About Us

Championing business success since 1978.

For over 45 years, the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of local business and a catalyst for community prosperity.

Our Mission

Building a thriving business community.

The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce exists to strengthen business resilience, elevate the visitor economy, and nurture a thriving coastal community.

We connect businesses with resources, opportunities, and each other. We advocate for policies that support economic growth. And we welcome visitors to experience the best of our beautiful region.

“A strong Chamber means a strong community. When businesses succeed, everyone benefits.”

Business Advocacy

We champion policies and initiatives that help local businesses thrive, representing our members' interests to all levels of government.

Community Connection

We bring together businesses, residents, and visitors through events, networking, and collaborative initiatives.

Economic Development

We work to strengthen the local economy through tourism promotion, business support, and strategic partnerships.

Est. 1935

Our History

The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce has been collectively associated since 1935, when it was known as the Parksville Board of Trade. In 1946, the organization became known as the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce but did not start incorporation proceedings until 1978, in order to be eligible for community grants.

1935

The Beginning

Chamber founded as the Parksville Board of Trade to support the growing business community.

1970s

Incorporation & Community Building

The Chamber of Commerce operated the “Tourist Bureau” in the old Parksville Fire Station—a heritage building now housed at the Parksville Museum—across the highway from the Parksville Dairy Queen.

The PDCC spearheaded a Beautification Committee in 1979, installing flower planters, garden plantings and leading a major fundraiser for the Parksville Town Clock. The Chamber also opposed logging in the Top Bridge Park area, resulting in the formation of the Top Bridge Preservation Committee and the eventual designation of Top Bridge as a public park.

Parksville Visitor Centre, 1986

Located across from the Parksville Dairy Queen

1980s

Professional Leadership

First Chamber Manager, Lou Biggemann, hired in 1986. Under professional leadership, membership grows to over 200 businesses, establishing the Chamber as a vital force in the local economy.

200+

Member businesses

1990s

A Permanent Home

When the highway was widened to four lanes downtown, the Chamber was on the move. Several months in a room above the pool at the old Island Hall Hotel were followed by time at the Heritage Centre, kindly allowed by Golden West Realty.

Then some Chamber members decided enough was enough. The owners of Craig Bay development “loaned” the Chamber land—which is now Peace Park—and members built a Visitor Centre and office there.

A Building Committee formed in 1992 to plan for a new, permanent home. The move-in date was May 1996. The generosity of Chamber members and local businesses resulted in a facility that was and still is the envy of many Visitor Centres and Chambers.