Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Photo from victoriaairport.com
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New hotel proposed for Victoria International
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A new hotel has been proposed at the Victoria International Airport.
“We see the addition of a hotel at this location as a logical fit and a great new amenity for the airport and community,” Victoria Airport Authority’s President and CEO Geoff Dickson said in a news release. “It is an opportunity for Victoria International Airport to further diversify its revenue base which has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic.”
The proposal is for a 129-room New TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and the hotel will include a restaurant, meeting space, pool and gym.
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Victoria Airport Authority: member since 1981
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Cooler housing market a relief for buyers and sellers
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The pace of Greater Victoria's housing market is returning to a "calmer and more friendly environment" said the president of the Victoria Real Estate Board.
Rising interest rates have effectively slowed sales and allowed supply to return to more typical levels. In July, 510 properties were sold, which is down 16.7% from June and 38.9% from July 2021.
"The government's recent focus has been on demand-side mechanisms and other market modifiers such as a mandatory three-day cooling off period to start in 2023," VREB President Karen Dinnie-Smyth said in a news release. "A better long-term approach to housing affordability for our future is to address housing supply constraints which will be central to the next round of upward pressure on home prices."
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Victoria Real Estate Board: Member since 1969
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Bayview donates land for affordable housing tower
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Bayview Place is currently working to build new housing on land around the historic E&N Roundhouse.
Image courtesy of bayviewplace.com
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Bayview Place: Member since 2006
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Greater Victoria Housing Society: Member since 2012
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Crime stats show vital need to integrate policing
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A report released this week by Statistics Canada shows Greater Victoria has a Crime Severity Index of 71.5, which is less than the national average. However, there is a huge discrepancy between municipalities. With a CSI of 148, Victoria is an outlier compared to the region's other municipalities.
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City of Victoria: Member since 1863
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Victoria Police Department: Member since 2008
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Post-secondaries collaborate on West Shore campus
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Royal Roads University: Member since 1996
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Camosun College: Member since 1981
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976
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University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
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City of Langford: Member since 2019
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Supply Chain Task Force needs to set clear priorities
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As a globally connected nation, Canada depends on reliable international supply chains to make sure business have the goods needed for their customers. The pandemic and last year's series of climate emergencies provided tough lessons in the importance of building resiliency in our supply chains. To better prepare for future shocks, the federal government created the National Supply Chain Task Force.
"The Task Force is to report to government within 100 days, which is fast approaching," states a news release from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "As the Task Force finalizes its interim report, the business community is looking for a partner to address the preventable items hindering our transportation systems."
The chamber network is calling on the federal government to prioritize infrastructure and economic growth. In Greater Victoria, we are part of the Western Gateway for goods entering Canada and the Greater Victoria Chamber continues to call for investment in infrastructure on the Island.
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Introducing our Business Hall of Fame Inductees
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In the coming weeks, The Chamber will be highlighting our inaugural Business Hall of Fame inductees starting with previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.
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Alex Campbell spent five decades in the grocery industry, leaving behind a lasting legacy on Vancouver Island.
In 1977, he partnered with Ernie Skinner to create the first Thrifty Foods store. In 1983, the first franchise store opened in Mill Bay and, for four years, the company continued to grow.
When Ernie retired from the business in 1991, Alex continued as President, expanding operations to 20 locations and becoming the largest employer on Vancouver Island before selling to Sobeys in 2007.
Alex died in 2011, but, even today, many Island communities continue to grow around their Thrifty Foods store.
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Alex Campbell was awarded the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
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Wed., Oct. 5 | 5-9 PM
Victoria Conference Centre
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Get outside with Prodigy and Take a Hike Foundation
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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.
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Thurs., Sept. 15 | 5-7 PM
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
3873 Swan Lake Rd., Victoria
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Business Leaders Luncheon:
Mental Health in the Workplace with CMHA
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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.
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Tues., Sept. 20 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
810 Humboldt St., Victoria
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Registration is now open!
5 Chamber Business Mixer
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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.
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Thurs., Sept. 22 | 5 - 7 PM
Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC
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The Chamber Auction is back this November
Showcase your product or service
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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.
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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.
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As one of Canada’s most active regions, Greater Victoria is known for its beautiful trails, expansive bike-lane network, and many waterways. With summer now in full swing, it's a perfect time to enjoy what each municipality has to offer and get active while supporting a Chamber member.
Lace up a new pair of shoes and pick up sports equipment at a local retailer to enjoy an activity with friends and family. You can also explore Greater Victoria while staying fit by purchasing a new e-bike from a local retailer. Rebates are available for this fun and active mode of transportation.
Feeling the need to enjoy some air conditioning? Gyms and fitness facilities are offering fitness classes to teach new skills and create lifelong healthy habits.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
Modern Health Alternatives in the Workplace
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Human health and safety in workplaces is a high priority now.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with three companies playing a role in creating enhanced health services for businesses.
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Origen Air Systems Ltd.: Member since 2020
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Eir Mobile Medicine: Member since 2021
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Mental Blocks EMDR Therapy: Member since 2022
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Work with a Chamber Champion!
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When you’re searching for your next employer, look no further than a Chamber Champion!
Featured on The Chamber’s job board, Chamber Champions are offering great career opportunities for talented individuals across Greater Victoria.
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Dusanj & Wirk recognized for co-op excellence
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Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants: Member since 2011
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976
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University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
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BC Ferries and Snuneymuxw First Nation enter formal agreement
BC Ferries has signed a formal agreement with the Snuneymuxw First Nation recognizing the nation’s treaty rights and autonomy of their land and waterways. The agreement outlines shared goals for BC Ferries and the nation, highlighting the importance of receiving consent for new projects and initiatives within their lands.
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BC Ferries: Member since 1983
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BC Ferries: Chamber Champion since 2022
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Esquimalt approves climate action plans
The Township of Esquimalt has approved its climate action, mitigation and adaptation plans to address potential risks to the municipality. By 2030, Esquimalt is looking to cut emissions by almost 15,000 tonnes each year. In order to accomplish that goal they will be retrofitting buildings, shifting to electric vehicles and focusing on increased transit accessibility.
Township of Esquimalt: Member since 2020
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New conference centre proposed for Victoria
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Destination Greater Victoria: Member since 1988
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Victoria Conference Centre: Member since 1990
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City of Victoria: Member since 1962
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New RCMP patch features Lekwungen translation
The Westshore RCMP’s uniform has a new addition thanks to a collaboration with the Songhees Nation Language Department. Officers now have a new patch that says the word ‘police’ in English and the Lək̓ʷəŋən translation of the word, shown as qeq’el?s. The patch has been in development since 2021.
Songhees Nation: Member since 2017
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Origen Air receives expansion investment
Origen Air has closed their $1.5 million Seed Round with an investment from First Inflection Business Advisors. As part of an effort to accelerate commercialization efforts, FIBA will provide Origen Air with a monetary investment as well as consulting services as they expand across North America.
Origen Air Systems Ltd.: Member since 2020
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Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
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Member to Member Discounts
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Compass Mobile Massage Therapy
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Iris Optometrists and Opticians
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Welcome to our Newest Members!
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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.
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Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags?
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250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
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