Thanks to our August Mixer host sponsor, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse for putting on a flawless event last Thursday! Special thanks to catering sponsor Truffles Inspired Catering and to Pacific Opera Victoria for a wonderful performance. See photos from the event here.

The discussion was informative and enlightening. I encourage every Chamber member who wants to better understand what's happening with the economy to watch the recording of our conversation. I know it helped me, especially as there are reasons for optimism that aren't always reflected in the media. We're lucky to have Chamber Champions who continue to help us get through every challenge that arises.

Thank you,

Housing supply is critical in order to address the highest expense directly affecting the cost of living in our region and across Canada. With demand growing due to increases to our population, the challenge of our time is to ensure homes are accessible and affordable for everyone needed to help our community prosper.

"It's fundamental economics. A limited supply results in increased demand, which tends to increase costs," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We need a concerted effort from all levels of government to support builders who need an adequate workforce as well as access to materials and land needed to build more homes."

Some progress is being made. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. recently reported that urban housing starts increased in July compared to June.

“Historically elevated levels of housing starts activity continue in Canada, which have been well above 200,000 units since 2020,” said Aled Ab Iorwerth, CMHC's Deputy Chief Economist.

The Chamber has long called for a renewed approach to policing in Greater Victoria in order to ensure resources are available where they're most needed.

A decision by the Township of Esquimalt to not renew a 10-year agreement with the City of Victoria to share policing costs creates an opportunity for the provincial government to look at a regional police force.

"Perhaps this might be an opportunity to make major structural changes in the makeup of the police departments here in the south Island,” VicPD police chief Del

Manak told the Times Colonist.

A report released this spring by the province from the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act suggested that a regional police force is past due.

The report stated that, when the provincial government ordered the merger of the Esquimalt and Victoria police forces in 2002, the understanding at the time was that "this would be the first step towards regional integration of policing in the Capital Region, but this has not happened."

Greater Victoria's film industry continues to create economic opportunities on southern Vancouver Island. Netflix recently updated a website that provides details on their local productions. The site, Netflix in your Neighbourhood, shows filming locations of recent series such as Rescued by Ruby, Super PupZ and others.

“We had three features and 13 television movies come through last year — that’s amazing,” Vancouver Island South Film and Media commissioner Kathleen Gilbert told CHEK News. The industry was responsible for direct spending of about $55 million per year over the pandemic.

The Chamber continues to work with community partners on several projects looking to build production studios in Greater Victoria.

With a little more than one month before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, demand is high for orange shirts that are traditionally worn as a show of support. The Vancouver Island Construction Association is offering to order shirts on behalf of companies. The deadline to order is 2 pm on Aug. 18. Check out VICA's latest newsletter for info on how to order.

In the coming weeks, The Chamber will be highlighting our inaugural Business Hall of Fame inductees starting with previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

Cedric Steele grew up learning the skills of a trader by operating his family’s farm store in South Africa. He went on to study accounting, and found work at a large firm before moving to Canada in 1966.

In 1972, Cedric Steele Realty was founded, and, in 1974, Cedric and his family took over operations of Prospect Lake Golf Course.

Through connections with The Chamber and many other organizations, Steele became a mainstay in the community.

Steele has been passionate about his work with the Navy, having been appointed an Honorary Captain in 1997. He continues to champion a strong connection between CFB Esquimalt and the business community.

Learn about Steele's impact and legacy at the 2022 Business Hall of Fame gala.

We are thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Auction, taking place Nov. 6 – 13.

This is a major fundraising event for The Chamber, with all proceeds supporting our work as the largest and most influential advocate for businesses in the region. Last year, we received thousands of visits to our auction platform for an action-packed week of bidding on fabulous gifts and memorable experiences.

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.