Social media companies have agreed to work with the provincial government and do better at protecting British Columbians.
“Helping young people stay safe online is one of the most important challenges facing parents, governments and technology companies today," reads a joint statement from the province along with Meta, Google, TikTok, Snap, and X. "This historic collaboration between government and industry pioneers aims to raise the bar for youth safety online." Issues discussed include online sexual exploitation and sharing private images without permission. The platforms agreed to work together to fight criminals who target victims across different apps. BC’s Intimate Images Protection Act will be more effective with formal cooperation from social media companies at the table. "The companies have agreed to provide BC with direct escalation channels that will allow them to quickly report non-consensual intimate images prior to the issuance of an intimate image protection order, and that when an order is issued that it is expedited and actioned swiftly," the media release said. The table is also looking at helping get word out to the public during crisis situations, such as wildfires or other climate emergencies. “Meta, Snap, TikTok and X have offered to provide the Province and additional crisis response organizations with advertising support to amplify awareness of safety resources throughout the wildfire season" the statement said. “The table is committed to continued engagement leading to further concrete actions to be announced in September.” There's still plenty of room for diehard fans as well as those new to the bandwagon.
The Vancouver Canucks Stanley Cup playoff run has been a pleasant experience for many of the province's pubs and restaurants. In Greater Victoria, a number of Chamber members are supporting fans by showing games on their big screens. The Victoria Royals also announced that they will be opening Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for a ticketed event allowing fans to watch the Canucks together. "It's hard to not get caught up in the excitement, even for folks who might not be the biggest hockey fans," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The atmosphere at local establishments is fun and festive. Let's hope the Canucks can keep it going all the way to the finals this year." BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said the Canucks' run is especially helpful at creating business during the weekdays. Minister Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South, told CFAX that having the province's home team in the playoffs is good for the economy while also boosting the spirits of their fans. The Canucks are currently in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their series against the Edmonton Oilers is tied at two wins each, with games set for Thursday, Saturday and Monday (if needed). Greater Victoria's two largest municipalities continue to show they can play nice with each other. The latest example is a joint media release regarding mutual initiatives that incentivize owners of rental buildings to convert to electric power.
"The City of Victoria and the District of Saanich recently announced tax exemption programs that support electrification retrofits in rental buildings, the first initiative of its kind in British Columbia," the release stated. "In tandem, the municipalities have partnered with Landlord BC and BC Hydro to expand the Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator (RARA) Program, initiated in Vancouver in 2023." The mayors of Victoria and Saanich said the programs will help reduce fossil fuel consumption in the region, and provide access to summer cooling during future heat waves. Internationally renowned author Alice Munro died yesterday. She was 92.
The Canadian icon married Jim Munro in 1951 and the couple opened Munro's Books in 1963 on Yates Street. The store moved to its current neo-classical building on Government Street in 1984. Alice and Jim divorced in the 1970s, and Jim passed away in 2016, after helping transform Munro's Books into a landmark Victoria business that is treasured by locals and visitors alike. Although Alice never worked at the store's current location, it has been a place of pilgrimage for her fans. The store currently has a display in her honour to commemorate her passing. Alice won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013 and was renowned for her mastery of the short story genre. The Greater Victoria Public Library has also released a reading list titled Remembering Alice Munro. April's unemployment rate dipped to 4.5% in Greater Victoria, according to Statistics Canada's latest figures.
That's down from 4.8% in March. The region's labour force grew to 244,000 in April compared to 242,000 in March. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 6.1% in April, unchanged from March after dropping consecutively for six months previously. Provincially, the rate was 5% in April, with 23,400 jobs added over the month. Greater Victoria had the lowest unemployment rate in BC in April, and the fifth lowest among all Canadian Census Metropolitan Areas. The CEO of Our Place Society announced yesterday that he hopes to find homes by the end of the year for people living on the street in the 900-block of Pandora Ave.
“It distresses me to see so many displaced people,” Our Place CEO Julian Daly said in a media release. “No one should be consigned to living on the pavement in our city. It’s a crying shame. All people deserve so much better.” Our Place, located in the middle of the Pandora encampments, recently surveyed people living on the street. Not surprisingly, all of them hoped for a better life. “Each person told us they wanted housing, and what supports they needed to be successful once housed,” Daly said, noting the survey showed people need help with addiction and mental health as much as they do with housing. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Daly says. “Instead, we have to tailor our supports to the individual.” Some of the highlights of the survey were:
The 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards were presented Tuesday, May 7, in front of an audience of 400 at the Lecture Theatre in the Victoria Conference Centre.
“It was an exhilarating celebration, and an exciting opportunity to shine the spotlight on Greater Victoria’s business community,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams. “When we showcase the finalists, there is always so much emotion in the room. I encourage everyone to check out their inspiring videos, which are available on our website and our social media channels.” The recipients distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation. An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries. The federal government has updated its Letter of Requirements to support BC's exemption of hard drugs. The move is the latest twist in what was intended to be a three-year pilot project decriminalizing highly addictive drugs.
The provincial government asked to end the pilot and go back to prohibiting drug use in public spaces. BC Premier David Eby told Chamber members last week that his government decided to reverse course on a policy that wasn't working as intended. “Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” Premier Eby said in a media release. “We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.” Business and industry groups have been calling for policy changes to address the housing shortage facing Greater Victoria. And while many regions in the world are facing a similar challenge, we need solutions that work for Canada and BC.
Last week, the province revealed its three-year pilot to encourage homeowners to add secondary suites to their properties. BC Housing will administer the program, which offers forgivable loans of as much as 50% of the total cost of renovations — up to a maximum of $40,000 — to add a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit such as a garden suite, laneway house or carriage home. If the new unit is rented at below market rates for at least five years, the loan will be forgiven. The province estimates the program will add 3,000 new rental units at below-market rates. To be eligible, homeowners must also:
If you had vehicle insurance through ICBC in February, you can expect to get cash back this year. The public insurer estimates 2.7 million drivers will each be eligible for the $110 rebate. Additionally, basic rates will not change until March 31, 2026, ICBC said.
"How drivers receive the rebate depends on how they paid for their insurance," states the government's announcement. "For people who paid by credit card, the rebate will be refunded to the credit card. People who paid by cash, cheque or debit can sign up for direct deposit or will receive a cheque from ICBC. For people who are on a payment plan, the rebate will be applied directly to an upcoming payment." David Wong, ICBC's new president and CEO, said “Initial rebate payments will commence in late May, with ongoing processing until the end of July. Customers receiving rebates via cheque are advised to allow additional time for mail processing and delivery.” The prospect of home ownership for younger Canadians has a direct connection to their ability to tap into the "bank of mom and dad," Statistics Canada stated in a report released today on Intergenerational Housing Outcomes in Canada. The report said that expensive urban markets such as Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto had a higher proportion of "co-signed" mortgages involving people born in the 1990s and their parents.
"Parents' housing wealth was associated with higher property values for their children, especially in Toronto, Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria. In these cities, children whose parents were at the top of the housing wealth distribution owned properties that were on average 29.6% to 37.4% more valuable than properties owned by people whose parents were at the bottom of the housing wealth distribution," Statistics Canada said. "These results suggest that parental property ownership affects not only children's ability to access home ownership as adults, but also the value of the properties they own and, therefore, their ability to build up greater home equity and financial assets." It's been the hot-button topic for so long, it's easy to forget just how much inflation has forever changed the cost of household budgeting.
An online tool can help track exactly how much individual goods have changed in price. The Average Retail Food Prices Data Visualization Tool is helpful to show the price increase or decrease for 105 typical grocery items. For example, the cost for one kilogram of chicken breast in BC was $18.18 in March compared to $16.71 a year earlier. Meanwhile, a 454 gram block of butter was $6.08 in March — down from $6.45 in the same month in 2023. In BC, the item that saw the largest increase in price over the last year is infant formula, which is up 24% year over year. It's not everyday that your breakfast conversation includes a candid discussion with BC's Premier about the major challenges facing business in Greater Victoria.
That was the experience yesterday for 300 people at the Victoria Conference Centre as they were able to nourish their bodies while feeding their minds. After speaking about the government's plans to support the private sector and grow BC's economy, Premier David Eby engaged in a lively discussion with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams about topics submitted by Chamber members. Community safety is top of mind for many people, and the Premier acknowledged the province is trying to find a solution for challenges facing governments around the world. The recent move to ban drug use in public spaces is an example of how government reversed course on a policy that wasn't working as intended. The long-term solution is complex, with Eby noting that a continuum of care is required for people experiencing homelessness rooted in mental health or addiction. Other topics included the province's plan to avoid disruptions to ferry sailings this summer — something that happened with alarming frequency last year — and how the province can reduce obstacles for builders so that they can increase housing supply. "The morning flew by and we could have easily kept talking all day," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "I'm grateful for the Premier's time and for everyone who chose to enjoy breakfast with us. We'll keep the dialogue going between business and government and work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our community." It's an election year in BC and The Chamber is working to provide opportunities for the province's main political parties to speak with the Greater Victoria business community. On Tuesday, Premier David Eby, leader of the BC NDP, spoke at a breakfast hosted by The Chamber for 300 community leaders.
On June 6, The Chamber hosts the leader of the Official Opposition, Kevin Falcon. Details about the event will be available soon. Falcon leads the BC United Party, which was formerly known as the BC Liberal Party though they represented the conservative side of the political spectrum. "The Chamber is non-partisan but we have a long history of supporting democracy," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We know BC politics can seem divisive and even confusing, but we believe hearing directly from those who seek to represent us is the best way to help voters understand what candidates stand for." Watch for more details about upcoming events ahead of the provincial election in October. The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act took effect today. Among the changes, according to the province, are:
If the new rules aren't followed, fines can be levied ranging from $500 to $10,000 per day, depending on who is operating the rental. BC Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon told the Times Colonist that short-term rentals will be available on a smaller scale as the new rules aim to stop people from taking away large numbers of housing units that could serve as homes for people. On Tuesday, the provincial government released the next round of municipalities facing scrutiny to ensure they are helping increase BC's housing supply.
The next 20 priority municipalities include the following in Greater Victoria:
The first list, released last spring, included the City of Victoria, the District of Saanich and the District of Oak Bay. Each community receives a target number of total units that are expected to be built within a specific time-frame. The targets for the latest communities will be made public this summer. "The Chamber supports efforts to increase housing supply and we continue to advocate for all levels of government to smooth the process for builders so the construction work needed can be done," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "I'm looking forward to speaking with Premier Eby next week at the Chamber breakfast to hear firsthand how the province is advocating for support from the federal government." The Chamber hosts Premier Eby on April 30. Register now to reserve your seat at the table. Talk is turning to action on the latest attempt to pursue municipal amalgamation. Invitations to serve on the Victoria-Saanich Citizens' Assembly have been sent to 10,000 residents in the two communities. They have until May 30 to confirm whether they will participate.
From there, 48 people will be selected through a randomized lottery process that fairly represents the population of both municipalities. Finally, the committee will come together over eight Saturdays starting in September and wrapping up in April. At that point, they will produce a report outlining the pros and cons of merging Greater Victoria's two largest municipalities. This month, The Chamber's Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee heard from Lifetime Networks, which supports 350 individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Typically, people with intellectual disabilities often have many paid individuals in their lives, including doctors, therapists, specialists and support workers. Sadly, there are often a lack of friends. Making friends can be challenging for everyone. The challenge increases with the addition of barriers such as mobility issues, communication issues, physical differences—in fact, any perceived differences. One of the services Lifetime Networks offers is the facilitation of friendships. Friendships are integral to leading to a rich and rewarding life. The Chamber invites all members to support the work of Lifetime Networks to "friend raise" and continue making a difference in the lives of many. A new hub close to the "heart of Saanich" was given a key stamp of approval on Monday.
The District of Saanich has an extensive plan for the Uptown-Douglas area, which is at the crossroads of Greater Victoria's core municipalities. The area will be zoned to shape new development designed to grow the neighbourhood as a major hub north of downtown Victoria and between the West Shore and Saanich Peninsula. The plan includes turning Oak Street into a vibrant commercial district that creates a walkable boulevard between Uptown Mall and Mayfair Shopping Centre. The City of Victoria is updating its Official Community Plan this year. The province requires all BC municipalities to update their OCP every five years with a vision for the next 20 years. Victoria — facing a changing climate, growing population and a profound shortage of housing — is looking for input from the public and business community to help shape the next plan.
"Decisions on where housing, businesses and parks should go, how we move around the city and ways Victoria can respond to the climate crisis are all determined by the OCP," states the city's website. "If the City was a train, the OCP would be its conductor leading the way." Community engagement will continue until September and plans currently include an open house, a survey, pop-up events in the city and an online information session. Learn more at engage.victoria.ca/ocp. As part of the plan for transforming the Uptown corridor, the province is proposing changes to Ravine Way to accommodate new bus stops and expanded trails in the area.
An information session is scheduled for May 1, from 3-7 pm at Cedar Hill Golf Course, to review design concepts, get feedback and discuss how to improve the area for people travelling by bus, foot, bicycle, wheelchair or scooter. More spending and more taxes have many business groups concerned about the future after the federal government released its ambitious 2024 Budget yesterday.
"Canada must end the cycle of tax and spend politics," Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Fiscal and Financial Services Policy Jessica Brandon-Jepp said. "Fueling economic growth is the key to improving quality of life and affordability for Canadians." The national chamber network opposes any measure that increases costs for businesses currently experiencing economic headwinds. We also will work with our members to understand how the increase to capital gains tax will impact business. "(The) budget contains few surprises. Most of the major new spending was announced by the government over the last few weeks, and the government’s projections for the deficit are largely in line with previous predictions," Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty said. "Our lagging productivity and stalled GDP growth means Canadians are becoming collectively poorer and working harder to just remain where they are today." New taxes will cover about $18 billion with about $57 billion in added spending:
Another successful AGM is nothing new for your 161-year-old Chamber, but the expert panel convened for yesterday's meeting could not have been more topical.
"Safe communities is a long-standing advocacy priority for us, and we know there is no simple solution," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "A true fix requires a collaborative approach, though as we learned yesterday there are things we can do to improve symptoms while we work on more permanent solutions." After a series of reports of violent incidents in media, Chamber members had many questions about policing, mental health support and housing services. The need for more homes for all income levels is clear, as is a requirement for adequate health care and addiction treatment professionals. Those solutions will take time, even as the political will grows to invest in foundational change. While mistakes have been made, including in the early days of the pandemic when screening for supporting housing wasn't as closely monitored as it is now, progress is being made. The Chamber is working on policy issues such as legal reforms to keep repeat offenders off the street, and police are partnering with health authorities to enforce laws while assisting people in distress. "We can't ignore these issues facing the business community, but we also have a responsibility to not sensationalize them," Williams said. "Going Downtown is safe and our region really is one of the best cities in the world. That said, as with any city, if you don't feel safe, stay away from the few spots that are troubled, stay informed about what governments are doing and let's all be part of positive change." The slight increase to inflation reported yesterday is not outside the range that could jeopardize an anticipated interest rate cut in June.
Statistics Canada reported yesterday that the Consumer Price Index rose to 2.9% in March — up from 2.8% in February. Gas prices were the biggest reason for the rise. Without those fuel costs, March's inflation actually slowed from the previous month. "Many inflation indicators are trending in the right direction and interest rate cuts are still on the table for the Bank of Canada’s interest rate announcement in June," the Conference Board of Canada stated, adding that getting to 2% inflation target could take awhile. Many employers are forecasting wage growth and consumers still see prices rising in the months ahead. "While there is still one more CPI release to come before the Bank's next policy decision, (yesterday's) data keeps us on track to see a first rate cut at that June meeting," CIBC Executive Director of Economics Andrew Grantham said. A new waterfront neighbourhood has been proposed for the area around the Capital Iron District. In an article in the Times Colonist, Reliance Properties CEO Jon Stovell said its plan for an arts and innovation district will go before City of Victoria council on April 18.
The proposal includes preservation of heritage buildings along Store Street and 12 new buildings over two city blocks adjacent to the Upper Harbour. The area known as the Capital Iron lands is bordered by Chatham, Discovery and Government streets. If the proposal is approved, the area will be home to 500 new housing units and provide working space for 1,800 people. It will also serve as a new home for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. |
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