This week, I visited the Black Bird Schnitzel Haus and tried their daily special - a delectable Breaded Pork Schnitzel served with Perogies, Red Cabbage, Green Beans, and German Fried Potatoes. The meal was absolutely amazing, with the White Wine Sauce elevating the flavors to new heights. The food at this restaurant is consistently outstanding, offering generous portions at reasonable prices. If you're craving comforting, delicious home-style cuisine, I highly recommend trying out this gem of a restaurant located in Qualicum Beach.

Every Saturday from 8:30am to 12pm

The Qualicum Beach Farmers' Market offers a one-stop shop for all your healthy food and natural product needs. Enjoy a vast selection of fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted goods, all made by vendors who in order to sell it, must "Make it, Bake it or Grow it”

This vibrant weekend activity is a great way for families to experience the importance of supporting the community by buying local produce. Wander through the market, breathe in the fresh air, and be entertained by live music. It's a rewarding feeling to support small Vancouver Island businesses and a more sustainable food system by shopping locally.

The Farmers' Market provides an old-fashioned, farm-to-table shopping experience that will quickly become your go-to source for local produce, crafts, and gifts. It's a wonderful way to teach children about where their food comes from and the value of a strong local economy.

The market is an amazing, year-round event that draws enthusiastic crowds. Held indoors at the Community Hall during the winter and outdoors on Veterans Way in the warmer months, the market features an abundance of artisan tents and happy customers every Saturday from 8:30am to 12pm.

From the smiling faces of customers to the passionate producers eager to share their crafts, the market exudes an infectious energy. The air is filled with the mixed aromas of food truck fare and handcrafted essential oils, creating a sensory experience that embodies the warmth of Vancouver Island. This bustling farmers' market offers multiple reasons for people to keep coming back - and they are all good reasons.

Get ready for the 46th annual Family Day celebration which takes placethis Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Qualicum Beach. Since 1976, this beloved community event has been sponsored by the Town and organized by a dedicated group of amazing volunteers.

Held on the last Sunday of May, Family Day features a pancake breakfast at the Civic Centre, a lively street parade down Second Avenue, and an afternoon of activities, entertainment, and food at the Community Playing Field. The day culminates with a free swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

The generous support of volunteers, community partners, and participants has made Family Day a cherished tradition for over four decades. Everyone is welcome for another wonderful celebration on May 26, 2024!

The day starts at 8:30am and ends at 10pm 

Start the day off with a Shriners' pancake breakfast! This full breakfast will be accompanied by local live music. What a way to start the day!

• From 8:30-11:30am at the Civic Centre, Sunday May 26

The Family Day Parade is full of colour and community spirit!

• At 11:30 am you can see the parade travelling from Primrose St, along Second Ave, down Jones and ending at the Civic Centre!

Head down to the Community Park for these activities and don’t miss the bouncing fun? This year there will be 13 different inflatable games to choose from, with options for the little ones all the way to the big kids.

• Welcome  1pm

• QB Ukulele Band 1:15-1:45 pm

• Highland Dance 1:50-2:05 pm

• Songbird Voice Studios 2:10-2:25 pm

• Craig the Magician 2:30-3:00 pm

• Jingle Belles 3:05-3:20 pm

• Set Apart Dance 3:25-3:35 pm

• VI Skydivers 3:10-3:30 pm

The Fouray Quartet is out in the community entertaining those who can't make it to the Community Field.

• 1:30 pm - Qualicum Manor

• 2:30 pm - The Gardens

• 3:30 pm - Berwick

This year Family Day has a Skate Jam.

• Kids and families are invited to bring their boards and participate in this exciting event! There is music, prizes and fun to be had at the Skate Park next to the Civic Centre on May 26, from 12:30-6 pm

Quality Foods will hold a special Festival of Lights Fireworks Show at the Qualicum Beach waterfront following the daytime activities.

• The firework show will be launched from a barge at the waterfront near the Qualicum Beach Visitor Centre starting at dusk.

I hope everyone has an amazing family day in Qualicum Beach  Samantha

The Town of Qualicum Beach in British Columbia recently made the controversial decision to not authorize short-term vacation rentals outside of specific commercial exceptions, a choice expected to reduce the coastal community's tourism revenue. At the town council's regular meeting on April 10th, a majority of officials voted for an in-depth study on the issue to be undertaken in 2027 rather than take immediate action. This decision comes on the heels of new provincial regulations on short-term rentals aimed at alleviating British Columbia's shortage of affordable housing.

Town planner Luke Sales provided an overview of the implications for Qualicum Beach once the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act comes into effect on May 1st. Currently, short-term vacation rentals are prohibited in residential zones, yet data shows approximately 116 are operating illegally, bringing in $11 million in annual tourism spending. The new law will restrict rentals to principal residences with either a secondary suite or accessory unit, which Sales says will decrease Qualicum Beach's rentals to around 20, generating just $2 million. To mitigate the loss, he suggested bylaw amendments, temporary use permits, and increased fines.

However, council endorsed postponing any authorization of owner-occupied short-term rentals until 2027. Councillor Scott Harrison alone opposed this, asking if it essentially bans all short-term rentals, which Sales confirmed aside from commercial properties. Harrison suggested a public hearing before decisions are made. Councillor Anne Skipsey indicated the 2027 review was decided during strategic planning given delays from provincial legislation. Councillor Petronella Van der Valk added that while tourism dollars may be lost, the change could make housing more affordable since households paid an estimated $15.6 million more in rent from 2016-2021 due to short-term rental activity in the area.