NEWS
Discover the latest news from SOMA, our clients, relevant industries and beyond.
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Dream Lottery 2026 Launch
The 2026 BCCHF Dream Lottery has launched!
5 Reasons Why PR Is Essential for Business Growth
Every company has a story, but not every company knows how to tell it.
PR takes what you do and creates compelling ways to tells an audience why it matters. Public Relations isn't just about crisis management or press releases; it’s about strategically shaping your narrative, establishing authority in your industry, and building meaningful connections with the people who matter most.
What you might not realize about Vancouver farmers markets
Vancouver farmers markets are a joy to visit on a nice sunny day, basking in the sights of the fresh produce and rubbing shoulders with fellow Vancouverites, and maybe grabbing a treat from a local food truck.
However, there’s a lesser-known reality for farmers markets that many don’t know about, particularly here in Vancouver.
2026 Summer Ambassador Program Wraps Up
What an incredible journey! SOMA is thrilled to share that the 2026 Interchange Recycling Summer Ambassador Program has officially wrapped up.
We want to extend a huge thank you to our phenomenal Interchange Recycling ambassadors. Their dedication to the program was apparent throughout the entire duration of the tour. From long road trips to overnight stays, they travelled to reach as many communities as possible.
Keeping Flexible Plastics Out of Landfills
Did you know that Recycle BC recycles more than 90% of the plastics they collect, and 99% of that is reprocessed and turned into new products right here in BC? The more we recycle, the more we keep these materials in circulation right here in BC.
SOMA Is Proud to Be a Silver Sponsor of Rezolution Summit
SOMA is thrilled to announce that we are Silver Sponsors for the Rezolution Summit: Season 2 - Profit With Purpose: How B Corp Certification Builds Enterprise Value.” This incredible event brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders, and change makers to dive deep into vital conversations about wealth, governance, capital, and long-term prosperity.
Summer Ambassador Program Update - Interchange Recycling 2026
Our 2026 Summer Ambassador Program for Interchange Recycling has been flying by! Since the beginning of June, our incredible ambassadors have been travelling across British Columbia, visiting local communities and events to educate the public on how to safely and properly recycle products accepted through Interchange Recycling’s collection and recycling program.
Canada Day parade in North Vancouver is back with a new twist
A group of volunteers is throwing a ‘stationary parade’ at Civic Plaza July 1, aiming to harness the excitement into one location. If you can’t bring the parade to the people, at least you can bring the people to the parade. Yes, it’s time to warm up your bagpipes and get your batons twirling, as the Canada Day parade is coming back to North Vancouver. Sort of.
NESI receives federal and provincial funding to scale cleaner lithium refining and strengthen battery supply chains
Nesi has received $5.6 million in funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. This funding supports NESI's goal to build the electrochemical infrastructure needed for cleaner lithium refining and more resilient battery supply chains. The investment will also bolster domestic critical minerals processing and reduce reliance on legacy refining hubs.
Xa Xa Témexw Swáyel / Sacred Earth Day bilingual concert connecting Indigenous language, culture and environmental stewardship
Hundreds of Abbotsford students from Barrowtown Elementary, Dormick Park Elementary, and Ten-Broeck Elementary, celebrated Stó:lō culture through the performance of bilingual songs on June 10th 2026. These students preformed along side members of Éy St’élmexw St’elt’ílém / Good Medicine Songs (GMS) and The Wilds Band.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation - Chemo Robots
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) is now the first in Canada to use robots designed to help prepare chemotherapy treatments. These $3 million robots were funded by the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation’s Greater Than Cancer campaign and will reduce the time staff spend preparing medications and lower the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs.
Summer Ambassador Program - Interchange Recycling 2026
SOMA is excited to announce the launch of our 2026 Summer Ambassador Program with Interchange Recycling. Over the next six weeks, our two incredible ambassadors, Kithara and Fernanda, will be visiting communities across British Columbia to connect with residents, answer questions, and educate how to safely and properly recycle materials accepted through Interchange Recycling's programs. The ambassadors will visit community events and Return Collection Facilities, gathering valuable feedback, raise awareness about recycling practices, and help make recycling more accessible and understandable for British Columbians. Check out their schedule below and see if they’re stopping by an event in your area!
More Ways to Recycle in B.C. with Interchange Recycling
There are more ways to recycle with Interchange Recycling.
The environmental organization that’s dedicated to the collection and recycling of used automotive fluids is expanding their services across British Columbia with 11 new automotive container categories.
Hometown Heroes Lottery Funding Helps Power Critical Care at VGH
Julia Kwan is sharing her remarkable recovery journey after surviving a devastating dump truck collision that left her with life-threatening injuries and required extensive surgery and trauma care at Vancouver General Hospital.
Now more than a year into her recovery, she is speaking out in support of the Hometown Heroes Lottery, which helps fund critical equipment and patient care across B.C.
Could construction sites be the next source for recycled plastic?
A new pilot project led by Light House is shedding light on how construction plastics can be effectively recovered and recycled through better on-site systems, infrastructure, and crew engagement. The findings highlight the growing opportunity to divert construction-related plastics from landfills and turn them into new building products for the sector.
B.C. wildfire tech firms aiding in the fire fight at home and abroad
As wildfires intensify across B.C., companies like Nova are equipping firefighters with real-time hotspot data using drones, aircraft, and satellites to improve early response. Backed by organizations like NorthX Climate Tech, these innovations are helping modernize firefighting tools and give crews a critical edge on the front lines.
Nvidia-Backed Energy Startup Raises $28 Million To Improve The Grid
An NVIDIA-backed startup, ThinkLabs AI, has raised $28 million to help modernize power grids using AI-driven simulations that dramatically speed up planning and decision-making.
Its technology aims to help utilities manage rising energy demand and integrate cleaner power sources more efficiently, addressing growing strain on grid infrastructure.
Recycle BC Expands Curbside Pickup in RDCO Starting May 2026
Recycle BC officially launched its expanded curbside recycling program at a recent announcement event, introducing new pink and grey bins for flexible plastics and glass across RDCO communities starting May 2026. The update is designed to improve accessibility while boosting recycling rates.
CPI Pilot Turns Construction Plastic into Building Innovation
Light House and partners showcased how construction waste can be repurposed into innovative materials during a live CPI pilot. The demonstration underscores the growing momentum behind circular solutions in the built environment.
Health Matters: Choices Lottery supports kids receiving treatment at BC Children’s Hospital
Lilah Rickson's family discusses Lilah's treatment at the hospital and how proceeds from the Choices Lottery help support the BC Children's Hospital Foundation