It’s time for everyone who believes in the value of safe communities to put our differences aside and work together.

As we learn to live with COVID-19, we need to address the disruptions affecting the ability for all of us to feel safe in the places we work, live and enjoy. We are hearing from many Chamber members about the serious impact on businesses caused by temporary housing solutions. The pandemic forced the closure of shelters and required an emergency response to prevent the virus from spreading through our region’s homeless population and beyond. The City of Victoria stepped up by offering space in parks where tents could be set up with appropriate physical distancing. This moved people away from overcrowded encampments along Pandora Avenue and other areas. However, shuffling this population to different neighbourhoods forces those areas to deal with the accompanying concerns around crime, safety, mental health and addictions.

How do we get back to feeling safe in our communities?

It’s clear that we have a growing problem with encampments in downtown Victoria and in many parks throughout the region. Crime statistics also show that there has been an increase in property crimes and incidents requiring the police. There are reasons that many people in Victoria report they’re feeling less safe living and working in their community.

The issue is becoming more prominent for many Chamber members, and we are working with decision makers to push for real solutions.

“There are a number of pillars that need to be in place for all of us to feel safe in our day-to-day lives,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Housing is the obvious one, and a lot of work has gone into finding long-term homes for people living in camps or on the streets. However, one area that we’re lacking is adequate care for people with mental health issues and addictions. Many people want help, but the nature of their illness makes them defensive of their circumstances and keeps them stuck in a cycle of despair. Unfortunately, this leaves many people vulnerable to predators who sell drugs or deal in stolen goods.”

Williams spoke with VicPD police chief Del Manak this week about how his department is stepping up enforcement, as well as how health professionals can help people whose homelessness is rooted in mental illness. A key component of this will be increasing the capacity of facilities that can provide adequate rehabilitation for addiction.

It’s also important to recognize that Greater Victoria is not alone in dealing with an opioid crisis concurrently with affordable housing concerns and a pandemic. We need to learn from success stories and avoid the policy pitfalls that have plagued other regions.

After experiencing a dramatic drop in passenger arrivals this spring, the Victoria International Airport is starting to see an increase in the number of domestic passengers.

With no international arrivals since April, the total number of passengers going through the Victoria airport in July was still down 79% from 2019. However, the 34,055 domestic arrivals represents an increase from 13,437 in June.

August is expected to exceed 40,000, airport spokesperson Rod Hunchak told the Times Colonist. That would bring the total number of passengers to about 404,000 for 2020 so far. That compares to a 12-month total of 1.9 million in 2019.

A major new development in the City of Colwood will broaden the municipal tax base, create jobs on the West Shore and potentially ease transportation issues in Greater Victoria.

“One of our solutions to (traffic congestion) is that we need to begin to create more jobs here in the West Shore,” Colwood Mayor Rob Martin told the Times Colonist.

The proposed Allandale District — being developed by Omicron Canada with a Vancouver partner — is going through the approval process with Colwood council.

The development would cover 20 acres on four parcels, including a former gravel pit and rock bluffs along Allandale Road and on both sides of Veteran Memorial Parkway.

The plan to redevelop University Heights mall in the District of Saanich is going to public hearing. Saanich council decided to move the project forward, with a few outstanding questions for staff to address.

The proposal by Wesbild will add 598 rental units and 10,096 square metres of commercial space. The plan would revitalize the area and create much needed housing for the region.

If you're an employer looking for your next great hire, make sure to post your career opportunities on the Chamber job board.

The job board is an exclusive benefit of Chamber membership.

If you have any difficulty posting, email [email protected].

We will get back to you within one business day. We know how important hiring the right person can be.

All jobs posted to our job board have been vetted by a member of The Chamber team.

This summer, make sure to take care of your physical, mental, social and nutritional health. For the month of August, The Chamber has been suggesting ways to take healthier steps during these unique times.

Being conscious of what you eat is an essential part of keeping your body and mind healthy. Learning ways to prepare healthy meals can create good habits for the rest of the year.

The Government of Canada has created a guide for healthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. This guide provides recipe suggestions, meal planning resources and information on ways to eat better while saving money. Interested in receiving personalized advice? Nutritionists can be included in your Chamber Group Insurance Plan.

When picking up groceries, keep the Canadian Food Guide in mind while preparing meals — have plenty of veggies and fruits, eat protein such as meat and nuts, choose whole-grain pasta and rice, and make water your drink of choice.

If you’re missing a key vitamin or nutrient from your diet, consider purchasing immune boosting supplements from a Chamber member.

And if you don't feel like cooking, enjoy dinner at a Chamber Member Patio. Go while the sun is shining and choose healthy options on the menu. Or order takeout from a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal at home.

Patio Season is in full swing in Greater Victoria! Use this handy checklist to discover patios with incredible views, delicious food and cold drinks to enjoy on a hot day.

Before heading to a Chamber member patio, ensure they are open by visiting the Chamber Member Service Update page or by contacting them directly.

Take a photo of yourself completing the Patio Checklist, and tag us with @victoriachamber and #YYJPatioChecklist for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. Stay safe and support local this season.