A new small business from Shawnigan Lake that specializes in delivering a wide range of party activities will be offering a drop-in laser tag event in Cobble Hill on June 27.
PartyGo Packs, owned by young entrepreneur Chris Stone, is all about bringing the fun, from laser tag and Nerf battles to giant outdoor games and photo booths, directly to its customers.
Stone said PartyGo Packs was founded in 2024 primarily because he and his wife weren't able to find activities for their children’s birthday parties, beyond just bouncy castles, but they knew this kind of event-activity company have seen success elsewhere.
Stone said that, so far, PartyGo Packs is only running drop-ins for laser tag, but it's by far the company’s biggest draw to date with its commercial laser-tag equipment that sets a really high bar.
“The kids love it because you get to see all of the scores together like a video game, and there's no cheaters pretending they didn't get hit,” he said. “It's likely you'll see offerings for drop-in NERF battles inside gyms, like the Shawnigan Community Centre, once the weather gets cooler in the fall, in addition to laser tag continuing indoors as well.”
Stone said his plans for PartyGo Packs is to raise awareness of the company in the community and expand its drop-in offerings to run in Duncan and Victoria so that kids and adults from the whole region have some fun activities they can do on a regular basis that gets them out from in front of a screen and running around.
“We're also looking to partner with minor sports teams to run fundraisers,” he said.
The drop-in laser tag event in Cobble Hill on June 27 runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the forest at Evergreen Independent School, located at 3515 Watson Ave.
For more information, email info@partygopacks.ca or call 778-817-1763.
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The Downtown Duncan BIA has launched a new Vandalism Recovery Grant Program, which is a financial-support initiative aimed at helping businesses recover from the damaging effects of vandalism.
This program was officially adopted by the DDBIA board in early June and is now available to eligible businesses within the downtown core.
The grant offers up to $1,000 per incident to assist with out-of-pocket costs related to deliberate property damage, including broken windows, graffiti removal, or damaged signage. While filing an insurance claim is encouraged, it is not mandatory.
Applicants must provide proof of the incident, such as a police report or photos, and receipts for repairs or deductible amounts to be considered.
“When vandalism strikes, it’s not just a broken window, it’s lost revenue, increased stress, and disruption,” said Thea Hitchcock executive director at the DDBIA. “When we support our business community through challenges, we strengthen the entire downtown.”
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Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures Central Island are partnering to deliver a new Business Continuity Planning Program, funded by the province through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The Cowichan region has been selected as one of three B.C. communities to participate in this pilot initiative aimed at helping small businesses prepare for the unexpected and build long-term resilience.
This free program, which will run over six to nine months, is open to eight Cowichan-based businesses that provide essential goods, services, or expertise to the community (including food producers, trades and construction companies, retailers, healthcare providers, child care, environmental services), or have experienced or are vulnerable to business disruptions such as drought, wildfires, tariffs, or road closures.
Participants will receive a Business Fitness Test, a water audit (for drought-impacted businesses), one-on-one coaching to develop a customized continuity plan, and peer support from local entrepreneurs.
“This program is about helping businesses protect their operations, employees, and customers in the face of increasing uncertainty,” said Barry O’Riordan, manager of EDC. “We’re proud to support a proactive approach to business resilience in our region.”
Businesses can apply online at https://forms.gle/4e9Z8HRsyGR9jybr8
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David Van Deventer, president of the Duncan Cowichan chamber of commerce and publisher of the Cowichan Valley Citizen, has been acclaimed as the Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands representative on the BC Chamber’s board of directors.
“It’s a big win for Cowichan, and we’re thrilled to see David's leadership helping shape the future of business in B.C.,” said Sonja Nagel, executive director of the local chamber.
Relatedly, The BC Chamber of Commerce has announced that Alex McMillan has been appointed as interim CEO, following the departure of Fiona Famulak.
McMillan brings four years of experience supporting the BC Chamber’s policy work and is known for his collaborative approach and strategic insight. The chamber said his appointment ensures continuity and stability as the organization begins its search for a permanent president and CEO.
McMillan said he is honoured to take on the role and looks forward to working with local chambers, boards of trade, and corporate members to represent and amplify their interests during this transition period.
“I’ve seen firsthand the capability of the BC Chamber of Commerce and the network, and I am excited for the opportunity,” he said. “I recognize the responsibility that has been entrusted to me and consider it a privilege to lead such a dynamic organization.”
