ICBC launching online insurance renewals

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Some big changes are coming to the auto insurance industry in BC. On Monday, ICBC announced that customers with policies expiring on or after May 1, can renew online. The system will actually be available March 17 for people who want to renew early.
 
Also starting May 1, drivers will no longer need to display an updated insurance decal on their licence plate. BC is expanding the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program, which helps law enforcement detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers.

Controversial Skilled Trades Act becomes law

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The provincial government has passed legislation bringing in the controversial Skilled Trades BC Act. The hope for the plan is that it will address critical labour shortages, but there are some serious concerns being voiced by industry.
 
The current plan is focused on skilled trades certification that “will require people to register as an apprentice or be a certified journeyperson to work in one of the 10 initial mechanical, electrical and automotive trades.”
 
Good intentions are admirable but there are structural issues that likely need to be addressed if the program is to succeed. We need more investment in trades training so there are spaces available for people who want to learn skilled trades.
 
And the business community needs to be included in the conversation so that innovations being used by industry are part of the strategy. We all share the goal of building up our skilled workforce and don’t need inefficient bureaucracy to impede progress from being made.

Innovation key to new affordable homes for sale

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Innovation led by business is helping create more than 100 affordable homes that will enable people to live, work and invest in our region. A partnership between BC Housing, Chard Development and the provincial government has reserved 104 units from the Haven project in the 1100-block of Johnson St.
 
Qualifying buyers must have a combined household income no greater than $118,440 for homes with fewer than two bedrooms and an income no greater than $168,310 for homes with two bedrooms or more. Buyers will be required to make the home their primary residence for the first five years.
 
BC Housing will administer a no-interest, no monthly payment second mortgage for all 104 buyers to support their purchase.
 
“As a long-standing, family-owned developer, we take our role in the fight to improve housing affordability seriously,” Chard Development president and CEO Byron Chard said in the news release.

Show local love this Valentine’s Day

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Although finding that perfect gift may seem like a daunting task, Chamber members are here to ensure you have a romantic day while supporting local businesses.

  • Buy a bouquet of flowers to brighten someone’s day.
  • Spend a night away from home relaxing in a local hotel or spa.
  • Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with your sweetheart. Order from a restaurant or choose a home-cooked meal. Be sure to pair with a nice bottle of wine!
  • Have a delicious ice-cream date and enjoy the refreshing flavours.
  • Sign up for a dance class and express yourself in new and exciting ways
  • Make a handcrafted note or small gift.
  • Surprise someone with box of local candy (or enjoy a box for yourself).

Does your business have a special Valentine’s Day offer that you would like to share with fellow Chamber members? Submit a General or Member to Member offer on The Chamber’s website here.

More than ever, it’s important to show love and kindness to one another. Whether you’re spending the day with a special someone, or taking the opportunity to pamper yourself, The Chamber wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!

Events Around Town for Black History Month

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February marks Black History Month and a chance to learn more about the stories, struggles and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Here’s a look at some events happening around Greater Victoria.

Saanich strategy aims to create needed housing

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According to numbers released today, almost 30,000 people have moved to Greater Victoria since 2016. This influx has added tremendous stress on housing supply in our region.

It’s a big reason why The Chamber encourages efforts such as the District of Saanich‘s recently adopted 10-year Housing Strategy. Saanich council has approved a four-year funding plan that will help the municipality address housing needs. As the largest and most populous municipality in our region, Saanich’s leadership is key to making sure we have a plan that will alleviate pressure on the housing market.

Downtown development goes to public hearing

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A new vision has been proposed to renew an underutilized block on the edge of downtown Victoria. The plan is to build a new office tower on the current site of the Capitol 6 Theatres that would create space for hundreds of workers and add retail to the area.
 
The proposal, by Jawl Properties, is going to public hearing, though no date has yet been set.

Great IDEA for new Chamber committee

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As a positive step toward being the region’s most diverse and influential business association, The Chamber launched a new committee this year. Initially known as the Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion, one of its first decisions was to change the committee name to the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee.
 
The committee’s mission is to foster diversity and inclusion and break through biases to achieve equity, which will only strengthen our business and community connections.

View Royal expanding to seven council members

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The Town of View Royal voted Feb. 2 on increasing the size of its council from five to seven. The addition will add about $44,000 in annual costs, or about 0.2% to the municipality’s budget. Mayor David Screech was in favour of the extra seats, saying they will allow for more diversity on council. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2.

Celebrating Black History Month together

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February marks Black History Month and The Chamber strongly encourages everyone to learn more about the stories, struggles and accomplishments of Black Canadians.
 
There have been Black communities in BC since 1858. In that year, Nancy and Charles Alexander were one of the first Black families in Greater Victoria. The Alexanders settled on the corner of what is now Douglas and Fisgard streets before relocating to the District of Saanich, where they farmed for 33 years and raised 10 children. Charles built the first school house in the area and served as a school trustee.

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