It's been a great month for Chamber events, with our 160th Anniversary Party on Feb. 9 and an engaging Member Networking Breakfast on Feb. 15. Make sure you don't miss out on upcoming events! See below for more on all the offerings in March.

The Chamber is working to remind Greater Victoria municipalities that they need to support their community's businesses through fair taxation. We encourage Chamber members to get involved with their local government through however they can. In the City of Victoria, for example, Council is asking The Chamber for member feedback on a 6.96% increase to residential property taxes that's largely the result of inflation. While that's down from the almost 9% increase initially proposed in January, there might be more opportunities to find efficiencies.

Businesses that pay property taxes in Victoria are urged to voice their formal feedback by:

If you have questions or concerns about municipalities outside Victoria, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. And watch for more coverage on The Chamber's budget advocacy on social media and in upcoming editions of BizNews.

A priority for business that has become more urgent in recent years is the fundamental need for safe communities. It's clear there's no simple answer, but one of the evidence-based solutions is the need to do more to address mental health.

"Our members have been vocal about the need for better support for people facing mental health and addiction challenges," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "This is how we can begin to address the situation we see on our streets and in parks, as well as the hidden struggles that many people are going through silently in their own homes."

The Chamber has advocated to government for investment in complex care, so we applaud the news of an $8.2-million provincial grant to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“We are honoured to be part of the solution, co-designing care to improve health, social and employment outcomes for people with long-term experience of complex barriers to employment," CMHA BC Division CEO Jonny Morris said. "We are excited to see the expansion of behavioural health-care integration with primary-care centres in more sites in B.C.”

The planned RapidBus route between the West Shore and downtown Victoria will be a game changer for commuters when it launches April 10.

The service will run every 15 minutes, making the ride more convenient. That's key for convincing people to leave their cars at home. Buses will run between 7am and 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10pm on Sundays. There will be additional buses during peak times on weekdays to improve customer experience, BC Transit said.

"Smart regional transportation is important for businesses that depend on staff being able to get to the workplace," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Taking the bus instead of a car is much better environmentally, especially with BC Transit's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its fleet."

Housing supply is a hot topic as many regions compete for skilled workers. The demand is especially high for homes accessible to people who earn a living in Greater Victoria's economy. One of the solutions is to think about workforce housing as an investment that directly benefits our region's employers. Last week, BC Housing announced the Capital Regional District Housing Corporation project in the City of Langford is now open. The five-storey wood-framed building at 2782 Spencer Rd. includes 58 rental units for families and individuals.

BC Housing also announced 72 new units in the City of Victoria — 51 affordable housing and 21 supportive units — are open at 210 Gorge Rd. in partnership with the Cool Aid Society. A five-storey wood-framed building as well, the Victoria site includes ground-floor offices that include supports that will help residents become more employable and make the community safer.

“We are already seeing the positive impact of this unique project," Victoria Cool Aid Society CEO Kathy Stinson said in a news release. "Families, single people, seniors and people who need supports are getting to know one another, which is having the desired effect of helping to reduce the stigma around homelessness and creating a sense of community for everyone who lives there.”

Employers need employees, so there's reason to applaud initiatives that make our region more attractive as a place to live, work and raise a family. Making neighbourhoods more accessible for people to walk or cycle to work, and making those routes safer, are steps in the right direction.

“We know that people make healthier, greener transportation choices when the options are there,” said Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming, who serves as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Last week, the province announced $20 million in funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program to help cover costs of multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and regional connections, as well as lighting, sidewalks and other safety improvements. Greater Victoria projects include:

Keeping good employees is good for business. Could you use help attracting and retaining the employees that you need?

Whether you have 1 employee or 300, RDF Group specializes in plans that can help with:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Disability plans

• Group RRSP & TFSA plans

• Employee & Family Assistance programs

• Health Spending Accounts

• Teladoc Telemedicine services.

Additionally, each Chambers Plan offers Business Assistance Service as a free service to help you deal with business situations with which you may not be familiar – such as legal and HR guidance. Business consulting services are included with your Chambers Plan as an additional benefit.

Interested in learning more? For over 17 years, RDF Group Ltd. has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses.

Pearson College is a world class school located in Greater Victoria. You’ve heard of it, but may not know much about about it.

Learn more about this prestigious institution by watching our latest Chamber Chat with CEO Bruce Williams and Pearson’s Head of College and President Craig Davis

Pearson College UWC: Member since 2017

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.