All indications are that businesses are in for an exceptional summer. Visitors from across BC have already begun arriving in Greater Victoria, with many more from across the country expected July 1.

However, as Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told Jack Knox of the Times Colonist, there is still plenty of uncertainty. We need to know when the US border will open, and we need to respect that individuals and businesses will move at different speeds when it comes to opening up. Mandatory mask policies, for example, could become a source of conflict after July 1 (we'll have more information and resources on this in the next edition of BizNews).

Click here for key dates, the nomination process and the voting procedure. Download your application, including a request for a bio and photo for the election ballot — as well as a form to gather your nomination supporters. Additional questions can be directed here.

We've said it before and we'll keep saying it as long as it takes for government to hear us. Businesses need certainty and they deserve to know how and when our economy will re-open. The BC Restart Plan has helped, but the federal government risks doing serious damage to Canada's tourism sector with its prolonged suspension of cruise ships. The Chamber along with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and other business organizations are calling for a clear signal that the industry is welcome and can plan to return to full capacity by next year.

“Cruise lines need time to prepare for the full resumption of cruise and the Government of Canada, through Transport Canada, needs to signal that they are prepared to welcome the industry back in a safe and measured way,” GVHA CEO Ian Robertson said in a news release. “The decision needs to be made in line with the reopening plans for the Canada-USA land and marine borders. We cannot afford to play roulette with something that is such a vital economic lifeline for our province.”

There are many reasons why Inclusion is an advocacy priority for The Chamber. We know we need everyone in our region to participate in our economy to meet challenges facing our workforce and to embrace new opportunities in a changing world. In Greater Victoria, local First Nations have much to contribute and The Chamber is actively working to ensure Indigenous people are engaged in our business community.

"We can learn so much from our First Nations, but we need to make the time to listen," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "Reconciliation is not simple, and The Chamber is committed to doing all we can to help this process. Songhees Nation Chief Ron Sam and Esquimalt Nations Chief Rob Thomas have written a powerful commentary I encourage all of our members to read."

The essay, We are stronger together only if guided by respect, was published in the Times Colonist on June 15.

It's said necessity is the mother of invention and pandemic restrictions certainly forced businesses to get creative. For the 2,000 pubs and restaurants in BC that set up patios to safely serve people outside, the changes have been so well received the province is now looking to make them permanent.

On Tuesday, the government announced businesses can apply to make their Temporary Expanded Service Areas permanent. Existing patios have also been given extensions to June 2022 to provide more time for businesses to apply.

“(Patios) have been a make-or-break opportunity for so many operations struggling through these uncommon and difficult times,” said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “This timely announcement, and the certainty it will afford our members in the months and years ahead, are welcome news.”

What do you think of making pandemic patios permanent? Share your thoughts by emailing communications@victoriachamber.ca.

CEO Bruce Williams and Board Chair John Wilson pick up the tab at Twa Dogs Brewery and Caledonian Distillery in Saanich courtesy of Vancity.

Do you want your next patio outing paid for? From now until June 30, visit a participating #PicnicsPatiosVicBC restaurant on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for your chance to have your tab picked up by one of our community partners! Courtesy of our contest sponsor Vancity.

The Chamber is proud to work with our partners — BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, Downtown Victoria Business Association — as we continue to show support for the hospitality industry and take a moment to savour delicious food and drinks across the region.

Learn more about this initiative and find great local restaurants here. 

The District of Oak Bay continues to look at permitting secondary suites to help create affordable housing options in the community.

The municipality is in the fourth of a five phase approach to gauge community support and look at how suites have been supported in other jurisdictions.

Housing supply is an important issue for our region. The Chamber continues to hear from members who are struggling to find and keep workers, with the cost of housing one of the main deterrents for people wanting to live and work in Greater Victoria.

Construction has started on a new project in Victoria that includes nine homes with a novel approach to making them affordable for middle-income families, seniors and individuals.

The six-storey building at 1301 Hillside Ave. has a total of 49 units, with nine set aside for buyers with household incomes under $116,330 ($163,220 for the two-bedroom homes). Buyers receive a no-interest, no-monthly-payment second mortgage to support their purchase. This helps with the equity portion of the purchase, making it easier to obtain a first mortgage.

The project is being built by Abstract Developments through BC Housing’s Affordable Home Ownership Program.

Sourcing a workforce is an ongoing challenge in our region. One of the most effective means of finding workers and integrating them into the operations of a company or organization is through the Student Co-op programs at the University of Victoria and Camosun College.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Looking to hire a co-op student but need funding? This presentation can help.

Later this week, when you login to The Chamber’s website, check out new tools to stay engaged and gain access to curated resources for you and your organization.

If you have any questions about your new Membership Portal, please contact Thomas at members@victoriachamber.ca.