"We at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce are calling the roadmap to a post-COVID economy the 'recovery runway' and we are identifying 'pivot pilots' as those organizations and leaders who have been nimble with pivoting the way they do business," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says in his latest column at Douglasmagazine.com.

Businesses that are leading the recovery — those pivot pilots — serve as a beacon of optimism as we taxi down the recovery runway.

Less than a week after the City of Victoria voted to end daytime sheltering in parks by May 1, an announcement today provides more information on longer-term solutions for people experiencing homelessness. BC Housing has purchased properties to build permanent supportive housing in Victoria at:

Also announced today are supportive housing projects in the District of Saanich (2949 Albina St., 52 homes) and Central Saanich (1909 Prosser Rd., 39 homes), which were purchased through a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and the Capital Regional District.

The six projects will add more than 280 supportive housing units to Greater Victoria, which will allow everyone who needs shelter to be able to move indoors.

On Monday, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams was on CFAX urging everyone to stay compassionate in these difficult times. It hasn't been easy but better times are coming and we want to celebrate together when they arrive.

Workers in the hard-hit tourism and hospitality industry are being deployed in mass-vaccination centres. The province announced today that 1,400 people who were laid off because of the pandemic are being re-trained to help clinical staff move people through the vaccination process. Tourism and hospitality workers bring an expertise in providing friendly service quickly in high-volume situations, with many able to offer logistical or language support.

BC plans to provide initial vaccination to everyone eligible in the province by July 1.

The federal government has extended the Canada Emergency Benefit Account no-interest loan program. On Monday, the government announced that the deadline for new applications is now June 30 instead of March 31. The program has provided $45 billion in credit through more than 850,000 no-interest loans since it was launched last April. Loans of up to $60,000 are available to cover operating costs for businesses that have lost revenue because of the pandemic.

This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for an additional $20,000.

The economic recovery hasn't been the same for everyone. To help the struggling restaurant and hospitality sector, BC's construction industry is launching a grant program to encourage construction employers to treat crews to lunch from local restaurants. Grants depend on the size of the crew and are $250 or $500.

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association is grateful for the support.

“It’s a generous idea and we’re thrilled to support it by making posters available to all our members so they can put them up in the window or even visit the construction sites near them and make sure they’re aware of the grants and the #LunchBoxChallenge,” BCRFA president and CEO Ian Tostenson said.

The #LunchBoxChallenge initiative is part of activities celebrating Construction Month in April, which include the Vancouver Island Construction Association as a sponsor. The industry was declared essential early in the pandemic and has fared better than many other sectors.

With spring in the air, there's good news for BC's farmers markets. The province has lifted restrictions so that artisans can once again set up shop in markets. The change will allow non-food vendors, such as flower vendors, to sell at farmers markets, which must still follow Provincial Health Office rules.

A casino in the District of Saanich could spur development of a hotel and resort and offer a new source of revenue that would take some of the burden off residents, business and industry. The BC Lottery Corp. has asked Saanich if there is interest in pursuing the idea, after plans for a casino in downtown Victoria fell through.

“It’s an opportunity to get some real funding for our amenities … bicycle paths, sidewalks. How about a third ice surface for Saanich?” Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes told CHEK News.

The discussion is in early stages but Mayor Haynes suggested the location will be in east Saanich, between the Swan Lake area and Gordon Head.

The City of Victoria is extending its network of bike lanes, adding 4.8 kilometres with a recently approved plan. The new lanes will serve riders of all ages and abilities and connect Fernwood, Oaklands and the Jubilee area with downtown.

Safe cycling lanes encourage active commuting, contribute to safe cities and help employers' efforts to find and keep workers. To have your say in the ongoing discussion about the city's cycling network, visit engage.victoria.ca.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Interior Design Group, Blaise McDonald, President of Mac Renovations, and Caitlin McKenzie, CEO of Monk Office.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Western Interior Design Group Ltd. member since: 2013

"At TELUS we 'Give Where We Live.' In Greater Victoria, we lead and give on all levels of business and community support. The Chamber Champions is a perfect platform for us to continue doing so."

Learn more about how these organizations are championing the work of The Chamber.

March is Fraud Prevention Month — thousands of Canadians are affected every year by fraud, leading to more than $37 million lost in 2020 alone. With COVID-19 scams unfortunately on the rise, ensure you and your loved ones are educated in the identification and prevention of fraudulent activities.

As sunnier days are quickly approaching, now is a perfect time to ensure you’re well-staffed by using your one free annual job posting. 

Chamber Members are entitled to one free 30-day listing on the Job Boar every calendar year. Simply use the code INTRO2021 at checkout. 

If you have any questions or need assistance uploading your job posting, please email members@victoriachamber.ca