BizNews
February 9, 2022
Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
Saanich strategy aims to create needed housing
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.
District of Saanich: Member since 2019
View Royal expanding to seven council members
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.
Town of View Royal: Member since 2020
How to have your say on the next federal budget
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.
Just announced! What's ahead for BC Budget 2022
A conversation with BC Finance Minister Honourable Selina Robinson
As British Columbia looks to the future, hear from the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance for British Columbia, on plans to provide additional supports to
business and families and implementing new initiatives as we make our way towards economic recovery.

Minister Robinson will provide an overview of the recently unveiled budget and an update on the state of BC’s economy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the province on how the 2022 Budget will impact your business and your family.
Network with other attendees from 11:30 am - 12 pm and hear from Hon. Selina Robinson and Chamber CEO Bruce Williams on Budget 2022 from 12 - 1pm.
Sponsored by:
Wed., Feb. 23 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Virtual via Airmeet
Last chance to register!
Online Trivia Game Night
Invite your coworkers, suppliers, and business partners to bond with you at Thursday’s Online Trivia Game Night.
 
Sign up individually and we'll build you a mighty team to laugh, debate answers and best of all have fun for an hour-long game that promises to entertain.
 
Answer skill-testing questions as you climb the leaderboard. Show the world that you and your team know best.
 
The Prodigy Group, in partnership with Quiz This, is excited to be able provide you with an evening of entertainment and connections.
 
This event is open to members and non-members. Pre-Game social from 6:30 to 7 PM and chat with your teammates online before the quiz begins.
Pre-Game social from 6:30 to 7 PM and meet all the players online before the quiz begins.
February Virtual Business Mixer to the Arts
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.
Sponsored by:
Thurs., Feb. 17 | 5-6 PM | Online
Table Host Opportunity

Is your organization part of the Arts and Entertainment industry?Sign up today to be a Mixer Table Host!

For table host enquiries, please email Thomas Zeran: members@victoriachamber.ca
Jawl Properties
Downtown development goes to public hearing
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.
Jawl Residential Ltd.: Member since 2019
Phillips Brewery paves way for permanent patios
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.
Phillips Brewing: Member since 2020
District of Saanich: Member since 2019
City of Victoria: Member since 1962
Great IDEA for new Chamber committee
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.

Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
Your Money with Island Savings and MNP 
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
Island Savings: Member since 1984
MNP: Member since 2013
MNP: Chamber Champion since 2020
Special thanks to our series sponsor:
Show local love this Valentine’s Day
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.
  • Buy a bouquet of flowers to brighten someone’s day.
  • Spend a night away from home relaxing in a local hotel or spa.
  • Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with your sweetheart. Order from a restaurant or choose a home-cooked meal. Be sure to pair with a nice bottle of wine!
  • Have a delicious ice-cream date and enjoy the refreshing flavours.
  • Sign up for a dance class and express yourself in new and exciting ways
  • Make a handcrafted note or small gift.
  • Surprise someone with box of local candy (or enjoy a box for yourself).

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!
Events Around Town for Black History Month
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.

Celebrating our Chamber Champions
Find the perfect match for your team

Now is the perfect time to strengthen your professional relationships. If you’re looking to grow your team this February, find the perfect match on The Chamber’s job board.

Attract the best workers by posting a 30, 60, or 90 day job listing. Tap into the Google Jobs Network and candidates that are eager to work for a Chamber member. As an exclusive member benefit, use the code INTRO2022 at checkout to receive a free 30-day listing.

If you have any questions or need help uploading your job, please email members@victoriachamber.ca
Member News
Beautiful blooms more than just Valentine’s Day surprise

Although Valentine’s Day is famous for beautiful bouquets, flowers are slowly starting to bloom across Greater Victoria. How many flowers do you think our region will sprout this spring? From March 9 -16, be part of finding that total with the 47th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count. Hosted by The Chamber and Destination Greater Victoria, more details will be announced in the coming weeks. 
Destination Greater Victoria: member since 1988
Celebrating 100 years with Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Since 1922, Canadian Tire has provided automotive services, houseware, leisure accessories, and more from coast to coast to coast. Across the nation, Canadians — including Vancouver local Ryan Reynolds — are talking about their memories of the iconic company.

Canadian Tire Hillside: Member since 2018
GVCEH welcomes new executive director

Sylvia Ceacero has been named the new executive director of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness. With over 20 years of experience, Ceacero will lead the organization towards their goal of combining community resources and services to assist those in need across the region.
Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness: Member since 2012
Who are BC’s top employers?


Looking to work for one of BC’s great employers? Check out The Chamber’s job board where new positions are frequently added.
Support for the Coldest Night of The Year

Our Place Society will be hosting their annual fundraiser, Coldest Night of The Year, on Feb. 26. Take a walk in solidarity to raise awareness and funds for people in need. To help raise money for the cause, Big Wheel Burger is donating $2 from every sale of this month's feature, the Maple Bacon Brie Burger.
Our Place Society: Member since 2010
Big Wheel Burger: Member since 2020
Big Wheel Burger: Member since 2020
TELUS CEO recognized by Canadian Chamber

Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS, has been awarded The Canadian Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year Award. Entwistle received the recognition for his commitment to corporate leadership and meaningful contributions to communities across Canada.
TELUS Communications | TELUS Business: Member since 1962
TELUS Business: Chamber Champion since 2020
Assisting with Innovation

The University of Victoria has partnered with KWENCH to offer workspaces and resources for emerging entrepreneurs. Alumni, current students, faculty and community partners can now access free programming to support their new initiatives. The purpose of the project is to turn ideas into action while connecting leaders with leaders. Read more in Douglas Magazine.
University of Victoria: Member since 1976
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
KWENCH: Member since 2019
Douglas Magazine: Member since 2004
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Member to Member discounts
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Welcome to our newest members!
Viva Dental Victoria