IN THE KNOW:
Inaugural Design Awards celebrates local talent
Design Victoria held its first Island Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) last week at the Rifflandia Showroom in Rock Bay. The Awards recognize outstanding creativity and design talent driving innovation across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
“The creative sector on Vancouver Island is thriving — full of people who build, make, and design in ways that shape how we live,” said Carla Sorrell, founder of Design Victoria and the Island Design Excellence Awards. “From architecture and product design to community initiatives, the work being created on the Island is exceptional. IDEA is about recognizing that — and giving our creative community the visibility it deserves.”
An independent panel of judges from the Island and across Canada evaluated submissions for creativity, functionality, sustainability, and cultural impact.
Winners took home a piece of the island, with awards made from 100% Natural Vancouver Island Black Carmanah Marble, sponsored and fabricated by Vancouver Island Marble Quarries and designed by Becoming Design Studio.
The list of winners can be found here.
Island city applies for Home Town Makeover
The City of Port Alberni wants to be the featured community in HGTV’s inaugural Home Town Takeover Canada series.
The televised renovation contest, a Canadian adaptation of the U.S. hit, promises to transform one lucky small town’s main street, public gathering spaces, homes, and businesses, spotlighting local spirit and potential on screens nationwide.
If selected, Port Alberni would benefit from a series of major upgrades, including the revitalization of six public spaces, six businesses, and six homes—an economic and cultural boost that could attract new visitors and investment.
Production on Home Town Takeover Canada is set to begin in 2026, with the show debuting on HGTV and Citytv+ in late 2026 or early 2027. The process required Port Alberni to submit a comprehensive proposal demonstrating not only its need for a makeover, but also the resilience, history, and community pride that make it a strong candidate.
Competition is stiff: other towns across Canada, including Rocky Mountain House, AB and St. Stephen, NB, are also vying for the spotlight.
HGTV’s Home Town Takeover series has a track record of catalyzing economic and cultural renewal in selected communities. With Port Alberni in the running, city officials hope it could help accelerate the region’s shift from traditional resource industries toward new opportunities in ocean technology and tourism. Finalists will be announced in the coming months.
Telegraph Cove well on the way to full recovery after devastating fire
After a 2024 New Year’s Eve fire destroyed landmarks like the Old Saltery Pub, a whale tour office, and sections of its beloved boardwalk, Telegraph Cove Resort has announced the community is well on its way to recovery.
Significant repairs have already been completed, allowing for a partial reopening: hotel rooms and most cabins are once again welcoming guests, nature tours are operational, and new amenities are in place.
Resort manager Gordie Graham described strong community support and brisk summer reservations as signals of resilience and hope, telling Global News that “The response of our neighbours and everybody else has sure taken the edge off the tragedy… I think it’s going to be a good year. It’s a very important place to so many people and the North Island.”
Telegraph Cove Resort plans a full reopening in 2026, and in the meantime is encouraging visitors to visit and witness its transformation first hand.
Two Island insurance companies announce consolidation
B.C.’s Waypoint Insurance and Seafirst Insurance have rebranded under the national Navacord brand.
The rebrand includes Waypoint Insurance Services, Waypoint Benefits & Financial Services, and Seafirst Insurance Brokers from B.C., alongside Lloyd Sadd Insurance and Iridium Risk Services in Alberta, and Ives Insurance and Insurance Store in Ontario.
In a release, Navacord’s President and CEO Shawn DeSantis said aligning these brokerages under one brand enhances value for both clients and employees while accelerating growth and leadership in the industry.
Founded in 2014, Navacord is one of Canada’s fastest-growing multi-line insurance brokerages, employing 3,700 people nationwide and placing over $5 billion in premiums annually.
October Labour Report shows continuing challenges with cause for optimism
The Province says B.C.’s labour market weathered continued economic turbulence in October, posting a modest loss of 2,900 jobs amid ongoing pressures from U.S. tariffs targeting construction and forestry sectors.
Gains in transportation and warehousing offset some of these losses and marked a positive turnaround after two months of declines.
Longer term figures point to provincial resilience, with year-over-year employment up by 36,100 jobs—including a notable increase of 27,400 positions in the private sector.
B.C.’s unemployment rate ticked up to 6.6%, remaining the fourth-lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.9% for October.
Over the past year, the province has gained 17,900 construction jobs and 13,500 manufacturing jobs, showing strength in key industries despite short-term setbacks.
Provincial leaders emphasized ongoing efforts to diversify trade relationships and support affected sectors, including the launch of forestry trade offices in the United Kingdom and a joint task force with the federal government to help buffer economic shocks.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
NOVEMBER
November 13: EcoStar Awards
November 15: Colourful Business Expo
November 17 – 21: Victoria Tech Week
November 21: Discover Tectoria
November 18: Chamber Marketplace Mixer
November 20: City of Colwood Prosperity Roundtable
November 25: Chamber Breakfast with Mayor Alto
DECEMBER
December 1 -2: Government Innovation Week
December 5: Destination Greater Victoria Christmas Luncheon
JANUARY
January 26 – 28: 2026 IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit
APRIL
April 1: VIATEC Awards
Douglas Weekly brings local business news, insights and community spotlights to keep Victoria and Vancouver Island In the Know. Got a story tip? Email us.
