Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
|
|
Chamber hosts successful AGM and housing discussion |
After making sure operations and financials were in order, members in attendance were treated to a frank discussion with BC's Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. Chamber Chair Bruce Williams emceed the session and asked about the provincial government's plan to increase housing supply.
Among other topics was a discussion about the need to remove barriers for skilled workers coming here from other countries and provinces. Delays in the recognition of credentials has been an ongoing concern for newcomers wanting to work in their chosen professions. Minister Kahlon encouraged The Chamber to continue advocating for change, noting the message is being heard. He pointed to efforts to increase BC's health care workforce that are beginning to pay off.
Also discussed were increasing student housing to free up rental properties for workers, strategies to house the homeless and using public land to build non-market housing following models that have proven successful elsewhere.
"The Chamber is grateful to Minister Kahlon for sharing his time with our members to talk about the many challenges facing housing in Greater Victoria and the province," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "This year's annual general meeting was the 160th time we've reported to our members and we are working to make sure the next 12 months are successful for our organization, for all our member businesses and for everyone in our community."
|
Inn at Laurel Point: Member since 1991 |
|
|
Relief as inflation slows and economy rebalances |
|
Good news for everyone feeling the pinch of inflation. Statistics Canada's latest figures for the Consumer Price Index, released yesterday, show that costs are increasing at a slower pace than they have since August 2021.
"Year-over-year CPI growth fell sharply in March, which will likely bring relief to Canadian consumers and policymakers alike," the Conference Board of Canada said in a news release. "And the outlook for the Canadian dollar may be in better shape in the wake of banking turmoil in the United States. A stronger currency could insulate Canadians from higher import prices."
The slowing rate is a sign that efforts by the Bank of Canada are working. The bank has used its tools to raise interest rates and discourage spending. The effort is expected to contribute to a short-lived recession in Canada this summer. The bank's forecast is for inflation to fall to 3% by mid-year before eventually getting back to its 2% target next year. |
|
Growing Langford gets its own electoral district |
|
The province has adopted recommendations from the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission to add six new electoral districts to BC. The changes include carving out a new jurisdiction to recognize the influx of new residents in the City of Langford.
"The population of Langford has grown by approximately 32% over the past five years and is projected to continue growing rapidly," states the provincial news release. "To address this, a new electoral district is being added whose boundaries follow the municipal boundaries of the city of Langford and the district of Highlands."
|
|
City of Langford: Member since 2019 |
|
Chamber.ca launches Business Conditions Terminal |
|
Good data used in the right way is critical to making sound business decisions. It's an advantage that many large organizations have had, though the cost of accessing the info has been a challenge for smaller businesses. Until now.
The Chamber is pleased to announce a new tool recently released by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab. The Business Conditions Terminal was developed in collaboration with Statistics Canada, and is available to the public at no cost. More than 2,200 indicators from 30 different data providers are accessible through the terminal to deliver granular, real-time insights to businesses.
“We’re helping Canadian companies unlock the power of better business data,” Canadian Chamber Chief Economist Stephen Tapp said. “Most small business owners are too busy running their businesses. They don’t have time to moonlight as forecasters or data scientists. They’re looking for easy to use, easy to understand data tools that quickly give them customized, actionable results for their local region and industry.”
Stay on top of shifting economic conditions and better understand new trends as they emerge by utilizing the Business Conditions Terminal.
|
|
Take the Vital Signs survey and help ID local issues |
|
According to the organization's website, "The Victoria Foundation produces the report to connect philanthropy to community needs and opportunities. The results of the citizen survey are an integral part of the program and will be released in the fall in the Vital Signs report."
The survey is now in its 18th year and covers key issues in Greater Victoria such as housing, standard of living and sports and recreation.
|
|
The Victoria Foundation: Member since 2004 |
|
Mustard Seed seeks help after fire damages building |
|
The blaze occurred in the early morning on March 27, with CHEK News reporting that the Victoria Fire Department was called at 6:21 am. Crews were able to extinguish the flames quickly but smoke damage shut down operations. The Mustard Seed typically serves 3,000 hot meals every month, as well as distributing 1,200 food hampers. The organization said they will let the public know when they reopen by posting on their Facebook page. |
|
The Mustard Seed: Member since 1999 |
|
Upcoming Business Leaders Series |
|
|
|
What's next for economic development? |
Elected in 2020, Minister Bailey brings experience as a leader in the private sector and tech industry to her mandate of attracting investment in BC's clean energy businesses. Learn how your business can build economic resiliency in this changing economy. This luncheon will feature networking opportunities, a presentation by the Minister, and a moderated Q&A session.
|
Mon., May 8 | 11:30 AM - 1PM
The Union Club of British Columbia
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join us as we host the Bank of Canada's Deputy Governor Paul Beaudry as he delivers the Economic Progress Report. This presentation will discuss recent developments in the Canadian economy and the implications for monetary policy. |
Thurs., June 8, | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Victoria Conference Centre - Carson Hall
|
|
|
|
|
|
BC Hydro's electrification plan
With a focus on climate change and the electrification of more devices, homes, vehicles and industries, find out how BC Hydro is helping their customers make the switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity.
|
|
|
|
May Member Networking Breakfast |
Start your morning with a business development and community building check mark. Hosted by Revera at their Kensington Retirement Residence, known for the independent, active senior living lifestyle it provides, this breakfast is a must-attend event for Chamber members. It's a great way to learn about services offered by one another and how you can positively contribute to our local business community.
|
|
|
April 22 is Earth Day — a time to reflect on the environmental impact we have on the world, and how we can mitigate climate change together.
We have many amazing members that are dedicated to sustainability, including our two finalists for the Sustainable Practices Award at the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards: Harbour Air Seaplanes and Clean Air Yard Care. This award is proudly sponsored by Camosun College.
From 10am to 2pm on Earth Day, everyone is invited to help fill a Max Furniture truck with gently used clothes, textiles, and shoes in support of Lifetime Networks. Donations can be brought to 3460 Quadra St.
Being green is good for everyone: people, planet, and profit. Let's try to make every day Earth Day!
|
|
Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams |
|
How empowering youth can change lives |
The usual model of schooling doesn’t align with all students, which can unfortunately lead to students dropping out.
In this Chamber Chat CEO Bruce Williams discusses a solution for keeping these students in school with Gordon Matchett, CEO of the Take A Hike Foundation. |
Take a Hike Foundation: Member since 2021
|
|
|
Find the best talent for your team |
If you’re looking to grow your team this Spring, The Chamber’s job board is your next best resource.
Attract the best workers by posting a 30, 60, or 90 day job listing. Tap into the Google Jobs Network and candidates that are eager to work for a Chamber member.
As an exclusive member benefit, use the code INTRO2023 at checkout to receive a free 30-day listing.
If you have any questions or need help uploading your job, please email [email protected]
|
|
|
We are excited to announce that 30 additional seats have been added to Palm Court. Register now to get into this normally sold out event!
|
Thurs., May 4 | 6 - 10 PM
Fairmont Empress - Crystal Ballroom
721 Government St.
|
|
|
|
HAVN Spa opens June 1
HAVN, the new floating Nordic spa that has arrived in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, will be opening on June 1. The 44-metre barge, which was originally a WW2 workshop, will offer cold pools, hot saunas, and a green space for relaxation.
HAVN Saunas Inc.: Member since 2022
|
Pacific FC wins against new Vancouver team
Pacific Football Club and newly created Vancouver FC hosted the inaugural BC derby last week, kicking-off the 2023 Canadian Premier League soccer season. Pacific FC won the match against their mainland rivals, starting the season off on a high note for the Island club.
Pacific Football Club: Member since 2019
|
Still time to give kids new summer memories
Registration for City of Victoria summer camps is now open. Children aged 3-14 are being offered a variety of exciting camps, including Shredder Skateboard Camp, Seedlings Nature Adventure Camp, Swim ‘n’ Splash, and much more. Camps run July 1 to Sept. 1. |
City of Victoria: Member since 1863 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
|
UVic prof's art featured in new Metallica music video
Kelly Richardson, a visual arts professor at the University of Victoria, is a contributor to Metallica’s new music video. 72 Seasons features themes from Richardson’s project titled Origin Stories, described as a debris field made of diamonds slowly turning. Her piece may also be used by Metallica on stage when the band goes on tour later this year. |
University of Victoria: Member since 1976
|
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
Free transit this Earth Day
|
BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
Delta welcomes new Executive Chef to the team
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort welcomes new Executive Chef Curtis Toth to the team. Toth has years of culinary experience and has served many local and international celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. Toth won the Great Canada Kitchen Party in 2020 by preparing braised beef navel with mushroom and parsnip soil, fondant potatoes and a beet reduction using local producers and ingredients.
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort: Member since 1988
|
|
|
Member to Member Discounts |
|
|
|
Iron & Wood Golf Simulators |
|
|
|
|
Victoria Fitness - Private Personal Training Studio |
|
|
|
|
West Shore U-Lock Mini Storage Ltd. |
|
|
Welcome to our Newest Member! |
|
Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags? |
|
|
|
|
|
250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
