The celebration of keeping it local is being organized by the Victoria Branch of the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association and Destination Greater Victoria. This year, more than 40 restaurants are offering three-course menus with prices ranging between $20 and $60 per menu. Participating hotels are offering Stay in Town rates that range from $129 to $249.

The Chamber is a community partner in Dine Around and we’re continuing to work in support of the hard hit hospitality sector.

“Right now 95% of people in the ICU with COVID-19 are unvaccinated adults,”
Island Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Mike Benusic told CHEK News.

Dr. Benusic, who was a guest speaker at the January meeting of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee, says vaccination clinics across the region have been busy. The meeting was also attended by a number of Chamber Champions. Dr. Benusic responded to every question and encouraged all participants to keep the dialogue open.

Having access to business leaders helps government policy-makers develop better solutions. It’s something The Chamber does on an ongoing basis.

“I want to thank Dr. Benusic on behalf of our Chamber Champions and all our members for taking time to speak with us and answer questions,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “I also encourage all Chamber members to share their perspectives on the work being done by the Provincial Health Office. As Greater Victoria’s business community, we are part of the solution. We can continue to show leadership to help us get through these times and make sure we keep building a more resilient and inclusive economy.”

What are your thoughts on BC’s pandemic procedures, practice and protocols as they effect your business? Let us know at communications@victoriachamber.ca.

The announcement, made Tuesday, extended restrictions until Feb. 16 for event venues and bars that don’t serve meals. All workplaces must also continue to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.

On that note, The Chamber applauds recent news that Chard Development is working with BC Housing on a project that will add more than 400 units of affordable housing to the City of Victoria.

The proposal to redevelop the site of the former White Spot and Capital City Centre Hotel on Douglas Street is a great example of innovation led by business. If approved, the project will help people who work in the city afford to live there. It will also include day care — vital for helping parents stay in the workforce — and 90 units of supportive housing to help people overcome challenges that put them at risk of homelessness. Other amenities include a 9,000 square foot plaza, retail and office space and a grocery store.