IN THE KNOW:
Seaweed biomaterials company nets top prize at COAST Pitchfest
SeaFoam, a Vancouver-based ocean startup developing carbon-negative seaweed-based building insulation, has been named winner of COAST Pitchfest 2025—bringing home a $10,000 cash prize provided by Pitchfest presenting sponsors Seaspan and Innovate BC.
The construction of a new home in Canada can yield carbon emissions equivalent to 72 flights across the country, and replacing traditional materials for sustainable products can help reduce emissions.
Co-founded by product engineer and architect Amy Yang alongside architect and social entrepreneur Chloe Doesburg, SeaFoam aims to address this problem by offering a solution for carbon-negative materials for building insulation to Canada’s booming construction industry.
By combining locally sourced waste paper, waste wood, and seaweed byproducts, SeaFoam has developed a non-toxic, fire and rot resistant material for building insulation that can reduce the overall emissions associated with building construction up to 20%, compared with homes built using traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass.
Yang pitched the early-stage venture to a panel of industry and investment experts during COAST Pitchfest on October 29 at the COAST Innovation Hub in Victoria as one of five finalists selected to showcase their innovations during COAST Pitchfest.
The competition drew applicants from across Canada, representing a breadth of ocean-related solutions, from surface and deep sea robotics, to offshore electric charging stations for boats.
Victoria-based finalist Sailbotix is developing the world’s smallest uncrewed, robotic, energy-harvesting surface vessels capable of months-long missions.
Vancouver-based conservation organization Ocean Wise presented the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS), a cutting-edge conservation tool created in partnership with professional mariners which protects whales from ship strikes and disturbance by alerting ships to their presence in real time.
Toronto-based Deepwater Robotics Inc. showcased their long-range, low-cost autonomous, uncrewed vessels to enable survey and data collection across a range of applications and industries.
Victoria-based Mostar Labs pitched LilyPad, a mobile floating charging platform for electric boats enabling rapid deployment that serves recreational marinas, defense operations, and remote energy systems to bridge commercial marine innovation with strategic defense applications.
The audience selected Mostar Labs and their LilyPad innovation as the winner of the Pitchfest People’s Choice Award, in recognition of a promising innovation and well-executed presentation.
Members of the judging panel included Elizabeth Dutton, Chief Operating Officer at Innovate BC; Jennifer Busler, Senior Manager of Innovation at Seaspan; Carol Hall, Senior Director, Innovation & Impact at the Victoria Foundation; David Molinski, clean technology consultant and former Executive Director of the North Pacific Green Corridor Consortium; and Golriz Fattahi, Chief Executive Officer of Alacrity Canada.
Of the award, Yang said “SeaFoam was incubated at COAST from the start, so this recognition feels like a real signal that our early work is landing. It’s helping us build momentum — toward key research and development, intellectual property, and the partnerships we need to bring ocean-regenerative insulation to market. Our mission has always been to turn construction into a climate solution, and this takes us one step closer.”
Michelin stars awarded to Island establishments
The Michelin Guide has awarded its 2025 prestigious “Keys”—the hotel equivalent of its famed restaurant Stars—to four Vancouver Island properties, acknowledging exceptional stays, service, and guest experience.
The Fairmont Empress and Magnolia Hotel & Spa, two prominent downtown Victoria hotels, were each awarded one Michelin Key for the second year in a row, reflecting their continued excellence and guest satisfaction.
The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino was recognized with a one-Michelin Key, following its previous two-Key honour last year, reflecting some shifting in Michelin’s scoring for 2025.
The Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge achieved the rare and elite distinction of three Michelin Keys—making it one of only two hotels in Canada to earn this top-level recognition. The luxury wilderness retreat is celebrated for its canvas “glamping” tents, spa, and high-end cuisine, with nightly rates starting at $2,950.
The Michelin Guide’s hotel Key program was launched in 2024. Keys recognize architecture, design, service, guest experience, and value. Three Keys denote an “extraordinary” stay; two Keys mean “exceptional”; one Key, “very special”.
Out of 38 Canadian hotels recognized in 2025, four are on Vancouver Island, showing the region’s strong reputation with discerning global travellers.
Police Foundation announces new Executive Director
Samantha Krzywonos is the new Executive Director for the Greater Victoria Police Foundation.
A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with more than 20 years of experience in volunteer leadership, fundraising, and community service, Krzywonos is well versed in developing and managing major fundraising campaigns and strategic initiatives that strengthen communities and inspire giving.
During her twelve years with the University of Victoria across multiple faculties, and close to a decade in healthcare fundraising previously, she played a key role in initiatives such as a $25‑million capital campaign helping to enhance patient care, raised millions to support fine arts students, and expanded capacity for positive social impact.
Krzywonos also spent 10 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, and has served for the last three years as President of the Navy League of Canada’s Saanich Peninsula Branch, promoting youth engagement and leadership. She is the past Board Chair of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre.
“Community engagement is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission,” said Robert Jawl, Chair of the Greater Victoria Police Foundation. “Sam, as our new Executive Director, brings not only exceptional fundraising expertise, but also a deep-rooted commitment to service, mentorship, and the well-being of the region. We are thrilled to welcome her to this important leadership role.”
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to Andrea Wright, who as our interim executive director, helped us build our strong foundation and propel the GVPF to the success it is today,” says Jawl.
BC Non-Profit Recognition Day is today
First proclaimed by the Province in 2023, BC Non-Profit Recognition Day highlights the non-profit’s sector’s significant contribution to the social and economic fabric of the province.
The sector represents 377,000 jobs with a workforce that is 69% female, 34% immigrants, 5% Indigenous, and 37% visible minorities. In 2023, the sector contributed $31.8 billion to B.C.’s GDP, underscoring that non-profits are essential to B.C.’s health and vitality.
In a release, the province notes that the non-profit sector supports all facets of life, from housing and poverty reduction to the arts, the environment, childcare and much more, noting that it also recognizes the ongoing need for support and partnerships to help these organizations respond to increased service pressures during uncertain times.
A report on the 2025 State of BC’s Non-profit Sector survey, conducted by Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit Network, shares the feedback provided by 500 non-profit leaders across B.C. The report says non-profit organizations are facing more severe community challenges, and a greater demand for programs, services and activities. They also face flat revenues and increasing costs. The report says these non-profits are also exploring and investing in fund development, planning, and governance to adapt under pressure.
Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation says “more than ever, charitable organizations are essential to delivering vital services to communities throughout the province. BC Non-Profit Recognition Day comes at an important time, emphasizing the need for a sustainable sector that makes our communities thrive during unpredictable times. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and supporters who are making a lasting impact.”
Popular restaurant lives on under new owners, will now include an art gallery
Saanich council has unanimously approved a proposal that will see the historic Beach House in Cordova Bay operated as both a public art gallery and restaurant for the next three years, following considerable public interest in preserving the property’s dual role.
Aragon Properties, who took over after the restaurant closed and cleared out its fixtures earlier this year, plan to transform the space into a vibrant temporary art gallery focused on First Nations and local artists, while maintaining restaurant and café service on the lower floor.
GVHA drops plans to bring shore power to docks
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority says its plan to bring shore power to Victoria’s cruise ship docks at Ogden Point is no longer feasible, citing a major funding shortfall and escalating costs as the main reasons.
Despite a combined $31.5 million in funding from the BC government and Transport Canada, the projected cost for providing clean electricity to cruise ships ballooned to at least $92 million—and potentially as high as $159 million depending on the delivery method, leaving an unaffordable gap of up to $127 million.
Shore power infrastructure would have allowed cruise ships to connect to BC’s clean electricity grid and turn off their engines while docked, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality.
This is a technology already in place at major West Coast ports like Vancouver and Seattle, and was seen as a key piece in creating a “green shipping corridor” from Alaska to Washington State. More than 300 cruise ships visited Victoria in 2025, underscoring the community and tourism impact of this decision.
GVHA had been exploring options since 2019, including an on-site substation, battery storage, or floating LNG barges—all of which proved vastly more expensive than early estimates.
The province first committed $9 million in April 2023, and the federal government followed with $22.5 million for the project in February 2025.
The authority says its annual revenue ($33.4 million) is dedicated to ongoing port operations and infrastructure maintenance, leaving insufficient capacity to bridge the funding gap. Board Chair Mark Mawhinney said the non-profit must focus resources on maintaining existing community assets, with more than $100 million needed for maintenance over the next decade.
Nominations sought for Douglas 10 to Watch Awards
Businesses less than three years old are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Douglas magazine 10 To Watch Awards. These recognize startups whose innovations, creativity and business impact show great potential for future success and growth. People can nominate a business they like, or businesses can nominate themselves. The deadline is November 9 and more details can be found here.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
South Island Prosperity Partnership CEO Aaron Stone reflects on his first year with the economic development alliance, providing his perspective on what’s needed to grow a prosperous business environment.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
NOVEMBER
November 12: Westshore Chamber of Commerce AGM
November 13: EcoStar Awards
November 15: Colourful Business Expo
November 17 – 21: Victoria Tech Week
November 18: Chamber Marketplace Mixer
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.
