A transition period will run until Sept. 26, during which the cards received from vaccine clinics will suffice as proof.

"All of us want to avoid further restrictions on business, and the data shows COVID is much less of a risk when people are fully vaccinated," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We all want to put the pandemic behind us, and immunization continues to be our way forward."

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, the current surge in cases is primarily occurring in people who are unvaccinated. One of the goals of requiring proof of vaccination is to prompt those who are not vaccinated to get their shots.

On Monday, Canada opened its borders to international visitors. The move will give another boost to the tourism sector trying to make the most of the last few weeks of summer.

Visitors don't need to quarantine but do need to meet criteria set out by government. International travellers must show proof they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Canada. They also need to supply the negative results of an approved COVID test within 72 hours of arriving in Canada.

The opening of the border has attracted attention of travel media, such as Men's Journal which recently included Victoria among its suggested places to visit.

This year, there are 11 amazing candidates nominated for four (4) positions on the Chamber Board of Directors.

Each fall, The Chamber holds an election to fill open seats on our board. Directors are elected to two-year terms with staggered renewal dates.

Personal write-ups for each of the nominees are included with the electronic ballot. You can also view the nominees on The Chamber’s website here.

Greater Victoria had $202 million in building permits for July, according to Statistics Canada. The number represents a 56.4% increase over July 2020, and 26.6% jump from June 2021.

In July, Greater Victoria recorded 617 housing starts for a year-to-date total of 2,500. Of that number, 2,182 have been completed.

Across Canada, the value of building permits was $7.5 billion — up 19.6% from a year earlier but down 6.5% from June 2021.

The Chamber is hosting a series of Candidate Listening Sessions to ensure whoever represents our region will understand the issues facing business our area. The sessions will be recorded and available for you to watch at your convenience.

For those of you engaging in this year's ClimbUp campaign, consider it early training.

For details about this event including best choice for all levels of physical capability - click here.

Thurs., Sept. 16 | 5 - 6 PM

Zoom

The Chamber has a number of active and engaged committees that report to our Board of Directors. A key reason for the success of our board committees is the involvement of our Chamber members as volunteer committee members.

Each year, there are a few openings on our committees for new members. We are recruiting now for members who will be available starting on Jan. 1, 2022 for at least a two-year term. Here are our committees:

The opportunity to apply for any of the above committees will be open until Oct. 15, 2021. At the end of the application period, the chair of the committee will be in contact by email or phone.

The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan is now offering prescription medication delivery for all Chambers Plan members through PocketPills.

PocketPills is a proudly Canadian online pharmacy and technology company that provides free home delivery for prescription medications — often by the next business day. They also offer direct access to their team of pharmacists by text, live chat, phone or email. And their app allows individuals to manage not only their own prescription needs, but also those of family members.

Plan members are also eligible for an extra 10% drug co-insurance coverage on prescription drugs filled through PocketPills. Get more coverage for the same cost to you and your employees.

Looking for more information on how to use this new benefit? For more than 17 years, Jack Insurance and Financial Services has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses. For more information, contact Ryan at Jack Insurance

Take a sneak peek at an incredible item available at the 2021 Virtual Chamber Auction from Nov. 7 – 14!

Take your picnic anywhere you go with an insulated picnic backpack! Including a blanket, bottle of wine and a $50 gift card to Red Barn Market – Kindly donated by Ruffell & Brown Interiors Ltd.

Fill out our 2021 Auction Donation Form, call (250) 383-7191 or email [email protected]

As an event sponsor, Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics is offering donors complimentary delivery of their auction item to The Chamber Office.

In our ongoing series of conversations with regional mayors, this week we chat with Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes. The District of Saanich is a diverse municipality with a mix of urban, industrial, commercial and urban areas.

In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Mayor Haynes about evolving priorities for the near future and beyond.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.