Respectfully conducting our business on the unceded traditional

territory of the Hupačasath and Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] First Nations.

AGM June 2023

Congratulations to our new Board of Directors!

We had outstanding attendance and engagement for our 2023 Annual General Meeting, and are excited to get down to business! We wish to thank all of our outgoing directors - we appreciate all of you and your contributions to the Chamber over the past year, and we thank you for your continued investment and membership into our business community.

Pictured, left to right: Mary Clare Massicotte, Tiana Bryant, Terry Deakin, Crystal Knudsen, Nicholas Metzger, Jack Roland, Tim Morrison Photo Credit: Vibe Media

Many thanks to our sponsors, Scotiabank and Ineo Employment Services.

Cameron Bluffs Wildfire Update

After more than two weeks of closure, Highway 4 on Vancouver Island will reopen at 3 p.m. (Pacific time) on Friday, June 23, 2023.

The highway will operate with single-lane-alternating traffic at Cameron Lake Bluffs to keep travellers safe and accommodate safety measures to minimize the hazard of falling debris as the slope continues to recover from the effects of wildfire.

Highway 4 will be open to residents, travellers and commercial traffic. The ministry urges all drivers to use patience as traffic queues are expected to be extensive. The detour will remain available until Highway 4 fully reopens. The ministry will continue to monitor traffic flow and safety through the site to determine if any further restrictions are warranted.

The highway will have a phased opening, with successful mitigation efforts – such as installation of a temporary concrete barrier wall and protective mesh curtains – acting as barricades to potential falling debris. A full reopening is expected in July.  

Read the Full News Release

Local Businesses, we need your input📣- deadline Monday June 26 at 5:00pm

We understand that the Highway 4 closure has significant implications for local businesses, and we want to hear from you! We kindly request all businesses affected by the closure to complete our survey. The survey will close on Monday June 26 at 5pm. Thank you to all who have already answered, your responses have been excellent.

By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of the wildfires on local businesses. This survey is being conducted by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and Alberni Valley Tourism Association to gauge the economic impact of the Cameron Bluffs Wildfire on our community.

We thank you for your assistance in giving us the information we need to advocate on behalf of local businesses and organizations. No confidential information will be shared unless you are asking for someone to call you back.

Island Coastal Inter-Community Transportation Study

Island Coastal Economic Trust (the Trust) and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), with funding provided by the Province, are exploring passenger transportation between communities on Vancouver Island and parts of coastal B.C., including the Sunshine Coast.

The focus is on passenger transportation connections between communities, especially in rural and remote areas as well as the islands, that are either not currently served or are underserved by buses, ferries, water taxis, float planes, community shuttles, or other ways of getting around. Connections between transportation modes (e.g., ferry to bus) are also included. This study will look at what exists today with community-to-community transportation, will consult on the challenges and barriers, and will bring forward the opportunities to better connect communities. The purpose is to provide the provincial government with information to help inform future policy and investment decisions in the region.

The survey is open until June 30, and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Participants can enter a draw to win one of five $100 VISA gift cards).

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming celebration of Island Good Days throughout this entire week! The City of Port Alberni Local Government has officially recognized and proclaimed Island Good Days. This week remains a significant struggle for numerous businesses, facing delays or suspensions in freight deliveries with no definite time frame, as well as a decline in visitor numbers to our exceptional hospitality establishments. It is crucial, now more than ever, to rally behind our local businesses! Take a moment to explore these remarkable Island Good businesses and show them your support and appreciation this week.

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation

Congratulations to Twin City Brewing and Dog Mountain Brewing

We raise our glasses to Twin City Brewing Company and Dog Mountain Brewing for their well deserved success and remarkable accomplishments at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards!

Their contributions to the thriving Canadian beer industry are amazing. Cheers to their success and continued pursuit of brewing perfection!

Twin City Brewing Company: Their dedication to brewing excellence has resulted in a well-deserved Bronze medal for their Nocturne Belgian-style Quadrupel in the category of Belgian-Style Dubbel Or Quadrupel, a Bronze medal for their Unicycle Sour IPA w/ El Dorado in the category of American-style Sour Ale and, their Bottlecap Cherry Cola Sour claimed another Bronze medal in the Experimental Beer category. Additionally, their Obscura Berliner-Style Weisse w/ Plum has earned them a Silver medal in the category of German-Style Sour Ale. These accolades are a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and innovation showcased by Twin City Brewing Company.

Dog Mountain Brewing: Outstanding achievement at the Canadian Beer Awards. Their Friar Belgian Quad has been awarded the Gold medal in the category of Belgian-Style Dubbel Or Quadrupel. This recognition highlights Dog Mountain Brewing's commitment to brewing excellence and their ability to create exceptional brews.

Portal Players - Best Actor Award

We are pleased to extend our congratulations to The Portal Players Dramatic Society and the talented Darien Edgeler! He has been recognized for his outstanding achievements at the North Island Zone Festival, where he was awarded the prestigious title of 'Best Actor in a Male Role'. This well-deserved accolade celebrates his exceptional portrayal of John Barrymore in the captivating production of 'I Hate Hamlet'. We applaud Edgeler for his remarkable talent and dedication!

Sage Haven Society

Sage Haven is currently in search of volunteers for their Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP). Volunteers play a crucial role in providing after-hour support, offering emotional assistance, and accompanying individuals in crisis. Volunteers will also be working closely with the Forensic Nurse Program. Volunteers help bridge gaps and connect survivors to other community resources. The training program for SARP volunteers is a research-based, interactive course that spans 20 hours. This comprehensive training equips volunteers with the necessary skills to fulfill their role effectively. 

If you are interested in making a difference and helping those affected by sexual assault, consider volunteering with Sage Haven's SARP. (250) 736-0707 Or (250) 206-2687, https://sagehavensociety.org/