Staying active is key to a long and healthy life, and this week Greater Victoria welcomes 2,500 older athletes competing in the 55+ BC Games. It’s the first time the multi-sport event has been held in the region.

The Games kicked off on Sept. 13 and run until Sept. 17. The annual competition features 22 sports and activities at facilities in the City of Victoria, District of Saanich, City of Langford, District of Oak Bay and Township of Esquimalt.

Age categories range up to 100+ for some Track and Field events. Athletes come from 12 Zones across the province, and a special party is planned for tomorrow. The Thursday Night on the Town festival will feature music, First Nations cultural performances and activities from 5 to 8 pm on Government Street between Humboldt and View streets.

The 55+ BC Games are the largest annual multi-sport event in the province, and the first to be held in Greater Victoria since the North American Indigenous Games in 1997.

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…

People in BC’s hospitality industry could be forgiven for stopping to say “cheers” yesterday (Aug. 30), as word spread that government workers were standing down from job action that had threatened vital supply chains.
 
“The Chamber applauds this decision to let workers stay working in our restaurants, craft breweries and all businesses that depend on the government for access to goods,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Last week, The Chamber was part of a coalition calling for a quick end to this strike and we’re happy our voice has been heard.”
 
BC’s hospitality and tourism sector brings in more than $22.3 billion in annual revenue. The strike, which began Aug. 15, was affecting the viability of many people whose livelihoods depend on the accommodation, liquor and cannabis retail industries.
 
The Liquor Distribution Branch Wholesale Operations division has posted an update on plans to meet outstanding orders and get the service back to speed.

Make the most out of your Labour Day long weekend by supporting your fellow Chamber members. Celebrate by enjoying a bite out, a night away from home, or plan an action-packed weekend at these local treasures.
 
After you enjoy the long weekend, you may be getting ready for the return of the school year and your fall routine. Take advantage of The Chamber’s exclusive member-only deals and discounts on quality school and office supplies.
 
Chamber members can save:

• 10% at Monk Office supplies,
• 30% when Chamber Members update laptops and PCs through Lenovo
• Up to 85% off at Grand & Toy office supplies.

 
Discover more discounts and savings here.

Access to a family doctor is one of the keys to ensuring safe communities, which are fundamental to good business.

With an ongoing shortage of primary care providers in BC, there are serious concerns about what can be done to encourage more doctors to commit to serving BC communities.

To try and stabilize the situation, the province announced today that it is providing $118 million through a partnership with Doctors of BC. The funds will be used over four months, starting Oct. 1, to support operational costs for family doctors and medical clinics.

About 3,480 family doctors who have their own practices and 1,100 family doctors working in walk-in clinics are expected to receive funding. That represents more than 70% of family doctors working in the province.