Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
|
|
Saanich uses 'quick build' approach on active transportation projects |
Active transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in Greater Victoria's economic resilience, making it more convenient for people to commute to work while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The projects are part of a new approach that speeds up the traditional approval process that can delay municipal projects. Saanich's "quick build" approach uses money from the operating budget.
The municipality has also issued a progress report to help track the status of each project. |
District of Saanich: member since 2019 |
|
|
New Buildings in Victoria to be Zero Carbon by 2025 |
|
"This new requirement will take effect following the introduction of BC Building Code carbon pollution standards later this year," a city news release stated. "By July 2025, all new buildings in the city will be required to meet a zero carbon standard."
The schedule and requirements were developed following engagement with the local building industry, co-led by the City of Victoria, the District of Saanich and the District of Central Saanich with support from the CRD.
|
|
City of Victoria: Member since 1863 |
|
Labour stats show wages up, sick days nominal |
|
More people were looking for work in Greater Victoria in July, leading to a bump in the region's unemployment rate over June. The latest report from Statistics Canada shows that the labour market remains robust across the country. The national unemployment rate for July was 4.9%, the same as June. The provincial rate was 4.7% in July and 4.6% in June, while Greater Victoria was 4.3% in July compared to 4.1% in June.
Nationally, there was no recorded spike in days lost to illness with the number aligning with the pre-pandemic average. Wages continued to grow, rising 5.2% in July compared to the same month in 2021.
“We also know employers in key fields, such as health care and child care, need more workers to fill important jobs in BC," BC's Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ravi Kahlon said in a news release. "We are training people for these roles, while also working to bring in skilled workers through the Provincial Nominee Program."
Kahlon said the province is urging the federal government to expand the number of skilled immigrants coming through the BC Provincial Nominee Program from 7,000 to 10,000 by 2025. The program offers skilled immigrants a pathway to permanent residence in BC.
The Chamber continues to advocate for immigration as one of the solutions to Greater Victoria's labour shortage. More workers, as well as improvements to how Canada recognizes foreign credentials, are needed if organizations are going to have the workforce required to reach their economic potential.
|
|
Langford opens process to help new homeowners |
|
The Chamber applauds efforts to increase housing supply and help more people afford a home. Initiatives such as Langford's will help employers find and keep workers who face challenges with the cost of living in our region.
|
|
City of Langford: Member since 2019 |
|
Ukrainian refugees offered transitional housing |
|
Refugees from Ukraine have a sanctuary in Victoria to help them begin the long process of resettling in Canada. The Victoria branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress has set up a dorm-style village for families who were initially billeted by host families upon arriving in Victoria from Ukraine.
About 2,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine have indicated they hope to settle on Vancouver Island. As of today, Canada has approved 182,528 applications out of 455,854 from Ukrainians seeking temporary residency.
The Ukrainian Village in Victoria can house 45 refugees in 15 rooms. Families are expected to stay for about three months before finding their own accomodation.
The Chamber continues working with our community partners to identify potential opportunities for billets or temporary housing. Employers in Greater Victoria can help by posting any job openings to a special federal job bank for Ukrainian refugees. |
|
Introducing our Business Hall of Fame Inductees |
|
In the coming weeks, The Chamber will be highlighting our inaugural Business Hall of Fame inductees starting with previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. |
|
Gordon Denford grew up in England until the age of 13, when he was evacuated to Canada during the Second World War.
By 1953, Gordon started his own heating equipment company on Vancouver Island. That enterprise expanded into Denford Electric.
In 1988, Gordon created the first of a community of senior’s retirement and care residences — Berwick House on Shelbourne Street. The residences have earned a reputation as being among the best retirement and care providers in the country.
As a volunteer and philanthropist, Gordon has been a strong supporter of the region, especially of organizations in the tourism, healthcare and education sectors.
|
|
Gordon Denford was awarded the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. |
|
Wed., Oct. 5 | 5-9 PM
Victoria Conference Centre
|
|
|
|
|
Start your September with Chamber Events |
|
Get outside with Prodigy and Take a Hike Foundation |
Join the Prodigy Group and Take A Hike Foundation to reflect and connect with one another in nature. Counsellors will guide attendees through a circle exercise and a walk with options for different lengths and accessibility levels.
After the walk, enjoy casual appies and drinks in the Nature House where you can continue to foster great connections and future collaborations with a diverse group of emerging professionals overlooking Swan Lake and the beautiful outdoor landscape.
|
|
Thurs., Sept. 15 | 5-7 PM
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd., Victoria
|
|
Business Leaders Luncheon:
Mental Health in the Workplace with CMHA
|
Whether you are managing a mental illness, supporting someone you care about, managing a team at work, or looking to build your own overall health, CMHA has valuable resources to build skills and resilience to help.
|
|
Tues., Sept. 20 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
The Parkside Hotel & Spa, 810 Humboldt St., Victoria
|
|
The beautiful, open space of the new Gorge Park Pavilion will set the stage for a great evening of connection hosted by The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce and will feature some of their local member businesses.
This event welcomes Chamber members of all 5 local Chambers. Future members of a chamber are welcome to join the event to see firsthand why joining a local Chamber of Commerce is right for you.
|
|
Thurs., Sept. 22 | 5 - 7 PM
Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC
|
|
The Chamber Auction is back this November
Showcase your product or service
|
|
We are thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Auction, taking place Nov. 6 – 13.
This is a major fundraising event for The Chamber, with all proceeds supporting our work as the largest and most influential advocate for businesses in the region. Last year, we received thousands of visits to our auction platform for an action-packed week of bidding on fabulous gifts and memorable experiences.
|
|
Do you want your products and services featured in the auction?
From gift cards to great local items and everything in-between, reach thousands of potential customers by donating a prize today. Keep an eye on our social media feed to see some of the incredible Auction items that will be featured this year.
|
|
October Business Mixer @ Pendray Inn & Tea House |
Formerly known as the Gatsby Mansion, the magnificent Victorian-era Pendray Inn and Tea House offers a boutique experience for those in search of a little old time romance.
Come enjoy it's remarkable history and outstanding service while you establish and renew
|
|
Thurs., October 20 | 5 - 7 PM
Pendray Inn & Tea House
309 Belleville Street
Victoria, BC V8V 1X2
|
|
Get your prescriptions delivered right to your door |
PocketPills is a proudly Canadian online pharmacy and technology company that provides free home delivery for prescription medications — often by the next business day. They also offer direct access to their team of pharmacists by text, live chat, phone or email. And their app allows individuals to manage not only their own prescription needs, but also those of family members.
Plan members are also eligible for an extra 10% drug co-insurance coverage on prescription drugs filled through PocketPills. Get more coverage for the same cost to you and your employees.
Looking for more information on how to use this new benefit? For more than 25 years, RDF Group Ltd has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses. For more information, contact Ryan at RDF Group.
|
|
Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
The Power
of Co-op with
UVic & Camosun
|
The University of Victoria and Camosun College are very active in creating the workforce of tomorrow. Their co-op programs give students and employers the ability to get a sneak peek at real world workplaces, help students gain experience and allow employers to woo potential hires.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with UVic President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kevin Hall and Camosun President, Dr. Lane Trotter about the success of Co-op and how it could benefit you.
|
|
|
|
|
University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
|
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
|
Camosun College: Member since 1981 |
|
Find your next best employee this August |
As we all enjoy the final stretch of summer, ensure you’re well-staffed for the rest of the year by using The Chamber’s job board.
As an exclusive Chamber member benefit, you can post a free 30-day listing on the job board every calendar year. Use the code INTRO2022 at checkout to use this offer today.
Reach the right candidates with the help of The Chamber. If you have any questions or need help uploading your job posting, email [email protected]
|
|
|
Raptors training camp coming to UVic
The Toronto Raptors will be hosting their 2022 NBA Training camp at the University of Victoria this Fall. Although training sessions will be closed to the public, the team may host an intra-squad game similar to their last training camp at UVic in 2017. |
University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
Lights, Camera, Action! Film Commish heads to Langford
City of Langford: Member since 2019
|
Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission: Member since 1980 |
|
Chamber members among Best of the City
|
Black Press: Member since 1987 |
Support HeroWork with a Chamber Champion
HeroWork Program Society: Member since 2019
Big Wheel Burger: Member since 2020
|
Big Wheel Burgers: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
Saanich unveils online permit tracking
The District of Saanich has launched a new online Permit and Development Tracker. Residents are now able to view newly submitted applications and track their progress online, including rezoning, subdivision and development permits. Users will also be notified of upcoming council meetings
District of Saanich: Member since 2019
|
|
|
Do you have a success story?
We want to hear from you
|
|
Member to Member Discounts |
|
|
|
BC Ferries Connector operated by the Wilson's Group |
|
|
|
|
Iris Optometrists and Opticians |
|
|
Welcome to our Newest Members! |
|
|
|
Want to know what events are happening in the community? Check out The Chamber's Community Calendar to stay up to date with plays, seminars, grand openings and more.
Are you a member? Post your own events for free.
|
|
Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags? |
|
|
|
|
|
250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
