SIPP News
SIPP Named One of World's Top Three Economic Development Organizations | | |
In the marketing category, SIPP earned a Gold award for our Victoria Rising website, a vibrant business and talent attraction platform showcasing Greater Victoria as a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.
The awards will be presented at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit this September.
“These awards are a testament to what Greater Victoria can achieve through regional collaboration and a unified vision for prosperity,” says Aaron Stone, CEO of SIPP.
We share this recognition with our members, including municipal partners, First Nations and leading business, academic and non-profit organizations. Each plays a vital role in telling Greater Victoria’s story and driving our region toward achieving our vast economic potential. This recognition for both our collaborative model and the Victoria Rising platform reinforces what we already know: Greater Victoria is a hub of innovation, creativity and boundless potential — and we’re just getting started.”
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National News
Canada Drops Some Tariffs on U.S. goods after Carney–Trump Talks
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Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced Canada will drop some retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods starting Sept. 1, after the United States granted new exemptions under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Following a call with President Donald Trump, Carney said the move restores free trade for the majority of goods between the two countries, though Canada will maintain tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos while negotiations continue.
The announcement comes months after Canada imposed 25% duties on a wide range of U.S. products, including oranges, motorcycles and cosmetics. Carney confirmed Canada will launch public consultations next month to prepare for the upcoming CUSMA review, a process expected to take six to 18 months.
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Municipal News
Saanich Endorses Zero-Emission Fleet Strategy to Cut Vehicle Emissions
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Saanich council recently endorsed a new zero-emission fleet strategy for more than 300 municipal vehicles to gradually transition to low-emission alternatives. By 2040, all passenger cars and most SUVs in Saanich will be fully electric, while larger vehicles such as fire trucks and garbage trucks will undergo a partial transition supported by renewable diesel.
The strategy, designed to align with Saanich’s climate targets of 100% renewable energy and net-zero corporate emissions by 2040, would replace aging vehicles with the lowest-cost, lowest-emission options available. Currently, transportation accounts for about half of Saanich's corporate greenhouse gas emissions and just over 10% of Saanich’s fleet is already electric.
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Municipal News
Esquimalt’s Town Centre Expands with $102M Development
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A new mixed-use development called The Gateway officially opened at 856 Esquimalt Road, introducing 198 new rental homes alongside retail spaces to Esquimalt. The $102M project, developed by PC Urban, is designed to serve families, young professionals and seniors, offering one to three bedroom homes with amenities.
Located on the former site of the Cambie Pub and Cask & Keg, the two six-storey buildings act as an entry point to the community’s West Bay Village and Town Centre. With construction completed in just over 31 months, the first renters are set to move in after September 1.
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Municipal News
Sooke Advances Landmark Project Combining Health Care and Housing
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Sooke is moving forward with a transformative project to bring health services and affordable housing together in one building. In partnership with Catalyst Community Developments Society, the proposed six-storey, mixed-use development will include 80 rental apartments alongside a health centre and additional medical services space.
Construction will begin within 18 months. Sooke is providing municipally owned land through a long-term nominal lease and is working with Catalyst, the Ministry of Health, Island Health and the BC Builds program to secure funding.
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Did You Know?
- "Canada’s inflation rate fell by slightly more than expected in July to 1.7 per cent, which economists say could pave the way for the Bank of Canada to resume cutting interest rates." - The Globe and Mail
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Only One Week Left to Register!
Connect with Greater Victoria’s Business Community at the SIPP Patio Mixer
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Join us for an evening of celebration, connection and community spirit at the South Island Prosperity Partnership Patio Mixer!
Come enjoy delicious drinks and delectable bites in a relaxed patio setting, while connecting with friends from SIPP, COAST, Indigenous Prosperity Centre and the wider local business community.
When: Wednesday, August 27, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Craft Beer Market, 450 Swift Street, BC V8W 1S3
| | SIPP-Initiative COAST Connects Global Investors to B.C.’s Leading Blue Economy Startups | |
The SIPP-initiative COAST is pleased to announce a new program to bridge the gap between investors and organizations seeking and primed for funding: the COAST Investor Network.
This initiative offers global investors a privileged front-row seat to B.C.'s top ocean startups, through curated investor letters and introductions, special pitch sessions, invitations to engagement sessions, opportunities to participate in COAST Pitchfest events in B.C. and more. COAST member companies will have recurring opportunities to submit their funding calls for consideration in the Investor Network pitch pool.
| | Host Your Next Event at SIPP’s COAST Ocean Innovation Hub | |
Looking for the perfect setting for your next business meeting, workshop, or networking event? SIPP's COAST Ocean Innovation Hub offers a sleek, modern space in the heart of downtown Victoria, designed to meet all your event needs.
Key Features of our event venue and meeting spaces:
· Contemporary, open event area accommodating up to 140 guests
· Flexible room configurations to suit groups of any size
· Abundant natural light and soaring ceilings
· State-of-the-art video conferencing and AV capabilities
· Convenient food preparation and serving area
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What We're Working On
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Marine energy and decarbonization technology companies, express your interest in participating in the first innovation challenge offered through the BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub: Decarbonizing Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) land-based remote operational sites. The Hub is a core part of the SIPP-initiative COAST in partnership with the University of Victoria. Check out more on the Victoria Rising opportunities page. - Victoria Rising
- MP & Parliamentary Secretary Ernie Klassen recently toured the COAST Hub and saw a presentation of B.C.'s diverse blue economy, alongside Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Joanne Thompson. COAST shared an overview of key programs, from the BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub to Blue Pathways and offered an inside look at the diverse focus areas of the nearly 500 members (representing 11 sectors of the blue economy).
| | Featured SIPP Members of the Week | |
We’re proud to highlight these organizations as South Island Prosperity Partnership’s Members of the Week. As dedicated members of SIPP, their leadership, collaboration and commitment to regional prosperity help strengthen the South Island economy and community. We thank them for the meaningful impact they continue to make.
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🏆 Victoria Ranks Highly in Best Places to Live in Canada 2025: Top 15 Cities for Quality of Life - Global Citizen Solutions
🏭 Check out the new website from the Vancouver Island Manufacturing Excellence Alliance (VIMEA). VIMEA is a new industry-led consortium which strengthens local manufacturing sectors through collaboration, innovation and hands-on leadership. VIMEA's vision for a stronger, more connected local economy aligns with SIPP's approach to regional economic development. - VIMEA
🏛️ Too Costly to Renovate: Sidney looks at Replacing Town Hall- Peninsula News Review
🏅 UBC slips, UVic holds steady in latest world university rankings - CHEK News
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