Every Municipality in Greater Victoria Region on Province's List for Housing

Last week, B.C.'s Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon unveiled the first stage of a strategic housing plan, identifying ten initial municipalities needed to meet future housing targets. However, a government order-in-council has also identified 47 municipalities which will likely need to accelerate their housing development, including every municipality in Greater Victoria.

These municipalities are expected to approve diverse housing options, including townhomes, condos, multi-family buildings and below-market housing. The Housing Ministry's selection criteria considered areas with the most significant housing demand, highest projected growth and potential to set housing targets.

Flotilla in Victoria's Inner Harbour Celebrates Indigenous Marine Stewardship

Members of the public, municipal leaders and the business community gathered to witness First Nations from Southern Vancouver Island form a flotilla of vessels, demonstrating and celebrating Indigenous marine stewardship leadership in the blue economy.

The Tsawout, Tsartlip, Scia'new, T'Sou-ke, Pauquachin and Songhees brought eight vessels to form a Flotilla. Songhees canoe protocol welcomed the vessels to dock and the marine crews engaged with the guests.

The Indigenous Prosperity Centre, supported by SIPP, wishes to thank the First Nation marine teams for coming together for this event and allowing the IPC to support their work. The event will be followed by a published document promoting Indigenous economic development.

Don't miss this live, video podcast featuring a Q&A

Find out the Facts and Fiction of 15-Minute Cities in this Podcast

The urban planning concept of 15-minute cities emerged to promote convenience, sustainability and community. This city design focuses on daily necessities such as work, shopping, education, healthcare and leisure being accessible within 15 minutes through active or public transportation.

However, controversies and conspiracies have emerged around the concept. Separate fact from fiction for 15-minute cities in this podcast.

Hosted by Kerry Slavens and Ben Wagg, South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), our panelists include:

• Carrie Smart | Architect, Cascadia Architects
• Dallas Gisalson | Director of Economic Development, SIPP
• Ray Straatsma | Principal Consultant, RStreets Urban Strategies
• Cameron Scott | Manager of Community Planning, District of Saanich

New SIPP-Supported Business Directory Supports Indigenous Entrepreneurs

On Wednesday, a new Indigenous business directory was launched in Greater Victoria to support economic reconciliation by building new relationships and connections. The South Island Indigenous Business Directory currently features over 50 Indigenous-owned businesses, providing users easy access to various services ranging from graphic design, art, and web design to engineering, project management and catering. Created in collaboration with several regional partners, including South Island Prosperity Partnership, the directory is now live.

Animikii, a local Indigenous-owned company specializing in custom software, web applications, and websites, built the online directory. They work with leading Indigenous groups across North America to implement tech solutions for social, economic, and cultural initiatives. Interested indigenous businesses are encouraged to register for the directory, which is free to participate in and will continue growing.

Idea Jams for Economic Opportunity and Indigenous Prosperity in Rock Bay

Victoria is seeking input from the community to shape the Industry, Arts, and Innovation District near Rock Bay. This session aims to establish a vibrant and cooperative environment for economic growth, innovative industries, Indigenous economic success, and working artists. The City is hosting two days of Idea Jams on June 15 and June 20, starting at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., to gather ideas for the district's future.

Participants will explore themes such as what form development should take, how people can move around and what sort of public spaces can build a unique sense of place and character. The concepts generated will inform an Action Plan of strategies to support the district's evolution.

Province Invests $4.5 Million for On-the-Job Learning

B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions are joining forces with the Province to offer unparalleled work-integrated learning opportunities. As part of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, this investment will equip thousands of individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to prosper while aiding employers in their search for qualified talent. Funded organizations include SIPP-member Royal Roads University.

The three-year, $4.5 million investment from the Province will increase access to work-integrated learning, providing increased economic opportunities for students across B.C. Budget 2023 invests $480 million over three years to support the action plan's work to break down barriers to post-secondary training. 

SIPP's Prosperity Pulse: Tourism

Each week we showcase the economic markers most relevant to Greater Victoria Region.

Source: Chemical Consulting

Did You Know?

• The central bank announced a quarter of a percentage point rate hike on Wednesday. The rate increase brings its key interest rate to 4.75 percent, the highest it’s been since 2001. - Times Colonist

News from the SIPP Ecosystem

Check out this insightful panel on June 12 from 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.

Upcoming Conference Panel to Dive into Future of B.C.’s Blue Economy

What do ecotourism, Indigenous-led economic development, and a Canada-wide ocean observation network have in common? They are all part of the blue economy in B.C. The Coastal Zone Canada Conference will dive into the opportunities, challenges, and advances in transitioning to a sustainable blue economy in B.C. with a panel of experts and practitioners, including the Executive Director of COAST and IPC, on Monday, June 12, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Panellists:

• Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics (UBC)
• Cpt. Josh Temple, Executive Director - Coastal Restoration Society
• Merv Child, Executive Director - Nanwakolas Council
• Christina Clarke, Executive Director - Indigenous Prosperity Centre
• Jason Goldsworthy, Executive Director - Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies.

At a Glance

🛣️ Songhees among Island communities getting funds for road safety - Times Colonist

🏠 Saanich endorses small apartments on single-family lots - Western Investor

🌱 Three candidates run in North Saanich byelection - CHEK News

Get the latest information from SIPP's branches

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