The address from Mr. O’Toole was followed by wide-ranging questions from our members focused on issues that matter to local business moderated by Bruce Williams, Chamber CEO. The Chamber made sure that our voice and needs were heard on issues outlined in our 2021 Advocacy priorities including: simplifying our current tax structure; addressing current workforce challenges and the affordable housing crisis; providing better supports for mental health and addiction to create safer communities; supporting innovation that mitigates climate change and shifts away from fossil fuels; and more.

The Chamber looks forward to future discussions with municipal, provincial, and federal decision makers to ensure the voice of business in Greater Victoria is heard. Learn more about our advocacy priorities here.

200 millimetres doesn't sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but it was a quick lesson in what climate extremes are doing to our province as it rained and then rained some more across BC. As of midday today, Premier Horgan has declared a Provincial State of Emergency.

The power outages, damage to homes and businesses, mudslides, road and bridge washouts, and even isolation due to evacuations, are the most visible problems. Insurance companies are already touting this as the largest natural catastrophic disaster for the insurance industry in 2021.

What is yet to be fully assessed is another delay in our already hard hit supply chain and the costs around delayed goods. The Port of Vancouver is assessing that the turnaround on imported goods may be nearly doubled from 2 days or less to as much as 5 days. Rob Reilly, Canadian National Railway Co.’s chief operating officer, said the heavy rain has made the tracks impassable at “a number of locations in southern B.C.” CN has been working above and beyond, using helicopters to deliver supplies as needed. Truck transportation is similarly impacted, even as alternating traffic patterns are restored. The request has been made that non-essential travel be suspended at this time. Here on the lower island, several gas stations are out of fuel.

Closures on major island transportation corridors — such as the Malahat and Sooke Road — have also resulted in workforce and supply chain disruptions. As always, in the midst of crisis, we have seen extraordinary efforts from the people of BC. Our first responders and emergency crews — and soon our military — have been working day and night to get our province back on its feet and on our roads. BC Ferries has added extra sailings to get goods to the island and to help reconnect our communities.

The provincial and federal government have committed to get transportation links up and running in order to keep people and goods in our province moving.

Fort and Blanshard will soon have a new profile, as the first hotel to be built in the city in 20 years was approved by Victoria city council.

Merchant House Capital has envisioned a 20-storey hotel with commercial and office space called the Wintergarden Spire. Details on the builder and hotel operator are still to be released, but once completed this will improve the depleting stock of hotel rooms needed for the city to bounce forward out of the pandemic.

In keeping with the current PHO for in-person events, all attendees must be fully vaccinated to attend and will be required to show their BC Vaccination Card and valid government issued ID. View COVID-19 Safety Protocols for In-Person Events here.

This year's Chamber Auction was a huge success! Thank you for choosing to support local business and The Chamber.

And a very big thank you to every business and organization that donated items, gift cards, or services from Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island.

The Chamber would like to thank and recognize Auction sponsor Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics for providing donation pickup and delivery. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the 2021 Auction Committee: Mary Lou Newbold (Mayfair Optometric Clinic), Rose Arsenault (Agilus Work Solutions) and Rahim Khudabux (Max Furniture).

As a major fundraising event for The Chamber, all proceeds support our work as the largest and most influential advocate for businesses in the region.

The Chamber Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, is pleased to invite you to attend this inaugural red-carpet gala event!

When roads are repaired and you're ready for a perfect weekend away, there's a local site for you to enjoy. Earlier this month, Malahat Nation CAO, Josh Handysides was on site at the Malahat Skywalk as local dignitaries gathered to officially launch the Spirit Loop. The project was launched in conjunction with Destination BC to build tourism between Malahat, Langford, Sooke and Port Renfrew.

With the tagline, Let nature take the wheel, the site provides 1 - 3 day itineraries of places to go and recharge your spirit along the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

The past few decades have seen a transformation take place in the City of Langford as housing, business, recreation spaces and industry have created new vitality and vibrancy.

Stew Young has been the Mayor of Langford throughout this period of transformation, and is our guest for this Chamber Chat.

City of Langford: Member since 2019

Stay warm and dry this November even when seeking medical advice. If you have Chambers Group Insurance, you can now take advantage of Teladoc Telemedicine Services — a fast and efficient way of getting the help you need, when you need it.

Members can receive a diagnosis, treatment recommendation and even be prescribed medicine when necessary. Members can consult a physician about non-urgent medical matters by video conference or by phone, from wherever they are, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This cold and flu season, ensure your family is prepared for anything — without leaving the comfort of your home.

Chambers Plan offers the Teladoc Telemedicine service at no additional charge to all plan members and their dependents. With the Chambers Group Insurance plan, you can customize an employee benefits plan that meets your needs.

Inquire with a Chamber member pharmacy to see if they are offering flu shots this year, and be sure to book your appointment ahead of time. If you’re not yet immunized against COVID-19, learn how to book an appointment here.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.