Business Notes: Little Property Group realty firm moves to Festubert Street

After a long-standing and happy working relationship, the realty firm Little Property Group has left Vancouver Island-based Pemberton Holmes Real Estate and joined up with eXp Realty Canada.

Little Property Group consists of founder Ray Little, who grew up in the Cowichan Valley and won the Top New Realtor award in 2009, realtors Melinda Banfield and Errik Ferreira, and team manager Taunya Jardine.

The team, which specializes in residential properties but also dabbles in commercial, recently bought a building located at 331 Festubert St. in Duncan and has set up their new office there.

Little said the Little Property Group had a great relationship with Pemberton Holmes, which he described as being like a family, but the team felt that moving to eXp Realty opens up new opportunities and resources for both the team and their clients.

He said the real estate company is Canadian based and has international connections.

“With eXp Realty’s extensive digital tools, training, and global network, the Little Property Group is equipped to provide an even more seamless and efficient experience, through expanded access to advanced technologies, a broader network of industry professionals, and the team’s continued dedication to delivering personalized, results-driven service,” Little said.

“Even though we’re now small fish in a big pond, this move allows us to learn more skill sets we don’t have. It just felt like the right thing for us to do.”

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The Old Farm Market is holding a fundraiser for Cowichan Valley Youth Services at its Duncan location.

Until April 9, people are encouraged to donate to the organization, which offers free and confidential counselling and support services for teens aged 13-18 and their families, at the Old Farm Market and win a chance to receive one dozen free-run eggs per week for 52 weeks from Farmer Ben’s Eggs.

No purchases are necessary, but people are encouraged to donate, and they can enter to win at the till, with one entry per person per day.

The winner will be chosen after April 9.

Chris Steel, general manager of the Old Farm Market, said he hopes the fundraiser will raise approximately $10,000 for Cowichan Valley Youth Services.

“We did some research on what organizations have the most impact on the local community and need the money the most and chose Cowichan Valley Youth Services,” he said.

“We see every day that more and more families are under stress and this organization does a really good job of providing space for young people to go, and it has resources to help them. We’re passionate at the Old Farm Market about improving people’s mental health.”

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Cowichan Bay’s Leeward Coastal Cafe will close its doors for the last time on March 30.

Owner Bruce Stewart said he was sad to announce the closure of the cafe to the community.

“Since 2022, we have been very proud to offer high-quality food and drinks in an amazing atmosphere, served by the best customer-service team around,” he said.

Stewart went on to thank many in the community that supported him and his business over the past three years.

“I particularly want to thank Rose Leversage for making it her own and running the business with passion,” he said.

“I also want to thank all our partners, our suppliers and stakeholders for their part in our journey. Lastly, I want to thank YOU and all our valued customers for supporting us.”

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Tacotime plans to open a location on York Road in Duncan on April 16, which will be the restaurant chain’s first drive-thru on Vancouver Island.

A Tacotime Facebook post said there will be exciting deals and lots of giveaway prizes on opening day.

“Our construction team are working hard to finish up in the upcoming weeks,” the posting from Tacotime’s Vishal Patel said.

“Our regular deals are Taco Tuesday and Burritoful Thursday year round. We are hiring, so if you have a passion for customer service and want to become a taco artist, send your resume to [email protected].

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As Canada enters a trade war provoked by the United States, the nation’s provincial chambers of commerce have come together to present “An Agenda for Economic Growth and Stability”, which is a set of recommendations to Canada’s premiers to drive economic growth, strengthen domestic trade, and elevate Canada’s global competitiveness.

The recommendations include removing barriers to inter-provincial trade and and labour mobility; bolstering domestic procurement and supply lines; and advocating for the federal government to accelerate the renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement review.

“Tariffs or no-tariffs, we urge provincial and territorial leaders to work with urgency to create a single Canadian market where businesses can buy and sell products without onerous provincial restrictions,”said Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

“Taking such action is long overdue. I stand united with my chamber colleagues and, together, we are ready to work with government to turn discussion into action.”

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Scotiabank Duncan is hosting an inspiring evening at Fabrications on March 26 where women in business come together to connect, learn, and celebrate.

This special event shines a spotlight on The Scotiabank Women Initiative, a program dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs and leaders access the funding, resources, and support they need to thrive.

“Whether you’re running a business, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply looking to meet like-minded, driven women, this is your space to share ideas, spark collaborations, and celebrate success,” Scotiabank said.

“Expect an evening filled with great conversations, new opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where women can uplift and empower one another. Feel free to bring a guest; the more, the merrier!”

Admission is free for women members of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and their guests.

The event starts 5:30 p.m. at Fabrications, located at 107 Second St. in Duncan.

Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email [email protected].