British Columbia movers & shakers May 8, 2026. May 8, 2026 News influencing decision makers in BC. Kimberlee Alexander will be joining Panavision's Vancouver office as Director of Sales and Market Development. Panavision is a leading producer of production solutions for the global entertainment industry. Jacob George Samuel has launched KOLLAR Consulting Inc., now headquartered in Richmond. T. Marshall Sadd, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Navacord, has been named to the Insurance Business Canada Magazine Global 100 list for 2026. Simons has announced that it will be opening a store in the former Nordstrom location in downtown Vancouver's Pacific Centre, marking the 20th Simons store in Canada. Dave Stephens, Principal and President of Lida Group of Companies, announced that the 39-unit Purpose-Built Rental project on Bay Street has officially received approval. The Pacific Seaweed Summit was launched by Chief Chris Roberts in the Wei Wai Kum Gukwdzi, also known as the "big house." Mike Smith has joined Ashdown Capital. Prospera, Coast Capital, and Sunshine Coast credit unions have formed an official historic merger that will consolidate operations and integrate systems, services, and products in the coming months. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey at the City Centre 4 building in the Health & Technology District, has officially opened. Beedie has announced the sale of a 4.67-acre parcel at TERRA in Langford, with subdivision approval now achieved for TERRA WEST. Ledcor announced a $3 million donation to BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Through the Equity + Emerging Development Program, Creative BC has announced $200,000 in funding to assist up-and-coming and equity-seeking filmmakers in British Columbia. Recycle BC will move post-collection services in-house starting on June 1, 2026, bringing complete operational control over processing, end-market management, and logistics. Recycle BC and Urban Impact have been chosen to collaborate on Post-Collection Services. Ted Laursen stepped into the role of Director, Corporate Financing at BDC. Burson announced the official opening of its new office in Victoria, located right in the heart of the provincial capital. On April 14, a 1.67-acre property at 6686 Bell McKinnon Rd. was sold for $905,000. Tiny Twins by Twins Café will soon be opening on Granville Street in the former location of Westcoast Grooming Company. Night Owl Kitchen + Bar was opened by Bobby Naicker and Chandan Gill at the location of the former Delta Lion Pub, 112 Street & 84 Avenue, Delta. The Magnet, located at 309 W Pender Street in Vancouver, celebrates its seventh anniversary. The development permit for the new structure to be constructed on the site of the four-story apartment buildings at 1340 Sussex St. and 1337 Saunder St. was unanimously approved by Esquimalt council. Cressey Development Group's high-rise project at 727 North Road in the Burquitlam district, which has been in the works for at least three years and was affected by a fire, has been approved by the Coquitlam City Council, moving the project forward. A commercial property, zoned C2 (service commercial) with high visibility located at 5948 200 St., Langley, was sold on April 15 for $3.45 million. It features three rental units, with two set to turn over in the next 18 months, along with outdoor storage space leased until 2028. Revenue generated from the varied tenant base contributed to a 4.9 percent cap rate at the time of sale. CBM Lawyers is celebrating 50 years serving the Fraser Valley community. Moment Energy, headquartered in Coquitlam, has announced that it has secured $40 million in Series B capital to fuel its growth and expansion across North America. Kinton Ramen is expanding its food court locations throughout Canada and British Columbia. Acuyo, a new Mexican restaurant is preparing for its grand opening on May 15 at 1140 Alberni St in downtown Vancouver. The "How to Buy or Sell a Business" Seminar will be held at Clark Wilson LLP in Vancouver on June 4. The official schedule for the second Fraser Valley Economic Summit, which will take place on May 21 at the University of the Fraser Valley, was released by the Fraser Valley Business Coalition. The Prince George Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members Associa BC and Chinook Yoga Inc. Nominations are now open for the Prince George Chamber of Commerce's 41st Business Excellence Awards. A proposed overdose prevention site at 900 Helmcken St., including the building and parking lot, was unveiled Tuesday by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who wants to prevent its opening. The Business Administration Information Session will take place at the Prince George campus of the College of New Caledonia on May 12, 2026. Creative BC announced the recipients of the 2025/26 Magazine Publishers Market Fund program, which provides financial support for B.C. magazine publishers to attend select markets and domestic and international trade events for the purpose of promoting their publication list in both foreign and domestic markets, securing new business opportunities and professional development. The following 14 companies to receive grants for eligible activities are: Aleph Media Creative Agency Inc., Vancouver, $4,530 FOLKLIFE Magazine, Victoria, $5,000 Forestnet Media, North Vancouver, $5,000 Geist Magazine, Vancouver, $5,000 Northword Magazine, Hazelton, $5,000 ODDCRITIC Magazine, Vancouver, $2,000 RANGE Studios Ltd., Vancouver, $5,000 REP Here In Canada, Victoria, $5,000 Riptide Resources Inc. o/a Motorcycle Mojo, Vernon, $5,000 Roam Media Inc, Comox, $4,500 Snowseekers Inc., Powell River, $5,000 subTerrain Magazine, Vancouver, $5,000 The Capilano Review, Vancouver, $3,204 Young Naturalists' Clubs of British Columbia Society, North Vancouver, $5,000 Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE * indicates required The Business Examiner South Vancouver Island provides business news, advice, and data for the following communities:Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich,Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, James Bay, Langford, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria,and View Royal

Simons announces $55M Vancouver expansion with new downtown store. The location will mark Simons' 20th store nationwide and its second in British Columbia. By Building Last updated Apr 29, 2026 Simons has announced the opening of a new store at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver, planned for fall 2027. The location will mark Simons' 20th store nationwide and its second in British Columbia. In the heart of Vancouver, the new store will complement Simons' existing Park Royal location. The project represents an investment of more than $55 million and will contribute to the local economy, including the creation of approximately 150 new jobs. With this addition, Simons will employ more than 4,000 people across Canada. "Vancouver is one of Canada's most dynamic and inspiring retail markets, and we're pleased to expand our presence here," said Bernard Leblanc, president and CEO of Simons. "Our growth is guided by our customers and a desire to create spaces that reflect the communities we serve. The strong response in Western Canada has reinforced our commitment to the region, and we look forward to bringing a distinctive Simons experience to the downtown core - one that blends fashion, art and design while building meaningful connections with Vancouver's diverse communities." The new CF Pacific Centre store will span approximately 92,000 square feet across three floors, representing a significant investment in downtown Vancouver. Designed by McKinley Studios, with architecture by LemayMichaud, the space will reflect Simons' approach to retail, blending fashion, art, and architecture to create an immersive environment. Inspired by Vancouver's architectural legacy, the concept references Brutalism and 1960s aesthetics, expressed through a balance of raw materials, sculptural forms, and warm, modern accents. Founded in 1840, Simons has invested more than $350 million in the Canadian retail landscape, including the development of a state-of-the-art automated fulfillment centre, and continued enhancements to its digital and in-store experience.