Port Alberni has another bookstore.
Fireside Books, based in Parksville, has opened up a Port Alberni location called The Book Wyrm at 4035 Redford Street. Owners Brian and Jeannie Webber have been planning to open a location in Port Alberni for several years because they have a "large" Port Alberni customer base at their Parksville location.
The small store officially opened on Feb. 18. It carries both used and new stock, but it's also a pick-up location for online orders. Books can be ordered and paid for online at www.firesidebooks.ca. Customers can use their store credit when picking up at The Book Wyrm.
The Book Wyrm is currently open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday.
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Speaking of bookstores, Nook Baked Goods Inc. (located inside of Mobius Books) has recently expanded its offerings. The bakery now has a cheese shop, with a diverse selection of soft cheeses (including vegan options).
The bookstore and bakery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 5016 Argyle Street.
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Skytec Group of Companies, based in Port Alberni, won Indigenous Business of the Year at the 24th annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria on Thursday, Feb. 14.
The award was sponsored by Chims Motel, another Port Alberni-owned business.
Skytec is a residential and commercial contractor that serves the mid-island area. They complete major renovations and restorations, and even build homes from the ground up. www.skyteccontracting.ca.
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The Jumping Slug Community Cyclery has moved to a new location.
The bike store, which used to be located on the corner of 10th Avenue and Roger Street, has moved into the Port Alberni Industrial Block. Owner Lee Blais says the new space will allow the business to offer rental and demo bikes.
"We have access to the Log Train Trail and the Hole in the Wall," Blais explained. "People can park and leave their vehicles here in order to go riding."
To inquire about rentals, visit the Jumping Slug at 4691 Dundalk Avenue from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The store is closed Sunday and Monday.
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CG Hair STUDIO has moved to a new location, at 4548 Adelaide St., in the plaza behind Subway, and will be operating by appointment only. Book online at cghairstudio.ca or give Cheryl a call at 250-735-4220.
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Congratulations to Antidote Distilling Co. on their accomplishments at the 2025 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition. In addition to being recognized with Canada's best infused or flavoured vodka for their black truffle vodka, they also won the 2025 Sustainability Award, two silvers (for Wild Blackcap Raspberry Liqueur and Black Gin) and a bronze (Gin).
Antidote also won Gold (considered third place) in Sip Magazine's 13th annual Best of the Northwest Spirits for its black truffle flavoured vodka.
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The Fenton Group was honoured in December 2024 as the Royal LePage Top 1% of Real Estate Advisors in Canada. Chris Fenton noted this is the eighth consecutive year for the Fenton Group in the Royal LePage Chairman's Club.
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The Brick Port Alberni in November 2024 raised $700 for the Children's Miracle Network and donated 37 Brickley bears to Sage Haven Society through fundraisers.
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There's a new bus in town — or out of town, if you're heading to and from Bamfield. Alberni Inland Shuttles has added a weekly Bamfield run on Wednesdays, either one way or return. The privately-run transportation service can be reached by e-mail at info@albernishuttle.com or phone at 250-731-8736.
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It's the end of an era for Blackstone Barbershop. Master barber Dave Blackstone opened his shop in 2003, three years after moving to Vancouver Island. He decided in February it was time to retire; his team members expressed on social media their gratitude for clients' commitment over the past 22 years.
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Congratulations to Cecilia Addy from the Port Alberni Port Authority, who received a 2024 Individual Achievement Distinction Award from Small Craft Harbours, Pacific Region. Addy, manager of marina and Dock+ operations for PAPA, received the award during the final night of the annual Harbour Authority Association of B.C. seminar held in late February at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel.
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The Shelter Farm has a new manager. Riley Forbes has taken on the role now that Claire Boudreau left after four years of leadership and growth. Forbes has almost 20 years of horticultural experience "and a passion for growing food and supporting the community," says Forbes.
The farm is a social enterprise operated by the Port Alberni Shelter Society, and sits on 70 hectares (172 acres) of farmland just outside City of Port Alberni limits. portalbernishelter.com
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We "donut" want to forget this delicious tidbit from The Donut Shop at Harbour Quay: in what was arguably their busiest year ever, they made an astounding 20,000 doughnuts every month in 2024.
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY...Alberni Valley Makerspace celebrated its second anniversary on March 4, 2025...Mobius Books will celebrate its fourth anniversary on April 6, 2025...Dog Mountain Brewing turned five on Dec. 28, 2024...L.B. Woodchoppers celebrated its 45th anniversary on Feb. 12. The store has been at its Third Avenue location (at Napier Street) since 1982.
Have you got a business tip you would like included in our Business Beat column? Contact journalists Susie Quinn or Elena Rardon at newsroom@albernivalleynews.com.
