New hotel proposed for Victoria International

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A new hotel has been proposed at the Victoria International Airport.
 
“We see the addition of a hotel at this location as a logical fit and a great new amenity for the airport and community,” Victoria Airport Authority’s President and CEO Geoff Dickson said in a news release. “It is an opportunity for Victoria International Airport to further diversify its revenue base which has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic.”
 
The proposal is for a 129-room New TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
 
Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and the hotel will include a restaurant, meeting space, pool and gym.

Celebrating what makes British Columbia home

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Take a moment this BC Day long-weekend and look back on the history of the province, the diversity of its people and what we can do together to ensure BC is home for all.

BC Day is a good time to reflect on the role First Nations held for millennia as the stewards of this land. As we all work towards reconciliation, join us in supporting our friends, neighbors and community members who strive to make BC the great place it is. The Songhees and Malahat First Nations are both home to tourism businesses that provide incredible experiences.

Start local by enjoying all that Greater Victoria has to offer — arts and entertainment, attractions, local shopping and more. Now could be a great time to get started on that lingering home project, or even schedule a last minute getaway to see the natural beauty of the province.

We hope you have a relaxing and insightful BC Day!

The Chamber will be closed on Monday, August 1.

Stay cool as heat wave arrives ahead of BC Day

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We’re not ones to complain, but the sudden arrival of summer heat might catch some off guard.
 
Temperatures this week are expected to range close to 30C and feel even hotter once factors such as still air, sunshine and relatively humidity are factored in.
 
No employer wants to put their valued staff at risk so care is needed when working conditions require employees to perform in hot conditions.
 
After last year’s extreme heat, a number of municipalities are also being proactive this week to protect businesses and residents.

The District of Saanich is offering tips for keeping cool, as well as offering up rec centres as cooling stations.
 
The District of Oak Bay has issued tips to Beat the Heat, while the City of Langford, the City of Colwood, the Township of Esquimalt and the Town of View Royal have also made public statements showcasing water parks and fountains to help residents stay cool. And if you’re downtown, City of Victoria has misting stations that can help keep you and your four-legged friends cool.

Missing middle plan going to public hearing Aug. 4

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An initiative that could transform residential neighbourhoods in the City of Victoria is going to Public Hearing next week. The Missing Middle Housing Initiative is a proposal to spur housing density by allowing houseplexes and corner townhouses in areas that have traditionally been single-family homes.
 
The Aug. 4 public hearings are going ahead after what the city said has been an extensive 18-month community engagement process. Anyone interested in participating in the public hearing can do so in a number of ways.

Milestone cruise ship visitors feted at Ogden Point

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It was a milestone that marked the renewed vibrancy of Greater Victoria’s cruise ship industry. Friday’s arrival of the ninth millionth passenger to debark at Ogden Point was more than a photo-op — it was a metric that this important economic driver is back in a big way.
 
Cruise ships bring abut $143 million in economic activity every year, and are the lifeblood for many projects being undertaken by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. With the return of cruise, GVHA can start budgeting out community projects such as upgrades to the Broughton Street Wharf and the installation of shore power.

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​Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, second from left, was part of a group of local dignitaries who welcomed the nine millionth cruise ship passengers to Ogden Point. Rosa and Jesus More, pictured front and centre above, arrived Friday from Seattle.

Funds open path to high-demand jobs for students

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Camosun College is among the BC post-secondary institutions receiving funding for a new pathway program aimed at helping students get skills that have the highest demand in the workforce.
 
“The pathway programs are a new Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning initiative that will help address labour shortages by better supporting students in completing the pre-requisites they need to transition directly into high-demand post-secondary programs of their choice,” the provincial government announced Tuesday. “The overall goal is to increase learners’ success and improve their access to post-secondary programs related to high-priority careers in the skilled trades, the technology sector, early childhood education and health care, including nursing and allied health jobs.”

RRU micro-credentials offer climate strategy skills

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The world has changed quickly and employers require new skills to meet their potential. The Chamber has been a vocal advocate for micro-credentials as a way to provide people with the skills needed to do the work that’s in demand.
 
“We’re encouraged by the MicroStart Program, which is part of a collaboration between the South Island Prosperity Partnership and Royal Roads University and the University of Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Innovation led by business is the best way to address challenges such as climate change and Royal Roads’ Climate Adaptation Fundamentals Micro-Credential is focused on skills that integrate climate strategies into people’s work.”

Welcoming nine millionth cruise ship passenger

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The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is preparing to welcome the nine millionth passenger to the Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal at Ogden Point. The lucky passenger arrives Friday afternoon.
 
“Many businesses in Greater Victoria provide services for cruise ships and their passengers, and welcoming the ninth million unique visitor shows how much the work of these businesses has made our region appealing to travellers,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said. “As travel opens up around the world, we are proud to see Greater Victoria has earned its place as a preferred destination for cruise ships.”
 
The ten millionth cruise ship passenger is expected in Victoria by 2024.

Chamber CEO promotes region across the province

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Word is getting out about the best small cities in Canada. On Monday, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams took part in a Black Press podcast discussing why the City of Victoria and District of Saanich are great places to live and work. The podcast, by Peter McCully, appears on 75 newspaper websites.
 
“These lists are a lot of fun and there certainly are other Greater Victoria municipalities that could have been included,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Having Victoria place No. 1 and Saanich in the Top 25 does help raise awareness about our region, which attracts visitors, workers and investment.”

Migration outpaces housing in Greater Victoria

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A report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC has confirmed expectations that people are moving to Greater Victoria faster than homes can be built for them. Our region added 5,941 residents in 2021 bringing our regional population to 432,062. Going back five years, Greater Victoria has added 31,500 people. And, although 16,942 housing units have been completed in that time, they have not met the demands of the market.
 
“Across the region, there has been strong housing construction activity. However, developments have typically been smaller attached units replacing older stock, with limited mid-sized units,” said Chamber Governor Lindalee Brougham, President of LL Brougham Inc. “The strongest demand has been for larger units, which has put significant pressure on housing prices for family homes.”
 
All of the region’s growth is coming from migration as people move here from other parts of Canada. Greater Victoria’s natural growth remains negative as fewer babies are being born here compared to the number of residents dying.

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