Thank you to Bay Centre for hosting the June Emerge Connector. Events like this are one of the benefits of Chamber membership, providing opportunities to build business relationships in a fun, social setting. Check out photos from the event.

The non-profit sector plays a critical role in our region's economy, particularly as a decent work employer. That's one of the findings of the 2023 State of BC's Non-Profit Sector: Safety Net report.

Several organizations partnered to conduct the survey, including the Victoria Foundation and Vancity Community Foundation. The report builds on research conducted in 2021 and 2022.

"Non-profits are indispensable," the report concludes. "They have evolved to do more than small scale good deeds. Balancing the work of private interests and the public good, the non-profit sector is a major employer that provides a range of essential services to help ensure healthy and connected communities."

Recommendations include the need for new investments to build capacity in non-profit organizations as well as increased trust in organizations to reduce time spent on reporting and onerous requirements. A third recommendation is for improvements to workforce development and labour force strategies.

One of the ways we can help employers address labour shortages is by improving regional transportation planning. Making commutes more convenient opens up areas outside of the core where housing costs can be less expensive. Efficient transportation is also vital for reducing harmful emissions.

The Chamber applauds the recent move by the Capital Regional District to prioritize transportation governance in Greater Victoria. The CRD Board has asked for feedback from municipalities, local areas, the province and relevant agencies to help with future decisions about how to shift modes of transportation, reduce emissions and better address congestion.

A report released yesterday from the Canada Energy Regulator says that electricity will take a lead role in reshaping the future of the country.

Canada’s Energy Future 2023: Energy Supply and Demand Projections to 2050 offers three scenarios based on the pace of climate leadership in the years ahead. Two of the scenarios have Canada reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.

To accommodate the shift, Canada will need to generate more energy from wind, nuclear and hydro.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's business tradeshow is back after a 3-year hiatus. With over 250 attendees, our Marketplace Mixer offers our members valuable exposure to potential new customers.

The evening will feature great food, a cash bar and door prizes.

Thurs., October 19 | 4 - 7 PM

Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion

1070 Tillicum Road

Island communities cut off by wildfires received some good news as the province announced Highway 4 will reopen to limited single-lane travel starting this weekend.

Fallen trees and debris that had been blocking the route have now been cleared. As well, mesh curtains suspended by cranes are being deployed to protect passersby as the impacted slope continues to settle alongside the highway.

An alternate route continues to be used by about 1,000 vehicles daily, helping ensure essential goods are available. Tourism support includes increased flights so that visitors can bypass the affected road.

As the travel experience continues to bounce forward from the disruption of the pandemic a Vancouver Island organization is helping travel businesses with culture, environmental impact and operational elements like a “first impression analysis.” In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Brian Cant, acting President and CEO of 4VI

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

The Victoria International Marina is celebrating Canada Day with a special event — Future Oceans: Tides Are Changing. Doors open to the public at 5 pm. At 7pm, a special ticketed event takes place. The aim is to promote ocean research and conservation through "avant-garde wearable art and immersive fashion experiences."

Victoria International Marina: Member since 2018

The City of Victoria is investing $216,000 in seven arts and culture organizations, including the Belfry Theatre Society, Pacific Opera Victoria, Intrepid Theatre Company Society and Victoria Conservatory of Music. Funds come from the Cultural Infrastructure Grant program, which aims to increase the accessibility, affordability and availability of cultural venues by leveraging funding from the provincial and federal governments as well as private contributions.

A quirky television series will feature shots of Esquimalt Gorge Park and Gosper Crescent in the Township of Esquimalt. Filming for the SyFy series Reginald the Vampire took place earlier this week. The show is in its second season. Last year, one of the featured locations was at a garage on Glanford Avenue that had been refitted with a retro exterior and renamed the Slushy Shack.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.