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Fort St Bike Lane Update
The Fort Street project is anticipated to start construction in Sept 2017.
There will be a drop-in session on construction scheduling and operational needs for interested stakeholders on:
Mon June 19 | 8-9:30 am | Victoria City Hall
Stakeholders who are not able to make this session will receive a digital comment form June 19, that is due by Fri June 23. Stakeholders will be invited to share comments, questions or business-related requirements.
City Staff will also be visiting businesses along the corridor over the next month to share project information and find out how they can best stay in touch leading up to and during construction.
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Outlook from New VicPD Chief
The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board announced Del Manak as Chief Constable of the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) effective Jul 1. Manak has led the department as Acting Chief since December 2015.
This is the first time since 1991 that a Police Chief has been appointed from within the Victoria Police Department. Given Chief Manak's strong perfor
mance, roots
in the community, and history in local policing, the appointment is very promising.
"With such a seasoned and energetic leader at the helm of VicPD, we look forward to a rejuvenated police service," said Chamber Chair Al Hasham.
As a guest speaker at the Chamber's Policy and Government Affairs Committee meeting Wed morning, Chief Manak outlined VicPD's challenges and opportunities.
The City of Victoria has increased its density and its liquor seats (related to number of liquor serving establishments). It has longstanding issues with homelessness, illicit drug use and un-/under-treated mental illnesses. In addition, there is growing concern about drug-impaired driving, cybercrime, gang activity, and the ever-present threat of terrorism. Although all these have contributed to an overall increase of 12.6% in service calls between 2012 and 2016, VicPD has not seen an increase to front line police staffing.
VicPD has the highest Crime Severity Index and case load per officer in BC as outlined in its 2017 Efficiency Review.
"Policing has changed considerably over the last few decades. VicPD has been at the forefront of this change. When our community calls, VicPD answers the bell," said Chief Manak. "Given recent world events, policing must change in the face of a new reality that includes violent extremism and radicalization. We must be prepared to keep our communities safer than ever before."
On a positive note, Chief Manak sees opportunity in the strong community and business support for his department as expressed in its recent Business Survey.
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Victoria Police Department: member since 2008
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Keep your most important asset - your people - healthy and well taken care of with the Chambers Plan - the most popular and affordable employee benefits plan in Canada for small business.
Click here
for more information.
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Congrats Emara!
The Chamber's Membership and Marketing
 Coordinator Emara Angus was honoured last night as the recipient of two awards at
Camosun College's School of Business award ceremony.
- Grant Thornton Chartered Accountants Co-op Academic Award
This award is given to a co-op student graduating from Business Administration program completing all course requirements with the highest GPA throughout the program.
- Beate & Kirk Northcott Endowment in Business
For a fourth year Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing Major student pursuing a career in sales or marketing management who has demonstrated leadership in the classroom and involvement in the community.
Congrats Emara, we are so happy to have you on The Chamber team. Emara and her award-winning skills are part of our frontline outreach to members to help them benefit from their engagement with The Chamber.
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New Options & Opportunities
If you sell products or services in more than one province or territory, you could soon see new possibilities open up for your business.
Through the soon-to-be launched
Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), you will have opportunities to find and bid on government contracts across Canada. For example, it will be easier to access Canadian ingredients or materials for use in your products or services.
"Companies will find it easier and less costly to sell their goods and services across the country, which means Canadians can expect more choice and pay less for what they buy. More open markets and less red tape mean Canadian businesses can grow and compete globally," said The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. "And as these companies grow, they will create more middle-class jobs for Canadians."
The new trade agreement takes effect on July 1st, Canada's 150th anniversary. The federal government has asked The Chamber for information on how CFTA will affect our members.
"We are interested to hear what CFTA provisions will be beneficial or of concern to your business, which we will pass back to the federal government," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt.
Chamber members are invited to contact Chamber Policy and Public Affairs Manager Peggy Kulmala on CFTA by
email or phone: 250-360-3476 by June 20.
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Board Election Information Session
Interested in running for the
 Board of Directors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce? Find out everything you need to know at this information session facilitated by Al Hasham, Board Chair.
Representing Greater Victoria's business community, The Chamber Board is one of the most influential community boards in the region.
Tue, July 11 | 12 noon to 1 pm
The Chamber, 100-852 Fort St.
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Click here for info on key dates, the nomination process and the voting procedure. Additional questions can be directed to Peggy Kulmala, Manager of Policy and Public Affairs. |
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Members Around Town
Bayshore HealthCare has acquired Alpha Home Health Care, which has been operating in Greater Victoria for 40 years. Alpha has a workforce of more than 200 people, who will be transferred to Bayshore HealthCare's Home Health division and will retain their patients.
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Bayshore Home Health: member since 2011
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Songhees Nation: member since 2017
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Royal BC Museum: member since 1994
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Tourism Victoria: member since 1988
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Greater Victoria Harbour Authority: member since 2004
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Salvation Army Victoria has completed extensive renovations to their Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC). Renovations included a new elevator, replacement of room and dormitory furnishings, renovation of the four resident washrooms and of the computer and life skills labs, a new main entrance and chapel, upgrading and replacement of lighting, plumbing, electrical, safety and HVAC systems. With ARC's services the residents improve their life skills and are ready to move to the next level of stability and self-reliance as they transition into permanent housing.
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Salvation Army Victoria: member since 2006
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Welcome to Our Newest Members!
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Fast Access to Highly-skilled Global Talent!
The Global Talent Stream is open to foreign workers with executive and managerial experience, and the two-week processing standard also applies to immediate family members accompanying the workers to Canada.
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Chamber Name Tags
 Need to get one of the snazzy new Chamber Name tags?
Email Reception to order yours today.
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