The Times Colonist is being inducted into the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
The newspaper, the oldest daily newspaper in Western Canada, joins the Yuen family, owners of Fairway Market, architect Alan Lowe, CHEK Media, and philanthropist and developer Michael Williams in the Chamber’s class of 2024.
“The lasting success of the Times Colonist reflects its commitment to community service,” said publisher Dave Obee. “Our goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain our readers, while working to make Greater Victoria the best place it can be. We are proof that a strong community focus can help businesses succeed.”
In making the announcement, the Chamber noted all of the inductees have played key roles in improving the community’s quality of life and developing the region’s economy.
The Business Hall of Fame, established in 2022, recognizes organizations, families and individuals who are positive role models through their leadership, vision and commitment to the prosperity of Greater Victoria.
“The Business Hall of Fame honours the leaders who paved the way for so many businesses to be successful in Greater Victoria,” Chamber chief executive Bruce Williams said. “We celebrate our contemporary business leaders at our annual Business Awards, and the biannual Business Hall of Fame is a way for us to honour those who have left a lasting legacy.”
The Times Colonist, formed in 1980 from the merger of the Daily Colonist (founded in 1858) and the Victoria Times (founded in 1884), has documented the evolution of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island for more than 160 years.
The newspaper has a strong focus on local news alongside national and international coverage, as well as dedicated sections for arts, sports and business. It helps the community share ideas and information, and businesses reach buyers.
Today, the paper reaches a quarter of a million readers every week in Greater Victoria alone.
Its reach also extends deep into the community. For almost 70 years, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund has helped people in need. More than $1 million was distributed in 2023 alone.
The Times Colonist has also been a tireless advocate for literacy, and fuelled by its annual book sale has provided more than $7 million to libraries and literacy-related initiatives on Vancouver Island.
The Yuen family has grown its Fairway Market chain of grocery stores into a major player with nine stores on Vancouver Island.
Its stores offer a wide range of grocery products, including an extensive offering of international goods that reflect the many food cultures of people living on Vancouver Island.
The company employs more than 600 people and is a large contributor to many local initiatives including CFAX Santa’s Anonymous and the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
Fairway Market was founded by Don Yuen, who worked in his family’s grocery business in China before coming to Canada at age 16. He worked at his uncle’s grocery store in Duncan, then at a sawmill in Honeymoon Bay. In 1963, he opened the first Fairway Market on Gorge Road, then a second store in 1983 at the site of what is now Uptown. More stores followed in subsequent years, with locations around Vancouver Island.
Michael Williams, who died in 2000, will be inducted posthumously. He was an influential heritage developer and philanthropist who was lauded for his work revitalizing Victoria’s historic buildings. Williams’ notable projects include Maynard Court and Swans Pub in downtown Victoria. When he died, Williams left much of his estate and extensive art collection to the University of Victoria.
Alan Lowe, an architect and civic leader — he was mayor of Victoria between 2000 and 2008 — has shaped the city’s landscape since 1988. The founder of Alan Lowe Architect Inc. served 15 years in local government and counts his work on the Victoria Police Department building committee and Jeneece Place as among his key designs. His commitment to the community earned him the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and in 2006 he was recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Canadians.
CHEK Television, established in 1956 as the province’s first commercial TV station, has a rich history of adapting to changing times while remaining a vital part of the local community. The station faced closure in 2009 but its employees saved the station, transforming it into the only employee-owned TV station in North America.
The induction ceremony is set for Oct. 29 at the Fairmont Empress.
“This will be the highlight of the year for Greater Victoria’s business community,” said Chamber chair Kris Wirk. “I can still feel the positive energy from our first Business Hall of Fame event, and I know everyone who attended is excited about being part of another amazing night.”
Previous inductees include Songhees Chief Robert Sam, Helen Beirnes, Clare Copeland, Ron Lou-Poy and Ian Maxwell.
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