“BC must learn from this report and the policy failures such as those recently recognized in Oregon and refocus on designing and implementing a comprehensive continuum of care for those suffering from addictions and mental health issues,” said Jess Ketchum, co-founder of SOS, which consists of more than 90 organizations including the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber has been vocal about the fundamental importance of Safe Communities, and we continue to advocate for a sharp increase in treatment beds and recovery facilities as well as needed repairs to our legal system to make sure repeat offenders are kept off our streets,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

To hear more about work being done to promote Safe Communities, make sure to register now for The Chamber’s AGM on April 16 featuring:

• Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC,
• Carolina Ibarra, CEO of Pacifica Housing Advisory Association, and
• Chief Del Manak, Victoria Police Department.

“Based on Tracey’s exceptional progress, we are removing the ‘acting’ from her title,” RBCM Board Chair Leslie Brown said. “It has become clear to the board, as well as those working closely with Tracey, that she continues to be the leader to guide the museum and add stability and vision for what is an exciting time of growth, along with important community and province-wide consultation.”

As CEO, Drake oversees Royal BC Museum operations, BC Archives, and IMAX, as well as province-wide community engagement, repatriation and DRIPA implementation as well as the archives, research and collections building project in Colwood.

Last month, the Royal BC Museum announced a diverse slate of feature exhibitions for 2024, including Stonehenge, Canadian Modern and Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

After the First World War, The Chamber was instrumental in helping create Memorial Avenue along Shelbourne Street.

Shelbourne was chosen as it offered enough space to commemorate every soldier from the city who died in the war. Chamber members helped plan the project and business owners rolled up their sleeves to dig holes for the trees.

During the Second World War, The Chamber’s advocacy focused on supporting the war effort and ensuring local representation on national boards.

On Saturday, the Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar/Pro Patria Branch #292 will open its doors at about noon, following the return of the Colour Party from official ceremonies. The Police Band, Police Chorus and others will perform to honour the memory of fallen soldiers and members of the Armed Forces who continue to serve.

The official Remembrance Day service for the province of BC includes a parade along Wharf, Government, Belleville and Menzies streets to the Legislature Grounds. A ceremony will take place at the Provincial Cenotaph in front of the Legislature from 10:30 am – 1 pm.

Greater Victoria municipalities are also hosting ceremonies in the region.

The Chamber hopes Nov. 11 is a day of reflection and remembrance for all.

The Chamber will be closed Monday, Nov. 13.

The coalition wants all levels of government to do better at addressing issues of addiction, homelessness and criminal behaviour that have become increasingly visible in BC’s downtowns.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams spoke with CBC Radio this week about what he’s hearing from members as well as chambers across Canada. Governments are working on changing the legal system to keep repeat offenders off the street, but the process takes time. There also needs to be a more collaborative approach between all levels of government.

“Business people are compassionate and care deeply about their communities, but there is growing frustration with seeing so many people in open distress,” Williams said. “We all want to help and we need better solutions than those that aren’t working.”