UVic-Led Vision for Canada's Clean Energy Shift Receives $83.6M

The University of Victoria will lead a national, multi-partner research initiative to help Canada reach net zero — one community at a time — thanks to an $83.6-million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF).

Funding for Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) will support the work of more than 40 partners from academia, First Nations, private, public and philanthropic organizations. It is a “game-changing,” community-centric model that will place Canada at the forefront of the clean energy transition, says Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic’s vice-president, research and innovation.

SIPP is one of 40 partners participating in ACET, which aims to harness local knowledge and enthusiasm to implement place-based, low-carbon energy solutions with communities. Two demonstration projects are already underway on Nootka Island and West Thurlow Island near the coast of Campbell River. ACET’s efforts will expand to include new partner communities and projects starting in fall 2023.

ACET is led by UVic’s Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, in collaboration with Royal Roads University, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, the University of British Columbia and Yukon University.

Don't miss this live video podcast on May 11

Untangling the Housing Crisis: From Scarcity to Solutions

In a recent Times Colonist column, Les Leyne wrote: “If all the people talking about the housing crisis this week had been given hammers instead of microphones, we could have had a dozen fourplexes in Fairfield framed in by now.” Leyne’s comments reflect people’s frustration with the perceived inability of any one person or organization to solve the region’s housing shortage.

In our first Rising Economy video podcast on May 11 at 9:30 a.m., we explore the perfect storm that led to today’s housing crisis — from supply chain issues to inflation, high land prices, bureaucracy and backpedalling — and we talk to panelists with bold ideas for solving the crisis.



This new podcast series is a feature of SIPP’s Rising Economy branch, which hosts our annual, award-winning Rising Economy Conference. Registration is free.

Camosun Honoured with Global Engagement Award

After a rigorous selection process for the most globally engaged post-secondary institutions in Canada, Colleges and Institutions Canada awarded Camosun College the Silver 2023 Excellence in Global Engagement award for its innovative global awareness approach.

This prestigious award highlights Camosun's approach to cultural exchanges and student success through pioneering international programs and initiatives. The Excellence in Global Engagement award was presented at this year's World Congress in Montreal on April 24.

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Palaces for the People Shows Social Infrastructure is Key to Community Resilience

In his 2018 book, Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg champions the importance of social infrastructure in fostering sustainable economic development. Klinenberg examines how well-designed public spaces like libraries, parks and community centres are essential building blocks for vibrant, equitable and resilient communities.

Klinenberg emphasizes the crucial role accessible social infrastructure plays in addressing systemic inequalities and fostering resilience during natural disasters. He cites the 1995 Chicago heat wave, where neighbourhoods with robust social infrastructures experienced fewer heat-related deaths. He notes that accessible public spaces provided essential cooling centres and fostered social cohesion, enabling neighbours to check on one another and mitigate the heat wave's impact.

Saanich Fire Hall, Library and Park Receive $14.6M in Funding

One month after receiving a $14.6 million grant from the province for community infrastructure, Saanich is set to spend the funds.

The municipality allocated $6 million to the fire hall, just over $8 million for the redevelopment of the Nellie McClung library branch and affordable housing initiative, and $500,000 to the planning and design of the Lambrick Park Campus overhaul.

The grant is from the Growing Communities Fund, which strives to increase the local housing supply with investments in community infrastructure and amenities.

Shape Our Region's Future

Share Your Insights in the Vital Signs Survey

Your opinions matter! Don't miss the opportunity to shape our region's future by taking Victoria’s 2023 Vital Signs survey.

This annual community check-up, brought to you by the Victoria Foundation, measures the vitality of our region, identifies concerns and supports action on issues that are critical to our quality of life. 

If you live anywhere in the Capital Region, from Sooke to Sidney, this survey from the Victoria Foundation is for you. And you now have the option of taking a short or long version.

SIPP is proud to be the Vital Signs Digital Platform Sponsor in support of this valuable annual check-up on our region.

SIPP's Director of Economic Development to Share Vision for Collaborative Regional Economies at Upcoming Conference

Business leaders will gather at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Vancouver to explore innovative ways to build vibrant and successful downtowns, main streets and commercial districts throughout B.C., at the Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia and International Downtown Association Northwest Conference from April 30 - May 3.

SIPP's Dallas Gislason, Director, Economic Development, will present his keynote An Economy by Design, Not Default: Regional Economic Development and the Shifting Role for Business Improvement Associations on May 3 at 9:30 a.m. This presentation will explore how cities and regional economies can continue to thrive in a post-pandemic world while navigating changes such as rising affordability issues and a shift to hybrid work. 

SIPP Snapshots: Photo Highlights from Recent Events

Did You Know?

• "The well-known concept of the seventh generation is founded in Iroquois philosophy that outlines the need to ensure that the decisions we make today result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future." — Excerpt from Indigenomics: Taking A Seat At The Economic Table by Carol Anne Hilton.

News from the SIPP Ecosystem

Don't Miss COAST's May 10 Video Podcast

Shipping Net Zero – The Green Future of Blue Transport

Every year, 85,000 oceangoing vessels transport more than 80% of the world’s commodities, and they contribute up to 3% of global CO2 emissions.

Join the COAST video podcast on May 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

as our panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs discuss the movement to decarbonize shipping bold ideas and disruptive technologies focused on mitigating the environmental impact of maritime emissions.

Panelists:

• Elisabeth Charmley, Co-Founder, Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate
• Alistair Johnson, Founder, Dasivedo 
• Chris Mulder, President, Capilano Maritime Design Ltd. 

Host/Moderator:

• Jason Goldsworthy, Executive Director, COAST

Indigenous Prosperity Podcast: Raven Lacerte & The Moose Hide Campaign 

In the lead-up to the 12th Moosehide Campaign Day, campaign co-founder Raven Lacerte joins the Indigenous Prosperity Centre podcast for an insightful conversation about this annual event and its impact.

The Moose Hide Campaign was started along B.C.'s Highway of Tears over a decade ago. It is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians standing up against violence toward women and children. Its symbol is the moose hide pin, signifying a personal commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in one's life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. 

Learn why the campaign began, how the movement has grown, why the founders chose moose hide and how we can end gender-based violence.

The complimentary podcast is hosted by Indigenous Prosperity Centre's Executive Director Christina Clarke and includes a Q&A portion for attendees.

At a Glance

🚧 Congratulations to Knappett Projects, who received two awards from the 2023 VICA Awards for General Contractor Under $5 Million and Employee of the Year — VICA

🎟️ Participate in Discover Tectoria, an exposition of more than 75 Greater Victoria tech companies, research projects, interactive displays and community partners — VIATEC

📰 Murdoch vs. Murdock: Oak Bay and Saanich mayors face off to help Hands for Ukraine — Sooke News Mirror

🎨 Have your say about the role the arts play in our city! The "Business of the Arts” is an upcoming event celebrating Victoria's growing design community from May 10 to 14. Get $10 off with the promo code: sipp10 — COMMUNiTi

🎤 Check out the latest IPC video podcast featuring RBCM CEO Alicia Dubois discussing the challenges the museum faces as it confronts its colonial past, repatriates artifacts and explores a new future — Indigenous Prosperity Centre

Get the latest information from SIPP's branches

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