Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, centre right, served as emcee for today's announcement of funding for shore power at Ogden Point. |
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In a big win for business, sustainability and Chamber advocacy, the provincial government announced today it was moving forward to bring shore power to Ogden Point.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake, announced $9 million for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. The money will be used for planning and installation of infrastructure that will let cruise ships turn off their engines while docked by enabling access to electricity from BC Hydro.
GVHA expects 320 cruise ships this season, carrying 850,000 passengers.
“Innovation led by business is key to addressing the biggest challenges facing our community and our planet,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said. “Adding shore power to Ogden Point benefits people living nearby. It also shows how the cruise ship industry is adapting to public demand and embracing new ways of doing business. The Chamber has a long history of working closely with all levels of government and the cruise industry. We are grateful for the work of Minister Fleming to help champion this important project for our region.”
GVHA has been working on plans for shore power with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, BC Hydro, the cruise industry and the City of Victoria.
“Today’s funding announcement by the Province of British Columbia is key to launching the next phase of this important initiative,” GVHA CEO Robert Lewis-Manning said. “Shore power is one of several initiatives supporting a sustainable working port cherished by the Lekwungen people, residents and visitors alike."
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Greater Victoria Harbour Authority: Member since 2003 |
City of Victoria: Member since 1863 |
Songhess Nation: Member since 2017 |
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Housing plan promises action but light on details |
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A high-level plan to disrupt housing supply in BC was announced by the province on Monday.
The province identified four areas of focus that it says will increase the number of available homes, make them more affordable, help people in need and reduce the appeal of homes as short-term investments.
Most of the changes will come after legislation is introduced in the fall, though critics are questioning whether the proposals will inadvertently make housing less affordable.
"Everyone agrees that we need more housing supply," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "There are some positive ideas in this announcement but we'll need to see more details to know how this will impact things like municipal governance and how realistic the plan is, given the dire need for more skilled workers to build enough homes to meet demand."
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BC's minimum wage jumps June 1 to $16.75/hour |
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The new rate was brought in to reflect the high rate of inflation in 2022. After the change, BC will have the second highest minimum wage in Canada after the Yukon, where it is $16.77 an hour.
"The Chamber is concerned about how businesses will be affected by this decision, which was made without adequate consultation," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Most of our members pay their employees higher than minimum wage but this increase has the potential to create a domino effect that will add unexpected costs for all businesses as well as for consumers who ultimately pay the price."
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Surveys show long-range optimism in economy |
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The surveys show that many Canadians are concerned about how high levels of government spending will impact inflation.
Consumers are optimistic that costs will come down eventually but are reducing their discretionary spending for the time being. The survey found that low unemployment was giving confidence to workers, though there was some concern about the quality of jobs related to the quantity available.
Businesses are planning for sales to grow at a slower pace than the exceptional growth many experienced in the past year. As supply chains continue to normalize, businesses said they expect the prices of their services and products to stabilize.
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Victoria, Saanich get Citizens' Assembly on track |
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On Monday, the mayors of Saanich and Victoria as well as two councillors from each municipality met to talk about next steps. The municipalities and the provincial government are splitting the $750,000 cost of holding a Citizens' Assembly.
The assembly will have 27 people from Saanich and 21 from Victoria based on population. Ideally, it will also be representative of the municipalities' demographics regarding gender and age as well as the ratio of renters vs. homeowners and Indigenous population.
A progress report is due at the end of this year.
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Upcoming Business Leaders Series |
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The future of tourism in Canada |
Join us as we speak virtually with the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Hon. Randy Boissonnault, on the federal government’s work on Canadian innovation, economic development, the federal budget and tourism. |
Fri., April 14 | 9 - 10 AM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
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What's next for economic development? |
Elected in 2020, Minister Bailey's mandate is to make "B.C. a global destination for investment in clean industries." Learn how her ministry will leverage federal money and attract the type of new business our province needs to adapt to and build resilience in a changing economy. |
Mon., May 8 | 11:30 AM - 1PM
The Union Club of British Columbia
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Join us as we host Bank of Canada, Deputy Governor Paul Beaudry as he delivers the Economic Progress Report. This presentation will discuss recent developments in the Canadian economy and the implications for monetary policy. |
Thurs., June 8, | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Victoria Conference Centre - Carson Hall
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BC Hydro's electrification plan
With a focus on climate change and the electrification of more devices, homes, vehicles and industries, find out how BC Hydro is helping their customers make the switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity.
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May Member Networking Breakfast |
Start your morning with a business development and community building check mark. Hosted by Revera at their Kensington Retirement Residence, known for the independent, active senior living lifestyle it provides, this breakfast is a must-attend event for Chamber members. It's a great way to learn about services offered by one another and how you can positively contribute to our local business community.
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Hoppy Easter from The Chamber! |
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Not sure what to do for the Easter long-weekend? Enjoy these egg-cellent ideas to make this Easter relaxing and memorable.
- Plan a brunch with family or friends
- Buy a spring bouquet from a local florist
- Make an Easter basket filled with delicious treats
- Host an Easter Egg hunt in a local park
- Make a fun snack — Devilled Eggs and Carrot Cake Muffins perhaps?
Whatever your Easter traditions may be, we hope you have a hoppy day while buying Easter supplies locally and sustainably!
The Chamber will be closed on Good Friday, April 7, and Easter Monday, April 10.
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Passover begins tonight with the setting sun |
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Tonight is the start of Passover for Jewish people around the world and in Greater Victoria. The celebration begins as the sun sets, and traditions include food, drink and song.
"The occasion is a good time for all of us to celebrate the long history of Greater Victoria's Jewish community," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "I encourage you to check out The Chamber 1863 web project for great information and stories about the important role the Jewish community has in our region." |
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams |
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In this Chamber Chat, learn about three operations working to make people and the planet healthier.
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BC Used Oil MA: Member since 2021 |
The Green Kiss: Member since 2021 |
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Tire Stewardship BC: Member since 2015 |
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Find great employees this April with our job board |
With Easter just around the corner, there’s no better time to hop to The Chamber’s job board.
Finding the perfect candidate can sometimes feel like an easter egg hunt. As an exclusive Chamber member benefit, you can post a free 30-day listing on the job board every calendar year to maximize your applicants. Use the code INTRO2023 at checkout to utilize this offer today.
Reach the right candidates with the help of The Chamber. If you have any questions or need assistance uploading your job posting, email [email protected]
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Thurs., May 4 | 6 - 10 PM
Fairmont Empress - Crystal Ballroom
721 Government St.
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Big Wheel Burger is opening a new location in the City of Langford. Located within the Westshore Town Centre, this will be the fifth location Big Wheel Burger has opened on Vancouver Island. Also, in time for the grand opening, the company has unveiled a new app to give customers a chance to earn loyalty points and claim a free order of fries.
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City of Langford: Member since 2019 |
Big Wheel Burger: Member since 2020 |
Big Wheel Burger: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
10 to Watch Winners
BCause: Member since 2022
Refire Kitchen: Member since 2021
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Douglas Magazine: Member since 2004 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
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PacificAll Aboard new BC Ferries app
BC Ferries has launched a new app, giving travellers the opportunity to check schedules, book sailings, and much more. Guests can personalize travel preferences to quickly book recurring trips, and seamlessly check in upon arriving at a terminal.
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BC Ferry Services Inc.: Member since 1983 |
BC Ferry Services Inc.: Chamber Champion since 2022 |
Harbour Ferry unveils Hop Cards
Are you a frequent traveller on Ralmax Group’s Victoria Harbour Ferry? Hop Cards are a new way to travel across Greater Victoria’s waterways. Guests can purchase a card entitling the user to 10 one-way passes all season long. |
Ralmax Group of Companies: Member since 2011 |
Blink RapidBus connecting communities
On April 10, BC Transit is launching a new rapid transit service between West Shore and Downtown Victoria. Blink RapidBus, launching as RapidBus Line 95, will replace the current Route 50 service. Line 95 busses are expected to arrive every 7-8 minutes during peak hours. |
BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
Garth Homer Society receives legacy donation
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Garth Homer Society: Member since 2000 |
Andrew Sheret Ltd.: Member since 2008 |
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Member to Member Discounts |
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Iron & Wood Golf Simulators |
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Rogers Media - Jack 103.1 & Ocean 98.5 |
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Welcome to our Newest Members! |
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Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags? |
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250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
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