Chamber calls on feds to focus funds on military housing

The 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 of Commerce to craft the policy proposal, titled: Adding to Canada’s housing supply by strengthening Canada’s military through housing on military bases.

The resolution argues that the availability of secure and affordable homes is crucial for the retention and recruitment of members of the armed forces as well as for regional economies affected by a lack of housing.

By creating new housing on available Department of National Defence lands, Canadian Armed Forces members will be less dependent on market housing, which in turn will open up more homes for residents who work outside the military.

“We’re asking the federal government to focus funding — that it’s already announced for housing — in a way we believe will provide an effective boost to our national economy,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is a member of the national Chamber Network Review Committee.

Victoria approves proposal for new hotel downtown

A proposal to build a 139-room hotel in Old Town Victoria has been approved by Victoria council. The project will bring much needed accommodation to the city’s downtown, while preserving the heritage elements of a building that dates back to 1874.
Chard Development Ltd. is working with UVic Properties to turn the historic Duck’s Building and Duck’s Carriage Factory on Broad Street into a Hyatt Centric-branded hotel.
Former Victoria developer and heritage conservationist Michael Williams bequeathed the properties to the University of Victoria in 2000.
The Chamber has supported the proposal with letters and a video presentation to council.

Plan for downtown hotel respects heritage value

The Chamber has lent its support to a plan to build a new hotel in downtown Victoria. Victoria City Council is expected to discuss tomorrow whether to send the proposal to public hearing.
The plan, by Chard Development, calls for a 139-room hotel to be built on the corner of Broad and Johnson streets. The University of Victoria owns the property and has agreed to a 99-year lease. Tourism numbers show high demand for hotel rooms downtown, with a steady increase in rates and near peak occupancy over the summer.
“Chard’s commitment to pursuing this redevelopment in a manner that is respectful of the site’s heritage — rehabilitating the existing Duck’s Building and the Duck’s Carriage Factory rubble wall — will make this a destination that truly reflects the city’s past while encouraging its future growth,” wrote Catherine Holt, Chamber CEO, in support of the project.