Douglas Weekly 2025

Douglas Weekly – July 29

July 29, 2025

VIEA President Julie Sperber speaks at the annual Economic Summit. Photo: Dirk Heydemann.

IN THE KNOW:

Registration opens for 2025 State of the Island Economic Summit

Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA)’s annual Economic Summit has released Early Bird registrations for the conference, which will be held October 28 – 30 in Nanaimo.

It will explore the intersection of policy, leadership, and systems change, while spotlighting strategies for building economic resilience through regional collaboration, values-aligned investment, and adaptive policy that reflects on-the-ground realities.

Key themes include housing as infrastructure, policy innovation, supply chain and trade, food security, and the integration of artificial intelligence in local industries.

The program features keynote speaker Mike Fata – co-founder of Manitoba Harvest, now an investor and mentor – whose story of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and systems-aware leadership will set the tone for high-impact dialogue.

Susan Mowbray of MNP also returns to present the much-anticipated State of the Island Report, offering insights on economic trends, regional performance, and future projections. Two additional keynote presentations will round out the mainstage program.

“We’re not just convening a conference – we’re convening a conversation about the kind of future we want to build,” says Julie Sperber, President and CEO of VIEA. “This year’s Summit asks delegates to lead from where they are, invest in systems that work for more people, and explore bold ideas rooted in local knowledge and global thinking.”

Early bird pricing is available until August 28.

Sooke Harbour House is under new ownership

West Vancouver restaurateur and businessman Luke Evanow has acquired the iconic Sooke Harbour House, a 28-room, three-storey oceanfront hotel on Whiffin Spit Road.

The sale, completed with previous owner IAG Enterprises of North Vancouver, marks another chapter for the property, which underwent more than $10 million in renovations after a 2020 court-ordered sale and reopened its doors last year.

Although Evanow declined to disclose the purchase price, he says he will refresh the hotel by replacing the Copper Room lounge with a more casual dining concept aimed at attracting visitors province-wide, while maintaining the Harbour House’s reputation for farm-to-table and organic cuisine.

The acquisition is Fred’s Hospitality Group’s second waterfront hotel purchase this year, after the Driftwood Motor Inn in Sechelt. Evanow, also CEO of Foundry Commercial Kitchens, brings significant hospitality experience and intends to revitalize the landmark while building on its West Coast culinary traditions.

Lori Wanamaker appointed Royal Roads chancellor and board chair

Lori Wanamaker, former deputy minister to the premier, cabinet secretary and head of the BC Public Service has been appointed Royal Roads University’s next chancellor and chair of the Board of Governors effective this week.

Wanamaker previously served on the board as a Lieutenant Governor in Council appointee. She succeeds Nelson Chan, who completes his term as chancellor and board chair in July.

Wanamaker is a chartered professional accountant who has more than 30 years of government experience, including numerous deputy minister and assistant deputy minister roles. She holds an MBA from Royal Roads and has served on the boards of several Crown Corporations and agencies including BC Hydro, BC Transportation Infrastructure Corporation; BC Infrastructure Benefits Corporation; Forest Innovation Investments; the Justice Institute of BC; and Land and Water BC.

In her new role, Wanamaker will preside over convocation where she will confer academic credentials in the ceremonial role of chancellor, and chair the Board of Governors, which carries the responsibilities of a traditional university board and senate together.

“I’m honoured to be stepping into this vital role for the university,” says Wanamaker. “As an alum of the Master of Business Administration in Executive Management, I have distinct memories from my RRU convocation of an unparalleled sense of community, connection and celebration. I keenly look forward to supporting our graduates.”

She will be officially installed as chancellor at the university’s convocation ceremonies in November.

Uniqlo to open first Victoria store

Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo will open its first Victoria location at Mayfair Shopping Centre this fall.

The move is part of a broader growth strategy that includes new stores in Calgary, Edmonton, and Quebec City, bringing Uniqlo’s total footprint in Canada to 37 stores. CEO Yuya Tanahashi described the expansion as a significant milestone, emphasizing the retailer’s ongoing commitment to community and accessibility.

The Mayfair location will offer Uniqlo’s signature LifeWear apparel for all ages, alongside seasonal collaborations and graphic T-shirts; local shoppers already have online access to the brand.

Since its founding in Hiroshima in 1984, Uniqlo has established over 2,500 global stores, entering the Canadian market in Toronto in 2016 and now operating 33 outlets nationwide.

BC Tech Map shows significant economic impact

The newly released 2025 BC Tech Map, which offers a comprehensive overview of the province’s innovation ecosystem, shows that the tech industry is now the fastest-growing sector in B.C., boasting more than 11,000 companies and employing 220,000 people.

The industry is projected to generate more new jobs than any other sector over the next decade. Growth is happening province-wide, not just in Metro Vancouver—tech talent and pioneering companies are driving advancement in cities like Nanaimo, Kamloops, Prince George, and Kelowna as well.

B.C. has established itself as a leader across diverse tech verticals including artificial intelligence, AR/VR/MR, blockchain, cleantech, cloud/SaaS, digital health, fintech, gaming, life sciences, and cybersecurity.

Destination Canada says tourism sector is booming

Canada’s tourism sector grew twice as fast as the broader economy in 2024, according to a GDP infographic developed in collaboration with Statistics Canada.

In 2024, tourism was among the fastest growing sectors, contributing $50.8 billion to Canada’s GDP accounting for 1.8% of overall GDP. That’s a 3.6% growth rate (inflation adjusted) from the previous year and outpaces the national GDP growth rate of 1.7%.

The data also shows tourism export revenue is up 7% year on year (inflation adjusted), contributing more to GDP than some of the largest industrial sectors like mining or automotive manufacturing.

It sustains more than 265,000 businesses in 5,000 communities from coast to coast to coast and one in 10 workers across the economy are supported by tourism industries.

Nominations open for Victoria Chamber board

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is seeking applications for its board of directors. Each board member is elected for a two-year term with staggered renewal dates. This year, four board positions are up for election and nominations to the Board will be open from now until August 28.

Trade Accelerator Program seeks fall applicants

Applications are open for the Fall cohort of the Trade Accelerator Program Vancouver Island and Coast Region.

Run by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade at sites across the province, TAP supports the strategic development of small and medium-sized companies, preparing them for expansion into international markets.