Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
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BC Ferries eligible for government relief funds
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The Chamber welcomes news that BC Ferries will receive emergency funding from the provincial and federal governments.
BC Ferries provides an essential link to Greater Victoria and The Chamber supports efforts to ensure the service continues without having to drastically increase fares.
The money will come from the Safe Restart Agreement, announced July 16 as part of a cost sharing plan that will also help transit systems.
"We look forward to working with the Province to learn details of the Safe Restart Agreement," BC Ferries President and CEO Mark Collins said in a news release.
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BC Ferry Services: Member since 1983
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Chamber experts help members understand CEWS
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Chamber members had plenty of questions for our experts during yesterday's Business Restart Series on Demystifying the Wage Subsidy.
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams hosted Matthew Hohnsbehn, liaison officer at the Canada Revenue Agency, and Kris Wirk, partner at Dusanj and Wirk, to speak about the benefit and tax implication of government relief programs.
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Saanich seeks more info on ambitious Uptown plan
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On Monday night, Saanich council asked staff to clarify a few items before sending the proposal to public hearing. The plan looks at the potential use of a 155-hectare area for the next several decades. The goal is to make the gateway to Greater Victoria's core a catalyst for housing, transportation and economic development. Saanich Mayor said he expects staff to report back with their findings next month.
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District of Saanich: Member since 2019
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Canadian Chamber offers ideas to advance economy
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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted its ideas to the federal government for driving the economy forward as the country emerges from COVID-19 restrictions.
In a pre-Budget submission, the Canadian Chamber has listed recommendations that reduce regulatory burden, rethink taxes, encourage innovation and get Canadians back to work.
A total of 33 recommendations aimed at promoting private-sector growth and competitiveness are being presented to the federal government to consider ahead of its critical 2021 Budget.
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Construction and real estate industries stay strong
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As parts of Greater Victoria's economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be good news from the construction and real estate sectors.
“Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association, said in a news release.
“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery”
As well, a report by Colliers International shows that commercial vacancy in downtown Victoria has increased slightly to 5.9% from 5.1% for the first three months of 2020. The difference is attributed to two provincial ministries moving their offices to a new complex in James Bay. The impact of COVID-19 has been nominal, the report found. However, the rate could increase as more leases are up for renewal in the months ahead.
Housing starts have also been strong, with more homes being built this July than the same month last year. The numbers announced Tuesday by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reflect the fact the construction industry has been able to keep working safely throughout the pandemic.
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Colliers International: Member since 1984
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Vancouver Island Construction Association: Member since 1986
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Reminder to apply for layoff extension by Aug. 25
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Employers who laid off staff in the spring have until Aug. 25 to apply for an extension beyond 24 weeks, when layoffs are considered permanent and require severance be paid out.
The Chamber asked the provincial government for the extension as we've heard from many of our members who are are facing a prolonged wait before they can recall staff.
There had been concern that forcing layoffs to become permanent would trigger an expense that would hurt the chance of restarting for some businesses. The loss of trained employees would also be difficult to overcome.
The two-step application requires 50% support from the employees and the completion of an online application.
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As economy restarts, ICBC ending COVID measures
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A number of measures introduced by ICBC in response to COVID-19 are set to expire next week. ICBC brought in the temporary measures on April 23 to help people dealing with economic uncertainty.
On Aug. 20, the following measures will end:
- waiving of $30 insurance cancellation charge
- suspension of fleet vehicle insurance
- allowance for unlimited deliveries by drivers in non-delivery rate classes.
"Customers are now re-insuring their vehicles at higher than historic levels," said a statement from ICBC, which encouraged customers to "talk to their broker to ensure they are properly insured, including those people who are using their vehicle for the delivery of food or medical products and services."
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Getting you back to business
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Just announced! Virtual 5 Chamber Business Mixer
This vibrant, after-hours business/social event provides an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to meet virtually, establishing or renewing valuable business relationships. Attendees will be sent a list of topics to choose from for our breakout rooms, as we rotate through virtual rooms hosted by all five chambers.
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Wed., Sept. 23 | 5-6pm
Zoom
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See you tomorrow morning!
Share wins and challenges and connect with business professionals at this free event for members-only with the Prodigy Group.
Highlight your business in a 60-second elevator pitch. Hosted on Zoom, participants have the opportunity to connect in small breakout rooms.
Each breakout room lasts 10 minutes with a total of three switches during the one-hour event — that's more than 15 possible connections!
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Spread the love! Pick up coffee or some baked goods before the breakfast to support a fellow Chamber Member.
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Thurs., Aug. 13 | 8-9am
Zoom
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If you're an employer looking for your next great hire, make sure to post your career opportunities on the Chamber job board.
The job board is an exclusive benefit of Chamber membership.
If you have any difficulty posting, please email members@victoriachamber.ca. We will get back to you within one business day. We know how important hiring the right person can be.
All jobs posted to our job board have been vetted by a member of The Chamber team.
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It's time to focus on your mental health this summer
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This summer, take care of your physical, mental, social and nutritional health as we enjoy warmer weather. For the month of August, The Chamber will be suggesting ways to take healthier steps during a truly unique summer.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health, but is often overlooked. Ensure you take time for yourself and focus on things that give you joy.
Stay connected with friends or family by ordering takeout and enjoying a physically distanced picnic. While the weather is still nice, enjoy food and drinks at a Chamber Member Patio with a close friend. If they live in different city, chatting on the phone or through a video chat is a great way to stay connected to a loved one.
Take time to relax. From yoga classes to enjoying a park or beach in the CRD, give yourself a moment to catch your breath and unwind. If you have a furry friend, pick up some pet toys and have a fun time together.
Minimize your stress by taking time for yourself. Whether that’s discovering a new hobby or taking a weekend trip to explore Vancouver Island, make sure your happiness is a priority in your life.
Dr. Bonnie Henry has highlighted the importance of mental health, and how staying connected is extremely important during this time. While continuing to follow provincial health protocols, take a moment to breathe our fresh Vancouver Island air and remember to keep your mental health in mind.
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Patio Season is in full swing in Greater Victoria! Use this handy checklist to discover patios with incredible views, delicious food and cold drinks to enjoy on a hot day.
Take a photo of yourself completing the Patio Checklist, and tag us with @victoriachamber and #YYJPatioChecklist for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. Stay safe and support local this season.
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Take to the skies
Air Canada is revamping its Aeroplan Loyalty Program this November, providing consumers with more flexibility to travel. The program will eliminate fuel surcharges, allow consumers to use points towards any Air Canada flight, and provide families the option to combine and share points to use towards a trip. Elite Aeroplan members will also be able to share priority boarding and lounge access with family members even if the cardholder is not flying on the same trip.
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Air Canada: member since 1962
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Peer into the past
Fan Tan Alley has unveiled a Chinese Canadian Museum Pop-up Exhibit that recognizes the importance of the Chinese community in Greater Victoria. As the city has Canada’s oldest Chinatown, the exhibit, which was established with a partnership with the Royal BC Museum and the Salient Group, gives visitors a chance to “peer into the past.”
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Royal BC Museum: member since 1994
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Salient Group: member since 2017
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A raw approach to fitness
Annex Fitness: member since 2019
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Shape Property Management – Uptown: member since 1983
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Magnolia No. 1 in Canada
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa has been ranked the top hotel in Canada by Tripadvisor.ca. With more than 3,500 “excellent” reviews, the hotel provides guests with a luxury experience blocks away from the Inner Harbour.
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Magnolia Hotel and Spa: member since 1998
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Is your business implementing new strategies or innovative ways of connecting with consumers?
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Win a date night!
If you take a photo of yourself with the bus and tag @urbansmilesvictoria or @urbansmilescolwood, you will be entered for a chance to win a date night at Earls Victoria and movie passes to Cineplex Odeon. Contest closes Sept. 15, and every photo you enter gives you a chance to win.
Urban Smiles Victoria: member since 2012
Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas: member since 2014
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BC Transit: member since 1999
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Earls Kitchen & Bar / Earls Victoria Bay Centre: member since 2010
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Pacific FC hits the pitch
Pacific Football Club: member since 2019
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TC book drive a big success
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Times Colonist: member since 1961
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Greater Victoria Harbour Authority: member since 2003
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Russell Books: member since 1999
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Welcome to our newest members!
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250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
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