The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will induct two media companies — one of them the Times Colonist — a pair of builders and a family of grocers into its hall of fame in a ceremony next week.
The Times Colonist, CHEK Media, philanthropist Michael Williams, architect Alan Lowe and the Yuen family of Fairway Market have played key roles in improving the region’s quality of life and economy, the chamber said in explaining the awards.
All will be formally inducted into the business hall of fame on Oct. 29 in a gala event at the Fairmont Empress, presented by RBC. Tickets are available at victoriachamber.ca.
“The individuals, businesses and families inducted into the Hall of Fame have built our economy, paved the way for entrepreneurs and immigrants, broke barriers, and built communities,” the chamber said.
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.
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 70 years, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund has helped people in need, with more than $1 million distributed in 2023 alone. The Times Colonist has also been an 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.
CHEK Media, 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.
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.
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.
“This will be the highlight of the year for Greater Victoria’s business community,” said Chamber chair Kris Wirk.
Previous hall of fame inductees include Songhees Chief Robert Sam, Helen Beirnes, Clare Copeland, Ron Lou-Poy and Ian Maxwell.
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