Nathan Bird has been named general manager of the Malahat Skywalk attraction. Bird brings decades of tourism experience to the 10-storey viewing tower. It has attracted more than 550,000 visitors since opening in 2021 on the traditional territory of the Malahat First Nation.
In his new role, Bird will be responsible for the company’s overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
“I’m excited for this new opportunity and to help guide the company into its next phase of growth,” said Bird. “With the attraction entering its fourth year of operations, we’re in a unique position to further build and elevate the Malahat SkyWalk experience and showcase all that it has to offer for locals and visitors across the globe.”
Prior to joining Malahat SkyWalk, Bird was general manager of Victoria-based Eagle Wing Tours, a whale watching company that has won awards for innovation, education for youth and sustainable tourism.
Langford, Victoria appoint library board trustees
The City of Langford has two new representatives on the Greater Victoria Public Library board for 2024.
Rebecca McClure and Coun. Mark Morley replaced 2023 representatives Dianna Seaton and Coun. Lillian Szpak.
For Victoria, Scott Landsdowne replaced Deborah Begoray as a citizen appointee.
The 15 other trustees representing Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Metchosin, Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria and View Royal will be continuing on in their roles from 2023.
At the board’s first 2024 meeting this week, Oak Bay Coun. Andrew Appleton, who has been a GVPL trustees since 2019, was re-elected chair. Shahira Khair, a librarian at the University of Victoria and City of Victoria citizen appointee, was re-elected as vice chair.
Nanaimo airport at Level 2 carbon accreditation
A global airport trade association has awarded Nanaimo Airport Level 2 status in its carbon accreditation program.
The airport achieved Level 1 status with Airports International Council’s carbon accreditation program in 2021, when more than 550 airports participated globally.
Nanaimo Airport has “effectively demonstrated well-defined carbon management practices” and reduced emissions, the organization said, adding that the airport’s use of zero-emission vehicles cut close to 58,000 kilograms of greenhouse-gas emissions in 2021.
Victoria International Airport achieved Level 2 status in 2019.
AI and export trade
Small Business B.C. is hosting a free education and networking event at the Victoria Conference Centre on Feb. 8.
Intended for small businesses owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, the event’s topics will include bread-and-butter issues of accounting, basic business planning, accessibility and workplace equity. But the one-day event also features speakers focusing on more niche issues.
Export advisers Jason Seed and Brady Calancie will explain how to grow a small business beyond a local footprint with the government-sponsored Export Navigator system.
Graham Truax of the Nanaimo-based Innovation Island is expected to speak on how small businesses can prepare for change that is expected to come with the popularization of artificial intelligence.
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