What are your biggest challenges in 2022?

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A survey of Greater Victoria businesses will gather data to help better understand challenges facing the region’s economy in 2022. The survey, launched by the South Island Prosperity Partnership, is open until Feb. 11 and takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. Questions range from what your experiences have been with supply-chain disruptions to various affordability concerns, including housing supply.

The results of the survey will be used by industry and business associations, including The Chamber, to help our advocacy efforts with government.

Colwood announces plan for $1.2 billion development

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A proposal that could add $1.2 billion to the region’s economy was announced by the City of Colwood this week.

The plan is to build 2,850 homes in the Royal Beach area, ranging from single family to condos and townhouses. Over the estimated 15 years it will take to complete the project, which will begin this spring, more than 700 jobs will be created.

“Make no mistake, Colwood is on the map and that’s why notable organizations are making long-term commitments here,” Colwood Mayor Rob Martin said in a news release.

The Royal BC Museum is building a new archives and storage centre in Royal Bay, while Seaspan announced plans for an 85,000 square-foot facility in Colwood.

The Chamber applauds efforts to build new homes in Greater Victoria, as a lack of housing supply continues to be one of the biggest challenges in our region. We need enough homes to meet demand, and allow the market to serve middle income residents vital to our workforce.

Bank of Canada holds interest rates, for now

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The Bank of Canada held steady on rates today as inflation pressures and an uneven economic recovery had many expecting the central bank would move to increase the cost of borrowing.
Citing Omicron and inflation that remains well above target rates, the bank removed its forward guidance suggesting future rate hikes are coming. The bank also released its Monetary Policy Report, which forecasts the economy will grow by 4% in 2022.

Saanich envisions bright future for Uptown area

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An area near the heart of Greater Victoria is changing quickly as our region grows. To help guide development, the District of Saanich has unveiled its Uptown-Douglas Plan for the next 20 to 30 years.

“It really is an ambitious plan and future envisioning that addresses climate change, affordability and the quality of life,” Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes told CHEK News.

Some of the highlights of the plan include creating a central district and transportation hub for a fast-growing population that will be less reliant on cars. The area is currently the crossroads for a number of major routes in the region.

The plan goes to Public Hearing Feb. 15.

More housing, especially housing that is affordable for working individuals and families, is vital for our regional economy to reach its potential.

Support local food and hospitality with Dine Around

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Dine Around, a popular initiative that helps local restaurants and hotels during a typically slow time of year, is officially underway.

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.

Camosun adds early childhood education spaces

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Child care is the second largest expense after housing for working parents, which is why investing in affordable child care helps more people stay in the workforce.

To make sure there are enough people to staff new child care spaces, post-secondary schools such as Camosun College have increased their Early Childhood Education spaces.

In 2022, Camosun has added 24 ECE spaces to go along with the 107 spaces added over the last three years.

Business leadership key to getting through this together

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The good news, as we wait for the current wave of COVID-19 to subside, is that we know how to protect ourselves and each other. Vaccinations work.

“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.

New funds announced for climate change initiatives

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Applications open Jan. 26 for the third intake of the CleanBC Communities Fund, which has $134 million in federal and provincial money for initiatives that address climate change.

Projects are eligible for funding if they manage renewable energy, improve access to clean-energy transportation, improve energy efficiency of buildings or generate clean energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Businesses, non-profits, municipalities and Indigenous communities can apply.

To date, more than $240 million has been invested in local projects that increase clean energy and energy efficiency in buildings, transportation and other community-owned infrastructure.

Gyms and fitness centres can reopen Thursday

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Gyms and fitness centres are preparing to re-open tomorrow after Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new guidelines will replace restrictions that required the facilities to close as of Dec. 22. Among the new rules is a ban on heaters or fans that could contribute to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. People exercising are also required to maintain extended physical distancing and show proof of vaccination.

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.

Province doubles Closure Relief Grant to $20,000

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On Wednesday morning, the province announced it was doubling the grant available for businesses ordered to remain closed due to public health measures. Eligible businesses can now apply for up to $20,000 to cover costs after restrictions were extended until Feb. 16. Bars, nightclubs and lounges as well as event venues have been closed since Dec. 22.

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