The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has appointed Dave Cowen, general manager of the Butchart Gardens and former chair of Tourism Victoria, as chairman of the non-profit organization. Esquimalt Nation Chief Andy Thomas remains the GVHA’s vice-chairman, with Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen, representing the CRD, as secretary and Doug Crowder as treasurer. Christina Clarke of the Songhees Nation and Crowder are in their second, three-year term, while Chief Thomas and City of Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt have been reappointed for their second, one-year term. GVHA has also appointed Mark Mawhinney as independent director, joining Gordon Tweddell and Starr McMichael. Other directors include David Schinbein, Township of Esquimalt; David Marshall, Victoria Chamber of Commerce; and Peter Hartman and Nick Banks, Victoria-Esquimalt Harbour Society. The GVHA owns and operates deep water, marina and upland holdings throughout Victoria’s harbour including Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ship Point.
New café open at museum
The Truffles Group has partnered with 2% Jazz Coffee to open a new café on the main floor of the Royal B.C. Museum.
Sequoia Coastal Coffee opened last month in Clifford Carl Hall to the left of the admissions counter at the RBCM. The café, which has 75 seats, uses an open concept that allows it to integrate with the regular flow of museum visitors. Open from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., the café offers sandwiches, soups and salads from Truffles Catering, baked goods from Cascadia Bakery and coffee from 2% Jazz.
Nanaimo’s Coco Cafe has impact
Though three Island companies were shortlisted for this year’s Small Business B.C. awards, only one managed to win. Nanaimo’s Coco Cafe was named the winner of the Best Community Impact award.
Victoria’s JOMA Environmental and DEEBEE’S SpecialTea Foods had been named as semi-finalists.
Winners receive $1,500.
Hotel honoured
The Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour has been awarded the prestigious 2016 Gold Hospitality Award by Choice Hotels Canada. Gold recipients were chosen from among 320 properties across the country and represent the top ten per cent of Choice Canada’s portfolio.
