A team of UFV alumni has built a Canada-first social media platform to rival the U.S.-dominated tech market. (Image Credit: University of the Fraser Valley)

By Alyssa Conti

Northsocial

Chilliwack-based company launches new social media platform for Canadians

Apr 6, 2026 | 2:26 PM

CHILLIWACK — A Canadian company has launched a homegrown social media platform straight from the Fraser Valley.

Northsocial.ca, owned by Chilliwack-based Zynim Media Inc., was built by a group of alumni from varying programs at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

Former Computer Information Systems student Colin Schmidt sits at the head of the company and is joined by a team of fellow former UFV students, Kalvin Morrow (Civil and Architectural Drafting and Design), Lindsay Comeau (Fine Arts) and Jill Santos (CIS). 

“Our goal with Northsocial.ca is to make sure Canadians have a place to be Canadian and communicate without the influence of big-tech algorithms that are out of our control,” said Schmidt. “We like to say we aren’t anti anything, we’re just pro-Canada, and we want to create a space for conversations that are important to our country.” 

Schmidt says that although there is enthusiasm for the platform’s Canadian technology, building a community has been more of an uphill battle.

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“It’s not easy for someone to come onto a platform that’s mostly empty at the start and not have their friends and family there,” he added. 

“We knew there would be a lack of content early on because most people are lurkers, and it’s a very small percentage who actually post on social media.”

Despite this, the Zynim CEO says the platform has grown its user base to thousands over the past six weeks – thanks to the team’s engagement efforts.

“We know this is a journey and a commitment, and it takes perseverance. It takes passion, and you must believe in it. The amount of enthusiasm within our team right now is definitely 10 out of 10.” 

The website is now live, and an app is currently in development.

The team works out of Cowork Chilliwack at 8465 Harvard Place.