Read SIPP's Impact Report 2022-2023

Leadership by Listening

Seven years ago, SIPP began with just two employees working out of a shared space at Ogden Point, a passion for regional economic development and a bold vision supported by a coalition of 29 public and private stakeholders. These included municipalities, First Nations, the private sector, non-profits, and industry and business associations.

Today, SIPP has doubled our team in the past year alone, grown to 70+ members and is revolutionizing economic development and sustainable growth in our region thanks to the support of our members.



Highlights of our Impact Report 2023-2024 include:

• new funding announcements
• innovative strategies and teamwork driving SIPP's success
• an illustration of how every municipal dollar invested into SIPP has been magnified into $8 through non-municipal — federal, provincial and industry — funding, driving economic development projects
• the vital role SIPP's Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies plays in growing a sustainable blue economy in B.C.
• the role of SIPP's Indigenous Prosperity Centre in the growth of the Indigenous economy.

"This Impact Report is a testament to our members' importance," says SIPP CEO Emilie de Rosenroll, "and how they're supporting strides toward a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for Southern Vancouver Island."

SIPP Welcomes 2023/24 Board of Directors

At SIPP's Annual General Meeting in Sidney on June 15, Board Chair Frank Bourree welcomed newly elected board director Robert Mittelman, Acting Dean, Faculty of Management, Royal Roads University, and thanked outgoing directors Geoff Wilmshurst and Lindalee Brougham for their valued service. 

SIPP’s 2023-2024 Board includes:

• Frank Bourree, Chair — Bourree + Associates 
• Jennifer Vornbrock, Vice-Chair — University of Victoria
• Kear Porttris — Porttris Consulting Group
• Susanne Thiessen — University of Victoria 
• Peter Cowan — Innovation Asset Collective and Northworks IP 
• Sonterra Ross — Beacon Community Services
• Tony Payne — British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)
• Suzanne Bradbury — Fort Properties Ltd.
• Basma Majerbi — Gustavson School of Business and Vancouver Island Impact Investing Hub (VI3Hub)
• Terry Gunning — DXC Technology
• Robert Mittelman — Royal Roads University

Pictured here: SIPP Board members at our AGM in Sidney (left to right) - Kear Porttris, Susanne Thiessen, Jennifer Vornbrock, Frank Bourree, Sonterra Ross, Basma Majerbi, Robert Mittelman.

Victoria's Startup Economy Earns National Recognition with Top 15 Ranking

Victoria is a top destination for startups, according to a recent report by HelloSafe. The report analyzed various criteria including quality, quantity and business environment and applied it to 41 Canadian cities listed in the Startup Blink database.

Victoria ranked 11th of the best Canadian cities for startups and 225th globally out of the 1,000 cities analyzed. Canada maintained its position as the 4th-best startup country in the world.

Building Heat-Wave Resilience Through the Power of Community

With intensifying heat waves and fires in B.C., the website Happy Cities explores the power of social infrastructure for navigating natural disasters in its recent article "To build resilient communities, start with social connection."

A vital example of communities' power for resilience comes from the Chicago heat wave of 1995, which resulted in over 730 deaths within a week. Researchers discovered that the highest factors for death weren't necessarily income, neighbourhood or age but rather whether or not people were isolated.

"Social connection is a key ingredient of community resilience," says author Leah Karlberg. "People who know and trust their neighbour can better support each other during an extreme weather event or crisis by ensuring that no one is left behind and alone."

The article suggests urban planning should prioritize community resilience to develop more effective policies and meaningful spaces. Basic acts like introductions, invitations and community-led projects can help communities build resilience. By empowering people to tackle crises, cities can make resilience a shared goal and a tangible outcome.

Panel brings clarity to the controversies

How 15-Minute Cities Can Reshape our Urban Future

The urban planning concept of 15-minute cities emerged to promote convenience, sustainability and community. This city design focuses on daily necessities such as work, shopping, education, healthcare and leisure being accessible within 15 minutes through active or public transportation.

However, controversies and conspiracies have emerged around the concept. In this Rising Economy podast, our panel separates fact from fiction by discussing:

• how 15-minute cities address accessibility
• how this concept impacts a region's economy
• common myths around 15-minute cities.

Hosted by Dallas Gislason and Ben Wagg (SIPP), panelists include:

• Carrie Smart | Architect, Cascadia Architects
• Ray Straatsma | Principal Consultant, RStreets Urban Strategies
• Cameron Scott | Manager of Community Planning, District of Saanich

Major Safety and Traffic Control Upgrades Underway at Keating Overpass

As progress continues on the Keating flyover overpass construction project in Central Saanich, additional safety measures are being taken over the summer.

These measures include a temporarily activated crosswalk on Tanner Road and "Share the road" signs added to Central Saanich Road and Tanner Road. The goal is to ensure that workers and residents are protected during the project, including replacing the northbound turn lane onto Keating Cross Road with a flyover overpass from Highway 17.

The project is expected to conclude in the spring of 2025, representing a significant investment in the region's infrastructure. Funded through a combination of provincial, federal, and local contributions, the project's total budget is $76.8 million.

Did You Know?

• The South Island Indigenous Business Directory is now live. This collaboration between SIPP and other community organizations features 50 regional Indigenous-led businesses and promotes economic reconciliation through connection. - Indigenous Business Directory

News from the SIPP Ecosystem

Sea to Shore – Podcast Features Blue Tech Solutions to Coastal Challenges

Our oceans have taken the brunt of human-driven climate change, absorbing up to 90 per cent of the heat generated by global warming. The resulting rise in sea levels, marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and coastal storms and erosion is driving marine biodiversity loss and affecting the livelihoods of communities along B.C.’s coastline.

COAST Talks explores today’s ocean challenges and examines how ocean tech companies are providing solutions.

Panelists:

• Joshua Charleson, Coastal Restoration Society 
• Thomas Storwick, Coastal Carbon AI  

At a Glance

🛣️ Victoria council approves $750,000 to cover consulting and design fees for Centennial Square Overhaul - Times Colonist

🏠 Saanich endorses small apartments on single-family lots - Western Investor

🌱 Three candidates run in North Saanich byelection - CHEK News

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