incentivize the creation of more rental housing. The city plans to legalize the creation of secondary suites and carriage houses. It will also waive development costs for non-market housing. The city is also launching the Grow a Suite Grant Program to provide up to $330K in grants to create up to 42 new units. Both programs launch spring 2026.

    castanet.net

  • The Town of Qualicum Beach has awarded a nearly $1.2M contract to Grass Roots Enterprises for work to revamp the Eaglecrest Golf Course. Work began at the end of February and is expected to complete as soon as possible.

    cheknews.ca
• Week of 2026-03-09 to 2026-03-13

  • UBC Okanagan has announced a new $8M Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program, in partnership with the Weston Family Foundation. The program will aim to support Canada’s ability to use prescribed fires as a land management and ecological restoration tool through education and training at regional hubs.

    rxfire.ca

  • Mosaic Forest Management is launching a multi‑year pilot in the Koksilah watershed on Vancouver Island to integrate forestry with watershed stewardship, carbon management, and renewable energy while supporting recreation and real estate activities. The project aims to create long‑term forestry jobs and will guide future land‑management approaches.

    mosaicforests.com

  • The Government of Canada has launched a $500M national Call for Proposals under Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector transformation programs. This announcement follows the launch of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force in January 2026 to support the industry against U.S. tariffs. The funds will be available through various programs and will help companies to innovate and diversify their production.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2026-03-02 to 2026-03-06

  • Electronic Arts has announced layoffs at Full Circle, a Burnaby-based video game studio. While the number of layoffs has yet to be announced, the studio currently has between 51 and 200 employees.

    dailyhive.com

  • Unique Green, a Taiwanese tea brand, is opening a new location at CF Richmond Centre. An opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Chez Christophe has announced plans to open a new location in West Vancouver soon. The patisserie will be located on Marine Drive and will serve as the company’s primary chocolate production kitchen. The new location is expected to open in mid-May 2026.

    dailyhive.com

  • Loon Fong Hotpot opened a new location at Empire Centre in Richmond on February 25.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The City of Vancouver has announced changes to its patio program that would reduce renewal fees for private patios by 50% while not increasing fees for public patios. This change is expected to support restaurants and other businesses before the FIFA World Cup this summer.

    www.biv.com

  • Railtown Café & Catering in Vancouver is hosting a hiring fair on March 13 for hospitality professionals. Hiring roles include café team members, event servers, bartenders, event managers, delivery drivers, an administrative assistant, and an event sales manager.

    scoutmagazine.ca

  • TrueWave Integrative Health Clinic, an urgent primary care clinic, has opened in Qualicum Beach.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Williams Lake City Council has approved a $202K contract to NAPP Enterprises to complete demolition and site remediation work at a damaged structure on Sixth Avenue.

    mycariboonow.com

  • The Northern Edge Sports Association plans to start phase two of its expansion project in Smithers this March. The project has a total cost of $450K and received funding form the Northern Development Initiative Trust Recreation and Infrastructure Grant, Provincial Capital Gaming Grant, and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. Phase two is expected to complete later in 2026.

    mybulkleylakesnow.com

  • The City of Prince Rupert has begun developing a five-to-10-year retrofit plan to upgrade the Prince Rupert Recreation Complex. Initial studies indicated that the facility needs a new ice plant chiller and several other upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    thenorthernview.com

  • The City of Prince Rupert has awarded an over $2.3M contract to Surespan Construction for the 2nd Avenue Bridge Project. The project is estimated to have a total cost of nearly $2.9M.

    thenorthernview.com

  • The City of Kelowna has passed and updated several regulations around new developments to address climate change, including mitigating wildfire risks, providing more green space and supporting energy efficient construction.

    kelownacapnews.com

  • The City of Abbotsford has begun the replacement of Fire Hall No. 6 in its Historic Downtown. The new facility will be a four-bay fire hall and will include expanded training and program space, a classroom, sleeping quarters, kitchen and common area and recovery facilities. Construction of the facility will begin in August and is expected to complete by the end of 2027.

    abbotsford.ca

  • The District of Hope council has voted to fund the archaeological permitting and construction required for the Hope Station House project. The work is expected to cost from $160K to $315K and will require coordinating with First Nation communities.

    langleyadvancetimes.com

  • The City of Port Moody council has voted to make BC Housing’s minimum unit sizes mandatory. The new guidelines also introduce a range of design expectations intended to improve multi-family housing.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • The City of New Westminster has announced that a village of 30 tiny homes will be constructed on River Drive by the end of 2026. The project will provide transitional housing for up to six years.

    freshetnews.ca

  • The City of Vancouver council has given preliminary approval to a proposal to increase the road and sidewalk maintenance budget to $104M over four years. This would triple the current $34M allocated over the 2023-2026 capital plan. This draft plan will be considered in June 2026 and a final decision will be made.

    dailyhive.com

  • Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission is constructing the over $117K Thieves Bay Park Community Pavilion on Pender Island with funding support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust. The project will be the island’s first covered outdoor venue and will expand opportunities for events. Construction is expected to begin this spring.

    cheknews.ca

  • The City of Nanaimo has voted to approve work on two new public works buildings for about $80M. The project includes a crew and administration building with 229 offices and a fleet maintenance building. Both buildings are expected to be finished by January 2029.

    cheknews.ca
• Week of 2026-03-09 to 2026-03-13

  • Northern Development provided nearly $22.8K to All in The Details, a Cariboo-based event décor business, to upgrade its inventory management, e-commerce and brand development. The business expects to create new casual job opportunities due to this funding.

    northerndevelopment.bc.ca

  • The Prince George Recycling & Environmental Action Plan Society has completed Phase One of its Growing Knowledge Community Compost Garden Education Centre project with $30K in funding from Northern Development. The new education centre is being constructed on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh and has a total budget of over $100K.

    northerndevelopment.bc.ca
• Week of 2026-03-02 to 2026-03-06

  • The Government of British Columbia has put forward legislation to create the $400M B.C. Strategic Investment Fund. If passed, this legislation would create a fund to support major private-sector projects through investments. The fund would invest in projects selected for up to $20B in defence investments from the Government of Canada.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Quinn Nail Spa opened Vancouver Island’s largest nail salon on March 1 at the Hillside Mall in Victoria.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • C Market Coffee opened a 5K sq. ft. Vancouver flagship location on March 1. The location will be the largest café in the city, with seating for over 150 guests.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Odd Burger, a vegan burger restaurant, closed its Victoria location at the end of February. Several other plant-based restaurants have faced recent closures in the region.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • Marriott Victoria Airport Sidney is opening the 129-room TownePlace Suites this spring along Beacon Avenue West. The hotel will replace the Cedarwood Inn which closed in 2024.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Driftwood Chinese Buffet & Bar opened on Yates Street in Victoria.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Town of Smithers council has approved $50K for a new knife aerator and $26K for a new ice system in its 2026 budget. The more efficient ice system will reduce costs and will be mostly covered by rebates from Pacific Northern Gas and BC Hydro. The knife aerator would help maintain turf, improve field drainage and extend their lifespans, and would be funded by the town.

    mybulkleylakesnow.com

  • According to the Mayor of North Cowichan, the 58-unit Elliot Street Affordable Housing project in Chemainus may be put on hold following the Government of British Columbia’s announcement that it was pausing the BC Community Housing Fund in its 2026 Budget.

    cowichanvalleycitizen.com

  • The Government of Canada and the A-Tlegay Member Nations have signed a Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources. The agreement aims to support economic diversification and development of the A-Tlegay Member Nations. The agreement supports the growth of sustainable shellfish aquaculture and commercial fishing while providing fisheries training.

    canada.ca

  • On February 24, the Government of Canada opened the 2026 B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program to fund projects that address labour shortages and improve farm processes through technology. Applications for this round of funding will be open until April 6.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2026-02-23 to 2026-02-27

  • The City of Nelson has entered a partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to deliver the HomeSave Program. The program provides energy retrofit guidance and financial assistance to help homeowners upgrade their homes.

    castanet.net

  • The Williams Lake Fire Department is recruiting for paid-on call firefighters. Recruits will receive training in emergency response and teamwork skills. Applications are open until March 13.

    mycariboonow.com

  • Aura, a Vietnamese restaurant and bar, is opening on Davie Street in Vancouver. An opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle has announced that its Aberdeen location in Richmond closed on February 23.

    dailyhive.com

  • Shamrock Storehouse, an Irish pub, is opening two new Vancouver locations on Nelson Street and Beatty Street. An official opening date has yet to be announced for either location, but the Beatty Street location is expected to open sometime around March 17.

    dailyhive.com

  • MACU Tea closed its locations in Burnaby and on Robson Street in Vancouver on February 23.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Loblaws has announced it will invest $2.4B into the Canadian economy in 2026, including opening 70 new stores and creating over 9K jobs. Of these new stores, 24 will be located in British Columbia.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has issued Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits for the New Ingerbelle expansion at the Copper Mountain mine near Princeton. The permit allows the mine to continue operations beyond 2040 and will support economic stability and about 800 jobs in the region. The mine will undergo a three-phase project to expand the existing pit.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Snaw-Naw-As First Nation has partnered with Island Coastal Economic Trust to establish a community-led regional farm hub. The trust provided $200K to develop the site into a training farm for skills in agriculture, processing and eco-tourism. Development will start in March and once completed will create three businesses and expand two existing businesses, and eight new jobs.

    nanaimobulletin.com
• Week of 2026-03-02 to 2026-03-06

  • The Forest Enhancement Society of BC has approved $125K to complete fuel management treatments in the Ellison area of Vernon. After completing this project, the total treatment area will reach 72 hectares. The project is expected to complete by March 31, 2027.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-02-23 to 2026-02-27

  • Nomad, a North Vancouver café, is opening three new locations by 2027. The expansions will be located in Kitsilano and the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre, with the third location a Nomad Lab opening on Pemberton Avenue. The Kitsilano location is expected to open soon, and the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre location will open sometime this spring.

    dailyhive.com

  • Kos, a Norwegian waffle spot, has closed its Vancouver location on Robson Street.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Hey! I Am Yogost, a Chinese drink chain, closed its Kerrisdale location in Vancouver on December 31, 2025. The location closed after its lease came to an end.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Hundy, a burger spot, has closed its Yaletown location in Vancouver. Its speakeasy The Stock Room also closed. The Freehouse Collective, owners of this restaurant and several other recent closures, is undergoing restructuring following filing for creditors protection in 2023.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Two stores in Victoria, Westcoast Appliance Gallery and Capital Iron Home Store, have closed following their loans being called by their banks.

    timescolonist.com

  • A new dressing room at Oceanside Place in Nanaimo has begun construction. The project is funded by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Construction is expected to complete by spring 2026.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • The City of Kamloops has signed over $86M of contracts to build the Dufferin arena multiplex. The project is estimated to have a total cost of $140M and will create four additional rinks. Construction and roadwork are expected to start in 2027, with construction expected to finish in 2030.

    castanet.net

  • The City of Victoria is replacing three washrooms along Dallas Road. Washrooms at Holland Point Park and Southeast Beacon Hill Park will begin construction soon, while the Ross Bay Cemetery washroom is expected to begin construction later in 2026. The new facilities will be modern, more accessible and gender neutral.

    vicnews.com

  • PacifiCan is providing over $46.6M to eight defence projects in British Columbia to speed up innovation and grow local businesses. These funds go to the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University to support research in life sciences, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. Over $6M will support training for workers looking to enter the defence supply chain.

    canada.ca

  • The Vancouver Police Department has created a new policing district for Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The new district will have 88 officers posted to it. Renovations to the Woodward’s building at Abbott Street and West Hastings Street will create a new permanent office. Staffing of the new district occurred by reorganization and the rehiring of some retired officers.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Government of British Columbia is expanding its Long-term Care at home program to provide virtual and proactive care management to more seniors. The program’s pilot phase will support more than 275 seniors to receive care virtually in their homes. The program will support up to 2.7K seniors by 2028.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Now & Then Supply Comp., a niche retailer focusing in 1990–2010 nostalgia items, opened on Trunk Road in Duncan.

    cowichanvalleycitizen.com

  • Lake Country council has voted to approve a rezoning and Official Community Plan application for an attainable housing development on Bond Road. The development will have around 40 units. A development permit is still required before the development can begin construction.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that construction is underway on 116 below-market rental homes at the Reign on Cassie Avenue in Burnaby. Through BC Housing, the province has provided almost $20M to the project. Other project partners include Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Burnaby and the Waterleaf Housing Society.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that Northisle Copper and Gold Inc.’s North Island Project, Surge Copper Corp.’s Berg Project and Defense Metals Corp.’s Wicheeda Project will receive support from the Critical Minerals Office as advanced project proponents. The Critical Minerals Office works with proponents to accelerate project’s permitting process.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department east of Osoyoos is currently hiring new paid on-call recruits ahead of annual wild land fire training.

    castanet.net

  • The Waffle Co. is opening a new location on Robson Street in Vancouver. This location is expected to open during the first week of April.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Panda Pancakes & Ice Cream has opened a new location at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Matcha Tea Lab has opened a new location in Burnaby’s Crystal Mall.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced $18M in additional funds to support its take-home naloxone program. The program will distribute over 400K kits to 150 community sites and 2.4K take-home sites and pharmacies.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • On February 19, the Government of British Columbia introduced the post secondary international education act to legally enforce the province’s Education Quality Assurance program. This will enable the government to inspect institutions and take enforcement action against bad actors to protect international students. Uncertified institutions will be unable to enroll international students.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Researchers at Simon Fraser University have received over $4.4M from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through its Project Grant: Fall 2025 program. These grants will help advance health research and outcomes.

    www.sfu.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that it is providing $1.9M to the University of Victoria to support research infrastructure upgrades as part of the Look West economic plan. The funds also support quantum computing research and skills training.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Castlegar city council has approved a plan to borrow $5M to expand the passenger spaces inside the West Kootenay Regional Airport. The project will cost a total of $10M and will expand the terminal’s interior. Construction is expected to begin by 2027.

    trailtimes.ca

  • BC Transit has announced that upgrades to the Rutland Transit Exchange completed on February 19. The City of Kelowna is also adding 6 electric vehicle charging stations at the park and ride lot by the end of March. The Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the City of Kelowna provided a total of $9.2M for this project.

    bctransit.com

  • Construction of the SkyTrain’s Millennium Line Broadway extension has reached a major milestone with the completion of the running rail installation. Crews have now begun installing the linear induction motor rail. The Millennium Line extension reaching Arbutus is set to open in fall 2027.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that construction has begun on a new school addition at Nelson Elementary in Burnaby. The new addition will add 100 new seats to the existing school. The province has contributed $6M to this project.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Island Health has announced that construction is beginning this summer on a new energy centre at Victoria General Hospital. The upgrade will ensure the hospital can meet the needs of the growing population. Early site preparation work began this month. The project will receive $75.6M from Island Health and the Capital Regional Hospital District and is expected to complete in 2029.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • On February 19 the Government of British Columbia launched the Social Housing Energy Savings Program to make it quicker and easier for housing operators to apply for energy-efficient upgrades. The program will provide up to $800K to support energy upgrades in social and non-profit housing.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has introduced the Trade Recognition Act (Bill 5) which will make B.C.’s interprovincial recognition framework permanent. Bill 5 would ensure goods and services approved in other provinces can be sold or used in B.C., eliminating a barrier to interprovincial trade.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • VanCity Pinball and Arcade is opening a new location in Vancouver on Venables Street. The location is expected to open in March.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The mayor of 100 Mile House has announced that the CN Rail corridor through the community will not be removed after an assessment from a consultant. This announcement follows a July 2025 announcement from CN Rail that it would be discontinuing service between Squamish and 100 Mile House, leading to fear in the community that the rails may be removed.

    clearwatertimes.com

  • Mill Bay Power Products Ltd., located in the Cowichan Valley, is closing.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Connector Brewing, a Westside craft brewery, closed on February 21.

    castanet.net

  • The Peace River Regional District and the Northern Development Initiative Trust have launched the Business Façade Improvement Plan. This new grant program will provide up to $5K to support businesses to improve the exteriors of their commercial buildings. The program is open until March 31.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The City of Vancouver has finalized plans for the upgraded and expanded W.C. Shelley Park in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood. The park will grow by about 50%, with most of this new space being used for an off-leash dog area, and food and culture garden.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The City of Coquitlam is opening nine new tennis courts by the summer of 2027 to meet demand and Tennis Canada standards. Courts will be located at Cottonwood Park, Burke Mountain Joint School and Park, and Town Centre Park.

    freshetnews.ca

  • Build Canada Homes has partnered with BC Housing to build over 700 supportive and transitional homes. Projects are set to start within the next 12 months. Governments will explore delivering another 400 affordable rental homes using B.C.’s Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing program. Build Canada Homes is contributing $170M and BC Housing is contributing $640M to the project.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has paused funding through the Community Housing Fund and will reallocate nearly $1.4B from the program as part of its new budget. The fund supported the construction of rental homes throughout the province. Projects that previously applied for funding will be on hold while the government works with proponents on a case-by-case basis.

    cbc.ca

  • TURF, a fitness studio and café hybrid spot, is opening a new location on Main Street in Vancouver. An official opening date is yet to be announced but it is expected to open sometime in summer.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The 2026 Sooke Job Fair will take place at the Edward Milne Community School on March 20.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Government of Canada has launched Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy to support national security while growing Canadian defence industries. The strategy projects $180B in defence procurement opportunities and $290 billion in defence-related capital investment opportunities in Canada over the next 10 years. The government expects the funding to create 125K jobs.

    www.pm.gc.ca

  • Innovate BC’s 2026 New Ventures BC Competition has opened for applications, with over $250K available. Winning applicants will also be eligible for six months of mentorship, education and investor exposure. The competition acts as a proving ground for startups attempting to increase the scale of their operations. Applications close March 12.

    techcouver.com

  • Lumiere Café closed its 2815 West Broadway location on January 29. No reason was given for the closure, but the business still operates at its original 521 West Broadway location.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Freshslice Pizza will soon open a new location on Saanich Road in Victoria.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The British Columbia Automobile Association’s (BCAA) Evolve E-Bike Share program has expanded to the District of West Vancouver. A total of 16 bike parking stations have been added already, with more e-bikes and parking locations expected to roll out through April.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Columbia Basin Trust has launched its Basin Job Experience Trail Crew Program to create 47 short-term jobs for unemployed or underemployed people. Members of the program will receive skills development and training as they complete projects to maintain local trails. The program is funded through $320K across 15 organizations in 13 communities.

    ourtrust.org

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced it will be slowing the construction of new housing and major infrastructure projects as part of cuts in its 2026 budget. Projects being delayed include phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, several long-term care projects and the expansion of student housing at the University of Victoria.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Canada Energy Regulator has approved Pouce Coupé Pipe Line’s pipeline project from Taylor, British Columbia to Gordondale, Alberta. The project will install 88 km of pipe and provide upgrades to Taylor’s gas park Pouce Coupe block valve. The project is expected to cost about $340.9M. Pouce Coupé may now begin pre-construction activities, though a construction timeline has yet to be announced.

    energeticcity.ca

  • Toronto-based New Gold announced on February 17 that 85 positions were eliminated at the New Afton mine, located just west of Kamloops. The company stated that the layoffs were because most of the work on the mine’s C-Zone block project completed. The company is continuing to look for opportunities to extend the life of the mine beyond 2031.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-02-16 to 2026-02-20

  • The City of Nelson has announced plans to demolish its curling rink for about $2.2M by 2030. The structure was found to have irreparable issues. Replacing the facility is expected to cost about $16M. Over the next 20 years the city aims to spend about $82.5M on capital projects.

    nelsonstar.com

  • Tiramisu Republic, a new dessert shop, is opening in Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby. The shop is expected to begin operating sometime this spring.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Buca di Roma, a Vancouver Italian restaurant, permanently closed on January 25. No specific reason was given for the closure.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Intrepid Theatre has announced it will close the Metro Studio in March due to rising operation costs and a rent increase.

    vicnews.com

  • The Government of British Columbia’s Community Gaming Grants program has provided over $6.6M to communities across Greater Victoria. These funds support school programs, sports, environmental initiatives and public safety services.

    vicnews.com

  • Understory Records, a new independent record label, is launching on February 28 in Smithers. The label will make it easier to shop for local music and support local artists, while removing barriers for new performers.

    burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com

  • Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has partnered with Redd Fish Restoration Society and West Coast Kelp on a $240K kelp restoration project in Clayoquot Sound. Most of the funding comes from the Government of British Columbia, with organizational grants making up the remainder. The project involves deployment of a structure to help kelp grow and will also survey areas to deploy underwater cameras.

    cheknews.ca

  • Pho Capital has reopened at a new location in Richmond following an explosion that damaged the strip mall it was originally located in. The new location opened on February 7 and is larger than its previous operation.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Work will soon begin on a $2M extension to Kelowna’s Art Walk. A new 150-metre section will be added as well as a short extension on the downtown waterfront. Construction is expected to complete in the spring.

    kelownadailycourier.ca

  • The City of Abbotsford has announced the opening of the 2026 Neighbourhood Small Grants program in partnership with the Vancouver Foundation and Abbotsford Community Foundation. This year, the program will provide up to $17K in grant funding for projects that bring neighbours together and foster a sense of community.

    abbotsford.ca

  • The Vancouver Foundation will open a new intake for its Neighbourhood Small Grants program on March 9. The grants provide people in the Thompson-Cariboo region with up to $500 to support activities that bring together communities and make them more resilient.

    ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com

  • Matchstick Coffee, a Vancouver coffee shop chain, has announced that they will be closing all their locations. Three cafés are scheduled to close by April 1, and the fourth will close sometime after. The number of employees affected has not yet been disclosed.

    dailyhive.com

  • Kinton Ramen opened a new location at Sunwood Square in Coquitlam on February 15.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Big Way Hot Pot, a chain restaurant, is opening a new location at the CF Richmond Centre. The new location is expected to open sometime early this year.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Nani’s Gelato has opened at on Lougheed Highway in Pitt Meadows.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Canada Energy Regulator has recommended approval of the $4B Sunrise Expansion Project, an expansion of the Westcoast pipeline system by Enbridge. Enbridge expects that during peak construction it could employ over 500 workers from the Thompson-Nicola region for the pipeline and almost 100 workers for the compressor station. The project is expected to complete construction by the end of 2028.

    merrittherald.com

  • The Government of Canada is providing $9.9M to the BC Construction Industry Skills Improvement Council for a new program aimed at standardizing training for heat and frost insulators across Canada. The program will support the training of journey people to a new national level to ensure energy efficiency across buildings.

    freshetnews.ca

  • The new café space finished construction at the Williams Lake Regional Airport on February 13 and will be operated by On the Fly Coffee and Tea. The development took 18 months and received $100K through the Government of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. The city also provided $85K to the project.

    mycariboonow.com

  • ChaTraMue, a Thai tea brand, has opened a new shop on West Broadway in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Rice Burger, a burger joint in the West Point Grey neighbourhood of Vancouver, closed on February 18. According to the owner, food costs and other pressures led to the closure.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Oh My Toast, a Korean café in Vancouver, closed its Kingsway location on December 21. The owner said the closure was due to personal reasons.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Hubbl Technologies, a Vancouver-based technology company, has received $6M in Series A funding from Salesforce Ventures to expand its platform designed to help organizations deploy artificial intelligence.

    techcouver.com

  • Kootenay Beds, a furniture manufacturing company, is opening a new facility in Castlegar after being granted a temporary use permit for the next three years. The proposed lease area would include an office, woodworking shop, finishing area and lumber storage. The company aims to hire up to six additional employees.

    castanet.net

  • Tree Canada has launched the Canadian Urban Forest Network Exchange, a new online platform intended to strengthen urban forestry across the country. The platform will connect municipal foresters with peers and allow for the sharing of tools, research and opportunities.

    treecanada.ca

  • Okanagan College has partnered with WeBC to launch TogetHer, a network that aims to help self-identified women business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs strengthen innovation and collaboration across the Okanagan. The network will host information exchanges and a leadership summit.

    vernonmorningstar.com

  • Hardy Hair and Skincare recently opened on Market Street in downtown Port Hardy.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Goldie’s, a Korean donut shop, has opened a new location on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Little Spoon Ice Cream is opening a new shop on West Broadway in Vancouver this spring.

    scoutmagazine.ca

  • Peace and Culture Coffee has opened a café on Glen Drive in Vancouver.

    dailyhive.com

  • BBQ & Co., a Richmond-based takeout-only food business, is opening a full restaurant in Vancouver on February 24.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Cottage Hospitality Group is opening Birdman, a new restaurant, in Victoria. The space is being renovated, and the restaurant is expected to open as early as May 1.

    cheknews.ca

  • Isabelle’s, an after-supper club and lounge, has closed its location on Hamilton Street in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The City of Surrey has approved a framework agreement with Total Life Care (TLC) Granville Medical Inc. to open two new medical clinics. Under the agreement, TLC will lead staffing and other day-to-day operations while prioritizing attaching Surrey residents to long-term physician care. The two clinics are expected to open in fall 2026.

    civicinfo.bc.ca

  • The City of Vancouver has approved amendments that expand opportunities for childcare businesses running from resident’s homes. The amendments allow group childcare facilities to coexist with residential properties if the childcare is in a separate unit with its own entrance and no internal connection.

    vancouver.ca

  • Daruma, a Japanese snack shop on Canoe Pass Way at the Tsawwassen Mills mall, closed on December 31.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Orfevrebay Jewellery opened at the Woodgrove Mall in Nanaimo on February 12.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Construction is under way on a new clubhouse at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Laundry Guys are opening a location on Tranquille Road in Kamloops.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • Mino Sushi Conveyor, a new conveyor belt sushi restaurant, has opened in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Good Co. Bars, a Richmond-based sports bar and restaurant, closed on January 8. A reason for the closure has not been announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Mount Everest Kitchen and Bar has opened on York Street in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Miku, a Japanese restaurant, opened a new location at the Richmond River Rock Casino on February 17.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Tahltan, Kaska, and Taku River Tlingit Nations have signed the 3Nations Transformational Health Declaration to reshape health services across the region. The agreement includes the 3Nations Society, the Government of British Columbia and the First Nations Health Council Northern Region. Work will focus on key priorities such as improving services and access.

    ominecaexpress.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that it will provide over $475M across three years to create a new benefit and supplement program to support children and youths with disabilities. The Children and Youth Disability Benefit program and B.C. Children and Youth Disability Supplement will replace the existing autism funding program to expand the program’s reach.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • ICBC has announced that it will be closing its insurance claims centre in Williams Lake on February 20. ICBC has said that there will be no loss of jobs or reductions in staff, as employees will be moving to a new office space in the community.

    mycariboonow.com

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that construction has begun on a new school addition at École Hudson Road Elementary in West Kelowna. The addition will add 265 new student seats and include a new multipurpose space.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Sicamous council has approved $280K in grant funding from the Economic Opportunity Fund for the next phase of the Owlhead Mountain Bike Park expansion project. The project will add three new trails in 2026.

    businessexaminer.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has announced that the Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing program has begun operating. BC Housing has issued requests for proposals for two developments as demonstration projects which will provide 90 new homes.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Decade Resources has begun drilling at the Bonaparte property north of Kamloops, with at least 3K metres of drilling planned for the site this year. Previous drilling at the site has produced gold samples, but the mine has not been active since 2018.

    castanet.net
• Week of 2026-02-09 to 2026-02-13

  • Pizza 64 is opening a location in Oliver in March 2026. The chain is also opening a location in Penticton within the next few weeks.

    castanet.net

  • The Crossroads, a Kamloops supportive housing facility, is reopening after completing a roughly $10M renovation project. The facility has been closed for over a year while work was done to upgrade the suits, restructure the office and add a new elevator and updated HVAC system.

    castanet.net

  • Angus T has opened a new bakery in Vancouver’s River District neighbourhood.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Hub, a Nanaimo homeless shelter, is closing at the end of March 2026. The decision followed a vote from Nanaimo council to cut funding for the facility. A plan to move the facility to another area has been discussed but a suitable location has yet to be found.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia has partnered with seven new communities to deliver housing options for people experiencing homelessness. Cranbrook, New Westminster, Powell River, Smithers, Squamish, Campbell River and Cheam First Nation will partner with the HEART and HEARTH programs expand shelter capacity and provided supportive housing.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Eddie Bauer is closing its store at Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo by the end of March. The company announced earlier this month that it is looking to sell its 220 stores across Canada and the United States after filing for bankruptcy protection. The retailer has 31 stores in Canada, including six in British Columbia.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • shíshálh Nation has received 17 relocated affordable homes from the City of Port Moody. Wesgroup, a Vancouver developer, drove the homes by truck and barge to the Sunshine Coast where they were renovated and retrofitted.

    shishalh.com

  • FPX Nickel Corp. has proposed The Baptiste Nickel Project northwest of Fort St. James. The company expects the mine would increase Canada’s annual nickel output by 40% over the mine’s 28 years of life. The project has been submitted for federal impact assessment and will be receiving public comment until March 9. If approved, the project will create 1K direct jobs and 3.2K indirect jobs per year.

    www.biv.com

  • Cockney Kings Fish and Chips has opened a new Vancouver location on Main Street.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Roadside Spicy Pot, a Burnaby restaurant, has announced that it is closing by the end of April. An exact closing date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Cha Tra Mue, a Thai tea chain, opened its first Vancouver location on West Broadway on February 13.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Wilson’s Group of Companies has announced that the Capital City Station is shutting down on February 28. The company said that reduced demand was behind the decision to close the bus terminal. According to the company, three casual workers will lose their jobs.

    timescolonist.com

  • Construction preparation work for Solace Shelter in Kamloops has begun. The shelter will have 40 beds and be staffed at all hours.

    castanet.net

  • Construction is expected to begin this spring on the first of two hotels at the former Tournament Inn site in East Kamloops. It will include 72 rooms, a 200-space conference hall and a banquet centre. Construction of the first hotel is expected to take between 18 to 20 months. The entire development is expected to cost $13M to $14M.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of Canada has provided $5M to the Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank for the construction of a 24K sq. ft. warehouse in Nanaimo. The warehouse previously received $7M in a funding package from the Government of British Columbia, and both the City and Regional District of Nanaimo. The project is expected to complete in spring 2026.

    timescolonist.com

  • Joyful Congee has closed its food stall at the Admiralty Centre food court in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • PokeAye, a Richmond poke chain, has opened a new location in Vancouver’s South Granville area.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Heavenly Desserts is opening a shop on Robson Street in Vancouver. This shop will be the brand’s sixth location in Canada, with plans for a seventh in Surrey ongoing.

    dailyhive.com

  • Vancouver Coastal Health has announced that it will be moving part of its long-term care system into regular homes to help cut wait times for care. The health authority is purchasing houses and retrofitting them to operate as long-term care sites. Each home will house up to 10 residents. The first three homes are expected to open this spring, with 200 beds planned to open by 2029.

    cbc.ca

  • The Last of Us television show is set to begin filming in Vancouver in March 2026. Filming is expected to also take place in the larger Metro Vancouver area and will complete November 27.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • One Cafe is opening a new location at the Lansdowne Centre food court. An exact opening date has yet to be announced.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The British Columbia Institute of Technology has begun construction on the first three buildings of its trades and technology complex in Burnaby. Once completed, the facilities will provide hands-on training in carpentry, mass timber, marine fitting, and steel construction. Completion of the first three buildings are expected by 2027, with plans to start constructing the final building this summer.

    constructconnect.com

  • Two major job fairs are set to take place in Vancouver this month: the Career Fair and Training Expo Canada on February 19 and the Mega Job Fair on February 26. The events will feature a variety of employers from different industries, in addition to on-site training opportunities.

    dailyhive.com

  • Nine Bar Coffee recently opened its first permanent location on Davie Street in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Imran Beef Noodles, a halal restaurant specializing in Lanzhou beef noodle soups, is opening a new location on Robson Street in Vancouver on February 7.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Uchu Cevicheria and Raw Bar, a restaurant focused on Peruvian cuisine, is opening a new location on East Pender Street in Vancouver on February 6.

    dailyhive.com

  • Jo’s Italian Deli is opening a new location on Main Street in Vancouver on February 12.

    dailyhive.com

  • The University of Northern British Columbia is launching a new way for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition to a career as a Registered Nurse. The full-time program will be delivered over five consecutive semesters with a combination of theoretical and clinical coursework. Applicants must be registered LPNs in BC with at least two years of acute care experience.

    unbc.ca

  • The Government of BC is allocating $12.7M to purchase and renovate a property in Prince George to support the Reconnect Youth Village program. The funding will help add 18 additional rental suites, providing a total of 34 newly renovated housing spaces for both youth and young adults. The centre will also provide support services to help residents develop life skills and indigenous connections.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of North Vancouver is planning to build a $21M harbour swim deck on Burrard Inlet. The deck will feature swim lanes, a shallow pool, diving platforms, and a tiered seating area. The city aims to finalize designs and permits by this fall and begin construction by the end of the year.

    nsnews.com

  • Ellison Fire Department is hiring on-call firefighters. Eligible candidates can apply online or in-person from February 9 to February 17.

    okanaganedge.net

  • TheVenti, a South Korean coffee chain, is opening a new location on Davie Street in downtown Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Restaurant Kinton Ramen is hosting a grand opening for its new location in Burnaby’s Gilmore Place on February 7.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Hundy, a burger restaurant, has recently closed its Yaletown location in Vancouver. Additionally, two other pubs that share the same building, The Stock Room and Isabelle's, also closed at the same time.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Construction on a $5.5M infrastructure project will resume on Penticton’s Eckhardt Avenue starting February 16. The next phase will focus on installing curb-level bike lanes and continuous sidewalks, upgrading drainage systems, and improving fire hydrant spacing. Completion is slated for fall 2026.

    todayinbc.com

  • Enbridge’s Sunrise Expansion Program is awaiting final regulatory approval to enhance the Westcoast Pipeline system in BC. The $4B project, consisting of 11 new natural gas pipeline loops and two overhead power lines, is expected to create over 2,500 jobs during peak construction and contribute over $3B to Canada’s economy. The final decision is expected by April 30.

    burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com
• Week of 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-06

  • Win-Win Chick-N, a Filipino fried chicken shop, has closed its Steveston location on February 4.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Chammani, a small mom-and-pop Korean restaurant, has closed its West Pender Street location in downtown Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Goldie’s Donut & Bakery, a bakery specialized in Korean-style brioche donuts, is opening a new location on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Loon Fong Hotpot, a retro Hong Kong-style hot pot restaurant, is opening a new location on No. 3 Road in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Khaosan Thai Street Food, a Thai restaurant, is opening a new location on Commercial Drive in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Bubble Waffle Café has closed its Parker Place location in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Westham Island Bridge has been fully closed to undergo structural repairs as of February 4. A 24/7 water taxi service to and from Westham Island will be in place during the closure. Work is expected to last for several weeks.

    dailyhive.com

  • WeBC is hosting a peer mentorship program for women entrepreneurs in Fort St. John. The program, which starts on February 10, will consist of eight sessions held weekly every Tuesday. Each meeting will focus on a different business challenge, encouraging participants to discuss and explore new approaches to problem-solving.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The federal and provincial governments are providing $89.6M to replace two aging bridges across the Kicking Horse River in Golden. The replacement bridges will be made higher, wider, and more resilient to extreme weather. Although work has slowed due to winter conditions, the project is on track for completion in fall 2026.

    constructconnect.com

  • The Municipality of North Cowichan has approved a $2.8M project to repair a 60m section of Genoa Bay Road. Work is expected to take approximately four months and will be completed by the end of July.

    cowichanvalleycitizen.com

  • The Government of BC has provided over $104M through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund to open two new women’s transition buildings in Vancouver and Langley. The building features over 150 new units for women and their children leaving violence.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba, a Japanese restaurant specializing in brothless ramen, has closed its location in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood on February 2. It will be relocating to Park Plaza in Richmond sometime this year.

    richmond-news.com

  • Buddies Toy, a toy shop, is closing its Beacon Avenue location in Sidney on April 4.

    vicnews.com

  • The Peace Arch Duty Free Shop is undergoing a $6.5M renovation project to replace its flooring and fixtures. Although most of the work is not expected to disrupt operations, the store will be closed for one month to complete final touches. A date for completion has not been announced.

    todayinbc.com

  • The Kamloops Japanese Culture Centre is reopening its museum after closing for renovations over a year ago. The museum will display various artifacts on rotation, showcasing the comprehensive history of Japanese Canadians in BC and the Kamloops region.

    castanet.net

  • The Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital has begun construction for the new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite as of February 2. The new MRI suite will replace the current mobile MRI, providing a permanent and more accessible location for imaging services. Completion is slated for early 2028.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of BC and TransLink are providing funding to support an emergency barge service to and from Westham Island in Delta. The barge service will ensure agricultural goods, food, and health-related supplies are continuously transported during the bridge’s closure as it undergoes repairs.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The North Kamloops Library has begun renovation work as of February 2. The project will involve installing new carpeting, repainting the library, adding a new information desk, and revising the floor plan for a larger children’s area and a separated teen’s area. Work, which is scheduled for completion by summer, will be conducted in phases to reduce the amount of operational impact.

    castanet.net

  • The YMCA in downtown Victoria is relocating from Broughton Street to the Bay Centre. Once the existing facility closes on March 12, the City of Victoria will use the pool to facilitate swim programs that were previously offered by another, now-closed pool. Although there is no set date, the new location is expected to open in early April.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Thomus Donaghy Overdose Prevention Site in downtown Vancouver has recently closed due to public safety concerns. Although Vancouver Coastal Health, the health authority overseeing the site, took steps to address neighbourhood concerns, various complaints by residents have resulted in the eviction.

    cbc.ca

  • Buy-Low Foods, a grocery store, has recently opened its new Pinetree location in Coquitlam.

    grocerybusiness.ca

  • Vernon's Polson Park Motel, a supportive housing building for those experiencing homelessness, has recently closed. The facility will be demolished in the coming months, and a new supportive housing site will begin construction shortly after. Previous residents have been relocated to the other supportive housing sites throughout the city.

    castanet.net

  • Driftwood Chinese Buffet is opening a new location in downtown Victoria.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Government of BC has announced a new competitive approach to managing energy allocation in fast-growing high-load sectors, such as data centres and artificial intelligence. The first set of projects will compete for 400 megawatts of electricity over a two-year period, with each bid being assessed for data sovereignty, environmental benefits, First Nations participation, and price.

    cbc.ca

  • Victoria police have launched a new free program aimed at helping small businesses in reducing the risk cybercrime. Under the program, police specialized in cybercrime and information-technology will visit participating businesses to assess their online infrastructure and networks, providing personalized recommendations for improvements.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Government of BC has begun nighttime construction along Highway 1 in North Cowichan. The $2.5M project will consist of adding new fencing and median improvements round the area to reduce unsafe mid block crossings near Quw’utsun Secondary school.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of BC has awarded a $20.8M contract to Kingston Construction to provide major upgrades to the Queensborough Bridge in New Westminster. The upgrades will include resurfacing work, deck joint replacements, and drainage improvements. Work is slated to start in spring 2026 and is expected to be completed in fall 2027.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Kitchen, a sports bar, has permanently closed its JW Marriott Parq Vancouver location.

    dailyhive.com

  • 24 Seven, a convenience store, has recently launched a soft opening for its Main Street location in downtown Penticton.

    okanaganedge.net

  • The Antlr Menswear store is closing its downtown Vernon location at the end of February.

    castanet.net

  • Porter Airlines is adding a new direct route between Kelowna and Ottawa. The new route will offer five weekly roundtrip flights starting May 13.

    castanet.net

  • The Ruby, a brunch-focused restaurant, is opening a new location in Colwood sometime this spring.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • École Snokomish Elementary school, which features a French-immersion curriculum, has opened in Surrey. Construction work is also starting on an expansion to the nearby Tamanawis Secondary school. The two facilities are expected to add 1,230 new student seats to the community.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • VanSuya, a Nigerian restaurant, is opening a new location on Keefer Street in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Tayybeh, a Syrian restaurant, recently launched a soft opening for its new West Broadway location in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Rufus Guitar & Drum Shop has closed its Commercial Drive location in Vancouver on January 31.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • No Frills, a discount grocery store, has recently opened a new location in Burnaby on January 29.

    dailyhive.com

  • Helen Dixon Centre, an education facility in downtown Quesnel, is closing in September as the aging building no longer meets accessibility requirements. All current programs will be moved to other schools in the district.

    mycariboonow.com

  • A new medical clinic is opening on Bryn Maur Road in Langford on February 9. The clinic will feature 14 exam rooms and is expected to connect 12,500 patients to family doctors. Four doctors will begin practicing at the centre once it opens, while an additional six doctors are expected to arrive in the next year.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Town of Comox has approved a $6.1M project to upgrade the local firehall. Work will begin in Spring and is expected to last for just over a year. While the old facility will be replaced by three new buildings, the existing vehicle bays will be kept as is.

    timescolonist.com

  • Metro Vancouver and its municipal partners have approved an extension for the Vancouver Landfill in Delta. The landfill, which was slated to close by 2030, will now remain open until about 2050.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Government of BC is providing $3.3M to support the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Planning Initiative. The funding will help support the design and assessment work used for structural and restoration projects.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • A new urgent and primary care centre has opened in Surrey's Cloverdale neighbourhood on January 28. The centre will use a team-based care model consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and allied health professionals to deliver services for those who need support within 12 to 24 hours.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The federal and provincial governments are allocating over $21.7M to help build and open 52 supportive homes in Vernon. Turning Points Collaborative Society will operate the building, offering various supports including meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness services.

    cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Week of 2026-02-16 to 2026-02-20

  • Genome British Columbia and the University of British Columbia Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining have partnered to grow the province’s local expertise in biomining. The partnership will invest up to $1M over three years to bridge the gap between industrial users and research.

    genomebc.ca
• Week of 2026-01-26 to 2026-01-30

  • The Silviculture Innovation Program has partnered with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC to fund forestry projects across the province. The partnership is hiring an Extension Specialist to translate technical knowledge into practical resources, in addition to working with Indigenous nations, local government, and educational facilities to facility trust and transparency in forestry decisions.

    fesbc.ca

  • No Frills is opening a new grocery store location on Hastings Street in Burnaby on January 29.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Kos Waffles, a Norwegian waffle shop, has recently closed its Robson Street location in downtown Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Thrift is opening a new thrift store location on Main Street in downtown Chilliwack on January 31.

    theprogress.com

  • My Neighbourhood Restaurant, a breakfast-and-lunch eatery, is closing its Rutland location in Kelowna on February 15.

    castanet.net

  • Hexagon Purus, a manufacturer specializing in hydrogen and battery energy storage solutions for commercial trucks, is reducing its Kelowna workforce by two-thirds. The company is scaling back operations and reducing staffing to cut costs amid a prolonged slowdown in climate-related investment driven by shifting U.S. policies and uncertainty around incentives.

    castanet.net

  • Lululemon Athletica Inc. has recently cut 100 part-time jobs connected to its Guest Education Centre. The affected workers were based in Vancouver or worked remotely. The company is planning to prioritize a full-time employee model for the centre going forward.

    www.biv.com

  • The Government of BC is providing $1.7M to expand Foundry mental-health and addiction services to five communities across the province. Once operational, the centres will provide support to both young people aged 12 to 24 and their caregivers by providing free access to services such as counselling, peer support, physical and sexual health care, workshops, and education and employment assistance.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Restaurant Grandjoy Hot Pot has permanently closed its Robson Street location in Vancouver, following a temporary closure on January 6.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Famoso Pizzeria + Bar has permanently closed its Commercial Drive location in Vancouver and a new Italian restaurant called Violete will open in its place.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care has opened a new location in Kamloops on January 15. The care centre will provide both medical consultations and supportive programs such as therapy, nutrition support, and cancer education, in addition to a two-day LIFE Program.

    merrittherald.com

  • The Eskay Creek project, overseen by Skeena Gold + Silver, has received environmental approval and provincial and federal permits to restart mining at a former underground mine located in the Tahltan territory just northwest of Stewart. Initial production is slated to begin by 2027, and the project is expected to create around 1,000 construction jobs and 770 operational jobs.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of BC has announced that starting April 1, mineral exploration permits will be processed in 40 to 140 days based on project complexity. Some improvements include clearer guidance, system changes, and enhanced transparency. Additionally, the budget will be increased by an extra $1M to hire more staff and a further $2M will be provided to support the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of Canada allocating $894K to enhance rural transit services in two BC communities. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District will use the funds to install new bus stops and shelters, while the Semiahmoo First Nation will purchase a new mini-bus for the community.

    canada.ca

  • Plato's Closet, a clothing store aimed at teens and young adults, is opening in Kamloops’ Sahali neighbourhood. The store is slated to open in early to mid-April and is expecting to hire about 20 employees.

    castanet.net

  • Western Canada’s provinces and territories have signed a memorandum of understanding on January 25 to collaborate on developing a shared critical minerals strategy. The agreement aims to position Western Canada as a global hub for innovative and sustainable development, while prioritizing regional critical mineral hubs and facilitating infrastructure planning needed in mineral extraction and export.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Waffle Co., a waffle-focused coffee and dessert shop, is opening on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Hon’s Wonton House has permanently closed its Olympic Village location in Vancouver on January 9.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The City of Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation have successfully raised $1.2M to establish a new senior-friendly emergency department at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The facility will cater to patients aged 65 and older by providing an area with softer lighting, reduced noise, specialized staff, and accessible equipment. The emergency room is set to open in winter 2027.

    nanaimobulletin.com

  • The Port of Prince Rupert is launching three clean technology pilot projects valued at $1.7M. The initiative aims to reduce emissions, improve safety, and support jobs in northern communities. The projects include developing a hydrogen-fuelling station, launching an autonomous zero-emission ocean monitoring system, and installing a data-acquisition system for a short-haul truck at the port.

    thenorthernview.com

  • Buck or Two Plus, a family-run dollar store, has recently opened a new location along Westside Road on Okanagan Indian Band Reserve lands.

    castanet.net

  • The Chemainus mill will remain closed until the end of the year due to weak market demands, high tariffs, and log supply issues. Western Forest Products plans to implement curtailments at other Vancouver Island sites starting February, with the Ladysmith and Saltair sawmills facing two-week operational pauses for similar reasons.

    timescolonist.com

  • TransLink is currently hiring dozens of conventional bus and community shuttle drivers, along with various SkyTrain roles related to safety, engineering, maintenance, and operations. Applications will be accepted until February 9.

    dailyhive.com

  • AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza Joint is opening a new location on Nulelum Way in Tsawwassen.

    dailyhive.com

  • Heavenly Desserts, a U.K.-based dessert café, has opened a new location on Gorge Road in Victoria.

    cheknews.ca

  • Lynx Lounge, a pub and restaurant, is opening at Oliver’s Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course on March 14. The new pub has hired and retrained staff from the previous lounge that recently closed in the same location, with plans to hire more employees in the future.

    okanaganedge.net

  • A First Nations led primary care centre has recently opened on the shared territories of the Sq'ewlets and Sts'ailes Nations in Harrison Mills. The Éyameth’ Health Centre will offer various services including primary care, Elder care, mental health support, traditional wellness and healing, and chronic disease management, in addition to housing an on-site pharmacy.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Restaurant Horin Ramen is opening a new location on No. 3 Road in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Baskin Robbins is opening a new location in Richmond’s Lansdowne Centre.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • JJ Bean, a local coffee chain, is opening a new location in New Westminster’s Uptown district.

    dailyhive.com

  • Barra Gitano, a Mexican restaurant, has recently closed its Davie Street location in Vancouver. A new restaurant specializing in Mexican and Canadian fusion cuisine will be opening in its place in early February.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Fügassa, an Italian eatery, is opening a new location in Osoyoos’ Cottonwood Plaza this spring.

    okanaganedge.net

  • Avery Family Farms is closing its vertical lettuce farm in Okanagan Falls on February 1. The closure is due to ongoing financial difficulties and recent critical equipment failures.

    todayinbc.com

  • Abbotsford Middle School has recently opened a new two-storey building with the ability to accommodate up to 200 more students. The $12M addition features eight new classrooms, an elevator, washrooms, mechanical space, a basketball court, and a playground.

    abbynews.com

  • The City of Victoria has received $750K in federal funding to support a new initiative aimed at preventing crime and improving safety among youth under the age of 30. The funding will go towards 19 projects focused on providing employment case management, counselling, recreation programming, and other social services.

    cheknews.ca

  • Atli Chip LP is closing its wood chip plant in Beaver Cove in March due to ongoing structural changes affecting the coastal forest sector. The company has also noted that the Domtar’s pulp mill closure has significantly reduced the demand for wood chips. Although it is unclear how many jobs will be affected, the plant and related salvaging activities created 25 to 30 full-time jobs in 2024.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Fort St. John Association for Community Living is opening a new community centre sometime this spring. The centre will offer counselling, health supports, and creative programming, in addition to a small computer lab, an accessible commercial kitchen, and a social enterprise café to support hands-on job and life skills training programs.

    cbc.ca

  • The Food Court, a 24-hour cafeteria-style restaurant, has recently opened on No. 3 Road in Richmond on January 21. During its soft opening phase, the restaurant will operate at reduced hours and offer a limited menu.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Dante Italian Sandwich is opening a new location inside the Bentall Centre Mall in downtown Vancouver.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Food Hall has recently opened in North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay on January 24. The dining hall features indoors and outdoor seating, live entertainment, and various local food vendors.

    dailyhive.com

  • The City of Penticton is spending $800K to replace the Kiwanis Pier on Okanagan Lake. Work began on January 26 and will include upgrading the landscape, enhancing lighting, and improving accessibility in the area.

    castanet.net

  • The Government of BC has issued an expansion permit for the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine near Fort St. James. The permit will allow the mine to extend operations by seven years to 2035, while continuing to support the existing 574 jobs on site. Additionally, the mine is planning to increase the ore production rate from 60,000 tonnes per day to 66,500 tonnes per day.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The City of North Vancouver, along with the federal and provincial governments, have opened a new 89-unit affordable rental building. The building will feature a family respite centre with 18 overnight beds and 25 adult daycare spaces to be operated by Care BC.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Hydro is currently reviewing the proposals received during its second call for power in July 2025. Electricity-purchase agreements will be awarded in the coming months, with projects scheduled to come online between fall 2031 and October 2033. The projects are expected to generate $6B in private investment and create about 1,500 jobs annually during the development and construction phase.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Mining company Rio Tinto has renewed a five year partnership with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to fund paid internships and summer student positions at the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre in Vanderhoof. The internships will support four individuals in gaining new on-the-job skills related to white sturgeon recovery initiatives.

    mynechakovalleynow.com
• Week of 2026-01-19 to 2026-01-23

  • Cold Comfort, an ice cream shop, is opening a new location in Victoria’s Rock Bay neighbourhood on January 30.

    cheknews.ca

  • Ricardo’s, an ice cream shop, is opening a new location on Thurlow Street in downtown Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Brathaus, a restaurant specializing in German-style brats, has closed its Gastown location in downtown Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Restaurant Ramen Kounotori has closed its Main Street location in Vancouver. Eggstatic, a Toronto-based brunch chain focused on Middle Eastern cuisine, will open in its place.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The City of Vancouver is spending $1.3M to install two new public toilets in Gastown. The washrooms, which will be built in Oregon, will be a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and safe facility for public use, while also addressing the lack of public facilities available for residents and visitors.

    www.biv.com

  • The City of Victoria is converting a public works building into a 34-bed shelter for those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Individuals moving in will need to receive referrals by an outreach worker. The shelter is currently funded for three years through the province and city and is scheduled to open this spring.

    cbc.ca

  • B.C. Hydro and the Nisga'a First Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding to supply 600 megawatts of electricity to the proposed floating LNG facility on Nisga'a Treaty territory. The Ksi Lisims LNG project is expected to be Canada's second-largest LNG facility, generating $30B in investment and creating thousands of skilled careers once operational. Construction is slated to start this summer.

    cbc.ca

  • Lighthouse Brewing, an Esquimalt-based craft brewery, is closing on January 25 after operating for 27 years.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Government of Canada is providing $1.5M to support the Sexual Harassment Advice, Response and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces) project. The initiative will provide BC workers facing workplace sexual harassment with free legal advice and resources to services such as counselling, housing, and employment support.

    canada.ca

  • JOJO Pot, a hot pot restaurant, has closed its Kingsway location in Burnaby. A Mexican and Colombian restaurant called Diva’s LatinMex will be opening in its place.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce and its development partners are launching a business retention and expansion initiative. The initiative will involve collecting data from local businesses, and sharing the information to better help municipal, regional, provincial, and federal decision-makers form policies around small businesses.

    castanet.net

  • Aitken Community Hospice, a long-term care facility in Courtenay, is reopening three of six hospice beds on February 2. Although a decrease in funding resulted in the facility having to shift its palliative care nurses from hospice to long-term care back in November, the centre has since increased its staffing levels and will be able to operate both the long-term care side and hospice beds.

    cheknews.ca

  • Kit and Ace, a retail clothing store, is opening a new location on Government Street in downtown Victoria.

    retail-insider.com

  • North Point Brewing, a North Vancouver-based brewery, is opening a new location on Murray Street in Port Moody this summer. Once open, the new location will feature a tasting room and dog-friendly patio.

    nsnews.com

  • The federal government, along with Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society and Squamish Community Housing Society, are allocating over $4.9M to retrofit and upgrade Tantalus Manor, a 40-unit rental home located in Squamish. The upgrades will include replacing windows, doors, energy recovery ventilators, and heat pumps, in addition to converting the building from gas to electrical heat and hot water.

    cmhc-schl.gc.ca

  • The Government of Canada is providing about $680K to the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society for specialized equipment upgrades. The funding will help support the society’s technical infrastructure retrofitting project by allowing the theatre to upgrade its rigging system, lighting and audio equipment, and electrical work to meet contemporary safety and performance standards.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada is allocating $2.5M to Kelowna-based MAKR Group, a manufacturer specialized in steel components, playground equipment, and water management systems. The funding will go towards implementing a system that will connect smart manufacturing machines to the internet, enabling the company to track real-time operation statuses.

    canada.ca

  • BBQ & Co, a Cantonese barbecue restaurant, is opening a new location on Cambie Street in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Baohaus Dumpling & Drinks, a handmade dumpling restaurant, is opening a new location on Kingsway in Burnaby.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Pho Capital, a Vietnamese restaurant, is opening a new location on Hollybridge Way in Richmond. Work is currently underway, with the opening scheduled for this winter.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The City of Surrey is building a new overpass above Highway 99 in South Surrey. The $28.75M overpass will feature four vehicle lanes and will involve installing new traffic signals and streetlights, in addition to building a new water main crossing. Construction is scheduled to start in February 2026, with completion expected by December 2027.

    dailyhive.com

  • Telus has begun construction on a new low-rise, mixed-use residential and commercial building located in Vancouver’s West Point Grey Village. The building will feature 55 market rental homes on the upper floors, while retail and restaurant units will be built on the ground floor.

    dailyhive.com

  • A new supportive cancer care centre has opened in downtown Kamloops on January 14. The centre will provide cancer patients and their families with free programs and services such as exercise therapy, nutrition support, counselling, and stress management. A physician referral is not required.

    castanet.net

  • Cozy Carrots, a bunny lounge akin to cat cafes, is opening its first location on Minoru Boulevard in Richmond on January 24.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Qieu Café, a Vietnamese restaurant, has recently closed its Abbott Street location in Vancouver’s Chinatown-Gastown neighbourhood. Another restaurant, Hestia Hearth, is expected to open in its place.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Burdy, an Italian sandwich shop, is opening a permanent location in Vancouver’s Granville Island after recently selling its food truck. Construction will start in February, and the store is expected to be open by late spring.

    dailyhive.com

  • Uchu, a Peruvian cevicheria and raw bar, is opening a new location in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood on February 6.

    dailyhive.com

  • Okanagan College is closing its student-led restaurant, Infusions, and replacing it with a new restaurant that will feature a café and sit-down service. Culinary students will obtain hands-on training in local restaurants over the next 18 months while the new facility is under construction. The new restaurant is scheduled to open in Fall 2027.

    castanet.net

  • The District of Port Hardy has partnered with Island Health to build ten new homes for healthcare workers, aiming to strengthen recruitment efforts in bringing back 24-hour emergency services to the region.

    cheknews.ca

  • The City of Victoria has begun construction on a portion of Blanshard Street between Caledonia Avenue and Kings Road. The upgrades, which are part of an ongoing road improvement project, will include expanding the road and improving the bike lane network. Work is expected to last until January 25, with the entire project scheduled for completion by this summer.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The City of Victoria will begin construction on the Bay Street Bridge starting February 9. The project will involve replacing the main deck joint that allows the bridge to expand and contract with temperature changes, in addition to improving the drainage system that runs underneath. Work will last for four months and will partially disrupt traffic heading east during this time.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Regional District of Nanaimo has approved a $5.2M project to replace and create two new bridges across Thatcher Creek and the Nanaimo River. The project will proceed in phases, with construction slated for 2028.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • The BC government has signed a letter of intent with the state government of Karnataka, India’s largest innovation centre, to boost collaboration in life sciences and technology. The initiative is expected to strengthen the province’s economy by diversifying trade and investment relationships and creating new opportunities for BC’s emerging sectors.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • Rori Momo, a Korean-Japanese restaurant, has permanently closed its Davie Street location in downtown Vancouver on January 15.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Toys ‘R’ Us has closed its Willowbrook Shopping Centre location in Langley on January 13. This marks the closure its last BC location after the company closed three other stores across Metro Vancouver in the previous year.

    dailyhive.com

  • Little Flower Childcare, a daycare located in West Sechelt, is closing in August 2026 as its lease will not be renewed. Although the daycare is looking to secure a new location, it has yet to find a suitable place.

    coastreporter.net

  • Team Collectors, a trading card store, has recently opened a new location in Richmond’s Parker Place Mall on January 3.

    richmond-news.com

  • The Okanagan Manufacturing Network, a new regional association aimed at strengthening the Okanagan manufacturing sector, has recently launched. Local manufacturers, economic development professionals, and supporters can connect through their online portal, with memberships currently being offered for free.

    timeschronicle.ca

  • The Government of Canada is providing $960K over three years to Okanagan’s En'owkin Centre, a society promoting Indigenous knowledge and systems. The funding will go towards a two-year professional development program for Indigenous artists, providing them with interdisciplinary training and mentorship opportunities aimed at advancing their careers and revitalizing traditional Indigenous arts.

    ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com

  • Work to replace the PKOLS (Mt Douglas Park) summit telecommunications tower in Victoria has begun on January 19. The current tower, which is over 20 years old, needs replacement as the aging infrastructure no longer fits federal regulatory standards.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • Domtar recently held a job fair in North Cowichan to help Crofton pulp workers affected by the upcoming mill closure. Several local agencies took part in the fair, with some companies already extending job offers to Crofton employees. A second info session is also scheduled for January 27, where assistance with resume writing, job searching, and employment insurance help will be provided.

    cheknews.ca

  • Three BC-based businesses and universities are developing two new agricultural training programs and a smart-farming system with support from the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation. A total of $658K will be invested in the projects, which will include creating an automated farming system and training programs focused on dry farming and robotic-weeding technologies.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of Canada is allocating $6M to Semiahmoo First Nation to support infrastructure improvements aimed at facilitating future housing development. The funding will go towards extending the community’s water and wastewater systems, building roads, and installing other utility services.

    canada.ca

  • North Island College is suspending 15 programs from its curriculum starting September 2026. The affected programs include various certificate and diploma courses in fields such as business administration, digital design, and coastal forestry.

    cheknews.ca

  • Nonbiri Café is opening a new location on No. 3 Road in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • OneZo Tapioca, a bubble tea store, has closed its West Broadway location in Vancouver on January 15.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Restaurant Ramen Kounotori has recently closed its Main Street location in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The City of Port Moody is set to begin the final phase of the redevelopment of Inlet Park, which includes building a community fieldhouse. The $13.05M project will begin constructing the fieldhouse this month, with work expected to last for about 18 months. The three-storey facility will feature changerooms, universal washrooms, multipurpose rooms, and an outdoor covered viewing deck.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • Arca Climate Technologies Inc., an industrial mineralization company, and Giga Metals Corporation, a Canadian mining company, have entered into a 10-year agreement allowing Arca to assess the use of tailings and waste rock from the Turnagain Nickel Project in northern BC to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The site is expected to produce about 1.3 billion tonnes of ultramafic material once mining starts.

    globenewswire.com

  • Fresh St. Market, a grocery store, is opening a new location on 4th Avenue in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.

    grocerybusiness.ca

  • The Government of Canada is providing funding top-ups to two streams under Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy in Kelowna. The Central Okanagan Foundation will receive $3.9M to fund projects aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness, while the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will receive $2M to enhance Indigenous-focused services.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2026-01-12 to 2026-01-16

  • Sula Café, a local Indian restaurant chain, recently held a soft opening for its new location in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The City of Victoria, along with the federal and provincial governments are allocating over $50M in combined funding to build an additional 77 homes for independent seniors and families at 8 Chown Place. The homes will be owned and operated by The Gorge View Society.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Municipality of North Cowichan, along with the federal and provincial governments are allocating over $65M in combined funding to build 92 affordable co-op housing units in the region. The project is expected to be completed in early 2028 and will be owned and operated by the Community Land Trust.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of British Columbia is receiving over $345K in federal funding to increase access to French health services in the province. The funding will help improve health services for the Francophone communities by enhancing digital health platforms and allowing patients to select their preferred official language.

    canada.ca

  • Persian BBQ has opened a restaurant location on Denman Street in Vancouver’s West End. The location had previously housed Burger Zoghali, a North Vancouver-based burger place, before it closed recently over winter.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The Government of Canada is allocating $49M to rebuild the Capilano River Hatchery in North Vancouver. The project aims to make the hatchery more interactive and modernize the facility, designing it to withstand changing climate challenges and bringing it up to current seismic standards. Demolition of the public-facing building will begin this summer and fall.

    delta-optimist.com

  • Chipotle is opening a new location on Davie Street in downtown Vancouver on January 15.

    dailyhive.com

  • Demolition of the former Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver tower has begun, with crews dismantling the building from the top down. Although Cadillac Fairview, the company that owns the building, plans to develop a new tower which includes a hotel, no specific proposal has been submitted yet.

    dailyhive.com

  • The City of Abbotsford, along with the provincial government and BC Transit are partnering to build an $8.1M transit exchange in the Highstreet area of Mt. Lehman Road. The new exchange will feature five new bus bays, new transit shelters, enhanced street lighting, bike racks, and a new multi-use pathway. Work is slated to start in late January and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

    abbynews.com

  • Construction is underway to build a 55-unit supportive housing facility on McGill Road in Kamloops. The project will provide temporary housing and support those transitioning out of shelters and into permanent homes. The facility will also provide residents with daily meals, life skills and employment training, health care referrals, overdose prevention, and harm reduction services.

    castanet.net

  • Victoria General Hospital has renovated its pediatric waiting area, aimed at creating a more welcoming environment for young patients and their families. The $75,000 project features softer lighting, interactive play stations, and better seating arrangements, in addition to incorporating sensory friendly elements to support children with diverse needs.

    victoriabuzz.com

  • The Walmart in Squamish is undergoing renovations to become a Supercentre, which will offer fresh produce. The changes are in response to growing demands for affordable groceries within the community. A grand reopening is slated for summer 2026.

    squamishchief.com

  • Graham Construction has recently completed building the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex in Surrey. The $132M facility, which began construction in summer 2022, includes two NHL-sized rinks to accommodate both ice and dry-floor activities. The arena features 400 spectator seats, community spaces, dressing rooms, public washrooms, and skate-rental services.

    constructconnect.com

  • Aesop, a beauty supply store, has recently opened a new store on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver.

    retail-insider.com

  • Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao Daily News will be permanently closing its business on January 31. The company has newsrooms in both Richmond and Toronto, however the number of employees based in each location has not been specified. A total of 60 employees have been terminated.

    ctvnews.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with the Comox Valley Regional District to expand bus services, effective January 1. Some improvements include expanding Route 5 Vanier and increasing the number of trips offered, in addition to increasing Sunday service on Route 2 Cumberland, Route 6 Uplands and Route 8 Downtown.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with the Victoria Regional Transit System to expand bus services, effective January 5. Some improvements include updating routes to improve reliability, increasing the frequency of trip, and expanding evening services, in addition to adding a new route between Esquimalt, View Royal, and Saanich.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with three lower mainland cities to expand bus services, effective January 4. Some improvements include increasing the frequency of bus services during peak times and adding additional weekend trips.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with the City of Kamloops to expand bus services, effective January 4. Some improvements include expanding the hours on Routes 1, 3, and 7 and modifying trip times to improve schedule reliability.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with the City of Kelowna and the City of West Kelowna to expand bus services, effective January 4. Some improvements include increasing bus services, creating new bus routes, expanding handyDART hours on Sundays.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with the City of Prince George to expand bus services, effective January 5. Some improvements include expanding service on routes 5 and 15, in addition to increasing service hours on routes 88 and 89, which travel from College Heights to the Hart Centre Mall.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • BC Transit and the BC government are partnering with the District of Squamish to expand bus services, effective January 4. Some improvements include increasing the frequency of routes 1 Brackendale and 2 Highlands by adding one additional trip on weekdays and one additional late-evening trip on Sundays.

    news.gov.bc.ca

  • The Government of Canada and Metro Vancouver are allocating nearly $36M in combined funding to repair and renew 715 units across the Metro Vancouver Housing portfolio. The repairs will be made across nine properties throughout the region and will include projects focused on upgrading energy systems, improving community spaces, and replacing exterior features.

    cmhc-schl.gc.ca

  • Metro Vancouver has begun work to upgrade the Stoney Creek sewer system as of January 12. The $12.25M project will involve digging trenches and installing a three-kilometre pipe along the roadway between Burnaby and Coquitlam. Work will be done in three phases, with the overall completion scheduled for 2029.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • Oakberry, an acai bowls and smoothies shop, is opening a new location at the Galleria Concord Gardens in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Cotti Coffee, a Chinese coffee chain, is opening a new location at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Ultramarinos Pepe, a small Spanish grocery store, is opening a new location on West 16th in Vancouver in mid-February.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • The City of Kamloops is providing over $123K in grant funding to six non-profit organizations offering programs and services to vulnerable youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. The funding will help support programs focus on developing life skills, providing safe transpiration, and offering social and mental health services.

    castanet.net

  • Canco Petroleum has recently opened a new gas station located in Kelowna’s Lower Mission.

    castanet.net

  • Paragon Tea Room launched a soft opening for its new Cambie Street location in Vancouver on January 12.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Port Alberni’s intensive care unit (ICU) will remain closed despite recently hiring three new specialist nurses. The closure has been ongoing since late November 2025 due to a shortage of ICU internal medicine doctors and nurses. Recruitment efforts to hire more registered nurses are currently ongoing, with nine candidates undergoing interviews.

    timescolonist.com

  • The Township of Langley is set to create a new urban public park atop the new Jericho drinking water reservoir in Willoughby’s Smith neighbourhood. The project aims to transform the facility’s concrete roof into a public space with food and beverage vendors, a mini golf course, and a playground. The timeline for construction has not been decided.

    dailyhive.com

  • Savor Hill, a bakery specializing in meat floss cakes, has opened a new location on Alexandra Road in Richmond on January 9.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • A new 10-storey addictions treatment hospital is set to be built in Surrey. The facility will offer a range of medical, health care, and community services, including both outpatient and short-term overnight stays. The design will feature a 100-stall underground parking lot and will also allow for future expansions to the building.

    dailyhive.com

  • Smithers Airport is wrapping up work on a $3.6M lighting upgrade. The project focused on improving aircraft safety and visibility by replacing the facility’s lighting system from incandescent to brighter LED lights. Work is currently paused for winter due to weather but is expected to resume in spring and be completed by summer.

    mybulkleylakesnow.com

  • Catfé, Vancouver’s first cat cafe, has recently reopened at International Village after being closed for three months to undergo renovations. The upgrades included repurposing the old furnishings and reorganizing the space to be more cat friendly.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of Canada has awarded a $37.5M contract to Dawson Civil Ltd. for stabilization work on Highway 97 near Quesnel. The project, set to begin in early 2026, is the third part of a larger initiative to enhance the slope stability near the road. Additionally, a $3.8M contract has been given to Peterson Contracting Ltd. to restore the Bastin Road and Nyland Lake Road at Bastin Hill.

    constructconnect.com

  • Hey Yearn Restaurant, a restaurant specializing in Wuzhi clay pot cuisine, is opening at the Union Square Shopping Centre in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • The Barriere Seniors Society Centre has reopened on January 6 after being closed for a week due to heating issues. While half of the building now has heat, the full heating system will need to be replaced. The society is currently seeking grants and other means to raise funds as the replacement is estimated to cost $22,000.

    ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com

  • Cafe and Life Co. has recently reopened a location in West Vancouver after closing its previous Vancouver café months prior.

    vancouverisawesome.com

  • Mad Hatter Bistro, a whimsically themed restaurant, is opening in Vancouver’s Hastings-Sunrise community.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Municipality of North Cowichan is seeking a wildfire specialist to support wildfire protection planning for the region. The municipality is allocating $95,000 for the position for the first year, after which the position will be funded through general taxation. Additionally, North Cowichan has allocated $115K to develop the Strategic North Cowichan Wildfire Plan.

    ladysmithchronicle.com

  • The Government of Canada is allocating over $6.6M through the Crime Prevention Action Fund to three Indigenous-led projects in Prince George. The projects will focus on supporting youth in building life and employment skills, strengthening cultural connections, and reducing risk factors linked to crime.

    canada.ca

  • The City of Maple Ridge is planning to turn a century-old golf course into a public park featuring sports fields and recreational facilities. The project will first add two large baseball fields and a 300-stall parking lot, followed by the construction of the aquatic and community centre.

    dailyhive.com

  • The City of Vancouver is moving forward with plans to widen the sidewalks in Davie Village, a retail stripe within the downtown area. Work will involve replacing most of the curbside vehicle parking spaces on both sides of the street to expand the walking areas. The project will also create opportunities for additional restaurant patios and new street furniture.

    dailyhive.com

  • Caravanserai, a restaurant focused on Uyghur and Halal Central Asian cuisine, recently opened a new location on Southeast Marine Drive in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Villa Vietnamese, a Vietnamese restaurant, has permanently closed its Lansdowne Centre location in Richmond.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Na-Re Korean Kitchen, a restaurant focused on Korean comfort food, has closed its Edmonds Street location in Burnaby on January 6.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • BC’s Interior Health Authority has paused in-person general neurology consults due to a shortage of specialists. Instead, emergency physicians in rural areas will work with a virtual team from Vancouver to assess critical cases. The health authority currently has 11 neurologists but would need to double that amount to maintain services. Recruitment efforts are currently ongoing.

    citynews.ca

  • Good Co. bar and restaurant has closed its Bayview Street location in Steveston on January 8.

    richmond-news.com

  • The City of Delta is seeking bids from qualified firms to build a new bike park in East Ladner. The final concept design, which was approved last fall, will feature an asphalt pump track and dirt jump trails. The project was given a $500K budget and is expected to be completed by September 2026.

    delta-optimist.com

  • Statistics Canada is hiring around 32,000 individuals for the 2026 census, with positions running from March 2026 to July 2026 depending on the position and location. Compensation will range from $25.87 for non-supervisory enumerator positions and $31.32 for supervisory crew leader positions.

    cheknews.ca

  • The Mission Memorial Hospital has restored full-time emergency room coverage as of January 7 after temporarily reducing overnight hours for nine days.

    missioncityrecord.com

  • Hoodoo Adventures, a tour company that also runs a climbing gym and equipment rental centre, is closing its Ellis Street location in Penticton on February 1.

    castanet.net

  • London Drugs is closing its Woodward's building location in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside on February 1. Although the closure will affect 90 employees, they have been offered positions in nearby stores.

    cbc.ca

  • Style Rite, a retail clothing store in Fort Nelson, has closed on January 5 after 46 years of operations.

    energeticcity.ca
• Week of 2026-01-05 to 2026-01-09

  • The District of Taylor is currently accepting applications for its Business Façade Improvement Program until April 30. The program aims to help businesses enhance the appearance of their commercial properties by providing a one-time 50% reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per building or project. Additionally, the program will also support recruitment efforts, new businesses, and residents.

    energeticcity.ca

  • The City of Port Coquitlam has granted a five-year extension and a 3% funding increase to the city’s Business Improvement Association. The extension, amounting to about $1M over five years, will help fund initiatives in supporting local businesses, beautifying streets, and conserving heritage property.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • Metro Vancouver is currently working on a 1.6 km water main project along Dewdney Trunk Road. Although work on that section of the water main is expected to finish by April, the entire project is expected to take until 2032. Additionally, Metro Vancouver aims to double water extractions from Coquitlam Lake by the late 2030s.

    tricitiesdispatch.com

  • Local Pizza, a Vancouver Island-based pizza chain, is opening a new location on Robson Stret in Vancouver.

    nomsmagazine.com

  • Zebraclub, an apparel and lifestyle items store, has closed its Granville Street location in Vancouver.

    dailyhive.com

  • The Government of BC has awarded a $242M contract for the Highway 11 interchange project in Fraser Valley to a joint venture between three construction companies. Work will begin this month and will replace the interchange on Highway 1, widening the highway to accommodate increased traffic volumes.

    constructconnect.com

  • The City of Quesnel has approved a temporary use permit for a 16-bed shelter located on Elliott Street in West Quesnel. The shelter is slated to run from January 1 to April 30.

    mycariboonow.com

  • The Regional District of Nanaimo and City of Nanaimo are hosting open houses for a four-year construction project starting this spring. The upgrades will enhance wastewater services by replacing aging infrastructure to accommodate the growing population. Pre-construction work is expected to begin later this month. The total costs are expected to be around $183M.

    nanaimonewsnow.com

  • Smart N Save has recently launched a soft opening of its new location in Richmond’s Garden City Plaza. The store will sell various Asian goods including snacks, cleaning supplies, beauty masks, and model kits. The original location, situated nearby at Landsdowne Centre, is slated to close once the area undergoes redevelopment.

    nomsmagazine.com