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Breaking news for Greater Victoria businesses
Published weekly, BizNews offers information to help Greater Victoria’s business community make sense of our shifting economic and political landscape. The Chamber’s flagship newsletter is distributed to more than 5,000 subscribers who are highly engaged and active in our region’s business community. Scroll down to read the latest.
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GVHS adds 68 affordable rental homes in Victoria
/in BizNews This Week, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing/by Jim ZeebenAffordable housing is vital to the health of Greater Victoria’s economy and The Chamber applauds news that 68 homes will remain accessible after being acquired by the Greater Victoria Housing Society. The GVHS purchased 68 homes on properties at 430 Michigan St. and 1500 Chambers St. “We thank our partners, through the leadership of the Province, […]
Mustard Seed cupboards need help this summer
/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Food Security/by Jim ZeebenThe Mustard Seed’s summer campaign — “Hunger Doesn’t Go on Vacation. Neither Do We.” — has raised $19,000 in monetary donations and $5,000 in canned goods so far. However, donations have dropped off significantly in the last two weeks and the organization needs help making sure it can meet the demand of people in need. […]
Chamber calls on feds to focus funds on military housing
/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Federal, Housing/by Jim ZeebenThe Chamber’s proposed policy resolution calling for investment in military housing has successfully taken the next step to being officially adopted by the national chamber network. After passing an initial review, the proposed resolution will be debated at the Canadian Chamber AGM in October. Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce staff worked with the Halifax Chamber […]
Old Man Lake wildfire near Sooke finally contained
/in Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Safe Communities/by Jim ZeebenThe wildfire near the District of Sooke that has been spreading smoky skies across the South Island is now officially categorized as contained. Thanks to recent wet weather and the determined efforts of firefighters, the blaze is not expected to grow beyond its 230-hectare size. The fire was reported on July 22. However, as crews […]
RapidBus times to benefit from highway investment
/in Finding And Keeping Workers, Transportation Options/by Jim ZeebenThe commute between the West Shore and the Victoria core will be a little more convenient, the federal government said this week. A $95 million funding partnership between the feds and provincial government will widen 3.8 kilometres of highway between the McKenzie and Colwood interchanges. The change will create a continuous route for BC Transit‘s […]
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates again, as expected
/in Business And Economic Strength, Inflation And Rising Costs/by Jim ZeebenThe Bank of Canada has further reduced its overnight rate. The cut was widely expected by economists as inflation appears to be under control and heading back to the target 2% rate. The next opportunity to further reduce interest rates is in September. The Bank also released its Business Outlook Survey and its Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations on July 15. Both reports found that public expectations for […]
Rifflandia always a big boost for business in our region
/in Business And Economic Strength, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim ZeebenIt’s become an icon of 21st century Greater Victoria, generating $7 million in economic impact and serving as a vanguard of emerging culture in our region. Rifflandia, the music festival that put Vancouver Island on the international concert map, is preparing for its 2024 edition, Sept. 13-15, at the Matullia Lands in Rock Bay. This year, […]
More than words needed to reduce toxic drug use
/in Safe Communities/by Jim ZeebenStopping people from getting addicted to dangerous drugs needs to be the focus of government policies, stated the Save Our Streets (SOS) coalition in a July 19 media release. The statement was a response to news that the BC government has rejected a report suggesting easier access to legally provided drugs will reduce the number of people […]
Province-wide plastics prohibition formally phased in
/in Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions/by Jim ZeebenAn initiative that was adopted early by Greater Victoria businesses is now in effect across the province. As of July 15, plastic shopping bags and single-use products are no longer allowed to be offered to customers anywhere in BC. The province estimates that British Columbians threw out more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging in 2019, equal […]
Have your say on buskers in downtown Victoria
/in Government Local, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim ZeebenDid you know that buskers who make downtown Victoria vibrant are regulated by the City of Victoria? Ensuring street performers are talented and entertaining is a great way to encourage people to go downtown, which benefits businesses in the area. To make sure the plan is working as intended, the city is undergoing a review of its Street Entertainment […]
Camosun College getting on-campus housing at last
/in Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing/by Jim ZeebenFunds announced today will provide on-campus housing for Camosun College students at the Lansdowne campus. “This is something that The Chamber has long advocated for, and we’re happy to see funding finally made available,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Building housing for students will open up affordable homes in the community. This is a smart […]
Canadian Chamber names Candace Laing new CEO
/in Chamber Awareness/by Jim ZeebenCandace Laing will become the new President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 1. Laing has more than two decades of experience as a senior executive with both the private and public sectors. She spent 10 years with Nutrien and its predecessor company, PotashCorp. With Nutrien, her roles included Senior Vice […]