According to numbers released today, almost 30,000 people have moved to Greater Victoria since 2016. This influx has added tremendous stress on housing supply in our region.

It's a big reason why The Chamber encourages efforts such as the District of Saanich's recently adopted 10-year Housing Strategy. Saanich council has approved a four-year funding plan that will help the municipality address housing needs. As the largest and most populous municipality in our region, Saanich's leadership is key to making sure we have a plan that will alleviate pressure on the housing market.

The Town of View Royal voted Feb. 2 on increasing the size of its council from five to seven. The addition will add about $44,000 in annual costs, or about 0.2% to the municipality's budget. Mayor David Screech was in favour of the extra seats, saying they will allow for more diversity on council. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2.

How do you think the federal government can help Canada's economy remain robust and resilient in the years ahead?

Now is the time to engage with federal decision makers, who are looking to the business community for help understanding the private sector's challenges and opportunities. The Chamber is preparing a submission for pre-budget consultations. We're also working with the national chamber network to amplify the voice of business.

Let us know what you think by emailing communications@victoriachamber.ca before Feb. 18, or answering a questionnaire by Feb. 25.

Wed., Feb. 23 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Invite your coworkers, suppliers, and business partners to bond with you at Thursday’s Online Trivia Game Night.

The Prodigy Group, in partnership with Quiz This, is excited to be able provide you with an evening of entertainment and connections.

The Arts and Entertainment industry gives energy and passion to life here in Greater Victoria. Throughout the pandemic, these organizations have continued to innovate and provide us with memorable experiences and unique performances during difficult times.

Join us to support and celebrate arts and entertainment! Connect with a diverse group of business leaders and make valuable connections from the comfort of your own home.

You choose who to meet and when to wander to the next table chatting with business professionals like yourself, establishing or renewing valuable business relationships. Let us help you stay connected.

After the success of our January Virtual Mixer on our new interactive platform, you won't want to miss the opportunity to connect with new and familiar faces at our February Virtual Business Mixer.

For table host enquiries, please email Thomas Zeran: members@victoriachamber.ca

A new vision has been proposed to renew an underutilized block on the edge of downtown Victoria. The plan is to build a new office tower on the current site of the Capitol 6 Theatres that would create space for hundreds of workers and add retail to the area.

The proposal, by Jawl Properties, is going to public hearing, though no date has yet been set.

With the forecast calling for plenty of sunshine in the week ahead, it's a great time to enjoy one of the many patios that popped up over the past two years.

Sharing a bite and bevvies outside with family and friends is one of the bright spots to come out of the pandemic. Patios are another example of why innovation led by business is the best way to solve challenges facing our community.

Last week, the City of Victoria unanimously approved an application from Phillips Brewing to make their patio a permanent feature of their tasting room. More pandemic patios are expected to officially become permanent in the coming months.

The provincial government announced last year that it was giving businesses until June 2022 to apply to make temporary patios permanent. The trend has caught on across Greater Victoria, including in the District of Saanich where temporary patios have also been approved until at least June.

As a positive step toward being the region's most diverse and influential business association, The Chamber launched a new committee this year. Initially known as the Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion, one of its first decisions was to change the committee name to the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee.

The committee's mission is to foster diversity and inclusion and break through biases to achieve equity, which will only strengthen our business and community connections.

Our relationship with personal and business money and assets has been put under a microscope as we have navigated COVID. Two business and investment strategists join this Chamber Chat to talk about where we have been and some ideas to consider as we move through the pandemic.

Featuring Robin Marshall of Island Savings and Jenn Bogwald of MNP

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, finding that perfect gift may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, Chamber members are here to ensure you have a romantic day while supporting local businesses.

Does your business have a special Valentine’s Day offer that you would like to share with fellow Chamber members? Submit a General or Member to Member offer on The Chamber’s website here.

More than ever, it’s important to show love and kindness to one another. Whether you’re spending the day with a special someone, or taking the opportunity to pamper yourself, The Chamber wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!

February marks Black History Month and a chance to learn more about the stories, struggles and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Here's a look at some events happening around Greater Victoria.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.

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