BizNews
October 27, 2021
Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
In accordance with PHO, last week's Mixer attendees were able to mingle in assigned seats throughout Max Furniture. Thank you for making it a safe success! Check out more photos here.
Province moves to help municipalities increase housing stock
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the vulnerability of Greater Victoria's housing market remains moderate in the second quarter of 2021. Limited inventory and the related low level of homes being listed have contributed to a sellers' market.

Even a marked increase in new homes this year has not been able to keep pace with the demand from buyers. There have been 3,488 new homes built so far this year, compared to a total of 3,209 in 2020 and 3,499 in 2019.
On Tuesday, the provincial government moved to make it easier for developments to get approval from municipalities. The aim is to increase housing supply in the province. Amendments to the Local Government Act will:
  • remove the default requirement for local governments to hold public hearings for zoning bylaw amendments that are consistent with the official community plan; and
  • enable local governments to delegate decisions on minor development variance permits to staff.
BC climate plan aims to shift away from fossil fuels
The province announced its latest iteration of its efforts to reduce climate pollution. The focus of the plan is to shift away from fossil fuel use with initiatives such as increasing the number of public charging stations for electric vehicles.

The plan features eight pathways that will affect the cost of energy and increase regulation for some industries:

  • increase price on carbon pollution to meet or exceed the federal benchmark, with supports for people and businesses;
  • require new industry projects to have enforceable plans to reach legislated targets and net zero by 2050;
  • stronger regulations to nearly eliminate industrial methane emissions by 2035;
  • comprehensive review of oil and gas royalty system, with outcomes released in February 2022;
  • require all new buildings to be zero-carbon by 2030;
  • 90% of passenger vehicles sold must be zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2035;
  • develop 10,000 ZEV targets for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles;
  • accelerate shift toward active transportation and public transit;
  • increase clean fuel and energy efficiency requirements; and
  • support innovation in areas like clean hydrogen, the forest-based bioeconomy and negative emissions technology.
Feds replace relief programs with targeted support
In an effort to reduce spending, the federal government announced two new targeted relief programs to replace now-expired subsidies.

The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program will be accessible to fewer businesses than previous programs. The wage and rent subsidies, specifically, were widely used by businesses across Canada to ride out the pandemic recession. Both programs ended Oct. 23.

Eligibility for the new programs requires businesses to show significant revenue loss over 12 months of the pandemic as well as in the current month.

  • The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program provides wage and rent support to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.
  • The Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program provides support for other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent.
City seeks feedback from business to reduce waste
The movement away from single-use plastics is being addressed by new initiatives announced this week for BC and Victoria.

Following feedback from the public, the province is updating laws that allow for regulation and prohibition of packaging materials that are harmful to the environment. Businesses have led the way on sustainable packaging with innovative solutions that meet the demands of customers.

The City of Victoria is also looking to cut waste disposal in the municipality in half by 2040. This week, the city announced a new engagement process to hear from businesses and residents. A survey for businesses has 13 questions to help inform its plan.

Questions include:
  • How strongly do your customers value waste reduction and environmental sustainability?
  • What actions has your business taken to reduce the distribution of disposable single-use items?
  • Are there other approaches to reducing disposable single-use items that you have already taken or are planning to take?

The survey will be open until Nov. 22.
City of Victoria: Member since 1962
Final Week of Small Business Month
Last chance to shine the spotlight on your small business
In celebration of Small Business Month, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams is visiting Chamber members such as Jacqui and Gabriel from Art in the Barn Gallery. "Small business is the backbone of this Island. It is a way to integrate into your community," Jacqui says.

We'll be sharing photos from our members until the end of the month on our social media channels. We hope you'll join the conversation by using the hashtag #SmallBizVI and tagging @VictoriaChamber (@ChamberVictoria on Twitter).
Sold Out!
Member Networking Breakfast

Tomorrow's modified Small Business Month - Member Networking Breakfast is now sold out. See you bright and early for our first in-person networking breakfast since February 2020.

Thurs., Oct. 28 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
In keeping with the current PHO for in-person events, all attendees must be fully vaccinated to attend and will be required to show their BC Vaccination Card and valid government issued ID. View COVID-19 Safety Protocols for In-Person Events here.
Special thanks to our Small Business Month sponsor Grant Thornton and media partners Rogers Media - Jack 103.1 & Ocean 98.5.
Sponsored by:
Media Partners:
How to get the funding you need to hire a co-op
Interested in hiring a Camosun or UVic co-op student, but not sure where to start? Come learn about timing, mentorship and funding options to hire a student for Winter/Spring 2022.
 
Engaging a student is a cost-effective way to tackle ebbs and flows in the workplace — no matter the economic temperature, and particularly now as we look forward to recovering from the pandemic. Students are available from a wide variety of programs from technology and sciences to business and communication and everything in between.
Presented by:
Jacquie Burden, Employment Facilitator, Camosun
Robyn Booth, Employment Development Officer, UVic
Tara Coulter, Employment Development Officer, UVic
Get re-acquainted with emerging and established members of Greater Victoria's business community
The Prodigy Group is a diverse group of emerging professionals who reside in the Greater Victoria area. Through our ties to The Chamber and other business and community organizations, we provide our members the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and affect positive change in Greater Victoria.
 
Attendees will be able to network in small groups throughout the evening, while enjoying light refreshments.
 
Prodigy Group Mingles are open to Chamber members and their guests. This is a 19+ event.
In keeping with the current PHO for in-person events, all attendees must be fully vaccinated to attend and will be required to show their BC Vaccination Card and valid government issued ID. View COVID-19 Safety Protocols for In-Person Events here.
Thurs., Nov. 18 | 5-7 PM
Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel
506 Pandora Ave., Victoria
Sponsored by:
CHEK's Road to Recovery with Douglas Magazine
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams was the guest of this week’s segment of Road to Recovery with Douglas Magazine, hosted by CHEK’s Jasmine Bala.

The focus was on the many reasons to celebrate Small Business Month.

As the largest business organization on Vancouver Island, The Chamber represents the interests of businesses of all sizes as well as organizations in the not-for-profit sector. About 80 per cent of our membership is made up of small businesses with 25 employees or less.
Douglas Magazine: Member since 2004
CHEK News: Member since 1971
CHEK News: Chamber Champion since 2020
Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
What's new at the University of Victoria?
Campus life at UVic is gradually ramping up to capacity. Universities are a large factor in developing and evolving our economy and workforce. In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with the President of UVic, Dr. Kevin Hall, about the innovation in learning to create that growth.
University of Victoria: Member since 1976
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
Special thanks to our series sponsor:
The early bid gets the deal at The Chamber Auction
With less than a week before The Chamber Auction opens for Early Bird Bidding, check out a few incredible items that will be available starting Nov. 1!

Enjoy a live hockey game with 11 of your closest friends from your own private box. Watch the Victoria Royals home game against the Everett Silvertips on Jan. 22, courtesy of The Wilson's Group of Companies.

Chart a course to have a conversation with Mark Collins, CEO of BC Ferries. With a fleet of 35 ferries moving more than 22 million passengers and 8 million vehicles every year, this is your chance to speak with the man at the helm of this impressive transportation operation.

Enjoy 2 hours of simulator time at Iron & Wood Golf Simulators. At Iron & Wood, there's no pressure to be good. Take a swing, score some points, share a laugh, or sharpen your skills. Any way you play, it's a great time for all.

Early Bird Items: Nov. 1-6
All Auction Items: Nov. 7-14 
Sponsored by:
As a major fundraising event for The Chamber, all proceeds from this event support our work as the largest and most influential advocate for business in the region.
More information on UVic Co-op and Camosun Co-op
Nominations now open!
Each week, The Chamber will profile one of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.

Business of the Year (40+ Employees) honours a business that:
  • Demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth
  • Displays a commitment to the community;
  • Exemplifies superior customer service;
  • Embraces an outstanding commitment to quality;
  • Demonstrates leadership and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need some inspiration?
Check out the videos of the 2021 Business of the Year (40+ Employees) finalists below. Thanks to the Chard Development Ltd. who is our sponsor for this award in 2022.
CHEK Media Group (Winner)
Have a spooky Halloween!
This Halloween, kids will fill the streets on the hunt for sugary treats. Make this season spooky and safe by participating in great local events and by following Provincial Health Orders.

Dr. Bonnie Henry encourages keeping events outdoors and to celebrate in small groups. For handing out candy to little ghouls and goblins, try using tongs with pre-packaged sweets or create a scary slide or zipline to hand out the treats.

Be sure to order takeout or have a Halloween meal at a great restaurant before safely giving candy to trick-or-treaters (or getting some treats for yourself!) Remember wash your hands when leaving, coming home and, especially, before eating your Halloween haul.

If you’re looking to burn off that extra sugar from Halloween treats, check out a local fitness facility, and be sure to recycle your pumpkin at Pumpkin Smash 2021 in the City of Langford on Nov. 6.

Whatever you may be up to this Halloween, The Chamber hopes you have a fun (and frightening) time!
Work for a Chamber Champion

When you’re searching for your next employer, look no further than a Chamber Champion!
Featured on The Chamber’s job board, Chamber Champions are offering great career opportunities for talented individuals across Greater Victoria.

From a Project Manager position at Kinetic Construction to an Front of House Team Member Position at Big Wheel Burger, Chamber Champions are ready to offer you your next great career move.

Visit The Chamber’s job board and find new opportunities today.

If you have any questions or need help uploading your job, please email members@victoriachamber.ca
Member News
Staff Burger Battle

From now until Nov. 7, Big Wheel Burger employees are facing off in Round 1 of the Staff Burger Battle. Employees were invited to suggest ideas for burgers, fries or milkshakes for a chance to win cash prizes. The finalists for Round 1 include a “Get Him to The Greek” burger, curry and cilantro lime crema fries, and a tiramisu milkshake. Winners will be chosen based on sales at all four locations.
Big Wheel Burger: Member since 2020 
Big Wheel Burger: Chamber Champion since 2020
Chamber supports Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria

The Chamber is pleased to support our local food and accommodation members this winter. The return of Greater Victoria’s Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria will give locals and visitors alike the chance to indulge in some of our destination’s finest restaurant offerings between Jan. 20 and Feb. 6. The toughest part will be choosing between the more than 50 participating restaurants who have thoughtfully paired their menus with some of BC’s finest in wine, craft beer and specialty crafted cocktails. 

Hotels and accommodations will also take part in the program by offering a special rate for the "Stay in Town" component of the 2022 program. A little local getaway sounds like the perfect self-gift after the holidays! Early bird registration closes this Friday, Oct. 29 so don’t delay! 
Destination Greater Victoria: Member since 1988
BC Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA): Member since 1996
Poppies symbol for remembrance for 100 years

This year, the Royal Canadian Legion marks the 100th anniversary of poppies being used as a symbol for remembrance. The poppy was inspired by the poem, In Flanders Fields, written during the First World War by lieutenant-colonel John McCrae. Poppy purchases are used every year to provide support to Canadian veterans and to create bursaries and remembrance activities.
Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar/Pro Patria Branch #292: Member since 2007
Simple Generosity from Island Savings

As part of their Simple Generosity campaign, Island Savings has donated $30,000 to the Women’s Enterprise Centre. The funds will be used to help women entrepreneurs gain access to resources and funding opportunities. The Simple Generosity campaign provides volunteer awards, neighborhood grants and more to community leaders and organizations across BC.
Women's Enterprise Centre: Member since 2015
Island Savings: Member since 1984
CIBC funding clean water initiatives

CIBC has donated $25,000 to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Iqaluit, Nunavut. The city is currently in a state of emergency due to fuel contamination affecting Iqaluit’s tap water. The $25,000 will be used to provide immediate water supplies and water transportation assistance.
CIBC - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: Member since 1962 
CIBC - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: Chamber Champion since 2020
Honorary Citizen Awards

The City of Victoria has announced the recipients of the 2021 Honorary Citizens Awards. The recognition included Trevor Botkin of HeroWork Program Society, Robin-Lee Clarke of Butchart Gardens, John McRae of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, Shelley Morris of The Cridge Centre for The Family and Keith Dagg, Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
City of Victoria: Member since 1962
HeroWork Program Society: Member since 2019
Butchart Gardens Ltd: Member since 1976
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA): Member since 1996
The Cridge Centre for The Family: Member since 1995
Air Canada COVID testing kits

Air Canada is now offering portable COVID-19 testing kits to travellers. Users receive results digitally in less than 45 minutes after taking the test, and results can be verified and accepted by border agents. Both antigen and molecular tests are now available to Aeroplan members in limited supply.
Air Canada: Member since 1962
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
Member to Member discounts
Carreiro Studio Salon
Heather Ferguson Music
Premium Living Victoria
Shaw Telecom
Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.
Welcome to our newest members!