On Monday, May 8, The Chamber hosted Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation to discuss the future of work in B.C. Thanks to Kubera Payments for sponsoring this event. View event photos here.

A well-known ride-sharing brand has been approved to begin operations in Greater Victoria, the company announced today.

Uber Canada had been awaiting a decision by the Passenger Transportation Board to allow a licence transfer from a company that had been approved previously but was never operational. The news is welcomed by Greater Victoria's tourism and hospitality sectors.

"The Chamber wrote to the PTB in support of Uber," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Our members have been clear that they want ride-sharing options here, and that we need to have international brands available."

Adding Uber to Greater Victoria also benefits many late-night workers who have found it challenging to get home after their shifts. Transit is a great option to get to work, but does not operate late enough for many people working in Victoria restaurants and bars. Having the option to take an Uber home means that staff have a reliable and safe way to get home.

The Royal BC Museum is bringing back Old Town. The much-loved exhibit will re-open July 29, after it closed to visitors in January 2022.

"The museum is part of the fabric of Greater Victoria and many people feel strongly about what they want to see happen," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said after the museum hosted The Chamber's 160th Celebration. "I'm fully confident in the work that museum staff are doing to modernize their facility, and The Chamber is excited about helping to ensure the museum continues to serve its important role in our region for generations to come."

Many features of Old Town remain untouched. Among the additions is a new loop playing in the old-time movie theatre showing the diversity of voices who contributed to the province's history.

A new approach to help more businesses with exporting and investing internationally was announced by the province last week.

The Trade Diversification Strategy targets three new markets for increased exports and investment, as well as expansion in existing markets. The aim is to help BC businesses "grow on the world stage while creating jobs and protecting British Columbians from supply-chain disruptions and global uncertainties."

The new target markets are Mexico, Vietnam and Taiwan. The province will add Trade and Investment Representative offices in Taiwan and Mexico. Offices have also been opened in Vietnam.

The Trade Diversification Strategy will provide funding to successful programs, including $1.2 million annually for Export Navigator and $913,000 to deliver new cohorts of the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which supports BC businesses and entrepreneurs to be export ready.

Creating more housing supply is key to making Greater Victoria more economically sustainable. Employers need staff, and employees need to be able to afford where they live. With homes in high demand in our region, we need all levels of government to be part of the solution.

The Chamber applauds the recent decision by the District of Saanich to create more homes in the municipality. The New Small Apartment Infill Zone will allow single-family lots to be redeveloped as multi-unit apartments. There are guidelines to ensure the zoning is used on appropriate lots.

“We have heard that there’s an interest in building these in Saanich,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdoch told the Times Colonist. “We’ve got a very large university and college campuses in Saanich and there’s a desire to build housing types like this that would serve that student population.”

In less than 10 minutes, you can share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.

Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet by completing the survey.

The pandemic created a cycling surge across the Capital Region, and along with it advancements in bike design and technology.

In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams talks all things cycling with Robert Kemp of Bishop's Family Cycles, and about a profound health challenge his family is facing.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

A revolution in air travel is coming. People visiting the Inner Harbour this week had a chance to see Harbour Air's new electric plane, which could be offering passenger service between the Island and the mainland in two years.

A converted de Havilland Beaver, the high-tech floatplane was scheduled to be at HarbourAir's Victoria Harbour terminal until this morning.

The City of Victoria is expanding its program that offers bike locks to businesses so customers can safely park their bicycles while they dine or shop. Interested businesses can apply online for a high-quality bike lock from the city. There is no cost for the locks.

Western Stevedoring's Pacific Northwest Transportation Services has attained B Corp Certification. Being B Corp certified means PNWTS has met the highest standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits, charitable giving, and supply chain practices. The assessment is a multi-year process that goes beyond evaluating products or services and assesses all aspects of business practices of an organization.

With a new season mere weeks away, the Victoria HarbourCats are gearing up with an open house on May 23, from 5 to 7pm, at Max Furniture, 3460 Quadra St.

It's a chance to mix and mingle with the club's local owners and team members, and enjoy wine, cheese and cookies. The team's home opener is June 2 vs. the Kamloops NorthPaws.

The Town of View Royal is asking residents to help choose the look of a public art project planned for the Helmcken Road Trestle. A mural has been proposed to enhance the aesthetic of the structure and discourage graffiti. To provide feedback on what the mural will look like, the Town is conducting a poll until May 31.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.