Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2022 Picnics & Patios Campaign! We were able to spread joy to diners such as Caitlyn, William, Riah and Karen — visitors from from New Zealand enjoying a meal at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. Read the media release and see below for more details on the campaign, and make sure to sign up for our August Business Mixer at Sea Cider!

The provincial government's latest attempt to attract new family doctors to BC is a good start, but more innovations are needed to make a real difference.

Many regions in BC, including Greater Victoria, are experiencing a challenge finding and keeping general practitioners. The province has offered a $25,000 bonus to any new family medicine residents but, so far, none have taken the bait.

"We've met with recruiters who tell us there needs to be a change in the administrative burden that doctors are expected to take on," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "People become doctors to help others — not to deal with the extensive paperwork and burden of operating a highly regulated business. There are some truly innovative concepts being proposed that will help, but they need to be supported by government."

The Chamber will continue to advocate for improvements to healthcare delivery, especially making sure families have access to doctors and appropriate care in Greater Victoria.

Concerns over inflation and the resulting increase in interest rates sparked by the Bank of Canada have worked to cool down housing sales in our region. The Victoria Real Estate Board's latest statistical analysis shows 35% fewer homes were sold in June compared to the same month last year. There are more listings on the market allowing it to settle into a more typical pace than the frenzied conditions experienced during the pandemic.

However, the benchmark value for homes continued to increase to $1,464,400 in June from $1,446,400 in May.

"It may seem counterintuitive to continue to talk about the need for supply at a time when inventory is rising," VREB President Dinnie-Smyth said in a news release. "We must keep the conversation alive, and we urge all levels of government to continue to aggressively address the housing supply situation. We need more supply of all types of housing."

A lack of housing supply is a major factor in the challenge many employers face finding and keeping workers.

“We are always advocating for more affordable housing and housing supply, as well as security and sustainability in supply chains to get the needed materials in place to create housing,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told the Times Colonist.

Housing supply is foundational to a strong economy, and The Chamber applauds progress being made on the largest housing supply project ever on Vancouver Island. The $250 million Nigel Valley development in the District of Saanich will add 800 homes to the region, including 440 non-market rental units and 255 market homes. The other units include social housing with supports.

“It's amazing what can happen when multiple stakeholders, including our local community associations, take a collaborative and proactive approach to challenges like housing," Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes said in a news release. "This project caters to a wide range of housing needs in Saanich and I look forward to seeing how it will enhance our community over the years to come.”

BC Housing is contributing more than $50 million, and Broadmead Care and Island Health are each providing more more than $5 million.

The Nigel Valley redevelopment, near Saanich's municipal hall, is being done in three phases over the next 10 years.

The second year of our Picnics & Patios Campaign was another great success encouraging people to dine out - or take out - and by doing so support the many incredible food and beverage suppliers in our region. During the campaign, we picked up nearly 80 restaurant tabs and had fun with a social media campaign encouraging people to share their favs.

Although the #PicnicsPatiosVicBC Campaign may be over, we hope to see you out enjoying many picnics and patios across the region this summer supporting our food and beverage members! It was important to the community partners that we also help those who cannot afford to dine out. In this spirit, we are pleased to donate over $1,000 to The Mustard Seed.

Campaign Sponsor: BC Restaurant and Food Services Association

Community Partners & Sponsors: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, Downtown Victoria Business Association, Used.ca and Sysco Victoria.

The unseasonable weather has been the major theme of casual conversations this summer. And while it's been a welcome break from the prevalence of pandemic chatter, we can't close the door on COVID yet. Last Thursday, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam reported that "it is reasonable to expect we could see an increase in case numbers in the coming weeks."

The next wave comes during the heart of summer so its impact will be mitigated by the warm weather and the opportunities for gathering outdoors. Immunization, including boosters, is also key to help protect our community. The Chamber is monitoring the situation and will strive to provide Greater Victoria's business community with evidence-based information from reputable sources. We all have the resilience and experience to keep our economy and community moving forward.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.

Want to know what events are happening in the community? Check out The Chamber's Community Calendar to stay up to date with plays, seminars, grand openings and more. As a member, this is where you can post your own events