Today is the first day of fall! Put away your white shoes and celebrate the beginning of cooler, cozier times while supporting your fellow Chamber members.
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• Discover new inside attractions and activities across Greater Victoria.
• Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea at a local café, and a fresh pastry at a bakery.
• Pick up a new rainy-day book from a bookstore.
• Make sure your fall wardrobe is complete. From sweaters to rain jackets, make sure your cozy clothes keep you warm and dry.
• Ensure your trees are trimmed and your roof and gutters are clear for the rainy season.
• Cook savory meals with local groceries, or enjoy a fall feast at a Chamber member restaurant.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious candy and chocolates.

As the weather gets cooler, take a moment to think about those in Greater Victoria who may not have warm clothes or a place to stay. View Chamber member non-profits here to learn how you can give back this autumn.

As we mark the start of fall, tourism and hospitality businesses can look back on a successful summer.
 
A return of customers kept many restaurants operating at capacity, though they did face other constraints. A lack of staff and a public sector strike that made stocking liquor a challenge cast a shadow on a season that many businesses rely on to make it through slower seasons.
 
Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association told CHEK News that many Victoria restaurants operated with 80% of their staff.
 
The accommodation sector also enjoyed strong season. The latest Victoria Tourism Bulletin from Chemistry Consulting reports that occupancy rates in July were up from 2021 and close to 2018 levels. The average rate for a room was $305 in July, up from $230 in July 2021 and $250 in July 2019.
 
BC Ferries also reported a return to pre-pandemic levels in vehicles, though there were fewer passengers and buses onboard in July.
 
The Victoria International Airport welcomed 162,000 passengers, which is getting closer to the 185,000 in July 2019. And the Victoria Conference Centre saw a big increase this year with 8,211 delegate days in July compared to 3,633 in July 2019.

There’s truth to the saying you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. We all experienced this during the pandemic as the loss of routines gave us a new perspective on the value of many things we took for granted.

It’s a lesson we can apply to our approach to democracy. Let’s not make going to the ballot sound like a chore. There is no burden on election day. The ability to vote is an exceptional thing. With civic elections coming up fast on Oct. 15, we are encouraging Chamber members to lead the way. Let’s remind our communities to celebrate democratic values so they can continue to thrive.

Get involved, know who your candidates are and learn what they stand for. A well-informed electorate is the best way to ensure good governance.

Who is running in your municipality?
Central Saanich
Colwood
CRD Electoral Areas
Esquimalt
Highlands
Langford
Metchosin
North Saanich
Oak Bay
Saanich
Sidney
Sooke
Victoria
View Royal
School District 61
School District 62
School District 63

How to find out more information on candidates?
In 2022, a quick search online is an easy way to see how individuals and organizations present themselves in their own words. However, The Chamber suggests turning to local media for a more objective analysis of candidates and what they stand for.

We’re lucky in Greater Victoria to have a number of sources of great journalism committed to keeping democracy healthy. Over the course of the election campaign, The Chamber will highlight key election coverage and we will actively encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right on Oct. 15.

Local Media Municipal Election coverage

• chek NEWS – BC Municipal Elections 2022
• Black Press – Municipal Election
• Times Colonist: Plenty of competition…
• Capital Daily: New ‘non-partisan’ slate in Victoria’s election has extensive ties…

The belief that prices will keep rising can become self fulfilling as markets react to public expectation. To try and put an end to that, the Bank of Canada increased interest rates by 75 basis points Wednesday.

“Surveys suggest that short-term inflation expectations remain high,” the Bank of Canada stated in its news release. “The longer this continues, the greater the risk that elevated inflation becomes entrenched.”

Rising inflation has been the story of the summer, with fuel costs and global supply chain disruption causing the Consumer Price Index to reach 8.1% in June. Since then, the CPI has dropped though other indicators remain concerning.

To help understand what inflation and interest rates mean for Greater Victoria businesses, check out our special expert panel facilitated by Chamber CEO Bruce Williams.

People in Greater Victoria could soon have access to the ride-sharing brand that is ubiquitous in most of the rest of the world.
 
Uber Canada announced today that it has asked the province’s Passenger Transportation Board to allow the company to operate in Greater Victoria and Kelowna. Uber was rejected by the board last year, which was concerned about allowing competition affecting business hurt by pandemic restrictions. However, the new request is for a transfer of licence from a company that was already approved by the board but is not operational.
 
The Chamber supports Uber’s efforts as the company is a recognized global leader in the provision of ridesharing. Their international experience would be a welcome addition to Greater Victoria, particularly as international visitors return to our destination.