North Island Chambers Announce Process to Build a Stronger Regional Voice
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
August 5th, 2026
To the Businesses, Councils, Organizations, and Residents of the North Island,
For years, there has been talk about the need for a more unified and inclusive way to represent our businesses. As Presidents of the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce and the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce, and on behalf of both of our boards, we have come together with the intent to bring our two organizations into a single North Island Chamber of Commerce representing not only Port Hardy and Port McNeill but also Port Alice, Alert Bay, Sointula, Woss, Coal Harbour, Kwakwaka’wakw communities and those in the electoral districts.
The practical case is straightforward. Two chambers thirty minutes apart are currently doing almost everything twice: two AGMs, two sets of volunteers, two sets of financials, two insurance policies, two membership rolls. Businesses that operate in both communities are often stuck paying into two organizations for full representation. And both chambers have found it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff for a small-town. A single regional chamber addresses all of this: one membership, one set of volunteers, one fee, full representation across the North Island, and a stronger organization able to compete for the staff and funding this region deserves.
This is a statement of intent, and an invitation to the conversation, not a finished decision. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing both boards to this work, and formed a Joint Transition Steering Committee, with equal representation from both chambers, to guide the transition.
Throughout this process, we will be engaging directly with the Nations and their Economic Development Corporations in this region, recognizing the Kwakwaka'wakw territories on which our communities and businesses operate.
The BC Societies Act requires a vote of each chamber's membership before any amalgamation takes effect, and we intend to earn that vote by listening first. In the coming months we will hold information sessions and community meetings across the region, with dates to be announced, to answer questions and gather input before anything is finalized.
Your membership benefits, your local networking, and the services you rely on today do not go away. What changes is that you gain a stronger, better resourced organization behind them.
We welcome your questions and your input, and we will keep you updated as this process continues.
Sincerely,
Riley Zimmerman, President
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce
Eric Dutcyvich, President
Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Island Chambers Announce Process to Build a Stronger Regional Voice
PORT HARDY AND PORT McNEILL, B.C., August 4, 2026 - The Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce and the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the creation of a single North Island Chamber of Commerce. The proposed regional chamber would strengthen representation across the North Island by bringing businesses, communities and Indigenous Nations into a more inclusive and coordinated economic organization.
“This concept represents an expansion of representation and perspective, together with a more effective use of regional resources and effort,” said Riley Zimmerman, President of the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce. “A regional Chamber would better reflect the governance structures shaping the North Island and position the region to respond more effectively to an evolving local, provincial and federal business environment. There is broad recognition that every community should have the opportunity to participate and a meaningful voice in the decisions affecting the North Island economy.”
The proposed governance model would preserve local representation while creating formal engagement and volunteer opportunities for communities that have not consistently had a seat at either chamber, including Port Alice, Alert Bay, Sointula and Woss. It would also co-establish designated Indigenous representation through direct engagement with Indigenous Economic Development Corporations or Chiefs and Councils as the model is developed.
The chambers have formed a Joint Transition Steering Committee, with equal representation from each organization, to lead consultation and develop recommendations. Any amalgamation must be approved by the membership of both chambers in accordance with the BC Societies Act. Information sessions and community meetings will be held throughout the region later this fall before members are asked to vote.
“The authority rests with our members and the communities we serve,” said Eric Dutcyvich, President of the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce. “This process will be shaped by input, transparent discussion and a shared commitment to regional equity. The chambers have been quietly strengthening their core services and economic viability so they can move into a new level of influence and advocacy that supports a strong business environment.”
The initiative comes as North Island communities face continued economic pressure, including challenges in forestry and aquaculture, rising fuel costs affecting tourism, the closure of the Atli Mill, and persistent concerns regarding ferry service, transportation and connectivity.
“Reimagining the economy with environmental stewardship at the forefront is a priority,” said Jonathan Lok, Vice-President of the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce. “In every challenge there is opportunity, and we are encouraged by the number of people approaching us who support the idea of working together. We also understand that people identify strongly with their communities and are protective of their local identities. We are working with them to ensure the distinct character and history of each community remain present within a new administrative structure.”
A single regional chamber would reduce administrative duplication and provide one membership and one regional point of connection and representation at decision-making tables. It would improve access to funding and strengthen the organization’s ability to recruit qualified staff, advocate for the region and respond to economic disruption.
Existing membership services, including insurance and discount programs, local networking and community-based activities, would continue. The transition would be guided by a five-year strategic plan, annual operational planning and the hiring of a Transition Coordinator in fall 2026.
Community members, businesses, organizations, local governments and Indigenous Nations will be invited to participate in the consultation process. Meeting dates and additional information will be released as the process advances.
Media Contact:Kyla Lee, Administrator, Port McNeill Chamber ed@portmcneillchamber.ca |
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