Local Hiring Underway for Facility Upgrade

Up to 35 new jobs are coming to Vancouver Island as Chemainus-based Ron Anderson & Sons breaks ground on an expansion of its manufacturing facility. Supported by up to $2 million from the provincial government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the project has already resulted in 20 new hires following investments in advanced manufacturing technology.

Construction on the final phase of the expansion is scheduled for completion in February 2027. The project aims to improve overall construction efficiency and product quality by moving a greater portion of building processes off-site.

Expanding Product Lines and Off-Site Construction

While the business currently produces prefabricated wall systems, the facility expansion will allow it to broaden its offerings to include prefabricated roof panels, floors, and stairs. Off-site wood frame construction reduces the total duration required for on-site building projects.

“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund is helping Rob Anderson & Sons accelerate our growth in Chemainus by expanding our manufacturing capacity, investing in advanced automation and creating new skilled jobs on Vancouver Island,” said Jack Downing, president and CEO of Ron Anderson & Sons. “This funding supports our vision of delivering high-quality prefabricated construction solutions more efficiently, while strengthening the local economy and helping address British Columbia’s housing needs.”

Provincial Support and Regional Context

The Chemainus expansion represents one of more than 150 capital initiatives backed by the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. To date, the province has committed up to $153 million through the program, targeting the creation of over 2,100 jobs and the preservation of more than 2,700 existing positions across British Columbia.

“Forestry has always been the foundation of Chemainus since its founding, and it is exciting to see Ron Anderson & Sons build on that history with new innovation that translates to more local jobs and a stronger manufacturing sector in our region,” said Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski.

Adrian Dix, acting minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, emphasized the importance of supporting local industry, stating, “With the U.S. administration targeting our manufacturing industries, businesses and jobs, it has never been more important to help local businesses like Rob Anderson & Sons sell more of what they make here at home.”

Rising Crime Concerns Prompt Call for Action

Municipal leaders across British Columbia are gathering at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Vancouver, where public safety remains a dominant issue. A recent survey released by the Save Our Streets (SOS) coalition reveals that nearly half of respondents—48 per cent—fear for the safety of their families within their communities.

The research, conducted by Research Co. between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5 among 1,207 residents, highlights a significant geographic shift in safety concerns. According to Research Co. president Mario Canseco, anxieties over drug-related crime and street disorder are no longer confined to major urban centers or traditional hotspots like Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Areas that historically reported low concern levels, including Vancouver Island, northern B.C., and southern B.C., are now experiencing similar issues.

Mayors to Outline Five Key Demands

In response to these findings, mayors plan to hold a news conference on Sept. 17 to present five specific requests to the provincial government. These actions are aimed at boosting public confidence, enhancing quality of life, and improving community safety. Details regarding a new “community safety and accountability pledge” will also be announced.

Clint Mahlman, co-founder of SOS and retired CEO of London Drugs, expressed disappointment with the lack of progress since a similar survey in 2024. While acknowledging the appointment of Dr. Daniel Vigo as B.C.’s chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders, Mahlman stressed that government actions remain insufficient.

“When Save Our Streets say it’s safe streets for all, we mean not only for the citizens that are on the streets and shouldn’t be fearful, but also for those that are unable to take care of themselves or unable to make health-care decisions for themselves in a responsible way,” Mahlman said.

A Provincewide Challenge

Mahlman emphasized that drug-fueled crime and issues surrounding vulnerable individuals with brain injuries or mental health disorders affect municipalities of all sizes, citing concerns raised by leaders in Prince George, Victoria, Nelson, Nanaimo, and Sechelt.

“This is not a big-city problem. This is not a downtown Vancouver problem. It’s not a Pandora Street problem in Victoria. This is sadly impacting the safety of British Columbians in most towns and cities throughout our province,” Mahlman stated.

Among the coalition’s primary concerns are the lack of coordination between government ministries, the treatment of repeat violent offenders during sentencing, and the urgent need for care for drug-dependent individuals suffering from brain injuries.

Major Vancouver Island Initiatives Gain Federal Profile

A proposed deep-water shipping port on the Port Alberni waterfront could generate 950 permanent full-time jobs for a community where the top employer currently maintains 350 staff. Known as the Port Alberni Transshipment Hub, it stands among 16 marine and port infrastructure initiatives showcased on the national prospectus during Tuesday’s Canadian Investment Summit in Toronto.

Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions noted that inclusion on the summit list reflects extensive advocacy by the Port Alberni Port Authority. She stated that while the large-scale project demands significant financial backing, its economic advantages would extend beyond the local area to the national economy.

Mining Exploration Project Seeks Funding Transition

Another local initiative highlighted at the summit is the North Island Project near Port Hardy, which Northisle Copper and Gold has explored for 15 years. Findings to date show billions of pounds of indicated gold and copper, though moving toward active mining requires fresh capital.

Nicholas Van Dyk, Chief Financial Officer for Northisle, remarked that being included on the federal list serves as a strong signal that Canada is open for business. He explained that securing a final investment decision requires tens of millions of dollars just to navigate the development and funding strategy phase.

Federal Push for Foreign Capital

Addressing international investors in Toronto, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canada is seeking partners to advance major national projects, reporting a receptive response from attendees. While no concrete investment schedules were announced, the federal government expressed a desire for projects to move ahead swiftly.